The Aberystwith Observer

ciianifD, ctr. Af H OfTAII. f .i-Sale.—Apply toC. D., Post- fficc L-nipouv. COOK. ■—\V:i :i t, thorough good Cook in a gentle imn's r ¡1l1!Y ii.vj.i- Aberystwyth.—Apply to Mr J. J;inif?-. i.ouu<r,j and Provincial Stores, A 1'1'. ystwyi! FOli HA LI-], a Four-wheel DOG -M. hr. r.ppiu,- .tion to the Ostler, Lion Koyal Hotc 1. TO LE from iiie 12th November, the House No. -Z- 14,:Lr,y. vfc; also a House in St. Michael's — r..rii<ii «rs ou application to Mr W. H. Tho. "N. >• .ticif.<> rp(( KK 1- House in Blue-garden*. Aber- JLy~; \vy 'i.of. :;ing- a kitch-n an I panr,ry in the l>a« • <i -in the tronc, on tho gruumi floor, tw-. > I., L iU.-i • small i <ilro>-iu.s upstairs. A-pi, y to .]' r Viliiinns. 12, Br idgj Street Aber- ysfwyli "T v —>■ i' v .n Law, Conveyancing, County JLJ <' B »ar< 1, Costs, Bankruptcy, Short- ka>.<I i i <' • -I. rk i- "pen to re-engagement, eif- Salary very moderate. — A.i V-rroer O^ce, Aberystwyth. 1"^ i.v:, v..p. otuv bs-en used three months, K:r; c Cushions; coat w616, will take S.8. :ir. n V Draper, Aberystwyth. i_ J'j t., 1-Lou.s > and Shop, No. 8, Pier- I s ■■ ot.-V y Mr. Evans, Music Ware- Lous- > :t <5 X 5 W •: Towns and Villages irho ,J Ignited iviug iom. Persons h,tv J •• -Itous, will hear of a profitablt. i > • )it to J. C. Morrison & Co., 20, Hig II n. r|A •'•■y Of November next. No 6, 1 ;-treft.—Apply to Mr Morris iMv' • fBA'' i: imishe l Sittiag-room and Bed- JL i •••••.«! if required good attendance. term ».»ply B., Observer Office, Aberyst- wy rr< i I i' FOR OFFICES, the first floor, .1 :i: 8 rooms, ove- the National Boot W:, ri-ea.t Di-rkgate Street.—Apply Stc« v. ,ii Nephews, on the premises. MO i; f" Advanced on Freehold Security; in )n > tinudred Pounds and u;.warls —A • i!v Mr Ivcrard VV. Jones, 1, Cambrian Chli: 'Cl'S, ET), :'< Branch Establishment, 16, <• t '» s-r oe->tr»:et, Aberystwyth, HOD l';) at 1 1 it i tole prices, combined with comfort inti:, r'f" t stylo, and quality that cannot be exe.'ii-.L (& \) .11 F irnished House, with Two J. Sit!i r i ■ ns,tu-i other necessary ft 100 yards from the Marine Parole. ,r • ■irt-ioulars and terms please apply ll. F ')'' > fice. -THIRST CLA. SNAP TO BE SOLD OR LET.—A JC coniriii; M C«'liXEK SHuf, situate in the best p«rt "I ho to,, 1L, with Drapery fixture*, to be Let or S')!<! be used for any business.—Apply to NIL: is ins. Grocer, 20, Great Darkgate- Btreo Ab'ry .hvj TO CLE!S.— 'anted a young 'nan asClerk in a .i Retail Flour and (iroeery 8k«re, must be :i..•< > > scholar; good character indis- pensable.— Addi-e^; V., Observer Office. rUR'o'lSl! l-i! > \RTMENTS — l'o Let, for the win': '• H part of Victo "ia K m«e, Victoria Terrace.—P t.i li ;a.. rj may be had of Mrs Doughton, as above. —-— -r Tr CORIOESPONDENTS. LLANKHV ITYT> CHURCH CHOIR -If the Vicar Ilnrl ehurdlwn.r.ms lw, ..J detcrrnin'31 tt'11t the choir shall sot wt. jn z chr • "el, pn bably n) a mount "f «orr«s- p,()nd(-lci w .-ald izi.luoe thei-t) alter ih ir decision. The Vita: evidently has reasons for what h.. d.)es.

LOPSIDED LEADERS. Af a nvotino- held at the Temperanc' Hall on Mon.i*y evening utterance was given to sun,e of the fallacies which seem to abound in tin- heal Liberal creed. The meeting was called by or on behalf of the Nonconformist candidates, Messrs John Jones, Peter Jones, George Green and Evan Morgan, -vrl'.o are deairous of municipal honours, and was addressed by them as well as by Mr John James and Mr Griffith Jones, and others—the local champions of freedom. It was implied by all the speakers that the Council Chamber is the arena in which all political and religious questions should be considered and decided and that religious and political parties should struggle liard, not to do what is best for the interests of the burgesses, bat to ignore those interests and care only for party and sect. The tactic. tried to secure these ends are numerous. Although the leopard cannot change his skin, the chameleon can assume, or appear to assume, various shades of n loar. So with the Nonconformists and Liberals, although differing widely in questions which they consider of vital importance, they can forget those questions whenever there is a chance of attacking the Church. The meeting was assured that the Church does not include more than one-fourth the ratepayers of the borough, but it did not occur to either ot the speakers to offer an explanation as to liow that supposed-to-be one-fourth hive always managed to return at least one-half of the Aldermen and Councillors. That is a problem insoluble. It cannot be because Nonconformists have abstained from voting, for eaeh year about eleven hundred of the twelve hundred burgesses have recorded their votes, so that making allowance for persons who were ill and from home, very few have absented themselves from the poll- ing booths. So that as a matter of politics or religion it is impossible that the assertion that one-fourth return more members than three-fourths can be correct. Then what is the explanation? It is simply this. The Town Council is not at all a religious or political body. It was called into existence for the purpose of governing the towu. Religions and political questions have no locus standi there—they are not recognised. In the time of the Saxons, hundreds of years ago, the legislative assembly in every municipal town was held for mutual advice and general determination on the atfairs of the com- munity, whether in the enacting of local regulations, called burgh-laws, the levying of local taxes, the selling or leasing of public property, the appointment of municipal officers, or any other matter affecting the general interests. Nor have Acts of Parlia- ment altered or affected these principles. 'These being" the duties of Councillors, it is easy to understand how a minority in number of 'burgesses can influence the elfction of a majority of Councillors.. For instance, if three-fourths of a town is the pro- perty of fifty persons, it is perfectly right and fair that those fifty persons should be represented to the extent of three-fourths of the total number on the board, although the remaining one-fourth portion be owned by a hundred persons. It would be mani- festly unfair that the owners of three-fourths should be completely at the mercy of the owners of only one-fourth. Although it is well bo have a giant's strength, ic is uot well lo use it always. Thus it was that Mr Thomas Jones* position on the Council was impregnable. But h3 was also equal to the duties. He was a good busiuess man, and had transactions wi; h many people. The same remarks will apply to Alderman D ivies, and the late Vlderrnei Hichard Roberts and Griffith Thomas. It was not as Churchmen or Nonconformists that these gen; lemen were elected Councillors and Aldermen and Mayors, but because they had a great interest in the town, and their foliovr-bnnresses had confi- dence that they would do their duty. It is not as a Churchman that, Mr Isaac Morgan was elected nor w.-s it any denomination that returned Mr John James. Indeed if Mr James had depended upon the Culvinistic Methodists solely there is more than a sus- picion that he would never enjoy municipal honours. Nor when the time comes ferity election as Mayor will denominntMM pre- dominate over ability and worth. Tin; in- troduction of political and religious uwpu.e-. into Town Council elections is quite a recent innovation, and it is to be hoped that the at- tempt now being made will receive no tfll- couragement from the great body of those who consider their religion as too sacred to be introduced into every party squabble, and who are content to fight politic d battle. openly and without any cloak to hide their true intentions. Town Councillors should be selected from amongst the best men in the town, without regai .I to class, creed or party. That is the only way to secure proper ad- ministration of municipal offices. Mr. Griffith Jones particularly wished to impress upon his hearers a belief that they, whom he called Liberals and Nonconformists, were suffering some great Throng at the hands of another party, whom ho called the Conser- vative and Chnrch party. Where is the wt-,jng ? Aud what is the "right" for which he will tight as long as he breathes ? Is it wr.mg that at an election the wealthiest and most influential people in the town s'.ould ask for two seats out of four ? Is it uot wrong to deny them nu equitable share of svat., ? The attempt to exclude all Chnreh men from the Council savours ex- ceedingly of selfishness. Taking the can- didates on their own merits, surely the two Churchmen are at least equal in all respects to the Dissenters. Mr Edward Jones is in- terested in the largest house and shipping property in the town, whilst Mr Hamjr, alii •Manager of the Manchester and Miltord Railway, is also a large employer of labour. Indeed these two gentlemen give employ- ment to more men than any two gentlemen on the Council. They are also good business men, who c-tn be relied upon. Now these are facts which will not be ignored by the burgesses on this day week, at the Town Hull. Again, if party politics must bo intro- duced into the contest, the Liberals, if they ,ire conscientiou, and true to their principles, mU't support these gentlemen, for they are both of them Liheral. Thus the theory that Nonconformists at 'ne arc Liberals, and that all Churchmen are Conservatives, proves a fiilacy. It was really sad to find a number of L'beral leaders, ineliding lawyers and ministers, labouring under the de:u ;ion- or at least telling their workingmeu audience so-that they were suffering some oppression and wrong, wh; r ;.is they have every liberty, the tyranny of w lioh they speak existing only within then selves. Reference was also made to the Downie Bequest, and one gentleman, a minister, even went so far as to say the money morally belonged to Mr Downie's mother and sister, but g )t somewhat perplexed in his explana- tions. We venture to assert that there is not a man amongst those who endeavoured to get the management of the bequest into tha hands of the Dissenters who will deny t lat the money was la ft simply and solely in aid of the Ladies' Visiting Society, snd that ttie first "sc'ieme" sanctioned by the court, was secretly prepared and passed through the court before the Ladies' Society could fully comprehend the audacity of the movement. It was afterwards modified, but the present scheme is nothing like what Mr Downie anticipated.

LLANGOEDMORE. HARVEST THANKSGIVING SEKVICK.—The services of thanksgiving for th« Harvest were held in Llan- goedmore church, on Thursday iú English and Welsh at 11 o'clock in the forenoon and in the evening, in Welsh, at 6.30 o'cluck.

MACHYNLLETH. FAIR.—Our October fair was held on Friday, there was a grett quantity ot cattle, horsei, an,1 pigs on offer, but prices were considerably lower. The horses were a poor lot, and but few changed hmds. The cattle tr,Lde was sluggish, and many re- turned unsold. Fruit was pleutiful, and damsons sold at 2d per quart. The pleasure fair was well attended, and the stall keepers did a brisk trade up tolO p.m. All passed off quietly. ANWYL v. TnRpsTON.—The hearing of this case, which involves certain qupstions of right of way at Llugwy, near Machynlleth, was continued on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, before Mr W. Trevor Parker, arbitrator. Mr Swettenham appeared for Mr Robert Atiwyl, and Mr Coxon, for Mr Thrustou. After a large number of witnesses had been called and the advocates had spoken on be- half of their respective clients, the arbitrator said he would consider his decision.

WELSHPOOL. LITERARY AND SCIKMTIFIC INSTITUTE —On Wednesday niitht, 15th inst., a meeting was held in the Corn Exchange to discuss the desirableness of forming a Literary and Scientific Institute for the winter months. There were present Messrs J. Robertson (chairman), R. Powell, C. Lavvis, W. Agnew, E. Morgan Jones, E. H. Jones, J. Davies, and A. C. Wilkinson.—Mr Robertson briefly intro- duced the subject, and strongly supported and urged the formation of the institute.-After which Mr E. M. Jones was elected hon. secretary pro. tem., and the following resolution passed:—"That an institute be formed, and it be called the Welshpool Literary and Scientific Institute. That the executive con- sist of officers and committee of management. That the conductors of the classes be exofficio members of the committee and five other members be elected on the committee, and that seven form a quorum That the institute be supported by fees, subscriptions, and entertainments. That the institute be open to ladies and gentlemen, subject to names being approved by committee. That the fees for member- ship be-Ladies, 2s; gentlemen, 2s Gd, That the and the offer of the Mayor (Mr W. T. Parker), to allow the use of the room in the Hall be accepted. That the hours of meeting for classes be 7.30—8.30 and 8 30-9.30 p.m. with the exception of the discussion class, which is to be held every Wednesday at 8 p.m. The session to commence on the 22nd of Oetober, 1879, and continue for 21 weeks, with a fortnight interval at Christmas. That the following subjecis be taught: -Latin, German, French, Welsh, Short-band, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mechanics, Geology, and the Steam Engine. The conductors of classes were appointed. Mr Robertson was appointed president; Mr T. Powell was proposed vice-president, but as he II was not present the matter was left over to the ad- journed meeting Mr R. Powell was appointed tre- asurer, and Mr J. Daviea, assistant secretary. The secretary was ordered to prepare prospectus and tickets. The following were proposed on the com- mittee :-Messrs W. Agnew, W, S. Clarke, J. Evans, G. E. Davies, A- J- A. C. Wilkinson, T. A. Barratt, E. H. ll' Jones, H. Lloyd, J. Davies, R. Powell, and E. M. Jones.—Mr W. S. Clarke was elected vice-president of the institute, in in the place of Mr T. Powell. Mr T. A. Barratt was elected in yl*rke s place to fill the vacancy ia the °' It was resolved that the maximum fee for classes be 5s., exclusive of the 2a 6d. admission to the institute. Another sub- ject was also added to the list of subjects, that of 1 musio, | I

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES THE COVENTRY SCHOLARSHIP.—The successful competitor for this scholarship, at St. John's College, Oxford, was Mr T. F. Roberts, of Aberdovey. In the list issued from Oxford the name appears an J. F. Roberts. As there were two studente of the above names in the University College of Wales, it is important that the name should be correctly published.

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION. It is generally admitted that the attempt made by a small clique to introduce Religion into the Council, and to set class against eUss, has met with the fate it so richly deserved. It may be safely said that the large majority of Nonconformists in this town, including all the influential members oI then' number, are thoroughly disgusted with the seltidi action of this clique, and they will not be led by the nose by Mr Griffith Juac.T. and Mr Giboon, who are, we believe, the origauitors 0, the so-called public meet- iugs. Mr Gibson, no doubt with the recol- lection of the past meetings still lingering in his luen.o.'y, has kept in the back ground at the meetings. It is a matter of surprise that the fate oL Mr R. D. Roberts, at a recent contest, is apparently forgotten by Mr John Jones und Peter Jones, whose ultimate friendship with Mr (Jibson is being watched. It ir scarcely necessary to assert anything to prove tiie liberal and straight forward con- dueL uf the so-called Church party in the past, when it is said to have been in a majority on tlie Couneil, and when it had so many opportunities of showing undue par- tiality toward•> its supporters in the distri- bution of the patronage at its disposal, had it been incliued. lint in fairness to the party it is, perhaps, right to give a listof the several tow n officials, the larger part of whom were appointed by the majority of the Council. This is an official list and speaks for itself:— Salary. ■ £ s. d. Mr W. H fhomas, Town Clerk, Congrcga- tionalist 100 0 0 Ditto, Magistrates' Olerk, ditto 150 0 0 Mr Iteeii Jones, Inspector of Nuisances, Methodist 70 0 0 Ditto, Surveyor, ditto 30 0 0 Mr Morris Jones,Medical Officer of Health, Congrejjationalist 50 0 0 Mr David Jones, Borough Accountant, Methodist 40 0 0 Mr Evan Evana, Clerk to Dewtiie's Trus- tees, Methodist 25 0 0 Mr Jense Morgan, Water Works Engineer, Metnodist 81 0 0 Mr Edward Jones, Harbour Master, Baptist 56 10 0 Mr Evan Jenkins, Collector of Harbour Dues, Methodist 48 12 0 The Castle Keeper, Congregationalist 19 2 G The Inspector under Contagious Diseases Animals Act, Methodist 2 0 0 I Mr Tnrncock, Congregationalist 50 10 0 Ditto Lodging Houses, Methodist 2 2 0 Ditto Bathing Machines, ditto 2 2 0 Ditto Hackney Carriages, ditto 2 2 0 Ditto Kxplosives, ditto 2 2 0 T le Forewau of Harbour Pier, Congrega- tionalist 87 15 0 The Town Clock Regulator, Congrega- tionalist 5 0 0 Librarian, Methodist 20 0 Lamp Lighters, do. 49 16 Hall Keeper, do 4 4 „ Scavengers, Congregationalists In addition to the foregoing there is, we observe from the borough accounts for the past year, from which we have taken the above particulars, an iteln of 9,50 7s. lid. for "hacking stones to the pier-as there were no other horses in the town fit for such work—Mr Jo n Joneg, Bridge End (Con- gregationalist) kindly supplied the public want. The offices held by 1 Churchmen are (1) Borough Treasurer, a. not very lucrative appointment; the oolhctor of rates, and one auditor; we cannot call to mind any others. If our Nonconformist friends will trace the several appointments we have quoted to (heir origin they will have little difficulty in jjrtaining the influence which was brought oearwhen the several appointments were ide. We mn.se not be misunderstood in reference to to the qualifi ution of the several "ificials, the maj orny m whom do their duty i .vell j we b,, x nothing to say against them; our only <i>jeet is to give the f late payers generally, .ind the members of the Wesleyan, Baptist tdfht- Ciuvinistic Methodist and Church j 1.1 riiej> in particular, a hint to keep their eves o*»cn. :<"d to protect themselves from i ne seiti.-di aggrandisement of the ;û Congr •nation-!list p irry, or rather a small but a.ive section of it. The object of the clique 1.1 really so palpable, and the anxiety of one or wo of its members for the interests of Noncon; irmists jyenera-lly, is such a miserable sham, that it requires no fnrther allusion fl'tJ'l'l us. There are but one or two other matters to which, on this occasiou, we will refer. The one is th > Melindvvr scheme, and we would refrain from mentioning this, but for the r.witer egotistical addresses of Mr John Jones and Mr Peter Jones. It is a very significant fact that neither of these gentle- men allude either with pride or regret to their action in this miserably mismanaged affair. They take credit tor the saving which they say recurred to the town in reduction of the gas rate and interest on lit i'is. It is but fair to remind the rate- payers of the hundreds of pounds thrown ,i >vay and lost to the town by the blunders e niiuiitted in relation to this scheme, for w nieii, we contend, these gentlemen are, to I, great extent, responsible. But for the opposition of \lr Green and one or two otners, let it berememoered, these gentlemen would have secured the adoption of what is now admitted, by even Mr John Jones and Mr Peter Jones, to have been worse than a worthless scheme. Auother matter is that Mr John Jones has not. though he ha.s had ample opportunity of doing so, explained the- transaction known as "the coal yard question." But p3rkaps lie will, in justice to himself and the rate- payers, before the day of election, enlighten them on thi? "little matter." We notice it is stated by a contemporary j that a meeting of the Church Party has 1 been held, at which it was decided to support the two Church candidates. It is only necessary for us to say that the statement is utterly false and without any foundation. We go further, and say that no such meeting of the Church pari y will be held. Mr Edward J. Jones fi'.d Mr Edward ITamer will receive the he.rty support of a large number of Nonconformists, who will not have cause to regret having supported two such men, and the only two unfettered can- didates before the ratepayers.

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. ST. DAvrn's COLLEGE, LAMPETER.-The charters and "btntes of St. David's College have just been published. TtH MONTGOMERYSHIRE MAGISTRACY.—At the Quarter Sessions, held at Welshpool, on Thursday of last week, Earl Powis in the chair, Mr J. J. Bonsall Galltllan, qualified as magistrate. EA LT WOODCOCK.—On Friday of last week a woodcock w is shot by Mr J. G. W. Bonsall, Fron- fraith, at GaUtllan, Machynllcth. We believe this is the first of these winter birds bagged this season in this neighbourhood. L"r'TURTCS.—Dr Panthon delivered a lecture on Friday evening, th" 17th insf., at the English Wesleyan chapel, Queen's-road, his snbject being '-The Ilenof thtitayflower.A temperance lecture was delivered on Tuesday evening at the Temperance Hall, by Mr Williams, Plenydd." G.W.C. Templar of North Wales.—On the 11th of Novem- ber the Rev J. A. Morris will deliver a lectnre on "Spnrgeon a'i Lnfur," at the Baptist chapel, Taly- bont. MEETINGS.—A.n entertainment, consisting of com- petition in reading, singing, rocita,tion, is announced to take place at Gosen chapel, Rhydyfelin, on the 11th Nnvmhcr, when the chair will be occupied by Mr H. 8 Richardes, Bryneithyn. There will be a tea meeting in connection with the Tabernajle Calvin- istic Mvthodist chapel, on Wednesday next, at the Temperance Hall. THANKSGIVING SERVICES.—A thanksgiving: service was held on Thursday morning at St. Michael's church, when the Rev. Chancellor Phillips read the serviecnnJ the Rev. F. J. Jayne, St. David's College, Larrpeter, preached. A service was held in the evening at St. Mary's (Welsh) ehureh. when the service wis again read by Chancellor Phillips, and the sernmn preached by the Rev. Thomas Evans, Llanrhystyd. The choir sang an anthem by Owain Alaw, Gwyn ei fyd a yatyria. wrth y t:awd." ECCLESIASTICAL.—Our readers will be pleased to learn tha", the RHV Richard Hughes, Incumbont of St. Catherine's, Edjphill, Liverpool, has, on the re- commendation of the Earl of Beaconsfield, been appointed to the Crown rectory of S«utham, near Leamington, in place of the Rev J. H. Taulton, who has been appointed to the Crown living of Lutter- worth. The living of Southatn is worth X600 a. y<ar, and there is a. large and commodious rectory house. Mr Hughes, who is the ice-president of the School Board, has been resident in Livarpool for eighteen years, and for upwards of sixteen years has held the incumbency of St. Catherine's. The rey gentleman will prebably leave Liverpool for Southam a.bout Christmas. CoNFmMATiON.—On Wednesday morning the ceremony of confirmation was celebrated at St. Miehael's chnrch, by the Lord Bishop of St. David's. There were over 150 candidates, including both sexes, 80 of that nnmber beiug from the town alone, and the remainder from Llangorwen, Benparke, Llanbadarn, &c. The litany was read by the Rev. Chancellor Phillips, and a hymn was sung, after which the Bishop addressed the congregation on the importance of the step they were about to take. He said there was an erroneous idea afloat that confirmation was a snperstitous ceremoncy, that by the laying of hands they professed to impart the Holy Ghost. Another idea was that on being confirmed the candidate took on himself tha burden of his own sins, which his god-parents had borne for him hitherto. That was a very common idea, but none the less absurd. No one short of Christ himself could be responsible foranother man's sins. With a few other remarks the Bishop concluded by addressing the congregation in Welsh. The ceremony of confirmation was then gone through, after which the Bishop again briefly addressed his hearers, and a hymn having been sung, the servico terminated.

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL. A special meeting of the Town Council was held in the Town Hall, OR Tuesday, present Aldermen David Roberts (mayor) and John Watkins, Councillors Edward Humphreys, J. J. Griffiths, Peter Jenes, John Jones, Tom Griffiths, Isaac Morgan. John James, J. R. Jones, John Jenkins; Messrs W. H. Thomas, town clerk; David Lloyd, acting clerk; Rees Jones, surveyor; David Jones, borough accountant; Dr Morris Jones, medical efficer. ANALTSIS. In reading over the bills, one item called forth a few remarks, viz: a bill of £ 15 15* for the Analysis of three samples of water—two of Melindwr (< £ 10 10s) and one of Llyn Llygaid Kheidol (£5 5s). INTEREST. It was resolved that the half-year's interest upon the sum of XI,000 due on mortgage on the 15th inst., be paid, and a cheque was accordingly signed for the amount. APPLICATIONS FROM MR J. E. THOMAS- With reference to the application of Mr J. E. Thomas, made at the last meeting of the council, for a sum of money in addition to what be had already received, the finance committee recom- mended that he be paid a further sum of X5. The Mayor read a letter from Mr J. E. Thomas asking for a testimonial, he having made applica- tion tor the post of county rgtdii surveyor, now vacant. It was resolved that the Town Clerk draw up a form of testimonial to b* signed by the Mayor and (tthers. at a future meeting of the council. Mr Tom Griffiths proposed that the sum of e.5 be- paid. an recommended by the committee. Mr Humphreys seconded -Carried, PUBLIC WOKKS COMMITTEE. Mr John Jones, convener of the public works committee, reported that a tiie-tinic of the public w«rk< committee was held in Poplar ruw, on ,h.. 7;b inst.. preset Mr David Roberts, mayor, Messrs J. Jenkins, Peter Joaes, J. JOQ *S, Bridge End, Rees .Jones, surveyor. Poplar-row-The committee having agreed with Mr John Williams, rccemmetid that your council will pay him £ 3-3s., in considera- tion of his pulling down his «vttll. now projecting into the street. Drain in Smithfield-road—The committee visited Smithnnld-rotd to consider the application of Mr ltienard Hughes, for a new drain from his premises to the main drain by the gas works. The surveyor w*s ordered to prepare ail estimate, and present it to this meeting. Mr John Jones proposed that the report, so far as concerned Poplar-row, be adopted. Mr John Jones seconded -Carried. The Surveyor presented an estimate of the oost of laving the water pipes on LUubadarn road, and the drain down Smithfisld road. It was resolved to let ooth matters stand over far a time, on account of the present heavy rate. PLANS. Plans of cottages to be built by Mr Richard Jones, near the Limekilns, Trefcehan, were brought before the council and parsed; also plans of three small cottages, proposed to be built by Mr Joha Morgan at the bick of his house in Little Dark^ate- street, were referred to the public works committee. MEDICAL OFFICER'S IIBPOAR. Mr .ilorris Jones, M.D., medieal officer of health, reported as follows :-The heaL of the borough during the three months en mi September 30ib, hAS been very favourable, < lotal number of deaths during that period haf -itr only been 21 and out of that number two were s i->< iir<*rs, who came here suffering from the diseases they died of. Deducting these, the total would ba 19. Tnis gives an annual death rate, on the estimated population during thote months, of only 7'G 1,000. There were no deaths amongst children under fire years, and seven deaths above the age of sixty years. The number of births during the saiaa period was 54, whiuh gives an annual birth rate of 216 on the estimated population, about three times the number of deaths. The Town Clerk said they need not compliment the borough on that result, it was the same all through the kingdom. PRECEPT. The Mnyor said the next item on the agenda was to rxeeute precepts to the churchwardens and over- seers of Aberystwyth, the overseers of the tow nship of hnyndre, and the overseers of the township of Vaywor hu, requiring them rateably to raise the nutaof £ 275, in obedience to a preeept of the Aber- ystwyth sch »ol biard, madfe on the ]4th day of October, 1S79, being the amount required for the purpose of the said school board up to the 25th day of March, 1880. This was agreed te on the proposition of Mr John Jones, seconded by Mr John James. MESSRS BAILEY DENTON AND CO'S BILL. The next notice on the agendi was to take into consideration an application by Messrs Bailey Den- ton, Son, and North, for payment of the sum of 107 15* lOd, balance due to them for professional rvices in respect to a scheme for obtaining a supply water from the Melindwr valley. Mr Tom Griffiths said several influential rate- Payers having seen a notice in the Observer, stating that application would be made for the payment of 107 for the Melindwr scheme, wished to know the exact cost. Perhaps the borough accountant could tell them what they wanted to know. Alderman Watkins said Messrs Bailey Denton's bill was .£207 in all of that sum -6100 was paid last year. Mr Tem Griffiths said according to the statement of accounts over J2300 had been spent on the scheme up to last September, and it was only right that the ratepayers should know where the money was gone. He should like to have the question answered satisfactorily. Mr Isaac Morgan asked if this was the last item The Town Clerk said it was the last so far as he know at present. Mr Isaac Morgan asked when the enquiry would be held. The Town Clerk said he would tell the council this he had received a letter from Mr Stooke, stating that he would be prepared, by the end of the present month, for the enquiry. As ten days notice would have to be given from the Local Government Board, he (the clerk) to save time, wrote and told the Local Government Board what Mr Stooke had said. He also mentianed that the contract for pipes would expire by a certain time, and that it was important no time should be lost ere the council was informed whether the scheme was adopted or not. Mr Tom Griffiths said he must insist on his question being answered. Mr Peter Jones proposed that the borough accountant be requested to draw up by the next meeting a statoment of the amount expended on the Melindwr scheme. Mr John Jones seconded.—carried A lengthy conversation on the expenditure of the town took place, during the course of which Mr Issac Morgan stated that it was a mistake to erect the stables ia Smithfield-road at the present time. APPLICATION. Mr Rees Jones applied for a lease of a piece of land adjoining the new corporation buildings on Morfa mawr, to be used as a garden. Mr John Jones proposed that the land be let to Mr Jones for three years at the annual rent of j £ l. Mr John James seconded.—carried. THE BAKER-STREET OFFICE. The next notice on the agenda was to consider a letter from Mr Griffith Jones, solicitor, for the possession of the offices, now held under him by the corporation, situate in Baker-street, and to take the necessary steps for obtaining suitable premises in lieu thereof. It was resolved to give the offices up as soon as convenient premises could be obtained elsewhere. Mr Rses Jones said that for .£2;; a very suitable room could be made at the present corporation buildings, in Smithfield road. Alderman Watkins suggested that the matter be left in the hands of the public works committee. Mr Isaac Morgan said he had no objection to the alteration provided that it could be done for £25. Mr John James proposed that the public works committee visit the spot, and see what could be done, and report at the next meeting. The Mayor seconded.—carried. RESIGNATION OF THIS BOBOCGH ACCOUNTANT. The Mayor said he had received a letter frem the borough accountant, stating that having accept- ed the post of assistant auditor for North Wales, he must give np his post as borough acoountaat in another fortnight. A id be had filled the office in a very ereditable wanner, and he was glad to find he was getting a better office- Mr Peter Jones proposed that advertisements be inserted in the three papers represented in Aber- ystwyth, stating that the council would fill up the vacancy at their next meeting. Mr John Jones seconded.—carried. APPLICATION FROM MR TREDWELL. The Mayor said he had au application to make to the council from Mr Tredwell, of Aberllolwyn, who wished to bring his little fleet down here and to have a place in the harbour where he coald keep them all together, and where he could build a shed for them in the winter. He (the mayor), saw the captain Mr Martin, who went over the ground. A spot was selected, but he did not rhiakitsafe, but there was a place, if it wae legal for the trustee to grant a lease uf it, opposite the lime kilns, which was never used for any purpose—there were never any ships there. Mr John James proposed that the application be referred to the harbour committee, to report on at the next meeting. Mr John Jones seoonded—Carried. APPOINTMENT or MEDICAL OFFICER. The next items on the agenda were to direct an advertisement to be issued that the council would, at their u*xt quarterly meeting, to be held on the 10th day of November next, appoint an inspector of nuisances, for was year, or for a longer period, and to direct another advertisement to be isisued that tbe council would, at the sam* meeting, appoint a medical officer of health for the period of ony year. After some discussion as to the question ot advertising the appointments, Air John James proposed that advertisements be inserted in the three papers represented, and that silo applications tie returnable at the next iae«tiug of the eouucil. Mr John Jones seconded—Carried.

PRESENTATION TO MR RUPERT KETTLE. The following report appoared in the Birmingham Daily Post, on Saturday, the 18th instant — Yesterday was the twentieth anniversary of Mr Rupert Kettle's appointment, to the judgeship ot the Worcestershire county courts. The principal officers of the courts, availing themselves of the occasion, presented Mrs Kettle with her hus- band's portrait, and an address illuminated anil bound. The presentation was jnade by Mr Toinbj, registrar of the Droit- wicli court, at the (it-ove, Tettenliall, the residence t f Mr Thomas Walker, registrar of Dudley court, in the presence of most of the subscribers, of Mr and Ur" Kettle and their family, otntr Frank Hall. A.li.A., London, and of Mr Leader, K.A., of Worcester. Mr Tombs spoke of the respect and the admiration, the esteem and the regard, which was universally frit for Mr Kettle; and dwelt upon the services whicti he hal rendered the country as an arbitrator in industrial disputes, an office for which his technical knowledge, his legal attainments, and his genial manners eminently qualified liim noticed how eagerly his services were sought, and with what unreserved con- fidence his decisions were accepted in connection with business disputes be'.ween traders, often when many thousands of pounds were in question and enlarged upon his services as the learned, tlie patient, the (laill,.t¡lkiog judge, in which capacity he won nothing short of the love of his officers. Mr Kettle's personal and domestic virtues having been passed in review, the address was handed to Mrs Kettle. It said, amongst ot a things .Mrs Rupert Kettle, — We, whose names are hereunto affixed, request your acceptance of the accompanying portrait of your husband, painted by Mr Frank Hall, A..K.A., as a slight eipression of the sincere regard entertained, not only bv the officers of the court, but also by the public general y fir Mr Kettle, who has for twenty years most ably all efficiently, and with universal approbation,discharged the important duties ot Hi-r Majt sty's judge for the county courts of Worcestershire.' -To the address the signatures of twenty registrars, assistant registrars, alld high bailiffs of the several courts of Kiddermin- ster, Droitwich. Tenbury, Dudley, Worcester, Stourbridge, Pershore, Evesham, Ledbury, Uleat Malvern, and Bromyard, were appended. The portrait was then unveiled, and there was much applause, for the likeness was striking to a degree, and as a work of art of intrinsic merit, not surpassed by any, porirait which has been painte I by any living art:st. Enclosed in its ublong frame, its dimensions are six feet by Ave. Its subject has been treated heroically. Mr Kettle appears sitting robed and listening to evidence lieing laid before him in his judicial capacity, while beside him, upon the desk oil the judge's dais, a parchment indenture is spread out, surrounded by well-used law books and the usual writing materials. The judge has, for the moment, ceased to write, and, pen-in-hand and With the right footacross the left knee, has thrown himself back in his seat, and has fixed his gaze upon the witnesi with the expression of intallectual power and judicial acumen with which those who have been most. in his courts are so familiar. Mr Kettle accepted the gift on Mrs Kettle's behalf in phrases which reflected the unbroken concord that had for two decades ot years marked his intercourse with the officers of his various courts. He was especially gratified with the presentation, be- cause it connected his home with his judicial (Iijti". At the close of the proceedings Mr Walker eutertained his gue-ts at luncheon. Mr Kettle has a marine residence at Towyn, where he and his family have resided during the summer months for many years, it can be said of him with truth, that his charity to the poor, his generosity to all in need of advice anrt assistance, and his efforts on behalf of Towyn and the Towynites have WOD. for him the esteem and homage of the people of this part of the country to a. degree seldom equalled.

MERIONETHSHIRE AND THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY. To the Editor of the Aberystwyth Observer. Sir,-Throngh your medium will you allow me to make a few suggestions to our Conservative friends in the county, and to congratulate them, on the great majority they obtained throughout the county on the registration this year. We are glad to find they gained about forty in one small district. Through the whole county no doubt we have a clear gain ef & hundred and fifty votes. Now what is wanted in a good, popular, staunch Conservative, that we may regain the old county. In oar opinion the sooner the better for the candidate to be selected and made known to the voters, as several have already promised to support the Liberal, not knowing that a Conservative will be brought forward. The next thing wanted will be to form a local committee in each dillerict, and have a good canvass of all voters. I am quite aware that there are scores of voters who will not support the present Liberal candidate when a Conservative comes forward.—Yours, &c., A CONSERVATIVE.

DEPRESSION OF TRADE AND REDUCTION OF WAGES. To the Editor of the Aberystwyth Observer. Sir,-This you are aware, is a matter that h is been so largely commented upon, that to begin to handle it again requires some fresh ground to begin upon. One would think, seeing lately the accounts of large orders coming into the couutry, and the revival of trade in many parts of the United Kingdom, and the rising of the wages by some of the Scotch Iron, Masters that reducing wages would seon be at & discount; but not so. Railway Companies, when, to all appearances, every other kind of company have left off reductions, begin by attacking the pockets of a class of men who have a great deal on their hands, men who have to satisfy not only their employer# but also the travelling public, who when they travel like to know that they have competent men at the helm, as it were-I maan the drivers and firemen. I hear the Cambrian Railways Company have just reduced the wages of their drivers and firemen-a lot of men, I am told, who never agitated for higher wages, but have received advance of pay according to their merits periodic illy, and at thj discretion of their superintendent, perhaps they have remained passive too long, and by doing so the directors, or whoever introduced the reduction, thought they were too well off. All know the dangers of railway travelling—none better then drivers and firemen. But when practical railway men begin to talk about the dangerous state of a railway system, as one talked some few months ago of this Cambrian, system, when they say they should not be surprised to hear of some dreadful catastrophe—in short expect to see the line washed with human blood, owing to its insecure st-ite-add to that the fact that the reduction in the wages of the underpaid drivers, firemen, and hard worked ones too, and the public cannot feel very secure, when danger is added to danger. From what I can hear amongst the men they don't think the directors had any idea of reducing their wages till the thing was put before them by one who wanted to cHIt himself. A TRAVELLER.

The Antiquary is the title of a new Monthly Magazine which is to be published by Mr Elliot S'ock early in December. It is to be devoted to tuch subjects as Foik Lore, Numismatics, Euly Voyages, Bibliography,Genealogy, Heraldry, Parish Registers, Provincial Diilects, Church Restoration, Early Printing, the Transactions of Provincial Archaeological Societies, Engravings and Paintings, Curiosn.&o.&c. The Antiquary is to be edited by Edward Walford, Editor of the "Coianty Families." l The Quiver, which has for eighteen years been a great favourite with the public, will next month ap- pear as a monthly magazine only, the publication of the weekly parts being discontinued This step is ju-tifu-d by the increasing number of monthly sub- scribers. The November part will contain a sketch of the life of the Rev William Williams, Pantycelyn, who is called the Watts of Wales.

LLANFAIRCLYDOGAU. SCHOOL BOA ltD.-The board met at Gellyddyfod on Wednesday, the 15th inat., present Mr William Williams, vice-chairman, Mr Richard Morgans, Mr Henry Williams, Mr David Jones, clerk, and Mr D. Jenkins, schoolmaster. Twenty-two notices to utteod school were drawn out and ordered to be served at once by the attendance officer. If the parents did not comply with these, full authority was given to the clerk t ) summon them before the magistrates after 14 dayj, when the board will meet again to receive reasons for not so doing, before any proceedings are taken against them. The school- master asked for the loan of the schoolroom to hold a concert in. The request was granted and it was decided it should be held on November 7th, whea the following amateurs will give their services Messrs S. Es Jones. C.M., Llanon Board school; T. G. Davies, C.M Liangybi Board school; It. Pritchard, C.M., Llanfiliangel-y-creuddyn Nat- ional school T. Price, Ffalybrenin, and other local celebrities. Cheques were drawn for the teachers* salaries for the quarter ending Saptember 29th.

LLANSAINTFRAID. Harvest thanksgiving services were held here on the 15th inst., in the parish church. Af to the Vicar, the Rev William Herbert, had read the service, the following clergymen preJ.ched :-Io the morning, the Rev — Hopkins, curate of Llanarth, and the Rev John D ivies, incumbent of St David's, Liverpool; in the afternoon, the Rev E. Morgan, vicar of Ystrad, and the Rev J. Jones (Idrisyn), vicar of Llandisilio- g-ogo; and in the evening, the Rev — Daviea, of Liverpool, and the Rev Henry Morgan, R.D., vicar of Llanddewi Aberarth. The congregations were largo and most attentive, and collections were made in aid of the improvements which have lately been carried out in the church.

TOWYN. ENTERTAINMENT.—-The third of these series of Entertainments was hel l in the reading room, oa Saturday evening, the 18Ln inst., Mr Elwin Jones Brynarvor, in the chair; Mister Willie Bjmtead presided at the Harmonium. The following pro- gramme was gone through Selection of Welsh Airs, String Band address by the chairman, wh» said that he had readjust before coming lutothe room an account in the Times of how one of the Towyn boys had successfully fought a bull, and saved the life of b'e chi'd. The p jrpose of their being here was to jight bulls the most formidable of which was ignorance, but he had confidence after long experience of tbe Towya boys, that they would acquit themselves creditably in all the encounters of life. Song. Reply to Grandfather's clock," W. Boustead recitation, Cywydd y daran," Mr G. Paghe song," Fare thee well Kitty." Mr D. (X Jones a'mg, Jeremiah blow the fire," Mr W. Rowland lecture •' The Rain," prize one shilling Messrs W.Rowlands, G. Roberts, and D. O. Jo^aes, competed the last was declared the winner; I selection, String band song, Ilauuer nos," Mr I J. O. Jones; song" Wild beast show," Mr J. Cope song," Annie deg o'r Glyn," Mr E. Thomas; song, -1 Ar y tfordd i Llundain," Mr G. Roberts finale, God save the Queen." There was a large audience, amongst others were the Misses Jones, Bryndedwydd Miss Williams, Cbarch-street; Miss Roberts, College Green Dr Jones; Mr J. M. James Mr J. Roberts, Talyllyn-railway Mr E. Newell, junior Mr P. H. Hughea Mr S. Edmuads; Dr Williams, A:c.