Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

——————— » THE HOLYWELL UNION AND THE ASSESSMENT OF THE LONDON AND NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY A special sessions was held at the County Hall on Tuesday to hear an appeal by the London and North-Western Railway Company against an assessment of a portion of their line by the Assess- ment Committee of the Holywell Union. Mr Seott Bankes presided; and there were also present Captain Pennant, Mr Carstair Jones, Mr Lloyd, and Mr Buddicom. Mr Mclutyre, Mr Horatio L oyJ, and Mr Marshall (instructed by Mr Pres- ton), appeared for the appellants; and Mr F. Barrow (of London), and MrSwetenham (instructed by Mr K sene, of Messrs Kelly, Keene, and Roper) appeared for the respondents. Mr M'lutyre said this was an appeal, in which the London and North-Western Railway Company were the apptilants, and the Assessment Committee of the Union of Holywell and churchwardens and overseers of Llanasa respondents. He proposed to confine the attention of the court to the rateable value of the property of the appellants in the parish of L'anasa, which was the most westernmost parish in the Union of Holywell, and between the Mostyn Station on the one side and the Prestatyn Station on the other. The valuation made by the valuers appointed by the Assessment Committee of a length of railway four miles one furlong, was X7548, and on the rateable value of .£6128 the amount of assessment was P.306 8s. Against that valuation of the committee he had to appeal, and would ask the court to reduce it considerably. There were some cottages on the land, but that was a matter of small importance. Some years ago this question was raised by the Holywell Union a great deal of eviJence was given, and it wai then thought that this matter was settled. Very likely, however, increased traffic might have come upon the line, and they might be jastified in seeking to revalue the line in that part. It had been universally adopted by that st.d other courts of session as a mode of valuation that the principle of the rateable value was upon what was the parochial earnings. For instance, they took the passengers who passed over that line, perhaps taking their ticket at Ches- ter and going to Holyhead, but passing through the parish. The whole sum paid by that passenger was to be divided by the mileage over which he had passed, and a proportion assigned to tne parisn in question. In the same way when a train of goods I or cattle was sent along the Chester and Holyhead line, and passed over this parish, the whole sum paid for the passage of each track was to be divide,1 by the mileage, and the parish would receive its proportion, namely, the proportion of the mileage of the train. The valuers, who had been appointed by the Assessment Committee, had had every oppor- tunity of examining the books of the company, and everything that could give them information upon that point. When the valuers were appointed by the Assesssmeut Committee they were obliged to make full valuation, to give particulars of their valuation, and allow the other side to see it. They (Mr M'lutyre's clients) had been placed in this position that that was refused until counsel's opinion was taken, and when counsel decided they had a right to it they were permitted to see the particulars of the valuation. They ought to have given them the inspection immediately, but they only gave it when they went to a person who knew more about it than themselves, and then it was that they had the inspection allowed to them. The gross receipts per mile in this parish of Llanasa, which was between the stations of Mostyn and Prestatyn, for the year ending 31st December, 1871, was in round numbers .£54.0. That being the gross earnings in the parish, the first thing the court had to consider was what was the actual cost of earning that money, which of course would be a reduction from the gross amount received, for if they ran a railway and they earned JB109, and it cost £ 90 to earn it, they would have to deduct X90 from the XIOO, which would leave £ 10 as the net receipts. The outgoings would be proved by wit- nesses of eminence who were practically acquainted with the exact outgoings in this part of the union. Tile only correct way was to estimate the expendi- ture upon the train mileage principle; that was, it cost them so much per mile for every mile in loco- motive power, steam fuel, and that sort of thing. Th?y could fiad by actual observation from the books the number of train mill s during the whole year which were run over this particular parish. The number of trains run over each mile in this parish during the year ending December 1871 was 17,701. That was the number of train miles. In the expenditure, they had first of all to take into consideration the maintenance of way. The mail tenanee ti the way was the keeping of the perma- nent way. in sufficient repair to allow the trains to run over it, by putting down fresh "chairs" and keeping it in working order. It was found that i respective of relaying the whole line, the actual est enditure of keeping the line in proper repair during the year cost in this parish £ 236. That !nigh ? be objected to a? a high figure, but the line in that part of the county was of a nature to require that amount to be expended. The mere tr.iction power for the year ending December 1871 was £ 577 for one mile. They got at that iu this way. They knew the cost of locomotive power over 1 the whole line, and they divided the whole cost of locomotive power by the number of train miles in the parish, thus arriving at the amount of A577. The next item was the miscellaneous and general expenses, £ 1064, distributed in the same way upon the train mile system. Then there was the Govern- Blent duty of £89, and all these items made a total of X2165, which, deducted from A5480, left A3315. Tuat they might call the not receipts-the actual coat of running irrespective of deductions, to be made hereafter. Leaving the receipts at that amount, they had to consider the deductioni which the tenant had a right te make. First of all, in order to carry on this business over the township and over each mile, it was necessary that the tenant should have a certain amount of rolling- stock, and he proposed to prove that the tenant's stock required to be used over that portion of the line amounted to A8500 per mile; and starting with that A8500, they would have to consider at what per. centage the tenant should be allowed to carry oa that business. He must in the first instance lay out a large sum of money in the purchase of his stock, and he was entitled to interest for money thus laid out. Five per cent. was a fair amount of interest to be allowed upon his stock, and beyond that he must have his profits of trade. The profits had been given in some districts at ten per cent., and in none at more than twenty. He would ask them to allow five per cent. common interest, and then profit upon his stock from ten to fifteen per cent., irrespective of depreciation. On this part of the line the company seemed to carry on two busi- nesses, one being the carrying of inerchandise in their own carriages, and another in which they provided only the engine, line of railway, and the engine-driver and guard or breaksman, the wagons belonging to some other person. It was difficult for them to fix the figure which ought to be allowed to them as profit for carrying these carriages along. The tools they had got in the first instance, and upon those tools they were assessed, but they said those tools being assessed on the gross earnings of the parish they were entitled to some share of the tenant's profits-the profits of the persons for whom they propelled them along the road. Inas- much as they, by providing a line of railway and by providing traction engines and all those things which were necessary to enable him to earn his profits, they were entitled to some share in the tenant's profits. The line was relaid once in ten years, and they claimed £ 295 per mile for that expense. The total amount of their deductions was X2310, which substracted from £ 3315 would leave X1005 as the rateable value per mile through the parish of Llanasa. From that there would have to be deducted rates and taxes. It might be said they claimed a great deal too highly upon the various items. They were generally accused of claiming too high a sum as the value of their loco- motive engines. Some might say tkat the London and North-Western had a great many more engines than they needed, or make the same remark as to carriages and wagons; but as it was said the strength of a chain was its weakest link, so the amount of stock ought to be kept so as to be ready when the chief traffic would be upon the line. If they only had an inconsiderable amount uf stock they would not be able to work the line in busy times. They therefore kept a stock sufficient to work the line at all times. He then proceeded to call evidence to prove that, with r4tes and taxes deducted, the rateable value was A1005 per mile. The following evidence was given:— Mr George Shelley, of the Audit-office, Euston, gave the total earnings of the line between Mostyn and Prestatyn at £ 5,479 15s. 8d. per mile. The rates between Mostyn and Holywell were—goods, 92,518; passengers, £ 2,600; mails, £ 353: be- tween Holywell and Bagilt—goods, £ 2,788 pas- Bengers, £2,754; mails, £ 353: between Bagilt .and Flint-goods, £ 2,950; passengers, 22,872; mail-, £353. Mr George Whale, assistant superintendent in the locomotive department, stated that the total value of the locomotives and tenders in 1871 in the entire system was JE3,548,825 10s. lOd.; tools and implements, 2560,446. On any given day in September 19 passenger engines and 32 goods engines passed through Llanasa parish. There were, besides, seven shunting goods engines. They found it necessary to keep 100 per cent in reserve. In estimating the value in September. he took 124 per cent. off the value for depreciation. Mr Richard Bore, superintendent of the carrying department at Wolverton, gave the value of the carrying stock at £ 923,612. Mr J. W. Emmett, superintendent of the wagon department, Earlstown, stated the number of wagons to be 32,318, and their value £ 1,789,232. The average life" of a wasron was 20 vimrr- Mr Binger, superintendent of the Chester and Holyhead section, said that on the 17th A igust, 1871, there passed through the parish of Llanasa, 10 in at class, 27 composite, 137 second-class, and 352 third-class carriages. Twenty-nine passenger trains passed through the same parish on that day. The passenger traffic during the months of August and September was the heaviest in all the year; but the traffic he had taken into account on the 17th August was ordinary traffic, and did not in- clude excursions. Mr Ellis Roberts, employed in the engineers' department, said the cost of repair was JE236 per mile per annum. The cost of renewals added brought it up to 2284 per mile extra, the line hav- ing to be relaid every eight or ten years. Mr HpDry Edwards, of the rating department of the London and North Western Railway, said the train mileage over the branch of the line in ques- tion was 17,701 train miles. The not receipts were £3,588 per mile. From that there was to be taken £ 8,500 tenant capital. Of that 8,500 they claimed 5 per cent interest, 10 per cent profit, 5 per cent for depreciation and contingencies. He thought the tenants' capital on the whole property was between seven and eight millions, but that would be supple- mented by private stock to the extent of about one- half. The earnings of the company were between six and seven millions, but he did net think in a large company like that capital would earn cent. per cent. Mr W. H. Botts said he had had considerable experience in the rating of railways, and was well acquainted with the Chester and Holyhead line. He thought that tenants' capital-could not be less than 98,500 in the parish of Llanasa. It took 225 capital to earn 206. With one or two exceptions the line in question passes through evety parish in the Holywell onion, so that they are all interested in this appeal, but it is taken as a leading case to govern the others. j The Court then adjourned until the following day. OIl Wednesday Mr Barrow proceeded to call evid- ence for the respondents. Mr William Marshall, surveyor, said he and, Mr M-Connell, made estim- ates of the gross rental and rateable value of the railway in the parish of Llanasa. He had taken the gross receipts per mile at E5,480, and then de- ducted several expenses that would be incurred by au hypothetical tenant. He made the total deduc- tions under the heads locomotive power, carriage and wagon repairs, expenses, Government duty, £1,911; that amount deducted from £ 5,480, the gross receipts per mile, left £ 3,569 as the net re- ceipts to be divided between the landlord and the hypothetical tenant. Mr M'Connell, member of the Institution of Civir Engineers, magistrate for the county of Buckingham, who had been chief locomotive engineer to several railways, gave evidence as to the value of the stock of the com- pany. Other witnesses were also exatained, and the court adjourned until Thursday. On Thursday the justices adopted Mr Marshall's valuation, being in favour of the Holywell Union Assessment Committee and the churchwardens and overseers of Llanasa. The railway in the parish of Llanasa was rated upon 21309-and the Court de- cided that the amount should be that of the new valuation, thus raising the rating of Llanasa parish by £ 4,819. In the case of the parish of Mold, in which th9 railway was formerly rated at 2718, the assessment was fixed at 21400-an increase of JE632. OSWESTRY. I WEEKLY F,A.IRs.-There was a very large supply of store and fat stock, particularly of the former. There was a large number of sheep, and an un- usual supply of pigs. A good deal of business was done in stores and all animals fit for the butcher, had an upward tendency. Messrs Bickerlon and Hiles sold 45 cattle and calves, and 232 sheep and pigs; Messrs Pugh and Stokes sold 60 cattle and calves, and 295 sheep and pigs; Mr Thomas Whiifield sold 28 cattle and calves, and 105 sheep and pigs; Messrs Pryce and Jones sold nine cattle. Oar quotations are for beef 81d. to 9d., mutton 9d. to 10d., pork 51d., and bacon pigs 6d. per lb. RHYL. I NEW WELSH WESLEYAN CHAPEL.—The .laying of the three memorial Btones of this chapel took p ace on Monday last. A large number of persons were present, and the ceremony of laying the stones was performed by Mrs Jones, Olinda; Miss Littler and Mrs Williams, RhyL The new chapel is situ- ated in Brighton-road, and is estimated to cost £2,500, towards which upwards of JBPOO has been e illected. It is intended to accommodate 600 wor- shippers, and to provide fine class rooms, above which will be constructed a commodious school- room. Mr Richard Owen, of Liverpool, is the architect, and the builders are Messrs Williams and TLomas. The donations deposited on the etoseg amounted to £58 lis,

ST. ASAPH. ECCLESIASTICAL APPOINTMENT.—rlev. Jtooert Edwards (late Bodfari) has been licensed to the curacy of St. Margaret's, Bodelwyddan. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, JAN. 23RD.—Present Capt. H. L. Thomas (in the chair), B. W. Wynne, Esq., E. P. Jones, Eaq, J. Sleight, Esq., Mr S. Roberts, Mr T. G. Lunt, Mr S. Williams, Mr Wm. Vaughan, Mr J. Kerfoot, and Mr P. Williams. The master reported that there were now in the 133 corresponding week last year, 142; vagrants relieved during the past fortnight, 29. Appointment of NUTse.-To-day was fixed for the appointment of a nurse, and there being only one applicant, Hannah Jones, lately the resident housekeeper of the Ruthin Literary Inatitate, and who produced first class testimonials, she was uni- mously elected.—The Chairman asked the applicant if she could read and write, and she replied that she could a little, whereupon the chairman, when she left the room, said it was as well, for there was too much of it. Even in a little place like St. Asaph they could not do with- out political economy being taught in the school, and what was the use of it except to write for Government money ? (Laughter.) Vaccination .f&culiy.-A letter from the Local Government Board was read, inclosing a letter that Board had received from Dr. Wolstenholme, of Rityl, to the effect that he had been reqaested to give certificates for children that had been success- fully vaccinated by his predecessor, but who had neglected to sign the certificate to that effect, and wishing t ) know if any fee would be allowed for his visit and inspection. A letter was also read from the Board to Mr Wolstenholme, stating that there was no statute in existence under which he could claim payment from the guardians, but the guardians might see fit to recompense him for his work.—The Deputy Clerk (Mr Evan Pierce) ex- plained that the vaccination officer had found many who had been vaccinated, but not registered as vaccinated.—Mr Wynne: It was from his informa- tion that Mr Wolstenholme visited them.—Mr Pierce: Yes sir, Mr Jones has applied to him for a certificate but he won't give it without a fee.—It was decided that Mr Wolstenholme should make his own charge, and the guardians would act ac- cordingly. There hadjbeen extended in out-relief during the past fortnight, £ 38114s Sd; and a balance now re- mains to the credit of the treasurer, 21644 8s.

I ST. ASAPH GRAMMAR SCHOOL. The committee appointed to carry out the wishes of the meeting held in the National Schoolroom, St. Asaph, on the 11th instant, met on Saturday last, when the following resolutions were drawn up for presentation to the endowment Schools Com- missioners The undersigned committee appointed by a large and influential meeting of persons interested in the St. Asaph Grammar School for the purpose of communicating with the Endowment Schools Com- missioners, and making known to them the resolutions passed at that meeting, respectfully submit the following modifications of the proposed scheme, which were unanimously agreed upon- I. As to Clause 5, in consideration of the original and long connection of the Grammar School with the cathedral, and considering also that the choristers have hitherto been educated at this school, and may probably continue to be so and also in consideration of the trust funds from which the school endowment is chiefly derived, having hitherto been in the hands of the -vicars, it was unanimously agreed to ask that Clause 5 might be so altered that the Dean and one of the vicars of the parish should be ex-officio governors in lieu of the two governors proposed to be named by the Dean and Chapter, and apart of the payment of 250 annually to the income of the trust. This committee would venture to suggest that there is little doubt if the school be placed on a satisfactory footing a liberal sum would be paid by the Dean and Chapter for the' education of choristers; but-they would earnestly press upon the attention of the Commissioners the importance of the scheme being as far as possible acceptable to all parties interested. The whole snccess of the school depends upon it, a considerable outlay will be required for new school buildings and the master's house, and in order to succeed in such an undertaking there must be a hearty and united endeavour by all parties interested to support the school. II. The meeting was also unanimous in suggest- ing that the managementof the estate of Elizabeth Williams's charity be left in the hands of the present trustees, the Yicars of St. Asaph. III. The meeting was also unanimous in suggest- ing that it would be very desirable that Greek" and Political economy" may be added to the subjects which may be taught in the schools under the directions of the governors. IV. It., was also resolved that it would be desirable to substitute the word suspends" for expels" in the 43rd clause. V. The committee beg to state that it was an opinion very generally expressed at the meeting that in Clause 47, £35 per annntn is too low a maximum or boarders to pay, and they would suggest that at the discretion of the governors the sum may be extended to 240. In conclusion, the committee feel confident that if the suggestions herein contained can be carried out the scheme would be generally acceptable to all parties interested in the welfare of the school, and steps would be immediately taken to raise a fund to erect proper school buildings., R. B. M. Bonnor, Dean of St. Asaph (chairman), J. Sturkey, (Vicar of St. Asaph), Peter Roberts, W. H.Williams (Vièar of Bodelwyddan), Thomas K. Roberts, W. Easterby, L.S.D., head master, R. Roberts, hon. sec., pro tem. St. Asapb, 18th Jan., 1873. Mr Roberts, the secretary, forwarded the resolu- tions to the commissioners, and during the week he has received a reply, stating that they shall receive their attention.

CORRESPONDENCE. RUABON SCHOOL BOARD. SIB,-At last the members of the Ruabon School Board feel some sense of shame that after an exist- ence of two years they have done nothing to far- ther the interests of education in the parish. We know this from the fact that they have decided not to publish their accounts, they are ashamed to have had a large expenditure and nothing to show for it. I saw in your paper the other day, the balance sheets of the Wrexham, Bersham, and Hope School Boards, and why doeB not the Ruabon Board do the Uame. The members have only another year of office, and we will then see whether we, ratepayers, are to pay school board rates apd to be snnbbed in this manner. Yours, &c., A RATKPAYKB. Rhos, Jan. 18ih, 1873. A MUCH NEEDED WANT. SIB,—In reply to a letter which appeared in your last impression, signed Senoj Trebor," I beg to state that I am taking measures to bring about an association or institution for the clerks and assistants of this town, not only upon the basis named in his letter, bat also for mutual improvement. If Senoj Trebor," or any other- young man taking an interest in such a society will put himself in communication with me, I shall be most happy to afford him all information respectirg the pro- posed movement, and may say that a memorial in its favour has been numerously signed.-Yours, &c., EDWIN G. JBLLICOE. Fairfield Cottage, Wrexham, Jan. 22, 1873. PROPOSED YOUNG MEN'S CLUB FOR WREXHAM. Sin,—The proposal of Senoj Trebor" for the formation of a Young Men's Club for Wrexham, will, I feel sure, meet with general approval, especi- ally when placed before us in such an inviting manner as his letter introduces it. Uufortunately, Wrexham is exceedingly slow to appreciate any good things of this kind. Several institutions have entirely failed for want of support-the latest being the Literary Institute, though I agree with your correspondent that the latter has frozen itself to death. Bat because former efforts have failed, is no reason why another project should not. be set on foot, especially when it presents itself as an entirely new scheme, and of a kind that is most likely to attract those whom it is desired to servo. It is a real necessity in every town, and I do hope that something will be done to secure the boon for Wrexham. Hew is it to be done. Not by writing letters to your valuable paper, although that is the means for introducing each and every project to the pnblic attention. No, there most be work on the part of a few, who will take upon themselves the duty of launching it. I would propose that Senoj Trebor should in another letter to the Ad- vertiser, or in some other way invite anyone who takes an interest in the matter to meet him some evening and arrarge preliminaries. In this man- ner it will be shonn to what extent the young men of the town would appreoiate such an institution. Youra faithfully, A WQULB-BE-MEMBEB, [ ASPHALTE FOOTPATHS. SIR,-In your impression of the 11th inst., I noticed a paragraph calling attention to the dis- graceful state of our sabarban footpaths, and I certainly concur with the remarks there made, but although the suggestion for a single row of Yorkshire flags is a good one, and would be a vast improve- ment upon the present state of things, I think if asphslte was used that would be better still. I have seen miles of it in various parts of the country, and know that if properly made will last for many years. No doubt it would cost more than the flags, but it would be lasting and more comfortable to walk upon, and I don't think any ratepayer would grumble at the expense of so great an im- provement. It is not real improvements the rate- papers gramble at, but at such needless expense as has been manifested in the Watery Lane and ceme- tery business. Trusting some one of our practical town councillors will see his way clear to bring the matter forward at an early date, I remain, sir, yours A RATEPAYER. THE NEW LICENSING ACT, &c. I SIR,-The parish of Raabon requires a more vigilant search into the nature and provisions of the above Act, in order to summon the drunkards and wife-beaters of oar parish. Can anyone beside the stationed police obtain a summons against a drunkard in the open streets ? I have myself seen, of late, several drunkards roving at large in the streets of Rhos; some could hardly carry themselves along, having almost lost their balance of power and hardly knew which end of their body ought to be up or down. If you happen at night (and it often happens) to find yourself obstructed in the street by a noisy crowd, one or two being tipsy among the degraded lot, although you wish particularly to see a certain personage on the beat"—he, the policeman is wanting. There, may be a loud hue and cry for assistance, for summons, for help, for light, for the police and yet the disturbance grows beautifully less and disappears without—a policeman. If you can be sure of anything in such a state of public commotion, you may be sure that the difficalty lies in finding a policeman on the s pot. It was only very recently that a drunken man at Rhos beat his wife in a most brutal manner, kicking her most unmercifully, and I do not think you will find that there is a policeman in the parish that knows any- thing about it, although many persons about one o'clock in the. morning were seen on the spot in • msequence of the great disturbance and wife- beating. What do the Good Templars in Raabon parish think of this state of things ? Cannot these lodges appoint vigilance committees to work differ- ent sections of the parish that strife and disorder may proportionately cease. GOOD TEVPLAB. A MUCH NEEDED WT. SIR,-Under the above heading a letter appeared in your issue of last week, signed Senoj Trebor," in which he draws attention to the want of a suit- able place, where the young men employed in shops, &c., can spend their evenings. He also refers to the literary ins itato as one of the coldest and most icy regions this side of the-north pole. Now, although admitting with your correspondent, the .want of such a place, as he advocates, I would at the same time respectfully ask him how.it was that the old institote (which for 25 years has done good service) was (for owing to pecuniary difficulties, it has been closed since last December), such a miserable place ? Simply because it was not sup- ported by the very class for whom it was intended, viz., the young men. The committee have struggled hard to rid it of debt, and have been en- abled to reduce the liabilities considerably, and now after closing they have themselves subscribed handsomely towards their entire liquidation. Now I would suggest that, rather than form a new in- stitution, the young men who really have a desire for one, and who would support one if foimed (for that air, is the point, for these things to be success- fal must I think be self supporting) should meet the committee of the present institute, and (as there is every probability of the debts being paid off at once) arrange with them for its being carried on with more spirit and enterprise. I think, sir, that you will agree with me that it is a reflection upon our town that such an institution cannot be supported. I am, sir, yours truly, ONE WHO KNOWS MORE ABOUT THE LITEBABY INSTITUTE THAN SENOJ TBEBOB. Wrexham, Jan. 16th, 1873. THE CLERKS' AND ASSISTANTS' DINNER AT MOLD. Sim,-For the last four years, I have not ceased to wonder and surmise at what may be the object of this annual jollification. There is not-so far as I can find out-any permanent institution- nothing in the manner of a club or society, from which a siBgle clerk or assistant can expect the least benefit. Therefore, why should all this bother be made about it ? If they have their dinner, in order to promote a better understanding with their employers—an object than which there can be none more worthy—why not have a respect- able tradesman of the town to preside ? Sarely it is not necessary to ask Mr Bankes, Mr Peel, Lord Richard, or Sir W. W. Wynn to do things which can be done better by men as respectable if not so exalted. What portion of the after-dinner speeches for the last four occasions have been devoted to a discussion of the questions affecting employer and employed? Echo answers—What? The ""big- wigs" are in the way, and if there is a grievance or misunderstanding existing, any discussion arising from it must be shoved aside in order to make way for men who have no business to be there at all, and who would be better away for the sake of all parties. I am told, sir, that seme of the managing com- mittee are anxious to import a political element into the question. I have not the least objection to the clerks and assistants becoming either Liberal or Conservative, but in common honesty they ought not to sail under false colours. It seemed to me,, also, that it was hardly fair, and indeed correct for the clerks and assistants to take credit to themselves for the existence of the Reading Room. If there is one man in Mold to whom credit is due for that accomplished faet it is the Rev. D. B. Hooke, whom many of the clerks and assistants have done their utmost to ignore; and it is only fair to that gentleman to state that whatever credit is due for founding the Reading Room, it is his, and not that of the clerks and assistants in any way. Now, I have done, and hope the parties interested will take these remarks in the spirit in which they are meant, for they may rest assured no one wishes for their success more heartily than,-Yours See., WELSHMAN. I THE RELIGIOUS TENDENCIES OF THE I AGE. SIB,-I am indebted to an article published in the Dysgedydd for the substance of these remarks. They are, as they appear in that periodical, some fragments of a lecture delivered by the Rev. E. H. Evans, Independent minister, Carnarvon. It is difficult to gite a correct opinion upon the re- ligious tendencies of the age. The sanguine individual possibly may see everything tending to that which is good, whilst his more sorrowful fellow-man sees all the signs of the times pointing to ruin and destruction. If we look back, we per- ceive that the three great tendencies which came into the Church at the commencement of the 7th century and which influence our age are:-I. A tendency to hide the purity of the gospel and its power under Pagan ceremonies. 2. A tendency to form a sacerdotal caste, or priestly caste-entirely contradictory to the New Testament meaning of the word priest. 3. A tendency to do away with the brotherly equality which existed in the primi- tive church, and a tendency to make the Church less popular and more and more aristocratic. Is it not one of the tendencies among Nonconformists to do away with the republican nature of the New Testament Church. There was something repub- lican in our old chapels, with their seats free to all; there was not a bench therein but the poorest in the parish might sit upon; but as the new chapels take the place of the old ones, and fashion- able psws take the place of the primitive seats, we are in danger of losing the mass of the people, who have been the strength of Nonconformity in Wales. It is a lamentable fact that of the working classes in England only some two-thirds ever darken the door of chapel or church from the be- ginning to the end of the year.. But the working class of Wales as yet are as faithful as any to the gospel and sanctuary. Nevertheless, while Dia, sent is being exalted in the social scale, when members of Parliament and justices of the peace and gentlemen of position, frequent our chapels, and are fellow-workers as faithfal as any in the good cause, we are in danger of thinking too much about having a respectable congregation. Words like these are tee often seen or heard—" 0 there is a respectable congregation." To neglect the mass of the population, the working classes, was the weakness of the Established Church, as well as thinking too much of securing a respectable congregation. It is true the Established Charch has been helping the poor; bat she helped them as paupers; not helping them to improve their oircamatances; not helping them up; not sym- pathisiag with the working man's wants; nay, sympathising with the respectable congregation, and helping the poor in their poverty. Bat the Dissent of Wales and the workmen of Wales have risen together, and they still rise. We most re- member that the poor are very sensitive. Let us be careful not to make any one think that we look only for those who are able to pay for their pews and we ought to endeavour to convince them that we wish to have their presence in oar chapels, not in order to increase oar nambere, but for the sake of doing them good-the highest good by bringing them to Christ, endeavouring to make them men for this world and the next. It is gratifying to see a mixed congregation in chapel-the rich and the poor mingled together-the poor man forgetting that he is poor, aad the rich man not remembering that he is rich for that day. The Rector of Mer- thyr said lately that the chief sin of this age is worldliness. Now, when it is often asked, What is so and so worth ?" let as close our chapels against the spirit which asks What is he worth ?" What a man is, he is worth-what is in him, he is worth not what he has on. Give me a man as poor as Lazarus, and give me another at rich as Dives clothed in purple and fine linen. Cast them into God's balances you will find what they are worth. Monsigneur Capel has said that the Ritualists are preparing the way to Popery. And herein lies the danger, not that they barn candles in the day time, not that they spend more upon silks, vestments, banners and proces- sions, than they spend to propagate the gospel, bat because they accustom this land, even Wales, with Popish ceremonies which IpAve the wav for the (Romish) mother to come amongst us afttr the (English) daughter. Mr Wiuterbotham said in Parliament that he could see no one enteriug the Romish church but lords, priests, and women. If Mr Winterbotham did not think it of much con- sequence teat priests and women enter the Romish church, it is of paramoant importance that land- lords are becoming members of Romish charch who as such have power to refuse us a plot of ground to hold our associations on. The Edin- burgh Review confesses that all the Ritualism in our land is a power in favour of Popery. Popery and Ritualism are very much like Scott's real and imaginary ghosts. It was ouce reported that a ghost appeared at times in a crossway, and a man went there dressing himself like a ghost to frighten his ne gUbour. Wnen he had seated himself on a stone in the bye-path, who came that way but the gh st—the real ghost-and, sitting by Jthe sham ghost addressed him thus :_H Thon art a spirit and so am I; let us draw near to each other and he pressed nearer and nearer till the sham ghost feared and trembled; and at last the poor man b, camu so terrified that he lost his streugih and life. In the same m inner will the old Polish spirit press nearer the Ritualistic spirit of the age, and deprive it of its vitality and strength. The one prepares the way for the other. What, then, is our dnty as Nonconformists. We must stand manfully for the plain, simple, nnritualistic and Protestant worship of the New Testament; and do our almost to secure those divine influences which will barn up all these ceremonial weeds and will make the gospel to be felt as divine power throughout the land. Whilst the Ritualists are turning their backs on Christianity and are returning to Jadaiam, when they build their altars, and shorten the sermon to extend the ceremonies—and go out to sacrifice and not to preach-let us remember that by the power of preaching the exarch has done marvellous work, even frem its establishment to this day. The first commission was 11 Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel," not go and sacrifice. Bay the truth and sell it not." The God of truth is with those that uphold him in every age: he was with them in the fiei y furnace at Babylon and in the Phillipian and Roman jails. He was with John Huss of Bohemia, John Knox in Scotland; John Wicklifle in England; and John Pendy in Wales. Let us be faithful to the simple truth an- varnished by Ritualists or Popedom. Rbo., Jan. 15th, 1873. Rhos, Ja n. 15th, 1873. JUSTICE.

I MOLD, FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE IN FLINTSHIRE.— During the week ended the 18th January instant there has been a fresh outbreak in this county; 812 animals have recovered, 301 remained affected. THE EISTEDDFOD.—TLe following letter ad. dressed to the Committee of the Mold Eisteddfod has been forwarded to us for publication :— GENTLEMEN—In looking over the programme of sub- jects for competition at the forthcoming Mold Eistedd- fod, 1 noticed among the conditions that all musical competitions must be "bona fide amateur perform- ances." Will you kindly inform the undersigned, and a host of others interested in the competitions, whether choirs who give annually a series of Oratorio Concerts, are eligible to compete for the chief choral prize. It is the impression with many that although the members individually are not professionals, yet the choirs as a whole are bona fide professionals. A clear explanation upon the matter at once will save any future misunder- standing.-MuSICUS.

TRADE INTELLIGENCE. -I THE IRON TRADE. MIDDLESBBOUOH, Tuesday.—There is another very decided movement in the market to-day. There was a fall average gathering of the trade of the North of England on Change, and the market opened firmer, aad closed at higher rates. We heard of No. 1 being sold at 125s., and from 120s., to 125s. was the regular quotation. Nn, 3. 115io. No. 4,110s. to llZoi, 6J. net cash. No. 3 was in some instances quoted above the rate recorded, but little business was done, even at the lower figare, though buyeis are recognising the fact that they will be obliged to pay much higher rates until the spring than they imagined towards the end of the winter. The ironstene miners are keeping down the supply of ore, though there is no such restriction felt as was the case a few weeks back, the pairing" syr3tem now not operating to the same extent. Ore is qaoted 7s. per ton, about double what it was in the old times, when the prices of iron were low, This fact, along with another, viz., that coke is nearly three times the rate formerly, it will be seen reduces the profits ol makers, unless they had standing contracts for the supply of coke and ore over long periods. The rate of manufactured iron are also higher, being now about JE11. 10s. to 212. for rails, whilst plates exceed J613. Puddled bars are quoted J68. 15s. to £ Q<. The warrant store is to be closed, having run out almost entirely; at one period there were as many as 70,000 tons of iron in store. It is possible that the trade will start a store under its own management. Hitherto it has been in the hands of the railway company. WOLVEBHAMPTON, Wednesday.-There- was generally a firm tone pervading the market here to- day. The finished ironworks are tolerably well supplied with orders, but the new orders are not arriving so rapidly as before Quarter-day. In hoops the want of orders is suspicous. It has been a long time since there was so little enquiry as now for that class of the product of the mill and forge. The high prices that have ruled since Quarter-day are slightly checking transactions; but, excepting in the case of hoops, this is not yet much felt, for in some instances the works are in commoded fer want of coal. At such places the mills and forges cannot be kept on fall time. The prices that ruled this afternoon are within a fraction of three times the prices of two years since, yet even at these prices the fuel cannot be got in large enough quantities. Higher prices for fuel are re- garded as inevitable the district through. There were complaints this afternoon that the noaworkers were displaying an unfriendly spirit in not a few instances. They look about for causes of eomptajnt, and make the most of them. Nor do they hesitate to take the law into their own hands, and, throwing down their tools, leave work in the middle of the night, greatly to the disadvantage, indeed to the serious loss of their employers. Again, many of them are reviving the effort before complained of, to bring about the five heat-system. It needly hardly be said that during the winter the men have not the excuse for working the five heats that they had in the summer. Their refusal to work fall time. However, is more serious to the employers now than it was daring the hot weather, for fuel is dearer and scarcer now than at that time. As to the wages that the men are earning at the present scale, against which they It protest," one employer told us -that this morning he examined the pay- sheets of his firm, and found that the lowest amount his puddlers had earned in the past fortnight was 98. 17s. 6d. each. This was the gross remunera- tion for ten turns" work: in other words, for five days' work per week. From this amount the puddler would have to pay his underhand, and have 23. 10s. per week left as his own share. The net wages of the puddler at the average works would be 23. for every five turns. It would be his own fault if, with full work at his disposal, he did not earn that sum every week. The same pay-sheet to which we have jast referred showed the net earnings of the shingler would be between 211. 10s. and £ 12. for the same fortnight of ten turns. Thus the wages of the shingler would be quite 23s. for every day he worked. The rollers' wages were shown to be about 25s. net. Upon these figures, it was urged that the men cannot assert that they have been ill- paid and that, considering the heavy expenses of the masters, the men are getting a better share of the present prosperity than their employers. To what extent these men are assessed to the income- tax, the masters intimate, is not qaite clear. BIBMINGHAM, Thursday.—A good deal of busi- ness in a small way was transacted at the weekly meeting in Birmingham to-day, but the large specifications which are usually negotiated at the works are stated to be less plentiful since quarter- day, and producers are only moderately engaged. Prices, however, are firm, and in some cases even higher, owing to the increasing scarcity and dear- ness of coal, which i3 expected shortly to undergo a fresh rise. The recent advances of Is. and 3s. respectively in Tipton and Cannock coal have bad no appreciable effect in cheoking demand, and colliery owners declare that they are compelled to refuse orders right and left, regardless of prices. Many of the Birmingham manufacturers are com- peting with the South Staffordshire ironmasters and North SMordaMre p.tt?y owMMfot? of coal, and production is everywhere resi* want of fuel. Stocks are almostand und^ lll« new Mines Regulation Act the dimini.bX?' is qaite inadequate to meet the current d.a?

THE COAL TRADE. THE SoUTH WALES STBIKB. CABDOT, Taeoday.-Inatead of promotia. and tending to shorten the strike the baH? tion of the last two or three dMahaa t?! effect of embittering the felling of the mM..? men, and M the workmen regard the r the ballot as an act instigated by the ironllla.,l't I the breach between labour and capital is  Last night the feeling of the men waaeS"'? this meaDS in three places. At Dowlais at men who voted, 250 were in ta'oaroftheim f) re?nmpt on of work at Brynmawr, o? of 1?? 111 voted for work; and, at Beaaforf wh ? voted, 103 declared for an end of the stnke? ? Although significant, it is not expected tb? a^* declarations will have any practical result  the meetings are not representative of the an \!o' although it is believed thev exDresa th.  '?' the men. At Dowlais, for instance, where llfr01 the men. At Dowlais, for'inaLuce, Where men are employed, on?y 300 voted, the rem • 1 beifg kept away by the innaence of the 1)nidr who called the ballot men cowards, and h )? 1 opposition meeting. Preparatious are beins e d by both sides for a long and desperate str 1!a4e Relief committees are being established, an??' lectors appointed to travel in the btiUh towns. Of the blast furnaces left atigEt ? Crawshay's works at Yaysfach two were bio to day, and the remaining two will be blown n? the beginning of the week. The best  believe the strike will last another month at)""?? bat, supposing it to end then, a month or 8&81; must elapse before work ean be re?el i? colJieries are already so flooded that a lon„ pe or time will be required to fit them for w;rk nOd the relighting of a blast furnace is ia it?if a of much time and groat expense. The attitude 0 matrs and men is every day becoming more, olute and hostile. One of the largo st lronmasb said in conversation ts-day that his loss alreadV u been so great that he was determined to hold ™ now until the aggressive spirit of the workmen wi, crashed, and the workmen, truly seeing that th, employers are trying to stand out against unionism are all the more determined to maintain their riah to combine. Despite this feeling, individual iron masters are behaving with great kindueis to tto old workmen, Mr Crawshay, who hasforsom time been making work upon his farm for aad labourers as choose to accept it, has to-day mad money advances to men in distrcaa, and Mr Brot den, M.P., bas established fresh soup kitchen Mr Brogden has received a deputation of his worl men. He told them that he had been anxious avoid a strike, bat must do as the ther ironmastei were doing. Mr Terrell, County Conrt Jad"ec Caermarthen, has written to the local pspo offering to act as arbitrator, but there is not slightest hope of his services, or that of any othe gentleman, being accepted in that capacity. Th change in the weather to the biting coldness0 winter, and the advent of heavy snowstorms bar intensified tne distress occasioned by want of tGel and the utter dearth of coal. CARDIFF, Wednesday .-The flooded state of th collieries has become so serious that to-day tn, manager of the Plymouth Works, belonging to X Fotbergill, M.P., issued a placard, offering 83. a dL te colliers who would cat coal for the engines whic, are engaged in the pumping the water out. Despia the fact that hundreds of men are absolutely stai ving, not one response was made to this libers otidr-ø. great is the Union influence and so timi, the men of committing an act which may expos them to the censure of their fellows. Mr Brogder who is known as one of the most liberal of en ployers, has made another step towards conciligtioi In a letter to the Times he fully recognises that th colliers are the only obstacle in the way of there sumption of work, and offers a conpromise on thee terms—that the colliers shall resume work tipo the double shift, and tha the, for one, if the othe employers do not, will give up the 10 per cenl The double shift" is the system worked in th North of England, and for years the Welsh collier proprietors have been trying to introduce it in th: district, their motive 1 e ng chiefly personal, as tb doable shift enables the owner to produce twice tb quantity of coal than upon the present of sing shift system. The colliers, however, have alwai opposed the innovation, stating that it is onsoiti to the fiery mines of Wales. It is not likely thi tho men generally will favour Mr Broden's pr< posal. At Mertbyr, to-day, the f puioD, cAr«fni formed by the most experienced of the old inhabi an's, was that the strike has bat j ist begun, u will be prolonged until the men are compelled t famine to submit. LETTER FROM MR FOTHEBGILL, M.P.-All pit bability of concession or compromise is ended by letter from Mr Fothergill, M.P., published in tl South Wales Daily News. Mr Foihergiil is II employer of 7,000 workmen, of whom 5,000 are t strike, the remainder being still employed in h steam coal collieries. He has sat as Chairman the Ironmasters' Association, and is regarded 1 .1.\ 11 <to 11 tne men as tne leader in all tile movements of ti employers. On this grouud his letter is importan and its unyielding toae has, by extinguishing il last gleam of hope, thrown still greater gloom ov the district. Mr Fothergill says I only wish could suggest a course likely to be of use ia tl present unhappy dispute-a dispute created 81 maintained by the paid North of England agitatoi who are by no means broken-hearted at the dama; inflicted upon the rival iron-producing district South Wales; bat, excepting the old-fasaioai romedyof the workmen consenting to meet at daction in wages, there is no course that I kno of; and this the men, at the instigation oltt Northern leaders, refuse. To make iron at a los and that for years together, is only too familiar Welsh ironmasters; but now that the long-song improvement in the value of iron has come abot to find ourselves robbed of the good feeling of o people and prevented from reaping any good fro our business through the wicked ifatervention oft] Northern agitators, is not only disappointing ai painful to the last degree, but it is also oalcnlafc to permanently discourage trade. In the met time all most suffer, as there is no place for COD promise, and arbitration being nonseuse when 01 party is bound and the other free. Witness ti result in the North and in South Wales when ti award has been unsatisfactory to the workmea."

I THE CORN TRADK. THB CoaN TRADE.-The Mark-lane ExprM says—" The weuther of the past week has been the best of the month, the temperature being more like A^ April. Progress has been made in vegetation, an s the meadows are everywhere looking green, but ■ one aba) p frost would change the entire aspect- j Oar anaaal tabular statement fully confirms ttat farmers have had a bad year, an.1 without foreign supplies the nation itself would have had to 100k out sharp for bread. Sti I, makere j >g on with the utmost calm, and, with little or no froit as a barrier to arrivals, it has also become a phenomenon to mOfS them a shilling up or dowr.

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