Flintshire Observer Mining Journal and General Advertiser for the Counties of Flint Denbigh

FLINT. THE NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH.—We understand that the foundation stone of this church will be laid by the Bishop of Shrewsbury at an early date. THE NEW CHAPEL AT PENTRE.-The new chapel built at Pentre for the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists will be opened on the 26th instant. THE CROSS FOXES HOTEL.—This hotel was trans- ferred on Saturday, from Mr. Jackson to Mr. Wigan, brewer and proprietor of the Victoria, and other hotels in Liverpool. ST. PATRICK'S DAY.—A grand celebration and re-union in honor of Ireland's National Saint will be held at Flint on Monday next—St. Patrick's day. The gathering will take place in the Assem- bly-rooms, where a capital programme of national songs will be gone through, and the operetta of Cinderella, which was recently given with such admirable effect, will be repeated by general desire. FOG ON THE P-ivicR. -Between eight and half- past ten o'clock on Tuesday morning, a fog of great though varying density hung over the River Dee. The tide being in at the time, great care had to be exercised in the navigation of vessels on the river. The Minnie Jane, of Liverpool, a steam lighter, while making for Flint dock ran into the waste tip belonging to the Chemical Works, and knocked in her bows, fortunately above the water line. THE NEW HIGH SHERIFF.—The High Sheriff Richard Muspratt, Esq., Mayor of Flint, has appointed Mr. Henry Taylor, Town Clerk of Flint, Under Sheriff, and Messrs. Kelly and Keene, of Mold, acting Under Sheriffs, and the Rev. W. Ll. Nicholas, rector of Flint, has been appointed Sheriff's Chaplain. The High Sheriff and the Under Sheriff were sworn in on Monday. We heartily congra- tulate Mr. Muspratt on the honor conferred upon him. THE REV. RICHARD Owi&x. -On Saturday the Rev. Richard Owen, who has been conducting with eminent success revival services in several places in North W ales, preached two sermons at the Caersalem Chapel, one at ten o'clock in the morning and the other at three o'clock in the afternoon. The services were especially well attended, large numbers attending the afternoon services from Northop, Halkyn, Bagillt and Holywell. Mr. Owen speaks in plain and simple language, and by his great earnestness he reaches the hearts of his hearers in an extraordinary manner. He left the same evening for Mold, where he was conducting a mission at the time. THEFT OF A SOLDIER'S MEDAL.—At the Flint Police Court on Thursday last, an Irishman named Patrick Murphy was brought up in custody charged with stealing a medal belonging to David Jones, labourer at Coleshill Farm, near Flint. The prisoner and the prosecutor were in the Prince of Wales Inn drinking on Tuesday, the 4th inst., and the prose- cutor handed his medal round for the inspection of the company. While the prosecutor was lighting his pipe, the prisoner walked off with the medal, and was traced to the Railway Vaults, where he was given into custody.—Sergeant Ward said both prosecutor and'prisoner were drunk. In reply to the Chairman, prisoner said he was drunk, and took the medal bufcjhad no intention of stealing it, he gave it up when asked in the Railway Vaults. In reply to the Mayor, prisoner said there were other persons in the Prince of Wales drunk on the Monday but he did not know their names as he had only been in Flint a month. The Mayor ordered the prisoner to be discharged, and warned him to be more careful as he had narrowly escaped being sent to gaol. The police were instructed to be on the alert with regard to publicans who permitted drunkenness in their houses. TERRIBLE ACCIDENT ON THE RAILWAY— A MAN CUT TO PIECES. A frightful occurrence took place on the Chester and Holyhead Railway, near Pentre, on Thursday afternoon, whereby a young man named Edwin Illidge, was run down and terribly mangled by a passing train. The accident occurred as the deceased was crossing the railway foot crossing from Pentre into the works, and the facts are as follows. The deceased had been out of the works, and was re- turning by means of the foot crossing. Just as he was about to get on to the railway an express train was passing on the up line at full speed, and to which he seems to have directed his attention, at the same moment as the last van of the express train passed over the crossing the engine of the 3.24 (at Flint) stopping train came on to the crossing which the deceased seems never to have noticed. He was knocked under the train and killed instan- taneously, his body being fearfully mutilated, the unfortunate man's arms and legs being severed from his body and his head knocked into an almost irre- cognisable mass. After being knocked down he seems by some means or other to have got entangled with the chains of the patent continuous brake by which he was carried the whole length of the train, and fell from under the last van of the train, a distance of ninety yards from the crossing The man was observed to be in a dangerous position by Benjamin Jones, foreman platelayer at Flint, who with one of his men, the witness (George Williams) was some distance off. When the body fell from the guard's van Jones ran up, and seeing that the man was dead, he obtained a sheet from his cottage which is on the railway side close to where the accident took place, the body at the time being quite nude, every particle of clothing, with the exception of a small "sweat cloth" round his neck, being torn off. A number of the workmen from the Pentre works arrived, and the remains were collected and placed in the sheet and conveyed to the deceased's lodgings to await the inquest. The parents of the deceased who were fortunately known to Mr. Aldford, the manager of Pentre Works, were sent for and arrived the day after the accident. The deceased it appeared was a married man and father of four children, but his family did not reside with him.—An inquest was held upon the body on Saturday morning before Wm. Davies, Esq., coroner, at the Menai Bridge Inn, Pentre, when the following gentlemen were sworn on the jury;— Messrs. Albert George Smith (foreman), Richard Davies, Richard Evans, John Holford, George Foulkes, Alexander Dodd. W. H. Hull, William Williams, William Bagnall, H. F. Dubois, John Evans, Neil Blue, and William Rogers.—Mr. Parry, stationmaster at Flint, and Inspecter Tinsley were present on behalf of the Railway Co.—After the jury had viewed tho remains of the deceased the following evidence was taken.—Thomas Kenney deposed: I am a labourer working at Messrs. Smith and Mawdsley's Chemical Works at Pentre, and reside at No. 4, Pritchard's- terrace, Lead Brook Minor. I have known the deceased since about Christmas last, and he was working in the same works as myself. On Thursday afternoon I saw the deceased in the works about three o'clock, and I gave him instructions about starting certain work. In about half an hour afterwards I heard that the deceased had been cut to pieces on the line. I went at oqce to where the accident occurred, and recognised the body as that of Edwin Illidge. It was lying on the four-foot on the down line, between Benjamin Jones' house and the stile at the footpath crossing over the Chester and Holyhead Railway and leading from the turnpike road between Flint and Connah's Quay to the seashore. The body was very much mutilated, the legs lying in one place and the arms in another. We gathered the pieces together and placed them in a sheet, and removed them to deceased's lodging. The body was found about 85 yards from the footpath I have referred to; which also leads to Messrs. Smith and Mawdsley's Works, and a great number of the men in going to and returning from their work go along that footpath. The deceased was 26 years of age. —Thomas Baxter, engine driver in the employ of the London and North-western Railway Company, and resident at 11, Talbot-street, Chester, deposed I have been an engine driver for about twelve years. I was the driver of the 2-55. down train from Chester to Rhyl on Thursday, and when my train was on the Chester side of the signal man's box and near thereto, I saw a man coming from the direction of the turnpike road towards the stile leading to the footpath across the railway. I then blew my whistle, but it appeared to me that the man's attention was taken to the other road as if he was watching the up express, which was due at the time. When I saw him getting over the stile, I blew my whistle again, my train being then about three yards from the footpath, but the man did not seem to notice my train at all, and walked on in front of it. As we were going down the line, the left buffer caught him, and knocked him down under the engine and train. I stopped the train as soon as I possibly could, and went back to where the body was lying. The body ap- peared quite lifeless, and a number of workmen having arrived I proceeded on my journey. I was travelling at the rate of about 30 miles an hour when I first saw the man coming towards the stile. At that time I whistled once, and I whistled again when I saw him going over the stile, but I did not continue to whistle the whole time. The man would be about 12 yards from the stile when I first saw him, and I always whistle when coming to the crossing in question. The distance from the signal box to the crossing is about 120 yards.—The deceased's father asked how far it was from the stile to the place where the deceased was first struck, and the witness replied that he could not say exactly, but it was close to the line.—George Williams, a platelayer, stationed on the Flint section, and residing at 59, Mumforth-street, Flint, said On Thursday afternoon last, between three and four o'clock, my attention was called to a man about crossing the railway over the footpath at Pentre crossing. I also saw a train coming down the line which was close upon him. The man WM knocked down and carried a distance of ninety yards. I, with others, went to the spot and assisted in collecting the remains. I heard the whistle of the engine, when Benjamin Jones called my atten- tion to the man crossing the line. He said I am afraid if he goes on he will be killed," and that was the result. The up express was also passing at the time.—The Coroner then proceeded to review the evidence after which the room was cleared. In about ten minutes the jury had agreed upon their verdict, and the Foreman said we find a verdict of Accidental Death," and the jury beg to say that they consider there ought to be a bridge at thia crossing which they consider to be very dangerous. -• —The Coroner said he would have great pleasure in forwarding the recommendation of the jurv to the Railway Company.—Inspector Tinsley who w" present, said he would also see it was conveyed.- The Coroner thanked the jury for their attendance, and they were dismissed.—The funeral of the deceased took place on Saturday afternoon, his remains being buried in Flint Cemetery. A very large concourse of people attended the funeral. We believe the expences of the burial were defrayed by the workmen and others of Pentre Works.

Markets and Fairs. HOLYWELL MARKET—FRIDAY. Wheat, per hobbet of 108 lbs 12s. Od. to 14s. 0d. Barley 147lbs 8s. Od. '1 lis. 6d. Oats 105lbs 6s. 6d. 8s Od Beans 1801bs 12s. Od. II 13s. Od. PRODUCE Clover Hay, per ton Od. 95s. Od. Meadow 70s. Od. 80s. Od. Wheat Straw, 50s. Od. II 60s. Od. Barley Straw, 80s. Od. 36s. Od. I Oat Straw, 40s. Od. 45s. Od. Potatoes, per 224 lbs 6s. 6d. 88. Od. Beef per Ib.7d. to lOd. Veal 8d. 10d. Mutton" 9d. lid. Pork 7d. 8d. Fowls per couple 3s. 6d. to 4s. 6d. Fresh butter per lb i8 yd Eggs 12 la. od!

T T Metals and Mining. THE METAL MARKET:— LEAD: £ s. d. £ 8. d. English pig, common 11 15 0-12 0 0 12 0 0-12 5 0 ;• *b 12 5 0-i210 o sheet and bar 12 10 0— pipe 12 17 6— red 15 10 0- white 16 10 0-19 0 0 patent shot 15 0 0- Spanish 11 6 8- SPIILTI!IB Silesian, ordinary brands 14 7 6—14 12 6 special brands 14 17 6—15 2 8 English, Swansea 15 2 6- COPPER Tough cake and ingot 60 0 0-61 0 0 Best selected 62 10 0-63 0 0 Sheets and sheathing 67 0 0—69 0 0 Flat bottoms 70 0 0—72 0 0 NOTES ON THE MARKETS.—Lead remains very quiet, and scarcely anything doing in shares. The price of metals continues to move downwards, although this week the further decline is trifling. LOCAL LEAD MINES. COED-Y-FEDW AND PANT-Y-BUARTH.—In the 90 level west, on one of the many lodes traversing mine there is a very fine display of lead in the forebreast. The lode is of such strength, and the workings so extensive on its course, that probably various tribute pitches will be set here. In the rise in the back of the 112 level lead is found in places from half a yard to two feet wide perfectly solid. WESTMINSTER CONSOLS.-No. 1 shaft has been • sunk three yards deeper. There is a splendid Wef composed of spar and flookan, and mixed through., with ore. In consequence of the recent heavy raiasi* the progress has been slow, causing an increase off- water in the shaft. On Wednesday, a small hrenrii or string of ore, crossing the shaft going west, wM struck, which is believed to be the top part of the great course of ore in Briokpool shaft, which is 30 yards deeper than the present working. LEAD ORES SOLD. Mine. T. O. per ton. Purchasers.- Van 100 0 8 10 0 Sheldon, Bash ft Co. • 5?tto 25 0 8 9 0 Weston Son ft Co. Ditto 25 0 8 11 0 Walker, Parker ft Co. Minera 65 0 7 5 6 Sheldon, Bush ft Co. Ditto 30 0 7 3 6 Panther Lead Co. Ditto. 30 0 7 3 6 Sheldon, Bush & Co. Ditto 50 0 7 5 6 Ditto. Ditto 50 7 5 6 Ditto. Tankerville 30 0 6 17 6 Adam Eyton ft Son. Ditto 20 O 6 18 6 Walker, Parker ft Co, Ditto 50 0 6 16 0 Panther Lead Co. South Darren. 40 0 12 3 6 Ditto. BLENDE SOLD. Mine. T. C. per ton. Purchaser. Cwmystwith 50 0 3 6 0 Pascoe Grenfell ft Sow. » Van 100 0 2 13 3 J F. TCimmAl. Minera 60 0 4 8 0 Vivian & Sons. Ditto 6it 0 4 3 0 Ditto. Ditto 68 0 4 1 6 Ditto. Ditto. 60 0 4 1 6 Ditto. Ditto. 55 0 4 0 0 Ditto. Ditto. 00 0 4 0 0 Ditto. Ditto. 67 0 3 13 0 Ditto. Ditto. 24 0 3 14 0 Ditto. Tankerville 40 0 3 16 0 Vivian Sous. TICKETIN GrS FOR LEAD ORE » AT THB Euro's >HBAD HOTBL, HOLYWKLI, < March 13th, 1884. „ Mine T per ton Purchasers. North Hendre 60 7 12 6 Quirk. Barton and Rhosesmor 50 7 17 g Walker, Parker ft Co. Halkyn Mines 25. 7 13 6 Adam Eyton and Son. WestTrelogan 71 6 10 0 Do.

HOLYWELL. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Friday last. The following gentlemen were present :-John Scott Bankes, Esq. (chairman), Rev. T. Z. Davies, Rev. Walter Evans, John Henry, Esq. Halkyn—Mr. Thomas Parry Flint—Mr. Richard Evans; Nannerch-Rev. Watkin Williams; Holywell-Rev. J. E. Jones, Messrs. Jos. Garner, J. Kerfoot Evans, Owen Jones and Samuel Davies Newmarket-Rev. D. Williams Northop-Messrs. Reney and Astbury; Yseeifiog-Messri3. John Williams and William Thomas. Cileen-Mr. John Lloyd. FINANCIAL. The following cheques were granted to the Relieving Officers for the out-door poor for the ensuing fortnight- Mr. John Hughes (Mold) £ 140 Mr. John 0. Roberts (Holywell). 135 Mr. J. F. Hooson (Whitford) 85 MASTER'S JOUBNAL. Mr. Hughes (Master) reported that the number of inmates in the house last board-day was-168 admitted since, 5 discharged, 5 died, 2; present number on the books, 166. The number of vagrants admitted during the past 14 days was 125 as against 121 admitted the corresponding period last year. AN APPEAL. A communication was received from the Local Government Board which embodied a copy of an appeal which was forwarded by Mr. John Hughes, relieving officer, Mold district, against a disallow- ance of the sum of j61 15s. which was made in his accounts by the district auditor, at his audit for the half-year ende4 at Michaelmas, 1883, and the Local Government Board desired to be furnished with the observations of the guardians thereon, the sum dis- allowed being relief afforded to one Esther Frobert. a pauper residing in the parish of Mold. It appeared that the relief was unlawfully paid owing to her child named Emily not having regularly attended school, in accordance with section 40 of the statute 39 and 40 Vict., cap. 79. After a short discussion it was resolved that the clerk be requested to write to the Local Government Board, and to state that the relieving officer who had been surcharged had not long been in office, and that under those circum- stances, the guardians respectfully asked the Local Government Board to remit the surcharge, feeling sure that a repetition of the case would not again take place. THE BERKSHIRE SYSTEM. A letter was read from Mr. J. Oswell Bury. Wrexham, hon. sec. of the North Wales Vagrancy Committee, a meeting;of which was held at Chester on the 16th ult., where letters were read from 15 out of the 20 Unions in North Wales, in favour of the adoption of the Berkshire System for relieving vagrants, It had therefore been decided to start the system on the 25th inst. Handbills will shortly be distributed and placards posted calling the attention of the public to the matter. Circulars containing full instructions would also be sent to masters of Workhouses, Relieving Officers and to all those interested in carrying out the system. The Chairman This Board has already assented to the movement so we have nothing more to say on the matter. APPLICATIONS. Mr. Isaac Hall, clogger, Brymbo, appeared before the Board to apply for a boy to be apprenticed to him to learn his trade. He had selected a bright intelligent looking boy named John Jones. The Rev. T. Z. Davies, asked the applicant what terms he was going to make when taking the boy ?—Mr. Hall said he wasted the boy, if the Board would allow him for a month's trial; and if he suited his purpose, which he could no doubt see by the end of the term, he would with the permission of the Board bind him to the clog trade for five years.— The Chairman asked the boy would he like to go ? —The boy replied that he would-The Chairman asked him did he know anything about the clog trade.—The Boy: No. sir.—The Chairman said the applicant could have the boy for a mouth's trial.— A similar application was made by Mr. Robert Williams, barber and hair dresser, who carried on business in Denbigh, for a boy whom he had also selected from among the other boys in the Work- house. He stated that he was in want of a suitable boy as an apprentice and he thought that the one he had selected-a sharp looking boy of 13 years-would be a likely one to serve him. He would take him for a month to see what his qualities were, and if he proved to be a good boy he would have him opprenticed to him. He promised to clothe, feed, and supply him with pocket money, and at the conclusion of his term of apprenticeship he would guarantee to find him a good situation.— Mr. Owen Jones suggested that the boy should go on the same terms as the other one.—The Chair- man: What made you come here for a boy did you try St. Asaph ?—Mr. Williams Yes, sir, but there was not a boy there.—Mr. Samuel Davies, thought that the boys should come back at the end of the month and let the Guardians know how they liked their places.—The Rev. D. Williams men- tioned that the agreement of giving the boy pocket- money should be added to the indenture.—Mr. O. Jones, wpm of the same opinion, and suggested that the amount of the sum should be also stated. ANOTHER APPLICATION. John Griffith, a native of Mold, an able-bodied man, and an inmate of the house applied for his discharge, and also to take his four children with him, and he also applied for relief to enable him to maintain them. It seemed that the man had been in prison previous to his being admitted to the house, and the reason he came there was that he could not obtain employment, and his children were starving. —The guardians were of opinion that he should maintain his family being that he was fit to work, and was not deserving of parish relief.—He said that when he went from the Workhouse he had no where to go except to his poor ould mother who was not in receipt of parish pay and maintained herself by charing.—It was decided to give him his discharge together with that of his children. A MELANCHOLY DEATH. Before the Board separated, the Rev. Walter Evans informed the guardians of the death of an imbecile, a boy from Flint, named James Edmunds, an inmate of the house, who was found drowned in a covered well at the rear of the Workhouse that morning. The boy had strayed the previous evening while the vagrants were at supper. He was soon afterwards missed and a search was made for him, but of no avail. The Workhouse officials considering he might have gone to Flint, mes- sengers were there sent in search of him. He was ultimately found that morning in the well, which is situate in a place difficult of access. ESTIMATE OF CALLS. The following estimate of contributions required from the several parishes in the Union, for the half-year ended at Michaelmas next, having been examined by the Finance Committee, was sub- mitted and approved of, and the calls were ordered to be paid in four equal instalments on the 17th April, 15th May, 26th June, and 7th of August. Caerwys £ 180 Cilcen 364 Flint 752 Gwaenyscor 52 Halkyn 252 Holywell 2184 Llanasa Mold 2076 Nannerch Newmarket. 92 Northop 1200 Nerquis *93 Whitford 1060 Ysceifiog 336 The estimates required for the purposes of the Rural Sanitary Authority and School Attendance Committee were as follows, and were made payable in two instalments on the 17th April and 6th of November next :— Rural Sanitary. School Attendance. Caerwys 9(i 0 0 £ 5 10 0 Cilcen 10 0 0 9 5 0 Gwaenyscor 1 10 0 1 15 0 Halkyn 8 0 0 7 15 0 Holywell 74 0 0 0 0 0 Llanasa 25 0 0 23 0 0 Mold 63 0 0 0 0 0 Nannerch. 4 10 0 2 16 0 Nerquis. 3 10 0 8 0 0 Newmarket. 3 0 0 2 15 0 Northop 63 0 0 0 0 0 Whitford 33 0 0 30 10 0 Ysceifiog 10 10 0 8 15 0 RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY. The fortnightly meeting of this authority was held on Friday last. The following were the members present *John Henry, Esq. (chairman), J. Scott Bankes, Esq., and Messrs. Owen Jones, James Reney, Samuel Davies, and the Revs. Walter Evans and J. E. Jones. A CLAIM FOR EXPENSES. A letter was read, received from the Local Govern- ment Board, applying for the sum of j66 13a. id., as due for expenses incurred by the visit of Major: Tulloch, to Bagillt, in connection with the drainage question. It was decided to pay the amount claimed. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor reported that he had visited and inspected during the last fortnight the following places :-Bagillt, New Brighton, Walwen, Tai Drill, Greenfield, Trevor, Mostyn Squares, Halendy, Mostyn, Whitford, Carmel, Holloway, Milwr, Brynford and Henblas, and ordered all the prevail- ing nuisances to be removed. BAGILLT DRAINAGE. The Surveyor stated that good headway was being made with the laying of the pipes in the main sewer at Bagillt, which had been completed and covered in up to the cottages known as Tabernacle-row, and it was hoped that before the close of this month the work would be entirely finished. The attention of the owner of Tabernacle- row had been drawn to the fact of a manhole being in course of construction on his property, and that he should take advantage of it and have connecting drains put in at once. The Surveyor said the land- lord had promised to attend to his suggestion, and he understood that he had instructed a contractor to carry out the necessary provision for that pur- pose, which, when done, will effectually cure one of the greatest nuisances in Bagillt. The Surveyor had had an interview with Mr. Croudace, the manager of the Bettisfield Colliery, respecting the drainage of the company's cottages called Haumer's- row, and he had promised, as soon as the Rural Sanitary Authority brought the proposed cross or side drain into the road, or within the specified distance, he wouldjhave connections laid immedi- ately. To secure the proper drainage of Hanmer's- row, and to make provisions for the surface water from the upper side of the turnpike road it would be necessary to construct a sewer for that purpose, and the matter being of great importance, the Surveyor had made an estimate of the cost of the work, and he applied for the sanction of the author- ity to carry out the work at once, before the contractor left the ground. The length of the sewer would be about 115 yards, and the cost of construction, with a proper catch pit and grid would be nominal.—The Chairman asked what size the sewer was to be ?-The Surveyor said it would be about one foot in diameter.—Mr. Samuel Davies said that there was no drain in Hanmer- row which was built on elevated ground, and the scheme of the Surveyor would meet all contingencies. —The Chairman said that it must be done.—Mr. Reney thought that they could not cover all expenses incurred which were continually getting larger, with the loan from the Local Government Board. He was under the impression that they would have to borrow an additional sum to meet such expences, and he asked how were they going to get the money were they going to take it from the rates, or borrow it.—The Clerk replied that they intended to borrow.—The Surveyor said that it would require ZCIOOO to drain Bagillt properly.— The Rev. J. E. Jones said that Bagillt must be drained.—The Clerk mentioned that they had the option of applying for the sum of JE500 if they required it, to carry out the contract. The Surveyor's report was adopted in this matter. CONN AH'S QUAY DRAINAGE. The plans of this scheme were completed in detail, and it remained with the authority to decide as to whether, and when an application should be made to the Local Government Board for borrowing powers to meet the cost of the construction of the work. Mr. Preston, the Railway Company's solicitor had not yet sent down the engrossed agree- mants. THE UNION WATER SUPPLY. In compliance with the wish of the authority at their last meeting, that the contractors who tendered for the carrying out of the above scheme, should attend at the present meeting, it being then decided to entertain the two lowest tenders, those of Messrs. Sibeon (Holywell), and Morris (Holway). Mr. Sibeon was in attendance, but a note was read from the other contractor signifying his intention to withdraw his tender, and it was decided that Mr. Sibeon's tender be accepted. AGREEMENT OF WORK. The Surveyor said he had submitted to Mr. R..W. Hughes (the Earl of Denbigh's agent), a draft agreement as between the Chairman of the authority and his lordship for the holding of the land on which the proposed reservoir tank at Milwr was to be made, and he submitted it for the approval of the authority. Mr. Hughes having agreed to it with a few alterations. REPORT FROM THE MOLD DISTRICT. Mr. E. W. Jones, sanitary inspector of the Mold district reported that he found a cottage called the Machine, with the roof in such a dilapidated state as to render it unfit for human habitation, and he had served the agent with notice to have the same repaired, or the cottage unoccupied. At Pentre (Flint) all the drains of a row of cottages called New Western Terrace filled up, and the waste and slop water remaining stagnant close to the back doors of the houses. The out-premises were also in an unsatisfactory condition, and he had given notice to have the defects remedied. At Prichard's- row the piggeries were too near the dwellings, and all the ashpits required emptying. The same con- dition of things also existed at Seven Houses, and notices had been duly served in each case. At Cilcen the roof of Celyn Mally farm house is in a dilapidated state, and he had served the agent with notice to have the house made habitable.—Proceed- ings were ordered to be taken against the owner of the four cottages, previously reported as being unfit for habitation. ANNUAL MEDICAL REPORT. Tho annual medical report of the Mold district, I which comprises an area of 32.000 acres, and a population of 16,660, prepared by Dr. William Williams, was submitted to the meeting. The births numbered during the past year 532, giving a birth rate of 31*9 per 1000, as compared with 29*59 in the preceding year. The number of deaths registered was 267, of which 81, were under the age of five years, arising from the following causes —measles, 2; scarlet fever, 2; whooping cough 3 fever, 1; rheumatic fever, 2; erysipilas, 1 phthisis 30; bronchitis, 55 heart disease, 20 injuries, 8 other causes, 143. Measles had been the prevailing disease, especially at Halkyn Mountain, Connah's Quay and Dublin (Northop), sixty-six cases having been reported, and two deaths had occurred. Two deaths had occurred from scarlet fever in the district. Two cases of typhoid fever had occurred in the neighbourhood of Mold, which were of a sporadic character, and the patients recovered. Regarding the health of Connah's Quay he may report favorably, but no very great improvement could possibly be effected until a regular system of drainage was adopted. Some time ago complaint was made as to the quality of the water supplied by the Connah's Quay Gas and Water Co., upon which he had reported in July last. At a great expense, new filter beds were added, and he believed now that the water was free from all contamination and perfectly clean. He thought it but just to the Company, having made so heavy an outlay for the public good, that the Sanitary Authority should adopt some means to enforce the water supply being conveyed to the respective houses in the village, at a moderate charge, as both Dr. Blaxall and him- self agreed that the dip well in use may be dangerous to health, and always objectionable in a sanitary point of view. SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Holywell School Board was held on Monday afternoon, under the presidency of Mr. J. Kerfoot Evans, the chairman of the Board. There were also present Mr. Isaac Hughes (vice-chairman), Rev. D. Oliver, Rev. E. Evans, Mr. R. Baldwin, Mr. 1. Roberts, and Mr. Wm. Jones clerk-Mr. E. M. Evans attendance officer-Mr, Eliseus Jones. THE NEW OFFICE. The Clerk reported that the Building Committee met on the 21st February, to take into consideration the question of erecting a Board-room adjoining the Halkyn-street school, which could also be made available for occasional use as a classroom. After consultation and a survey of the site, they decided upon the plan of the room which would measure 12 ft. wide by 17 ft. 9 in. long, with a vestibule, and the plan had been approved of by the Finance Committee. On the motion of Mr. R. Baldwin seconded by Mr. Isaac Roberts, the plan was adopted, and it was agreed to invite tenders for the erection from the four builders who had sent in quotations to the previous meeting for the erection of a Board-room. The tenders to be forwarded by Monday next, when a special meeting of the Board will be held. THE SCHOOLS AND THE TEACHING STAFF. The Clerk reported that meetings of the School Management Committee had been held during the annual examination of the Board Schools, and the following members of the Board met the Inspector on his visits-The Chairman, Rev. D. Oliver, Rev. E. Evans, and Mr. Isaac Roberts. A meeting of the Committee was also held on the 3rd inst., when the schedules and reports on the pupil teachers' needlework were submitted, and it was decided to call a meeting of the committee when the whole of the reports of the annual examinations had been received when the rearrangement of the school staff would be decided upon. The lavatories at Bagillt were again reported to be out of order, and a defect in the ventilator at the Spring Gardens School permitted rain to fall into the centre of the schoolroom. The Rev. D. Oliver said he wished the Board particularly to consider the question of the school staff which was now in a wretched state, and he did not know how they were able to carry on in the schools. The whole system was wrong; there were no fresh apprentices pre- sented this year in any of the schools, and there did not appear to be any probability of their getting any, so that the whole of the staff was at a stand- still, instead of their having scholars trained ready to take the places of those who moved forward as the senior apprentices completed their term.—The Clerk remarked that the question of staff would come forward in the report of the Inspector, who, in the report of the Spring Giv'lens School, which he had just received stated -The mistress needs more help it should be given her at once."—The Chairman observed that the Inspector had mentioned the case of the Spring Gardens School to him. They had been in great difficulties as to pupil teachers for some time. —Mr. William Jones corro- borated the last remark and said that some of the pupil teachers had resigned after their appointment. —The Rev. D. Oliver said he understood that the Board had reduced the fees payable to pupil teachers, and that those in the first year now only' received L6, instead of £ 10. The question would have to be considered, for there was no doubt that the schools suffered very much from the state of things which now existed.—The Clerk pointed out that the staff was now kept down to the minimum allowed by the code, and the Rev. D. Oliver said he thought it was a great mistake to keep the staff so low. If they wished to be economical let them be economical in the paraphernalia of the school, but not in the staff, (for they were ruining the schools by such a policy.—The Rev. E. Evans said he quite agreed that it was mistaken policy to reduce the staff to its present state. -The Chairman said he believed that it was the Vicar of Bagillt they bad to thank for the staff they employed.— The Vice-chairman remarked that the Vicar of Bagillt was only one member of the late Board.— The Rev. D. Oliver again contended that it was mistaken policy to reduce the staff to the minimum allowed, for pupil teachers paid for themselves. They ought as a Board to educate their own staff, and to have a sufficient number going in for examination each year to take the place of those when dropped off. — Mr. Isaac Roberts asked whether the Board did not think f,6 for the first year sufficient ? There were many trades to which apprentices were bound for six or seven years, and who received no salary at all for the first three or four years.—The Rev. D. Oliver did not consider £ 6 sufficient for the first year. In the trades referred to simply hand-work was taught, but if they did not pay sufficiently they would not be able to get the class of young people they would desire to become pupil teachers.—The Rev. E. Evans also considered that there was no analogy between teachers and apprentices to many other trades.— Mr. Wm. Jones believed that their scale of pay- ment to pupil teachers was one of the lowest in North Wales, and it did not offer any inducement to parents to apprentice their children as teachers. —The Clerk said the terms formerly offered by the Board was 110 for the first year, but then the teachers were apprenticed for five years they now paid L6 a year, the term being four years,—The subject then dropped on the understanding that it would be considered by the members individually before it was again raised. THE NEW CODE AND INCOMPLETE STAFF. The Clerk stated that he found by one report that the grant earned this year was £ 10 less than that earned in the previous year by the same school, although the average attendance was higher. FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES—A SUPPLEMENTARY BATE. The Clerk stated that the treasurer of the Board had called his attention to the fact that the Board was indebted to him in the sum of zC161, including the amount of the election bill. To meet that they had f,130 in the hands of the overseers, 130 of which would be paid the following day, and he hoped in the course of a fortnight to receive J6400 or L-500 in Government grants. The Finance Com- mittee wished to meet the amount of the election bill and some other expenses, and inasmuch as the overseers had decided that they could not see their way clear to advance the Board a sum of money, they recommended the Board to issue a precept for a rate of one penny in the pound, to be collected at the same time as the poor rate.—The Chairman added that the committee also requested that the rate should be called the election rate."—The Vice-chairman said they recommended under protest that the supplementary rate should be made because it arose from the fault of the late Board in reducing the rate to sixpence in the pound when it was insufficient-The Chairman stated that it was clearly shown that according to the estimate a rate of 6d in the pound would have been sufficient, and therefore a rate for that amount was levied.—The Vice-chairman remarked that the late Board did not think of the advances they had made in salaries when they made the rate, and the result was that the Board now found itself short of £ 50 besides the amount of the election bill—The Chairman said if the precept was passed the rate could be dove- tailed in and collected with the poor rate to be made in April.—The Vice-chairman showed that the present Board was not levying a higher rate than that made before, but the supplementary rate was required because the late Board did not make their calculations properly, in not having made provision for the election expenses-The new rate was subsequently agreed to on the motion of Mr. Baldwin, seconded by the Vice-chairman. MISCELLANEOUS. It was resolved that the Chairman should sign a testimonial for Miss Annie Evans, who had com- pleted her articles at the Bagillt Infant School. A complaint from Mr. J. J. Williams as to the sani- tary state of the Bagillt teachers' residence and also as to the water in the tank was referred to the School Management Committee. —The Clerk stated that with the authority of the Board he had ap- pealed against the assessment of the teachers' resi- dence at Holywell and Bagillt, and had the rateable value reduced from X20 to Z13 10s Od. A letter was read from the ex-cleaner of the Bagillt schools desiring to retain her appointment, but as another person had been selected immediately on the former tendering her resignation, the Board declined to disturb the arrangements. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE OFFICER'S REPORT. The Attendance Officer reported as follows:— The general attendance throughout the district continues to be good and satisfactory, but many of the children slackened in their attendance after the examination. Several of them are also sick, suffering under various diseases such as croup, measles, eruption on the body, &c., all of which tends to affect the general attendance at school, and thereby causing a diminution in the average attend- ance of the district. The Board will perceive by the monthly returns that the infants are less this month than last owing to them being drafted to other schools after the recent examination. It is my custom in the beginning of every school year to devote a certain amount of time to visit parents who have children between the ages of three and five to induce them to allow the same now to attend school, that they might have the advantage of the whole year, and be better prepared when they would attain their fifth year, when attendance will become compulsory upon them. I have often been asked when three or more children of the same family attend the same school, if a reduction could be made in the school fees of the same. No provision is made in the present regulations of the Board to meet the question. The full penalty of 5s. was inflicted in all the cases reported at the last meeting. I have again several cases of irregularity to bring under your notice. It was mentioned that the scale of fees would not be altered without the sanction of the Education Department. STATISTICAL SUMMARY. The returns presented for the month of February showed that the average weekly attendance at the six Board Schools was 633, an increase on the corre- sponding period of last year of 65 while the total number on the registers was 785, an increase of 52. The average weekly attendance at the various schools was—Halkin-street boys' school, 130 girls, 107; Spring Gardens infants' school, 74; Bagillt boys' school, 118 girls, 134; infants, 70. "REACHED" AND "PASiED." A question of some interest to parents arose as to the exact meaning of the word reach in the by- laws, with regard to the standard for exemption and half-timers. The by-law provides that a child must have reached" the fifth standard to be entitled to total exemption from school, and to have "reached" the fourth standard to qualify as a half-timer. The word "reached" was defined to mean that the child must have passed those standards in reading, writing and arithmetic, before the claim could be ,made, and that view was endorsed by the Education Department. A BOY THAT WAS "SCHOOLED" ENOUGH. Mrs. Newall, of Bagillt, appeared before the Board with respect to a fine of 5s. imposed upon her by the justices for not sending her son to school. Her son, she said, would be 14 years of age next June, and had been educated at a private school in Flint but owing to adverse circumstances the boy had b,n kept at home for two quarters, as she thought lid was schooled enough." She complained that she had not received notice to attend the Board be- fore being summoned, and that when she was before the justices she could not speak.—The At- tendance Officer showed that he had called at Mrs. Newall's house times out of number in respect to the boy, and had also spoken to her husband and herself in regard to the matter. Inasmuch as the matter had been in the hands of the Justices the Board delined to interfere. THE MIGRATION OF CHILDREN. The Clerk stated that he had written to the managers of schools in the district as to the capri- cious migration of children from school to school during the year. The Vicar of Holywell had informed him that he was prepared to join the Board in any feasible scheme; and the Rev. Fr. Swift had written stating that the practice was a most pernicious one, and that some seeps should be taken to prevent it, but that he would require to know the details of the scheme before committing himself to it. He (the Clerk) had forwarded the school managers a copy of the rules passed by the West Bromwich School Managers, but he had not since received a reply. ABERYSTWITH COLLEGE GRANT. On the motion of Mr. I Roberts, a petition was adopted to Mr. Gladstone praying for a continuance of the Government grant to Aberystwith College. THE UNHEALTHY INFLUENCE OF FINES. Several parents were reported who neglected to send their children to school regularly. In the course of considering these cases, the Rev. D. Oliver suggested that they should try the influenoe of persuasion with some of the parents, and endeavour to get them to be more careful in sending their children to school regularly for the sake of the education itself. He believed that it had not a healthy influence to take the parents before the magistrates; and if they could accomplish the purpose by a little persuasion it would be far better.—In several cases the parents were directed to attend the next Board meeting, and the issuing of summonses against them was suspended.

BAGILLT. BETHANIA LITERARY AND THEOLOGICAL DEBATING SOCIETY,-The weekly meeting of the members of this society took place on Thursday evening last, but the ordinary programme was dispensed with and the members spent the evening in prayer. REVIVAL MEETINGS.—Very successful meetings in connection with the above religious movement were held in the Wesleyan Chapel from the beginning of this week and will be carried on up to Sunday next. Great devotion was manifested by those who attended, and several persons have "stayed behind." WORKMEN'S CLUB.—A meeting of the managing committee of this institution was held on Monday evening last, Mr. Unsworth (station-master) in the chair. Votes of thanks were passed to all who had tendered their services gratuitously in aid of the club. All accounts due to various creditors were ordered to be paid, and other business was also disposed of. YOUNG PEOPLE'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. — Ought the State Church be disestablished," was the subject of debate at the fortnightly meeting of the above society, on Tuesday evening last, the question being advocated by speakers on each side. The discussion was adjourned until the next gathering of the society, when the votes will be taken on the subject. ACCIDENT TO AN OLD WOMAN. A painful accident happened to an aged woman named PhcBbe Roberts, residing near Coleshill, on Saturday afternoon last, by being run over by a trap. A gentleman was driving along the road in the further end of Bagillt, when he met a conveyance coming from the direction of Flint, and in allowing place for it to pass, the trap knocked the old lady who isjrather deaf, down. She received a somewhat severe injury to her leg. The gentleman kindly sent for Dr. Morris, who attended the sufferer, and she is recovering as well as can be expected. CHESTER NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY. At the weekly meeting of this society, held at its rooms, Lower Bridge-street, on Thursday evening, Mr. A. O. Walker, chairman of the Zoological section, delivered a lecture to his section on "Crabs, lobsters and shrimps." The lecturer gave a sketch of the different divisions into which the crusta- ceans were divided, with examples, especially local ones, of each division. The local examples were specimens found in the Dee and round the shores of North Wales. Besides these the lecture was illustrated by some very remarkable forms of crustaceans from Singapore. THE IRON CHAPEL.—Evangelistic services were held in the above place of worship commencing on Monday evening last, when an excellent sermon was preached by the Kev. H. Ward Price (Chester). On Tuesday night the Rev. D. B. Evans (Mold) officiated. The Rev. Owen Thoma, M.A., (Holywell) occupied the pulpit on Wednesday, and this (Thursday) evening, the Rev. D. B. Hughes (Connah's Quay) preached. Sermons will be delivered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (morning and evening), by the Revds. D. Oliver, T. Palmer James, and Mr. C. Drinkwater, respectively. SERIOUS ACCIDENT.-An accident of a serious character befel a man named William Higginbotham, employed by the Bettisfield Colliery Company. On Friday afternoon last, Higginbotham, who was a hooker-on at the bottom of the pit, incautiously looked up to the mouth of the pit, when the cage descended with considerable force and struck him in his forehead, inflicting a terrible wound. He fell from the force of the blow right under the "cage" which weighed about 32 cwt., and in addition to the injury to his head he was severely crushed. The signal was immediately given for the cage to ascend, so as to enable the sufferer to be extricated. He was placed in the "cage," and conveyed to the mouth of the pit. Higgin- botham bore his injuries with great stoicism, from the time the accident occurred up to when he was visited by the doctor, being rendered unconscious for a few minutes only. His injuries were attended to by Dr. Morris, and he is now progress- ing in a very satisfactory manner. EBENEZER CHAPEL.—The last of a series of popular entertainments was held in the above chapel on Saturday evening last. The edifice was crowded with an attentive audience and tha chairman on the occasion was Mr. Richard Hughes (New Brighton), who opened the proceedings in a few suitable remarks, which were followed by the audience uniting in a favorite congregational hymn. The Misses Carrington, Ward, and Price, were unavoid- ably prevented from being present, but nevertheless the programme was excellently sustained by the following amateurs whose able services are always appreciated. Mr. Thos. Evans (Flint), who rendered his songs with good taste; the Misses Jones, who sang very prettily the duett When we shall meet at the fountain," Mr. Wm. Roberts, and party, sang Hark! the lark," with precision and good tune. Song and chorus, Ysgubo o flaen dy ddrws dy hun," was given by Mr. T. Griffiths (Brynfab), the audience joining in the refrain. Miss Barker, was encored in her song and she kindly responded. The bailiff's daughter of Islington," was sweetly given by Miss Mary Jones. This being the last entertainment of the present season, the committee embraced the opportunity of conveying their gratitude to all friends who have so willingly come forward to render such valuable assistance. Miss S. E. Hughes (Bedol Farm), played the accompaniments in a skilful manner. A vote of thanks to the chairman and singers was proposed by Mr. H. T. Barker (Dee Bank), and seconded by Mr. R. Jones (Gadlys Lane), and the meeting then terminated.

HOLLOWATS OINTMENT AND ]PILLS. -RheUMatiaM tud Neuralgia —Though the former disease remorselessly, atleeke the latter ruthlessly selects its victims from the weak and delicate, the persevering use of these remedies wiH infallibly cure both complaints. After the affected parts have been diligently fomented with hot brine, and the skin thoioughly dried, Holloway's Ointment must be rubbed in firmly and evenly for a few minutes twice a day, and his Pills taken according to the printed directions wrapped round each bo* of his medicine. Both Ointment and Pills are accompanied ,r by instructions designed for the public at large, and no inva- lid, who attentively reads them, can now be at any loss how to doctor himself successfully. 4 ♦ EFPS'S COCOA.—GRATEFUL AND <• BV a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern thtt operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well-selected Cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctor's • bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Hundreds cil subtle maladies are floating around us ready to attaek." wherever there is a weak point. We may escape maay a, fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortifled with puie blood and a properly nourished fmme.Civil Service Gazette —Made simply with boiling water and milk. Sold only in Packets, labelled-" JAMES Errs & Co., HomoBopatkis- ■>< Chemists, London,Alo makers of Epps'g (jacobitee Essence. Printed and Published by the Proprietor* DAVIES AND CO., at their General Printin* Office, High Shoet, Holywell.