Llangollen Advertiser Denbighshire Merionethshire and North Wales Journal

THE slander cases at the Chester assizes the other week will do harm, we are afraid, by giving plenty of ground to those who are fond of picking holes in Nonconformity. Certainly the facts disclosed, showing some of the social life in our Welsh villages, were far from edifying. Accusa- tions of criminality and perjury were freely made. A statement alleged to have been made by an Independent minister was astounding. He said "that it was a well-known fact that several Congregational ministers had illegitimate child- ren, and that the cases had been, by consent, hushed up by their churches. These ministers were the best among the connexion." No doubt, such a statement is untrue, but it will be made use of, doubtless, in many places-perhaps in Parliament, and many a sneer will be made at Welsh Nonconformity on this account. It is fortunate that the minister, who was accused of making the statement, denied having ever made it, and the jury, by their verdict, showed that they were more inclined to believe the minister than his accusers. ONE of the societies which is exciting great interest in Wales just now is the Dafydd ap Gwilym Society of Oxford. It consists of about twenty young and vigorous Welshmen up at Oxford, headed by Professor Rhys, Mr. Owen M. Edwards, Fellow and Tutor of Lincoln College, Oxford, and Mr. Gwenogfryn Evans, M.A., the well-known Welsh scholar. We understand that the society is of rather an exclusive character, none but those who are learned in the Welsh language being admitted within its privileged fold. It is said that one reason of the animosity it has aroused in certain quarters is due to this obligarchical spirit, certain persons who were anxious to join failing to get their wishes carried out. Judging from the reports which we read in the Goleuad, and other Welsh papers, the society seems to be doing a great deal of good work, some valuable papers being contributed by its members on subjects of historical interest to all Welshmen. The Dafydd ap Gwilym Society has indeed already sent forth members to occupy some of the leading positions in Welsh educa- tional circles, although it was only established four years ago. THE visit of the Queen to the Continent may be hoped to be of much advantage to the health of her Majesty, who, though not actually indisposed during the winter, has more than once felt the desirability of spending a short time in a more settled and genial climate than our own. In these days such Continental journeys on the part of the monarch are considered almost purely private affairs, and the details are arranged by the Queen herself, without the necessity being felt of con- sulting Ministers regarding them. It was not always so, for, certainly from the time of the Hanoverian succession and until a very few years ago, the Sovereign was constrained to make a formal announcement to Parliament of any intention to go abroad, and of this the two Houses had to take due cognisance. One can understand the validity of the reason for this when it is remembered not only how closely entangled used to be what may be called the personal politics of our monarchs with those of Continental nations, but what a serious under- taking a foreign trip then was. In both these matters there has been a very great difference developed in recent days, and the old formalities, having become unnecessary, have been allowed *o grow obsolete. All of us at this time will wish ier Majesty a pleasant journey, a safe return, and much benefit from her brief holiday. MR. RICHARD CADBURY (says the Birtmnqham uy UClzcuc-j uaa earned \u« giatituae ur uia ow-townsmen. The announcement which we e the pleasure of publishing this morning to effect that he has resolved to set aside 1,000 for the purchase and endowment of Moseley Hall as a Convalescent Home or Sana- torium for women and children will be read with feelings of profound gratitude, not unmingled, we think, with admiration for the generosity and wisdom of one who has proved by many benefac- tions how sincere are the feelings of Christian sympathy and kindliness which guide and direct his public and his private actions. What he has decided to do will be a stimulus to all the charitable agencies in the town, and it may sug- gest to many other citizens that at least a part of their wealth may be usefully spent upon similar work. The Committee of the Birmingham and Midland Sanatorium, to whom the letter in which Mr. Cadbury explains his intention has been addressed, has laboured for years under a serious disadvantage. With the commodious and beauti- fully-situated Sanatorium at Blackwell they have done their best, and the Children's Homes at Alvechurch and at Solihull have performed a noble and an admirable work. But one great difficulty has always been to provide adequately for male and female patients in distinct buildings. When Moseley Hall has been converted by the generosity of Mr. Cadbury into a convalescent home for women and children this difficulty will disappear, for it will then be possible to reserve Blackwell Sanatorium for men exclusively. We are quite sure that, under Mr. Cadbury's personal direction, the conversion of Moseley Hall will be effected in the very best and most economical manner.

LOCAL & DISTRICT NEWS. LLANGOLLEN. THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.—The number of books issued during the week ending Saturday, March 22nd, 1890, was EASTER is coning quickly upon us. The great event of Easter w>ek for Llangollen will be the grand evening concert which is to be given in the Assembly Rooms, oJ. Thursday, April 10th. We have been favoured vith an advance copy of the programme, and can Promise the public that a rich treat is in store fù: them. We are especially glad to notice that the pogramme is characterised by great variety. The pomoters of this concert are wise in beginning at Inlf.past seven instead of eight o'clock. LETTING- OP THE SMITHFIE.D, &c.—The' letting of tbe Smithfield took place ly tender last week Mr. Ed. Rogers again becoming enant at a yearly rental of AL28. Mr. John Edward has also retaken the Recreation Ground at a rent O. £ 13 188. The scavenging has been let to Mr. Sanuel Williams, VVevn Ucha, who before, as is well known! performed the work with much saisf action for several years. THE FAIR.—The monthly fair on rJuesday was again not well supplied with stock genrally, and there was a poor attendance of buyers. Gttle were few, none fat, and cows and calves sold wll. The supply of sheep was limited, not any beingn prime condition. Pigs were plentiful, and the rade in young ones was a little better. The far was small, and little business was done. LOCAL BOARD NOMINATIONS.—Monday lat was the day fixed for receiving nominations for meibers to fill the three vacancies occurring on the bard for this year, owing to the expiration of the dree years' term of office of Messrs. Robt. Hughes, wtch manufacturer, Ellis Evans, Abbey-road, and Ed'd. Roberts, Fronhyfryd. The following are the noii- nations received :-Messrs. John Phillip Davis, j draper, Thos. Nicholas, Green Bank, Robt. Hughe, watch manufacturer, Ellis Evans, Abbey-road, Et Roberts, Fronhyfryd, Wm. Jones, Llangollen Mili 1 Evan Henry Mathews, grocer, Morris Henry Roberts ] cabinet maker, John Edward Jones, brewer, John I Davies, '1^ Coch, J. S. Shaw, Royal Hotel, Ralph I Darlington, Greenheys, and the Rev. Enoch Rhys t James, vicar. Mr. Shaw and Mr. Mathews have, however, withdrawn, so that 11 candidates remain for the three vacant seats. The voting papers will be distributed on the 28th instant, and collected on Wednesday, the 2nd of April. IF you want to keep yourself warmi wear PARRX'S OyeE«oat»i Cardigan Jackets, (30$) LOCAL HONOURS AT THE NORTH WALES QUARTERLY HORSE SALE AND SHOW AT WREXHAM. —In a lengthy report, which appeared in our contemporary of this week of the above very successful event which took place on Thursday of last week, we are pleased to note the following complimentary observations The horses most admired in the sale belonged to Mr. R. K. Whitehead, of Dinbren Hall, Llangollen, especially the three red roans being a perfect match, and reflected great credit upon the bailiff and teamsman. RELIGIOUS SERVICES AND PREACHERS. The order of the services and the preachers at the various places of worship for next Sunday (Palm Sunday) in Lent) are as follow Parish (St. Collen's) Church Holy Communion (plain) at 8 a.m.; Litany and Sermon, followed by 2nd Celebration (Welsh) at 10 a.m.; Matins and Sermon at 11 30 a.m.; First Evensong and Catechising at 3 30 p.m.; Second Evensong and Sermon at 6 p.m. Rev. Enoch Rhys James, B.D., vicar; Ftevs. D.C. Jones, B.A., and Henry E. Thomas, B.A., curates. St. John's (Welsh) Church (Abbey-road): Evensong at 6 p.m. Llantysilio Church: English services every alternate Sunday, viz., the first, third, and fifth (if any), at 11 a.m. Every Sunday at 3 15 p.m. Welsh services, alternate Sundays, viz., the second and fourth, at 10 30 a.m. Every Sunday at 6 p.m. Rev. J. S. Jones, B.A., vicar. Rehoboth Calvinistic Methodist Chapel: sermons at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. by the Rev. R. Thomas, Glynceiriog. English Baptist Chapel (Penybryn) sermons at 10 30 a.m. and 6 p.m. by the Rev. John Williams, pastor. English Wesleyans (Constitutional Room, Parade-street) sermons at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. by Mr. Fytche, Wrexham. Welsh Baptist Chapel: sermons at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. by the Rev. D. Williams, pastor. Welsh Wesleyan Chapel: sermon at 10 a.m. by the Rev. T. Tranter, Cefn Mawr, and 6 p.m. by the Rev. Isaac Jones. pastor. Congregational Chapel (Church-street) sermons at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. by the Rev. R. Williams (Hwfa Mon), pastor. Mission Room (Brook-street) sermons at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. by the Professor O. M. Edwards, B.A., Oxford. PETTY SESSIONS, Tuesday, March 25th.-Before Lord Trevor (chairman), W. Coward, Esq., J. C. Edwards, Esq., and Major Cross. < Non-Payment of Poor Rates.—Mr. S. Morton, assistant overseer for the parish of Llangollen, applied for an order against Dd. Elias Hughes, Plas Eglwyseg, for the payment of poor rate and high- way rates, amounting to £ 8 2s.-An order was also granted against Arthur Edwards for £1 lls. 6d. poor rate due on the Wool pack Inn, Llangollen. Appointment of Overseers.—The overseers for the several parishes included within the Petty Sessional Division of Llangollen were appointed as under :—Llangollen Henry Lodwick, Ty'nywern J. S. Shaw, Royal Hotel; Jas. Green, Birch Mount; Wm. Ellis, Garth.-Chirk: John Thomas, Chirk; Thos. Edwards (junior), Chirk.—Glyntraian Jos. Turner, Briwnant; Robert Davies, Crogen Wladis. -Llansantffraid G.C.: George Evans, Gilfach Dd. Foulkes, New Inn. — Llantysilio Evan Jones, Ty'ntwll; Hugh Jones, Groeslwyd.—Bryneglwys Joshua Smith. Han Wm. Williams, Caecrwn. Assault Cases.—Sarah Davies, Froncyssylltau, charged Edward Davies, Fron, with assaulting her on the 12th inst.—Complainant stated that she was trying to persuade her husband, who was in the kitchen, to go to bed. She told him that if he did not follow defendant so much he would be a befctar man. Defendant, who lived next door, thereupon came into her house, when she tried to turn him out, and in the struggle he pushed her down violently, whereby she hurt her arm.—A medical certificate was produced to show that complainant had suffered great injury to her arm.-A little boy, son of complainant, deposed that he got out of bed, and from the top of the stairs he saw defendant push his mother down violently on the floor.- Defendant denied the charge, but admitted that he took hold of complainant by her arms, and turned her out of his house, as she came there once or twice after him, and used bad language.—The Bench fined defendant 5s. and costs, the whole amounting to 18s. Drunkenness.—Ed. Humphreys, collier, Stryt-issa, Rhos, for whom his wife appeared, was charged with being drunk in Llangollen on Sunday, Feb. 16th. The case was proved by Sergt. Jones, who said that defendant had given him his name, but gave a wrong address. Fined 5s., and 9n. Custs.- Price Jones, Llangollen, was charged by P.C. Williams with being drunk on licensed premises on the 17th March.—Mr. Kenrick defended.—The officer stated that he went to the W oolpaek Inn about 7 30 on the night in question, and found defendant sitting in the kitchen. He had part of a s-lass oi; beer before him, and was drunk. The landlady interposed, and said that her husband. Uaa told her to serve him with a glass of beer, and asked him to overlook it for the time. In answer to the Bench, witness said defendant was very drunk.—Cross-examined He had not served the landlord with a summons, but he had acted accor- ding to the instructions of his superiors. Defendant was perfectly quiet, and made no noise. He could tell he was drunk by his appearance and by his speech. He could scarcely talk, and he had seen him staggering in the street before he went in and after he got out. He allowed him to go home by himself, and did not follow him.-P.C. Richardson and Sergt. Jones corroborated the evidence of the last witness, and both stated positively that defen- dant was drunk, though he was quiet.—For the defence, E. H. Matthews said he saw the defendant in the Woolpack about 7 o'clock .that night. He was not drunk then. He was quiet and uuuld talk right enough.—Evan Evans, landlord of the house, also denied that defendant was drunk.—J. Watkin, Cross-lane, said he saw defendant in his house from 8 to 8 30, and he had been there about half-an-hour before he (witness) came in. Cross-examined Did not see him at half-past seven.—Defendant was fined 5s. and costs., and the Bench instructed the police to proceed against the landlord for serving defendant with drink. Neighbours' Quarrels.—Evan Pugh charged An- drew Edwards, Old Caeau Gwynion, Chirk, with assaulting him on the 17th March, while Edwards had issued cross summonses againt Pugh and his wife for similar offences alleged to have been com- mitted at the same time. Several witnesses were examined, and, a mass of the most contradictory evidence being taken, their Worships dismissed the three cases, and ordered the parties to pay their own costs. VESTRY MEETING.—The annual, vestry for nominating guardians, appointing overseers and waywardens, and for transacting any other business appertaining to the parish, was held at the Assistant Overseer's Room, Assembly Room, Llangollen, on Thursday, March 20th. There was a large attendance, especially from the outlying townships of Trevor, where it is known a strong feeling of opposition exists to a proposal for carrying out an extensive drainage scheme for Vronoyssylltau, it being announced that this vestry had been invited to express its opinion thereon. Mr. C. W. Richards, solicitor, was voted to the chair, and among those present were the following :—Messrs. David Parry, Wm. Ellis, Morris Jeffreys (guardians), R. S. Richards, John Rowlands, grocer, John Davies, Tk Coch, John Edwards, Gronwen, E. Edwards, Llyn, Owen Parry, John Edwards, Plas Iva (overseer), Ed. Roberts, Vronhyfryd, James Clarke, 11. Darlington, Thomas Hughes, Pentre, D. Jones, Trevor, W. G. Dodd. S. Lloyd Jones, Evan Evans, surveyor, Thomas Bushby, Parry, Pontcyssylltau. Evan Hughes, Cefnyfedw, Evan Jeffreys, Argoed Farm, Edward Jones, Yron Bachau, David Evans, Garth, Harrison, Garth, E. Foulkes-Jones, solicitor, Wm. Jones, Llangollen Mills, Ed. Foulkes, relieving officer. Henry Evans, Canal Tavern, Thos. Jones. Ed. Griffiths, Garth, &c. Election of Ooerseers.—The chairman said that the retiring overseers were Messrs. G. T. Allen, John Edwards, Plas Iva, J. S. Shaw, Royal Hotel, and Heary Lodwick. The following names were added to the list of ratepayers who were eligible for election :—Messrs. W. G. Dodd, J. Ed. Jones, John Williams, saddler, and Ed. Edwards, Llyn, while the following were unanimously elected to serve as overseers for the current year Messrs. Henry Lodwick, J. S. Shaw, James Green, Birch Mount, and Wm. Ellis, Garth. Election of Waywardens.—The retiring way- wardens were Messrs. John Edwards, Sun, Trevor, Evan Jeffreys. Argoed Farm, Robert Roberts, ranygraig, Eglwyseg, and David Jones, Ty Ceryg, Vivod.—The following were elected to serve for the coming year :—Messrs. R. Roberts, Tanygraig, David Jones, Ty Ceryg, Evan Hughes, Cefnyfedw, md Wm. Bridden, Vroncyssylltau. Election of Guardians.—Before proceeding to -h e election of guardians, Mr. Clarke said he s regretted to announce that Mr. John Morris, who I lad served the parish faithfully as guardian for the 1 ast twenty years, had decided not to allow himself i io be placed up for nomination. He (Mr. Clarke) ) ivas afraid that Mr. Morris's decision was irrevo- 1 able. A general feeling of regret was expressed by ( ie vestry at this announcement. The other ( dsting guardians are Messrs. David Parry, Dee s buse, Morris Jeffreys, Bont, and Wm. Ellis, i Grth, The following were unanimously nominated c IjQftU tiw QS&QQ for t&e waning year David Parry, Morris Jeffreys, Thomas Bushby, and John Rowlands, Llangollen. Mr. Rowlands expressed a desire that the vestry should nominate Mr. John Morris, in order that he might have an opportunity of reconsidering his decision, and keep in office for another year. If Mr. Morris finally decided to withdraw, he, Mr. Rowlands, would have no objection to stand. Mr. Morris was then nominated. It is understood, however, that he has since expressed his desire to withdraw, and Mr. Rowlands will thus, probably, be one of the elected guardians for the year. The Proposed Fron Drainage Scheme.—Mr. David Parry, guardian, said that in order that the vestry might better understand the question they were about to discuss, he would endeavour to lay before them the history of the case up to the present time. As they probably well knew, the question of the drainage of Froncyssylltau had been under discus- sion for many years. In Sept. last, however, a letter was received by the Sanitary Board at Corwen from the Clerk to the County Council, calling their attention to some filthy, stagnant water that was being allowed to accumulate on the Holyhead Road, and calling upon them to take steps to remedy the same. The Sanitary Board, therefore, ordered their surveyor to report, and on Jan. 2nd, 1890, Mr. Williams reported that he had met Mr. Graesser and Mr. Eddy on that date at Froncyssylltau to consider the best scheme for abating the nuisances from houses abutting on the main roads near the Aque- duct Inn. Various suggestions were made, but they agreed on one scheme only to recommend for approval as regards efficiency and economy. This was the construction of a sewer along the Holyhead Road from near the "Alma" to a point near the Post Office, at which point a good man-hole would be provided. The sewer will then be carried along the road at the back of the Aqueduct Inn, and across the small field, under the canal to the lower part of the field below the same. This Mr. Williams con. sidered the only scheme that can be recommended, without exercising compulsory powers, which was of great importance. The estimated cost would be about d6200, but this, Mr. Parry explained, would be irrespective of obtaining the necessary permission to go under the canal, and of the right of draining into the field below, which belonged to Mr. Biddulph. Subsequently a letter was received by the Sanitary Authority from Mr. Evan Hughes, Cefnyfedw, dated Jan. 24th, stating that the above scheme had been submitted to a fair representation of the rate. payers of the district at a meeting held at the Rockman's Arms, Garth, on Monday, Jan. 20th, when a number of those present were deputed to visit the place and report thereon. This was done, the report being that the proposed scheme was absolutely unnecessary. Nuisances were also found on the old turnpike road, as well as on the bye roads, and in the vicinity of the water taps. Every. where they visited, there were abundant evidences of great neglect on the part of the officials employed to look after the cleanliness and comfort of the neighbourhood, and the deputation were of opinion that had these officials exercised their authority in endeavouring to abate nuisances, there would have been little, if any, cause for complaints to arise. Mr. Parry, continuing, said that since then Mr. Eddy had, on his own responsibility, prepared a. plan, specification, and estimate of a scheme for draining the whole of the Fron, at an estimated cost of about z6350. This was on a more extensive scale than the one suggested by their surveyor, but this also involved going under the canal. Mr. Eddy's plan was, thereupon, laid upon the table and examined.- Mr. Henry Evans said that going under the canal would involve an expenditure of JtHOO per day as compensation to the canal company. (Laughter.)- Mr. Evan Hughes said he was one of the deputation that were appointed to inspect the place, and he was ready to support the statements which were contained in his letter just read. He would like to know whether something had been done to get the people of Fron to keep about their houses clean. Mr. Hughes then described what they had witnessed ed the day they were there, and added that the habit iudulged in by the people of depositing excrement and all kinds of filth on the road was simply abominable. This was done, although there are gardens close by the cottages. If the officials were to do their duty, he did not see that there was any necessity for all this expense.—Mr. Dodd enquired whether the Sanitary Authority had taken any notice ot the complaint contained, in Mr. Hughes's letter, as it seemed that this letter had been sent under the authority of a number of large ratepayers in the district.-In reply to the chairman, Mr. Hughes said that he had received no answer what- ever to his letter.—Mr. David Parry said that the letter had been read and considered by the Sanitary Board, and he was rather surprised that no reply had been sent to it.-At the request of the vestry, Mr. E. Evans, surveyor, said it cannot be denied that the roads at Fron were exceedingly dirty, and he could safely say that the Highway Board men got more trouble with them than any of the roads within the twelve parishes comprised within the district. The Highway Board have no power to compel owners to drain their properties that was the duty of the Sanitary Board. They could summon them for depositing filth on the road but it was difficult to find out the offenders: The Highway Board men had to go over the roads at Vron about six times a year, while the average in the district was once or twice a year.—Mrs. S. Lloyd Jones asked whether it was not the duty of the road authorities to get rid of the surface water.—Mr. Evans said this was not simply surface water from the clouds, but slops and other kinds of filth. After considerable furthei discussion, the following resolution, proposed by Mr. Evan Hughes, and seconded by Mr. Hughes, Plas- yn-Pentre, was unanimously adopted: That this vestry is of opinion that before any expensive system of drainage is undertaken by the Sanitary Authority at Vroncyssylltau, the authority should call the several owners of property to provide proper drainage that the sanitary inspector take stringent measures to prevent the committal of nuisances on the public highways, and that a deputation consisting of the following gentlemen be appointed to lay the matter before the Board of Guardians at Corwen" Messrs. Evan Hmrhfta Owen Parry, E Edwards, Llyn, Hughes, Plaf-yn' Pentre, Evan Jeffreys, David Jones, Trevor, John Edwards, Pen'rallt, Ed. Roberts, Fronhyfryd, and Wm. Jones, Bryndethol. It was subsequently arranged that the members of the deputation visit the place together on the following Monday. THE VRON SEWAGE QUESTION. The committee appointed at the vestry held last week at Llangollen to investigate the Vron Sewage question met at Vroncyssylltau on Monday, March 24th. There were present Messrs. W. Eddy R. F. Graesser; 'rhos. Bushby John Edwards, Sun Inn E. Edwards, Hyn Thos. Hughes, Plas-yn-pentre Owen Parrv, Rhoscoed; Evan Hughes, Cefn-y- fedw D. Jones, Brynteg; R. Williams, Garth Isaa David Parry, Dee House; Morris Jeffreys, Bont J. Williams, sanitary inspector E. Evans, surveyor: Samuel Morton. These. gentlemen first of all visited the various parts where nuisances are complained of, and then adjourned to a room at the Aqueduot Inn. Mr. Bushby was elected to take the chair. After a few introductory remarks by the chairman, Mr. D. Parry, one of the guardians for the parish, gave a lengthy and interesting explanation how this meeting was called together, and pointed out the necessity for doing something to abate nuisances at Vroncyssylltau, as pressure was being brought to bear upon the Sanitary Authority from the County Council and other directions and if something was not done, he was afraid an inspector would be sent down by the Local Government Board, and then a very expensive and thorough scheme would have to be carried out. Mr. Evan Hughes expressed himself very much against any sewers being made, as he and others on the Garth side would have to contribute, whilst no benefit would accrue to them. Why should not the Vron people make cesspools and keep their places clean at their own expense I They at the Garth had paid already sufficient towards improving the Vron in water rate which had been levied from them for years. Mr. Eddy and others pointed out that it would be against the bye-laws of the Sanitary Authority to build cesspools, as they must be placed at a distance of 40 yards from houses. The space around buildings at Vron would not permit ;his, as the houses are built so close together. He further pointed out to Mr. Hughes that on his rateable value of £ 29 he would be called upon to 5ay the large sum of 9d. per year for the sewage of vron, while the cottages at Garth would have to sontribute something like 3d. a year each. Mr. x jJraesser urged that after so much discussion, they ihould arrive at some decision, and proposed that n the opinion of the meeting some method of. lealing with the sewerage was desirable and leoeasary, Tbia was seconded by a;. Eddy, Mf,