Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
11 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
NORTH WALES MINERS' PERMANENT…
=- The London Gazette contains an order for the Court to ?° mourning for the Prince of Orange for six days from Tuesday, June 17. meeting of the Home Rule League was held in u °n June 13, at which Mr. Shaw, M.P., said he only temporarily occupied the position of leader. He trusted that the Parliamentary party would find a more fitting representative. THE JUSTICES OF THE COUNTY OF lyfONTGOBEIRT-PRO- VISIONAL ORDER BILL.-This bill, the object of which is to declare that the disturnpiked roads leading from the Court House junction at Wellingborough to the Bishop's Moat, and the road from Chapel, near Coedyweeg, to Montgomery Castle, ought not to become main roads, came before the Examiner of the House of Lords on Monday afternoon June 10, for proof of standing orders. It wu w C<AT the standing orders had been complied with. Her Majesty has approved of the Victoria Cross being Lleute.n?nt W. K. P. Hamilton, Bengji l ViJl OS[MtJon of hi8 gallantry whilst em- /rirT'f™ Appr„limilto return 7Zac receipts for the week ending Jnne 15th, 1879. Miles open 178i. Passengers, parcels, &c.. £ 1.827 • mmk„. dise, minerals, and live stock. £ 1 asu. t n. r St7ytr^ £ 2,448 merchandise, minerals, a^Uve^'t^0^! 882' total for the week, £ 4,330, Aggregate from commS ment of half-year to this date, £ 76 404- iMrZr £ 82,492. Note.—This comparison is with Whit week last year. NORTH WALES MINERS' PERMANENT RELIEF SOCIETY The ordinary quarterly meeting of the Board of Manage- ment of this society was held at the Queen's Hotel Chester, on Monday, June 9, present^ Messrs. George Thomson, president of the society, J. L. Hedley, H.M Inspector of Mines, G. Garside, R. Shirley, J. Jones j' Williams, S. Williams, E. Davies, J. Harrop, generai secretary, and G. L. Campbell, organizing secretary. The thanks of the Board were accorded to Mr. J. L. Hedley and Mr. Samuel Williams for their services as chairman and vice-chairman respectively during the past year, and they were re-elected. The returns from the local agencies showed that at the close of the quarter the society bad enrolled 5,581 members, being an increase of 248 on the previous quarter. The receipts from members' contribu- tions had been;C588, and from honorary members JE35, and there had been paid in relief to widows and children and disabled members J3318. The funds in hand at the close of the quarter amounted to £854, and since that time a cheque had been received for £740 from the committee appointed to dispose of a portion of the Hartley Surplus Fund, so that the available balance was close upon £1,600. The Organizing Secretary reported that since the last meeting five new agencies had been opened, and this would, he believed, represent close upon 1,000 members. Nearly all the collieries in Wrexham and Ruabon districts were now in the society, and he hoped before the next meeting to be able to report a considerable accession of members in the other portions of the society's district. I
Advertising
BUSINESS ADDRESSES. wolilcs CASTLE FIELDS, OSWESTRY. R. H. MASON, ENGINEER, IRON AND BRASSFOUNDER, BEGS to thank his numerous Friends and Patrons for their kind support during the last three vears. and begs to inform them that he has greatly Enlarged his Premises, laid down additional Machinery, and with a staff of Iried and Experienced Workmen, is in a position to execute all orders entrusted to him with ereat despatch, and at the lowest prices consistent with good workmanship. s ALL KINDS OF PORTABLEI VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL STEAM ENGINES, AGRICUL- TURAL, MINING, AND OTHER MACHINERY MADE AND REPAIRED. SHAFTING, BRACKETS. AND PULLEYS -TURWFD-A NT) TV)P"PLM z :"Ix i m m TO ORDER. NEW FIRE-BOXES PUT IN ON THE SHORTEST NOTICE, CORRUGATED ROOFING SUPPLIED AND FIXED. STEAM GAUGES GAUGE GLASSES AND COCKS. IRON FORGINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. PERSEVERANCE ENGINE WORKS, CASTLE FIELDS, OSWESTRY. ESTABLISHED 1812. Proctor and Ryland's Bone Manures PREPARED 9 FOR TURNIPS, GRASS, WHEAT, BARLEY, OATS, POTATOES. &C. ALSO, SUPERPHOSP H ATE OF LIME. BIRMINGHAM AND CHESTER. A Price List, with particulars of Prizes offered for 1879, post free on application. AGENTS: Mr. JOEL MORGAN, Bryn-yr-ychain, Aberystwyth. Mr. R. GILLART, junior, Llynlloedd. Machvnlletfe Mr. JOHN HUMPHREYS, Coal Merchant, Towyn. Messrs. JOHN EVANS and SON, Llanbedr Mr. WILLIAM MORGAN, Llanfihangel, Borth. Mr. WILLIAM MORGAN, Llanfihangel, Borth. STEAM SAW MILLS, ABERYSTWYTH. R. ROBERTS and SONS, TIMBER AND SLATE MERCHANTS, HAVE JUST DISCHARGED PRIME CARGOBS OF SPRUCE DEALS, FIRST QUALITY BALTIC RED PINE, AND RED DEALS, THEY HAVE ALSO IN STOCK A LARGE QUANTITY OF WHITE AND RED FLOORING BOARDS, YELLOW PINE & PITCH PINE LOGS, & PITCH PINE FLOORING BOARDS, PLANED, TONGUED, AND GROOVED. SAWING, PLANING, MOULDING, &c., BY MACHINERY. A Number of Well-made WHEELBARROWS on Sale. FIREWOOD. FURNITURE eRE AM, IN SIXPENNY BOTTLES, PREPARED BY ROBERT ELLIS, PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMIST, TERRACE ROAD, ABERYSTWYTH (Four doors from Marine Terrace.) ESTABLISHED IN THE YEAR 1820. WILLIAM JULIAN, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GROCER, TEA, COFFEE, PROVISION AND FLOUR DEALER, 10, NORTH PARADE, ABERYSTWYTH. A constant supply of First-Class Australian Preserved Meats, Labrador Salmon, Lobster Sardines, &c. HOME-CURED BACON AND HAMS. A CONSTANT SUPPLY OF CROSSE AND BLACKWELL'S GOODS. Gr WILLIAMS, TIMBER AND SLATE MERCHANT, TREFECH AN, ABERYSTWYTH, BEGS to announce that he has just discharged the following excellent Cargo of Wood Goods, viz. 1st Quality Red Fir Timber (very useful for mining purposes). 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Quality Red Deals. Do. Spruce Flooring Boards, Square-Jointed, and Planed, Tongned, and Grooved. Do. Red Do. Do. Do. &c!Ch PiUe' Yell°W Pi"6' American °ak' Spruce Deals, Yellow Pine Deals, PRICES ON APPLICATION. N.B.—G. W. begs also to announce that he haa just discharged a cargo of the beat (London) Portland Cement. T. POWELL AND Co., ABERYSTWYTH, ARE OFFERING A LARGE QUANTITY OF NEWLY ARRIVED AGRICULTURAL SEEDS, WHICH THEY ARE OFFERING AT LOW PRICES FOR CASH, RELIANCE HOUSE, GREAT DARKGATE STREET, (Opposite the Meat Market 1 and 7, PIER STREET. WILLIAM PROBIN, WORKING LAPIDARY, JEWELLER, AND SILVERSMITH. BEGS to inform the Gentry, Inhabitants, and Visitors of Aberystwyth, that he has now on hand a wHL. selected Stock of Diamond Rings, Wedding Rings, Signet Rings, and Gem Rings. Bright and eolourafi Jewellery, in all its branches, made upon the premises. Every article warranted. Also a large Stock of WlJtWTiS and Bog Oak Ornaments. Old Gold and Silver purchased. Wholesale and Retail Dealer in New and SecondJhiuS Plate.. In consequence of spurious imitations of LEA & PERRINS' SAUCE, Which are calculated to deceive the Public, Lea and Perrins have adopted A NEW LABEL, tearing their signature. thus, ¿ L- Whieh is placed on every bottle of WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE, and without which nene is genuine. IW Sold Wholetale by tke Proprietors, Worcester; Crosse and BlackweU, London and Expert Oilmen generally. Retail, by Dealert in Sauees throughout the World. p- When you RECKITT'S ask for See that PARIS BLUEYOU get it of As bad qualities are often substituted. The g-enuiue is used by the Laundresses of THE PRINCESS OF WALES AND DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH. ——1^ CROSSE & BLACKWELL'S SEVILLE ORANGE MARMALADE In I-lb. and 2-lb. Pots of full weight, IS SOLD BY GROCERS THROUGHOUT THE KINGDOM. CROSSE & BLACKWELL ^elvVEYORS TO THE QUEEN, SOHO SQUARE, LODO- Twelve Prize Medals-PARIS, VIENNA, PHILADELPHIA. LAND a .1 A M Are granted by the Agent- General for South Australia, to all persons approved. as suitable, who are in sound health, and have not previously resided in I ■ » |j Australia. Thsy must pay their own pas- II l1^ sages, and proceed DIRECT to ADEL AI. E, ■■■■ South Australia, and reside in the Colony for two years. of the WARRAN SValue ofL20 Forms of Application and other information may be obtained from THE AGENT-GENERAL FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 8, Vietoria Chambers, Westminster, London, S.W.
■■■■!■■■ywfiuwilJiai■■ THB…
■■■■!■■ ywfiuwilJiai ■■ THB WELSHPOOL AND LLANFAIR RAILWAY. MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS. On Saturday, June 14, a meeting of the shareholders of this Company was held at the Cross Foxes Hotel, Llau- fair for the purpose of receiving a. report from the directors as to the present state of the undertaking and oonferring with them as to the steps it may be deemed advisable to take in order that if possible the present favourable opportunity of making the line may not be lest." Amongst those who attended the meeting were Captain Pryce, Cyfronydd (in the chair), Mr. A. C. Humphreys Owen, Mr. R. D. Gough, Mr. G. Slater, Mr. F. B. Jones, Pentre, the Rev. O. Jones, Gelli, Mr. G. D. Harrison, solicitor, and Mr. Swettenham, engineer. The notice convening the meeting having been read, the OHAIBMAU said he had received a letter from Mr. David Hewell, Machynlleth, who said ha was desirous of giving to the project all the assistance in his power, but found it difficult to decide upon the sum he ought to subscribe. TTia own idea was that it should be on the same scale as the subscriptions of the neighbouring landowners. He suggested that the proportion might be ascertained by a comparison of the rents on the parochial valuation. He thought it would be advisable if the Directors could see their way to give a guarantee that promises of support would be treated as conditional on a sufficient amount of money being promised. Although he was not yet prepared to give any pledge he should be most ready on the terms he had mentioned t. consider aad decide as to the amount of his subscription. Capt. Pryce, continuing, said that since their last meeting the directors had thought long and anxiously about the position and prospects of the undertaking and he need hardly say that it would be a source of much satisfaction if at their meeting that day they could devise some means for carrying out the construction of the line. It would necessarily be a landlords' line; but at the same time there were landowners whose estates would be benefited to a larger extent by the carrying out of the railway who had hitherto withheld their support. They all knew that under the Lands Improvement Act it was competent for landowners in all cases—even in the case of tenants for life—to charge their estates with such im- provements as resulted from making new railway commu- nication. As an illustration, he would suppose thre was a landlord in that district who had dn estate worth £20,000. By the construction of the railway the estate would be increased in value ten per cent at the least. The owner could borrow this sum at about seven per cent. for a period of twenty-five years, at the end of which he would be free from principal and interest. He would have an improved estate and £2,000 in shares, and, there- fore, it was no use for a man to say be could not get the money, as they knew he could do 90 if he liked. Un- fortunately, there were some men who, as had been re- marked by Mr. Slater, wished to reap where they had not sown. It was very clear that if they waited until every one who was interested in the project had done his duty they would have to wait until domesday. (Hear, hear.) This line was estimated to cost 4, 000 per mile, or £40,000 for the ten miles, and in order to get interest at five per cent. for that amount they must have gross trraihc receipts amounting to £8 per mile per week, ØT £80 per week for the whole line. Was it probable that the line would produce £80 per week gross tramc re- ceipts? He had found from some returns which he had received from the offices of the Cambrian Railways from the Llanfyllin branch, the gross traffic receipts averaged about £9 per mile per week. He thought it probable, in the course of two or three years, when the resources of the district were fully developed, that their line would be equal to the Llanfyllin line in its gross earnings. If they deducted fifty per cent. for working expenses, that would give them a nett receipt of £2,000 a year in round numbers but he felt bound to state that he did not think the line would be worked at its opening for this amount. They required, therefore, £2,000 nett pro- fit to obtain a dividend of five per cent. But ^upposingthe profit for the first two or three years only showed a divi- dend of four per cent., or £1,600, were they prepared to take any personal liability upon themselves to make up the deficiency? He, for one, with twelve or n.ore "good men and true," was prepared to guarantee the deficiency for four or five years, at four per cent., so sanguine was he that the financial position of the line would be a good one, supposing that the total expend- iture did not exceed the sum he had named. In what was called a "contractor's" line, he wished to state clearly that he would take no part. He would, as he had previously remarked, go in with twelve land- owners and others for either a narrow or an ordinary gauge line, but the expenditure under any circumstances must not exceed This expenditure, in his opinion, would be justifiable, and for it the traffic receipts might be remunerative; but any expenditure beyond the capital of £40,000 he should certainly object to. He was pre- pared under certain conditions, with a syndicate of twelve other men, to take the whole of the capital on equal terms. He should expect their solicitor, engineer, and contractors to become members of this contracting party, or they might offer the solicitor and engineer terms for the purchase of the Act and plans, &c. There was another alternative, which was that of the narrow gauge railway. The relative expenses of a narrow gauge, with cheap con- struction and low working expenses, must be weighed against the transhipment of goods and minerals, passengers transhipping themselves. The saving in the construction of the narrow gauge consisted in the small quantity of land required, tha small quantity of earthworks, the sharper curves and the steeper gradients that might be used. Timber bridges would be sufficient, and then last, but not least, the permanent way would be laid at about one-half the cost of ordinary gauge lines. There would of course be a limit to the weight of engines, and to the speed at which they would travel. The novelty ef a miniature line would be peculiarly attractive to tourists in a beautiful and picturesque part of Wales, such as their line would traverse. After looking at their financial position, and other extraneous circum- stances, and having considered the question, as between the narrow and the ordinary gauge, taking into consideration the expenses ef the transhipment of goods, he was in favour of the miniature line. (Hear, hear.) These were the conclusions he had come to after carefully considering the question. He was not prepared to make any further remarks, but would like to hear any remarks they would like to make. (Applause.) Mr. SLATBB asked whether it would be practicable to construct a narrow gauge line according to their Act of Parliament. The CHAIKMAJT said he was afraid they would have some difficulty in doing so, and if they had to obtain an amended Act it would become rather expensive. With the excep- tion of the transhipment of goods he thought a narrow gauge line would answer very well. Mr. GOUGH said that if they decided on having a narrow gauge railway Mr. Swettenham said they would have to provide their own rolling stock. The CHAIBMAN said that matter was a mere bagatelle. He had no doubt they could enter into a contract in the present state of trade for a very small amount. Mr. SLATBR said they would have to wait for twelve months before they commenced making the line if it was to be the narrow gauge. The CHAIRMAN said their solicitor perhaps could give them some information as to whether it would. be necessary for them to apply for an amended Act. Mr. SWKTTHNHAM said he thought the Board of Tnde cordd give them the necessary powers. The Rev. O. Jontss said he had felt from the beginning that Llanfair ought to have a narrow gauge line. He had never expressed that opinion before on account of his being afraid of upsetting the movement, as the public feeling seemed to be in favour of having a line constructed on the ordinary gauge. On the face of it a line of ten miles in extent serving a country town like theirs did not seem to require their going to the same expense as would be entailed were they going to make a pain line into which several feeders ran. Were they to adopt the narrow gauge system it would save them half the money which they had pro- posed to spend. However, let them give up any point, which he would willingly do, if by doing so they could have a railway made. (Hear, hear.) They needed one very much. They were behind the age, and in conclusion he again urged them to give up anything rather than throw orer the railway scheme. (Hear, hear.) The CHAIRMAW remarked that the transhipment of goods was a serious matter, as when a load of lime or coal vafl transferred to their line it would be attended with some inconvenience and waste. Mr SWITTBSHAM said that supposing that they tran- shipped 16,tOO tons of goods in the twelve months at la. a ton this would be an annual expense of £800. Mr. HUMPHREYS OWEN said he wished to call their attention to two matters that had only been lightly touched upon by the previous speakers. He agreed with the remarks of Mr. Owen Jones, but the question was how were they going to provide the money. They had in promises in round nnmbers the sum of J820,000 only, while the estimate for making the line was .£40,000. This was a matter for the serious consideration of the share- holders. If the balance was not obtained the would not be any good as they could only make the railway half the distance with that sum. Thea there was another question which was that of the subscriptions of the land- lords. It had occurred to him that although the money should be found by the landlord it was only fair that if a landlord came forward to assist in the making of the line his tenants might show their appreciation of what he had done Suppose a landlord thought that if a railway was made it would be beneficial to him, and he decided to invest £1 000 in the undertaking. This meant a loss of from four to five per cent., or .£50 to him. It had occurred to him that the tenants might go to their land- lord, who had not subscribed, and ask him to give £1,000 tr 110, and say that they would for a while make up any defi- dencythere might be in the dividend, that was to say, that If he only had a per centage of two and a-half, the tenants would amongst them subscribe the other £25. If the line was worth making at all, he must say it was worth while for the tenants to do this. He felt that the landlords alluded to by Captain Pryce deserved their compassion as much as their indignation, as in their case they might be fettered by the laws of the land. He quite agreec that the line should be made for cash, and he suggested that the shareholders should help in the pounds, shil- lings, and pence way, and he woula ask those shareholders after'having had the figures read to take additional shares. He thought that if his suggestions were adopted they would get nearer to the making of the line. (Applause.) Mr. SLATER said his opinion remained unaltered as to the necessity there was for making a rail way. He should, however, like to be satisfied as to their legal position, whether a narrow gauge line could be made with their present Act. He did not object to the Chairman's suggestion except for the trouble and expense of tranship- ment, and if they could save a considerable sum of money by having a narrow gauge line, it was worth their con- sideration. Supposing their estimate was reduced from £40,000 to 30,OOO could they get the money? They had promises to the extent of £20,000, but they might not be able to obtain more than £15,000 of this sum, and the question came before them as to how they were going to get over the difficulty. Mr. Swettenham might tell them that they could obtain borrowing powers. His suggestion was that the meeting should be adjourned for a month so as to afford them an opportunity of examining their financial and legal position. If they agreed to have a narrow gauge line, could they construct one with their present Act ? Steps ought to be taken for looking into their financial condition, and a special meeting should afterwards be called to consider the result of their examination. Mr. GOUGH said that in looking through the Act he did not see any reference to narrow gauge lines. If they made a line on the ordinary or narrow gauge system they would have to make everything in proportion. As to whether they had power to make an ordinary line or a narrowfgauge. he thought that was a question which they could easily dispose of. At the time of their meeting in March it was thought the price of materials and labour was so low that they could not have a better opportunity for making the line, but they now found that iron, steel, and other things were lower. After consideration he thought that if the railway was to be made they should make it now. (Hear, hear.) Having been connected with the railway from the first, he felt a desire to see it completed. The CHAIRMAN said he quite agreed with Mr. slater that they could not come to a decision that day, and that they would have to adjourn to a special meeting, so as to enable them to ascertain what was best to be done. Mr. GOUGH said there was another important question. Their Act made it compulsory for them to make the rail- way without any unnecessary delay. The Act was obtained in August, 1877, so that newly two years of the powers conferred on them had elapsed. Nearly two- thirds of their time had gone, and if they wanted any. extension they would have to spend 2200 or £ 300 in obtaining it. There was no indefinite time allowed in which they might take action, and so they would see how necessary it was that no time should be lost. They would have to go to eighteen landlords in the district, and very possibly in some cases there might be disputes which would be settled by arbitration, and that would take up some time. They had only one year to do the work, but still they could not go on without money, and although they had the assistance of Captain Pryce and Mr. Humphreys Owen it depended on themselves very largely whether the line was to be made or not. He wanted to impress upon them the necessity there was for immediate action, and he pointed out that the advantages to be gained were great ones. Mr. SLATER observed that he understood the time for arbitration could be extended, so that the preliminary steps were taken during the three years. The Rev. O. JONES hoped they would not adjourn the meeting for long, as since the last time they had met some of them had thought the railway was buried alive. Now, he thought, they felt better. He must tell them not to expect much help from the tenant farmers, as they were calculating on having a heavy reduction, and they thought if they were to give event2 or £3 more it would lessen their chances of having a reduction. He did notthinlcthat if they were to go to all the tenant farmers in the neighbourhood they would get £ 5, on account of the expectations the farmers had of having a reduction. The question of adjourning the meeting to some future date was then considered, Mr. SLATER remarking that they ought to examine the list of shareholders, and the value of the shares. He thought they ought to have some information on this point, and if they had not, they would not be any nearer towards getting the railway. As he had previously said, he was of opinion that steps should be taken in order to ascertain what their financial position was. Mr. HUMPHREYS OWEN thought it would not be of much use to go through the list of subscribers until they had the promise of more subscriptions, because as yet they had not enough money to make even a narrow gauge rail- way. Mr. SLATER thought that the sooner it was done the better. The CHAIRMAN said he was inclined to think that the most advisable course to pursue would be to adjourn the meeting for a short time, in order to decide what gauge they should adopt. After this was done they could go to the subscribers, and tell them that this portion of the question was decided. He would suggest that the meeting should be adjourned for a fortnight. Mr. GOUGH pointed out that when the shareholders had promised their subscriptions, it was on the understanding that the line was to be made on the ordinary gauge. If this was altered, they might say that as there was not going to be so much money expended they were not needed to give as much as they had originally to do. There was also another matter worth considering. Sup- posing they saved 210,000 by making a line on the narrow gauge system and lost S800 a year through the expenses of transhipment, he thought the saving would be on the wrong side. The CHAIRMAN said he had pointed out this drawback in his opening remarks. They were all aware of the diffi- culties of transhipment, and in the interval between the present and the next meeting, the matter could be gone into, and the shareholders informed of the cost. For passengers a miniature line would be perfect, but he could not say what the cost of transhipment would be. Allow- ing Is. a ton for transhipment seemed to him to be rather high. The Rev. O. JONES thought it would not cost them more than 6d. a. ton for the transhipment of goods. The CHAIRMAN moved that inasmuch as the shares at present taken, are insufficient for proceeding with the line on the ordinary gauge this meeting be adjourned to Satur- day, July 5, to consider a proposal which will then be submitted that the necessary steps be taken for making the line on the narrow gauge unless additional subscriptions can be obtained to an amount sufficient for making the line on the ordinary gauge." The motion was seconded by Mr. GOUGH, and unamin- ously agreed to. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the pro- ceedings.
. A SHROPSHIRE BREACH OF PROMISE…
A SHROPSHIRE BREACH OF PROMISE CASE. At the Court of Common Pleas, on Tuesday, June 10, before Mr. Justice Denman and Mr. Justice Lopes, the application for a new trial in the case "Northcott v. Doughty" was heard. This was an action to recover damages for breach of promise of marriage, which was tried some time ago before Mr. Justice Lopes. The defendant was assistant to a grocer in Oxford-street (formerly he filled a similar appointment in Shrewsbury), and it was said, for the plaintiff, though it was denied on the other side, that his father, who lived in Shropshire, was worth £ 30,000. The original promise was made on March 9, 1877, when the defendant was a minor; and the question was raised whether what took place then was an absolute promise, or only a promise conditional upon the consent of the defendant's father being obtained. There was also the further question, whether what took place after the defendant came of age was a ratification of the original promise only, or a new promise. The jury found a verdict for the plaintiff, damages £75, but subsequently a rule was obtained, calling upon the plaintiff to show cause why there should not be a new trial, on the ground of misdirection. It was submitted to the Court that on the authority of the Infants' Protection Act, 37 and 38 Vic., cap 62, sec. 2, and in addition to the authority o( Cox- head v. Mulliss, that the judge should have directed the jury as a matter of law that what took place after the promise had been made only amounted to a ratification, and that no ratification could render valid a promise to marry which had been made during infancy. The matter now came on for argument, and the question was whether the rule for a new trial should be made abso- lute.—Mr. H. Kisch appeared to show cause against the rule, and Mr. Yelverton to support it.—Mr. Justice Denman said that he was of opinion that this rule should be discharged. The jury found that there was a new absolute promise on April 29, and not a mere ratificatien of a promise made before. It must in every case be a question for the jury whether the language used was used with the intention of making a fresh engagement to marry, or whether it was a mere ratification of a pre-existing promise, and therefore it would have been wrong in Mr. Justice Lopes to withdraw the question from them.—Rule discharged.
LORD CRANBROOK'S SHEFFIELD…
LORD CRANBROOK'S SHEFFIELD SPEECH. Though the facts mentioned by Mr. Lowe in his brief criticism of Lord Cranbrook's Sheffield speech have often been published, they do not (remarks the Echo) seem to have left much impression on the minds of Conservative statesmen. They are either totally suppressed or so dis- torted as to be essentially deceptive. Lord Cranbrook lays great stress upon judging a policy by its results. The income-tax, he says is only 3d. its average amount during the existence of the late Liberal Government was 4id. A statement of this shallow kind can scarcely even appear plausible to any one accustomed to deal with financial facts. Lord Cranbrook and his friends are always leaving out Bome element in the calculation. They conveniently forget that the reduction of the income-tax was due not to Conservative economy, but to the fact that the Conservatives were left by the Liberals a surplus of 25,000,000. The same peculiar method of statement is adopted in expounding the foreign policy of the Govern- ment. Look at its results, we are told. Look at the Treaty of Berlin. All that went before the Treaty, the invasion of Turkey, the useless squandering of millions, the horrors of a desolating war ia great measure due to the blundering of the Government, is ignored. Lord Oranbrook is also kind enough to tell us that we are now at peace with Afghanistan. But the peace comes at the tail of a barbarous and inglorious war, about which the Indian Secretary is careful to keep a discreet silence. There will doubtle- be another gap of the same sort when at the close of the Zulu campaign we are pointed to that as another result of Conservative policy, as though the war never bel a beginning, or" never existed at all. It is as though a ruffian made a boast of paying for a plaster for the head he had broken. We are quite willing to accept Lord Cranbrook's challenge of judging by results; but it must be by all the results, and not by an inadequate and one-sided version of them.
THE ADVANTAGES OF BICYCLES.
THE ADVANTAGES OF BICYCLES. A scientific bicyclist gives us (Court Journal) the following statement :-There are 5,280 feet in a mile, and, if we take regulation steps of 28 inches each, we should lift the body 2,262 times in accomplishing a mile, which, we may say, occupies 20 minutes. Now, if the body weighs 160 pounds, and we lift it 113 times a minute, as we must to cover a mile in 20 minutes, it is easy to nnd that we have done work equal to, say, ¡.2Oth of a horse power, reckoning the rise of the centre of gravity as equal to one inch. If we could walk without lifting the body that expenditure of power would be saved; but we cannot, and each step we take means so much expendi-, ture of nervous energy. But the bicycle rider expends his energy merely in driving the treadles of his machine; he does not lift his body, which is resting firmly on the saddle. If the driving wheel is three feet in diameter, roughly calculated, 528 revolutions would be necessary to cover a mile, and the crank, allowing for slips, will make about 26 turns per minute. If the crank is four inches long, and the vertical stroke eight inches, the thigh lifts only the length of the throw- of the crank, and the work done is equal to, say, 476 foot-pounds, which is all utilized on the downward thrust of the cranks, whereas in walking the fall of the body is wasted. The bicyclist has thus practically no lifting to do, and his energy is all expended [ in driving his machine forward, and, as there is less strain on his muscles and his nervous energy, is able to keep up the exertion much longer, and consequently cover more ground than he could do on foot. If the problem is looked at in the most rudimentary manner, it is easily seen that the walker has to lift his weight at each step, while the bicyclist is supported, and expends the whole of his energy in driving his machine.
. DETERMINED ATTEMPT TO COMMIT…
DETERMINED ATTEMPT TO COMMIT SUICIDE AT WELSHPOOL. A middle-aged man named Edward Mills, living at Mill Place, opposite the Armoury, in Welshpool, who was a bugler belonging to the permanent staff of the Montgomeryshire Militia, made a most determined at- tempt to commit suicide on Tuesday morning, June 17. Mills was to have been tried by courtmartial that day for misconduct, and this is supposed to have somewhat preyed on his mind, and caused him to drink to an unusual extent, so much so as to have given him delirium tremens. Mills got out of bed between nine and ten on Tuesday morning, and took hold of his razor, with which he cut his throat almost from ear to ear. completely severing the windpipe. He afterwards got back into bed, where he was subsequently found bathed in blood. Dr. Jones was immediately sent for, and on his arrival he gave the unfor- tunate man all the assistance in his power. Being under the influence of liquor, it is probable that Mills intended making away with himself in order to avoid the court- martial.
[No title]
A fatal and very destructive explosion occurred on Monday, June 16, at Messrs. Robert Fletcher and Son's paper mills, Kersley. One of a series of eight boilers, which had a short time previously been found apparently all right, burst while a stoker was firing up. The man was so injured that he died about three hours afterwards, and five other workmen were seriously hurt. Great wreck was made of some adjacent buildings. It is stated that the Lord Chief Justice of England has addressed a long communication to the Attorney-General, severely criticising and condemning the earlier portion of the proposed Criminal Code, with which portion only he has had time to deal. The Standard believes that a ques- tion will be asked in the Honse of Commons, for the purpose of learning from the Attorney-General whether he will give the public the benefit of the Lord Chief Justice's criticism.
IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—THURSDAY. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, replying to a question from Mr. Childers, said the cost in connection with the war in South Africa, as estimated up to the 20th of April, was half a million a month, and assuming this rate of expenditure would continue there would have been expended by the ead of June a little over ZI,600,000, towards which there was the vote of credit for £ 1,500,000. If the war terminated by the end of June the calcu- lations of the Budget need not be disturbed, but otherwise it might be necessary to ask for a vote of credit. Lord John Manners, in answer to a question, said a Bill dealing with the law of copyright would be introduced this session, but only for circulation. THE BATTLE OF KAMBULA. Mr. O'Donnell put a long question to the Colonial Secretary with reference to alleged excesses by English soldiers after the battle of Kambula, when wounded and exhausted Zulus, vainly appealing for quarter, were shot, stabbed, or sabred where they lay. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach referred the hon. gentleman to a letter from the War Office published in the news- papers last week, directing Lord Chelmsford to en- quire into the truth of all these allegations. If the hon. gentleman had seen this letter, he could not see why such a question, which was calculated to give pain to men who were serving their Queen and country should have been put. Mr. O'Donnell moved the adjournment of the House to give him an opportunity of entering a warm protest against the nature of the reply just given and the censure conveyed with it, and this he did in very vigorous language.—Tha Chancellor of the Ex- chequer once more protested against the practice of moving the adjournment of the House simply for the purpose of raising discussions, and deprecated the language used by the member for Dungarvan.—Mr. Sullivan followed in an excited speech in defence of Mr. O. Donnell, and after a few words from Mr. Newdegate and Mr. Forster, Sir Michael Hicks Beach replied, and the subject dropped.—The debate on the motion to go into Committeen the East India Revenue Accounts was resumed by Mr. J. K. Cross.—Mr. Gladstone made an able and ex- haustive speech upon the general questions of the government of India, and the revenue and resources of that country. He said it was a matter for regret that there was no such check on Indian expenditure as was analagous to that ex-j ercised by the Treasury on the home expenditure, and suggested the introduction of some direct influence, drawn from the fountain head of the British Treasury, and made to bear on the details of Indian finance.—Mr. Goschen strongly advised the Government not to make any radical change in the existing systemantil they had seen the full effect of the operation of ordinary and natural causes.—After some remarks from Mr. Balfour, Mr. Stanhope spoke in justifica- tion of the policy of the Government with regard to Indian finance, remarking that it had upen the whole received the general approval of the House. They had endeavoured to found their policy with regard to public works on a definite principle, and the reductions they proposed to effect in that Department would not be effected all at once, but gradually as occasion offered, and with as little injury as possible to existing interests. -The House went into Committee, and on the formal motion embodying the monetary proposals, contained in the Indian Budget, Mr. Fawcett expressed a hope that the Govern- ment would furnish some further information than had already been offered as to what were the intentions of the Govprnment with regard to the future military expenditure of India, and the scope of the proposed enquiry.- Mr. Stanhope said the state- ment that the Home Government had agreed to any particular reduction in the army expenditure was not true, and, as far as he was aware, all questions connected with the organizlttion of the Indian army that could properly be referred to a Commission sitting in India would be referred to the Commission about to be appointed.— After some conversation, the motion was agreed to. The House was counted out at 1.20. HOUSE OF LORDS.-FRIDAT. The House reassembled after the Whitsuntide holidays. The sitting lasted only twenty minutes, and the business transacted was devoid of general interest. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—FRIDAY. Mr. Burt asked a question with reference to certificated managers of mines having several mines under their charge and being allowed indefinite periods of absence, when the Act re- quired every mine to be under the daily supervision of a mana- ger.-The Home Secretary, while admitting that the point was an important one, said circumstances necessarily varied but if in any case there was not adequate provision for an effectual supervision of the daily working of a mine the Secretary of State could at once interfere. Replying to Sir W. Lawson, the 0 Colonial Secretary' said there were some further papers with re- ference to former overtures for peace by Cetewayo, which were contained in a despatch from Sir Bartle Frere, and they would be published in a few days.—The Home Secretary, in answer to an enquiry, said he should have directed proceedings to be taken against the persons who were connected with the Dinas Col- liery in respect of the recent accident, but the Coroner's en- quiry had lasted so long that the time had passed within which, under the Act, proceedings could be taken. He proposed to bring in a Bill to remedy this in the future. Brief debates fol- lowed on the subject of excessive expenditure in the adminis- tration of local affairs in the metropolis, and as to the compulsory introduction of continuous railway brakes.— Colonel Mure called attention to the civil rights of soldiers, sailors, and marines, and recemmended an address praying her Majesty to take such steps as may seem most fitting to secure to all persons wearing her Majesty's uniform, the same rights, privileges, and immunities from vexathms reulations as are enjoyed by civilians in attending plkces of public resort or using public conveyances. -Colonel Stanley said he entirely sympath- ised with the object of the hon. member, but he did not see that any advantage would result from an address to her Majesty on a question in which private interests and arrangements had so large a share. He had often wondered why the vexatious regulations complained of had not been tested by practical action, and why those who wished to remove the public disabilities of the soldier had not combined for the purpose of legally trying the question. For the present he hoped the hon. member would be satisfied with a general approval of his pro- position. The subject then dropped.—The House having gone into Committee on the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill at twenty minutes after twelve, Mr. Parnell said that the Government had always shown the utmost indifference to Irish interests, but they had that night opposed to them an obstruc- tion which was scandalous in the extreme. They # could not expect the Irish to assist them in going on with this Bill at so un- seemly-an hour. He moved to report progress. The amendment was rejected by 94 to 5.—Mr. Stanley Leighton moved to exempt mechanics' institutions from taxation, although persons might be dwelling on them for protection.—The Chancellor of the Exchequer regretted that he could not accede to this exemption. —The amendment was supported by Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Courtney, Sir J. Goldsmid, Mr. E. J. Reed, and others. On a division the amendment was rejected by 65 to 39. The Bill passed through Committee. HOUSE OF LORDS-MONDAY. Lord Hampton referred to the grievance attaching to the position of Canon Fleming, in consequence of the course adopted by the Dean and Chapter of York-After the Earl of Beacons- field had defended the appointment made by the Crown, the Archbishop of York said the difficulty in the case had been aitificially raised, and was not worth the attentiori of the House, npon which the subject dropped.-The Duke of St. Albans having called attention to the recent seizure of the ship Rosslyn at Gibraltar, and the prevalence of smuggling there, the Earl af Cadogan stated that no doubt smuggling had prevailed extensively, but had greatly decreased of late, an assurance which was endorsed by Lord Napier of Magdala.—In reply to Lord Truro and the Earl of Galloway, Lord Bury announced that Government intended to appoint a purely military committee to enquire into the operation of our present military organization. The names of a Committee had been decided on, and he hoped they would be on the table of the House in a few days, but he could not promise to lay their instructions on the table until the Committee had been called together.—After some remarks from Lord Cranbrook, Lord Dorchester, and Lord Waveney, Lord Cardwell expressed his approval of the proposed Committee, land the matter dropped. — Two or three Bills passed through Committee, and their Lordships adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—MONDAY. Sir A. Gordon withdrew the Church of Scotland BilI.-Colonel Vernon-Harcourt gave notice of a question for Thursday as to whether Governmeht intended taking any steps during the session to alleviate the prevalent agricultural distress.—Colonel Stanley, replying to Mr. Stacpoole, said he knew that an extra issue of clothing had been made to the troops engaged at Rorke's Drift, but whether the general commanding intended this as compensation or reward for gallant conduct he could not say. On the subject of permitting officers and privates in the army to wear beards, Colonel Stanley said that they were allowed to be worn on foreign service, but at home they were forbidden for some sanitary reasons, he believed, and he saw no necessity for deviating from the rule.—Replying to Mr. Otway, Mr. Bourke stated that Mr. Vivian had not been recalled from his post as Consul-General in Egypt, nor had Mr. Adams been appointed to succeed him. Mr. Vivian had been granted a short leave of absence, during which Mr. Lascelles would perform the duties of Consul-General. He did not think the public interests would suffer by this arrangement.—In reply to Mr. Monk, Lord Sand on said that though anxious to introduce the Bill for the continuance of the Railway Commission he was not in a position yet to fix a day.—The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in answer to Mr. Pell, said that he hoped to make a statement as to local finance on Thursday in next week, and he would then introduce a Public Works Loan Bill, authorizing the advances of the Com- missioners.- Mr. Bright gave notice for Thursday of a question to the Colonial Secretary as to whether a deputation from Canada was expected in this country for the purpose of obtaining a loan or a guarantee for a loan for the continuation of the Pacific Railway.—In reply to Mr. Courtney, Sir M. H. Beach said he should prefer to con- sider further wnether it would be to the public interest to pub- lish all or some of the correspondence with Sir Bartle Frere on the subject of the Transvaal, as that correspondence was not yet completed. The House subsequently went into Committee of Supply on the Army Estimates. On the vote for the administration of military law, Major O'Beirne proposed to reduce the vote by £ 2,000, the salary of the Judge- Advocate General.—A long discussion ensued with reference to the necessity for the continuance of the office, and the duties attached to it, but ultimately the amendment was withdrawn and the vote agreed to.-On the vote for medical establishments and services considerable discussion ensued, as Mr. Jrarnell raised a question with regard to the treatment of wounded Zulus, ana moved the reduction of the vote by £ 4,000. This was followed bv some lively conversation, during which certain members were charged with wilfully obstructing the business of the House.—The Chancellor of the Exchequer pointed out that it was impossible for the Government to interfere so long as the rules of order were not contravened.—Acting on the advice of Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Parnell withdrew his amendment.— Progress was afterwards reported. HOUSE OF LORDS.-TuESDAY. Their lordships met a five o'clock. On the motion for going into Committee on the Racecourses (Metropolis) Bill, Lord John Manners expressed _the opimon that small surburban races were an unmitigated nuisance, lne Earl of Hardwick contended that the Jockey Club was capable of dealing with all matters connected with racing, ana tnat there was no need for fancy legislation on the subject, lne House then went into Committee, and in the 3rd Clause the Duke of Richmond proposed that instead of limiting the appli- cation for a licence to the Michaelmas Sessions to take effect en the following Lady-day, the magistrates should be empowered at any Qurter Sessions to grant the licence to take effect immediately.—Lord Enfield and Lord Aberdare opposed the amendment, which was supported by the Lord Chancellor, and after a discussion was negatived on a division by 88 votes to 57. The Bill passed through Committee, as did also the Supply of Drink on Credit BIll-The Omnibus Regulation Bill, the Con- vention (Ireland) Act Repeal Bill, and the Costs Taxation (House of Commons) Bill were read a third time and passed.— The Marquis of Salisbury, answering Lord Stanley of Alderley, said that the two priests in Cyprus were deprived of their beards not in consequence of any. finnan or decree of an Eastern Council, but in accordance with English prison regula- lations, which had been introduced by an ordinance into the Island. He was compelled, however, to admit that there had been an irregularity, because the hair should only have been removed in the case of a period of considerable im- prisonment, and the priests were only sentenced to a short term of imprisonment. Steps had been taken to prevent the re- currence of such an error, but he could not undertake to give absolute instructions that prisoners should not be. deprived of their hair. No doubt if there were strong feeling on the. ques- tion it would be for the Authorities to exercise due ctre. in the regulations they laid down, and he would ask Colonel Biddulph to inquire whether this particular regulation was suitable to the condition of the Island and Ithe habits of the people, though he feared much of the opposition had arisen from the claim of the Greek clergy, that jurisdiction over them should be re- served to their own ecclesiastical superiors. The House adjourned at ten minutes past seven o'clock. HOUSE OF COMMONS-TUESDAY. The Speaker took the chair at a quarter past two o'clock. In reply to Mr. O'Donnell, Colonel Stanley said his attention had been directed by the question of the hon. member to the state- ment in the Cape Times, re-published in the Echo, that there had been a good deal of flogging in the camp and on the march since the reinforcements were landed in Natal, and he had also seen the same report in a country paper. He had no other in- formation on the matter. In reply to Mr. O'Donnell Sir M. Hicks Beach said his attention had not been called to a picture in Graphic depicting British forces as plundering a Zulu village, but he did not think that a picture in a newspaper was of sufficient impor- tance to be made the basis of opinion as to what was going on in South Africa. He did -not know if it were true that several hundred of native villages had been plundered and destroyed since the destroying of the Galakas, but boubtless many had been destroyed as was necessary in military operations. As to the remarks of Colonel Bellairs, quoted from the correspondence of General Sir A. Conynghame with reference to the Gaika women and children, the hon. member had omitted to quote the statement, Humanity requires that they should be immediately cared for." He did not think that the messengers from Cetewayo had been detained, far less imprisoned, and as'to the mode in which the Basuco insurgents were dealt with, he knew nothing, but however painfulit might be to drive insurgents out of caves by smoke, it was a more humane process than (I riving them out by starvation, and it appeared that the surrender of the insurgente had been secured without the loss of a single life. As to the last question, as to whether instructions had been sent by thg Government on the subject of burning and plundering native villages, smoking out refugee insurgents, &c., the question contained an insinuation which ought not to be made, and he trusted that the House would deem him justified in declining to give an answer.— The House again went into Committee on the Army Discipline and Regulation Bill, resuming for the fourth time the considera- tion of Clause H, in reference to the puuishment of officers.- Mr. Hop wood moved that the punishment of flogging be re- stricted to six lashes.—After another long and, at times, animated debate, a compromise was effected, and Col. Stanley, at the suggestion of Lord Hartington, accepted the amendment for twenty-five lashes.—Mr. Hopwood then moved to substitute lashes for stripes, which was rejected by 219 to 102. Another amendment that a cat of only one tail" should be used was re- jected by 164 to 34, and progress was reported. -The sitting was suspended at seven o'clock.—At the evening sitting, Sir W. Har- court called attention to the manner in which the design of Parliament in providing a Council, both in India and in Eng- land, composed of men of experience in Indian affairs, as ad- visers and checks upon the Executive, particularly in matters of finance, has been evaded and defeated by the action of the Viceroy aad the Secretary of State, and moved for papers on the subject. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—WEDNESDAY. Mr. Delahunty moved the second reading of the Money Laws (Ireland) Bill, prohibiting, after January of next year, the issue of notes for any sum less than £ 2.—Sir J. McKenna moved the rejection of the Bill, for which, he said, no case had been made out.—After a brief discussion, the Bill was, on a division, thrown out by 146 votes to 30.-Sir A. Gordon moved the seeond read- ing of the Gun Licence Act (1879) Amendment Bill, which pro- posed to exempt occupiers of land from the necessity of taking out a licence for the purpose of killing hares and rabbits on their own holdings.-The Bill was eventually talked out.-Leave was given to bring in several bills, and the House adjourned at six o'clock.
. THE ZULU WAR.
THE ZULU WAR. From the more detailed account telegraphed from Madeira of the visit to Isandula to bury the dead, it ap- pears that the bodies of Colonel Durnford and Lieutenant Scott were found in the rear of the camp surrounded by dead soldiers. A cairn was raised over their remains. The staff of the colours of the 24th regiment was recovered. According to a despatch in the Cape Argus, General New- degate was to advance about the 28th May. Additional doubt has been raised as to the genuineness of Cetewayo's recent overtures for peace by the statement that the messengers were not Induanos but ordinary individuals. The contradiction to the report of Major Chard's death is reiterated in a Reuter's Capetown despatch. Special telegrams, published in Monday's Daily News, state: Indecision and vacillation continued to prevail, but the advance at last seemed imminent. It was re- ported that Cetewayo had offered to personally surrender as a guarantee of the sincerity of his proffered submission. The Daily News Special Correspondent says that the in- complete state of the military preparations is such that those who are most eager for fighting and prestige hope this news may be true. Sir Bartle Frere is said to have excellent reasons for believing that the Zulu King and his people desire peace. They do not seem, however, to have any idea of making an unconditional surrender. A tele- gram from Lord Chelmsford states that the Second Division was to advance twelve miles on the 28th May, and that the commissariat had announced that sufficient supplies and transport would be ready to enable the force to advance on or before the 1st of June. THE VICTORIA CROSS. The London Gazette announces that the Queen has been graciously pleased to signify her intention to confer the decoration of the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned officers and soldiers of H. Majesty's Army for gallant con- duct:-I. Captain and Brevet Lieut,-Col. Redvers H. Buller, C.B.; 2. Major Wm. K. Leet, First Battalion, 13th regiment 3. Surgeon Major James Henry Rey- nolds, Army Medical Department; 4. Lieut. Edwd. S. Browne, First Battalion, 24th Regiment; 5. Private Wassail, 80 h Regiment.
. CONGREGATIONALISM IN NORTH…
CONGREGATIONALISM IN NORTH WALES. DISTRICT UNION MEETING AT NEWTOWN. On Wednesday, June 11, a meeting, convened by the Society for Establishing English Congregational Churches in North Wales, was held in the Congregational Church, Newtown. The object of the conference was to consider a proposal to establish a district union for the county. The following representatives were present Messrs. T. Humphreys and D. Owen for Bwlchyffridd and Waen; the Rev. R. Powell, Bethany; Messrs. David Lloyd and T. Lewis, Cefnfaenor; Messrs. J. Phillips, J. Pugh, Rd. Phillips, J. H. Jones, James Davies, R. Goodwin, F. W. Cooke, and W. S. Stewart, Newtown; the Rev. J. Jenkins, Pentre-Beirdd the Rev. J. S. Williams, Mr. W. Jones, Mr. Richard Powell, Welshpool. The Rev. Josiah Jones (Machynlleth) and the Rev. D. Burford Hooke (Mold), the hon. secretary, were the deputation. The Rev. J. Rees, Carno, was also present. Mr. John Phillips was elected chairman of the meeting. The HON. SECRETARY said that letters had been received explaining how it was that representatives had not been sent from Domgay, Dogline, Llansaintffraid, and Sarney. The notice convening the meeting having been read, the SECRETARY explained the objects of the Society. Unions such as the one it was proposed to establish, had been formed in Flintshire, Denbighshire, and Merioneth- shire. One difficulty in dealing with Montgomeryshire was that some of the churches were connected with the Salop union, but the Secretary of that union had informed him they would have no objection to certain churches joining the new union if they were not receiving any help from the Salop union. There was a feeling among the brethren in the ministry that the English Churches in North Wales were far too isolated, and that some such district meetings as these would tend to bring them more together, so as to no-operate and further the interests of the Kingdom of Christ. Very often in Montgomeryshire they saw an opening for a new church, and the subject was allowed to drop, whereas if they met together in this way the circumstances of the case could be considered, and means found for furthering the object. Looking over some evangelical magazines of 1821, there was an account of the removal of the ministerial Academy to Newtown. They had not that Academy there now, but some machinery should be in existence by which these openings for churches might be worked and made successful. (Hear, hear.) The CHAIRMAN said this society was just opening out what he bad been looking for for forty years. When the Academy came there he was the only one to receive the students, and his mother and himself took a chief part in securing lodgings for the students. When they were there there were six or eight new places opened, and since they had left all but two were closed. He considered that such a union as that was essential in this eounty. An individual might see an opening, but would not have courage to open it unless he had some one to support him, and he hoped by the society they would see their way to do good to their own churches and other churches as well. (Hear, The Rev. JOSIAH JONES said he was the oldest of their ministers and had been in the district since his ordination. They had greatly needed something of this sort for many years, and he was, therefore, very glad that this society had been established and had been so successfully re- sponded to. He felt very deeply the essential need of some union amongst them of this kind. Their principles as a denomination required it. He regretted to say that they had lost ground in their county. They knew that localities where the students had preached had been given up, and then other denominations had started there. Of course there were reasons why the students were removed but providing there was organization they could get ministers. They had many opportunities of extending the boundaries of Congregationalism in this county, and there was an imperative reason why they should sustain their present churches more effectively. He was afraid there was a good deal of spiritual torpor amongst them. He was afraid that some English churches in that county were actually weaker than they were thirty years ago. fhe Rev. J. S. WILLIAMS (Welshpool), said there was no doubt about the desirableness of getting the English and Welsh churches drawn closer together. They were too much isolated at present. Since he had been in the county he had met one or two other ministers, but had not come in contact with the deacons of other churches, and had little to do outside his own church. After some further discussion, the Rev. J. P. WILLIAMS proposed that the English Congregational Churches of the county of Montgomery form themselves into a District Union, to be called "The Montgomeryshire District Union of the English Congregational Churches." Mr. D. OWEN seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously, it being understood that the resolution in- cluded the churches as represented. It was decided that the objects of the District Union should be the same as those of the Parent Society, which were as follow:-The establishing of English Congrega- tional Churches; the promotion of evangelistic work in the English language; the aiding of pastors and Churches by pecuniary grants the promotion of chapel building the adoption of measures to prevent the misappropriation of trust property belonging to the denomination, and the circulation ef religious literature. The election of officers was then proceeded with. The, Rev. Mr. Lumley was elected chairman, Rev. J. S. Williams, secretary. It was decided to hold the next meeting at Welshpool, the Secretary in the meantime to write to the different churches, urging upon them to send representatives to the meeting. The conference closed with a vote of thanks to the de- putation for attending, also to the Chairman for presiding. Subsequently the delegates were entertained to an excellent tea at the Temperance Hotel, by the members of the Newtown Congregational Church. In the evening a public service was held in the church. The introductory portions were taken by the Rev. J. S. Williams, of Welshpool, after which the Rev. D. Burford Hooke, of Mold, preached the inaugural sermon of th« Union from John, u. chap., 17 verse.