The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

CONVIVIAL AND MAGISTERIAL. First Guest (noisily)—Glasses of whiskey round—hot, sharp, d'ye hear. Host (very respectfully, and in a tone of severe re- proach against the Closing Act)—I am very sorry, gentle- men, but it is five minutes past time already, and I can- not allow you to have anything else. Second Guest—Closing time (pulls out his watch and looks earnestly at the back of it). It does'nt seem to be eleven by my wa'sh. First Guest—We ought to ev' gor an ex-ten-shun of time on a' cashion of this kin'. Second Guest—So we ought to. Tha's it. Bur why did'n you think of it before, eh. Friend (with great legal gravity)—It's not too late yet, gen'lemen. Not at all too late. Two magistrates can sign an extenshun here on jthe spot, and there's an end of it. I'll get the paper ready. First Guest—Tha's very convenient, very conver. < indeed. (Knocking on the table). Landlord, bri" tent whishkey, there's going to be an extension of t'v in the you apply for an extension of time. ""f >snntl(, Host (amused)—Certainly I apply, P 1 Sp0Se will be no difficulty. The occasion is fld j hope there mpSiSeC0„»t»bl6 (W.1W "• S<>,M rMPeCt* tC" time is UP- Yon r in)—Now, gentlemen, the ■■Vf8 uust clear out. nx^nc a There has been an extension of time to- m this house. w .0.—When was it granted ? Friend (to policeman)—You stop here a minute and you tail see the magistrates sign their names. Policeman (the names having been signed)—All right. Good night. Host (having fastened up the notice)—Now, gentlemen, what did you say, whiskeys round. First Guest—Tha's it. Le's have em. Second Guest—This is the most comfortable arrange- ment I ever knew of. (The scene drops). When and where and under what circumstances the foregoing happened it is difficult to say. It could not surely have been anywhere near my bit of a place on the Coast. Is such an incident possible ? If my opinion is asked I must say that it is difficult to say what is possible Far more is possible than it is possible to believe. PERRY WINKLE. The Coast.

LLANIDLOES NOTES. Being an old bird who studies the peculiar and distinc- tive features in the characters of all living things about me I am often led to classify them, and to note how similar are the habits of the higher and lower grades of creatures when placed in positions congenial to their natures.. Take'for instance that stupid little animal, the Mole. (or" wnt" as he is popularly known in our neighbourhood) of whose mode of life and work I need not speak. Let us think where we can find his prototype in man. Why surely among the men of whom I wrote this day fortnight —how blind their eyes to all that is bright and lovely; how sombre their appearmce; how absurd and futile their efforts to raise the world with their backs; how un- musical their complainings, how unloving and unloved Then there is our familiar friend the" Rooster." What an exact likeness of him do we have in the friends we spoke of last week, who gaze at the suu and vow it rose for them to crow, and who puff themselves out with self importance, and sing upon every occasion "I did it," and who ruffle their official feathers when anyone dares to intrude upon their territory. It is easy to tell the deep-toned voice of the profound "Cochin" (recognized as a very sagacious bird), who s ildom flaps his wings before he crows, from the shrill piping of the "Bantam," who beats his loudly in order to show how well feathered he is, and consequently what an authority upon things in general. Still they are birds of a feather," only one sounds less, and weighs more than the other. xi.i-.ri. There is a class of men, the object of whose existence it is difficult to conjecture, unless upon the hypothesis that they are the butterflies of humanity. As schoolboys they strongly resembled the second stage in the existence of the butterfly, that is, they were very soft and very opaque, in fact, perfect moths. Now that they have arrived at man's estate they re- cognize that fact by carefully parting their hair in the centre, and by bestowing much care upon their personal appearance, in other words, priding themselves upon the bright colours of their wings. Have you not noticed some of these fine insects basking in the sun ? It may be at their shop-doors, or in the glare of some popular enter- tainment. in church or in the public;" it is all one to them and as long as they are certain of their own valua- ble identity, it is a matter of small importance, if all else is uncertain and unreal. They are very learned—in the names or books, the title pace being all the reading they go in for;" and they are clever critics upon matters they know nothing about. They think they are witty, and retail stale puns, at which thevlaugh; they sing comic songs, and use bad language they love to be called by the "females" they mix with You naughty man and swagger their disbelief in the purity of anybody, or thing, besides Old Scotch. Their contempt for a plodding, earnest man is their most in. tense feeling, and they usually say of him, What a fool! why can't he leave people and things alone, and enjoy life as we do." When decoyed by their thirst for bounce into public affairs, they relieve the irksomeness of busi- ness details by making a joke of their duties, and by laughing at those who perform them truly; they com- mence any new scheme with enthusiasm, and they immedi- ately throw it over with little less spirit their mental weather glass is constantly at Change," and they are consistent only in this, that they never carry through any project satisfactorily to a conclusion. In our local paper appears an invitation from the Relief Committee to any of the subscribers to its funds to visit their meetings. Surely it were wiser to limit or withdraw ] such a notice, inasmuch as the operations of the Commit- tee could not possibly be conducted with the freedom of speech necessary in investigating the cases brought for- ward, providing free use was made by the public of the permission thus granted. The Burial Board had a meeting to-day, and discussed the question of the building, Church-and-Chapel, about to be erected in the New Cemetery. It is to be hoped that a tasteful and substantial edifice will be the outcome of such weighty deliberations, and that party spirit will not be introduced, te mar the proceedings, and as a result to dis- figure the undertaking. Let brotherly love continue." In my remarks last week respecting the princely trader," I made a mistake. Instead of purchasing all the Mills," I should have said, none of the Mills." The only difference the correction makes is one of euphony there is as much substance in the report now as before. A spider's thread could bear its weight. Some months ago certain charitably inclined young girls commenced soliciting subscriptions for a bazaar towards alleviating the distress in the town. Wiser counsels pre- vailed, and that project was abandoned for a Christmas tree. Money was collected, some work was done by fair hands, but Christmas came and went without the tree. It would be satisfactory to know the present state of this fund and its prospects ? The Welsh Calvinists held a District Meeting in our town this week the heavy rain which fell so plentifully on Wednesday did not deter a numerous gathering of ministers and delegates from assembling. Subscriptions are being canvassed for,for the erection of a church in Llawryglyn. In future my Notes can only appear occasionally, as much of my time will be occupied in watching with interest the development of this much- needed and brilliant scheme. THE STORK. The Old Church Tower, 5th Feb., 1879.

NORTH CARDIGANSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The annual general meeting of the North Cardigan- shire Agricultural Society was held at the Town Hall, Aberystwyth, on Monday, February 3rd. Mr. Lewis Pugh Pugh, Abermaide, acting vice-president, occupied the chair, and there were also present Mr. H. C. Fryer, Lodge Park, Mr. R. Gardiner, Crosswood, Mr. Vaughan Davies, Tanybvvlch, Mr. Morris Davies, Ffos- rhydgaled, Mr. T. W. Bonsall, G-lanrhidol, Messrs. D. Jones, Rest, J. Roberts, Lion Hotel, T. Garner, Terrace-road, David James, Llanerchpentir, Thomas Morgan, Nantyrhyd, James Jones, Piercefield, Edward Jones, Elgar, Morgan Edwards, Bwlcheiaion, Joseph Evans, Fronygog, Machynlleth, W. Hughes, Morfa Mawr, R. Jenkins, Henhafod, John Pierce, Evan Richards, Nanteos Farm, Abraham James, and W. Morgan, clerk to the hon. secretaries. The CHAIRMAN said he had waited some time in hopes that Sir Pryse Pryse would have been present, but as he had not arrived it seemed desirable to proceed at once to the business of the meeting. He was also sorry that the President of the Society, Mr. G. G. Williams, was not able to be present that day for a very pleasant reason, agreeable to himself, and more agreeable to other members of his family. (Laughter). In his absence he (Mr. Pugh), as vice-chairman, had to lay before the meeting the accounts for the past year, and to show what progress had been made by the Society. Taking the previous year, the state of finances was as follows :-l'here was a balance in ha id of E135 17s. 5d., and the amount collected, together w.th the fees received for Glasgow Laddie, was E604 lis. Now the whole of tllbt amount was expended in 1877, with the exception of i:28 16s. 4d. He only referred to the pre- vious year, 1877, in order to show that the Society had at the commencement of the next year a balance in hand of jE28 only whereas in the previous year they were in a better position, having a larger balance in hand. Last year, then, the Society commenced with a balance of £ 28 1(is. 4d. The total expenses amounted to £ 499 6s. On the other hand they had payments by premiums, including extra prizes, 4:281 5s. The payments to judges amounted to £18 18s. In that respect a great reduction had been made and he could not help thinking that everyone was as well satisfied as they were during the previous year, when a larger sum was paid for judging. There was another amount, £5 9s. for dinners and then came the showyard expenses, which made up the large item of 1;107 lis. 4d., including jb70 for hurdles. The expenses for judging farms and grean crops amounted to E12 12s. 3d., making altogether a total of k425 15s. 7d. That was so far as they had gone at present. Then there were other items, such as print- in ir and .f1 Vfrti!'lÏnQ'. salarv to secretaries' clerk. &c.. which, having been deducted, enabled the Society to show a balance in hand to the good of £ 7 Os. 7d. He had another matter to draw attention to. In the previous year the hurdles were nearly all sold, and realized £ t51 lbs., but last year the amount of the sale was A;46 Is. They had, however, a number of hurdles, which appeared to some to have been placed in safety, and the value of them was estimated at £ 35 15s. He did not see any rent for the storage of those hurdles, but he supposed that that would be provided for. He would then lay the whole matter before them, in order to take up no more time than necessary. That balance-sheet had been vouched by the secretaries, Messrs. Fryer, Gardiner, and Lewis Williams, and the bank book and vouchers were on the table. He did not suppose that it was the wish of the meeting to go into the different items, because he was sure it would satisfy everybody to pass the accounts as vouched for by the secretaries. He would therefore move that the ac- counts should be received and passed. Mr. THOMAS MORGAN seconded the proposal, and it was carried unanimously. The CHAIRMAN said the next business was the appoint- ment of President and Vice-President for the ensuing year. He was aware that it had been the custom in the past to make the vice-president for the previous year, pre- sident for the coming year. He felt very strongly that it was a rule that ought to be broken through. For the good of the Society he was sure that the sooner it was broken through the better. He had from the first been very willing to do everything he could for the good of the Society, and he should be willing to do the same still, but he felt sure that it would be for the interest of the Society that the rule should be broken through. It would entirely in accordance with his own views if the ir oe appointed some other president for that year, a" ..aetill" doing make their break at once, and enable the-ad by so appoint in future what presidents they ehose. mselves to time in the future it was their wish tu app". if at any sident he should be willing to do what he jut him pre- capacity for the good of the Society. K could in that to a strong conclusion as to what sr ..ie had also come thought the best thing for the j.ould be done. He managed, would be to get P' Society, if it could be chair for the present jir Pryse Pryse to take the approval, he begger* year. Subject to Sir Pryse's sident. to propose that he should be Pre- Mr. T. VT should BONSALL saw no reason why the meeting too,- .,tepart from the rule that day. Mr. Lewis Pugh F a great interest in agricultural pursuits, and he (the peakerj did not see why the meeting should tavour Mr. Pugh's modesty in departing from the rule. (Hear, ^Mr! FRYEB thought that Mr. Bonsall had expressed the feeling of the Society. As he had very well said, there was no one who took a greater interest in agriculture than Mr. Pugh, and it might be added that he was the largest farmer in Cardiganshire. From the commence- ment of the Society he had always accorded it his very best support. At the same time, it might be in the in- terest of the Society in the future to break through the practice-he would not call it a rule, for there was no rule to that effect-and again appoint some of the larger land- owners at the top of the list. He was sure, however, that it would be the feeling of the Society that Mr. Pugh should be appointed, and, therefore, he would propose it. Mr. MORRIS DAVIES seconded the proposal to appoint Mr. Pugh, and it was agreed to unanimously. The PRESIDENT could only say that he felt much obliged to the meeting for the honour they had done him, and the compliment they had paid him in electing him president of the Society for the present year. He felt that it was an honourable and responsible position. What he had said before he meant, that it would have been better if the Society had broken through the rule, and have chosen someone else to preside over them. As the meeting had not done so, however, all he could say was that he thanked them, and assured them that he would do his best to benefit the Society. He hoped that he and the vice-president would be well sup- ported this year. He hoped that all the members of the Society would canvass for subscriptions, because if they were well supplied with money their work as president and vice-president would be made easy. He should not be able to do much, for want of time, to get subscriptions, but he would remind the Society that the more money they got the greater would be the success of the shows. Last year, he was happy to be able to say, the Society had not wasted money. They had kept the finances as close as possible, without sacrificing efficiency. He hoped they would be able to continue in that course in the present year; and the show would be a great success. He thought that their shows were popular in the county and that, considering the nature of the locality, very good animals were exhibited. He felt sure that the establishment of the Society had led to a great improvement in the stock of the county. (Hear, hear.) Their next business would be to appoint a vice-president. Mr. T. W. BONSALL thought the Society ceuld not do better than appoint Mr. Vaughan Davies to that office. He, therefore, proposed that Mr. Vaughan Davies should be vice-president of the Society for the present year. Mr. GARDINER seconded the proposition, and remarked that he was sure no one in the county took a greater interest in agriculture or the improvement of stock than Mr. Vaughan Davies. (Hear, hear.) With Mr. Pugh as president and Mr. Vaughan Davies as vice- president, the affairs of the Society looked very well for another year. The proposition having been carried unanimously, Mr. VAUGHAN DAVIES said he was much obliged to the meeting for the honour they had done him. He could only promise one thing, and that was, that he would do his utmost to support the president of the year m oarryiug out the propositions offered for the good of the Society. As he had remarked, all they wanted was that the farmers would pay up their subscriptions; for aceording to the money so would be the success of the Show. The PRESIDENT humorously remarked that the vice- president would have to do all the work. On the proposition of the PRESIDENT, seconded by Mr. VAUGHAN DAVIES, Mr. David Jones, National Provincial BaRk, was re-appointed treasurer of the Society. The PRESIDENT said that the next thing would be to appoint the secretaries. He had remarked, just now, that the vice-president would have to do all the work, but he knew that the secretaries would have to do more than the vice-president. In fact, the real work of the Society was done by the honorary secretaries, to whom was due what- ever success had been attained. (Hear, hear.) The hon. secretaries for the past year were Mr. Fryer, Mr. Pell, Mr. Gardiner, and Mr. Lewis Williams. He had re- ceived a letter from Mr. Pell, stating that it was his wish not to be re-appointed. He was sure that Mr. Pell had done a great deal in the past for the Society. The Society would regret the loss of his services, and thank him for the interest he had taken in the institution. He (the presi- dent) took it forgranted that they could again rely upon Mr. Fryer, Mr. Gardiner, and Mr. Lewis Williams, and pro- posed Mr. Sylvanus Lewis, agent of the Nanteos estate, a good man to have, and one who would undoubtedly be able to do a great deal for the good of the Society. If it met the wishes of the meeting, he would propose Messrs. H. C. Fryer, R. Gardiner, Lewis Williams, and Sylvanus Lewis, if they would be good enough to accept the thankless office and the duties which involved very hard work. Mr. VAUGHAN DAVIES seconded the proposition. There was not the least doubt, he added, that the show had lasted and had maintained its reputation not only in the neighbourhood of Aberystwyth, but in the county, more on account of the work of the secretaries than anything else. The presidents of the past had done much but if it had not been for the secretaries, the society, like many others before it, would have fallen to the ground. The proposition was carried without dissent. Mr. FRYER said he was greatly obliged to the meeting for the compliment they had paid him in re-electing him, but to tell the truth, it was an office he had hoped to have been able to decline that year. There were many reasons why he desired to retire from the office. He believed that it would have been very much better to combine the duties of the office in one person, for when there were three or four secretaries each one was apt to leave the work to others. He knew it was so with himself. When they had several secretaries there was no one absolutely responsible. He, therefore, believed it would be for the good of the Society if they could get one person to do the work. There was, however, a great difficulty in getting that good-natured person; and consequently he had great pleasure in accepting the office for another year. He would do his best to keep the Society in the high position which he believed it held at the present time. He might be allowed to add that every judge who came to their shows was astonished at the superior stock exhibited. They came down expecting to see nothing but wild and rough stock. Last year the Society engaged an eminent judge, Mr. Lee, who was accustomed to judge in some of the best showyards in England. He was an excellent judge, and he (Mr. Fryer) believed there was no one his superior. One of the first things he said on entering the showyard was that he was never prepared to see such a show of stock. When he came to Shropshire sheep he was astonished. They were shown not only in Classes A and B, but also in Class C. When, then, they got a judge like Mr. Lee to come down to their show, and to excite his astonishment in that manner, it showed that the stock of the county had been improved. He had mentioned Shropshire sheep because he believed that ten years ago there were no Shropshire sheep brought into Aberyst- wyth, except they were with their skin off-to be eaten. He believed the first Shropshire sheep were brought to Nanteos, and now there were many good ones in the dis- trict. It was a fact that since the establishment of the Society, agriculture and stock had improved, and, he hoped, would go on improving. When they met in that room next year he hoped that the members of the Society, would be able to congratulate themselves upon a better show, and also upon a more propitious day than that of last year. Mr. GARDINER also acknowledged the honour date him, and added that as long as he was serviceable he should be glad to do what he could to promote the interests of the Society. He was of the same opinion as Mr. Fryer res- pecting the desirableness of appointing one secretary. Even if they were out of harness they could assist the secretary. As to what the judges had said, he would not advise the Society to fancy that they had arrived at any- thing like perfection as to their stock. The farmers had better increase their subscriptions, and in that way con- tribute to the success of the shows and the ultimate im- provement of the stock. In his opinion stock could be much more improved than it was at the present time. Mr. FRYER remarked that there was one question re- specting the appointment of the committee. He thought it would be a great improvement if they had, instead of one large committee, three or four District Committees, each of whom would be responsible for its district. Those committees would be serviceable, first of all in collecting subscriptions (the chief duty), and, in the second place, in giving information to intending exhibitors. In the Merionethshire Society, where the matter was very well managed, the area over which the Society worked had been divided into four districts, the Bala and the Harlech, the Dolgellcy, and the Towyn districts. Each had a chairman and vice-chairman, and eight or nine members. Those committees, amalgamated, formed the Committee of Management. If the North Cardiganshire district could be divided into three or four sub-districts he thought much more interest would be manifested in the show. There would, no doubt, be other questions to come before the meeting that day, and therefore he thought it would be advisable to adjourn the consideration of that subject to a subsquent occasion. The PRESIDENT remarked that it was quite clear that something should be done, for although they had had hitherto good men on their committees, yet very few did the work. If there were district committees, each to 100,. after and bring forward subscriptions, or give reasons why none were forthcoming, he thought that it would be an improvement upon the present plan of appointing a general committee. Mr. FRYER, in order to test the feeling of the meeting upon the general question, proposed the lormation of dis- trict committees, which, when amalgamated, would form the General Committee of Management. Mr. MORRIS DAVIES seconded the motion, and remarked that hitherto the well being of the Society had fallen upon the shoulders of the Secretaries, the President, and the Vice President. if district committees were appointed, one would be able ;o work the district between Ffosrhyd- galed and -Liianrnj styd. There was Llanddemol one ot the best parishes for the breed of cart horses, and yet not one had been sent to the show from that parish. He believed if the farmers of that district were induced to compete, the money would be transferred from Clarach to the trousers pockets of the farmers of Llanddeinol. (Laughter.) Mr. FRYER said perhaps the farmers of the Upper Dis- trict had, then, better vote against the proposition. (Laughter.) The proposal was then put to the meeting, and carried unanimously. The meeting then proceeded to the consideration of the rules of the Society. On the reading of the 9th rule, Mr. FRYER said he should like to take the feeling of the meeting as to the time of holding the Show. The meeting would remember that the show day last year very unpropitious. Only 259 was taken for admisslr as yard, and £ 51 the year before; while at the .i to the shire show at Towyn, in the preceding yea, 'Merioneth- the gates, £193, and at the Montgoi" -i was taken at Machynlleth, was taken at the gatc -ieryshii-e show at tion, then, to be considered was s, CI88. The ques- could not be made in that ref whether an improvement the Show. The Montgom pect by altering the time of were attended by the ir -,ry and Merionethshire Shows in their districts, b-esidents of several populous places similarly support at the Cardiganshire Society was not year the nor wed. If the Show was held late on in the came sh -residents or visitors were gone, the days be- posu- iurt, and good animals might suffer from ex- 1 ve; and if, on the other hand, th& Show was cud earlier in the summer, it was a question whether the farmers of the district would have sufficient time after harvest to get their animals into good and presentable condition. The question, then, was, which would do the Society most good to hold the Show earlier, and so increase the takings, and, in that way, the prizes; or, hold the Show later and have more presentable animals. Was it a fact, though, that animals were in better condition at the beginning of September than at the end? Mr. GARDINER thought that they were not. Mr. FRYER added that the Royal and Bath and West of England Shows were both held in July, and an im- mense number of shows besides. So far as general ex- perience went, shows were held as early in the summer as possible. He should like to hear the opinion of farmers present on that subject. Mr. R. JENKINS remarked that the Machynlleth and Towyn shows were held later than the North Cardigan- shire Show. Mr. FRYER admitted that it was so, but added that both Societies had larger towns to draw spectators from. He should be sorry to make any alteration if it was the opinion of farmers that they could not get their animals in good condition early in the autumn. Mr. PRICE believed that farmers had not so much time to look after their stock at the beginning of September as at the end. Mr. THOMAS MORGAN proposed, and Mr. JAMES JONES seconded, that the Show should be held on the tirst Wed- nesday in September. The PRESIDENT said the Committee had power to fix the Show for any Wednesday in September, so there was no occasion to fix it at that meeting. If the Society wished to hold their Show in August or earlier they should de- cide that daY. The meeting was in favour of holding the Show in Sep- tember, and then the subject was adjourned. Referring to rule 11, the PRESIDENT said there were five classes with prizes in each class, and the question was whether they could not amalgamate some of the classes without doing harm. Mr. PRICE thought that every man who lived on his own farm should exhibit in class A. Mr. FRYER replied by asking Mr. Price if he thought a man who occupied a farm, the rent of which did not exceed £200, was better than a tenant. In the past shows the tenants had taken by far a larger number of prizes than landlords. To take one instance, he would undertake to say that Mr. Walter Jenkins, of Glanwern, had taken a greater number of prizes than any landlord. It was certainly not in Class B. that the owners had taken the larger number of prizes. As to the question of giving honorary prizes, which had been referred to, if the Society cut off the prizes in the class in which landlords exhibited, a great part of the interest in the shows would cease. He was not a land- owner, and, therefore, he did noc hesitate to speak on that subject. If they struck off the animals shown by the landlords, they would strike off the plums of the show. Excepting in Welsh cattle and Welsh sheep, they would then take off the best part of the show. Although the landlord was able to compete and take the prizes for pure bred, it would be found that they had taken no prizes in Welsh stock, the prizes for which had been monopolized by the tenants. Considering the immense amount af interest taken in the Society by the landlords, and the sum of their subscriptions, he thought they should not be shut out. What he wanted to do was to do everything for the benefit of the Society. If the meeting had seen the Towyn Show last year, they would see that the landlords did not care for the honorary prizes. They wanted some- thing more substantial. There was a question, however, whether they could not simplify the matter a little by amalgamating some of the classes. There were at present five classes; and it almost took an expert to decide in which class an animal should compete. The classes were nearly as difficult to understand as the circulars from the Education Department. (Laughter.) He thought it ad- visable to amalgamate classes B Land C, and make one very large class for tenant farmers, with an increased number of prizes. They could then do away with class C, which was open to classes B and C. The subject was worthy of calm consideration. It it were adjourned, very likely they would get more expression of opinion than n the subject were decided that day. Mr. T. MORGAN thought it would kill the Society to amalgamate the classes. Mr. MORRIS DAVIES also spoke against the alteration. Mr. JAMES JONES remarked that the man who paid a rent of £86 could breed as good sheep, cow, or horse as a landlord, but not so many. The PRESIDENT said a suggestion had been made to in- crease the subscriptions in class B to 15s., and in class C to 103. or 10s. 6d. That, however, did not touch the sub- ject under consideration. Mr. VAUGHAN DAVIES remarked that the Society had great difficulty in getting 5s. Mr. FRYER said the best plan would be to adjourn the discussion of that subject, Class B. did not appear to like to let Class C. compete with it; but Class C. did not dislike it. (Laughter.) Mr. GARDINER supported Mr. Fryer's suggestion, both as to the amalgamation and the adjournment. It was worthy the attention of the Society. When the Society was instituted, it was necessary to divide the subscrip- tions so as to induce everyone to come forward, in order to encourage the small men. Now it had been seen that the smaller men need not be afraid of the larger men, and he therefore thought it was worth while to consider whether the time had not come to reduce the number of the prizes and to increase their amount. The sooner the smaller man made up his mind to compete with the larger man, the better would it be for him, and the more rapid would be the improvement of his stock. If the tenant farmers went on as they had been going on, they need not be afraid of their landlords; and the landlords, looking at their own interests, would be very glad when tenants beat them in the showyard and elsewhere. If they took Classes B. and C. they would find that the stock hitherto shown in Class C. was equal to if not superior to that shown in Class B. The PRESIDENT remarked that it was not intended to decrease the amount of prizes, but to increase that amount. Mr. FRYER added that the number of prizes would also be increased. It was then agreed to adjourn the consideration of the subject; and the PRESIDENT remarked that he hoped that Mr. T. Morgan's proposal to increase the qualifying sub- scriptions would be carried. No tenants of subscribers of 25 having ever been nomin- ated, it was agreed, on the motion of the PRESIDENT, seconded by Mr. FRYER, to strike out rule 12. The PRESIDENT remarked that formerly rule 13 had been much overlooked but this year the rule would be strictly adhered to, and persons who wanted to compete must pay their subscriptions before September 1. Jf, however, by any chance their names were received and they got a prize, it would not be awarded. The rule was then altered and made to read as follows :— That all subscriptions be due and payable on the 1st of July in each year. That no member whose subscriptions be unpaid at the close of the entries, be entitled to com- pete for any premium. Rules 14, 15, 16, and 17 were allowed to stand, but rule 18 was omitted. Mr. FRYER remarked that if an adjourned meeting were held several subjects could be considered, such as the introduction of leaping and sheep dog trials. The PRESIDENT thought that there could be sheep dog trials, but he did not think prizes offered for sheep dogs did much good. Mr. FRYER added that there were also the questions of engaging an entire horse to travel the district this year, the dates of the horse fairs, and how subscriptions were to be raised for the payment of advertising those fairs, &c. Mr. VAUGHAN DAVIES remarked that the question of the entire horse was one that ought to be discussed as soon as possible. He had received a letter from Mr. Riddle, stating that he had thirty horses, from which the Society could choose, or they could have their old horse, Glasgow Laddie, again. Last year he (Mr. Davies) under- stood the Society gave a premium of B30 to the best entire horse shown. So far as he could gather it had not given satisfaction either to the Society or to the subscribers in the neighbourhood. He believed that the horse would have been shown without the 230. With the aid of a certain amount, which the Society might be able to give, he thought those gentlemen interested in the matter would be able to obtain a horse which would give satisfaction to the subscribers. He understood that better colts than those got by Glasgow Laddie had seldom been seen. A horse should not be judged by the number of colts it obtained, but by their quality. If the horse engaged last year did better than Glasgow Laddie it must be a remark- able horse, for he believed it had travelled all the way from Cemmaes to Tregaron and had covered from 100 to 150 mares. What was wanted was a strange horse. He thought that the large landowners would support the proposition, but it was necessary also that the farmers should come forward liberally and guarantee mares. Mr. FRYER said it was advisable to keep the horse business separate from the Agricultural Society. One or two of the larger subscribers objected to the accounts being mixed up. If it were the wish of the farmers to get a horse, the best thing that could be done would be to see what number of mares could be guaranteed. If they got 100 mares it would be unnecessary to ask the Society for any money. Mr. GARDINER also thought the two things should be kept separately. He added that he wished the Society had the k30 given last year in the bank. The PRESIDENT said the engagement of a horse should be done independently of the Society, or that the horse show should be revived. The meeting was then adjourned to the 17th February.

LLANRHYSTYD. UNITED DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD.-The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held on the 29th January at Bryn Herbert School, when there were present Messrs. D. J. Davies, chairman, Daniel Morgans, vice-chairman, Owen Jones, David Jones, the Revs. J. Evans and J. Lloyd, James James, clerk, the Master of Bryn Herbert School, and the Attendance Officer. Several small ac- counts were ordered to be paid. In the discussion which ensued on the "Child's School Book," it was ultimately resolved that the principal teachers of all schools in the district be allowed to make the necessary entries as to certificate of age. The rest of the meeting was occupied in discussing the necessity of electing a member in the place of the Rev. T. Evans, vicar of Llanrhystyd, who had disqualified himself by absenting himself from all meetings of the Board for six successive months. The Act was clear on the point, and, in accordance with it, notice of motion was given that a gentleman would be pro- posed for election at the next meeting, to be held on the last Wednesday in February.

JJJLIAJN UF FYTT Y ±'UJM • BETHEL CALVINISTIC METHODIST CHAPEL.—LECTURE.— A correspondent writes:—On the 27th January, Miss Rees (Cranogwen) editor of the Britonsss, gave a very able lecture on the Sunday School" It was announced for 5.30 p.m. As this was the first visit of the lecturer, there was a very large attendance long before the doors w- opened. Unfortunately they were not opened proper time, which caused a large crowd toasgembie and amuse themselves by jostling The jostling led to some hard IK, The Committee of V • anfd much to be blamed management of Bethel are There are twrr tor their imperfect arrangements. of so 1) iront doors to the chapel, but in the face I at a crowd, only one was opened which necessitated a considerable amount of crushing, as the door was only a quarter open. When the chapel was well filled, the Rev. J. Morgans, Rhiwbwys, who was unanimously voted to the chair, gave out a hymn which tended to calm the troubled sea of discontent and disappointment. To judge from the conduct of the juvenile portion of the audience, the lecture was very much needed in this out-of-the-way place. The lecturer seemed to have the same,opinion as she spiced her lecture with some cutting remarks, which, most probably, fell on hard ground. After an able intro- duction on the signs of the times, and dwelling on the reason and necessity for real honest work among teachers, she treated more specifically of the work, its plan and object. It was a lecture that would be most appropriate to not a few schools of every denomination in Cardiganshire. There is no doubt it would, as it most certainly should, arouse all teachers to a real sense of their responsibilities and privileges. With a most hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer, the proceedings terminated.

MACHYNLLETH. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5.-Pre- sent: Mr. R. Gillart (chairman), Mr. Owen Daniel, (vice- chairman), Messrs. J. J. Jones, L. P. Davies, John Tudor, W. Pughe, Griffith Jones, D. Jones, J. J. Humphreys, and D Evans, clerk. Statistics.—Number in the house, 47; last year. 40; vagrants relieved during the past fortnight, 33. Out relief administered during the past fortnight:—Machynlleth district, per Mr. Thomas, £ 34 2s.,to 182 paupers; Pennal district, per Mr. John Jones, £ 4-2 3s. 6d., to 233 paupers; and Darowen district, per Mr. D. Howell, t59 9s. 6d., to 269 paupers. The Master re- ported that Owen Owens, 74, chargeable to Towyn, absconded from the Workheuse and went through the fields at the back on Jan. 27th. He overtook the pauper near the tramway bridge over the Dovey, and brought him back. Be-Payin-,nt.-The Clerk read a letter from the Local Govern- ment Board, stating that JE13 10s. had been paid to Mr. H. L. Jones, treasurer of the Union, on account of additional £ pes paid to Registrars of Births and Deaths tor the year ended 29tn Sept., 1878. u The Soup Kitchen.— The Chairman stated that the ladies who were about to establish a soup kitchen desired to use the boiler at the Workhouse.—The Master stated that the boiler was in use from half-past five in the morning up to nine at night. The Master further stated that his cooking apparatus was very old-fashioned, and according to a letter he had received from the Master of the Dolgelley Union, about twice as much coal was consumed at Machynlleth than at Dolgelley for cooking purposes.-The consideration of the subject was adjourned for Ca'ls'^The Clerk stated that all the parishes had paid the calls, with the exception of Towyn, and he expected that the collector of that parish would pay that day. Two or three parishes had not sent in monthly statements. The Clerk was directed to write to the collectors in default. Vaccination Betltrng.-The Clerk read the vaccination returns from the Darowen and Pennal districts, and stated that all the children registered were accounted for as regarded vaccination. The return for Michynlleth district had not been received. He believed that Mr. Roberts was ill. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5th.-Before C F. Thruston, Esq., and Richard Jones, Esq. Drunke?tness. -Catherine Stanley, a tramp, was charged by P.C. Roberts with having been drunk in Penrallt-street, on January 1-lth, about nine o'clock at night.—Defendant denied the charge, and said she was in a house, and that P.C. Roberts, called her a bad name.—This the constable contradicted, and called P.C. Hamer who corroborated Roberts's evidence.-Hamer stated that she was in the street in front of the Town Hall. —Harriet Jones said she believed defendant went to her house about ten o'clock. Fined 5s. and costs.—William Evans, Aber- cairo, admitted a case of drunkenness and was fined 15s. and costs a previous conviction having been proved against him.- David Evans, tailor, Abercairo, who would not admit that he was drunk, but said that he was tipsy, was also charged with having been drunk in Maengwyn-street, on January iina.— Defendant said that he went to assist a friend home, and in doing so was caught by the police. It was seven years ago since he had been in the same scrape. The Bench inflicted a tine of 5s. and costs.. T -c Illegal use of a Car. -Richard Jones and Lewis Jones, Erw- feithllan, were charged with having used a car illegally on the 7th August. Mr. Charles Hall Tanner, supervisor, prosecuted, and stated that on August 7th one or both of the defendants were seen driving a spring car from Machynlleth, accompanied by two females. There was no farm produce in the car. Corres- pondence had been carried on between himself and defendants since August. One of the defendants wanted to take out a licence, but his wife would not let him, and said she would fight it out to the bitter end.—Mr. Adam Hunt and his son, Mr. Sidney Hunt, gave evidence to the effect that they saw four persons in the car, and that it could not have contained farm produce.—The Supervisor stated that there seemed to be a mis- apprehension as to the law respecting licensed vehicles. People seemed to think that they could take members of their own family to market or pick up anyone on the road they liked.- Mr. Thruston said he supposed there would be no objection to giving a woman a lift on a wet day.—The Supervisor replied that it would be a violation of the iaw, but still it would perhaps be overlooked.—Defendants then state! that there was only one woman in the car, and that was the wife of one of them.—The Supervisor thought that a farmer could not even take his wife to market; but Mr. Thruston thought that she should be considered "a member of the nrjn de- fendants then called Richard Williams, plumber and glazier, Machynlleth, who stated that the defendants were taking home in their car his little boy, who was going to stay at Erwfeith- llan.—The Bench stopped the case at this point, remarking that the boy was clearly a passenger, and fined defendants £ 5, with a recommendation for the remission of one half. They thought that the defendants had acted obstinately, and had pre- sumed that they knew the law better than the Inland Revenue officers. An Infoimal Summons.-Harriet Jones was eharged with keeping an unregistered lodging house.—As the police had taken out the summons, and not the Sanitary Inspector, the Bench cautioned the defendant and dismissed the case.. Highways.—Mr. W. Jenes, the Highway Surveyor having stated that the roads had been repaired, which the way- wardens had been charged with having neglected, tne oencn dismissed the case, and ordered the Highway Board to pay tne °°Assault—William Jarman, Machynlleth, was charged with having assaulted Evan Jones, butcher, of the same place.—Com- plainant stated that he took charge of Lewis Morris s horses. On going down to the field OIL Monday, Feb. 3, he heard a quarrel at the Gas-house. He looked in through the window, and when turning away the defendant threw a brick at him through the window and hit him in the mouth, breaking to of his teeth and cutting his lip.—Defendant denied that he threw the brick.-His father was called, but did not throw much light on the case.—The Bench said that taking up a brick and throwing it in a man's face was no light matter. As,ho\veve there was no premeditation, they would fine defendant £ <5, eluding costs. The cests were 10s. Maintenance.-David Jones, quarryman, Tanygrisiau, was ordered to pay arrears due on maintenance order. Alleged Lireeny.-David Arnold, mason, Machynlleth, was charged by William Griffiths, innkeeper, Machynlleth, with having stolen a fowl. -Mr. Rowlands, solicitor, Machynlleth, appeared for defendant.—Complainant stated that he the Skinners' Arms, Machynlleth. He kept poultry, which he and his grandson fed. He counted the fowls on Monday or Tudsday last week, January 27th or 28th. There were then eighteen fowls. He next counted them on Friday last, January 31. There were then fourteen. The hea produced was one he had missed. He identified it by its feet and head. It had feathers on its feet- Cross-examined: He had only two fowls of this sort. The other of the two had a large comb. This hen was with the others on <h3 Monday and Tuesday. They are kept at rii'»ht in the stable, which is without a lock. The stable is in the yard. The value of the hen is from In. 6d, to 2s.-The evidence of this witnc s s was corroborated by his grandson, Griffith Wm. Rees.—David Jones, draper, Londonderry House, said that on 28th January prisoner brought the hen produced to him, and offered it for sale. He bought it for Is. He called first without the hen, but witness said he must see it. He afterwards brought it, and witness thought it was dead, but in about five minutes after prisoner left he found that it was alive.—Cross-examined Accused said he had it in the Eagles yard, and that it was his.-P.C. Hamer said that on 30th January he went to last witness's house, and saw there the hen now produced. He got the hen from there on the following Saturday. -P.C. Henry Roberts said he took prisoner into custody under a warrant, and, after cautioning him, charged him with stealing the hen. He denied all know- ledge of it. He also charged him separately with stealing other fowls, and he said he knew nothing of any of them, except that of D. Jones. He afterwards said that hen belonged to the Skinners' Arms people.-For the defence, Mr. Rowlands called prisoner's mother, who said that he used to keep fowls of his own. He had none at present. He had had six hens and a cock. The last hen was found missing on Wednesday last, 29th January. They had killed some of the other hens. The last hen was similar to the one produced. It was about twelve months old. It was one of their last lot of young ones. It had feathers about its legs--Prisoner pleaded not guilty, but was convicted, and sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment, with hard labour.

BOW STREET. GIFTS OF COAL.-Sir Pryse Pryse, Bart., has caused a large quantity of coal to be distributed among about 100 poor people of Bow Street and Penrhyncoch. This is the third or fourth time during the hard weather of the past eight or nine weeks that Gogerddan has come to the assistance of the poor in their neighbourhood. NVATER S uppLy.-Sir Pryse Pryse has laid down a quantity of pipes, and brought a plentiful supply of clean water into the middle of the village of Bow Street. It is said the work has cost upwards of £ 30. This great boon is highly ap- preciated by the inhabitants. There is no part of the district where greater improvements have been effected in the cottages than in the neighbourhood of Bow Street. Sir Pryse grants long building leases on very easy terms, and the result is a very prosperous village.

PENEGOES. BENEVOLENCE.—On Tuesday, February 4, a quantity of coals were distributed among the poor of this vicinity. This was the second distribution during the last two months by Mrs. Howell, Dolguog, who does not forget the poor.

PONTERWYD. FATAL SKATING ACCT.DFNT.-On Thursday, 30th Jan., an inquest was held at the Gogerddan Arms, Ponterwyd, by Dr. Rowlands, deputy-coroner, and a jury, of which Mr. Wm. Claridge, veterinary surgeon, was foreman, touching the death of a farmer's son named Richard James (16 years of age), of Bwlchgwyn, whose body was found on the Tuesday previous in one of the mine pools, not far from his home. The pool is a very long one, and the deceased had been skating at one ead of it with other boys, and when it became nearly dark he said to his com- panions that he wanted to call at a house at the other ei;d of the pool before he went home. After this the deceased started off, skating his way along the pool until he came upon a weak place, where he dropped through and was drowned. His family thinking he had stayed at a rela- tive's house were not uneasy about him until the news reached them of his cap having been found on the ice the following morning not far from a breach in the ice. Grapnels were immediately got, and within twenty minutes the body was found. Verdict-" Accidentally Drowned whilst Skating."

LLANFIHANGEL-AR-ARTH. PTTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29TH.—Before J. P. V. Pryse, Esq., and C. Llovd, Esq. Drunktnncss,—P.C. Davies, Llanybyther,charged Evan Gomer Davies, Blaencwuiafan, Llantihangel-ar-arth, traveller, with being drunk at Llanybyther, on the 7th January. Fined 5s. and costs.—Henry Felix, Red Lion, Glanduar, Llanybyther, inn- keeper, Evan Lloyd, Troedybryn, Llinybyther, farmer, and Thomas Morgan, Gilvachwen, Llanybyther, farmer, were charged by P.O. Davies, with being drunk at Llanybyther fair, on the 6th January. All the defendants appeared and pleaded not guilty. Fined 10s. each.and costs.—John Jones, Castell, Penc arreg, farmer's son, was charged by the same complainau t with being drunkwhile in charge of a horse at Llanybyther, on the 14th January. Case ad- journed for a month for the want of a second magistrate for Carmarthenshire. P.C. Davies (17) charged Daniel Davies, King's Head Hotel, Llandyssul, mail cart driver, with being I drunk while in charge of a horsj and cairi,te at LI n lyss; 1 on the 3rd January. Fined 10s. and costs.

CARDIGAN. SCHOLASTIC.—Mr. D. J. Griffiths, son of Mr. John Griffiths, Glastyr, near this town, very satisfactorily passed his entrance examination at St. Bees College on Wednesday, January 29. NONMAINTENANCE.-At a Petty Sessions, held on Wednesday. January 29, at the Fishguard Arms, Bridge- end, before Thomas Davies, Esq., John Jenkins, mariner, High-street, Cilgerran, was charged by Mr. Danitl Owens, relieving officer for the No. 2 district of the Car- digan Union, with neglecting to maintain his wife and family, whereby they had become chargeable to the com- mon tund of the said union.—This being a second convic- tion, the defendant was committed to Carmarthen Gaol for two months, with hard labour, with an intimation tjyif the next time he would get twelve mqjigi COUNTY COURT.—The usual ^-monthly court for this district was held in tbej^^ on Tuesday, February 4, before Judggeresfor(j_ About 70 plaints were entered, the whQjrwlt.j:1 tjie exception of three, being disposed of y.t.Pfegistrar, Mr. Smith. BURIAL BOARD.—The monthly ordinary meeting of this Board was held in the Council Chamber on Tuesday, the 4th February, Mr. Thomas Davies, Bank House, pre- siding.—The Cle:k reported that the case of Myer's garnishee order against the Chairman of the Board haard (hat morning at the County Court had been adjourned until the April coutt.-It was resolved that the Clerks do draw up a formal notice to be signed by them and the architect, and served on the contractors, informing them that unless they proceed with the work within fourteen days from the receipt thereof, the Board would proceed under the third section of the contract, to call in other parties to complete the work, and hold them responsible for any loss that might arise.—Mr. William Lewis, manager of the Brecon Old Bank, was elected treasurer of the Board in the place of Mr. Nicholas, deceased. RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY.—The ordinary meeting of the Cardigan Union Rural Sanitary Authority was held in the Shirehall on Saturday, the 1st February, Mr. J. T. W. James in the chair. The contract for the work of supplying the village of St. Dogmell's with water was signed, and the seal of the Board attached thereto.—The Inspector oi Nuisances reported that during the past month the district under his care had been entirely free from epidemic disease of every kind, except a few slight cases of whooping cough, and in its sanitary condition had been most satisfactory. This was all the business. DINNER TO THE RJYAL NAVAL RESERVE.—The dinner to the members of the Saint Dogmull's Battery, got up by public subscription, came off on Friday evening, Jan. 31, in the Guildhall, and was attended with thorough success. The guests altogether numbered about 150. the chair was taken by Mr. jtC. D. Jenkins, Cilbronua.u, and the vice chair by Mr. Thos. Davies, Bank House. BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY, JANUARY 30.— Before R. D. Jenkins, Thomas Davies, and James Williams, Abusive Language—Catherine Evans, Stop, Saint Dogmell's, charged Joseph Roberts, Pant-teg, with using language towards her calculated to create a breach of the peace on the Saturday previous.—Catherine Jane Roberts, Pant-teg, against Catherine Evans, the last complainant, for using language towards her calculated to provoke a breach of the peace on the 13th of December last. -The Bench decided to dis- miss both cases, each p.Lrty to pay their own costs, amounting to 89. in each case. and gave them the strongest possible caution as to their behaviour in future, at the same time giving the police strict injunctions what to do if they attempted to interfere with each other again. TOWN COUNCIL, THURSDAY, JAN. 30.—Present: Aldermen Jenkins and Davies, Councillors Levi James, Jas. Williams, the Rev. W. Jones, O. P. Davies, W. Woodward, Lewis Evans, Stephen Davies, and R. E. Rees. Flooding at Bridge-End.-The Surveyor reported that the Committee had been convened and had met on the spot, and Mr. Edwards said he would give his permission for the water to be carried through his field.-Alderman Davies said the diffi- culty in preventing the inundations at Bridge-end could be overcome if Mr. D. G. Davies would consent to let the water run through his field at the tar house, but hitherto he had ob- jected to that course.—Mr. Woodward thought the water would be of great advantage to Mr. Davies to drive his machinery.— Messrs. James Williams, Levi James, and W. Woodward, were appointed a Committee to wait upon Mr. D. G. Davies, and urge upon him the necessity of taking the water through at the tai- house. The D-rawbMge.-The Surveyor said the woodwork of the drawbridge hau been repaired, but nothing had been done to the ironwork, because if the tramway was to pass there it had better be left for the present. A Landslip— The Surveyor reported that a landslip had taken place at Greenfield-row, near the tinyard there had been a slip- there before, and a part of that had now come down. The Surveyor was ordered to see to the matter at once, and call to his assistance some two or three members to con- sult with. Old Corporation Notes of lAnd.-Alderman Jenkins drew the attention of the Corporation to the fact, that many years ago the then members gave a note of hand to the bank for a con- siderable sum of money for the purposes of the public build- ings; he wished te know if that note of hand was still at the bank. After some discussion, it was proposed by Alderman Davies, and rosolved, that Alderman Jenkins and Messrs. Levi James and R. E. Rees be a committee to call at the bank and find out if any such notes are there against the Corporation. Unsold Corporate Property.-It was proposed by Mr. Levi James, and seconded by Mr. Lewis Evans, and resolved, that the unsold portions of the corporate property should be sold imme- diutely. Sanitary.-Alderman Davies said the police had reported to him that the state of the common lodging houses was frightful, the inmates being completely huddled together, and if an epidemic was to break out in one of them the result would be serious. The clerk produced several communications from the Local Government Board, and said if that the by-laws were not carried out the authorities would get into a difficulty.

FFESTINIOG. CYFARFOD LLENYDDOL A CHWRDD.—Bu ysgol Sab- bothol y Methodistiaid yn Rhydsarn yn cynal cwrdd te a chystadleuaeth ddydd Sadwrn diweddaf. Y llywydd ydoedd Mr. J. P. Jones, Bank, Four Crosses, a'r arwein- ydd ydoedd Mr. W. Jones (Ffestinfab). Talwyd diolch- garwch i Mr. J. Roberts, Dolymoch, am ei haelioni y n rhoddi y wledd yn y prydnhawn yn rhad i'r holl ysgol. Cafwyd cyfarfod rhagorol a llawer iawn o ymgeiswyr. YR HIN GALED A & CHWARICLAU.-Fel y crybwyllasom yr wythnos ddiweddaf, parodd yr hin galed i olwynion llafur bron yn yr oil o'r chwarelau sefyll; ac er fod meiriol bychan wedi digwydd y Sabbath a dydd Llun, y mae meistr rhew eto heddyw yn feistr caled, ac ofnwn yr atelir canoedd yn fuan eto i fyned ymlaen, fel rhwng pob peth y mae amgylchiadau Uuaws o weithwyr yn rhwym o fodynmhen ychydig amser yn wasgedig a chyfyng. Parhau yn dywyll hefyd y mae rhagolygon masnach y llechi. Dim archebion, a lleihM parhausyn nghyflogau y gweith- wyr. FFRWYDRIAD PYLOR MEWN TY ANEDD.—Bu un gweith- iwr yn nghymydogaeth y Rhiw yn rhyfygus ac yn an- ffodus yr wythnos ddiweddaf. Cludodd nifer o belenau o'r powdwr a elwir dynamite adref i'w dymeru at y tan. Y canlyniad fu ffrwydriad enbyd. Maluriwyd y dodrefn, y cig, y palisau. Lladdwyd y gath; a bu agos i'r corn simddeu fyned ymaith, canys holltwyd ef o'r gwaelod i'r top. Llosgwyd Dafydd Owen yn dra phoenus. Di- angodd yr hen wraig yn well; ac yn hynod ui wnaed dim niwid i'r llettywr, yr hwn oedd yn yr ystafell wely. Dylai gweithwyr gymeryd gwers oddi wrth hyn, gan fed digon o gyfarwyddiadan wedi, ac yn barhius yn cael eu rhoddi pa fodd i'w ddefnyddio,—COFNODYDD.

CARNARVON. COUNTY COURT.-At Carnarvon County Court, on Tues- day, Feb. 4, before Mr. Horatio Lloyd, Mr. Lewis Morgan, high bailiff of Rhyl County Court, was sued by Mr. Armitage, a fruiterer, for damages for delay in exe- cuting a warrant. His Honour held that there was no negligence on the part of Mr. Morgan or his deputy, Mr. G. T. Smith, and gave a verdict for the defendant with costs. Mr. Hugh Roberts was for the plaintiff, and Mr. Webb (Messrs. Louis and Edwards) for the defendant. TOWN COUNCIL.—The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday, February 4, the Mayor (Mr. W. P. Williams) in the chair. Alderman De Winton, chairman of the Gas I Committee, presented the annual report for 1878, which» showed a balance of profit of £ 298 14s. 7d., there being! an increase in receipts as compared with the previous year 1 °f ±<8/9. The consumption of gas for the quaitar ended '] Dec. 31, 1878, compared with the corresponding quarters j of 1877 and 1876, showed an increase of 14'76 and 42*92 respectively.—The Mayor stated that the soup kitchen which had been established was doing much to relieve the distress, and that Mr. Kirton had promised to deliver a lecture in aid of the funds. Mr. Powell, one of the county magistrates, had spoken to him about raising a fund for distributing coals, towards which he had promised to sub- scribe.—A letter was read from Captain Stewart, the agent of the Vaynol estate, asking for the Council's ulti- matum as to the lease or purchase of the market tolls, which are valued at £ 7,000. Some discussion ensued re- specting the right of the Vaynol estate to levy tolls in Castle-square, that being included in the valuation, and also as to the interest of Mrs. Roberts in the Market Hall, it being eventually decided to further discuss the subject at a special meeting on Friday. The annual report of Dr. E. H. Williams, the medical officer of the Port Sanitary Authority, which includes Carnarvon and Portdinorwic, stated that the sanitary condition of these ports was very satisfactory, no deaths or cases of sickness having occurred on board ships at the harbour. The state of the new dock at Carnarvon was much improved in a sanitary point of view.

DOLYDDELEN AND VICINITY. RAT-TAX was collected from each tenant on Lord Penrhyn's estate at Penmachno and Yspytty Ifan some time ago. A man came round under the disguise of rat- killer, called at every farm, and made attemps to kill rats, but some say he did not succeed. At some of the farms he did not kill any, if indeed any trial was made. But if anybody were to ask me, "Did he kill any rats at all?" I should neither be able to say ''yes" nor no and all the farmers themselves are equally ignor- ant. But each farmer was obliged on the rent audit day to pay a tax amounting to a penny in the pound. Whe- ther this tax is to be a permanent one or not I cannot tell. A Soup KITCHEN is to be established at Dolyddelen and other places on the Gwydir estate during the hard times for the relief of those who are out of employment. TRINITY COLLEGE Dublin has been brought into notice again in this quarter. Mr. E. B. Thomas, school- master, Dolyddelen, and Mr. Pritchard, schoolmaster, of Penmachno, went through their examination with honour to themselves and their country. SUNDAY CLOSING is a subject which has been introduced into notice at Dolyddelen. Householders at Dolyddelen voted as follows on the question of legislation to enforce Sunday closing :—In favour of legislation, 261; neutral, 7. A '"TRAIN is to run from Bettws through the tunnel to Festiniog about June next. A temporary station is to be built at Blaanau Festiuiog, at once. The tunnel will be completed early in April next. LLANRWST FAIR.—The first one in 1879 came off on Tuesday, Feb. 4. It was established some forty or fifty years ago by one Lewis Thomas, who was mayor and everything else in the town. Horses, horned cattle, and pigs were plentiful, but buyers were few and far between. Shopkeepers complained of the hardness of the times some did not sell as much as a pennyworth the whole day. Dull is the t:me, and the people are just as dull. They have not money to buy what they want. In the good time they had money enough to spend and to waste. ELLIS O'R NANT.

STRATA FLORIDA. SEASONABLE BENEVOLENCE.—Mr. George Powell, of Nanteos, through his agent, Mr. S. H. Lewis, has sent k5 to the Rev. T. R. Lloyd, Vicar of Strata Florida, for the poor of the parish. The money was distributed last week and most thankfully received. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, and so many men being out of employ- ment, there is more poverty in the district than has been expei ienced for very many years.

BALA. CALVINISTIC METHODIST COLLEGE.—Mr. Rd. Hughes, aged sixteen, of Holyhead, Anglesea, now student at the Calvinistic Methodist College in this town, successfully passed the Matriculation Examination at the London University in the first division.

DOLGELLEY. LOCAL BOARD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4.—Present: Mr. W. R. Davies, chairman, Messrs. J. C. Davies, William Hughes, J. C. Roberts, Lewis Williams, auc- tioner, and Morris Jones; Mr. D. Pugh, clerk, Mr. William Jones, inspector, Mr. Robert Roberts, sur- veyor and collector. Lighting.-It was determined to continue the resolution as to the non-lighting of the streets until the Inspector's report thereon. Arrears of Rates.-In answer to the Chairman, the Col- lector said he had seen most of the defaulters, and they had promised to pay.—Mr. J. C. Davies proposed that a written request for payment be sent to each defaulter by the collector to pay on or before Friday, otherwise sum- monses to be taken out for next Tuesday.—The same was carried. Conveyance. -Tiie Chairman produced a conveyance from Mr. F. B. Walker .Jones to Mr. J. C. Roberts, of proposed roadway, which comprised part of the land that was bo'T»h.t b" the Board to build the slaughter-house on, ,(tv for whicu te.1 _\}: since eichawavVicn T C. Roberts tor another part), atm !.J'tsaid that Mr. Walker J ones's solicitors were desirous that the Board should be a party to the deed, it being a mere matter of form.—Tha seal of the Board was duly affixed to the same. The Slaughter House.—Mr. Morris Jones complained at the delay in this matter.—The Clerk said it all rested with the Local Government Board, and that he had written to Mr. Smith, the inspector--The Chairman said the usual course was to write to the Local Government Board.— Mr. J. C. Davies proposed that the Chairman write to the Local Government Board, asking them to be good enough as to send the result of the enquiry.—Mr. Hug-hea seconded the .same, and it was carried.—Mr. J. C. Davies said that the official correspondence ought to be placed before the Board.—The Clerk There was none during last month. Accotints.-M-r. J. C. Davies said that it appeared to him that the ratepayers ought to have a schedule of the receipts and expenses of the Board.—The Clerk said tha accounts had always been published in some newspaper, with the exception of last year's.—Mr. Morris Jones It is the business of the Finance Committee to look into these things.—Mr. Hughes: You are one of them, Mr. Jones. (Laughter.)—After a short discussion, it was resolved that the accounts for the hst year be advertised, and that 300 circulars (copies of the accounts) be also printed and cir- culated at the next meeting, the advertisement and the circulars not to cost more than 10s. Bill fur Gas.-A bill for gas from the Dolgelley Gas Company was handed in for j647 12s. 10d., which was made up as follows:—44 lamps, £ 13 12s. 10d.; rent of fittings, B10 arrears, £ 24.—The Chairman proposed that the 224 be deducted from bill together with the discount, and a cheque drawn for the balance, £ 20 4s. 9d., and the Light- ing Committee to se9 into it.—It,was resolved that Mr. J. C. Davies be added to the Lighting Committee. Rate.-The Collector, in answer to one of the memberpv said the last rate was made on the 13th March last, that there were about £100 in arrear, and the balance due to the Bank was about £100, He was directed to get the arrears in as soon as possible. Resignation of the Clerk.—Mr. Pugh, the clerk, read a resolution that was passed at the second meeting of the Board held 14th February, 1865, at which meeting he was elected Clerk at a nominal salary of 21, and he said that ever since then he had discharged the duties of the Clerk to the best of his ability, and he now felt himself incapable of discharging the duties any longer owing to his residing at Holywell.and to his state of health, and he begged to tender to the Board his resignation.—The Chairman said he was sorry to hear that Mr. Pugh intended resigning, and he would propose that the Board desire that Mr. Pugh should reconsider it for another week. The resolu. tion was carried unanimously. Cheques.-The following cheques were signed :—Salary £15, Collector 225, Mr. William Jones j315, Dr. Joiaes 25, gas £2() 4s. 9d. The Board then adjourned for a week.

LLANARMON. PRESENTATION.—On Tuesday, January 28th, a very inter- esting meeting was held at Llanarmon, near Pwllheli. Mr. George Taylor, Chwilog Station, has for some time given his services on the harmonium gratuitously at Llan- armon Church. Major Pullan, of Glasfryn (who, we regret to say, is now leaving the neighbourhood), suggested that Mr. Taylor's labour of love should be acknowledged bv the presentation of a testimonial and the Rev. St. George Armstrong Williams, rector of the parish, and others, determined to carry out the idea. Subscriptions were raised, and in a few days a sufficient amount was obtained to procure a beautiful drawing-room time- piece, which was supplied by Mr. Toleman, of Pwll- heli. The presentation was made in a few well chosen words by Mrs. Armstrong Williams. Mr. Taylor thanked his friends in an appropriate speech, remarking how very much indebted he was to the worty rector and the Church people generally. Mr. Armstrong Williams addressed a few words to Mr. Taylor, observing that he had known him as one of the officials of the London and North Western Railway ever since he was appointed to Chwilog. He (Mr. Taylor) was much esteemed, and deservedly so. He had presided at the harmonium generally three times on the Sunday, and had given his services gratuitously. In his own name, and on behalf of his congregation, he now tendered him their best thanks, and requested his acceptance of the drawingroom clock as a small return for his valuable and disinterested services (applause). The rector pronounced the blessing, and the meeting ended. Most of the subscribers were present.

TOWYN. FRIENDLY SOCIETY.—We are informed that the financial position and the numerical strength of this Society are most satisfactory, and never during the fifty years of its existence has its funds proved of greater service than they have done this long and trying winter. The election of officers for the ensuing year took place on February 3. There was a very strong muster of members. Mr. G. Davies was unanimously elected president, Mr. J. M. James vice-president, Mr. L. Lewis, Pontfathew, deputy- president, and Mr. J. F. Jones, Frankwell Hall, deputy- vice-president, Mr. R. G. Price treasurer, Mr. J. Davies, Plevna-terrace, secretary, Mr. H. Thomas, Church-street, financial secretary, Mr. W. Richards, Pensarn, and Mr. Evan Jones, Red Lion-street, auditors of accounts, Mr. Francis Jonas sick visitor, Dr. J. F. Jones, medical officer, Messrs. P. H. Hughes, E. Jones, Lion House, H. Jones, Vaenol, R. James, Warwick-place, and R. Daniel were appointed fhe Committee of Management, and Messrs. William Parry, William Rees, R. J. Roberts, and the Rev. J. Thomas were appointed arbitrators. At the previous meeting it was resolved to ascertain the re- muneration for which the several bands in the neighbour- ing towns would give their servfces on the day of the Society's annual feast, i.e., St. David's day, and the fol* lowing replies were received Aberdovey, Jan. 29,1879 Sir,—As requested I have sent you our price for the use of OUT Band, but we think on former occasions we have not been fairlf represented, as we understand, after wasting time, paper, stamps in sending to bands, one or two will do as they thin* well, after all; which is nothing better than making sport ot those written to, as we have always gone to vTowyn on ai>f case of emergency for a mere trifle, and we look on the** things as unfair usage. But, to try once again, I am requested by the Band to offer ourselves to your Club on March 1st, 187*2 for £ 3 15s. and dinners for nine, as we have here at these clut>* £ 3 10s. If this meets with your approval we will do our be3* for your Club on that occasion.-Dear sir, I remain, yours, 010 behalf of the Aberdovey Band, J. GREEN, Sec. Mr. R. G. Price. Abergynolwyn, Feb. 1, 1679. Sir,—The price of this Band for their service to play befo'* your Club, 1st March, 1879, is £ 4. Number in the Band, 15* Yours truly, for the Band, MORGAN ROBERTS* R. G. Price, Esq. It was unanimously agreed that the Abergyaolwyn BE," be employed. Printed by EDWARD WOOD ALL, and Published lor tne frupri*)*<, £ at tho dwelling-house of JACOB JONES, High-street, Bah^j. the county of Merioneth; of JOHN GIBSON, 3, QUEEN's-r0^ Aberystwyth, in the county of Cardigan; and of DAVJD Pwtmadoc, inthe county of Carnarvon. Fridayx February T, 1873* i V