The North Wales Times

M 0 L D HOCKEY. On Thursday last, the local team had the Rhyl representatives as their visitors on the Recreation Ground, The locals started with ten men, and in fact played the whole of the game almost with that number. Play was very even in the first half, the visitors find- ing the net on one occasion, Mold having several good chances, which were not made use of. The second half was stubbornly contested, Mold drawing level through Dr. Lunt, a pleasant game ending in a draw of one goal each. GILCHRIST LECTURE. The first of a series of lectures in connec- tion with the Gilchrist Trust to be held in the town this session, under the auspices of the Cosmopolitan Society, was held at the Town Hall, on Tuesday evening last. The building was crowded. The lecturer was Dr. Wilson, and the subject he dealt with was the 'Heart.' The lecture was. given with lime-light illustrations, and was interesting in the extreme. The Chair was occupied by Mr. E. P. Edwards^ Yet., who pointed out that the Gi!christ Trustees also lent a, helping hand towards objects of education and such like, to be permanently established for the benefit of the working classes. He would mention as one of these objects a Free Library for the town of Mold. The suggestion was received with applause; and observing this, Dr. Wilson offered a few remarks at the close of a very encouraging character. A highly successful meeting concluded, after the passing of the custo- mary votes of thanks, by rendering the National Anthem. THE RESERVES. From the local corps of volunteers, six men were sent to Rhyl on Saturday for final approbation, prior to being sent to barracks for South Africa. There were also two 'reserves' for the special regiment that is going out. The recognized quota for the local corps was four men but on account of the deficiencies elsewhere, the whole half dozen, together with the two 'whippers-in,' were passed. The corps is to be warmly congra- tulated. The names of the men are:— Lance-Sergeant E. Barnett, Private G. Humphreys, Private W. Humphreys, Private T.,Davies,Private G. Threlfall, and Private I D. Maddocks. The reserves arePrivate R. Ellis Jones, and Private J. Bevan, As previously announced, the company will be under the charge of Captain T. M. Keene, of this town. Mold may therefore claim, with the detachment of imperial yeomanry now serving at Wrexham, that she has more than completed her share of the urgent de- mands now made upon the country in con- nection with the Boer and Briton struggle in South Africa. The volunteers will leave for Wrexham on Monday next.

COUNTY SCHOOL. APPOINTMENT OF ART MASTER. The annual meeting of the Governors of the County School was held on Monday, when Mr. Thomas Parry presided over a large attendance. Mr. Thomas Parry was re-elected chair- man, and Mr. W. Astbury, vice-chairman for the ensuing year, and both gentlemen were thanked for the arduous duties dis- charged by them on the opening of the new schools; also, recognition was paid to Mr. Astbury for the practical services he had rendered the building 'committee in the erection of the schools. The art mastership having become vacant through Mr. Charles Marston's services being accepted for the front by the War Office, there were two candidates for the post, Mr. Hanmer Hutchings, of Chester, and Mr. H. Leonard Davies, of High Street, Mold. The latter whose credentials were of a high order, was unanimously appointed for two terms as drawing master of the technical classes, and at the County School. Arrangements were made to advertise for a caretaker for the new schools, and also to equip a room for the purpose of teaching manual instruction.

PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY. — Before Messrs. P. B. Davies- Cooke (chairman), H. Lloyd Jones, and A. Potts. REFUSING TO QUIT. Geo. Henry Eliis was summoned for re- fusing to quit the Bridge Inn, Padeswood. Sergt. Langdon, deposed that on Christ- mas Day, at 9.30 p.m., he walked into the house. Defendant was standing at the bar, and the landlady asked him to put. the de- fendant out, which be did. Fined 5s. and costs. SCHOOL CASES. Thomas Arrowsmith, David Evans, Alfred Jones (Pentre), and Harriet Wèigh1 He'n- ffordd, were summoned for neglecting to send their children to school. The first three defendants were ordered to pay 5s. each, and the last defendant 2s. 6d. ALLEGED ASSAULT. Emily Davies, of Garden Place, summon- ed Edward Simon, a neighbour, for an assault alleged to have been committed on the 11th inst. According to the complainant's ver- sion. defendant lived next door to her. She heard a knock on the wall, and some things being broken; she went into the house and remonstrated with the defendant, with the result that he called her a foul name, and struck her over the eye. Margaret Davies, mother of the com- plainant, stated to hearing a smash, and on going into defendant's house, saw defen- dant, who had her daughter by the hair, and also his arm. round her neck, and sfce had a great difficulty in getting complainant away. Sergeant Jones proved to being called to complainant's house and found her bleeding, also the defendant's wife had to go to another house. Defendant denied striking the complain- ant, and said that she met with the injury by falling down, and further had entered his house without authority. The case was dismissed. VIOLENT ASSAULT ON THE POLICE. John Thomas Reaney, a Wolverhampton, iron worker now residing at Connah's Quay, was brought tip in custody charged with assaulting the police. P.O. Spencer deposed that at 12 p.m. on the previous Saturday, he was on the high- way at Shotton, and saw the defendant coming from the direction of the railway station, He was drunk and was using bad language. Witness spoke to him, whereupon defendant kicked him on the knee, and he fell down; and whilst on the ground, de- fendant kicked him again. P.C. Williams, who was with the last wit- ness corroborated, and said that the defen- dant was very violent on the road when being taken to the lockup. The defendant was ordered to be impri- soned for 3 months with hard labour. LICENSING. Temporary authority to sell at the Hand Inn, Gwernaffield, was granted to Richard AI drews. LARCENY AT PENYFFORDD STATION. William Roberts, a native of Penyffordd, was brought up under remand, charged with stealing a number of articles from the wait- ing room at Penyffordd station. Sarah Hilda Jones deposed that she had been in service at Waterloo, and returned to her home at Leeswood on Saturday, the 6th instant. On arriving at Penyffordd station by the 8 5 p.m. train, she had a tin box containing her things which was locked and tied with a rope. It was so dark, she was afraid of going home, and remained at the station until midnight, when the station master got a man to accompany her home. There was a parcel attached to the box which the station master took off and gave to her, and the box was left in the waiting room at the station. On the following Monday, ,prose cutrix went with her brothers to the station for the box, and found that it had been broken open. There were no officials about at the time, and she took thlill box home and examined it, and she missed a night dress and other articles of the value of about 5s. Thomas Turner, the station master, cor- roborated the first portion of the prusecu- trix's evidence, and stated, that on the fol- lowing day (Sunday), he was on duty at the station and saw the prisoner abd a man named Guest on the platform. He was not at the station when the girl called for the box; but on the Tuesday he received a letter from the mother of the prosecutrix complaining of the articles missing from the box, and he then gave information to the police. James Dodd, porter at the station, stated that he was on duty on Sunday, the 7th inst. About 9.40 p'm. he saw several per- sons on the platform, and amongst them was the prisoner, and he came from the di- rection of the waiting room. On the fol- lowing morning when be opened the door of the room, he saw a box partly opened, and some beads hanging out. He pushed them back, and found the lock was broken. P.C. James Williams, stationed at Pèn-y- ffordd, proved to receiving information from the station master, of the loss of money from a till, anti also of the prosecutrix's complaint. He went in search of prisoner, and found him on the previous Wednesday night at the White Lion, Penymynydd. He was wearing the ring produced. Witness asked him to turn ont his pockets, and the prisoner produced a red scarf and the other things, except the work-box. Witness then searched him, and found on him a work-box, the prisoner stating, That isthething you want.' He charged him with stealing the articles from the box, and also taking money out of the till. He admitted the first offence, but not the latter. Witness then locked him up. Prisoner was dealt with summarily, and was ordered to prison for one month.

RUTHIN. VOLUNTEERS AND THE WAR. On Monday next, we understand that 5 members of the Ruthin Volunteers will go to Wrexham -for further inspection at the Head Quarters. LLANFWROG INSTITUTE. The fourth of a series of entertainments was held, at the above place on Thursday last, when the Rev. J. F. Reece occupied the ohair., APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICE'S CLERK. We understand that the above appointment will take place on Monday next, at the County Hall. It is stated that there are four appli- eants for the post. TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. A series of meetings will be held throughout next weak in connection with the above society. Well known speakers have been secured to ad- dress the meetings. PRAYER MEETINGS. Throughout last week, and this week, prayer meetings have been held in all the Nonconfor- mist places of worship in the town. All other meetings connected with the chapels were con- sequently abandoned. CONCERT. At the concert held last week in aid of the Transvaal War local fund, we understand that a sum of £ 16 19s. was realised after paying all expenses. The coliection made after the recita- tion of Rudyard Kiplings' poem realised £ 3. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREAT AT RUTHIN WORKHOUSE. On Thursday last, at the Workhouse,the an. nual Christmas tree and treat for the inmates took place, and was a grand success. This annual evelat is looked forward to with great interest by the inmates, both young and old. The dining hall, where the dancing cook place, was tastefully decorated, the work having been efficiently carried out by Mrs* Roberts, Miss Roberts (industrial trainer), and Miss Edwards. The House, Male and Female sick wards, were also decorated. The inmates who were confined to the sick wards unable to en- joy the entertainment down stairs, received nice presents, the women each receiving two pounds of sugar, and a quarter pound of tea, and the men a quarter pound of tobacco and a pocket handkerchief, non-smokers having buns and oranges. Mrs. Stanley Weyman, graciously consented to distribute the presents from the Christmas tree to the children. The inmates had received a grand tea, withkampie supply of currant and seedcakes, and other dainties had been provided. After the tea, the Volunteer band, under thefjconductorship oi Mr. Edward Thomas, played several selections of music for dancing. At intervals songs were rendered by Mr. J. D. Jones, Mr. Williams, Mr. John Thomas, Mr. George Williams; and also recita- tions was given by Mr. Edward Thomas, and Mr. Isaac Evans, an inmate of the house. The proceedings were brought to a close at 10 p.m. Much credit is due to Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, the master and matron, for such a successful gathering. «

SPECIAL POLICE COURT. A special police court was heid on Friday last, before the Mayor and Dr. Jenkins, when James Roche, of no'fixed abode; wascharged with being drunk and disorderly; Erran Jones, with hawking without a license, and Robert Smith, for vagrancy. P.C. Howells proved the char- ges, and the two former were sent to prison for 7 days. Smith was discharged on promising to leave the town.

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting was held at the W ork- house, Ruthin, on Monday, when there were present :-Mr. Thomas Jones (in the chair}, Messrs. Owen Williams, R. D. Jones, Robert Jones, John Roberts (Nanglyn), E. R. Evans, John Garner, T. H. Roberts, Edward White, Henry White, Henry Williams, E. Powell Jones, John Evans, W. G. Richards, Hugh Jones, E. Rogers Jones, with the Clerk (Mr. R. H. Ro- berts), the Medical Officer (Dr. T. O. Jones), and the two Inspectors (Messrs. E. Evans and William Jones). THE LATE MR. EVAN DAVIES. The Chairman said that, since the Council met last, one of their members had been taken away in the person of Mr. Evan Davies. The deceased was a very faithful and useful mem- ber, and especially so on committees. Risof in- ion was always most acceptable to the Council, and, no doubt, they all regretted his loss. He (the Chairman) begged to move a vote of sym- pathy with the widow and relative^ in their sad bereavement. Mr. John Garner said he had pleasure in se- conding. The deceased was one of the most valuable members of the Council, and his death was not only a loss to the Council, but to the parish and the denomination to which he be- longed. The motion, having been supported by Messrs. E. R. Evans and Owen Williams, was unani- mously agreed to. The seat was subsequently declared vacant. THE HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT. The Medical Officer reported that, during the month, 18 deaths and 28 births were registered, giving as the annual death and birth-rate 12 2 and 19 4 per thousand per annum respectively. There had been no deaths from zymotic diseases. Only one case of infectious disease had occurred since the last meeting, viz a case of typhoid fever at the Stable House, Nantclwyd Hall. No possible cause of the origin could be ascertained. DISINFECTING SPRAYER. On, the recommendation of the Medical Officer it was decided to purchase a Disinfecting Sprayer for the use of the Inspectors, the cost of which will be four guinea.s. will be four guineas. GLYNMAWR FOOTBRIDGE DERWEN. A letter was read from the Derwen Parish Council asking the Council to reconsider their decision in this matter, and to take steps to erect a bridge at Glynmawr without delay. After a brief discussion, it was decided that the Surveyor for the district should make in. quiries as to who removed the old bridge to its present position, and to report to the next meeting. MAESHAFN HIGHWAY. A letter was read from the Mold Mines Com- pany offering to supply 70 loads of material from waste heap free of charge in place of paying an annual rent of one shilling for the right of carrying a culvert across the Maeshafn high- way, but it was decided, by a large majority, to reject the offer. TANYFRON ROAD, LLANDEGLA. A letter was read from the Llandegla Parish Council expressing sorrow that the District Council did not take steps to repair the above road, and giving further particulars as to how the road became to be repaired and kept in order by the Highway Authority. It was also requested that the Council again take the mat- ter under their consideration. The Surveyor (Mr. William Jones) having submitted his report on the subject, A petition was read from a number of parish- ioners giving several reasons why the road should be taken over by the District Council. After some discussion, it was decided, on the motion of Mr. John Garner, seconded by Mr. John Roberts, Nantglyn, to leave the letter on the table. I

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Mr. John Foulkes presided at the fortnightly meeting of the Board on Monday. There were also present Mrs. Edward Roberts, Mrs. Lum. ley, the Rev. J. F. Reece, Messrs. E. Williams Jones, Robert White, Thos. Jones (Llanfwrog), Richard Jones, and J. H. Simon. THE LATE MR. EVAN DAVIES. On the motion of the Rev. J. F. Reece, seconded by Mr. Henry Williams, a vote of sympathy was passed with the widow and family of the late Mr. Evan Davies, who was a member of the Board. THE HOUSE. The Master reported that the number of paupers in the House was 42 against 45 the corresponding period last year. Forty one vagrants were relieved during the fortnight, as against 21 during the corresponding fortnight last year. GIFTS TO THE INMATES. The Master also reported that Mrs. Hum- phreys, the Anchor Inn, very kindly sent tobacco for the old men, and sweets for the children in the House, and she was thanked for her generosity. RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN THE HOUSE. It was reported by the Master that religious services and visiting the sick wards had been regularly conducted by the clergy and Non- conformist ministers of the town during the last year. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mrs. Roberts, the clergy and ministers were thanked for their services. THE CASE OF WILLIAM BARKER! DRINK AND THE WORKHOUSE. The Master having reported that William Barker, a wellknown character at Ruthin, had been admitted to the house by order of the Medical Officer, Mr. T. H. Roberts said he thought it was a disgrace that the Board should allow this man to be admitted to the Workhouse. Mr. J. Roberts (Nantglyn): Is he healthy ? Mr. T. H. Roberts: Healthy! Yes! He is only sick after drink. I really think we ought to make an example of him for coming to this House under false pretences. He is a man that can earn high wages, if he cares to work. Mr. Owen Williams: I am of the same opinion as Mr. Roberts. It is a shame that these sort of people should be allowed to come here. If it is possible, I think we ought to take him before the magistrates, with the view of sending him to gaol. Mr. T. H. Roberts: He likes this end of the town better (laughter). Mr. Reece He has only just come out at the other end (renewed laughter). However, I am of the same opinion as Mr. T. H. Roberts. Mr. T. H. Roberts: I think the Doctor should be asked his reason for issuing a certifi- cate for the admittance of this man into the house. 4 The Chairman These are theclass,ofpeople we ought to set our faces against. Mr..T. H. Roberts: I beg to propose that we ask the Medical Officer his reasons for giving a certificate of admittance to William Barker. It was, however, decided, on the suggestion of the Clerk, to adjourn the further considera- tion of the case for a fortnight, to enable in. quiries to be made as to whether Barker was admitted to the House as the result of dissipa- tion or not. There was no other business of public interest. r ===='

DEATH OF CAPT. CONWY. On Thursday morning the death occurred, at his Flintshire seat, Bodrhyddan Hall, near Rhyl, of Captain Rowley Conwy, at the age of 59 years, after a fortnight's ill- ness. Captain Conwy succeeded to the estates, which include property in Flint- shire, Denbighshire, and Ireland, in 1876, upon the death of his uncle, the late Shipley Conwy, and adapted the surname of Conwy, he being the son of the late Colonel Rowley. In 1874 he contested with Sir Robert Cun- cliffe, who was the sitting member, and Mr. P. Ellis Eyton the Parliamentary represent- ation of Flintshire, but was beaten by the Radical candidate, Mr. Eyton, by four votes, Sir Robert Cuncliffe being at the bottom of the poll. He was formerly a captain in the the 2nd Life Guards, and also held a com- mission as major in the Denbighshire Yeo- manry. He was deputy lieutenant for the county of Flintshire, and was a justice of the peace. Some years ago Captain Conwy was an enthusiastic follower of hounds, and acted as Master of the Flint and Denbigh I Hunt. He has also filled the position of High Sheriff. He leaves a widow (who, as the estates are not entailed, succeeds to the I property), four sons, and one daughter, who married Mr. Hugh Peel, a son of Mr. Edmund Peel, Rusbon. The funeral will take place at Rhuddlan churchyard on Mon- day next, at twelve o'clock.

FLINT. ..r- FLINT AND THE WAR FUND. PATRIOTIC OFFER BY DR. MOULD. The amount of subscriptions towards the war fund in Flint and district, including the amount collected by the Ladies Committee, has now reached the total of £ 160. At a meeting of the Ladies Committee, held on Tuesday, it was announced that Dr. Mould, of Cornist Hall, Flint, had written to the War Office, offering to provide room for a number of the wounded at Cornist. Hall, and to place two trained nurses in charge, and also to provide the services of two surgeons to attend them. THE FLINT VOLUNTEERS AND THE WAR. The following members of the Flint volun- teers have been selected to go to the front, viz. —Corporal Charles Taylor,. Privates Bertie Parry (son df Councillor Thomas Parry), J. W. Bellis, and Evan George. In addition to the above, the following have been placed on the list of Reserves, viz. :—Sergeant G. Carr, Cor- poral Wm. Davies, Privates T. Bartley, J. Mcintosh, T. Grundy, J. Craig, and B. Gloyne. All of them leave Flint for Wrexham on Mon day next, where they will undergo a short periodof training before being sent out. THE FINAL SCENE IN TIIE MILK CASE. On Thursday, Mr. W. Freeman, auctioneer, Holywell, sold, by public auction, in the Royal Oak yard, the horse destrained upon for the non-payment of fine and costs by Mr. Hughes, Maesydre Farm, imposed upon him under the Foods and Drugs Act. A very large company had come together, but it was very evident that there were more sightseers than purchasers among them. The auctioneer said that he was sorry that it had been found necessary to sell. But his business was to sell. The animal was then offered to public bidding. A start was made at 95, and the bids rapidly rose by five shillings and half crowns to f,10, when the horse was declared to have been sold to Mr. J. Wil liams. Considerable laughter was occasioned by the purchaser telling the man that was leading the animal to take the horse to his office. It is needless to add that Mr. Williams was buying the horse in for Mr. John Hughes. We understand that immediately after the sale a protest was served upon Inspector Jones and the auctioneer, on the ground that the destraint had not been legally made.

COUNTY COURT. Friday. Before His Honour Judge Sir Horatio Lloyd and Mr. Henry Taylor, Regis- trar. A LEESWOOD PROMISSORY NOTE CASE. His Honour delivered judgment in an action brought by John Roberts, Eaton Place, against Edward Anwyl Prydderch, Manchester House, Leeswood, for the recovery of E100 alleged to be due on a promissory note, the action having been heard at Mold. The promissory note had been returned to the defendant and endorsed in the presence of a witness, that the holder made a present of the capital sum to the defen- dant, but the interest must be paid while he lived. An I.O.U. was signed for 94 a year. The plaintiff had no doubt changed his mind. There was no consideration for the gift, it was true, but his Honour found that there had baen an absolute renunciation of the note in writing, and the note had been given to the defendant in October, 1895, and it remained in his posses- sion until the commencement of this action. It was clear that there had been an absolute sur. render of the bill, and, under the circumstances, the judgment would be for the defendant. Mr. Wynne Evans (Wrexham), for the plain- tiff, addressed the court on question of costs, and his Honour directed that each side should pay its own costs. COMPENSATION OF AN INJURED COLLIER. Mr. Wynne Evans applied, on behalf of Edward Hughes, near the Black Horse Inn, Buckley, for an award, under the Employers Liability Act, against Messrs. George Watkin- son and Son, colliery proprietors. Buckley. He said that the applicant had asked for a sum of 10s. a week. The respondents offered 7s. 6d., and this had been accepted, and an award for that amount was now asked for, with the costs of application. Mr. W. H. Churton (ior the respondents) made no objection, and the application Was granted. PRE-MARITAL RESPONSIBILITIES. Dr. Edward Williams, Mold, sued Mr. W. N. Bellamy, now of Chester, for £5 16s. 6d. for professional attendance. Mr. W. H. Churton was for the plaintiff, and Mr. J. B. Marston for defendant. Mrs. Williams, plaintiffs wife, produced a book showing entries against the defendant in 1891 and 1893. For the defence, it was stated that the claim was a bogus one. The items in 1891 referred to attendance upon a lady, who afterwards be- came the defendant's wife, but they were not married until 1892. During 1892 and 1893, the defendant and his wife were attended by Dr. Trubshaw. The case was adjourned to the Mold court for the attendance of Dr. Williams. Mr. Marston intimated that in the meantime he would issue a counter claim, and subpoena Dr. Trubshaw. A MANCHESTER MONEY LENDER AND A MOLD CLIENT. There was an action remitted from the Salford County Court, in which Hayman Fincklestone, money lender, Albert Street, Albert Square, Manchester, sued John Jones, retired black- smith, of Glanrafon, Mold, for the sum of f,8 6s., balance due on a note of hand. Mr. Churton was for the plaintiff and Mr. Marston for the defendant, who had entered a counter claim for the return of deeds in the possession of the plaintiff, and £ 20 damages for detinue. Mr. Marston explained that the case had partly been heard before his Honour Judge Parry, at Salford, but was adjourned because there was a witness for the plaintiff not able to appear. Judge Parry adjourned the case to this court, to avoid the great expense of taking the defendant, who was a poor man, to Man- Chester a second time. Knowing how fully the judge of this court was occupied, Judge Parry had asked him (Mr. Marston) to explain the matter to his Honour. The Judge I will return him the compliment some day (laughter). Mr. Churton, in opening the case, said that John Jones, on the 9th of Deoember, 1897, borrowed jElo from the plaintiff, and gave a promissory note for f,22 10s. As collateral security, John Jones gave a memorandum of charges on certain cottage property he had at Pentra Wylfa, Mold. He was to repay the loan with the interest at the 'rate of a XI a month, but he never paid a penny. In conse- queuce of this default, plaintiff collected the rents of the cottages referred to from the 21st of February, 1898, to the end of December, 1898. Altogether 918 6s. 6d. were collected in rents, but out of that sum there was to be de- ducted £3 7s. 6d. for collection at the rate of Is. 6d. per week, and 15s. for rates and taxes, leaving a net amount of E14 4s., and the balance was the sum now asked tor. The defendant claimed for the return of deeds, but it was new to him to bring an action) tor the return of deeds when the amount they secured had not been paid. He also took objection to paying for the collection of rents, and said there were rents in arrears. But the plaintiff could not be responsible for that. As to the payment for the collection, it was no benefit whatever to the plaintiffi as it was paid to a local man for doing the work. William White, agent for the plaintiff, swore that the signatures to the promissory rote were made by the defendant and his wife in his presence, and the plaintiff also signed the memorandum of charge in his presence. Cross-examined, he said he did not oonsider the defendant was a man of weak intellect. He knew defendant could not read, and read the documents out to him, as he always did. Mr. Marston Who i* the plaintiff? Is he a man that is alive-has he existence? Witness Yes. Mr. Marston Oh These men have so many names, you know (laugher) Morris Price, manager to the plaintiff, said that the gross amount received from the rents of the cottages was f,18 16s, 6d., and the net 914 4. Cross-examined He handed £ 15 to Mr. Whise to pay over GO the defendant, but he did not know the defendant only received fl4. He did not tell defendant and his wife that perhaps Mr. White did always behave honestly to them. The defendant was a party to allowing one of the cottages to remain empty. Thomas Rees, Mold, said he collected the rents of the houses, and was paid Is. 6d. a week for doing so. He had to go several times on several occasions before he could get the rent. He submitted his collecting book, showing the amount collected and the deductions. Mr. Marston, for the defence, said that the defendant was a weak man, intellectually and physically, and it was a disgrace to the country that men like the plaintiff should get hold of pigeons like the defendant to pluck. He did not know what he was signing, and his signa- ture was obtained by fraud. Furthermore, the plaintiff had had all his money. There were five cottages letting in the aggregate at ten shillings, and the plaintiff was in possession for 46 weeks, and had he been diligent in the col- lection of the rents, there would have been £23 collected. If he was not diligent, that was not defendant's fault. Then the charge for collec- tion was out of all reason. The defendant, in the box, supported Mr. Marston's statement. He only received E14 in cash, and he did not know what he was signing. Plaintiff had had the houses for 46 weeks, at 10s. a week, and 15s. from another house, which afterwards became empty. All the houses were let now, and the rents paid regularly. Cross-examined: He admitted giving the charge of the cottages so as to get the money. John Williams said that he collected rents of cottage property two and a half miles away for 2! per cent. and four miles away for 3 per 2 cent. After some remarks by Mr. Churton on the question of arrears of rents, The Jndge said it was quite clear there was something due, therefore the counterclaim failed. As to the claim, the charges for collec- tion were rather heavy. He would give judg- men t for the plaintiff with costs for f,7, payable at 10s. a month.

LLANSANNAN. CRURCH CHOIR SUPPER. The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Ellis gave their an. nual supper to the Church choir, on Thursday evening last. A splendid repast awaited the guests at the schoolroom, to which ample jus- tice was done, the company spending the remain- der of the evening in singing, in which several took part. CHRISTMAS TREE. Through the kind efforts of lIrs. Lodge, Firwood, a Christmas tree was given to the school children on Friday last. Each child re- ceived a present. On the call of the Rector, three hearty cheers were given to Mrs Lodge,. and all the ladies and gentlemen who had so handsomely contributed.

BALA. PRAYER MEETING. On each evening of the first week of the New Year the Nonconformist chapels held their annual services of prayer. SICKNESS. I The epidemic of influenza has visited here in earnest. Throughout the district a great num- ber have been subjected to it. In several homes whole families have at one and the same time suffered. It is gratifying, however, to know that the sickness is of a mild form. SUCCESS. We are glad to understand that the second son of the Rev.William Hughes, Llanuwehllyn, recently succeeded ia gaining the Vaughan Scholarship, enabling him to secure a course of instruction at Oxford. He was formerly a pupil of Mr. Evans at the County School, and is now at Llandovery College. SUCCESS. We are pleased to understand that Mr. David Roger Rowlands, son of Mr. David Rowlands, glazier, successfully passed the Minor Examina- tion of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Mr. Rowlands was an old pupil of Mr. Evans at the County School, and served his apprenticeship with Mr. J. Williams, chemist, Bala. THE WAR. H. M. Nightingale has applied and has been accepted into the ranks of the Denbighshire corps of the Imperial Yeomanry. Another of our townsmen is already at the front, namely, Private T. Peake, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, one of the employees of Bala Post Office. The papers are eagerly scanned every day for news from the front, especially is this noticeable on the arrival of the evening papers, when Mr. Edwards' establishment is crowded to excess. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. We regret that we inadvertently omitted the following fromfour report:—'The Master re- ported that the inmates thoroughly enjoyed their Christmas dinner, and tendered their warmest thanks to the Guardians. The follow- ing ladies and gentlemen presented the inmates with oranges, cakes, tea and sugar, tobacco, books, and pictures :—Mrs. Parry, Miss Parry, Mrs. Moses Roberts, Messrs. J. Parry and Co., Colonel and Mrs. Burton, Mr. J. R. Jones (Clerk), Mr. E. G. Jones and Miss Jones (Fron- dderw), and Mr. Edwards (stationer).' MONTHLY MEETING. The East Merioneth Monthly Meeting was held at Bala this week. The various committees met onlMonday evening; and on Tuesday con- ferences were held, in which matters pertaining to the connexion, were submitted and discussed. A deputation, consisting of the Revs. G. Ellis, M.A. (Bootle), J. Owen (Mold), and Mr. W. Thomas (Bootle), brought forward the Cen- tenary Fund before the meeting. The addresses delivered were much appreciated, and it was unanimously resolved to do all in the power of the churches to further this object. Sermons were delivered on Tuesday evening and Wed- nesday by the Revs. J. Owen (Mold), J. Wil- liams (Princes Road), and others. TREAT. On Wednesday last Mrs. Price, Rhiwlas, treated the inmates of the Bala Workhouse to a sumptuous dinner. Unfortunately, Mrs. Price was unable personally to be present, being confined to the house through illness. She was represented by Mr. E. Watkins, the estate agent. After dinner the following gifts were distributed on behalf oi the giver of the teast by Mr. E. watkins:—Iwo ounces of tobacco and two handkerchiefs to each of the men to the women, quarter of a pound of tea, one pound of sugar, and a shawl each, and scarfs and caps to the children. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded by the inmates to the generous donor. In the week preceding Christ- mas thr, Rhiwlas family, according to their wont, distributed a large quantity of flannel to the poor of the town and neighbourhood. The gift was much appreciated.