Wrexham Guardian

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S DAY SERVICES. • The Vicar intends holding the following services on the above days :— CHRISTMAS DAY. Parish Church.— Welsh Plygain at G a, m. Holy Communion (with Christmas .Hymns) at 8.30 a.m. Morning service with Holy Communion and a sermon at 11 o'clock. Baptisms at 3.30 p.m. Evening Service and Sermon at 0.30 p.m. 0 St. Mark's Church.—Holy Communion (with Christ- mas Hymns) at 8.30 a.m. Morning Service with Holy Communion and Sermon at 11 o'clock. St. James', Rhosddu.—Morning Service with Holy Communion and a Sermon at 11 o'clock. Evening Service and Sermon at (!.30 p.m. Et. John's, Hightown.—Morning Service with Holy Communion and a Sermon at 11 o'clock. School Church, Rhosnessney.—Aitetnoon Service at 3 #'clock. On New Year's Eve, Services and Sermons at the Parish Church, and St. Mark's Church at 11 p.m. On New Year's day (January 1st, 1880), Holy Com- munion at the Parish Church at 8.30a.m. Morning Service, with Holy Communion and an Address, at St. Mark's Church at 11 o'clock. Evening Service, with a Sermon at the Parish Church at 7 p.m

SERMON IN AID OF THE CHURCH DIOCESAN SOCIETIES. On Sunday evening last a sermon was preached in St. Mark's Church, by the Rev. D. Howell, vicar, in aid of the Church Diocesan Societies, to a large congre- gation. The rev. gentleman took as his text the 28th and 29th verses of the 5th chapter of St. John's gospel,. "Marvel not at this for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the grave shall hear His voice, and shall come forth: they that have done good, into the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, into the resurrec- tion of damnation." The Vicar said that the advent reminded them of the advent of our Lord m the flesh and of His future advent in judgment. He came the first time in mercy, He will come the second time in glory. He came for the re- demption of mankind, He will come next for judgment, and that event was described in the words of the text. The words were uttered in reply to a charge of blas- phemy, and that invested them with a striking singnlarity; was it not a. strange reply to a charge of making Him- self equal with God? Strange, except on one sup- position, that He was equal with the Father, and the truth of -the mighty fact was to be proved from raising the dead from their tombs. All that are in their graves astounding declaration—all from Abel, for whom the earth first opened its bosom, to the very last perhaps buried on the morn of the resurrection. The graves—where are they? Where are they not ? There is the city churchyard where the bodies are lying nearly to the surface. There is the quiet country churchyard were the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." Where are the graves? He answered where are they not ? And yet the graves are not filled in the eartn, which is a grea.t revolving sepulchre, for it has in it room for the living as well as places for the dead, for those who are and for those who will be there is room "yet there is room." He (the vicar) had often imagined himself standing by the side of his own grave and reading his own epitaph. It might be foolish, but it helped one to appreciate the fact. They needed no such reminder as that, for in the year which was drawing to a close there was much to remind them that they were mortal. Where are the friends of our youth ? Where are those whom we were most intimate with 20 or 30 years ago. How many of them were living and if not living where had they gone aad wkere are we going? Where were those who had sat in those very seats or perhaps occupied our houses but a few years ago ? Alas There was still room in the grave where the past friends had gone ? The text says that the dead should hear the voice of Christ. What a many voices and sounds are around the dwellings of the grave but the dead do not hear them. Music with all its charms affects them not. The rollin"- and crashing thunders disturb them not. The vivid glare of the lightning startles them not and they are not moved. The impassioned orator might move multitudes to frensy but he could not move the dead. The storm which lashes the ocean into fury does not ruffle those in the grave. There was but one voice that can be heard by the dead the slightest whisper of which stirs them more than the dissolving of empires or the dissolution of the world. It was that voice which said, Lazarus come forth, and that voice should wake the dead. The text spoke of the resurrec- tion of the good unto life, and the resurrection of the wicked unto damnation. How different would the feelings of the two be-the one glorying to meet their Lord, the other ready to give anything to return to their graves, and there be for ever. In applying the text the Vicar said that it was no matter to have a clear and learned knowledge of God without faith, and faith was useless without works. God said By thy works shall thou be judged." A time was given to all to exercise their works and faith. Such was given that night, and he hoped a good collection would be made in aid of the four societies, viz., the Church Extension and the Church Building Societies, the Educational Board and the Society for Relieving the Widows and Children of Deceased Clergymen, whose cause he advocated. In the service the chorus, "And the glory of the Lord" (Handel), was sung by the choir with taste and correctness, and the musical part of the semce reflected great credit upon the organist, Mr. T. Pntchard.

THE" GUARDIAN" AND ITS • CONTEMPORARIES. It was but natural that, the Liberals should look with anyihing but favour noon the very successful Conse? vative meeting recently held at Denbigh, and that they should endeavour to explain it. away and to detract from its results. Strange to say, in the instance of both of our Liberal contemporaries, this vras done by the admission into their columns of. correspondence which ;:mns i:soif up into vi'ifica- liou of this journal. Whether this redounds to their credit, and whet-her by such tactics thDY are furthering their patty's purpose, we will leave n discerning public û It;0.J.e.. For oU:8.:1Vt, £0 long as they do not go too far (as wan the case with one of the papers) we do not much care what they say, This journal fH now too firmly established to be at all influenced by what envious coniempor.jiio: cor- respondents say about it. Tnose laugh who win, and a. little ill-will cu the part of the loser may fairly be excused. There is, however, a latitude in most things, and we have been obliged to draw one in our con- this paper. One, the Carnarvon Herald, not content with defamatory allusions, must needs make a gross and libellous attack upon UfI. With reference to it, the following correspondence has passed, and notwithstanding that ve, perhaps, lay ourselves open to the charge of publishing that with which our readers are not concerned, we think it well to reproduce it here :— North Wales Guardian, Wrexham, Dec. 13th, 1879. DEAR SIR,—I have to direct your attention to the remarks in reference to this paper in the two last issues of the Carnarvon Herald, under the heading of "Jot- tings from the Vale of Clwyd." To fair and honest criticism I should be the last person to object, but I must say that the reference made to my paper in the two last issues of the Herald, are not fair and honest; that they are calculated to do me considerable pecuniary harm and that I cannot permit them to pass un- noticed. For now-pearly two years I have been the sole pro- prietor of the North Wales Guardian, having purchased the copy-right, and everything connected with it, at the time I entered into possession, from the late company; and since have been at the entire expense in conducting it. It is now a purely private enterprise, and I think, therefore, your reference to the foundation of the paper entirely uncalled for, especially considering that so many papers are originally started by means of a limited company, and in all probability yours is no exception. To this reference, however, I do not object, and I do not care how often you repeat it. What I complain of is the latter sentence in your issue of the 6th inst., in which you say, "The full and complete report of this unanimous and enthusiastic demonstra- tration will no doubt appear in the paper I have men- tioned, and which has so bad a sale that it is necessary to give it away in order to cram Imperialism down the throats of the people." Your correspondent appears to be not satisfied with making this untrue, and to me, injurious statement x^e-7 week, but he must follow it up the ensuing week by stating that "they (the leading gentry and others)! found that people would not buy their paper, and they then resolved to give it away. This gratuitous distri- bution will explain the presence of the paper on many hotel tables in North Wales." Now these statements are entirely untrue, and as they will tend to bring the Guardian into discredit, and thereby cause me pecuniary injury, I am compelled to ask you to contradict them in your next issue. Those persons who may be likely to advertise in the Guardian, and who may see your cúrrespondent's remarks, will conclude that they are correct, if I allow them to pass unchallenged. For your own edification, I may mention that the whole of the copies of the Guardian that are issued from the office are regularly paid for, with the excep- tion of a few which it is customary to present for favours received, and which you as a journalist know is the case. With regard to the hotels, every copy is paid for; and that the paper is so often seen where others are not. only substantiates how popular it is. As to the circulation of the paper, I may say that I doubt not it will compare with any circulating in North Wales, while as to the class of people among whom it goes (no insignificant matter to advertisers), I question whether any other paper in the district can in any way compare. v As you know, the law of libel, defective as it is in many. ways, does not permit any person to make indiscriminate remarks to injure the business of another, and that you have, it may be inadvertently, done so to me by the false allusions to my property is self evident. It may be that they hase escaped your attention. If so then the matter can be ended by your so stating in your columns. I certainly shall not allow such damaging and entirely untrue statements to appear without contradiction, and, if you do not care to make it, after this courteous request, some other means must be adopted. I know you would be the last person, did they refer to your property, to allow them to pass unheeded. I recollect it was only the other day you called upon I believe the Rector of Merthyr to deny some false allusion to the circulation of your paper, and to advertise it in two or three papers. What you have demanded I hardly think with justice you can withhold from me, especially, as in this case, when the circumstances are so much aggravated.—Waiting your reply, I am, yours very faithfully, FREDERICK E. loE. J. Evans, Esq., Herald Office, Carnarvon. that letter he following answer has been re- ceived :— Herald Office, Carnarvon, 19th Dee., 1879. DEAR SIR,—On my return home yesterday your letter was awaiting Wè. My Cashier tells me that he acknow- ledged receipt of your letter. I have this day, for the first time, read the notes you refer to in the Herald of December Gth and 13th. No doubt the "Jotter "based his remarks upon the i earlier career of the Guardian, and upon the generally admitted system of circulation of papers established like the Wrexham Guardian. I would be sorry to publish anything to injure your property; but you and I must be always ready for occasional political shots—being both of us manning political "rams. vVith kind regards, yours faithfully, J. EVANS & COMPANY, J. EVANS. F. E. Hoe, Esq., Guardian Oiffce, Wrexham. I have asked the Editor to insert a correction based on your letter.—[J. E.] We append the correction referred to, which appeared in the issue of the Herald of Saturday last:— "JOTTINGS FROM THE VALE OF CLWYD."—We are assured, upon the best authority, that, with the usual .limited exceptions, the Conservative journal referred to in last week's "Jottings from the Vale of Clwyd" is "not given away," nor has it a "gratuitous distri- bution." Personally acquainted with its proprietor, we are able to bear our sincere testimony to the energy and honourableness with which he conducts his news- paper-a, journal whose present career most favourably compares with its past.. North Wales Guardian, Wrexham, December 22nd, 1879. DEAR SIR,—I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter. To "political shots" fairly and honestly levelled I have no objection. On the contrary, I rather like them, as they prevent one from getting rusty. I purpose publishing this correspondence, to which, I presume, you can have no objection.—Yours very truly, FREDERICK E. ROE. J. Evans, Esq., Herald Office, Carnarvon.

SERIOUS FIRES. About eight o'clock on Sunday morning an alarm of Are was brought to the Wrexham Engine House. It appeared that a stack was in flames, near Bronwylfa, and although the brigade with their engine, under the command of Captain Evans and Lieutenant Vaughan, were quickly on the spot, the stack was too far gone to be partially or at all saved. The brigade consequently returned home. The stack, which was the property of Mr. Sharp, of Aberderfyn, was insured in the Alliance Company. On Wednesday morning (the 24th inst.), shortly after midnight, a second alarm reached the Wrexham Engine House to the effect that there was a large fire on the farm of Mr. Forrester, of Five Fords. The brigade, under Captain Evans and Engineer Lloyd, was quickly off, and arrived at the scene of the fire about one o'clock. They then found a long range of buildings and three stacks to be on fire. Strenuous efforts were made, and eventually the flames were limited bv the cutting of the buildings. Of the stacks two were almost en- tirely consumed, but the third was partially saved. About three o'clock the brigade from Wynnstay, under the care of Mr. Bickerton and Mr. Myddleton, arrived and rendered mucn assistance. Water was obtainable I in abundance, and both engines worked independently. In addition to a large portion of the shed and the stacks, a quantity of valuable implements and five calves were destroyed. Mr. Forrester was away from home during the fire, but his stock &c. was insured in the Alliance. The farm belongs to Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., M.P., and the total damage is estimated at £1,000. A large number of the Wrexham and Wynnstay Fire Brigades remained on the spot throughout Wednesday to watch for any second outbreak, but although the ricks smouldered during the day there was no further outburst of fire. The fire it is said was caused by incendiarism, but we hope such is not the case. Much credit is due to the brigades, especially the Wrexham, several of the members of which postponed leaving for their holidays so that they may remain on tbe scetie of the fire.

WREXHAM SCHOOL BOARD. LAST MEETING OF THE PRESENT BOARD. The usual monthly meeting of this Board TO held on Tuesday last, when there were present Mr. Charles Hughes, in the chair Dr. H. Williams, vice-chairman Messrs. J. Gittins, T. H. Coleman, T. Burv, and Walter Jones, and Mr. Ash ton Bradley, clerk: Mr. Charles Rocke being the only member that was absent THE ATTENDANCE OFFICERS REPORT ON THE Til UK E YEARS' WORK OF THE BOARD. Sir. CMAHLKS HUGHT-IK (chairman) said Sir. Lindop had supplied them with a report upon the work done hy the Board during the last three years, whiuh report lie would now reac1. 1 o the Members of the Wrexham. School Hoard. GENTLEMEN,—As the present Hoard expires early ill Juuuary, I beg to lay before you a synopsis of i-s Iabonr< fo- for the past three years. I find that. <iur;g- that period ->i meetings have been held, the number of attendances of each member being as follows:- Mr. Charles Hughes 39 Mr. Walter Junes 37 Mr. Coleman Br. Williams 32 Kr. T. Bury L'O Mr. E,oeke 13 Mr. Gittins was elected in February 1878, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of ilr. J. Pryee Jones. During the time Mr. Gittins has beeu a member, 32 meetings have been held. out of which he has attended 20. The number of parents summoned before the Board during its existence for each year respectively has been as follows — 1877-170 parents representing 2G9 chïd"en 1878—18G parents representing ;;91 children 1879-2(18 parents representing 419 children 564 1079 As far as I can ascertain only 27 out of the above number of children were charged with not attending at all, all the others being cases of irregular attendance, the irregu'aritv being so extreme in some cases as almost to be tantamount to no attendance at all. The number of parents summoned before the magistrates during the past three years was 17, the number during the previous three years being 3 while the number of parents dealt with by the Board during that period was 444, representing 6»6 children. In many instances after a summons has been ordered by the Board, I have not taken it out, because upon informing the parents of the Board's decision, it has frequently had the desired effect of causing the child or children to b* sent more regularly to school. And here I would respectfully call the attention of the Board to one little point, which is often the cau^e of some misunderstanding on the p.irt of the parent and dpby in obeying the orders of the Board. The parents are often told that their coses are adjourned for a fortnight or a month to see whether there will be any improvement, when they run away with the idea—or pretend that. they do—that they are at liberty to keep the child at home for another fortnight or a month, as the case may be. If the chairman will be good enough to make this point a little plainer to parents in future it will ofien save some quibbiing and delay in sending the children to school. I hi-re annex in the same tabulated form as I have dene in former years, a few statistics showing the present amount of school accommodation in the town, number on the books, and average attendance at each school:— | 1871. 1873. I 1876. j 1!:79. Accom- Average; jAveracc- jAverape' Averape moda- 1 On Atten- On Atten-j On I Atten- On At'en- tion. | Cooks, dunce. Books, j dance, j Books, j dnuee. Book?. j dance. National School, Boast Market 269 105 120 2i'S 136 214 j 140 j 180 j 120 | National Infant School j 227 87 I 62 I Dr. I G7 121 j 89 i 114 j 74 Boys' British School 90 258 2m 324 I 255 36,) I 295 j 285 Ii 2;)1 Girls' British School j 245 j 207 138 31(5 14C I 348 ] 2 1 j 233 163 St. Mary's Catholic School 159 J 1G1 118 192 115 272 161 2.i7 149 St. Mary's Catholic School 159 J 1Iil llS 192 115 272 i 161 2:17 I 149 Girls'National School (Tenter's) 330 j 163 118 194 120 21S 179 2iG j 220 Boys' Free School* 177 I 89 77 92 84 91 82 | j I 312 2G9 Girls'Free School* 9G <!5 *3 72 61 i 79 07 J | i Hightown Infant School 150 j II I I n"; 78 I 19 own n an "Cuoo I ] 9i3 J 1195 j 873 14SJ j 984 j 171.6 j IV 20 17W 140-1 19;3 I 119.5 I 8i;> 145 I !18.¡ I I í(.() I 1:2\1 lit; Hn.j I I The Boys' and Girls' Free Schools are now united, and carried on as a. mixed fchool, the united accommodation being 273, with 342 tin the books. The past year has t: een peculiarly unfavourable to school attendance, much more so than any preceding year since the election of a School Board in Wrexham, hence one reason why such an unusually large number of parents have been summoned before the Board during the year. Bad weather sickness, and bad times have each had its share in reducing the averages during the time named. Bad weather tplls; tale chiefly on the infarts. The sickness which has prevailed has been the means of keeping from school a far larger Hum- ber of children than those who have actually been smitten down by disease. For instance, it has frequently happened when one child has been ill of scarlatina in a family, two or three others of the same family have been kept from school from the same cause. The preceding figures also show in some schools a positive diminution in the number on the books, one cause of which has doubtless been the building and opening of new Board Schools round about-the town. The latest instance of this kind is the opening of the Stansty BoardSchools, situated only a few yards beyond the boundary of the Wrexham School Board District. But despite these Uifferept drawbacks, it will be noticed that the number on the school books is now treading closely on the heels of the school accommodation, the former being 1,762, and the latter 1,993. The aggregate accommodation was increased a short time ago to the extent of 150 by th ■ opening of Hightown Infant Seltool. which has had the effect of closing one or two dame schools in that new suburb of the town. Two additions have alao been made to the girls' National School (Tenters) during the existence of the School Board, whereby further accommodation has been provided for another 150 children or more. In several of the schools, it will be observed, that the number on the books exceeds the accommodation at present.—I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your obedient servant, Dec. 23rd, 1879. J. LINDOP, Attendance Offiser. He thought that the report which had been submitted to them, and which contained so much that was interest- ing, showed that they had .made the most of the accommodation provided, and had increased the attendance from 873 in 1871 to 1,304 in 1879, and had also increased the number on the books from 1,195 in 1871 to 1,762 in 1879, just about one-third more in each of its totals. That was good work for a Board that had no schools under its own control, but had utilized all the accommodation that was disposable. As that was the termination of their period of office he could not help saying that it had gi\ en him much pleasure to sit there as Chairman, and when their meetings had been con- ducted so amicably, and at which all had done their duty. A member observed that the figures on the Tenters' School showed years of uninterrupted progress. Dr. WILLIAMS said the Tenters' was an excellent school. In a conversation about the Free School Dr. WILLIAM* also stated that the prospects of the school were at present very good. The teachers were man and wife, both good teachers, and he hoped the committee would be able to retain their services. VOTES OF THANKS. Mr. GITTINS proposed that a vote of thanks be accorded to the chairman for his courteous conduct in the chair. Mr. COLEMAN seconded it with great pleasure, alluding at length to the harmonious working of the Board, whose duties had been lightened by the skill of the chairman, and also proposed a vote of thanks to the vice-chairman. The motion was put, and the CHAIRMAN returned thanks. Mr. BURY, in seconding the vote of thanks to the vice-chairman, said he hoped that all the old members of the Board would be returned, but that would be his last time of sitting with them, as his increased labours prevented his regular attendance at the Board. Dr. WILLIAMS having returned thanks for what he considered to be an unnecessary proceeding, the meet- ing broke up.

Pure, strong, and delicious Teas and Coffees can always be obtained at the North Wales Public Supply Stores, 14, High-street, Wrexham. 77 HOLLOWAY'S OINTMKNT AND PILLS. Autumnal Remedies. Towards the fall of the year countless causes are at work to lower the tone of the nervous system, which will be followed by ill-health unless proper means be employed to avert that evil. Hollo- way's far-famed preparations supply a faultless remedy for both external and internal complaints connected with changes of season. All affections of the skin roughness, blotches, pimples, superficial and deeper- seated inflammations, erysipelas, rheumatic pains, and gouty pangs alike succumb to the exalted virtues of Holloway's Ointment and Pills which will effect a happy revolution in the patient's condition, though the symptoms of his disorder are legion, and have ob- stainately withstood the best efforts of science to subdue them.

BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY.—Before the Mayor (Aid. E. Smith). J. Beale, Esq., and E. M. Jones, Esq. CHARGE OF A WATCH.—A SCANDALOUS CASE. Ann Jones, a >. nan of loose character, was charged by Edward collier, Caergwrle, v, it'n stealing his watch. The c •>iainant said that on Saturday fort- night (the (Mil i,i.i, he came "ft Wrexham by the train about seven o'clock in the evening. On reaching the town the tirst place he went to was Messrs. Williams' vaults on the Town-hill, where he got three penny- worth of port wine from there he went to the Hand, where he had another three pennyworth. Going afterwards to the Elephant and Castle in company with two other men, he saw the prisoner, but did not speak to her, nor pay for any drink for her. He did not re- main in the house more than ten minutes, but went out to get shaved. After a while he returned to the Elephant, had a glass of port, and remembered nothing afterwards he suspected he had been drugged. In the course oÎ the evening he lest his wtch, which had cost six months ago. He did not know at the time what had become of it. When in High-street last Saturday night, waiting for a friend who had gone into a shop to purchase a hat, he observed a woman looking at and apparently dogging his movements. This woman and a man came up to him and asked Have you lost a watch?," Witness replied, "Yes, what do you know about it ?" The man responded, "I know where it is, and will take you where you can get it." They then went to the Elephant, where he (witness) charged the prisoner with having stolen it, though he did not know w nether she had done so. She at first denied, and threatened to put him in the hands of the police but was eventually persuaded by the man to own that she knew where it was. The woman said she would fetch it, stating that it was in the keeping of Mr. Christian, who had given her 6s. on it. Witness had not, however, se«n the watch yet. In reply to the Bsnch, prosecutor said he was a widower, having several children. The next witness examined was Sarah Williams, wife of James Williams, forgeman, living in the Elephant and Castle yard. She stated that the prisoner came to her house a fortnight last Saturday, and asked whether she had a room to let. Witness replied she had had one, but it was gone. The prosecutor was with her. She asked them both to sit down. Being asked if she would have something to drink, witness replied, Yes." Prosecutor then felt in his pockets, but found he had no money. He then pulled from one of his pockets a pint bottle of port and offered her some, but she re- fused, saying she never drank that stuff. Upon that, prisoner gave her a shilling to fetch half-a-gallon of beer. She did not appear to have more than the shilling and a few coppers. After drinking the beer, they both went away again. The man >¡,ve prisoner the watch in witness' presence, saying he owed her I money, and promised to come on Sunday and give her 5s. to re-claim the watch. He did not come, however, till last Saturday night. Prosecutor was not so much in drink but that tie knew what he was about. In answer to questions from the Magistrates' Clerk, witness said I have two rooms upstairs. The prisoner and prosecutor did not go into either of the rooms. I had respectable. lodgers in the house, and they would have told me if anything impr. per had occurred. I go out a good deal. The prosecutor asked me to take charge of his watchguard till Sunday, but I told him I would have nothing to do with it. The prisoner had never been in my house before. To Inspector Lindsay I did not tell you that any- thing had taken place between them. I saw nothing, but could make a rough guess what he owed her money for. B.C. Joseph Saunders said he was on duty in Charles- street last Saturday night. He found a crowd collected, and prosecutor addressed him saying "I want you to take this woman (indicating the prisoner) in charge for stealing my watch." The officer then charged the prisoner with the offence, and she replied I did not steal it, he gave it to me. Christian has got the watch he gave me Gs. on it." The woman was then taken into custody. Witness afterwards went to the Elephant accompanied by Inspector Lindsay, and in answer to the Inspector s questions Mr. Christian said he knew nothing about the watch. The witness, Williams, re-called, said that although she had often seen the prisoner before, she had never been in the habit of coming to her house-Ind neyer been previously. She (prisoner) said she wanted a comfortable place to lodge where there was no family. Witness did not know at the time but that the man was her husband. The Magistrates' Clerk It is very necas -arv that Mrs. Birch and Christian should be here. Here is a most serious charge brought against the house. The prosecutor states that, after having had a of port wine at two most respectable houses, he goes into the Elephant and C:istle, and there loses all remembrance of himself—in fact is drugged in the house. Why are they not here ? Inspector Lindsay I told Mrs. Birch on Saturday night she would be wanted. Immediately afterwards Gordon Boss Christian made his appearance, and, on being sworn, deposed I know the prisoner by seeing her in the Elephant occasionally. I conjecture what see j". On Saturday night last prisoner came in with a man and said she had given me a watch. She first stated I had lent her 5s. then (is. upon it; and afterwards stated that Mrs. Birch had it, then Mrs. Williams. I told them we could not do with, the noise; they must go out. Did not supply the prosecutor wÜh port wine h.. got nothing fr"111 us last Saturday fortnight. Mrs. Williams brought a bottle back, and I told her it did not belong to us. I was in the bar alone, Mrs. Birch being in the house. To my knowledge, the prosecutor got nothing to drink that night; he certainly got no port wine in a bottle. Mrs. Birch has told me often not to give the prisoner any drink. Cross-examined Did not see the prosecutor in the house that night. Did not supply, at his order, either whiskey or port wine. Did not see the prosecutor and prisoner going to Mrs. Williams' house—I couldn't from the bar. To the Bench I was in the bar alone; there was only a boy drawing beer. Mrs. Birch, the landlady, was then called, and said she knew the prisoner from seeing her coming in and out. She was in the house last Saturday fortnight. The prisoner drank best ale principally. Witness was not often in the bar; her bi >y and girl served occasionally. She did not recollect seeing the prosecutor in the house until last Saturday. She certainly did not supply him with drink a fortnight before. She served the prose- cutor with port wine and two glasses of ale last Satur- day, but was positive she had not done so a fortnight previously. She was in the bar herself sometimes that night. The prisoner made a statement to the effect that on the evening of the tith inst. she had met and conversed with the prosecutor at the Elephant, where he stood her some drink. They then went down the yard to Mrs. Williams', and improprieties there took place between them. The prosecutor gave her his watch because he had no money, and promised to come on Sunday to bring her 5s. and get the watch back, but he did not. The following night she took the watch to the Elephant and Castle, and asked Christian to give her Gs. on it, and keep it for the OWlwr. He opened it, and said it was broken. Prisoner told him the prosecutor owed her 5s. He replied they could tell him it was 10s. Christian gave her tis. and kept the watch, and he had it still. To the Bench I get my living by receiving money from this man and others; I needn't tell you how. The witness Williams, being re-called, stated positively to nothing improper taking place between the parties in her house. Prisoner: Yes, it was in Mrs. Williams' back bed- room. There was a soldier in the front bedroom with another woman, and that was (naming her.) Being interrogated by the Bench as to whether she would allow this Mrs. Williams to be her tenant any longer after the revelations which had been made, Mrs. Birch replied that the husband was the tenant. He was a pudd'.er, and much away from home. She under- stood there were a respectable man and wife lodging there, and she had no idea that her houses were put to improper uses. She should certainly dismiss Mrs. Williams if she found that this was true. Inspector Lindsay said that the prisoner had been convicted twice already for prostitution she was sentenced to a month the first time, and three months the second. The Bench having deliberated privately a short time, the Mayor said the case of larceny fell through. The prisoner had very nearly been convicted on the count of prostitution, but they had decided to discharge her on promising to leave the town. He must say they considered the case a most unsatisfactory one from every point of view. The prisoner evidently visited the Elephant with the intention of entrapping men. The house of one of the tenants was most certainly used for immoral purposes, and that the prosecutor, who accord- ing to his own admission had children, should so far forget himself as thus to disgrace his family, was scandalous. This was, he thought, one of the most unsatisfactory cases which had ever been before the borough court, and the Bench wished to mark their especial dis- approval of the conduct of all concerned. OBSTRUCTING A PUBLIC THOROUGHFARE. Robert Price, farmer, Pentre, Christionydd, was charged by P.C. Roberts with leaving a waggon on the public road with no one in charge. The officer said he found the waggon across the road. Fined 5s. and 8s. costs.

COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. TUESDAY.—Before Colonel Meredith and Capt. Barker. FOWL STEALING. William Kirkham, Henry Jackson, Richard Jones, and Simon Lloyd were charged with fowl stealing. P.C. Morris with other officers were on the watch near Spring Lodge, on the Holt-road, on Tuesday morning, at 2.30 a.m., when the four prisoners were there captured. They had six fowls and two ducks with them in a bag. ltemanded until Monday for further evidence.

Placards, pl sting and hand bills, plain or in colours, re printed at the Guardian Office, 2(5, Hope-street, Wrexham, at most reasonable terms, "1itÎ with greatest promptitude. FOOD ADULTERATION.—Dr. Tripe, public analyst of the Hackney district, reports, that all the samples of cocoa he examined, except one, were sold as mixtures of cocoa, arrowroot and sugar, the exception being Cad- bury's Cocoa Essence, which was genuine. The quantity of starch in the other samples varied between 67 and 80 per cent., so that allowing for sugar, there was not in some of them more than 10 per cent, of cocoa. An article like this was comparatively valueless as a food."

Comsgonbma. We do not hold ourselres responsible for the opinions ex- pressed by our Correspondents. Our columns are open to fair discussion, but ice request all writers to use temperate alid courteous language, and to be as brief and concise as possible. Communications not accompanied by the- name and address oj the writer, or which are addressed in any other way than to THE EDITOR, will not be ivisertc-d.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND BAZAAR. TO THE EDITOR OF THE GUARD I AX. SIR,—May I beg' that you will allow me space in your paper to convey my warmest thanks to all those who so kindly contributed to the success of last week's sale of work, whether as donors, workers, sellers, or buyers ? Nothing could well have been more gratifying to all concerned and I am half tempted to say that it is worth getting into debt if only to give occasion for so pleasant a way of getting out of it I am truly grateful for the pecuniary results but—believe me with all sincerity— still more so for the neighbourly good-will, cordial 'co- operation, and innocent entertainment of which the bazaar was so pleasing an occasion. May the season's best blessing be richly given to all to whom I am indebted in this matter is the hearty wish of yours and theirs very cordially. D. HOWELL. W rexham Vicarage, Christmas Eve, 1879. P.S.—In addition to the names of donors to the refreshment stalls given in your last week's issue, please allow me to mention, with many thanks, those of Mrs. Harrison, of Plascoch Mrs. Da vies, of G ourton Hall; the Misses Lewis, of Llwynknottia Mrs. Randies, of Ty-Gwyn; Mrs. Johnson, of Erlas Hall Mrs. Lee, of Spring Lodge and Mrs. Lewis, of Hope-street.

THE ROWLAND HILL MEMORIAL. TO THE EDITOR OF THE GUARDIAN. SIR,-Could any of your readers inform me if anv effort is being made in Wrexham or neighbourhood beyond the boxes placed on the Post-office counter, with a view to raise donations towards the national memorial in honour of the late Sir Rowland Hill, the founder of the penny postage? Notwithstanding the hard times, I am sure, if an appeal were made to the working classes to contribute a mite on pay-day, a hearty response would be the result,—Yours faithfully, A WORKING MAN. Wrexham, 22nd December, 1S79.

WHERE AM I? TO THE EDITOR OF THE GUARDIAN. SIR,—Not long ago I was preaching a harvest thanksgiving sermon for a friend, who evidently had taken pains—and felt pleasure, it is to be hoped—in teaching his people and training his choir. And, although the parish is situated in a somewhat remote part of the county, everything was carried on decently and in order. They kept apace with if not ahead of the age. Next morning we set out to attend a harvest thanks- giving at a little church in an adjoining parish. The service was to commence ateleven a.m., but unfortunately we did not arrive till 11.30, and, singular to say, we were by no means late. The "wicked man" had only jUtit entered—if they had a wicked man, for I am not sure they had a squire. In approaching this quaint little building—for the architecture did not bespeak a lavished expenditure—I was greatly struck with the field of a churchyard, by I which it was surrounded, large enough for an east end parish. As we entered the church, which would seat about 120, and bore signs of recent restoration, I found that the hinder part of the interior had been cut off by a screen and not only a part, but fully half of the I building, being, as I concluded, a great deal too large. The vicar was in the reading desk, his wife at the harmonium close by, both being well-stricken in years, and a tine tall handsome parson-one of those that it does one good to look at—standing at the north end of the altar. The vicar read, people responded, and we got on very nicely but very quietly, until we came to the end of the ps.-dm, when Mr. gave Mrs. the signal to strike up in the Gloria" with the instrument. For he evidently meant to put on that day a high ritual. By and bye I had a Prayer Book put into my hand, but when I came to the end of the Creed, there was no Lord's Prayer, no versicles, but several rubrics that I had never seen before. I was instantly diverted, examined the book here and there, and the more I examined the more convinced I felt that it was older than anything I had seen or ever read of. I thought this a golden opportunity to buy and secure a rare treasure and that after service I should ask the man what he would take for the little book. But when I turned to the first page, I saw the figures 1873, and the top titie of the book was "A Public Form of Service for the use of the Methodists." Then I began to inquire, where am I?- Yours, &c., L.

LIBERAL AND CONSERVATIVE FINANCE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE GUARDIAN. SIR,-Our Radical friends are continually vaunting in the face of the electors a statement which is all very well as an election cry, but fortunately for them it is one that cannot last Ion- as it is enitrely fallacious. The Government is never tired of dipping its hands in the pockets of the people," appear to be the morning and evening song of our opponents, from Mr. Gladstone downwards. You have shown beyond the shadow of a doubt that so far as income-tax is concerned, the Gladstone Government in five years received therefrom fifteen millions more than the present Adminstration received in an equal period of time, and if you will allow me space in your columns, I think I can prove that in respect to other taxes the people are much better off now than they were during the reign of "peace, re- trenchment and reform." I find that Mr. Gladstone received from customs five millions more than the Government of Lord Beacon- field. The tax called customs is levied on tea, coffee, chicory, cocoa, tobacco, spirits, dried fruit, beer, &c., things actually consumed by "the peonle." In order that there may be no mistake about the matter, perhaps it would be well to give the net produce from the tax from 18G9 to 1878 Mr. W. E. Gladstone's Lord Beaconsfield's Administration. Administration. 1809 £ 21,306.668 1874 £ 19,284.093 187 0 20,380,566 1875 18,331.001 187 1 19,154,607 1876 19,174,298 187 2 19,231,821 1877 18,878,274 187 3 19,962,906 1878 19,050,107 £ 100,036,568 £ 94,717,773 ——————— Of course the gross revenue of the country has been greater during the last five years than it was when Mr. Gladstone was in power. The revenue is ever on the increase, and the expenditure will naturally grow with the populati, ,no But our opponents do not state what is absolutely correct when they say that the taxes im- posed on the people have been "enormously increased" during the Beaconsfield Administration. True, the in- come-tax has been twice increased during the last five years, and 4d. a pound has been added to the duty on tobacco, but it should be remembered that Mr. Glad- stone, during a time of great prosperity, and when he was favoured with a surplus at the end of almost each financial year, received from the tax on sugar no less a sum than £ 22.425,629, whereas the present Government have received only 1:67,285. This tax was remitted entirely in 1874, and the revenue from Customs is now chiefly derived from taxes on wines, spirits, and tobacco. A good deal has been said about the national debts, and some political capital made by the Radicals out of its supposed increase. I find, on reference to the Reform Almanack, that at the end of the finanical year 1878 the debt was less by eight millions than when Mr. Gladstone was driven from office. I will refer very briefly to the income-tax. Mr Glad- stone is very great upon this theme, but be always forgets to mention the fact that while he was in office the tax was as high as sixpence, and that during a time of commercial prosperity. It is also worth while to mention that the last Goverment levied income-tax to the amount of Is. lOd. in the pound, whilst for the first five years of the present Administration Is. 3d. only had been levied. These are a few facts, and I challenge our political opponents to prove the contraz-y. -Yours, &c., Dec. 15. YOUNG CONSERVATIVE.

Pure strong, and delicious Teas and Coffees can always be obtained at the North Wales Public Supply Stores, 14, High-street, Wrexham. 77 "NEVER TOO LATE TO MEND."—Procrastination with many is the besetting sin. Everything is put off till "to morrow." The torpid liver is unheeded until jaundice, consumption, or abscess of the liver is esta- blished. These maladies are curable if arrested in time by that fine tonic and alterative medicine, Page Wood- cock's Wind Pills. Thousands are taking them for almost every complaint, and are being cured. "It's never too late to mend." Of all Chemists, at Is. lid. and 2s. 9d. per box. Thousands die every year through ncjlectin-g a simple cough or cold.—Hill's Medicated Balsam gives imme- diate relief and completely cures coughs, colds, influenza, asthma, bronchitis, difficulty of breathing, and all affections of the chest. It is agreeable to taste, can be taken by the most delicate adults and children, and is invaluable to all having the charge of large establish- ments, schools, institutions, &c. Sold everywhere. Bottles Is. lid., 2s. 9d., 4s. 6d., and 11s. London agents Barclays, Sangers, &e. Exeter, Gadd and Co.; Liverpool, Evans and Sons. Proprietor, E. Hill, Wel- lington, Somerset. WATCH MANUFACTURE.—It appears to be quite an erroneous idea to entertain that a first-class and thoroughly trustworthy watch can only be acquired by those to whom price is of little consideration. In another column Mr. Sewill, the extensive manufacturer of Liverpool and London, publishes some extracts from his price lists, from which it will be seen that he is pre- pared to supply a watch similar to those which gained for him the prize medal at the International Exhibitions of London, 18G2 Paris, 1867 and Philadelphia, 1876 at a price that compares favourably with the cheapest class of instruments in the market. An illustrated catalogue is sent free on application.

EPPS'S COCOA.—GRATEFUL AND CoiiFor.?- "By a thorough knowledge of the natural la we which govern the operations of digestion and nutri- tion, and by a careful application of the fine pro- perties of well-selected cocoa, Mr Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy dot. bills. It is by the judicious use of such article- Jf diet that a constitution may be gradually built un until strong enoug-h to resist every tendencv to dis- ease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are "floating around us ready to attack wherever there is a wak point.. We may escape many a fatal shaft bv mg ourselves well for'itied with pure bloor.{ ,i4,1 properly nourished frame."—Civil Service Gazette Soid only in packets labelled—" Jainc Epps Co., Homofopai'hie Chemists, London." Epps's medi- cines are sold in Wrexham by W. Rowland 1lih street.

DRAMATIC COMPANY.—are pi EN sod to inform our readers that u first-eli^s company are announced to perform a series of Shtvkespert's btst plays in the PnLlic Hall during n .xc week. NORTH WALES CIRCUIT.—The FO'WVIR,°: dates have been fixed v the Assizes on the North "Wales circuit:—Weiti'rV-.l, Me nchy, January 12 j Dol- gelley, Tburac.j; .Viuury 15; Carnarvon, Satur- day, January 17 « >e -.utn&ri?, Wednesday, January 21; Buthin, SaMn i^-y, January 24 j Mold, Wednes- day, January 28; Ohestt-r, Saturday, January 31; Cardiff, Saturday, February 7. It jc; -ow arranged that Mr. Justice Grove will tel-ro the North Wales, and Mr. Justice Liudley the South Wnles circuit. CHRISTMAS AND THE POST OFFICE.—The following is a copy of a notice circulated about. town, and which we publish for the information cf the public:—"A severe strain is r>m r»pon the Post- ] Office on Christmas and New Year's Eve owilJ to the large number of Christmas and New Year's cards which it is the fashion to fcend at these peiiods of the year. The Post-Office does all in its power to ensure punctu ility, but the due despatch and delivery of letters are almost impossible, Ull- less the public render assistance by posting their letters, &c., early on the 24th 31st December; and this it is hcped they will do." MEETING OF CREDITORS.—A meeting of the creditors of Mr. F. J. Woodrow, late of the Old Vicarage School, was held on Friday afternoon last, at Mr. Sherratt's office. Mr. Atkinson, of Prestign, having elected chairman, several proofs were rejected. Mr. Sherratt, the debtor's solicitor, read a long and intricate statement of his client's affairs. Some considerable discussion followed, in which hard words were indulged in. Ultimately it was stated that with the exception of a few book debts there were no realizable assets to place before the creditors. The meeting broke up without pasoing any resolution. BEOUGHTON SCHOOL BOARD. — An ordinary j meeting of this Board was held on. Friday, the 12rh inst., when there were present Mr. Clayton, in the chair, Miss H:yen, Mr. Srurgo, and Mr. Pel eg Jones. The only ter of interest was the ex- traordinaiy reduction by the Board of the teachers' salaries as lollows Mr. E. Williams to have house, £ 10 salary, half grant, and all the fees as before; JMLr. Astley to have house, < £ 10 salary, h ilf grant, and all the fees as before; Miss Kogers to have house,.£5 salary,feas, and half the grant. All the above will have notice to quit at Lady-day, and will be re-engaged, it- willing on the above new terms. CONFIRMATION IN ST. MARY'S CHURCH.—On Sunday hist the GUCl ameut of Confirmation was observed in St. Mary's Catholic Church, when about one hundred male and female worshippers of various ages had he sacred rite administered to them by Bishop K<ugh!, assistant bishop to the Bishop of Shrewsbury. By three o'clock the beautiful church was completely filled by a devout congregation, and at that hour a precision issued from ihe vestry in the following ord< r:—Acolytes, Cation Hilton, the Bishop, with linen mitre, and after him the train- bearer. On seating himself on the throne opposite the tabernacle, the Bishop addressed a few words to the children. He said they had assembled to receive one of the seven sacraments of the Church, and unless the grace of G" d entered their hearts it was no use receiving it. The Bishop then proceeded to examine the children in the primary articles or the faith, the answers to which were very readily given by the children. Having thoroughly ex plained the sacrament, his Grace proceeded to speak cf and lay ecvn rules of life, after which each ot the candidates were presented to the Bishop, who signed their foreheads with a cross in the holy oil. As each person is supposed tu have a sponsor to conduct them to the Bit hop, and as such an ar- rangement would lead to great confusion, a lady ando gentleman from the congregation wereselected to be representative sponsors. They were in this case Mr. T. Walsh tor the males, and Mrs. Dayley for the females. Afterwards Benediction was given, the choir rendering their pieces very well and were accompanied by Mr. Parfitt on the organ with great skill. b