Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

BARMOUTH. A SALE OF WORK in aid of the County School was held yesterday, at the School Buildings. THE COUNTY SCHOOL was re-opened on Monday after the Christmas holidays, when a large number re-assembled. AMBULANCE.—The class was examined on Tues- day evening by Dr Hugh Jones and Supt Thomas Jones, Dolgelley. About 25 entered for the exam- ination one of whom went in for his third year certificates, for which a gold medal is awarded. SUDDEN DEATH.-The death took place on Wednesday evening last of Mr John Williams, 10, Marine terrace, at the age of 50 years. The deceased was only a few days ill, pneumonia being the cause of death. The funeral took place on Saturday last at Llanaber, and was of a private character, the officiating ministers being the Rev Gwynoro Davies, Ernest Jones, Cadvan Davies, and Wm Owen. OBITUARY.— It is with deep regret to have to record the death of Mrs Catherine Thomas, of Caer- daniel, Llanaber, which occurred on Friday last, at the age of 84 years. The funeral took place on Monday at Llwyngwril. BARMOUTH LITSRARY AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIICTY.- The fortnightly meeting of this society was held on Thursday evening last at the County School, under the presidency of the Rector of Barmouth, when an interesting lecture was delivered by the Rev David Richards, M.A., Vicar of Blaenau Festiniog, on Browning." The usual vote of thanks ter- minated the Meeting. MALE VOICE CHOIR.—On Friday evening the Male Voice Choir paid their annual visit to Bryn- mynach Castle, the residence of Mr J A Dersett, and sang several choruses. DISTRICT COUNCIL—TUESDAY. Present, Rev Gwynoro Davies (presiding) Capt E Richards, Hugh Evans, Jno Richards, Robert Williams, Edward Williams, Wm Owen, Tom Abraham, with Wm George (clerk), Owen Jones (assistant clerk), and T Inman Jones (surveyor). SURTETOR'S REPORT. Luff'hftii)-!} onti-fc JJvdtJn accardan^e^wwLb to state that the increase in wages was given after an interview with the Inspector of Mines, this being invariably the custom among all Councils, when the workmen were employed in dangerous places, the actual cost was only Is 4d. As he had failed to secure anyone to ascend these places under 7s 6d a day, he had no alternative but to employ one of the Council's own men. IINANCE COMMITTEE. The monthly report of the Rato Collector was read showing that the sum of £10 had been collected since the last meeting. The paysheets prepared by the Surveyor were examined and found to be in order, but they wonld like to have some explanation as to the variations in some of the men's wages which had been fixed by the Council at £1 per week. WASTE OF WATER. The Nuisance Inspector drew attention to the practice of allowing water to run waste which still continued.—There was no report from the medical officer, who stated that there was nothing of any importance. ROAD, BUILDING, LIGHTING, &C. A letter had been received from Mr Warden Stevens dealing with the question of electric lighting and also from the Hon C H Wynn, Rûg, the Chairman of the County Council, which were referred to the next Council meeting (Tuesday). Mr Blakey attended on Mr Greener's behalf with reference to the old road, past the recreation ground to Llanaber, and after some discussion it was decided to consider the matter further in a committee of the whole Council.

MILITARY TRIALS. CONVICTIONS AND SENTENCES. Saturday. Additional particulars of the recent fighting near Mafeking are published to-day. At Willow- dam, it appears, the British garrison was surprised and the wife of an officer was killed. A Johnannes- burg telegram states that Dr Visser has been charged before a military tribunal with committing high treason in conjunction with Broeksma. He was acquitted on this count, but was convicted of misprision, treason, and breaking the oath of neutrality. Two more Cape rebels have been sentenced to death, but the sentences have been commuted to penal servitude for life.

PREMIER AND PEACE. VISIT OF DR KUYPER. A Brussels telegram states that Dr Kuyper, the Dutch Premier, has advised the Boer delegates in Europe that it would conduce to a settlement if they would state the terms on which they were willing to enter into peace negotiations. The message adds that a meeting with this object was held last Friday at Brussels, and that the Dutch Premier, who was present, was told the conditions which would be acceptable. Afterwards he was to go to London to ascertain what prospect there was of peace proposals being entertained.

SCHEEPERS EXECUTED. n Monday. Commandant Scheepers was brought into the Church Square at Graaff Reinet on Friday, and Col Henniker read the sentence of death which was passed by the Court and confirmed by Lord Kitchener. Scheepers was shot on Saturday afternoon.

TRIAL OF KRITZINGER. FOUR CHARGES OF MURDER. The trial of Kritzinger will commence this week. The charges against him include four of murder, in addition to train wrecking and cruelty to prisoners.

VARIOUS ENGAGEMENTS. News has reached Kimberley of a fight near Griquatown between a party of Boers and Col Sitwell's column. Major Whitehead and four men of the Munster Fusiliers were killed and five men seriously wounded. On Wednesday Col Price engaged Piet Wessels to the South of Molteno capturing some horses and ammunition. On Thurs- day, Col Doran defeated a force of Boers, taking some prisoners and capturing rifles, bandoliers, and ammunition.

CLEARING OPERATIONS. BURNING AND RECEIPTS. The leaders of columns have found it necessary during the clearing operations in the north-east district of the Orange River Colony, to burn all the native huts and grain, and to commandeer their cattle. The column commanders gave the natives receipts for the value of everything destroyed, and sent them into Refugee Camps.

BOERS AND CONFERENCES. Dr Leyds has declared, a Brussels correspondent says, that the decision of the Boer leaders to con- tinue the war until the complete independence of the Boer States is granted by the British Govern. ment, remains unchanged; but other telegrams allude to mysterious conferences which are pre sumed to be connected with peace negotiations.

AUSTRALIAN RESOLUTION. SATISFACTION IN NATAL. A correspondent at Durban telegraphs that the adoption by the Federal House of Representatives in Australia of the resolution denouncing the at- tacks on the conduct and honour of the British troops has given the utmost satisfaction in Natal Further resolutions protesting against the foreign Zealand PaS86d &t Wei:in £ fcon> New

WHY THE WAR LASTS. STATEMENT BY ERASMUS. A telegram from Standerton savs that Botha is reported to be about twenty miles East of the Ermelo blockhouse line and De Wet seventeen miles south-east of Reitz, both having strong forces. One hundred and seventy-nine prisoners have been brought to Standerton. Among them were Com- mandment Erasmus and Major Wolmarans. The latter gave useful information respecting the Boers still in the field. Outside Botha's force there is said to be no cohesion among the enemy, who in small bodies, wander about aimlessly, avoiding the British columns and attacking small patrols. Erasmus admits that the Boers are induced to remain in the field by speeches delivered in England which lead them to hope that peace terms will be offered them. Botha is also reported as having said that they were struggling on in the hope that the British would get sick of the war.

CAPTURE BY METHUEN. A Central News telegram says Methuen has captured 24 Boers and much stock at Boschpoort after a running fight.

TRIAL OF DR. KRAUSE. VERDICT AND SENTENCE. The trial of Dr Krause, formerly a Boer official it Johannesburg, was concluded on Saturday at the Central Criminal Court, London. The Lord Chief Justice sustained an objection raised on Friday, and jbe count in the indictment charging the accused with soliciting Broeksma by letter to murder Mr Forster was struck out on the ground that Broeksma, having been executed, never received the letter in question. The trial then proceeded on other counts. Counsel for the defence submitted that the accused had no idea of murder in his mind, and that his only desire was to call the attention of his country- men to what Mr Forster was doing. The jury found Dr Krause guilty of attempting to incite to murder, and the Lord Chief Justice passed the maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment.

WEEKLY REPORT. Wednesday. Columns report 31 Boers killed, 13 wounded, 170 prisoners, 41 surrenders; also 79 rifles, 3,450 rounds small-arm ammunition, 12 waergons, 250 horses, and 1,600 cattle. In a despatch from Johannesburg on Monday's date Lord Kitchener states that continuous rains last week everywhere interrupted operations. General French reports that the enemy in the north-east of Cape Colony are now reduced to about 150 in scattered parties under Fouche and Myburgh, and that about 130 uader Wessels have escaped to the west of the Sterkstroom-Stormberg line. In the Murraysburg district the remnants of Kritzinger's commando, now under Louis Wessels, are being followed up by Colonel Doran's column. In the south-west the bulk of the enemy have moved into the triangle formed by Frazerburg-Carnarvon-Williston. In the Orange River Colony General C Knox, co- operating with Colonel Barker from Winburg, has been in touch with a small party of the enemy. The blockhouses in the north-east of the colony have made good progress, and mobile columns based on them are about to take the field. In the Western Transvaal Lord Methuen, from Vryburg, and Colonel Kekewich, from Klerksdorp, started last week on a combined movement against Delarey and Kemp.

PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS. To be Second-Lieutenants :—The South Wales Borderers G T J Barry, vice P A Grogan, seconded. The King's (Shropshire Light Infantry) H C F Bell, in succession to Lieut W J Robinson, pro- moted; R A L Wood, vice PRO Groves, seconded P Prince, vice FEN Wrench, promoted. Shrop- shire Imperial Yeomanry: Lieut-Col and Hon Col E H Baldock retires under paragraph 32 Yeomanry Regulations, with permission to retain his rank and wear the uniform of the Regiment on retirement Major the Hon G R C Ormsby-Gore to be Lieut. Colonel, and to command under paragraph 32 Yeomanry Regulations.

LOCAL CASUALTIES. 2nd S outh Wales Borderers 4209 Sergt Thomas Harris, dangerously ill (enteric), Germiston, Jan 16 2nd Shropshire Light Infantry 5917 Pte A Bolphin, dangerously ill (enteric), Ermelo, Jan 18. 5687 PLe W Smith, dead (enteric), Pretoria, Jan 14. 89th (Montgomeryshire) Company Imperial Yeomanry: 33508 Pte S B Roberts, dangerously ill (enteric), Kimberley, Jan 19.

WAR ITEMS. o T!19,- Commanding the 1st Volunteer Battalion Royal Welsh Fusilere, whose headquarters are at Wrexham, has invited the members of the battalion to a meeting in that town for the purpose of ascertaining whether they are prepared to volun- teer in a body for South Africa. The Colonel has reason to believe that the service of the whole battalion will be accepted provided six hundred non-commissioned officers and men under their own officers volunteer. A correspondent writes to the Standard —" We are generally aware that the French proletaire is more thrifty than his British prototype, and during the War in South Africa we seem to have heard nothing of the lontine system, of which wa have so many stories from France in reference to the Conscription, so that it is refreshing to be able to send you a true tale which appears to supply some- thing wanted. The little village of Brithdu, in Rhymney Valley, sent nine of its sons to the Front. Seven of them perished by bullets or disease. The two left, viz., W Davies and J Thomas, will, if noth- ing further intervenes, divide upon their return, £ 200, being the accumulation of twopence per weekj subscribed by each of the inhabitants of their native place during the absence of their brave young fellows." The regiment which is known as Fincastle's Horse has now been recruiting for a little over a fortnight, and during that period all previous records have been beaten, about 1,000 men having enlisted. Nearly 900 of these are in Piershill Barracks, Edinburgh, where they will undergo two months' training in riding and shooting.

COLONIAL APPROVAL. MONSTER MEETING AT WELLINGTON. A monster meeting was held on Friday at Wellington, New Zealand, the Premier was asked to forward a resolution expressing emphatic approval of the war in South Africa, and the appreciation of the complete refutation by Mr Chamberlain of the foreign slanders upon the honour of the British forces.

THE PRINCE'S COMING VISIT. All Wales will be gratified to know, on trust worthy authority, that the Prince of Wales intends if prospective arrangements can be carried out, to visit the Principality some time in the month of May for the purpose of being installed as Chan- cellor of the Welsh University. It is not yet decided when the installation will take place. The question is under consideration. Matters of social exigency will probably decide it.

-+-- At Whitchurch on Friday, Mr G R Olegg Hill and the Cambrian Railways Company were con- victed on two charges of illegally removing 493 sheep from Portmadoc to Whitchurch. Mr Hill was fined X25 and costs in each case, and the Com Either costs in one case and £ 25 and costs in the other. A movement has been set on foot for the cele- bration of the centenary of the birth of Hugh Miller whose achievements in science and litera- ture the people of Scotland have always held in high esteem. Miller's native place was Cromarty.

MACHYNLLETH. FOR THE FRONT.—The youngest son of Mr and Mrs Lascelles, of Penmaen Dovey, leaves for the front on February 1st. NURSING LECTURES.—Arrangements have been made for Miss Jones to deliver a course of lectures on nursing at the Town Hall. Mr Rd Rees, J.P., was instrumental in arranging for the lectures. THE SILVER SPOON.—On Saturday the silver spoon which was shot for at the range was won by Clr-Sergt Jones who scored 70. The other scores were Sergt-Instr Wilson, 69; Cpl Hughes, 69; Cpl Leek, 58 Pte Paarce, 46 Sergt Piddock, 32 and Pte Bury, 20. LITERARY SOCIETIES.—The Literary Society con- nected with the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel held a meeting on Monday evening, the Rev J D Jones, pastor, presiding. Two interesting papers were read, one by Mr W 0 Jones on Ymddygiad yu moddion gras," and the other by Miss Margaret A Lewis on Gwasanaeth merched ieuanc yn Eglwys Dduw."—The Rev R R Williams, M.A., Towyn, addressed the members of Maengwyn Literary Society on Tuesday evening, on the life and influ- ence of Henry Drummond. There was a good attendance. The Rev W A Jones presided. THE LONDONDERRY HOSPITAL. This noble institution which is doing such great good and ministering untold comforts to the weak suffering ones of ourtown and district, has endeared its founder-the Marchioness (D) of Londonderry -to the hearts of all alike. The testimony of the suffering ones, whose wants have been supplied liberally, whose sufferings have always been allevi- ated with all that the highest surgical skill and medical comforts and care could bestow, speaks for itself. The sterling work of the institution is on everyone's lips. As an endeavour to express appreciation of such an example, a band of young men of the town, assisted by the Church choristers, and encouraged by the sup- port of Canon Trevor, Mr E Gillart, Mr Griffith, L. & P. Bank, Mr Jenkins, N. P. Bank, formed a. i -A- »• V £ ? -"Vi crowded house. The proceeds are to be devoted entirely to the Londonderry Hospital. As the performers have given their time and services to the cause their names may well be recorded. These are as follows :—Stage manager and interlocutor, Mr Wm Sadleir, Glyndwr Hotel; accompanist and musical director, Mr J Cule; conductor, Mi R Howell lute soloist, Colour Sergt-Inst Wilson in charge of the lime light, Mr B Pearce cornermen, Messrs Leighton and Griffiths; bones and tam- bourine, Messrs Mcrris and Weaver singers-boys, Eddie Pierce, R Davies, J Davies, D Jones, T Owen, T Samuel men, Messrs D Williams, W Williams, J Evans, L Morris, W E Evans, R Edwards, R Hughes, J Jones, Trevor-Jones, T Raine, R Jones. The hall was well filled long before 8 o'clock. The platform had been tastefully decorated by Mr Sadleir with red tapestry, relieved with deep green velvet curtains, the whole being surmounted with the Londonderry colours in broad silk sashes flung across the stage, supported by the Union Jack and Standard, which produced a beautiful effect. Promptly at 8 o'clock the company stepped on to the platform and met with an enthusiastic reception. The programme went off without a hitch, the singing of the choruses being remarkably good, the rich voices of the basses and tenors being well balanced and of excellent quality, while the trebles and altos sang sweetly and in admirable tune. The large audience thoroughly appreciated the singing and expressed it by continuous demands for encores. The following is the programme :— Chorus, Schneider's band; comio song, "Honey. suckle and the bee," Mr R Edwards; song, There'll come a time," Sergt Joseph Jones comic song, I never enjoyed myself so much before," Mr G Weaver song, "I'll take you home, Kathleen," Mr Howell; comic song, Way to the Zoo," Mr H J Griffith; song, King of the Deep," Mr Trevor- Jones; song, The Wind" (with humming accom- paniment), Mr R Edwards plantation song, Ken- tucky home," Master Eddie Pearce comic song, "All over the shop," Mr Dick Hughes; song, Star of my Soul," Mr David Williams comic song, Jack the handy man," Mr Owen Morris; coon song, Underneaf de ole umbrella," Mr Geo Weaver; chorus, Laugh and grow fat," stump speech, Mr Griffiths chorus, Up, quit thy bower," flute solo, Colour-Sergeant Wilson farce, Sloey." This was really excellent and caused roars of laughter, every one of the actors—not for- getting the la,dy-Dick Hughes-who made a sweet and lovely Amelia and who found in Sloey (Mr Leighton), a most ardent and impetuous lover, per- forming their various parts in a most praiseworthy manner. Old Shylock Flintskin was strongly per- sonified by Mr W E Evans. As to the father of Amelia, he jealously guarded her fortune-and he had in Sloey a perfect model of what a loyal and obedient servant should be to his master. Sloey kept the audience in roars of laughter by his grotesque movements, gestures,, and quaint remarks, although he was sharply rebuked at times by old Flintskin for his folly. Poor Brown was badly mauled by Sloey and limped painfully, but Mr Trevor-Jones did a difficult part very well. Horatio Garrick, the actor, was worth- ily represented by Mr Cule, who possesses his- trionic talent in a marked degree. His acting and speaking were capitai and of a high order. Then came a capital comic song called" Jujah by Mr George Weaver, followed by the march of "General Jumbo's Army," which caused further roars of laughser. The General (Mr Leighton), decked in gorgeous medals from shoulder to shoulder, led his army of raw recruits in striking ^fashion, and won the admiration of the house by his manly bearing. The huge drum thumped so unmercifully by Mr Evans, the kettle drum so fearfully rattled by that master of musical in- struments," Sergeant Wilson, the triangle, the Jew's harp, the clatters, the cornet, the penny whistle, added to their grotesque uniforms-a per- fect jumble and medley of colours and noises- made such a hubbub and caused such real merri- ment as will not be easily forgotten. Mr Edmund Gillart proposed the thanks of the town and neigh- bourhood to the performers in an able speech. An excellent concert finished with the National Af.tbem. D.T.H.

ABERDOVEY. TEMPERANCE—The weekly meeting was held at the ball on Sunday evening, under the presidency of Mr John Pugh, when interesting addresses were delivered by the Rev John Roberts (Corris) and Mr R Davies. There was a good attendance. OBITUARY.—The remains of Miss Martha Owen Church street, were interred at Towyn Churchyard on Friday, when a large number of residents attended to pay their last tribute to the deceased, who was an old and highly respected member of the town. SINGING FESTIVAL.—A large number of members of the C.M. Chapel attended the festival held at Towyn, on Friday, and expressed their appreciation of the meeting, which was, it appears, very success- ful. A suggestion has been made that it should be held here alternately with Towyn, when it is anticipated the proceedings would be even more successful than at present. THE CRICKET CLUB.—A county meeting of the members of the club was held on Saturday evening the chair being taken by Dr Jackson. It was stated that a sum of about X18 was needed to complete the necessary re-turfing, and it was decided to ask two members of the county to canvass the town, as the funds are in rather a low state. It is to be hoped that the town will respond to the appeal. AMBULANCE.—Only three members turned up to meet the lecturer, Dr Jackson, on Friday evening. This is very regrettable. Probably the majority do not realise the great sacrifice the preparation of these classes entails upon a medical man. It is to be hoped that the members of the class will make some reparation by attending all the meetings in future. THE DEBATING SOCIETY.—The weekly meeting was held on Thursday, at the Literary Institute, under the presidency of Mr E L Rowlands, D.C., Liverpool House. The subject for the evening was Which is the best country to live in England, Ireland, Wales, or Scotland P" England was repre- sented by Charles Burgess, Ireland by J Edward Jones, Scotland by Rees Davies, and Wales by R Llewelyn Hughes. brief papers were read by each pointing out the advantages of living in the country championed by them.—The discussion which fol- lowed was opened by Mr Owain Jones, A.P.S., Sergt Dick Williams, Evan Roberts, Cpl Evans, J P Lewis, Robert Griffiths, W Jones Hughes, C Millington, John Pugh and John Hughes. A debate followed, and some amusing reasons were given, one member stating that Irish scenery was superior to that of the other countries, but this was disposed of by a member who said that scenery was very poor food to live upon. Another stated that the Lakes of Killarney were not to be compared with Llyn Barfog. After a lively discussion the matter was put to the test and Ireland secured the chief honours, narrowly beating Wales by one vote. England was third, while Scotlaud was left far in the rear. The subject for the next meeting is, "Which is the more essential force for the protec- tion of the British Empire?" The army will be taken by Corpl John Evans, and the navy will be championed by Mr Evan Roberts.