The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

TO ADVERTISERS. i ALL ADVERTISEMENTS sent to the ABER- YSTWYTH TIMES are also inserted, without axtra charge, in the CAMBRIAN NEWS AND MERI- ONETHSHIRE STANDARD, and thus find their way to a large circle of readers in Merionethshire and Carnarvonshire, aa well as Cardiganshire. Advertisements should be sent, not later than ihursday evening if intended for publication in the current week, to the Publisher, PHILIP WILLIAMS 12, Bridge-street, Aberystwyth.

Parliament has been working hard during the week, of which the great events have been Mr GLADSTONE'S speech on Tuesday and Mr FORSTER'S on Thursday. Mr GLAD- STONE introduced the Irish Lalld Bill in one of his hap- piest speeches, wonderfully luminous and interesting; and the measure has been received with universal favour. It has produced much the same impression as the Irish Church Bill-that it must pass as a whole, with very little alteration in committee. The conservatives have received it so well, that no opposition to the second reading is anticipated, and in committee even the passage of the measure will be comparatively smooth. It is by such great efforts as these—great in their simplicity more than anything else-that Mr GLADSTONE maintains his repu- tation. In the present instance the PREMIER has dis- played remarkable adroitness also, in steering between dangerous questions and avoiding unnecessary irritation. It is the fine temper of the Bill, as well as its adaptability to the necessities of the case, that has made it so signal a success.—Mr FORSTER'S Education Bill was also received with great favour in both sides of the House. It may be briefly described as a measure for providing the means of instruction for all, as well as the means of compelling every child to attend school. Local boards are to be con- stituted to take the local management, rates are to be levied-with the provision that when they exceed 3d. in the pound State aid shall be given-in addition to grants, which are to be continued-and existing schools are to be utilized. With regard to the religious question, Mr FORSTER attempts to mdet the difficulty"-which he doos not believe is much of a difficulty-by attaching a conscience clause to every school assisted by the rates. We have also summarized this measure in another column, and -wiU only say further, here, that it appears to be one which deserves the general support of the country, although open, no doubt, to some grave objections.—Other parliamentary matters will be found in our parliamentary column, and those of more local in- terest we have noticed elsewhere.—The Government tele- grams are far from being a success, as yet. The transfe of so large a business to the post office appears to have been too much for the authorities to grapple with. The mer- chants of various towns are protesting; and we do hope something will be done at once to remedy the present state of affairs.—The liberal defeat at Southwark cannot sur- prise us much, except in the amount of support accorded to., Colonel BERESFORD, who received something like double the number of votes recorded for the conservative candidate in the last contest. This is a natural subject for conservative rejoicing; but the numbers show that the liberal vote was nearly 3,000 more than the con- servative. If the liberals had been united, they would have beaten BEBESFORD by 3,000; as it was, BERESFORD beat ODGEB by 300.—The SOLICITOR-GENERAL has been re-elected for Derry, by a majority of ninety over his conservative opponent.—There is no news of much interest. from, abroad. It was reported a few days ago that a plot had been discovered against the French EMPEROR, but in some quarters the report is doubted, though numerous arrests have been made.—Rumours prevail as to remon- strances from Austria, France, and other powers, with the Holy See, on the subject of the syllabus, and it seems probable that a memorial of some kind has been addressed to the POPE. It is well said, that France, having entered upon a constitutional regime, can no longer uphold des- potism at Rome.

Will one of our Welsh members call attention to what, we imagine, is a real grievance-the refusal to exempt from licence horses which are employed in gratuitously carting materials for erecting places of worship ? The fol- lowing letter, written in reply to a communication from the Rev. C. TEMPBRTON, of Oswestry, will show the decision of the authorities on the subject:- Inland Revenue, Somerset House, 10th February, 1870. Sir,- I am to acquaint you, in reply to your letter of the 5th instant, that there is no exemption under the Act in respect of farm horsfcs used for drawing materials gratuitously for the purpose of building a place of worship, and the Board will require pay- ment of licence duty for the horses so employed.—I am, &c., W. M. ROSSETTI, assistant secretary. Perhaps an appeal to the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER might have the effect of altering this decision, which is open to the imputation of being inconsistent as well as harsh. In answer to a recent application with respect to farm horses used in carting coals for poor people and drawing materials for the repair of parish roads, it was stated that duty would not be charged where no remuneration was re- ceived and why a different rule should be applied in con- nection with places of worship it is very difficult to under- stand. Surely it is the duty of the State not to discourage the ejection of places of worship, and levying a duty upon contributions, whether in labour or anything else, is, to a certain extent, a discouragement. Besides, the former question returns, and we can find no reply-why a farmer should be allowed to draw charity coal free of duty, and not stones for church or chapel building. Mr METRICS, the conservative M.P. for Pembroke, made an extraordinary assertion at a recent dinner of the Pembroke Farmers' Club. His hearers, he said, could not understand what ground game meant in the English counties, where the farmers were greatly injured by it; and he did not know how a landlord could look a tenant in the face when he preserved ground game to such an extent as it was preserved in England." Then follows the extra- ordinary assertion to which we have alluded:— I can speak, from my own knowledge, of one county—Shrop- shire. There is only one gentleman in that county who shoots his gane add divides it between his friends, his tenants, and his relations. All the others sell thegame they preserve. ("Shame.") Now, that game is reared upon the land, and brought up upon the land for which the farmer pays his rent. (Hear, near.) The hares arre there as numerous as you see rabbits in this part of the caumtry, or as numerous as rate are in some of the counties of England. I ask you to consider whether it is right that the tenant farmer, after he pays his rent, should be subjected to the losses, dilapidations, and annoyances, consequent upon the un- due preservation of ground game. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) I do not think it just to the farmer, but it would perhaps be folly for me to dwell upon the subject at greater length at this meet- ing, because you do not in this neighbourhood suffer from ground game to the extent' I lave described. (Hear, hear.) I assure you that I thoroughly object to ground game being reared to such an extent as to become an injury and an annoyance to tenant farmers; and I am speaking more particularly of the tenant farmers throughout England. (Hear, hear.) I am radical, thoroughly radical, in my ideas respecting the preservation of ground game. (Cheers.) The preservation of rabbits to any extent is bad enough, and we have nothing to say in defence of ground game, which ought to be deprived at once of the protection of the law but how can Mr MBTRKK know that there is only one gentleman in Shropshire who shoots his game and divides it between his friends, his tenants, and his rela- tions ?' Perhaps the hon. gentleman is not reported with perfect accuracy, but he evidently brought a very sweep- ing accusation against the landlords of Shropshire, and some of them, perhaps, will demand an apology. .Y. How some M. P.'ø must envy the fortunate member for Carlow, where the expenses of the last election were returned at £6! Another seat which went, as the shop advertisements would say, at an absurdly low figure, was Kildare, where the charges only amounted to 29 7s.; and Downpatrick comes near this sum, with a return of 29 15s., while Kilkenny only cost 2M North and South Shropshire and Denbighshire, on the other hand, are amongst the "dearest" seats. Fancy a legitimate ex. penditure of 211,241 8s. 9d. to return two gentlemen to represent the 7,611 free and independent electors of North Shropshire! Or, worse still, 211,667 18s. Gd. to secure the representation of the 7,623 gentlemen who have the privilege of voting in Denbighshire Or, worse again, P,13,987 3s. 5d. to conduct the election for South Shropshire, with only 5,847 electors and 214,314 18s. 8d. for Carmarthenshire, with 8,026. The total cost of the last elections amounted to the immense sum of 21,382,000. We read that at a recent meeting of the rural deanery of Arustley, held at Llanidloes, the following resolution, proposed by the Rev. D. JONES, vicar of Llandinam, and seconded by the Rev. R. JONES, vicar of Trefeglwys, was unanimously carried- That this Ruridecanal Chapter is of opinion that compulsory education is absolutely necessary, not merely with regard to children of vagrants and out-door pauper class, but with regard to children of all parents who neglect their children's education that the continuance of grants from the Consolidated Fund ought to be maintained that the inculcation of religious truth be continued and also that with regard to vagrants and out- door pauper children, the State should make provisions that their education should be entirely free of all expense and inde- pendent of the ratepayers. This is the first instance we have met with in which a ruridecanal chapter has supported compulsory education, and it is extremely creditable to the clergy comprising it, that they should have arrived at this wise and independ- ent decision. The Welsh clergy are sometimes looked down upon in England; but we have not yet heard of an English chapter that has displayed equal enlightenment rith that of Llanidloes on the most important question 0 f he day.

LOCAL M.P.'S AND PARLIAMENTARY PROSPECTS. The parliamentary programme already contains several measures of special interest to our readers. Mr OSBORNE MORGAN, it will be observed, intends to make good use of the session, and largely to increase the claims which he already possesses, not upon his own constituency alone, but the whole of Wales. First in importance, perhaps, we must place his Burials Bill, by which he seeks to remove what is a very serious grievance, especially in some parts of Wales. At present, as our readers know, conformist clergy alone are allowed to officiate in parochial erave-yards, which, in country places, are often the only burial grounds. When, therefore, dissenters die, their friends are deprived of the privilege, which some of them value highly, of having the funeral solemnized by a minister of their own persuasion; and it sometimes happens, as in a recent case in one of the eastern counties, that unbaptized persons have to be interred without any regular ceremonial All this is very distressing to large numbers of people, and evidently unjust; and the object of Mr MORGAN'S Bill is, to enable persons to bury their dead in the parish yards in any manner they like, so that decency is not outraged, and the arrangements of the minister of the parish are not unnecessarily interfered with. The cost of maintaining the grave-yards is, quite properly, to be thrown upon the rates, and the measure, we believe, is so carefully framed that there can be no reasonable ground for opposing it.. Its good effects, as we have intimated, will be particularly felt in Wales; where also another Bill of Mr MORGAN'S, the Sites Bill, is especially required. In some districts, in which the land belongs to an illiberal owner, it is impossible to obtain sites for places of worship or schools, and great low and inconvenience are the result. Mr MORGAN, therefore, has drawn up a measure by which the acquisition of such sites will be facilitated, and compulsory powers to purchase will be provided through the agency of the Enclosure Commissioners.' It is hardly likely that the measure will be allowed to pass without some opposi- tion, although, since the State compels owners to sell for many purposes, it is difficult indeed to see why that of public worship should be excluded. The progress of the Bill will be watched with great interest by Welsh dis- senters. There is yet another measure with which the name of the energetic member for Denbighshire is asso- ciated, the Sunday Closing Bill, as it is familiarly called, which may be introduced during the session; and upon this subject, too, particular interest appears to be felt in the Principality. A very large number of public bodies in England and Wales have petitioned in favour of closing public houses on Sunday; and we learn from a letter in another column, that at Newtown and Llangollen, where the motion to petition was rejected, the inhabitants, and even the publicans, have shown their approval of the measure by immense majorities. Denbigh- shire seems destined to be associated with legislative battles and displays of the session, for Mr WATKIN WILLIAMS, the member for the boroughs, is to move his now famous motion on the Welsh Church. In that mo- tion, however, most, if not all, of the other Welsh mem- bers refuse to support him, and Mr WiLHAAa's only object in persisting in it must be a desire to let the House of Commons know what his opinions are on the subject, and thus, perhaps, to elicit other opinions, and pave the way for future action. As for any practical result, it has been decided by those without whose help nothing can be done in the matter, that the question of disestablishment must be dealt with comprehensively, and not by attempts at piecemeal legislation. Of other private notices of motion, Mr WTKEHAM MARTIN'S with respect to rabbits will have excited great interest in portions of this district where those vermin abound. In committee, we see, it will be proposed to in- clude hares in the Bill. Elsewhere we call attention to a remark of Mr MEYRICK'S reflecting very severely Upon the state of affairs in Shropshire with regard to ground game. His remarks are too sweeping but if conservative M.P.'s sympathize with the hon. member for Pembroke in his opinions, we may look upon ground game as doomed. The feeling against hares and rabbits is gaining strength daily, and we never record an agricultural gathering now with- out some more or less angry reference to the subject.

sEflat and District. PORTRAIT OF MR ELIAS, TRAFFIC MANAGER or THE CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—We have heard from reliable authority that this gentleman has consented to sit for his portrait to Mr G. B. Black, F.R.S., of London, and that the likeness will be published. WELSH EVICTIONS FUND.-All applications for com- pensation from this fund should be made not later than the 15th March next. For Carmarthenshire, to Mr J. B. Rogers, Lammas street, Carmarthen for Cardiganshire, to Mr Thomas Harris, Llechryd, Llandyssil s for Qarna vonshire, to Mr John Evans, Carnarvon; other conuti, a, to the honorary secretary, Gohebydd," 135, Ledbury- road, Westbourne Park, London, W. SIR WATKIN AND HIS BALA TENANTRT. -The following letter appears in the Dydd SIR,-I noticed in the last Dydd an address to Sir Watkin from his tenants izL this neighbourhood, under which is my name. With reference to tnat address, I wish to make it known that it& contents were not fully made known to me, when I was called upon to ask for my signature to it. All that was said to me was this I That it was an address to Sir Watkin to ex- press to him our sympathy with him in the face of the disrespectful aud ungentlemanly treatment which he re- ceived at Bala on the day of the last election.' And under that impression I appended my name to the address willingly and heartily.—Yours truly, THOMAS JONES.— Deildref, Llanuwchllyn." PARLIAMENTARY PETITIONS.—The following petitions have been presented to the House qf Commons during jthe past weekBy Sir W. Wynn, from the Wrejduua High- way Board, in favour of the abolition of turnpike .trusts. Mr Watkin Williams, from the Corporation of Wrexham, complaining of the inequality and unfairness of turnpike tolls, and praying that the turnpike roads may be added to the highway districts and local boards. Mr Osborne Morgan, from the Wrexham Board of Guardian, in favour of the abolition of turnpike tolls; and from a mass meeting at Wrexham, representing 5,000 miners, in favour of an improved system of inspection and regulation of mines. Mr Ormsby Gore, from the Wem Union, praying that whereas certain descriptions of property now subject to imperial taxation are exempt from poor rates, grants may be made from the consolidated fund, towards the expenditure of Poor-Law Unions, in order to remove to some extent the injustice of partial taxation. Mr Villiers, from the guardians of Bangor andBe Union, praying for an equitable assessment of property for local purposes. LIFEBOAT SERVICES ON THE WELSH COAST.—Dating Carnarvon, Feb. 15th, Mr J. Jackson says-The Llân- ddwyn lifeboat, John Gray Bell, belonging to the Lifeboat Society, was launched yesterday morning during a strong easterly gale, in reply to signals of distress from the schooner Lewis, of this port, which was at anchor inairfo the banks of the bar, at the entrance to the Menai Straits. Owing to the force of the gale and the ebb tide, the life- boat at first failed to reach the vessel, and had to return but shortly afterwards she was again taken out, and then succeeded in getting alongside the schooner, when she took off from her a woman who was a passenger, and the crew of three men of another schooner, the Scotia, also belong- ing to Carnarvon. It appeared that the three men taken refuge on board the Lewis, on their vessel dragging her anchor. The Scotia drifted out to ERpk a derelict, and in the afternoon she was observed by the coxswain of the Porthdinllaen lifeboat, which also belongs to the National Institution, and as she appeared to be in distress the life- boat, Cotton Sheppard, was taken out to her..Finding she was abandoned, six of the crew of the boat were put on board, sail was made, and she was got safely into Porth- dinllaen this morning.—Dating Newquay, Cardiganshire, February 14th, Mr Jas. Barry, the chief officer of Coast- guard, says—A smack was seen in the offing this morning apparently in distress, and the lifeboat Forester, belong- ing to the Lifeboat Society, was accordingly launched, but on arriving alongside she was found to be abandoned. She was appatently a barge belonging to Aberdovey, having about a quarter of a ton of railway iron in her. She was taken in tow by the lifeboat, and successfully brought into Newquay this afternoon. Mr Barry states that he cannot speak too highly of the lifeboat's behaviour t's in the heavy sea. THE WELSH FASTING GIRL.-No definite information about the prosecution in the case of the Welsh Fasting Girl has been received. Some correspondence has passed between the treasury office and the coroner, and the magistrates' clerk for the district. The coronet; has furnished the solicitor to the treasury with a cojgf of the depositions taken at the inquest, and these have been returned to the magistrates' clerk. An official has waited upon the secretary to the Local Committee, who under- took the watching of the girl. This official obtained the names of the committee, fifteen in number, most of them farmers, except the vicar of the parish and the local solicitor. It is believed that the committee and the medical men who attended the girl will be tried for con- spiracy, although it has been ascertained that the surgeons were not on the committee, and were only appointed to warn the immediate approach of fatal symptoms. The legal adviser of the girl s father has 'offered a Drief for the defence to Mr Hardinge Giffard, Q.C.; but that gentle- man has at present declined to accept a retainer, on the ground that, owing to the status of the Bar, the Crown has first call on his services. The assizes commence on the 8th of March, and the trial is expected to take place on the following day. The Pall Mall Gazette says—"Al- though the prosecution of Evan Jacob for manslaughter has been resolved upon by the Government, there is a difficulty as to the magisterial inquiry. The. Crown ordered the inquiry to be made, but some of theacounty magistrates deem it wholly unnecessary, and have written to the Home-Office, inquiring who will pay the expenses. To this no answer has been received, but if the expenses are to fall upon the county, it will, probably, not be held. The names of the local committee who instituted the watching, engaged the nurses and the doctors, &c., have been sent to the Home-Office, byyrequest. The father of the girl still expresses a firm belief in his child's fasting powers, and the general opinion is that he will be acquitted, and that if really guilty he will be sufficiently punished by paying the cost of his defence. This is the view of those who believe that the father was the dupe of his wife and child, and who argue, with some plausibility, that if he were the dupe of his family, the conduct of the physician, and one, at least, of the surgeons who expressed their belief in the genuine fasting of the child, was enough to justify him in all he did." Mr St. John Wontner, of the firm of Wontner and Son, visited the secretary of the Fasting Girl Committee at Llandyssul on Tuesday,to obtain information for the prosecution on behalf of the Treasury. The brief for the defence of Evan Jacob, the girl's father, was accepted by Mr James Bowlen, South Wales Circuit. Mr Grove will probably also be retained. THE BURIAL LAWS AMENDMENT BILL.—This Bill- which has been brought in by Mr Osborne Morgan, Mr Hadfield, and Mr M'Arthur—is intended to apply to Eng- land and Wales the principle which already prevails in Ire- land and Scotland; by allowing other than ministers of the Church of England to officiate at interments in the paro- chial churchyards. At present, while the churchyard is public property, and all the parishioners have the right of burial, nonconformists cannot avail themselves of the ser- vices of their own ministers, or have any other service than that of a church to which they do not belong. In the case of unbaptized persons, the parochial clergyman may refuse to read the service of that church, and the burial must take place without any service. Even when the deceased has been baptized, clergymen sometimes de- cline to recognize dissenting baptisms, and, contrary to law, refuse to officiate. The result is, that not only are dissenters deprived of the solace which they might derive from services performed by their own ministers, but, in many cases, the feelings of relatives are deeply wounded by the necessity for burying their dead in silence, and the churchyard becomes the scene of incidents which are discreditable to a civilized community. In Wales, the evil is aggravated by the fact that seven-eighths of the population are dissenters, and are utterly alienated from the church whose services are thus forced upon them. In many of the towns the evil is mitigated by the estab- lishment of parochial cemeteries-in the unconsecrated portions of which ministers of all religious bodies may officiate; but in the great majority of the rural parishes, as the churchyard is, and will for a long period continue to be, sufficient as a place of burial for all the inhabit- ants, the provision of a cemetery involves needless ex- pense. Mr Osborne Morgan's Bill recognizes this fact, and renders the churchyard available for all religious bodies, in respect to burial services, as well as to the mere risrht of burial. Where it is wished that a burial should take place either with some other service than that of the Church of England, or without any service, forty- eight hours' notice is to be given to the incumbent, or some one appointed by him; and if the time named happens to be that already fixed for either a service in the church, or another, funeral, he is, within twenty-four hours, to fix a different hour. If the incumbent sends no notice of such alteration of time, the burial is to take place in accordance with the notice. Any person author- ized by the relatives may conduct a service, and all religious services shall be conducted in a decent and solemn manner;" and any person behaving indecently, or obstructing the service, will be guilty of a misdemeanour. Nothing in the Act will affect existing burial rights, and it is provided that the clergy shall, in all cases, continue to receive the existing fees. The Bill contains a provision which-now that churchyards cannot be repaired by means of compulsory church rates-is of considerable practical importance. Applying to churchyards gener- ally the principle adopted in the Burial Acts, in respect to- those which have been closed by order in council, it charges the expenses of keeping them in decent condition on the poor rate—subject to the approval of the vestry. All parties will thus share the burden involved in main- taining the common burial place, in which the rights of all will be respected. The second reading of the Bill—which consists of but ten short clauses-is fixed for Wednesday, the 23rd of March.

ABERYSTWYTH. THE BRITISH SCHOOL. -A correspondent writes to back up the appeal of the children which recently appeared in our columns. He points to the disgraceful condition of the present building, and to the fact that a valuable site has been given for a new building, and a donation of 2300 promised (with a conditional addition of 2200 if the build- ing is 'approved of), and he appeals to his townsmen to see to it that the present discreditable state of affairs is altered. DRUNK AND RioTocs. -Charles Williams, late of the Blue Bell, in this town, was brought up in custody on Saturday, before John, Davies, Esq., charged with being drunk and disorderly on the previous night. P.C. Tames said that he was on duty the previous Friday night, about seven o'clock, when he heard that a drunken man had broken a window in Pier-street; he went to the shop, and Mrs Jones told him that the prisoner had broken the window. He proceeded towards Little Darkgate-street, and there he found the prisoner drunk, with a crowd of children around him. The window having been repaired at the expense of the prisoner, he was fined 5s., including costs, for being drunk. A VESSEL SUPPOSEDTO<BE IN DISTRESS.—On Monday morning last, about half-past eight o'clock, the attention of some of our watchful old mariners was drawn to a vessel, appearing to have struck on the Patches, as dimly seen through the breakers. It was naturally thought, that the vessel, after the extraordinary, heavy gale which continued to blow terrifically during the previous night, had struck and was disabled, therefore the brave crew of our life-boat were immediately summoned, and made off before the sweeping east wind for the Patches. However, to the surprise of the life-boat crew, there was no vessel on the Patches, and they were obliged to return, and they encountered a hard struggle in accomplishing their task, as it was blowing a terrific gale from the east. Subsequently it was found that the vessel seen was merely a river boat which had been driven. from, its moorings m the Aber- dovey harbour. THE READING ROOM AND LITERARY INSTITUTE. A meeting was held at the Institute on Monday evening last; present: The Rev. E, 0. Phillips, M.A., in the chair, Rev. A. Griffith, LL.B., Messrs J. A. Cross, J. P. Jones, Dr C. Rice Williams, H. Davies, J. Griffiths, J. W. RajvenhiII, J. W. Thomas, R. Webster, Captain Lewis, D. Jenkins, jun." and others. The CHAIRMAN read the balance sheet for the last year which showed that there would be small balance in the hands of the treasurer; after getting: inall the subscriptions that are not paid. Capt. LEWIS suggested that the names of those who had not paid their subscriptions should' be posted up in the room. This elicited some laughter; and the suggestion was not. approved of by the meeting as it was feared that it would keep a great many away. It was agreed, how- ever, that the librarian should call upon.the defaulters. Capt. Lewis-further stated that the. duties-of the Secretary were very onerous;, and urged that the committee should be considerably lessened from, twenty, in order that a smaller number might render the secretary all possible assistance. In answer to questions from Mr Ravenhill, the SECRE- TABY said there were only two persons who had not paid their subscriptions since the Institution was formed. After some further conversation, Capt. LEWIS proposed, and it was seconded by the Rev. A. G&IFFITH, that in lieu of the second rule of the institution* which is worded thus -That the affairs of the institution:shall be managed tyy a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and coqimitteeof twenty members, to be annually elected: the subscribing clergy and regularly appointed ministers of all denominations within the borough; of Aberystwyth be member* of the committee, ex officio; the following be adopted, "That the affairs of the' institution shall be managed by a president, secretary, treasurer, and a com- mittee of five members, to be annually elected, and three of them to form a quorum." Mr Cposa thought that when an. organic change in the rules was meditated a month's notice- should be given, so as to, allow the subscribers sufficient time to consider the question. He approved of Captain. Lewis's motion, but thought more time should be given,, and called their at- tention to rule 19 as bearing upon the point before the meeting. Captain LEWIS did not agree with Mr Cross that rule 19 required the calling of another- meeting. As that was a general meeting the subject might then be discussed. Mr G. B. O HALLOBAN said a month's notice was not required, as it was an annual meeting. Captain LEWIS repeated that the matter could be regu- larly entertained by them,, aad he was supported by Mr GRIFFITHS, schoolmaster. Mr CROSS asked whether it was a matter of policy to db such a thing without consulting the large body of sub- scribers belonging to the institution. In answer to a question from Mr Davies, Capt. LEWIS said that with such a large committee the responsibility was spread over a great number of shoulders; while if it was limited to a small number the work would be better done, and the secretary greatly relieved and assisted. Mr J. P. JONES asked whether it was not possible to issue a notice that night, when Capt. LEWIS said he should like to have his motion put to the meeting. Mr CROSS quoted as i- precedent a meeting at which it was proposed to alter the rules, and rule 19 was then strictly adhered to. Mr M. H. DAVIS proposed that the committee remain as before, twenty in number, which was seconded by Mr GRIFFITHS. Mr CROSS begged to propose that a meeting be called that day month to discuss the,proposal for reducing-the number of the comihittee, which was seconded by Mr J. P. JONES, and, upon being put to the meeting, was carried by a large majority.—Therefore the question under dis- cussion stands over for a month. Captain LEWIS proposed that a public meeting be held that day month to consider the necessity of altering some of the rules, and the motion was unanimously carried; and upon the suggestion of Mr CROSS the present committee are to remain in office until that time. Capt. LEWIS asked whether the penny papers were had for the institution at cost price. Mr G. B. O'HALLOBAN said they were not, because the late Mr Cox charged for carriage. Capt. LEWIS did not agree with that; he had his paper daily at the cost price. After some further remarks the matter dropped. Mr DAVID JENKINS, jun., proposed that the Western Mail and the Cambrian Daily Leader be taken in at the reading room in lieu of the Welshman b»t upon being informed that both papers would be too expensive he de- clared in favour of the Western Mail. A MEMBER said that would be a matter for discussion at their next meeting, and Mr JENKINS promised to bring the question forward at that meeting. Mr M. H. DAVIS said he thought that it would be desirable for one of the gentlemen forming the committee to accompany him in a house-to-house canvass in aid of the funds, and collect the sum of £10, to be devoted to the purchase of standard books. If, however, that sum could not be collected he should be most happy to sub* scribe the sum of 25 towards purchasing the same. (This statement was received with loud and prolonged cheers.) Mr DAVID JENKINS, junior, said that he received the t Spectator every Sunday morning, and should be very a willing to sell the same to the Institution on Monday t morning at half-price. (Cheers.)-It was agreed that r these proposals should be referred to a committee. ] Some conversation followed as to the loss of books ( from the library. Mr O'HALLORAN said that Sir T. D. Lloyd, M.P., intended giving two concerts at Aberystwyth last year in aid of the infirmary and reading room, and had written < to inform him that, the concerts not having been given, he (Sir Thomas) would give a donation instead. (Loud ~j cheers.) He (the secretary) had also received a letter I from G. T. Powell, Esq., stating that he intended to ( present the institution with more valuable books in a short time. (Loud cheers.) Captain LEWIS, in very eulogistic terms, proposed a ] vote of thanks to Mr O'Halloran, which was earned with acclamation, and suitably acknowledged; then the usual vote of thanks to the chairman clesed the proceedings.

MALLWYD. SUPPER TO CHURCH CHont. On Friday week the Rev. J. J. Brown gave a substantial supper to the choir and singers of Mallwyd Church. About twenty sat down to the repast. Several songs were sung r by the company present. Speeches were given by Mr Hughes, the organist* and Mr Brown, urging the choir to keep in unity, with which a very satisfactory result could at all times be expected. The health of the rector and his family was drunk, and the company dispersed pleased with their entertainment.

LLANDRILLO. CONCERT.-On Friday evening, the llth instant, a con- jert was given in the Union Schoolroom, by the Llan- lwchllyn Brass Band, assisted by Mr R. Jones, harpist, Llangollen, the LlandriOo Church Choir, and several other unateur singers. The following was the programme :— The Brass Band. song," A motto for every man Mr Profit. 3ong and Chorus, Rhoi troed goretf rmlaen Mr E. Jones „ „ and Church Chair. Harp Solo Mr R. Jones. Song, 41 Caru Lieuad 11 Mr J. Jones. Brass Band. Song and Chorus, Reuben Wright"Mr E. Jones and Choir. Harp (Pennillion singing) ,Mf Lloyd, Plasyndre. Song," Sally .Mr E. Jones. Song, Cymru glin, gwlad y gin 11 Mr Profit. Song, Gwen Owen gu" Mr Lloyd. Brass Band. Song, Y wylan ar y don ,Mr E. Jones. Song. The Death of ..Mr Profit. Harp, March of the Men of Harlech "My R. Jones. Brass Band. Glee," Ceisiwch eto" Church Choir. Finale, God save the Brass Band l'he Brass Band went through all the pieces in a praise worthy manner. The Church Choir sang exceedingly, well, and were several times encored. Mr T. Jones, Brynmelyn, favoured the audience with a recitation. A very pleasant evening was spent. THE CBOGEN DINNEB.—The- annual dinner given by H. Robertson, Esq., of Crogen HaS, to the tenants, keepers, shepherds, &c., in connection with Pal6 and Crogen estates, came off on Wednesday, the 9th inst., at the Dudley Arms Hotel. At one o'clock about seventy sat at the table which were finely laid out, the catering of Mr and Mrs Jones being most excellent. Grace having been said, ample justice was done to the very liberal spread set be- fore them. The chairman of the- evening was Mr E. Jarrett, Plasynfardre, supported in the vice-chair by Mr J. White, Rhydglaves. Upon the removal of the cloth the Chairman proposed the health of her Majesty the Queen, and of the Prince and Princess* of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family, both of which were duly honoured.—Song by Mr John Jones, Tynypark.—The Chairman next gave the toast of the ""Bishop and the clergy, and ministers of all denominations;" to which the Rev. T. Davies responded.—Song by Mr Henry Davies, Branasucha.-Th,&Vice-Chairman proposed: the tenants of the Earl of Dudley, coupling with the toast the name of Mr Boden, who in a short speech respondedt-Song by Mr Peter Lloyd, which being very comic, caused great laughter. The Chairman gave the tenants1 of Mr Robertson, coupling- the name of Mr Roberts, Tyfos, who in a neat speech responded.—Song, by Mr Robert Evans Llechwedd.—The "Vice-Chairman gave the health of Mr Bollom, agent, who ably responded.—The Chairman then gave the toast of the evening, that of H. Robertson, Esq. at whose expense they were enjoying the feast that even- ing. He could assure all present that the treat Mr Robertson gave was in no way a bribe, but a tribute of respect and good-will towards those whose lands he had the pleasure of shooting over. It was most desirable that good feeling should exist between landlord and ten- ant, and he was glad to learn that Mr Robertson was most highly esteemed by his tenants, and by all classes in the neighbourhood as well. (Drunk honours.)—Song by Mr H. Davies, Branas. —The Vice. Chairman gave Mr Parry, agent to Mr Robertson. (Drunk with three times three.)—The health of the chairman was proposed from the vice-chair. (Drunk with musical honours^))—Mr H. Ellis, Blaenpenant, sang A bridal song," composed for the chairman, the whole company joining in the chorus.—"The Host and Oh Hostess," and "The Vice-Chairman," were then given and received most enthusiastically. The tables were plentifully supplied during the evening with ale, tobacco, and several rounds of "hot punch." The meeting ter- minated in harmony, all being highly pleased by the en- tertainment.

DINAS MAWDDWY. PENNY READINGS.—On Tuesday week the third of these Readings was held at the schoolroom. The programme was well performed. The singing by some of the school children was much admired. The proceeds will be given as prizes at the next meeting for short essays, best pen- manship, and letter writing. The room is well filled on each occasion.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. His Excellency the Governor of Bombay tele- graphs from Malabar Point, 14th of February, 7.38 p.m., as follows:—Laying of cable most prosperously com- menced. Please communicate the following to Captain Sherard Osborne- Splices completed, at 5 p.m. under weigh and paying out. All going well." NEW YOBK, FEB. 14. Steamship "Iowa" of Anchor Line,, and Guion steam- ship Manhattan," arrived out to-day. Closing Prices Gold- closed at 119J; the highest quotation during the day was 119J, the lowest 119i. Sterling exchange on London 5.20. United States bonds 1882, 114f: ditto 1885; m; ditto 1867, 113; 10.40 ditto, 112. Illinois, 1431;. Eries, 251. Cotton Middling upland, 25Jc. Petro- leum, standard white, 30 £ c. Extra state flour, 4 90 to 5 50; old- unmixed corn, 16. WASHINGTON, FEB. 14. Mr Fish has officially informed the representative of the Haytian Republic that the United States, by virtue of the Samana Bay treaty, have assumed the protectorate over the Baez Government of the republic of St. Domingo, against aggressions from Cabral, Superon, and other in- surgents; Advices received from Mexieo state that the insurrection is spreading, and that the provinces of Zacatecasi Jalisco, and several others in the North, are already in the hands of the insurgents. PORTLAND, FEB. 14. The British ironclad Monarch" left yesterday for Annapolis, and will be visited by President Grant. BBLIN, FEB. 15. The Bank of Prussia has reduced the rate of discount on bills on; bills to 4 per cent., and for advances on mer- chandise and securities to 5 per cent. SUEZ, FEB. 14. Steamer- Columbian" sailed for Bombay at 11 a.m. yesterdays FLOBENOE, Feb. 15th. Rumour that it was the intention of the Italian Govern- ment to increase the tax on Italian rentes is entirely devoid of foundation. AMSTERDAM, Feb. 15th. Bank, of Holland has reduced rate of discount to 41 per cent.

GENERAL NEWS. Broadhead has addressed a meeting at Sheffield, explain- ing his- reasons for emigrating and returning. The meeting passed resolutions expressing themselves satisfied with tha-explanation. There- has been a great robbery of diamonds and jewelery at Sir Robert Napier's. The burglars entered Lady Napier's bedroom while the family was at dinner. Sir Robert gave the alarm, and the thieves escaped. A dressing-aase was broken open, and several thousand pounds worth taken away. A large reward is offered. The. Treasury have issued a return of receipts and payments out of the exchequer between April 1st, 1869, and February 12th, 1870, and announce that ik similar account will hereafter be published in the- London Gazette. The statement shows an in- crease- ef receipts as compared with, the same period last year, of 2467,700. Payments less. than those of last year by £ 288,098. The-Dublin Amnesty Committee resolved not to give a public reception to the Fenian prisoners from Australia, but that they be respectably received and suitably enter- tainedl The Winter meeting of the National Rifle Association will be held on March 4th, at Willis's Rooms. Captain Howack, of the vessel Luey, on shore at Caer- haip Beach, Cornwall, has been arrested on a charge of ill-using two of the crew, who hav-e died. The vessel is expected to be got off. A great tenant right meeting has-been held at Toome, near Derry, at which 4,000 persons were present. A resolution was passed that Government should confer on the people of Ireland both the means and power to pur- chase back their soil at its value.

Lord Russell does not intend to. return to England till after Easter. An advance equal to 4s. per week has been granted to the men working at the Earl of Bradford's pits at Bolton. Mr Charles Egan has bequeathed £ 200,000 to the Dublin charities. On Saturday Mr Grant Duff, Under-Secretary for India, was unanimously elected lord rector of Aberdeen University. The Premier and Mrs Gladstone dined with the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke-of Cambridge, at Marlborough House, on Saturday evening. HOLLOWAT'S PILLS.-Tha laver, the Stomach, and their ailments. -Alternations of temperature, muggy weather, a troubled mind, sedentary habits, excesses of the table, and a gay, reckless mode of life exert the most deleterious influence over the liver and stomach. When once these organs are fairly out of order, great inroads are quickly made on the general state of the health the constitution, which has been deprived of two of its noblest organs, soon gives way, and diseases quickly follow, from which, if neglected, the worst consequences will inevitably result. If a course of Hollaway's celebrated Pills be persevered in, all will be well again, as they are the finest and noblest correctives of the Wood ever known, and a certain cure for all disorders of the liver and stomach. LORD NAPIER AND THE CommissioNAiRE&-Tbe London Corps of Commissionaires assembled at Westminster Abbey on Sunday and heard a sermon from the. Dean. After- wards, in Dean's-yard, Lord Napier of Magdala inspected the old soldiers, to many of whom in the course of his inspection the General spoke a few words of kindly recognition. In a short address which his Lordship made amid the storm of snow and wind, he said—" I don't think we could have had a better day than this to show the value of your institution. God help the man who has no food or shelter on a day like this t Remember always to show that you value this institution, for its existence proves the fact of the public confidence having been gained by good conduct. I need not point out to you that to merit this confidence will show what a faithful army this nation possesses, and will justify those who think that you, and others like you, may look for places of trust and oonfidence in situations which the Government can give. I am sure that your conversation will always show the high value you place upon integrity, for this has always distinguished your body. Your strong opinions on this point expressed among yourselves will be sufficient to keep your young members in an upright course of con- duct. I hope that when I return-and it may be many years hence—I shall find you still increasing in numbers. should cherish among you the name, of nim to whom you. are indebted for the formation of the corps."

irtht Praiaps, ad gflrtfts. BIRTHS. 12th, attBronhyddon, the wife of R. S. PMuoTT, Esq., of a daughter. 12th, the wife of Mr HUGH ROWLANDS, smith, Corns, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. 15th at Tegid Chapel, BalaMr GEORGE HUMPHREYS, saddler Bala, to Miss ANN VAUGHAN, Tegid-street, Bala. DEATHS. 5th, at Llanfair D. C., Ruthin, the Rev. ETRWARD'JOHN OWEN. M.A., for twenty-two years vicar of that parish. 6th, aged 71, Mr EDWARD NICHOLAS, grocer, TJA-NGRTTIFTN 5th, aged 74, Mr EDWARD JONES, boat buuder, Canal-road, Newtown. 5th, aged 80, Miss ELEANOR PRICE, formerly ofBronbedr, near Lampeter. 6th, aged 80, Mr WM. JONES, of Tanygaer-belliuk 7th, ELEANOR JONES, wife of David Jones..Esq.. of Dyffryn Arth, Cardiganshire. 7th. aged MI MARGARET, wife of Mr JOHN T&OHAS, tea dealer. Canal-road, NWtown. 7th. at his residence, Park-y-Gors, T. R. Sfc.TFJTFH, Esq.. eldest son ofi the late G. W. Griffith, Esq., of Fontgwyn, Cardi- ganshire. ERW^LFAN MR MATHEW WILLIAMS, son of'Mr John Williams, 9th, aged 82; at Penyparke, near Abery t-Y MART, widow of the late RICHARD MORGAN, of the same place. aged 71, »t Caersws, Mr EDWARD JONES*. late builder and contractor, Geilidowellt, Llandinam, and father of Mr Edward Jones, surveyor, Ladywell-street, Newtown. llth, aged 78, Mr ROWLAND EVAN9, AberllefennL ComsJ 12th, aged 39, Mr WM. JONES, draper, of Gt;. Darkg»te-s £ reet, Aberystwytfci WHL aged 32, Mr DAVID HUMPHREYS, Glaadwr, Llangollen. 13th, aged 25, ELIZA, daughter of Mrs B&WA&BS, widow Sheaf-street. Newtown. 15th, the Key. J. HUGHES, vicar of Tregaron.,

$hipping. ABERYSTWYTH. ARRIVED* —Henry E. Taylor (s.s.), Lewis, from Liver- g>ol; My Lady, BithelL Chester; Express (s.s.), Jones, ristol; Ceres, Davies, Liverpool; Agenesia, Humphreys. Belfast. SAILED.-Express (s.s.), Jones, for Bristol; Henry E. Taylor (s.s.); Lewis, Liverpool; Native* Jones, Llanelly Two Brothers, Jones, Llanelly. ABERDOVEY. ARRIVED^—Idris, Parry, from Cork. Catherine, Wil. liams, Plymouth; Anne, Humphreys* Aberystwyth • Margaret Davies, Morris, Barmouth. SAILEIX—-Sevilla, Simpon, for Gottenburg, Sweden; Sarah and Mary, Davies, Waterford? Dovey Packet, Rees. Gloucester; New Diligence, Davies, Gloucester; John Davies, Davies, Belfast; Commerce, Thomas, Swansea;: Midas. Parry, Neath; Jane Sophia, Lewis, London Seven Brothers, Morgans, Belfast; Mary Jane, Daniel, Bristol. PORTMADOC. ARRivaD.Agnes, Davies; Ann Jane, Parry; Candau, Jones;. Eliza Blake, Roberta: Tafff Vale, Roberts; Branch, Walker; Prince of Wales, Davies; Rebecca (s.s.), Williams; Elizabeth Richards,. Roberts; Queen, Jones .j; Roberts, Jones; John WilBans, Jones; Mary Davies-, Jones; Ellen Owen, -1. Elizabeth, Jones; Ocean: Monarch, Humphreys; Diligent, Jones; Letitia. Jones Mary and Jane, Rowlands. SAIEJED.—Milo, Griffith • Arcturus, Richards; Dovey Belle, James; Sarah Ann, James Ceres, Lewis; Mariner. Jones; Mary and Alice, James Jane and Catherine. Thomas; Two Brothers, Richards Beatrice, Davies Joseph Nicholson, Owen; Elizabeth and Ellen, Jones; Star, Ellis; Martha Gertrude, Jones; Rose, Edwards; Eliza Wolesley, Williams; La Jeune Louise, Williams Eleanor, Williams Maid of Meirion, James; Genevra, Whittington; George Henry, Owen Pride of Wales, Morris Sophia, Owen Star, &nes Moelwyn, Hughes Gomer, Williams; Rebecca (aah Williams.

TIDE TABLE FOR ABERYSTWYTH, ABERDOVEY, AND BARMOUTH. Feb. Aberystwyth. Aberdovey. Barmouth. a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. Sat. 19 9 42 10 3; 10 11 10 32 9 51 10 12 Sun. 20 10 24 10461 10 53 11 15 10 33 10 55 Mon. 21 11 8 11 31 11 37 11 17 Tues. 22 016. 0 21 0 45 0 1 025 Wed. 23 0 42 1 10 1 11 l 39. 0 51 lift Thur. 24 1 43 222 212 2 51 1 52 2 31 Fri. 25 3 3 3 47 332 4 16 3 12 3 56 It is said that the new reservoir at Rivington in con- nection with the Liverpool waterworks has cost upwards of 2120,000. The late Mr Duncan, water engineer, estimated that the expenditure would be 297 000. LUXURIANT AND BEAUTIFUL HAIB.—Mrs S. A. Allen's "World's Hair Restorer or Dressing" never fails to quickly restore Gray or Faded Hair to its youthful colour and beauty, and with the first application a beautiful gloss and delightful fragrance is given to the Hair. It stops Hair from falling off. It prevents baldness. It promotes luxuriant growth. It causes the Hair to grow thick and strong. It removes all dandruff. It contains neither oil nor dye. In large bottles—Price Six Shillings. Sold by all Chemists and Perfumers. For Children's Hair, Mrs Allen's Zylobalsamumyy far exceeds any pomade or hair oil, and is a delightful Hair Dressing; it is a distinct and sepa/rate preparation from the Restorer and its use not required without it. Depdt, 266, High Holborn, London. Sold by Mr W. H. Turner, Chemist Church-street, Oswestry Printed at the Caxton Steam Printing Works, Oswald-road, Oil- westry, by ASKEW ROBERTS, EDWARD WOODALL, and RICHARD HENRY VENABLEA and Published at 12, Bridge-street, Aberyst- wyth, by PHI;XP WILLIAMS. Saturday, February 19th, 1870,

BALA. CLOSING OF PUBLIC-HOUSES ON SUNDAY.—On Friday, the 11th inst., a meeting was convened at the British School to consider the propriety of forming an auxiliary of the Central Association for stopping the Sale of In- toxicating Liquors on Sunday. Mr Owen Richards, M.D., was voted to the chair, and Mr Thomas B. Jones, the district agent of the association, explained its object and mode of procedure; after which it was resolved, That an auxiliary committee be formed for the hundred of Penllyn, including the parishes of Llanycil, Llanuwch- llyn, Llangower, Llanfor, and Llandderfel." A committee was then elected, with Mr Simon Jones for treasurer, and Mr Ellis Roberts as hon. secretary. TIMELY BENEVOLENCE.—On Tuesday, the 15th instant, a committee of the inhabitants of Bala met at the Town Hall to consider what could be done during the inclement weather, to assist the poor of Bala, when it was resolved that Messrs Simon Jones and Rice Edwards wait upon the inhabitants for subscriptions towards a supply of coals to be distributed. The appeal was heartily responded to and in a short period of time the contributions reached upwards of £ 10, which was distributed in equal quantities of coals among 150 recipients. On the same day the Rev. D. Evans, rector of Llanycil, assisted by Messrs Row- lands and Owen, churchwardens, distributed in money upwards of P-9,, being the proceeds of charitable bequests known as Hugh Jones's" and Cyffty," to the poor of Llanycil parish.. MAGIC LANTEKN.- On Tuesday evening, the 15th instant, a series of interesting and instructive scenes in natural history, and others of a comic and amusing character were exhibited at the British School in this town, by Mr Seaton, with the aid of a powerful magic lantern, kindly lent for the occasion by R. J. LI. Price, Esq^, of Rhiwlas. The proceeds were to be devoted to the benefit of the British School. In addition to the children, the schoolroom was well filled with a respectable aduit audience, and all were delighted with the successful manner in which Mr Seaton managed the scenes, and his interesting descriptions in. natural history. The meeting was enlivened with some music on the piano from Mrs Seaton, a song by Miss Seaton, and also pieces sung by the children of the British School, eon- ducted by Mr Lewis. Upon the motion of Mr Evan Jones, seconded by Mr R. Roberts, a vote of thanks for the entertainment and his- kindness to the British School was passed to R. J. Ll. Price, Esq., followed by three hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Price. A vote of thanks was also passed to Mr Seaton for his services and readi- ness at all times to assist the school. The meeting was concluded by singing the National Anthem. PETTY SESSIONS, SATURDAY, February 12.—Before W. P. J ones and O. Richards* Esqs. Drunk and Indecent.—P.C. E. P. Evans charged E. Evans with committing this, offence.-The defendant pleaded guilty.—Fined 5s., and costs. Refusing to Quit a Public House.-The same officer charged L. Vaughan with this offence. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 5s., and costs.—R. Vaughan was charged by the same officer with committing a similar offence. Fined 5s., and costs.

BARMOUTH. BIBLE SOCIETY.—The local branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society held their annual; meeting for the benefit of the sailors, on Thursday, the 10th instant. The meeting was presided over by H. Griffith, Esq., who said he was glad to see so many sailors present. He called upon the Rev. J. Jones to address the meeting. Subse- quently the ministers of the various denominations in the town delivered addresses. PETTY SESSIONS, FEB. IITH.-Bofore Charles Jones, B4, and the Rev. John Jones. Trespass in Pursuit oj Rabbits. —Thomas Evans, Dyffryn, and Richard Jones, Dyffryn, were charged by 'William Green, gamekeeper to Mr Ceulson, Corsygedol, with tres- passing on land called Gorisgain, in the parish of Llan- enddwyn, in pursuit of rabbits, on the 27th January last. —William Green said: I saw Richard Jones and Thomas Evans come down. They began taking up wires and two rabbits. I saw Thomas Evans tak& up two wires and one rabbit. They then came further dawn on towards another wire. I then showed myself. There was another man besides the two defendants. Ctenot say who the man was. When I came out they dfeopped the wires and two rabbits and ran away. They ran across the Gorisgain, towards Mochras, near to the shore, and turned up t@ the sands. I then caught them* botn the defendants, and asked them what business they had there, when they an- swered, Not much." Asked them their names, when they gave them and asked, me to look it over. I told them 1 dare not, as it was worth my place if I did so. I met them at Corsygedol House when they came up to see Mr Thom. The defendants asked Mr Thorn to. write to. Mr Coulson, and he did so.—It being their first offence, they were fined 5s. each,, and 8s., costs.

DOLGELLEY. CHESTER SPOBTSMBH. — A correspondent writes :— Decent Dolgelleyites- have recently nad their sense- of decency greatly scandalized by an inhuman and disgusting exhibits-wbieh wafl a few days ago witnessed on the Green, in the shape of a cat hunt. An unfortunate tabby,' prized by one of the town darner was trapped by three gentlemen, taken to the Green, and the worrying propensities of a couple of terriers tried upon her. Poor Puss made a long and desperate struggle, but was baited to death, the odds being too heavy against her. The Zion-hearted young gentlemen who were the leadiersin this sport (?) will probably shortly have to answer a charge of cruelty to animals, as the matter has been laid before the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals with a view to a prosecution, and we are glad to learn that en- quiries, with a similar object in view, are being instituted by the police authorities. This, we regret to add for the sake of the parties directly concerned, is not a solitary in- stance of cat-killing in which these gentlemen (?) have played an important part; but it will probably be the last, judging from the action which the townspeople have determined to take in the matter."

ABERDOVEY. THE STORM.-From Saturday night to Tuesday after- noon this place was swept over by a strong gale, or rather series of gales, increased in severity by the exceedingly low temperature of the atmosphere. Those who had occasion to face the storm had to steam" up all their vitality to make headway against it and not become waifs to its fury. The quantity of slates tiles, &c., on the streets—the usual conciomitant of a land storm— testified to its devastating effects. The river being rather free of shipping no serious casualties occurred thereon. The Annie, of Aberystwyth, however, was with difficulty pre- vented from being blown to sea, having had both anohors lost. Also on Sunday night a large boat formerly one of j the Dovey River Fleet, anchored in the stream, broke from its mooring and proceeded to sea en route apparently for Ireland; but on Monday, after having decoyed out • two lifeboats, it was intercepted in its truaut course and f akeri into Newquay, thus extinguishing its chance of 6stonishing the natives of the Sister Isle and of being aken for a Fenian privateer. Intelligence has been 'eceived of the total loss of the Hope and stranding of the Elizabeth and Margaret, two vessels of this place. The :rews of both are saved.

EMIGRATION TO CANADA. SIR,-The Ontario Government still offers 200 acres free' to bona fide settlers 100 to unmarried persons over 18.. Don't take up the grant on first arrival. Beware of Quebec Crimps and Land Sharks everywhere. Be en* tirely guided by the Canadian Government Emigration Agents. Emigration Clubs, with weekly payments, are multiply- ing greatly. Mine in Clerkenwell assisted 651 needy Eersons last whom satisfactory accounts have een received—and should any sympathizing friend# send me subscriptions towards raising £ 1,000 (as some have already done) 427 more people will go in April. To intending Emigrants I say, Go Early—and let yctØ motto be "Piety, Sobriety, and Industry." Strike out into the country-don't hang about thtf towns. I would strongly advise your going west oi Kingston into Ontario. Mr Dixon, the Canadian Com- missioner, 11, Adam-street, Adelphi, W.C., will give you all information, and a valuable little book. *» /°Ui o?n (half price tinder 8) go per Montreal Steam Ships (Messrs Allen, Liverpool)—if not, a great boon is now offered; the Canada Shipping Com- pany (Messrs Tapwcott, Regent-road, Liverpool) are sending on March 25, April 6, and 20, and throughout the u™1 vessels, of 1,400 tons burden, taking 25 days to Quebec, £ 4 ever 12; £ 2 10s. under; babies a year and under, 10s. Messrv Mountgomerie, 5, Ingram Court, Fencirarch- ?fcJeet' send one of these vessels from London on March 25th for £ 410s over 12, For ship's kit, &c., see "Emigratoon for^oor Folks," written expressly by myself, 2d by post—Take some bacon,, sausages, tea, for the voyage. Remember, the Guardians have ample power to help poor emigrants-and we, pmy the Govern- ment will nobly come forward to aid the unemployed, but well charactered persons, in their present distress. A. STTLEMAN KERBING, o iv. Incumbent of St. Pau&< ClerkenwelL 45, Colebroke-row, London, N., Jan., 18701

THE SUNDAY CLOSING OF PUBLIC HOUSES AND NEWTOWN LOCAL BOARDS. IfThe following letter has been addressed to-the Osmsbrg Advertizer.] ■r your comments upon the position which the Local Boards of Newtown and Llangollen have taken with reference to a motion brought before them in fawntr of the closing of public houses on Sunday, you were- right in your belief that few public bodies have adopted! the course which' the Llangollen and Newtown boards have initiated in' the Principality. Had such a course been taken in ignorance of the wishes of their constituents* some excuse might have been offered in justification, of their action but when it was well known that so late 8IJ the spring of 1868 the householders of each town had de- clared themselves most emphatically in favour of ft Sunday-closing measure, no- such plea can be offeredl Probably the ratepapers will be able to find out the real' cause, and treat it accordingly. Of Llangollen I am In- formed that it was the votes of "the trade" which turnedi the scale; if so their views of the matter are exceptional" even amongst their own class, as the following return, made by the Llangollen Can Committee-uponcom- pletion of their task—will testify :—Total householders canvassed, 430; result of voting:: Favourable, 412; against, 10; neutral, 8. Canvass of publicans and beersellers:- For, 21; against, 3 neutral, 2, Appended to the" re. turn sheet" is the following note-:—"Public opinion is strongly in favour of the movement throughout the whole of this neighbourhood;" From the return of the canvass of Newtown I find that the number of houses within the boundary of the Local Board was 1,140, and the occupiers-of 876 of those voted as. follows :-Favourablb; 845 against, 15; neutral, 16; leaving 364 to be accounted for by vacancies, occupiers from home, no returns, &c; The whole canvass of New- town was completed in the course of two or three days, thereby showing that the' work was* heartily undertaken afnd responded to in a like spirits And I am glad to inform you that almost every pest brings me gratifying intelligence of the feeling of the people being expressed and endorsed by the public bodies which represent them- to-day's post acquainting me that the Town Council of Denbigh, and the Board of Guardians-of the Bangor and Beamnaris Union have at their last meetings done so. Youp reference to the inconsistent state of our laws on prohibiting ordinary trading, whilst it alliows the sale of intoxicants to the great detriment of society at large, has this week received additional confirmation by the infliction of penalties upon three tradesmen for the exercise of their ordinary calling on the Sunday [see Daily News of Wed. nesday week, A similar case is also reported in XheMerthyr Telegraph of the 5th inst., a fruiterer of Merthyr being fined 5s. under the Act of Charles the Second. I am, sir, yours truly, Tiloo. i. JONES.