The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

The game is all up now at any rate. CHAZY defeated, BOURBAKI repulsed, and Paris on the eve of starvation. Such is the state of affairs in France, and while we can admire the heroism which still holds out, we can only de- plore that wiser councils do not prevail, so that all this waste of blood and property might be prevented.

It is to be noted that the congratulations customary on the elevation of a barrister to a county court judgeship were omitted at Machynlleth, and also, we believe, at Aberystwyth, in the case of Mr TINDAL ATKINSOX. The feeling that a mistake has been made, in appointing an Englishman to a Welsh circuit, must be very strong indeed, when the customary courtesies of the legal pro- fession are thus pointedly omitted. If our readers want to know what hares and rabbits and gamekeepers-can do, they should read the report of a case which was heard at Shrewsbury last Saturday. Some time in December Mr JOHN GROOM, as the assignee of the tenant, Mr WILLIAM HARDING, entered into pos- session of Haughmond Park Farm, and soon found, we imagine, that he had made a bad bargain. The ground game attacked his grain crops and his roots to a perfectly appalling extent; and actually came in droves to the sheep troughs and ate the meat." The damage to the grain crop alone was estimated by Mr BREWSTER, of Balderton, and Mr MAXSELL, of High Ercall—gentlemen well known to our readers-at iCI43, besides the destruc- tion of root crops, which was supposed to amount to £ 3 per diem. Applications to the landlord brought replies allowing 1-0100 for the grain, but declining to entertain the subject of roots. Under this provocation Mr GROOM was rash enough to attack the game on his own responsibility, and on the 4th instant his brother, Mr THOMAS GROOM, went out shooting. The gamekeepers, however, were on the alert, and no sooner had Mr GROOM pocketed a hare, than, to use his own words, they rushed upon him like mad dogs" and took the sacred animal out of his possession. This was the case as stated for Mr GROOM, and it was contended by his solici- tor that as there was no reservation of the game Mr JOHN GROOM had a right to destroy it, and that, supposing this was not the case, the proper course would have been to summon him, and not to assault Mr THOMAS GROOM. The reply, we suppose, was a satisfactory one in the eye of the law—that Mr JOHN GROOM was not the tenant, and that he had acknowledged the landlord's property in the game by applying for compensation. At any rate the magistrates dismissed the charge of assault which Mr T. GROOM had preferred against the keepers and Mr J. GROOM must be content to watch the game coming in droves to his sheep troughs and gnawing all the profit out of his root crops. It is necessary to reflect for a moment or two before one can realize that it is England where a man can be treated in this way. A line, however, must be drawn somewhere, even in matters of justice, we sup- pose, and in England we draw it at game. Hares and rabbits, we may hope, will not remain much longer in the sacred caste of animals. The tone of the debate in the Midland Farmers' Club last week—which is summarized in another column-is now the tone of the whole agricultural world of Great Britain, and the days of these mischievous little beasts are numbered. It is an unendurable thing that the farmer should be exposed to an incalculable evil, for the sake of affording what is called "sport" to a few individuals, and those landlords who have not the good sense to step in and say they abandon hares and rabbits altogether must not be much sur- prised if the law steps in and compels them to abandon pheasants as well. It is true the resolution at the Club only went as far as to protest against ground game but the feeling against game of all kinds is growing, and it is impossible to say where it will end. Only one thing is quite certain, that hares and rabbits are doomed. The farmer is not content any longer to act the Frog in the fable, with the privilege of saying, in a sort of mild, depre- cating voice, that what is sport to the landlord is ruin to him. When his mind is set free from rabbits, perhaps the farmer will begin to think more about his "labour machines," as they are called in an admirable extract which we give in our agricultural column this week. Mr STANHOPE S report, also published in another page, shows how the labourer is housed in Shropshire. The county can scarcely be proud of her achievements in this respect. The sheds erected in some districts for her labour machines" are hardly sufficient to keep them in good order externally, to say nothing of such things as minds and spirits, which, some people suppose, reside in these machines. Mr STAN- HOPE calls the cottages infamous" and tells us they are more uniformly bad than in any other county he has visited; and, pace MACAULAY, we are afraid there is a great deal too much truth in in this unpleasant picture of our Shropshire Arcadia. We do not suppose the farmers like the state of affairs described, and it must be confessed that they have immense difficulties to contend with but the landlords possess great power in the matter, and tremen- dous responsibilities rest upon them. Many recognize these responsibilities but how many shirk them, and how much remains to be done The reform, perhaps, will be brought about, sooner than in any other way, by showing the farmers, who are so much baffled by the pecuniary aspect of the question, that it will pay better to treat the labour machine" well, and not to takeout of it, in various unnecessary ways, the energy and skill which could be ex- pended to so much advantage upon the farm. We sup- pose life is worth having, on the terms of continuous labour and 10s. a week, in a miserable cottage; with the workhouse at the end, and perhaps a patronizing reward of 10s. from an Agricultural Society by the way. We suppose it is, because agricultural labourers, as a rule, do not com- mit suicide. It is instructive to learn what workingmensay, when they have a voice in the matter of education. We give a resume to-day of the proceedings at the Miners' Conference at Man- chester. What do the miners say about the education of their children ? How are they affected by the argument to the breeches pockec? They protest in the strongest terms against the employment of children under twelve; they a,, claim education as "the birthright of the miner's child;" and, not satisfied with requiring a certificate of elementary proficiency as an indispensable condition of employment, they ask further that all children between 12 and 16 shall be required to attend school at least ten hours every week, exclusive of Sunday Suppose we venture to suggest that a higher moral tone pervaded the discussion of the Educa- tion Question amongst these miners—these men who some- times strike !—than we have found, we were go in"- to say higher up the social scale. But how many of our well- to-do readers can afford to look down upon men who are appealed to successfully by the argument that money ought not to be placed in the scales against a good education ? Men who have such intelligent opinions upon the edu. cation question deserve to be listened to about other things and, according to the representations made at the Conference, there is a good deal of reform needed in the bowels of the earth. The safety of the men whose labour is essential to our very existence—to say nothing of com- fort—is hardly cared for by the State as it ought to be. Inspection, if we mayktrust the statements of the dele- gates, is almost a farce-very much resembling the prac- tice of locking the stable door after the horse has escaped- and most incompetent men are placed in most responsible posts. The miners have a good cause, and Parliament must listen to them if they call long and loudly enough Their demands are grimly enforced by the terrible colliery explosions which we record this week. Teetotallers have achieved a considerable measure of success, but none are more ready than themselves to acknowledge that the evil of intemperance, with which they keep up their unceasing conflict, seems almost un touched, so huge is it. Cannot they try different machinery, with brighter prospects of success? At Welshpool, for instance, a temperance benefit society ha been started; and we are inclined to think it is a more excellent way of promoting abstinence than that which is generally adopted. Men, we are told, require the strength of union to enable them to resist temptation: how much stronger is the bond supplied by a club, than that of a simple teetotal society in which teetotalism is the only tie which keeps the men together? In a temperance club benefits of various kinds are combined and if the club could be provided with a regular club room, supplied with periodicals, papers, and coffee, we fancy teetotalism would make much greater advances than it has made in the past. At any rate the movement commenced at Pool-as described by a communication in another column—deserves to be noted by teetotallers and other friends of temperance.

EDUCATION IN NORTH W ALES.-THE BALA SCHOOL. The new scheme of the Endowed Schools Commission for Bala School is now before the public, and it will be well to give a short abstract of it. The governing body is ultimately to consist of thirteen per- sons, of whom three will beex-officio governors, fourrepre- sentative, and six cooptative. The ex-officio governors are to be the rector of Llanycil, the chairman of the Board of Guardians, and the chairman of the School Board, or, if there be no School Board, of the Local Board of Health. Two of the representative governors are to be chosen by the Board of Health, and two by the Board of Guardians; an equitable arrangement, because it introduces the repre- sentation of the country as well as the town district. The first cooptative governors are to be the following, and when their number falls below six the governors are to fill up the vacancy The Rev. THOMAS MORGAN, Llan- fawr, RICHARD JOHN LLOYD PRICE, Esq., Rhiwlas, WM. PRICE JONES, Esq., Bodwenni, FRANCIS GRIFFITH JONES, Esq., Ciltalgarth, WM. JONES, Esq., Bryntegid, the Rev. LEWIS EDWARDS, D.D., Bala, the Rev. MICHAEL DASIEL JOES, Bala, OWEN RICHARDS, M.D., Bala, and HEXRY ROBERTSON, Esq., Crogen. Upon these names we have only to remark that it would have been fairer and better to nominate more than two nonconformists amongst the cooptative governors. The district is chiefly inhabited by dissenters, and it is difficult to understand why the list should contain seven churchmen to two members of all the other denominations or, we may add,-why the rector of Llanycil should be an ex-officio governor, while the same office is not accorded to any minister of the leading churches of the locality. The commissioners, in these matters, have made the common but serious mistake of acting upon the traditions of the past instead of the facts of the present time, and keeping up, in a matter where religious equality is so important, the old policy of ignoring, or almost ignoring, the existence of those great Dissenting Churches, compared with which the Established Church in Wales is, numerically, a compara- tively insignificant body. The scheme is singularly inconsistent in this matter, for, after nominating a large majority of churchmen, it provides that religious opinions shall not affect the qualification of any person for being a governor. How much better it would have been to set a good example by nominating at least an equal number of dissenters and churchmen or, if that was difficult, as, from the circumstances of the case, it may have been, not to have given the Episcopal minister an invidious dis- tinction. The matter, small as it may seem, is one of suffi- cient importance to justify the suggestion that the names of one or two nonconformist clergymen should be bracketed with the rector's before the scheme is finally adopted. The remaining portion of this part of the scheme relates mostly to matters of form but we may note, with satis- faction, that provision is made for giving the fullest publicity to the accounts. Part 3 provides for the management of the School, and it is wisely and properly decided that no person shall be dis- qualified from being a master by reason of not being in holy orders. The governors are invested with ample powers over the Head Master, but they will probably see the wisdom of choosing a man in whom they can trust and then leaving the management of the School as far as possible in his hands. It is well to give the governing body large powers, to prevent abuses; but a school, to be well managed, must be under the direction of the master, without any vexatious interference from the governors. The governors can dis- miss the Head Master summarily, if they deem it necessary to do so; proper safeguards being provided to protect him from injustice. The Head Master is not to hold any office which, in the opinion of the governors, may inter- fere with the proper performance of his duties, and neither he nor the assistant masters are to receive from any boy any gratuity or payment except such as is authorized by the scheme. Within the limits fixed by the scheme, the governors are to prescribe the general subjects of instruction, the relative prominence to be given to each group, the division of the year into terms and vacations, the payments of the scholars, and the num- ber of boarders but upon these matters they are to con- sult the Head Master. The appointment and dismissal of assistant masters is to rest with the Head Master. The yearly income of the Head Master is to be 270 a year, with a payment for each boy of not less than 303. per annum. He may also receive boarders in his house, at a charge for board of not more than £ 35 per annum and the governors may at any time provide for the accommo- dation of boarders on the hostel system, fixing the charge for board at any sum not exceeding 222 yearly. The entrance fee for scholars is to be 10s., and the annual tuition fee not more than S6 or less than 23, paid in advance the age of admission is fixed at seven, and except with the express sanction of the governors no boy is to remain in the school after he has attained the age of sixteen; and the school is to be open to all boys of proper age, of good character and sufficient bodily health. The mode of admission is by application to the Head Master, or some other person appointed by the governors, according to a printed form given to applicants; and there is to be a test examination, graduated according to age, but never falling below the following:—"Reading monosyllabic narative and writing text hand. Easy sums in the first two rules of arithmetic." In case there is not room for all qualified applicants, a competitive examin- ation is to be resorted to. Provision is made for the exemption, without any prejudice whatever, from religious instruction or worship of all boys whose parents or guardians object to it; and if any teacher should persistently teach any religious doctrine in other lessons against the spirit of the foregoing rule, the attention of the governors may be called to the matter, and they must hear the complaint and make all proper provisions for remedy- governors may be called to the matter, and they must hear the complaint and make all proper provisions for remedy- ing it. At the same time regulations are to be made for imparting religious instruction in the school. The subjects of secular instruction are to be—reading, writing, and arithmetic, elements of algebra and geometry, mensuration and land surveying, grammar and composition, English literature, history, geography, drawing, vocal music, Latin, and at least one branch of natural science and provision may be made for teaching French. Hardly sufficient scope, we think, is here given for instruction in matters of every day concern, such as subjects bearing upon health, the elementary principles of political economy, and practical mechanics and it would be an improvement of the curriculum if natural history were added on a somewhat extensive scale, and natural science were made a more im- portant feature. A system of exhibitions is provided by the scheme. In the first place the governors can grant ex- emptions, total or partial, from the payment of tuition fees, as the reward of merit—first, to candidates from the I public elementary schools of the district, on the recom- mendation of her MAJESTY'S inspector of schools, or, if that be found impracticable, on the result of a competitive examination; and second, to boys already attending the school, on the report of the examiners and Head Master —good conduct to form an indispensable condition of ex- emption. In addition to this, the governors are to pro- vide an exhibition of £10 a year, to be given annually to the successful candidate in a competitive examination, and to be tenable at any school of more advanced educa- tion or place of scientific or professional training that the governors may approve, the exhibition to be withheld if there be no candidate of sufficient merit. The governors may further, in the case of distinguished merit, grant fl5 a year, to remit part of the expense of boarding at a hostel, or the head master s house, or in a house in the town. The scheme also provides that the interests of any foundation scholar elected before 1870 shall not be preju- diced; that the governors may make arrangements with the head master, who must contribute, for the purpose of providing him with a pension at the end of twenty years or in case of permanent disablement through illness that the residue of income, after repairs, &c., may be spent in increasing the stipend of the Head Master and assistant masters, improving the accommodation of the school buildings, aiding the games of the scholars, or generally in promoting the spirit and efficiency of the school and that donations or endowments may be recived for the general purposes of the school, provided that the object of such donations be certified by the Charity Commissioners to be for the benefit of the school, and not calculated to give privileges to any boy on any other ground than that of merit. On the whole the scheme appears to be a good one, calculated to promote education and to meet the wants of the neighbourhood; and because it is a good j scheme we are all the more anxious that the defects which we have pointed out should be remedied,

CARNARVONSHIRE COMMISSION.—4th R.V.C., Ensign D. Homfray to be lieutenant vice Jones, resigned. BANKRUPT.—The following appears amongst the bank- rupts :— William Brent, Aberystwyth, innkeeper, Feb. 11, at Aberystwyth. TRAFFIC RECEIPTS. 1870. Great Western £ 71,106 West Midland I- 1869. South Wales J £ 71,376 1870. London and North Western 2119,033 Shrewsbury and Hereford. 1869. Shropshire Union J 2117,137 For the weekendim Jan. 15th, 1871. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS (178 miles open)—Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails, 21,137 mer- chandise, minerals, and cattle, 21,427 total for the week, £ 2,564 aggregate from 1st Jan., 24,716. Corresponding week in 1870, passengers, &c., 21,158 merchandise, &c., £ 1,343; total, 22,501; aggregate from 1st Jan., 1870, 25,574. For the week ending Jan. 15th, 1871. BRECON AND MERTHYR RAILWAY.— (60| miles open)- Passengers, parcels, &c., 9142 Os. 4d.; goods, &c., 21,105 17s. 4d.; total, 1,247 17s. 8d.; JB20 10s. lOd. per mile per week. Corresponding week last year (60l miles open). Passengers, &c., 21-54 16s. 5d.; goods, &c., 2992 4s. 8d.; total, £1,147 Os. lOd. 218 17s. 8d. per mile per week; increase, £ 10016s. 10d.; aggregate from 1st Jan, 1870, £2.416 12s. lid.; ditto, 1869, 22,207 Is. Id.; increase 2209 11s. lOd.

BALA. THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.—By an advertisement in another part of our paper, it will be noticed that the new scheme proposed by the Endowed School Commission for the management of this school may be seen; or a copy, in the English or Welsh language, may be obtained at a moderate price from Mr Phillips. SCHOOL BOARD.-On Tuesday, the 17th inst., a requisi- tion, in accordance with the order issued by the Lords of the Committee of Council on Education, signed by fifty ratepayers of the parish of Llanycil, was delivered to Mr J. B. Jones, the clerk of the Bala Union, as summoning officer, requesting him to convene a meeting for the pur- pose of considering whether it is expedient that a School Board be formed for the parish of Llanycil. BILLIARDS.—JOHN LLOYD (MARKER AT PLASCOCH HOTEL, BALA) V. MR JAS. SPOTFORD. -On Monday night, the 16th instant, Lloyd and Spotford played an exhibi- bition match of 500 up—Spotford receiving a start of 100—at Harwood's Plascoch Hotel, Bala. Play com- mencerl at 7 30 p.m. The room, which is a spacious one, and beautifully fitted up, has just been completed by the contractor, Mr David Roberts, Bala, under the super- vision of Mr Richard Owen, Liverpool, architect, and it was well filled with spectators. After some excellent play on both sides, in which there were breaks of 19, 24, 25, and 39 by Lloyd, and 18, 19, and 24 by ispotford, the latter was declared the winner, the game being called 500 to 459. In the break of 39 Lloyd exhibited some capital play.—A second match of 100, even, was played on Tues- day evening, between the same parties. The game com- menced by Lloyd giving a miss in baulk Spotford also gave a miss, for safety but Lloyd made a very difficult cannon, and, before stopping, manipulated a break of 55, including G spot hazards and some very delicate and clever cannons. The game was eventually called-Lloyd, 100; Spotford, 43.—The games were played on a splendid new table supplied by Mr J. Ashcroft, of Houghton- street, Liverpool.—Mr Harwood intends having Messrs Cook and Roberts nere in March next, to play an exhibi- tion match. FOUND DEAD. -NIYSTERIOUS CASE. Late on Saturday night, the 14th inst., the quiet little village of Rhosgwaliau, near Bala, was the scene of much consternation. Just as the peaceable villagers had retired to rest from their week's labour, they were dis- turbed by the sad intelligence that a highly respectable young man, a native of Scotland, named John Wilson, well known to most of them-having resided with his parents in the vicinity, until wthin the last five weeks, at a farm-house named Gelligrin-had been found dead on the road-side, about twenty yards from the nearest house, by Morris Jones, Ty'nycwm. About five weeks ago Mr Wilson, senior, and family, removed from Gelli- grin to Mold, in Flintshire, from which place, it appears, the deceased started on Saturday last, by train, as far as Llandderfel station. The next intelligence which reached his parents was of his sudden death. When discovered the deceased's clothes appeared to be undisturbed, and ex- hibited no mark of violence. His gold neck-chain and watch were found upon him, as well as his money, to- gether with a Prayerbook and some letters. THE INQUEST was opened at the School house, Rhosgwaliau, near Bala, on Monday, the 16th inst., before W. Williams, Esq., Bala (solicitor), deputy-coroner, and the following jury: Mr Thomas Jones, chemist (foreman), Bala Messrs W. Owen, White Lion Royal Hotel, Bala; A. Storer, Bryn- ffynon; H. Lloyd, hairdresser, Bala; E. Williams, draper, Bala T. Owen, confectioner, Bala W. T. Phil- lips, Grammar School, Bala; M. Roberts, shoemaker, Bala E. Davies, grocer, Bala H. Thomas, Tanygarth E. Hughes, Pandy E. Vaughan, Tytanygraig; E. Evans, Ty'nycoed W. Evans, Ty-issa; and J. Jones, Dolfeirig. The jury having viewed the body of the deceased, which had been placed in Trinity Church, Rhosgwaliau, the fol- lowing evidence was taken :— David Wilson (father of the deceased) said-I reside at the Roebuck Inn, in the town of Mold, county of Flint. I have seen the body now lying dead in Trinity Church, and recognize it as the body of my son, John Wilson. The last time I saw him alive was about eight o'clock on the morning of Saturday last, the 14th day of January, 1871 he was then in our house at Mold. I was aware then that he intended leaving home that day to come to this neigh- bourhood. He wculd be twenty years old on the 11th day of March next. When he left home he had in money, as near as I can say, 12s. 9d. I had given him half a sovereign. By a Juror—How much money had your son when he left home ?—Answer I believe he had no more money about him than 12s. 9d. when he left horyie.-Was your son subject to fits ?-No, never. John Roberts, butcher, Rhosgwaliau, said-I was ac- quainted with the deceased. The last time I saw him alive was at Llandderfel railway station, about a quarter past five o'clock on Saturday evening, the 14th day of this month. He then appeared to be in his usual health. I was called to the deceased after he had been found by Morris Jones, Ty'nycwm he was then dead, and lying down sideways on his face. I laid hold of the deceased to ascertain if he was dead the body of the deceased was at the time warm. Having left the body in the charge of two men I called the neighbours up, and went to the town of Bala for Dr Jones and the police officer, whom I sent up. When I was first called to the deceased by Morris Jones, as near as I can guess, it was about half- past twelve o'clock on Saturday night, the 14th instant, and when I returned from Bala on Sunday morning, the 15th instant, it was about half-past two o'clock. I am aware that John Wilson had formerly lived at Gelligrin farm, in this neighbourhood. The Wilson family left Gelligrin about five weeks ago, and they removed to the town of Mold. By a Juror- I spoke to the deceased at Llandderfel station he did not say he was coming up this way; he appeared quite sober. By the Coroner-The deceased got out of the train at Llandderfel and I got into it for Bala from Llandderfel. We met (deceased and I) at the railway station. I cannot say whether he did not again get into the train for Bala. He did not get into the same carriage as I. When I got out of the train at Bala station, I did not see anything of the deceased there. By a Juror—When I saw John Wilson he was lying down lengthways with the road, about a yard and a half from the hedge wall, in the wheel rut on the road his Scotch cap was about a foot from his head, and his walking stick placed by his side. There was no mark to indicate that anything had gone over him. At this stage of the proceedings the inquest was ad- journed, for a post-mortem examination of the body by Dr Jones, and the attendance of other witnesses, and is to be held at the Town Hall, Bala, on Monday, the 23rd inst., at ten o'clock a.m.

DOLGELLEY. LECTURE.—On Thursday evening last a lecture wx delivered at the Public Rooms, in this town, by Miss Margaret Jones, better known as "Y Gymraes o Ganaan" (the Welshwoman from Canaan), who resided at Jerusalem for several years. She gave a description of several places she visited in that most interesting of lands —the Land of Canaan. Miss Jones was accompanied by a young lady, called Mariah, who appeared several times, dressed in different styles, to illustrate the manner in which the several classes of the female population dressed themselves. The lecture was highly interesting, and the large room was filled to overflowing. The proceeds were devoted to the funds of a society established for the pur- pose of educating chiefly the female population of Syria, of whom the Hon. Mrs Baptist Noel is the lady-president. The chair was taken by the Rev. Henry Morgan, Baptist minister. The usual thanks were proposed by the Rev. 1). Evans, M.A., and seconded by the Rev. W. Thomas Wesleyan minister, and passed with acclamation. Miss Jones, on the previous Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, had delivered a similar lecture at Rhydymain and Brith- dir, in this neighbourhood, to very large congregations. POPULAR READINGS.—The sixth of the series of Popular Readings was held at the Public Rooms, on Tuesday evening, the 17th inst. The chairman was Ed. Walker, Esq., of Brynhyfryd, and the following was the programme :— Address i»y the Chairman Songs—" Gwnewch bobpeth yn Gymiaeg" and Deryn Pur" Mr John Evans Recitation—"Y Sessiwn yn Nghymru" Mr William Roberts Song-" The flower is fading away" Miss Julia J. Peaker (Accompanied by Mrs Ellis) Duet- Pianoforte- La Sonnambula" Irs Remfry and Miss Bristowe Songs-" The Complaints" and 'Tis not the miles we travel, but the pace that kills" Mr Attwell Recitation-" Shylock demanding his Bond" Mr John Edwards and Party Songs—"Caerphily" and I cannot mind ray wheel, mother" Miss Jones (accompanied by Mrs Ellis) Concertina—" Selections" (encored) and gave another selection of Welsh Melodies Mr Joseph Thomas Song—" Yr Heddgeidwad" (encored) Mr Peter Jones Reading—" Haved's Dream" Rev. E. A. Jones Song—" Under the Greenwood Tree" Miss A. C. Pnghe Songs—"Old ArmChair" and "Ti wyddost beth ddywed fy nghalon" Miss Thomas Songs—" Cigars and Cognac" and Red, White, and Blue" „ „ Mr Roberts Recitation—" Mae pawb yn Priodi ond y ni" Sergt. Williams Comic Songs-" Old Sarah Walker" and A Norrible Tale" jyjr tyrolj Finale—"Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" it, EUis, juu. Mr Attwell was accompanied in his first two songs on the pianoforte by Mr Owen, of Pant Mills, Llangollen and in his two last songs by the same gentleman on the har- monium, which has been so kindly lent by Charles Edwards, Esq., Dolserau Hall, to the committee for the use of these meetings, since their commencement. The vote of thanks to the chairman was proposed by Mr J. M. Jones, Meyrick House, and seconded by Dr H. LI. Williams, Froheulog. The vote of thanks to the perform- ers, especially those who had come from a long distance, was proposed by W. R. Davies, Esq., and seconded by John Baker, Esq., of Plasgwyn. Mr Poole responded in suitable terms on behalf of the performers, and the chair- man having kindly thanked the assembly—the largest which has attended any meetings held in this room-the proceedings were brought to a close soon after ten o'clock. PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY (January 17).-Before R. M. Richards, Esq., Colonel Bunbury, C.B., John Vaughan, Esq., and Charles Edwards, Esq. Assault. -Lewis Rees and Anne Rees, both of Dolgelley, were charged with assaulting Owen Griffith Tudor, on the 3rd instant.—Owen G. Tudor said that on the 3rd instant, he was at Penucha'rdre, near defendant's house. Some children were snowballing, and Anne Rees came out and struck one of the children. Defendant came out afterwards and went after one of the boys to try to beat him. Com- plainant told them not to interfere with the children -who were the children of his (complainant's tenants)—as they were only playing. Anne Rees then struck him on the chest, and he called to Robert Lloyd and William Davies as witnesses; upon that Lewis Rees came there and used some very foul language, and after abusing complainant struck him on the chest. After some scuffling several women came to rescue com- plainant from the defendants, who both set upon him; both had been tenants of a house he was steward over, and he had to eject them.—Robert Lloyd White said he saw Anne Rees shoving complainant away by a push against his chest.—Elizabeth Williams gave corroborative evi- dence as far as the male defendant was concerned.—The defendant, Lewis Rees, admitted having taken a chamber pot out, and throwing some water out of it, partly at the children and partly on complainant.—Anne Rees,showing her hands, which were deformed, asked the magistrates if they could believe complainant that a person having such hands could strike him as he stated.—The Chairman remarked that Lewis Rees admitted he had committed an assault, as throwing water over a person in itself consti- tuted that offence.—Defendants called two witnesses, who testified that they did not see the commencement of the row, but that when they came there Lewis Rees was on his back across a large stone, and complainant choking him, and that they assisted to loosen defendant's necktie, and taking complainant off him.-Tiie charge against Anne Rees was dismissed, and Lewis Rees was fined Is., and 19s., costs or, in default, seven days' imprisonment. Assault and Refusing to Quit. -Griffith Williams, tanner better known as Griffith Machynlleth), was separately charged with assaulting P.C. Jiinoch Roberts, and with refusing to quit the Brown Horse, Dolgelley, on the 15th of October last.-P.C. E. Roberts said: On the 15th of October last I was called to the Brown Horse by the ser- vant girl, about nine p.m. When I went to the passage defendant was there, and the landlady of the house. Mrs Williams was telling defendant he should not get any drink, and defendant said he would have some. I told him that it would be better for him to go away quietly, when he began to curse and swear, and ordered me not to touch him. Mrs Williams said she wanted defendant turned out, and I again asked him to go away quietly, when he threatened me, and struck me on the side of the head. I then pushed him out. He came in again, took hold of my legs, and kicked me several times. P.C. Parry came to my assistance, and we got him to the lock-up. He kicked me also in the lock-up.—Gwen Jones and P.C. Parry gave corroborative evidence.—For the defence Thomas Evans, groom, Dolgelley, said: I was in the street on the night of the 15th October, and saw P.C. Roberts pushing defendant over the steps at the Brown Horse, on his head. He got up immediately and rushed at Roberts. I did not see him knock nor kick Roberts. I won't swear he did not. There was a crowd.—Jane Williams said I remember the night of Oct. 15th, and passing the Brown Horse. I saw Enoch Roberts throw- ing defendant from the house on his head. I stood there until defendant was taken to the station. I was so frightened that I did not notice anything after I saw de- fendant falling. I thought he was killed. I did not notice when he got up, nor did I see him kicking Roberts. There was a crowd between me and them.—Defendant, who had only left prison on Saturday last after an im- prisonment for three months for assaulting another per- son, was sentenced for the assault to two months' im- prisonment, with hard labour and for being drunk and refusing to quit he was filled 40s.; or, in default, to be im- prisoned for one month—commencing at the expiration of the previous sentence. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, THURSDAY, Jan. 19.- Present Messrs David Jones, vice-chairman (in the chair); Edward Jones, and William Nughes, Dolgelley John Jones, Talyllyn Richard Jones, Llanddwywe- uwch-graig; Owen Owen, Llanfihangel-y-pennant; Richard Williams, Llanaber Lewis Jones, Llanelltyd John Owen, Llangelynin Robert Jones and Edmund Jones, Llanymawddwy; and Edward Richards, Mallwyd; R. M. Richards, Esq., and Col. Bunbury, C.B., ex- officio. The Clerk applied for authority to proceed against the overseers of Dolgelley for non-payment of calls. -Mr John Jones proposed, and Mr Richard Jones seconded, that proceedings be taken, which was carried. Maintenance of Parents.—It was agreed that proceed- ings be taken against John Jones, Bwlchcwmcewydd, rear Dinas, and William Williams, labourer, of Towyn, for non-payment of 6d. a week towards the maintenance of their parents. Inspector of Nuisanccs at Llanegryn.—A letter was read from Mr Clough, Chief Constable, sanctioning the appointment of P.C. Metcalfe, of Llwyngwril, as in- spector of nuisances there without salary, provided the guardians would agree to pay any costs incurred by the officer in any case which might be dismissed.—Colonel Bunbury proposed, and R. M. Richards, Esq., seconded, that the inspector be appointed on the terms mentioned in the letter.—Mr Lewis Jones objected to the Union being made to pay anything on account of nuisances which might exist at Llanegryn. Mr Wynne and other owners of pro- perty there ought to pay themselves.—Mr Richard Wil- liams agreed, and an amendment to that effect was carried by eight against four. The New Dietary Tables.— The Master wished to know from the guardians when the new dietary tables would come into force.-The Clerk said that they would come into force immediately after being approved of by the Poor-law Board.—The Master said that he could not carry the table out, as he required much more milk for doing so than he could get at this time of the year.—Col. Bunbury thought that the milk for the house was supplied by contract. -The Master said it was, but the contractor could not supply more than he did at present; in fact he was obliged to buy from others a large portion of what he was now supplying.— The Chairman thought they could not in fairness ask the contractor to give a larger supply than usual at this time of the year when milk was so scarce.—Mr Richards wished to know if a much larger supply would be wanted than they had now.—The Master said he should require about three times the quantity, and he thought they could not get it until the 25th of March, when a new contract would be entered into.—Mr Richards thought they ought not to wait so long as that, as he found that according to the new dietary tables it was the poor children who would have to suffer. If the new tables provided better food for the children, and a much larger supply of milk, certainly they ought to get that advantage at the earliest possible moment.—Col. Bunbury entirely concurred with Mr Richards.—The Master said he would see Mr Robert Williams (butcher), the present contractor, if the matter was adjourned until next Board, and try to get him to arrange for the extra supply.—This was eventually agreed to. Visitors' Book.-Mr Richards begged to call the attention of the visiting committee to the fact that no entry had been made in the visitors' book since the 20th of November last.—Mr E. Jones said he had been round the house twice since then in company with others of the guardians, but he had not made an entry to that purpose in the book. — Mr Richards was afraid that the Poor-law Inspector would not be able to take cognizance of such visits at that, and hoped they would be more attentive in future. Master's Report. -Expenses incurred during the past fortnight: Provisions, 22516s. 31d.; clothing, C2 lis. 6d.: furniture, 15s.; necessaries, 4s. lid.; total, 1:29 7s. 8|d.— Number of vagrants relieved in the workhouse during the last fortnight, 7 during the corresponding fortnight of last year, 23.—Children in school, 8. Number of inmates in the house, 44 corresponding week of last year, 43. Relieving Officers' Report.—Mr John Jones, of Barmouth district: Number of out-door paupers relieved during the last fortnight, not able-bodied, 416; able-bodied, 27; children, 180; total, 623. Paid in out-door relief In money, 2115 3s. 6d.; in kind, £7 7s. 8d.; total, J6122 lis. 2d.—Mr Morris Jones, of Talyllyn district: Number re- lieved, not able-bodied, 240; able-bodied, 9; children, 129; total, 378. Paid in out-door relief In money E71 10s. 6d.; in kind, 22 2s. 5d.; total, B73 12s. 11d.-Amount of cheques applied for by Mr John Jones, 2125 by Mr Morris Jones, £ 74. State of the Calls. —Total arrears of calls due on the 4th of January, and appearing indebted by the overseers this day :—Dolgelley, £ 552 16s. 10d.; Llanfachreth, £ 85 8s. Id.; Llanelltyd, £ 47 16s. 7d.; Llanymawddwy, £ 54 17s. 3d.; Talyllyn, £ 100 15s. 6d. Total, £ 741 14s. 4d. Balance due to the Union this day In the hands of Mr W. Williams, treasurer, C903 18s. 2kl.; in the hands of Mr Morris Jones, relieving officer, 17s. lid.—Balance due this day to Mr John Jones, relieving officer, R3 9s. lid.

MACHYXLLETH. P""nI TREAT TO THE CHURCH CHOIR.—un Wednesday even- ing, the rector, the Rev. George Griffiths, with his accustomed liberality, entertained the members of the church choir and others, to the number of about forty, at the rectory to an excellent supper. This event is of annual occurrence. Messrs R. Gillart and Thomas Morgan, churchwardens, were among the guests. After the supper the company enjoyed themselves by singing songs, duets, and glees. CHORAL FESTIVAL.—The first meeting in Machynlleth, on a large scale, for the purpose of effecting improvement in congregational singing, took place at Graig Chapel on Thursday last. The Independent choirs from the follow- ing places were present, and joined in the singing Machynlleth (Graig), Aberhosan, Corris, Derwen-las, Dinas, Glasbwll, Llanbrynmair, Llanwrin, Penegoes, Pennal, and Soar. The choirs assembled at two and also at six o'clock. The ministers present were-The Rev. Josiah Jones, who presided on both occasions; the Rev. W. Perkins, Pennal; the Rev. S. Edwards, Machynlleth; the Rev. J. C. Williams, Corris and the Rev. E. Johns, missionary from China. Mr E. Stevens (Tanymariac) who has devoted much of his time in endeavouring to bring about improvement in congregational singing throughout Wales, and who has compiled a hymn book known by his own name, acted as conductor, and Mr R. Davies (Mynyddog) presided at the harmonium, so far as was necessary in "starting" the tunes, which were all taken from Mr Stevens's book, and comprised the follow- ing Elworth, Silesia, Cemmaes, Llawr-y-Glyn, Geneva, Erfyniad, Adoration, Bethesda, Priscilla, Wittemberg, Aylesbury, Heidelberg, Gilead, Diniweidrwydd, St. Peter's, Mount of Olives, and Catherine. Addresses were delivered by the chairman, by the able con- ductor, and by the Rev. Mr Johns, upon the efforts being made and which ought to be made for improving congregational singing. At the close of the meetings, which were exceedingly successful, the conduc- tor complimented the choirs upon the admirable way in which they sang, and remarked that he had never been at c a meeting where the singing had surpassed that which he had had the pleasure of listening to that day. If the movement is continued as energetically as it has com- menced we are certain soon to hear of its object being attained.

ABERYSTWYTH. GOGERDDAN ESTATE RENT AUDIT.—The half-year's rents of this estate were received and audited at the Gogerddan Arms Hotel, at Aberystwyth, on Thursday, the 19th inst. About half-past one p.m. the tenants, numbering about 300, were summoned to dine in the Ball Room erected at the rearof the hotel. Thetables were well laid out, asusual, doing credit to the hostess, Mrs Barlow. H. C. Fryer, Esq., of Lodge Park, presided, Mr Evan Killin, the oldest tenant occupying the vice-chair.Mr Fryer, in proposing the health of the landlord, Sir Pryse Pryse, Bart., said that he was commissioned by him to give them liberty to kill the rabbits on their farms, by themselves, servants, or others, during the next two months of February and March, by ferrets and nets. At the same time he was to tell them not to encourage poachers. He was also re- quested by Sir Pryse Pryse, Col. E. L. Pryse, and the Gogerddan family, to say that they had looked into the charge made against Mr William Jones, of Aberceiro, some time ago, and have found that he was not in the least connected therewith, and that his character stood as high as ever in their estimation.

hilJlJing. PORTMADOC. ARRIVED—Rebecca (s.s.), Williams; Williams, Jones; Zion Hill, Roberts; Prosperity, Roberts Isabella, Williams Prudence, Thomas John and Mary, Jones Ellen Francis, Francis. SAILED—Rebecca (s.s.), Williams.

TIDE TABLE FOR ABERYSTWYTH, ABERDOVEY, AND BARMOUTH. Jan. Aberystwyth. I Aberdovey. Barmouth. a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. a.m. I p.m. Sat. 21 7 26 i 7 51 7 55 1 8 20 7 35 8 0 Sun. 22 8 16 8 38 8 45 9 7 8 25 8 47 Mon. 23 9 0 9 2} 9 29 9 51 9 29 9 31 Tues. 24 9 44 10 3 10 13 10 32 9 53 10 12 Wed. 25 10 22 10 43 10 51 11 12 10 31 10 52 Thur. 26 11 2 11 21 11 31 I — 11 11 11 30 Fri. 27 11 40 0 9 0 28 — 0 8

DRE,iKF-kST. -Epps's CocoA. GRKTEFUL AND COMFORT- ING. By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well- selected cocoa, Mr Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills.Cioil Servicc Gazette. Made simply with Boiling Water or Milk. Each packet is labelled—JAMES Epps & Co.. Homoeopathic Chemists. London. Also, makers of Epps's Cacaoine, a very thin beverage for evening use. NOTICE.—Report of Dr ARTHUR HILL HASSALL, Analyst of the Lancet" Sanitary Commission, Author of "Food and its Adulterations," &c., &c., on Mayar's Semolina I have carefully tested, chemically and microscopically, the samples of Semolina sent by Messrs. L. Mayar & Co., 36, Mark L?ne, London, E.C. I find them to be perfectly genuine, of excellent quality, and eminently nutritious. They contain a very large percentage of nitrogenous matter, chiefly gluten, and are far more nutritious than any other food, such as Arrowroot, Tapioca, Sago, Corn Flour, Farinaceous Food, ordinary Wheat Flour, or any of the Cereals in use as food in this country. (Signed) ARTHUR HILL HASSALL, M.D., London." Highly recommended by the Faculty for Infants, Invalids, &c. Makes delicious Puddings, Custards, Blanc Mange, &c. After a trial no family will be without MAYAR'S SEMOLINA.

THE ANNUAL BANQUET OF THE SHROPSHIRE CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE. The annual banquet of the Shropshire Chamber of Agri- cultural took place in the Music Hall, Shrewsbury, yester- day afternoon. In the unavoidable absence of the Duke of Cleveland, who had been announced to preside, the duties of president were discharged by the Earl of Powis, who was supported by Mr. J. R. Ormsby Gore, M.P., Col. Corbett, M.P., Gen. Sir Percy Herbert, M.P., Mr. J. Figgins, M.P., Mr Douglas Straight, M.P., The Mayor of Shrewsbury, Capt. Cust, Mr R. Jasper More, Mr. D. F. Atcherley, aud Mr. W. O. Foster. The Earl of Powis said that it afforded him great grati- fication to propose the toast, which might fairly be considered the toast of the day, "Success to the Shrop- shire Chamber of Agriculture." (Cheers.) He regretted the absence of his grace the Duke of Cleveland, who was to have presided, and who was unavoidably absent owing to ill-health. For many years his grace had, in both houses of Parliament, taken a temperate and intelligent part in political life, and as, in former years, he had occupied a high post in her Majesty's diplomatic service, his opinion upon those difficulties which troubled Europe, would have great weight. As regarded the Chamber he believed that the number of members was very satis- factory. In some districts a more perfect organization was required, and that was a matter in which the com- mittee would doubtless be able to enlist the sympathies of the various market towns to assist them. Several discussions upon topics of local as well as general import- ance and interest had occupied the attention of the Chamber during the past year. At Ludlow, in the autumn, there had been a very important discussion upon the Education question. The Bishop of Hereford atten- ded the meeting and gave a very lucid and able exposition of the question, very much to the satisfaction of those who were desirous of availing themselves of the Act in their several parishes, and although no substantial resolution was arrived at, a very strong opinion was expressed in favour of the existing system of parochial schools, a system whose claims were urged by Mr Evan Davies in a most able and earnest speech. There were other general questions which had occupied the attention of the Cham- ber, such as the importation of foreign cattle, and the ques- tion of local taxation, a subject which was of vast importance to agriculturists. In one matter the Chamber had, he regretted to state, been unsuccessful, and that was in per- suading the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society to hold their annual meeting in Shrewsbury. (Hear, hear.) The committee had striven very hard to induce the Council to fix upon Shrewsbury, but they had been beaten by the claims which were put forward by the greater popu- lation of the county of Stafford. In its schedule of prizes the Society had offered prizes of 2100 each for the best diary and the best arable farms, and he trusted that the Shropshire tenant farmer would be able to wrest these prizes and many others from the hands of their neigh- bours. (Applause.) He was specially glad to see that at a recent meeting of the committee attention had been directed to the movement which had been set on foot for assisting the French farmers to obtain seeds for their next harvest, and he hoped that a liberal re- sponse would be made by all Shropshire farmers to the appeal which had gone forth for assistance to be sent to their less fortunate brethren in France. (Hear hear.) Let them think of what a state Shropshire would be in if every sack of corn, every bag of potatoes, every stack of straw were to be taken away by requisition, and nothing to show for them save a Prussian 1. O. U. His Lordship concluded by proposing Success to the Shropshire Chamber of Agriculture." (Loud Cheers). Mr. STANLEY LEIGHTON said that he hoped they would allow him to withdraw their attention for a few moments from toasts of an agricultural character, and welcome, by drinking their healths,lsome of their honoured guests. He intended to propose the health of the mayor and corporation of Shrewsbury, and the other mayors, their guests. (Cheers). In a society like their own, composed almost entirely of those who were directly and immedi- ately concerned in agriculture, it was well sometimes to realize that there were other large bodies of men who looked upon their pursuits not unkindly, but from a totally different stand-point from their own. Such a con- sideration would help them to attain to that tolerance of diversity of opinion, without which all their efforts would would be one-sided. He regarded the presence there that day of the mayor of Shrewsbury at the invitation of their committee, as a significant proof that they, as a chamber, were determined not to follow a selfish or exclusive policy. (Applause). Shrewsbury was the centre of a large agri- cultural district. It was there that they had fondly hoped to have seen the Royal Society of England meet that year. (Applause). It was a town to a large extent supported by the money spent in it by farmers its most conspicuous public building-the Corn Exchange—was devoted to the business of agriculture. (Applause.) Proximity to the county town added value and gave convenience to all farming land. These were some of the evidences of the intimate co-relation of interests existing between the town and the country. Indeed, if it were not for a helping hand given them sometimes in Parliament by the repre- sentatives of boroughs, the county members would be unable to carry through the measures important to agri- culture. (Applause.) For these reasons he thought that as farmers, they should cultivate an "enteinte eordiale" with the dwellers in towns. (Applause.) He proposed the health of the Mayor and Corporation of Shrewsbury. (Cheers.) The MAYOR OF SHREWSBURY responded.

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arktt tp(trt$. C t-c. WELSHPOOL, MONDAY.- Quotations: -Wheat (per 8OIbll.) 89' bag) 18s. t° 22s.; Esr?s, ID to 12 for Is.; Butter is 5d to 1« 7d bag) 18s. t° 22s.; Esr?s, ID to 12 for Is.; Butter is 5d to 1« 7d 0d' t0 is- 6J' P«r connle Ducks 4* 61 to i ^urk0ys- 5s. 0d. to 10s. Od. each Geese 5s 6,1' to vi* rw each; Potatoes, 3s. Od. to 3s. 6d. per bushel °d* MonDat- — Last week's supplies of grain wera T f A Quo ExP0rts:.1.387 qrS. wheat, 3,350 qrs. oats EnXh was moderateS 'and"°the ^r"' Tbe sh™ fresh sam^ was moderate, and the condition in consequence of anothni- iwJ ♦ P°°-r- An>;thml? really fine and dry was readilv ailr. able at previous rates; the remainder wore difficult t » placeS There was less farmness also in the foreign trade half the arri- vals were American, and these were most innn.-o 5 # » flour 21,802 sacks; foreign, l,^ b™re1s \o^rand°othS country qualities were fully as ear Barrels i„ of a very lar^e French demand, sold' freelv at 'fid advan'H'6110! Tetl?rnier- qrs This grafn fcTund" "teadv trade at the previous quotations. British barley 2 016 ars^ fui^foVrnJ terms' hnt"0 fmalti.nS 1ualities were 'saleable on iuiiy tormu terms, but intermediate remained dull Grinding sorts were about the same. The malt trade remained ^active without any change in quotations. Eng ish oaU 43) c rs foreign, 12,966 qrs. Notwithstanding the very small supply there being ample stores in granary to meet the French in,mfrv "scarcely any dearer, but fine heavy i. r ved about 6d. per qr. Native beans, 1,535 qrs.; foreign 1:M3 ThA sale was slow, with prices much the same. Eugiish oea, mo qrs.: foreign, none. No change was noted either in bùillJrs or OUBBENT PRICES OF BRITISH GRAIN AND FLOUR IN MARK LANE. heat, new, Essex and Kent (white), y K w, Ditto ditto red •' ft & Wheat, Norfolk, Lincoln, and Yorkshire (red) 49 5^ Bean a .1 Oats, English feed Flour, per sack of 2801b, Town Households 41s. to 47a. ViiiRPOOL MARKET. -TUIZSDAY. aiillera were unwilling purchase 's of wheat at the A.DV\NfIF on the week of TWOPEXCE to THREEPENCE PER CENTAL, F'our in request, but the choice of quality being limitod, not much business practicable. Barrels Is., and sacks Is. 6d. t« 2s„ dearer on the week. Barley and beans without change. Poas b. per qr. higher. Oats and oatmeal dull. Indian corn quiet, but Friday's improvement was supported. CATTLE. LIVERPOOL, MONDAY.—We had an increased number of cattle at this day's market; of sheep about the same as the pre- vious week. The quality of the bref was very middlini:, and anything prime was in demand, at the followin- prices. Mutton, nnnti «« ^a3 of a mucb better d 'scrintion wo cannot ln pr.ices- Beef- 7d- t0 8id-! mutton, 7id.t 8jd., and 9^d. Beasts, 2,400-; sheep, 6,500. TNN5JI|L)1!(,I,ITAN MONDAY.—The total imports of stock into London last week amounted to 2,505 head. In the corresponding week in 18/0 we received 4,011; m 1869, 4,694- in 1H«4 HMO- and in 1867, 9,510 head. Owing to the mild weather and to the depression in the dead meat market, the cattle trade has been ?tate t?-day. but in consequence of the limited sup- piles otiering prices have been maintained. From our ovm grazing districts the receipts of beasts have been about an average, but the show of forei¡m ha been trifling. The domand for all breeds has been inactive, at about last week's quotations, ror the best boots and crosses 5s 10<1. to 6s. per ftlhs HAAn obtained. From Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, .nrLmbkd^.shire we received about 2.000 Scots and crosses, fr m other parts of England about 2a0 various breeds, from Scotland 185 Scots and crosses and from Ireland 100 oxon. The show of sheop has n K u K6 ^as,been 1«iet, at late currencies the best Downs and half-breds have sold at 5s. 10:1. to 6s. per 81bs. Calves have been quiet, and there has been but little inquirv for pigs. MISCELLA NEO US. LONDON PROVISTOV, MONDAY.— The arrivals last wesk from Ireland were 1,447 firkins butter, and 3,523 bales bacon • and from foreign parts 12,570 packages butter, and 4 > boxes bacon. Butter met a good sale at irregular prices, according to qualities; best Dutch, 146s. to 150s. The bacon market further declined 2s. per cwt., the severity of the we:tther h iving an effort upon consumption; best Waterford sizeable meat 66s. on board. LONDON POTATO, MONDA Y.-During the pist week the arrivals coastwise have been moderate, but a large quantity by rail, and the prices of the former week were not maintained. M )NI)ON HI)P, M NDAY. -Our m'lrket has assumed an ex. ceedingly firm tone, occasioned by a strong speculative inquiry and a reluctance shown by growers to part with their produce. A fair amount of business is passing in all classes of hops at firm rates, and re;illv choice qualities show an advance of from 4s to 5s. per cwt. Foreign markets are reported dull. A better dem md exists for the finest yearling Americans, which being nearly absorbed command better values, lower grades are neg- lected. Latest advices from New York report a dull market. win ana liast Kent £ i 15 £ 3 10 17 0 WeaWs 1 15 2 16 3 10 Sussex 110. 2 2 3 6 Farnhara and Country 3 15 4 15 5 13 Sussex 110. 2 2 3 6 Farnhara and Country 3 15 4 15 5 13 0IDA 1 0 1 15 2 10 LONDON SEED, MONDAY.—The supply of English clover- seed was moderate; fine qualities were taken off steadily, At very high prices, and all foreign qualities were quite as dear. Choice Trefoil realised full rates, with a moderate demand; verv little foreign is offered, the stocks of which are much reduced Best English canary seed was saleable at the extreme price-of last week. Hempseed realised as much money. Foreign tarns met a moderate sale at the quotations of last week. Large qualities are wanted, for which more money would be paid. There ara very few samples of Engltsh spring offering as yet, and those are inquired after. All grass seeds continue to be purchased steadily at full prices. BIR:\HXGHAM HIDE AND SKIX MARKRT, 8AT«TRI»AT.— Hides: 95 b. and upwards, 1. to Od. per lb; 851b. to 41d. to Od. per lb.; 7nlb. to 8lib., 4J 1. to Od. per lb.; 651b. to 741b., 4d. to Oil. per lb; 56lb to (Hlb, 4kd. to 01 perlb.; 551bs and under, 41d. to Od. per lb.; cows, 33d. to 41. per ib.; bnl s, 3f I. per lb. tlawed and irregular, 33d. to 3J1. per lb.; horse, 8s. 9d. to 15s. 6d. each Calf: 171b. and upwards, 5Jd. per lh.; 121b. to 16!b., 81,1. per lb; 91b. to 111b., 8jd. per fb.; litrht, 7 £ 'l. per lb.; flawed and ir- reanlar. 5d. per lb. Wools, A 1,8s. 2d.; A, 6s. 5d; B, 4s. lOd. Fat, Std. to SId. 4 LONDON WOOL, MONDAY—Prices of English wool continue firm all round, and a steady tone prevails in the market. Thera is no tendency towards specu:ation, the purchase, made being f '1' immediate consumption. The demand still runs on choice qualities, good wethers being most in request. Middle hogga have changed hands to a fair extent at late rates.. Noiles and brokes are also inquired after. s. ,1. t„ 8. /i FLEECES—houthdown hoggets per lb. 1 01 1 It Half-bred ditto I 1 4 Kent fleeces I 2 1 S Southd'n ewes and wethers „ 0 101 0 114 Leicester ditto „ 11 1 l| SORTS—Clothing, picklock 1 4 J 4X Prime „ 1 24 1 8 Choice jt x 1 2 SUPER 1 0 1 01 Combing, wether mat „ 1 2t 1 3 Picklock 1 ol 1 1 Common. 0 11 0 lli Hog matching i 4 1 41 Picklock matching 1 04 1 I Super ditto 0 11 0 11.

TRADE INTELLIUENCE. THE BIRMINGHAM IRON TRADE.—THURSDAY. The quarterly meeting of the ironmasters of this district was held in the Birmingham Town Hall, yesterday. There was a large attendance of the trade, including representatives of most of the leading houses of South Staffordshire and Shropshire, and in addition to many local merchants, brokers, engineers, and manufacturers, there were buyers present from London, Liver- pool, Bristol, and the North. Prices having been settled at the preliminary meeting, on the old official basis of XS per ton for common marked bars, and the political situation beinat un- changed, there was no disturbing element to be taken into ac. count, and little time therefore was lost in negotiation. The amount of business transacted altogether was not very groat for quarter-day, but comparatively few of the large firms are now dependent on these public meetings, and the orders in the mar- ket were, at all events, sufficient to uphold quotations as well for pig as for manufactured iron. For the former a good many contracts wore concluded for the quarter's make, and as stocks are generally low, prices were firm, at X3 10s. to t3 ls. for hot. blast native all-mine £ 4 to ti 23. 6d. for hematite; and other sorts in proportion. In manufactured iron the chief demand was for bars, for export, quoted at £ 1 5s. to £ 8; hoops, sheets. Pio fh rods' and °'her miscellaneous varieties adapted to the manufacturing wants of this locality. Native °r0Kv.iWerl m «re.at request, at 15s. to 16s. 6d. for balls, flats, gubbms, &c. Business at the works was reported to be still very slack, notwithstanding the interruption caused by the holidays but 111 the confident belief that the end of the war cannot now be very remote, and that with peace a period of prosperity will certainly dawn for all branches of the English iron trade, the tone of the meeting was decidedly cheerful.

REVIEW OF THE BRITISH CORX TRADE. (From the Mark Lane Express.) The past week has brought us again into winter, with the severity increasing as its days were spent, and a thin covering of snow has mostly begirt the country, with sleet occasionally falling. Work in the fields, with the exception of cartage, has been stopped. The farmer has been forced upon thrashing, while the grazier has had sharp work to keep his stock in good heart at the double price now paid for fodder, and the scarcity of turnips. But we hear the young wheat shows no signs of harm, and should the weather only keep steady we may be the better off for this timely cold, as spring is too-far-a-head to hope for its revivifying influence. In keeping with the dull advice from London on Monday, when a general thaw seemed probable and the weather had affected samples most markets noted a decline of Is. per qr. but on Friday there were indications of reaction, foreign orders coming again liberally to hand, more flour being again bought at 27s. to 27s. 6d. per brl., and about 50,000 qrs. of oats, nearly all in granary, at 22s. for Russian, and 24s. 6d. for heavy Swedes, the early capitulation of Paris being reckoned on, and no storehouses but our own being in condition to send prompt supplies. In the stocks of London for the 1st we note an increase on 1870 as follows Oath 201,027 qrs., Peas 18,000 qrs., Maize 20,181 qrs., anil of Flour equal to 31,000 qrs. Wheat; but of Wheat there is a decrease of 115,57■) qrs., of Barley 27,028 qrs., and Beans 2,819 qrs.; while the entire granary room now by cof,n and seed in Lon<lon is equal to about l,4J^,bOO qrs. So that we can well spare somethin" for our famishing brethren and neighbours while a very large gross income is receivable by those who hold or own these important depots. The most important occupation of store room is in wheat and oats. The wheat, includ- ing nour, we recKcn at IOUWOO qrs., the oats at 59S <>66 qrs.; but if our present demand should last three months it would clear it, and we should then have to look out for ourselves after a very short crop and still shorter one of hay; while the stock of wheat, under present circum- stances, cannot be considered as formidable, with Germany deficienti and France we know not where. It is to be remembered, too, that ever since harvest our farmers' deliveries have been more free than usual, as the wheat stock was nearly their only refuge, and the better price encouraged them to use it. The Baltic remains frost. bound as well as the Eastern ports, and every American canal in the north, but California is putting forth all her energies. Since writing the above we have another thaw. Printed at the Caxton Steam-Printing Works Oswestry, in the county of Salop, and published at the dwelling-house of JACOB JONES, High-street, Bala, in the county of Merioneth, and of PHILIP WILLIAMS, 12, Bridge-street, Aberystwyth, by JOHbI ASKEW ROBERTS, Croeswylan, Oswestry, EDWARD WOOOALI., Cripple Bank. Oswestry, and RICHARD HENRY VENAULUB, Wbit'Jngt^a, In the county of Salop. Saturday, January 21st, 1871.a