The North Wales Express

RaJlANTIC STUR Y FROM LL!NRUG. A correspondent writes :-On Monday, in the rural village of Llanrug, about four miles from Carnarvon, were interred the remains of an eccentric lady. Mrs Jones, formerly Mrs Welborne. She was a daughter of the late Rev H. Bailey Williams, vicar of the parish, and great grand- daughter to the Rev Peter Williams, a translator of the Bible into Welsh. She was first married to a Mr Welborne, a merchant. in a large. way of business in the West Indies, and after his death returned to the family home at Pantavon, an- rug. where she caused much amusement by her New Woman" ideas. She was very fond of hunting and riding, and might be depended upon to be at the meet, however stormy ^weather. Lately the home was broken up, and t e es a sold to Mr J. Watkin, nephew to Sir Edward Watkin. Mrs Welborne removed to Anglesey, where she held a farm in Pentvaeth. While there she married a young man named Edwar o curious story i reMed of — the favourite steeds wtafc^°"°bgy^d'commented tarm labourers hjpen^d to pas work for her. She immediately auswered. Will you find one for me?" He answered « Yes. A few days later he happened to pass che place aUin when she called out tohim, Have you found me a husband yet?" The youth replied "No I have not, unless you will take me. She immediately replied in the affirmative. She sub- sequently married the young man, and appears to have been very happy in her choice, for in her will the words My dear husband occur very often. A few days ago the lady fell ill and died, and, as already stated, was buried in the parish church- yard of Llanrug. After the burial service in the old church the family lawyer read a most curious will. After the customary formalities the testatrix went on to command that after her death she was to be buried in her hunting habit of divided skirt, jacket, peaked cap, and strong boots. All her other boots were to be burnt, as also was her car- riage. Her favourite horses (one of them worth at least £ 60) were to be shot or killed on the morning following her burial. Having devised a part of her property to her relatives, provided the above commands were carried out, she willed the remainder of her personal property (which was considerable) to be divided between her dear husband," her niece, and her sister-in-law.

TALJjEYRURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. A meeting of the Valley Rural District Council was held at the Union Workhouse, on Thursday, Mr Robert Jones, J.P., presiding. A resolution from the Anglesey County Council was read respecting the dam on the Llanynghenedl embankment and its sluice, That the District Council be left to take the initiative in the matter, and that this Council is willing to share in the ex- pense of the necessary repairs in common with all other landowners.in proportion to the area of land affected. A letter was read from the Local Government Board respecting a complaint from Mr William Jones as to an alleged nuisance from pig styes near his premises, and having regard to the delay which had taken place in dealing with the matter, they wished to know in a fortnight's time what pro- gress had actually been made in abating the nuisance complained of.

DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS. In sealed packets and tins only Is 6d to 4s per lb. Of leading Grocers, everywhere

T landiidno, THE WATER EXTENSION SCHEME.-On Monday a special meeting of the District Council was held to consider the above subject, Mr Elias Jones pre- siding in the absence of the chairman of tbo board (Mr John Jones). The engineer to the council (Mr E. Palsy Stephenson) had reported to the previous meeting recommending, in an elaborate report, that a new 15 inch main pipe be laid in four por- tions in four successive years, the first portion being from Caerhun to Ddol Bridge to the summit of Croesau Hill, a distance of 5444 yards. —Mr T. T. Marks row moved that the 14 inch main be laid a distance of 1825 yards farther up towards the reservoir, towards Dulyn.—Mr W. H. Jones moved and Mr T. Owen seconded, that rrhe engineer's re- port be adopted.—The report of the engineer was carried by nine votes to five. TR\.DE SOCIETY.—The first annual dinner ot the Llandudno Guardian Society for the Protec tion of Trade was held on Friday at the North-western Hotel, Mr John Jones, Chairman of the District Council, presiding, Mr S. Dunphy being the vice- president. Captain Sarson, Roval Welsh Fusiliers. responded for the Auxiliary Forces, Mr Sumner proposing the toast. The Llandudno District Council" was proposed by Mr Littler, and acknow- ledged by the president. Mr Fisher proposed "The Llandudno Guardian Society," which was responded! to by Messrs Dunphy, Hendeisei, Robert Parry, J. Littler, and W. Jones. A musical programme was famished by Messrs David Jones, R. Fisher, R. Pedler, J. H. Roberts, Harry fWVatt R. and O; Roberts, Bartley, Brooks, A.H. ffi^hes-'Rbbert Roberts, and F. Vincent Walker.

Ruthin. Ruthin. DISTRICT COUNCIL.—The monthly meeting was held on Monday, Mr Owen Williams, Glanclwyd, presiding. The Council discussed the report as to 1 dilapidations at Ty'nycaeau, Kinmel estate. Mr W. G. Rigby moved that the question be postponed till spring, and this was < agreed to. Derwen Parish Council reported that ] they had decided to carry out a scheme for supply- 1 ing the village with water. The County Council i wire asked to take action with the view to inducing the landowners to lower the bed of the river Clwyd at Llanrhaiadr, in order to prevent the flowing of the vale at that point during flood times.—Mr T. H. Roberts said that unless something was done that part of the vale would become a lake in a few years.-The Vicar of Berse Delincourt reported that he intended to apply to the Board ot Agri- culture, under the Glebe Land Act 1888, for leave to sell the glebe land of the benefice m Llanferras. The Clerk said that there was now a chance for the Parish Council of Llanferras to ob- tain land for allotments, if such were desired. It was decided to draw the attention of the Council to that fact.

IHolyhead. MISSIONARY MEETINGS.—The annual missionary meetings were held at the Bethel Wesleyan chapel on Monday evening and Tuesday last, the ministers officiating being the Rev Edward Humphreys, Bangor, and the Rev J. Price Roberts, Llanrwst. TEMPERANCE.-On Sunday evening a meeting of representatives of the various chapels, convened by the Rev E. B. Jones, was held at Mount Pleasant to consider the best steps to be taken to further the temperance cause. The meeting was convened on the recommendation of the Anglesey Temperance Association, which advocates the same thing to be done throughout the whole county. DEATTT OF MR ROBERT HUGHES. — The death took place on the 19th inst of Mr Robert Hughes 16, Ty'nypwll road, and formerly of Bodowyr, who was a well-known character at Holyhead. He had been in the employ of the railway company for SIS o° forty years, and was foreman on V»r upwaruo wa8 a member with the the railway ,g-ount peasant. He leaves a Srtwo sons, and a daughter, Miss Hughes, "wow, wu i. Messrs Spiers and Pond. stSES._PAt the Hyfrydle THE D week, the Rev J. Williams presiding a very interesting address on «'Ceiriog wasdelivered by Mr J. Jones, Aled House—At Armenia the question under consideration was, Tht book of Proverbs, and its lessoms to the >» mumed by Mr Isaac Parry, the chair r^ngL«S by Mr Owen Pritchlrd.-At the TabegrnaclZtfe« RevR. P. Williams presiding Dr inland P WUliams, J.P., delivered an interesting fdlress on the "Rainfall at Holyhead." PROPOSED FREE LIBRARY.—Last week resolu- I tions were passed, at the Hyfrydle and Tabernacle debating Societies, in favour of a^public library at Holyhead, the resolutions being forwarded to the Urban District Council. No doubt this is a ques- tion worthy of the consideration of the town, but 1 the great drawback is that a pennyrate would only amount to about JMO a year, and this would not be sufficient to purchase and maintain a library, unless supported by a large amount of voluntary contributions. However, it would undoubtedly be a great boon to the town to have a library of some sort. THE LATE CHANCELLOR BRISCOE'S PROPERTY. -On Friday last Mr John Pritchard, auctioneer, Jangor, offered for sale the furniture of the late lev Chancellor Briscoe, D.D. It well be re- aembered that Chancellor Briscoe bequeathed a um of JEIO.000 to the poor of Holyhead, but some I if his relatives dispute this part of the will, on the ground that the directions are not specific enough o enable the executors to carry out the provisions ,f the will, and hence a law suit is pending. The lev Robert Price, B.A., senior curate, has, how- !ver, been administrator pendente lite, and by hiu nstruotions the property was sold on Friday, with he exception of the specific legacies, which are re- iained pending the decision of the court as to the ralidity of the will. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. I The ordinary meeting of the guardians oJf the Solyhead Union was held at the Valley, on Tues- lay, Mr J. Lloyd Griffith, M.A., occupying the :hair. CUT-RELIEF. The following sums were reported to have been paid in out-relief during the fortnight:—Holyhead district, 285 5s Od, to 448 paupers; Aberffraw, ;E52 16s 6d, to 249 paupers; and Bodedern, £ 51 7s Od, to 209 paupers. There was a balance of £ 233 Is 9d in the hands of the treasurer, and a balance of S830 14s lOd due from the parishes. I RELIGIOUS SERVICES. The Rev H, Grev Edwards, Llanfachraeth, wrote regretting that it was impossible for him to I arrange to have a service at the Union Workhouse, Valley, on Sundays, as his curates and he were 1 occupied on that day.—The Rev Canon Walter Thomas, Holyhead, wrote regretting that he should be unable to join.—The Rev J. Williams, Llangefni, wrote stating that the matter would be brought under the notice of the Anglesey Calvin- istic Methodists' Monthly Meeting on December 2nd.— Some remarks were made that it was difficult for ministers and clergy to hold religious services in the house on Sundays, as they were all engaged on that day. -The Master stated that the Rev Mr Price, cnrate of Valley, came there every week, and the Rev T. M. Rees had been there on Sunday week. The Master further said that all except two or three of the inmates were able to go to a place of worship if they wished.-The Board eoiasideied it would be better to have a service on a week day. uFFER OF A CONCERT. The Chairman informed the Board that Miss Williams, British School, would be glad to give a concert with the children at the House from this to Christmas. Upon the motion of Mr O. H. i Foulkeo, J.P., seconded by Mr T. Forcer Evans, J.P., the offer was accepted with thanks. VOTE OF SYMPATHY. The Chairman mentioned that they all knew of the sad affliction which had befallen Dr E. P. Ed- wards, one of the medical officers of the Board, and although they were glad to learn that he was re- covering, yet they should pass a vote of sympathy with him in his illness. He moved a resolution to that effect. Mr R. Gardner seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr C .E. M. Prichard, and unanimously passed. PAUPERS AND THBIR HOUSES. Mr O. H. Foulkes mentioned that with pauper widows and others they generally each occupied a house of her own. He considered that they should compel two or more to live together or stop their relief, as it would save a considerable amount to the Union. He gave a notice of motion for the next meeting with regard to the subject.

Pertmadoc. £ 10,000.—The total amount of money received from the rates by the School Board, during the last 12 years, is £ 10,000. 0 CAN IT BE TitUE ?—Some people say that high- way robbers waylay them occasionally, on the road from here to the workhouse. DARKNESS;—It became so dark a little before four o'clock on Tuesday afternoon that artificial light had to be used: SLATE QUARRYING.—Several parties interested in slate quarrying have lately been inspecting the old slate quarry at Aber, Prenteg, and there is every prospect of fresh operations being started in the place. LEGAL.- Mr Daniel Williams, son of Mr D. Williams, Ivy House, and an articled clerk with Messrs Lloyd George and George, solicitors, has parsed the Intermediate Law Examination. NORWAY.—Mr J. R. Prichard, J.P., gave a lecture on Norway, at Penmorfa, last Saturday evening. Mr David Williams, Ivy House, accom- panied, and illustrated the lecture with views of the various localities. Mr Henry Roberts, Bryn- ftwel, presided. The proceeds went in aid of the Congregational ohapel. DR BARNARDO'S HOMES.—A public meeting will be held at the Town Hall on Monday evening, on behalf of Dr Bamardo's Homes for Waifs and Strays. The chair will be taken by Mr J. R. Prichard, J.P. These Homes deserve the support of all denominations. The Rev Mr Woakey will give a lecture, and some of the boys from the Homes will perform on various instruments. FOOTBALL,—The Blaenau Festiniog Football Club met a local team on Saturday, and had some excellent play, Messrs R. Roberts, D. Roberts, Tommy Jones, Fielding, D. Williams, Willie Joies, and John Davies, played well. N. Roberts stepped a goal by a smart fisting operation. Mr W. G. Davies acted as referee. Result: Portmadoc, 5 goals; Festiniog, 2. KHASSIA HILLS.—Mr R. C. Evans, Dolgelley, delivered a lecture at the Town Hall, last Wed- nesday evening, on the missionary work carried on by the Calvinistic Methodists at Khassia Hills. Various views of the country, missionary stations, &c., were shown. There were also exhibited many of the old Methodist fathers, eminent Congrega- tionalists, &c. Mr R. Davies, C.C., presided. The proceeds went towards the English Methodist Chapel. A NEW MOVEMENT.—In our last issue we referred to the attempt that was being quietly made towards forming an association in the town for the purpose of doing something to improve the town and develop its natural resources. An in- formal meeting was held, and a resolution was passed favouring the formation of such an associa- tion. Dr Jones Morris and Mr J. R. Prichard, J.P., were appointed to take further steps in the matter. With the view of consulting the views of a larger number of persons interested in the wel- fare of the place, notices were sent out last week to all the leading tradesmen, merchants, and pro- fessional gentlemen, asking them to attend a meet- ing that was to be held on Friday (22nd inst.), at Mr G. J. Barnard's recently erected assembly room—a most convenient and comfortable place. Amongst those who responded to the appeal were Messrs William Jones, Bank Richard Newell, Dr JonQs Morris, Cadwaladr Griffith, Edwards, Bank; J. R. Prichard, Bank; David Morris, The Oakleys; D. R. Thomas, draper; J. Evans, draper; J. E. Jones, Evan Evans, C. E. Breese, R. G. Humphreys, A. Bromwich, G. J. Barnard, John Bright, Charles Hughes, A. Thomas, R. B. Thomas. R. P. Lewis, Thomas Jones, William Morris, and others. Dr Jones Morris was elected chairman. After explanatory remarks made by the Chairman and Mr J. R. Prichard, a general discussion followed. All favoured the resolution past at the last meeting, and it was ultimately passed that all present should form themselves into an association. This having been done, the fol- lowing executive committee was elected Messrs R. Newell, David Morris, Richard Davies, D. R. Thomas, Henry Roberts, auctioneer R. P. Lewis, J. E.Jones, —Edwards, i<W. Jones, Bank; J. R. Prichard, J. Davies, A. Bromwich, Robert Isaac, R. Casson, Dr Griffith, T. Jones, Captain D. Richards, harbour master and Mr J. S. Hughes. The constitution of the committee is on the whole satisfactory. A vote of thanks was heartily passed to Mr Barnard for the permission to hold the meetings in such a desirable room. It is to be hoped that all who can in any way help'the com- mittee will do so. Unquestionably much good can be done in the direction referred to in the _l.

Borth-y-Gest, Portmadoc OPENING A NEW VESTRY RooM.-Mr Evan Tones Williams, contractor, having finished the uew vestry attached to the C. M Chapel, the place was opened last Saturday, and the event was celebrated with a very ^Qriffith foUowed by a sermon preached by the Rev Uriflitu Parry, the pastor.

Penrbyndeudraeth. -BVATH OF AN EX-POLICE OFFICER.—Mr David Rowlands, Stone House, died on the 21st inst., m h;8 6Sth year. He bad served as a police officer at Barmouth for 21 years, at Corris for 3 years, and in this town for 10. He was a steady, reliable man, his life being governed by strong moral principles. 0 THE COUNCIL.—Mr William Jones, Penbryn Isaf presided at the meeting oftheDeudraeth Council meeting, on the 20th inst. The sanitary inspector (Mr Thomas Jones, Maentwrog) reported that arrangements had been made with respect to the disposal of Harlech sewage, &c.—Mr Rowland Edmunds had applied for an iallotinent, situate in the Traeth. The Board of Trade wanted to know if the Council knew of any objection to the appli- cation. The Council did not know of any, other than that the public had a right to a footpath that led through the land.—Mr A. Osmond Williams said in a letter that he was quite prepaied to do all necessary work towards perfecting tha sanitation of Penrhyn. The Parish Council claim certain rights respecting a road near Beudy Rhiwgoch. As more light was necessary before the Council could come to any decision upon the matter, it was resolved to adjourn it.—It was resolved also to make a drain from Efail Wen to Bryn Gwilym.

Conway. NEW DRINKING FOUNTAIN.—Throus.-h the gen- erosity of Mr Albert Wood, Bodlondeb, a vepr handsome drinking fountain has been erected to perpetuate the memory of Llewelyj ap xorwert better known as Llewelyn the Great, The base if the fountain is worked in Anglesey limestone, surmounted by a column of Crose-hill stone, fluted and festooned. On the top of this column j Df the fountain is worked in Anglesey limestone, surmounted by a column of Crose-hill s one, fluted and festooned. On the top of this column a bronze Corinthian capital upholds a bronze figure of the great Welshman, who is represented in the full chain armour of the first half of the 113th century. The work was designed by Messrs Grayson and Ould, Liverpool, the figure being modelled by Mr E. O. Griffith, of Liverpool.

1 BANGOR ANl^THE^ELECTRIC LIGHT. [TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTH WALES OBSERVER AND EXPRESS."] Sm,—As a Bangor ratepayer, will you allow me ace for some remarks on the subject indicated by the headline to this letter ? We in Bangor are just .w in the throes of an agitation arising out of the cision of the Council to light the town by means electricity, This is a decision which has been n rrived at after a discussion in the Council extend- ing over a period (according to Mr Henry Lewis, ore of the principal advocates of the scheme), of me eight months. It is somewhat singular that, ih rino- the whole of that time, though the dis- cissions in the Council on the subject were fully r ported in the local papers, no expression of -pinion for or against what was then merely a proposal, was given by the iatepayer« Icannot ;it oount for this except by supposing that the rs'iyers do not fCdd the reports of the Council meetings. Auvliow, the fact remains, that in re- gard to .his particular proposal, the ratepayers mado no sign during the whole period of its gesta- n; and the father of the proposal, Dr Grey Edwards, may easily be forgiven for supposing that in this matter, as in many others, the old adage, Silence gives consent," held good. That silence, however, has now been suddenly broken, and a z: umber of what must be to the promoters discord- ivit voices are angrily demanding, What are you about there, in the Council?" These voices are th voices of the ratepayers. The effect of this maiden and vociferous interrogation on the promoters of the electric lighting scheme has been curious. It had the effect on their appre- hi'asions of a trumpet blast suddenly sounded in tin midst of the quietude (not to say apathy) which had hitherto surrounded their proceedings. They were first of all startled pure and simple, and S''ine of them told me they bad no ^ea -e.J8" payers objected ithe proposal, or they wou ive voted for it Then, on the interrogatory hdng repeated in even more menacing accents, rb-;y hardened their hearts and characterised the "J*erpellation as an UDjustifiable, no o say lm- ..e tinent interference with the discharge of their duties to the town. The trumpet blast, however, v,,s again repeated, and to drop metaphor, a meeting of ratepayers was commenced to discuss ih." subject. This meeting was only called to- other by some ratepayers, but it wa3 largely H tended, the promoters being present in force. X nvately, as I know, the promoters laughed at this meeting as having no statutory effect; publicly, fchoy availed themselves of the opportunity to f plain the advantages of the scheme on the rriaciple of having two stiings to their bow, as te:;s :-We may, peradventure, succeed in obtain- v.; a vote of confidence, and if not, we can still go as the meeting will have no statutory effect, 1.L:d we can snap our fingers at any adverse reso- lutions passed there. The meeting was held, and :udressed by ratepayers and members of the 0< uncil opposed to the scheme, and by members of ::1J' Council in favour of the scheme, with the vcsult that, by an overwhelming vote of those Ptesent, the Council were requested to proceed no "i-ther in the matter than to obtain a provisional ir ler. This was, in effect, a plea to suspend ju "gment. At the Council meeting the following ii-y, the resolution passed at this meeting of rate- > avers was presented to the Council by the Chair- n of the meeting, Dr Emyr Owen Price; hue the Deputy Town Cleik, it is said, advised that it could not be read. In my <■^1 union that advice i3 open to question, but that is only my opinion. Further, at the same meeting f the Council a number of petitions from the >ratepayers were handed in, protesting against the y heme. These, it is stated, were merely laughed ,Lt. and laid on the table. Again, still at the iame meeting, a motion by Dr Rowland Jones to scand the resolution to apply for a license to carry lit the scheme of electric ligbting was defeated 3 votes to 8. And so, in this manner,a majority the servants (using the word in no contemptu- sense) of the ratepayers, deliberately ignored rise wish of the ratepayers, deliberately and un- mistakably expressed in the on;y way the rate- Cl:. ers have of expressing their wishes upon mat- iTn of municipal management and adventure. at is the plain English of this? It is this. In sr.me matters (such, for example, as the adoption t'l the Free Libraries Acts, and the obtaining of Lts of Parliament for the promotion of municipal tertaldnss),the Legislature has provided that an a oeal must be made to the ratepayers. In respect u this particular matter, though in most respects it an all-fours with thetabove,the Legislature has rw-t made such a provision. But it is simply an amission not a deliberate act. Consequently, the incil are not compelled by law to take the i iaion of the ratepayers upon this question of (ii-ctric lighting, and fortified by that fact, the n at ority have wilfully decided to iguore the un- C.i-jbted wishes of the town in this matter. The rnaioritv, in effect, say to the ratepayers of Ban- «r >r, "VVe have decided to do a certain thing. You 't prevent us from doing it. Yfe have a ma- jority in the Council; the law does not compel us Vi afek your opinion or consult your wishes in the y tter: and whether you like it or not, we will go ,1 with it in spite of all you say or do. ui reply to this I would remark, We admit you j>-ive a majority on the Council; we admit that ihV law does not compel you to consult us in his matter, though it involves an expenditure of 1; U 000. which we will have to pay; but still, we should have thought more of you if you had g"ne arough the ceremony of consulting us. It would have been more polite, to say the least of it, than the course you have taken." Besides, I venture to that if the law does not compel the Council to -lisult us in this matter, the law does not prohibit rbem from doing so. Had they wished to do so, the Council might, without infringing the law, h&ve asked the opinion of the ratepayers. But the truth is, the majority on the Council dared rot even pretend to consult the wish of the rate- pavers on this subject. They know.most certainly, that a majority, and an overwhelming majority, of those who will have to pay the piper would 1.:1vocate the maintenance of the statin quo ante, at least for a time. In brief, the Council have adopted +ié' argument of brute force:—"I am stronger n you, and though I may be (am) doing: wrong, r won't do right, because you can t (by law) .0inpel me." Now it will be observed T am not dealing with this question from the point of view of whether the electric light is a superior illuminant to gas or not. I have refrained from doing so purposely. because I am not an expert in the matter. X either are my fellow-ratepayer. Neither the majority of the Council. For the purpose of argument, however, I am prepared to concede that the electric light is superior to gas in every respect. But, my contention is, granting that, yet, if the majority of the ratepayers say, We don't want it just now," the Council should not take advantage of its accidental Tu wer and strength of position and say, Whethei you want it or not we are determined you shall p ive it." But, though for the purpose of argu- B)f-nt I have admitted (for the moment) the super- iority of electricity over gas as a town illuminant, vet, as a matter of fact, the superiority of electri- city over gas as a town illuminant is not univer- tily accepted; even by experts as many maybe quoted and as clever, against that view as for it. And, though I do not wish to base any argument on this point, I may deal with some of the points put forward in favour of the electric light by its advocates—say Dr Grey Edwards. Dr Grey Ed- wftids says that the electrie light is used by many gentlemen in their houses, and by many institu- tions, as a means of illumination, and triumphantly exclaims, Surely, if it will do at Gorddinog (Col, Piatt's), and the Craigside Hydro', and the Pier Pavilion, Llandudno, surely it will do for a town like Bangor." But the cases are by no means I parallel. In small places like Gorddinog and the Craigside Hydro', and the Pier Pavilion, Llan- dudno (small compared with a town like Bangor), it is a comparatively, nay, an absolutely easy thing to keep every derail of the installation in good working order. But it would neither be easy nor possible, I venture to say, to keep all these details in good working order over the whole extent of an installation such as would be required for even a <niall town like Bangor." Aud the result would be a shaky, intermittent light. Why, even at the places named by Dr Grey Edwards, at least two of them, of which I have personal experience, the electric light is backed by the gas light. And why ? Well, simply because as yet, absolute con- fidenee and reliance cannot be placed in the newer illuminant. Even when it does not go out and denly, it varies in strength, intensity, and steadi- ness. What then may be expected in an installa- tion covering, not the mere extent of a Hydro', or a Gorddinog Hall, or a Pier Pavilion, but a scattered and straggling town like Bangor ? Why, nothing but sudden evanescfense of the bril- liant light, quaverings, and tantalising alterations of brilliancy that would certiinly evoke both langwidge and continual fresh expenditure on the part of the ratepayers. Oh no, sir; the electric light has not as yet, reached such a stage as a town illuminant as to justify the assumption which its advocates in Bangor constantly makes, liiat it is absolutely and indisputably a better light, for the town, U'iQ gas. Farther, o.,e would think, not knowing dif ferently, to judge from the tone of the advocates I of the scheme, that the people of Bangor were absolutely dying to have the electric light. But is that the case ? Did even anyone in Bangor, any tradesman, any private citizen, hear of any de- mand for the introduction of the electric light, before the scheme for an installation sprang fully armed from the head of Mr Medhurst at the request of a section of the Council ? No. It is purely and simply a whim, a fad, a dream (beautiful, if you like, but not practicable), diligently advertised, advocated and pushed forward by at the most half a dozen men. For all those who vote for it in the Council must not be included among its advocates, for one of them came to me last week and said, If I had known it was against the wishes of the ratepayers I should not have voted for it." Again, another member of the Council, who may be classed as one of its warmest advocates, deliberately told me that he did not know anything about it." He only believed what he was told. And yet, upon this basis of dream, whim, and faith, the town is to be committed to an expenditure against its will of El 3,000 to begin unth I say that if this procedure is legal, it is not right, and the I n Council that thus trample on the expressed will of its creators well deserve,as it certainly will receive, chastisement at the hands of its constituents. Yours, &c., BANGORIAN.

Talysarn. THE LANDSLIP AT 'A QUARRY.—The great fall of earth which took place at Mr John Robinson's quarry last week has wrought much more damages than was at first thought. Tha sido nearest the main road collapsed completely, and carried with it two pumping engines to the bottom of the quarry, the boiler of one:of them exploding in the descent. Nearly all the winding chains connecting the banks with the pit bottom have also been destroyed. The lower parts of the works are covered with rubbish and as a result many men will be thrown out of employment.

SALE AT LLANBERIS. On Saturday Messrs W. Dew and Son, auction- eers offered for sale, at the Padarn Villa Hotel, Llanberis, 41 freehold building sites and 42 build- ing sites, on perpetual lease, centrally situated in that town, the total area of which was 37,202 square va.rds. The property offered for sale formed part of the endowment of the Ruthin Charity, and the sale was made with the consent and under the authority of an order from the Charity Commis- sioners. The conditions were somewhat peculiar. The Commissioners stipulated, with respect to the leasehold property, that the purchaser and lessee should at their own expense, within twelve months of the completion of the conveyance, erect and maintain a boundary wall to the respective plots, to the satisfaction of the vendor s agent; in de- fault, the adjoining purchaser or lessee or the vendor should be at liberty to enter upon such lots and erect or repair the boundary wall and de- mand repayment from the adjoining lessee of the cost thereof. With respect to the freehold pro- perty, it was stipulated that the purchaser of each lot should, within a period of three years, and the purchaser of each leasehold lot should within two years, from the 1st February, 1896, erect and com- plete one house at least upon the lot sold or leased to him in accordance with plans or specifications to be approved of by the vendor's agent and with the conditions submitted. The room was crowded by lessees and other tenants of the Ruthin Charitv estate, amsng them being Dr Lloyd Wil- liams Rev J. Owen Jones, Rev J. Evans Owen, Mr Job Owen (acting for a local capitalist), &o. Mr Dew in introducing business, stated that he had been instructed to give away the valued property which had been already advertlsed.Or Lloyd Williams inquired about the annual value.—Mr Dew It is only £ 8 on houses ana £6 on semi- detached houses.-Dr Williams It is too high.- MrDew: Llanberis is going higher every day, and soon it will reach the top of Snowdon (laugh- ter).-Continuing, Mr Dew referred to Llanberis as one of the chief quarrying districts in Wales. If there were energetic people on the face of the earth they were to be found at Llanberis, because they had persuaded English capitalists to lay down a railway te the summit of Snowdon. To his mind, and to the mind of every other sensible man, the effects of that railway in the future of Llanberis would be the same as in Switzerland, where small villages had been opened up and pro- perty enhanced in value by two and three hundred npr cent Mr Dew then offered for sale 18,559 yards, p'art of a pasture field off Goodman Road which was withdrawn at £ ob. No bid was offered for the next two lots. There were then put up gardens at the back of property at Goodman- street, but owing to the restrictive clauses of the Charity Commissioners this as well as all the sub- sequent lots attracted no bidders. The auctioneer observed that he would accept any offer with a view to submitting the same to the Charity Com- missioners. With regard to the Goodman-street property and two or three other lots private offers were made, and Mr Dew intimated his intention of submitting the same to the Commissioners. Messrs Carter, Vincent, and Douglas Jones, and Messrs Lloyd and Roberts (Ruthin) were the vendor's solicitors; Mr Evans (county surveyor, Carnarvon) being the surveyor. The result of the sale created the greatest disappointment.

BANGOR AND AIIVON PERMANENT BENEFIT BUILDING SOCIETY. Annual Meeting. The ordinary annual general meeting of this society was held at the Queen's Head Cafe, Bangor, on Saturday, under tha presidency of the Mayor (Alderman J. E. Roberts), chairman of directors. THE ANNUAL REPORT. The twenty-eighth' annual report read as follows Whilst congratulating the members upon the present position of the society, the direct. ors regret that their hopes in the matter of ad- vances were not realised during the past year. e o The amount of the advances made was £1,764- 17s Od as compared with JE2,329 2s 7d the previous year, or JE564 5s 7d less. This, no doubt, is accounted for by the present st ate of the money market, whereby borrowers are able to procure advances on private mortgages at a slightly lower rate of interest than is charged by this society. The directors hope, however, that this seeming advantage will yet be found to be far outweighed by other advantages offered by this and similar societies. As in previous years, the directors de- clined to accede to several applications made to them for advances during the past year, owing to the securities offered to them not being to their satisfaction. The amount received in respect of shares during the past year was .E27710s0das compared with £ 1,562 15s Od the previous year. Numerous applications for shares were received and declined during the year. The directors are glad to think that this speaks well of the confidence which the puplic still have in the society and its management. The balance available for dividend this year is JE1505 8s 3d. From this the directors recommend a dividend at the rate of C5 per cent. per annum on all paid-up shares. This will absorb the sum of £ 883 13s 8d and leave the sum of S621 14s 7d to be added to the premium reserved and secured. The reserve fund will now stand at £1,885 3s Id,which sum is invested in the society's funds. The directors hail with pleasure the passing of the new Building Societies Act (1894) and are glad to think that the requirements of the said Act were already to a great extent being observed by this society. The directors who now retire by rotation are the following, namely Messrs J. E. Roberts, J.P., and T. T. Roberts, both of whom are eligible and offer themselves for re-election. ( The Chairman, in the course of his observations on the report, said that the society was in as satis- factory a state as it had been in past years. The same dividend was again offered, and he firmly believed that the shareholders were satisfied with the work of the society. He moved the adoption of the report. Mr D. Mozes seconded the motion, and it was unanimously passed. Messrs T. Millward and A. C. Downs, auditors, testified to the excellent manner in which the accounts of the society were kept by the secretary, Mr Robert Hughes, who did his utmost to further the interests of the society. RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. On the motion of Mr Mathias Williams, seconded by Mr W. Pritchard, Messrs J. E. Roborts and T. T. Roberts were re-elected directors. The Chairman thanked those present for having re-elected him aid his co-director. SHAREHOLDERS' AUDITOR. On the motion of Mr Mathias Williams, seconded by Mr Pritchard, Mr Millward was re-elected shareholders' auditor. CONGRATULATING THE CHAIRMAN. Mr Hughes, Gatehouse, congratulated the chair- man on his election to the mayoral chair. Mr Mathias Williams observed that not only they as a society, but the inhabitants of the city, were proud of his well-deserved honour. He pro- posed a vote thanks to the chairman and Mr T. T. Roberts for their services to the society. The motion, having been seconded, was unani- mously adopted.

EPPS'S COCOCA. —Grateful and Comforting. By a rugh»s: careful application of the fine properties of well-selected CVoa Mi Epps has provided for our breakfast and supper a delicately flavoured beverage which may save Saw doctors' bills. It is by the judicious use of onoh articles of diet that a constitution may be gradu- » lv built up until strong enough to resist every WIPTICV to disease. We may escape many a fatal S bv keeping ourselves well fortified vvith pure HW aVl » properly nourished frame." —" ui,"U MArvice Gazette.1'—Made simply with boiling water or -H. -Sold only in packets, by Grocers, labelled- "Tames Epps & Co Ltd., Homoeopathic Chemists, T nndon."—^Also makers of Epps's Cocoaine or Cocoa. Xih Extract: A thin beverage of full flavour, now with many beneficially taking the place of tea. Its Live principle being a gentle nerve stimulant, sup- plies the needed energy without unduly exciting the ystem.

I Pwllheli. I TURNING THE TABLES.—The fonr members who ) composed the School Board after the resignation of Messrs Anthony, E^ R. Davies, and W. Jones Owen, have elected Messrs Morris Roberts, O. R. Owen, and David Williams, to fill the vacancies. This turnings the tables finishes the rumpus caused by the recent disagreement between four of the members and three of the late members of the Board, for the present. Reference is made, how- l, ever, to a future re-opening of the question in dis- pute in another form, when the present members of the Board will offer themselves for re-election.

I Talsarnau.. J DEA-H OF MR WILLIAM OWEN.—The sad news i has just arrived of the death by accident of- Mr J William Owen, Dynoga Bach, at Iquique, South 1 America, on September 18th. Deceased was the second mate of the Glanorkey," which was loading at the time of the accident. Some of the tackle struck deeeased, who 'fell headlong against I something and died immediately. He was a young fellow highly respected by all who knew him. When the funeral took place all the mercantile ships and men-of-war in the place sent a convoy of about 40 boats, all manned and mournfully decked. This beautiful kindred feeling had a most favourable impression upon all who saw the demon- J stration. When the strangers heard that the de- j ceased had a widow, with a three months' old baby | (who had never seen its father), they made a col- lection and sent it to the widow.

v SONS OF FIRE, BY MISS BRADDON. WHO DOES NOT ENJOY A STORY BY MISS BRADDON? Few Readers are to be found who are not thoroughly acquainted with a'dozen or more of MISS BllADDON'S FAMOUS STORIES. Many, indeed, have read them all, and are eager for more. We feel sure that our Readers will be highly pleased to learn that C, MISS BRADDON'S NEW STORY has been secured for serial publica- tion in our columns. SONS OF FIRE, BY MISS BRADDON, WILL COMMENCE IN OUR COLUMNS ON I JANUARY 3rd. THE PLOT. We have no wish to make our Readers acquainted with the plot of so deeply interesting a Story as MISS BRADDON'S LATEST- SONS OF FIRE." A young fellow, Allan Carew, has inherited from an uncle an estate in the English counties, and on going down to take possession attaches himself to a fox hunting party as a total stranger. To his surprise he finds himself addressed on all sides as Geoffrey Womock. He is mistaken for the son of a lady living in the locality, who is then with his regiment in India. The resemblance is certainly striking and surprising, especially as Wornock and Carew are com- pletely unknown to each other. Mrs Wornack, a middle-aged lady of foreign extraction and great wealth, at length makes Carew's acquaintance, and manifests great interest in him, and evinces much curiosity regarding his family. Carew wonders what there may be behind all this. He is afraid of a family skeleton being revealed. By-and-bye Carew's father and mother come to see him at his new place. On the evening of his father's arrival, while they are sitting in the library, Carew sees a face at the window. With a hurried excuse, Carew leaves the room and enters the grounds, in time to se" Mrs Wor- Rock entering her carriage in a lane close by and driving away. This plunges Carew into grave perplexity. His likeness to this stranger, Geoffrey Wornock, Mrs Wornock's extraordinary interest in himself and his antecedents, compel his attention to the mystery which is surrounding his life, and the extent of which he dares W scarcely speculate upon. SONS OF FIRE, BY T MISS BRADDON, AUTHOR OF Ladv Audley's Secret," Cloven Foot," Dead Men's Shoes," <4 Weavers and Weft "Wyllards Weird," "Aurora Floyd," ;c The Day will come," "Thou Art the Man," "Dead Sea Fruit," The Fatal Three," u Ishmael," Hostages to Fortune," Just as I am," Like and Unlike," The One Thing Needful," &c. SO-IN S OF FIRE WILL COMMENCE IN OUR COLUMNS ON i 1 JANUARY 3RD.