The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

UP AND DOWN THE COAST. PREMATURE ANNOUNCEMENTS. Welsh landlords are vieing with each other in supplying tenants with good gates that will open and shut. La3t week the leading residents of Cardiganshire met at Aberystwyth to consider in what ways they could promote the iiiterest3 of the county. Some excellent speeches were delivered. We understand it was agreed to settle boundaries and fence all the sheepwalks. This is an important matter, and will greatly improve the value of the land. It was also decided to grant twenty- one year leases. A most important result of the meeting was the formation of a rich company, composed chiefly of landowners, to work the lead mines of the county. There < to be no London jobbing. The mines will be worked for the benefit of the shareholders. In order to place the Principality on an equality with Ireland and Scotland, and so that the application for Government assistance may be successful, the rich men of Wales have resolved to raise a hundred thousand pounds for the Welsh University Movement. The committee is composed of Marquesses, Earls, Barons, Baronets and a few wealthy gentlemen who are not titled. The largest sub- scription is twenty thousand pounds. The clergymen and ministers of Wales have for some time urfcfld upon the well-to-do members of their congre- gations the desirableness of improving the cottages of the country. The effect of this activity among ministers of religion has been that during the past twelve months it is estimated that not fewer than five hundred of the worst class of cottages have been thrown out of occupation. Since the drainage and cultivation of Tregaron bog was commenced, ten years ago, the town of Tregaron has in- creased in sixe until the population is more than double what it was in 1878. More than 300 of the Welsh School Boards have estab- lished lending libraries for the children. The conver- sion of the schools into evening reading rooms is now general. The average pauperism of Wales is now under two per, cent. Portmadoc is the largest town in^Xorth Wales. Three new manufactories were established there last year. There are 350 students at the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth. At the several divinity halls in the town there are 400 students. This year the examina- tions will be held at St. David's College, Lampeter, when it is expected that about 1,500 students will present them- selves. On the 29th ult. a meeting was held of the Welsh Doctors of Divinity, whose degrees came from America. After a long discussion, it was agreed to discontinue the =e,of these worthless titles. During the past five years twenty-three schemes for the conversion of large private adventure schools into endowed grammar schools have been sanctioned. At the opening of the railway bridge across the Dovey beloYnyslas, on Thursday, it was stated by one speaker that lor some years after the Cambrian line was opened the river covered all the valley from Ynyslas to Glandovey Junction. Between the points indicated there are now at least five thousand acres of the most productive land in the Principality. At the time referred to the highly cultivated farms between Ynyslas and Taliesin were a bog that produced nothing but peat and a few wild fowl. At the last Aberystwyth weekly sale of live stock, lVlr. G. T. Smith sold 500 head of cattle, sheep, and pig. The Tregaron woollen manufacturers employ 500 hands. About seventeen new mills were built in different parts of North Wales last year. There is still living at Mynydd Bach an old man ever ninety years of age, who says he remembers the time quite well when Englishmen were looked upon as foreigners, and when criticLm from an Englishman was resented as unfriendly. He also tells a story of a highly respectable Welsh family, who established a steam mill in the town of Aberystwyth, and got a manager from a neighbouring town-he thinks Machynlleth. So strong was the feel- ing in favour of natives that a professional gentleman (not himself a native) tried on one occasion to get up feeling against a proprietor of these steam mills, because all the men employed at them were not natives. It is very diffi- cult to believe the old man's statement, but it seems the feeling against Englishmen and in favour of natives was then quite as strong as represented. The dividend on the ordinary reduced stock of the Cam- brian Railway for the past half year will be at the rate of eleven per cent. It may be necessary to state that this dividend is equal to five and a half per cent. on the actual aums invested. Many years ago the shareholders agreed that every hundred pounds' werth of shares should be called fifty. That is what is meant by the word re- duced." The member of Parliament for the Welsh University has been offered a seat in the Cabinet. Some years ago it was decided that no prize of less value than 210 should be given at a National Eisteddfod, and that at every National Eisteddfod at least one prize of 2200 should be offered. Since these resolutions were passed the competitions have been of a much higher description than formerly. About fifty years ago, in 1878, Aberystwyth was vigorously discussing the water question. Nothing has yet been done, but we understand one of the members of the Council intends to bring forward an excellent scheme which will give the inhabitants all they can desire before the summer season of 1930. THE ABERYSTWYTH SAVINGS BANK. The managers of this excellent institution are wide awake people, and like to afford investors the fullest information. The investors will not do amiss if they carefully note how that information is afforded. I could tell tlie investors, but it is better they should see for themselves. This is about the time of year when savings banks give an account of themselves. A LICK AND A PROMISE." This is the way a few of the Aberystwyth lamps have been cleaned. They have received a lick and a promise. There is this about it, gas is only five shillings per thousand feet at Aberystwyth. DOWNIE'S BEQUEST. It is eight or nine years ago since I first began to write about Downie's Bequest. The money is now at last being distributed, for good or ill-perhaps both. This has been a good old topic, and I part with it regretfully. Even old grievances may Jbecome dear to us. It may be that we have not heard the last of Downie's bequest. There is the I nfirmary portion of the money. THESE TIMES. First Tradesman (looking over the edge of his goods)— 1 think, that's a customer going into Selvedge's. Second Tradesman (after looking)—So she is, but the wrong sort. She's collacting subscriptions. First Tradesman-Oh. (After a pause.) Have you taken anything to-day ? Second Tradesman (sorrowfully)- Very little. I never saw anything like it. What have you taken ? First Tradesman (thrusting his hand deep into his pockets and pulling out a few coppers and two or three shillings)—There it is. Talk abouttbusiness ? Second Tradesman (making sign's across the street) Let us get some of the others here. (Selvedge, Remnant, and Raisins having walked over)—Well, how do you find business? Selvedge—Business, do you say. I have nt found it at all. Have any of you found it, for then there'll be a chance for me. Remnant—I should like to see a sovereign. Rai sins—I saw one in the bank yesterday. First Tradesman-Come, that is hopeful. We will not give up as long as we know there is money in the place. (In an undertone)—Here is a commercial. Second Tradesman (to commercial)—Good morning. How's trade ? Commercial (very deliberately) Sec those boxes (pointing to them). I never see the samples in them ex- cept when I just go through them at the hotel for practice. Trade has either ruada his fortune and retired, •r he is d-ad. (Addressiug Second Tradesman, and pointing to the boxes)—Shall I bring them in ? Second Tradesman—No. It is no use. I dou't want anything to-day, sir. Commercial—Nobody wants anything. I never saw the country in such a satisfied state of mind before. First Tradesman (winking at the other shopkeepers)— Well, I am busy enough. I think there are far more complaints than there is any occasion for. The Commercial—Then you must be a sheriff's officer. (Load laughter.) The bailiffs are the only busy men I know just now. Second Tradesman—Where did you take your last line to-day ? Commercial—I have not taken a single line to-day or for three days previously. First Tradesman (speaking with great decision)—I am going to cut down my expenses. Raisins—Let us all emigrate. Commercial (looking up and down the street)-A nice c prospect. Not a single person to be seen—and all these shops. First Tradesman (making for the door)—Come along all of you. Let us.go and liquidate. 0 Commercial (dolefully)—I should think most of you have done that already; present company excepted, of course. Little girl—Please can you change a shilling. First Tradesman (with great apparent eagerness)— Here, my little girl, let me look at it (takes the coin in his hand' and admires it). I had almost forgotten the ap- pearance of money. Second Trades Daan-Here's the rate collector. All the Tradesmen at once-He wants me. Commercial (seriously)—Can't you give me a line ? Second Tradesman—I can't indeed, sir. There is nothing doing. Nothing at all. It is no use really. Commercial (in a tone of hope)—Well, things must amend. They cannot get worse than they are now. (He goes.) First Tradesman (in a whisper) 1 ve got a customer in the shop at last, and I mean to keep him there as long as I can. Customer—I want a pennyworth of --a (Blank look of Tradesman.) The Coast. PERRY WINKLE.

LLANIDLOES NOTES. Seated in my comfortable nest one evening this week, I was congratulating my-elf upon the possession of two wings, strong and willing, which had placed me, as I thought, far above the reach of those worthless incubi of society, who infest the houses of honest labour in the hopes of thus sharing the reputation—without the trouble-of being useful members of the community. But I had little reason to take comfort, for j i?t then I heard, first nf all as a prelude, a very important "Ahem" then there was a stumble, a scramble, and a great muttering of broken sentences upon the belfry stairs. "Stork Stork I say Bless my soul, what a place to live in! I shall complain to his Editor Stork What horrible stairs Broken neck at least!! What a set of Churchwardens, to be sure. No lijrht, neither! Confound the whole lot! Stork I say- I Thus grumbling, panting, and fuming, the little author of all this commotion arrived at length in my sanctum, and, quite exhausted, sank down on the side of my warm couch. He was a man of about fifty winters-winters, I say, because by looking at him you could not believe that he had ever felt the relaxing and cheerful influences of a summer's sun, upon his frozen existence. His face was more like vinegar than even sour ale is, and his manner about as reassuring as the docility and cordiality of a hungry crocodile. His conversation reminded me of the dreadful God spoken of in Homer's Odyssey, who had a great eye in the centre of his forehead, only the difference was that in this case the great I vas in the centre of all he said. He had not spoken long before I found out that things were in a desperate state in our town, everybody doing the wrong thing in the right place; doing those things he said they ought not to do, and leaving undone his solemn behests. Had he tried to expostulate with them," I ventured to ask. He not likely, that was my work he would indicate where the dirty linen was! my business must be to wash it." The height of my tower- home from the ground is about sixty feet; it took this visitor three seconds to perform the descent. Some people passing the Churchyard about this time said they saw a comet shoot out of the tower-and fall. Men who shirk public duties often allege as their excuse home calls; they dilate upon the pressure of their busi- ness, or the ties of their family. Visit such homes, and probably you will find them absent, "just gone out" you are always told call at their shop or office, and if your entrance is sudden, probably you will find them very busy over yesterday's paper, or smoking "just a whiff to re- move a bad headache;" and as to the family ties-well the knot is decidedly a loose one, judging from the lack of sympathy, or love, which exist between them. Such men have not tested the difficulties of action, but content themselves with pronouncing judgment upon the deeds- of others, based upon their own warped conceptions of right and wrong. The intense cold of these last few weeks is having an extraordinary and highly inconvenient effect upon the postal arrangements in our town. A speedy and decided thaw (undiluted) is greatly to be hoped for, and confidently expected. Slides amuse children-and Doctors! But to steady- going pedestrians is it more than a joke to have ouir streets rendered impassable for the pleasure of the one, and the profit o: the other. This note, for the benefit of our police force their attention to it will be esteemed. It might interest the ratepayers to know the names of these Councillors who, having attained the height of their ambition in being selected upon some Committee, such as the Lighting, or Finance, are not satisfied witk that, but by keeping away have the additional pleasure of knowing that public affairs are at a standstill for want of their presence. If this occurs too often you know, we really must still more increase your dignity by printing your names in large type. As the result of the Eisteddfod, on New Year's Day, the funds of the Working Men's Institute will be aug- mented by about 1:30. The annual sale of old papers, periodicals, &c., was held in the reading-room on Tues- day. Biddings were brisk, and good prices realized. The Nineteenth Century was bought at Is. 9d. a copy, which is a high price for it second hand. Purely local, a sketch by our "Sprouting Bard"— Of your Committe I've had enough," He spoke in accents harsh and gruff; "I leave you all, you'll go to pot." The others trembled at their lot And now I've had my say I'll go." He's gone! and they !-are out of woe. # THE STORE The Old Church Tower, 22nd Jan., 1879.

CARNARVONSHIRE ASSIZES. The commission was opened at Carnarvon on Saturday, Jan. IS, by Mr. Justice Manisty. His lordship arrived by the mid-day train from Dolgellev, and was received by Mr. G. W, Duff Assheton Smith, high slieriff Mr. J. B. Allanson, under sheriff; and the usual retinue of javelinmen. After robing at his lodg- ings, his lordship opened the commission at the county hall. On Sunday he attended divine service at Christ Church, the sermon being preached by the Rev. H. Parry, M.A., vicar of Llanfair- isgaer' and chaplain to the high sheriff. CROWN COURT —MONDAY, JAN. 20. Before Mr. Justice Manisty. The calendar contained the names of seven prisoners, the offences being—manslaughter, 1; perjury, 3; bigamy, 1; forgery, 1; larceny, 1. On the civil side there were five causes. THE GRAND JURY. The following were sworn on the grand jury :-The Hon. D. Pennant, M.P. (foreman), Sir Llewelyn Turner, Mr. F. Lloyd Edwards, Captain Wynn Griffith, Colonel Williams, Messrs. R. Davies, M.P., O. Evans, J. D. Whitehea d E. G. Powell, Robert Davies, B. T. Ellis, G. Walker, Dr. Watkin Roberts, À. O. Williams, Albert Wood, O. Lloyd Jones, jfivans, J. R. L. Hazledine, Hugh Pugh, G. R. Rees, Colonel Holt, and Dr. ichol. In his charge, his Lordship said that in meeting the Grand Jury at this unusual time of the year it was asource of gratifica- tion to find so small an amount of crime in the county, the cases in the calendar being of a very ordinary character which would not give them any trouble. After briefly referring to a few of the cases, his Lordship said that this was the third assize town he had visited, and up to the present moment he had been occupied in business for four hours at the extreme. That had occupied a week. It had been said that it was the fault of the judges in going on circuit when there was nothing for them to do; but it was nothing of the kind, as it was their bounden duty to go cheerfully and discharge whatever duties they had to do upon the circuits they had been directed to take. He suggested that, instead of four assizes being held, the experi- ment, which had not yet been made, should be tried of dividing the year into three equal portions, and that instead of having, as had previously been the case, two assizes within four months, there should be assizes at the end of February, the end of June, and the end of October. If the Grand Jury desired to make any presentment on that subject, and also as to holding assizes at Beaumaris, he would take care that it was forwarded to the proper quarter. The Grand Jury subsequently made a presentment stating that in their opinion four assizes were unnecessary .for Car- narvonshire. and that it was desirable that two ordinary and one "composite" assizes should be held at Carnarvon. They further expressed the opinion that Ruthin was most inconvenient and expensive for the trifl of causes and prisoners from Carnarvon- shire. His Lordship said he would take care that the presentment was forwarded to the proper quarter, and added that, since addressing them, he had been informed that the prisoners for trial in Anglesey were actually in the building where this court was now sitting. TRIAL OF PRISONERS. Henry Jones, aged 28, smith, was acquitted on a charge of stealing two guns belonging to Joseph Preston. Mr. I. Williams prosecuted Mr. Swetenham defended. Christopher Taylor, aged 23, clogger, charged with bigamy at Carnarvon. Twelve months' hard labour.. Mr. I. Williams prosecuted. Wiliiam Hughes, aged 19, labourer, charged with the man- slaughter of Owen Jones at Dolwyddelen, was acquitted. Mr. Higgins prosecuted, and Mr. Marshall defended. Thomas King, alias Samuel Ambrose, gardener, pleaded guilty to obtaining money at Pwllheli by means of a forged letter. One month's hard labour, commencing at the expiration of the sentence prisoner is undergoing for obtaining money by false pretences. Robert Ellis, aged 25, smith, was charged with committing perjury in an affiliation case at Pwllheli. Mr. I. Williams prosecuted; Mr. Swetenham defended. Robert Roberts, aged 33, shoemaker, and John Jones, aged 21, a draper's assistant employed by a Liverpool firm, were charged with the same offence, Jones pleading guilty. Jones gave evidence for the prosecution, and, after a long inquiry, a verdict of guilty was returned against Roberts and Ellis. Sentence was deferred. The court was adjourned at half-past six. TUESDAY.—Before Mr. Justice Manisty. Robert Roberts (on bail), aged 33, shoemaker, was acquitted on a charge of perjury at Pwllheli in an affiliation case.-John Jones, 21, draper's assistant, and Robert Ellis, aged 25, smith, who were charged with the same offence, were respectively sen- tenced to three months' and eighteen months' hard labour. Mr. I. Williams prosecuted Mr. Swetenham defended. This concluded the criminal business, and the court then pro- ceeded with the hearing of the following common jury cases :— A DISPUTED WARRANTY. James Edwards, a gentleman lately residing at Glyn, Conway, was sued by Edward Elias, the Abbey, Llanrwst, for the re- covery of £ 60, balance due for the price of a horse sold to the defendant.—Mr. Swetenham and Mr. Marshall (instructed by Mr. W. Jones, Conway) were for the plaintiff.—The defendant, who did not appear, had paid £ 25 into court, and pleaded in de- fence that the horse, which had been sold under a warranty, was unsound, and worth L25 only.—The jury found for the plaintiff for ZGO. ACTIONS FOR SLANDER. John Abbot, a Carnarvon butcher, was sued by Mrs. Mary Emery Jones Hughes, a person in the same line of business, dor damages, laid at 4.00, for slander.—Mr. Swetenham and Mr. Higgins (instructed by Messrs. C. A. Jones and Roberts) were for the plaintiff, and Mr. M Lloyd, Q.C., and Mr. Marshall (in- structed by Messrs. Turner and Allanson) for the defendant. —The slanderous expressions reflected upon the plaintiff's morality, and were alleged to have been uttered in the market hall on July 27th, and to have damaged the plaintiff's business. —For the defence it was contended that there was no proof of the alleged slander, which was denied.—The plaintiff, in her cross-examination, admitted that she had been committed for a mouth's imprisonment, fined P.20, and bound over for a malicious libel, and that she had been several times under recognizances. —John Abel, her brother, the only witness on her behalf, ad- mitted that he had been twice bound over; the defendant also acknowledging that he had been tined for assault and drunken- ness, and for using light weights.—The jury found for the plain- tiff: damages £ 5. Thomas Wharton was sued by William Lawless for damages laid at £ 100.—Mr. M. Lloyd. Q.C., and Mr. Higgins (instructed by Messrs. Turner and Allanson) were for the plaintiff, and Mr. Swetenham (instructed by Messrs. Roberts and Thomas) repre- sented the defendant.—Both parties carry on business as coal merchants at Carnarvon railway station, and it was alleged that the defendant had charged the plaintiff with stealing some coal. -The case was proceeding when the court adjourned. WEDNESDAY.—Before Mr. Justice Manisty. A CARNARVON SLANDER CASE. The case of Wm. Lawless v. Thomas Wharton, damages laid at £ 100 for slander, was continued. For the defence, justifica- tion was pleaded.—The jury found for the plaintiff-dam ages £ 20. HUGHES V. LITTLER. This was an interpleader cause, tried by consent without a jury, in which John Hughes, a trustee in a marriage settlement, was claimant, and Benjamin Littler the execution creditor, the good a in dispute being the furniture of a lodging house at Llandudno, owned by Mrs. Helen Thomas prior to her marriage, Mr. Littler being the mortgagee. Mr. Coxon (instructed by Mr. Chamberlain) was for the Claimant, and Mr. M. Lloyd, Q.C. and Mr. Marshall (instructed by Mr. Jameson) were for the execution creditor. His lordship deferred judgment. A BANGOR BREACH OF PROMISE CASE. This was a special jury case, in which the damages were laid at £ 4,000. Mr. Swetenham and Mr. Marshall (instructed by Messrs. Turner and Allanson) were for the plaintiff, Miss Esther Roberts; and Mr. M. Lloyd, Q.C., and Mr. Clement Lloyd (instructed by Mr. J. Roberts) appeared for the aefpn Unr^ Captain John Robert Ellis, a retired Captain in the merchant service, living at City-view, Upper Bangor. The defendant is a widower, sixty-two years old, and the plaintiff is approaching her fortieth year. Mrs, Ellis died in August, 1876, and about the Christmas following the defendant commenced visiting the plaintiff, who lived near him. Upon her return from Llangefni, where sne had been visiting her cousin, he met her in the passage of her mother's house and gave her a very affectionate kiss. The visits were frequently repeated, and eventually the defendant, it was alleged, proposed to her and was accepted, he, in the presence of her mother (now dead) and Mrs. Hulse, another daughter, promising to be a good husband to her. The alleged courtship continued up to February 13, 187S, the mar- riage being postponed owing to the recent death of the defen- dant's wife, when the plaintiff received an anonymous letter advising her to watch the defendant. She acted upon such advice, and met the defendant walking with another lady on Glanarfon Hill. Upon seeing the plaintiff he left his com- panion, and going to her addressed her as his darling, a.nd, say- ing he was off to London for a month, promised to call that night. He never kept the promise, and the plaintiff next heard of his marriage to the housekeeper of Mr. J. Evan Roberts, to whom he wrote asking how the harmonium at Twrgwyn Chapel played, and consoling him for the loss of his housekeeper by the remark that The ladies are fond of feting marid." No letters passed between the parties. The plaintiff, Mrs. Hulse (her sister), three servants, and Miss Mansell, who lodged with the plaintiff, were examined in support of the plaintiff's case. For the defence it was denied that there was any promise, the visits to the house having been of a friendly charact r. The defendant, in his examination, said that he chiefly called at the plaintiff's house to see Mr. Griffiths, a medical student lodging there. The defendant, Mr. Griffiths, and other witnesses were called for the defence.—The jury found for the plaintiff, damages tloo. This concluded the business of the assizes and the Court rose at nine o'closk.

THE COLLIERY ACCIDENT IN SOUTH WALES. The explorations at the upcast shaft of the Dinas Pit have recently advanced very satisfactorily, the top of the double parting, which leads to the inner workings, being reached on Wednesday night, Jan. 22. There is yet considerable ground' to clear before arriving at the scene of the explosion, but should the place keep tolerably free from fall and gas it is now expected that the bodies will be recovered in a short space of time. Another serious consequence of the disaster was demonstrated on Wednes- day, in a place called the level heading, where about 100 men are employed. This place is connected with the pit by way of the old workings, and a fall in the former so interfered with the ventilation that the miners were obliged to abandon their work. Some serious revelations are expected to be made at the inquest, and the miners of South Wales have been called upon to subscribe sixpence each for the purpose of providing legal assistance. OPENING OF THE NEW JEWIN WELSH CALVINISTIC METHODIST CHAPEL, LONDON. Friday, January 17, was a day of great interest to the members of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists in London, namely, the opening of the new Jewin Chapel. The lease of tbe old Jewin Crescent Chapel having expired in 1876, the congregation have since worshipped in the Hall of the Young Men's Christian Association in Aldersg.ate- street. A site for a new chapei was obtained with some difficulty, but, after persevering efforts, a freehold was secured in Bridgewater Gardens, Aldersgate-street, at a cost of £5,00a, aid a chapel of some architectural pre- tensions has been raised at a further cost of £5,000. It is capable of seating 630 persons. This church is the mother church of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists in London. It was founded in 1774 in Smithfield, where it continued for 11 years. It was removed in 1785 to Wilderness-row, where it remained for 37 years, and in 1822 to Jewin-crescent, where it remained 54 years. That place was relinquished in 1876. And now, after the lapse of 103 years from its formation, the church is provided with a new and permanent home. The occasion of opening, on Friday, was inaugurated by a social tea in the schoolroom attached to the chapel at five o'clock, and at seven o'clock by a public meeting in the chapel. Amongst those present were—Mr. Henry Richard, M.P., Mr. Samuel Morley, M.P., Mr. J. H. Pules- ton, M.P., the Rev. Evan Jones, incumbent of the Welsh Episcopal Church, Rev. J. Lewis, Carmarthen, (Homo Ddu), Rev. J. Thomas, Independent minister, Borough Chapel, Dr. Owen Thomas, Liverpool, Mr. Stephen Evans, Old Change, Mr. Abel Simner, and others who took part in the public proceedings. The chair was taken by Mr. Henry Richard, M.P., who called first upon Mr. Stephen Evans, treasurer, to read the financial statement. The subscriptions promised amount to £3,789 18s., and the amount received for the surrender of the lease of the old chapel this brought the original debt of £10,000 down to somewhat near £3,000. The CHAIRMAN then addressed the meeting. He stated that down to nearly the close of the last century, they were told by the late John Davies of Nantglyn, who wrote reminiscences of the days of his boyhood, the Bible was generally a stow-away, locked up in a box, and used as a charm generally, against ill-luck, ill-health, and sufferings in man and animal. A well-to-do farmer whom he knew, being on his death-bed, sent for the clergyman to ad- minister the Sacrament to him. The clerk who bore the holy vessels, and the Bible, and the Common Prayer, was asked by the wife, What have you in that green bag?" The reply was that he had the Bible in it. She then aked him to let her see it. That being done, she said, Well, thank God, we never had occasion for that book in this house before, and I hope never to have occasion for it agaiji." The late Rev. Thomas Charles of Bala, stated that at the commencement of this century in North Wales, not one in twenty families had a Bible, and not one in twenty could read. Referring to the rise, and work, and progress of the denomination, he, the speaker, stated that the first organization took place in or about. the year 1742. In 1746 there were 140 societies formed, and 40 preachers exhorting. This did not imply that there were 140 chapels; there were no chapels, the as- semblies being held in private houses. The first chapel was built in Llangeitho in 1760. The same year an Asso- ciation (Sassiwn) was held in Bala, but the number of hearers on the occasion did not reach two hundred. The number of chapels and places of worship in the year 1877 was 1,134, and the number of ministers and preachers was then 872. The sum collected during the ten years ending 1877 amounted to £1,341,000 for the various denomina- tional purposes. But this was the growth and develop- ment of only one denomination in Wales. There were other workers in Wales, the Independents, Baptists, Wes- leyans, and the Church of England. He was glad to find that the Church of England was in an anused spiritual state he wished them God speed. The preaching of the gospel in Wales had done much to elevate the character of the people. He could speak boldly and proudly of his country, and would challenge the most violent calumniator oi. the Welsh to a comparison of crime statistics with England. He regretted to see how far blindness and prejudice could carry some writers in the English press, who could magnify a small local squabble, perhaps about fisheries in Radnorshire, into a national affair, and attack the people as a whole as law- less. He (the speaker) said this was unfair and mali- cious. When the great strike took place in Merthyr some two or three years back, and thousands of people were in coerced idleness, he was assured by the magistrates of Merthyr that there had not arisen a single police case out of that strike. He was thus thankful to God for what religion had done for the people of Wales. The Rev. Dr. OWEN THOMAS, of Liverpool, and a focmer minister of Jewin Crescent Chapel, next addressed the audience in Welsh. In the course of his speech, he said that one Evan Richards, in Bala, was preaching in a mill, the rostrum being the miller's floor-trough. The assembly got into the hwyl, and an old lady well skilled with the genius of poesy gave out a hymn of her own extempore making— Cawd, cawd, Fendithion fyrdd o'r cafn a'r blawd," &c. The Rev. EVAN JONES, of the Welsh Episcopal Church in London was received with great cheering. Mr. J. H. PULESTON, M.P., next addressed the meeting, and was received with repeated applause. He said that the present occasion reminded him of the happiest and pleasantest hours of his life; these pleasant feelings were mingled some sadness, arising from the loss of some old familiar faces. He felt glad to be there to mingle among them, and to see the beautiful temple they had erected. His memory brought back the time when he was taught Christian truths by a pious and a sainted mother. He was glad to be there with his honoured friend the Chairman, the great Apostle of Peace, and the Chairman of the Peace Society, though he differed from him on the questions which now divided the country. The meeting was also addressed by the Rev. J. LEWIS (Homo Ddu), Carmarthen, the Rev. J. Thomas, of the Borough Independent Chapel, and Mr. ABEL SLMNER. This last gentleman had the good pleasure of announcing that the amount given in on the collecting papers in the seats amounted, together with payment of old subscrip- tions, to the sum of £250. The Chapel Choir sang several pieces during the course of the meeting with nice effect. Several votes of thanks brought the pleasant meeting to a close. After the close of the proceedings we saw a commemo- rative album, to be presented to the Church at Jewin Crescent by Mr. Abel Simner, whose services have been invaluable to the denomination generally. This book is quite a unique thing, and extracts from its contents will interest the denomination generally. On the back is the following inscription :— Commemorative album of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists, with historical facts and portraits of ministers and others since the foundation of the connexion, and original autographs of contributors of one pound and upwards towards the purchase of the freehold estate within the city of London, and the erection of a place of worship in lieu of the old chapel in Jewin Crescent, which was very much dilapidated, and was built in 1823 on a site held on a lease from the honourable the Gold- smiths' Company, and surrendered June 12th, 1876. Compiled and presented by Mr. Abel Simner to the Mother Church of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists in London, 1878." The contents of the book, so far, are as followCopy of address; photographs of the present Chapel; names of the committee; extract from the Jicangelical Magazine for May, 1823. 200, containing the particulars of the opening of the Jewin Crescent Chapel portraits of the Founders of the Con- nexion, with their English Contemporaries who took an interest in their work in Wales, viz., Griffith Jones, Llanddowror, Daniel Rowlands, Llangeitho, Howel Harris, Whitfield, Jones, Llangan, John Wesley, Rowland Hill (three portraits at three different periods), Williams, Pantyceiyn, Lady Huntington, and her chaplain Mr. Fletcher, of Madeley, Charles, of Bala, and his friend, Robert Owen, of Bala, a man noted for power in prayer. It is said that Mr. Charles, being once very ill, and apparently on the point of death, was very anxious to have his life prolonged to accomplish the designs he had planned, besought Robert Owen to pray for him for an extension of his life. This Robert Owen did, asking God that his life might be extended fifteen years, and Mr. Charles recovered from his illness, and died on the same day, or thereabouts, fifteen years from the time Robert Owen prayed for him. Portraits of Thomas Jones, of Denbigh, John Elias, Ebenezer Morris, Ebenezer Richards, John Davies, Nantglyn, John Evans, New Inn, Thomas Richards, Owen Jones, Uelli, Henry Rees (two portraits), John Jones, of Runcorn, who was Henry Rees's only schoolmaster when he lived at Llansannan John Parry, of Chester, the founder of the Tryxorfa; William Boberts, Amlwch, John Evans, of Bala, John Hughes, Pontrcbert, Robert Thomas, Llidiardau, Robert Jone8, Roslan, John Wones, Ta.1sam, D.Lvitl Jones, Treborth, Richard Humphreys, John Prytherch, Evan Harris, David Charles, Carmarthen, David Rowlands, Bala, David Howel, John Hughes, Liverpool, William Morris, Cil- gerad, William Evans, Ton-yr-efail, now living and ninety-six years of age John Jones, Blaenanerch, Owen Thomas, Liver- pool, Dr. Edwards, Bala, Emrys Evans, T. C. Charles, John Bala, Edward Morgan, Dyffryn, Thomas Piiillips, of the Bible Society, Roger Edwards, J. Foulkes (Ewythr o'r Cwm), Thomas Hughes, Carnarvon, Christmas Evans, Williams Y Wern, and others. Then follow two original letters from John Elias, one of a very strange character, addressed to the Church in Jewin Crescent, in the year 1823, directing them to expel nine of their members who baù voted for the emancipa- tion of the Roman Catholics without leave from the Church. A letter from John Jones, Talsarn, on a point of doctrine. por- traits and autographs of the ministers of Jewin Crescent Chapel, John Rees, who was minister when at Wilderness-row, and after its removal to Curzon-street, James Hughes, Owen Thomas, D. C. Davies, John Mills, Robert Owen. Handbills calling the first meeting, Dec. 1, 1877. Portraits of those present. The printed contribution list, with the total amount promised at that meeting, of £2,778. Tracts. The confession of faith. Con- stitutional deed. Declaration of trust. Copy of a case sub- mitted to Mr. U. Osborne Morgan, Q.C., inquiring as to the real position of that constitutional deed as reards the law of the land; his opinion. Photograph of Mr. U. Osbome Morgan, Q.C., M.P., Copies of four conveyances drawn up by Mr. Morgan for their use, these are printed—1, a deed of purchase 2, a. deed of gift; 3, lease by way of gift; 4, lease by way of pur- chase. Au Act of Parliament, 31 and 32 Vic., c.—, being a special Act to legalize deeds that were valueless as to title. This was the sole work of Mr. Simner, and may not be inappropri- ately called Simner's Act. Sundry other photographs, and among them, those of Mr. R. G. Williams, Q.C., with a valu- able letter or opinion by him; MK David Davies, M.P., Mr. Samuel Morley, M.P., Mr. Bliss, Mr. Richard Davies, M.P., Mr. •f. H. Puleston, M.P., Mr. Henry Richard, M.P., Mr. Morgan Lloyd, M.P. An autograph letter from Lord Penrhyn, with a donation of £30 to the chapel. Then follow 4,500 ruled lines for subscribers to enter their names when they pay their subscrip- tlOns. T. W. H.

MERIONETHSHIRE ASSIZES. These assizes were held at Dolgelley on Thursday, Jan. 16, before Mr. Justice Manisty. The following composed the GRAND JURY. The Hon. C. H. Wynn (foreman), Mr. Holland, M.P., Mr. J. Vaughan, Mr. H. J. Reveley, Mr. C. F. Thruston, Mr. W. R. M. Wynne, Mr. W. Price Jones, Dr. Owen) Richards, Mr. E. G. Jones, Mr. Kirkby, Mr. O. S. Wynne, Mr. J. Corbet, Dr. Edward Jones, Mr. W. Davies, Mr. Thomas Humphrey Williams, Dr. Lloyd Williams, Dr. J. R. Walker, Captain L. H. Thomas, Mr. John Williams, Mr. T. Ellis, Mr. T. Parry Jones-Parry, Mr. Jenkin David, and Mr. J. Edmonds. In his charge, his Lordship remarked that it was ex- tremely gratifying to find that there was scarcely any- thing to occupy the attention of the Court, so far as the criminal business of the county was concerned for, look- ing at the calendar, the question suggested itself, what were they there for ? There was only one case—a charge of culpable neglect against a person having the care of a young child. This case, which called for no observa- tions, should properly have been tried at the previous assizes. In conclusion, his lordship said he did not think he would be considered to be departing from the course of his duty if he asked the Grand Jury to say whether the experiment of having four assizes in the year was necessary or not. The present calendar certainly afforded some evidence upon the subject; and if the Grand Jury liked to make any presentment, he would be glad to forward it to the proper quarter. The Grand Jury subsequently made a presentment to the effect that they were unanimously of opinion that not more than two assizes in the county were necessary, to- gether with a "composite" assize if required. CHARGE OK MANSLAUGHTER AGAINST A GRANDMOTHER. Margaret Rowlands, on bail, was charged with the man- slaughter of Robert Pugh Williams. Mr. Ignatius Williams and Mr. Bevan prosecuted; Mr. Coxon de- fended. The prisoner lives at Towyn, and in June, 1877, her daughter gave birth to the deceased, an illegitimate child, at Machynlleth workhouse. The mother and child (who was described as being healthy and strong) left the work- house in a fortnight, the child being ultimately handed over to the prisoner, who was to be paid j65 a year for its maiutainance. It was alleged that the child was neglec- ) ted and starved, and the post-mortem examination made by Drs. Foulkes Jones and Grosholz, after its death in August last, showed that the body weighed only half the average weight of a child of that age, and that there were several abscesses, and other marks of neglect. For the defence it was contended that the child had always been weak and delicate, and this statement was borne out by the mother, who was called for the pro- secution, and other witnesses. At the close of the evidence for the prosecution, the judge asked the jury if they wished to hear the other side. The jury said they did not consider the case made out, and returned a verdict of not guilty.

CEMMAES. t HARE HUNTING.—A correspondent writes :—On Thurs- day, January 16th, Mr. Evans, of the Peniarth Arms Hotel, Mallwyd, and several other gentlemen, went out hare hunting in the neighbourhood of Tafolog, with a pack of greyhounds, ten in number. They were well pleased with the day's sport.

FFESTINIOG. CYNGHERDD.—Nos Iau cyn y diweddaf rhoddodd Mr. John Thomas, R.A.M., Maentwrog, gyngherdd yn yr Assembly Room. Cynorthwyid ef gan gantorion enwog. Cynulliad bychan er hyny. YR HIN.—Er's llawer o fiynyddoedd nid ydys yn cofio blwyddyn mor gated a'l anhawsder i weithwyr ddilyn eu galwedigaeth mor fawr. Rhwng gwendid masnach a'r hin y mae treigliad arian yn y dosbarth wedi ei gyfyngu yn fawr. Tra yr ydym yn ysgrifenn y mae hi yn rhewi yn galed. Y TEMLWYR DA.—Bu y Temlwyr Da yn gorymdeithio y Sadwrn diweddaf, yn cael &i blaenori gan y Gwaenydd Brass Band. Bu gan yr un Urdd amrywiol gyfarfodydd Uwyddianus mewn gwahanol fanau, pryd yr areithiwyd yn rhagorol gan Plenydd, U.D.B.D., a'r Parch. Griffith Parry (Tecwyn), Llanberis, ac eraill. Y mae adfywiad ar yr achos Temlyddol yn awr. MARWOLAETH DDISYMWTH.—Boreu dydd Sadwm yn shiafft rhif laf yn y twnel mawr, bu farw un o'r gweith- wyr mewn amrantiad; gweithiai ychydig funudau yn flaenorol. Ei enw ydoedd Hugh Parry, g/vr priod, a theulu lluosog yn Ynys Mon. Rhoddodd yr amgylchiad gryn gyffro i'r gweithwyr. ATAL GWEITHWYR ETO.—Ataliwyd rhwng 50 a 60 o weithwyr yn chwarel y Diphwys yr wythnos ddiweddaf, ac ni cha y gweddill yno weithio ond pedwar diwrnod. Rhoddwyd ataliad hefyd ar nifer pur luosog yr wythnos hon yn y twnel am fod y gwaith yn darfod. Da genym y derbynir rhai i mewn i linell newydd y Great Western o'r Bala. Y CAIS AM FWRDD LLEOL WEDI HI ATEB.—Da genym hysbysu y darllenydd fod ateb y Llywodraeth ir cais uchod wedi dyfod i law, a'i fod yn gadarnhaol. Bydd yr etholiad yn cymeryd lie yn fuan. Deallwn nad oes ddealltwriaeth hollol am y nifer rhwng y plwyfolion a'r Llywodraeth, h.y., y rhif sydd i eistedd ar y Bwrdd. Hyderwn y byddwn erbyn y rhifyn nesaf mewn mantais i roddi mwy o fanylion, ac y cydsynia y Llywodraeth a'r cais gwreiddiol a anfonwyd i fynu.—COFNODYDD.

DO IIYDDELEN AND VICINITY. A VERY SUDDEN and unexpected death was the report from No. 1 shaft on Dolyddelen side of the mountain on Saturday morning, Jan. 18. A man of the name of Hugh Parry, a native of Llys Dulas, Pensarn, Anglesey, was caught by a fit of drowsiness. He took his seat on a box close by in the tunnel, fainted, fell backward, and died. He left a wife and four children. He was thirty-five years old. TEMPERANCE, or rather Good Templar meetings, were held last week at Penmachno, Trefriw, Tal-y-bont, Panty Tudur, Gwytherin, Llangerniew, Bettws-y-coed, and Cwm mawr, Penmachuo. Plenydd, the Rev. R. M. Jones, Mr. Thomas Jones, and others, joined this war on whisky. They went on pilgrimage, like the Mahometans to Mecca. COLD WEATHER still rules. It is freezing hard all the time. BUTTER weight at Llanrwst market does not seem to change. Some farmers cling still to the old fashion in weights and measures. Eighteen and nineteen ounces to the pound some old farmers like much better than the six- teen ounces. Butter was sold at the rate of Is. 4d. for a pound of sixteen ounces, and ls. 6d. for a pound of eighteen ounces, but buyers bought the old fashioned pound much sooner than the other. ELLIS O'R NANT.

MACHYNLLETH. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22.—Present: Mr. Owen Daniel in the chair, Mr. C. F, Thruston, ex-oflficio, Messrs. J..T. Jones, John Tudor. Morgan Edwards, David Evans, D. Davies, Andrew Roberts, David Jones, and David Evans, clerkj Statistics.—Number in the house, 47; last year, 44; vagrants relieved during the past fortnight, 19. Out-relief administered during the past fortnight, Machynlleth district, per Mr. T. Thomas, £ 37 8s. to 175 paupers Darewell district, per Mr. D. Howell, £61 17s. Id. to 283 paupers; and Pennal district, per Mr. John Jones, £43 to 200 paupers. A rrears.—The Clerk reported that the parishes of Scuborycoed, Towyn and Llanwrin were in arrears with the payment of the January call. Dinner to the Inmates.— The Master in his report informed the Board that he had omitted to state at the last meeting that Mr. Phelps, Newlands, ave a dinner to the inmates on Decem- her 28th, consisting of geese. pies. plum pudding and tarts. He a1"0 save tobacco to the men and oranges for the women an children.

CARDIGAN. MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.—Mr. D. Davies, M.P. for the Boroughs has kindly forwarded a cheque for B5 to the secretary towards the funds of the Institute. RENT AUDIT.—The half-yearly rent audit of Mr. Thos. Davies, Bank House, took place on Tuesday, the 14th January, at the conclusion of which about thirty sat down to dinner at the Red Lion Inn. The chair was occupied by Mr. Davies himself, and the vice-chair by Mr. W. W Mitchell. solicitor. CHURCH CHOIR.—A meeting was held at the National Schools on Monday evening, the 20th January, to present those members of the choir attending most practices with prizes, which consisted of valuable books. The organist, Mr. Jenkins. was presented with some handsome books for his valuable services. The presentation was made by the Vicar, after which Mr. Thomas Davies, the churchwarden, presented each member of the choir with a small sum of money for their services. The Vicar having addressed them, the Chairman gave some valuable hints to them. A vote of thanks was'given to Mr. and Mrs. Picton Evans for their services to the choir, and the meeting concluded with the Doxology. BURIAL BOARD, TUESDAY, JAN. 21.—Present: Mr. Thomas Davies, in the chair, Messrs. D. G. Davies. Levi James, O. P. Davies, Stephen Davies, William Woodward, James Williams, John Lewis, and Thomas Edwards. The Cemetery Walls.—It was proposed by Mr. James Williams, seconded by Mr. Woodward, and carried unani- mously, that the Clerk do communicate with the con- tractors and desire them to remedy the defects in the cemetery walls, caused by the recent severe frost, and to proceed to complete the same with proper material in compliance with the terms of the contracts entered into by them, and that they hold them responsible for the delay in the completion of the work. Financial.—Proposed by Mr. Davies, seconded by Mr. John Lewis, and carried, that Mr. Meyler,land surveyor, be paid £1 Is. for his survey of the excavations made at tbe cemetery, and Mr. Roberts the sum of 10s. 6d. for the same work.—A cheque for 6d. was ordered to be drawn to Messrs. Asa and Iv.'r Evans, the Clerks of the Board.—It was unanimously resolved that the Clerks be authorized to act on behalf of the Board with reference to the claim of Budden, sent in by the Swansea Bank, for levelling the cemetery ground; that the balance which the Board now believe he is entitled to should be paid over to the rightful claimant in accordance with the measurement arrived at by Mr. Mevler, whose measure- ment was slig-htly in excess of Mr. Roberts. Notice of Motion.—Notice was given by Mr. John Lewis that he would move tho appointment of a treasurer in the place of Mr. Rees Nicholas deceased, at the next meeting.

LLANBISDER. SUDDEN DEATH.—A correspondent writes :—On Wed- nesday evening. Jan. 15, Mrs. Mary Price, the wife of Mr. Edward Price. Cantal Hall, in this parish, left home to go to a shop on business, about a mile from her resi- dence. The night being bitterly cold, Mr. Price, finding her longer than usual in returning home, went to meet her, and found her and the horse in the snow, on side of the road unable to move. When she saw him she ex- claimed, Oh Edward, I thought I should not see you again." He managed to take her to a neighbour's house close by, and a doctor was sent for immediately. He was in attendance as soon as possible, but she died in a few hours at the age of 25 years. On the Tuesday following her death, she was bu-ied at Bwlchysarr.au Baptist Ceme- tery. The deceased was the second daughter of Mr. D. Davies, of the Cross, near Llanidloes.

TREGARON. POLICE COURTS.—On Thursday, Jan. 16th, at the Police Station. before • Major Phelps and the Rev. O. Davies. M.A., Thomas Davies, of Aberbrwynen, in the parish of Llanychaiarn, farm servant, and John James, of the Rail- way Hotel, Tregaron, horse dealer, were brought up in custody of Sergeant Evans, No. 2, charged with being drunk and riotous at Tregaron on the 15th January.— Thomas Davies was fined 20s.. and John James in- cluding costs.—On Saturday, before the Rev. O. D ivies, M.A., John Davies/of Deildre, in the parish of Bettws Bledrws, labourer, was brought cuatedy of P.C. Davies, No. 16, charged with drunkenness.—Fined 5s., and costs.

ABERYSTWYTH. HIGHWAY BOARDS.—Meetinsrs of the Highway Boards for the four districts were held on Monday afternoon, when the accounts for the quarter ended December 25th were examined and passed. ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH.—A handsome silver commu- nion service has been presented by the communicants to St. Michael's church. The service, which cost nearly consists of two plates, two c'1ahce, and a flagon. THE Soup KITCHKN has bRen this under the superintendence of Mrs. Viekers, North Parade, and IvIrs Evans, Bridge-street. They distributed on Satur- day," Jan. 18, 210 quarts, and on Wednesday 222 quarts. TEA MEETING.—On January 17, the members of the Aberystwyth United Ton;c Sol-fa Choir and others par- took of tea at the Assembly Rooms tea a short entertainment was given, at which Mr. D. Jenkins pre- sided. Several pieces were sung by Mr. D. Jenkins and Mr. Evans. ENTERTAINMENT.—The next popular entertainment will be given at the Queen's Hotel Assembly Rooms on Tues- day evening, January 28th. Maior Bassett Lewis will preside, and Professor nraig, the Rev. T. C. Evans, Mr. W. R. Hall, and Mr. T. Morrell and his son, will read. KICKED BY A HORSE.—One day last week John Evans, blacksmith, Glanmade. was brought to the Infirmary in an insensible state. He had been kicked by a horse over one of his eyes. At first it was thought the man was dead, but Mr. Lewis Williams had him taken to the Infirmary. He has been attended by Mr. Morris Jones, L.R.C.P., and is now in a fair way towards recovery. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22.—Before D. Roberts, Esq., Mayor, J. W. Szlumper, Esq., and Isaac Morgan, Esq. Drunkenness.—On the information of P.S. Evans, Wm. Owen, tinker, Aberyatwyth, was fined 2s. 6d. for having been drunk at Skinner-street on the previous Monday night. He was also fined 5s. for drunkenness on the next night. School Board Prosecutions.—The following orders were made in the School Board cases :—Richard Humphreys, Prospect-street, fined 2s. 6d.; D. Hughes, High-street, two children, and Thomas Roberts, Skinner-street, were fined 18. each the case of Jane Parry, High-street, ad. journed for a week; and the children of Jane Christo- pher, Chalybeate-terrace, and Mrs. Banks, Northgate- street, were ordered to attend school. The Catapult.-Henry Davies, son of Evan Davies, Crynfryn-row, was charged by Superintendent Lloyd with having wantonl,.discharged stones from a catapult in the previous week.—Defendant was fined 2s. 6d., and costs. SANITARY AUTHORITY, MONDAY, JANUARY 20.— Present: Colonel Lloyd Philipps (chairman), Messrs. H. C. Fryer, J. J. Atwood, J. Paull, Edward Edwards, Abra.ham James, James James, David Jones, Rest, and John Edwards Hugh Hughes, clerk, Morris Jones and J. E. Hughes, medical officers. Mr. Bircham, Local Government Board inspector, was also present. The" Hole of a Place."—There having been no answer from Mr. Gardiner respecting a house near Trawscoed Railway Station, the Clerk was directed to write to him. It was stated that it was the intention of the owner to pull the place down. Medical Officers.—The Chairman read a letter from the Local Government Board sanctioning the appointments of the medical officers up to the 29th September. Taliesin.—In answer to the Chairman, the Inspector stated that he had visited Taliesin and the two houses he had been referred to. There had been no progress since the 11th December.—The Chairman remarked that the Inspector had been asked to inspect the village and re- port in detail upon it.—The Inspector replied that he had no such report, but he had the notices which he had re- ceived —The Chairman said that what the Board wanted was a report, which they could send up to the Local Government Board as an answer to their letter. He referred to the report presented at the last meet- ing. — Mr. Bircham said he had never seen such a report presented by an inspector as the first portion of that report. It seemed to him that the Inspector had better attend to his duties and not to make comments upon the work of other officers. The report which the Inspector had presented to that meeting contained no dates or names or anything else. The less he reported in that general manner the better it would be. Mr. Bircham then pro- ceeded to call attention to the absence of a certain book, and in the end the Clerk was directed to obtain it. Inspector's Report.—Mr. D. Jones, Sanitary Inspector, reported as follows :— Llandre I have to inform you that most of the convictions obtained at Tre'rddol on November 7th have been of no avail. Two of the parties convicted made no effort to comply with the magistrates' order. The nuisance of another party, though re- moved after'service of summons, is recurrent, and another has only partially complied with the order, believing it to be un- necessary to do the rest. Tre'rddoJ There is a house occupied by one Mary Thomas, a pauper, unfit for human abode. In ad- dition to dilapidation, it is of so ill a construction that it ought to be permanently discontinued as a dwelling house. Nant- lleien, near Talybont: There are three mud-walled and straw- thatched cottages at this place that ought to be permanently discontinued as human habitations. One of these houses also is occupied by an elderly woman in receipt of out-relief. Tal- iesin: The majority of the notices sened at this place have heen obeyed. There are a few parties, however, wl10 have doue nothing. Obeying orders from the Board of Guardians, I in- spectsdthe house occupied by Joseph Mason at Blaencwmerfin, Trefeirig. He says he is nearly seventy years of age, and has lived by himself for the last twenty years. He still works at his trade as a shoemaker. The house ho lives in con- sists of only one room, in which he lives, sleeps, works, and stores his turf fuel. There is no fault to be found with the cottae,more than a few feet of earth resting against the back wall. The floor is nevertheless dry. There is, however, certainly fault to he found with the way he keeps his house, and with the way he looks after himself from a cleanliness point of view. Llanrhystyd; This village, the largest by far in the southern portion of the Union, is notoriously deficient in privy accommodation. The Chairman stated that the Inspector had general orders to the effect that he was to summon all persons allowing nuisances to recur.—The Inspector and the Medical Officer were directed to visit several places at Llandre and report upon them.—The Inspector was ordered to serve a notice upon the owner of the house at Tre'rddol, requiring him to repair the house and also upon the owner of Nantlleien cottages. It was stated that the owner is Mr. ^Davies, Penpompren.—The In- spector was again asked to specially report upon Taliesin, in order that it might be sent up to the Local Government Board as an answer to their letter.—Referring to this matter, Mr. Bircham said that unless the work were better done, he really could not recommend the repayment of the moiety of salaries of officers. Eventually the meet- ing was adjourned for a fortnight for the special con- sideration of the report.—Blaencwmerfin was stated to be the residence of the man who was said to be defended by rats some time ago when the policeman went to bring him to the Petty Sessions.—The Medical Officer was directed to visit and inspect the house.—Referring to Llanrhystyd, Mr. Atwood said the law respecting privy accommodation was deficient; there was power to compel the erection of those houses, but no power to compel people to use them. (Laughter.)—The Board decided to have the closets erected in two months. Borth Water Supply.—The Chairman read the minutes of the Borth Parochial Committee, by which it appeared that an arrangement had been come to between the people of Borth and Mr. George Lewis, by which Mr. Lewis agreed to provide a passage of the Mill leet through his property by means of an 18-inch pipe, and to keep the culvert free from obstructions.—In answer to a question, Mr. Lewis, chairman of the Borth. Parochial Committee, stated that the water would only be suitable for wAshing purposes.—Mr. Fryer remarked that no doubt the leet was the natural drain of Borth. As it was at present, it was a great nuisance.—Referring to the preliminary ex- penses, Mr. Everitt Jones, on behalf of Mr. George Lewis, claimed to be exempt from the payment of those expenses. Counsel's opinion had been obtained, and the ratepayers, who were now supplied with water, intended to refvwe payment of the late.—Mr. Birsham thought that Mr. Sveritt Jones had not much of a case, but at the same time it behoved the Sanitary Authority to see that no unnecessary expense was incurred.—The Paro- chial Committee was then asked to produce at the ad- journed meeting, a statement of accounts, with vouchers, and also estimate of expense of clearing out the mill leet, &c.—Mr. Lewis said that if a company were formed to supply Borth with water it was very likely that the com- pany would pay the preliminary expenses. TOWN COUNCIL, TUESDAY, JAN. 21.—Present: Mr. David Roberts, mayor, presiding, Aldermen John Watkins, Philip Williams, and Thomas Jones, Coun- cillors Peter Jones, T. D. Harries, J. J. Griffiths, Edward Humphreys, John Jenkins, John Jones, Bridge- end, John James, a.nd Isaac Morgan. Mr. W. if. Thomas, town clerk, Mr. D. Lløyd, Mr. David Jones, borough accountant, Mr. Rees Jones, town surveyor, Mr. Hugh Hugbes, treasurer, and Mr. J. J. Atwood, corporation solicitor. VOTE OF THANKS. On the motion of Alderman VVATKINS, seconded by the MAYOR, a vote of thanks was given to Alderman Wil- liams for his services as convener of the Public Lights Committee. INTEREST. Alderman WATKINS proposed, Mr. JOHN JONES seconded, and it was agreed to pay half-year's interest on £1,644 due on mortgages on Jan. 20. LETTING OF LAND. Mr. JOHN JONES said the Public Works Committee had met and had decided upon certain things, but others were adjourned. The Committee had agreed to divide Plas Crug ground from Mr. Hughes's field, but not to sub- divide it with fences, as it would entail the outlay of between JB70 and J380. Mrs. Mellings had signified her intention of giving up the field she held at Plas Crug, and the Committee recommended that it should be let to Mr. Szlumper with the field he now held, at a rent of £7 10s. per bcre, which the Committee considered to be a fair sum. The Committee recommended that the ditch should be retained. The meeting was adjourned, but he was un- able to attend it in consequence of the weather. Mr. Szlumper had promised to remove the cowshed near the path, and he did not take cows up and down the Plas Crug walk. Mr. PETER JONES thought that Mr. David Jones should be prevented takiifg his animals along that path. He con- sidered that that walk should be kept clean. As to the letting of the land, it was the opinion of the adjourned meeting that the land ishould be let by auction with the other land. There seemed to be a conflict of opinion, and that being so he thought that the whole matter should be re-considered. Mr. SZLUMPER remarked that it was agresd at a, full meeting of the Committee to let .the land to him. He thought the Council would have been in a position to give him an answer to his application. Mr. JOHN JONES then moved, and Dr. HARRIES seconded, that the land should be let to Mr. Szlumper for a period of seven years, and the motion was agreed to. JPLANS. Mr. REES JONES, the town surveyor, presented plans of houses to be erected in Queen-street for Captain David Jenkins and Mr. John Rees, and they were approved on the motion of Mr. ISAAC MORGAN, seconded by Alderman WILLIAMS. FINANCE COMMITTEE. Mr. PETER JONES, on behalf of Mr. James, convener of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:— "Gentlemen,—A meeting of this Committee was held on Monday, January 20, present, Messrs. Isaac Morgan, Peter Jones, J. R. Jones, and John James, convener, W. H. Thomas, town clerk, David Jones, borough account- ant, and Rees Jones, town surveyor.—Stables.—Your Committee recommend that the stables and premises owned by your Council, situate in Moor-street, be let in their present state by public auction, for a term of seven years, the same time as the fields on Morfa Mawr, and that the sum considered necessary towards defraying the cost of the erection and completion of the stables, build- ings, and yard on Morfa Mawr be borrowed, and its re- payment secured by way of mortgage in the usual manner, provided the consent of the Treasury is obtained for that purpose." The TOWN CLERK remarked that the whole of Morfa Mawr was under mortgage, and there would be a difficulty in getting the consent of the Treasury. Mr. PETER JONES replied that if any difficulty existed between the Corporation and the Treasury the Council should make application, and get the difficulty cleared up, once for all. Mr. J. J. GRIFFITHS proposed, Mr. JOHN JONES seconded, and it was agreed to adopt the report. SALE BY AUCTION. On the suggestion of Mr. JOHN JAMES, the Town Clerk was directed to issue advertisements for the sale by auction that day fortnight of the Corporation property on the Flats, the gardens, and the stables. SCHOOL BOARD ARREARS. The MAYOR read the following letter from Mr. Williams, clerk to the School Board :— Dear sir,—I am directed by the Aberystwyth School Board to inform you of the resolution passed at the Board held on this day. The amounts due on the precepts of the Board appear to he as follows :-Arrears on precepts before January 1, 1879, precept made on 11th October, 1878, and due January total, £1,045 16s It was resolved by the Board that unless the sum of JE495 16s., the arrears on precepts due to the Board before the 1st January, 1879, be paid to the Treasurer of this Board on or before Tuesday next, the 21st inst., pro- ceedings shall be taken to obtain a mandamus to compel pay- ment of the said sum of £ 495 16s., so due as aforesaid; and also of the sum of £550, owing under the precept of this Board, made on the 11th day of October, 1878, and due on the 1st Jan.. 1879, making together the sum of £1,045 16s.. and if the said sum of £495 16s. be paid on Tuesday next. and the balance of £;;50, due on the said precept of the 11th day of October, 1878, he not paid on or before the 17th day of February next, that proceedings shall be then taken to compel payment of the said sum of £550.-Yours truly, W. WILLIAMS, Clerk to the Board. Mr. HUGH HUGHES, the treasurer, said he had had a similar letter from the School Board, and he had asked the overseers to be preseat at that meeting. He under- stood that they had nothing to say except that they could not get the collector to get in the money. He did not know what was to be done. He had told them that they should complain to the Board of Guardians, but they said they did not like to do so. The Guardians had power to suspend him; and no doubt if they communicated with the Local Government Board on the subject the collector would be removed. He had a narrow escape last time, and he would be almostsure to be dismissedif another com- plaint were made. He urged the collector every week to get in the money, but he had said that he was ill. He had then advised him to resign, or do something, instead of placing the overseers in the position which they were now in. They left their own business and went collecting the rates, and they got about 2200 in five days. That was out of the arrears, and he understood that there were now between t300 and JE400 arrears. Mr. MATTHIAS, one of the overseers, said he and his colleague intended to go out and collect the arrears. Mr. ISAAC MORGAN asked if there were sufficient arrears to pay the £490. Mr. HUGHES did not think so. Mr. MORGAN added that if there were not enough arrears, the collector was not to blame for the non-pay- ment of the 1:490. Mr. PETER JONES replied that, of course, all precepts were included in the rates, so that there must be enough arrears. Mr. JOHN JONES said it was a chronic state of things. Had the overseers anything to suggest? Mr. WILLIAMS, another overseer, said they could not get Samuel to work with them. They promised to meet him at Mr. Hughes's office the other day, but the collector did not attend. TLey went to his house a short time ago, but he was not at home. Alderman WILLIAMS said the overseers had better com- plain to the Guardians. In answer to the Mayor, the Overseers said they had already borrowed;2340 from the bank, and that they were repaying it with the money they collected. Mr. JAMES asked the overseers if they wanted the Council to do anything ? The Overseers replied that they wanted leniency. Mr. JAMES said they would have so apply to the School Board for leniency. The TOWN CLERK said the Chairman of the School Board was most severe in his remarks respecting the matter. Mr. JAMES said that it was no wonder. Mr. ISAAC MORGAN asked the Town Clerk what he ad- vised the Council to do. The TOWN CLERK said he feared the School Board would proceed against the Corporation in spite of any- thing they did. lVIr. MORGAN remarked that that was what he wanted to prevent. Mr. HUGHES asked the overseerq if they would complain to the Board of GLiat-diani; ? Mr. MATTHIAS replied that he would, but he did not like to do so. The TOWN CLERK-But you must like. Mr. MORGAN again asked the Town Clerk what he ad- vised the Council to do to avoid the issue of a mandamus? The TOWN CLERK replied that he believed the case was incurable. Mr. MORGAN added that the Council would have to ap- point a collector of their own. Mr. JAMES suggested that the Mayor should call upon the clerk of the benool Board, and ask him to delay taking proceedings. The TOWN CLERK believed that he would not delay, as he had definite instructions. Alderman WILLIAMS suggested that the money should be advanced by the treasurer. Mr. HUGHES said he should be glad to get the overseers out of trouble. Mr. JAMES thought it advisable to authorize the trea- surer to advance £ b0t>. Alderman WILLIAMS seconded Mr. James's suggestion, and it was agreed to. Mr. JAMES said he believed that there were people in the town who owed three or four years' rates. He sug- gested that the ovtrseers should ask the collector to resign at the next meeting of the Board of Guardians. He had been told that he contemplated doing so. The overseers consented. THE C4STLE GROUNDS. The MAYOR read a letter from Colonel Phillootts, Pem- broke Dock, enclosing one he had received from Mr. Wilding, Bewdley, to the effect that tbe castle grounds belonged in part to him—the portion known as the Castle Field to Sir Pryse Pryse, Bart., and he held the same as Sir Pryse's tenant, which he let to the Corporation with his (Mr. Wilding's) own. Mr. ATWOOD advised that the Town Clerk should write in reply, stating that the Council did not recognize Mr. Wilding's claim. They recognized Sir Pryse's claim. Mr. MORGAN remarked that the Corporation had paid rent to Mr. Wilding. Mr. HUGH HUGHES replied that the act of the Town Council in that respect did not bind the town. The public had been in quiet enjoyment of the castle grounds from time immemorial. Mr. ATWOOD believed the grounds belonged to the Crown. He advised the Council to state that to Colonel Phillpotts, and endeavour to secure the grounds to the town. It was then decided, on the motion of Alderman WILLIAMS, seconded by Mr. JOHN JONES, that the Town Clerk should reply to the letter in the way suggested. MESSRS. ELLIS AND OWEN'S CLAIM. Mr. ATWOOD said he had attended the meeting of creditors at Machynlleth, and had put a proof on the file for t280. He did not vote. The TOWN CLERK remarked that Mr. Atwood was re- fused. Mr. ATWOOD added that there was a long discussion, whether further steps should Lot be taken towards making the firm bankrupt, but in the end 3s. in the pound was agreed to. That, however, did not put an end to the appeal case in London, which he expected would come on very shortly. He wanted to know if her was to go up to London. He would not do so unless specially ordered t. do so. Air. ISAAC MORGAN moved that Mr. Atwood should not go, but it was agreed that he should, if necessary, on the amendment of Alderman WILLIAMS, seconded by Dr. ILvRRiii.s. WATER MAINS. Mr. MORGAN referred to the purchase of the water mains, and advised that they should be re-laid in places wbe-f the old ones were leaking. He suggested that the subject should bu referred to a commitee. Labour was cheap, and if the works were commenced soon, it would be completed before the first of May. He thought it tin- advisable to wuit until the coustiuction of the new reservoir. Dr. HARRIES thought the pipes should be laid with a certain regard to the future requirements of the town. The present system of mains was a wrong one, for the water pipes weie near the gas mains. They were also not deep enough in the earth, and so were affected by the heat of the sun aud the frost in winter. According to Raw- linson the pipes should be at least 3 feet deep. On the suggestion of Mr. PETER JONES, the subject waa referred to the Public Works Committee. BOUNDARY FENCE. The Public Works Committee were authorized to make arrangements with Mr. Hugh Hughes for the erection of a boundary fence at Plas Crug, the expense to be divided. THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS. The MAYOR read a letter from Mr. George Green, call- ing attention to the excessive rating of the Assembly Rooms. Mr. PETER J OSES replied that that was a subject for the Assessment Committee and not for the Council. MORE TINKERING AT THE FLATS. Mr. MORGAN said there was no chance of getting water by gravitation next summer, and, therefore, he thought it advisable to see if the supply at the Flats could not be improved by the sinking of a well, or by laying down pipes. He suggested that the subject should be referred to the Public Works Committee. Alderman WATKINS seconded the motion, and it was agreed to. The subject of a better supply of water was upon the agenda paper, but as it was nearly one o'clock before it was reached, it was agreed to postpone the discussion till the next meeting.

PORTDINORWIO. DEPRESSION OF TRADE.-At the letting of bargains at Llanberis 200 quarrymen were stopped altogether, the re- maining only working three days a week.

TIDE TABLE FOR ABERYSTWYTH, ABERDOVEY, AND BARMOUTH. J&n. Aberystwyth. Aberdovey. Barmouth. a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. Fri.24 8 51 9 2 5) 20 8 42 9 • Sat.25 9 9 9 27 9 38 9 56 9 18 9 36 Sun.26 9 44 10 1 10 13 10 30 9 53 10 10 Mon.2/ 10 17 10 33 10 4U H 2 10 20 10 42 Tues.28 10 48 11 3 11 17 11 32 10 57 11 12 Wed.29 11 18 11 35 — 0 4 11 27 Thur.30 — 0 12 0 22 0 41 0 2 | 0 21

On Monday, Jan. 13, the mechanics in the foundries and smiths' shops at Bangor and the surrounding district turned out against a reduction in wages of Is. per week, and later in the :day the men employed in the building trade struck against an order for extended hpurs of work. The shipbuilders are also on strike, and the quarrymen, owing to the bad state of trade, work but four days weekly. A REMARKABLE COLONY.—The Winnipeg Standard, of a recent date, gives the following, under the heading of "Mennonite enterprise:"—"Not long since we noticed the determined manner in which our quiet fellow-subjects, the Mennonites, set to work to make roads for themselves, so as to get to market more readily. One of these high- ways, which they built without any aid from the Govern- ment, was lengthy; and some of the difficulties of its construction may be judged from the fact that eight miles of it lay through the St. Norbert swamp—a very large and bad one. This is only a beginning of what they intend doing it appears they have now projected a railway to the west, and will have it, too, by hook or by crook.' Here are men ready to build 60 miles of the road for any solvent company undertaking it, and to do this without charging one cent for the work. Only the location of the line by the engineers, and the necessary supplies of ties and rails, have to be forthcoming, whereupon our Russian friends are prepared to take the field and build the 60 miles for nothing. The pioneer party of Mennonites, numbering 334 souls, sailed from Liverpool for Quebec on the 30th June, 1874, in the Allan steamer Austrian, and between that date and the 8th October following, 1,200 more had taken their departure for Quebec in steamera belonging to the same line. In the year 1875 there sailed also by the same line to the same destination 3,546 souls, while only 1,250 sailed in the three succeeding years 1876, 1877, and 1878 making a total, up to the end of 1878, of 6,330 souls. A few words of exploration are necessary concerning the Mennonites. Without going into the early history of their settlement in the south of Russia, it may be sufficient to state that they, by their ability in agriculture, created the great Russian wheat trade, the central point of which is the port of Odessa. They- hold, however, peculiar religious and social opinions which are entirely opposed to some of the elementary principles upon which Government and society in Russia rest. They are dissenters from the orthodox Greek Church, but what is more important, so far as the Russian|Government is concerned, they utterly refuse to take any part in military service. The consequence of these anti-military tenets might have been foreseen. It became understood that they must be given up, or there must be an exodus of the Mennonites from Russia. The latter alternative was chosen. Printed by EDWARD WOODALL, and Published for the Proprietors at the dwelling-house of JACOB JONES, High-street, Bala, in the county of Merioneth; of Joii-, GIBSON, 3, Q.ueen's-road, Aberystwyth, in the county of Cardigan; aud of DAVID LLOYII, Portmadoc, in.the county of Carnarvon. Friday, January 1879.