Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

ADJOURNED INQUEST. I t i Tin; inquiry (adjourned from the 20th ult.) touching of Wm. Taylor, 44 years of age, Pant, whose body was discovered in a field near Johnstown, on the morning of the 19til ult., was resumed at the Horse and Jockey Inn, Ponkey, on Tuesday, before Mr g, It. Thelwall and the former jury. The first witness called was John Davies, a lad 15 years of age, in service at the Vicarage. lIe sttte(I that he was standing at a shop window in Johnstown, between eight and nine o'clock on the ovening of the JHth December, in company with a boy named Will. Davies. Saw deceased passing with faili hands in his pockets. It was too foggy lor tlit-,iii to Met: him far after he had passed the light. Witnorin did not know deceased personally, liiit was told hy the other lad whom Ii:: was. fit- (witness) asked about him because he was so drunk. lie staggered from one side of the road to tin; other when passing. Deceased was alone, and witness did not see him talking to anyone, nor anyone preceding or following him. Deceased was going from the New Inn in the direction of Rhos. W?ger,s then went home the game way as deceased had taken. Did not see him again that night. De- ceased passed where witness was standing about half- past eight. He had been sent on an errand to the shop by the New Inn at twenty minutes past eight, and he was back home in half-an-hour. He ran down, and it was after doing his business in the shop he saw the man pass, while talking to the boy by the window. He was in the shop about five minutes, and it took him five minutes to come down. He knew nothing more. Thomas Gillar, tram driver, was next called. He deposed to knowing the deceased, who was a farmer living at Pant. On the night of the 18th he was driving the tram from the Black Lion to the New Inn. Started from the Black Lion at half-past bix; reached the New Inn about ten minutes to seven. The de- ceased and Joseph Thomas were passengers. De- ceased was on top of the tram, and Thomas standing at the back end. They did not quarrel while on the tram. On alighting Thomas took his coat off, and said he wouldn't have any more of deceased's bother. He then made at deceased and struck him. Deceased hit back and Thomas fell; could not tell whether he was knocked down or not. When Thomas rose, they both went at it again. Deceased then struck Thomas down, and the latter cried out that his leg was broken. Deceased then put on his coat and went away. Wit- ness did not see deceased again after that night. Thomas was much in beer, but deceased wasn't so far gone. Did not see Thomas get any dangerous blow. There was a good deal of scuffling. Ann Prince, daughter of John Prince, of the Red Lion, said she recollected the deceased coming into their house on Thursday week, It was about half- past seven. He was not quite sober. Witness was not there when he first came in her mother served him with a glass of ale. She saw him go out about eight. He went straight towards home. He had but one glass of ale in the house. He came in alone. Four men were there when deceased entered he told them he had been fighting with Joseph Thomas. No one went out with him, nor did anyone follow. The other men did not say anything to him about the fight-did not offer to take Thomas' part. Witness did not hear any quarrelling. John Prince, landlord of the Red Lion. stated that the four men in the house on the night in question were Isaac Thomas, William Reid, Henry Gillar, and William Thomas. Deceased was not particularly drunk when he came in. The Coroner There are a good many stages of drunkenness. When should you call a man drunk ?— When he couldn't walk. Witness, continuing, said his wife had served de ceased with drink. Three of the men were talking to him about the fight. None of them took the part of Thomas, nor was there any quarrelling. Witness did not believe anyone had been interfering with the de- ceased. Deceased did not ask witness to take him home. His (deceased's) nearest way home was past his house. Witness thought the deceased had mistaken his way when going towards home-had turned too sharp, and gone over the wall when he meant to go over the gate a little higher up. This wall was 18 inches in height before the road was elevated. Mr Griffiths, one of the jurymen and who was over- seer at the time, stated that 2,000 loads had been car- ried for that purpose. Witness, continuing, said the drop from the road to the field was seven or eight feet. No complaints had been made about the place. Witness thought the wall should be built higher or a fence put. By a Juror Have often seen deceased coming that way in the day time. Have seen him get over the gate but never over the wall. Poliee-Sergeant Vaughan, stationed at Rhos, deposed that on the morning of the 19th December he received information that the body of William Taylor was lying in a field by the Grapes. He went there and found the body with the face downwards. He just turned it on the side that he might see what was underneath. Saw an impression on the ground and a pool of blood beneath the face. There was a large stone close to deceased's forehead, and it struck witness that he had fallen upon the stone. There was a mark on the forehead. There was blood on the stone. It was not particularly sharp, but similar to the stones the wall was built of. The deceased was dead, cold, and stiff. Witness could not form an idea how long he had been so. This was at ten o'clock in the morning. The distance from the foot of the wall to deceased's face was over nine feet, and the depth of the wall eight feet. The only thing found upon the body was two or three papers. Deceased's wife had told him he had no money in starting nor a watch. Witness believed he was the first to touch the body. By a Juror: There was not a great deal of blood perceptible, nor was it congealed. By Dr. Davies I think a large quantity of blood must have been lost, which had become absorbed in the earth. William Reid (one of those present at the Red Lion) said he knew the deceased. Recollected seeing him at the Red Lion, on the 18th ult. He came in from seven to ten minutes past seven. Witness saw him come into the house. He was sober, and deceased also seemed sober. Deceased called for a glass of ale, and drank the company's healths. Afterwards called for three more—one for Isaac Thomas, one for witness, and one for himself. Witness left before the deceased had drank his up. Did not notice any marks or blood about the deceased. He didn't say anything about the fight. Dr. Edward Davies, Wrexham, deposed that he had made a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased on Monday, the 22nd December. On external examination of the body, found a contused wound over the left temple of an inch in length and down penetrating to the bone. On the bone underneath was a fissure of about half an inch in length. The wound was in the vicinity of the anterior temporal artery, which was divided. The division of the artery would hare accounted for the loss of blood <> 11 i 11 i i 11 rn, • staiea to nave taken place. Tnere were no marks ot injury about the scall either externally or internally between it and the skuil. From internal examination he found the lungs healthy, the heart undergoing slight fatty degeneration (which was not uncommon at the deceased's time of life), the liver congested and enlarged and undergoing what is called nutmeg degeneration, the kidneys enlarged and congested, the stomaeh healthy and containing solid and liquid food. On opening the skull he found veinous congestion and serious effusion. There was no effusion or clot of blood, nor any fracture of the skull, nor any per- ceptible injury of the brain itself except the fissure or crack before mentioned. He had heard in evidence that the deceased had lost a large amount of blood, but he did not die from loss of blood. Witness did not know how much blood had been lost, but there was sufficient left in the body to prove to him that that that was not the cause of death. He was of opinion that the cause of death was concussion of the brain, probably accelerated by loss of blood and exposure to cold. A man could die from concussion without there being any perceptible marks of injury after death. Concussion or stunnings meant a shaking of the brain substance produced by external violence. This shock on the nervous system so interfered with its functions, and in some severe cases suspended them at once, and death was the result and that with- out leaving any signs whatever of injury to the brain. There was nothing affecting the heart, liver, or kidneys sufficient to cause death. From the entire conclusion of all other causes, and the evidence plainly pointing to the fact that the deceased had had a fall, witness came to the conclusion that deceased had met with his death from concussion. He believed, as the police officer had suggested, that the head must have come into contact with some hard substance. It was a common mistake to imagine that a fracture of the skull necessarily caused death. There was no more danger from a fracture of the skull than from a fracture of the arm, provided that the brain itself and its membranes were uninjured. The jury, through the foreman, expressed their thanks to Dr. Davies for the very lucid explanation he had given them, and the Coroner quite concurred in the compliment. The Coroner having briefly addressed the jury, they, after a short consultation, returned a verdict in ac- cordance with the medical evidence, and strongly recommended that an effectual protection should be raised at the point where the accident took place, the Coroner being empowered to communicate with the proper authorities on the subject. Mr J. Denbigh Jones, on behalf of the family, asked the reason why the body had not been removed to the deceased's house, which was only half a mile off. There had been a. good deal of talk, and he desired to know whether the onus of the proceeding lay with Sergeant Vaughan or who.—The Coroner explained that Sergt. Vaughan had acted in accordance with his (the Coroner's) directions in removing the body, as being what he considered under the circumstances best to be done. If the feelings of any of the family had been hurt he could only offer his apology.—Mr Jones expressed himself perfectly satisfied. It was purely a matter of feeling, but it was as well that the public should be made aware of the fact. At the rising of the Court, the Coroner said that he wished to make a remark with regard to Sergeant Vaughan, who he understood was selected by the Chief Constable to fill a more important position at Denbigh. He (the Coroner) was bound to say that for the short time Vaughan had had the charge of the police business in the neighbourhood of Rhos, he had always found him a most courteous and efficient officer, and he wished him every success in his new station.- This was warmly supported by Mr W. R. Griffiths, who said that he had formed his opinion of Sereeant Vaughan from general report and from private know- ledge.—All the gentlemen present heartily concurred in the remarks made by the Coroner and Mr Griffiths. RUTHIN. GIFT TO THE POLICE.—Mr J. F. Jesse, J.P., of Llanbedr, very kindly sent a fine fat goose to each of the police-officers in the town for Christmas. A kind and suitable gift worthy of imitation. GALE ACCIDENT.-For several days during the earlv part of the week the weather was extremely boisterous. One evening the gale uprooted a huge walnut tree on the lawn at Berth Hall, the residence of Mrs Lloyd, which fell with great force on to a portion of the house, smashing the roof and doing much damage. Some of the domestics had just left the room when the crash was heard, and were thus saved from injury. BERTH CHAPEL.—The following have been the order of the special services this week at Berth Chapel-of-Ease :—Wednesday evening, Welsh service and sermon by the Rev. D. Williams, Llandyrnog on New Year's Day, 10 a.m., Welsh service and ser- mon by the Rev. Morgan Rees, rector of Llangwyfan 3 p.m., English service and sermon by the Rev. D. J. Hughes, rector of the parish (Llanbedr); 7 p.m., Welsh service and sermons by Rev. J. Davies, vicar of Llanynys, and the Rev. Samuel Jenkins, curate of Llanbedr and chaplain of Berth Chapel. On Friday evening an English service was held, at which Mr Clement Perry, of Christ Church, Oxford, delivered a sermon on Social Evils." All the services were well attended. BOROUGH POLICE COURT.-On Monday, before the Mayor (Dr W. D. Jones), William Barker, a well- known character, who has previously been under police supervision," was charged with stealing two ferrets belonging to Price Morris and William Roberts. The ferrets were kept in a box in a hayloft into which prisoner forcibly entered and carried them away; leav- ing them at a friend's house. When apprehended, he denied all knowledge of the affair, but subsequently declared that the ferrets were lent to him on a pre- vious day, and as he did not then avail himself of the offer he took them now. The case was quite clear, and prisoner was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.4 ENTERTAINMENT.—Tute's Celebrated Minstrels gave an excellent entertainment in the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday evening week. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.—All the business establish- ments of the town were closed on Friday, and many were thus able to get a pleasant holiday. BOARD OF GUARDIANS,—MONDAY Present the Rev the Warden in the chair; Messrs J. Jones, and W. Pickstone, vice-chairmen Messrs Thomas Hughes, J.P., Brook Cunliffe, J.P., John Jenkins, John Davies, H. Powell Jones, Thomas Jones, Rhydycilgwyn T. Lloyd Roberts, J. Jones, the Rev L. Williams, Rev Rees Williams, &c., &c. Mr Murray Brown, Local Government Board In- spector was also present. Local Government Board gt-itisties-The Chairman asked Mr Murray Browne if the annual statement as to the existence of pauperism for the year ending January 1st, 1879, had been jjublished.—Mr Browne believed that it had not been issued.—The Chairman thought that when published so long after date, the statistics were of very little value. The Board were really 12 months after time with their information.— The Clerk said they did not usually receive it until some 12 months after dat-. Statistics.-In the house, 75; vagrants relieved, 48. Instalment of call due December 22nd-Ruthin dis- trict, 2443, none paid Llanrhaiadr district, £446, of which Aberwheeler, Llanynys, Nantglyn, and Llan- ganhafel had paid 2146. Out-relief for the fortnight, 294 lls. Cheques drawn for 295. Balance against the Treasurer, 2705 6s 5d. Assessment Committee.—This committee sat a con- siderable time hearing appeals from various private persons, and in many cases reductions were made. A discussion arose on the report of the Railway Valuers, but it was agreed that the Assessment Committee dis- cuss the whole question at their next meeting. Drink or Destitution? Mr John Jenkins mentioned the case of a woman living some- where in the district of Llanfwrog. He had been told that the woman was actually starving, yet she could not be induced to enter the workhouse.—The Relieving-officer said that she was an able-bodied woman, and had a daughter of 17 with her who was a dressmaker.—The woman was brought in and examined at some length, and there seemed to be some mystery as to the cause of her destitu- tion though the Relieving-officer said that she was destitute he was sure. Mr Powell Jones feared any relief might be spent in drink.—The Relieving-officer said Well, as it has been mentioned, I am sorry to say that she has been rather free with drink.—The Chairman Why ever did you not tell us that at first, and not let us go on talking about the case and nearly decide to relieve her.—Mr Griffiths (relieving-officer): Well, it's not a nice thing, sir, to tell of a woman being fond of drink.—Mr Murray Browne (laughing): I should have thought you would have got over such feelings as that by now.—Mr Jenkins said notwithstanding that the woman on Christmas day was found in such a pitiable state that if she had not been relieved by her neigh- bours she would have been literally starved. —It was agreed to refuse relief and offer the house; but the oiffcer was instructed to see that the woman did not want, and if necessary to relieve her in kind. Other Special Cases.Amongst the special cases mentioned was that of a widow at Gyffylliog, with four helpless children, whose husband had died recently.—The Rev. Rees Williams said that the man had been a most respectable hard-working man, and that they had been highly respectable people people- indeed it was a most deserving case, and he recom- mended 63 weekly as the lowest sum.—The Chairman said they never gave such a sum as that, about 4s weekly being the sum given to widows of that kind with families, and he said that they gave larger sums than in some other unions.—It was agreed to give 5s weekly.—A young man from Llanrhaiadr, who had met with an accident and had his head badly injured, applied for relief, as he was in no club.—The Chair- man remarked that they endeavoured as much as possible not to give relief unless absolutely necessary in cases were persons had not been provident enough to go into a club.—Eventually 3s weekly was allowed as a loan. Collecting Rates.—Mr Pickstone desired that the assistant overseers should collect the highway rates in parishes not within the district of the Highway Board, with the poor rate, so as to save the cost of separate collection. It was their duty to economise in every way, and at Aberwheeler they had to pay five per cent. for the collection of that rate.—After some conversation the Clerk explained that such col- lection would not be included in their salaries; they collected all rates for the Board, which included sanitary and county rates, but any extra rate such as the highway rate the collectors made their own terms about. The subject dropped. Out-door versus In-door Pauperism. -Ir Murray Browne said on looking over the master's books he found that there was no increase in the numbers in the house. In more than one of the unions in that neighbourhood the numbers in the house were so in- creased that the house was getting most inconveniently full. There was a general impression that by reducing the out-door relief the indoor was correspondingly in- creased, but experience showed that such was not the case, but it was a fact that where the out-door relief was great so was the house filled; and their practical experience was that keeping down the out-door paupers did not increase the in-door inmates. Seeing these results he was beginning to think and hope that strict investigation and strict dealing with applicants for relief was training them in habits of thrift and self help and exertion.—The Chairman said that about four years ago, when they commenced a strict rule with regard to out-door paupers and decreased the out-relief by 2900 or 21,000, they observed that there was not the slightest increase in the indoor paupers, although so many were offered the house.— Mr T. Hughes remarked that it was a strange fact. The meeting soon afterwards closed.

THE CHARITIES AND THE NEW GRAMMAR I SCHOOL SCHEME. A crowded meeting, convened by the Mayor in compliance with an influentially signed petition, was held in the Assembly-rooms on Monday night. Throughout, the audience was most demonstrative in applauding each speaker, and it was evident that the subject was one of great interest to those present. The Mayor, in his opening remarks, stated that he had great pleasure in calling the meeting in obedience to the wishes of the ratepayers, and to hear anything that will bear upon the subject of the charities. He pointed out that if the new scheme was carried out the fees for education at the Grammar School would be raised, and no distinction made for the "boys of Ruthin or Llanelidan, as intended by the will of the founder of the charities. Mr Hunt, in rising to move the first resolution, stated that he had great pleasure in proposing the resolution which had been placed in his hands, for it was one affecting the interests of natives of Ruthin. He, however, wished it to be understood, that whilst he advocated for a distinction for Ruthin and Llan- elidan boys in the fees to be paid at the school, it must not be taken for granted that he acquiesed in or agreed with any resolution that might follow. To make the case somewhat clear and intel- ligible it would necessitate his giving a short insight into the matter of the charity. By letters patent dated 23rd May in the 37th year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Her Majesty granted to the President and Warden of Christ's Hospital, Ruthin, a moiety of the tithes of Llanelidan for the support of the schoolmasters in Ruthin and to Gabriel, or (ftS he is better known) to, Dean Good- mail of Westminster, authority to make statutes for the more convenient election, ordination and con- ducting of the schools. The tithes of Llanelidan have been commuted at £600, therefore the available sum from that source is B300. The statutes then provided that the master is to be a man of good fame whosliall make it his whole duty to instruct the scholars in good literature and good manners." Neither of the masters to be absent beyond a month in any one year, and if absent more than three days, he was to depute a fit person to do his duty. That statute provided that all boys born in the parish of Llanelidan, or the Ville de Ruthin, shall pay fourpence entrance, and shall henceforth be free of charge. The number of boys to be educated to be limited to 120. In 1863, during the headmastership of Mr Barnwell, the fees were raised, and the following scale sanctioned by the Charity Commissioners:—Entrance fee, El every boy from Ruthin borough or parish of Llanelidan, So a year every other boy, £10. In 1793 the pupils were 120; in 1811, 90 in 1836. 79 composed of 14 free boys, 44 day scholars, and 21 boarders. In 1860, the number of scholars consisted of free boys (including two of the master's own sons, 11; day scholars, 6; boarders, 6 total, 23. The present number in school is about 42, and no foundation scholars, and the fees now proposed to be fixed under the new scheme are 25, or not more than P,10, for boys under 15 years of age and S8, or not more than 916, for older boys. Now what he wished to see settled was that the privileges intended for the benefit of boys from Ruthin and Llanrhydd who wish to go in for higher education, and who aim at attaining a position of honour amongst our country- men, such as Mr Watkin Williams and others who were educated at this school, shall be respected and not ignored. He maintained that the endowment was not the property of the wealthy classes alone, but there could be no objection to their sharing in the benefits of a good school. The proposed scale of charges would, unless they were fixed at So or E6, virtually keep away those boys for whose especial benefit the endowment was made and contrary to the intention of the founder. Un- fortunately there have been alien governors who had no interest in our school or town, and therefore he feared a great deal of the sleepiness about the school at the present time was due to that cause. In the last letter received by the Corporation from the Charity Commissioners they stated that they could not apportion the residue as desired by the Corpora- tion without the consent of the governors in accord- ance with the Endowed Schools Act, 1869, therefore the onus was cast upon the governors of any armroDriation inconsistent with the will of Dean Goodman. It behoved their Council to be careful whom they selected as representative governors. He did not want to see men who go in for clap-trap represent them, but men who would study the interests of the middle class. In about five years, con- tinued the speaker, 2200 a year will fall into the charities revenues from the Llanberis property, and at some future time—possibly within the time of some of you present-the annual revenues will be augmented to about £2,000 or more. With this sum the governors desire to endow the mastership with a large slice. He did not object to a deserving master being allowed a liberal income, but what he did object to was that the endowments should be enough to make him feel independent, and careless as to the status of the school. Fat livings are apt to tend to lounging, laziness, and gouty habits. The master is already to receive jE200 a year and a capitation grant of k3, or a sum not exceeding 98 for every scholar. Let it be a capitation grant by all means, but restrict the endowment of persons. French, natural science, drawing, and vocal music have been added to the list of subjects for instruction. With respect to scholarships, these are to be main- ¡ tained in the form of exemptions, total or partial, from the payment of tuition fees, on such conditions as the Ii governors think fit, these boys to be called foundation scholars. These scholarships are to be gained by boys who pass the best examination, or upon the recom- mendation of the examiner and approval of the head master, This provision will extend to 10 per cent. of the scholars attending these schools. The governors apply E30 in maintaining other soholarships to be competed for in the first instance, by boys who lwve for three years at least been educated in public ele- mentary schools in the neighbourhood of Ruthin. As to admitting the Press to the meetings of the governors, the speaker hoped that the new Bo&rd would open the door and let their deliberations be made public and not kept idark. He reminded the audience also that the accounts were public property, and could be seen any day at the office of the Clerk of the Peace upon payment of Is fee. The following resolution was then proposed: "That a representa- tion be made to the Charity Commissioners, calling their attention to the special privileges intended under the will of the late Dean Goodman for boys educated at Ruthin Grammar School, being natives of the borough, or parish of Llanelidan, and whereas under the proposed new scheme this privilege has been totally ignored, this meeting is of opinion that P,5 annually should be the maximum charge for such boys. Mr John Simon said he came forward with much pleasure to second the resolution. He had a large family, and it would be a serious thing for him if he had to pay double the fees now paid. He said it was the duty of every townsman to look after the interests of future generations as well as their own. Dean Goodman had been like a father to the town in all respects. He not only provided for their education, but apprenticing, and he considered it only justice that they should demand their rights as set forth in the will. (Applause.) They had been sleeping too long. Mr T. P. Roberts, in making a few remarks, said when once the blood of Welshmen was roused they would speak out, and he was glad to see that such was the case that evening, instead of as upon the occasion of an inquiry about 16 years ago into the charities, only six persons coming forward to look after their interests. He considered the object of the new scheme was to make the big greater and the small smaller; but wisdom did not always follow the wealthy. He proposed the second resolution That provision be made in the proposed scheme for ten boys to receive free education on account of their parents' poverty." Mr Samuel Owen, in a few pointed remarks, stated that it was no use any longer winking at injustice, and as townsmen they should make their voices heard at St. Stephen's, a voice that would reach beyond the church steeple, to the Commissioners, and for them to understand that they suffered an injustice. He was anxious to see the poorest boy who had talent placed on a footing, as regards educational means, with the richest. The Rev. Elias Owen considered the resolution loosely worded and would like to see it defined how many boys were to be taken from Ruthin, Llan- elidan, or elsewhere, as he thought the candidates would be scarce. In proposing the next resolution, That this meet- ing is of opinion that six of the governors should be elected from the Town Council," Mr Hugh Jones enumerated those gentlemen who were appointed governors in 1863. Gentlemen, he said, who scarcely ever attended, therefore, those who did happen to be present, if there was a quorum, had it all their own way. The consequence was the charities were in a most pitiable condition. The ratepayers could question members of the Council also as what they had done in the interests when seeking their votes, but at present the had no voice, excepting through the Mayor. It had been the rule of late to hold meetings when they knew that some of .the governors were in Africa, France or Spain— (laughter)—Mr Pennant, the speaker, said was absent for three years in succession. Mr John Morris seconded the resolution. The Rev. Elias Owen asked what proportion this number would be to the whole body of governors. The Mayor replied that the total to be elected was 15. Mr Hugh Jones then rose amid applause to propose the next resolution, That the Warden of Christ's Hospital should be disqualified from being a Governor of the Charities in which he had so great an interest as it is contrary to all rules applying to other public bodies." The speaker said if there was ever anything rough to do it was always thrust upon him. The new scheme very wisely exempted the headmaster from being a governor, and the Warden receiving his stipend from the Charities was in the same position as the Town Clerk would be supposing he was a member also of the Corporation, He did not wish to say one word disre- spectful of the Warden as a gentleman, but against the position he held as regards the Charities and the principle of the thing. Mr T. P. Roberts seconded the resolution. Mr T. P- Humphreys, verger, asked if it was the wish of the meeting to confine themselves to the will of Dean Goodman, why they wanted to depose the Warden from being a governor ? He was specially named in the will. The fact was, they were too late they had gi ven the loaf awayand now they were eating the crusts. (Much laughter.) Mr William Edwards considered that their main object was to tight for a reduction of the fees as pro- posed under clause 4.5. He thought that some of the speakers had been too hard upon the Warden. He did not object to his being well paid, but some said that he got too much for what he did, but that was beside the question before them. He then pro- posed that no part of the residue of the charities be applied towards increasing the Warden's income, but devoted towards extending the number of alms-houses and increasing the weekly allowances of the inmates." Mr W. Jones seconded the proposition. Mr J. Morris wanted to know where 2150 of the money was for repairing the Cloisters out of the 2800, as he wanted some of it. (Loud laughter.) In answer to Mr Wilson, Mr H. Jones said the reason the Governors voted the money for the repair of the Cloisters was that the proposition was only carried by a majority of one, and that was the Warden's vote. This was one reason why he had put forward his proposition. A vote of thanks was then proposed to the Mayor. Mr W. Lloyd, town clerk, in seconding it said the Mayor deserved the thanks of the town for calling the meeting, and he was proud to see the ratepayers take such an interest in the charities and coming forward to claim their rights. Loud cheers were then eiven given for his Worship. The Mayor suitably thanked the audience for their kind attention and expression of feeling.

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They instantly relieve and rapidly cure asthma, consumption, coughs, bronchitis, colds, gout, rheumatism, and all nervous complaints. They taste pleasantly, Sold by all druggists at Is lid and 2s 9d per box. 11 WARNING RECKITT'S PARIS BLUE.—The marked superiority of this Laundry Blue over all others, and the quick appreciation of its merits by the Public has been attended by the usual result, viz. a flood of imitations: the merits of the latter mainly consists in the ingenuity exerted not simply in imitating the square shape, but making the general appearance of the wrappers resemble that of the crenuine article. The Manufactures beg, therefore, to caution all buyers to see Reckitt s Paris Blue on each packet. VALUABLE DISCOVERY FOR THE HAIR.—If your hai* is turning grey or white, or falling off, use" The Mexica.n Hair Renewer," for it will positively restore in every case Grey or White hair to its original colour, without leaving the disagreeable smell of most Restorers." It 0 makes the hair cliarmingl371 beautiful, as well as promoting the growth of the hair on bald spots, where the glands are not decayed. Ask your Chemist for the MEXICAN HAIR RE. NEWER," prepared by HEXRY C. GALLUP, 493, Ox- ford-street, London, and sold by Chemists and Per- fumers everywhere at 3s 6d per bottle. 12n FITS.—EPILEPTIC FITS OR FALLING SICKNESS.—A certain method of cure has been discovered for this distressing complaint by a physician, who is desirous that all sufferers may benefit from this providential discovery it is never known to fail, and will cure the most hopeless case after all other means have been tried. Full particulars will be sent by post to any person free of charge.—Address Mr WILLIAMS, 10. Oxford Terrace, Hyde Park London. 1676 "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 established. These maladies are curable if arrested in time by that tine tonic and alterative medicine, PAGE WOODCOCK'S WIND PILLS. Thousands are taking them for almost every complaint, and are being cured. Its never too late to mend." Of all Chemists, at Is lid., and 2s 9d per box. 191 THROAT AFFECTIONS AND HOARSENESS.—All suf- ffering from irritation of the throat and hoarseness will be agreeably surprised at the almost immediate relief afforded by the use of Brown's Bronchial Troches." These famous lozenges' are now sold by most respectable chemists in this country at Is lid per box. People troubled with a "hacking cough," a slight cold," or bronhical affections, cannot try them too soon, as similar troubles, allowed to pro- gress, result in serious Pulmonary and Asthmatic affections. See that the words "Brown's Bronchial Troches' are on the Government Stamp around each box.—Manufactured by JOHN 1. BROWN & SONS, Boston, United States. Depot, 493, Oxford-street London. 12c A FEW OF THE TROUBLES OF THE SEASON.-Tooth- Ache, Tic, and Neuralgia may be quickly cured by SWEETING'S TOOTH-ACHE ELIXIR. This Elixir has cured thousands annually for over forty years, and is by far the safest preparation ever offered to the public; it not only cures a decayed tooth of giving pain, but STOPS FURTHER DECAY. If those who suffer from INDIGES- TION & NERVOUS WEAKNESS would give it a trial they would not be disappointed. Mrs Posten, of Bad Hamburgh, says I take Sweeting's Elixir not so much for Tooth-Ache, but as the only medicine that supports and strengthens, while it calms shattered nerves." Sold by all medicine vendors in bottles, Is lid & 2s 9d. 2334 ADVICE TO IoTHERs-Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting teeth ? Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of Mrs WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is perfectly harm- less and pleasant to taste, it produces natural, quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes "as bright as a button." It soothes the child, it softens the gums, allays all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentry and diarrhoea whether arising from teething or other causes. Mrs Win-low's Soothing Syrnp is sold by Medicine dealers, every- where at Is lll per bol ture(I in New York and at 493 Oxford-street. London. 12o Epps's GLYCKUINE J UJ UBE- -CAUTION !-These effective and agreeable confections are sold by most Chemists, by others, however, attempts are often made at substitution, we therefore deem it necessary to caution the public that they can only be obtained in boxes, 6d and IS Labelled JAMES EPPS & Co., Homœopathic Chemise, 48, Threadneedle-street, and 170_Piccadilly, London. 2601 ? i

Poetry. -= WILLIAM EWART GLADSTONE, fP- J I BORN 29TH DECEmER, 18119. Statesman with word of truth, of soul sincere I Faithful to promise, and in action clear Who broke no promise, served no private end Who gained no title, and who lost no friend Ennobled by himself, by all approved Cherished and honored, by the muse ho lovci rope The last sands of the year fall fast, in mist or WJ t,. ri•Dle> Like the great gouts of blood that drip, in mmaannV > a lind e, clime J .tn, and As in three continents in blood are fleshed the  Of war hounds, merciless as wolves reckles U;Iang8 pangs. 0 uman The Premier of a realm that boasts, of Libertv i „ Its sword, though sheathed, casts in stran"e sC' 1 ace, mocks insulted Greece 0 a es, an" With marble heart and callous gaze, on s^t"rn!mri.v™ n rt In other lands-a world amaze..crvi?. ??'?t-i?Y. His troops march midst keen winter's snow to strangle, shoot, and burn, ng e, Slow doom for women, swift for men. So wmr-Ki-s the order stern e or er Changing their homes to calcined heaps. their food stores laying waste, ( S res As 'neath the hangman's hands, brave the (leath of felons, taste. 0 Not his to reck, that Britain first, enfranchised Afrilrc Vs sons, S He reaps his harvest on its plains, his sickle (?t)in<; ns Arrestmg here, annexing there, Dutch Jri?h or Afh! WiU. boasted rule of "sense and truth," by sn?'?'?and? Statesman. Not thine, Oh, premier of men, that dark and crooked way, Who first drew breath, this speaks our jov, just sevent; years to-day Not in thy soul, to use the power, of swart or Saxon bands To keep alive the upas tree, whose shade blasts Eastern lands. Oh potent voice in Parliament," echoed through Britain's shires Flashed to far lands beyond the sea, thrilling electric wires. With lore that lingers in the past, looks to man's future I too, Casting the slough of prejudice, loving the just and true. At home in courts and college halls, in Cabinets of state, At whose command great navies ride, and serried anniell wait, Transformed to merchant on the mart, skilled in all ways of trade, Master of finance, vast yet sure, his calculations made. Who oped the cell of knowledge fair, her fiscal cords un- bound, Who gave his country a frew pre s, thus scattering blessings round Gave untaxed light for each and all, for peasant, and for peer, Health, sun, and air, to cot and hall, shining though crystal clear. Wash and be clean," no tax on soap, give thrift and thought fair play, State treasuries for shillings saved, mites cast in, day by day, Let lines of love and words of trade, through arteries per- meate, Through all the land, as at each hand, electric servantfi wait Away with all the cords that, bind, the Jimbs of healthv trade I'll cut them if God grants me power, in England, hanpier. made. Such was. and is, the voice so stirred, by outraged libertj" Upon Bulgaria's blood-stained plains, or shores of Italy. Though England's sword to hilt is gored, thy clarion voice and pen, Shall rule her yet in prosperous peace, ''Oh chieftain mnon men, When Yule bells next shall ring their chime, and battle flags are furled," Thou leader of a,Cabinet, honored throughout the world. JACOBUS CAMURENSIS. Wrexham, 30th December, 187!).

FATAL ACCIDENT # AT PE:NUHGS COLLIERY.-ON Tuesday week an accident, which resulted in the loss of one life, took place at this colliery. It appears that instead of having horses to pull the wagons below, a rope called a tail rope has been introduced, which is worked from above. This rope became disarranged in the shaft, causing a sudden and rapid movement of the waggons below. The deceased, whose name is John Hughes, and who was pushing at the front waggon was run over, and so crushed about the intestines that he died immediately. A youth named Thomas Bate who was with him also received very serious injuries in the back, but it is hoped that he will recover. At the same colliery another accident occurred on Wednesday to a young person named Thomas Jones, but he is also expected to recover. The latter was engaged in shifting a waggon in the bottom works when by some means the coal fell on him crushing him on the back very badly. He was taken home to Bwlchgwvn. On Saturday, an inquest was held on the body of John Hughes, at the Red Lion, Bwlchgwyn, but was adjourned that the Government Inspector might be present. The adjourned inquiry took 0 place on Wednesday, Mr Hall, Government inspector, being in attendance. Mr D, Wilberforce Robertson, the manager,, was the first witness called, and produced a plan of the part of the works where the accident took place, explain- ing how it occurred. Mr Hall confirmed the evidence of the manager, but said the event had plainly proved that the wooden tube designed to protect the rope was not of sufficent strength. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death, and recommended more care and the strengthening of the tube. A YEAR'S SHIPBUILDING ON THE AFERSEY. The year now closing has been one of unusual depression in the shipping trade of Liverpool, and work as a rule has been very slack, and confined chiefly to small orders and repairs. Next year, however, is expected to open under much more favourable circumstances, judging by the present orders on hand. During the early part of the year Messrs. Laird Brothers, of llirkenhead, fitted up and sent to sea the steamer Lord Gough, and the Casma and Chala, two steel steamers, each of 795 tons, for the Pacific Steam Navigation Company. They have also launched or completed for shipment during the year a total of 19 craft of all sizes, including two screw gunboats, the Mandovi and the Bengo, for the Portuguese Govern- ment, each of 310 tons. The extensive repairs and alterations of Her Majesty's ship Wyvern have also beer completed. Messrs. Laird have a fair amount of work in hand with which to begin the year, and it is noticeable that a large proportion of the orders are for steel vessels, amongst them being two large and powerful paddle steamers for the Holyhead and Dublin express passenger service, and a twin-screw tug to be constructed of Siemens- Martin steel, made at the Landore Works. Her Majesty's ship Hotspur is now undergoing a complete transformation, being I in process of con version from a fixed battery ship to a turret ship, and fitted with new boilers. There are now in the shops, just about to be completed, engines and boilers of ¡."iO indicated horse power, to be fitted on botr(I her Majesty's sloop Algerine, building at Belfast. Messrs Clover, Clayton, and Co. built the schooner S. li. Graves for the Liverpool pilot service, but their chief work during the year has been that of repairing vessels. Messrs Thomas lloyden and Sons have launched four screw steamers with a gross tonnage of 7,1'18 ^ons- They have also one steamer of 2,300 tons nearly ready for launching, two of 1,QQ tons partly built, and two steamers of 2,200 tons each, and one of 1,500 to be conunencetl. The demand for iron masts for old and new ships, both in Liverpool and other places, has been much below the average this year; but all the leading firms are of opinion that the late improvement in the value of ships is sure t'i stimulate ^hipVmiidinjj during the Coming year. Liverpool Mercury. ALLOWANCE OF IxcmIE TAX IN THE ABATEMENT OF LIEXTS.—The Board of Inland iieveuue have received from the Lords Commissioners ni Her Majesty's Treasury the following letter, dated 13th inst., authorising the issue of regulations under allowances may be made for the current financial year in respect of the assessment under Schedule A of the Income Tax, in cases where temporary abatements have been made from existing rents on account of tho present agricultural depression. Treasury Chambers, 13th December, 187! GENTLEMEN,—The Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty 's Treasury have had under their consideration your report of the 2nd instant on the subject of the assessment of Income Tax under Schedules A and n, for the year in respect of lands, Arc., where abatements of rent have bTfi or are hein made, and as regards the repa) ment of duty to landlords who have remitted a percentage to their tenants and I am directed by their lordships to state that they are pleased to authorise you to issue regulations, as proposed by you, in the following terms, viz :— I-Xo reductions of rent can be recognised which do lint affect the rent of the present year. 2—When a reduction of rent or remiss ion has been nimle the tenant may be relieved from payment of tax on the amount remitted both under Schedule A and Schedule B, on producing to the surveyor a certificate from his landlord or his landlord's agent of the amount given up. The certi- ficate should be produced before 1st of January, when the Income Tax becomes due, so that the collector may lie authorized to accept tax on the lower amount. For any relief beyond that on the rent remitted, the tenant must appeal in the usual way. 3-Where, as sometimes is the case, the landlord under- takes to pay the tax under A direct, instead of by deduc- tion, he may obtain a corresponding reduction to that granted to the tenant, and in a similar way. 4-Where an owner is also occupier and gains his litiijj principally fro In husbandry, he must appeal to the coinnus- sioners as directed by law. 5-Where an owner who does not gain his living prin- cipally by husbandry has had farms thrown npon his hands which have previously been let to tenants, he mav go lie- fore the commissioners of the district and prove his claim to reduction of the charge made upon him in the same way as a tenant might at the end of the year. But this can only be done when the commissioners are willing to hear him, as there is no legal authority for it. 6—Xo alteration will be made in the assessments (is. the record of the legal charge) except in the cases in which there has been an agreement to reduce the rent for three ye rs from the present year inclusive.—I am, &c., (Kignei), HEXRY SELWlX lilliETION. A printed form of certificate has been provided for the use of owners or their agents, and likewise a form on which claims of repayment may be mad e where necessary. These forms may be obtained from the Surveyor of Taxes in each district. Where there may not be time for the certificates of the landlords or their agents to be produced to the Surveyor of Taxe" before 1st January, there will be no objection to such certificates being received, when necessary after that date but it is most desirable that they should be produced in sufficient time to admit of instructions being given by the Surveyor to the local collector t<> make the allowance at the time of collection, ;1-1 prior to the date at which he will be required to account for the duties at the General llecfcipt.

IFLORILINE!—FOR THE TEETH AND BKEATH.—A few drops of the liquid Floriline" sprinkled "ji a wet tooth-brush produces a pleasant lather, whic.'i thoroughly cleanse,, the teeth from all parasite-' or impurities, hardens the gums, prevents tartar, stop* decay, gives to the teeth a peculiar pearly-whiteness, and a, delightful fragrance to the breath. It rei moves all unpleasant odour arising from decayed teeth (ir tobacco smoke. "The Fragrant Fioriline, composed in part of Honey and sweet hsrh-, is delicious to the taste, and the greatest toilet dis- covery of the age. Price 2s fid, of all Chemists -out perfumers. Prepared by Henry C. G.U.I.I:P, :I. Oxford-street, London. 12.: