The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

XJFELTSTT STATES CONSTJIT-FOB WALES.—President Tfarnfam has nominated Mr Walter Howard to be llTntiW! States Consul for Wales in succession to Major Jomw. who has resigned. The chief offices of the -Coawizie are at Cardiff, with agencies at Llanelly, titfiMif Newport, and Milford Haven. CTOTRFCCS DEFENCE IN WALES.-The Archbishop of Torfcfaus given iJ50, Mr F S. Powell, M.P., £ 100, the Hon. J. C. Hubbard R50, the Earl of Jttxdfard £ 33 6s 8d, Viscount Cranbrook, Lord Jiostaa, and Tinrd Harlech JJ25 each, for three years, •-tflMPaais the special fund being raised by the Church ,JDefooee Institution of the Church in Wales. The fVltptg of Rntland and Portland, the Earl of Sel- torne, Lor,i Addirjrton, Lord Stalbridge, Mr John 404rbod. M.P., are also limong the subectibers. The fjSBik now amounts to about Y.2,000 annually. SFTBBWRSBURY CORN MARKET, SATURDAY.— Vfbtxe ILec ounlry roads have not been completely fefoefcad with snow they have been difficult to traverse, god this has rendered the delivery of grain by 1-1grown a work of considerable labour. Wheat has short supply, but the demand for it has been ,Wdtam. and values have receded Is per quarter. Thtehy has been more freely offered, but with a ting trade former quotations have not been except for the finest descriptioni4. Oats beans have been steady. Flour has moved f&Mrly a decline of 6d per sack. With increasing .Avvjies. and but a poor enquiry, offals have been lMWtf to sell even at a decline Our market here to- IFAO moderately attended. A fair quantity of ■Iwmj: was offered, aDd business was done at 2d. per redaction. Barley moved slowly at last HWlffl priees.—Quotations. White wheat 5s. 2d. to jfcM. per 751bs red wheat 4a. lOd. to 5s. 2d. per "SSJUksj barley 4a..3d. to 5s. Od, per 701bs Otlots 15a. 6d. tp«r 2251bs peaae 14s. 6d. to 15e.6d. MflSlbc; beaaa I&L 6d. to JL7B. 6<L per 24011M.—W. J+Mmmt 4 <Vt drcuimr. THE CENSUS AT WELSHPOOL. A Correspondent writing to the Oswestry 11 Advertizer respecting the recent religious census of Welshpool, taken at the instance of the Express, says :— Perhaps it may interest your readers to know the relative strength of the National Church of Wales, Rnd the other religious bodies in this corner of the Principality. A church attendance census was taken on Sunday, December 20th, of all churches and chapels in the municipal borough of Welshpool, by a Radical contemporary of yours, and this is the result:— result:— National Church 1,914 Independents 434 Calvinists • 426 Primitive Methodists 303 Wesleyans 187 Salvation Army 137 Baptista 101 Roman Catholics 98 'I A clear majority of 326 worshippers at our parish churches over the combined strength of Protestant Nonconformity. Not so bad for Gallant little Wales." THE REPRESENTATION OF RADNORSHIRE. THE HoN. ARTHUR W ALSR has at length made a definite announcement that he will not again contest the County of Radnor, and the Conserva- tive party is thus compelled to look about for a fresh candidate. A Conservative paper, the Hereford Journal, in referring to the subject, says :—" The task is by no means an easy one, and is rendered none the less difficult by the brief space of time which will elapse between now and the date of the General Election. If Mr WALSH seriously contemplated resignation from the out- set, it is a thousand pities that his final declara- tion should have been so long delayed. Con- sidering the systematic way in which Mr FRANK EDWARDS has nursed the constituency, and the running he has undoubtedly made, it will be no easy matter for auy candidate, however in- fluential or popular, to successfully accomplish the feat of stepping into Mr WALSH'S political shoes. We say this without any desire to be pessimistic."

RELIGIOUS CENSUS IN MONT- GOMERYSHIRE. BERRIEW, SUNDAY, JAN. 3RD, 1892. CHURCH OF ENGLAND (BERRIEw). I Morning 162 Evening v 187 School 50 399 FRON. Morning 54 Afternoon (includ'g school) 78 132 BROOKS. ✓ Morning 29 Evening 41 70 (No School). PANTYPRYDD. One Service 16 617 WESLEYAN (KEEL). Morning 34 Evening 58 School 51 — 143 PENTBELLIFIOR. Morning 40 Evening. 41 School 40 — 121 PROVIDENCE. Morning 28 Evening 60 School 64 — 152 PRESBYTERIAN (EFEL). Morning 78 Evening 109 School 80 — 267 CONGREGATIONAL (OWN* VATWWS). R Morning. 33 Evening I. 48 School 18 99 782 The Presbyterian Chapel at Brooks, and the Independent Chapel at Berwydd, draw their con. gregations chiefly from the parish, but as their places of worship are just outside the border they cannot be included in these statistics. W. H. PRYCE-PRITCHARD.

DEATH OF MR. ABRAHAM THOMAS, BRONEIRION, LLANDINAM. [A SKETCH). J A deep gloom of sorrow has fallen on the hearts of the public generally in this neighbourhood by the sudden death of Mr Abraham Thomas, of Broneirion By it another link with the past has been broken, and the present generation is thua being further and further removed from the past, and its influences are being one by one oaken away by the sudden snapping assunder of the lives of such men as the late Mr Abraham Thoriam. He was a leader of men —born to wield the sceptre in the circle in which he turned, whether in the church, or at home, or in the world, his sway was supreme. Though* outwardly rugged and abrupt, rough of speech, and curt in manner, he was inwardly gentle, kind, and deeply sympathetic, the external was but as the garb that covered a genuinely warm and really tender spirit. He was also earnestly true, and thoroughly honsst and straightforward. Not a spot of hypocrisy tar- nished his open character; it was like the sunlight, revealing all things in their own true colours, open, clear, free, and full. His personality was a striking feature in the society of this neighbourhood; strik- ing from its individuality, and the position which he occupied, and the work he was engaged in. From time to time he came into contact with everybody in the district, and no one has ever been heard to com- plain of his dealings. But he has passed away, being, as it were, suddenly snatched from our midst, in the middle of his useful and valuable life. Mr Thomas was brought up at Pennant, Llanbryn- mair. He subsequently lived at Trefeglwys. About forty years ago he came into contact with the late Mr David Davies, who then was a rising man, being engaged in important county and railway works. The late Mr Davies, justly celebrated for his keen perception and insight into the characters of men. saw in Abraham a valuable acquisition, and he was by degrees taken to his confidence; and from that time down to the death of Mr Davies in the last year, the trust and confidence was never for a moment broken. The relationship existing between the two—Mr Davies and Mr Thomas-were apparent to all, being one of full trust and entire confidence on the orie part, and of the most faithful service and conscientious performance of duty on the other. In public, the relationship of master and servant dis- appeared when other connections than those involved in these titles arose; and it was plain to all, thac equality and fraternity had their due place, and deferences were mutually given and taken, orders made and obeyed upon equal terms. But there was, moreover, a deep and fervent attachment, a warm and earnest affection between the two. For, in the last weeks of the late Mr Davies's mournful and fatal illness, no one could serve and attend upon him to his satisfaction—excepting, of course, those of his im- mediate family connectionil-Detter than Mr Thomas. Such had been their close relationship for well-nigh forty years, that in the closing scenes they could not be well apart And now, as in life, they are united in death, and both are laid to rest in sure and certain hope in the same graveyard, near to which the ever-flowing Severn winds her silent and majestic course to the ocean. The loss suffered in the death of Mr Thomas is one that will be keenly felt in various circles. In his religious work, in conneJtion with the Calvinistic Methodists in Llandinam, he has been for a long period a leading influence in all the departments of the work. In every part of the work Mr Thomas had a foremost share, and that generally the leading one. In the Sabbath school he had been a most indefatigable worker. Most of the young people of the present generation have been under his tuition, and lie has had for many years the management of the entire junior departmant. There his genial character and pleasant humour found a free outcome and came to view, and its influence was all-prevail ing. With apparent harshness and ruggednes3 of speech, the young learnt to know that beyond and below all there was, in the depths of his being, that which drew them towards him, and won their esteem and favour. There is no age so apt at perception of the qualities of the inner being than the young. and it is the universal testimony of all that he had in,him that true and sterling worth which gives v¿\ to every life and work, and which attracts and wins to itself a large place in the affection and regard and gratitude of thesa who have undergone his somewhat stiioL uUoipiine. la iho inaoioal portion^ oY ine services, too, Mr Thomas was the leader, and he laboured hard with the young for a long time in the teaching of the principle of the Tonic-Solfa Notation. At that time, when this notation was first intro- duced, he was only a learner, and it was with difficulty he was able to keep himself ahead of the pupils in the classes he taught. But this did not interfere with the progress and advancement of the work nor did it give room for the jealousies that are commonly accredited to those engaged in this depart- ment. It is to be feared that our musical leaders must be deficient in some balancing sense, since there is all our neighbourhoods, in most of our churches a considerable amount of bitterness and 'green-eyed' jealousy engendered by the unwisdom or want of tact, or knowledge of human nature in those that take upoa themselves the duties of leadership of singing and musical classes. But in Mr Thomas's case, there never was room for it. He was the master and the unquestioned leader, and yet always open to a sug- gestion or hint towards improvement, which he would unhesitatingly adopt and follow. He was a believer in the human voice divine as the instrument of praise, and, as for himself, did not believe much in the employment of any mechanical assistance in the religious service yet, in deference to the wishes and judgments of others, he co-operate I heartily with those of contrary opinions. His musical taste was always marked by a refinement but seldom met with; and this he was able to exercise with an influence which was universally felt. Iu financial management. too the affairs of the church were almost wholly in his hands, as well as several other things. And in minor matters, the "keeping of the door of the house and other services, generally considered as insignificant, he was always found to fulfil ungrudg- ing with full ardour and interest. Tet, in and through all, he kept peace with all men," and none questioned his authority. There must have been a guiding principle of great wisdom ruling his thoughts and actions, for it is seldon that any man who filled such a variety of offices in every relationship in life, and did it as he did could pass through life without creating some ill-feeling and making an enemy. Bub so it was with him, as all bear witness^. The loss of euch a character with aptitude for jm varied and numerous services oauses a great gap1 irP our midst, and all will for a long time raws his ready and cheerful retort, h;s plain-spoken and thoroughly honest bearing, his active and willing service, and the marked integrity of his eonduct; all of which enabled him to fill so large a circle of usefulness, and brought to bim the confidence and the full trust of tipose iu whose employ he served and won for him the affectionate regaril of all. It was no wender then, that in the meeting of the members of the Llandi- oru\w, Calvinistic Methodist Church, after his death, art] were in tears, and mournful feelings and sorrow fi ilAd I the breasts of all present. To some there, .j,1 re who knew him best and who had had the fu. opportunity of valuing his worth, there was no rooM for words and speech,—the language of tears WJS predominant, and the silence of those who knew hitn so wel) and so long spoke more than any words <joni3 possibly do in praise of the dead and gone. Hjf memory will long abide as a sweet influence, and his name, even on earth, will be held in loving remem- brances. brances.

The movement of swine into the county from the Borough of Shrewsbury is prohibited. We understand that Captain E. Pryce-Jones having recently passed the final examination, will shortly be called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. At the next meeting of the Montgomeryshire County Council it will he moved that the Townships of Llanerchymris, Melyniog Fawr, Llansantffraid. Melyniog Fach, Dolwen, and Lledrod in the parish of Llansantffraid Pool, the parish of Llanfechain and the Townships of Ysytm Colwyn, Cwm, Trefedrid, and Cefnllyfnog in the parish of Myfod, now forming the Petty Sessional Division of Pool Lower ought to be annexed to the Petty Sessional Division of Llanfyllin. THE CHIEF CONSTABLESHIF OF WARWICKSHIRE. —A meeting of the Warwickshire Joint Committee will he held at Warwick to-day (Monday), for the purpose of selecting a chief constable for the county in succession to Mr R. H. Kinchant, whose resigna- tion was recently accepted. The selected candidates are Clptain Bell, Chief Constable of Wigan: Major Godfrey. Chief Constable of Montgomeryshire Mr Jesse, Deputy Chief Constable of Devonshire; Capt. Brinkley, Mr Ibbetson, and Mr Le Mesurier. WELSH JOINT EDUCATION COMMITTEES.—The next meeting of the Conference of Joint Education Committees of Wales and Monmouthshire will take place at Shrewsbury on the 22nd inst. Among the business will be :—The further consideration of the report of the Central Educational Board Committee, presented at the last conference. Mr R. A. Jones (Flintshire) will call attention to resolutions relating to religious education in boarding-houses adopted by the General Assembly of the Calvinistic Methodists, the Congregational Union of Wales, and the North Walps Wesleyan district meeting and will move a resolution on the subject. Mr A. C. Humphreys- Owen (Montgomeryshire) will bring forward the report of the committee on teaching of women and Mr Owen and Mr Lloyd (Montgomeryshire) will pro- pose—" That the Charity Commissioners be requested -1Kr-fteld- -m—to—ariiathor tkfc Ashford School can be made more generally, useful to tVi\1!'¡:i," Mr Aoland, M.P. (Carnarvonshire), will present a report as to the work of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on pensions for teachers and registration of teachers, and will also call attention to the sub- jects of the appointment of clerks or secretaries to governing bodies. Mr Gwilym Evans (Carmarthen- shire) will move resolutions relating to the co work- ing of the Intermediate and Technical Instruction Acts, and to the promotion of agricultural education. There will also be a discussion on the report of the Manual Instruction Committee, and a letter on the same by Herr Saloman, the great Swedish authority on the subject, will be considered.

BIRMINGHAM POLITICIANS ON MR. HOOD'S DISMISSAL. The following is the communication from Mr Hood, which was held over from last week :—At a meeting of the Birmingham Trades' Council, held last Satur- day, the President read letters which had been received from the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M.P., Mr Jesse Collings, M.P., and Mr. J. Powell Williams, M.P., in reference to the case of Mr Hood, recently an employe on the Cambrian Railways, who, it was alleged, had been discharged from hit employ- ment because of evidence which he gave before the Select Committee.—Mr Chamberlain wrote: —"There is no doubt that it was the intention of the Royal Commission that evidence should be freely tendered and given before them. and should not involve any penalty or loss to the witness. The Council may rely upon it that the matter will not be allowed to drop but will be thoroughly sifted and, if necessary, the attention of Parliament called to it." Mr Jesse Colliags wrote: As a member of the Royal Labour Commission I specially feel it is absolutely necessary that wit. nesses should be free to give evidence before it without fear of consequences. The charge against the Cambrian Railways is a serious one. I will make inquiries on the subject and communicate with you farther." Mr P Williams baa given the Secretary of the Trades Council an interview on the matter, and has promised te reader amy aoaistanoe he can in sifting tWi matter .84 ohteuuny for Jh94.

CARNO. DEATH OF MR. JOHN LLoTD.-We regret to announce the death of the late Mr. John Lloyd, fct the age of 57 years. The deceased was taken ill about a fortnight ago, and was attended by Dr. Edwards, Cemmes, till his death, which took place early on Thursday last at his residence, Gianrafon, Carno. He was a man of keen perception and sound judgment on all matters connected with bis profession. He leaves a widow and eight children to mourn his loss.

TREFNANNEY.' CAPTAIN MYTTON'S SCHOOL.—Examination re- ports for the year 1891: Scripture.-Examined by the Rev. E. Owen. "This Bchool is in a very efficient state. It is only a remove from taking a place amocg the excellent schools in the diocese." Drawing.-The older scholars (boys and girls) to the number of nearly sixty, were examined by the Science and Art Department on November 5th, when the school was again awarded the mark of excellent." This is all the more creditable as the work extended up to the Sixth Standard. The school has obtained the highest award five times during the last six years, Govertunent.- Examined on December 17th by the Rev. R. femple, H.M.I. The sewing was examined in London by the Directress of Needlework. The following report was received January 13th: There has been a great deal of illness in this school throughout the year. In spite of this the state of the discipline and instruction are very satisfactory. The Directress of needlework pronounoea the needle. work of the older girli tQ Jilt "q gtod* W)4 tfeftt of

MONTGOMERY CRICKET CLUB CONCERT. Undjr distinguished patr.ina»e the annua! concert in.aonuection with the Montgomery Cricket Club was l in the Town on Thursday evening. The l 'D was very tastefully decorated with nnottoes, evergreens, etc., by Mrs and Miss Marshall, and a number of shrabs, kindly lent by the Mayor, A'derman Fairies-Humphreys, formed a very effec- tivo background at the rear of the platform. Not- withstanding adverse climatic conditions, the Town Hall was crowded with an appreciative audience, ami the following names are taken from the plan of the reserved seats:—Mr and Mrs Fairles Humphreys, Coionel and Mrs Harrison. Mrs Parker, Rectory, Mr F. and Miss Parker, Mr F. A. C. Wrieht, Councillor T. ailliams, Mr B. Poole, Mrs and Mis* Marshall, Mr Shayler, Mr W. G. James, Mr W. Mickleburgh, Mr M. M. Lloyd, Mr G. Fitzhugh, Mr W. H. P. and Miu. Katie Pritchard, Mr J. E. Tomley, Mr and Mrs Davies, Hendomen, Mr W. H. and Miss Morris, Ciurbury, Mr Murphy, Mr and Mrs T. Watkin, Mrs H. George, Miss Downes, Mr and Mrs J. E. H. Brieht, Mr C. S. Pryoe, Messrs Joies, Rockley, Mr and Mra Rogers, Bacheldre, Mr and Mrs Francis, Gaer, Mr and Mrs Jones, Brompton, Mis.* Bryan, Miss Evans, Miss Griffiths, Miss Pritchard. Mr E. R. and the Misses A. B. and G. Jones, Sutton, Mrs Wi',hers, Misses Savage, Mr G. E. Brow.1, Misses Withers, Mrs Tipping, Mr and Mies Dawson, Mrs Swajne, Miss Farmer, Mrs Humphreys, Mr A. Vatghan, Mr Jones, Mr Former. Mr L ngford, Mr C. B., Mrs., and the Misses Williams, Mr and Mre T. Davies, Mr T. H. Evans. Mr V. Ashton, etc. Ow:ng to the death of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale-of which but few however were aware- soro/J of the above were not present. The Committee of the Cricket Club are always relied upon to pro- vide a real musical feast for a Montgomery aud enc- and considering the multitude of tastes fur which th(:y have to cater it speaks volumes for their able judgment to say that they are always successful This year Messrs J., Tipping (hon. sec. of the club), J. wirtiers, and x!. VV. Marshall had the management of, the concert, and the entertainment provided on Thursday evening reflects the greatest credit upon thiioOl:: jfLUtleinen. Miss Jennie Davies, RC.M., L'i,intffraid, made her first appearance before a Montgomery audience, and the continued recalls which greeted her appearance make it more than probable that we shall soon hear her there agah. In the song, I couldn't. cculd I?" Miss Davids was heard to perfection, that expressive little piece being given in a charmingly vivacious manner. To the undeniable encore which necessarily followed, she replied with The Miller and the Maid In One morn the maiden sought the mill," Miss Davies moored another success, and "The Minstrel Boy" (Moore) was given as a "follow on." In Miss Ethel Williams, Montgomery possesses a most promising debutante, and although her performance was at the comxsreement rather marred by nervousness, she undoubtedly possesses high qualities as a. soloist. Her first song was "The Old Garden," which was vociferously encored, and Miss Williams replied with Sweet Kildare." Later on her rendering of Our lar-t waltz" fairly brought down the h, use, and the audience, not to be denied, were rewarded with A song for me." Mr Tom Phillips, of Llanidloes, who was alei, we believe, new to a Montgomery audience, met with a very cordial reception. To the encore which greeted his rendering of O'er the hills of Normandie," he replied with Draw the sword Scotland. Mr J. Dillon Marlow, of the Rhyl Pavilion concerts had been anaounced to appear, but was unable to be present through indisposition. A very able substitute, however, had been found in the parson of Mr D. S. Williams, the well-known per former on the concertina, and that his performances were really excellent goes without saying. His pieces included Scotch Airs," imitation of different instruments, and "March of the Men of Harlech." The manner in which he imitated the performance of a German band caused great amusement, particu- larly the parts in which the trombone brought up the rear. The instrumental selections given by Mrs and Miss Parker were very well received, and Miss Parker shows great promise of becoming a very talented violinist. The merits of Mr J. Withers are so well known as to need no eulogy here, suffice it to say that he quite sustained his old reputation as a baritone, in his rendering of The Old Brigade." Mr T. F. Perks, the well-known comedian, without whom a cricket concert at Montgomery could never be complete, was in his merriest mood. As a matter of course his songs were encored, The Shopwalker being followed by "Different ways of singing," and "John Bull's Smoking Concert" by "A Musical Party," and Three a Penny." The proceedings concluded with the National Anthem. Mr F. W. Marshall ably accompanied Mr Withers, and Miss Marhall. Ðf Llanidloes, very efficiently accompanied all ..he other soloists. Programme—Part I. Con- a solo. Scotch Airs," Mr D. S. Williams 1,m.t;ti); song, "The Old Brigade," Mc J. Wit- her*; song. By the fountain," Miss Jennie Davies instrumental duet—from The Gondoliers," Mrs and Miss Parker; song, O'er the hills of Nor- mandie," Mr Tom Phillips (encored); song, "An Oid Garden," Miss Ethel Williams (encored); con- oertina solo, "Imitations of different instruments," Mr D. S. Williams (encored); song, "I couldn't could I?" Miss Jennie Davies; comic song, "The Shopwalker," Mr Perks (encored). Part II.—Duet, "Army and Navy," Messrs Phillips and Withers; FonF, "Our last waltz," Miss Ethel Williams (en- coreo); instrumental duet, "Jennie Jones," Mrs and Miss Parker (encored); song, One morn the maiden sought the mill," Miss Jennie Davies (en- cored) 1; song, "Llewellyn's Grave," Mr Tom Phillips; comic song. John Bull's Smoking Con- cert," Mr Perks (encored); finale, God save the Queen."

THE INFLUENZA. Dr. Thomas Stevenson, the well-known analyst of Gay's Hospital, London, is confined to his bed by the disease. Mr Edward Lawson, of the Daily Telegraph, is suf- fering from influenza, but is making satisfactory progress. His case is unattended by serious compli- cations. Earl Cadogan, who is recovering from his attack of influenza, has cancelled all his political engage- nifiK and on Saturday proceeded to Bournemouth for aNreek or ten days. Tin epidemic has raised the death-rate at Bury St. Edmunds to the highest record for many years. During the week ended the 9th inst. there were 33 deaths, as compared with 12 for the corresponding week last year. On Wednesday morning Mr J. B. Ashley, a popu- lar travelling theatrical manager, died at Spenny- mooi*, county Durham. His wife, who was known in the theatrical world as Miss Evelyn Unsworth, died from the same complaint on Saturday. The prevalence of the influenza epidemic in varicus parts of the United States is jusu now causing some warn, and although the mortality has not up to the present attained very serious proportions, the fact that patients are being reported in new quarters points to the gradual extension of the disease throughout the ccuntry. Sir Edward Watkin, Bart., M.P., is confined to his bonae by a severe attack of sciatica and rhen- matism. Private information received in Leeds gives an !arm;iae account of the health of Mr Waddy, Q.C., M ø He is staying at Mentone, at the sama hotel a.* Imr Spurgeon. His severe illness is ascribed to tb« excessive strain of the past few months. A nong the deaths reported last week was that >1 Mackenzie, harbour-master at Holyhead. A Iv-etAon t»legram reported the death of Mr W Bayer, master of a Devonshire pack of hounds also that 3f Captain Fortescae. Another death announced was that of Mr Robert Walker, ex-Mayor of Hartle- pooi. In addition to Sir Francis Knollys. a large number of tho Prince of Wales'* household are down with of the Prince of Wales'* household are down with influenza, including Admiral Stephenson, eque ry to His Royal Highness. Not far distant from thj house the family of Colonel Stanley Clarke, another equerry, are iuvalided, and generally throughout Norfolk the diij i8 very prevalent. Residents of Marlborough House svrj suffering as well as those at Sandriugham. aod &evoral of the officials and servants are now laid upo Tbaldeath is annonnoed from influenza of the Hon. Edward Frederick Kenyon, son of Baron Kenyon, of "(trwington. Eiizaoeth, Duchess of Wellington, is confined to her room at Bearhill. A Sheffield telegram states that Mr Harry Furniss is seriously ill, and all his lecturing engagements have been abandoned. Cardinal Simconi, Cardinal Perfect of Propaganda, dieu i&z Rome on Thursday morning at the age of 8aVjffltVj|ix, from the effect of an attack of influenza. Al flpmeetiuY of the Clitheroe Town Couoil on ThuwSy, the Mayor was absent, owing to an attack of inflaaoxa. The Medical Offioer reported that a very widespread epidemic of influenza prevailed in the borough. Some deaths have already occurred. the borough. Some deaths have already occurred. John Armitage, a young man residing at Pud«ey, Bradford, died on Wednesday night from influenza. He should have been married on Wednesday, and had furnished a house for his bride and bidden a larga number of friends to the wedding festivities. At tue time the wedding breakfast should have been held his friends were watching round his dying bed. During the week ending Saturday the influenza, which has been prevalent at Copenhagen for some time past, showed considerable abatement. There were 1,600 eases, seventy-two of which terminated fatally. Of these latter, however, some sixty deaths w«r« due to complications following influenza, and a wajjAaoaittatiea<>(tb«bed? piudaotf by ataer ill- '1 1

r rJC late puke of rarcncc. LOCAL REFERENCES. MONTGOMERY. The services at the Montgomery Parish Church on Sunday were very impressive; special hymns and prayers were used, and a further of mourniog was apparent in the black b..nd;; which the officiating I clergy wore over their surplices. In the morr.ing used were: "Days and moments quickly flYing" and" Brief lite is here our portion." Prayer was offered by the Rector, fervently asking for "ivine comtort to the Royal mourners. In the course of an impressive disfcouse, based upon John, viii chapter, 12th verse, I am the light of the world he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life," the Rev Wollaston said that this did not mean that the Christian was in this life to have freedom from the pains, sorrows, and trials to which all are subject. It was the testimony cf God's book that man was born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. It was a universal law from which neither wealth, honour, nor position could secure exemption. It was a law to which the ricuest as well as the poorest, the wealthiest as well as the meanest, were subject. Night as well as sunshine, sorrow as well as joy, were the lot of all. How forcibly bad th.s truth been illustrated afresh within the pa-t few days in the great sorrow which had fallen upon the Royal Family and upon this nation in the death of the Duke of Clarence. Here was one full of promise. who had hardly buckled on his armour before he had to lay it aside, one who was the eldest son of the heir t) the throne, and was regarded as the future ruier of our country, suddenly called away, they hoped, to his rest. At any time such an event must call forth the heartfelt sympathy of a loyal people, but in the present instance there were, as they well kuew, special circumstances which were calculated to excite this feeling in no u.?ua! degree, for as they were a 1 pre- pared to rejoice with tne young Price in the bright life which seemed to be opening out to him by the ma- ritge. 4ich had been arl aned shortly to tikg plac- so now surely the heart of the nation goes forth in deep and s ncerest sympathy to his bereaved p -.rent.; ar d our beloved Queen. And no less d.d they sorrow with and pity that amiable Princess, who was so soon to have been a bride. It was no won ier that she and other Royal mourners should be prostrated by grief at that time they could hardly realise tnat all their Heavenly Father did was good, but that they might do so would be the earnest prayer of ail who sympathised with them in th-ir great sorr)-.v, for it was only a firm belief in that blessed truth which co aid bring that comfort -At the close 01 the service the Dead March in Saul was played on the organ by Mr Tipping, the organist, the congregation remaining standing while the solemn tones of Handel's master- piece pealed through the sacred edifice. At the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Mr J. E. Tomley played the Dead March at the close of the evening service. NEWTOWN. At the Congregational Church the Rev Jenkin Jones made the following reference at the evening service:—" During the last few days death has been the subject of conversation and of meditation amongst all classes of the community, not only in our own country, but in all civilised parts of the world. Its visit to the royal palace, especially at this time, has caused something like consternation to be felt by the people at large-even those who have no great re- gaid for royalty and have no faith in monarchies have expressed their sorrow at the death of the Duke of Claience. Death is the great leveller of persons and the equaliser of the feelings of our common humanity. True, that many sadder and more pain- ful cases occurred during tne week which have not been recorded by the daily press mothers have been deprived of their sons, who were the sole stay and support of the family, and the arrow of death Lne-tat to them, not only the death of a dear and beloved one, but the coming in of poverty, yea, perhaps hunger and people in the next street know nothing of the darkness through which they have to pass; whilst tne sympathy of the whole world seems to flow towards Sandringham. We must not forget, however, the high position of the one who has been so suddenly taken away his being so near the throne, naturally draws the attention of society towards the event. We also must not forget that we have placed our beloved Queen and her household in the exalted position they occupy, and as long as the monarchy lasts, the Royal household ought to have the sympathy of the people. Sometimes when thinking of the wealth of the great, of their ability to have the best of all this world can give, we are in danger of forget- ting that they are after all only men and women like ourselves, in need of sympathy and help when in distress. The Prince and Princess of Wales, though they have many things to alleviate their distress, which the poor have not, still the visitation of death to their family has wounded their hearts as father and mother in the same way as it does the poorest individuals in the land. Death is no respecter of persons, it enters the palace as well as tne hovel and no power can prevent its entrance. Whatever knowledge may be able to do, whatever science may accomplish, all is in vain when this enemy comes; the resources of the kingdom would not prevent him taking away his prey from Sandringham. It was vain to tell him that the Duke was only a young man just entering on life, that there were thousands of old men in the country who had run the natural course of life, from among whom he could take his choice. It was vain to show him the preparations which had been commenced for the wejaing, to read to him the congratulations which had come from all parts of the world. It was vain to tell him of the nation's anxiety that the Duke should be spared. It was vain to point him to the anguish in the father's heart, to the pale face of the ministering mother at the bedside, and the tears of the true English girl who was soon to be his wife. His commission must be executed, the blow must be dealt. There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit, neither hath he power in the day of death; and there is no discharge in that war.' In the Primitive Methodist Chapel, tha Rev. R. Wycherley said:—I cannot bring this service to a close without some reference to a subject which is occupying the public mind, and which will find expression, this day, from ten thousand pnlpits. Ou Thursday, at y-15 in the morniug, the Duke of Ciarence, the eldest son of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, after a week's illness, succumbed to the unyielding crave of influe:iaa. The last week sTeems to have been especially flush with mortality. Among the notables of the land, some were permitted to live on to ripened old age, and their removals anticipated but while each care gathers its own cloud, there is some- thing peculiarly affecting in the death of the Duke of Clarence. He was a young man, in his 2.%11 year, full of promise and expectations. To him the national eye turned with eager hope, and in him national interest centred as the future king. But how soon the fondest hope is blighted, and tne most Sjiguine expectation cut off. In the movements of ivine providenee there is much that is deeply mysterious to our limited understandings. The youth of promise, and the man of prime, are taken away, while the helpless and the aged are permitted to stay. But although human nature might some- times feel inclined to be fretful and complain, yet we know in our calmer moods that the Judge of all the earth doeth rightly. He is too wise to err, and too good to be unkind." How true the lines of Gowper-" Behind a frowning Providence he hide, a smiling face." While the nation's uearc is touched wilh sorrow, and aroused with sympathy fo.- the Royal household, let us hope in all eniirity that the deceased Duke was heir to a Throne that shall never totter; to a Crown that shall never tanish an i th it he has changed mortality for life in the flower of age. At the Wosleyan Chapel, special reference was made to the deaths of the Duke of Clarence and Cardinal Manning. The Rev J. Harries, the officiating minister, took for his ten the 25 verse 2 Chron. xxxv Jeremiah lamented for Joaiah." Two great men had fallen. Different in many respects,—yet both of high positions. One a prince of the realm, the other a prince, ecclesiastically, in the Romish church—one with brilliant prospeets before him and the other having achieved great things There were many events which touched them individually, and in which tney weoc aione; out events wnicn toucnea tne nation's heart and wedded millions of hearts in tears together, touched the spring of the nation a sincerest. sorrow and sympathy, and softened the hearts ofcall grades and of all classes throughout the whole Empire. Such an event occurred in Israel, when Prince Josiah in the prime of his manhood was borne to the grave. Almost a similar event had befallen the Empire in the lamentable death of the Duke of Clarence rhe peculiar circumstances which surrounded the death of the young prince added very much to the sorrow that is felt by all classes, and a gloom had been cast in all the homes throughout the country. A great loss had also been felt by the death of Cardinal Manning, the famous and brilliant ecclesiastic. Whataver they may think of his Romisn belief, in I other respects he was the greatest and most powerful ecclesiastic of of the day. Josiah was a young man, only 39 year old, \n the zenith of his life, and the beginning of his usefulness. Tet his life was cut short. The Duke of Clarence, who had only just attained his 28tii birthday, beloved by the nation, who looked forward to his wedding with unbounded hopes for the future, had live wise reached an early grave. They deeply sympathised with the Princess May of Teck, who had been thus so very suddenly deprived of the one she held so dear. It was all a mystery. God moved in a mysterious way. It would be hardly conceivable of the loss to the nation through the death of Cardinal Manning— M a temperance reformer, and one who took a lively Urtfrwt ift caiiqkuo, NOW aobenas, ia tbe welfare of tiip labouring classes, and as a ph:!aDthrJp's', and had been the means or establishing innny ho,n-.s fo- waifs. It is impressive tnat death is s.-o respe es of persons—it cut down the prince as well '1" tho peasant; the rich as well as the poor and so it behoved them All to pet their mind ready for the cutting of the Lord.—The pulp,t and communion table were draped, and the choir sang soecial funeral hymns. After the sermon the oro-a,nist. Mr D. W. Oliver, plaved the Doad .\Tareh in SW At t ie Parish Church, on Sunday evening, he Rector made the following reference to the subject Of the first of the four last things—Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell "-there has befen much within the last few weeks to remind u-i. That mystericus epidemic which in the early ptrt of last year prevailed over the whole country, miking its presence felt almost in every home, and leavipg many a life long sorrow behind it, bus c:n'J amongst us once more. We have searcely recovered from its effects indeed, we have hardly ceased to speak of those whose loss is to us irreparable, when we find this disease is at its baleful work again and day by day we anxiously scan that now to > fa niiiar column in the daily papers to see how some famiiiir name- or even friend or relative is battling with the foe; and we anxiously watch whether it mikes its Approach into our ovn neighbourhood. And now o oay we meet under th" shadow of a sr at so-row. The nation is mourning with its beloved Queen and Royal Family for him who won d hive been its Kirg if God had grantel him length of davs. I am sure, my brethren, our hearts went up to God in that special prayer for our Queen and the bereaved father and mother. Almost before we were aWlire he wa-s ill we heard he had died. and with the sense of that loss there is that added pathos, of tIe young life cut off just on the eve of a happy marriage, "hen all seemed bright an i j yous. How wonderful does it seem by chance that our services enter into 0'11' feelingsvof the moment. We have jast reid in the Epistle, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, a.nd weep with those that weep." The whole nation was awakening to keep with rejoicing a happy marriige, and n -w in place of that we must Weep with those who weep," and onr hearts are this day in that Royal home from whenc3 always flowed sympathy for those in grief and sorrow. True it is that Death is mighty all around, On every home H^s shadows fall, On every heart His mark is found. At the New Road Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, touching references Wi"re made by the pastor, Rev E. Jones, in the prayer and sermon to the death of the Duke of Clarence. In his address, the rev gentleman remarked that the sad and mournful event which occurred last week had cast a gloom over all the kingdom. His hiirh position, his amiable and unblemished character, togi-,ther with the peculiar circumstances and suddenness of his death could not fail to impress the least imaginative of men. No .heart can but feel the keenest pity and most sincere sympathy with those who have tasted the bitterness of the cup of sorrow. We hope and pray that the "Faithful God will not suffer them to be tempted above what they are able, but will, with the tempta- tion also make a way to escape, that they may be able to bear it."

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BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, DEATHS. BIRTH. OWEN.-10th inst., 44, Arkles-lane, Anfield, Liver. pool, the wife of the Rev T. G. Owen, M.A., of a son. MARRIAGE. IARTIN-CASWKLL.-Dec. 26th, 1891, by special licence, at the Episcopal Chapel, Salem, Oregon, U.S.A. by the Rev G. Lund, Handel T. Martin, to Jennie Caewell, late of Welshpool and Newtown, Montgomeryshire. DEATHS. CAMERON.—Dec. 25th, at the Queensberry Hotel, Dumfries, Sarah Ellen, wife of Colin Cameron, and eldest daughter of the late Noan Bishton, Glan Virniew, Llanymynech, a,d 36. CLIFT .-4th inst., at the Ches;lnut-i,Wellington, Mary, wife of Edward Clift. aged 69. COOK.—3rd inst., at Welshpool, Sarah Jane, widow Joseph Cook, Doddington, Whitchurch, aged 5&. DAVIES.—11th iust., at 21, Victoria-street, Shrews* bury, Sussannah, relict of Samuel DavUe, i yon- 8hall, Herefordshire, and Graig, Radnorshire, aged 82. EDWARDS.-6th inst, at th-i Pheasant Inn, Trewern, Buttington. John Edwards, aged 73. JONES-15th inst., William Jones, Penygraig-street, Lanidloes, aged 62 years. LUOYD.—14th iust., at Glanyrafon, Carno, John Lloyd, aged 57. ROBERTS—Nov. 15th, at Lgighton Grove, Percy- street, Kensington, Melbourne, of consumption, aged 29, Mary, wife of Edward R. Roberts, and eldest daughter of the late Robert Baker, Canal House, Welshpool. SWAIN—Dec 19th. in her 82nd year, at Ashton, -Preston, Lancashire, Prisci la, only daughter of the late John and Ann Meilings, late of the Nag's Head, Garthmyl. THOMAS.—11th inst., Abraham Thomas, Llandinamt aged 66 years. IVILLIAMi.-2iad inst., at the Bradshaws, Wolver* hampton, Mary, relict of W. Williams, Castle-y-dail, Newtown, Mont., aged 67. WILLIAMS.—15th inst., George Williams, Grove Cottage. Dingle, Abermule, aged 76 yeirs.

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