The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

The Gazette contains an Order in Council declaring the see of St. Asaph vacant, consequent on the resignation of Dr Vowler Short. In the Nantyglo manslaughter case (referred to in an- other column) the doctor and his assistant have been committed for trial. Clement A. Thruston, Esq., Pennal Towers, the new High Sheriff of Merionethshire, has appointed the Rev. Charles Price, B.A., vicar of Pennal, as his chaplain." THE TIME TABLES.—We give our usual monthly time- table supplement to-day, but it will be found that there ore no alterations in the Great Western or North Western, and none of much importance on the Cambrian. The train leaving Pwllheli at 3.15 p.m. is accelerated, and there are one or two other small alterations. GOLD Mnmm IN MERIONETHSHIRE. —NEW GWTNFYNTDD (GOLD).—The frost having broken up, the company were enabled to commence crushing with their sixteen- head battery this week. The machinery is very complete, and was all turned out in first-rate style by Messrs Durie and Davis, of Aberystwyth. The public have now an op- portunity of judging for themselves of the simplicity and efficacy of Professor Collett's electro medium process of extracting the gold, which we have repeatedly noticed in our former issues. The whole process, including stamping and feeding, is entirely self-acting, and no manual labour whatever is required. Barring any accident occurring to the machinery the Charlotte Elizabeth Mill might be locked up and left to itself for an entire week, or whenever necessary, to collect the gold deposited by the electric current. No gold whatever can be detected in the tailings, which is quite a new feature in Welsh gold mining. There can be no doubt that when the peculiar adaptation of Professor Collett's invention is properly understood (for at present no person except himself seems exactly to compre- hend its action), the same will cause a complete change in the present modes of extracting the precious metal We understand that the officers at the mill have instructions to admit any respectable parties who wish to view the mill at work, and to explain as far as they are able all the par- ticulars of this interesting process. -Jlii iitg Journal, 26th February, 1870. THE EX-BISHOP OF ST. ASAPH. The Times says— The Right Rev. Thomas Vowler Short, D.D., whose resignation of the see of St. Asaph we announced on Saturday, has been in his day one of the most hard-work- ing parochial clergymen and prelates of the English Church; and the twenty-eight years of his episcopate have fully justified him, now in his eightieth year, in availing himself of the present opportunity of retiring from the active duties of his see. He is a son of the late Venerable William Short, some time Archdeacon of Cornwall, and sub-preceptor, at one time, to the Princess Charlotte of Wales. His mother was Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev. T. Hodgkinson. He was born at Dawliih, in South Devon, in the year 1790, and was educated at Westminster School, where the late Archbishop of Canter- bury (Dr Longley) was his "fag." In 1809 he was elected to a Westminster studentship at Christ Church, Oxford, where he took his Bachelor's degree in 1812, obtaining a double first" class. After taking his degree he was en- gaged for some few years in tutorial work at Oxford, where he filled the office of Public Examiner in 1820-23. In the latter year he was appointed to the living of Stock- leigh Pomeroy, Devon, which he exchanged three years later for that of King's Worthy, Hants; Here he re- mained about eight years, during which time he published his Sermons upon Christianity." In 1834 he succeeded the late Bishop Lonsdale as Vicar of St. George's, Blooms- bury, which preferment he retained, together with the post of Deputy Clerk of the Closet to her Majesty, down to his elevation to the Episcopal Bench. He had already become known by his publication of his "History of the Church of England down to the Revolution of 1688"—a work which has gone through several editions, and also his "Lectures on St. Luke's Gospel." In 1841, on the translation of the late Hon. and Rev. Dr Pepys to the see of Worcester, Dr Short was appointed his successor in the Bishopric of Sodor and Man, to which he was con- secrated forthwith. In the following year he gave to the world the results of his experience as one of the work- ing clergy in town and country under the title of "Parochialia," and also another small volume, addressed more especially to his former parishioners, entitled What is Christianity?" In 1846, on the death of Dr William Carey, Dr Short was translated to the Welsh see of St. Asaph. It will be remembered that at the time it was the intention of the Legislature to unite the sees of St. Asaph and Bangor and to give Manchester a bishopric suppressing one of those ancient sees but owing partly to the exertions of the late Lord Powis, and other active and zealous churchmen, and partly to the refusal of DrBethell to be saddled with the responsibility of an additional diocese, one part only of the arrangement was carried out and North Wales is still subject to two bishops. Accord- ing to Dod's Peerage," the see of St. Asaph was of the annual value of 24,200 when Dr Short was appointed to it. The diocese consists of all Denbighshire and Flintshire, with parts of Mongomeryshire Merionethshire, Carnarvonshire and Shropshire. Bishop Short married, in 1833, the daughter of Mr Charles Davis, and widow of his friend the Rev. J. J. Conybeare, the well-known author of the Bampton Lectures which bear his name; but he was left a widower several years ago. WELSH EDUCATION LIZAGUIJ. -The Right Hon. W E Gladstone. M.P., and the Right Hon. W. E. Forster M.P., have arranged to receive the Executive Committee of the Welsh Education Alliance, on Wednesday, March 9th, at 4 p.m. The committee will meet at the London Mission House, Bloomfield-street, on Tuesday evening the 8th instant, at 7 o'clock, in order to make all necessary arrangements, and transaet other business; and we perceive from a circular which has been issued by the Rev. Arthur Griffith, the corresponding secretary, that every endeavour is being made to render the deputation representative of the whole of Wales. The following is the petition of the Alliance:— To the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain and Ireland in Parliament assembled. The Petition of the undersigned, inhabitants of the parish ror neighbourhood] of [or, of the Congregation of assembled in Chapel, in the parish of ] in the county of HUMBLY SHOWETH, That your petitioners are of opinion that the Elementary Education Bill, recently introduced into your Honourable House will, to a considerable extent remove the ignorance which is so prevalent in this country-but contains provisions which they Rannot entertain without apprehension and alarm. That the religious education of children should be left entirely in the hands of their parents, their ministers, and friends, and that no attempt should be made by the State to relieve them of this feeling of responsibility by delegating any part of their duty to either the masters or inspectors of schools. That the Bill per- petuates and even encourages the "present denominational system of schools in England and Wales, and will make it im- possible to continue the undenominational schools in Ireland- the effect of which must be prejudicial to that spirit of unity and concord which should pervade all classes of Her Majesty's subjects. That the clauses which relate to the election and appointment of School Boards, and of managers of schools and which empower School Boards to decide to what denomination schools shall belcfag, Will create and promote sectarian strife in almost every town, parish, and district, in a far greater degree than has been hitherto known in this kingdom. That the Bill by enacting the payment of rates for religious purposes, intro- duces the principle of concurrent endowment, which was so emphatically condemned by your Honourable House last session of Parliament. That it renders a conscience clause necessary which must create invidious distinctions amongst parents and children, and which your petitioners also consider to be both indefensible in principle and impossible in practice. That it recognizes a principle which has never yet been admitted, either by your Honourable House or your constituents—that of levying rates for the erection of school buildings which may be used for religious-worship. Your petitioners therefore pray your Hon- ourable House will so alter the Bill as to provide that inspectors may not be allowed to enquire into the religious knowledge of scholars—that School Boards be elected directly by the ratepayers, and that by ballot-that but one class of elementary schools be supported by the State, and those of a purely unsectarian and secular character-that. if religious instruction is allowed to be given in school buildings under any circumstances, such :may not be done by any person in school hoars—that compulsion to attend the schools be absolute in all cases, and the education free-and that the school buildings may not be used as places of public worship.—And your petitioners will ever pray.

'iL ABERYSTWYTH. j THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP AND THE UNIVERSITY FOB 1 WALES. — We have much pleasure in announcing that Dr 1 Collier, the Roman Catholic bishop at this place, has t ;enerously given a cheque for ten guineas in aid of the I Jniversity fund. t TOWN COUNCIL.—At a meeting of the Town Council t eld on Tuesday, the following appointments were made j —Assessors, Mr Thomas Davies, draper, Pier-street, Mr I D. H. Evans, North Parade auditors, Capt. Delahoyde, Mr Thomas Griffiths, Great Darkgate-street; Mayor's auditor, Mr P. Williams. The appointments are similar to those made last year. DRUNKENNESS AND VAGRANCY.—At the office of the Magistrates' Clerk, on Thursday, before the Mayor, an old tramping pensioner was charged with being drunk and begging. P. C. David Thomas said that about seven o'clock the previous night he saw the prisoner, Michael Delahurty, drunk and begging at various places. The prisoner was discharged, and ordered to leave the town at once. DISTRESSING CASE OF STARVATION.—On Tuesday morn- ing last information was given, we understand, by Mr H. Morgan, of Dinas Hotel, Penparkau-road, respecting a young man who appeared to be a tramp, who was found that morning lying by a haystack, in a field near the Penparkau-road, and was so exhausted that he could not move from the place. He was conveyed to the workhouse in a cart, under the superintendence of Sergeant Evans, and we have been informed that he lies there in a very precarious state. Two SAILORS DROWNED.—Intelligence reached this town on Thursday last that two mariners belonging to this place, engaged on the brig General Nott, of Aberyst- wyth, have been drowned; while in the river Plate one of them a promising lad about nineteen years of age, named William Meyrick (son of Mrs Meyrick, of Prospect- street), was loosing a sail to shelter the crew from the heat, when he accidentally fell overboard. Another gal- lant sailor amongst the crew, named Thomas Griffiths (son of Mrs Catherine Griffiths, Spring Gardens, Tre- fechan), jumped into the river with a view of rescuing the lad, and the mate, David James, from this town, also plunged into the water to assist his comrades. However, the boy Meyrick and Thomas Griffiths were unfortunately drowned, and David James would have met the same fate bad it not been for a faithful dog who rendered him assist- ance in that perilous moment. CONCERT.—A concert was held on Friday evening, the 25th ult., at the Assembly Rooms, under the able con- ductorship ofJMr InglisBervon, organist of St. Michael's Church. The audience was not so numerous as we ex- pected, as the programme was exceedingly attractive. The amateur singers did their work well, and maintained their usual reputation. The choruses were excellently sung by the "The Aberystwyth Choral Society," the chairman of which is the Rev. E. O. Phillips, M.A., vicar, and Mr Bervon, conductor. The programme was as follows Chorus-" Codiad yr Haul" The Choir Song-" Sunny days will come again" Mr J. A. James Trio-" The Gypsies" Mr Samuel, Mr D. Hughes, and Mr Edwards. Serenade (prize cantata), Owain Alaw The Choir Song-" The Lover and the Bird" Mrs Inglis Bervon (Much applauded.) Song—" Y Fodrwy Briodasol" Mr Samuel Song—" The Skipper and his Boy" Miss Hughes Chorus—"Glory and Love to Men of Old, "from Faust..The Choir Solo and chorus—" Now Tramp" The Choir (Encored). Duet-" What Bells are those" Mrs Trevethan and Miss Hughes. Song-" Never Mind the Rest" Mr Bervon Song—" Love's Request" Mrs Inglis Bervon Chorus—" Hail to the Chief" The Choir Song—"Tell me, mv Heart" Mrs Trevethan Song—" Beautiful Dreamer" Miss M. Morgan Chorus-" The Laughing Chorus" The Choir (Encored). Finale-" God Save the Queen." SERIOUS CHARGE OF THEFT.—On Wednesday, at the Town Hall, before Captain C. Bassett Lewis, William Davies, of Comminscoch, near Aberystwyth, carpenter and wheelwright, was brought up in custody charged with having on the previous day, at the Llanbadarn fair, stolen from Mr John Evans, of Glenydd, near Llanilar, a purse containing cheques on the National Provincial Bank, and two pounds and ten shillings in silver and gold.—John Evans said he sold seven heifers and two barren cows at the fair for jM2 10s., and obtained the money for them at the Black Lion Inn. There were several persons present- perhaps seven or eight—but he only knew two of them. He put the cheque and money into his purse, and then into his coat pocket. After leaving the Black Lion Inn he met James James, of Rhodmade, and returned to the house with him, when they met Nicholas Theophilus—to whom witness owed some money. Evans put his hand into his pocket for the purpose of paying the amount due to Theophilus he pulled out the purse and paid Nicholas Theophilus 29. He had in the purse the sum of 214 be- fore receiving the money for the cattle at the fair he placed the cheques and money all together in another purse, which he put in his trousers pocket, but he was not certain what he had done with the purse he took out of his coat pocket he thought he had put it back in his pocket. This took place about three o'clock in the after- noon. He then made his way to Aberystwyth, and finding the bank had closed he went to the manager's house and told him he intended to deposit the money at the bank. On looking in his pocket, to his great consternation he found his purse had gone. He immediately returned to Llan- badarn, but could get no information of the missing purse he came back to town again and sent the town crier out to announce the loss, and he gave information to the police in consequence of a conversation he had with Mr Richard Morris. The prisoner was apprehended at Llanbadarn, and the money, which witness believed to be his, was found in his possession. Believed prisoner sat next but one to him at the Black Lion Inn.—To the Bench: When I came to Aberystwyth I was accompanied by Nicholas Theophilus I was on horseback, while Theophilus was on foot, -Nicholas Theophilus, farmer, was next called, and corroborated the complainant's evidence, and stated that when the sergeant of police went in search of prisoner at Llanbadarn he (witness) pointed out the accused as the man who sat near John Evans, and who was suspected of hav- ing stolen the money.-P.S. Evans said: I accompanied the prosecutor and the last witness to the Black Lion. When the last witness was in the act of pointing out to me the person who sat near the prosecutor, I noticed the prisoner getting up and coming towards us. He came to the passage and was going to the yard. I said to him, William, come here, I want to speak to you." He re- plied, I'll come there directly," but went on. I followed him he made a slight turn to the right. I followed him close, and he then turned back to the left and went into the back kitchen. I followed him he went up to the fireplace. He had his hand in his pocket all the time after he got into the back kitchen he turned round there and held the purse in his hand. I then spoke to him I was going to say, William, you know there was money lost here to-day," but before I had time to finish the sentence he said, lifou need not speak, this is all I found," and handed me the purse with its contents-being five banker's orders, two and a half sovereigns in gold, and two income tax receipts. He said, I picked it up on the floor it was by the foot of the table." I then charged him with stealing it, and took him into custody. I searched him, but found nothing else connected with this case. The conversation between the prisoner and myself was in Welsh. My impression of what the accused said to me was that it was that that was all he had found." I took the prisoner into custody upon my own responsibility, and not upon the instructions of the prosecutor.—MrCrealock appeared for the prisoner, and made an able address to the Bench, asking for his dis- charge but the magistrate was of opinion that there wis sufficient evidence to commit him for trial. The charge was read, and the accused said, I have nothing to say, but that I found it on the floor." He was com- mitted to take his trial at the assizes for the county, the business of which commences to-day. MEETING' OF THE BIBLE SOCIETY. -The annual gathering connected with this society was held at the Temperance Hall on Tuesday evening last, when John Matthews, Esq., mayor, took the chair, supported by the Revds. Edward Hughes, Griffith Davies, David Thomas, John Williams, and Arthur Griffith, of Aberystwyth, the Rev. F. Young, of Treddol, and the Rev. Dr Phillips, of Hay, the representative of the society. After a few preliminary remarks from the Chairman, the Rev. Griffith Davies, in the absence of the Rev. John Saunders, read the report of the Aberystwyth district, which showed that the amount collected during the year was about 270 more than the previous year. The Rev. Dr Phillips then addressed the meeting in English. He was highly applauded on rising, and said, amongst other things, that he felt much pleased with the exertions of his friends at Aberystwyth and in the neighbourhood, in sending 2350 to the society for its general objects, but he regretted to find that there were, after all, some congregations in the town which had denied themselves the privilege of aiding him and his friends in the good work of the society. The receipts of the society during the past year were 2187,952 9s. 9d., the largest sum received since the forma- tion of the society. It was his delight to announce that the circulation of the Scriptures during the last year alone, at home and abroad, had been 2,140,620 copies. -Thd Rev. F. Young, of Treddol, next addressed the audience in Welsh, after which the Rev. David Thomas, Wesleyan Minister, spoke, and the Rev. A. Griffith, L.L.B., Con- gregational Minister, who followed, complained of the sarcasm used by Dr Phillips, in hiB speech at the com- mencement, when the rev. doctor chose to allude to other congregations in the town as having neglected their duty; it was so unlike what they had been used to hear from Dr Phillips, that he (Mr Griffith) was at a loss to know his meaning. (Slight signs of dissent). Mr Griffith also complained of the manner in which the meeting had been announced, and urged that circulars should be sent to each chapel or congregation, to acquaint them of the meeting. He did not know that Dr Phillips would speak English there that evening, or he was sure a great many English friends would have come there. On previous occasions the proceedings were carried on in Welsh. (A Voice: No, no, addresses have been delivered in English for the last thirty years.) Mr Griffith was not aware of that; however, he wished to put a question to the Doctor as to the proposed revision of the Bible, and to call his attention to some letters of Earl Shaftesbuiy's, the Eresident of the society, which had appeared in the iondon papers. The Rev. David Thomas here remarked that evidently the congregations and the organization among them were not blameless. If the subject had been brought fairly before them, |he had no doubt the collections would have been much increased, he hoped, however, that the vaiiotischurches would work heartily iogether for the good cause.—The Mayor thanked Dr Phillips for touching the Rev. Mr Griffith, and bringing r'n lim out to feel and speak as he did. He should be very lappy if Dr Phillips's remarks had touched another gentleman, Dr Phillips's namesake in the neighbourhood meaning the Rev. E. O. Phillips, the vicar) that he might five them his assistance, as his predecessor kindly used to lo for many years.—The Rev. Dr Phillips said in reply to dr Griffith that his object in making the remarks alluded o was, to state the truth simply, and not to] hurt the eelings of any one. He referred to the great exertions of he late Rev. John Hughes, vicar, when he used to call pon church people, and a good sum was received in that raj. He (Dr Phillips) would be most happy to see the same ling done again. As to the other question of Mr Griffith's, ] e said the society was bound to circulate the Scriptures in 1 le authorized version of the English language; they were £ ound to adhere to that as their fundamental principle. -Dr Phillips then adreased the meeting in Welsh at great ( ngth and with much eloquence.—A vote of thanks was proposed to Dr Phillips by the Mayor; and the rev. ;entleman brought the meeting to a close by offering a Irayer. ETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY,-Before J. Matthews, Esq., Mayor. Selling Beer without a Licence. —Henry Morgan, of Dinas Hotel, Penparkau-road, was summoned for this )ffence. Adjourned for a week. Playing Pitch and Toss.-Richard Evans, of Portland- .ane, mariner, and William Evans, son of Thomas Evans, banner, of Trefechan, were summoned for this offence. P.C. Jones said that on Thursday he saw a crowd of boys on the river-side, behind Shipbuilders'-row, and found the defendants playing pitch and toss with coppers. He told them it was not legal. The boys then discon- tinued playing and said they would not do so again. Adjourned. Nuisance.-John Edwards, John Jones, and Mary Davies, all of Poplar-row, were summoned for permitting a nuisance to accumulate on their premises. Sergeant Evans, the inspector of nuisances, said the accused kept pigs, and in the yard of John Davies there was a large heap of manure surrounded by stagnant water. He had before cautioned the parties, and the state of the yard was in his opinion a great nuisance. The Bench took a lenient view of the case, and did not inflict a fine upon the defendants, but ordered them to clean the pigsties and remove the nuisance daily. Stray Donkeys. -Daniel Hughes, Northgate-street, was summoned for allowing his donkeys to stray about the town. P.C.James proved the case. Fined 5s. COMMISSIONERS' MEETING, TUESDAY.-Present: the Mayor (John Matthews, Esq.), Messrs David Williams, Philip Williams, C. Hackney, J. P. Jones, John Jones (Great Darkgate-street), B. Hughes, William Samuel, Dr C. Rice Williams; Mr David Lloyd, assistant clerk Mr Vaughan, surveyor. MR SIVITER AND HIS BILL. Mr Siviter attended before the Commissioners for the purpose of explaining why he had made a charge of £ 6, for keeping the public lamps in repair from January, 1869, to January, 1870. He said that during that time a great number of lamps had been added, the number having been increased from 80 to 104. If he kept 80 lamps in repair for;25, he considered that he was very fairly entitled to another pound for attending to the additional 24. The MAYOR—You gave notice last year that you would not do the work any longer under 26 a year ? Mr SIVITER said that he gave such notice, and there then seemed to be an understanding arrived at by the Commissioners that JBG should be the minimum allowance. Mr J. P. JOXES asked if any resolution had been passed as to the allowance of £ 6. The ASSISTANT CLERK said that no order to that effect appeared upon the minute books. The MAYOR said that Mr Siviter had asked for 26, but the impression upon his mind was that the Commissioners declined to assent to that sum being allowed. Mr HACKNEY—You are quite right, it was so. The ASSISTANT CLERK-No order was made by the Commissioners, either for or against the amount being allowed. Mr SIVITER-They said that I was to go on with the work as usual, and I told them that they would have to give me 26. Mr J. P. J ONES—How is it that that there is no mention of it upon the minutes ? The ASSISTANT CLERK—We do not enter any matters which are left undecided. The MAYOR suggested that in future some mention should appear upon the minutes in regard to a question like the present. It appeared to have been left an open question, Mr Siviter having been left to do the work, if he was pleased to do it. Mr HACKNEY had always strongly objected to any pay- ment being made by the Commissioners for work such as was was now charged for by Mr Siviter. He had never been satisfied as to the reason why this charge had been removed from the Gas Company and placed upon the shoulders of the ratepayers. The Commissioners were paying hundreds of pounds to the Gas Company, which was not justly due to them, and he would never sanction payment to a man who ought to be paid by the Gas Company. Mr J. P. JONES said that at Llandudno the Commis- sioners paid k2 10s. for each lamp, inclusive of repairs and cleaning. At Aberystwyth, the Commissioners were called upon to pay the high figure of 23 5s. per lamp, as well as having to do the repairs. Mr DAVID WILLIAMS-But they pay more than that at Carmarthen. Mr J. P. JoxEs-I do not know about Carmarthen, I only referred to Llandudno. Mr VAUGHAN complained that in the laying down of pipes for the lamps, Mr Siviter broke up the flagging, and he wished to know whether he was to send the town mason to finish Mr Siviter's work. Mr SIVITER also wished for some understanding upon this point, and asked for some straightforward answer to guide him in the future. Mr JOHN JONES asked whose duty it was to look after the flagging which was misplaced by Mr Siviter, when he was laying down the piping for the public lamps. Mr J. P. JONES said that the Commissioners had paid for such work. Mr JOHN JONES called attention to the state of the Welsh Harp, where the flagging had been taken up, and the plastering of the house disfigured owing to the erection of a lamp. Mr SIVITER had been with Mr Vaughan, and had re- quested him to do what was necessary. He now wanted to have some definite answer, that there might be no grumbling on either side hereafter. N Mr PHILIP WILLIAMS suggested that Mr Siviter should first go to Mr Vaughan, and consult him before he entered upon any job which would entail the taking up of any portion of the pavement. Mr SIVITER could hardly do that, as there were many jobs which called for immediate attention, and Mr Vaughan was not always upon the spot for consultation. Mr HACKNEY thought that the surveyor should see that the pavement, where misplaced, should be re-laid exactly as it was before it had been taken up. Dr C. RICE WILLIAMS thought that as 25 had been allowed for eighty lamps, it was not too much to expect an allowance of 26 for 104 lamps. He proposed that that sum should be allowed to Mr Siviter. Mr PHILIP WILLIAMS seconded the proposition. The MAYOR-Now, what are the duties he will have to perform for 26 ? DrC. R. WILLIAIIS-The same dutieswhichhe performed for 25. Mr J. P. JONEs-And what were they? Mr SIVITER said that he would have to keep the lamps in repair for twelve months, and do all that was required, and see that proper light was provided. Mr PHILIP WILLIAMS held that it was the duty of the Gas Company to see that proper gas was supplied to the town, and in case of any defect in the pipes to open them and see that they were kept in proper repair. Mr J. P. JONES asked what action was to be taken in reference to the report of the Gas Company, in which it was suggested that the Board should burn by meter, and employ their own lamplighter. Dr C. R. WILLIAMS said that the report had been laid upon the table, but nothing could be done until November, when the existing contract between the Commissioners and the Gas Company would be at an end. Mr PHILIP WILLIAMS urged the desirability of en- tering into the contract with Mr Siviter from January to November, so that the two contracts might be entered upon simultaneously. He proposed as an amendment upon the previous motion (of which he had been the seconder) that Mr Siviter should be paid at the rate of R6 per annum, the contract expiring in November. Mr SIVITER declined to accept the contract unless let as an annual taking. After some further conversation, Mr DAVID WILLIAMS proposed, Mr JOHN JONES seconded, and Dr C. R. WILLIAMS supported, That the contract with Mr Siviter be an annual one." The motion was carried unanimously. Mr JOHN JONES thought that the repairs ought to be undertaken by the Gas Company. Dr C. R. WILLIAMS said that that would be a matter for consideration when the new contract was entered into. Mr JOHN JONES complained that the lamps were not half so well lit as they ought to be. The previous night he had specially noticed this. He was watching the lamp- lighter lighting a lamp, and by some mistake it appeared he put it on full. Subsequently finding out his mistake he ascended his ladder again, and lowered it just one-half. Hallo!" said Mr John Jones on seeing this, Why do you do that?" "Why," replied the boy, "that's my orders from the masters." (Laughter.) Mr J. P. JONEs-That just shews the necessity of our burning by meter. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE COMMISSIONERS. Dr C. RICE WILLIAMS, in pursuance of a motion given notice of at a previous meeting, again drew attention to the necessity of having a balance sheet printed, shewing the receipts and expenditure of the town Commissioners. The Commissioners were now in receipt of an income amounting to nearly 22,000 per annum, and probably not one-half of their body had the least knowledge how the money was expended. It was right that they should know exactly how the money was spent, and that they should have laid before them a balance sheet very full in detail, and not a mere summary of the accounts. He moved that the clerk be instructed to prepare a balance sheet of the expenditure and receipts of the town Commissioners, that the same be printed for distribution amongst the Commis- sioners, and that a copy of it be affixed to the door of the town hall Mr J. P. JONES seconded the motion, which was sup- ported by Mr HACKNEY, and carried. Mr B. HUGHES then moved that a committee be ap- pointed for the purpose of enquiring into the current expenditure of the town in every department, that they prepare a scheme for the reduction of the same, and report thereon to the Commissioners. They heard many com- plaints from the townspeople of the heavy expenditure of the town authorities, and he was sure that if careful enquiry was prosecuted in every department the town would annually save many pounds. Mr SAMUEL seconded the motion. The MAYOR—Was there not a committee formed some ;ime ago for this very object ? Mr B. HUGHEs-Yes, but it was afterwards withdrawn. The motion having been unanimously agreed to, the fol- owing gentlemen were nominated to serve upon the com- j oittee :-Messrs John Watkins, Edward Ellis, W. ] rulian, J. J. Atwood, C. Hackney, and the Mayor. THE OFFICE OF HALL KEEPER. 1 Mr John James, Pier-street, having been appointed to Jl the post of hall keeper, it was resolved that a month's .otice be given to the present holder of the office. s APPLICATIONS. Amongst other applications which came before the toard was a personal one made by Capt. Richards, for per. lission to make a door in his own wall in Newfoundland- ;reet. c The MAYOR said that the Commissioners had nothing to o with it, one way or the other. t

Another Irish landlord, Mr George Smith, of Cool, haS been shot at and wounded. The Norwich Election Commissioners have that Sir H. Stacey was returned by corrupt practice •» which, however, did not extensively prevail. Printed at the Caxton Steam Printing yv orus, Oswald-road, OS westry, by ASKEW ROBERTS, EDWABD WOODAIX, HENRY VENABLES, and Published at 12, Bridge-street, ADerj wyth, by PHILIP WILLIAMS. Saturday, March 5th, 1870.

IMPORTANCE NOTICE. RAILWAY INN, LE WIS- TEBRA CE, ABERYSTWYTH. THE above very commodious and desirable Inn opposite the Railway Station, and commanding a n excellent trade, is TO BE LET by Private Contract.— Stock and Furniture at a valuation. Further particular may be obtained on application to Mr C. HALL, on the premises; or to Mr G. T. SMITH, Auctioneer au-l Valuer. TO PLASTERERS. SEATXD TENDERS, addressed to the under- ks si-;ned, for Executing the PLASTERING of Four Houses, in Qneen's-road, Aberystwyth, belonging to Tlio;nas .f nne", Esq., are invited to be sent in, not later than the V2' J March instant. No pledge is given that the lowest or any tender will be accepted. For further particulars, and inspection of the Specifi- cation, apply to GEO. JONES, Architect and Surveyor, Aberystwyth. TO ADVERTISERS. ALL ADVL RTISEMENTS sent to the ABER- YSTWYT.: TIMES are also inserted, with a extr ar e •» ,i „ CAMBRIAN NEWS AND MEKl- O- ET IRE STANDARD, and thus find their way to a iarge circle of readers in Merionethshire and Car .•.r.'Mvi.a. M\ well as Cardiganshire. Adv-Ttis. t ■ should be sent, not later than Thursday ev;nr. g it intende for publication in the current week, to tilt; eu lcidtr, PHILIP WILLIAMS 12, Bridge-street, Aberystwyth.

TOWYN. PETTY SESSIONS, FRIDAY.—Before j. Pdghe, Esq. Using a Horse in an Unfit State jor Werik. -Griffith Williams, Machynlleth, was summoned by P.S. Roberta for using a horse in an unfit condition for work, at Corris, on the 16th of February.-Fined 8s. 6d., and costs lis. 6d. In consequence of there being but one magistrate in attendance, the other cases had to be adj turned.

MACHYNLLETH. THE FEMALE CHRISTYS —This troupe performed before i limited audience in the Town Hall on Thursdav evening. THE MEETING OF THE GAS COMPANY.—The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Machynlleth Gas Com- pany stands further adjourned until Saturday. THE DRAINAGE OF THE TOWN.—We understand that Mr W. H. Kensit, C.E., Aberystwyth, has been instructed to make a complete survey of the town of Machynlleth, with a view to a thorough system of drainage, and to make a report thereon to the committee which has been formed for general sanitary purposes. CAGED AT LAST. —A scene which caused some little ex- citement amongst the bystanders was witnessed at the railway station on Wednesday. Being fair day the Re- freshment Rioms had a more than usual full share of patronage, and about one o'clock a row was heard, and the police, many of whom were on the platform, rushed in to eject the fellow who was the origin and the prime mover in the row. The noisy gentleman turned out to be a character well known in the police annals of Machyn- lleth, one Richard Jones, more familiarly recognised by the soubriquet, Dick Pwll-lan, whose whereabouts had been anxiously sought by the police for some time, Dick being wanted on two charges of drunk and riotous. He would not go quietly with his captors, and physical force had to be used. Dick struggled hard for liberty, and in the meMe he managed to get the thumb of P.C. Richard Thomas between his teeth, and to the thumb he held fast. The officer, fearing for his imprisoned digit, drew his staff, and caught Dick a sharp blow on the head. Dick dropp d in an apparently senseless condition, and the bystanders inveighed against the cruelty of the officer in rescrting to such a measure to save his thumb. The police, however, knew their man and carried him into the booking-office. A medical man, who happened to be on the platform, was called in; and declared that Dick was shamming. Dick, however, remained in this semi-senseless state for nearly an hour, until the train arrived, and, with the assistance of several policemen he was carried, apparently in a very weak and exhausted condition, into the carriage and in charge of P.C. Richard Thomas started en route for Montgomery. The train had hardly got out of the station before Dick suddenly turned on the officer, and dealt him a heavy blow with the handcuffs with which his wrists had been embellished. After a hard struggle, Thomas with the assistance of some of his fellow passengers, managed to secure Dick more safely, binding nim hand and foot, and in that state he was taken to Montgomery gaol, where he will enjoy the hospitality of the place for the next three months, the alternative for non-payment of sundry fines which had been imposed upon him.

CASE OF THE WELSti tfAriTJLiNG GIRL. THE MEDICAL MEN AND PARENTS BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES. The magisterial investigation instituted by the Government nto the conduct of the medical men in superintending the watching of Sarali Jacob, the Welsh Fasting Girl, was opened at the Wilk's Head Hotel, Llandyssil, on Monday. The magistrates on the bench were Colonel Lewis, Llysnewydd j Mr Arthur Jones, Penrallt; and Mr E. C. Li. Fitzwilliams, Adpar. The defendr-nts were-Evau Jacob, Hannah Jacob, Thomas Lewis, M.D., John Hughes, surgeon, J. Rowlands, surgeou, Henry Harris Davies, surgeon, Charles Caesar Cruellis (the latter de- fendant did not appear), and they were charged with the man- slaughter of Sarah Jacob, daughter of Evan and Hannah Jacob. —ilr Coleridge, Q.C. (instructed by Mr St. John Wontner), prose- cuted on behalf ( f the Treasury; and Mr Lewis Bishop, Llan- dilo, watched the case on behalf of the girl's parents. The other defendants were not represented by legal advisers. Mr Coleridge opened the case at great length, and said he ap- peared on behalf of the Crown, instructed by the Solicitor of the Treasury, who had come to the conclusion that the case was one demanding a most close, searching, and exhaustive investiga- tion. He should first of all go into the charges against the parents, and then deal with the case as against the medical men, and, in dealing with the case of the parents, he would firnt of all say that, although in law a wife was not generally liable where her husband was also charged, because she was supposed to be under the direction and control of her husband, yet there were times when a married woman must be judged by her acts, and in this case he thought he should prove that Mrs Jacob acted independently. First of all, it was thought desirable to summon the whole of the committee; but, after the fullest consultation, the law officers of the Crown considered that it would be suffi- cient to summon the medical men, who were presumed to be gentlemen of skill and experience. The case was no doubt very familiar to the Bench, but ho should go through the facts, be- ginning at November, 1867, and he should show that a fatherand mother were bound to provide proper necessaries for their children if they had the power, and, in this case, even if the child objected, her parents ought to have compelled her to take food, whether she liked it or not. If they dill not do so, he should submit that in the eyes of the law they were guilty of manslaughter. The learned counsel then gave a history of the case, which is so familiar to all our readers. In the course of his statement, Mr Coleridge said-At the po-t- mortem examination of the child, a cavity or indentation was found under her left arm (which the parents always said was paralysed), capable of holding a half-pint bottle, and it was the theory of the prosecution that when her bed was made, a bottle, containing strong nutriment, was placed in the cavity, and in the dead of night she fed herself. In corroboration of this he (the learned counsel) might state that during the second watching a scent bottle belonging to one of the nurses was missed, and, at length, after a long search, it was found concealed under her arm. Mr Coleridge then went on to say that Evan Jacob, think- ing, no doubt, that Dr Hughes had found out too much, sum- moned him for an assault on the girl. The case was heard before some of the magistrates present, and one (Mr Fitz- williams) offered to give his opinion on the case, but the father would not hear it. Mr Fitzwilliams-I will give it now. I am inclined to think that he was in error. Mr Coleridge continued, and said that the parents stated the child's left side was paralysed, and that she could not be touched without pain, and yet when Dr Hughes tickled her feet, she first of all tried to restrain herself, and then moved them about, which showed that she was not paralysed. Of course supposing his theory of a bottle of food being placed in the cavity under the left arm was correct, they had a motive for saying so. In July, 1869, the child had grown in stature, and was quite fat, and the rev. gentleman before alluded to then began to think the affair an imposture, and warned the parents of the fate which impostors were liable to. Therofure they had no pretence on their part for saying that they did not know they were liable to punishment for their conduct. The learned counsel next referred to the arrangements for watching the girl, by which she was to have no food unless she asked for it. There seemed to be a radical fanltin this determination, because the child would have to starve to death unless she gave in before the nurses, and cried out for food. Before taking any steps in the matter, however, a very curious document was drawn up between the father of the girl and the committee of manage- ment. Mr Fitz will itlm s-It was, in fact, a licence to watch the girl. Mr Coleridge intimated that that was so, and then proceeded to read the rules drawn up by Dr Phillips, of Guy's Hospital, under which the watching by the nurses was to take place, and in doing so he said he hardly knew which of the medical men were most to blame-those who believed in the fast- ing (Dr Lewis and Mr Davies) or the two who did not. The medical men gave instructions to the nurses, and Dr Lewis instructed them that they were not to offer the child food unless she asked for it; but they were not to prevent giving her food if they chose. It seemed to him (the learned counsel) that a great fault was that the medical men did not instruct the nurses to give food if any bad symptoms appeared. He then detailed the particulars of the watching day by day, and said that at length the girl got worse, and very ill, but nothing was done. It was true that Mr J. Hughes wished to examine the child, to ascertain her condition, and it was very creditable to him that when he was not allowed tc do so he resigned, but the learned counsel submitted that he ought to have gone a step further, and insisted on the child being given food, and, if necessary have called in the aid of the law. As he had before stated, the theory of the prosecution was that the child was fed by means of a bottle placed in the indentation under her left arm, and in sup- part of that theory he might state that on the night before her death the deceased constantly called for her father, and said "bottle, bottle," and then sent him away, most likely wishing him to fetch it. That, he thought, strong evidence as regarded the father, and it did seem, looking at the physical formation of the girl's arm, that in reality what she asked for, when she called for the bottle, was food, and that it was refused by the father rather than give up the imposture. The learned counsel then referred to certain appearances that indicated that substancehad been recently taken, and referring to the fact that the cork came out of the water-bottle placed at the girl's feet on different occasions, suggested that she drew the cork out herself, either to conceal the fact that she had passed urine, or else for the purpose of drinking the water in the bottle. Referring for a moment to the position occupied by the mother in reference to the charge, the learned counsel said she was always very active about the child, and, in fact, they would naturally suppose that a mother was the proper person to look after a female child. She had a free will of her own, and he submitted that in keeping up the imposture she was not sheltered by the general rule of law which usually supposed a married woman to act under the di- rection of her husband. There was ample evidence, said Mr Coleridge, to send the father for trial, and, as regarded his wife, he asked whether it would not be better that there should be another investigation before a jury, even if the defence could prove that she was under the influence of her husband. The learned counsel then applied himself to the position of the doc- tors, and argued that persons combining together in a conspiracy by which death happened were guilty of manslaughter. The-doctors had accepted the invitation of an illegal committee, constituted for an illegal purpose, for if the child was likely to die from the effects of the watching, and not otherwise, he (Mr Coleridge) should say they were engaged in an illegal conspiracy. They were to see that the child was not to go on for ever in the de- ceit but what did they do ? They visited the girl from time to time, saw her condition, and received reports from the nurses, and they allowed no food to reach the child. The nurses were simply their servants, and the medioal men assumed the whole responsibility. They saw what was going on, and yet they did not compel food to be given. At last Mr Davies seemed to have some fear as to the result, but he did not insist on food being administered, and when the father gave him some sort of a per- mission to feed the child, he did not do so, but went to Evas Jacob's brother-in-law, at Pencader, told him the state of affairs and what he feared, and asked him to go and try to persuade the parents to feed the child. The brother-in-law did as he was re- quested, but the parents refused fo feed the child, and when he offered her some water, she did not take it. The committee was illegally constituted, and he should submit that it was a conspiracy of the medical men, whether from curiosity, or in the interests of medical science, who experimentalised upon the girl, and experimentalized upon her fatally. He understood that two of the gentlemen believed that the girl really fasted, and it was hard to say which were worst, those who believed that the ?irl had fasted for two years, or those who did not. He thought, lowever, that the disbelievers were the more guilty of the two, jecause they had a perfect knowledge, in their own minds, what ihe result would be. Mr Fitzwilliams asked if there was not a fallacy in the learned lounsel's remarks. Was he not aware that whereas in a normal londition of health a person could not fast for any length of ime, but that when in an abnormal state he might ? He had leard of a case in India where a Fakir lived without food lor a Qonth. Mr Coleridge said the question was one in wnicn there was a reat deal of doubt-that he hoped the magistrates would corn- lit, so that on the trial at thl3 assizes the opinion of the most minent medical men that could be produced might be taken on lie point. Dr Lewis here rose and said-I never expressed a belief in this mg fasting. I object to its being stated that I did. Mr Coleridge said that when his case was completed, he liould ask for a committal, and The Chairman remarked that the Bench were bound to act ithout fear, favour, or affection, and he thought it would be a ery hard case to send the defendants for trial without very good r] lason. At the request of Mr J. Hughes, the case was adjourned in rder that he might obtain legal assistance. Mr Coleridge made no objection to an adjournment, but hoped, hen the Court met again, it woulllBit day by day until the case was concluded. He ♦as extremely anxious that bills should be laid before the grand ittrv sit the next assizes, which were close at hand; but if the dafendailtrf had not'prepared their defence by that time, an application for the case to stand over to the ensuing assizes would not be opposed by the prosecution. It was then agreed to adjourn the further hearing until ThurS* day next, at eleven o'clock, and the Court rose. The magisterial investigation was resumed on Thursday. Mr Coleridge, of the South Wales Circuit, appeared for the Treasury, and Mr Bishop, of Llandeilo, for the pa- rents Mr Smith, of Swansea, for Messrs Hughes and Rowlands Mr Jones, of Llandovery, for Mr Lewis; Mr Clifton, of Bristol, for Messrs Corsellis and Davies. The magistrates present were Mr Fitzwilliams, Colonel Lewis, and Mr Jones (Penrallt). Mr Coleridge wished to correct a statement made by him on Monday, which was material as it affected the father. He said that when the girl was dying she called out Bottle, bottle." This was erroneous, and having made the statement publicly he wished to correct it publicly. He took the opportunity to state the view the prosecution took, namely, that every combination which might result in death was illegal. The committee combined to watch the girl, and the manner in which they did it was illegal. The doctors consented to act as delegates, and thus took the responsibility on their own shoulders, if they did not take it entirely from the com- mittee. Mr Coleridge cited analogous cases, commenting on one case—that of a prize fight-in whicl1 one of the combatants was killed, and in which the by-standers, al- though not aiding or abetting, were held to have been guilty of manslaughter. The Rev. Evan Jones, the vicar, who was sent for by the father to see the girl, in November, 1867, said she was under eleven years of age, and in bed, looking pale, and weak, and delicate. She said but little. The mother told him the child took nothing but water occasionally, and had been in that state since the latter part of the previous month. He spoke to the mother about the strangeness of her statement, but she insisted that it was the fact, and said the girl was anxious to join the Church of England. He saw the girl in violent fits from time to time till the end of 1868. The parents persisted that the child fasted, as they did also in January, 1869. Ho was then disposed to believe it. The girl improved in appearance, and wrote a letter to the local papers, which was copied into the Lancet, and strangers commenced to visit the giri in the spring of 1869. She was dressed with v. reaths, &c.» and money was given by the visitors. The parents said the child made no motion, or very rarely, an 1 then only when excited. The father complained that Dr PearsoO Hughes had handled the child roughly. Dr Hughes had said he would not believe the story if the mother swore till she was black in the face. The father asked witness about watching, and referred him to Mr Davies, a surgeon, of Llandyssil. A few days later a meeting was convened at the Eagle Inn, when the witness was voted to the chair- Sixteen or eighteen persons were present, and also the father; and a resolution was passed that Mr Davies, sur- geon, should write to three medical gentlemen in different parts of Wales, to ask each of them to send watchers. The committee would appoint a fourth. Only one reply waS received, from a surgeon in Cardiganshire, who appointed one watcher. It was then arranged that Mr Davie| should appoint the other three. The witness visited during the watching, which lasted a fortnight. The father made the bed every other night. Dr Pears Hughes was summoned for assaulting the father, who said the doctor handled the child roughly. The case dismi ssed. From April to July, 1869, the child grew, and her appearance improved. Witness spoke to the parent-* and dwelt upon the sinfulness of carrying on a fraud, and said other alleged cases had been proved impostures, andtbj families were held in execration, and added that such would be the case here. The mother assured him in the strongest language that there was no imposture in the case. John Griffiths, "Gohebydd," arranged for the second watching. He called on witness, and a public meeting was held on the 30th of November. The witness waS in the chair, a medical committee was appointed, and regulations from Dr Phillips, of Guy's Hospital, were adopted. Drs Corsellis, Rowlands, Hughes, and DavieS (surgeon), and Dr Lewis and Mr Jones (surgeon), Ll»n' dyssil, were asked to act. Neither was present except Davies Mr Jones declined. The resolution was that they be required to act as a medical committee for coJK sultation if the nurses should require their assistance, an agreement was signed in which the father undertook to afford every facility to the committee appointed to meet the nurses. They met at Jacob's house. Drs Corsellis and Lewis, H. G. Rowlands, and Davies (surgeons), were present. The second watching commenced on the 9th oj December. On Saturday, the 12th, the witness visited the giri and saw nothing particular. On Monday there was a change—the girl was not looking so well. H0 had some conversation with Corsellis on Tuesday. lie remarked to Corsellis that there was a change. Cor* sellis acquiesced, but said the pulse was not always an indication, as excitement may cause the pulse to vary. On Thursday he had a conversa* tion with Davies. The girl was then weaker and seemed somewhat uneasy. She looked paler than 011 Tuesday. One of the nurses made a communication to him that day. Davies was not present. Could not say whether either of the parents was present. Told the parents he observed the girl getting weaker, and that he thought she could not hold out through the watching. H0 suggested the propriety of sending the nurses away. One or other, he did not know which, said that if the nurseS were sent away they had nothing to do with that, for the parents said she had been quite as weak before. They at* tributed the weakness to excitement and to her little sisteC being kept away from the bed. He did not suggest that food should be given her. The parents constantly said she could not take food, and they said on this occasion that they could not give her any because she was not able to take it. Davies was not present during the con versation; but afterwards he said that, judging from the state of bet pulse, she was in a weak state. He said the pulse waS rather high, but the temperature of the body was all right; that she could not be in a dying state so long as the tem- perature was all right. Witness said something about doctors having been 'appointed to observe the proceedino connected with the watching. He said he felt the respon- sibility on him that way was too much to rest upon hiO alone. Davies went to Pencader then, and telegraphed to the medical men at Carmarthen on the following morning* Witness was sent for about nine, and spoke to the girls but got no answer. The two nurses, the parents, and some friends of the family were present, but none of the doctors. Witness returned about three o'clock. Cross-examined by Mr Smith, on behalf of Drs HugheS and Rowlands—Declined to say whether he admitted Sarah to the Church of England Communion. She was • very intelligent child, and frequently read the Bible and recited poetry. During the whole course of his interviews there was a difference in her intelligence. Between Marcb 1867, and December, 1869, there was an improvement; het intellect was stronger, and had improved by her reading* He frequently visited, and had opportunities of observing the state of the child. She appeared to be a person capable of expressing her wished. She never asked for food in his presence. Sa^ her take some water once, soon after being called to see her. The parents gave it, but he did not recollect whether it was asked for. She was of about the ordinary intelli" gence. He had a good deal to do with the first watching. It was not till some months after that terminated that he altered his opinion as to the alleged fasting, having up to that time been a believer in the story. He became some- what sceptical. He did not explain to the nurses the nature of their duty, nor was it explained in his presence- He knew what their duties were. It was decidedly not their duty to keep food from the child, or prevent other people givingit. So far as the committee was concerned, any person about the child might have administered it if they thought proper. There was a general understanding that the girl was to be fed if she wished it, or if the parents wished it. Could not say whether the father was aware of that general understanding. He did not recollect whether that question was formally discussed at the consultation. There was no resolution, but he knew there was no idea oi refusing the child food if she wished it. There was to be no prohibition of food-decidedly not. There was no plan set on foot to keep the food from her. The object of watching was to see if she took food, and not to prevent her having it. That was the distinct object of the COW" mittee, and was contained in the regulations. The secre- tary could say whether it was communicated to the medical committee —a distict committee from their com- mittee. The committee proper (said the witness) waS appointed by public meeting; it was not appointed by our committee, unless you take the whole meeting to be the committee. Both committees were ap- pointed by the same meeting, but for different purposes. Our committee was appointed to receive the report of the nurses after the watching was over. H0 could not say that the nurses were under the control of the committee. Arrangements to engage them were made with the authorities of Guy's Hospital. They had been partially made before our committee was formed. go formal sanction to those arrangements was made by our committee. Witness had offered, at the public meeting, to pay their travelling expenses and wages to Gohebydd they were not to come out of the funds of the committee, but the committee paid for their lodging. As chairman of the committee lie did not re- ceive any communication from the nurses requiring the assistance of medical men at the watching of the girl- During the week in which she died he did not take anf steps towards withdrawing the nurses. He knew it waS perfectly useless. After the child died he presided at a meeting of the committee, at which the nurses' report waS received. He could not say when Hughes and Rowlands began to have anything to do with the case. He could not say whether it was a fact that they had no connection with the case till after the watching commenced. By Mr Jones, on behalf of Lewis—The doctors all acted gratuitously. Mr Lewis -proposed that the girl should be taken to Carmarthen Infirmary, but the father declined to have her moved. He refused to resign Ilio parental authority over the child, because he thought she was too weak to be taken away from home. By the Chairman- I don't think he resigned it to any one. By Mr Clifton (for Drs. Corsellis and Davies)-None of the medical gentlemen whose names were placed on the Medical Committee were consulted before their names were put down; not by me at any rate. It WOA gratuitous on the part of the meeting to appoint those gentlemen. The Court then adjourned till Friday morning.

A deputation from the Central Association for promoting t'i i closing r,f public-houses on Sunday" waited upon Mr B ull Tiiri.-iiJav. The deputation included, amongst o; ers, JOHN HANMEB, Bart., Mr S. HOLLAND, M.P., M- K J. FSAIITOULS, M.P., the Rev. D. CHARLES, M)iiz-rat,,r of the Calvinistic Methodist General Assembly, a deputation from that body, Mr J. GRlFFiTH (G '¡e'))"d!), a .id Mr T. B. JONES, Adwy'r Clawdd, Wr^-xhaui. Mr BRUCE, in reply, said he had one of the tn "t diifijult problems to solve, how far it was possible to interfere with individual enjoyments for the public go i.l. If they would be good enough to. restrain their impatience for a few days, they would see what the G -veraintat measure was; and however much it might fall short of their opinions they would agree that it was a great step in the direction they desired. The Oswestry Advertizer says—Last week we called at- taa-,ion to the case of THOMAS ROWLAND, of Hafod yr H -idd, a teuant of Sir WATKIN'S in Merionethshire, who, it -vas intimated by some of our contemporaries, had been p inished for supporting the liberal candidate in 1868 by b ;irtg left to live in a stable, in consequence of the ruinous c)a litioa of his farmhouse. We said at the time that we a vaited an explanation, and the following facts have been 1 before us. ROWLAND, it is stated, occupies a very a 3a dl holding, his rental being only 218, and the cost of erecting proper buildings would amount to more than it is at all worth while to expend. It is intended, therefore, to t'lruw two or three of these small farms into one, and then to provide proper buildings for the whole. ROWLAND, we » -e told, was long ago informed of this, and advised to (i e up his farm, but refused, and the agent has hesitated to eject him. It is declared that his case has been treated vri b no reference at all to political questions, but simply with a view to the improvement of the estate. As to Sir WATSIN himself, we understand that he knew nothing of the matter till it was brought under his notice in the newspapers. Adverting to another subject, we may say, in j ostice to Y Dydd, that the letter from Mr J. WILLIAMS, on the address to Sir WATKIN, has now been inserted in that paper. Lord PENZANCE'S remarks, in opening his summing-up of the Mordaunt Case, may be read with great profit by gonna of our readers. We frequently" receive requests- ya w iich we uniformly disregard, from whatever quarter t e proceed—to omit public matters from our columns for private reasons. One inflexible rule is necessary to pro- tect ourselves from the incessant applications we should otherwise receive, and to carry out, as far as possible, a p ilicy of fairness towards everybody; but we wish those who trouble themselves and us with these useless requests would consider a moment whether their own interests would be advanced if we listened to them. They may be q lite sure that many-tongued rumour has been busy with the case which they wish suppressed, magnified its evil Cl iracter, and misrepresented it in many ingenious ways; a i-I a faithful report is sometimes the very best thing for t persons most anxious to avoid it. The suppression even of a name may cause more scandal than the publica- tion of a column of details, in these days when, in other ways besides through the press, almost everything is pro- claimed from the housetops. For these, as well as for other reasons, we shall adhere, if possibly more closely than ever, to the policy which we have adopted, and some of our readers, whom we are really pained to appear to disoblige, will save themselves and us a great deal of trouble and annoyance by bearing this in mind. The Oswestry Board of Guardians have refused to support the movement for closing public houses on Sunday. We cannot appreciate the argument that Boards of Guardians have nothing to do with the matter, since, as everybody will allow, the drinking customs of the country furnish those Boards with the greater part of their business. The suggestion made by Mr CRUMP and endorsed by Mr LOXMOORE, that public houses should be open at certain hours, to supply drink to be consumed off the premises, would, it seems to us, meet all objections fo irided on "the poor man's argument;" and if there ware a poll of men and women, we very much doubt whether an overwhelming majority would not vote for entire el, «ing/ A good deal of sentimentality is imported into these discussions, in which, we quite believe, there is room for argument, for there is a great deal to be said on both sides. But beer might be our national god, from the careful way in which our devotion to it on Sunday is defended by respectable men. A movement for closing those ohr places of worship, dedicated to a different cultus, would hardly be treated with sterner opposition- and not with half the contempt. The Mines Regulation Bill is one of special interest in Novae portions of our district, and a brief resume of its more important provisions will be acceptable. With re- gard to boys, it is enacted that none under twelve shall be employed underground, and that no boy between twelve and sixteen shall be employed for more than twelve hours at a time, with intervals of an hour and a half for meals. A very satisfactory provision prohibits the payment of wages at public houses and the men -will be glad to find that if the Bill passes they will have power to employ their ova weigher "—who can only be dismissed on proof of misconduct before the magistrates—to check the coals brought up. Then there are regulations as to double shafts, air ways, and ventilation, which, if strictly carried out, will doubtless prevent a great proportion of the acci- dents that now occur. Another excellent provision, we fancy, will also tend to that result. Every owner or agent who is guilty of an offence against the Act, endangering the safety of the persons employed, or likely to cause injury to them, will be liable to imprisonment, instead of a penalty in money, if wilful negligence can be shown. This is nothing but carrying out the principle of equal justice, for if the men are liable to imprisonment for breaking the rules, why should the masters escape with what to them is often no punishment at all? It is a just matter for complaint, we think, that Mr BRUCE has not provided for the examination of managers, many of whom, he acknowledges, are inefficient; but with regard to another alleged defect, the paucity of inspectors, there is a good deal to be said for Mr BRUCE'S view of the case. He argues that a too frequent inspection would tend to weaken the responsibility of the masters, and that the value of inspection depends upon its irregular and detective character. On the whole, we believe, the Bill will go a long way towards protecting the men from preventible accidents, and promoting greater confidence between them and their employers. We report to-day the seventeenth annual meeting of the Provincial Insurance Company. Mr BARNES, the chair- man of the Board, presided, and made a long and interesting statement with reference to the affairs of the company, in the course of which he said that he regarded their prospects as very favourable. 'lhe meeting passed off in a satisfactory manner. The prosecution of the doctors, in the case of the Welsh Fasting Girl has commenced, and if they should be com mitted for trial we may perhaps Lave some interesting evidence from eminent medical men on the question of continued existence without food, in which some people persist in believing.