Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

» THE NORTH WALES PERMANENT RELIEF SOCIETY. The aiinu.J meeting ol thi? society will he held on Mondav, when the foil owing report will be sub- mitted:— On December 31st, 1893, the society nad enrolled. 14,184 members; at the close of 1S94, the members numbered 14.4S2. ^nowiny :?n increa..sc of 298. The revenue of the society amounted to and the expenditure has been £ 10,311 15s 5d. The available balance at the close of tlie 16s 61. On December 31st, IS93. it wa- £ 19.234 3, lOd. The income and expenditure for the year and the assets and liabilities of the soc.ety are detailed in the appended statement of accounts. During 1894 there were 1,935 eases of disablement amongst the members, and 34 fatal accidents, by wuich 37 members were killed. At the close of the year 139 widows, 5 dependent relatives, and 217 children were reciviilg annuities from the society, and 259 meitibeLS N-eLe in receipt ot reiiet for disablement. Dining the year the sum of £ 1,000 has been in- vested of loan for seven years with the Mersey Docks and Hill ilO'ir lioard at 3i per cent, interest. The following table will be interesting a.s tihowing the remarkable .fluctuations of the rates of increase and decrease since the formation of the society Member- ship. Increase Decrease jam 1380 6,362 — 1381 7,962 1,600 — 1382 9,661 1,699 lbS3 9,513 — 143 1834 10,315 797 1E85 10,130 185 1«8 £ > 10,56S 438 1837 10.288 280 18SS6 10,85 297 1889 10,611 26 1800 11.540 923 — 1891 12.973 1,153 — „ 18:;2 14.463 — It!3 14,201 — 252 1894 34,184 — 17 1S95 14,482 23S A gratifying result of the movement to induce lessors to take part in the work of the society is shown by the statement in the accounts that last year tlieir contribution:: readied the sum cf £ 4S7 12s 8(1- The society took part in the annual conference of Authorities of Miners' Permanent Societies ald Others interested in the relief of di.-aress caused by mining accidents, which was held by kind permission of the liight Hon. the !Lord Mayer of J-oriden (Sir George Robert Tyler, Bart.), in tlie Mansion House. At the Conference were presented statistic: .,ho\ur.g- that the Miners' Permanent Societies have a total membei ship 0i;239.027,accumulated fund. anioun dug t0 1525,672, and a revenue of £ 247,531. On the funds were 2.728 widows and 3.940 children, and during the year 1893 there ha.d been 39,917 cases of disablement. The consulting secretary of this Society Yea, I at the Con- ference a note, together with a reprint of his paper presents i to the Conference of 1890, entitled, Great Colliery Disasters Relief Funds." The chief event of the Conference was, however, the receiving of a special report from Mr F. G. P. Neison, as to the pro- vision in connection with Miners' Permanent Societies of a benefit for aged and infirm miners. The repor: has been considered by a special com- mittee. anti will be issued as an appendix to the Society's annual report for the year, and its careful consideration is earnestly commended to the agencies. Later in the year the board hope to be able to make some further report on the subject, for they realise that it is full of interest to the mining community, and that the organisation of the Society might be used for the purpose of eriving effect to the general wish tliat provision should be made for the main- tenance of aged and intirm miners. The appended memorandum sets forth the cireum- stances under which the Society took part in a depu- tation to the Chief Registrar concerning suggested alterations in the law relating to Priendlv Societies —" It having been intimated that in the forthcoming session of Parliament, a Government measure for amending the law relating to Friendly Societies will be introduced, it is sought to urge upon the Chief Registrar the desirableness of alterations specially arfecting Miners' Permanent Relief Societies." The Friendly Societies Act of 1875 contained a new pro- vision, which limited the membership of societies registered thereafter to persons above sixteen years of age." The societies registered previous to the Act were the Northumberland and Durham, the North Staffordshire, and the Lancashire and Cheshire and ihese at the close of 1893 had an aggregate membership of 175.591. These societies admitted half-members, some under sixteen, and some under fourteen years of a^e." The societies registered since 1875 are the West Riding of York- shire, the North Wales, the Midland Counties, the Monmouthshire and South Wales, the Midland Dis- trict, and the Thornclifte, whose aggregate member- ship on December 31st, 1893, was 123,436." None of these societies can, according to the existing law, admit members under sixteen years of age but the Act of 1875 provides that societies and branches con- sisting wholly of members of any age under sixteen (afterwards raised by the Act of 1886 to twenty-one), might be allowed to register." An attempt was made to carry this provision into effect by the Mon- mouthshire and South Wales Society. Rules for a Ju venile Society were actually registered, but it was found quite impracticable to make them effective." The deputation will explain to the Registrar the great difficulty of dealing with two societies at the colliery pays, and will point out that there was no alternative but either to break the law or exclude a, large number of workers in coal mines from benefit." It is estimated that not fewer than 15,000 persons under sixteen years of age are connected with col- lieries forming part of the societies registered since 1875. As to the form the alteration of the law may take. the deputation will point out that the Friendly Societies Act (1888 and 1889), which were mainly promoted by the Miners' Permanent Societies, enabled them to obtain from the Chief Registrar a certificate of exemption from the 30th section of the Act of 1875. This arrangement has worked so eminently satisfactorily that they will be quite con- tent if, under the peculiar conditions of their consti- tution, they can similarly be relieved from the general law as to the admission of members under sixteen years of age." The attention of the Chief Registrar will also be called to the desirableness of an alteration of the law relating to certificates of death." By the Act of 1875 it was provided that no society should pay any sum of money upon the deatii of a member or other person whose death is or ought to he registered in any register of deaths ex- cept upon the production of a certificate of such death under the nand of the registrar of deaths, or other person having the care of the register of deaths in which such death is or ought to be entered. By the Act of 1887 it was provided that the enactment should not apply to deaths at sea." In consequence of the peculiar difficulties attending the registrations of deaths caused by colliery accidents, it is practically impossible for the Miners' Permanent Societies to comply with this requirement. Concerning all disasters causing large numbers of deaths, and fre- quently in individual fatalities, the inquests extend over a considerable period, and until they are closed the needful information cannot be obtained by the registrar. There are cases, such as the deplorable one that has recently happened at the Audley Col- lieries. where the bodies are irrecoverable, and where it is impossii.de to open an inquiry on view of them. Even when the inquests are closed, there is frequently no hurry on the part of the coroner to till up the certificate, and the deaths remain unregistered at his pleasure.' Tiie case« named do not bv any means e diaust all the circumstances under which, were not the law systematically disobeyed, the poor people dependent on the Miners' Permanent Societies for help in 'heir greatest need would have to suffer, and ulthough it is true that 110 prosecutions have taken place under the section, it is certainly desirable that ihe existing state of affairs should terminate. It is suggested that the difficulty may be met by the law permitting (ilt cases where certificates are not readily obtainable] a declaration before a justice of the peace to be substituted for the certificate now required." The dc-nutation included, on behalf of the society, Mr N. R. GiiMth. chairman of the Hoard of Manage- Goor--e. vice-cli.-Liviiiin of the board: and Mr George L. Campbell, consulting secretary. The chief registrar expressed his sym- pathy with their object and his willingness to promote their views. T' -e L'l -?r T:?e Bill for amending the law relating to truck require carelul watching 011 behalf of the societv, in view of the avowed intention to surround all stoppages witii difficulty. The board are strongly of opm.on that the collection of contributions to the society should be made as easy as possible. The board have carefully considered the quin- quennial valuation report presented at the last annual general meeting and referred to them. They realise the importance of Mr Neison's deductions and recommendations, but they cannot help remem- bering that the period under his review was most exceptional in the history of the society. In the first place, there was the Bryiimally accident, con- cerning whi. h Mr Neison makes the remark that but for this occurrence the figures in this report would have been very different." Then came the period of the prolonged stoppage, which most seri- ously affected the finances of the society. To this must he added the special expenditure incurred in defending the arrangements which the society embodies as to the mutual protection of employers and employed Mid finally, there was attributable to the extreme depression in trade a considerable in- crease in the duration of disablement. On the recom- mendation of a special committee, the board have endeavoured to reduce such items of expenditure as were under their immediate contiol, and should the expenditure of succeeding years necessitate some adjustment of the contributions and benefit, they will not hesitate to recommend its adoption. For the time being, however, they think that the members may rest satisfied with such changes as have been found practicable. As has been previously pointed out, it is necessary that the arbitrators should now be elected annually. Those elected at the last annual meeting were Messrs W. Trevor Parkins, Charles Davidson, J.P. R. H. Venables Kyrke, J.P., T. C. Jones, J.P., S. T. Baugh, J.P., Alderman Gilbert, J.P., and George Dutton. The retiring members of the Board of Manage- ment are Messrs Yv. F. Butler, William Ellis, H. Dvke Dennis, James Darlington, R. Jones, David Davies, William Bellis, William Andrews, J. E. Fidler. and George llowley, and they are eligible for re-election. By order of the Board of Management, John Harrop, Geokge L. Campbell. IV, ?if,-ireb, 1895.

SHROPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL The first meeting of th" newly-elected County Council for Shropshire was held at Shrewsbury on Saturday. Mr S. K. 3 Tain waring presided.—On the motion of Sir Charles Soame, seconded by Major J. I'atcliett, Mr Mainwaring was re-elected chairman.— The Chairman, in acknowledging the compliment paid him, said there seemed to have been an idea in some parts of the county that the non-existence of opposition to the retiring councillors showed a want of interest in their proceedings, and a general apathy concerning them. He did not at all agree with that view, He thought the reason of no opposition being offered was that their constituents were satisfied with their representatives, had confidence in them, and wished them to continue to represent them 011 another council.— Mr J. Bo wen Jones was unanimously re- elected vice-chairman.—The Earl of Bradford, the jlon. R. C. Herbert, Mr A. P, Heywood-Lonsdale, Mr S. Hudson. Mr R. B1. Kenyan, the Rev. 1J. J. Lee, and Mr R. Wall were re-elected aldermen, and Mr F. Bibhy was clectorl in place of the Hon. W. II. Whitaker, who did not seek re-election.

For over forty years Phillips's Teas have held their own against, every competitor, whether in or cut of the district. Few people who use them will fail to admit thut. These Teas represent the cream of the London market, without the London expenses.— Addresses, W. Pjiii.i.iis and Co., Ltd 1, Town Ilill 19, Hope Street, and Corn Exchange, Wrex- ham. 155s

PARISH AND DISTRICT COUNCILS. OVERTON DISTRICT COUNCIL. A special meeting of this Council was held at Hanmer on Saturday, in order to take into considera- tion the appointment of a surveyor of the bye-roads in the Hundred of Maelor. There were present :— The Hon. G. T. Kenyon. M.P., chairman Messrs. Edmund Peci and J. A. Mossford. Overton John Jeffries, llalghton Wm. Jones, Willington J. A. Powell, Iscoyd George Wardell, Bronington Charles Price, Bettisiield T. Jones, Ty Broughton, with R. E. Lloyd, clerk. At the last meeting there was a strong wish expressed that the main roads also should be handed over, and a resolution was passed to the following eftect That the County Council representatives of this district be asked to open negotiations with the County Council with a view to ootaming tor the Rural District Council the manage- ment of the main roaas in their area, together with an allocation of the money received by the Countv Council from the Government for that pnrpose. The Chairman stated he had received the following letters on the subjectMr Warburton Lee, C.C. for the Hanmer Division, wrote, No doubt the proposal of your Council to take a contract under the County Council for the main roads will be referred to our Main Roads Committee, and be considered by them at their next meeting. It appears to me, however, to be quite impossible that any such arrangement could be made for the year commencing March 25th next. It seems, however, desirable that all tha roads in the Hundred of Maelor should be ultimately brought under one management." Mr Herbert Lewis, M.P., wrote As to the main roads, a sum would have to be agreed upon for which they would have to keep them in repair up to a certain standard, and this sum would have to bear a fair proportion to the cost of maintaining the main roads in the remainder of the ?ou?. At present we have one uniform system throughout the county for keeping the main roads in repair, and this seems to be very efficiently done by three sub-committees, one of them being for the Overton district, the whole being under the direct control of the Main Roads Committee. And, I doubt if the Council will consent to this arrangement being disturbed, as it works so satisfactorily. We have a meeting of the Main Roads Committee on the 20th instant. If you wish it, I can ascertain the feeling of the committee on this point." The following was received from Sir Gresley Puleston I have no strong opinions about district roads and main roads being under one management, excepting that I think the District Council ought to apply to have the main roads transferred to them after this year. When the District Council takes over the management of the parish roads, they will find they have a great deal of work before them in organising the staff, so that half the summer will be gone before they get into their saddles. But I am sure you will see the work is well done. I am glad you are undertaking it." Mr Robert Howard, Broughton Hall, an alderman of the County Council, wrote "I will take care that the resolution you have passed shall be presented to the Council. At the same time I think you would have been wise to have taken the advice of your district councillor, Mr Powell, who I see from the report, expressed his opinion that it was no use to petition the County Council to hand over the main roads until they showed that they were capable of managing the bye- roads.' So far as I am able to gather, the policy of County Councils is to extend their jurisdiction rather than to lessen it." Mr Ilargreaves, C.C. for the Overton Division, wrote: "'I'lic matter shall have my careful attention."—The Chairman said he had written to Lord Kenyon, the representative of the Bangor Division 011 the County Council, but had received no reply. Judging from the correspondence it seemed that they should show how they manage their high roads first, before taking further steps.— Mr Wardell thought it would be better to make no application this year for the control of the main roads. As some of the members thought it would be better for each parish to manage its own roads, it was pointed out if that was done they stood no chance of getting the control of the main roads and, besides, the spirit of the Act was that there should be a uniform system.—A discussion then took place as to what should be' the salary of the surveyor.—Mr Mossford said that in two advertisements he had seen for surveyors for Welsh roads the salary was not iEl a mile.—Mr Powell said it would not do to do as they did in Wales generally, as he had been along the Welsh roads, and they evidently wanted a surveyor. —The Clerk stated the mileage of highway was 79 miles 1 fnrlong, but this did not include Bangor and Worthenbury.—It was suggested that the salary be JE1 a mile.—Mr Powell said a man who was only wortli,E-iO per annum would not be worth much. A man who could manage to supervise the road, and do something else in his spare time would be the best man. It was not the man who gave his mind to one thing who was the best. If they gave a small salary they would get an inferior man—Mr Peel thought it would be better to have a man s deiv for the work, and give him El a mile. There would be close on 100 miles to superintend, and it would take him the whole of his time.—Mr Price said there had been complaints of men coming late to their work, so that the mail appointed would have to keep a pony and trap in order to maintain strict supervision.—The Chairman said that in the winter a man might fill up his time with writing c'r some other employment.— Mr Peel said there would be a great many good men who would be glad to get £ 100 a year.—Mr Wardell proposed that there should be waywardens in each parish, and if there were any complaints that they should lay them before the si,.i-ve)-or.-I-lr Jeffries was of opinion that that would not overcome the difficulty. He thought a most suitable person would be a person who lived in a small holding in the dis- trict and kept a horse .d trap. He did not think they could get a competent outsider for JE100 a year, as lie would require a horse and trap and a stable, but these matters wo?td not affect a man living in the neighbourhood.—Mr William J?ucs thought there would be plenty of applications if a medium saLirv were offered. He did not think they would be justiiicd in offering a very high salary. They did not require men fresh from college, nor decked with eye-glasses and kid gloves. His opinion wss that the man most suitable for the position would be a self-made man or a small farmer. Such a man would be able to direct the men propcrly under his control, and give them the right work to do at the right tinic. -Alr J. A. Mossford said iClOO a year was little enough to offer a man, and if their surveyor did not receive a good salary he would be open to temptation, such as pur- chasing inferior material.—Mr Jeffries proposed thrt the person appointed be privileged to do thewoik. hi;; must first obtain the sanction of the council.—This was carried.—Another proposition agreed to was to the effect that the council purchase the material for the repairing of the roads.—Mr Wardell, in proposing that the salary be £ 1 a mile, said they had nothing to do with their surveyor having a horse and trap. If he were an active man he could ride a bicycle, if lie were not so then he would be little use to them.—Mr Jeffries said during these times of agricultural depression they must be economical. lie proposed that the salary be £ 70 a year.—As a. further amendment Mr William Jones proposed that the salary he JE60 a year. As there was no seconder to this it fell through. Mr Wardell's motion was carried.—It was resolved to advertise in the >IY<. /,«;» Osirt .ftr;/ Adr< rtim.r, and the fl'liitr/. nrcji The following- letter was read from the Local Government I'o:-Iya I am directed by the Local Government Board to acknow- ledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th nit., with respect to the scheme proposed by the Rural Sanitary Authority of the Ellesmere Union for the sewerage of the parish of Overtoil. The Board are advised that the proposal of the Rural District Council of Over- ton as contained in your letter and elsewhere would not secure the wells in the parish from noliution, and the Board are not therefore prepared to sanction any loan for the scheme, unless it is revised in accord- ance with their letter of December 17th la4.Ir J. A. Mossford directed the attention of the Council to the destruction of the cover of one of the man-holes in Overton. It had been done purposely, and the sanitary inspector had asked him to mention it par- ticularly. Mr Peel and Mr Mossford were requested to see into the matter.—Mr Peel asked whether they intended to leave the drainage question over to the next meeting.—The Clerk said that meeting was a special one, and before the matter could be gone into Mr yatt's attendance was DeceFs.-L,.v.-Tlie, Hon. George Kenyon and Mr Peel said they would visit London during the week and try to get an interview with the Local Government Board officials oil the question of the Overton drainage. A petition from the Overton Parish Council for about sixty acres of land for allotments was also left over to the next meeting. PENYCAE PARISH COUNCIL. Friday, March 15th, when the following members were present: Councillors Henry Pickering, chair- mau John Evans, William Jones, Thomas Williams, cilriieutor John Owen Jones, William Lloyd, Thomas Evans, Street Issa. John Griffiths, Thomas Williams, checkweighman. and Robert Jones, clcrk.U-)oii the motion of Mr William .Tones, seconded by Mr Thomas Williams, it was decided to defer the report of the Sanitary Committee until the next meeting owing to the absence of several mem- bers.—Mr William Lloyd proposed, and Mr John Evans. Berwyn-view, seconded That Messrs John Griffiths and John Owen Jones be appointed to form a deputation, with two members of the Ilhos Parish Council, to wait upon Mr Henry Dennis, Ruabon, with reference to the new footpath near Pant Brickworks. Carried. Mr William Jones considered something ought to be done in the question of charities.—Mr Thomas Evans, Street Issa, thought it ad- visable to defer the matter at present, aid this sug- gestion was agreed to.—Mr John Owen Jones then moved that owing to the great inconvenience felt by the traders generally in ha.ving to take their weights and measures to Ruabon and Wrexham to be tested and adjusted, application be iiitde to the County Council to meet the wishes of the inhabitants by in- structing the inspector to attend at the Public Hail, Penycae, for that purpose.—Mr William Jones sup- ported the motion, which was agreed to.—The Clerk was instructed to write to Mr John Pierce, caiiing at- tention to the dangerous condition of his house, situated near the English Baptist Chapel. Groes, which is now in a, state of dilapidation.—Mr John Griffiths then proposed a resolution in favour of the Disestablishment of the Welxh Church Hit!, which wad carried unanimously. Several notices of motion were given. ALLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL. On Tuesday evening an adjourned meeting was held in the National School. Present: Councillors C. W. Townshend (chairman), Thomas Pricliard (vice-chairman), Captain Griffith-Boscawen, Thomas Thomas, G. Cromar, J. Eardlev, Jonhathan Davies, C. Iball, E. B. Samuel, James Salandine, W. Gilman, Thomas Lewis, Thomas Parry, and Mr Charles Davies (clerk), who read the replies of landowners, which were as follows :—Mr Moss wrote stating that, on behalf of the trustees he represented, that he would be glad to meet the council with such land as was at his disposal, and Mr Prichard, on behalf of the trustees of Dr. Williams, wrote stating that all the land in Wales they had now was let, and they bad no desire to show any disrespect towards the council in not granting the request.—Mr Barker,s agent wrote saying that he had no unoccupied land, and he did not wish to disturb the present tenants. Mr Shepherd, on behalf of Mr R. Bo-- d e l l, wrote s- Boydell, wrote saying that the land had a large num- ber of growing trees on it. and he declined letting it for allotments. TrevMyn estate Mr Hughes was away in London. A reply will be received on his return. Colonel Roper's agent wrote saying Hoped to be able to meet the council in respect to allot- ments, and would be glad to know what land was required. The Rev. W. L. Griffith, Dale Rectory, stated he would further communicate with the council. Mr Townshend's agent wrote that land would be at the disposal of the council upon terms to be agreed to. Mr Topham wrote It is out of the question with my small portion to let land for allotments." Mr Samuel replied that a farm was about to be sold of 105 acres, and the council should have an oppor- tunity of purchasing.—Captain Griffith-Boscawen said they had no power to buy.—The clerk was in- structed to write further to the Vicar of Holt and Colonel Hughes respecting land they had in the parish, and also to ask terms from all agents and owners of property.— Captain Griffith-Boscawen said undoubtedly it would be a great privilege to those who had no land at all to be able to get the portion they required.—A com- mittee of the following councillors was formed to con- sider the applications :—Chairman, Yice-Chaiimau, C. Iball, G. Cromar, Thomas Thomas, and Thomas Parry.—The copy of standing orders was submitted to the meeting, and after a slight alteration they were adopted.—A considerable discussion took place with regard to the appointment of a committee to confer as to the Gresford charities, and ultimately it was adjourned until the next meeting.—A committee was appointed to inspect Layistcr and Burton footpaths, and report upon it next meeting.—Some discussion took place about the Lavister pump.—Mr Gilman said the pump was a regular nni-tiiee.Nfr Thomas said it would bo far better if the Wrexham water was placed there.—Mr Iball said if the pump was properly repaired by a practical man it would be all right.—It was proposed and carried that the condition of the pump should be reported to the district council.— The following reply from the Charity Commissioners was read :—" Charity Commissioners Office. Ad- verting to your letters of the 10th and 22nd, I am to say that the great pressure of business in this office prevented me from replying to your letter by date requested. It is not understood in what circum- stances it is considered that the township of Allington (which is to be comprised in the parish of Gresford) is entitled to any specific share in the benefits of a charity of which are applicable over the entire parish. If the parish council, however, consider that in the case of any charity or charities the township in question is so entitled, and will specify the particular charity or charities with tlieir reasons for comincto this conclusion. The matter shall receive considera- tion. With regard to the powers of the parish council to appoint trustees of the charities, I am to refer you specially to the provisions of Section 14, (2), (3), and (4; of the Local Government Act, 1S94 (extract en- closed), and it) state that the Commissioners before determining in the case of any charity as to the extent of such powers would think itrightto ask for the observations uf the trustees. If, therefore, the parish council desire to move in the matter cf any charity in the parish, and desire the advice or approval of the Commissioners before doing so, they must in the first place acquaint the Commissioners with the names of the charities in question, and state under ,S of the A what section or sections of the Act the council pro- to take action. I may also refer you to section 57 (1) of the Act which provides for the appointment of joint committees."—This question having been discussed, it was adjourned to the next meeting. CHESTER RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of this Council was lield on Tuesday, M r 1. T. Richardson presiding. The chief business for transaction was the appointment of officials, and it was resolved tu appoint Mr W. Tr.rnock (clerk to the old sanitary authority) as 1 1 e of Alr  11. clerk, and to dispense with tlie services of Mr II. Churton and Mr Evans Lloyd, clerks to the expiring highway boards. Mr Turnoek was granted £50 in remuneration for his services to the sanitary authority during the past year. It was decided to combine the offices of highway surveyor and nuisance inspector, and the present inspector (Mr C. Owen) was re-appointed. The question of salaries was left open to enable the council to form an idea of the ex- tent of the duties. The clerk was authorised to pre- pare precepts for a threepenny rate. PARISH CHARITIES AND DOCUMENTS OF ST. ASAPII. On .luesnay a meeting of the St. Asaph Parish Council was held in the National Schools. Bodel- wyddan, under the presidency 01 Dr. Easterby.—The following letter was received from Mr John George, St. Asaph :—" To the Chairman of the Council.—In reply to your letter of the 11th inst., I am sorry to find that you came to the conclusion that it was not within your scope to deal with Bishop Short's Charity. I can call it nothing else but an honest charity, belonging to tlie poor of St. Asaph. I hope and trust tnat a staff of gentlemen and a body of fifteen councillors is not going to be led away by one man. Mr Cleaver. (Laughter.) The pump that was taken away and presented by Bishop Short has been sold by the late Mr Cleaver, Parkfield, to Thomas Jones, Penrh.veJ. I shall ask you to keep a. copy of this letter until the pariah meeting, when I phall engage a solicitor 011 behalf of myself and the public to have a full investigation into this matter, along with other matters. There now remains in hand a balance of charity, which at the end of 1888 was £ 14 8 s Hid, the representative being Sir William Grcnville Williams."—Mr J. P. Jones: I pro- pose that the letter be laid on the table.— The Chairman said it did not concern the Coun- ciL It was a charge against the existing trustees of the charity, and a copy of the letter ought to be sent to tlieni.—Mr Cleaver, one of the trustees, said it was a piece of gross impertinence on Mr George's part to bring his father's name into tiio matter. lIe did not blame him so much as he did the men at his back, who were making him the catsp.iw in the matter. So far as the charity was concerned, lie conlll assure the Council that every penny received and expended was properly accounted for and the books could be seen at any time.—It was decided to lay the letter on the table.—Mr Roberts Jones presented an inventory of the old documents belonging the old parish. There were 150 altogether, comprising rate-books, maps, plans, agreements. iVc. Several of the documents were missing, and could not be traced. It was resolved that no document of any kind be allowed out of the vestry room, except for the purpose of the parish council, or when required to be produced in a court of law, and that they be kept under lock and key in the custody of the clerk.—Mr H. A. Cleaver read a report dealing with the parish charities, which was adopted.—Mr Cleaver proposed. That the council take such steps as may seem expedient for the purchase of the St. Asaph common from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, the Woods and Forests Department, and the owners of Bodrhyddan being the lords of the manor, in whom it is now invested, with a view of such common being properly cared for.' He had already communicated with the three authorities, but as he had not received satisfactory answers, lie asked the council to postpone the question. —Mr Robert Jones proposed, That representations be made from this parish council to the Flintshire County Council pointing out the miserable and dis- graceful condition of the footpaths on the main roads in St. Asaph, and asking them to fcive the matter their immediate attention."—The Chairman Would it not be better to specify the parts you want repair- ing?—Mr Jones: From the Post Office down to the river bridge, especially those opposite the Cathedral Canonry.—The Chairman If you say the footpaths dong- the Cathedral and Canonry, you will not get one penny voted.—Mr Cleaver: It is:1 great shame. Why should it be so ?—The Chairman It is so. but I cannot say why. Mr Griffiths will bear me out.- Mr Cleaver: It is an extr;.torr-t;i tliiii; L'Iie resolution specifying the l'oopath.; i.: question was carried. HOLT PARISH COUNCIL. A meeting of the parish council held in Kenyon Hall on Thursday evening, March l-i th. Mr Euwin Bellis presiding. The lirst business 011 the agenda was the appointment by the council of a governor of the Endowed Schools in the place of tiie late vicar of Holt, the Rev. H. R. Gray, who a ut resigned his v?iiti li ti., Iiis seat on the Board.—The Clerk explained that pre- vious appointments had been made i/y the vestry of lie vest-r- y of the parish, bnt under the recent ijoeii Government Act the powers of the vestry had been transferred to the parish council, with wnom the appointment of governors of the schools would in fit..arc rest.—Mi- Thomas Lea proposed the name oi -11 1, to till the vacancy. lIe thought .b y would a difficulty in liudiug a more suitable iiiau lor the post, and b¿ \?s convinced the appointment would be a popular one.—Mr Thomas Rou nds seconded Mr Lea's proposition, which was cm tied ananimouMy. i)lr pl:ol)osltl4l,l., thanks, s.- id as an outsider he had always taken an interest in ti e welfare of the seliooiz;, Li,.d now that they had appointed him a governor, he would be brought ini. deser contact with the management and the chLdieu, and his in- terest in the schools would naturaiiy be increased. At any rate he would endeavour m the best of his ability to discharge the duties of a ■-v.veriior, and he hoped to the satisfaction of the Cofii.eil.—The next business was the appointment of four members of the Council to act with the trustees ot the Holt down Trust in carrying out certain iinpruvfuieats to the Church Green, with a view to transioimin'g that pro- perty into a recreation and ornaiucuiai gtound for the use of the e-,c- plained that he had been invited to attend a, meeting of the town trustees on the previous Saturday, when he was informed that the Charity Commissioners had agreed to author,so the trustees- to enter into a lease of the Church Green for thirty- one years, at a rental of £1 per annum. He under- stood that prolonged negotiations had taken place with the trustees and the Commissioners of Woods, who claimed the property, and these lerms were the best that could be obtained. The trustees proposed to carry out the necessary improvements and to defray the cost out of their own fun,Is, and the-v had Buggèsteù that when the wprk had been carried out, the property should be transferred to the parish council. Mr Kenyon, the chairman of the trustees, had informed him that recognising the position the council occupied with regard to the town, the trustees had decided to invite the council to nominate four members of their body to act with the trustees in carrying out the improvements, and it would be for the council to make these appointments. It was eventually decided that Mr Edwin HelHs, Mr Thomas Lea, Mr Thomas Capper, and Mr Thomas Rowland should represent the council in the matter. With regard to allotments, tiie Chairman reminded the Council that arrangements had been come to by which about eight and a half acres of laud forming part of Whitt was known as the I- Widows' Charity was available for allotments. At a former meeting of he Council. Mr George Browne had been instructed to sub-divids this land into half acre lots, and his report and plan had been received. The report was read, and, with the plan, adopted. Applications of persons desiring allotments were read and considered, and it was found that thirteen could be provided with the land they required. It was decided in the interests of the beneficiaries of the charity that the rent should not be less tfi:iii XI Is per annum, payable quarterly.— The Clerk reported that he had boon in communica- tion with Mr James Tomlinson. Mr S. B. Sadler. Mr George Clarke, Mr Samuel Dale, and Mr J.J. Sheppard, landov.-ners and tenant farmers, as to the provision of further land for allotments. He had received two replies, one from Mr Sadler stating lie had no power to sub-let, and one from Mr George Clarke stating that he should be happy to acquiesce in part of his holding being taken in order to provide allotments. It was decided to have another meeting of the Council 011 Monday next, when the persons whose applications for land had been granted could attend. A member of the Council desired to express his gratification that the Council had taken up the question of the lighting of the street lamps. The Chairman explained that he had instructed the proprietors of the gasworks to light the lamps in his individual capacity, and not as a member of the Council, lIe felt strongly that the lamps should be utilized, and for the present, at any rate, certain individual members of the Council had undertaken to defray the cost, so that no portion would fall upon the rates. A precept for 92c) was issued on the overseers to defray the expenses of the Council to date.—The applicants for allotments attended the adjourned meeting on Monday evening, when the Chairman explained to them the terms of the tenancy, Arc., and intimated that he hoped the Council, consistently with the dntv thev owed to the poor widows of Hole, would be found to be fair landlords.—The Clerk repovtod he had not yet received lOtiies from Mr Tcmiinson, Mr Dale, or Mr Sheppard as to the provision of further land for allotments, i. ut he understood that the latter-named gentleman would reply in a few day s. The date of the quarterly meet- ing was fixed, and the Chairman gave "notice that he should move at that meeting a resohiimn witii refer- ence to the- proposed railway through Holt, which, if made, would connect the Cambrian Railway system at Lllesniero the Cheshire Lines Railway at Moulsworth Junction. 1

SHROPSHIRE AND NORTH W-ALE3 COAL AND IF.OU TRADES. The f 'oUi, /• f;U:i"i?;n in its report upon the Shrop- shire; and North Coal and Iron Trades, dati-d Wrexham. volume of here in c.vil shows very little change from last report. Some (,f the collieries con- tinue to work weli, several ace making what is practically full hire, and in one or two cases are being heavily pressed for deliveries; on the Oiber hand, there are many pits doIng" but indifferently. The average for the whole district duiing the past week will run from four to four-and-a-half day; The milder weather has caused a relapse in the call for coal for household use, but still fairly largely quan- tities are selihig. There is little, if any alteration in the demand for gas or locomotive eod, although in the former CLlS the quantities required will from now be a slow but regular decrease. Fuel for works and manufactures is selling ratrer better, and there is no difficulty in getting rid of tne small quantity of coke that is made here. Prices are still unstable, but show 110 very material change. Theie is nothing new to be re- ported concerning the shipping trade some favoured collieries are doing fairly well, but for the bulk of the pits the trade is nusati.-factory, and the honed for change for the better seems as distant as ever. The i-ziriltis (-!L)i. moderately well ironworks and l'oundiies are regularly working; brickworks are more active, and ivitii the disappear- ance of the frost, the quarries are resuming onera- tions. and other trades are regularly employed. The various metalliferous mines are as usual working constantly, and are doing rather better, inasmuch as their dressing operations were considerably impeded by the bad weather. The prices obtained" for their produce, however, eO. iiiilo very low; at the moment of writing lead is rather firmer, but 1 pelter is very weak."

THE WELSH NATIONAL CONVENTION. The preliminary arrangements for the holding oi the Welsh National Convention at Aberystwyth ara now approaching completion. The liegoii.tions between the three organisations directly interested— the South Wales 'Liberal Federation, the North Wales Liberal Federation, and the Cymrti .Fv1::1 League—have necessari'ly occupied considerable time, and have somewnat delayed the holding of the convention. Ail the initial difficulties have, however, now been overcome, and the meetings will take riace in Easter week, probably on Wednesday, Apri! 17th, and Thursday, April 18th. The first" day will he devoted to the annual general meetings of the three organisations sitting as bodies to transact their own ordinary busiiit is, and to discuss the draft of the proposed constitution for the amalgamated bodies. There will be a public reception given by the local committee in the evening. Tiie second day the three bodies will sit together as a National Conven- tion. The morning sitting will be devoted to the dis- cussion of the proposed constitution, and the after- noon to the Government Disestablishment Biii, the proceedings winding np with a public meeting in tho evening. Officials of local organisations affiliated with the South Wales Liberal Federation should at one? communicate with Mr It. N. Hal', 53, Queeii- stti.et, Cardiff: ot the North Wales Liberal Federa- tion. wither F. Llewelyn Jcucm. Denbigh and of the Cyinrn Fydd League, with Mr Beriai; G. Evans, at Carnarvon or Caruil'i. A large number o: applications for clek tickets for the convendon have ah'adv been received. The Welsh Liberal Women's Union have elected thirty-six delegates to represent that body m the con- vention. Local organisations ,,1;cn¡ld lose 110 time in appointing their delegates and making application for tickets if they have not already done so. A number of leading Welsh members of Pariia- iiient have already promised to afietr.t and take par: in ;13 meetings.