The Rhyl Advertiser

THE WELSH SUNDAY CLOSING ACT. Last Sunday, notwithstanding the decision come to at a meeting of the licensed victuallers on the previous Thursday, several publicans at Rhyl closed their houses, notably the Westminster," Alexandra," Albion," and Mostyn hotels. At Neath, on Monday, a publican was fined 10s. for opening his house on Sunday.—This is the first conviction under the new Act. The licensed victuallers of the Connah's Quay district took the view of the ambiguous clause in the Sunday Closing Act as the Rhyl publicans have done, and opened their houses on Sunday last, but we understand that summonses have been taken out in several cases in that district. THE HOME SECRETARY'S ADVICE. The following letter, in reply to a communication addressed to the Home Secretary asking for his advice on the vexed question, has been published :—"White- hall. Sept. 1, 1881. Sir,—I am directed by the Home Secretary of State to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, and to inform you in reply that the Sunday Closing (Wa'ex) Act, 1881 (14 and 4.5 Vic. cap, 61), will coui0 into operation in each division on the day next appointed for the holding of the general annual licensing meeting for such division ofter the 27th ult. I am to add, in reply to your inquiry as to the validity of certain licenses as affected by the Act in question, that the Secretary of State cannot answer legal questions or interpret Acts of Parliament, and that you should cousult your legal adviser.—I am, sir, your obodient servant, A. F. O. LIDDELL." A LEGAL OPINION IN FAVOUR OF THE IMMEDIATE OPERATION OF THE ACT. A diffioulty of construction, says the "Solicitors' Journal," is presented by the above Act, which by section 3 shall commence and come into operation with respect to each division or place in Wales on the day next appointed for the holding of the general annual licensing meeting for that division or place." What is the day next appointed ? ask puzzled Welsh- men. The Home Secretary answers that the "day next appointed means the next day appointed,' and for further informaton suggests that the requisi- tionists should c,iisiilt their legal advisers." It is with the utmost hesitation that we offer any opinion on the crabbed piece of draft-mauship which has perplexed the principality but we may say that we iuclitio on the whole to think that an appointment of a day for the licensing meeting made before the date of the passing of the passing of the Act, will bring it into operation if tho appointed day falls after that date. If both appointment appointed day precede that date, the question is so doubtful that, like Jacob Souadpost, "we do not know what to say."

ST. ASAPH. CAIK*.I»B.\L SJSWVICKS.—loth Sunday after Trinity, September Morning at 11—Ordination service. Evening at 1-i-The Litany; anthem, Stand up and bless the Lord" (Goss\ Evening at 6.15- Chants; hymns 215, 175, 320. Rev. W. Morton, M.A., succeutor; R. A. Atkins, Esq., organist.— Choral on Thursdays at 11.30 a.m., and on Saturdays at 3.15 p.m. TitK GBAMMAB SClIOOL.-It is again our pleasing duty to report the successes of this school, but when the successes have been achieved by the sons of inhabitants of Rhyl our pleasure is much enhanced. Two pupils of this school, viz., Mr Edwin E. Jones, son of the Ide Dr. Edwin Jones of Rhyl, and grand- son of the Rev. John Williams, Rhyl; and Mr T. E. Hughes, son of Mr Roger Hughes, Abbey street, Rhyl, have passed successfully the preliminary classical examination of the faculty of physicians and surgeons of Glasgow. The subjects of examination were Latin, French, algebra, ouclid, English grammar, and arithmetic. During the current year we have recorded the following achievements of pupils of this school: Two passed the matriculation examination of the University of London in January two passed the preliminary examination of the incorporated Law Society in February and May one the matriculation examination of the University of Dublin in June; one the junior freshman examination of the same examination in July one the first B.A. examination of the University of London in July and now two the preliminary medical examination. We are always glad to record scholastic progress no matter where it may be, but we are doubly glad to do so in the case of the St. Asaph Grammar School, which is one of the oldest schools in this part of the principality. We congratulate the pupils for what they have done, and wish them every success in their future career. In doing this we must not be unmindful of the scholastic ability of Dr. Easterby, the learned and respected head master, to whom it will be specially gratifying to hear so often of the successes of his pupils. BRITISH AND FOBEIGN BIBLE SOCIETY, ST. ASAPII AUXILIARY.—The annual public meeting will be held in the National School-room, on Friday evening next, September 30th, at 7 o'clock. The Lord Bishop will preside. The Rev. G. T. Birch will attend as depu- tation from the Parent Society. The meeting will also be addressed in English and Welsh by Canon Wynne Edwards, Rev. W. G. Thomas, Rev. J. Elias Hughes, Rev. T. Nicholson, Rev. William Jones, and others. GINNETT'S CIRCUS visited this city on Wednesday last, and gave two performances, both being well attended. The gorgeous procession caused quite a flutter of excitement. PEESJIXTATION.—On Wednesday last, theWesleyans of this city presented Mr. J. C. Ellis with a purse of gold on his leaving the neighbourhood. The presentation was made in the Wesleyan Chapel, in suitable and feeling terms, by Mr. David Williams, builder, the hon. treasurer. Mr. Ellis, in accepting the testimonial, said that he thanked them from the bottom of his heart, and that he should as long as ho lived look back with feeling of pleasure to his resi- dence iu St. Asaph, and the many kindnesses ho had received at their hands. The Rev. William Jones, of Denbigh, who takes Mr. Ellis's place at St. Asaph, preached his first sermon on the occasion, and took an interesting part in the ceremony. lir.T.J.Williams, saddler, acted as hon. secretary to the presentation committee, and much credit is due to him for his energy in that capacity. We understand that Mr. EUis intends continuing his studies at St. Adian's College, Birkenhead, with the ultimate intention of entering the Church of England ministry.

ROYALITY AND THE VALE OF CLWYD. Mr. John Eaton has written a very interesting article on Moel Famma, Mold, and the Vale of Clwyd," and published it in the "Chester Chronicle of last Saturday. We have much pleasure in re- printing the article as follows — I was very much pleased on reading the lively and graphic description of the Nestonian Choir excursion ipto theseplaces last week, which appeared in your columns, and I hope it may raise in many a desire to go and do likewise, before the season is over. It is a complaint heard in Mold that we hardly ever have an excursion to Mold, but always from Mold, and I would advise those who are so prominent and success- ful in taking people from Mold to exert their influ- ence and tact in inducing others to come to Mold. There are some places of attraction in and about the town. It is certainly a rather long way to Moel Famma, especially for young persons and children, but for those who are able (though the way up the hill of difficulty, like the way to the celestial city, is long and a little weary), it repays one for the exer- tion of going there. Not very long ago a Wesleyan minister, who had heard a great deal of the famous Vale of Clwyd, resolved to see it and judge for him- self, and having paced his way up to the hill, found the bwlch or gap between the two hills-that is, Moel Famma and Moel Benlli. Upon thel latter was to be seen, a few years ago, an old fortress of Eenlli Gawr, or Benlli the Mighty, who was buried, as is supposed, under the cairn, near Mold, on the Pentre Hill, whose corslet of gold was discoved there in the year 1533. Having deviated a little out of my path, I come back to the traveller on the bwlch. As soon as he had gained the top he looked before him aud there was the vale in all its beauty stretched before him like a large panorama-its yellow cornfields loaded with crops, green pasture fields and meadows, hundieds of sheep and cattle browsing in the rich pastures thickly-studded farmsteads and villages, and a large sprinkle of churches and chapels, and the ancient ruins of Denbigh Ca stle in the distance and,standing for some moments in amazement, he took off his hat, and cxclaimed with great devotion, "Well done God! This was the spontaneous upraising of his heart in praise to Him who had made all, and be- hold it was very good 1" The chief defect in the Vale is the smallness of the river, which can hardly be seen from a distance. Whereas if it had been large enough to fill its banks, and could be seen meandering its course through its lovely meadows, it would have been equal to the far- famed Vale of Sharnon in Switzerland, which is counted one of the finest in Europe. A relative of mine, who was working in the Vale of Clwyd when I was a little boy-more than sixty years ago, told me that there was a tradition among the old folk that this Vale belonged entirely to one lady, and that she was very often in court with the Royal Family. The King in those days having heard of the beauty of the Vale of Clwyd and its richness (when in the presence of a great number of the great ones of the earth) asked this lady-would she do him a kindness by giving him what he should ask for ? So, after a little consideration, she replied, that if she could do it-and if it was lawful to do it, and if his Majesty would grant her ODe request-that she would comply The King replied in the affirmative. So after silence in court, his Majesty stood up and said- "Madam, my simple request is, that you will give me the Vale of Clwyd." The request nearly took the breath out of her. So after another silence in court, his Majesty rose and asked the lady, Madam, now what is your re- quest that I should do unto you P" The lady replied, May it please your gracious Majesty to give me the Vale of Clwyd back again?" which reply caused great applause amongt the audience. That is one of the old, old stories of Dyffryn Clwyd. On the way to Moel Famma, about two miles and a half from Mold, is Carreg March Arthur, or the stone of Arthur's horse. Tradition says that when King Arthur was cither hunting or pursuing the enemy, in this place the horse made a desperate leap, the force of which caused one of the horse's feet to sink down in the solid rock. The hole which is shown resembles something like a horse's hoof. There is a rough tablet erected here to denote the boundary of the two shires—Denbigh and Flint. It was here also, in the days of yore, that the sheriff's men for the county of Flint used to meet the judges coming from Ruthin to escort them to Mold, and a little further on is the old public-house called the Logger- heads, which used to attract great attention as the original sign was painted by the celebrated artist Richard Wilson, who died under a tree near Colomen- dy Hall, the seat of Colonel Cooke, in the year 1782. And from this place travellers, seeking pleasure, enter on the great fete which of late has attracted consider- able notice. If any persons should feel an inducement from anything that has been noticed here to visit the spots indicated the object of my writing will be attained. The name of Moel Famma, so called, ought to be Moel Banna u, from the word Ban, which signifies the highest, chiefest, the most elevated,as the word Ban- gor means the highest or the chiefest choir—the word Banllef a great shout of the highest pitch of the voice. The names of the highest mountains in Scot- land are Ben Nevis and Ben Macdue, the prefix Ben no doubt meaning the highest points. The word Banner also comes from the same derivation, meaning being hoisted high. The word Moel signifies bald, naked, bare. We call a bald head, Pen Moel, and a cow without horns, Buwch Voel.

VALE OF CLWYD FARM NOTES. The weather has greatly improved lately-some slight showers of rain occasionally, but fine drying winds, though not much sun, and the atmosphere cool and favourable for harvest work; nearly half the corn is out yet in this district, and a great deal uncut, but most of it quite ripe and ready for the sickle. On Monday last, from Denbigh Castle, I had a full view of the Vale of Clwyd-from north to south about 30 miles, and from east to west about 10 or 12 miles—and the sight was grand beyond descrip- tiou the trees just assuming the beautiful autumnal tint, the pastures green and luxuriant, and cheering, amongst all the gloom, to the heart of the farmer the corn, cut and uncut, white for the harvest men to ingat.her, the rest having been secured, but in an in- different state the turnips and mangles—only a few of the laUer-flourishing. Another fortnight, or at most three weeks, of this weather will see the whole of the corn secured, and, according to the present weather, the late crops will have the best of it. There are some heavy crops of barley and beans, and these, I have no doubt, will be above the average oats are also very good, but the wheat will not, I anticipate, come up to the average. The turnips at present are but an indifferent crop but with fine, genial weather they may be yet a full one, except where they have been partially destroyed by the fly and in many places this is the case with the first, second, and even third sowing. The potatoes are splendid and the yield well, I have no doubt; and from inquiries I have made I do not hear of any complaints that they have been attacked by the disease but the sooner they are out of the ground the better, as in many fields I observe that they will not improve by being left in the soil the haulm is beginning to turn yel- low-a sure indication that the potatoe has ceased to grow, and an intimation to the grower, if he would but take it, that the sooner the crop is housed the better. I am told that many farms will be vacated the end of this month, and that many more tenants have given notice to leave, and will leave unless they have considerable reduction of rents. Now is the time for tenants to exact terms from the landlords, as they have the advantage over the latter now, but which has not been the case for many a decade. As formerly, there is no rushing after farms, unless they are something specially good, and very few of those are to be found.—" As"ph in the Agricultural Gazette.

BIRTHS. PEEKS—On the 17th inst., the wife of Samuel Perks, Esq., Morfa Lodge, Rhyl, of a son. ROBIso)r-Sept. 18th, at Bryn-y-Mor House, Llan- fairfechan, the wife of Mr. Robinson, of a son. WINTEE.—On the 22nd inst., at 2, Colomondy Ter- race, Denbigh, the wife of Mr Ernest Winter, of a son. MARRIAGE. GRIFFITII-GRIFFITH-September 8th, at St. Mary' Church, Llanfairtalhaiarn, by the Rev. William Williams, B.A Mr. Robert Griffith, son of Mr. William Griffith, London House, to Jennie, second daughter of the late Mr. Richard Griffith, of Plas Newydd—both of Llanfairtalhaiarn.

RIIYL. DEATIl OF PRESIDENT GAEFELD.—A sermon having special reference to the death of President Garfield will be preached in the English Baptist Chapel, Sussex street, by the Rev. Duncan Macgregor to. morrow (Sunday) evening. BBUNSWICK WELSH WESLEYAN CHAPEL. The anniversary services will be held on Sunday and Mon- day, 2nd and 3rd proximo, when the following emin- ent and popular ministers will officiate, namely, Revs. John Evans (Eglwysbach), London, and Edward Humphreys, Manchester. The ordsr of the service will be as follows :—Sunday at 10 o'clock, Mr Hum- phreys 2 o'clock, Mr Evans; 6 o'clock Mr Hum- phreys and Mr Evans Monday, at 10 o'clock, Mr Evans 2 o'clock, Mr Humphreys 6 o'clock, Mr Humphreys and Mr Evans. We understand that collections in aid of the chapel fund will be made at each service. It is needless to say that, with two such popular preachers occupying the pulpit, large congregations are anticipated. PREACHERS To -MORROW. -Sermons will be preached morning and evening to-morrow by the Rev E. Lloyd Jones in the English Wesleyan Chapel, and by the Rev D. Charles Edwards at the English Presbyterian Chapel. FOOTBALL.—The Rhyl Football Club opened tho present season on Saturday last. A game was played in a field off Wellington Road between two teams picked out of the members of the club. The play generally was not very good, but after a little practice we have no doubt that a team of no mean players can be selected, and which will prove to be a formidable opponent to any other team it may be pitted against. At a meeting held last week the Rev. E. Tudor Owen was elected president, and Mr. Thos. Winston vice- president. Mr. W. E. Smalley was re-appointed hon. treasurer, and Mr. J. Farmer, N. & S. Wales Bank, was elected hon. secretary. Mr. Shelton will this year continue to act as oaptain of the club. GINNETT'S CIRCUS visited Rhyl on Thursday, and was well patronized. QUEEN STREET CRAPEL.-The work of restoring the above chapelis beingrapidly carried forward. The new front is a handsome piece of architecture and will be, when finished, a striking improvement to Queen Street. THE ARCADE ASSEMBLY ROOMS.—Mr Roberts, the celebrated Welsh harpist, and his seven sons, are an- nounced to perform at the above rooms for three days during the ensuing week. They are the orig- inal Cambrian minstrels" or "The Roberts' Family," so highly eulogized by the press and patronized by Royalty and the leading families of Wales, and prom. inent in our Eisteddfodau as winners of high prizes. Their entertainments, including vaJ and instru- mental music, are truly enchanting, and we can with confidence recommend our readers to pay them a visit Our enterprising townsman, Mr R. D. Roberts, has fitted up the hall with all the necessary comforts, so that a very happy evening may be spent, listening to the charms of real native talent. THE annual meeting of the Rhyl auxiliary to the British and Foreign Bible Society, will be held on Monday evening next, at the Church Schools. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Saturday morning last Mr John Spink, second son of Mr J. A. Spink, High Street, of this town, died very suddenly. It appears that Mr Spink had been suffering from heart deeease, but on the above morning he seemed better and went down stairs, but he expired in about 20 minutes afterwards. ZENANA MISSIONS.—On Friday evening, last week, Mrs Greaves delivered an address on the Zenana Missionary Society (Church of England), at a meeting held at the National Schools, to a large and attentive audience. At the close of the lecture a collection was made. THE LATE ME RHYDWEN JONES. — As we stated in a recent issue, it is proposed to erect a monument to the memory of our late respected townsman. The matter has been taken up with promptitude, and we are pleased to find that the subscriptions already received amount to £201 10s. GOOD TEMPLABS.—This order seems to gain ground in our town, and next month the anniversary of the lodge will be celebrated .by a tea and public meeting. FAILUBE.—John Jones, butcher, Ochr-y-foel, Rhyl, has filed a petition for liquidation by arrange- ment with his creditors, Mr Edward Roberts is the solicitor for the petitioner. THE RIIYL AND VALE OF CLWYD ALMANACK AND TRADE DIRECTORY, 1882" is the title of a useful work shortly to be published at the Advertiser Office. It will contain a mass of useful local and general in- formation, with a trade directory for Rhyl, Rhudd- lan, St. Asaph, Prestatyn, &c. To tradesmen and others it will be found one of the best mediums for advertising. PROPERTY SA.LE.-On Tuesday afternoon last, at the Royal Hotel, Messrs. Ainsworth and Jones, auc- tioneers, Rhyl, offered for sale by auction some very valuable freehold property, known as "Ty Fry," situate in St. Asaph. The whole was put under the hammer in one lot, but were withdrawn at £ 1,100. The property was then divided into four lots. Lot 1, containing 3340 square yards, and having a frontage to Mount-road, was put up and commenced at Is. 3d. per yard, and went up by bids of 3d. per yard to 2s. 3d., at which price it was withdrawn, as also was lot 2, which adjoins lot 1. Lot 3, containing 5276 square yards, commenced with a bid of Is. per yard, and by advance of Id. per yard reached Is. 4d., at which price it was also withdrawn. Lot 4, containing 2755 square yards, adjoining the other property, commenced at Is. 6cl. per yard, and after a little spirited competition the lot was knocked down to Mr. John Jones, relieving-officer, St. Asaph, at 2s. 4d. per yard, which amounted to £ 321 8s. 4d. for the plot. There was a good company present, and Mr. W. R. Williams was the solicitor for the vendor.

MR. C. J. HANMER AND THE "LIVER- POOL ECHO." The "Liverpool Echo" has the following com- ments in the letter of Mr. Charles J. Hanmer, which appeared in the Advertiser of last week — Imprisonment for contempt of court is a proper enough thing when the dignity of a court is wilfully or contumaciously set at naught, but there are cases in which it is a cruel and arbitrary punishment. What constitutes "contempt?" If judgment goes against a man and he is ordered to pay so much money, but does not pay though he has the money, then assuredly he may be said to show contempt of court, and few people would pity him if lie were sent to prison. But if a man fails to pay simply because he has nothing to pay with, he is no doubt technically guilty of contempt, but not in any other sense. Con- tempt of court implies the failure to do something that is in one's power to do, not the failure to perform an impossibility. Looked at from this point of view the imprisonment Mr. C. J. Hanmer, of Rhyl, for fourteen days for having failed to comply with the judgment of a county court judge—if Mr. Hanmer correctly states his case —seems very hard. His story is that he had" neither goods, chattels, or money, being solely dependent upon his children," and that he is seventy-five years of age, and he produced a medical certificate showing his infirmities. Having presented these facts to the judge, Mr. Hanmer maintains that in failing to fulfil the judgment he showed no contempt. We rather think, however, that he rejoiced in his infirmities, and was glad that he had "neither goods, chattels, or money," and it is a little curious that a man in this condition should speak of taking possession of my family estates" in March last. Surely a man who took possession of family estates in March should be able to pay 20s. and costs within a month in August, and failing that the judge might reasonably think there was contempt. Mr. Hanmer further weakens his case by giving examples of persons wrongly imprisoned, as he thinks, for contempt. One of these is that of a lady, thp daughter of a magistrate, who owed £ 1 18s., and pleaded that she had neither goods nor chattels," and yet, as Mr. Hanmer, with singular innocence, remarks, was wearing at the time a most valuable gold watch and other jewellery." If a lady, the daughter of e. magistrate, and wearing a gold watch and other jewellery, cannot pay a just debt of 38s., a county court judge would be very wrong were he to come to any other conclusion than that there was contempt. Tradesmen deserve more consideration than such people as these and in their interests im- prisonment for contempt has its value. -L.-

Correspondence. Whilst freely giving expression to the opinions of our corres- pondents on all subjocts of public interest, we beg distinctly to state that we do not necessarily endorso any of them and are therefore in no way responsible for any statement made. The letter on "Ritualism and the Press" received too late for this week.

SUNDAY CLOSING. To the Editor of the RHYL ADVERTISER. SIR,-Last Sunday when coming home from ser- vice I noticed that some of the public-houses were open, while other publicans (to their honour) closed their houses. Now I hope the police will see that the Act of Parliament is carried out fully, and those who violate it be brought to justice. I notice that at Neath a publican was fined 10s and costs for allowing his house to be open on the Sunday, and I think the law is quite as applicable to Rhyl. Let us carry out the Divine command—"Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy "-and wo shall find less sin in our streets.—I am, Sir, yours obediently, A RHYL TRADESMAN.

MR HANMER AND THE RUTHIN PRISON OFFICIALS. To the Editor of the RHYL ADVERTISER. SIR,-In my last hurried epistle I omitted making any allusion to the officials at the Ruthin prison. I now thank them through the columns of your valuable paper for their kindness and consideration manifested towards me (although of course I observed the prison rules and regulations). I had "very facility for receiving my meals from an inn near to my place of Gonfinement. During my incarceration I had the opportunity of seing many prisoners brought in, the greater number being charged with begging. One poor man, totally blind, and not even able to grope his way into chapel to worship his Heavenly Father, or to bless the Lord for all his mercies (as we do), was, for want of thieves, brought in as a great achievement by a policeman, to prove what an excel- lent officer he was, and desirous of promotion in the force. Previous to this great capture, another poor fellow, who had not been out Of this prison more than a week, for begging, was restored to the bosom of her Majesty's prison (or the "Queen's Hotel" so-called) on account of calling upon a kindly-disposed woman, who had promised him a pair of trousers to cover his nakedness, when, instead of the gift, behold a "gentleman in blue" (paid by the rate-payers) marched him off to prison, and deprived the houseless wanderer of the means oi procuring a mouthful of bread. To all appearances, being weak in intellect, a workhouse would have been the proper place for such an unfortunate being. I counted GO male prisoners in chapel, most of whom were in for the following crimes (if such they can be called) begging, spending their own money (in drink), or resisting the gentleman in blue." Even children are charged with the latter crime. These things ought to make the hearts ache of those who believe they are living in a Christian nation, presided over by a Liberal Government. I leave my experiences to the judgment of the multitude. Vox populi, vox Dei.—I remain, yours respectfully, CHARLES JAMES HANMEE. 3, Crescent terrace, Rhyl.

THE RHYL MAGISTRATES, THE LICENSED VICTUALLERS, AND THE POLICE. To the Editor of the RIIYL ADVEETISEH. Sir,—With many more, I was surprised to re id in the last issue of your admired paper the remark of Mr Dixon in renewing the licenses to the Licensed Vic- tuallers of Rhyl. This gentleman said that it was highly creditable to the publicans of our town that the police had no complaints to make against any of the licensed houses and yet, the next ha If-hour, he was called upon to adjudicate upon cases of druuken- ness, and as the drunkards must get their drink at these very houses, it follows that the publican has violated the terms of his license. During the year I believe there has been about 1,50 convictions for drunkenness at the Rhyl Petty Sessions, and each of these convictions has been the result of information laid by the policc. It the latter have been enabled to convict 1;)0 drunkards, we may bo pure that 1,000 inebriates go unpunished— unintentionally no doubt. These 1,150 drunkards get the stuff that intoxicates them in the bar parlours of Rhyl, and yet we find the Rhyl police unable to detect a single house that make these drunkards. Rather than patting the licensed victuallers on the back, it would have been more con- sistent with the high duties of the magistratcy had Mr Dixon told the police that he thought there had been some remissness in the past, and asked them to busv themselves in the future, and see that these houses that turn out the drunkards are properly pun- ished. By the fact that drunkards arc locked up, the police know that the licensed victuallers are not en- titled to the enconium of Mr Dixon, and that they (the police) have not been so vigilant in discharging their duties as they ought to have been. I hope there will be no frientlship between the publichouscs and the police, and that the latter will maintain the high re- putation and the fame it enjoys throughout the coun- try, making duty their motto, and determination to do that which is right their aim.—Yours, &c., LOVER OF CONSISTENCY. Rhyl, Sept. 20th, 1881.

THE NORTH-WEST EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION. We have noticed with great pleasure the continued success attending the efforts of the promoters of the association. Since the opening of the colleges each term has shewn an increase of pupils upon the previous session, and the 70 beds at the disposal of the company at Penrhos College, Colwyn Bay, have been already secured, and the energetic secretaries were compelled to decline several applications for admission for the winter term, which was inaugurated on Wednesay last. The teachers, both the governesses and the masters, are persons of undoubted ability, and are fully qualified to undertake the arduous duties of their important posts, their past success commanding entire confidence. In this institution the Wesleyan Methodists are the possessors of one of the largest, if not the largest, educational establishments in North Wales, and that body have the satisfaction of knowing that during the past 12 months un- paralleled success has been witnessed in connection with Penrhos College. We understand that the compay intend to erect a house of rest for invalid ministers, a chapel and manse, together with a commodious college and house for the principal, and towards attaining this end they have purchased a large plot of land in one of the mast delightful situations in Colwyn Bay. The same excellent progress is to be recorded of Epworth College, Rhyl. The winter term here also commenced on Wednesday last, when 35 boarders and about 20 day scholars entered upon their educational duties. Dr Raby, B.A., is the principal of this school, and under him he has an efficient staff of teachers.

LOCAL & GENERAL ITEMS. The nt-w Rector of Denbigh will "read himself in" on Sunday morning next. CUB HUNTING.—The Flint and Denbigh Fox-hounds had a capital opening morning on Monday at Cvvm, where they brought to hand a leash of fine cubs and ran an old fox to ground. The young hounds have entered well, and as the country is well stocked with foxes there is every prospect of au exceptionally good season. LOCAL M.P's.—Of the votes given last session, 2;)4 were given by Mr Gladstone, 202 by Sir Stafford North. cote, and by the local members as follows —Lord R. Grosvenor (Flint), 404; Mr Osborne Morgan, 338 Mr John Roberts (Flint), 318 Sir Robert Cunliffe, 169 Mr S. Holland (Merioneth), 91; and Sir W. W. Wynn. Bart., 16. Sir Watkin has, however, been excused on the ground of ill health. There were 411 divisions, of which 152 were after midnight, 266 on Irish questions, and 126 on the Land Bill. The beautiful church of Trefnant, near Denbigh, one of Sir Libert Scott's, has been further beautified by the erection of a splendid stained glass window by Mrs Dod, in memory of the late Mr Whitehall Dod, of Llanerch-park. The top light represents an angel bearing a scroll, He is risen"; the western light represents the women at the sepulchre with the angels telling them He is risen, and in the eastern light is Ascension, with appropriate text underneath. A portion is pure translucent crystal, and the whole is a magnificent work, executed by Messrs Clayton and Bell.

1ST FLINTSHIRE AND OARNÄItVONSHIRE RIFLE VOLUNTEERS. "C" (Rhyl) Company's Orders for the week ending September 30th, 1881.—Saturday Sept. 24—Class firing at the range at 2,30 p.m. until 5 p_.m. in plain clothes. Company drill at Mostyn at 7-30 p.m. in plain clothes. -Monday, Sept. 26—Company drill at 7.30 p.m. in plain clothes, march out and blank firing belts and pouches to be worn.—Thursday, Sept. 29- Squad drill at Mostyn at 7-30 p.m. in plain clothes.— Friday, Sept. 30—Squad drill at 7.39 p.m. in plain clothes. (Signed) W. WEIGHT, Major C" Company. Rhyl, 23rd Sept., 1881.

NORTH WALES MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. The annual meeting of this association was held at the Pwll-y-croclion hotel, Colwyn Bay, on Thursday last. Among others present were Drs. Girdlestone, Rhyl; Tumour, Denbigh; Williams, Holywell; P. M. Pritchard, Denbigh; W. Williams, Denbigh, &c. Dr. Samuel Griffith, Portmadoc, presided, and deli lcred his inaugural address on medical men in their respective relations," which was well received.— Drs. Lloyd Roberts and Williams were re-elected hon. secretary and hon. treasurer, Dr. Eyton Jones paying them a high compliment for their excel- lent management of the branch.—Rhyl was selected as the place to hold the next annual meeting.

DYSERTH. The bishop of St. Asaph has given the living of Dyserth, which is valued att-300, to the Rev. Thos. Morgan, vicar of Llanfor, Bala. During his residence at Llanfor, Mr Morgan succeeded in obtaining the formation of a new ecclesiastisal district, including the erection of a church, and in re-building the parish church at a cost of £ 3,000.

CHURCH PATRONAGE. In the Oswestry Advertiser the following letter appears by a writer signing himself "Sonex" SIR, —It was with great pleasure I read a paragraph in your last issue with regard to the collation of the Rev. T. Morgan, Llanfor, to the living of Dyserth. I know Mr Morgan, and consider him to be fully deserving of the good report given of him. This seems to be a step in the right direction by our Welsh Bishop, and one which will tend to make him much more popular in this Diocese. However, I know a great many clergymen who are equally deserving of promotion, and who have spent the better portion of their lives in doing good in small benefices. I shall name one by way of example. Llanllugan, in the county of Montgomery. Since the appointment of the present vicar, the Rev. G. H. Davies, this living has been nearly doubled in value by his untiring exertions, and it has all been up hill work. In the first place there were no Welsh services, no Sunday School and no vicarage but now there are regular Welsh and English services, a Sunday School, and a fine glebe secured, and there remains only the building of a vicarage house, towards which I believe a large sum has been promised. I have also been given to understand that the Vicar (who is also the author of several published sermons) is about to establish a lending library in the parish, which no doubt will be a boon to the neighbourhood. Such men as these deserve the notice of our Diocesan. Many others could be named, and more reasons adduced, but let this suffice. I may add that I have no personal interest in Llanllugan or its incumbent but this simply is the last example of the kind that has come under my observation.

MISCELLANEOUS EXTRACTS. THE GOLDSMITHS THE FIRST LONDON BANKERS.—Up to a late period in the reign of Charles 1. the London merchants teem to have deposited their surplus cash in the Mint, the business of which was carried on in the Tower. But when Charles I., in an agony of iicpecuniosity, seized like a robber the S200,000 there deposited, calling it a loan, the London goldsmiths, who ever since 1386 had been always more or less bankers, now monopolised the whole banking business. Some merchants, distrustful of the goldsmiths in these stormy times, entrusted their money to their clerks and apprentices, who too often cried, "Boot, saddle and horse, and away! and at once started with their spoil to join Rupert and his pillqgineavlllier8. About 16 i5 the citizens returned almost entirely to the gold- smiths, who now gave interest for money placed in their care, bought coins, and sold plate. The company was not particular. The Parliament, out of plate and old coin, had coined gold and seven millions of half- crowns. The goldsmiths culled out the heavier pieces, melted them down, and exported (lieui. The merchants' clerks, to whom tbeir masters' ready cash was still sometimes entrusted, actually had frequently the brazen impudence to lend money to the goldsmiths, at fourpence per cent. per diem so tInt the merchants were often actually lelit their own money, and had to pay for the use of it. The goldsmiths also began now to receive rent and allow interest for it. They gave receipts for the sums they received, and these receipts were to all intents and purposes marketable as bank- notes.-Old and New London. AN ACTOR'S Many years ago," writes Mr. W. J. Florence in a theatrical con- temporary, when I was no quite so well known in the theatrical world as I am now, I was a party to what I am afraid was a sad hoax on my good friends the play-going public of New York. The idea origi- nated wiii the late Mr. John Brougham, then manager of the Lyceum Theatre, where I was engaged as general utility.' A piece was produced called A Row at the Lyceum Theatre; or, Green Room Secrets,' each member of the company assuming the part of himself or her.elf, Mr. Brougham playing Mr. Brougham, Mrs. Vernon, Mrs. Vernon, and so on. Each appeared in the ordinary dress of the street, and the scene was the green room of the theatre. The performance was exceedingly realistic, and deeply interested the audience. Everything pro- ceeded smoothly until the entrance of Miss Buggins, a dibutantc, who, after greeting her friends, looked over her part,' objected to some of the business,' and laid claim to something more tragic.' Thereupon a stout middle-aged man, clothed in a Quakerish garb, who had hitherto quietly listened and laughed with the rest, rose in his place in the centre of the stalls, and to the astonishment of the house exclaimed: That woman looks for all the world like Clementina! Ilervoiceisvery like—the form is the same After a pause he added, It ia, it is my wife! following this up by leaving his seat in a state of great excitement, rushing towards the footlights, and shouting at the top of his voice, Come off the stage, thou miserable woman!' The utmost confusion quickly reigned in the theatre. The audience, at first amused at the interruption, soon saiuted the Quaker with cries of Put him out!' Sit down!' and I Police!-and altogether quite a tumult arose. Up in the third tier, in a corner near the stage, and visible to all, was a red-shirted fireman, who added greatly to the excitement by threatening to give Old Broadbrim a sound thrashing if be laid a hand on the young 'oman.' Saying, moreover, that ho would go down and do it at once, he rushed down stairs to carry his threat into execution. The uproar entirely stopped the per- formance. Ladies were endeavouring to leave the house, and gentlemen were addressing the people, and vainly striving to restore order. All this time the irate husband was struggling to reach his wife, and he ultimately climbed over the orchestra, closely followed by the red-ehirted defender of the I young 'oman.' Finally both were seized by a couple of stout policemen, and dragged upon the stage. When there, they were made to face the house, and immediately the regulation semicircle was formed, the epilogue was spoken, and the curtain dropped, almost before the audience had time to recognise in the red-shirted fireman your humble ser- vant W. J. F., in the indignant husband, Mr. Brougham himself, in the recovered wife, Mrs. Brougham, and to realise that they bad been the victims of a stupendous I sell. A RAILWAY COLLISION occurred on the line between Tulle and Clermont. Fifteen people were injured, but none fatally. A MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT.—Mr. Sydney Smith, a pupil at the Llandulas High School, and Sergeant Beech, drill instructor, were drowned in an attempt to rescue four boys who had got out of their depth while bathing. Beech brought three of the lads to shore, but lost his life in attempting to save the fourth, MR. Smith sinking shortly afterwards. THK MOHAWK MINSTRELS have introduced two very successful comic songs, "The Never Empty Cradle" (twins is born), being a parody on the popular ballad of the Empty Cradle," and I can't stand Mrs. Green's mother, I cant," the fun of which is, of course, at the expense of mothers-in-law. JUDGMENT HAS BEEN GIVEN in the Queen'a Bench on Mr. Bradlaugh's demurrer to the plaintiff's statement of claim in the action brought by Mr. Clarke to recover penalties from Mr. Bradlaugh for Toting in Parliament without having first taken the oath. The demurrer was overruled, the judges holding that the statement of claim disclosed a good cause of action. Mr. Bradlaugh gave notice of appeal. THE GAMBLING-HOUSE KEEPERS in Madrid having been the subject of renewed operations by the police, have resorted to laying down bombs and petards in the streets, in order to distract attention, so that they may be left unmolested. A young man who has been apprehended has confessed to being the agent of the conspiracy. A BALACLAVA HERO IN DISTRESS. John Richardson was brought before Alderman Sir T. Owden at the London Mansion House Police-court, on the charge of attempting suicde. He admitted theoffnoe and said he was sick of his life. He was one of the youngest soldiers living who rode in the charge of Balaclava, and had heard Lord Cardigan say that those who escaped would be provided for. The prisoner added that he bad been in several hospitals for diseascfof the eyes, and was discharged incurable and nearly blind. The alderman gave him a letter of recommendation to the workhouse authorities

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE RHYL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS. At the last monthly meeting of the Board of Com- missioners a recommendation was read from the general purposes committee to change the present system of conducting the annual elections, and to reduce the number of members on the board from 30 to 21. After a brief discussion it was decided to hold a special meeting to take the matter fully into consideration. The special meeting was held on Monday last when the following members attended —Major Penn (in the chair), Messrs James Davies, W. Wynne, William Hackforth, W. T. Girdlestone, John Join s, E. A. Jones. W. Reynolds, E. P. Jones, Thomas EJlis, R. Oldfield, H. A. Steer, Wm. Morris, John Griffiths, E. W. Keatinge, John Roberts, John Frimston, W. P. Jones, R. D. Roberts, A. W. Merridew, W. Williams, J. B. Linnell, J. Parry, S. Perks, and A. J Spinks, and the officers of the Board. The notice calling the meeting having been read, Mr. Rowlands, the town clerk, produced the report which he had been instructed to prepare upon the matter. This report showed thirteen of the gravest and most important objections to the present mode of electing Commissioners and also how those objec- tionable points would be affected by the adoption of either system, under the Public Health Act or the ballot system of voting. The system under the Pub- lic Health Act contained 70 rules affecting the election of Local Boards. The qualifications of voters, scale of voting, &c did not materially differ from those of the svstcm at presort worked in Rhyl but it was essentially different in the form of the voting paper and the recording of votes. To one objection to the present method—viz, voting by persons not qualified —the system under the Public Health Act offered an efficient remedy in the rate books as list of voters. One of the chief objections raised at the last ordinary mcetiusr against the adoption of the ballot was that by that system plurality of votes had been done away with, and therefore it would not answer the purpose of the Board. In his report, Mr. Rowlands stated that it was frequently contended that the ballot was the best system for the free, uninterrupted, and in- dependent tendering of votes, and that it seemed clear enough that it might be made available if desired, with plurality of votes, while its secrecy would bo fully maintained. But Mr. Rowlands was doubtful whether the Local Government Board would sanction the|ballot with plurality of votes. In concluding his report, the Clerk said that in contemplating the adop- tion of the ballot the annual expense of registration of voters, polling booth, officers, &c., and the com- motion of a day of election should be taken considera- tion, as compared with the less expensive and the more peaceable system of election under the Public Health Act, 187-5. Mr. James Davies proposed that the Board should ask for a Provisional Order to have the ballot in force, provided they could secure the same with plurality of votes. Mr. W vnne wished to know whether their present Act would not allow them to make some changes in their present system without applying for a Provisional Order. The Clerk said that by obtaining a Provisional Order they could have their own Act repealed par- tially or entirely. As to the question of plurality of votes, ho would rather put the question to the Local Government Board. As to the expense of obtaining a Provisional Order, he might state that he had evi- dence tliitt it did not cost more than £ 10 to the Llan- dudno Commissioners lately to obtain exactly what the Rhyl Commissioners wanted. Mr. R. D. Roberts could not see the benefit of taking up any time to consider this affair. As far as he could understand they had not reaped such benefit from their tl0 at Llandudno. They could play more tricks by far with the Public Health Act system of voting than they could with the present system, and there were some parties on that Board (the Rhyl Board) who were very fond of playing such tricks. He did not think that there was anybody in the room that could prove the Public Health Act system to be superior to their own. Mr. James Davies said that the Clerk was in pos. session of facts communicated from the Town Clerk of Llandudno, shewing that the Public Health Act System was by far the best. Mr. John Griffiths seconded Mr. James Da vies's proposal. One member pointed out that the report stated by Ballot Act plurality of votes was abolised, and there- fore he could not see any use of discussing the desira. bility of adopting the system. Mr. W. P. Jones said that the expense of register- ing the names of voters in all three systems would be about the same. He wished to know whether the rate book would do under the ballot system as well as a prepared list of voters ? He could not understand why 3 or 4 booths would be required in the ballot system.—The Clerkjpointcd out that by that system every voter was obliged to fill up his voting paper in a room at the booth. Mr. W. Williams said that that would create|a great deal of confusion, especially to illiterate persons. He thought they had better stick to the old system until they went in for a thorough change in the shape of incorporation. He had also several grave objections against the system of the Public Health Act. In answer to Mr. Wynne, the Clerk stated that, an owner of property, if he lived at a distance from town, could, uuder the Public Health Act, vote by proxy. Mr. Wynne observed that the privilege granted by their present method of electing members—that of inspecting voting papers with right to take extracts and copies, had at the last election been very much abused. Mr. Merridew proposed an amendment to the effect that they, with the exceptions of adopting the altera- tions recommended by the general purposes commit- tee, adhere to their present system. He believed they could not possibly fiud a better system than the pres- ent one. Mr W. P. Jones would like to see the ballot act, pure and simple, adopted by the Board, but he thought it very improbable the government would give them plurality of votes—especially this government (laugh ter). He would propose that the present system be amended in some particular, viz., that the present unofficial papers be done away with, and official and stamped papers to be obtained at the polling p 11 booth—only be used that the bribery clauses of the ballot act be applied to the present system that the number of polling clerks be increased 3S required; and that the presiding officer should make provisions for assisting illiterate persons. Mwrog seconded Mr Merridew's amendment and in doing so observed that he would second any member who would propose to have steps taken preparatory to having the town incorporated. Mr J. Griffiths seconded Mr W. P. Jones' amend- ment. Ho believed that if the proposed alterations Wero made to their present system it would do away with the abuse of the method hitherto indulged in at the elections. Mr. W. Wil'.iams believed that to incorporate Rhyl Would be a pecuniary benefit to the town, and he Would propose that they should authorize the Clerk to obtain every information, with a view of applying for a charter of incorporation at once. He advised the Board to leave matters as they were until then. Mr. Reynolds believed that no remedy could be found for the existing state of things in any of the elaborate methods brought to the notice of the Poard. After the disputes, the quarrels, and the wrangling that the Commissioners had indulged in at the last election, lie could not think of anything that would be more beneficial to the town generally than incor- poration, ami he would second Mr. Williams's amend liient. The ''Spectacle" witnessed in the council-room that day was one not to be forgotten for many years. They were there sitting iu judgment upon each other (laughter). This was an "awful spectacle witnes- sed that day, and he hoped they would take a lesson to heart how they conducted themselves before the ratepayers (increased laughter). They ought to find their way to the room without spending a farthing in a pure and simple way. Not even the price of a glass of beer ought to be spent (lauglither). There had been disgraceful doings at previous election—shame- ful. It would be worth every trouble if they could get that purified (laughter). Mr. Thomas Ellis proposed that the old system be referred back to a special committee for consideration and for them to report as to the best way to amend the same, the cost of a Provisional Order not to exceed •filo. Dr. Girdlestone seconded. Mr. Reynolds would not support any of those nations unless ho was informed of the exact amount that would be required to carry the so-calied im- provements out. He was not going to stand up there that day and throw the town into a great expense J Ust to please one or two members of the Board Mr. Perks said that from the great number of pro- positions made it seemed that there was a great diversity of opinion existing on the Board respecting the matter, and they appeared now as far as ever from favouring a resolution, which was likely to meet with the approval of a majority of the Board. Several members seemed to have a decided aversion to the system provided by the Public Health Act but lie should like to see it adopted for several reasons. It 85eined to work satisfactorily throughout the country i at the elections of guardians; and also in towns simi- lar to Rhyl. As to the question of the expense of obtaining a Provisional Order to enable them to adopt the system provided by the Public Health Act, he thought the letter from the Town Clerk of Llandudno respecting the matter ought to clear the way a good deal. To incorporate the town would be a very difficult matter. The expenses, first of all, would be exceed- ingly high, and after all the expenses a charter of incorporation might, and very likely would, be refused. He named two or three instances, in which towns, much larger than Rhyl, were lately refused such a charter, on account of not having sufficient popula. tion. But whether they made a change in the mode of electing members or not, it was very desirable to have the number of members reduced from 30 to 21, as was the case at Llandudno. If 21 managed the local affairs at that town, why could not the same number be as sufficient at Rhyl P Under the exciting system persons allowed themselves to be nominated who could not possible attend the meetings regular. They did this simply because they found that mem. bers of the Board so numerous that they believed their absence could be well spared. The same rule also extended to the committees. The committees were each composed of so many members that when a subject was brought before the notice of a meeting of a committee the subject would have to be gone over again and explained to a fresh lot at a subse- quent meeting. In his opinion it was highly desirable that the number should be reduced, which would greatly impress those gentlemen who allowed them- selves to be nominated as candidates with a keener sense of the responsibility they accepted. (Hear, hear). In answer to a question, the Clerk said that two or more matters might be introduced into a Provisional Order without increase of expense. Mr. Merridew believed that the Board were not in a position to spend money on Provisional Orders. Mr. Williams said that they must not compare Rhyl to a little .plaee like Llandudno. The local body there had nothing to do but to collect the rates. The Llandudno people were governed by one person. Rhyl might be compared to a sound bell-all freehold property; but Llandudno was an old ciackeel pot of leasehold property, under the control of just one man. Mwrog pointed out that it was not likely that Llandudno would not run down a newly adopted measure. The Chairman said that after such a diversity of opinions expressed that day in the Board room it would hardly be advisable to pass a decided vote upon that question, and he thought the best plan would be to refer it back to a committee. Mr. James Davies signified his willingness to with. draw his original proposition in favour of Mr. W. P. Jones. The amendments were then put to the vote the result being as follows :—Mr. Merridew's amend- ment, 7 for, and 14 against. Mr. Wm. Williams's amendment, 7 for, and 14 against. Mr. W. P. Jones's motion, 11 for, and 12 against. Mr. Thomas Ellis's amendment, 8 for, and 10 against. The motion and amendments having thus been all negatived, the Board proceeded to consider Mr. Perks's motion. Mr. Reynolds We are in a fine muddle about this business. After a brief discussion, it was decided on the motion of Mr. W. P. Jones, by a majority of 7, that the matter be referred to a special committee.