The North Wales Times

), RUTHIN. ENTERTAINMENTS. The Walford family and Company visited this town, and held entertainments on Sun- day and Monday last. On Sunday, enter- tainments were held at 3.15 and 8.15 p.m. It was surprising to see the large number of people who assembled to witness these per- formances. In this respect, Ruthin kept up its traditional characteristics. On Monday, a grand concert was held in the evening, and the performances were most efficient and interesting, a very large audience being present. On Tuesday the company left, part going to Caerwys, and another to Denbigh. YOUNG PEOPLE'S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY, PENDREF. The above society held an entertainment of a miscellaneous nature, and a Coffee Supper, at the old Liberal Club Room, on Thursday evening of last week. The supper, which was of an excellent charac- ter, was provided by Miss Roberts, con- fectioner, Well Street. The room had been beautifully decorated by the ladies of the society. It was well filled, and all those who attended enjoyed to the full the good things provided. The Rev. D. Jones pre- sided over the entertainment—which was most interesting-to the satisfaction of all present. BOYS BRIGADE. We are glad to note that the Boys' Bri- gade is in a flourishing condition. The total roll call' amounts to over 60 numbers. The band just established has given the movement an additional impulse On Satum day last, the boys had their first out door parade. They met at the drill room, then marched in excellent order down Wynnstay road to Record Street, where a photo raph was taken on Mr. E. Roberts' lawn, and the boys afterwards treated to chocolate, oran- ges, sweets, (be. The photographs are in beautiful 'bromide,' and were taken by Councillor T. J. Roberts, at whose shop they may be seen. DEATH OF MR. R. ALSTON. With much regret we report the death ef Councillor R. Alston, of Plasnewydd, Ruthin, which took place about nine o'clock on Wed- nesday morning He had been laid up for some weeks suffering great; weakness. The funeral, which will be strictly private, will take place on Saturday (to-day), starting at 12 p. m. for Llanbedr churchyard. WOMEN'S LIBERAL MEETING. On Friday evening, last week, a most sue- cessful meeting was held in the Assembly Rooms, when Countess Alice Kearney, repre- sentative of the Women's Liberal Association, delivered a most remarkable speech on the various political questions of the day. The chair was taken by Alderman Edward Roberts, and the hall was well filled. The Countess spoke with great earnestness and power—her reli nks being founded on true and just prin- ciples. Votes of thanks to the Countess was proposed by Councillor T. H. Rolrtt5, and se- conded by Councillor T. J. Roberts, and te the Chairman, proposed by the Countess, ami seceaded by Mrs. Lumley.

contracted the fever elsewhere. The above figures gave the annual birth and death rate as 34-9 and 29'42 per thousand respectively. The following report was also read by the Medical Officer, who informed the Council that he had supplied a copy to the Government In- spcctor of Factories. 'As you are well aware, our district is totally agricultuial, act has, therefore, either nominally or practically no great works within the Borough, or immediately our of it, There are two small woollen factories, two very small tellmongerb yard;, (laughter), a small iron foundry (renewed laughter), and one tallow chandlery, which, in regard to sanitation, &e., do not require any comments from me. Workshops, such as those of small tailors and seauast'esses, comprise the remainder of such buildings, among which there have been font cases of over crowding, and one for sanitary defects, during the last year. These have been duly remedied. If there is any further information you require, and you will kindly in- form me as to the nature of such, I will endeavour to assist you to the best of my ability.' Mr. Wynne Edwards: You forgot to motion the printing works, Doctor (laughter). The Medical Officer Oh there are only a few of them, and the fact is they are of no im- portance (loud laughter). Mr. Robert Owen: Do you remember the foundry? The Medical Officer: Yes, that of course is one of the most important works in the district laughter). THE MEDICAL OFFICER'S ANNUAL REPORT. Dr. G. W. Roberts read his Annual Report, which was as fotlows:- '18, VALE STREET, DENBIGH, January 14th, 1897. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I have the honour to submit to you the follow- ing report with regard to the public health in the Urban Di-Uiet of Denbigh. Dunne the year 1896 (ending December), this district ha* in no WI'Y shewn any tendency to- wards forfeiting it* reputation for being whole- some and healthy. The state of health con-pares most favourably with that of the pieceding year, and, in fact, with preceding years, as we have had no epidemic of any kidd and the general pood health in the district has been proportionately high. I am pleased to *«y that typhoid fever is al- most unknown in the district now; and there have been so few cnses of a zymotic character that it makes it an easy doty for me to report upon the few cases there are These instances of disease I append in synoptical form during suc- ceeding months, together witb the features in any of the cases which seem to be worthy of note. During the month of January, two cases of diphtheria were reported to me as having occur- red in the same house. On examination of the premises, I was unable to find anything defective in drainage, &c which would account for the presence of the. disease. During the like period, a mild case of typhoid and scarlet fever were reported. The month of February is responsible for the most gloomy record of the year, there being six cases of an infectious nature certified, namely, four diphtheria eases, one typhoid, and one case of scarlet fever. Three subjects of the diphtberitis attack lived in the same hoase. On examination of the respective premises, there was much to be found fault with, in regard to sanitation. In the one case, the building was ancient, and h'M) been raised against a perpendi- cular piece of rock; if this offered any advantage from a Ftrnctural point of view, it was more than reversed by the fact that this wall of nature added to the dampness by allowing an efficient: means whereby water could percolate into the surround- ing masonry, especially as the soil was raided to almost the level of the root on one side, between the rock and the adjacent wall of the house. I also condemned the existing state of the ash- pit and privv and in the case of the latter, strongly advised that an earth closet or W.C. be substituted. This noteworthy state of affairs was not ren- dered any the less formidable by the fact that the tenant was in the habit of keeping pigeons in a bedroom occupied by two adults and three young children, which f"ct was sufficient in itself to ac. count for the presence of the disease. All my suggestions in regard to remedying the above state of things have been duly carried out. The other eafe of diphtheria. was an imported ene. Instruction was given 3,S to various changes and improvements likely to be of benefit in the surroundings of the places connected with this case. With regard to the case of typhoid, the sewers from the house were badly constructed; but these have been opened up, and relaid in a satisfactory manner. Opportunity was taken to urge vipon the Sani- tary Authority renewed spirit and increased acti- vity in regard to the sanitation of the town. During the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, and December, not a single case of an infectious character was notified to me. This represents a state of things highly satisfactory, rarely met with, and almost approaching perfection. The month of May has the best record :—In it, no zymotic case was reported, and three deaths and twelve births were registered. The rncmthBof September and November nearly approach the good scale of March, &c.; for in the former month, zymotic disease is represented by two cases of scarlet fever, while in the latter month by one case of scarlet fever; and the death-rate for these periods respectively were low when account is taken-that in September, out of ten de&thf'regi,terf'd, live were those of in. fants. I regret to say that in comparison with the total number of deaths, the mortality amongst infants is somewhat high, there being 25 art against 99 of tbo e of adults, while 28 out of the latter number had attained the allotted term with an average of 76 42 There is nothing, apparently, which can be done in the above dil ection, as the certified causes of dt.< fch of these children are varied and natural. The average. death-rate for the year ending with December, 1896, is 14.83, wbile the average birth-rste duiing the same period is 21-683 per thousand. I have the honour to be, My Lords and Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, GRIFFITH WILLIAMS ROBRRTS. Medical Officer of Health, Mr. E. T. Jones referred to the high death- rate amongst infants, and asked the Medical Officer what was the cause of this. The Medical Officer: It is difficult te say, sir. Mr. E. T. Jones: Have you reason to think that they are overlaid by their mothers when in a drunken state ? The Medical Officer replied he was not sup- posed to be the judge of the people in those matters, and would not venture an opinion. Mr. Boaz Jones said the annual report was a very satisfactory one. THE DRAINAGE QUESTION. THE SEWAGE SCHEME TO BE ABANDONED. Mr. Wynne Edwards' Threats. The following report was submitted for con- firmation by a Committee of the whole Council held on the 5th inst. The Medical Officer having explained the re- sult of the Local Government Board In. quiry into the application for sanction to borrow £ 500 for drainage work#, and hav- ing advised that the drainage question should remain in abeyance until the ex- piration of the Lease (viz.:—1904), and tha Surveyor having reported that the flow in the drain had considerably improved dur- ing the past twelve or eighteen months, and that, in his opinion, it would work satisfactorily until the end of the lease, provided the overflow at Captain Bridge was allowed to remain, It was proposed by Mr. A. Lloyd Jones, Be- conded by Mr. Boaz Jones, and carried, That the present drainage system be al- lowed to remain as it is until the expi- ration of the lease. A letter was read from Col. Lloyd Williams with reference to the drainage of his fields, which he stated had been intercepted by the Cemetery drain., It was proposed by Mr. H. Gee, and seconded by Mr Boaz Jones, that the Town Clerk write Co!. Lloyd Williams to the effect that the Council is willing to make good any drain interfered with in the Ystrad Road, but request thai; he show first to the satis- faction of the Surveyor that the fault lies in the road, and also to state that the drain was made good by the late Surveyor An amendment was proposed by Mr. Wynne Edwards, and seconded by Mr. T. J. Wil- liams, that the Surveyor be instructed to open into the drain in question in the road, and see whether it is clear On being put to the meeting, 6 voted for the amendment, and o for the resolution, and the amendment was declared carried. Mr. Wynne Edwards said he rose to move an amendment to the report, and at the risk of be- ing somewhat tiresome to his fellow-Councillors who had already heard his argument, he would have to say what lie had previously said on this question. He would have to point out the posi tion of the Council with regard to the drain question. The Council had already acknow- ledged that their drains were not in the state in which they should be, by calling in to assist them, an engineer of great repute in sanitary matters Mr. Shone. He came down to Denbigh and made a report on the present system of drainage in the borough, and he also made re- commendations as to the best way in which the defects should be remedied. The Council, in. stead of doing what, in Mr. Slione's opinion they should have done-instead of adopting the suggestions which he made, and carrying them out, handed over his report to the Borough Surveyor. He (Mr. Wynne Edwards) was not going to say one word derogatory fco the Survey- or, buthe must say that the Council neglected to carry out Mr. Shone's suggestions, which was a very unwise proceeding. The Surveyor cut the plans down, and brought them out in the cheap- est possible form, and having done so, the Cor- poration proceeded to ask the Local Govern- ment Board s permission to borrow the neces- sary money to carry out the scheme as cut down by the Surveyor. The next step in the matter was, that a Local Government Board Inspector come down to hold an inquiry into the matter, and that gentleman went minutely into the de- tails of the whole scheme. During his visit, however, the proceedings were suddenly cut short by the Mayor and members of the Com- mittee offering to withdraw the scheme, and the reason for this was perfectly plain. The In- spector told the Mayor and Officials of the Bo- rough that the proposed scheme was totally in- adequate, and he also informed them that if the scheme was carried out as suggested, it wo Id be his duty to report against it to the Local Government Board. He further told them that he would be obliged to report that the money which had been already borrowed by the Cor- poration, had not been spent for the purposes for which they had been obtained—that was to say that money borrowed for the sewage works had been spent for other purposes. That in it- self was a very serious charge against the Coun- cil. They as a Corporation were bound to place before the Local Government Board and the public, some scheme that would satisfy them and one that would make their drainage system a perfect one. He, therefore, begged to pro- pose that the Sa-nitary Committee be instruc- ted to make inquiries as to the terms upon which the natural fall from the town can be made use of for sewerage purposes.' At the Committee meeting, the Medical Officer sug- gested that the consideration of this question be postponed until the Whitchurch lease came to an end. He then thought that instead of going to Whitchurch the Council should carry the sewage through the natural channel. M that was necessary at the expiration of trie Whitchurch lease, it was necessary now, and although the town appeared in a fairly healthy state at present, yet, an outbreak of disease might occur any day. He admitted that Provi- dence had Been kind to the town of Denbigh- it had been, on the whole, very free from seri- ous diseases, skill there could be no doubt that diseases would be preventable by a perfect system of drainage. They might have an out- break any day, and the people who were the most lukewarm on this important question, would, no doubt, be the loudest in their con- demnation then. He would state publicly, that after the inquiry that was held, that the Council would be responsible for any person that might die if an outbreak of fever occurred in the town. He knew as well as anybody that what he suggested would cost money. He would not attempt to point out whose fault it was that the money already borrowed had not been properly spent. That was not the ques- tion now, but they must spend money in the future, and if the matter was properly and de- finitely settled once for all by the carrying out of a scheme that would last for all time, he ventured to say that it would be the means of saving a great deal of the ratepayers' money. He regretted having to repeat what he said in the Committee, and he did not wish to threaten his fellow-Councillors in any way. Far from it. Personally, he had nothing to gain from any alteration in the scheme, but he felt so strongly upon the matter that if the Council adopted the report of the Committee that day, lie would feel it his duty as a public man to call the attention of the Local Government Board to what had taken place. As a matter of public duty, he would be obliged to put him- self in communication with the Board. But he hoped that that Council would assist a fellow-townsman in such a way as to make this action unnecessary, by facing the important question in a proper manner. The Council, even now, admitted that something would have to be done when the Whitchurch lease came to an end, but he would say, let them face it now, and, if possible, come to terms with the present tenant of Whitchurch to pay a certain sum to buy out the lease. As representatives of the public, let them face the question. If it was shelved now for a few years, it was bound to come up again, and then, they would, per- haps, have to look back upon some horrible calamity. The Town Clerk said that, in the absence of the Mayor, it was only fair that he should make an explanation with regard to one state- meni made by Mr. Wynne Edwards. Mr. Ed- wards said that the Mayor, and other gentle- men present at the inquiry, offered to withdraw the scheme. That was not so. It was the. In- spector himself that suggested the withdrawal of the scheme. Mr. Wynne Edwards: But my reasons were correct, Mr. Town Clerk. The Town Clerk: Yes, certainly; but the suggestion of withdrawing the scheme did not emanate from the Mayor, or any other person connected with the matter. The Chairman then asked whether any gen- tleman wished to second Mr. Wynne Edwards' motion, but after considerable waiting, no one ventured to do so. Mr. A. Lloyd Jones said he wished to say a few words on the question The Chairman Are you going to second the motion ? Mr. Lloyd Jones No; but the threats used by Mr. Wynne Edwards Mr. Edwards rose to a point of order, and asked whether Mr. Lloyd Jones should, under the circumstances, be allowed to proceed? The Chairman said that the motion had not been seconded, and Mr. Jones was, therefore, not in order. Mr. Robert Owen said any member should be allowed to answer Mr. Wynne Edwards, who had brought a serious charge against them as a body. The Chairman said he could not allow them to enter into any personalities. I Mr. J. T. Hwghes thought the Committee were justified in adopting the resolution em- bodied in their report, although Mr. Wynne Edwards prognosticated that a serious calamity might take place in the near future. There was one good thing for their consolation—Mr. Wynne Edwards was not a prophet, or the son of a prophet. The character of the town, as far as the drainage was concerned, would, he believed, compare favourably with any other town in North Wales. The action of the Com- mittee was also strengthened by the report of the Medical Officer of Health, which plainly showed that the condition of the town, as re- gards the drains was such, that they should take no hasty steps in dealing with this matter. They should bear in mind that recently, a cat- tle market had been erected at great expense to the ratepayers, and they should pause a little before undertaking another heavy expen- diture, unless it was absolutely necessary for them to do so. Ib had been said by the men that used to clean the drains, that the main drain would work grandly for another 50 years with but very little alteration. He might re- mind Mr. Wynne Edwards that Mr. Shone said he was rot going to submit any scheme of his own to the Council, inasmuch as Denbigh did not want a scheme. Mr. Shone's words were, that they in Denbigh should be very thankful that they lived in a town that naturally drained itself, and he thought this was the reason why Mr. Shone s scheme was thrown on one side, and that. the further portion of the drain should only be dealt with and improved upon. He was of opinion that there was a great deal more noise about this drain than should be, and he also believed that the drain itself could be re- medied yet. Mr. Wynne Edwards Then you admit that it wants remedying? M". Hughes Yes, I do admit that it wants some improvement. On being put to the meeting, 8 voted for adopting the report, and only one-Mr.Wynne Edwards—against it. MUNICIPAL ELECTION CHARGES. PROPOSED WORK FOR THE ALDERMEN. Pauperising the Public. Mr. Boaz Jones moved the adoption of the Finance Committee's Report, which contained the following recommendations The Committee considered seriatim the items in the account of the Returning Officer's charges at the last Municipal Election, and it was proposed by Mr. A. Lloyd Jones, and seconded by Mr. Boaz Jones, That it be a recommendation to the Returning Officer to take into consideration what this Committee consider excessive in connec- tion with the payment of Presiding Officers at the Municipal Elections.' An amendment was proposed by Mr W. H. Evans, and seconded by Mr. E. T. Jones, That a recommendation be made to the Returning Officer at Municipal Elections to appoint Presiding Officers from the Alder- men to act gratuitously. On being put to the meeting 3 voted for the amendment, and 2 for the resolution and the amendment was declared carried. Mr. A. Lloyd Jones, in seconding the motion, said he had the privilege of bringing this mat- ter before the Finance Committee, in connec- tion with what he considered excessive charges in Municipal Elections. When the resolution was moved, Alderman E. T. Jones explained to the Council that it had been the practice, in former years, for an alderman to preside, free of charge. He (Mr. Lloyd Jones) was very glad that Mr. E. T. Jones mentioned this, as it confirmed his argument, and he trusted that the aldermen would see their way clear to do this. It would be indeed very little for them to do this. It would mean a saving to the ratepayers of about nine guineas; and it was the least thing for the aldermen to do for the honour conferred upon them by the Council (laughter). Mr. Wynne Edwards, in rising to propose an amendment, said he did not think it the right policy to go back to bye-gone times. Ifc was not right to try to carry on elections in a borough like Denbigh contrary to other towns in the kingdom; and he did not think that the officers who served them in other municipal matters should be deprived of this privilege, which he considered one of the plums of their office. The Town Clerk said he bad never been paid for acting as a presiding officer at an election. Mr. Wynne Edwards But you ought to have been paid. He would propose, as an amend- ment, that the scale of fees as adopted by the County Council in connection with elections be adopted. That would give everybody fair remuneration for everything they do. Mr. D. H. Davies seconded the amendment. He did not believe in pauperising the public boo much, and running to do everything for nothing. He did not think that this was healthy, tut believed in paying a reasonable mm for work done. The Town Clerk said the Council had no power 50 pa" a resolution adopting the scale of the County Council, because the Act of Parliament which governed municipal elections left the mat- ter entirely in the hands of the returning officer. He was to state what sum should be paid to the presiding officers. Mr. Wynne Edwards replied that' County Council elections were conducted exactly the same as Municipal Elections. The figures given in the Act were the maximum figurew, and they had a right to reduce them. The Town Clerk iiaid be begged to differ from Mr. Wynne Edwards; and if his motion was passed, he was afraid that it would not have the slightest effect. He bad taken the trouble to make inquiries, and he bad stated the law on the question. The Town Council was on quite a different footing to the County Council with re- gard to Municipal Elections. He explained the matter fully at the Committee. The Chairman If the resolution is passed, it will be then in the hands of the returning officer to decide wbat he will do. The Town Clerk: Quite so. It is entirely a matter for him. Mr. Wynne Edwards suggested that it might be a recommendation to the returniog officer to adopt the same scale of charges in Municipal as in County Council elections, and proposed his amendment in that form. Mr. Howel Gee: What are the fees granted in the Ceiinty ? The Chairman: Two, instead of three guineas. Five voted for the amendment, and six for the Committee's recommendation. FINANCIAL. THE TRANSFER OF LOANS. Mr. Boas Jones moved the adoption of the following report of the Finance Committee The question of the transfer of the Loans from the West of England Insurance Company to the Commercial Union Insaiance Company, having been considered, It was resolved— That an application be made to the Local Government Board for sanction to borrow money from a fresh source at a lower rate of interest, so as to pay off the balances now due on the mortgages to the West of England Insmance Company. That the Town Clerk be instructed to com- municate with the Commercial Union In- surance Company, before the next Council meeting, to advise them thereof, and to again enquire whether they will not reduce the rate of interest on the loans, and so obviate the neceesity of applying to the Local Government Board.' The Town Clerk said the above recommenda- tion had been altered by the Finance Committee held that day. The correspondence in connection with the subject was brought before the meeting, and the Committee recommended to the Council that as long as the Commercial Union Insurance Company had agreed to reduce their rate of in- terest from 41 to 3§, or f3 17s. 6d. per cent, it would be advisable to leave the matter where it now stood, and to a,k the Local Government Board to sanction tte loan at the new rate of iv- terest. The Borough Accountant had worked 4Ut the figures. There weie three mortgages- two at 41 per cent, and one at 4 per cent. By reducing the rate of interest to £ 3 17s. 6d,, it would mean a saving of fl33 on the bulk. If a transfer was made, no doubt the expenses would amount to a very substantial sum, and the Com- mittee thought it best not to apply to the Local Government Board. The amended report was adopted, on the mo- tion of Mr. Boaz Jones, seconded by Mr. A. Lloyd Jones. ERRIVIAT ROAD. THE HENLLAN FOOTPATH. The Highway Committee's report was adopted without discussion, and was as follows:— 'The Committee having further considered the question of the repair of the Erriviat Road above Ty'n y-gors, It was resolved- That a wall be built in the hollow at the lower part of the stream where the road has cracked, and the cavity filled in with rubbish Brad also that a temporary fence be placed on the "ide of the roud to protect a quickset hedge to be rlanted. A letter was read from Mr. W. D. W. Griffith, stating that, in his opinion, it would probably be found most advantageous to make the proposed footpath to Henllan for the greater part of the way along the right side of the road but that it would be desirable, in some places, particularly after passing the entrance to Foxhail, to make it the other side. It waA resolved— That the footpath be made on the right bnud side of the road fiom the top of Henllan Street to the Foxhull gate, and 00 the op- posite side from there to Chweffordd.' THE FIRE BRIGADE AND THEIR ENGINEER. INTERESTING DISCUSSION. Over-ruling the Brigade Committee's Recommen- dation.—Councillor Pryce and Captain Davies. The following report, submitted by the Fire Brigade Joint Committee, gave rise to an in teres ting discussion: — Present:-Mr. T. Andrews (Chairman), inte-srs- J. T. Hughes, E. A. Tumour, and Roger Pryce (for Mr. Wynne Edwards), representing the Council. Messrs. R. G. Davies, W. G. rielsby, and Edward Myddleton, representing the Fire Brigade. Mr. Ellis Williams, the Secretary, was also present. The Annual Report of the Fire Brigade having been read, It was recommended- That the Brigade be supplied with a set of telescope ladders, the total length to be fifty feer, and that the present long ladder be sold. AJo- That the Captain and two Lieutenants be re- elected. That Fireman Mvddleton be appointed En- gineer, in the placo of Mr. Robert Roberts, who retires under Rule S. Mr. Ellis Williams asked for instructions as to the claim for the Brigade expenses at the fire at Cornel Farm, St. Asapb, and it was re-iolved that the same be sent ta Mr. Morris, Mrs. Wynn's agent.' Mr. J. T. Hughes protested against the selling of the long ladder, and moved that the report be adopted, with the exception of that recommenda- tion. The Town Clerk said he had received two or three letters referring to the appointment of an engineer to the Br gade. They would notice that the Fire Brigade Joint Committee recommended the appointment of Fireman Myddleton as En- gineer Mr. Wynne Edwards: I intend to move an amendment to that, sir. The Town Clerk: Perhaps I ought to read the letters first. The Council agreed that this should be done. The Town Clerk said the first letter was from Captain R. ft. Davies, and was to the effect that he had been requested by the Brigade to call a meeting to consider the appointment of an En- gineer, and it was the unanimous desire of the Brigade that Mr. Robert Roberts be appointed for another year. He might say that Mr. Roberts was quite capable of carrying out the duties of his office, and should like to see him re-appointed for this year. The second letter was from Joseph Henry Miller, of BrynfFynnon Terrace, in which he offered himslf as a candidate for the vacant post of engineer to the Brigade. Mr. Miller stated that he was working and living within easy sound of the fire bell; bad been employed at the Foundry for 15 years was used to repairing engines and pumps, and had repaired the fire brigade appliances. He was accustomed to disci- pline, a total abstainer, and had the consent of his employer to make the present application. Messrs. W. H. Evans, Roger Pryce, and E, A. Tumour rope together, but the Chairman called upon Mr. Evans, he having previously eesayed to speak on the question. Mr. W. H. Evans said he begged to move an amendment to the report. He considered that whenever a vacancy might occur through the resignation, or otherwise, of a Corporate official, whatever the remuneration might be, it should be advertised, so as to give an opportunity to any ratepayer that may chose to apply for the post. To place a recommendation of this kind before the Council, when the majority of the members knew nothing about it, was certainly not the right way to go about it. If he had been tightly informed, it was the custom to advertise. How- ever, he would propose as an amendment that Mr. Miller be elected to the post, as he was a practical engineer, Mr. Wynne Edwards said he had very great pleasure in seconding the amendment. Every word in Mr. Miller's letter was true. He was a most steady and industrious man, and was also one of the strongest men in Denbigh. It was certainly no exaggeration to say that he could lift more weight than almost any man in the town and he was also one of those men that could ascend the highest places without losing his head, and that was the kind of man they wanted for the fire brigade; and Mr. Miller would, undoubtedly, be the best man. Mr. Howel Gee Does the engineer retire from the brigade altogether ? The Town Clerk replied that all the members of the brigade, according to the rules, were to retire at the age of 50 years, except the cap- tain, who was allowed to retain his office until he attained the age of 55 years. Mr. Tumour said that Mr. J-. T. Hughes and himself represented the Town Council on the Joint Committee, when it was recommended that Fireman Myddleton should be elected as engineer of the brigade. Mr. J. T. Hughes: Yes, we had that from the captain himself. Mr. Roger Pryce, whose remarks were fol. lowed with great difficulty by the reporters, paid that the letter from Captain Davies was not a correct report of what transpired at the Committee of the whole brigade. The brigade were of opinion that they were ignored by their captain. Rule 6 provided that the nomination of new members should be in the hands of the whole brigade, and not the captain. The Chairman asked whether the members of the brigade received notice of the meeting at which the appointment was to be made? Mr. Roger Pryce replied that the members did not know that the vacancy had occurred. They all understood that Mr. Roberts was to retain his office for the present year, but the captain's suggestion was quite informal. Mr. J. T. Hughes said he told the Committee he would go in for the man that would be most capable of looking after the engine, and do the necessary repairs; and in reply to that he was told by the captain that every member of the brigade was supposed to understand the engine, and be able to repair it. That was a statement which he doubted. However, such a statement was made, and it was on that account that tlie name of Fireman Myddleton was mentioned to them. Mr. Howel Gee said he would not like every man in the brigade to look after the engine. Mr. J. T. Hughes said he did not think it right to appoint a man that knew nothing about the engine to the post of engineer. If the Council decided in favour of doing away with the present engineer, then be would cer- tainly vote for Mr. Miller. Mr. Robert Owen thought the best plan would be to refer the report back to the Committee. Mr. W. H. Evans said they had now two re- commendations from the Committee. One was in favour of appointing Mr. Myddleton as engineer, whilst the other, agreed upon at a subsequent meeting of the brigade, suggested that Mr. Robert Roberts be allowed to retain the office for this year. He was rather sur- prised at Mr. Roger Pryce's conduct in this matter. He was the first to suggest that En gineer Roberts should retire, and he was the first to suggest, or support the suggestion, that he should retain the office for this year. Per- sonally, he (Mr. Evans) was quite ready to vote for Mr. Robert Roberts now, and for Mr. Miller when Mr. Roberts retired. The Town Clerk suggested that the motion to be put before the meeting should be confined to Myddleton and Miller. Mr. Roger Pryce said he would move an amendment to that; viz., that Mr. Robert Ro- berts be allowed to retain the office of en- gineer for the present year. That was the unanimous wish of the brigade. The Chairman: I understood you to say just now that it emanated from the captain himself. In reply to a question, the Chairman said it was quite clear that the Council had a veto upon anybody the brigade might nominate. It was quite competent for the Council to elect anybedy they wished. Mr. D. H. Davies asked whether Mr. Roberts was eligible to be re-elected ? The Chairman Not if the rule is adhered to. Mr. Howel Gee: There is no doubt, I suppose, that we have the power to veto but have we the power to elect? Can we elect anyone not nominated by tbe Committee? The Chairman Yes. A vote was then taken. Eight voted for the amendment in favour of appointing Mr. Miller, I and only one against. Mr. Tumour then rose, and said the point which he wished to have cleared was this Mr, Hughes and himself were sent to the Joint Committee to represent the Council, and Fire- man Myddleton was recommended by the brigade The Chairman said this bad now been dis. posed of, and could not again be referred to. Mr. Roger Pryce again referred to the desire of the brigade in favour of retaining the ser- vices of Mr. Roberts, and was understood to say that Rule 6 of the Fire Brigade Rules had been diverted from. The Chairman said that. according to the rules, Mr. Roberts could not be re-appointed. Mr. Pryce: But there are a great many ways of reading these rules, sir (loud lauirhter). Mr. Robert Owen proposed that the rule which provided for the retirement of the en- gineer be not enforced, and that Mr. Roberts be re-elected for this year. Mr. Wynne Edwards: Have we power to do away with rules ? The Chairman said a resolution to appoint Mr. Miiler had been passed, and the matter was, therefore, done away with. HONORARY CAPTAIN TO THE BRIGADE. Another letter had been received by the Town Clerk suggesting that an Honorary Cap- tain be appointed, and it was referred to the Joint Fire Brigade Committee. SMITHFIELD RECEIPTS. The Borough Accountant reported that the sum received in tolls, &c., at the Smithfield for the January Fair, 1896, was 1:9 4s. lid. last January Fair, 96 2s. 9d., the latter being the receipts for Tuesday only, no swine market having been held. The total receipts for the last eight months of 1895 were £ 159 15s. 3d. ditto, for 1896, £153 6s. Id. THE CLOSING OF SWINE MARKETS. Mr. J. T. Hughes, having referred to the closing of swine markets in the county, and the notices issued by the Board of Agriculture, said that he had made inquiries, and found that this part of the country was absolutely free from the disease. He would suggest that, in the interest of the town, the attention of the Board of Agriculture be drawn to this fact, and to ask them to withdraw the notices (hear, hear). Mr. Wynne Edwards said that the Conta- gious Diseases Committee of the County Council had already passed a resolution to that effect. Mr. Hughes said that a similar resolution be adopted by the Council, to strengthen the one passed by the County Council. Mr. A. Lloyd Jones seconded, and it was carried. MR. WYNNE EDWARDS AND THE METALLING OF STREETS. Mr. Wynne Edwards moved That next season the whole of High Street, and Vale Street as far as Melling's Lane, be repaired with Blue Stone from Bylchau Quarry as a test.' In supporting his motion, Mr. Edwards said that, if they were to have blue stone, or better still granite, on the parts of the town meu- tioned in the resolution, they would get rid of the horrible dust which damaged the trades- men's goods in summer. Blue stone would be also less slippery. He did not wish to do any- thing to damage the local trade but he thought the Graig Quarry had plenty of work, and would not sutler if the Council decided to cover part of the town in the way suggested. Mr. J. T. Hughes thought they should not go out of the town for stone. They had as good a stone in their local quarries as cou'd be found anywhere, if only the Surveyor could get it. Many advantages would be derived by using a steam roller on the roads; and if their Sur- veyor was instructed to procure stone from the black vein in the local quarries, there would be no need to go to Bylehau. The motion was not seconded, and was, therefore, not put to the meeting. RE-NUMBERING OF HOUSES. Mr. Wynne Edwards then proposed That the Surveyor be instructed to carry out the re- numbering of the houses throughout the town,' and gave his reason for doing so. Mr. Hughes seconded. Mr. Griffith suggested that Henllan should be included in the re-numbering. Mr. Wynne Edwards agreed to substitute 'borough' instead of 'town' in the motion, and it was then carried in that form. THE HUSSARS' ENCAMPMENT. A letter was read stating that Sir Watkin W. Wynn, Colonel-Commandant of the 15th Yeomanry Brigade, had called out the Brigade for their annual training at Rhyl.