The North Wales Times

BIRTHS. BATTEN—January 27th, at Elm Villas, Denbigh, the wife of Mr Arthur Batten, compositor, of this office, of a daughter-first born. j DAVIBS-,TAnnary 18th, the wife of the Rev. Isaac Davies, GIyu Ceiriog, of a son-first-born. HUGHES—January 26th. at Milwr, Holywell, the wife of ftlr. Pierce JElughes, of a son. 24th, the wife of Mr. Edward Joyce, jeweller, St. Petsv's Square, Ruthin, of a son. LAMB—January 19th. at Gyrnol Farm. Connah's Quay, the wife of Mr. James Lamb, of a daughter. REDFE8N—January 24th, at Custom House Lane, Connah's Quay, the wife of Mr. B. Redfern, of a son. MARRIAGES. ANDBHSON—PAHHY— January 23rd, at the English Presbyterian church, Holywell, by the Rev. J. Ernest Jones, pastor, Mr. Andrew Anderson, tailor, to Miss Eliza Parry--both of St. David's Terrace, New Road, Holywell. DAYIES—PARKY—January 14th, at Clifton Road, Birkenhead, by the Rev. H. P. Thomas, Robert' thirl son of the late Mr. William Davies, Buckley, to Elizabeth, youngest daughter of the late Mr. William Parry, Liverpool. ROBERTS—WILLIAMS—January 26th. at Llanasa Parish Church, by the Rev. William Jones, vicar, Mr.- Thomas Roberts, Vale Road, Rhvl, to Ellen Wil- liams, Gwespyr, Llanasa, Holywell. DEATHS. DEETH -Tarmary 25th, at Cefnycoed Farm, Holy- well, Anne, wife of Mr. George Deeth, agod 55 years. EVA-X,Jan nary lfifcb, Mrs. Catherine Evans, wife of Mr. Evan Evans, Maesypwll, near Llwyncelyn, Llan. arth, aged 67 years. EVANS—January 21st, at Tower Gardens Place, Holy- well, Mary Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr. William Evans (into of Wern Sais, Bagiilt), aged 7 years. EVANS—January 2Gth, at Fferwd, Babell, near Holy- well, Mr. Evan Evatis (late shepherd at Caerwys Hal1). HEWITT—January 23rd, at the Union Workhouse, Holywell, Mr. Stephen Hewitt, pilot, Connah's Quay, aged 84 years. HUGHES — January 2ht. at Swan Street, Flint, Mr. Richard Hughes, bricksetter, aged 72 years. HCGHBS—January 24tb, at 8. Bromfield Row, Mold, Helen Gladstone, daughter of Mr. Edward Hughes, aged 9 years. JONES—January 15th, after a few days of severe illness, Mrs. Ellen Jones, widow of the late Mr. Robe;t Jones, tailor, Llandyroog, near Denbigh, aged 67 Yhars. JONES—January IGth, at Henllac, Mr. Robert Jones, son of the late Mr. Evan Jones, Plas Heaton, Hen- llan, aged 78 years. JONES—January 20th. Mr. David Jones, Maesycoed Mills, Caerwys, aged 62 years. JONES—January 20th, at Ogwen Terrace, Bethesda, Miss Jane Jones, daughter of Mr. Evan Jones, tailor, aged 30 year?. JONES-January 23rd, Mr. Griffith Jones, Penycoed, Llannefydd, aged 57 years. JONEs-Janaary 24th, at Church Street, Rhosllanerch- rugog, Ruabon, the Rsv. Josiah Jones, pastor of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist church, Flint, aged 49 years. MILLS-January 25th, at the residence of her son, Cambrian House, Dolgelley, Margaret, widow of the late Mr. Henry Mills, dour merchant, aged 74 yeari. (No flowers, by request). OWBN—January 21th, at Oernant, near Llangollen, Alice, widow of the late Mr. David Owen, Foel Faen, Llandyssilio (late of Llan, Llandegla-in-Yale), aged 67 years. PEERS-Jnuary 22rd. at Spitalfields, Buckley, Wil- liam, infant son of Mr. James Peers, aged 4 days. B January 18th, at Ewloe Barn, near Mold, Mr. Thomas Reilly, aged 85 years. ROBERTS—January 15th, after a long illness, at Coed- poeth, Ifneh, son of Mr. E. Roberts (late of Berthen Gron, Llanarmon-in Yale), aged 41 years. ROBERTS—January 23rd. Mr. Robert Roberts, 3, Albert Terrace, Denbigh (late verger at St. David's church, and eldest son of Mr. William Roberts 2, Beacon's Hill), aged 46 years. He had a long and severe illness, which he bore patiently, never com- plaining. He was much respected by all classes. He was buried at Whitchurch last Thursday, the Revs. John Morgarl, rector, and E. James Davies, curate, officiating. He leaves a widow and three children. ROWLANDS—January 20th, at Ivy House, Castle, Denbigh, Olwea Cartwright, the dearly beloved child of Inspector Rowlands, of the A. S. P. C. C., aged 5 years. IZOTLHS-January 26th, after a short illness, William Thomas, the beloved child of Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Ellen Royles, 125, Henllan Street, Denbigh, aged 14 weeks. TATTUM—January 20th. at Lockwood's Row, Leeswood, Mold, Mary, infant daughter of Mr. Edward Tattum, aged 1 month. THOMAS—January 22nd, at Cemetery Road, Golftyn, Mrs. Anne Thomas, formerly of the Swan Inn, Golftyn, Connah's Quay, aged 69 years. WILLTAMS-January 19th, Mr. George William*, Bryn Sinai, Lixwm, near Holywell, aged 73 years. WILLIAMS—January 21st, Mr. Hugh Williams, Nant- glyn Cottages, Eglwysbach, aged 42 years. WILLrANg-January 21st. at The Vicarage, Melidea, Elizabeth, wife of the Rev. E. O. Williams, vicar, aged 54 years. WYNNB-January 24th, at her residence, Newton Mansions, West Kensington, London, Madame Sarah Edith Wynne, aged 54 years.

WELSH MARKETS. DENBIGH, January 27. — No trade In wheat or barley to-day. Fresh butter, from 16d to 17d per J); small tubs, 13d to 14d; large tubs, lid to Ilid. Beef, 5d to 9d mutton, 7d to 8d lamb, 7d to 8d veal, 6d to 8d. Eggs, 12 to 13 for a Is. Ducks, 3a 6d to 4s 6d per couple. Fowls, 3s Od to 4s Od per couple. LLANGEFNI, January 21-Oattq, from 15s Od to 15s 6d per quarter; potatoes, from 2s 3d to 2s 6d per cwt; butter, 15d to —d per ib wool, 7d to 8d per pound fowls, 2s Od to 3s Od per couple; ducks, 3s 3d to 43 6d per couple. Young pigs, 10s Od to 14s Od each; fat pigs, 3d per lb. Eggs, 16 for a Is. LLANEWST, January 26.-Barley, 9s to 9s 6d per 147 pounds oats, 53 6d to 7s 6d per 105 pounds oatmeal, 35s to 36s per 252 pounds; fresh butter, Is 4d to Is 6d. per pound. Fowls, Os Od to 0s Od per couple. Eggs, 15 to 16 for a la. Ru rtitff, January 25.- Wheat, 10s Od to 10s Od per hobbt;; barley, 7s Od to 9s Od per hobbet; oats, 5s Od to 5s tid. Butter, fresh, Is 5d to Is 6id per pound salt butter, li d to 1:M per lb. Fowls, 2s 9d to 4s Od per couple. Duck*, Od to Os per couple. Eggs, 13 to 14 for a is.

CATTLE MARKETS, AND FAIRS. BIRMINGHAM, January 26.-Moderate supplies, fair trade. Qut,tat-ions :-Beef, 4 to 6Jld per pound: motion, fJd to yd per lb. Bacon pigs, 7s Od to Os Od per score pork&ra,-8s od to 8 6d; and sows, 5s 6d per score. SALFOHD, January 26.—There was a smaller supply of eat sis oa oifer. Owing-to this, together with the scarcity, and consequent high prices ot States beef at Birkenhead, trade ruled firm and dear. and sellers obtained an advance of fully M per lb. The supply of sheep was about 1,000 under that of last market day. A slow demand, but sellers held firmly for last week's full prices. Too supp"y of calves was about the same as last week. There was a good demand for choice fat •aes. Cattle, 5d to 6^1 per ib; sheep, 5Jd to tthd; calves, 5.^1 to 7| per ib. 4 WREXHAM, -January --There was a good supply »f stock at to-<.U*'« market, which met a good all. round ttade. h ef made tjd to tid per lb., best bullocks fetebiug up to £ 11) 10s each Mutton sold at from 7id to 8^i per nr" and veal at from 6^d to 7d. There W.Ui! a 1Iue xnppiy of dairy cows, for which there was » goo!i demand. The highest price was jS17, which w .3 given for an animal from the farm of Mr. Bellia, Liwyn Onu, Other good cows sold at from £ 14 to Elf; K'a each. There were a few fat pigs on offer, and these sold at about 7s 3d per score lbs. DvblIN, Jan. 28.-— Prime heifer and ox beef, 52S 6d to 57s 6d; ditto, second, 45a Od to 50s Od per cwt; inferior, 40s Od to 45a Od pec cwt; prime wether mut- ton, 6d to 71d per tt); ewe, 5d to 6d; choice veal, Sid to 9.2-1 per pound. LONDON, January 28 —The cattle trade has been quiet. The supply of beasts was above the average ter a Thursday. Some failing off was noticed in the supply of sbeep, but it was sufficient for the demand. Calves—short suup.y, trade dull. Pigs were dull. Quotations as fotiw.vs: — Beef — choice. 4s Od to to 4a 6d per 8 lb secondary, 3s Od to 3s 8d mutton, 3s 4d to 5a fid -is 6d to 4s; pork, 3s Od to 3s 6d per 8 lb. to sink the «fT*1, 8 >;>p!v —Heasis, 200; fihsep, cs».vvs. ia XX-J'. 1 i

THE RELIGION OF PAGEANTRY. MR. JUSTICE GRANTHAM, at the Ruthin Assizes, made certain remarks as to the fact that the Mayor and Corporation did not meet him at Divine Service at St. Peter's Church on Sunday. With ques- tionable taste, be dilated on a supposed grievance, and gave a veiled lecture to the Ruthin Corporation. It appears that some one thought fit to ask the Judge to postpone the Assize Ser- vice from the Saturday when he arrived in town, to the following Sunday. Whether this officious but not official letter also stated that if the Judge complied with the wishes of the writer, the Mayor and Corporation would meet his Lordship, and attend service at St. Peter's Church, we cannot say. Judging by the remarks of Mr. Justice GRANTHAM, it is probable that it did. That the non-attendance of the Ruthin Corporation at the Judge's Sunday proces- sion caused him disappointment, we can well understand, and we can readily excuse his references to that part of the case. But when he gives other reasons for being dis- appointed. The arguement we must con- fess, becomes a little cloudy. Mr. Justice GRANTHAM stated that he was aware that many members of the Cor- poration did not belong to the same Church as he did, and yet he intimates that such members do neglect their own places of worship to attend at a pageantry. This he would call broadmindedness. We admit that we would be unable to appreciate such a compliment. It is highly desirable that Her Majesty's representatives should have every respect shown to them, and we do not desire by any means to except Mr. Just ce GRANTHAM from their number. In his official capacity, Churchmen and Noncon- formists should vie with each other in doing all that is possible to honour and respect him. But there is no legal nor moral obligation on any one to follow the Judge to church, nor is it binding even upon the Judges themselves to attend a place of worship; why, then, persons whose love of show and pageantry leads them to neg- lect their usual Sunday observances should be called broad-minded, we do not know. The reason, apparentlv, why Mr. Justice GRANTHAM expects Nonconformists and Churchmen alike to attend St. Peter's is because of its antiquity. These were his words: They must remember, that for many a century in their history, their an- cestors worshipped together in that one house of the one true God.' But if antiquity is to be our guide in spiritual matters, then the inhabitants of Ruthin bad better be Druids, and worship under the still older oaks of the neighbourhood. Mr. Justice GRANTHAM probably will not permit us to go so far back, because, possibly, he would say that the Druids were not worshipping the 'one true God.' But previous to the Church of England, there was another church in existence, in which the true God was wor- shipped, and yet, Mr. Justice GRANTHAM does not appear to be desirous that all people should join together, and be Roman Catholics.. Possibly, Mr. Justice GRANTHAX'S last argument is the funniest. He wanted to see the Mayor and Corporation of Ruthin at St. Peter's Church, because it would show, amongst other things, their love of religious liberty and freedom of religious thought! We, poor deluded mortals, who are not privileged to wear judicial wigs, thought that religious liberty was partly composed of allowing a man to attend any place or form of religion he liked best, without on the one hand being compelled by law to worship in a particular building, or on the other, tempted to forsake his principles in order to shine as a follower in the proces- sion of a judge, his devotional exercises being limited to following a judicial lead in the responses, and possibly in the offertory. The Mayor of Ruthin's reply to the com- ments of the Judge was dignified and cour- teous. It was necessary to convince His Lordship that he bad been misinformed and misled. But further than that, we do not think a reply was necessary. Mr. Justice GRANTHAM evidently has not made a peint I of reading Welsh history, and before his remarks can be taken to heart, he must first of all know what he is talking about. He may be a most capable judge, and an excel- lent lawyer, and in both of these capacities we do not wish to criticise his actions. But as a teacher of ethics to Welsh people, he is not a success. We believe that Welshmen generally know how to observe the Sabbath better than Mr. Justice GRANTBAM can teach them. Let him keep to his proper sphere, and we will respect him, not only as a judge, but also as a gentleman. When he presumes, however, to dictate to Welsh consciences, it is possible that he will not obtain that amount of regard to which he is otherwise entitled.

NONCONFORMITY AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. IT is a pity that such religious equality as we now boast of, should not be extended to I' all classes of the community. It appears, however, that there are three or four class- es of people whose religious instruction has been administered in the past by one deno- mination only, viz, by the Church of England. We allude to workhouses, luna- tic asylums, and prisons. Had the task of ministering to the wants of these unfortunate people been undertaken by Church of England clergymen out of love for the good work, and sympathy with those incarcerated in the institutions named, we should have said, all honour to the Church of England for looking after swehpeople. I* nfortunatc'.y, this is not the esse. The chaplains of workhouses, lunatic asylums, and prisons, are paid servants, and in most cases very well paid servants, and we are very much afraid that it is for this reason that one denomination only has been allowed to minister to the spiritual wants of paupers, lunatics, and prisoners. Poverty is not a crime, nor is lunacy a crime; therefore, there can be no reason why indoor paupers and lunatics should be compelled to He ten to the exhorta- tions of a minister of one denomination, ¡ while they have all their lives previously been accustomed to the ministration of ¡ other denominations. Those who inhabit prisons are generally supposed to be placed there on account of crimes they have com- mitted. They are there, in fact, as a punish- ment, but we should not like it to be con- I sidered that compelling a prisoner to receive his spiritual tuition from a denomination be is not accustomed to, is intended an addi- tional punishment. We are glad to find that a determined attempt is being made in several places to remedy this anomalous state of things. In I some workhouses, the office of chaplain has been abolished, but the inmates are not allowed to suffer on that account. The work that had been previously done by a paid officer, is now better performed by minis- ters of various denominations, who visit the workhouses in turns, and perform the work for the work's own sake, and not in expectation of hope or reward. This, in our opinion, is the best way. We advocate the disestablishment of the parson, but we do not advocate the establishment and endowment of the Norconformist minis- ter, as an alternative. But there are cases where the law as it now stands compels the appointment of a paid chaplain, who must be a clergyman of the Church of England. But even in these cases, the authorities have the right of appointing other paid chaplains, and we are sorry that this point is not more often acted upon. The Committee of Visitors of the North Wales Counties Lunatic Asylum decided, at their last meeting, held at Conway on the 26th inst., to adopt this proceeding. There has been a paid chaplain at the Asylum for many years-ever since its establishment, we presume. But he has always been, and is now, a clergyman of the Church of England, while, undoubtedly, the majority of the inmates, coming, as they do, from North Wales, are Nonconformists Various attempts bad been made from time to time, since the formation of County Councils, and the consequent government of the Asylum by County Council representatives, to move in the direction of obtaining a Nonconformist chaplain, but without success. Lately, how- ever, the Lunacy Commissioners have called attention to the matter, and the Committee has been practically obliged to take steps in the matter. At the meeting referred to, it was decided that the salary of the present chaplain be reduced from £ 100 a year to Y,80 that a Nonconformist minister be ap- pointed at a salary of X80, and a Roman Catholic chaplain at a salary of £ 10. Six months' notice was ordered to be given to the present chaplain, although, in all pro- bability, he will be re-elected at the reduced salary, if be consents to act. For some reason or other, the branch Asylum at Glanywern was left outside this arrange- ment. Why should the two Asylums be treated differently, we do not know, for there are Nonconformist patients at the Glanywern branch, in about the same pro portion as at the main establishment. We hope that the arrangement decided upon by the committee will be carried through without a hitch, and that those un- fortunate people who are detained in these establishments will, before long, have similar services to those with which they were pre- viously acquainted. Let us hope that many other institutions will move in the same direction, so that the poor, the insane, and even the criminal shall be spiritually cared fof, and be at liberty to attend any form of worship their conscience approved of. —

SLINGS AND ARROWS. IBy A YEOMAN OF THE GUARD]. While the principle of religious equality in the Denbigh Asylum has at last been conceded, Glanywern, it seems, will be left out of this beneficial reform. That fact is greatly to be deplored, seeing that a large majority of the patients therein are Non- conformists. Why the services of a Prifst of the Church of England should be imposed upon such a community, I, with Mr. Elwy Williams, fail to understand; and I trust that when that gentleman brings the matter forward again, the anomaly will be removed. 1 do not blame Mr. Lumley for withdi aw- ing Glanywern from the operation of the -resolutions of the House Committee. Quite the reverse, because his motive in doing so was apparent to everybody. To hold fast to Glanywern would mean a prolongation of the discussion; and if a division had not been taken the moment it was, Mr. Lumley would have been left with a reduced fol- lowing, and in all probability the entire resolution would have been lost. It is better to have half a loaf than no bread at I all. The Carnarvonshire and Anglesey members were anxious to catch a particular train, and had in fact left the room before the division had been finally disposed of. But they were brought back again by Mr. Lumley, who on this occasion proved him self not only an indefatigable champion of religious equality, but a very effective whip' as well. » • • « Those who will read the parliamentary news in this issue, will fimfttbat Mr. Tudor Howell has at last opened his mouth in the House of Commons, when a subject pertain ing to Wales was being discussed. There have been various motions proposed in the House of Commons, but none of them were worthy of Mr. Tudor Howell's advocacy. Welsh education, Welsh museums, Welsh commons, Welsh mineral rights, and other Welsh subjects, and scarcely any of them were honoured by a speech from Mr. Tudor Howell. Possibly, they were matters that were beneath his notice. But be has at last found a snbkret — yea, .Welsh subject- wcrUiy even of his attention. He gvt up ¡ in his place in the House to champion the Welsh publicans! According to Mr. T. Howell himself, there are good, and there are bad publicans, and I quite agree with him. But, according to his own showing, he appeared as a special pleader on behalf of the bad ones. Mr. Herbert Roberts on Wednesday night, moved the second reading of the Welsh Sunday Closing Amendment Act. Mr. Herbert Roberts' Bill is only an attempt to carry out the recommendation of the Royal Commission, which was appoin- ted to inquire into the working of the Welsh Sunday Closing Act. This was a commis- sion appointed by a Tory Government, and presided over by a Tory-Lord Balfour, of Burleigh. Sir Wm. Harcourt seconded the motion, but reserved to himself the right to consider the details of the bill in committee. What does Mr. Tudor Howell do 1 Does he support the bill? No! Does he vote for the second reading, reserving to himself the privilege of moving amendments in com- mittee 7 No! He opposes the second read- ing, thus publicly announcing that he is the champion of the worst class of the licensed victuallers. He said, The Welsh Sunday Closing Act had done some good in some districts of Wales, but had done harm in others.' Therefore, according to this pro- found logician, the Act must notibe amended, so that it would do good all round, « • • » Let us see why, according to Mr. Tudor Howell, the Act is not doing good all round. The truth was, that its provisions were constantly evaded, especially in large towns like Cardiff and Swansea.' Most of my readers will remember the strictures that were passed by the Tories on the action of the Welsh farmers towards the tithe some five or six years ago. They were then told that' they must not break the law, but if they did not like it, they must get it altered.' What does Mr. Tudor Howell think now of this advice? Because the Cardiff and Swan- sea publicans and their customers evade the Welsh Sunday Closing Act, the Act must not be amended! In other words, Mr. I Tudor Howell will not amend the Act so as to make it impossible even for law-evading publicans to evade it. If Mr. Tudor Howell had any object in view besides securing the licensed victuallers' vote, why did he not vote for the second reading of the bill, and then introduce any amendments that he wanted into it, in its committee stage ? I do not think that respectable publicans will thank Mr. Howell for such an indiscreet exhibition of his principles. They, who do their best to obey all the licensing laws, will not be grateful to a man who raises his voice in order to give their less punctilious confreres an opportunity of benefitting by the laxity of its provisions.

For the first class PHOTOGRAPHS, go D. & A. Hrours, Photographers, MoJfL CI Jibs, Par- ties, .^ohools, &e., by appo'ntment. Medcrata charges, action, and Henry Jones of the same place the defendant in the other. Both actions were for arrears of rent, and possession of lands and tenements Mr. Ralph V. Bankes (instructed by Messrs. Lloyd and Roberts, Ruthin), was for the plain- tiffs and Mr. Joseph Lloyd, St. Asaph for the defendants. Mr. Joseph Lloyd, applied for an ad- journment of the two cases. He said that he was entirely ignorant of the nature of the first case, and knew nothing of it except what he gleaned in court that morning. The papers in the first action were left in the hands of Mr. Alun Lloyd who acted for one of the parties, aud in spite of every search he had been unable to find them. He had written to Messrs. Lloyd and Roberts, of Ruthin, requesting them to consent to an adjournment, but the reply he received was that counsel had been retained, and that they could not possibly agree to the request, as Mr. Bankes had travelled from London specially to appear in the case. But he (Mr. Lloyd), understood that Counsel was now on circuit. Mr. Bankes (interposing) said that was not so. The assizes were held, but there being no special work, he was in London, and had come down that morning to appear in the two cases. As to the cases themselves, they had been re mitted from the High Court, the first action being for two and a half years' rent for the farm, of whicii two sums of 914 and 9-35 had been paid, and the second action was for f38 which had accrued as rent since November, 1895. He must admit that the cases were most complica- ted, but still he could hardly agree to an ad- journment. Mr. Lloyd said an adjournment of 12 months had already taken place, and the plaintiffs would hardly suffer from a further adjournment for a short time. Mr. Bankes said the defendant Jones was in possession of the house, and could not be in- duced to leave. He would have to go in for an ejectment order, unless he quitted the premises. However, plaintiffs did agree to drop the first action if the defendant Jones would go, but he had absolutely refused to do so. He would he so glad to see the back of Mr. Jones, that if he agreed to leave in a week, he would con- sent to an adjournment on payment of costs in the cause. His Honour considered a week rather too short a notice this time of the year. It was ultimately agreed between the parties to adjourn the case until the 18th February, plaintiffs' costs to be paid in any event, and Jones to leave the farm by the 12th February. His Honour consented to this course.

POLICE COURT. Wednesday, before Mr. W. D. W. Griffith (in the chair) and Mr. E. T. Jones.

A LLANSANNAN ASSAULT CASE. Thomas Roberts, a farm servant at Coedoros, Llansannan, summoned Evan Jones, of Bryn- anllech, Llansannan for assaulting him on the 7th insb. Mr. A. O. Evans, who appeared for com- plainant, characterised the assault as a most unprovokable and unjustifiable one. Thomas Roberts said he was a wagoner at Coedoros. On the 7th inst, he was proceeding to Brynrhydyrarian in company with others, when defendant struck him a blow in the face, causing him considerable pain. Defendant said he gave complainant the blow in mistake, and was led to make the assault by the fact that a strange young man in service at his house had been illtreated at Bryn. The Bench considered the case proved, and fined defendant 5s. and costs, and allowed 10s 6d. advocate fee; amounting altogether to £ 1. 6. Od. NEGLIGENT PARENTS. Allen Jones, school attendance officer for Llansannan district, summoned Peter Pierce, Ty Newydd, Llannefydd, for not sending his child, seven years of age to school. Defendant did not appear. The officer sta- ted that the child had only attended 39 times out of a possible 110 during the last three months. He was fined Is. 6d. and costs. SWINE FEVER REGULATIONS. WE have been asked to publish the following letter fr jni the Board of Agriculture, which has been received by Mr. J. Parry Jones, Town Clerk, Denbigh :— Board of Agriculture, 4 Whitehall Place, London, S.W., 27th January, 1897. Sir, I have laid before the Board of Agriculture your letter of the 22nd instant, asking that the Borough of Denbigh may be exempted from the operation of the markets and fairs (Swine Fever) order of 1896. In reply I am directed to say that two outbreaks of Swine Fever occurred in Den- bighshire so recently as the week ended 28th of November last, and for some lyears prior to that date the disease has broken out again and again at short intervals. In these circumstances and regard being had to the well-known obscure character of the disease, it would, in the opinion of the Board, be premature to assume that the di- sease has been extinguished, and for the present therefore, they think it would be undesirable that the borough should be ex- empted from the operation of the order. The Representations you make will, how- ever, be kept in view, and the Board will gladly give effect to them so soon as this can be done without detriment to the opera- tions which have been undertaken against the disease in question. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, T. H. ELLIOTT. Secretary. SCHOOL BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Board was held on Tuesday. Mr. Thomas Roberts (Vice Chair- man) presided, the other members present be- ing the Rev. H. Humphreys, Rev. Benjamin Williams, Messrs. W. Keepfer and Edward Mills, with the Clerk (Mr. R. H. Roberts). APOLOGY. The Rev. H. O. Hughes, Henllan, wrote stating his inability to attend, being still con. lined to the house. PUPIL TEACHERS' EXAMINATION. The Clerk read the report of Mr. Roberts, Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools, with re- ference to the Pupil Teachers' Examination, iu which ifc was stated that John E. Hughes had passed the examination for admission to the third year's apprenticeship, and that Richard Henry Roberts had passed fairly in his first year. All the other pupil teachers were below fair, and had failed in many subjects. Mr. Humphreys It is rather an unfavour- able report all round. The Vice Chairman Yes, Very. Mr. Humphreys Would it not be better to call the attention of the Head Teachers to the matter ? The Clerk I have done so. Mr. Humphreys They are not absolute fail- ures, except in certain subjects. The Clerk said he did .not know how the Board were to get over the difficulties they were in with regard to the teachers, especially in reference to their apprenticeship. Only one, in addition to J. E. Hughes, had done fairly well-R. Henry Roberts. Mr. Humphreys: The term 'fair' is very moderate praise after all. The Clerk explained that the head master had been complaining to him that he could not get the pupil teachers to get up their home lessons. The Vice Chairman They cannot do them- selves justice in walking about the streets at night. We must not lay all the-fault upon the lit,q (I teachers. Mr. Mills: CertaiT not.. It was decided that the Clerk should report on the subject to the next meeting of the Board. RATE AID TO VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS. THEY CAN'T TURN THE GOVERNMENT.' The Clerk read the following resolution, passed at a meeting of the Manchester School Board, and sent to him with a request that it be placed before the Board, with, a view to its adoption :— That as the cost of each child educated in the Manchester Board Schools has increased from the sum of 14s. 4d. in the year ended 31st August, 1894, to the sum of 17s. Sid. in the year ended 31st August, 1895, an increase of 3s. 4Jd. in one year, it is evident that an ad- ditional grant of 4s. per child, such as was pro- mised in the late Government Bill, would be utterly insufficient to enable the Voluntary Schools to meet what Mr. Chamberlain has called the unfair competition' of the School Boards, and that Her Majesty's Government be urged by memorial to provide a suitable re- medy for this competition by securing in the forthcoming Bill a share in the education rate for all citizens that require it, in the schools of their choice; and that copies of this resolution, if carried, be forwarded to all Urban School Boards in England and Wales, requesting their co-operation with the Manchester Board in ob- taining this measure of justice.' Mr. Humphreys: As the Government has declared against rate-aid, I propose that we have nothing more to say about it. Mr. Keepfer: The Denbigh School Board cannot turn the Government. The Vice Chairman That is net the way to talk, Mr. Keepfer. It is not business. Mr. Keepfer That is my opinion. When this matter came before us some time ago, we decided then to leave the communication we received on the table, and I think we should do the same thing with this. The Vice Chairman Then you practically second Mr. Humphreys' motion? Mr. Keepfer: Yes. Mr. Mills: This has come upon us very sud- denly. I knew nothing about it until now, and I think it would be far better if we were given an opportunity to consider such matters as this before we come to the meeting. The Vice Chairman: I am in the same posi- tion as you, On the agenda I received it was stated 'Business, Nil.' Mr. Humphreys: A Bill is to be brought in in aid of the Voluntary Schools from the Ex- chequer, and, therefore, it would be useless on our part to petition for rate-aid now, as the Government is bringing in a bill finding aid from other sources. Mr. Benjamin Williams I support the re- solution. We ought to show our feelings as regards the rates, and in doing so, it might bring some advantages to the Board Schools. The Vice Chairman: Have you'an amend- ment to move to Mr. Humphreys' suggestion ? Mr. Benjamin Williams: If I understand the resolution rightly, I think we should do some- thing to show our disapproval of what they endeavour to do; and if we, as a Beard, cannot do anything to support the Manchester School Board, I wish we would adopt what they sug- gest in the resolution. Mr. Humphreys That is, you want rate-aid for Voluntary Schools. Is that what you propose ? Mr. Williams: No. Mr. Humphreys: Well, that is what the re- solution wants. Mr. Mills: I think we had better leave it alone. Mr. Keepfer You won't carry it here. The matter then dropped. THE APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF INSPECTOR FOR WALES. A circular letter was read from the Ynys- cynhaiarn School Board, enclosing a resolution passed by that Board, condemning the appoint- mei c of Mr. Legard as Chief Inspector of Schools for Wales, with a request that a simi- lar resolution be adopted by the Denbigh Board. Mr. Mills: I beg to propose that we dis- approve entirely of the appointment of this gentleman to the office, as he does' not under- stand Welsh. [trust that we are all of the same opinion on this matter. The appoint- ment is disapproved of by the general voice of the Principality. Mr. B. Williams seconded. Mr. Humphreys said he supposed, the Chief Inspector was more of an adviser to the Edu- cational Department than otherwise; and he thought it very desirable, even if the Chief In- spector did not examine schools himself, that he should know Welsh. On that account, I think we ought to disapprove of the appoint- ment. The Vice Chairman In my opinion, the ap- pointment is a thoroughly bad one in prin- ciple. There being no amendment, the motion was carried nem. con. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. THE PREVALENCE OF WHOOPING COUGH. The Clerk read the monthly reports of the various schools, in all of which complaints were made as to the very unsatisfactory atten- dance of children during the last two months, and suggesting that this was due to the severe weather, and the prevalence of whooping cough. Mr. Mills: I think myself that the schools ought to be closed. The whooping cough is very prevalent in the town, and is, moreover, very catching. I have, also, registered some fatal cases as the result of this disease. It is, no doubt, contagious, and something should be done to prevent its sptead. Mr. Keepfer Children who are ill ought not to go to school. Mr. Mills But they do go. Mr. Keepfer We often find that very small excuses keep children from school; and it is not likely that they would go when suffering from illness. I;' Mr. Mills: But they do go when V Bering from whooping cough, and eanse a great deal of inconvenience to otliev s. Mr. Keepfer: I have neVIr heard of the schools being closed on account of whoriping cough. What do you say, Mr. Clerk ? The Clerk No, they have not. Mr. Mills: But the disease is quite as con- tagious as any fever. Its prevalence has con- siderably diminished the attendance at the Sunday Schools of the town. Mr. Humphreys: The average at Henllan, particularly the infant department, is also very low. Mr. Keepfer I think it is attributable to the weather more than anything else, and people are very fond of making small excuses. Mr. Mills It is a very important matter, if we allow a thing like this to spread, whereas by closing the schools for a week we might stamp it out, or, at least, prevent its exten- sion. At any rate, we might prevent children attending school from having it. The Attendance Officer haying been called intn the rooms, was asked his opinion on the matter, and replied that there was a great deal of sickness amongst the children of the town. In reply to a further question, be said he would not advise the Board to take proceed-, ings against anybody at present. No resolution was passed em the subject. ILLNESS OF A MEMBER. On the motion of Mr. B. Williams, seconded by Mr. Keepfer, a vote of sympathy was passed with Mr. Hughes, of Henllan, in his severe ill- ness.

PERFORMANCE OF HANDEL'S < SAMSON.' THE Denbigh Philharmonic Society has just added another of the classical works of the old masters,' to its already extensive re- pertoire, by producing, last Tuesday evening at the Drill Hall, Handel's °Vinson.' We might mention that liundel coi,ir sedfj this oratorio in the year 1742 or 1743, and it was his first great work after the Messiah.' It presents very marked contrasts to its pre- decessor. Its choruses are massive and nu- merous, but in many of these is a sort of rollicking humour, especially those thtL

DENBIGH. Appointment of a Receiver.-In a case that was heard before Mr. Justice Romer, on Thursday, Mr. Ellis Williams, Borough Ac- countant of Denbigh, was appointed receiver of an important estate. The Infirmary Ball.—Al £ special' ball in I aid of the funds of the Denbighshire Infir- mary was held at the Town Hall on Thursday evening. His Worship the Mayor of Den- bigh (Councillor W., Mellard) was the presi- dent, and Miss Cole was the Lady Patro- ness. Trap accident.-On Thursday evening, Mr. Wynne, Veterinary Surgeon, met with a trap accident. Whilst he and his servant boy were driving near Llys, the horse sud- denly shied, and the trap was upset, both occupants being threwn out. Both escaped injury, but the trap was demolished. Church of England Temperance Society.- A meeting of the above society was held at the Church House last Thursday evening, j Mr. Charles Cottom presided. Stiring ad dresses in English and! Welsh were given by the vicar of Pen-y-Cae, Ruabon..Songs were contributed by Miss Maggie Williams (Asylum), Miss Laura Parry, and Mr. Meir- ion Jones. Tea meeting.-On Thursday afternoon a tea was given at Pendref (W.), schoolroom, in aid of the funds for the enlargement of Salem (W.) chapel. The tea—which was of an excellent description-was given by Mr. and Mrs. David Jones, Gwynfa, and was partaken of by a very large number of per- sons. We are informed that over gil were realised. The Baptist Literary Society.-At the weekly meeting of the above society, an ex- cellent paper was read by Alderman J. T. Hughes, on Total Abstinence.' The Rev. Benjamin Williams presided over a fair at- tendance of the members. Addresses on the same subject were given by the chair- man, Messrs. George Williams, Isaac Jones, Morris Owen, and Peter Jones. Revival Services.-During the week, revi- val services are being held at Seion (C.M.) chapel, Henllan Street. On Monday, Tues- day, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, sermons were delivered by the Rev. John Williams, Corwen. The preacher for the resc of the week, and for Sunday, is the Rev. John Mostyn Jones, Mostyn. A short prayer meeting is held prior to each ser- mon. Proposed Complimentary Concert, to Miss Jennie Jones.-A meeting was held at the Reading Room, on (Thursday evening, to consider the advisability of having a con- cert for the benefit of Miss Jennie Jones. The Rev. Evan Jones (C.M.), was voted to the chair. On the proposition of Mr. J. LI. Williams, it was resolved unanimously to get a concert for the purpose named. A large committee was elected, with the following officers :—Chairman, the Rev. Evan Jones Treasurer, Mr. W. Marsden Davies; Joint Secretaries, Messrs. Gwilym Parry and J. Palmer. The following sub-committee was elected to carry out the resolutions passed —Messrs. J. Ll. Williams, Robert Jones, T, C. Jones, T. W. Salusbury, George Williams, E. J. Swayne, and Joseph Roberts. The date of the concert was fixed for the third week in March.