The Aberystwith Observer

The Observer was rot printed in time for the north post yesterday evening.

ODD FE LLO W SHIP. The Interests of OJdfellowship are ,so wide-. spread^ and so interwoven with the welfare of the working classes, that we need offer no apology ior referring frequently to the subject. The Manchester Unity uuuihers about 550,000 members, being, in that respect, somewhat be hind its great rival, the ancient order of For- esters. whilst its accumulated funds amount to the millions. The Aberystwyth District, which held its half-yearly meeting on Thursday, assumes respectable proportions. It comprises twelve Lodges, with about 1,500 members. Each LoLl-e is self governing, and officers are elected each half-year, the ballot being resorted to when more than one candidate is nominated. Lodges in turn are under the control of district meetings, which are composed of delegates from the Lodges, and the District Officers; and the district meetings are again subject to the Board of Directors and the Annual Moveable Committee of the Unity, the latter being the supreme governing body. Any member may, by perseverance attain the highest position in the order. The duty of pointing out the benefits of friendly societies devolves especially upon ministers of religion and teachers, and employ- ers of labour. In the words of the preface to the General Rules, it is the positive duty of every man who earns his bread by the labour of his hands to provide against times of sickness, for the decent burial of himself and his wife, and endeavour to secure something for the widow or orphans he may leave behind him. To all, whether members or not, the vast I amount of good which can be effected, of poor- rates saved, sickness alleviated, medical relief obtained, poverty prevented, and misery avoid- ed hy such societies, must be apparent. The societies include, as honorary and financial members, in nearly every county and country, the higher and wealthier classes. A most important question, affecting the welfare of all aged men, which was briefly referred to by Mr Vaughan Davies and Mr Supt. Lloyd, on Thursday, is superannuation. The subject has been carefully considered, during many years, by the ablest men of the Unity, and at* Cardiff, last Whitsuntide, the A.M.C. adopted the tables prepared by Mr Watson. There are various schemes in exist- ence for superannuation. That prepared by Mr Watson provides that a fund shall be established for the payment of annuities to members thereof. All sick benefits to cease when the member arrives at sixty-five years of age, from which time the annuities shall com- mence. The adoption of a superannuation scheme has been rendered imperative for two reasons. The first is the desirability of pro- viding' a certain return to all members who attain the age of sixty-five, when the money rennet be otherwise than acceptable; and the second is the great difficulty, which it has been found quite impossible to overcome, of dis- tinguishing in many cases between curable sickness and infirmity arising from old age. There can be no question that very large sums of money have been paid to members under this class for which there is no provision, and the consequence is that many Lodges are quite unable to make any headway. The old form of medical certificate was so worded as to give great facilities for the evasion of the spirit of the law, but the new form is more stringent, and will do much to check imposition. The wisdom of establishing a superannuation fund cannot be doubted, and will be appreciate more and more as its operations become ex- tended. The advantages arising from the large Benefit Societies, in preference to small village clubs, are so great, that it becomes a bounden duty to point Oftt to the members of the latter the risk they run of losing the whole of their savings. In this and the adjoining counties there are many clubs which at one time, before the establishment of Oddfellowship and Forestry, were in a superficially flourishing condition, but which latterly, in consequence of the sick- ness and death of old members, and the fact that young members will not join them, have gone backward very steadily, and not a few have absolutely failed, whereby the life-long savings of the members have been lost to them. It would be an act of generosity and justice to persuade such of the existing clubs as are sol- vent to unite themselves with either of the large societies, and so secure the members against loss in old age. A notice which cannot fail to interest all friendly societies, and especially their secretar- ies, has been published to the effect that Mr Herbert Gladstone will bring in a biil to repeal the section of the Friendly Societies Act, 1S75, which requires quinquennial returns of the mor- tality and sickness to be sent to the Registrar of Friendly Societies. The duty of preparing these is laborious, and will increase the expen- ses of management of the Lodges, so that unless some very definite gain is secured from the returns, they should be dispensed with. If the Registrar is to do his work efficiently, it is evident that he must have a larger staff of clerks at his disposal. In many cases the returns are sent back to the Lodges for correction and al- teration of the most trivial matters. Govern- ment aid is a great thing, but official worry is very objectionable.

The announcement that Mr Davies will not stand for the Cardigan Boroughs after the dis- solution of the present Parliament has brought aeversal candidates into the field. As was stated in a supplement issued with the Observer last Saturday morning, Mr Vaughan Davies has been invited, by the Aberystwyth Conserva- tives, to contest the seat. The names of several Liberals are mentioned, but as yet only three have annotated thdir willingness to fight the battle of their party, these gentlemen being Mr Cobb, Mr Brigstocke, and Mr Alfred Thomas, mayor of Cardiff. The three gentlemen have visited the Boroughs during the last few days. The Medical Press has just offered timely hints to holiday-seekers at the seaside, and re- minds medical men of the necessity of warning intending bathers against certain popular er- rors. It says—4Tt is a popular delusion that no one ever takes cold in sea water, and that, no matter how chilly the sea or gloomy the day, no harm ever comes of a 'morning dip.' It cannot be too firmly insisted OR that only the strongest constitutions can safely indulge in regular bathing in a cold sea and in the absence of a warm sun. Persons unaccustomed to cold Itubb; 'ng, at home should exercise the greatest care when away from home at the seaside, and observe these rules—(2) Take some light refreshment before bathing; (2) do not fe- main in the water long enough to feel numbed; god (3) take a brisk walk immediately after dressing." -———— The Rev Horatio Nelson Grimley, A.M., formerly Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in the University College, m this town, has been appointed vicar of Cherry Hinton, m the Diocese of Ely; and "the Rev Samue! Maude, A.M., formerly curate of Chirk, vicav of Nedlham Market, Diocese of Norwich. • The Borth Local Committee, to whom is delegated the duty of superintending the local public works, is evidently frightened, or is trying to frighten the higher authorities with the prospect of the village being inundated and isolated from trade, commerce and com- munication with any other civilized com- munity." In fact, the Local Committee are dreading a repetition of the Caotref-y-Gwaelod disaster, only on a smaller scale. They say that unless the Cambrian Railways Company keep in good repair the culvert running from f the leet to the sea there is a possibility of the calamity indicated above. Under the circum- stances the company will do well to see that Borth; as well as their own railway works, shall not be destroyed through any neglect on their part. No one who is a frequent attendant at the meetings of the Town Council can have failed tonotice a habit which has possessed certain members, and prompts to ignore the rules of good taste which should be observed. Not only are many questions asked which can have no definite meaning, but two or three members insist, with studied persistency, upon talking aloud to their friends, to the detriment of good order, and the annoyance of those who attend for the purpose of transacting the public busi- ness. Very young members may be pardoned on the ground of inexperience and youth, but these excuses cannot be pleaded by gentlemen who have served the public for many years, and who have quite recently quitted the chair. The question must shortly have to be deci- ded, it is to be hoped amicably, between the Town Council and Mr Stooke, whether that gentleman is to be paid, beyond the amount originally agreed upon, tor new plans and work in connection with the new reservoir. For the moment we will leave aside the question whether the present unfortunate condition of the reservoir is due to any fault of the Engineer or of the Contractors, or both suffice it to say that the works are a failure, and that the walls will have to be re-built. It is possible to con- ceive of litigation which may last for years; of decisions and counter-decisions; of appeals and counter-appeals, to end only when the pro- perty of both parties has been squandered among lawyers and counsel, with innuimerabie I consultations and fees; and the end worse than the beginning. It is also possible to conceive of both parties agreeing in a friendly spirt to do what is best in the interest of all parties concerned. The particulars of the agreements entered into between Mr Stooke and the Cor- poration are not immediately before the public, but it was well understood at the time of the Engineer's appointment that he would do all the necessary work for the one charge agreed upon at the time. No one fore- saw—except Mr Green—what has since hap- pened, or it may be safely asserted that, mea- sures would have been taken to obviate the evil. The Engineer did not calculate upon constructing two reservoirs for the price of one; neither did the Corporation anticipate the probability of having to pay for the erec- tion of two when they only require one. we. f do not know what claim the Corporation may have against the Engineerin case they are able to prove that he has been at fault. Neither party can gain anything" except barren honour by appealing to a court of law on the intricate questions which perplex them, but it seems to tis in the face of the agreement, or supposed agreement, that the whole works should be completed at one charge, and the Engineer will consult his own interests, in the long run, by drawing up all plans and specifications, and carrying: out the works, without extra charge, and bv seeing that the whole are completed with despatch. The Corporation, on the other hand, should give Mr Stooke every assistance. Delay is proverbially dangerous, and in this case it is so to both parties, as well as to the town, and the sooner the difficulties are settled the better will it be for all. It would not be a small matter to any Engineer that work should be taken out of his hands and given to another Colonel Prvse and Miss Loveden have re- turned to Peithyll, after some weeks' stay in London. ———— The Town Council were placed in an a\yk- ward position on Tuesday by an application made bv the Secretary of the Druids, Oswes- try. for permission to use the Castle grounds by the members of the society, on the occasion of their visit to Aberystwyth, on Saturday, the twenty-ninth instant. Whilst appreciating the benefits which accrue to the town from the ever-increasing influx of visitors, the Council were anxious not to commit themselves to an act which might be claimed as a precedent, and which might be misinterpreted to consent for all manner of gatherings to assemble on the grounds. The Council, however, had confi- dence that the Druids will take care that not a single stone of the ancient ruins shall be dis- turbed, and acceded to their courteous request.

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. I ABERYSTWYTH JEAMHAB SCHOOL.-At the June examination at St. David'a college, Lampeter, Mr D. James, frora this school, toek his B.A. degree, and also gained the Ollivant prize for Hebrew. On the 30th of June, Mr F. B. Roberts, who gained the classical prize given by Mr Loxdale, at the Christ- mas examination, passed very successfully the en- trance examination of Selwyn cc liege, Cambridge. SERVICE OF SONG.—On Thursday evening week, a. service of song, entitled "Borderland," was given at the Wesleyan chapel, Queen's road, under the leader- ship of Mr R. Peake. There was a fairly la}'ge audi-' ence. The Rev E. H. Simpson, resident minister, gave the readings. The choir numbered about fifty voices, being assisted by several amateurs not im- mediately connected with the chapel. Miss Emily Paull presided most efficiently at tke pianoforte. The rendering of the several choruses was very effective, and great praise is due to Mr Peake for the diligence and care with which he trained his choir. The per- formers were accommodatediona. raised dais, surround- ing which were handsome fiowars, shrubs, &c., which had an exceedingly pretty effect. ADVERTISING.—Mr Edward Edwards, bookbinder, has adopted an ingenious method of advertising, by printing on the back of his handbills some interest- ing information respecting the valno of money spent in drink. It reads thusTwo pints make one quart, and one quart of ale costs Jfivepence. Five- pence per day is £ 7 12s Id per annum and this, in i throe years, comes to X22 16s 3d. Y a: the large sam of £ 22 16s 3d has been spent in buying 2,190 pints ot I ale. Working men, wouldn't it have beeu much bet- J ter if the money had been laid out as follows: Aj suit of Sunday clothes, £ 4, 4s; a light suit for sumn'er wear. JS3 f. good top coat for winter, £2; a good shawl for wife or sister, XI 5s; two dresses for wife I' our sister, £ 2 two pairs of boots, for self, at 129 6d, £ 1 r> two pairs for wife or sister, at 8s, 16s 8 vol- umes of half-crown books, < £ 1; put in the savings bank..£7 6s 3d-total ^2216s 3d. Tnv MONTHLY MARKET.—The !nonth]y market, held on Monday, was exceedingly well attended by buyers. The supply of cattle and horses was not so large as we ha.ve seen at some recent fairs, probably owing to the fine weather and the farmers being busi- ly engaged gathering in the hay harvest. T h animals si own, however, 'were of good quality, and the prices realised very satisfactory to the buyers. f On Sunday week the Rev R. Lewis, curate o Aberystwyth, preached, to large congregations, at the Walsh Church, London, he having c-xcbanged pulpits with the Rev E. Jones, who preached at St- Mary's church. In the evening the latter church was crowded, and there were over two hundred communi- cants. EI:-H.—The presence of so many fishing trawlers ste.mi eno failing, seem to show that Cardigan bay is still true to its traditions for fishing celebrity. Boats CO!!H- to it from Liverpool on the north, to Ll»nv y on the sovth, and they may be seen in the distML"; Llow Aberaeron cruising about. Daring the werl- brge quantities of fish have been landed orttheb<hhcreacd sent off by rail to Liverpool and other pieces.. Powel, in his history ot Wales, says that in the year 1206 "There was such an abun- dance of fish at Aberystwyth, that the like number was never known to have come, there in the memory of man before. FISHI NG SMACKS.—On Tuesday evening, a prett scene w as witnessed from the Terrace. A little flee of fishing smacks, eight in number, including two dandy rigged, were lying at anchor off the Pier head, which excited much interest among the visitors, to many of whom the sight was no doubt novel. As they were moored at ibont equal distances from earh other their appearance was very effective. One per- son remarked that by a little sketch ot the imagina- tion they might be thought to be the "Channel Fleet!" The Channel Fleet in Cardigan bay! Well, well! Perhaps that may come to pass some day. Who can tell? CONSPIRACY.—At the Central Criminal Court, on Saturday, before the Recorder, Albert Culliford, 31, agsnt; Henry M'Namara, 36, agent; Edward Wm. Bass, 37, dealer; Joseph Wm Rodney, 37, dealer, and Edward Bode ;were charged with wilfully conspiring together to obtain £ 90 and other sums by false pre- tences. They were also charged with conspiring to- gether to counterfeit false labels and brands relating to certain wines with intent to defraud Messrs Moet and Chandon and Messrs Heidsieck and Co., and also with selling and deceiving the public by passing off spurious champagne as being wine manufactured by the firms above mentioned.'—Culliford, Bode, and M'Namara pleaded guilty.—Mr Edward Clarke, Q.C., Mr O. Matthews, and Mr Gill appeared for the prose- cution Mr Forrest Fulton defended Bass and Mr Keith Frith and Mr Raymond appeared for Rodney. -The prosecutors were Messrs Moet and Chandon, and Messrs Heidsieck, champagne manufacturers.— Bode, tne prisoner who had pleaded guilty, was called as a witness for the prosecution, and he gave a full detail of the particulars fof the fraud.—At the close of the case for the prosecution the charge against Rodney was abandoned, as it turned out that, al- though the brands and the labels were found in his possession, he was merely left in charge of them, and was an innocent agent in the matter.—The jury found Bass guilty.—The Recorder postponed passing sen- tence. Culliford's parents were residents in Aber- ystwyth for several years. ST MICHAEL'S CHURCH.—The [Rev W. Wilson, rector of Narbeth, is officiating at the parish church during the absence of the Rev Chancellor Phillips, who is in residence at St David's. By advertisements in another part of the Observer it will be seen that the death of Mr G. T. Smith has resulted in the introduction of several new auc- tioneers in the town. Iu addition to Mr E. J. Morgan and Mr Edward Ellis, who have been estab- lished for some years, Mr J. W. Rogers, who formerly resided in this town, and since then at Llandudno, has opened an office here. and has engaged the services of Mr Wm. Morgan, who was clerk with Mr Smith for many years. Mr Owen Daniel, of Towyn, has cl also decided to open an office at No 7, New-street, and has engaged Mr Edward Davies (late of Rhiw- las) as clerk. Messrs Davies and Howland, Messrs liamer and Griffiths, and Mr J. Baker, also announce their intention to take out licenses on July 5th. Messrs George Jones and Son also announce that they wilhundertake valuations, &c. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.—A meeting of this so- ciety was held at the Town Hall, on Monday afternoon when thpre were present—Sir Pryse Pryse (chair- man), Mr Morris Davies, Ffosrhydgaled; Major wminMa, Wallog; Messrs L. Williams, Abermaide; Jenkin Jenkins, Blaenplwyf; EvanJenes, Nantsiriol, David Morgan. Glanyrafon; David James, Llan- crchpenter; Baker, Rhydypenau; E. Jones, Elgar; E. Richards, Penuwch; Robert Guthrie, Dolgwy- bedig; J. Edwards, Rhiwarthen, David Lewis, Pen- graig, and Capt ri revethan, MaeRbangor.-The Chairman stated that the Earl of Lisbnrne had de- creased his subscritpion from .£30 to .£10, a fact which was very much regretted. He had also, written to Mr L. P. Pugh, M.P., but had received no reply. The following gentlemen were appointed judges at the forthcoming show :—Farms and green crops: Mr J. Cheetham, Yew Tree Farm, Norbury. Pure-bred cattle, sheep, pigs, grain and potatoes: Mr J. Cheet- I lia,m, Yew Tree Farm, Norbury, and Mr Adam Lee, Walcot Park Farm, Lydbury. Welsh cattle and- mountain sheep: Mr E. Vaughan, Rhiwsaeson, Llan- brynmair, and John Smith, Greenway, near Brecon. Horses, hackneys, and ponies Mr T. Roberts, Bryn- brith, Corwen, and Mr C. R. Keeling, Congreeve, Penkridge. Poultry: Mr Thomas Ellis, Henblas, Bala. Butter and Cheese Mr J, Thomas, C; irk. Welsh manufactures: Mr David Jenkins, Aber- ystwyth. The living of Derwen, near Ruthin, valued at £ 350 per annum, has become vacant through the death of the Rev J. Clement Davies, at the age of 70. It is in the gift of the Bishop of St David's. DRUNK AND INCAPABLE.—At a special county session held at the police station, on Tuesday morn- ing, before Mr E. J. Jones, Richard Richards, shop- keeepel, Pontgocb, was charged by PC. Pierce (33) with being drunk and incapable on the previous even- ing. The officer found the defendant lying on the roadside on the top of Penglaise hill, and locked him ap for his own safety. He was fined 10s including costs. Allowed a week to pay. THE CAMBRIAN ENAMEL SLATE AND WORKS.—Mr. James Williams has disposed of these works to Mr. London, merchant and factor, Birming- ham and Gloucester, who, upon taking possession, informed the employes, that in remembrance of the event he purposed giving them all a day's holiday; and as an inducement for them to be scrupulously truthful and industrious, he purposed providing them with a good roast beef dinner and tea on that day. Also that he would leave them to arrange with their foreman, Mr. Griffith, which should be the day, and where it should be spent. At this unexpected and gratifying announcement, the workmen, through their foreman, expressed their thanks, and wished their new employer long life, and success to the Cambrian Enamel Slate and Marble Works, and trusted that nothing should be wanting on their part to enhance its prosperity, and promote their new employer's interests to the utmost of their abilities, to which was added a vote of thanks to Mr. London in three hearty hurrahs. Mr. London closed his remarks by proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Wil- liams, their late employer and founder of the works, which the employes responded in three hearty cheers. Mr. London also adding that it would not be his fault when once they recommenced in earnest if the orders did not come in faster than the men could execute them, although arrangements had been made, and contracts entered into with Mr. Williams to in- crease the size of tbe works forthwith, by the addition of a substantial stone building, 64 feet long by 33 feet wide, with large show rooms above, with other offices also that as business arrangements would necessitate his occasioual absence, he would thank them, one and all, to receive his son's orders as his representative. Mr. Edward Ellis, auctioneer, was the agent in this transaction.

ODDFELLOWSHIP at ABERYSTWYTH The half-yearly meeting of the Aberystwyth Dis- trict was held on Thursday, at the Town Hall. The district officers and delegates were-Dr. Rowland. G.M., John Morgan, D.G.M.. J. J. Griffiths, Prov, C.S., E. P. Wynne, treasurer, James Purton, P.G., St. David's John Morris, P.G., Rheidol Edward Evans, sec., Temple of Love David Jones, P.G., Earl of Lisburce W. Spurway, see., Druid; Thos. Roberts, P.G., Dovey Evan Jones, P.G., Cam- brian John Lewis, P.P.G.M., St. John's; John Lewis, see., Llynlleoec'd; J. O. Jones, sec., St. Padarn: W. Hotvells, sec., Gogerddan; T. R. Jones, V.G., lolo Goch John Hnghps, P.P.G.M., inside guard Evan Jenkins, P.P.G.M., and John Thomas, V.G., auditors. The business transacted was unimportant. At three o'clock the officers and delegates, to- gether with a goodly number of guests sat down to. an excellent dinner, provided in Mr and Mrs. Jones* best style. The guests invited included Mr Vaughan Davies; Mr H. S. Richardes Alderman Jones, mayor; the Revs. J. Pugh, J. A.-Morris and J. H. Davies Mr A. J-Hughes, town clerk Mr Griffith Jones, cor- poration solicitor Drs. Gilbertson, Morris Jones, and Griffiths Mr E. J. Jones P.P.G.M.' Hs, Humphreys, Tbomas Jones, Edward Williams, Thoroas Davies, David Poghe; Messrs. Superintend- ent Lloyd J. Roberts, Lion Hotel; .John James, John Watkins, junior, Tom Griffiths, E. Hamer, W. H. Jones, R. G. Smith, J. T. Jenkins, H. Hubges junior, and Joseph Davies, solicitors John Row- land, Capt. Trevethan, J. D. Hughes, &c. The cloth ha ving been removed, The Chairman proposed the toast of the Queen, and the health of the Prince, Princess of Wales, and the rest of the royal family, both of which were drank loyally, The Chairman said the next toast that he was going to ask them to drink was one he had often given them before, when the smile of peace was wafted over the spirit of the army and navy; but now they bad staring at them the horrible image of war, find if their services were called into requision he felt quite sure that they would rely upon. them sustaining the honour of Queen and country He also felt quit", sure the reserve forces would do honour to themselves. With the toast he coupled the name of Surgeon-major Morris Jones. (The toast was drank with musical honours). S >rig," The Great Russian Bear." Dr Jones replied to the toast in a humorous man- ner. 'I:he Chairman next proposed the bieho and I clergy ot all danomina tion, and might their lives be { to them a bright example, and their prayers of great use to them at this season of the year. He coupled with the toast the name of the Rev J. H. Davies, who respoded in a few well chosen remarks. Song, Twenty years ago," Mr J. T. Jenkins. Dr Rowland proposed the health of a gentleman whose name, he said, required very few words from him. He was a gentleman who gave them plenty of sport, and he was a good magistrate. He also proposed with this toast, the healths of the county magistrates, coupled with the names of Dr Gilbert- son and Mr E. J. Jones [The toast was drank with musical honours.] Song,—Mr Roberts, Lion Hotel. Mr E. J. Jones thanked them for the kind way in which they had coupled his name with the toast. With regard to Colonel Pryse, he was universally respected by all, and was a good specimen of what a county gentleman ought to be, and he wished they had more of them. As to the county magis- hates, there was not a body of men more anxious to do their duty in the office which they bad taken upon themselves without favour or affection. He thanked them for the kind way in which they had responded to the toast. Dr Gilbertson also responded to the toast, and spoke very highly of Col Pryse as a country gentle- man.. The Mayor proposed .the toast of their represen- tatives in Parliament. They were both well known to them, and he did not intend to dwell upon their politics, but he would speak of them as members who were attentive to their duties in Parliament, and they would all give them credit for a faithful attendance at their post of duty at all times. Their borough member, with whom they were better ac- quainted, was a thorough good fellow, and he asked them to drink their good health (applause). Song. "May every good fellow become an Odd- fellow," Mr R. E. Williams. The Chairman next proposed the toast of the Manchester Unity, and said that he was not going to give them a tirade upon thejgreat and splendid position that the Unity held in this country, but since they had last met there had been a great gathering at Cardiff, the first that had been held in Wales for many years, but he most truly hoped that it would not be the last. They all knew that there was a great debate and consultation there as to where they should hold the A.M.C in future years, and among theDamesJbroughiJmGst prominently for- ward was the town of Aberystwyth (applause), and he thought it was their duty to get the A.M.C here next year, or in two or three years to come. They as Oddfellows would be proud to have that body here, but it would be an enormous good to the town, and he assured them that nothing should be want- ing on his part to help them to carry out that ob- ject (applause). With the toast be coupled the names of Bros J. J. Griffiths and John Llejd (hear, hear). Song-Capt. Thomas. P.P.G.M. Lloyd thanked them for the kind way in which tbe toast had been received, and referred to the A M.C., predicting that it would come to Aberystwyth in the year 1885, a remark which was received with lottd applause. Bro Roberts, Lion Hotel, proposed the toast of the Mayor and Corporation, and humorously re- ferred to the fact of the Mayor's visit to London, and the obligation of the town to provide the Mayor with a suitable robe. [The toast was heartily received]. The Mayor, on behalf of himself and the Corpora- tion, be felt grateful for the way in which the toast bad been proposed and received. He assured them that the Council were not now going into difficulties, but there were old difficulties which had been in the way for some years. He thought, however, that the rates were higher years ago than they were now, the general district rate being now Is 6d, and itwas a few years ago 2s (hear, hear). He wished the worthy Town Clerk and deservedly so (applause) had been present, as he would have been better able to re. spond to the toast. Mr Roberts was quite right in the matter of the robes, and then referred to his visit to London, where, he said, the town was not unworthily represented (hear, hear,). He went in a robe, and no did not borrow that robe, but he paid for it (applause), and he would assure them that none cf them would be ashamed to see it on their backs. It would not be very much that the Mayor should have a chain and badge, and he bad thrown out the chatlenge that if they presented the chain and badge he would present the robe (applause). Mr Thomas Griffiths and Mr Edward Hamer also responded. Dr Jones next proposed the health of the Aber- ystwyth district officers, coupled with the came of Dr Rowlands, grand master (applause). Dr Rowland responded, and said that he elt proud to hold the position of grand master of the district, as to be grand master over about 1,600 members was no small thing. He assured them that he tried to do his beat, and he would do all he could for the district as long as he was connected with it, and he hoped he should live and die an Oddfellow (applause). D.G M. John Morgan and E. P. Wynne also re- sponded, the latter remarking upon the small amount of fatality in the district for the past six months. Out of the 1600 members they had only three deaths, and instead of taking some R200 down to the Town Hall that day, he had only to take about £24. But St David's lodge bad suffered a good deal during the past six months, and no less than £133 had been paid out fer sickness, which which was an example of what the other lodges were doing. Mr G. R Smith, having apologised for the ab. sence of Mr Griffith Jones, who fully intended to be present, but for a pressing engagement, proposed the toast of the borough magistrates, a finer body than whom, he said, they could seldom see on any bench. [The toast was drank with musical honours J. The toast was responded to by Bros Hamer and Tom Griffiths. Dr Rowland proposed "success to the kindred societies, and coupled with the name of Mr J. D. Hughes, a Forester, who responded. Prov. C.S. Griffiths, who had been compelled to leave the room on account of ill-health, now re- turned, and was hailed with loud cheering. The Chairman asked them to drink the secretary's health, whom be was delighted to see enter the room [applause]. Soog, "Pulling hard against the stream," Mr Davies. Bro J. Lloyd proposed the health of the visitors, coupled with the names of Mr Hugh Hughes and Mr Jenkins, solicitor. Song, "Never miud the rest," Mr E. Hamer. Mr Hugh Hughes, on behalf of the guests, re- turned thanks, and said this was not the first occa- sion, and he hoped it would net be the last, that he had spent an hour or two with them. It was in consequence of these invitations he became an Odd- fellow, and hoped that the other guests would fol- low his example by joining some lodge. Mr J. T. Jenkins also returned tbanke, and said that he was now a member of three such soeieties, and he was a subscribing member to the Oddfellows. Bro J. Lloyd proposed the health of the district examiner, Mr Williams. He referred to the exam- iner's report, as being most elaborate, and one worthy of perusal. Song, Mr R. G. Smith. Bro Williams thanked them for the high compli- ment paid him. Br6 Rowland, Grand Master, proposed the health of tboICbsirman, who said, had travelled nearly the whole night to be present. He had done more good to the farming interest of the country than any man he knew, and he should be glad to sea him in the position of grand master of the Order. [The toast was drank with musical honours]. Song,-Capt Thomas. The Chairman, who was received with loud ap- plause, thauked them all for the way in which his name had been received. He asked them to be- lieve him that be had not come there for the reason of what he could get out of them but he caaae^there simply as an Oddfellow, a man, and a neighbour, and he assured them that he would join with them in every single way to carry out everything that was for the good of the neigh boarhood, and come what might he would ever stand by the people and the neighbourhood be lived among (applause). Song, Bro T. R. Jones, Talybont. Bro E. Hamer proposed the health ef the vice. chairman, whom they were all pleased to see (ap- plause). Song, Bro Hughes, Northgate-street. The Viee-Chairman responded. The Chairman proposed the toast of the Press coupled with the name of Mr John Morgan and Mr Lewis. The toast was responded to by Mr J. P. representative of the Aberystwyth Observer Song,-Bro John Lloyd. The Vice-chairman proposed the toast of the host and hostess (applause). Mr Jones responded.

WHO ARE THEY ? To the Edifor ef th-s Aberyahvyfh Obscrvtn Sir,-This is the question which has been asked all round in Aberystwyth during the past week—" Who are they?" But the difficulty is to find any one capable or willing to give a satisfactory reply. Our borough member, Mr David Davies, has been threatened by the Radicals because lie obeyed the. dictates of his own sound common senae, and refused to follow the jabbering nonsense of a few Bf;ci«als, who are pleased to arro)-ate to themselves the position of leaders of public opinion. And it appears to be in consequence of the action of these Tooley- street tailors" that Mr David Davies has decided upon not again offering himself for re-election. We have hitherto given Mr Davies credit for more shrewdness than to allow himself to be bamboozled by some few political noodles, who have scarcely brains enough to see the contGinpc in which they and their ideas are held by all moderate men. People who were formerly known as members of the Liberal Club, now denylany connection with that an gust body,, and, indeed, to such a low ebb have matters come that it is broadly stated that the fine business pre- mises in Great Darkgate.street are to let. If it was pes sible to get at the bottom of this matter, we should probably find that the threatening resolu- tion referred to by Mr Davies, was the result of the combined genius of some four,or five individuals, met in soleinn.conclave, and. there and then decided that their borough representa- tive had grossly violated the trust imposed in him.- Mr Davies, in a recent speech at Caersws, said that he had no difference with his constituents, a remark which will be endorsed by everybody, and one must feel inclined to ask why hejshoold allow the bellicose verbosity of three or four Radicals to disturb him. Yours. &c., NOT A CLUBITE.

HIGHER EDUCATION IN WALES. lo the Editor of the Aberystwyth Observer. Sir,-l hope Convigilius Gains" was drawing the long bow when he wrote that the almost universal hue and cry of dissenting deacons and ministers was against university education," and to the effect that "learning is useless, nay worse than useless of the earth earthy, of the devil devilish," &c. Although, at the same time, I must confess that I found learn- ing condemned in much similar terms by some Ply- mouth Brethren with whom I was acquainted about a year ago. These good folks seemed to be fully in accord, as regards feelings, with the devout old Moslem who destroyed priceless treasures in the lib- raries of ancient manuscripts. "If they are against the Koran," said he, "they are mischievous; if they agree with it, they are useless; therefore burn them." Now where do sueh notions come from? Are they inseparable from every religious system ? Do they arise inevitably out of creeds ? Or. are they due to the weakness of hutaan nature, which fails to grasp the high ideal which religion holds before it ? These are questions which (so far as Christianity is concerned) must be answered one way or another be-, fore the matter of higher Education in Wales can as- sume a practical shape. If the preachers and deacons can show they have have the authority of the Christian Scriptures for condemming learning now, in the nineteenth century, then the Higher Education of Wales must become a purely secular movement. But, if they cannot show they have that authority for condemming learning, then it is about time for them openly to proclaim the fact that their predecessors in office lived in a fog. Yours truly, J. C.

LLANBADARN FAWR CHURCH. The British Architect for this week contains a. series of well-executed sketches of this fine old church, brawn by Mr T. Raffles Davison, together with the following letter-press description :-One of the most solemn and severe-looking old grey church- es to be seen is the old Cathedral of Llaabadam Fawr. This fine old Welsh church, with its great central tower, is a picturesque object from many points of view, as it dominates the little village of Llanbadarn, nestling on the hillside of the Ystwyth valley. The church was greatly in need of restora- tion, and this has been, in part, taken in hand, un- der the direction of Mr J. P. Seddon, of West- minster, in an admirable manner, no points of in. terest in the old work having been lost. The treatment of the tower crossing inside is unusually fiue and dignified. Mr Seddon has put a boarded barrel over the nave, with bosses on the ribs, similar to the old dilapidated roof which is shown in my sketch as now existing in the chancel. The singular feature of the exterior is the tower, 40 feet square, with the regularly disposed square holes over all its sides. If the restoration funds permit the covering of this by a lofty plain spire, as Mr Seddon suggests, tha effect of the whole will be splendid. The pulpit- is the gift of the present Bishop of St David's, as a memorial of his mother. The lectern I have not seen one like be- fore. It is a combination of stone and fatienee Leaving out of question any difference of cost be tween carving of stone and modelling of clay, the advantage this faience possesses is the excellent colouring in which it may be produced. The light blue grey of this eagle, which is emphasised by the running of the glaze, forming dark colour in all the lines and hollows of the modelling, is very charming, acd makes a delightful contrast between the light stone below and the wood reading board above. The ball on which the eagle stands, and the plate by which it is secured to the book board, are a rich dark blue. I have sketched a bit of the only re- maining carved work in the church, the south-west door, which shows the very early character of it. The door has three orders of shaits and roll mould- ings, There is no old church in the country with more ef simply impressive dignity about it, and the addi- tions of the spire and of a rich and effective chancel end are much to be desired, and should be gladly- subscribed for by those in the locality who ar& pleased to worship in so fine a church.

BIRTHS. EVANS.—June 29th, at 11, High-street, Now Quay., the wife of Captain Evans, of a daughter. JONES.—July 3rd, at Chalybeate-terrace, the wife of Mr David Jones, butcher, of a daughter. KING.—June 27th, at Wear Giffad, Devon, the wifa of Lieut.-ColonelC. R. King, late 50th (the Queen's own) regiment, of a son-stillborn. JONBS.—JuDe 4th, the wife of Mr John Jones, Bron. castellan, Bow-street, of a son. LLOYD.—July 6th, the wife of Dr Evan Lloyd, Llys Einion, Tregaron, of a son MARRIAGES. DAVIES—-EVANS.—June 30th, at the Registry Office, Aberysswyth, before Mr John Jones, registrar, Talybont, Mr Morgan Davies, itaiiybryn, Cwm. symlog, to Miss Mary Evans, Cwmsymlog, Llan- badarn-fawr. HUGHES—PORTEOUS. Jnly 1st, at St Catherine Church, Tranmen, Birkenhead, by the Rev M. L. J. Mortimer, John Edward Hughes, of Liverpool,, to Helen, youngest daughter of the late James Porteous, Welshpool. MORGAN—WILLIAMS.Jnne 29th, at the Welsh Cal- vinistic Methodist Chapel, Machynlleth, by the Rev John Hughes, M.A., Mr John Morgan, second son of Mr Edward Morgan, bailiff, to Miss Ann Williams, eldest daughter of Mr Richard Williams, painter, &e., Machynlleth. WILLIAMS—MORRIS.-july 3rd, at the Registry Office, Aberystwyth, before Mr John Jones, regis- trar, Talybont, Mr Richard Williams, Tanycoed, Goginan, to Mrs Ann Morris, Black Horse, Go- ginan. DEATHS. EVANS*—June 20th, aged 14 days, Margaret, daugh- ter of Mr William Evans, mason, Penybont, Pon- terwyd. JONES.—JUNE 21st, aged 58 years, Mr Enoch Jones, Gelly uehaf, Ponterwyd. JONES—July 2nd, at Tynyberth, Llanafan, aged 38 years, Sarah, the wife of Mr John Jones. JONES.—June 29th, aged 10 years, Mary, daughter of Capt John Jones, 13. Albert-street, Aberayron. THOMAS.—July 2nd, at Tainewyddion, Cwmystwytb, aged 38 years, Mary, wife of Mr John Thomas, lead miner.

MONUMENTS for Churches, Churchyards, and cemeteries, executed in Stone, Marble, and Granite, hI. 1k.11