The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

We publish to-day additional information respecting the Educational Conference which is shortly to be held at Aberystwyth. The subject is one of so much importance that we hope to see a very large attendance at the Con- ference. Noth'ng, indeed, can affect the welfare of a nation more than the question of education, and it becomes the people of Wales to take an active part in the present movement. We are glad to find that the Conference does not meet pledged in any way by its programme to the principles of any particular league or union. The result at which it arrives will have additional weight from the desire to be impartial which characterizes its promoters. The important subject of the University College is to come on for consideration on the second day of meeting. The proceedings at the Cardiganshire Quarter Sessions revealed a disgraceful state of affairs at the county gaol. The governor had drunk himself imbecile, and the public money had been dealt with in the most reckless manner. The governor was summarily dismissed. The Court resolved to make an alteration which was much needed. They met at eleven, but a rule of Court prevented them from proceeding to business till one. The time of meeting has been altered, but could not the rule be abolished ? Placards were issued announcing that CoL TOTTENHAM and Mr WHALLEY (!) would address a meeting at Bala to-day, but they have been withdrawn. Was it a hoax? We imagine so, for the hon. member for Peter- borough, full of vagaries as his life has been, would hardly support a conservative candidate for Merionethshire. Perhaps Mr WHALLEY has special means of information, but we have heard nothing of the movements of the Jesuits in Merionethshire. We fancy the London Standard is nearer the truth, as to Col. TOTTENHAM'S addresses. It says-" The Conservatives are putting forth very strong efforts to win back the county, and a close contest is anti- cipated. At the meeting of the party at which Col. TOTTENHAM was solicited to stand in the conservative in- terest, nearly 22,000 was subscribed towards meeting his expenses, Lieut.-CoL ROMER heading the list with 28W, and Sir WATKIN WILLIAMS WYNN subscribing 2500. Mr SAMUEL HOLLAND, the liberal candidate, is addressing the electors in the several polling districts this week, but, in accordance with the precedent of previous contests, the conservative candidate will reserve his maiden speech for the hustings." We have encouraging reports from different parts of Merionethshire as to Mr HOLLAND'S prospects. Indeed, the progress of that gentleman's canvass up to the present time leaves Colonel TOTTENHAM no chance of success, and his retirement, we believe, may be confidently expected, as the conservatives are hardly likely to spend money merely for the sake of fighting a battle which can only end in disastrous defeat. Mr PRICE, of Rhiwlas, has behaved in a way which entitles him to the respect and gratitude of the Principality, because he has done what must be a very difficult thing, in declaring, not only that he will allow, but that he will encourage his tenants to vote according to their convictions. We were going to say that there is no chance for the conservatives in Wales when landlords act like this, but we are inclined to think, on the contrary, that a few conservative landowners imitating Mr PRICE'S example might really do harm to the liberal cause, by removing one of tne greatest incitements to political enthusiasm, the struggle for freedom But it is extremely gratifying to find a great landlord like Mr PRICE acting in this way. Since the foregoing lines were written, we have seen copies of letters received from Mr BANKES (conservative) and Mr SODEN (liberal), both of whom, in the most honourable way, leave their tenants perfectly unfettered by persuasion and threats, and evi- dently wish them to vote conscientiously. One of the Welsh papers is distinguishing itself by ob- structing, instead of assisting, the cause which it professes to serve. Before Mr HOLLAND came forward, our con- temporary advocated the claims of Mr MORGAN LLOYD, and now, not even the public interest can reconcile it to the candidature of the former gentleman. Mr HOLLAND has been chosen by men who have long laboured in the cause of liberalism, and but for whom a conservative would most certainly be still sitting for Merionethshire; but this, it seems, is not enough to prevent our contem- porary, at such a time as the present, when every true liberal seeks to sink all differences, from attacking those gentlemen for the wise and patriotic course which they have pursued. The Herald Cymraeg, which is the paper we refer to, ought to have preferred the interests of liberalism to its own personal leanings, and should have had the wit to discover, in the first place that Mr HOLLAND is the candidate most likely to unite all parties, and in the second place that, whether he is or not, now is the wrong time to find fault with arrangements which the Herald itself no doubt confesses to be unalterable. The unanimity which exists in support of Mr HOLLAND is another proof of the error which our contemporary has committed. We may add that Mr MORGAN LLOYD, on whose behalf the Herald has been making itself ridiculous, has issued an address in which he announces his intention of supporting Mr HOLLAND, and has addressed meetings on that gentleman's behalf. Some of the conservatives are resorting to the old tactics of misrepresentation. Mr HOLLAND is said to be anything which they think will suit their purpose, without the slightest regard to the comparatively unimportant ques- tion whether the assertion- is true. Thus he is called an Irishman. This is very funny, because Col. TOTTENHAM, we believe, is one of our Irish fellow subjects. He is none the worse for that, and we should be sorry to think that any Merionethshire liberal would be less willing to vote for Mr HOLLAND if he were an Irishman. He is not, however, but a Welshman," and there is no doubt that, other things being equal, Welshmen are quite right in pre- ferring one of their own people to represent them.

HOLLAND OR TOTTENHAM? This day week, if the conservative candidate goes to the poll, the electors of Merioneth will have to decide who shall represent them in Parliament, Mr HOLLAND or Cot TOTTENHAM. If there were no disturbing "influences" the question would be absurd indeed would never be asked but as it has been asked, our readers will do well to take care that the answer is a most decided one. It will hardly be enough simply to beat the colonel: he ought to be beaten so thoroughly that no one will ever dare to take the field again. This is a matter of consider- able importance. A contested election, especially under present circumstances, produces so many undesirable results, that it will be a great point gained to make one impossible for the future; and the way to do this is to look upon every single vote as if the result of the election depended upon it, and to give Mr HOLLAND an overwhelm- ing majority. Mr HOLLAND'S prospects are excellent. From various districts we have good news, and the liberals appear to be conscious of the importance of the struggle which is before them. But the conservatives, on the other hand, are straining every nerve to reverse the result of the last election, which was gall and wormwood to them. Many of them, we know, will only resort to honourable means of accomplishing their ends, using those mears, howevtr, with a vigonv and ;l'sVer:le which it wili require all 'be slreu^ih and enthusis/aa (ji the liberals to resist; but some, we are afraid, may attempt to urge or cajole the electors to vote against their convictions. The electors, we should think, have learnt by this time the disgrace of giving in to any such argu- ments as those of self-interest or terrorism, and the recent establishment of the Evictions Fund will encourage all tenants to vote fearlessly, because they know tbey will be protected from loss. Of the misrepresentations which have been resorted to we shall say nothing, because Mr HOLLAND is too well known in the county to suffer from them. The best advice we can give is short and simple- believe nothing the conservatives say of Mr HOLLAND. Some wilfully misrepresent him, and others, believing those misrepresentations, repeat them. We should not be in the least desrres surprised to hear that he wears a tail. and that a highly respectable conservative has, with his own eyes, seen Mr HOLLAND taking his boots off-a cloven foot! Such tales would be quite as true as those which are already circulated. The simple truth is this, that Mr HOLLAND, one of the most estimable of the gentlemen of Merionethshire—a man who has always been ready to help the good works in which Welshmen delight, and whose sympathies are with the people of Wales-offeis, from patriotic motives, to go to Parliament to supporc those great principles of religious and political liberty, and progress, and enlightenment, to which almost the whole constituency is devoted; and that Colonel TOT- TENHAM, on the other hand, asks the electors to choose him, in order that he may do all he can to oppose and to thwart their most cherished convictions. To give only one instance, if any question of religious equality arises, Colonel TOTTENHAM will be bound, by his own opinions and his party ties, to prefer the interests of the Church of England to those of Nonconformists, however unjust such a preference may be to the great majority of his constituents. The gallant colonel himself would not deny this. If any man is simple enough to believe that he would, let him question ard cross question the colonel, and the result will inevitably bear out our asser- tion. The universities will never be free to the nation, and all denominations will never be placed on a perfect equality, as long as men like Colonel TOTTENHAM have their way. And we have only touched upon one point: the same might be said about political liberty and political equality. Col. TOTTENHAM, rightly or wrongly, thinks it best for the nation to oppose reforms and to main- tain the ancient land marks; Mr HOLLAND, on the other hand, thinks a wise progress the best policy. Which shall it be Liberty, or the preference of creed over creed and class over class ? Progress or obstruction? We look for a triumphant reply next Saturday.

MERIONETHSHIRE ELECTION. The writ for the Merionethshire election has been re- ceived. The nomination is to take place at Harlech next Wednesday, the 12th inst., when special cheap train arrangements will be made, we believe, on the Cambrian Railway; and the polling the following Saturday, the 15th inst. BANKRUPTS. -Thellfollowin, announcements appear in the Gazette:-Mi-d-ley Samuel, Aberystwyth, jeweller; Jones, John Charles, Newtown, Montgomeryshire, wine merchant; Griffiths, Piyce, Welshpool, Montgomeryshiie, draper: Holloway, William, Crewe, licensed victualler; Ginison, George, Neen Savage, Shropshire, paper maker; Mason, Edwin, Crewe, greengrocer. IMPORTANT TO THE YEOMANRY. —Under the new Revenue Act, all members of a Yeomanry or mounted Volunteer re- giment, except the commandant, whether they have been out on permanent duty this year or not, must at once take out licences in the same manner as other persons, and they will not be entitled to claim exemption until the 31st of December, when they may receive back the prepaid tax, on'proof that during the year they have performed with the corps the requisite amount of duty. SINGULAR HAIL AND THUNDER STORM.—On Tuesday the passengers by the 10.30 a.m. train from Oswestry, along the Cambrian line, were rather astonished to find the country lying between the Arddleen and Buttington stations, completely covered with extraordinary large hail stones. Upon inquiry, we ascertained that the storm was accompanied with lightning and thunder, and did not last more than half-an-hour. Looking from Buttington sta- tion the Breidden and surrounding country presented a literally white surface, while the adjacent mountain, Moel-y-golfa, and the country lying in the direction of Welshpool, presented their ordinary appearance.

MALLWYD. RENT AUDIT.—On the 29th ult., the rents of tenants on the Peniarth estate were received at the Peniarh Arms Hotel, by Mr E. Rowlands. The tenr,nt*y were treated to a substantial repast, got up f/i usual in Mr and Mrs Harris's excellent style. Grace having been said by Mr H. Jones, Dygoed, and the cloth removed, the chairman, Mr E. Rowlands, gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, reminding them that as her Majesty patronised the Welsh flannel?, the Welsh wool stood a ,etter chance of fetching higher prices. The toasts were suitably received.-M- H. Jones next proposed the health of theit landlox, and regretted to say he was unwell at present. The toast was well received, all wishing their kind landlord a speedy recovery. Mr H. Jones then proposed the health of W. R. M. Wynne, Esq.; drunki with musical honours.—The vice-chairman, Mr S. Morris, proposed the health of O. S. Wynne, Esq., who was expected to be present on that occasion.—The Chairman returned thanks on behalf of the landlord and his sons, stating it would afford him great pleasure to report of the cordiil manner in which the different toasts had been proposed and received.—Mr Morris then proposed the health of the Cba;rman, whose business-like manner of transacting the affairs of tne day had given them great satisfaction.—Mr Rowlands thanked them for their good wishes, and took that opportunity to compliment the tenants on their punctual payments; and wished them the compliments of the season.—The Chairman next proposed the health of the worthy host and hostess in the most flattering terms, and wished they would continue to secure the patronage and suc- cess they so well merited.—Mr Harris replied that it would be his anxiety to make all who came there comfort- able. He begged to thank them all for the hearty manner in which they endorsed the pleasing expressions that the chairman uttered.—The Chairman then proposed the health of the friends and strangers who were present, viz., Mr Morris, Ellesmere, and Mr Hunt, Minllyn.—These gentlemen thanked the company for the gratifying manner in which their health had been proposed and received.— The health of Mr H. Jones, Dygoed, was next drunk amid much cheering. Several songs were given.—The company separated at an early hour.

ABERDOVEY. BENEFIT SOCIETY.—On New Year's-day the 40th anni- versary of this benefit society was held. The members met at the Royal Raven Hotel at 11 a. m., and marched to the Wesleyan Chapel, headed by the Corris brass band, and carrying banners, flags, &c., with appropriate devices inscribed thereon. Each member wore a scarf, and carried a staff. At the chapel an address was delivered by John Pughe, Esq., his subject being Brotherly Love," after which they perambulated the town, and walked to the hotel, where a most excellent repast was served np by the landlord, Mr Parry, assisted by Mrs and Miss Evans. 154 sat down, Dr Pugh presided. Several honorary members also favoured the company with their presence at dinner. It appears that the society is in a flourishing condition, although a good amount has been paid out for sickness. AMATEUR CONCEBT.—A grand amateur concert was held at the Market-hall, on Tuesday, January 4th, J.H. Jones, Esq., in the chair. A very large and respectable audience was present. The following programme was creditably performed. Glee—" Y Ffrwd," Aberdovey Glee Party Duet—" Is it thus we Meet again," Miss J. Lewis, Mr R. Rees Song-" Tiie Bandit," Mr H. F. Owen Glee—" Gwenau y Gwanwyn," Aberdovey Glee Party Song—"Cymru Wen," Mr D. Hughes Song—" Pretty Robin Goch [encored] Mr M. Rowlands Song—" I cannot Sing the old Songs," Miss Lewis Chorus—" Railroad," Aberdovey Glee Party Song—" Our Captain's last Words," Mr R. Rees Glee-" Y Gwanwyn," Aberdovey Glee Party Song—"Y Screw,"[encored] Alaw Clwyd Glee—" Gorymdaith y Milwr." Aberdovey Glee Party song—" The Old Arm Chair,' Miss Evans Song and Chorus—" Yr Amser gynt," icncored] Mr Williams Duet—" Sol-Fa Lesson," Messrs Owen and Rees Solo—" Willo' the Wisp,"[encored] Mr D. Hughes Song and Chorus—"Maer adar yn canu Cymraeg,Mr M. Rowlands, &c. Song-" The Murmur of the Shell," Alaw Clwyd Glee-" Call John," [encored] .Aberdovey Glee Party Song-" John Brown," [encored] Mr H. F. Owen Glee-" Seren unig," Aberdovey Glee Party Song-" Taw pia hi boys, "[encored] Mr Rees Finale-" The Welsh National Anthem."

LLANDRILLO. TREAT TO THE CHURCH CHOIR.—The members of this choir were entertained to a sumptuous dinner at the Schoolroom on Tuesday evening, the 30th ult., by their much respected vicar, the Rev. John Wynne, B.A. The dinner being over, the health of the Rev. J. Wynne was proposed by the Rev. John Owen, curate, and drunk with applause. Then followed a song by Mr Evan Jones, and afterwards the health of the Rev. J. Owen was proposed by Mr D. L. Evans, and drunk with cheers. Song by Messrs Evan Jones, David Davies, Edward Roberts, and Robert Owen. The healths of Messrs W. T. Evans and Owen Roberts-the former being the leader of the choir, and the latter of whom presided at the harmonium-were similarly honoured. Mr Owen Williams next proposed the health of Mr and Mrs Hughes, Drovers' Arms, who had provided the excellent dinner, and also of Miss Hughes. The evening was merrily spent, the National Anthem being sung as a finale, and all left highly pleased with their en- tertainment.

PENNAL. TEMPERANCE SAVINGS CLUB.—The annual distribution 0 of the funds of this useful society took place at the School- room on Christmas morning, by C. F. Thruston, Esq., Talgarth Hall, the president. The members for the last year numbered sixty, and the amount of their deposits varied from 6s. to 23 10s. Mr Thruston kindly gave a shilling bonus upon every pound deposited. SEASONABLE BENEVOLENCE.—Mrs Thruston, Talgarth Hall, with her usual liberality has distributed bed clothes and all kinds of wearing apparel to thirty of the most deserving poor of the place. Miss Davies, Penmaen Dovey, also shewed her well-known benevolence by dis- tributing a good quantity of coals to the poor of the neigh- bourhood. SCHOOL AND CHOIR TREAT.—On January 3rd, the Rev. Charles Price, M.A., the Incumbent of Pennal, treated the school children, numbering ninety, to an excellent tea with plum cake. The schoolroom was decorated with holly and evergreens for the occasion. The children were attended upon by Mr and Mrs Price, Misses Thruston, Misses Anwyl, Llugwy, Mr Rowlands, &c. After doing ample justice to the good things, the children sang some school tunes and recited some dialogues and pieces of poetry, and after thanking Mr Price for the treat, separated highly pleased. In the evening of the same day Mr Price treatei the church choir to an excellent supper. The evening, up to a late hour, was spent in singing, &c. Miss Anwyl presided at the harmonium. All separated highly pleased with the entertainment.

LL ANFIH AN GEL-Y-PENNANT. SHEPHERDS' DINNER.—On New Year's Day, the shep- herds employed on mountains belonging to W. W. E. Wynne, Esq., T. Scott, Esq., Peniarth-Uchaf, and Edward Griffith, Esq., Plas Newydd, near Denbigh, were treated by order of W. R. M. Wynne, Esq., to a sub- stantial dinner at the Peniarth Arms, LlanfihangeL Mr R. Morris Jones, of Glan Machlas, occupied the chair, and was faced by Mr Thomas Coles, head keeper on the Peniarth estate. The chairman, in proposing the health of the worthy donor, explained to the company that the treat was given in acknowledgment of services rendered by them for the preservation of grouse in their respective districts, during the past year, and sincerely trusted that they would unflinchingly do their utmost in keeping all trespassers away, and in preserving the eggs. Mr Coles endorsed all the chairman had said, and intimated that it would afford no little pleasure to Mr W. R. M. Wynne to treat them in the same manner next year. The chairman next proposed The Shepherds," which was responded to by one of the men, who assured Mr Coles, that he and his friends would endeavour to the best of their ability to pre- serve the grouse on these mountains, not only for the liberality of Mr Wynne, but for the high estimation in which he and his revered father and brother were held by them. Several toasts and songs followed, and after thanking Mr and Mrs Ferns for their excellent cater- ing, the National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close.

TOWYN. BURIAL OF THE DEAD.—The following notice has been sent to the churchwardens of Towyn by the Secretary of State:—" That burials shall be discontinued in Towyn churchyard, with the following modification, viz., after the 31st of May, 1870, except for the parishioners of Towyn (excluding the ecclesiastical district of Aberdovey), and for the interment of the widowers, widows, parents, brothers, and sisters of those already interred in that churchyard." NATIONAL SCHOOL TREAT.—On Thursday, the 30th ult., the annual treat of tea, cake, &c., was given by Mrs Gibbons, Bron-y-Prys, to the church day and Sunday school children of this town. Hitherto it nas been given by her in summer to afford an opportunity for the children to enjoy themselves at their innocent little games in the open air. This year Christmas-tide was chosen as the time, and the National Schoolroom as the place for giving this treat. Though the day was very wet, not one of the little cnes failed to be present punctually at the hour appointed; ?nd after singing grace upwards of a hundred children were served with abundance of good tea and wholesome currant cake. After tea all enjoyed them- selves at various little games in the spacious schoolroom, which was very tastefully decorated by the master for the occasion, and several pretty little songs were nicely sung by them in the course of the evening. Before parting each child was presented with a New Year's gift from a Christ- mas tree, which was prepared by Mrs Carnegie and Miss Gibbons, Bron-y-Prys, for the occasion. Its branches were loaded with fruit, and being lighted up by about eight dozen tapers, the tree presented a very gay appearance. It will, no doubt, be long remembered by the children with delight. Having given three cheers to the Bron-y- Prys family, and after singing the National Anthem, the little ones went home, evidently much delighted.

n_- NvRTH WALES TONIC SOL-FA UNION. We now complete O,'l' repoiu of llrs co-jTerence, com- msi'ced last, week. On Friday, the SIst uK., conferences open to r1' the members of the union and others were held in the 1 :<r^e room, at the back of the Calviaistic Methodist; Cnapel, at ten a m. and two p.m. The first meeting was opened by devotional services conducted by the Rev. J. Peter. An able and interesting paper was read by the rev. J. Robert (Ieaan Gwyllt) on "Tùe North Wales Topic _Sol-fp, Union, its nature and objects." The term un-on included variety p,nd uuitv. A ^reat and charming variety in unity was to be seen in nature-as witnessed by the sea, the mountain, the rock, the river, the body, the soul, the family, and society. Here they had formed a union for teaching music, and the Tonic Sol-fa system was the best adapted for the Welsh nation. This union was not like that which existed be- tween the slaveholder and the slave, the king and his subjects, or the master and his servant; but it was a union resulting from freedom of will and choice. He spurned the idea put out by some that joining the union was compulsory and that they taxed the TonicSol-fa members of the neighbourhood. Most of the supporters of this movement worked hard without any view to remunera- tion beyond benefiting their countrymen. The chief object of the union was to get the Welsh nation to sing, and in addition to that, to enjoy singing; to fill the country with classes for teach- ing music, and to exercise their eyes as well as the tongue and ears; and also to teach children and the young people the art of reading music. In order to attain this throughout the country it would be necessary to have a degree of sameness in the ele- mentary classes,in the method of conveying the instruction,and a supply of good exercises at a low price. The union might establish examiners, form examinations, and grant certificates, &c., of its own in order to raise and encourage able teachers. The Plaistow Tonic Sol-fa College, being so far away, could not be the only or principal institution for people l'ving in Wales. Still the union might be carried out in connection with that college, and acknowledge it as the chief ToDic Sol-fa College of the world. It would be well to provide qua. ,erly and annual festivals for the benefit of the classes, the former for personal and local ad- vantages-some people could not find tirre or means to attend the annual gatherings-and the latter would be made more effec- tive by means of the former. The quarterly meeting might be adapted for counties-for the benefit of the many-with plain and simple pieces for the sake of children and beginners. In the annual festivals prizes might be granted, and one large choir formed out of the whole. The speaker then recounted the ob- jections which were made to the Tonic Sol-fa system, and against learning music-the obstacles and disadvantages waich the members of the union would have to contend with, &c.; and while he disposed of these in a satisfactory manner he impressed upon all present that they had a great worn to do; it was neces- sary to collect and concentrate eyery talent and influence within their reach, for all the system was most easy and simple, to raise the character of music and its enjoyment. (Cheers.) This paper was spoken to by the Rev. Michael Jones, Flint, Rev. J. Peter, Bala, Rev. L. Edwards, D.D., Bala, Rev. J. Jones, Rhydymaen, Messrs R. H. Pritchard, Bala, J. Owen, Rhyl, Jones, Corris, and J. D. Jones, Cemaes, Anglesea. Upon the motion of the Rev. J. Peter, seconded by Dr Edwards, it was resolved, "That the thanks ef the meeting be given to Mr Roberts for his able paper, and that it be printed and circu- lated." It was further resolved-" That a message be sent to the various religious denominations of North Wales, asking for their support to the Tonic Sol-fa movement." Another conference was held in the afternoon, when the Rev. J. Roberts presided. Mr Joseph Owen, Rhyl, read a vigorous and forcible paper upon The Class: Its Formation and InstrucLion;" divided as follows:—"1. That there be a public meeting, with the minister presiding; relate facts, receive names, &c. 2. Meeting of the class, form rules, election of officeri, to address the class (ex- ceptional), how to be conducted, that the teacher be paid, a register of members kept, payment, discipline, punctuality, obedience, &c. S. Lessons and their subjects, to aim at the principles of music, certificates, to sing four voices, pay atten- tion to sound, time, and accent; that the lessons be adapted to the intellectual abilities, attainments, and understanding of the classes; great care necessary in the elementary parts, that a course should contain twenty-six lessons, and end by a public meeting to review the whole." This paper was spoken to by Mr Jones, Corris, the Revs. M. Jones, Fiint, J. Jones, Rhydymaen, Dr Edwards, Bala, and the President. The next paper was by the Rev. J. Jones, Rhydymaen, on The Effects of the Tonic Sol-fa on Congregational Singing," to the following purposeOne of the most pleasing aspects of the tonic sol-fa is, that from the commencement it has been conse- crated to the service of religion and morality. Those who have exerted themselves in congregational music had felt the need of some system that would bring the people individually and generally to a knowledge of music, and thus relieve the pre- centor of a heavy burden. One good result would be a supply of precentors whereby the selfish and illiberal spirit too often wit- nessed, and which was to some degree encouraged by the old system, would be chased away. Another result would be a more accurate intonation and learning of congregational tunes. Again, a more perfect taste would be acquired with equalisation of voices. thereby enabling people to enter more naturally and completely into the spirit of the psalmody. When the time came that organs or other instruments were introduced into chapels, they would have to look to the tonic sol-faists for a supply of organists. All these results would be obtained more quickly and more effectually by means of the new than the old notation, and the speaker hoped to live to see the day when the Welsh people, as a nation, would be tonic sol-faist*. (Cheers.) This paper was spoken to by Messrs R. H. Pritchard, Bala, J. D. Jones, Cemaes, the Revs. Thomas Jones (missionary), Evan Peters, Talybont. and Dr Edwards. Votes of thanks were passed to Messrs Owen and Jones, and it was resolved to have their papers printed. At six in the evening a congregational singing meeting was held at Tegid Chapel; the Rev. L. Edwards, D.D., presided. The following congregational tunes and pieces were sung:—" Win- chester," R'wyf yn dechreu teimlo eisoes," &c.; Mor wedd- aidd ar y mynyddoedd," &c.; Berlin," Cydganwn ag angelion glan," &c.; Ty fy nhad," "Hallelujah Chorus," a tonic sol-fa tune (special), not seen before, was sung off at first sight by the sol-faists in an excellent manner, to the surprise of the hearers. Bethesda was also sung. Upon the motion of Mr Joseph Owen, Rhyl, seconded by the Rev. J. Jones, Rhydymaen, a unanimous vote of thanks was passed to the Rev. J. Roberts (Ieuan Gwyllt), for the great and valuable services rendered by him to the Welsh nation in con- nection with music. Addresses were delivered during the meeting by the Revs. J. Roberts, J. Jones, E. Peters, T. Jones, Dr Edwards, Messrs J. D. Jones, J. Owen, and Jones, Corris. The evening meeting was well attended, and the singing very good, indicating that much pains had been taken with the tonic sol-fa classes, and the singers and teachers were complimented thereon by Mr Roberts.

CLEANSING OF RIVERS. SIR,-I find in your last issue another letter from the pen of S. T., junior, M.C.E., &c., &c., commenting upon my letter which appeared in the Times of the 26th ult., on the above subject. His style of writing this time is truly bombastic. I hold, although hi3 letter is formidable, taking it for its length, that he has not satisfactorily rebutted any of the arguments I made use of, to prove that this town is not so dependent upon the mines as S. T. would have the public to understand. His vague asser- tions can never do away with the evidence of Mr Whalley, g'ven on oath before the Comirissioners, respecting the system of filtration accomplished at the Pantmawr mines, and besides, we can point to as scientific a person in this neighbourhood as S. T. himself, viz., Mr Graham Williams of Gloucester Hall, who is a warm advocate of the process of filtration. Mr Williams will, I believe, tell us that by erecting a certain number of slime pits to hold the water on its course from the mine, it will be effectively purified, so as not to poison the rivers when reached. Your readers will remember that I laid down two special arguments with a view of doing away with the idea that Aberystwyth benefited more from the mines than the visitors and agri- culturists of the country around, viz., that all our trades- people have lost the custom of the miners, owing to hosts of persons, dealing in almost every article'of goods, having sprung up on the mines and their vicinities, who get their goods direct from England, in order to enable them to sell with more profit than if they had purchased the same of the shopkeepers of this town. And the other argument was whether, in the depth of winter, when all the mines in the neighbourhood were flourishing, having sufficient water to work their wheels or during the summer months, when this town is thronged with visitors and the mines all at a stand, the tradesmen of this place are doing the best trade. My friend has not thought it proper to touch upon those vital points. And why! Because they are facts staring him in the face, and unanswerable But, he asks, Who are the visitors that come to Aber- ystwyth are.there any mining parties amongst them, with their families, friends, and relatives ? We may safely say I yes.' And who keeps the agriculturists around but the miners ?" Well this is again an unparalleled assumption on the part of my friend it is all nonsense. Why Aber- ystwyth would never realize a sufficient sum to provide meat for the cats of the place if it depended upon the mining families that are visiting the place. Mining families indeed They come to us, comparing their num- ber with other visitors, in proportion of a grain to the universe, or a drop to the ocean. Does my friend think that the few mining engineers, having the dashing M. C. E. appended to their names like himself, who dine on a market day at a few of our hotels, are the making of the town ? Because he tells us that of thirteen who dined one day at a certain hotel twelve of them belonged to the same profession as himself, and the remaining one was the land- lord of the house. Was it there, while arguing the scheme of purifying the rivers, having the assistance and support of the other eleven mining engineers, where they would count twelve to one on a division on the subject, and while doing justice to the champagne after the boiled beef, that my friend so humorously penned his letter ? I say again, if all the miners employed in the district, together with their captains and engineers, were to dine in town ever market- day all the year round, besides making small purchases of articles which could not be had of their shopkeepers at the mines, they would not after all bring in cash to this town much more than three or four thousand pounds. I again challenge my friend to prove that a sum exceeding that amount is spent in this town by the mines and miners. Where does the money that he dreams of come from ? And in what way ? It is certainly not the town of Aber- ystwyth that is reaping the benefit of the mines, but the villages and districts around them. After all it is far from my intention to ignore the mines. Of course the town is, and should be, very thankful for the little good it derives from the mining operations in the several neighbourhoods, but what should be made known is the fact that the town depends more upon the visitors and the agriculturists around than upon the mines, after the opening of so many shops of all descriptions at the mines or in the neigh- bourhood.—Yours, &c., Aberystwyth, Jan. 5,1870. AN OBSERVER. [This correspondence cannot be allowed to continue un- less some fresh facts or arguments have to be brought forward. Our correspondents must take a little more care too, to avoid personalities. —ED.]

Readers of newspapers and magazines whose memory extends back for thirty or forty years can hardly have forgotten the name of Mr Doudney, the Lombard-street tailor and woollen-draper, whose death has been lately announced. Mr Doudney was one of the earliest traders who systematically advertised on a very extensive and costly scale in such channels. From the fact that his appeals for public patronage were, if we remember rightly, invariably headed with the words "Reform your Tailors' Bills," we suppose that he began his system somewhere about the penod of the old Reform excitement, 1830-32. Some inventive faculty may be inferred in a man who perceived that expenditure so bold would be remunerative and certainly less courage was required in the numerous imitators who have since followed in his footsteps. That Mr Doudney however made no mistake in his calculations may be inferred from the fact that although he left busi- ness rather early in life, he appears from his will to have been a wealthy man.—PublisMra' Circular,

IDittyn JVoft dh. The RoypJ Society, at their Jast meeting elected Lord Napier of Mp.^dala a Fellow of the society. A canonry residentiary in Llandaff Cathedral has been conferred upon the Rev. J. J. S. Perowne, vice-principal of St. David's College, Lampeter. It is s' wted that Lord Napier of Magdala is to be allowed a full year to recruit bit health, and that then he will succaed to the Indian command. The man T'lomai Davies, chained with shooting at some ke^rjrs at has been d'reharged, the magistrates not consicL tae evidence sufficient to send him for tilal. Mr Watkin Williams, M.P., has sent £1_0 to each of the Mayors of Wrexham, Denbigh, Ruthin, and Holt, to be distributed in relief to the poor. On Thursday, the 30th ult., a farm labourer named Pritchard was crossing the railway at Mochdre, near Conway, when he was knocked down and cut in pieces by a train. A woman, who had passed Mold station by mistake, throujh not knowing that it had ceased to be a terminus, jumped from the trair, one day last week, when the speed was ten or fiiteen miles an hour. She escaped with some 'orrises. The Pall Mall Gazette, which makes some curious blunders, present us with a new Welsh M.P. in the shape of Mr Giffard, who is represented as the member lor Cardiff! The learned gentleman asked the electors of that town. to -give him the title which the Pall Mall gives mm, but t.iey refused, preferring a liberal, Col. Stuart. The following vacancies are announced:—The sole charge of the parisii of Gelligaer, Monmouthshire, worth 280 a year, with rectory house; the curacy of St. Julian's, Shrewsbury, WOI h 2100a year; a canon residentiary in Bangor Cathedral, worth 2380 a year. Sir Watkin W. Wynn, M.P., has intimated his intention of supporting the petition of the Highways Board for the abolition of turnpike gates when the question comes before the House of < 'ommons. Three more skeletons have been discovered at Llan fynydd, and with them a large font, which helps to explain the discovery. The neighbouring farm was formerly called "Monachlo" or the Monastery; and the navvies have co'ne upon the site of an ancient monastery, whose history is lost. On Wednesday week, as the Shrewsbury train arriving at 10'10 was being shunted into the Birkenhead passenger siding at Chester station, a porter, named Moses Carlon, who was crossing the metals, was knocked down by the engine, and the wheels of a portion of the train went over him, crushing him in a fearful manner. A number of the ribs on both sides, the collar, thigh, and other bones, were fractured. He was removed immediately, still living, but died soon afterwards. Numerous meetings are being held throughout North and South Wales in reference to the evictions for political reasons after the last general election in the counties of Carmarthen and Cardigan. Among the principal sub- scribers to the eviction fund are Sir Pryse Pryse, Bart., Mr E. M. Richards, M.P., Mr Dillwyn, M.P., Colonel Stepney, M.P., Mr Samuel Morley, M.P., &c. Carnarvon Caatle is of its class one of the most interest- ing and important in Great Britain. For this reason alone we are sorry to hear that certain works of reparation are to be conducted by Government engineer officers now in charge of the building. There are plenty of architects, brimful of archaeological and antiquarian lore, who are far better suited for the superintendence of restoring or repair- ing such a magnificent example of [mediaeval architecture. -The Architect. Shortly after nine o'clock on Tuesday a very severe squall from S.S.W. swept over the Menai Straits, accompanied bv torrents of hail and rain. The schooner Volunteer, of Carnarvon, about 200 tons, laden with flour, was beating up against the wind between Puffin Island and Beaumaris, when she was struck by the squall as she was in her stays, and immediately capsized. The captain and crew (alto- gether six in number) managed with difficulty to escape into the rigging, and were taken off unharmed by a ship's boat sent to the rescue. The schooner floated with the flood tide to the beach at Trecastell Point, where she lay on her beam ends, and it was thought that she would right without difficulty. The cargo, of course, is much damaged. Joseph Lovatt was again brought up at the Crewe petty sessions, charged with shooting a man named Lockett, at Willaston. The injured man was sufficiently recovered to appear, and his evidence—which was corroborated by Betley, Davies, and Wright, the three men who were with him-showed that Lovatt called out rapeatedly whilst pursuing them, "I'll shoot thee dead." Lockett and his companions had all been drinking, but were not drunk. At the next Chester assizes the prisoner will have to answer to the charge of "shooting and wounding with intent to kill." Bail was accepted, two sureties in £75 each and Lovatt himself in 2150. Lockett is progressing favourably. A terrible wreck took place near Carnarvon Bar last week. The vessel was the barque Gem, of Sunderland, Captain John Oates, 370 tons register. The Liverpool Mercury, giving an account of the disaster, says—The exact spot where the wreck now lies is Dinas Dinlle (Dinlle Fort), on the outer side of Carnarvon Bar. Six bodies have been washed ashore, four of which are deposited in Llanwnda Church, Carnarvonshire, and two in Anglesey. It is pretty clear that the longboat had been called into requisition, as it was found on Friday morning on the Anglesey coast, and four oars, with the word "Gem" painted thereon, were also found not far off. All Thurs- day night one of the most terrific storms from S.S.W. swept over these parts, and it is all but certain that the captain of the Gem was attempting either to get over the Bar to the Menai Straits or to ride at anchor under the shelter of the Rivals. Possibly he may have mistaken the lights for Holyhead. This is not known, nor can it ever be ascertained to any certainty, as there is not one of the ten or twelve men on board left to tell the tale. Among the bodies found are those of the captain (John Oates), a brother of the owner of that name, of Sunder- land, and of the mate. On the person of the latter Wf found his certificate, showing that he was 44 years old and a nath e of Sunderland. In one of his pockets was found a letter, a pocket-book, a knife, and some other letters, one being from a little boy, a son of his, signed John George Grazier." On another body was found a SI 'p- wrecked Mariners' Society's medal, No. 37,321. Judging from the quantity of corn found in the pockets and clothes of the bodies washed up, the cargo was of that kind. This is the most distressing shipwreck that has occurred on these coasts for some years. Lloyd's agent (Mr John Thomas, Carnarvon) is most assiduous in preserving every vestige from the wreck, and has taken every precaution to save as much of the property as possible.

irths, pamapjsi, and tattt. No announcements of marriages are inserted without suffi- cient authentication, for want of whieh, announcements sent to us are sometimes omitted. A charge is made for announcements of births, and for the words "No cards," &c., in marriages, and any addition to the simple record of deaths. BIRTHS. 26th ult., the wife of Mr PETER R. WILLIAMS, Rhyl, of a son. 31st ult. the wife of Mr JOHN JEHU, Dolgoch, Llanfair- Caereinion, Montgomeryshire, of a son, still-born. MARRIAGES. 25th ult., at the Tabernacle Chapel, Aberystwyth, by the Deputy-Registrar, Mr Philip Williams, Mr DAVID MORGANS, to SARAH EVANS, both of Aberystwyth. 28th ult., at the Denbigh Baptist Chapel, by the Rev. Robert Prichard, minister of the place, Mr THOS. PRICE, joiner, Porkington, near Oswestry, late of Denbigh, and second son of the late Mr Edward Price, of Denbigh, to ELIZABETH, daughter of Mr ROBERT PRICE, of Plaen, Bod- fari, near Denbigh. 29th ult., by licence, at Glanrafon Chapel, by the Rev. Richard Williams, assisted by the Rev. D. Edwards, Mr THOMAS WILLIAMS, of Tynyfron, to Miss JANE JOSES, of Tynant, Llawrybettws. DEATHS. 18th ult., aged 50, at Bryn Saith Marchog, near Corwen, Sergeant GABRIEL ROBERTS, late of the 23rd Regiment, and present with it at the battles of the Alma and Inkerman. 22nd ult., at Plas yn Yale, Denbighshire, WILLIAM EDWIN MAURICE, the infant son of WILLIAM CORBET and ISABELLA YALE. 24th ult., aged 71, MARGARET, widow of the late JOHN ROWE, Aberstwyth. 25th ult., aged 25, at Portland-street, Aberystwyth, JANE, wife of Mr JOHN HUGHES, mariner, and fourth daughter of Mrs Edwards, 25, Pier-street. 25th ult., aged 36, Mr J. RICHARDS, joiner, Vron, Llan- gollen. 26th ult., aged 67, MARY, widow of the late Mr W. ROBERTS, Ty-dii, near Llangollen. 27th ult., aged 75, Mrs JANE JONES, Tynygroes, Llan- drillo. 27th ult., aged 18, CATHERINE, the daughter of Mr JOHN DAVIES, Llandrillo. 28th ult., at Severn-side, JANE, relict of the late THOS. DAVIES, Esq., Aberbechan Hall, Llanllwchaiarn, Mont- gomeryshire. 30th ult., aged 63, Mrs ELLEN THOMAS, Hafodyganol, Llandderfyl, near Bala. 31st ult., WILLIAM JOHN, the son of Mr HENRY MICHELL, wine and spirit merchant, Aberystwyth. 1st, aged 64, at Traethllawn, GRIFFITH PARKER, Esq., Mayor of Welshpool. 2nd, aged 16 months, DANIEL, son of Mr D. CAMPBELL, locomotive foreman, Cambrian Works, Oswestry. 2nd, aged 68, at his residence, Mr RICHARD LEWIS, licensed victualler, Golden Lion Inn, Corwen. 2nd, aged 89, THOMAS JAMES, process server, of Poplar- row, Aberystwyth. 3rd, Mrs NEWELL, wife of Capt. Robert Newell, master manner, Aberystwyth. 3rd, aged 63, Mr EVAN DAVIES, Dolfach, Llanuwchllyn, near Bala. 3rd, aged 46, ELIZABETH, daughter of the late Mr JOHN MORRIS, maltster, Llanfair Caereinion, Montgomery- shire. 4th, aged 83, at Bnthdir, near Dolgelley, Mr JOHN ROBERTS, the Henblas Farm.

The willof the Venerable Hugh Chambres Jones, M.A.' formerly Archdeacon of Essex, and Treasurer of St, Paul's Cathedral, late of 13, Portland-place, but who died at his country seat, Brynsteddfod, Denbighshire, on Sep- tember 29th last, aged eighty-six, was proved at St. Asaph, under 9,4A 000 personalty, by Edmund Swetenham* Esq., barriater-at-law, the sole acting executor, power being reserved to Margaret Grace Jones, the testator's sister, and. Colonel Hea.to.ft Lovett, to prove hereafter,.

THE NEW LICENCES FOR HORSES, CARRIAGES, &c. To the Editor of the Oswesti-y Advertiser. SIR, The declarations now being issued to the public by the proper officers of Inland Revenue, under the New Act which came into force on the 1st instant, can only be received at my office properly jilled up and accompanied with the necessa; y cash for payment of the duties, on the receipt of which licences will be granted. As many persons are sending these forms to me by post, dfjily, and others leaving them at my office, and again others calling upon me to fill them up, I beg leave to state, for the information of all, that I cannot fill up such papers, and every one sent to me by post or otherwise w:11 be returned. If further information is required, tne proper course is to apply to the officers of Excise, who ara Act ° appointed to carry out the provisions of My duty is simply to receive the cash and issue the licences. By inserting this in your next issue you will oblifffl your obedient servant, cu JW. H. ABBEY, Distributor of Stamps, btamp Office, Oswestry, January 4th, 1869. zz;-mm

ABERYSTWYTH. ARRIVED.-Henry E. Taylor (s.s.), Lewis, from Bristol: Express (s.s.), Jones, Bristol. SAILED. -Heiory E. Taylor (a.s.), Lewis, for Liverpool; Express (s.s.), Jones, Bristol.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. The I dins-side Harriers meet on Monday, Jan. 10th Cefnrowett Friday, Jan. 14th Cwmblaenglytt At 10. °' The Vale of Ayron (Capt. Vaughan's) Hounds meet on Tuesday, Jan. 11th Llandewi-aber artll Friday, Jan. 14th Coed Voel At 10.30. The North Montgomery Harriers meet on Tuesday, Jan. 11th Trefnanney Friday, Jan. 14th Cynhinfa Tuesday, Jan. 18th .Pontscourhyd Friday, Jan. 21st Gwernamlog; At 11.

TRAFFIC RETURNS. ™ 1869. Great Western } £ 84,063 West Midland s. 1868. South Wales ) £ 78,635 1869. London and North Western "J £ 127,265 Shrewsbury and Hereford V 1868. Shropshire Union j £ 121,859 J5Vk-w +1,0 o„ J JLVt IIIII(;t WW/V r;U'-f¡l"Y «/C*/tCU4/y 4/K*. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS (178 miles open). -PassengerAr parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails, 21,097; mer- chandise, minerals, and cattle, £ 1,078. Total for the week, 22,175. Aggre, te, to this date, £ 83,398. Corre* spondingweek in last y^ar (176 miles open).—Passenger', &c., 21,205; merchandise, &c., 2923; total 22,128; aggregate, to this date, 279,491. For the week ending December 26th. BRECON AND MERTHYR RAILWAY (60J miles open).- Passengers, parcels, &c., 2229 8s. Od. goods and live stock, JE878 10s. 6d.; total, £1,107 18s. 6d.; £18 4s. 9d. Pell mile per week. Corresponding week last year (59^ open).—Passengers, &c., £ 205 0s. 3d.; goods, &c., £ 785 14s. 5d.; total, £ 99114s. 8d.; £ 16 13s. 4d. mila weew Increase, JE116 3s. lOd. Aggregate from 1st July, (20 weeks), 1869, 228,925 13s. 6d.; ditto 1st July, 1868, 224,493 14s. Od. Increase, 24,431 18s. lOd.

The Mont Cenis Railway has been biocked up by snovr- Bishop Trower writes to the Herald disclaiming the remotest idea of contending against the validity of hfAS orders conferred by the present Bishop of Exeter. II The British Medical Journal, in a note on the INelott Fasting Girl, says" It ought in justice to be made known that the medical gentlemen in London, who wers en rapport with the committee in Wales, kept writiflfS daily to the local surgeons to guard against any symptono of exhaustion in the fasting girl, and to administer nourishment nolens volens, should there be any appearaues of serious change in her condition." If the Globe is to be relied on, the alliance which existed between the late Earl of Derby and Mr Disraeli will b« continued in th# case of the present head of the house ot Stanley. Intelligence was received on Saturday at New YorK from Hayti that the revolutionists had surprised and captured Port-au-Prince, and that Salnave had takefl refuge at Fort Alexandre. The Emperor's speech on New Year's Day- containeu nothing remarkable. To the ambassadors he spoke coO* fidently of the continuance of peace during 1870. Address* ing the members of the Legislative Corps, he remarked that in sharing responsibilty with the Ministers of State he felt more confidence in overcoming the difficulties of the future. An omnibus driver named Codrington and his wife been to the Roman Catholic chapel in Birkenhead, to a service in celebration of the new year, and on their vra1 home quarreled. The poor woman was knocked doW11 and kicked so brutally that she died in a short time. was the mother of five children. Herruffianly husband & in custody. A Mr Robert Hamilton was drowned in Loch Grienalh near Rothsay, on Monday week. The ice gave way, and Mr Hamilton and two companions were immersed. The two others escaped, but Mr Hamilton, who managed to support himself for some time on paling stakes which wert thrown to him, sank while the people on shore were p paring a line by tying their cravats together. A Roman Catholic priest named Macdonald has bee1* fined £ 10 by a Scotch court for assaulting a Mrs Ross, attempting to obtain access to the deathbed of her husbaWj Captain Ross. Mrs Ross, who made a most gallant against the priest and two assistants, declares that CaptaiJJ Ross told her not to let the Roman Catholics approac" him. She was badly treated, but she afterwards used polcer about the priest's body. The assistants were alS» fined. At Pugwash, Canada, a few weeks ago, the house of family named Crowley having taken fire, all the inmate* except three small children had escaped but these sleeping upstairs, and the fire below made it to reach them. Finally, the mother's screams from witfr* out awakened the eldest, a daughter not twelve years who came to the window, and was urged by her mother to throw herself out; but she answered, "No; my broth and sister must be saved." She then returned through the heat and smoke twice, and after throwing the t young children from the window, she let herself drop to the ground, a distance of sixteen feet, and when she said, "I'm done, mother; but I have saved my brother and sister from being burned up." The little heroiuel terribly burned, shocked with the fall, and chilled writ" the exposure, died early the next morning. A ladies' association has been formed for the purpose °jj obtaining a repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts 0 1866 and 1869. The association has issued a proteS" against the 4cts, based upon the following grounds That, involving as they do such a momentous change the legal safeguards hitherto enjoyed by women as well men, they have been passed without the knowledge of country or even of Parliament itself; and such legislate ought not to take place without the fullest (liscussiol" That by the Acts the reputation, freedom, and persons 0 women are placed absolutely in the power of the That it is unjust to apply the Acts to one sex only, ftD« that the punishments which they allow are degrading brutalising; that a revolting vice is legalised by the Act^t and the path of evil made easy; and that in continent** cities where similar measures have been taken the Pu health and morals are worse than at home. The protest19 signed by 128 ladies, among wh»m are Harriet Lydi. Becker, and Florence Nightingale. A FATHER ROBBED OF 2500 AT SHEFFIELD BY loo DAUGHTER. —At the Sheffield Town Hall, on the 31st a respectably-dressed young man, named Edward field, carrying on business as a fishmonger in Sheffield, v,iT. charged with having received, well knowing them to ba^. been stolen, certain sums of money, belonging to Shaper, tobacconist and eating-house keeper, West-ba" Sheffield. The facts of the case, which were of a extraordinaiy nature, were briefly as follow :—In 1865 daughter of Mr Shaper became acquainted with tj* prisoner, and in a short time they became engaged. father of the yaung lady was very much opposed to match, and, in order that he might remove his daugh out of her lover's way, he sent her to school in There she remained for two years, photographs being changed and a correspondence being kept up between and Stansfield. On her return in 1867 she at once ren ef. her acquaintance with the prisoner. The father, howe? maintained his opposition, and the courtship had t° carried on clandestinely. The prisoner, on the pjete that he was anxious to be settled in business and to married, prevailed on the young lady to rob her till. This system of robbery continued for six months prisoner being supplied every week with sums from £ 6 to £ 10. TCvati tTieai* la.rcrf* emma VinWftVeT, not sufficient to supply his wants, and he induced Shaper to get for him the key of her father's casti that he might obtain a duplicate of it. The false supplied her with enabled her to obtain free access cashbox whenever she pleased. Mr Shaper missed to from time to time from his cashbox, but was u?at?u3y, detect the thief, until his daughter, in a fit of 00 disclosed the system of robbery which had for so many months. Mr Shaper, on examining; h13 found that the deficit was fully £ 500. The pris011 at once arrested, and the above facts having been to by Misa Shaper, the Bench refused to allow^bau^ O&V Printed at the Caxton Steam Printing Works, O W«stry, by ASKEW ROBISTS, EDWARD WOODALX., »». Hint VBNABLBS, and Published at 12, Bridge-street wyth, bj PHIUP WILLI AH S. Saturday% January 8th, leJQ.

There is little general news to report. From Rome we have rather more hopeful accounts of the vigour and courage of the opposition.—From Spain we hear that PRIM and his colleagues have resigned, on receipt of the intelli- gence that the King of ITALY refused to allow the Duke of GENOA to be a candidate for the throne. What next it is impossible to say.-OLLIVIER has formed a ministry at Paris, and the papers are singing the praises of the new constitutional regime.—At Longford Captain GRENVILLE- NUGENT has defeated MARTIN by a very large majority.

ABERYSTWYTH. SUPPER TO THE EMPLOYES OF THE CAMBRIAN AND MAN- CHESTER AND MILFORD RAILWAYS. On Wednesday evening last a first-rate repast was provided at the Com- mercial Hotel, by Mr and Mrs Mellings, for the servants of the Cambrian and Manchester and Milford Railways. The company assembled shortly after seven, when the chair was occupied by Dr C. Rice Williams, medic.1 officer to the railway companies; the vice-chairs being occupied by E. Hamer, Esq., manager of the Manchester and Milford Railway, Mr Durie, Mr Padmore, station master, and Mr Hentig. The catering of the host and hostess was all that could be desire^1, and we need scarcely state that ample justice was done to the viands. After the cloth had been removed the chairman gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were duly honoured; then followed Success to the Cambrian and Manchester and Milford Railways," drunk in a bumper. Amongst the numerous toasts proposed were the health of Mr Hamer, his wife, and family, which was most suitably responded to by Mr Hamer the health of the Cambrian manager, E. Elias, Esq., which was most cordially re- ceived; and the health of Mr Walker, Oswestry, which met with a similar reception at the hands of the company. The toast of the Host and Hostess," with thanks for the excellent manner in which the repast had been served, was drunk in a bumper. The Press" was not forgotten, and the host in a complimentary manner proposed this toast, coupling with it the name of Mr Wm. Griffiths, of the Aberystwyth Times, who responded. Toast, song, and sentiment were the order of the evening, and at an early hour the company separated, all apparently having enjoyed themselves.

GOGINA-NT. NEW YEAR'S DAY.-On Saturday last, at this village schoolroom, a tea meeting was held, to defray the annual debt upon the room, which is used as a Sunday school for the few English children belonging to the mine works. Tables were laid with a most excellent supply of cake and bread and butter, presents, &c. The guests were waited upon by the minister of the English chapel, and by the captains' wives and daughters. After the tables were cleared, the following programme was gone through Song and Chorus—" Merry Christmas," The Choir Anthem—" We Come with Joyful Song." The Choir Song, with harmonium accompaniment—" Be kind to the Lov'd Ones at Home.Captain Fred Williams. Song—" Beautiful Home,' The Choir Anthem—" Bright and Joyful is the Morn," The Choir Song-" Let me Kiss him for his Mother," Captain and the Misses Williams, Song, with flute and bass viol accompaniment—" Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep, Mr Richards. March—"The Golden City March," The Choir Song-" Her Bright Smile haunts me Still," Captain Trevethan Encore Song—"Who will Buy of Poor Mary," The Same Duet—"Canadian Boat Song,Miss Ellen and Miss Mary Paull Duet, with harmonium accompaniment-" There's a Light in the Window for Thee, The Misses Williams. Chorus—"Salem's Plains," The Choir Anthem—" He that hath Pity on the Poor," The Choir Song—"Do they Miss me at Home, Capt and Misses Williams Anthem—" Hear my Cry O God," The Choir Song-" The Wishing Gate," Captain Trevethan Encore Song—"Ally Croker," The Same Finale— National Anthem." Votes of thanks to those who had assisted were then moved by the Rev. Mr Gwyn, and seconded by Captain Absalom Francis. Another vote to the singers in general was seconded by Captain J. Williams. The proceeds of the day were very satisfactory to the members of the Sun- day school.

MACHYNLLETH. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY,—Before the Rev. J. W. Kirkham, the Rev. W. G. Davies, Major Davies, and J. G. W. Bonsall, Esq. Non-Payment of Rates.—John Owen, joiner, Machyn- lleth, was summonod by Mr Thomas Morgan, the assistant overseer, for non-payment of rates, amounting to 23 13s. lOid. An order was issued for immediate payment, in default a warrant to be issued for the amount and costs. Drunkenness. -Owen Williams, Corris, slater, was sum- moned by P. C. Henry Roberts for being drunk and riotous. Defendant did not appear, and in the absence of P. C. Ashton, who served the summons, the case was adjourned. —David Morgan, Machynlleth, for the like offence, was summoned by P. C. Roberts, and fined 18s., and costs.— Isaac Morris, Cwmlline, labourer, was summoned by P.C. Richard Thomas, for being drunk and riotous, and fined 19s., including costs.—Richard Jones, alias -Pwll-lan, Machynlleth, made his twelfth appearance on a charge of drunkenness preferred against him by P. C. Henry Roberts, on December 31st, in Maengwynn-street, and fined Cl 8s., including costs. Defendant not appearing, a warrant was issued. Assault.—Joseph Owen, Hendre, Abergynolwyn, was summoned by Rowland Jones, Clerie-isaf, Machynlleth, for assaulting him on November 26th. The dispute arose out of the possession of a hound, which formed one of a joint- stock pack which is used by the farmers of the neighbour- hood. Jones had one of the hounds in his possession, and refused to give it up in compliance with a request from the managing committee. Owen was sent to secure the hound, and a quarrel arose between the two, which resulted in the issue of the present summons.—A fine of Is., and 14s. 6d. costs, was imposed. Charge of Embezzlement against a Railway Porter.- George Middleton, some time porter in the employ of the Cambrian Railway Company, at Cemmes-road Station, was charged with embezzling three shillings and onu half- penny, the property of his employers.—Mr E. M. Jones, of Welshpool, appeared for the defence.—The prisoner booked the mail train on the morning of December 10th, booking four passengers from Cemmes Road to Dolgelley. He only accounted for three tickets, and, on enquiry being I made he was given into custody.—The case was dismissed. Damaging Fences, Ann Thomas, wife of Einion Thomas, Penygoes, was summoned by John Evans, Gki'ltvl'an, for damaging fences and carry nJ away wood. —Or-ered \,o pay the value of the damage, 10- a fi- e oi Is. Cd., and 8s. 6d., costs.

BALA. MERIONETHSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.—A public meeting of the members of this society is convened by the chairman, R. J. Ll. Price, Esq,, to be held at the Bull Hotel, Bala, this day, the 8th instant, to elect a working committee for the district of Penllyn. PETTY SESSIONS, SATURDAY.—Before O. Richards and R. J. LL Price, Esqrs. Drunk and Biotms.-Evan Jones was charged by P.C. E. P. Evans with committing this offence at Bala, on Christmas eve. Fined 5s., and costs.—Hugh Williams, charged by Supt. Hughes with the same offence, on the same day, at Bala, was fined 15s., and costs.—Ellis Roberts, charged by Supt. Hughes with committing the same offence at Bala, was fined 10s., and costs.

TIDE TABLE FOR ABERYSTWYTH, ABERDOVEY, AND BARMOUTH. Jan. Aberystwyth. Aberdovey. Barmouth. a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. a. M. pm Sat. 8 11 23 0 16 11 37 Sun. 9 0 7 0 29 0 36 0 53 0 16 0 38 Mon. 10 0 52 1 17 1 21 1 46 1 1 126 Tues. 11 1 46 2 20 2 15 2 49 1 55 2 29 Wed. 12 2 53 3 26 3 22 3 55 3 2 3 35 Thur. 13 I 3 59 4 33 4 23 5 2 4 8 4 42 Fri. 14 5 7 j 5 23 5 36 5 52 5 16 5 32