The North Wales Times

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20TH. HOUSE OF COMMONS. New writs were ordered for the Romford division of Essex, to till the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Money-Wigram, and for the Walthamstow division of the same county, to replace Mr. E. W. Byrne, who has been made a judge. The debate on the address was resumed by Mr. P. O'Brien, who moved an amendment in favour of a reconsideration of the cases of all the prisoners convicted under the treason felony act who are and have been for many -S years undergoing punishment for offences aris- ing out of insurrectionary movements connected with Ireland Sir M. White Ridley, in reply, said it had been a source of regret to him that he had not been able to see his way to recommend the ex- ercise of the prerogative of the Crown towards those treason-felony prisoners now in Port- land, and he was afraid he was not able at pre- sent to give assurance that would be entirely satisfactory. In everything he had done in connection with the treatment of prisoners— whether prisoners generally or what were called the Irish or treason-felony prisoners-he had, he said, absolutely not deviated in any way, so far as he was aware, from the action of Ins predecessor, and he highly endorsed the action Mr. Aequiih had taken on the reports of medical authorities in reference to the state of these men. On a division, the motion was rejected by 204 votes to 132. Mr. Dillon then moved an amendment to the effect that the condition of the agricultural population of Ireland demands the immediate attention of the Government with a view to comprehensive measures of relief. Mr. J. Daly, who seconded the motion, was speaking when the debate was adjourned. Mr. Chamberlain formally moved the appoint ment of a Select Committee to inquire into the circumstances of the Jameson raid, a, also into the administration ol' the British South Africa Company, but Mr. Maclean objected, and the matter stood over.

-=:. It has been stated that a murder is com- mitted in Italy every two hours on the aver, age.

L L AN RW ST. SUDDEN DEATH. Terribly sudden was the death of Mr. Griffith Evans, Pea Craig, Nan t-bivlcli-yr-Heyrii, who was in the enjoyment of hit usual good health on Tuesday evening last, but was taken sud- denly ill, during the night, and expired presum- ably from heart diseaee, before the arrival of a medical man. He leaves a widow, and five young children the oldest being only seven years of age. He was much respected, and was a deacon of Nant, Baptist Chapel, were he also led the singing. The funeral wall a large one, and the service, both at the house and at the Cemetery was very impressive, conducted by the Rev. W. Thomas, in the unavoidable ab- sence of the Rev. R. Roberts, minister of Nant chapel. Much sympathy is felt with Mrs. Evans and family in their great bereavement. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Board was held on Tuesday. Present, Mr. E. Jones Wil- liams, Chairman, Mr. W. G. Jones (vice chair- man), Messrs. T. Williams, D. E. Davies, 0. Lloyd Jones, R. Hughes, Mathew Roberts, W. M. Jones, David Williams, Dr. Evaus, J. Davies, J. Pritchard, E. Roberts, J. Elias, J. Jones. William Williams and J. Jones Tre'r- brys. MASTER'S REPORT. Number of Inmates in the House, 32, against 25 corresponding week last year. Out relief for the fortnight. Llanrwst £ 42 10s. 0. Pentreroelas £ 41 0. 0. The value of the emoluments of the master a-id matron, for the purpose of the superannuation fuad, was fixed at X50, £ 25 each. EXTRAORDINARY CASE FROM GWYTHERIN. A WEALTHY PAUPER. The Returning officer Mr. W. Parry informed the Guardians that Annie Jones, Ty Isa, Gwytherin, was in reciept of 4s. weekly (parish lelief) paid fortnightly. Annie Jones not ap- plying for the same as usual, he ealled upon her, and jocularly lemarked, 'Well' Annie Jones, you do not want money I No' wag the reply, there are in this box twenty golden sovereigns.' Surely this is conscience money to be returned to the Uuion and unique in the history of Board of Guardians.

THE BISHOP OF SHREWSBURY ON THE EDUCATION QUESTION. The annual meeting of the Salop Board of Education was held at Shrewsbury last Sa- turday. The Bishop of Shrewsbury, who presided, said, that by the last Education Bill the Go- vernment attempted to do too much. The combination in one measure of secondary with elementary education was plainly a very grave mistake. The bill was with- drawn, and he thought they, as Churchmen, would not regret it. How far the further financial aid would really have relieved the strain on denominational schools was doubt- ful indeed, because by a clause in the bill it was enacted that the Government grant should be devoted either to increasing the salaries of the teachers or making further provision for the efficiency of the school. It must be a relief to many to find that the leader of the House of Commons had stated within the last few days that a proposal for rate aid would not form part of the forth- coming educational measure. Mr. Balfour foreshadowed a measure which would give a certain amount of relief, and, although he did not say it would be a complete measure, he held out the hope that it might be foi- lowed by other measures of relief which would give permanency to their denomina- tional schools. To call their schools Volun- tary schools was, to his mind, misleading. They were voluntary only in a modified sense. They were not voluntary any more than a hospital was voluntary. They re- ceived a considerable subsidy from public sources, and it was only in a small measure that voluntary help was given towards their maintenance. It was very important that denominational schools should be made per- manent because the longer they lived the more assured were the dangers, as far as the religious education of the country went, which attached to Board School education. Archdeacon B. C. Maude also addressed the meeting.

MR. JOSEPH BENNETT ON MUSIC IN WALES. At the meeting of the Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion in London last Thursday night, Mr. Joseph Bennett, the well-known musical critic and Eisteddvod adjudicator, read an interesting and suggestive paper on music in Wales. The chair was occupied by Mr. John Thomas (harpist to the Queen), and amongst the audience were several distinguished music- ians. Reviewing the position of music in Wales and basing his observations on 30 years' experience of Eisteddvod and other musical contests, Mr. Bennett made a series of sugges- tions with a view more particularly to the improvement of Eisteddvod procedure as regards music and its better adaptation to the needs of the time. The need of reform in this direction was, he said, widely felt among Welshmen of education and culture. Competi- tion was a very valuable feature in the musical procedure of Wales, for upon it the educational influence of its most venerable institution was based. For good or for evil, Eisteddvod music was competitive music, and so it would remain. Why should it not be altogether for good? To this end Mr. Bennett's suggestions were direc- ted. He advocated, in the first place, the establishment in connection with the National Eisteddvod of an advisory board, which might be consulted by the local musical committees at pleasure secondly, the abolition of money prizes as far as possible, and the substitution in most cases of rewards principally musical in their nature (the chief prize, he suggested, should be a national challenge trophy, to be competed for year after year by the principal choirs); thirdly, the substitution for fragmen- tary pieces in choral competitions of an entire choral work, any part of which competitors n^ight be called upon to perform fourthly, all possible encouragement to the study of instrumental music; fifthly, all possible en- couragement of efficiency in reading music at sight, particularly in the old notation,' sixthly, constant effort in every way to enlarge the scope of musical study by the people. He said he felt that ha would not be misunder- stood in giving this advice. He was not now for the lirst time showing interest in Welsh music, and in devoting some hours of a busy life to the consideration of the ways and means by which it could be improved. His motive muse be known, but as an Englishman he was not altogether unselfish. There was in Wales a rcire capacity for serving odr common country in music. Mucii of it was undeveloped, and it was to the interest, of British art generally that the whole should be brought under cultivation. Welsh music did not belong to Wales alone; all had a share in it, and in the advantage to be gained from its efficiency, and upon this fact as well as upon his keen sympathy with Welsh efforts in art he based his claim to tender such counsel as many years' experience and observation suggested. A discussion followed.

A Bill .promoted by the London County Council 1 orMetropolisan improvements contem- plates an expenditure of X2,000,000 sterling. It is stated that Sir Henry Irving's little accident will mean a loss of earning power to the distinguished actor of fully £ 2,000. Although unemployed, the great and costly company have to be paid all the same.

PENLLYN RURAL DISTRICT COUCNIL. THE ordinary meeting was held on Saturday last when there were present Mr. J. M. Jones (chairman), Mr. Thomas Jones (vice chairman), Messrs Morris Peters, R. Thomas, J. Thomas, W. Richards, Thomas Davies, W. T. Rowlands, W. Morris, Evan Jones, Robert Jones, Evan Evans, Mrs Price, J. R. Jones (clerk), T. R. Dakin (assistant clerk). The balance in the treasurer's hands was re- ported to be fl98 13s. lOd. Cheques were drawn amounting to £ 56 9s. in payment of quarterly accounts. DRAIN AT RAMAH TERRACE ■>Mr. Thomas Jones stated, that he had not been able to inpect this drain with the sur- veyor. Mr. Robert Jones said the drain had been cleaned and was'now in a satisfactory condi- tion. PUBLIC CEMETERY AT LLAN- UWCHLLYN. A letter was read from the Parish Council, enclosing copies of resolutions passed by them, wherein they requested the council to take steps for the provision of a cemetery in the Parish of Llanuwchllyn, in accordance with the Public Health (Interments) Act, 1S79, and further to delegate the powers conferred upon them by the act to the Parish Council, in accordance with section 15 of the Local Govern- ment Act, 1894. Mr. Morris, in explaining the letter, said there were three cemeteries in Llanuwchllyn, at, the present time. The one belonging to Hen Gapel was full, so that no fresh grave could be cut, without penetrating into some other grave. The burial ground attached to the C.M. cha,pel was also filled up. There was some land in the parish churchyard, but it was the opinion of the meeting that this was unsuitable on account of the water which came very near the surface. The unanimous desire of the meeting was to get a Public Cemetery. The Clerk explained that if this act was put into operation, that the expenditure incurred would be borne by the parish of Llanuwchllyn alone. In reply to Mr. Price, the clerk said the cemetery required was a public one Mrs. Price enquired whether in that case the ground would be consecrated. The Clerk thought this was unneccessary and cited the opinion of the Bishop of St. Albans to the effect that it was unnecessary to consecrate the ground under this act. Mr. Morris said that under other BurialActs there wasground to exercise a certain amount of friction between tie different deno- minations. He thought under this act, all un- pleasantness would be avoided. It was resolved unanimously upon the motion of Mr. J. Thomas, seconded by Mr. R. Thomas. That it is desirable to have a public ceme- tery at Llanuwchllyn, and that the powers con- firmed upon the District Council under the act be delegated to the Parish Council. FINGER POSTS. Abetter was read from the Parish Council of Liajfor enclosing the following resolution passed by them 'That the Parish Councils of Lianycil, Llan- dderfel, Llangower and Llanuwchllyn, and the District Councils of Penllyn be requested to urge the County Council, to fix finger posts at the crossings of fche various roads for the con- venience of travellers, as is done by other councils. Mr. Thomas Jones said this matter had been under the consideration of the County Council. The Surveyor had been directed to prepare an estimate of the cost. The estimate, was. how- ever, for iron posts, and the cost frightened the council at once. Mr. Evan Jones said that was not much to do in this district, except on the road leading to Cerrig-y-druidion; the par- ish in which the posts were found necessary, ought to incur the expense of providing tlietii. The clerk, however, thought such payment would be illegal and would be surcharged. It was then resolved upon the motion of Mr. W. Richards, seconded by Mr. II. Jones:- 4 That an application be made to the County Council, to the effect referred to. NOMINATION OF RURAL DISTRICT COUNCILLORS. A letter was read from Ruthin District Coun- cil, enclosing copies of resolution passed by them to the effect that the law relating to the nomination of District Councillors should be amended and that they be elected for three and not one year only as at present. It was resolved upon the motion of Mr. R. Thomas that the letter be laid on the table. THE HIGHWAYS. The Surveyor submitted a report on the con- dition of the various roads of which the follow- ing is a resume BETHEL ROAD. Stones have been procured for building the wall at Cwm Cottage, and the work is now pro- ceeded with. Contrary to our expectations, considerable difficulty was experienced in ob- taining suitable stones for the purpose. HENDREBACH ROAD. The upper portion of this road is in a rather bad condition, the soil being soft and clayey so much so that it does not seem advisable to do much repairing thereto until the spring. A large quantity of stones have already been car- ted there. The lower portion has been re- pared. CWMPENANER ROAD. Hitherto no guarantee has been given, as to free carting for the plot applied for near Nant- y-cyrtiau, and consequently nothing has been done. Complaints having been made of the condition of the road leading from Nant-y-cyrt- iau to Cerrig-y-druidion, and that sharp stones protruded from the ground, which made t dangerous for horses witli heavy loads to pass over; a good cover of stones were laid on the road. The road is now in a good condition. HIRNANT ROAD. This road is in a bad condition. The weather during the past two months has had a bad effect on the roads. The heavy loads which are con- veyed along this road have damaged it consi derably. A quantity of stones have been put down, and more will be put as soon as pos- sible. BLAENLLIW ROAD. Visited Buarthmeini on this road inspecting the place where it is proposed to construct a footbridge. Mr. Morris also brought forward his motion on this matter. The Surveyer had clearly explained the locality. Though the river was only a small one, it was not fordable when Hooded through want of a footbridge. It was resolved unanimously upon the motion of Mr. T. Jones :— That the foot bridge be constructed as sug gested. PENYBYLCHAU ROAD. Mr. J. Thomas gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that this road be re- paired. SANITATION. Sarnau.—The Inspector reported that the drainage at this hamlet had been completed. He thought it improved the place consider- ably. Byrgoed Llandderfel.—3 house belonging to Mr. T. O. Jones, Carnarvon, had been inspected. There was only one privy, The Council instructed the inspector to send formal notice to the proper parties to provide privies at once. Bethel.—Mr. Thomas Owen was asked to pro- tect the old disused smithy here, and bus pro mised to do so. Jihos-y-Gwaliau.—The Inspector submitted a plan of the proposed drainage. The estimated cost was ill lis. It was resolved upon the motion of Mr. W. Morris, seconded by Mr. W. T. Rowlands:— That the work be done in accordance with l' the plan submitted, the Surveyor, however, tc consult with the chairman, Messrs. T. Davies and Evan Jones as to the pipes to be used. Scarlet Fever.-The Inspector said that there had been several cases of Scarlet Fever in the district during the last weeks, but none of them were serious. He had visited Rhos, Llanuwch- llyn, and Tan-y-ffordd in the same neighbour- hood but failed to find that any nuisance exis- ted there.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Saturday last. Present, Mr. Evan Jones (chairman), Mr. W. Morris (vice- chairman), Messrs. Thom 5 s Jones, J. M. Jones, Morris Peters, Thomas Lloyd, Thomas Davies, Ro- bert Thomas, William Richards, Robert Jones, Daniel Roberts, Evan Evans, J. Thomas, W. T. Rowlands, Mrs. Price, Mrs. Parry, Miss Parry, J. R. Jones (clerk), T. R. Dakin (assistant clerk). The balance in the treasurer's hands was reported to be .£655 8s. 7d. During the fort- night, R40 3s. 9d. bad been expended in re- lieving 185 out-door paupers as against S40 13s. to 198 paupers last year. THE HOUSE. Last week, there were 58 inmates in the workhouse as compared with 26 last year. 48 vagrants had been relieved during the fort- night, the returns showing an increase of 5, on the number relieved during the corresponding period last year. Revs. J. H. Hughes, and Moses Jones repor- ted that they had visited the house on the 7th January and found all the inmates looking happy and clean. Mr. Hughes recited some verses, and several of the old women who received the visitors gladly, recited portions of Scripture. 16th January, Messrs. William Morris and Evan Evans. reported that they had visited the house this day and found everything clean and comfortable. CENTRAL POOR LAW CONFERENCE. A letter was read from the Central Poor Law Conference respecting the establishment of a Children's Subdepartment of the Local Govern- ment Board. It was resolved unanimously that the letter be laid on the table. LUNATICS. A reporb was read from Denbigh Asylum, on the condition, of Pauper Lunatics, confined j there and chargeable to this union, during the j half year ending 21st December, 1896. The number of patients from this union is 16. NOTICE OF MOTION. j Mr. J. Thomas gave notice that at the next meeting he would move, that the inmates who are of advanced age, be furnished with blan- kets, nearest the body instead of sheets, and also be provided with hot water bottles at their feet. {

-—————*————— PENLLYN DISTRICT NURSE ASSOCIATION. Tin; first annual meeting in connection with the above was held at the Couuty Hall, Bala, on Saturday last. The chair was taken by Sir H. B. Robertson, Pale. Among others present we noticed Mrs. Burton, Mrs. Price, Miss Jones, Prori Mr*. Parry, Glan Tegid; and Miss Parry, Treinarau of the Executive Committee); also Lady Robertson; Mrs. Jones, M&esyrheiydd; Mrs. E. Williams, Tawclfaa Mrs. Jones, North and South Wales Bank; Miss Williams, Miss Eliis, Mrs. Williams, Berwynfa; The Misses Ellis. Cynlas; Nurse Jones. Dr. Hnghes, Dr. Williams, Messrs. Evan Jones, W. Morris, J. 11. Jones, Thomas Jones. J. M. Jones, i. T. Jones, L.J. Davies, R. Thomas W. Richards, W. T. Rowlands, J. Williams, R. Llovd Jones, D. T. Lewis, &c. Mrs. Burton, Hon. Secretary to the Association, read the following leport on behalf of the Execu- tive Committee:— It being now a year since the Penllyn District Nursing Association was formed, the Executive Committee has tli-, pleasure of presenting its re port. Nurse Jones began work iu January, and was at once very busy. During the year, she has paid 3,638 nursing visits and 150 cases had been registered on our books. Among the impoitant cases she has attended these have, been very serious Phthisis, 5 Dropsy, 3 Blood Poison- ins, 4 Paralysis, 4 Pneumonia, 6 Bronchitis, 18 Haemorrhage. 5 Erysipelas, 3 Heart Dis- ease, 4; Acute Rheumatism, 8; Peritonitis, 2. She has worked in Ba'a, Llanuwchllyn, Pare, Llidiardau, Llanfor, Llandderfel, Cefo-ddwy-sarn, Rhosygwaliau, wherever she is asked. Mis Peters, inspector of Nursing, visited Baja on the 25th of Apt, and reported very favourably of the work, to the Queen Victoria Jubilee Institute. In July, the nurse attended Her Majesty the Queen's Reception of Nurses at Windsor. When the nurse took her well-earned holiday and rent in Septem- ber, Nurse Williams, from Bangor, was engaged for a month to carry on the district work, which she did most satisfactorily. The committee wish ;to impress the fact that the nurse's at- tendance is entirely free of any charge those, c however, who can afford to pay her for her services may avail themselves of them. The committee wish to offer the most hearty thanks to all who have helped to carry on the work, and to those who assist generally in con- veying the nurse about this large district. Of Nurse Jones' skill, zeal, audi self-devotion, it is impossible to speak too highly, the pleasure with which she is received prove it in the most satis factory manner.' The accounts for the year showed the receipts to be £ 165 0, 7d.; and the payments X103 19s. lid., leaving a balance in the hands of the treasu- rer of £ 61 9s. 8d. It, was proposed by Sir H. B. Robertson; secon- ded by Mr. J. R. Jones, Piasdeon, and passed unanimously, That the report be adopted, prin- ted and circulated throughout the district.' On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Morris, Glan LJyn, 'It was resolved that the executive be re-appointed Mrs. Price, Miss Jones, Mrs. Dean, Mrs. Parry, Miss Parry. It was decided, Oil the motion of Miss Parry, seconded by Mr. J. M. Jones, Caergai, to add to their number representatives for Llandderfel and Llanuwchllyn and Lady Robertson, Mrs. J. R. Jones (Plasdeon), and Miss Thomas were unaai uwuslj appointed. Mr. Evan Jones, Bod'renig, proposed that a cordial vote of thanks be accorded to the com mittee tor the successful manner in which the work was cariied on during last year. He thought that this was a work in which all felt a deep interest- It was impossible for any one to e"ti mate its value, but th Ise who have derived benefit f; on-i it; and the report of the work was very satisfactory. Our of the 150 patients, whom the nurse attended, he was informed that 51 of them received parish relief. She attended on many others who were unable to pay for her services, as i, proved by the fact that £ 5 only was received in this respect during the year. The number of visits 3 538 paid by the nurse showed that she was doing much work. He was surprised to think that anyone who had felt any sympathy with those in straitened circumstances, could speak a word against the Institution (applause). The committee has had a good deal 01 trouble (ap- p:1U8e),speá1ny Mrs. Burton (applause). Mr Jones farther remarked tiiat several Ca.3 of pauperism had been prevented by the timely B.S. sistance of the nurse in sickness, and that the rat-.»H were saved in that way. Mr. L.J. Davies, Llanuwchllyn, in seconding, said that on behalf of Llanuwchllyn ha wished to express his esteem of this institution. At its formation, everyone was not in favour of it bat now, after the excellent woik accomplished by Nurse Jones, in bringing comfort to manv poor homes, there was only the highest commendation to he given the work (app anss). Too, resolution was unanimously passed. Mr. Tnomas Jones, Bryn Melyn, proposed a vote of thanks to the medical practitioners in the d strict for tae substantial support they had given the Institution. Mr. Robert Thomas, Llandderfel seconded. Mr. I Thomas thought that many took a different view of the Institution now, after seeing the work done, to wlrnt they took at its formation. The nurse was highly praised everywhere, and all were glad to see her. IThe resolution was passed. Dr. Williams acknowledged, and spoke highly of Nurse Jones' ability and skill. Or the motion of Mr. J. R. Jf>r:es, seconded by M Evan .Lines, a heartv vote ci thanks was ae- oded t > the nurse for her indefatigable energy. On tl i'} motion of Dr. Eiagh«s, seconded by Mr. R Thomas, a vote of thanks was passed to Sir Henry Robertson for presiding. On he motion of Mrs. Price, seconded by Mr. Morris, Mrs. Burton's services as hou. secretary were thankfully acknowledged,

THE LATE BISHOP OF ST. DAVID'S. The Bishop of St. Asaph, preaching at Rhuddlan Church Sunday morning, said the death of the Bishop of St. David's, the senior bishop of the Church in Wales, had taken from them a good man, wise and weighty im counsel, strong iu judgment, steadfast and true in friendship. He would wish his few words about one whom he learnt to love and revere to bear, as the late prelate would wish them to bear, the stamp of calm and strict accuracy. He was one of those or- dained by the late bishop at his first ordina- tion, and from that time until now his work in life had brought him into close relation- ship with him. That was not the place to speak of his fame as a great scholar, although Welshmen remembered with justi- fiable pride that there was no position in the English Church which in learning and ability he was not duly qualified to fill. A Welshman by birth, language, descent, and residence, he loved Wales wisely and well. His patriotism was not of the selfish which luxuriated in big swelling words, I found its true expression in a quiet life devoted and strenuous work. Under j. i guidance there had been in the diocese St. David's, the largest in England, pro- gress made in the work of the Church, not the sapless round of talk and glitter, but the living progress of solid work and an abiding influence. Those who had had the honour to serve under him as clergy would never forget his unfailing kindness and sympathy, his scrupulous fairness and jus- tice, his absolute independence and integrity in the disposition of patronage. He lived through a troubled period in the history of the Church in Wales. All men gave ear to his weighty and unimpassioned words, and clear and strong though they were, they left no root of bitterness behind. He brought into the tumultuous life of Wa'es the dignity and fine courtesies of an older generation, and not only to the Church but to the whole of the community was his death a loss.

LLANDUDNO PUBLIC NEWS- ROOM AND LIBRARY. At the annual meeting on Saturday, Mr. W. Bevan (chairman) presiding, the commit- u tee reported that the income during the past year had increased by the sum of L-7 19s. 6d., the increase being all the more gratifying as it had arisen from additional subsriptions from the working classes. The sum of £38 had been spent upon new books for the library. The Magazine Society was also flourishing. The Committee appealed to the public to assist in reducing the debt of £ 95 at the bank. The total receipts for the year amounted to S392 10s. 3d., and the expenses to £ 388 10s. 5d. On the motion of the Chairman,the report and balance-sheet were adopted. Messrs. R. Bellit, (hon. secretary) and W. D. Henderson was re-elected on the Com- mittee. and Mr. G. A. Humphreys was elected in place of the Rev. G. E Catlin, who has left Llandudno. Mr. John Roberts complained that gamb- ling took place in the recreation room during billiard playing. He said that for the good of the young men he should prefer seeing therecreation room closed, and a school of art opened instead. The Chairman said he often visited the recreation room, and never saw anything wrong. He thought Mr. Roberts must have been misinformed. Other members concurred. The Rev. J. Raymond, on behalf of nu- merous subscribers, presented Miss Patrick, who ha.d been seventeen years librarian, with a cheque for £ 60 on her resignation, and highly eulogised the manner in which she had performed her daties.

SUCCESSFUL TRIAL OF AN ELECTRIC OMNIBUS. A number of gentlemen took part in a trial trip in London on Saturday of a new electric omnibus belonging to the London Electric Omnibus Company. A journey of about four miles was made through busy thoroughfares, and was safely accomplished in hali-an-hour. The 'Chronicle' representative writes On the question of comfort in travelling, which is after all the main point, it may be said that the electric 'bus is entirely free from vibration ever when stationary,—that there is certainly less jolting than in a horse vehicle—and that distressing jerk which accompanies the sudden application of the brake in n ordinary 'bus is entirely absent. It is perhaps necessary to add that there is no smell—for our acquaintance with motor cars hitherto has genernlly been associated with the fumes of oil. The car itself is undoubtedly an improvement. To begin with, four inches more elbow-room apiece than is usual in omnibus is provided; that alone is an enormous boon. Then, again: the cars have sliding doors and a perfect system of ventilation, and ia place of the feeble oil lamp which we are accustomed to in our public street vehicles, two incandescent b irners give an abundance of t, that is, to enable every inside passenger to read a newspaper in comfort and without danger of consequent ophthalmia, The wheels of the car are very small ami very broad, much like those of the trolleys which are used by railway companies for conveying boilers and other heavy loads through the streets. If the weight of the car rested upon them there would of course be enormous vibration. By a novel system, however, the burden of the vehicle and the accumulators floats upon an air bed at a very low pressure, which perfectly absorbs vibration at the same time adding greatly to the length of the life of the structure. The question of driving is aiso one of importance. It is claimed by the Company that the ordinary licensed driver is perfectly competent to take charge of a,n electric omnibus, as the steering, stopping and starting of the cars is of the most simple nature. In fact, they say that men accustomed to working cabs and omnibuses drawn by horses in London traffic will be far more at home in directing vehicles such as the Company will employ than drivers of engines or electrical machinery of any kind, for the simple reason that they are used to congested thoroughfares. At the same time it must be admitted that, at any rate to the eye of a layman, the mechanism seems rather complicated. It may be stated that, the Company claims that Mr. Ward's sys- tem is above all things economical, and that the cost per mile in traction is lower than anything yet attained. 011 Saturday the car was pro- vided with seventy cells including boxes and acid, weighing 231b. each, or roughly about 15 cwt. in all. One-eighth of the power was ex- hausted in making the trip, so that with this charge the omnibus would have been capa.ble of travelling nearly forty miles. It is to be hoped ,,Ilet the omnibuses will be put upon the fJreeti before long, because in that way alone can the public be convinced of the possibility and the buitability of the new power.'

Ii The value of the worn out clothing returned into stores each year by the soldiers of the egular Army is £ 50,000.