Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

FLINT BOROUGHS. j MOLD. j The announcement of the dissolntion of Par- liament fell like a bomb on all parties in the county on Saturday afternoon. The candidates, who have been before the public for some months, were taken unawares, like the rest of the public. We do not happen to know the whereabouts of Captain Conwy at the time, but Sir Robert Cunliffe was on a visit to some of his relatives in Cheshire, and Mr Ellis Eyton was lying—as it was said-hopelessly ill at Rhyl, indeed, it had been reported in the beginning of the week that he was dead, but that was only rumour. So far as we can learn no steps were taken by either candidate on Saturday, but early on Monday morning signs of activity were shown. Letters were received from Mr Eyton asking several persons in the town to become canvassers for him, and also one to a respectable firm of solicitors offering a retainer. The offer was, of course, respectfully declined, as the firm had previously been retained in favour of Captain Conwy. In the morning, Mr Bell, the estate agent of Bod- rhyddan, was teen in the town, and he posted through to Caergwle, and it was said, Overton. On behalf of Sir Robert Cunliffe, nothing was done until the afternoon, when it was decided to call a meeting of the Liberal Association for eight o'clock that evening, to which some of the friends of Sir Robert were invited. About six o'clock a telegram arrived from Sir Robert, ask- ing that a few of his friends should be called at the same hour. The meeting was held at the Star, at the hour mentioned, and Sir Robert arrived a few minutes after eight, when there was a large assembly of the leading Liberals in the town. The chair was taken by Mr E. Price Jones, who explained that it was a meeting of the Liberal Association, which was not as yet pledged to any candidate, though it was known that by far the largest number of its members were pledged to Sir Robert. After some con- versation, it was decided, in order to save time, to ask those present whether they intended to, support Sir Robert at the forthcoming election, and with one exception every hand was held up, the disentient being a non-voter. The result was received with loud cheers, and Sir Robert wis asked to address the meeting, which he did, and also read his address, which will be found iu another column. Mr W. Parry said that many of the most thoughtful Liberals were lukewarm in the cause of Sir Robert, because his opinions were not sufficiently decided on the question of disestablishment. Sir Robert said in answer that his opinions on the subject were well known. He was in favour of religious equality in its fullest sense. The question of disestablishment had not come as yet a pressing or a practical one' so far as England was concerned, but no doubt it would come, and at that moment they might de- pend upon it they would find him voting on their side. (Loud applause.) The answer seemed to give general satisfaction. Mr Bellis said he was much pleased with it, and he was certain the greatest stickler for disestablishment could not but rest satisfied with it, for he was certain that the country was not ripe for the discussion of the question, but if they would let the Established Church alone it would soon disestablish itself. It was falling to pieces from its own dissensions, and they could not do better than look on, while the different parties within it were flying at each others' throats. (Hear, hear.) He wished to say that a great number of the liberal party had no confideiace in the religious policy of Mr. Gladstone, they thought his leanings were towards Roman Catholicism, and that he had shewn himself prepared to do a great deal more for Roman Catholics than for Dissenters—(hear, hear)—and he wished to know if Sir Robert was a thick and thin supporter of Mr. Gladstone in that sense. Sir Robert said he thought Mr. Gladstone one of the greatest statesmen that had ever governed the councils of the country, but he had no sympathy with his re- hgions leanings, and he would not give him a blind support, as his votes in Parliament already shewed. (Applause.) The meeting was a thoroughly unanimous and enthusiastic one, the answers of Sir Robert being all that could be desired, and after a few arrangements had been made for the coming struggle, the meeting separated. On Tuesday morning, the supporters of Sir Robert were out early, and in the afternoon the friends of Captain Conwy turned out, both parties professing to be highly satisfied with their canvass. In the afternoon, the addresses of both candidates were posted on the walls. No public meeting was held on Tuesday, both parties being too busy canvassing, but on that day a deputation waited upon Mr Ellis Eyton at Rbyl, which consisted so far as we can learn of Messrs John Hughes, Mostyn Arms; Josiah Price, blacksmith; David Owen, mason Walter C. Eaton, and Mr Pugh (Mr Eyton's clerk at the County Court). These gentlemen, representing the town of Mold met others from the other boroughs at the residence of Mr Eyton, at Rhyl. where the gister was examined, and the num- ber of votes likely to be given to Mr Eyton was 11,400, which included 80 from Caerwys, 80 from Caergwrle; and 80 from Overton. Such esti- mated results were very encouraging, and Mr Eyton declared his determination to go to the poll. On the same day it was decided by some of the members of the Calvinistie Methodists, who met after a monthly meeting, held at Green- field, that a deputation should wait upon Mr Eyton, asking him to withdraw, seeing that he was endangering the Liberal seat by his persist- ency in dividing the Liberal cause, especially as his state of health was not such as to justify the constituency in giving him its confidence. This deputation waited upon Mr Eyton on Wednesday morning with the final result that he was not prepared to withdraw then, bat he would return them a final answer on Thursday. On Wednesday evening a meeting of colliers was convened at Wrexbam-street, Mold. It was said to be a private public meeting of colliers," and was presided over by Mr T. T. Kelly, election agent of Captain Conwy. We could not be pre- sent, therefore we give the following in the words of our informant—" I need not tell you that Mr Kelly acted the gentleman all through, and when I tell you that Mr Dean was present, you need not be told who spoke first. Well, Mr Dean said a great deal of nothing. Among other things he told the colliers that it was the Church of Eng- land that bad given one liberty to preach in an Independent Chapel, and another in a Baptist Chapel, another in a Wesleyan Chapel, and another in a Ranter's Chapel, and if the Church of England was done away with, there would be no liberty for anyone to preach in a Wesleyan Chapel, a statement he challenged any Noncon- formist to contradict. This statement was taken up by Mr Parkinson, of New-street. Captain Cottingham then said that they had called the meeting to see if they could agree together that Captain Conwy was the friend of the working man and the collier. It was to the Conservatives they should look for protection, &c. Mr Pritchard, a collier, corroborated this statement, and ulti- mately the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman. No vote of confidence in Capt Conwy was proposed." On Thursday morning, the canvassers of Mr Ellis Eyton were busy, and a little before mid- day Mr Eyton himself was carried out of his room to his carriage, and taken down Wrexham- street, his perambulator being on the outside. In the evening at six o'clock, a meeting of colliers was held at the British School to consider which caudidate should be supported at the election. The friends of both Mr Ellis Eyton and Sir R. Cunliffe mustered in force, and there was a warm discussion, but after a leiagthened argument the meeting declared itself in favor of Sir Robert. This was just in time for those who attended the colliers meeting to attend a meeting called by the supporters of Captain Conwy, at the Market Hall, the chair at which was taken by Mr J. W. Jones (chairman of the Local Board). We have no hesitation in saying that this was the most unruly meeting we have even seen in Mold, and we are sorry that the fair play generally given to all, was not fully accorded to the sup- porters of Capt. Conwy at this meeting. The chair was taken soon after eight o'clock, and the chair- man in his usual happy and witty style opened the proceedings. Among those who supported him and the candidate on the platform were Col. Cooke, Capt. Morant, R.N., Captain Williams, Bodelwyddan, Col. Humberston, Capt. Philips, Messrs P. Pennant, T. W. Eyton, A. T. Roberts, J. Forrest, T. Kelly, G. Roper, Dr. Williams, A. T. Keene, &c. Captain Conwy, on rising to address the meet- ing, was very fairly received. He at once entered into a criticism of the acts and deeds of the Liberal Government. At the conclusion of the speech, Mr E. P. Jones lose up amid a storm of applause, and asked the chairman if he would be allowed to put a question or two to Captain Conwy. Permission having been given, Mr Jones asked if Captain Conwy, provided he were re- turned, would move for the abolition of the Game Laws ? Captain Conwy replied that he was in favor of some modifications of those laws. He was against the over preservation of game, but if those laws were abolished would they make game property ? and if they were abolished they would have to make the laws of trespass much more stringent. The subject required a great deal of considera- tion, but in any case he was not in favor of making rabbits game. Mr E. P. Jones asked that in the event of Parliament not abolishing the game laws, would Captain Conwy vote to have game and game covers assessed ? Captain Cenwy Certainly. (Applause.) Mr Jones said that he had still another question to put. At present all wood lands were un- assessed, while the proprietors reaped the benefi of the produce. Would Capt. Conwy vote for the assessment of such property ? Captain Conwy: Certainly I would. (Ap- plause.) Mr Jones asked what were the opinions of Captain Conwy with regard to the hours for closing public-houses. Captain Conwy said that he was in favor of the hours of closing being decided by the Legislature and not by the local magistrates. (Applause.) Mr Jones again said that Captain Conwy had complained of the power given by the Licensing Act to a policeman to search a publican's house. The same power was given to the policeman to search the pockets of a poor man on the high road to see whether he had a rabbit in it or not. Captain Conwy Yes, but it is only suspicious characters that they are allowed to search. Mr Jones Exactly, and they are only allowed to search the houses of suspicious publicans. (Loud applause.) Mr T. T. Kelly: Certainly not. It is against the law. (Load cries of •' Sit down," Let him answer for himself," &c.) Captain Conwy: No poor man's house is searched without a warrant granted by the magis- trates. (" Oh, oh.") Mr E. P. Jones Answer the question—(ap- plause)—and to Mr Kelly: Does Mr Kelly charge for that opinion? The Chairman No, he gives it gratis. (Loud laughter. ) Mr Jones: Then if that is the case, it is worth- less. (Renewed laughter.) Mr Parkinson then asked a series of questions referring to the Protestantism of the Church. Captain Conwy replied that he was against Ritualism, but Mr Parkinson must ask the Bishop of St. Asaph for further information. Mr Pritchard, of Derwen-terrace, asked several other questions, to which qualified answers were given. Mr Forrest then moved the first resolution to the effect that Captain Conwy was a fit and proper person to represent the boroughs in Parliament, which was seconded by Mr Corbett, and put to the meeting by the chairman, but not more than one-tenth of the number present voted for it. There were loud cries of against," against," but the chairman refused to put it in that way, as the meeting was called for the supporters of Capt. Conwy, at the same time he did not say that the motion was carried. Captain Pennant, in a long speech, then pro- posed that the meeting should use its influence for the return of Captain Conwy, which was seconded by Colonel Cooke, who was continually interrupted. Not one-twentieth of those present raised up their hands, and the motion was lost amid cheers for Gladstone, Bright, Sir Robert Cunliffe, and Mr Joseph Eaton, who had answered Colonel Cooke. A vote of thanks to the chairman, proposed by Mr Kelly, brought the most excited political meeting held in Mold for some years, to a close.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. I SIR W. W. WYXX'S HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Saturday, January 31 Halston Monday, February 2 Broughton Tuesday, February 3 Kennels Thursday, February 5 Oteley Saturday, February 24 Green Dragon Each day at 10-30. THE CHESHIRE HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Saturday, January 31 The Rookery Monday, February 2. Warmingham Tuesday, February 3 Mere Hall Thursday, February 5 Wilkesley Friday, February 6 Tarporley Town End Saturday, February 7 Norton Priory Each day at 11 o'clock. THE SHREWSBURY HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday, February 2 Habherley Friday, February 6 Cressage Village Each day at 10-45. THE NORTH SHROPSHIRE HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday, February 2 Chetwvnd Friday, February 6 Crudgington Each day at 10-45. THE UNITED PACK WILL MEET ON Saturday, January 31 Treverward Tuesday, February 3 Horderley Gate Friday, February 6 Powis Castle Park Tuesday, February 10 Wettleton Pool Friday, February 13 Kerry Pole Each day at 10 o'clock. THE FLINTSHIRE HARRIERS WILL MEET ON Saturday, January 31 Lygauywern Toll gate luesdav, February 3 Pontblyddyn Saturday February 7 Hawarden Tuesday, February 10 Coleshill Turnpike Gate friday, February 13 Rhyd-talog Tuesday, February 17 Loggerheads Saturday, February 21 Llanypwli Thursday, February 24 Northop Each day at 11 o'clock. THE RUTHIN HARRIERS WILL MEET ON Tuesday, February 3 Pont Bodrual Each day at 11 o'clock. THE VALE OF CLWYD HARRIERS WILL MEET ON S&?rd?y, January 31 Ll=nereh te„ fc, vrd, ay, February .n Inn Wednesday Inn ?tu?day, February Llanefvdd Each day at 11 o'clock. THE TANAT SIDE HARRiERS WILL MEET ON Tiiesday, February 3 Four Crosses Friday, February (i Kinnerley Each day at 11 o'clock. THE NORTH MONTGOMERY HARRIERS WILL MEET ON Saturday, January 31 Trefnanney Each day at 11 o'clock. .am-

BOROUGH MAGISTRATES' COURT. SAXCEDAV, JAN. 24th, 1874. Before the Mayor (R. Lloyd, Esq.) DESERTER. I John Williams was charged with deserting from I the 2j.d Welsh Fueileere. Sergeant Mnjor Ken, I ney said the prisoner arrived from Carnarvon as a recruit on the 17th, having been attested by the mayor of that town for the 23rd Regiment. He ar- rived in Wrexham on the same evening, and was shown to his iodging. On the 19tli he left Wrex- ham, and returned to Carnarvon, but came back again to Wrexham on Friday, and was banded over to the police as a deserter.—Remanded until Wednesday. DRUNKENNESS. Ann Hines, charged with drunkenness, was or- dered to leave the town. MONDAY.—Before the Mayor, T. C. Jones, Esq., and A. W. Edwards, Esq. DRUNKENNESS. Richard Jones, Joseph Hughes, Wm. Davies, and Ed. H uberts, were charged by P.C. Mills with I)ein,I drunk, and lighting, on Monday after- noon, in Ab bott- street. -E aell fined 10s. Gd., and 8s. costs. OBSTRUCTING HOPE-STREET. Wm. Williams, carrier, Hope-street, had been summoned by Mr Higgins, Sergeant-at-Mace, for obstructing Hope-street, on Monday, the 19th iust. from three o'clock till half-past.—Fined 10s. and 8s. costs. ALLEGED ASSAULT. John (rilL labourer BuM*-vne .••otvi. •Largt'd with (&unlLÜJg hi? i;ro!iii.r->.j-; .v. Hetiry J>fUib:ir. lab«'.n«*er, Pi ntrcfeiin, in: the ."d inst-— *'•*> ti -Viifi c-vrr keep pe-iiv- -o: Mi I :??-?b.lU ?.t:?'??:? j +. U 1. 'ti — VQJFF »«-

Wit*. SHAM T«'»w. COUNCIL. A monthly meeting of the Town Council was I held on Tuesday afternoon, and there were pre- sent—The Mayor (Mr R. Lloyd), Alderman Wm. Rowland, Councillors J. Beale, T. Roberts, Hugh Davies, J. Oswell Bury, E. Smith, J. B. Murless, J. M. Jones, and J. C. Owen. FOOTPATH IN THE WATERY LANE. Mr ihomas Roberts moved, and Mr J. B. Mur- less seconded, that the resolution of the General Purposes Committee to curb the footpath in  Watery Lane be rescinded.—This was agreed to unanimously. CEMETERY. The engrossment of the contract for the pur- chase of the cemetery laud from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners was laid before the Council, and wa.. seakd. The Mayor moved, That a certain sum of money be offered to Mr Meredith for a portion 01 land to increase the area of the intended cemetery on the Raabon Roid to straighten fences and to divert the township road, and to procure the necessary assent to such enlargement." The Mayor produced figures to show that the addition of the land would only necessitate an expenditure of 731. 12s 3d more than if the present plan were carried out, this including 601. to be paid to Mr Meredith. Mr J. M. Jones seconded the motion, and pointed out that the additional land would not be a loss, because persons wishing to bury in the cemetery would have to purchase land from the corporation. Mr H. Davies said the proposal was ridiculous in the extreme and Mr Murless was of opinion that the -.pense was unnecessary. Only two voted for the motion, which was there- fore lost. The Mayor moved, "That the surveyor be in. structed to prepare plans and specifications for boundary walls and other works to be done to the cemetery land." The Town Clerk said they were empowered to borrow 5,0001. from the Public Loan Com- missioners for cemetery purposes?, and he sug- gested that they should now borrow 1,0001. of that sum at 3t per cent. interest. This was agreed to, on the motion of Mr J. M. Jones, seconded by Mr Murless. I THZ ROAD LEADING FROM HOPE-STREET TO THE RAILWAY STATION. Mr Roberts called attention to the disgraceful state of the above road. A letter from Mr Evan Morris stated that ac- cording to the Act of Parliament the above road was not now under the jurisdiction of the trustees from the borough to Cross-street toll-gate, that portion of the road being under the control of the Tramway Company. The proportion of 3001. (the amount fixed by Parliament to be expended on the whole of the above road), to be paid for the part taken by the Tramway Company, was 901. He suggested that the Council should take over that part of the road in the borough, and keep it in repair for the sum of 71. 10s per annum. The Town Clerk explained that the tolls would still continue to be charged, for they were to be devoted to paying the bondholders, who had con- sented to take 80 per cent. of the amount of their debt. The matter was referred to the General Pur- Doses Committee. I" THE BEASTMARKET AND THE SMITHFIELD. A letter was read from ttie Hon. James Kenneth Howard stating thas the Board of Treasury were willing to grant a renewal of the lease of the Beast Market for 31 years at an annual rental of lOt, and the Council would be allowed to erect permanent pens for use as a sinithiield. The ex- penses of the new lease, 121. 12s, would have to be paid by the Council. On the motion of Mr Murless, seconded by Mr J. M. Jones, it was resolved to ask that the lease should be for 99 years. I THE DRAINAGE OF RHOSDDU, AND THE WATER- WORKS BILL, The question of the proposed amalgamation of Rhosddu and the borough for drainage purposes, and the consideration of the Waterworks Bill, were adjourned. ESTIMATE FOR NEW RATE. In reference to the preparing of a general dis- tr ict rate, Mr John Oswell Bury intimated that 1001. ex- pended was equal to a penny in the pound, and the amount of expenditure as shown at the General Purposes Committee was 1,5001., or a fifteen-penny rate in the pound, and to get that sum they had had to cut down a good many things, such as cleaning the streets by one-haif, and no provision for sewerage expenses. And this had been in consequence of there being a sum of 400L, or 41 in tue pound, to be paid for legal expenses. Mr Bury continued-If we had not had this expense for legal business we should only have had an elevenpenny rate. I wish to know whether you think it is politic to issue a rate of 15d in the pound when these things have been cut down to such a small figure ? Is it right that the cleansing of the streets should be reduced from 801. co 501., is it right that there should be nothing done as regards sewering, that the highway ex- penses should be reduced from 1501. to 1001., watering the streets reduced one half, and cleansing privies from lOOl. to 25i. People are always grumbling about the watering of the streets, and is it right that that item of expendi- ture should be cut down one half simply to have a filteenpenny rate. At the end of the ye&r we shall have many complaints if we are not run into debt, in which case we shall want more money. Mr J. M. Jones What is this £400, which Mr Bury has referred to, for ? Mr Bury Legal expenses. Mr Jones On account of what ? The Mayor The opposition. Mr J. M. Jones: I am sorry to hear it, and I was very sorry I was not here when the question of the opposition came up. I did try to open the question afterwards, but the ex-mayor over-ruled me, and told me I was too late. I think it was the most unwise action thii Council could have taken. The proposition made by the Gas Company seemed to me to be a very reasonable one, and a very need. ful one, when we take into consideration the great advance which has taken place in the price of coal. They only asked for a very limited concession for two years, and it was a very reasonable one. We have probably spent more money in opposing that application than we could possibly save to the rate- payers under any circumstances. The Town Clerk The words in the minute are not opposition to the gas company's applica- tion," but for legal and other expenses incurred during the half-year," which leaves it quite open. It is quite open for that money to be applicable to any other purposes, "legal or other expenses during the half-year." So that it does not neces- sarily mean that it is to go in one direction. In reference to this matter I have to make a correc- tion or explanation of the statement I made at the last Council meeting, and I do so at the request of Mr Evan Morris. He said that my short explana- tion would infer that there was a charge of 245U against the Corporation, or against me, for expenses incurred in reference to this op- position. He wishes me to state that the E450 or whatever the money may be, is not the total of his own bill, but that it includes counsel's fees, sur- veyors', and engineers', and other charges. He said that if I did not make that explanation to you, he should be obliged to do it through the medium of the press. Mr Murless I perhaps might say that I am as sorry as Mr Councillor Jones that the town should have been put to the expense of this opposition. I regret exceedingly that the ratepayers' money should have been spent for that purpose but at the same time I have no hesitation in Eaying that the town has benefitted, and that we were bound to take the action we did. According to the evi- dence given at the Board of Trade inquiry, the Gas Company made 2,000,000 ft. a year, and the opposition succeeded in knocking cff 4d., so that that means £350 a year. So that we nearly save the cogt of the opposition in one year. A great deal has been written about this matter, and I saw a letter the other day m the Adeertiser, referring to the expense that the town had been put to in consequence of Parliamentary opposition. But I wish to state that by that opposition the town up to the present time has saved £ 2,169. Mr Bury From what ? Mr Murless By reducing the maximum rate to 4s. instead of 4s. 6d., and by getting a fifteen candle gas instead of fourteen; because they stated in evidence before the Board of Trade in- quiry that in 1871 they were obliged to fall back upon their reserve lund in order to pay the divi- uelld. Therefore it is only fair to assume that if they had had the power to charge 4s. 6d. they would have done so. I say thereiore unhesita- tingly that the town has been a very great gamer by the action the Council have taken. Mr J. M. Jones said he had no interest in the Gas Company, but if they had met the company they might have saved all this expense. Mr Murless thought the company ought to have approacheu tke Council, as the representatives of tue public, whereas the first intimation they had was the advertisement in the news- papers. Mr Davies said they had not given the Council an opportunity or meeting taem, tor they had rushed headlong to London. Mr Bury When I drew attention to the rate about to be made, I did not mention anything about the Gas Company. I drew attention to the sum of i4U0, which was understood to have been spent in consequence of the opposition to the Gas Company. I uo not object to this Council taking proper bteps to protect the public of Wrexham and their own uitcrt-:t. uwvsrence to the lamps of the I-. WI:. I do whyth poor ratepayers n iH, do iv»t gas su«.uii have to pay a rate ot 4 I L" ""i. iu tiie puw.n:. the resui. ot this opposi- tion. The -rii ondiics on account of the public luuLpo i.uoui. u year, and at 4d. per 1,0U0 Ket the (J''ui:cii «Mli .>o;y *.ave £ 28ay6ar, or i2o<31or taetwoyears tiuriug wbscu this new rate is to laal; In tiiie e^i-eaaiiure oi mUU has been .incurred to save ;1;;06. The consumers will not have to bear ail this expense, because all the ratepayers will have to pay indirectly—those who uliv, gas and those who do not. The Mayor 1 do not think it is aight that we should go on with this question of t450 to-day. A. sub-committee has been appointed to con- sider it. '1 he Town Clerk: And it only arises inciden- tally. Air Sherratt: It is better that it should come out, aid I should like to hear what Mr Bury has. to ssy. Mr Bury: This question is part and parcel of the fifteen penny rate; and, therefore, I think it does arise. Mr Murless: I agree with Mr Bury. I think if there is anything to come out, the sooner the bet- ter the ratepayers know 30.1 about it. Mr Bury It is a very long time in coming out. At a meeting of the Finance Committee, some time ago, it was remarked there was a big bill to come before the CouucIl-a bill of something like 450. As soon as it is mentioned in the Council it is baid We do not want it yet; try and get it reduced, and then we will look at it." To-day we do net see anything on the notice paper and another monta is gone, and we do not near anything JI it, and outside, 1 am told there is to be no reduc tion at all. 1 want to know ftom the clerk what tho report of that committee has been. Tne Mayor: The committee has been ad- journed. Mr Bury For how long has it been adjourned ? I suppose this £ 400 will have to be paid. The Mayor: You can afterwards have your say. Mr Bury But I am speaking of this rate, Mr Mayor. The Town Clerk Oh that rate does not arise until the 28th ot February. Mr Bury But you are bringing in the S400 are you not, Mr Town Clerk. The Town Clerk We shall have plenty of time to consider the bill before the 28th of February. Mr Bury: But if you pass the rate now, you cannot make an addition afterwards. The Town Clerk We are not obliged to spend it all. Mr Bury: But you have not got enough. You will be in debt before tLe end of the year. The Town Clerk I am afraid we shall; but it will depend upon the Council whether we shall or not. Mr Bury If I am not in order I will reserve my remarks until the report is made by the com- mittee. Mr Sherratt protested against Mr J. M. Jones stating that if he had been present better terms would have been made, for the company had not 1-iven them the chance. He considered that the bill should be reduced considerably. It had been fixed that the counsel's fees should not be more than 40 guineas, and they had also fixed the amount to be given to the engineers and other witnesses; and the whole should not have come to more than £ 150. The Town Clerk: I think this is very much out of place. Mr Sherratt: I do not think it is. The Town Clerk You yourself was one of the members of the committee, and I think you ought to reserve yourself until the committee considered the whole question. Mr Bury I am much surprised at Mr Sherratt saying anything at all. Mr Sherratt: I am quite prepared to justify what 1 say. As one of the committee. I shall not allow that bill to pass. The Town Clerk: It is not now before you, Mr i Sherratt. Mr Sherratt: It was not before the others and they spoke upon it. After a few observations from Mr J. C. Owen, the discussion closed. I THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS. The next business was To receive trom tne Town Clerk a petition prepared by him, to the Secretary of State for the Home Department, that the Council of the borough of Wrexham, may with reference to certain lands and premises therein mentioned or referred to, be allowed to put in force the powers of the Land Clauses Consolida- tion Act, 1845, with respect to the purchase and taking of land, otherwise than by agreement, for the purpose of constructing aa extended street from the present termination of Egerton-street to the Rhosddu-road in accordance with the several resolutions of this board at their former meetings, and also for widening the Rhosddu-road and Hen- blas'street." The Town Clerk stated that there would be very vigorous opposition to the above projects, and the matter was adjourned for six months. SUGGESTED COVERING OF THE BROOK. _1- A petition to the Uouncil was reaa, wmcn referred to the brook as being the receptacle of filth, and consequently being a nuisance; and at the Brook Side its condition was dangerous to life and limb. The petitioners therefore asked the Council to take into consideration the necessity of covering the brook and utilising the space for a public purpose. The Surveyor was instructed to prepare plans and estimates for the work. THE MAYOR'S CHAIN. It appeared that the Mayor's chain had cost i.8 10s. more than had been expected, and that amount was now due to Mr Scotcher, who had supplied it. The members of the Council agreed to subscribe the necessarv sum. ANOTH3R COLLECTOR WANTED. I A letter from Mr Stokes, the coUeetor, an- nounced his intention of resigning, and the Town I Clerk was athorised to advertise for a succeseor. OUR REPORTER AND MR J. C. OWEN. I Mr J. M. Jones called attention to the remarks that Mr J. C. Owen bad made in reference to our report of the last Council meeting with respect to what was said about the address to Her Majesty on the marriage of her son. He urged that the reporters should be left free to insert any remarks that were made, and that they should not be asked to leave remarks out of their reports unless re- quested to do so by the chairman. Mr Owen replied in justification of what he had said, and observed that he had asked the re- porters to suppress Mr Jones's remarks, merely to put the Council right in the eyes of the public. He had no wish at all to be offensive to Mr Jones. This was all the business.

WREXHAM DISTRICT HIGHWAY I BOARD. A meeting of the Highway Board was held at the Wynnstay Arms on Tuesday, and there were present—Mr S. T. Bangh (in the chair), Messrs T. L. Fitz-Hugb, S. Harrison, J. Sparrow, H. Humphreys, J. Milligau, Harrison (Minera), J. Rogers, Lt. Powell, G. M. Marsh, D. Williams, H. C. Murless, Price (Allmere), Evans (Aben- bury Fawr), Edwards (Esclusham Above), Robt. Da vies (Rnabon), Joseph Woolrich (Barton), Edwards (Gresford), T. P. Jones-Parry, Brere- ton, and Wilcock. THE FOOTPATH UNDER THE RUTHIN-ROAD RAIL- WAY BRIDGE. The Chairman reported that a committee had met Mr Chapman, of the Great Western Railway, with respect to the closing of the footpath under the Ruthin-road railway bridge. Mr Chapman promised to communicate with the board, but no reply had yet been received. I THE TRAMWAY. Mr Evan Morris, solicitor, in a letter to the board, referred to the fact that the sum which had been settled by Act of Parliament to be spent on the Wrexham and Mold Road was JE300, and the proportion which had to be paid by the tram- ways company from Wrexham to Cross-street toll gate was £ 90. This sum was insufficient to keep the road in proper repair, and it would be neces- sary to apply to the justices for a rate or assess- 'I ment on the earveyor for such sum as might be necessary to maintain that portion of the road, glialess some arrecgemeufc was come to between the Highway Board and the Tramway Com- pany. Messrs Potts and Roberts, solicitor, of Ches- ter, wrote, in reference to the Chester and Wrex- ham Road, that in consequence of the recent Act of Parliament which limited the expenditure out of the tolls of this road for it3 maintenance to the sum of £ 148 per annum, it would be neces- sary to apply to the townships through which it passed, for a rate in aid. The estimated amount that would be required would be at the rate of jE5 per mile. Mr J. H. Foulkes had sent a communication with respect to the same road, and stated that the trust had been as economical as possible, for during the whole summer they had employed no one on the road. (Laughter.) On the motion of Mr S. Harrison, seconded by Mr Milligan, the letters were referred to the Turnpike Committee. GRATUITY TO THE SURVEYOR. I The Chairman proposed, and Mr Milligan seconded, that a gratuity of jE20 should be given to the surveyor for extra services during the past year.—Mr Price moved, and Mr Rogers seconded, an amendment, that the amount should be E15. —The original motion was carried by twelve to li ve. THE BRIDGE AT WINDY HILL. I The Wrexham Mold and (Jonliah's Quay Rail- way Company forwarded a report drawn up by Mr T. E. Minshall, engineer, as to the state of the railway bridge at Windy Hill. Mr Minshall, thought the bridge was amply sufficient to have the strain of any traffic likely to pass over it, and was in a good condition.—Mr Sparrow said the bridge was half rotten.—No action was taken on the matter.

FLINTSHIRE. Lord Richard Grosvener, it is expected, will be re-elected for the county without opposition. On Thursday the Conservative magnates held a meeting at the Black Lion, there being present among others Captain Conwy, Major Ffoulkes, Col. Humberston, Mr Trevor Parkins, Mr E. Peel (Brynypys), Capt Philips, Col Cooke, Mr Lloyd Fletcher, Captain Pennant, Mr White- hail Dod, and a host of others. We understand that the question discussed was the desirability of opposing the return of Lord Richard Grosvenor in the county, and eventually Mr Peel was asked to stand. He asked for some time to consider the question, and subsequently said that he was not prepared to fight the battle of the Conserva- tives against the Liberals. Thereupon, a message was sent to Mr D. F. Atcherley, of Marton Hall, Bascburcb, asking him to stand, but up to a late hour on Thursday night no reply was received from him.

LIBERAL MEETING AT FLINT. t On Wednesday, a meeting of the Council of the Liberal Association was held at Flint. The secretary (Mr W. Davies), read a letter from Mr Muspratt, chairman of the association, excusing his absence on account of his being the return- ing officer, and it would be better for him to keep aloof from all parties, though he thoroughly sym- pathized with the objects for which the meeting was convened. In his absence the chair was taken by Mr Bate, of Kelsterton, who briefly opened the pro- ceedings and called upon Mr Davies to explain the reasons for calling the council. Mr Davies said that the notices convening the meeting had emanated from himself. The object of the association was not to dictate to the constitu- ency, but to ensure uniformity of action among the members, who were expected to bow to the decision of the majority. Both Liberal candid- ates were members, and by the rules to which they had subscribed they had bound themselves as men of honour to bow to the decision of the association. Mr Huntley than spoke at some length, refer- ring more especially to Mr Eyton's state of health who would be incapacitated from acting even if he were returned. From a feeling of delicacy nothing had been said so far to Mr Eyton that could in the least wound his feelings, but it was full time that they should act, not on sentiment but from a feeling of duty to the constituency, which would be disfranchised by the return of Mr Eyton. It was an ominous fact that the Tories everywhere supported Mr Eyton, not from any sympathy with him, but because they knew that his coming forward gave them the only chance of winning the seat. Mr Ishmael Jones said that he in company J with others had waited upon Mr Eyton on the previous day, when he asked him if he would re- tire provided the council requested him to do so, and Mr Eyton replied-" Certainly not, as the majority of the association are against me." Mr Jones then entered into the estimates prepared for Mr Eyton. Mr E. P. Jones said there was no doubt but that Mr Eyton had been grossly misled. He was supported by the Conservatives by all the means in their power, with the object of effectu- ally dividing the Liberal interest. Mr J. S. Williams, Caerwys, said that no doubt Mr EJton had a mania for entering Parlia- ment, but the constituency was bound to consider its own interest and not the mania of Mr Eyton, who was not in a fit state either mentally or physi- cally to be sent to Parliament. A long conversation ensued during which Mr Ishmael Jones referred to the statistics brought by the delegates to Mr Eyton the previous day. Mr Henry Roberta asked if they knew who the deputation were-especially from Mold. Mr Jones No. Mr Henry Roberts: Then you should know and then you would be able to estimate their re- presentatives at their proper value. (Laugh- ter.) Mr Goodman Edwards (Bagillt) thought that as Mr Eyton had refused to retire they should ask Sir Robert Cunliffe to retire. No doubt Mr Eyton was in weak health, but he could not be expected to live more than twelve months, there- fore, teeing his liberality, they should return him to Parliament. A long conversation ensued, during which all the friends of Mr El:is Eyton except two said they would be glad if he would retire, he being in his perfect state of health, and a resolution was drawn up to the effect that Messrs E. Bate, J. K. Huntley, Ishmael Jones, A. J. Brereton, and Dr. Davies (Holywell) be appointed a deputation to Mr Eyton to represent the feeling of the meet- ing, and to represent that he having regard to his preseut state of health, and to the danger cf al- lowing a Conservative to take the seat if two Liberals came out, he would withdraw his claims on the constituency for the present. This was put to the meeting and carried, there being only two dissentients. This ended the proceedings. The deputation left Flint to wait upon Mr Eyton by the afternoon train from Flint, bnt en they had arrived at Rhyl they found he had I gc:e to Mold, and they did not see him until Thursday morning at the Black Lion, when in answer he announced his determination of going to the poll. The following letter has been addressed to Mr Ellis Eyton by a gentleman in Wrexham, who had received an application from him for assis- tance in his'opposition to Sir R. Caialiffe:- Wrexham, 26th Jan., 1874. I have your favor of 24th, with the programme I read some months ago of your political views in my remembrance. I should have been very happy to have given you such help as lay in my power, if the present Liberal member for the Flintshire boroughs had not announced his intention of standing again and pledged himself to go to the poll. Though he may not go quite so far as you or I, he has voted very satisfactorily while he has been in the House, and as he is in possession of the field, and has proved him- self, since he has taken an interest in public alfairs in this neighbourhood, to be a man of great intelli- gence and warm sympathies with the working classes, I do not think it would be fair to him to try to turn him out. But of far more importance than any personal matter affecting the sitting member is the effect that a second Liberal candidate coming forward will cause to our party, the interests of which, you will acknow- ledge, should be considered as far higher than any- thing personal either to Sir R. Cunliffe or yourself, for it is perfectly clear that the certain consequences of your standing as well, will be to split up the Liberal party, and let in the Conservative. I do trust, therefore, that on further consideration you will not do this, but will watch for the oppor- tunity of finding another constituency where you can fight for, and not against the Liberal cause. The latter is inevitable if you stand. P. Ellis Eyton, Esq., Rhyl. ST. ASAPH. I Captain Conwy, the Tury candidate, in his perambulation of the boroughs, addressed a meet- ing at St. Asaph, on Wednesday, Mr Atkins in the chair. In the course of his remarks, the can- didate urged his claims on the ground that his family were well known at St. Asaph, one as a bishop, and another as a dean. It had been his intention to have a general canvass, but he feared he could not owing to the sudden dissolution. The surplus was a grand thing, and he only wished that it had been three times as much. The abolition of the income-tax was a matter that the Conservatives always advocated and Mr Gladstone always opposed. Local taxation was another matter with which he fully agreed, and he hoped that whichever party got into power that this question would be taken up. What does Con- servatism mean ? he asked. It meant progress and a desire to maintain the ancient institutions of the country, so far as they were good. He was not a bigoted Conservativve. If he thought his party was wrong he would oppose them. Dis- establishment he could not support in any way. He proposed to amend the licensing laws by removing the power from the magistrates to that of Parliament. Speaking of the 25th clause, he was averse to shutting out the Bible from our schools. In concluding he said the result of his canvass was that he felt convinced a Conservative would be returned for the Flintshire boroughs.— The Rev. Mr Brown proposed a resolution pledging the meeting to support Captain Conwy, which was supported by Mr Hooks, and carried. Mr P. P. Pennant and others subsequently spoke.—Captain Conwy afterwards attended the boy's schoolrooi3 Rhuddlan.

I THE TICHBORNE CASE. I MONDAY. Contempt of the Court which has been so long engaged trying the Tichborne Claimant appears to have become almost chronic. Fresh inatances were mentioned to-day, in the case of a Cardiff paper, and a legal gentleman who made some im- proper observations at Luie's trial on Saturday last. Both offenders were regarded as as too contemptible to justify further proceedings against them. The offending Cardiff journal had stated that the Government would summon a fresh jury if the men now in the box could not agree. Mr Hawkins continued his summing up for the prosecution, referring to Roger's travels in South America, to show that the account of them was inconsistent with the defendant's story. He also dealt with Laie's evidence, and read extracts from the Claimant's testimony for the purpose of showing that he must known that Luie was per- jured. In the course of the day the Lord Chief Justice stated that when Mr Chichester Fortescue gave Captain Oates employment he did not know that he had been a witness in the Tichborne case. I TUESDAY. Mr Hawkins returned to the stories told by Luie and the defendant about the Osprey. The Lord Chief Justice expressed regret that the denial had been given on the part of the defence of Laie's statement that the pilot and some sailors from the Bella and Osprey were ready to support him. Mr Cooper Wyld, one of the defen- dant's counsel, concurred in this regret. Mr Hawkins proceeded to urge that it was not only marvellous that Captain Brown had sworn that the defendant had been picked up by the New Bedford Osprey, but marvellous that the defen- dant had permitted such evidence. It was impos- sible to believe that Roger Tichborne wonid voluntarily remain a butcher and sacrifice £ 25,000 a year. Mr Hawkins then proceeded to compare the defendant's personal appearance with Roger, remarking that in nearly every respect they were dissimilar. The defendant could never have been very thin, nor his voice weak and soft, nor his eyebrows dark and arched. The feet of the two also differed, and the defendant had not ears with hanging lobes, while Roger had no defective thumb. A strong denunciation of the attack upon Lord Bellow concluded the speech for the day. WEDNESDAY. I Anotner stage In tne trial was reacnea to-day by the conclusion of Mr Hawkins's speech for the prosecution. He began by referring to the tattoo marks, and recounted the overwhelming mass of evidence by which Lord Bellew had been corroborated. Lady Dormer's testimony was itself sufficient to secure the verdict of the jury on this point. The Chief Justice suggested that if a person's identity was called in question he would at once have shown such marks even with- out being challenged. After commenting upon the story about the sealed packet, the crowning act of the defendant's villiany," the learned counsel proceeded to criticise the "manly, gallant" Mr Onslow's connection with the cause," an English gentleman lending dirty aid to ruin an English lady." The jury were asked, he said, to believe that a virtuous lady had been soiled by the" ilthy, polluting, unholy, unnatural, and abominable touch of the defendant." He con- clnded by saying that if the jury found that this was a stupendous fraud they would fearlessly pronounce the verdict demanded by justice and common sense. THURSDAY. I Commencing his summing up of the evidence, the Lord Chief Justice administered scathing re- bukes to the defendant's counsel for the license in which he indulged. The judges had been treated with contumely, insult, and disrespect, and with covert allusions to Jeffreys and Scroggs, and if the spirit of these men prevailed now, Dr. Kenealy would long ago have been taken by the heels and cast aside." His lordship also repudiated for himself and his colleagues the charge of interfer- ing with the liberty ot the bar, and said he hoped never again to hear observations like those which had been used with respect to Stonyhurst. His lordship s summing up promises to be an interest- ing historical address, giving not only the histoiy of the present ease, but of the Tichborne family from the Norman period.-Luie was again brought up to-day at Bow-street, and further remanded afta Mr Wa?Uey had given evidence, d-inyin? much of what the prisoner had stated.

CORRESPONDENCE.  pt'blication ? comply witl ,?hefollowinzcoad ions- I.-They must be on publ questions only, Ard not personal m character flrther thau is necesa:ry for the diccassion of the aibiect. II- They must be written carefully and conciselr- on one side of the paper mly—read\ for tim- press, as we have not time at our disposal 10 re-write correspondence, and io not wish to publish effusions in the garb ii which they itra sometimes presented, nor spae* available foe long rambling letters. III.—They must be authenticated (tnder cover if wished) by the real name and adiress of thfa writer accompanying tee IV.-If received after mid-day on Thursday their insertion will be precluded for that woeJc, and they cannot always be guaranteed to appear even when received before that time. Y.—Letters which have previously appeared in qtber papers will not be inserted. We cannot hold ourselves responsible for the opinion of our correspondents, leaving our "letter columns* open for the free ventilation of opinions by all parties THE RECTOR OF BANGOR ON FREEDOM: AND COMPULSION. SIR,-I see by ycur paper of Saturday last tiaS the Rev. G. H. M'GiU, rector of Bangor, has fair- oured the chapter meeting of the Wrexham Rural Deanery Association with his views upon freedoza and compulsion. The subject upon which ilia rev. gentleman promised to discourse was t&a following—" The best means of inducing regoiar attendance at elementary schools wnere compai- sory powers do not existbut the text was quickly lost sight of by the preacher telling as what he liked and what he disliked. Instead of taking for his guide some definite and well estab- lished principle in the discussion of his subject, he appears to have been ruled entirely by per- sonal feeling and antipathies. Mr M'Gill tells as he does not like compulsion, and he does not lika compelling others to do what they do not like t8 do. But all rules have their exceptions, anct while Mr M'Gill condemns compulsion generally. there was one sort of compulsion he agreed witk —he would have a law compelling men not be infidels. This, I presume, he would call a nega- tive compulsion, and if Parliament could be ID- duced to pass such an Act, it would be one of the greatest curiosities on the statute book, which ia saying a good deal. Fancy a law to control.. man as to his thinkings." What earthly powac could see to its enforcement. The rural police, to whom Mr M'Gill appears to look with confi- dence in another matter, would hardly be equal to the task. It would be indeed a truly rural ides to expect anything of the kind from them. Surely the rev. gentleman must have been joking whell he made this remark, yet I do not see from your report that his audience indulged in loud laugh- ter. The day has gone by in England for tieing mind down by Act of Parliament. I will leave this solitary instance in which Mr M'Gill thinks a compulsory law would be benefi- cial, and advance a step further to where he states that compulsion is not an English notion. It reply to this I would state that it has been found beneficial to the general weal to put up with a good deal of compulsion in England. Vaccina- tion has been found to be a good thing for the in- dividual as well for the general welfare in this country, consequently we have passed a law com- pelling parents to have their children vaccinated, a law of compulsion that Mr M'Gill dare not dis- obey without running the risk of being brought before the magistrates. There are a number of other sanitary laws on the statute book, in all of which compulsion has to be resorted to, other- wise they would be no laws at all, their primary oojects being the prevention of disease and the promotion of health. Well, our legislators have lately found out it is to the interest of tha State that they should have some care for oar moral and mental, as well as our physical health, a daty in which they have been for generations very remiss, and in reviewing which they may appropriately and heartily join in that part of the general confession:—"We have done those things which we ought not to have done, and we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and there is no health in us." Mr M'Gill while avowing his horror of compal- sion, waxes warm in the opposite direction whes he comes to indulge in a kind of exordium oa freedom. Let us test how far he would like to carry his freedom ? When he was appointed rec- tor of Bangor the people of that parish had no voice in his electiOU-Lhey had no freedom at aU in this matter-they were like so many spiritual serfs, compelled to accept the man whom the patron of the living appointed. This is another kind of compulsion to which, I fancy, Mr M'Gill will not raise any objection, for he must admit; when viewing his sunny little residence on the banks of the Dee, that his lines have fallen ia pleasant places," and I know that many of his brother clergy look upon Bangor living as a goodly heritage" that ought to have fallen to their lot. I will instance another want of freedom, in which, I am afraid, Mr M'Gill will not agree with me. There are some respectable people in Bangor parish called Dissenters. These people, when their friends die, would like to have them buried in Bangor churchyard, which they consider national property, by their own ministers. But the law steps in and compels them to take up with the performance of the burial service by a clergy- man of the Church of England. Here is another kind of compulsion with which, Mr M'Gill doabt- less, will heartily agree. I will pass over the garbled way in which Mr M'Gill treats the Wrexham School Board statis- tics, and just advert to his sneer at Birmingham with its majority of one on its school board. He does not tell us what proportion of the ratepayers this majority represents; but he appears to take for his model Canon Gregory in concealing all facts which would cut against him. The majority of one on the Birmingham School Board carries all the moral weight due to the fact that it repre- sents a majority of nearly two-thirds of the rate- payers, according to which the numbers on the board should have been 10 to 5, and that it wifi bo so next time, I will offer I TEN TO ONE.

I THE FIRST ELECTIONS. LONDON, Friday. Mr Eustace Smith (Liberal) was nominated for Tynemouth to-day, and there being no oppo- sition, he was declared duly elected. This is the first election. At Cirencester, a Conservative Mr Allen Bathurst-was also unopposed, and elected. A large number of nominations took place to day. Lord Ernest Bruce (Liberal) has also been elected for Marlborough to-day.

A CONTEST FOR ANGLESEA. LONDON, Friday. Mr Richard Davies, who was supposed likely to be returned again unopposed, as Liberal mem- ber for tha county, will have a Conservative op- ponent in the person of Captain Prichard Itayner, of Trescawyn, Anglesea. Captain Rayner is the son of Mr Prichard, Trescawyn, and brother-ia- law to Captain Hampton Lewis, Conservative candidate for the boroughs.

LONDON CORN MARKET. LONDON, Friday. Wheat quiet at late rates. Barley was inactive. Maize and oats had a slow sale. Beana and peas were firm. Flour quiet. LIVERPOOL CORN MARKET. LONDON, Friday. The wheat trade was extremely dull at a general decline of Id to 2d per cental, but inferior sorts of red descriptions were as much as 3d per cental lower than on Tuesday. Flour was slow aiid 6d per barrel and Is per sack cheaper. Beans 6d per quarter cheaper. Peas not obtainable except afe an advance of Is per quarter. Barley mther dearer. Oats quiet. Indian corn was very in- active at a reduction of fully la 6d per quarter. Weather continnes fine and open with mild ten- perature.

A TICHBORNE CANDIDATE. LONDON, Friday. Mr Skipwarth, the barrister lately imprisoned for contempt of court in the Tichborne eaae, is' announced as a Liberal candidate for Not til Lincolnshire.

I A GREAT STRIKE. I LONDON, Pri <?v.  Six tbousand men and boys of Ciuy CMM I o eries have struck work against a reductioit of alc0 e2.-