Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
5 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
N-ANTGLYN
N-ANTGLYN THE SCHOOL DIFFICULTY. THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SANCTIONS THE ERECTION OF A NEW SCHOOL. EXTRAORDINARY LETTER FROM THE RECTOR. The monthly meeting of the Nantglyn School Board was held at the Schoolroom on Monday evening. The Rev. D. D. Richards presided, and there were present :-Messrs. Cadwaladr Hughes, Ebenezer Evans, John Roberts, and the Rev. T. E. Williams (Clerk). The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, The Clerk said that, in accordance with the resolution passed at the previous Board, he had communicated with the Education Department on the subject of the proposed transfer of the school premises, and explained upon what terms the Board proposed to agree to the trans- fer. In reply to that communication, he had received a letter from the Department, dated January 6th, requesting the name and address of the new Rector of Nantglyn in order that they might communicate with him on the matter. He (the Clerk) replied to this letter enclosing the Rector's name and address, and then received the following copy of a letter which the Department had sent to the Rector:— > Whitehall, London, January 16th, 1899. Rev. sir, With reference to the correspondence which has already passed between your predecessor, the Rev. D. Williams, and the School Board for Nantglyn, regarding the question of a fresh transfer of the premises of the Nantglyn Board (with the tenor of which my Lords presume that you are fully acquainted), I am directed to state that my Lords regard the contention of the Board, that a lease for not less than 10 years certain is desirable in order to give sufficient permanence to the arrangement, as not unreasonable. My Lords hope that on fur- ther consideration, the managers will see their way to conceding this point which they under- stand is the only one still remaining at issue. I am to add t,hat should the manager decline to affect a transfer on these terms, my Lords would not withhold their sanction from the Board's alternative proposal of building a new Board Sohool; and in that case the existing school could not be continued on their Lord- ships' Grant List as Voluntary School.' (Signed), W. M. TUCKER. The reading of the above letter caused a great deal of satisfaction amongst the members of the Board, it being remarked that the Education Department had at last evidently perceived the reasonableness of the Board's request with reference to the control of the school build- ings. The Clerk said that soon after receiving the letter, he forwarded to the Rector a letter of which the following was a copy :— Peniel, Denbigh, Jan. 24th, 1899. Rev. sir, I have been furnished by the Education De- partment with a copy of a letter they sent to you, and I again wish to ask you if you will grant a lease on the school buildings at Nant- glyn on the following terms (1) For a period of ten years; (2) all money expended on the buildings to be refunded to the Board at the end of the ten years, or before the trustee can take possession of them again (3) the Board to have exclusive right over the buildings for three evenings a week and the trustee for the other three evenings and on Sundays, but should the buildings be used on these three evenings the trustee to be responsible to repair any damage done, and to replace the furniture, &c., so that the school will be ready for use by the follow- ing morning. In this last point, we are making a concession from our first proposal. I shall be very thankful to you for an answer to this by next Saturday morning, and if you will be willing to grant the above terms of transfer, I shall get an agreement ready as soon as possi- ble-if possible by Monday, when I could call with you in going to the Board's meeting. Yours very truly,. T. E. WILLIAMS. To the above the Rector replied as follows :— 'Nantglyn Rectory, 27th January, 1899. Dear sir, I am in receipt of your letter of the 24t1" Your Board having appealed to the Education Department must now await the issue of my correspondence with that Department. Yours very truly, OWEN JONES, The members of the Board expressed con- siderable surprise at the nature of the Rector's reply. Mr. Ebenezer Evans: It appears to me that the Rector's letter is a very extraordinary document. He seems to begrudge to us the privilege of communicating with the Education Department, but what were we to do ? The Rector himself was not here to enable us to confer with him, and so far he has done no- thing to meet us in this matter. The Chairman: I consider the Rector's letter a very insulting one. We have given him and his predecessor every consideration in this matter, and have done all we possibly could to bring this controversy to a satisfactory ter- mination. And now, notwithstanding this, the Rector has thought proper to address to the Board this ungentlemanly letter. Had I re- ceived such an epistle on a personal matter, I would have known what action to take, but I question whether we, as a public Board, should take any notice of it Mr. Ebenezer Evans: I am perfectly as- tounded at the cool audacity of the reverend gentleman. He is well aware that the Board have done everything possible to arrive at some understanding, and we have gone so far as to invite him to our meeting rto discuss the ques- tion. And now he seems to find reason for taunting us on account of our correspondence with the Education Department, and endea- vours to delay the whole matter. The Chairman We now know what sort of a man the new Rector is, and the extent of his sympathy with the educational requirements of the parish. The Clerk: He does not seem to care much about the wishes of a Board which represents the educational interests of the two parishes. He deals with the whole question in a most unworthy spirit. We can, however, congratu- late ourselves, and the parishioners, upon the result of our 80rrespondence with the Educa- tion Department. The Rector can never hope again to retain t he control of the school in his own hand. Mr. E. Evans Yes, that is evident, and the Rector should not have placed any further obstacle in our way- It is possible that the In- spector, owing to the state of the school pre. mises, may this year again withhold the grant, and it is important for us to be able to prove that the fault does not rest with us. The Chairman: That is a very important point, and I think that we should appeal to the Government in the matter, and to point out the difficulties that have and are at present placed in our way. Mr. John Roberts, who now entered the room and entered into the deliberation, expressed his strong disapproval of the Rector's conduct. The Clerk suggested that a letter be sent to the Rector protesting against the spirit of his reply to the Board's last communication. Mr. E. Evans said he would second such a proposal if the Clerk moved it. The Chairman His letter is an undoubted slight upon the Board, and I propose that a letter of protest be sent. The Clerk said he had communicated with the Rector as early as he could after the receipt of the Education Department's letter, in order to give the reverend gentleman sufficierit time to go to 'St. Asaph' and consult the Bishop on the subject had he thought proper (laughter). For the information of the other members of the Board, he might say that in all the dealings which he had with the Rector, it appeared to him that the reverend gentleman had been in. stituted to the Rectory of the parish to act just like a I machine' to act as directed from St. Asaph (laughter). Mr. John Roberts pointed out that 'prior to the receipt of the latest communication from the Education Department, the Rector had some reason for standing to his guns, or to stand on his dignity. Now, however, the case had considerably altered, and the Education Department itself had provided for him a loop hole through which he could gracefully retire from his untenable position. The Clerk: That is so, but I don't believe that the Rector of Nantglyn, were he placed on a hornet's nest, could fly, without first of all receiving orders to that effect from St. Asaph's episcopal palace (laughter). The motion was then agreed to. Mr. E. Evans was elected Vice-chairman of the Board. This concluded the business.
REVIEW OF BOOKS. .-......r"'""""-''-"--..r-,-"",","
REVIEW OF BOOKS. .r"r- 'Every Man's Own Lawyer.'—We have re- ceived from the Publishers (Messrs. Crosby Lockwood and Son, London), a copy of the 36th edition of this popular and almost indis- pensable work of reference, one of the best- known publications in the Kingdom. Published at the very appropriate price of 6s. 8d. (a sum which, it is claimed on the cover, may be 'saved at every consultation !'), the object of the volume is to enable those who consult it to • help themselves to the law,' and thereby to dispense as far as possible with professional assistance and there can be no doubt that the book, if properly used, will be the means of saving many a 6s. Sd. to its purchasers. The Concise Dictionary of Legal Terms,' which is appended to the text, considerably increases the value of the work as a concise epitome of the law, thoroughly intelligible to non-pro- fessional readers. The amount of information squeezed into the volume is wonderful. That it has been compiled with considerable care, is evident to all who consult its pages and since ignorance of the law is the cause of most of its infractions, the volume should undoubtedly tend to do away with the necessity of litigation. If it were not done so well it might contribute more to lay mistakes, but it is so plainly writ- ten that he who runs may read, and he who reads may understand. The ordinary man of business will find the leading points of law well summarised in its 750 pages; where advice is offered, it is given in a clear and judicial man- ner the matter is well arranged; and the work is carefully brought up to date.
[No title]
A Drop Scene—A refreshment bar. A Report without Foundation-A thunder- clap. There are eight soldiers located in Ireland to one in Scotland. Some people seem, in fact, to prefer to serve by standing and waiting. A many-sided man is a man who can always appear to be right side up. The French don't like to talk shop that's why they don't like our Franc language. The pecularity of law is that when authorita- tively construed it does not mean what it says. Most of us dislike to speak ill of other people, but we can't be expected to cease conversation entirely. Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some couldn't tell te save their n6cks how it happened. He: 'She has such a sad face.' She I should say it would make anyone sad to have such a face.' 'Thanks for reseating my trousers,' wrote the customer. I should like to reseat the account,' replied the tailor. Governess Come, Ethel; it's time for good little girls to be in bed.' Ethel: I Yeth, Mith Morgan but you know I have been naughty to-day.' Angelica: You know, darling, I am truth- ful and never lie.' Adolphus: 'Well, darling; you may be truth- ful, but you do plenty of lying in the morning, 1 and I swear for my breakfast.'
FLINT.
FLINT. THE RECENT COLLIERY DISPUTE AT FLINT. Eleven colliers were summoned before a special meeting of the Flint magistrates on Monday, the 23rd ult., to show cause why they had not paid the fines and costs inflict- ed upon them in the above dispute. Mr. T. W. Hughes, on behalf of the com- pany, applied for a withdrawal of the sum- monses, as the defendants had signed an agreement to pay the amount due. INQUEST. Mr. R. Bromley, county coroner, held and inquest on Monday, Jan. 23rd, on the body of Eva Martin, a child three months old. The child's parents stated that it was taken ill on the the ) 9th. ult., and that it died Sa- turday, the 21st ult.; they were strangers in the town, and had not called in a doctor, as they did not think the child was so ill, and the husband was not aware whether he was entitled to call in the works doctor. He worked at the iron works Connah's Quay. Dr. Williams said that he had made a post mortem examination of the body, and found that death was due to galloping con- sumption. He explained that there would have been no difficulty for the parents to get a doctor to attend if they had only taken steps to obtain one. The jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes. Mr. J. T. Watson was foreman of the jury. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF REUHABITES. CELEBRATING THE 21ST ANNINERSARY. The Tower of Refuge Tent of the I.O.R. had a knife and fork tea on Wednesday evening, the 18th ult., in order to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the tent, and a public meeting was afterwards held, Bro. J. W. Foulkes, C.R., presiding. The chair- man said that his father was one of the first founders of the Tent 21 years ago, and during the whole of that time, his father was the only member of the Tent who had died from natural causes. Two other mem- bers had been drowned during a storm at sea. He hoped that the result of that meeting would be to make every member more determined to fight 'manfully and en- ergetically for the success of the Tent in the future. Bro. W. D. Forber then addressed the meeting and explained the principles upon which the order was founded. It was the oldest, largest, and wealthiest temperance association in the world, its adult members numbered 154,000, and juveniles 70,000, whilst its invested funds amounted to nearly one million. Its system of govern- ment is democratic, and its management economical; and in the Chester district to which this Tent belonged, their funeral funds were in such a flourishing condition that they were able to pay a bonus of £2 upon every 210, which was equal to 20 per cent. hey had an old age pension scheme, insurance and guarantee funds attached to the order, and the progress of the Tent during the last 10 years had never been equalled by any other society, and he looked forward with confidence to still greater prosperity in the future (applause). Bro. Jacob Morris, P.D.C.R., congratula- ted the members of the Tent upon their flourishing condition. He had every respect for other friendly societies who were doing a good and noble wcrk in their own particu- lar way, but he strongly condemned the practice of those societies in holding their meetings in public houses. He knew from experience that much harm bad resulted from the practice. Bro. James Clark, secretary, then gave a short history of the Rechabite movement in Flint; he said it was founded on the 22nd of January, 1878, and since then had had many ups and downs, and at one period came very near extinction; but through perseverance and energy, they had now got a membership of 105, and invested funds amounting to .£386 10s. 2d., or1 an average of £3 13s. 8d. per member. He hoped that as a result of that meeting, their member- ship would be increased to 150 before the end of this year (hear, hear). Bro. Henry Williams, district secretary, also congratulated the Tent upon its posi- tion, and speaking of the district funds, he said they had every prospect of being able to continue the bonus of 20 per cent. upon their funeral claims, as they were saving at the rate of about .£36 a year. Bro. Campbell, high chief secretary of the order, said he was glad of the opportunity to be at that meeting. They were, he sup- posed, a lot of fanatical teetotalers (laugh- ter). Some people thought that prohi- bition was something to be laughed at, a wild idea that would never be realised, but he would like to remind them that prohibi- tion was the law of the land at the present day, 99 people out of every 100 were already prohibited from selling intoxicating drinks, and they only waited to get this one per cent. knocked off in order to attain their object. So is Local Option the law of the land at present, only the option was vested in the local magistrates, whereas they wanted it vested in the hands of the people (hear, hear). The same might be said of the local veto. The magistrates had the power to veto every license if they choose, and they wanted this veto vested in the people. The speaker then went on to trace the history of friendly societies. Scientists, he said, have recently discovered from in- scriptions found in Egypt, that societies of this nature existed in Greece and other countries in Northern Europe. They were introduced into this country by the Anglo- Saxons in the form of guilds, such as trade guilds, social and religious guilds, &c. These guilds became the administrators and rulers of the towns, they were the town councils, and they also instituted fire insurance, and were doing an immense amount of good until certain of the kings of this country took a liking to their funds, and despoiled them of the greater part of their posses- sions. About 150 years ago when trade was at a very low ebb in this country, harmonic clubs were established in connection with public houses, as a means of social inter- course, and it was here that these societies first became established. Whenever a mem- ber of the club became ill, it became the custom for each of the members to drop 6d. in order to relieve him, but when it hap- pened that there were several of the mem- bers ill at the same time, it became too much of a burden to drop 6d. for each of them, so then it was arranged to drop the 6d. every week in order to form a per- manent fund, and from this small begin- ning sprung forth the friendly societies of tIle present day, whose members number about 4 millions, and whose funds amount to nearly 30 millions. The first temperance friendly society was formed in Salford in 1835, and this was the Rechabite order which now had branches all over the ■ orld and whose progress was most remarkable. During the last 12 years they bad estab. lished more new branches than all the otber leading friendly societies put together. In advocating the claims of the Recbabifs 1 order, he would point out that they wesra first of all a society composed of total ab- staIners, and in the second place they were.
DENBIGH. /'-"""""'-/'\--/''-_./"'r'''''''/'
-J in the minutes, no mention whatever was made of the new buildings the Clerk had refer- red to in the letter which he seat to the Depart- ment, and had just been read. All that the 330ard agreed upon was, to ask the Education Department whether they would guarantee the Board immunity for a time from any further demands as regards alterations and improve- ments to Henllan school. The Clerk's letter did not carry out that suggestion, but covered more ground by a good deal. Mr. Joseph Evans: It comes practically to same thing. The Clerk said he thought that what he had Pit in the letter was what the Board really ^nted to convey. Mr. Humphreys again pointed out that the «oard did not say in the resolution that they a new school. The Clerk: No, not in the resolution, cer- tainly not. Mr. Joseph Evans: But it was understood that unless we got this guarantee that no fur- ther improvements would be required, that we *°Uld proceel for the erection of a new school. *hat was the general talk. The Clerk said that was so, and that that was the meaning of Mr. Evans when he gave notice motion to rescind the resolution already on books with regard to this matter. ,,Mr. Cottom said the Education Department "id not really answer the question which the Board had put to them. The Clerk said that in the letter of the De- partment they said That in view of the in- terior nature of the premises ia whicli the School is now conducted, and the expense which ^°uld be involved in putting them in a satis- factory condition, my lords would approve of YOUr Board replacing them by a wholly new school The Department did not gather that the school premises were of an inferior nature, etc from his letter, but had evidently come to that conclusion from their own observations. Mr. Cottom It is certainly not a very high opinion of the school buildings. Mr. Joseph Evans said the letter of the De- partment contirmed the statement made at a Previous Board meeting with reference to a ca.se in England, when the whole school had been condemned after a classroom had just been added. This led them to believe that the same precedent might be followed in their own case. Evidently the Department regarded the "enllan school buildings as very inferior ones. Mr. Humphreys also agreed that the Depart }Oent in this letter had made use of very plain language. Mr. Thomas Roberts: From what I can Sather from the remarks of the Education De- partment, I think our course is very clear. Mr. Humphreys said that in proposing the resolution which Mr. Evans that day sought to 'escind, what he favoured was, that the Board should try to satisfy the Department by im Proving and adding to the present school build. lags; but the communication which they had received most certainly altered the complexion of things a good deal. It was the most pro- jjpQnced declaration they had had as yet of the ^-satisfaction of the Departments with the buildings. They had received a very ominous o»nt before, but the trumpet gave no uncertain 3Und now. Reading between the lines, it was "lirtually a condemnation of the school build- ogs, and it appeared to him a very hopeless to persist in trying to satisfy the require- ments of the Education Department by patch- es up the old school. „ Mr. Joseph Evans And it will simply be a Patchwork. Mr. Humphreys said that however much they ^J8hed to economise,they had no guarantee what. that the money spent on the old school jj^d not have been spent in vain, and that the c Provements carried out to day would not be Qdemned to-morrow. But in view of the °Hitounication now under consideration, he as not at all sure whether the better coarse »0d the truer economy would not be to face the disagreeable necessity at once, and provide new buildings. That was the conclusion he was coming to. Mr. Cottom said this appeared to him to be a ratepayers question. It was not a question of sentiment at all, and they should be satisfied that they were spending the money of the ratepayers to the best advantage. It seemed tp hxm now, that in the face of the Education Department's letter, that it would be really em- barking upon a foolish policy to spend a couple of hundred pounds of the ratepayers' money in Patching up the old school, and then in a year's tune, to throw it away, by building a new school. The Chairman explained that in the first Instance the Board were simply anxious to defer for a number of years the necessity of Providing a new school, by improving the Present buildings. That would have enabled tjhe Board to pay off some of the present loans. He would have been glad to be able to do this at the same time, he felt that the present build- ings were such that he should be sorry to spend money on them. Mr. Joseph Evans said that according to present appearances, the necessity of erecting 4 8C^°°1 coukl not now be long deferred. Mr. Cottom said that the position of matters ftad now entirely altered, because the Educa- tion Department had come between them and the trustees of the present school buildings. He had thought that the Department would have Auctioned the patching up of the present pre- mises until the end of the lease, but they evi- dently did not care much about the value of lbe lease, and now was therefore the time to strike. Mr. George Williams said that his opinion now the same as before—viz., thai it was to have new buildings, and he was very ^'ad that the Education Department had come the conclusion to prevent the spending of a Couple of hundred pounds on the school. t Replying to Mr. George Williams and Mr. "oaeph Evans, the Clerk stated that the number Of children attending the Henllan school from the adjoining parishes was now fewer than it bad been. These children now numbered about altogether, and came from the parishes of ^lanefydd and Bylchau. Mr. Joseph Evans said there was no need to make further remarks with reference to this lUestion, and he would therefore simply move £ be resolution standing in his name, viz., that the resolution of the 30th August last be now rescinded. If this was carried, he would also Propose that a committee be appointed to 8elect one or more suitable sites for a new school building, which are procurable, and to ascertain the costs, and to report to a special Meeting of the Board at the earliest possible date. If the first motion did not pass, then this second one would fall to the ground. It had been clearly shown that the school was not Worthy of the requirements of the present day, aQd the Henllan children should have a building adapted in every way to their health, and for imparting instruction to them, and the place should also be erected according to the most Modern style. Mr. Thomas Roberts seconded, and the motion to rescind the previous resolution was then carried. The Chairman then suggested that a resolu- tion should then be passed in favour of building a new school, and to make arrangements for carrying it out. Mr. Joseph Evans: And that we proceed with all dispatch for the erection of a new building ill lieu of the present school. Mr. Cottom questioned whether it would be in order to pass a resolution to proceed with the erection of a new school without notice to that effect having been placed on the agenda. Mr. Thomas Roberts said such a notice could have been put, as it could not be said ^nether the motion standing in the name of Joseph Evans would be carried or not. Mr. Cottom again contended that it was ^ecessary in the case of an important question /ike this to place it on the agenda. The Chairman pointed out that they had a letter from the Education Department bearing j? the^subjest, and this letter had left the ^ard free to take further steps in the mat- Mr. Thomas Roberts In the face of the do °>n^ remarks of the Education Department, I «n t think we would be justified in delaying it ally further The Chairman said the matter could be de ferred until the next meeting, if the Board so wished it, but he did not see anything improper in passing such a resolution that day. Mr. Cottom thoughtlit was the rule, that the rescinding of one resolution did not give power to propose another resolution. The Chairman Oh yes, because that is the object of it. It would be to no purpose putting Mr. Evans' motion on the agenda, unless some- thing else was in view. The Clerk said he thought Mr. Evans did mention at the last meeting that he intended to propose a resolution in favour of erecting a new school, but that he would make the way clear tor such a proposal by rescinding the resolution already on the books. Mr. Hughes said that was so, and that the members of the Board knew what Mr. Evans implied then. Mr. Cottom: I am quite content, if you say it is in order, sir. Mr. Joseph Evans then moved, and Mr. Thomas Roberts seconded, that steps be now taken for the erection of new buildings at Henllan in the place of the buildings hitherto used. There being no amendment, the motion was carried. Mr. Joseph Evans then formally moved the other part of his resolution, viz., that a com. mittep be appointed to select sites, &c. The Clerk, replying to a question, s tid the Board could acquire land by arbitration. They had compulsory powers in this matter. Mr. Hughes asked whether the old site would be available. The Chairman suggested that the Clerk should communicate with the National Society, to as. certain whether this site would be sold, &c. Mr. Thomas Roberts said he was not in favour of the old site on any condition what- ever. Mr. Joseph Evans I think there are better sites to be had. Mr. George Williams seconded the motion, and it was carried; and the following gentlemen were appointed on the committee :-The Chair- man, the Vice-Chairman, the Rev. H. Hum- phreys, and the Rev. H. O. Hughes, with the Clerk. ILLNESS OF AN ASSISTANT TEACHER. It was stated thatfowing to ill hpalth, Mr. D. Boardman Jones would be compelled to relin- quish his school duties for several weeks, and the Board decided to advertise for temporary assistance. THE ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOLS. COMPLAINTS BY THE HEAD TEACHERS. The Clerk submitted to the Board a petition from the head teachers of the different schools on the question of attendance, which was as follows:— The attendance in the various schools of the town is exceedingly poor, and we respectfully ask you GO give the question your serious con- sideration at your next meeting. The number of scholars on the school register is 1,044, the average attendance in each sitting is 736; there- fore, for the time the school is open, there are 308 children absent, and the most distressing circumstance in connection with this state of affairs is, the fact that practically they are the same pupils that absent themselves continually. Many parents in Denbigh send their children to school with the most commendable regularity but at the same time, the school registers show that there is an appreciable number of parents who utterly disregard their obligation to their children in this particular. In the returns of the Welsh counties,we find that Denbigh stands tenth on the list with a percentage of 72-75, thus showing that it is almost the worst Welsh county; and when we find a mountainous county like Carnarvon standing in the proud position of third, the disgrace is so much the greater, and it behoves every school attendance authority throughout the country to move with all speed to remove this stigma. The Educa tion Department draws out a syllabus of work for regular attendance, and it is entirely im- possible to traverse this heavy curriculum without a decided improvement. We are in- formed that it is the rule of the Board to over look cases when two-thirds of the attendances have been made. We consider this too great a latitude, particularly so when we bear in mind that the code states explicitly that a child must be present at every sitting. The attendance on Wednesday afternoons in the boys' schools is so law that it is hardly worth the while keep- ing them open. The boys, in many instances, are illegally employed, and counsel's opinion, which we enclose, is very emphatic as to the consequences (the offender is liable to a fine of 4013.). We would recommend, as an improve- ment to this defect, that the officer be instruc- ted to seriously warn the employers of this penalty. A great number of children absent themselves under a plea of sickness. We doubt in some cases the sincerity of these excuses, for we have seen some of the so-called invalids playing about the streets after nine o'clock at night, during the recent inclement weather. We would advise as a remedy in this case that the Board give instructions to the attendance officer to demand medical certificates. Since the reopening of the schools, Mr. Jones, the attendance officer, has served a large number of summons notices, and we find in some instances that the attendance is no better. Therefore, we sincerely hope that the Board will take pro- ceedings against the worst transgressors and see that the fines are immediately paid. We find thatthere aresome outstanding fines not paid since 1895 and 1896. We have no desire to notify the advantages accruing from regular attendance as they are well-known, but we do, in conclusion, earnestly hope that the Board will move in such a manner as the case may require.—E. J. Roberts, Patricia Kennedy, M. Rees, W. M. Pierce, F. S. Jones, M. Parry Williams, and M. E. Davies.' The petition having been read, Mr. Joseph Evans said that the position they held was really very degraded and very shame- ful and on the part of them as a School Board there should be firmness and the reins held very tight indeed, because there were so many parents utterly careless of their children's education. They made no effort to send their children to school, and unless the School Board dealt with them promptly and strongly, they would take more liberty. The Board should take a bold front in this matter so as to secure better attendance, and adopt the means of doing so without delay. He would propose that something definitely be done, and a committee appointed to look into the matter and report, or make some suggestion with a view of taking action. The Clerk said that a long list of children guilty of irregular attendance had been sent by Mr. Pierce of the National School. Mr. Humphreys remarked thaL the Board had been more strict in this matter "ince they amended their bye-law, but that half not been very long ago, and not sufficiently 10.J'; indeed to make any palpable difference. The Clerk said that the new bye-law had come rather suddenly on the parents. Mr. Joseph Evans said that he would have expected Denbigh to be an almost pattern di., trict in this matter, but according to the peti tion, there were nine school districts ahead of them. It was here pointed out that the statistics in the petition referred to the county of Denbigh as a whole, and did not apply particularly to the district of the Denbigh School Board. Mr. Joseph Evans said he was walking along the street some day last week; and was sur- prised to find children playing about the doors of their houses, instead of being in school. Mr. Humphreys said that the Board had now adopted a new rule altogether, and said it should be understood that what the petition stated, viz., that the Board overlook cases when two-thirds of the attendance had been made, was not correct. That rule was never adopted now, every case bein^ on its merits. Mr. Joseph Evans asked whether parents were ever called before the Board to answer for their negligence, before a summons was taken out. The Clerk No, we have no power to compel parents to attend here. Mr." Humphreys: The parents are the worst offenders, and they are not likely to come here to answer for their negligence. After further discussion, the Board agreed to give effect to the recommendation of the peti- • tionera. COUNTY COURT. The bi-monthly court was held last Tues- day, before His Honour Judge Sir Horatio Lloyd, and Mr. E. J. Swayne, deputy regis- trar. THE PIG DEALER IN BED. Samuel Jones, Henllan, claimed X2 from Hugh Nolan, St. Asaph, being balance due for four pigs sold by the plaintiff to defend- ant. Defendant had paid X2 17s., but now dis- puted that he had received the pigs. The case bad been adjourned from the last court in order that the plaintiff should pro- duce a witness to prove the delivery of the pigs. Isaac Hugh Davies said he delivered the pigs at the Leopard Inn, to a young man that was there, and left them in his charge. Defendant said he was in bed, and that plaintiff did not deliver the pigs at the station. His Honour said he did not think that the defendant would have paid the X2 17s. if be had not received the pigs, and gave judgment for plaintiff for the sum claimed, payable at 2s. a month. PAINTING A CART. Mr. David Jones, Gwynfa, sued Mr. John Jones, St. Asaph, for the sum of X2 Os. 6d. The defendant did not dispute all the claim, but counterclaimed for X2 Os. 6d., being the sum charged for painting one of the plaintiff's coal carts. Mr. A. O. Evans appeared for the plain- tiff, and Mr. Joseph Lloyd for the defend- ant. Mr. David Jones said he was a general merchant carrying on business in Denbigh under the title of Jones and Son. In 1894, he required a cart at St. Asaph to be paint- ed. Witness never mentioned lettering. However, the defendant varnished the letters on the cart, and said he had re- painted them. The work was very inferior. He had a great deal of experience with carts, and had had many painted, but when a bill of £1 18s. 6d. came to him, he refused to pay it because it was unreasonable. The usual price for painting a cart is about 12s„ with two coats of paint. He was quite prepared to pay the defendant a reasonable price for the work done. By Mr. Joseph Lloyd.—The defendant sent him a bill for painting a cart, and he wrote back some letters without prejudice. He transferred his coal business to Richard Evans and Co. Robert Roberts said he was a roadman under the Flintshire County Council, and he was in the employ of Jones and Son in 1894. He knew about the coal cart in question, and it was he that gave Mr. John Jones instructions to do the work. He told the carter to take it down to John Jones' to be painted, but there was nothing said about the lettering. The cart was painted in a very poor way. The paint could be seen peeling off. Mr. Robert Vaughan, coach builder and carriage painter, earring on business in Den bigh, said he had seen the cart referred to at St. AsaDh. It was a small ordinary cart, and nothing like the coal carts in Denbigh. They charged about 12s. to 15s. for the painting of a cart when it was done pro- perly. By Mr. Joseph Lloyd. He (witness) charged extra for lettering, according to size. Mr. John Jones, the defendant, was then called, and stated that he painted the cart for Mr. David Jones, and it took his men 28 hours to paint it, it being one of the largest carts around St. Asaph. The carter instructed him that it wanted repairing, painting, and lettering, and the charge that was made was the usual charge in St. Asaph, viz., 6d. an hour. By Mr. A. O. Evans.—He sent his account to Mr. David Jones, and he repudiated it. He applied for the account twice in 1894. Hugh Jones said he was the carter with Mr. David Jones in 1894, and he (plaintiff) gave him instructions with regard to the cart, to take it to Mr. John Jones to get it painted. The brake at the rear of the cart was loose. The cart was a on3-horse cart. He saw the cart after it was finished, and he (witness) could find no fault with it. By Mr. A. O. Evans.—He believed the letters had been re-painted. They worked the cart with one horse. His employer, Mr. Robert Roberts and himself were together, when Robert Roberts told him to take it down to John Jones. By Mr. J. Lloyd.—The cart was a large one, and he had to take precautions to pre- vent the cart mastering the horse, when going down a hill. David Jones said he was the man who punted the cart, and he used 16 lbs. of paint and it took 28 hours to do the work, and he also lettered the cart. He had been a painter all his life, and he thought that the charge made was a very reasonable one. By Mr. A. O. Evans.—He (witness) was a house painter and paper-hanger. He was not brought up as a carriage painter, but had more carriages to do than houses. His Honour gave judgment for plaintiff, and said he did not believe the lettering was ordered, and therefore deducted that amount from the counter-claim. Judgment for plaintiff on claim, and for defendant for £1 5s. 6d. on the counter- claim. THE MAKING OF A PATENT PLOUGH. Mr. T. A. Wynne Edwards sued Samuel Denson, Plas Mawr, Newmarket, for the sum of XII 19s. 5d. for making a plough. Mr. A. O. Evans appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Joseph Lloyd for the defendant. Mr. Wynne Edwards said he was an. en gineer carrying on business in Denbigh, and in September, 1897, he received instructions to make a plough for Mr. Denson, which was a new invention. He went to Plas Mawr and stayed there a long time examin- ing the patent. The model plough had been exhibited at the Royal Show. There was some arrangement for making the plough according to the model. Mr. Miller brought the model and asked him to make a plough as near as possible to the lines of the model. He (plaintiff) made the plough at cost price, and the pattern-maker charged 8d. instead of 9d. an hour. He commenced i he work, and considerable alterations were required. The defendant visited the foun- dry very often, and approved of the altera- tions before they were executed. When the plough was finished, Mr. Denson came and saw it, and expressed himself satisfied. He (plaintiff) was anxious to please him and carry out his instructions. By Mr. Joseph Lloyd.—The usual price of a plough was X4, but the plough here re- ferred to was not an ordinary plough. He did not mention X7 as the highest price of the plough. Mr. Denson was a very prac- tical man, and knew everything about ploughs. His arrangement was to turn the glade, as well as the breast, but it did not turn in the model which was produced in court. He (plaintiff) never bad notice to go to Plas Mawr to see it working, and be never heard that his clerk asked the de- fendant to send the plough back. Mr. Robert Jones, manager at the foundry, said he remembered a model of a plough being brought to the foundry for them to work. Mr. Wynne Edwards did not make any suggestion as to the price of the Plough. The alterations, according to the letters re- ceived, were carried out. He never:requested the plough to be brought back. By Mr. Joseph Lloyd.—Mr. Wynne Ed. wards did make some alterations to the plough which Mr. Denson agreed to. By Mr. A. O. Evans.—He remembered Mr. Denson there when the plough was finished. Mr. Wynne Edwards asked if a sheet of iron would not be better to keep the soil out, and Mr. Denson suggested that to act temporarily. Edward Jones said he was a joiner in the employ of Mr. Wynne Edwards, and he re- membered a model being brought to him to make a pattern of. The weight of the plough would be about 4 cwt. when made of iron, and according to model. Mr. Denson used to call at the foundry very often, and examined it, as they proceeded with the work. Mr. Samuel Denson said he made the model of the patent plough, and exhibited it at the RoyallShow, where it was a great success, and he was offered £100 for it. Mr. Miller suggested to him that he should get it done by a Denbigh man, namely Mr. Wynne Edwards. He (defendant) went to the foundry to see it worked, and they were doing it against his idea. There was a little ingenious work about it, and that was the lever. He told Mr.Wynne Edwards that his suggestion would not answer. The plough was partly a success. He returned it to the foundry: The wheels, bake and breast, were borrowed. He went to the foundry and told Mr. Wynne Edwards that the plough would not work. By Mr. A. O. Evans. He (defendant) came to see Mr. Wynne Edwards with Mr. Miller. He was not pleased with Mr.Wynne Edwards' suggestion. He alluded to the clogging up of the soil, and the arrangement in turning over. After he had tried it, he (defendant) said it was partly a success. He remembered receiving an account from Mr. Wynne Edwards, and he was surprised to find that it came to £ 11 15s. lid. By Mr. Joseph Lloyd.—The idea which Mr. Wynne Edwards suggested was a failure. Mr. G. T. Miller, living at Caerwys, said he saw Mr. Wynne Edwards with regard to the plough, and the latter said he would complete it for X7. Mr. Edwards had been over to Mr. Denson to see the plough, before he (plaintiff) had given the price. Plaintiff promised to complete it in a fortnight. It was on an October fair day that they took it there. It was witness that made the ar- rangements with Mr. Wynne Edwards. By Mr. A. O. Evans.—He had lived in Denbigh for 32 years, and knew Mr. Edwards as a very respectable man. He (witness) told plaintiff about the plough Mr. Denson had designed, and that he wanted to put it on the market. He believed he told Mr. Wynne Edwards that he had been offered £100 for the patent. His Honour said that the variations and alterations made, were made with the ap- proval of Mr. Denson. The difficulty was as to the price. Mr. Denson said he left the arrangements with Mr. Miller, and Mr. Wynne Edwards said there was no price fixed, but Mr. Miller said distinctly that the price of X7 was fixed. Mr. Miller was an independent witness, and on his evidence he would gave judgment for plaintiff for X7.