Wrexham Guardian

HINTS AND COMMENTS. Municipal matters are still uppermost, and one or two whom I know seem to have it on the brain." The bounce and affectation of one or two about the return of Mr. Frederick Jones is quite amusing. There is a stereot ype phrase which has been rung in my ears so many days that I am now beginning to dream aboui it. i.e., The Mayor has not been beaten, but half the town and all the Council! Noble sentiment by Jove, but it has been spoilt by repetition. There will be some funny feelings in the breasts of the Councillors at the meeting on Monday, and I expect there will be some curling of the lip and nodding of the head all caused by the vagaries of the West Ward. Such, however, will be of no use, and I would hint to all to reconcile themselves to circumstances and behave with a becoming dignity. If I were not ro busy I would save the inchoate Mayor the trouble of preparing a speech by writing one for him. However, as I cannot do this now, and as it would be unprecedented to publish it befo/e it was given, I must be content with just giving a synopsis of a good municipal speech. In reply to the most gratifying laudation of him, not one word of which will not be meant, he must begin by thanking the Council for that "great and distinguished honour which has been conferred upon so unworthy a person," &c., and, after the glorification of the office, and the humbling of the person to the dust, he must go on to say with the greatest sincerity and gravity that the honour was far from expected by him, and that little did he think to be so elevated by a majority of his highly respected fellow-townsmen." This over, he must proceed to sketch what he intends doing in regard to his conduct of the important business which from time to time comes before this respon sible body," and he must be sure not to forget to say that whilst wishing to give all a fair hear- ing, they must pardon him if he sometimes becomes impatient for the despatch of business," or something of that kind. Then, after a refer- ence to the resignation of the Town Clerk (during which he must be sure not to say anything that is new) he may ramble abour, and talk on any topic he likes, making a good display of adjectives and adverbs, and using as many long words as he can. If in this meander be should become involved or lose his train of thought it will not matter at all, as such will be attributed to the convolutions and intricacies of a great mind rather than to a want of perspicuity and 8impleness of expression. Moreover, in any long and involved sentences or verbosity he will have the precedency of the great Liberal statesman— which is a great deal. Above all things let him have at least a French or Latin quotation, and a plentitude of such words as well," H then," moreover," therefore," and so on. Let him write his peroration, and learn it by heart, and then if he says it off quickly and with energy it will pasa for eloquence, and he will take his seat amidst loud applause. If the future Chief Magistrate will only take these hints I will bet him a new hat that he will make a successful speech. CLIO.

MUNICIPAL MATTERS IN DENBIGH- SHIRE. MR. SHONE'S YEAR OF OFFICE. The mayoral year ends to-morrow and on Monday the chain and responsibilities of office will pass from Mr. Isaac Shone to another, and we hope that that other will show similar anxiety to do his duty, similar impartiality in all matters, and similar ability backed by energy, as have characterised the present Mayor. The chief of the Council and the chief of the magisterial bench has not simply to guide public affairs, but to lead and direct them, and therefore upon the personal energy and capacity of the Mayor depends greatly the progress of the town, and the tenour of public business. A Great man overcomes circumstances, but with most men circumstances overcome them, and when a man is encumbered with municipal and legal formalities and the necessarily slow course of public affairs, it would need almost superhuman powers to achieve all that may be desired. Considering all things the mayoral year has been a satisfactory one, but had things gone as Mr. Shone wished them and worked for them, the Local Parliament would have added more to its statute book. For some time previous to 1879 the Mayor worked hard to prepare the way for new streets, and had such been within his power these long talked of improvements would have been carried out during his year of office, and thus have formed a.n everlasting memorial to the Mayor of 1879. This expensive proposal has not the ac. quiescence of a large number in the town, but equal credit is due, neverthless, to Mr. Shone for the labour and time he has given to the subject, the amount of which perhaps is only known to those who are intimately acquainted with him. We have not new streets, but we have the foundation of them, and this has been laid by the Mayor. The year also has to chronicle the settlement of the question of new pavements. After much talk, both wise and foolish, on the matter, the consent of the Local Government Board has been obtained for the carrying out of the works, and a portion of the sum necessary is now being negotiated with the Provincial Insurance Company. The whole of the principal acts of the Council during the year are so well known to those interested in municipal matters, that to name them is sufficient to bring to recollec- tion the circumstnnces attending them and the importance of each. Amongst the principal acts may be placed the partially successful effort made to revivify the Grammar School, the leasing of the local Smithfield, the provision of a public mortuary, the effectual adoption of the Libraries Act, an im- portant decision which in all probability will finally settle the sewerage difficulties of Stansty and Chester-road, the purchase of a steam roller, and extension of the tram line into the town. Such a list of acts as this shows most creditably to the progress which has been made during the year in matters which particularly appertain to the Council. At what expense has this been done ? may be asked, and in reply it may truly be said that on this point there is credit due also. The district rate stands at 11'1. 61. in the pound, which is lower than it has been known for many years, and the borough rate, though high, will bear favourable comparison with previous years. The tenour of the Council meetings during the year has been satis- factory, and the Mayor has shown himself a good general president, acting on the principle that whilst all have a right to speak no one has a right to obstruct, and on a few occasions when obstruc- tion on the part of one or two became very apparent, the Mayor summarily disposed of it by at once put- ting the matter to the vote. There is one thing which will commemorate the year of 1879, and that is the change of Town Clerks. Mr. James intimated his intention of retiring early in the year, and at the last meeting of the Council his successor was unanimously elected. All we need now say on this subject is that Mr. Thomas Bury will prove a worthy successor to a most worthy and amiable Town Clerk. In those matters which are not closely connected with the Council the Mayor has shown himself quite equal to the office. He and the Mayoress have been most ready in assisting, by their patronage and presence, all meetings and entertainments tending to the iteneral good, p.nd in this depart- ment of the chief magistrate's work we need only mention the relief to the poor during the winter (in which Mrs. Shone was also most active and liberal), and the large sum handed to the In- firmary by the performance of Leah," with which Miss Beirne's name will ever be associated. The Mayor must have felt much responsibility, and had much anxiety in reference to the distress which revealed itself so soon after his election, and having taken a deep interest ourselves in that sad affair, and visited every alley, court, and back place in the town, we can say, with confidence, that the Mayor and Mayoress discharged their duties in a most creditable and praiseworthy ma.nner. With the office of Mayor, Mr. Shone also leaves the Council, and he will retire from both with that honour which is due to one who has laboured anxiously to do his duty, and who has n:et with a large share of success. MR. ALDERMAN GEE'S YEAR OF OFFICE. The first act of the Council for 1878-9 was to re- elect Alderman Thomas Gee to the office of Mayor, he having, during the previous year, taken an active part in carrying out those important town improve- ments commenced ander his predecessor in the mayoralty, Alderman T. J. Williams. The year has been one of the greatest possible anxiety to the Council in consequence of the obs'aelos tint ap- j peared to the carrying out of the first portion oc the drainage. Mr. Clough, the Borough Surveyor, who had drawn out the and specific tione, j severed his connections with the Council, and aft or the appointment of Mr. J. H. Jones, Rhyl, as hi", successor, the cont-net was final1;? signed with Mr. Jeffreys, and the work coram; nc.d. AHr going on for several week the work was stopped, and it was then found that the drains were, in the estimation of the Council, defective as also ths tanks at the outfall. Our readers are familiar with the details j of the anxiety and trouble the Council had in con- eluding the contract with Mr. Jeffreys, paying him off and taking the work upon themselves. This was done after the matter had been referred to the arbitration of Mr. W. M. Clarke, of Kinmel. A good deal of misconception appears to exist in the minds of the ratepayers that they have suffered great loss by this change of contractor, but it seems clear that, notwithstanding the J6500 paid to Mr. Jeffreys by way of compensation, the work will be finished for less than it would have cost under the original contract. The Council had intended carrying out an im- provement that would have been specially apprecia- ted by the farmers and others using the Ruthin- road, namely, to raise the road near Captain's bridge. This was prevented by the opposition of two owners of land—one a. member 0" the Council— who demanded a large pum of money as compensa- tion. The foresight of some of the members of the Council suggested an appeal to the Local Govern- ment Board to allow the plans to be so altered as to avoid the raising of the road to the extent contem- plated, and the Mayor having had an interview with Mr. Smith, the engineer of the Government, the plans were altered, and the ratepayers thus saved several hundred pounds demanded as com- pensation. The works are now progressing satis- factorily, and the present contract will in a few weeks be completed. There seems to be an impres- sion abroad that some of the members of the past two years' Council are responsible for this outlay on drainuge, but this is not so, for the report of Dr. Thorne, Local Government Board medical officer, shewed that the drainage of the town was absolutely necessary, and had the Council refused to carry it out, the Government would undoubtedly have done it at much greater cost. During the year the contract has been signed for the land at Glas Meadows for the Smithfield, a movement originated during Alderman Williams' mayoralty. This has been a source of much trouble to the Council, the price has not yet been definitely fixed, being left to Messrs. R. Lloyd Williams, and R. C. B.Clough, valuers for the Council and owners. Though an expensive it is likely to be a remunera- tive concern. During the year Dr. W. Griffith Roberts, a member of the Council, resigned office, and was unanimously and most cordially appointed Medical Officer of Health of the borough, in succession to Dr. Hughes, who had to resign, as he was already Medical Officer under the Local Government Board. The sanitary condition of the town has been well attended to, and must be improving rapidly, though plenty of energy is needed by the inspector to ensure the removal of nuisances piomptly. One step taken early in the year was of importance to an agricultural borou?h like Denbigh, namely the appointment of Mr. Lloyd, veterinary surgeon, as inspector under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act. A few months ago attention was called to the composition of the fire brigade, and with a view of making it more effective, and of more use to rate- pavers, the charge of the engine, equipments of the | brigade, as well as the appointment of officers and members thereof, was placed under the control of the Council, the existing officers and members being elected. This was a step in the right direc- tion, and was originated by the Mayor, Councillor Lloyd lending n:uch aid thereto. The year has been a most eventful one, both as regards the work done and the incidents that have occurred in the Council Chamber. As regards the former there have been some 54 meetings of the Council and committees, above one a week, and many of these have lasted for hours, some extend- ing to midnight. As regards the latter a painful incident occurred which was a discredit to the borough. What a great matter a little fire kind- leta." A workman having been suspended a motion was made to reinstate him. A discussion arose which became at first warm and • then bitterly personal and discreditable. Language was used which astonished even the residents of our courts and alleys, the result being that the Mayor, not being able to put down the scene, left the Council Chamber in disgust, and tendered his resignation. This aroused the more thoughtful members to the gravity of the position, the result being that a deputation waited upon the mayor, and after con- siderable difficulty induced him to rescind his resignation and return to the chair. This painful incident delayed business somewhat, but sub- sequently it has been pushed forward, and it may be safely affirmed that during no previous year has so much hard work been doue by our representa- tives as during the year just closed. We cannot enter into details of work and improvements effected, both as regards the public buildings, the roads, the lighting of the town, &c., &c., but have only glanced at the most striking features of the year's work. This brief record would be incomplete if it omitted mentioning the vast labours perfomed by the respected Town Clerk, Mr. J. Parry Jones, junr., whose legal skill and assiduous attention to all the details of the Council work are readily recognised by all the members of the Council from the Mayor downwards. Whilst readily recognising the fact that the labours of the Council have been great, it cannot be denied that there are some things they have not done. For several years the Assembly Room has been in a state not at all fit fcr a public room of the kind. Fancy the entertainment room of a borough like Denbigh having only 50 chairs in it, and only a corresponding number of benches; the result is that public performers have to spend a large sum of money in seating the room. for which they are charged a goodly sum. We believe it was ordered months ago that this should be at- tended to. Who is to blame for the delay P Oae other matter, amongst several others, we will men- tion. A little more attention might be paid to the cleanliness of the streets. Occasionally pedestrians can only get about with the greatest difficulty, and to ladies the streets are positively a nuisance and a danger. The streets, when cleaned, have lying at the sides great heaps of mud some feet deep, into which people step in the darkness of the evening, and their only relief is to offer a prayer for the Council and the Surveyor. A prompt use of the cart bought last year, at some expense to the town would remedy this evil. In making these com- plaints we must candidly admit that the Council and Surveyor have been busily employed with weightier matters. The new Council, with a successor to Alderman T. Gee at their head (who it is to be hoped will be a practical business man), have important work before them; and the spending,of several thousands of pounds on the drainage and Smithfield to under- take, and it is to be hoped they will sink personal feelings and work harmoniously for the good of the town. MR. LOUIS' YEAR OF OFFICE. The municipal year opened with a storm of the most furious description, but ere the close its fury had expended itself, and the year closed, as Artemus Ward says, in "a dead calm." Our readers will remember that the Council Chamber was, on the 9h November, 1878, turned into a complete bear garden, and that for several hours a wrangle ensued as to the election of Mayor; Mr. Louis, eventually, being carried by one vote. Then ensued a scene impossible to describe, in which charges and recriminations were made of the most personal character. For months afterwards "a row" had generally to be recorded in our re- ports of the Council meetings. At length the Mayor, tired of the collisions with the Council, refused to call the monthly meetings, and the expedient had to be resorted to of five members signing a docu- ment demanding meetings, which were called in legal form by the Town Clerk. Daring the latter months of the year meetings have been obtained by adjourning one meeting after another, so as to avoid the uecessity of an appeal to the Mayor to call a meeting. Of course, amid such painful scenes, little practical work could be done, yet the working portion of the Council have managed to carry on the usual routine business as well as to develope and complete the improvements to the town, such as the flagging of the pavements, covering the brook at Llanfwrog, and in other ways; and work of that kind is progressing steadily. During the year the Council lost its oldest member, Dr Thomas Jones, who had been alderman and councillor for over 25 years. Dr. Willirtll Jones (the future Mayor) was elected in his place, and worthily fills it. In the sanitary department, Dr. J. Lloyd Roberts, Denbigh, was elected Medical Officer, and he and the inspector seem to be removing seme of the fever spots so prevalent a few yectrs ago. At a bye electien, early in the year, Mr. W. Jones was returned to the Coancil un- opposed. We cannot give a satisfactory record of work done, and yet the marvel is not that so little practical work has been done, but that so much hat been got through, and the ratepayers' interests so well attended to, considering the unsettled, excited, and volcanic condition of the Council during the year. We bupe brighter and better things are in store for 1879-80. The Town Clerk (Mr. W. Lloyd) has had a delicate and difficult task during the year, but his shrewdness and foresight, combined with his legol acumen, has guirJ "d the Council through ma-ay kept thein out of legal troubles; one important ae~io?i threatened by the c^nrr-iotcs for the Assembly-room ;L1:ention1 against the Council, iu consequence oflIn raisun.l erst endings fjilnded to, having oeen avoided by the firmness and skill of the Town Clerk, backed by the uujorifcy of the members.

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. WREXHAM. The election here passed off very quietly, there being a contest in only one of the Wards—the West. The Mayor (Mr. Isaac Shone) retired, and was opposed by Mr. Fred. Jones. The Mayor himself did not canvass, but at the commencement of the contest a committee worked very hard bn his behalf. On the day of the election, however, it did very little. If it had, in all probability the result would have been different. A meeting of Mr, Shone's supporters was held on the previous night, under the presidency of Mr. Goodier, when addresses were delivered by Mr. Shone and other gentlemen. Mr. Jones and his supporters were very active, hence the result. The following was the state of the poll at the close :— Jones. 116 Shone. 98 Majority 18 Great regret was expressed at the result, Mr. Shone having been a most useful member of the Council. DENBIGH. The contest here was fought most spiritedly, and a good deal of excitement prevailed. Although Messrs. R. H. Roberts, W. T. Foulkes, and John Knowles refused to canvass, preferring to leave the voters to their own inclinations, yet all the six candidates entered into the spirit of the contest on Saturday, and worked with a will and earnestness that deserved succsss. Vehicles of all kinds were used to bring up voters, and all the usual appliances brought into use. Messrs. W. Morris and James Caithness joined together as opposed to the other four and had their head quarters at the Royal Oak Inn. Dr. Evan Pierce and Mr. Thomas Foulkes, The Graig, took up their candidature and exerted themselvs most marvellously, leaving "No stone unturned" to secure their return. They particularly brought their influence to bear on the working men, so that a large portion of these voters who three years ago voted for Mr. Robert Davies as the workingman's candidate, this year were won over to Messrs Morris and Caithness by the influence of Dr. Pierce and Mr. Foulkes. The whole of the workmen of the latter, at the Graig, were about midday taken to the Royal Oak, and fronTthence marched amid much demonstration to the polling booths to vote for Morris and Caithness. This support, coupled with the help of those ratepayers who con- sidered that Mr. Morris had acted independently and made efforts for economy in the Council, had the result of placing Morris and Caithness first and second. The other candidates, Messrs. R. H. Roberts, W. T. Foulkes, Robert Davies, and John Knowles, had their com- mittee rooms at the Bull Hotel and Cross Keys Inn. A most determined and not very worthy effort had been made in a certain quarter to defeat Mr. R. H. Roberts, and as it was known that it was on personal grounds, his friends seemed to have made an equally determined effort to retain his seat, and that they were able to do so, notwithstanding that he refused to canvass, speaks well for his popularity with the intelligent and inde- pendent portion of the ratepayers. The return of Mr. Foulkes was throughout the day spoken of as certain, as influential gentlemen of all sections of the com- munity, particularly in Henllan, worked hard to secure that end. It will be seen also that Messrs. Davies and Knowles were not far behind, being very well sup- ported. During the day some amusing incidents occurred, and on the other hand some that were not very creditable. Drink seemed to have been dispersed freely, and the usual result—quarrelling—ensued. All passed off, however, without harm to life or limb. The polling booths were at the Council Chamber, where the Mayor presided the Magistrates' Court, where Mr. J. Parry Jones, junr. (Town Clerk), presided; and at the Old Chapel, Henllan, where Mr. P. Lewit Roberts, presided. The poll opened at eight and closed at four, but the miserably wet day caused the voting to be dull at certain periods. The counting of the votes com- menced under the presidency of the Mayor, in the Council Chamber, at six o'clock, and from then till nine o'clock, when the result was made known, crowds of people filled the square. Abut nine o'clock the Mayor appeared, and said that during the day 997 voters had recorded their votes, and the following was the result:— William Morris 454 James Caithness 451 ft. H. Roberts 359 W. T. Foulkes 382 Robert Davies .354 Knowies. 327 The first four were elected. The friends of Messrs. Morris and Caithness, as soon as they heard the figures, rushed away for chairs to carry them away in triumph, the result being that when they appeared at the window to return thanks, the crowd below not being their sup- porters, refused to hear them, and they had to retire without doing so. On Messrs. R. H. Roberts and W. T. Foulkes presenting themselves, they were greeted with extraordinary cheering. Mr. Roberts said he had to thank them heartily for having returned him in such a position on the poll, which was the one lie held three years ago. He was proud of their support, inasmuch as it showed their continued confidence in him, because he had not canvassed the town, and he was thankful for the independent support accorded to him, which had defeated the extraordinary and personal opposition offered to his return in some quarters. (Loud cheering). Mr. Foulkes, speaking yn Cymraeg, said in coming for- ward he had appealed to the free and independent elec- tors for support, and he was proud that there were elec- tors sufficient to return a candidate who refused to adopt canvassing and the other not very creditable tactics sometimes resorted to on such occasions. Whilst in the Council Chamber, he should do his utmost to labour for the welfare of the ratepayers of the whole borough. (Applause and cheering). By this time Mr. Morris, refusing to be put through the absurdity of being chaired, had left the hall and eluded his ardent supporters, who, however, turned their attention to Dr. Caithness, whom they carried in triumph to the Royal Oak Hotel, a great crowd follow- ing and cheering. Until a late hour ardent and excited partisans keep up the election. The above facts shew that two old members were returned, and one old member (Mr. R. Davies) defeated, though he was re- turned three years ago at the head of the poll. Politically speaking, a Conservative headed the poll; whilst the three first were Churchmen, and the other (Mr. Foulkes) a Nonconformist. RUTHIN. The election here was a rather tame affair, it having been thought up to a few days before the first that Mr. J. Jones would retire, and there would be no contest. This was not the case. The Mayor presided, and some ladies, probably anxious to witness an election contest were present in the booth, as friends of his Worship. The parties worked pretty spiritedly but not many voters polled. The result was made known soon after five o'clock as follows -1 D. E. I)avies 277 John Moi-ris 264 R. P. Davies 241 David Jones. 235 John Jones 219 The elected members are respectively-an Independent, a Baptist, a Calvinistic Methodist, and a Churchman. The first four were elected. FLINT. The declaration of the poll at the Flint municipal election was not made until late in the evening, and the result was a surprise which many were at a loss to explain. There were four seats vacated, and although the retiring councillers offered themselves for re-election only one was able to retain his seat, among the rejected councillors being the chairman of the Finance Com- mittee. The election was very closely contested, and the result of the voting was as follows, the retiring councillors being marked by an asterisk:—*Mr. Robert Hughes, Coleshill, 371; Mr. Benjamin Bennett, Hilbre-house, 334; Mr. Maurice Roberts, Allt Yois, 300; Mr. John J. Conway, chemist, 278 *Mr. Robert Jones, Church-tree t, 230; *Mr. John Edwards, Victoria Stores, 173; *Mr. J. W. M. Evans, Church-street, 166; Mr. John Thomas, Chester-street, 118. OSWESTRY. The retiring members-Messrs. J. Thomas (Mayor), G. J. Saunders, and W. G. Weaver (East Ward), J. Jones, J. Parry Jones, and J. Morris (West)—were re- elected.

BRYMBO AND BROUGHTON. DREADFUL EXPLOSION OF GUNPOWDER. THE INQUEST. The formal enquiry touching the death of John Kelly and Margaret Kate Parry, who were killed on the even- illg" of the 30th ult., in the explosion of gunpowder at the house of Mrs. Henry Howard, Black Lane, Broughton, was opened on Saturday, 1st inst., at the Cross Foxes, Pentre, before B. H. Thelwall, Esq., the district coroner, and a respectable jury with Mr. W. James as foreman. The proceedings were only of a formal character, the coroner remarking that it was one of the most painful and melancholy cases which had ever come under his notice, and in accordance with the provisions of the Explosives' Act he was required to give notice qf the case to the Home Secretary, for a Government inquiry to be instituted. The further hearing was then adjourned until Tuesday, the 11th inst., at 10 a.m. On Saturday and Sunday the spot was visited by a great number of people anxious to obtain a view of the wreck. On Monday, Major Ford, the Government inspector under the Explosives' Act, visited the spot to obtain the necessary information for conducting the case. The body of John Kelly was interred in Brake Chapel Burial Ground on Monday, and that of Margaret Kate Parry on Tuesday, at Bryn Zion Burial Ground, amidst general expressions of sympathy, a large number of friends accompanying each. On Tuesday the ruins of the demolished house were photographed by Messrs. Brown, Barnes and Bell, Wrexham. The case is exciting the greatest interest in the district.

PONTCYSYLLTE. THE FATAL FIGHT. The adjourned inquest on the body of John Roberts, quarryman was resumed on Monday last, before Mr. B H. Thelwall, coroner, and a jury of which Mr. Eddy was foreman. The first witness examined was Jonah Thomas, who said he was a quarryman and that he worked with the deceased. On Friday night, October 24, witness was in the company of the deceased. They left the Aqueduct Tavern at ten o'clock and met with a man named John Morris with whom they afterwards went to the entry opposite Morris Jeffrey's shop, close to which was a house occupied by Eliza Jones and her brothers. Wit- ness went up the entry for the purpose of seeing Eliza Jones. He threw dirt at her bedroom window, but did not see her. As no one came to the door, he returned to his companions. John Roberts then went to the house, and soon afterwards he ran to them, followed by Thomas and Jacob Jones, the latter knocked witness down. When he got up he ran away accompanied by Roberts. They went a distance of some J 100 yards, and waited for Morris, whom they had left behind. They turned back to look for him, and opposite the entry they met Jacob Jones, who again knocked; witness down. When he got on his feet he saw Thomas Jones leaving Roberts, who was lying on the ground under the window of Jeffrey's shop. Witness heard Mr. Jeffreys ask who the man was that was lying under his window. He answered "a quiet, respectable person." Hearing Morris whistle down the road witness went to him. They returned near to the spot where they had left the deceased, and heard some one say, "John, John, waken," several times. Morris said to witness that there was a man speaking to Roberts, and if they went to them they would have their brains knocked out. They then left as they were afraid to go any further. He (Jonah Thomas) had been in the habit of calling on Eliza Jones before. Witness saw a stick, or what appeared to be like one, in Jacob's hand, but he did not use it to witness. When deceased was lying under the window witness spoke to Roberts who gave a sort of groan. John Morris said he went with the last witness and the deceased to the entry where Eliza Jones and her brothers lived. Jonah Thomas knocked at an emoty house, and Roberts called out to him that no one was living there. Roberts then went up the entry, and rapped at the door of Jones's house. In a minute or so the two Jones's ran after the deceased. Jacob hit Jonah Thomas on the head. Roberts ran up the road, while Thomas Jones came to witness and tried to strike him. He then got hold of his leg and when Jacob saw witness struggling' with his brother, he came to his assistance, and witness had a struggle with the two brothers. Witness got loose, and as he was running away Jacob hit him on the back with something. He did not see John Roberts after this, and he did not notice anyone strike him. He subsequently met Jonah Thomas and asked him where the deceased was. They turhed back to see what had become of Roberts, and heard a voice say "John, John, waken." He did not hear Roberts make an answer. They then went away, as they were afraid of going nearer. Witness had not been to see Eliza Jones before. Jacob Jones said he was a labourer. He and his brother lived with their sister. On the night of October 24, Jonah Thomas, Morris, and Roberts came to their house about twelve o'clock. They tried at first to open the door, and afterwards they threw stones at the door and dirt at the bedroom window. The men were asked to go away, but as they refused he and his brother went downstairs to send them away. As they persisted in remaining, Thomas Jones hit Roberts, who returned the blow. Morris struck witness's brother, and he went to his assistance, and Morris ran away. In about ten minutes after this Roberts and Jonah Thomas came to the entry, and witness struck the latter with his fist. As he saw Thomas get a big stone to throw at him, he knocked him down again. Jonah Thomas then left them. As witness was yoing into the house he saw Roberts by the shop window. He did not see Roberts struck with the exception of the first blow that he re- ceived. Witness had a poker in his hand, but he did not use it. Jonah Thomas and some others had been to see his sister before. Witness's brother went into the house and called his sister, saying, Li;?, get up; go and fetch Samuel James. I think John Roberts is dead." His brother Thomas remained in the house a short time and then left, and he had not seen him nce. On leaving the house he said, "I do not know what to do or where to go." Morris Jeffreys, shopkeeper at Pontcysyllte, said he remembered the night of October 24. About twelve o'clock he heard someone struggling in the road opposite his house. He got up and went to a shutter and looked into the road. He saw Thomas Jones walking away from the shop window. Jones went towards two men who were standing about twelve yards from the shop. One of the men knocked the other down. He then asked what was the matter, and Jacob Jones said that the men had been to their house, and made a disturb- ance. Witness heard some one breathing in a laboured manner under the window, and when he asked who it was, Jonah Thomas replied "a chap has been murdered." Witness asked who he was, and Jonah Thomas said "he was a respectable chap from the Vron." He did not see Roberts struck by anyone. He saw Jonah Thomas put Robert's hat on, but h-3 did not see anyone else interfere with him. Witness owned the house in which the Jones's lived, and he had threatened < to give Thomas Jones notice unless he sent his sister away. Eliza J ones said she was a single woman. She knew the deceased, but had never spoken to him. Her brother Thomas called her up a week last Friday night. He said "Liz go and call some one up." She then went to Samuel James and told him to go to their house. She had previously seen a man lying under the shop window. Witness went to Roberts and put her hand on his chest. The body was cold. Deceased was lying on his back with his arms stretched out. When her brother asked her to get up he said he did not know what to do or where to go. He then left the house and she had not seen him since. Mr. Drinkwater, surgeon, said: that by the direction of the coroner he had made a post mortem examination of the deceased on October 28th. He found over the west region of his scrotum a contusion, which was caused by extravasation of blood into the cellular tissue of the scrotum. There was no injury to the testicles with the exception of this, and no rupture of the bladder. The extravasation might have been caused by a kick or a fall before death. He did not find any bones to have been broken, and all the organs were healthy. There was nothing at all in the stomach excepting a smell of beer. On the right frontal bone on the forehead there was a bruise, bnt it was not incised, and it did not appear to have been done with any weapon. On the left frontal bone there was a similar bruise, only of smaller dimensions. On making an external examina- tion of the other parts of the head he did not find any more perceptible bruises. Underneath the scalp of the right frontal bone he found a slight extravasation of blood which would correspond with the external bruise. On the left side he noticed no extravasation. Above the left ear there was extravasation of blood on the parietal bone, extending to the occipital bone. He also found the right side to be in a similar condition only in a lesser degree. He found no external fracture of the skull. After having removed the skull, which was re- markably thin, he did not discover any internal fracture either upon the right or left side, but on the latter, underneath the membranes of the brain there was laceration of the brain and vessels, with extravasation, accompanied by a clot of from one to two ounces of blood. That would be caused by concussion, or might be the result of a blow. There also appeared to be some old disease of the brain. Death must have been caused by concussion with laceration and extravasation of blood, being occasioned by the deceased falling against a hard substance or receiving a direct blow. The marks on the testicles had nothing to do with the cause of death, but had there been a rupture of the bladder that would have been sufficient to cause death. The Coroner then summed up the evidence and the jury proceeded to consider their verdict. After a con- sultation of some twenty minutes the foreman announced that they had returned a verdict of manslaughter against Thomas Jones, who left the neighbourhood in great alarm on the night of the quarrel, and all endeavours to discover his whereabouts have hitherto been fruitless.

RHYL. IMPORTANT BILL OF SALS CASE.—OA Saturday last Mr. Horatio Lloyd held a special court at Rhvl, under the Bankruptcy Act to try a case which is exciting considerable interest in the locality, and daring the progreesof which some 35 witnesses were to be heard. Mr. Abel Jones, builder, who is now making an arrangement with hia creditors, is the principal in the case. He had, it seems, a;iven a bill of sale to his brother-in-law, Richard Jones, but before he failed a quantit y of furniture was, it is alleged, removed from the premises and deposited in various outhouses for safety." Messrs. Charles Jones and Son, and other principal creditors, petitioned the Court to make him bankiupt, but before the time of notice expired Mr. W. Jonesj, solicitor, petitioned the Court for Abel Jones to have the affair settled by liquidation, and ultitmtply that course was reed upon. A COOilllittf-" f 1:1- spection having been appointed, thovhtd .a 0 Richard Jones. Consequently, at the of th' trustee. Mr. W. P. Jones, and the proseo- creditors, His H<wenr agreed* io invcgMgot: ia« question. Mr. E. Sw&h-nlmm, barrister, •d by Messrs. Sisson and Gaor<??, .;&hy, appeared f.)r the trustee, and Mr. X^unejy, barrister, hrul 1 n retained by Mr. W. Davies, solict or, to d-afond be validity of the bill of sale, but he had made a mis- Lake in the date, therefore Mr. Dories sought all adjournment. Eventually, however, it was agreed that the case go on. The Court sat till six o'clock in the evening and examined eighS, witnesses, prin- cipally dealing with the alleged removal of furni- ture aud the book debts, after which the case wie adjourned until November 19th, at Rhyl.

T t,,¡u- OXFORD LOCAL EXAMINATIONS. The distribution of prizes and certificates to the successful pupils of the Wrexham centre was made yesterday afternoon, by the Hon. George Kenyon, M.A. The Mayor of Wrexham (Isaac Shone, Esq.) presided, and amongst a good number present were :— Rev. G. H. McGill, Rev. R. E. Jones, Rev. M. H. C. Shelton, M.A., Rev. J. Dixon, Messrs. Trevor Parkins, T. Bury, W. Overton, C. Hughes, W. H. Russell, B.A., J. C. Owen, J. Allington Hughes, &c. The MAYOR, in opening the proceedings, said he had much pleasure to be present at that meeting, and more especially so because the young gentleman who was to take the principal prize was a Wrexham young gentle- man. (Applause). Mr. ALLINGTON HUGHES (the hon. sec.) then read the following report :— The number of candidates rtt t"lis cantre this year was 20, S of them being seniors aml !"> juuiors. Of these 17 (-3 seniors and 12 jaaiors) succeeded in obtaining certificates. The five seniors obtained pliees in the Seooiid Honor Division. One junior obtained a placo in the First Honor Division, and two in the Second Honcr Division. The number of seniors for th.3 whole of th countrv is 773, namely 411 boys, and 3-55 irirls (of these seven off'red them- selves for examination as StucUois :11usicæ) of .v11o;n 510 passed. The number of juniors for the whole of the country is 1,430, namely, 1,06.2 boys and 074 jirls, of whom 959 passed. It is 118t necessary tD read out the namC3 of the -ucce-sful Candidates, as they will be found upon the lists which have been distributed about the hall. The average per centaze of passes amongst the seniors for the whole kingdom is and t' per cnatago f >r the Wrexham Centre is 100, so that this centre is 30'15 above the a. ve"a'!c of seniors. The average percentage of passes among-it the junior3 for Ute whole kingdom i:3 õ81, awl the percentage for the Wrex- ham Centre Î3 S:>, so thtlt this cantre is 20*10 auove the average of juaiors. The fees paid by the candidates this year were insufficient to cover the eXlJenses of the e:[,mill ,tiou. Iu conclu;;otÎ, therefore, the Committee respectful^ Rsk for subscriptions towards the prizps, the cost of the public distribution, and tl1e examination expenses. I.—MEDALS. Duncan Cummin? Fraser, Grove Park School, Second Division, Mayor's Gold JHedjl, offered to the first senior at the centre. Thomas Darlington, "Whitchurch Grammar School, First Division, Ex-ilayor's Silver Medal, offered to the first junior at the centre. II.—COIRILLTTSE'S PRIZES. D. C. Fraser, Grove Park School, Second Senior Division Ganot's Natural Philosophy. T. T. Groom. Grove Park S- Iiool, Second Senior Division, iicott's Life of Napoleon. J. B. Lane-Mot, Grove Park School, Second Seaior Division, Coninjft.ou's Virgil. G. Whitehead, Old Vicarage School, Second Senior Division, Scott's .Life of Napoleon. W. Kasterbv, St. Asaph Grammar School, Second Senior Division, Chillis's Notes on the Principles of Calculation. T. j;arlin¡,toD, WhitcllUrch Grammar School, First Junior Division, Smith's Dictionary of Ani-kjuifci-s. A. E. Jones, Buabon Grammar tehooi, Second Junior Division, Macanlay's Essays. P. Groom, Grove Park Sehool, Seconl Junior Division, Decisive Battles. III.—CERTIFICATES. Seniors, with the Htle oj Associate in Art. W Easterby,* St. Asaph Grammar School. D. C. Frasjr, Grove Park School. T. T. Groom, Grove Park School. J. B. Lane-lot, Grove Park School. G. Whitehead, Old Vicarage Sehooi, Wrexham. JUNTOES. llor First and Second Divisions see Prize Lift above. T. Darlington, Whitchurch Grammar Hchool. W- L. E. Eames, Oswestry Grammar £ ebool. P. Groom, Grove Park Scl1ool. E. Inee. Old Vicarage Sd10el, Wrexham. W. JI..Johnson, Uuabou Grammar Sehooi. Å. E. Jones, Kuabon Grammar School. W. LeK-hton, St. Asaph Grammar School. A. Roberts, St. Asaph Grammar School. LI. Roberts, St. Asaph Gramm.tr School. R. Sisson, Grove Park School. A. Walker. Grove Park School. H. J. Williams, Whitchurcil Grammar fchool. *The names are rre n ;e I alphabetically. Hev. R. E. JONES (the superintendent examiner) then spoke of the examination and the way in which it was conducted, and followed with a few words on the origin and good, of the examinations. The number of candi- dates had markedly increased even during the last year, notwithstanding the depression of the time, &c. Al- though the state of higher education in the kingdom generaly was good, it was not so in Wales. He con- cluded with a short reference to Jesus College and the scheme of Dr. Harper. Mr. TREVOR PARKINS sa'd he had taken so great an interest in these examinations that he felt he must say a few words when asked. He was very glad to say that the boys of the Wrexham centre had again done so well, and whatever may be the state of higher education, they had the satisfaction of knowing that the local schools were well conducted, and furnished excellent education to the pupils. In speaking of the advantages of these examinations, he said they were a test of the work done in the various schools and they also stimulated the pupils. In speaking of Jesus College, he characterised the scheme of Dr. Harper as a most unfair one to Wales, as the competition would be a handicap which would be eminently unfair. Rev. G. H. McGiLi next addressed the meeting, confining his remarks principally to the boys. The Hon. GEO. T. KEXYON then addressed the meet- ing previous to distributing the prizes. After a few preliminary remarks, he congratulated the boys upon two things. First, that their examination was over; and next, that they had passed the examination well. (Applause). He could very well remember when he passed his examination, and what a wonderful satis- faction it was to him when it was over. He then spoke of the difference in the examination now to what it was in the time of their grand- fathers, remarking that now to pass successfully was not a farce but a bona fide distinction— (hear, hear)—and one of which they may well be proud. (Applause). The other day he read a speech on educa- tion, by Mr. John Bright, and in that speech he spoke of the value of Greek and Latin. He said he thought they must consider Greek and Latin education as a luxury rather than as a necessity, and he then went on to say that a man may be- as great and good, and as wise without a knowledge of those languages, and all the books written in those tongues. Perhaps they would not be prepared to. deny that, as there were many modes of education. Mr. Bright then proceeded to say that if they were to teach the moral virtues, such as. kindness, amiability, &c., they would be doing more good, and giving the youth of the country more practical education than by teaching them Greek and Latin. They would of course give great deference to what was said by Mr. Bright, but he thought that when he spoke of teaching them to be kind and gentle as being a more practical education than Greek and Latin that his argument broke down, because he thought the peculiar advantage of teaching those ancient languages was that they produced just those qualities whach Mr. Bright desired should be taught. (Hear, hear). For his part he should be very sorry if the present particular mode of education should be done away with for one which, perhaps may not be equally good. (Hear. hear). There was just this danger in teaching Greek and Latin, viz., that of giving them mere culture rather than education. Of course there was this danger, and in these hard-headed days they wanted a good solid education, one which would enable them to battle with the great difficulties of life. (Hear, hear). This should be carried out, perhaps, to a great extent after the period when the mind had been trained by the process of Greek and Latin. No greater mistake could the boys make than in thinking that their education was finished when they had passed their examination. The truth was their education had only then begun— (hear, hear)—and he thought it was Seneca. who said there was always something to learn so long as they were ignorant. In warning them against making a parade of their learning he referred them to a romark made by Lord Chesterfield to his son. He told his son to keep his learning where he kept his watch, and not be always pulling it out; to show what he possessed. (Hear, hear). Learning should not be paraded before the world, but kept and used for good purposes in liff de. membering the remark by the present Premier that \§ conscious of ignorance was a good step to knowledge, i would compare the mind to the bounteous earth, whicw opened its pores, to receive the light and heat and air,, not to boast of the sun which fell upon it, but to bring forth fruit in due season. (Applause). Let them tab as a maxim the words of the Poet. Laureate :— Let knowledge grow from more to more, But more of reverence in us dwell, That. mind and soul, uccording weIl- May speak one music iw befoi-8 But vaster! (Applause). Mrs. Kenyon then decorated Master D. ø. Fraser with the Mayor's medal, and Mrs. Peter- Walker decorated Master T. Darlington with the Ex-Mayor's medal. The Hon. Geo. T. Kenyon then distributed the cer- tificates and prizes, the boys, especially the two hbove mentioned, being loudly applauded by tlmr fellows. A number of complimentary votes concluded the meeting. Printed and Publiahed on Fridays and Sati-ru- at the Gxioixfaan Steam Printing O dices, 36, Ho" street, Wrexhaon, by FJTKDI&AICK EDWARD tioa, the Proprietor; and al&. Published at the Uuardi-i* Otace, Albert-terrace, Vale-street, Denbigh Guardian Qffioo, 163, Weilington-road, Rhyl, iu" j the, county oi Flint; ami at tha Establishuie-W of Messrs Pring and High-street, vb)H, — -November 8, 16J{k