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I QU ARTER SESSIONS. 0.

DENBIGHSHIRE.

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DENBIGHSHIRE. The county business was commenced on Thursday, at twelve: o'clock, at the County Hall, Wrexham. The following magistrates assembled for the transaction of business :— T. Hughes, Esq.. Yslrad, Chairman. P. II. t.'hambivs, Esq., Llysmeirchion C. S. Mairovat-ing, Eq., Galltfa/. nan Captain Conrau, Ruabon Lieut.-Colonel B. G. D. Cooke, Pentrehobin, Mold G. Osborne Morgan, Esq., Q.C., M.P., Brymbo Hall William Low, Esq., Roseneath, Wrexham Rev W. V. Williams, Llandrillo, Conway Captain A. Best, Corwen Captain A. Mesham, Pontvuffydd, Rhyl. Sir R. A. Cunliffe, B'1rt., Acton Park, Wrexham J. E. Jesse, E-q., Llanbedr Hall, Ruthin Archibald Peel, Esq., The Gerwyn, Wrexhaia T. LI. Eiiz-Hugh, E-q PLispower H. R. Hughes, Esq., Kiiuiiel Captain Grillitk-Boseawen, Trev,ilyn Major W. Cornwallis West, Ruthin Castle F. H. Barker, Esq., Llyndir W. Corbet Yale, Esq., Pias yn Yale, Corwen Wat kin Williams, Esq., Q.C., M.P., Plas Draw Rev. II. H. Howard, St. Asaph E. Evans, Esq., Bronwylfa, Ruabon Alfre,10. Walker, Esq., Nanty-glyn, Conway. Major Birch, Maes Elwy The officials present included Mr. J. Peers, Ruthin, Clerk of the Peace; Mr, J. R. Heaton, Denbigh, treasurer Mr. R. Ll. Williams, Denbigh, surveyor Major Leadbetter, Wrexham, chief constable &c. NEW MAGISTRATES. The following justices qualified T. Chilton, Esq., The Elms, Gresford Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Warter Meredith, Pentre Bychan; Edward Lewis Ashwort'h, Esq., Towyn OwenSlaney Wynne, Esq., PlasNewydd, Ruabon George Arthur Fearnley, Esq., Cerrig Ruabon George Arthur Fearnley, Esq., Cerrig Llwydion, Denbigh. FIYE-LAWS. The CLERK of the PEACE submitted the bye-laws in reference to the working of traction engines. The bye- laws provided that the hours of prohibition be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except when the engine was used for purely agricultural purposes. Colonel COOKE said that at the last Quarter Sessions for the county of Flint the magistrates had before them a communication from the Government saying that it was not desirable that adjoining counties should have differ- ent hours of prohibition. The letter went on to say that the county of Denbigh had under consideration the subject of altering the present hours to 7 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Court of Quarter Sessions for Flint asked Captain Mesharn and himself to bring the subject before that Court with a view to the hours being' made the same in both counties. It was decided that the hours in Flint- shire be 4 to 12, but Captain Mesham and hilw:df had authority to say that the county of Flint would change the above to any hour between two and six if Denbigh- shire would. prefer. Flintshire had adopted 4 to 12, believing that the Act did not mean that such hours should be decided on as would prohibit the use of the engines. Mr. PEERS said he believed the hours decided on for Denbighshire were too severe. Colonel COOKE said lie would venture to move that the hours for Denbighshire be the same as those adopted in Flintshire, viz., four to twelve. He said he believed that it was never intended by the Act that such hours should be adopted as would practically prohibit the use of the traction engine. The Board in London were of the same opinion. If these engines could not be used by day they could not be used at all, because they could not get access to railways nor works by night. "Conse- quently the hours suggested in the bye-laws would be practically prohibitive. Captain GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN snid he, for one, ob- jected to the motion, because it gave too much latitude. Captain MESHAM seconded Colonel Cooke's motion. Mr. PEERS said the eight prohibitory hours must be eight consecutive hours. Major WEST asked upon what grounds the county of Flint decided their hours ? Colonel COOKE said the grounds were these. The Act did not mean to prohibit these engines, and therefore what would practically be prohibitive hours should not be decided on. Moreover, the large red lights which these engines were compelled to carry were most likely to frighten horses by night. The Rev. R. H. HOWARD said he understood that the hours were carried by a very narrow majority at the court in Flint. He thought the fact that the Local Government Board had not objected to their bye-laws was a proof that they did not think the hours unreason- able. Captain MESIIAM said he was very sorry that he had not the letter with him which was sent to the magis- trates of Flintshire, for it stated that it was very de- sirable that they should have the same hours in both counties, and it purported that the county of Denbigh had under consideration a proposal to alter the hours in their bye-laws. Major WEST said he understood that the question had been very carefully gone into, and it seemed to him to be rather curious that they should be asked to change their hours to satisfy a neighbouring county. (Hear, hear). He thought the neighbouring county should make a change to satisfy themselves. (Hear, hear). Rev. R. H. HOWARD said the city of Chester had adopted the same hours as those for Denbighshire. Captain COOKE pointed out that one was an urban and the other a rural district. "S Major WEST moved, as an amendment, that the Court adhere to the bye-laws as they stood. Captain GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN seconded the motion. Mr. A. O. WALKER mentioned a case where a road over which a traction engine passed was in excellent condition and another, a highway, over which no engine passed, which was in a very bad state. He had no interest in traction engines himself, but he thought it a pity that the resources of the county should not be developed by these engines. It was also a pity that the Court should lay itself open to a charge of legislating for those who kept carriages. Under all considerations, he should vote for the motion. Mr. G. OSBORNE MORGAN said he could speak with Treat feeling on this point, because he nearly had a very rious accident through one of these engines. He did '1" dispute the utility of them, but, at the same time, no one would doubt that they involved a great deal of danger and the question was how that danger could be minimised. A very large proportion of people went in carriages or on horseback by day, and the proper course would be to allow these engines to run when there were the fewest number of horses about. There- fore he did not think, if they considered the question carefully, that they were called on to alter their time because a neighbouring county had adopted different hours. After further discussion the motion was put to the meeting, when seven voted for it. There were for the amendment 14. Therefore the bye-laws will remain as before. Bye-laws in reference to the highways, with regula- tions as to the width of wheels of waggons and carts, and weights of loads, were next considered. The CLERK submitted a schedule of weights of loads, &c., to which Colonel COOKE an.d others took great objection. Mr. Peers admitted that alterations were necessary, and eventually a small committee were appointed to con- sider the schedule. In about two hours they reported having made a number of alterations. The schedule will be advertised shortly in the local papers. The whole of the bye-laws, including the alterations above referred to, were adopted. NEW MAGISTRATES FOR TII BOROUGH OF WREXHAM. Four new magistrates for the borough of Wrexham then took their oaths. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The SURVEYOR then read his report, which dealt with the condition of the county bridges. The report is in type, but owing to a pressure of matter at a late hour we are compelled to hold it over until next week. In regard to the proposed bridge at Maes Gwynedd, Captain BEST strongly opposed its erection, and ex- pressed a doubt as to the public character of the road leading to the suggested site. The Court decided not to erect a bridge here. In regard to the proposed bridge at Llewsog, Mr. Evan Morris, Wrexham, said he appeared on behalf of the landowners adjoining the proposed site. They believed a bridge would be a great public convenience and advantage, and if a bridge was erected at the point named in the Surveyor's report the landowners would agree to make the necessary approaches. He may also say that the townships had agreed to bear half the expense of the erection of the bridge. The importance of a bridge crossing the stream between Llanrhaiadr and Cyffylliog would perhaps be well known to many of the magistrates present and the Surveyor, and therefore he would say nothing on that point. If the Court should adopt the suggestion of the County Surveyor the land owners were prepared to enter into any arrangement the Court may think necessary in regard to the ap- proaches. The COUTY SURVEYOR said the estimated cost of the bridge was £130, and the half for the county would be £ 65. After a_ short discussion the court decided to con- tribute £ 65, on condition that the landowner give the tribute £ 65, on condition that the landowner give the land and widen the approaches. In regard to the Penffordd deg bridge the tenders submitted were referred to a committee of gentlemen for selection, they having power to accept the tender they preferred. It was also agreed to allow compensa- tion to Mr. Wynne's tenant as recommended. The various other recommendations and suggestions in the report were adopted, and the orders asked for granted. In regard to the new county buildings, Mr. WILLIAMS said he had placed a metre on the premises in accord- ance with the offer of the Water Company. In reference to the copper door the court declined to part with it unless it was needed for other military purposes. They would not permit it to be removed simply to be sold. THE COUNTY MAIN ROADS. The SURVEYOR made his first special report upon the condition of the main roads in the county. He complained that in many places the roads were concave instead of convex which prevented the water from run- ning off. He objected to metalling being put on the highways in the summer months, and recommended that the road scrapings should be removed by the owners or occupiers of land. Although complaints were made in some districts that the roads were cut up by timber traffic, in no instance had the clause for dealing with special traffic been made use of. In refer- ence to the Llangollen Highway Board, a claim was made for stock on main roads on the 29th September, L878, amounting to the half of £ 458 lis. 6d.-viz., C229 5s. 9d., the payment of which appeared to him to be not authorized by the Act. If by the claim now nade it was now proposed to show that the stock as well as the materials charged for up to the 25th March, L879, have all been put on the roads, a larger proportion >f material, as compared with the labour, had be«n used on these roads than any other that he was ac- t quainted with; as he found that by comparison 1 the team and manual .labour was somewhere t about double the cost of the materials. The claim sent in by the Llangollen Local Board had ] also a sum included for stock on the roads on the 29 th September, 1878, amoun ting toJE42 3s. He proposed to 1 withhold his certificate tmtil the court decided whether the charge for stock of materials was a proper one to i make. He asked permission to have certain suggestions c printed and circulated for the information of the High- way Surveyors. ] Appended was a statement, showing that the total 1 cost for the half year ending 25th March last for the repairs of the several main roads in the different districts, together with the average cost per mile. In regard to the claim made by the Llangollen Board, ,< after considerable discussion, in which Captain BEST took the greater Dart, the claim was allowed. The SURVEYOR stated that the length of "main" roads in the county was 149 miles and a half furlong, which were repaired at a total cost of £3,443 18s., being an average of 1:234; 9d. per mile. The Court resolved to increase the Surveyor's salary by 680 per annum for the additional labour and accom- panying expense of inspecting the roads under the provisions of the Highways Act. CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT. Major T. J. Leadbetter, reported in indictable offences, the number of crimes committed were 21; number appre- hended, 14; discharged, 5 committed for trial, 9; against the respective numbers in the corresponding quarter of 17, 12, 5, 7. In offences determined sum- marily, the number proceeded against were 596; dis- charged, 166 convicted, 480; corresponding quarter last year, 519, 65, 484. In petty larcenies determined under the Criminal Justices' Act the number of persons proceeded against were 28 discharged, 7 convicted, 21; corresponding quarter last year, 16, 1, 15. Value of property stolen amounted to £(j0 7s. 3d., of which £ 29 8s. 9d., has been recovered corresponding quarter, value stolen, 1:48 ] 6s. Id.; recovered, £ 41 14s. 5d. Crime and offences as compared with the corresponding quarter of last year shew an increase of 4 in indictable offences, 47 in offences determined summarily, and £ 11 lis. 2d. in the value of property stolen. Twenty-one indictable offences were reported during the year, and 14 persons apprehended, 5 of whom were discharged, and 9 committed for trial, as follows Housebreaking 2, breaking into shops,&c., 2, larceny 5 total, 9. 596 persons were proceeded against summarily, 335of whom were fined, 27 bound in cognizances, 30otlier punishments, and 82 committed to gaol for the following offences Assaults 9, bastardy 1, offences against the Game Laws 5, drunkenness 21, breach of bye-laws 1, malicious damage 1, Militia Act 1, Prevention of Crimes Act 2, neglecting to support family 2, Excise Acts 1, larceny 21, vagrancy 17 total 82. I recommend for the consideration of the Court the superannuation of Sergeant Thomas Jones, of Ruabon, and Sergeant Abel Jones, of Abergele. These officers have served respectively 28v, years and 21 and six twelfth of a year, and are about 57 and 55 years of age. I have submitted to the examination of a practical man the samples of cloth forwarded by Reynolds and Co., whose olfer has been recommended by the Police Committee. His opinion of its general quality is satis- factory, and from other sources of information I have1 learned that this firm is highly respectable, and do their work satisfactorily. The saving of the county compared with the last contract will be 1:50. In consequence of the depressed state of trade vagrancy has been very common. I have issued strict orders as to the action of the police, especially with regard to the regular tramps. For the last twelve months 82 were proceeded against, of whom 54 were convicted, and 28 discharged. In the whole county the number of vagrants Relieved for the year had been 7,720, which is an increase of 1,544 against the previous one. and the largest number since 1869, when it was 109.36. Twenty-eight public's and beer houses have been proceeded against during the past year, 15 of which were committed and two of the licenses endorsed. I may mention that in a county with a population of 105,102 there are 640 houses licensed to sell intoxicating liquors, which is an average of one to 164 of the in- habitants. Five hundred and eighty-three persons were proceeded against in the past year for drunkenness, being a decrease of 48 as compared with the preceding year. I am happy to state that no case of cattle disease or swine fever has been reported to me and only/one case of sheep scab, during the last year. The force is at present complete, (79 of all ranks) and working fairly satisfactorily, considering that since my appointment I have introduced quite a new system to what previously existed, which enables me at all times to know what each man is doing. Messrs. Reynolds and Co.'s tender for clothing was accepted. In regard to the requisition for an additional con- stable, the Police Committee recommended that the force be not increased for the present, but suggested the removal of an officer at present stationed at Llanefydd. The CHAIRMAN said a considerable feeling existed against the removal of the officer at Llanefydd, and, after a snort discussion, it was resolved to leave the police arrangements as at present. The two sergeants were superannuated in accordance with the recommendations of the Chief Constable. COUNTY AND POLICE RATES. The Court ordered a county rate of one penny and three-eighths, and a police rate of six-eighths of a penny in the pound. REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. Mr. William Wilde, inspector of weights and inea- sures for the Wrexham district, reported that during the past year he had visited the Wrexham, Ruabon, and Llangollen districts, and found a number of defective weights and scales, for which 68 persons were proceeded against, all of whom were convicted, the fines amount- ing to £)O 7s. 6d. He had also examined, stamped, and adjusted 608 lots of weights and measures, the stamping fees for which amount to £ 11 Is. 4d., making, with the fines, £71 8s. lOd. to the credit of the county. Several items of formal business were then transacted and the Court rose about five o'clock until the following day. TRIAL OF PRISONERS.-FRIDA Y. The Chairman, (T. Hughes, Esq., Ystrad), took his seat at ten o'clock. The other magistrates present were T. Ll. Fitzhugli, W. Low, and E. Evans, Esqrs. GRAND JURY. Mr. George Bate (foreman). Mr. A. W. Clark. Mr. T. H. Coleman, Hope-street. Mr. Thomas Cross, Hope-street. Mr. Hugh Davies, Hope-street. Mr. John Davies, Yorke-street. Mr. John Francis, Kings Mills. Mr. John Frimstol1.. Mr. Michael H. Gummow, Hightown. Mr. Thomas Jones, Erddig-road. Mr. Robert O. Jones, High-street. Mr, E. T. Jones, Gresford. Mr. Thomas Manley, Chester-street. Mr. Samuel Mason. Mr. John Mulligan, Borras. Mr. J. B. Murless, High-street. Mr. John Roscoe, Hightown. Mr. Edward Stokes Mr. John Williams, Town-hill. Mr. R. J. Williams, Bridge-street. The O HAIR MAN, in charging the Grand Jury, said he was happy to inform them that their duties would be very light, and would only detain them for a short time. He was pleased to say that the state of the county was satisfactory. In the county prison, which was now a Government prison and received prisoners from all parts, there were only 25 prisoners, all males and no juveniles from this county. He would draw their attention shortly to the late Acts relating to judicial matters. There was an important Act passed, by which power is given to magistrates to increase their jurisdiction, and that would decrease the business of Quarter Sessions. It would be a very useful Act. There was also another Act, by which it was intended to have a public prosecutor. This Act would come in power on the 1st of January, and by it a public prosector will be engaged and paid by the State, and by that means persons would not be able to withdraw from prosecu- tions, for it would IJe taken out of their hands. The other Act was for facilitating the analysis of food, and particularly that of milk, by which a policeman might go and purchase milk and other things for the purpose of analysing. Referring to the calander the Chairman said that there were only four charges, and they were all larceny cases. There was a woman in s custody on a charge of stealing a jacket. She had been in prison since July last, and so she would have been in prison for about three months. There had been no opportunity of trying her since, and if she was not con- victed it would be a great hardship, but it could not be helped. A man was on bail on a charge of stealing a crowbar under somewhat doubtful circumstances. It was for them to see if it was taken with any feloniou s intent. There was a still more serious charge against a woman on bail, that of stealing C15 from the person. He thought they would find no difficulty in this case. The remaining case was one which occurred on the previous Saturday night. A man was in custody for stealing a quantity of grapes from Cefn Hall, and was seen hawking them in Oswestry, but although the grapes could not be re- cognised, a blue apron covering the grapes had, how- ever, been recognised by the under gardener. The jury then retired to their room. The following counsel were in court—Mr. Ignatius Williams, Mr. D. A. V. Colt Williams, and Mr. Clevin Lloyd. THE CAIA FOOTPATH. Mr. Ignatius Williams applied for a confirmation of the report of Messrs. J. H. Ffoulkes and W. Low, on the proposed divergence of the footpath near the Caia Lane. It was granted. THE ALLEGED THEFT OF A CROWBAR. William Williams, keeper to Mr. Bishop, surrended his bail for having, at Ruabon, on the 25th day of July, 1879, stolen one iron crowbar, valued at 10s., the property of Joseph Williams. Mr. Colt Williams prosecuted, and Mr. Ignatius Williams defended. On the day in question the prisoner was sent to fetch a cart purchased by Mr. Bishop at a sale at Llewynonn Hall, and in bringing the cart also brought the bar. Mr. Williams, for the defence, called Dr. W. Jones, Messrs. E. T. Fitch, William Edwards, and J. Daniels, who spoke as to character, and after a short consultation the prisoner was discharged. STEALING CLOTHING. Bridget Welch, who pleaded guilty, was, for having at Llanfwrog, on the 28th day of July, 1879r stolen one jacket, belonging to one Margaret Jones, sentenced to one month with hard labour. BOBBERY FROM THE PERSON. Ruth Evaxs, on bail, was charged with having, at I Denbigh, oathe 11th day of August, 18'N¡. atole* from he person of Edward Williams, a bag, containg £15 s _0; or thereabouts, the monies, goods, and chattels of s ,he said Edward Williams. « Mr. Lloyd prosecuted, and produced witnesses to I irove that prisoner was in company of the prosecutor. A \.fter coming back he missed the money which was in < lis pocket. Mr. I. Williams defended, and called a number of witnesses, who proved that she was in other company 1 m the night in question. t The jury, after a short consultation, found the c prisoner guilty, and she was sentenced, to prison for c twelve months' with hard labour. j THE ROBBERY OF GRAPES. Thos. Jones was then put up for trial on a charge of stealing grapes from a vinery, the property of Sir W J H. Palmer. Mr. Ignatius Williams prosecuted. The prisoner was found guilty, and several previous < convictions being proved against him he was sentenced < to two years' imprisonment with hard labour, and two gears' police survillence.

THE WESLEYAN THANKSGIVING…

DENBIGH (BOROUGH.) i

ABERGELE. '

LLANRWST.

CERRIG-Y-DRUIDION.

,-ILLANGOLLEN.

LLANSILIN.

HOLT.

DENBIGH.

- RUABON.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

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