The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

WALES AND THE ENGLISH PRESS. gIB> Some one has sent me a copy of the Cambrian News of January 31, containing a reference to a speech I made at the opening of New Jewin Chapel. A remark I dropped on that occasion is made the text for a lecture by you to Welsh members of Parliament and others, in which you charge them with administering "gross flattery and lavish and unmeaning adulation to their countrymen. If there are members of Parlia- ment who are guilty of this offence let them answer for themselves. So far as I am concerned personally I utterly deny the charge. Flattery is defined as false, venal, or insincere praise," and no man can prove that 1 have e-r-r so flattered the Welsh. I have defended them when thev have been assailed, as, I am sorry to say, they often have been very grossly and unjustly assailed, in the English press. Thirty years ago, when I first undertook their vindication, the columns of the London papers abounded with coarse and brutal attacks upon Welshmen and Welshwomen. Here are a few of the flowers of speech scattered plentifully upon us— Wales is fast set- tling down into the most savage barbarism the Welsh are sunk in the depths of ignorance and in the slough of sensuality" Their habits are those of animals, and will not bear description." Much later than that-only ten ^ears a<?o—the Conservative Press of London was reeking (iav by day with the foulest and falsest slanders upon the Welsh Dissenting ministers and the Welsh Dissenting Press Here are specimens-" The Welsh language is made the o £ evil by prejcher, other ««p- Dorters of anarchy and plunder 1 tie people are actively taught to commit arson and murder, they are re- gularly drilled into Femanism"; "Dissenting ministers are the curse of Wales"; and '^hereiss'mrceyajer- mon or lecture they deliver that is not full of sedition. And the Times never writes of Wales and Welshmen except in the most bitter and scornful spirit. I remem- ber some few vearsago, Mr. Mathew Arnold, referring to one of these articles, laid, When I read these asperities ote Time.* I said to myself as I put the newspaper down. Behold England's difficulty m governing Ire- •^It'would not be very wonderful if, in the presence of such calumnies as those I have cited, men who have the fair fame of their country at heart, should be driven to some exaggeration on the other side. But, for myself 1 have always tried to avoid that, and have founded my de- fence of mv countrymen upon unquestioned and unques- tionable facts, showing from official and other authorita- tive documents, that, instead of being m the condition described bv some portion of the English press, there is less of crime and of immorality, and more of religion and the fruits of religion in Wales than in England. I hope you don't call this coarse flattery. T™n The head and front of my offending at the Jewini meet- ing seems to have been that I complained that the Eng i»h press magnified any little local disturbance in any comer of Wales into a sweeping indictment of lawlessness against the whole country. And is not that a very just ground of complaint? You quote one passage ^omtheDail^ jYews. I will quote another. 1 he_ article opens thus "Wild Wales, as the Triad calls it. seems still to be the home of a good deal of wild feeling and of wild lojic. The name of Rebecca has been applied by an evident Scripture allusion, to all the illegal but spirited doings which date from the Welsh riots against tolls^ Rebecca is a mythical person with many children who are constantly 'giving notice,' like a once famous Dean, of their intention to break the law. The offspring of Rebecca, like the Maffei of Sicily, find their raison d etre m a con- stant and even violent protest against any laws which they do not happen to like." Now I ask, is it possible for anyone unacquainted with Wales to read these sentences without receiving this im- pression, that there is a bedy of lawless conspirators in Wales like the Sicilian Maffei, who are constantly as the writer twice repeats, giving notice of their inten- tion to violate the law. And does not everybody who knows Wales Juiow that this is utterly false those who live among the English can understand how such writing as this prejudices our neighbours against us. "What a lawless set your countrymen are," is the sort of remark that greets one's ear. And this in the face of the fact that as a rule the Welsh are much more qmetand law-abiding than the English, as the "judicial statistics abundantly prove. The English press does not treat its own countrymen like that. Disturbances of all kind are -met, much more fremient in England than in Wales. There is scarcely a week that we do not hear of some desperate and net unfrequently fatal fray connected with the game laws. This very day I read the following FATAL POACHING AFrit-ky.-At Whitmore, near Crewe, on Wednesday night, Mv. John Cotterell, accompanied by Beswick, his keeper, and two watciiers. went out to a. rest a gannot poachers. Beswick and a watcher took one direction, ^n"_l n Cotterell and another watcher another. Beswick first camei up with the poachers, and immediately one of them shouted out, Shoot the Before he could do so Beswick closed with them. The poacher, however, fired at him, and, failing to shoot him, beat his arur.-stock to pieces over his head. Beswick s skull was fractured, and he was conveyed home in a dying con- dition and expired on Thursday evening. If this had occurred in Wales it would have been made the text of a homily against the violent and lawless character of the Welsh people. But it is not thought and very properly not thought—to justify a comprehensive impeachment of the English people. When you talk of Welsh members or somebody else as telling the Welsh that "all their geese are swans," that they "are wingless engels," you exaggerate preposterously, or you have fallen in with a class of speakers such as I have never encountered. I don't think you need fear the Welsh people being spoiled by flattery, fhere has been no time within my memory when poor Wales had not plenty of devil's advocates, in the form of caustic and contemptuous critics in England and of candid friends" in Wales, to point out the failings of her sons, so that they are not in danger of being exalted above measure.-I am, &c., HENRY RICHARD. London, Feb. 4, 1879. ABERGYNOLWYN AND "THE VICE OF EXAGGERATION." Sin;—I am very much obliged to your correspondent for drawing my attention through your columns to the gross misstatement of H. Roberts in reference to the refusal to let a cottage to a man because he was a quarryman on an estate near the above village. The man was not al- lowed to have the cottage because he was a well known poacher, and for that reason alone prevented becoming a tenant, a nuisance and a disgrace to the valley. One of the best men on the property is and has been a quarryman for years. It is a pity that such a class of hard working men as Welsh quarrymen don't themselves show their contempt for the cowardly specimens of.humanity—potato stealers, women and police assaulters, poachers and foul salmon spearers, who are styled quarrymen in the charge-sheets at sessions,—and restore themselves as a body to the respect and admiration of their employers, the public, and your obedient servant, 3rd Feb. THEIR NEIGHBOUR. WHEAT GROWING ON THE WELSH COAST. SIR,-It may be interesting to some of your agricul- tural readers to see the following items of cost in growing Rent £ 1 5s. per acre; taxes 5s. ditto; ploughing 18s.; harrowing, 4s.; seed, 3 bushels at 6s. 6d., 19s. 6d.; stone gathering, Is.; rolling, 2s.; weeding, Is. 6d.; harvesting, £ 1 5s.; thrashing, cleaning at 6d. per bushel, 7s. 6d.; cart- ing six or seven miles to market, 5s.; blacksmith's account per acre, 6s. 3d.; joiner's, 5s.; ironmonger, 3s.; saddler, 3s.; 4 cwt manure at 8s., tl 12s.; interest of money laid out in horses, 5s.; loss of horses in death and loss in value, 5s.; total, P,8 123. 9d. Proceeds of crop 15 bushels at 6s., 24 10.; value of straw, 22 total, £6 10s. Loss per acre, 22 2s. 9d. Besides all the foregoing, one of the very best fields on the farm is always taken, and wheat is an exhausting crop, and leaves land full of weeds and more than all that, four months' grazing is lost because the crop must be ploughed and sown in October or November of preceding year. The Welsh farmers are playing a losing game in trying to compete with America and foreign countries in the raising of wheat.-I am, &c., FARMER. THE OLD BELLS OF TOWYN. SIR,-Alexancler Selkirk, in his solitude on the Island of Juan Fernandez, while bewailing his terrible fate, and recording his thonghts of the "Land I shall visit no w':OP, i" credited by Cowper, the poet, with having the following soul-stirring words- But the sound of the church going bell, These valleys and rocks never heard Never sighed at the sound of a knell, Nor smiled when a Sabbath appeared. The sound of the church going bell and the sweets of Goa's day of rest lived together in his fondest recollection, and undoubtedly afforded him a foretaste of the joy which is yet in store for the good. The sound of the bell is closely associated with the very first events which impress the youthful mind, especially of those brought up in small tOWRS and villages. The bells announce the birth of the heir to the wide domain of the neighbouring Baron, his coniing-of-age, his nuptials, and, alas, tolls the knell of his parting liie. They welcome the weary traveller home from long and stormy voyages and difficult explorations, and toll on while the weary are at rest. There is not a high-mmdd youth in the village but what is looking forward with pride to the day he will walk to the sound of the bells with the maid of his choice to the altar. Who forgets during life, however eventful, his mother's passing bell. I need not enumerate the claims those ancient bells have upon us, but will with your kind permission call the u, attention of all true and faithful Towynites, wherever they may be, to the desirableness of preserving the old bells and, if possible, of adding to their number. We all remember hearing those that are older than we tell how well Jerry Daniel, Amos Thomas, Griffith Jones, Hugh Richards, &c., &c., rang those bells, and the sore hands we got in trying to ring ourselves. The church is going to be restored in the Spring, and it would be worth our while to make an effort to add to the number of our bells. Here Churchmen and Nonconformists always regard the Church as their common property, and in spite of the power recent Dissent exercises over the great majority of us we yet can but look with veneration on the temple raised by our ancestors and dedicated with so much sim- plicity and devotion to the worship of God. It is only as it were yesterday that the grand fathers and mothers of all of us assembled in it to worship. We know the very seats they occupied, the names of many of them are still on the pew-doors. The hymns and psalms they most pre- ferred and their favourite carols are known to us by heart. Every lover of sacred music in the place has heard of Hugh Angel, Richard Edwards, David Daniel, William Humphrey y Gwydd, Francis Sh6n, &c., &c. The lives which many of the simple Ciirifltians of the past generation led shine brilliantly through the inter- vening space of time upon us, and act as beacons guiding us in the ways of religion and truth. Around fie church—venerable pile—our dead are sleeping—sainted mothers, noble fathers, brothers, sisters, loving children, and the treasures of many devoted lovers are there. A place which is so closely associated with recollections of such a touching and exalted character must ever retain, and deservedly so, a strong hold upon the noblest traits in our natures, and I trust we sb allland it down to posterity, bearing marks of care and attention worthy of the age we live in.—I am, &c. NOT A CHURCHMAN. THE DOLGELLEY INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES R AND MR. ltEVELEY. Sir.I am not aware that the long letter of the In- spector of Nuisances in your last paper requires any notice from me except for one remark he makes impugning the accuracy of my statement, and that is, as to the lease of Copr'owen-ucha. Now, if I used the word lease, and I do not recollect whether I did or liC, I used it in the legal 86086 of a taking, whether for one year or twenty, makes P no difference. In saying this, I believe I am correct. The man has no lease beyond a yearly one; but by that agreement he undertakes to keep his buildings in repair. I believe I may assert that the house was repaired when he took it, as is always done on my property. As for the money spent since, it may or may not have been ex- pended on the house or the buildings; the result is the same to me, a loss in consequence of the tenant's in- attention. But I understand from the tenant's wife that the story as to the hole in the roof is a perfect fiction. Anyhow, I have called my agent's attention to the matter.—I am, &c., H. J. REVELEY. CARDIGANSHIRE LIBERALISM. Sip,-The time has surely come when the Liberals of Cardiganshire should fix upon a candidate to contest the county at the next election. The candidate who ought to be asked to come forward is Mr. E. M. Richards, and he would obtain more general and hearty support than anyone who has been mentioned. Colonel Pryse has been referred to, but it is understood that the Colonel for various reasons has aban- doned the idea of contesting the county. The expenses of the contest are an obstacle in the way, and there are others the colonel does not recognize as clearly as he recognizes this. The candidate who comes out in the Liberal interest must be a thorough-going Liberal, and must not shy at the cost. There is a party in the county who think Mr. David Davies should contest the county and allow the Colonel to walk over for the boroughs. This is a proposal which Mr. David Davies will be very unwise to listen to. Why should he spend four or five thousand pounds and risk his seat to oblige anybody? There is no reason, and I believe if he did this he wauld do more harm than good. The Liberals must fight the county with the help of Go- gerddan if they can get it, but without that help if there is no other alternative. There is a good deal of wire pulling going on, but the leading liberals may depend upon it the constituency is in no mood to be played with. An out-and-out Tory would stand a better chance than a half-and-half Liberal. There ought to be no difficulty about a candidate, and it would give me and others great satisfaction to learn what is being done towards winning back the county seat.—I am, &c., LIBERAL. DOWNIE'S BEQUEST. SIB,—I am a Churchman, and have often noticed the different attitudesi observed by Churchmen towards Nonconformists. One class, to which I claim to belong, can sympathize with the views of those who differ from them, and treat every man with respect without regard to his religious belief. The other class must first ask a man what creed he pro- fesses, and what church he attends before even the common civilities of society are extended to him. This class is chiefly composed of converts from the Nonconformist sections of the community, and I have often wondered why neophytes should be bigots. The truest test to know the neophyte is to notice his bigotay and his hatred of his former creed or sect. Writers who own that they have not made themselves acquainted with all the facts of a matter should be' silent. It has been remarked that more was said at the public meeting of the scheme than of the will. What has the will to do with the carrying out of the scheme settled by the Court of Chancery. ,Nobody, save the Vicar and one or two others, will say that the will has any bearing on the object of the public meeting—no one has denied, no one can deny, that the Church Society was the Society named in Mr. Downie's will. The Vicar, with great vehemence, asserted this at the public meeting several times, but with what effect ? With no effect because it was admitted by the executors by the Attorney Geneial, by the Court of Chancery, and by the meeting addressed by the Vicar at the time. But the Vice-Chancellor found that the District Visiting Society was no society at all, there were visitors but no society, the society being a certain individual, the Vicar of Aberystwyth, who personally, under the guise of a society, nominated visitors, gave them money, and they did all the work of the District Visiting Society. And is there amongst your readers any one so simple as to believe that the Court of Chancery, having had cognizance of the matter, would direct the executors to hand over 9600 every year to the Vicar, to be applied by him as he might think tit? The Court ordered them to bring in a scheme for application of the money in aid of the District Visiting society, which th .y did—fraught with Church elements- a scheme which might well satisfy the most zealous of Churchmen, and then the fight began. Then the influential meeting of about twenty ratepayers," which was held at the Temperance Hall, commenced working, and certain persons are sore that these twenty ratepayers were successful, and it must be somewhat humiliat- ing to acknowledge the fact in the face of the strong forces at the command of the Church in the town. There seems to be some difficulty in understanding the success of the twenty ratepayers. The twenty communicated with the Attorney General, and I may tell those who do not happen to know, that the Attorney General has charge of all charities, and is their representative before the Court. He invites the public to give him information, and there have been cases where the Court has rewarded persons for information supplied to the Attorney General. In the suit respecting Mr. Downie's will the Attorney General was ordered to be made a party, and to represent the two charities benefited by the will, and the twenty ratepayers com- municated with the Attorney General's solicitor, and their representations were gladly received, as the representa- tions of any other twenty ratepayers would be. And this simple fact accounts for the scheme as it now stands. Here the Vicar made the mistake. Did he communicate with the Attorney General ? No. Instead of that he went direct to Court, and to his cost found that he was not known there as at Aberystwyth, and that the Attorney General was listened to in preference to him, supported as he was by the executors, churchwardens, and the ladies. -I am, &c., LITCIAN. [We have marked out some sentences from this letter.— ED., C.N.] DOLGELLEY STREETS, ROADS, AND FOOT- PATHS.—A SURVEYOR S VIEW. (SIK,—It rains incessantly, and as the old folks say, There will be flood somewhere." From my elevated position, the top of the tower of the Parish Church here, I took a survey of our streets and roads, and I assure you it is true that "distance lends enchantment to the view." We read of old, as an ancient Roman sings, that "The sea was everywhere, or all things were sea." Some- thing to that effect; but led mud be the word, mud, mire, or dirt instead, and it will describe accurately what I saw this (Wednesday) morning especially. Surely some poor old man could be found to scrape and cleanse the streets for a few shillings weekly, as it must be miserable for every one to trudge along through the sloppy roads, no footpaths of course as a rule, and often very little light indeed from the gas. My mate whispers, "The moon is our only certain guide," and she saw a young lady this morning trudging along with such difficulty that she pitied her, she seemed as if she would every now and then stick in the mud. At least she says, she feared every minute she would come to a worse place than common in the horrid road and leave one of her tiny boots behind her We had a Convocation this afternoon, and we feel, and every jackdaw among us said so, we ought not to re- main any longer here and our musical notes will be heard no longer in the old tower unless there is a reform and the ways are mended, we shall migrate to Barmouth, or some other pretty spot.—Yours truly. JACKDAW. Dolgelley, 5th Feb., 1879.

CORRESPONDENCE. AN letters *just be w)*itten on one side of the paper and accompanied by the name and culdress of the writer, not necearily for publication, but as a guaran tee of flood faith.

MR. WATKIN WILLIAMS AND SOUTHWARK. Professor Thorold Rogers has been selected for South- wark. The method of selection was offensive, and will tend, unjustly, to discredit the new Liberal Federation, with which it had no necessary connection. The public examination of candidates was exactly what ought to have been avoided, and the Committee should have con- tented themselves with asking one or two general ques- tions by letter. At the same time, it is to be noted that the Two Hundred selected the two best candidates Professor Thorold Rogers and Mr. Williams, before they proceeded to the final choice. We regret Mr. Williams's want of success, but we have little doubt he will find a constituency glad to have the advantage of his services. The hon. and learned gentleman has addressed the following letter to some of the daily papers Sir,—It is the fate of public men, both small and Teat to be occasionally misunderstood and misrepresented, and they are wise as a rule to bear it without complaint; but it is within their privilege to offer a correction for the consideration of just men. Several papers, to my injury, represent me as havino- been favourable to the famous vote of credit of £6,000,000 granted to the Government, and I will not say that my reported language isolated from the entire context, gives no colour to that view' It is, nevertheless, an utterly untrue view. No one was more earnestly opposed to the Government policy and conduct than I was. I went the entire length of AIr. Gladstone's views. But my opinion was, and still is, that it was a mistake to challenge the fundamental question as to the whole foreign policy of the Government upon the collateral and secondary question of a vote of money. I was perhaps in error. It seemed to me that unless the Opposition could succeed in reversing the whole foreign policy of the Government by a frank and direct vote con- demnatory of their vicious policy and course of action, it was not only impracticable to stop supplies, but the form of pro- ceeding was misleading to foreign nations who saw us engaged, apparently, not in a contest upon great principles of action, but in a mere dispute as to the expenses of carrying out the nationai policy.—Yours, &c. WATKIN WILLIAMS. Feb. 1.

The first conviction, as far as we know, under the new Weights and Measures Act was recorded at Liverpool on Monday, when Mr. James Sutton, a farmer of Altcar, was fined Is. for selling potatoes by the bushel of 90 lbs. The case was a friendly one, brought before the magis- trate to obtain his decision. The judgment was probably correct; but one or two remarkable assertions were made in the course of the hearing. The solicitor for the prose- cution, for example, said the Act stated that no local or customary measure other than the imperial j standard would be_ legal. What about the 22nd clause, which provides that" nothing in this Act shall prevent the sale of an article in any vessel where such vessel is r, not represented as containing any amount of imperial measure ? We understand, by the way, that butter of 15 ozs. to the pound has been sent to Oswestry market. Surely everybody knows that the imperial standard is 16 ozs. It is bad enough to pay the same Drice for 16 ozs as was formerly paid for 20 ozs., without a further reduc- tion. SADLER v. WHALLEY.—This case was before the hh-ce7, division on Tuesday, Jan. 28th, on a motion ?! mg that an arbitration award might be confirmed I he action was against the late Mr. Whalley, M.P., bv Mr. Sadler, in respect of a mine, and the action was now revived against Mrs. Whalley as his legal personal re- presentative.-The Vice-Chancellor said that this case had been ofa very painful nature in* consequence of the bitterness which had been manifested on bath sides. Both parties were respectable, and Mr. Whalley, though a man of a very peculiar views, was undoubtedly a most honest and honourable man. He felt that the question between the parties involved questions of fact which would be best tned before a jury, and he accordingly ordered the case to be tried before a jurv at Liverpool. After reviewing the transactions since the trial before him, his lordship affirmed the award, but made no order as to costs. SHROPSHIRE AND WEST MIDLAND AGRICULTURAL So- CIETY. -The site committee appointed by this society have had again under their consideration the question of a suitable position for the forthcoming show at Shrews- bury. The society's surveyor, Mr. E. Bremner Smith of Oswestry, had carefully prepared an enlarged map of the Quarry, showing in detail the proposed arrangeme-.ii of the show yard, and reported that that ground w,,i,.g suffi- ciently large for all the society's requirements. The com- mittee discussed the merits of other sites which had been suggested, but unanimously resolved That the Quarry is the most desirable position for the show of 1879, and that the local committee be requested to obtain the sanction of the Corporation for its use."

LLANIDLOES FIRE.—On Sunday morning, Jan. 26, a fire broke out in an unknown manner at Mr. Evan Jones's, house, Great Oak-street, and did much damage before it could be quenched. LECTURES.—On the evenings of the 27th and 28th Jan., at the Baptist Schoolroom, and in connection with the "Clywedog" Lodge of Good Templars here, Mr. G. D. Allott, of Bradford, delivered two lectures on the subjects of "Bad Times, their cause, and cure," and "The Brew- er's Dog." The lectures were interesting and amusing. The meetings were presided over by the Revs. Peter Jones (Petros) and N. C. Jones (Cynhafal).

KERRY PETTY SESSIONS, FRIDAY, JAN. 3.—Before C. J. Naylor, Esq., and J. H. Blythe, Esq. Drunkenness.— P.O. Tanner charged David Jones, farm ser- vant, with being drunk and disorderly on the turnpike road near Kerry village on the 25th of December. 1878. Defendant tppeared and admitted the offence.-Fined 15s., including costs. kef using to Quit.—Mr. Edward Tomlins, landlord of the Sam Inn, summoned John Withers for being disorderly and refusing t.o quit the Sam Inn when requested to do so on the 22nd Jan. Mr. Tomlins proved the charge, but did not wish to press it. —Fined 10s., and costs. Riding without Hems.— P.O. Tanner charged Thomas Davies with this offence. Mr. P. G. Hughes, of Cwmearl, proved the case, and said he saw him riding on the shafts. He spoke to him, when he commenced using abusive language towards him. He ascertained that the team belonged to Mr. Pryce, of the Farm.—Mr. Pryce appeared for defendant, and stated that his servant was very sorry for what had occurred. He had lately got married, and was in poor circumstances.—Fined 10s., in- cluding costs.

LLANFAIR CAEREINION THE SUNDAY CLOSING MOVEMENT.—A committee meet- ing was held at the Reading-room on Tuesday evening, Jan. 28th, to consider the best course of testing the feel- ings of the district, comprising the parishes of Llanfair and Llangyniew, on behalf of the movement for prevent- ing the sale of intoxicating drink on Sundays. There were present the Revs. T. Jeffrey Jones, M.A., vicar, T. J. Humphreys (W.), D. S. Thomas (C.), J. Grey Jones (C.M.), and H. Williams (curate), Messrs. F. Bromley Jones, Pentre, R. Jones, currier, W. Theodore, iron- monger, S. Ellis, draper, W. Jones, Green Cottage, T. Jones, Graig, W. Story, and R. Edwards. The Vicar was unanimously voted to preside, and in a neat speech expressed his views in favour of closing public-houses on the Lord's day. Each gentleman present expressed their willingness to render every assistance in the movement, and it was announced that others, who were unavoidably absent, would also take part. The district was divided into townships, and canvassers were appointed in their re- spective localities. The Rev. T. Grey Jones was appointed hon. secretary. It was thought desirable to write out the names of every householder on the separate sheets supplied by the Central Association to be handed over to the several canvassers, and to aid in the undertaking Messrs. W. Theodore, R. Jones, R. Edwards, jun., and W. Story were appointed to assist the Hon. Secretary. A vote of thanks to the Chairman was warmly proposed by the Rev. T. Jones, seconded by the Rev. D. S. Thomas, heartily carried, and duly acknowledged.

WELSHPOOL FEMALE CHRISTTS.—This troupe gave an entertainment in the Assembly Room on Wednesday night, Jan, 29, to a ull house. EDUCATIONAL.—Miss E. M. Fryce, of the Tan House, Welshpool, has successfully passed the College of Precep- tors' examination for teachers, held at the University of London, 'and she has received the diploma of Associate of the College. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.—On Tuesday evening, January 28, the members of the Congregational Church held their annual church meeting. The members met at six o'clock, and having regaled themselves with tea, &c., the usual routine of business was gone through. The pastor, Rev. J. S. Williams, occupied the chair. Mr. R. Powell (secretary) read the statement of past ye&r, and other matters were discussed. ACCIDENT.—James Pursell, waggoner to Mr. D. Bebb, of the Penthryn, Berriew, was driving home on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 30, about five o'clock, when near the Holly Bush, in Berriew-road, the horses took fright and dashed off. The waggoner tried to grasp the reins to check them; but failed, slipped and fell, the waggon passing over his thigh and breaking it. He was taken to Mr. Bunner's, Lion Inn, and attended to by Dr. Jones, and conveyed to the Salop Infirmary by the nine a.m. train on Friday morning. PRESENTATION TO A QUARTER MASTER SERGEANT 'OF THE ROYAL MONTGOMERYSHIRE MILITIA.—Quarter Master Sergeant McGrath, who has been at the armoury, Welsh- pool, for nearly a quarter of a century, and who now leaves it, was presented with a silver cruet stand by his friends and comrades, as a token of esteem and respect, on Tuesday, January 28. Mrs. McGrath also received a very pretty silver brooch. The following inscription was on the cruet:—"This token of esteem was presented to Quarter Master Sergeant T. McGrath, Montgomeryshire Rifles, by a few of his comrades of the staff. January 21st, 1879." I.O.G.T. TEA MEETING AND LECTURE.—On Thursday night, January 30, a tea meeting and lecture took place in the Congregational Schoolroom, New-street. Mrs. G. F. Long, Miss E. Davies, Miss E. Taylor, Miss Reese, Miss Van-Soest, Miss Borroughs, Miss Moxey, Mrs. S. Davies, and Mrs. Humphreys, presided at the tables. After tea a capital lecture was delivered by Mr. G. D. Allott, L.C., T.M., of Bradford, subject, The great de- lusion, or a bottle of port wine (with experiments). The attendance was good. ACCIDENT ON THE ICE.-About five o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, the 28th January, an accident occurred on the Black-pool (the town reservoir) which had a more fortu- nate termination than was expected by those who wit- nessed it. Upwards of a dozen persons, including ladies and gentlemen, were skating on the pool, and Mr. Downes and Miss Hickman were going hand in hand around it, when. owing to the ice giving way, they fell in a depth of about four feet of water. Mr. R. D. Harrison immedi- ately went to the rescue, and proceeded cautiously to them, but before he could reach them he likewise fell in, in much deeper water, and the excitement then became very great. After some difficulty, Mr. Harrison suc- ceeded in getting within his depth, and went towards the lady and gentleman who were in the water. He was fol- lowed by Mr. E. Eddowes, who had come to the rescue. The ice was then broken between them and the land, and all fortunately escaped any injury beyond the unpleasant- ness of a cold bath at a distance from home. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29.-Before W. T. Parker, Eq., Mayor. Vagrancy.—Mary Roberts, whose case was adjourned on the 24th January, to see if she would fulfil a promise to go to Forden Union, was brought before the Magistrates on Wednesday, and committed for fourteen days. CAURSE AND POOL UPPER PETTY SESSIONS, MONDAY, FEB. 3. —Before W. Fisher and S. Powell, Esqs. Explosives Act.—Sergeant Breeze charged Edward Edwards, of The Rock, Welshpool, with keeping powder in a place where he had not authority to do so. He was ordered to pay costs and provide a prooer place within a month. BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY FEB. 4.—Before the Mayor (W. T. Parker, Esq.), and D. P. Owen, Esq. A Servants' Quarrel.—Hannah Ellis charged Richard Jones, farm servant, Trelydan, with an assault on Jan. 19.—From the evidence of the complainant it appeared that the defendant was a fellow-servant, and on the day in question he and some others were sitting around the fire. Witness wanted to take a pot off the fire, and asked the defendant to move so as to get to it. He refused to do so, and as there was no room to pass by she pushed past him. The defendant then took hold of her roughly, and assaulted her.—On behalf of the defendant Evan and William Anwell were called, and said that the complain- ant commenced the disturbance by taking from under the defendant the stool upon which he was sitting.—The Bench fined defendant 10s., including costs in default, seven days' bard labour.—The money was paid. COUNTY COURT, TUESDAY, FEB. 4.—Before Herbert Hodson, Esq., deputy judge.' There were 5 judgment summonses, 105 new plaints, and 4 adjourned cases. JEHU V. LONDON AND NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY. Mr. E. M. Jones represented the plaintiff, and said that the action was brought to recover £3 3s., on account of damages sustained by the delay on the part of the de- fendants in delivering a certain quantity of commercial luggage. The defenaonts had paid £11s. into Court, and the question for his Honour to decide would be that of damages. The plaintiff said he lived in Welshpool, and was in business as a wholesale and retail ironmonger. He often travelled in North and South Wales in business, and in the month of September he went to Chester on his way back to Welshpool. He had a portmanteau and two boxes of commercial luggage, which were absolutely neces- sary to enable him to transact his business when travel- ling. He booked for Wekhpool from Chester by the London and North-Western Railway. When the train arrived at Shrewsbury plaintiff could not find his boxes, and had to go to Welshpool without them. The boxes were not returned until the end of the following week. Plaintiff was prevented from going to South Wales that week, as he had not his luggage with him. He considered the claim was a. very reasonable one. Mr. C. Howell appeared for the Company, and said that they had paid JE1 Is. into Court, which they con- sidered sufficient to recompense the plaintiff for any loss he might have sustained. His Honour gave judgment for plaintiff for £2 2s., with costs. JEREMIAH LEWIS V. M'ADAM, CYFRONYDD. The plaintiff said he was formerly in the employ of the defendant as a waggoner, and received 3s. a day. He worked for the defendant for fourteen days, and when he left there was 18s. owing to him, which had not been paid. I here was no agreement on either side as to any notice being given. Mr. E. M- Jones appeared for the defendant, who said that he had engaged the plaintiff as a waggoner in the place of his brother, who had met with an accident. He was to receive 18s. a week, the engagement terminating with a week s notice on either side. The plaintiff left without giving any notice at a very busy time of theJyear. Judgdment was given for the defendant. R MARIA RIDGE, MIDDLETOWN, V. JOHN BATHERS. Mr. L. M. Jones, who was for the plaintiff, said his client claimed £3 12s. lid. on account of goods supplied. i he question for his Honour to decide upon was as to whether the money had been paid or not. The defend- ant said he had a receipt, and they denied having given one. 00 The defendant's wife appeared", and produced the book in which the shopkeeper entered her purchases but was 1 unable to produce any receipt. The defendant's daughter, a little girl nine years of was called to give evidence on behalf of the defendant and said that she went to the shop to pay the money: The witness said that she had four yellow ones and a lot of white ones to pay the bill, and carried the" money in a basket. For the plaintiff, Ella Ashley was called. Witness re- collected the little girl coming to the shop with the book to have it made up, which witness did, the amount they were in debt being £3 16s. 5d. Shortly afterwards the little girl returned, and brought 3s. Gd. with her, which reduced the amount to £ 312s. lid., which they now sought to recover. Judgment was given for the plaintiff, his Honour re- marking that he believed the defendant's wife had sent the little girl with the money, who had lost it in going asross the fields. BUNNER V. ADAMS. Mr. E. M. Jones represented the plaintiff, and Mr. Woosnam appeared for the defendant. —The plaintiff claimed £5 10., the value of five pigs that had been sold to the defendant. It appeared that some time ago Bunner had gone into liquidation, and after he had received his discharge the defendant bought five pigs from him, which he now alleged were given him by the plaintiff in settle- ment of a debt of £5 10s. that Bunner owed him previous to his bankruptcy. Mr. Woosnam called Adams, who said that in August, 1878, the plaintiff owed him £5108., which was part of a debt contracted during the previous twelve months. At the time witness bought the pigs Bunner told him that the pigs would be given him in payment of the debt. Witness took the pigs on that understanding. A week afterwards witness sold the pigs for the same amount that he had given for them. Mr. Jones said that the Bankruptcy Act was not made to allow more favour to one creditor than another. It would not be fair that the defendant should receive 20s. in the B. and the bulk of the creditors only Is. 10d. His Honour gave judgment for the plaintiff, with costs.

HENGOED. ENTERTAINMENT.—On Friday evening, January 31, a miscellaneous entertainment of music and readings was given in the Hengoed Schoolrooms. There was a very large attendance, the spacious room being quite crowded' The Rev. A. R. Lloyd opened the proceedings by making a few interesting remarks about light, illustrating his graphic description by the aid of a number of dia- grams, &c. In the course of the proceedings several ex- cellent readings were capitally given by Mr. Maclardy, and songs were sung by Messrs. Evans and Roberts. The piece de resistance, however, was a clever pourtrayal as an operetta of the ancient legend of Cinderella enacted in character by a number of ladies and gentlemen living in the immediate neighbourhood. The proceedings, which were very interesting throughout, were brought to a con- clusion by the singing of the National Anthem.

BERRIEW DEATH OF MR. WM. HUMPHREYS.—We regret to record the death of Mr. William Humphreys, which took place on Sunday, January 26. It appears that Mr. Humphreys was out on the previous day, when he was taken ill, the attack terminating fatally early the next morning. The deceased was highly respected, and had held many public offices. PRESENTATION.—A public meeting was held in the schoolroom at The Brookes on Thursday, January 30, at which a presentation was made to the Rev. John Evans of an address and a purse containing fifteen guineas upon the occasion of his leaving the neighbourhood to take the curacy of Llanrwst. The chair was occupied by Mr. Jones, Penycoed, who made the presentation. Mr. Evans, in reply, said he was much obliged to them for their kindness. The address made it appear as if he had won their good wishes, and it would remind him of the many friends he had left behind at The Brookes. Votes of thanks were passed to the Chairman and to the hon. sec., Mr. E. Embrey, after which the meeting terminated.

NEWTOWN LEGAL.—In the list of successful candidates at the Final Examination for Solicitors, held in the hall of the In- corporated Law Society, London, on the 14th and 15th January last, appears the name of Mr. Martin Woosnam, Newtown (brother to the late Mr. George Woosnam, solicitor), who recently completed his term of service with Mr. Edward Powell, of Newtown. ALLEGED LOITERING.—At the Police Court, on Wednes- day, January 29, before Mr. Richard Lloyd, Charles Morgan was charged by Police-constable Tanner with loitering on the Kerry-road for an unlawful purpose, on the 28th January. It was deposed that defendant had been living at a lodging-house in the town for some months, and he was therefore discharged. PROVIDENT SOCIETY.—The annual supper in connection with the Good Templars' Provident Society, was held on Friday, January 31. There was a large attendance. The chair was occupied by Mr. C. J. Newell, and the vice- chair was taken by Mr. D. Owen. The usual loyal toasts were proposed. Amongst the speakers were the Chair- man, Vice-chairman, Messrs. Wm. Trow, E. P. Morris, John Williams, William H. Morgan, Rees Ricktrds, John Edwards, and John Oliver. A bonus of 16s. 3d. was paid to each member of the Society, who had only paid 17s. per member to the funds during the year. FATAL ACCIDENT.—An inquest was held on Friday afternoon, Jan. 31st, at Tryu) rithin, before the coroner (Dr. Hall), in connection with the death of Mr. James Hughes, of the Red House Farm, Llanllwchaiarn, who, it appears,on the previous Monday had been at thejNewtown fair, and left the town in the afternoon leading a spirited horse drawing a cart. He proceeded as far as Tynyrithin, when the horse became frightened and knocked Mr. Hughes down, one of the wheels of the cart passing over his body. On being carried to Tynyrithin and medical aid obtained, it was found that, in addition to other in- juries, seven of his ribs were broken, a mark of one of the horse's shoes, and another gash caused by another shoe entering his flesh. Mr. Hughes died on the following Wednesday night. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the jury. SALE OF FREEHOLD PROPERTY.—Messrs. Morris and Price, auctioneers, put up for sale by auction, at the Bear's Head Hotel, on Thursday evening, January 30, the Pentrehedyn Farm, with the lands adjoining, called Wernaullt and Little Garth. There was a numerous at- tendance, amongst those present being—Mr. G. D. Har- rison, Welshpool, Mr. George Farmer, Montgomery, Mr. Alfred Ikin, Mr. E. R. James, Montgomery, Mr. E. Jones, Newtown, Mr. Richard Williams, Newtown, Mr. Woosnam, Mr. Halford, Newtown, Mr. Thomas Pryce, Scafell, Mr. Ashford, Newtown, Mr. Pryce, Black Hall, Mr. T. Sturkey, Messrs. Hughes and Smith, solicitors to the estate, and others. Before the commencement of the sale, Mr. Morris said he was not one of those who took a gloomy view of the future of this country, or that farmers were going to live on buttermilk and potatoes for six days a week, and, by way of a change, on skim milk and flummery on the seventh but they must practice economy. What had caused the depression of trade was the extravagance of the country. It did not require any one of extraordinarily shrewd observation to foresee that such a state of things would be brought about. It was impossible that they could go on as they were a few years ago, when colliers, working three days a week, could afford to drink champagne out of quait jugs—(laughter) —and feed their dogs on mutton chops. (Laughter.) He thought it was time there was a change, for England was now suffering on account of her extravagance in the past. He considered it would teach England a lesson she would not soon forget, for when all classes of the community realized their position they would set to work with re- newed energy, and they would see prosperity again return to England. But there was no class of property that now maintained its price so well as land. They could not name any other property that had kept its price so well in the general depression as land had done. And what would it do in times of prosperity ? He would put it to them whether they were not of the opinion that land should not be put at lower prices than two or three years ago. That was a. fact he would have them bear in mind in making their offers for this property, and he hoped they would not allow their bids to be influenced by the depression in trade. The bidding was very spirited. Pentrehedyn was started at £3,000, and was knocked down at £4,350 to Mr. James, Montgomery. Lots 1 and 2 were commenced at £800. The reserve was £1,000. and it was withdrawn at £875. Mr. Ikin, having the privi- lege of treating, afterwards bought it at jb925. Lot 3 ex- cited great competition in consequence of its peculiar posi- tion, being surrounded by Lord Sudeley's property, and near his preserves. Mr. Ikin bid £300. The reserve was JE450. It was withdrawn on the bid of JE420 by Mr. James, who afterwards bought it for £450. The whole of the property was bought for Lord Sudeley. The sale was an excellent one. Pentrehedyn made about 43 years' purchase. SCHOOL BOARD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31.-Present: Messrs. J. Thorne, chairman, R. Lloyd, R. Williams' Alfred Ford, Clement 0. Ray, and Mrs. Howell; Mr- E. Powell, clerk. Reports.—The Attendance Officer (Mr. Lewis) presented his report.—The Drill Instructor (Mr. W. Sayers) re- ported the number of attendances. The Teachers' Salaries.—The Chairman read his report respecting the progress of the Board Schools, and gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that there should be an increase of the three teachers' salaries on the ground of their efficiency. HIGHWAY BOARD, TUESDAY, FEB. 4.-Mr. Alfred Ikin in the chair. The Surveyor presented his report as follows;- Aberhafesp.—Some time back I served Mr. James Price with a copy of account for the repair of damage done by his timber team to Glanrhyd Bridge, Aberhafesp, and asked him for pay- iiunt of the same. I have now received a letter from him, which I now hand you. [Proceedings to be taken to recover the amount.] Llanidloes.-—J have a letter respecting the Glyn footbridge, which was carried away by the last flood. The letter requests that the bridge shall be made up by the parish. [Ordered to be repaired forthwith.]

LLANSAINTFFRAID ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROSE- CUTION OF FELONS.—The annual meeting of the Llan- saintffraid, Meifod, and Llanfechain Association for the Prosecution of Felons, was held at the Sun Inn on Fri- day, Jan. 31. Among those present or represented were the Rev. R. H. M. Hughes, vicar. Rev. W. C. E. Kynasten, Mr. R. S. Perrott, Mr. Henry Leslie, Mr. Ellis Roberts, Doctor Edwards, Messrs. Kynaston Perrott, Bron- hyddon, Evan Watkins, Llanfyllin, Dd. Davies, Kilthrew. Mrs. Pryce, Miss Griffiths, Messrs. Thomas, Bontypentre, Edard. Evans, Penisarllan, John Jones, the Sun Inn, Benjamin Jones, Tymawr, Robert Evans, Edward Gittins, D. Evans, draper, Thomas Pritchard, Robert Hughes, and James Davies. After the general routine of business had been gone through, the members sat down to a splendid dinner, prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Jones. The chair was occupied by Mr. Kynaston Perrott, and the vice-chair by Mr. Ellis Roberts, Llanfyllin.—The Chairman, in an able manner, proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were well received.—The Chairman, in pro- posing the toast of the evening, Success to the Associa- tion," said he thought that not only had these Associations been of great value to the country, but that they could be made very much more so. (Cheers.) Without, however, the asststartce of an efficient secretary, they would never suc- ceed, and they had been extremely fortunate in securing the services of such an energetic and able secretary as Mr. Roberts, Llanfyllin. In proposing" Success to the Association," he begged to couple the name of their worthy secretary with the toast. (Cheers.)—Mr. Roberts, in re- sponding, gave an elaborate history of the Association, which had been very flourishing since its formation in 1702, and he read a statement of the accounts, which showed a balance at present, at the Oswestry Savings Bank of £36 5s. Mr. Robert Evans proposed "The Chairman," Mr. Kynaston Perrott, and said he hoped he would be spared for many years to attend these meetings, —Mr. Perrott suitably responded.—Mr. Evan Watkins proposed "The President for the Year," Mr. Perrott, Bronhyddon, and The Treasurer," the Rev. Mr. Hughes. The toast was received with acclamation.—The Chairman ably responded for his father. Several other toasts were proposed, and songs sung, and a merry and pleasant evening was spent.

GARTHMYL ACCIDENT.—An old woman named Jane Humphreys, living at Penllwyn, fell on some ice on Tuesday, January 28, and broke her arm. The damaged limb was set by Dr. Morgan, of Montgomery, and we hear the old lady is going on well. There have been many such accidents in this neighbourhood in consequence of the frost.

MONTGOMERY STEALING A COAT.—At the last County Petty Sessions on Thursday, January 30th, Robert Hood was charged by Wm. Price, a labourer, in the employ of Mr. Lewis, of VVeston, Churchstoke, with stealing a coat on the 1st of November, 1878. Mr. Edward Powell defended. The case was dismissed. LECTURE.—Mr. Allott, the well-known Temperance ad- vo#ftfce,'delivered a very telling lecture on Wednesday, February 5, in the Town Hall. The chair was occupied by the Rev. F. W.Parker, rector, who opened the meeting with prayer. Mr. Allott then commenced his lecture, which was on "A Pint of Beer," and he showed by ex- periment the amount of alcohol, water, and residue there i in a pint of beer, and illustrated by reference to speci- mens which he produced, the effect of alcohol on fleshy substances. He also contrasted the nourishment to be obtained from barley when converted into ale, and the same substance when made into pudding. He finally called upon his hearers to abstain from intoxicating liquids, and join the great army of total abstainers. At the close of the lecture, which was most impressively de- lirered, the Rev. J. T. Burton Wollaston proposed a I vote of thanks to the lecturer, and stated that while he coincided mainly with the statements Mr. Allott had made, he could not, though himself a total abstainer, concur with them all. Mr. W. Brown seconded the vote of thanks, which was carried with enthusiasm. Mr. Allott returned thanks for the compliment paid him, and proposed in turn a similar compliment to the Chairman for his efficient performance of the duties connected with the chair. This was seconded by Mr. E. R. James, who replied to some of Mr. Wollaston's objections. After a barley pudding had been taken round the room, and duly appreciated, the large company dispersed. This was certainly the most successful lecture in connection with the Temperance movement that has taken place in Montgomery.

FRON, BERRIEW TREAT TO THE CHURCH CHOIR.—On Wednesday, Jan. 22, through the kindness and generosity of Miss M. Buckley Williames, Glanhafren, the choir and the Sunday School teachers of her little church met at the Halfway Inn to partake of the sumptuous spread (provided by Mrs. Owen) which is annually given them about this time of the year. The chair was taken by the Rev. J. Roberts, who was ably assisted in the arduous task of carving for so many by Mr. J. Buckley Williames, Pennant, Mr. Lloyd, Red House, and Mr. George Davies. Grace was snng by the choir. The repast over, the Chairman gave the health of the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family. Mr. Buckley Williames, in well selected terms, proposed the health of the Bishop and Clergy, and alluded to the activity of the Church at the present time and the hard work that is being done by the clergy. The Rev. J. Roberts, in reply- ing, said he fully concurred with Mr. Williames in his remarks, and believed the conduct of the Bishops and Clergy was frequently misinterpreted. When following the dictates of their conscience faithfully, and performing their duties to the best of their ability, they were often accused of bad motives. The Chairman next proposed the toast of the evening, the health of Miss M. Buckley Williames. Having dilated upon her manifold acts of kindness to the Choir and Sunday School, the rev. gentle- man added that he thoroughly believed there could not be found a kinder and better disposed lady, or one that did more good to the cause of religion according ta her means, than Miss Buckley Williames, of Glanhafren. She had built a church at her own expense, and now mainly sup- ported a curate to carry on the services in it. This undoubtedly was an inestimable boon to the Fron neigh- bourhood. Might the Inevitable spare her for many years to be amongst them was the hearty desire of all her friends and acquaintances. This toast was drunk enthusiastically. with musical honours. Mr. Buckley Williames returned thanks for his aunt, and in the course of his remarks said that although the Chairman had spoken most highly of his aunt's doings, yet he believed that all that had been nttered was perfectly true. Whatever needed to be done for the welfare of the Church in that place, or for reliev- ing suffering humanity, she was always ready to perform. The health of Mrs. Buckley Williames, Pennant, was next given by Mr. Geo. Davies, who remarked that he was exceedingly pleased to have the honour of proposing the health of a lady who they all knew, was, like Miss Williames, proverbial in the neighbourhood for her kind- ness and liberality, of which last summer they (the singers) experien ced so much when she treated them with the sunday school and her juvenile club to a trip to Aber- ystwyth. This too, as well as the next toast, was drunk with the greatest cordiality and with musical honours. Mr. Williames replied at length thanking them for the enthusiasm with which the toast was received. He was sure that a better and kinder lady never lived. The Chairman, in proposing the health of Mr. Buckley Williames, said he was very pleased to see him among them that evening, and was certain that he would be the means of materially adding to the enjoyment of the evening. This brought Mr. Williames once more on his feet, and by this time he began to complain of standing up. In a humorous speech he thanked them all for the kind manner in which they received the toast, and expressed a hope that all had enjoyed themselves. A long pro- gramme of songs and glees was very creditably sung, three of which were well rendered by Mr. Williames. Various games were introduced, and after five hours of eating, speechifying, singing, and making merry, the com- p my broke up with the singing of the national anthem, naving spent a remarkably pleasant evening. Miss Jones, schoolmistress, ably presided at the harmonium.

CORWEN. LECTURES.—On Monday evening, Feb. 3rd, Mr. Wil- liams (Plenydd), Four Crosses, Festiniog, Grfnd Worthy Chief Templar of Wales, delivered an excellent lecture to a very large audience at Ucheldre chapel, the subject being" The Young Man." On Tuesday night, at the Methodist chapel, Corwen, the same gentleman delivered a very effective lecture on "Good Templarism," after which a lodge of Good Templars was re-formed and several joined that evening. RAILWAY ACCIDENT.—On Thursday night, January 30, the 9'55 p.m. train from Ruabon had a very narrow escape of meeting with an accident which might have resulted in very serious consequences. It appears that the train left Ruabon at the usual time, and travelled safely to within about four miles this side of Llangollen, when an axle of one of the waggon-, laden with bricks, (which was placed next to the engine) broke, causing it to run off the rails for a distance of about 300 yards. The engine driver (Mr. D. Jones) after ascertaining what was the matter, immediately blew the break whistle for the guard, (Mr. J. W. Jones) to apply his break which was done at once, and leaving his engine to run unchecked, thus saving the train from certain disaster. The waggon was unloaded and thrown to the side of the line. Every credit is due to the driver for his prefenc i of mind. The train arrived at Corwen about 2'30 a.m., the following morning. Fortunately then, was only one passenger in the train. DARING ROBBERY.—On Friday night, January 31st, a most daring robbery was committed at the house of Mr. Thomas Griffiths, tailor, London-road. Mr. Griffiths placed five pounds in a drawer in the front bed- room, and on examining the house the next morning he found the money gone and the parlour window wide open. The burglar must have entered the house early in the evening, concealed himself and waited until the family were asleep, and then decamped with his booty. No clue has been received as to the offender. POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS.—The second of the series of these entertainments was held on Thursday evening, January 30, in the British Schoolroom, and was by far the most successful ever held here, the rooms being crowded to excess. The entertainment consisted of two parts, the first consisting of musical items, the remainder of the meeting being taken up by the performance of Walker's well-known "Trial of Ignorance." Mr. Evan Jones occupied the chair. The following was the pro- gramme: Part I.—Harmonium solo, "Hallelujah," Mr. John Roberts address by the Chairman; Anerchiadau Barddonol by Anthropos and Ab Alwen song, The Lost Sheep," Mr. Ellis Edwards; duet, "Larboard Watch," Messrs. W. M. Jones and J. Roberts song, cadach gwyn," Miss A. J. Williams; song, "Gwlad y Gan," Mr. B. F. Jones; duet, Y Ddau L6wr," Messrs. W. F. Jones and E. Roberts song, cofio'r lloer yn codi," Mr. O. Roberts (Eos Meirion); recitation, Y Milwr," Mr. John Roberts; song, Oh! give me back my Arab steed," Mr. W. M. Jones. A trio was to have been snng by Messrs. O. Roberts, R. LI. Jones, and J. Roberts, entitled, When shall we three meet again," but as the trio has been fixed for competition by the com- mittee of the forthcoming Eisteddfod, they were not al- lowed to sing it at this entertainment. Part II.—Per- formance of the Trial. The various characters were ap- portioned as follows :—Sam Dunce (the prisoner), Master R. E. Humphreys; Baron Legality (the judge), Mr. G. Humphreys Mr. Puzzle (counsel for the prosecution), Mr. R. R. Roberts; Mr. Grip (counsel for the prisoner), Mr. John Roberts Mr. Snap (schoolmaster), Mr. E. Morris; Mr. Pen (schoolmaster), Mr. Robert Williams Mr. Press (printer), Mr. R. J. JonfS Mr. Fig (grocer), Mr. Robert Jones John Dunce (prisoner's father), Mr. Richard Williams; twelve jurymen of whom Anthropos was foreman, Usher (Mr. H. Rees). The trial throughout was conducted excellently. Mr. Richard Williams acted finely the part allotted to him, and created roars of laughter. It is satisfactory to find that these entertain- ments are well patronized by the public; the school was crowded to excess each time. LITERARY MEETING AT CYNWYD.—A literary meeting was held at the National Schools, Cynwyd, on Friday evening, Jaa. 31st. Rev. J. Pritchard was in the chair. Rev. if. '■ Williams, conductor. The adjudicators! were x'oi. y Rev. R. D. Rowlands (Anthropos), Corwen, and Rhuddfryn. Music Mr. W. C. Williams and Mr. Hugh Davies, Glandyfrdwy. Handwriting: Mr. T. Davies, Factory, Cynwyd. A very interesting programme was gone through in the following manner :— Address by the Chairman glee by the Bethania choir reciting Boreu olaf," Mr. R. Edwards; competition in singing" Toriad y dydd," best, Mr. David Davies, Cyn- wyd; Best five minutes' speech on "Time," four com- peted, best, Mr. John Jones, Carchardy, Llansantffraid; song, "Y Gadlef," Mr. W. C. Williams; a spelling bee followed, for boys under fifteen; Asthropos next gave his adjudication on the verses on Wisdom," twelve came to hand, best, Mr. David Jones, Llansantffraid a competi- tion next followed in singing duet "Y glowr a'r chwarelwr, best, party from Cynwyd Mr. T. Davies next gave his adjudication on the handwriting, best, Master David Jones, Carchardy, Llansantffraid,' glee, "Awn tua'r cadfaes," Mr. D. Davies and party; Anthropos next gave his adjudication on the epigram to the Evening star," best, Mr. John Jones, Trewyn, Corwen; Eos vleirion next sang" Ar lan Iorddonen ddofn;" Com- petition in singiog bass solo Yr hwn a ferchyg ar nef y nefoedd (Teyrnasoedd y ddaear), best, Mr. W. Roberts, Cynwyd; song, Chwifio'r cadach gwyn," Miss C. Hughes; Master J. Owen, Cynwyd received the prize for reciting a piece of the most exciting poetry; glee, Mr. R. Davies and party; Eos Meirion next sang Wyt ti'n cofio'r lloer yn codi;" Mr. R. H. Davies, Druid, and party received the prize for singing at sight; competition in singing Y gadair wag," Miss Hughes only competed and the adjudicator said she deserved the prize competition in singing Dim ond cludydd arfau (Swn y Jubilee), three parties competed, best, Mr. Davies and party. The usual votes of thanks having been given and acknowledged the meeting was brought to a close by singing the national anthem. PETTY SESSIONS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31.—Before Captain Taylor, the Hon. C. H. Wynn, and J. R. Walker, Esq. Charge of Poaching.—Joseph Davies was charged by Good- fellow, gamekeeper, Gwyddelwern, with hanngin his possession two rabbit nets, and with being in pursuit of game. It ap- peared that Davies, accompanied by Joseph Roberts, Maerdy went to the mountain for the purpose of attending sheep being afraid that some might be under the snow, because it had been drifting furiously. When on their way home a hare got up, and their dog ran after her, but as is often the case with sheep dogs, was not fast enough to catch her. However the gamekeeper followed the young men. By Siamborwen the two separated for their respective homes, and the keeper followed after Davies until he overtook him, and asked him if he had any game in his pocket. Davies passed his coat to the keeper for inspection, and he found two rabbit nets in the pockets, which nets Davies had found on the ground the previous day. The gamekeeper left with out further words, taking with him the nets.—The Prosecutor (Goodfellow) now asked for an adjournment, hut the application was refused, and the case was at once dismissed, the gamekeeper having no grounds to accuse Davies of poaching. The game- keeper was admonished by Captain Taylor to be very careful in future not to bring such grmmdless cases before the Court. SPECIAL SESSIONS, before J. R. Walker, Esq. Vagrancy.—Samuel Johnson and J. Roberts were charged by Sergeant Williams with this offence. Johnson was sentenced to one month, and Roberts to fourteen days imprisonment.

LLANFECHAIN NATIONAL SCHOOL,—The report of this school, which was examined in December by the Rev. R. Temple, has been received, and compares favourably with former reports. It is as follows The scholars are very quiet and orderly, and are more cheerful than heretofore; though still not so much so as I should like them to be. The marked improvement in the elementary subjects does the mistress great credit. The reading should be more distinct. The handwriting is very good. The elder scholars are still backward in intelligence, and in the power of understanding what they read and repeat. It is a hopeful sign that the younger children are much brighter. The needlework deserves decided praise. The pupil teacher, M. A. Watkins, has passed fairly." The mistress has received her certificate with this entry, "Margaret Jones teaches well." The grant has gradually { increased in the last seven years from £17 15s. 9d. for the year 1872 to JS41 12s. for 1877, and JE52 6s. fid. for 1878 (thirteen months.)

SHREWSBURY A WINDOW SMASHER.—On Monday, February 3, at the Borough Police Court, a man named John Adams, a labourer, was charged with being drunk and refusing to quit the White Horse Inn, Frankwell; also with assault- ing P.C. Thomas Jones, on Saturday night. It appeared that defendant went into the house in a state of intoxica- tion, and the complainant, James Edwards, the landlord, refused to supply him with anything. He then became very abusive, and after being turned out he iJroke several large panes of glass. Having been given into the custody of P.C. Jones, prisoner wrestled with him and struck him a violent blow on the breast.—He was adjudged to pay for the several offences £1 11s., or to go to gaol for twenty- one days. SALOP LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ASSOCIATION. — MR. SEVERNE, M.P., ON TEMPERANCE.—The annual dinner of the members of this association was held at the Ele- phant and Castle Hotel, on Thursday night, Jan. 30, Mr. J. E. Severne, M.P., presiding—and there was a numerous attendance.—Mr. Severne, in proposing success to the as- sociation, expressed his regret at the illness of the Mayor, who was announced to preside, and said there were at present a great number of associations of various kinds, some of which he believed had good objects in view, while there were others that he did not think were of equal value. He believed their own association to be a good one because they were associated for purposes which were use- ful and good. They were associated for their own protec- tion and their own defence, and not in any degree for aggression. They wished their association to countenance those only who properly managed their business, and to protect those who were unjustly assailed but they did not want to countenance anything that would degrade their calling, which he believed they were anxiotis to carry on decently and well. As to what were known as trades, unions, he was sorry to say that he could net believe they tended to the same advantages. The policy of those unions was, to a certain extent, one of aggression, and therefore they were very different from that association. During the coming session there were many measures that would probably come before Parliament relating to the trade of the licensed victualler, and no doubt many old cries would be raked up and a great deal said about intemperance. He believed that to the temperance move- ment, fairly stated, there was not a man in that room who would object, (Hear, hear.) He looked upon those around him as men who did not wish to encourage any- thing but temperance, and as men who supplied what he conceived to be, within due limits, a real necessary of life. They heard that in Ireland a measure was being tried the effect of which no one could tell. At present, however, it seemed to work well—far better, he confessed, than he had ever expected. He believed the members of that society would always endeavour to carry on their busi- ness in a decent and respectable manner, and that as far as they had the power they would endeavour to en- courage sobriety among their customers. Mr. Coun- cillor Fletcher replied, and a number of other toasts fol- lowed. BREACH OF PROMISE CASE.—On Saturday, at the Shire- hall, before Mr. W. Salt, under sheriff, and a jury, the case of Haynes v. Williams came on for hearing, being an action for a breach of promise to marry. The proceedings were only for the purpose of assessing the amount of damages which the plaintiff had sustained, seeing that the action was practically undefended, the breach of promise being admitted. Mr. R. E. Clarke represented the plaintiff, and Mr. Chandler appeared for the defendant. The facts of the case were as follows. The plaintiff was Maria Haynes, a single woman, thirty years of age, residing in Franlnvell, being the daughter of a gardener, and she was formerly a cook at the Bicton Asylum, and the defendant, James Thomas Williams, is at present engaged as an attendant at the Asylum. There was nothing at all romantic about the case, but it seems that in 1877 the defendant took a situation at the asylum, and an acquaintance sprang up batween the parties,which quickly proved to be of a most intimate character. The courtship continued up to May last, when he tried to per- suade the plaintiff to leave her situation in order to get married, but she thought it was a little too soon. In October, however, she left to get married, laid out about JE16 in clothes and furniture on account of the approaching nuptials, and also purchased a wedding dress and bonnet. The banns were published and the wedding ring bought by the defendant, but before the third time of ask- ing he changed his mind, and gave the woman up. He wrote a letter to the effect that he could not think of carrying out his promise, and the reason, judging from the cross-examination of the plaintiff was, she had a child about twelve years of age, and had run away. from Quatford School with some boys under fourteen years of age. The latter impu- tation the plaintiff strongly denied, and respecting the former stated that so early as March last the defendant knew that her child was living; he had also been very kind to it. At present she was enceinte by the defendant, and four times since the present action had been com- menced he had renewed his promise to marry. The plain- tiff set down the damages at £100, and from evidence given it was proved she had lost a good situation, having been receiving wages to the amount of £21 per annum and other perquisites, also that since leaving her place, owing to the disappointment it had brought on illness from which she now suffered. Mr. Chandler, on behalf of the defendant, commented upon the hardship of his client having to go to the expense of a proceeding of that kind when a much easier process might be adopted, aad he reminded the jury that in giving their verdict it was not for them to take into considera- tion the fact of the plaintiff's present condition, seeing that notwithstanding those proceedings it did not free him from further;responsibility when the child was born. The jury, after a short consultation, gave the plaintiff a verdict for £20.

LLANGOLLEN COlJTY COURT.—At this Cauri, held on Friday, Jan. 31, before H. Lloyd, Esq., judge, there were no cases of special public interest heard, the whole proceedings occu- pying but about half-an-hour. THE NEW ORGAN IN THE PARISH CHURCH.—The splendid organ now in course of erection in the Parish Church is, we understand, to be completed before the 13th of this month. The preachers announced at the opening services are the Rev. S. Gladstone, Hawarden, and the Very Rev. the Dean of Bangor. INQUEST.—On Friday, January 31, an inquest was held in the Aqueduct Inn, Vron Cysyllte, before Mr. B. H. Thelwall, upon the body of Edward Roberts, aged 47, the owner and occupier of a small farm near the Rockman's Arms, in Vron.—Joseph Roberts, son of the deceased, de- posed to having been with his father on the Monday, previous to Llangollen for grains. He saw him last alive on the evening of the same day, going in the direction of Vron village.—Ann Jones, Britannia Inn, Vron, said prisoner had called there about half-past seven on Mon- day, and she served him with one glass of beer.—John Morris, labourer, Vron, said he was at the Britannia Inn on Monday night, when deceased came in. HecJmplained of being cold. He drank a little of the beer, and when in the act of drinking the second time, he shouted Oh, oh." The glass fell from his hand, and he dropped down and died at once. A doctor was sent for, who pronounced him dead, and stated the cause of it to be heart disease. The jury returned a verdict of "Died from natural causes." Inspector Humphrys watched the case on behalf of the police. THE COTTAGE HOSPITAL.—The anaual meeting of this Institution was held in the Hospital on Saturday, Feb. 1 and was well attended. Captain Best, the chairman, gave a resume of the annual report, which he said could not fail to be eminently satisfactory to the committee and the subscribers. Votes of thanks were unanimously passed to the following :—Drs. Hughes, Drinkwater, and Jones, Miss Parbett, and Mr. Watkin Richards, hon. treasurer to Mrs. Yollands, to the Rev. J. S. Jones, Llantysilio and to all the other clergy, ministers, and deacons who'have made an Hospital Sunday collection in their various churches and chapels; to all those who have taken charge of penny cards, alms boxes &c • to Mr. W. H. Davies, postmaster, and staff, and' to those employes who have contributed to the hospital funds; to Mr. S. G. Fell, the indefatigable hon. secre- tary, and to Captain Best, for his conduct in the chair. Dr. Roberts and Mr. J. C. Edwards, Trevor Hall, were ire-elected members of the Committee, to represent the general subscribers, the Secretary also intimating that Air. William Morgan and Mr. Thomas Hughes had been re-eleeted on the Local Board to represent the rate- payers. It was resolved that S50 of the balance of Bill in the hands of the treasurer be invested in 4 per cent. Great Western Debenture Stock. The report, as printed" was unanimously aclopted..

OVERTON SEASONABLE LIBERALITY.—On Saturday, Feb. 1st, the poor of Overton were liberally supplied with coal beincr the second time during the week, tue gift of Mrs. Peel. ° FIRE.—On Saturday, Jan. 25th, about eleven'D m » fire broke out on the premises of Mr. Thomas Dnf^n *1^ cise officer. Mr. Dutton and his family went to bei about 9.30. There was a small fire left in the back kitchen, where a great quantity 0f clothes were han^intr before thefire behind the doors, &c., boots, and numerous other articles being in the kitchen, which were all destroved When the fire broke out all the inmates were asleep ex* cept Mr. Dutton, who was ill. He heard the flames crackling, and on jumping out of bed found the two back rooms full of smoke and volumes ascending the stairs he rushed in one room and carried four children, alreadv stupified, out into the street, and returned for two others who were in a similar condition, and who lay over the kitchen. He with great difficulty got these out into the street, Mrs. Dutton having already got out of the honso • by this time the whole of the kitchen was in one mass of flames. This attracted the attention of the neighbours the first one appearing being Thomas Allen, afterward^ G. Barrett, John Hughes, blacksmith, Charles Jones Acting sergeant Burton, &c., who soon procured a plentil ful supply of water and extinguished the flames. Mrs Dutton and the children were taken in by Mrs Wilson and kindly treated during the conflagration. The estimated damage to personal property is about JB15 and to the house about £12. There was no insurance. TITHE AUDIT.—The annual tithe audit for this parish was held on Fnday, January 31st, at the White Horse Inn, when about 70 of the leading tithe payers attended dinner. Chairman, Mr. William Janes, Island Green Wrex- ham; Mr.Hardman Rogers,jVice-Chairman. The Chair- man gave the first toast, Her Majesty and the rest of the Royal Family, which was warmly received. The Chair- man next proposed the health of Mr. Peel, which was drunk with musical honours. Cheers were also given for Mrs. Peel and family. Mr. Thomas Studley proposed the health of Sir Watkin, and y said he hoped he would soon return to his home in Wales in the very best of health. (Drunk with musical honours). The health of the Hon. George Kenyon was next proposed by the Chair- man, and was also drunk with musical honours. The Chairman next proposed the health of the Rev H Mackenzie, which was warmly received. The health of the Rev. E. T. Birch, curate in charge, was next proposed by the Vice-Chairman, and was warmly received. Cheers were given for Mrs. Birch and family. Mr. J. Jones proposed the health of Mr. Holt, Dee Side, the toast was heartily received. The Chairman's health was proposed by Mr. T. Studley, and was drunk with musical honours The health of the Vice-Chairman was next proposed bv Mr. T. Studley, as one of the oldest tenants on Bryn-v- pys Estate. The Chairman next proposed success to the town and trade of Overton responded to by lVIr. Studlev The Chairman proposed "success to agriculture" coupled with the name of Mr. 1. Studley, who responded, saying it was a difficult matter to respond to the toast in such bad times, but he hoped the cloud would soon pass away and that better prospects were not far distant. The Vice- Chairman next proposed the health of Mrs. Jones the worthy hostess, which was cordially received. Several songs were given by Mr. Edward Lea, Mr. John Hoskins, &c.

SARN TITHE RENT AUDIT.—The tithe rent charge audit of the Rev. J. Barrett, vicar of the parish, was held at the Vicarage on Wednesday, January 20, the tithes being re- ceived by the agent, Dr. Bennett Rowlands. An ex- cellent repast was provided by the Vicar, to which all were invited.