Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

I Births, Marriages, and Deaths. -.No Notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths can be inserted unless authenticated by the name and address of the sender. The charge for insertion of notices of births and marriages is One Shilling, but if the announcement is accom- panied by any additional remarks Two Shillings. BIRTHS. NEwITT-April 9th, at the Barracks, Wrexham, the wife of Quartermaster-Sergeant Newitt, of a son. PRICE—April 17th, at Coedpoeth, the wife of J. Price, jeweller, of a son. MARRIAGES. CHEWH—WOOBFIKE—At the Parish Church, Wrex- ham, on April 16tb. by the Rev. Elliott Simpson, Charles Crewe, Whitchurch, Salop, to Alice Woodfine, of Wrexham, formerly of Marchwiel. EDWARDS-PETCEi-April 17th, at the Welsb Cal- vinistic Methodist Chapel, Weston Rhyn, by the Rev. R. Hughes, pastor, assieted by the Rev. E. Jarman, Wrexham, John Daniel Edwards, Rhos- wiel Post Office, to Edith Marion Petch, niece of Mr and Mrs C. Jerman, Weston Rhyn. DEATHS. BRow-At his residence, Alma House, Madeira Hill, Isaac, the beloved husband of Ellen Brown. Funeral to-day (Friday) house, 2.30 Borough Cemetery, 3 o'clock. (No flowers by request.) BRowx-April 12th, aged 82 years, at Tne Folly, Flookersbrook, Chester, Charles Brown. COTTox-April 17, h, aged 31 years, at Duke of Wellington, Trefynant, near Ruabon, Thomas Cotton. No cards COOKSON—April 4, at Rhoswiel, Salop, aged 72 years, Sarah, the beloved wife of William Cookeon. Interred at Bowdon Pariah Church, April 9th. CuwE-April 16th, tlged 2 days, at 10, Cunliffe- street, Wrexham, Harold, child of Joseph and Mary Crewe. CLUTTON--April 6th, aged 79 years, at Marbury, William Clntton. CLARKE—April 11th, aged 51 years, at Oswestry, Frederick Clarke. DAVIES-April Ilth, aged 32 years, at the Wrexham Infirmary, Ellen, wife of Mathias Davies, of 11, Eagle-street. BDWARDS-April 15th, aged 72 years, at 38. Cnnliffe- street, Wrexham, iinoch Edwards, wagon inspector. GRIFFITHS—April 16th, aged 6 months, at Sweeney, Oswestry, John Norman, son of George Edward and Emma Griffiths. HARRHJO-Åpril 10th, aged 2 yeara, at The Grymbal'i. near Wrexham, Henry Cyril, child of John and Florence Harrison. HUGHES—April 8th, aged 77 years, at The Stocks Lane, Welshampton, Richard Hughes. JOWEs-April 12th, aged 65 years, at 44, Albert-road, Oswestry, Hopkin Jones. PHILLIPs-April 8th, aged 89 years, at Lyneal Mill, Ellesmere, John Phillips. POWE»L—April 13th, aged 79 years, at Oswestry, Hannah Powell. TowsEl(D-Aprll 14th, aged 38 years, at Aston, Omwestry, Adila Emily Townsend. WIILLIANs-April 18th, aged 20 months, at 8. Farndou-street, W rexham, Charles, child of Mary Williams. WILLIAiwa-April 15th, aged 57 years, at the Wrex- limm Workhouse, George Williams, labourer. WILLIAMS—April 19ih, aged 40 years, at 3, Lambpit- scraet, Wrexham, Thomas Williaiiaii. WOODITABD—April 14th, Rhed 93 years, at Rhianva, Oewoatry, Eleancr Woodward. WILDE—April 13th, aged 81 years, at 44, Salop-road, Oswestry, Sarah Wilie. WATKI\s-April IOLIJ, aged 59 yeara, at the Cottage Huspical, OatvMtry, Wa.tkin W atkins. Is MEMORIAL. JONES—In loring memory of oar dear mother, Sarah Jones, late Duko of Wellington, Ruabon, who departed this life April 16th, 1899. Rest in peace. Her daughters, M. S.

Farther drafts of the Welsh Yeomanry left I Wrexham for the front on Saturday. The first annual meeting of the North Wales Agricultural Students' Association has been held at Bangor. The Trustees of the will of the late Mr Benjamin Piercy have just given a further grant of iEI,000 to the Wrexham Infirmary. The parish meeting? which have been held this week have been marked by a quiet business-like manner, which shows that the task of local self- government it thoroughly appreciated. The final for the Welsh Cup was played at Newtown, on Monday, between the Druids, who hold the cup, and Aberystwyth. The latter team won the trophy by three goals to nil. A meeting held at Roasett to consider proposals for the preservation of the fishing in the Alyn proved somewhat unsettled. Nothing was done save to pass a declaration in favour of the unalienable fishing rights of the parishioners. At the Easter Vestry for the Parish of Wrex- ham, which was held on Monday, important announcements were made regarding the work of 1 preserving the splendid fabric of the Parish Church. A large sum ot money is needed, but the hope was expressed that it would be raised. Despatches have been published in which Lord Roberts severely criticises General Buller and Sir C. Warren for the advance across the Tugela on January 17th and 18th, and for the capture and evacuation of Spion Kop on January 23rd ahd 24th. As usual, we publish a number of letters from local men, all of which are extremely interesting. ♦

Wrexham Board of Guardians. The last meeting of the Wrex- ham Board of Guardians brought to a close another year of Poor-law administration, and it was only in accordance with the fitness of things that the chairman and vice- chairman, Captain Griffith-Boscawen and Mr Simon Jones respectively, should be thanked for their services. The work during the past year has been steadily pursued, and there has been nothing to mar the harmony of the gatherings at the workhouse. Both the gentlemen mentioned have attended to their duties with every zeal for the welfare of the poor, and both possess in a marked degree special abilities for the posts they hold. There was considerable force in the re- mark of Captain Griftith-Boscawen, that unless a scrimmage of words took place, the Guardians did not receive much attention in the Press, and couseqtiently from the public. The fact is that in a district like Wrexham, where there is ample provision for the needy, most of the work of the Guardians is done in committee, and is more or lest3 of a merely routine character, and con- sequently of no interest to newspaper readers. i ——— A ——

Wrexham Parish Church. The meeting of the Vestry of the Wrexham pa.rish, which was held in the Wrexham Parish Church on Monday, waE, of more than ordinary interest on account of an announcement which was made in connection with the reparation of the Parish Church. Our readers will remember the recent enthusiastic meeting in the Public Hall. It was attended by the late Duke of Westminster, who offered to nnntrihntn in n. mnuf lilurol 1" — — —lasuiuu towards the work of placing the handsome edifice in a condition worthy to be handed down to future generations. The Duke then promised 21,000, to be followed by another iEI,000 the next year. From the announcement made by the Vicar, the Rev. Canon Fletcher, it now appears that as the Wrexham parish has no legal claim upon the executors of the late Duke for the second £1,000, it has been decided, in consequence of the heavy death duties, to withhold that amount. The parish will therefore have an additional 91,000 to Vaise. That the committee are justified in proceeding with the reparation of j the building no one will doubt who has any eye for noble and historic architecture. The Wrexham Church, with its imposing tower and associations of the past, is a worthy object of admiration. It is not merely a relic, but, according to a remark let fall by Sir Robert Cunliffe, the tower especially is in a good structural condition. In round figures the work will cost E5,500, and there is yet zC2,500 to be raised. This, we feel sure, is no impossible task, especially when we point to the permanency of the work, not to speak of the need of preserving certain parts of the edifice from decay. It was pointed out by the Vicar, in reply to questions as to whether the examination of the nave had been careful and complete, that the timbers of the roof really wanted renewing, whilst it had been discovered that the bosses on the ceiling in the aisles, which were supposed to be of oak, the same as the panels of the roof, were merely of plaster of Paris. Considering the state of the building, and the fact that the reparation will be carried out in the most conservative spirit, we I feel confident that when a further appeal is made to raise the R2,500 still required, the parishioners of Wrexham and the people of North Wales will not be lacking in showing their appreciation of such a worthy object.

Crime in Denbighahire. The quarterly report of Major Leadbetter, chief constable for the Denbighshire Constabulary, which we presented last week, is I not altogether pleasant reading. At the I I outset it shows an increase of 89 in the non-indictable offences, and JE42 14s 2d in the value of property stolen. The num- ber of indictable cases was the same as in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The significant feature of the report is the increase in the number of persons proceeded against for drunkenness. The figure for the last quarter is 242, and for a similar period of last year it was 175. Seven publicans were proceeded against for permitting drunkenness, as compared with five for the corresponding quarter of last year, although the number of convictions in each case was the same. This, however, shows extra vigilance on the part of the police to dis- cover the cause of the increase of drunkenness. It is very satisfactory to note that Sunday drink- ing has decreased in the two periods mentioned from 30 to 22, and it is also with pleasure we gather that drunkenness on Sundays appears to be less than on the other days of the week. ■*

The Alyn. The fame of the River Alyn as a trout stream is very widely recognised. It is so popular, and so much frequented, that its fame threatens to be its destruction. The indis- criminate fishing of the river cannot increase the sport which it ought to afford, and it was not un- reasonable that Dr. Roberts, of liossett, a lover of the gentle art, should have tried to improve matters. A meeting was held last week, which shows that the parishioners of Rossett are extremely nervous lest any of their rights to the fishing should be prejudiced. We have a recol- lection of some lively meetings held in Rossett some years ago, when a plan to preserve the river was declined. The same fate has attended the well meant efforts of Dr. Roberts. We are of opinion that the parishioners are quite right in safe-guarding their interests, but if there is any plan which could be produced, by which the fruit- fulness of the river could be increased, it woald be an extremely wise thing to consider it. The true sportsman, whether he lives in Rossett parish or elsewhere, would always be welcomed. The man who ought to be prohibited is the ono, who by the use of illegal bait, or improper mean of fishing, destroys the attraction which the fair stream has for so many sons of the angle. »

Farmer Students. There are so few organisationB in which farmers take an active part that one is glad to note the existence of the North Wales Agricultural Students' Association. The Association has just held its first annual meeting at Bangor, and heard a very useful address by Colonel Piatt, the President. Colonel Piatt emphasised the need there is for the union of practice with science, and his summing up is crisp and wise. He said Keep nothing but good stock—from milk cows to chickens. Feed your beast properly, and get the best results. Learn your business thoroughly; work hard don't be disheartened. Teach the agricultural labourer to work honestly and to love his work, and help him to make his home happy and his leisure profitable by cultivating, say, poultry and bees, on proper lines. Do your utmost to spread the principles of good farming. Remember the Britisher's boast that he never knows himself beaten. Help to make British farming the best farming in the world." It is only by adopting the most improved methods, and by breeding the very best, that farmers can hope to leave the beaten paths along which, in so many cases, they are content to journey. But the farmer must be helped, and we look to the landlord to do his share by providing proper buildings, and by duly considering the heavy rents which, in many parts of the country, crush out the life of British agriculture. The conditions under which some farmers have to live is not only unfair to the farmer, but a serious menace to the general prosperity. The farmers complain very readily, but the curious thing is that they seem unable to cope with the difficulties. What is needed is the close and active co-opera- tion of landlord and tenant, and the difficult question is how is this to be brought about ? The increased employment of improved methods of culture and the spread of knowledge by means of such an organisation as we have named will do much. It will at least greatly alter the status of the farmer who follows the present generation. The pity is that those who are now bearing the burden and heat of the day do not seem inclined to benefit themselves.

A TELLING OFF. I I When Lord Roberts was appointed Com- I mander-in-Cliief in South Africa, everybody approved of the selection. His skill as a ¡ tactician, and his ability in the discharge of those delicate acts of statesmanship which often fall to the lot of a general all these things secured for him the esteem of the people. There was no need for him to do anything to win the affection and confidence of the troops. He had that in unmeasured abundance, and it is not saying too much to remark that his soldiers will do for Bobs" j what other commanders cannot expect to receive. He has just done another thing which will enhance him in the eyes of the Nation and the Army as a fearless and honest soldier. It will be remembered that on January 17th and 18th, Sir Redvers Buller's Army made an advance over the Tugela. that it captured Spion Kop on the 23rd, and that it evacuated it on the 24th. Despatches have just been pub- lished in which these movements are described by Sir Redvers Buller and by Sir Chas. Warren. The whole of the despatches have been for- warded to Lord Roberts, who sends with them observations of his own which are very severe. Of course, it is extremely easy for men at home to express opinions regarding our Generals in the field, and owing to a want of knowledge, which has made the criticism none the less severe, the amateur soldier has withered the leaders at the fro nt with remarkable opinions; but now Lord Roberts having given a careful judgment upon the whole thing, what is the position ? He thus declares :—" The attempt to re- lieve Ladysmith, described in these dis- patches, was well devised, and I asree with Sir Redvers Buller in thinking that it ought! to have succeeded. That it failed may, in some measure, be due to the difficulties of the ground and the commanding positions held by { the enemy—probably also to errors of judg- ment and want of administrative capacity on the part of Sir Charles Warren. But whatever faults Sir Charles Warren may have committed, the failure must also be ascribed I to the disinclination of tbe officer in supreme command to assert his authority and see that what lie thought best was done, and also to the unwarrantable and needless assumption of responsibility by a subordinate officer." This is good wholesome talk which will do no end of good. We sympathise with General Buller. He has had the hardest task of the War, and fairplay to him he has not done so badly. But he was, in the opinion of Lord Roberts, too lax and failed to have that grip upon the campaign which he ought. The suggested victory,which he could have obtained had hebeen more strenuous,is not too pleasi ng and can hardly lighten the censure. However, Buller and Warren (and they are of special interest to us here, for they have oar local men in their charge) have ample opportunities before them of wiping out Spion Kop. The great satisfaction which we at home may take from the painful affair is that in Lord Roberts we have a general who has the courage to express to men of high rank and of great responsibility his opinions in language which is calm and severe. While our con- fidence in Lord Roberts is thus enhanced, we cannot help feeling sorry that General Buller has had to come under the lash, but the issues of a war, and above all the lives of our brave soldiers, must. not be frittered away.

PERSONAL. The Queen will leave Dublin at noon on Thurs- day, the 26th inst, and, travelling by way of Holyhead, is to arrive at Windsor at five o'clock in the afternoon of Friday. We are asked to publish the following correspondence:— Ruthin Castle, North Wales, 9ih April, 1900. DEAR SIR STANLEY CLAKKE,—The Court of Quarter Sessions for the county of Denbigh, which was held at Denbigh on the 6:h day of April instant. have deputed me to ask yon to be good enough to convey to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales the great grief and horror felt by the Court at hearing of the dastardly and outrageous attack made upon His Royal HighnesB at Brussels la:it Weduesday, and their heartfelt joy and gratitude that no injury resulted. The Court sincerely congratulate His Royal Highness on his providential escape, and in thus giving utterance to their own feelings, they are con- vinced that they are expressing tho unanimous feeling of the whole of the inhabitants of the county of Denbigh.—I remain, very faitbfully yours, (Signed), W. C«RNWALLIS WEST. Major-General Sir Stanley Clarke, The Palace, Copenhagen. Amalienborg, Copenhagen, 13th April, 1900. DEAR COLONEL CORNWALLIS WEST,—The Prince of Wales aaks yon to be good enough to convey to the members of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Denbigh the expression of his sincere thanks for their very kind congratulations on his escape from the hands of the cowardly ruffian who attacked him in the railway station at Brussels on the 4th instant. You will be glad to hear His Royal Highness suffers no ill effects from the shock.—I remain, yours very faithfully, (Signed), S. DE A. C. CLARKE. Equerry-in- Waiting.

WREXHAM. I TIIE RECENT LECTURE.—We are pleased to state that the lecture for the benefit of Mr D. Griffiths, Cefn (the blind preacner), realised £10, clear of expense. The Mayor gale a donation of iEl. NEXT THURSDAY.—On Thursday next the Court of the University of Wales will visit Wrexham, and the members will be entertained to luncheon by the Mayor at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel. The Court will meet at the County Buildings. EASTER AT THE PARISH CHURCH.—At the Parish Church, on Good Friday, there was a meditation on the •' Last seven words from twelve o'clock to three o'clock, conducted by the Rev. G. C. Joyce, of Hawarden Hostel. The service was will attended, and was very impressive. The services on Sunday were also a source of much attraction, and there was a good attendance of communicants at the Holy Communion. EASTER SEBTICES.—At St. Mark's Church the choral setting of the Holy Communion was Eyre in E flat with Since by man, etc." (Handel) as the introit. At evensong the service was Garrett in D, and the anthems "Awake Thou that sleepest (Stainer) and Worthy is the Lamb (Handel.) The usual organ recital, by Mr C. Morton Bailey, Mus. Bac., F.R.C.O., was given and consisted of Toccata and Fugue in D minor (Bach), Cavatina (Bohm), 0 Sanctissima (Lux), Marche Taunhauser (Wagner.) As we reported last week Gaul's Passion music was effectively sung on Wednesday by the choir. WELSH MILITARY HOSPITAL CONCERTS.—We are asked to state that at the matinee of the above, next Monday, an alteration will be made. Mr Plunket Greene will not sing, and consequently in lieu of him the celebrated dramatic tenor, Mr Joseph Hanson, has been engaged, and, in our idea, those who are patronising the matinee will in nowise regret the unavoidable change. Both Mr Hanson and Mr Greene will appear at the evening concert. The programme of the matinee will be entirely different from that given in the evening. The object for which these concerts have been pro- moted is such as to have a large claim upon the public, and we do trust they will be patronised to the full. CHI, STHR STREET BAPTIST CHAPEL.—On GooA Friday about thirty members of the congregation of this chapel drove in two wagonettes to Holt and Farndon. The afternoon was spent in the ancient borough, and on the banks of the Dee, and a capital tea was provided in the Holt Baptist Chapel at 4.30. A couple of hours were after- wards spent in playing games on the Castle Green, whilst a meeting followed in the Chapel, presided over by Mr Sudlow, of Wrexham. Ad- dresses were given during the evening by the Chairman, Mr Copleston, of Wrexham, and Mr Salder, and songs and recitations were given by friends from Wrexham and Holt. A very pleasant half-day was brought to a close by a drive home to Wrexham in the evening. A NEW COIPASy.-On the 10th instant a com- pany was registered by Jordan and Sons, Limited, of 12C, Chancery-lane, London, under the title of The Wrexham Lager Beer Company, Limited," to carry on the business of brewers in all its branches now carried on under the style of The Wrexham Lager Beer Company," at Wrexham. The nominal capital of the Company is L50,000, divided into 50,000 shares of RI each. The registered office is situated at the Wrexham Lager Beer Brewery, St Mark's-road, Wrexham. The memorandum of association was subscribed by Mary E. Graesser, Argoed Hall, Llangollen, married woman; Alice S. Thomas, Riversdale, Newbridge, Ruabon, married woman; Robert F. Graegser, Argoed Hall, Llingrlien, chemist John W. Thomas, Riversdale, Newbridge, Ruabon, clerk in Holy Orders F. Graesser, 2, Carlton- terrace, Milton-road, Liverpool, district manager Charles H. Harold, Stausty Villa, Wrexham, secretary, and Ph. Lorentz, Sb. Mark's-road, Wrexham, brewer. The first governing director is Robert F. Graesser. THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.—Taken on the whole, the Easter holidays were f ivoured with season- able weather. There was a fair exodus of holiday- seekers on Thursday afternoon and evening for the more distant places, to which excursions were arranged by the Great Western Railway. On Good Friday there were heavy bookings on both the Great Western and Wrexham, Mold, and Connah's Quay Railways for Chester and Liver- pool. Llangollen, however, was by far the most popular pleasure resort, and many Wrexham people were to be seen there. Wrexham on Good Friday presented a rather deserted appearance. On Saturday Wrexham presented a busy scene owing to the iuflux of visitors, although a large number of people visited such places as Llan- gollen, Chester, Liverpool, Birkenhead, and New Brighton. As on Good Friday, the tradesmen's establishments in Wrexham were closed for Easter Monday. The town was rather deserted, and there was again a large exodus of pleasure- seekers in one direction-to Llangollen, Ac.—and in the other to Chester, &e. On Tuesday the shops were re-opened, and the borough assumed its usual aspect. LABOUR MARKET IX NORTH WALES.—The Labour Gazette publishes the following report from its North Wales correspondent:—Mining: Except for a dispute at one colliery and an influx of water at another, employment at coal and lead mines throughout the district continues good. Quarrying Employment continues good at all classes of quarries. Building Trades At Wrex- ham, bricklayers and carpenters report employ- ment as fair plasterers as good; painters as quiet. At Llandudno carpenters and painters report employment as fair, plasterers as good. Engineering and Metal Trades: Employment continues moderate with the engineers at Ruabon, Oswestry, and Sandycroft, good at Cefn. Steel- workers and coachmakers report employment as good, Clothing and Textile Trades Employ- ment in the flannel and tweed industries of Montgomeryshire continues good. The bespoke tailors at Bangor and Carnarvon report employ- ment as good; at Wrexham as improving; at Oswestrv as fair. Brick and Terra Cotta and Chemical Trades Employment is reported as good at the brickfields. Chemical workers con- tinue fully employed. CYCLISTS WANTED.— W e publish an advertise- ment which invites cyclists to join the local Volunteers. EASTER DECORATIONS.—Visitors to Wrexham Parish Church during Eastertide have Dot failed to admire the very chaste floral decorations. At the services on Sunday and Monday the effect was very pretty. The quaint old stone font was covered on the top and surrounded at the base with daffodils and tulips, whilst here and there the shapely corollas of arum lilies rose above the ground work of white and yellow. The iron screen at the entrance to the chancel was embellished with very fine and deep coloured daffodils, whilst at the base were many arum lilies and azaleas. The colours blended well with the sombre stonework of the building. The altar flowers were white, and on each side were massive arum lilies. Mrs Rees had kindly arranged the flowers as usual. At St. Mark's Church, too, there were some very pretty flowers I to be seen about the altar and in the chancel.

RUABON- EASTER VESTRY.—The meeting of the vestry was held on Monday, the Rev. J. Thomas (acting vicar) presiding. Dr. Lrwton Roberts was appointed vicar's wardeu, and Mr Bowen people's warden. Mr Jones, postmaster, and Mr VV. Leiguton are the naw sidesmen. WEDDING.—A wedding was solemnised on Satur- day, in the Congregational Church, the Rev. D. Tafwys Jones officiating. The contracting parties were Mis4 Mary Jones, the eldest daughter of Mr Thomas Jones, Bryn-terrace, and Mr P. Adcock, of Birkenhead. The bridesmaid was Miss Kate Jones, and Mr Richards, Birkenhead, was the best man. BACHELORS' TEA AND CONCERT.—The annual bachelors' tea was held on Monday, in the Primitive Methodist Chapel. In the evening a concert was given, when several action songs in character were given by the children. The principals were Miss Jones (Black Park), Misa F. J. Chatham, and the Rhosymedre Quartette. There was a large audience. ACCIDENT HOSPITAL.—The Honorary Secretary (Mr J-. S. La. cuck) acknowledges with thanks the receipt of the following contributions :—Workmen at Hafod Colliery, 152 h 6d Ruabon Church. £94.3 6j Rhos Congregational Chapel, 41 7s 6jd Cefn Tabernacle Baptist Chapel, XI Ponkey Congregational Chapel, 17s Ruabon Wesleyan Chapel, 10s 9d Ponkey (Bank-street) Congregational Chapel, 10i Id Ponkey Scotch Baptist Cb»pel, 10j Ruabon Calvinistic Methodint Chapel, 10J Groes Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, 8 i; Rhos Primitive Methodist Chapel, 6s 3 jd Street Issa Weeleyan Chapel, 5-J; Cefu Byclian Welsh Baptist Chapel, 5s Rhos Bethel Chapel, 5i; Rhosymedre Welsh Congregational Chapsl, 5.1. ENGLISH PRE.I;BYTERIA-Ns.-The fifth annual tea and concert was given on Friday, in the English Presbyterian Chapel, and both were well patronised. The arrangements were admirably carried out. There was a large audience in the evening, over which Mr P. Williams, Pentre'r Clawdd, presided. After the opening hymn, Mr John Davies gave a tenor solo. Miss Pryce Roberts contributed a song very effectively, as did Mr Mills Roberts, and both met with cordial receptions. Mr J. W. Ellis gave a well-executed violin solo. Miss M. Roberts next contributed a aong with violin obligato, and was followed by Mr G. R. Thomas, who was warmly applauded. During the interval prizes were distributed to the following for the beat answers to questions on the Second Book of Samuel:—Miss B. Davies, Mtiater G. L. Daviea, Miss Sarah Meredith, Miss Sarah Rowlands, and several of the children who had done well were awarded consolation prizes. After a short address by the Rev. James Roberts, Mr John Davies's Male Voice Choir sang a tflee, after which the popular service of song entitled Uncle Tom's Cabin was given by the Juvenile Choir. The children were dressed in white, and their singing reflected much credit upon them and their trainer. Mr fiviiia, the evangelist in charge of the church, pro- posed the usual vote of thanks at the close. RHOSLLANERCHRUGOG. PREACHING SEHVICKS.—The annual preaching cervices in connection with the Welsh Wesleyans were held on Sunday and Monday. The sermons were preached to large congregations by the Revs. D. Jones, Abermawr, and J. P. Roberts, Liverpool. MUSICAL SUCCES.—At the examination held by the London College of Music in the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, on t he 7th inst, Miss Kathleen Gillman, a pupil of Mr Matthew Bowen, P.G.C.M., organist of the parish church, passed in the junior grade in pianoforte plaviidg, obtaining a first-class Dass. POTATOE PLANTING, 1900.—A Farmers Union has just been formed at Rhos, and amongst those who have enrolled themselves as members are--Messrs Robert Daniels, William Davies, William Roberts, Robert Lloyd Thomas, Ellis Phillips, W. Price, W. Powell, and W. Williams. Considerable indignation has been caused owing to a circular, which they have issued to the effect, That they have seriously con- sidered the question of potatoe planting for 1900, and have come to the conclusion that owing to the high price of labour and wear, the price per rood will be considerably advanced." They conclude by aaying, "We agree to draw the chain harrows over the potatoes within a month after planting, providing t hat the tenants will weed their potatoes well." ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.—On Good Friday morning a most beautiful performance of Stainer's Crucifixion was given by the' chu-ch choir, the boys sang throughout the work their parts beautifully. The soloists, Mr W. Morgan Jones, tenor Mr John E. Evp.ns, bass and Mr T. C. Williams, baritone; rendered their portions very correctly. Mr Matthew Bowen. F.G.C.M., presided at the organ. The Rev. F. Fritchard. vicar, read the lessons. On Easter Sunday, 10.30 P..tn., there was a full choral celebra- tion of the Holy Communion, the vicar officiating. Evensong at 6 p.m. was fully choral. The Canticles were SUll to Whitfield in E, the special music was the solo. There is a green hill," suns: most feelingly by John Ellis Evans, and the chorus, Since by man," and Even so in Christ," from the Messiah, and a tenor solo from the Messiah, by Mr W. Morgan Jones. COMPETITIVE MEKTINO.—A very successful compe- titive meeting promoted by the members of the Bethel" Baptist Church, Campbell-street, was held on Thursday, when Mr William Edwards, presided over a large attendance. The musical adjudicator was. Mr Dan Roberts, Rhos, and the Rev. E. Isfryn Williams, performed similar duties in the literary and other sections, and the competitions were very keen, and the following is a list of the principal awards :—Baritone solo, Gwltd yr, Eisteddfodan," prize 5s, Mr Joseph Edwards, Cefn Mawr. Tenor solo, Y Bugail," (Wilfrid Jones), prize 5, Mr Jeremiah Edwards, Rhos. Reci-,al, "Ti wyddost beth ddymed fy Nghalon," Master John T. Jones, Ponkey. Trio." Duw, hydd Drugarog" (Or. Parry), prize 65, Messrs T. Jonea and party. Soprano solo. "01 cofia fi fy Nuw," Af;ss Annie Davies, Rhos, Estay, Mr Robert D. Roberts, Rhos. Stanzas, sub- ject. The transfiguration," T. Davies. The accom- panist was MaRter Einiyu Davies, lhos. Soloi were rendered by Miss M. E. Jones, and a recital by Mr Joseph Edwards, Cefn Mawr. Mr J. Williams acted as secretary. THU LATE PARISH CHURCH SEXTON.—The follow- ing interesting account of the late Mr Matthew Jones, parish clerk and sexton, appears in the local Church Magazine for this mouth The ecclesiastical district of Rhos was constituted in 1844, the population being 3,800. The day schools have been in operation since 1845, and the Parish Church (primarily intended for Welsh services) was consecrated in 1853, the two first baptisms within the same taking place on October 9th, and the firpt burial within the churchyard (viz.. that of Roger Gittins, Colomendv) on November 28th, 1853. The late parish clerk was, beyond all, the link connecting parish bygones with events of to-day. He acted as clerk for forty-eight years—that is, from the beginning. Being a native of the soil, he was, of course, musical, and of considerable ability, as his father was. The singing at St. John's was con- ducted by him for many years, and he composed much, and that almost to the last. Our character ekctch of him would be thus Very conservative as to old traditions and customs, possessing a memory stored with tit-bits of old Rhos-original in his methods, an acute critic, independent in judgment, emphatic and plain-spoken in speech, tongh in argument aud self-defence, keen in observation, but seldom swayed by enthusiasm. As lerk, even at the age of seventy-nine, he was good in response and as sexton the supreme court of appeal, and no marvel, inasmuch as he had Llid in th2ir last resting- places over 4,500 men. women, and children. The bent form and measured steps of the ever-present old official will bu missed at funerals, weddings, and baptisms. His work is done-may he re3t in peace."

I BRYMBO. TEA AND CONCERT.—On Good Friday the annual ten and concert, in connection with Bethel Wesleyan Church, was held. The tea tables were laid in the schoolroom, in the basement of the chapel, and some 550 persons sat down. The following ladiesi presided at thetablea :—Mrs Elizabeth J. Kendrick. The Cross Mrs Margaret Griffiths, Iorwerth Villa; Mrs Kate Davies, Maelor View; Miss Smart, Upper Mount; Mrs John Jones, Mrs AnnGittins, Lodge; Miss Jones, Bryn Dwvfor; Mrs Mary Griffith Holland, Mrs Harriet Hughes, Lodge; Mrs Lloyd Pritchard, Mrs S. J. Williams, Lodge and Miss L. A. Wynne Harwood. The catering was under the superintendence of Mrs Charles, the Old Vicarage, who was assisted by Mrs Mary Jones, Station-road; Miss Hughes, High- street Mrs Marv Griffiths, Lodge, and Mrs Ellen Davies, Mount. The concert in the evening was given in the Public Hall. Mr Jones, Highfield, pre- sided over a crowded attendance. The singers included Miss Florrie Williams (contralto), Miss Rushton, Liverpool and provincial concerts (contralto), Mr Robert Morris, Oswestry (tenor), Mr Edward Jones, Liverpool and provincial concerts (baritone), Mr J. Arthur Roberts, Bryncoch, violinist, and Mr J. Frederick Whitehouse, Birmingham, accompanist. The National Anthem, led by Miss Florrie Williams, formed the first item in the programme. The piano- forte solo, The Martyr's song," by Mr Whitehouse, was exquisitely rendered. After a brief address by the president, the following items were given :— "With verdure clad," Miss Williams; Baner ein gwlad," Mr Tom Morris (aa substitute for his bro- ther) Alone on the raft," Misa Rushton (encored Tatters"); Merch y Cadben," Mr Edward Jones; In the dusk of twilight," the Misses Williams and Rushton (encored); violin solo, Old folks at home," Mr J. Arthur Roberts, Bryncoch (encored): Kath- leen Mavourneu," Mills Ruahton My dreams," Mr R. Morris The storm hend, Mr Edward Jones Venetian song," Miss Williams"; "The sailor's gavre," Mr R. Morris Dolly and the coach," Miss Rushton; violin solo, March," Mr J. Arthur Roberts; The Bandolero," Mr Jones My dearest heart," Miss Williams duet, Exceliioir," Messrs Jones and Morris; Hen wlad fy nhadau." The concert was one of the most successful beldin the Ij district for some years.

POOLMOUTH. 1 THE SCHOOLROOM.—On Good Friday a tea was held in the above schoolroom in the afternoon, and a concert in the evening. Both meetings were well patronised.

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OSWESTRY. THE INCORPORATION.—At the meeting of the Incorporation, on Monday, Mr W. Griffiths was re- elected chairman, and Mr J. Richards vice-chairman. At the O-sv.estry Rural District Council Mr J. Richards was re-elected chairman and Mr W. Hum- phreys vice-chai rman. LORD PHILIP WHARTON."—-Relative to the copy of Van Dyck' fius picture of Lord fhilip Whartjn," presented to the Town Council bv Mr Parry-Jones, town clerk, it is of interest to notice that in the November number of The Nineteenth Century there is an article on the Vin Dyck Exhibition at Antwerp by the art critic, Mr Claude Phillips. Ot this particular picture he says In quite a different style the often cited Lord Philip Wharton from the Hermitage, is n. masterpiece of the first order. It is generally from the age of the sitter, set down as haviug been executed in 1632, though the execution might lead us to placs it a year or two latsr. Thia youthful Apollo, in the habit of an English noble- man, unaffectedly faces the spectator, looking out of the canvas, with all the ingenuousness of his nine- teen years. He wears, carelessly thrown over A simple fashioned coat of steel-groy velvet, a mantle of orange-tawny, the very original colour-harmony being conipletod by the rich dark green of a hangiug behind the figure. To parallel such a representation as this of aristocratic youth in its bloom, giving the physical beauty, the delicate sensibility of the young cavaiier, with the happy suggestion of true virility beneath, one must turn back to Venetian art in the golden moment of its first prime, and call up the portraits left to the world by Giorgione, by Titian in youth, by Ssbastiano Laciani in his Giorgionesque phase." THR HEALTH OF THE BOROUGH.—The following is the annual report of Dr. Baresford, medical officer of health for th'3 boroagh of Os westry :—There were 146 deaths registered in the borough of Oswestry during the past year, being at the annual rats of about 15 per 1,000. If the deaths of non-residents be excluded, and the deaths of parsons chargeable to the borongh who died at the House of Industry outside its limits, be considered, the death would be about 17 per 1,000, These igurea &re based on the popu- lation ot 0<westry being a.bout 9,600 or 9,700. Judg- ing by the numbers of nsw houses everywhere being erected, and by the birth-rate, this is a low estimate Taking into consideration the prevalence of influenza. in the autumn, the health of the borough has been good. The number of deaths from zymotic diseases, even (as I have done) including whooping cough and diarrhea*, do not amount to I per 1,000. Whooping cough as I have mentioned in my report to the District Council, i. hardly prevontible till the public are more fully aware of the dangerous and trouble- some nature of this disease. The eases of diarrhosa, five in number, which make the largest number of deaths from zymotic diseases, were, with one ex- ception, all in children. Diarrhau, in children is nearly always caused by improper feeding. The Notification Act works well, and your officers have found it of great service, though not yet supplemented by its almost necessary adjunct, an infectious hos- pital. This I look forward to as, at least, in the dim, and, I hope, not distant future. The daily removal of refuse from the town still continues. After ex- perience of this system I can hardly dream of any town, with any pretsnaions to healthful precautions, locking up its debri. and filth to decompose, if not before the eyes, not far from the nostrils of its inhabitants. The flushing tanks act well; as long as these are kept going, and our water supply is abundant, the Tentilation of oar main sewers is not of 80 much consequence, though ventilation is not to be altogether disregarded. I hope and trust that the sewerage connections and general drainage of the numerous new houses are being well looked after; if not, there will be a legacy, and not a pleasant one, left for some future sanitary authority. The town water has been abundant in quantity, and its quality good, during the year. By request of the Sanitary Committee, I intend making a thorough examination of it by the most modern methods each month, and reporting thereon. A great deal of work, as seen by the report of your surveyor, has been carried out during the year. The houses where dillea.se has existed have been visited, and in many cases disin- fected. The whole town has been gone over care- fully twice in the year by your surveyor and myself, and the water Inspector is constantly ou the look out for minor nuisances. It is the attention to small details that, in the end, effects so much. The foot- paths are improved, the school playgrounds made dry, and covered with asphalte, and in every way the town is improving in an hygienic sense. I am sorry to see so few cf the new houses going in for a sub- stratum of asphalte or concrete. This, to my mind is more a necessity than a luxury damp and ground air are the two principal foea to health. A dry house with plenty of windows and sunshine is not the favourite abode of the germs we bear so much of these days. Appended in a report and analysis of the town water supply:—Colour, bright clear, slight yellowish tint; taste, slight earthy taste; smell, absent. Total solids, about 5 grs. per gallon hard- ness, 4 degrees; chlorine, grains per gallon 60; free ammonia, parts per million, .02 albuminoid, parts per million, .11 oxygen absorbed, parts per million .23; nitrates, no traces. Microscopic examination very favourable. The water is just now very good; I never saw it a better colour or more palatable. The quantity of oxygen absorbed is small for a peaty water. It is safe to use at present for all domestic purposes.

I CEFN. I PARISH COUNCIL.—On Wednesday evening, in the Cefn Board School, the annual statutory meeting of this council was held, the following members being present :-Messrs Christmas Jones (chairman), H, H. Hunt (vice-chairman), Thomas Davies. Robert Lloyd, Ed- Griffiths, D. W. Roberts, Thomas Price B. Butterton, James Mapp, T. Jackson Edwards, W. L. Williams, Edward Hughee, Wm. Davies, Robert Hopley, and the clerk, Mr E. R. Evans. Mr Hunt was appointed to the chair, and explained that the first business to transact was the appointing of a chairman of the council for the ensuing year.-Mr Thomas Davies proposed that Mr C. Jones be re- elected, as everything had gone on smoothly during the past year under his presidency.—Mr Robert Lloyd having seconded the motion, it was carried unanimously. Mr Hunt remarked that they could not possibly do better than re-elect Mr Jones.- Messrs Robert Bates and William Davies, Bee Hive were, on the motion of Mr T. Davies, seconded by Mr R. Lloyd, unanimously re-elected overseers of the 1 T .1". parisri.-iur jonea manned the council for the honour conferred upon him, and assured them that he was deeply thankful. The position had been a very easy one, although there had been important matters under consideration He had hoped that some change would have been made, but possibly, seeing the large amount of work which was now before them, it would not entitle him to carry out his intention of not allowing hia name to be proposed for re-election—it would not be fair to any member of the Council. The amount which they were called upon to expend was a. very large one, and the work before them was a very difficult and intricate one, and he therefore considered it his duty to consent to his re-election. Mr Jones, con- tinuing, had pleasure in supporting the re-election of overieers, his especial reason being that there is an important movement afoot to increase the assess- ment, and the matter was in hand and would be carried through early. The chief increased asseaa- ment would be on the Great Western Railwav extensions.—The Chairman believed the two gentle- men thoroughly understood their business, and during the next year their keeD attention would be required in the proposed expenditure. This terminated the meeting.

BWLCHGWYN. BOARD SCHOOL.—Prices were offered a short time ago for the best written answers to queations on one of the school text books, "Thelawa of every day life. Tiie D&Dera were set hv Mioa -¡;t 11 OL -r "a' v. 0080na.na of Hdeford Rectoty. H.H.. B?t.XX.g;? EMtmptpen.EbM Mitchell had ..ntm tw??,. excellent paper, securing 91 marks out of a possible 100, George Cope and Reginald T. Daviea eame next. £ '"led to s of the three pnpils.

NEWBRIDGE. !ER E3ELEN £ ?PPer was provided on ? Mond? ay. a.t the Tally-ho r?n, for the members of 1 the money club, by Mr and Mrs Fieldhona? There I waa ? ?d master of members present, and Mr J?me. M?p (m the chair) proposed the uaa?? I 1 p&tnotic toast. Songs were given, and a most t enjoyable evening was spent. t3