The Aberystwith Observer

ELECTRIC BELT FREE. fTTo introduce it and obtain Agents we will for the JL next Sixty Days give away, free of charge, in each Town in Great Britain, a limited number of our GERMANIC ELECTRO GALVANIC SUSi-ENSOKY BELTS, Price One Found; a positive and unfailing cure for Nervous Debility, Varicocele, Night Troubles, Loss of Energy, &c, £100 lieward paicl if every Belt we manu- facture does not generate a genuine electric current. Address at once ELECTRIC BELT AGENuY, P.O. Box 1T8, BROOKLYN, N.Y., U.S.A. GOOD NEWS GOOD NEWS ANOTHER BIG DROP IN THE PRICE OF MEAT AT FRED. B A K E R'S 19, NORTH P ARAD ¡.U, ABERYSTWYTH, WHO IS NOW SELLING TO THE WORKING CLASSLS 3LBS. OF PRIME BEEF FOR Is. An Early Inspeetic-n to his show of all kinds of M>at is most earnestly and respectfully invited, which includes Prime Hereford and Finest Welsh Beef, a Choice Lot of Fine Shropshire Dowu and Welsh Mutintaisi Wether Sheep, a very selecs Lot of Bacon ami P •'k Pigs all the above Stock were br -d and fed by the Principal Farmers of this aad adjoining counties, j Some-cured Hams and B icon, Pork Pies and S (.usage, Christmas Cakes, Mince Pies, &c., &c., all ui the fiuest quality. PLEASE NOTE THE PRICES Prime Beef from 31 to 7|d per lb. Finest Mutton from 5f¡d to 7iJ per lb. Choice Pork from 4M to ûtd per lb. Pork Sausage, 8d per lb. TERMS—CASH PAYMENTS. PLEASE OBSERVE THE ADDRESS- FRED. BAKER, 19, NORTH PARADE, ABERYSTWYTH. GENERAL DRAPERY AND FANCY GOODS ESTABLISHMENT, 33, TERRACE ROAD, ABERYSTWYTH. U. DAVIES TIEGS to arsnource that she ha.s jnst received a D Splendid Assortment of NET CURTAINS in White, Cream, and Beige. from 2s. a pair to 15s. Also a Nice Assortment of FANCY GOODS suitable for Bazaar work in Antimacassars, Mantel Borders, Screens, Cushions, Fancy Chairs, Brackets, Berlin Wool, Baskets, Puish Frames, Aprons, Perforated Slippers, Table Covers, Plush and Leather Sitehelg, Gipsy Tables. E. P. WYNNE, FAMILY AND DISPENSING <t CHEMIST, PIER STREET, ABERYSTWYTH.

NEWS AND OBSERVATIONS: ORIGINAL AND SELECTED. The thirty-ninth annual report of the Pru- dential Assurance Company reveals the fact that the progress of the company during the year 1887 has been as remarkable as that which has marked its career since it was first formed. The assets of the company at the beginning of the year 1886 were £ 6,811,954, and they now show anncrease of £1,0.).5,149. In the ordinary branch 37,450 policies were issued, representing a sum of £ 3,903,635-to the assured, and a new annual premium to the company of £ 192,109 the premiums received during the same period were £ 138,191 in excess of the previous year in this branch alone. The number of deaths in the ordinary branch was 1,071, on account of which no less a sum than £ 158,257 was paid. The industrial branch also shows a correspondingly flourishing con- dition. The premiums received during the year were £3,058,501, an increase of £147,206 on the previous year. The death claims amounted to £ 1,204,823, paid on account of the demise of 142,665. The total number of policies in force is 7,599,554. These figures show that the operations of the company are conducted on a gigantic scale, so extensive indeed must they be that to an ordinary mind they are scarcely credible. The superinten- dent of this town and district is MB. MOBCOM, Exeter Rouse, Queen's-road. One of the College boats has already been floated, and it looks as if the Collegians intend to gain the supremacy on the local waters. The old town club has not yet placed its boats on the water, but it is organising an enter- tainment for the purpose of raising funds to defray the expenses of the season, and some stiff contests may safely be anticipated as soon as the weather is settled. It is pitiful to see the sad havoc which cattle are making with the young trees on the Plas- crug road. Cattle seem to have a special liking for the points and leaders of the young pines, and they may every day be seen feasting upon these dainty bits. The owners evidently look On at the proceedings with pleasure, and it seems to be nobody's business to prevent this wanton destruction. From Plascrug to the cemetery south gate is but a few steps. It has long been a cause of inconvenience to those who have occasion to go to the cemetery that this gate is closed on Sundays. The north gate is open, but it would be a convenience if the other were so also. This could easily be done if a new sort of gate, through which animals could not pass, were fixed instead of the present one. A little further on still, at the end of the road leading to Llangawsa, is a tanhouse, and the road by it is in a most untidy state. The tan from the works is thrown out on the road, and as it seems to be nobody's business to keep the road in order, the place during wet weather is a perfect quagmire, and almost impassable. The proprietor of the tanhouse is evidently en- titled to deposit the tan on the road, but we believe that he is willing to relinquish his right if the Town Council will give him a piece of the meadows adjoining upon which the refuse can be deposited. There seems to be a doubt as to whether the road ought to be kept in order by the Council and the owner of the tan- yard jointly or by the highway board. Surely something should be done to put an end to what is now and has been for many years a aiuisance. At the Concil meeting on Tuesday reference was made to the water supply of the borough, and the Town Surveyor said that the Plyn- limon lake contains sufficient water, without any further rain, to supply the town for four .J,¡19Jrthr,¡, Seeing that many towns are threat- ened with a scarcity of water this is most satisfactory for Aberystwyth. Mr RICHkltD JAMES TTgca the necessity of providing a proper supply of water for Penparke, and promised to bring the matter forward at the next meeting. z, A General Purposes Committee was ap- pointed to deal with minor matters, but as the members are also members of the Public Works Committee it would be just as well to have re-christened that the Public Works and General Purposes Committee. It has for some time been felt that things are manipulated in such a way as to place the management of all the more important matters in the hands of a few members, who never fail to nominate one another when any appointment worth having, on committees or otherwise, has to be filled. It may be that these gentlemen are the ablest members of the Council, but it seems a little selfish that they should monopolise all the good things. I I A somewhat lengthy discussion, accompanied by a resolution and a couple of amendments, took place with respect to the band arrange- ments for the next season. Mr B. E. MORGAN proposed that the MAYOR should not give special permission to any band, but allow all applicants to play when and where they like. Mr WILLIAM THOMAS, notwithstanding that he had at the public meeting held on the pre- vious Tuesday supported the resolution which I virtually prevented the Council taking further action in the matter, proposed as an amend- ment the appointment of three gentlemen to co-ope rate with the Band committee—for what | purpose it is not clear, as the Committee has i now no duty to discharge; and Mr GREEN proposed, as a second amendment, that the re- solution passed at the public meeting should I be adopted. As the Council had invited the opinion of the ratepayers they could not well refuse to accept their decision and support Mr GIUSEN, but his amendment was carried by a majority of one vote only. There seems to be strong feeling amongst members of the Council in favour of inviting the opinion of outsiders and then ignoring that opinion if not in har- mony with their own. This was done recently. A committee of farmers was appointed to con- sider the advisability of charging tolls upon animals brought for sale into the town, but when the committee decided against tolls the Council ignored them altogether. With refer- ence to the Band, it seems to us that Mr B. E. MORGAN, as chairman of the Committee, has been acting too precipitately. Last year he and his friends insisted upon engaging a band' for the town apart from the Pier, and this year, in February, without waiting to see what may happen, he wishes to trust to chance. It is quite clear that the town cannot support two efficient Bands, and co-operation between the Council and Mr PALMER might result in the engagement of one which will be a credit to the town and give satisfaction to visitors. A somewhat amusing little incident occurred during a discussion regarding the letting of the Plascrug Meadows. The TOWN CLERK suggested that the usual clauses against ploughing the land should be inserted in the agreements. It is one of the Radical doctrines t, that tenants should be permitted to cultivate and use lands in their occupation in any way they like, and as the majority of the Council are Radicals they were placed in an awkward position. They had either to back up the party doctrine or ignore it. They saw their dilemma and said nothing, but a comical expression stole over the features of one or two of them. Ultimately, however, Mr JOHN JAMES, who knows a good deal about agricul- tural matters, supported the TOWN CLERK'S suggestion, and it was agreed to. Of course everyone knows that it would never do to allow tenants, whether from spite or any other cause, to plough up pasture land whenever he chose, especially during the last year of his tenancy. The Town Council in committee have decided to purchase a steam roller for keeping the roads in order. It is said by advocates of the machine that it will result in a considerable saving to the ratepayers, but we are disposed to doubt that. They say that it now costs about £ 130 to break the stones used in the borough and to keep Penparke road in order, and that a steam stone-breaker will do its work at the rate of sixty tons a day, and there- fore it is calculated that nearly the whole of the wages now paid for stone-breaking can be saved; in fact, judging from their statements it may be inferred that the purchase will be all profit and no loss. But just let us consider for a moment how matters will stand. The interest upon JE500 at 4 per cent. is E20. The wear and tear cannot be counted at less than 7t per cent.-say £40. Then a house must be built, which will be worth not less than k5 per annum. These items alone amount to £65. To this will have to be added the cost of work- ing the machines, in fuel and labour and some repairs. A skilled labourer will still have to be employed in looking after the Penparke road, and the streets in the town will require constant attention. One or two poor old men who now earn a few shillings a week by breaking stones will be thrown out of employ- ment, but other expenses will have to be in- curred. These are but a few of the drawbacks, but they are quite sufficient to show that a steam roller will not be a source of profit to the ratepayers. It is useless to compare this roller with the steam crane on the harbour pier, which has done admirable work. The crane is doing special work, and when that is completed it will be useless for the town. A steam roller will run over all the streets in the borough in a day or so, so that it will have to be idle for quite 360 days. The present horse- roller is ample for all necessary purposes. Our Aberayron Correspondent suggests that a bathing machine or two should be provided at that pretty watering-place for the" use of ladies. One or two for gentlemen also would not be amiss. At the last meeting of the Board of Guard- ians Mr JOHN JAMES suggested that tramps should be provided with food before leaving the workhouse after doing their allotted task. Under the present system they are not allowed to depart for some hours after breakfast, and then they have to go without any further food. The consequence is that they have at once to appeal to the charitable for help, 'and they sometimes get imprisoned for doing so. Mr JAMES also suggested that food should be pro- vided them at certain police stations in the country. The law does not seem to allow this to be done at the expense of the ratepayers, but we cannot help thinking that a good many loaves,, and some skim cheese, could be pro- vided for the cost that is incurred in sending an occasional unfortunate to Carmarthen prison. On the ground of expense Mr JAMES' scheme could not fail to be better than the present system, to say nothing of the comfort of the poor fellows who have now so often to walk about hungry. It is very easy for people in easy circumstances, sitting at home at ease, to decide that it is wrong to support tramps, but an intimate acquaintance with poverty would convince them that it is no joke to be poor and friendless and hungry. The weather up to Wednesday evening was dry, but on Thursday morning some showers fell, the rain being accompanied by a milder temperature. Farmers are now busily engaged in out-door work. When the sun shows for a few days drapers will begin to advertise their clearance sales of surplus winter stock, and painters will soon get busy decorating for the simmer, whilst housekeepers will be involved in tht inevitable spring cleaning." A Congregational Minister, writing in the Christim World," after asking the question Do the tee churches collectively, or does any one otPhem individually, contain all the | n t. elements necessary to the needs of the English people ? says this and other questions have to be faced, and, it may be before long, in a practical form. "Disestablishment," he says, is on the rim of the horizon, and when it comes, it will mean a great ecclesiastical recon- struction in England. Shall we all go into the melting pot, and if so what image and super- scription shall we bear when we come out ? Certain it is that when the crash comes it will not leave any of us where we are now. That day of judgment for the Establishment will be one also for the Free Churches. Our work as well as theirs will be tried by fire, and it will be a bad time for the wood, hay, and stubble. At that critical hour, when every- thing is in solution, and the religious life of the nation is waiting to crystallise into new forms, in what existing institutions will it find its model ? Will the Free Churches by their defects and limitations, be condemned to the role of auxiliaries and stop-gaps, or is there that in them which will enable them to spring to the front and, as in the days of the Commonwealth, assume the religious hegemony of England? 1-1 Dr. HARRIES had anarrow escape the other day. The Doctor and a gentleman from Haverford- west were near Fishguard a couple of weeks Gigo and discovered some gold ore. The Doc- tor entered into negociations with the owner of the land to buy it for £ 500, but the discovery oozed out before the agreement had been com- pleted, and a few days later a gentleman from London, a member of a very wealthy family, offered £15000 for the land, which was refused. If Dr. HARRIES had become a millionaire it is just possible that he would cease to reside permanently in this town, and thus Aber- ystwyth would lose one of the most public- spirited of her sons. Mr MATTHEW ARNOLD contributes an article on Disestablishment in Wales to the current number of the National Review," in which he suggests that as the majority of the Welsh people are not adherents of the Established Church the endowments should be divided be- tween the various denominations. This is in harmony with the opinion expressed in these columns some months ago, and it seems to be gaining ground amongst Church people. The National Review," it will be remembered, is a Conservative publication. If Churchmen are wise they will take a forecast of coming events, and prepare for them. The girls of Ashford Welsh School have done exceedingly well during the past year, as will be seen from the fact that out of eight girls who took honours at the Christmas exa- mination of the College of Preceptors, two were from this school. St. David's Day was duly honoured in var- ious parts of the country. In the House of Commons, the Welsh members wore their leek gaily; the Welsh community in London en- joyed itself after its national wont by listening to fine music in the Albert Hall. The festi- val somewhat reduced the attendance of the Welsh Radicals in the House of Commons; but before the banqueting and the song began there was plenty of fun in the House of Commons.

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. A PROLIFIC EWE.-A ewe, belonging to Mrs Roderick, Figure Fonr, near this town, gave birth to five lambs last week. The mother and lambs died shortly afterwards. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS.—Mr J. J. Griffiths, auctioneer, and Mr John Thomas, draper, have been re-appointed borough auditors, without opposition. Tynllidiart trotting matches and flat races will take place on Wednesday, the 21st inst. Entries must be sent in to Mr John Williams, Tynllidiart Arms. The excursion season will commence during the Easter holidays, when cheap tickets will be issued over thQ Manchester and Milford Railway to Merthyr and other stations in Sbuth Wales. Some capital photographs of the Welsh Baptist Chapel, Baker-street, which is now being demolished preparatory to the erection of a new building, have been taken by Mr D. J. Lewis, Great Darkgate- street. MONTHLY MARKET.—There was a large supply of stock brought into the town on Monday, and business was fairly brisk. Good cows and heifers realised better prices than have been commanded for months, and many animals changed hands. There was only a limited supply of horses, and the demand was also limited, the prices offered being very low, THE RIGHT OF PUBLIC MEETING IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE.—In the division in the House of Commons, on Friday night, on Sir Charles Russell's motion as to the right of public meeting in Trafalgar-square, Mr Bowen Rowlands, Q.C., Mr Stuart Rendel, and the Hon. F. H. Tracy voted in favour of the motion, and the Hon. G. T. Kenyon, Admiral Mayne, and the Hon. H. A. Walsh against. PROPERTY SALE.—Mr J. J. Griffiths, auctioneer, held a sale of leasehold property at the Talbot Hotel on Wednesday afternoon, when he disposed of No. 47, Portland-street, and a house in Portland-lane, held under a lease for 99 years commencing on the 13th December, 1813. Both properties were pur- chased, after a spirited bidding, by Mr W. Williams, 60, the Terrace, the former realising .£286, and the latter .£50. DEATH OF MR. M. H. GROGAN.-Many readers iu this town and district will learn with regret of the death of Mr M. H. Grogan, of Cardiff, which took place on Monday morning. The deceased was well known throughout this county as a. traveller representing Messrs. Ind, Coope and Co., brewers, Burton-on- Trent, a position which he held until a few months ago, when he resigned, and afterwards represented Messrs. Roughsedge and Summers, Bristol, manufac- turers of aerated waters. The immediate cause of death was appoplexy; he was 41 years of age. Mr Grogan had made many friends in this town. He was of a genial and jovial disposition, and his sudden death was received by his relatives with painful surprise. DEATH OF CAPT. JAMES.—Our reiders will learn with regret of the death of Capt. Jamss, who formerly resided in this town, but latterly lived at Goginan. The deceased, who was 65 years of age, commenced his career early in life as a tin and copper miner in Cornwall, where he soon became manager of mines in his native country. He afterwards removed to the Isle of Man, and then for eight years he had the management of the South Darren Silver Lead Mine, and up at the time of his death he occupied a similar position at the Esgairfraith & Esgerhir Copper & Lead Mines. He had four sons (one of whom predeceased him) and two daughters. The deceased was very generally respected, being of a kindly and social disposition. SUICIDE OF MR GEORGE LEWIS, OSWESTRY.—In- telligence reached here, and caused painful surprise, I on Monday morning, of the death by his own hand of Mr George Lewis, formerly manasrer of the Cambrian Railways. It appears that shortly before twelve o'clock noon on Sunday, his son, Mr F. B. Lewis, had occasion to go to a cowhouse at Frankton ^Grange, where the deceased and his family resided, when he found his father suspended from a rafter by a very slender rope. He at once cut the body down, but life was extinct. The deceased was in the sixtieth year of his age, and no motive is assigned for the rash act. An inquest was held on the body on Monday, and a verdict was returned that deceased committed suicide whilst labouring under a temporary fit of in. sanity, and the jury at the same time expressed deep sympathy with the family. ACCIDENTS.—On Tuesday afternoon, while Alfred James, son of Mr Evan Hugh James, tanner, Chalybeate-terrace, was riding a bicycle, he met with an accident. He was riding at a fast rate down Great Darkgate-street, and in attempting to turn his machine into Chalybeate-terrace it came in contact with the pavement. He was thrown off the machine, and fell heavily against the corner of Mr John Lewis', draper shop window, receiving injury to his head and side. On Monday afternoon, a farmer, residing at Talsarn, met with an accident while trucking cattle at the railway station, when he fell from the siding on on to the rails, and fractured his left leg. He was at once conveyed to the Infirmary, and attended to by Dr Rowland, under whose care he is progressing satisfactorily. Miss M. Jones, daughter of Mr J. E. Jones, boot and shoemaker, North-parade, cut the palm of her hand very severely with one of the machines in use in her father's business. She is also under the care of Dr. Rowland. PUBLIC LIBRARY.—The number of books borrowed during week ending Saturday, March 3rd, was 448; corresponding week of last year, 396. THE OLD BAPTIST CHAPEL.—Baker-street Welsh Baptist chapel is now being fast demolished to make room for the new building, which will be erected on the same site. OBITUARY.—Mr Chiistophet Page, C.E., eldest son of Mr W. Page, and grandson of Mr Page, formerly harbour master in this town, died at mid- night on Sunday, at Stacey-road, Cardiff. I A temperance meeting was held at Tanycae school- room on Tuesday evening, -when addrerses were delivered by Mr Davies, U.C.W., Mrs Davies, Marine-terrace, and Mr Hug-hes, U.C.W. ST. DAVID'S DAY IN OLDHAM. The Welsh people of Oldham celebrated St. David's day by attending, to the number of between 300 and 400, divine service at St. Mary's Church, when the clergy who took part were the Rev Ivan LI. Harry, vicar of Holy Trinity, Coldhurst; Rev D. Morgan, vicar of High Crompton; and the Rev E. Killin-Roberts, curate of Coldhurst. The service gave great satis- faction. DCWNIE'S BEQUEST.—A meeting was held on Thursday week. Present—-Rev J. H. Protheroe, churman, Major Bassett Lewis, Mr D. C. Roberts (mayor), Mr Peter Jones, Mr C. M. Williams, and Mr Evan Evans, clerk. A sum of X2 was given to eich of the lady visitars, and special grants amount- ing to .£13 was made. JUNIOR. RADICAL CLUB.—On Tuesday night, undsr the presidency of Mr G. B. Hall. a paper was read by Mr Hugh Hughes jeweller, on Free Trade." Mr Hughes, in his remarks, gave some startling evidences in favour of Free Tradf, and totally con- demned the chief arguments of the Fair Traders. He was followed by Messrs J. Evans, solicitor, D. C. Roberts (mayor), and W. H. Palmer. J. Walter Evans, Tottenham House, Little Darkgate- street, Aberystwyth, is now making his annual sale of surplus winter stock. Rather than keep winter goods over the summer, they are to be cleared during the month, regardless of cost price. Men's and Boys' overcoats and winter suits are greatly reduced. There are also remnants of dress goods, cloths, shirting and other flannels, and oddments of all goods to be cleared, at about half- price. This being a most favourable time for a cheap parcel, J. W. E. hopes his customers and the public will avail themselves of the opportunity.—ADV. CHILDREN'S TREAT.—'I he children connected with the English Presbyterian church were entertained to tea, followed by a magic lantern, by the pastor-Rev J. G. Davies, on Tuesday The chair was occupied by the Rev Mr Parry (I), Llanbadarn. and there were also present Rev J. G Davies, Mr Evan Hugh James, superintendent, Mr Divid Lloyd, Mr P. Gornall, Mr Edward O-en, Mr Henry Jones, Mr Stephens, College, Miss Lloyd, Miss Esther Jenkins. Miss Daniel, Miss Carter. Miss Edwards, Miss Jones, Lanra.place, and Miss Morgan. MR IWAN JENKYN'S KYMRIC CONCERT.—On St David's Day, at the Congregational chapel, Bethesda, a grand Welsh concert was given by Mr Iwan Jenkyn, F.P.H.S., and his scholars. The spacious chapel was crowded. The children wore the national emblem-" the leek." The programme consisted of twelve Welsh airs, sung to Welsh words. Mr R. S. Hughes, R.A.M., presided at the organ, and Mr Iwan Jenkyn conducted. It is trusted that others will adopt Mr Jenkyn's plan by next year. It was a signal success. PLASCRUG MEADOWS.—Mr. J. J. Griffiiths, auc- tioneer, let by public auction for seven years, at the Town Hall on Tuesday, Plascrug meadows, or Flats, which were divided into three lots. Lot 1 was knocked down to Mr. Peter Jones at an annual rent of X9 10s and lots 2 and 3 fell to Mr John James at .£44 and .£64 a year respectively. The Corporation field in Smithneld-road was let to Mr. W. H. Palmer at X29 a year, and a piece of land adjoining the old reservoir house, Brynymor-road, was let to Mr. H. L. Evans at C3 5s. The whole will produce an annual rental of .£149 15s, and the corporation stipulate to pay the tithes. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—Approximate return of traffic receipts for the week ending March 4tli, 1888. Miles open 182. Passengers,parcels,horses, car- riages, dogs, and mails, < £ 1,305 merchandise, min. erals and live stock, .81.464 total for the week, £ 2,769. Actual traffic receipts for the corresponding week last year :—Miles open, 182. Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails, < £ 1,329 merchandise, minerals and live stock, £ 1,452 total for the week, £ 2,781. Aggregate from commence- ment of half-year to this date, < £ 23,495; aggregate last year, < £ 23,855. Passengers, parcels, horses, car- riages, dogs, and mails, .£24 decrease; merchandise, minerals and live stock, .£12 increase; total decrease for the week, Cl2 aggregate decrease from com- mencement of half-year to this date, .£360. PENYPABKE SCHOOL.—On the afternoon of Tues- day the girls of the above school received prizes for needlework, which were generously given by Mrs Morgan, Nantceirio Hall. 1 he prizes consisted of handsome floral album, beautiful book, red leather writing case, nice large workbox, and very pretty workboxes of smaller size. Mrs Morgan, accompanied by several young ladies, spent some time in examining each child's work, and many were the words of kind encouragement and praise she bestowed upon them, which by their bright eyes and animated expression they quite seemed to appreciate. She expressed much pleasure in seeing the work so nicely done, and also at their having kept it so very clean. Mr Cocks, in thanking Mrs Morgan, said that her kindness in promising the prizes had been a great incentive to the girls during the year, and all of them had been working hard to gain one. Penyparko school is greatly indebted to this lady for the kindly interest she takes in it in various ways. POLICE CASES.—At the police station, on Saturday morning, before Mr. George Hughes Bonsall and Mr. John James, Sam Timmins, alias Joseph Laurence, Rotherham, labourer, was charged by D.C.C. John Lloyd with acting as a pedlar without a certificate, at Pentrebont, on Friday, the 2nd inst.—P.C David Jones (9), proved the case.—Defendant was fined 5s. and costs, and in default 14 days.-At the police station on Monday, before Mr. Peter Jones, and Mr. Richard James, Thomas Ryan, Manchester, labourer, was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment, with hard labour, for refusing to perform his task of work, at the casual ward of the workhouse.—Mr. John Pierce, master of the house, proved the charge.-Before Mr. D. Jenkin Davies, on Wednesday, John Runer, Eccles, near Manchester, labourer, and William Laird, New- port, Mon..l were charged with begging alms on the 6th inst.-P.C. Thomas Hughes, proved the cases. -Discharged. THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. THOMAS SAMUEL. —On Saturday the funeral of the late Mr. Thomas Samuel, of Penparcau, of whom we gave a short biographical notice in our last issue, took place. Long before the time appointed for leaving the resi. dence of the deceased groups of townspeople might be seen wending their way by the south road to the village where the old gentleman, so well known to many of our readers, had spent by far the largest portion of his life. An immense number of people had come together to pay their last duty to the de- ceased and to testify to their appreciation of his high worth and stainless character. The late Mr. Samuel was not a rich man, but rather belonged to the poorer classes. He had never aspired to distinction in political matters or in chapel affairs. He had no ambition to be pre-eminent even in the little chapel of Ebenezer, at Penpareau, where he was without a rival, except such pre-eminence as belongs to a man of rigid integrity, transparent honesty, and ardent zeal for the cause of Christ. His removal through death has inflicted a severe loss on the chapel at Pen- parcau. Mr Samuel was the oldest member at the Tabernacle, and the Rev. T. Levi, minister, officiated at the door of the house where the coffin lay he read a portion of the Holy Scripture and engaged in prayer. After the singing of the tuneral hymn "Bydd myrdd o ryfeddodau," the long procession started towards the cemetery. The villagers having remonstrated against using a hearse for conveying .the coffin to its resting place, the difficulty of carrying the bier was removed by the task being entrusted to men who were portioned off in fours at a stated time, and the arrangements were carried ,out most strictly by an accurate timist. The sight of the funeral cortege as it crossed Trefechan bridge was a very notable and a very imposing spectacle. Upon entering the town the funeral proceeded along Bridge-street and Great Darkgate-street. We noticed that several of the townspeople had their establishments olosed while the cortege passed. At the cemetery chapel the Rav. William Jones officiated, and the Rev. John Williams offered 1lp prayer at the grave. The remains of the deceased lie about thirty or forty yards east of the chapel, close to those of his third son, who died about five and a half years ago. The chief mourners were Mr. Richard Samuel (son), Mr. David Samuel, M.A., Mr. W. H. Samuel, and Mr. G. J. Samuel (grandsons). The deceased had nine children, only four of whom survive. He has several grandchildren in America, and a few great-grandchildren.

THE FIRE BRIGADE. Mr D. C. Roberts, mayor, desires to acknowledge reeeiots of the following further subscriptions :— £ s d Rev J. Morgan, Edeyrn Rectory 1 0 0 Mrs Roberts, 20, Terrace 0 10 0

TO THE DEAF.—A Person cured of Deafness and noises in the head of 23 years' standing by a simple remedy, will send a description of it FREE to any Person who applies to NICHOLSON, 15, Camden Pk.-road, London, N.W. Pk.-road, London, N.W.

ABERYSTWYTH NOTES. [BY CHRYSOSTUS.] A lull in the political world has again set in. The elections of Dundee, Southwark, West Edinburgh, Doncaster, and Deptford have come and gone, and political matters are beginning to settle down pretty much the same as they were before these, exciting contests had commenced. It is perfectly true that the lecal Liberals were in high spirits over the Liberal victories at Southwark and West Edinburgh, while the Conservatives and Unionists o. the other hand were equally cheerful over their victories at Doncaster and Deptford. But both parties are seriously pondering over a paragraph in a recent issne of a South Wales daily paper which has leaked out the secret that Mr David Davies, of Llandinam, intends contesting Cardiganshire at the next election as a Liberal Unionist. This will be good news to all Unionists and Conservatives, and one can easily understand how shocked local Radicals felt on hearing of the matter. It must be confessed that Mr Boweu Rowlands owes his victory mainly to the untiring exertions of tl e Nonconformist ministers, and not to any of the political organizations in Cardiganshire. Mr Bowen Rowlands wiil, no < oubt, soon learn that a barrister, who SPi nds h;s time almost altogether iu the law-courts, is not so acceptable to the people of Cardiganshire as a true honest man of the people like Mr David Davies. Last week I turned in to have a look at the Literary Society. There was a pretty fair attendance of members, and there were obvious symptoms of in- creased energy and success in the doings of the society. The programme was an excellent one, and worthy of a far greater audience. A lady in reciting the Aberystwyth Alphabet" made the following remark P is for the Post Office, and if you ever go there You will find that civility is rather rare." The sentiment was loudly cheered by the audience, an evident proof that they have experienced the same thing themselves. I hope the Post Office officials will take the hint. I must not forget to refer to Miss Eunice Williams, who deservedly carried off the palm of the evening. Although very young, she has given a good proof of her qualities as a singer, and I venture to predict a successful future for her. *#* Talking of t'e Literary Society reminds me of a debate that was held there a short time ago on lotteries. Those who supported the motion "that the lawt relating to lotteries should be enforced" will be pleased to hear that the Government share with them the same opinion, for in the House of Commons on Friday the Home Secretary stated, in reply to Mr Cobb, that he had seen a copy of a bill announ"ing a lottery to be carried out by the Newchnrch Working Men's Conservative Association, and had directed the attention of the Public Prosecutor to the matter. Moreover, the Home Secretary has written to a Non- conformist minister, who had asked him if raffles in connection with church bazaars were illegal, a letter in which he states that all lotteries are illegal. One of the speakers at the Literary Society stated that the Chief Constable or Deputy Chief Constable (I don't remember which of the two he said) had been appealed to in order to put a stop to local lotteries, and that the appeal being in vain they had now written to the Treasury concerning the matter. V If the Literary Society is beginning to flourish, the Junior Radical Club, I hear on good authority, is on the decline. During the past winter they have only had two or three debates, and those were noted for the absence of that enthusiasm which theclub is sup- posed to be noted for. For instance, I am told that a certain member was asked to open a discussion on Free Trade and Fair Trade some three weeks ago. When he got there be found half-a-dozen members playing billiards, and so the debate was adjourned, and as yet, I hear, it has not come off. The members intended to have an entertainment on Saturday before last,but through want of er. thusiasm it was postponed to last Saturday, and now it has been postponed again sine die." The club no doubt suffers from the same disease as the senior Liberal club, and are long will become noted for its lethargy.

CHURCH AND CHAPEL. At a church meeting held at Shiloh C. M. Chapel on St. David's Day, Messrs Jenkin Vaughan, David Samuel, M.A., W. P. Williams, and David Watkins were elected elders or deacons. The election was by ballot, and a. large number recorded their votes. The successful candidates were those for whom more than half the members present voted. Among the candidates admitted to deacon's orders, on the 26th ult., by the Bishop of London, at St Paul's Cathedral, was Mr Evan Jones, A.K.C., of 30, Bridge-street, in this town. The rev. gentleman was afterwards licensed to the curacy of Holy Trinity, High Holborn. The Marquess of Abergavenny has presented the Rev. J. Lewis Clougher, B.A., curate of Neath, to the rectory of Goytre, in the place of the Rev. R. W. Goose, and the Bishop of Llandaff being satisfied with Mr Clougher's examination in the Welsh lan- guage by one of his lordship's examining chaplains, has signified his intention to institute the new rector at an early date. The Rev. J. W. Edwards, for many years pastor of the Baptist Church at New Milford, died on Friday afternoon week, after a couple of days' illness. He preached as usual on the previous Sunday. The de- ceased leaves a widow and three young children to mourn their loss. The Chancellor of the Diocese of Llandaff has ap- pointed the Rev. Samuel Rowland Jones, perpetual curate of Glyntaff, Pontypridd, and the Rev. Moses Lewis, perpetual curate of Llanwonno, Pontypridd, to be surrogates for the granting of marriage licenses within the Diocese of Llandaff. A meeting has been held at Oxford to form a University Society for the Defence of the Church in Wales. The aim of the society is to band together Welsh members of the University, and to hold meetings once a fortnight during full term, at which papers will be read, epitomes of which will afterwards be published in the Welsh press. The Dean of St. Asaph was present, and gave his hearty approval of and sympathy with the society. We regret to announce the death of [the Rev. D. Jenkins, vicar of Llanfair-Orllwyn, between Llan- dyssul and Newcastle-Emlyn. The deceased was found dead on the floor of his parlour on Thursday morning. He was in good health on the previous evening. He was a B.A., Lampeter, and was ordained deacon in 1870, and priest 1871, by the Bishop of St. David's. Was formerly curate of Llanarthney, Llanlleonvel, and Dafen. The vicarage of Llanfair-Orllwyn is worth .£200 gross, and is in the patronage of the Bishop of St. David s. A new iron church was opened at Pont Tenant, Swansea, on Thursday. The Rev D. Daven Jones was inducted to the vicarage of Kidwelly on Wednesday. The Bishop of St. David's held a confirmation at Haverfordwest on Wednesday.

LLEWELYN THE GREAT. The remainder of Professor Lloyd's paper on Llewelyn the Great is again unavoidably held over.

MARKETS. LIVERPOOL—FRIDAY. [PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.[ Wheat moderate, trade quiet, at Tuesday's rates. Califomian 6s 6id to 6s lid; Chili 6s 7d to 6s 8d; Red winter 6s 5d to 7a 2d Canadian 6s 8d to 7s Od; Flour quiet, unchanged; Maize quiet, 4s 8d to 4s 9Jd Round Corn 4s 7d to 5s 2id; Beans easier; Saidi 24s 3d; Peas 5s 5d; Oats very slow, at late rates; English, white, 2s 3d to 2s 5d.

ABERYSTWYTH, MONDAY. Wheat 4s 6d to 5s 6d per bushel barley, 3s 6d to 3s 9d per bushel white oats, new 2s 6d to 2s 9d per bushel; old Os Od to Os Od per bushel; eggs, 18 to 20 for Is fresh butter, Is 2d to Is 3d per lb salt ditto, Is Od to Os Od per-lb; fowls, per couple, 3s 6d to 48 6d; ducks do., 4s Od to 5s Od; geese, Os Od to Os Od; turkeys, Os Od to Os Od; Welsh cheese, Os Od; potatoes Os Od to 2s 6d.

NEWTOWN, TUESDAY. Wheat, 16s Od to 18s Od per 2401bs. barley, 4s 8d to 5s 6d per 701bs.; oats, 17s 6d to 21s Od per 2251bs.; eggs, 12 to — for a shilling butter, Is 3d to Is 4d per lb.; fowls, 3s Od to 4s Od per couple; ducks, 4s 6d to 6s Od per couple; geese, 5s Od to 7s Od each; turkeys, Os Od to Os Od each; potatoes, Is per 201bs.; beef, 5d to 7d per llb.; mutton, 6d to 8d veal, 8d to Od.; pork, 7d to 8d lamb, Od.

WELSHPOOL, MONDAY. Wheat, Os Od to Os Od per 75 lbs.; barley, Os Od to Os Od per 701bs.; oats, 13s Od to 14s 6d; eggs, 14 to 15 for a shilling; butter, Is 3d to Is 4d per lb.; fowls, 4s Od to 5s Od per couple ducks, Os Od to Os Od per couple geese Os Od to Os Od each turkeys, Os Od to Os Od each; potatoes, Os Od to Os Od per 901bs.

The Laundress to the Countess of Eglinton and Win ton writing to the Manufacturers of RECKJTT'S PARIS BLUE, says: —"Your Blue is excellent/' J

™D iT A T II j OF THE ¡ GERMAN EMPEROR. 11 O'CLOCK. The Press Association says that the news of' the death of the Emperor of Germany reached London at half-past nine this morning, and was immediately communicated to the Queen at Buckingham Palace, and the Prince of" Wales at Marlborough House. The news had been hourly expected. 12 O'CLOCK. The news on reaching West End Clubs in London caused renewal of excitement of last evening, and many inquiries were directed to German Embassy, but confirmatory intelli- gence had not been received there up to eleven o'clock. 2 O'CLOCK. Official confirmation was received at the Ger- man Embassy shortly before noon of the j Emperor's death. The Prince of Wales also- | received a telegram from Prince William of | Prussia, and another from Sir Edward Maiet, stating that the Emperor died at half-past seven. ? f The Queen will return to Windsor to-day, instead of to-morrow. State balls at Dublin Castle have been abandoned. The deceased monarch, who is the first Emperor of Germany, was born March 22nd" 1797; succeeded to the throne of Prussia as King January 2nd, 1861; married June 11th, 1829, Augusta (born Sept. 30th, 1811), daughter of Charles Frederick, Grand Duke of Saxe Weimar. The Crown Prince Frederick William, the Emperor's eldest son, was born Oct. 18th, 1831, and married, January 25th, 1858, Victoria, Princess Royal of Great Britain. The German Empire has an area of 208,685- square miles, and had a population, in 1885, oC 46,480,587.

WRECK OF A BARQUE. TWELVE LIVES LOST. Last night, just before twelve, the irofl barque Lanoma, of London, was wrecked in Chesil West Bay, near Weymouth, and twelve of the crew were drowned; six others being saved. The vessel was bound from Tasmania, with wool. v

We are glad to be able to say that Mr. F. R. Roberts, Penwern, Clerk of the Peace, who was very ill during the early part of the week, was better this (Friday) morning, having passed a good night.

COUNTY COURT. The county court, which is to sit two days, com* menced this (Friday) morning, before Judge Bishop* The number of plaints entered is 106 judgment sum" monses 22 interpleaders 3. The judgment summonses were heard in the morning. The undisputed cases are heard by the registrar, Mr. J. Jenkins.

THE SULLIVAN-MITCHELL PRIZE FIGHT. The pugilists Mitchell and Kilrain arrived at Doveir on Thursday morning, and left by the mid-day boat for France. Smith, who miseed the train by which Mitchell and Kilrain left, stat d that it was hiS intention to follow them to Paris in the evening. Sullivan, it is understood, crossed the Channel on Wednesday.

On Saturday morning, as a number of youtha were sliding on the Forge Pond Abernant, now! Aberdare, a lad named Moore suddenly broke through the ice and disappeared from sight. A boy named Wyndham Charles Andrews, ten years of age, went to his aid, but he, too, slipped under the ice, and whilst the boy who first fell through the ice wall saved, the gallant little fellow who attempted hit rescue was drowned. The deceased was a son of Mr John Andrews, accountant, Abernant Office, for whom great sympathy is felt in the town.

SHIPPING. ARRIVED.—February 2nd, Lizzie, s.s.. Anderson, Glasgow; Ystwyth, schooner, Thomas, Porthoawl; 3rd, Countess of Lisburne, ss., Jone Liverpool. SAILED.—February 3rd, Lizzie, s.s., Anderson, BurryPort; 7th, Countess of Lisburne, s.s., Joaefl. Bristol.

NEW QUAY. ARRIVED. March 5th, John James, Williams Swansea 7th, Mary Miller, Bennet, Plymouth Mary Ellen, Davies, Swansea. SAILED.—March 2nd, Antelope, Evans, Swansea; Mary Ellon, Davies, Swansea 3rd, Inalass, Jones, Carnarvon.