Wrexham Guardian

RUTHIN. THE Alleyne family gave a capital entertainment on Monday evening, which was fairly patronised. BATHAFERN CHAPEL.—On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, the annual preaching meetings were held at Bathaiern Wesleyan Chapel. The congregations were large. The special preachers were—The Revs. Isaac Jones, Conway; Evan Evans, Dolgelley; D. O. Jones, Caerwys and J. Cadven Davies. FORTHCOMING ELECTION.—The candidates spoken of, in addition to the retiring members, include— Messrs. Osbert Edwards, solicitor; J. Jones, Cae- groes John Simon, Castle-street; Morris Edwards, Harp Inn; and J. Jones, Ruthin Mills. Either Dr. W. D. Jones or Mr. R. P. Davies will be the future Mayor. ENTERTAINMENT.—The first of the winter series of popular entertainments took on Tuesday even- ing last, at the Assembly Rooms. The room was crowded to excess, the prices of admission being only 6d. and 3d. The committee are to be congratulated upon the selection made by them for the first meet- ing, as the future ones generally, depend upon its success. The Ruthin Glee and Madrigal Society, under the leadership of Mr. R. Lloyd, rendered with much taste three glees. Mr. W. P. Owen, by singing the Maid of Athens," and also Mr. John Edwards, Bugcilas yWyddfa,"were deservedly ap- plauded. Mr. J. Edwards and Mr: T. Roberts also sang "Larboard Watch" with much credit. Mr. Owens, of Conway, gave two excellent Welsh re- citations. The characteristic song by Mr. Parry, of Rhyl, as a Frenchman," was well sustained. Mr. McFarlane sang Jack's Yarn." But the events of the evening were the Italian dance and the Amateur Minstrel Company. In the former Mr. Hornsby, of the North and South Wales Bank, attired in imitation Italian dress, with two sons of Mr. William Cole and Master Owen, drew down the house by their representations. The Minstrel Com- pany, consisting of Messrs. Mostyn (leader), Good- win (bones), Parry, Douglas, G. Roberts, Bolton, Humphreys, H. Williams, and J. Morris, acquitted themselveo beyond expectation, and deserve great praise for their assistance. Their programme con- sisted of sentimental and comic songs, ending with a ghost illusion, causing roars of laughter; the grand finale being the stump speech of the inimit- able Lemuel Mostyn, in full plantation outrig. The excitement caused throughout was very evident, and every one left the hall in the best of humour. Mr. Huat gave the gratuitous use of a piano. The proceeds of the entertainment are to be handed over to the Reading Room Institution. The Football Club have arranged the next programme. Mr. Alun Lloyd, who undertook the duties of stage con- ductor, caused some fun with his Topical song." COUNTY MAGISTRATES' COURT. MONDAY.—Before Messrs. R. G. Johnson, James Goodrich, and J. F. Jesse. SCHOOL BOARD CASES. The following persons were summoned by the Ruthin School Board, represented by the Clerk (Mr. Ezra. Roberts), for neglecting to send their children to school:—Thomas Davies and James Owen, Well-street, fined 5s. including costs; Edward Edwards, Crispin Yard, fined 3s. and orders made on the following :— Peter Roberts, labourer, Llanrhydd Catherine Roberts, Well-street; Beri Roberts, tailor; Michael Hussen, hawker; loan Williams, labourer; Robert Thomas, shoemaker; Hannah Edwards, Mwrog-street; Ann Mathers, Mwrog-street; and Maria Jones, Mill-street. BEGGING. P.C. Williams brought up in custody Thomas Corley, a tramp, on a charge of begging, and he was sent to gaol for seven days. HIGHWAY OFFENCE. Joshua Salisbury, Felinymoch, Gyffylliog, was charged by P.C. Williams with allowing his donkey to stray, and fined Is. and 7s. costs. An affiliation case of no interest closed the proceed- inga. LIBELLING MRS. CORNWALLIS WEST, AND MRS. LAN GTRY. On Saturday, Mr. Adolphus Rosenberg, the pub- lisher of Town Talk, was taken into custody by William Flewster and Henry Taylor, detectives, and brought to the Guildhall Police Court, London, charged "for that he the said accused, on the 8th day of October inst., and on divers other days, in the said city, unlawfully and maliciously did publish a certain defamatory libel of and concerning one William Cornwallis West and Mary West, contrary to the statute." Mr. Edward Dilland Lewis (of Old Bond-street) said I have the honour to prosecute the defendant for a defamatory libel, than which one more devoid of truth or more false has never been the subject of investiga- tion, even in a court of criminal justice. The prose- cutor is Mr. Cornwallis West, who resides at No. 40, Eaton-place, and Ruthin Castle, Denbigh, of which county he is Lord-Lieutenant. He is married to a lady whose blameless life it would have been hoped would have saved her from the attack which to describe as infamous and cowardly would be, to my mind to use language of the grossest flattery. The de- fendant is the publisher of the paper known as Toicn Talk, and here it is at least unnecessary that I should say one word to describe the character of the publication, which has obtained of itself already an evil reputation. That renders it unnecessary that I should say anything to inform your mind as to the nature of the publication. Whether the defendant is anything more than the publisher— whether he is, in fact, the proprietor as well—it is unnecessary for us to discuss at the present moment, but from this place I desire to say publicly that as to every single person who is engaged in the preparation—in the printing, in the publication, or in the dissemination of this paper—it is our intention to proceed against with all the rigour of the law. I will now proceed to read to you the libel which forms the subject matter of this prosecution, and I will only premise this, that as to every single statement, or article of statement, which is contained in the lengthy article I am going to read to you, that it is from begin- ing to end an infamous lie. There is not only not a particle of truth in it, but there is not the semblance or the shadow of a fact of any kind upon which this mon- strous superstructure of lies has been built up. The article is headed "Mrs. Cornwallis at Home," and the writer proceeds :— It is an undoubted fact that the most aristocratic portion of English society has done more towards making- our British bigher classes a by-"crJ for scandal and scoffing than an the efforti of Dümagognes and Republicans put together. To think that a lady of exalted position should find it worth her while to be photogrllphed f. r sale is a disgrace to the upper ten thousand, and I trust that the rumour is true 'her most gracious Majesty has issued an express wish that this traffic in the likenesses of photographic beauties shall be discontinued. It certltinIy does not make foreign countrie and critics think much of ollr Lord Lieutenant of Denbigh that, for the sake of gratifying his wife's stupid vanity, and realising a few pounds pcr annum, he allows that lady's photograph to be exposed for sale at a price ranging from one penny to two shillings and sixpence. Mr. Cornwallis West is a dignitary who ought certainly to uphold his position as a Lord-I.ieutenant. and he does not do so when he allows Mrs. West, the bone of his bore and the flesh of his flesh, to make the public exhibition of herself that is daily seen in our fashionable sho;> windows. When an official of high rank permits his wife to display her charms side by side with the portraitures of halt-naked actresses, and entirely naked Zulu women, he can have but little respect for himself, for her, or for his position. Mrs. West lives in the neighbourhood of Eaton-square, in the region known as Pimlico. At the back of the house is a yard, and in this yard are four corners, and in each corner is a photographic studio in addition to this there is a glasshouse on the roof, mid fifteen dark rooms on the various landings. It is almost impossible to conceive the labour gone through by Mrs. West in the course of a day. About seven o'clock she takes her breakfast, and after reading- Town lalk and the Denbigh Daily, sent her by Mr. W.. she proceeds to her extensive wardrobe, and attires herself ready for the first photographic artist who happens to call. Jaae-that is the name of her lady's maid—has strict orders to state that she is not at home to any one except Fradelle and .Marshall, or the Stereo- scopic Company's young man. When either of these parties arrive they are taken into the front parlour, treated to a glass of something short, and conducted afterwards into one or another of the photographic studios. Sometimes each of all five of these rooms contains an operator at the same time, and Mrs West rmhes from one to the other in various costumes with a rapidity that is something marvellous. Her changes of costume are so quickly manipulated that any quick-change artist is completely out of the bunt in blue satin, now in red, now in green, and nextly in white-she seems to be a kind of human feminine chameleon. Some- times she is taken with a grin, occasionally witl1 a leer; at times with a devotional aspect, and at other times quite Having been taken about fifteen times in as many new positions, the photographers are dismissed for a time, and Mrs. West rests ¡¡fterher laborious exertions, and having partaken of a light luncheon of hard-boiled eggs, she dresses herself, and the brougham or victoria (according to the state of the weather) is brougbt round to the door, and she drives round to tbe various shops to collect her commission on the cartes de visite and the cabinets that have been sold during the previous day. I do not vouch for the truth of the state- ment, but I am informed that this little commission amounts to thousands yearly, and the joke of the whole thing is that these pictures are purchased principally by cads, who show the likenesses about to their friends, and oftentimes boast that they were given to them by Mrs. West herself, and I cannot say that I in any way pity the lady, for she lays herself open to this sort of imult. A woman must have come, indeed, to a low estimate of her womanhaod when her vanity permits her to do this sort of thing. If Mrs. Cornwallis West had done any one act to make herself known; if she were a her@ine, or even a murderess, there would be some excuse in this traffic. When actresses get themselves taken it is excusable; when are sold from the windows of our fashionable shops, it is understood that they are as shameless as they are good-looking but when a woman of position, such as Mrs. West, classes herself with the latter. she has only herself to blame if the casual purchaser considers her to be in the same street.' After having received her commission, she returns home, again to assume fresh positions, put on other costumes, and be taken backwards. full face, and in profile. One of Mrs. W.'s greatest troubles is the fact that she is so out-photoed by Mrs. Laugtry; amI the knowledge that Mrs. L. has been illustrated by George Purkess in the Police News has excited M rs. West to the very greatest extent. I have heard that George has been offered an enormous sum by Mrs. W. to enshrine her likeness among his roll of famous men and women, but I am afraid that he has been bribed by the other photographic professional beauty to give her the monopoly of appearing in his charming paper. I dare say that all of my readers have heard the following quotation from the works of an unknown poet What is your fortune, my pretty maid ? My face is my fortune, sir, he said. This was evidently written in a prophetic vein, and the author must have had the Wests and tbe Langtrys in his eye. I am particularly requested to state that Mrs. West is not in any way related to Billy West, the stump orator. His wife's name i Emma, not Cornwallis. Mrs. CornwaWs West has a quantity of pets, all of which are appropriately named after the various articles used in the trade in which she has em- barked. For instance, her collie dog is named Collieodion, her cat is called Iodide of Potassium, whilst the parrot is known as Camera Poll. The lady is so far devoted to the photographic art that after dinner she retires to her chamber and has a silver bath preparatory to proceeding to the opera, or one of the aristocratic gatherings at which she is the reigning belle. Returning home late at night, she i met by one of the young men from Mr. MayaU's, and is taken in evening costume, by magnesium light, after which she retires to rest. Mr. Lewis resumed—It now only remains for me to say that Mr. Cornwallis West having become aware of this libellous publication, his first, and not altogether un- natural, impulse was to proceed at once to the office of the paper, and their to adminster condign chastisement upon the author; but he remembered that there was obedience due to him from the law, and that there was respect due to himself and his position. More prudent counsels prevailed, and he determined to drag this man before a court of justice, and to treat him in the only manner in which such a being should be treated—as a criminal. That course having been determined upon, a person will be called before you as a witness, to prove that he proceeded to the office of Town Talk and there purchased a copy of the paper. He saw the defendant, and the defendant then admitted that he was the pub- lisher of the paper, and he rubbed his hands in exultation, and said that he hoped an action for libel or half-a-dozen actions for libel would arise. And, I take it, that the one hope of these people is that actions for libel may be brought against them, and that thereby the circulation of their paper may be increased. But I am certain of this, that when it is shown, as it will be shown, in respect of every statement—no matter against whom—that has appeared in this paper, and that has led to copies being sold; when it is shown that as to every statement and as to every person men- tioned that the statements are foul, filthy lies, and that those are induced to buy are deluded—and inten- tionally deluded—I feel quite sure that a wave of public indignation will wash down together the people and the paper. And I hope the outcome of these proceedings will be that when, in addition, it is known that for each of these separate libels a punishment of two years' imprisonment with hard labour may be visited upon these people, I hope that once and for all, in our gene- ration at least, papers of this description may be put down, and never again rear themselves. It is almost impossible to exaggerate^ the pernicious influence of prints of this kind, and it is difficult to appreciate the amount of injury they do, not only to private character but in a public aspect. And, indeed, when one remem- bers that no rank or station of life, no uprightness of heart, no chastity of life, no prudence of conduct, can avail to protect either sex against the mendacious scurrility of these ribald rags and when it is further remembered that the sole and all-devouring motives of the defendant, and those associated with him in the conduct of this paper, is the greed of gain, I dare affirm of the defendant, and of those associated with him, that his conduct is blackened with every aggravation that can render it odious, and it is unretrieved by any circumstances of palliation that can retrieve it from the abhorrence of every right-minded person in the land. Mr. Cornwallis West was then called, examined by Mr. Lewis, and deposed as follows :—I reside at No. 49, Eaton-place, and Ruthin Castle, Denbigh. I am lord-lieutenant of that county. On Wednesday of the j present week I purchased in Fleet-street a copy of Town Talk, issued on the 4th of October. It appears I to be printed and published by A. Rosenberg at No. 4, Ludgate Circus-buildings. I have heard the article read in court entitled Mrs. Cornwallis West at Home," < Mid I have read it. The Mrs Cornwallis West there. referred to is my wife. From beginning to end there is not a statement in the article which is true, except that I live at Eaton-place, and am lord-lieutenant of the county. So far from allowing my wife's photograph to be exhibited in the shop windows, I and my solicitor have taken every step to prevent that being done. No statement in reference to the interior or other parts of the house in that article contains a particle of truth. Mrs. West is at present at Ruthin Castle. Mr. Lewis Then every statement made but those just excepted is untrue ? Mr. West: Yes. Mr. Lewis So far from there being a photographic apparatus in your place, is it not a fact that nothing of the kind exists ? Mr. West: Yes. Mr. Beard (who represented Rosenberg): I have no question to ask the witness. Mr. Lewis Then I have only to ask for a remand. The remand was granted. Mr. Montague Williams then proceeded with a second charge against the defendant—that of publishing libels upon Mrs. Langtry. Mr. Langtry, upon being examined by Mr. M. Williams, said I reside at No. 17, Norfolk-street, Park-lane. I have heard you read the articles, and I have read them, and there is not a single word of truth in them. The articles appeared on Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, and Oct. 4. It is not true that I have filed a petition in the Divorce Court for a divorce from my wife. There is not the slightest foundation for the statement. I am now living at home with my wife. Mr. Williams then asked for a remand. Mr. Beard, on behalf of the defendant, said I shall not object to that. Mr. Beard.—The defendant regrets exceedingly that he should have been misled by information given him by anyone. I may add that what has been said here so surprises him that he is prepared, and will in due course give the name of the writer, as that is the man who should be reached. The defendant was remanded until Wednesday, the magistrate offering to accept bail in two sureties of £500 in each case and himself in £1,000. At the Guildhall police court, on Tuesday, an application was made to admit the defendant to bail in two securities of £500 each. The matter stood over and on the following day the application was set down for renewal when Mr. Beard stated that one of the sureties would not justify, and he therefore could not make the application. The defendant was consequently removed in custody. On Wednesday, before Mr. Alderman Staples, Adolphus Rosenberg was again brought up on the charge. Mr. Watkin Williams, M.P., instructed by Mr. Edward Dillon Lewis, appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Beard for the defendant; and Mr. Wontner for the printers of the paper. There was a very large attendance in court, and great interest was manifested in the prosecution. Alderman Sir T. Dakin occupied a seat on the Bench. Mr. Watkin Williams said he appeared on behalf of Mr. Cornwallis West, and he desired to state that it was proposed on this occasion to complete shortly the case against Rosenberg. Two summonses would follow agamst other persons—one against a person named Head and the other against a person named Mark, as the printers of the publication. William Wilfrid Head and Henry Robert Mark were then called, and answered to their names. They took up their positions in front of the bar. Mr. Watkin Williams said that he had only been instructed that morning, but he was informed that Messrs. Head and Mark were highly respectable printers. If, however, they would lend their offices for the printing of such papers as these, they must put up with the consequences. If they would examine what they printed before they did it, such filth would be crushed in the inception. Mr. Beard asked that he might be permitted to ask Mr. West one question. Permission was given, and Mr. West, in reply, said that since the remand the defendant's solicitor had furnished the name and address of the writer of the article. By Mr. Watkin Williams.—He had received a name and address on a piece of paper, but no further infor- mation was given as to whether he was the writer of the articl The depositions having been read over and signed Mr. Watkin Williams said that on that evidence he would ask for the committal of the prisoner and two defendants for trial for wilfully and maliciously printing and publishing the libel, knowing it to be false. Mr. Beard, on behalf of Rosenburg, said that he denied that his client knew that the libel was false, and now he greatly regretted that it had appeared in that publication. Mr. Wontner, on behalf of Messrs, Head and Mark, said that legally they had no defence to the charge, but they were highly honourable men, and had been in business for many years. They confined their attention to the counting-house, and knew nothing of what was contained in the paper. When they saw by the news- papers what sort of publication it was, they at once gave M1. Rosenburg notice that they would not print it any more, and the last number was printed by somebody else. They deeply regretted that such a vile libel should have come out of their office. They quite con- curred in the opinion that it was most abominable that the fair fame of two highly honourable ladies should have been aspersed in so foul a manner. The prisoner Rosenberg reserved his defence. Mr. Head said he apologized most humbly to the ladies and gentlemen who had been libelled, and ex- plained that, although they printed the paper, Rosen- berg had the entire control over it. Mr. Head added that he had never read a number of it, and knew nothing about any libel until last Sunday morning he heard that Rosenberg was in custody fur libel. They had severed their connexion with the paper, and would never print it again. Mr. Mark was absent for six weeks before the paper was printed. Mr. Mark made a similar statement and endorsed all that his partner had said. They were then committed for trial. Rosenberg being admitted to bail in two sureties in £300 and him- self in £1,000, and the two defendants in their own recognizances in £1,000 each. Messrs. Head and Mark then entered into their recognizances and left the court. Mr. Beard said that the prisoner had not been able to find the required sureties, and he now applied that one surety should be taken in the double amount. One surety had for some reason retired from his proposal, but the other was willing to take the double responsi- bility on himself and was well able to justify for the amount. Mr. E. D. Lewis said he must strenuously oppose the application there were others concerned in this who would gladly pay all the bail to get the prisoner out of the way. Mr. Beard, in support of his application, put in a medical certificate as to the state of the prisoner's health. Alderman Staples said he would reserve the questions until the other case was heard. In regard to the charged preferred by Mr. and Mrs. Langtry, Mr. Montagu Williams said he proposed to proceed against Rosenberg alone. The evidence given by Mr. Langtry, having been read over and signed, formal evidence was given of the purchase of the papers at the defendant's offices, and the libels were again read. The prisoner, having been cautioned in this case, said I tender my sinoerest apologies to Mr. Langtry. The statements I learned for the first time last Satur- day were false, and I sincerely regret their publication. The whole information upon which these paragraphs were based was given me by the person whose name I have given to Mr. West. He refused to write them himself because, he said. You don't want your printers to know where you get your information.' When I asked him what remuneration I was to give him for what I then considered to be valuable infor- mation, he said, Wait until I bring you the rest.' By the rest he meant the shorthand notes of the application to Sir James Hannen to have the case heard in camera, and a copy of the petition. To make all things sure, I employed a private detective to go to Somerset-house. He reported to me that there was no doubt that the petition was on the file, but that the paragraph in Town Talk had 'settled it,' and he would not be able to get at it. That private detective is now in court. I have been deceived from beginning to end by the man whose name I have given to Mr. West. I again apologise to Mr. and Mrs. Langtry for the publi- cation of the statements." The prisoner was then committed for trial. Mr. M. Williams said that with regard to bail, this was a more serious case than the other, because it imputed adultery to a lady of position and honour, and implicated some of the highest persons in the land. Therefore he hoped that no alteration would be made either in the number or amount of the bail. Alderman Staples said that he should not reduce the bail, but counsel might go to a Judge at chambers. Mr. Beard asked that the bail might be two in £500, or four in £250 each, in each of the cases. Alderman Staples acceded to the request, but required 24 hours' notice.

BRYMBO AND BBOTJGHTOH. CONCERT.—On Tuesday evening, the 7th inst., the Broughton Choir gave a grand concert at the Pentre Board Schools, in aid of the Choir Fund. The audience was large and appreciative, and the choir in its best form. Mr. Evan Williams, of Brynteg Schools, presided, who remarked that to be possessed of musical talent was a most important acquisition, and that the few who were devoid of the ability to appreciate the soothing art" were in every way objects of pity. He considered that he was fully borne out in his views by the immortal bard of Stratford-upon-avon, who has said that— The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds. Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils; The motions of his spirit are dull as night, And his affections dark as Erebus: Let no such man be trusted. The Chairman also recited the following epigram in honour of Mr. Cunnah, the leader of the choir:— Cunnah sydd wr amcanus-cawr ei gOr, Cyweiria gaa fedrus: Côr o brawf—concra heb rus Gorau gwlad gwir hyglodus. The following programme was sustained in the most creditable manner, the songs of Messrs. Seth Roberts, Eos Estyn, Simon Davies, and Miss Winefred Humphreys being redetnanded :—Piano- forte solo, Mr. John Matthias; anthem, Teyrna- oedd y Ddaear," the choir; solo, How vain is man," Mr. John Roberts; duet," "60, baffled Coward, go/' Messrs. S. Davies and Eos Eshn; chorus, "Hallelujah," the choir; Sound an llarm," Mr. S. Davies; chorus, Worthy is the Lamb," the choir; pianoforte solo, Introduction and March, Mr. S. Fisher; glee, "Y Blodeyn Olaf," party; glee, A'r don o flaen Gwyntoedd," the choir duet, The Larboard Watch," Messrs. Seth and John Roberts; song, Joyous days of childhood," Miss H. J. Fisher; song, "Mewn cryd sigledig- ar y Don," 1\I:t. E. W. Parry; part song, The Sailors' Chorus," party song, Glyndwr," Eos Estyn song, Little sister's gone to sleep," Miss W. Humphreys song. Man the Life Boat," Mr. Seth Roberts glee, Farwel i ti Gymru Fad," the choir; finale, National Anthem. Mr. Matthias, organist of Brymbo church, and Mr. Seth Fisher accompanied the various pieces with much judg- ment and skill. A vote of thanks to the chairman, posed by Mr. loan Powell, and seconded by Mr. Holywell, brought the entertainment to a close.

CAERWYS. PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY.—Before W. H. Buddicom, Esq., &e.—Robert Williams, employed by Mr. Pickstone, was charged with being drunk when in charge of a horse and cart. The case was heard last sessions, and adjourned for the purpose of producing further evidence, and after a lengthy hearing, defendant was fined 18s. including costs.— P.C. Jones, stationed at Nannerch, summoned Isaac Blezzard, a native of the same place, for having firearms in his possession whilst in a state of intoxication. The officer stated that the defendant had frightened several persons, but defendant d'nied it, and alleged that he was continually watched by the officer, who had no occasion to do so. Several previous convictions were proved against him, and he was fined 30s. and costs.—Orders were made, upon the application of the Clerk to the St. Asaph Guardians, upon Edward Edwards, David Jones, and Robert Edwards, Bodfari, for the attend- ance of their children at school, and several persons were fined for allowing their cattle to stray on the J roads.

CEFN AND RHOSYMEDRE. ENTERTAINMENT.—A public entertainment was given in the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Rhosy- medre, on Monday evening, Oct. 13. The chair was occupied by Rev. J. H. Hughes, English Inde- pendent Minister. The programme was sustained by Messrs. William Edwards (Gwilim Alaw), Mr. I Evans, Mr. Roberts, (Trefor Fab), Miss H. Parry, the Acrefair Glee Party, and Zion Glee Party. Messrs. E. Edwards, Delph, and P. Davies acted as harmonium accompanists. The attendance was srood. The proceeds were devoted to the Chapel Fund. RECHABITE FRIENDLY SOCIETY.—The members of the Excelsior Tent made arrangements to celebrate their annual soiree on Monday, October 13th. A meat tea, was provided in the Ebenezer English Baptist Schoolroom. The committee successfully carried out the arrangements. A public meeting was afterwards held, when Bro. E. Bryan presided over a long programme of songs, speeches, &c. Mr. T. Jones, Belle Vue Villa, pro- vided an excellent harmonium accompaniment. Rechabitism is(says our correspondent) considerably on the increase here, and official reports show that the average sickness and death rate of this Society is less than in any other Friendly Society in Great Britain.

CHESTER. THE LATE MURDER.—Mrs. Martha Miller, wife of the keeper of the Yacht Inn, Watergate-street, Chester, who in June last cut the throats of two of her children—one fatally—and then tried to commit suicide by the same means, and who was sub- sequently confined in the County Lunatic Asylum, near Chester, died there a few days ago, after having given birth prematurely to a child. A DRUNKARD'S HISTORY.—The ctiy magistrates had before them on Tuesday John Ogden, a black- smith, for being drunk and disorderly in one of the streets of the city on the previous night. Ogden is about 60 years of age, and this is his 100th appear- ance before the magistrates, chiefly for offences of the same kind. He was sent to gaol for 21 days' hard labour. It is computed that from first to last he has passed about ten years of his life in prison, and it is curious to relate that his father was convicted before the magistrates no less than 65 times, and ultimately ended his days in the workhouse, having spent about six or seven years of his life in gaol.

CORWEN. BOAIW OF GUARDIANS.—The fortnightly meeting of the Board of Guardians was held on Friday, the 10th October. Present The Rev. E. Evaas, pre- siding chairman; the Rev. Thomas Williams, the Rev. J. S. Jones, Messrs. John Arthur Jones, John Roberts, Godfrey Parry, Richard Edwards, &c. The master reported 50 as against 45 last year. Vagrants relieved the last fornight 203, as against 85 corres- ponding half year. Amount spent during the last fortnight in out-door relief .£137 3s. Id., as against the corresponding period of last year J2129 18s. lid.; per Mr. Robert Hughes, the sum of .£7458. lid.; per Mr. Thomas Hughes, the sum of .£62 17s. 2d. The balance in the treasurer's hands, .£800 3s. The Clerk produced before the Board his estimation for the half year ending Lady Day, 1880, which had been postponed from the previous meeting. It was ordered that the contribution orders for the same be drawn and signed.

HOLYWELL. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.—The Rev. Owen Thomas, B.A., formerly student of Lancashire Independent College, and of Cambridge University, has accepted a, hearty and unanimous invitation to the pastorate of the English Congregational Church, in this town. He enters upon his pastoral duties on the last Sabbath of this month. Mr. Thomas is a son of the Rev. John Thomas, D.D., of Liver- pool, and nephew of the Rev. Owen Thomas, D.D., two well known and highly esteemed nonconforming divines. LOCAL BOARD.—On Monday, at the monthly meeting of this board, it was reported that Mr. John Roberts, M.P., had promised .£100 towards the erection of a Town-hall and Workmen's Club for the town, the late P. Eilis-Eyton, M.P., having presented .£210 towards the latter object, and a site for the building already in the possession of the board. The question of providing a gas- works for the town and of obtaining a loan for the work was considered, owing to the high rates charged for the supply of gas by the British Gas- light Company. The subject was deferred to a special meeting. The Surveyor reported that the receipts from the tolls at the Market-hall and fairs for the past 15 weeks amounted to .£116 17s. Id., and that the fair tolls were steadily increasing. A cheque for .£226 in favour of Messrs. T. Hughes and Son, contractors, for extras in connection with the erection of the Market-hall, was granted.

LLANASA. FIRE.-About two o'clock, on the afternoon of Friday—the 10th inst.—a fire was discovered to have broken out in the east wing of the quadrangle form- ing the block of stables, coachhouses, &c., at Gyrn Castle, the seat of T. H. Jackson. Esq. The whole household turned out to render assistance in subdu- ing the fiery element,and their exertions,augmented by those of willing and active persons, from the villages of Llanasa and Glanyrafon, after four hours' unremitting labour, proved successful. At the out- set, those present exerted themselves as much as possible to localize the fire to the wing whence it originated, by ripping up the roof, and after a great deal of dangerous and laborious work this was successfully accomplished. An inexhaustive supply of water was obtainable in the yard, and the work of filling the buckets and passing them forward was done with an almost military precision; Mrs. Jackson, Master Jackson, and the younger members of the family, with a party of ladies and a gentle- man staying in the house, together with the servants and volunteers, having formed themselves in a line two deep, extending from the pond to the building, the full buckets passing along one file- the empties returning along the other, thus keeping a perfect stream of water playing incessantly upon the burning pile. When the news of the fire was conveyed to Sir Pyers Mostyn, Bart., that gentle- man went personally to acquaint his workmen, and ordered all about the place to relinquish whatever they had in hand and proceed at once to Gyrn Castle to render whatever assistance might be necessary. This kind and noble action of the worthy Baronet, and the prompt and able assistance rendered from without by all classes is deserving of the highest praise.

LLANGEDWYN. MONTGOMERYSHIRE YEOMANRY CAVALRY. On Thursday and Friday, October 2 and 3, t&e mem- bers of the troop in conjunction with those of Llanfyllin Troop, met at Llangedwyn for two days' drill. There was a good muster of troopers each day. On Thursday Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., M.P., and Mr Q W. W. Wynn, H.P. (late colonels of the regiment), were present in their uniform. The following- officers were in command —Captain and Adjutant Sir Frederic, Bart., Captain A. W. W. Wynn (Ijlangedwyn Troop), Lieut. Anwell, and Captain Dugd^le (Llanfyllin Troop). After being put through various field movements, they marched up the avenue to the front of the hall, where t'ae sword exereise com- petition for the snufE boacep, took place. The com- manding officer and. judge was Sir C. Frederic. For the Llangedwyn Troop the successful competitor I was private Nathaniel Hughes, and for Llanfyllin Troop, Private W. H. Ryle. On Friday the most novel part of the proceedings was the sword tilting I competition. The following were the winners in Llangedwyn Troop — 1st (. £ 1 10s.), Thomas Edwards; 2nd (XI), Edward Jones; 3rd (10s), Edward Pryce; 4th (cigar holder), David Evans. Llanfyllin Troop:—1st, Corporal J. Davies 2nd, Private C. Evans; 3rd, Sergt. D. Jones. There was a dinner provided each day at the expense oF ,-i their respective captains at the Cross Foxes Inn, Llansilin, for the Llangedwyn Troop, and at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Llanfyllin, for the Llan- fytlin Troop. THE COTTAGERS' PRIZES.—-The annual Cottage Garden Show was not held at Llangedwyn this year in consequence of the badness of the season, but the following prizes have been awarded for the best cultivated gardens and cleanest cottages. A dinner was provided for the cottagers at the Hall on Thursday, October 2nd:— Ltaiige(lzvytz Parish.-Gardens: 1, Thoniis Morris 2, John Rogers; 3, Ebenezer Phillips; 4, Jumes Morris. Cottages 1, Mary Rogers; 2, Mary Edwards 3, Jiaria Phillips, 4, Maria Rogers. Llanrhaiadr Pa,rish.-Gardens: 1, David Jones, Pentre- felin; 2, Edward Morris, The Village; 3, John Jonas, Pentre- felin; 4, Thomas Carter, The Village. Cottages: I, Mary Williams, Top-y-Graig; 2, Catherine Jones, The Village; 3, Mary Evans. The Village 4, Betsy Morris, Scrwgan. Llansilin Parish.-Gardens: 1, Thomas Jones, Craigwen 2, Evan Jones, Briw; 3, Peggy Vaughan, Briw; 4, Edward Williams, Village, Cottages 1, Mary Rogers, Briw; 2, Evan Jones, Briw; 3, Margaret Williams, Golfa; 4, Margaret Rogers, Penyfedw. Irefonen Parish. G.-trd 1. David Lewis; 2, Robert Jones, Nantmawr; 3, Robert Morris, Trefonen; 4, John Carsley, Nantmiwr. Cottages: 1, Mrs. Lewis, Wern,2, Mrs. Lewis, Giavel Hole; 3, Mra. Edwards, British Row; 4, Mrs. Davies, Pottery Row. Extra prizes for best cultivated gardens—Robert Williams, Top-y-graiff, Llanrhaiadr; EdwardDavies.Tynewydd; Edwd. Davies, Ochrllywn; John Davies, Pentrefelin, Llanfhaiadr, [Thomas Edwards, Cilhaul, Llangedwyn; Richard Lewis, Gravel Hole, Trefonen.

MOLD. ANNUAL CONCERT.—The first annual concert in aid of the funds of the Cambrian Cricket Club was given last night (Friday), Mr. H. Cecil Raikes, M.P., being the announced president. We shall give a report next week. HOSPITAL SUNDAY.—We are glad to report that the clergy of all denominations have expressed their hearty approval of having the collections in their churches on one Sabbath set apart for the Mold Cottage Hospital. The last Sunday in 1879 will be the date for this and probably for future years. CHURCH OF ENGLAND TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.— Several preliminary meetings have been held in connection with this society, it has been arranged to held a public meeting on Monday next, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop of Sr. Asaph, when it is hoped a parochial branch will be inau- gurated. READII^G ROOM.—A meeting of the members was held on Thursday last, when it was arranged for the annual meeting to be held on the second Tuesday in November. In the meanwhile it was agreed for those who hnd net paid theirsubscriptions for this year shoald be urged to do so at once, so that the accounts may be ready by above date.

OSWESTRY. MUNICIPAL ELECTION.—The retiring councillors this year are the Mayor (Mr. J. Thomas), Mr. Saunders, and Mr. Weaver, for the east ward Mr. John Jones, Mr. Jebn Morris, and Mr. J. Parry Jones for the west ward. THE PARISH CHURCH.—The first of a series of services celebrating the anniversary of the opening of the church after restoration, was held on Tuesday1. The Rev. Bishop Kelly, of Newfoundland, was the preacher. The offertory amounted to X12 2s. 4d.

RUABON. SCHOOL BOARD. A meeting of this Board was held on Tuesday last in the Court-house, Ruabon, when there were present Mr. G. Thomson (in the chair), Rev. W. Edwards, Messrs. T. Doxey, E. T. Fitch, and Gomer Roberts. RETURN BY THE CLERK. After the minutes were read, the CLERK, in accordance with the request of the Board, read the following return of the attendances for the year 1877, 1878, and 1879, as follows:— Return of attendances /or years ending June 3;<th, 1S77, 1878, and 1879. I 1871 187S 1679 School. „ Aver-! Aver- Aver- On age On age On age I books atten-. books atten- books atten- dance dance dance Rhos Board School 484 368 493 349 517 345 Rhos National School 291 235 285 228 297 221 Ponkey Board School 319 158 404 225 389 240 Penycae Natl. School 207 137 230 138 213 130 Cefn Board School 463 329 486 335 509 327 Acrefair ditto 312 175 362 191 361 190 Rhosymedre Nl. Schl. 183 121 175 121 218 140 Ruabon ditto 286 191 845 191 386 187 Bryn School BO 34 43 30 46 30 2595 1745 282S 1808 2936 1810 Comparing the years 1877 and 1878 these figures show an increase of 233 children on the books, and an increased average attendance of 60. Comparing again the years 1878 and 1879, we find an increase of 103 on the books, jand an increase of 2 on the average attendance. Comparing the years 1877 and 1879 there has been an increase of 341 children on the books, and an increased average attendance of 62. The Cefn and Ruabon district shews an increase of 226 children on books since June 30th, 1877, and an increase of 24 on the average attendance. The Rhos and Penycae district shews an increase of 115 children on books, and an increase average attendance of 38. In 1877 the per centage of children attending, whose names were on the books, was 67. In 1878 it had fallen to 63, and in 1879 it had fallen to 61.5 per cent. The per centage in the Cefn district for 1879 was 57, and in the Rhos district 66. The Rhos National School has the best attendance as compared with the number on books the per centage being 74.7. Ruabon National School being lowest with a per centage of 48.4. J. DENBIGH JONES. The CHAIRMAN, having remarked that it was a very satisfactory return, showing an increase in the attend- ance at the schools since the appointment of the two officers, the matter dropped. ATTENDANCE OFFICER'S REPORT. Mr. Pritchard, Cefn, presented the following report GENTLEMEN,—As usual I have visited the parents of irregular attendants, and am very glad to be able to inform you that the registers shows an increase of 50 per cent. upon the previous month. Ihave also been busy in filling up the declaration sheet, as to the age of children, and also the corresponding child's book. We succeeded in getting all the children to the scratch" as far as it was practicable at Acrefair Schools, to meet her Majesty's Inspector, to be examined. I beg to all the attention of the Board to a most unworthy case eommitted by one Mary Green, Brickfield-terrace, Acrefair, whose child had made up his number of times to be presented for examination, and although I hunted him out' md found him playing among the old coal; banks in tbe neighbourhood, the mother being annoyed at the school- master sending her a bill of arrears duo to the- Board absolutely declined to send him to be examined, thus causing i loss to the Board of at least 10s. This I maintain is a most worthsy case to be taken up by the Board, to be sued in the County Court for the arrears of school fees due. B. PRITCHARD. Referring to the latter part of the report, it was remarked that the Board only received about one half of the school fees, and in the Ponkey Infant School, during the past week, there were 100 children present, but only Is. was received in fees. It was resolved that some of the defaùting parents be summoned in the County Court. Mr. JONES, the Clerk, who had acted as Visiting Officer in the place of Mr. E. Roberts, deceased, gave In a report in which he recommended that the teachers should be requesdto pay visits to the irregular children and also to the regular attendants, in order to show to the parents that some interest was taken by them in the scholars. The CHAIRMAN proposed a proposition to the same, effect as the suggestions made in the report. Mr. FiTcat seconded it, and it was carried. Mr. Jones was appointed Visiting Officer pro tem., at a salary to. be fixed by the Board at some future time* RESIGNATION. The resignation of Miss Davies, Cefn Infant Sehool, was read, and it created no little surprise among the members. It was, however, regretfully accepted. Miss Davies has been appointed mistress of the Dolbadarn School, near Llanberis, out of a very large number of candidates. This concluded the meeting. j.

I RHYL PUBLIC THANKSGIVING Services for the In. ••<t I are to be held by all the denominations and i he Churches on the 23rd of this month. NEW COMMISSIONERS.—At a special meetirs? of the Commissioners, heid on Friday afiernoo a election of two new members took place. Dr. Girdlestone was unanimously elected in thermic oJ Mr. James Fielding, and the following was the voting for candidates proposed in the room or A Abe; Jones :—Mr. Jones, confectioner, Sussex-?' 3: Mr. Whitley, 6 Mr. John Jones, seedsman, n. The latter was declared elected. PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY.—Before Mr. T. G. Dixon, chairman, llev. Dr. Butterton, and Mr. W. Price Jones. GUNPOWDER LICENSE. For failing to renew his license to sell gunpowder, John Roberts, ironmonger, Queen-street, was lined Is. and costs. RATES. Distress warrants were issued at the instance of the Overseers of Iihuddlan against H. L. Roberts, Thomas Gorst, E. J. B. Fielding, and Jane Roberts for arrears of rates. A warrant had been issued against William Jones, Penycefndy, but it seemed that he had no pro- perty in his own right. He had, however, behaved in an unseemly fashion, having written to the Cuairman on the subject, and also refused to pay anyone but Mr. Arthur Rowlands, who he demanded should go to him personally. In default of payment he was to go to gaol for 11 days, but he subsequently paid the money. A NICE SON. A warrant was issued against Edv:ard Hugh's, who had been summoned by his father, Peter Hughes, Wellington-road, for maliciously damaging his property, but failed to appear. CRUELTY. Inspector Colman, of the Iloyal Society for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Animals, summoned Andrew Fox, fishmonger, for working a mare suffering from wounds and in an unfit state to work. The Officer said he had never seen a ponv in a worse condition, having wounds, scabs, &c., all about it, and the pony had now been killed. The Bench denounced the defendant's cruelty and fined him 30s. and 8s. costs. The Inspector said the Society did not wish to accept the moiety of the fine to which they were entitled, pre- ferring that it should be given to some charitable institution. Ordered to be given to Denbigh Infirmary. A PLUCKY WOMAN AND THE LIVERPOOL THIEF. A miserable looking individual named Daniel Frazer alias Kelly, who had been previously convicted at Liver- pool, was brought up in custody charged with stealing a copper half gallon measure, two pairs of boots, three cravats, two bonnets, two blankets, a portion of bed hangings, and bed clothes belonging to Mary Ann Newell, of Vale-road. Prisoner had been working at the Pier alterations and lodging with the complainant, and while she was engaged in changing her residence, the fellow took the articles. She met him on the street, saw some of the things in his possession, charged him with the theft and "collared him." A severe struggle ensued, and though about 20 persons gathered round not one went to the woman's help. She, however, hung on to the fellow and succeeded in detaining him until Police Constables Elvey and Thomas arrived, when she gave him into custody. The Chairman said that the people who looked on during the struggle and neglected to help the woman ought to be thoroughly well ashamed of themselves, and if there were any of them in Court they could hear his opinion of their conduct. The prisoner was sent to goal for six months with hard labour. A DANGEROUS PRACTICE. Henry Watson was fined 10s. and 7s. Gd. costs for discharging a loaded gun in High-street. Iihuddlan. P.C. Hughes proving the case. A DRUNKEN WOMAN. Mary Fri;nston, Rhuddlan, was fined 10s. and costs, or seven days, for being drunk at Rhuddlan. A MODEL HUSBAND. Robert Sleigh, High-street, Rhyl, was charged by his wife with threatening her life. She said he was con- stantly bringing false charges against her, and threaten- ing her, and on this occasion chased her through the house and into the streets. Defendant had been con- victed previously, both for assaulting his wife and another woman. He was bound over to keep the peace for twelve months, himself in £50, and two sureties in £25 each. Bail not being forthcoming defendant was locked up. A Row. Thomas Cook was charged with drunken and disorderly conduct. Defendant said he was very much excited, for when he went tohis stall in the Royal Arcade he found that another stall keeper had struck his wife in the face, and on his remonstrating with him, set upon him (defendant). Fined 2s. 6d. and costs.

ST. ASAPH. THE LAY CLERKS' ANNUAL CONCERTS. On Tuesday, Messrs. Tomkinson, Stringer, J. M. Powell, W. Williams, and S. Powell, lay clerks' of St. Asaph Cathedral, gave two concerts in the National Schoolroom. The whole of the arrangements were admirably carried out, and the concerts, whether con- sidered from a financial or musical point of view, were a great success, as indeed they deserved to be. The Lay Clerks had engaged for the occasion Miss Emily Smythe, of the London, Liverpool and Manchester concerts, and we venture to think she has now made herself popular in this district. The following gentle- men kindly gave their valuable servicesMr. O. Edwards, baritone; Mr. Frank Jones, bass and Messrs. N. L. Van Gruisen (violin), and N. L. Van Gruisen, junr. (piano), Mr. Llewellyn Lloyd, assistant organist at the Cathedral, acted as accompanist, in his well known able manner, his services adding much to the successful rendering of the programme. Too much praise cannot be given to the Rev. W. Morton, suc- centor, who, with Mr. R. A. Atkins, organist, super- intended the musical portion of the proceedings. Mr. Morton was indefatigable in his efforts to make the occasion one of much enjoyment to lovers of music and was thoroughly successful. The audience at the morning concert was both numerous and select, the patrons and ticket takers in- cluding :—The Lord Lieut. of Flintshire Lady Florentia Hughes, the Misses Hughes and party Mrs. and the Misses Hughes, the Palace the very Rev. the Dean, Mrs. Bonnar and party Ven. archdeacon and Mrs. Ffoulkes, Ven. Archdeacon Smart, Mrs. and Miss Smart, Rev. Canon Jones, Rev. Canon Wynne Edwards, Mrs. Edwards and party Rev. W. Hicks Owen Rev. John Sturkey, Mrs. and Miss Sturkey and party; Rev. T. Brown and party Rev. Dr. Perowne, Rev. W. H. Williams, Bodelwyddan and Mrs. Williams, Rev. D. Edwards, and Mrs. Edwards, Cefn Rev. R. H. Howard, Wigfair Sir. W. Grenville Williams, Bart., Bodelwyddan Mrs. Williams-Wynn Townshend Mainwaring, Esq., Mrs. and Miss Main- waring Capt. and Mrs. Pennant, Nantllys; C. A. Cayley, Esq., and Mrs. Cayley, Llannerch Capt. and Mrs. Mesham, Pontryffydd; Major and Mrs. Birch, Maes Elwy; Major Chambres, Mrs. and the Misses Chambres Capt. and Mrs. Garnett, R. J. Sisson, and Mrs. Sisson; R. F. Sisson, Esq., Mrs. R. F. Sisson, and Mrs. Taylor; Dr. A. Tumour, Denbigh Professor Hughes John Ormiston, Esq. O. J. Williams, Esq.; E. W. D. Broughton, Esq., and Mrs. Broughton Dr. Roberts, Denbigh; T. B. Watts, Esq., and Mrs. Watts, Bronwylfa Mrs. Oldfield, Plas-yn-Cwm Miss Williams, Mrs. Norbury and party; Mrs. Atkins and party; Mr. and Mrs. Blew and party, Hafod Elwy; Rev. J. Jones, and others. The programme opened with a piano and harmonium duett, by the Rev. W. Morton and Mr. Llewelyn Lloyd, The silver trumpets (Viviani), a beautiful composition, exquisitely played. Mr. H. Stringer sang with the skill of a well-trained vocalist, "Love not the world (Sullivan). The gem of the concert followed in Mendelssohn's cantata, "Hear my prayer." The solo, a most difficult and trying one, was splendidly sung by Master W. H. Fowles, the chorus being perfect in.every part. Well merited rounds of applause followed the execution of the piece. Mr. Owen Edwards, Rhyl,, sang in capital style the solo, "Nazareth" (Gounod), and received the evident appreciation of the audience.. A rich treat followed in Miss Smythe's singing, of Let, the bright Seraphim," from Handel's "Samson." Mian, Smythe has a. voice of great force and power, blended with much sweetness, and she received a very hearty reception from a thoroughly musical audience. The chorus, "Let their celestial concerts," was, very fine. In the second part, Messrs. Tomkinson, Williams, and Master Fowles sang capitally Cradle Song." Mr. O. Edwards followed with, "I fear no foe," and sang with real taste and force. Miss Emily Smythe had! in Watson's song, "The dance," a. piece suited to the powers of: her voice, and which she sang charmingly. Then follawed the part song. "The Old Church Bell," the music of which is by Mr. D. C. Browne, father of Mrs. E. A. N orhury, of St. AEph, to whom it is dedi- cated, the words, being composed by Mr.. Norbury him self. Jt is a sweetly pretty piece,, and was. well sang. Then followed the song entitled,. "Swlset," the music and words having been recently com- posed by Mr. Townshend Mainwaring, of Gailtfaenan. It is at really aharming piece of music., and will certainly become a general favourite.. Mr. j. M. Powell, the well-known gifted tenor of St. Asaph Cathedral, did ample justice to the song, which was rapturously re- demanded,. Mr. Powell again singing it in his best style. Then followed a charming instrumental performance, namely, duet for violin and pianoforte, Adagio de la. Sonata Pathetique" aad "Menuet C^Mbreviolin* Ms. N. L. Van Gruisen; piano, Mr. N. L. Gruisen, i'Jnr., The part song, "Solciier's Love," was well rendered, the solo being taken in the most able and pleasing style by Mr. C. Tomkinson. The laughable duet, Old and Young," followed, Miss Smythe and Mr. S. Powell singing it capitally, and" hitting oil" the characters first-rate. The programme closed with the "rattling" part song, "The Viking," whidxwent splendidly. A really first-class concert closed with the National Anthem. The concert in the evening was well attended, the audience being larger than the morning. The "Toy Symphony was a great attraction and caused much amusement, the performers, who had evidently well got up their parts, being much applauded. The varum* items were admirably rendered, Miss Emily Smythe and the other vocalists acquitting themselves in irst- class style in the following programme :—National Anthem; glee, "Hail Smiling Mora song, uJack'*