The North Wales Times

PETTY SESSIONS. SELLING DRINK ON SUNDAYS. SEQUEL TO THE RECENT DEATH ON THE ROADSIDE NEAR BALA. On Saturday last, before Messrs. E. G. Jones, Roger Hughes, E. R. Jenkins, Evan Jones, John Parry, R. Ll. Jones, and L. J. Davies, John Phillips, the licensee of the Goat Inn, Bala, was summoned, on the information of Inspec tor. Morgan, with selling drink to one Edward Lloyd, on Sunday, the 29th January last. Mr. Guthrie Jones, Dolgellev, prosecuted on behalf of the police, and Mr. Edward Roberta, Ruthin, acted for defendant. Mr. Chamberlain, Llandudno, watched the case on behalf of the lessees—Messrs. Ind, Coope, & Co. Major Best, chief constable, was also present, and the court was crowded. Mr. R. Guthrie Jones, in opening the case, said that he appeared on behalf of the police to prosecute John Phillips, of the Goat Inn, for, that he, on Sunday the 29th January last, did sell intoxicating liquor during the time that his licensed premises were required to be closed. The proceedings had been token under Section 9 of the Licensing Act, 1872, in conjunction with the Sunday Closing (Wales) Act, 1881. The facts were shortly these. A person named Edward Lloyd appears to have stayed at the Goat Inn for some days previous to the Sunday in question. On the "evening of the Sunday, accompanied by Garibaldi Roberts, he was driven by a person named W. T. Ellis to a place near Gwernhefin. Before he leaves the premises, he is supplied with two bottles of whisky by defendant Phillips. The person Ellis would state that Phillips brought the bottles to him, and told him they were for the man Edward Lloyd. The man Garibaldi Ro berts would also state that he saw defendant handing the two bottles of whisky to the dri- ver W. T. Ellis. Those were shortly the facts of what happened at the time Lloyd left the Goat. Inspector Morgan would produce a vo- luntary statement made to him by defendant, that he had supplied the liquor. A melancholy fact connected with the case was that the man Lloyd was found dead on the road on Monday morning. With regard to the proof of sale, Section 62 of the Licensing Act stated that to prove a sale, it is not necessary to prove that money actually passed, or liquor actually con- sumed, if the court is satisfied that a transac- tion in the nature of a sale actually took place. It was impossible to presume what the defence would be, but he would like to mention at once that if it was contended that those bottles were sold on Saturday, and delivered on Sunday, that would be no answer to this charge. There was a case settled last year-Sanhurst v. Thor- ny-where a person bought over a dozen bottles of beer, which, by arrangment. were to be de. livered on Saturday night. Owing to some accident, they were not delivered until Sunday. The effecii of the judgment given in that case was, that it any material part of the transac- tion of sale was performed on Sunday, that would be a sale on Sunday, sufficient for the beuch to convict in a case such as this. It might also be contended that the man Lloyd was a bona-fide traveller staying in the house. As an answer to that, he would refer to the case of Mountifield v. Ward. The licensee is not authorised, under Section 10, to sell intoxi- cating liquor during prohibited hours for con- sumption by the traveller off the licensed pre- mises. Upon the evidence of W. T> Ellis, who would prove delivery of the bottles to him and that they were for the deceased, and the evi- dence of Roberts, who saw defendant Phillips handing them to W. T. Ellis, and then the de- fendant himself that he supplied these two bottles of whisky on Sunday to the man Lloyd, he (Mr. Jones) would ask them to convict. The following evidence was then taken :— William Thomas Ellis, High Street, Bala, said I I remember the 29th January last. On that day, I drove a trap from the Goat Inn. I went into the house. Defendant Phillips told me that he had two bottles for Lloyd, wrapped in paper, and asked me if I would carry the parcel. The bottles contained whisky. He asked me to carry them because Lloyd grum- bled about carrying them. I took the bottles, and drove away with Lloyd and another man, Garibaldi Roberts. The lacter was not in the house at the time the bottles were delivered to me; he was just going out.' Cross examined by Mr. Roberts: Did you know when you started from Bala what the bottles contained ? Witness I believe it was whisky. What made you think so ? Witness I thought it was whisky, but was not certain. I saw afterwards that it was whisky. I noticed this was mentioned in the papers. I observed that defendant took them from the top kitchen. Were they wrapped separately? Witness: They were in one parcel. I saw the parcel in the top kitchen, either on the table or window, ready tied, and it was given me in the presence of Lloyd. Was there anybody else present then ? Witness Only John Phillips and Lloyd. Where did Garibaldi Roberts join you ? Witness: In the yard. He went out when we were just getting the bottles. He was not present when they were delivered. In the yard, Lloyd and myself were in the trap, and Gari- baldi Roberts came afterwards. He had been looking for a dog or a puppy. They said they were going to walk home from Gwernhefin Gate. I gave one of the bottles on the road to Edward Lloyd, because it hurt my side. I had not seen Lloyd on Saturday. I was told he in- tended going home on Saturday. I can't say whether his brother was in town that day. These bottles had been kept in the upper kit- chen, which was a separate place from the bar, where liquors were kept. By the bench The bar is a separate room altogether from the kitchen. Re-examine^ by Mr. Jones The bottles were wrapped together in a paper. For my con- venience to carry in each pocket, they divided the parcel into two. There was paper round each. I did not know surely whether it was whisky. I knew this on the road, because we had a drop of it (laughter). Garibaldi Roberts, slater, Llanuwchllyn, said'I remember the^j29th January last. I went that day to the Goat Inn, at Bala. I first saw the servant, and also saw Edward Lloyd and defendant, John Phillips. I was there when Edward Lloyd started home, driven in a trap by W. T. Ellis. I believe Phillips was handing something to Ellis as I was going out. I thought I heard him say You look after these Willie.' This was as I was going out through the door, I heard nothing else said. I accompanied the man Lloyd as far as Gwern- hefin drive. In the course of the drive, a bottle of whisky was handed to me.' Cross-examined by Mr. Roberts: I was in town on Saturday, and saw Lloyd that day. I aid not speak to him on Saturday. He toidme on Sunday that it was his intention to go home on Saturday, but did not say why he had not gone. He said the whisky was wanted lor the threshing on Monday. He told me to tap a bottle on the road. He told me on Sunday that if he knew that his brother was going home in the trap on Saturday, he would have gone with him. Re-examined: I was in the'house for some time on Sunday. Defendant did not say any- thing to me what the whisky was for. Inspector Morgans, Bala. said I went to see defendant Phillips on Monday, the 30th Janu- ary. I wanted to make certain enquiries with him. He made me a voluntary statement, and came up to the office here. The statement was as follows :—' Edward Lloyd came to our house between ten and eleven on Thursday night, and craved for a bed. He was not supplied with drink. He got up the next morning about 11 a.m., and was told there and then that he should have to go home, and that we were not going to allow him to remain at our place. He then asked me for a glass of beer this was re- fused. I told him he should have some broth. He remained at our house up to about 6 o'clock last night (referring to Sunday), when he was supplied with two bottles of whisky, and left in a trap accompanied by Garibaldi Roberts and William T. Ellis.' I took this statement down in writing at the time.' Cross examined by Mr. Roberts: I have been here since the 18th January. I only had a fortnight's experience of the place before this occurred. I believe Phillips has been the tenant of this house for about twelve months. As far as I know, he is a respectable man I do not know that he is an abstainer. As far as the statement went, I considered that what he had done was straightforward; but it was not creditable keeping a man in the house in the state he was in. During the time he was at the place, Lloyd does not appear to have been well taken care of. I do not know who is responsible. The first I heard that the bottles of whisky had been supplied at Saturday was at the time of the inquest. It struck me then, and I enquired into it, and heard from Mr. Phillips that it was supplied on Saturday. He did not tell me it was put aside for him. I heard—not from him-that it was for the threshing machine. He told me he was tired of him (Lloyd), and expected him to go home every day. He told me that my prede- cessor (Inspector Roberts) cautioned him not to allow Lloyd to remain in the house. When did you hear about the whisky first? Witness On Mohday morning, the mo:ning the body was found. Do you mean to say that had it not been for the death of the man the proceedings would not have been taken ? Witness: If not for that, I would not have been aware of the circumstances. I knew that very morning from W. T. Ellis that two bottles of whisky had been supplied. Re examined: As to the statement made to me by Phillips, and now produced, I read it to him. He did not say anything about the fact they were sold on Saturday at the first in. terview. I read the statement to him in En- glish as it was down. He made no objection. Mr. Roberts: My friend asked whether if this man had not been found dead these pro- ceedings would have been taken ? Witness I would have reported to the chief the circumstances of drink having been supplied on Sunday. Mr. Edward Roberts for the defence, said, as his friend had told them the charge was one of selling at a time when the house ought to have been closed. The evidence must of course fill in between the four corners of that particular charge, and during that prohibited time. The evidence was this. This man was in the house since Thursday, they had done their best to get rid of him; they had done their very best to get him away. He promised to go away on Saturday before going away, he ordered two bottles of whisky, which were got. When his brother came to town, he either missed or re- fused to go home with him. They took every possible care of the man they refused to give him drink. He wanted it, but they offered him refreshment of a harmless character. To their great disappointment, the man did not go home on Saturday, when he ordered the whisky. They had taken and wrapped these two bottles, and put them one side, so that he could take them home with him. Upon that circumstance they would find that everything turned. On Sunday, Lloyd did go home in the trap, and when going away, his property that had been put a-ide. was given him. His friend had quoted two cases one was Mountifield v. Ward, which had no bearing on this case. In that case, some men had gone into a beer house on Sunday having travelled the distance necessary to make them bona fide travellers, and after having some refreshment, asked for beer to take away with them. It was supplied to them on Sunday, and supplied under circumstances when it would be naturally supposed it was taken for consumption off the premises. In the present case, the boutles were corked and capsuled, and afterwards wrapped in paper, showing that they were intended for the Monday, as submitted in evidence. There was another distinction. The saving clause of the Act says, Nothing in this Act, or in the Licensing Act, 1872, shall pre- clude a person licensed to sell any intoxicating liquors to be consumed on the premises from selling such liquor at any time to bona-fide travellers, or to persons lodging in his house.' The point in that case was, that to supply beer off the premises was outside the scope of the exception. He (Mr. Roberts) contended that observation did not apply in this case, because this man was a lodger, and it would be prepos- terous to say that they should not give it to a lodger, inside or outside. It would bean absur- dity to say, for example, that a man could not take a flask in his pocket. In other case, Sandhurst v. Thorny, the circumstances were shortly these; a man on Saturday night had gone to a public house and ordered a dozen bot- tles of beer and paid for them, and the landlady who had taken the order met with an accident and forgot to send the beer into the house on Saturday. On Sunday morning the man finding that they were not delivered, sent his servant for the beer. The landlady supplied them, took the bottles promiscuously from among others. The Court held that until there had been a delivery of the goods, it was part of a bargain. There was no appropriation of any specific goods, on the part of the contractor. The matter rested entirely on the contract no pro- perty had passed in the goods, until they had been delivered or set aside for the person. This being so, the house was opened for the delivery of the goods in respect of which there was no appropriation, and no property had passed. Mr. Roberts contended that in the case now being heard appropriation had been proved, and that there was a constructive delivery on Saturday. Whichever view of the case was taken, the case was trivial and a purely tech- nical one. the transaction had really taken place on Saturday, and the man was entitled to take them away at any time from the pre- mises. The following witnesses were then called for the defence. John Phillips, the licensee of the Goat Inn, stated the premises had been in his occupation for about 12 months. He was personally an abstainer, and did his best to carry on the business as respectably as possible. This man (Lloyd), came to me on Thursday night, and departed on Sunday. It was his intention to go away every day-on the Friday and on the Saturday. He did not once complain to us of being unwell. I offered him food and refresh- ments every meal. He was not supplied with hardly any drink on Friday or Saturday. I fully understood that he was going home on Saturday. I was anxious that he should go. He wanted two bottles of whisky to take with him on Saturday. I keep the bottles some in the bar, and some in the storeroom. The upper kitchen is entirely separate from the bar. He came to me about 4 o'clock on Saturday, and said he wanted two bottles to take home with him. I said I Yeii, on condition that you go home to-night.' I wrapped them ready for him and took them wrapped up, to the upper room ready for him. I put them on thewindow of the upper kitchen, where they remained until he left my premises. He did not see me wrap them. I said Mr. Lloyd, the bottles are ready, and your brother John Lloyd is just going from; the yard ie e trap now, you bet- ter go with i-n now. i replied, I won't go, I I will walk,' I said, You are very foolish.' It was no use trying him, the more you asked him, the stiffer he became. W. T. Ellis said he preferred to have the parcel divided into two, so as to put one in ea:h pocket. I then divided the parcel into two. Lloyd told me, he wanted them for the threshing machine on Monday, and his brother told me the fiame thing, when he came for the trap. I explained to the Inspector that the liquor was sold on Saturday, and I asked him whether I was to be summoned for selling it on Saturday, and the only thing he did was to smile. I must say this, the Inspector has treated me honour. ably. Cross-examined by Mr. Jones Lloyd came to my place on Thursday. During the time he was at my house, he made no complaint of feeling ill. On Friday morning about 11 o'clock, he asked me if I would supply him with a glass of beer. I refused, I told him he should have.some broth the same as I was having, and I took him some broth. We took food for him on Saturday and Sunday, breakfast, dinner, and tea, but he refused to have it. He would not have any. Can you explain why ? Defendant: I can't say. Is it not a fact that Lloyd was on the spree during that time? Defendant: I know nothing of him until Thursday night. He was perfectly sober in my house on Friday and Saturday. He would not have any solid food. Were you anxious about him? Defendant: It grieved me that he did not eat ? Did you not think it a serious thing that a man should go without food during that time ? Defendant: I offered him food every meal, but he would not have any. I did not compel him to leave my house. He went voluntarily on Sunday. The liquor is supplied from the bar. None is kept in the upper kitchen, unless it was sold and waiting to be taken home. It is a room to which customers have access. I did not s'\yto Ellis that the bottles had been sold on Saturday. I saw the Inspector on Monday, and saw him writing down the statement whieh he read to me. I made no objections. What I told the Inspector was, 'He remained at my house till 6 o'clock, when I handed him two bottles of whisky.' I was going to tell him the circumstances of the sale on Saturday, but the Inspector said that was quite enough. By the Bench: I did not hand the bottles to Lloyd, bat told him they were in the kitchen ready for him to take home. Sarah Williams, wife of last witness, said I remember this man at my house. During the time he was in the house, he was sober, and he was sober when he started away on Sunday. I tried my best to get him to take food. I saw my husband take the bottles away on Satur day, and saw him wrap them. This wa- between 5 and 6 p.m. Cross-examined by Mr. Jones I did not hear any conversation between my husband and Lloyd. I do not know where the bottles were placed by my husband. They were wrapped up sometime after tea. Lloyd left the house about 6 15 p.m. on Sunday. I used to go from one room in the house to the other. I saw a par- cel on the window in the upper kitchen, but did not know what it was. I did not hear any conversation between my husband and W. T. Ellis Mr. John Phillips re-called by the Bench: Supposing that those two bottles were stolen from the room that you placed them in, would you expect Lloyd to pay for them ? Defendant: I should be responsible for them myself, as long as they were in my charge. The Bench then retired, and after an absence of over half an hour returned, when the pre- siding chairman said the bench decided to convict. They held that the sale was not com- plete until the delivery of the bottles on Sun- day. A fine of jEl was imposed in addition to costs. Mr. Guthrie Jones applied for an order for advocate's fee, and allowance to witnesses. The Bench granted the usual advocate's fee but declined to make any allowance for the witnesses. Subsequently, Mr. Edward Roberts asked the bench to state a case. This was acceded to.

DENBIGH. SCHOOL BOARD. The monthly meeting of this Board was held at the Clerk's Office on Tuesday after noon. Mr. J. Harrison Jones (chairman) presided, and there were also present, Mr Thomas Roberts (vice-chairman), Rev. J. Evans, Rev. H. O. Hughes (Henllan), Rev. H. Humphreys (Henllan), Mr. C. Cottom, Mr. Geo. Williams, and Mr. Humphreys t Roberts (clerk). THE PROPOSED NEW SCHOOL FOR HENLLAN. The Chairman reported that the commit- tee appointed tolvisit different sites suitable for new school buildings, had selected three or four sites, the most favoured being that under the present school building, on land belonging to Mrs. Mainwaring. The clerk had been instructed to correspond with the owner of the land to ascertain the price for which she was willing to sell the plot re quired. The Clerk stated that the area of the selected site was 3 roods, 17 perches. He had written to Col. Mainwaring, and had received the following reply:— Bwlch y Beudy, Cerr yg-y-druidion, Corwen, North Wales, Feb. 18tb, 1899. DEAR SIB, I cannot see Mrs. Mainwaring as to the land. But why cannot the present school be handed over to the School Board in per- petuity. If allowed, they would do well enough, and save the expenditure of a very large sum of money. I don't know who now owns the old school, but I suppose my predecessors con- tributed to their erection. Yours truly, CHARLES S. MAINWARING. Bwlch y Beudy, Cerryg-y-druidion, Corwen, North W ales, Feb. 21st, 1899. R. Humphreys Roberts, Esq., Clerk of the Denbigh School Board. DEAR SIR, I am obliged by your letter and its infor- mation as to the owners of Henllan school. Mr. Griffith, of Garn, quite agrees with me that a very determined effort should be made to secure the transfer, of the present schools to the Board. I shall soon come down to make a very full enquiry as to con- dition under which this land was alloted to the bishop, and also as to the present trus- tees, and as to those who originally sub scribed to build the schools. The National Society subscription of £100 would in no way give them absolute control. If the National Society or the bishop re- sume possession in 190Q, it is probable that by (1) The Enclosure Act, or (2) the Trust Deed, the land and premises must be used for education, and the setting up of a National School as against a Board School is impracticable—indeed, the National So ciety seems to favovr a regular dog in the manger' policy-and it is wicked that the Denbigh ratepayers should thereby be forced into a heavy and very unnecessary expenditure. Till this is settled, the ques tion of any sale of land must be postponed Yours truly, CHARLES S. MAIKWARING. The Clork (proceedmg) said that he had -=-=-- written to Col. Mainwaring in answer to the seeond letter, and asked for an early reply. The Rev. H. Humphreys referring to Col. Main wari n g's,letter, said that he did not con sider the transfer of the school to the Board had been refused. The National Society had not been approached as to getting a permanent transfer. Mr. Cottom observed that Col. Mainwar- ing did not seem to understand that the Board had been forced to do something in the matter. The Clerk replying to Mr. Humphreys thought that the National Society had been approached. The society had put its foot down, and were going to take the school themselves. Mr. Humphreys said that the trustees had never been approached. The National Society was not a dominant partner in the trust. They had a voice in the matter, but if the vicar desired to give a lease, they could not prevent it Twenty five years ago, Mr. Smart, his predecessor in the parish, had to give up the schools for uant of funds How could any vicar now, when the expen- ses of carrying on a school were so much heavier, hot e to carry it on. The trustees had not been approached for a prominent transfer. The Rev. Joseph Evans suggested alter- native sites, in case the one preferred by the committee be not available. The Vice-chairman said they would have a lot of trouble to get land in Henllan, and the sooner they took the bull by the horns the better. Mr. Griffith, Garn, Le under- stood, was very angry because they were going in for a new school. But he could not see that Mr. Griffith bad anything to do with it. They had to do their duty to the ratepayers ox the borough of Denbigh, and the children. Mr. Humphreys said that the old school would belong to the Board for eight years again. The Clerk observed that they could not spend any money on it, as the time was too short to borrow money to alter the school. Mr. Humphreys remarked that as far as he could see, the school was theirs in per- petuity. How could an incumbent carry on a school there Mr. Joseph Evans: We prefer being our own masters. The Chairman said that the site the com- mittee recommended was by far the best, and he suggested that they should wait for a definite understanding with regard to it, before taking other steps. The Vice-chairman said they were unani- mous in favour of this site. A further conversation took place, in course of which it was stated that the Board did not desire to retain the old school at all, and it was ultimately agreed to leave the matter of selecting a site for a new school in abeyance, pending a reply from Col. Mainwaring. ASSISTANT TEACHER. The question of appointing assistant teacher for Love Lane Boys', and Vron Goch Schools, was deferred. KINTERGARTEN APPLIANCES AT HENLLAN SCHOOL. The Vice-chairman, who said he had paid a visit to Henllan school, and found every thing in apple-pie order, asked the Rev. H. Humphreys to state what Miss West had told him respecting the Kinter- garten appliances. Mr, Humphreys said that Miss West in- formed him that she had complete Kinter- garten appliances, and the rev. gentleman proceeded to explain with reference to a remark by the Rev. Joseph Evans, to the effect that the appliances did not appear to him to be complete, that they were under lock and key when Mr. Evans visited the school, and he could not have seen all. PREPARATION OF TEACHERS. The Rev. H. O. Hughes suggested that the Board should take into consideration the question of making use of secondary schools for the preparation of pupil teachers for elementary schools, by adopting a system similar to that in vogue at Festin iog and Barry. It was decided to take the matter into consideration, together with the considera- tion of the scale of salaries, at a special meeting to be held an hour before the next monthly meeting. WELSH AS A SCHOOL SUBJECT. The Head Master of the Love Lane Boys' School wrote stating that the school year was drawing to an end, and wished to know whether any new subject was to be added, so that he could prepare for it, and have it ready by the beginning of the next school year. If any new subject was to be added, he sincerely hoped the Board would try and ensure better attendance on. Wednesday afternoons, and to put a stop to those people who employ the boys who ought to be in school. It would be no use adding any other subject to the present heavy curricu- lum unless the attendance was enforced. Rev. Joseph Evans strongly urged that the teaching of Welsh be introduced as a special subject. The ratepayers that had elected him on the Board desired him to Ij^y and get Welsh to be taught, and he wife therefore bound to bring the matter before the Board. The Chairman said that unless they could get better attendances on Wednesday afternoons, it would be useless, as the master had stated in his letter. Rev. Joseph Evans: I give notice I will propose that Welsh be introduced as a specific subject, at the next Board. Mr. Thomas Roberts said the question ought to be dealt with that day, so as to give the master an opportunity of preparing the subject before the beginning of the new school year. The Chairman said that the Welsh lan- guage was taught in the Sunday Schools, and he thought that English was the best to be taught in the day schools. Mr. Thomas Roberts There isn't a dozen persons in the town who mentioned Welsh co me whilst I was canvassing for the last election. The Chairman I am i ot against my own nationality. Welsh has been tried before, and the result was that the Board and the head master thought that it ought not to be continued. Rev. Joseph Evans said he felt sure that it would turn out a success, and he pro posed that Welsh be a specific subject in the higher standards in the school. The Chairman said he thought it would better to leave the matter until the next Board. Mr. Cottom said that the master said he could not take another subject, and he should like to know which one was to be dropped to make room for Welsh. It was decided to leave it over, on the understanding that the Rev. Joseph Evans would bring the matter before the Board at the next meeting. A letter was received from Mr. Pryce Ro- berts, Red Lane, stating that his son was in the 6th standard, and was lSyears of age, and asking the Board to allow him to take the boy from school, as he was a great source of trouble to him, and be could not get him to go to school. The only time that he would go to school was, when his mother went with him. The bye law with regard to this question states That if a boy who had reached the 6th standard, and was 13 years of age, be i was entitled to leave school.' j The Clerk explained that the word < f reached' did not mean that the boy was entitled to leave school when in the 6tn Standard, but when he had passed into the 7th. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. It was decided that the Financial state: ment be advertised in the three loca, papers, viz :c North Wales Times, Baner, and Free Press.' MONTHLY REPORT. The monthly report was read which showed that at Love Lane Boys School there were 209 children as against 205 last year, L the average attendance being 171 as against 166. The report complained that the attendance was very poor on Wednesday afternoons, and that it interfered with the progress of the school. Mr. Thomas Roberts: Would it not be best to get the attendance officer to obtain the names of the employers of those boys ? It was decided to obtain the names of those boys who absented from school, sO that the Board could know exactly who were t absent. VRON GOCR GIRLS. There were on the books 171 children as against 173 last year. the average being 132 as against 133. VRON GOCH INFANTS. On the books 278 as tagainst 284, the average attendance being 176 as against 173. HENLLAN MIXED. There were 70 children, as against 63 oa the books, the average being 56 as against 53. It was also stated in the report that a sur- prise visit had been paid to the school on Tuesday last by H. M. Inspector, and he said that everything was found satis* factory. HENLLAN INFANTS. There were 56 as against 64 on the books, and the average was 46 as against 54. A boy named John Hughes, Park street, was brought before the Board, and waS warned for not having attended regularly at school, which the lad promised to do in future, stating that his uncle Mr. Fred Ro. berts, Vale street, had kept him in the shop on Wednesdays.

NORTH WALES BLACJv CATTLE SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the above Society was held on Friday, the 24th of February, at the British Hotel, Bangor, the President (Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart) occupying the chair. There were also present the Hon F. G- Wynn, Messrs. C. F. Priestly, Hirdrefaig; Thomas Roberts, Ab r; J. R. Jones, Bodfeirig; G. J. Roberts, Trefarthen; Trevor Hughes, Glasgoed; R. W. Pritchard, Coedmarian V. P. Lort, Vaynol; Edward Griffith, Tyddyn Canol; and W. A. Dew, hon. sec. Letters of apology for non-attendance were read from Col. Platt, Col. Main waring, Messrs. Thomas Prichard, and F. A. Walker Jones. I The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed. The Secretary submitted the accounts and balance sheet for the year ending 31st DeceflJ" ber, 1898, which were adopted. The Secretary reported that although the annual subscription for tenant farmers had been reduced last year to 2s. 6d., only five ad- ditional members had been obtained. This, in his opinion, shewed that it was not the amount of the subscription that debarred persons from joining the Society he therefore now moved the resolution of which he had already given notice. 'That the resolution passed at the annual meeting on February 25th, 1898, reducing the annual subscription of tenant farmers to 2s. Gd., be rescinded.' Mr. Trevor Hughes seconded; and the motion, on being put to the meeting, was carried una- nimously. The Secretary further proposed that the original bye-law number 2 be now re-instated, viz. That the annual subscription of members J shall be 10s., and that donors of £ 5 shall be cpn&idered life members of the Society.' J This was seconded by Mr. Thomas Roberts, J and carried unanimously. I On the motion of Mr. Thomas Roberts, se- | conded by Mr. Priestly, Sir Watkin Williams f Wynn was re elected president for the ensuing f year. The Secretary proposed, and Mr. G. J. j Roberts seconded, and it was agreed to, that "*• Mr. Priestly be re-elected vice-president. Last year, Mr. Dew gave notice that he wouH resign the secretaryship at this annual meeting, as he found lie had not now the time which he would wish to give to the work. Mr. G. J. Roberts, however, proposed that Mr. Dew be re-elected hon. sec., editor, and treasurer; and in doing so, said he hoped that he would reconsider his decision, and continue, at any rate, for some time again to hold these offices. This, being seconded by Mr. J. R. Jones, was put to the meeting, and carried unanimously. Mr. Dew, in reply, said that he was in hope that the members would have been prepared to appoint a successor. However, as so strong a wish had been expressed, he consented to hold office for another year. Mr. James Smith, Messrs. Lloyd's Bank, was re-elected auditor. The following gentlemen were re-elected on the executive council, viz.The Right Hon. Lord Harlech, Colonel Henry Platt, C.B., Lieutenant Colonel Sandbach, Messrs. G. J. Roberts, Trefarthen; T. G. Owen, Penmynydd; W.R. Lawford, Oswestry; and Thomas Pri- chard, Llwydiarth Esgob. In pursuance to a notice which he had al- ready given, Mr. J. R, Jones moved, and Mr. Thomas Roberts seconded, I That, for the future only, animals actually entered in the Herd Book and those whoe full pedigree can be traced therein, willI". eligible to compete for the North Wales Black Cattle Society's medals or prizes.' On this being put to the meeting, there voted for it Messrs. J. R. Jones, Thomas Roberts, C. F. Priestly, Trevor Hughes, V. P. Lort, and Edward Griffith-6; against, Messrs. G. J. Roberts, R. W, Pritchard, and W. A. Dew-3. It was therefore declared carried. Mr. J. R. Jones had also given notice of a second resolution, viz. That no animal be deemed eligible for entry in the Herd Book, un- less the pedigree of at least one parent has been registered.' This be now moved but, finding no seconder, it fell through. Conversation was had as to the advisability of making another attempt to hold an annual show and sale of black cattle, and it was thought that the absence of support to this idea in the past was owing to insufficient notice to allow intending exhibitors to prepare their stock; and it was suggested that there should be at least two years' notice of an intention to hold such a sale. Mr. Priestly moved, and Mr. J. R. Jones seconded, that a sub committee be appointed to consider this question fully, and to take the matter up; and this was unanimously agreed to. The following gentlemen were appointed members of this sub committee: -Messrs. Thomas Roberts, G. J. Roberts, C. F. Priestly, R. M. Greaves, W, Lester Smith, V. F. Lort, Col. Mainwaring. and Lieut. Col. Sandbach, with power to add to their number. The Secretary announced that the 6th volume of the Herd Book was now published; and it was resolved that the price be 8s. 6d. per copy. It was arranged that the next annual meeting be held at Bangor. A cordial vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting.