The Aberystwith Observer

ft¥ mm WDXTCATIO* ACT. AS the new Education Act which WAS puøed last session comes into operation about three weeks hence, on the first of January, it is desirable that attention should be drawn to some of the leading features of the measure. The 7th section of the Act provides that" a every school district where no School Board is in existence, a school attendance committee shall be appointed annually, if it is a borough, by tke council of the borough, and if it is a parish, by the guardians of the Union comprising such parish;" that "a sohool attendance com- mittee under this section may consist of Dot lesa than six, nor more than twelve, members of the council or guardians appointing the committee, so, however, that, in the case of a committee appointed by guardians, one- third at least shall consist of ex-officio guar- dians, if there are any and sufficient ex-officio guardians;" and that "every Sohool Board and sohool attendance committee shall, as Boon as may be, publish the provisions of this Act within their jurisdiction." The duty of the oommittee will consist in enforcing the attendance of children at school, and providing generally for the effi- cient working of tke Act, whilst they are also required to report to the Education Department any infraction of its regulations. The 25th section of the Act of 1870 is repealed by olause 10, which directs that "the parent, not being a pauper, of any ohild who is unable by reason of poverty to pay the ordinary fee for such a child at a public elementary school, or any part of such fee, may apply to the guardians having juris- diction in the parish in which he resides; and it shall be the duty of such guardians, if satisfied of aach inability, to pay the said fee, not exceeding threepence a week, or such part thereof as he is, in the opinion of the guardians, so unable to pay. Payment under this section shall not be made on con- dition of the child attending any public ele- mentary sahool other than such as may be selected by the parent, nor refused because the child attends, or does not attend, any particular elementary school." It will be seen that the guardians as such, and not the committee, are charged with the duty of making this clause operative. A veiy im. {HfEfent enactment is attached t* THIN dccla- jUS pgrent far whom the sohool feos L tfr Jre rs be cousinered as a pauper; the law being that the parent "shall not by reason of any payment made under this section be deprived of any fran- chise, right, or privilege, or be subject to any disability or disqualification." The cost of paying, in this way, for the children of the poor is to fall on the parish in which the parent resides. The principle of compulsory education is recognised, the law declaring that every parent (a term which includes a child's guar- dian, and any person who is liable to main- t'iin or 8M the actual custody of a child) ■hall cauee 1.. ehild to receive efficient ele- wnntM-y inston&ctkm in the "three R's," i penalties being provided in punishment of non-compliance with the statute. If after due warning a parent neglects to send his child to school, the authorities may summon him before I he magistrates, who aw vested with power to order attendance, and, failing obedience to their direction, to inflict a fine of 5s., a penalty which may be repeated at intervals of a fortnight. The Act further makes it unlawful for any person, including the parent, to take into "full employment" a child during the year 1877, unless such child shall have attained the age of nine years, the limit after that date being fixed at ten years of age. Ex- ceptions are made in the case of children of eleven year;s old during the former year who have gained certain certificates of attend- ance or proficiency. Additional general exceptions are made in favour of children who attend school as "half-timers" under the Factory or similar Acts, and of children in lawful employ on or before August 16th, 1876. Children above the age of eight are permitted, also, to work at harvest time during a period not exceeding six weeks. A penalty of two pounds may be levied on any master who employs children contrary to the statute, unless he can prove that he has used due diligence to enforoe its ob- servance. Under the Act of 1870 a School-Board could not he dissolved; by the 41st section, however, of the present law a board may cease to exist on the representation of two- thirds of the ratepayers, or in case the parish or district has neither a school nor school site; or where there is already no lack of school accommodation in the district with- out a Board School; or in cases where the Education Department have had no reason to require the School Beard to provide pub- lic school accommodation. The provision will, doubtless, act as a salutary che^k upon the tendency towards extravagance which has elicited such loud complaints in various quarters.

floral Jtrms, »■ -H SCHOOL BOARC.—The Rev. Canon Phillips was clected chairman of the board at the last meeting, and Mr. W. H. Thomas, vice-chairman. MR. DAVID DAVIES, M.P., has presented a cheque for £3 3s to the funds of the St. Dogmells Literary Institution. The Hon. C. D. HANBUrt TRACY, M.P., has been appointed|"vice-lieutenant of the county of Montgomery. The statement that Sir Edmund Buckley, M.P. for Newcastle-under-Lyme, is about to resign, is wholly without foundation. CmJRCH SERVICES.—Divine service will hence- forth be held at St. Michael's church on Wednes- day and Friday mornings throughout the year. Mr. A. C. HUMPHREYS, of Glansevern, a governor of the Aberystwyth College, has assumed the surname of Owen in addition to and after that of Humphreys, and will bear the arms of Owen. NEW COMPANIES.—The following companies, have bpell registered during the week :—Great Mal- vern Hotel, Sanatorium, and Winter Garden, capital, ,£&0,000, in £10 shares Llangennech Tin- plate. capital £50,000, in JZ50 shares. Investor's Guardian. The REV. T. C. EDWARDS, MA, Principal of the University College of Wales, preached on Mon- day evening nt the "cyfanfa" of the Calvinistic Methodists which was held this year at Kidwflly. NATIONAL PROVINCIAL BANK OF ENOLAND,— The directors nf the National Provincial Bank of England have declared the half-yearly dividend at the rate of 8 per cent. per annum; half-yearly bonus 6 per cent. being at the rate of 20 per cent, per aunhm. THE PRINCE OF WAT.KS.—It is expected that the Princa of Wales will, in the second week in" January, visit Crnipydon, the seat of Colonel Owen Williams, which is picturesquely situated on the Menai Straits. Colonel Williams was with the Prince during his Indinntonr. ROYAL SOUTH WALES BORDERERS.— Mr. C. Bassett Lewis late Captain and Adjutant, Cardigan Militia, has b«en appointed major (supernumerary) in the Uoysl South Wales Borderers. GAZETTE News —Bankrupts James Norval, Nfwcaslle-on-Tyne, builder, trading with George Lawson as Norval and Lawson John Williams, Union Inn, Church-street, Llariel'y, Carmarthen- shiro, licensed victualler. FOOTBALL CLUB.—A meeting, called by circular issued by Mr. H. Hughes, jun., was held at the Lion Kotcl on Wednesday afternoon, about twenty being present, when it was rosolved that a football club shonkl be established that a part of the cricket field be rented, and that the Oxford association rules, medified, be adopted. Mr. H. Hughes was appointed captain, Mr. J. T. Jenkins, secretary, aid Mr. W. H. Jones, treasurer. THE ALLEGED FRAUD ON A WELSH FARMER. •r-At the Cnrmarthen county prtty sessions, on Saturday, the case of Mr. David Jeremy Hjatnst Mr. A. L. Jones, tf Aberystwyth, who was charged with having given an invnlid chrqu" for jE70 to )1r, Jeremy, in payment for a number of cittle, was called on. The prosecutor did no: appear, and the defendant wa« accordingly dis- charged, Mr. Jeremy being directed to pay the costs, amounting to dBt 8s 6d. SHIPPING News.—The schooner Mertey, of Portmndoc, 43 tons (Evans, master), with a cirgo of coals from Newport to Abresoch, put into Miiford Haven on Saturday at 7 p.m., and landpd the crew, consisting of three hands, of the sloop Sarah. of Minehrad, 31 t«.ns (Wescombe, master), which foundered 4 miles south-east of Stockholm Island, about 2 p.m. the same day. Tho Sarah was on a voyage from Miiford to Porthgain with a cargo of limestone. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—Approximate return of traffic for the week ending December, 3rd, 1876. Miles opt n, 178, Passengers, parcels, &c., jgl.543 mer- chandise, minerals, and live stock, £1,863; totnl for the week, £3,406; aggregate from commence- ment of current half-year to this date, £96,137. Corresponding week last year. Miles open, 178, Passengers, &c., £1,243; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 1,930; total for the week, £3.173; aggregate fr')1I1 commencement of the half-year to this date, £ 92.620. PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN J. WILLIAMS—The King of Swed?n and Norway recently forwarded a handsome and valuable silver telescope for prtscnta- tion to Captain J. Williams, of Portlan. -s'reet, Aberystwyth, the Captain of the brig Clara of Newport, in recognition of his heroic services in saving the lives of a Norwegian crew in the month of May last. The telescope bears an inscription in the Norwegian language—in English, .1 Oscar, to Captain J. Williams tor his brave and noble deed.' The presentation was made on Thursday, the 23rd ult., at the Newport offices of the Swedish and Norwegian Consulate by tho Vice-Consul Mr Davies. LAUNCH OF A SCHOONER.—The launch of the schooner Conovium," built by Mr. Thomas Jones, of Tanycae and New-street, took place from his shipyard at the former locality at about 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The morning was rough and stormy, but large crowds of persons assembled to witness the event. The capacity of the schooner is 160 tons burden she is classed Al at Lloyds for ten years, and is one of the finest vessels ever built at Aberystwyth. The "Conovium" is intended for the coastin. and slate trade, and is expected to make her first voyage from Portmtidoc at the beginning of the new year. The vessel glided into the water gracefully and without any hitch in the arrangements, being named by Miss Jones, the niece of the master and owner, Captain William Jones, of Customhouse-street. THE UNITKRSITT COLLEGK OF WALKS.—The second annual concert in Liverpool in aid of the Uuirersity College of Wales was given last week in St. Gsorge'» Hall, to a very large audience, nearly n.ry seat bsiny occupied. The solo vocalists were Kadsme Editb Wynne, Miss Jenmia Halliday, Mr. Xn*wi« ThotMM. Mr. T. J. Hug»n4 Bos Morlaig, (%• efc*rw» tetef Mfpytted "1 JU**rpool Welsh Choral Union, under the eonductorship of Mr. William Parry, of Birkenhead. The first portion of the programme was of a sacred, and the second of a secular character, and thu selections in each were very judicious. The accompanists were Miss Maggie Evans and Mr Joseph Skeaf, both ofwhnm offioiently performed their duties. There will no doubt, b* a substantial pecuniary result in aid of the funds of the university. Last year's concert pro- duced the sum of jE89 4s. 5d.

BOROUGH MAGISTRATES' COURT. Monday, December 4th. Before the Mayor (J. Watkins, Esq.), and J. Rees, Esq. DRUNKENNtE8S. Robert Pritchard, shoemaker, Denbigh, was charged by P.C. Price (6) with having been drunk nnd riotous in Mary-street on Saturday night. Being defendant's third conviction within two months he was committed to Cardigan gaol for a month with hard labour.

Wednesday, December 6th. Before the Mayor (J. Watkins, Esq), J. W. Szlum- per, and Isaac Morgan, Esqrs. LARCENY. Harriet Jackson, alias Morris, alias Owen, a tramp from Llangefni, was charged with having appropriated a shawl, value 4s, lent to her by Mrs George Jonrs, ropemaker's wife, Trefecban. P.C. Samuel Davies (9) stationed at Taliesin, said he apprehended the prisoner at Maehynlleth on the 30th ult. The case was heard on the 1st inst at the lock-up, and a remand until this morning was asked for and granted. The prosecutor, however, did not appear, and the woman was therefore dis- charged. DRUNKENNESS. Emma Jones, alias Pritchard, vagrnnt, Moor- street, was churged with having been drunk and disorderly in Mary-street on Saturday night. P.C. J. Price (6\ and P.O. J. Jones (19) proved the case. The defendant did not appear, and a war- rant was ordered. Charles Morris, mariner, Queen-street, was charger! by P C. J. Price f6) with having been drunk anà disorderly near the Town Clock on the night of the 2nd inst. Fined 2s. 6d and costs

T am glfcd to Mar, wy the London correspondent ot the Leikt Mtrmtry, that the Tom Gray fund now fiMmiti to clone on £600, and that it has been resolved to the money in the purchase of the leales of atndiofl on behalf of the surviving family. The new warrant regulating the issue of pood con- dvot medals has been looked upon as a grievance by the tMaKommiationed officer* of the army, inMmuch al it ftbofcllMs the gratuity of JL15 which has hitherto been givmR to *I! recipients of the medal who have the rank of sergeant, and provides for a gortwitj of £ 6 oaif to all rank# alike. In one or two Mi b*m mada avaoial apjlioation U tfc*

MARRIAGE OF THE REV. D. WILLIAMS. #0 On Tuesday, the 5th inst., the upper portion of Aber- ayron, presented a lively appearance, being decked with flags stretched from the Post-office to the Feathers Hotel, another display being on the oppo- site side of the square set up from Captain Davies' house, 18, Alban-square, and stretching to a tree in the field opposite. Besides these there were several displays of a minor character. The event which called forth these demonstrations was ihe marriage of the Rev. D. Williams, vicar of Myddfai, te Miss Hughes, the youngest daughter of the late Rev. W. Hughes, M.A Rector of Llanddewi-Aberarth. The ceremony was performed at the parish church of Llanddewi-Aberarth, by the Rector, the Rev. H. Morgan, R. D., assisted by the Rev. John Hughes, brother of the bride. The weather was exceedingly wet. and militated considerably against the numerou* sight-seers who had assembled to witness the cere- mony. Great praise is due to Capt. Jones, Oronza," who lent his flags for the occasion, and also to Mr. Davies, 18, Alban-square, who likewise exhibited some attractive bunting. At abooi two o'clock the newly wedded pair left for Lampeter amid showers of rice and old slippers. The wedd ng presents we are informed were numerous and costly.

THE ABERYSTWYTH LODGE. 111 The eleventh anniversary meeting of the mem- bers of the Aberystwyth Lodge, No. 1072, of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons was held in the Masonic Rooms at the Belle Vue Hotel on Thursday. The brethren assembled at 4 p.m., when the Lodge was opened according to im- memorial custom ly the W.M., Bro. Harner, P. Prov. G. Supt. Works. The business of the Lodge was transacted, and the R. W. thj Provincial Grand Master of the Western Division of South Wales. Bro. Major Lloyd Philipps, of Mabws, then pro- ceeded to the installation of the Worshipful Master Elect, Bro. A J. Hughes, P. Prov. Grand Sword Bearer. The traditional ceremonies having been duly observed, the newly-installed Master invested the following officers for the ensuing year:- Brother Griffith Jones S.W. „ Benjamin Ellis Morgan, Prov. G. Steward J.W. „ Rer. David Evans Chaplain. John Vaughan, P. Prov. G. Supt. Works Treasurer „ C. Rice Williams, M.D., Prov. S.G.W.Secret&ry. „ M. L. Vaughan Davies, Prov. G.D.C S. D. Walter Sylvester, Prov. G. Steward J. D. „ J. G. P. Hughes (Altllwyd) 1. G. Henry Culliford Dir. Cers. Joseph Parry, Mus. Bac., Camb. Organist. Edgar Atwood, Prov. G. Steward Steward. Hugh Hughes „ E. Yaughan Rees Tvler. The labours of the evening being ended the brethren adjourned to refreshment, an elegant banquet being served. The chair was taken by the W.M., and the several toasts of the crown and the craft were loyally honoured. Several visitors were present, amIJng them being BrO. W J. Morgan, P.M., P.P.J G.\V., ot St. Peter's Lodge. Carmarthen.

gistrict JTCIRS. LLANFIHANGEL-Y-PENNANT. PREFERMENT.—The B sh.>p IIf Bangor collated, on Tuesday, the Rev. Thomas Edwards, curate ot Penmaenmawr, to the rectory of Llanfihangel-y- Pennant, Merionethshire.

DOLGELLEY. GRAND CONCERT.—On Toursday evtning, the 1st. inst., a grand concert was held tn the Public Rooms in the above place for the benefit of Mr. Pritchard. The following artistes took part:— Miss Sauvage, Mr Sattvagc, Eos Morlais, Llew Ma>log, Mr. E. Williams, Itnd the Idris Choral Society under the leadership of Mr O. O. Roberts. Mr. Pritchard's and theartistes* popularity secured a large attendance. The performance was admirably and cleverly conducted.

LLANGYBI. INDEPENDENTS.—The Independents of the lower district of Cardiganshire held their yearly meeting at the above place on the 30th ult. Most appro- priate and effective sermons were delivered during the day by the following ministers:—Rev. T. Evans. Carmarthen J. Williams, Pantfg D. Williams, Khydybont and W. Evans, Aberayron The at- tendance was exceedingly numerous, considering the time ot the year. Ample provision was made, and great kindness was shown to all visitors.

LLANILAR. PETTY SESSIONS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1ST. Present M. L. Vaughan Davies, H. S. Richardcs, and Morris Davies, Esqrs. Wilful Damaqt.—Azariah Searle summoned John Edwards, Bank, Llanafan, and William Jones. Penrhydfelin, for this "ffence, but-tire-■ case was was settled out ot court, complainant paying costs. David James, Brynhir, Evan Evans and Thomas Thomas, Graigwen, were summoned by John Mor- gans, Cefnmelgoed, Uanychaiarn, for a "imilar offence. Hannah Jones, servant at Cefnmelgoed, said the defendants came to the house on the night of the 24th ult., between 12 and I o'clock. They broke four panes of window gl«s, and had a lad- der with them Anne Richards corroborated her fellow-servant: evidence. The windows were broken because the girl* refused to allow them to enter the house. The complainant said the men broke a window 2 ft 5 inches broad a new one would cost 8s. Fined 105. each and oosts and 8s damage. Game Trespass.—Ihe esse against Henry and Thomas Williams for alleged game trespass on the lands of the Earl of Lisburne, was adjourned for a month John Evans Jones and Robert Williams, Ffosy- bleiddiaid. were summoned for trespassing in pur- suit of game on Ft'osybleiddiaid farm. on the 24th ult. John Parry, gamekeeper, said he saw the defendant, rabbiting at 7 am. Mr Williams, Ffosybleiddiaid, said he was a tenant ef Mli" Lloyd Philipps. The Earl of Liaburne gave him leave to kill rabbits in September last. Witness gave the defendants leave to kill rabbits last sum- mer. Dismissed. David Jones, Glannant, and Morgan Jones, Lis- burne Arms, were summoned by William Evans, gamekeeper to the Earl of Lisburne, for killing rabbits without leave at Cwmcedi, on the 3rd ult. The defendants used ferrets and note, and killed In Mbbita Vised 21. and coats cath. John Thomas, tailor, Tynewydd, was summoned by Thomas Hopkins, gamekeeper to his lordship, for "beating" on Bryn farm on the 10th ult., with a greyhound, for hares.~ When charged with the offence the defendant 8"id Mr. Jones of Ystrad- meurig, gave him leave, but eventually confessed he was trespassing. Fined 11. and costs. Master and Servant.—John Jones, Erwbarfe, was summoned by William Rowlands, Gynontach, for absenting himself from his service as a farm ser- vant without leave. Fined 30s. damages and costs. Union Case.—Edward Edwards, Level-fawr, was ordered to pay Is. per week towards the mainten- ance of his mother, who was chargeable to the Aberystwyth Union. Mr. Joseph Morgan, relieving- officer, proved the case. No Reills.-Rees Jones was fined 2s 6d and costs for riding on a cart laden with timber, no reiiiB being attached to the harness. P.C. David Davies proved the case. John Davies was fined Is. and costs for a like offence at Figure Four on the 8Lh ult. P.C. Joshua Lewis proved the case. Morgan Davies, on the evidence of the same Con- stable, was fined Is. and costs for a similar offence on the 7th ult Drunkenness —Morgan Jones and John Thomas were fined 10s. each and costs for having been drunk, riotousand fighting at Yspytty Ystwyth on the 27th ult. The case was proved by Mr. Joseph Morgan, relieving-officer. Morgan Hughes, Erwtomen, was finpd 10s. and costs for being drunk and riotous near the Aber- ystwyth sbuth gate on the 20th ult. P.C. Joshua Lewis proved the case. Gwnnws -Mr. John Navies was appointed assistant overseer of Gwnnws Lower.

Mr. Hopwoed, M.P., speaking at a Liberation oo- Mcty's meeting at Roohdale, said the connection be- tween the Church and the State split in twain the whole of English society. It severed one body of excellent men f rom another, gave one notions of supe- riority over the other, and prevented any party agree- ment upon matters that ought to be common to both. The troops in Portsmouth garrison have adopted a latlred preface to seenlar music when marching to church on Sundays. The bands on Sunday which heaced the troops to and from divine service per- formed the airs of some of Moody and Sankey's hymns. It having been proposed that the walls of the famous St. George's banqueting hall,at Windsor Castle, should be decorated with the flags of the Knights of the Garter, several trial banners haTe been hung for the inspectien of her Majesty and in order to ascertain the effcct. The Great Western Railway Company have de- cided upon the important route which Is to supply Sedgley and district with railway accommodation. The clans for the formation of a lineJhrough Upper and Lower Gornal and Sedgley have been deposited with lis proper authorities ->ir. Justice Grove n:»■■ granted a rule for a new trial in the action for lil.e! hrought by Madame Blanche Cole against the proprietors of the Weehlv Despatch. The learned judge assented to the application upon the contention that he had misdirected the jury in refe- rence to the construction to be placed on Lord Camp- bell's Act. and also that the verdict was against the weight of evidence, but observed that he himself was lot dissatisfied with the decision of the jury. THE NEW SHIP" NAIRNSHIRE" took her final departure from the Tail of the Bank, Greenock, last week, bound for Brisbane, Queensland, having on board the following number of emigrants, viz., 62 married people, 72 single men, 51 single women, 53 children between the ages of 12 and 1, and 6 infants, making a total of 244 souls, equal to 211 t adults, the single women are under the care of Miss Steele, Dr. Gregory acting as Surgeon-Superintendent. Eers's COCO\GRA1'EI'UL AND CoMPoicriNci Dy a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the opera- Lions of digestion and nutrition, amI. by careful npplioation of the fine properties of wpll-selected cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tahle9 with a dplicalely flaY\lurtd beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by Ihejudicioll» use of such articles of diet that a constitution may lie gradually built up until strong pnough to resist every tendency to disease. Hundreds ohubtle maladies are floating around U8 ready to at- attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well forLWled with pure blood and a properly nourllthed frame."—Civil Strviet Gazette. Sold only in Packets labelled "JAMES BPlf {c CO., Homceo-iJ pathlc Chemist*, tondon," f 1

No notice can be taken of anonymous communicaf ions. Whatever is intended for insertion must be auth en- ticated by the name and address of the writer; not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good fa ith. The Editor docs not hold himself responsible for the opinions of his correspondents; nor is he supposed to adopt them as his own.

LIGHTING OF THE PUBLIC LAMPS. To the Editor of the Aberystwyth Observer. Sir,—Allow me a few lines of yonr valuable space to call attention to the way and when the public lamps are lit. in our town. I havo walked repeatedly through the streets of Aberystwyth (not at a late hour either) in utter dark- ness. Last Monday night, when a fair moon was shining, the lamps were lit! Surely this kind of an- noyance and extravagance should not be overlooked by the ratepayers, but be impressed upon our memories until future contests. Are we to suppose that the Public Lights Committee are ignorant of these facts, or may it be inferred that they do not attend to the duties of their office. In any case I hope some energetic member (iHr. J. IV. Thomas, perhaps) will bring the matter before the conncil and try and bring about a little reform in. this direction. December 2nd. 1. C. U.

TYPHOID FEVER AT SWYDDFFYNON. To the Editor of the Aberystwyth Observer. Sir,-The Sanitary Inspector of the Tregaron Union, in your columns of the 25th ult., endeavoured to QX- plain the grounds upon which he made-his report to the board, in which it was stated that the cases reported to be typhoid fever turned out to be nothing but a severe cold." The medical officer comes a con- siderable way nearer the truth when he says in a note which is alleged to have been sent to the inspector on the 12th of August, that they were cases of febricnlre brought on by wet and cold." This statement differs materially from that of the inspector, as it distinctly shows that there was something present, essentially different from cold. The inspector said that the one was brought on by going into the water for wool, and the other by bathing too frequently. In reference to the latter case, 1 beg to state that I have since made inquiries, but have entirely failed to obtain any evidence that the child had been bathing, even once throughout the season, and if we look back for a moment upon the months of June and July, well, we remember that the season was extremely hot and dry. How then could these cases possibly be the result of wet and cold? Had the sanitary medical officer taken the trouble of ascertaining the temperature at the time of his visit all possibilities of its being febricula3 would have been at once thrown over-board. He saw the typical case on the 14th or 15th day of the fever, and I feel certain that he never witnessed febriculse lasting even that length of time. But the crisis in these cases was not reached until the 21st day. I have so far omitted the other important symptoms of typhoid fever, as a good many of them attracted his attention at the time (viz. the state of the abdomen). The writer of the lotter of the 25th says tiiat a little knowledge is dangerous these words lead me unavoidably to tho conclusion that he utters them from personal experience, and probably thinks that other individuals may be suffering from the sawe want of discretion. May I be allowed to suggest to the inspector that whenever he is making a report of anything which is beyond his own capacities it would be a great improvement if he were to state the authority upon which he makes the same; such a method would in this case have led me more directly to the source of the fallacy of the statement that the cases in question were not typhoid fevor. November 2\th. EVAN LLOYD.

A SCARCITY OF SILVER. The United States' Economist offers the following explanation of the scarcity of silver in New York, whieh ha»s necessitated the purohases of that metal here on bekalf of the American Government to which ve (Jbo me Mteently directed attention :—" There baw Was (MM complaint* made during the past week ty bask irfUcers and the specie brokers in Wall- street of a scarcity of silver. The sub-Treasury con- tinues to pay out ooin in exchange for fractional currency, but as the latter has almost entirely disappeared, the payments are very small. It has been stated that the soarcity has been caused by the steady demand from San Francisco for silver for shipment to China. The shipments from this oitv for some time past havo averaged nearly 25,000 dol. per day, and now that silver is getting scaroe in this market, it is being imported in large quantities from London. One of the steamers arriving here on Satur- day last had on board nearly 300,000dol. in silver, which was at once shipped to San Franoisco, there being sufficient difference between the price in San Francisco and that in London to pay all the charges of transportation, insurance, &e. It is said that the greater part of the silver that has been paid cut at the sub-Treasury here was taken by specie specu- lators, who have shipped it to San Franoisco. Several of the specie houses have paid$per cent, premium to obtain the amount necessary to make up some ship- ment, and from t to 1 per cent. is now generally charged by them. It has been suggested that the sub- Treasarj here should receive greenbacks in exchange for silver, as it did for a short time during the summer but this oannot be done without orders from the Secre- tary of the Treasury."

WEEKLY REVIEW OF THE CORN TRADE. (From the Farmer.) From all parts of the Eastern hemisphere, corn, seeds, and flour are poured into the Port of London, while the favours of America are by no means ex. elnsively enjoyed by Liverpool, Bristol, Belfast, Cork, Dublin, and Glasgow, the ports on the western side of the kingdom; hence the London market is frequently only steady when other markets are either firm or ad. vancing. During the past week the trade in London has manifested considerable strength, for merchants have succeeded in realising some improvements, notwith- standing heavy arrivals of wheat, oats, barley, maize, beans, and flour. On the week wheat and flour are each rather more than la. dearer to purchase, while 9d. ad- vance may be quoted on maize. In other articles value has mostly been steady, with a fair trade doing. On Monday wheat advanced Is. for most descriptions. Oats were 6d. cheaper for Russian sorts. Maize 6d. dearer for all samples. In barley, beans, vid peas, no change occurred. The top price of flour was advanced from 43s. to 46s. per sack. On Wednesday English wheat was in good request on Monday's prices. American white wheat was rather dearer from Monday, other sorts unchanged, except Australian, which was 28. dearer on the week to buy. Barley, malt, nats, beans, peas, and flour were firm, and steady in price. Maize was oc- casionally 3d. higher from fl-mday. On Friday the market was rat-her more quiet in tone, and with the mild weather and good arrivals of grain, trade did not do more than maintain the improved aurrencies of Monday and Wednesday. English wheat, fully Is. dearer on the week, was fairly easy of sale. Australian, Californian, and Indian sorts at 2s. ad- Tanoe vere in steady request. Prussian, Egyptian, and other sorts were less inquired afier. Flour was tL to Is. 6d. per sack, and lid. per barrel dearer on the week. Maizb, beans, and peas were very firmly held, especially the first of those staples. Barley was not depressed by the large supplies, a fair trade pass- t. at ieratereuotations. Oats were steady, and firm atf haewess. The L mdon Exchange on Mon- day *orning •*« very strong in tone, but demand was not quite so brisk as on Friday. The weather in London was wet and stormy, and it is believed that the violent south-westerly winds that have been blow- ing during the last two days, have brought a consider- able number of corn ladezi vessel? into port. The ?rice ef English wheat at market was Is. o 2s. higher from Monday week, and factors' limited offerings were in fairly good request. Most sorts of foreign wheat were 2s. dearer, but this was the quotation of Friday. Grinding barley was 6d. dearer to buy, with afair demand malting sorts scarcely exceeded last week's rates. Oats were irregu- larly dearer for Swedish and English sorts, while Rus- sian descriptions were to be bought cheap,owing to heavy supplies. Mai*e at 26s.was i:i good demand. Beans are Is. dearer from last week. The market inquiry wai moderately brisk. Peas were unchanged in value. Flour b. been very firmly held at Friday's improved rates. The political news is disquieting, bnt the effects of speeches and rumours appear to be exhausted, the mar- ket only taking notice of actual events. CURRENT PRICES OF BRITISH GRAIN AND FLOUR IN MARK LANK. Shillings per Quarter. Whsat, Essex ft Ksnt, white., ..old 45 to 46 new 4Sto 51 j, „ reil old 43 45 new 46 £ 0 Norfolk, Llncolnsh and Yorks.red old 44 now 46 48 to 36 47 Grinding 30 32 .Distilling 28 30 Malt, pale Cfl 1001,1. 62..brown 47 52 Rye 86 38 Oats, English, feed 27 to 30 .Potato .— » Scotch, feed. — .Potato .— — Irish, feed, white- .Fine. Ditto, blask 26 27 — Beans, Mazagan 32 35 Ticlta 10 44 Harrow .— — Pigeon, old 45 50 feas, white, boilers 8S 43 Staple 36 to 40 3rey 33 35 ( Hour, per sack of 28oIbs., best town hollsoltofdo 88 46 1 JJest country households, 36 38 Norfolk and Suffolk, old 32 33 FOREIGN GRAIN. Shilling* per Quarter. wheat,Dantzlc,mixed52to53 .extra — 55 Konigfsberg 50 52 ••extra — 64 1 Rostock .— -old. ( Silesian, red white. 1 Pomertt.,Meckberg.,tH)dUc)[ermk.rod — — Ghlrka, 40 to 48.. Russian, hard, 45 to 47 Snxonska 47 60 Danish and Helstein, red oil! ..49 red American 48 64 Chilian, white 48 Californian 61 Australian 62 64 Barley,grinding 22 to 24.. distilling 32 36 1 0. Dutch,brewing and Polaiuls 23 to 26 feed 22 24 Danish and Swedish, feed 24 to 26 .Stralsund 24 25 1 Canada21 to 22, Riga 21 to 23, Arch, —to—, P'sbtf 22 25 flares, spring 42 48 Beans, Friesland and Holstein — Italian. 35 to 36..Egyptian 34 36 L reas, feeding and maple 38 39..line boilers 38 42 liaise, white 28 29..yellow 26 27 ( flour, per lack, French so 35..Spanish, per sack r American, per barrel 24 25..extra and double. 26 if

It is stated that William Roupell, who has been re- cently liberated from prison-hii sentence of penal servitude fer life having been remitted, after 14 years' confinement—is now training for the pulpit, and that he will join the order of missionary preachers. Two railway accidents of a somewhat serious nature •ecurred on Saturday. One took place just outside ftochdale Station-two luggage trains coming into Vieleat oollision. The drivers of both trains and one of the firemen were injured, and all traffic had to be suspended for several hours. The other collision hap* £ ned en the main line of the Manchester, Sheffield, id Lincolnshire Railway, close to Retford Statiqn> A MMMr ti £ in ran into some goods traces, th} IMP y»rt injuries to several passenger* and

ITALY AND RUSSIA. Count San Martino El do Valprato, Major in the Italian army, has been permitted, under an imperial decree, to ta.n:e service in the Russian army, retain- ing his present rank, and has been placed on the staff oi the commander-in-chief of the Army of the South.

THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE. The National Conference on Eastern affairs com. menced to-day under the presidency of ihe Duke of Westminster. The Hall was crowded, and Mr. Glad- stone was loudly cheered. The Dnke of Westmins- ter said, without directly attacking the Government, they wera desirous that the country should not be committed to a policy repugnant to them. Sir George Qampbell, M.P., spoke of tho hopeless, ness of expecting- reforms from the Ottoman Govern- ment, and the Rev. Bailey Lenton testified to the misg-overnmcnt of Bulgaria. Mr. Anthony Trollope maintained tbat the time for doing- any good with the Turk had passed. The Bishop of Oxford said it was part of the mis- sion of this country to assist the oppressed. Mr. Henry Jt-ichard, M.?., hoped that not a penny would be spent in supporting that organised bcr barism, the Ottoman Porte. Sir F. Buxton trusted an opinion condemnatory of the slave trade would be expressed.

COMMERCIAL. Consols Eighth better. London Wheat firm.

MOUKNIXO CARDS printed by John Morga,n Observer Office, 1, North Parade, Aberystwyth. Black Bordered Note paper and Envelopes to mfttch in —-

Printed by Steam Power and Published by JoUr:{ I MORGAN, at tlieO'«<art<r Office, 1, North PLriido, | Aberyatwytti. SATURDAY, IDBVJIKBB-Alt, 18f6,

THE MURDER AT BRAY. In the Dublin Commission Court, before Judge Fitzgerald and Baron Fitzgerald. Patrick Kavanagh, aged 40, a military-looking man,who had been 18 years in the Royal Irish Constabularj', has been tried for murdering Constable John 0' Brien, at Bray, on October 18th. The evidence was that after a quarrel with the constable the prisoner advanced to him, levelled his carbine, and shot him through the heart, 0 Brien falling dead on the spot. The defence was conducted by Mr. Isaac Butt, Q.C., M.P., and was that the prisoner was insane at the time of the com- mittal of the aot. The jury were three hours in deliberation twiee they oo«ld not agree, and finally hey acquitted Kavanagh on the ground of insanity, He was sentenced to be detained in a lunatic asylum during the pleasure of the Lord-Lieutenant.

RUSSIAN PROMISES, OLD AND NEW. A German paper, says the Pall Mall Gazttt*, points out that there is a striking similarity between the assurances'of the Rnssian Government in the present crisis and those which it gave 110 years ago, at the time of the partition of Poland. Russia was then the champion of the Polish maloontents, a* ehe is now of the Turkish Solaves and she then also put forward herdemande" with the purest disinterestedness, and frem a desire-nay, a love, 01 peace." The Empress Catherine then deolared, as solemnly as the Emperor Alexander does now, that she only asked for guarantees because the was anx- ious for the maintenance of the general peace and that she would rejoice if her noble under- taking were blessed by divine Providence," and if humanity enjoyed the benefits of peace." She added that only envy and malignity could suggest that she coveted Polish territer}. I will never, she said, make any claim to the territory of Poland I will even secure the integrity of that oeuntry if any other Power should attack it." She wished to protect the malcontents only "in the interest of humanity," and her only object was to gain the respeot of Europe, and the pleasing consciousness of having promoted the happiness of a neighbouring nation." These assurances were given at the very time when a partition of Poland was being secretly nego- tiated with Prussia. iooa after the Russian troops enteied Poland, bnt the Government declared this was •nl^ for the purpose of preventing any- disturbances jhioh might he oaased by the grant or concessions lo fee waliKaatsMta" aad that Ur» Bswtesi's ssetherly •art wewld be Mtply g«i«r«4 if tm/ Me*d were shed •necessarily," Nevertheless, a large piece of Poland was annexed and when the Roles protested they were bold by the Russian ambassador that "the Empress still ptefera the interests of Poland to her own," but that, the annexation being an accomplished fact, it cannot be reversed by metaphysical arguments."

MARKETS. f.OJfDOK CORN EXCHANGE, MoyTUv.—At Mark-lane the grain trade lias -led decidedly firm. English wheat was in short supply. There was a steady inquiry, and an advance of Is per qr. was demanded, but not generally conceded. White is worth 4Cs to 51s, and red 46s to 48s. As r^ffanls foreiyn wheat, the supply wae moderate. The trade was Arm. Compared with Monday last, red ruled Is, and ovii,to i's porqr. dearer. Barley was in fair request. Fine malting produce realised very full prices, and grinding was ra'I.er s'erulier. Oats, of which a fair supply was on the stands, stea liiy, at quite late rates. Maize also was firm, and fcily iluar. Beans and peas, with a moderate Inquiry, ccmniaiide i extreme quot; ti'ini. The flour market was firm, arrels advanced 6d, and sacks Is on the week. METP.OI'OMTAN CATTLE MARKET, MONDAT.-There is no fresh feature in the cattle trade. The unsettled weather c n was against activity, but the tone was tolerably firm. Per 81b. to Bink the offal Coarse and inferier beasts, 4« Od to 6s 0d second quality ditto, 68 Od to is 6d prime Inrire oxen, 68 lOd to do Od prime Scots, 61 Od to Of 2d; course and inferior sheep, 5s Od to 6t 0d second flunlity ditto, 6* Od to 68 lid prime coarse-woolled, Of lrd to 7a Od prime Soutlidowns, 7s Od to 18 Id lr.rge course calves, be 6d to is 6d prime small ditto, 69 <d to 7. Od large hogs, 4s 6d to lis Od small porkers, 5s Od to 5s 6d suckling calves, each, — qr. old store pigs, —. Head of cattle on sale '— Total supplies Beasts, 5,410 sheep and Iambs, 15,510 calves, 240 pigs, to cows, go. Foreitrn Beasts, 1,020 sheep and lambs, 4,340; calves, 110; pigs, cows, 10. METROPOLITAN MKAT MARKET. MONOiT.—Though there wis only a moderate supply, trade was very dull, and quotations were lower. Per Sib." by the carcase .'—Inferior bsef, 3s 04 to 8s 6d; middling-ditto, 3s 8d te 4s Od; prises targe ditto, 4s 6d to 4s lOd prime small dltte, 4s lOd to is 2d veal, 6s 44 to 6s 04,; inferior mutton, Be lid to so 8d middling ditte, 4s Od te 4s Bd prime ditto, II. 04 te So Id large pork, 81 4d to 41 Od small ditto, 4s lOd tofts id. BOROUGH AND iPITALFIBLDS POTATO MAimM, MONDAV.—There were fair supplies, and trade was steady for the better descriptions. The following were the quotationsi .Kent Regents, 110s to 180s Essex Regeats, 90s te 11SI; rocks, 60s to 80s flukes, HfI. to 170s Victorias, 13Ce to 16f1; kidneys, 900S to ISOs per ton. BOROUGH HOP MARKET, MonAT.- The trade for hopl Has keen very quiet, and previous quotations have been with "difficulty supported. LONDON WOOL MARKET, MoMAT.—The public salei of Colonial wool have been brought to a termination,and very little business is now passiug in the market. 'I he trade pre- sents, however, a firm appearance, and the late advance in prices is supported. The demand for Knglish wool has been active. LONDON COAL MARKET, MOSDAT.-The pressure of hvuee coals on the market to-day was so heavy that it was Ifccfissary to submit to a reduction of la Od per ton on the top nap, quoting 19s. Hartleys steady Wallsend Haswell. 19s IsttOn, its Od South Hetton, 19s East Hartlepool, 1SS tambton, 18s 6d Tees, 18s 0d Hawthorn, lis 3d; Isttoft Lj^na, J<5s 3d Kelloe, 16s 6d Seaton, 18s 3d Tun- Ufl, f6s 8d Taoes, 18e 3d Adah l ies, l«s «d; Rlddells. Wfld Ba&ttngt Hartley, !?s 9d; West Hartley, I7s 0d pel at market,$2 sold, 41; unsold, 21; at sea,

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. The Marqness of Londonderry's Harriers. will meet on Tuesday, December 12th Esgirgadwith# Friday, 1. 15th Croeslyn. Sstoh day at 10 ♦'clook,

BIRTHS. On the 20th ult., the wife of Mr. Evan Isaac Thomas, carpenter, Llandyssul, of a son. On the 30th ult., at 55, St. John's-road, Bootle, the wife of Mr. Thomas Morgan, of a daughter. On the 7th inst., the wife of Mr. David Ellis, iron. monger, Aberystwyth, of a son. On the 4th inst., at the Vicarage. Llanilar, the wife of the Rev. James Lewis, M.A., of a son. MARRIAGES: On the 1st inst., at the Welsh Congregational Church, Fetter-lane, London, by the Rev. D. Charles Davies, M.A., Mr. T. Harris, J.P., Llechryd, to Bessie, daughter of Captain Phillips, Glyn HonEe, Newquay. On the 5th inst., at Llanddewi-Aberarth Church, by the Rev. Canon Phillips, assisted by the EeT> Henry Morgan, R.D., the Rector, and the Rev. Joho Hughes, M.A., brother the of bride, the Rev. W 1 lams, vicar of Myddfai (and late curate of Aber- ystwyth), to Mary, younger daughter of the late ReV- Wiliiam Hughes, M.A., Rector of Llanddewi" Aberarth. On the 24th ult., at the Tabernacle, by the Rev. Dr. Charles, William Jones, Esq., corn merchant, to Margaret, the youngest daughter of the late Captain l'homas Daniel, both of Aberdovey. On the 4th inst., by the Registrar, Mr. D.H. Evans, Mr. Evan Edwards, Xantycenin, Llanrhystid, to MisS Elizabeth Jenkins, Glangors,"Llanrhystid. On the 5th inst., at the English Calvinistic Metho- list Chapel, by tho Rev. W. Evans, minister (in the presence of the Registrar, Mr. D. H. Evans), JVlr* William Rowlands, butcher, North Parade, to Mis Miss Margaret James, Portland-street, Aberystwyth- DEATHS. On the 29th ult., at 8, Claylands-terrace, 'oad, London, S.W., after a long illness, Ellen oweni nee Stolt) the beloved wife of Edward Owen, Of El. M's. India Office. On the 2nd inst., at his residence, Bridge-street) Aberayron, Mr. John Hughes Jones, draper, aged 59. On the 3rd inst., Mr. David Evans, Ffynon-oer, ate oi farm Dol-llan, near LIandyssul, aged 84 years- On the 5th inst, Mr. Thomas Evans, Gate, Troed. 'hiwgribyn, near Llandyssul. OIL the 2nd inst., at Trefechan, John Jones, son of roLn and Mary Jones, Trefechan, late master of the hrec-masted brigantine" Fairy," aged 37 years. On the 1st mst., sincerely regretted, aged 4G year3) Catherine, daughter of the late Evan Davies, master nariner, 45, Bridge-street, Aberystwyth. On the 5th inst., aged 22, Laura, the youngest and icloved daughter of F. R. Roberts, of Penywern.

MONUMENTS for Churclu-s. Churchyards and Ceme" teries, executed in Stone. Marble, ami Granite, o'J be inspected in the Show Rooms, at R. DSDSO*1 8 Marble Works, Swan-hill, Shrewsbury.

A new poem by Mr. Tennyson, entitled Harold," will shortly be given to the world. The work is already in the hands of the Laureate's friends; and a quotation from it appears in the article on the Hellenic Factor in the Eastern Problem," which Mr. Gladstone contributes to the current number of the Contemporary Review. The warrant for the foundation of a Ma- sonic Lodge at Towyn has been obtained, and the consecration is anticipated to take place next month. On Thursday evening Bro. A. J. Hughes was installed Worshipful Master of the Aberystwyth Lodge by the R. W. the Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Major Lloyd Philipps, of Mabws. Efforts are being made by the Rector of Merthyr, the Rev. Canon Griffith, of Mach- ynlleth, and others, to raise a fund for the benefit of the family of the late Rev. John Cunnick, vicar of Aberdovey. Mr. Cunnick left behind him a widow and six children, who are said to be scantily provided for. We trust th.i! a cordial response will be made to the appeal. Churchmen will learn with satisfaction that the Vicar of Aberystwyth has sriven notice that divine service will henceforth be held at St. Michael's church every Wednes- day and Friday morning throughout the year. A demand has been made in several quarters of late for additional services, and now that Canon Phillips has provided them his parishioners should give him their special support in the matter. Aberdovey is apparently no better off than Aberystwyth in the possession of means for extinguishing fire. The hose with which the town is furnished was used last week (or an attempt, at least, was made to do so), but the tubes proved useless, and were of no ser- vice, by reason of their rottenness. After the Aberystwyth College or the greater part of Aberdovey has been consumed by a mon- ster conflagration, fire-engines will be promptly provided at both places. The resources of the Royal Alfred Aged Merchant Seamen's Institution appear to be at so low an ebb, that it has been decided to forego the election of pensioners next month. The society provides for no loss than 109 in- pensioners and 133 out-ponsioners, while there are M many as 150 candidates for ad- mission to a participation in the benefits held out by the institution. That such an excel- Jot wmk Ùlftli bo suspended for want of funds ÍI very la*«ntable, and the charitable could not do better than devote a portion of their Christmas gifts to replenishing the society's impoverished stores. Diocesan synods have been formed, we be- lieve, in nineteen of the twenty-eight dioceses of the National Church. Of the Welsh aees, however, only one, Bangor, possesses such an organization, no steps having been taken towards the institution of conferences in the dioceses of St. David's, Llandaff, and St. Asaph. The principal need of Churchmen in the present day is greater unity; and experience having proved the value of such associations in strengthening the diocesan, and fostering the local, life of the Church, we trust that the Bishop and his clergy may consider the desirability of taking speedy steps for the institution of a synod in the diocose 'if St. David's. Carmarthen, in the person of Mr. Valen- tine Davis, has paid a tardy tribute of honour to the memory of Steele by the erec- tion of a. tablet to his memory on the walls of St. Peter's church, where he lies buried in the vault of the Scurlock family. He married, it will be remembered, as his second wife, Miss, or M the phrase then ran, Mrs. Scurlock, and to her were addressed those absolutely unique letters which commence "Dear, lovely Mrs. Scurlock," "Dear wife," "Dear Prue." All of us have laughed a kindly laugh over the following:—"Dearest being on Earth, Pardon me if you do not see me till eleven o'clock, having met a school- fellow from India, by whom I am to be informed on things this night which ex- pressly concern your obedieut husband, Rich. Steele." Evidence has recently come to light showing the affection which subsisted between Steele and his Welsh wife; and, as Thackeray justly remarked, all women have especial reason to be grateful to him, for he was the first of our national writers who really admired and respected them, and, as we all know, he paid the finest compli- ment to a woman that perhaps ever was offered. Carmarthen has the strongest pos- sible grounds for being proud of the great essayist, for he wrote there his play of the "Conscious Lovers;" when failing health oarae on he retired there to end his days; and at a hp)))Me in King-street he passed to his wat. The oM fowigh of Ohmmrthoc}, in honouring Steele, has, therefore, a.t the same time, done honour to itself. The tablet, which is mounted on a white marble slab, is of brass, wreathed with borders of red and white ornaments, and is surmounted by three scrolls or volumes inscribed Tat- ler," Spectator," and Guardian." The centre of the tablet bears the legend— Sir EICHASD STEELE, Knight, Author, Essayist, First ohief promoter of the periodical press of England; Born in Dublin, March 2, 1671; Buried in this Church and below this tablet. Extract from the Register of Burials, 1729 September 4. Sir Richard Steele. Certified, LATIMER M. JONES. This monument is erected at the suggestion and expense of VALENTINE DAVIS, Esq.

ABERDOVEY. NARROW ESCAPE.—A young sailor lad on board the Cygner," fell from the mast, a distance of about forty feet, the other day, but fortunately alighted in one of the sails without sustaining any iojuiry. INQUEST.—On Tuesday a further enquiry respect- ing the death of the Rev. John Cunnick was held at the Vicarage, Aberdovey There were t resent, Griffith Jones Williams, Esq., coroner, Dr. Lloyd Williams, and the jurors sworn at the last enquiry. Dr. Lloyd Williams having given evidence, a verdict of c. died from apoplexy" was returned. ST. PETER'S CHURCH.— On Sunday the Rev. Mr. Jones, Ton-yr-etail, officiated at this church; be spoke in affectionate terms of the late vicar, and ex- pressed much regret that the church h id sustained such a loss. The R.-vs. J. H. Skrine, of Borth, and Titus Lewis, of Towyn, officiated on the preceding Sunday. FIRE.-The tranquility which usually ptevails at Aberdovey was suddenly disturbed on Wednesday evening, the 29th ult., by an unaccustomed and not at all welcome visitor. The attention of a foot piimt;en,erne-,trMr. R. Davies'house, at abont 6p.m., was drawn to volumes of smoke arising from the premises adjoining and on direoting his steps thither be found the out-buildings to be on fire. Mr. Daries was immediately cal ed, and found OR opening the warehouse door that the plaoe was in a blaze. There were luokily at hand number Of willing muscular men, who at a moment's notice set themselves to work with a will, and procuring water from the river, which was formn itly at hinli tide, they succeeded by vigorous efforts in extinguishing the fire in about fifteen minutes. The hose was also put to work, but, owing to its rottenness, proved of no service whatever. The tact and will with which all worked duerves much praise. It is how- ever surprising to think, even considering the help rendered, how little danage vvns infliclelf, as the out-building, which had taken fire, contained casks of COIKI and paraffin oils, petroleum, turpentine, varnish, pitch, and tar. Several of the casks were outwardly damaged, and ten gallons of turpentine, and a quantity of paraffln were wholly burnt' The origin of the fire is not known, but the dam -ges nre roughly estimated to be over .£30 The out-build- ing was insured, but not the contents. We are re- quvsted to state th.t Mr. Davies and Mrs, Edwards return their heartfelt thanks to th" persons who lent such a ready a d in extinguishing the flames. Had the fire broken out iM the night, the Custom Houses, Nos. 1 and 2 Ivy Houses, Manchester House, two cottages and other buildings, must have been destroyed. ————

TOWYN. PETTY SESSIONS-FRTDAT, DECEMBER IsT- Before W. R. M. Wynne, chairman, D. E Kirkby, and M. R. Pugh, Esqrs., and Major Stuart. Non-maintenance.—Thomas Morgan, ship carpen- ter, Portmadoc. was summoned for act maintain- in* bis mother, who was chargeab'e to the pari«h of !-Towyn. The defendant did not appear, P.S Roberts proved service of summons Mr. Jones, relieving officer, stated that defendant's mother received parochial relief, 3s. 6d. per week. The defendant wrote stating that he was unable to contribute towards the maintenance of his mother, having a wife and two children to support, and that he was not in regular work. The bench took a lenient view of the case and let the defendant off for the present, until he became in a position to pay. Salmon Poaching Case —Isaac Jones, an old offender, was summoned for killing a salmon in the Dysynni river on the 17th November last. Mr, David Pughe, solicitor, appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Ravenhill, Aberystwyth, for the defendant. Donald Ross: I am a river bailiff on the Dysynni. On the morning of the 17th November, I saw the defendant, Isaac Jones, trying several pools with a stick. I was about three hundreds yards distant There was a spear at the end of the stick, and I saw him distinctly pull something out of the river. I followed him until I got opposite; e then made his way towards the old castle, Tiear Caerber- llan. I went after him, but found nothing in his possession ave a stick. There was no spear on the stiek. I then went over to Abergynulwyn to see the police constable, and related the circumstances to him, hut therenstabte did not seem to care to listen to my story so I reported it ia another quarter.— Cross-fXaminert Tli- ndnvt. was a quarter of a mile from me when 1 tirsi saw him. I could not see what sort of a stick he had. After I got closer I saw a spear at the end 01 the stick. He might have cut a smaller stick on the castle, and have hid the other one. I neAer had the stick in my hand, but will swear that there was a spear attached to it The defendant wanted lo bribe me not to take him up. He wanted me to go to Bryncrug wi'h him.— P C. Griffiths I am a police constable stationed t Aoergynoinyn; Ross came to meon November 17th, and said he had caught Old Isaae." I asked him in wha' way; he said he saw him poki-g the li des as he walked along the river s de, at the junction of the river that runs from Llanfitiangel into the Dysynni. I asked Ross if he could swear there was a spear at the end of the stick, and he said he could'nt sav. He said he should summons Isaac tor illegal fishing. (The magistrates censured P.C. Griffiths for asking the bailiff such questions.) — Donald Ross I returned to the castle again, and had another search, and found a speared salmon within three yards of the *pot where we were pr. vionsly talking. There was the mark of a spear on the fish, but I did net fiud a spear near. I took the fish to Peniarth. Mr. David Jones, Court, was called on behalf of Isiao Jone-, bui nothing was elicted in his favour. Mr Ravenhill Said that the case was not proved, there being no sign of a spear fonnd; but the bench thought otherwisa, and as there was a pre vious conviction against Jones in 1868, he was mulcted in the full penalty of .£5, including costs, or two months' imprisonment.. Larceny.—Casper Hendrick, Optendzieke, a Dutch man, was brought up after being six days in the loek-up, for stealing money on board the schooner •' Pursl.jt,-John Wilson: I am receiver on board the Pursuit," now lying at Aberdovey. The prisoner lit the bar is a sailur on board the same vessel. On November 25th I missed a purse; it was lying on the locker in the forecastle at 90 uiock on Fiiday night. It contained a hall-eiown, a shil- ling, a fourpeniiy and a threepenny piece; also .Hgtt. or 4Jd. in coppers. The prisoner was ashore on Friday night. There was no fire or light in the cabin. I went to bed at about 8 o'clock, but pri- soner did not come on board before 10 o'cluck, Tfi• forecastle was dark, and he was groping about. I got out of bed, and lit the lamp he theu went to bed. On the folluwmg morning, at about 11 o'clock, I found my purse missing. I searched, but could not find it. He told me he had no money when he went ashore on Saturday evening at halt-past (j, I went ashore at about half-past 8 o'clock, and saw him in the Royal Raven Hotel at about hall an hour later I found he had been spending money freely in the town, so I accused him of stealing my pur>e and I told him that he had said he had no money. He ran away, and I ran after him. and gave him mto the custody of P.S. Roberts.— Cross-examined by prisoner Can you say I had your purse ? No —P.S. Roberts: I was on duty at Aberdovey on the night of November 2.jth. I saw the last witness running after prisoner. I asked what was the mat- ter. He said he had lost money, and suspected the prisoner. I went on board the vessel, searched him, and found three-halfpence. lie sai l he had 2s. be- fore going ashore that night. I had previously cautioned him. lie told me how he spent the 2s He had had two threepenny glas3cf; of gin, and cigars, and a cake. I left him on board with the captain, and inquired what mOil. y he had spent in the town. Afterwards I returned to the vessel, and took him into custody. The puree has uot been found.—Mr. W. Williams I am a stationer at Aberdovey. The prisoner came to my shop at about 7 o'clock, and asked if I sold cigars. He fool. five, and paid me tenpence—one fourpenny and two threepenny bits. He also had three bottles of lemonade, Is. He came again, half an hour afterwards, and had another bottle, and thew down a half-crown Ha also had a quarter of a pound of biscuits.—Miss Dorothy Eva ^s I am the daughter of Elizabeth Evans, Royal Raven Hotel, Aber- dovey I remember the prisoner coming inio our house at about 9 o'clock. He called for three penny- worth of gin, for which he paid a threepenny bit. He drank that, and called for another, and gave another threepenny piece. He also had two two- penny cigars, for which he paid in ccppers.—Chris- topher Ingleby I am the captain of the Pursuit," now lying at Abtrdovey. I refused 10 give prisoner any money on the 25th before going ashore. I had four days previously given him 4s He was ashore every evening after I gave him the money — The prisoner was asked at the conclusion 01 each witness if he had any questions to ask, but had none. He pleaded ''not guilty" in Dutch. lien J. Kunz, modern language master at the academy, .was asked to interpret, and he kindly complied. The bench asked the prisoner if he wished the mut- ter settled by them, or preferred the case to be tried at the Quarter Sessions. The man wished the benoh to decide, and their worships considered that there was not sufficient evidence, it being purely circumstantial. The prisoner was, therefore dis- missed with a caution. The captain expressed his willingness to take him back to the ship, his pre- vious character being good.