The North Wales Express

CONWAY. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At the fortnightly meeting on Fridav, Mr A. Fmdkes in the ch ur. a letter was received from the Commissioners in Lunacy, informing the Guar- dians that the medical officer for the Creuddyn district had, in his last list of pauper lunatics, excepted the case of one Elizabeth Owen, a pauper lunatic living alone in the district, from those that he had certified to be pro- perly cared for. and proper to remain out of a lunatic asvluin. The relieving-officer explained that if the Woman's next-door neighbour would look after her she j would be in safe custody, but he could net say positively that the neighbour would do so. The woman was quite harmless. Subsequently the Board instructed the medi- cal officer and relieving-officer to do what they thought advisable in the matter.-From the report of the clerk (Mr T. E. Parry) it appeared that £190 had been ex- pended in out-relief during the fortnight; balance in hand, £ 279 6s 9d number of inmates in the house, 110, as against lOG in the corresponding period last year va- grants relieved during the fortnight, 35.

BEAUMARIS. TOWN COUNCIL.—A meeting of the General Pur- poses Committee of the above Council was held on Tuesday. Present: Alderman Hampton-Lewis, ex- mayor (presiding), Alderman E. R. Thomas, Coun- cillors W. A. Worth, Thomas Hughes, H. Thomas, William Hughes, J. Watkins, Thos. Pritchard, Mr J. Rice Roberts (town clerk), Mr W. Griffith (deputy town clerk), and Mr Lloyd Humphreys (treasurer). THE INCOME TAX. The ex-Mayor stated that the income tax collectors had made an application for the sum of £ 7 88 4d due for rent of Town Hall, from 1876, which was ordered to be paid. THE CRICKIT CLUB. Mr Richard Thomas, honorary secretary of the Beau- maris Cricket Club, solicited the Council's permission for a portion of the Green as cricket ground. They should endeavour to keep the ground in good order.— On the motion of Mr Hugh Thomas, seconded by Mr Pritchard, permission was given. NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr Thomas Hughc3 gave notice of motion that all the meetings of the Council be held at two o'clock instead of twelve o'clock and two and half-past two as at present. TUE DRAINAGE SCHEME. A letter was received from Messrs Shone and Ault civil engineers, London, to Messrs Hughes and Lan- caster, Chester, respecting a communication from the Town Council as to terms and condition upon which they would submit a scheme to the Beaumaris Sanitary Authority for the drainage of that town upon their Mr Shone's system. They replied that they should be pleased to submit a scheme upon the usual terms, namely, at the rate of 7 t per cent. upcn the estimated cost of the works, which meant 5 per cent. for the scheme, and 2t per cent. for the supervision that would he required on their part. Should, however, the Sanitary Authority after submitting their scheme to the Local Government Board from any cause whatso- ever decline to proceed with the works, then the extent of the liability of the Local Authority for the prepara- tion of the scheme and report should be only 3 per cent. upon the estimated cost of the works. In reply to the query as to whether they should be prepared to proceed with the necessary service at once, they begged to say that they should be prepared so to do.-At a special meeting of the Council on Friday, it was decided to proceed with the works upon the terms mentioned, and the Council now adopted the same, and that Mr Shone should come down as soon as possible. FINANCE. The treasurer submitted his summary of accounts as follows :-Receipts: Rents, &e., JE1059 9s 9d rates, £ 819 8s Gd; pier, JE330 4s; loan, £100; total, S2309 2s 3d. Payments: Balance from last year, £ 292 Os Id; borough payments, £ 1314 Is 2d highways, £ 105 7s 5d pier, £218 4s 9d; total, JE-2260 13s 5d balance in hand, C48 8s lOd. Burial account: Payments, £125 Is 4d; receipts, JE118 2a 3d due, £6193 Id.

HOLYHEAD. ALARMING FIRB.—A fire which, but for the prompti- tude with which it was found out and extinguished, would have proved most destructive, broke out on the premises of the City of Dublin Steamship Company. at Holyhead, on Thursday night week. Shortly before midnight, those on duty on the pierhead noticed flames issuing from a place called the upholstery room of the company's yard, about a quarter of a mile distant, and ran to the spot to give the alarm. The yard is situated at the extreme enl of the town, and close to the sea, and was formerly used as Government stores, but since the City of Dublin Company have been engaged carrying the mails, the premises have been rented from the Government. The town of Holyhead is not possessed of a fire-engine, neither is there a fire brigade in existence, but fortunately there was, in close prox:mity to the spot, two fire-engines, which are the property of the Board of Trade, and they were, with great promtitude, taken to the spot, one being taken charge of by Mr Williams, chief coast- guard officer, and the other by Mr Lamble, of the Government harbour staff. These were brought to play upon the building, and a hose attached to one of the hydrants was also put in use. adjoining the up- holstery room there was the armoury and a long building used for warehousing ropes, coal bags, waste, and stores, and to this building the fire was blown with almost lightning velocity, although all possible force of water was brought to bear upon it. These who were engaged at the work of extinguishing were the men belonging to the company's yard and steamers, under the direction of Captain Cay, R.N., assisted by some town police and volunteers from the town. One man, named John Williams, who is well known in connection with any hazardous work which crops up, was all the time to the fore with the hose, actually step- ping upon portions of the buildings until the same were almost on the point of falling in and those inside the buildings stood considerable risk by remaining at their work, almost suffocated, only jumping out as the roof was about falling about their heads. By midnight great havoc had been done, the whole roof of the warehouse having fallen in, and the destructive ele- ment threatened to extend its hold to an adjoining building, which was used as an old store, and where large quantities of grease, tallow, oil lamps, tea., were kept. While the tire was at its height, and the flamea limited up the whole town, a company of about 50 bluejackets and marines from H.M.S. 'Defence,' under the command of Lieutenant Hag^ert, R N., were landed, and at once placed themselves at the service of Captain Cay. They mallnd the engines and worked with a will. As it was feared that the oil store would catch fire, all the available force of water was directed towards the end adjoining that place, and after some hard work those engaged had the satis- faction to find that the flaine-s had been c mfiued to the one building. A few minutes longer, however, would have seen the oil stores in a blaze, and serious consequences would have ensued, inasmuch as there are several houses surrounding the spot, the Stanley Sadors' Hospital being also close by. The fire was, as far as could be seen, extinguished by about three on Friday morning but at ten o'clock, after unusally heavy rain, the ruins w.-re still smouldering. The 'Defence men left at three o'clock, and the premises were cleared, with the exception of a few left on guard. The damage is princip lily that done t3 the buildings which belong to the Board of Trade, a large quantity of the stores having been saved previous to the roof falling in. The origin of the fire has not yet been ascertained. Much assistance was rendered by Admiral Mackenzie, the harbour-master, and his startf. PETTY SESSIONS, MoxDAv, Urn INST.—Before Major-General Hughes, Rev. J. Richards, .Messrs T. Owen, R.N., and H. Lewis Alleged Trespass in Pursuit of Conies.-Robert Howells, Llwydiarth Arms, Holyhead, appeared in answer to a summons issued at the instance of Captain William Thomas, Amlwch, charging him with having trespassed on certain lands belonging to him at Towyn Trewan, near Valley, on the 30th December, 18S4. Mr J. B. Allanson (Messrs Allanson and Evans), Car- narvon, prosecuted, Mr E. G. Roberts. Holyhead repre- senting the defendant. After putting in the title deeds, Mr Allansou called U obert Roberts, keeper to Capt. Thomas, who depose t t". having found the defendant and his servant trespissi ig on land belong- ing to his master, which had been purchased by him from the Woods and Forests. lIe had with him a dog and two ferrets, and had in his possession two rabbits. Witness saw him take the ferrets out of a rabbit hole, and told him that Capt. Thomas ow.ied the laud. The defendant replied that he had been authorised by the parishioners to take rabbits on that land. For the defence Mr E. G..Roberts urged that it was absurd to fancy that the court was trying an ordinary poaching case, as the defendant had committed the act in ques- tion at from three to four o'clock in the afternoon. Consequently, if it was not a poaching case, it must be brought by Capt. Thomas with some ulterior object in view, and that was to establish his right in the Criminal Court to kill rabbits on Towyn Trewan, which is common to all, iustead of going to the superior court of common law to get a decision in his favour. There had been undoubtedly a custom for the com- moners to kill rabbits in Towyn Trewan, and the con- veyance to Capt Tho nas from the Crown, which was produced in court that day, specially provided that it was sold to him subject to common rights The defen- dant had been authorised by some of the commoners to kill rabbits on the land, and that being so, there was such a question of title arising as to oust their worships' jurisdiction to try this case as an ordinary trespass case. Mr Allanson having replied at some length on the point of law raised by Mr Roberts, their worships, after consultation, decided to adjourn the case for a month. A Sow at Large.—William Hughes, Bodedern, Llan- gwvfau, was brought up on a warrant, charged with allowing his sow to stray on the high road near Clafdy in December last, and was ordered to pay costs, 1:J. 6d. Jones, Lyrod, Holyhead, obtained y au order for 2s per week against Richard Edwards, Pentregwyddil, Ithoscolyn, for the support of her illegitimate child, of which she deposed he was the father.— Mr S. R Dew appeared for the applicant, and Mr E. G. Roberts for the defendant. Suspension of a Bastardy Order.-In reference to an affiliation case which was heard at last Valley petty sessions, when an order for 3s per week was made in favour of Mary Hughes, Back-street, Pencarneisiog, against Henry Hughes, 33, Foundry-street, Holyhead, Mr E G. Roberts now applied to have the order sus- pended, on the ground that the summons had not been served upon the defendant, but had been left in care of his landlord, the order being made in the defen- dant's absence. The Bench suspended the order, aud ordered a new hearing. Adulteration. — H. P. Thomas, chemist and druggist, Abertfraw, was charged by Superintendent Davies, with having retailed a quantity .of adulterated spirits of nitre on the 15th ult. The prosecutor deposed that he purchased tke article on the date mentioned, and finding it deticient in strength he had forwarded it to the county analyst for an analysis. He now produced the report from that gentleman which showed that the spirits was 27 per cent below the standard strength. The case wis adjourned. Sheep Worrying.—William Noble, Locomotive Inn, Holyhead, was summoned by Owen Morris, Penvbryn, Holyhead, with allowing three do^s belonging to him to stray upon land occupied by him and to kill one sheep belonging to complainant on the 31st, and to injure another on the 3rd inst.—Mr H. T. Barber appeared on behalf of the defendant, who was ordered to pay £ i, the value of the two sheep, and £1 63 f;d costs. Drunkenness.— William Jones, Bryntirion, L'au- faethlu, was lined Is and costs for being drunk while in charge of a lic)r,e and car on London-road, Holy- head, on the 31st ult.—John Hough, of Walsall, a trainp, who was charged with being drunk and in- capable at Holyhead on Satarday night last, was cautioned and dismissed on his promising to depart from the town and neighbourhood at once. LOCAL BOARD, THURSDAY. — Members present: Messrs W. Kiva (in the chair), S. J. Griffith, Jos. Wil- liams, Jos. Evans, aud Thomas Roberts. Financial.—-The following amounts wore expended during the month: Labour, f32 Ss (id; cartage, fS 3s other bills, £ 12 4s total, 15s 81. The Allege I Contamination of Water.—The com- mittee reported that th-y v,sited the water tank on the beach, and also the stream near Ne vry Fa vr, and were of opinion that the water in the tank cxild not possibly be contaniiii ite I by thJ water from, that stream as it flowed in a dilfere.it direction, and the clerk was in- structed to write to Admiral Mackenzie to that effect. The Cjtniny Elect -The necessiry arrangements for the election were made. The last day of nomination is to be t hel 23rd March, and the collection of voting papers on the 28th, the collectors to be Messrs Andrew Griffith, R.i. Owen, H. James, and E. O. Williams. Mr Joseph Evans and the Board.—Mr Joseph Evans ,is asked the surveyor why the new school-room of the Roman Catholics had been allowed to have beeu built ten or twelve feet high without first of all pre-ientiag plaus to the B J ird fot their approval?—In reply, he stated that he had called upja Mr Elliott respecting the matter, and th.).t gentleman thought it was not necessary to send in plaus as the building was so much out of the way.—-Mr J. Evans said that he believed au objection would luve been raised had the plans been sub-nitted to the Board.— I The Chairman: By whom?—Mr Evans: By Mr Ellis. -The Clerk: There is no objection from Mr Ellis. -Mr Evans No but why should it be carried on ? It is the duty of the Board to stop it, as there is no right to go on for Mr Elliott or anyone else. The surveyor should do his work independently of any man or master. This man complains that the building is a nuisance. -The Chairman There is no complaint from Mr Ellis. — Mr Evans; I would propose that on account of plans not having been laid on the table in due course they be ordered to stop building.—The Clerk You can't stop them. — Mr Evans: Very well then it amounts to this-tlitt I may, if I am building, please myself whether I put in plans or not, and 1 can keep building up in defiance of the Board or anyone else, and the Board has no authority at all.— Mr Joseph Williams: What are your complaints ? —Mr Evans: He should lay his plans before the Board, and then objections could be m ole.—The Clerk: Mr Evans never made any complaints at the office of this Boa.rd.-Mr S. J. Griffith They are still build- ing.— Mr Evans Yes, and we should stop it. It would be stepped at once if it was a private hou<e. He then stated the objections that Mr Ellis had, which were that his premises would become dtrkened, and that soinesurfacc water from the neighboarhood of the new building would be running through, and added that according to the rule of the Board, that day they ha I no authority whatever. He was building, and had to stop for three months, and then was only allowed to finish at his own risk.— \fr J. Williams Don't hold a threat against us, if we have made anj error.—Mr Evans: I propose the building be stopped. — Mr S. J. Griffith; We cannot stop the building, because there is no objection.-The Clerk You may have them fined.—Mr S. J. Griffith: It seems that our bye-laws are going to the wind.—The Clerk: One did go to the wind twenty years ago, when we were beaten over the Catholic Chapel building.—Mr Griffith Cannot we have bye-laws that will stand without going to the wind ?-The Surveyor was asked if he had any objection to the building, and replied in the negative, whereupon Mr Evans stated that the drain pipes were not large enough, the clerk stating that Mr Ellis should have laid his objection immediately the building was commenced.—r Joseph Evans repeated his motion, and the surveyor explaiued that Mr Elliott did not consider it necessary to lay plans, when Mr Evans said Mr Elliott is not your master, you are a servant of the Board. I know that Richard Hughes' houses in London road were stopped for three months, and the Board threitened to pull them down. as the plans were objected to, and then, after all, were completed in accordance with the original plaus.— I'he Clerk You can sumnon them.—-Mr Evans: lean see there is ft clique in this Board.—Mr J. Williams: I object.—• Mr Evans You can do as you like.—Mr Williams: I ask Mr Evans to withdraw. I will not sit on this Board with any clique.—The Chairman Certainly he should withdraw. — Mr Evans I certainly shall not.- Mr Williams I move that a vote of censure be passed upon Mr Evans.—Mr Evans I will state my reasons for saying there is a clique. Whenever there is any- thing done here connected with Lord Stanley or Mr Elliott—(cries of order, order)—some members always stick together. When I came here first I was told there was no clique, but since I have been here I find some members binding themselves together to support certain things.—The Chair fan: I think you should withdraw.—Mr Griffith I have nothing t<> do iu any way with any clique nor class whatever. The reason I supported the amendment was, that the Board was powerless.—Mr Evans again repeated the stopping of Richard Hughes' houses, and said he was net then a member, and the clerk stating that a house on Lord Stanley's ground had been stopped in the same way some three months ago.—The Chairman suggested that the subject be dropped, and that was agreed to. Another Complaint.— Mr Evans called attention to the fact that the housa of the English Wesleyan Minister had been tenanted before it was ready, and the surveyor was instructed to notice them. Mr J. Williams' View of a Question.—Mr Riva stated that some time ago he gave notice that he would propose that a small portion of Parlwr Hen be purchased by the Board, and that his motion entrusted to Mr Williams fell through. Ho now gave another notice. — Mr Williams: I did my best, I brought the motion forward, but as soon as I sounded the alarm, I had all the hounds about me—(laughter, and "That is worse than the clique"). The question was not proceeded with any further.

CHEAP NO^HISHMGXT.—Fourteen large Breakfast Cups of strong, reliable Cocoa can be made from a Six- penny Packet of Ovlbirys Co'oi Essence. Ask for Cadbury's, and do not be impose 1 apon. BRUSHES, SPONGKS, LEATHERS, &c.—Call and see Birkett's choice assortment. A few soiled ones at less than half cost (to clear). Birkett's City and County Supply Stores, Bangor.

PENMAENMAWR NOTES. Meetings in connection with the Liberation Society have been held at Conway and Llanfairfechan, and many of the inhabitants of this place attended. Rumour says we are going to have one here shortly, indeed I hope it is true, as we need a little enlighten- ment on the subject in the parish of Dwygyfylchi. I am glad to say the Church Temperance Society is prospering, and several of the noted tipplers of the place have signed the pledge. The Band of Hope, too, in connection with the Con- gregational church is rapidly growing, and the only thing wanted now in Penmaenmawr is a thorough teetotal society, independent of any church or sect. If only a plan could be had, I believe one would be started at once. STEEL PEN.

PENMAENMAWR. LOCAL BOARD.—The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held on Tuesday, the 3rd, when the following members were present:—Messrs C. H Darbishire (chairman), Dr. Hughes, Messrs Elias. Jones, Jones, E. Wyatt, R. Lloyd Jones, Wm. Smith. Messrs P. J. Webster (clerk), and B. Massoy (sur- veyor), were also in attendance. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed. Gasworks Water Supply.—Mr Dempster wrote that he was prepared to accept the terms offered by the Board with the exception of the clause which allowed the Board to lift the pipes at their will—he thought this was an unjustice. He was prepared to submit this if at any time the Board wished to lay larger pipes, then he could be compelled to lift up so much of his pipe as was required by the Board that his supply of water should be constant unless through scarcity of water; but then lie was to have a supply equal to the same number of hours as the other ratepayers and he understood, if need be, to have his supply of water for gas manufacturing purposes limited to 50 gallons per day.—The Chairman said Mr Dempstur called upon him, and was very strong in insisting that the supply should not be cut off at the will of the Board. The chairman pointed out to him that the Board would not allow auv one to have possession of the road. — Mr W. Smith The question is can we afford 50 gallons per day for manufacturing purposes ?—Mr R LI. Jones I don't think we need fear about the water supply.—The clerk was instructed to write to Mr Dempster that the water would be granted on the terms of the agreement, with the addition that the small pipes he lays down shall be his until the Board lay larger pipes. Cla ims.—The Clerk reported that several claimi for compensation for damage callse I by surveyor's work Ins been sent in. The consideration of these was ad- journed to a special meeting to be convened for the purpose. Brundrit's Claim. — Mr Luck, solicitor to Messrs Brundrit anI. Co., wrote suggesting that a meeting should be arranged, in order, if possible, to avoid » costly arbitration respecting his client's claims for £ 3.15 damage to their Held.—Mr Ellis Jones: This is the most unreasonable claim I ever heard of-it is monstrous—more tlnn the field is worth. -It was eventually decided that the Sewage Committee meet Mr Luck, to see what can be done in the matter. The Glyn Path.—Mr B igot wrote that he had never intended or promised to make a road eighteen feet wide. -The Surveyor said he had certainly iutimited that he would make a cart road equal to the piece at the top, which was about eighteen feet. The Clerk was in- structed to write Mr Bagot to re| mt him t) supply the Board with a plan and specifications. The Hates—The Clerk reported that, according to instructions, he had summoned tho twelve highest in amount of those who had not paid the district and water rate, and had hai orders from the migistrates. He was ordered that, unless the money was paid forth- with, to take a similar course with the next 24 highest in amount. Cottage Hospital.—On the motion of Dr. Hughes, a resolution was passed that the Board form themselves into a committee with power to add to their number for the purpose of securing the erection of Cottage Hospital. It was decided that a meeting of the Cottage Hospital Committee be held on Monday next, at seven p.m., and that all ladies and gentlemen interested in the movement be cordially invited to attend.

PENRHYNDEUDRAETH. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—Mr John Jones, Ynysfor, presided at this Board on Tuesday. The Clerk (Mr Thomas Roberts) said ho had received from the Local Government Board a letter enclosing an authority for the Board to purchase a piece of land adjoining the work- house, for the purpose of erecting thereon additional sheds, &,c. Mr Hedley's charges for valuing the union some time ago were £ 700. — Mr Jones said that the money was very undeservedly paid. He never saw such a mess as the one Mr Hedley had done in the union.- Captain Peter Jones would have the properties of the ex-officios of the Board compared with the properties of other people in the union.—The Chairman said that if such a work were carried on it would continue indefinitely. -Mr W. Jones, Llandecwyn, strongly objected to this question being brought up all the time.—Captain P. Jones wanted to know if Mr W. Jones was afraid if in- quiries were instituted? -Attention was drawn by the Chairman to the financial state of the union. Many of the parishes were in arrears, there being no less than £ 649 and £ 2-148 due from Portmadoc and Festiniog re- spectively. The overseers would be going out of office on the 25th proximo, and there would be no means of com- pelling them to pay up arrears to clear the financial year, unless proceedings were taken within the next few weeks. -The clerk was instructed to write to the overseers, and tell them that unless they paid by the next Board imme- diate proceedings would be taken against them.

RUTHIN. FUNKKAL.—On Friday, 30th ult., the remains of Mr Thomas Roberts, stonecutter, late Vale of Clwyd, were interred at the Baptist chapel cemetry, Llan- fwrog. After reading and a prayer by Rev. Isaac James, B.M., the procession proceeded in the following order :—First, about forty members of the Foresters' Club, of which the deceased was trustee, the coffin, the chief mourners, including his widow, four sons, and two daught rs-in-law, and after that the general public. O.i arrival at the grave, the Rev. 1. James again o liciated, after which the body was lowered down to its last resting place. The funeral was a very large one, and included some of the most respectable tradesmen of the town. Much sunipithy is felt for the widow and his children, for he was a kind husband and a good father, and their loss is great. PUTTY SESSIONS.—At these sessions, Mr William Davies, solicitor, coroner for Flintshire, and clerk to the Local Boards of Holywell and Abergele, wast charged with furious driving on the 1st of last month. Mr Davies was defended by Mr M. Louis. From the evidence it appeared that a police-constable on the day in question met the defendant, with three other gentlemen whom lie did not know, driving at a furious rate up Clwyd-street. Following the carriage to the Castle Hotel, he saw Mr Davies, and heard him saying that a wager had been made for X.5 aside between him and some other gentleman, that his horse would come from Rhyl to Ruthin, a distance of nearly twenty miles, in an hour and forty minutes. They had come that distance two minutes under time. After hearing a number of witnesses, the Bench fined Mr Davies iJl and costs, and his coachman, William Humphries, 10s and costs.

THE CORN TRADE—The Mark-lam Express of Mon- day says :—•• With a continuance of rough stormy wea- ther there is nothing fresh to note with regard to the geueral agricultural outlook. The weather his been un- favourable for the thrashing and mirketing of grain, and farmers' deliveries of wheat hive consequently continued on a smaller scale, the bulk of the samples being more or less tender. Values in London on Monday last were fully Is. lower from the previous week, and since then there certainly his been n I improvement. In the pro- vinces Is. reduction on wheat was general during the earlier part of the week, but th.) latter m irkets hive, as a rule, been quoted slow at noinin illy unaltered rat os. Prices are being quoted lower week by week, but En glish wheats are still relatively cheaper than any foreign equiva- lent. The tradd for foreign wheats off stands in London has dragged slowly and laboriously at Monday week's de- .9 cline of Is. per quarter from currencies of previous week. Receipts of wheat have been mjierato, but those of flour have again been heavy, aud in consequence the latter de- clined tid. to Is. per sack in London on Monday. Mixed American maize was selling in London on Friday at 22s. (Ji., ex ship."—Tue Farmer says: "Quotations unchaugel, w.th s n tit trade pissing. Weather fine. Euglish woe it is in i aiKove 1 djiniid, bit only at old rates. Foreign wheat neglected, at currencies. Flour a slow sale; not cheiper. Miize in quiet demand, and rates unaltered. Malting barley steady feeling barley and oats are occ isioaally easier to bllY; best lots, how- ever, are firm. Trade quiet for beaus, peas, aud feeding stuffs. With moderate supplies, the tone of tin market is steady. Cargoes improving."

FRUIT FOR DESSERT. -Birkett's Stores have now I eceived the bulk of their Christmas Fruit. They wish to draw attention to its superior quality.

LINES Written and dedicated to a young lady on the occasion of a ship launch. o maiden fair and sweet, Thy gentle hand to-day Hath started one of a gallant fleet Upon its vent'rous way. Bearing thine image at the fore, 'Twill range the trackless oceans o'er. At sight of that fair form, 01(1 Neptune grim and hoar, Shall quell each rising angry storm, And hush the wild wind's roar, And bid his Tritons gently play Kind airs to cheer its onward way. Spirits of sea and air, Shall feel a mystic spell, The nameless might amI POWCII! that e'er With worth and virtue dwell. And each with emulation vie, To render worth due courtesy. The sailor on the deck Shall feel the subtle charm, And little shall he think or reck, Of dangers or of harta, While thro' the night in ocean's foam, Rise visions bright of love and home. So tiiiis the good and true, Cnited with the fair, Doth all the busy wide world thro' A mighty influence bear. 0 maiden sweet, of this be sure, Such influence will for aye endure. W.C.

THE AMERICAN SLATE TRADE. The Lloyd Slate Company, whose quarry is located on the Saegersville property, near Slate- dale, has under its recently new superintendent, Mr Robert R. Jones, come to the front as » payable and valuable concern, producing about forty squares per day with prospects of a great demand. The slate from this quarry is hard and durable, and the article is pronounced superior to any in this region, and the company is greatly pleased with its production. We understand that the company has received a heavy order for roofing slate from the West. Few people have any idea of the magnitude of the slate industry in this country. Until a few years since the product of the different slate quarries in the United States was quite limited. Nrow the total amount produced of roofing slate alone is about 500.000 squares per year. A square is 100 square feet, or sutticient to cover » space ten feet by ten feet, when laid on the roof. It covers the same area as 1,000 shingles, and sells from So"50 to S4-50 per square. As a roofing material, slate is becoming more generally used, as it lasts a lifetime, is fire-proof, needs no painting, and renders rain water pure and untainted. Besides the large amount of roofing slate produced, a great deal is used for other building purposes, such as window sills, steps, floors and mantles. Billiard table beds are now made exclusively of slate, and it is also used largely for flagging. Where is most of the slate quarried ? is often asked. Well, most of the quarries are in eastero Feuusvlvania—iu Northampton and Lehigh coun- ties. More than one-half the total product of the United States comes from this region. Main and Vermont produce small quantities. There ar" also small beds of slate in Michigan and Virginia., The quarries at Slatington, Pa., in Lehigh county ire considered superior to any, as the slate is tough, durable, and of an unfading dark blue black colour. Over 3000 men are employed in eastern Pennsyl- vania, and the number is fast increasing as netf quarries are opened and developed. The workmen are Pennsylvanians, Welsh and English. They earn good wages, have comfortable homes and are a happy, sober and industrious class. The slate is first blasted out, then hoisted by In 11 1 steam power in large irregular shaped blocks to the bank. These blocks are then broken or "sloped "into smaller blocks, then split into sheets of the required thickness. For that pur- pose a chisel or knife, about eighteen inches long. resembling a putty-knife, is used. The slate splits readily whenever the knife is put in, if inserted when the block is wet or green," as it is called. The workmen speak of the original moisture in the slate as aap." After the blocks are dry they harden and a can not be split. After the blocks are split the sheets are dressed or trimmed with a machine worked by foot power, to the re- quired size, which is from 6x12 inches to 14x11 inches. They are then shipped to all parts of th" Union and to the Old World. A great deal of slate goes to Australia. When beds are found the slate is in inexhaustable quantities, and im- proves in quality as the depth of the quarry increases. IMPORTANT TO QUARIIYMEM.—We are about to have a new experiment in the elitte business. A party of gentlemen from New York City are at present en- gaged in erecting a building on the property of the Blue Vein Slate Co., for the purpose of manufacturing cement out of slate rubbish. The building, which is now pretty well under way, is 25 feet by 50 feet, and will be built in a substantial manner. The carpeuters are making all the headway they can, and soon as the building is completed the necessary machinery will be put in and the process commenced at onee. If this undertaking proves a success, we will soon have seve- ral more of the same kind in operation. We have no doubt however that this experiment will be a success, for it is not likely these gentlemen would incur so much expense unless they knew what they were about.—Slatington News.

VARIETIES. Why is a person mending his clothes like a rich man ? Because he is making up his rents ? How would you express in one word having met a doctor of medicine ? Met-a-physician. There is a female band in Baltimore. Tho proper band for a female to belong to is a hus- band. She can play him for all he is worth. Mr Societe—' I have just learned of your sis- ter's engagement, and congratulated her. I really wonder, though, how Jack Simmons ever got up his courage to speak to your father.' Miss Unplucked Flower-. Why so, Air Societe ?' Mr S.—' Why, your father has always seemed to me so distant, a man difficult to approach.' Miss U. F. (with animation)—' Oh, not at all, Mr So- ciete. Get that idea out of your mind, I beg of you, as soon as possible.' How do you like that new barber around the corner ?' asked Emerson of Flattery. Not a bit. I don't want to patronise a man that gives his customers a double shave.' A double shave ? What's that ?' Why, first he shaved my beard off my chin, and then he charged me twenty-five cents for it. If that isn't shaving a man twice, I'd like to know what you call it.' Look here called a man, pressing his face against the grates of the city prison, and address- ing a policeman outside. Well ?' What was I put in here for anyway ?' You'll find out when the police court meets.' Podner, I am a very senaitive man, and the thought that I should have committed a crime haunts me. I just tell you what's a fact, I can't stand it. What did I do r" Well, if you must know, you got drunk and shot a. man.' Oh, is that ail ? I was afraid that I bad insulted some one. Much obliged.' A CORRECT YIKW OF THE Licit'OB TRADE.—InawUI case, which came before Judge Warren in Dublin a few days ago—in which the will of James Gorman, deceased, who had amassed £1:20,000 in the liquor trade, was contested because he had left the greater part of his property to charitable institutions—one of tke witnesses swore that during an interview with the deceased, when he spoke of the disposal of his pro- perty, the testator further stated that he had taken the money from the poor-that many a man had left his wife and children beggars, and gave it to him- and that he would return his money to the poor, and that lie considered he merely held it for them as a trustee.—Judge Warren The testator was a publi- cau ?—Mr ilolmes Yes, my lord.

CARNARVON. COUNTY SESSIONS.—On Saturday, before Captain Wynne Griffith and other majistrates, Robert Jones and John Williams were each fined os. and costs for carrying guns without a licence. Robert Roberts was fined 10s. and costs for killing a hare on Mynachdy ttach farm. Benjamin Roberts, a baker employed by Samuel Jones, Saron, Llanrug, charged with embezzle- ment, was remanded for a week. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At Saturday's meeting, Mr J. Thomas in the chair, the Rev. E. Davies called attention to the great distress existing in the Nantlle Yale consequent upon the accident at the Dorothea Slate Quarry, there being left almost in a state of destitution seven widows and twenty-two children. A fair amount had been collected towards their assist- ance, and it was suggested that, in lieu of giving each family a lump sum, the assistance should be expended in a small amount weekly, which, added to whatever help would be r, eeived from the union, might enable the families to tide over the present difficulty until some of the children were able to earn their own liveli- hood.-The Rev. Robert Thomas and Mr W. Herbert Jones, who attended as a deputation from the com- mittee, said that £ 501 had been subscribed in the Nantlle district. With a little help from the Board, the pecuniary assistance to widows and orphans might be extended over some years, the committee hoping that Is. weekly out-relief would be granted to each child.—Mr D. P. Williams, the Guardian for Llanberis, pointed out that Mr Assheton Smith, the owner of the Dinorwic quarries, gave about £ 800 annually in pensions to aged women and widows whose mainten- ance would otherwise have fallen upon the rates. Whilst warmly commending the efforts of the Nantlle Vale committee, ho proposed that each case should be considered on its merits.—Mr John Jones seconded the proposal.—Dr. Kirk questioned whether the Guar- dians should be applied to before the relief fund had been exhausted.—The Clerk (Mr J. H. Thomas): The law has provided for cases of this character, and you cm give relief only in the usual way.—The Chairman held that the Board had no power to entertain the proposal made by the committee, vvlios-i efforts, at the same time, should command great sympathy, as each case must be considered when individually brought under their notice by the relieving officers.-lll reply to Mr Menzies, Mr Jonrs said that the abdication had no reference to the families of other mm killed in the district last year.-Upon the motion of Mr J. Jones, seconded by Mr O. O. Roberta, a vote of sym- pathy was passed with Mr David Joofs, a Guardian for Llandwrog, in his serious illness.—The following letter was read, and created some amusement Pant, Brvnsiencyn.—My dear sir, -Will you be so kind as to let my thanks to the no'de chairllnu of the Board of Guardians and also the noble Guardians for their kindness towards my keeping to my daughter. As I have resign my relief, to Mr Ellis, the Relieving- office Since last Monday I shall feel thank full to you if you will be so kind as to throw these few lines to the Noble Board, my kind respect to yoxrself and GQd bless you all. I am, dear sir, yours faithfull, &c., Cornelius Pritchard."—The Relieving-officer, through whom the letter had been addressed to the clerk, said that the writer was an old schoolmaster in receipt of a quarterly pension of 17 from the Government. He had, he was informed, frequently written direct to the Queen and Mr Gladstone.—The fortnightly out-relief was reported to be £ 390 2s. 7d. treasurer's balance, £ 442 5s. 1M, The master (Mr T. Jones) reported that there were 103 inmates in the workhouse, an increas. of 20 on the same period last year; and that 30 tramps had been relieved during the fortnight. LOCAL MARKETS.—A correspondent writes:—Under the above heading you give prices of Carnarvon markets: beef, lid, mutton, Is. 1 should like to know who is the lucky butcher that got such prices for his meat, when prime pieces were sold and ticketed for 9d both beef and mutton ? Last Satur- day prices were a little better: Beef, 7d to 10d mutton 9d to 10d.

DENBIGH. COLLEGE OF PRECKPTOHS EXAMINATION — The official class list of all the pupils who have passed the Christmas Examination of the College of Preceptors appears in the February number of the Educational Times. -The examination was held at 64 local centres and 173 schools throughout England and Wales The total number of candidates was 8503, of whom 3510 were boys, and 4993 girls. At the Denbigh centre, there were 32 candidates, 20 boys and 12 girls, of this number 12 boys and 7 girls passed. The following is a list of the successful candidates at this centre, with the class of certificate obtained, and the schools from which they come :-Boys.-First Class, First Division: Walter M. Malt (with special honour certificate for drawing), Denbigh Grammar School (S. Edwards, M.A.). Second Class, First Division J. W. William- son, Denbigh Grammar School (S. Edwards, M.A.). Second Class, Second Division: Edward Parrv an IT. Lloyd Jones, Denbigh Grammar School (S. Edwards, M.A.). Third Class, First Division: W. R Beck, Denbigh Grammar School (S. Edwards, M.A.). Third Class, Second Division: B. H. Morris, Denbigh Grammar School (S. Edwards, )1.A.); E. Meredith St. Asaph Grammar School (W. Easterby, LL.D.); \V 11. Oswell, St. Asaph Grammar School (W. Easterby' LL.D.); J. B. Wild, Denbigh Grammar School (S. Edwards, M.A.). Third Division: R. A. Davies and G H. Crabt ree, Denbigh Grammar School (S. Kdwards, M.A.) P. C. Conway, St. Asaph Grammar School (W. Easterby, LL.D.). Girls. — Second Class, First Divi- sion A. Oliver and K. Lunn, Penrhos College, Colwyn Bay (Miss Pope). Third Ciass, First Division: S. Bricrlev, Sunuyside, Denbigh (Miss Barlow). Second Division: A. M. E. Lane. Ladies' College, Arcville, Rhyl (Mi.ss Mercier). Third Division: L. C. Smith. Ehvy Hall School, Rhyl (Mrs Griffith Jones); E. L. Jones, j Ladies' College Arcville. H'1,,1 (Miss Mercier); (i. j Owen, Elwy Hall School, Rhyl (Mrs Griffith Junes).

LLANRWST. UNION SAVITARY BOARD.—At the meeting on Tues- day, Mr P. M'lntyre (chairman) presiding, the clerk was directed to give notice to all the butchers at Llan- rwst who have not applied for licences, that in case any buildings are used as slaughter-houses after the 10th inst., legal proceedings will be taken against them also to givt. notice to common lodgiug-house keepers that the bye-laws will be strictly enforced in future.—Mr Daniel Williams (Dolwyddelen) said he was glad to inform them that the fever there was diminishing. There were now only about twelve cases, and they were of a milder type. LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD INQUIRY.—On Tuesday, an inquiry was held before Mr S. Harding Terry, C.E., with reference to an application from the Union Sanitary Authority for sanction to borrow X3,50 for works of water supply at Hanrwst.—Evidence was given by Mr P. M'lntyre to the effect that Lady Willoughby consented to the proposed works, subject to getting the c tisent of the Trefriw mill owners, some of whom were theonlytobjectors.—Ttie Inspector asked if the water supply to the mills would be much affected by the paqtosed works.-Rev. J. Gower said lie was interested in two of the mills, and all difficulty in that respect could be overcome.—Dr Rees (dis- trict medical officer) wrote in favour of a fresh intake, so as to avoid top-dressing of pasture land, and probably from the washings of a lead mine.—In reply to the inspector, Mr M'lntyre said that an analysis of the present supply and the supply in the summer would be sjnfc to him.—The inquiry soon ;aftcrwards closed.

LLANDUDNO. J |TIIK PIER PAVILION.—This winter daily vocal and instrumental concerts are held in the above, which greatly obviate the dulness of a watering-place at this time of the year. Miss Trevor, of Deganwy, is the vocalist engaged for this week, anells much appre- ciated. An efficient orchestra is retained under the leadership of Mr J. W. Dawson, of Leeds. The ener- getic efforts of Messrs J. A. Cheeseman and Pugh deserve every support and commendation for so estimable a boon.

MOLD. PKrTY SESSIONS.—At this court, Joseph Thompson, who stated that he was a sailor, was charged with stealing from the schooner Tangen,' of Liverpuol, at Connah's Quay, on Sunday night, the 1st of February, a pair of trousers, a waistcoat, and overcoat, belonging to Thomas Andrew Nelson, who was in charge of the schooner. Evidence having been given by Samuel Rycrott and William Henry Moore, of Chester, with wh -m the prisoner pawned the articles, prisoner was committed for one month with hard labour.—Walter Jones, a collier, residing at Buckley, was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm upon Edward Jones, labourer, of New-street, Mold.—Mr J. B. Marston appeared for the prosecution, and Mr H. G. Roberts defended the prisoner.—Mr Roberts applied to the Bench for leave to settle the case, as the parties had agreed upon terms of settlement but the Bench refused the application, the Chairman remarking that they considered the case was too serious to be settled by the manner proposed. From the evidence it appeared that about nine o'clock on Saturday evening week, Jones, the prosecutor, accompanied by his wife, entered the Royal Oak Hotel and called for two glasses of a!e. The prisoner and his father-in-law, named Edward Evaus (formerly landlord of the Black Horse Inn, Mold), were present. Evans asked prosecutor when he intended paying for beer with which he had supplied him, and prosecutor replied, When you will pay Jones, Lloyd, and Co." (brewers). Evans stated that he had paid them, when prosecutor added that he had paid another firm. Blows were here exchange I between the prosecutor and Evans, after which the prisoner, who was sitting to the left of the prosecutor, jumped up and seized prosecutor's ear between his te.-th, biting out a piece the size of a shilling. The prisoner, with much difficulty, having been pulled away, lie attacked the prosecutor's wife, and severely bit her hand. The blood from the wounded ear was stoppe I with difficulty, and on the following day the prosecutor consulted Dr Edward Williams. Prosecutor stated that he had suffered much from the injury, and his hearing was affected Dr Edward Williams having given evidence as to his examination of the prosecutor's ear and his wife's hand, which corroborated the foregoing statement, prisoner was committed for trial at the quarter sessions.