The Welsh Coast Pioneer and Review for North Cambria

It is understood that the Marquis of Salisbury "Will give a general support to the Education BiU, but it is not expected that he will be found on the side of the "Cecilians."

Local and District News. Sir Watkin Wynn, who contracted a chill re- cently while hunting, is now convalescent. Prince Alexander of Teck stayed the week end at Nannau as the guest of Major John Vaughan, D.S.O. Lord Clive's birthday was celebrated on Tuesday, when merry peals were rung on the bells of Welslhpool Parish Church. The Earl and Countess of Powis sail for India on Friday. They left Powis Castle on Mon- day. Lord Powis had a shooting party at Walcot from November 21St to 27th. Captain Llewellyn Price Davies, V.C., D.S.O., was at Chirbury, Shropshire, on Satur- day, presented with a silver bowl by the ten- antry of the Marrington and Brompton estates. The marriage arranged between Mr C. Dent, I est son of the late Admiral Dent, and ,e d "Carrie," daughter of Mr S. Sandbach Parker, Caldy Manor, Cheshire, will take place at Thurstaston Church on January 1. An engagement is announced of Mr Benjamin "Guinness and Miss Brid'get Bulkeley. The bride-elect is a daughter of the Dowager Lady Bulkeley, sister of Sir Richard Williams Bulkeley. A marriage has been arran'ged between Douglas Maitland King, 18th Hussars, son of the late Captain King, of Clayton Court, Hamp- shire, and Mrs King, of 1, Ashburn Place, and Gladys Violet Lleanor, younger daughter of Colonel Platt, C.B., and Mrs Platt, Gorddinog, Llanf airfechan. Much sympathy with be felt with the Bishop of St. Asaph and Mrs Edwards in the illness of their third son, who has been stricken down with Pleurisy while reading for honours at Keble ol- "lg¡e, Oxford. This is the second time for Mr "Edwards to be seized with pleurisy while read- ing for honours. The Revs J. Edwin Davies, B.A. (Oxon,), autnor of "Y Tadau Apostolig," "Hanes y Di- wygiad," and other works, and W. Williams, M.A. (Oxon.), domestic chaplain to the Bishop of Bangor, are among the candidates for the Welsh professorship at St.- David's College, Lampeter, rendered vacant by the appointment ■of Professor R. Williams to the living of Llan- deilo. Amongst those who wiH. be living in the camps arranged for the Durbar to be held at Delhi on January 1St will be Mrs G. Cornwallis West. The guests, in the camp of Lord Ampthill, Governor of Madras, will include the Hon. Violet Douglas Pennant; and the Earl and Countess of Powis and Colonel Frank Rhodes will be amongst the private guests of Lord Kitchener. Mr John Watkinson, of Brook Park, Northop, High'Sheriff for Flintshire, has contributed /ioo to the St. Asaph Clergy Sustentation Fund, and has offered a similar subscription next year if fourteen others will subscribe a like amount. The Hon. Laurence Brodrick, President of the Council, win be 'glad to receive the names of any who will help to secure this Onerous offer.

Abergele. FRETWORK COMPETITION. Prizes, value 15s and 10s 6d; full particulars from 'GREENFIELD'S STORES, Colwyn Bay. 5671

Bettws y-Coed. FRANK JONES & Co., Llanrwst, are the only "Watchmakers -wiho have had a first-class rnanu- ^actuxinlg) experience. 5248

Blaenau Festiniog. DEATH OF MR TOHN WILLIAMS-The "death is announced of a'very old townsman, in the Person of Mr John Williams, Glanypwll Villa, on ^ndav morning last, at the age of 82 yeirs. Deceased, who was highly 'respected, was interred On Thursday in the Bethesda Cemetery. He leaves three sons and two daughters. Mr W.J. Williams, Regent House, Llanrwst, and chairman of- the School Board, is one of the sons.

Colwyn Bay. FRETWORK COMPETITION. Prizes, .^alue 15s and 10s 6d; full particulars from GREENFIELD'S STORES, Colwyn Bay. 5671

Colwyn. NUMEROUS testimonials from all parts testify- ing to the Scientific Examination of the Eye- sight, by R. G. OWEN, F.S.M.C. (Lond.), LLANRWST. Clients visited at their own, pri- vate residences.

Llandudno. EYE-REST for tired eyes, obtained from our Scientifically-fitted Glasses. R. G. OWEN, F.S.M.C. (Lond.), OPTHALMTC OPTICIAN, LLANRWST. Write, for testimonials. 5257 RUMMAGE SALE.—A very successful rum- mage sale was held at the. English Baptist Schoolroom, on Saturday afternoon. TEA.-Thid annual tea in connection with Ebenezer Welsh Wesleyan Chapel took place on Wednesday afternoon. As usual, the event was an unqualified success. BANKRUPTCY.—Tuesday's "Gazette" con- tained the following in the list of adjudications in bankruptcy: John Appleby Mitchell, town porter, 10, East-parade, Llandudno. LECTURE.—On'Wednesday night the Rev W. O. Evana, Bootle, delivered his: popular lecture, entitled "The Cromwellian Period," at Ebenezer Chapel. Lieut. J. Evans Jones presi- ded over a large and appreciative audience. "PICTURE WRITING" will be the subject of a lecture to be, delivered by the Rev G. IHartwell Jones, M.A., at St. Paul's Church House on Friday evening. The Vicar of Llan- rhos is announced to preside. TEMPERANCE. A public temperance meeting was held at St. John's English Wes- leyan Schoolroom on Monday evening, under the chairmanship of Mr John Bellis. Stirring addresses were delivered by the Rev Theo. Bishop, Mr W. O. Roberts (Bodeuron), and others. CABMEN'S SUPPER.—This year a number of kind-hearted lady residents have again been showing: their practical interest in, and sym- pathy with, the cabmen of the town by giving them a sumtuous supper. The repast was .served at the Mostyn-street Cocoa House., on Friday evening. This was followed by a very enjoyable miscellaneous entertainment. KINDNESS.—The Rector presided on Friday evening over a meeting held at the Church House, which was addressed by Colonel c-oul- son, on the importance of being kind to ani- mals. Col. Coulson has done noble work in connection with the R.S.P.C.A. Most of the children attending the private schools of the) town were present. ORGAN1 RECITAL. Mr Llewelyn Jones, A.R.C.O., Llanfairfechan, gave his third organ recital at Christ Church (English Congrega- tional) on Monday evening. Amorigst his se- lections were Boyton- Smith's "Grand March in D major," Gounod's "Nazareth," Guilmant's "Sonata No. i (first two movements);" Oake's Variations on Christmas Hymn Tune, "Adeste Fideles;" Dudley Black's "Idyll—At Even- ing;" and Smart's "Grand Postlude in D." Mrs J. J. Marks sang Cowen's "Better Land" and "For ever with the Lord" (Gounod). TRADESMEN'S DIINNER. The annual tradesmen's dinner was held at the Grand Hotel on Wednesday evening, Councillor J. O. Thomas occupying, the chair, and Mr W. Ar- nold the vice-chair. Mr R. Bellis proposed, the toast of the evening, namely, "The Town and Trade of Llandudno," and it was ably respond- ed to by Mr W. R. Brooks and Mr Alex Taylor. Other toasts were also honoured. Songs were rendered by Mr A. Dunphy, Mr G. B. Roberts, and Mr Jester, etc. The catering was. excel- lent; CRUSADE AGAINST GAMBLING. A meeting of the Llandudno Free Church Coun- cil was held on Friday evening, with a view to considerintg the best means of lessening the evil of gambling. It was resolved, after some dis- cussion, to make inquiries as to whether the Council were empowered to secure the services of a private detective. The following two reso- lutions were also passed: "That the Council send a letter of appeal to all the local churches. to do their utmost to suppress the evil of gam- bling; "and "That the Council sympathised with the police in their failure to secure a conviction recently."

Llanfairfechan. THE BOYS' BRIGADE.—The members of the Boys' Brigade, attired in their new regimentals, were the centre of much attraction in the village on Friday evening. FOOTBALL. The Y.M.C.A. club met their colleagues from the Bangor branch of the Asso- ciation on Salut d;iy, in a friendly, and despite their youth the seasiders beat the city lads to the tune of six goals to one. EVENING CLASSES.—The elementary educa- tion classes, held under the auspices of the Y.M C.A. on Monday evenings, began this week, and splendid progress was made by an ambitious number in charge of Mr G. H. Wright.

Llanrwst. SPECIAL OFFERS.—Gold Specs., from 15s. Gold-filled, from 5s 6d. Eyes tested free. R. G. Owen, F.S.M.C.-Griffith Owen and Son, Watchmakers. Jewellers, and Opticians. 5257 ZION YOUNG MEN'S LITERARY SOCIETY —Last. F. iday, under the presidency of Mr W. William?, County School, an address was delivered on Daniel Owen—the noted \Vdsh writer," by Mr Henry Jones, Brynhyfiyd COUNTY SCHOOL.—A special meeting of the Governors of this school was held on Wednesday morning, under the presidency of the chairman, Mr O. I Jones. The Head Master's report for the year ending July las* was read and considered "highly satisfactory, and the clerk was instructed to send a copy to the County Governing Body. The prize dav was fixed for the loth instant, at which Principal Keichei is to preside. CHRISTMAS PRIZE SALE OF FAT STOCK.—We beg to call the attention of farm- ers and others to the first Christmas prize sale of fat stock by Messrs Marriott, Whittaker, and Co., at the Llanrwst Smithfield, on Wednesday next,when £ 60 will be offered in prizes. The en- tries comprise over 50 prize fat bullocks,heifers, cows, and bulls, 650 ripe fat wethers, ewes and lambs, and 36 fat pigs and porkers. The sale is announced for twelve o'clock noon. CHURCHMEN'S SOCIETY. The monthly meeting of this Society was held at the Church House, on Monday evening, the rector presiding An interesting paper was read by the Vicar of Dolwvddelen (the Rev J. Davies), upon "What Wales owes to the Church." In a discussion that ensued, the following gentlemen took part :— Messrs T. Thomas, National Schools Albert Hughes, the Rev J J Jones, and the Chairman. Coffee and sandwiches were served by the Misses Morgan and Mclntyre, and songs were given by Mr Robert Roberts and Mr T Jones. SUDDEN DEATH OF MR J. W. GRIFFITH. —We regret to announce the sudden death of Mr John William Griffith, solicitor, eldest son of the late Mr John Robert Griffith, of Bryn Derwen, who died suddenly, at 2-30 p.m., at his residence, Bryn Awel, on Wednesday last. Though Mr Griffith had been ailing for some time past, he was en- gaged in his professional duties until a few days ago. He was the surviving partner of the firm of Messrs Griffith & Allard, which had recently been dissolved. Mr Griffith carried on the business after the departure of Mr Aliard, and was only recently appointed magistrates' clerk. He leaves a widow and several children. A NOVEL AND SUBSTANTIAL IDEA.—We call attention to our advertising columns, wherein Mr W. S. Williams, of London House, Llanrwst, is celebrating the 25th year of his business by an event which is both unique and novel. He has decided to give away to his customers valuable presents in clothing and drapery, &c., to the value of ^25, on Christmas Eve, on the following con- ditions :—With every one shilling spent in, his establishment a coupon will be presented to ear h customer, as enumerated in our columns. Although the age of Christmas boxes has disappeared, owing to the keen competition of trade, this is a bona-fide offer, and will not affect the reasonable prices the firm have always asked. COUNTY SCHOOL. South Kensington Certificates: Recently tne following boys of the County School were awarded certificates for at- tending during the session 1901-2, a course of science approved by the Board of Education, South Kensington :-Hu¡ghie Pierce, Harold V. Jones, Frederick Nicholls Griffith, Albert Ed- ward Evans, John Price Jones, Joseph Roberts, and John Jones Morris, of Llanrwst; Laun.ce- lot Owen, George Leopold Price, Wm. Kilpat- rick, Richard Lloyd Williams, and Wm. Owen, 'of Trefriw; John Griffith, Wm. Jones, Dol- wyddelen; David Jones, Maenan; Wm. Jones, Llanddoget; David Roberts-, Talybont; Robt. George Douglas Davies, Bettwsycoed; Richd. Morris, Llanddewi; and Joseph Michael Power, Talycafn. NANT CONWY ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY. —It will be noticed in our advertisement columns that the inaugural meeting of the Nant Conwy Antiquarian Society takes place in the Church House, Llanrwst, at 2.45 p.m. on Sat- urday. We trust much success will attend the efforts of this society. There is very abundant .material in the Conway district, of the greatest interest to those archaeologists who desire to trace out the history of the ancient inhabitants of North Walesl, whether aboriginal, Celtic, or mixed races. Then the traces 0 of the Roman occupation of the country are numerous and important, and there are many features of medi- aeval interest as well, of all of which far too little is known. The work undertaken, we hope, will be systematically carried out, and in a matter of this sort it is without doubt that collective effort is better than mere individual effort, for it leads to proper records, of all dis- coveries made. We are particularly pleased to note the list of patrons of the society.

Penmaenmawr. CAPT. DAKBISHIRE'S Saturday evening entertain- ments commenced on Saturday last. There was a record opening attendance, and a lantern lecture given by Captain Darbishire was, as usual, greatly enjoyed. FRETWORK COMPETITION. Prizes, value 15s and 10s 6d; full particulars from GREENFIELD'S STORES, Colwyn Bay. 5671 PORPOISES.A big school of porpoises paid a casual visit to the Bay on Tuesday.

Portmadoc. FREEMASONRY. On Tuesday, at the Masonic-buildinigs, Portmadoc, the annual meeting of the members of the Madoc Lodge of Freemasons was held. The lodge ('No. 1,509) is the strongest in the North Wales Province. Bro. Randal Casson was installed Worshipful Master for the ensuing year. The ceremony was performed by Worshipful Bro. W. C. Logan, P.M., of Madoc and of Mawddach, lodges. There were present a number of visit- injgi brethren. The W.M. installed his officers for the ensuing year as follows: I.P.M., Wor- shipful Bro. W. C. Logan; S.W., Bro. R. J. Lloyd; J.W., Bro. Willie Jones; secretary, Worshipful Bro. J. Jones Morris; treasurer, Worshipful Bro. William Jones; D.C., Wor- shipful Bro. Willie G. Davies; S.D., Bro. Dr. Henry Griffith; J.D., Bro. J. O. Hughes; I.G., Bro. T. Garth Jones; S.S., Bro. Llewelyn Davies; J.S., Bro. J. Tobias; tyler, Bri. F. H. Strowger. The banquet was held at the Queen's Hotel. -+- ♦

Matrons' and Spinsters' Dance. Fashionable Function at Rhos=on=Sea. A DANCE, given by the matrons and spinsters of Colwyn, Bay, was- held at the Rhos Abbey Hotel on Friday evening last, and proved a most successful and pleasant function. The large and beautifully-appointed hotel was eminently suitable for the occasion, and, under the direction of the genial manager, Mr Meier, and Mrs Meier, the various necessary ,arrangements were most satisfactorily carried out. The spacious dinin'g room was utilised for the dances, and was tastefully decorated. Supper was served in the commodious apart- ments downstairs, and consisted of a large var- iety of elaborate, dishes, prepared by skilful chefs. The following is a list of hostesses of the evening :—Mrs Amphlett, AIrs, Brock, Mrs Bell, Mrs R. Booth, Miss H. Barlow, Mrs Earp, Miss Earp, Miss Johns, Mrs Kay, Mrs Lord, Mrs O. B. Lowe, Miss- Mellor, Mrs F. Nunn, Mrs J. M. Porter, Miss B. Roberts', Mrs H. Smith, Mrs Spink, Mrs Stott, Mrs M. Venables Williams, and Mrs E. H. Wood. The gfueists, who were received in the Ball- room by Mrs Venables Williams, included Dr Lord, Dr Venables Williams, Mr E. H. Wood, Mr F. Nunn, Mr Fred Stott, Mr R. Booth, Mr and Mrs Jones Parry, Mr R. M. and Miss E. Smith, Mr T. and. Miss Raynes, Mr S. and the Misses Pendlebury, Mr W. Earp, Miss M. Shaw, Miss Wadsworth, Mr F. A. Dew, Mr P. Bowk- ley, Mr R. Pa'ge, Mr C. E. Farrington, Mr F. Stott, Mr R. Anthony, Mr iE. J. Porter, Mr W. Elias, Mr Carter, Miss P. Backhouse, Mr Amphlett, Mr Hamilton Williams, Mr S. and Mr B. Roth well, Mr A. Richardson, Mr Strachan, Mr F. Clover, Mr .Mee, Mr H. Smith, Mr C. Jackson, Mr W. Dutton, Mr Latimer Jones, Mr F. H. Skelsey, Dr Nuttall, Mrs and the Misses Bostock, Miss N. Bainbridge, Mrs Henson, and Miss W. Spencer. The stewards were Mr F. A. Dew, Mr E. H. Wood, Mrs Brock, Mrs Nunn, Miss B. Roberts, and Mrs Lord.

The Bishop of Bangor (Dr Watkin Williams)," who has been for some days confined to his room suffering, from an acute attack of sore throat, is reported to be much better.

Rhyl Electric Light Works. More Money Wanted. Severe Strictures by a Government Inspector. Lively Scenes. Adjournment of the Inquiry. ON Wednesday, Mr R. H. Bucknell, C.E., one of the inspectors of the Local Government Board, held an inquiry at the Town Hall, Rhyl, respecting an application of the Urban COUlyil for sanction to borrow £9,567 for purposes cf electric lighting, and ^'2,233 for refuse de- structor purposes. Mr Arthur Rowlands (clerk to the Council), conducted the application on behalf of the Council, and among those present were Mr Trentham (consulting engineer), Mr E. H. Wright (resident engineer), Mr H. A. Tilby (chairman of the Council), and many of the members. There was a large attendance of the general public. Mr Rowlands said the town's electric light scheme, by force of circumstances, had proved much larger than they at first anticipated. On the 10th of December, 1900, they entered into an agreement with the Rhyl and Prestatyn Light Railway Company to supply them with 150,000 units for a term of five years. In reply to the inspector, Mr Rowlands said the £ 9,000 they now required was not in excess of the original loan of Z15,250, sanctioned in the early part of this year, but subsequently he admitted that it was so. Improper Procedure. The Inspector said there was no doubt about the fact that the work had been done before the Local Government Board had sanctioned the borrowing of the money. He need hardly say it was most improper that the Council should have done anything' of the kind. When they borrowed money for a specific purpose, and found that it was not sufficient for their require- ments, and then decided to do something else with it, such as enlarge the buildings, put in an additional boiler .and engine, and put up 56 arc lamps instead of 36, it was an extraordinary thing to do. The proper course for the clerk to have pursued to put himself and his Council right when he saw himself being lead into 'greater expense-, and knew he had only got sanction for 615,000, was to have made appli- cation for 'a further loan. But instead of doing that, they first of all incurred the extra expendi- ture, and then went to the Local Government Board, and said: "We want to borrow the money." (Laughter.) The very object of these inquiries' was that they should come and see whether the money the Council proposed to borrow was for a fit and proper purpose. (Hear, hear.) But it turned the inquiry into a farce if they did the work, and then applied for the Money. (Applause.) Either they must refuse to give them the money, which meant that the Council would have to pay it out of the rates, or else they came there and conducted what he termed a farcical inquiry, because they would say "it does not matter what the inspec- tor says, you a.re sure to get the money in the end." (Laughter.) Therefore, whenever they found they were likely to exceed the estimates, the proper thing to do was to write to the central authority, not when they had spent the money, but before. It was a most unusual procedure, and he must say it was one of the largest ex- cesses he had ever known, Zg,ooo,on an original scheme of £ 15,000. He hoped it would not occur again. Mr Rowlands commenced to refer to the Act. The Inspector (testily) Don't refer to the Act; I know what the Act says. (Laulghter.) Mr Rowlands (complacently) All this was, told me, sir, twenty years ago—the end of the remark was drowned in laughter. The Act says we may ask for sanction for a loan for the purpose of defraying any costs which have been .incurred, and I satisfied your predecessor. The Inspector: You'll never satisfy me that an authority has a right to borrow, 615,000, and then spend an extra £ 9,000. What are the objects of the inquiries? If the object is simply to come here, and sanction anything which you choose to apply for, whether it is proper or not, there would be no occasion to come here at all. Mr Rowlands If you find we have done any- thing unlawful The Inspector: Not unlawful. I didn't use the word. I said improper. Mr Rowlands Well, sir, if we did anything improper, it would be your duty to disallow it. But what we did in this case was quite beyond our control. The Inspector: I entirely disagree with you. It is beyond your control to put up 56 arc lamps instead of 35? Mr Rowlands: You must ask the engineer those questions. Ominous Threat. The Inspector 1 It's perfectly ridiculous. All I can say is that these excess loans are very irregular and very unnecessary, and I intend to make it so clear to the Local Government Board that, if any more such loans are incurred in Rhyl, it will be very doubtful whether they will be sanctioned. (Loud applause.) The Inspector: If anything of that sort shall happen again I shall clear the room. What I have to say I will say very clealry, but if any further demonstration like that takes place I will clear the room of all exceptcouncillors. Mr Trentham, electrical consulting engineer to the Council, then gave evidence. He said his original estimate of the scheme, as first proposed, was about £ 15,250. Tenders were sent in, and, it was then found that by incurring certain extra expense, over and above the esti- mate, they would be able to get a larger works at a cheaper cost than they would do if they had to increase the works at a subsequent period to meet the expected big demand for electric lilght. The Inspector: The tenders were based on the original estimate? Witness Yes. I think there was an alterna- tive sum, mentioned, for larger engines. Later on, witness, in answer to a question, said he could not remember. The Inspector: Someone will have to remem- ber. Witness: I should have to look up some papers. The Inspector: We have got to account for this £ gfiyo, and it seems an odd thing that yon don't ask for additional tenders for the extras in the original estimate, but you ask for alternative tenders. Witness: I cannot say whether any alterna- tive tenders were asked for now. Witness gave details as to how the estimate was made up. He added that when he made the suggestion to the Council about increasing the capacity of the works on the score of economy, the Council agreed with his sug- gestion, and told him to do the work. A Helpless Council. The Inspector (to Mr Rowlands) And yet you say you were helpless in the matter. I cannot conceive it to be possible. Mr Trentham makes a suggestion to you about a larger engine and larger building. Why did you not communicate with us? Then we should have been in a position Mr Rowlands: But there were other things cropping up all the time, sir. Witness said he told the Council they could not get the light ready by August, 1901, unless they had another boiler. If they had gone on without, a breakdown might have occurred at any time. The Inspector: Your buildings were to cost £ 8oo originally, but eventually you spent ^2,000. I suppose it was because of the addi- tional en'gine? Witness: To a great extent. I admit the estimate was a bit low at first, but I had no control over the buildings. The Town Surveyor said that amount in- cluded a sum of ;6500 for approaches, wnich had not been spent. The Inspector said they would grant that the estimate was rather low, and that the price of materials and labour went up about that time, but that would not be more than 50 per cent., and the rest had to be accounted for. Mr Trentham was next asked ife give details of an excess of ^1,721 in the cost of machinery. He was unable to give exact figures, but stated that he had them in his office, and could give them to a shilling. He gave figures of what. the machinery should cost. The Inspector said these were figures that he could not accept. It was obvious, if that in- quiry was not going to be a farce, that they must find out absolutely how sum of £ 1,721 16s 3d was arrived at. It was obvious that it was not worth his while going on if he could not get any facts, and he would adjourn the inquiry for ten minutes in order that the members of the Council might consider their position. The members present adjourned, together with the inspector, to the adjoining room, and after deliberating for some time returned. The Inspector said he had talked this matter over with the members of the Council, and they were not prepared through their engineer to give the details he required before him that day. That being the case, he had no other course to pursue but to adjourn the inquiry. He fixed the adjourned inquiry for the 16th January. The Chairman of the Council (Mr Tilby) said his colleagues and himself agreed with the de- cision of the inspector, and it was partly at their request that the inquiry was adjourned. In proposing a vote of thanks to the inspector, he said he had given expression to some very valuable principles that day on local govern- ment, and he ventured to hope, that what he had said would not be lost. Dr. Girdlestone seconded the vote of thanks, which was agreed to. 0 ♦

News in Brief. The sliding scale audit, on Saturday, resulted in an advance of 1% per cent. in the wages of Welsh colliers. The Rev Henry R. Lloyd, formerly of Bangor College, has accepted a call to the pastorate of the Congregational Church, Parliament-street, Port Elizabeth. The Pwllheli Liberal Association has passed a resolution expressing in enthusiastic terms the members' sense of the value of Mr Lloyd George's work in opposing the Education Bill. The Criccieth Urban District Council nave decided to adopt the Public Libraries' Acts, the other conditions a..ached to Mr Carnegie's gift of 68oo having already been practically met. On Saturday at Carnarvon the reservists of the 4th Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers who served in the South African campaign were presented with war medals by General Sir Hugh Rowlands. The Gorphwysfa Estate, situate about mid- way between Banigor and Menai Bridge, has been purchased from Mr John Evan Roberts by the Hon. Walter Vivian, who was for many years the chief manager of the Llanberis slate quarries. Mr D. S. Davies, a Manchester merchant, was on Monday returned unopposed as a member of the Denbigh Town Council, Mr Foulkes Roberts and Mr Cottam, a Liberal and con- servative: respectively, having; retired in his favour. The Cardiff University Collelge have decided to raise a fund of £1,000 for the purpose of erecting! a statue in memory of the late Princi- pal Viriamu Jones. We understand that Mr Goscomb.e John will be commissioned to execute the statue. The families of the men on strike at the en- rhyn Quarries look confidently to the antici- pated early development of the Moel Faban Quarry as a means of employment for a large proportion of the late Penrhyn employes who departed to other parts of the country in search of work. The Welsh male voice choirs have again had to lower their colours to English singers. At a musical competition given at the Queen's Hall, London, under the presidency of Sir Isambard Owen, for the benefit of St. David's Welsh Church, Paddington, the prize of £ 50 and a igjold medal was awarded by the adjudicators, Dr M'Naught and Mr W. Davies, St. Paul's Cathedral, to the Southport Vocal Union, who had as their competitors male voice choirs from Cardiff, Swansea, and the Rhondda. +

Workmen's Dwellings at Rhyl. ON Wednesday evening, Mr Bucknell, C.E., Local Government Board Inspector, held an in- quiry into the Urban Council's application to borrow £1,896 for the erection of workingmen's dwellings,, and; ;6540 for a Free Library. Mr Joseph Lloyd, solicitor, watched the proceed- ings on behalf of the Ratepayers' Association, and said that while they agreed that the old property in Vale-road should be pulled down, they objected to expensive property being re- I built on the site. He asked the Board to throw the scheme out.

Threatened Txtinction of Agriculture. Welsh farmers, who are perpetually grumb- ling about "depression" and its consequences, will read with interest Mr Rider Haggard's sug- gestion of an "agricultural post" to prevent the ruin of rural England. Mr Hag'gard asserts that the railway rates, now so costly and ex- cessive, are slowly, but surely, involving the almost immediate extinction of the agricultural industry. Nearly all the available profits are swallowed up by the railway companies, who charge so exorbitantly, that the unfortunate agriculturist is at hisf wits' end to make ends meet. To counteract this national danger, Mr Haggard proposes that the Government should collect and deliver from door to door by means of traction trains along the highways, the more portable articles of rural industry, such as farm- yard stock, implements, fruit, vegetables, etc. -It is an astonishing fact that the railway com- panies carry foreign produce at preferential rates, thus enabling foreign competitors to actu- ally undersell home producers at their own doors. If possible, the matter will shortly be raised in the House of Commons. —————————————