The North Wales Times

CATTLE MARKETS, AND FAIRS. BIBKKNHEAD.—Agricultural Produce.-March 7th. -(la,. old, £2 10s to £ 3 per ton; old clover, S3 to £3 15s; wheat straw, 21 5s to 21 10s; ditto, oat, £1 to 21 5s; turnips, 91 5s; and manure, from 2 to 4s per ton. LONDON. Agricultural Produce. March 7th. — Moderate supplies, and trade quiet at the following prices: — Good to prime hay, t'rom 60s to 82s 6d; inferior to fair hay, 40s to 55a; good to prime clover, 70s to 90s; inferior to fair ditto, 50s to 68s; mixture and sainfoin, 50s to 80s; straw, 24a to 33s per load. LIVERPOOL. Wholesale Vegetable. March 8th.— Potatoes:—Giants, 2s 2d to 2s 4d main crops, 2s 9d to 3s 3d bruce, 2s 4d to 2s 9d champions, 2s 4d to 2s 6d per cwt. Turnips, 8d to Is per dozen bunches; ditto swedes, Is 4d to Is 6d per cwt; carrots, 2s 9d to 3s 6d per cwt. Onions, English, 6a 3d to 7s; ditto, foreign, 4s to 5s per cwt. LIVERPOOL. St. John's Market. March 8th.— Beef, 5d to 9d per lb; mutton, 6d to 9d veal. 7d to 9d; lamb, fore quarter, 17s to 20s; ditto, hind quar ter, 13s to 17s; fresh pork, 6d to 8d per lb; tresh butter, Is 2d to Is 4d per pound; ditto, salt, Is Od to Is 2d per lb; eggs, per 120, 7s 4d. WREXHAM, March 6th.-There was aga'n a large supply of stock at the cattle market, and the clearance was all that could be desired. There were a nice number of dairy cows stalled, and these realised from 15p. to 20p. each. Beef was in good demand, and fetched from 5Jd. to (iji. per lb. Mutton made from fijd. to 71d. per lb.; and veal, 6d. to 7Jd. The supply ot calves was very large, and these met a fairly good trade. Rearing calves ran up to 52s. apiece. Pigs made from 81 to 8s. 6d. per score lbs. Stirks and barrens changed hands at from 29 to 212 each, and bulls from 210 to £ 16 each. The market was, on the whole, a steady one. SALFOBD, March 7th.-There w-9 a decrease of 350 id the number o beasts compired with last week. but an increase of 2,423 in the supply of sheep. The stock num bered -beasts, 2,602; sheep, 9,104 calves, 237; I and pigs, 75. Prices: —Beef, from 5d to 6id; sheep, 61 to Sid; and calves, 5d to Sid per lb. Pigs. 7s 61 to 8s per 20 lbs. A steady market was experieoc d all round; and in some directions, trade was rather brikjr than last week. BIRMINGHAM, March 9th.-Trale was quiet, and supplies fair. Best Herefordshire beef, from 6id to 6id; other qualities, 4d to 6d: mutton, 5d to 8id lamb, on to lOd veal, 7!d to 91¡d per lb. Bacon pigs, from 7s 6d to 7b 9d per 20 lbs; porkets, 9s 6d sows, gs to 6s 6d per 20 lbs. LONDON. Much 9th.-There was a moderate supply, Qonsiatici t fat bulls and rough cattle, which met a quiet de Sheep in moderate supply, and the demand ru .10w at about late rates; ewes. also, sold slowly at ea rates: 7ist to 8st Down wethers, 5s 6d to 5s 8d; q'i r, ditto, 5s 6d; 10st half.breds. 5s 2d to 5s 4d; 12st Hampshires, 4s lOd to 5s per 8 lbs. Lamb trade steady. Calf trade quiet. DUBLIN, March 9th.—Prime heifer and ox beef, 54s to 56a: tip top quality, 56s to 57s; secondary, 47s 6d to 521 6d'per owt. Prime wether mutton, 61d to 7d; ewe, 5id to 6Jd; coarse sheep, 5d to rid; veal, choice, 74d to W; Inferior ditto, 4id to 6id per lJ), Hoggets, to 45* i lambs, 20a to 38a each.

WELSH MARKETS. DENBIGH, March 8th.-There was a fair supply at market on Wednesday, and prices were about the same for all articles, with the exception of eggs, which were very cheap and plentiful. Wheat. 9s to 9s 3d; barley, 8a Od to Sa 6d; oats, 5s 6d to 6s Od per hobbet. Fresh butter, Is 3d per tb; small tubs, Is 2d; and large ditto, lOd per lb. Eggs, from 22 to 24 for a Is. Fowls. from 3s 4a to 48 6d per couple. Potatoes, from 5s to ga per hobbet. Oatmeal, 2d per lb, LLANGEFNI, March 2nd. Oats, from 13s. 6d. to 14s. 6d. per quarter; potatoes, 2s. 6d. to 2s. 9d. per cwt.; fresh butter, Is 4d per lb; wool, 7d to 71d per lb; fowls, 3s 9d to 4s Od per couple; ducks, 4s Od to 4s 6d per couple. Eggs, 18 to 20 for a Is. Young pigs, 15s to 19s each; fat pigs, 3iJ per lb. RUTHIN, March 7th. Prices were as follow: — Wheat, from 9s Od to 9s 6d per hobbet; barley, 8s Od to 10s Od; oats, 5s 6d to 6s 6d. Fresh butter, from Is Id to Is 2d per lb salt butter, Od to Os Od per lb fowls, 3s to 4s 6d per couple. Ducks, Os Od to Os Od. Eggs, from 18 to 20 for a Is. Bacon nigs, 3d per lb; porkers, 3id jstores, 31d; and sows, 2id per lb.

THE BUILDING TRADE DISPUTE. WHAT threatens to be another disastrous industrial conflict has been commenced in the building trade. The immediate dispu- tants are the Plasterers' Union, and the National Association of Master Builders, which extends its operations throughout the country. The trouble, originating in London, like the engineers' dispute, there- fore promises to be of a wide and far- reaching character. It is not as if it were confined to the workmen primarily involved. The plasterers are not a very numerous body, but if the dispute lasts for any length of time, it will affect the bricklayers, painters, labourers, and others, besides the many industries concerned in the manufac- ture and production of building materials. At the outside, not more than eight or ten thousand plasterers will be involved, but for every one idle, four or five other opera- tives will soon be compelled to cease work. The dispute itself, which has now led to a general lock-out of the union plas- terers, is of very trivial beginning, and in every way regrettable. It has nothing to do with wages, or hours. Work was never more plentiful, wages were never so high, and the prospect for some years is one of continued and exceptional activity in the building trade. The whole matter arises out of certain pretentions in the conduct of work on the part of the Plasterers Union which every impartial opinion condemns, and which have not even the support of the general body of trade unionists. The em- ployers complain of the demand that fore- men plasterers should belong to the union. It was on this point that the workmen began a strike in certain works in London, ¡' just as they did in the engineering trade on the question of hours. The plasterers have now apparently abandoned this demand, though it would appear only on the condi- tion that the foremen do not work. A further complaint which the Plasterers As- sociation denies is, that the men limit the number of apprentices so as to reduce com- petition for work. The next objection re- lates to the refusal of the men to work with non-unionists. It is also requested that they shall cease from boycotting and black- listing certain firms. Finally, the em- ployers claim 'the right of free management' in the conduct of work, and they make a strong point of their proposal that, before declaring for a strike or a lock-out, em- ployers and employed should meet in con- ference with a view to settling their diffe- rences. These cannot be said to be unreasonable objections, and the men were asked to desist from such methods and practices. The question of compliance with these demands was submitted to a ballot of the men which resulted in an almost unanimous decision—10,176 votes to 36-against the concession. It is only fair to add that the ballot paper was so drawn that the men could hardly have voted otherwise, but little public sympathy will be wasted upon such high handed methods as have led up to the present deadlock. The stoppage is wholly waste- ful and wholly unnecessary, and it will bring incalculable harm to the interests of organised labour generally. It will divide the Trades Unions one against the other, if indeed any come to the support of the Plas- terers Association. But while it will show the hopelessness of the proposed great Na- tional Federation of Labour, it will certainly promote the movement for combination among employers. The Master Builders have not only an emergency fund to assist the weaker firms, but they also have the support of the Employers Parliamentary Committee and Federation which the en- gineering dispute has brought into existence. The plasterers have, in fact, rushed into this predicament against all reason, against the advice of their best friends, and against the interests of labour as a whole. The best thing they can do is to find a way of retreat out of this insane quarrel at the earliest possible moment. The employers have no interest in making this course need- lessly difficult for the men, but it is for the Plasterers Union to abandon its" attitude, as it has no proposal to make, if there is to be an early settlement. With the great abundance of work in hand, the employers have naturally been reluctant to have a di3- location, which, if it be prolonged, can only bring disaster in its train.

PRIMARY EDUCATION. THE question of education in its primary or elementary stage continues to occupy the minds of people both in and out of parliament. Undoubtedly, there is no question of greater importance. It lies at the root of every other question, and life itself to a very large extent is worth living or otherwise, in accordance with the degree of education imparted to the individual. On Tuesday last, Mr. Lloyd-George called attention to the question in the House of Commons, in the form of a reso- lution based upon the evils of the present system of education. Unfortunately, there is a large and influential body of men who are unable to appreciate the fact that education imparted at the public expense, should bo kept apart from dogmatic teach- ing. The supporters of the so-called volun- tary schools maintain that they should have the sole control of the management of their schools, but at the same time, they claim the Government grant, the fee grant, and the recently imposed grai-t in aid of five shillings per head which is given only to voluntary schools. All these monies comes direct from the pockets of the tax- payers, and is borne by exactly the same class as that which pays the local rates. Mr. Lloyd-George's motion called atten- tion to this state of things, and was worded as follows:—That in the opinion of this House, the system of primary education in England and Wales inflicts upon a large portion of Her Majesty's subjects a serious grievance which demands the immediate at- tention of Parliament.' Mr. Lloyd-George alluded to the early age at which the majority of children left school, when, as be stated, the only thing they had acquired was a distaste for the acquisition of all knowledge.' In Germany, it is compulsory for children to attend school until they are 14 years of age. In the United States, the minimum age is 14, and in some States it is 16, 17, and even 18. But it appears that it is almost too much to keep children till 12 in some of the voluntary schools of the country. Mr. Lloyd George in the course of this powerful speech said, it would be much better for the children if they never entered them, because there was no ventilation, no sufficient ac- commodation, the minds of the children were not improved, while the physique was spoiled just at the time when they ought to be building up their constitutions. In several districts, the condition of some voluntary schools was perfectly disgrace- ful, and a disgrace to this country, and discreditable to civilisation. The instruc- tion given was of the cheapest form- bookish and mechanical causing the minimum amount of trouble or thought to the teacher. There was too much pen, and too little knife-work.' That this is an ac- curate description of hundreds of voluntary schools in the country, no one who is in the least acquainted with them can deny. The truth of the matter is, that for the sake of keeping the education of the children—such as it is-in their own hands, the clergy and the leading Churchmen of the country sacrifice almost everything, and there is no doubt but that, not only the intellectual status of the children is imperilled, but in many cases their health, and even their lives are not altogether safe. We are far from saying that the clergy intentionally bring in these results, but undoubtedly the system they perpetuate has a strong ten dency in this direction. Another point made by Mr. Lloyd George, and one that has been made over and over again, is that in fourteen thou- sand schools in the country, the Noncon- formist children are taught dogmas which were repugnant to the parents, and yet at the expense of the parents. In the majority of these schools, no Nonconformist boy or girl bad the slightest chance of being pro- moted into a pupil teacher, unless he and she abjured their religion and the religion of their forefathers. It goes without say- ing that it is an injustice to the majority in this country that funds to which all classes had to contribute, should be used to propa- gate the dogmas of one religious sect. We need hardly say that the motion of Mr. Lloyd-George was lost, but it is by re- peated blows of this kind, and by agitation in the country, that justice at last will be secured.

The result of the election THE ELLAND in the EIland Division, ELECTION, has been the return of of the Liberal candidate, Mr. C. P. Trevelyan, by a majority of 984. The seat was previously held by a Liberal, but the majority at the last election was only 306.

SLINGS AND ARROWS. I BYA YEOMAN OF THE GUARD]. The present Rector of Nantglyn has learnt a lesson, I hope, which other rectors, placed in similar circumstances, may well take to heart. His predecessor had initia- ted a policy of educational war-fare against the over-whelmingly Nonconformist inha- bitants of the parish. Upon being ap- proached by the School Board, the present Rector curtly told the members that he was going to follow the footsteps of his prede- cessor. This he did to the extent of his ability, and his efforts have ended in abso- lute discomfiture The triumph of the School Board is now complete, and the humiliation of the Rector is correspondingly great. It was expected that the new Rector would have known better how to trim his sails. He might have made a virtue of a necessity, and have made one of those graceful con- cessions we hear so much about these days, but he chose the other way, and, conse- quently, his plight is a woeful one. • • • The Rector of Nantglyn ought to have known better the true power of Noncon- formity. Once upon a time, he was him- self a Nonconformist. In fact, I believe I am right in saying that he was a candidate for the ministry with tbe Calvinistic Metho- dists. What caused his conversion from Nonconformity to Conformity, I do not know. His ambition to ascend a pulpit has been crowned with success, but I doubt if he can secure such numerous congrega- tions now, as he would have done, had he remained with his first love-the Calvinistic Methodists. • » • • My readers will remember that when the clerk of the School Board wrote to the Rector, inviting him to sign the necessary transfer forms, his reply was a most dis- courteous one. That the request made to him was not an unreasonable one is proved by the fact that the Rector has afterwards signed the very documents he then refused to sign. I hope that there is sufficient dignity in the members of the School Board of Nantglyn not to elect a man who has gone out of his way to snub them, to fill the present vacancy on the School Board. • • « I think some notice should be taken of another letter sent to a. public body. Some few weeks ago, the Coroner for West Den- bighshire held an inquest at Ruthin, touching the death of an old woman. Rightly or wrongly he passed severe stric- tures on the Relieving Officer of the Ruthin Guardians. The Guardians, naturally wanted to know if the coroner had been correctly reported in what he had said, and the clerk was instructed to write to him asking if he had been correctly reported, and if so, what were the grounds of his com- plaints against the Relieving Officer, or something to that effect. This is the reply of the Coroiier:Sir, As a matter of courtesy, I acknowledge the receipt of your letter. Signed, J. R. Hughes.' The word courtesy is in the letter, but otherwise I fail to see where the courtesy comes in. Surely, the Coroner, even, is not above criticism, and although I have every respect for his office, and for Dr. Hughes personally, I think he ought not to have made an attack on a public body or a public servant, with- out condescending' afterwards to explain what he meant, or to withdraw what he possibly did not intend to sav. 0 0 a ol Col. Mainwaring's letter to the Denbigh School Board was written, I should think, without knowledge of the, circumstances that led to the Board applying to him for land to build a new school upon, in Hen- llan. He most accurately describes the posi- tion assumed by the National Society, as one of the' dog in the manger,' type but although the Board and Col. Mainwaring are at one as to their opinion of this society, I do not think that Col. Mainwaring's promise-or threat-to soon come down to make a very full inquiry' will help matters in the least. Col. Mainwaring seems to be very desirous that the Board should become the owners of the present school buildings. But these buildings are, to a certain extent, con- demned by the Education Department, and I hope that the Board will never purchase buildings which would be of no use to them afterwards. Somewhat cavalierly, Colonel Mainwaring lays down the law that until 'this is done'—alluding, I suppose to his inquiry—' the question of any sale of land must be postponed.' Surely he did not exactly mean what he said when he used the word must. He, with all due respect to him, is not the absolute master of the educational wants of Henllan. Possibly, he does not want to pose as such, but until he explains his letter, this is the only inference to be drawn. • • • m Denbigh dogs do not seem to be in the running at the present time, I understand that at a committee meeting of the Ruthin Town Council a short time ago, a prominent member of the Council introduced his dog into the Council Chamber, with the happy result that a portion of the Town Clerk's trousers was found missing before the meeting was over. In fact, it is highly probable that if the dog bad not been so bold as to attack the chairman's pants, he might have eaten away the Town Clerk's pants, and may be those of other members, as most of those present seemed to be in a comatose condition, owing to the prolonged discussion that took place. The dog evi- dently was of a discerning character. Any. body's trousers was not good enough for him. I fancy all the tailors of Ruthin will be striving to possess that dog, as the animal evidently knows what is good for trade.

DENBIGH. Scriptural Examination. A preliminary Scriptural examination was held at Vron (C.M.) chapel on Thursday evening, the same having been arranged in view of the Calvinistic Methodists County Examination which is now near at hand. Several mem- bers of the Sunday School underwent the test, the result of which will in due course be made known. Shorthand.-We have again to chronicle the success of members of the shorthand class held at the Technical School, two of whom, viz., Percy Humphreys (North and South Wales Bank), and Ishmael Thomas Jones, Vale View, having gained Pitman's certificates, after a comparatively short period of instruction in the art. The mem- bers of this class have doce remarkably well this year. Success of a Young Denbighite.—This week, Mr. R. D. Roberts, eldest son of Mr. Thos. Roberts, Market Vaults, has been promoted from the goods department, London and North-Western Station at Rugby, to the superintendent's office at Chester, where he will be specially employed as shorthand writer and typist, besides having a thorough training in all other branches of railway work. We are confident in predicting for Mr. Roberts a bright future, and wish him every success. Forthcoming Concert.-Next Friday even- ing, lovers of music may expect a treat at the Drill Hall, when a concert is to be given in aid of the Vron chapel funds. We are very pleased to notice that the com- mittee have provided a good musical fare, and have engaged artistes who are mostly new to Denbigh audiences. With the excep tion of Mr. J. Ellis Evans-and his appear- ance will, we feel sure, be doubly welcome— not one of the artistes have appeared before in Denbigh. We hope our friends will have a full house For particulars, see our ad- vertisement columns. Dr. Owen Evans.-In the current number of the Cymro, portraits are given of the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Owen Evans, London, father and mother of our respected towns- man, Mr. W. H. Evans, Chirk Shop. On Thursday, the 2nd inst., tHe venerable minister and his worthy spouse celebrated their golden wedding. We feel sure that our readers will join us in wishing many more years of lite to the two, as well as success to every member of their family. The Quadrant' Chainless Cycle.-Mr. W. Buller is now exhibiting, and is agent for the Quadrant' Chainless Cycle (Lloyd's Cross Roller Gear). This bicycle is of unique construction. It has no chain, but the driving power is communicated to the wheels by a system of gear wheels, which act by means of rollers turning on pegs, and crossing each other at nearly right-angles. The mechanism is exceedingly simple, and not likely to get out of order. The friction is reduced to a minimum, as it consists merely of the contact of two points which roll away from each other. In this bicycle, no adjustment is ever needed. Intending purchasers should do well to examine and test this machine, which has the undoubted advantage of being easy to ride, especially I on steep gradients.

PROPOSED MAY DAY FESTIYISIES. I' On Monday evening, a meeting was held <

High Street, Denbigh, Bespoke Tailoring Department. TJ. WILLIAMS begs to announce that he has JL changed his Cutter, having secured the services Mr. WILLIAM WILKINS, who held the appointment of Cutter at Mr. SAM BELLS, London Street, Southport, Gents and Ladies' First Class Tailoring Establishment, where he gave entire satisfaction; and T.J. W. feels confident that his skill and experience will give equal satisfaction to his customers. T.J.W. begs to inform his patrons that he has just received a large variety of the most fashionable and best WOOLLENS for the coming season, consisting of SUITINGS, TROUSERINGS, OVERCOATINGS, &c. LIVERIES trimmed out in best style. Charges strictly moderate. Patterns and Prices on application. A trial order respectfully solicited.

ST. JOHN'S AMBULANCE CLASSES. The result of the St. John's Ambulance examination held in connection with the classes held at the Technical School, on the 23rd of February last, Dr. Lees, of Chester, being the examiner, has just been received, and is most gratifying. In the female class, the fourteen pupils who entered passed the examination. The following are the names .—Miss Gee, Bronallt; Mrs. Roberts, Bronberllan, Tref- nant; Miss Parry Williams, High Street Miss Eyton Lloyd, Brookhouse; Miss Jennie Evans, Belmont; and Miss Kate Jones, Bea- con's Hill. The six have passed the final, and are entitled to the St. John's medallion. Mrs. Kennedy, Catholic Schools; Miss Elora S. Jones, National Schools and Miss Hettie Evans, Vale Stroet. The three have passed the hrst and the re-examination. Miss Humphreys, The Asylum and Miss Mary E. Jones, The Asylum. The two have passed the first examination. Male class.—Eleveu pupils entered, and the following is the result, all having pas- sed Mr. John Edward Jones, Star Tea Co., Denbigh. Final, and entitled to a medallion. P.C. Howell Jones, Denbigh; P.C. John Evans, Henllan and Mr. John Edmund Owen, at Mr. Benson Evans. The three have passed the first, and the re examina- tion. Rev. Morgan Rees, Llangwyfan; Mr. Frederick Roberts, at the Post Office; Mr. Edward ChallLer at the Post Office Mr. Thomas Lloyd, Postman and P.C. Thomas Pierce, Denbigh. The five have passed the first examination. The committee of the Technical Schools tenders to Dr. Lloyd, the instructor of the female class, and to Dr. James Hughes, the instructor of the male class, their best thanks for their gratuitous service, and congratulate them and the pupils on the gratifying result of their labours.

TEA AND COMPETIVE MEETING AT HENLLAN STREET C.M. CHAPEL. On Thursday afternoon, a tea, Ac., was given at the above chapel, to the members of the Sunday School, the caterer being Mrs Williams, Bridge Street, who gave entire satisfaction to everybody. About 250 sat it the tables. In the evening, a competitive meeting was held under the presidency of Mr. Richard Williams, Brynhyfryd, the superin- tendent of the school, the adjudicators being, poetry, Mr. David Owen. Star Shop; music, Mr. Robert Davies, Park Street; pencil sketch, Mr. E. J. Roberts, Board School; reciting, &c., Rev. Evan Jones (C.M.), and Mr. Richard Jones, Brookhouse; muffatees, Mrs. R. Williams, Brynhyfryd. The following were the awards:—Re- citing for children under 10 years of age, 1st, John Edwards. Singing for children under 10 years of age, 1st, Mytanwy Roberts; 2nd, Alice Owen. For the best pair of muffatees, the first prize was awarded to Jane Jones 2nd, E. Mary Evan.s. Myfanwy Roberts, Mary Wynne, and S. Elizabeth Jones, receiving extra iirize^. mv_L-' I For reading the first iii tl,O Otb chapter of Romans, Nt, L, Griffiths} 2nd, Elizabeth Ellen Owen 3rd, equal-' Edwar(ii For the best daett sin^iny; fur children under 1&, Emily Owen and Annie ftobertsy were awarded the first prize, and Myfanwy Roberts and Aneurin Wynne Roberts the 2nd. For a pencil sketch of a cow, 1st, Ben. Aled Williams 2nd, John David Jones; 3rd, D. Lloyd Williams. Impromptu address on Wisdom and dis- cretion,' 1st, John Roberts, Fotty Dduy Saron. For the best party of eight, of children under 19 years or age. Two parties entered,' viz, Sam. Williams' party, aud D. Lloyd Williams' party. The prize was divided I between the sopranos' in each party. For the best stanzas, Evan Davies, of Lleweni, was awarded the prize. For the best rendering of Hyn fydd yn nefoedd i mi' Myfanwy Roberts was awar- ded the prize. For the best reciting of Myn'd,l The prize was awarded to William Davies of this office; 2nd, Edward Jones 3rd, Thos. Edwards. For the best rendering of 'Whitford.' Two parties entered, viz, that of R. G. Jones and H. Dryhurst Roberts. The former was declared first, and the latter second. For the best address on the advantage of being a member of a Sunday School, the prize was divided between T. P. Roberts, Star Shop, and John Davies, of this office. For the best four verses on the newtha.r.' monium at Henllan Street (C.M.) chapel. Owen Evans was awarded the 1st prize W- Jones, Tanygyrt Lodge, Nantglyn, 2nd, and John Jones, Saron, 3rd. For the best "Araet h Ddifyfyr. John Roberts, Fotty Ddu, Saron, was declared the winner. For the best reading of the seven last verses in the 1st Epistle of John, ist,. L. Griffiths; 2nd, Thos. Edwards 3rd, Myfan- wy Roberts, and extra prizes were given to the other competitors. For the best rendering of 'St. Catherine' by a choir composed of not more than 16; members. Two choirs entered, viz., The Capel Mawr choir, under the conductorship of R. G, Jones, and the Henllan Street (C.M.) chapel choir, under the conductorship, of J. G. Jones. The former was declared the best, and the latter was awarded a prize also. The accompanists at the meeting were T. Gwilym Jones,, and Miss Jones, Brynhyfryd, and the secretary, Edward Morris, Swine Market, performed his duties admirably.

CAERWYS. MUSICAL SUCCESS. Miss B. Ferguson, of Bryngwenallt, Caerwys, has passed most successfully the Theoretical examination of the London College of Music, at the Rhyl cen tre, having been awarded 88 ont of 100 marks The highest marks gained, at the Rhyl centre, for which she received a very handsome book, prize on Famous MusicalCon" posers.' This is the second examination Miss Ferguson has passed this year. Miss Ferguson is a pupil of Mr. Alec Bellamy, Denbigh. ST. DAVID'S DAY EISTEDDVOD, As briefly hinted in our last issue, the above eisteddvod was held on Thursday, the 2nd inst., at the Town Hall. These meetings, which are held annually, are promoted by the C.M. Sunday Schools of Caarwys, Ddol, pen- cefn, and Afonwen. The weather was all that could be desired, and the meetings, from 9 pecuniary point of view, turned out a grand success, the spacious hall being in the evening crowded to its utmost capacity. The adjudica- tors were Mr. W. J. Harper, Rhosesmor (music); Rev. J. Jones, St. Asaph; Rev. J. E. Davies, Holywell: Rev. E. Wynne Roberts, Bodfary: Rev. W. E. Williams, Tremeirchion; Mr. 0- Williams, Glanclvvyd; Mrs. Matthews, Pendre; and Mrs. Roberts, Canoldre. The presidents for the day were the Revs. J. Jones, St. Asaph, and J. E. Davies, Holywell* but, unfortunately, both gentlemen failed put in an appearance. The afternoon meeting commenced at 2 p.m-, and was conducted by Mr. Owen Williainsi junior, Glanclwyd. For the best exercise on the modulator, under 10. 1, Lillian A. Williams; 2, D. Llewelyn Hughes and a special prize was given Master Gwilym Matthews. For the best recitation of Gwr bonheddig/ from Drysorfa, foi those under 9 Only one competitor—Gwen M. Williams. For the best Hemstitched Handkerchief,' for those under 10 years. 1, Eva Rees; 2, Lillian A. Williams. Spelling Bee (English), for those under I4 years. 1, Master John Griffith Hughes, Maria11 Prysor. Best exercise on the modulator, under 16 years. J. G. Hughes, Marian Prysor, and C- J. Williams (equal) For the best rendering of hymn tune Maid- stone' as a sol0, on hymn 309. 2 competitors- Susannah Price and Annie Roberts, both from Penycefn. The evening meeting commenced at 6.30 p.m., and was presided over by Mr. D. E. Hughes, Marian Prysau, with his usual ability. Mr. O. Williams again conducted. The awards were as follows:- Examination in writing from the Christian Instructor (open). 1, Miss S. M. Williams, Caerwys 2, Miss Annie Parry, Glasfryn. Answering questions from the Christian Instructor, for those under 21 years. 1, Miss Clara Williams, LI wyn Onn; 2, Miss Benjamin; 3, Miss M. Davies. For the best recitation of Y raae nhw'n deyd,' from the Trysorfa Plaut, under 16. 5 competed. 1, Edith Roberts 2, Annie Parry: 3, S. M. Williams. For the best rendering by children's choir ot 'Peace be still.' Only one choir competed- The Caerwys United, conducted by Mr. J- Matthews, and they were awarded the priza. Committing to memory the 8th chapter ofth* Christian Instructor (open). 1, C. E. Jones; 2, S. M. Williams. Committing to memory the 8th chapter of the Christian Instructor, under 21. Miss Clara- Williams and A. M. Jones (equal). Soprano solo, Wilton Square.' 2 competed. Best, Miss E. A. Williams, Caerwys. Welsh Spelling Bee, from Maes Llafur. 11 competed. Best, Mary Ann Lomax, Pen-y cefn. For the best night dress case and brush and comb bag. 1 competed—Miss S. M. Willifim", Caerwys. For the best essay, 5 competed. 1, MisS Benjamin; 2, Miss Clara Williams 3, 1. Davies 4, J. Thomas; 5, A M. Jones. Chief choral competition, the anthem HydeI y Cristion.' Only one choir competed, narllely. Caerwys United. They were duly awarded tb8 prize. Baritone olo, 'Cymru fy Ngwlad.' 2 co¡lJ' peted. Best, Mr. R. E. Williams, Nannerch. For the best hand-sewn calico chemise, for those under 13 years. 1, Ethel Rees; 2, Gerti6 Williams. To the party of 8 who would render hyl1\1l tune 'Rutherford.' Only Caerwys pur in 311 appearance, and they were awarded the piize-. Adjudication on the chief essay. 1, Edwar'1 Williams; 2, S. M. Williams; A. Parry and C- A. Jones, equal third. The usual vote ol thauks being given> meeting closed with the biuging of the hyn111 0 Fryniau Caersalem.,

The tirst theatre in England, was erected if) Shoreditch. £3,000 worth of orange peel is imported into New York yearly. The wing of a sparrow makes thirteen stroMs in one Eecond.

in the Council Chamber, to consider the ad- visability or otherwise of holding a May Dav festival this year. The Mayor (Mr. E. A. Tumour) presided, and amongst those pre- sent were Messrs W. Mellard, J Parry Jones, T. A. Wynne Edwards, Win. James, Thos. Pierce Hughes, James Hughes, R. Hughes (Crown), W, R. Jones (Cross Keys),. S. "Miller, J. Bellamy, W. G. Helsby, J. Edgar, J. H. Wynne, J. Ll. Williams, R. D. Hughes, R. Lloyd (Gwaenynog Bach), T. W. Davies, A. O. Evans, R. Parry (Farmers' Inn), Supt. Jones, E. Parry (town clerk's office), &c., &c. The Mayor was voted to the chair and was elected president, in the event of festivities being held. The Mayor thanked the meeting for re electing him as president, and said that 72 post cards had been sent out to the members of the general committee, asking if they were in favour of a show this year, and of a Brass Band contest. Forty-two replied and thirty did not reply at all. Two post cards were against the procession altogether, and eight were against the Brass Band competi- tion. He had received one anonymous post card, in which a person thought the Mayor ought to give everybody a free dinner. The post card had been posted at Trefnant (laughter). He hoped that the people of Denbigh would endeavour to carry out the festivities in a business-like manner. One thing he wished to mention was, that they were in debt of S15, and that was a very serious item. He asked those who were in favour of the May Day proceedings to lift up their bands. Almost all those present went in favour of the festivities being held. Mr. R. D. Hugbes proposed that two vice- presidents be appointed this year, and those were Mr. T. Pierce Hughes, Vale Street, and Mr. David Jones, Gwynfa. Mr. J. LI. Williams seconded, and it was carried unanimously. The Mayor proposed the re-election of the hon. treasurer (Mr. W. James), hon. secre- tary (Mr. J. Parry Jones), and the secretary (Mr. E. Parry). This was unanimously agreed to. Mr. T. Pierce Hughes proposed that the May Day be held on the Saturday previous to the 1st of May, as it was more convenient for the tradespeople of Denbigh. An amendment was proposed that Mon- day, May 1st be adopted, and this was carried by a large majority. The Mayor said the next business was to decide what further attractions should be provided. Mr. W. James proposed that a trotting match take place in the afternoon, open to Denbighshire and Flintshire. Mr. W. G. Helsby seconded. The Mayor said that Mrs. Faichney asked ■ £ 10 for half of the field two years ago. Mr. James: Well, £5, at the most is enough. Some discussion took place as to the probable cost of a trotting competition, and ultimately it was decided that inquiries should be made with a view of eliciting the cost. I Other attractions proposed-and which will also form subjects for inquiries as to the probable expense were a Military Tournament, the engagement of a first class band, an acrobatic performance, and a para- chute descent. On the question of the crowning of the May Queen, Mr. J. Ll. Williams said that there were complaints in the town that the May Queen each year was the child of well-to-do parents, and suggested that a poor child should be selected-at least, al ternately with girls of a higher claas. Mr. J. Parry Jones said he had also had heard similar complaints. It was decided to leave the selection of May Queen as usual, to the Ladies' Com. mittee. Collectors were then appointed, and a subscription list opened in the room, when 217 10s. 6d. was subscribed.