Llangollen Advertiser Denbighshire Merionethshire and North Wales Journal

MR. OSBORNE MORGAN AND MR. W. RATHBONE AT LLANRWST. The inaugural meeting of the Vale of Conway Liberal Association was held on Wednesday night at Llanrwst. In the absence of Mr. Joseph Evans (the high sheriff of Carnarvon- shire), the president of the association, the chair was occupied by Mr. H. L. Squires (Conway), the honorary secretary of the organisation, the attendance, which was very large, including the Right Hon. G. Osborne Morgan, Q.C., M.P.; Sir R. A. Cunliffe, Bart., M.P.; Mr. W. Rathbone, M.P.; Mr. Jones-Parry, M.P.; Captain Verney, Mr. W. A. Darbishire (president of the Carnar- vonshire Liberal Association), Mr. Charles Darbishire (Penmaenmawr), Mr. R. D. Williams (Carnarvon), Mr. O. Isgoed Jones, Mr. D. Davies, Dr. Hughes (Penmaenmawr), Mr. Meredith (Conway), Mr T. Davies, Mr. O. E. Hughes, Mr. J. Hughes, Mr. R. Hughes, Mr. J. R. Jones, and others. Letters of apology for non-attendance were read from Mr. J. Roberts, M.P., Mr. W. S. Caine, M.P., Mr. Cornwallis West, Mr. Albert Wood, and others. Important addresses were delivered by the Right Hon. G. O. Morgan, Mr. Rathbone, Sir R. A. Cunliffe, Bart., and Mr. Jones-Parry.

DENBIGHSHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the GENERAL QUARTER SESSIONS OF THE PEACE, in and for the County of Denbigh, will be held at the COUNTY HALL, in RUTHIN, on Thurs- day, the 4th day of January, 1883, at 12 o'clock at noon, and will be continued at the same place on the following day at Ten o'clock in the forenoon. The business relating to the acts made and passed regarding the Police, and the business relating to the Assessment application or management of the County Stock or Rate, will commence on Thursday aforesaid, at 12 o'clock at noon, at which hour all bills and demands against the County are to be laid before the Court. The Grand and Petty Jurors, and all persons bound by recognizance to prosecute and give evidence, or to surrender in discharge of their bail, are to appear at the COUNTY HALL aforesaid, on Friday, the 5th day of January, 1883, at Ten o'clock in the forenoon. INCREASE OF POLICE FORCE. And Notice is hereby given (on the requisition of five Justices acting for the County of Denbigh, under the authority of the Act of Parliament passed in the nof S1?nd and 3rd Victoria, chapter yd), that at the said General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, it will be proposed to increase the Police **nes?'.1d- County, by the appointment of one additional Police Constable, to be stationed in the Llanrwst District, subject to the consent of one of Her Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State. JOSEPH PEERS, T, CLEBK OF THE PEACE. Ruthin, 4th December, 1882. Instructions for Indictments should be sent to my office (if practicable) four days at least before the Sessions. The County Treasurer will pay the claims against the County, at the County Hall, in Denbigh, on i Wednesday, the 10th day of January next, at 10 o'clock a.m. [12>0] CEFN MAWR, RUABON. MESSRS. DAVID ROBERTS AND SON > are favoured with instructions to Sell by Auction at the Grosvenor Arms Inn, Cefn Mawr, On MONDAY, the 18th Day of DECEMBER, 1882, At Five o'clock in the afternoon, subject to conditions to be then and there produced, All that FREEHOLD HOUSE and SHOP, YARD and PREMISES, situate and being No. 24, in Hi^h- street, Cefn Mawr, in the occupation of Mr. John Will am Bolton, together with .the COTTAGE in the rear of the above, in the occupation of Mr. John Lewis. The property is situate in the centre of the principal thoroughfare at Cefn Mawr, most substantially built of dressed free-stone and good bricks, and is in excellent repair. For further particulars, apply to Messrs. MINSHALLS AND PARRY-JONES, Solicitors, Oswestry and Llangollen, Or to the AUCTIONEERS, Temple Buildings, Corwen. (1223)

TO CORRESPONDENTS &c. Our Bardic Editor is the Rev. J. H. Hughes, 16 Darby-road, Wrexham. The bards will, therefore, send their productions to his address. The demand upon our space by advertisements and local intelligence makes it necessary to say that for i\re rePor^g meetings and entertainments, we shall give the preference to those which are con- sidered by the promoters of sufficient public impor- tance to be advertised in our columns. JOHN WILLIAMS. Your letter on A Sanitary Society for Wales" is crowded out and will appear in our next.

THE OPENING of the Royal Courts of Justice by her Majesty is an event of much historical importance. The great work has at last been brought to a conclusion, and the Sovereign, as the embodiment of Law and the Fountain of Justice, appropriately enough dedicates it to the public use. It was a very long time ago that the initial steps were taken with a view to the concentration of the legal tribunals of London under one roof. For centuries these had been scattered here and there over the metropolis- common law at Westminster and Guildhall, Equity at Lincoln's-inn, Bankruptcy at Basing- hall-street, and so on. In the Session of 1865 an Act of Parliament was passed for the con- struction of new law courts on what was called the Carey-street site, although why Carey-street was selected as the title of the site, instead of the Strand, was never clear, seeing that the edifice fronts that great central thoroughfare of London. It took several years to clear the site from the houses upon it; then, after the actual clearance, an endeavour was made to transfer the location of the Courts to Howard-street, on the Thames Embankment, and this it took some time to frustrate. All these causes combined to delay the real and substantial beginning of the work, and it was not until nine years after the passing of the Act of Parliament that the builders com- menced their operations. It has taken nearly nine years to finish the structure, so far as concerns its readiness to accommodate Her Majesty's judges; but, as in all large buildings, there will for a long time to come be always something to be done. One fact of melancholy interest in connection with the opening of the Law Courts may be mentioned. When the plans were altered some years ago, Mr. E. M. Barry was associated with Mr. Street in the architecture of the building, and neither of these eminent men has lived to see the completion of his task. Mr. Street may indeed be said to have made it the great work of his life; and it is recorded that it involved the drawing of three thousand plans with his own hand. Mr. Street, who was pre-deceased by Mr. Barry, died less than twelve months ago, and was buried in West- minster Abbey. Mr. Barry's father, the late Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament, was more fortunate than his son and Mr. Street, for he did live to see his "dream in stone," as the Emperor Nicholas described it, become a substantial reality.

REV. D. EVANS'S TESTIMONIAL. IT is understood that the above testimonial, which has been before the public for some time, is now about to be closed, as the collecting books are to be given up to the secretary on the 20th (^orwen day). We would impress upon all those who are acquainted with the long and useful public career of the object of this testi- monial, and who feel desirous to acknowledge the same in a tangible form, to lose no time in adding their names to the already handsome list of donations which have been received towards this most deserving object.

THE LOCAL BOARD. THE good attendance at the last meeting of the Board is a strong proof that our local legislators continue to feel an interest in the various ques- tions which affect the welfare and prosperity of the town. The points discussed, although not possessing the importance which has characterised some of the deliberations of the Board in former meetings, were, however, of sufficient interest to justify a passing allusion to them in this column. With regard to the dilapidated wall near Pont- felinhen, it is to be hoped that the question as to whether the county or the Board is responsible for its maintenance will have been determined before some of the neglected street-arabs, who play their gymnastic pranks on and about this wall, will have met with some dire accident. The numbering of the houses has for many years been a most pressing want in the town, and it is satisfactory to know that in future every house- holder will be free from those annoyances and complications which always arise from the vague and indefinite addresses of their dwellings. It is a matter of some surprise to think that this much- desired work, which may be considered one of the first essentials of a well-regulated community, should have been delayed so long. To the Post Office authorities this long-needed reform cannot but be gjeatly welcomed, while the officials i entrusted with the collecting of the rates will find their labours considerably lightened, as hitherto endless difficulties have arisen, owing to the impossibility of fixing upon a proper desig- nation for scores of dwelling houses in the town. With our streets all neatly and plainly named, and our houses properly numbered, the visitors to our town will now be able to find out, without difficulty, the locale of anyone they may desire to call upon. The application made to the Board for permission to limit the width of a parapet in West-street, by making steps to enter a cellar therein, was most properly refused. The pro- posed steps could not have failed to be both an eye-sore and obstruction to the inhabitants of that neighbourhood and all passers-by. We are glad to see that the owners of property in Church-street are following the example so nobly given them by General Yorke in the matter of tiling the footpaths, for the surveyor was able to report that the petrified kidneys in front of the Swan Inn had given place to tiles. The wonderful improvements carried out by the Board during the last few years in this thorough- fare cannot fail to be noticed by the least observant of the ratepayers, as it will be remembered that Church-street had always maintained the unenviable notoriety of being the dirtiest and most neglected street in town. The resolution passed in the Board to repair the path at Dinbren, is in keeping with the wise determination they have formed to render the pathways in our neighbourhood, which are the objects of such attraction to visitors, easy and comfortable to walk over. The above path has for a long time been in a most neglected and indeed dangerous condition, and as it is much used by the inhabitants of Dinbren and Egl wyseg, no doubt, they will thoroughly appreciate the resolution of the Board to place it in a proper state of repair. The communication received from the Local Government Board bearing upon the proposed abolition of the tolls on the Holy- head Road, and the consequent transference of that well-known highway to the joint ownership of the several county and local authorities whose districts it traverses, opens up a wide subject for contemplation. The effect of that locally will be to place under the control of the Board about three miles of this road, half the expense of maintaining which will probably be defrayed by the county. In point of construction, the London and Holyhead Road, which was made by the Government at an enormous cost, has probably been regarded as the finest in the kingdom. Those who have travelled along it recently, however, especially in and a little out of Llangollen, could not have failed to observe that in several parts, owing to the small labour expended upon it of late, its surface is consider- ably worn away, clearly exposing the underlying stratum of macadam, which forms the foundation of the road. We have heard, with some degree of authority, that about four miles of this road has for a long time been left under the control of a solitary old man. Of this and other matters connected therewith, we shall, no doubt, hear more when the subject is brought up for discussion at the next meeting. The discussion of the snow question may be regarded as an illustration of the adage" much ado about nothing," and, in our humble opinion, it ought not to have been introduced in this instance, as our careful and painstaking surveyor clearly showed that his duty had been performed satisfactorily with regard to this matter. _a.-

LOCAL & DISTRICT NEWS. LLANGOLLEN. RELIGIOUS SERVICES AND PREACHERS FOR NEXT SUNDAY.—At the Parish Church, Matins at 10 30 a.m., Litany and children's service at 3 15 p.m., and Evensong at 6 p.m.; and at St. John's(Welsh) Church (Abbey-road), sermons at 10 30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; clergymen. Rev. Enoch Rhys James, B.D., vicar, the Rev. Th. LI. Williams, M.A., and the Rev. Robert Ellis, LL.D., curates. —English Baptist Chapel (Penybryn): the Rev. J. Williams, pastor, will preach at 10 30 a.m. and 6 p.m.-English Wesleyan Chapel (Market- street): the Rev. W. Kendrick, Wrexham, will officiate at 11 15 a.m. and 6 p.m.- Welsh Wesleyan Chapel: a prayer meeting will be held at 10 a.m., and the Rev. T. G. Pughe, Cefn, will sermonise in the evening at six.- Welsh Baptist Chapel: the Rev. D. Williams, pastor, will give sermons at 9 30 a.m. and 6 p.m. -Calvinistic Methodist Chapel: sermons at 9 30 a.m. and 6 p.m., by the Rev. Evan Jones, P entrecelyn.—Penllyn Mission Room: the preacher will be Mr. D. Edwards, Bala College, who will officiate at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.—Congre- gational Chapel (Church-street): sermons will be given by Mr. William Roberts, student of the Baptist College, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. WELSH BUTTER.—A very interesting story is told in Land and Water. It appears that Mr. W. H. R. Powell, M.P., has found time to inquire why Welsh butter does not fetch the same price as best Dorset; and he finds that Welsh farmers churn too unfrequently, the cream often being kept till the milk has become soured and curdled; the churns are imperfectly made and secrete foul matter, which, not being cleared out, spoils the next churning; too much salt is used the butter is handled in being made up, instead of proper scoops and knives being used; and in casking the butter farmers put it into old casks. The French employ women to scour out the empty casks, while the Irish put their beautiful Cork butter into dirty casks, so that while every ounce of the Normandy and tlrittany butter can be sold, sometimes as much as from lOlbs. to 121bs. of Irish butter has to be got rid of to the pastrycook at a reduced price. Mr. Powell's idea is to impress upon Welsh farmers' wives the importance of imitating the French rather than the Irish in the matter of cleanliness, and with this view he obtained the services of Mr. Rickard, of the Aylesbury Dairy Company, who last month exhibited his processes at Llanbeudy, in Carmarthenshire, a great butter- producing centre, with most satisfactory results. No doubt the farmers' wives will still maintain that their plans are the best, and will give way reluctantly to the better methods of butter- making placed before them by Mr. Powell and Mr. Rickard. Improved methods, like the old- fashioned churns used in Wales, work slowly, but by degrees the advantages of the new system will find their way. Farmers' wives are already convinced that improvements may be made, but maintain a non-possumus position to the outer world. There is no doubt that Carmarthenshire butter could occupy the first position in the great markets of the country if local prejudices could be beaten down, and the suggestions pointed out by Mr. Rickard be carried out. THE NEW LAW COURTS.—Amongst those present at the luncheon in the Middle Temple on Monday, in connection with the opening of the New Law Courts were Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone and Miss Gladstone, the Right Hon. G. and Mrs. Osborne Morgan, Mr. Justice Watkin Williams, and Sir Theodore and Lady Martin. LIFE OF MR. GLADSTONE.—Messrs. Cassell, Petter, and Galpin have issued the life of Mr. Gladstone, by George Barnett Smith, in com- memoration of the completion of the political jubilee of that eminent statesman. The book is so well known that there is no necessity for ua to do more than pass the remark that it is a book of absorbing interest. The price is only one shilling, and is well published, containing 120 closely-printed pages, and should be read by all. GENERAL YORKE'S GENEROSITY.—We are pleased to be able to note that our gallant and much- esteemed neighbour, General Yorke, although now absent from among us, is not unmindful of the claims of our various local institutions, he having, during the last few days, generously contributed a guinea towards the funds of the Llangollen Choral Society, and a pound towards the funds of the Amateur Dramatiic Society. The Welsh Wesleyans, of Gwyddelwern, have also been the recipients of a donation of ten shillings, from the same source, in aid of a bazaar and Christmas tree, which will be held there in the course of next week. A CAUTION.—A large number of spurious florins are in circulation in many parts of North Wales, especially in this and the neighbourhood of Wrexham, and several tradesmen have already been victimised. POST OFFICE.-We have much pleasure in stating that the Post Office authorities, acting upon the recommendation of the Postmaster of Llangollen, have revised the Bacbau postal delivery so as to include the whole of Vivod from Ty'nycelyn to Bryn Newydd. There is also an evening collection at Plas-yn-Vivod, Bryniau Mawr, and the Geraint, and we believe it is intended to put up a wall-box in the vicinity of Plas-yn-Vivod, for the convenience of the residents in that neighbourhood. LOCAL BOARD, Thursday, Dec. 7th.-Present: Messrs. S. LI. Jones, Ed. Roberts, E. H. Roberts, Saml. Pugh, John Rowlands, John Mcrris, P. H. Minshall (deputy clerk), T. K. Jones (surveyor). In the absence of Mr. Fell, Mr. S. Lloyd Jones was voted to the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, the following business was transacted. Pont Felinhen Wall.—Mr. Ed. Roberts said that he had accompanied Mr. E. Lloyd Williams (county surveyor) to view the wall which required repair by Pont Felinhen. Mr. Williams said that the county had nothing to do with it, the walls of the bridge were in good repair, and that was the extent of the county's obligation. This wall had been built up to the bridge, but it did not foria part of the structure. Mr. Rowlands thought that as the repairs would not cost much the Board had better do them. The clerk remarked that if they did that once they would always be responsible for its repair. Mr. Rowlands was of opinion that the wall belonged to the public. Mr. E. II. Roberts argued that as the wall is a support to the bridge it must have been erected by the county. Mr. Ed. Roberts said that as the wall leading from the bridge on the other side to Pistyll Collen had been repaired by the Board, it seemed to be the duty of the Board to repair this wall also. Mr. E. H. Roberts suggested that, as there was some doubt as to whom the wall belonged to, somebody had better see the original plan, and the surveyor could in the meantime make enquiries with old people in the town who would know something about it. This suggestion was adopted, and Mr. Ed. Roberts and Mr. Rowlands having observed that probably they would be going to Ruthin some time before next Board, it was arranged that they should examine the plans f the bridge deposited at the office of the Clerk of the Peace for the county. The clerk said he would write apprising him of their visit. Numbering of the Holtses.-The surveyor reported that he had everything ready to commence with the above work, and he was waiting the instructions of the Board as to whether they intended applying to the different householders throughout the town for the whole or a portion of the expense. It was unanimously resolved that the whole of the expense be borne by the Board. The Surveyor's Report.-The usual monthly report of the surveyor was read. The surveyor stated that the Wern Road was in a very bad state of repair, and that he did not know where to get stones. The members of the Works Committee undertook to assist him out of the difficulty. The application of Mr. Ed. Roberts, Rose-place, to construct steps in the parapet in front of one of his cottages in West-street to lead to the cellar, was fully discussed, and as the Board felt convinced that, were they to grant it, they would be establishing a very bad precedent, it was unanimously refused. The Works Committee.—The minutes t of this committee, held Nov. 9th, were read and confirmed. Mr. Rowlands said that, as they were then .dealing with the business of the Works Committee, he would like to know whether it was the duly of the U-wern ant Road. Mr. Morris said that vue lJčIJLl jO Fron was much more used than the one mentioned by Mr. Rowlands. The surveyor replied that the men had done nothing else that day but clear the snow from the footpaths and crossings in the town. During the heavy snow, two years ago, they were engaged for some weeks at the same work outside the town, as the roads to Bryniau Mawr and other places had been completely blocked up by the drifts. They must make the highways passable. At the same time if it was necessary to clear the path at Plas Newydd, it should be done. The matter then dropped. The Dinbren Pat h.-In reply to the chairman the surveyor said he thought a labourer in nine days or a fortnight would be able to put this path in a proper state of repair. It was about half a mile long, and the footbridge crossing the brook wanted repair, as it was now in a very dangerous state. The surveyor was accordingly instructed to carry out the work, and to place a handrail on the bridge. A Reprehensible Practice.—The clerk called attention to the bad state of the high footpath below the Woodlands. The loose stones coming from above it were in heaps here and there, while on the side nearest the road there were big holes, caused by the slipping down of portions of the em- bankment. These holes made the path extremely dangerous. The surveyor said that it was impossible to keep this path clear of the stones, as they were continually coming down. As to the other side of the path, he was sorry to say that the man engaged on that road had complained to him that a gentleman residing in this neighbourhood was in the habit of riding his horse along this footpath, in order, as he said, to avoid going over the stones which had been laid on the road below. The man had stopped him once or twice, but he had done it afterwards, and had taken his groom also with him. A member said the man had several times com- plained to him about it. The members thought the conduct of this gentleman most reprehensible, and the surveyor was instructed to report to the Board any repetition of the offence. If such things were allowed, the pathways could never be kept in repair.—The surveyor was instructed to carry out as best he could the construction of a drain across the Ruabon Road at the turning to Llandyn Hall, and also to issue the usual notices as to the lopping of the trees and hedges along the different highways within the district. The Amateur Dramatic Society.-lri reply to a letter received from Mr. H. Ninnis, it was resolved that the charge for the two evenings during which the entertainments of this society had been held in the Assembly Rooms be £ 1. The Board expressed a hope that the efforts of the society to attain the object they had in view would be crowned with success. Proposed Disturnpikement of the Holyhead Road. -A letter was read from the Local Govern- ment Board calling attention to the fact that, at the next session of Parliament, it was proposed to make inquiries into the expediency of disturnpike- ing that portion of the Holyhead Road lying within the district of this Board, and desiring to know whether the Board desire to nominate a person to give evidence on the Committee on their behalf. As the matter was not deemed urgent, its consideration was deferred to the January meeting of the Board. A Petition.The clerk presented a petition he had received in reference to the question of limiting the power of judges to commit for contempt of court. It was ordered to lie on the table, the Board adhering to the rule they regularly observed not to commit themselves in their corporate capacity to any opinion on such questions. Individual members were, however, at liberty to sign the petition or not, as they thought proper. The Letting of the Smithfield.—In reply to Mr. Rowlands, it was said that the Smithfield lease would expire in March next. Mr. Ed. Roberts stated that an application had been received from a tradesman to make a yard on the spot where the stones are now kept. Mr. Rowlands suggested that the whole space between the gateways be let without distinction to anyone applying. He thought that that was not the proper place for the pig carts to stand on fair days, but that they should be placed along the middle of the Smithfield- The matter was, however, deferred to next Board. SPECIAL SESSIONS, Monday. Before G. Ll. Dickin, Esq., and Capt. Best. Assaulting the Police.—Samuel Roberts, a I tramping saw-setter, was brought up in custody charged with the above offence. P.C. Lee deposed: On Wednesday, the 6th inst., about 1 p.m., I was asked by Mrs. Roberts, Castle-street Square (wife of Mr. Thos. Roberts), to turn the defendant out of her house. I first asked him to quit the house; but he refused to do so, and I had to turn him out by force. When I had put him outside, he aimed a blow at my head with a piece of wood which he was carrying. I then closed up to him, and asked him to go away quietly, when he kicked me several times on the legs and body. I then, with great difficulty, took him to the lockup.—Mrs. Roberts corrobo- rated the evidence of P.C. Lee in every particular. -Sergt. Jones stated that three years ago the defendant was committed by the Ruthin justices to one month's hard labour, for kicking him, and that he had been several times convicted of assaults on the police.—Prisoner was committed for two months' hard labour, Mr. Dickin advising him to behave better in the future, for should he come before them again on a similar charge, the sentence would be much heavier. DENBIGH. THE FAIR on Wednesday was very small in com- parison with the last one. Doubtless the heavy fall of snow, which was experienced here all day, stopped many coming to town. AT THE PETTY SESSIONS on Friday, before Messrs. R. L. Williams, T. J. Williams, and E. T. Jones, J. Roberts, butcher, was fined 5s. and costs for being drunk and riotous, and Robert Jones, Green, was ordered to pay 2s. per week towards maintaining his son at the Everton Industrial School. A GRAND FAT STOCK SHOW was held here on Tuesday, fostered by the newly-formed Vale of Clwyd Smithfield Club, this being their first annual exhibition of prime cattle. 250 were exhibited and finally sold in Crown-square by Messrs. W. Dew and Sons and Messrs. Byford and Lewis, auctioneers, for prices varying from £20 to £ 87 each. The first prize bullock was sold to Mr. T. Davies, butcher, this town. THE WELSH DECLINING.—Out of the 720 books on the catalogue of the Denbigh Free Library, only 30 are in the Welsh languaget And this is a town supposed to be notoriously Welshy." DENBIGH'S CLAIM TO THE COLLEGE.—The Den- bigh College Committee have received a letter from Lord Newborough to the effect that he could not dispose of a portion of the Goblin Farm as a site for the college. His lordship stated in the letter that he does not consider Denbigh the most suitable place for the college; and having only a life interest in the property named above, he could not dispose of any of it. LLANDUDNO. NORTH WALES STEAMERS.—We regret to find, from a perusal of the report of the directors of the Liverpool, Llandudno, and Welsh Coast Steamboat Company, that the last season's work- ing was of an unsatisfactory nature, and that as a consequence they are unable to recommend any dividend. This announcement cannot altogether come as a surprise upon the shareholders, for they must have been in s6me way familiar with the extraordinary disadvantages and difficulties under which the traffic was carried on during the past summer. WREXHAM. PROSECUTION OF A BREWING FIRM.-On Monday the firm of brewers Messrs. Guirrion, Parry, and Thompson, having a brewery at Wrexham and a number of public-houses at Liverpool and other towns, were charged under the Beer Duty Act with neglecting to enter in a proper book the amount of sugar used on two occasions in Oct., thereby rendering themselves liable to a penalty amounting to £200. These penalties were reduced to £ 25. THE DUKE OF WESTMINSTER, speaking at a school prize distribution on Thursday week, said he believed in the coming session the Govern- ment would undertake to deal with the question of Education in Wales, and Sir W. W. Wynn said he understood a liberal grant would be made towards higher education in the Principality. CAPTURE OF A HORSE STEALER.—Several days ago, a man named Richard Lewis disappeared from Llanfyllin, Montgomeryshire, with a valuable mare. He was heard of at Ruthin, Denbigh, Chester, and other fairs, and on Friday he was arrested at Wrexham. On Saturday he was handed over to an officer from Llanfyllin, at which place he will be tried. THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. —A meeting in connection with this society was held in the Savings Bank, on Monday evening last, when an address was delivered by Mrs. Shepherd, late of Australia. The chair was occupied by the Vicar. THE ARABS AND JEWS.—On Monday evening last, Miss Jones, of Rhos, better known by her nom de plume, "Y Gymraes o Ganaan," delivered her lecture entitled, The Arabs in their country, and the Jews out of their country," in Queen- street chapel. The chair was occupied by the pastor, the Rev. David Roberts. The lecturer gave a graphic account of the inhabitants of Morocco—and if their morals are so low and their habits so cruel as described by the Gymraes their case is almost hopeless. The Jews residing in that country seemed greatly superior in intellect and morals to the lords of the land. The latter half of the lecture which dealt with the children of Abraham was both instructive and interesting. The attendance was large and respectable. "THE PENSION LIST.On Tuesday, Dec. 12th, the Rev. J. D. Alford, of Birmingham, gave a lecture in the Public Hall, on The Pension List," in which he showed how the public money was spent. The chair was filled by Sir R. A. Cunliffe, Bart., M.P. CORWEN. POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS.—The second of the series of these entertainments took place on the 7th inst., at the National School, Dr. Walker presiding. Though an attractive programme had been got up, the attendance was not large, owing, no doubt, to unpropitious weather. DEBATING SOCIETY. Should home rule be granted to Ireland was the subject of the debate at last week's meeting of this society. Mr. Morgan, North and South Wales Bank, opened with an excel- lent speech in the affirmative, followed by Mr. J. E. Davies in the negative. Several took part, and the debate lasted an hour and a half. SUDDEN DEATH.—We regret to report the sudden death of Mrs. Mary Davies, better known as Mrs. Humphreys, Crown-terrace, which took place on Tuesday night at seven o'clock. It appears Mrs. Davies and a few of her friends were .conversing together round the fireside, when she was suddenly taken ill and to the utmost surprise of those present fell on her face to the ground. Every assistance was rendered, and Dr. Walker was called in, but she died in a few minutes. The cause of death was apoplexy. Mrs. Davies was a middle-aged woman, and had appeared to be in her usual health. A METHODIST MINISTER OFFICIATING IN CHURCH.—A very remarkable incident occurred at Llansantffraid, Corwen, on Saturday, Dec. 2nd, when a burial took place under the new Burials Act-. The funeral was that of Mr. David Davies, who u had been a deacon of the Calvinistic Methodist denomination at Glyndyfrdwy for upwards of 40 years. The funeral was attended by hundreds of people of every denomination who followed him to Llansantffraid Church, where the service was expected to be read by the Rector, the Rev. D. Evans, but to everybody's surprise he called upon the Rev. William Griffith, Calvinistic Methodist minister at Llansantffraid, to read the whole Burial Service inside and out- side the church, which he did in an impressive manner. The news of this act of the Rector's has been received with great satisfaction by every denomination throughout the district. His kindness and friendly feeling towards Dissenters and their ministers in every movement is well known. RHOSLLANERCHRUGOG. MYSTERIOUS DEATH.—On Tuesday evening week, a person named John Jones (Morgan) suddenly left the house and could not be found. His friends and relatives had been somewhat apprehensive as to leaving him by himself. On that evening, however, though not apparently different from usual, he, about seven o'clock, strayed from the house, and, notwithstanding the most careful search, was not found until daybreak on Wednesday, when his corpse was discovered in the old Coppice Reservoir. At the inquest the verdict returned was to the effect that deceased had committed suicide. BARMOUTH. DIORAMA.—On Friday evening, a diorama of the late war in Egypt was given in the Assembly Rooms, by Messrs Temple and Edwards. ROUGH ON RATS."—While an old slaughter- house of Mr. Hamer, the butcher, was being pulled down, no fewer than 73 rats were killed. PROPOSED PUBLIC BATHS.—On Tuesday even- ing, a public meeting was convened at the Board School to consider the desirability of erecting public baths for Barmouth. Dr. Lloyd occupied the chair. After much discussion pro and con, a committee was formed to carry out the proposed scheme. THE CHOIR, which was formed about two months ago, is making rapid strides towards perfection. This young and promising choir, which is called The Mawddach Choral Society, intends going to the Meirion Eisteddfod, at Dolgelley, to compete for the first choral prize. RUTHIN. MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT.—A few days ago, as Gabriel Edwards was repairing a well at the residence of Mr. Marcus Louis, and lowering him- self down by means of a rope, steadied by means of an iron bar kept in position by a man on the surface, the rope suddenly broke, and the poor fellow was precipitated to the bottom. There was a little wooden platform just above the water, which gave way when deceased fell upon it. He was dead before his body could be removed. At the inquest held a formal verdict was returned. BALA. ACCIDENT AT THE BALA RAILWAY STATION.— On Monday, just as the passenger train which leaves Bala at 11 25 a.m. was being formed a serious accident took place. A platform porter named Benjamin Williams, of Carmarthen, who has been engaged at this station some eighteen months, some how got under the wheels of one of the carriages, which went clean over his right leg. Dr. Roger Hughes and Dr. Evan Williams were immediately sent for and attended to the unfortunate man, who was at once removed to his lodgings, and who bore the shock with much fortitude.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES. The Press Association has reason to believe that the re-arrangement of the Cabinet will almost immediately be announced, and that such re-arrangement will include the following:— Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Earl of Derby; Secretary for War, Lord Hartington and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Childers. It is rumoured that Sir Charles Dilke is likely to enter the Cabinet, but should he do so the Press Association is authoritatively informed that it will not be as successor of Lord Hartington at the India Office.. On Sunday, Lord Hartington, Mr. Childers, and Sir Charles Dilke each had an interview with the Prime Minister; and on Monday afternoon 'Mr. Gladstone proceeded to Windsor and had an audience of her Majesty.

BUCHUPA1BA."—A new, quick, complete cure for all urinary affection:, (smarting, frequent or difficult) and kidney diseases. 4s. At Druggists. London Agency, No. 1. King Edward Street. (1174) THROAT AFFECTIONS AND HOARSENBSS.—All suf. fering from irritation of the throat and hoarseness will be agreeably surprised at the almost immediate relief afforded by the use of "Brown's Bronchial Troches." These famous lozenges are now sold by most respectable chemists in this country at Is. ltd. per box. People troubled with a hack ng oough," a slight cold," or bronchial affections, cannot try them too soon, as similar troubles, if allowed to progress, result in serious Pulmonary and Asthmatic affections. See that the words Brown's Bronchial Troches are on the Government Stamp around each box.- prepared by JOHN 1. BROWN & SONS, Boston, 1:8, European depot removed to 33, Farringdon Road London. (440a). FLORILINE I-For the Teeth and Breath.-A fevs drops of the liquid "Floriline" sprinkled on a tooth-brush produces a pleasant lather, which thoroughly cleanses the teeth from all parasites or impurities, hardens the gums, prevents tarcar, stops decay, gives to the teeth a peculiar pearly whiteness and a delightful fragrance to the breath. It removed all unpleasant odour arising from decayed teeth or tobacco smoke. "The Fragrant Floriline," being composed in part of honey and sweet herbs, is deli- cious to the taste, and the greatest toilet discovery of the age. Price 2s. 6d., of all Chemists and Perfumers, Wholesale depdt removed to 33, Farringdon Road, Loudon. (440)

GREAT FIRES IN LONDON. The London Alhambra was burned down on Thursday morning. Every effort was made to master the flames as soon as they were discovered, but it was found impossible to subdue them until they had destroyed everything combustible in the vast and stately building. A fire broke out shortly before three o'clock on Friday morning at Messrs. Foster, Porter, and Co.'s, Wood street, Cheap-side, London. Capt. Shaw and his brigade were promptly on the spot, and the steam fire engines quickly followed. Many of the warehouses in the neighbourhood, like that of Messrs. Foster, Porter, and Co., are filled with valuable stocks of hosiery and silk. The flames shot up through the building, and quickly spread to the warehouse of Messrs. Rylands and Son. Wood-street is narrow at this part, and a block of buildings between Addle-street and London-wall was threatened. The Church of St. Alban is but a short distance from the scene of the fire, and it was feared the flames might extend so far as that. The neigh- bourhood is wholly occupied by warehousemen, including many well-known houses. At four o'clock the fire was raging with intense fury. Immense flakes of burning material were scattered far and wide, and many of them were carried as far as Ludgate-circus, threatening property beyond that in the immediate neigh- bourhood of the fire. At 5 40 six buildings were on fire. In addition to the premises of Messrs. Foster, Porter, & Co., and Messrs. Rylands, those of Messrs. Silber and Fleming and three other warehouses were in flames. Comparatively few people resided on the premises, and they were hastily but safely rescued. It soon became evident that only extraordinary exertions would save the block bounded by Wood-street, Addle- street, London-wall, and Philip-lane, and it is reckoned that, including the buildings, stock, and interruption to trade, a loss of £1,000,000 sterling has been sustained. The utmost efforts were made to prevent the houses on the opposite side of the streets from catching fire; and as large pieces of burning material, light burning cotton fabrics, and pieces of wood, were flying in all directions, this was a work of no small difficulty. Captain Shaw, however,who personally directed the efforts of his men, was indefatigable, and by the most strenuous efforts the spread of the fire beyond the square block in which it first broke out was prevented. At nine o'clock the engines were still playing on the fire, which continued to burn fiercely in some places, but the fury of the flames were now practically expended. Immense crowds assembled in the vicinity soon after the outbreak, and remained until long after dawn, but a large force of city police, under Major Beaumont and Superin- tendeut Forster, were in attendance, and rendered efficient aid in keeping the streets clear for the firemen. A detachment of the G division, under Inspector Maynard, also arrived at an early hour, and gave valuable assistance. No accidents are reported involving serious injury or loss of life. There were a few persons sleeping on the premises, most of them in the capacity of care- takers but all were rescued safely. The damage is estimated at between two and three millions sterling. The Press Association says the damage sustained through the fire in the city on Friday is greater than has been caused by any single conflagration since the great Tooley-street fire 28 years ago. The block of buildings in which it broke out is in the heart of that part of com- mercial London in which most of the large ware- houses devoted to the dress trade are situated. =====

SEVERE SNOWSTORMS. Keen frost prevailed throughout North Wales from Saturday until Tuesday night, when snow commenced to fall rather heavily anu Continued until Wednesday evening. The ground is covared to a depth of several inches, blocking vehicular traffic entirely and making pedestrian traffic exceedingly difficult. Such severe snowstorms have not been experienced here for many years. Carnarvonshire and Anglesey seem to be fairly exempt from the heavy fall of snow. Passengers journeying by trap between Bettws-y-Coed and Corwen, along the main road of the Shrewsbury and Holyhead turnpike road, experienced considerable difficulty in getting along, especially between Pentrevoelas and Ceryg-y-Druidion, the snow in many places being level with the hedge marking the road. On Thursday night, Dec. 7th, it was blowing fresh in that district, and the snow was falling heavily. The snowstorm is said to be the worst experienced in the district for 60 years, the drifts in some of the fields being 30 feet deep. The body of a man, who has been identified as James Jones, a hawker, from Dolgelley, was on Friday dug out of the snowdrift near Llandudno Junction. It is supposed that he missed his way on Thursday night, and was overtaken by the storm, which is the heaviest experienced for many years. On Friday morning, a blacksmith named Edward Owen, aged about 50, of Moelfre, Llan- silin, was found buried in snow at Cefn Braich, a few miles from his home. He was still alive, but unconscious, and died in two hours after being discovered. Deceased attended Oswestry fair on Wednesday, and it is supposed that in returning he lost his way in the snow and became exhausted.—Two women proceeding in a different direction were on the same evening in great peril. They were nearly being covered in the snow; and while they had given up all hope of escape, they were discovered by persons returning from Oswestry, who took them to some house, where they received every succour possible, and subsequently returned to their homes hardly the worse. THE SNOWED UP TRAIN. The train on the Bala and Festiniog Railway, which we reported snowed up by the storm of last week, could not be extricated for seventy 1 C"! P,.1 'I" hours, boon atter the snow plough broke and the engine stuck fast, the guards of the blocked up trains managed to get through the deep snow to the relieving party, who supplied them with refreshments, and who also sent refreshments to the imprisoned passengers, Mr. Macintosh, chief engineer of the line, and Mr. Davies, farmer, of Festiniog, and also to Samuel Davies, the driver, and the fireman. Ultimately the relieving party were able to assist Mr. Macintosh and the others over the snow to the place where the engine stood, and they were at once conducted to Bala, where they arrived about four p.m., apparently none the worse for their untoward and unexpected incarceration. The day being short, further efforts had to be discontinued. Other ploughs were telegraphed for, and arrived in due course, so that early on Friday the clearing work was resumed. Another engine. with another snow plough and a large number of navvies were sent, and after hard work succeeded in reaching the blocked-up train, which was brought to Bala in the evening. The second snow plough was broken, and a third was sent, but before its arrival the missing train had been reached. On the other side of the line (Festiniog), Mr Prandt, engineer in charge of the line, and a staff of men, were making active efforts to reach the blocked-up train, and the parties on either side reached the place almost simultaneously. Night coming oni the operations had to be suspended. Again early on Saturday morning, an engine with the third snow plough and a strong party of navvies started for the place, when it was discovered that in one of the cuttings a very heavy fall of snow had taken place, on account of which it was decided not to open the line until all the snow was removed. Waggons were obtained for taking away the snow, and the work was commenced at an early hour, and carried on all day Sunday and Monday. It is expected that the line will soon be ready for general traffic.