The Rhyl Advertiser

WOMEN'S CONVALESCENT HOME ANNUAL MEETING. annual meeting of the above excellent was held on Tuesday last, P. H. Esq., Llysmeircbion, in the chair, mg being also present: Mrs Main- Mrs Chambres, Mrs Perks, Miss jd Miss Clarke; Rev. G. A. Batter. Rev. T. Richardson. M.A., Vicar, lenn, Messrs Perks, Winston, and « 'honorary Dental Surgeon). -mal leport was presented and read Vrs;- umittee have again the gratification of a most favourable report of the finan- -ion and general prosperity of the Convalescent Home. In the last year's ,hey had the pleasure of announcing that It (. 1 the buildings had been entirely cleared i tl 'ttt there was a small balance also to the Df the Institution in the N. and S. Wales fj-J4t balance on the 31st of last December, i L irea" to the large sum of about £ 570 and matter :or consideration now is how that sum, after retaining*, sufficient reserve for any incidental expenses, shouV! be invested, or to what purpose it should be applied. For this gratifying result we are partly indebted to several magnificent donors, the list of whom is headed this year by the name of Mrs Gerald Carew who has given the handsome donation of iilOO. His Grace the Duke of West- minster also, whose continued liberality has had to annuauy recorded, has given £ 20, Arthur ..ht, Esq., X6 6s., and T. H. Charles, Esq., whilst other small donations, and offertories (F arches: of Canonl Howell Evans and aacon Ffoulkes amount to upwards of £ 12. these the meeting will cordially unite with -nmittee in returning their warmest thanks bind and liberal support. oiittee have also to acknowledge with ts presents of flowers from the Hon. n Cotton, Mrs Churton, Mr Luxmoore imons, Wrexham-of fruit from Mrs g, Miss Mannix, and Miss Simons-of ,-on bedsteads from Mrs Richardson—of books Mr and Mrs Perks, Miss Butterton, and Miss .as, 3, Church street-and of pictures from Inst- 1.. To this should be added that daily s have been supplied by Mrs Main waring, he "Illustrated London News" has been lent r Winston. Thus provision has been made ily fc; the wants, but also for the enter tain and comforts of the inmates. a subscriptions for the past year amounted to 4s. 6d., being again an increase of more than tr tJJ)se (jfjthe previous year; to which may id *hi Iliat contains the names of 38 new b* GdVfying to see that as old Mr places are more than ieu tJ oJ of new ones. e numl of patients admitted during the last W83 4dl, or 45 more than in the preceding ind of these 313 were nominated by subscrib- ed 1'8 were admitted without a nomination. this large number 108 came fiom Birming- 37 from Chester, 27 from Wolverhampton, 21 Shr <wsbury, 20 from Leamington, and 174 Lonujn and various towns and districts in the and counties. The remaining 64 came from nland parts of North Wales. 3 Committee have to regret the loss of one of number, J. Churton, Esq., who was one of the zealous and most active amongst the original voters of the Institution, and up to the time of ,mented decease took a deep interest in its we] and a leading part in its management, and they to express their deep sympathy with his jw in her bereavement. affords sincere pleasure to the Committee to at i. dr acknowledgement of the services ronù- to the Institution by Mr and Mrs T. Jones, to e careful and excellent management they feel much of its prosperity is due. The remarks he ''Visitors' Book" made by ladies and Iemen who have gone through the different is in the Home, and those also made by the maleficent Inmates on the expiration of their wi'l well repay perusal, shewing on jne hand the perfect order, cleanliness nept- and home-like appearance in every part of the se, and on the other hand the grateful feeling ,-be patients for the kind treatment they had ived, 10 goodness of their diet, a nd the great 3fits they had derived. y the loss of Mr Churton the number of sur- ng trustees is now reduced to two, and it would ■xped )nt for you to take into consideration the oly of the vaoancios now existing, or to adopt i measures as may seem best for the proper vrity and management of your property. n collusion the Committee have to acknow- ;e the continual debt of gratitude which is due die Honorary Chaplain, Medical Officer8, and litors for the services they have, us usual, so and gratuitously rendered; as also to Miss vnsenddor her continued kindness in playing harmonium during the season, and to Miss nnix for reading to the patients eaoh Sunday Tnoon. lemhers will kindly bear in mind that the sub. .tions become due on the 1st of January in year, between which time and the opening of He a on May 1st, it would be most conven- for them to be paid, it being borne in mind no nomination is valid until the subscription the current year has been received. he following was the nread — tncial statement of accounts for the year ending Deoember, 31, 1884. Expenditure. Fol. X s. d. amount paid for Furnishing 170 42 19 11 Alterations & re-.airs 160 50 15 6 Fuel & light 165 21 15 7 Printing, books, .ationary & stamps 180 23 15 4 Medicines .••• 175 4 18 2 ————— 144 4 6 Provisions, viz., I Butchers meat 190 ..114 18 8 Fish. ..11 4 7 Bitpd, butter, bacon, ..112 10 6 Milk and eggs., 60 10 7 Vegitables » 11 118 Tea k groceries) „ 43 10 11 344 6 11 Insurance. 270 1 13 6 Rates and taxes 200. 32 8 2 Wapes .210,, 111 7 3 Sea waier baths. ,216 2 19 0 JE63618 4 ilance in Secretary's t-ids on Petty Cash account 3 10 1 incc :.n the bank 107 566 8 10 ————— 569 18 11 E1206 IS 3 Rectxpts. Fol. £ s d Balance in the bank 104 164 19 11 Do Secretary's hands. 3 8 9 ————— 168 8 8 amiual subscriptions 6 333 4 6 Donations. 55155 9 11 lecting box in tneHome. 71 1 12 4 ———— 490 6 9 Receipts from patients. 186.. 480 15 7 For Sundry work. 38 4 0 518 19 7 ty rent of school. 95. 19 11 8 Ininvest allowed by bank 80 9 11 7 :amincd and found correct, 10th January, 1885. T. WINSTON. SAM. PERKS. the motion of the Chairman, seconded ,or Penn, the report and statement of .ccounts were unanimously adopted. Mr Winston proposed, and Miss Mannix jaded, the re-election of the General omv ttee, and that a vote of thanks be ac- 'deú. to them for past service. This was ried nem. dis., as was also the re-election the House Committee, and a similar com- iment to them (proposed by Mr Keating, i seconded by Mrs Chambres) the re- petition of Auditors, Medical and Dental 'ws (proposed by Dr Butterton, and led by Mrs Mainwaring. A vote of tbanks to the Chairman, pro- sed by the Vicar, and the response of Mr -itres, brought the proceedings to a.

ADVANCE OF THE MAHDI. BRITISH RETREAT FROM GUBAT. It is reported that the Mahdi haa left Khar- toum with 40,000 to 60,000 men and many guna for Metammeh, travelling in great state. He detached a large force with four cannon and one Krupp, who arrived within seven miles of Abu Kru. On the morning of the 14th inst., the Mahdi and his army were only 20 miles away from the British camp at Gubat. As the fall of Khartoum has destroyed what had been the main object of sending forward the desert column in advance, its remaining at Metammeh had become in fact useless. Sir Redvers Buller, therefore, after carefully con- sidering the whole situation, came to the con- clusion that it was best to remain no longer exposed to the risk of being surrounded by the troops of the Mahdi. The Telegraph correspon- dent thus describes the march :— At 5 o'clock on the morning of the 14th the whole force fell in behind the Guards' fort. A few boxes and stores which had been left in the riverside fort were burnt, and shortly afterwards six troops started to march across the desert to Abu Klea, in the following order. The advance was directed by Major Davidson, of the Marines. First came half a troop of Hussars; then 40 dismounted Guards then the main body in oolumn of route, with 1,500 camels, chiefly carrying baggage and stores, nearly all walking on the right of the column, the Mounted Infantry being on its left and the Sussex Regiment on its left rear. The Soudanese formed the rear guard, with two guns Royal Artillery, two companies of the Royal Irish, and the remainder of the Hussars. A small squad of Hussars also moved from 500 to 1,000 yards off, covering either flank. On the line of march, I saw six of the enemy's horse- men watching us. The force halted 13 miles out, at 1 p.m., for the day, giving the enemy a chance, if so disposed, for battle. Many of our men had been on duty nearly the whole of the previous day and night, and were tired; besides, most of the cavalry were unused to long marches. On the 15th, after an undisturbed night, the column resumed its march to Abu Klea at daybreak, and arrived there without having fired a shot upon the road. Our men are cheery and well. They say they prefer walking to camel riding. The marching-out strength from Abu Kru was nearly 1,600 rank and file, with over 300 Egyptians and Soudanese. There were 1,100 camels, of which about 700 were required for commissariat, water, and am- munition; It is stated that General Buller awaits instructions and that he possibly may advance to Berber, joining hands with Brackenbury's column. The water here is insufficient for the present strength of the column. I think that the retrograde movement now begun will be continued in a day or two to Gakdul. At any rate, there we may halt until the whalers retire down Nile below the dangerous oataracts and gorges in the Monassir country. REBEL ATTACK ON A CONVOY. According to telegrams from Korti, a convoy of sick and wounded, under Colonel Talbot, was at- tacked on the 13th inst. whilst on the way from Gubat to Gakdul by a rebel force, estimated at 5,000 strong, on its way to reinforce the Arabs at Metam- meh. Colonel Talbot, says a correspondent of the Stan- dard, at once formed up the escort of the convoy to resist an attack, but the enemy were in far too great strength for him to assume the offensive, hampered as he was by the wounded. The enemy opened fire, but when a few shots had been exchanged, the Light Camel Division, on its way up to Gubat, arrived upon the scene. They at once began skirmishing with the enemy, but after some little time the rebels continued on their way to Metammeh without offering further molestation. They had with them some guns and many camels, and the fact that they should pass without attacking so small a body shews that either they were under stringent orders to push on to Metammeh without fighting, or that the result of the late battles has inspired them with a wholesome fear of the fighting powers of our troops. Our loss in the affair was one man killed. From a telegram from Lord Wolseley we learn that the skirmish lasted about an hour and a-half, and com- menced just after a halt for breakfast. Colonel Talbot speaks in high terms of men's conduct, and especially reports upon excellent work done by Surgeon-Major Conolly. lie also gives a fair account of the con- dition of Sir H. Stewart, who is among the wounded being conducted by the convoy. His wound is doing well, but he is suffering somewhat from fever. EVENTS AT GUBAT. Telegraphing from Abu Kru, on the 12th inst., a correspondent of the Telegraph gives the following record of events :— On Thursday, the 5th inst., a court martial sate here to try three captains of the steamers. Two de- serted with Hamdy Bey, and one was condemned to death for designedly wrecking the steamer Bordein, but was recommended to mercy for subsequent good conduct in bringing Stuart-Wortley's row-boat in. The others were acquitted. We still have outpost firing daily. The enemy's videttes are now visible across the river. They are gradually drawing around us. De- serters from Metammeh, some of whom are escaped Egyptian soldiers, report that the enemy there, on the 8th inst., were reinforced by 500 men from Khar- toum. They have little food. Their total strength is 4,000 men, with three guns. There is much dissatisfac- tion among them. The personal influence of the Berber Emir alone prevents the evacuation of that town. Lord Charles Beresford makes daily trips up or down the river, going five or lO miles in the steamer Safia to prevent the enemy from fortifying the bank and to secure supplies. A company of British soldiers and 200 of General Gordon's men accompany these expeditions. Upon the 7th we destroyed a well- made unoccupied fort to the north-east of Metammeh. The same day a foraging party secured 25 cattle and a number of sheep and goats on the south-west bank. Two of our natives were wounded and several of the enemy killed. On the 8th, seven miles up, our men saw another fort, and secured several hundred goats, besides wood and supplies. There was a skir- mish, but nobody was wounded on our side. On the 9th the Arabs in Metammeh were reported to be drilling, and much firing of guns and beating of tom- toms took place. On the 10th a spy reported the rebels to be marching down both banks from Khar- toum to reinforce Metammeh. They bring six guns and are several thousand strong. The Mahdi has written to Lord Wolseley, telling him to retire. The Mahdi has ordered all the tribes to assemble and surround us. Those on the east bank'are to build, fort opposite our camp. The Royal Sussex have been sent to occupy an island opposite our position, and to brace up General Gordon's men, now there, as the Arabs appear upon the east main land, and the channel is fordable. On the 11th the usual outpost affairs came off. A guardsman was wounded. Yesterday, at noon, a convoy was sighted, and General Buller arrived with one convoy and five companies of the Royal Irish. Two were left at Abu Klea. The men had marched from Korti, but looked in splendid condition. Everybody is glad that the General has arrived. A number of soldiers slept out- side the fort. The enemy in the evening fired off rifles and bombs, celebrating something or other. On the 12th the Safia went up river seven miles to destroy a fort. A large foraging party followed along the west bank. The natives report that English whale boats were above Abu Hamed on the 10th. One of their spies told us that our convoy had left Abu Klea. It seems that the Mahdi desired to come down here in person, but Abdmullah claimed the post and the right of attacking us here. The Times' correspondent at Korti states :— Nuorangai, commanding at Metammeh, sent re- cently to the Mahdi for guns and ammunition, saying that he could not fight the English with swords and spears. The Mahdi replied, Do not fight wait a whi' If God will, I will come and destroy the in- fidels." Some Dervishers and Hasaaniyehs are threatening Abu Halfa.,on our line of communications. Six years since a gentleman named Dames, then

under age, was married by licence to Elizabeth Gregory, who was in the service of his family, but a short time after he disappeared, and sub- sequently went through the marriage service at Dawlish with a young lady named Osmond, a clergy- man's daughter. Tho first wife recently discovered her husband's whereabouts, and instituted a charge of bigamy, on which he has just been committed for trial. The Tipperary foxhounds, on meeting at Grange- hill, near Kilcooley Abbey, encountered a riotous crowd of country people, who, headed by a life and drum band, had evidently assembled for the purpose of preventing the hunt. A disorderly scene ensued and continued until the arrival of the police, who, after taking the names of the ringleaders, cleared the road. The hounds afterwards had a run at Kilcooley. The Home Secretary has appointed Mr. E. Pearse Burd, one the inspectors of the Local Government Board, to be an inspector under the Home Office, for the purpose of examining the provisions of Railway and Canal Improvement Bills before Parliament. He will also hold local inquiries as to the expediency of the provisions of such bills as are unopposed, where the schemes involve the demolition of dwellings occupied by the artisan and labouring classes.

RHYL. ST. ASAPH AND RHYL COUNTY CotmT.—All summonses against persons residing out of this district for the next court to be holden at St. Asaph, on Friday, the 13th March, 1885, should be entered not later than Tuesday the 25th instant, and those in the district not later than Friday, the 27th instant. CHURCH OF ENGLAND TSARRERAXCE SOCIETY. —A meeting under the auspices of the Rhyl branch of this society was held at the Boys' National Schoolroom, on Monday evening last. The Rev T. Prichard presided, and there was a nice au iience. We were de- lighted to see so many young psoplo present. There need be no fear of the fnturo if the young men and women—the rising generation —can bo preserved from the snares of the drink. But on the other hand wo oannot holp expressing our great surprise that so few adults-men and women who profess either total abstinence or moderation—both are welcomed on the platform of this society —take an interest in the of the society. It is certainly not creditable to the Church of England in our town that such a noble work as that aimed at by this society should be left entirely in tho hands of one, or, at the most, two or throe individuals. Out of so numerous a body of ladies and gentlemen of I position, influence, and ability, surely there ought to bo at least fifty ready to come forward to give a helping hand. At the meeting on Monday evening, capital addresses were delivered by the rev. ohairman, Mr Joseph Griffiths, and others. Mr E. H. Williams also delighted the audience with a splendid recitation. The singing was good. Mr Peter Williams presided at the har- monium. THE MILITIA,—In another column will be found an advertisement for tenders for the supply of broad, meat &c., to several militia regiments duripg this year's encampment. Amongst others, that of the 6h Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, which is to meet at Mold-the recruits about, the 9th of March, and the regiment about the 4th of May. It will thus be seen that the efforts made to prevent the coming of the regiment to Rhyl during the season, have proved successful, a fact which will give satisfaction to all who feel a real interest in the welfare of our town and it is to be hoped that it will be made known far and wide, ere it is too late. TEMPERANCE MEETING.—The last (for tho present) of the successful series of temperance meetings held at Smith's Assembly Room, under the auspices of the Unitod Temperance Committee, was held on Saturday evening last. Mr John Morris, 43, West Parade, presided, and there was a good at- tendance. In addition to the chairman, who delivered a very earnest and practical speech, addresses wore delivered by others in Welsh and English. The meeting was also en- livened with several songs, recitations, &c. L'ho committee, we hear, are a little short of being able to meet the expenses of the mission—the hiring of the room, &c. Friends of t he good work will no doubt be only too glad to contribute their mite towards making np the deficiency. ASSAULT ON THE POLICE.—At the Rhyl Police Court, on the 17th inst., before T. LI. Murray Browne. Esq., and Dr. Girdlestone, Edward Hughes, New Road, Castle, Denbigh, was brought up in custody charged with having assaulted P.O. W. Hughes, Rhuddlan, on the previous day.-It appears that tho Officer suspecting the prisoner of having been unlawfully upon certain land in search ame, proceeded to search him, whereupon the prisoner assaulted him savagely—kickjd him and attempted to throttle him.—The Bench considered the assault a serious one, and ordered the defendant to pay a fine of 40s. with lis. 6d. costs, or, in default, to go to aol for one mouth with hard labour. Tho prisoner was removed in custody. AN INTERESTING INCIDENT.—We are pleased to observe the appreciation which the mem- bers of the Rhyl Brass Band have of the :-erv-ices of their able leader (Mr D. Owen), for there is on view at Mr Trehearn's Library an excell ent cornet which it is pro posed to give him on Monday night at the Pleasant Evening entertainment in tho Town Hall. The entire proceeds of the eve- ning are to be given to the funds of the band. TOWN HALL SERVICES.—Despite unfavour- able weather, there was a large congregation on Sunday evening when the Rev D. B. Elooke preached from 2 Samuel i. 25, a ser- mon suggested by the fall of Khartoum. The preacher, who pointed out some of the lessons u/gested by the event, was attentively listened to throughout, and at tho clost) the well known hymn :—"God bloas our native laud was sung with much heartiness to the tune of the National Anthem." To-morrow (Sunday) as will be seen from our advertising columns, the preacher is the Rev Hugh S. of Bangor, who will be rememberel by many from the exoellent address delivered last year at the induction services. No doubt many of our readers, have noticed, some with regret perhaps, that the "Old Ffrith" has been ploughed. This is the first time for this field to bo" turned over" at any rate, within the memory of the present generation, if ever. A favourite walk passed through the Ffrith, and with that love of freedom that characterises strollers, people wandered from the footpath, so at rimes one would think the place was an open green, rather than an enclosed field. N >w. lowever, the footpath is clearly defined from stilo to stile, and those using must keep ti its limits, for they cannot by any chance make a mistake." Here also was the ràCC course located, but to all appearanoeB racing cannot in future be conducted on The Old Race Course' SUDDEN DEATH.—Mr Pyers Mostyn, son of the late Mr Mostyn, of Calcot, was found dead in his bed at the King's Head Hotel, Newport, on Saturday. Mr Mostyn was the inspector of factories for South Wales. THE VOLUNTEERS' ENCAMPMENT.—At the Conway Town Council on Wednesday, the terms upon which the Marsh will be let next summer for the Flintshire and Carnarvonshire Volunteers were agreed upon. The usual Lenten Services were held at Trinity and St. Thomas's the first day of Lent, and the attendance was very good. VOLUNTEER CHURCH PARADE.—On Sunday our Company of Volunteers attended divine service at Bt. Thomas' Church. Capt. E. D. W. Jones was in command, Lieut. Wright, Sergt. Inst. Morrison, Col. Sergt. Gamlin, Sergts. Roberts, Wallis, and Henderson and a good muster of rank and file being present. The band shewed evident signs of improve- ment, but little more practice in quick step, would, to our mind, further improve them. Altogether the parade was a very creditable one. VOLUNTEER BALL.—The annual Ball of the 0" Coy., 2nd Vol. R. W. Fusiliers, was held on Friday evening last, and the Town Hall, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion with arms in the design of stars, flags, hot-house plants, &c. For this purpose Mrs Jones, and Capt. Jones, Olinda, and others had kindly lent the necessary articles. Mr Stroyan, George Hotel, provided the refreshments, his well-arranged tables being set up in the boardroom. Mr Haselden supplied an excellent band of stringed instruments. There was a largo company present, and dancing was kept up until three o'clock a.m. The public wero admitted into the gallery on the payment of one shilling, aud many ladies and gentlemen availed them- selves of the privilege. At the Staffordshire assizes, Mr W. W. Pai ■ry, (son of Mr Henry Parry of this town), instructed the counsels for the defence (Mr Underhill Q.C., and Mr Fisher) in a case iu which Mary Derry, the daughter of tho Burslem post master, was charged with stealing money the property of tho post master general. Mr Parry (who is woll known in Rhyl), is now in the office of Mr Eilis, Burslem. We understand that a grand Temperance Demonstration will take place in the Town Hall on Thursday week, the 5th day ofMarch when Sir Llewelyn Turner will address the meeting.—Advt. t

PRESTATYN. PREACHING MEETING.—The annual preach- ing meeting in connection with the Welsh Wesleyan Church iu this place was held on Monday evening and Tuesday last. At the two first services the Rev Ishmael Evans, minister of the circuit, preached, owing to the non-arrival of the two rev. gentlemen announced—viz., the Rev H. Hughes, Llan- gollen, and the Rev D. Richards, Oonway. They, however, arrived on Tuesday, and preached at two and six o'clock to very large congregations. LeCAL PREACHER'S MEETING On Sanday last, tht local preachers of the Rhyl Welsh Wesloyan Circuit held their quarterly meeting in this place. In the public services, sermons were preached by Mr Thomas Evans, Brighton Road Mr Richard Williams. High Street, Rhyl; Mr John Thomas, Dyserth and the Rev Ishmael Evans who preached on the subject appointed for him at the previous meeting—viz, the Atonement.

RHUDDLAN. A Service of Song was held at the Calvinistic Chapel on Friday, 13th inst. The Rhuddlan Unit-, ed Choirs sang a selection of Mr. Sankey's song-s in a really very creditable manner. Tho Rev. T. W. i Vaughan, vicar, was announced to preside, but owing to illness ho was unable to do so, in his absence the chair was ably filled by the Rev. D. R Griffiths (C.M.) Appropriate addresses were de- livered by the Rev. B. Evans (B) and Mr R. Grif- fiths (W). The leaders of the Choirs. Messrs Win. Edwards, Henry Edwards, S Davies," Ed. Morgan, and M. Salisbury,—and the accompanists, Messrs. Thomas Davies (Church organist), and Ed. Evans deserve much praise for the care bestowed upon the training of the different choirs, and for the very efficient manner in which they performed the dif- ferent parts allotted to them at the meeting. This Service was a novelty, no such meeting having been held here before, and it turned out quite a success1 both as regards the quality of the singing and the attendance, the chapel being filled. One new thing connected with this movement was that it was ad- mittance free." Votes of thanks were proposed and seconded by the Rev. B. Evans, Messrs. R. Griffiths, and E. Williams. Mr Williams, Bryn- hyfryd, was complimented upon the able way the service had t r,en got up. Between hin. and the able leaders, &c., before mentioned, a very agreeable and edifying meeting was provided, and the general wish expressed is that another such meeting, or a series of such meetings, should be provided. We should mention that one of the harmoniums used at tho rehearsals was kindly lent by the Church,and the other by Mr T. Roberts, Cross street. — Cor. DIVIDEND.—The Official Receiver, has declared a second dividend of 2s. in the £ in the estate of John Evans, grocer, &c., Rhuddlan, who filed his petition last summer.

Whilst freely giving expression o the opinions of our eor respondents on all subjects of public interest, we with dis- tmctly to state that we do not necessarily endorse any of them and are therefore in no way responible for any statement made.

THE DRINK TRAFFIC AND ITS RESULTS. To the Editor of the RHYL ADVEBTISEB. SIB,—Will you kindly grant sp.ce in the columns of your widely- circulated paper for the following testimonies regarding the drink traffic, and the evils resulting therefrom ? The" Time. in a leading article on the Drink Bill for 1880 says:—"Drinking baffles us, confounds us, shames us, and mocks us at every point. It outwits alike the teacher, the man of business, the patriot and the legislator. Every other institution flounders in hopeless difficulties, the public-house holds its triumphant course. The public-house degrades demoralizes, and brutalizes a large proportion of our populations." The late Charles Buxton, the celebrated brewer, says: —" Startling as it may appear, it is the truth, that the destruction of human life, and the waste of national wealth which must arise from the tremendous Russian war (the Crimean war) are outrun every year by the devastation caused by national drunkeness. Nay, add together all the miseries generated in our times by war, famine, and pestilence, the three greatest scourges of mankind, and they do not exceed those that spr:ng from this one calamity." Lord Palmerston saysProfligacy, vice, and immorality, are not thundering at our gates like a besieging army, but are undermining the very ground on which we stand." The Mayor of Gateshead, in company with a brother magistrate, paid a visit to the workhouse there. On asking the inmates the cause of being there, 107 out of 108 replied, "Drink. The Earl of Shaftesbury, who was for 16 years chairman of the Commission in Lunacy, declares that 60 out of every 100 come to these asylumns directly through drink. The present Chaplain of Wakefield gaol tells us after 15 years experience that 85 per cent are there through drink. Lord Beaconstield said :—"They (the beershops) are the curse of this country." Sir Andrew Clarke, MD, F.R.C.P., London, Physician in Ordinary to the Queen, Physician. &c., at the London Hospital, say:—"As I looked at the hospital wards to-day, and saw that 7 out of 10 owed their diseases to alcohol, I could but lament that the teaching about this question was not more direct, more deoisive, more homethrusting than ever it had been. Beware of the enemy of the race." Sir Wilham Gull, F.R.S., Physician to Her Majesty, says I should say from my experience that alcohol is the most destructive agent that we are aware of in this country. I would like to say that a l;;rgs number of people in society are dying day by d iy poisoned by alcohol I but not supposed to be poisoned by it." Hear what our Judges say. Chief Justice Coleridge I can keep no terms with a vice (drunkenness) that fills our gaols, that destroys the comforts of homes and the peace ef families, and debases and brutalizes the people of these islands." Justice Hawkins:—"It was a very serious matter, and he could not express" too strongly his opinion that both those who indulged in the banefel and pernicious vice of drunkenness and those who encouraged it should be put down with a strong hmd." Justice Mellor :—"He thought he might express with some authority after 15 years experience as a Judge that most of the crimes of violence proceeded either directly or indirectly from drunkenness. It was the! duty of all who valued the prosperity of the country to strive to diminish and put an end to the vice of drunkenness and in doing this they must not be two nice about it." Justice Fitzgerald observes that the besetting crime was intemperance—crime leading nearly to other crimes—crime which they might very well say led to nine-twentieths of the crimes of the country. Sir J. Hannen, Divorce Court: "It is a melancholy fact that a vast number of the cases which came into this court have their origin in drink. Fully 75 per cent of the cases brought before me are traceable to intemperance." This, I think, will suffice for the present. Let the people of Rhyl ponder over these testimonies of men who have had every opportunity of studying the drink question, as it affects our own dear country. —Yours, &c., VEEAX. ♦

ST. ASAPH DISTRICT HIGHWAY BOARD. To the Editor of the RHYL ADVERTISER. —Some time ago I saw in your columns com- parisons of the expenditure on highways in the dif- ferent townships composing the highway board. Rhuddlan seemed to lead the van in the matter of spending money, and what I would like to know is. what part of the ancient borough is benefitted by the alleged great expenditure. I live in the Marsh road and am a ratepayer. This road does not appear to receive the slightest attention. Is it under the Highway Board P If yea, why is it not repaired. If nay, towards what road am I forced to pay high- way rate ?—Yours truly. OSE WHO PREFERS A RoAD TO A CANAL.

The annual meeting of the friends of the traiuing ship Clio, which is moored in the Menai Straits, was held on Thursday at Chester. The Duke of Westminister, who was accompanied by the Duchess, presided. The Executive Committee re- ported that the Institution had parsed through another year of progressive efficiency. The number of boys on the books was 273, against 260 the previous year. There was a deficiency on the re venue account of £1 i7. VISIT OF THE CONGBEGATIONAI- UXION.—Ar- rangements are now being pressed forward for the visit to Rhyl next month of the ministers and delegates of the English Congregational Churches of North Wales, when a series of meetings will be held of a deeply interesting character. A local reception committee has been formed of which the Rev. D. Burford Hooke is chairman Mr T. M. Davies, Bodfor Street, and Mr Walter Davies, Kinmel Street, are the secretaries and Mr George Pritchard, Crescent Road, treasurer. About one hundred beds will be required, free accommodation having been promised by the members of the church at Ehyl. This hospitality is invariably shown by members of all denominations when similar gatherings in connection with the Welsh denominations are held in :the town, and we have no doubt the same will be manifested to the English churches. The exact date of the meeting has not been settled pending the reply of Mr S. Morley, M.P., whose presidency is being sought for the chief meetings. Mr Morley's name has been closely identified with the work of the congre- gational churches in North Wales, and not the least among them* that in Rhyl, that it is to be earnestly hoped he may be able to attend. Most of the meetings will be held in the Town Hall, in which the English Congregationalists are worshipping duriug the erection of Christ Church, also in the Welsh Church, Queen Street. The full programme of the meetings will shortly be advertised in our columns, in the meanwhile it may be interesting to say that the Union Sermon will be preached by the Rev. S. Peacson, M.A., and that the address at the united communion service which is to follow will be by the Rev. H. E. Lewis. The two chief topics of discussion at the annual assembly will ba the critical position of the Union, so far as relates to finance, as caused by the death of Mr R. S. Hudson, so long chairman of the Union, and one of its most munificent supporters. It is hoped that means will be devised for carrying for- ward the work with renewed energy rather than for any diminution of it. The other topic will be The Higher Culture of the Ministry." With the rapid progress of education in Wales, it is of the utmost importance that the rising ministry should have every opportunity given of taking advantage of the increased facilities for educational purposes, and it is not at all unlikely that important proposals bearing on this point may be suggested. There will be a public meeting in the Town hall at which the Rev. Alex. Hannay, D.D.,secretary of the Con- gregational Union of England andWales, and others will take part. Also a banquet, at which the dele- gates will be entertained by members of the Rhvl church and other friends. The after dinner addresses will deal with Higher Education in Wales," and among those expected to take part are Principal Reichel, M.A., the Rev. Professor Ellis Edwards, M.A., and others. Advantage will probably be taken, on the day after the session has closed, to lay the foundation stones of the Hudson Memorial Church and manse at Colwyn Bay; and it is not at all unlikely that the temperance friends in Rhyl will take advantage of the visit of so many interes- ted in temperance work so as to hold a meeting for the advocacy of their principles. Altogether the programme is being arranged on the broadest spirit, and it is hoped that tho series of meetings will prove a blessing not only to one but to all the reli- gious communities in Rhyl. — Communieattd. THROAT IRRITATION AND COUGH.—Soreness and dryness, tickling and irritation, inducing cough and affecting the yoi<ie. Jr or these symptoms use Epp's Glycerine Jujubes. In contact with the glands a the moment tney are excited by the of sucking the Glycerine in these agreeable confections become actively healing. Sold only in boxes, íd., tins Is lj., labelled "JAMES Epps & Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, London." Dr Geoge Moore, in his work on "Nose and Throat Diseases," says: "The Glycerine Jujubes prepared by James Epps and Co., are of undoubted service as a curative or palliative agent." While Dr Gordon Holmes, Senior Physician to the Municipal Throat and Ear Infirmary, writes: "After an extended trial J I have found your Glyc?rine Jujubes of consider- able benefit (with or without medical treatmentnt) ¡ almost all forms of throat direase.

DENBIGH. FASHIONABLE W.Aiiltl.&GR.-A marriage which excited very general and lively interest in the district, took place on Thursday, at St Mary's Church, Denbigh, when Mr J. Lloyd Roberts, M.B., second son of the late Rev. R. J. Roberts, rector of Ysceifiog, and brother to Mr M D. Roberts (Messrs Davies and Roberts), solicitors, a medical gentleman, well known throughout North Wales as a sanitarian and as president of the North Wales Medical Association, and who is also a member of the Denbigh Corporation, was united to Miss rarry-Jones, eldest daughter of late well- known Mr Parry Jones, Plascloua-h, and a sister to the present town-clerk of Denbigh. The church was crowded, arches were erected, bells rung, and canons fired, the good wishes expressed being great. The ceremony (semichoral) was performed by the Rev. J. M. Evans, vicar of Eiliolt, uncle of the bride; the Rev. E. Roberts, vicar of Harborne, uncle of the bridegroom and rector of Denbigh. A large party of guests breakfasted afterwards at the residence of the town-clerk. The bride received some 200 presents of much value and beauty. The following being the list from Rhyl and St Asaph —Mrs Twiston, Rhyl, Bilver buscuit box Mrs Lewis Morgan, flower stand; Mr W. A. Watts, Bronwylfa, silver cigarettee case; Miss Maiy Watts, a silver tea caddy Mrs Watt-i, massive silver dish with revolving tcp, forming a second dish Mr T. Owen Watts, spirit stand and bottles Mr T. B. Watts, glass and siver claret jug Mr and Mrs E. L. Heaton. St Asaph, a letter weight Mr M. D. Roberts, Rhyl, silver dessert spoons Mr and Mrs Adams, Kempton House, Rhyl, flower stand.

LITERARY AND MUSICAL COMPETI- TIVE MEETING. A meeting of the nature indicated above was held at the Brunswick Schoolroom. Brighton Road on Wednesday evening last, in connection with the Zoar, Welsh Wesleyan Sunday School, Vale Road. There was a good attendance. B. Littier, Esq., was to have presided, but he was unable to be pre- sent and the Rev. Ishmael Evans, though present, was unable, owing to indisposition, to take his ap- pointed post as conductor. The committee, very fortunately, secured tte services of Mr James Davies, Gwynfa Viila, for both offices, v.-hich he filled with his usual ability. The adjudicators were Messrs. A. W. Hughes, teacher of music at Epworth College; Mr R. Gritlith", Rhuddlan Mr Joseph Williams, Gas Office and Mr John Wil- liams, Rallw-iy Station. Mr Kucnes gavo some capital songs in English and Welsh, and ac:ed also as accompanist to the other vocalists—Mrs J. P. Lewis. Mr H. Mudd. and Mr Mudd and Party, (Miss Maggie Amos and Master Alfred Matthews;. We need hardly sa, that Mrs Lewis and Mr Mudd and party rendered most valuable service, for which they have the best thanks oi the committee manag- ing the meeting. A glee party from Prestatyn had been announced to take part, but failed, to put in an appearance. Notwithstanding this and other disappointments, thp meeting was a very pleasant one. The programme was as follows Congregational tune, I I Huddersfield, the aud- ience. Brief address by the chairman. Song. Deigryn ar fedd fy mam." Mis J. P. Lewi- Competition in reciting a hymn, It is finished," best, M. E. Davies—prize, Is 6d. Awarding prizes for the best answers to questions on a chapter out of the Egwyddorvdd "-best, Jo,n Edwarus and Annie Owens; Song, "The Village Biack- smith," Mr A NV. Hughes: There was no com- petition for a prize offered for the best five minutes speech on the "Bee," competition in singing a sole, by childien under 1G years of age a large number competed—best, Eunice Martha Jones, Ann Hughes, song, "Death of Nelson," Mr H. Mudd; competi- tion in reading, Luke xi. 29—37 best, W. Bassett and M. E. Davies, equal: ad judication on the stanzas in memory cf the late Mr Thomas. Glau Aber, Vale Road four competed—be»t, Mr J; Jones, of this Office; s.:m, "Marta RbnrldlaD." Mr A. W. Hughes; only one choir, unde- the leadership of Mr John Jones, Morfa Bach, entered for the choral competition, end they were adjudged fully worthy of the prize; Trio, "Hr.rk, the Merry Bells," Mr H. Mudd and Party song, "I bias Gogerddan," Mr A. W. Hughes the Natio- nal Anthem, Mrs J. P. Lewis singing the soio. On the motion of Mr John Jones, seconded by Mr Joseph Hughes, a hearty vote of thank" was passd to the chairman and to all who haa so kindiy ren- dered assistance.

BIRTHS. JONES.—On the Gth inst. at 12 o'cloek the wife cf Mr Joseph Jones. Pant-y-bunes, Pres- tatyn, of a daughter—stillborn. Also on the 8th inst., at 6 a.m., the same mother of another sritl —stillborn. MOEGANS.—On the loth inst., the wife oi M: E. Morgans, Sisson villa, of a son. DEATHS. GRIFFITHS.—On the 14th inst ,at Manchester house, Llnnrwst, aged six months, Wihiam Morley, in- fant son of T. Harvey and Emma Grilhtht. HroitES.—On the 17th inst., at Gwespyr. (uf diph- theria) John Thomas, only child of Edward and Susannah Hughes, Sea View Cottage, aged 7 years. WTNNE.—On the 12th inst., at (;0, Vincent square, Westminster, S.W., Hanict, relict of the late Ilir Robert Wvnne, of Holywell, and mother of Madam Edith Wynne, in her 78th year. Interred at Hampstead Cemetery on the 10th inst.

WELSH BREVITIES. A choral society has beei f urme(I at Bangor, and has about loO members. A new railway from Crymmych Arms to Cardigan will be opened towards the end of July next. Mr Stephen H. Terry, Government Inspector, held an inquiry at Denbigh in reference to an ap- plication from the Corporation to borrow £ l,2o0 to provide a cemetery for that town. Some opposition was offered to the scheme. It is well known that thit Ecclesiastical Com- missioners are large owners 01 put lie 1()Ue property. Another fact not so well known is that the Cause- way Tavern at Chester, just below the Palace, on the banks of the Dee, stands on the licensing li-1 in the name of the Bishop." On the first day of this year some valuable anti- que coins were stolen from the Cardiff Museum. On Wednesday a letter-sorter found a little box in the post office addressed to the Free Library. It was on examination found to ccntaln tLe coins which had been purloined. POINT OF AYR CJLLIEEIES.—Active operations are being carried on at these collieries, thb contract for making a cop to protect the works from the sea, being let to Mr Miller, joiner and builder, of Ffynnongroew. There are now about 100 men employed. A grant of £ 25 has been made by the Trustees of Downie's Bequest at Aberystwyth in aid oi the Town Library, which also has the proceeds of a penny rate amounting to about £ 97 a year. In addition there is a billiard-table which is a source of profit, and the reading room and the public hall contribute towards the expenses. Altogether the sum now devoted to the purchase of books for the Aberystwyth Library is about flUCi per annum. Last week an intimation was received at Cardiff from the Prison Commissioners that a warder named Campbell would be fined i 1 and be instantly dismissed from his post for gross negligence. Campbell had foolishly turned his back on the corridor of the Cardiff Police Court, on Friday. whilst a prisoner, named Edward Jones, was talking to his wife. When he looked round the prisoner had gone, and has not been seen since. Campbell had seen 14 years' service. The Volunteers of Wales are just now shewing of what sterling "stuff" they were made. At a meeting of the officers of the Denbighshire Volun- teers, held at Wynnstay, the residence of the colonel of the battalion, Sir Watkin Willians Wynn, Bart., M.P., it was decided to offer the services of the battalion to the Government fur garrison duty.—At the weekly drill of the Oswestiy (Salop) Volutiteers, out of a muster of 9.5, upwards of 10 intimated their readiness to place themselves at the disposal of the Government for home or foreign service. At the last meeting of the Carnarvon Board of Guardians an application as made for weekly relief to the families of the men who were killed in the Dorothea Quarry accident, as supplementary to vo'untary contributions. The Guardians declined the application, and resolved to treat each caseupon its own merits. In order to render secure the working of the quarries in Nantiie Vale, it is pro- posed to deepen the river Llyfnwy from the outlet at Nantlle Lake to a p )int below Llanllyfni chuich. An extraordinary meeting of the Holywell Local Board was held on Thursday evening, for the pur- pose of receiving the reply of the promoters of the Holywell and District Waterworks Company to the modifications in their provisional order. The Company prop jse to abstract the water they re- quire-1,500,000 gallons weeklv-frain St. Wine- fred's Well, but the Local Board petitioned the Board of Trade against the scheme until the tariff proposed to be charged was reduced, ard an agree- ment made to supply Penymaes, an outlying part of the district, with water. These points being conceded, the opposition was withdrawn, and iL was resolved to send a petition in favour of the scheme. A handsome monument has been erectcd -n Ash Churchyaid to the memory of the late Mr Edward Laverack, who died at Broughall Cottage in the year IS77. It consists of an obelisk of A oardeeu granite, eleven feet high, standing on a massive basement, and it bears the following inscription In memory of Edward Laverack, born at Keswick, 1800, died at Broughall Cottage, 1S7 7 This monument was erected by admirers in England and America. His great love for the lower animals made him many friends. He was <?specia!iv fond of dogs, ant. by careful selecion remodelled the ) English setter, th0 best of which are known bv his f name. He praycth well wlee, loveth wdi Both man and bird and beast. At the last meeting of the Holywell school Boar": a peculiar difficult v arisinz between the Everton Industrial School and that Board was brought un- der notice. It appeared that the justices at Holy- well had sentenced a lad named Richard Williams to three years' detention in the industrial school for habitually neglecting to attend srhool. An appli- cation was, therefoie, made to the Board to become responsible for the boy's maintenance but this the members declined to accede to, contending that the justices should take steps to enforce their own order and that the parents of the lad should be- called up- on to contribute towards the cost of his maintenance. On Thursday week the boy was taken by an Officer of ihe Industrial School to Lime stoi'et Station, and sent horns by train, the officia1. tele- graphing that they would take no further responsi- bility in the case. The boy is now at aoaie, and attends school regularly.

If you want good value- for your money call a Robert Price, 29, High Street, where you will go I the best Provisions at the lowest market prices.

In important meeting cf the Freemasons of uutb Wales was held at Haverfordwest on Wed- lesday, when Lord Kensington, M.P., was installed .'rovincial Grand Master of the Province. The installation was performed by the Earl of Latham, leputv Grand Master of England. The Rev. W. J. Strading was appointed Deputy Provincial Srand Master. The lodges of the province were lDrgely represented, and nearly two hundred of the if4-, after the installation ceremony, lunched with eir r wly-appointed P.G.M.

VISITORS AT THK HYDROPATHIC ESTABLISHMENT —Mrs Sleddcn, Rhyl; Mrs Butler, do Mrs R Jones, Dolgdley; 'Mr Bedington, Hanley; Mr Hindo, Birmingham Mr and Mrs McLardy Manchester.

ST. ASAPH. CATHEDRAL SEBVICES.-1st Sunday in Lent, February 22nd. Morning at 11: Service, Gass in A Anthem," Y e people, rend your hearts" (Mendelssohn). Evening at 3.15: Service, Goss in A. Anthem, 0 Lord God of my Salvation," (Whitfield). Evening at 6.1-5: Chants, hymns. Choral Services on Thursday at 11.30 a.m. and Saturday at 3 15 p.m.—In residence Rev. Canon Hugh Jones, succentor Rev W. Morton, M.A. organist, 11. A. Atkins. Esq. At the Carnarvon County Sessions, on Saturday, before Mr Whitehead and other magistrates, Benjamin Roberts was charged with embezzling moneys, the property of his employer, Samuel Roberts, baker, Saron. The prisoner was employed to deliver bread from a cart and to apply for orders. Discrepancies were found in his accounts, he ab- sconded, and was traced to St. Asaph, where he was apprehended by Police-constable 36. He offered no defence, and was committed for trial on several charges of embezzlement, and one of obtaining by false pretences board and lodgings at Llanberis. Mr T. Jones, Post-office, and Mr Grimsley, Clerk to the Guardians, Mount Villa, have been subpoe- naed to appear in Glasgow on Tuesday next, as witnesses in a bigamy case.

PRESTATM PETTY SESSIONS. MONDAY.—Before T. G. Dixon, Esq. (chairman) and W. P. Jones, Esq. EXCUSED LIST. The list of persons excused by the vestry of Llanasa from payment of poor rates, was pro- duced br Mr O. W. Ellis, assistant overseer, and allowed. EXPENSIVE RABBITS. J David Roberts, of Denbigh, was charged on warrant with trespassing in pursuit of game at Gwespyr. Mr C. W. Bell, solicitor, said that the prisoner, a ad his brother Isaac Roberts (who had already been fined), were seen by Police-constables McWalters and Adams to bo searching for game on the land of a Mrs Thomas, at Gwespyr. When they saw the officers they ran away, throwing ten couples of rabbits into the road. The prisoner admitted tho offence, and pleaded hard times as the reason why he had offended. He was fined 10s. and j63 9s. 81. costs, or in default one month's imprisonment. The prisoner produced £2 and asked a fortnight's time to pay the balance, which was allowed him. A NOTORIOUS CHARACTER. Joseph Parry, a one-armed man from Ber. thengam, who has frequently appeared before theoourt, was brought up on warrant charged by Police.constable Adams with being drunk and riotous at Newmarket on the night of the 5th ult. The defendant endeavoured to burst open a cottage door, and only desisted when the offioer inteifered. TIe afterwards became very noisy on the road. The defen iant was fined 10i. with lis. 6d. costs, or in default fourteen days' imprisonment. So was detained in custody. DRUNKENNESS. Ishmael Jones, of Marian, Newmarket, was summoned by Police-constable McWalters for being drunk and riotous on the 20th of Jan. last. The defendant, who admitted the offence, and had been repeatedly convicted, was fined 20s. including costs. STRONG LANGUAGE. Margaret Parry, an elderly woman residing at Penymaes, Trelogan, prayed that John Williams, a young man residing at Trelogan, should be bound over to keep 'the peace to- wards her. The complainant alleged that the defendant had made use of violent language towards her, accused her of being unchaste, and al&o threatened to do her personal injury. This he had done on more than one occasion, and she was afraid that he would do her some bodily harm. Police-constable McWalters stated that on one occasion he heard the de- fendant shouting and making use of disgasting language. He did not see the man, but he imagined from what he heard that he must have been drunk at the time. The defendant who denied having nade use of threats, plea- ded that he had been irritated by the complai- nant. He was bound over in the sum of J65 to keep the peace for three months, and he was also jrdered to pay 14s. 6d. costs. A FUNNY COAL SCALE. Ishmael Davies, coal-dealer, of F fynnon- groew, was charged by Mr. Supt. Hugnes, as inspector of weights and measures, for having an unjust coal scales in his possession. Mr Hughes said that he visited the defendant's premises on the 7th ult., and there found an unjust scale, which was a very peculiar one. On examining it he found that it fell between seven end eight pounds on the "eight side. That would bo in favour of the purchaser. He then asked defendant to show him how he weighed coal with it, and when he had put the baskol on the scale fell one and a half pounds against the purchaser. In reply to the chair- man, Mr Hughes said he did not think that the scale was used with lhe intention to de- fraud. The defendant was fined 10s. and 16s. 6d. costs. GAME CASE. Henry Hughes was fined, on the information P C. McWalters, 5s. 6d. with 9s. 6d. costs, for committing an offence under the Poaching Prevention Act on the 3rd inst.

LLANASA. THE AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY.—A public meeting was held in connection with this auxiliary at Ffyunongroew Calvinistic Methodist Chapel on Monday the 16th inst., when the chair was very ably filled by Mr Pownall, Mostyn Quay. The report for the year having boon read by the secret- ary, Mr Peter Thomas, Post-office, Gronant, the Rev W- Dickens Lewis, M.A., Shrewsbury, ad- dressed the meeting as a deputation from the parent society. A second meeting was also ar- ranged for Tuesday at Groes Wesleyan Chapel, but the friends at that place were in expectation of a lecture by Mr E. Lewis, Mostyn Quay, with Mr J. Roberts, M.P., as chairman. Owing how- ever to Mr Lewis's illness the lecture had to be put off.-From the report read at the meeting at Ffynnongroew, it appeared that there was an amount in hand at the beginning of the year of £ 1 18s. 9d.; amouLt received for books, JE3 15s. lOd. collections, £ 13 9s. 7d. The in- cidental expenses amounted to 14 6s. 9d., which left, after a free grant of £ 12 to the parent society, the sum of £ 2 17s. 5d. remaining in the hands of the treasurer.

BITS FROM BOOKS. HOW GEOBCE ELIOT BECAME A WRITER OF FICTION. September, 1856, made a new era in my life, for it was then I began to write fiction. It had always been a vague dream of mine that some time or other I might write a novel, and my shadowy conception of what the novel was to be varied, of course, from one epoch of my life to another. But I never went further toward the actual writing of the novel than an introductory chapter, describing a Staffordshire village, and the life of the neighbouring farm houses; and as the years passed on I lost any hope that I should ever be able to write a novel, just as I deR- ponded about everything else in my future hfe,I always thought I was deficient in dramatic power, both of construction and dialogue. But I felt I should be at my ease in the descriptive parts of my novel. My introductory chapter was pure description, though there were good materials in it for dramatic presenta- tion. It happened to be among the papers I had with be in Germany, and one evening at Berlin something ied me to read it to George. He was struck with it as a bit of minute description, and it suggested to him the possibility of my being able to write a novel, though he distrusted—indeed disbelieved in-my possession of any dramatic power. One morning as I was thinking what should be the subject of my first story, my thoughts merged themselves into a dreamy doze, and I imagined myself writing a story of which the title was "The Sad Fortunes of the Rev. Amos Barton." I was soon wide-awake again and told G. He said, 0, what a capital title 1" and from that time I had settled in my mind that this should be my first story. —George Eliot's Life, as related in her Letters and Journals. Arranged and edited by her husbaiid, J. W. Cross. TRHL BY ORDEAL. The fearful trial by poison ordeal, or administration of the tanrjim, was perhaps the most cruel and re- volting practice with which the Malagasy, however, could be charged. The test was administered to prisoners accused of capital crimes, by comma.nd of the sovereign or the judges of the native courts. The taniiena nut, which, although a deadly poison, only produces sickness if given in small quantities, was used for the purpose. The nut, or a portion of it, was inserted in the fruit of the banana, and thus swallowed by the wretched criminal. If retained by the stomach, a terrible and rapid death ensued, and the victim of the tan genet was pronounced to have been guilty of the crime of which he had been charged. If, however, the poison was ejected by sick- ness, the sentence of not guilty was awarded. Persons who were in danger of this trial by ordeal, were often induced by their friends to drink large quantities of cold water; and this, it is said, prevented the.poison from acting deleteriously in any way, as it invariably produced nausea and the rejection of the deadly nut. —Madagascar Its History and People. By the Rev. H. W. Little (some years Missionary in East Madagascar). CHARLOTTE BRONTE TO ONE OF HER CRITICS. My dear Sir,—I will tell you why I was so hurt by that review in The Edinburgh; not because its oriticism was keen or its blame sometimes severe; not because its praise was stinted (for, indeed, I think you give quite as much praise as I deserve), but because after I had said earnestly that I wished critics would judge me as an author, not as a woman, you so roughly—I even thought so cruelly—handled the question of sex. I dare say you meant no harm, and perhaps you will not now be able to understand why I was so grieved at what you will probably deem such a trifle but grieved I was, and indignant too. There was a passage or two which you did quite wrong to write. However, I will not bear malice against you for it: I know what your nature is it is not a bad or unkind one, though you would often jar terribly on some feelings with whose recoil and quiver you could not possibly sympathise. I imagine you are both enthusiastic and implacable, as you are at once sagacious and careless; you know much and discover much, but you are in such a hurry to.tell it all you never give yourself time to think how your reckless eloquence may affect others and, what is more, if you knew how it did affect them, you would not much care. However, I shake hands with you; you have excellent points you can be generous. I still feel angry, and think I do well to be angry out it is the anger one experiences for rough play rather than for foul play.—I am, yours, with a cer- tain respect and more chagrin, CURRER BELL.-An Hour with Charlotte Bronte or, Flowers from a York- shire Moor. By Laura C. Holloway. NEGRO NAMES. The predilection which Negroes have for grand names is well known. Two black girls, labourers on a friend's estate, returning from work, met on the road. They had but a scanty amount of clothes, but each had a baby in her arms. There was some quarrel between them, and a wordy conflict ensued. At its close, one damsel, turning away, said, "Well, I don't want no more discourse with you, Miss Terasa." "Me make you for know, ma'am," returned the other girl, that for me name's no Tera,sa, but Tereesa." Well, me dear," was the reply, "Tera.sa else Tvreesa, both de same, for me name a better name than for your own, for me name: Diana de Goddess de Chaste," and Diana strutted off with a swing of her tattered skirt. Servants and labourers are addicted to putting on their offspring the names of their masters and mistresses, and often when, as is the custom in some of the colonies, a son takes as his surname the Christian name of his father, the result is embarrassing. For instance, if Mr. Brown Robinson's groom, t Jack Caesar, calls his son, Kobineon Caesar," the latter, when he has a boy. wil. probably christen him as "Brown," and the child is known not as "Brown Caesar," but as Brown R binson," so that proper-minded persons are apt, on finding the aristocratic name to be borne by a small coloured boy, to shake their heads and make edifying reflections on the morality of the."original Robinson. This mark of respect or'of admiration for the name, and sometimes the rank of a superior, was curiously exemplified some few years ago I-,I, as I think, Jamaica, where the wife of a black military labourer marched up to the font with her infant, and, in the presence of r. scandalised congregation, gave its intended name as George Frederick Augus- tus Snodgrass Adjutant. TV&qt Indian Vy

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