The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

CORRIS. WESLEYAN CHAPi&i,The Wesleyan Methodist^of this place held their anniversary meeting on Good Friday, and the previous evening, when sermons were preached by the Revs. Samuel Davies, of; Carnarvon, and William. Davies, of Bangor. The congregation was greatly disappointed by the absence of the Revs. Owen Lloyd Davies, of Ruthin, and Hugh Hughes, of Cefn. The congregations were very large. A collection wasjnade at the close of the afternoon, and between the two- sermons of the evening services, in aid of re-painting the chapel. REJOICINGS ON THE RETURN OF CAPTAIN MINSHULL FORD AND HIS BRIDE TO LLWYNGWERN. The marriage of Captain Minshull Ford, late of the Eighth Regiment, to Fl02en.ce Helen, daughter of Charles Oldham, Esq., took place on the 25tli of Novem- ber last, when it was celebrated with rejoicings in the neighbourhood of Machynlleth and Corris. It was deter- mined by a number of friends and well-wishers that the return of Captain and Mrs Minshull Ford to Llwyn- gwern should not pass unnoticed; accordingly, a com- mittee was formed, and it was agreed that an address should be presented to the newly-married pair. Llwyngwern is situated in the picturesque valley of Dulas Gwynedd, on the Corris road, about three miles from Maohynlleth, The house has been almost entirely rebuilt by Mr Griffith Ellis, contractor, Dolgelley, at a cost of about £ 2,500, and extensive alterations have also been made around the house. The return of Captain and Mrs Minshull Ford took place on the 8th instant, and the day fixed for the presen- tation of the address was Wednesday last. Early in the morning the people in the neighbourhood of Llwyngwern were busily engaged in making arches and decorating the place with evergreens. Arches spanned the road from the lodge, and the front of the house was beautifully decorated with evergreens, and mottoes, both in Welsh and English. Shortly after two o'clock the deputation from Machynlleth and the neighbourhood arrived, and were shewn into the drawing-room, where they were re- ceived by Mrs Ford and Captain and Mrs Minshull Ford, Hy. Ford, Esq., and the Misses Ford, of Chester. The deputation consisted of the following gentlemen:The Rev. Thomas Davies, of Llanwrin Rectory (chairman), C. F. Thruston, Esq., Talgarth Hall, Rev. G. Griffiths, Machynlleth Rectory, Sackville Phelps, Esq., David Howell, Esq., Dolguog, the Rev. Daniel Evans. vicar of Corris, Jos. Owen Jones, Esq., Fronygog, Rd. Williams, Esq., Fronfelen, Hugh Lloyd, E.q., Machynlleth, Lieut.- Colonel Stewart, Esgair, Mr Richard Jones, merchant, hon. secretary, and Mr Griffith Ellis, Dolgelley. The Rev. THOS. DAVIES, addressing Captain Ford said-As clergyman of the parish, I have the privilege of presenting this address to you, sir, which I assure you affords me very much pleasure the more so because I am fully aware that you are in every way worthy of the token of esteem and good wishes which it contains. The address, which was here read, was as follows :— To Captain Minshull Ford. Sir,—We, whose names are hereunto attached, have the honour to wait upon you as a deputation from the in- habitants of the town and neighbourhood of Machynlleth, to congratulate you on your recent marriage, and to wel- come you and your bride to the home of your early asso- ciations and attachments in the pretty and picturesque valley of Dulas-Gwynedd. those of us who had the privilege of knowing and associating with your late highly-esteemed and deeply- lamented father, and who well remember his great and varied qualities and endowments of heart and intellect, which distinguished him in every relation of life, and were devoted, with no stint, to promote the interests and happiness of those among whom he lived, feel that we can desire you no higher social distinction and felicity than that the mantle of the father may descend on the son. And, as to the young lady whom you have chosen to share your joys and sorrows, suffice it to say that we ardently wish she may emulate and equal your surviving parent, who commands and enjoys the esteem, admiration, and affection of all who know her. Wishing you both every happiness, and trusting that you may long be spared to reside and do good amonsrst us, we have the honour to subscribe ourselves, on behalf of your numerous friends and well-wishers. Machynlleth, April 21st, 1870." Names at the bottom of the address:—Thos. Davies (chairman), Llanwrin Rectory, C. F. Thruston, Talgarth Hall, Geo. Griffiths, Machynlleth Rectory, Sackville Phelps, David Howell, Dolguog, Daniel Evans, vicar of Corris, Jos. Owen Jones, Fronygog, Richd. Williams, Fronfelen, Hugh Lloyd, Machynlleth, Lieut.-Colonel Stewart, Esgair, Richd. Jones, merchant, hon. sec. Mr DAVIES continued-I would like to say more on the subject, but really my heart is so full that I cannot find words to express my feelings on the occasion I had hoped that some one better qualified than myself would have dis- charged this duty, but be that as it may, no one could have done so more sincerely. (Hear, hear.) I hope, sir, you will follow in the footsteps of your good father. I have heard a good deal about him, and I can assure you I almost daily hear his name mentioned, and his memory blessed. (Hear, hear.) The parishioners all join in say- ing that no opportunity of doing good was ever lost by him, and most earnestly do I pray that you will follow in his noble steps. As regards Mrs Ford, your bride, I especially hope she will emulate her noble mother-in-law, whose name has only to be mentioned to be revered. It has not been my privilege in any part of the world to meet with a lady more worthy of the love and esteem in which Mrs Ford is held, and I hope Mrs Minshull Ford will live to be as loved and revered; and may you both long live to enjoy the esteem and good wishes of all. (" Hear, hear," and cheers. Captain MINSHULL FORD said—Mr Davies and gentle- men, I thank you on behalf of myself and wife for the very handsome address which you have presented to us, and also for the kind and hearty manner in which you have welcomed us on coming into this county, and I can assure you it will be our endeavour to merit the kindness you have this day shown to us. (Hear, hear.) I also beg to return you my thanks on behalf of Mrs Ford, and I may say, from my knowledge of both parents, Mr Davies's remarks are in no way exaggerated. (Hear, hear.) I also hope, gentlemen, to prove to you that the son is as good as the father. (Hear, hear.) This will be a great day in our memory, and the address this day presented will not only be treasured up in our memory, but in the memory of our chiliren. (Hear, hear.) Gentlemen, I again beg to thank you for your kindness. The company, at the invitation of Captain Minshull Ford, then adjourned to the dining room, where a most sumptuous repast was provided. The address was engrossed on vellum by Messrs Askew Roberts, Woodall, and Venables, of Oswestry. In the afternoon, the school children from the village of Corris were regaled with a bountiful supply of tea and cake on the lawn in front of the house, their wants being carefully attended to by Capt. and Mrs Minshull Ford, Mrs Ford, and the Misses Ford, Chester. In the evening, fire-works were let off, and the rejoicings were kept up until a late hour. On Thursday evening Capt. Minshull Ford was enter- tained at dinner at the Unicorn HoteL Covers were laid for sixty, and the catering of Mr David Jones was fully equal to the high reputation which this hotel has always enjoyed. The chair was occupied by Earl Vane, who was supported by Viscount Seaham, the Hon. H. O. Vane Tempest, Col. Stewart (Esgir), Mr Clement A. Thruston, high sheriff of Merionethshire, and Mr Sack- ville Phelps. The vice chair was taken by Mr C. F. Thruston, Talgarth Hall, and the subscribers included Mr Hugh Lloyd, Dr D. R. Pughe, Mr R. Gillart, Dr Griffiths, Aberhiriath Hall, Mr Joseph O. Jones (Trony- gog), Mr G. W. Griffiths (merchant), Mr Richd. Jones (merchant), Mr Ed. Morgan, Mr David Howell, the Rev. Geo. Griffiths, the Rev. W. G. Davies (Cemmaes), Mr Newton Apperley, (Morben), Mr Gilbertson, Mr Gilbert- son, jun. (Ceniarth), the Rev. Daniel Evans (Corris), Mr R. C. Yeoman, Mr Thos. Breese, Mr Rowland Pryce, Mr W. Jarratt, Mr D. Jones (auctioneer), Mr D. Jones (Unicorn Hotel), Rev. T. Davies (Llanwrin), Mr Thos. Morgan, Mr M. E. Lewis, Mr H. F. Price, Mr Hughes (the Bank), Mr Mayhew Jones, Mr Ford (Chester), Mr John Thomas, Mr David Owen, Mr David Evans, Dr Maslin, Mr Kenyon, the Rev. J. Roberts, the Rev. J. M. Jones, Mr Nicholls, and Mr R. R. Williams. Various toasts were proposed and honoured, includinl-, of course, the health of the newly married pair, but we reserve our report of the post-prandial proceedings till next week. [A full report of the proceedings will appear in the Oswestry Advertizer of Wednesday next.]

THE ABERYSTWYTH BRITISH SCHOOLS AND TOWN COUNCIL. To the Editor of the Aberystwyth Times. SIR,—Allow me through your columns to offer a few ob- servations on the proceedings of the Council at tbeir last meeting. It appears by the report that appeared in your last issue that some very respectable church people strenu- ously opposed the application made on behalf of the British Schools Committee by the Rev. John Williams and others who attended as delegates, to grant a right of access to the proposed schools from the Plascrug Walk, the property of the corporation. The argument made use of by the gentlemen referred to was, that the ingress and egress of children to the schools would injure and destroy the promenade which is about being formed along the old mill-dam, and that the land was purchased of Sir Pryse Pryse with a view of improving the town, and affording visitors a pleasant place to walk on. Now, this seems to me very singular. How would a fine building, such as the intended new schools are to be, and the neat little children of the town walking over the promenade into and from the schools; how, I say, would that tend to diminish in value the ground purchased to adorn the town? Why, instead of taking away it would add improvement to that part of the town. It was remarked by some of the gen- tlemen that granting access from Plascrug would injure considerably the prospects of building on the land in that direction. Is that presumption anything more than a mere delusion ? There are several houses in Queen's-road, and other prominent part of the town, vacant at this mo- ment, and no one enquires what they are good for, and therefore the time when the Old Mill-dam, all the way to Plascrug, will be adorned with fine houses and all occupied is indeed most remote. And when it is considered that the Rev. J. Williams condescended to ask even for a narrow foot- path along the ground as an access, and was refused, can any one form any other opinion than that the intention of these gentlemen was solely to retard the progress of the movement, and throw an obstacle in the way to pre- vent the promoters of the scheme from obtaining their object. But no one can wonder much at the decision of the Council, when it is borne in mind who many of the gentle- men are who compose the Board. There are certain per- sons that dislike British Schools. What really astonishes me is this-where were the nonconformist members of the Council, who are supposed, or at least ought, to be in favour of the proposed schools ? There were only two 'of them present when such an important question was before the Board, but neither of them uttered a syllable in favour of granting the application. I am at a loss to know what advantage is derived from returning dissenters to the Town Council unless they attend and speak on behalf of their party, when it is essentially necessary they should do so. The question referred to was most important as affect- ing all the dissenting bodies of Aberystwith, and the least we could expect from those gentleman we honour with a seat in the Council, was to attend and take part in the debate, unless a just cause prevented them. It is far from my intention to depreciate these gentlemen, but I could not help thinking it my duty to draw attention to the subject, and deal with them impartially as public men in the mest important Board of the town. I remain, &c., AN ADVOCATE FOR A BRITISH SCHOOL. Aberystwyth, 12th April, 1870.

HOLLOWAY'S PILLB.-At the change of seasons many persons feel oppressed without knowing why they are so -they are aware something within them is wrong, though they cannot detect the defective organ. A few doses of these powerfully purifying and eminently cooling Pills will restore regularity to every part of the system-will cast out all impurities lurking in the frame, and will tho- roughly expel the last traces of disorder, however hidden the disease may be—however obscure its cause. With Holloway's medicine relief is insured without risk er- roneous action is rectified without disturbing natural regularity, health is re-instated, and with it return the cheerful feelings which unmistakably tell the recent in- I valid that all within is right again.

TOWYN. TELEGRAPH OFFICE. --The poles for the telegraph wires are being erected in this town to-day (Thursday). We expect to be able to send messages direct from the post office in a few days. THE FAIR.—The hiring fair was held as usual on Easter Monday. Nothing of interest to the public occurred dur- ing the day, except the meeting of the farmers at the Market Hall, Mr D. E. Kirkby in the chair. The sub- ject of discussion was the necessity of having a new fair c at Towyn for the sale of cattle, horses, pigs, &c. The farmers were unanimous that it was a desideratum, and consequently a new fair was established for the 30th of May, two days before the Dinas Mawddwy fair. This, we think, will be a great boon to cattle dealers as well as farmers. LECTURE.—A lecture was delivered at the Independent Chapel, on Wednesday evening, the 13th inst., by the Rev. W. Davies, Wesleyan minister, of Bangor, on Genesis and Geology." The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. C. Nuttal. The chair was ably filled by MrWm. Rees, High-street, who in a few words plainly explained the meaning of the term Genesis and Geology," and afterwards called upon the rev. lecturer. Mr Davies divided his subject under three different head- ings, viz.1. The Earth's Age. 2. The Antiquity of Man. 3. The Deluge. He commented in an able man- ner upon each of them. The Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer, who in his turn proposed the same to the chairman, which was seconded by the Rey. W. Thomas, who also recited some verses composed in honour of the chairman. The lecture was well attended. The proceeds were devoted to the funds of the Wesleyan chapel- GQQD FRIDAY.—A tea party waa held in connection with the Independent Sunday School on Good Friday. The children gathered at the Independent chapel at about two o'clock pan., and, after a few tunes were sung, formed into an orderly procession, which was headed by the Rev. J. Thomas, Mr D. Ll. Lloyd, Mr Lloyd (Hendy), and several others, and walked through the town. When op- posite Mr Daniel's, the leader of the singing, they formed into a ring, and sang from the tonic sol-fa system, Wele rwy'n dyfod." Afterwards they marched down to the beach, and there amused themselves at various games. In a short time they formed again into procession, and before leaving the seaside sang Mae nghartrtrn y Nefoedd." They then marched singing towards the town, and when opposite the Rev. J. Thomas's house, stopped and sang Tu draw i'r Afon." Afterwards they marched to the market hall, where sumptuous tables of good tea and bara brith were prepared by the-following ladies and gentlemen :—Mrs Thomas, Mrs Phillips, Mrs Lloyd, Mrs Lloyd (Hendy), Mrs Williams, Mr Roberts, (Tyddynduy, Mrs Jones (Vaenol), Mrs Jones (Tanybryn), Mrs Roberts, Mrs Humphreys (Bank), Miss Vaughan, Miss Parry, Miss Rowlands, Miss Jenkins, Mr D. Davies, and Mr W. W. Jones. When tea was over, they ad- journed to the Independent chapel, where a meeting was held at six p.m., under the presidency of Mr D. Ll. Lloyd,, who, after the tune Nashville" was sung, and a prayer by the Rev. Hugh Jones,. delivered an appropriate address. for the occasion. The following programme was then, gone through:—Tune—"Bwrw dy faich" by the choir. Address by the Rev. W. Perkins, Pennal. Song by Mr John Evans, Bryncrug. Song and chorus by Mr E. Jones, Bodtalog. Address by the Rev. C. Nuttal. Song by the Rev. R. Thomas, IJanelltyd. Tune by the choir, Hyfryd yw gwlad yr hedd." Song-" Y Bardd i'w Wyr."—The Rev. R. P. Jones, Llanegryn, then de- livered an address on the Best mode of raising the Sunday school to a higher position." Next in the pro- gramme was a tune by the choir, "Rhyfelgyrch Gwyr Harlech." Address by Mr Wm. Rees. Song by the Rev. Robert Thomas, Llanelltyd. Address by the Rev. Hugh Jones. Tune by the choir-" 0 Gristion rhaid deffro." Address by Mr J. H. Jones, Aberdovey. Tune by the choir-" Gawn ni gwrdd ar lan yr afon." Can- Ar hyd y Nos."—After the usual thanks, Nos dawch" was sung by the audience, who then dispersed, every one highly gratified with the evening's entertainment. Miss Jones, of Chester, presided at the piano, to the great satisfaction of the audience.

MACHYNLLETH. VAGRANCY.-On Saturday last a man named George Hughes, known as "Barmouth George," was taken be- fore C. F. Thruston, Esq., and charged with vagrancy. It appears that on the previous Thursday he went to a farmhouse, near Penegoes, called Bryn Tudwr, where he told the wife, who was alone in the house at the time, a sorrowful tale. He represented that the vessel in which he and his wife and family of several children had em- barked for America had been wrecked that his wife and children had all perished and that he himself had been in great distress. He also displayed wounds on his arm. Finding that entreaties availed nothing he altered his tone and became very abusive in his language, whereupon the woman ran out of the house crying Murder which made George take to his heels but he had not gone far when he was overtaken and apprehended by P.C. H. Roberts. He was sentenced to one month's imprisonment, with hard labour. The routine of prison life must be getting familiar to George, as he has been an inmate at least half a dozen times. SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.—On Good Friday the Calvinistic Methodist Sunday schools in this town and neighbourhood held their anniversary, which, as on pre- vious occasions, consisted of a tea at three o'clock, followed in the evening by a competitive meeting (Cyfarfod Cys- tadleuol). At one one o'clock the town schools formed in procession, and marched to meet the district sohools of Forge, Penegoes, Derwenlas, and Pantperthog succes- sively. Tea was served in the schoolroom adjoining the chapel, the following ladies officiating at the different tables—Mrs Williams, Mrs J. F. Jones, Mrs D. Jones, Mrs Meredith, Mrs Pughe, Mrs William Jones, Mrs W. M. Jones, Mrs Leeke, Mrs Marpole, Mrs D. Evans, Mrs R. Williams, the Misses Owen, Miss Owen (Ivy House), Miss Jones (flour dealer), Miss Parry, Miss K. Jones, and Miss Morris. Tea over, the children proceeded to the park, where they indulged in innocent sports till it was time to get ready for the evening meeting. This meeting was to most the most interesting part of the day's proceed- ings. It was taken up in reading the adjudications of the Rev. N. Cynhafal Jones on literary productions in poetry and prose, the subjects of which had been announced be- forehand, and in awarding prizes to the successful compe- titors. Prizes were also awarded to the best singers, the judges being Messrs Wilson and Thomas. In the unavoid- able absence of the Rev. J. F. Jones, B.A., the chair was occupied by Mr D. R. Pughe, surgeon. After a brief speech from the chair the competitive business was pro- ceeded with in the following order :—Singing, Annedd y Dirwestydd," best, Miss J. Hughes handwriting, best boy's, Edward Rowlands, best girl's, Miss M. Meredith, Penrhyn reciting, Willie bach a'i dad," best, Miss M. Meredith; singing, "Wel dyma grwydryn llwm," Mr John Ashton; essays on Gostyngeiddrwydd," first prize, William Roberts, second, Lewis, Derwenlas read- ing, 2nd Samuel xviii, 29-33, best, William Evans; written answers to questions previously set, best, Lewis Jones singing, Trewch y tant," best, John Ashton and party reciting, Yr hen wr a'r fuwch," best, Edward Marpole singing, Am nad oes ffrydiau," John Ashton; essays, "History of Miriam," best, Miss Jones, Troedyrhiw; sing- ing, He shall feed his flock," best, Miss Roberts impromptu speech on The Sun," best, Mr William Evans; singing a duet, best, a party from Forge; lines 00 the Offering of Isaac," best, David Jones, second, John Lewis; reciting, Yr Ystorm," best, Lewis Jones; essays, 4" Yr Aberthau Iuddewig," first prize, William Roberts, second, Evan Williams. The proceedings were interspersed with glees, choruses, &c., which were sung with great credit by the different choirs that were present, A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting, which lasted upwards of four hours, to a termination.

LLANBADARN-FAWR. FAIR CLOCHYDD.—This fair was held on Saturday, the 16th instant, when there were a great number of English drovers present. The show of both milch and store cattle was below the average of fairs. There was a great demand for both, notwithstanding the dry weather we have had, and both were in a fair condition considering the scarcity of fodder. There were but few horses shown, which were sold at high prices.

I A Bermondsey waterman made a singular statement at the Thames Police-court on Saturday. He said that while rowing up the river that morning he caught an alligator, and no sooner had the beast been conveyed ashore than two voung men carried it off to Mr Jamrach's establish- ment in Ratcliff Highway. The proprietor of that place of entertainment refused to part with the alligator, which was about four feet in length. The applicant was in- formed that he was entitled to a summons if Mr Jamrach persisted in detaining the creature,

PROJECTED RAILWAY ALONG THE TREFEGLWYS VALLEY. Everybody has heard of the now celebrated Van mine, and of the great stores of lead found there. Under the present vigorous management very large quantities of lead have been brought to the surface and prepared for the market. The company have, however, always had one great disadvantage toeontend with, viz., the difficulty of getting the lead from the works to the railway. The Van mine is about two miles-and a half from Llanidloes, but a large hill intervenes, so that the only available road to that town is about four miles long and is moreover a very bad one, especially in winter. Attention, therefore, has for some time been directed to a better way of connecting the mine and the railway. It was thought at first that a short line of a mile and a half in length made on the 2ft. 6in. gauge from the Van to the- top of the hill would have to some extent answered the purpose; but there were several strong objections to this-one was, that there would still be a mile of cartage- with all its drawbacks. There is indeed only one of two methods of reaching Ilanidloes- the hill either must be pierced by a tunnel or climbed over by a series of ascents and descents. But there is another approach to the Van which presents no physical difficulty, and that is from Caersws along the Trefeglwys valley, and this is the route which lately suggested itself as the best practicable one to Mr Evan Powell and Mr Gillart. These gentlemen had been employed—the one by Earl Vane and the other by thelanded proprietors in the up per part of the valley, to devise some method of preventing the overflow of the river Ceryst, which, rising not far from the Van mines, runs down theTrefeglwys valley to Caersws, where it joins the Severn. This river is subject to frequent flooding caused in a great measure by the shallow and crooked character of its bed and the whole of the water near its source is used for washing the lead ore. Since the operations at the mine have become so much extended the water is strongly impregnated with poisonous matter most injurious to crops of every kind. Indeed whether a rail- way be made along this. valley or net, it is quite certain that steps are absolutely necessary to prevent the destruction of vegetation from the overflow of this water, which now contains so much deposit frora the mines. It naturally occurred to Mr Powell and Mr Gillart that it would be quite feasible to combine the advantages of complete drainage with those of a railway, and as soon as this idea was started the people in Trefeglwys and vicinity very warmly took the matter up. The landowners on the route were seen, and they met the proprietors in the most liberal manner; and we believe that the result is that nearly all the land has been arranged for. The railway, as. now proposed, will be on the ordinary gauge, and will start from the Cambrian Railway, at Caersws Station, and following the course of the river Ceryst for miles out of a total length of (j. miles it will end at the floors of the Van Works. It is intended to widen, straighten, and deepen the river-course, and on the bank formed along the side of the river by this excavation the railway will be laid. In this way no more land will be occupied than if the excavation for drainage purposes alone had been made without any railway. This method will also cause no severance of the fields traversed by the line. The projectors of the railway contemplate putting sidings at four points along the route, for the convenience of farmers and others. This will be of immense benefit to the whole of the district, because hitherto there has not even been an ordinary road along this valley, chiefly to the nature of the soil and the want of road metaling in the neighbourhood. Through the disad- vantages of bad drainage and the want of a good road the land in this valley has never realized nearly what it would have been worth under ordinary circumstances. The railway here will therefore be of incalculable value, as it will not only give them the best of all roads, but good drainage as well The farmers will be able to have lime, coal, &c., in railway waggons, brought as it were to their own doors, without the trouble and expense which a break of gauge would necessitate. So far, as regards the land, and those interested in it, all of whom, of course, are most anxious to see the line made. Then, as to the Van and mines in its vicinity, the course taken by the river would show at once that this is the best route for the railway, and, indeed, as we have said, the line follows along the bank of the river nearly the whole way but as a matter of fact it has been found, we believe, that the natural conformation of the ground gives a falling gradient from the mines to Caersws of 1 in 400—a gradient, it is unnecessary to remark, that can be very easily and cheaply worked. Nature having done so much, there is little left to be done—in the way of leveling and cutting, nothing-so that the expense of forming the railway will be confined almost exclusively to widening and deepening the river and cost of the permanent way. The whole cost of the line is not expected to exceed £ 2,000 a mile. The great advantages of having a railway made up this valley have long been felt, but until now it was feared that the agri- cultural traffic alone would not have compensated for the outlay. Since, however, to the agricultural traffic there is to be added the large quantity of traffic to and from the Van and other mines, there can no longer be any doubt on the subject, especially when the advantages of draining can be oombined, and thus the cost of construction greatly reduced. Not only will the mines and the neighbourhood of Trefeglwys be largely benefited by the new line, but Caerews and the immediate locality will no doubt largely share in the advantage of having the new route opened up. Caersws is the natural outlet from the Van and its neighbours, and with a train running backwards and for- wards new life and prosperity will soon come to the old Roman town. It is, we hear, intended to have an early train leaving Caersws—say a quarter to six-for the con- venience of workmen going to the mines, and a train will return in the evening when the day's work is done. This will afford constant employment to many people in Caersws, and will give the proprietors of the mine a new field where to choose labour, to the mutual advantage of both parties, The landowners whose land will be traversed, and who have met the projectors in a very generous spirit, are Earl Vane, Lord Sudeley, Capt. Crewe-Read, Mr Morris, Mr D. Davies, Rev. W. O. Phillips, Messrs Woosnam, Miss Mytton, and others. Since the above scheme has taken a definite form, with the prospect of being soon carried out, the people of Llan- idloes have bestirred themselves with a view of getting a better and more complete plan than that originally pro- posed to connect the Van mine with that town, which has already so greatly benefited by the present activity in the mines. They now propose a narrow gauge railway of 2ft. 6in. from Llanidloes station to the Van getting over the hill that lies between these points by a steep gradient and a tunneL This scheme does not appear to possess the advantages of the Trefeglwys route; for it will involve a break of gauge, will be of no benefit to the country it goes through, will indeed take up land instead of improv- ing that adjoining, and will be more costly to make and work, although in length shorter than the other.

ABERDOVEY. Week ending Thursday, April 21st, 1870. ARRIVED.—Sarah and Mary, Davies, from Dublin; Mary, Morgans, Cardigan; Prince Cadwgan (s.), Evans, Aberayron Bee, Hughes, Aberystwyth Two Brothers, Jones, Cardigan. SAILED. —Idris, Parry, for Workington; Seven Brothers, Morgans, Waterford Adoram, Davies, White- haven Alert, Jenkins, Plymouth; Jane Ellen, Rees, Rothsay; Dovey Belle, James, Whitehaven; Mary, Morgans, Swansea Prince Cadwgan (s.), Aberayron. LAUNCH.—On Friday a new schooner was launched from the building yard of Mr John Jones, at Derwenlas. She is called the Sarah Davies, and is to be commanded by Mr Thomas Davies, her principal owner. She is 160 tons burden, and intended for the coasting tmde. ABERYSTWYTH. ARRIVED.—Express (s.s.), Jones, from Liverpool; Com- merce, Thomas, Abera; f n; Henry E.Ta lor (<.s.), Lewis, Bristol; Elizabeth Davies, Clayton, Llanelly. SAILED.—Bee, Hughes, for Aberdovey; Battus, Jones, Cardiff; Ann and Betsey, James, seeking; Express (s.s.), Jones, Liverpool; Henry E. Taylor (s.s.), Lewis, Bristol; Commerce, Thomas, Swansea. PORTMADOC. ARRIVED. Laura. Roberts Confidence, Lewis; Margaret, Hughes; Debora, Williams; Secret, Jones; Rose, Edwards; La-a, Roberts Diligent, Edwards; Velocity, Davies; Mariner, Jones; Star, Jones; Happy Return, Jones; John's, Collinson; Robert Williams, Griffiths; Jane Catherine Thomas; Petrel, Reig; Jane Gwyro Thomas, Sarah and Mary. SAILED. -Amanda, Roberts; Charlotte Ann, Davies; Thetis, Williams; Hope, Watkins; Lopez, Roberts; Lion TTU1, Roberts; Eagle, Jones; Jane Owen, Evans; John James, Jones; Eliza Blake, Roberts; Leonard Hollis, Jones;' Laura Williams. Williams; William and Mary, Prichard; Rebecca (s.s.), Williams; William and Mary, James; Meirion Lass, Lewis; Industry, Jones; Qneen, Jones; Agenoria, Humphreys; Ann Jane, Davies; Elinor and Alice Roberts; Independence, Roberts; Eliza Wohs'y, Jones; Mary Lloyd, Lloyd; Laura Griffiths, Williams; Ann, Jones. OUT FOR SAILING.—Margaret Davies, Morris; Daisy, Collinson; Johns, Sinton.