The North Wales Times

Lord Herschell died DEATH OF on Wednesday morn- LORD HERSCHELL. ing last in Washing- ton, America. The news was received in this country with profound regret. The noble Lord had gone to the United States as a member of the Anglo-American High Commission, to con- sider questions in dispute between Canada and the United States. He met with an accident, from the effects of which, how- ever, he was recovering, the cause of death being heart-failure. Lord Herschell was Lord Chancellor in the two last Liberal Governments.

DENBIGH. Other Denbigh News on page 6. Gift.-Mr. Henry Joyce, jeweller, has on view in his shop window, a beautiful silver flagon, which was supplied by him, to be presented for the communion table at Pres- tatyn Church. Scholastic.-Among those who have passed the Senior Loc\l Cambridge examination, we are very pleased to find Mr. Edward Humphreys Roberts, son of Mr. R. Hum- phreys Roberts, solicitor, of this town. Early Lamb. On Tuesday last, Mr. R. Ellis, butcher. Crown Lane, had a lamb slaughtered, this being the first of the season. The lamb was fed by Mr. Hugh Roberts, Plas Gwtta, Llannefydd, and was supplied for the Crown Hotel dinner. PFaterloo.-On Friday evening, the Rev. Emrys Ap Iwan delivered at the Vron C.M. chapel the second portion of his scholarly lecture upon the Battle of Waterloo,' the same having been arranged by a committee of the Literary Society. There was a large audience present, who were kept spellbound by the masterful manner in which the lecturer dealt with the subject. Mr. David Williams, Alavowlia, presided. Fire. Considerable excitement was caused on Wednesday night, by an alarm of fire. It was soon ascertained that an out- break had taken place at the Stationery shop of Messrs. Henry Davies and Son, in Vale Street. The alarm was given about twenty minutes to eleven and at the time several members of the brigade were pre- sent at the dinners held at the King's Arms and Crown Hotel. These members very promptly left the dinner table, and were, with other members of the brigade, at the scene of the conflagration in a very short time. The outbreak, which was confined mostly to the window and its contents, had been discovered immediately, and was soon put out, the damage done by water being, indeed, a great deal more than that caused by the fire. The brigade, however, were in attendance until the early hours of the morning. Immediately above the site of the fire was the office of M r. Abel Anwyl, estate agent and accountant but this was kept intact. We understand that the con- tents of the shop were insured. Baptist Chapel Literary Society.-We un- derstand that the Literary Society recently established in connection with the Baptist chapel is making very satisfactory progress; and that during the session many interes- ting and instructive debates have taken I place. On Monday night last, a debate took place upon the question of whether the Baptists are in a position to be affiliated with the council of the Evangelical Free Churches. Mr. Conwy Davies opened on the affirmative, and Mr. Bevis P. Roberts on the negative, both speakers dealing exhaustively with the subject. Addresses were also delivered by Messrs. Edward Williams, Post Office Lane; John Roberts, Love Lane, ard the chairman, Mr. George Williams. The Newspaper Press and its influences for good and bad. Mr. A. E. Fletcher, the present editor of The New Age, and late editor of the Daily Chronicle, and one of the foremost journalists of the;day, lectured on the above subject on Thursday evening, at Capel Mawr Schoolroom. Mr. A. Foulkes- Roberts, solicitor, presided. Mr. Fletcher delivered a discussive and most interesting lecture, in the first portion of which he dealt with the rise and progress of jour- nalism, closingithe lecture with some power- ful remarks upon the ethics of journalism. The lecture was much appreciated. Mr. Howel Gee proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Fletcher, and the Rev. Joseph Evans seconded, and it was carried with acclama- tion. A,vote of thar.ks was also accorded to the chairman, on the motion of Mr. T. J. Williams. Sale. During the coming week, com- mencing Tuesday, we are informed that Messrs. Clough and Co. will conduct an extensive unreserved sale in the Drill Hall, Denbigh, of china, earthenware, fine art and fancy goods. Amongst the stock will be found every class of useful goods, consisting of dinner, to&. breakfast, dessert, trinket and chamber services Of very flne quality and newest designs. Included in the orna- mental portion are fine specimens of r* Canfeo Ware, life size Swans en Pedestals, forming beautiful Jardinieres, and other magnificent specimens of pottery made only by these firms. As this sale is compu!sory, it will, doubtless, offer an exceptional op. portunity for anyone requiring useful or ornamental pottery of such a class as is seldom offered for sale by public auction. The sale will commence each day at 2.30 and 7 o'clock, and the room will be open from 9 o'clock each morning to afford an opportunity for inspection of the goods.

High Street, Denbigh, Bespoke Tailoring Department. TJ. WILLIAMS begs to announce that he has • changed his Cutter, having secured the services of Mr. WILLIAM WILKINS, who held the appointment of Cutter at Mr. SAM ELLS, London Street, Southport, Gents and Ladies' First Class Tailoring Establishment, where he gave entire satisfaction; and T.J. W. feels confident that his skill and experience will give equal satisfaction to his customers. T.J.W. begs to inform his patrons that he has just received a large variety of the mont fashionable and best WOOLLENS for the coming season, consisting of SUITINGS, TROUSERINGS, OVERCOATINGS, &c. LIVERIES trimmed out in best style. Charges strictly moderate. Patterns and Prices on application. A trial order respectfully solioited. j

DINNER AT THE KING'S ARMS. On Wednesday evening, Mr. and Bradshaw of the King's Arms Hotel, Placea before a company which assembled at tbst well-known hostelry in celebration of St. David's Day, a dinner of t'he most character, the catering, and the arrangements doing great credit to M* Bradshaw. The room had been Veautifully for the occasion, with appropriate Welsb mottoes, surrounded by the leek (the al emblem), and evergreens. The menu WaO follows:— Soup Brown White Lamb Veal Beef Mutton Roast Fowls, Boiled Fowls Puddings Sir Watkin Sultana Gooseberry, Rhubarb, and Apple Tarts Custards, Jellies, &c., Cheese Celery. 1 Mr. John Davies, solicitor, presided; anl.1 in the unavoidable absence of Major Wynne Edwards, owing to the illness of a relatie, the vice chair was worthily filled by :Mr. Charles Cottom Dinner being over, the president, expressed his regret at the absence of Maj°* Wynne Edwards, and wishing the compal3l an enjoyable social evening, proposed tbf first toast, that of the Queen, the Prince Of, Wales, and the rest of the Royal Famiv which was heartily received. The Vice-president, in proposing I TbO Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces,'said thos branches of the services were the mos effective and efficient in the world (hear* hear). He coupled with the toast the nalØe of a gentleman who was a member of He Majesty's Army as represented by tb Volunteer Forces, but was also a member another army, which, although not called upon to fight men and women, was ofte" called to fight another enemy of all of them, and an enemy not easily conquered-tbe enemy of fire. That gentleman was Oolo\1t Sergeant Helsby, of the Volunteer f°tC?g and Lieutenant Helsby of the Fire (applause). Mr. J. H. Gibbs, who was called upon 1°^ a song, treated the company to a spirited rendering of the old favourito Tommy Atkins.' Colour Sergeant Helsby, in respondíng thanked the vice chairman for his coIJJ plimentary remarks, and those present fot receiving the toast so heartily. < The President then proposed the toast of the evening, 'To the immortal memory St. David,' which toast was drunk 111 silence. i Mr. Bellamy proposed the Mayor an Corporation of Denbigh. ,6 The Vice president next proposed itl. town and trade of Denbigh, and the ag' cultural interests, coupling with it the nan10 of Messrs. T. P. Hughes, Mr. J. A. Johnso11' and Mr. Robinson, Tywysog, who responded. Mr. Gibbs, in a very felicitious sp000^ proposed the health of the president, which Mr. Davies briefly responded. to The president asked the company drink the health of the vice-president, 9,0 in a few words Mr. Cottom replied.. During the evening songs were also < by Messrs. Helsby, D. Hughes, T. Bartl0^ and Robert Williams. p The health of the host and hostess was tb given by the president, who complilue d., them for the excellent dinner they had prov ed for the occasion. After singing the English and Welsh NatJo al Anthems, the company separated. a

ST. DAVIDS DAY AT TIlE ASYLUM. lfl# The festival of the Patron Saint of ^rgt was not forgotten at the Asylum. As the 9 of March fell this year on a Wednesday, it f'g decided to turn the usual Wednesday nig entertainment into a St. David's In addition to the usual dances, a of Welsh National Music had been Mr. J. LI. Williams, the organist oi Institution. The lady members of the Asy* j, choir were appropriately dressed in tjy costumes, and the platform had been ta«w*

OUR SUPPLEMENT. "r- Witb this issue we present our subscri bers free with ° of the NORTH WALES TIMES POCKET RAILWAY GUIDE for March, containing good deal of informa- tion as to Railway Trains and Fares, Postal Intelligence, Tide Tables, Fairs, a Lighting Up Table for Cyclists and others, and a lot of other useful information.

TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS. In consequence of unusual pressure on our space, several items of news have been held over, as well as interesting correspon- dence.

BIRTHS. BASSETT-Februarv 26th, the wife of Mr. Herbert Bassett, Crest View, Beacon's Hill, Denbigh, of a son. BlTHELL-February 20th, at Ivy Cottages, Greenfield, Holywell, the wife of Mr. William Bithell, of a daughter. JONES—February 23rd, at Marsh Row, Mostyn, the wife of Air. Samuel Jones, of a daughter. JONES—Ma«ch 3rd, the wife of Mr. John Jones, Llwyn Bach, Llanrhaiadr, near Denbigh, of a son-first. born. WILLIAMS-Nfarch 1st, the wife of Mr. Edward Andrew Williams, of this office, of a son. MARRIAGES. LEWIS—PARKY—February 21st, at the Registrar's Office, Cor wee, by Mr. D. P. Da vies, Mr. Thomas Lewis, Pennant, to Alisq Mary Elizabeth Parry, Pronfrys-both of Glyntraian. DEATHS. BABLOW—February 25th, at Conway Street, Mold, Mary Barlow, aged 70 years. DAVIES-Februar; 27th, very suddenly, Mr. David Davies, bookseller, Trawsfynydd. HUGHES-February 21st, the beloved child of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Hughes, labourer, Abram's Lane, Den. bigh, aged 2 weeks. HUGHES-February 19th, Mrs. Catherine Hughes, wife of Mr. Joseph Hughes, Penllethar, Gwytherin, aged 73 years. JONES—February 26th, the beloved child of Mr. and Mrs. H. and M. Jones, Llandyrnog, near Den- bigh. JONES—February 25th. at Daviea' Court, Mold, Martha Ellen, Infant daughter of Mr. William Jones, aged 9 months. JONES—February 26th, at Wern Bach, Trelogan, near Holywell, Maggie, wife of Mr. John Jones, aged 27 years. LLOYD—February 25th, Mr. Llewelyn Lloyd, Vale Street. Denbigh (late of Penybryn, near Denbigh), azed 72 years. OWB:SS -Feomary 25th, after a long illness, Miss Harriet Owens, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Owens, grocer, 24, High Street, Bethesda, aged 29 years. POWELL—March 1st, Mr. David Powell, Derwen Deg, Llanfair D. C., after a week's illness, aged 83 years THOMAS—February 25th, after a long illness, Mr. Robert Thomas, bookseller, Blaenau Ffestiniog, aged 72 years.

WELSH MARKETS. DEHBIGH, March 1st.—The market was but thinly attended, farmers being busy preparing their land for seed. Quotations :—Wheat, from 9a to 9s 3d; barley, 8a 6d to 911 Od oats, 5s 6d to fis Cd per hobbet. Fresh 'butter. Is 21 per ro; small tubs. Is lid; and large ditto, Kid per lb. Eggs, from 17 to 18 for a Is. Fowls, from 3s 61 to 4a 6d per couple. Potatoes, from 5s to 6s per hobbet. Oatmeal, 2d per lb. LLANGEFNI. February 23rd.—Oats, from 13s. 6d. to 148. 6d. per quarter; potatoes, 2s. 6d. to 28. 9d. per cwt.; fresh butter, Is 3d per lb; wool, 7d to 7d per lb; fowls, 3s 9d to 49 Od per couple; ducks, 4s Od to 4s 6d per couple. Eggs, 16 to 18 for a Is. Young pigs, 12s to 17s each; fat pigs, from 3d to 3!d per lb. RUTHIN, February 27th.-Prices were as follow:— Wheat, from 9a Od to 9s 6d per hobbet; barley, 8s Od to 9a 61; oats, 58 Od to 6s Od. Fresh butter, from Is 3d to 18 4'! per lb: salt butter, Od to Os Od per lb fowls, 3s to 4s 0,1 per couple. Ducks. 4s Od to 58 Od. Eggs, from 13 to 14 for a s. Bacon pigs, 3d per lb; porkers, 3 £ d fit ores, 3Jd and sows, 2ld per lb.

j ——' a t a '•ii'SUN N Insurance Office. **O' Sum Insured in 1897- 0 1425,000,000. YOED N Fcr particulars, apply to the following Agen ts— Bala—Mr. R. L. Jones, Mount Pleasant. Bangor—Mr. Jafiles Smith. Mr. Richard Hall. Barmouth—Mr. R. F. Anderson. Beaumaris—Mr. Frederick Geary. Carnarvon—Mr. William Hugh Owen. Conway—Mr. C- Droyer, Deganwy, Llandudno. Denbigh—Mr. J. H. Jones. Dolgelley—Mr. T. P. Jones Parry. Holyhead—Mr. Owen Hughes. Holywell-Mr. Robert Thomas. Llandudno—Mr. Edgar W. Riches. Llanfyllin-Mr. Wiliiam A. Pughe. Llanidloes—Mr. Bennett Rowlands. Llangefni—Mr. William Thomas. Llangollen-Messrs. Minshull & Parry Jones. Llanrwst—Mr. E. Jones Owen. Motf—Messrs. Kelly, Keen & Co. Portmadog—Mr. J. Tobias, Solicitor. Rhos-on Sea-Mr. P. J. Kent. St. Asaph-M.r;. Llewelyn Lloyd. Welshpool—Mr. D. Wall. Wrexham-Mr. Trevor G. Boscawen.

SARON, NEAR DENBIGH. CONCERT. ery successful concert was held at the ?■ jov place on the 23rd inst., the chapel be- ing well filled. The following took part in the programme :-Messrs. Job Ellis, Ellis Wil- liams, Tanyfron; Thomas Roberts, Groesffordd; William Evans, Nantglyn; and a choir under t^efconductorehip of Mr. John Jones, Ffordd Fawr.

UNFERMENTED TT7INES, for Sacramental use.—Sold by VV A. ANDREWS, Wine Moiefcaat, Denbigh.

THE ANNUAL DRINK BILL. THE temperance reformer will find much to reflect upon in the Annual Drink Bill,' which Dr. DawsonBurnspreparesevery year. According to this authority, the amount expended in the United Kingdom upon alcoholic beverages reached a total of L154,480,934 in the year 1898. This: represents a larger consumption than in any previous year. The figures are, of course, only approximately accurate; but they are calculated upon official returns, and may be taken as fairly reliable. In any case, they afford a good opportunity of comparing one year with another, as the basis of calculation is always the same. Taking the growth of population into ac- count, it is found that the expenditure per head amounted to X3 16s. 10d. in 1898, which is 2s. 3Jd. more than the average of the past five years. This amount cf con- sumption applies to every head of popula- tion throughout the United Kindom, in- cluding children, and infants in arms, so that for those who drink less, or none at all, others must make up the average. No one can say that eighteen pence per week is an undue allowance for drink. It is when we consider that it means eight or nine shillings for a family of five or six, that it assumes a rather formidable ap- pearance. In some parts of the country the consumption would appear to be more, and in others less. Dr. Burns estimates that the average expenditure per head is Y,4 2s. 2d. in England and Wales; L3 Is. lid. in Scotland; and S2 14s. lOfd. 2 in Ireland. The leading position of England and Wales is said to be largely due to the partiality for beer in that part of the Kingdom. In Ireland the consumption of spirits per head is slightly more than in England, while in Scotland it is nearly double as much. But England and Wales lead the way in beer, which accounts for about two-thirds of their total expenditure upon intoxicants, while in Ireland it is about half, and in Scotland it is not more than a fourth. The advocates of total ab- stention naturally contend that the whole of this expenditure is wasteful. They find a ready sermon to their hands in the mor- tality returns, and there is no room to doubt but that much of the indulgence in drink is more than wasteful. The official tables show that the mortality of publicans is double the normal death rate, and many of the insurance companies are now offer- ing preferential terms to total abstainers. Yet, in spite of the steady increase in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, there is less crime, less drunkenness, and less pauperism than formerly. What is more, the people on a whole live longer, and old age comes later. It used to be customary to put the middle of the life at thirty-five. This was, no doubt, somewhat influenced by the Psalmist's limit of three-score years and ten; but few now consider themselves past the middle of the arch until at least well between forty and fifty. It is quite true that much has lately been heard about employers counting their workmen old before this time of life but that is due to the great industrial pressure at which we live. All evidence goes to show that people both live ar d retain their capacity for work longer than in former times. There are, of. course, many agencies which contribute to this improvement, as also for the general decrease in crime, pauperism, and drunken- ness. Still it is satisfactory to note that in spite of the increase in the consumption of intoxicants there is a decrease in the evils usually associated with drink. The better education, and the higher standard of living, which the masses now enjoy, have, to a large extent, taught the people to shake off the evils of intemperance. The true explanation of the great and growing drink bill seems to be in the increased national prosperity. People are better able to afford increased expenditure but it is a thousand pities that this increased wealth was not better applied.

a THE COMING QUESTION. EVERYTHING points to a severe deficit in the forthcoming Budget. The Revenue returns are no longer marked with that elasticity which has characterised the last three or four years, and it looks very much as if a period of rest has now set in. It is an unfailing law that such checks follow the overflowing years, and sound finance always takes this well-known fact into consideration. But the present Government has gone on headlong spending money with both hands, every year looking for more and more, and now at the first check the nation is confronted with the prospect of additional taxation. The Government came in with a ready-made surplus of over £ 4,000,000, and a new source of revenue, of about £5,000,000 provided by Sir Wil- liam Harcourt's Budget of 1894. There has also been a great and general expansion in receipts. The national income has gone up in three or four years, by sixteen mil- lions. The 102 millions of 1894-95 has grown to the 118 millions of the current year. There have been a few minor postal reforms, and the reduction in the tobacco duty last year, which has foolishly frittered away a million and a half of money without conferring any appreciable benefit upon the public. With these exceptions jthe whole of this vast increase in the national income has been dissipated—chiefly upon doles and armaments, and now there is a difficulty in making both ends meet. According to the I Economist,' the year's accounts will show a balance on the wrong side, of Y,1,400,000, and taking into consideration the large proportions of the supplementary estimates, and the state of the Revenue returns up- to-date, the actual deficit is likely to be more rather than less this figure. There will be this to make good; and in dealing with the estimates for 1899-1900, the Chancellor of the Exchequer will have to provide for an expenditure of between three and four millions more than was the case last April. At the best, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach is not likely to be able to count upon more than a stationary Re- venue, and the point is, where is this addi- tional money to come from. The tobacco duty will, no doubt, be restored; and there are suggestions of another penny on the income tax. That would be the natural consequence of the slip shod policy of extravagance of the past three years. The Government cannot bestow three millions a year upon its own particular friends—the landlords and the parsons—without some- one having to pay for it. But an increase in the income tax would more than any thing else fix this fact in the mind of the country, and it is therefore not surprising to find the whole Unionist press beseaching the Government to do nothing so unpopu- lar. Ministers will not budge an inch to wards the taxation of ground values, and however distasteful it might be, an increase in the income tax would probably be the soundest, and most straightforward course. The money that will be wanted, could be had by an addition to the beer duty but here again the matter must not be thought of. A good deal has been done for the landlords, and the clergy, who are to re- ceive further favours in relief of rating on the tithe rent-charge. But there have been no sops and doles to Mr. Bung; and an increase in the beer duty would certainly tend to lessen his enthusiasm as an elec- tioneering agent for the Tories at the next general election. Therefore, that idea is put aside and there is a general falling back upon the old reactionary policy. Why not suspend the paying off of the National Debt? The Government has already nibbled at these easy methods of finance; but they are wholly unsound. From an Imperialist peint of view, the paying off of the debt is almost as important as the main- tenance of a strong navy, which the rich and well-to-do Tories are never tired of calling for, so long as the poorer and gene- ral taxpayer will pay for it. The gradual reduction of the debt really constitutes our great reserve of strength, which in a crisis would be of vital importance to us, in any serious international complication. But even the suspension of the sinking fund would not avoid the necessity for facing the situation-created by a constantly growing expenditure-at some early date. The Times suggests that not only should the income tax, and the death duties be reduced, but that the duties on corn and sugar be revived. That, of course, is an impossible policy. The duties, it is said, would be too small to be felt in any household; but we all know what a revival of the duties on food would mean; and it would be per- fectly useless for the Government to at- tempt to blind the public to the real nature of any such proposals. They would do the Government more damage in the country than an increase of the income tax, or an increase in the beer or spirit duties. When such desperate remedies are suggested, it shows the serious character of the ship- wreck of the national finances which the Government has brought about. The situation, in fact, very much resembles that of nearly twenty years ago. Then Lord Beaconsfield's ministry went out after a series of magnificent deficits in 1878-79- 80 and it looks very much as if Lord Salisbury's Government will follow in the -same footsteps.

SLINGS AND ARROWS. .r'r- ¡BY A YEOMAN OF THE GUARD]. Last week I had some comments to make as to the election of clerk to the Ruthin magistrates. Since then, various other dis- closures have been made, which, I think it is only right that the public should know of. On the Saturday previous to the elec- tions-February 18th-a caucus meeting of a section of the Tory magistrates was held at Ruthin Castle, the residence of the Lord Lieutenant. There everything con- nected with the election was arranged, so that the real election on the following Monday was cut and dried.' What about such proceedings as these 1 Are they con- ducive to promote that respect which is due to the administration of justice in every shape and form 1 It must be remembered that the Lord Lieutenant is the nominator of all the county justices, and as such, it might fairly be expected that he would take no part in political matters which are so closely allied to his administrative duties. I do not know whether the letters of invi- tation to the meeting were written either by or at the direction of Col. West, but as the meeting was held in his house, he at least must have taken a prominent part in it. If the management of judicial affairs are to be carried out in this fashion, it is diffi- cult to conceive where the line will be" drawn. It would not be impossible, although I hope it is improbable, that magistrates should hold a caucus meeting before-hand to decide whether a prisoner should be acquitted or not, before hearing the evidence, This would be on a par with electing a clerk before his application was read, or his testimonials considered. That the Lord Lieutenant of the county should take pa„'t in such proeeedings, is, to me, inexplicable. It has been said over and over again, and as often denied, that magis- trates in this county are appointed because they are Conservatives or Unionists. What better proof is required than this that the Lord Lieutenant of the county should invite magistrates of one way of i thinking only, to decide who should obtain an office of emolument, which was in the gift of the whole of the magistrates ? « • • « I have been informed that several Con- servatives-prominent amongst them baing Col. Howard and Mr. T. A. Wynne Ed- wards-are busily engaged in getting up a petition to the Home Secretary, asking him not to sanction the exemption of farmers' carts from the operation of the Lighting Bye-law in the County of Denbigh, as de- cided at the last meeting of the Denbigh- shire County Council. I do not suggest that the gentlemen mentioned are doing anything more than they have a perfect right to do, but it is well for the farmers of the country to know who are their real friends. The petition referred to was much in evidence at Ruthin on the first day of the Assizes, because on that day, it was easy to obtain the signatures of the beaks of the county. Both the gentle- men named have recently been asking for the votes of the farmers of the counties of Denbigh and Flint, and now they do their best to prevent the farmers having the boon of being exempt from a very annoy- ing and unnecessary bye-law.

BOROUGH POLICE COURT. FRIDAY.—Before the Mayor, Dr. Lloyd Ro- berts, Messrs. William Mellard, T. W. and R. E. Hughe-. DRUNK IN CHARGE OF A HORSE. Richard Evans, Firwood Farm, Llansan- nan, was charged by P.C. Pierce, with the above offence, alleged to have been commit- ted on the 8th of February. Defendant pleaded not guilty. P.C. Pierce said on the day in question, he received a complaint from Mr. W. M. Buller, stationer, that a man had gone down Bridge Street in charge of a horse and and that he had endeavoured to turfl his cart in the street opposite his shop, nearly smashing the windows. He went down to Henllan Place, and saw defendant proceed- ing home in a cart. He refused to allow him to go, as he was in a state of drunken- ness. A friend of the defendant volun- teered to take him home, and witness allow- d him to proceed. e ..——" Pierre Reynard Jones who was in court, I volunteered to give evidence, and stated that the man appeared to him to be in drink. For the defence, Ellis Williams, Tan y Fron, was called and stated that he had seen the defendant near the Hand Inn, on the day and time in question. He was not drunk, but the horse appeared to be a little frightened, and this might have made the defendant appear a little anxious. The Bench sent a message for Mr. W. M. Buller to appear and to give evidence. When he came he stated that he did not make a formal complaint to the officer as to the condition of the man. He had simply jokingly said to the officer You have missed a case,' that was all. He did not know the man, nor had he seen his face, but could net say that he was drunk, but that was cer- tainly his impression. The Bench decided to give the defendant the benefit of the doubt, and dismissed the case. The Mayor remarked that he personally thought that the officer bad done his duty. DRINK AGAIN. John Davies, 82, Park Street, an ex, soldier, pleaded guilty to a charge of being drunk in Bridge Street on the 14th of Feb- ruary, and he was fined 2s. 6d. and costs. John Davies, of Brynlluarth, also pleaded guilty of the same offence in Love Lane, on the 13th February, and he was fined 2s. 6d. and costs. THE WANT OF WORKMEN'S DWELLINGS. An application was made for an ejectment order against three tenants residing in Hen- llan Street, and on being asked why they did not leave the houses according to the notice they had received, one and each re- plied that they could-not find other suitable houses in the town. The Bench granted an order of ejectment, but suspended it for 21 days. SCHOOL BOARD CASES. Mr. William Jones, school attendance officer, proceeded against several parents for not sending their children to school, the bench making an order, or imposing a fine in each case.

DINNER AT THE CROWN HOTEL. The St. David's anniversary was celebera- ted at the Crown Hotel, on Wednesday even- ing, by a large assembly. An excellent din- ner was provided by Mr. and Mrs. Hughes the host and hostess. The menu was a follows :— I Soup Vermicelle Fish Codfish, Osyter Sauce, Fried Soles, Shrimp Sauce Joints Roast Lamb Mint Sauce, Roast Beef, Horse Raddish, Roast Mutton, Roast Chicken, Sausage, Boiled Fowls, Celery Sauce. Sweets Gingerbread Pudding, Stewed Rhubarb, Mince Pies, Fruit Tarts, Victoria Sand- wiches, Jellies, and Creams. Cheese-Salad Dessert. The Mayor (Mr. E. A. Tumour) occupied 'the chair, and Mr. W. Mellard acted as vice chairman. The tables having been cleared the toast of the Queen and Royal Family,' was given by the president, and was loyally honoured. Mr. E. W. R. Roberts, of Bodfari, then gave a song, and was loudly applauded. The President proposed the toast of the Bishop, Clergy, and Ministers of all denominations-i-a toast, he said which would appeal to everybody. He was one of those people who formerly believed a per- son said that salvation came from the Church, and not from the Nonconformist body. Now he did not believe in it because everybody had to go for the same goal. If they were Churchmen or Nonconformists, the question would be What kind of life we have lived (applause). Mr. Edgar then 'rendered his favourite song Red, white and blue,' and was loudly cheered. The vice-president gave the toast of the Army, Navy, and Volunteer forces, and said that England in time would be the master of the whole word. The recruits who now enlisted into the Army were more severely drilled than before. They had a very strong Navy composed of very good ships, officers, and men. He went on to say that if any nation was to come and fight them he would say 'Let,'em all come.' If they did come, they would go back the same way. He was asked to couple the names of Regimental Sergeant Major Bruton, and Sergeant Major Phillips, of Ruthin. Mr. John Thomas then sang 'The Long- shoreman.' Sergeant Major Bruton, and Mr. Phillips suitably responded. Mr. Peter Williams, Crown Square ren- dered a Welsh song, and was loadly encored. The President in proposing the toast of the evening, St. David's' which was drunk in silence, said that they all gathered to- gether as loyal Welshmen in memory of their patriot saint. He was born in the 6th century, and was a very holy man, and it would do every body good to follow his example. It was said that St. David on the field of battle, fought for the Britons against the Saxons, and used the Welsh leek to distinguish the army of the Welsh from those of the Saxons. He died on the 1st of March, in the year 601. The Welsh were as proud of the leek as the Irish were of their emblem. If the 1st of March had fallen upon another day instead of Wednesday, he (the president) would have asked the Town Council to accompany him to divine service in honour of their patriot saint (cheers). St David's memory had been cherished by Welshmen s,11 over the world. Sergeant Major Bruton then sang a military song. Mr. Oswald R. Moseley in proposing the toast of the Mayor and Corporation of Denbigh' said he had to apologise for being at the meeting that night, he not being a Welshman but coming from the County of Monmouth. He could only but say that the Corporation carried out their duties in an exc^lent way, but of course, there were som% rather lively meetings. Tli e President, in responding on beha'f of the Town Council and Corpora- tion of Denbigh, thanked Mr. Moseley for the kind words he had used. The Town Council did everything they could to do credit to the town. The Councillors were

sent to the Council by the ratepayer", and their duty WHS to keep the r^tea (fols". Since he had had the honour of being May0' of the ancient bi-rough.of Denbigh he could honestly say that the Council had ende_af_ oured to give the inhabitants of Denbigh every necessary requirements for instance, the steam roller-about that time last yeilr, there was a gentleman who was in the Coun' cil, and he advocated this roller, he being Mr. J. T. Hughes, Alderman as he was that time, and he (the President) said tha* the roller to a certain extent was an expen- sive item in the expenditure of the Council, but it had done a great deal of good in repairing the roads for the ensuing summer. Visitors could now visit Denbigh in larger numbers, because the roads were in a decent state of repair- The Town Councillors attended the Council without fee or reward, and they did not expect one. If they voted for a certain party, they would be told that they had done wrong. He went on to say that part? spirt was a very bad thing in every Council (cheers). Councillors Mellard and Pryce also responded. A song was then given by Mr. E. W. It Roberts, Bodfari. Mr. John Thomas, Castle Hill, proposed the toast of the Town and trade of Deil, bigh. Mr. Edgar in responding said he had been in Denbigh for nearly 40 years, and he always found the town a good one. Tlie trade could be made a little better by per' severing. A few posters would bring people. He thought that Denbigh would beat Wrexham. With regard to the Loo, don and North Western Railway, they could do a little more. The President With regard to the North Western Railway, they may depend upon It that the Town Council had made up mind to persuade the London and "North Western Company to give them a better service. The Council had appointed a com- mittee of Councillors and outlaymen who have asked the London and North WesterO Railway to give Denbigh a better service Of trains, also lower rates, and a larger pla.t' form.. Mr. Edgar then gave a song- entitled 'Dublin Bay' ———— Mr. Parry, Deputy Town Clerk, proposed the toast of the Police Force.. Superintendent Jones, in responding said he had been on the force in Denbigh fOl 4 years, and those were the happiest years he had spent on the force. The Mayor then proposed, and paid coW' plimentary remarks to the Press couple1 with the names of Mr. E. J. Houlston, Of the Free Press,' and Mr. W. E. Price, of the 'North Wales Times,' and they briew responded. Dr. Owen, the Asylum, proposed tP* Ladies,' and the Mayor responded. The toasts of the President, Lady Mayor, ess, the Vice-president, and the host and hostess followed, and the company separa' ted. An apology was read from Mr. J. ParrY Jones who was not able to come out.