The Cardigan Bay Visitor

WELSH WBSLKYAN METHODIST ASSEMBLY. MEETINGS AT MACHYNLLETH. PRESENTATION TO THE REV HUGH PRICE HUGHES, M.A. This week the first meetings of the newly-created Welsh Wesleyan Methodi-t Assembly of Wales" were held at Machynlleth, the object of which is to create among the Welsh churches a sense of unity which canu-t xUt wrule Wesh Methcili-m is split into two uiiiclual, unrelated fmgmeuts." The honour of bei;,o, chosen as the fir-t meeting place of the Assembly was readi'y appreciated by the inhabitants irrespective of creed or denomina tion and excellent arrangements had beeu made for the accommoda.' ion of the ministers and others who came into the town in large numbers for the pur- pose of taking part in the proceedings. On Sunday s-rmons were delivered at the Wesleyan Chapel, Machynlleth, by the Revs D William,R, Tretegl% ys, and J. Flix, Oswestry at Shiloh, Corris, by the Revs Dd. Jcnes, Barmouth, and T. 0. Jones, Conway; and at Moriah, Corris, by the Revs O. Evans, Portmadoc, and Peter Jones, Dolgelley. Special sermons were also delivered the same day ia connection with the Assembly at Tycerrig, Eglwysfach, Abercegir, and Cwmllinau. On Monday the Revs Thomas Hughes, Boctle, and R. Lloyd Jones, Liverpool, preached at seven in the evening at the Machynlleth Wesleyan Chapel. The Conference was held at the Wesleyan Chapel on Tuesday, commencing at nine o'clock in the morning. The Rev Hugh Price Hughes, pre- sident of the Conference and Assembly, presided. The President delivered an address and votes of thanks were passed to the retiring officers. It was agreed to hold the next Assembly at Conway, on June 12th, 1900. The Rev Edward Humphreys, Liverpool, was appointed president of the Assembly for the following year. The reports on home mission affairs stated that the amount collected towards the object in South Wales during the year was E140 and in North Wales f239. Mr Edward Rees, Machynlleth, presented the report on foreign missions for South Wales which stated that the total income was £ 427 6s 3i. This was an increase of E30 16s lOd, the largest reported for many years. Mr J. Harrison, Denbigh, brought up the report for North Wales, which showed the income for the year to be £ 1,732 Os 2d, an increase of f20 13s 3d. The following resolutions were passed That the Assembly at this its first meeting gratefully acknowledges the desire of the Conference to re- cognize the special claims and circumstances of Wesleyan Methodism in Wales and heartily re- ciprocates the wish of the Conference that the union and sympathy hitherto existing between the Wesleyan Methodist churches in Wales and the other parts of the connexion of the people called Methodists established by the revered John Wesley may continue and increase in view of the fact that for several years the Welsh Wesleyan Metho- dists have anticipated the establishment of a Welsh centenary celebration fund, the Assembly recom- mend to the Conference that the whole amount raised for the twentieth century fund by the Welsh-speaking circuits of the connexion shall be considered as the centenary fund of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Wales, with the understand- ing that the amount raised shall be allocated on the general principles which have been adopted by the rest of the connexion, viz., forty per cent. for new chapels, ministers' houses, and home missionary purposes in Wales, twenty per cent to aid in the training of the ministry and the intellectual ad- vancement of local preachers in Wales, ten per cent. for foreign missions, twenty-five per cent. for the Connexional Assembly H-All and headquarters in London, and live per cent for the children's home that such part of the centenary fund as is allocated to purely Welsh uses shall be administered by a committee appointed by this Assembly." PUBLIC MEETING. On Tuesday night a public n.eeting was held at the chapel with the object of drawing attention to the twentieth century fund and the centenary of Welsh Mtthodism and also for the purpose of pre- senting an address to the Rev Hugh Price Hughes. There was a large a'tendance. The Rev Edward Humphreys, the newly-elected president of the Aasemhy, occupied the chair. The meeting having be-ii opened with prayer Ly the Rev Wiiliam Hugh Evans, hhyl. the PRESIDENT called upon the Rev Jonn Felix and Mr T. C. Lewis to make the presf-nta-cion d an illuminated address to the first president of ti.e assembly and confer- ence, the Rev Hugh Price Hughes, on behalf of the North and South Wales districts. The Rev J. FELIX read out the address ia Welsh and English. He said that it the 'desire of the recipient the address Na¡¡ in Wel-h. (Cheers.) The address was as follows Rev ir,-It is with much pleasure we present to you on behalf of the Welsh districts on the occasion of holding the first Welsh Wesleyan Methodist Assembly, which was established miinly through yi ur instrumen- tality, this address as a token of our sincere affec- tion towards you and of our unfeigned admiration of your varied gifts. Your appointment as super- intendent of the West End Mission in London was not only the means of introducing a new era in the history of our own Church, but also a powerful im- petus to Christian life ar-d aciivities within other churches, aud we greatiy admire the valuable help which is rendered to you in tiiis important sphere by the co. operation of ycur wise and faithful wife. The Council of the Evangelical Free Churches ex- pressed their appreciation of your high qualities by electing you one of its first presidents and your great personal influence has been of immense ad- vantage to the success of the movement and to the enhancement of Christian unity and brotherliness throughout the land. Your election to the presi- dential chair of the Wesleyan Conference by a vote so decisive gave us gnat satisfaction. You were thereby promoted to the highest position our Chufth could confer, and you have added dignity to your office. You have labour-d with character- istic energy and enthusiasm and we would acknow- ledge most thankfully the Great Head of the Church for the Divine guidance and protection ex- tended to you and for the eminent success which has followed your efforts during your tt rm of cffice. We shall long remember the district conventions held under your directions duricg the year, the spiritual influence of which over the life of the churches is universally felt, During your term of office, the twentieth century fund was also inaugur- ated, which is admitted to be the greatest and most important financial movement in the his-ory of the the Christian church. We thankfully acknowledge the prominent part you take in every movement that tends to the elevation of your fellow men and the. extension of the Rede mer's kingdom. We refer particularly to your ceaseless efforts on be- half of temperance, social purity, peace, and the observance of the Lord's Day. You took a leading part in the campaign against seven-day journalism and we rejoice with you in the victory achieved. We feel proud of you as a warm-hearted Welsh- man. Your grandfather, the Rev Hugh Hughes, spent his life in the Welsh ministry and was for years the chairman of the South Wales district. Your father also was recognised as a gentleman of sterling character and he spent his life among us. We cannot forget his well known letter to yoa in which he said that he would rather see you a Methodist preacher than Lord Chancellor of Eng- land. We rejoice to know that you also take a great pride in your nationality and acknowledge your in- debtedness to your nation. We pray that long life may be vouchsafed to you to serve God and your fellow men and to realise fully your highest aspira- tions.—Signed, for the North Wales district, J. Price Roberts, John Felix, John Jones, John Mason, and T. C. Lewis for the South Wales dis- trict, T. J. Pritchard, John Humphreys, A. C. Pearce, J. P. Powell, and D. Davies- Williams." Mr T. C. LEWIS said the suggestion that that presentation should be made was at once taken up everywhere with great unanimity. He might say that they were proud of their President as a Methodist and he was sure they were glad that they were presenting that address not to a lord chan- cellor, but to a Methodist minister. (Cheers.) They knew the old saying, Cas gwr na charo wlad ei hun." Their President had shown that he loved the country of his birth and the nation was proud of him as a Christian minister and as one who had consecrated the great gifts which Gcd had bestowed upon him to the service of his fellowmen and to the glory of God. (Applause.) I The Rev HCGH PRICE HUGHES, who on rising was received with loud cheere, said that was a very happy moment for him. He greatly valued the testimonial which they had so kindly and so unanimously given him, which would be one of the most precious treasures of his family, and which he was glad he would be permitted to hand down to his children— for what was there in this world next to the favour of God that man could more highly value than the good wishes and kind approval of his fellow- countrymen? (Cheers.) He was a Welshman and that he might call a Welsh Methodist of the third generation. His venerible father went to Heaven ° j-u before the conference did his son the honour. of appointing him president which, he mig say m passing, he never thought they would ave done because he was such a great Radical. (Laughter.) He supposed his Welsh blood made him a Radical, who was never satisfied with the existing condition of things. (Laughter.) They knew, Welshmen who li vea amoogst those moun tains and breathed the fresh air and had a wide outlook must be excused if they wanted to make the world like heaven as soon as Poslible. (Cheers.) His father was a good Methodist and a pure Welsh- man, and he might say that the name of the late Hugh Hughes had often been a great inspiration to htm in his youth. (Hear, hear.) If by the will of Providence he (the speaker) was not called to be a preacher in Wales but in England, he was none the less in full and deep sympathy with everything that went on in Wales, and if there was any feel- ing ia his heart it was an ever-growing, intense, and vi-via desire to assist in the realization of the national ideals and aspirations of the Welsh race. (CbeeFB,) He thanked God for the great educa- tional movement which had taken place in that country—(cheers)—for the way in which they had refused to humble themselves before the liquor trade-they had, at least, a sober Sunday. And there were other directions in which they had made the strong Welsh ideas felt in Parliament and else- where. Having stated that the Assembly felt very grateful to their brethren and friends in Machytdle-n for the hearty welcome they had given them, the rev gentleman proceeded to refer totheeffect wh'ch th- inauguration of that Assembly must have. He thought their Church should have a recognised national existence. He was glad to inform them that one of the first things that were done that f'av was to send their loyal greetings to their venerable Queen, and later he received the following telegram The Queen thanks the Nationaf Assembly or the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Wales for their loyal congratulations." (Cheers.) He might fay he had looked forward to that Assembly with interest and he would go back devoutly thankful to God for the honour He had bestowed upon him in allowing him to be associated with his fellow-countrymen in a movement of great historical importance, which was brightened with great promise-1 for the future. (Applause.) The speaker then described the objects of the fund at some lengch, and in the course of his remarks sig- nified his intention to subscribe ten guineas to- wards the Welsh section of the fund. The Revs H. J. POPE, D.D., and T. B. STEPHENSON*, D.D., having also delivered addresses in regard to the centenary fund, the meeting ter- minated. WEDNESDAY MEETINGS. The meetings of the Assembly were resumed early on Wednesday. Excursion trains came into town from Newtown, Aberystwyth and other places, and the town was quite tilled before mid-dry, all the accommodation being severely tested. THE CONVENTIONS A convention was held at the Maengwyn C.M. Chapel on Wednesday morning, when the Rev E. Humphreys presided. The President having delivered a brief opening address, the Rev T. Jones Humphreys opened a discussion upon "The Christian Life," being followed by the Rev John Jones and Mr David Owen, London. The Rev Hcuu PRICE HUGHES then delivered an address to ministers and preachers, in the course of which he said the chief object of the meetings and conventions which had beeu held all over England and Wales was to encourage one another to be better Christians. That was the great object and they had come in those days to see that to be a better Christian meant to he more Christ-like. Their fathers, and grandfathers, and great grand- fathers, and John Wesley used to speak a good deal more, if he might say so, in the abstract than they did in the present day and they used long theological words, such as "justiti cation," "ordination," "sanctification," "entire sanctification," which were all true, but in what was called a scientific age like this they preferred the concrete to the abstract, and what all these words meant was simply that to be a true Christian was to be a more Christ-like Christian. (Hear, hear.) There was a remarkable Englishman of their own times, John Stuart Mill, whose father was a great atheist and he brought his gifted son up in direct opposition to Christianity, and yet it was a remarkable fact that in spite of John Stuart Mill's mind having been poisoned against Christ- ianity by his father, he gradually delivered himself so completely from the prejudices in which he had been brought up as a boy that before he died he said that when all discussions about right and wrong, about the standard of human conduct and everything else were over, no man could get a better rule for himself than this-what would Jesus Christ have done in my place ? But he (the speaker) was afraid that some of those who had gone before us only did what they thought Christ would do in chapel and on Sunday and not on Monday, and Tuesday, and Wednesday, and Thursday, and Friday and Saturday. They were, however, com- ing to see that if they were to follow Christ at all, they must imitate him altogether and they must do, not merely what Jesus Christ would have done in chapel or in the society meeting, or when taking the Lord's supper but what he would have done if he was behind the counter in a shop, what he would have done behind the desk in a solicitor's office, or working in the fields, because they Christians must imitate Christ in business as well a in public worship. And they must imi'ate him a so in politics and they must vote as they thought Jesus Christ would vote, not for their own party because it was their party, but for the thing that was right, even if against their own party. (Hear, ii-ar.) When he was quite a little boy one ques- tion suggested itself to his mind that ha.dinilneoced his whole life. He was greatly struck by the fact that not only iu Wales and in England, but speak- ing generally all over Europe men were conspicuous by their abset.ee from places of worship. vYomen and children went. Then he asked himself how it was that these men had almost worshipped, had got enthusiastic over men like Mazzini and Gari- bildi and the illustrious Spaniard who had just died, Castellar. Men were willing to die for these men. Yet everything that was taught by these men was first taught by Christ. He was the best upholder that the working classes ever had and if the working men to-day had a vote and were respected it was entirely due to Jesus Christ. Therefore he came to the conclusion that the reason was that men were alienated from Christianity, it was btciuse they did not apply their Christianity to business and to public life. (Applausp.) They followed one rule in chapel, another rule in society, and another rule in politics. Now they must have the same rule all the week and it was this, that if they were to call themselves Christians, they must imitate Jesus Christ always t and everywhere. John Wesley in his dictionary defined the word Methodist as a person who ar- ranges his life according to the method laid down in the New Testament." John Wesley used to say he was a man of cne book, the New Testament, and that a true Methodist was the person who ar- ranged his life according to the method laid down in it, In that sense might God make everybody Methodist because the method laid down in the New Testament as an example was the life of jesus Christ. (Hear, hear.) Proceeding, the speaker referred to the book In His Steps," which, he hoped, had been translated into Welsh. (A oice It has been.") Very good although he had no doubt most of them would be able to read and understand it in English. It had had the most wonderful circulation since Uncle Tom's Cabin" was issued. He (the speaker) entirely agreed with it. He believed that a man, whether he was a man of business, a newspaper editor, or anything else, ought not to do anything which was inconsistent with his profession as a Christian. A Christian paper would not publish disgusting accounts of prize fights and all sorts of de- plorable things and that wretched betting. It would be a blessed day when they could get a news- paper which they could read from beginning with- out objecting to any part. The millions of copies of that book that had been sold showed that the public conscience had been roused and that people were coming to see that they must apply their Christian principle on week days as well as upon the Lord's Day. Continuing, the speaker referred to the doctrine of sanctification and con- version, and urged those present to come to God there and then. Why leave it to another time ? Some people had an idea that they could only be converted on Sunday night in the winter—by gaslight. (Laughter.) One thing that kept them back, he continued, was the young rich man's gospel and he told them that money was the curse of British Methodism that day and it had ruined more souls than even the love of drink. If they had money, he sym- pathised with them, he pitisd them. They were in great peril, but the grace of God would save them even then if they used their money in the right direction and did not save it to curse their children with too much of it. He asked them to come to God then. They were bound to come some time. He was sorry to see that some people were content to leave it until they were prostrate on their death- bed. Let them go when they were able to help, when they could set a good example to others, and when they could join in an effort to make England and Wales more like heaven. What a horrible thing it was to slink into heaven by the skin of their teeth at their death-bed at the last moment and keep the angels shivering and holding their breaths in fear that they would never reach there. (Laughter.) The preacher concluded after an ap- peal for subscriptions towards the centenary fund. Ordination services were afterwards held at the Wesleyan Chapel in the presence of a crowded con- gregation. The service was conducted by the Pre- sident and Messrs D. Meurig Jones, Abergele E. Berwyn Roberts, Pontrhydygroes and Thomas Rowlands, Abercynon, went through the ceremony of being ordained after which Rev Dd. Owen Jones, Manchester, delivered the charge. At 10-30 a.m. the Revs Philip Price and T. Jones preached at the Maengwyn Chapel. In the afternoon an open air service was held on the Maes at which there was a large audience. The Rev Edward Humphreys, president of the Assembly, opened with prayer, after which the Rev Hugh P. Hughes delivered an eloquent Welsh sermon, taking for his text the 53rd Psalm, 7th to 13th verses. The Rev Hugh Price Hughes next preached in English, taking for his subject Mark ix, 9th verse. The rev gentleman preached for half-an-hour, being listened to with rapt interest. Sermons were delivered in the evening at the Wesleyan Chapel by the Revs J. Price Roberts and Rice Owen, at the Maengwyn C.M. Chapel by the Revs J. Hughes and Edward Bumphreys, and at the Presbyterian Chapel by the Rev J. Hornabrook. Collections were made at each of the services throughout the day and good sums were realized. At Friday's meeting of the Holywell Board of Guardians, the Clerk referred to the matter of the legacy of £2,000 left for the benefit of the poor of the parish of Holywell by the late Hon. Susan Netterville of Paris. After the death of Miss Netterville her nephew decided to contest the will and the Clerk now read a letter from Miss Netter- ville's solicitors, Messrs Sewell and Maughan, stating that the appeal had resulted adversely to the executors of the will, which had been declared null on the ground that it did not comply with French form. An appeal had been made to the Court of Cassation, where they hoped to get a better decision.

i ABERAYRON. « EVER YOUNG.—Mr John Griffiths, Nantgwyn- l fynydd, who.is now about eighty yeais of age has the same progressive commercial spirit as ever. He has cut, harvested, and packed his hay, about forty tons of it, in two cwt bundles, and has sent iu to t Cwm Rhondda, sold. s TRINITY SUDAY SCHOOL. Mr John Davies, i London House, superintendent, and Mrs Davies 2 invited the Sunday School of Trinity Church to tea 6 at the National Schoolroom on Thursday afternoon, June 8th. It may be emphatically added that it was an excellent tea. A competitive meeting was held in the evening, under the presidency of Mr c Munro Hughes, when prizes were given to the best I reciters, singers, sight singers, &e. 1 SUSDAY SCHOOL OUTING.—A large number of carriages were employed to convey the C. M. Sunday School to their gymanfa at Pontsaeson on Thursday, June 8th. Pontsaeson and Pennant schools were examined by the Rev J. Thickens, ] Aberarth, and Tanybryn by the Rev E. Morris, j and Aberayron by Mr J. Emlyn Jones, Penuwch, ] At the teachers' meeting, Mr W. Morgan, C.M.. Cross Inn, was elected chairman, and Mr W. Evans- R.O., secretary for the current year. A largely, > attended competitive meeting, confined to the Sunday school district, was held in the evening. Mr D. Rees, C.M., conducted. It was a great success in a monetary sense. The weather was delightful. TOWN WATER.—Until the £5,000 water scheme I has been thought out, the Urban Council is doing wisely to provide one pure water supply in as central a place as it is possible to locate it just now. That they have done. The people now draw most of their water for dietetic use from a spout near the chalybeate pump house. Tnis is mostly river water from the leet behind it. The water from the new pump, which is the pure water referred to, is drawn from a deep well sunk in the adjacent field gardens. All the water in this well enters through the bottom. This fact seems to be a difficult one to take in and yet it may be accepted and if the Council doubt the statement let them test it. The well is built of stone outside the wall there is a thick layer of blue clay, well puddled, making an impenetrable crust of a foot thick. Is that so, or is not? This water is, there- fore, eafe to use, yet since the pump has been erected, people pass it by and go further for the river water, of doubtful quality. Should the Council close the spout ? BOARD OF GUARDIANS. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14TH.—Present Mr Lewis James, chairman Mr T. A. Lloyd, vice-chairman; Mrs Leah Jones Messrs James Williams D. Rees, New Quay J. Davies, Llanfihangel Trefeglwys J. M. Jones, Cilcennin D. M. Rowlands, Llansilio; D. Jones, Llanfihangel Ystrad; J. C. Jones, Llanarth; T. Davies, Llanfihangel Aberarth J. M. Howell, Henfynyw A. Ll. Rees, Llanarth Joshua Lewis, Llanina; W. Evans, relieving officer. The Master's Report.-The Master reported that on the 6th June D, Morgan, labourer, aged eighty- four years, formerly of Llanina parish but of late residing at Cardigan, was admitted by order of the R, lie ing Officer. Anne Jenkins, aged seventy- two j Mrs, an outcast, was admitted three times during last week as a vagrant. It was said she could not obtain lodgings in the town and had to sleep two nights ia the open air last week. The Master had met her husband on Monday, casually, who said that a house was about being provided for her at Bontsaeson.—Messrs A. Lloyd Rees, Joshua Lewis, and J. M. Jones were appointed to do the duty of deacons by her and to give her some wholesome and minatory advice. The ROIl.e.-Number of inmates, 13 last year corresponding period, 15. Vagrants relieved during the fortnight, 30; last year corresponding period, 31. Daniel Jamfis Again.-Daniel James, wheel- wright, came before the Board and appealed to the Guardians to assist him to obtain one of his beds from his daughte,rM. A. James, Princess stieet, also his carpenter's tools.—Mr T. Davies said that father and daughter had been the perpetrators of a dishonest truth." (Loud laughter.) Some years ago father and daughter agreed to say that the daughter was the owner of the chattels in the house then occupied by Daniel James, with the view of making Daniel James a lodger, so that he might obtain out-reliei. He got out-relief-daughter and father quarrelled, and the father was ejected by the daughter, for now she was the occupier of the house. The father resisted and the daughter called in the police, and the father was brought before the justices and bound over. Failing to get sureties, he was sent to Car- marthen gaol. Those were the circumstances. —Mr. Daniel James confirmed the statement, and that he was part owner of all that the house con- tained.—Mr. J. M. klowell proposed. Mr. T. Davies seconded, and it was passed, that the Clerk should apply to the daughter to give up a bed and the carpenters'tools to her father." An Old Case—Mr E. T. Evans, Wellington- street, appeared before the Board and said that he was willing to pay the same amount for the main- tenance of his parents as his brothers did. His father served on board the smack "Jane" for some months of the year and was entitled to a man's wages. He believed about £12 a quarter was sent to his father's house from his brother, in China. He would pay the arrears of order against him of 2s 6d a week up to May 3rd and he appealed to the Guardians to do justice as between him and his brothers and sisters and parents.—It was re- solved to discontinue the out-relief to Captain Evans and Mrs Evans, Aeron Belle." A New Quay Case.— Mr T. Nicholas wrote from on board the s.s. Alacrity," which the Clerk read, stating that in reference to the application that he should contribute to the support of his mother who was in receipt of out-relief that he would do so on condition that his mother kept a respectable house. His mother kept a house which he considered to be a disgrace to his family. Mr Lewis, the policeman, and the Guardians knew all about it. (Mr T. Davies Thts is a case for Mr Gibson.) He would contribute 5s a week and pay the rent if his mother went to live to another house.—Mr D. Rees said that the mother kept a house to lodge tramps in. He sympathised with the views expressed by the son. He moved that the House be offered to the mother unless she gave in to the views held by the son.—Mr 1. Davies seconded and said that the letter was a straightforward one and a credit to the son.—The motion was carried. Llanina Pa tipers. -Discussion arose as to whether paupers who had appeared in the Llanina law case should receive their fall pay of out-relief as they were paid on a handsome scale during their atten- dance at Limpeter assizes. — Mr J. M. Howell said that he hoped it would not enter into the minds of any one of them to mulct any pauper who had given evidence in the case of Llanina and the AL-c-rayron District Council, for the plaintiffs in any loss. The Clerk had the bill of costs oflthe plaintiffs and hadthenamesof every witness and what they were paid. He should avoid giving any one the opportunity of saying that they had acted vindictivelyltowardspeople who had spoken the truth from their own stand pojnt as the witnesses of the Council had done.—It was re- solved to ask the relieving officer for a report on the point raised. Mr BirchanCs Recommendations.—A letter from the Loc.l Government Board was read in which certain alterations in the House were recom- mended. They reminded the Board of the pro- posals made by Dr Evans, Greengrove, about twelve months ago.—It was resolved that the let. ter be printed and a copy of it sent to each guar- dian. Mr J. C. Jones and the Re'ieving Oiffcer. -When the permanent list of Llanddewi Upper was ap- proached, Mr J. C. Jones asked the Relieving Officer if he had visited the house of each pauper in that parish during the last fortnight or three weeks ?-The Relieving Officer said that he had not done eo, but he had done so in cases re- quiring special attention.—Mr J. C. Jones said that he insisted upon the Relieving Officer obeying the Standing Orders literally in regard to this matter. A Letter from an Officer.-A letter from Mr D. Davies, relieving officer of Llanarth, who has held the office for nearly fifty years, was read explain- ing that he had been kept awav owine to indisposi- tion. He asked the Board to consider whether they might kindly accede to his request to make some allowance to him for keeping a horse, as he was now unable to walk all his district as hereto- fore. The matter was ordered to come up again for consideration. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL-Mr T. Davies, chairman, presiding. i (?ri,)yn Proposed New Bridge.—The Surveyor laid before the Council the plana and specifications of the proposed new bridge at Cribyn, embracing the suggestions of the County Council, and on the proposal of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Joshua Lewis, they were adopted.—On the proposal of Mr John M. Howell, seconded by Mr Joshua Lewis, it was resolved that the Clerk should ask the Local Government Board for permission to borrow the money to be expended on the erection of the new bridge.-On the motion of Mr D. Jones, seconded by Mr James Williams, it was resolved to invite tenders and that advertisements be published in two local papers (named) and by small posters. Report of Committee.-The Chairman reported that he, Mr G. Griffiths, and the Surveyor met on the spot by Maesyfelin, Ciliau, on Tuesday, June 13th. The road in some parts was only twelve to thirteen feet wide from hedge to hedge and there were sharp turns. They recommended that the hedge for about twenty perches should be pulled down and rebuilt, so as to widen the road. The tenant and the owner, the Rev J. H. Davies, they had also interviewed and they were perfectly willing to meet the Council and to give leave to take some of the land for widening where neces- sary.—It was resolved, on the motion of Mr J. C. ones, seconded by Mr James Williams, to ffect this improvement at a cost not exceeding 40s. ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE.-A numerously- attended Assessment Committee sat during the day, Mr John M. Howell, chairman, presiding. New Quay List. -A lit of new assessments from he parish of New Quay was presented and was iigned, with the alteration of a £1 advance n the old British School, now used as i china shop.—The Assistant Overseer was leverely cross-examined in respect of several lots ind questions were asked sp cially referring to Cae Bociau" and some sheds which, it was Llleged, were insufficiently and disproportionately issessed.—The Chairman brought the dicussion to a ooint, by proposing that the Clerk be instructed to .vrite to the overseers of the parish of New Quay jailing their attention to certain assessment and requesting their observations thereon. Llannon Cases.—Captain Richards, Pant-teg, ippealed against the assessment of his new house it Llannon, citing Dauntless House as a house of like dimensions, accommodation, and situation. Miss Jones, Dauntless House, acquiesced. It ap- pears that a supplemental list containing several new houses had been considered by the Parish Coun- 3il of Llansantffraid and endorsed by the overseers This list was accepted by the Assesment Committee in its entirety except the house of Capt. Richards, which had been raised from £7 15s to 98 15s.- Captain Richards said that he would let it for £8 rent.—A Guardian said he understood it would be let to a tenant whowas going to give f,10 rent.—It was resolved not to arrive at a final de- cision until after the house had been actually let.- Captain Williams of Glyn applied for a reduction Df the assessment of field owned by him, the gross estimated rental of which was about jE2 an acre.— It was resolved that the Committee was not in a position to adjudicate unless the applicant com- pared his field with another field so as to show that it was disproportionately rated.

LAMPETER. TRINITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC.-Miss Edith Jones, Up- lands Miss Sarah Davies, Mill and Master J. T. Richards, Ardwyn, have passed an examination in music held by the Trinity College of Music at the Aberystwyth centre. A FALL.—Two boys of four and six years of age, the sons of Mrs Evans, Market-street, were playing on the Bryn, where houses are in course of construction, when one of them fell into a smtll pond of water made to sup- ply water for the builders. The younger boy of four years fell into the pond followed by his brother in at- tempting to rescue him. An alarm was raised and the lads were taken out by Mr W. Jones, Market-street, and Mr David Oliver, Greenfield, and taken to Dr Evans, where they were attended to and afterward taken home. COUNTY COURT, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14TH.-Before his Honour Judge Bishop. Though several important cases were entered for trial, his Honour did not take his seat until after the clock had struck twelve. At other courts undefended cases are taken in another room, but at Lampeter it is customary to hear those cases before the Judge is called in. On Wednesday the undefended cases were disposed of about a quarter to twelve. The summonses are made returnable at ten o'clock. Davies v. Mor qan.-Walter Davies, draper, Lampeter, sued Lloyd Morgan, Bryn, Cwmaman, for the value of a suit of clothes. The defendant had obtained a new trial at the previous Court. Mr Arthur Hughes, Aberystwyth, appeared for the plaintiff who, giving evidence, said the defendant with his brother went into his shop and his (plaintiff's) assistant consulted him about giving credit.— David Nun Davies, the assistant, said he served the defendant in 1891. Defendant said he was never in the shop and afterward that he did not re- member being in the shop. When he went to service for the first time (for which it was alleged he got the suit) his father got him a suit from the tailor at Pumpsaint —The Judge said the difficulty in his mind was caused by the fact that a boy of thirteen went to the shop in company with his brother and that the father's name was entered in the book as well as defendant's.—Mr Hughes pointed out that that was a common custom in the country.—The Judge, after a lengthy hearing, said the defendant must pay.—Defendant, however, said he would never pay, whereupon his Honour remarked that he would have to be dealt with in the process applicable to persons who would not pay. Jones v. Jon/'s.—John Jones, Caermalwasfach, Rhyd. cwrnerau, sued Eleanor Jones, Gibraltar, Llanio Road, for X2 2s, the value of a bridle and saddle.—Mr Watkins, Lampeter,appeared for the plaintiff who stated that he sold defendant a horse and lent her a saddle and bridle to take the horse home and it had never been returned.— Defendant admitted having bought the mare at ATI, but said it was a man's saddle and that David Davies, butcher, Capel Bettws, took the saddle and bridle. She went home by train and Davies rode the mare home and de- livered it to her the following morning, In the course of furtherlhearing, defendant said she would have returned the saddle, but the mare was kicking. She afterward said that she went for the mare the following morning when there was some old rag of a thing on her. (Laughter). Defendant produced a very dilapidated saddle and said she had it at Davies's house, but Mr Watkins said it was nothing like that twelve months ago. On being asked why she had not returned it before the summons was issued, she complained of having had such a kicky animal."—The Judge did not believe the saddle was worth £ 2 2s twelve months ago even if the rats had been at it since. He therefore gave judgment for 30s, saying that no doubt she borrowed it and did not return it or get it returned when asked for it. A.dmi,ti8tratilJn.-Sall1uel Davies .Tones, the Emporium, Lampeter, a creditor of William Thomas, deceased, to the extent of £25 IUs, applied to have the estate administered. Mr W. Hughes Jones, Aberystwyth, appeared for the plaintiff and Mr W. Davies (Messrs Smith and Davies) for the estate.-The Judge made an order for administra- tion. Davies v. Thomas and Another.—Shortly before two o'clock, Mr Hughes said there were two actions to come before the Court arising out of the long-pending dispute with reference to right of way at Llangybi. Mr Howell consented to adjournment of the two matters and asked his Honour to fix a day outside the Court fixture. He had been at Lampeter four times over the case.—The Judge said it would be forty times if it went on in that way. It was adjourned for the parties to settle it in the only possible way. One party at the last Court. said he had done all he possible could, but that the other had not done so. The parties should go to Quarter Sessions and get the path diverted. He should not fix a special day but if he liked he would adjourn it.—The Registrar asked if the case was to come on first at the next Court and his Honour replied in the negative.—Mr Hughes explained that it really amounted to a miscarriage of justice.—The Judge said it might he, but he could not hllp it if the parties chose to adjourn at two o'clock in the afternoon. —Mr Hughes said he would take what he could get and the cases were adjourned. Interpleader.—Thomas Davies Evans, 22, Berry-square, Dowlais, claimant Thomas Jones, auctioneer, 'New- court, execution creditor and Thomas Evans, Blaen- pant, Pencarreg, debtor. The case was tried with a jury. Mr Frank Lloyd, Lampeter, appeared for the claimant and Mr Arthur Hughes for the execution creditor.Ilx Lloyd, opening the case, said the original judgment was obtained as far back as February, 1897, for e:3 IDs Jd. On the 2211d of May of the same year, execution was issued against Thomas Evans. There were not sufficient g03ds to realise the amount due to the landlord and therefore the execution creditor got nothing. A second execution was.made on the lith February last and it was in respect of that second execution that the dispute arose. Mr Lloyd proceeded to say that the house was broken into and the goods taken and because of that £ 5 was claimed.—The Registrar said that sale was proceeded with because there was no deposit made.—The claimant was called and said all the furniture at Blaenpant be- longed to him. A chest of drawers, oak linen press, small round table, and a dresser had been taken away, but his ;ister bid for it and got it hack. His grandfather gave him the things atrhis death.-ilir Hughes at this point abjected to his client being made responsible for the acts of the High Bailiff in breaking into the house and seiz- ing the goods when he acted without instructions to that effect by the execution creditor and the Judge concurred, saying he would try the ownership of the goods as con- cerning the execution creditor and then try the case as against the High Bailiff.—In reply to Mr Hughes, claimant said he was now twenty-two years of age. His grandfather died about seven years ago. All he said was Keep the furniture." It was then at Pleasant Hill with his uncle and aunt. He was then living with his father- in-law, Thomas Evans. His mother took the furniture from Pleasant Hill. Last November took Blaenpant. The furniture had been in his father and mother's house for the past six years and he had never asked them to pay anything for them. He had been away for some L years.—Margaret Evans, claimant's mother, said she re- sided at Blaenpant and everything she had belonged to her son, Thomas Davies Evans. The bailiff took a cup- board, half drawers, linen press, a little round table, and dresser. There was also a fork and a shovel belonging to the landlord. The bailiff burst the door open. Her son had the furniture. She valued the goods at £4 10s or £ 5. The goods were bought at the distress sale by l'homas Jones's servant. He told her so himself. If she had bolted the door, could she not do what she liked with her own house ?—Asked if she did not expect visitors, she said that John Herbert told her about four or five in the morning he was coming. He only came on the door step md told her that he had a paper to sell the goods if she did not pay £ 2 14s. She asked him if he would not come into the house, but he declined as it was raining. [Laughter.)—Asked if Herbert and the furniture were not jld friends, he having levied before, she said levy had been made twice in ten years against her husband. Mr Tones was not there at the time of the levy. The bailiff, when he came to levy, asked her to open the door, but ihe refused to do it —Mr Hughes Will you be satisfied f I let you have the lot for £ 1?—Witness They were father's and mother's before they were married.—Mr Hughes: Will you give a sovereign for them?—Witness: [ cannot say without my lawyer.—Mr Hughes What do rou say, Mr Lloyd ?—Mr Lloyd I won't give. 11 for them. Laughter.)—Benjamin Davies, Blaencarrog, the land- ord, said he let the house to Thomas Davies Evans, who vent into it in December. The rent was X4, o be paid as he asked for it. He was told by drs Evans and others that John Herbert had been there ind though the year had still some threejquarters to run, ie sent a notice to the High liailiff saying there was t4 'ent due —Thomas Evans, the defendant, said the goods )elonged to his stepson.—Cross-examined John Herbert lad visited him many times, but had never levied upon I hose goods.—For the defence, Mr Hughes called John Herbert, who said he had been bailiff for nearly twelve rears and had been several times at Evans's house. Hp had levied on those goods before and sometimes Evans had paid. Until now he never said the goods now claimed did not belong to him. He levied properly and left the warrant at the house, but when he returned found the door locked. Had no special instructions from Thomas Jones but levied on the warrant obtained from the Court. -By Mr Lloyd The goods were worth about X3 and were sold for 12s 8d.-The Registrar said that money had been paid into Court.-The- Judge said the question for the jury was To whom did the goods belong ?" Claimant said his grandfather gave the furniture to him, but there should be some will or something giving it to him. His mother took the furniture and had possession of them ever since. The claimant never had possession of the furniture. Dealing w'th the landlord's claim, his Honour observed that theilandlord claimed £ 4, though £ 4 rent was not due, and a receipt for 10s rent was put in to show that the son was tenant. It seemed that an at- tempt was made to make out a case in favour of the son to prevent the goods being taken. As to the case against the High Bailiff, if a claimant did not take the proper steps to prevent sale by paying the money and a bailiff, having once entered, was entitled to forcible re-entty if the door was shut against hint.-The jury (who consisted of Messrs D. Tivy Jones, Samuel Davies Mile End Joseph Price, Gwarcoed Daniel Davies, cabinet maker and D. W. Jones) at once found that the furniture did not belong to the claimant, and the Judge said that was an end to the whole action. Rowland v. Davieg.-The case was called on in which D. W. E. Rowland, Garth, was plaintiff, and Evan Davies, Wenallt, Llangeitho, defendant, the claim being 11 10s on an I.O.U. Mr William Davies (Messrs Smith and Davies, Aberystwyth) appeared for plaintiff and Mr W. Hughes Jones for the defendant.-The case had been heard at the previous Court and his Honour again ad- journed it to the next Court, it being understood that the matter would then be re-heard, there having been a change of advocates in the meantime. Davies v. Davies.-John Davies, Tynywern. Llancrwys, sued John Davies, Esgercrwys,' for X20 10s damages for trespass by sheep and ponies.—Mr F. Lloyd appeared for plaintiff. Defendant did not appear and was not repre- sented. A jury was called consisting of Messrs Joseph Price, Gwarcoed Thomas Rees Edwards, Castelltigar Samuel Davies, College-street; T. L. Davies, Northgate and D. Watkin Jones, North-road.—Mr Lloyd, opening the case, said the trespass was of an extensive and aggravating character, and extended over a period of two years. Plaintiff gave defendant notice that he could suffer it no longer and that he would keep an account of all trespasses. He did so and had made notes of eighty- one days on which trespass had been committed or a total of some 200 trespasses. The sheep trespassed in nocks numbering eleven to fifty-one.—Plaintiff gave de- tails of the trespasses from February to May and said the defendant refused to come to fence. At least £ 20 10s dam- age had been done.—The Jury found for the amount claimed and judgment was entered accordingly. Davies v. Joiwa.—Mary Davies, wife of John Davies Llwyncwrt Farm, Llancrwys, sued Walter Jones and Mary Jones, his wife, Bell and Yew, for an assault alleged to be committed by Mary Jones, 5s being claimed as damages.—Mr Watkins, representing Mr Arthur Hughes, who had been called away to London on an important case, applied for an adjournment but Mr F. Lloyd said his client had all her witnesses present and would not consent.—Plaintiff said she and defendant lived on different sides of the road. On the 24th May, the defendant said plaintiff's children had been reared on robbery. Plaintiff asked what she had stolen and defendant replied, You have stolen many things from us altogether." Asked her to name some «f them. De- fendant told her to come over the way and she went to- wards defendant's house. Defendant then called her names and wound up by throwing a bucketful of dirty water into her face.—In cross-examination by Mr Watkins, plaintiff explained that the row was caused through children, but phintiff denied that she had set her children on to annoy defendant. She did not call defendant dirty names nor impute improper conduct to her. She had not teld defendant that she (defendant) had caused children belonging to her husband by his first wife to leave the country.—Margaret Davies, Cwmhowell, said she saw plaintiff wringing wet with her hat on the road.—Cross-examined Heard plaintiff ask defendant to say what had been stolen and defendant asked plaintiff to go away. Knew thatfplaintiff was wet to the skin be- cause she saw her changing. (Laughter.) Did not hear de- fendant asking plaintiff to go away or she would get more, but was not prepared to deny that it was said. Both were in a temper. Heard that there had been a row previously about fowls, but could not say whether that had any- thing to do with the present dispute.—Mary Ann Davies, ten years of age. who gave her evidence in Welsh and told the Judge she did not speak English in school, said the defendant said "The gipsies are walking to-day again." Mary Jones threw dirty water over her mother. Examined Mary Jones said the education witness's mother was given was to teach her and her sister to steal She asked, Where are the shawls with you to-day Had net been annoying Mary Jones for three years. Mary Jones had been calling her names, but she (witness) was a nice little girl and had not called back.—Mary Ann Jones, servant at Llwyncwrt, said she had thrown a drop of (water over her (witness's) mistress.—This was plain- tiff's case.—For the defendant, Mr Watkins said the defendant had been annoyed tor the past three years.— Mary Jones, the defendant, admitted throwing a little drop of water over plaintiff, but she was disturbed and called every name while in her own house by plaintiff and her children for the past three years. Had never gone up to Llwyncwrt to annoy plaintiff. She begged plaintiff to go away and leave her alone. She did not call plaintiff names, but wanted peace. Asked plaintiff twice to go away as she (defendant) wanted to go on with her work. Plaintiff, however, remained about the house for half-an-hour.—Mr Watkins asked if plaintiff was dressed in silks and satins on the occasion and the Judge said it would have been a £20 job if it was so.—Elizabeth Evans, Plough, Lampeter, a smart young woman, demurred to speaking English when his Honour asked if it was a disgrace to speak English in Wales and afterward said that people seemed to be quite ashamed of speaking English.—Mr Watkins said they were afraid of making mistakes.—The Judge said they could speak English as well as Mr Watkins. (Laughter.) '—Finding that witness was only going to speak to provocation, the Judge said that no amount of provocation justified an assault.—Mr Watkins said he had other witnesses to speak to provocation, but would not call them under the circumstances.—Addressing the jury, he contended that the plaintiff had only had a little pre- mature washing.—The Judge said it was practically an undefended case. No doubt children and fowls were con- stant sources of rows among neighbours, but people must live and let live and not take the law into their own hands. The jury should ask themselves what ought to be the damages if one of their wives had had a bucket of water thrown into their faces when Mr Watkins said his Honour should put it the other way—what would the wives of the jury do if they were constantly annoyed for three years. The jury found that an assault had been committed by Mrs Jones and awarded £1 damages.—Mr Lloyd contended that judgment should be given against the husband as well as the wife, but his Honour said the jury had found that the wife had committed the assault and he would enter that verdict.

PWLLHELI. FATAL ACCIDENT.—Mr John Owen, assistant in Mr Hugh Williams's drapery establishment, Shop Goch, was seized with cramp whilst bathing along with some com- panions on Friday afternoon last and was drowned. His companions did not notice anything the matter until, with the flight of time, they became a little anxious and found out too late what had happened. Deceased, who was only twenty-one years old. was a native of Dolgelley. An inquest was held by the coroner, Dr Hunter Hughes, when a verdict in accordance with the evidence was re- turned. The body was conveyed by four p.m. train on Saturday to Dolgelley for interment and was followed to the Station by a large concourse of people, and preceded by the Sunday School officers, teachers, and scholars from Salem Church, of which deceased was a regular member and attendant. OBITUARY.—Mrs Elizabeth Titterton, relict of Mr William Titterton of Portmadoc, and mother of Mr George Thomas Titterton, goods depot, Cambrian Rail- ways, Pwllheli, died in her 7:2nd year after a trying ill- ness at her daughter's residence, The Firs, Chipstead, Surrey, on June 2nd, in the presence of her sons, daughter, and a few friends. She was buried in the Chipstead Parish Churchyard on June 7th, IS!)!J. The Rev W. H. Woodnut, Wesleyan, of Reigate, and late of Carnarvon, officiated at the burial. This is an old Parish Church and was the very first occasion on which a Nonconformist minister had buried anyone there. Some of the simple-minded folk about were.astouisheci and quite concerned that such a thing should have hap- pened.

LOCAL LAW CASE. A CUSTOM OF SHEEP FARMING. In the Court of Appeal on Monday before Lords Justices A. L.. Smith, Righy, and Vaughan Williams, an appeal by Miss Simncr against ihe judgment of Mr Justice Wills after a hearing at Merioneth Assizes was heard. Mr Marshall, who appeared for the appellant, said the action was brought by a Welsh farmer, named Hugh Evans, who became the tenant of certain farms in IS03, which had since been purchased by the defendant, Miss Simner, a lady living at Westminster, to recover the sum of about £575 under he following circumstances. There was a clause in the lease that the tenancy between the plaintiff and the defendant could be terminated by six months' notice on either side, and that in such an event the incoming tenant, or, if the farms in question were not let, the landlady or landlord, as the case iright be, should purchase from the tenant all the sheep bred and usually grazed, by him upon the farm at a price to fixed by a valuer, and if there was a, dispute between the valuers appointed by the respective parties, then the matter was to be settled by an arbitrator. Miss Simner gave notice that she would terminate the tenancy on Lady-day, 1893, and Mr Evans gave notice that he should require her to purchase the sheep on the farm under the terms of the lease. The valuers met on March 18th, 189S, and valued the 460 sheep then on the farm at 25s a piece. Tne animals were branded and delivered over to Miss Simner's representative. It appeared that in the district sheep bred and grazed on a farm fetched, when sold to an incoming tenant, a better price than they would if sold in the market, because, knowing the place, they do not stray or require so much attention from the shepherd. Miss Simner wasJ;o!d the market price of a sheep was about 16s. or 17s, and she refused to pay. The farmer then brought this action, and the defence substantially was that many of the sheep sold were not sheep that had been bred on the farm, but recently bought, in order to obtain a higher price than the market value, and that the custom, if the valuers were entitled to give consideration to it at all, must be taken reasonably. The learned Judge held that the lady was bound to buy all the sheep, and that there was no evidence that the valuers had given undue weight to the custom when agreeing on the value of the sheep. There were two rams which had been bought, and these he held were not bred" on the farm and he struck them out of the claim, and also allowed as a set off quarter's rent and some other items, and in the result judgment was entered for the farmer "for £549. The lady appealed and &sked the Court to say that the market value of the sheep was the price which alone the valuers ought to have agreed upon and to reduce the amount recovered under the judgment by some £270. Lord Justice A. L. Smith—But the price to be paid was to be fixed by two independent valuers and they fixed it at 25s a head. Mr Marshall—Then alternatively we ask for a new trial because the learned Judge was wrong in permitting the valuations based on a fictitious value attached to the sheep by an alleged custom to stand. If the valuers were justified in taking the custom into consideration at all, they were only justified in doing so to a reasonable extent. After further argument, the Lords Justices having intimated they were against the appellant Mr M'Call addressed the Court. It was very hard, he said, that a lady living at Westminster should be made to pay some f200 more for sheep than they were worth in the market because the valuers chose to base their calculation on an alleged Welsh custom. Lord Justice Smith—What has] the fact that the lady lives at Westminster to do with it ? She can travel by train to Wales and is a Welsh landowner and those who live in Rome must do as Rome does. (Laughter.) Mr M Call replied he had no doubt the lady was fully aware that she was a Welsh landowner and regretted it. (Laughter.) However that might be, there was evidence that the farm would only maintain 400 sheep and he pressed for a new trial, because the lady had been compelled to buy 460 as bred and grazed on the farm. He thought there was ample evidence that sixty of these were sheep that were, so to speak, grazed out. Lord Justice A. L. Smith— We will hear the other side on this one point. Mr Abel Thomas having briefly explained the shepherd's evidence upon which Mr M'Call relied, ord Justice A. L. Smith said this was an appli- cation to enter judgment for the appellant or alter natively for a new trial. How on earth, having regard to the facts proved, counsel could argue that judgment should be entered for the defendant he could not conceive, and he would say nothing more about that part of the case.' Then it was said that there ought to be a new trial because the learned Judge hadjbeen in error and had improperly permitted a valuation of these sheep to stand which had been made on a basis of fictitious value given to them because they were sheep that had been bred and usually grazed on the farms. • There was no evidence that that was the case, and he thought the learned Judge was perfectly right and agreed with him that the plaintiff had made out his case. The other lords justices concurring, the appeal was dismissed with costs.

A fire broke out shortly after midnight on Thursday at Penally Abbey, the residence of Mr T. D. S. Cunningham, situated about two miles from Tenby. The soldiers from the barracks at Penally rendered valuable assistance in fighting the flames and removing the furniture, and the Tenby Fire Brigade arriving later were able to prevent the flames from spreading. One wing of the house, I however, was gutted, the damage being very con- siderable. An interesting parcel of old lace, &c., was sold on Friday at Messrs Knight, Frank, and Rutley's Con- duit-street Auction Galleries. A cap of point d'Angleterre sold for jC4 a Honiton applique flounce, nine and a half inches wide, eighteen guineas; a border and cuffs for a priest's alb in at Venetian point lace, nine guineas a Genoese cape, nine guineas another cape of old Venetian lace, fifteen and a half guineas and a Brussels flounce, six yards, fifteen guineas.

Xocal itni district. Mr Edward A. Tumour, mayor of Denbigh, died suddenly on Thursday week. PARTNERSHIP DISSOLVED,—Thomas Bassettunder the style of Hipkiss and Basset, at Aberystwyth and Aberdovey, architects and surveyors. Tiie Marquis of Londonderry K.G.,is gazetted to the honorary colonelcy of the 4th Durham Light Infantry (Militia). Sir Philip Manfield, formerly I. p for Northamp- ton, is very seriously ill at Llandudno, whither he went for his health .and whence he is too unwell to be removed. PERSONAL —The fund which is being raised as a testimonial to Mr W. R. Davies. Dolgelley, is going up by leaps and bounds. It is intended closing the fund in the last week of June. THE LATE MR ELLIS.—Arrangements are being made to write al English and a Welsh biographyof the late Mr T. E. Ellis. It is stated that Mr 0 M. Edwards, the member for Merioneth, will write the Welsh biography. SUMMER ASSIZES.—North and South Wales and Chester Circuit Mr Justice Bruce and Mr Justice Kennedy. Wednesday, July 5th, at Haverford- west; Monday, July lOdl, at Lampeter Wednes- day, July 12th, at Carmarthen; Monday, July 17th, at Brecon Wednesday, July 19th, at Presteign Thursday, July 27th, at Swansea. WELSH LAND QUESTION.—It is said that Loid Carrington has determined to raise the Welsh land question in the House of Lords. He will call atten- tion on Friday week to the subject of land tenure in Wales and Monmouthshire, and will ask whether it is the intention of the Government to initiate any legislation upon tne matter. It will be remembered, of course, that Lord Carrington was chairman of the Welsh Land Commission appointed by the last Government of Mr Gladstone. THE LATE COUNTESS ALICE KEARNEY.—At a meeting of the executive committee of the Women's Liberal Federation the following resolution with reference to the sudden death of Countess Alice Kearney was moved by Mrs Eva McLaren from the chair and carried unanimously That this com- mittee have heard with distress of the sudden and unexpected death,of Countess Alice Kearney. whose energy and constant zeal during the years she gave to political work did so much to advance the cause of Liberalism throughout the country." The members on both sides of the House who took part in the recent excursion to Ireland have addressed a letter of thanks to Lord Londonderry, as president of the Irish Tourist Association, for the facilities afforded them. Such materials." they observe, for health, recreation, and enjoy- ment, which this tour has proved to us that Ire- land possesses, have only to be more widely known to be highly appreciated, and we trust that they will prove in the near future a harvest of pros- perity for the Emerald Isle." The letter also warmly acknowledges the welcome which the party received at the hands of the people of the districts through which they passed, and expresses the hope that the sympathy which exists between the people of Great Britain and Ireland will eventually sub- merge all past difference and make of as one people." CONCESSIONS TO FRANCE. — MR PRITCHARD MORGAN'S CONTRACT INFRINGED.^—The French have obtained mining concessions in six districts of Sze Chuan, viz., in tluan Hsien, Chien-wei Hsien, Pei Yuan Hsien, Ho Chow Chi, Chang Hsien, and Tung Chai Ton. The concessionaries undertake to pro- vide ten million taels. It is stated that the Viceroy cf Sze Cnuen in granting these concessions is acting in accordance with instructions received from the Tsung-li-Yamen. It is also said that the French concessions, if ratified, will consti- tude a breach of the contract betwee '/¡J Sze Chuan Mining Bureau and Mr Pritv 6. d Morgan, which was recently approved by th i Throne and ratified by the Central Board of Mines. The affair will form the subject of a protest which will be made by Bax Ironside, the acting British. ch arge d'affaires. I> THE LITERARY POLICEMAN.—1 /'°Tudor Howell has been informed this week that Mr Balfour has granted a pension of f40 per annum out of the civil list fund to Charles Ashton, the ex-policeman. This action of Mr ^Balfour's will be generally approved. Ashton was a police- man in the Merionethshire force. During his spare time he turned his attention to literature, taught himself Latin and kindred subjects, and published many works of exceptional merit. He won numerous prizas at eisteddfodau, wrote an excellent history of Welsh literature, and is now engaged on a Welsh bibliography. He retired from the force some time ago, and this timely assistance and recognition of his worth 'from the Government should spur him on to pursue his work with in- creased zest. Printed and Published by J. Gibson, Cambriait News Office, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, Saturday, June 17th, 1899.

BARMOUTH. TRIPS rv STEAMER.—The steamer "Jubilee" runs trip= daily to Penmaenpool and is well patron- is d by visitors. NUKSE --Next Sunday collections will be made at all places of worship in the district towards the District Nurse Association. YACHTING.-La,t week the yacht owned by Mr Evans of Broom Hall, Pwllheli, arrived in the har- bour. She will cruise arcund the district for a short time, making Barmouth her headquarters. BUNGALOWS. — Lady Elizabeth Legge of Ross, Herefordshire, is building a bungalow on a site on Gorsllwynfawr Farm. The bungalow will stand on an elevated position commanding a fine view of Cardigan Bay. It is stated that several persons coutemplite following Lady Legge's example. VISITORS.—As expected, the tine weather has resulted in a large increase in the number of visitors. An old inhabitant says that he does not recollect ever seeing so many visitors in the early part ot June in tie town before. On Monday, although it was iaining in Dolgelley and Llwyngwril, the weather was glorious in Barmouth. CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR SOCIETY.-The weekly meeting of the Baptist Christian Endeavour Society was held last Thursday, the Rev. Dr. Arberth Evans presiding. Papers were read by Mr W. H. Roberts and Miss Griffiths, and an address on hypocrisy was given by the Rev Arberth Evans. The meeting was well attended. LAST SUNDAY'S PREACHERS.—At the English Congregational Chapel last Sunday the Rev D. L. Parker, Harrogate, preached to large congregations. The Rev J. Gwynoro Davies, pastor of Caersalem Chapel, officiated at Christ Church. The preachers at Caersalem Chapel were the Revs Thomas Owen, Portmadoc, and J. Wilson Roberts, Llanbedr. URBAN COUNCIL.—The Urban District Council met in committee on Tuesday afternoon under the presidency of the Rev J. Gwynoro Davies, the mayor, when the complaints with regard to the cartage of refuse and to the watering of the streets were considered. Some of the ratepayers say that the refuse is not carted from the town every morn- ing and that every street is not watered regularly. PREACHING MEETINGS.—Preaching meetings were held in connection with Egryn Calvinist Methodist Chapel last Thursday and Friday. The special preachers were the Rev Thomas Charles Williams, Menai Bridge, and the Rev Francis Jones, Abergele. Owing to the chapel being small, several' services were held in the open air. There were large con- gregations and the sermons given were eloquent and powerful. CONCERT.-Last (Thursday) evening a concert was held in the Assembly Rooms in aid of the funds of the Baptist Chapel. Amongst the artistes were Miss Bessie Jones (Telynores Gwalia), Liverpool, the noted harpist; Miss Wade, R.C.M., solo violinist, and Gutyn Eifion, the popular Welsh tenor. The Barmouth Choral Union and the Royal Male Voice Party also assisted. FISHING.-The fishermen and young men of the town are busily engaged at present catching fish. Some good hauls have been made. On Friday a large sized fish was hooked in the bay in front of the Marine-terrace. It was rumoured in the town that a shark had been caught and there was considerable excitement, but further enquiries showed that nothing more formidable than a dog fish had been landed. EXCHANGE OF PATRONS.—It was recently an- nounced in the London Gazette that Her Majesty the Queen had consented to the patronage of the parish of Llanaber, which includes Barmouth, being the gift of Mr. C. W. Dyson Perrins, formerly the patron of Painswick. The Lord Chancellor, who, up to the present, held the gift of the patronage of Llanaber, will now become the patron of Painswick parish. A RUMOUR.—It is stated that the London Com- pany who are negotiating for the purchase of the Royal Pier Pavilion and other places of amuse- ment and recreation at Aberystwyth, will later on turn their attention to Barmouth and other places on the Welsh coast. We learn that the intention of the company is to develop and make known the beauties of Welsh watering places, and thus counter- act the growing tendency amongst the holiday seekers to spend their holidays on the Continent. PICIC. -The first annual picnic of the trades- men, shopkeepers, with their wives and children, took place on Wednesday afternoon. The party, numbering between forty and fifty, left in brakes, supplied by Mr. D. E Davies, about half- past thrse, and arrived at Tynygroes about five. Several persons accompanied the party on their bicycles. Tea was partaken of on the grass. The party reached home about half past seven, having thoroughly enjoyed their outing. COUNTY SCHOOL FINANCES.—The financial posi- tion of the Intermediate School Governing Body has imp-oved wonderfully since the commencement of this year. On March 31st of last year there was due to the Treasurer on the general pccount the sum of £98 6s. lid., and later on the sum due increased to three ti-nes this sum. The balance- sheet recently submitted now shows that there was a balance in the hands of the Treasurer on March 31st of this year, of 7s. 4J. Subscriptions are also coming in thick and fast towards the new school buildings, and it is to be hop;d that they will be opened free of debt. EXPLOSION OF A STOVE.—About half-past eight on Sunday morning the gas stove at No. 2, Tai Issa Buildings, exploded. The windows of the room in which it was fixed were smashed and the furniture was also considerably damaged. Fortunately the occupants cf the house were not in the room, other- wise the results might have been serious. The ex- plosion was heard a mile off. People residing in the vicinity thought there was an earthquake. It is presumed that the stove exploded as the result of a leakage, the gas which escaped ultimately coming in contact with a light in the room. TENNIS CLUB FORMED.—A meeting was held on Wednesday evening week with the object of forming a tennis club in the town for the benefit of visitors more especially. Mr J. M. Edwards, B.A., pre- sided, and there was a good attendance. It was unanimously agreed to form a club and the follow- ing were elected on the executive committee :—The Rev J. Gwynoro Davies, Messrs J. M. Edwards, J. Thomas, D. E. Davies, T. A. Bull, Dr Lloyd, Mrs Williams, Police Station Miss S. Jones and Miss Cassie Jones, Lion Hotel; Miss Williams, Glan- trah Miss Owen, Gwendolen Miss L. A. Ellis, and Miss Pritchard, Board School. Mr J. M. Edwards was appointed captain, and Miss Evans the Cliffe, Miss Evans, 11, Porkington-terrace, and Miss Winchester, Marine Mansions, were appointed vice-captains Mrs Gwynoro Davies, treasurer, and Mr John Jones, Brynteg, secretary, It is proposed converting a portion of the Recreation Ground into a tennis court. A meeting will be held next week to make arrangements as to tournaments. SPORTS.-The subscribers to and members of the Sports Society met last week and unanimously re- solved to continue the sports this year, and further agreed to add to the events horse jumping and horse trotting competitions, with the view of making the festival more attractive. It was also decided to offer a ten-guinea challenge cup as a prize in the one mile bicycle race. The sports will be held on August Bank Holiday (Monday) and granted fine weather the festival will be even a greater success than has been the case in previous years. The committee are deserving of support and patronage, having regard to their efforts to add to the attrac- tiveness of the festival. Lord Henry Vane Tempest has consented to act as president, and the other officers are-: Vice-president, Major Best; chairman of executive committee, Mr Edmund BucKley vice- chairmen, Mr Ellis Wilkin and Mr W. W. Morris treasurer, Mr D. E. Davies secretary, Mr John Jones, Brynteg. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL MANAGERS.—The ordi- nary meeting of the Managers, postponed from Monday, was held last Thursday, when there were present, Mr. W. J. Morris, chairman; Alderman Lewis Lewis, vice-chairman; Messrs. John Davies and Hugh Evans, Mrs. J. Gwynoro Davies, the Rev. Z. Mather, Major Corder, Messrs. John Lloyd, clerk, and E. D. Jones, head-master. Considerable time was spent in verifying the minutes of previous meetings with regard to the new buildings. It was .) tha.* the Buildiner Committee should make õ' -_n_ arrangements to lay the memorial stones of the new buildings in the last fortnight in July. The head-master was deputed to make the necessary arrangements for the conduct of the entrance scholarship examination in July. Pupils from the elementary schools of the following places are qualified to compete for scholarships:—Bontddu, Arthog, Barmouth, Dyffryn, Llanbedr, Harlech, Talarnau. The Managers resolved to advertise for a junior mistress, to commence duties next term. Votes of confidence were passed with Mr. Thomas Lewis, Arthog, a governor, whose wife recently died, and with Mr. Evan Thomas, Hafodybryn, Llanbedr, who has met with a similar misfortune.