Denbighshire Free Press

RUTHIN SCHOOL BOARD. A special meeting of the Board was held on Friday morning. Mr T J Rouw pre- sided and the other members present were Rev J F Reece, Rev Isaac James, Messrs T H Roberts, R Harris Jones, A Lloyd Jones and F S Dowell, with tiio clerk (Mr Ezra Roberts) and the headmaster (Mr H Williams). Jt'KSLGNATION OF THE HEADMASTER. APPOINTMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA. The Chairman said the first business was I to receive a letter from Mr Williams, the headmaster, tendering his resignation. The Clerk then read the following letter from Mr Williams: I beg to inform you I that I have been provisionally appointed head teacher in one of the concentration camps in South Africa that is to say^ subject to a satisfactory medical report. This I hope to obtain in a day or two. The appointment being confirmed by the Board of Education, as you will observe from the j; enclosed letters, which express the hope that your Board will release me at the end I of the present month, I therefore trust that under the circumstances the Board will kindly dispense with the usual rule of I requiring three months notice so that 1, may, if appointed, be able to comply with I this request. I have further to respect- fully ask the Board if they will kindly permit me to withdraw this notice of resignation if the appointment be not con- firmed." The letters from Mr Michael E S Sadler, director of special inquiries and reports in connection with the Board of Eduoation, were also read, re teachers for the concen- tration camps in South Africa, informing Mr Williams his selection. He hoped Mr Williams would have no difliculty in per- suading the School Board to release him in time to sail the last week in May. 0 The Chairman said they were all very sorry to lose Mr Williams, but were glad he was going to better himself a good deal by this appointment. Mr T H Roberts proposed that the resignation be accepted upon the terms as stated in Mr Williams' letter. This was seconded by the Rev J F Reece and carried. The Chairman asked whether it would not be the better policy to defer the question of advertising for another master for a few days, when all matters pertaining to salary &c. could be duly considered. Rev J F Reece said Mr Williams was leaving in a month's time, therefore there was no time to be lost. Mr Williams, the head master, remarked that he expected a fiual decision on the following days. He felt very much obliged to the Board for their kindness in accepting his resignation and terms. Whitst thanking the Board he would venture to ask that his family would be treated with leniency as to matters pertaining to the school house. This query was answered in the affirm- ative, and everything that could be done the Board would be only too willing to do. THE DEATH OF THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER. The Chairman remarked that not only did the Board regret tne loss of the head master, by his resignation, but they more deeply regretted the loss by death of Mr Phillips, their attendance officer, who had passed away on the previous day. He was a person who had always faithfully carried lout his duties to the satisfaction of the Board. THE QUESTION OF SALARY. IHThe Chairman said the Board would now have to consider the question of a new attendance officer. This he thought might be taken in committee when they could discuss the question of salary not only in the case of the attendance officer but also of the Headmaster. Rev J F Reece: Why discuss it in com- mittee? The qujsticn as to the salary is a matter which the public should know. The public take a keen interest in suh matters as well as ourselves. The Chairman: Certainly there is no doubt about that, but I simply threw out the suggestion that we should first take the matter into consideration in committee. Rev J F Reece: Yes, but why should we do so ? The public will know what salary is given when the advertisements are issued. The Chairman thought Mr Reece had entirely misunderstood his suggestion, i which was that the duties and salaries connected in the various positions should 1 be first taken in committee. He did not for one moment wish to keep the-public in the dark, and had no objection whatever to < the matter becoming public property. < Mr A Lloyd Jones said proceedings in committee would not be reported, whereas I an open Board would, and that constituted < the difference. Mr Dowell The appointment will eventually be made public. The Chairman: Certainly it will. 1 The Clerk stated that the terms of the headmaster's salary were that it should not < exceed X-150 a year, but the Board had decided to add 93 to that amount. He was i not to receive any more in any case, even ] if the one-third share of the grant brought the amount over and above the £153. Rev J F Reece thought advertising should be done at once. They were in the lucky position of having a certificated assistant master at the school, which would considerably alleviate matters. The Chairman: How long has Mr Williams been at the schools? The Clerk: He has been here for the past 30 years. He was there before the formation of a School Board. Rev J F Reece said he was in favour of advertising for a head master on the old terms, which was a fixed salary with the addition of one-third of the grant. Eventually, on the proposition of the Rev J F Reece, seconded by Rev Isaac James, it was decided to adhere to the present salary the Clerk to insert in the advertisement that a knowledge of Welsh was desirable; and Mr A Lloyd Jones suggested that preference should be given to a graduate. The question of the appointment &c. of an attendance officer was left to the next meeting of the Board. INCREASE 11\ THE ANNUAL GRANT. The Clerk said that the annual grant earned amounted to £ 240 3s 7d, as com- pared with X227 113 6d last year (hear, hear). Rev J F Reece: An increase of £ 13. The Clerk: Yes. Continuing he said that the Inspector's report referring to the school read:—Mixed school: The drainage of the school has been thoroughly over- hauled and the Managers contemplate making many important improvements during the coming year. The system of instruction 'in the school is very compre- hensive and the work is systematically and successfully carried on under the able head- master and his staff. Drill is well taught by a competent officer, W Halley is recognised under Article 33 of the code. H B Williams is also recognised subject t.) her furnishing a satisfactory medical certificate. M W Roberta is continued uIldr Art G8. THE LOAN EXTENSION QUESTION. The Clerk reported that an extension of time for the loans had hcen granted La. 20 years for the principal part of the work and included lavatories and repair to ceilings and so on, which were of a permanent j character and which would require a sum of about zt240, and for the drainage and ashphalting &c. the Board had granted 10 years for the repayment of the loan. It was decided to instruct the Clerk to proceed with the affair.

UTIIIN RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The usual monthly meeting of the above Councit was held at the Workhouse on Monday, when Mr Henry Williams presided and the other members preseut were Messrs E Powell Davies, W G Richards, Lewis Jones, Wm Ellis, R H Pugh, Wm Davies, R D Jones and John Evans, with the clerk (Mr Humphreys Roberts), and the medical officer (Dr T 0 Jones). THE HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT. The Medical Officer reported that during the four weeks ended 3rd May, 10 deaths were registered, which was equivalent to an annual death rate per 1000 of 14"2. Five of the deaths occurred in persons over 65 years of age, and rhree in infants under 0:10. The number of births was 14, giving an annual birth rate of 19*1 per 1000. In compliance with the Council's request he had analysed a sample, of water in the old well in Vicarage Field, Llanarmon, and from the results obtained he was of opinion that the water is of good quality and well daapted for domestic purposes. The district was quite free from infectious disease, lie na.a received a tester from Miss Simpson, secretary to the Liverpool Children's Country Holiday Fund, desiring an interview. He anticipated that she desired permission to send children for their usual annual holiday to the district. The Council discussed the question of whether it would be advisable to permit of these children being introduced in the district as mentioned in the report of the Medical Officer. Eventually the Council decided to allow the matter to remain in the hands of Dr T 0 Jones, and instructed him to take every precaution, and see that none of the children who visited the district were suffering from any infectious diseases. The report was then adopted. THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACTS. THE PROCEDURE OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL CRITICISED. ARE COUXTY COUNCILLORS ANY BETTER THAN DISTRICT COUNCILLORS? The Chairman said he wished to refer to the discussion which took place at the last meeting of the Denbighshire County Council as to the enforcement of the Public Health Act, and the resolution of the Council with regard to the matter. The report which appeared in one of the local paper was to the effect that tke resolution passed by the County Council was to appoint a committee to inquire and present a report as to whether the various sanitary authorities within coaaty of Denbigh were carrying out their duties under the act. As it appeared from the report of the pro- ceedings the County Council were em- powered to appoint a medical officer at a salary of from 9500 to £600 or perhaps more, and this in itself was a very serious and important matter for the consideration of the ratepayers in the caunty. Personally soeaking, it would be much more difficult to superintend a large area, as that of the a, County Council, than the smaller area of a District Council. He understood that the annual report of the medical officer was presented to the County Council, but he did not know what use was made of the report. The Clerk: Nothing. How then, continued the Chairman, were the County Council in a position to accuse them as a Sanitary Authority of neglecting their duties ? The officers of this Council were working admirably, and a good deal of work had been accomplished. Mr John Roberts, of Plas Heaton, at the last meet- ing of the County Council, had referred to the Public Health Act as a dead letter. He also said that he was aware of places which had never been visited by a sanitary inspector for the past 18 years. He (the Chairman thought it would be advisable, when remarks of this character were made, to name the places referred to, becaus- bhey cast a reflection upon the whole of the sanitary authorities in the county. Mr E Powell Jones asked whether county councillors were better men than listrict councillors (laughter). The Chairman: I say nothing about the nembers of the County Council, bufe I do say that a small area is easier to supervise than a large one. Mr E Powell Jones: It appears to me bhat the County Council are very anxious :o spend money. The Chairman said the County Council sould, if it thought fit, appoint an officer it a high salary, but it appeared to him nevertheless that the members of that body were ignorant of the work done in the sanitary districts unless the reports which were presented to them were duly considered. Mr E Powell Jones protested against the action of the County Council as to the proposed appointment of a public officer of health. The two Sanitary Inspectors, when asked by the Chairman, replied that there was not a single house, large or small, within their respective districts which they had not visited since their appointment. The Medical Officer said he had nothing. to say with regard to the matter at present. The Clerk informed the Board that the committee appointed by the Council was meant to consider and report upon the reports sent in by the medical officers in the county, which at present were put on one side without any sonsideration what- ever. He thought it would be time enough, when the County Council finally made up its mind to appoint a county official, to protest against the appointment. Reference was made to the remarks made by Colonel Cornwallis West at the County Council meeting when Mr E Powell Jones said: We do our duty here as well as Col Cornwallis West does any day. Finally it was decided to adjourn the matter to the next meeting. REPAIRING A LLANDKGLA FOOTPATH. The Llandegla Parish Council applied in favour of the District Council repairing a footpath connecting the Corwen and Llan- degla roads, and after a brief discussion the surveyor (Mr Wm Jones) was instructed to examine the path and report. THE SMALLPOX SCARE. A letter was received from the Town Clerk of Denbigh, inquiring whether the District Council would join the Town Council of Denbigh with regard to the provision of an isolation hospital in the event of a smallpox outbreak in the district The question was deferred until the next meeting.

Sion, sleeple,s. sleepless' H ness, loss of appetite, languor—tlK.se b are sure signs of stomach, or liver | disorder, and | I ARE DISPELLED BY | restoring tone and efficiency to tliase | organs. The root and herb extracts (21 in 2.1 other Seigel's Curative Syrup | do this effecti re'y. Mr. ED:.IUXJ) TODD, I Roughton, Norwich, says: "I suf- | fered from indigestion, severe head- | aches, costiveness, and wind in the a aches, costiveness, and wind in the stomach for years. A friend at last || advised me to try Mother Seigel's Curative Srup, and it put new life | J into me." | \> r;I!' I £ > "if l^iiJ P* |i t,, \r;y;J' '1 .I.q" ,f. :iJ::ir.AIlN

CHILD BURNED TO DEATH NEAR GYFFYLLIOG. DANGERS OF FLANNELETTE AND WANT OF FIREGUARD. SAD FAMILY HISTORY. As briefly reported in our last issue the two year old son of Mary Jones, residing with her father at Foel Ganol, near Gyffylliog, was discovered to be in flames, and as a result of the injuries received the child died. This necessitated an inquest, which was held at the Vicarage, Gyffylliog, on Friday morning, before the coroner for West Denbighshire, Dr J R Hughes, of Denbigh. The gentlemen composing the jury were the Rev Silas Evans (foreman), the Rev J Richards, Messrs Thomas Parry, Fedw Las; Robert Jones, Rhwyd Afon Robert Williams, Tyn-yr-bwll; .Luke Culling, R William Owen, Board School; John Thomas Lloyd, Humphrey Davies, Mill John Evans, Bryn Llan David Salisbury, Wern Shed; Edward Jones, Llan; and John Henry Hughes, of the Red Lion. David Jones, of Foel Ganol, labourer, identified the body as that of his daughter's (Mary Jones) child, aged two years last March. The child had been put out to nurse until about two months ago, after which date it had been cared for at his house by its mother and her sister. On the Monday in question the child was left in charge of the mother's sister (Margaret), because Mary Jones had gone to Hendre Ucha for her box. The child was an illegitimate one; and there was another one in the house, which was aged five weeks, and which was the child of Margaret Jones, whose age was 1U years. Mary Jones was 21 years of age. After paying some of the contribution towards the maintenance of the child as ordered by the magistrates the father absconded. In his opinion the child had received every care and attention by his two daughters. He was a widower, his wife having died some 13 years ago. Margaret Jones, aged 16 years, and daughter of last witness, stated that on the Monday mentioned she was left in charge of both of the children referred to. Leaving her sister's child by the door of the house she went to obtain some water from a well situated about 140 yards distant. Her own child was in bed at the time. She was not away but a few minutes, and on returning she was met at the door by the child whose clothes were all in flames. She im- mediately did her utmost to tear away the burning clothes, and as a result burned her own hands. She then wrapped the child up in a blanket, after the fire had been extinguished. The clothing of the child was chiefly of flannelette. The first person whom she saw after the occurrence was John Jones, of Hendre, whom she informed of the matter, and he at once hurried to the village and sent her aunt to her assistance, and she applied oil to the burns and did whatever she could to alleviate the suffering child. When her father returned home soon after he went for medical aid, which was soon forthcoming. Although everything possible was done, the child died at 2 o'clock the next day (Tuesday). How the accident happened she was utterly at a loss to understand, but there was no fireguard in front of the fire, which was a very small one. Dr J W Anderson, assistant to Dr J Medwyn Hughes, Ruthin, said he was called to see the child about 9 o'clock on Monday evening. He discovered the infant-a male child—to be suffering from severe burns, and he believed they were the cause of death. He had every reason to believe that the child had been well cared for and trealed in a proper manner as was evidenced from the well nourished condition of the body. The Coroner, in his summing up, said he had no further evidence to call. From the evidence brought before them it was a sad family history, but that should not in any way influence their finding that day, simply because it was an illegitimate child. The grandfather of the child had certainly given his evidence in a very clear and straightforward manner on all the matters pertaining to the case, as also had the girl who had been left in charge of the child. Of course the misfortune was that the child had been left alone, but he did not think they could in any way blame the girl, because the child was able to go about. Ao-ain a person could not be always carry- ing a child about of such an age as the deceased child was, when they had business to do; and they were told that she was only away for a few minutes. Then they came to the doctor's evidence that the child died as a result of the burning in- juries which it had received. He I:> had however something to say in the matter which he thought it his duty to say. It was that amongst the many children who were burned the cause had chiefly been through the want of a fireguard, as he had often pointed out to the public over and over again during the numerous cases which had been brought before his notice, that death had resulted simply because of the want of a fireguard. Speaking as to his own district, he had leoteed the matter up and had discovered that no less than 10 per beat 'of his inqaests had been because of burns, and. humanly speaking, these lives might have been saved had fireguards been provided in each case. lie might mention to them that in London alone last year and the year before 1,500 children had been burned to death through not having fireguards in front of the fire; and if they took six millions as the population of London they might estimate that all through England and Wales there were no less than about 10,000 who were burned, and all because of negligence. The matter had become so serious that the question was before the Home Secretary as to the best means to be adopted towards preventing so many burning cases. In his (the Coroner's) opinion the parents should be held res- ponsible for the death, and guilty of criminal negligence for not providing guards to the fire. Another matter which he wished to refer to was that which added also to this high mortality. It was the fashion in these days to clothe children- as this child was clothed-in flannelette, which was highly inflammable. It was a source of great satisfaction to the public to know that science had now stepped in and had invented the means of making flannel- ette non-inflammable. If such could be done successfully it would serve materially to reduce the high mortality which resulted from burns. It was to be hoped that parents would become cognisant of this fact and adopt it so that the wearing of inflammable flannelette would sooa become non-existent. It was a wonderful discovery, and it was to be hoped that it would be adopted in every way. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death from burns, and added a rider thank- ing the Coroner for his remarks, and drawing the attention of the public to the necessity of using fireguards. They also hoped that the Coroner's observations as to the non-inflammable flannelette would become widely known so that when the material did come on the market it would be extensively used, and that the use of inflammable material would become non- existent.

CRICKET FIXTURES. LLANYCHAN AND DISTRICT G. C. May 10th, Practice, Llanychan. May 17th, Corwen, Llanychan. May 19th (Whit-Monday), Chester Banks Team, Llanychan. May 24th, Open. May 31st, Ruthin Grammar School, Ruthin. June 7th, Mostyn Park, Mostya Park. June 14th, Penbedw, Penbedw. June 21st, Open. June 28th, Open. July 5th, Dolgelley, Dolgelley. July 12tb, Ruthin Grammar School, Llanychan. July 19th, Penbedw, Llanychan. July 26th, Mold, Mold. July 30th, Chester Banks Team, Booghton Hall. August 2nd, Corwen. August 4th (Bank Holiday), Dolgelley, Llanychan. August 9th, Mostyn Park, Llanychan. August 16th, Open. August 23rd, Corwen, Llanychan. August 30th, Open. September 6th, Mold, Llanychan. September 13th, Corwen, Corwen. Home and away matches will be arranged with Denbigh during the season.

ABERGELE. ABERGELE POLICE COURT. -On Saturday, at this court, before Dr Wolstenholme and other magistrates, application was made by Mr F J Gamhn for the transfer of the licence of the Ship Inn, Abergele, from Mrs Marsh, who had gone to Canada with her husband, to Hugh Griffith Jones, of Trecastell, Dyserth. The application was granted.—Mr Crabbe applied for the transfer of the licence of the Red Lion, Abergele, from Catherine Jones to William Hughes. Opposition was offered by the Rev John Roberts, the Rev Morgan Davies, and others on behalf of the Free Churches of Abergele, on the ground that the house had been closed for nearly six months, and that therefore it had been proved to be unnecessary, there being two other licensed places in close proximity. It was pointed out to the op- ponents by the Bench that the house was one of those licensed before 1869, and that there- fore they could not close it when a respectable tenant applied for the transfer. The Chairman, however, intimated that the Licensing Bill before Parliament proposed to give the justices the same discretion as to this class of public- house that they exercised over others. The deputation were recommended to bring their peiition before the annual licensing bench. A similar recommendation was given to Mr R B Searell, schoolmaster, of Bettws-yn-Rhos, and Mr David Jones,.clerk to the parish council of that place, who appeared in support of an application by the parish council for the stationing of a constable in that village.— Hannah Stapienton, the licensee of the Crown Inn, Abergele, was fined Is and costs for having had on her premises an unstamped glass measure for beer. It was intimated that the glass was the right size, and that she had overlooked the necessity to have it and some others in her possession stamped by the weights and measures inspector, Mr Clarke Jones, who prosecuted in the case.

LOCAL LIOIITING-UP TABLE FOR CYCLISTS AND DBIvESS. Lighting is compulsory for vehicles as wail. as cycles in Denbighshire and Flintshire at the following local times :— H. M. Saturday, May 10th.— 8 53 Monday, May 12th 8 57 Wednesdnv, May 14th. 9 0 Friday, MLty lGth 9 3

.LADIES' Smart Blouse Materials and Flannelettes, 41-d. yard. Full dress lengths, 3s. lid., carriage paid. Patterns free. Ventnor Street Warehouse, Leed&-Ldvt. *m.92 1'0 MOTH¡.;Ri;Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup has een used over fifty years by millions of mothers for their children while teething, with perfect success. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is pleasant to taste; it produces natural quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awaes" as bright as a batton," Of all Chemists, Is. I lid. per bottle. 1567n.c. THE Glen-Spey Distillery, situated in the finest Whisky-producing District of Scotland, is the property of W. & A. Gilbey. This Whisky is made entirely from home-grown Barley and is kept absolutely unblended in His Majesty's Bonded Warehouses to mature, and sold by W. & A. Gilbey's agents in every town at 3s. 6d. per bottle. a20.02 Hornioian's specially blended Coronation Tea is now being packed in 1-1. and I-lb. 0 2 handsomely decorated tins, to commemorate the CORONATION of HIS MAJESTY KING EnwARD VII. and his CONSORT, QUEEN ALEXANDRA. Can be obtained at —Denbigh Roberts, grocer, 35, High- street. St. Asaph Price, grocer. Holy- well Edwards and Lloyd, grocers. Llan- gollen Davies, Thomas. Llanrwst Parry, chemist, Williams. Tryddyn Williams. Rhosddu Davies. Cefn-y- bedd Rogers. SummerhM Hughes. Cefn Griffiths, stores. Llandysilio Roberts. Northop Hall Wilkinson. Bod far!: Roberts. Y sceitlog Hughes. Old Colwvn Jones. Southsea Hughes, The Stores. Wrexham Bird and Son, pro vision merchant. Mold Filix, chemist. Llanrhaiadr Jones, grocer. *d2 ASTON & SON are the largest Furniture Manufacturers in Wales.. Free. Delivery anydistance. Cash or Credit. Addresses:—Wrexham Oswestry, Cefn, Chester, & Shrewsbury. Send for Catalogues. 14, Watergate St, Chester.