The North Wales Times

RUTHIN. "j- POLICE COURT. MONDAY.—Before the Rev. Chancellor B. O. Jones (presiding), Capt. Cole, Messrs. G. Blezard, G. Fosberry Lyster, J. Watkin Lumley, the Mayor of Ruthin (Dr. J. M. Hughes), Col. Saxon Gregson Ellis, Dr. J. R Jenkins, W. G. Rigby, W. T. Rouw, E. O. V. Lloyd, and Col. R. Gregson Ellis. Mr. John Roberts acted as clerk. THE DEATH OF MR. LLEWELYN ADAMS. At the outset of the proceedings, the chairman rose and said-Before the formal business of the court commences to-day, I have a melancholy duty to perform, and that duty will be explained by two resolu- tions which I shall submit to my collegues, and which are as follows: That the Justices of the Petty Sessional Division of Ruthin express their deep regret at the loss they have sustained in the death of their clerk, Mr. Llewelyn Adams, who, acting in that capacity for 44 years, discharged the duties of his office with eminent ability, tact and discretion. That a copy of this and the preceding resolution be sent by the acting clerk, Mr John Roberts, to the family of the late Mr. Adams, with the assurance of the justices that they sincerely sympathise with them in their bereavement' I think these resolutions, I may say, although drawn out by myself, do clearly express the feelings of myself and colleagues, and any lengthened comment is quite unnecessary. I can only add that I feel the loss of Mr. Adams as a personal loss. I have known him intimately for over half a century in his private as well as his public life, and I am sure you will all agree with me in saying that his conduct of the business of this court has been exceedingly able. He had an extensive and accurate acquaintance with the statutes relating to criminal law, and he always exercised great tact and dis- cretion in his relations with the magis- trates. He only interposed when necessary, and as far as possible, left the business of the court to be conducted by us. In con. elusion, I can only say that his death is a loss to the public generally, and a personal loss to those of his friends who survive him. I now beg to move these two resolu- tions. Mr. G. Fosbery Lyster: I have great pleasure in seconding the resolutions moved by the chairman. Mr. E. O. V. Lloyd said he also desired to support the chairman's resolutions, and wisned to say publicly that he felt they had lost a very active and able officer in Mr. Adams, and one they all wished to pay a tri- buteof respect toat his death. Heserved the bench faithfully for a long period of years. The reason he did not attend the funeral, or sent his carriage, which he would have wished to do was, the desire of the family that it should be as private and as quiet as possible. Mr. William Lloyd said, that as town clerk of the borough, and now senior practioner in this town, he wished to en- dorse the remarks of the chairman, and also to join in the expression of condolence with the family at the loss they had sus- tained by the death of the late Mr. Adams. During the time he had had the opportunity of attending the court, he had always re- ceived from Mr. Adams the utmost civility, courtesy, and kindness, and the profession had lost in him a very able and brilliant lawyer. Mr. Edward Roberts said that as repre- senting his brethren practising in the court, he would like to supplement what the chair- man had already so ably and eloquently said, and, of course, to confirm and substan- tiate every word that bad been said, and to say on his own behalf taat for a period of over 20 years, during which he had had business connections with Mr. Adams, he had never had the slightest friction with him. As a lawyer, Mr. Adams was pre- eminently the father of his profession in this country. He was a good lawyer, and his opinion was always valued both by the court and by his clients. Mr. John Roberts said that having had the honour of serving under Mr. Adams for a large number of years, he begged to thank the bench for the kind resolution of sym- pathy which had been passed, and he would take care it was conveyed to the proper quarter. The resolution they were good enough to pass just a month ago, gave Mr. Adams great satisfaction and gratification, and he felt sure the resolution the bench had just passed would be very consoling to the family. The Bench now retired, and were to gether in the ante-room for a considerable time. It is understood that the question under discussion was the steps to be taken with the view of filling the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Adams as clerk of the court. A POLICEMAN FINED FOR AN ASSAULT. A PECULIAR CASE. P.C. Evan Williams, stationed at LJanar mon, was summoned by Mr. Wm. Hughes, who lived as a lodger at the Cross Keys Inn, Llanarmon, for assaulting him on the 26th of December. Mr. Edward Roberts, Ruthin, appeared for the complainant, and Mr. A. O. Evans for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. The complainant on being called said he was a widower, having some children. He worked at Pant y dellt, Llanarmon, and he lived at the Cross Keys, Llanarmon, the wife of the proprietor Richard Davies, being his sister. The mine stopped for the Christmas holidays on the Friday, and he observed the Monday after Christmas day as holiday, going to LIanferres for the pur pose of seeking a house. He returned to the Cross Keys a little before six o'clock that night. Immediately after his arrival, Mr. Williams, the policeman, came into the house. He was then sitting on the bench in the porch near the door. P.C. W illiams told him to go to bed and that unless the complainant went to bed he would be obliged to take him out, as he was drunk. Witness said he would not go, as he was living in that house, and it was not yet bed time. Then the constable took hold of him by the collar and dragged him out into the yard in front. Witness went back, and the officer again dragged him out. At last he struck witness on the temple, but witness could not say with what, nor could he say whether he was struck more than once. He did not know whether the officer had a stick or not. Witness then became unconscious. When he recovered, he was sitting in the porch on the bench, and his sister was there, but the policeman had gone. He was put to bed, and next day the doctor saw him. He suffered from a wound on the eye, and a sprain to the arm from which he still suffered. By the Chairman: He was living and sleeping in the house at the time. It was the blow by the constable and net the fall which rendered him unconscious. When struck, he fell backwards. He did not bear the landlord tell the constable to turn him out. Cross examined by Mr. Evans: Witness I was at the Druid Inn and the Red Lion in Llanferres district in the afternoon of this I I day, and when he got home he was sober, but he had had some drink. He denied that he had any quarrel with the landlord, when he returned home, and the landlord did not ask the officer to remove witness from the premises. The policeman said witness was drunk, and witness said he did not care for the policeman as he could do him more harm. When Williams endeavoured to remove the witness, the latter tesisted, holding on to the door, to the settle, and to the porch. He only tried to get back to the house. Dr. William Davies Jones, practising at Ruthin, said he was called to see the pro- secutor at Llanarmon on Tuesday, the 27th ult., in the afternoon. He complained of great pain in his right shoulder, and pains all over his body, but the feature which wit- ness observed was an extensive contused wound over the left eye. The wound im- plicated the left eye entirely, so that wit- ness could not then determine whether the eye had been. ruptured or not. The parts were very much discoloured. The arm ap peared to have been severely sprained, which might have been caused by a fall. The wound might have been produced by a heavy fall on a blunt object, but the doctor was of opinion that it was more probably caused by a blow with a blunt instrument, or with a fist. The fact that the wound was not lacerated was more indicative of a blow than a fall. Jane Davies, wife of the landlord of the Cross Keys, stated that her brother was lodging at the place, and she had charge of his children. She had a whistle in the house, which was used when they wanted to call the children. Her husband had just been using the whistle when the policeman came in on Dec. 26th. The policeman told her brother he was drunk, and that he could take him up as a drunken man. Witness had given the complainant no drink that day. When the officer took hold of the complainant, the latter fell backwards right on his l ack, and witness thought he had a blow. This was outside the house, and the officer dragged the prosecutor to the porch, and asked for water to wash his face. Then the constable left complainant sitting in the porch. The landlord did not interfere at all, and so far as witness knew, did not re- quest the policeman to put her brother out. They only spoke in reference to the whistle. Her brother was not quarrelsome. In the coarse of cross-examination, the witness said she did not know whether the officer required the water to wash the complainant's face, or for the complainant to drink. Witness was excited and did not get the water. At that time, her brother's face was bleeding very much. The police- man had said her brother would have to go to bed, or that he would have to take him away. The prosecutor and her husband had words together sometimes, but she did not admit that they quarrelled. She did not hear her fiusband give the policeman orders to turn the complainant out, but it was possible that he did so. The Chairman said that the law contem- plated a man being turned out of a public house if he were a stranger, but in this case the complainant was living in the house. Noah Griffiths, residing at Cwm, Llanar- mon, and a farmer, stated that he was on the way to chapel on the evening in ques tion. When passing the Cross Keys, he saw William Hughes endeavouring to enter the house where he lodged. The next thing witness saw was William Hughes falling backwards, apparently in consequence of a blow and the constable was the only person near. yi Mr. Edward Roberts said he would not call any further evidence, but would reserve his other witnesses to give rebutting evi- dence, if necessary. P.C. Evan Williams, who was then called by Mr. Evans, said that on the Monday night in question, the sound of a whistle attracted his attention to the Cross Keys. It was then about six o'clock. He heard quarrelling in the house, and went towards the sound. On going into the house, he found the landlord (Richard Davies) 'and William Hughes quarrelling. Hugh Jones, Maesgwyn. and the landlady were in at the time. On seeing witness coming in at the door, Richard Davies said 'turn this man out;' pointing to William Hughes. Witness then went forward to the kitchen, and asked Hughes what is the matter with you man why don't you be quiet Richard Davies is master here, and you must be quiet and go to bed.' The reason why he said this to Hughes was, because he was drunk and disorderly, and would not leave the landlord alone. There could be no doubt but that the man was drunk. During a conversation he had with the landlord, the latter requested him to turn Hughes out. He then went round the table, and took hold of him by the collar. Hughes fell on the kitchen floor, and pulled witness down with him; He then lifted him up by the armpits, and half carried him out, but be again fell with his arm under him. Hughes resisted very much, and witness had some difficulty in getting him out. Witness then returned into the house to fetch his cape and stick, and again met Hughes in the passage coming back into the house. He took hold of him under the armpits and again haif carried him out, but Hughes fell on his head foremost. Mrs. Davies Was in the passage at the time, and saw what took place. There were stones rising up in some parts of the pavement o itside. Afer the fall, Hughes was bleeding from a spot above the eye, and also underneath it. In his (witness) opinion, the man fell in conse- quence of being drunk. Witness asked Mrs. Davies to bring him a piece of rag and water to see whether he bad hurt himself, but she refused. Be then told her if you don't take care of this man and put him in a safe place, I shall get Edward Davies's cart and take him to Ruthin.' They attended to him then, and begged of him not to take him. There was no more force used by wit- ness in taking him out than was neces- cl sary. Mr. Lumley Did you know that this man lodged in this public house 3 Witness Yes. Mr. Lumley Then you knew that he had no.-home to go to except in that public house for the time being Witness: I did. Mr. Lumiey: Did you intend when turn- ing him out of the house to bring him to the lockup, or did you intend to turn him into the street whatever befel him ? Witness: I tried to persuade him your worship— Mr. Lumley Answer my question. Witness: I was requested your wor- ships— Mr. Lumley Answer my question (laugh- ter). Witness. Will you please ask it again, sir" Mr. Lumley In turning him out, was it for the purpose of bringing him to the lock- up, or leave him on the roadway whatever might befel him ? Witness For the purpose of letting the landlord getting peace in his own house. Mr. Lumiey: Answer my question. We wiiJ come to that again. Witness: I was requested by the land- lord to turn him. ut for him to get peace. Mr, Lumley: But you knew that he lodged there ? Witness: Yes. On' being further questioned, the con- stable said he was not aware that he had no power to turn a lodger out of his house. He did all in his power to persuade the man to go to bed. He did not know he was so drunk, until he came to handle him. The Chairman: But you turned the man out of the house, and that is the peculiar part of the business. You had a right to turn a stranger out, but here you have turned out a man who was there living. Witness: Yes, but I was requested by the landlord to do so. The Chairman: But what was to become of him ? Witness: I did tell them that if they did not put him in a safe place, I would take him to Ruthin, and then they attended to him. To Mr. Edward Roberts: I had come to the conclusion that the man was drunk be- fore I touched him. The Chairman, after further argument, said they had here the extraordinary anomaly of a man being turned out of his own home. When the constable was asked what he intended to do with the man, he gave no satisfactory an- swer. It is a very extraordinary case-in fact, the funniest case I ever heard. Jesse Roberts, a young man called as a wit- ness by the defendant, stated that he met the complainant in the road on his way to the Cross Keys. Complainant was wobbling a little in his walk, and appeared to be drunk. Hugh Jones said he was at the Cross Keys on the occasion in question. He saw what oc- curred in the inn, but nothing that happened outside. He saw the officer and the landlord speaking together, but did not know what they said. Then the officer removed William Hughes who appeared to be under the linfluence of drink. Richard Davies, the landlord of the inn, who was called at the request of the bench, said he remembered William Hughes coming to the Cross Keys on Monday, the 26th. He had no- where else to go. Witness could not say he was drunk, bat he had had some drink. They had no quarrel-at any rate not anything of any consequence. They were not shouting. He had just whistled for the children to come in. At this point Mr. Evans put the following questions to the witness:- Did you tell the officer to take the man out ? Witness: I told him to send William Hughes to bed. For what reason? The policeman is the keeper of the peace. Was the peace broken ? It might have been. I wanted Hughes o go to bed. You were trying to get your brother-in-law to go to bed ? Yes. Was that because he was drunk or sober? He was between the two. You say your directions were to the police- man to send him to bed ? Yes. Did you tell the policeman to turn him out ? Nothing of the kind. Where else could he go 'P Cross-examined by Mr. Edward Roberts: Did you tell the policeman to use force to get the defendant to bed? No. Knowing that the policeman was the keeper of the peace, I thought it was his duty to send him to bed. But supposing that he was not willing to go? I cannot reply to that. Did you see the scuttle between your brother- in-law and the policeman ? X o. I never moved from the bench. Mr. Evans then addressed the court for the defence, remarking that the case was a most serious one for the defendant. He contended that in this particular case the assault had not been proved, and pointed out that the officer stood alone, his testimony being practi- cally set against the evidence of all the wit- nesses for the complainant. The bench convicted the defendant, fining him 20s. and costs, including 10s. for the advo- cate's fee. DRUNK ON LICENSED PREMISES. A BATCH OF DEFENDANTS. Robert Peters, 23 years of age, living at Grianrhydd, Llanarmon, was summoned by P.C. Evan Williams for being drunk in the Cross Keys Inn, Llanarmon, on Sunday, the 25th of December, during prohibited hours. Defendant admitted being in the house. The Bench Do you know that you had no right to be there ? Defendant: We were a little thirsty, sir (laughter). A fine of 2s. Gel. and 6s. 6d. was imposed. John Peters, brother of the last defendant, was also summoned for a similar offence, com- mitted on the same day, and the same occa- sion. Defendant said he was in the house, bub had heard it said by several eld people that the dis- tance from Grianrhydd to the Cross Keys was over three miles. P.C. Williams said he had paced the distance, and found that it measursd 4,510 yards, which was under three miles. Defendant was lined 2s. 6d. and 7s. 6d. costs. The following persons were also fined 2s. 6d. and 6s. 6d. each for being in the Cross Keys on the same occasion:—Abram Peters, John Jones, Rose and Crown, and Robert Jones, Rose and Crown. CHARGE AGAINST THE LICENSEE. Richard Davies, licensee of the Cross Keys Inn, Llanarmon, was then charged with selling intoxicating liquors to the above defendants during prohibited hours. P.C. Evan Williams said that at S p.m. on the 25th of December, he found the defendants in the previous case at the Cross Keys, and in reply to his questions, said they had come from Talon Road and South Sea, whereas they were from Grianrhydd. The defendant Davies said he had asked-the men where they came from, and was told from South Sea and Coedpoeth. Being satisfied that they were bona tide travellers, and not knowing them, he opened and served them. Having heard further evidence, the bench considered that defendant had served the men thinking that they were bona fide travellers. The police was perfectly justified in bringing the case to court, but under the circumstances, it would be dismissed. William Hughes, the prosecutor in [the first case heard, was charged by P.C. Williams with being drunk on licensed premises, to wit, the Cross Keys, Llanarmon, on the 26th of Decem- ber. Mr. A. O. Evans prosecuted on behalf of the police, and Mr. Edward Roberts defended. Defendant pleaded not guilty* Similar evidence was tendered as in the first case. The bench considered it was a doubtful case, and would, therefore, give the benefit to the defendant. The case was, therefore, dismissed. A CHARGE OF POACHING DISMISSED. IsaacVaughan was summoned by P.C. Edwin Bithell, on the charge of having unlawfully used a gun for the pursuit of game on Saturday, December 10th. Mr. Edward Roberts appeared for the pro- secutor. P.C. Bithell stated that, on the day in ques- tion, he saw the defendant in a field belonging to Mr. Thomas Jones, Castle Farm, with a gun in his hand. He was moving along the hedge, and then came towards the witness, who was concealed in the hedge. On his reaching the Jane called Lon Goch, leading from the Llanfair Road to Maesllan, the constable stopped de- fendant, and took the gun from him. It was contended by Mr. Edward Roberts that this constituted an oftence under the sec- tion under which the summons had been taken out. but the bench held that there had been no evidence of the use of the gun for the purpose of poaching, and dismissed the case, the gun being returned to the defendant.

Candour.—Madge I don't see how you can call her plain. I only wish I were half as good- looking.' Jenny: You are, dear

DENBIGHSHIRE STANDING JOINT COMMITTEE. On Friday last, before the meeting of the Quarter Sessions, a special meeting of the Standing Joint Committee of Denbighshire was held, for the purpose of appointing some person to act as Deputy Clerk of the Peace, until the vacancy in the office, caused by the lamented death of Mr. Adams, should be filled up. The chair was occupied by Captain Griffith-Boscawen, and the fol- lowing members were present:—Represent- ing the Quarter Sessions: Capt. Cole, Col. Heaton, Mr. T. P. Jones-Parry, Sir R. Egerton, Mr. J. R. Burton, Mr. Saxon Gregson Ellis, and Col. Mesham. Repre senting the County Council: Messrs. J. Watkin Lumley, O. Isgoed Jones, J. Roberts (Plas Heaton), A. O. Evans, T. Morris, E. Hooson, E. Griffiths, Gomer Roberts, and W. G. Dodd. An apology for absence was received from Mr. Pen Dennis. THE LATE MR. ADAMS. The Chairman said that before they pro- ceeded to the business, it would be in accord- ance with the feelings of all present that he should just say a few words about the late Mr. Adams. He had known Mr Adams himself for very many years. He knew him at the time of Mr. Peers, when he came first into contact with him. He was appointed the chairman of the Quarter Sessions about eighteen years ago. At that time Mr. Peers was in office, and Mr. Adams was assisting him. He believed Mr. Adams was Deputy Clerk of the Peace at that time. Mr. Peers resigned in the autumn of 1883. Mr. Adams was appointed by the Lord Lieutenant, who was at that time custos rotulorum, and had the appointment of the Clerk of the Peace. He (the speaker) had turned up his notes which he kept of every Quarter Sessions, and he found that the appointment was reported in 1883. He saw in some of the papers that Mr. Adams was appointed in 1884, but that was not the case. He was appointed in the month of September 1883, when Mr. Peers resigned owing to ill-health. Mr. Peers died in the following January. That was a long time ago, 15 years or more, and during that time, he (Capt. Boscawen) had been in con- tact with Mr. Llewelyn Adams, at e. ery Quarter Sessions, and at a great many com- mittees, and he had always been treated by him with the most unfailing courtesy and kindness, and he might safely say that dur- ing that fifteen years in which he was con- tinually in contact with him, they never had an unpleasant word (applause). Mr. Adams was always most anxious to do his duty. Of course, a very large amount of extra work was thrown upon him when the County Council was set up', and he thought it was a great of trouble to him at first, but he must say Mr. Adams tried to do his best in every possible way. On some occasions he was awkwardly placed, bmt he tried to do his duty, and it was a very great loss to the County to lose a man of his status and position. He begged to move the following resolutionThat the Standing Joint Committee, representing the Court of Quar- ter Sessions, and the County Council for the County of Denbigh, begs to tender to the family of the late Clerk of the Peace its deep sympathy and condolence, and desires itsappreciation of the fidelty with which he so conscientiously discharged his duties as Clerk of the Peace and Clerk of the County Council, to be recorded on the minutes of this committee.' Mr. Hooson seconded the motion, and Mr. O. Isgoed Jones supported. He said he could not speak with the experience of their worthy chairman, but he could speak with some little experience, as he had been on that committee ever since its formation ten years ago. He himself always found Mr. Adams on all occasions most obliging, and he must say his loss would be felt not only at the various committees and bodies with which he was connected, but by the whole county as well. The obliging and genial character of Mr. Adams was worthy of being made an example to whoever might be his successor. As representing the Council Council he could not, somehow or other, fail to feel that they had been except- ionally unfortunate, within the last year, as they had not only lost their clerk but their chairman (hear, hear). But they must not lose heart. There were others who were coming in to fill the ranks most wonderfully, and they had been educated as it were under the auspices of the departed, for which they had to be thankful (hear, hear). The motion was then carried unanim- ously. APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CLERK OF THE PEACE. The next business was the appointment of the deputy clerk. The Chairman suggested that they should pass a resolution on similar lines to those mentioned in the notice of the meeting, namely that the deputy should hold office until the appointment of Mr. Adams's suc- cessor. It was not well to hurry the matter, as they would have to consider questions of salary, etc, but the business of the com- mittee and the county was always going on, and therefore they needed someone to take the place of Mr. Adams temporarily till his successor was elected. The Chairman having read out the Sections in the Act-83, Subsection 4, Mr. Lumley asked whether it was competent for the Committee then, under that Section, to appoint a Deputy Clerk of the Peace. The Chairman, replying, said that in his opinion, it was competent; but he thought the Deputy should only hold office till the Clerk of the Peace was appointed. Probably they would then appoint a deputy, but he thought it should not be done now, except in the way he had stated. Mr. Lumley said he thought it should be the other way, and he moved that they appoint a Deputy Clerk of the Peace to hold office at the pleasure of the Committee. Mr. O. Isgoed Jones asked what was the difference between the two proposals. The Chairman said the motion before them would appoint a deputy who would be in office till they chose to' ask him to retire, and the plan he thought they should adopt was that they should elect a deputy whose office would cease when the Clerk of the Peace was ap- pointed, leaving the question of deputy to be then decided. He thought it would be much better to leave the Committee a free hand. It did not follow that the person whom they would elect the deputy would not become de- paty Clerk of the Peace in due course. Mr. Lumley: Certainly not. He might even be appointed the Clerk of the Peace. The Chairman Quite so. Sir Robert Egerton But your proposal,Mr. Lumley, creates a new office; and it is difficult to remove an officer once appointed. The Chairman Quite so; even m petty ses- sional matters, an officer is not removed with. out difficulty. Mr. William Griffith wished for further ex. planation, shewing the difference between Mr. Lumley's proposal and the Chairman's sugges- tion. The Chairman, repeating what he had already said, in reply to Mr. Isgoed Jones, asked Mr. Lumley to substitute the word temporarily' in his motion, instead of 'at the pleasure of the Committee.' Mr. Lumley, however, declined to alter his motion. Mr. Dodd seconded the motion of Mr. Lum, ley. Captain Cole asked where would the Deputy Clerk's salary come from. The Chairman From the rates, of course. Mr Lumley: But we have the salaries to revise yet, and there need be no alarm. Mr. Saxon Ellis moved, and Col. Heaton seconded, That a deputy clerk be appointed until the appointment of the Clerk of the Peace be made.' The Chairman said that Mr. Lumley's motion would in effect provide the new Clerk of the Peace with a deputy before they elected that officer. He thought that would be rather awkward. He thought the new Clerk of the Peace should have a free hand whoever he might be. The Committee voted, when the amendment was lost by nine votes against it, and eight for —all the magisterial members voting for the amendment, and all the County Council mem bers voting against it. The Committee then proceeded to make the appointment. Mr Hooson said I beg to propose that we appoint the Clerk we have been so well suited with for so many years. He has the work of this Committee and of the county at the end of his fingers. It would be a great blow to the Standing Joint Committee and the County Council to lose his services; he has been most prominent in connection with the work of the county and the Standing Joint Committee for years. I need not dwell upon his qualifica tions they are so wellknown to all of us. I refer to Mr. John Roberts, our convener, who, has acted under Mr. Adams for so many years. I have very great pleasure in proposing his appointment. Mr. Dodd I beg to second. The Chairman I am sure Mr. Roberts has gone to a great deal of trouble in carrying on the county work, and I think he is quite capable of carrying en the work of the De- f puty Clerk of the Peace, although, of course, when you come to appoint the Clerk of the Peace himself, other questions may arise. The motion was then carried unanimously. Mr Lumley moved that the remuneration of the Deputy Clerk be considered and reported upon by a small sub-committee to be appointed, representing an equal number of the interests upon the Committee. Mr. Isgoed Jones seconded, and the motion was agreed to, it being understood that the Committee, which will be nominated at the Standing Joint Committee to-day (Friday), will also go into and report upon the question of the salary to be paid to the new Clerk of the Peace as well Mr. John Roberts having been re called, The Chairman informed him of his unani- mous appointment, and said he had no doubt Mr. Rooerts would be able to carry out the duties very well. Mr. John Roberts said he was much obliged to the Committee for the confidence they had reposed in him It was an office of responsi- bility, but he had had a great deal of experi- ence, and if he failed in the performance of the important duties relating to the office, he could assure the Committee it would not be for want of enthusiasm or for want of effort.

ENTERTAINMENT. On Thursday last at the Institute, the fourth of a series of entertainments was held in con- nection with the Llanfwrog church. The pro- gramme consisted of recitations, vocal and in- strumental music. The proceeds were in aid of the Llanfwrog club fund. RUTHIN AND LLANRHYDD SLNDAY SCHOOL. The annual treat in connection with the above school took place at the schoolroom on Wednesday last, at 6 p.m. followed by a con- cert at 8 p.m. In the first part of the pro- gramme, the following took part—Miss C. Beech, Master W Roberts, Miss Freeborne, Miss Lewis Jones, Mr. W. Jones, Manager of the L. and P. bank, Ruthin, Miss Irene Roberts. Party of 6, Sunday School scholars. Then followed the second part of the programme in which the Llanfwrog Amateur Christy Mmstrels kindy assisted, which was excellently rendered MARRIAGE OF MR. JOHN WILLIAMS, LIVERPOOL HOUSE. On Saturday, January the 7th, pt the Welsh Baptist church, Chester, the marriage was solemnised of Mr. John Williams, and Miss M. E. Roberts, Walter Gate Bt. Chester. The ceremony was performed in the presence of a large circle of friends by the Rev. J. Nichols, paster of the church, assisted by the Rev. Isaac James, Ruthin. The bridegroom was suppor- ted by Mr. E Jones, Derby Place, Chester, as best man. The bride was prettily attired. The bridesmaid was Mrs. Jones, Derby Place, Chester. After the wedding breakfast, the happy pair left to spend their honey moon in Liverpool The bride and bridegroum were the recepients of many very useful presents. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. The Annual Meeting of Ruthin Auxiliary of the above Society was held on Thursday the 12th inst. The Mayor (Dr. J. M. Hughes), pre- sided. The meeting was commenced by the Rev. R. Lewis, by reading and prayer. A resolution was proposed by the Rev. E. J. Williams, that this meeting thanks God for his blessing upon the work of the Society and that the meeting prays for a continuation of blessing.' The Rev. D. Oliver, the deputation. then gave an addres-s upon the work of the Society. A vote of thanks to the deputation was proposed by the Rev. J. Jones, seconded by the Rev. D. Jone and enthusiastically carried. The deputation then returned a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was seconded by the Rev. E. Stevens. The meeting was terminated by singing. MARRIAGE .FROM PRISON. A marriage, the circumstances surrounding which were somewhat unusual, took place at St. Peter's Church, Ruthin, on Wednesday. A female prisoner had been discharged from her Majesty's prison in the niornina, and she pro- ceeded direct to the church to be united in the bonds of matrimony to a br degroom who was expected from Johnstown, between Wrexham and Ruabon. The banns had been duly pub- lished on the three proceeding Sundays, during which the bride was qualifying' by residence in the jail. The prospective husband was ex- pected by the eleven o'clock train, but did not arrive; and when he failed to come by the noon train his betrothed was naturally anxious, and the curate of the church (the Rev. J. Fisher, B.A.) and verger were much concerned for her in her trouble. However, the absent one reached the town by the half-past two train from Chester, and explained that he had missed several connections. The ceremony then took place, and the bride and bridegroom, wit,h the friends who had assembled, departed by the train leaving Ruthin at 4.30 under the happiest auspices.

BRYNEGLWYS., DEATH OF MR. MAIJMCE JONES. We regret to announce the death of Mr. Maurice Jones, Tynycelyn, Bryneglwys, who was a very well-known cattle dealer and farmer, and a very successful man of business. Mr. Jones, who had attained the age of 57 years, died on the 3rd inst. from diabetes, and was in- terred on Saturday in the CalvinisticMethodist chapel cemetery, Bryneglwys. The officiating ministers were the Rev. John Williams, of Corwen, and the U<v. Robert Jones, of Rhos- llanerchrugog. Eulogistic references were made by several gentlemen, expatiating es- pecially upon the kindness of disposition of the deceased, his strict business habits, and up- rightness in all his transactions. Another correspondent writes as follows :— We regret to announce the death of the well- known gentleman Mr. Maurice Jones, of Tyn- ycelyn, which took place at his residence on Tuesday, January 3rd, in the 57th year of his age. He had been unwell for about two years, and during last summer he seemed to be regain- ing health under the care of Dr. Dobbie, Ches- ter, but about two months ago he relapsed, and last week his spirit returned 'unto God, who gave it' Mr. Jones was known to a great many people in England and in Wales as a cattle- dealer, and in that capacity he had made for himself many friends. He had been kind to the C.M. church at Bryneglwys through his contributions and help, and a great number of the ministers, old and young, of that connec- tion, know full well the kindness of the Ty'ny- celyn family. The traditions of the house in this respect were kept up by Mr. Jones with much generosity. He contributed freely to the cause in this village; and during his last sick- ness, he thought much of being able to help the friends to renew the chapel during the coming summer, and a loss will be felt tor his counsel and help. The poor and the needy will ever hold his memory dear for his ready help and kindness in their several adversities. And, as his solicitor testified, many of his kind acts were known only to the two. In his family, no man could be more loved. He acted as a kind father to his brothers and sisters for many years, and they always looked up to him for counsel and guidance which never failed them. Though single himself, lie kept his old home intact, and the warmth of the old hearth and its welcome was always reserved for them. His sister and niece did their utmost for his comfort and happiness, which he never failed to recognise, and which he returned with in- creasing kindness and tenderness. We can