The Aberystwith Observer

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES. THE MRS. DAVIES' SCHOLARSHIPS. The late Mrs Davies, of Brynteifi, near Llandyssul, having bequeathed two scholarships, of the value of X20 each, tenable at this college by natives of Cardiganshire or Carmarthenshire, the senate, at a recent meeting, made the following award:—The scholarship of X20 offered to women students was awarded to Miss Margaret Davies, of Llandilo. The scholarship of X20 offered to male students was divided between Mr D. Lloyd, of Dihewyd, who obtained < £ 15, and Mr R. T- Thomas, of Carmarthen, who received £ 5 as supplementary to his present exhibition of £15.

LLANFIHATCGiL^Y-CREUDDYN. On Wednesday evening, January 30fch, a meeting was held at the National schoolroom, St. Dogmells, to present the Rev. J. P. Evans, late curate of the combined parishes of St. DegmeIIf, Mornington and Llantood, with a testimonial, on the occasion of his leaving for tho living of Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn. Mr Evans had laboured at St. Dogmells for the hat nine years, and was highly respected by all the parishioners, his departure being much regretted. During the whole time he had been amongst them he had done everything in his power for their benefit, and had also taken a very active part in the welfare of the National school. The testimonial consisted of a purse of over .£13, and a beautiful eight day marble clock. The schoolroom had been beautifully decorated for the occasion with flags and banners, and presented a very nice appearance. The chair was taken by Mr D. G. Davies, the Castle, Cardigan, who is one of the churchwardens of St. Dogmells. Mr Davies, in opening the proceedings, spoke in very high terms of Mr Evans, and remarked that his departure was deeply felt by all the parishioners. The presentation of the purse was made by Mrs D. G. Davies, and the clock was presented by Mrs George, Rhydgarwen, Llantood. Both ladies expressed their regret at Mr Evans's departure. Mr Evans having thanked the subscribers for the testimonial in most suitable terms, addresses were given by the vicar, the Rev. T. Jones, Capt. Ellis, Mr D. Owen, Mr Buckham, and others, all of whom spoke in praiseworthy terms of Mr Evans. Several songs were sung during the evening, and at the close of the meeting three hearty cheers were given for the Rev. and Mrs Evans. HOME SWEET HOME.—The sweetest houses in this town are those where Hudson's Dry Soap is in daily use. A pure dry Soap in Fine Powder. It leaves ne smell. Is quick, safe, and sweet. Splendid for washing Flannels and Woollen Underclothing. Sold Everywhere. For Family nse in Dozens and Half-Dozens, also in 141b nd 281b Boxes.

SKETCHES FROM THE COUNTRY. I propose now and then to send you some notes and sketches from the country. Country life and habits are quite different in many respects from those of a town, therefore perhaps it will interest many of your town readers to have a glimpse now and then of country life among the mountains and valleys of Wales. All notes will be the fruits of observation, and if any faults creep in they will be accounted for by the denial of the old adage—" Seeing is believing." *#* There are few places where human nature can be better studied than in the country for there you see the circle of the individual's life thoroughly. Tho view of human nature outwards i- narrow but the vif-w downwards is deep. In the town far more people are seen, but far fewer known. The country folk are ignoraut of what are termed the laws of modern decorum. They have never read any publi- cations on etiquette, and have never mixed in society, such as is meant by the word at the present time. Nature has been their own only educator, and I am glad to testify th 't many of them have been true to her. In many things I have found country people far ahead of town people. They are ahead of town people for instance in religious knowledge. If you want to have deep theology, as taught by the late Dr. Edwards of iiala, and others, search the country home of the miner and farmer. This has been amply testified over and over again by ministers of learning. he reason as far as I have observed is that the winter evenings are better spent in the country. In a town there is some novelty or other throughout the winter, and young men and women aft;r their hard day's labour spend their hours at these enter, taimnents. These are a source of pleasure to them. The human mind will never be nurtured truly with- out hard study. The menta; eye is never purified without laborious pain In the country the family have nowhere to go save to the prayer and churck meetings, twice a week. Let- us for a moment glance at the mode a winter evening is spent at a respectable country farm. Let us premise chat we have a comfortable house. The servant maid prepares a large fire of wood, coal and turf. The farmer—a happy child of nature-sits in his arm-chair. Through the day his brow was wet with many a sweat." Nature has imprinted her diadem on him, and he is happy. He takes a volume of theological essays, and reads, and ponders silently over them. The wife is happy with her knitting, but it is plain that her mind wanders now and then to the dairy utensils, etc., for she quietly asks a question now a-id then about these things to the maid who sits near her. The children are busy with their home-lessons. The annual examination is drawing near, and they determine to pass their respective standards, for it is a source of shame to a country child and to its parents to fail before the Inspector. The news of his failure spreads through the whole place. After the master of the house has thus spent about two hours, he calls the children near him, takes the youngest on his knee, and with the dignity of an orator gives them some idea of town life, of strange lands, etc.. he has read of. A happy evening can be spent in a country homo, and the peculiarities of country people are too numerous for me to do justice to them in a note like this, but if all comes well I will note some of these on a future occasion.

ABERDOYEY. COUNTY COUNCIL.—We are told that Mr J. H. Jones, timber IT erchant, has been made a six years' alderman of the Merioneth County Council. We there- fore have three county councillors residing at our little place, the two others being Mr Webster and the Rev. G. Evans. Surely, now or never, some good wi:l come out of Nazareth. PREACHING MEETINGS.—Throughout the week preaching meetings have been held at the Wesleyap chapel, the preacher being the Rev. H. Hnghes, Birkenhead The delivery was vigorous and the ser- mons instructive. If the Church of England in Wales had a few preachers of this stamp. Disestablishment would have to loom for a long time in the dim and distant future." GltEAT FIRE.—Early on Sunday morning about 5.30, the peaceful rest of the inhabitants of this place was out short by the unearthly cries of Fire, Fire," which echoed through every street. Up sprang men and women, young and old to peep through their windows, but no sign of fire was to be seen. Still the 1 same determined throat continued to breathe out "fire, fire," which was speedily followed by the ringing of a bell. The rattling noise of hurrying feet proved too much for the sweet, heavy sleep of your correspondent. Out of bed he jumps, and off he goes in a few minutes with eye ids half-closed after some other half-sleeping individual. It was soon discovered that the large shed situated about a hun- dred yards beyond the railway station, and which belongs to the Cambrian Railways Company, was all ablaze. The morning was bitterly cold, with a strong gale of wind blowing N.N.W., or more correctly speaking, right over the station, which place was in some danger from the enormous sparks which were flying about. Here we saw Mr Davies, the station- master, actively on the look out. Soon the wind shifted more to the N., and now when the station was no longer in danger, Mr Davies ran to the aid of the men who attempted to bring the trucks from the reach of the fiamea. Although great exertion was shewn little could be done, as the wind blew the smoke straight into the men's faces. The shed, we believe, was made of the inflammable pitch pine. At about six o'clock the fire was at its highest, being well fanned by the strong gale. Although the damage done is undoubtedly heavy, probably reach- ing several thousand pounds, we cannot help remark- ing that the scene was grand. If it had taken place a fortnight ago it would have been a. fitting bonfire to the county council election. The shed was divided into three or four departments, comprising a smith and a joiner's shop, while the remainder was full of manure. We are told that besides the large shed and its contents, above a dozen railway trucks have been destroyed. How it took fire on a Sunday morning, or how it was fired, will be a difficult pro- blem to solve. We cannot conclude this account without highly complimenting that individual who brought a water can to the field of fire for his great presence of mind, although unfortunately it was not utilised. OBITUARY.—As we announced in last week's issue, Mrs. Edwards, Pier House, Aberdovey, died on the 27th ultimo. She was the daughter of the late Mr Griffith, Caerbollan, Llanfihangel.y-Pennant. He is to this day considered by tho inhabitants that parish to have been the most energetic and intelli- gent farmer who ever lived there. The deceased lady was very well known and highly respected at Aberdovey as was testified by the large concourse of people who assembled together, notwithstanding the damp day, to pay their last tribute of respect to the memory of a friend and neighbour. The funeral took place on Friday, the 1st inst., at the old churchyard of St. Cadvan's, Towyn. The following clergymen officiated at the house and grave, the fcievs. Titus Lewis, B.D., vicar of TowJn, and T. Edwards, rector of Llanfihangel-y-Pennant. Together with her late husband, she had been blessed with a very substan- tial portion of the necessaries of this life. and we are glad to be able to bear testimony to her liberality to- wards every good cause, especially to the poor, al- though perhaps in a very unostentatious manner. I We are also given to understand that she had promised to subscribe handsomely towards the erec- tion of the new chancel to the Aberdovey church, which is now being built. A special number of her tenants had been selected to act as bearers, whilst the beautiful coffin was covered with wreaths. In addition to the four prepared by the family, the fol- lowing persons, whose names we have arranged alphabetically, had also sent handsome wreaths, Mrs Anwyl, Mrs Cochin, Mr and Mrs Edwards, Linnet Lane, Liverpool; Miss Griffiths, Mrs Grosholz, Towyn Mr and Mrs Howell, Mr and Mrs Hughes Jones, Mr and Mrs Ellis Jones, Arthog; Mrs D. E. Kirk by Mrs Morrow, Miss Pochin, Mrs Ruck, Mr and Mrs Tomlins, Miss Venables, Miss Williams, Barmouth. The deceased was in her 66th year. She has left four children to lament the loss of a kind and good mother, viz.: —Mrs Davies, Vicarage, Mrs Marmaduke Lewis, Brynawel, Aber- dovey, and two sons who are at present in America. CARDIGAN. PUBLIC COMMPANIES.—The half-yearly ordinary meeting of the shareholders of the Cardigan Commer- cial Steam Packet Company, owning the steamship Sea Flower, was held at the Guild-hall on Monday, Mr R. E. Rees, chairman of the board of directors, presiding. The balance sheet to the 31st of December last was read and adopted. The profit on the half year was X316 18s li, out of which a dividend of 15 per cent. per annum was declared.- The annual ordinary meeting of the Cardigan Gas and Coke Consumers' Company was also held at the same place on Monday, Mr D. G. Davies presiding. The profits of the year were .£257 6s 2d, out of which a dividend of 7i per cent. was ordered to be paid. To THE DEAF.—A Person cured of Deafness and noises in the head of 23 years' standing by a simple remedy, will send a description of it FREE to any person who applies to NICHOLSON, 21, Bedford Square, W.C,

BOROUGH MAGISTRATES' COURT. Wednesday. B Mr C. M. William*, Mr PÜr Jones, and Mr D. C. Roberts. RIVAL SWEEPS. Thomas HUTlt, ati«i.ii eet, chimney sweep, was charged by D.C.C. John Lloyd, wirh unlawfully committing a breach of the peace by assaulting and heiting C. M. Jones, Mill-street, on the 30th of J,i u iry.-Cli,-iz-lei Morgtn Jones aid that he was going down Norch-parade on Wednesday last, when his ir;;nd (the defendant) called out to him. Witness stopped, and as he thought the defendant was in drink he tried to get a«ray, bnt the defendant caught bold of him and struck him three times in the face, m the same time asking if witness c-a lei Limsdf a swar-'p.. Sergeant hlvain t'len came u and advisbd witness to go away, which he did.—The defendant said that he was iu drink, aud therefore might not hive known what he wa< doing.—The Mayor said in that case it appeared that Hant struck Morean without any provocation whatever.—Defendaut: He might have had some provocation oa a previous day. j —The Mayor, continuing, said they therefore decided to fine the defendant, but as it was the first time for him to appe »r before the bench they would deal len-e-'tly with him, and therefore only fine him 10s including costs. ARREARS OF CONTRIBUTION. busannah Jenkins, Prospeet-streer., was summoned by D.C.C. John I loyd, to atsend the court to answer to a claim of .£1 10s, being the aisonnt in urrear for the support of her brother (llngh Jenkins) in the traiuing "hip Clio.—Mr "A iiliam Tnomas at: ended the court a.;d asked the bench to reduce the sum of 2s 6d per week.— ['he defendant said that her father was m America, and s^nt £ 3 a month home tor their maintenance. There were two at home beside her, their a.¡,;es being 19 and 23.—In answer to Mr Roberts th3 defendant said that her father received over X10 a month.— Ihe Ma.y-r remarked that the beech btd:eved that 2s 6d was a very reasonable amount when her father received over £10 per month. They decided to nmke an order for payment in one month. THE SALVATION AHMT. Samuel Johnson, Gray's Inn Lane, eaptuin of the Salvation Army, was c arged by W. H. Trnscott, Terr.iCR-rosd, with causing an obstruction on Sunday, by holding meetings opposite his house.—Complain- ant said that the Salvation Army were quite a nuis- ance. His wife had not been woll since Christmas, suffering from neuralgia in the head, and she could not put up with the noise created by them.—The Magistrates' Cierk Will you please refer to last Sunday, the day yon charge them with obstruction? —Witness: I wii!, sir. Last Sun.'ay between two and three in the afternoon, they were playing the txmbourinea and shouting- at the top of Purtiand- iane. When the Salvation Army conducts services there a large crowd stands against the door and shutters. They stopped there for about half-an- honr on Sunday they usually stop for three quarters or an hour. Several things had been broken in his window by persons knocklllg against the shutters. They did not obstruct the thoroughfare on Sunday, as there were not so many there.-Witness, cross- examined by the defendant: The people loitering a iout the footpath caused the obstruction. It was impossible f{,r him to gi-t in and out through the dosr owing to the crow i.—Tiie couipl idnaut then went en to explain about previ ju-. Sundays, when the Mayor told him that defendant was only charged for Sunda}, and therefore he could not go into that matter. — Cross examination continued There was not so great an obsrnction last Sunday as on the previous Suudays. His wife was an: oyed by the noise. She was not obstructed on Sunday.—Defen- dant said tha.t he should like to say a few words in ■deft nee. A few courts previous the complainant said that he had requested them to go away several times and that they refused. That was not true he only asked them to stay away once, and they stayed away for three Sundays. There was no ca-e for him t.) answer, he was charged with causing an obstruc- tion, and the complainant had cdeared him by saying that no obstruction was caused on Sunday.—In answer to the M»yor, d. fendant said that there was one tambourine at last Sunday's meeting.—The Mayor said that the evidence for the prosecution had berni entirely broken down, and therefore thpy dis- missed the case. But the bench decided to a*k the defendant to remove a little lower down the lane in future.

WELSH SOURCE OF THE "ANCIENT MARINER." On Friday night week, before the Cambrian Society, at the Cymmrodorion Lecture-room, St. Mary-street, Cardiff, Mr Ivor James, of the South Wales Univer- sity College, read a paper, which, from its character and matter, has peculiar interest-the source of Coleridge's weird poem, The Ancient Mariner." It will be remembered tha.t in respect to the source there are two theories-one promulgated by De Quincey and the other by Wordsworth. De Quincey announced that he had discovered the germ in a passage in Shelvocke's Voyages," where it is stated that Hatley, Shelvocke's mate, at a time of depression of spirit-i whilst rounding Cape Horn, shot an albatrosat which he somehow connected with the storms, mists, and fogs that pestered both ship and crew. Words- worth announced through his manuscript notes that the poem was founded, not on the albatross incident at all, but on a very strange dream by Cruikshank, who imagined that he had seen a skeleton ship with figures on it. Mr James dealt with both these theories, and showed that both were founded equally in error. His own theory, which was worked outjby means of twenty coincidences, some of them ,very remarkable, is that the poem has its source in a voyage to the northern regions by a Welshman in the very early days of navigation. The lecture was listened to with much attention, and at the close the Rev. J. Morgan Jones proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer.—Mr. Tudor Evans, in seconding, remarked that Mr James had thoroughly proved his contention.—Principal Jones, of the University College, was the chairman.

ANNUAL MEETING OF SUBSCRIBERS. TO THE INFIRMARY. The annual meeting was held at the Town Hall on Saturday morning, when there were present Mr J. Cr. W. Bonsall, Fronfraith, Major JBassett Lewis, Mr C. 'M. Williams, mayor, Mr H. C. Fryer' the Terrace, Rev. T. Levi, AJderman Peter Jones' Rev. W. Morgan, Pengarn, Mr John Evans, Jones' Rev. W. Morgan, Pengarn, Mr John Evans, Laura-place, Dr. Gilbertson, Mr David Jenkin Davies, Mr Morris Davies, Mr Griffith Williams, Mr J. D. Perrott, Mr J. Gibson, Mr Thomas Owens, Mi Robert Ellis, Mr Bickerstaff, and Dr. Rowland, house surgeon. On the motion of Major Lewis, seconded by Mr Fryer, Mr J. G. W. Bonsall was voted to the chair. The Chairman said he was sure they all felt that they missed some familiar and valuable faces that morning which they used to meet at their annual meeting. They had lost by death Lord Lisburne, Colonel Prvse, Mr F. R. Roberts, Mr Edward Jones, Frongof, and others, who used to take an active part in connection with the institution. But they as trustees of Downie's bequest had endeavoured as far as they could to supply the places of these who bad gone The first thing they had to do was to propose a president of the institution, and he begged to pro- pose Lord Lisburne as president. This was seconded by Mr H. C. Fryer and agreed to. i The Chairman next referred to the annual printed report, which showed that the subscriptions, amounting to .£91 lis, were less than in the year before, one reason for which was that they had lost several subscribers by death. The donations were .£268 Od, and from paying patients they had leceived Æll Os 6d, the latter item not having appeared in the accounts before. The county chapels had contributed < £ 44 7s 5.d, which was less than in Ihe year before, and the churches had contributed ^88 113 Jcl. J- next item was one which they had received from the visiting sociefy, « £ 3(X*, from consols .£20, while there iras a balance due by the treasurer on 31st December, 1887. of £ 258 14s 8d cash in hand of the secretary, sEl 6s 8d, making a total of £ 738 18s 4d. 'Ihe dis- bursements were considerably more than m the previous year, which was to be accounted for by there being twelve more in-patients than previously. For butchers' meat, fish, etc., .£72 4s 3d had been paid groceries, including butter and eggs, £55 i/S od bread, £ 23 5s milk, £ 25 greengrocery, etc., £ 5 5s; ale, wine, and spirits, £ 3 18s Gd, which was less than last year coal for drying new infirmary, £ 7 12s coal firewood, oil. etc., £ 21 10s gas, £ 8 3s instru- ments, J613 Us 9d drugs, £ 99 5s 6d salaries and Wages—house surgeon, dispenser, and secretary, ^E175, which is paid by the truste.es of Downie s request gardener, Y-27 14s 3d, which included the laying out the grounds and other matters; charwoman at the infirmary, £ 8 5s printing, stationery, and postage. £ 9 2slCd furniture and repairs, < £ 55 lis 2d contingencies, £ 56 Us 4d the total expenditure for the year 1888 was £ 565 13s 2d leaving a balance in the bank of .£172 4s lid. He (the chairman) hoped they would say that the account was satisfactory. lIe could assure them that the committee attended the monthly meetings, and had been careful whe*} paying bills to have every bill carefullv looked into before they signed them all bills were initialed, and they had taken every pains to be as economical as possible. There had been more patients treated at the infirmary than in any one year before, the number being 1021, so that the institution must have done a great deal of good. [The medical and surgical report showed that 61 in-patifnts had been treated, and 960 out-patients.] The Chaiiman f aid the next thing they had to do Was to comply with rule 16. A few days ago the trustees of Downie's scheme met, and they nomin- ated half the number of the management committee, as thev were entitled to do; thiy were-Lord Lislurne. Mr J. G. W. Bonsall. Mr David Jenkin Davies, Mr H. 0. Fryer, Mr C. M. Williams, Captam Cosens. Mr Peter Jones, and Mr K. R. Roberts. To make up the number to sixteen, eierht more were required. the old members eligible for re-election beine Major Lewis, Mr Morris Davies, Rev. T. Levi, Mr D. C Roberts, and the surgeon for the month. The names of several gentlemen in the county were then suggested to fill up the other three vacancies, but it was found that none of them were eligible owing to their being non-subscribers. Eventually the choice of the meeting fell upon Mr John Evans, Laura-place, Mr Griffith Williams, Eoalondeb, and Mr Thomas Owens, the Grammar School. The Chairman said there was one subject on which be wished to make a remark, and that was as to a piece of ground adjoining the new infirmary, which had been coveted by them for a long time. They endeavoured to possess themselves rf it by private treaty, but they found the sum asked was more than they were justified in taking out of the funds he believed that X400 was asked for it. The committee declined it and as Sir Pryse would not reduce, they determined to let it go by auction, when Mr Wm. Thomas bought all the allotments, including this allotment which they were desirous of possessing, and the larger allotment adjoining. The trustees were then rather afraid that they had lost it; but Mr Wm. Thomas, in a most generous ana handsome manner, gave it up at the price he paid for it, and they had been able to pay for it out of the interest accruing from Downie's trust fund. Some- thing would yet have to be done to the 'f? + hoped the managing committee would_ spare a little time to see what was required to make it decent, and have a walk through it. The days were short now, but would seon be extended, when he hoped this matter would occupy a little of the time of some of the energetic gentlemen who lived in the town. He also proposed that the best thanks of the meeting be given te Mr Wm. Thomas for the generous and handsome manner in which he had I acted. It was also usual at that meeting to propose a Tote of thanks to the house surgeon and matron, with whom the managing committee had every reason to-, be perfectly satisfied-Mr Rowlands for his attention to the patients, his skill, and ability and also with the matron, for her services. Mr H. C. Fryer seconded the vote of thanks to Mr William Thomas, who, he said, had behaved well in the matter of this land. At the time there was a little feeling imported, and Mr Thomas was not treated in the way he wished to be or thought he ought to be. It was the general opinion of everyone Connected with the infirmary that it was a great boon to secure that piece of land. The vote having been agreed to, Major Lewis seconded the vote of thanks to the house surgeon and matron. Having referred to the extra work entailed in getting into their new Quarters, he said he was sure those present would 8gree with him that the patients had always been treated in a most kind and able manner by the surgeon and matron. It was also an advantage that both of them had a knowledge of the Welsh language, and anyone who interested himself in the infirmary "Would feel justified in seconding a vote of thanks to the officers for their most courteous ability, and Certainly for the good order in which the building Was kept. The resolution was unanimously agreed to. Mr Morris Davies asked if that was the day for the alteration of rules ? The Chairman replied that any business could be taken, as it was the annual meeting. „7 Mr Morris Davies said there was one matter which he fully expected Mr C. M. Williams would have brought on If any money was left to the institution it was now invested in the names of two gentlemen and the Mayor for the time being and as the Mayor only remained in office for twelve months it became necessary to move for a power of attorney, which cost them money, so that it had been agreed to take the name of the Mayor out, and to put some other name in. The rule was referred to, when it was found that it did not require the Mayor for the time being to be a trustee, and it was decided that the name of Mr C. M. Williams be substituted for Mayor." The Chairman said they had some money in consols in the names of two gentlemen who were dead long ago Mr T. 0. Morgan and Mr Lewis Pugh. It would now be necessary to consult Mr Morgan, Nantceirio, in the matter to have the money transferred into the names of the three present trustees. r- The Chairman said it was thought by some at their monthly meetings that they should give more tickets in the country districts for the money received, because a great many people applied for tickets, but the country subscribers had not enough to supply them. In the town it was different; they had .£300 given to the lady visitors, and they were therefore pretty well off. For himself he tried to keep his tickets for his immediate neighbours in Commms- coch, Tafarnfagl, and so on; but others %,01^ Goginan, &c., came to apply for tickets, when he had none. Therefore would it not be better to give the subscribers in the country more for their money ? Mr Fryer said the matter was an exceedingly difficult one—to draw up rules which would safe- guard the interests of the town, and yet give the country a little more advantage than they new passed. What they wanted to do was to increase the number of subscribers, instead of which they kept on diminishing, while many when asked to subscribe said they did not get sufficient advantages for their money. He suggested that a small com- mittee of five or seven should be appointed to go into the matter to examine the rules and regulations of similar institutions, and to see whether any altera- tion could be made of the present rules so as to secure to the institution two great objects-increased efficiency and increased income. In order to arrive at anything they would require the assistance of a certain number of subscribers from the town and Country, so that the interests of all might be safe- guarded in every possible way. He suggested that a committee of seven members of the institution should be formed to go into this matter and see wh;t:.e;- alterations could be made to effect this object. Mr Bickerstaff thought Mr Fryer would find that most of the tickets which were given away in the town were given to country people. Rev T. Levi: I can say the same. The Chairman: The ladies' visiting tickets can't be given to country people. Mr Fryer said it was not fair at all that the country patients should have to rely upon town subscribers, and that was what he wanted to do away with. Mr Peter Jones thought they were mixing up three or four different things that ought to be kept separate. In the first place, Aberystwyth had the advantage of Downie's bequest by which < £ 300 had been allocated to lady visitors, but that was quite separate from anything else, and was limited to the parish of Aberystwyth. What Mr Fryer had drawn attention to was whether the country people were dealt with reasonably for the amount subscribed, and it was another question whether similar institutions gave greater advantages for the small sum contributed. If gentlemen in the country wished to have the advantages of the institution they ought to subscribe but if they desired to give greater advantages for the amount now paid the proper course would be to move the court on the subject, to have the present scheme altered, and until they did so he did not think they could take the .£300 a year and transfer it to the advantage of the country. Mr Gibson said he gave his tickets almost entirely to persons in the country, as he was told it was impossible to find subscribers in the country, and it was therefore quite clear that the gentry in the sur- rounding districts did not dp their bare duty in sub- scribing to the institution. It was a question whether the committee ought not to make a definite effort to persuade monied people to give more. Mr Peter Jones had referred to the attempt to transfer some of the benefits from Aberystwyth to the coun- try, nnd the question had been now raised and would have to be discussed whether the whole scheme did not require some modification. He did not object to the appointment of a committee, but suggested that the scope of its enquiries should not he limited. Mr Fryer said that the object of his proposal was not to diminish the power of the town, but to give their tickets to people in the town. His great object was to try by some modification to get a larger number of people to become subscribers. He saw that the list of subscribers in 1887 numbered 57, only a pitiful small number for an institution of that sort. He did not suggest the altering of the scheme, as they could not t ke away anything from Aberyst- wyih, but he desired to increase the number of sub- scribers in the country and the town. Mr Gibson understood that the question to go to the committee was whether a scheme could not be made in order to see whether the country might not have more tickets. Mr Fryer: No private subscribers generally. Mr Peter Jones ssif1. that during the past year there had been an expenditure of about .£100 beyond ihe receipts, but the trustees had only raid £170, so thot Here was a considerably balance in their hands, aiid he thought a statement with regard to that account would be advantageous, if the chairman could furnish it. The Chairman s-iid the balance in the hands of the trus-ers was £ 332 9s. 6d.; then they had received diddmds in 1888, .£544 9s. 6d.; and the Countess of Lisburne hptl handed over .£185 6s. 7d., making a total of £ 1,062 5s. 7d. The trustees had paid rent, rates, salaries, &(\, £ 200; for furniture and other thirga for the new infirmary, £ 480 6s. 5d.; and other expei ses, £ 145 making a total of .£825613. 5d. The trustees did not take the capital, which they were entitled to do. to the amount of < £ 5,000, but of the pnvirgrs which they had been making, and the sum of £1.198 which Lady Lisburne obtained, they were erabhd to build the infirmary. Mr Peter Jones said that although the disburse- ments were .£100 more than the receipts, yet they could spend another .£300. The Chairman said the more they made their in- come the less subscriptions they seemed to have, so for his own part be would keep it dark (laughter). Mt Peter Joi es seconded Mr Fryer's motion, as it would be well to have a more complete statement as to their financial position. Mr Morris Davies said that in order that they might arrive at the best way of inducing people to support the institution, he would suggest that the committee be empowered to issue a circular. 'i hp Chairman That has been done within the last tl vee months. Mr Morris Davies: Under the present scheme country people are bound to suffer. Private sub- scribers are getting less and less, and the result will be you will have more than sufficient tickets for the pcor of Aberystwyth, but the outside poor will have no power of eomitig in and getting assistance. Mr Peter Jones They must subscribe in the conn- try. This scheme is for the poor of Aberystwyth, and the poor in the country cannot have the benefit through non-snbscribers. Mr Morris Davies The list of subscribers is get- ting less, consequently those who want relief have fewer people to go to for tickets. I would suggest that an urgent appeal should be sent round to bring the question before the landowners. Mr Peter Jones believed the working men in some districts intended to subscribe. He had heard that a number of miners intended to subscribe X2 2s. through one of their number, so that they might have the advantage of the institution. He would suggest that the meeting should be adjourned for a month or six weeks, and that the committee should then bring in a report. Mr Fryer then proposed formally that a committpe be appointed to consider whether the present rules cannot be altered so as to increase the efficiency of the institution. What he wanted to do was to increase the number of subscribers. The resolution having been adopted, the following were selected to form the committee Mr J. G. W. Bonsall, Mr Morris Davies, Mr Peter Jones, Rev. T. Levi, B/'r C. M. Williams, Mr H. C. Fryer, and Mr Gibson. It was also decided to adjourn the meeting until the 23rd March. Mr J. D. Perrott (the treasurer) said there was a sum cf .£6898s. JOd. in consols at 3 per cent., and it had been decided to pay off the capital to holders on the lst April. There were also .£100, the gift of the late Mr Thomas Hughes, of London, and < £ 10s. 10s., the gift of the late Mr Philip Williams. He would suggest that the consols be sold out, and that Metro- politans be secured at 3l per cent., which would pay the icfirmary about 3 per cent., and that the £100 and £10108. bo similarly invested, or he would not object to their being invested in the Aberystwyth Corporation. It was decided to ascertain whether the money could be legally invested with the Corporation. Mr Peter Jones proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman for his valuable services during the past year. The Rev. T. Levi seconded, and The Chairman said he was very much obliged to them for the compliment they had paid him. He was getting old, and could not expect to be chairman much longer.

LLANRHYSTID. BRYN HERBERT BOARD SCHOOL.—PRIZES FOR ATTENDANCE.-It needs no argument to prove the importance of regular attendance in all schools whether we look at the matter as it affects the chil- dren, the teachers, or the managers. For it is self- evident that (1) if the children are not at school they cannot be taught, and they will not learn what is taught by the teachers (2) absence of children pre- vents the teachers from performing their work satis- factorily to themselves, to their scholars, or to their managers (3) the managers, too, have a ground of complaint when children are irregular, for, as the amount of grant is regulated by the average atten- dance, frequent absence from school lowers the basis on which this assistance is calculated, and also pre- vents the children from passing their examinations. The causes of irregular attendance in rural schools are numerous, and some of them cannot be prevented. First, there is the weather-unsettled weather—and storms of rain and snow. Then, secondly, there is the distance that many children have to travel, and scattered districts. These causes combine to reduce the average very considerably. To meet these dis- advantages and encourage a better state, Major and Mrs Hughes, Alltlwyd, attended on the 1st instant, in obedience to a promise they had kindly made, and distributed appropriate and acceptable prizes to several of the scholars. In his capacity as chairman of the School Board Major Hughes gave encouraging words as each recipient, beaming with smiles, came forward to meet the smile of Mrs Hughes. It was apparent that the kindness performed by the donors was as agreeable as it was encouraging to the chil- dren. To still further encourage them prizes were promised for the next few months' attendance. FAIR WHITE HANDS BRIGHT CLEAR COMPLEXION. SOFT HEALTHFUL SKIN. PEAKS' SOAP, lor Toilet and Nursery,specially prepare iyr the delicate skin of ladies andchildren.and others sensitiv h tie veather, winter or summer. Prevents redness, rough- ness, a nd chapping. Sold Everywhere. Large Scented tablets ]«., Smalier ( Unscented) fld. DUNVILLE'S OLD IRISH WHISKY is recommended by the medical profession in preference to French Brandy. They hold the largest stock of Whisky in the world. Supplied in casks and cases for home use and exportation. Quotations on application to DUNVILLB & Co., Limited, Royal Irish Distilleries, Belfast.

TOWN COUNCIL. A meeting of the council was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday. PrHspnt-Mr C. M. Williams, mayor, Alderman Peter Jones, Councillors Thomas Griffiths, D. C. Roberts, William Thomas, Griffith Williams, John Morgan, John Evans, T. W. Powell, J. E. J. Lloyd, and John Matthias Messrs C. Massey, acting for the Town Clerk; H. L. Evans, borough accountant; and Rees Jones, surveyor. BILLS AND SALARIES. Mr T. W. Powell proposed the payment of bills and salaries due from the corporation.—Carried. INTEREST. Mr J. E. J. Lloyd proposed the payment of half- year's interest on the sum of £ 12,105.—Mr William Thomas seconded, and the motion was agreed to. THE STEAM ROLLER AND THE GAS MAINS. Mr R. J. Jones, "secretary to the gas company, addressed the following letter to the corporation :— Gentlemen, I am directed to apply for payment of the enclosed account against you for damage done to our gas mains and loss of gas. I shall be glad to receive a cheque for same in a few days and oblige." The bill was as follows:—To account rendered, .£15 4s to amount for repairing 2! main at Victoria-terrace broken by the steam roller, .£1; to loss of gas from Saturday mid-day till Monday afternoon estimated at 10,000 feet at 4s 7d, X2 5s total, £1898 10d.-Mr T. W. Powell remarked that the last bill he saw was < £ 15.—Mr J. E. J. Lloyd: It is growing.—Mr Peter Jones suggested that the letter should be handed over to the Town Clerk, so as to ascertain their obligations in the matter. It would be some assist- ance to them to know what was done in other places, and they could be guided by the advice of their Town Clerk.—Mr T. W. Powell seconded Mr Jones's proposal, which was carried. FLAGGING PORTLAND-STREET. A memorial was read from inhabitants residing in Portland-street, asking that the flagging on the northern side should be completed. It was signed by Mr John Morris, Capt John Hughes, Rev T. A. Penry, Mr Evan Lewis, M. James, Mary Jenkins, Mr W. R. Hall, Mr John Jones, and the Rev Lewis Williams.—The Mayor said it was contemplated last year that the northern side should be completed this year, so he thought it would be better to refer the memorial to the public works committee.—Mr D. C. Roberts proposed, and Mr Thomas Griffiths seconded, that effect be given to the suggestion made by the Mayor.—Carried. ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. The Mayor said that he had received a letter from the Royal College of Music thanking the council for advertising the scholarships recently. A SUGGESTED FOOTPATH. A letter was read from Mr Thomas Owen, Paris House, relative to a proposed footpath opposite a house now in course of erection for him in Llan- badarn-road.—Mr William Thomas thought it was an important matter to have a footpath there, and proposed that the letter be referred to the public works committee.—Mr John Evans seconded, and it was agreed to. A RENEWAL OF LEASE. Mr W. Hughes-Jones, solicitor, addressed a letter to the council, on behalf of Mr John Fowden, Bank Hall, Lampeter, stating that it was his intention to take up the renewal of a lease granted to him some time asro.—Mr D. C. Roberts proposed that the Town Clerk be instructed to prepare the lease for Mr Fowden.-This was seconded by Mr Thomas Griffiths, when Mr William Thomas asked if that was to be done at the expense of the Corporation.—Mr D. C. Roberts: No, on the usual terms.—Mr William Thomas did not know what right they had to name any gentleman.—Mr D. C. Roberts: The same right as we had to appoint a corporation solicitor.—Mr Thomas pointed out that Mr Hughes-Jones was acting for the person who applied for the renewal.— Mr Peter Jones said Mr Hughes-Jones applied for his client.-The motion was agreed to. FINANCE COMMITTEE. A meeting of this committee was held on February 4th. Present-Messrs C. M. Williams, mayor, Wm. Thomas, W. H. Palmer, Peter Jones, and D. C. Roberts, chairman. Labour sheets and bil's were examined and passed. The committee recommend that applications for renewal of leases of the follow- ing properties should be granted on the usual terms -No. 32, Portland-street, original grant, Dec., 1813, years unexpired, 24; scale, 5 2-5th rental, X 11 18s; ground rent, 15s fine, £ 64 5s 2d commuted at X4 10s 9d per cent, £ 3 8s 3d. No. 34, same grant and terms, .£10419; fine, .£51178; ground rent, 10s commuted at t4 10s 9d—< £ 2 16s. No. 4, North- parade, original grant, October, 1824, years Ull- pired, 32; scale, 3 2-Sths rental, < £ 27 4s; ground rent, 2s fine, .£9116s commuted at X4 10s 9d— X4 5s 4d. No. 30, Marine-terrace, original grant, October, 1816, years unexpired, 27 rental, .£3858 ground rental, 12s fine, .£171 10s 6d commuted at ■ £ 4 10s 9d— £ 7 15s 7d total annual charge, £ 8 7s 7d. The committee recommended the receiving of the sums of < £ 50, .£500, and X 1,000 on mortgage at 3! per cent, per annum.—Mr D. C. Roberts proposed the adoption of this report, and it was seconded by Mr Peter Jones, who also suggested that the applications for renewals of leases of 47, Portland-street, 31, the Terrace, and of other houses in High-street, Prospect- street, and Noith-parade, should be referred to the finance committee.—This was agreed to. HARBOUR COMMITTEE. A meeting of the committee was held on February 4th. Present—Messrs. C. M. "Williams, mayor, Wm. Thomas, John Mathias, T. W. Powell, D. C. Roberts, and Griffith Williams, chairman. Bills amounting to £ 21 38 7d were examined and signed. The committee instructed the Surveyor to invite tenders for the supply of larch timber and poles for Rofawr jetties. -Mr Griffith Williams proposed, end Mr J. E. J. Lloyd seconded, the adoption of this report.— Carried. PUBLIC LIBRARY COMMITTEE. A meeting of this committee was held on the 1st February. Present-Messrs. C. M. Williams, mayor, John Mathias, John Evans, John Morgan, W. R. Hall, David Samuel, and W. H. Palmer, chairman. It was resolved that the application of Mr Joseph Davies for the use of the room adjoining the County Court Registrar's office should be granted at X5 per annum, the Corporation to have the use of it on election days. The tenancy to expire after six months notice on either side.—On the motion of Mr John Evans, seconded by Mr J. E. J. Lloyd, this re- port was agreed to. THE TREES IN NORTH PARADE. The Surveyor reported that, acting on the instruc- tions, he had communicated with Mr Gold, of Aber- ayron, respecting the trees on North-parade, and after visiting the place, Mr Gold had sent the follow- ing report I received a letter from your Surveyor last Tuesday asking me to come up to Aberystwyth to see and give my opinion what would be best to do with the treeslon the north side of North-parade. My opinion is as follows:—The trees were planted a great deal too thick. The better way would be to take away every other one, except where they have died off, and cut the heads of what are left off down to about 20 feet above the ground. Then in about three years, with a little judicious pruning, you will have an a-renue that will be a credit to the town. Mr Peter Jones said that he would not like to reduce the number of trees for the present, but they should try to reduce the height of them, and if they found they still had a serious effect on the lighting of the houses, then they could consider the desirability of reducing the number.—Mr T. W. Powell suggested that they should reduce the height of every alternate tree, and see what effect that would have.—Mr Wm. Thomas said they must consider the inhabitants of the place even before the trees, and people living on the north side complained bitterly the branches were even beating the roofs of some of the houses, and therefore they must sacrifice the trees in favour of the inhabitants. He was glad that Mr Gold was of opinion that they must cut the branches down. He was certainly in favour of leaving the number of trees there until they knew the result of cropping them. He believed that in two or three years the trees would have a complete new brush on each stock. He seconded Mr Peter Jones' proposal, and that the Surveyor be empowered to have the work done in compliance with Mr Gold's report.—This was agreed to. MORTGAGES. Mr D. C. Roberts proposed, and Mr William Thomas seconded, that the council receive the sums of .£1,000, £ 500, and .£50 respectively on mortgage at 3!- per cent., and that the Mayor affix the Corpora- tion seal to the mortgage securities. —Carried. BAY WINDOW. An application made by Mr W. B. Powell for leave to erect a bay window to his house, No. 13, New- street, was referred to the public works committee. SURRENDER OF LEASE. Mr D. C. Roberts proposed, and Mr J. E. J. Lloyd seconded, that the council accept the surrender of the residue of a term of 99 years, from the 4th day of October, 1808, of and in all that land and premises formerly used as a Ropewalk, from Mrs Mary Jones, the representative of the late Mr Edward John Jones, Frongof, and Miss Annie Elizabeth Jones, of Mount Pleasant, the surviving representative of the late Mr Thomas Jones; also, to authorise the Mayor to affix the Corporation seal to a lease to Mrs Mary Jones, of Frongof, for the term of 75 years, from the 12th day of May, 1887, at the annual rent of 10s., of a piece of land with the buildings and erec- tions thereon, part of which is now, or was formerly, used as a builder's yard, and another part was with other premises used as a Ropewalk, and the other part used as a garden, and were formerly in the occupation of the late Mr E. J. Jones, Frongof.- Carried.

LLANDOVERY SCHOLARSHIPS. The following boys have been successful in gaining scholarships :—J. D. Jone~, £ 40; W. G. Morgan and R. V. Johnson, £ 30 each; 13. James..£25 (Lloyd Jones' scholarship) D. Thomas, £ 25 H. L. David, X25 (Golden Grove); H. Price (formerly of Gelligaer school), < £ 20; G. A. Williams, X20 T. Pritchard, £ 20 (Higher Grade School, Blaenau, Ffestiniog); H. W. Jones, .£15; J. D. Thomas, .£15; D. G. Evans, < £ 15; J. Davies, £ 10 (Ystrad scholarship); J. Edwards, £ 15 (Higher Grade School, Blaenau, Ffes- tiniog Clauss), £ 15 — Michael, 12; A. H. Jones, D. J. Morgan, A. J. Parry, T. S. P. Griffiths, XIO each; E. M. Lewis, D. E. Koberts, R. Jones, H. A. Davies. M. A. Thomas, T. W. Griffiths, R. Owen, E. Evans, T. P. Jones, J. E. Thomas, L. E. H. Walters, Havard, and D. O. Griffiths, < £ 8 Ss. each B. Isaac, J. A. Howell, R. O. Morris, H. H. Jones, J. E. Powell, and W. H. Morgan, =84 4s. each.

MACHYNLLETH. On Thursday week, a service in connection with the Girls' Friendly Society was held, when the rector of Dolgelley delivered an address. Refreshments were afterwards provided in the Vane Hall. The last of the three lectures on "English Church History was delivered on Wednesday week, when Mr Joseph Evans presided. A good programme of music was performed.

ABERAYRON. MUSICAL SUCCESS.—It is with great pleasure that we announce the success of Miss Annie Oliver Griffiths, the Old Bank, Aberayron, in passing the junior examination, Trinity College, London, in musical theory. Miss Griffiths was prepared for the examination at Woodville House school, Pershore, Worcestershire, and obtained the exceptionally high per centage of 95 marks.

LAMPETER. THE COLLEGE WELSH DEBATING SOCIETY.-On Friday, the 5th inst., Mr D. P. Thomas, Llanaelhai- arn, Carnarvonshire, moved in an able speech, the following resolution, Na ddylai gweinidogion yr Efengyl gymeryd rhan mewn materion gwleidyddol." The motion was opposed very effectively by Mr J. S. Jones, Llancynfelin. A very warm and interesting discussion followed, the following members taking part:—Messrs. Evan Thomas, W. Bankes Williams, John Davies, W. J. Evans, E. W. Jones, J. Williams, Daniel Davies, Thos Lloyd, W. Davies, H. O. Davies, and J. J. Davies. On a division, 23 voted for the motion, and the same number against but the motion was carried by the President (Mr L. J. Roberts, Aberayron), giving his casting vote for the mover.

LLANILAR. PETTY SESSIONS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST, before Mr Vaughan Davies, Mr H. S. Richardes, Mr W. B. Powell, Mr G. W. Parry, and Mr Morris Davies. Trespass in Search of Gamo. -John Vaughan, North-parade, Aberystwyth, and Evan Hughes, North-parade, Aberystwyth, were charged by John James, Nanteos, keeper, with trespassing in the day time in search of game, at the parish of Llanbadarn Lewer. on the 31st proximo.-Both defendants were fined 15s, or in default 14 days. William Rees, Felinfach, Cwmrheidol, farmer, and Evan Richard Jenkins, Dolgamblin, Cwmrheidol, were also charged by Mr J. G. F. H. Bonsall, Glan- rbeidol, with a similar offence committed on the 7th ult.—Defendants were nned Os each including costs. School Case.—Gavan Scott, Aberbrwynen, farmer, was charged by Mr E. H. Davies, Waunfawr, with neglecting to send his child, named Mary Grace, to school.-Fined 5s.

ORDINATIONS. LLANDAFF. The Lord Bishop of Llandaff held an ordination at the parish church of Cowbridge on Sunday, when the following gentlemen were admitted to Holy Orders DEACONS. Lewis Davies, B.A., of St. David's College, Lam- peter. Thomas Cynon Davies, B.A., of St. David's College, Lampeter. Morgan Cadwaladr Williams, Gower, Licentiate in Divinity, of St. David's Coliege, Lampeter. Mr M. C. G. Williams, was the gospellor, and the Rev. M. P. Williams the preacher. The following were afterwards licensed to curacies The Rev. Lewis Davies, B.A., to Skewen. The Rev. Thomas Cynon Davies, B.A., to Llan. blethian, with Cowbridge and Welsh St. Donat's. The Rev, M. C. G. Williams, Licentiate in Divinity, to Pentrebach. On Saturday the Bishop licensed the Rev. Thomas Edwards to the curacy of St. Bride's Major.

TALSARN. SCHOLASTIC.—Among the successful candidates who passed the preliminary examination of the Pharmaceutical Society we are glad to find the name of Henry Elmes Jones, the son of Mr John Jones, road surveyor, Maesyfelin post-office. He was prepared by Mr D. O. Sydney Davies, (Int). B.Sc., the Grammar School, Lampeter. Great praise is due to Mr Davies. His school is in a very progressive state, eonsidering that it was only established about a year ago.

NEW QUAY. LIFE-BO A.T SERTICE.—A strong gale prevailed here on Friday and Saturday night. Before daybreak on Sunday morning what were believed to be distress signals were observed in the bay, and the lifeboat Frank and Marian left at daybreak. It was supposed that a distressed vessel was in the direction of Sarnau but it has since been ascertained that the crew of the lifeboat were attracted by a strong light eaused by the disastrous fire which took place at Aberdovey early on Sundaylmorning. CONSUMPTION CURED.—A Person cured of Con- sumption, Bronchitis, Catarrh and Nervous Debility, by a simple Remedy, will send a description of it FREE to any person who applies to J. P. MOUNTAIN, 64, Chancery Lane, London, W.C. Govern your thoughts when alone, and your tongue when in company. CADBURY'S COCOA is easy to digest, delicious in flavour, and full of health-imparting properties. It is absolutely pure Cocoa, untampered with. HoLLOWAT'sPiLLS.—The Great Need.-The blood is the life, and on its purity our health as well as our existence depends. These Pills thoroughly cleanse the vital fluid from all contaminations, and by that means strengthen and invigorate the whole system, healthily stimulate sluggish organs, repress over-excited action, and establish order of circulation and secretion throughout every part of the body. The balsamic nature of Holloway's Pills exercises marvellous power in giving tone to debilitated and nervous constitutions. These Pills dislodge all obstructions, both in the bowels and elsewhere, and are, on that account, much sought after for promoting regularity of action in young females and delicate persons who are naturally weak, or have from some cause become so.