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HINTS AND COMMENTS.

WREXHAM TOWN COUNCIL.

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WREXHAM TOWN COUNCIL. The last meeting of the present Town Council was held in the Chambers on Tuesday last. All the mem- bers were present, viz., the Mayor, Alderman J. C. Owen, Alderman Smith and Alderman Lloyd; and Councillors S. T. Baugh, G. Bradley, J. Oswell Bury, J F. Edisbury, Walter Jones, Richard Jones, John Jones, T. Roberts, W. Samuels, W. Sherratt, and J. Williams. THE STEAM ROLLER. Mr. JOHN JONES. on the reading of the minutes, asked the Council to reconsider the matter of the new roller, on the grounds that a number of people outside were opposed to the purchase, and also that the roller would prove to be a toy which would be put aside in a After a discussion, in which several expressed their opinion that to reconsider the matter after the roller had been ordered, and probably on the road, would be to stultify themselves, a motion of the Mayor's that the Clerk endeavour to get the maker to send it for a month on trial, was lost by eight to five. THE LOAN FOB WORKS OF PAVING. On the reading of the minutes of the General Pur- poses Mr. SHERRATT objected to the resolution to the Iffect that the £ 4,000 for works of paving be borrowed from the Provincial Insurance Company, believing that it was not a business-like way to alter the decision of the Council on the opening of the tenders. After an explanation of the advantages of the altera- tion, and the circumstances in connection with it, Mr. SHERRATT expressed himself satisfied. THE LIBRARY BATE. The rateable value of Wrexham Regis for the pur- ooses of a library rate, were proved by the collector to Wrexham Abbot £7,846. The acquisi- tion of the Town Hall for the purposes of the library was also confirmed, and the rate ordered. THE QUALIFICATION OF MB. OSWELL BURY. Mr BRADLEY said some remarks had been made out- side in regard to Mr. Oswell Bury's nomination, and he would ask the Town Clerk if the fact of the omission of Mr Oswell Bury's name from the burgess roll affected the legality of his unopposed election for the NorthWard? The TOWN CLEBK said one important feature M the matter was that no objection was taken when the nomination was produced before the deputy mayor. No objection could now be taken except by the candidate for the same post, so that until Mr. Bury's seat was questioned in a court of law his seat was" well filled," and he was a legal councillor. Besides, even if objection had been taken and prevailed at the deputy mayor's meeting Mr. Bury still remained the only person nominated for his ward, and as there was no one else to occupy his office he, as the late member, must sit again. THE COAL BELL NUISANCE. Mr WALTER JONES called attention to what he termed the intolerable nuisance of the coal bells. (Hear, hear). Sometime ago, he said, the Clerk was of opinion that the Councilhad no locus standi. He had, how- ever since called the Town Clerk's attention to a case heard in one of the Courts of Law, from which the Clerk was of opinion that they had power to take proceedings. He then read the case. The proceedings < appeared to have been taken under 14th hub. Sec. of the Metropolitan Police Act, and Mr. J AilE said the 1 same Act was in force in the borough. Eventually it j was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the j Clerk, and if he found they could proceed legally they would do so. j THE NEW PAVEMENTS. I The mortgage of the rates for £2.000 (first instalment j of £4,000), to be borrowed of the Provincial Insurance Society, for improving the public paths, was ther ordered to be prepared and signed. THE NEW TOWN CLERK. The TOWN CLERK then read the applications which had been received in answer to an advertisement in the newspapers for a Town Clerk, who should fill the office on the same terms and conditions as at present existing. The first application was from Mr. Trewman, Notting- ham. He said he was a bachelor of law and passed with honours. Although he had a good practice where he is (Nottingham), he would prefer the "pureair" of Wrexham. (Laughter). He was a fair linguist, and would take pains to aoquire the Welsh language if such was necessary. (Laughter). The other applicants were Mr. Defford, Blackburn House, Bacup; Mr. Percy S. Webb, Lincolns Inn, London Mr. Leader, 39, Euston Square Mr. J. H. Simpson (barrister), of Northgate Chambers, Chester; and Mr. Thos. Bury, solicitor, Wrexham, whose application was as follows :— Chester-street, Wrexham, 20ti October, ]879. Borough of Wrexham. 7own Clerkship. To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Borough of Wrexham. Gentlemen,-In response to the invitation contained in the, advertisement of the 1st iust., I beg to make application for the .mee of Town Clerk to fill the vacancy eaused by the ■qpAf nation of Mr. Jno. James. I am so well known to all the members of the Council that they will probably not require me to adduce any testimonials as to my fitness for the post. If the choice of the Council should fall upon me, it will always be my aim to fulfill the duties øf the appointment te the best of my ability.-I have t11e honour to be, gentlemen, your obedient servant, THOS. BURY. Alderman SMITH Mr. Mayor and gentlemen, In rising to propose a candidate I do so with feelings of regret that the time is approaching when we shall have to part with our esteemed and worthy friend Mr. John James. (Hear, hear). I am sure you will all join with me in wishing him happiness in the more retired life he J is about to seek, but, as it is inevitable, we must elect a successor. From the list of names which has been read to us it has occurred to me that there is but one which we shall be justified in accepting, and it is that of Mr. Thomas Bury. (Applause). We have, I think, had seven names submitted to us, and out of the seven Mr. Bury is the only one whose name is known to us in this room. We know that Mr. Bury has risen by his own perseverance and ability, and has gained a considerable standing in his profession. (Hear, hear). I am one of those who think that when we have any honours to confer we should confer them on the residents of our own town. (Hear, hear). I am quite sure that if this Council sees fit to elect Mr. Bury he will do all in his power to discharge the duties of the office with the same strict impartiality that has always distinguished his predecessor. (Hear, hear). I am sure it is unnecessary for me to dwell on the merits of Mr. Thomas Bury. You all know him better than I can tell you. He is most indefatigable in his exertions, and in whatever he undertakes, and if we elect a Town Clerk in the person of Mr. Bury he will reflect credit upon our choice, and endeavour to imitate the example of the worthy gentle- man who is his predecessor. I feel I need say little more, indeed no more, to recommend Mr. Bury to your consideration. I hope that his election will be unani- mous, as it will be much more pleasing to him—(hear, hear)—and I hope there will be but one opinion amongst the whole members of this Board, that the one amongst the names of the candidates, which has been submitted to us to-day, which is the most fitting is that of Mr. Thomas Bury. (Hear, hear). Alderman BEALE I beg to second that motion. Mr. JOHN JONES It was my intention, had I not been anticipated by the fervour of our friends, to have proposed Mr. Thomas Bury, but having been antici- pated in both capacities nothing remains to me to do but to add my testimony to the fitness of Mr. Bury for this post. (Hear, hear), Sometime ago, when the proposed resignation of the Town Clerk was mooted, you may remember that we had a meeting of the Council, an informal meeting, upstairs, [and it comprised a large majority of the members of the Council, and at that meeting I ventured to offer some observations upon the subject, the substance of which was that I thought it would be better to have a Town Clerk whose duties should consist solely of the duties of his office, and that he should be paid a fixed salary. The observations I dropped then met with general concurrence, but I am bound to say that after discussing the matter further at street corners, and such places where we assemble to discuss public affairs, my views did not meet with that universal acquiescence of the Council, nor indeed of those outside, who are supposed to have something to qfty on such subjects. Therefore I abandoned the idea as impracticable, and joined with the rest in looking for as impracticable, and joined with the rest in looking for a gentleman whom I conceived, under the circum- stances, to be the fittest to occupy the important post. I am happy to join in the nomination and seconding of Mr. Thomas Bury. I have known him all his life, and I havd known his father for a great many years. We pulled together for many years in this Council Chamber. He was an active, industrious, and intelligent member not ambitious or aspiring, but always willing to give his large knowledge and varied experience for the guidance and good of the Council. I have known his son from his childhood, and I have always entertained towards him a great deal of regard. I like him as well as one lawyer may be supposed to like another. (Laughter). Perhaps you cannot expect more than that, but in this instance it is a great deal. (Hear, hear). I have had a great deal of intercourse with him professionally, and otherwise I have always found him a man of amiable and gentle temper, and a model of courtesy, and in this respect I don't think he would suffer in comparison with the Town Clerk with whom we are about to part. In this respect I think he will fill the vacant post with lustre and credit. We shall have no exhibitions of temper from him, no sulkiness, and no displays of anger and we shall find him as courteous as his pre- decessor has been, and that is as much as we have a right to expect from humanity. He is a man pro- fessionally qualified for the duties. He now holds some public appointments, and those who have come in contact with him bear testimony to the efficiency with which he discharges those duties, and we have reason to hope that he will bring into his new office those abilities which he has shown in the offices he has held already. I have very much pleasure in bearing testimony to his fitness, and endorse the proposal. (Applause). The MAYOR I should like to »ay a few words just embodying what has already been stated. I had the pleasure of being on the Bersham School Board during its first Parliament and also during its second. Mr. Thomas Bury was clerk during the whole of that time, and I therefore had an opportunity of judging of his capacity as a clerk, and I can only say that, without speaking disrespectful of any other member of the profession, that I really do not think the members of the Bersham School Board could have found one who was more thoroughly fit to transact the business. The business of the Board was heavy, but, notwithstanding, Mr. Bury conducted it just as our Town Clerk conducts the business of this Board. It is a great point in the gentleman who occupies the post of Town Clerk that he should be a gentleman, and I believe Mr. Thomas Bury is a gentleman. He is honourable, and I believe he is above entertaining anything dishonourable—(hear, hear) —andl look upon that element in him as invaluable. lam quite sure that we shall never regret electing him to the post so long as he holds it. (Hear, hear). At the same time I regret very much that we are obliged to part with our old friend Mr. John James. (Hear, hear). I am quite sure we are speaking the sentiments of everybody when I say that Mr. John James has been a good servant and an excellent Town Clerk, and that no one would have filled the post better than he has done. (Applause). Mr. BAUGH I should not have risen at all had it not been for the circumstance that this will be the last oc- casion on which I shall be enabled to speak as a member of this Board, and I should be wanting in courtesy if I did not speak in the most courteous terms of our Town Clerk. I recollect his beginning as a lad, and I have watched his progress upwards to the position he holds to-day. I regret that his increasing years and the state of his health have called for him to retire from this position, and make way for hia successor. However, I cannot leave the chair which I have held in this Council without speaking of the kind and courteous treatment I have always received from his hands. I hope his life will be spared long for him to enjoy the quietness which he seeks. (Hear, hear). I must also bear my testimony to Mr. Thomas Bury's efficiency. I have had an oppor- tunity of watching his movements for many years, in connection with the Bersham Board, and his general courtesy to every member of that Board and his atten- tion to its work has been more than one could expect, and I am sure, if he is elected to this post, he will do credit to it. (Hear, hear, applause). The MA YOB Any other candidate ? There being no response, the motion of Alderman Smith was put to the meeting and carried unanimously. The result was received with acclamation. The TOWN CLEBK I may just say that I most cordially endorse what you have done this day. I don't think you could have made a better choice than you have made. Mr. Bury has the advantage of me in point of years, and I have no doubt he will serve you with a great deal of vitality and also with a great deal of intelligence. It is always a matter of regret for a person to go into a new phase of .life and leave an office he has occupied for many years, and I feel great regret < at leaving you, but that regret is lessened now that I < can hand over my official duties and the insignia of my office to one so worthy to receive it. (Hear, hear). I thank you for your very kind expression, and I feel very grateful for all you have said of me. (Applause). j A messenger was despatched for Mr. Thomas Bury. ] In about 20 minutes he entered the Council Chamber, j~ when he was informed by the Mayor that he had been unanimously appointed Town Clerk. In reply, Mr. BURY said Mr. Mayor and gentlemen, the announcement which the Mayor has been pleased to make exceeds anything that I could have expected at the hands of the Council. I feel it is a decision of which I am justly proud, and I beg to tender to every member of the Council my most heartfelt expression of ] gratitude for the unanimous vote which has been recorded to me. I feel that in being favoured to succeed your present Town Clerk I have attained a position which is perhaps the highest professionally that I could have arrived at in my native town. (Hear, hear). r Gentlemen, I believe I shall always value it accordingly. r- I am called to succeed a gentleman of great experience a.nd almost unsurpassed courtesy, and I would ask the indulgence of the Council for any shortcomings of mine r whilst I am endeavouring to do the important duties of t the office to which you have elected me. (Hear, hear), c [ thank you heartily for the honour you have conferred upon me. (Applause). TOTES OF THANKS TO RETIRING COUNCILLORS. J Mr. BRADLEY said no doubt they would allow him to propose a complimentary vote to Mr. Baugh, who had been Chairman of the General Purposes Committee during the past twelve months, and in that capacity he had laboured, and had been of great service to them. A better man for public business did not exist in the town, and as he had said it behind his back he would now sfy it before his face. He always kept business well in hand, and always got it well through. They were losing Mr. Baugh, and he was very sorry for it. It was partly his own fault, and partly the fault of others. However he was leaving them, and he begged to move that the best thanks of that Council be given to him for his conduct in the chair of the General Purposes Committee during the past twelve months. Mr. OSWELL Buity seconded. He said that although a young man he probably knew more about Mr. Baugh's capacities for business than perhaps any other person in that room. He had the greatest admiration for him, and greatly reeretted that he was not coming back again. He would willingly give up his seat for him if he would return and serve the borough, and he believed he would serve it if re-elected. (Hear, hear). The MAYOR said Mr. Baugh was without a compeer, and he did not know any gentleman who had given so much precious time to public business as Mr. Baugh had. He had the honour of being a member of the Board of Guardians with Mr. Baugh, and he there saw his great capability, and how attentive he was to business. But very few of the general public knew'the sacrifices that Mr. Baugh and others made for their good. There was a very imperfect knowledge prevalent in the minds of those who ought to know in regard to the sacrifices which had been made by Mr. Baugh in the interests of the public. (Hear, hear). The motion was carried unanimously with one excep- tion. Mr. RICHARD JONES I did not raise my hand in this case, not because I have not respect for you (Mr. Baugh), but because I consider it entirely wrong to pro- pose a vote of thanks to a councillor for doing his duty. It is entirely wrong. (Tut, tut, tut). Mr. BAUGH said he was exceedingly obliged to them for the kind and courteous manner with which he had been presented with a vote of thanks, and for the manner in which they had spoken of him. He may say once for all, that what he did, he did heartily. He never took upon himself a public duty without making it his business to discharge it to the best of his ability. During the last three years he had endeavoured to carry out his duties as a councillor to the satisfaction of all. J He had been blamed on all sides, he had had letters written to him, he had had persons calling and com- plaining bitterly about his retiring from the candida- ture for the ward. He had had no end of calls remind- ing him that he had done egregiously wrong to the ward in retiring. The motive by which he was actuated was this. An old friend of 40 years standing, he was told, was bringing out a candidate for the. purpose of ousting him from his position. His first conclusion was that he had not discharged his duties as he should have done whilst in the Council. Soon after- wards, as he was coming to business one morning, he saw Mr. Rowland's bill, in which he said he had served the town for 15 years, that he had always done his best to develope the resources of the town and neighbour- hood in the formation of railway, in assisting in form- ing the tramways, &c., and looking at those facts, and knowing the abilities of Mr. Rowland, he felt that he ought not to attempt to deprive the Council of a man who had done so much, who had such abilities and time, and such gifts which he was willing to give to the town. He should retire believing that he had done what he could. He did not wish to lose friends but to make them, and his years were such that he wished to die in peace. Looking at the warfare of an election, &c., he thought it would be better for him to retire with the honours he had. and he should leave the Council and its duties for a gentleman who could perform them more efficiently than he had. Alderman LLOYD moved a similar vote to Mr. Thomas Roberts who, he said, always did his best, and was always ready to assist when he could and as well as he could. Mr. BAUGH had much pleasure in seconding the motion. Mr. Roberts had always done his best and dealt with the things which came before them in a business manner. (Hear, hear). The motion was carried unanimously with the same exception as before. Mr. ROBERTS responded. He said his business calls had been such that he could not give that time to the Council which he wished to. Any person who wished to attend to the duties properly must devote much time to the work, and as he could not give the attention the duties required he thought he had better retire. LIST OF ATTENDANCES. The following list of attendances at the various meet- ings was read by the Clerk :— Councils. Comtes. Total. The Mayor (Isaac Shone, Esq.). 13 23 36 Alderman Beale 9 28 37 „ Owen 12 10 22 „ Smith 15 15 30 >, Lloyd. 11 19 30 Councillor J. O. Bury 14 21 35 „ Roberts 12 10 22 Baugh 13 30 43 „ Bradley 16 36 52 Samuel 7 7 14 „ Edisbury 10 15 25 to Richard Jones 16 33 48 „ John Jones 9 26 45 „ John Williams 15 26 41 Sherratt 14 22 36 This concluded the business.

WREXHAM BOARD OF GUARDIANS.

BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS.

POLICE CASES.

_____________________ COUNTY…

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

[No title]

DREADFUL EXPLOSION OF GUNPOWDER.

itrid hin$. -----.

DENBIGH.

RUABON.

BHYL.

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