Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
10 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
TOWN COUNCIL.
TOWN COUNCIL. Th a The Monthly meeting of the Council was held hr.eBday. The Mayor (Mr. E. A. Turnour) tresided and there were present Aldermen W. t( NV. Griffith, W. Keepfer, Robert Owen, and t>j Humphreys Roberts, Councillors Roger Joh e' Jones, John Davies, A. Lloyd j0 es« D. H. Davies, R. Henry Roberts, Griffith J. Simon Roberts, William Mellard, and ftir Wynne Edwards, with the Town Clerk • J- Parry Jones), the Town Clerk's Deputy -Edward Parry), the Borough Accountant Qfj^Ellia Williams), the Medical Officer (Dr. '°ru Williams Roberts), the Borough Collec- ftyr Edward Mills), the Borough Surveyor tyt John Davies), and the Inspector (Mr. W. llldsor). tTHE HEALTH OF THE BOROUGH, 'n Officer reported as follows — ^fing the past month, ten deaths have ff0 place in the borough. All the deaths are to j? °rdinary causes. Five deaths are reported the 9,8 having occurred at the Asylum during bit\> tnonth. For the same period, eleven births oeen registered, five males and six females, otove numbers give as the annual birth re^eath rates per thousand 20 58 and 18-71 >«ctively.' eie deport was adopted without a discus- j, GRANITE BILL. hUlhe Borough Accountant presented several 1118 9 ded Which the Finance Committee recommen- l9s paid, amongst which was one of £ 239 ^ttar ^ue *or granite to the Gwyddelwern ? ComPany f°r metalling for the roads January until thf end of last week. bills were orders! to be paid. THE GOBLIN I >OTPATH. Cler?' ^.oger Pryce asked hether the Town t)aVj "a<l received a reply -om Mr. D. S. Hin Manchester, with refei ace to the Cun- ^0\y j een °r the Goblin Footp h, which was Vtr tt" very seriOU8 condition. frojjj JSnniphreys Roberts said he a letter the tY^r-^avies saying he would accompany 8 Committee to the place on er Saturday. TJIIE CONDITION OF* THE CASTLE. ^ayrpKeep-fer a8^ed fche Chairman of theHigh- Mth i.^mmi'itee what was intended to be done 0hUr {*e.rubbish deposited near St. Hilary's *ecen+i' Castle. The Corporation had Cr°w y leased this plot of land from the %rj n, and, in his opinion, they should make t0 ^eeP a decent condition. He tane ifheci know whether the state of Bull talked af going to improved. They often high ^he grand scenery in and about Den- of tulnduced 8tranSers t0 visit the town. al°Ug R»iit ° stran s;prs went up to the Castle state. Lane, which was now in a very bad be d^,??a^or sugge8ted that the matter should Kp by ^^e Highway Committee, and eP«er agreed with the suggestion. It SMITHFIELD. RECEIPTS, ^d f(^8i5e?^r^e(^ fcbat the receipts at the Smith- 7s. iii ^lr was *8* 8d., a decrease of fair in 1898. 8 to Mr. Mellard, the Accountant stated that no pig fair was held at the March fair this year, whereas a sum of;C3 was received from the pig fair last year. Mr. Robert Owen So the receipts from the fair proper are really more this year ? The Accountant: Yes. RESIGNATION OF MEMBERS OF THE FIRE BRIGADE. The Borough Accountant reported that Mr. Peter Williams, Crown Stables, had sent in his resignation as a member of the Fire Brigade. Mr. Harry Miller had also resigned his position as engineer to the Brigade. The matter was referred to the Fire Brigade Joint Committee. THE SMITHFIELD WEIGHBRIDGE. The Borough Surveyor produced his plans and estimate for the work of covering the weighing machine in the Smithfield, as sugges- ted. His estimate for the work was;CI5. Mr. Boaz Jones moved, and Mr. R. Owen seconded, that the matter be referred to the Smithfield Committee. Mr. Humphreys Roberts proposed, and Mr. Mellard seconded, that the work be proceeded with; and on being put to the meeting, the amendment was carried, 9 voting for it. THE GRAZING OF GLAS MEADOWS. Mr. A. Lloyd Jones proposed that the grazing of the Glas Meadows fields be let by public auction. A member: By tender you mean ? Mr. Lloyd Jones: No, by auction. Grazing lands in other places are put up in this way, and I fail to see why we should not do the same with Glas Meadows. I believe we would be gainers by going so. Mr. Roger Pryce said he was of the same opinion as Mr. Lloyd Jones. Large farmers and dealers like Mr. Owen Williams, Glanclwyd; Mr. Roberts, Foxhall; Mr. Griffith Jones, Eg- lwyswen; and others, were running about the country like hares after these grazing lands (laughter). They out-bidded the small farmers, and this was continually going on. If the Glas Meadows fields were put up by auction, the Council would certainly be gainers thereby. The Town Clerk said he had received a letter from the Secretary of the Denbigh Committee of the North Wales Calvinistic Methodists' Quarterly Association (the Rev. Robert Griffiths, Denbigh), stating that the meetings of the Association would be held in Denbigh on the 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd of June next, and wishing to know on what terms the Council would let the upper field in Glas Meadows, for the purpose of holding open air services. The Town Clerk, replying to Mr. Roger Pryce, said he had written to the Local Govern' ment Board on the question of the utilization of Glas Meadows for the erection of Work- men's Dwellings, and he had only received their acknowledgement of the same. Mr. D. H. Davies proposed that the field be granted to the Calvinistic Methodists at the same terms as before, viz., £ 2 10s. Mr. Boaz Jones proposed, and Mr. Keepfer seconded, that the land be let as heretofore, namely, as accommodation for farmers, &c., bringing cattle to the town, the same to be charged at so much per head. Several members of the Council objected to this course being adopted, as the sum realised would not be more than £ 5 a year, whereas £ 19 had been received for the grazing as let by ten- der last year. Only two voted for the amendment, and Mr. Lloyd Jones' motion was carried, it being un- derstood that the Calvinistic Methodists shall treat with the future tenant as to the holding of the Association meetings in the field. THE EREOTfON OF HOUSES AND THE BYE-LAWS. SHOULD COUNCILLORS BE TREATED DIFFERENTLY TO OUTSIDERS. LIVELY DISCUSSION. The Borough Surveyor submitted plans of a new house, and additions to the present cot- tages in Wesley Place, which Councillor Boaz Jones intended to carry out. He (the Borough Surveyor) had to state that there was no pro- vision for the required air space according to the Byelaws, but as this would be a great im- provement, and that the alterations mainly affected old cottages, he suggested that the plans be approved of. Mr. Humpheys Roberts said he failed to see how the Council could give this approval in this case. Not very long ago, they refused to allow Councillor A. Lloyd Jones to proceed with his new houses in the Castle, owing to there not being sufficient air space, and they almost went so far as to compel him to pull the houses down. Were they going to treat Councillor Boaz Jones differently ? Mr. Wynne Edwards: I propose that we alter our byelaws, and have special byelaws for houses built by Councillors, and other byelaws for houses built by outsiders (laughter). Mr. Humphreys, Roberts: I submit that we, as a Council, have no power to over-ride our own byelaws. Mi. John Davies: The byelaws have been over-ridden many years ago (Oh oh!) The fact is this. In times gone by-in the time when Mr. Clough, Mr. Jones, and myself were surveyors, the byelaws were supposed to refer to the erection of new houses. Take Hereford House for instance. The yard there is only just two yards wide, and is covered, and there is no water closet. There is the case of Miss Bird's yard. This is covered also; in fact, there is no yard. And as to the height of the Foundry buildings, Mr. Wynne Edwards has been allowed to raise it much higher than the width of the road —— Mr. Keepfer Whose fault was it ? Mr. Mellard Yes yes Who was the sur- veyor at the time ? Come, let us know! Mr. John Davies You be quiet, or I will give you a smack just now (loud laughter). Mr. Wynne Edwards Let us know who was the surveyor at the time, Mr. Davies (renewed laughter) ? Mr. John Davies: Allow me to have my time Mr. Wynne Edwards: Let us have your re- port upon this matter —— Mr. Davies: Just now. I know you very well, Mr. Wynne Edwards (laughter). Now there is the Constitutional Club again there is no yard there. Mr. Wynne Edwards: Don't sit down, Mr. Davies, don't sit down. Mr. John Davies I won't. I shall meet you again. Mr. Boaz Jones I shall withdraw the plans. Mr. D. H. Davies snggested that the Building Committee should visit the spot. Mr. Boaz Jones There is no need. I won't alter them, and I won't spend a penny-piece there. Mr. D. H. Davies said that the improvements proposed to be carried out were much more important than a word or two in the byelaws. Mr. Boaz Jones (warmly): I won't tpend a penny there. The Mayor Then we go on to the next busi- ness. Mr. Boaz Jones: Yes, please. Mr. Robert Owen said it was very hard to deal with Mr. Jones like this. He hoped that they did not do so from any personal reasons. Mr. Mellard It is not for personal reasons. Mr. Robert Owen said he believed that M r. Wynne Edwards and Mr. Mellard had only got up to have a joke with the old surveyor (laugh- ter). Mr. Mellard: I don't think anything has been said that there should be an exception taken to. Mr. Simon Roberts said Mr. Boaz Jones in- tended to carry out great improvements in this place, and that it was impossible to get the re- quired space according to the byelaws. Mr. Boaz Jones having withdrawn the plans, the discussion dropped. Plans of two new houses, proposed to be erec- ted by Mr. Joseph Bartley in Panton Hall were also submitted; and the same objection applied to these. It was decided that if Mr. Bartley should find the requisite space and carry out the work to the satisfaction of the Surveyor, that the plans be passed. THE STEAM ROLLER. Mr. A. Lloyd Jones asked whether it was true that the steam roller had gone to the wall that morning (laughter). The Surveyor said it went on the footpath, but he was glad to say that what might have been a very serious accident had been averted. THE LETTING OF THE SMITHFIELD FOR SHOWS. Mr. Roger Pryce asked the Surveyor had he received applications from Mr. Coilins, show proprietor, for the use of the Smithfield. The Surveyor: No, sir. Mr. Pryce put the same question to the Town Clerk, and received a reply in the negative. Proceeding, Mr. Pryce said he would advise that Messrs. Collins be informed that the Horse Market was to be let at the usual terms. The Town Clerk stated that the man who had applied was named Farrell, and not Collins. The Council were of opinion that it was not necessary to inform these people of the terms, I and the matter dropped. RATES. THE EDUCATION OF COUNTRY CHILDREN. The next business was to receive and adopt estimates for General District and Borough Rates for the halt year ending 30th of Septem ber next, and a Cemetery Rate for the half year ending 31st of March 1900. The Town Clerk said that the estimate for the General District Rate for the half year had been submitted to the Finance Committee, and the different items had been checked with those of the corresponding six months of last year. The only item that need be put before the Council were the question of highway expen diture. The Committee suggested that the amount to be provided for this be 9650 in res- pect of the half year. The sum of E150 was put down for the lighting of Denbigh and Henllan, which was the same amount as last year, and also an item of £132 4s. lOd. had been included, which was meant to meet the deficiency on the Smithfield account, and this would be the last time this item would appear in the estimate, as the amount was being wiped off. Last year the sum estimated on this account was £ 200. The remaining items were for the repayment of loans. With reference of the receipts, the es- timates were as follows :—From Glas Meadows and the Smithfield, EIOO water, £50; main roads, half of the grant of £ 475 received from the County Council, and half of the Medical Officer and Inspector's salaries, which would amount to £45. This would make a total of E432 10s., which deducted from the sum of E2,017, estimated expenditure, would leave 91,584 4s. 6d. to be provided for. A rate of Is. 6d. in the £ would produce EI,500, and it had been suggested by the Finance Committee that a rate of Is. 8d. be levied, as against Is. 6d. this time last year. Mr. R. Henry Roberts What is the cause ot the increase ? Is it the roads ? The Town Clerk: Yes. On this account a sum of f,650 is put down, as against 9400 last year. Mr. Boaz Jones proposed a rate of Is. 7d. Mr. John Davies seconded. Mr. Mills, the rate collector, said a rate of Is. 7d. would be barely sufficient, and that in all probability a heavier rate would have to be made the next half year. Mr. Wynne Edwards proposed that a rate of Is. 8d. be levied. Mr. Keepfer seconded. Eight voted for the Is. 8d. rate, and seven in favour of Is. 7d. and a rate of Is. 8d. was therefore agreed upon. The Town Clerk said that the amount re quired in respect of the Cemetery was £100, which was the same as last year, and this would mean a rate of lid; and this was agreed to. As to the Borough Rate, the Town Clerk ex- plained that this had not been initialled by the Finance Committee, for the reason that they had left the amount required for the repairs of the Market Hall roof blank. The Council, therefore, would have to decide what amount they proposed to spend upon this work, before the estimate was made out. Mr. Wynne Edwards Does this estimate in- clude the School Board precept? The Towa Clerk: Yes. Mr. Wynne Edwards How much is it? The Town Clerk E440 for the half year, as against f425 last year. Mr. Wynne Edwards: I saw in the North Wales Times a very glowing account of how the children were educated in our schools in the borough. It was mentioned that children came from all kinds of places, such as Prion, Llan- rhaiadr, etc., to the Denbigh Board Schools, and I should like to know whether these child ren are educated at the expense of the Denbigh ratepayers, and whether it is our duty to pay for the education of children from the outlying parishes, and whether this matter ought not to be ventilated before this rate is agreed upon. I do not know why we should pay for the edu- cation of children outside the borough at all. The Mayor I did not know we were. Mr. Wynne Edwards But there were very glowing accounts in the North Wales Times on the matter. The Clerk of the School Board is here, and he will be able to tell us. Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts I don't think you can help yourselves. If the School Board tell you that they require so much, and if you say you won't levy the rate, their only remedy is to appoint a commissioner to levy it for you, and to charge his commission to the rates (laughter). Mr. Wynne Edwards: We have a right, if we find the money, to know whether the money is properly expended or not. Mr. Humphreys Roberts: The fact that a few children do come from the country to the Board Schools does not effect the expenditure at all. It rather benefits the ratepayers, because we get a grant in respect of these children (hear, hear). Their coming here does not necessitate the appointment of extra teachers or the pro- vision of extra buildings, and we get a grant of £1 or more for every child that comes in. Mr. Wynne Edwards: A return is sent in that every child cost so much per head, and the more children we have, the greater expense it will be. I should like to know how is the ex. pense greater lately, unless it is because of these children coming from the outlying dis- tricts to be educated at our expense. I think the attention of the School Board, should be drawn to the matter, because I don't think it fair that we, as ratepayers in Denbigh, should educate the children from other parishes. Mr. Humphreys Roberts: I may safely say that when the School Board find that the num- ber of children who come from the outlying districts affect the buildings, or require extra accommodation, then they will at once take action. Mr. Wynne Edwards: Mr. Humphreys Ro- berts is avoiding my point. If we as a borough have to contribute towards the education of the children, why don't other parishes from which the children are brought also contribute. Why should Denbigh parish contribute to make up the grant, and not the parishes from where the children come. Mr. R. Owen Mr. Wynne Edwards was a member of the Board a short time ago, and the same thing happened then. The Mayor There is no doubt that this mat- ter of 9440 cannot be questioned. It has to be provided for, and we must do it. Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts then proposed that the sum of £100 be included in the esti- mates to cover the expense of repairing the Market Hall roof. This was agreed to, and the total amount of the sum required came to 9567, making a rate of 4Jd. in the 9, which was the same as last year. On the motion of Mr. Boaz Jones, seconded by Mr. A. Lloyd Jones, a rate of 4Jd. was agreed to. THE APPOINTMENT OF OVERSEERS. The following persons were appointed as overseers for their respective parishes :-Den. bigh Mr. R. E. Hughes and Mr. David Knowles. Henllan Mr. Rees Williams, Ala- vowlia; and Mr. J. Ll. Williams, Brynllyfanen. Llanrhaiadr (urban) Mr. John Thomas Jones, Derwen Gomel; and Mr. William Jones. THE BREACH OF THE SMITHFIELD BYELAWS. In consequence of a report having been re- ceived from P.C. Lewis, it was decided to take legal proceedings against a farmer for exposing a horse for sale in the streets on the day of the last fair. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES. A letter was read from the Local Govern- ment Board sanctioning the appointment of the Inspector for a period of three years. THE SURPLUS LAND AT GLAS MEADOWS. The Town Clerk informed the Council that he had communicated with the Local Govern- ment Board, asking for their permission to utilise the surplus land at the Smithfield for the erection of houses for Working Classes, but he had only received in reply a simple acknow- ledgement of his letter. RUBBISH PIT. Colonel Heaton wrote giving permission to the Council to use the old mine shaft above Coppy as a place to deposit rubMsh. HYDRANTS. A letter was read from the Secretary of the Water Company informing the Council that the directors would see to the rising of certain hydrants in the streets as soon as possible. DAMAGE CAUSED TO PIPING BY THE STEAM ROLLER. Another letter was read from the Secretary of the Water Company, in which he stated that hitherto the pipes of the Company had resisted ordinary weights, including heavy caravans, etc., and for all fractures resulting from the use of the roller, the directors would hold the Council liable. The Company had claims against the Council for fractures, antecedent to their letter, and proposed to send particulars of the same when the work of the roller for the season might be at an end. With reference ro re-instatement of the roads, in case any such re-instatement was caused by any act of the Company, and if the roads could not be re in- stated without the use of the roller, the Com- pany were willing that the expense should fall upon them. THE HOUSING OF THE WORKING CLASSES. On the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Councillor Roger Pryce, the Council unani- mously adopted the following recommendation of the Housing of the Working Classes Com- mittee:—'That application be made to the Local Government Board for permission to utilise one of the GlaB Meadows (where the iron house is now placed) as a site for the erection of workmen's dwellings under Part 3 of the Housing of the Working Classes Act 1890.' THE PROPOSED PUBLIC HALL. It was reported by a Committee of the whole Council, that the Surveyor submitted a plan and estimate of the cast of the conversion of the Assembly Rooms and portion of the But. chers' Market into a large public hall; and after consideration thereof, it was resolved That under all the circumstances, the scheme be de- ferred for the present, and the Surveyor be in- structed to report to the Market Committee upon the condition of the present roof of the Butchers' Market.' The report was adopted without discussion. FOOTPATHS AND BRIDGES. The Highway Committee recommended that a new footpath be constructed in front of Clif- ton Terrace, Townsend, on the understanding that the various owners agree to carry out any work inside their gateways, but that the con- struction of the footpath from the corner of Mr. Johnson's shop to Glandstone Villas, and the footpath in front of Pigott Villas be de- ferred for the present. With regard to Derwen Gomel Stream, it was recommended that in preference to carrying out the larger scheme, the Surveyor's alternative suggestion of widen- ing the present outlet of the stream after it crosses the road be adopted, the estimated cost being;E5. As to the Pandy Streams and the proposed, bridges, the Committee recommended that the Council offer to pay one-fourth of the cost of such bridges (such portion not to exceed 9100), that the St. Asaph (Denbigh) Rural Dis- trict Council be asked to contribute one-twelfth, and the County Council to pay the remainder of the expense, and to carry out the work. The Denbigh Town Council to retain the right to carry their water main across or under the proposed bridges, and to do all things necessary for that purpose. It was also recommended that to enable the Council to ascertain the pro- bable cost of working the steam roller, the County Council be asked to renew the contract in respect of maiu roads within the borough for twelve months, at the same sum as under the existing contract, viz., £ 475. The report was agreed to. INADEQUATE ACCOMMODATION AT THE RAILWAY STATION. The Railway Facilities Committee recom- mended that the Town Clerk be instructed to ask each member of the Committee to forward any suggestions they may wish to make with the view of rectifying the inadequate accom- modation for passengers and goods traffic at the railway station, so as to enat)le him to draw up a petition to the Company on the matter. There was no discussion on the report, which was unanimously agreed to.
ELECTION OF CLERK OF THE PEACE.…
ELECTION OF CLERK OF THE PEACE. The election of Clerk oi the Peace for the County of Denbigh-a post to which a salary of X600 is attached-took place to day (Fri day) ,at Ruthin, at a meeting of the Stand- ing Joint Police Committee. There were nine candidates, viz., Messrs. Ll. Roe. Browne, Wrexham; Ll. C. Evans, Salford Williams, Barrow-in-Furness; Seymour Wil- liams, Bristol; E. Foulkes Jones, Llangollen; A. Foulkes Roberts, Denbigh; E. Roberts, Ruthin; W. R. Evans, Wrexham, and R. Humphreys Roberts, Denbigh. Capt. Griffith-Boscawen presided, and all the members of che committee were present with the exception of Mr. Parry Jones, a magisterial representative who was indis- posed. Copies of the applications with testi- monials, having been circulated beforehand among the members, Mr. Simon Jones proposed, and Mr. Lumley seconded, the appointment of Mr.W. R. Evans, Wrexham. Mr. W. D. W. Griffith moved that Mr. R. Humphreys Roberts be elected. Mr. A. O. Walker seconded. On a show of hands 12 voted for Mr. Evans, and 11 for Mr. Humphreys Roberts. Mr. Simon Jones then formally moved the appointment of Mr. W. R. Evans. Mr. Hooson seconded, and the rmotion was agreed to. A full report will appear in our next issue.
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About 5,000,000 pills are, it appears from manufacturers' statistics, taken every week in this country. The average life of a railway locomotive is said to be about fifteen years, and the earning capacity £ 60,000. An evidence of the popularity of football is the fact that there are at present in England and Wales over 15,000 football clubs.
! RUTHIN.
RUTHIN. Other Ruthin News on pa^re 6. DEATH OF AN OLD INHABITANT. It is with regret we have to record, after a period of 11 years' illness, the death of Mrs. El^abeth Williams, Town Hall House, who pussed away on Monday last, at the age of 82. The deceased was a widow, and had been for many years caretaker of the Town Hall. We understand that the funeral takes place to-day (Friday). HOME COMING. Dr. Byford, son of Councillor G. F. Byford, who intends shortly to commence practice in Ruthin, has recently returned from a voyage to China and Japan, he having held the important and onerous post of msdical officer on beard the steamship Pyrrhus, and of the splendid mail boats belonging to the firm of Messrs. Holt Bros. We wish Dr. Byford every success in his new sphere of labour. CONFIRMATION SERVICE. The above service was conducted by the Bishop of St. Asaph, at the Parish Church, on Monday last. The lumber of communi- cants were about 70, from the various par ishes. The service was conducted by the Warden, and the candidates were presented by the Rev. J. Fisher. Suitable hymns were sung, and after the ceremony, the bishop delivered a short address to the confirmed members, urging upon them the importance of remaining true to the vows they had taken. NURSING ASSOCIATION. SALE OF WORK. In aid of the above association, an Ameri- can bazaar took place on Thursday after- noon and evening, which proved to be a great succesq. Much credit is given to the secretaries, Miss Jenkins and Miss Free- borne, for the way it was carried out. During the afternoon, songs and musical selections took place. We understand that the takings amounted to somewhere about £30. The following ladies occupied the different stalls: Refreshment, The Hon. Mrs. Blezard, Mrs. Denton, and Mrs. Stanley Weyman; gentlemen's clothing, Miss Pat- tinson, and Miss Jones children's clothing, Mrs. Dowell; women's clothing, Mrs. Jones; hat stall, Miss Owen, and Miss Aldrich blouse stall, Mrs. Tegid Owen, and Miss Jones jumble stall, Miss Walmsley, and Miss Scales fancy stall, Mrs. Theo. Row, Miss Byford, and Mrs. Lloyd. A FOOTBALL MATCH. A football match was played at Rhyl be- tween Ruthin Thursdays and Rhyl Juniors. Ruthin won the toss, and decided to play against the wind. Rhyl started the ball, and soon the game began to be very tight. For a time, the ball was kept close on to Ruthin goal, but the smartness of their goal- keeper stopped them from scoring. The Ruthin defence was splendid. In about fifteen minutes from the start, Rhyl put the ball in goal, but it bad previously been be- hind, so the goal was disallowed. Up to the interval there was no score. In the second half, Bellis started the ball for Ruthin. Both defences had to work hard. Some fine play was seen on the part of the Rhyl right wing. The Ruthin goal-keeper had plenty to do, and was very much applauded for his tricky work.. W. Williams and Tom Jones deserve good praise for defending so excellently. Again, in the second half, neither side scored, and the game ended in a pointless draw. Ruthin had only seven of their own men, and they really played a splendid game. Rhyl team were fully re- presented. Ruthin team :—Goal, C. H. Simon backs, T. W. Williams and Tom Jones; half-backs, J. E. Hunt, D. Charles, and Bob Jones forwards, Joe Bellis (and four Rhyl outsiders).
FLINT.
FLINT. PRUDENTIAL ASSURANCE COMPANY. At the annual meeting of the agents of this company, held at Holywell, Mr. R. T. Price, local agent, was presented with a:splendid time- piece as a reward for largest increase in busi- ness in the Holywell district for 1898. SPECIAL SESSIONS. Special sessions were held on Wednesday for the hearing of summonses against persons in arrears of poor rate. Most of the parties had settled before coming into court, so that there were only two cases to come before the bench. An order was made in each case. PROMOTION FOR MR. TAYLOR, STATIONMASTER. We are pleased to announce that Mr. Taylor, Stationmaster, has been offered the post of Chief Traffic Inspector of the Cambrian Rail- way. The position is one of great responsi- bility, and demands a special and thorough knowledge of railway work in all its various branches; the offer is, therefore, evidence of the appreciation of Mr. Taylor's capabilities. We understand Mr. Taylor has accepted the offer, and will commence his duties very shortly. Mr. Taylor has been four years in Flint, and during that time he has given the greatest satisfaction to the public. GRAND CONCERT. The annual concert of the Welsh Wesleyan Methodists of Flint Mountain was held on Wednesday night, under the presidency of Mr. C. T. Mitchell, Bryn Edwin Hall. There was a crowded attendance, and the concert was pronounced to be one of the best ever held in the neighbourhood. We are glad to hear that a sum of f,15, or thereabout, will be added to the funds, leaving a debt ef only jE15 on the chapel. Towards this the president generously promised to contribute one-half if the remain- der is collected within three months. This, we may confidently state, is certain to be accom- plished. The chapel was built about six years ago at a cost of E750.
FREE EDUCATION AND THE CONSCIENCE…
FREE EDUCATION AND THE CONSCIENCE CLAUSE, Speaking in the House of Commons on Thurs- day night, Mr. Herbert Lewis said his only object in intervening in the debate was to give a practial illustration, drawn from his own constituency, of the injustice with which parents who desired to take advantage of the Free Education Act, or the Conscience Clause, were treated. The circumstances of which he spoke had occurred within the last few days. Mr. R. T. Price, a parent residing in Flint, applied for a free place for his child in one of the National Schools, there being no Board or British School in the town. On the 16th of February last he wrote to the Rector of the parish tbe Rev. W. Ll. Nicholas-one of the managers of the Flint National Schools, the following letter:—'Rev. sir—Having made an application to the headmaster of the above school for free schooling for my child, he gives me the following information, that your school is not a free school, therefore it debars me from the right of free education of my children. I beg to ask you is the information received cor- rect? If so, upon what grounds? An early reply will oblige.' That was a perfectly civil letter containing no imputation on anyone. The Rector replied as follows:—'Flint Rectory, February 17th, 1899. Sir-A letter just reached me. It bears no date and no address, but is I signed by I R. T. Price.' On enquiry, I am led I to the conclusion that it is written by you, the I agent of one of the most respected of English insurance companies, and it is this that in- creases my wonder. You inform the managers that you wrote to Mr. E. J. H. Williams, the headmaster of our school, asking for certain in- formation, and on receipt of his letter you at once write to the managers practically accusing Mr. Williams of giving you wrong information. Such a charge against Mr. Williams, who bears the highest character for honesty and truth re- veals a baseness of mind that, in my opinion, unfits the writer for any consideration at the hands of the ma' agers, who respect Mr. Wil- liams as a gentleman whose conduct has always been marked by straightforwardness. On be- half of the managers, yours faithfully, W. Ll. Nicholas. To Mr. Price, Agent for the Pruden- tial Society.' This is a strange letter for a clergyman to write to a parishioner who made no reflection upon anyone. Mr. Price replied to this letter disclaiming the least intention of reflecting upon Mr. Williams' character, and stating that he had written for an authorita- tive reply from the managers of the Flint National Schools to his question whether it was a free school or not. The Rector, writing him on the 20th of February, informs him that three of the elementary schools in Flint are free schools, while in two others fees are charged in certain standards. Mr. Price then wrote to the Rector asking him to state de- finitely what were the standards in which the managers could make a charge, and there, he believed, the correspondence ended. On the 25th of February, Mr. Price received a letter from the Divisional Superintendent of the Prudential Assurance Company, stating that a complaint had gone up to the head office that Mr. Price had given serious offence in influen- tial quarters by reason of his extreme conduct in political matters, and asking him to meet the Superintendent at Flint on the following Monday. Mr. Price accordingly met the In- spector on Monday, the 27th of February. The subject of the conversation was Mr. Price's action in relation to the school, and the corres- pondence he had had with the Rector of Flint. He (the speaker) did not know who it was that wrote to the Prudential Insurance Company, but whoever wrote it, the House would readily understand the nature of the influences brought to bear against a parent who had dared [to re- quest that a free place should be provided for his child, and had asked to be informed of the grounds on which the managers refuse a free place. He asked the Vice-president of the Council for a full enquiry into the circum- stances connected with this correspondence. He now came to the case of parents who have withdrawn their children from denominational instruction. On the 1st ult., a parent wrote to the managers of the Flint National Schools asking that his boy and girl should be exempted from repeating or learning the Church of England Catechism, but stating that he had no objection to their receiving Scripture lessons. On the same day, the Rev. W. Ll. Nicholas, the Rector of Flint, sent him a reply to the eftect that his wishes would be strictly carried cut. Mr. Nicholas' letter contained the follow- ing remarkable passage:—'This is the second letter you have sent to the Rectory, and on its receipt my mind could not help reverting to the time when you wrote your first letter, and I earnestly trust that a similar period of so much misery to your family and numerous friends may not follow the writing of this your second letter.' Subsequently, several parents withdrew their children from denominational instruction, and on the evening of Sunday, February 19th, the namas and occupations of four of the parents who had withdrawn their children from denominational instruction were published from the parish pulpit. The publica- tion of names in such a connection from the pulpit of the parish could only have been in- tended to terrorise people from claiming their legal rights. It amounted to putting the parents named on a black list, and it was calcu- lated to expose them to annoyance and loss. As a matter of fact it had since then exposed them to considerable annoyance. In various parts of the country many illegitimate influ- ences had been brought to bear on parents who wished to avail themselves of the protection conferred by the Conscience Clause, and it waa perfectly monstrous that the manager of a public elementary school should use his clerical position for the purpose of treating Noncon- formist parents, who had acted strictly in accordance with their legal rights, in the way he had described, and he asked the Department to make a full enqniry into the circumstances of this case. He showed that an attempt had been made by someone to prejudice Mr. R. T. Price in the eyes of his employers. That un- fortunately did not appear to be the only case of the same description, and he wished to know whether the Education Depart- ment, or any other department, or arm of Govermnent had the power to pro- tect parents in cases of this kind. If not, it was a state of things that called loudly for im- mediate action on the part of the Government. It was bad enough that parents in 7,000 or 8,000 parishes should have no voice in the local management of the public elementary school to which all alike were compelled to send their children, but when it came to this, that parents could be denounced by name, and that people might be prejudiced in their means of getting a livelihood, it was time to ask what action the Government was going to take to protect par- ents in the quiet and peaceable enjoyment of their rights 803 citizens. On behalf of the par. ents in Flint who wished to take advantage of the Conscience Clause he asked that the Govern- ment should make a searching and impartial enquiry into all the circumstances attending the withdrawal of the children, and that they should take such action as would enable parents in the future to exercise their legal rights with- out being subjected to annoyance or oppression. Sir J. Gorst said he stated the other day that it was the settled policy of the Education De- partment to keep out of local quarrels, and he hoped they would keep out of that in Flint. He was happy to say they had done so up to now and he did not think the hon. gentleman would be able to draw the Department to take either one side or the other (hear, hear). The Education Department would not interfere in these ecclesiastical squabbles, but it would see that the law of the land was carried out. In the particular case referred to there had been a little temper shown on both sides, but nobody had been coerced or intimidated; and, if there had been no outside intervention, the whole squabble would, he believed, have settled itself very quickly (hear, hear). Mr. Lloyd-George said thatthe worst feature of the whole matter was the speech of the right hon. gentleman. He contended that this was eminently a case for inquiry by the Education Department.
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Does your daughter play upon the piano?, Fogg: No; she works open the piano and plays upon my nerves.'
RHYL.
RHYL. FLINTSHIRE & DENBIGHSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SHOW. A largely attended meeting of the local committee of this show was held at the Alexandra Hotel, on Tuesday, under the presidency of Mr. J. H. Ellis, J.P. A local executive committee and a site committee were elected, and several new names were added to the local committee. The pros- pects for a successful show are most pro- mising.
[No title]
The following remarks appeared in the Daily Post'for Tuesday from its London correspon- dent :— Members who were kept out of bed by last night's business until the approach of dawn this morning are unanimous in attributing their compulsory vigils to Mr. Balfour's want of tact. Remarkable progress had been made with business when shortly after midnight Mr. Her- bert Lewis rose to call attention to an abuse of the voluntary schools system at Flint. Without waiting to hear a word, Mr. Balfour moved the closure, which was put by the Chair- man amid emphatic expressions of resentment from the Welsh members. The latter at once resolved on reprisals. Had Mr. Balfour exer- cised a little patience the House would have- been up before one o'clock. As it was, the Welsh members challenged a division on every possible point, with the result that for three hours the members were constantly perambula- ting the division lobbies. Long before the full penalty of his indiscretion had been exacted. Mr. Balfour was reduced to a state of remorse; Finally he crossed the floor and had some con- versation with Mr. Lewis, presumably express- ing regret for his blunder. One of these days the leader of the House will find that his official shortcomings are no longer to be redeemed by the charm of personal amiability. I
THE LIBERAL CLUB.
hair, and in his opening remarks referred pathetic terms to the loss of the late Mr. Gee, with whose family a resolution expressing « e 8ympathy of the club had already been t0 88,, • The death of Mr. Gee was not only a th w088' °r e.ven a *oss ^ra^es» ^ut a ^oss t0 e Welsh nation wherever its representatives ffere to be found. The Secretary (Mr. William Price) then read the Annual Statement of accounts, which Bhowed a balance to credit of Club of nearly A/r certificate of the Honorary Auditors ■J-Messfs. W. J. Williams, and Owen Jones— asalso read, in which they testified to the Tectness of the accounts, and the excellent "V they had been kept by the secretary. William Parry (Ciwyd Villas), proposed at the accounts be accepted, and passed. He whole were very satisfactory, not g y with regard to their accuracy, but in re- ana '° '^eir uniformity—uniformity of record, «a uniformity of expenditure (hear, heir), There had been no great change, He was 11 Phased to see that the revenue from one lolirce-subscriptions of members- was on the ncrease, and this was a very good indication of interest people took in the welfare of the htf). The expenses indicated a certain of economy, which was very gratifying Mr. I. o. Jones seconded, and the motion was agreed to. j Mr. W. Marsden Davies proposed, and Mr. i' "• Jones seconded, and it was carried, a arty vote of thanks to the Honorary Auditors. Th r" Herbert Roberts, M.P., and Mr. nomas Williams, J.P.. Llewesog, were on the {j of Mr. Parry, seconded by Mr. T God J?, Edwards, re-elected Honorary Presidents neSlub- l j-ne Honorary Vice Presidents were re-elec- jj as follows —Messrs. T. Howell Williams (London), John Roberts, Foxhall, Dr. r.avid Lloyd, John Morris, J.P. (Liverpool), JWen Williams, J.P., John Owen (Pigott Villas) i, James Charles, Rev. Joseph Evans, T. pOQfrey Edwards, T. W. Salisbury, A. O. tei^r?' L1°yd J°nes, T. O. Jones, W. Mars- JnL av*esi T. Andrew Roberts, Boaz Jones, (Segrwyd), T. Benson Evans, J. j^rriBon Jones, and D. S. Davies (Manchester). name of the Rev. Evan Jones, Wesleyan j) niBter was substituted instead of that of his foil 'c.essor' Rev» David Jones, and the Rowing new names were added to the list— fSasrs. John Davies, J.P., George Williams, ^ham Parry, and W. H. Evans. Honorary members were also re-elected. of j3r Jones in proposing the re election Cliih Evans, as acting president of the hJ referred to the faithful services rendered Evans to the Club. Hok Godfrey Edwards seconded, and the to-on was unanimously agreed to. kon briefly returned thanks for the next business was the election of two Vice-President. ele y' Salisbury was unanimously re- ^ed, and Mr. T. 0. Jones was appointed in- to h ^r" William Parry, the latter desiring e relieved of the office to make room for hav* r mem^er' and *n consequence of his jJ^g been made an Honorary Vice-President, the r. Howel Gee was re elected Treasurer, and Meeting then proceeded to elect a Secre- ill r. William Parry said he had great pleasure p Proposing the re election of Mr. William tto As a painstaking secretary he did not Stfe. Price could be equalled (applause), k llad been in contact with him very frequent- ly or many years in the Executive Geminat- ed and although having to face many dis- (fydements, his faithfulness did not lack nor (J,- Ms interest in the welfare of the Club jS'^fsh (hear, hear). George Williams seconded, and the xf'on was carried nem con. r he Executive Committee were then elected ballot, the new names added being Messrs. j* Morris Davies, W. J. Williams, James Jones, Llewelyn Jones, and Frank Davies. .On the motion of Mr. Marsden Davies, secon- ded by Mr. J. Morris Davies, the thanks of the Resting were accorded to those who had sup- Phed the Club gratuitously with papers, and during the year; also to Lady j^rgan, Mr. Herbert Roberts,M.P., Mr. Her- 'Lewis, M.P., and Mr. Samuel Moss, M.P., y6 former for an engraving of her late dis- g Swished husband, and the latter for en- fct,emselves, which now adorn the thn member here suggested at an effort be made to secure similar en- j)av^ngs or photos of the Liberal Mayors of y Qoigh in their official robes, and the sugges- Was heartily approved of. was carried that no book or ^odicals be laid on the tables of the reading U tt. vithjufcthe donor having first secured ? aPproval of the Executive Committee, d On the motion of Mr. Gwilym Parry, secon- tha v ^"r' Llewelyn Jones, the Chairman was IrAe,tked fhis services in the chair, and the tlng then terminated.