Wrexham Guardian

DENBIGH. ANNUAL DINNER AT THE CROWN HOTEL.—The annual meeting and dinner of the members of the Denbigh Association for the Prosecution of Felons was held at the Crown Hotel, on Thursday afternoon. In consequence of a pressure upon our space we are compelled to with- hold our report of the proceedings till next week. THE SISTERS SOPHIA AND ANNE.—The Sisters Sophia .md Anne will appear at the Assembly Room, Denbigh, on Jan. 14th, in their highly popular enter- tainment. The Sisters appeared in Denbigh a few months ago, and the excellence of their performance on that occasion warrants us in believing-that they will on Thursday naxt, be well received by a crowded house. THE VOLUNTEERS.—Captain Lloyd Williams has given orders for holding the first drill of the season on the 9th inst. Should the weather prove favourable, the company will be taken out of town for route marching. The annual ball of the officers of the Denbigh volunteers will be held in the County Hall, Denbigh, during the irst week of February; and the non-commissioned officers' ball will be held two days after the officers'. CoMMG-OF-AGE FESTIVITIES.—Mr Howell Gee, son of Alderman T. Gee, Denbigh, attams his majority on the 16th of January. The workmen in his father's em- ploy, by whom Mr Howell Gee is much respected, have subscribed the sum of .£21, with which to purchase a gold watch for presentation to the young gentleman in comUlemorailin of the event. Several of the tradesmen of the town have formed themselves into a committee for the purpose of arranging some kind of public festivi- ties in honour of the event. SAD OCCURRENCE AT THE STATION.—About mid-day on Saturday, a man of middle age, a pensioner, was ob- served by Mr Weeway, assistant stationmaster, cling- ing to the door of a first-class carriage of the Chester train. Mr Weeway took hold of him to remove him, and found that he was in a helpless condition, either from drink or exhaustion. The poor fellow slipped upon his knees and was seized with a fit. A crowd gathered, and it was generally believed that the man was dead. He was placed on a truck to be removed, and then ha rallied a little. Dr. Pierce Williams happened to enter the station, and having examined the poor fellow ordered him to be removed to the infirmary. When examined at the infirmary, he was in a state of great prostration from want of proper nourishment. Restora- tives were used without avail, and the poor fellow expired shortly after his admittance to the institution. SEASONABLE BENEVOLENCE AT YSTRAD.—The great sorrow through which Major and Mrs Hughes, Ystrad Hall, have recently passed, occasioned by the death of a beloved child, did not prevent them interesting them- selves in the welfare of their poorer neighbours at this festive season of the year. Accordingly, at Christmas the whole of the workmen, their wives, and families were provided with Christmas fare, whilst the wants of the deserving poor of Ystrad, and the parish of Llanrhaiadr, were amply provided for. Nor were these generous acts limited to Christmas-tide, but through the whole of the winter the poor of the district will be supplied with excellent soup by Mrs Hughes. Such benevolence brings its own reward. We have been specially re- quested by several who have shared the bounty re- ferred to, to express the deep sense of gratitude they feel towards Major and Mrs Hughes, not only for these acts lof kindness, but for the uniform kind and generous treatment the poor receive at their hands. SuDbEN DEATH OF A YOUNG LADT.—A painful case of sudden death occurred at BrookhouSe, on Thursday, the 31st ult. It appears that Miss Emily Jones, daughter of Mr Hugh Jones, Garthgynan, Llanfair, near Ruthin, had been visiting at Brookhouse for some weeks, and for Some days previous to her death had been in unusually good health, and being a lover of skating, she enjoyed the pastime considerably. It was her misfortune on one occasion to be immersed in the water, and though she did not experience any apparent ill-effects, it is feared that it had a predudical effect upon her health. How- ever, on Wednesday, the 30th ult., she was suddenly taken ill and continued to grow worse until Thursday morning,;when alarming symptoms set in, and Dr. Pierce Williams was immediately sent for, but before he could arrive, the unfortunate young lady, who was 17 years old, had expired. We need not say that the distress of her relatives, particularly her mother, was very great. The funeral, which was of a private character, took place on Tuesday last, deceased being interred in the church- yard at Llanfair. The greatest sympathy is felt in the qeighbomrhood for the bereaved relatives. QUOITING MATCH.—We understand that Mr Stewart, the champion quoiter, of Liverpool, has accepted the challenge recently given by the Denbigh club to play a return match at Denbigh. Mr Stewart has this week, we are informed, been playing a match at London for £100 a side. ASYLUM BALL.—The annual invitation ball was held last, night (Friday), at the North Wales Asylum, Den- biah. A lerge nnmber of invitations were given to the gentry of the neighbourhood and tradespeople of the town. An account of the proceedings will appear in next wepk's Guardian. GIFTS TO HENLLAN SUNDAY SCHOOLS.—Dr. Evan Pierce, J.P., has presented a sum of money to the Church Sunday School, at Henlfen, to be devoted to the purchase of iuteresting reward books," as an en- couragement to the children to attend school regularly and punctually. The money was placed in the hands of Mr Thomas Price, parish' clerk, who, for many years, has taken much interest in the school. He sought the assistance of Miss Smart, the Rectory, and the young lady very Kindly undertook the purchase of the books, and we doubt not her taste in the selection will be highly appreciated by the scholars. A similar gift has been received from the doctor (whese love for Sunday Schools is so proverbial) by the managers of the Calvinistic Methodist School, Henllan. Those con- nected with the Church Sunday School desire, through the columns of the Guardian, to express their thanks for the iaterest Dr Pierce has manifested in the welfare of the school. MEETING OF THE SCHOOL BOARD. — The first meeting of the newly-formed school board for the borough of Denbigh was held at the Town Hall, Den- bigh, on Thursday morning. The whole of the members were present, namely:—Rev. E. Smart, Henllan; Messrs. R. J. Heatonf Henllan; Thomas Gee, J. Copner Wynne Edwards, Nathaniel Roberts, J. Harrison Jones, and Hugh Jones. The Mayor attended to instruct the members of the board in their preliminary duties.—Mr Gee proposed Mr Heaton as chairman. He believed the selection would be approved by the whole board, and also by the ratepayers of the borough.—Mr Copner Wynne Edwards seconded the motion, and bore testi- mony to the qualifications Mr Heaton posse-sed, remark- ing that he was a gentleman who had always proved himself a fair and straightforward man.—The election was unanimous.—Mr Heaton having returned thanks,—The Rev E. Smart referred to the kindly feel- ing that, had prevailed in the election of chairman, and to the satisfactory fact that a contest bad been avoided, and he hoped and believed that it was a pledge of the good feeling that would prevail in future. He proposed as vice-chairman a gentleman so well known to them all tha.t he nee 1 not dilate upon his qualifications for the office. He referred to Mr T. Gee.—Mr J. H. Jones seconded the proposition, which was carried unanimously, and acknowledged by Mr Gee.—Attention was called to the presence of the reporters, and a discussion ensued as to w hat portion of the proceedings should be made public. —The Rev E. Smart hoped only that portion of the pro- ceodings which were of real public interest would be reported, and not conversations of a personal or trifling character.—The Chairman said they must either trust to the discretion of the reporters or exclude them.— Several members said the proceedings ought to be made oublic, and Mr Smart assured the meeting that he had not the slightest desire to exclude the Press, but thought it right to mention the matter at the commencement.— Mr T. Gee thought they might very well leave the matter to the discretion of the reporters who would be careful in discriminating between what was of public interest and what might be a purely personal character.—A discussion ensued as to the clerkship, und it was agreed that the appointment should be advertised, and that the salary to commence with be £25 per annum, to be increased if the clerk proved himself worthy of it.—The National Provincial Bank were appointed treasurers.—It was agreed that the meetings of tha Board ba held on the first Thursday in every month at eleven a.m., and that three members constitute a quorum.—The meeting was adjourned to Thursday, the 28th inst., when the applications for the clerkship will be considered.—In the meantime, adver- tisements for a clerk are to be inserted in the Wrexliam Guardian, Carnarvou Herald, and Baner.—Thanks were accorded to the Mayor for convening the meeting, acting as chairman until the regular chairman was ap- pointed, and as secretary pro. tem. in this meeting. BOROUGH POLICE COURT. FRIDAY.—Before tho Mayor (J. Parry-Jones, Esq,), Dr Tumour, and Thomas Evans, Esq. A TRADESMAN AND THE DRESSMAKER: SHOCKING DISCLOSURES.—The followicg case excited a great deal of interest the court being crowded during the hearing. It was an affiliation case, in which Anne Jones, dress- maker, The Fron, Denbigh, sought to obtain an order against John Edgar, gamedealer, Denbigh, a married man, for the support of her child.—Mr Louis represented the complainant; and Mr Roberts, St. Asaph, appeared for the defendant.—The most shocking disclosures were made in the case, but the facts fit. to be reported were briefly as follow:—Complainant alleged that the defendant three years ago commenced to pay some attention to her. She charged him with being a married man, when he asserted that he had obtained a legal divorce from his wife. He told her that he had the l. gal documents relating to the divorce at his residence, and that he would show them to her. This she said would satisfy her, and if he could prove he was divorced she should be willing to accept him as her intended hus- band. One night in the beginning of May, 1873, he induced her to go to his house for the purpose of seeing the deeds belonging to the divorce. When they got in the room he locked the door and made improper overtures to her. He constantly promised to convince her that he was a single man, and at last induced her to go and live at his house as his housekeeper. She did so for three weeks, and he told her he meant to go with her from D. nbigh. Gave her his photograph and a ring. When she had acted as his housekeeper, &c., for three weeks his lawful wife went to the house and stormed it," smash- ing every pane of glass in the windows. Complainant, on finding that a real Mrs Edgar was in existence, left defendant's service, but continued on terms of intimacy with him as heretofore. Defendant had always acknow- ledged that he was the father of her child, and had promised to support it.—To prove these facts, David Jones, father of complainant, Edwin Jones, her brother, Mrs Cooke, and Mrs Pendlebury were called.—The complainant was subjected to a long cross-examination, as were all her witnesses, with a view of showing that she had led the life of a prostitute, and that she had been on familiar terms with other men, but which charges were indignantly denied by the complainant and her witnesses.—Defendant was put into the witness-box and solemnly swore that he never behaved improperly to the girl in his house,,and that he had engaged her as a servant, but not till the month of July, 1873.—Mr Louis sub- mitted the defendant to a searching cross-examination in which he had admitted that he had been on terms of intimacy with the girl, but not under the circumstances she had named. He had engaged her as servant, but discharged her because his wife kicked up a rnw, and said she was an immoral prson, but :10." after- wards he "pickedher up at the tf); f'■> town" and took her out, as he woull cV: < prostitute, and accomplished his purpose, whilst two of his companions waited for him.—Mr Louis: And you can dare to come into this court and before your: God and man make such a shameful admission as that ? —Defendant: Yes, I do (sensation).—Mr Louis: You say YOIl discharged this girl for being immoral, and yet in two days afterwards was on those terms of intimacy which you would be with a prostitute.—Defendant: Yes (sensation).—Mr Louis: Your conduct is the most shame- ful I ever heard of. You are not worthy to be questioned further.—Mr Louis then addressed the Bench for com- plainant, and in the course of a very able and earnest speech he denounced the defendant in the strongest terms. He said he was lost to shame, and utterly want- ing in every principle of morality. He, a married man, claiming to be respectable, had actually called his God to witness that he insulted this woman on the road-side, whilst two other men were waiting for him. He had deluded, ruined, and injured that poor girl, and then, like a coward and vagabond as he was, had instructed hisat- torney to drag her and everyone of her witnesses through all the mire that he could, and that had been done with- out any foundation for it.—Defendant rose in the course of a torrent of scathing invective from Mr Louis, and ex- claimed, I am not a vagabond nor an alien as you say, and I am as good a man as you any day."—He was imme- diately silenced by the magistrates, and Mr Louis further denounced him in strong language; and said Denbign people need be proud that Edgar was an alien asd not a native, for no native would have acted in such a manner. —The Magistrates having consulted, the Mayor said: We are unanimously of opinion that an order should be made in this case; but that under all the circumstances it should be for 2s per week until the child is 13 years old.—Mr Louis applied for. and obtained, all the costs his cliens had incurred.—Mr Roberts said: Anne Jones, I give you formal notice that I hall, on behalf of the de- fendant, appeal against this decision at the Court of Quarter Sessions.—Mr Louis (to the Mayor): That's only a little way we have of covering our defeat, sir; we know what it means (laughter). BROTHERS IN TRIBULATION.—Robert Jones and Hugh Jones, brothers, living in Beacon's-hill, Denbigh, were charged by Sergeant Lewis with being drunk and fight- ing on the previous Saturday night. Robert Jones, who had bedn convicted on eight previous occasions, was fined 10s and costs, or 14 days' imprisonment; and Hugh Jones was fined 2s 6d and costs. MEETING OF THE CORPORATION. MONDAY.—Present: J. Parry-Jones, Esq. (Mayor), in the chair; Alderman Evan Davies; Councillors John Armor, T. J. Williams, E. Pierce Williams, M.D., T. G. Lunt, Evan Thomas, E. T. Joaes, E. Williams Gee, John Davies, W. Morris, Thomas Foulkes; Mi F. Wynne, town clerk and Dr. Roberts, medical officer. THE WEATHER AND THE DEATH-RATE.—Dr. Roberts reported that during the past month there had been registered 24 deaths and ten births. The deaths were at the rate of 45-5 per thousand of the population, as com- pared with 26-5 during the previous month. The births won 18*9, AI compared with 86-05 during last month. Of the deaths 15 were certified, and 9 not certified. Ten of the deaths occurred at the asylum, and 10 of the 24 deaths were persons over 70 years of age. Several of the deaths occurred through diseases of the chest, and the high death-rate was caused by the severity of the weather, as was proved by the number of old persons who had succumbed to it. THE COUNTY COURTS AND THE LORD CHANCELLOR.—A letter was read from the Lord Chancellor, stating that he did not think the business done in the county court at Denbigh was sufficient to warrant him in advising the judge to hold a court once a month. From a return presented to the House of Lords in 1873, it appeared that at the courts held at Denbigh in January, March, and M y, of 1873, the court only sat on an average two and a half hours, and the total contentious cases for the three courts numbered only 13. — Several members thought that it was not fair to rely on such a retarn as the one in question, because it was known that various causes had operated to reduce the business of the court for the last year or two.—The Mayor said that the Lord Chancellor had been furnished with the cases entered during the last five years, which showed that the average number of cases per year was GOO, and there was no doubt that if monthly courts ware held the business would be increased considerably. THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.—Some discussion again took place as to the terms upon which the Council Chamber should be hired by the Freemasons, the Church Associa- tion, and all other societies, aLd per.-ons using it, and it was agreed chat a uniform charge of 58 per night should be made for its use the persons hiring the room to pay in addition to that charge for fire, gas, and cleaning, to Mrs Dew, the hall keeper. THE GWEANYNOG BACH AND NAXTGLYN ROAD. Mr Milier Owen, Tanygrit, applied to the Council for per- mission to widen that part of the road withm the borough. The Council thought the request was ra her an unreason- able one, and that if they conimeaced to do such work they would have to follow it up all over the borough. Dr Pierce Williams and other members called attention to Red Lane and other important thoroughfares in the town that ought to be attended 1;,0 before the road in question.—No action was taken in the matter. FINANCIAL MATTERS.—Several bills were passed for payment, the Finance Committee having cut down" the charges in one bill for cal t .ge of voting booths, &c., connceted with the last election.-The.Treasurer (Mr W. Smith) stated that he had a balance in hand of .£10 I, and would not require a borough rate for at least another month.—Mr J. Barker gave as the reason for not having paiu the balance due to the Council, that the Gas Com- pany had charged to hun certain gas accounts tiat shouid have been charged to the Corporation.—That was considered to be a matter for him and the Gas Company to settle, and the Town Clerk was requested to demand immediate payment of the money. THE PETROLEUM LAMPS.—It was reported that three petroleum lamps had been erected as an experiment on the Castle-hill, and that so far they were a success. It was estimated that the total cost of e"ch lamp for the year, including lighting, breakages, and oil, would be £1 12s9d, as contrasted with 17s 6d paid for each of the gas lamps.—Another lamp was ordered to be fixed on Tower-hill, and the Lighting Committee were re- quested to carry out the experiment for another month. THE SURVEYOR'S DEPARTMENT.—Three tenders were received for the construction of drainage traps, the persons tendering being Mr S. Clarke, Mr John Evans, Swine- market, and Mr Hugh Williams. The tender of the latter person was accepted, he having offered to construct six traps for.£5 15s Od.—The north side of Vale-street was ordered to be flagged wherever requisite. There was no other business of interest. DINNER TO THE FIRE BRIGADE AND POLICE. Dr Evan Pierce, J.P., entertained on Friday evenmg to a sumptuous bauquet the members of the Fire Brigade, the Pulice force of the district, and the repre- sentatives of the Press. The dinner was served up in the large dinmg-room of the private residence of Mr John Lloyd, Bull Hotel, and that gentleman earned out in the most admirable manner the instructions of Dr Pierce, as to the excellence of the feast. The chair was occupied by Captain Martin Smith, and the vice-chair by Lieutenant Hardwicke. The repast being satisfactorily disposed of, the Chair- man gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were duly honoured. Mr Hardwicke then gave "The health of Dr Pierce. He said the sumptuous manner in which he had enter- tained them that evening was but a sample of the con- stant and kind interest he took in the welfare of the Fire Brigade (applause). No gentleman in the town had done more to promote its efficiency, and they all knew how heartily he devoted himself to its interests during the five years he was mayor of the borough (applause). During the whole of that time he acted as captain of the brigade, and discharged the duties of that office in an excellent manner. He could speak of him as a most gsnerous, kind, and thoughtful gentleman, and one ever ready to serve his native town in any possible way (cheers). He trusted that his valuable life would long be spared after the monument erected in his honour had been unveiled, and he was sure that so long as he lived amongst them, he would continue the bonevolent con- duct for which he was so well known (applause). He had the greatest pleasure in proposing the health of Dr Pierce (applause). The toast was druuk witth three times three" and musical honours, The Chairman gave The health of the Mayor and Corporation," and bore testimony to the excellent manner in which the business of the town was conducted. Mr John Uoyd replied to the toast, and said that during the time Dr Pierce had been mayor, he acted as their captain, and he (Mr Lloyd) thought it would be well if his successors in the office of mayor had taken the same practical interest in the brigade as the doctor had done (hear, hear). The brigade wag a voluntary one, and he thought that they should receive the countenance and support of the Mayor and Corpora- tion (applause). The Chairman gave The health of the First Lieut., Mr Hardwicke," and remarked that the brigade was greatly indebted to him, for his great knowledge of the work gained through his connection with English brigades, which was of great value to them. Mr Hardwicke responded, and spoke of the pleasure it gave him to render such assistance to -the town. Mr Holgate proposed "The health of the Captain of the brigade" (Mr Smith), and eulogised him not only for the great services rendered to the brigade, but for his general courtesy and urbanity in all relations of life. Mr Smith suitably responded. The health of the polico officers of the district" was next given, which was responded to by Superintendent Tudge, Sergeant Lewis, and P.C. Garner. Mr Smith gave The health of the officers of the brigade, Messrs J. Lloyd, B. Holgate, and Joyce; with the engineer, Mr Elias Jones," who responded. The Chairman gave The Town and Trade of Denbigh," and bore testimony to its prosperous state. This was acknowledged by Mr Williams (Parry and Williams), Crown-square; who was sure that there was no town in North Wales where customers could have larger and choicer :stocks of goods to choose from than at Denbigh. The Chairman gave "The Press, and eulogised the Denbigh representatives for the efficient and fair manner in which they reported local events, coupling with the toast the names of Mr Cottom, Guardian reporter, and Mr Oliphant, who both responded. Other toasts such as Success to the Ruthin Brigade and Captain Joyce"; "The Host and Hostess," with thanks for the admirable spread provided Mr Ricketts, the librarian of Denbigh Institute," &c. During the evening some excellent songs and recitations were given, and after a most enjoyable evening had been spent the company separated. DARING ROBBERY AT PLAS CAPTAIN. On Monday, Paul Tinsel, the elder, and Paul Tinsel the younger (father and son), were brought before the, Mayor (J. Parry-Jones, Esq.), Dr Tumour, and Thomas Evans; the son charged with stealing a purse containing £45 from Plas Captain, the residence of Mr J. Taylor and the elder prisoner with receiving part of the money, knowing it to have been stolen. From the ovi ience given by Mr and Mrs Taylor, Superintendent Tu-'ge. and Ser- geant Lewis, it appears that the younger r> ,er, a lad 116 years old, was employed as servant with Mr Taylor. On the \8th ult., Mr Taylor, whose business premises are at Liverpool, was starting from Plas Captain to the railway station, when Mrs Taylor, in the presence of the lad, produced a bag, similar to those used by farmers as sample bags, and offered Mr Taylor some money from the forty-five or fifty pounds it contained. He did not re- quire any, and proceeded in company with the lad to the station. The boy returned about midday to Plas Captain, and towards evening Mrs Taylor missed the bag and money. A search was made, and she found three five pound notes in the yard. They were quite dry, although the ground was wet and it had been raining for some time previously. They were wrapped in a leather purse. On the day of the robbery, the prisoner left work about five o'clock and went away to Denbigh, not returning until the next morning, although he usually slept at Plas Captain. On the day following the robbery, Ser- geant Lewis visited the premises, and saw the lad, who denied all knowledge of the money, and said he should only be too glad to find it and give it to his mistress. A day or two afterwards he left his work and was not seen there for eight days. He then returned, when Mr Taylor ordered him away. From inquiries made, the police were led to suspect the prisoners. On New Year's Eve, Superintendent Tudge and Sergeant Lewis went to the house of the prisoners and charged them with the robbery. They both denied it, submitted to be searched, and the elder prisoner told the officers they were perfectly welcome to search the house. A very small amount of money was found on them, but upstairs they found a large quantity of wearing apparal and bed clothing. Superintendent Tudge also found under the flue attached to the kitchen grate a small bag. On removing and opening it, it was found to contain five sovereigns and 14: half-sovereigns. The prisoners were taken to the lock-up. When there, the younger prisoner, afttr having been cautioned, made the following con- fession :—" I'll tell the truth whatever becomes cf me. I found the purse in the yard and took it to the barn where I was working. I counted the money, it was Jt25 in gold. It was in a bag something similar to a farmer's sample bag used for com. I took it home that night, and gave my father £20, and kept £5 for myself." Sub- sequently he told the police how be had disposed of she money, and mentioned that he had spent some of it in drink at the Castle Arms, a portion of it in sweets for himself and friends, lent and gave about £2 109 to Thomas Joues, jomer, Castle Hill, and his wife, and bought certain articles for their children. Another portion he devoted to treating a lot of his companions to the Christy's Minstrels," and in a trip to Mold. The elder prisoner said :—" 1 do not know what tempted me to do this, because I have been a hard working honest man all my life." When formally charged by the Bench, the prisoners refused to make any statement, and they were committed to take their trial at the Quarter Sessions at liuthin, yesterday (Friday).

.RUTHIN. THE FIRE AT EFENECHTYD.—It being supposed that the late shocking fire at Plas-yn-llan, Ffenechtyd. was the act of a vagrant or some maliciously disposed person, the proprietor has offered a reward of £20 for the appre- hension of the offenders. CHRISTMAS CHARITY AT DERWEN.—J. R. Jenkins, E-q, Ruthin and Derwen, has, with his usual kindnpss, sent five pounds to be distributed during the recent severe weather. The parochial distributions are very small, and the poor, therefore, have much cause to be thankful for this liberal addition. THE VOLUNTEERS.—The first parade of the year was held on Thursday, in the Town Hall, Ruthin, when the men were under the command of Lieut. R. G. Ellis. There was an excellent muster and the corpEl presented a clean and smart appearance. In consequence of the fire arms having been sent to Birmingham to be reburnished tho parade was confined to foot drill. After the drill the gallant captain (Mr Ll. Adams) treated the whole of the members present to refreshments at Mr Gilbert's, Wine Vaults, Ca-tie-street. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING—The monthly meeting of the Corporation was held on Wednesday. The members present were Mr John Jenkins, in the chair; Messrs W. J. Roberts, W. Green, R. J. Joyce, Leonard Parry, and H. Howell Jones. Several bills were examined and passed for payment.—A short discussion took place re- specting the repair of the bridge over the railwav near the station. Mr W. J. Roberts strengly objected to the cost of the repairs falling upon the borough funds and it was resolved that the bridge be repaired and that the cost be defrayed by public subscription. As the bridge is a source of great danger, no doubt the towns- people will comply with the request of the Council.—A snort conversation took place as to the necessity of hav- ing the traps for the drains provided and the sewerage work otherwise completed. It was resolved that Mr Martin be communicated with, and that the work in- cluding the construction of 20 drain traps, be carried ou forthwith. BALL AT POOL PARK.—Oa Tuesday evening last It B!e;.ard, Esq., of Pool Park, gave a ball to his^servants ana their friends, at his residence. There was a verv numerous company, including many of the townspeople and tradesmen of Ruthin. Dancing commenced soon aiter nine o'clock, in the servants' hall, which had been most elaborately decorated for the occasion. The ball was opened by Mr R. Blezard and Lady de Beauvoir. At eleven o'clock supper was served up, the viands being season- able and of the choicest description. Mr Griffiths' house steward presided at the supper table. After the repast several singers of note in Ruthin favoured the company with songs. A most enjoyable evening was spent the party breaking up at four o'clock on Wednesday morning. The music for the dancing was supplied by the Ruthin Volunteer Rmd, under the leadership of Bandmaster Williams. Thanks are due to Mr Blezard, Mr Kitchen, and Lady de Beauvoir for their consideration and kind- ness to all the company, and the enjoyment of the guests was greatly enhanced by the attention and courtesy of Mr Griffiths, house steward, and Mrs Wells, the housekeeper. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. MONDAY.—Present: The Rev. the Warden of Ruthin, chairman Mr Thomas Jenkins, vice-chairman Rev'. J. C. Davies, Derwen; Messrs Thomas Jones Llanynys; Daniel Roberts, Thomas Roberts, Llan- degla; Thomas Symond, Henry Grantham, Llan- rhaiadr George Byford, J. Roberts, Nantglyn: John Hughes, Llanrhydd and Mr R. H. Roberts, clerk. THE PRICE OF COAL.—At the last meeting the only tender for the supply of coal was one from Mr Owen, at 20s 6d per ton. That price was considered too high, and it was allowed to stand over till this meeting. Several other tenders were cow received, and the lowest was that from Messrs Jones and Son, Denbigh, who quoted 17s 9d per ton. This was accepted, but it was understood that the coal must be that known as Wrexham or Ruabon" coal. i INANCE.—The outrelief for the fortnight was £149 17s 6d. Balance in the bank, £1,6551s 2d. Num- ber in the house 75, against 88 in the corresponding week last year; 16 vagrants were relieved during the fortnight. CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES AT THE HOUSE.—Mr Isaac Williams, the master, tendered the thanks of the inmates to the Board for allowing them their usual Christmas dinner. They also desired to have their thanks con- veyed to the mayor and Mrs Ellis, who, with their usual liberality, provided all the inmates with "good cheer" on Christmas Day. The master also stated that the Clerk to the Guardians, Mr R. H. Roberts, had presented the master and m atron with a turkey, and the children with oranges, &c., on New Year's Day. A vote of thanks was passed by the Board to the generous persons named for their seasonable benevolence. THE RATING ACT.-The Chairman explained the result of the cenference held at Rhyl, last week, in reference to the new Rating Act, and said that he and the clerk were prepared to explain any points in the Act that the Board might wish to name. Although there had been a long discussion at Rhyl, he feared it had not afforded them much instruction. The assistaat overseers present at the Board were instructed to bring in their supplemental lists according to the provisions of the new Act. THE SANITARY BUSINESS had to be postponed, the committee not being able to form a quorum. The Chairman complained of the want of punctuality to this mportant part of the business.

BANGOR. SCHOOL BOARD.—A meeting of this Board was held on Monday, when a letter was read from Lord Penrhyn, who at the previous meeting had been unanimously re- elected chairman of the new Board. His lordship, after thanking the Board for the honour conferred upon him, saill that as the result of the poll at the recent election appeared to him to indicate very clearly tfiat it was not tne wish of the ratepayers of Bangor that he should con- tinue chairman of the Board, he felt himself bound to decline the appointment which had been offered to him. It was agreed to consider the letter at the next meeting! —The clerk suhmitted the cost of the recent election^ amounting to £80 12s 6d. The attendance officer was instructed to look most carefully after the absentees and notice was given that at the next meeting the time of notice given to parents of intended institution of proceed- ings would be considered.

BRYMBO. FUNERAL.—On Sunday the remains of Miss Agnes Emma Barker, aged eleven years, daughter of Mr J. C. Barker, accountant at Brymbo Iron Works who was killed in the dreadful catastrophe at Shipton, on the Great Western Railway, on the 24th ult., were'interred in the burial ground of St. Marys, Brymbo. The deceased, in company with an elder sister, Miss Annie S Barker, mistress of an important school at Plum stead, London, was returning home to spend the Christmas with their parents, after being at Plumstead on a visit to her sister since Midsummer. The funeral cortege left the residence of the deceased about two p.m., and was preceded by the Sunday class from the National school of which the deceased had been a member for some time' The body was met at the gate by the Rev W. P. James, curate, and on entering the church the Dead March" in Saul was played while the procession filed into the sacred edifice. The XC Psalm from the Burial Service was rendered very impressively by the choir, as were also hymns 163 and 191, which imparted a tone of solemnity and awe most suitable to the occasion. The lesson was read by the Rev W. Jones, vfcar, and the concluding portion of the service at the grave by the Rev W. P. James, curate. A large concourse of the inhabitants and friends of the family accompanied the procession to the grave, as did also the officials in the employ of the Brymbo Company, m whose service Mr Barker has occupied the position of accountant for upwards of 18 years. Much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Barker and family in their sad bereavement. The other daughter, j Miss A. S. Barker, sister of the deceased, Schoolmistress of Plumstead, is still lying in a very dangerous and pre- carious condition at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford. The Rev W. Jones, on Sunday morning last, preached from the text Isaiah xxxviii., and 18 and 19 verses, and made some appropriate allusions to the late railway accident and the death of Agnes E. Barker, reminding all of the brevity and uncertainty of human life, at the same time exhorting them to prepare for the great change which sooner or later comes over all, by living a Godly and Christian life.

CARNARVON. USING A KNIFE.—On Saturday, before Lord New- borough and other magistrates, JohnKoberts alias Pring, a quarry labourer, living at Talsarn, was charged on remand with having feloniously wounded David Edwards. The prosecutor stated that on the evening of Christmas Day he was returning home from Penygroes, in the company of three other men. When near Pont- ddu they met the prisoner, who, challenging prosecutor to fight, struck him a violent blow on the head with the buckle end strap. The two closed and fell, and, whilst on the ground, prosecutor called out that he was being stabbed. The other men seized the prisoner, and took an open clasp knife out of his hand. Prosecutor was bleed- ing severely from cuts in the head, and was taken to the surgery of Dr Williams, where his wounds were dressed. —The prisoner, who now pleaded drunkenness as an excuse, was committed for trial at the quarter sessions, bail being refused. SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A PUBLICAN.—At the Carnarvon Petty Sessions, on Saturday, Richard Jones. landlord of the Ynyswea Inn,, a place about midway be- tween Carnarvon and Llanberis, wih T mitting drunkenness. Deputy-chiefc^ a home T; who conducted the case, stated that3 ^ast a been instituted under the followici;an(* ?sPeC1t Early on the morning of the ° Jones, 65 years of age, a shoemaker:ii;ie' ° P.f was found dead on the turnpike r\ i Prime 0 from tho defendant's house. It appw.at so su(_ jen ■ given at the inquest that the deceas^f0 sa-y' ■' °r late on the previous nieht much t W V and, having taking off his coat and down to sleep on tho turnpike road, tu ,e7 bitterly cold, he died from exposure. he: an(fthe to their finding a complaint respective at tlle™' „ conduct of the house, and expressed op)U^ u11 evidence given by the defendant's waB°^e!?e5 so contradictory that it amounted U 1S perjury. The police charged the def«.ntPSe t0 P33? permitted drunkenness. He was fine2 -ncr license to be endorsed. 'f ( ec 'a £ zed witn thde

CONNAH'S QUr. grave. OJ d Connah's Quay Chemical Companyrai on its gna s wound up. pearingquitth A SCHOONER LOST.—At six o'clotn jJ look, butie the schooner Minerva, of Chester, Cain't hueshavdis from the Dee for Belfast, with a carg^ea^d- Its kes were overtaken by the gale, and dri of the esh. rocks below the farm of Flochaig, on mid hjpes wther Campbeltown. The schooner struckut esaddeningnse at night, and immediately filled, 1creition of Sonon number, taking to the rigging, part rhici°rth." Gvin above water, and to which they clumtiito cultiv;) a o'clock on Saturday morning. The tlg oi Will. S-ow and the waves dashing over the crewade 1 some w pu difficult to hold on, and during the nipne Jt was nat t (name not yet known) was so benaq thphe sumirs o forced io let go his grasp, and fell on deck'ace was n, lifted by the other two iuto the small:, Rep n' near them at the time. The boat, }ver,m, to ceo yc tween the vessel and the shore, and alte wflre subnion, into the water. The poor fellow who failed Job, lhe rigging, being quite helpless, was throwrvaV, bl«i be other two were washed ashore, v^reatjlay of l:th s managed to reach the farmhouse of haig. and 1., w by Allan M'Lav, where they were kiQreat of da, w: DEE SHIPOWNERS' MUTUAL bSUIl: Cm suppond cc We are glad to find that this compare at ince st thei legistered, and we are sure it will be ancia brigbid co This port owns a large number of srberesd in is no reason why the local owners ]d nc and <y thi their vessels in a local mutual insura;ociet\'> nell h:J.s of going to Liverpool. The comoanv regis" the 23rd ultimo as a company limited Want member undertaking to contribute if no PIAl 0 J upon a winding-up. The original mergare A n Rene; William Jones, Chesterlr j. IAZ-& Ar CheM. lr J. Lancaster, Moatyn J. Millev. i>nes, Runcorn; Mr Thomas Edwards, Sa-. Mrh dg the Reney, Mr JamesCoppock, and Mr Johrratt. ienbd ha: are seven directors, namely, the firve mei th;ht m, above, Mr William Sloane, of Chesteq Mr Vful istrati Bennett, of Connah's Quay. We trust)rojectl hif to c a great success. Shares will no doubt beidly tafentis be<

FLINT. lis 11 cha; WATCH NIGHT.—A watch night held c0|.atl0n English chapel, Mount-street, on New's Eve. PETTY SESSIONS.—These sessions wield OL', day, before John Henry, P. A. Mawi^ and Muspratt, Lsqs.—Richard Williams, ibourer,'01!, e Pentre, was charged with stealing twe-s of ki0 •, bocker trousers from the establishn 0f Mr r tl- Roberts, Church-street, Flint. The ch sent3* him to one month's imprisonment witbd labouimu' „ BALL.—On New Year's Eve, a ba'« heldij.1 Guildhall, the proceeds being devotethe For1'' )t Benevolent Fund. The brass band of 1st Uh dvised Militia, of which Mr C. Hall is b^aster, }jcai the dance music. The hall was not was pated; but all who attended seemed bn enjoyJ^jg b Refreshments were provided by Mr J Georfe sum Dragon Inn. The prumoters of the bere Meb. his wt Eaton, Samuel Edwards, and k

HOPE. and THE PARISH CHURCH was very ne and pmtnbut decorated for Christmas day. The decquired, fell principally to the lot of Major Mrs 'upon ] Roper, Plasteg; Mrs Adams, Bhyddyn.ll, anCancy ai Boydell, Mold. The greatest praise is to thtig Sir 1 the trouble they took in beautifying tbuse ofms, Esq On Tuesday last Major and Mrt-evor jrchrugt Plasteg, distributed their annual gift Go and Iwards, and flannel petticoats to over 120 poorsons who, parish. May they live long to contini>ir goode most of charity and benevolence. I more

HALEIN. Christr TREAT TO MINERS.—About 35 MENPI0YED'IAVE prosperous South Prince Patrick Le^jne, w<j- r6SU Monday last entertained to dinner at t;ritanni: C^n Halkyn. The chair was occupied by ;aptain mine, Mr John Jones, of Holywell, ahe viceÖot by Mr J. T. Sachus. b INQUEST.—A coroner's inquiry touctyhe dear J Thomas Jones, who wag found deadixe high" eif was held on Monday. From the evi<j it appirrQ.e 'j. that the deceased was suffering from 1 disease' gow| verdictjin accordance with the evidence returneisses ]

MOLD. nnant, FATAL ACCIDENT AT HOPE JuNCTioOn Tuebon; evening, about 7 30, a man named ael Bret Clome Chester, and who was about 56 years (e, was ki- Rb at Hope Junction whilst crossing the lira time TFOS; I shunting was taking place. He got bn the tronrho: and was killed almost instantaneousIjChe decellce to leaves a wife and family. *ld, w; SCHOOL BOARD.—The first meeting the ne"(aily formed Board was held on Thursdajien all CI members were present. Mr Keily pied, and e fir, Oliver Jones seconded, the nomination optain phuspen as chairman.—Mr Catherall proposed Mr G. 0 seconded the nomination of the Rev Eojdwards. mmg, the votes being takes, Mr Edwards Wlected t the majority of one. Mr Catherall was electte.chaifJre!]1IJ For the post of clerk there were four apnts, and s on choice fell apon Mr R. J. Williams. It wtreed to hne to the meetings on the first Thursday in thmth, at to the p.m., three members to form a quorum. S1 CLERKS' AND ASSISTANTS' SEVENTHNIVERSA^END —The seventh annual dinner of the clerltd assistarticles of Mold and district is arranged to comlon Mond the next, the plth inst., under the presid of Mr il, a C. Raikes, M.P. for Chester. 1 be viiairs willies pi filled by Mr A. T. Keene (firm of Messelly, Kee: thl and Roper, solicitors) and Mr E. Price JS, chairo^^ of the Mold Local Board; and the coui^d borou, members for Flintshire, together with (istinguishalwI gentlemen of the counties of Flintshirejnbighshikj 9 and Cheshire, have signified their ition to present.

PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY.—Before J. Scott-Bankes, Captae, & Philips. also ASSAULT.—Emma Williams, of Moldfged j Jones with assaulting and beating her Q afterno(the of the 28th ult. The defendant came itier house Bryn Coch, in drink, when the dog ed at hiryse, A little girl called the dog m, when tlfendant sales. ho wanted to have the dog out to cut open. Th complainant expostulated and he bec%ery and tore her clothes eff, pulled down tarden rails1 J and behaved most violently. A neighbjot him ou and he came in a second time.—Barbaratthews roborated the complainant's evidence, ale defendan was fined 10s and 8s 6d costs. 1101 DRUNKENNESS.—Alfred Stott, of Moldj summonePei for being drunk and disorderly at the Crian Vaultglec High-street, on Christmas Eve, and finei and 7s 6(&1 costs. fx Thomas Williams, for a similar offen; the Griffiilt; Inn, was fined 5s and 7s 6d costs. !8J Edward Powell for being drunk an^0rderly or Christmas morning, was fined 5s and 7s 6sts. s Edward Hampson, for a like offenceamitted oire Sunday, the 20th ult.. was fined 109 an costs. u

RUABON. Ie TREAT TO WORKMEN.—On Thursday eng, the 31st < ult., Mr J. M. Holliday, the proprietoihe RuabonSt Foundry, treated the men in his employ, substantial supper at the Duke of Wellington Hotel, Lbon. repast was got up by Mrs Jones, the tess, in be ufual gocd style; and it consisted of F, numerous*, other hot joints, geese, and plum-puddingi.bout thirty sat down to do justice to the good things led upon the? tables. Mr Holliday presided, and Mr S:t, the fore-j' man of the works, occupied the vice-cb The cloth having been removed, several toasts werfen, inclad-1 ing that of Mr Holliday," which was dr;in a bumper. with musical honours. Song and sentiit were the « order of the evening, and conviviality reed supreme The company broke up at an early hourter spending a most enjoyable evening.

RHOSLLANERCHRUlG. FUNERAL SERMON.—On Sunday last thev J. Jonei vicar, in the course of his sermon allude the death of Mr Hughes and Mr Richards. Basinjg sermon oi the text, We know not what a day mtjring Proverbs xxvii, verse 1, he said:—One a.r more hs run its course. We are one year older,. year nearr to the eternal world, and we have one yeanre to answr for. We shall see the year 1874 no m. Anotbr year has taken its place and time only v reveal wht may happen to us in the course of it. us year wtl witness many revolutions in families, in>wns, andn kingdoms. Many changes may occur iour familis. During this year we may be called upon follow soie of our nearest aad dearest relations to therave. Mlly who were with us when we began last ye £ ^re no loner here. Their seats are empty in this churctrheir holes are deserted; and if you now will find thi, y08 Hist look for them under the clods of the vallI: In all ro- bability some of us are destined to folio* them in;be course of this year. We know not wb a day lay bring forth as to our circumstances in lit We caaot tell what a day may bring forth, as to th state ofcur minds and bodies. We are ignorant < the fture as to our families and connections. Whachangelllnd bereavements have taken place in man; famili&last year! What melancholy partings have ten witueed le dreadful accident on Christmas gloom over many a neighbour- or own. It has plunged one fmily into a state of the deepest sorrow ising young men were cut down with a bright career before them, and so awfully, as not to have have mercv on us." I can pic- ither and her sons and daugh :ers, coming together to this House 00 always such a happy, loving r now and then wonld cast a proud ham of domestic affection appeared The links of love which bound d too strongly made to K* easily happiness to continue ? Is there r it? Yes, that mother is now ed son the hope, thecomfort, and years. The countenance on which ilight of a mother's love, is now ay we see a rose blooming in tem, shedding its perfume around, e pride of the garden. The next rose is gone, and is no more. Its appeared. Its life and its bloom lie scattered and mingled with which nourished it. Just so, are ish. They pass away and leave us of our loneliness. So true is the I, "We know not what a day may g relations, dry up your tears. spirit of holy resignation to the not as those without hope for rpose in removing your dear rela- he call of man thar they departed, f God. Their work was finished, and their labours were en ied. 3t: for it was the Lord's doing. )ur whole affections on God; and upon this awful occasion, try to Lord gave and the Lord hath the name of the Lard." Let us ind prosperity chose (hi for our hen the day of adversity, even ill overtake us, God will be our ){nfort us. And the light of His a make the valley of the shalow mfortable to us. And after death to the regions of bliss, where we ngs which" dye has no: seen n or it entered the heart of man to fAGE HOUSE FUND lD CHRISTMAS TREE. the Vicar of Rhos, has resided in pst ten years. It was a fortunate s proved that the rev. gentleman ln in the right place. He has, by ons and affable and kind manner, me and all of the parishioners, and m the means of bringing around irch one of the largest and most s in the mining districts of this uietly but diligently, with a kindly, tian humility, he has served his most successful manner—forgetful d the comfort of himself and family have been content to reside in a. Parsonage," that was neither wind- ht; and what that is, especially dement weather, will be r?adily le congregation determined should consultation was held, a committee imately Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, the Vicar to make application to jmmissioners on the subject. This e, and, by the support of Sir Watkin, the Commissioners of £.500, pro- be subscribed in the parish. Sir ill-known kindness and liberality, at st with £100; other subscriptions the Vicar purchased a site. The ions Lad reached £450. As only £50 the members of the congregation holding a bazaar for the sale of rticlea. This was carried out, the Watkin and Lady Williams Wynn; and Mrs Evans, Bronwylfa; Miss >g Hall; and J. C. Edwards, £51., Trevor Hall. A committee of ladies con arnore, have discharged their efficient and successful manner, for a artistically laid-out and decorated nas tree we have rarely seen. All nerted themselves and evidenced a jug in an harmonious whole. The lposed the committee:—Mrs Jones, n; Mrs Fitch, Gardden Hall, Rualiou: Tree Cottage, Ruabon Mrs Wood- ige, Ruabon; Mrs Owen, Moreton Mrs Thomas, Aberderfyn er, National Schoolhouse, "vlrs Rhos; Mrs Edwards, Mr. g, Rhos; Mrs Jones, Stryt Gv; Mra m; Mrs Hilton, Llanerchrugog Hall, 3vans, Bronwylfa, Ruabon; Misses Ruabon Misses Turner, Gardden Mrs Wright, Brvnybrain, Ruabon indy Farm, Ruabon; Mrs Hughes, IOS Mrs Simpson, Penrhos; Mrs vlrs' Pritchard, Gornell, Rho3; Mrs s; Mrs Price; and Mrs J ODes. the National schoolroom, in which the as floating the British Ensign; the in- decorated with a variety of flags and iristmas tree, some 13 feet high, com- was most artistically decorated, around ded a number of Chinese lamps, and ther illuminations were brought into added to the bright eyes and winning ladies who presided at the stalls, aded one of fairy land. the walls, neatly lettered, were "A all friends" Long live the Vicar House of Wynnstay" Happy Ne* iccess to our Bazaar and last, though freely and willingly," which was acted j exhibited on 'he stalls being various tastes and requirements of all, useful nd met with ready purchasers. The resided at the stalls Vicarage; Miss Evans, Bronwvlfa; len Hall; Miss S. Forshaw, Fir Treo 'right, Erw Gerrig; Mrs Thomas, Mrs 'n Cottage; Mrs Barker; while Miss Forshaw took charge of the ,>, .;[[naB 'aylor, Miss E. Taylor, Miss E. Evans, presided at the refreshment stall. is were the handiwork of Miss Potter, Haskell, Mrs Biker, Mr E. V.,Jonas, an Art Gallery," over which Mr B. rynyrowen, presided, in which exhibi- r things, were mechanical toys, perform- can jubilee dancers, &c., and which was d and afforded considerable amusement three o'clock, Lady Williams Wynn and ams Wynn drove up to the schoolroom, te place was largely attended. 1 that he had the pleasure of informing entlemen assembled that Lady Williams st kindly come from Wynnstay for the aing the bazaar (applause). He (the i in the parish ten years, and during that ways received the greatest kiudness and om the Wynnstay family, who always erest in the welfare and prosperity of the dent in that district (cheers). He (the state that during the time he had t them the Vicarage was not suitable it was not only inconvenient, but lbling and tumbling down, and would t wind nor rain. When Mr West's pro- jcality was for sale, he (the vicar) pur- )f about four acres for a site for a new 3. But the difficulty was then how to jsary amount required for the building. s consulted, and he advised that applica- made to the Commissioners in London. and through the kindness and powerful Watkin, the Commissioners agreed to give condition that a like amount be raised in Veil, how was he (the vicar) to raise that itkin with an amount of kindness and h would be highly appreciated by them subscription list with £100 (applause) ,d since been contributed; and the object was to obtain the required £50; and he he had no doubt, that on the following bazaar would be open two days-even t amount would be realised, and the efforts who had so kindly and efficiently given d be crowned with success (hear, hear, and ims Wynn intimated that Sir Watkin had i from being present, having to attend the ns at Merioneth; and then declared the pen, amid great applause. during the afternoon and evening there tal and vocal music. e company present we noticed Mr and Mrs ardden Hall, Ruabon Mrs O. S. Wynne Evans and party, Bronwylfa; Mr J C. >or Dr. Roberts, Ruabon r, Dr. and Mrs. id Mrs John Kenrick, Wynn Hall; IIrs m Grammar School; Mrs Jones, Ty 1 Humphreys, Brynyroweu; Mr and Mrs J. tr J. A. Hughes, Wrexham; Mr F. Page, lir Trevor Jones and the Misses Jones, Hall, &e., &c. can t day, the handsome sum of *90 w&8 r ts—Chemists, Confectioners &c., in every tuman s Pure Tea in Packets only. anted, any weights from four to ten sVaUis, Pork Butcher, 38, Market Ha*, Wrexhanxo 'l*i