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r NORTH WALES ASYLUM.
r NORTH WALES ASYLUM. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Visitors appointed by the five counties contributing to the Institution, and the Subscribers was held in the Board-room of the Asylum, at Denbigh, on Tuesday last. The following were pre- sent :—Subscribers Rev. W. Hicks Owen, M.A., St. Asaph Venerable Archdeacon Smart; Messrs. P. H. Chambres, Llysmeirchion J. R. Heaton, Plas Heaton; T. Gold Edwards, Gwynfryn. Visitors for counties :— Denbigh Messrs. T. Hughes, Ystrad; B. W. Wynne, Garthewin Oliver Burton, Gweaynog and Rev. R. H. Howard, Wigfair. Flint Captain Pennant, Nantlys; T. G. Dixon, Nant; and Captain Mesham, Pontrffydd. Anglesey: Captain Verney, Bangor; and Mr. Hugh Edwards, Tywrideen, Holyhead. Carnarvonshire Dr. W. Roberts and Rev. J. D. Jones, Colwyn. Merioneth Mr. R. Mascie Taylor, Corwen; Mr. O. Richards, Corwen and Mr E. Evans Lloyd, Bala. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Captain PENNANT said the company were so well aware of the' duties which had been performed by the Chairman (Mr. Hughes) and the way in which he had performed them, and he was sure that all the ratepayers in the several counties in union had to thank their Chairman very much indeed, for he was sure there was none more careful, and no one could look after the finances of the Institution more carefully than Mr. Hughes did—(hear, hear)—and had done more during the long course of years during which he had occupied the post to which he had now very great pleasure in proposing that he should be re-elected—that of Chair- man of the Institution (applause). The Rev. W. HICKS OWBN seconded the motion, saying that he had been connected with the Institution from its foundation, and during the time the Chairman had held that office no office in the world could have been better filled. He was a thorough man of business, and performed his duties fairly, uprightly, and diligently, and the present condition of the Institution was due to the care and assiduity of the Chairman (applause). The motion was cordially carried. The CHAIRMAN said, in the first place he desired to say how gratifying it was to him to see so large an assemblage of the Visitors. He did not know when he had seen mere of the gentlemen from the other counties than he saw that (lay, and was glad of their presence, because it showed that they took an interest in the affairs of that valuable and excellent Institution (ap- plause). With regard to himself he acceded with great pleasure to the request that had been put before the meeting in far too flattering terms {"No"). However, he always endeavoured to do his best, and had for years taken a very peculiar interest in the affairs of the Asylum, having been connected with it and held that office for about 25 years, ever since he succeeded their late estimable Chairman, who was there from the foundation of the Institution (applause). He could not conceal from himself and from them that the time was approaching when he ought to give way to another. Nevertheless, whilst he continued in office he would do his best to attend to the business, which was not very difficult considering the valuable staff that surrounded him on the House Committee, and with the aid of the Clerk (Mr. Robinson), than whom a better man of business could not be found, nor one that took greater interest than he did in the affairs of the Institution —(appla-use)—and he could add the same with regard to their other officers. There was nothing in the affairs of the Asylum calling for particular remark, and he had only to return thanks for the confidence they had re- newed in him. THE EE-ELECTION OF CLERK. Mr. OLIVER BURTON proposed the re-election of Mr. John liobinson, as Clerk to the Visitors. It needed very fqw observations from him to recommend that'to their notice. Mr. Robinson's untiring energy, great care, and general attention, as well as the great interest he felt in all that related to the management of the Asylum, were such that all who knew him appreciated him, and were glad to know him (hear, hear). He gave no trouble, rather relieved the visitors of work than referred to them for direction, end whilst they generally acquiesced in his views, yet, when they did not he acted up to .their views with that good feeling which they regarded in a man in his position (applause). He was sure they would agree with him that Mr. Robinson was well worthy of the confidence1 and trust they reposetl.in him (ap.}lause). Mr. T. G. DIXON seconded.the motion, and endorsed all that Mr. Burton said. The election being carried, Mr. ROBINSON returned thanks. ELECTION OF HOUSE COMMITTEE. Capt. VERNEY proposed that the following gentlemen be elected the members of House Committee for'the year:—Mr. Tkomas Hughes, Chairman; Rev. W. Hicks OwcJr, Venerable Archdeacon Smart, Messrs. Richard Williams, W. D. W. Griffith, P. H. Chambres, John IL Heaton, P. P. Pennant, T. Gold-Edwards, Thomas J. Dixon, Oliver Burton, Rev. R. H. Howard, and Captain Mesham. Mr. B. W. WYNNE seconded the motion, which was carried. THE AUDITORS ANT) THEIR REPORTS. The report of Mr. Miles R. Partington, St. Asaph, the official auditor, was read, showing that the accounts were in a most satisfactory state, well and accurately kept. Mr. J. IL HEATON proposed a vote of thanks to the Honorary Auditors, the Rev. W. Hicks Owen and Archdeaeen Smart, for the trouble they had taken in auditing the accounts for the past year, and requesting a continuance of such services. He referred to /the businesslike way in which the duties were discharged. Mr. P. E. CHAMBRES seconded the motion, which, on being carried, the gentlemen named replied. The CHAIRMAN incidentally referred to the fact that the Asylum, as regards the cost of the maintenance of paupers, was on a par with the lowest in the kingdom, Dorset being" one below them. I REPOHr OF THE MEDICAL (SUPERINTENDENT. I have the honour of presenting to you the thirtieth annual report relating to this institution, with the customary tables of statistics. The number of inmates 'I' remaining Wl our books from the year 1877 amounted to 396, of whom 25 were private patients (12 males and 13 females), and 371 paupers (194 males and 177 females). One hunureU and seven patients were admitted. 4 private and 38 pauper males, with 65 females who belong to the pauper class. Of these, 8 males and 15 females had ;at some previous bUie been under treat- ment at this asylum. The number discharged was 43, that is, 29 females and 20 males. Two of .the' males belonged to the private class. Forty-one deaths hap- pened, namely, of 21 pauper and 1 private male patient, and of 1!J pauper females. The number remaining on the 31st December, 1878, amounted to 412, made up of 192 male and 194 female pauper, and of 13 private patients of each sex. The total number under treat- ment during the year reached 5f'3. The number of those admitted exceeded that of the previous year by 3, and in age they varied from 14 tfo. 80 years. Thirty- four patients left recovered (10 maies, 24 females), and all paupers. The proportions of recoveries per cent. on J the admissions is 32, and although 3'5 per cent, lower than last year, per cent. above the average of the whole of the county and borough asylums. Con- sidering the increasingly unpromising nature of the cases on admisskn, we cannot but tieel gratified with .even this modified amount of success. Some recovered in two months, while others had been under treatment two years. The number of deaths I have had to record has each year diminished; it is fewer by six this than last year, whilst the number under treatment has in- creased. The proportion of deaths to she number resi- dent is 10 per cent.which is 2 per cent. less than last year, and corresponds with the average per cent. given in the Blue Books. The ages of those who died varied from 18 to 82 years, arid the duration of .their residence from ene day to 25 years. Many of the patients were sent here in a very feeble state of health, and two this year, from the same Union, were admitted in a mori- bund condition, and died within twenty hours after arrival. Representations of the circumstances were made to the officers, who were responsible for sending the patients, and with regard to the latter case the Committee of Visitors directed the Clerk to write to the Board of Guardians requesting them to take the matter into conskleration. The death of one patient, I regret to say, was caused through the violence of another. The two were in the airing court, when, on account of some slight provocation given by the deceased, he was sud- denly struck on the head by the other, and received injuries that resulted in death ten days afterwards. The Coroner, who fully investigated the circumstances and attended the post mortem examination, deemed an in- quest unnecessary. Fewer patients have this year been sent relieved or improved either to workhouses or to the care of their friends (16 only), while last year 33 were disposed of in this manner. This bears out the forebo- ding expressed in my last report that but little further relief from onr crowded condition could be expected in this direction. Amongst those relieved one self-effected discharge is reckoned, which is the only case of suc- cessful escape that has occurred for many years. Two patients who had for some years been trusted to work out- side, ran away together to some slate quarries, in which their friends managed to conceal them so effectually that our attendants, who were aided by several police officers, failed to find them. They subsequently left the quarries, one who is epileptic, was seized by a fit, and this exposed himself to capture but the other managed to elude pursuit until the statutory time had expired. Though the admissions this year had so slightly exceeded those of the past, yet on account of the diminished number of discharges and deaths, the average daily number resident has risen from 396 to 405. The greatest number in the house on any one day reached 422, while the accommodation provided is meant for 419 only. More beds were procured and fitted up where room could best be provided. By the small additional accommodation obtained thus, and through the removal of all such patients as could with safety be taken away, we have hitherto been saved from the necessity of refusing admission to any pauper or of resorting to the other alternative of boarding out patients at other asylums, a proceeding that would not only be financially disadvantageous, since the cost per week to the Unions could not be less than double the present charge, but would also inflict a hardship on the patients, who would have to reside in an institution where their native language would probably be un- intelligible. The are but 20 people in the house of whom any reasonable expectation of cure can be entertained, and I fear that the Asylum will become less of a Hospital for the cure of insanity than of a receptacle for the care and custody of the incurable. This climax seems to have been already attained on the private t).ide for only one male—and he had not recovered—was well enough to return to his heme; and on the female side there was neither an admission, a discharge, or a death. Till the advent of the recent cold weather the general health of the patients has been exceptionally good, and but few have required daily medical treatment; neither have any suffered from disease of any infectious nature. Several accidents have happened to epidemic patients from falls occurring at the commencement of their fits, but without producing any permanent disability. One occurrence, very rare here, happened, namely, the birth of a child. In addition to our usual entertain- ments, our Denbigh friends gave us an amateur theatrical performance and several excellent musical ones. This year, too, for the first time, about 100 patients were taken to an entertainment in the town where their conduct was so commendable and their enjoyment so extreme that at the first opportunity we repeated the experiment with results equally pleasant and satisfactory. I am glad to be able to report favourable of the conduct of the attendants generally but on one occasion I had to bring a serious breach of the rules under your notice. Three male attendants were guilty of insubordination. I suspended them, and the committee on representation of their conduct, sub- sequently dismissed them summarily. The average weekly cost of maintenance amounts to 8s 9d which is slightly lower than it was last year. I have to acknow- ledge the assistance cheerfully and cordially given by my co-operators, and to express my sincere thanks to the committee for the continued confidence. "Signed, W. WILLIAMS, M.B." FINANCIAL REPORT. Particulars of Account for 1878.—Receipts Balance 1st Jan. tSlO 18s 3d receipts for the year, £ 12,053 113 7d total, £ 12,864 9s lOd. Payments, £ 11,233 18s 9d balances, 31st December, £1,630 10s 2d total of kl2,864 9s lOd; average weekly cost of patients in 1877 was 8s 9f in 1878 8s 9d average numbers resident during 1 year Private, 25; pauper, 380; total, 405. Income and Expenditure during 1 year.—Income £ 10,757 15s 8d; expenditure, £ 10,115 19s 7d; excess income, E631 16s Id. Assets and liabilities: assets, balances, k2,630 10s 2d; amounts due from union counties and private patients, k2,945 14s 3d; total, £ 5,576 4s 5d. Liabilities, salaries, and wages, £ 355 2s lOd tradesmen's bills, £ 917 10s; amount due to .excess account, JE439 9s 8d balance receipts—county trea- surers, C345 15s total, £ 2,058 17s 6d balance in favour of asylum, £ 3,517 6s lid. Garden and farm accoitnt.-Receipts £ 1,344 12s10d payments, £ 1,260 9s Id; balance, £ 84 3s 9d; add increase of stock, £ 104 18s 5d value of work done by teams, £ 96 nett profit on farm, E375 2s 2d. CHAPLAIN'S REPORT. Archdeacon SMART reported as follows :— In reporting upon the religious services conducted for the benefit of the inmate2, I have pleasure in stating that they have been duly and regularly performed. Un Sundays there has been a Welsh service, with sermon at 9 a.m. and at 3 15 p.m. an English service and sermon. On week days, prayers have been read in chapel on Wednesdays and Fridays. On the former day in Welsh and the latter in English. The patients have been afterwards visited and spiritual consolation ad- ministered to the sick and dying when capable of receiving it. Conversation on religious topics is held with several who appreciate and manifest wonderful knowledge of Scripture and great aptitude in its appli- cation. The conduct of the patients in chapel is admirable, some of them, more especially the Welsh, respond and sing with a heartiness and fervour worthy of imitation. On October 3rd, a thanksgiving service for the harvest was held, when the chapel was taste- fully decorated by Mies Pugh, Mrs Robinson, and some of the attendants. The patients appeared much in- terested. On Christmas day also the chapel was prettily dressed by the same kind friends. Mr Hodges, one of the patients, executed with great skill some mottoes. The organist and choir have performed their duties satisfactorily, and my thanks are due to them for their assistance. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF VISITORS. The committee, • in publishing their thirtieth Annual Report, are gratitierl in being able to record the con- tinued efficiency of the Institution. They have to certify that the House is in good repair, clean, and comfortably furnished. The number of patients now oci the books of the Asylum amounts 'to- Male. Female. Total. Pauper patients from Counties in Union 194 199 393 Private patients 13 13 26 Totals 207 212 419 a =5; o § Éoo Counties 5 = | Over Under Union. "9 t; fiuota. quota. g .=oz £ g .2 Deubiffh 107 123 16. Flint. 79 96 18 Antdesey 52 40 ]2 Carnarvon 108 81 27 Merioneth 48 53 5 Totals 393 393 39 29 The Commissioners in Lunacy visited the Asylum on the 1st of November, 1878, and we would draw atten- tion to their report. The Committee submitted their plans for the enlarge- ment of the Asylum, on the male side, to the Com- missioners in Lunacy. The Commissioners, after due consideration, reported thereon to the Home Secretary, and obtained his ap- proval and signature; and arrangements have been made to proceed with the work. The sum required for the whole of the contemplated additions and alterations is estimated at L,8,000, which is apportioned -as -follows, viz. E s. d. Denbigh 260parts of 960 2,166 13 4 Flint 190 do. do. 1.583 6 8 Anglesey. 127 do. do. 1.057 10 1 Carnarvon 265 do. do. 2,209 3 3 Merioneth 118 do. do. 983 6 8 960 960 £ 8,000 0 0 The smallest number of patients in the House during the year was 392, viz. :—367 pauper and 25 private patients. The greatest number was 421, viz. :}9õ pauper and 26 private patients. The Medical Superintendent reported the suspension of three attendants for insubordination, and they were summarily dismissed. The Committee, in concluding their Report, deem it right to record their warm appreciation of the satis- factory manner in which the various officers of the Asylum have fulfilled their trying and responsible duties. THOS. HIEGHES, Chairman. REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS IN LUNACY. Since this Asylum was inspected by members 01 our Board on 19th September, 1877, nothing has oc- currpd to alter the favourable opinion entertained by the Commissioners-of its management. The numbers on the books have since risen from 39';) to 420, of which 26 represent private patients; the sexes are equal in number on the private list; the pauper females are 4 in excess of the males. The five counties in union con- tribute cases to the following extent Denbigh 124 Flint. 98 > Anglesey. 40 C.-trn,trvon 81 Merioneth 51 The weekly maintenance of paupers remains Ss. 9d., the private class pays from 12s. 6d. to 63s. per week. Admissions. Paupers. 52 74 126 Privatepatients. 5 0 5 57 74 131 Discharges. Paupers 26 26 52 Private patients 3 1 4 29 27 56 Deaths. Paupers 27 20 "° 47 Private patients 2 0 no 2 29 20 49 The private patients had all recovered prisr to their discharge, 6 men and 2 women of the discharged paupers were removed to Workhouses. At their quarterly meeting in October, 1877, the committee of visitors directed a circular to the guardians of unions in the five counties seeking accommodation in workhouses for harmless patients. The replies from the guardians were almost unanimous in expressing their inability to receive such patients. Plans for a new wing have since been submitted to the Commissioners, and substantially approved the details are in preparation for the sanction of the Home Secretary. The outlay has been voted by the several Quarter Sessions. Dr. WILLIAMS reports favourably of the general health of those under his care. The mortality has been at about the average rate in County Asylums. The Institution has been free from fevers, epidemics, or contagious disorders; and, with one exception, the deaths have been due to causes ordinarily met with -among the insane. The exception referred to was that of a man who, after slight provocation, was struck on the head with a garden rake by another male .patient at work in an airing court at the time. Injuries were inflicted, which terminated fatally ten days afterwards. The particulars were then communicated to our Board. The Coroner was also informed, but after personal inquiry by him at the asylum, and attendance at the post mortem examination, he did not think it necessary to hold an inquest. We found to-day 4 men and 2 women only in bed, all but one in con sequence of recent attacks of epilepsy. The epileptics are 37 men and 10 women, and the sui- cidally disposed patients are 20 males and 10 females. Those suffering from general paralysis are 4 men and a woman. The numbers under medical treatment, and so registered, are 12 o/ each sex. "No one was under mechanical restraint, but one pa- tient f each sex (epilep tic) were locked into their rooms to-day, and there seen by us. Restraint does not seem to have been resorted to at ¡'t1I since the last visit of the Commissioners, and seclusion has been limited to 6 men and 5 women, the former ha- inL- been so treated for a total of 39 days, or portions Ol days, and an aggregate duration of 290 hours, the latter once only each of them, and for a total period of 32 hours. The patients secluded were most of them viol ently disposed epilep- tics, whom it was thought necessai T thus to isolate after their fits. Although some of the day-rooms in each division were crowded, the patients as a rule behaved well under our inspection. "The clothing of men and worn, n is on the whole good, and we noticed that the number of strong dresses were reduced considerably. Weare informed that 70 Sunday have been added to the male stock. About 4S winter dresses of good material have been made up for the women, and a large number is in hand. There has been no change in the dietary, and the soup on the table to-day, which we tasted, was savourv and satisfying neither on the subject of diet or '11- treatment had we any complaint; a few of cou; se ovi the subject of detention, but these were made by persons evidently unfit for discharge. As many detained here speak Welsh only, and cannot under- tind English, much must depend, on the question of liberty, upon the activity of those authorities here who are acquainted with the language. "The staff consists of 15 male attendants and 16 female nurses for day-duty, and at nieht 2 men and a woman care for the insane. These figures do not in- clude artisan attendants or laundry-maids. No case of ill-treatment of patients by attendants has come under observation since the last visit, and the staff app ars not to be so much disposed to change as in many other asylums. With respect to the night supervision of the epileptic, no improvement has taken place beyond pro- viding a tell-tale clock in the male side. Better arrangements are deferred till the completion of the new wing. The cutting away a partition in the rooms set apart for the male epileptics associatsd at night, which was suggested at the Commissioners' last visit, for considera- tion by the visitors, has been found impracticable by reason of some flues which cannot be dispensed with. The entertainments given in-doors are weekly dances. Theatrical performances have never yet beent ried, but occasionally the patients are brought together to be amused by the magic lantern and to two public enter- tainments in Denbigh, 110 patients have been taken. The number of those at the Asylum Chapel services last Sunday were 70 men and 52 women. English and Welsh prayers are read, and clergymen visit the wards frequently. We are informed that some addition has been made to those who are taken for walks once a week beyond the grounds, 70 men and 60 women now have this privi- lege, but the daily outdoor exercise of the majority is limited to the airing courts. We hope that, as soon as practicable, additional walks will be made on the estate and in the plantations, which should be utilized for regular extended exercise by many who now do not go beyond the courts. The Sunshade in the women's airing court, which was in course of erection at the time of the last visit, was destroyed by a storm in October, 1877. One or two good sized summer houses are much needed for the female patients. We not only inspected the Asylum, but visited the Mortuary, and the source of the water supply from the land last acquired by Ablett's Trustees. The extent of land now attached to the Asylum appears to be 39 acres, and the works approved for providing stabling and farm buildings are in progress. CHARLES PALMER PHILLIPS, ) Commisioners JOHN D. CLEATON, ) in Lamcy. REMOVING DYING LUNATICS FROM HAWARDEN UNION. On the motion of one of the Visitors, a correspon- dence which had taken place relative to the case of Thomas George Pavey, a lunatic, who had been sent to the Asylum from Hawarden Union in a dying state, and whose case was referred to in the Superintendent's report, being the second of the kind sent from the same Union. The House Committee having investigated the case, caused the Clerk to write to the Guardians, enclo- sing c copy of a resolution stating that the man was admitted in a dying state and expired the following morning, and the committee thought it seemed a case of great indiscretion, if not of cruelty, on the p:1rt of officers, and the committee request that the Guardians will investigate the matter thoroughly, and let them hear the result. To this resolution and letter of tne committee, the Hawarden Union Clerk replied as follow?:— I am directed by t'he Gnar¿inJJ8 of this Union to acknow- lede the receipt of Jour Jetter pnclosin copy of re&olnti n, and. to state tliat they 1 avo irivertieated this case, nd find t1l:3.t two private 1 rai titio:;«rs had attended the man prEvious te the Medical Officer of the Union being ci.llod iu, and they also recommende-i his removal to the Asylum, as he was nungerous to those in altcnciance upon him. awl they con- sidered that it was liis only chance of recovery.—Tours truly, JOSEPH RIGBY, Clerk to the Hawarden Union. Several members said that the letter was certainly h most unsatisfactory. Captain PENNANT remarked that the man was re- moved during the extremely severe weather. Mr. ROBINSON said hiS was well wrapped up. Captain VERNEY thought they ought to send the correspondence to the Lunacy Commissioners, and they would, no doubt, take care to investigate the matter. He proposed it. Dr. Roberts asked -the cause of death ? Dr. Wi LLIAMS He was dying when he came in of starvation, not having taken food for ten days, tn 1 was so feeble that he had to be carried out of the,arriage into the house. Mr. J. R. HEATON-seconded the motion. The CHAIRMAN did not think it satisfactory at all. He had often expressed the opinion that patients were brought there in an improper state, and when th«re was no necessity for doing it; for when a man became as feeble as the man in 'question he could do nobody any harm, and, therefore, there was no reason for bringing him there. Captain PENNANT said it certainly appeared to him a case of great indiscretion, but if the medical officer of the Ü nion was backúd up by the opinions oftwo p h-ate medical men he did not see that they should gain much. He saw the reporters busy they would, no doubt, publish the discussion, and perhaps that would have the most beneficial effect with regard to the case (hear, hear). Still he wa* far from discouraging inquiry. Mr. GOLD EDWARDS thought the Local Government Board the proper authority to go to. It was only fair to the Union medical-man to say that he had failed to get the patient to take food, and he thought that the best thing to do was to send him there, thinking that with their greater experience they would be able to induce him to do so. Mr. EvAX. LLOYD thought as the man was brought there by Local Government Board officers they should appeal to the Board After some conversation a vote was taken as to whether the matter should be forwarded to any Board for investigation, when it was decided to do so by the casting vote of the Chairman. Archdeacon SMART said that when the young man was taken ill he was ;a private patient of two doctors, but the fact of his being sent there made him a pauper. The union officer had very little to do 'with him until the end of the illness, when he was called in with a view of getting him to the Asylum. Captain VERXEY thought that made out really .a case demanding further investigation. Mr. CHAMBRES said if the doctor saw him at aU why did he not take him to the Workhouse and have him put to bed. It must be borne in mind that that was the second case of the kind from the same Union in the same year—(hear, hearl-and other Unions had sent patients in not in a fit state. To elucidate the subject Dr. Williams was asked to read his report book which was to the effect:—"That the case of T. G. Pavey required some notice from him. The man was in an extreme moribund condition on arrival. Had not taken food, except one glass of milk, for ten days believing it to be poison. Had been attended by two medical men, who called in the Union officer. The man was in so exhausted a state that the relieving officer would not remove him until he had been seen by the medical officer of the Union that morning. When he arrived here he was in a dying state, and they were afraid to use force to administer food. They fed him with the stomach pump, but it was of no avail for he died 20 hours after arrival. The postmortem examination shewed there was great wast- ing caused by the absence of food from the stomach and aho disease of the chest. Mr. EVANS LLOYD said there had been a clear attempt to get the patient into the Asylum as a pauper. The friends knowing that it would cost them £2 or £3 a week to keep him as a private patient-had got him in by means of the union officers as a pauper to save all but about 9s wee1dv. Df: OWEX RICHARDS thought the Medical Officer of the Union should have information that they were asking to have the matter further investigated. He did not, however, wish to stifle inquiry. The CHAIRMAN The Union authorities have not, I think, met us in a proper spirit. Mr. ROBINSON said that the young man was attended for some time by two private practitioners at the expense of his employer. His parents live in Liverpool, and he was a clerk at a brewery at Caer,srwrle. and his means were limited, and the parties with whom he lodged gave the Union notice that they # nilA not do with the case any longer. The Union officers then took the necessary steps to remove him to the asylum. Mr. CHAMBRES could not help feeling that there has been cruelty in removing him. Why, the Relieving Officer, who was not a medical man, believed the patient so far gone and exhausted, that he refused to remove him before the medical man saw him again. He thought it was a case they must inquire into. Captain PENNANT considered the reply of the Union unsatisfactory, and that the medical man was guilty of an errror of judgment if nothing else, but they had expressed their opinion, and that would appear in the public papers, and thought thus, the case would have been sufficiently dealt with. Captain VERNEY proposed that' the whole of the correspondence be laid before the Lunacy Commission- ers who should be told that the committee deemed the reply to the Guardians not satisfactory, but leaving it to the Commissioners to say whether further action should be taken. This was carried. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. The CHAIRMAN said at the last quarterly meeting it was agreed that the Clerk should call upon the several counties to direct their treasurers to make an advance of 121 per cent, of the Bum agreed upon towards the enlargement of the asylum, and that money has been paid over, making in all £1,000, which was one eighth of the sum wanted. The plans of the new building have been approved by the Home Secretary and Lunacy Cnmmissioners and tenders were sought for materials, it being decided to contract only for labour, have the material contracts separate. The building would accommodate 130 additional male patients. The CHAIRMAN ment'oned that Denbigh had 12, Flint, 17, and Merioneth 4 patients over the quota. and that Carnarvon had 28: and Anglesey 12 under their quota. It had generally been the reverse. Dr. RICHARDS moved, and Mr GOLD EDWARDS seconded, a motion that the annual reports of all kinds with the statements of receipts and payments be printed and circulated amongst the friends of the Institution. nn the motion of the Rev. R. H. HOWARD, a vote of (hanks was a-corded to the ^airman, and he having replied, the meeting terminated.
THE ANNUAL SUPPER OF THE COBDEN…
THE ANNUAL SUPPER OF THE COBDEN MILLS. The second annual supper and social gathering of the employes of the Cobden Mills, Wrexham, under the ownership of Mr. J. T. Davies and Co., was held at the Old Swan Inn, Abbot-street, on Saturday evening last. A large number of workmen and guests partook of an excellent supper, provided by Host Lovatt, after which a long toast list, interspersed by some good songs and glees by a glee party, under the leadership of Mr Pritchard (who presided at the piano), was very plea- santly gone through. Amongst those present were—Mr Goodier (manager of the mills), in the chair, and he was supported by Sir Robert Cuniiffe, Bart., John Taylor Davies, Esq., with — Wakefield and — Seddon (of Liverpool), Isaac Shone, Esq. (Mayor of Wrexham), Evan Morris, Esq., Rev. Griffith-Jones, and Messrs. G. Bradley, Walter Jones, Alfred Jones, W. B. Murless (Wynn- stay Arms Hotel), W. Snape (Lion House), Shirley, Coleman (cashier North and South Wales Bank), Cartwright, Neville, Martin, &c. The vice-chair was occupied by Mr Fisk. The cloth having been removed, the CHAIRMAN said he was sorry he occupied the chair, and he knew perfectly well that it ought to have been filled by Mr Davies, who would have occupied that position far more worthily than he could. However, Mr Davies wished him to occupy it, and he occupied it with very great pleasure. The first toast he had to propose was one which always came before them on such occasions, viz., "The Queen," and may God bless her (applause). The toast was most heartily drunk, and was followed by "God save the Queen," by the choir and company. The CHAIRMAN next proposed "The Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family,' which was cordially drunk, and followed by "God bless' the Prince of Wales." The CHAIRMAN, said the next toast was one which came nearer home—was more of a domestic character. it was a toast to their spiritual rulers, "The Bishop and Clergy and Ministers of all Denominations (hear, hear). They could not but admire such a body of men as the clergy and ministers, labouring as they did for the general good (hear, hear). He did not know many of them personally, but he did know some of them, and he knew further, tnat many amongst that great body were worthy of their love and admiration—(applause)— especially those who strived to do so much good as their dear old Vicar (loud applause). He strained every nerve to make every man and woman with whom he came in contact better than they were before (hear, hear). They all loved tlieir dear Vicar, and they all knew, too, that there were many ministers in the various denominations who were striving for the one end. They had one eminent clergyman amongst them, and one who was very much esteemed (applause). He was one who laboured hard in the district, and was very widely loved in it (hear, hear). He alluded to his esteemed friend, the Rev. Griffith-Jones—(applause)— and he begged to couple his name with the toast. The Rev. GRIFFITH-JONES briefly responded. He said he was much obliged t them for the kind manner in which they had drank the health of the Bishop and Clergy and also the ministers of all denominations (hear, hear). With regard to the Bishop they knew he was a distinguished man of a distinguished nation. He did not wish to introduce politics, but they would per- mit him to say that no man could have done a better thing for North YV ales than did Air Gladstone when he appointed the present Bishop—(applause)—and no bishop in the world could have done a Detter thing than their Bishop did when he appointed the Vicar to the parish of Wrexham (loud applause). He had the honour of being one of his humble servants or he would speak more strongly of him. He hoped he should have the opportunity of remaining with him for some time to come. He thanked them also on behalf of other minis- ters. Although they differed in minor matters they were working to the same point, and so far as he was concerned, they would do so hand in hand and, he hoped, meet in the same place at the end (applause). The CHAIRMAN next proposed "The Army, Navy, and Auxiliary .Forced" (applause). The deeds of the army were inscribed in history and too much could not be said in eulogy of all the various branches of these services (hear, hear). The Volunteers were "home made," because they were of the people and always would be of the people—(hear, hear)—and it was to de- fend the hearths and h mes of the people that they made the sacrifices of their time and money (applause). They honoured and esteemed them to the greatest possible extent and he was glad the elder branches of the service looked with brotherly affection upon these home made soldiers. They had showed on more than one occasion that, they were not merely ornamental but were ready to take active service. He coupled with the toast the names of Sir Robert Cunlifie and Lieut. Evan Morris (applause). Sir ROBERT, who was received with applause, said it was not much more than a week ago that- he had the honour of responding to a similar toast, therefore he was afraid that what he should say would be rather a repetition of whåt he said on that occasion, but if it were true it would certainly bear repetition. He thanked them most cordially for the manner in which they had received the toast, which certainly deserved to be well received (hear, hear). With regard to the Navy he could sav very little, but he thought there was nothing in English history to which they clung with greater pride than the annals of the British Navy (applause). From the time of the Armada through "all the great fights with Holland, Spain, and France the work of the British Navy was the proudest portion of English history (loud applause). And if they went back to the great battle in which Nelson fell they knew that with his death was snattered a great deal of Napoleon's power. With regard to the Army he might be per- mitted to remind them of the immense improvements which had been made since the Crimean War. At that time many mistakes were made, but those mistakes were not made by the ordinary soldiers but by the men who led them. However, very great improvements had been made since. When he held a commission in the Guards at Portsmouth, entrance into the Army was a comparatively easy matter in regard to examina- tion, and the work the officers had to do was only very ordinary regimental duties. Now the examination for the Army was a much more difficult one, and at various periods the officers had to pass such examinations as would prove their fitness for the duties entrusted to them. This was a very great gain and if they were led into war they would find that the officers of the staff were equal to the staff of any other Army in Europe (loud applause). As regarded the men they knew what they had always been. The hon. baronet then referred to Napier's history of the Peninsula War and the gallant charge of the Fusiliers, 23rd Regiment (loud cheers), in the battle of Albuera, in which only 1,500 out of 6,000 men gained the fatal hill (cheers). This was the sort of stuif of which the men were made, and all they wanted was to be well taught, well trained, and well led (hear, hear, and applause). In future such would be the case. With regard to the service with which he was now connected, he said the Militia, for the most part, were a defensive force. He then alluded to the expansive system which would be adopted in case of war, by which the Army, as the first line, would go into the field, the Militia go on garrison duty, and in case of necessity the force to which his friend Mr Evan Morris belonged, the Volunteers, would also be brought forward. He concluded by saying that they had now established a military system in England more efficient and economical than any in the past (applause). Mr. EVAN MORRIS, after a few preliminary remarks, said he thought a better speech than Sir Robert's on the organisation and deeds of the Army could not have been given, and in following him he should be under a very great disadvantage if he had any desire to be a public speaker (laughter). He simply had to respond on behalf of the volunteer force in which he had taken a great interest, and of which he had been an humble member ever since its organization (applause). He was glad to say that he had been a volunteer for the last 20 years. He became a volunteer from feelings of duty, and the longer he lived the greater that feeling grew (loud applause). He was sure the Volunteer force of the country, in its conception was a good one—(loud ap- plause)—but only recently had its value been really recognised by the nation. The Times had confessed its power to England and that power was felt, not only throughout Europe, but throughout the whole world (applause). He could refer to nothing the Volunteers had done because their services had not been called for, but in the commencement of this movement and in maintaining it, Englishmen showed that they believed in the doctrine that prevention is better than cure. It was a great thing for the Country to say that those men who earned their bread every day of their existence in civil employments were also the backbone of the country's defence (loud applause). They heard a great deal "of talk about economy, but he could not give them any better example of it than the volunteer movement (hear hear). He must say that although they were volunteers they felt gratitude at any recognition of their services, and they were proud and pleased to have their names coupled with the Army, Navy, and other Forces (hear, hear). It was not simply an ornamental position which they occupied, and they were really animated by a strong feeling of patriotism (applause). Although no enemy had invaded their shores, yet the Volunteers of this district had been in an engagement. Two years ago they had a sham fight in Wynnstay Park (laughter). It was his duty to command a company which was told to charge into some Shropshire Volunteers. He gave the word of command and the men gave three cheers and off they went, saying they would drive the enemy into the wood. It might not have been in strict accord with military discipline, but into the wood the Shropshire Volunteers had to go (loud laughter). That was only charging a friend, but if it had been an enemy he could not say where they would have gone (laughter, and applause). However, if ever the Volunteers were called upon to act in conjunction with the army, he believed they would rise in one mass with feelings of patriotism, and defend their hearths and homes to the Very uttermost (loud applause). Mr. G. BRADLEY proposed The Borough and County Magistrates." Sir ROBERT CUNLIFFE responded for the county bench, remarking that it was their earnest desire to administer justice without favour, and with im- partiality. His Worship the MAYOR responded for the borough bench. He had had but very little experience, but from what he had seen since he had been on the bench he beHeved that everyone of the acting magistrates, who met in their insanitary Guildha l—(laughter)—was actuated by a desire to administer justice in the truest sense in which it ought to be administered (hear, hear). 1 Sir ROBERT CUNLIFFE said he rose to propose a toast which he knew would he received with the eatest cordiality, and he was unfeignedly sorry that it had not fallen to one who was more acquainted with the object of it than he was. The toast he had to propose v. as of their excellent friend Mr Davies—(loud cheers)—and he would couple with that, with all his heart, Success to the Cobden Mills" (hear, hear, and cheers i. Mr. Davies had confided to him that last year he was fortunate enough to have to leave for the train before the toast of his health was proposed, but on this occasion they had him in that corner, and he would have to rise (cheers). They knew that Mr. Davies came from Liverpool, and they in Wrexham claimed a particular interest in the good town of Liverpool, because they felt' that, if they were not exactly an off- shoot of that place they were iinked with it (hear. hear). When Liverpool flourished Wrexham did also, and when the former was not successful then the latter also felt the change. Therefore they felt they had a special interest in Liverpool. But beyond that they had a special interest in their friend Mr. Davies because he was the head, he had been told on good authority, the very able, energetic, and excellent head of one of the most important establishments in this town (hear. hear). He might therefore say that the toast of his health was one which it was most proper for them to drink, and he believed that it would be most cordially received bv the company present (cheers). Mr. Davies and he had'been exchanging remarks with regard to a country which they both knew. Mr. Davies knew it very well, but he only a little—the great country of the lvnited States. Now from America came a very large proportion of that corn used in this country, and which is ground in the Cobden Mills (applause). It was his fortune, when serving in the regular army, to be sent to Canada, at a time when a quarrel was expected with America, but, thank God, it never came to war (hear, hear). He remembered hearing it then said that owing to the civil war the corn could not be got away, and it was absolutely burnt as fuel. As a landowner he should be very glad to see English farmers beating the Americans, but he did hope that they would hold their own. and send in a good quantity to the Cobden Mill (applause). He was a Wrexhamite, and took an un. feigned interest in the prosperity of the town, he claimed an hereditary interest in the town, and. there- fore, he was sincerely anxious that any commercial undertaking, especially the one whose employez were sitting around him, should be prosperous (cheers). Times now were bad. but he hoped there were indica- tions of better, and when that came he had no doubt that the Cobden Mills would take their share in the prosperity (applause). He hoped their friend, Mr Davies, would be able to come amongst them more frequently in future (cheers). He had done what he could to persuade him, and although the inducement was a small one. he had told him that if he would come and see him he would give him a hearty welcome (hear, hear, and applause). He would not detain them any longer, but simply ask them to drink in a bumper to the health of Mr. Davies, and success to his undertaking, and to the increased prosperity of the Cobden Mills (loud cheers). The toast was most cordially drunk with musical honours, repeated cheers being called for Mr. Davies and his family. Mr. DAVIES, who was greeted on rising with loud and prolonged cheers, said he could not preface his remarks better than by echoing the words of the rev. gentleman who had preceded him. What he said they sefc-med to believe—(laughter)—viz., that he was unaccustomed to public speaking. He thought the same complaint applied to him. He laboured under the difficulty of having his health proposed in a part of the programme where he had to precede eloquent speakers—(hear, hear, and laughter i-and also under a disappointment owing to the Chairman, who in the beginning of the meeting asked them for brevity (laughter). He had prepared a most elaborate speech—(hear, hear, and loud laughter)— he had prepared it at a very great expense of time, but now his aspirations were dimmed (laughter). He, therefore, craved their sympathy if he disappointed them. He had the greatest gratification in coming amongst them and being so warmly received (applause) Since their last meeting under similar circumstances he had only been to Wrexham twice, which he thought was the very greatest compliment he could pay their manager (cheers). He was very glad to meet them after a year's working through unusually trying times of poverty, which, however, he was proud to say they had not felt so far, and he hoped they never would (cheers). He was very glad that so far it had been kept from them. As an employer of labour he thought it only proper to ask them to recommend their less fortunate friends to bear with their masters. Such as these were times when the sympathy of working men with their masters was needed (hear. hear). He had no doubt he could put the m^er to them better bv asking them how, at the end of "ay'.s work, they would like to give their day's wages for the honour "of working? But this was the position of many masters around Wrexham. However, so far it had been his fate to be able to go on, and now he had to congratulate the men on their examplary conduct during the year (loud cheers). Mr Goodier had informed him from time to time that he could not be better served, and perhaps without exception he could compliment them upon having done their duty honestly and faithfully towards him (cheers). He had sufficient faith in himself to believe that he could find the sinews of war to carry on the business -(hear. hear, and applause)—until better times came. From what they had read in the newspapers, and seen around them they must know that times had not been good, and the Cobden Mills had not been all that he might expect, but still, he had not been disappointed (cheers) He did not take last year as evidence of what the mill could do nor of what they could do for the mill (hear, hear). He felt extreme gratification and pleasure, and lightness of spirit, since he came into the room. Sir Robert Cunliffe had .given him the golden key by which they all would benefit, and he was looking forward to the time when they would be able to unlock the door of fortune—and that was by removing the present Government (loud laughter, bravo, and cheers). He really felt very sorry that he had broken faith. It was in a confidential tone that Sir Robert had told him, but he assured him that if the Liberal Government would only go out of power they would all. at once, be more prosperous (cheers and laughter). If they thought so, well, of course, the matter was in their own hands so far as they were concerned, and therefore he would recommend Sir Robert to them (cheers and laughter I. SIF. ROBERT was understood to have disclaimed any connection with the suggestion above. Mr. EVAN MORRIS proposed" Success to the Town and Trade of Wrexham." He remarked that there could be no doubt that everyone in that room was intimately bound up in the success of the town, and they welcomed with the greatest pleasure and heartiness any gentleman who came here to invest his capital, and promote the trade of the town, and they apt- eciated very much, not only the interest Mr. Davies had brought into the town, but the fact that he supplied the staff of life to the whole neighbourhood—(hear, near)- and he hoped his greatest hopes would be realised- (hear, hear) and, also that the" g-olden key" would be found in another direction (hear, hear. and cheers) They might differ on this point, but however different roads they might wish to take he hoped they all wished for the same end (hear, hear). Mr. Davies" had suoken of the golden key in such an affable manner that they could not help appreciating it (hear, hearl. He pointed out that success depended upon the internal means possessed by the town for acquiring it, and that such depended, to a great extent, upon individual exertions so long as they had the elements of success in them- selves so long wouldtheyhayeprosperity. He saw a great future for the town of Wrexham—on one side it was surrounded by a rich agricultural district, on another by a rich mineral district, and was in the centre of a system- of railways running in all directions He knew of no town which had the elements of success more than Wrexham (applause). They needed only a Iikf Mr' Davies, and he hoped they womd all ne.p to keep the mill going (hear. hea->- and applause). Mr. MURLESS responded. The trade was not in A very encouraging state, nor had it been during the past year. There was one consolation, and that was that it could not be worse. „ DAVIES roje to PROPOSE The health of Mr. Gorier (loud cheers). He knew he was breaking in on the programme surreptitiously, but he felt that before he left he must propose his health, not as Chair- man, but as manager of the Cobden Mills (cheers). As he said before he had paid him a compliment, than which no higher could be paid to a mana-er (hear, hear). This part his business, which was verv small in com- pan son with the whole of his transactions, had been, ever since Mr. Goodier became manager, one of much pleasure, and entirely devoid of all anxiety, kn'ovinsr that whatever was done was done for the l> >sf- (loud .cheers) Therefore the business could not hasten benefited e\ en if he nad been to rexham more often Vir-f, as ls connection with the Cobden ,as concerned he was not ashamed of it S^nce the mills were mills they had not been run a. hp had run them (cheers). Since the beginning of 1878 the uulls had not stopped one day or one night, except for repairs, and he said such could not have been done unless the management had been perfectly satisfactory (cheers). The toast- having been drunk with musical hon" Mr. GOODIER rose amid much cheering '41- j they really must excuse him for making 'on?v Z brief words m response to the remarks of Mr" D*vi«T -knowing Mr. Davie^ so well as he knew him.' he w« sure that, as a rule he was not a demonstrative mam and, therefore he felt, that every word Mr. said he said from his heart (hear, hear, and -cw4) The utmost he could say was that if he had served Mr Davies faithfully in the past-and he had said he lmd-!l he trusted that his future exertions may leave the nast far behmd loud cheers). He could only hop, w believe that it would be so. and that they m;]¡i: :neet again in a similar manner twelve months"hen-v-W i r. avles would reIterate the sentiments of that mght (loud cheers). clieerr "^av''eS ^-ft tne room amidst ringing The CHAIRMAN proposed the "Mayor and tion," to which the MAYOR responded". *i-ora- The CHAIRMAN proposed. "ThcmnW»n'- r -< Mill," remarking that he had around him a body of men w.iom he was proud to recpgnise. The utmost reliance could be placed on them to carry out the details of -'heir duty with perfect and unfailing fidelity (cheers) Jfe was perfectly smcere in saying that there were few establishments where there were so many upright, steady, respectable, faithful servants. These w £ e not simply conventional phrases used to turn a point at a dinner tabie-he was speaking the true sentiments his heart. Apart from the ordinary body of work-pen he referred to the staff, those who were in round about, and m whom he sometimes had to nnt the greatest faith. He believed them to be influenced bl the principle of upright inWty to their customer,^ well as to their employer. He was gb,d to be able m speak thus He coupled with the toast the name of Mr Yeatman, their senior representative. • Mu- /et,urned thanks for the cordial in which they had drank to their health, and for
- DENBIGHSHIRE HILARY ASSIZES.
I PRESENTMENT BY THE GRAND JüRY. SIR ROBERT CUXLIKI-E, as foreman of the Grand Jury, handed in a presentment addressed to the Judge to the elfect that in the opinion of the jury four general assizes were quite unnecessary for the County of Den- bigh, and that two general assizes and one composite assize for the counties of North Wales will meet the requirements of justice, and that it would be an unfair burden on the county if such composite assize were always held at Ruthin. The JUDGE said that he would take great care that it was forwarded to the Home (secretary, and was obliged to them for considering the subject. THE JUDGE ON THE HEATING OF THE HALL. The JUDGE said he desired to call the attention of the Grand Jury to a matter which, though perhaps not one strictly for the Grand Inquest to deal with, yet, for the sake of others, not for himself, he mentioned that if there were to be assizes held there in the winter or severe weather, that :court ought to be warmed. Probably it would not be his lot to use it m the winter, for he would take very good care not to come, but for the sake of those that did come he mentioned it. there should at least be that accommodation in the court tit for those that had to attend. If they had met there a week before, when the weather was so very severe, they •could not have gone on, and they must have felt that the state of the court was not such as they would wish it The FOREMAN said as his Lordship had mentioned the matter, he might state that plans were being pre- pared for the warming of the court, which would ere long be made as comfortable as he wished. TRIAL OF PRISONERS. BURGLARY AT WREXHAM. George Stevens (26), hawker, with no education, was charged with having, at Llangollen, on the 14th dayef November, 1878, feloniously stolen and embezzled 23s., or thereabouts, the money of his master, one Edward Davies. Under a second commitment, he was further charged with having, at Wrexham, on the 7th day of September 1878, feloniously broken and entered the warehouse cf Joseph Wardell, and therein stolen one pan-mug, three washing bowls, two teapots, and one butter mug, the property of the said Joseph W ardell. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and also to several previous convictions for petty thefts. He expressed his sorrow, and bended for a light sentence, but the Judge said it would not be just to the public nor to other prisoners to accede to that request, seeing what had been his past ^Sentenced to nine months hard labour and twelve months' police supervision, and the Judge told him that if he ever came up again penal servitude for no less a term than seven years was certain to be his fate. THE DENBIGH PObT-OFFICE CASE. Edward, Jones, aged 13 years, a little lad, whcKnesides with his parents in Beacon's Hill, Denbigh, surrendered to his trial on a charge of having, at Denbigh, in October last, feloniously stolen from out of a, eertain post-letter a post-oiiice order of the value of £1 2s. 6d., the property of her IVIajGstvs Postmaster General. Mr. Trevor Parkins and Mr Ignatius Williams, in- structed by one of the post-office solicitors, prosecuted, and Mr Higgins defended, the boy pleading "not ^The* case has been before fully reported in the Guardian, and the following is a resume of the proceed- Mr Parkins having opened the case, called the follow- ing evidence. Hugh Griffith, coachman. Madryn Park, Carnarvon- shire, proved obtaining a money order on October 12th, for £12s. (id., to be sent to Mr. Thomas Gee, Denbigh. Put E in an envelope and addressed it Mr Higgins, objected the envelope was a written document and ought to be produced, otherwise they could not go into the contents. Mr. Williams said he could make the letter -evidence further cn. .xl Richard Williams, a little boy, living with Mr Holgate as a dogger, at Denbigh. Knew prisoner Met him at midday on Monday in Swan-lane, KB d asked him to go and change a Post-office order for £1 2s (id. Knew it now by the number (1925). Went to the Post-office and saw the clerk who would not'.cash it. Asked prisoner where the Post-officc order came from, and he said John Morris, Pwllheli, and told him to say some man sent him for it, rand not mention his nanie. Went back to the Post-office and saw the clerks and postmaster but they refused to cash it. Gave up the money order to McDonald, one of the clerfc. Saw prisoner who told him to "let it be." T. 7 By the Judge Tore up the paper on which the number of the order was written some Monday when he was at Ruthin, but could not tell when it WL'„S. He knew when he tore it up that they wereinquiring about the Post-office order. r. -ten •, John Roberts, employed by Mr. Griffiths, watch- maker, Denbigh, knew prisoner, and when -me was working at the Post-office ne asked him to get a Post- office older cashed for hiim-nd showed him an order in his hands. He said that he would give (id. to anybody that would change it for him. Asked him if he expected witness to change it, and he replied no, witness:answer- ing that he would not change it for him. This was a few Sundays before prisoner left. Wm. Morris, postmaster/Denbigh, said prisoner was employed at the Post-office, vbut could not tellexactJy when he left, but it was immediately after he (witness) found that lie had been doing wrong The Judge, interrupting, said I am sure if you are Postmaster of Denbigh, you have come here to tell the Jury a plain unbiassed statement of facts, and that statement, "that he had wrong, coming from you, is ■ serious one. We have to try and see whether he was the person that did the wrong. Witness continuing, said he received the advice note produced,' from Pwllheli, dated 12th October, and dated 13th October, as received at Denbigh. Was due at Denbigh at 5.30. The advices were placed in boxes in the office. Mr Gee, publisher of the Baner, receives a large number of letters, hut did not receive them on Sunday. They were placed by themselves in the bag, and Mr Gee sent his servant for the locked bag. The key was kept. on a nail in the office, accessible to every- one in the office. The advice note and order correspond in numbers, elates, and initial, letter" B." "WouLci not cash the order when pregented;a.s it did not contain Mr Gee's signature. Ac ntention here took place between ^counsel,-as to whether secondary evidence co'.dd be given, showing that the money order was put into an envelope ad- dressed to Mr Gee, and which, contained a letter or paper respecting it, counsel for the prosecution arguing that thev could" do so, and as the prisoner was found with part of the contents of that letter, they had given him notice to produce the envelope and the letter but Mr Higgins urged that secondary evidence was not ad- missible, as the man was not there that wrote the letter or addressed the envelope, the person the prosecution wished to examine being alliy the man that obtained the order and posted it.. i r The Judge -held that this secondary evidence of trie kind named could not be giw«. Mr Thomas Gee. Mayor of Denbigh, proved having a post-bag at the Denbigh office, but Sunday's letters would not reach him till Monday. Did not receive a letter containing post-office order produced. Always opened his own letters^ and received no letter from Pwllheli that morning with a post-office order. John Morris had an account with him then. Received no letter from him. Cross-examined: Did you not say; before the magis- trates that you could not remember whether you opened the letters?—I remember that now that I was at home, and did open the biig. That you swear positively, although you did not remember it before the magistrates ?—\ es, I do. How many letters did you receive that morning with money in ?—Witness I don't tremeiftber exactly how many, but I am prepared to swear that T did not receive i one from Mr John Morris. Never mind John Morris. How many letters did you -receive that morning'Well, as a rule, T receive from <60 to about 120. And you are prepared, although you get so many, that you did not get one that morning from Pwllheli ?— Yes to the best f my recollection, 1 did-not get one. Thomas Lloyd Williams proved that prisoner was on 4uty that morning. The keys were hung up in the office. Had seen the prisoner nteddling with the bags. It was on one Sunday, but could not say when. Prisoner left on October 26th, and it was not more than a month before that he saw him with the bags. He went on to prove that the witness Williams took the srder pro- duced to him, and asked him to cash it, but he did not do so Saw him aainh, the afternoon, but it was not cashed as he thought there must be something wrong. Robert McDonald, assistant at the Post-office, gave corroborative evidence. John P. Lambert, Assistant Surveyor of the Post- office investigated the ease, and on the 8th of November charged-the prisoner, and asked him if he gave the money order to Richard WiRiams. Here a discussion ensued, Mr. Higgins arguing that the evidence could not be admissible if the prisoner was not cautioned. His L rdship then questioned the witness, who said he sent for the boy to the Police Station, and askedbim if he gave the money order to Richard Williams, and he replied Yes, I picked it up in an open letter in Swan-lane." .• Cross-examined It was one of my duties to investi- gate such cases, and the interview I had with prisoner was the first time-1 had seen'him. The Sergeant of •police and Inspector were present, but said nothing, and he (witness) said nothing to prisoner by way of a caution. This was the first case of the kind he had ever ^Here a further discussion ensued on the technical points of admitting secondary evidence, as to the contents of the letter, but his lordship would not allow lt-Mr Higgins submitted that there was no case to go to the jury, but the Judge held that there was, and went into a discussion as to the points raised. Mr Higgins, at considerable length, earnestly addressed the jury for the boy, contending that he did not steal it, but actually picked it up in Swan-lane, and pointed to the patched condifjion of the order to support HiaLordsMp summed up most favourably for tne boy, and remarked upon the close connection of the witness, the boy Williams, with the pnsbner in the matter, and leaned to the view that they might have found it as th3 latter stated in an open letter m Swan Lane for if the boy took it out of the bag it seemed curioue that cut- of the 60 or 100 letters the bag con- tained he should have happened just to select that one with the order for that small sum. The Jury almost immediately found the boy not ^The Judge (to the boy) you are discharged but if ever you find anything again-and let me say that I am not at all assuming that you have done wrong now but I say this as good advice to you for the future-if ever you find anything again do your very best to find out to WTV b^wivTthen discharged, and the Court closed shortlj after 6 o'clock.