The North Wales Times

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the St. Asaph Board of Guardians was held at the Workhouse, 'St. Asaph, on Friday. Mr. T. Howes Roberts (Vice-chairman), presided, and there were pre- sentMessrs. Joseph Lloyd, P. Mostyn Wil- liams, Gwilym Parry, William Jones, Hugh Roberts, John Evans, Morris Jones, Thomas Lloyd, John Lloyd, Joseph Roberts, John Wil- liams, John Vaughan, Hugh Jones, John Ker- foot, R. J. Williams, John Pierce, R. Llewelyn Jones, Thos. Evans, Joseph Jones, O. Bleddyn Lloyd, Robert Griffith, William Owen, J. D. Jones, George Williams, Hugh Roberts, Mrs. Rawlins, Mrs. Mary Jones, Miss Bennett, and the Clerk (Mr. Grimsley). THE HOUSE. The Master reported that the number of pau- pers in the House last Board day was 139; ad- mitted since, 5; discharged, 4; remaining in the House, 140; corresponding period last year, 141: decrease, 1. Number of vagrants relieved during the fortnight, 69, as against 92 the cor- responding period last year. GIFTS FOR THE INMATES. The Master also reported having received 48 rabbits from Mr. W. C.Jones, of Llannerch Hall, and thai the same were served for the dinner to the inmates on Wednesday. The treat was thoroughly enjoyed, and the inmates felt most grateful to the kind donor for his gift. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Thomas Lloyd, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Jones for his generosity. THE CHILDREN OF THE HOUSE. The orphan children at present in the House were brought before the Board, and presented a clean and healthy appearance. Each child carried a toy, and seemed quite contended with its lot. Mrs. Rawlins proposed that the Board ex- press their satisfaction with the appearance of the children, which she considered very credit- able to the Master. Mr. John Pierce seconded, and said that great credit was also due to the industrial trainer. The Master Hear, hear. I may say that Miss Williams is very painstaking, and does her level best for all the children. The motion was unanimously carried. THE CHAIRMAN'S ILLNESS. A letter was read from Mrs. Morgan, Cae Gwyn, stating that her husband was unable to attend the meeting of the Guardians. She was glad to say that he was now somewhat better, and suffered but little pain. Her husband wished her to convey his thanks to the Guard- ians for their Vote of sympathy passed at the last meeting. A GUARDIAN RESIGNS HIS SEAT. Mr. Jacob Jones, one of the Guardians for Rbyl district, wrote from Sefton, Liverpool, stating that he had removed his residence from Rhyl, and wished to resign his seat on the Board in consequence. It was decided that the letter be forwarded to the Local Government Board, as the resigna- tion cannot take effect without their sanction. THE LATE COOK'S SUPERANNUATION ALLOWANCE. A letter was read from the Rev. G. E. A. Purgiter, of St. Paul's, Leamington, with re- ference to a claim by Mrs. Co wen, late cook at the Workhouse, to a superannuation allow- ance. The Clerk explained that Mrs. Cowen, al- though having paid for some time to the super, annuation fund, was not entitled to an allow- ance, she not having attained the age of 65, and not served long enough to make her claim good. It was decided that the Clerk should for- ward this explanation to the Rev. Mr. Pur- giter. REMUNERATION OF THE COOK AND DOMESTIC SERVANT. Mr. P. Mostyn Williams moved the adoption of the report of the Committee appointed to consider the remuneration to be paid the cook and domestic servant, and the value of the rations allowed to them. The Committee re- commended that the value of the rations for each be £ 25 per annum. This, of course, in- cluded board and lodgings. It was also recom- mended that the salary of each be increase to amount of the deductions made out of tll"ir pay under the provisions of the Supérann uati. Act. In the case of the cook, the amount de ducted was 14s. 4d. per annum. Her salary at present was £ 10 a year, and the Committee re- commended that the 14s. 4d. be added to this salary. The domestic servant received a salary of f,3, and to that the Committee recommended the addition of lis. 5d., being the amount paid annually to the superannuation fund. Mr. John Pierce seconded the adoption of the report. Mr. Thomas Evans A salary of f,3 per annum is a disgrace to the union. Upon my word it is (laughter). The motion was agreed to. CALLS IN ARREARS. The Clerk reported that the calls in the fol- lowing parishes were in arrear to a consider- able amount :-Bodelwyddan Cefn, Llanfair, Rhuddlan, St. Asaph, St. George, and Waen. The Chairman It is very important that these calls should be paid. After drawing cheques to-day there will hardly be any money left in the bank. J J J Mr. Mostyn Williams: Do we ellar-e interest on arrears? ° The Chairman: No. Mr. John Pierce proposed that the Clerk should, serve each assistant overseer with a week's notice, and if the v.ioney were not paid by then, that proceedings be taken. They should not be too hard with the overseers this year—so soon after Christmas-when the peo- ple indulged m more festivities than usual (laughter). • Mr. Thomas Evans: And the Kinmel rent is next week (renewed laughter). Mr. R. J. Williams proposed that 14 days notice be given, and Mr. Pierce having with- drawn his motion, this was agreed to.

An academy of manners in China prescribes etiquette for the whole empire. Over 400,000 people are carried by the Metro- politan railways of London daily. In Carlsruhe, the capital of Baden, a law is in force fining any person who plays the piano with open windows. Queen Victoria's medical staff comprises twenty-four persons, the sum total of whose salaries amounts to £ 2,700. Robbing graves is a crime under Chinese law for which the thief may be justly killed on the spot by anyone finding him out. A boat leaving Regent's Canal, in London, can travel by canal to Kendal, in Westmor- land—a distance of 300 miles.

MOLD. COSMOPOLITAN SOCIETY. One of the most interesting and instruc- tive addresses was given at the society's meeting on Tuesday evening, by the Rev. John Owen, when he took for his subject Some problems in South African Life.' It will be remembered that Mr. Owen was one of the delegates appointed to go to South Africa, to enquire into matters relating to his church. He there spent a period of six months in travelling from place to place, and came into contact with E;o.. e of the notables, whose names are daily before the public, such as President Kruger, Mr. Cecil Rhodes, Matabelle chiefs, &c. He described the conditions under which the Boers lived, and the antipathy they had towards the Uitlanders, who had under great depriva- tions, developed the country, also of the increase in number of native tribes, who are apt at learning, which showed British in- fluence, and that eventually one of the chief problems would be how to deal with the natives when they approached civilized state. Mr. Lloyd Parry presided, and in thank- ing Mr. Owen for his address, said he had so graphically explained the situation, that the members of the society would take greater interest in the development of that great country. VOLUNTEER SMOKING CONCERT. The Mold (A) company 2nd Vol. Battalion R.W.F., under the command of Capt. T. M. Keene, paraded at 6.30 on Thursday even- ing last in drill order, and proceeded on a route march, preceeded by their band which played some very lively marches. Afterlde- positing their arms and accoutrements in the armoury, the N.C.O. and men proceeded to the Dolphin Hotel, where a highly enjoy- able smoking concert was held, Capt. Keene presiding. Very capable accompanists were found, viz., Private J. H. Clarke and Mr. Herbert T. Jones, and the-programme dis- cussed was as follows:-Comic song (char- acter), Sergeant Lenox (encored); comic song (character), Colour Sergeant Jones (encored); comic song, Mr. Alfred Edwards 3 (encored); song, Corporal Lloyd; violin solo, Private G. Bedlington (encored) song, Private J. H. Clarke comic song, Private G. Humphreys; recitation, Surgeon Major Edward Williams (encored); comic song, Private J. E, Evans (encored); Welsh song, Private J. Hughes; song, Private S. Jones (encored)i; comic song, Sergeant Instructor Whybrow (encored); recitation, Mr. H. R. Smith; comic song, Private Dan Parry; violin solo, Private Bedlington song, Pri- vate Taylor. During an interval in the proceedings,:the chairman stated that he had much pleasure in presenting a handsome eight-day time- piece, the gift of the officers of the Mold company to Colour-Sergeant P. Ll. Jones, on the occasion of his marriage, and he was glad of the opportunity to do so, because of the esteem and respect in which the re- cipient was held. Colour-Sergeant Jones was now entering on his 23rd year in the Mold company, and had for years been Colour-Sergeant. He (the chairman) held up the fidelity and energy in the case of Colour-Sergeant Jones as an example to the younger members, and hoped he would be long spared to serve in the corps. A con- vivial meeting terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.

SPECIAL POLICE COURT. THE PROSECUTION OF A PADESWOOD LILLY. FRIDAY.—Before Messrs. H. Lloyd Jones, and W. P. Jones. James Lilly, junior, hawker, Padeswood, was charged with stealing a lamp attached to a furniture van. James Davies, carter, in the employ of Mr. James Lee, Abbot Street, Wrexham, said he arrived at Mold on the previous Wednesday evening in charge of a furniture van, the property of his employer. The lamp (produced) was attached to the lorry, and was made secure. He stabled his horses at the Star Hotel, and the van was left in High Street. At 11.30 the lamp was on the van, but at 12.30 it was gone, and he had to go home without a light. He told the ostler of his loss, and also gave informa- tion to a police officer who was on duty. Mrs. Marie Morris, of the Red Lion Hotel, Wrexham Street, stated that on the previous Thursday morning, the prisoner came to her house and asked witness to take charge of the lamp in case anyone en- quired about it, stating that he had kicked it before him in the dark. Witness refused to take the lamp in, and advised prisoner to take it home. The prisoner left his name and address in case anyone called for it. The lamp was then clean, and shewed no marks of having been on the road. Joseph Swan, of the Railway Inn, gave similar evidence. P.C. Gabriel stated that he was on the up- platform at the Mold Railway Station in company with Supt. Davies on the previous Thursday morning. The prisoner came there with his wife from the Railway Inn, the latter carrying something under her shawl. Prisoner volunteered no informa- tion as to the lamp. Sergt. Edward Jones gave evidence as to receiving Lilly in custody, who in reply to the charge, said he had found the lamp. Prisoner gave evidence, the purport of which was, that he had found the lamp. The bench did not believe his story, and fined prisoner 21 or 14 days imprisonment.

CERYG-Y DRUIDION. A DRAWING OF THE LATE MR. GEE. Mr. W. Hughes, of Bryn y-blodau, has executed a superb crayon drawing of the late Mr. Gee, to the order of Mr. Williams, traveller to Messrs. Gee and Son. It is in reality a magnificent portrait, and is universally praised by all who have seen it. The fame of Mr. Hughes,«as a portrait painter, is slowly, but surely, spreading, and this last work of his is sure to enhance his reputation.

COUNTY COURT. This Court was held on Friday, January 20th, before His Honour Sir Horatio Lloyd. Seventy undefended cases were disposed of by the registrar, Mr. J. E. Humphreys. Messrs. William Williams and Co., grocers, sued Richard Evans, Ty Newydd, Nebo, for;Cl 2s. 6d. for goods sold. Defendant produced a receipt for the amount, alleged to have been given to him by the de- fendant's manager. Judgment for plaintiff. T. J. Roberts, Bryntyrch Hotel, CapelCurig, sued J. R. Hughes, grocer, Capel Curig, for 98 5s., being amount alleged to be due for the keep and pasturage of 4 horses. Mr. J. W. Griffith appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. W. P. Roberts for the defendant. Judgment was given for the plaintiff for 97 and costs. Evan Hughes, Fron Elen, Dolwyddelen, sued Morris Jones, Glan William, Dolwyddelen, for 94 10s., the price of a bicycle. Mr. R. L. Davies, Blaenau Festiniog, ap- peared for plaintiff; and Mr. J. P. Evans, Llan- rwst, for defendant. Defendant pleaded that he was an infant' within the meaning of the Act. Judgment for defendant without costs. The Bettwsycoed Slate Quarry Company sued T. J. Coles, Hansworth, Birmingham, for f,10 for slates sold and delivered. Mr. W. P. Roberts appeared for the plain- tiffs. Judgment for plaintiffs, the amount to be paid in instalments of 10s. per month. The Trefriw Mills Company sued Charles Fraen, late Belle Vue Hotel, Trefriw, for £ 21 13s. 8d., for goods sold. Mr. J. Herbert Jones appeared for the plain- tiffs. Judgment for plaintiffs. Henry Lewis, Bangor, also sued the last de- fendant for f24 18s. 3d. for goods sold and rent. Judgment for the fuU amount forthwith. ACTION AGAINST GWILYM COWLYD. THE CHIEF BARD POSITIVE.' Isaac Williams, Pen'rallt, Trefriw, sued W. J. Roberts (Gwilym Cowlyd) for a sum of 15s., as trespass for holding bardic meetings upon his property on the shores of Geirionydd Lake. The case excited the greatest interest in the district, as the defendant is widely known in connection with the annual arwest held at Llyn Geirionydd by the bards of the Isle of Britain, tor which he claims immemorial anti- quity, and with which many eminent English- men and Welshmen have associated themselves by becoming members of this particular frater- nity of bards. Mr. W. Griffith, for the plaintiff, said the defendant was called 'The Chief Bard Positive.' He did not know what that meant, but believed it was a title defendant had conferred upon himself. He would call evidence to show that the defendant had arranged these picnics on the shores of Geirionydd, and that he never gave any account of his receipts. Isaac Williams, the plaintiff, then gave evi- dence, and swore that for ten years payment had been made on account of trespass on his land to the amount of 2s. 6d. per annum. His Honour pointed out that the conveyance to the plaintiff, when he bought the property, and which had been put in by plaintiff's solici- tors, showed plainly that the rights of the Bar. dic Union to hold their annual meetings on the spot in question, as heretofore' had been re- served, and contained no references to a rent of any kind. The whole case turned, there. fore, on the interpretation of the words as her,etof ore Mr. H. Roberts, for the defendant, agreed. His Honour, proceeding, held that the words c as heretofore' clearly referred to the physical conditions of the meeting—the mere holding of it; and as the conveyance clearly reserved to the Bardic Union, two roads, shown on the plan, of the conveyance for the purpose of ap- proaching T&liesin Lawn, and if the people, in going to the spot, travelled off those roads, and trespassed on plaintiff's property, he had a remedy against trespassers only. He would, therefore non-suit the plaintiff.

PETTY SESSIONS. Monday, January 23rd.-Before Messrs. 0. Isgoed Jones, H. W. Watling, E. Jones Owen, and Col. Hyson. LICENSING. The license of the Red Lion Inn was trans- ferred from E. Bickers to John Roberts. DRUNKENNESS. P.C. Henry Jones summoned Griffith Jones, labourer, Scotland Street, for being drunk in Denb, gh Street on the 7th inst. Fined 2s. 6d. and costs. Superintendent Jarvis charged William Jones, shoemaker, and Hannah, his wife, with being drunk. The pair having absconded, a warrant was issued for their arrest. P.C. Jones summoned Robert Roberts, Bryn. cypla, for being drunk on licensed premises. Defendant did not appear, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. OBSTRUCTION. P.C. H. Jones summoned Robert Williams, Llangerniew, for obstructing the highway in Station Road on the 10th of January, and was fined Is. and costs. ALLEGED FRAUD. Hugh Henry Jones, Victoria Terrace, Glan Conway, was charged, upon the information of David Belcher, Liverpool, that he, at the parish of Llanrwst, on the 2nd of April, 1898, did un- lawfully and knowingly, by certain false pre- tences, fraudulently cause one Henry Jones to execute and make a certain valuable security, to wit a promissory note for the payment of the sum of sixty pounds, contrary to the statue in such case made and provided. David Belcher, money lender, having been sworn, stated that he knew the prisoner H. H. Jones, and that he made an application to him by letter on March 23rd 1898, and that on April 2nd he went to see him at his father's farm, Carregyfran, in the parish of Llanrwst. The prisoner's father (after a conversation between them in Welsh), and in his presence, the de- fendant's father and brother signed the pro- missory note produced in court. The first in. stalment became due May 3rd for the sum of £ 6. He received a cheque, but it was dis- honoured. Owing to the trouble in getting the instalment, he issued a county court summons against the parties who had signed the promis- sory note. Acting upon the acfvice of his soli- citor, the witness withdrew the county court summons, and took the present proceedings. He had received f,23 10s. of the money. Henry Jones, the prisoner's father, who did not understand English, said he had seen Bel- cher in his yard; and the defendant told him that lie was going to collect money for a machine company, and gave him to understand that Belcher was the machine man, and that he required a name or two as sureties. He signed the note. No mention was made of borrowing money. If he knew that it was for borrowing money, he would not have signed the note. William Jones, the defendant's brother, gave corroborative evidence. Superintendent Jarvis said that last Tuesday night, he apprehended the prisoner at Glan Conway station, and read the warrant for his arrest, in the railway carriage. After reading the same, the prisoner said 'I remember nothing about the matter,' adding that he had been bad I for eighteen months, and did not know what he I was doing. Everything seemed a blank to him, and he only now began io realise his position. I He was brought up next day, and remanded. Mr. W. P. Roberts, who appeared for pri- soner, reserved his defence. The bench committed the prisoner for trial at the assizes. Upon the information of Superin tendent Jarvis another charge was brought against the pri- soner, that h j Hugh Henry Jones, Victoria terrace, on the 6th January, 1899, at the Par- ish of Llansa.ntftraid, Glan Conway, did obtain of, and from John Harris Clubbe, a certain valuable security, to wit, a banker's cheque for the sum of five pounds, the property of the said John Harris Clubbe, with intent to defraund. J. H. Clubbe, Bala, said he replied to an advertisement which appeared in the Liverpool Mercury, of December 20th, 1898, in which the prisoner represented himself as a member of a large firm, dealing in sewing machines, bicycles, &c., and set forth that he required an agent. The witness' application was successful, but prisoner required 95 as security. A cheque for the amount was forwarded to him on the 6th January. The prisoner promised to forward a machine for exhibition, but he had never received it, nor the 95. In cross-examination witness replied that he never made an application for the 95, all he asked him was to forward him a machine for exhibition. He had not promised to send a stock of machines for exhibition. Superintendent Jarvis stated that he read the warrant over to the prisoner in the cell, and that he replied that this was a genuine transaction. Whilst searching him, he found the correspondence produced, and visited his house at Glan Conway, but found neither sew- ing machines, bicycles, or musical instruments. Upon this charge he was also committed to the assizes. Superintendent Jarvis was highly com- plimented by the magistrates for the efficient manner in which he conducted the cases.

REMARKABLE INQUEST IN FLINTSHIRE. THE CORONER AND THE JURY. On Tuesday, the Flintshire coroner (Mr. Richard Bromley) held an inquest of a some- what remarkable character at the Foresters' Hall, Bagillt, into the causes of the death of a married woman named Jane Parry, 52 years of age, the wife of Hugh Parry, a labourer at Bettisfield Colliery. From the evidence of Mary Ann Griffiths, a next-door neighbour of the deceased, it appeared that Parry and his wife had lived happily together, but that the deceased was addicted to drink. On the pre vious Thursday, deceased came to Mrs. Griffiths' house the worse for drink, and asked her to come to her house for a cup of tea. She said she would, and deceased then left. Upon Mrs. Griffiths going to deceased's house a few minutes afterwards, she found the parties quar- relling. Deceased struck her husband over the head with a basket, and he retaliated by strik- ing her in the face, causing her to fall back- wards on the stairs in a sitting posture. She shouted out, Don't, Hugh Parry; never mind her,' and he went out. Deceased got up and sat by the fireplace, and then went upstairs. Mrs. Griffiths then left, but returned, when she heard a fall upstairs, and deceased's little boy shouted out that his mother was dead. On going upstairs, she found deceased lying on her back on the floor unconscious, and got her to bed. She remained unconscious till her death, which occurred the following evening. Dr. Hamlet Lloyd Davies, M.B., who was called in to deceased on Friday morning, said he diagnosed the case as one of apoplexy from the first, and he considered that was the cause of death. The Coroner How do you know that ? Witness: During her lifetime I diagnosed the seat of the hemorrhage. The Coroner: You know nothing about her history ? I know she was 52, when these things are likely to occur. I attended her mother for the same disease. The Coroner: How long ago ? Witness: About ten years. The Coroner How old was the mother ? About 70. The Coroner: That does not go for much with regard to a person of 51. Witness: I simply say it as a matter of family history. The Coroner: An old lady died at .70, and you try to make out this woman was at an age to die? Witness: I don't try to make out anything. I simply state facts. After further questioning the witness, the Coroner remarked You seem anxious to shield someone or other. Witness My statements are candid. The Coroner I daresay they are, but there is a vein of shielding about it. Witness: Not in my mind, at least. Dr. Humphrey Williams, Flint, stated that when he arrived, the deceased was dead. He and Dr. Davies made a cursory examination of the body. He afterwards conducted a post- mortem examination, assisted by Dr. Davies. There were large effusions of blood on both sides of the upper aspect of the brain, and he considered this was the cause of death. The Coroner, in an exhaustive summing up expressed the opinion that most of the witness- es were trying to shield Parry. The jury retired to consider 'their verdict. On their return, after half-an-hour's delibera- tion, the Foreman said their verdict was that deceased died from apoplexy, due to natural causes. Mr. Edwards (a juryman) By a majority. The foreman (Mr. R. Foulkes): I understood when leaving the room, that nothing of that should be mentioned. If you want to know it was thirteen to two. Mr. Edwards Twelve to three. I think. The Coroner I must have a clear maioritv of twelve. J The Foreman Right is right. When an ar- rangement is made, we should stick to it. It was arranged before we left the room not to state the majority on either side. The Coroner: If that is so, evidently you were not very proud of what you had done. To want to keep it back shows you were not very pleased. It does not look as if you had come to the conclusion honestly. The Foreman: On behalf of the jury, I beg to differ from you. The Coroner: Why should you state an ar. rangement was made that the court should not know how the verdict was obtained? The coroner has a right to know the number in favour of the verdict, for he must be satisfied there is a clear majority of twelve. It might have been eight to seven, and in that case I should have had to send you to the assizes. The Foreman There was a clear majority of twelve, and I can assure you the jury took an honest view of the thing, and they have given an honest verdict, independent of your opin- ion. The Coroner Then why are you so afraid of the court knowing the majority. The Foreman: We are not afraid. An ar- rangement was come to in the room. The Coroner: You have given your verdict, and I must accept it, but I must say that it is I a most extraordinary verdict to bring in in the face of the evidence. This is the second case in Bagillt.

THE PROPOSED BRIDGE AT DERWEN GORNEL. To the Editor of THE NORTH WALES TIMES.' SIR, As, no doubt, you are aware, a resolution was passed by the Denbigh Town Council, someyearsago, in favour of erecting a bridge over the river near Derwen Gomel. Like many other resolutions affecting the outskirts of the borough, this has remained a dead letter, no attempt having been made to carry it out. A few months ago, the matter was brought be- fore the Council in the form of a petition, signed by a large number of the farmers of the borough, whose business, and the locality of their homes compel them to go through this river, in favour of the construction of a bridge. Not the slightest notice was taken of the peti- tion, and the river still remains unbridged and in a state of danger to all those who have to travel on this road. As an instance of the danger connected with this spot, I might say that an accident hap- pened-not the first by any means—on Satur- day night last. A man was returning from town, with a donkey, loaded with this and hie family's weekly provisions, which were con- tained in a sack. The stream being so deep and strong, the animal naturally refused to walk through, and the man attempted to lead it through the water, walking himself over the narrow stone, which is the only way to cross the river dryfooted. Unfortunately, the water swept the animal off its feet, and carried it underneath the plat, and had it not been for the assistance of two or three men, no doubt it would have been drowned. All the provisions were spoiled, and rendered utterly worthless. Carters who have young horses in their teams, have to wade through the water, which is frequently up to their knees, and afterwards have to travel miles in their wet garments. Is this not a case not only of necessity, but of urgency. We in the country are ratepayers as well as the inhabitants of the town, but it is extremely little indeed that we get in return for the money that we are forced to pay. Hoping that this letter will induce the Coun- cil to take immediate action. I remain faithfully yours, A COUNTRY RATEPAYER.

THE DENBIGH STEAM ROLLER AND ITS WORK. To the Editor of THE NORTH WALES TIMES. SIR, The steam roller has now been in use in the borough long enough to enable the ratepayers to form some opinion as to its usefulness, and as a means of economising the rates. As far as I can see, the opinion of the ratepayers is divided somewhat equally on the question. Some say that it is a good investment, and that the corporation did a wise thing in purchasing it. Others look upon it as a 'white elephant,' or rather I should say a grl-en elephant,' and that it will answer no better purpose than to increase the expenditure. Be that as it may, I will not discuss this ticklish question, but there is another question in con- nection with the steam roller and its work which I consider to be of equal importance. About a fortnight or three weeks ago, I noticed that the roller was at work on Ty Mawr lane. This road leads from the Trefnam; road at a spot opposite Plas Clough, to the Bodfary road, at a place near Plas-yn-Green. Now it is an undoubted fact—a fact that cannot be denied-that this road is seldom used for traffic. It is a bye-lane, and one that cannot possibly be used except on very rare occasions. I will not go so far as to say that the road is not a convenient one. It serves a very good purpose, being a short cut from one main road to the other. But this I will say, that the traffic along it is infinitesimal as compared with other roads within the Borough. It is true that the Plas-yn Green family utilize it as a carriage drive on their way to Trefnant church on Sunday, and perhaps this fact justified the corporate officials in keeping the steam roller at work there for a couple of days. It has been stated at the meetings of the Town Council on more than oneoccasionthat the roads generally were in a bad condition within the Borough, and that great difficulty was experienced in getting sufficient metalling. At the last meeting of all, the surveyor's request for 230 loads or tons of Gwyddelwern stone was acceded to, and it was also reported that no stone could be got frofn the Graig Quarry, Now, if this is the state of things, the ques- tion which I wish to ask the authorities is, why was the steam roller sent to a bye lane where there is no traffic, whilst other roads in the borough over which there is a heavy traffic were allowed to remain in their present dis- graceful state? Several loads of precious metalling was put down on this lane, simply I suppose to make it a decent carriage drive for one or two • big people' that live in the immediate neighbourhood. I can find no other reason for the extraordinary proceeding. If the stone was scarce in the town, and for the roads over which the bulk of the town's traffic is carried on, why not use them and the roller for the improvement of such roads? An explanation on this point would be very acceptable to. Yours truly, RATEPAYER.

THE LllND QUESTION IN CARNARVONSHIRE. THE INS ECURITY OF TENURE. In an article on Our Colleges and Agricul- ture,' in the c urrent number of the Welsh quarterly Y Traethodydd,' the Rev. John Owen, M.A., C riccieth, refers to the raisinglef farm rents in Carnarvonshire. Dealing with the comparative sly weak influence exercised by the agricultural t departments of the colleges on the farmers in general, the rev. gentleman says —' The final rei Lson for the lack of influence on the part of the colleges is the absence of secu- rity of tenure, which prevents the farmers from carrying out permanent improvement upon their land such as draining, and the pro- vision of prope r implements and buildings. The rents are alrea( ly high, and open to be raised at any time, and t hat not according to the opinion of competent m en, but at the wish of one man appointed by tl. ie landlord to bring more money to the one who employs him. That which is on the point of bei ng done, if not already done, and which is be ing done in Carnarvonshire, in the matter of t he valuation of land, is enough to paralyse the efforts of farmers. Were thF farmers not a long-suffering and timid clar and were it no t that their homes depend the caprice of the owners, meetings wouF^ ^ave been held by t hem ere this to discuss ma^erc, with a view to defending themsel<eg > Th; writer also re, rers to a meeting )O,A Anglesea where a landlc >rd, who had been r^slcedf to pre- side, remarket i that he hoped tvje new Sy^em of instruction would be the m ,4ans of improving the circumstai aces of the lar.diord and to swen the rents of tl ie landlord. The result was that the farmers, believing that the aim of the movement wp is to brittg about an advance in rents, kept al &of, th.as rendering nugatory the. efforts made to improve the methods of agricul- ture in that ( xjUTaty.

The Unite d States produce 800 million cane of tinned me %atii and fruit per annum. Large nut abers of fish are drowned yearly in the sea, the greatest proportion being mackerel. Probably the two largest businesses in the United Kir tgdom are Guinness's, the brewers and Coats s i, the cotton-spinners. I A pearl-d iver considers it a good day's work if he colle icts anything over 200 shells A | housand e bells is the record for one day.

ST. ASAPH. BILLIARD MATCH. In connection with the Flintshire League billiard matches, the members of the Consti- tutional Club of this city went to Holywell to play their return match, and although the citizens have made an excellent score through- out the matches, standing as the do at present "With 14 points in their favour, they returned, home on Thursday last as losers. Holywell have beaten them by a majority of 16. LECTURE. Under the auspices of the Church Committee for Church Defence and Church Instruction the St. Asaph Parochial Branch had a lecture, illustrated by a powerful oxy-hydrogen lantern, delivered in the National Schoolrooms on Mon- day last, by the Rev. A. E. Clarke, Rector of Sawley, on 'The Church under the Stuarts.' The chair was taken at 7-30 by the Right Rev. The Lord Bishop, who, during his speech, made several allusions to ritualism, and criticised several politicians. The admission was free, and the attendance was very good. Children under 12 were not admitted. A SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS GATHERING. On Thursday last, an interesting gathering of deacons and members connected with the Calvinistic Methodist church of this city took place in the schoolroom. The meeting was convened by the deacons for the purpose of partaking of a meat tea, which was on the tables from 4 30 to 7 o'clock. The object was to give the deacons and members an opportu- nity of coming to a closer connection with each other, and into mare of an intimate fellowship and knowledge of each other, so that it would be of a greater help to each other in their religious life. The tea was entrusted to several of the lady members of the church, and after the members had enjoyed the sub- stantial meal provided for them, the rest of the evening was spent in songs, recitations, and speeches. We believe that all present tho- roughly enjoyed themselves. This was the first meeting of its kind ever held in connection with this church.

ABERGELE. pw MAGISTRATE. We understand that Dr. J. H.Wolstenholme, the Ch "rman of the Abergele and Pensarn Urban District Council, has been added to the Commission of the Peace for the county of Denbigh. This appointment is sure to give much local satisfaction. By virtue of his office as Chairman of the District Council the doctor has served some months as a magistrate, and his conduct in that capacity has been generally approved.

There have only been three marriages in St. Paul's Cathedral since 1758. There are 304 livings in the Church of England worth ;Cl,ooo a year. Owing to the fog and smoke around London, the lichens, once so common, have almost en- tirely disappeared from Epping Forest. The Sultan's wives are divided into three classes; five of the first, twenty-four of the second, and two hundred and fifty of the third. Ammonia is extracted from the Thames mud, and the residuum, which, after the operation, is mixed with iron ore and made into brown paper. The Maid; Whose fault is it if women lead aimless existences T The Man Women's, of course. They ought to practise throwing.' Lucy: Mamma, may I go over there to the bridge ?' Mamma:' Why do you want to go over there, dear?' Lucy: Oh, I just want to gargle my feet in the brook.'

LLANRWST. THE FLOODS. It is stated that such an extraordinary flood as that we experienced in the Vale of Conway, on Saturday last, has not been witnessed for the last forty years. The meadows for miles were completely submerged. Much damage was done on the branch line of railway from Llan- dudno Junction to Bettws-y-coed, vehicles being requisitioned to carry passengers from Tal-y-cafn to Bettws.

WINTER ASSIZES. THE WELSH CIRCUIT. The London Gazette' contains the following: —Crown Office, January 23rd.—Day and places appointed for holding winter assizes, 1899:— North and South Wales and Chester circuit, Mr. Justice Darling, Mr. Justice Channell, February 15th at Welshpool, February 17th at Dolgelley, February 18th at Haverfordwest, February 20th at Carnarvon, February 21st at Lampeter, February 23rd at Carmarthen, Feb- ruary 24th at Beaumaris, February 27th at Ruthin, February 28th^at Brecon, March 2nd at Presteign, March 2iw.at Mold, March 4th at Chester, March 11th itr Cardiff.