Wrexham Guardian

THE POLLUTION OF THE DEE. It was but to be expected as one of the results of the investigations by the Chester Council of the pollution of the Dee that steps would be quickly taken to prevent the exit of sewage into the various tributaries. The first body who have received notice in this matter is the Wrexham Rural Sanitary Authority. A letter was received at their meeting en Tuesday last calling their attention to the fact that the sewage of Ruabon flows into a tributary of the Dee, and that no means whatever are adopted to render the sewage harmless. The communication further reminded the Authority of the provision of the Rivers' Pollution Act, and asked what was pro- posed to bo done in the matter. Well, the latter question is just the one which has been before us for a long time. Take the sewage on to land belonging to Sir W. WILLIAMS WYXS is the reply of most people, but then Sir WATKIX has objections to this, and has gone so far as to say that he will even contest the matter in a court of law. WThat else to do with the sewage is a great puzzle to the Authority, but now that the Chester people have taken up the subject the question will have to be solved. Necessity is still the mother of invention, and let us hope that the saying will prove true in this instance. But this is by the way. The Authority replied to the letter from Chester to the effect that they had a scheme prepared for the proper disposal of the sewage of Ruabon, but its application was prevented for the present owing to the difficulty of an outfall site. They, however, would again make an endeavour to remove the difficulty of an outfall site, and divert the sewage as quickly as possible. This reply will be satisfactory to the Chester Council so far as it goes, but it must be admitted that it is somewhat indefinite. We all know the length of time it takes an Authority to get a sewerage scheme adopted and applied, and the probability is that the Chester people will not consent to have their water tainted much longer by the sewage of Ruabon and will show their impatience by some decided steps. As the CHAIRMAN remarked, the Authority are plainly liable to prosecution under the Pollution Act, and something will certainly have to be done in this matter quickly. However, as was remarked, Ruabon is not the only place which contributes to the pollution of the River Dee. The Chester people are perfectly aware of this, and the Wrexham Council will undoubtedly be reminded of it also before much more time is spent. Circumstances, however, are propitious, and the Wrexham Council can well reply to the Chester circular that they have under consideration a scheme for the diversion of a large quantity of storm water from the sewers, which will prevent the overflow at Hafodywern and consequently the pollution of tbe brook in times of heavy rain. We would again venture to call the attention of those who are considering the matter of the Stansty sewerage to the convergence of all circumstances in favour of the proposed reception by the Urban Authority of the sewage of Stansty and the consequent diversion of the storm water. There is but little doubt that WTrexham will have to divert a portion of her storm water whether she accepts extra sewage or not, and the question is assum- ing a similar state to that of the new streets, viz., when and how it shall be done. The question having parsed from the permissive into the absolute state, -any fatal difficulty to the t I adoption of the scheme for the reception of the sewage of Stansty will be a great misfortune to Wrexham, as it will, probably, entail the expense of the diversion of the storm water without the proffered advantage of the sewer in Chester road.

THE REVISION COURT. The preliminaries of the forthcoming political contest in the Denbigh boroughs have com- menced, and so far as they have gone the result in the end need not be feared. The lists of voters for Wrexham, Denbigh, and Ruthin, have already been revised, with the result of a majority of Conservative gains in the two places where any business occurred. That of Holt remains to be revised, and here a large majority to the same side may fairly be expected. In Wrexham, the Liberals also lay claim to a majority in their favour, which we understand largely exceeds that of the Conservatives. A careful analysis of the entiretproceedings, however, goes to show that the boast of the Liberal party is largely over-estimated. By a manipulation of figures, the Liberals naturally show a majority, but on the contrary, the Conservatives have arrived at their result fairly, and with making every allowance for their opponents. The Liberals have made no allowance for duplicate claims, whereas the Conservatives have allowed no less than fifty per cent. hence the imaginary Liberal gain. In Denbigh the Liberals suffered more grievously, the whole of their objections failing through a technical error. In Ruthin the pro- ceedings were much tamer, no person being objected to, and one claim only being allowed. The revision takes places at Holt next Friday, and with the result here obtained, coupled with the successes already gained, there can be no doubt that the Conservatives will be much stronger on the new register than on the old one.

ILaral flelus. '1

REVISING BARRISTERS COURTS. WREXHAM (BOROUGH). The following is the result of the recent revision of the borough lists — Conservative claims allowed (including one-half of duplicate claims) 1:23 Lodger claims allowed. 7 Objections to Liberals on overseers' list sustained 13 — m Liberal claims allowed (including half of duplicates) 118 Lodger claims allowed 6 „ Objections to Conservatives on overseers' list sustained. 9 133 Conservative gain 1i) DENBIGH (BOROUGH). Mr. -Coxon sat at two o'clock on Thursday to revise the borough lists. Mr. Evan Morris, Mr. J. P. Lewis, and Mr. G. T. Smith represented the Conservatives Mr. Thomas Roberts also assisting. Mr. R. H. Roberts < and Mr. Robert Williams appeared for the Liberals. None of the freemen were objected to. The Barrister very highly complimented Mr. Ed. Mills, the assistant overseer, for tne excellent way in which the lists had been prepared. On the first notice of objection by the Radicals being put in, Mr. Morris objected to the form of the notice, which stated that the objection was grounded on "in- sufficiency of occupatiun," which did not comply with the Act of last session, which provided that the grounds of objection should be specifically stated, and insuffi- ciency of occupatitm" might mean as r.o time or the nature of the occupation, and, therefore, did not give any specific ground. After considerable discussion, the Barrister allowed the objection, and declared the notice bad. This applied to all the objections made by the Radicals, which were contested. The Court was occupied a very long time in discussing one of the notices of objections sent in by the Conser- vatives. It objected to a person whom it was said had not occupied a farmhouse during the year as tenant, he having occupied it only part of the time as servant to Mr. David Jones, coal merchant, who had before claimed and obtained a vote for the property. The Barrister thought the notice did not clearly point to the actual ground upon which objection was taken, but seemed to refer to time only.—Mr. Morris contended that the notice was in due form, and the grounds of their objection could not be better stated, and, further, f that it was in compliance with the Act.—The Barrister said it was a point he should like cleared up. He should, however, hold that the notice of objection was bad, but willingly granted Mr. Morris a case on the points in- volved. The racts i:.1 dispute were settled at once, in order that Mr. Morris may seek the opinion of the higher court on the points, but as it only affected one notice, it is doubtful whether the matter will be pro- ceeded with. Mr. T. Gold Edwards was called to support the claim of his coachman, who lived in a house which he pro- vided for him, but he admitted, on examination by Mr. Morris, that if the coachman left the house without his permission, he would be obliged to leave his service, and this, it was contended, did not give the claimant an independent tenancy, and the claim was disallowed. Both parties had made unusual efforts in reference to the borough revision, and the various cases about which there was any dispute were argued fully and ably, and the importance may be imagined by the court sitting until half-past seven in the evening. RUTHIN (BOROUGH). Mr. Coxon sat at two o'clock to revise the borough lists, but it is worth recording that there was no person objected to in the whole borough, and only one claim, that of a person who had lived in one of the other Denbigh borough's and removed to Ruthin, and claimed a Parliamentary vote, which was allowed. It was re- marked that the overseer did his work so well that little was left to be done. A brief discussion arose as to the payment of the overseers and town clerk, the Barrister showing that by the recent Act half the expenses came out of the borough fund and half out of the poor rates, and he would frame his certificate to show that. A discussion also arose as to who was responsible for the preparation of the Parliamentary lists for the re- turning officers of the boroughs, whether the Town Clerks of each borough or the Town Clerk of Den- bigh, as the person set forth in the old Registration Act. The Barrister said the Act was very badly drawn up, and by no means clear on that and other points. Mr. Morris suggested that the Town Clerks of Den- bigh, Ruthin, and Wrexham should meet to discuss the points, and go into the bearings of the present Act as regards the former one, which invested the power in the Town Cierk of Denbigh. It seemed agreed that the matter should be looked into more fully. DENBIGH (COUNTY). Mr. Alfred Coxon, sat at the County Hall, Denbigh, on Wednesday, for the purpose of revising the lists of the parishes in the Denbigh district for the county. The Conservatives were represented by Mr. Tench, Wrexham, Mr. Evan Morris, Wrexham, and Mr. J. Parry Jones, junr., Denbigh, and the Liberals by Mr. R. H. Roberts, solicitor, Denbigh, Mr. Robert Parry, Denbigh, and Mr. William Parry, Denbigh. The proceedings iiresented few features of special interest, consisting of revising the lists as set forth by the overseers, and some objections and claims made by each party. Amongst the objections made by the Liberals was one to Sir Gilbert Greenall, M.P. for Warrington, who has property in the town of Denbigh. The Conser- vatives supported the claim, produced the deeds of the peoperty, and the Barrister at once allowed the vote. The question arose as to whether a house which gave a vote for the borough could also give a vote for the county. It arose in the case of Mr. John Knowles to whom the Conservatives had objected because he had claimed for a house inhabited by him in Park-street, and which gave him now a vote for the borough. Mr. Knowles admitted that he had claimed, for the house he lived in, and not for the new house he had erected in Park-street and was now occupied. The Barrister said Mr. Knowles had very fairly given his evidence, and from that he must say that he was not qualified this year, because the same house could not give a vote for the borough and for the county, and he must claim next year for the new house, and not the one he was living in. The name of the Rev. J. H. Roberts, M.A., late master of the Grammar School, was struck off. Two persons named Jones, from Birmingham, owning jointly some property at Llechryd, claimed, and had been objected to by the Conservatives. The conveyance was produced "by one of them and after much examination as to the value, mortgage, &c. the claim was allowed. The person named, who was very indignant, in somewhat sharp terms demanded his costs, having come from Birmingham OIl purpose. The Barrister told him it could not be, the objection was a very reasonable one. The claimant still protested that he must have his costs. The Barrister told him it was a waste of time, he should not allow costs. Mr. Morris said he had been very ready to give evidence that day, why did not he give it before. Finding he could not get the costs he had determined upon, he put on his hat, gathered up his papers, and indignantly left the court. Mr. Robert Jeffries, contractor, of Denbigh and Con- way, was present, and it turned out in the end that he had been either the subject of a hoax, or that some neg- lect had taken place in reference to his case. He had received a printed circular signed by Mr. Robert Parry, the Liberal registration agent, stating that the Con- servatives had objected to his vote, and that it was ad- visable that he should come over to Denbigh to sub- stantiate his vote. He w.as surprised beyond measure that the Conservatives should have objected against him, because in fact he was a staunch Conservative a member of the committee of the Conway Conservative Association, and had on all occasions made known his political principles. On arrival in Denbigh he was still more mystified, for he found that the Conservatives had not objected to his vote that indeed they knew better than do anything so absurd. Mr. Parry, it seemed, had, by some means, been under the impression that the vote had been objected to, and admitted sending the notice. Mr. Jeffries was justly indignant on the sub- ject, and said that his expenses ought to be paid. The following is the result:— Con. Lib. gam. gain. Conservatives struck off by overseers 22 Liberals ditto ditto 7 „ 15 Co*.iservat:ve eltiinc a'uowed 32 Deduct reclaims 7 25 ) Liberal claims allowed 12 13 Conservative objections to old voters 14 Liberal ditto ditto 5 9 12 16 15 Conservative gain 7 RUTHIN (COUNTY). Mr. Alfred Coxon, the revising barrister for Denbigh- shire, sat at the County Hall, Ruthin, on Monday, to revise the lists of county voters for the following 1 parishes in the Ruthin district :-Llanynys, Llanrhydd, ] Llanychard, Cloeacnog, Efenechtyd, Derwen, Gyffy- lliog, Llanarmon-yn-Yale, Llanbedr, Llandegla, Llane- lidan, Llanfair, D.C., Llanferras, Llanfwrog, Llangan- hafel, and Ruthin. The Conservatives were represented by Mr. Evan Morris, Wrexhaim and Mr. William Lloyd, Ruthin, and the Liberals by Mr. Ll. Adams, Ruthin, and Mr. Robert Parry, Denbigh. In the parish of Llanynys there was not a single claim or objection, and the same applied to some of the other parishes. The business was of no public interest; no points of moment arising. The following is the result of the registration :— Conervative-Claims 28 Sustained 19 Objections to old list 2 Liberal-Claims 8 Sustained 4 Objections to eld list 11 RHYL (COUNTY). The revision in the Ehyl district finished on Monday, Mr. W. L. Foulkes being the barrister. The Conserva- tives were represented by Mr. J. Powell, Wrexham, fur Mr. Evan Morris, Wrexham and the Liberals by Mr. Mostyn Williams. The name of Mr. Peter Browne, Chief-constable of Flintshire, was struck off on the ground of his office. The name of Mr. John Devine, secretary of the Winter Gardens, was struck off, although he had been a voter several years, because the list did not name the houses in succession" for which he was entitled.

BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. ———— MONDAY.—Before the Mayor (Isaac Shone Esq.), T. C. Jones, A. W. Edwards, John Bury, J. C. Owen, and T. Painter, Esqrs. RINGING THE CHANGES. Mary Carrol, Salford, Manchester, was charged by P.C. Williams with attempting to utter base coin. P.C. Williams stated that on Saturday night about eight o'clock a messenger came to the police station for an officer to go to the Cocoa Koums, Henblas-street. When he went there he found the prisoner by the bar. Mr. Black, manager of the Cocoa Rooms, said the prisoner came in and asked for a bowl of soup, and in payment gave a two-shiliine-piece, the change of which was given to her. She went out and on coming back asked for a halfpenny roll, which was also given to her. She again went out, and returning a third time she asked Mrs Black if she could do with a shiliingsworth of copper. Mrs. Black (witness's wife) being in wanf of it accepted it, whereupon prisoner asked for the two- shilling-piece, giving the copper in return for it. Prisoner was just going out when she was reminded that Mrs. Black was short of a shilling. Prisoner then got rather noisy and a policeman was sent for. The Bench dismissed the case. STEALING CAPS. Martin Bollaml and Patrick Keenan, boys about 13 years of age, were in custody on a charge of stealing a number of caps the property of Air. P. Walsh, hatter, &c., Market Hall. Mr. Walsh remarked that he was continually missing articles from his stall. The bars of the gates at the entrance of the market were so wide, as to admit of the body of a boy of the age of the defendants. P.C. Williams said that Bolland had acknowledged stealing the goods. The Bench ordered Sergeant Dutton to administer to each of the boys' twelve strokes with a birch rod. A TRIVIAL ASSAULT. Absalom Davies was summoned by Richard Roberts, for an assault. Both parties are colliers. Prosecutor stated that he lived at the Moss, and was watcher at the Westminster Colliery. He was at the County Hall on the previous Monday, and after it he went into the town and there met defendant. They went into the Fleece, and defendant asked- him to pay for some beer. He declined, and defendant then put his fist" under his nose, and pushed his head back." Defendant was summoned by Thos. Roberts for a similar offence. He said defendant only "lifted his nose," and did not do him any injury. In defence Davies admitted the assault, but pleaded that he had been sneered at and aggravated. He was very sorry for what he had done. Richard Roberts said lie had known the defendant for a long time, and did not wish to punish him, but if he took this he should have to take similar things from others, and, he added, "that was the real meaning of the fact and the fact of the truth." Defendant was lined Is. in each case, and the ex- penses and the time of the witnessts-total £ l 8s. DISTURBERS OF THE PEACE. Daniel 01.217cil, collier, was summoned for creating a disturbance. P.C. Taaffe stated that he found the defendant, on the previous eveiiiii s, using bad language to his wife in Mount-street. He also abused the police on the witness making his appearance. Defendant was uned os. and expenses, or, in default, seven days. Mary Edwards and John Edwards, man and wife, Bridge-street, were summoned for creating a disturbance on Saturday night. P.C. Taaffe found the defendants using very bad lan- guage. Eventually, Mary Edwards went into the house, and John then assaulted her. On Taaffe going into the house, the male defendant ordered him out. Both defendants were fined 5s. and expenses. ALLEGED FURIOUS DRIVING. Thomas Henry Evans and Richard Rogers, shandry owners, were summoned for furious driving on Saturday night. P.C. Taaffe stated that on Saturday night he saw the two defendants galloping up Hope-street. They were calling to one another, and he believed they were both in drink. He followed them, and near Grosvenor-road he stopped one of the traps and got the names of the parties. Mr. Rogers said it was his son who was driving, and they had summoned the wrong man. L The case against Richard Rogers was dismissed. The son will be summoned. In the other case, there being no appearance, a war- rant was issued. A RELICT OF BANGOR RACES. Margaret Hayes, of the Beast Market, Wrexham, was summoned for an assault. Richard Partridge stated that on the previous Satur- day he was coming out of a pubiiehouse in Hope-street, when the defendant caught hold of him and said he was the man who had assaulted her at Bangor races. Sergt. Jones came ùp, and he (witness) got away from defen- dant, but in a few minutes lie met her again, and also her husband. The husband said he would give him Bangor races." Witness went into a shop, and sent for two police. Sergeant J ones said he went to the shop and he en- deavoured to get the woman away. The Clerk \Yas she in drink Sergeant Jones: Weil, I think there waa a little drink in her. (Laughter). A fine of 5s. and expenses was inflicted. BBAWN V. PIG'S HEAD. Thomas Thompson was chargcd with having been drunk, &c., on Saturday night. P.C. Jones said he was on duty in Queen-street on Saturday ni¿ht. Defendant was there and made a great disturbance. Defendant admitted the offence, but said he had been working late, and had a little too much beer. He was sober enough when witness took the pig's head out of his pocket. Tne Officer said defendant had some brawn in his pocket but no pig's head. Defendant: Well, pig's head and brawn is the same, ira't it ?" The Bench discharged the defendant after having cautioned him. THURSDAY.—Before Charles Hughes and Edward Williams, Esqrs. STEALING MONEY. George Roberts, bricklayer, Wrexham, was in custody charged with stealing Is. in silver, and some coppers from the till of the Elephant and Castle Inn, Charles- street. Miss Birch gave evidence and the prisoner was re- manded until Monday. This prisoner was the first to occupy the cells at the new police barracks.

COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. TUESDAY.—Before T. Ll. Fitz-Hugh, Esq., and Captain Griffith-Boscawen. THE PORTER STEALING CASE. Frederick James Walker was brought up on remand from Thursday last, on the charge of stealing porter from the Wrexham, Mold, and Connah's Quay Railway goods shed. The evidence and statement of the pri- soner Walker was given last week. The prisoner produced several letters from former employers as to character, which were considered satis- factory. The Chairman, in awarding the sentence of the Court, said that the testimonials just read would be taken into consideration by the Court, in giving their judgment. He hoped that it would be a warning to the prisoner for the future. The railway companies were responsible to their customers for the goods in their charge, and it was very necessary for their servants to be steady and reli- able men. The law very properly awards a greater punishment for the theft of goods from an exposed place than for a similar offence committed in a guarded place, and the prisoner would be sent to prison for one month with hard labour. THURSDAY.—Before E. Evans, Esq. IMPUDENT VAGRANTS. Thomas Boughan and John Smith, were charged with obtaining admission into the Vv rexham Workhouse under false names. It appeared 0:1 the 7th October, the defendants entered the vagrant wards of the workhouse under the above names and in the respective descriptions of a plumber and a moulder. On the 8th they were discharged. In the evening of the same day they again returned to the house with tickets of admission obtained from the police, but they had changed their names to William Barrett, dogger, and James Green, tinsmith. The master of the house, Mr. Ralph, had had much trouble with these men who had refused to work &c. The magistrate sentenced them to 21 days imprison- I ment with hard labour.

WREXHAM RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY. A meeting of this body was held in the office of the Clerk (Mr. J. Oswell Bury) on Tuesday last. Present: Captain Griffith-Boscawen (chairman), Mr. S. T. Baugh (vice-chairman), Sir R. A Cunliffe, Bart., and Messrs. W. Humphreys, Gomer Roberts, T. LI. Fitz-Hugh, W. Low, W. Thomas, C. Webster, Edward Evans, R. Roberts, Richard Jones, and J. Daniels. MEDICAL OFFICERS' REPORTS. Dr. Davies reported as follows :— Scarlet Fever.—Rhosnes-ney—No new cases of scarlet fever have occurred in this district during the month. Crabtree Green—Of the three cas reported last month, one has recovered, one has proved fatal, and one is still under treat- ment. No new cases. Rhostyllen-One of the cases reported last month has since ended fatally. There have occurred six fresh cases during the month, most of which have recovered, and tbe remainder looking favourably. A few eases of scarlatinal sore throat have occurred also, which have re- covered. Bersham—No new cases daring the month. I regret to say that the disease has spread to Sontley, also to Itinera, Adwy, Bwlchgwyn, and Talwrn. Soutley-Two cases have occurred. There are also two cases at Minera, two at Bwlchgwyn, three at Talwrn, and seven at the Adwy, most of them being mild. One case, at the Adwy, is very serious indeed. Diphtheria-Two cases have occurred during the month, one at Gresford (fatal) and one at Borras still under treat- ment. Death Report.—Thirty-five deaths have been registered, giving a death. rate of 14 per 1,000 per annum. Dr. William Jones reported that scarlet fever was very prevalent in Ruabon village. There were a great many cases now under treatment, but every precaution was being taken to prevent a spread of the disease, and the governors of Ruabon National School had decided upon closing the school for some weeks, by which means it was hoped that the disease would be stamped out. The other parts of the district were remarkably healthy. The doctor added that the death rate for the month was the lowest in that district since the organization of the Rural .Sanitary Authority, the number of deaths being only twelve compared with 37 in the corresponding month of last year. The number of births registered was 22 females and 30 males, compared with lit females and 21 males in September, 1878. The death rate for the month was per 1,000, compared with 24'60 in September, 1878. The deaths took place in the follow- ing ecclesiastical divisions of Ruabon and Erbistock parishes Ruabon, 2; Erbistock, 0; Rhosymedre, 5 Rhos, 2; Penycae, 3 total 12. THE WATER AT CRAB-TREE GREEN. Dr. Davies also reported specially on the supply of water to the above place. The doctor was of opinion that the inhabitants here were without a proper supply of water for drinking purposes. In regard to the recent outbreak of scarlet fever in this district he was decidedly of opinion that it was not caused by the water supply, nor in any way affected by it. As he had before stated, scariet fever, measles, and small-box spread only by contagion, however obscure and difficult. Other diseases, measles, diphtheria, typhoid fever, &c no doubt arose from spontaneous generation, as well as spread from contagion. At the same time the character of the disease was modified by bad water, overcrowding, &c., but he must say that such had not been the case in this epidemic, as the average number of deaths had not been greater than in other places. He had made in- quiries into the best mode of obtaining a better supply or improving the present one, and he found there was hardly any g-od water in the neighbourhood, with simply one exception, so that any attempt to sink a well in another place would, he thought, be in vain. He had also examined the water placed by Sir Watkin in the garden of a cottage of his own. The water was very bad, and the smell and taste abominable. The only remedy was by taking \vj.ter from a pool, in which there was an nuipie supply, and which appeared to be very-good. This was about 150 yards from the village and close to the read side, and he suggested that this should be brought in pipes to a place near the present pump, and that the water pass through a filtering ap- paratds before reaching the pump. The cost would be from ;25 to O, but before any money was spent he should suggest that a sub-committee visit the place with him, and that the water be tested. After some discussion, the report and suggestions were adopted, and the doctor authorised to get the water analysed before the committee make their visit. DISINFECTION. Dr. Davies further reported that a short time ago the authority authorised him to obtain a disinfecting apparatus not t" exceed the sum of £30. He had 1 examined the modus operandi of the apparatus and, not being satisried with it, he had not purchased it. He 1 had been dhinfecting the houses and bedding in the best way he could. The Urban Authority had sug- gested joining with the Rural Authority in the pur- chasing of an efficient apparatus. He might say that an efficient disinfecting apparatus would cost about £ 10°- It was decided to let the question rest for the present, as the disease was gradually dying out. THE ENGINEER'S REPORT. Mr. Glennie reported in regard to the number of con- nections, &c., made in the Rhos, and in regard to the manholes in the Cefn. He also reported a case in which the main sewers had been interfered with and injured by a couple of men. Orders were given to caution these men and claim damage from them. THE DRAINAGE OF RHOSTYLLEN. The Inspector (Mr. Hugh Davies) reported on the sanitary condition of this district, and was lof opinion that the state of the village was very bad. Eventually it was decided that Mr. Davies proceed with notices to the owners and occupiers in regard to the matter. THE SANITARY STATE OF BANGOR. Mr. Hugh Davies reported on the condition of Bangor. He said he had served several notices for the cleansing of ditches, &c., which had not been complied with. He was of opinion that Bangor would never be properly drained until a sewer was put down. It was resolved that Mr. Hugh Davies proceed with the notices and take out summonses if necessary. THE DIFFICULTY OF THE SEWERAGE OF RUABON. The following letter was received from the Town Clerk of Chester :— Town Clerk's Office, Abbey Gateway, Chester. 23rd September, 1879. Gentlemen,—It is reported to tke Town Council that the Sewage of Ruabon is carried into a tributary of the River Dee, without any means whatever being taken to render the same harmless. This being an offence against the Rivers Pollutions Prevention Act, I am directed to request the im- mediate attention of your Board, as the Sanitary Authority of the district, to the necessity for their at once taking such action as may be necessary to rein ■•dy this state of things, and I am to express the hoj e that you will favour me with an early report, stating what steps have been or are proposed to be taket:.—I am, your obedient servant, (Signed) JOBH WALKER. The CHAIRMAN said he was at first inclined to think that the Authority was not liable under the Rivers Pol- lution Act, because they had not constructed any sewers there. But on looking into the Act, he found that they were liable, because by the Public Health Act, 1875, all sewers of any kind by whomsoever made were vested in the Sanitary Authority. Then the des- cription of a drain, &c., followed, and there were such drains in Ruabon as those described. Therefore, he was afraid that the Authority would come under section 3 of the Rivers Pollution Act, 1876. The Act, however, provided that in those cases in which pollutions were in existence before the passing of the Act, proceedings should not be taken if the person in default could show to the satisfaction of the Court that they were using the best practical measures to render harmless the sewage or other noxious matters. He thought from this that they would have time allowed them to consider what they could best do. He also believed that they were liable under the Act, and that they were guilty in this matter. There were a great many pollutions going into the Dee in addition to theirs, and perhaps they could mention one case not very far from them. This, how- ever, did not absolve them. He thought the best plan was for the Authority to write to the Chester Council stating that the Rural Authority had a system of drain- age for Ruabon, and were only prevented from carrying it out by the difficulty of an outfall. Whether they could do anything to render the sewage harmless in the meantime he did not know. Under the Act there was power for any person aggrieved to take proceedings against the offending parties in the County Court, but the County Court judge would not make an order if the Sanitary Authority were taking any means to prevent pollution. He was of opinion that they should now face the difficulty. Mr. BAUGH was of opinion that they should adopt the Chairman's suggestion, and then ask Sir Watkin whether he could in any way help the Authority out of the difficulty. The CHAIRMAN thought this plan would bring the matter to a head. and perhaps induce Sir Watkin to help them out of the difficulty. Eventually it was resolved that the Clerk acknow- ledge the letter from Chester Council, and state that the Sanitary Authority has had the question of the proper disposal of the sewage of Ruabon before them, and that plans were prepared and ready to be carried out, but owing to the difficulty of an outfall site the scheme waa abandoned for the present, but the Authority were now endeavouring to prevent pollution in future. THE DRAINAGE OF BRYMBO. A circular was received from the Public Works Loan Board offering to lend the sum of £.5,600 at 3i per cent., for the carrying out of the drainage of Brymbo. It was resolved that the engineer prepare plans of the north end of the scheme with a view to advertising for tenders for the construction of the works. THE DRAINAGE OF STANSTY. A letter was received from Stansty Authority, com- municating to the Board the result of the recent con- ference. It was resolved to request the engineer of the scheme to mark off that part of the township whose sewage it is proposed to pa"; into the borough sewers, and a special meeting will be held to revise the boundary. THE REGISTRAR'S RETURN. The Registrar of Births and Deaths (Mr. J. Oswell Bury) submitted his classified return of the deaths registered in the whole of the district of the Rural Sanitary Authority from January 1st, 1871, to December 31st, 1878, and suggested the desirability of having the return properly tabulated and divided into districts. giving the death-rates A each district in the year. He also mentioned that there were only six cases of small pox in the whole district since 1871, four of which occurred in one year. On referring to the register of deaths for Ruabon alone in 1838 he found that four out of every five occurred from small pox. The CHAIRMAN said he thought this was a proof of the great good of vaccination. Sir ROBERT CUNLIFFE also thought this valuable testimony to the good of vaccination. It was ordered that the report be printed and circu- lated amongst the members, FINANCE. Mr. OSWELL Bt-RY stated that the credit balances were so good that half the usual amount of cats would be sufficient for the half year. The special calls were 13s. 8d. for Bieston, 13s. 7d. for Erlas. The special expenses for Ruabon were exactly half what thev were this time last year. The calls for the necessary ms Were made upon the overseers. This concluded the business. ■

WREXHAM SCHOOL BOARD. The usual meeting of this board was held on Tuesday last, when there were present Mr. Charles Hughes (chairman), Messrs. Walter Jones and T. Bury. Mr. Lindop presented the following report :— To the Members of the Wrexham, School Board. Gentlemen.-The cases calling for your attention to-day are, I am sorry to say. nearly all those of old offenders, who have repeatedly had notice to appar before thb hoard- have appeared, haxe been reproved jor the pa-i; and cautioned for the future. For a time, after al1 this, they have 110ne on better, then they have fallen into their old habits again. This seems to suggest to my mind that it would be better to take such cases before the magistrates rather than this one per- petual round oj bringing them llEÏore the Hoard. 1.—Isaac Bailey, laborer, Yorkshire-square. Turee children, known bv name of and entered in tiu t,J" vI the Catholic School in that name—Edward, 11 last December, makes on occasioaal appearance at school; Elizabeth 9 last December Annie, 6 tl1is month; these two are oftener to be seen begging iu the suburbs of the town than to be found in school. 2.-John Davies, labourer, 21, Pentrefehn. Three children that come under the powers of the School Board Act, who have migrated from school to school for a long period with intervals of long absenoe from school, aud at presem as far aø 1 cava find, are in no school at d1. Arthur, lJ last May; Sarah Anne, 9 this month William. 7 last mouth. 3.—Maigaret Jones, E. Meifod-vierrsee, John m, 12 this month, never attends school a whole day at a time, the mother keeps him at home to rFn of errands for tradesmen; Martha, 3 6a, lIwde 21 attei.iJ.aucas in nine weeks. 4.—William Strange, laborer, 6 Isle-of-Man. B .'atriee, 12 last May, has made 12 attendances in eight vpeks. Thomas 9, lf1;c,t May, has made S attendances ill the jam f;iooe of time Henry, 7 last May, not in school. 5,—iidwird KeAxidrews, laborer, 12, Cutler's Entry. Edward, between 11 and 12 years of age. This boy's u.b»enoes much exceed IÜ :1ttelldances. for which his mo: :>«'• pieads iiluess, but she will never IFOÙUCP II, mediccd 6.—Mary I{oberts, 5, Mount-street. Philip (I tlrs .Jth. Thii boy's absence is accounted for by a me:iic\! certaicase. 7.—Abel Griffiths, 2, Teillnhr3 Avenue El,za:. has beeu turned out of the Fre» School for bad ::t, Ilce. Mary Griffiths will shortly share the saute fate unless ,,11° im- proves in her attendance. 8.—Martin Bolevn, labourer, S. Harrison's-ourt, F -r jdon- street. George, 12 next December, is a regular street arab; was before tile Bench on Monday tDGrninK for ste.iV c.otii capdrom tbe stall of .,11'. W'a^sii, ill Lwe Market Hail. Mary lO, a wreiched attender. 9.—Michael Peader;uest, labourer, 16, Mary Aim square. Sarah Ellen, 11 last Murch, has wade 3 attendances out of a possible 80 Mary, 9 last Jaauui-y, Winifred, 7 last Jui.v, both irregular, bat have lately shown some jitrnof imp.-orcu»cnt. 10.—Edward Cahill, laborer, Isie-of-Mau. Jldy; Thomas, i last March, alJour the wur5t attenue:>in the C-itholic School. I have the honor to be gentlemen, your obedient serva.nt, October 7th, 1879. J. i\ j> ^p. The Board ther: took each of the cases in tho -yrt In case No. 1 the ir>other appeared, and state* 1 that Edward was not in scho-'l because he hau been ordered not to attend on account of a case of fever in the house. The little girls, Elizabeth and Annie, were then ill at home. This case was adjourned for a fortnight in order to obtain a medical certificate.—In No. 2 case the mother appeared, and stated that the cliiir.reii men- tioned in the report were then in the ilomr.n embolic School, and had been for some time. Liacl<>»> re- marked that the names were not on the books, the case was allowed to stand over.—Mrs. Jones appeared in the third case, and said she was a widow, and had been left with four children, the oldest of whom was John William, the boy complained oi. He was, Mrs. Jones said, m the habit of "running errands" on a Thursday for various shopkeepers in the town. The Chairman remarked that those persons who employed him were breaking the law, and were liable to be fined for it. Mrs. Jones promised to send him to school regularly, and in order to see that this was done the case was adjourned for 14 days. No. 4 case was then taken, and Mrs. Strange appeared, and said her eldest daughter, Beatrice, would have been sent to school only she had no money to pay for the schooling. Iu answer to the Chairman, she said she had tried to get them-into the Free School, but it being so near the examination they were refused. The children had been in the Catholic School, but were sent away for their pence. Her husband had been out of work for some time. The children were in the habit of being sent to the Catholic School for the sake of cheapness. Slit not applied to the Board of Guardians for paynent of the school fees. Mr. Bury said he wished those mothers who came before them to know, that that was not the Board for them to come for the remission of the fee. they must go to the Board of G-i., "s. The case was adjourned for a fortnight iu 01-Jcr tnafc the children might be got into some school.—In No. 5 Mrs. McAndrews attended, and stated that he. boy- had injured his spine, and was confined to his bed. She was ordered to obtain a medical certificate.—No. 7 case was taken, and the stepmother appeared, who said Elizabeth was at home then. Mr. Lindop reported that the girl had been turned from the Free School for not having made the required number of attends rices for the Government examination. The case waa ad- journed for a fortnight.—Mr. Boleyn appeared in case N o. 8, and said that he had been sufieriug from rheuma- tism, and being unable to work, had not money Cu JaY for the schooling of his children. The boy was in the Catholic School, but they would not allow him to stay in that school without the money, and so he was turned away. He promised to send him to school at once and keep him there.—No. 9 case was adjourned at the request of Mr. Lindop, and in No. 10 a summons was ordered. Several cheques were then signed, after which the CLERK said it was his intention to remain as clerK with them until the Board dissolved, and he would then retire with the present Board. This concluded the business.

WREXHAM AND DISTRICT TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. The quarterly meeting of this association was held on Saturday last in the Girls' British School, Wrexham, which was kindly lent for the occasion, when there were present—Messrs. G. J. Jones, Board School, Peny- gelli; E. B. Astley, Board School, Pentve Broughton D, Lee Rees, Board School, Llanfynyad; Crockett, National School, Gresford Nichol, National School, Minera; C. Dodd, British School, Wrexham; Davies, Board School, Rhosddu; Brooks, Board School. Peny- fordd Davies. National School. Pentre, Chirk Powell, Board Schools, Rhos; Mills, Free Schorl. Wrexham; Miss Harrison, N ational School, Gresford Miss Wil- liams, National School, Isycoed; Ac., &c. Mr. Go J Jones, Penygelli, was unanimously voted to tbe chair, and in doing so stated that as the meeting was of a purely business routine, any remarks from him would be merely unnecessary, as their time was limited, how- ever, he was sorry that so few teachers were present but hoped that ere long every teacher in the district would be enrolled as members, and assist in the work of the association. Mr. ASTLEY read the minutes that were adopted ST tile inauguration meeting ana which had been approved ef by the Executive of National Union of E.eme^itaiy Teachers with which the Association was affiliated, and also stated that the subscription of the members ):1.d subscribed at an earlier meeting had been for war d to the National Cnion of Elementary Teachers. Mr. CROCKET (Gresford), referred to the amount of annual subscription, 5s. for Masters, 4s. Mistresses, 3s. Assistants, and that they were rather' excessive^ and that they found an obstacle to many teach jrs i ioiiyr their ranks. Mr. Astley stated that the iowe- sub- scription would be sufficient to meet the cxi-ancies of the case, pending more teachers joined tiie Association, for at present the few who joined had to bear -.he exl penses of the whole districts. Hence some few years ago it had been raised which had been barely aide to keep the old Association floating. After some lurtber conversation, Mr. Crocket promised to bring the mattes of finance before the next meeting, aId would give notice of a motion to reduce the sn:gcriptinn. me remarks were then made about the subscription for the present year, and subsequently upon the motion ;,1 Mr C. Dodd, seconded by Mr Mills, it was resoiwd the seven members whose subscriptions had been paid to the National Union, form the association for o- ,.s -nt year, ending 31st December, and that the paid now free members for next year, but such members not to be considered members of the National Union The election of officers and committee, which w Vbv ballot, was then proceeded with, the r^nlt President, Mr. G. J. Jones, Penvgedi; Victpre^L* Mr. Clarke Board School, Llangollen; Secreta^Si Treasurer, Mr. Ast.e.v, Brougnton Committee." Mr. I:oweb, Rhos Mi. Davies, Rhosddu; Air. C, Dodd. 1 %L-aii^n-vdd Mi. Crocket. Gr» forf\ £ A ^tre'.(Ju^ Mr. Mills, Wrexham i Hamsun, !bred or i. The next meeting being the annual, was faxed for the second Saturaiy in January, it bemg a suggestion to the committee that » sociel meeting and_cnteruainuient be arranged for wfter the business, ana that tue Wrexham teachers be asked arrangements for tea and refreshments. The Chairman impressed upon all, the necessity of teacher* making tnemselves acquainted with any new teaching in the ubti ict, to enlist their sympathy anu co-operation, and hoped that their next meeting would be as sucoe.-ful as they were some few 3'ears ago. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

--T terms and conditions as those upon which Mr. JAMES holds office. One or two advocated that the future Clerk should give the whole of his time to the office, but surely there is something preposterous in the idea that a small municipality of 10,000 inhabitants should require the whole time of one man to look after its work. There are municipalities four times the size of Wrex- ham, and so situated that the work of the Clerk is more than four times that of Wrexham, and even these do not require that their Clerk should give the whole of his time to the duties of the office. All knew that the greater part of the work is such as can be done by assistants, and that the real work of the Town Clerk is more of the nature of supervision. To ask a man to give the whole of his time to the work would be to ask him to do it very slowly, and to do the mechanical as well as the supervisory part of it. Even then the office would be a partial sinecure. Moreover, what man of ability would give his time and talents to the Corporation for the sum which they, in justice to the ratepayers, could offer him ? It was mentioned that Wrexham wants an Improvement Act, &c., and that a gentleman who devoted the whole of his time to the work might, in promoting such a bill, save the Council a large amount of money. The probability is that the man who did not give the whole of his time to the Council would, were he an efficient Clerk, save the Council a similar sum. But allow Lug fuvmov argument to be true, it must be admitted that the procuring of an Im- provement Act would only take a few years at the most, and what is the Clerk to do with his surplus time when he has obtained the Act ? Several other reasons were named in favour of the future Clerk devoting his whole time to the office, but they are of small weight and will not balance those to be produced against such a course. There are, undoubtedly, men in the town who are quite competent to fill the office which is about to be made vacant, and who possess the manliness to pursue successfully their duty to the town and the Council notwithstanding local influence. If such is not the case the morality of Wrexham's leading men is rather low. The second subject of importance is the pro- posed new streets. The question has been discussed so often that most people are tired of it. The question now is not should the streets be made or should they not," but are they to be made, or are they not ?" There are one or two improvements in this direction which are not only desirable but necessary, such as the opening up of Hill-street or some other such street, to relieve the traffic of Town Hill. Nothing can be done unless the preliminary legal notices be given, and the Council commit themselves to only a small outlay by authorising those notices to be given. Of course there is a great outcry about present bad times, &c., but those who use this as an argument against everything necessary or un- necessary scarcely know the nature of the argu- ment they are using. All improvements are paid for with money borrowed for 30 years, and in reality there is no greater burden put on the ratepayers of to-day than on those of 20 or 30 years hence. The sum which new streets will cost will not be raised immediately, but propor- tionate sums raised each year for 20 years. Therefore the cry about hard times, &c., is, to a great extent, delusive. People of foresight say that hard times are just when improvements should be made, because labour and material arc considerably cheaper, and it is beneficial to the working classes to open up to them means of employment. People who argue in this way argue correctly, and are really those who protect the interests of the ratepayers. The "hard times" argument, when persistnntly used, is but a subterfuge. Those who plead hard times now will plead the high price of labour and material when good times arrive, and thus they would procrastinate from time to time and prevent the execution of anything and everything. Our fear is that the Council will postpone the cutting of necessary streets until a time when the work will cost the ratepayers 10, 20, and perhaps 50 per cent. more than such work would cost at the present moment.