The Aberystwith Observer

COUNTY COURT, ABERYSTWYTH. Friday, 18th January, 1867. Before T. Humphreys, Esq., Deputy-judge. This day was occupied in hearing undisputed and uninteresting cases. Saturday, 19th January. His Honour took his seat on the bench at 10 o'clock. The only case of general interest heard was that of Elizabeth Morgan T. Edmund Burke. Mr. Atwood appeared for the plaintiff, snd Mr. F. R. Roberts for the defendant. Elizabeth Morgan sworn, examined by Mr. At- wood In April last witness had a pig, nine months old. It was killed by a mine-work engine, the bob of which was not fenced. Capt. Gledhill is captain of the mine. When witness told him about the pig he gave her some tongue-sauce. He-went to see the place, and saw the carcass of the pig, for which he offered half a sovereign. Witness wanted 30s. Cross-examined by Mr. Roberts Mr. Gledhill said that the 10s. he offered was offered as a pre- sent. Can't say how the pig got under the bob, because she was not with it. There was no fence about tbe machinery at the time the pig was killed. There was not a fence round the mine or wheel-it had decayed and gone down. After the pig was killed a fence was put up. William Daniel sworn, examined by Mr. Atwood: Witness is a shopkeeper at Tre'rddol. Saw the pig on the day it was killed. Saw it under the bob. There had been a fence there, but it had gone down. There is a fence there now. The value of the pig was from 30s. to 35s. Cross-examined by Mr. Roberts There was a sort of fence, consisting of rotten rails. People about there turn the pigs out in the road. William Owen sworn, examined by Mr. Atwood: Witness corroborated the evidence of the last wit- nesses. Cross-examined by Mr. Roberts Mr. Gledhill did not ride through the river. He might do so if be liked. e Thomas Thomas sworn, examined by Mr. Atwood: Witness is a farmer. Saw this pig. Its value was from 30s. to 3os. — Gledhill sworn, examined by Mr. Roberts Witness is agent of the mine. Was called to see the pig that was killed. There are two fences round the mine. At the time of this accident the outer fence was a stone wall and a rail fence. It was through the river and rail fence witness passed to the mine. The inner fence was in good order. Cross-examined by Mr. Atwood: The fence round the balance bob was newly fractured. It was sufficient to keep a pig out. Evan Jones sworn, examined by Mr. Roberta Remembers the time this pig was killed. Had seen the fences daily before the pig was killed. Saw them a week after. One of the rails in the inner fence was broken. The fence Dear the river was in rags. Judgtcent for the plaintiff.

PETTY SESSIONS, ABERYSTWYTH. Tuesday, 22nd January, 1867. Before Richard Roberts, Bæõq., mayor, and John Roberrs, Esq. Ann Hammond was brought'up on remand charged with stealing certain monies, the property of one John James. The following evidence was given in the case: John James, sworn I live at Talybont, in this counry. On last Thursday night I was in this town, I came to town to receive my pension, which I re- ceived in this hall. I received the sum of £9 2. as pension. I left the hall in company with Sergeant Hammond and one James Jones, and went to the Tourist Hotel, kept by Mr. Tustin. From there we went to the Black Bull public-bouse. At the Tourist Hotel I only spent 2s. At the Black But! we had some ale. I there changed a sovereign, we remained there several hours drinking. I do not remember when I left there. I believe I was drunk when I left. I do not recollect where I went to after I left the Black Bull. I remember being in some bouse near the gas-works. I do not recollect how I went there. I do not remember who was there, nor when I left there. In the morning as I was going home, I turned to Torglwyd farm-house to warm myself, where I counted my money, and found I bad only £5 10s., and that I had lost £3. In the morning I remembered having heard a man saying, "give the money hack to the man." I do not remember where I had been most part of the night, nor when I teft the house near the gasworks. I know the purse nowproduced, it is my property. I do not recollect taking the three sovereigns from the purse, but I do not say but that I might have done so. Albert Dawson, sworn On last Thursday night I saw the last witness, in the Blaek Bull in company with the accused. The last witness was neither drunk nor sober, be had been drinking. The last witness and the accused were sitting side by side on one side of the fire, and I on the other. There were several others in the room at the time. I saw nothing out of the way taking place between them there. Between 9 and .0 o'clock I saw the accused and Miss Davies leave the room. I and a Mr. Constance left the Black Bull soon after, to go to his house in Mill Street Jo «fee some birds be had. We there saw John JfcmeSy the accused, Miss Davies, and Mrs. Constance. After I went in Miss Davies sent for some ale and whiskey, for which the last witness paid We remained there drinking un- til nearly twelve o'clock. Just before I left I saw the accused holding a purse in her hand, and say- ing, here it is, and I shall stick to it." The accused at this time was. very drunk. She shook the purse at the time, and I heard the noise of some coic. The last witness was at this time sitting down on a chair with his head across the knees of the accused. I remarked at the time that she onght to give it back, when she replied, I shall not give it back, I will keep it." I never saw it since. I then soon weut away, and left the four together. I be- lieve the purse now produced is the one I then saw. Elizabeth Constance corroborated most of the last witness' evidence. Enoch Constance also gave similar evidence as the previous witnesses. David Evan«, sworn The purse now produced is the one I took from the window of the bouse of the last witness Catherine Davies, for the defence, sworn I am a daughter of Evan Davies, who keeps the Black Bull tavern. The prosecutor came there on Thurs- day, he was there drinking. He was not very druuk. He gave me two sovereigns to pay for a glass of brandy, and said that they were two pence. I placi d the sovereigns on the table, in the presence of the company. All his money was rolled in a piece of paper and returned to the prosecutor. William Hughes Reeves corroborated the last witness' evidence. Case dismissed.

WATER SUPPLY FOR ABERYSTWYTH. The following extract from the London pa- pers may, perhaps, form a fillip to our local authorities, in their disreputably lazy and cruel inactivity in the way of water supply for our town. We cut the following1 extract from the columns of last Wednesday's Daily Telegraph. METROPOLITAN WATER SUPPLY.—At the weekly meeting of the National Association for the Promotion of Social Science, held on Monday night, Mr. J. F. Bateman, C. E., F R S, read a paper on the advantages of having a constant supply of water in the me- tropolis. He believed that such a supply would be, in every respect, an improvement upon that whfch at present obtained. The water would have greater purity, freshness, and coolness, and, in case of fire, the supply would be always available. One of the ob- jections which had been raised to the system which he advocated was, that it would lead to still greater waste than was made under the existing scheme. This objection was not sup- ported by facts. In Manchester, where the supply of water was constant, the quantity consumed per head per day was 14 gallons, whilst in London, with an intermittent supply, the consumption was 32 gallons per head. At Glasgow the consumption was very great, but that arose from there being no effective super- vision From the success which had attended the introduction of the constant supply system in other places, there was no reason for doubt- ing that it might be equally successful if in- troduced in the metropolis. To secure so good a result, it was only necessary that providers and consumers should work harmoniously to- gether." It will be seen from the above, that we of Wales have the power to fully supply our rate- payers with a constant flow of water, by making the recipients the conservators of their own luxuries (not to say necessaries), and at the same time to spare the town the expense of utterly useless and cockscoinbical turncocks. A qualified engineer (we mean, of course, a respectable geutleman) could easily, simplify the mt'ans of such a supply. In the name of common sense, let our local authorities en- deavour to act on motives removed from petty, personal, or party feeling. Let the welfare of the general weal take precedence—if not of selfish interest, at least of private animosity, and narrow minded bigotry.

TYRANNY OVER THE UNEMPLOYED. It has transpired that a large shipbuilding company in Loudon-the Thames Iron Ship- building Company—has had a correspondence with its unemployed men, which, in our opi- nion, reveals a very sad state of things. The company was very" slack," which simply means that a number of its men had to swell the rauks of the distressed shipwrights, who form so large a proportion of the unemployed in the metropolis. The company, however, succeeded in getting a contract for the building of some foreign iron steamers; but the contract being at so low a figure, the manager sugges- ted that the men should work on a reduction of sixpence a day from thetfestablished wages, 7s. The men refused to accede tothe terms. Why ? Because the union system would not allow them to sell their labour at the price which, indivi- dually, perhaps every man amongst them would have willingly taken under the circumstances Now, let us add to this a remarkable com- munication to the Times." The writer, sign- ing himself a Durham man," says,—" A de- mand for higher wages in the establishment of a shipbuilder in the North led to a strike. After remaining out some time, the men were called together, and the employer expressed his firm conviction that the men were ready to go in on their old terms. A show of hands was taken, and all held up against goinat in. The master then, still convinced that the union was the real obstacle, ballotted all the men, and,strange as it may appear, the result showed that every man was in favour of resuming work, though not one would hold up his hand a few minutes before. The men went in." These facts, we think, are well worthy of being pondered over by working men; and it would be well if they were to be discussed in connection with the letters of Messrs Creed & Williajns, to the same journal. However ne- cessary or advisable may have been the union of working men in times gone by, it seems to us that the system is now being carried much too far. Many an unemployed man at this moment finds, not that union is strength," but that it is tyranny.

THE LATE GALE. The schooner "Dreadnought," Captain Evans, from Liverpool bound to Denia, in Spain, having reached the Scilly Islands, met with a heavy gale, which carried away her galley bulwarks, and tore her sails to ribbons. She was driven back in a crippled state, and after a dangerous course in the channel was obliged to put into this harbour to re- pair damages on Thursday last. (The crew (amongst whom was the renowned Watkin Lewis) were thoroughly exhausted. The captain informs as that when the vessel lost her sails, being totally at the mercy of the waves, was for the most jpart of the time under water.

LITERARY INSTITUTE AND WORKING MEN'S READING ROOM. It is already known that two rooms in the estab- lishment of Mr. James, grocer, North Parade have been taken as reading room and library for the above institution. On the evening of Tuesday last the committee met at the above rooms to adapt and approve a code of rules for the institution. Committee meeting held at the Railway Tea Warehouse, Jan. 22nd, 1867. Present—Rev. E. Owen Phillips, chairman, Rev. J. M. Morrill, Messrs. J. A. Cross, G. Jones, M. H. Davis, C. Hackney, D. Jones (treasurer), J. Jones, R. Evans, J. P. Jones, J. James, and L. O. Davies, who kindly consented to perform the duties of secretary, pro. tem. (the hon. sec. being absent.) The following resolutions were carried unani- mously :— I. That Mr. Thomas Blanning be engaged as at- tendant, at a palary of 5s. per week. II. Proposed by Mr. J. P. Jones, and seconded by Mr. Evans, That Mr. J. A. Cross be vice-president of the institution. The following Rules were adopted.:— I. That the institution be called The Aberyst- wyth Literary Institution and Working Men's Reading room." II. That the affairs of the Institution shall be managed by a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and a committee of twenty members, all to be annually elected. The ministers of all deno- minations within the borough of Aberystwyth to be members of the committee. III. That all annual subscribers of one guinea, and half-a-guinea, together with quarterly subscri- bers of half-a-crown, and a shilling paid in advance, be full members of the institution, and have a voice in all the general meetings* IV. That a ticket be supplied to members on the payment of their subscription. V. That no book or periodical be admitted to the library and reading room without the sanction of the committee. VI. The institution shall.not be dissolved without the consent of nine-tenths of the members. In the event of dissolution the books or other property presented to the institution jshlilF bereturned to the donors. VII. The committee shall engage an attendant at Suoh a salary as they may deem sufficient, who shall be under their control and directions. VIII. That the library be open and books issued on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 7 to 9 o'clock p m., and on Saturdays from 12 to 1 p.m. IX. That the reading room be opened at 9 a.m. and closed at 10 o'clock p.m. dkily (Sundays excepted.) X. All books purchased or presented shall have the name of the institution stamped upon them, and those presented shall also have the name of the donor upon them, and also the number of days the books are to be out. XI. That no periodicals be circulated until the issue of a new number. XII. That in case of the loss or material damage of a book the person to pay such sum as the com- mittee shall deem reasonable, or forfeit his or her interest in the library. XIII. No member shall retain a paper more than ten minutes after it has been applied for. XIV. That an annual meeting of the subscribers be held in January, to transact business. XV. That visitors be admitted to the reading room and library on the payment of one shilling per week.

POPULAR READINGS. The fifth of the above entertainments for the pre- sent season was given at the New National School- room on Wednesday evening. Owing doubtless to the inclemency of the weather the meeting was but thinly attended. It was eVidently the townspeople who held back for many families from a distance in the country were present. It was announced that the chair would be taken by Dr. Gilbertson; but that gentleman, finding himself unable at the last moment to fulfil his engagement, Col. Pryse, M.P., who fortunately was present, consented in the kindest manner to preside. The chairman briefly opened the proceedings of the evening with a few pithy remarks, expressing his approbation of such meetings, and his determinat on to support them. The first item in the programme was, as usual, a musical overture—Mr. Careswell performing on the violin, and Mr. Bervon presiding at the piano. The piece chosen for performance was an arrangement of airs from Flotow's opera of "Marta." This opera has gained a celebrity to which the musical ability of its nominal composer would never have entitled it. Mr. Flotow is no better than a literary thief; seeking to build bia reputation on the achievements of others. He battens on the brains of better men. The opera of Marta" owes all its great success to the Irish air The Last Rose of Summer," the beautiful melody of which pervades its every scene. Mr. Careswell's and Mr. Bervon's performance was, as might have been expected, a perfect and pleasing success. The first reading of the evening was not a dialogue from Shakspeare, the speeches being delivered by Mr. T. Simon and Mr. Jones, with emphasis exhibiting a true appreciation of the text, and of considerable amount of study and with attitude far from ineffectual. Hattou'* trio "The Wood Thrush," by Mrs. Gilbertson and party, as set down in the programme. In addition to Mrs. Gilbertson, who accompanied on the piano- forte, the party consisted of Miss Hughes, Miss Gilbertson, and Master Gilbertson. Each part, was indeed admirably rendered, and the whole was a fretwork of harmony, artistic, and delightful in effect. The Hev. E. 0 Phillips read a poem from Wordsworth with his usual pleasing skill; and it requires no mean amount of skill, in our estimation to make anything of Wordsworth's more to pungent the palate than milk and water composition. Per- haps few men had better friends amongst the critics of his time than had Wordsworth, which, in some degree, may account for the extraordinary success of his "poetry." He was an amiable and accom- plished gentleman and scholar, but, to our mind, removed by distance immeasurable from the posi- tion of a great poet. Let any one read what is called his best poem, "The Excursionist," and deny that the first part is not a tissue of false reasoning, foolish bathos, and very singular notions of the duties of a mother and a wife. Miss Roberts, of Penwern, performed on the pianoforte a very de- lightful tarentella, in a very brilliant style. The lady was much and deservedly applauded. We hope to hear for the future many more such finished performances by such fair performers. David Thomas was announced to read the Welsh piece of the evening, but he being unavoidably ab- sent, Mr. L. O. Davies kindly, because unhesita- tingly, consented to take the absent one's place; and acquitted himself to the fullest satisfaction of the audience. This reading was followed by an in- strumental duet of airs from Der Frichutz-Miss Davies performing on the pionoforte and Mr. Lewis Davies on the violin. The reception with which this performance was greeted was the best testimony itS to the perfection of both the youthful performers. At the conclusion of the piece applause grew into a hearty call of encore, a request, however, which was not granted The Rev. John Jones read the Burial of Moses," a composition dignified in sen- timent and treatment. Mr. E. Williams sang a very humorous bullad in a very humorous style. The name of the ballad e*c.ped us. The singer was loudly encored. Mr. T. Stooke read an amusing piece, the lament of young ladies to their mammas that the men would not {Kopose." This reading created a considerable amount of amusement. Mr, J. A. James, with that stentoiian voice of his, sang Cherry's great bus ballad Will-o'-the-wisp," and wastoudtyand deacrvedtyapptauded. Mr. Chester's was the last reading of the evening—a happily-se- lected passage from Judge Halliburton's greatest book "Sum Slick." All American humour is coarse in its texture, but even Tftaff'heeoii'nf the more immediately telling on an audience. Mr. Chester did full justice to his author. A vote of thanks having been proposed to the chairman, the proceed- ings terminated with the National Anthem, and the audience separated well pleased with the even- ing's entertainment.

;—♦- PENNY READINGS. The next of the series of these popular entertain- ments will be held next Friday evening, at the Temperance Hall. Great preparations are being made in order to make this meeting the most suc- cessful of the season. The most experienced readers have promised to take part; and in addition to several choice pieces by the choir, under the leadership of Mr. Daniel Jones, we under'stnad that Misses Lloyd, Williams, and M. A. Jones, have con- sented to stng, so that a treat of no ordinary nature may be relied on.

:—♦——- GOGERDDAN RENT AUDIT. The half-yearly rents of this vast estate were re- ceived at the Lion Hotel on Thursday la*t. The number of tenants attending was so large that even the spacious premises of the "Lion" were found in- capable of accommodating the welcome attendants. The Assembly Rooms" were additionally engaged; and in those very convenient and handsome chambers the tenants of the estate enjoyed the festivities con- sequent upon the receipt of these rents. The dinner, which was, of course, provided by Mrs. Barlow, of the Lion Hotel, was equal in excellence to anything of the kind hitherto improvised to illustrate the feast of reason and the flow of soul.

CHRISTY'S MINSTRELS. This clever troupe, whose name is world-wide for fame, have reappeared in our town. Their first programme was given at the Assembly Rooms last evening, and was numerously attended. The en- tertainment will be repeated this evening. Professor Whitworth is the proprietor of the present com- pany, and his fame, and that of his troupe, are not new to Aberystwyth. Shouts of laughter greeted the comic songs and. the jokes of bones and tam- bourine.; and applause the concerted pieces, j

VOLUNTARY RELîEF FOR THE POOR OF ABERYSTWYTH. The subscription list which we published last week, which amounted then to jEI08 odd, has been the means of relieving—saving perhaps the lives of many families—old persons, unemployed, poor helpless women and tender children. God bless those who gave and those who yet will give in such a cause. On Saturday the committee and their secretary (Dr. C. Rice Williams), sat in the Temperance Hall, to distribute tickets for relief to the poor applicants. The Rev. E. O. Phillips. the vicar of the parish, pre- sided, and was assisted by Richard Roberts, Esq., mayor, the Rev. Mr. Griffiths, Rev. John M. Morrill, Rev. 0. Davies, Rev. John Jones, Mr. Hugh Davies, Mr. John Williams, Mr. Philip Williams, Mr. J. P. Jones, Mr. John Watkins, Mr. Richard Morris, and other active members of the committee. At an early hour on Saturday morning, notwith- standing the extreme severity of the weather, the space in front of the Temperance Hall was crowded with shivering poor creatures in scanty rags and pallid looks, the ghastly emblems of poverty and disease. When the doors were opened the hall was almost immediately filled, and the good but hard work of the committee commenced, and continued for the space of six hours. During that time 391 families were relieved by tickets issued for bread, flour, meat, and coals. Since then 89 families have been relieved from the same fund—making up to the present a total of 480 families, which, at a rough calculation of an average of three members to each family, makes the total number of individuals re- lieved 1,440. And in. a town the population of which at the taking of the jiasjt census, was 5,641, or something like one in four of the whole of the inha- bitants of the boroughTfyis surely is a pitiable state of affairs, and ought it not to be the most elo- quent of appeals to those blessed with the world's wealth in our neighbourhood to come forward freely and at once to ameliorate the sufferings of their starving fejiowecreatures? We hope next week to be able to publish a-full list of additional subscribers, and to find in that Jist the names of all those who have not given, and who have"the'means tb give. Subscriptions may b £ sent in to the Rev. E. Owen Phillips, chairinpA, Richard* Rbbertsj Esc| mayor, C. Rice tymiagijs, Esq, M.D-y or ony other member of the committee;

.r, SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. On the evening of Wednesday the luggage train which leaves Aberystwyth about three o'clock was unceremoniously stopped, by a piece of land which tumbled over the line at Talerddig cutting. Fortu- nately the train in question was geing up the steep incline when the impediment appeared. A very different and much more fearful tale would have to be told had the slip occurred half an hour earlier, before the down passenger train, due at Aberyst- wyth at six, reached its destination. The train conveyingthe merning mails to Aber- ystwyth met with an accident of a very curious des- cription. Shortly after leaving the Welsh pool sta- tion the branching roots of a tree which had been cast accidentally or otherwise between tbe line of rails caught in the works of the passing engine, and so disordered them that the train was obliged slowly to put back to Welshpool, where another engine was procured. This was the reason for the delay in our morning delivery last Thursday. A villanous report was spread through this town on Wednesday and Thursday last, to the effect that the probably most popular gentleman in the county of Cardigan, had been summoned to an untimely end. We have proud pleasure in stating that the rnmour has no foundation. The miscreant who originated the report we hope to will be banded to the tender protection of the police. FROZEN TO DEATH.—On Tuesday morning, the 15th inst., the body of 1Yilliam Jones, Cnwchcoohy. labourer, was found dead in a field within a verV^short distance of his home. The deceased was 63 /ears of age. He had been to Aberystwyth on th day previous, and was seen coming home near !J*eny wern, late on Monday night, in a state of intoxication. On the Wednesday follow- ing an inquest' was held on the body, before J. M. Davies, Esq., coroner, and a respectable jury, when a verdict "that he had come by his death from the incle- mency of the wfeather" was returned. A YOUNG MAN PERISHED IN THE SNOW.—On Sunday morning last, the body of one Ebenezer Tho- mas, 18 years of age, was found by a pathway in a field near Llandyssul. He had left his home the day before in company with his brother, for the purpose of being present at a meeting of schools at Llandys- sul. He called at the railway station about six o'clock in the evening to request the station master to send a telegram for him to God. He was not seen afterwards until his body was discovered next morn- ing, He had undressed himself, and placed his clothes in a heap close by, ånd, was lying on his face on the snow quite naked. He was a young man of a melancholy turn of mind, his chief delight being to read and study the Bible and.religious books.

SALE OF THE HIWLAS ESTATE. This beautifully-situated landed property was, according to annou/remenr, offered for sale on Thursday last, by Mr. O. t- Smith, of this town. A large number of Bidders attended from England and Walei; but the sums offered not coming up to the figure fixed upon as the reserved bidding, the property was bought in.

HAFOD HOTEL COMPANY, LIMITED. IN VOLUNTAKT LIQUIDATION. [The following letter, addressed to each of the shareholders in the above company, will prove inter- esting to many of our readers. J SIB,—I herewith send copy of resolutions adopted at an extraordinary general meeting of the members, with a view of restoring the status of the company. I regret that, notwithstanding every reasonable endeavour to stay expenses, and to carry out the course agreed upon unanimously by the company and by fifteenth-sixteenths in amount and eleven- twelfths in number of the creditors, we are met at every point by continued opposition on the part of the small minority. The reference under the order as to the appoint- ments already made by the company and by the creditors of parties to act as liquidators, came before the Chief Clerk yesterday in Chambers, when, on re-nomination, there appeared :— For Mr. Balcombe—Members, £ 17,200 Creditors, £28,200. For Mr. Balcombe and Mr. W. H. Banks —Creditors, £24,833. For Mr. Thomas Jones- Creditors, £.3,500. Total for Mr. Balcombe, and Mr. Balcombe and Mr. W. H. Banks, £53,033. The Chief Clerk, after hearing the claim set up in favour of Mr. Thomas Jones, and in opposition to Mr. Balcombe, decided that he would not in any event appoint Mr. Jones but further stated, that notwithstanding the overwhelming preponderance of votes in favour of Mr. Balcombe, he hesitated, in the face of even so small an opposition, to appoint him or any other director of the company, and adjourned the matter until Tuesday, tbe 29th inst., in order that the result of the petition to withdraw may be known stating that if the order be made, the ap- pointment of any liquidators would be unnecessary and. if refused, the creditors should have an oppor- tunity cf proposing as liquidator an independent gentleman who has never held office under the company. The late directors desire me to acknowledge the confidence which has been, and still is, reposed in them their chief anxiety is to carry out in all in- tegrity the resolution of the creditors on the 17th of November but it is obvious>that, if their endeavours are to be met with like oppositionr they cannot be responsible if the result should De. a compulsory winding-up, and the consequent sacrifice of the estate; which,, under a forcødfále, would probably not yield, to the unsecured ctefti^ort; than the first instalment payable in September iieit. I am, Sir, Yours faithfully, V J3. A. MARSPEN. London, 30, Walbrook, B.C., JaKM<tryl8<A,1867. An extraordinary general meeting of the members of this company was held at 32, Moorgate Street, in the city of London, on Monday, the 14th day of January, 1867, pursuant to notice:— Mr. Charles Fauntleroy in the chair. And pre- sent forty other members, in person or by proxy, holding 1,602 shares. Mr. Balcombe, the liquidator appointed by the company, having read the notice of meeting, a long discussion ensued and after reference to resolutions passed by the creditors on the 17th November, as under :— 1st. "That the offer made by the chairman for the payment of the creditor^' claims in full by five equal instalments of four shillings each, on the 30th September in each year, commencipg 1867, without interest, be accepted." 2nd. That Mr. H. W. Banks', of Coleman Street, London, public accountant, be appointed a liquidator conjointly with Mr. Dalcombe, to protect the interests of the creditors." The following extraordinary resolutions were then passed unanimously :— 1. That the arrangement entered into between this company and its creditors, .as expressed by a proposal made to the said creditors and adopted by a resolution passed by them at a meeting of the said creditors duly convened and held at 32, Moorgate Street, in the city of London, on the 17th day of November, 1860, and subsequently confirmed by considerably more than three-fourths in number and value of the said creditors under their respective signatures, be, and the same is hereby sanctioned by the company as required by Bee. 136 of The Com- panies' Act, 1862. 2. That the liquidators, or the late directors of this company be, and are hereby severally authorized and. requested to apply by petition to His Lordship the Master of the Rolls, to sanction the removal of both petitions (on which an order was made on the 15th instant) off the file of the Court, on the ground of the arrangement entered into between the com- pany and its creditors. 3. That the liquidators or the late directors of the company, or both of them in conjunction, be autho- rized to make, from time to time, such application or applications to the Court as may be necessary to embody the arrangement above referred to, in the order to remove the petitions and to seek and ob- tain such authorities and powers as they may be advised are necessary for giving effect to these resolutions. (Signed) CHARLES FAUNTLEROT, Chairman.

PENNY READING, LLANBADARN. One of these entertainments was successfully given to a drowded audience on Thursday evening. The chair was occupied by J. M. Davies, Esq., Antafon. Miss Susannah Morgan, vocalist, and Master John Jones, who played the concertina,(both of this town), were amongst the most successful of the performers.

♦ BORTH. TaB MAYOR op BORTH !The public are not perhaps aware that some of t e more lively inhabi- tants of Borth are in thar habit of electing a mayor every year, and this year there seems to have been a contest or the office, between Thomas Roberts, carpenur, (the old mayor,) and David Hughes, a publica, au aspirant for honours. The choice, however, felyon the old mayor; so his admirers, regardless of weather, persisted in chair- ing him about the village on. Friday night, to the strains of the Aberyuwyth brass band.—Commu- nicated.

—» ABERDOVEY. THE DEVIATED RAILWAY.—The new archway of the tunnels was finished, we are told, on Saturday night. THE RECENT STORMS.—A contemporary pub- lishes the following:—A schooner (the Jane Ellen) arrived in the bay on Sunday morning, laden with 'culm,' and hoisted signals of distress. The 'James Conley' steamer was sent out to assist, as also was the life-boat, but the schooner being grounded they could not move her. The steamer put back for a rope, but she also got aground^ and about'the same time the life-boat, which had remained with the ves- sel, got aground too. The steamer could not return till dark, by which time the schooner and life-boat had gone further into the bay for shelter. The steamer being unable to find them again retired the wind at the time was blowing a hurricane from the north-east. The schooner and life-boat remained in the bay all night, but, we are glad to say, were able to get into port at 8 o'clock on Monday morn- Another schooner (the Azoff) laden with coal, dragged her anchor when in the river, and was car- ried by the violence of the wind and waves against the landing-stage, on Sunday morning. Both the stage and the vessel were damaged, but to no very great extent. CHEERING.—TheDenbighWorking Men's Reading K Reereation Rooms are entirely free from debt,— have during the past year received £ 54 15s. 4d., and spent £52 14s. 2d. THE Naval Reserve of Wales, says a contempo- rary, is as follows:—Aberystwyth 19, Beaumaris 43, Carnanon 1^4, Cardiff 141, Cardigan 45, -Llanelly 40, Milford 38, Newport 6, Swansea 225, < making a total of 711." j LIFE-BOAT. « ABEBDOVEY. During a heavy gale from the E.S.E. yesterday j (states Mr. David Williams, of the Customs), a 1 schooner was seen with a signal of distress flying. She had failed to beat up the harbour against the ( gale, and was anchored close to a bank on which a í heavy sea was breaking, and there was danger of her going on the bank, as her anchors were drag- 1 ging; the "Royal Berkshire" life-boat of the ( National Life-boat Institution and a steam-tug 5 thereupon promptly put out to the assistance of the ressel. The steamer, however, having to return for a tewing hawser, went on a shoal, where she S remained: the life-boat was heartily welcomed by I the schooner's crew, who were nearly exhausted with their labours. Some of the crew of the life- boat then went on board the schooner, set one of her sails, and took her under the lee of some sand hills j which offered shelter, "here she was anchored. The master and crew desired that the life-boat should { stand by them in case their vessel should again ( drive, and the boat accordingly remained alongside t all night. This morning the weather having slightly moderated, the life-boat assisted in bringing the 8 schooner safely into harbour. She is the Jane Ellen, c of Aberystwyth, bound from Neath to this port' with a cargo of culm. The cost of this life-boat was benevolently collected a short time since in the county of Berkshire, by Captain Stephens, of the Reading Bank, and other gentlemen, and presented to the National Life-boat Institution, and this is ( the first service she has had the opportunity of ren- | dering since she has been placed on her station. Morniug tar. c

Variety. t — t Miss Smith, of Wellington, is the author of the J clever paper The Travelling Fosl-Office," published in the Mugby Junction"—the Christmas number t of "All the Year Round." CHARITY.—Mr. David Davies, of Llandinam, gave away fifteen tons of coal to the poor last week, in > accordance with his usual custom in January. 1 SPRING ASSIZES.—Mr. Justice Channell will be the judge at the spring assizes in North Wales and •? Mr. Justice Keating fur South Wales. j CHOLERA IN CARNARVON.—In all there have been 932 cases of cholera and diarrhoea in Carnarvon, a town of not more than 9,000 inhabitants and this ( in the course of a few weeks. The deaths have, amounted to 82. f THE IRON AND COAL TRADES OF SOUTH WALES. —In the South Wales Iron trade things are in a very I dull state, and it is entirely owing to the receipt of i orders on foreign account, principally American, that t many of the works are enabled to keep on operations s with anything like regularity. Notwithstanding the advantages offered to consumers entering the market, t by the cheapness of money and the low prices ac- cepted, they evince but little disposition to purchase 1 except for immediate requirements, and the slight 1 improvement evinced in the feeling of confidence a ( short time since has made but little progress in fact, ( it has been rather cheeked than otherwise by the an- i nouncement that the Ebbw Vale Company (Limited) j have determined to stop operations at their Brendon a Hills Mine, and that two or three of the ironworks t of the district are in the market. The ironmasters of Monmouthshire have taken no steps as yet to re- duce wages and the men hope that the demand will so increase as to render it unnecessary to carry out a reduction. There has been a falling off lately in the quantity of iron exported for the foreign mar- kets but the tone of the enquiries from most of the 1 markets is of an encouraging character, and there is every prospect of a large business being done with, I America, a good spring trade with Canada and I Russia for railway iron, and a much improved de- mand from Italy. There is but a slow sale for pig 1 iron. The plates are in better request, but prices i remain the same. For steam coal the demand is not I quite so brisk still proprietors are tolerably well ] supplied with orders and there is a large foreign I and inland trade carried on. There is a fair enquiry for house coal, and the local consumption has in- creased. SEVENTY sailors of the port of Carnarvon, who never saved before, have been so moved by the elo- quence of a lecturer, that they have opened accounts in the Savings' Bank. We cannot help thinking that if one <jr two leading spirits in every workshop were to take the matter up; not only might working men be induced to invest some of their earnings for their own benefit, but also contribute of their loose pence for the benefit of systematic charity.—Os. Ad. SENSATIONAL TKETOTAUSM.—:Tbe 'North Wales Chronicle' records a pleasing fact," as stated by the Rev. G. Jones, Calvinistic minister, in a temper- ance lecture at Bethesda. The fact alluded to is that Lord Penrhyn only allows two licensed public houses in the parish of Llandegai, which is chiefly his property, one of these houses being the Capel Curig Hotel. When the lecturer had mentioned this fact, he uttered in a loud voice, "Blessed be the name of Lord Penrhyn to which the people cried, "Amen JOY PROLONGS LI^E.—Joy is one of the greatest panacea^ of life. No joy is more healthful or better calculated to prolong life, than that which is to be found in domestic happiness, in the company of good and cheerful men, and in contemplating with delight, the beauties of Nature. A day spent in the country, under a serene sky, amidst a circle of agreeable friends, is certainly a more positive means of pro longing life than all the vital elixirs in the world.— Hukeland. YANKEE VISITORS.—Close to the little villag( where I live there is a noble bay, one of the finest il the world, on which one day a stately frigate, with the stars and stripes at her masthead, dropped an- chor. The-next day a considerable number of hei officers in full uniform paid me a visit to invite me te, dine on board their ship. I am never surprised at American civilities, nor do I feel that hospitality j, with them more than a daily duty. I was, however. out of sorts or out of spirits; I was gouty or I wa; sulky, or something or other, and I made my ex cuses, and said something about a future day aiu we fell into chat about other matters, home ami foreign, and conversation grew animated and agrei- able, when suddenly one of the company exclaimeo, Mr. O'Dowd, you are remarkably like Governoi Rogers." The compliment overwhelmed me f. though not knowing Governor Rogers, I felt, as well I might, what honour it was for me, poor "den: author as I was, to be like Governor Rogers an. so I believe I blushed, and I muttered out what ] meant to be my acknowledgments. From thi. moment forth, however, I never opened my moutl that there was not a universal cry of Governor H, gers, by Gad Hell! if it ain't himself." If I smih or laughed, or nodded my head, or uttered a syllabi of assent, a loud chorus of Governor Rogers' bur forth, which, however flattering at first, fairly orei came me in the end, and covered me with confusio: After this had continued some time, a period in whit I am free to own I felt the reverse of comfortable, u old grim paymaster who had never uttered a word, but sat sipping his sherry in silence, accosted me thus Mr. O'Dod,"—I remember the strange but not inexplicable blunder by which he miscalled my name—"Mr. O'Dod," said he slowly, "you ai'nt aware, I am sure, how it is that you are so like Go- vernor Rogers." I protested most eagerly that I was totally ignorant of the matter, however gratify- ing it might be to my feelings. "I'll tell you, then" said he gravely, and smacking his lips with an authoritative tone "Governor Rogers was an old fellow of your build and stamp and he used to write these sort of light things that are remembered to- day and forgotten to-morrow." I'll not own what I felt at this speech, I'll not confess that the sentiment it occasioned me at the time is still fresh in me as I record it. Let the incident, however, vouch that I am not a bribed witness, and that in advocating an American alliance I have not been gained over by flattery. u Corneliua O'Vowd," in Blackwood's Magazine. BRITTANY EISTBODPOC.—Mr. Cadivor Wood, writing to the Chester Chronicle says:—"It may interest some of your readers to learn that a WeUfa trip to Brittany has taken remarkably well. Very influential men are now at work in many towns in North and South Wales, organizing parties in con- nection with the Chester party. A correspondence has been opened with the London and South West- ern Railway Company to make special arrangements from Southampton for a party of at least 200 ladies and gentlemen; and a proposition is on foot to subscribe JE20 and a gold medal, as a prize to be awarded at the Varmes Eisteddfod to the author of tbe best essay on 'The most efficient means of bringing the Welsh and Breton branches of the British race into inter-communication.' In con- nection with the Paris Exhibition trip, Mr. Wood believes that £4 would cover all expenses, per head, for a four days trip; and he quotes Mr. Excursion- ist Cook as his authority for making the statement. A PRECIOUS SET OF GOVERNORS.—Carnarvon is to be congratulated on having got rid of the cholera, says a contemporary, but it would appear the towns- folk have not much to thank some members of the Corporation for. We read that "It is almost an impossibility to get the sanitary committee together for the transaction of business," and the local paper which records that fact, remarks, We cannot but deplore the lack of interest taken in the municipal duties by many of the members of the Corporation." May not the fact that there is no promotion in municipal dignitaries in Carnarvon have something to do with the supineness of the town-councillors ? SERMONS.—Is there any reason why there should be two or three sermons every Sunday ? Is there any reason why each sermon should last half-an- hour ? If it be said the poor will have it so, or they will leave the church—why, we have sometimes been told the poor like hard words which they cannot understand, or they like shouting and vulgarity, and therefore flock to chapel—are we to give people what we know to be bad for them because they like it? May we not hope gradually to educate them to something better ? One well-thought sermon is of more use than three of the ordinary compilations of the over-worked minister or, if there should be oddly-constituted minds, which profit more by good when well diluted with bad, are we to sacrifice to these the preacher himself and all the normal minds of the congregation ? At least, let the latter have a chance of escape; leave a short pause after the prayers, during which persons might be allowed to exercise the right of going in or out of church, as their inclination for sermons might direct. Dr. Arnold set the example, which has been wisely fol- lowed in many schools since his time, of preaching to his scholars only once a day for not more than a quarter of an hour and yet (we will not say in con- sequence of this) there has probably never been a school in which the influence of the chapel services was so widely and deeply felt as it was in the Rugby of Arnold. No doubt there are subjects and occa- sions on which long sermons are appropriate, and there are preachers like the late Archdeacon Hare, who are fitted to deal with such subjects and occa- sions, as there are others who are endowed with a latural eloquence which enchains the hearers, though there should be no special propriety of subject or time but it is a safe rule to lay down that most subjects in the hands of most men are treated Far more effectively in a discourse of ten minutes than in a discourse of treble that time. As to the lumber of sermons, if it be thought too much to tiope for the entire abolition of the second sermon in jrdinary churches, we would strongly urge the res- toration of catechising in country places, and the idoption in towns of a lecture or exposition instead )f the afternoon or evening sermon.—Contemporary Review.

ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCHYARD. ro THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVBR. Sir,—Some time ago I addressed a letter to you m this subject, and I hoped that, attention having thereby been called to the abominable state of the ihurchyard, some steps would have been taken in the remedy. Such, however, has not been the case, and I think :he rate and pew rent payers are very much to )lame in not doing- 80melbing themselves, as those who from their more intimate business relations with the Church, are really the persons to look to the matter, continue to pay no attention to it. If any one will take the trouble to walk about the ihurchyard, he will readily perceive that mine is no die complaint, for be can scarcely go three yards without running the risk of stepping upon a heap of tmman excrement. This is a very disagreeable sub- let to write about, and also for you to print; but it s really necessary the attention of the public should be diverted to it. A few days ago I went there with a friend, and ivent to look at a new tomb which had recently been erected, when I remarked upon the abominable filth ivhich was permitted to accumulate there and my Friend said, A short time ago, during the mild open iveather, there was a yellow snake about two feet long seen just where we are now standing." Just imagine the feelings of a person visiting the grave of I. dearly beloved relative with such an abominable sight in view as that; and it is a shame and a dis- grace that such a state of things should be allowed to exist. In my former letter I suggested that the entrance both to the churchyard and to the castle grounds from the churchyard, should be closed at dusk every lay and some other correspondent of yours in reply }uestioned the legal right of any such step but who would be likely to oppose such a course when public decency cries out so loudly for it. I do not see any other course likely to remedy the present state of things effectually. I am, sir, yours obediently, Jan. 25th. A CHURCHMAN. +

LLANBADARN CLOCK. ro THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVER, SIR,—In your last paper I saw an account of a meeting which was held at Llanbadarn vicarage respecting the restoration of this fine old church. Judging from experience I should say that in order 10 carry into effectual working order such resolu- tions it will be necessary to employ some party or parties more energetic than him or they who have had care of the church clock, which has been at a stand-still for more than a dozen months its minute-hand as well as its hour-hand pointing the finger of scorn to our native dignity. The present state of that clock is a standing falsehood on the face of an edifice which was founded us a temple of truth. Your obedient servant, Llanbadarn. A LAYMAN. —♦

THE WELSH CHURCH. TO THE EDITOR OP THE ABEBLFSTWYTH OBSERVER. SIR, Some time ago .you^said you were autho- rized to state that the delay in the Opening of the Welsh Church was not caused by the refusal of Mr. George Powell (a gentleman who is unusually and deservedly respected throughout the county), to sign the necessary deeds. If this is the case (and of course I cannot doubt its truth) may I enquire how it is that the church so long built, and so much longer thpught about, is t.ti;1 sealed against the public? Are the doors kept locked by boobies or by bigota ? Your obedient servant, A WELSH CHURCHMAN. [The mystery is as marvellous to us as to our correspondent. An application for explanation wuuld, in all probability, be more likely of satisfac- tory reply to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners or the Bishop of St. David's than to the Eu. A. 0.)

LLANBADARN CH URCBY AR U. ro THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVER. SIR,— Having seen in a late issue of your paper 'hat the parish church of Llanbadarn-faw r is about ■o be restored, will you allow me to suggest that something should also be done to improve the etate If I be church-yard, which at present is simply dis- graceful. Nooue can visit the spot, especially I he ipper part, without being painfully struck by the ihorough want of common decency observed in the tate of the graves themselves, and grass, See., sur- ounding them. A small sum would suffice to'keep he place in something like order. At present it is » disgrace to all who are concerned with the church Ir parish. I remain, Sir, yours obediently, A VISITOR.

ro THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVER. Sir,—In the present inclement weather it may be If some use if you will give insertion to the follow- ng, cut from this day's Standard. Your obedient servant, 23rd Jan. PEYSTON SZIZZARS. FIRE-BALLS FOR MAKING FIRES. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—One of YQurcHrrcEpondents asks for infor- uttion about .f the fire-balls for making up fires, id how to get the clay, &c I can tell him how lings are managed near Milford, in Wales. A small gritty coal called "culm is got. I thiiikfroca Llanshipping, and mixed with the elay«*y mud (called slime) from the bed of Milford Haven, in equal parts. The mixture is still called culm. The culm costs about 8s. a ton, the slime and mixing about 4s., so that you have the mixed culm at 6s. a ton delivered at the water's edge. The culm ï. heaped up until wanted sufficient for use is then taken, damped, and kneaded into lumps the size of a large potato with the hands. These lumps are piled up in the fire-place, leaving a vent in the centre or top for a draught. This makes a capital fire, espe- cially for cooking. When the fire is made up for the night a lump of culm is placed over the vent, and the fire goes on smouldering; in the morning uncover the vent, and in a few minutes you have a cheerful blaze, and the kettle (left on the hob during the night) boiling. In some of the Welsh cottages j the fires have not been out for 30 years and more. I used to utilise the dust from the ordinary house coal in a. similar manner. Any clayey mud or clay, not too stiff, mixed with coal dust, will make excel- lent culm. I know it from experience. Indeed, I think it would be a great saving to reduce house coal to dust on purpose to make culm. I am, Sir, Yours obediently, j I enclose my card. G. j • ECONOMY IN BURNING COAL. — •' I TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—In Consequence of the appearance in yout columns of my letter to the Mayor of Hull many in- quiries have been made of me, personally and by letter, showing the interest taken in the simple suggestion of a thin plate of sheet iron laid on .the bottom of the fire-gate. I beg to inform yonr readers, nrst, that the plates are equally applicable to large and small grates. Secondly that the plates last a long time, mine hav- ing been in use seven years, and I see no reason why they should not last seven years longer. Thirdly, the cinders falling on the hearth, after poking the fire, should from time to time be placed on the are, as they contribute greatly, towards keeping it at an uniform red heat. Fourthly, the plate is specially useful in a kitchen grate, securing an excellent ruddy and uniform frontage Wrroasting and here also the cinders on the hearth are a very valuable addition to the fire. Lastly, after the fire has been once made up, bye-and-bye will be Seen (say, in about two hours' time) a hollow in the fire, caused by the combustion underneath. Then press down the top of the fire, and you have a second in excellent order; and so you go on, as may be necessary, adding as much fresh coals as may be deemed requisite. With myself a fire of average size, made up about ten or eleven a.m., lasts, with a few occasional fillips by way of pressing down or poking up, till half-past four or five p.m., without fresh coal. I find that these plates are rapidly getting into use everywhere and in a Hull paper just sent to me it is said, "the uniform testimony is that they answers admirably." With such a winter as this, and coals—the best at 33s. per ton—the saving of one ton out of three, with increased warmth and diminished trouble, appears to justify me in thus trespassing on the space of your widely circulated paper. I am. Sir, Your faithful servant, Jan. 22. SAMUEL WARREX.

I TUUS AMOR—A PPEM OF SIMILES. ( j IF I could fitly sing thy love j With well adapted simile, 1 I'd choose the bright blue sky above, Or the calm bosom of the sea,— The one void of the storm-wind's track, The other free from rain-cloud's black. But failing, I'll compare thy love With many other loves that be, And by my similes will prove They equal not the love of thee,— That which thou dost so kindly give To one so dear that he may live. Some loves are merely passion-born, And Time soon dulls them with his haze, But thine looks down with quiet scorn On fickle passion's transient blaze, For thine is constant, faithful, kind, And changes not with every wind. Some loves are, snow-like, pure and white, But also, snow-Hke, cold and chill; Thine is the sunny ripple bright, Perpetual on the woodland rill That whirling leaves the purling spring And skims the rocks with merry ring. Some loves are like dissolving rime, Or, rainbow-like, at times bright-hued Thy love is never dim'd by time, But brighter glows the more 'tis viewed, And keeps unspotted purity When beams or rains dpscend from high. Some loves grow up ciconia-wise, 'Neath gentle sun, and soon decay But thine, bedewed by azure skies, Throws wider shadows day by day, And in the noonday's fervent grade I, weary wanderer, seek its shade. Some loves, like leafless forest trees, Are shadeless when the snow-storm comes; But thine fears not, when winter's breeze Will blast its leaves and yielding blooms, For, when the leaves and flowers are gone. The berries bright still cluster on. Some loves are like the highland lakes, Unruffled in their silent glen Thine, like the winding stream that slakes One's thirst and cheers the eyes of men, Can satisfy the happy heart Of him to whom thou dost impart. Some loves like lamps throw light afar, And then burn out, and all is dark But thine's the bright, bright northern star, That guides me and my wandering barque Into the desired haven blest Of blissful joy and peaceful rest. PHILELPIS.

HOLI.OWAY'S PILLS.— Vitiated bile. —The present weather is productive of consmnt biUoU8 derangement, whkh, whfii neg- leeted induces fever. Holloway's Pills are the best regulators of the tiver, and their cheapne'g places them within the easy reach of all. They exercise the most absolute purifying power over the blood, and all the secretions, and wonderfully Improve the appetite. They likewi-e strengthen the stomach and etsure the full and natural action to all the digestive organs without fretting and weakening the system. They ettectuatty prevent aU flatulency and griping. Nothing ever equalled Holloway's Pill. for warding off, or curing, the many maladies so prevalent and dangerous during the. change offeasons. They always import health to body and mind.

fflarnagt6. January 23rd, atLlanfihangel Geneu'r-glynChurch, Thomas Lloyd Anwyl, Esq., of Eryl Aran, near ijala, Merionethshire, nephew of the late Col. Anwyl, 95th Regiment, to Eleanor Hope Sydney, second daughter of J. M. Davies, Esq., of Penpompren. and grand-daughter of the late Gener.l Davies, C.B., of Tanybwlch, in the county of Cardigan. On the 2Ath inst., at the Parish Church, in this town, by the H..v. E. Owen Phillips, M.A vicar, Mr. John Richard* Brewer, to Miss Sarah Davies, of trie Three TUlIs, Trefechan. I" EfatO. On the 12'h inst., at Hickleton Vicarage, near Doncaster, Mary, the beloved wile of the Rev. E. Valentine Richards, aged 33 years.

MONUMENTS for Churchos, Churchyards, and Cemeteries, executed in Stone, Marble, and Granite, may be inspected in the Show Rooms, at R. DODSON'S Marble Works, Swan-hill, Shrewsbury.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. THE VALE OF AYRON FOXHOUNDS (Capt. Vaugkan *). WILL MEET Monday, 28th Jan Falcone!ale Thursdpy, 31st Jan. Alitymdin Saturday, 2nd Feb Crossways, Llanayron EACH DAY AT TEN. I Printed and Published by the Praprietor, DAVJD JENKINS, at his General Printing-Offiee, tier- street, Aberystwyth. Saturday, January 2Gth, 1867.