The North Wales Times

TRIAL OF PRISONERS. A WOMAN'S EXTRAOBDINAEY CAREER OF CHIME, Jane Davidson, described as of no occu- pation, and between sixty and seventy years age, pleaded guilty to having stolen two gold rings, value Sl 193. 9d. the property_of Richard" Morris Wilkes, Wrexham, on No- vember 18th. Mr; Bankes (instructed by Mr. P. W. Glascodine, Wrexham), said that during the last thirty-one years, the prisoner had been sentenced to terms of imprisonment, amounting to thirty years, twenty years of which were penol servitude. In this case she managed, to juggle away an old ring worth about one shilling, and got away with two wedding rings. Smce;869, during the time she bad been out of prison, she had been engaged in robbing shopkeepers. Prisoner, on being sentenced to three years' penal servitude, fainted ia the dock, and bad to be carded below. A WREXHAM BURGLARY. Henry Trainer (28), labourer, and an in- ternational football player, pleaded guilty to breaking into the shop oi Brinlcy Wynne Williams, on November 11th, at Wrexham, and stealing forty-two gold rings, six watches, twelve silver chains, thirteen gola brooches, and other articles of jewellery. Mr. R. Bankes (instructed by Mr. 8. D. Edisbury) prosecuted. Prisoner was sen- tenced to nine calendar months' imprison- ment with hard labour. The Chairman called forward a youijg man named Thomas Edward Humphreys, and sa:d the court awarded him < £ 1 for the active part he had taken in the apprehen- sion of prisoner. Such conduct deserved recognition, for the police had often to com- plain of the unwillingness of people to render them assistance when it was re- quired. THEFT OF MONEY. William Dean (30), labourer, was indicted for having, on November 18th, stolen a cash- box containing £ 8 10s. in money, together with several trinkets, the property of Rose Cotterill, of Es dusham. Mr. S. Moss, M,P. (instructed by Mr. A, E. Lewis, Wrexham), prosecuted, and de- tailed the circumstances of the theft. The prisoner was working on a new railway at Llwyneinion, Rhos. The woman Coterell kent a hut for the workmen, and the valuables stolen were kept by her in the II hut. Oa the 18fch, during the absence of the prosecutrix, the prisoner went to the hut and committed the theft. He was sent to prison for twelve calendar months, with hard labour. ALLEGED THEFT OF A BICYCLE AT COLWYN BAY. Albert Evans (16), billiard marker, of Col- wyn Bay, pleaded not guilty to having stolen, as bailee, a bicycle, value £ 18, the property of Walter Roberts, timber mar chant, Bootle, at Colwyn Bay, on October 13 th. Mr. Trevor Lloyd (instructed by Mr. Oliver George) Iprosecuted, and Mr. S. Moss (in- structed by Messrs. Porter and Amphlett) defended. The evidence showed that-, the prisoner was employed as boots at the Metrepo!e Hotel, Colwyn Bay. Mr. Walter Roberts was staying there, and had hia bicycle with him, which he was in the habit of leaving at the hotel. On thia occasion he left the hotel, and gave instructions to the prisoner to send the bicycle on in a few days. After I Roberta had left, prisoner took the bicycle away from the hotel to his lodgings, telling his landlord that he had bought it for £ 2 On October the 16th, he went out on the bicycle, intending to igo to Pontrobert, but bicycle, intending to igo to Pontrobert, but upon reaching Llanymynech, the machine was punctured. He took it to a man to be repaired, and, having no money to return home, he left the bicycle with the man, se- curing 4.3. upon it. Mr. Moss, for the defence, contended that the prisoner was not the bailee for the bicycle, and that if he was guilty of any- thing at all it was illegal pawning. It was simply a foolish freak, which many lads might, be guilty of. He went on to comment on the statement made in the course of his evidence by Sergeant Tippit, to the effect that the prisoner, when interviewed in the police station by himself and another con- stable, had not been cautioned before making a statement. This, said counsel, might be the instruction given to tho police, but he could not help saying that it was a most extraordinary instruction. The Chairman, in summing up, said he did not think it wise, as a rule, for police- men to put direct questions to prisoners. The jury brought in a verdict of 'Not guilty,' and the foreman stated that they wished the lad to be cautioned for taking the bicycle. The Chairman I suppose that means not guilty, but don't do it again ? The Foreman: Yes (laughter). POLICE COUHT. THE ROYAL OAK, LLAN- ARMON. THE DEADLOCK REMOVED. THE QUALIFICATIONS OF MAGISTRATES Suggestive Remarks by Mr. Lumley. The fortnightly sitting of the Ruthir: magistmtea was held on Monday. Chan- cellor Bulkeley Jones presided. The other magistra,tes present were Dr. J. R. Jenkins, Captain Cole, the Mayor of Ruthin (Dr. J. Medwyn Hughes), Messrs. J. Watkin Lum- ley, G. H. Denton, and S. J. Weyman. The only matter to be dealt with by the Court was the adjourned application for the renewal of the license of the Royal Oak Inn, Llanarmon. Our readers will recollect that at the previous court, Mr. J. B. Mm-sfcon, solicitor, Mold, made an application for the full transfer of this license to a man o! the name of John Brooks, who for some time has been in the occupation of the house. Owing to some supposed legal difficulty, the case was adjourned on the suggestion of the Clerk, who bad been requested by the bench to make a careful investigation in the meantime into its legal aspects. When the court met, the Chairman asked the Clerk to state the facts of the case for the benefit cf the court, Before he could do so, Mr. Lumley, addressing the Court said: Whilst the Clerk is preparing to go on, may I refer to a matter of some importance to the justices, not only acting upon this bench, but on ail benches. It was a matter that was reported in the 'Justice of the Peace' for Dec. 29th, and if you have no objection, I will read what it says. The questions asked are (1) If the qualification of a justice of the peace who is sitting and acting on the County Bench is deficient, to what penalty does he render himself liable ? (2) Will the decisions of the bench be invalidated ? (3) Is it any part of the duty of his brethren on the bench to bring to bis notice tho con- sequences of his acting with them, or is it the function of the justices' Clerk ? Answers: (1) He is liable at the suit of a common informer to forfeit £ 100, one halt to go to the poor of the parish, and one half to the informer and his costs of his suit. (2) Yes The question as to whether a justice was disqualified to sit was raised in Regina v. Douglas (1898) and Lord Russell said that 'if the justices were not qualified, the con viction would undoubtedly be bad, although the remaining five magistrates were fully qualified.' (3) There is DO legal obligation on the other justices to inform a justice who is no longer qualified, but as their decisions would be ifivalidated if he took part in them, it would be a prudent thing to call his attention to the fact. It is certainly the duty of the Clerk to do so. Having read out the above, Mr. Lumley said he did so because it wüp a matter of considerable importance to that bench that all the justices present that day were quali- fied. He also brought the matter before the court for this reason—that continual insinu- ations were made against members of that bench to the effect, that they had not the qualifications to sit there. Those justices who had not got the qualifications knew better than any other person whether they had the right to sit on the bench or not. It was not for him to suggest or insinuate (which he did not) anything to a justice sit- ting there who had not the qualification to do so, in consequence of not having the pro- perty qualification, or indeed, any other qualificatÏou- Whilst Mr. Lumley was making the last few remarks, the justices on the other side of the Chairman were consulting together, and as the Chairman paid them some atten- tion, Mr. Lumley asked Chancellor Jones whether he was going to stop him from pro- ceeding. The Chairman (in reply): My colleagues on the bench here, think that we ought to retire. Mr. Lumley: There is no need to retire, sir. I have finished. A matter has been brought before the court, and it is for the court to take any notice of it, or otherwise. No further notice was taken of the matter, and the Chairman simply asked the Clerk (Mr. Edward Roberts) whether he was ready to make a statement with regard to the case of the Royal Oak. The Clerk then gave the Court the history of the case from the proceedings at the annual licensing sessions down to the 24th Dec. From this statement, it appears that at the annualllicensing sessions, a renewal of the license was granted to Mathew Parry. On the 15th of October, a temporary trans- fer was given to John Brooks. Ou the 29th of Nov., an application was made for a full transfer, which was refused. The case came on again on the 26thof N ov, when Mr.Marston applied for a temporary authority to sell in favour of Brooks. This was granted, and on the 24th of Dec., Mr. Marston again applied for a full transfer. Our readers will no doubt recollect that owing to certain legal difficulties, the case was again adjourned for a fortnight, and came on in due course at the court, whose proceedings we now re- port. The Clerk having made his statement— Mr. Lumley said he should like to ask a question. The Chairman You had better hear the facts first. The Clerk: The application has not yet been heard. Mr. Lumley said his question bad a direct bearing on what the clerk had said. The Chairman remarked that as the facts of the case were not quite clear, the Clerk was asked at the last court, to consider the matter, which was a very complicated one. He should like to know therefore what was the Clerk's opinion on the facts. Mr. Lumley Before you proceed, will you allow me to ask a question to the Clerk upon one point of I act, viz whether the temporary transfer to John Brooks granted upon the 26th of Nov. did not expire on the 24th Dec. The Clerk I think not, because of the adjournment. We are now dealing with the matter as if on the 24th Dec. Mr. Lumley: Did you not inform the court at the last sitting that it was not legal to extend the temporary transfer from that day to this rl Mr. Marston Allow me to interpose for a minute, sir. If the gentleman (meaning Mr. Lumley) wishes to argue the matter from an antagonistic point of view, and prejudice the case in his own view, he ought to come down here, and not remain on the bench. I object to him if he has made up his mind. Mr. Lumley I merely want to know- Mr. Marston: Mr- Lumley, if you have already made up your mind- The Chairman (interposing): Stop a minute, please. The magistrates here rose, as if going to retire to their private room. Before doing so however, a consultation took place whilst they were still in court. Mr. Lumley, who wa3 the first to speak said: I surely think that we should be guided by the advice of our Clerk. It is wrong to go against his advice. Mr. Marston But you are not guided by the Clerk. You are guided by other people's advice (laughter). Mr. Lumley (smilingly): You had better come up here, Mr. Marston, Mr. Marston: You are here to fight me Mr. Lumley (laughter). 11 There was another consultation between the magistrates sitting to the left of the Chairman, when Mr. Lumley said: Speak out Captain Cole; I want to hear something about it. Captain Cole: I don't wish to speak out. It is a great pity, this constant wrangling before the public. Mr. Lumley: There is no necessity to wrangle. We are not here to wrangle. The Clerk here remarked that in the event of an appeal, it might be stated that the magistrates bad prejudged the case by re- tiring, before the application for the trans- fer was formally made. The magistrates then decided not to retire at that juncture, and resumed their seats on the bench. The Chairman addressing Mr. Marston, said There is no dispute about the facts of the case, I suppose ? Mr. Marston No, there is not. Proceed ing he said that he now applied formally for a full transfer of the license to John Brooks. Since the case had been before the court on the previous occasion, it bad been dis- covered that the house was a beer house. It was in existence before 1869, and there- fore the power of the magistrates to refuse the license were to some extent limited—to an extent which Mr. Roberts, the Clerk, would specify to their worships. Wrth re- gard to the character of Brooks, he would take it that nobody would now say that the applicant was not a respectable man, be- cause he was certified to be so by the police. At the same time there was a little history attaching to this aspect of the case. It had been suggested to the Liverpool police by a lady that Brooks was a tippler.' That was now dropped, and they had in fact nothing to answer. The police said his character was good—so good indeed that they need argue i\j no further. In regard to a more difficult matter connected with the case, he had had the assistance and the opinion of Mr. Bankes, the eminent Counsel. The brewery company that owned the house did not think for one moment that the bench would refuse the license, and this was the reason why they did not go to the expense of bringiog down Counsel to argue the case that (!ay. He, however, ha.d a letter from Mr. Bankes on the subject, but as it was a private communication, he was placed in the same position as Supt. Jones with re- gard to the Liverpool lett. r—he could not I read it,although he would not mind showing it to Mr. Lumley privately. The Chairman Please don't mention any individual magistrate. Mr. Mars to a then read out a portion of the communication to the effect that the case of Regina v. Taylor, cited at the pre- vious court, and upon which the magistrates seemed to rely, did not apply in the present case. In that case (Regina v. Taylor) the license was dead, as it had not been granted at the annual licensing meeting That, said Mr. Marston, was what he tried to argue at the previous court. In one case (Regina v. Taylor) they bad a license which was not in existence, because it had not been granted at the adjourned licensing sessions. It had been applied for at the adjourned licensing sessions, and refused. Then they went to special sessions—which was not a licensing sessions-but the license was dead. In the case of the Royat Oak however, the license was alive-as much alive as the one granted to Matthew Parry in August. It was alive now, but through some indistinctness or mistake, the present difficulty had arisen. He, however, contended that he was entitled to ask for the license, and especially so, on account of the house being a beer house,and in existence before 1869. Mr. Lumley asked Mr. Marston to read out a paragraph in Mr. Bankes' communication which he had referred to, and commenced to read,but did not iini-h. Mr. Marston No, I have closed my case. The Chairman said this was a very difficult and complicated case, and at the last court, the magistrates had requested the Clerk to consider it very carefully, and give his opinion upon it. He would now ask Mr. Robert to give them that opinion. The Clerk The conclusion I came to is this -that you are competent to hear this applica- tion, but cannot be compelled to do so. Mr. Lumley: Now, we may retire if you wish. Dr. Jenkins What is the state of things at present ? The Clerk If you decline to hear the appli- cation, thoy can appeal, and then you can refuse or grant it upon the merits of the case. Mr. Stanley Weyman Do you contend, Mr. Marston, that you can come to special session after special session with the same application ? Mr. Marston Yes, and I say that that is being done in other places. It was done in Mold when Supt. Bolton was deputy chief constable Proceeding Mr. Marston said that the licensee of a certain public house had been refused his license twice. On the third occasion, Mr. Thomas Swift, the eminent Liverpool barrister, came down and argued and contended that they could come before the court as often as they liked, adding that if the license had not been refused at the licensing sessions, they could apply for it. That was done on three consecutive Mondays. The CierK To the same person ? Mr. Marston Yes, he was Hugh Roberts, of the Liverpool Arms Inn, Mold. The magis- trates had refused him his license because he was fined £1 and costs. Mr. Swift came down, and obtained the license. Mr. Weyman Can you show us any text books in support of your contention ? Mr. Marston No, I cannot now. If the license is refused, this poor man Brooks will be practically ruined-- Mr. Lumley: That is another matter alto- gether. Mr. Weyman Why didn't you appeal to the Quarter Sessions ? Mr. Martou Because we adopted another course successfully before, sir. The Clerk: What Mr. Marston says as hav- ing occurred at Mold simply confirms what I say, that it is within your discretion to heir the application. The Chairman I think we have come to an isaue now Shall we act on the Clerk's advice, or consider what we shall do ? The magistrates then decided to retire, and were absent from court for about ten miautes. The Chairman on their re-appearance, said they had decided to re-hear the application, but it should be expressly understood that their action must not be taken as a precedent. Mr. Marston then formally made his applica- tion, and asked Supt. Hugh Jones whether he had any objection to Brooks. Supt. Jones: No. Mr. Lumley Have you any communication from the Liverpool police about this man ? Supt. Jones: Yes. Mr. Lumley Will you let me see it. The Chairman (to Brooks) Have you ever had any proceedings taken against you under the licensing Bct"!? The Applicant No. Mr. Marston Have you been in any trouble, or any court-County Court, Police Court, or any other court, except the Ruthin Court?— No, sir. Replying to further questions pub by Mr. Marston, the applicant said that whilst in Llveipool, hefcarried on the trade of a chip potatoe merchant, and that his wife conducted the business, whilst he was below busy with the cooking. Mr. Marston: Let us know a little more about you. Your daughter is a professional parachutist is she not?—Yes. And the only trouble she has been used to is tumbling out of balloons? (loud laughter). Mr. Lumley asked whether Supt. Jones had received a further communication from the Liverpool police with reference to the appli- cant. Supt. Jones: Yes, I have. Mr. Lumley: Would you mind showing it? ul t Jones No, I cannot, sir. I am satisfied as to the applicant. Mr. Lumley pointed out that the Supt. had communicated with the Liverpool police by direction of the court, and he would like to know the result of that inquiry. Supt Jones: I am satisfied as to the man's character. Mr. Lumley No, no, that's not the question. The first letter received from the Liverpool police was however handed up to the bench, and read. It stated that they knew nothing to the detriment of the applicant, but that the owner of the premises which he had rented said he was inclined to tippling. Mr, Lumley The Supt. was directed to com- municate with the police of Liverpool with re- gard to that letter, and I think it is now the duty of the police to communicate to this court the result of that inquiry. Supt. Jones It is favourable to the appli. cant- Mr. Lumley No, iio I want to see the lbtter written by the Liverpool police and sent to you. Supt Jones I cannot, sir. Mr. Lumley We are entitled to see a com- munication that was obtained by the direction of the Court. Mr. Marston here tried to interrupt, when Mr. Lumley remarked: I am net arguing with you. Mr. Marston But I am arguing with you sir (laughter). If you insist upon seeing pri- vate letters of this kind, you cannot get the police to communicate, if you are going to make I it known to the world. The Chairman said he had some doubt as to whether the contents ot the letter should be made known. Mr. Marsiioa Personally, I should like you I to see it, because it is favourable. Mr. Supt. Jones won't tell us a lie. The Chairman The police say that the an. swer is lavourable. Are we going to be con- tent with their answer or not ? I Captain Cole: We thiuldhave no objection to this man (the applicant) at all. The Chairman after consulting his colleagues I said the majority did not insist upon seeing the 1 letter. Mr. Lumley I am sorry to have to ask for this communication, and I ask the Clerk ¡ whether I am nob entitled to see that letter, even if all the (ti.er justices are against me. The Chairman One of the magistrates insists gainst the opinion of his colleagues. Mr. Luiiiley It is not a question of insisting at all. The Clerk You are ruled by the ntajo r;ty. Mr. Lumley Since when ? I am rather sur- prised to hear the Clerk say so. Mr. Marston We often get surprised at lots of things. The Clerk here made some remarks to the justices where were inaudible, but which drew from Mr. Lumley the remark That is a very different matter. You never said so before.' The Chairman The question is now settled. The bench again retired, and in a short time re-appeared in court wi&h the Hnnouncement that the license would be granted.

BAL A EISTEDDVODIC SUCCESS. We are glad to record the success of Air. Evans, Seren Office,'Bala, at the Meirion Eisteddvod, on New Year's Day. On the chief es,iy The. Life and Work of Dr. Edward Jones, Dolgeiley,' a. prize at £10 was offered. Four entries were received. Prin- cipal Roberts, Abeiyscwyth, and Alderman Edward Griffiths, Doleiley, adjudicated. After a week's delay, the adjudication has been announced from which it appears that they divide the prize between Mr. Evans and Mr. W. R. Hall.. Cambrian News' Office, Aberystwytb. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. Ordinary meeting-Friday last, present Mr. R. W. Roberts (chairman), Mr. J. W. Roberts (vice-chairman), :Mi.<\r8. R" Ll. Jones, D. Jones (joiner), D. Jones (Birmingham House), M. J. Jones, W. T. Jones, H. LJ. Davies, T. R. Dakin (deputy clerk), D fct. Roberts (surveyor), Ellis D:ivies (collector), J. P. Jones (librarian). FINANCE. The balance in the Treasurer's hands that day was reported to be 986 9s. Id. During the month, JE114 14s. 6d. liaa been received from the County Council on account of the claim for maintenance of Main Roads, and 935 had been pald in by the collector. Cheques wereprcsen- ced and passed tor £6B Is. 6d., after payment of which there would be a credit balance of f27 7s. 7d. A letter was read from Mr. J. Parry Evans, treasurer, stating that in consequence of his appointment to the management of the Mold branch, he regretted that it became neceasiry to tender his resignation as treasurer to the Council. It was resolved that the resignation be ac- cepted, and that Mr. Evaas ba thanked for his services. Notice was given by Mr. J. W. Roberts, that the appointmeut d a successor would be made at the next meeting. LIBRARY. The Library aesms to be more and more ap- preciated every month, the Committee report- ing that as many as 441 books had been given out during the month of December. ARSENIC IN BEER. The Local Government Board's Circular Let- ter on this subject wa read, and it was rpsoived that the Chairman, Medical Officer of Health, and Inspector, be appoir t^d a Committee, to tike the matter iaio consideration, and act upon it. STREET COMMITTEE S REPOET. The Committee report d that thiy had met to consider what h-td best he done with regard to the drains of the North and South Wales Bank. The Surveyor having stated that a discon- necting chamber was necessary, the following resolution had been passed, that the Council provide the necessary materi-xle for making a disconnecting chamber on the sewer belonging to the Council, at the back of the Bank pre- mises in Mount Street, provided the Bank sap- plied all the necessary labour for the work. Mr. R. LI Jones, architect, on behalf of the Bank agreed to this, and the work was carried out. It was resolved that the report be adopted. REPORT OF THE WATER COMMITTEE, The Committee reported that they had de- cided to have water pipes laid on for the sup ply of water to the new Library in Frydan Road. They also recommended that notice be given to all who have water for the use of cattle, that they must provide ball taps, so as to prevent waste, and that this be done within a month. It was resolved that the report be adoptad. One particular case was brought to the notice of the Council, where the consumer allowed the water to be used by another person, the latter using :t illegally. The Inspector was directed to give notice that this be abated forthwith. NOT SUBMITTING PLANS. The Surveyor complained that a frame build. ing had been put up in f ont of Lihon House, without having submitted any plan, or consul- ting him ia any way. When he found out that this had been done, he gave notice to the owner that this had been done in contravention of the Bye Laws, and should be removed within 48 hours. The Vice chairman here took the chair, the Chairman being an interested party, vacating the chair during the discussion. Mr. D. Jones (Birmingham House), did not think it was right that any structure should be put up, unless a pliHI had been submitted, and approved by the Council. They had condemned the railings before S-liss Cromar's house,because she had not sent in a pUn The law required that a plan shoald ba submitted before any structure erected. Mr. R. L1. Jones observed that when the new parapet was made in High Street, Mrs Owen was aaked for her consent to remove the flag- stones, this she had done on the understanding that she would not lose her rights of the land so taken away. She was now only putting this structure up to preserve her rights as had been agreed. Mr. R. W. Roberts said he recollected the difficulty the Committee had in getting Mr". Owen's consent to remove the flag-stone. She said then that she was going to put up posts to keep her right of the part that belonged to her. Mr. Roberts said he would never have under- taken the work had hs not known perfectly the circumst.tnces of tie case. He could not guarantee that the posts were put up to the inch where they had been before, but Mrs. Owen assured him they were. Mr. R. Ll. Davies thought that no construc- tion should be put up without submitting a plan, whether there was a right to the land or not. Mr. W. T. Jones was also of this opinion. Mr. D. Jones (Birmingham House), then pro- posed that the Council approve of the action of the Surveyor in giving notice to Mrs. Owen to remove the frame building, as she had not sub mitted a plan of the structure. Mr. H. Ll. Davies seconded. Mr. R. Ll. Jones moved as an amendment, that the matter be left as it is. Mr. D. Jonas (joiner), seconded. The Presiding Chairman ruled this cut of order, as being a direct negative. Mr. D. Jones' motion was then put to the meeting, when three voted in favour, and three voted against it. The casting vote of the presiding chairman was given in favour of the motion, which was declared carried.

PENLLYN RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly msetirig was held on Saturday last, when there were pre-eat, Mr. L. J. Davies (chairman), Mrs. Prise, Mrs. Morris, Messrs. Robert Jones, J. Li. Jones, E. M. Robert?, W. Richards, J. J. Edward", R. Davies, T. R. Dakin (assistant clerk), John Edwards (sur- veyor and Inspector) FINANCE. Ths balance in the treasurer's hands was re- 1'U. "), è( i;k <>L d' :ieL- b.ut,. ported to be si 19S 3s. II j. far 1:81 14s. 56. RHOSYGWALIA WATER SUPPLY. The Medical Officer reported that he had visited tne place, and was satisfied with the water, but as the cistern is placed in a hollow, it is absolutely necessary to protect it ag-:inst surface water, which no doubt pollutes the water. A wall cemented hefcind the cistern and a lid oa it will answer the purpose. He also recommended some iron pipes to carry the refuse into tne adjoining field. The Inspector's report to a similar effect was reaJ. It was resolved that the reports be adopted. THE DRAINAGE AT LLANDDERFEL. A letter was reid from the Lliudderfel Parish Cooncil, anent this matter. It was re- solved that the representatives from Llandder- fd on this Conncii, inpect the same with the Surveyor, and report thereon to thi next meeting. THE HIGHWAYS. The Surveyor reported that the past month had been a trouble-soaie time with the roads, as the weather had been very wet, and stormy, the leaves causing a deal of trouble 1n some places, the water overflowing, and the pat'! becoming blocked, so th.vt the bulk ot the work was to cle»r the water courss, aud getting the plats clear. The Weirglodf rGoch Road has become very rutty, ard needs attention, and a considerable amount of etones have abevdy been carted there. VARIOUS. It was resolved to make an application to the Great West:-r.i Railway Company to forward the train arriving atTrawsfynyda 10 3 a.m. on to Bala. An application was made by Mr. John Edwards, Surveyor and Inspector, for an in- crease of salary. Notice was given by Mr. Evan Jones that the matter would be considered a the next meeting. Messrs. Evan Jones and Robert Jones were appointed with the Surveyor to inspect the Nantycyrtian Plat, and to report therem. t The Clerk explained the provisions of the Burials Act, 1900, and it was resolved that Bye- Laws for the public cemetery at UanuwcallYll be considered at the next meeting.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Saturday last. Present Mr. Evan Jones (chairman), Miss Parry (in the vice chair), Mrs. Price, Mrs. Parry, Mrs, Morris, Messrs. Daniel Roberts, R. Hughes, E. M. Roberts, W. Richards, L. J. Davies, J. Ll. Jones, R. Davies, J. J. Edwards, Robert Jones, J. R. Jones (clerk), T. R. Dakin (assistant clerk). STATISTICS. The balance in the Treasurer's hands was reported to be X615 198. Id., and in the Re- lieving Officer's hands £9 2s. 101, Daring the past three weeks £ 50 10s. Od. bad been expended in the relief of 130 paupers as against £50 5s. lOd. to 138 last year. The Treasurer had received during the same period £ 28 from Llanfor parish, £ 62 from Llanuwchllyn, and £ 148 from Llanfor. THE HOUSE. Mrs. Morris and Mr. Robert Jones re- ported that they bad visited the House and tound everything satisfactory. The Master's Report Book among other items contained the following information, viz number of inmates in the House on Thursday list, being the last day of the week, 25, as com- pared with 21 last year. Ellen Hughes, aged 71, died 17th Dec-, having been on in- mate off and on since the House was opened in 1877, Robert EHis (73), died Jan. 1st, 1901, having been an inmate for 17 years. William Davies, coal merchant, and Robert Jones, Castle street, superintended the prayer meetings at the House regularly throughout the past year. The Rev. Ellis Edwards, M.A..sends the Sunday at Home' and; Lel:ure Hour' every month. One or two of the students of the Theological Col- lege visited the House regularly every Sunday afternoon during the college terms. Both local newspapers are presented to the House every week by their publishers. Also Miss Parry sends the 'North Wales Times' and Saturday's Baner.' Ministers of the town visited several times during the year. Several ladies of the neighbourhood also visited very often. The inmates enjoyed their Christmas dinner and thanked the Guardians heartily for their kindness. The inmates received the following presents since last Board Day; A large number of pictures and a box of books for the Biirns from Mr. W. T. Stead, editor of the £ Revi3w of Reviews.' Tobacco, buns, mince pies and oranges from Mrs. Parry. Tobacco from Mr. J. Phillips, Goat Ian. Tobacco, oranges, toys, toffee, and chocolate from Mrs. Moses Roberts. Tobacco and oranges from Mr, J. R. Jones. Tobacco, tea, and sugar, oranges and cakes from Mrs. Burton. Tobacco, tea and sugar, oranges and cakes from Messrs. J. Parry and Co. Buns and oranges from Miss Jones, Fron. Tobacco from Mr. E. G. Jones. Tobacco, tea and sugar, pocket handkerchiefs, scarfs, and pinafores from Mrs. Price. Tobacco, oranges and mince pies from Miss Parry. It was resolved that a cordial vote of thanks be passed to the donors for their kindness. Mr. L. J. Davies offered to get the pictures above referred to, framed, and the offer was thankfully accepted. t ARSENIC IN BEER. A letter was read from the Risbridge Union, Suffolk, enclosing a copy of the fol- lowing resolution passed by them That in view of the serious charges of arsenical poisoning in beer, this Board requests Sir Cutbbert Quiiter to bring this matter before the House of Commons and earnestly begs him to persevere with his 'Pure Beer Bill.' It was resolved that the resolution be supported. WORKHOUSE DIETARIES ORDER 1930. It was resolved that this Union support the Keighley Union by requesting the Local Government Board to issue a General Order making the new Workhouse Dietaries Order optional until otherwise ordered. DISTRICT NURSE. A better was read from Mrs. Burton, hon. secretary of the District Nursing Associa- tion thanking the Guardians for their sub- scription of £ 10 to the fund. THE DRINK QUESTION. In pursuance of notice given at the last meeting, Mr. W. Richards moved that a petition be sent to the Justices of Penllyn Divison to the following effect While acknowledging with thanks your valuable service in the past, we further earnestly beseech you to use all justifiable means to withhold licenses from those houses which you find are not of any service, but simply drinking houses. Also that those houses to which licences are granted should afiord the best means of police supervision. We con- tinually have examples of poverty, distress and want caused by intoxicating drink, re- vealed in the applications made for out relief and shelter in the House, thereby adding additional burden on industrious and honest ratepayer.' Mr. Richards said he felt that the resolu- tion was a suitable OLe to bring before the Guardians. They knew of many ratepayers who were striving hard, in order to pay the ratv and many of the people relieved went to public houses. He had it on the highest authority that part of the relief given by the