The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

FESTINlCG. COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.—There were contests in tht following war-Is with the following results-- Teigl, one member, E. P. Jones (L), 83 R. Bowton (I), 71 majority 12. Cynfal, one member, G. H. Ellis (I), 59 H. E. Jones (L), 54; majority 5 Maen- twrog, W. E. Oakeley (T), 146 W. Joues (L), 32 majority, 109. Trawsfynydd, D. Tgid Jones (L), 87 Rev E. B. Thomas (C), 50; majority 37. SCHOOL BOARD.-A meeting of the School Board was hdd on February 28th, there being present Messrs E. P. Jones, D. D. Williams, D. Davies, and Humphrey Robertg. Mr T. Thomas resigned the assistant mestership of the Higher Grade School, and it was resolved to seek a successor. The Chairman, proposed a scheme for the revision of the salaries of assistants, but it was referred to the new Board. The Education Departnellt approved a scheme for instruc- tion of pupil teachers, and included it in the new code.

ABERAYRON. COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.—Mr John M. Howell has been returned unopposed for the Aberayron district.—In the Abararth division there is a contest. The candidates are Mr E. Lima Jonea and Mr J. T. Evans, the sitting member. LITERARY SOCIETY.—There was a good atten- dance of members on Wednesday evening, February 27th. Mr H. W. Howell, solicitor, presided. coun- cillor John M. Howell read a paper on Reflections on democratic tendencies of the period." Mr Atkinson, exise officer Mr Denham Evan!» S.1C1 to^; Mr Thomas Davies, Compton-house Dr Davies; Mr M. Lima Jones, Mr G. G. Jones, B.A., and the Chair- man took part in the discussion. SAD NEWS FROM THE SEA. A telegram was received on Saturday last from Captain Jones, Reigate," from Rosafio, statrng that Captain Daniel Davies,barque Kildonau," of p t*in p j Rosano. No particulars were given ftptwn Davies was the son of Mrs Davies 5, Oxford-street,.Aber ayron. He father was the late Mr D. > carpenter, Drefach. He was 28 a young man of much promise. 5reatpa7^LtivL felt for his bereaved mother and other OBITUARY.-Last week the »e ws was oft he death of Dr David Griffiths, brother cf W*"? Griffiths, David's Well, Ffosffin, For the^ast right ISS tofdSrfMs death hC appeared to be in Ms usual health, and he had made hia castoinagy Ration of his patients, driving to Dyserth ^d tack. He par took of dinner, and ehortly afterwards left the pay a visit to a friend, not in the whole time "Jowug the smallest indication of any ailment. He reached the house of his friend, Mr Smith, Brynhyfryd, after half-an-hour's walk, and while in con- versation with him, he was taken suddeniyUL tunately Dr Henry Griffiths happened to be passing just at the time, and he was called in. Everycare and attention was paid to the deceased both by the doctor and the household at Brynhyfryd, but he succumbed to the attack in about 15 minutes after his seizure, the cause of death being anginae pectoris. The deceased was a native of Ffosffin. He began his life as a schoolmaster, and many Aberayron lads will remember him in that capacity at Henfynyw and at Ysgol Fa'try, Aberayron. Afterwards he studied medicine at Middlesex Hospital and at Glasgow. On becoming qualified he succeeded to an extensive practice in Liverpool, afterwards removing to Chester where he practised with considerable success. From there he went to Prestatyn. He entered actively into the public life of the locality. He was a forward promoter of the movement to convert Prestatyn into £ n Urban District Council. He was for some years, a member of the St. Asaph Board of k Guardians. He was elected last December a member of the District Council. He was elected last December a member of the District Council. He was also elected Parish Councillor for Meliden and Prestatyn. He took a prominent part in the manage- ment of the British School, and displayed the keenest interest in all matters pertaining to education. He was a descon of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists, and took a considerable share in the responsibility of building the new chapel in course of erection. In politics he was a Liberal of a pronounced type, and never hesitated to show his political predilections. The poor of Prestatyn mourn his loss, he having been a generous benefactor to them, during the recent great distress brought ID by the severe weather. He was 57 years of age, and he leaves a wife and son. The latter is a medical student at Glasgow.

ABERDOVEY. I OMISSION.—The name of Miss Pochin, Ivy House, was inadvertently ommitted last week in the list of those who had entertained the Farningham boys.. xnr v ALTERATIONS.—The alterations in the shop or Mr w. v. Thomas, Medical Hall, are nearly complete. The alterations in the Literary Institute have been commenced. BUILDING.-A syndicate has been formed and the agree- ment signed to build four houses on a part of 1 yaayn-Knys-y- Gader Farm. C TEMPERANCE.—The Sunday evening meetings are as popu- lar as ever. Mr Humphrey Rowlands, pilot, is the chairman -for the present month. Last Sunday evening seven adults signed the pledge.. „ A QUICK VOYAGE.—The steamer Telephone left Barmouth late on Thursday evening for Newry, Ireland, and returned to this port on Monday evening with a cargo of corn for Mr W. Jones. She left again empty on Tuesday evening for ..Liverpool. m „ WOMEN'S TEMPERANCE. -The Women s Temperance As- sociation held their meeting at the Assembly Room on .Friday evening. Mrs W. Jones, R.O., presided. Addresses were given by Mrs Tomlins and Mrs Rhys. The latter also read the paper prepared by the late Miss Williams for the Christian Endeavour Society a few days before her death. Papers were also read by Misses Esther Jones and C. B. Davies, and songs given by A. J. Rees, M. Richards and JaG0LFFr-The Committee of the Golf Club have decided to erect a club house near the last hob and close to the Railway Station. Estimates were obtained from seven firms of con- tractors, that of Mr W. J. Hughes, of Aberdovey, for| £ 21915s. being accepted. The house will contain a large club room, ladies' and gentlemen's dressing rooms, and a professional's room. It will be substantially built of woud framework and covered outside with galvanized iron. A verandah will be erected on the front and sides of the house which will pre- sent a very neat appearance externally. It is to be com- pleted in time for the Club's Easter tournament. M. Jiip- iiss, of Aberdovey, is the architect. COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION. —The result of the contest ne tween Mr W. Jones and Mr J. M. Howell was declared ahortlv after nine o'clock on Saturday evening at the Board w figures being as follows W. Jones, 101, J. -M-. Howell, 91. The result was hailed with loud cheers by the • Mr Jones being the first Liberal returned for this T A speech was demanded, and in his address Mr "T. commented on the gentlemanly conduct or ms oppo- « the election. Alderman Hughes Jones also gave and made remarks to the same effect. Both energetically and waited anxiously for the wfV wl*en it came, was pronounced by one over zealous female as ■■ ridiculous." PUBLIC MEETING.—On Tuesday evening a public mi etmg of ratepayers was held in the Assembly Rooms to further consider the water supply and sewer- age schemes, the contractors for the latter work whose tender had been accepted by the Urban District Coun- cil having withdrawn. The Vicar presided. A long dissuasion took place and ultimately it was decided to communicate to the Local Government Board the desire of the meeting to postpone the works until the autumn. ,ir FUNERAL OF Miss ANN WILLIAMS.—The funeral of Miss Williams, whose sudden death was announced a fortnight ago, took place on Monday of last week, when the body was taken by rail and interred in the family vault at Machynlleth Cemetery. The chief mourners were Mrs Lewis and Mrs Hughes (sisters) Mr Edward Williams (brother), and Mr W. J. hughes (brother-in-law). The funeral cortege was preceded by the members of the Women s Tmpwace.Association in threes and wearing a bow of. J Atooma S16ff3 badee Then followed the ministers and deacons, and the general public. The service at the house was co du the Revs J. D. Evans, Towyn, J. D^f vid at Ma^w^; Evans, Harlech. A service was alro Md atMaengwyn Chapel, Machynlleth. A portion of the Rev Mostyn Jones (W.), and ottered t>y Mr W Lloyd and the Rev J. D. Evans. Addresses weire gw«sn by the Revs J. O. Thomas, J. H. Symmond, Samuel uwen,and Mr Edward Davies, deacon of the English Gh p deceased attended. All the speakers spok*«,<>« pvceedinelv departed sister, and the address of Mr Davies wa g y able and pathetic. At the grave prayer was ottered Dy tne Rev J. Roberts, Corris. Subsequently about 150 persons partook of tea at the Blue Bell Inn, given gratis by the deceased's family. Through Mr Edwards, the stationmast^ a specially low railway fare was granted by the ueaerai Manager. Beautiful wreaths were sent by Mrs J- Jones and the members of the English Chapel. Ine loss vi the deceased will be long felt at the Welsh and English O.M. Chapels, and in the temperance and musical circles ot tne town. She was passionately fond of music, and possessed powerful voice of remarkable range which would have easily placed her in the front rank of professional sopranos if she had been trained when she was young. Unfortunately she was exceedingly nervous, and thi3 prevented her from appearing often as a solo singer, but she was always ready and anxious to take part in glee, choral, and congregational singing. Her loss is sadly felt by the members of the small English Church and she will be greatly missed by the members of the Women's Temperance Association. On the • o»Pk she nhe to read a paper Friday evening in the wee th(j Tabernacle Christian at the weekly meeiting had |)een prepared and Endeavour Society, in on Tuesday evening KD1M™ khvs Penhelig. Much sympathy is shown with her sifters and^irother. having so recently lost their mother.

BALA. PUBLIC READING Room. -A Committee was held on Monday last, under the presidency of Rev T. Lloyd, B.A. The Treasurer reported that the deficiency of last year^had been paid, anditbere was now a brlance in hand of about C20. SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION.—Mr Evan Jones, Bod- rennig, and Mr Robert Jones, painter, have with- drawn, and there will be no contest for seats on the Llanycil Board. The Board will consist of the old members viz Dr Hughes, Rev J. T. Phillips, B.D., Messrs E. Gillart Jones, Edwaid Peters and Robert Roberts. MAIN RoAns COMMITTEE.—The Main Roads Com- mittee of the Merioneth County Council met at Bala on Friday last under the presidency of Hon. C. B. Wynn, Råg, and made the following appointments of foremen, consequent on the decision by the Council to woi k the main roads on their own account :—Penllyn district, G. Thomas, Llanuwchllyn Edeyrnion, W. Evans, Cynwyd Dolgelley, John James Harlech, G. Rees, Blaenau Festinioe;. There were more than fifty applicants. CYCLING CLUB.—This Club held its annual meeting on Monday evening last, when the following officers were appointed for the forthcoming season President, Mr J. C. Evans, M.A., County Intermediate School vice-president, Mr Wm Owen, Lion Hotel captain, Dr Evan Williams, Tawelfan sub-captain, Mr T. G. Roberts, tobacconist buglers, Mr R. H. Roberts, and R. T. Watkins hon treasurer, Mr O. W. Roberts hon. secretary, Mr T. R. Dakin. It was resolved that the Club should be registered under the U.C. U., and it was also resolved to hold athletic sports during the season. ST. DAVID'S DAY.—The students of Bala Theological College on the eve of St. David's Day invited a large number of friends to an entertainment at the College. An excellent tea which had been provided preceded an enthusiastic meeting, over which Principal Edwards presided. Following a hearty speech of welcome by the worthy Chairman came numerous bardic addresses composed and read by some of the students, which were greatly applauded. Then followed an interesting programme of songs, recitations, and instrumental solos, with an address by Professor Ellis Edwards on the Welsh people and their characteristics as a nation. The celebration of St. David's Day is annually devoted to the temperance cause. The three societies at Bala joined this year. In the afternoon the local branch of the North Wales Women's Temperance League provided tea to over three hundred members, and in the evening a miscellaneous meeting was held under the presidency of Principal Edwards. BOARD OFGUARDIANS, SATURDAY, MARCH 2ND.— Present Mr Evan Jones, J. P., chairman Mr Wm Morris, vice-chairman Messrs Thomas Jones, J. M. Jones, Morris Peters, Thomas Lloyd, Daniel Roberts, Robert Thomas, Wm Richards, J. Thomas, W. T. Rowlands, Mrs Parry, Miss Parry, Mr J. R. Jones, clerk, and T. R. Dakin, assistant clerk. iStatistics.—The balance in the Treasurer's and Relieving Officer's hands was E145 9s 9d. Out-relief expended during the past two weeks, £44 Is 3id cor- responding weeks last year, JE43 18s 8d. Number of paupers relieved during the past week 213 corres- ponding week, last year, 216. Number of vagrants relieved during the past fortnight 49. The House.—Mr John Thomas, a member of the House Visiting Committee, struck out an order for tobacco in the Master's order-book of necessaries for the ensuing fortnight. Attention was called to this irregulaiity. The Master said two ounces of tobacco were given weekly to an old woman and one to a man, the former by an order of the Medical Officer and the other by a resolution of the Board. Mr John Thomas said tobacco was a luxury, and not a necessary. Ultim- ately the Board confirmed the order for tobacco. It was resolved to apply to the County Council for an additional member for Llanycil parish on the District Council.

AU IdW8 must be written on ore side of the paper, and acccm- vanied by the name, and address of the writer, not necessarily for publication, bvl as a guarantee of good faith.

DOLGELLEY URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. SIR.—In the report of the above in your last issue I am reported to have remarked that it appeared strange that Mr Spenders complaint had not been made before. Will you kindly permit me to stete that I made no such remark—Yours to.. Frondirion, Dolgelley, E. W. EVANS. March 5th. c "(, EXTREME LOW PRICES. SIR —I should be obliged if you would kindly per- mit me to discuss certain viewd which appear con- stantly in your columns, without, it seems to me, due consideration in their application.. • The first is the assertion that low agricultural prices are a blessing to the poor. As a general statement this is of course a truism, but it is not so when prices are artificially depressed to an extreme point. It then becomes misleading, and absolutely detrimental to those you seek to benefit. A Royal Commission is now sitting to endeavour to ascertain the cause of the abnormal depreciation of agricultural prices which, since 1883, has been continuous and systematic with a 1 irked and specially rapid decline since 1889, but whatever may be the outcome of their labours, it is an undoubted fact, agreed in by all our authorities, that tht- financial crisis which has now overtaken, not only our agriculture, but also in a greater or less degree our trade and commerce. is mainly and almost entirely due to these artificially depressed prices, which not only leave no margin for profit, but in many oases are below the actual cost of production. No country, whether pro- tectionist or not, is exempt, and it is only in Argentina and India wbere the currency affords growers and exporters a temporary advantage, that wheat can now be grown in a profitable manner as of old. America, Germany, Russia, France, Belgium, Hungary, Den- mark, Norway, and Sweden have similarly suffered, and have dach been compelled to investigate the cause, with the result t'.ial legislative action is now in various stages of progress in each country. Tile complvnts of uur farmers are therefore just and of the h ghest national importance. I suppose tha' no one will deay thit a nation's well- being aepeods upon its produces, an I, that with their ruin, the natiou itself must collapse. To ruin the producers, who form the greater portion of tv o wage- paying class, is t.) bring ruin up jn the wage-receiving class or. in other words, upon the poor. We fee this exemplified daily. With unduly depreciated prices, producers are compelled to restrict their operations. and as retreuchment-s are effected, hands reduced, and land thrown out of cultivation or turned into pasturage, thi first and greatest sufferers must always be the wage-receiving class, driven by thess depreciated prices to join the ranks of the unemployed. It does not require much consider ition to understand that when low prices affecting our home industries are pushed to an extreme, they bring ruin, and not a blessing to the masses, for of what value to the unemployed is a low price, if they are destitute far better would it be for tnem to have regular employment and certain wages, even if to ensure them, retail prices were slightly augmented. I feel sure that the erroneous views generally held on this question proceed in a great measure from an insufficient examination of the facts. Take bread for instance as being the most important agricultural pro- duct. It is generally assumed that to increase the price of wheat must necessarily cause a corresponding increase in the cost of the lonf. Now whe -t has fallen 51 per cent., or more than half its value since 1891, and yet it is common experience that the loaf has by no means been correspondingly reduced in cost. The chief reason of course is that the price of wheat forms only a portion of the cost of the loaf. House rent, taxes, wages, coal, and costi of distribution are constant factors, and therefore variation in the price of wheat does not influence the cost of the loaf so much as is generally imagined, and if the cause of the present artificially depreciated price of wheat was discovered and removed, and that cereal left free to rise to such price as the legitimate laws of supply and demand might determine, there is really no reason to tear any appreciable increase in the cost of the loaf. The products of agl iculture are on a different foot- ing to those of most other industries. They are abso- lutely necessary to the masses, and their price is not governed by the laws of supply and demand, but by the operation of fictitious paper gambling transac- tions which take all power out of t he hands of farmers of controlling their own markets, Their prices are made for them by quotations governed, not by bon& fide sales of the actual commodity, but by gambling operations in its fictitious paper representive which deal with crops months ahead, often before the seed is sown, which are unlimited in quantity and con- tinuous in action all the year round, which multiply crops on paper some 30 or 40 times the actual quantity grown, and which for gambling purposes systemai tically depreciate prices leaving the uufortunate farmer only the husk of his pioduce, the grain being absorbed by the Produce Exchange Manipulators. Although extreme low prices in articles not gambled in, such for instance as silks, ribbons, straw hats, china, glass, toys, Christmas cards, printing, etc. etc., are undermining our home industries and so swelling the ranks oF the unemployed, the country has accepted free trade and cannot grumble at its neces- sary outcome. Whether free trade without recipro- city in articles of more or less luxury which are cot essential to the masses is desirable must be left to the country to decide. That it is advantageous to those with moderate fixed incomes cannot be denied, but it must be admitted that these low prices have resulted from foreign competition, and that the foreigner is astute enough to recognise that he is gradually sup- planting our industries, and for this purpose he has even. as in the case of best sugar, granted State bounties to enable foreign sugar to be placed on our markets at a cost below that of British production. The leading Liverpool sugar refinery has been recently closed in consequence of this foreign bounty fed sugar. How- ever advantageous these extreme low prices may be considered, they are undoubtedly answerable for a large number of our unemployed, and they cannot therefore be regarded as an unmixed blessing. Whether we ouht to be able to compete with the foreigner in our own markets is in a great measure a question for workmen themselves. Foreigners usually are contended to work for less pay and for longer hours than Britishers, and are generally more thrifty. Combination to reduce the hours of labour whilst re- taining the wages, and otherwise to hamper trade, must stimulate foreign industries at the expense of our own. The days of large profits by manufacturers are gone. I now pass on into your second statement, that agri- culturists, like grocers or tailors or painters or ship- builders must go if they cannot make profits. I have already shown in v* hat manuer the products of agri- culture differ from those of other industries, and I here wish to call attention to the magnitude and national importance of the industry, upon which it is no exaggeration to say the country is absolutely dependent. We live almo&t from hand to mouth, our wheat stores averaging about a two months supply, and at times even falling to a six weeks re- quirement. A naval catastrophe, sufficient only to enable a hostile fleet to close our ports for a few weeks, would paralyse the country's, food supplies, and it therefore seems to me frivolous to regard farmers in the same light as tailors and grocers, and to treat our greatest national industry upon which the fate of the country so largely depends, as of small account. We import at present about two-thirds of our requirements, but the more corn we can grow, the less dependent shall we be on the foreigner, and the more employment will there be for our labourers. Every civilised country, but England and Belgium, is self-supporting, and so thoroughly is the importance of independence in food supplies recogaised abroad, that foreign State assistance on behalf of farmers is admitted. The question then arises, that if the complaints of our agriculturists are just, what can be done to assist them without introducing protection, and this question will require a speedy reply in the interests not only of our farmers, but of the country at large. •a? briefly point out that land will only produce with vi profit what it is suited for, and that to tell the farmer To grow something else will not meet his case. Rents have already come down -and will probably do so still more, but even with land rent free, numbers of farms in England are tenantless and I nunaieds of thousands of acres are hopelessly out of cultivation. It seems to me that a more fair adjust- ment of the burdens now placed on land is a necessity, but until the cause of this systematic artificial depreciation of prices is recognised and legislated for, and the fundamental laws of supply and demand again regulate markets, the position of the farmer can never be permanently improved, because, until gambling in the prices of his produce is prohibited, there never can be any bottom price at all. His margin has been exhausted by successive losses, and he has lost heart from feeling that he is, in spite of his own spirited efforts, fast drifting into bankruptcy. In Wa1es, wheat happily is so little cultivated, that the ruinous depreciation of its price is not so much felt as in England, but as depression in one branch of industry re-acts upon others, depend upon it that Weish farmers, independently of the general result upon the country cannot help feeling financially the ruin of the English cereal cultivators. I feel the present position of the latter to be so serious as to deserve the sympathy and support of every reflective man, and I therefore venture to claim for them in your columns a more generous recognition, and for the position of the labouring misses dependent upon them, a more just estimate.—Your's faithfully, T. S. ST. CLAIR, Lieut. Colonel. Bryndedwydd, Dolgelley, 25th February, 1895. [Our-correspondent answers himself. Low prices are a great blessing to the people. Our manufactures are not decreasing. Artifkally-maintained high prices for agricultural product only mean, and can only mean, high rents. What are called burdeus on land, if reduced, would only enable higher rents to be charged for land. Landowners have learnt very little and seem determined not to learn any more. High prices mean starvation to millions. Low prices mean reduced rents to landowners. Our correspondent's views are common to all believers in protection, only just now protection is out of favour. ,-Ed. C. N.]

NEW PRINCIPAL OF COLLEGE. PROFESSOR JOHN RdVS APPOIN i ED. SKETCH-OK HIS CAREER Professor John Rhys, wno for a numb r of yt.vs past has occupied t'ie pr •fessionil chair of Celtic at Oxfori University, was on Monday elected "/J 'he principa'ship of Jeaus Coll-ge, Oxford, whici ha'i b en rendered vacant by th-; death of the Re^ Dr Harp r, who, it will be remembered, W¡.S formerly he »dmas' t-r o/Cowbri ige Grati)mar School. Profeor John Rhys, M.A., was born on the 2lst June, 1840, at Abercaero, near POrJrerwyn, Cardigan- shire, and w<s educited at the village s-iii'O.'s, near his home. He sercoer1 an apprenticeship is pupil teacher at Penll wyn British School, near Aberystwyth, from August, 1855, to the end of 1859, and later, at Bangor Normal College, in I860, was trained to be a public elementary -caoolmaster. Until the enu of 1865 he had charge of a school in Anglesea. He matriuiihted as a commoner of Jesus College, Oxford, at Michaelmas, 1865, and commenced resideuc in 1866. He read for the classical school End wai placed in the second class in moderations. At the end <>f 1869 he was placed in the first class in finals, and the same week was elected a fellow of Morton College, Oxford. From 1868 to 1870 he attended lectures at the Sorbonne, the College de France, and the University of Heidel- berg. In 1870 he matriculated at Leips'g, and rej,-d uuder Professors Ourtius, Ritschl. Leskien, and Brock- haus. 10 1871 he matriculated at Gottingen and m the sam year was appointed inspector of schools for the counties of Fliut and Denbigh. III February, 1877, he was appointed professor of Celtic in the University of Oxford, and in the same year he publshed his Lectures on Welsh Philology." He had previously shown his deep knowledge of the Celtic languages and had written various articles on them. In 1873 he was elected a perpetual member of the Societi6 de Linguistiqu- de Paris, and in 1877 he was made a corresponding member of the Dorpac Gelehrten Esthnischeo Geselbchaft. The same year he was elected an honorary fellow of Jesus College, Oxford. He served on Lord Ab^rdare's Commission, appointed in gust, 1880. to inquire into the condition of inter- mediate and higher education in Wah>s, and also the Royal Commission appointed to enquire into the condition of land tenures in Wales. In October, 1881, he was elected to a fellowship at Jesus College. He is the author of several deeply interesting philo- logical works, including one on Celcic Britain (published in 1882) and another on the Arthurian Legend (published in 1891).

CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS COMPANY. Mr James Frederick Buckley presided at the sixty-second half-yearly ordinary meeting of the Cambrian Railways Com- pany, held at: the Euston Hotel, London, yesterday. In moving the adoption of the report and accounts, the Chair- said he thought the meeting would agree with him that they were not only satisfactory but progressive. Owing to tha expansion of the revenue, they were now able to meet the interest on the additional capital outlay and still pay all the fixed charges, the full 4 per cent on the D Debenture Stock, and to carry forward a surplus of £ 1,490 to the next half-year. In regard to the receipts on revenue account, they had, of course, been handicapped by having to compare against a retrospective payment of S6,900 in respect of mails which was brought into the account in the corresponding half-year in 1893. The increase of X5,624 in the receipts under all heads had fortunately come to their assistance, and to a large extent covered their retrospective payment. The passenger traffic showed an increase or 80,500 passengers, with £ 2,849 in the receipts. The directors looked upon this as the most satisfactory feature in the half-year's wording. So far as the Welsh watering-places were concerned they had only been able to touch the fringe of the London tourist traffic but with the help of the London and North- Western aud Great Western Companies they looked forward to a large business from London to Aberystwyth and the other beautiful seaside places on Cardigan Bay. He knew that before this was accomplished a good deal would have to be done. Not only must good music be provided in the season, but the bands should be, if possible, permanent in- stitutions at such places as Pwllheli, Criccieth, Harlech, Towyn, Aberdovey, and Borth, and piers and concert pavilions must be built as well as marine parades. Un- fortunately, the Welsh coast had hitherto lacked enterprise in those matters, but at Aberystwyth, at all events, a marked improvements in this respect had taken place, and was still going on. They had the satisfaction of knowing that by im- proving their third-class accommodation they induced the public from other parts of the country to come in larger numbers to their line. He thought that the day was not far distant when some of the com- panies would have to seriously consider whether from a commercial point of view it really paid to continue even two classes. In the parcels traffic there was an improvement of XWI. Merchandise traffic also showed an increase of 5,409 tons over 1893, and £ 390 in the receipts. In live stock there was a small decrease of X128. In minerals, there was an in- crease both in tonnage and receipts. The Cambrian Rail- ways were not so seriously affected by the coal strike as many of their neighbours. The slate traffic had been very satisfactory, while, on the other hand, lime and limestone ap- peared to have gone from bad to worse.—The motion was seconded by Mr H. F. Slattery, and carried unanimously.— Messrs J. W. Maclure, M.P., and Edward Davies, re- tiring directors, were re-elected.—The meeting then re- solved itself into a special general meeting, and the following resolution was passed That the bill in the present Session of Parliament, and now submitted to the proprietors entitled A bill to confer powers on the Barry Railway Company for the construction of new railways and the acquisition of lands, and for authorising agreements between them and other railway companies and for other purposes,' be and is hereby approved subject to such alterations therein as have been or may be agreed upon by the directors and sanctioned by Parliament. "-Votes of thanks to the chair. man, directors, and staff terminated the proceedings. The statements of account for the half-year ending 31st December, 1894, duly audited and certified, are herewith submitted. In the following table are shown the receipts and expenditure on Revenue account for the past half- year, compared with the corresponding period in 1893 — In- De- 1894 1893 cr'se. cr'se. Passengers, parcels, mails, &c. 82.914 *79,505 3,409 Merchandise and livestock 37,247 37,022 225 Minerals 18,746 17.250 1,496 Miscellaneoua receipts 4.337 3,843 494 £ 143,244 iGl37,620 25,624 Increase in receipts £5,624 Expenditure. Maintenance of way, works, &c. 25,451 27,697 2,246 Locomotive and Car- riage and Waggon Expenses 26,780 25,775 1,005 Traffic and general ex- penses 26,069 25,367 702 Miscellaneous charges 4,377 3,592 T85 282,677 X82,431 S2,492 £2,246 Net increase in expenditure £ 246 In order to give a correct comparison, the receipts for the corresponding period of 1893 are adjusted by deducting the retrospective payment of £6,900 received for mails in that Deriod under the new contract. U The net revenue for the half-year, after taking into account the retrospective payment in respect of mails re- ferred to in paragraph 2, shows a decreame of 21,522 on the corresponding period of last year. After providing for all fixed charges, the net revenue shows sufficient to pay the full interest of 4 per cent. on the D. Debenture Stock, carrying forward to next half-year, under the provisions of the Scheme of Arrangement, a surplus of 21,490 lis. 2d. The proprietors will be glad to observe that the Permanent Way Renewal Suspense, which, six years ago, stood at S34,511 17s. lid., has now been fully charged against Revenue, and the Maintenance of Way Expendi- ture (Abstract A) will show in the future only the amount expended currently upon the line. The Directors are pleased to report the continued growth in the passenger business of the Company. The tourist and excursion bookings to the coast stations, inftbe faee of the unfavour- able weather1 during July and August, showed a marked improvement during the half-year, in which 80,500 more passengers were conveyed compared with the correspond- ing period in 1893. Further certificates for £ 5,578 and £16,080 were granted by the Board of Trade on the 19th October and 27th November, 1894, respectively, under the provisions of the Regulation of Railways Act, 1889, in respect of the Automatic Brake Order. The Company is now awaiting a final certificate from the Board of Trade in regard to interlocking points and signals and other consequent work, and the Directors hope to be able,, in their next report, to tell the Proprietors that the whole of the heavy work carried out under the provisions of the 1889 Act is either completed or that little remains to be finished. Bills relating to undertakings affecting the Cambrian System have been deposited in Parliament, and the Directors will take such steps in connection therewith as may be found necessary for the protection of the Company's interests. One of these Bills, promoted by the Barry Railway Company, will be submitted for approval at a special general meeting, to be held immediately after the ordinary meeting. The Directors retiring by rotation at the ensuing meeting are Mr Edward Davies and Mr John William Maclure, M.P., both of whom are eligible and offer themselves for re- election. The auditor retiring is Mr Thomas Kennedy, who also offers himself for re-election. J. F. BCCKLEY, chairman, ALFRED APLETT, secretary. Oswestry, 20th February, 1895.

SJLKATA FLORIDA. RACKS.—At a race meeting held at Talsarn on Thursday, February 28th, "Donny Boy" the property of Mr Arch, Great Abbey, succeeded in winninar the first prize in a race in -vhic.'i ten started, including the noted racing pony Nant-or-Glyn."

OYPFKYN AKDUDWY. GENEROSITY.—Mr S. Poje, Q.C., with ds usaal generosity has distributed, nuring the seveiv weather, coal, na"n"), &c., to the value of 9-10 amongst the poor and needy of Dyffryn.

jeocal aitbd, tstrict. A Bill has bien in roduc-d, backed by Mr Lloyd Morgan, Mr Arthur Williams, no Mr Abel Thomas, pro tding for the paymcir of jurors attending assizes and quarter sessions in England and Wales. THE marriage arranged between Captain A. W. Hasted, the Wiltshire Regiment, second son of Col. J. O. Hasted, Royal Engineers, and Edith Mary, second daughter of Mr Simms Bull, Tyn-y-coed, Artho. Merionethshire. will take place at St. Mary's Church, Dolgelley. on Wednesday, 24th April. The opening of the debate on th.: "cond reiding of the Welsh Disesrablishment Bill is fix-d officitlly for Tnursday week (March 14thi. That a protracted and acrimonious discussion will take place before the division is reached is certaiu, as the Church party are mustering all their forces in Opposition and th-re are rumours of numerous amendments in addition t,) thobe already announced. A receiving order was made in the London Bank- ruptcy Court on Tuesday under a petition p esente i on behalf of Llewelyn Malcolm Wynue and Mr C. M. E. Wynne, solicitors, Lincoln's Inu-fields, carrying on business as Wynne and Son. The flr.t-namefi debtir has been Conservative candidate for the Banbury Division, and was co-respondent in the recent divorce suit, Haw'in v. Hawtin and Wynne. His liabilities are given as about £ 250,000. FUNERAL OF THE LATE LORD ABI&RDARE. -The remains of the lale Lord Aberdare were interred at Mountain Ash Cemetery on Friday afternoon, Archdeacon Bruce, his n phew, officiating. At the service the Vicar of the parish officiated, and the surpliced choirs of the parish and the Mountain Ash Choral Union sang the favourite Welsi hymns of tlie deceased. There was then a solemn procession to the cemetery, the body being borne by the tenants and followed by the members of the family and various deputations. The service at the graveside was con- ducted by the Archdeacon of Monmouth. Among the floral tributes was a wreath from the Empress Frederick. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYQ. --Approximate return of traffic receipts, for the week ending February 24th 1895 Miles open, 237. Passengers parcels &c., il,886 merchandise, minerals, and live stock £ 2,369; total for the week, £4.255; aggregate for half-year end- iug 30th June, EOO,000 aggregate from commence- ment of half-year, £ 30,990. Actual traffic receipts for the corresponding wr.Ak last year: Miles open, 237; passengers, parcels. &c., ZI,955 merchandise, minerals, and live stock, f.2,320 to'al for the week, £4,275; aggregate for half-year ending 30th June, M,000 aggregate fro oi commencement of half- year, £ 32,626. Increase for the week Passengers, parcels, fee, ZOO merchandise, minerals, and live stock, JE49 total for the week ;C- aggregate from commencement of half-year, ;C-. Decrease for the week: Passengers, parcels, &c., £69; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £-; total for the week, E20. Aggregate increase: Passengers, parcels, tea f- merchandise, minerals, and live sticks. £-; total for the week, E- agg^gate from com- mencement of half-year f-, Aggregate decrease, Passengers parcels, &c, £ 762; merchandise, mineral, and live stock, JE874 total for the w(-ek, E- aggre- gate from commencement of half-yea, £1,636

LLA.NFAIHOLYDOGAU. CONCERT -On St. David's Day the children of the Llanfair School held their second concert m com- memoration of the Pat ron Saint Councilor BeU]aimn Evans, chairman of the School Board, presided and Mr pin Jenkins conducted. Among those present were Messrs D. S. Davies, Nantymedd (vice-chairman) Walter William, Peuddol; Evan Abel, Factory 5 John Williams, Pengraig (members of the Board); A. Evans, Llanfairfawr Rev J. Neddfryn Davies, Independent minister. The room was quite full. The programme was lengthy. The Misses Hughes. Griffiths (old Duoils), and Miss Benbow, the assistant mistress, favoured the audience with songs, as did also Messrs D. Lloyd, Ben Evans, and Rev J. N. Davies. P ARIH MEETING. -A parish meeting was convened on Monday night to test the feeling of the electorate on a resolution of the School Board to build a master s residence.-The chair was taken by Mr David Lloyd, chairman of the Parish Council. After a short ex- planatory speech he called on the Schoolmaster to address the meeting.—This Mr Jenkins declined to do, but said that with the conscnt of the Board and the meeting he would say a few words later on. -Messrs Ben Evans (chairman), D. S. Davies, and John Williams, members of the Board, spoke at some length, and gave a detailed account of their doings on the School Board in connection with the buildiug.-Mr Thomas Griffiths also spoke in favour of building a house.—Mr D. S. Davies, Tynyfron, quoted an instance of a schoolmaster, appointed to the Llanfair Free School thirty years ago, who came there, but could not find comfortable lodgings and went away next day.—Mr Jenkins was then called, and gave his view of the subject, and took up seriatim the objections raised against.—Mr Ben Evans, proposed, Mr Thomas Griffiths seconded, and Mr Stephen Davies, Blaen- cyswch supported, a resolution that the house be built.—After some teu minutes silence, and much pressure by the Chairman, Mp David Jones, Waun wen, proposed, and Mr Morgan Jones, Esgerddu, seconded, an amendment that the house be not built. —There were forty-six electors present, and on a show of hands the following voted for the amendment Messrs D. Jones, Waunwen Morgan Jones, Esger- ddu David Jones, Vv enallt John Jones, Tancoed Daniel Jones, Clwtypatrwn and Thomas, Llwyn- cnau, and it was consequently lost.