Wrexham Guardian

DENBIGH. The Denbigh Office of the NORTH WALES GUARDIAN is now at Albert Terrace, Vale-street (nearly opposite the Station-road). All communications addressed either to "The Reporter," or Mr. COTTOM byname will receive immediate attention. The paper is on sale at the shops of Messrs. J. DAVIES and W. A. NOTT, and at the Bookstall at the Station. CHTJUCH SUNDAY SCHOOLS.—On Monday next an effort will be made to increase the funds of the English and Welsh Sunday Schools, by means of an amateur concert to be given in the Assembly Rooms, and in which the following have consented to take part:—Miss Smart, Mrs. Griffith Roberts, Miss Gold Edwards, Miss Townshend, Miss L. Parry Jones, Mrs. Tyrer, Mr. Tyrer, Dr. W. F. Jones, Mr. P. P Pratt, Mr. H. R. Williams, Dr. LI. Jones, Mr. Richard Evans, and the members of the English Choir. The programme gives promise of a very enjoyable evening. INTERCESSION FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS.—In accord- ance with a request sent out by the Church Sunday School Institute, Sunday and Monday last were observed as days of prayer on behalf of Sunday Schools. On Sunday and Monday evenings there were tolerably large gatherings of the teachers of both schco's in the National Schoolroom. The meetings were conducted by the Rev. T. W. Vaughan. The Venerable Archdeacon Smart addressed the teachers upon weir privileges and duties, pointing out the mesns to be adopted to make their work a real success and a means of spiritual blessing to the scholars. Suitable hymns in Welsh and English were sung, and prayers offered fur the Divine bless- ing upon the Sunday Schools of the parish by the clergy and teachers present. The meetings were of an interesting and profitable kind. A DISGRACEFUL ROW.—On Wednesday, at the Borough Police Court, William Hughes, labourer, Abraham's-lane. was brought up in custody, having been apprehended under warrant, for creating a breach ot the peace. The Mayor (Alderman T. Gee). wa- in the chair, and, in the absence ot Borough Magistrates, two of the County Magistrates (Ca plain Wynne Griffith and Captain Mesham), sat wltn his Worship. Seigeant Lewis said that on the day in question, prisoner was drunk at nine o'clock in the morning on the Square, threatening Ann Davies, the woman he follows," and making use ot very bad language. All day long he was making a row, and about dark he had gathered a crowd of some 150 persons near the Big Chapei, where he had been lighting. He was a. well-known "corner man," ard he thought it right to summon him, but he absconded when the summons was our. P.C. Simpson corroborated this evidence, and said he found him fighting early in the morning and sent him heme. Ann Davies was anxious to give her testimony on behalf of defendant, but it did not avail much. It seemed that he had been con- victed 13 times previously. He was bound over for 12 months, himself in .£10 and two sureties in £10 each, or to be imprisoned for 12 months. As the sureties were not forthcoming nor likely to do so, defendant was removed in custody. DEAN BONNAR ON CHURCH EUILDING AND RE- STORATION.—On Sunday morning the very Rev. the Dean of St. Asaph, preached at St. iIa<Vs Church, Denbigh, in aid ot the Incorporated Church Build- ing Society and the St. Asaph Diocesan Church Building Society. Prayers were read by the Rev. T. W. Vaughan, and the lessons and the com- munion service by Archdeacon Smart. The Very Rev. Bonnar selected as his text, the 20th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles and the Mattel- part of the 35th verse :—" Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said it is more blessed to give than to receive." Having directed attention to the striking fact that comparatively very few experienced the blessedness here spoken of, he proceeded to shew that the largest gifts did not always ensure the richest blessing, for the rich often loct it whilst the poor secured it, as was proved by a reference to the widow's offering of the two mites, which was given in the true spirit of realising that All belonged to God." It was not the outward gift that God regarded but the offering of the heart, though, in the case of the true Christian the disposition of the heart would regu- late the amount of the gift. He laid it down as a principle, that an acceptable offering to God meant a sacrifice to the giver. He then proceeded to illustrate the close connection between prayer and praise and thanksgiving by the case of Cornelius, of whom it was said "Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God," and whose prayers and alms were the means of opening up the Gentile world to the preaching of Christ's gospel. He proceeded to shew the value of prayer and aims giving when combined, and to point out that the missionary annals of the Church gave abundant proof of the value and power of prayer combined with almsgiving one devoted Christian, though a bedridden invalid, having raised the funds for one of the missionary bishops. Having rebutted the .argument some persons used that there was no necessity for prayer, because God knew all that man needed or desired, the Dean set forth the special connection between almsgiving and prayer, and pointed out that St. Paul had enjoyed it as a special duty to be performed on the Lord's Day, and they had reason to believe that the offerings of the rich mingled with those of the poor, given in the Lord's House on His day, and presented to Him at His table, would bring a blessing to all alike. It was not intended that the weekly offertory should re- present all their gifts to God, but by it all had an opportunity of presenting their means to God, and they could not but believe that He sanctified the performance of that duty, carried out as it was in connection with prayer. He then proceeded to deal with the special object of his discourse. Ad- verting to the societies, on behalf of which he pi-eached, the Dean said that the Incorporated Societv is London assisted church building and re- storation in all parts of England and Wales, and had made grants in the diocese of St. Asaph during the last 40 years. With respect to the Diocesan Society he need only remind them of what it had done during the last 45 years. It had been instru- mental in aiding the building of 56 new churches, which was one-fourth of the whole number in the diccese. Many of those churches were centres of new parishes formed under the sanction of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and endowed by funds they provided. Then the Society had helped to rebuild 19 old parish churches, which had become delapidated and quite unfit for public worship, whilst the Society's funds had rendered aid to 86 more of those old parish churches which had been restored and made more suitable for the service of Almighty God. Another branch of work was that of contributing to the spread of church services and ordinances by the erection of 34 school chapels. It may be thought by some that the Church Building Society, having been engaged for the last 45 years in such a work must have nearly supplied all the requirements, but he assured them that there was still much to be done, there being even yet many parishes where the churches were unfit for the cele- bration of divine service. In that particular neigh- bourhood they were highly favoured by the num- ber of beautiful and well-appointed churches, by which they were surrounded, and in most cases a corresponding improvement had taken place in Church work, as was shown by increased congrega- tions and better tone and character of the services. The 'beautiful church in which they were then assembled, was a striking instance of the zeal and liberality which church restoration often called forth, and the large congregation and corresponding hearty service was an exemplification of the higher appreciation of the church service which generally accompanied the improvement cf the outward fabric. Many of those present would, doubtless, remember the time when the old Garrison Church," on the Castle Hill, was the only one in the town, and he trusted that he may be pardoned for reminding them that St. David's and St. Mary's Churches were indebted to the society for liberal aid. In 1841 the sum of .£400 was given as a grant towards the building of St. David's, and in 1870 the sum of .£150 was given towards St. Mary's. At the earlier date church building had only lust commenced, which accounted for the society being able to give so large a grant as that, but in the latter case the committee apportioned, as a grant for St. Mary's, as large a sum as the state of the funds would admit. The parish having thus been aided by the society he trusted that the words of the Lord Jesus Christ would not be considered inappropriate if he used them as an appeal unto them—"Freely ye have received, freely give." The offertory for the object named amounted to .£6 6s. 6d. CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE. A meeting of the Vale of Clwyd Chamber of Agri. culture was held on Wednesday, when Capt. P. P. Pennant presided, and there was a tolerably large attendance of members. i On the reading of the minutes, a long discussion took ( nlace as to the form of circular cards sent out referring ( to the unpaid subscriptions of members and it was agreed that special application be made to members in I arrear. ? PAPER ON AGRICULTURAL DEPRESSION. 1 Mr DANIEL ROBERTS, of Bathafarn farm, Ruthin, read a paper on agricultural depression, which was well c received by the Chamber. The following are the lead- STfeaturw of the paper:-After aomw preliminary 1 remarks, during which he regretted that some more able member had not taken up the subject he went on to say" Agricultural depression has been admitted by almost everybody, and I am afraid we have not seen the worst of it, and whoever lives a few years longer will better know its extent. The question is how are farmers driven to this position. It seems to me that it is caused by a conjunction of many things. Bad seasons, bad harvests, deficiency in the yield of the crops, which the farmer has no control over whatever. Again high rates such as poor rates, county rates, sanitary rates, school, district, borough, and highway rates. Land tax and tithe. All these rates have been growing every year, besides which some new office is created almost every year and some new officer wanted. All these rates we must pay and also the tithe. It seems to me that the tithe is 40 per cent too high. Last year for every £100 of the original valuation the farmer has paid £1117s.¡. over. This year only a few shillings less. When it would be a great deal more reasonable to be 30 per cent. under the original valuation, However, we must pay it right or wrong. I believe the basis they take to calculate the average price of corn is too high, for instance it was reported in Bell's Weekly Messenger last season that the barley at Reading fetched from 50s. to 52s. per quarter, when the best malting barley in the Vale of Clwyd has been sold at an average of 38s. to 39s. per quarter. The bulk of the barley from the Vale was sent to Burton last year, and of course it must be reported there at a much higher price than the farmers of the Vale could get for it. There is a great deal of expense on it and the dealers expect some profit; there- fore the price of the corn at the markets where they take the prices to make the average of the tithe is a deal higher than the price the farmers could get for it; according to that the farmer is obliged to pay for the tithe of his barley, say 48s. to 50s. per quarter, and sell it for 3fis. to 3Us. Now as to labour. Earl Beaconsfield says the wages have risen 40 per cent. during the.1ast 40 years. I believe he is rather under the mark, for it has raised here over 50 per cent. during the last 12 or "15 years or on arable farms more than 10s. per acre. All these rates, tithes, and wages the tenants must pay. Another cause of the de- pression is that the land is too highly rented. Many people say that it was the farmers' own fault that they gave so much rent. That may be true to some extent. I hold that a farmer, if he is worth the name of a farmer, has got some interest in the land for at least five or six years to come, that he has a portion of his capital in the land that he could not take with him in six months' notice. A man with a small cottage, with £3 or JS4 rent, will have six months' notice, which might be fair enough, but to think of a farmer of 200 acres having to have only six months' notice Is it fair and honest that the farmers be kept in this position these days ? Is it likely that a practical farmer will stand this unjust system long? I believe not. I have been some sort of a farmer on my own responsibility for 45 years, having had to take the management of a farm at fit teen years old. There was but very little work for the auctioneer in those (by-, <1;3 sales were very few and far between. Since then land has become to be sold, for many estates have been brought to the market i:i Denbighshire and Flintshire, and many .farms have been sold several times over, and generally bought by tradesmen, such as merchants, coal pro- prietors, brokers, and others. They are anxious for some land. They come to sales and buy the land, what- ever it cc-ts; then to make up for their ignorance and foolery they come to the tenant and say, "The farm cost me so much, and I shall want so much interest on my money I must raise the rent £40 or £:,)0." Now what can the tenant do under these circumstances ? He was already under notice to quit. Suppose the farm is 200 acres. Now, if he is only a middle-class farmer, I consider that he has got £500 or £(;00 invested in the land, which he could not at once get out of it. It is a very hard trial to the farmer. He has to choose be- tween two evils that is, whether he will pay £40 more rent ov leave the farm, and at the same time'leave £;-)00 or in it to the new tenant. I believe many have felt it to be a very hard trial. They say to the old tenant, "If you will not have it there are plenty that willand very often the landlord has some friends anxious for a residence in the country for amusement, and they don't care how much rent they give for it; hence they bid more than others to secure it. Often when they find themselves loosing money in two or three years they leave it, because they have another business to fall back upon. In cases like these many farmers cannot meet with a farm just at the time to meet his stock and circumstances, so to save selling his stock and turning out he is obliged to take the farm at the increased rent, although he knew at the time he could not live long in it. The result is those farmers are always on the look out for another farm, because they feel uneasy and di-con- tented, and we all know that farmers in that position will not improve the land nor themselves. Another cause of depression is foreign competition we have to compete with other countries, such as America, New Zealand, &c., where they get their land for nearly nothing no tithe, small rates, and small rent. The supply from those places has reduced the value of the produce of our land, such as wheat, cheese, mutton, butter, &c. ISow, if the supply from those countries effect a reduction in the value of the produce of our land, is it not at the same time reducing the value of land ? Who is to stand all this—the farmer, the land, or the landlord ? I have heard many times that the landlord and tenant ought to swim in the same boat. I don't know how to understand these words, unless they mean that the farmers and their children are to be like Gibeo;1ites, Hewers of wood and drawers of water." However, the farmers are already in the boat, and in the middle of the stream. Where are the landlords ? Will they not come and assist the farmers before they are drowned ? If they wont, they will perhaps repent when it is too late. They will have to tight their own battle when, perhaps, they cannot find anyone to assist them in the struggle. If they leave the present class of farmers to be driven to the wall before they do anything, they will find out their mistake. Many landlords in this country farm their own land, and have a bailiff to manage it. I ask do they get as much rent after paying the rates, tithes, taxes, and labour and interest as they derive out of their tenant I believe not; and if not, where would they go for it? The farmer must boirow or go to his capital, and by so doing he will drive himself to the wall very soon. Therefore, I maintain that the land- lord ought to bear the burden, and I am afraid the time will come when they must do so. I cannot see how the British farmer can, at the rent he has to pay these days, compete with American, New Zealand, Australian, and farmers of other countries, where the land is got for nearly nothing compared with us. The game grievance is another question 1 have not touched, and it is very annoying to the tenant farmer to find his landlord more willing to believe the keepers than the tenants, who have to work hard to make both ends meet. I believe that every straw and grain is truly due to the farmer, yet 1 others have liberty to keep stock on the farm in many, cases, and the farmers will have the honour of paying rent, &c., for what stock eat and spoil. As to the remedy for depression, it seems to me that almost every class of men—tradesmen of all sorts—consider them- selves capable to teach the farmer how to farm to the best advantage. I consider this advice just the same as if a farmer were to go to teach the watchmaker how to make a watch. Some advisers say-keep more fowls and lay more eggs. (Laughter). Others say—Turn everything into milk, then you will be right. (Laughter). Again we are told to sell our pianos and those kind of things. I do not expect much from such advice, nor much frorii legislation, unless something is done that will be a security to the farmer for his capital and outlay. (Hear, hear). The rents on grit to be reduced at from 10 to 50 per cent. There are some estates in North Wales on which the tenants could do as well with 10 per cent. reduction as others could with 40 or 50 per cent. There are many of those farms that have been sold now and then and have been advanced from 20 to 50 per cent. I believe the honour of driving the farmers into the position they are at present is due to those who we call cotton lords or small landlords. The tenant should have two years' notice instead of six months, and at the end of the two years the interest that the farmer might have in the land should be valued by a competent and practical man, one to be elected by the off-going tenant and the other by the landlord's in- coming tenant, with power to name an umpire. I maintain that some custom like that will benefit both tenant and landlord, and then there would be no need for the off-going tenant to drive the farm out of con- dition, for the better he does for the farm the more he will get at the valuation. I believe, too, that the land- lord will have a better class of farmers on their estates, because the farmers would have to bring down their money in hard cash and make things square with the old tenant. It will be better for the in-coming tenant because it will save him six or seven years' time spent in getting the farm to a proper condition at the cost or £600. Mr. Roberts closed by saying he hoped the paper would be thoughly discussed by the Chamber. A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Roberts 1 on the motion of the Chairman for his paper, which was ordered to be printed and circulated. BOROUGH MAGISTRATES' COURT. FRIDAY.—Before the Mayor (Alderman T. Gee), Capt. R. Lloyd Williams, and Mr. Thomas Evans. AN OLD HAND IN TROUBLE. John Davies, the Castle, well known in the court as addicted to drunkenness, was summoned for drunken and disorderly conduct. Defendant, who was evidently under the influence of drink, said his daughter had got into trouble, and it vexed him, and started him drinking. He was very sorry for it. The Bench said he was quite drunk now, and not in a fit state to say anything on the subject. Defendant said he was not drunk, but it was quite evident that he was, and Sergeant Lewis said that the man had been drinking for days, and there was no prospect of his getting sober unless detained. The Bench ordered defendant to be detained in custody until sober, when the charge would be heard against him. At a subsequent period the charge was heard, and John, in a pathetic style, wept to the Bench, and vowed he would turn teetotaler; but the Bench did not appear to place much reliance on John's promises, but, considering his many other good qualities, and with a view of giving him another chance, only fined him 10s. and costs, or 14 days. SCHOOL BOARD CASES. Ann Jones, Henllan-street, was summoned for neglect ing to comply with an order made upon her to send her ihild to school. Mr. Jones, school inspector, proved out of 48 times the school was open, the child attended twice. Adjourned for a month, as there were aeculiar circumstances about the case, and if not sent to ichool, the Bench resolved that it should go to an ndustrial school. John Hughes, Abraham's-lane, was up on a smilar iharge. It seemed that the boy attended very badly ndeed, and the father made all sorts of excuses for the ad, though be said that he tried his best to get him to ] school. It was agreed that the case be adjourned for arrangements to be made to send the boy to an industrial school. HIGHWAY OFFENCE. David Williams, Gwaenynog, was charged with riding on a cart without reins attached to the horses on the road to Trefnant. Fined Is. and 8s. costs. WARRANTS ISSUED. Robert Roberts, Panton Hall, summoned for being drunk, failed to appear, and his mother said that he would not come and she could not induce him to do so. Warrant issued, and also for the apprehension of Thos, Jones and William Hughes, Henllan-street, who had failed to appear to summonses. THRASHING A WORKMEN. Abel Roberts, tailor Beacon's Hill, was charged with assaulting Henry Jones, of Bangor, but residing at Beacon's Hill, Denbigh. Complainant, a youth, said he was working for de- fendant, and used to work very late at nights. One evening he went home and went to bed. He took a candle with him and a paper. When defendant came to bed he entered his room—he slept in the workroom— and took the candle away without saying a word. Subsequently he heard defendant say to his wife 1£ I catch that lad taking a candle again, I'll throw him out through the window. Complainant called out If you would have told me to put the candle out 1 would, but you won't have the chance to throw me through the window for I'll be off." Defendant then rushed into his room, caught him by the throat, held him on the bed choking him, and began to beat and kick him. Mrs. Roberts came to part them and she also struck him. Defendant tried to throw him down stairs, said if it was not for the law, he would put the scissors through him, and as he was going out at the door de- fendant knocked him on the head. On getting out of the house he, complainant (who is about half the size of defendant), called to defendant to come out of the house and beat him where the public could see, and not do it in the house. He went to the police station and told the police, showing them the marks of defendant's blows on his face and head. Mrs. Roberts came tnere and wanted the police to lock complainant up on a charge of being drunk, but they refused, and said her husband ought to be ashamed of beating the lad as he had done. Defendant cross-examined the complainant with a view of showing that the latter was reading in bed, and that he was insolent and began to abuse defendant and tried to choke him. P.C. Simpson said, at 11.30, complainant came to the police station crying, and said defendant had beaten him very much. One side of his face appeared as if it had been beaten and scratched, and the mark of a blow on his head. Mrs. Roberts came to the police station and said that the lad was drunk, and had been making a row. The youth was not drunk however, but was quite sober. Mrs. Roberts admitted to him (witness) that Roberts had beaten the boy, and she took him away and gave the lad a slap on the face herself she also ad- mitted that her husband threatened to put the com- plainant through the window. In re-examination, P.C. Simpson said that Mrs. Roberts said she had taken her husbnnd off the com- plainant she did not admit that her husband beat him exactly, but said she told him not to abuse the lad. P.C. Wynne had a conversation with the woman, but he was away and could not be called. Defendant argued that he took the candle away be- cause the lad was reading in bed and it was dangerous, and he had before cautioned him. The lad was abusive, and after he threatened to put him through the window, the lad determined to go away that night, and he only interfered to prevent it. He denied the assault. Mrs. Roberts said when she heard the scuiile be- tween complainant and defendant she rushed out of bed, got her husband away from comiilainant, and struck the youth on the face. She declared that the lad had told her that he had had six glasses of beer with some friends that night. Outside the house complainant called them all kinds of bad names. They took com- plainant in because he pretended to be religious. After a Ion- contention with complainant and this witness, John Humphreys was called, but he could only say what he saw outside the house, and did not see the assault at all. The Bench thought defendant had been provoked by seeing complainant reading in bed, but considered the assault proved. Considering all the circumstances, they 'fined defendant 2s. Gel. and 10s. (id. costs. Defendant asked if he could have a summons against complainant for calling him names, and attributing dis- honest principles to him. The Bench thought he would find, on consideration, it was not worth his while doing so, but he could if he wished. COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. WEDNESDAY.—Before Captain "Wynne Griffith, in the chair; Captain A. Mesham, and Rev. R. ll. Howard. ALLEGED POACHING SECURING NETS AND SNARES. Wm. Jones, Henllan-street, shoemaker, and Robert Jones, labourer, Henllan-street, were charged by P.C. Wm. Evans, with being in the possession of snares and nets for the purpose of killing game. Mr. Thomas Foulkes appeared for the defendant, Robert Jones. P.C. Evans said on the 10th October he met both defendants going to Pont Newydd between six and seven in the morning. Robert Jones ran away. Went to Wm. Jones who said he was going to Cefn." Defendant Don't tell lies man Witness said he believed he had been there too often. Found ten nets and 20 snares, four of the latter having been used that morning, and on being told he would be summoned he said he had leave to go to Nant. Defendant Win. Jones created much noise and excite- ment by protesting that the officer was telling lies in saying that he said he was going to Cefn he declared thit everybody in court knew that the officer was telling lies, He was at length prevailed upon to ask questions and not make noisy speeches. Jonathan Hall, gamekeeper to Mr. Griffith, cor- roborated the statement of the officer. Mr. Foulkes contended that the case must fail, as it had not been proved that the men "were coming from land" in accordance with the Act, and a witness was called to prove giving them leave to go on his farm to get rabbits. In reply to the Bench, the officer said the reason he searched the men was that he knew they were notorious poachers having known the former as such 20 years. There had been eight previous convictions against Wm. Jones under the Poaching Acts, and 16 previous convictions against Robert Jones under the Act since 1800. They were therefore fined i;5 and 13s. Gd. costs each, or two months' hard labour, and the nets were burnt in Court. Wm. Jones said it was a scandalous shame." A ROW WITH WOMEN. Charlotte Evans was summoned by Mary Roberts, to find sureties of the peace. The women are neighbours at Pont Newydd, and the defendant made use of filthy language to the other, but she declared the fault was the complainant's. Defendant's husband was bound over in the sum of £3 for six months, and pay lis. costs. ACTION AGAINST A HIGHWAY OVERSEER. Mr. Henry Joyce, jeweller. Denbigh, summoned Mr. Win. Pickstone, Maesmynan, overseer of the Aber- wheeler township, for allowing the road to be out of repair. Mr. J. P. Lewis was for complainant, and Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts for defendant. Mr. Joyce stated that on September 27th, he was travelling in his pony trap from Denbigh, on the high- road from Denbigh to Mold. It was about 7.15 in the evening. After passing the Four Crosses they overtook two timber waggons. They passed one all right, and the second man drew up as near as possible to the left hand side of the road to let him pass. In doing so the right hand wheel of the trap sank into a hole about 15 inches deep, and which got gradually deeper. He was thrown out of the trap, and that saved the trap from going over. The hole was about midway between the Four Crosses and Maesgnynan Gate, about 420 yards from the latter. A discussion arose as to whether the spot in question was in the Denbigh Petty Sessional Division, or in the Caerwys (Flintshire) Division. Mr. R. H. Roberts, for defendant, contending that this bench had no jurisdic- tion but that the case ought to have been taken to Caerwys. The exact spot was shown to the Bench on the map, and the Clerk said that the whole of Aberwheeler was in this petty sessional district. The Bench took that view, and thought that it heirv in the county of Denbigh was proof that it should not go to the Caerwys Sessions. Mr. Joyce added that he was much shaken by the fall, and his trousers completely torn off his leg. Mr. J. Lewis, auctioneer, was with him, and present in court to give evidence. Mr. R. H. Roberts admitted that the road was in the state described, but urged that it was caused by the recent floods, and that the harvest operations being on, it was impossible to repair it before, but that it had'now been repaired. The Bench said there was the fact that the floods occurred on the 15th August, whilst this accident oc- curred on September 27th, six weeks afterwards. Mr. Pickstone was called, and at some length bore out the view of the case indicated in Mr. Roberts' ad- dress, and said that the road had been repaired this week. It had been impossible to do it before, because of the harvest, and the roads had suffered terribly from the floods. He thought there was plenty of room to pass without gfling into the hole, which was the place they generally kept the stone in. The Rev. R. H. Howard said it was quite unjustifi- able that the road should have been allowed to remain in that way without having had so much as a load of stones thrown into it. Eventually, in accordance with the Highway Act, the justices adjourned the case to next special sessions, to give them an opportunity of inspecting the road.

RUTHIN. HARTEST FESTIVAL.—Services of thanksgiving were held yesterday (Friday) in the parish church, Llanbedr, when sermons were preached in the afternoon, in English, by the Rev. H. Humphreys, M.A., rector of Henllan, and in the evening, in Welsh, by the Rev. David Jones, vicar of Dyserth. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Monday, a labourer, aged 38, employed on the Nantclwyd estate, named Edward Jonea, and residing at Tynypant. Llan- elidan, was taken ill and died suddenly at his work. It appeared that Dr. W. Jones, of Corwen, had been attending the man for heart disease. The case was duly reported by P.C. Hughes, Llanfair, to the proper quarter, but an inqueat was not accessary. t BOARD OF GUARDIANS. MONDAY.—Present Mr. W. Pickstone, vice-chair- man, presiding; Messrs. R. G. Johnson and J. F. Jesse, ex-officios; H. Powell Jones, W. Davies, Llysfasi, T. Parry, Llanarmon. FINANCE. The statement shewing the amount of call due was presented to the Board, the amout being dE448 in Ruthin district, of which £98 was paid, leaving £350 unpaid. In Llanrhaiadr district the call was of which nine parishes had paid £285, leaving £67 unpaid by two parishes. Out-relief for the fortnight JE91 Is.; cheques issued for £90; balances on all accounts, £633 18s. lOd. BURIAL OF INDOOR PAUPERS. Mr. Richard Jones, Eagles Inn, Ruthin, had tendered to the Board for the burial of indoor paupers providing hearse, four bearers, &c., necessary for such funeral. After discussion it was agreed to pay him 18s. for each at funeral at Ruthin, Llanbedr, Llanrhydd, Llanfwrog, and Llanfair, that price to include four bearers, and 22s. for each funeral in the other 16 outlying parishes. The tender was accepted. THE HOUSE. The Master (Mr. Isaac Williams) reported the num- ber of inmates in the House to be 75 against 72 on the corresponding day last year. Vagrants relieved during the fortnight, 51. There was no other business excepting the examina- tion of the relief lists.

CEERIG-Y-DRUIDION. REDUCTION IN RENT.—A few years ago, when a season of depression passed over the agricultural interests of this country, the late Mr. John Lloyd, J.P., Plas Isa, Corwen, showed his sympathy with his. tenants on hie Llangwm estate by remitting a portion of their rents. We a.re exceedingly glad to hear that his son, Mr. Alfred Lloyd, imitates his father's example, and has, through his agent, Mr. W. G. Williams, signified his intention to allow his tenants 10 per cent, off their rents at the next audit at Christmas to help them to tide over this trying year. Should good times again return, the Llan- gwm farmers will not grudge their landlord his full rent ufter experiencing his practical sympathy in. their adverse seasons,

CORWEN. PROPOSED SHEEP DOG TRIALS.—We understand that it is the intention of some of our leading towns- men to try and get "sheep dog trials" held at Corwen in tuo or three weeks' time. A meeting for that purpose was recently held at the Harp Ian. Mr. H. was appointed secretary pro. tern. Messrs. Evan Davies Harp, John E,-ans, iron- monger, E. Sharp, auctioneer, and J. Hughes, Eagles, wore appointed canvassers. Mr. T. H. Price was appointed treasurer. POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS.— The first of a series of these entertainments was given at the British School on Friday evening. Oct. 17, Eeyr Alwen in the chair. Mr. E. James, solicitor, and Mr. Horatio E. Walker were also on the platform. A varied programme was gone through. The singers were Eos Merion, Mr. K Williams, Mr. Ellis Edwards, ard Miss A. J. Williams. Recitations and readings were given by Messrs*. L. Williams, David Williams, E. 0. Davies and R. E. Davies. Competitions in reading and spelling also took place, and a prize was given to "Ab Alwen" for the best speech on Depression of Trade, in which an attack on the Government- was made. A vote of thanks to the Chairman was proposed by Mr. James and seconded by Mr. Walker, acd carried rdth applause.

HOLT AND FARNDON. RAILWAY MEETING. A meeting was held in the large room of the Gredington Arms, Holt, on Friday afternoon last, to take into consideration the best means of obtaining railway com- munication with Chester and Wrexham, or with both. Amongst those present were The Hon. Geo. Kenyon, the Vicar of Holt (Rev. R. H. Grey), Mr. Evan Morris (Wrexham), Mr. Gilbert Parry (Farndon), Mr. T- Jones (Rose Villa, Farndon), Mr. Geo. Dutton (Castle Cottage, Holt), Mr. S. Harrison (Ebenezer Cottage), Mr. Peter Mitchell (Holt Hall), Mr. C. K. Jones (Post. office), Mr. Wm. Smith (Mill Mount), Mr. Rhymer (solicitor, Holt), Mr. James Williams, &c. The Vicar of Holt was elected chairman. In opening the meeting, the Rev. CHAIRMAN said he thought all understood the purpose of their meeting there. It had been the general wish of the neighbour" hood for some time that they should have a railway to connect them with the outer world. Two or three schemes had been proposed in times past, all of which had fallen through, principally, he thought, because of the apathy of the people. (Hear, hear). Two or three points struck him, which he was of opinion should be settled as preliminaries. First of all, were Holt and Farndon to work together in this matter? The in- terests of the two places were identical, and which- ever side of the river the line may come, or whichever the stationmay Le, the only separation would be the bridge. (Hear, hear). He hoped they would have no rival scheme, and if such were at all likely it would be well for them to postpone that meeting and ask Farndon to join them. (Applause). Unfortunately they were between two great companies, and neither of them could be expected to take the smallest interest in either Holt or Farndon, and if anything was to be done they would have to show the companies that they could make a profit out of it. (Hear, hear). For himself he believed that if a line was made economically, and put in connection with either of the two great railways, there would be a very fair prospect of it paying a reasonable dividend. (Hear, hear, and applause). A great deal of produce went out of Holt and Farndon, and the river made these places very desirable localities, and he quite believed that in a few years' Lime a great deal of 'building would take place. What they had to do that day was to discuss the matter, and endeavour to find out first of all what it was they wanted, and then the best way to obtain it. A gentleman was present who coukltell them the result of an anplication which had been made to the London and North Western Railway asking them to join their line from Broxton to Chester. The application was favourably received at first, but after a survey they declined to have anything to do with it. He had heard another reason why they would find a difficulty in passing along that side of the river. There may not be much truth in it, but it was this that the Duke of Westminster was opposed to a line running near Eaton Hall. With these few remarks he would leave the question in their hands. (Applause). The Hon. GEORGE KENYON, who was received with applause, said that both personally and as a representa- tive of Lord Kenyon's estate, he took a great interest in the question before them—(applause)—because a rail- way which would benefit the people of Holt would probably benefit himself and the estate of which he was trustee. However, independently of either of these considerations, he may say that anything which would tend to the prosperity of Holt he should be most glad to support. (Applause). He thought the best thing to do was to appoint a committee to take the matter into consideration, and to wait upon some of the principal railway companies and see whether some scheme could not be devised by which something may be done. He was of opinion that something may be done through the agency of Sir Watkin, who was one of the directors of the Great Western Railway and he was sure he would further any scheme which would tend to the prosperity of Holt or Farndon. (Hear, hear). The line which he thought may be most easily made would be in the shape of a loop line between Wrexham and Chester running into the North Western between Broxton and Chester. Such a loop would bring them into communication with Chester and Wrexham. He thought some such scheme may be devised, and that the landowners may be induced to take an interest in the question and part with their land at a reasonable price—(hear, hear)— which he thought they ought to do. He quite believed the line would pay a satisfactory dividend. Whatever plan was devised he should be very glad to give it his countenance and support, and he would do what he could to induce Mr. Leech to help them if they should decide on passing through any of his land. (Hear, hear and applause. Mr. S. HARRISON said that some time ago the ground was surveyed for a line from Chester to Ireland through Holyhead; another from Chester and Ireland through Pont y Llan and Pwllheli. At the present time, one of the greatest company's was shut up in Chester, and could not get out, because the Admiralty objected to a bridge over the Dee. The company he referred to was the Midland and Great Northern. No doubt these companies wanted to get a line direct from London to Ireland, and he thought they may get out of all their difficulties if they passed through Holt. Mr. T. JONES said he was of opinion that a line through Holt would be a paying one. (Hear, hear). Anyone who knew Holt and Farndon must admit that there existed in these some very beautiful building sites, especially on the Cheshire side of the (Hear, hear). The other day a Wrexham tradesman said to him that when there was a railway between Wrexham and Holt, he should build a villa in the latter place or in Farndon. He believed Farndon was the finest place for many miles around for building sites. In conclu- sion, he proposed that a committee, consisting of five gentlemen from Holt and five from Famdon, be ap- pointed to consider the best means to obtain railway communication between Holt and Farndon and Chester and Wrexham. Mr. S. HARRISON seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. The following were appointed to represent Holt:— The Hon. Geo. Kenyon, the Vicar of Holt, Mr. Geo. Dutton, Mr. William Baker, and Mr. P. Mitchell. Mr. Gilbert Parry was asked to call a meeting in Farndon, which he undertook to do. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting.

ULANGOLLEN. SHFEP DOG TRIALS. Highly satisfactory and successful trials of sheep dogs were on Saturday held on Llandyn farm, near Llan- gollen. The trials, which were under the patronage of Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., M.P., who, as was announced at the dinner, would have been present but that he was d etained by a sprained ankle, took place in a field the incline of which forms part of the hill crowned hV Crow Castle. The field was well adapted for the puvpose, and the dogs were said by gentlemen qualified to speak on the subject, to be some of the best that had ever been got together. The trials were favoured with the most suitable weather, which must have contributed in a material degree to the collection of 700 or 800 spectators. Amongst the early arrivals on the field was the genial president, Captain Best, R.N. Too much praise cannot be given to Mr. New- bery, the honorary secretary, for the efforts which he has not spared in his desire to make the trials a success, and it is satisfactory to know that his expectations were realized in the result of Saturday's trials. The judges on Saturday were—Mr. John Roberts, Bacheirig, near Ruthin; Mr. Edward Roberts, Vronhyfryd; and Mr. Richard Roberts, Borras, Wrexham; the field stewards- Mr. William Jones and Mr. P. Parry; and the pen stewards—Mr. Richard Edwards and Mr. John Edwards. The local stakes commenced about half-past nine, and the performances of the dogs were throughout satisfactory. The course for the local stakes lay from the first pen up the incline through a string of trees, inclining afterwards to the left hand, and leading through* a gap in an awkward angle, which gave most of the dogs considerable trouble, on to and along the ridge of a small hill until they arrived opposite to a gap leading into the field from which they originally started, and concluded by bringing their sheep into a pen on the left of the same field. Mr. D. Roberts's "Jerry" brought his sheep down from the crest of the hill very well, but the stumbling block to him, as to most of the dogs, was the final penning. Mr. E wart's Blythe did his work in less time than any other dog in the stakes, having penned them in nine minutes. "Blythe" and "Toss," the winner of the stakes, and another of Mr. Ewart's dogs, were both re- markably obedient to their master. The winner of the third prize, Mr. Rutherford's Wait" did his work in a most pleasing manner. His time was very good, as he brought the sheep down to the final pen in a little over eight minutes and his movements gained the admira- tion of the spectators. The winner of the second prize, Mr. Rutherford's "Don," did his work throughout, with the exception of one or two obstructions, nicely and quietly, and penned his sheep in ten minutes. After going through a variety of evolutions on the crest of the hill, Toss brought his sheep down to the final pen in eight minutes. Once^or twice the dog passed between his master and the sheep, a mistake a dog ought to be taught to avoid. It completed its work in twelve and a half minutes. Mr. Armstrong's "Sam" did his work very well, Mr. John Jones' Boy commenced opera- tions very satisfactorily by getting his sheep on to the I crest of the hill in two minutes, and when there the r sheep perversely went below the flags. "Boy" com- pleted his work in fourteen minutes. In the Cambrian Stakes the work of the dogs was somewhat heavier. The starting point was in the centre of the field, and the dog's work was first to find his sheep, which were in another field to the left, bring them through a gap into the field from which lie started, take them through the gap on the left leading on to the little hill, along the crest of the hill in the reverse direction to that which the dogs in the previous stakes went, through another gap into the first field, and down the right side to the final pen. Some of the performances in these stakes were excellent, although the number of disqualiifcations were rather high. The winner of the first prize, Mr. Itice's "Bob," although he failed to pen his sheep at first, did its work in a very quiet manner, cantering cooly round the course and encountering only one or two slight difficulties. The following were the entries :— THE LOCAL STAKES, for dogs whose owners reside in the district of the Llangollen Agricultural Society. Entrance, 5s. First prize £ 7, second ditto £ 3, third ditto £ 1. Toss—Mr. James Ewart, Eglwyseg, black and tan, 4 years 0 Don—Mr. Rutherford, Maes Maelor, black and white, 5 years 2 Wait—Mr. Rutherford, Maes Maelor, black and white, 18 months 8 Boy—Mr. John Jones, Penlan, Llangollen, black and tan, 6 years h c Jerry—Mr. D. Roberts, Maesgwyn, Bryneglwys, black, tan, and white, 21 months o Blythe-llr. James Ewart, Eglwyseg, black and tan dog, j: 4 years 0 Tweed—Mr. David Hughes, Ty-newydd, iryueghvys, black and tan, 18 months o Ely—Mr. Meredith Jones, Eglwyseg, mottled bitch, 10 months g Fan—Mr. M. Jones, Eglwyseg, black and white, 6 years. 0 Sam—Mr. "VV. O. Armstrong, Eglwyseg, black and tan, 3 years 0 THE CAMBRIAN STAEEH (open to the world). Entrance, 10s. First prize zE12, second ditto e5, third ditto i2. Bob—Mr. Itice, Dolelfe, Rhayader. black and tan dog 1 Don Mr. Rutherford, Maes Maelor, black and white dog, 5 years g Ilandy-llr. Robert Roberts, Harod-y-gareg, Pentrevoelas, black and tan bitch, 9 years 3 Boy—Mr. JoLu Jones, Pmlan, Llangollen, black and tan, years h c Carlo—Mr. William Evans, BIae:i-y-cocd, Yspvtt-y, Llano rwst, black dog, 3 £ years Q Rough—Mr. Vaac Jones, T.v-glas, Llangynog, brown dog, 7 years; on sale £ 5 Q Handy-Ir. Robert Jones, Elwynllwydyn, Llanuwclillyn, black and tan, 2 years and 4 months. 0 Sam—Mr. Robson, H ifod, Minera, black and white dog, 3 years Q Jenny—Mr. David Rowlands, Hendre Mawr, Llanuwcli- llyn, black and tan bitch, 11 months 0 Jolly Mr. "W. H. Brodiaen, Garthie, Llandrillo, black and tan dog, 3 years Q Handy—Mr. John Jones, Caegwyn, Pentrevoelas, black and white bitch, it years. 0 Sweep—Mr. George Thompson, Cilcen, Mold, black dcg. 0 Tweed—Mr. James Thompson, near Bala, black and tan dog, 4 years 0 Toss—Mr. William Dunn, Rhydtalog, Mold, black and tan bitch, years 0 Rover—Mr. Hugh Jones, Llanfairfechan, black and tan, 5 years; on sale, £7 r 0 Toss—Mr. Ewart, Eglwyseg, black and tan, 4 years 1 Shank—Mr. W. N. Brodie, Garlhiacn, Llandrillo, red and white, 7 years Q Handy—Mr. John Jones, Gydros, Cerrigydruidion, black and tan, 2A years 0 Fan—Mr. M. Jones, Eglwyseg, black and white, 6 years. 0 Sam—Mr. W. O. Armstrong, Eglwyseg, black and tan, 3 years 0 After the sports an excellent dinner was provided at the Royal Hotel, Llangollen, by Mr. and iNIrs. New- bery, over which Captain Best presided. There were also present Mr. G. Osborne Morgan, Q.C., M.P., Mr. S. G. Fell, Dr. Edwards, Cerrigydruidion, Mr. Stanhope Bull, Captain T. R. Parry, Messrs. LI. Kenrick, Wynn Hall, J. W. Tanqueray, Hughes Orog Hall, Jones, Erwen, P. H. Minshall, Hughes, Glan- dwr, E. Griffith, Chirk, David Roberts, Coed Pal, J. E. Jones, G. Rowlands, Henry Hughes, William Hughes, Foundry, T. Davies, R. Edmunds, Llandyn, Clough, solicitor, Corwen, Kirkham and Parker, Chirk, Edwards, Sun Inn, Trevor, R. T. Jones, surveyor, Hughes, Victoria Brewery, Fardoe, Vivod. J. A. Jones, Corwen, White, Vivod, Roberts, Borras, Wrbxham, Roberts, Bacheirig, Ruthin, Edward Evans, chemist, Llangollen, E. Roberts, Fronhyfryd, Chambers, Llan- gollen, ). Llangollen, J. Brummeth, Rhfig, Edward Jones, Corwen, T. H. Jones, Corwen, J. Mapp, Bridgnorth, J. Roberts, wool merchant, Hall, Kirk, James, Freeine, Flint, &c. The CHAIRMAN afterward* proposed the toast of the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family. Dr. EDWARDS, Cerrigydruidion, said he had attended every dog show that had taken place in North Wales for seven or eight years-since sheep dog trials had been instituted-and of all, he thought that those they had had day were undoubtedly the best. The committee had given the dogs rather an unnatural course, but at the same time he did not think he had ever seen a better one than that course might be converted into. He thought the show they had that day had been one of the best he had ever seen, as far as the class of dogs went. He concluded by proposing "Success to the Show," to which Mr. EDWARD ROBERTS responded. The CHAIRMAN said that that was not a political meeting in any sense of the word he hoped, but they had among them that day one of the members for the county—he- sincerely regretted that they had not both of them present. Sir Watkin meant to have been pre- sent, but was prevented by his ancle being very bad, and he was confined to a sofa, but he had written to the ohairman, asking him to apologise for him. Still they had Mr. Osborne Morgan, and although they did not allow him to speak on political mattern-though he should not like to hear him speak on political matters— (laughter)—he told them candidly that he did not think Mr. Osborne Morgan was at all a good speaker on political niatters-(Iaughter)-still.. he (the chairman) thought that he was-a very good speaker on things of the day—dog shows, agricultural shows, &e. (Laughter). The toast was received with mmical hmours. Mr. G. OSBORNE' MORGAN, M.P., in responding, said he did so with feelings of the deepest modesty and self abasement after what the Chaimian had said. (Laughter). He could only tell them that he thaaked them not only on behalf of himself, but of his colleague, and he was glad to say that Sir Watkin was getting better. To speak: for himself lie was sure it was the greatest possible pleasure to him.,to,comeamongst.them, to see their excellent sheep dog trials which had been the very best he had seen in fie country. Though he was not at liberiy to touch on political subjects,. he was told that he might speak as much as he liked on sheep dbg trials, &c. He might tell them that the first speech ne ever made irv the House of, Commons was on sheep dogs, and that was in favour of removing tha- duty off sheep dogs. It might have been a very good speech, but whether id was the fault of his speech or not, the present Government raised the tax. He hoped that they would support him as much as they coald in trying to take off the tax on sheep dogs.—[SeveraJ gentlemen said there was no tax on, sheep dogs.]—Mr. Mosgan continued Then, he thought, that that raaast have been the result of his speech. (Laughter). He thanked them all, but he would not put his foot 1:) it again, and he hoped that when the opportunity casae, they would all remember that he did his best to Sake the tax off sheep dog3. (Cheers). Mr. OSBORNE MORGAN, M.P., in proposing Chairman, said he was going to ask Shem to drink to tiie health of their excellent Chairman. He (Mr. Morgan) was one of those who liked the best of everything. They had had a very good sheep dog trial and a good dinner, but the Best was the Chairman. (Laughter.) The toast was received with musical honours. The CHAIRMAN, in responding, thanked Mr. Morgan for the manner in which he had proposed his health, and them for the manner in which they had received it. He did not think, of course, that he deserved all Mr. Morgan had said, but it was the usual thing on those occasions. At th-e same time he would thank them for coming there in such strong numbers. He thought the sheep dog trial?; had been well started. On Saturday night there wa.s a toast on board ship, that was always proposed thfjy never ommitted o,n Saturday evenings to drink th« toast of "Sweethearts and Wives," He would propose "Sweethearts and Wives," God bless them. Mr. HALL proposed the health of Mr. Newbery, which was received with musical honours. Mr. NEWBERY, in returning thanks, said that they bad worked the trials up that year in a thoroughly good manner. Bala had formerly had some of the best of sheep dog trials, and he then wanted Llangollen to take its place. He wanted also to see a club formed that should hold annual trials. Mr. GRIFFITH, Chirk, proposed "The Town and Trade of Llangollen," coupling with it the name of Mr. EDWARD ROBERTS, who responded. Other toasts were given before the company separated.

MALPAS. PARISH CHURCH HARVEST: HANKSGIVINGs.-The annual services for tha safe gathering of the harvest were held in the above church on Sunday last. The east end of the church was nicely decorated with corn, ferns, flowers, grapes, &o. The service commenced by singing the 223rd hymn, Come, ye thankful people, corn p." Tne prayers were said by the Rev. C. W. Cox. The special psalms were 105 and 144. The first lesson was read by the Rev. the Hon. W. T. Kenyon, and the second by the Rev. C. W. Cox. The anthem on this occasion was one of Mr. Bernard Farebrother's H 0 give thanks unto the Lord," in G; also hymn 227 was sung, Wnat our Father does is A. M. The sermon was preached by the Rev. C. W. Cox from psalm 103, v. 3. The evening service was as usual choral, and was opened by the singing of hymn 223; the service taken was Tallis in G., and special psalms 145 and 146. The prayers were again read by the Rev. C. W. Cox the first lesson was read by the Rev. Mr. Salt, and the second by the Rev. and Hon. W. T. Kenyon. The anthem was the same as taken in the morning, the other hymns being 360 and 224. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Lee, vicar of Hanmer, from Job 2cl, v. 1. A collection was made after each service, which amounted to .£5 12s. 11., to be handed over to the funds of the Chester Infirmary.