The North Wales Express

ENGLISH i'im»)NRY IN 1877. .J Dunn" the vear which closed on Monday, the three Masonic charitable institutions received from the craft in subscription*, donations, &c., the total sum of £ 12,627 8s lid: exeeedin -r the total receipts of 1876 by £ 3000. Of the £ 12,627 8s lid received in 1877, the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and the Widows of Free- masons received £ 16,411 lf s 5d: the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls, £ ll,i)00. _lhe total receipts of the three institutions for 1877 are the largest yet obtained by them in one yeav, and ti e amount subscribed to the Benevolent Institution, tiie youngest by many years of the three Masonic institutions, considerably exceeds the sum which any of these institutions has collected in one year. Tiiis institution lias now 011 its books 115 nia.e annuitants, receiving £ 10 a year each 130 widows receiving £ 32 a year each and 13 widows receiving half their late husbands' annuities, or £ 20 a year each. The Royal Masonic Institution for Boys boards, clothes, and educates at the present time ISC boys; and t ie Royal Masonic Institution for Girls Iö2 girls. During the present month, how- ever, an additional 25 girls will be admitted to this school, and the boys' school will also shortly add to the number of its inmates.

EGLWYSRHOS. On Monday, the 17th ultimo, an amnteur concert was given at the National School in this parish. It was first fixed for the 18th, but owing to the mayor's banquet at Conway that evening, and baing the pnly night that the worthy chairman, Mr George Felton, had at his command, the date was changed through sending posters and pro- grammes oat. Great credit and much praise is due to Mr Felton for the interest he takes in this school. He has been one of the managers for the last nine years, during which time he has treated the children and teachers with his wonted kind- ness, and sparing no trouble to attend the Drawing and Government annual examinations. During the evening, the Rev R. Foulkes Jones proposed three cheers to 1\11 Felton, and was heartily res- ponded by all in the room, which was filled to overflowing. Mr Burwell was the pianist. The piano was kindly lent by Mrs Higson. The Lady Augusta Mostyn very generously contributed to ivarcb Mr II. Parry's concert, also Mrs Hollins, Bodysgallen Mr George Walker, and Mr Hollins, Brynmalgwyn. Amongst those present we noticed the Revs H. Rees and D. Phillips, Conwav; Misses Morgan, Mr Morgan Mrs Felton and Miss E. C. Felton, Mr G. F. Felton, Mrs M. Hughes, Mrs Moon, Mr T. Parry, Misses Parry, Llandudno, &C.

FFESTINIOG. PRESENTATION TO MAJOR MATIIEW. On Thurs lay evening, the 27thju.lt., all the work- men of Rhiwbryfdir Quarry met at the Assembly Rooms, in order to show their respect towards Major Mathew. their esteemed employer, and to present him with an address on the occasion of his departure from their midst. Major Mathew has for the long period of 40 years been connected with this quarry, and during this time has acted in the most houou able manner towards all in his employ. The lease of the works having expired, they will now be transferred to Mr Oakeley, the proprietor of the estate. Mr Roberts, the quarry agent, was voted to the chair, and in the course of his address, he referred to the fact that Major Mathew was one of the most popular employers in the neighbourhood, and his kindness and liberality was proverbial to a',I.- The Gwaenydd Brass Band then performed a live- ly selection, aad add:e.-ses, captaining compli- r mentary remarks to Major Mathew, whose de- parture all regretted, were delivered by Messrs G. Jones, Llwynv^ell; W. Evans, Glanllugwy; D. ,T one, Glaabarlwyd; O. Roberts, Tanygrisiau; J. Pieice, Llwynvgell; and Robert J< nes, C,teclyd. A letter, expressing his regret at his inability to be present, was real from Mr Robert Parry, Tan- yffordd, Bethesda, who highly enlogised Mai or Mathew, for the interest he had always taken in the welfare of the working classes.—The choir, conducted by Mr D. Thomas (Llew B nvydd), then lenJered IIarlecli March," after which addresses were given by the Rev. J. Davies, vicar of St. Davids Mr Owen, Welsh Slate Co.'s Quarry and Mr Htfes Roberts, of Mr Holland's quarry. The secretary (Mr Jones) then read the following ad- dress, which was beautifully illuminated and exe- cuted by Mr Marples, I,iverpool:- To Edward Windus Mathew, Esquire, J.P.D.L. Da AH AM) RKSPECTED SIR,—We, the workmen of the Rhiwbryfdir Slate Quarry, desire to express to you the feeling of unfeigned regret, with which we contemplate the termination of your connection with us as our employer, a connection dating from the time when you and your respected father be came interested i ii tli c quarry- extelici to a period of 40 years. Times of severance not mifrequently draw forth the deepest and most sacred feeling of the heart, which would otherwise scarcely find vent. Such, Sir, is the present occasion, and such are the feelings which animate us towards you and your late respected father, whose memory we hold in dear remembrance. The name of Mathew oc- cupies a large place in our hearts, and will always be cherished by us and our children as a household word! Many of us have grown grey in your ser- vice, and have witnessed many ups and downs in the slate trade, but were the days dark or bright we have always found in you a steady friend. Our respect and affection then for you, Sir, are not the mere growth of a day, but the outcome of a well- nigh life association, it is especially gratifying to us at the present time to be able to place on record the existence of these feelings, when the relation between employers and employed are unhappily in some parts of our country not of this friendly character. We would not allow this opportunity to pass without mentioning a few out of the many benefits which you and your late father have been the means of conferring directly, or indirectly upon us and our fellow-countrymen interested in the slate trade. It was your lamented father, we be. lieve, who was one of the first to introduce slates upon the Continent of Europe, by which a new and powerful impulse was given to the develope- ment of the trade, and it was lie also who invented and brought into use the first Slate Dressing Machine, which has so greatly facilitated their manufacture. For these and other services ren- dered, you have laid under a lasting debt—and now, in conclusion, we beg you to kindly accept this humble but sincere expression of esteem and gratitude, and we hope and pray that ITE, by wham all things are controlled, may be to yon'and your family for the remainder of your life a COUN- CILLOR and GUIDE. We have the pleasure to sub- scribe ourselves on behalf of the employers. Your most obedient servants, ROHEKT ROBERTS, Agent. OWEN JONES, Clerk. Rhiwbryfdir Slate Quarry, Rhiwbryfdir, North Wales, December 27th, 1877. The address was then presented to Major Mathew amidst loud cheers. In the course of his remarks, the esteeHlerl gentleman observed that he never expected thev would have honoured him in suelx a manner, and h wi-0 ed to return them his warmest thanks. Poetic addreses were afterwards delivei-ed, followed by a chorus bv the choir and an address by the Rev. T. J. Wheldon, B.A. The usual vote of thanks being aeco clei, hearty cheers were g,ven to Major and Mrs Math w, and the family, and the audience separated alter the band had performed the Halelnjah Chorus."

MOLD. LITKR.UIY MEETIVG. On Tuesday last a very good literary and competitive meeting was held in the Welsh Independent, Chapel in aid of the funds of the Sunday School of that place of worship. Mr Benjamin Powell presided, and there was a fair attendance. The programme consisted of competitions in essays, poetry, &c., for which prizes were given in books. It is impossible to praise these kind of meetings too much, as they have a tendency to create love of literature amongst the young people to whom they ou»ht to be a great acquisition. It is a pity that there is not more of these meetings, as they could not. fail to do good, although perhaps in a small degree at first, nevertheless good reeults would necessarily follow* J BAZAAR AND CHRISTMAS THEE.—A bazaar and Christmas tree was held in the Assembly Room of tae Market Hall on Monday and Tuesday last in aid of the proposed schoolroom and manse in con- nection with the English Congregational Church. FOOTBALL.-—A match will be played this after- noon between the Mold and Gwersyllt Clubs. The following will represent the Mold Club Messrs C. E. Williams (goal), S. Smith (captain), and G. Bolliver, backs; W. B. Marston and J. Marston, left wing; R. Roberts and W. Webb, right wing; P. Dykins and S. Roberts, centres. PETTY SESSIONS, MONDAY.—Before J. Scott Bankes, Esq. (chairm in) T. W. Eyton, and A. F. Jones, Esqrs. An Assault with a Besom JIandle.—A middleaged woman, named Miriam Jones, living at Macs-y- dre, was summoned by John Griffiths for'assaulting him. Complainant stated that on the night of the 19th December he went to the defendant's lious, and asked if his "missus" were there. She came to the door and said "No." She then shut the door, but soon after she came out again and said to him in Welsh, Are you there yet, you r" She again closed the door, but immediately came out again with a besom handle, with which she struck him over the head, knocking him down. He was very much injured, and P.O. Derrick was called.—Derrick stated that lie was sent for on this occasion, and 011 going to the place he saw the complainant partially insensible, and bleeding very much from the head. The defendant bore no marks of injury.In her defence, the woman said the complainant called her "all sorts of names," and attacked her, and, indeed, she only defenck:1 herself. She also alleged that the complainant fell against a sharp stone, and thus sustained the injury to his head.—Complainant denied having either used insulting language to the defendant or assaulted her.—The magistrates fined the defendant 15s. and 10s. costs, or ten days hard labour. The Alleged Serious Assault by a Husballd.- The adjourned case of Edward Matthews, a collier, of Mold, who was summoned at the previous meeting for assaulting his wife in a public-house in Mold, was now called oil. -The defendant did not appear, and Mr Kelly (the clerk) saying the alleged assault was a very gross one, advised a warrant to be issued. He asked the wife if she desired to press the case, and she replied that she did that she wished to be separated from him.—The magistrates thereupon granted a warrant for her husband's apprehension. The ce?.se.-Tlie adjourned case of Mary Connah, of Buckley, who was charged with bigamy at the instance of Edward Connah, was called on. No answer was made by the defendant, who has been on bail, and on the application of Mr Roper. --o.- who appeared for the prosecution, her recog- nizances were entreated and a warrant granted for her apprehension She.however, put in an appear- ance just as the Court was rising, and the evidence being taken she was committed for trial at the en- suing Chester assizes. Burglary at Eicloe.—A young man named John Wheeling, who said he came from St. Helens, was charged with burglary.—Sergeant Lockwood stated that the prisoner was charged with having, between twelve o'clock on the nisrht of Thursday, the 27th, and six o'c ock on Friday morning, broken into the house of Abraham Price, of Wood Lane, Ewlo, and stolen a set of starts,"two purses, and several small art'cles.-Elizaheth Price, wife of the prosecutor, stated that she and her five children went to bed-on Thursday night just after twelve o'clock. Her husband was working from home at the time. She heard nothing during the night, and when she got up at five minutes to s-x she saw the prisoner sitting before the fire on a low'stool. She asked him what he was doing, but he did not answer until she had asked him two 0" three times. He then said" I only came in the morning; I had no where to go." She asked him what way he came in, and he said "Through the front door. His clogs had been taken olr, and, as she went to the door to see whether it was safe, and which she found locked, the prisoner passed her and put on his clogs. She then went before him to the back kitchen and opened a door, and the priso-,icrvtlieii passed her and went out. On examining the premises she. found a piece of sheet, iron ha 1 been burst in where it was placed on a win- dow in room of glass, and she fancied that he put his hand in at the aperture, drew back the bolt, and opened the door. She did not miss anything then. but at-daylight she found some pieces of burnt paper and burn matches on the kitchen floor. She then missed the studs which had been placed- in a little bottle inside a writing desk. The purses were taken from the mantle sh >lv >; and there were all in the kitchen. The studs had been given as a present, to her husband, a few weeks ago. All over the hous? she saw boxes and cupboards ransacked, and her bedroom door'was unlatched.— Sergeant Lockwood stated that between five and six o'clock on the night of Friday, the 28th Decem- ber' the prosecutor's people communicated with him with reference to the cottage having been broken into the previous night. He went to the place and found the same evidences as were described by the last witness. From information he received from Mrs Price he went in search of the prisoner, and at nine o'clock the same night he found him at the cabin of Mr Thomson's collierv, Queen's Ferry. He told the man he wanted to apprehend him on the charge of burglary at Mr Price's house. He said, I have never been near the house." Witness then searched him, and found upon him the two purses, one pair of studs, a locket, a key, and two small shells. At the lock-up -it TTawe.rden he found the prisoner wearing two gold studs in his shirt front. Witness then charged him with stealing the articles, as well as with burglary, and he made no reply.—Mrs Price (recalled) stated that- about two years ago the prisoner lodged in her house, but was not lodging there at this time.—The prisoner, who now said nothing in answer to the charge, was committed to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions for the count* 011 Wednesday last, and the result will be found in another coli mn. Xeqleetlug to PM Reformatory Expenses.—A Bad Vast.'—Rowland Jones a collier, of Mold, was Summoned by Deputy Chief Constable Adams at the instance of the Secretary of Reformatory In- stitutions. for neglecting to pay for the support of two children of his at the Reformatory S,Ilool.- Mr Adams stated that the order was made on the 30th July la-tfor9 I. each child, but he had not paid a farthing, and now 15. 9d. was due for each.—The defendant pleaded hard that he wis not able to pav the amount, but on refe -ence to the police books it was found that on the 7th May last he paid 15s. and costs for a game offence in June, for trespass, 20s. and costs; and in Septem- ber, for being drunk and refusing to quit licened premises, 20s. and costs.—The magistrates there- upon ordered him to be imprisoned for a month with hard labour unless he pay the money, thc Chairman telling him that he heartily deserved such punishment. LOCAL BOARD, WEDNKSD-.Y, JAN. 2ND.—Pre- sent: Messrs E. P. Jones (in the chair, in the absence of the chairman), Griffith Jones, H. LI. Jones, W. Jones, Oliver Jones, H. Yaughan Jones, J. W. Jones, Joseph Eaton, E. P. Ed- wards, G. H. Adams. Benjamin Powell. A. J. Brcreton, and J. Hughes; G. E. T. Roper, clerk; Isaac Jones, surveyor. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, Mr James Hughes Jones was sworn in as a member in the place of Mr Henry Roberts, who resigned. The Surveyor read his report, in which he stated that he had served notice on the Secretary of the Gas and Water Company to discontinue laying sniders in the Gas-lane. The Urinal at the Market Hall.—Owing to com- plaints having been made as to the state of this place, the Surveyor applied for the permission of the board to have blue slabs placed there for the purpose of remedying the complaint..—Mr E. P. Edwards proposed that the surveyor should do what he applied for, as the place was useless in it present, state.—This was seconded by Mr Henrv Lloyd Jones, and canied. The Bailey Hill.-The Surveyor stated that 3 t trees had fallen on the Bailey Hill, and wished to know what he was to do with them.—It was unani- mously resolved that he should invite tenders for them, and that lie should have the branches of the trees for 6d each tree.—He also reported that 200 shrubs were required for the Hill. There was ai sale at Denbigh the following day of a seedsman's stock, and as Mr E. P. Jones was going there on 9 behalf of the burial board to purchase some trees, he was also deputed te do so on behalf of the board to the extent of £15. Contagious Diseases'' Hospital.-The Clerkreported that he had written to Mr E. J. Davies, clerk to the Guardians of the Holywell Union, as to this and they had arranged to meet and confer on the subject, as it could not be done by coiTespondence The Rirer Alun.—The Clerk informed the board that the Inspector of the Rural Authority had given him notice that the Urban Sanitary Authority of Mold were polluting the River Alun. The act came into force 011 Wednesday, and there was no doubt they could take action, although he had not received formal notice of their intention to do so, butjuerely in conversation with the inspector. Xr/C Member in place of Jb I'ryor.—Mr E. P. Jones said he was to perform a very unpleasant duty, i.e., to propose a member in place of their old friend, Mr Prvor, who had died. He had thought the matter over, and as the Local Govern- ment Board were so pressing that they should All up their vacancies within the prescribed time, he thought there was nothing else for it, and he tncrefore proposed Dr Thomas Williams, Wood- lands, who wouid.doubtless be a very good mem- ber. He was a man of property and a very active person indeed, and one who would be sure to attend to his duties as a member of the board, as lie had time to do so. Mr H. Yaughan Jones seconded the nomination of Dr Thomas Williams.Air Win. Jones rose to propose as an amendent that Mr J. D. Jones, timber merchant, be elected. He had been a member before, and was a large ratepaver, and would sure to look after the interests of the ratepayers.—Mr J. W. Jones seconded this.-The amendment went first, the following voting for it: -Messrs W.Jones, H. LI. Jones, Oliver Jones, Joseph Eaton, J. W. Jones, and James Hughes Jones. I1 or. Dr Williams :-Messrs E. P. Jones, B. Powell, A. J. Brereton, G.H.Adams, E. P. Edwards, and H. Yaughan Jones. Mr John Hughes did not vote, so the votes were equal, wnereupon the chairman gave his casting vote in favour of Dr Williams, who was therefore declared duly elected. -Vedical Oiffce)-Tlie Chairman stated that Dr Y\ illiauxs time as medical officer had expired He had great plealurcJVroposinS the re-election of Dr Williams, who had discharged his duties mod w^T 'p Uild •t!one Perhaps more than he was legally bound to do. to endeavour to keep the sanitary condition of the town as it should be. He said th-it tae Local Government Board wished to lave a man of their own as general medical officer W whivh he considered ridicu- o is, and which he hoped would not come to pass, as it was simpiy impossible for one man to attend tovvnswhen lie lived miles awav from them. Mr H. LI. Jones supported Mr E. P. Jones' proposition He had seen from the Flintshire aml'nr.-h!, !L'Pr°Posed to combime the rural iurbf authorities, and have a general medical hS^q ti H Ch was impracticable, and he hoped the board would show that they were all of that opinion, as by so doing they would not be pother boards did so.-All the members change theuiselves opposed to the proposed m Gaf-la>'e- Powell said complaints were m ide as to the darkness at the Gas-lane. He had een speaking to the new manager of the Gas Company, who ottered to supply them with gas are it they would erect a lamp, which it was unanimously resolved to do, and the surve yor was ordered to give notice to the owners of the A:c., to keep them in better order. Another Complaint.—Mr Powell also said great complaints were made as to the darkness at Maes- ydre. One lamp had been taken away, which caused great inconvenience.—The matter was tilloweet to stand over until the next meeting, and in the meantime inquiries were to be made''as to The main pipes, &c. +1 Ml Jo*ePh E"ton was heartily welcomed to the board after the severe accident he had met with the Chairman remarking that it gave them great pleasure to see the members returning to their seat at the board after having been afflicted.

RHYL. THE CHARTER OF INCORPORATION-.—Ever since the animated public meeting held some weeks since to consider the desirability of procuring a Charter of Incorparation for this town, the enthusiasm of the promoters seems to have gradually subsided into a SOIL, of lethargy as regards this most important quest-ion. After securing the voice of undoubtedly the majority of the ratepayers in their favour, it is to be hoped that the most 'prominent- advocates of the new scheme will no further lack energy and Malm order to send forth their judgment to vic- tory. Pus vcuiNG -The Welsh Independents held their annual preaching meeting on Christmas Day and the pievious evening, the .following ministers oiffciating 011 the occasion:—Revs Win. Roberts and W. Nicholson, Liverpool; T. Roberts, Moid: and Air J. O. Roberts, Bryngwran. The preaching was powerful and effectual, and the congregations were unusually large, so large oil the evening of the. last day that it was found ne- cessary to go to the i ..ior, spacious edifice of the .Welsli Wesieyans. The collections made at each service realised a handsome sum. TEA PARTY AND LITERARY MEETING.—Oil Wed- nesday, the 26th ult., the Welsh Wesleyan Sunday Schools held their annual festival. Early in the afternoon upwards of 200 children assembled at the commodious schoolroom adjoining the chapel, and there partook to their hearts' content of the bountiful repast which had been prepared for them. About four o'clock a large concourse of the adult members and well-wishers of the Sunday Schools seated themselves at the various tables, and par- took of the 11 cup that cheers," &e. In the evening at ixt ve ry successful literary and competitive meeting was held-at the Town lIan, the Rev J. Jones i\ ulcan), presiding. Several prizes Were awarded to successful competitors in prose, poetry, and music, and appropriate songs, recitations, &c., were given by a numbed of the school members. Eos Brad wen adjudicated the singing, Rev J. H Evaiis, Liverpool, the poetry, and the Rev Robert Jones, Denbigh, the essavs. The unusual success of this years festival is attributed to the indefati- gable exertions of the working committee.

LATEST TELEGRAMS. NORTH WALES EXPRESS OFFICE, FRIDAY morning. ENGLISH NEGOTIATION. When the recent action 0^^™ menthrst became known here the Ronn politicians and journalists attributed Ir lT tentiou 011 the part of Lord Beaconsfield's Cabin"" to intervene 111 the nre^^i^ )15K meetings held in England in th° warlike policy combined w ( PP<fltlou to a«7 standing of the miture of tl a clcfe1' und«'- has led to a much less apprehSSo^to'S^ columns of the loeal journals Thevp 1U ° absence of news from'tht'front SS th s UtV-* justly attributed to a ces*aS^f V caused by the "8verity of the weather in 13ulgarÜ. SSKSKsfiSi going „„ i„ J-aropi-aii opiX dl"cu« The Eiigilsh Cabinet c-„ VlEXXA- Th«slay. authority tha-V hi •tV?7 UpuU the highest authority tha-V hi •tV?7 UpuU the highest Turkey will refuse to ,n»i riouslj adhered to. signed (hie who t0 a lettcr' Carnarvon addressed th>i ,arm^ tJlat Lord Cabinet meeting to con^dc^ti- r°" -bef°re the and consequently expressed nnliT-1? Tefusal> opinion. The Standard sav f ,Ks muiyidual «>-„ coa* Councils 'E,«» days to consider the reply of th, successive ment to English nronial If Govern- public will o- irh,.r +i,^ P mediation. Thc puDiic will gather this preliminary difficult^ in of peace is more serious than"had i„ +• pated. The Cabinet dot, amZ'hin' a"aEro"1t> •»." «»')' do not hold unit nu Jnng ] as occurred to -justify alterine- our attitude towards the Turkish Question. Those who endeavour to convince the Rnst ment that nuder no ctanl^S S interfere m the terms of peace, are' S treachery, not only to their country, but to the cause they desire to serve. The Daily Tdeyr«p% says Lord Carnarvon dei'- w-ed himself of sentiments purely personal and mhiT ter0 CriticiSl"' had not been a mxni&ter, sneaking 111 face of great Britain's enemies A reference to the clock"will PS^ that the Hussian note had not come before the Cabinet. It is announced from Constantinople that the peace party there, with Safvet and xXamvk plhS make their^h'uarC putfln° ,fort]l great'efforts to make their views prevail. Since his return from Adrianople, Mahmond Damad is supposed to W contracted a leaning to that side, though hitherte apparently one of the main stages of the Zl Ti'1' 76 *usPected> n'ghtly or wrongly, ot being the man 011 whom Russia would coun+ more than any other, to help her in bringing aba a separate understanding with Turkey, and prr- bability therefore seems rather for than agui: t direct overtures oemg made by Turkey to the C/ d f'dT'1'!11' a telcoram from ConsSirifitpi t ep,„™is!"e'mU' Cib]n"1 deCided ,r- Rt'ciiAiiKST, Monday. t g SJ°W" s:ronSer eveiT day in the Ea- r lliC tlire.e Emperors and staff have a definite t(? tlie Easte™ Question and its settlement, the chief point of uncertainty oemg the extent to which they are pledged to co operation. It is practically certain the Russians wnl not consent to an armistice per sc. Xny such proposition must be accompanied by conditions approaching near enough to the Russian pro- gi<un4ii^ to aliord reasonable ground ot' belief In pence arrangements resulting. BUCHAREST, Tuesday. Communi.-itions between Bulgaria and Ron- mania are su]} interrupted and no supple can cross tlie river. 1 1 The Tunes, calls upon the Opposition to de- clare their views on the situation and hopes, while the whole interest of the country is coucoutrat*>-l 1m the single subject we shall not be tantalized with speculatne discussions on an ideal franchise or ecclesiastical organisation with the Liberalpartv be Mio^rana^iy one or not in this great crises. COXSTAVTI.VOPLE, Monday. A council was held last night at the Palace to consider a proposal made by the Austrikiii 'Aiii- bassador in tne name of the other powers for an armistise ofone month,during which terms of peace can be discussed. The decision of the Oov.-rnuj- T is not yet known. PER A, Tm-^dav. There is no truth in the report that the->-e Wit:, t council last night at tlie Palace. There seems 'o be only one idea here that if England is willing mediate, Turkey will leave everything in her hands. The indications at present- do not j,r-ify n ditliiite forecast. SITU-DLA, Wednesday X; ht The bombardment of Rustchuk is oj; ? on. The Stafford House Hospital has been wi'ifully destroyed by the Russian gun. There he-, he. n no movements owing to the heavy snow. BUCHAREST, Wedjies-.ky. The prospect of the Russians reaching ,vdriv:- nopol this winter are very doubtful. I believe there is the slightest chance of the,' v the minaret s of the city before the first Osman Pasha therefore accomplished hi" o almost as well as if he had held out i., Zi longer. VIENNA, Tliursdav There M a rumour current, here yesterdav Russia hlu indirectly sounded this G-ovenri-t ir- relative to the transfer of the Danubiaii turtresses it is almost certain that Russia has secured Austria's full approbation beforehand. At all events tne surrender of the Danubiau fortresses was believed at head-quarters, some days ago. to bo the principle, if not the only one, for siispeudm?^ hostilities. Russia and Germany quite afr-v as to peace being negotiated direct with the Porte. Austria appears to anticipate no evil, and Fran.ee and Italy arc not likely to make obstacles. VIENNA, Thursday Night. tne lurkish troops south of the Balkans are "altering from privations. Desertions to the Russian quarters from sheer want of food are renia-kably frequent. A telegram to the press from Sistova says that since December 31st all the bridges have been withdrawn from the Danube. The strong hush of ice through the Danuh, con- tinues. In the Balkans the frost is eighteen degrees Reaumur. Bec.'iAnfisr. The Servian Aunister has demanded some ex- planation of the object of the Roumanians in their operations against, Widdin. The reply stated it had been the obj ect since the commencement ct hostilities.

L L A X D U I) N () IMPROYEMEM I.A,l 1) R 0 V E -11 E N I COMMISSIONERS. Resent Mr w. B. Hughes, M.P. (chairman), Messrs. M. Preston, M. Williams, W. Evans, £ Jones, E. II. Williams, J. S. James, T. Parry, 1- Hughes L. Raw, B. R. Daines, J. B. Evans, and J. Ridge. Mr i. vr. Hughes, solicitor, ll¡ gor, was also present. r J < and Water Itents.-The Clerk stated that nts due from these sources for the June garter amounted to C901 3s. lid., of which £59 3s. lid. had been collected. The greater Part of the balance was irrecoverable. The amount *e f°i" the September quarter was £ 1319 2s. lid., 19s l^d. had been got in; £ 535 ('- thus remained to be collected. The Clerk that the board's financial year ended on Ariioi, an(^ that whereas they had paid a only ^^c.ar's instalment of their loan, they had aivl ^e^t:vc'd a half year's income from their gas jy.Tv Properties. °f t,,e Finances.—Revenue account to a c >u!t j1" 19' ls77> credit, £ 667 6s. 2d. capital account ^^40 10s.; water and gas revenue £Ù balance of capital account, J R 12;. G1. It was resolved on the motion of ail ttle ■' -kvans, seconded by the chairman, that •fc'-couQt" C'sfc from the deposited capital von,,„ 'Sll°uld be credited to the Commissioners' -S,acco,int- p 'ot'ps.si 'Qncr"ix Oases.—Mr George Felton's bill for ^'th\i °lla* 's°rvices again came before the board, -tee Tf'CO:i:*[iendation from the Finance Com- cl. arn-p i-U\ should be paid in full dis- th -It of thu claim, Mr E. H. Williams stated lo1t. h Felton had attended a meeting of the „:l'«ittee, and had consented to reduce the item so £2;3 to £ 10. On the motion of the Chairman, .•Kled by Mr J. B. Evans, it was revolved to Vt ti e report « £ the committee as to this item, p, cla.m of Messrs. Douglas, of Bangor, for stationery, advertisements, frc., to the tli ^s" wa* a^° ordered to be paid, I i,Ltee remarking that as they had no means no !nS the accuracy of the charges, they had ^'I'Uon but to reronimend it for payment. ;.v I-arge Yard and tony Stand.—The Inspecting U;in Committee's report was read, and the ei °f those to whom spaces had been let were :i"ro ,fratcd. The Clerk stated that since the by !aeiits had been drawn up, he had been told :h.i /• Hugh 33 that the document signed at a leavt mcetiug was merely an agreement to grant W. pr' ai,1^u°t an actual granfing thereof.—Mr J. now stated that if the lease should be t0 them, it- would be hard on the commis- was trup^+i ° have done all the repairs. It Chancerv improbable that the Court of Was r<'fuse to ratify the lease, since it tto the estate, and that was the only t,ht* ti"W,,letlllh'ed. He had received a letter stood. —Th t-.es' .Duc it only left the matter as it Personal i<f £ -.■ hairman il if it were 1[; own Mr 2. sh.iukl proceed v.'itii the repairs. Was s.!COuci' 4'u^ams proposed, and the motion carried out Parrv, that the repairs be °ut to tender. Wils re-soivod that the we.rk be put The Back iSI notices haT^3"—Tho <:icrk said thiit °;'cupiers of hon eeu. served on all owners and Curb and chumi0]* .ai5llttmg on Lloyd-street to »uld riot be u-n.1- '.the work when carried out Persons he shnniV i r ^lu board, but for private the cost o+' v ,"C. ?Jarpe a commission to be added ttle plans and f°r his labour in preparing I "S assured the boa^+YUate*' jAIr J- w- Hughes curbed, cham-, if -rtU tho places proposed to ,f the PublicC w "^c-» carae within the scope tl": opinion nf Act' a!ld that, according to ie Power of tho eni^uont• counsel it was -within Sp»t the i»e "S too wrti'-rtSX w• -Iv umexin "• -uv'iv a MV 086 freets ? He iiacl a, tr yeUr,s "1,1' • subJectfor the last If ^hen1C f advanced now Wl +1 en- He was sick of the mnf-ter hadnil'letSto rep;{-?WCr to CDmPcl the3(' owners and die ;> tllo't 7 hesitatc Jt true, as th n U' S when these repairs had been the frou, greets would be in a better state Woiud t-hcn co%n«; but what of that. The/ -iie wherw thev ^the front ones. He did not 1 J- Hu<>h(-^tn' so long as they ended soon. <1'n!'1' pawer, thoUgh«ipeated that the board had Hti-ab0ut ^(1sfcyu-iJ^remightbesome difficulty ^et according to thReet> as was not a new havnlSaid that lu' k^ew uQt of 1831-— Mr J. B. t;v«<e YTen uiade in l^->5 l.i.1'? street in question to (j; diffieuity would be "d^r ^cClellan, so that d,, Uuv 2 my eudonscd the ?LU'?y W'flTTT s of Pos tioll|VtLlpairinS °f the'C ^r'rhe ^u^ously.it^ TMlv Jt and ca } llt the subiceUvonU mRS e,x.prcS8ed a n.>M' again' uld "ever be fiiscusse<j P t)lu I^'tt^kintfC<,°r<The commit ,e l!« as to his f a,ld arrange with M- Baldwin & e6i that i'llft-i rn,,f' reported tha; ther liad ilJ00 sho^d oe offered in fall -<-ettle- ment of the claim, this su being £ 222 18s. 7d. less than his full account -The Chairman asked the clerk to read Mr Latl nn's letter in reply to this offer. The Clerk die so, and Mr Latham in the letter replied to the direct that he declined the commissioners' offer, and was considerably sur- prised at its having been made. He declined to hand over the field plans and books as requested, until the commissioners had settled his account. As to the £ 35 claimed by Mr Foulkes for the use of the Mostyn estate plan of the town, he was willing, if Mr Foulkes was, that that sum should be de- ducted from the bill. Having regard also to the number of times lie had pressed for his account, he now told the board that unless it was paid by January 1st, he should place the matter in his solicitor s hands, and in the event- of his doing so he should charge ev-uy item. He was, however, still willing to consider and settle, the matter amic- abl- letter from Mr Foulkes was read, in which he stated that lie would not forego the pay- ment of the £ 3-3 for the use of the plans.—Mr J. W. Hughes said that Mr Latham had stated that by borrowing these plans anew survey of be town had been rendered unnecessary, and this money was thereby saved.—Mr Preston thought that a new survey would hardly have cost more.—The Chairman considered it fortunate that the com- mittee had not closed with Mr Latham, as it was much better that a matter of this .importance should be decided by the whole board. The board had now heard that the committee had decided that two items ought to be expunged from the account-the item for interest, and the item for the use of the plan. He was always averse to going to law, and as Mr Latham. had held out an offer of a compromise, he asked the clerk whether there was now any reasonable offer the board could make.—The Clerk observed that although lie con- sidered the for the plans was an "abominable charge," yet he felt that they might offer to allow that, deducting only from the total amount the interest charged.—Mr Preston pointed out that the drainage works had already cost the town half as much again as the original estimate, and lie thought .1 that the concessions they had from time to time made to Mr Latham ought to have led him to make some to them. He thought it to the interest- of the ratepayers to finish with Mr Latham as soon as possible.—The Chairman then proposed that the sum of X1400 be offered to Mr Latham, out of his total account of £ 1522 18s. 7d., in full discharge of all claims he may have against the commission- ers, up to the present time, and that on receipt of Mr Lathams acceptance of this offer, the clerk be authorised to forthwith forward a cheque for that amount. Mr 1 roston concurred in the wisdom of tms arrangement, and the motion was then unani- molisly resolve uo?m • u0tT fZ"ienade Rail'»W-— Mr J. Jones gave £ ice,,tbtii"y thc U^t meeting he will move that and iU rai ,U°S alouo the promenade be removed, hl Proper curbing and channelling, and that thiee tiuie, the present number of cliai?4 be placed along the esplanade. A Lode of Bye-laws.—The Clerk stated that he had written t, and received from the authorities of several watering places copies of bye-laws, from which he had drawn up a code relating to hackney carnages, street musicians, common lodging houses and pleasure boats. Opsn Air Preaching.— During a conversation w 1X0.1 occurred on the regulation of the promenade, the desirability of permitting open air preaching oil the promenade was referred to.—Mr Thomas "arry thought it ought to be prohibited. —Mr Dames regretted that they had not these eloquent men among them in winter, for they kept tiieu sermons only for the enlightmcnt of visitors. Mr Preston objected to preaching on the prom- enade, and said that the Rhyl authorities had decided not to permit it.—Mr Raw suggested that pernaps by this prohibition they would create Christian martyrs, and felt it to be a difficult sub- ject to deal with.-It was eventually decided to insert in the new bye-laws a clause prohibiting open air meetings on the promenade. The Fire Brigade, and the Commissioners.—A letter was read from Mr J. Myatt, hon. sec. of the new fire brigade, in which the committee asked the commissioners to grant them the use of the town hose, the use also of a room in the commissioners' offices in which to hold their meetings, with a plan of the town hydrants.—Mr Preston demurred to this request, and thought the insurance companies ought to assist the brigade considerably.—Mr J. Jones, believing that the town was in a helpless position before the establishment of the brigade, moved that the request be acceded to, with the ex- ception that the granting of the water must be at the. discretion.of-the engineer, Mr Marks.—Mr Kiuge seconded this proposition.—Mr Raw thought mat 111 August it would be better that a whole crescent should be burnt down than that the town should go short of water for the fire brigade, and he also considered that the insurance oo;y>p inies were the proper persons to be applied to.—Mr I.re-ton thought the brigade should pay for the lighting, firing, and cleaning of the room, if they used it, and that they should only nave it at stated times — The resolution, as ultimately carried, was that the room should be at the disposal of the brigade once a fortnight-, on such days and at such times as shall be agreeable to the clerk's conven- ience, and that the requests of the brigade as to water, hose, and hydrant plan should be acceded to. The b jard th en adjourned to the 17th of January.

-A. The Mexsian was performed at Chester Cathedral R Christmas Eve.

HOLYWELL. "W- ATCII-NIGUT.—According to annual custom a Watch-night, was held in the English Congre- gational Church in this town, on Monday nndit last, commencing at a quarter to twelve. con- gregation was unusually large, but we were sorrv to notice that several did not conduct themselves as the impressiveness of the service required pastor (Rev J. ]_). Riley) officiated. AXXIVF.US.UIV.—Celebrating the anniversary of the formation of the Young Men's Christian" \s sociation, a supper was given on Tliil r-,d;t, ilig,,It, the 27th last- at the Assembly Rooms, adioininA the Roman Catholic Church, in this town. The supper was presided over by the Rev Father B-ron who takes an active and lively interest, in the As' fOIatlOn, wInch, by the way, wasgivatly neederl in ill the town. wits needed m COLLŒlty F;vtality~a dbtressing accident oc- cur* od yesterday morning 111 one of the Engleiield Colliery, Greenfield, whereby Pa Wl named Leighton, living in Foundry Yard Cr^oii field, met with his death. Deceased had' searcelv commenced work being engaged in shunting, when a portion of the roof under which he was working fell, killing him instantaneously.

T'ie, Irish mail narrowly escaped e very serious aecident. while passing through Stafford Station about five o'clock on Sunday morning, December 10. At the time the express was Hearing the sta- tu n on the main line a mineral train on the Shropshire line was also coming in the same direc- tion, and a slight collision took place at the junc- tion of the two lines. It is said that the accident occurred through the driver of the mineral train mistaking the express signal as intended for him. li No one was seriously injured, but many of the pas- sengers were shaken rather severely. His Highness Prince Hassan, son of the Khedive of Egypt, with a distinguished suite, including the Duke of Sutherland, at whose mansion at Tren- tham his highness has been a guest during the past week, arrived at Crewe oil Wednesday morn- ing, and after inspecting the whole of the mag- nificent works of the London and North Western Railway, over which they were escorted by the superintendent, Mr F. W. Webb. They returned to Trentham bv the one o'clock train. In Sheffield a public meeting has been called for Monday night, at which Mr Mundella will be present. An attempt has been made to induce Mr Gladstone to attend, but the right hon. gentle- man replied, stating that, whilst he thinks public- attention tliould be taken, he considers that the time has not yet come when he should speak. The Congregational churches in the town are passing resolutions urging strict neutrality.

A IITL S'lt l-op ON PAUPERISM. The Bishop of Sodor and Man, addre-dn« 1 meeting o: the friends of the Manchester Salford Ragged Schools, the other day said thai of the greatest evils they had to contend it- indiscriminate charity, which was the oii'spr unmethodical, illregulated Christian svAr. What he thought they wanted wa, tion like that introduced iu Elbci h-idt, a tow s a population of 80,00 in winch pauperislU had been almost extinguished by voluntary apo'cr. He had ,o desire to supersede the legitimate fuuetions of board of guardians, but thev coi Jd not reach the great mass of poverty and de«tit«.ioa to be found in ewery large town. cl

it. Thomas, and the Surveyor were requested to inspect the neighbourhood, and consult Mr 0. ,Tones on the subject. Salary of the Borough Magistrates' Cleric. The consideration of fixing an annual salary in lieu of fees for Mr C. A. Jones, the borough magistrates' clerk, was then commenced.—The Mayor obscrve,1 that in accordance with the instructions received from the Home Secretary, the borough magistrates met in committee on the previous evening, to con- sider the amount of the annual salary of their clerk, in lieu of fees, as ordered by Act of Parliament.—Alderman G. R. Rees read the re- turns of the amount of fes received diiniig the following years 1STi—-75, £ 213 lSs 6d; 1075-76, t222 13s; 1876-77, 7s 6(1.— M lerman De Linton made remarks on the subject, and observed that this new mode of paying the clerk au annual salary was much more agreeable than the old system of reccing fee" --After a long discussion it was decided. on the nntioa or hIr J. Hoes, seconded by }IJ Owou Thomas, that the sum bo fisei at £:Wtl; this was carried by a Majority of four. — .,lr II. Looerts the 1 hanked the council. Medical Officer* Report.—Dr W. W. li read this report, wliicH showed that from the 11th of November to Dee. Dec. 22nd, 15 males and 18 females had died; males under 5 years old, !): females do., 7: births, 21 male and 24 females total, 45 deaths being 28 <> per 1000. -if,- Lezt.iq icivis' J. Rees said it was time something should be done regarding the above institution, as the money was lying dead.—- Mr Do Winton was of opinion Mr Lewis had not succeeded in having a site for it.—The matter was left over to the next meeting. -A. Letter from Mr R. B. W. Pritchard, Cambrian Store —This was a letter of complaint against ■"••vid Abel, butcher, whom had caused a damage cf about 2Gs to :JOs to Pritchard, in not securing j**8 ,animal with proper ropes.—It was observed that it would be well for the surveyor to look into the matter —The Surveyor said that a police con- stable would be required to watch them regnlarlv. A remark was made that the proper way would be to see that these men had the means of fastening the animals in the slaughter-house. A letter was also received from John Thomas complaining of the state of the road in North-road. r~The Surveyor admitted the road was out of order, ut Mr Jeffreys had promised to have it done at once. 1. Railway Obstruction. —Complaints were made agamst the state of the L. & N. W. Railway, and References were made to the flood on the previous unday —Mr Roberts was instructed to write to le company to call their attention to the obstruc-