Wrexham Guardian

HINTS AND COMMENTS. I suppose at the present moment anything outside municipal matters will be intolerable, and surely thf-ro no laecMSsity for leaving such a topic when in ic i.i'jje is so much "fun and fancy." Who is to be M-yc ? who is to be returned P &c., are questions which everyone is asking, but -few can answer. I can ten them who is going to be Mayor, but I am not sure who is to be returned for the West Ward. Why is there opposition in the West Ward. There are several answers given to this question' Some are funny, some foolish, and others fanciful. Aruor i; several thoughtful persons there prevails an idea that the opposition is representative of diogr.if for the inflated tone of the dignity and importance of a seat in the local Council of this rising >orough!" of which a great deal has been heard during the year, at very enjoyable banquets, where there has been an abundance of that excelsior liquor, champagne. Such may be the case. There is another notion alao. There is in the Council a gentleman who is a. representative of the working man" element. He hah nOl been treated with that dignity" which his sea: .should ensure for him, and many are of opinion that the opposition is an assertion of the working man's right to return whom he likes. Now, when properly considered, there is at least a little sense in this. A slight inuendo was directed against this member of the Council at that farce of a meeting in the Talbot, last week, and in a moment he was defended. There were many working men at that meeting, who would have defended Mr. Richard Jones (for he it is I refer to) if such had been necessary. It is quite possible that this senti- ment exists to a great extent amongst the working classes, and that Mr. Fred. Jones is nominated as a representative of it. Apropos to matters in the West Ward, there is something politically degenerating in the way in which one of the parties are conducting matters. I know something of Mr. Shone, and mv estimate of him is far different to that of those who form a committee and issue bills in his behalf. The very essence of a councillor should lie in his "back bone" or capacity to meet and fight by himself all op- ponents from his seat. With every respect to all concerned permit me to say that when a man has a large number of backers up," people are just as apt to attribute it to personal weakness on the part of the candidate as to the high value which is set upon him by a numerous company. I believe the Mayor of Wrexham has plenty of courage, and is quite capable of meeting his opponent in the West Ward without a committee of councillors and others to support him. There was something funereal in the last meet- ing of the Council. The Town Clerk is retiring, Mr. Baugh is retiring, Mr. Tom Roberts is retiring, The Mayor's seat is disputed, and under any cir- cumstances he will have to put the prefix of ex to his present title. There was something sad about it really. Probably there are no two men in Wrex- ham who are mere courteous than Mr. John James and Mr. Samuel Thomas Baugh. May long life be his in the retirement he is seeking," was wished to the Town Clerk, and I wish it him too, with all my heart. At my time of life, I wish to make friends and go in peace to my grave" were the words of Mr. Baugh, and I wish him both in all earnestness. "I have done what I could" he said later on, and what he has done has been a great deal. Both are getting old men now. Their hairs are white, but their look is still that of great in- telligence and vigour, and at least five, perhaps ten, years' work remain in both. But why should they spend it all in serving their town ?—a town that is not too grateful. Heigh, ho! There was a neat bit of sarcasm in the words of Mr. Baugh in reference to his successor, I thought it a pity to deprive the town of the services of a gentleman who has done so much for it, who has so much time and so many gifts." Aye, it was such sarcasm as rarely falls from Mr. Baugh, who never says a word more than is necessary to the transaction of the business in hand. His successor, however, can afford to bear it, for he has the political field uncontested. Whilst talking of the Council, it seems that another effort is to be made to put a stop to the interesting music of the coal hawkers, who gently, very gently indeed, ring a bell through the public streets. It is said that these bells are a nuisance. Supposing proceedings are taken against these coal hawkers for ringing a bell in the public streets to the annoyance of persons therein," and a conviction is obtained, what would the magistrates do if these coal hawkers were to summon before them the town crier, for a similar offence ? A gentleman yesterday asked me this question, what has municipal matters and the opposition to the Mayor got to do with a Bible Society ?" Don't know," said I, unless it is that the local branch wishes to hold its meetings in the new Town Hall, free of cost." He smiled and said that if I had been at the Public Hall between nine and ten o'clock on Tuesday evening, I should have better understood his question. I don't know exactly what he means. Perhaps those who were there will tell me. CETO.

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. A meeting of this Board was held Ot Thursday last, when there were present-Captain Griffith-Bosea wen, in the chair; Messrs. S. T. Baugh and A. W. Edwards, vice-chairmen; Messrs. J. Burton, J. Beale, T. Chilton, Maurice Hughes, R. Jones, T. P. Jones-Parry, Colonel Meredith, Messrs. C. W. Parsonage, R. Phennah, R. Roberts, Gomer Roberts, E. Rowland, J. Rogers, Jno. Sykes, and R. C. Webster. INCREASE IN RATES. The CLERK produced the quarterly abstract of ac- counts, and said that he had received a very large pre- cept for the police and county rates, in fact, it was more than double the former precepts. The CHAIRMAN said he found at the Quarter Sessions that the rates for the county would be higher on account of the large amount of extra labour which had to be spent upon the highways. The salary of the Surveyor had been raised because of the extra work devolving upon him in certifying the roads. The matter then dropped. THE BOROUGH OF HOLT ABUSED. The CHAIRMAN said he had received a letter from Mr. Alfred Coxon, the revising barrister. He wrote to complain of the great difficulty he has experienced when conducting the registration in Holt owing to the want of a permanent overseer. He (the chairman) thought the Board had no power in the matter. He had always felt that it was advisable that a large parish like Holt should have an assistant overseer. The CLERK then read the following letter:— Temple, London, October 28th, 1879. DEAR SIB,—I take the liberty of addressing you as Chair- man of the Board of Guardians of the Wrexham Union, upon the subject of the necessity for appointing a permanent officer to perform the duties of overseer in the parish of Holt. I have been Revising Barrister for Denbighshire and the Denbigh Boroughs for the last eight years, and during that time great trouble, inconvenience, and in some cases in- justice in the registration of voter, has been caused by the incompetience of the overseers appointed by the parish. Persons have been appointed who have no knowledge of the duties of the overseers, and being new comers no knowledge of the parish or the people. The duties of an overseer, in respect to the registration of voters, are by no means easy to nnderstand, but in every other large parish in Denbighshire there is a permanent officer who understands and performs them satisfactorily. I have on more than one occasion, when revising at Holt, expressed my opinions that there ought to be a permanent parish officer there, and every one has appeared to agree with me. I am, Dear sir, Yours truly, C. Griffith-Boscawen, Esq. ALFRED COXON. The CHAIRMAN then asked if there was any one pre- sent from Holt. He was informed there was not, at which Mr. EDWARD ROWLAND said, They are a peculiar people." (Laughter). Mr. JOHN ROGERS thought the fact that the over- seership was in the hands of an unpaid man was a great injustice to the ratepayers. He thought there should be a paid man, for there were only a few in the parish who could take the office. It was very unjust. Mr. BAUGH said he thought the people of Holt were very penurious. He was told that B12 was paid for the collection of the rates, and that was paid by the over- seers out of their own pockets. Mr. ROGERS They are at least 25 years behind the times. Mr. JONES-PABRY That is a very small computation. (Laughter). Mr. BEALE thought a paid assistant overseer should be appointed. At a later stage of the proceedings, Mr. C. W. PAB- SONAGE came in, and was informed of the purport of the letter, and in reply to the Chairman, he said he should do all he could to induce the inhabitants ei Holt to get an assistant overseer appointed. THE HOUSE. The Master reported the value of the produce of the farm to be PA 15s. 7d. Number in the house, 293; last year, 278; last week, 315. Vagrants relieved-men, 105; women, 10; children, 5; total, 120. This concluded the business.

BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY.—Before the Mayor (Isaac Shone, Esq.), T. C. Jones, A. W. Edwards, E. M. Jones, and J. C. Owen, Esqrs.

POLICE CASES. Catherine Edwards, Walks, was charged by P.C. Taaffe with riotous conduct. The Officer stated that on Saturday, the 18th inst., he saw the defendant Edwards and another woman named Wynne fighting in the Walks. It was early in the morning—about nine o'clock. He had much diffi- culty in parting them. Fined 5s. and costs. James Branmn,ilabomvr, was charged by IP.C. John Jones with drunken and indecent conduct in Pentre- felin on Tuesday last. Fined 5s. and costs, or in default seven days' im- prisonment with hard labour. Thomas Burke, labourer, was summoned by P.O. Taaffe for drunkenness. The offence occurred soon after the fight between Edwards and Wynne recorded in a case above. Defendant denied being drunk, but Sergeant Jones proved defendant's condition so satisfactorily that he was fined 5s. and costs, with the alternative of seven days' imprisonment. FABNDON-STREET AMENITIES. Mary Williams, an inhabitant of Farndon-street, was summoned by Mr. Richard Johnstone, printer, em- ployed at the Advertiser office, for an assault. Mr. Johnstone said about eight o'clock on the previous Saturday night he was talking with defendant's husband in the proseoutor's house. Presently defendant came with a rush at the door and burst it open. She then seized her husband who was inside and rushed off with him. She came back again and struck prosecutor several times on the shoulder, and seizing his waistcoat (produced in halves) tore it badly. Cross examined by defendant: I called her no ill names. Defendant Now, Richard, tell the truth. I've came here to tell the truth—tell the truth I did strike him but he reserves it." (Laughter). Mrs. Bevington was called as a witness for Johnstone, but she only saw defendant kick prosecutor's door. Mary Lee was called, and on her entering the box, defendant remarked, She knows nothing of it; she was drunk at the time." Miss Lee said she saw defen- dant strike prosecutor several times. Defendant Well; he reserves all he got." (Laughter). The Mayor said the defendant would be fined Is. and costs, and recommended her in future not to take the law into her own hands. As defendant left the court, she said, If my foot was not so bad, I would have warmed him." (Laughter). CRUELTY TO A HORSE. Charles Stephens, potter, was summoned for illtreating a horse. P.C. Taaffe said on the 6th inst. he was in Hightown, and saw the defendant driving a horse attached to a cart. He examined the horse, and found on the back a number of wounds. They were very bad, and the animal appeared to be in great pain. Fined 10s. 6d. and costs. PAWNBROKER'S LICENSE. A pawnbroker's license was granted to Mr. Anthony Nuttal, late of Oldham, for premises on the Vicarage Hill, late in the possession of Mr. Kean. A NUISANCE CASE. Mary Edwards, late of Hope-street, was summoned by Mr. David Higgins, Inspector of Nuisances, for disobedience of an order to abate a certain nuisance existent upon her property in Lambpit-street. Mr. Higgins said that a great nuisance existed in Edwards' Court, Lambpit-street. It consisted of six common privies and a large deep sunk cesspool, which was filled with most offensive matter. There had been in these houses several cases of sickness, which have called for the attention of the medical officer to the state of the houses, and on tHe 29th of August a notice to abate the nuisance was served upon her, but no steps was taken to abate it. On the matter being reported to the General Purposes Committee he was instructed to take those proceedings. Mrs. Edwards asked that an adjournment for a week might be granted in order to bring up some witnesses. Dr. LI. Williams, medical officer of health, said several cases of scarlet fever had occurred in the court in question, and although he did not say the fever originated through the cesspool it no doubt greatly assisted the disease. The Bench eventually made an order for the nuisance to be abated, allowing 21 days for the work to be com- pleted. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.. John Foulkcs was charged by P.C. Morgan for the above offence, and was fined 2s. 6d. and costs.

COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS WEDNESDAY.—Before W. Low, Esq. ALLEGED ROBBERY FROM THE PERSON. Mary Rogers, residing in Jones' Court, Hope-street, was in custody charged by Mr. Thomas Thomas, Henblas, with robbing him. Mr. Thomas said that Mr. Dawson, residingin the above court, asked him to go and have a friendly cup of tea, at his house. He went and had the tea, and then had some beer and brandy, for which he paid. About ten o'clock he was taken home by Mr. and Mrs. Dawson and the prisoner. When near Mr. Evan Morris' house he felt someone's hand in his pocket. He cried out, robbing me," and immediately seized hold of the hand and found it was the prisoner's. He was "fresh," but not drunk. Sergeant Jones said he went with prosecutor to Dawson's house and there had 19s. given to him, the change out of a sovereign alleged to have been taken. The magistrate dismissed the prisoner on the ground that no robbery could be proved, the prosecutor being unable to tell the amount of money he had in his purse.

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. WREXHAM. The election of a Councillor to represent the West Ward of the Council takes place to-day (Saturday). The candidates are the Mayor (Mr. Isaac Shone), and Mr. Frederick Jones. Both parties are sanguine of sue- cess, and appear to be straining every point to secure it. An influential committee is working on behalf of the Mayor, and a meeting of his supporters, and those interested in his return, was held last (Friday) night at the Public Hall, under the chairmanship of Mr. R. J. Williams. With regard to the election of Mr. Shone's successor, of course nothing definite has been arranged. It is said, however, that Mr. Councillor Bradley will be elected to the important position, a section of the Council having already decided to propose him. We cannot, however, think that any member of the Council, to whatever party he may belong, can overlook the claims of Mr. Alderman Smith and his long service to the Council. We understand that the same section of the Council were anxious to nominate Mr. John Jones, but he declined the honour. DENBIGH. To day the ratepayers are called upon to return to the Council four representatives, and for the four places there are six candidates Messrs. R. H. Roberts, W. Morris and Robert Da vies, old members and Messrs. W. Foulkes, John Knowles and Dr. Caithness. The three old members have all been remarkably faithful in their attendance at the meetings and there seems every probability of their being returned again, although they are not "running" together. Mr. Foulkes and Mr. Knowles are thoroughly good men of business, they are members of St. Asaph Board of Guardians, and dis- charge their duties there admirably. Dr. Caithness as a gentleman is everything that could be desired, but the objection made to him as a candidate for municipal honors is that he has not been in the town long and can- not therefore be as well acquainted with its wants as the others. A great effort is, however, being made, to get him in and may possibly be successful. As the questions of politics and religion are not introduced the contest will be waged on personal grounds and much personal feeling seems manifest in one or two quarters. We may state that Messrs. R. H. Roberts. W. Foulkes and John Knowles, issued addresses stated that they con- sidered it inconsistent with the Ballot Act and the freedom of election to canvass and they must decline to do so. Mr. Roberts moved a resolution against canvass- ing, in the Council, soon after his election three years ago, but it was not carried. We may remark respect- ing Mr. Roberts that he is a churchman and served the office of churchwarden last year. He was nominated by Mr. T. Gold Edwards, which should be an ample gurantee for his fitness for office. Mr. William Morris too is a well-known churchman, but to shew that religious opinions do not seem to enter into the contest it may be mentioned that he was nominated by a Wesleyan (Dr. Pierce. The others, Messrs. R. Davies, W. Morris, and Dr. Caithness, have all canvassed most thoroughly, the latter in his address saying that ''notwithstanding the Ballot" he should wait upon the electors and if necessary explain his views to them. It is to be hoped that the best qualified and most independant men will be returned. The polling booths are to be at the Council Chamber, the magistrates room, and at the Old Chapel, Henllan the mayor, town clerk and other officials presiding. The contest will be lively and a most severe one. TO THE EDITOR OF THE GUARDIAN. gIRi—The nominations of persons to serve in the Council, and the withdrawal of several of the candi- dates, when read between the lines, show to what an extent cliquism abounds in Denbigh. It is now too late to make any stand against it in this matter, but I do hope if the borough is to prosper, a decided stand will be made. If this is done it will be soon broken through, and the municipal affairs of the borough will be managed by persons selected by the body of the rate- payers, and not as is the case, as shown by the election this year, by the nominees of a clique. In brief, this is how things have been managed this year. Candidates, nominees of Mr. Gee, seek re- election. The ratepayers, anxious for a change, nomi- nate other candidates, who are, in some degree, in religious matters of the same opinion as Mr. Gee. The screw, however, is put on, and they have, of course, to ^This cliquism in municipal matters, as well as in others, should be put a stop to, and I hope my brother ratepayers may be induced to do it. Yours faithfully, AN ELECTOR. Vale-street, Denbigh.

DREADFUL EXPLOSION OF GUN- POWDER. LOSS OF TWO LIVES. MIRACULOUS ESCAPE OF OTHERS. ENTIRE DESTRUCTION OF A HOUSE. An accident of a most appaling and calamitous nature, which has excited the deepest interest and excitement in the neighbourhod, happened a few minutes before 10 p.m., on Thursday, at the Black Lane, Pentre, the residence of Mrs. Henry Howard, gunpowder dealer and oil merchant. It would appear that John Kelly, aged about 20, who assists with the powder, was with the assistance of Margaret Kate Parry, filling a bottle with powder to be called for early next morning by some collier in the district, when by some means altogether unaccountable the powderignited, rendering the house and furniture in a moment a com- plete wreck and mass of broken fragments and debris, and causing the instantaneous death of the two mentioned, John Kelly and Margarate Kate Parry, orphan neice of Mrs. Howard. So complete was the destruction, that of a large stone house comprising five apart- ments, only the two gable walls remained standing, the front and back walls with partition walls lying in all directions, the roof falling in and the house completely gutted. The shutters and window frames were carried some distance away, flying in splinters over the adjoining houses. The report was somewhat similar to the explosion of some very powerful boiler and, was heard through the district carrying consternation and fright, through the immediate vicinity. The house which stands in a line with five or six others along the Black Lane is separated from the others by about three feet on each side those immediately in front standing about 10 yards away only considerably lower so that no damage is done to the adjacent property. The terrific report and the cries of Mrs. Howard who was seated in the kitchen at the time, having only recently returned from visiting some friends, soon brought help and she was with difficulty extracted from the fallen masses by Mr. John and Seth Roberts, Black Lane, assisted by other neighbours and removed to an almost adjoining house. She had a most miraculous escape, escaping with a lacerated face and bruises from the fallen roof, the roof over the parlour having fallen first which prevented the roof over the kitchen from falling in, it being supposed that the explosion took place in a small pantry behind the parlour, both of the deceased being blown through into the parlour. Soon the scene was crowded with the aroused and startled neighbours, many having left their beds, and search was made for the missing bodies, which were subsequently found dead among the debris in a burnt and frightful condition, and removed to a house near. Dr. Parry, Summerhill, was quickly in attendance, and rendered timely assis- tance to Mrs Howard, who continued in a most hysterical and unconscious state during the whole night. On going to press, we learn that she was somewhat improving, but in a very enfeebled state. Strange to say, that in the midst of all a candle re- mained burning on the mantle-piece in the kitchen, and a small dog in the cupboard escaped unharmed. Dur- ing the removal of a portion of the debris and the bodies, a powder bottle was found, which held about 4 lbs., the top being completely blown away, and in a bent con- dition. The deceased Margaret Kate Parry was the adopted orphan niece of Mrs. Howard, by whom she had been brought up with from infancy, and had only about a month ago returned from service at the Rhos. The deceased John Kelly was son of John Kelly, collier, who lives in a house only separated from Mrs. Howard's by a narrow pathway, and who assisted Mrs. Howard with the powder, and in compounding cart- ridges for use in the mines. Early on Friday the scene of the explosion was visited by great numbers of people in the locality, and the utmost interest was manifested in the dreadful accident. Those who were immediate eye witnesses of it have received an im- pression not easily to be forgotten, the force and violence being perfectly astounding. A silk dress, which had been placed on a bush in the garden a few yards in front of the parlour window, was entirely scorched to a mere rag. Great praise is due to the many neighbours and friends who rendered all available help in so dire a calamity in a most prompt and willing manner.

itrid hin$. (For other District News see 6th and 7th pages.)

DENBIGH. PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.—On Tuesday in the absence of Mr. F. C. Watkins the conductor who we regret to hear is but slowly recovering from a very severe illness, Mr. Helmore, formerly tutor to the Late Prince Consort and a musician and lecturer of exceptional ability attended and con- ducted the rehearsals. The members were much delighted by his instructions. We hear that the Denbigh Reading Room committee have engaged Mr. Helmore to lecture and give his wonderfully clever illustrations of the uses of the voice on Monday week, the profits being for the institution. CLOTHING CLUB.—The annual distribution of clothing to tne members of the Denbigh District Clothing Club took place on Thursday, in the Assembly Rooms, in the presence of the ladies who manage the affairs of the Society. During the year some 600 persons have availed themselves of the benefits of the Society, and the large parcels of clothing prepared by the local drapers, from whom the goods had been previously selected by the members themselves, shewed that the club induced habits of thrift, and also that the bulk of the mem- bers had spent their money in good warm clothing or warm blankets for the winter. Mr. J. P. Lewis, solicitor, kindly acts as hon. secretary to the Society. We shall give some particulars a a to the finances of the Society next week.

RUABON. ENTERTAINMENT.—On Monday evening, an enter- tainment was held in the National Schoolroom, in aid of the Ruabon Working Men's Association. O. S. Wynne, Esq. occupied the chair. The pro- gramme was as follows :—Pianoforte duet, "Over- ture to Stadella," Miss Marsh and Mr. Sparrow; song, "Thou shalt break them," Alaw Christionydd song, Andy Bawn," Miss Williams; song, "What the Englishman is made of," Mr. Williams; piano- forte duet, Madame Angel Quadrilles," Misses Hughes; song, Home they brought her warrior dead," Miss Hughes; reading, Rev. Mr. Raymond; song, The Plough Boy," Mr. Morris Evans; cornet solo, "II Trovatore," Mr. Johnson; song, Mr. Sparrow; pianoforte duet, Zampa," Miss Marsh and Mr. Sparrow; song, Long ago," Mr. Williams; song, The Wishing Gate," Miss Williams; comic song, Mr. Williams song (Welsh), Alaw Christionydd; songr, H Where are the friends of my youth," Miss Hughes; cornet solo, Mr. Johnson; pianoforte trio, Misses Hughes; song, The death of Nelson, Mr. Sparrow.

BHYL. FORTNIGHTLY PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY.—Before Mr. T. G. Dixon, the Rev. Dr. Butterton, Mr. W. Price Jones, and Major Rowley Conwy. A ROW IN THE ARCADE. Hugh Jones, gardener, Rhyl, was charged with assaulting Caroline Cook. The husbands of the com- plainant and defendant are rival vegetable dealers in the Arcade. On the 11th October a row took place, de- fendant asserting that Mr. Cook would not pay for potatoes supplied. She said she would see they were paid for, but defendant pushed her, and struck her in the face.—Anne Bryan gave corroborative evidence, and said defendant was not sober at the time. Defendant declared that Mrs. Cook annoyed him by spitting in his face, and calling him all the names in the world,"and his witness, Elizabeth Pierce, said both complainant and defendant were in drink at the time, and she saw Mrs. Cook spit in defendant's face. Defendant was fined 10s. and costs. HIGHWAY CASE. David Jones, carriage driver, was charged with obstructing Vale-road, by leaving two carriages, on Sunday, the 7th, near the footpath for over an hour.— Fined Is. and costs. AN OLD HAND. John Millward failed to appear to a summons charg- ing him with assaulting Jane Bassett. There was also a second summons out against him. It seems he has been convicted 20 times, and a warrant was issued against him. A DRUNKEN WOMAN. Mary Frimston was summoned for being drunk and disorderly. Sergeant Denson found her in a very drunken and disorderly state on the street on October 18th. She had been seven times previously convicted for similar offences, and the bench in fining her 12s 6d and costs, told her that if it had not been for her little children, they would have sent her to gaol without the option of a fine. THE DRUNKEN LIST. Henry Davies was brought up on a warrant charged by P.C. Hughes with drunken and disorderly conduct, on the 6th October, at St. Asaph. Defendant had been badly ill-treating his wife. Fined 5s. and 13s. costs, or seven days. Martin Rush, labourer, Rhyl, for similar conduct at. Rhyl, on October 11th, was fined 2s. 6d. and 7s. costs on the information of P.C. Healey. John Clark and John Edwards, of Rhyl, were proved by P.C. Healey to have been drunk and fighting on October 11th, at Rhyl, and were fined 5s. and fjosts each., FRIDAY.—Before Mr. W. Price J "A FREE BOEH ENGLISHMAN." T; J. Teasale, an individual who appeared in "tights" and bare feet was charged with beggmg. P .S. Denson found the fellow misbehaving on the Par1..de, he was also, singing ancl beggJng., in, Watec-atreftt, and refused to leave the Albert vaults." Took him into custody when he tried to throw the officer down and bite him. Prisoner now said he was a "professional tragedian and was merely following his profession as "a free born Englishman." It seemed, however, that the fellow had grossly in- sulted some ladies in Church-street. He was sent to gaol for 14 days, and on leaving the dock thanked the magistrate and police in a demonstra- tive style. A DRUNKEN SINGER. Edward Jones, one of a gang of travelling street singers was fined 5s. and costs for drunken and dis- orderly conduct and in default sent to gaol for seven days.

aft Jlbbtrfismmts. Sale of Dairy Cows, Heifers, Horses, Pigs, Implements of Husbandry, Farm Produce, Dairy Vessels, House- hold Furniture, &c., &c., at "THE RED HALL," Situate midway between Wrexham and Holt. "jVTR. LLOYD has been instructed to Sell by -LT-L Auction, at Mr. George Davies', "The Red Hall" Farm, situate as aforesaid, ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, 1879, The whole of the LIVE AND DEAD FARMING STOCK, Farm Produce, Dairy Vessels, Household Furniture, &c., &c., comprising—Five very useful dairy cows, one heifer, two breeding sows, a very compact draught mare, and a useful draught horse. ts. -Two capital broad carts with harvest gearing, winnowing machine, iron plough, turnip drill, corn chest, ladder, cart ropes, corn sacks, cow chains, grindstone, chaff cutter, pikels, hay rakes, scythes, shovels, two sets thrill chain and ploutrh gears, quantity of old iron, &c., &c. Farm Produce.-Two itacks of hay, about 15 tons each two stacks of wheat straw, stack of oat straw, a quantity of hay in buildings, about 60 measures of wheat in sacks, a small quantity of oats and horse beans (the whole to go off). Also, the whole of the DAIRY VESSELS and HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE. Sale at Eleven for Twelve o'clock prompt. 1405 FRIDAY NEXT, NOVEMBER 7TH, 1879. Important sale of Live Stock, Horses, Implements, Hay, Dog Cart and Harness, and the whole of the Household Furniture, Dairy and Brewing Vessels, and other effects, at ° LAURAL GROVE, RIDLEY WOOD, Situate Three miles from Wrexham and Two from Holt. MR. LLOYD has been instructed by Mr. Phillips, who is changing his residence, to Sell by Auction (without reserve), on FRIDAY NEXT, NOVEMBER 7TH, The whole of his LIVE AND DEAD FARMING STOCK, Implements of Husbandry, Household Furniture, Dairy Vessels, and other effects, as follows Live Stook. Two young dairy cows (to calve early), six strong store pigs. Horses. Excellent cart mare, eight years old, and a good worker, half-bred mare, eight years old, steady to ride or drive (in foal). Implements, i-c.-Narrow wheel cart, with harvest gearing, strong market shandry, excellent dogcart with lamps and cushions complete, two sets of harness •addle and bridle, set of thrill gears, rakes pikels' yelves, shovels, &c. Produce.- -About ten tons of first-class upland hay, and a quantity of straw. Household and Bedroom Furniture.—Consisting of mahogany, oak, and other tables, sycamore and deal do., strong oak kitchen chairs, and arm do., eight day's clock in oak case, oak screen, fenders and fire irons, copper kettle, brass candlesticks, oak housekeeper's cupboard, sideboards, mahogany hair seated chairs, easy do., inahogany hair seated couch, excellent mahogany dining^ table, lamps, carpetting, fire screen, engravings and oil paintings, damask window curtains and cornice, together with the usual kitchen requisites. The Contents of Five Bedroomg. -Including mahogany half-tester bedsteads, with rich hangings; iron ditto, and French bedsteads, feather beds, bolsters, and pillows) hair and flock mattresses, mahogany and birch wash- stands and dressing tables, chamber services, mahogany dressing glasses, night commodes, cane-seated chairs, carpetting, fenders, and fire irons, Spanish mahogany chests of drawers, maple painted ditto, towel rails, handsome mahogany wardroble. &c. Dairy Vessels, Out-door Effects, &c.-Excellent churn, cream steins and milk pans, butter scales and weights, butter tub, rain tubs, washing ditto, and a variety of other effects. Sale to contmence at One o'clock prompt, Offices: Plassey, Wrexham. 1404 VANCE IN RHYL TOWN HALL. For One Night Only THURSDAY NEXT, NOVEMBER 5TH, Under distinguished patronage. Tickets may be had from the Booksellers. YANCE AND CONCERT PARTY, V From the Egyptian Hall, London. Artistes:—Miss EUNICE IRVING, Comedienne and Soubrette; MR. EDGAR AUSTIN, Cartoonist and Instantaneous Sketchist; Mr. AUG. C. BOWMAN, Soloist on the Grand Piano and Silver Zither; M. ANDRASSY RUDOLPH, the Marvellous Mimic, Siffieur, and Natural Imitator of Birds, and "Man Flute," from the Crystal Palace, Sydenham; ME. ALFRED G. VANCE, Author, Composer, Mimic, and Comedian. New Programme for 1879 will embrace a new bur- lesque, "Robin Hood, the Forester Good, and the Pretty Maid that lived in the Wood." Austin's Heads and Local Favourites. New double Dutch Ditty, en- titled "Hans and Gretchen, or, Home from Deutchs* land." New Domestic Squabbles," by Harry Hunter. New Extravaganza, by Frank W. Green, entitled The Long and the Short of it." New Dilemma, Im-pe- cu-ni-os-i-ty," and Vance's Varieties. 1406

Vastal Information. INLAND LETTERS. The rate of postage on inland letters ie as fellows:— Not exceeding 1 ounce in weight, prepaid in stamps.Id. Exceeding 1 ounce but not exceeding 2 ounces licl, 11 2 ounces, 11 4 ounces .2d. 11 4 ounces, 6 ounces 2jd. 11 6 ounces, u 8 ounces .3d. 8 ounces, „ 10 ounces 3Jd», „ 10" ounces, 12 ounces 4d. A letter exceeding the weight of 12 ounces is liable to a postage of Id for every ounce or fraction of an ounce, begin- ning with the, first ounce. If not prepaid the postage is doubled, and, in case of an, insufficient prepayment, the letter is charged with double the deficiency. On re-directed letters the charge for re-direction is the same whether prepaid or collected on delivery. LIMIT TO SIZE OF LETTEBS, &e. With the following exceptions, no letter, book-packet, &c., can be forwarded by post which is more than one foot six inches in length, nine inches in width, or six inches in depth:- 1. Packets to or from any of the Government offices or- departments or public offices. 2. Petitions or addresses to the Queen, whether directed to her Majesty or forwarded to any member of either House of Parliament. 3. Petitions to either House of Parliament forwarded to. the members of either House of Parliament. 4. Printed Parliamentary proceedings. POST CARDS. The following are the regulations respecting post cards 1. The cards, whether official or private, having a halfpenny stamp impressed upon them (adhesive stamps not being ac- cepted in payment of the postage) may be transmitted be- tween places in the United .Kingdom with letters written upon the back. 2. The front (or stamped) side is intended for the addrees. only, in addition to the printed words Post Card and, "The address only to be written on this side." There must be nothing else written, printed, or otherwise impressed upon it, nor must there be any writing or printing across the stamp. 3. On the reverse side any communication, whether et the nature of a letter car otherwise, milv be written or printed. 4. Nothing whatever may be attached to the card, n(- 1 it be folded, cut, or otherwise altered. A 5. If any of these rulea.be infringed tie card will be charged one penny oa delivery. 6. No card other than one of those issued by the Govern- ment, or a private card itnpressed with halfpenny stamp at the Office of Inland Revenue, Somerset-house, or- at the Stamp-offiaes at Liverpool aad Newcastle-upon-Tyne, will pass under a halfpenny stamp, if it bear on it a written com- munication of the nature of a letter. A single post-card,, or any number of post-cards whether "stout "or" thin,- mav be purchased by the public. The prices et the stoat and thin post-cards respectively will be according to the following scale, namely, stout cards, one fd two, Hd three., 2d four 2fd; five, 34d six, 4d. Thin card$. one, id two, lid three, lid; four, 2;td five, 3d six, Sjrd. Printed and Published on Fridays and Saturday tt at the Guardian Steam Printing Offices, 26, Hope. street, Wrexham, by FREDERICK EDWARD Rax, the Proprietor: and also Publishedat the Guardian Office, Albert-terrace, Vale-street, Denbigh; Guardian Oitica. 163, Wellington-road, Rhyl, in the county of Flint; and at the Establishments of Messrs Pring and Price, High -streia, Aolti, -Novembu. 1, 18,70-