The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NOTES. Mr. HENRY RICHARD, M.P., has addressed a letter in Welsh to his fellow countrymen of the Principality. He speaks of the imminent danger iin which the country now stands in respect of the Eastern complication, and re- marks that it is iin the power of the people to stay war by speaking against it with such-emphasis and unanimity that the Government will dare 'not go against them. He therefore adjures 11he Welsh people to give immediate and effective expression to their pacific sentiments. » The RECTOR of MERTHYJI, summing up in Mayfair the details of the subscriptions sent to him on behalf of the children during tke prevalence of the distress in South Wales, says We-estimated that the clothing alone came to in value £1,50&, and the gifts in kind to about £800. dd to this the actual cash I received, t4,180, and you get ^6,480. Add to this Mr. RICHARD'S £ 1,100, ^bich was spent ia clothing only, and the total makes £7,580. The re-appointment of the Machynlleth Parochial Com- miEtee must have caused a feeling of confidencs in the blind of every ratepayer in The Committee 'h from the first most assiduously done nothing, aad Manifests a brave determination to go on doing nothing th praiseworthy diligence. It would be impossible to (find a town better wqcffiied with a pitblic body, or a pub- lic body more thoroughly suited to a town. The author the suggestion to provide a parochial committee for Machynlleth deserves wrefflof the public—a testimonial at .t. The Aberystwyth magistrates have Nearly made up theû- minds at last to inflict -fete penalties provided in the duction Acts, to enforce attendance at elementary 'cn.(}1iÚc. On Wednesday eeveraf parents were fined in the pstalty, one of them for the first offenae. The result thkgs»olicy will be to iadwee j>#.rents to sand their chil- dren t* school. After the1 ill effects of til* old system *ve hee,; got. rid of the^ poor wiU be saved a great deal of unnecessary inconvenience and wtffering. On Saturday the remains of OdUnel POWIILL were Waced in th-e family vault inside Llaubadarn Church, funeral procession started from KT&atoos at the hour *ed, and proceeded through Penybont. The service for Burial of the Dead was conducted by the Rev. JOHN and the etmr/ek by inhabitants from t Parts of the district. Mr. GEORGE POWELL left KT&n- c02 for Lond,.n on Monday. ♦ t te Aberystwyth Board of Guardians, on Monday I\l1 t, the House Committee presented a report on the g¡d irregularities in respect to the use of the pro. lsio&&, &c„°pvt the \Vorkb0«s#f and the quantity of stock in the Master's possession. The report, which was adopted on the motion of Mr. MORRIS DAVIES, says-" Your Committee arrived at the unanimous opinion that, although serious deficiencies are shown to exist in the quantities of some of the stock, and irregularities in keeping the books are apparent, there is no evidence to justify an assumption of fraud on the part of the Master. Your Committee, there- fore, recommend that the Master be retained at his post, but that he be called upon to make good in cash to the satisfac- tion of the Committee the deficiencies shown to exist in the stock on May 4th, the day of the stock taking." This axtract from the report, agreed to by Mr. MORRIS DAVIES, embodies the substance of our contention from first to last, and had it not been for some words used by Mr. MORRIS DAVIES on Monday, the matter might have been allowed to drop Mr. MORRIS DAVIES is dissatisfied that we and others have always referred to the allegations made against the contractors, clerks, and master, as alleged irregularities. We did this in simple justice, and in accordance with the rule that a newspaper has no right to presume guilt nor to treat an accusation as a crime. We speak or "alleged" drunkenness, theft, or murder, until the charges are proved. The report of the House Committee on Monday shows how wise and necessary the precaution is. The charges against the contractors are not mentioned in the report simply because they had to be altogether abandoned. We now come to a point of 3onsiderable importance. Mr. MORRIS DAVIES agreed to the report, and moved its adoption at the meeting on Monday, but he said the Master had been dishonest to the Guardians, and that although there was no "criminal" fraud, there might be such a thing as moral" fraud, rhe one question, as regards the Master, throughout the snquiry, was whether the deficiencies in stock and the iefects in book-keeping were the result of dishonesty or carelessness. There has been no doubt from the time the Master's books were first investigated that he was not in possession of the stock he was represented to be by his books. There is no "moral" fraud in this. Either the Master is as honest as Mr. MORRIS DAVIES or any other member of the Board, and allowed his books and stock to jet wrong through carelessness, or he is not honest, and manipulated his stock and books in order to deceive the Guardians. If he is honest there is no fraud either "moral," "criminal," or any other sort. If he is not honest there is fraud, and whether the evidence of it might be strong enough to obtain a conviction in a Court of Justice does not alter the fact that he is guilty of fraud —simple fraud. The verdict of the Committee of which Mr. MORRIS DAVIES is a member, is that there is no evidence to justify an assumption of fraud." Mr. MORRIS DAVIES moves the adoption of these words and then tries to attach a stigma of guilt. This, to say the least of it, is not generous towards a man who is visited with what Mr. DAVIES admits is a "tremendous" penalty. Whether the penalty of making good the deficiencies in stock is tremendous" or not depends upon his offence. If he has only been guilty of carelessness the penalty is tre- mendous" in more than its severity. If he has been guilty of fraucl"-even Mr. MORRIS DAVIES'S peculiar kind of fraud—the penalty is absurdly small. Mr. DAVIES'S verdict is virtually not guilty" only do not commit the offence again. The public will agree with the report and with the CHAIRMAN'S remarks. Mr. 110RRIS DAVIES may safely be left to make clear to his own mind what is meant bv "moral" fraud. After travelling to at least three of the four parts of the United Kingdom, Lord CASTLEREAGH has at last found a seat in the House of Commons for County Down. The only objection to his return is that he is a Conservative. Personally it would be impossible to object to him. There are thousands in Montgomeryshire who will rejoice in the success of the Marquess of LONDONDERRY'S son., At the last meeting of the Aberystwyth Town Council, the question of the open drain behind the Gas Works was raised by the SURVEYOR, and it was agreed that he should see what it would cost to cover it in. This very necessary work ought to be done as soon as possible.—Some diffic/uity has ari en respecting the drainage of Penparke, and there, is danger that this very desirable work will be delayed. The question was referred to the Public Works Com- mittee, and it is to be hoped the work will be proceeded with, notwithstanding the difficulty that has arisen. It would be lamentable that Penparke should be again left until another outbreak of disease, or until accumulated filth forces itself upon public notice. We report this week a public meeting held at Portmadoc, under the presidency of Mr. E. BBEESE, Morfa Lodge, in support of the movement for closing- public- houses on Sundays. A meeting on behalf of the same ob- ject has also been held at Towyn. CATHERINE JONES, the wife of a farmer at Llanllynfi, has been committed for trial by the Carnarvonshire magistrates, upon the charge of the wilful murder of her infant daughter, aged eighteen months. It was stated in evidence by the prisoner's husband that the mother had suffered from sleeplessness and from puerperal mania since the birth of the child. The Coroner's jury had returned a verdict to the effect that the deed was committed by the mother when in a state of temporary insanity. ANNE MORGAN, better known as the Borth "fasting" girl, it will be remembered, was taken to the Aberystwyth Infirmary. After being there some time she began to eat, and was subsequently discharged convalescent. She returned to her home at Borth. There can be no doubt the medical men of Aberystwyth saved his girl's life, which would have been sacrificed by a com- bination of superstition, ignorance, and poverty.

It had been arranged-that th e declaration in favour of peace which had been signed by upwards of two hundred thou- sand persons should be brought under Lord Salisbury's notice by an influential deputation. A letter, asking him to appoint an early day for an interview, was signed by the Marquis of Bath, the Duke of Westminster, Lord Coleridge, Mr. Froude, Mr. Darwin, and other gentlemen, and was forwarded to the Foreign Secretary on Monday afternoon. The Marquis of Salisbury has declined to receive the deputation, on the ground that it would be inconvemient to the public service to have any discussion on the matter at present. The Archbishop of Canterbury, addressing a meeting at Lambeth Palace, on Monday, May 20th, referred to the experience of the Church of Ireland since the passing of the Act of Disestablishment. His grace observed that one thing had certainly followed from the disestablish- ment, and that was that the laity had got a very powerful influence in the disestablished Church, which he did not believe many of the diseatablishment promoters much appreciated. For his own part he was glad to see it, although he saw a daiager-in it if encouraged too much. The new system very.greaily affected the class of men wbe were to form the clergy, of the Church. He thought it. would (be for the good of all that the Church should have highly-educated men of a superior social position for the ministry. He believed that the Irish Church would sur- mount .all the difficulties winch stood in its way. The Nishop of Oxford, im tthe course of his triennial: charge, Qa Monday, May SC,touched upon the Burials; Question, and expressed regret at the position which the majority of the clergy had taken with reference to it. His lordship fiaid he did not tdaink that anyone would be; greatly injured if Nonconformists were allowed tocele-i fcrate the cites of burial in churchyards after their own fashion. In the French Senate on lEuesday, Bishop Dupan- loup questioned the Government respecting the proposed celebration of the centenary off Voltaire, which he said was intended to be an anti-Catholic manifestation. A lume containing extracts from Voltaire's works directed against Catholicism ought not, he maintained, to be allowed to,eirculate. M. Dufaure, in reply, said it was impossible bring Voltaire before a jury, &nd the Government did not think it advisable to interfere now with the publication of Ms writings. The annual conference of Evangelical clergy was held at at Southport on Tuesday, May 21st. The Liverpool Post says that among the questions refemed to was Canon Farrar's book Eternal Hops," whfcli was condemned by the Rev. Canon Rrle as mischievous. The Canon took up the ssmewhat singsJar position that all religious teaching was tiil be tried by tie test of what the mass,of uninstructed and illiterate people thought about it. He said it did not matter what learned men liked to say ■at what was. preached- The important question was, What did" John, Thomae, and Mary amng the lower classes" think of it. The Birmingham, Pout publishes the following letter written fry Mr. Hamar Bass, M.P., to one of his suppor- ters at Taaworth, who had called attention to Mr. Han- bury's recent tetter, and tSie statement quoted in it from Mr. Woody, one of Mr. Ba&s s proposers at the election I first read in the public prints the letter to which you allude. It was wiitten withe ut any communication with me, and entirely without my kcowledge. I am in no way answerable for it, arol of course i6 will in no way influence my political conduct. When I WM a candidate at Tato* woJth, I expressed my opinion in rbtion to the Eastern policy of her Majesty's Government, J condemned thoir policy then; I condemn it rww, anS I aiastft likely to alter my opinion." The following letter has been received in reply to a resolution of condolence with Mr, Bright, passed by the) Council of the Labour Representation League, John Bright, is anxious to thank his friends who have written to him letters of condolence and sympathy on his sudden and great bereavement, He cannot write in reply t several hundreds of letters, but must ask those who have so remembered him in his sorrow to accept tkis brief acknowledgment of their kindness by which his heart has been deeply touched." The members of the German National Liberal party have resolved to vote against the Government Bill for the prevention of democratic excesses. A disturbance took place at St. Peter's Church, Liverpool, on Wednesday evening. The Rev. J. Knox- Little, rector of St. Albans, Manchester, had ascended the pulpit for the purpose of delivering one of a series of lectures to working men, and immediately after he had given out his text a body of about 200 working men rose from their seats with cries of No Popery," and left the church. They afterwards held a out-door meeting, and passed a resolution condemning the Ritualistic tendency ot the services.

LLANRHYSTYD. fiaVK HERBERT BOARD SCHOOL.—On the 16th of May, in spite of the rough weather, the scholars of this school, to the number of eighty, were entertained to a Substantial and plenti- ful supply of tea and cake, by Mrs. Jones, Pengraig villa, and Mr. Jonathan Jones, New Mawbs, after which addresses were delivered to the scholars by Mr. Davies, Ffynnon Howell, and Mr. Jones, who endeavoured to impress upon their minds the necessity of attending school punctually and regularly, They were not to go on small errands which could very well be done out of school hoars, as their advantages were how greater than those of their parents. After a few questions had been asked on the object of the entertainment, the scholars sang a few song,3 and heartily thanked the donors in the usual way. With the object of still further encouraging regular attendance, a concert was held in the evening towards procuring prizes for the best scholars. Mr. Davies, chairman of the School Board, pre- sided, and having delivered an introductory address, called upon the children to sing Gay and Happy," which Was gone through vigorously. Following came three recitations with the song, Drive tf:w nail aright boys, by the children. Three recita- tions were followed Dy a dialogue. Then came a recitation and a solo, Ond," by Mr. Lewis, Hafodwnog. Next came a round by the children, which was very nicely sung. After the chairman had passed an eulogiuin on the singing of the scholars, a few recitations and dialogues followed. The song "YrHen Langc" (The old Bachelor) came next, by Mr. E. Efarra, Caeaubach, with the laughable Teeitaiion, "The Corgwn." The first quartett was now performed by the Hafodwnog party, and gave great satisfaction. Gwerthu y Gyblrae" was well recited by Stephen Jones. A dialogue came next; The Drunkard," was next well recited by D. Jenkins. The children next sang" Be kind to thy Father" very feelingly. Boxer y ceffyl Blaen was well recited by John A. Jones, followed by Dafydd a Mari," which deserves the same praise. Cynnulliadau y Croesffyrdd" was next recited by Miss Jane Davies, who made room fqr a very pleasing trio, O' na bawn vn Seren," by Mr. E. Evans, Rhydrosser, and party. Pobl y Drws nesa" was very well recited by Evan Lewis. Cymru Hoff," solo and chorus, was then gone through by Miss Richards and party. Breuddwydio" was next capitally recited by D. Morgan Jones. "London's Rlarning" (round) was sung by the children. Llanc am fod yn ddyn" was very humourously recited by Thomas Evans. The audience was next treated to the song, "Y Mynach du," excellently rendered by the Rev. J. Morgans, who possesses a giant's voice in every way. The next piece WRS an appropriate solo and chorus by the Hafodwitqg party on the fashions of the age. By way of change an excellent speech on Helyntion yr Oes" was delivered by Mr. Alban Davies. It was thoroughly appreciated, as it con- tained very sensible advice. The trio, Iddo Ef," was next very pleasingly rendered by Mr. Evan Evans, Rhydresser, and party. The solo and chorus, "The Schoolmaster," was next performed by Mr. Thomas and D. Morgan James with interlocutions, which created considerable merriment. The meeting were much pleased with the trio, "Ye shepherds tell me," translated into Welsh for the occasion by the Rev. J. Mor- gans. Solo, "Dull y Ffasiynau," Mr. E. Evans, greatly en- livened the meeting. The solo and chorus, "Siaradwn yn barchus on gilydd," came next by Miss M. J. Jones and Rhydrosser party. The solo, "Dafydd," was humourously given by Mr. Qrimths, Felin. The last piece, was the trio, The Canadian boat song," which was very well sung by Rev J. Mor- gans, Mr. James, and Mr. Thomas, whose voices were very evenly balanced. Votes of thanks to the Chairman, and ail concerned brought the meeting to a successful termination.

CARMARTHEN. THE I^BCOBBERSHIP.—Mr. Benjamin Francis Williams, of the South Wales circuit, has been appointed to the re- cordership of Carmarthen, in place of Mr. B. T. Williams, Q.C., M.P., of the same circuit, who resigned the office upon being recently elected to represent Carmarthen in Parliament. Mr. B. F. Williams was called to the bar at the Middle Teaaple in 1867.

CARNARVON. CARNARVONSHIRE MILITIA.-The annual ball of the Carnarvonshire militia took place on Wednesday night, Mav 22nd, the Sportsman Hotel, Carnarvon. The orchestra was under the direction of Mr. Hindmarsh bandmaster of the regiment. The inspection began on Thursday and will be concluded this day, (Friday) and the regunent will fereaik iiplor, Saturday.

GLANBOVEY. PRESENTATIGTC.—Mr. Edwards, who has been for many years stationed at Glandovey Junction, has been pro- moted to the station mastership at Llanymynech. Mi\ Edw-ardo performed his duties in a quiet and unostenta- tious manner; and, on leaving for Llanymynech his friends 'presented him with a handsome timepiece and writing desk, subscribed for by the residents of Pennal, Glandovey, and <&e neighbourhood. His brother has been appuiuted to the post of stationmaster at Glandovey1 Junction.

TORTMABOC. THE SUNDAY CLOSING OF PUBLIC HOUSES, j A public meeting was held at the Assembly Room, Prtmal10c, 011 Tuesday evening, May 21, in support of Mr. Wilson's Bill for closing public houses on Sundays, Mr. E. Breese, Morf,& Lodge, in the .chair. There was a very good attendance, and the meeting was unanimously in favour of the Bill. The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, observed thnt the object they \:ad in view w*s closely connected with the well being, the good morals, and prosperity of a large class of their felkw creatures. For many genera- tions and centuries great respect had fe-een paid to the Lord's Day. A statute was passed in the reign of Charles II. Cpr the better observsmce of the Sabbath, the object of which was to stop all kinds of work, and to promote re- ligious worship, which was essential to the well being of man. Its object was also to promote man's good by af. fording them rest, and an opportunity for seli-examination and self-improvement. The statute in question provided heavy penalties for its violation. The authorities pro- ceeded not only against the costermongers, but also against the rich trading companies, and compelled them to observe the Sabbath. Still there was a class of our fellow sub- jects who had been excluded by recent legislation from the benefit of the Sabbath day rest. They were com- pelled by law to carry on their trstde on Sundays. In the pelled by law to carry on their trstde on Sundays. In the interest of the innkeeper that wag not fair. Why should not the innkeeper have his holiday on Sunday like other paople? Why should he be debarred from attending the House of Gaq on Sundays to worship his Maker? He could net understand why the liquor dealer was allowed to carry on his business on Sunday, whilst the grocer or draper was prohibited from doing so. They were not there that nigrht to advocate total Abstinence, nor the Permissive Bui; bat in support of an abject, respecting which they all atood on a common platform, and on which they all perfectly agreed, viz., that intoxicating drinks should not be sold on Sundays. (Applause.) In some places lik« Dolgellev, all the inns except o-;e >vere closed on Sun-1 days but that one spoilt it all. It is to that house all who wanted intoxicating drinks on Sundays went; and v' the result was, more danger to the preservation of the peace, and more desecration of the Sabbath. Considering that Portmadoc was a seaport town, and that there were many strangers amongst them, he firmly believed that the town stood as high it not higher in regard to the observance of the Sabbath as most places. The men receive their wages on Saturday how much better would it be for the inter- ests of their wives and children, if instead of spending their money at public houses, they kept it in their pockets until Monday morning. (Applause.) Their children would be better fed, and better clothed. He attended there that evening to show how thoroughly he sympathized with the object of the meeting. (Applause.) He was not himself a total abstainer; but he respected those that abstained for the purpose of setting an example to others. Let them have temperance in all things, in eating, drink- ing, speaking, and acting. He was happy to see that the promoters of the Irish Sunday Closing Bill carried the second reading against the Government, and he believed the Bill would become law. (Applause.) The Rev. J. M. JONES, St. John's Church, proposed the first resolution, which was as follows That this meeting is of opinion that the sale of intoxinatinar ¡inunN on the Lord's Day is productive of a large amount of drunkenness, irreligion, pauperism, and crime among people, and inasmuch as it is enacted that other trades shall not be pursued on that day, it is both impolitic and unfair that such sale should he sanctioned, as at present, by the laws of the realm." Mr. Jones said that there were gentlemen on the platform that had paid more attention to the subject than himself, and he did not come forward in the hope of being able to contribute much towards the elucidation of the subject, but like the women in the red shawls at Fishguard, who walked round the top of a hill to make the French who had just landed there, believe that there was a large force of soldiers present, he attended to show what side he was on. He was glad to find one platform on which Churchmen and Nonconformists could meet and work together. They were for closing public houses on Sunday because they should keep one day holy for the Lord. There were hundreds that spent the Sabbaths at public houses drinking. Saturday evenings and Sundays are black days in the annals of our country. Publicans often re- ceive more money on these days than on all the other days of the week. It was not fair to other tradesmen that the publicans were allowed to carry on their trade during the whole week, whilst they had only six days. To keep the public houses open on Sundays kept the barmaids and attendants from going to the house of God. (Applause.) The Rev. GRIFFITH JONES, (W.) seconded the reso- lution, and observed that this was an important period in the history of our country. There had never before been such efforts made by the general, Church to make the people sobbr. Considering the advance of education, and the religious advantages they possessed, it was to be much regretted that the morality of the country was not higher. The resolution was then put and carried unanimously. The following resolutions were also carried unani- mously Proposed by the'Rev. THOMAS OWEN (C. M.), and se- conded by Mr. L. H. THOMAS, Caerffynon, that a petition in favour of Mr. Wilson's Sunday Closing Bill be signed on behalf of this meeting, and forwarded to the member for the county or boroughs, and that he should be requested to support the same by his vote. Proposed by Mr. ROBERT ROWLAND, Osmond View, and seconded by the Rev. SAMUELOWEN (C. M.), Tanygrisiau, That this meeting is of opinon that it would be desi- rable to have a house to house canvass through the whole of North Wales, with a view to ascertaining the feeling of the neoDle in connection with Mr. Wilson's Sundav Closing iBill." The arrangements of the meeting were carried out by Mr. Owen NVilliams, Snowdon-street, the secretary of the Local Committee.

BALA. FUNERAL OF IR.. LLOYP, GRAIENV.V.—The funeral of the late Mrs. Lloyd took place on Monaay, tile zutn May1st carriage: The Revs. W. Roberts, Llangower, W. Morgan, Llan- dderfel, L. Edwards, D.D., Bala. 2nd carriage Mr. Charles Minshall, Oswestry, Dr. R. O. Jones?, Bala. Tlie hearse and bearers walking. 3rd carriage Messrs. W. Davies, R. Davies, E. Davies, M. Lloyd, J. Edwards, E. Davies. 4th carriage: Messrs. C. Gatehouse, Birkenhead, VV. Williams, Maesyrehedydd, W. P. Jones, Bodwenni, F. G. Jones, Ciltalgarth, T. Ellis, Henblas. 5th carriage: Mr. Richard Jones, Plasyracre (undertaker), and others. The inhabitants of the town showed their respect for the memory of the deceased. The shops were all closed, and the blinds drawn on the windows of private houses as the funeral passed by. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, SATURDAY, MAY 18.— Present *Dr. Richards, chairman, Mr. E. G. Jones, ex officio, Mr. John Williams, vice-chairman, Messrs. David Morgan, currier Wm. Ellis, Red Lion, Evan Jones, "Mount-place, M. Vaughan Jones, Bryn Ifan, John Jones, Brauchdu, Peter Jones, Bryntirion, John Jones, Llandderfel, Morris Peters, Llangower, and Thomas Ellis, clerk. Statistia.-Sixtil week-In-door 10, out-door 257; out relief C32 5s. Seventh-In-door 14, out-door 257 out relief 22817s. 6d. List of Paitpers.-The meeting was convened at 10 a.m. to enable the Guardians to look through the list of paupers for this Union, who were in receipt of out-door relief during the half year ending 29th March last.—The list was carefully weeded. Neglecting to Maintain a Mother.—Proceedings were ordered to be taken against Sylvanus Hughes, of Waen-y- Bala, for neglecting to contribute towards his mother's maintenance. Be Evan Roberts, Sawyer.-It was proposed by Mr. Evan Jones, and seconded by Mr. W. Ellis, That this inmate pauper, who was an able-bodied man, should be discharged from the workhouse to go in search of work, maintain himself, and contribute 5s. weekly towards the keep of his wife and three children, who were admitted to the house, his wife being able bodied."—Carried unanimously. Re John Jones, Pentreivalbon.-This pauper attended and admitted having lost a purse containing £ 9 16s., which were afterwards restored to him. -Ordered that his relief be discontinued for the present, and that the house be offered him. Inspector's BWt.-This report was read, and was as follows I have inspected the Workhouse, which appeared clean and comfortable. The chimneys, however, smoke badly, and some kind of chimney tops or cowls are urgently needed to correct this fault. I would suggest that the old condemned bedsteads should be disposed of, or destroyed at present, they nearly fill one of the rooms. There is no proper place in which to place the clothing, &c., of paupers who are admitted to the house this is often filthy and may contain some kind of infection, and it is therefore important that there should be some special separate place for it. For the present perhaps a large cupboard, with strives and lock and key, might be sufficient for this purpose. The number of inmates in the house is very small, and it is found necessary to hire & woman to do the work of the house meantime. There are still a large number of women receiving outdoor relief, who might very well be brought into the Workhouse, so that this expense would be saved. I have no doubt that a resolute offer of the Workhotlse would be attended by a great reduction in the number of per- sons receiving outdoor relief with very little increase (if any) in the niimberof those in the house. Upon this point I may refer to the recent memorandum of the Local Government Board upon out-relief, copies of which have been sent to the Guardians. The expense of building and furnishing the Workhouse should be recbup-ed to the ratepayers by a corresponding reduction in the amooat of out-relief, while many outdoor paupers would be very much better for many reasons in the Workhouse, T. LLOYD MURRAY BROWNE, Inspector. Local Government Board, 13th May, 1878. Sanitary.—A letter from the Local Government Board was read, confirming the re-appointment of Dr. Jones as medical officer of health. Llandderfel Election.-Mr. Morgan asked whether any further enquiries had been made with respect to the fabrication oi the nomination paper alleged to have been signed by one Robert Evans. The Clerk replied it was not his "duty so to make them, and after some -discussion one of tfce members undertook to bring Robert Evans forward to give evidence.. Doubtful 'Qualification.—Mr. Evan Jones said that he had a subject which he was anxious to bring before the Board, namely, whether any correspondence had taken place between the Clerk and the Local Government Rfwrrl with reference to his and Mr. John Jones's, cf Lianjderfel, qualification as Guardiatui. and he explained fully his motive for bringing the motion forward. Seeing that the Clerk was so very vigilant in the one case and so very lax in the other, he could not but regard his conduct as a "flagrant violation of duty." This accusa- tion was afterwards withdrawn upon the ruling of the Chairman that they had only secondary evidence so far in the Llandderfel case. The correspondence was laid on the table and read, which showed that Mr. Jopes was duly elected. The letter also referred to the Act of Parliament and the right to appeal. .Bills.-The following checks were drawn :—Edward Jones, 260 Edward Edwards, butcher, tl 5s. 8d.; rent of roam, Mr. J. Jones, register office, £ 5; rent of room, Edward Jones, pay offices, £ 3 8s.; {Hinting, Edward Jones, S3 3s. Gd. John Richards, S4 10s. Re Gas Company.—A letter was read assenting to the sale of the strip of land by this Board to the Company. Boundary Wall.-Two tenders were sent in, but it was decided that Mr. Evan Jones, who undertook to prepare a specification of the length and thickness of the wall, should prepare one, and that tenders be re-sent, and the locus in quo marked out and pegged.

THE WELSH AUXILIARY OF THE LONDON CITY MISSIOX. The annual meeting of the Welsh auxiliary of the Lon- don City Mission was held on Wednesday evening, May 22nd, at the Literary Institute, 165. Aldersgate-street, London, under the presidency of the Hon. C. D. F. Han- bury Tracy, M.P., who occupied tfie chair in the unavoid- able absence of Lord Penrhyn. Among those present were Mr. J. H. Puleston, M.P., Mr. Richard Davies, M.P., the Bishop of St. Asaph, the Revs. Josiah Miller, M.A., Richard ^Roberts, and other gentlemen interested in the Welsh mission. The Rev. Josiah Miller opened the proceedings with prayer, in the Welsh tongue, after which Miss Harris sang, with exquisite taste and feeling, 0 thou that tellest." Mr. fames, one of the missionaries, next read the re- port of the Welsh auxiliary of the London City Mission for 1877-8, which, after instancing many cases of conversion, the result of their labours, concluded by stating that the great annual fair held at Barnet last September had been again visited by one of the missionaries. Besides the re: ligious tracts distributed among the drovers, the mission- ary had been enabled by a kind lady to distribute many Welsh copies of portions of the Scriptures to his country- men in the fair. Copies of the British Workman" had also been distributed among Welsh sailors in the docks, no less than 16,316 of these silent messengers having been given away by the missionaries during the past year. Towards the support of the four missionaries carrying on the work of the society the ladies' committee had collected £ 198 14s. 6d., the sum required being E210. In conclu- sion, the committee heped that continued sympathy and support would be given to the cause. The CHAIRMAN read a letter from Lord Penrhyn, in which he regretted that circumstances prevented his attending the annual meeting of the Welsh City Mission Society, and stating the pleasure he felt as heretofore in contributing the sum of £ 50. He also read letters from Mr. Henry Richard, M.P., and Mr. Morgan Lloyd, ex- pressing their regret that they were unable to be present. The CHAIRMAN said he supposed there was hardly any one present unacquainted with the objects of the mission, but in case there should be he would mertion that the object was to reclaim those Welshm(n and Welshwomen in London who had fallen into sin, and also to rescue those thrown on their own resources in London for the first time in their lives, and who had succumbed to the evil influences surrounding them, and also to administer peace and comfort to those who were sick and dying. Many societies were hampered by religious differences, but this Society was entirely unsectarian, the sole guiding star being the laudable desire to promote the welfare and benefit of their fellow countrymen. (Hear, hear.) It .seemed to him almost incredible that a society such as that should be in pecuniary need, but such was the fact, and he felt sure it only required him to mention it to the meeting, and so let the fact be generally known,pn order to effect a ready response and a full ptirs,2 at the next meeting. (Applause.) He could not sit down without mentioning what had really been the lifestay of the Society, and that was the earnest work of the ladies who had taken part in the good cause. There were cer- tain classes of cases amongst women which could only be dealt with by woman, and it really was a source of pride among Welsh people that they had among them such ladies as Mrs. Osborne Morgan, Mrs. Watts Hughes, and others too numerous to mention, ready to devote their best energies to meet the need. In conclusipn, he wished the Society God-speed in its praiseworthy undertaking. (Cheers.) Addresses in Welsh were afterwards delivered by the Right Rev. Lord Bishop of St. Asaph, Mr. Rich. Davies, M.P., Rev. Joseph Miller, M.A., and other gentlemen in- terested in the Welsh mission. During the evening, selecRons from the Ark of the Covenant" were admirably rendered by the Fetter-lane Choir, assisted by members of the. London Welsh Choir, under the conductorship of Mr. Thomas Davies, Mr. R. S. Hughes very efficiently presiding at the pianoforte. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the pro- ceedings.

MR. SAVIN'S TRACTION ENGINES. In the High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, on Wednesday, May 22, Sittings in Banco, before the Lord Chief Justice and Mr. Justice Mellor, the case of Edmuntls v. Savin, was heard. It was an appeal against the conviction of two justices of the county of Denbigh for using wheels to a traction engine contrary to the Locomotives Act. The Act on-the subject (24 and 25 Vic., cap. 70, sec. 3) requires that every locomotive drawing any waggon or carriage shall have the tires of the wheels at least 9in. in width, and the wheels shall have a cylin- drical smooth sole, or shall be used with shoes of a bear- ing-surface of at least 9in.in width." Many engines have been made with wheels shod with iron, but the iron is put on in pieces diagonally athwart the tires two or three inches apart, which are complained of as not presenting a smooth bearing-surface, but separate pieces of iron, cutting into the road and these engines have accordingly been objected to all over the country by the surveyors of highways, and the magistrates have convicted in several cases, two of which have been breught before the High Court, one in the Exchequer Division, the other the present case. In the case in the Exchequer Division the Court upheld the conviction. In the present case there was evi- dence that the fittings of the wheels were "shoes," in the sense of wheelwrights, but the magistrates had not found the fact specifically either way, though they had convicted the owner of driving an engine with the wheels not accord- ing to the Act, saying that thay conceived themselves bound by the decision in the Exchequer Division. Sir J. F. Stephen (with Mr. Tennent) appeared for the owner of the engine, and producing a model of it, urged that the wheels had shoes within the Act. He said that Mr. Justice Hawkins had declared that he did not think any kind of shoe could be brought within the Act, unless the surface was continuous but surely it could not have been intended to drive these engines indirectly off the roads, as they certainly would be if such a view was taken? Mr. F. Turner appeared in support of the conviction, In and urged that the bearing-surface must be continuous. The Lord Chief Justice said the Act enacted that there should be a continuous sole all round the wheell- or there might be shoes, but it did not define the meaning of the shoes, but merely shoes of given dimensions. The case must go back to the Justices, with instructions to ascer- tain from competent witnesses what was the meaning of the term shoes, as applied to awheel. It must be something different from a continuous surface. If so, was it usual and reasonable that shoes should be affixed in this way? It was 2rqiiestion of fact, and the case should go back to receive evidence as to whether these were shoes. takine that term in the ordinary acceptation as being applied to wheels. If they found that these were shoes, and in ac- cordance with the Act of Parliament, then the decision must be in favour of the appellant. Case sent back accordingly.

BRECON AND MERTHYR RAILWAY (61 miles open).- Traffic Statement for the week ending Mav 19, 1878. Passengers, parcels, &c., £ 252 7s. 6d. goods and live stock, iMl Is. lOd.; total, £1,143 9s. 4d.; 218 14s. lid. per mile per week. Corresponding week last vear (61 miles open): Passengers, parcels, &c., £ 26l" 17s. 9d- goods ana live stock, £ 1,06112s. 8d.; total, £ 1,323 10s! 5d.' 221 13g. lid. per mile per week.—Decrease for this week £ 180Is.Id. Aggregate for 20 weeks, 1878, £ 22 203 7s. Id.' aggregate for 20 weeks, 1877, £ 23,302 7s. 10d.' Decrease for 20 weeks, £1,099 Os. 9d. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—Approximate return of traffic receipts for the week ending 19th May, 1878. Miles open, 1781. Passengers, parcels, &c., £ 1,939; mer- chandise. minerals, and live stock, 21,681; total for the week, £ 3,620. Actual traffic receipts for the correspond- ing week last year. Miles open, 1781. Passengers, parcels, &c., 22,043; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 1,784; total for the week, £ 3, £ 27. Aggregate from commencement of half-year to this date, CG6,671, last year, 266,150. THE SHROPSHIRE AND MONTGOMERYSHIRE MILITIA RESERVE.—The senior officer of the 53rd at Jersey has sent a communication to the officers commanding the Shropshire and Montgomeryshire Militia, speaking in the highest terms of the conduct and appearance of the men belonging to the militia reserve recently forwarded from 1 Shrewsbury rand Welshpool. He says he has rarely ] seen a finer or better conducted body of men. On Saturday, May 18, the marriage of the Rev. C. J. Hylton-Stewart, precentor of Chester Cathedral, with Miss Florence Hope Dixon, was solemnized in the Cathe- j dral, in the presence of a congregation of upwards of 2,000. ( The bride was met at the west door by the choristers lay clerks, and minor canons, and in returning to the choir "The voice that breathed o'er Eden 'was sung. The service was full choral. The Medical^ profession are now ordering Cadbury's Cocoa Essence in thousands of cases, because it con tan is more nutritious and flesh-forming elements than any other beverage, and is preferable to the thick starchy Cocoa ordinarily sold. When you ask for Cadbury s Cocoa Essence be sure that you get ft, as shopkeepers often push imitations for the sake of extra profit. Makers to the Queen. Paris dep6t 90, Faubourg St. Honore THE ORDNANCE SURVEY.—In the House of Commons aa Monday, May 20th, in answer to a question from Mr. Williams Wynn, Mr. G. Noel was understood to ^y that there was no more recent Ordnance Survev ofthecountv of Montgomery than that which was made about forty- i ti VP. years ago, and it could hardly now be so accurate as 1 might be desired. It had been decided to survey the counties of Denbigh and Flint because of their ri-h mineral products, and in order to carry that out a por | tiou of Montgomery shire was to be surveyed.

v.COERESPONDENCE. THE ABERYSTWYTH CASTLE GROUNDS. u/ t-he !"haV:itants of Aberystwyth believed more thoroughly in the Scotch proverb that "manva mickle makes a muckle," there would be fewer untidy heaps of refuse deposited at the end of Marine Terrace, fewer baskets ot clothes put to dry on the beach, and less foot- path obstruction. Another "small thing" is the beatir.g of carpets on the castle grounds during the summer months. Visitors have frequently to take more dust with their scenery than is conducive to comfort, and are consequently driven to fresh scenes and pastures new." If the Town Council are powerless in having the refuse and the clothes removed, perhaps they can prevent the beating of carpets on the castle ground after the end of April in the same manner as they prevent the removal of sand from the beach from that time.—I am, &c x.x.x.

BmraSJM^RIAGES. & DEATHS. BIRTHS. LJYETT-?Jay 15th, at 31, North-parade, Abervstwyth, the wife of the late Wm. Gyett, of a son. MARRIAGES. EVANS JO*N"ES—MSVISth, at the Register Office, Abervstwrth in the presence of the Registrar. Mr. D. H. Eyans, Richard Evans, miner, Cross-street, Abervstwyth, to Jane Jones, Brysgaga, Bow Street. JENKINS AIIGHAN—May lath, at the Register Office, Abervst- wyth, in the presence of the Registrar, Mr. D. H. Evans, Thos. Jenkins, tailor, Rheidol-place, Aberystwyth, to Sarah Vaughan, Thespian-street, Aberystwyth. Jo.\Ei,—EvAXS—At the Independent Chapel, DolgeUev, Mr. Nathan Owen Jones, booking clerk, Cambrian Railway, Dol- gelley, to Miss Mary Anne Evans, of Fronwnion, Dolgellev. T V Way 8th, at Llanbadarn Odwyn, by the Rev. L. Rowland. John Morgan, Cefn, Llangeitho, to Miss Anne Davies, (f Glangcrsfawr. OWE:JOl\"&S-I¡ty lith, at the Tabernacle Chapel, Aberyst- wyth, by the Rev. Thomas Levi, minister, William Owen, plas- terer, Clogwynbach, Abererch, to Anne Jones, daughter of Wm. Jones, mariner, Aberystwyth. DEATHS. BALL—May 21st, aged 71, at College-street, Lampeter, Captain Thomas Ball, for many years manager of the Lisburne Mines. BEBB—May 8th, aged 11 months, John David, only child of John and Mary Ann Bebb, late of Llanllothian, Llanfair-Caer- einion. EVANs-May 12th, aged 21, at 9, Mount • Pleasant, Wrexham, Mary Ann, wife of Edwd. Evans. GRIFFITHS May 17th, aged 84, at Portland street; Aberyst- wyth, Mary Griffiths, daughter of the late John Griftiths, shoe- maker. HUGHES— May 15th, aged 64, Catherine, widow of Thos. Hughes, New Inn, Llansaintffraid Glyn Ceiriog. JoNrs-May 18th, aged 2, Louisa Annie Pugh, only daughter of the late J. P. Jones, 30, Marine-terrace, Aberystwyth. LLOYD—May 15th, Mrs. Lloyd, Graienyn near Bala. MORRIS—May 21st, aged 64, Mr. Richd. Morris, the Cwm, Llan- dinam. OWE.N- Nfay 9th, aged 65, at Bryn Conway, Llanrwst, Wm. Owen, Esq. PARRY—May 2nd, aged 9 months, Verney Hedd, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Ivor Parry, Ala, Pwllheli. PHILLIPs-May 10th, aged 15, at 14, King-street, Wrexham, Martha, second daughter of Mr. Wm. Phillips. PROSSER—May 17th, aged 57, at Priory-hiil, Brecon, William Prosser, of Bromsgrove, formerly of Bwlchyddwyallt. ROBERTS—May 17th, aged 63, at Queen's-road, Aberystwyth, Elizabeth Roberts, widow of Robert Ellis Roberts, landed pro- prietor. WILLIAMS-MAY 12th, aged 36, at Llandderfel, near Corwen, Catherine, wife of Thomas Williams, 108, Price-street, Birken- head.

BRISTOL CORN MARKET, THTOSDAT. We have had moderate arrivals of foreign wheat, but heavy ones of barley and maize, the latter mostly in bad condition. At our market to-day English wheat was in short supply, and sold slowly at Is. reduction. Barley and maize each Is. lower. Oats neglected and 6d. per quarter cheaper.

BIRMINGHAM CORN MARKET, THURSDAY. There was little business done in English wheat at this day's market., and prices were Is. per quarter lower. Foreign wheat was also Is. lowe* without leading to much business.

1HE FREE CHURCH ASSEMBLY. The Free Church Assen.b!y"rn*t on Thurs a in Glas- gow for eleven sitting. The Rev. Andrew Bonner was elected moderator.

'0' CONSECRATING SCOTCH ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS. In the Glasgow Roman Catholic Cathedral, Dr. Mach- lachlan, Bishop of Galloway, and Dr. Macdonald, Bishop of The lies, were consecrated, and Archbishop Eyre, of Glasgow, Bishop Strain, Edinburgh, Bishop Macdonald, of A berdeen, took part in the ceremony.

THE MOVEMENT OF INDIAN TROOPS. The Supplementary Estimate for the charges of Indian troops not exceeding eleven thousand for service out I„di, — to *350,000, the K.°7 to transport service of_the^same force amounts to £ 398.000.

ACTION FOR SLANDER AT CARMARTHE1T. w i' C^^rthen County Court, on Wednesday, May nd, before Judge Beresford, the only case of £ terest "FHsraheth "R Pecjove,r £ 100 for alleged slander, brought j L1»adovery, who described A •f MWand midwife,against Thomas Williams t,he Bame ?Iace- Tt? slanderous ivords alleged to have been used by defendants were ■ i i shawl you took off hedge," which :alsely and maliciously implied that plaintiff stole a shawl the property of defendante.-Mr. Abel Williams i^ "tructed by Mr. Charles Bishop, was for the plaintiff' and j- Jones, Llandovery, for the defendants —The verdict was given for the plaintiff on the defendant.' plea of justification, and for the defendants with regard to the words alleged to have been used, the cost of justification Court plaintiff, the same way as in the superior

The rnayorofBeaumari.s (Alderman W^ne^o^) hai received three beau?iful silver medals from the Board of Trade for presentation to John Williams and Owen and Robert Roberts, for their pallantrv in saving lives at the wreck of the Pioneer, on the 95th of January, 1878. The Board of Trade also awar led a bronze medal to Daniel Sullivan, mate of the tug Knight Commander, for the aid he offered on that occasion. At a public meeting of Liberal electors of Llandudno and Eglwysrhos, on Wednesday, May 22, at St. George's Hall, Llandudno (Dr. Thomas, president of the Liberal Association, in the chair), a vote of sympathy on his recent bereavement was passed to Mr. Bright. Mr. and Mrs. Bnght have for ir.any years been in the habit of spending some weeks in the spring at Ll .ndudno.

BORTH. THE WATES SCHEME.—Already about a dozen applica- tions have been received from persons willing to carry out the Borth Water Supply Scheme.

LLANIDLOES. THE GOOD TEMPLAR8.-A. demonstration, tea party, and entertainment was held in connection with the Chy- wedogLodge on Wednesday, the 15th May, in which the Bands of Hope of the town took part. The procession, which was composed of 100 members belonging to the Chy- wedog Lodge, ani 230 members belonging to the Bands of HxJpe° started from the Bethel-street School Boom at p-na., headed by the Llanidloes Brass Band, and after proceeding through the principal streets, proceeded to the Public Rooms, where tea was provided by Mrs. Lewis, Temperance House. The following ladies presided at the tables;—Miss Edwards, Glandulas; Mrs. Edward Davies, Church-street; Mrs. James Baxter, Long Bridge-street; Miss Annie Mumford, Foundry Terrace; Miss Martha I" Benbow, Long Bridge-street; Miss Sally Ashton, Great Oak-street; Miss Margaret Titley, Short Bridge-street; and Miae M. Hughes, Penvgraig. After tea the company adjourned to the Board School play ground, where they spent about two hours in some very pleasant games. In the evening an entertainment was held in the Public Rooms. The r< om was well filled. The chair wu taken by Mr. John l avies, W.C.T., when a very good pro- gramine of recitations, songg, readings, duets, glees, dia- logues, &c„ was g >ne through. The interesting meeting was brought to a c'ose shortly before ten o'clock.

LLANDINAM. SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETING.—On Friday, May 17th, the first ann a' meeting of the Newtown Sunday School dis- trict was held at this place. Mr. David Davies, M.P., presided. There were three meetings, morning, after- noon and evening. The object of the meeting was to eueonrsge a closer application to the study of biblical literature. The meetings proved very successful. Sub- jects of composition had bec-n given sometime in advance, and many competitors appeared. On the Monday before the mBrUng an examination ivag held at Caere's, on the catechism, composed by the Rev. D. Ll. Jones, M.A., Llaudinam, upon the Life of Christ." There were nine candidates, and the chief prizes were taken by the schools of Llandinam and Caersws. The other schools of the dis- tricts were urgently requested to direct their labours to this catechism, and in order to encourage them, the chairman, in accordance with his usual liberality, promised t5 towards the prizes on that subject next year. There were several inte- resting recitations, Wordsworth's We are seven," "The speech of Shylock," and "The speech of Brutus," and "Bachgeny Bugail," from a German authar "Cywydd y Dara," by Dafydd Jonawr. The prizes were taken by Llandinam, Glenniant, and Carno. There were also competitions in singing, by parties of four, three, and two. The prizes were taken by Llandinam and Carno. There was also reading a verse at first sight, and an impromptu speech. The prizes were carried by Newtown and an old scholar of Saron. About twelve verses had been selected for exposition, and the prize was carried by Caersw". Two sets of questions also had been given for competition upon, onj on the Moral Law, and the other upon the Person of Christ. The prize was awarded to Carno and Newtown. There were also three subjects for essays given, "The relation of piety to worldly prosperity," "The power and efficacy of prayer," and "Women's different spheres of usefulness." The prizes were given to Llandinam and Caersws. The adjudicators were MT. J. C. Gittins, -Newtown, Rev. D. Ll. Jones, M.A., Llan- dinam, Elias Jones, Trefeglwys, Richard Jones, Llanid- loes, D. Evans, Tyddyn, and Owen Jones, Newtown.

SHIPPING. Week ending May ft, 1S78. "VV"V"V'\I' II ABERYSTWYTH. Arrived.—Gazellen Kristensen, Frccfcickstad; H. E. Taylor (ss), Richards, Bristol; Pheasant, Watkins, Dublin. Sailed.-H. E. Taylor (ss), Richards, Liverpool.

CRICKET. CORBET ARMS HOTEL CLUB V. CADVAN'S CRICKET CLUB.-This match was played at Corbet Arms Hotel Cricket Ground, on Saturdav. May 18th. 1878. Score:- CORBET ARMS HOTEL. E. Pemberton, c John Davies, b J. O. Jones 1 b R. Davies l T. W. Stealey, c J. Davies, b J. Davies 1 c S. Jones, b Jos. Davies. I J. LI. Tamberlain, b J. O. Jones 6 b J. O.-Jones 13 W Pemberton, b Jos. Davies 29 run out, st R. Davies. 8 Capt. Keene, run out, st J. Davies.. 0 c8. Jenes,bJ.O.Jones 2 Dr. Jones, c L. Rowlands, b Jos. Daries 12 not out.23 R. Roberts, c D. Griffiths, b R. Davies 1 b Jos. Davies. 0 G. Pemberton, not out. 5 b J. O. Jones 22 B. Pearce, c R. Rowlands, b Jes. Davies 0 c J. Davies, b J. O. Jones l T. Watson, c S. Jones, b W. E. Jones 0 b J. O. Jones 1 T. Seaton, b Jos. Davies 1 b Jos. Davies 1 T. R. Richards, b Jos. Davies 2 b Jos. Davies 6 Extras 9 11 67 SE CAD VAN CRICKET CLUB. R. Davies, c Stealey, b Dr. Jones. R. Davies, c Stealey, b Dr. Jones 4 R. Evans, c Tamberlain, b Tamber- lain 0 L. Rowlands, b Dr. Jones 6 W. Rowlands, c T. Watson, b Tam- berlain 6 c T. R. Richards 0 J. Davies, b Tamberlain 2 W. E. Jones, b Tamberlain 6 not out 3 J. O. Jones, c Capt. Keene, b Stealey.14 c J. Ll. Tamberlain 0 G. Jones, b Dr. Jones 10 E. Evans, b Dr. Jones 6 R. Rowlands, c W. Pemberton, b Tamberlain 0 Jos. Davies, b Tamberlain l b Capt. Keene 0 D. Griffiths, not out l Extras.. ii 2 60 5

By Press Association Tfelegram. BRISTOL CATTLE MARKET.—THCRSDAT. Beef was short and dearer, best descriptions realizing 84fe. per cwt., and a few inferior, 75s. There was a moderate show of sheep, and the selling trade was at 9d. per lb. for choice wethers, and 8d. for ewes. There was a large supply of store cattle, and all were sold. There were 600 pigs, which sold at 10s. 9d. to lls. 3d. per score, the latter price for porkers.

EARL RUSSELL. Earl Russell passed a favourable night and remains in the same condition.

THE SUNDAY CLOSING MOVEMENT. Mr. Cross oh Thursday received a deputation from members of the Established, Roman Catholic, and Non- conformist Churches, urging the entire prohibition of the sale of liquors on Sundays. He replied that such an at- tempt would be unwise, since legislation could not go beyond the feeling of the country.

THE AGRICULTURAL LABOURERS' CONFERENCE. At the Agricultural Labourers' Conference on Thurs- day, it was stated that the legal difficulties in the way of the purchase of land on the co-operative principle had been overcome, and that a scheme was being pushed on energetically.

THE "TIMES" CHARGED WITH LIBEL. In the Queen's Bench on Thursday, the Solicitor-Gen- eral applied for a criminal information against Mr. Good- lake, publisher of the Times for an alleged libel on Mr. Tnrqurnd, the accountant,pn reference to the affairs of Willli. Percival, and Co. Rule refused.

—■ — oi the Councillors at the fortnightly meeting, we pointed oat that the discussion would probably be continued. Lodging housekeepers may think what they please about this matter,but nothing can pre- vent the recurrence of the discussion. With the conflct between the SURVEYOR, who says SIMON'S well is drying up, and Mr. GREEN, who is sure there is as much water flowiug from it as ever there was with the turning into the pipes, of the shallow spring water from Mr. HUGHES s field and the sinking of Smog's well, we have at present no concern. What we most distinctly wish to do is emphatically to call the attention of our Aberystwyth readers to the fact that this injurious discussion about the water supply was started in the Council Chamber, and was con- tinued in the Council Chamber, but that it cannot possibly be confined to that narrow limit. Every inhabitant is so deeply interested in the water supply that the discussion comes home to him with irresistible force, and he is compelled to take part in it. For twenty-five years the water ] supply has been a public question, and for a ) large number of those years we have been urging the desirability of putting an end to the question 4 by obtaining at any cost water that cannot be impeached on the ground either of quantity or quality. The Flats are no longer looked at as a j satisfactory, permanent source, and it is doubtful whether any one of the suggested schemes will obtain sufficient support to enable the Council to carry it out. The only safe plan would be to go direct to Plinlimon at once. The first cost might be great, but the fact that Aberystwyth was ] supplied with water direct from that mountain would be worth a large sum of money annually to lodging housekeepers. There could no dis- j pute about the quantity or quality, and if the expenditure was spread over sixty years, the cost of the water to consumers would not be so great after all. It is pitiful that year after year should be allowed to pass and that every spring this ruinous discussion should be started and maintained intermittently throughout the season. The hopeless conflict of testimony manifested at the Council on Tuesday, first, whether the well had been pumped dry; and, secondly, whether as much water now flows from the well as at any former time, shows the nature of the difficulties that must be faced whenever this topic is J^en" tioned. More money may be spent on the Flats, and Mr. GREBN may succeed in obtaining two pumps, which he now seems to think neces- sary to do the work; but tha real question for the ratepayers to consider is how long they will be content for this discussion to continue. Last summer there was scarcely ever a meeting of the Council when the temporary supply of water was not brought forward. The injury done to a Watering place like Aberystwyth by the never ending talk which serves no purpose beyond airing the expensive croehets of people who are always confident, and always wrong can hardly be exaggerated. Last year the inhabitants of Aberystwyth were told that if the engine were removed to Plas Crug, there would be an ample supply of water. Ultimately, instead of removing the engine, and in order to make certainty doubly sure, a new engine was obtained which we were told would be able to do all that would be required. After an expendi- ture of hundreds of pounds more than it was at first said the work would cost the pump began to Work. It has not been going anything like twelve months, and the whole subject is re- opened. We are now informed that another Pump is necessary, and the gravest doubts are cast upon the supply. Already" there have been two conversations .at the meetings of the Council and in a fortnight there will be a third. We cannot take upon ourselves to suppress reports of proceedings on an important topic of this kind, n01' can we decline to take part in a public dis- cussion so full of vital issues to our readers. There is a growing dislike to the Flats as a per- manent source, and we were assured time after time that temporary requirements would be met by the costly works undertaken last year. They are the enemies of Aberystwyth who year after year fritter away public money in tinkering up schemes which will have to be abandoned instead of going to Pilnlimon. or elsewhere for pure water. Eight or nine sAem es have been brought from time to time before the public three or four Government enquiries have been held; abcut twenty years have been spent in discussion, and yet at the beginning of the summer season of 1878 the lodging house keepers in addition to bad trade have to contend with a threatened dearth of water. One thing is clear, the representatives of the ratepayers will not move without pressure, and the time has come when the advocates of pet schemes should be silenced, and the Council should be given to Understand that a permanent scheme must be carried out so that Aberystwyth may be in a position to challenge comparison with any other Catering place m .the kingdom. The summer Resorts of Wales ought to possess pure water when they can boast of no other attraction. There is Unfortunately a disposition to force the Flats Water upon the town, and yet nothing is more certain than thttt the inhabitants are wisely de- termined to have as little ta do with that Questionable seurce as possible.