Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

POPULAR LECTURES. I THACKERAY. I On Monday evening the third of the series of popular lectures by Prof. Maccallum, M.A., of Aberystwyth University College, was delivered in the Borough Magistrates' Court of the Municipal Buildings, the subject being William Makepeace Thackeray. Dr. Ed. Williams, J.P., presided, the room being as usual well filled by an attentive audience, and there were on the platform, in addi- tion to the Chairman and lecturer, Mr Bennioa Acton. Mr Chas. Hughes, Mr W. J. Russell, the Rev. David Roberts, Mr W. R. Evans, &c. The Chairman having briefly introduced the lecturer, Prof. Maccallum said they would have to treat the subject of the present lecture in another and less satisfactory mr.nner than those of the two which had preceded it. Of Macaulay and Dickens there were many and ample biographies, and it was easy. in their cases, to form some idea of the per- sonality of the men, and to proceed from that to the characteristics of the writers. This, indeed, was the only—or at least the only complete—way of really understanding the great author. Life and works should be maae to illustrate each other. Even a short poem like" Lycidas would remain largely unintelligible if we did not know some- thing of Milton's attitude towards contemporary politics in Church and State, but for Thackeray a biographical clue was almost entirely wanting. A sketch of his life had hardly been attempted, and the attempts made were not serious or valuable. The reason of this dearth contained a hint for others, for it was due to Thackeray himself, who, offended by the clap-trap of praise in some biographies that appeared towards his latter years, enjoined his daughters in no way to sanction or assist or be concerned in any life that might be written of him. His daughters therefore considered his wishes sacred, and thus even his own intimate friends were left without material for even a monograph. We must admire his modesty and dislike to cant, even whilst de- ploring the meagreness of the information respect- ing his personality. Thackeray was born at Cal- cutta in 1811, in a family of Indian Civil Servants, his father dying before he was six year old, and Mrs Thackeray some years afterwards marrying again. For his mother as well as for her second husband young Thackeray had always a sincere love and respect, and we should find that his step- father, at an important crisis, exerted some influence over his future career. In his 17th year he was sent to Europe for his education, and two events he never forgot. One was how, during the voyage, they touched at an island where they saw Napoleon Bounaparte walking in a garden, and the servant who was with Thackeray gravely told him that Bounaparte eat three sheeps every day and all the little children he could lay his hand on (Laughter.) The other event was when at Carlton House he saw the" First gentleman in Europe," first of all Prince Regent, and afterwards the great and good George IV. Thackeray was sent to the Charterhouse School, which he described savagely as Slaughterhouse." and lovingly as the "Gray Friars." He had neither tastenor skill for games, and this cut him off from one great source of school enjoyment. On the other hand, he was big enough—being 6ft. 4in.—to protect himself from bullying, and won the hearts of the cleverer boys by his skill in writing parodies. He wrote a sketch in the Undergraduates' Journal, under the charac- teristic title of Snob"—a rather unpromising subject to call forth the powers of two such great men as Thackeray and Tennyson—and he expressed in one place his regret that he was not able to finish it in time to submit it to the University Examiners (Laughter.) Thackeray, however, turned his back on the Alma Mater before he had taken his degree, and announced his intention of becoming an artist, being always fond of drawing and often covering his school books with caricatures of his school fellows and the college dons. Mr Newcome, when he heard that his nephew had made his choice, exclaimed I don't care what a fellow is, if he's a good fellow, but a painter is no trade at all However, young Thackeray was obstinate, and being possessed of an independent fortune was in a position to follow the bent of his inclination. He worked at his art in the little German town of Viemar, where, being fairly well- off and with good health and spirits, and good humour, he thoroughly enjoyed life, taking an especial delight in making caricatures for children, and he was touched to find, a quarter of a century later, that these sketches were remembered. With Thackeray, the proper study of mankind was man, and he had little patience with speculations about either the world around us or the world above. He subsequently proceeded to Paris, where he con- tinued his art studies, and he loved the artist's life, with its flavor of Bohemian vagrancy. His private means were sufficiently ample, and as he had rather a taste than a genius for painting, he wanted the outer and inner call that compelled a man to work. Thus his sketches, though often amazingly clever, nevertheless sinned against the simplest rules of perspective and drawing. In 1S35, when he ofiered to illustrate Pickwick, young Dickens would have nothing to do with him, and Thaskeray felt this rebuff very acutely. For employment was now a matter of importance to him. He had not been playing the hermit through life. He had played high and lost heavily at cards, and once a plausibly-spoken individual, whom he said he was idiot enough to take for a respectable man," induced him to take shares in a newspaper, and, as editor, he said he had no doubt he undertook to educate the world (Laughter.) One of his sayings was, If thou hast never been a fool, be sure of this, thou wilt never be a wise man Thackeray was an incorrigibly idle man, and probably if it had not been for a little wholesome discipline on the part of Fortune, he would never have been got to write his lessons in the school of life. His rebuff from Dickens was an immense advantage to him, for otherwise he would probably have degenerated into a second-rate draughtsman. In 1S37, whilst still domiciled in Paris, he married Isabella, the ouly daughter of Col. Shaw, and he regarded hi s children with passionate devotion, although, through no fault of his own, his domestic happiness ended very sadly. His" ife ultimately became insane, and he attended her with the most chivalrous and self-forgetful care, but she was eventually removed to an asylum, and Thackeray was left alone amongst his household gods It was probably from this time we should date the profound melancholy which his friends* noticed as the basis of Thackeray's temper, although in com- pany he was full of un, brimming over with wit ever ready with his pencil to make ridiculous sketches, and with his tongue to gallop off rhymes. On one occasion at Epsom Races, where people were in the habit of masquerading in various costumes, grotesque and otherwise, a friend remarked to Thackeray (at the same time indicating certain individuals dressed as Blue Jackets ") I suppose those are your British tars ?" to which Thackeray instantly replied. No, those are Epsom Salts (Laughter.) Although melan- choly, he was not morose, and his mother, who came to live with him, was always treated with courtly deference and unwavering affection. His first literary ventures were not very successful with the public, therefore not very grateful to the editors, and, therefore, not very profitable to the author. He tried to change his luck by changing his name, and his articles in Fraser's Magazine had as many names under them as there were colors in the rainbow. In 1841, Thackeray con- nected himself with a periodical, on which, if his position was not more dignified, his ability was more frankly recognised and his services more suit- ably rewarded, viz., our weekly favonte-Punclt. .¡ C .b Thackeray signed himself The Fat Contributor," the point being that he was at that time remarkably thin. (Laughter.) The Snob Papers were issued once a week, and one a-week they should be read, in order to be fully appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed. Thackeray described a snob as one who meanly admires mean things." and in his essays he scourged the vice wheresoever he found it—from the king on his throne to the humblest of his subjects. As inhabitants of these British Isles we had, no doubt, our faults, and many of them, but we had, at any rate, one virtue. We could bear pretty well to be told our defects, and when we were not employed in singing Rule Britannia we were ready to own on our knees I that we were miserable offenders (Laughter.) Thackeray us-d to say that the best way to gain the J-ublic ear was to pull it in other words, to unmask its national vices, and his Snob Papers might be compared to Sketches by Boz." At thirty-six, Thackeray was less of a standard author than Dickens had been at twenty- four. He produced a number of delightful sketches in his wandering literary satires and Christmas books, but few would have ventured to predict then that he would become one of the greater gods in English literature. When he went about with the manuscript of Vanity Fair. editors gave him the cold shoulder and publishers wouldn t publish at their own risk but Messrs Bradbury and Evans, the enterprising firm by whom Punch was introduced to the world, at length undertook to be sponsor for this new bantling, although not entirely at their own risk. Thackeray, in his writings, soared above ordinary burlesque and vulgar snobbishness to the realm of satire, and humour, and pathos, but he never obtained so absolute a sway over so wide a public as Dickens, although he was lifted above all need of dependency and was able to command his own market. He had not a tithe of Dickens' imagination. Exuberance of fancy was certainly wanting in Thackeray, but perhaps his popularity was less affected by this want than by his modern realism, his determination to pierce below the surface, and his stubborn refusal to prophecy smooth things. The charge of being a cynic was often brought against him. We were all fond of looking at the world through rose-colored spectacles, and liked cheerful stories and happy endings, and ThacKeray's works never reached that pitch of popularity at which, as Pope said, Each youth cries 'charming!' and each maid "divine! (Laughter.) Referring to his celebrated book, Esmond," a gentleman once congratulated him upon its beauty, when Thackeray replied, I meant it to be good, but it has failed-nobody reads it! But, after all, what matter?" His gloomy views were in a great measure due to his wretched health, and with reference to his mode of working, a friend said of him, To find an excuse on Monday morning not to do Monday's work was a source of inexpressible delight to him, which, however, always turned into remorse before Monday was done." He thought of a Parlia- mentary career, and at the age of fifty-seven he contested Oxford with Mr Cardwell. but with no result except the loss of a good deal of time. In 1851 he delivered his lectures on the English Humorists, and in 185G on the Four Georges, and there was this difference between Thackeray and Dickens-the former wrote his pieces with the view of reading them, but they were afterwards published, while the latter wrote his with the view of publishing them, but they were afterwards read. In regard to his reading, Thackeray never reached a higher level than that of the common lecturer- what he said never gained any extra grace by the manner of saying it. Dickens, on the other hand. was the most successful, eloquent, and sympathetic of readers. With reference to his Four Georges," this gave rise to considerable criticism, a good deal being said about the respect due to kings," and so forth, and Thackeray said he was "on his trial for his loyalty," his son- in-law, Mr Stephens, remarking, "If we are not permitted to say that George 111. was pig-headed, our liberties are circumscribed indeed (Laugh- ter.) Thackeray would assist a person, not because he or she was a relative or friend, but because they were alone and poor! (Hear, hear.) He would give JE500 to a less successful brother author, and loan £ 1,000 to another who was on the verge of ruin! (Applause.) After referring to his well- known works, "The Newcomes" and The Virginians," the lecturer said in 1860 Thackeray became editor of the Cornhill Magazine, and in 1863 he died. The first quality in his works was his absolute mastery of styli, and in this he far excelled his rivals and contemporaries, and not only was he a master of style generally, but he was distinctively an artist in words, his power of in- sight in language being equalled, as far as he (the lecturer) knew, by only one other man. As illustrating this virtuosity in language, he gave several instances of Thackeray's minute and subtle sense of style and his power of parody and bur- lesque. Perhaps the best of his parodies was Conningsby," but as there might possibly be differences of opinion, politically, amongst his audience -(laughter) -he would give instead his parody on the poem by Bulwer Lytton. (Hear, hear.) Referring to Thackeray's cynicism, Vanity Fair" was the most bitter of his larger books, but that did not give a harsher or (to use the words of the Times Re- viewer) more sardonic" description than the writer from whom he took the name-Bunyan- gave in hi-s Vanity Fair," and yet we never heard Bunyan called a cyi-icl Thackeray's men and women were so deeply and inevitably true that all their joys and sorrows came home to us. but they were stated so simply, and with so little stage-effect, that they interested us, as it were, only as one of the family "—(hear, hear)—and a more true and tender-hearted man than William Thackeray never lived (Applause.) On the motion of Mr Bennion Acton, seconded by Mr W. J. Russell, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman (Dr. Williams) who had been and still was first and foremost in every good work, and whose face and form had long been familiar to a Wrexham audience. Dr. Williams, in acknowledging the compliment, announced that the next lecture would be delivered on Monday, March 9th, instead of March 2nd, the subject being Tennyson."

———— 6 ———— WREXHAM DISTRICT VISITORS' ASS-ICIATION. ANNUAL MEETING. I The annual meeting of this Association was held on Wednesday in the Savings' Bank, Regent-street. The Rev. D. Howell, B.D., vicar, presided, and there was a large attendance of members present. The Secretary, Mr Upfill, reported that there were several vacancies in the various districts of the Association-eighteen altogether—which it was most desirable to fill up. During the year the machinery of the Association had been brought into play for the distribution of dinner tickets in connection with the Wynnstay marriage festivities, and also in connection with the recent bazaar. The secretary suggested that special services should be held in the Parish Church, and appeals made for more money in aid of the Association's funds, and there were no doubt many who would be glad to assist so worthy a movement if its claims weie brought prominently forward. (Applause.) Mr John Lewis moved the adoption of the report anct the statement of accounts which was presented and read, and in doing so urged the great desirability of end eavouring toobtain theservices of iiialedistriet visitors, fully agreeing with the suggestion in the report to enlist, if possible, the sympathies and services of young men. (Hear, hear) He also suggested a re-arrangement of the districts, as he thought some of the sub-districts were unneces- sarily small, and that as there were so many vacancies it would be desirable that the Committee should consider this matter at their first monthly meeting, with the view of consolidating some of the sub-divisions. (Applause.) Dr. Edward Williams seconded the resolution. The Vicar, in referring to the report, said his first feeling was that of thankfulness for what ha I been done. He heartily entered into the feeling of the secretary, and while deploring that there should be so many vacancies, he thanked God for the number of those who had during the past year very earnestly and devotecllv. and, he might say, very successfully engaged in this truly good and holy work. He felt strongly, and sorrowfully too, that they had lost some of their best visitors, and were now about to lose others. He might say, in their absence, that they were amongst some of those who had during the past year been most un- tiring, persevering, systematic, regular, and de- vout in carrying on the work of district visiting, and he could point to marked blessings as the re- sult of the services rendered by those about to leave them. (Hear, hear.) He entirely concurred in the remarks of Mr Lewis, that this work ought to be left entirely to the gentler, and he must of course on that occasion say, the better side of the human race. (Applause) He would like to see many more gentlemen visitors, because there were certain parts of the town where gentlemen would find work more suitable to them than to the ladies. He had been disappointed that a work so simple and so truly Christian should not have commanded a larger amount of sympathy on the part of the Churchmen of the parish. It might be that the work had not been sufficiently brought before them, but that should not be the case in the time to come. (Hear, hear.) An appeal from the pulpit, however, was of a general character, and there might be some then present who would no doubt have in their mind's eye some who would be fitted for work of this kind and had leisure time to engage in it, for it was the highest and best type of manliness to stoop to those who were less fortunate than their fellows-the poor, the aged, and the dis- tressed-(applause)-and nothing would be more becoming than to see a young man who had given his allegiance and his heart to Christ giving his time every week to a purely unselfish and Christian work of this nature. (Hear, hear.) It was really" home missionary work," and as such laxi its peculiar discouragements. The work was a very familiar work, and was work at their own doors, and the people they worked amongst had nothing romantic about them, but, on the contrary, were, as a rule, very prosaic. On the other hand, they were dealing with those who had as much need of strong Christian influence as any persons they could think of in any part of the world. He had often thought that if it were possible to remove the residents in certain parts of Wrexham and put them down in some far off country, and got the eloquent tongue of a good deputation to describe the condition of these people there, he believed it would be possible to move public sympathy immensely, and he was not sure whether they should not do their best to send out a missionary to these Wrexham residents in other lands (Ap- plause and laughter.) There were in Wrexham m;n, women, and children living under the most distressingcircumstances conceivable. He recognised r the improvements which had taken place in the dwellings of the working classes during the past ten years, and no small measure of good had resulted therefrom—(hear, hear)—still the moral had not kept pace with the physical improvements. There were hundreds, he might venture to say some thousands of the inhabitants who rarely attended any place of worship, and he ventured to say no agency was so well able to reach them as that association. We had our Sunday schools and temperance agencies, but there was a large mass of men and women who were not reached by any J external agency, and who, if they were to be brought within the influences of thechurchandreligion, were 1 only to be brought by personal face to face dealings with them. Few things were more encouraging to him than the sight he saw every Sunday in their old Parish Church, in the very large number of working people who had become regular attendants, and some of them regular com- municants, and who had been brought there entirely through the labors of thp district visitors present that day. (Applause.) Some of these people they had had to deal with were the most unlikely characters possible to imagine, who spent their Sundays-well-he wouldn't say how nor where, but in the country.—[Mr John Lewis You may as well say King's Mills-nothing like striking home Laughter.]—Well, be that as it might, these self-same people were now to be seen regularly in church every Sunday, and they had been brought there through the unremitting, plodding efforts of some of the visitors of that Association (Applause.) He might allude to other evidences of the good work done in the greater cleanliness of some of the houses, in the increased thrift of some of the people themselves, and the degree in which they had been brought to join mother's meetings, and to enter benefit societies, and to send their children to both dav day and Sunday schools. (Hear, hear.) The good work, however, was small to what it might be made. They had need of more members, for one thing, and also of additional means-in fact, they did really want help very much During the recent epidemic of scarlet fever he had thought much of the great need of a good trained, parochial nurse. (Hear, hear.) He had felt that the poorer class in Wrexham were suffering greatly from the want of proper nursing during their period of suffering, and Dr. Wil- liams would bear him out when he said that, next to medical treatment and the use of the proper remedies, nothing was more important than proper care and nursing. (Hear.) In his former parish there was also a sort of depot where cleans- ing utensils could be stored, and this was found to be regarded as a great boon, and was very generally utilised. He ventured to make this appeal for a very homely but a very Christ-like work, for he did not think there was any work which would more certainly secure the Master's blessing and approval than the work in which those he was addressing were engaged. It was very unobtru- sive, and a work which did not appeal to public admiration or enlist public attention, but it was a work which he believed, under the blessing of God, was helping the helpless, and reaching those who coald not be reached by any other agency, and was, in short, doing what the Master himself did- Going about doing good (Applause.) The resolution was then carried unanimously. The Rev. J. P. Lewis proposed a vote of thanks to the District Visitors, and said he was sure they were all very honest in their expression of deep gratitude for the valuable services rendered by the visitors during the past year. (Applause.) A Clergyman's engagements multiplied so greatly that it was often a case of merely touch and run in regard to all their work. Nothing could be done thoroughly, but with the help of the visitors much time was economised, and much work really accomplished. (Hear, hear.) The Association;was a real help to the Clergy, who were very grateful to all who assisted them. At the present moment the question might be profitably asked by each one, "How can I best spend Lent?" The Church called upon them to do something definite during this season—to deny themselves something, or to do some definite work. Let visitors give up a more thorough consecration of themselves to the work of the Association. They could not do better, and he thought it would be desirable for each visitor to go round their respective districts and revise the present lists. (Hear, hear.) They were living now in days when women were coming to the front in everything, and he, for one, re- joiced to see it. He thought they had been tres- passing on "women's rights" far too long—(laughter) —and he rejoiced to see that avenues of work were opening for women in all directions—nurses going out to Egypt to nurse our wounded soldiers—and women sharing in the world's work in other and various ways and the minds of men and women were both capable of greater development. (Laugh- ter.) Women were to be found pursuing their studies in medicine and numerous other departments, but to his mind a woman's work never lay in a more proper sphere than when she was engaged in dis- trict visiting, a work for which she was pre- eminently qualified, and in which she could sympathise and cheer in sickness and distress as no man ever could. (Applause.) The Rev. J. W. Thomas seconded, and the Revs. W. Vaughan Jones, Griffith Williams, and T. Lloyd Williams supported the resolution, which the Vicar said he could not very well put, because it would be really asking those present to pass a vote of thanks to themselves. He could, however, assure them of the sincere and heartfelt gratitude of the whole parish for their labors, which had not been without very marked results. Let all work humbly, prayerfully, devoutly, and thankfully, and God would prosper and bless them and their labors in his service. (Applause.) The singing of the Doxology then concluded the proceedings.

WREXBAM BOARD OF GUARDIANS. I THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH. I Present :-Captain Griffith-Boscawen, chairman Mr S, T. Baugh and Mr A. W. Edwards, vice- chairmen Sir R. E. Eserton Messrs J. H, Ffoulkes, J. Sykes, J. Burton, E. Rowland, J. Beale, J. Gittins, J. Rogers, C. Godfrey, J. Bithell, Evan Hughes, W. Owen, C. Jones, Biggins, Dicken, Thomas Th mas, J. D. Beard, Mr J. Oswell Bury, clerk. VACCINATION EK.CTRNS. I he vaccination Returns to the Local Govern- ment Board were laid before the Guardians show- ing the following results :—Period January to December, 18S3.—Wrexham district—Number of births registered, 1,106 successfully vaccinated, 9S2 died unvaccinated, eighty-five postponed, four left district, 35. Holt—197 registered successfully vaccinated, 11 postponed, three left district, two. Ruabon—554 registered 480 successfully vaccinated sixty-nine ravaccitiated postponed, two left the district, three. None un- accounted for. Fur the period January to-June, 1SS4. W rex ham district-576 birthsregistered; success- fully vaccinated, 520 died unvaccinated, twenty- eight postponed, SiX left the district, twenty- two. Holt—ninety-seven registered, eighty-eight successfully vaccinated, eight unvaccinated, one postponed. Ruahon-25:3 registered, 218 success- fully vaccinated, twenty-nine unvaccinated, five postponed, and one left the district. None un- accounted for. The Chairman said he thought it was clear that the vaccination had been well carried out in that Union. He did not think they had ever had a single prosecution. STATISTICS, &(, I The Master's books showed the number in the house to be 334, against 359 last year. and 332 last week vagrants relieved forty-eight (including twenty-eight under the Berkshire system) im- beciles, forty-two in schools-boys, thirty-six, girls, thirty-nine receiving industrial training- boys, twelve, girls, six.—Mr Murray Browne, Poor Law Inspector, reported that he had visited the Workhouse on the 14th insi., and had found every- thing in a clean and orderly condition, no com- plaints being made by any of the inmates.—Some discussion then took place in reference to the butterine which had been supplied to the house, and the matter was again referred to the Visiting Committee.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS At Trevalyn Hall, n<M Wrexham.  ¡; 9 AM. p- -J -}-I 1== T. ?:i? wind = To ri Date-1885. ? § ? ? ? -"? r= ? S a §1 5 ?' -5 .oi tc tt: :.s:J ?g ■ Direct ion j Ja Sf 3 "S 4 J *g i: «& -s a aapo; p. "4 Thur. Feb. 12 29.9<>47.:W;.U sw&wsw -M.I 1;5. 1 Friday Feb. 13 29.9017.4 44.7 SNV 52,tj 44.5 00 4 Satur. Feb. 14 ;2i».dS 43.5 .42.5 W&XW j 45 2 42 5 0.05 Sun. Feb. 15 29 49 :5 3 NW Hi :13 i :0 U Mon. Feb. 16 29.35.:?. ?7.5 NN 40.7 :M.S 0.29 Tues Feb, 17 I I 0.1' Tues Feb. 17 29 37 ?2.7 Z.i N?N W :!5C :{25?0.H Wed. Feb. IS ;»♦ 310 *32 0 W&WNW 4:? 28.U, 0.U3 j i N.B.—Height of barometer above mean sea leel. 61 feet Height of top of rain guage above the ground, I foot. Ther- mometers feet above the ground

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. I [WEATHER PERNIITTING. I I SIR W. W. WYXXS HOUNDS I MEET ON Saturday, Feù.ht. ,CarJen Monday, Feb. 23rd Wynnstay uesday, Feb. 24th .stockett Gate Thursday, Feb. 26th. Bangor Saturday, Feb. 2Sth, Green Dragon At 10. SO. THE SHROPSHIRE HOUNDS. Monday, Feb. 23rd Hodnet Hall Wednesday, Feb. 25th Atcham Bridge Friday, Feb. 2ïth. Acton Reynald At 10.45. THE VALE OF CLWYD HARRIERS. Saturday, Feb. 2I«t Llanvnvg At 11

I NOTES AND QUERIES. TOWN AND 1 COUNTRY. The Parnellites have spoken At the meeting last week of the Aberystwyth Political Debating Society, the leader of the Parnellite party moved that the thanks of the Society be accorded Miss Dudley for her attempt to take the life of O'Donovan Rossa. The motion was carried, thirty voting for and twenty- five against. Here's some news for Llangollen. Your con- temporary, the Broad Arrow, states in its last issue that the Secretary of State for War has approved of the Derbyshire Hussars being called out for train- ing at Llangollen on June 4. w I am asked now and again what amount has been collected for Sergt. Hugh Jones, whether the subscrip- tion lists have been closed, and so forth ? I am not able personally to answer these inquiries, but I presume the customary statement in such cases will be published in due course. ¡ A grievance at present exists in the Wrexham Churches which I think might be easily got rid of. It appears that by far the larger number of hymn books in use are the revised edition, and I am told our worthy Vicar has lately had the frequent and incon- siderate habit of giving out hymns which are in the old edition only. This consequently debars quite one- third of the congregation participating in the singing at all. Either one or other of the editions should be regularly used, or those hymns which are in both should alone be given out. Some few weeks ago I alluded to that discordant row which takes place every Saturday night in nearly every street of Wrexham. I mean that row made by itinerant vocalists. From dusk until eleven o'clock, no matter in which direction you go, your ears are saluted by songs of the most questionable nature. Songs they can hardly be called, but a miserable howling of some old ditty as Driven from home," to a very crude account of General Gordon's death put into verse, interspersed with others of a highly suggestive character. If they "re not indicted as a nuisance by some householder surely the police have the power of moving them on, But they don't use it, they seem to me to rather enjoy the entertain- ment. On Friday night] last I thought the belfry of the Old Church was certainly going mad. From about 7.30 to 9.30 there came from its interior such an endless volume of bob major and grandsire triple sounds that one would have thought would awake the very dead which were lying around. But I subse- quently learnt that it was simply a little change ringing. Now what an unearthly time for this ringing to commence. Just as one-half the juvenile population are retiring to rest this horrid din begins, and the older ones, who are perhaps sitting down for a quiet read and rest, are compelled to put up with it whether they like or not. I would suggest to the bell ringers that the daytime is much the best time to choose for ringing, for it is then one can pay the least attention to it. < After the many good things I heard of the great Jones family when at Bala, I did look forward to something a little better than the tame, half-hearted sort of entertainment they gave us on Tuesday night. It was not to be compared with that given in the Wynnstay Arms Assembly Room last year, and the something wanting was certainly not through any lack of amateur talent. How, therefore, the affair turned out so flat as it did I cannot say. « I last week wished them a bumping house and I was pleased to see when the occasion came a very fair muster indeed, and 1 think the minstrels cannot but be gratified with the financial result. I do not pretend to any individual criticism but if any praise were due "to any of the members for ability and special efforts to entertain, I think it ought to be awarded to Messrs Cassivelaunus and Caractacus Jones, bones and tam- bourine respectively. Coming out of the hall after the performance was over a friend of mine gave vent to his feelings by saying, Say, old chap, I don't know whether to laugh or cry, but, amateurs is amateurs after all." It it be true that this is the last united public appearance of this troupe, allow me to suggest what a good thing it would be if an amateur theatrical com- pany could be started. We have lots of talent, and perhaps Mr Lexicon Jones will bear this in mind. ALFRED QUIZ. I

IN THE HOUSE. I (Notes by the Member for the Chiltern Hundreds.) I Our Senate can give St. Stephen's points on many things and then beat it. Very noticeable was this at the last sitting, when the whole of the Redistribution Bill was discussed and passed, and that without a single amendment. Speeches with exception of Dublin University hardly worth note, but that fossil Tory seized opportunity to vent his spleen at Reform question. Curious man, wonder what he really does like. Next week Cambridge University attacks foreign labor, foreign machinery, in short everything which has the impertinence not to be British. A dull night may veiy reasonably be expected.

SIR ROBERT CUNLIFFE AT TRANMERE. I On Tuesday evening, an enthusiastic meeeting of the Liberal electors of Tranmere was held in the Drill Hall, the Holt. in furtherance of the candida- ture of Mr W. R. Kennedy, the Liberal candidate for Birkenhead. The large hall was crowded. Mr Georgp Atkin, J.P., chairman of the Birkenhead Liberal Association, presided, and amongst those present were Sir R. Cunliffe, Bart, M.P., and Mr Charles Russell, Q.C., M.P.—Sir Robert Cunliffe, who was received with great cheering, said that was the first time he had had the the great honour of addressing a Birken- head audience, and he felt inclined to express some apology for coming ameng them at the last moment to fill the gap which had been unavoidably caused by the absence of Sir Thomas Brmsey-(cheers)-who was detained by important duties in London conected with the operations now going on in Egypt. He con- gratulated the Liberal electors of Birkenhead upon the champion they had selected to fight their battle at the next election. (Cheers.) From all he had heard of Mr Kennedy, they had in him a candidate who, when returned to Parliament, would speak in their name, and would assuredly do honour to their choice. (Cheers.) Referring to matters in the Soudan, he said we had arrived at a period when they could not afford to accept failure. This country had three objects to obtain in Egypt-the safety of our soldiers, the safety of Egypt, and the interests of civilisation —and he believed that the Government, in seeking to obtain those objects, would have the hearty support of the country at large. (Cheers.) Turning to home matter-, he said that the Government, when they took office, had to contend against financial disorder at home and complications abroad. During the last administration, Sir Stafford Northcote, in hringing in his budgets, had constantly to deal with deficit?, and when Mr Gladstone's Government came into power, there wt, a large balance on the wrong side. The Government, however, were bringing haci, the expenditure to such a shape as to he coverell by the revenue, and in this matter were doing- justice by the country. As to foreign affuirs, during th. time of the late Government we had the war in Afghanistan and questions connected with the Berlin treaty, and Motenegro and the territories of Greece. All these questions had been settled in the right direction—that was to say, that wherever the power and influence of England could be used it had been used in favour of f e-d )m and progress. (Cheers.) The foreign policy of the late Government was weak, and was described by Bismark as a policy, not of iron, but of wond painted to look like iron. (Laughter and cheers.) The Liberals had come in with a great majority, and he admitted that much that he expected to be carried out had not been carried out, but they all understood I some of the reasons why this partial failure had taken place. One of the most important reasons was that of obstruction, and a great deal of time was absorbed I in dealing with questions affecting Ireland, one of which was the carrying of the Coercion Bill. But he hnped that the time was not far distant when such a bill would not be required. (Hear, hear.) The great Land Act, the Agricultural Holdings Act, and other measures proved that Parliament wished to do justice, to Ireland and to get rid of the wrongs of the past. (Cheers.) The country had now got a great Reform Act, and the question was, what were they going to do with it ? There were some persons who were getting frightened apparently at the pace at which they were gfin-r. and some thought that the democracy were likely to plunle into rash and reckless inovations. He did not belive it. (Cheers.) He believed that the new electors would be very like the old one*, and that their actions would be characterised by good sense and perfect sobriety. Among the measures they should look for in the next Parliament were a complete reform of the land laws, a reform of local government, a reform of local taxation, and a reform of the licensing laws. He believed there was nothing which would do more benefit to the country generally than to place the control of the licenses in the hands, not of local magistrates, but in the hands of local bodies duly elected by the ratepayers for local affairs. (Cheers ) There was one thing which Parliament would not be disposed to do, and that was to tax the food of the people in order to give them fair trade." (Laughter, and applause.) In conclusion, he said that the Liberal party, who had done so much for the country in the past, would da much more for it in the future. (Loud applause).

BXNGOR-ISYCOED RURI-DFCANAL I CONFERENCE. PROPOSED CESSION WINT THE CHESTER DIOCESE. The annual Ruri-decanal Conference for the Rural Deanery of Bangor-Isycoed took place on Tuesday, at the Boys' Schoolroom, Bangor. The Rev. G. H. McGill, rural dean (rector of Bangor), presided, there being also present the Rev. G. J. Howson, rector of Overton; the Rev. J. Sturkey, Marchwiel; the Rev. P. W. Sparling, Erbistock; Rev. McGonigle, curate of Bangor Rev. W. T. Martin, Bettisfield; Rev. M. H. Lee, Hanmer; Rev. T. H. G. Puleston, Worthenbury; Rev. C. W. Streatfeild, Isycoed; Rev. J. W. Vaughan, Talwrn and Messrs E. Peel, Brynypys; C. Weaver, Erbistock; S. Peate, Eyton J. H. Royds, Dee Side R. Swann, Althrey J. Simcock, Hanmer; Charles Owens, Marchwiel St. L. Tibhe, Overton; G. Marsh, Talwrn, &e. The principal subject discussed was the proposed cession of the Deanery to the Chester diocese, and on the motion of the Rev. T. M. G. Puleston, seconded by Mr E. Peel, Brynypys, it was agreed to appoint a committee to carry out the proposal in the way they might consider best. The committee includes the Duke of Westminster, Sir Edward Hanmer, the Rev. T. H. G. Puleston, the Rev. M. H. Lee, the Rev. G. J. Howson, the Rev. W. P. Sparling, the Rev. G. H. McGill. Mr Peel (Brynypys), Mr J. H. Royds, Mr Harold Lees, Mr St. L. Tighe, Mr Weaver, Mr Swann, and the Rev. W. T. Martin, (secretary of the Ruri-decanal Conference.)

District News. I MOLD. STEALING WHAT SHE MOST NEEDED.—At the County Hall, on Wednesday, before P. A. Lloyd and C. P. Morgan, Esqr, Judith Costello, a half-witted woman, and well known as an indefatigable beggar, was charged with stealing a chemise from the premises of Mr Hume Livdsay, at Pwll Glas. She was seen with the chemise in her possession, and v/ps fined 10:" .,# a fined 10s, or seven days in default. She had a fortnight to tind the money. THE WEATHER.-To those who had been obliged to stay indoors andj don't ktow what may be taking place outside, it may be interesting to know that the weather has been mirerable this week. Frost, snow, hail, and sleet, every one of them having visted us. At the time of writing, it seems to be settling down for frost, but there is no knowing what it may do. If anything very dreadful takes place, and if we are spared to tell the story, our readers may look oat for it next week. ENTERTAINMENT.—On Tuesday night, at the National Schoolroom, was given the last of a series of entertainments in aid of various parochial funds. when the chair was taken by Mr C. P. Morgan, Brynyrhaul, and there was a good audience, the in- clement weather notwithstanding. The following took part :-Mr T. A. Williams, Master G. Roberts, Miss H. B. Pring, Mr W. Atkinson, Mr F. Bellis, Miss Johnson, Rual, Miss Jones' pupils, Miss Dora Parry, &c. BROUGBTON HALL. PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY.—Before W. H. Gl«d stone, Esq., M.P., W.Johnson, W. Thom, and W. C Jones, Esqrs. The only business of thes« sessions was t I adjudicate on some cases heard at the last Rawardeii Sessions. One was that of masters and workmen, in which Samuel Forest, late in the employ of Messrs W. Coltart and Co., anchor, chain, &c., makers, Saltney, was summoned for leaving his work without notice, thereby causing a serious loss to his employers. The case was proved, and the defendant, who did not appear, was mulcted in the sum of 22s. BUCKLEY. A NARROW ESCAPE.—On Friday evening, a little boy, son of Mr Thomas Connah, Mill Lane, aged between four and five years, met with a somewhat serious accident. It would appear that the mother had gone to a shop close by, and had left the boy in the house with his little sister. Hearing crying, Mr George Lloyd went to ascertain the cause, and to his surprise found the little fellow enveloped in flames, which he extinguished, the boy being slightly injured. It is thought the child set fire to his clothes while playing with the fire. ENTERTAINMENT.—On Tuesday evening, the Primi- tive Methodists held another entertainment in the Mill Lane School-room, in aid of the tabernacle trust fund, and it proved to be one of the most interesting and successful which has been held this season. The chair was occupied by Mr Charles Gerrard, Ewloe Green Pottery, and there was a large audience. The programme, which was as follows, was excellently rendered :—Accordion and bones, Messrs Wilcock and Davies song, I have read of a Beautiful City," Mr Thomas Peters reading, The Irishman and his three Children," Mr Thomas Jones (shop), song, Our Father won't drink any now," Mr Wm. Ellis dialogue, Old Christie and his Seven Daughters," Mr Thomas Place and party bones and accordion, Messrs Wilcock and Davies hymn, I will follow Jesus," Mr George Henry Bryan song, The Sailor's Song," Mr Thomas Peters song, Wait till the clouds roll by," Mr Wm. Ellis; dialogue, "What does it matter now I'm married," Mr Thomas Peters and party. BRUNSWICK BAND OF HOPE SOCIETY.—A very interesting entertainment in connection with the English Wesleyan (Brunswick) Chapel was given in the Schoolroom, Daisy Hill, on Monday. Mr Thos. Jones, Bistre Board Schools, presided, and there was a numerous audience. The following was the pro- gramme :-Glee, Our Band of Hope Union," Mr Jno. Lewis and party recitation, A Blue Ribbon Mission," R. Bellis; song, "The Temperance Band," Miss Anna Lamb song, A sweet little letter," Mr Joseph Peters chorus, Mr T. Rowlands and party long, Fully Trusting," Master J. R. Mitchell recitation, The Orphans," Miss Martha Iball song, What shall I do to he saved," Mr R. Bellis, sen. recitation, Little Words," Miss Polly Bellis song, In the cause of right," Miss Edith Connah chorus, Happy Home Above," Mr T. Rowlands and party recitation, I cannot kiss you now," Miss Mary E. Iball; song, "The good times coining," Mr J. Peters chorus, Him that cometh," Mr T. Rowlands and party song, Good night," Mr Jno. Lewis glee, Good night, good night," Mr T. Rowlands and party dialogue, Miss Diddle's Lodging House." Mr John Catherall and Mr Wm. Fox were the accompanists. FLINT. I CONCERT.—On Tuesday evening a concert was given at the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel by a choir of children, numbering seventy, belonging to the Sunday School. The chair was taken by Councillor R. Evans, and there was a large audience. The choir, under the leadership of Mr Francis Bagshaw, rendered valuable service. The singing and reciting of the children was ail that could be desired. Miss Mary Evans accom- panied on the harmonium. DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES.—On Tuesday last the annual children's concert and distribution of prizes took place at the Pentre National Schools. There was a large attendance, and the Rector presided. The children presented a very pretty appearance, the girls being all dressed alike. The programme, consisting of part songs, solos, recitations, &c., greatly delighted the audience. Prizes were given for reading, writing, and arithmetic in each class, and sewing, patching, &c., in the Upper Girls' class. VOLUNTEER PRIZE DISTRIBUTION.—The prize dis- tribution for shooting took place at the Castle Assembly Ituums uu Monday evening. There was a large number of volunteers and others present. The chair was taken by the Rev. W. H. Nicholas, rector, who made the distribution. The prizes, which were very handsome, consisted of clocks, timepieces, pictures, &c. Sixty of the volunteers were awarded prizes, the first being—1, Corp. Edward Morris; 2, Bugler Samuel Bartley; 3, Corp. John Parry; 4, Quarter- master-Sergeant Thomas Parry; 5, Private George Clews. The prizes ranged in value from 25 to 2s 6d. After the distribution, dancing took place, which was continued up to midnight, the music being supplied by the Company's band. BURGLARY.—On Tuesday a young man, seventeen years of age, named Peter O'Brien, residing in Castle- street, was charged at the Police Court with having, on Saturday night or Sunday morning last, burglariously entered the Flint Castle Inn, Castle Dyke-street, and stealing therefrom one quart bottle of rum, one quart bottle containing three halfpints of rum, one bottle of cloves, and 5* 8d in bronze. From the evidence it appeare-l that the landlady retired to bed shortly after eleven on Saturday night. There was also sleeping in the house two of her nieces, but no servants. One of the nieces, Miss Annie Porter, came downstairs about a qaarter to eight on Sunday morning and found that someone had entered the bar by a window, and that the bottles, &c., were missing. The money had been left in the bar but the gold and silver was taken upstairs. The prisoner had been in the tap-room at halfpast ten on Saturday nij.:ht, Sergt. Ward saw him near the place at midnight and and he was seen early on Sunday morning very drunk. After he was taken to the PoUc.stalion :¡3rt. NVztr I searched him and found 5, 8.1 oil him. Prisoner asked Sergt. Ward how much there was and on beii g told, he replied That's all I had and 1 must stand the racket for it." Mr J. R. William.- who prosecuted, a"ked for a committal. Mr J. W. Hill's defended ald reserved his defence, asking that the prisoner should be allowed bail. Air William•< ooj c'a d. Mr S. K. Muspratt said that although the case st.:od on circumstantial evidence, it was very strong against the prisoner, he would commit him to the next assizes and must refuse bail. HOLT AND FARNDON. GAS LAMPS FOR HOLT —The Mayor (Mr William Harrison), has this Wbek recii ved from the Duke of Westminster, a chequ=, value five pound' as a dona- I tion toward s providing the town of Holt with lamps,' which we hope to see completed next month. HOPE AND CAERGWRLE. THE HOPE DISTRICT PLOUGHING MATCH. The second of these matches came off on Wednes- day, and under very unfavorable circumstances both of wind and weather. Last year, the "o-jiety beIng young and ambitious in character, met with a success which resulted in somewhat large ideas, 'l'hl fdistrict was made to comprise the parishes of Hope and Tryddyn, and the townships of Heartsheath arid Leil- wood, Higher and Lower Kinnerton, Broughton and Llay, and, of course, a corresponding success was anticipated. In pursuance of these ambitious aspira- tions, the field selected was beyond ih i limits of Hope district proper, and far on to the borders of Wrexham and Gresford, which only just missed annexation at the hands of the committee. Wrexham, near Caer- gwrle, would have sounded very prettily no doubt, but it has not come off just yet. The field selected was one in the occupation of Messrs. H. and S. Edwards, of Llay Hall, far away from any mass of population, or at any rate, from any population taking an interest in agriculture. For this reason the attendance was not so Iaige as the committee antki pated. And the day Well, the day was very si and so indeed. In the moiniisg there was frost and snow, such as, had the land been wet and stiff, would have prevented the ploughing. Besides, the Americans had threatened a storm, which arrived just in the nick of time, bringing wit', it gusts of wind—sharp and keen Nor'-westers," which cut like a razor, and brought with them showers of sleet and snow. These were almost blinding, and the tent so kindly and thoughtfully provided by Mis Piercy, of the Glynn Arms, Caergwrle, proved a very haven of refuge. Need we say it was patronised? Though the situation of the field was known, it was not with- out some difficulty that we found it. Going down at Cefnybedd Station, we were told it was only half a mile away. We trudged on down to the Alun, and up to the hill, when, looking around, we saw nothing of the Held, but a crowd of refugees running for their lives along the road to meet us, while a gingerbeer and lemonade waggon of Mr Edisburv's was vigour- ously driving after them. "Hey, ahov," shouted one, what can the matter be ? Goodness gracious," answered one of them, "the tent is down. Some- thing like a whirlwind came and took it tight up in the air, when down it came, whop, upsetting the whole box of tricks Anything more ? Aye, a fellow made a grab at a bottle of whisky, when Lawley, the policeman, pounced on him like a cat on a mouse. Then we were told of the disaster in more measured terms. How far is the field ?" said we. About half a mile or so," said they. Half a mile Why it was only half a mile from Cefnyhedd Station and we could not but be reminded of the mile and a I billhook" of the Scottish tale. On we trudged, meeting more refugees, while llhosddu Colliery and Gresford Church looked surprisingly close, and w. began to suspect that we were going out of our parbh," and trespassing suspiciously near the Wrex- ham reporters' preserves. The field came to view at last, however, and in it were two small crowds, one busily engaged on the ruins of the tent, and the other staring vacantly at the work of the ploughmen. Speaking of these brings us back to the subject im. mediately before ua, and without further preface we will give a list of their names, ranged in classes. To begin with- CLASS I.-Open to all competitors, and generally known MS the Champion's class. 2-Edward Roberts, Broncoed Uchaf, Mold. 3-John Jones, Hendre, Nerquis. 4—Thos. Edwards, Higher Kim erton. 5—Edw. Edwards, Bwlchgwya. 6-J. Duckworth, Moor, Hawarden. There were three others entered, J. Giller, Ruabon, B. Bellis, Mold, and A. Gregory, Waverton, who did not put in an appearance. CLASS 2.—Farmers or men in the district who had never taken first prize. 19—Joseph Price, Hepe. 21-George Lewis, Shordley. tM-William Evans, Horeb, Caergwrle. 23—William Prichard, Llay Hall. 21-William Martin, Hope. 25-R. Wynne, Llay. 26 Thomas Bellis, Tiryfron, Hope. 27-D. Davies, Bryn Yorkin. Hope. 28-Edtvd. Ingman, Ffrifch, Cymmau. 2i>—Walter Griffiths, Llan, Tryddyn. 30—Thomas Clarke, Caergwrle. CLASS :t-Opeo to youths under twenty, living in the district. 12-William Tilston, Lower Mountain, Hope. 13-Edward Griffiths, Llan, Tryddyn. 14—George Roberta, Pant. 15- William Edwards, Llay. 16-R,Roherts, Plasteg, Hope. 17—Charles Powell, Kinnerton, Hope. IS-Edward Jones, Cold Chimneys, Hope. The competitors began their task punctually at nine o'clock. The land is light, with a gravelly subsoil, much too light to show off good ploughing to advantage, and for that reason the work did not show that conspicuous neatness and regularity which are characteristic of good ploughing. At first there was a disposition to disregard the rules, and for everyone to help everyone else, but the committee promptly put a stop to that, and subsequently the contest was most fairly conducted. Tnere was much interest displayed in the competition, we need hardly say, the favorites being most keenly watched, and their work ardently admired. Of the champions, Duckworth and Edward Roberts were most admired, the former having a crowd of admirers at both ends of his butt. Roberts, however, was not without his friends, and his work, though not so neat in general appearance, had many points of merit, especially a capital "cut. None of the other com- petitors in this class require notice. In the third or boys' class, there was very fair work, and more even and difficult to judge than in the other classes. The land which fell to the lot of the second class was by far the best for ploughing purposes of any in the field, and there were several specimens of fair ploughing. In this class, as a rule, the point which is least atten- ded to is the "opening," and there was scarcely a butt in which it was not very faulty in this respect. But, the opening apart, there were several very good beginnings, especially so was the work of T. Bellis, of Tiryfron, but as the work went on it gradually grew worse, and the finish was perhaps the worst of his whole piece. The butt most admired in this class for all-round ploughing was that of Walter Griffiths. It wa3 not so good at the beginning as that of Bellis, but was far more even on the whole, and got better instead of worse as it went on. The judges of the ploughing were Messrs Edward Williams, Tyddyn Starkey, Northop, J. Roberts, Well House, Saltney, and Jellicoe, of Penylan, Ruabon. They came on the field about thre", and did not finish their work until nearly six o'cleck. When they returned to the scene of the tent, whe-e, after ascending into a brewer's cart, they delivered their adjudication as follows CLASS I. 1-£5, J. Duckworth maker of plough, Edwards, Llanypwll. 2-X:3, E Roberts, Broncoed maker of plough, Wynne Edwards, Denbigh. •>— £ 2, J. Jone., Hendre maker of plough, Edwards, Leeswood. H.C.—Edward Edwards, Bwlchgwyn maker of plough, Corfleld, Bwlchgwyn. CLASS II. I-X3, Walter Griffiths, Trytidyn maker of plough, Edwards, Llanypwll. 2— £ 2 10s, Thomas Bellis, Tiryfron maker of plough, Edwards, Llanyi wll. 3—JK2. Ed. Ingham Ffrith maker of plough, Edwards, Llanypwll. 4— £ 1 15s, W. Evtns, Hureb maker of plough. Edwardq, Llanypwll. 5— £ 1 10s, W. Prichard, Llay maker of plough, Edwards, Llanypwll. 6— £ 1 5i Thos. Clarke, Caergwrle; maker of plough, Edwards, Llanypwll 7—I5s, W. Martin, Hope maker of plough, Edwards, Llanypwll. S-lUs, David Dxvies, Brynyorkin maker of plough, Hornsby & Co. CLASS III. I-X3, Edward Griffiths, Tryddyn maker of plough, Edwards, lalanypwll. 2— £ 2 10s, W. Tilston, Lower Mountain maker of plough, Edwards, Llanypwll. 3— £ %> O. Roberts, Pant maker of plough, Edwards, Lhmypw! 4—.61 15,, Ed. Jones, Cold Chimneys maker of plouzh Edwards, Llanypwll. 5— £ l 10s, Robert Roberts, Plas Teg miker of plough. Edwards, Leeswuod. ti— £ 1 5s, C. Powell, Kinnerton maker of plough, Edwards, Llanypwll. 7—15s, W. Edwards, Llay maker of plough. Edwards, Bersham. CLASS IV. Silver medal to the maker of the plough whivh made the best cut furrow Mr Wynne Edwards, Denbigh, for the butt ploughed by Edward Roberts, Bruncoed. It will be seen that the Llanypwll ploughs took all the principal prizes in all the classes, but the chief honors were taken again by Mr Wynne Edwards' (Denbigh), ploughs, though on this, as in last week's match at Mold, the butt only took second prize for all round merit. At the tent, or the place where it had been, there was some rowdyism going on. Some old soldier wanted to show his prowess, beginning with a display of sword exercise in play, and endin,, by challenging all round to tight in earnest. The gentlemen in blue had to interfere more than once. We are informed that when the tent was blown down, some scoundrel made a rush at the money bowl, but Miss Piercey, with much presence of mind, gave him a blow which effectually settled him. and he retired from the field discomfited. From the committee, the chairman, secretary, and treasurer, and officials generally, we received the greatest courtesy, and all were anxious to afford us assistance, and to give us every information. We may add that the winners in classes two and three are brothers, and sons of Mr Griffiths, Llanfarm, iryddyn. LLANI PWLL. BLUE RIBBON ARMY MEETING.—The interest mani- fested in these meetings continues unabated. At the public meeting, held in the Presbyterian Chapel, on Tuesday evening, the friends of the place were ably assisted by Mr J. Stanford, Cocoa Rooms, Wrex- ham, whose addresses, readings, recitations, and solo1* are much appreciated. After reading and prayer and some preliminary remarks by the Rev. R. Leiyh Roose, Mr Ebenezer Jones, Tynytwll, was voted to the chair. Addresses, dialogues, solos, &c., were given. There was a good attendance, and some pledges were taken. Miss Hughes presided at the harmonium, and the newly-formed- choir sang credit- ably.

THE DEE CONSERVANCY. IMPORTANT MKKTIXC AT CilKSTEU. On Wednesday a Jar-p meeting of the land- owners, miilowners, and traders interested in the welfare of the River Dee and the various work's connected therewith was held at the Grwvennr Hotel, Chester, and presided ov< v by Mr Charles Davison. There were present from forty to fifty Lyeiitlein-n, including the Duke of Westminster Lord Wharnchtie, Mr Piercy, Mr !nrrow. Mr Und.r lown, Colonel Cooke, Mr Coleman, Mr Watkinson, and a large number of other influential gentlemen After the r.-adin^ of correspondence, the Duke of Westininite,, iroved a resolution in favor of the BiD promoted by the traders and in charce of Mr Hv-tn M. rris This was seconded by Lord Wharncliff. support" by Mr Piercy, and carried unanimous!'v. We are compelled to hold over our full report of the pro- ceedings, which were of great public interest, until next week. The following correspondence in con- nection therewith, was read at the Chester Council, beld on the previous day :— Eaton, Chester, Feb. 7, ISM. DE.i,ft SIK,—^inee se inu' you I have gone most thorouglily into the matter, and ( h-tve satisfied myself that my in erests will bo recognise and protected to the full by Mr .■Morns' scheme, and I am fully determined to do what I can to promote it. As you rightly point out, this in not apparent in his nill but, without entering into particulars, I alu quite « tf tiell as to my being properly protected at the right time Under these oncumstanees I am afraid I cannot see my way towards assisting your Bill I onlv hop" you will not think it necessary to go on with it; I believe the Chester inteiests will be thoroughly protected in Mr Morris' Bill aft r consultation with him. and a really good scheme will be started that will place the navigation of the Dee on a thoroughly sound footing, for t will ves: the whole conc. rn in the hands of a bodv whos, eat interest will he to d,.velope the navigation, IIIII ti; ough that to improve the lands I hope you will be able to see the matter in this light, for I believe there is -o little now between the two Bills that a little arran eim-nt will make the cheme workable for all parties. I am not ailuding to the Tiill promoted by fie Dee Conin-my as I am sure neither you nor I would care tet support such a comp iny, and that our chief and mutual obj t [). to extinguish that body, and substitute -something ^genuine and capable in their place. Believing that thls cm lie done under Mr M.nris's Bill, I do not think it will be worth my while to have another interview with y-m oil Monday. I am much obliged to you for hvin, "I) kine|v given me so much of your timo on Thursday^ and, with every hope that we may, aft-r all, he found ti-htin- on the s me side, I i-iii, dear sir, yours faithfully, S. Smith, Ell. (Signed) WENr,o(-ii. Eaton, February qth, "DEAR Alit SMITH,—I think I ought now to let yon know that, after further consideration, I am led to the conclusion th-It 1 ought to give my support to the De Conservancy Bill p.oinoted by Mr Kvan "vtorris and his parts as being the scheme most likely to he e trdell into effect with the most advantage to all the interests con- cerned. I wish you could see your way to get the interests of Cite, ter attended to t-y conferring with the promoters with that object in view, rather than opposing them at great cost and trouble. Believe me to be, yours truly, S. Smith, E-.iii. WESTMINSTER. I

LIVERPOOL CORN MARKET. I LIVERPOOL, Friday. Market opened steady though quiet for wheat, Indian com 4s 7Ad for new mixed American. Weather severe. LONDON CORN MARKET. I LONDON, Friday. Slow sale for wheat, and price nominally un- changed. Flour inactive. Maize very quiet. Barley dull. Oats steady. Other articles unchanged. Weather cold and dull.

DEATH OF 6ENEBAL 3T2WABT I EVACUATION OF GCBAT. I ADVANCE OF THE M, a., I LATEST TELECBAMS. ("MIM TELEORAI.W » I L learn that the Madhi left if if !•) to 60,000 men Md many ?[naJft f"t/?,?') 40 oo?) to 60,000 men and many guns for ?' ?'tb ?40? ing in great state. Hed?h?lo? e'nnt;h' W cannon and one Kru"no ??' with f cannon and one  who arrived ?wh'? H) f? miles of Abu Kru. J the mo/ :Q Madhi and his army were twen^ w9 left, THE REASONS FOR THE-'RETR('RESI: I -.1 MOVEMENT Ah0 fress Aa?oct?tit.n SHVS that fh annùunrern of the evacuation of Gnb?thy force has been received withLneTun such a movement not being exnect/r ?>uml!er *w2 outf such a movement not being ? exM???"?er wn, ? last week, andthat le w,),I, have attacked Metemn?eh ?.r ????????? force should have joined him Th! m from th, S I' >,»c,nt fu?r the re?troKresstve movement It? '??"'? fur the retro¡;resslve movement. t Ii now .;een th t our position at Gubat was no long &'•' th« face p03ition at Gubat was no loner tenahle in th face of the advanc::e of the Madhi's arrny frorn I\hr toum and the reinforcement of Z \tJI/ "T by i enemy. The combined forces wo? havl' bee sufficient to overpower our force at r.Vi, 'w "cl1'>n!y numbered about 1600 men- and ;i • l11oreov urged that, Cenerai Gordon's death h- '? "??o?. there was no ob j ect ieft for tt ? '?",?" to there was no object left for tl>« 'nfl:rraed accomplish either in advancing to Khartoum ,)r in remaining at Gubat. DEPARTURE OF THE GT \Pm TION BY THE (?E? I„XS^. The third battalion of Grenadier r.. IVH "n Thurday inspected by the Queen at \vi 1i viously to their departure for the S«u,|»i Home read an address which had been ha"?)/?'?' < by her Majesty, wishing the men hl* Divine protection in the day of battle Th'1! n 'T Divine protection in the ln(l went on to express her confidence that her '???" Guards would ever maintain the hon.? tion of British soldier., and relied 0?. h. ?"??- the g.onous deeds d those whoha.n?,? "S the distant land to which they wer??????'" On Thursday morninf the tir?st ,?h?"t r?"? "??- Coldstreams, under Colonel A. Lambt.m marched from Wellington Barracks to wSSl,* Stairs, where they embarked for Gravesend „ way to ouakim. They were loudly cheered l V considerable crowd which h?d ?.nbte.! n  bridge and on the Thames Embankment/, hp npa,S.3a8M of excitement and enthusiasm marked while LI the steamboats down the river. [BY TELEGRAPH.) DEATH OF GENERAL STEWART. ) ine?a?/?MpubJM.hes the following 'tele^ i m second edttion :-Korti. Thursday. Thenew* of Sir Herbert Stewart's death received here to-niX ? the greatest regret to everybody in camp. Ontv thl who were with him thr(ughou the .nMch acr?T desert can fully appreciate his many rare ouiZ his ceaseless energy, his care for the men readiness of resource in an emergency, and his m.? as a leader. He died at (?kduf. always .nemX m connection with his first brilliant m?ch ouh- wav back from the scenes of his two victoria The Standard's special telegram from Kurti, in second edition, confirms General Stewart? d?th adding that his wound, which for a time was oin o¿ very favorably, had lately giveu grave cause lfuorr anxiety. The Third Battalion Grenadier Guards left Windgor this (triday) morning for Gravesend, ni )"¡llt" for Suakim. They were addressed before leavin- by the Prince of Wales, who said he knew they would uphold the honor of the country. They embarked it Gravesend amid much enthusiasm.

TERRIBLE DEATH AT PLASKYNASTON COLLIERY. A painful sensation passed through the district on Monday as the iiewti spread that a boy had been precipitated down Plaskynaston pit. a depth of 700 or 800 feet. It appears that a quantity of timber had been put down the pit for use in the mine, and this necessitated the gate at the pit mouth, which slides upon a guide rope, being raised unusually high, and it became fastened in the head gear. After the cage had descended the shaft, a boy named Mark Edwards, of about lo years of age, brought a small waggon to the mouth of the pit, which he by some means ran into the shaft and fell with it to the bottom. His body when picked up was terribly mutilated. An inquest was opened before Mr Thelwall, coroner, at the Hampden Arms, on Wednesday, but after view- ing the body the inquiry was adjourned to await the examination of the Government inspector. ———— -———-

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. Both Houses of Parliament met on Thursday by adjournment from the Gth December. In the Lorda, Earl Granville made a statement explanatory of the Ministerial policy with respect to Egypt and the Soudan, which was commented uoon by the Marquis of Salisbury, the Earl of Jersey, and other peers. In the House of Commons Sir Stafford Northcote gave notice of his intention to move a vote of censure upon the Government for the course pursued with reference to the affairs of Egypt and the Soudan, and asked for the earliest possible day for the debate, Mr Gladstone having explained the proposed line of Ministerial legislation, subsequently made a state- ment of the nature and scope of the military object which Lord Wolseley had now before him, as well as the nature of the immediate measures and the efforts connected with them which the attainment of that object had rendered necessary.

[BY TELEGRAPH. ] THE REDISTRIBUTION BILL. REPORT OF THE BOUNDARY COM- MISSIONERS. The completed Redistribution Bill and the report of the Boundary Commissioners will be pjac?d on the table of the House this (Friday) afternoon. Carnarvon is divided into Arvon and Eivion. Ar\on comprises s^sional divisions of Bangor, C.o.wav, and Nant Conway. Parishes of Llanbe !r. lAiwleiui den. Eivion ¡rie. sessional uivi-ioiis t':irnarvon, except i ortio:: iri Arv-.n, Ivii ■ riy•!■ I, I'urtiiiLilor. and Pwlih«:i, and borough of ('.irnarvo-i. iMi'oUihsiiire is divided into Dr..ni? M, cmiprisin-: div!?? "I Hi''t)!? 'd -uu! Ku-d> v, n. !i .?' \V? d)?n', ami parish of < 'iiami W.lcof I'iwjd comprising l^mbi'-jh lioioii'b, Inrt of Ciiir. Cpper, i-aieiJ, {??'t!?. li,it till Si; ;?h!rf is divided into the four divisions of ()■ ■•vestry, Newport, W •llir.-jton, and Ludlow. In concluding, the Commissioners ,.11 We must, not omit to record our sense of the ability and untiiim; illdnsrv with which our secretary, MR Howel Tliouia), ha, (ii I the mini rms and iia- portant duties which have devolved upon him.

WATERLOO COU USING MEETING. Wednesday, the opening day ..f the great Waterloo Clip celehr :ti. II. was bitteily cold. Rain and-Itvt, varied oeca-don.-dly by snow, f during the early hours of the morning, ar il to add to tiie discomfort, a v ry litavy of driving sleet on in the afternoon. Owing to the snow lying on the ground the start was delayed nearly half-an-hour, arid f-jr some litUe time the going was dccidedly treacherous, and in con. ^jence a few of the trials were dec; k lly of a fbiky character. Of the dogs taking part in the enmpelitinn, the m. tt-rpst of loc itl readers iq )It the performances of the dog owned by Mr C. M irle- Wrexh?m. tn!heHrst round Mr C.Murtw dll:; M?den. by Merchantman— Klla, nominat-d hy Mr T. I.. Red. was beaten by Mr E.1. Cros-es Coralline, by Mioterton— Hark Forward. The betting was 7 to 4 0:/ Coralline, who rattled up fully "1,reB lengths in front of it for tirst turn, :u],I, C.'IIIIII¡; i-tin(i ttjiartly %vitli her :am, made a brilliant be- ginning, and was within an ace of killing. Masdeu then betran to be busy, and running up several poin in succession, looked uncommonly like winning- Cor. alline at Inst began to exchange points, but ell continued to have the best of it, and it was desperately tight tight when Coralline wound With tiie de.,itti. In th" lii-st round of the Waterloo Purse, on Th:ir~ day Mr M url'ss'ilog was more successful. Ma- 1';11 was pitted agai'ist Choice Vintage, and in a rat.w circling slip the former showed pace, and reached tl« hare a cl-'rr length aheall of the first twi) t'll"" Then the hare broke to Choice Vintage, whll wa., busy for a long time, and managed to h ace -unts. Masdeu then drew clear past, UiCtl III" hare four or five times, and had well won I" escaped, 1 it the First Ties Iasdeu ran a 'If'i; r handed bye, !,is trainer not knowing but :i before that I 'lytogarth, his rival, had been drawn. I BY TKLKCRAI'H. j TLLK WATERLOO CUP. Deciding Course— Bit of Fashion ami Glendyne divided. WATERLOO PURSE. Deciding Course- -Masdeu beat Danseuse. WATERLOO PLATK. Deciding Course—Cocklaw Dean beat Che Sarj.

-M ADVERTISING.—Publicity is money. T!'? to be ref'?ni/ed as a principle iu business. petition is so keen, and we live in such ""?' :lIne=- that a man's only chance of succ?? lies in f"??' ?? the merit of his war? far and wide, up and *ht. market. He mu"t keep ? trmnpeter. the !? tion must be arrested, and he who best sticeec?1,; ir, ha? the best chance of making his fortune. ??4dg,'t- Printed ? the .t?t-?'s? and G'turaT Pri;w' ¡';¡;Ia/¡k;f. ??< A-iverti?r" OMce ?te Nlusig- Hall), Niark?A SquMe. Wrexham, in the County of Denh.^i■. 13tl published on Frid? and S.. urd?: at ? ;¡, Omces, and also at the Establishment o? f ?" in t Yorke. High Street, Mo)d. in the County of '?. tt S??.p of Mrs Kr?mu. Kdw?<t.. Cor?. -?.;„ County of Merioneth at Mr C. G. ?'"?' T? I, Cro'" Oawestry in the County of ?Wop; ami at t?0  m? ?r Wn,. ?t.n. M<.r  t P? Che ?,?. ment of Mr Wm. Aston, Market Place Cliei sr ,a tb* County of Chter by SKU.NA BAVf.Et. 5. ?''? ?.? Wrexham, aforesaid; CHARf.? GKOROK SAYI,Fyl Tb? Cross, Oswestry, afor?td and n EOR.; ???- CMtt Park, WMxham, ?.)'?H ?b'a? ??< *:D