The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

UP AND DOWN THE COAST. -r.r.J'" AN ELECTION. There have been elections for Guardians of the poor at several places, and among them at Aberystwyth. An election for a poor-law guardian is an antiquated piece of business, affording ample opportunities for doing those things which ought not to be done, and leaving undone those things which ought to have been done. It is said that the law has not been|observed as strictly as it might have been, and that, in fact, the election will have to be gone through again. To fill in voting papers is a dan- gerous proceeding, and one well calculated to bring the accommodating officials intojdifiiculties. If there had not been a tie between two of the candidates, the irregu- larities would probably not have secured that attention which is now sure to be bestowed upon them. It is sheer love for the poor and nothing at all in the world else that has brought forward so many candidates this year. If then had been no talk whatever about a County Govern- ment Bill, they would all have been as anxious as they are now to have seats on the Board. To sit among the county s I'ureiets what would some people not do. They will go through a good deal for a remote chance' of securing this brilliant honour Gossip is very busy with the way this election has been managed. It is not true that my Post in North Parade voted for four of the candidates. Had it done so the vote might have been truly called wooden support. One or two of the gentlemen are not expected to survive defeat. WANTED A FLOOD. The illhabitantsfin thej neighbourhood of Trawscoed Ion,, felt the need of a bridge over the Ystwyth, a swift and dangerous river liable to rise suddenly when rain falls heavily on the mountains. A committee was appointed, and the noble owner of Crosswood gave a very handsome subscriotion. Other gentlemen in the district also put their hands in their pockets ungrudgingly. "Our Saxon father3 built a bridge is a line of a first-class song that joes on to say that this bridge will safely bear us over. Now the Crosswood bridge is not like the one built by our S.«:on fathers. It could bear us over, for it is handsome I and strong, and in every way reflects credit upon the com- mittee but it is in pawn, and we-are not allowed to cross it. The committee are determined that the cost of its erection shall be defrayed before the bridge is used, and some of the small people who promised liberally enough when there was no prospect of a bridge think that per- haps the rich landowners who have already subscribed liberally will pay the remainder. Shame upon the people who hang back If it was a church or chapel that was in debt, one might get up a bazaar, or a concert, or a Christmas tree, or even a lecture.; but what can you do for a bridge, except charge a toll, and then the receipts would perhaps not pay for collection, and would fall most heavily upon those who hiive already paid heavy sub- scriptions. Nothing will do but a good heavy flood. Here is a suggestion Let a dinner be got up, and the hat sent round. Another whip round would clear the bridge. A ROOD SCREEN AND A RUDER LETTER. There is somewhere near Usk a church in want of money. So far the church near Usk, is not unlike churches nearer home. A three barrelled letter partly lithographed, and partly written, has been sent to people in this district. Ihe first application is "for some little assistance towards completing the restoration." The next is to meet the people who like to get something for their money besides the mere pleasure of helping to restore a rood screen. Here is the bait. "A fine large engraving of the screen, will be sent to each subscriber of 5s. (who may desire to have one)." A lithographed view of the screen 4 inches by Si inches, which, of course, is neither large nor fine, is sent with the letter, which con- cludes with this impudent, and not very grammatical re- qucst-" failing which (a subscription), will you send us Is. in stamps, the price of the enclosed lithograph." The price of the lithograph for which a shilling is charged would be dear at half a farthing. Cheek is not without its Talue in these days. A VALUATION CASE. A Merionethshire Board of Guardians, as everybody knows, have been struggling for a long time with the assessments. Here is a little story, and I ask my friends after this, whether some members of Boards of Guardians always serve the public for nought. This is not an imaginary case, but one that can be proved. Nor is it a case which can be passed over lightly. Indeed it cannot be passed over at all. It is bad enough to waste public money by granting extravagant nut-relief, but it is worse to make assessments th&t cannot possibly bear investigation. Is there not one member of the Board who will make a plain statement of facts, and who will steadily keep this matter before the public until justice is done? Here are the facts Absut forty years ago Rocky Farm was valued at k200 per annum, and Clay Soil Farm,lin the same parish was valued at C160. Now it happened that four portions of Clay Soil Farm were taken away from that farm and are now assessed separately at £30. This left the assessment of Clay Soil Farm at 2130, From time to time during the past forty years the assessment of Clay Soil Farm has been raised until it now stands, notwithstanding the taking away of the four pieces, at £ 190. My readers will see that if no land had been taken away from Clay Soil Farm it would now have been assessed at 2220. This is fair. We now come to Rocky Farm, whose history is not nearly so satisfactory. Forty years ago Rocky Farm was assessed at £200. Since that time no pieces of land have been taken away and assessed separately.^ The land has imnrnved even more than that of Clay Soil Farm. and yet the present assessment of Rocky Farm is 2160, or k40 less than it was forty years ago Do my friends believe that railways and increased population, and improved methods of agriculture, and additional markets, can have had the curious effect of increasing the value of Clay Soil Farm and of reducing that of Rocky Farm ? If things of this kind are to go on at Dolgelley, and else- where, I will not say unrebuked, but unreversed, there is no hope for that and similar bodies. The struggle may be an arduous one, but it must be waged. Public life must be purified, and jobs of this kind must be exposed until those who perpetrate them are glad to hide out of sight. It is all very well to sing hymns and to turn up the whites of your eyes, but when the collection plate comes round, keep in your pockets the unclean gold that soils whatever it touches. MACHYNLLETH UNION RELIEF. The Chairman made a speech at the last meeting of the Board which I read, and as I read I laughed. Hisapology for the high rate of pauperism was not an effective one but it was comic. The reasons he gave for the low rate of pauperism in other unions—namely mills, mines and quarries—are usually given as reasons for high rates of pauperism. The chairman's speech reminds me of 'the men who in summer take a glass of brandy to cool them, and in winter take a glass of brandy to warm them. It is generally admitted that where there are large works there is a large population subject to the fluctuations of business and liable to come on the rates. Dolgelley uses its quarries to prove that pauperism ought to be higher there than elsewhere. By the way, are both the Llan- brynmair guardians rated high enough to qualify them for seats on the Beard? MACHYNLLETH PAROCHIAL COMMITTEE. This committee is still in existence and has its weather eye wide open. That eye is looking for a period of two months when no rain shall fall at Machynlleth. Happy committee, and still happier town. The Coast. WINKLE.

A CARDIGAN BREACH OF PROMISE CASE. At the Glamorganshire Assizes, on Friday, April 12th, a breach of promise case from Cardigan Bay, was heard before Mr. Justice Mellor. The plaintiff was a young woman named Catharine Williams, daughter of a re- tired master mariner, Jmd the defendant John Morgan, master mariner. Mr. Bowen (Instructed by Mr. Ivor Vachell), appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. B. F. Wil- liams and Mr. Fyffe (instructed by Messrs. Hughes and Evans) for the defendant. The pleadings set forth that the plaintiff was always ready to marry, but that defen- dant had married someone else after the breach of promise. Defendant denied that he and the plaintiff had ever agreed to marry each other, that if they had done so the promise was rescinded by mutual consent; and that at the time thereof defendant was an infant under twenty-one. The plaintiff upon this joined issue with the defendant, and alleged that the agreement made when he was an infant was repeated when he came of age. The parties were both residents of St. Dogmell's near Cardigan Bay, and were about the same age, twenty-six. Both were in hum- ble circumstances of life they lived near each other, and their acquaintance, which began in early life, warmed in- to an attachment, which continued for many years, during which the defendant always looked forward to the time when he would be in a position to make plaintiff his wife, until the occasion of a picnic on the Cardigan sand bar, when the defendant formed an attachment for another young woman, named Elizabeth Davies, to whom he was married last Chiristmas. In lS76 defendant went away to South Shields to qualify himself as. a master mariner. He passed the necessary examinations, and was now mas- j ter of the Ann Gamble. A number of letters from the defendant, in which he used the most endearing expressions towards the plaintiff, were read. The defendant in 1873 broke off his correspondence, as well as his engagement with plaintiff. Defendant had promised to marry her sev- eral times, when he became captain of a vessel, the last promises being in l^i and 1^73. She had not heard from him aince, but had refrained from taking proceedings un- til defendant, by marrying someone else, had placed himself out of the way of performing his promises. The counsel for the defendant admitted that his client was a master mariner, and earning £ 5 per month when he was at sea. Mr. B. Francis Williams, then raised the point that it was necessary to have corroborative evidence of the defendant s promise after he came of age. As the parties, however, were in humble circumstances, it would be bet- ter for them that his lordship would reserve this point than grant a new trial for the purpose of obtaining this corroborative evidence. The Judge adopted this view, and said that after the jury had given their verdict he would, if necessary, consider in chambers whether corro- boration was required. The jury, after consulting for ahour an hour, found for the plaintiff, damages JB80.

The~RevTWm. Jones, superintendent minister of the Bangor circuit, was on Tuesday, March 19, presented with his portrait by the young men of the English and Welsh Wesley an congregations at Bangor. Miss Pringle, an elderly lady, who resided in Upper Bangor, and died last week, has left £400 to the Anglesey and Carnarvonshire Infirmary.

THE TOWYN BIGAMY CASE. THE MAN WHO PLEADFD GUILTY TO SPITE HIS WIFE. GOVERNMENT ENQUIRY. There is now in Dolgelley gaol a most curious "criminal," whosauhistory will be told among. the hills of Merionethshire and Montgomeryshire for many years to come. Husbands we know have done all sorts of things to spite their loud-tongued wives, but William Jones is perhaps the first man who tried to get the better of his wife by pleading guilty to a charge of bigamy of which he was perfectly innocent. That this extraordinary course should be taken by a man in his senses, is not, however, more surprizing than that it should be possible for him to have the op- portunity to take it. It is almost incredible that in these days a man should be wrongly charged at his own home with an offence of this kind, and that from the time of the investigation before the magistrates at Towyn in July last year, to the trial at Chester in the October following, when he was sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment, no evidence should be forthcoming to show that the accused was not guilty. William Jones must have enjoyed himself immensely since his wife gave him into custody, but his enjoyment would culminate when the judge, the Hon. Sir H. Manisty, Knight, in passing sentence, said "the offence of bigamy had sometimes mitigating circumstances in con- nection with it, but he (the Judge) had looked in vain for any such circumstances in this case. Having married Jane Jones, and by her had two children, he deserted her, and in October, 1876, went through the form of marriage with Elizabeth Williams, by whom he had one child, and to whom he had committed almost the greatest wrong a man could do a woman. He had led her to believe that she was his wife, and she, trusting him, had been wronged. Such a wrong called for very severe punishment, and the law, with regard to such cases, enforced severe sentences, not only as an adequate punish- ment for offences committed, but to deter others from the commission of such offences. He was in grave doubt whether in this case he ought not to pass sentence of penal servitude, and he had come to the conclusion that he must undergo eighteen months' imprisonment with hard labour; and he might say to those who were not now in the dock,atitti if this crime continued to be perpetrated they might depend upon it the law would be enforced in a very muoh more severe manner." How William Jones avoided an unseemly display of levity whilst listening to this very excellent sermon against a crime of which he was not guilty is a question that Jones alone could satisfactorily answer. He must be a wag of no mean order, but the most inveterate waggery is liable to break down under eighteen months'imprisonmnt, and William Jones seems to have found out that he has really cut off his nose to spite his face. He seems to have convinced somebody that he was not guilty of the offence for which he was in prison, and at the last Quarter Sessions the following letter was received by the Magistrates "Whitehall, April 4. -Gentlemen, -lvith reference to the case of David or William Jones, now under sentence of imprisonment in the gaol at Dolgelley, I am directed to acquaint you that, with a view of settling this man's identity, Mr. Secretary Cross is desirous that he should be visited in gaol by certain persons who have been men- tioned by the Chief Constable of Montgomeryshire, and that their testimony as to his identity should then be taken by one of your number. Mr. Cross has desired the Chief Constable to communicate with you on the subject, and to make arrangements with you for bringing these persons to the gaol at some suitable time, when it mry be convenient for some one or more of your number to meet them, and that you will receive their statements after they have seen the prisoner, and forward them to Mr. Cross, with any observations you may desire to offer thereon for his information.—I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, A. F. O. LIDDELL.-The Justices acting as Visiting Com- mittee of the Gaol of Dolgelly.On Monday an investi- gation was held at the County Gaol, before Mr. Samuel Holland, M.P., Mr. H. J. Reveley, Mr. Lewis Williams, and Dr. Edward Jones. The result of the investigation was to convince the magistrates that the man had never married Jane Jones, who accused him of being her hus- band. and who, he admitted, was his wife. William Jones at the time of his apprehension was living at Bryncrug, near Tofvyn, and was following the humble, but very useful occupation, of a shoemaker. Before be came to live at Bryncrug he lived at Llanuwchllyn, near Bala. At Llanuwchllyn he married, and lived a hard workiug, honest life until his wife died. After the death of his first wife he left Llanuwchllyn for Bryncrug, and after some time married a Miss Williams who was in ser- vice as cook at Ynysymaengwyn. This lady, after the manner of cooks, was of a warm temperament, and Wm. Jones found it as much as he could do to preserve the peace. After the bigamy charge was brought, and William Jones, under the name of David Jones, had been sent to Dolgelley gaol for eighteen months, his wife resumed her maiden name, went off to Liverpool to a situation. Occa- sionally. she has sent to the wicked man languishing in prison sarcastic and reproachful letters, which she never failed to sign as Miss Williams. William Jones, and his wife, who had been cook at Ynys- ymaengwyn, were living together, when Jane Jones, from Llangadfan, came to Bryncrug, and claimed William Jones as her lawful husband, to whom she had been married, and by whom she had two children. She said the truant husband's name was "David," and not William, and she 'manifested every disposition to claim her rights. She said since David" left her two years before with two children to keep, he had dis- guised himself somewhat by cutting his hair differently, and by his mustaches and beard, but she had no doubt whatever about him. Then there was a John Davies, a I smith at Towyn, at the time, and he swore firmly that "David" was the husband of Jane Jones, who had so suddenly turned up to mar the domestic peace of the wife who had been married at Bryncrug. The charge brought by Jane Jones naturally enough disturbed the minds of David" and his wife, but he seems to have taken the matter very coolly and to have carefully enquired from Jane Jones where her relations lived, and where her hus- band had lived, and where his relations were to be found. She said her husband was David Jones, the son of Richard Jones, from somewhere near Llanidloes. David," who had been living as William, consulted with his wife-the woman who would be ousted by Jane Jones if her story was correct, and suggested that he should go to Llan- idloes and find out this Richard Jones, the son of David Jones, and get him to come to Bryncrug, and say that the accused man was not his son. Nothing could be simpler, but the proposed journey to Llanidloes had a suspicious look about it in the eyes of the women both of whom claimed him. Perhaps he was goin "'to disappear again. To pre- vent anything of the kind the wronged wife went to Towyn, and gave the police information which led to the apprehension of David" Jones, and put a final stop to what appeared his deep-laid scheme for getting away to Llanidloes, and leaving his two wives to console each other as well as they could. David," after his apprehension, and knowing his in- nocence, was deeply hurt at his wife's want of confidence in him. That she should have believed Jane Jones in preference to him, and perhaps also remembering how warm her temper was, William Jones decided that he would take to the woman who claimed him, and would be "David" Jones to the end of the chapter. He decided from the first to plead guilty, and thought probably that he would be tried at Dolgelley, and might get off, 'if not scot free, at most with a month's imprisonment. When brought before the magistrates he pleaded guilty, and was committed in due form to take his trial at the assizes. Unfortunately, perhaps, for him, he was tried at Chester and after pleading guilty was sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment, and only just escaped five years' penal servitude. A man who knew the real David Jones and also knew the sham "David" Jones, was working not far from Towyn, and if he had been called to the To examination he would have been able to prevent the com- mittal of David Jones. This man, however, was not called, and no wonder. Who would think of calling wit- nesses to prove that a man who pleaded guilty to a charge of bigamy was lying. On Monday there was a brother of Jane Jones's who gave evidence, and said that the prisoner was not the husband of Jane Jones, whom he was alleged to have married. A brother-in-law of the prisoner came from Llanuwchllyn to give evidence. He said the prisoner married his sister and lived and worked at Llanuwchllyn until his wife died. He was known then as William Jones. Afterwards he went to Towyn, where he married Miss Williams. At Towyn he was also known as William Jones.—Mr. Danily Chief Constable of Montgomeryshire, said that he saw Jane Jones, and she said she believed the prisoner was her husband until her real husband came home. He had been away four or five years. They lived at Cann Office. Fortunately the proof did not rest upon either the prisoner, who certaimly is not to be believed, nor upon • the real David Jones's brother, who might be as far out of it as Jane Jones, who did not know the father of her two children. The real David Jones himself was present, and unless he is as queer a character as the sham David^ gave a satisfactory account of a very unsatisfactory life! He said that he was married to Jane Jones in the year 1870, at Saint Mary's Church, Dolgelley. He lived with his wife for two years, and she had two children. About two years ago he left her, and did not tell her where he went to. After the conviction of the prisoner, he read in the papers that a man was in gaol as the husband of his wife, on a charge of marrying another woman. This was a piece of news that seems to have appealed to the honour of David Jones and he, prodigal like, resolved to return home and put matters right. Had he, however, known that the prisoner had virtually adopted the wife he had deserted two years before, he would probably have remained at a distance and left him to serve out the eighteen months' imprison- ment he had so voluntarily undertaken. It was on the 15th of December that David Jones reached home to astonish his wife who, of course, thought he was safely lodged in Dolgelley gaol, as the officials are accustomed to keep their prisoners. It appears as if David Jones had experienced some difficulty in convincing his wife that he was really her husband, for he went to the police at Llanerfyl, near Cann Office, and related his story to them. Since December the processes have been in operation to obtain the release of William Jones, who will come out of prison, the husband of Miss Williams, who in future will be csfceful how she believes evil of her husband even when there Jis a good deal of circumstantial evidence against him. When the two men were together on Monday it was re- marked how great the likeness was between the two men. The enquiry occupied about two fyours, and the result was that the magistrates were thoroughly convinced there has been no bigamy and that the prisoner is the lawful hus- band of one wife and that he never saw Jane Jones tiK she accused him of bigamy.

MACHYNLLETH. THE PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY.—Mr. Hugh Davies of this town has successfully passed the minor examination of the Pharmaceutical Society, as well as having gained- the medal for Chemistry," and the 2nd prize for Materia Medica" in the South London School of Chemistry and Pharmacy. All the examinations were held last week. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17.— Present: Mr. R. Gillart, Mr. C. F. Thruston, and Mr. Richard Jones, ex-officio; Messrs. J. Hughes Jones, John J. Jones, Morgan Edwards, David Evans, John Morgan, Andrew Roberts, John Tudor, L. P. Davies, Griffith Jones, Griffith Griffiths, William Pughe, and David Evans, clerk. Statistics.—Out-relief administered during the past fort- night Machynlleth district, per Mr. Thomas Thomas, 1:37 17s. 4d. to 178 paupers; Pennal district, per Mr. John Jones, £ 54 17s., to 242 paupers; and Darowen district, per Mr. Daniel Howell, 1:55 11s. 3d., to 272 paupers. Number in the house, 38, last year, 30; vagrants re- lieved, 62. Election of Chair man. —Mr. J. Hughes Jones said he had no hesitation whatever in proposing the re-election of Mr. Gillart as chairman for the ensuing year. His con- duct in the past had been itnpartial and satisfactory, and no doubt it would continue in the future.—Mr. John Morgan seconded the motion and it was carried unani- mously.—The Chairman, in returning thanks, said, in consequence of the pressure upon his time he should have preferred that some one else should occupy the chair, but as the Board had re-elected him, he would do his' best to ensure the success of the Union. He trusted the Guardians would act harmoniously in endea- vouring to reduce the number of paupers, and to increase the satisfactory state of the half-yearly state- ment laid before them that day. The Chairman then proposed, and Mr. David Evans seconded, the re-appoint- ment of Mt. Owen Daniel as first vice-chairman.—The proposition having been agreed to without contradiction, Mr. Morgan Edwards moved, and ME. J. J. Humphreys seconded, the appointment of Mr. J. Hughes Jones as second vice-chairman, and the election was agreed to unanimously. Co,mmittees. -Finance, Messrs. C. F. Thruston, R. Jones, R. Gillart, O. Daniel, J. Hughes Jones, J. J. Jones, Griffith Griffiths, W. Pughe, and D. Evans. Visiting The whole Board. Assessment The Marquess of Londonderry, the Rev. J. W. Kirkham, Messrs. C. F. Thrulton and R. Jones, ex-officio, R. Gillart, O. Daniel, J. Hughes Jones, Morgan Edwards, David Evans, W. Pughe; Griffith Griffiths, and Griffith Jones. School Attendance The Marquess of Londonderry, Messrs. C. F. Thruston, J. G. W. Bonsall, and R. Jones, ex-officio, J. J. Humphreys, Griffith Jones, John Tudor, J. J. Jones, R. Gillart, W. Pughe, John Morgan, and Griffith Griffiths. Sanitary The whole Board, with the exception of Towyn Guardians. ^Accounts.—The half-yearly abstracts of accounts were laid on the table by the Clerk, and it was resolved to take the same into consideration at the next meeting. Sureties.—The relieving officers were each requested to provide a security of £100 as collectors of relatives' con- tributions. Education. -The three relieving officers were re- appointed officers to enquire into cases of application for payment of school fees in their several districts. SANITARY AUTHORITY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17.— Present: Mr. U. r. Thruston, in the chair, Messrs. Richard Jones, Richard Gillart, William Pughe, David Evans, Griffith Griffiths, Lewis Pugh Davies, Morgan Edwards, J. J. Humphreys, John J. Jones, John Tudor, John Morgan, and Andrew Roberts. Medical Officer of Health.-There were four applicants for the appointment of medical officer of health for the whole district of the Board for the year ending 25th March, 1879, namely, Messrs T. Davies and J. S. Matthews, Machynlleth, D. Ferguson, Cerames, Robert Edwards, Llanbrynmair.—Mr. Thomas Davies was ap- pointed, at a salary of 230, subject to the, approval of the Local Government Board. HIGHWAY BOARD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL lo.-Present: Mr. Richard Jones, chairman, Mr, J. G. W. Bonsall, the Rev. J. W. Kirkham, Messrs. Thomas Evans, William Owen, John Rees, Griffith Owen, the Rev. W. Richards, Messrs. Evan Evans, Rowland Morgan, Thos. Jones, John Watkins, and Wm. Pugh Mr. John Williams, clerk Appointm-ent.i.-31r. Richard Jones was re-elected chairman for the ensuing year. Mr. Richards, Cemmaes, was appointed vice-chairman.—Mr. Richard Jones said—Gentlemen,—I beg to thank you for the honor you have done me in electing me your chairman another year. I hope with your aid and support to fulfil the duties satisfactorily. The Highway Board ere long will be of far more importance than it already is, as the whole of the turnpike roads now under the control of the Commissioners of the Turnpike Trust will be managed by the waywardens. I find by referring to the general statement of accounts of receipts and expenditure of the year ending 31st Dec., 1876, that we spent jE650 11s. 2d., compared with P,714 of this year, ending 25th March, 1878, but you must bear in mind that in this sum is included the charge of Z189, our contribution to the Commissioners of the Turnpike Trust, and therefore really the expenditure is about £ 125 less than last year, but I do not think it is a judicious policy to spend the minimum amount of money we possibly can spend on the roads, as a liberal outlay promptly and timely spent is far better than twice that sum spentm driblets now and again, for the old proverb "a stitch in time saves nine" is more applica- ble to a road than many things. Resignation of the Clerk.—The Chairman said their clerk, Mr. John Williams, had sent in his resignation, not because of any- thing that had transpired at the Board but because he was giv- ing up the law aud.was going into the ministry. Several members bore testimony to the excellent way in which the clerk had dis- charged his duty, and wished him success in his new career.- Mr. Bonsall said that when they were in a difficulty they always went to Mr. Howell's office, and he had great pleasure in proposing that Mr. David Evans should be appointed clerk in the stead of their clerk, who had resigned. If Mr. Evans did as well as Mr. Williams had done they would have no fault to find with him. After some remarks from Mr Kirkham the resolution appointing Mr. Evans was adopted. New Rules.—The Rev. W. Richards proposed that the Board should adopt by-laws and print them in Welsh and English.— The Rev. J. IW. Kirkham seconded this, and suggested that no ex- traordinary expenditure should be decided upon without notice in writing being given.-Other suggestions were made and the proposal was agreed to, and the drawing up of the rules was left to the Chairman, Vice-chairman, the clerk, and Mr. Breeze. Estimates for Next I-ear.-The following estimates for the ensuing year towards the repairs of the road were :-Parish of Llanbrynmair, £ 128; Cemmes, £ 50; Daro-.ven, ^70 Penygroes, 468 Llanwrin, -060; Uwchygarreg, £ 49; Isygarreg, 6e38; Mach- ynlleth, £ 103 14s.; Caereinion Fechan, £ 9.—A conversation arose on the amount estimated for Llanbrynmair, and ultimately Mr. Kirkham moved that the sum of ,i:128 should be reduced to L90. After some unpleasant words from Mr. Pugh, Llanbryn- mair, the reduced amount was agreed to. Cemmes was reduced to £ 48 10s. Darowen was reduced to £ 60 Llanwrin, £ 50; Uwchygarreg, £ 30; Isygarreg, £ 26; Machynlleth, £.90. The common charges and other charges increased these amounts. The Meetiitgs.-The meetings of the Board were fixed to be held every two months instead of four times a year, as at present; the meeting to be held on the second Wednesday every other month, and the April meeting on a Wednesday between 7th and j 14th. The next meeting will be held on the second Wednesday Lin Juie. fontybyllfor Bridge.-This bridge at Cemmes it was said re- quired repairs, but a letter from Mr. Kdward Evans stated that the bridge had not been repaired by either Dugoed or Mallwyd parish. It was observed that a new bridge would have to be erected. Mr. WRichards said the parish of Cemmes was willingto pay its share if Mallwyd parish would do the same. The Clerk was ordered to write to the Surveyor respecting the bridge. The Surveyor's Report.-The Surveyor, Mr. John Jones, pre- sented a report, which was read by the Clerk as follows :-Cem- maes Pontybyllfor Bridge: As directed by you at the last meet- ing, I examined this bridge, and I found that it is gone too rotten to be again repaired. I have spoken to several ratepayers of the parish of Mallwyd respecting it, and they all seem unwil- ling to meet the parish ef Cemmaes in making a new one. Many of the farmers in the neighbourhood have requested me to call your attention to this bridge, and to state that if it be left to go down it will greatly inconvenience them to travel to the Cann Office turnpike road. On the 21st of last month, I attended a vestry meeting at Darowen, and it was decided for me to state to your meeting that they wish to put two more roads on the Board to maintain, namely, the one leading frem Darowen village by Rhosbyrnog to Talywern hamlet, the other from the village of Abercegir through Cwm Nantygasseg to meet the Commins Coch road near Tynant. The vestry meeting also requested me to ask the waywardens of the parish to accompany me to examine it before taking any steps towards repairing it. -The remainder of the report dealt with details

PWLLHELI. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17.— Present: Mr. B. T. Ellis, chairman, the Revs. Thomas Jones, R.D., ex officio, and T. Hardy Richards, Messrs. Lewis Williams, Thomas Pritchard, John Thomas Jones, W. Williams, Denio, John Williams, Borth- wnog, John Williams, Llanbedrog, John Hughes, David Pritchard, H. Tudwell Davies, John Jones, Robert Jones, Aberdaron, Michael Jones, Robert Jones, Llannor, John Pritchard, O. G. Williams, Henry Griffith, Griffith Owen, William Roberts, William Parry, Griffith Hughes, Evan Williams, Wm. Williams, Llanystumdwy, Owen Davies, Thomas Ellis, Richard Roberts, Carnguwch, Owen Owens, Rowland Jones, John Parry, and Robert G. Jones, assistant clerk. Financial.-Paid in out-door relief during the past fort- night, by Mr. Richard Jones, Criccieth district, CG9 15s. 6d. number relieved, 227 cheques granted for current fortnight, k70. Mr. E. T. Griffith, Pwllheli district, B102 Is. 6d. number relieved, 377 cheques, IC95. Mr. Wm. Roberts, Nevin district, £84 9s. 9d, and Mr. Thos. Griffith, Aberdaron district, £ 40 15s. 6d. A county rate of tl95 lis. 9^d. will become payable on May 25. Maintenance.—Mr. W. T. Jones, collector of the amounts contributed by relatives towards the maintenance of their relations who are in receipt of parochial relief, presented his report for the year ended the 25th March, from which we find that he collected the sum of 9129 9s. 5d. The sum of £ 212 2s. which used to be paid to paupers had been dis- continued, in consequence of relations taking their rela- tives off the parishes when proceedings were taken against them. The cost of collection, &c., was J626 13s. 6d., and the nett gain to the Union was therefore JE314 17s. lid. The Chairman and Vice-cha -Air. B. T. Ellis was elected chairman for the current year, and Messrs. Thomas Prichard and John Thomas Jones, vice-chairmen, unanimously. SPECIAL COUNTY MAGISTRATES' COURT, APRIL 12.-Before Mr. Owen Evans. Begging.—P.C. Henry Jones v. Isaac Anderson, and Patrick McDonald.—Committed for fourteen days. APRIL 17-Before Mr. F. W. Lloyd Edwards, and the Rev. Thomas Jones, R.D. Larceny.—Mary Griffith Williams, Llangian, was charged with stealing a dress piece, the property of Mr. Edward Wilson, draper, Penlan-street, Pwllheli, on April 10.—Enoch Jones, ship carpenter, said that this day week, lie saw prisoner meddling with some goods out- side the shop window of Mr. Wilson, and saw her take a piece away, but did not know what it was. Mr. Wilson and another man came out of the shop, and he (witness) asked Mr. Wilson if the piece taken away by prisoner was hers. Mr. Wilson followed prisoner, tapped her on the back, and asked her to go back to the shop, as he wanted to speak to her. She followed him to the shop door, and then threw the stuff to him. She then went up the street. There was a pile of goods opposite Mr. Wilson's window, and the piece taken by prisoner was on the top. She carried the piece under her arm very coolly. Mr. Edward Wilson and P.C. Thomas Rowland having I given evidence, the prisoner waa committed to take her trial at the next quarter sessions, but was liberated on bail.

PENRHYNDEUDRAETH. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At the fortnightly meeting of the Guardians of the Poor of the Festiniog Union, held at the Workhouse, Penrhyndeudraeth, on Tuesday, the 2nd April, the following statement, showing the attend- ance of the Guardians at the meetings held during the year ended March last, was submitted :— CD <N c.> m M -5 a M 00 rt in 33 j|'M « o Ti, „ T: M a> o c >, § « 55 5! HJS cc a E-~ _•« *2 n 2 oS s 25 =S o a s » o o 3 Ex-OJjUcio. Mr. John Jones, Chairman 22 14 5 Mr. G. H. Owen (; 3 5 2 Major Mathew 13 10 4 Mr. A. Osmond Williams 2 Mr. Owen Griffith 0 0 Mr. J. E. Greaves 1 0 Mr. E. S. Greaves 2 Mr. D. Llewelyn Lloyd 1 0 Elected Guardians. Mr.-W. E. Morris, Vice-chairman 23 ? Mr. David Williams, do. IS 10 5 3 Mr. John Vaughan, Festiniog 22. Mr. John Roberts, do is Mr. Wm. Davies, do 8 7 1 2 Mr. John Edwards, do. 1 0 Mr. Griffith Williams, Trawsfynydd 13.. 6 5 Mr. Richard Jones, do. 16 8 Mr. Cadwaladr Williams, do. 18 Mr. Edward Evans, Maentwrog 22 10 ..5 Mr. Morgan Jones, Llanfrothen 23 Mr. Robert Jones, Llanfl.-y-traethau 23.. 10 5 Mr. E. M. Roberts, do. 23 13 2 Mr. John Owen, Llanfair 13 5 1 Rev. David Owen, Llanbedr 17 11 5 Mr. Hugh Owen, Llandanwg 15..10.. Mr. William Jones, Llandecwyn 23 4 Mr. David Williams, Dolbenmaen 14 4 Mr. John Parry, Ynyscynhaiarn. 19 Mr. Griffith Griffiths, do. is Mr. H. R. Thomas, Penmorfa. 22 12 Mr. Rice Williams, do. 13. 3 Mr Henry Owen, Beddgelert. 10 4 Mr. Win. Evans, do. 9 6 2 Mr. David Rowlands, Llanlf.-y-Pennant 20 12 PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY, APRIL llTH.-Before John Jones (chairmah), A. O. Williams, D. Llywelyn Lloyd, and F. W A. Roche. J Drunk and Disordei-ly.-P.C. John George v; Peter Pool, Church-street, Festiniog. Complainant said that on the 5th March, he saw defendant drunk near Highstone Inn, Blaenau Festiniog. Margaret Lewis, landlady of Highstone Inn, said defendant was at her house that day. From his conduct, she had no reason to think he was drunk, he made no disturbance. She did not see any row outside of the house. She had told Sergeant Vaughan that defendant was drunk early in the morning; but he went home and slept off his drink.—For the defence the following were called-Edwin Pierce said he was out and about 200 yards from Highstone. The first thing he saw was defendant down on the ground and another man holding Pool by the whiskers, and knocking him with the other hand.—Margaret Parry saw him coming out of Highstone Inn; he appeared to be somewhat in drink. Another man went up to him, took hold of him by the whiskers, but defendant did not lift up his hand against him. The case was dismissed.—P.C. John George v. Robert Richards, Devon Terrace, blacksmith, Harlech.— Complainant said that on the 11th March, he was drunk and riotous on the streets at Four Crosses, Festiniog. Several previous convictions having been proved against him, he was fined 15s., and 12s. 6d. costs.—P.C. Cadwal- ladr Jones v. Richard Hughes, Glynllifon-terrace, Blae- nau Festiniog, quarryman.—Complainant said that on the 2nd March, he was guilty of this offence at Highstone Inn, Festiniog. The landlady found him in the parlour very drunk and ordered him out. When he went out, he became very riotous.—Mrs. Lewis, Highstone Inn, said she saw a man like defendant on her premises. He was drunk, but sleeping. She could not swear it was the same man as defend aRt. -]Defendant denied having been to Highstone that evening, and called Sarah Roberts, the person with whom he lodged. She said defendant went home at four p.m. He went on the bed and slept until nine p.m. Saw him next a little after ten, and she did not know that he was at all in drink. He did not appear as if he had been fighting, and he was always a well conducted man.—Pierce Thomas said de- fendant called at his shop on the day in question about ten p.m. He was always a well conducted man. He ap- peared to have had a glass, but was not drunk. He did not appear to have been figbting.-Case dismiised.-P.C: John George v. Wm. Jones, Chapel-street, Blaenau Festiniog.—Complainant charged defendant with the offence on the 16th March.—Defendant admitted the offence, and was fined 2s. 6d., and costs, 10s. 6d.-P.C. Wm. Evans v. Silvannus Davies, Maesywaen, Bala.— Complainant said defendant was guilty of this offence on the 19th March, on the public roads at Festiniog.—Defen- dant admitted the offence, and was fined 5s., and costs 13s. Dog Cases.—John Price Jones, Llanfrothen, was sum- moned by Mr. H. Damerel for having a dog in his possession without licence on the 11th March. Defendant said he had given money before that date to one Thomas Jones to take out alicence, and besides, the dog was not six months old at the date in question.—Defendant was fined 25s., with a recommendation that that fine be reduced to 108. The defendant had taken a licence out the following day. —David Williams, Festiniog, summoned by Mr. Damerel, d acknowledged that he had no licence when the officer called, but he had no idea that the time had expired.— Defendant was fined 25s.—William Lloyd, Festiniog, was summoned for a similar offence. Mr. Mulqueen proved the service of the summons on defendant, and proceeded to say that he found a dog in defendant's shop on the 5th March, and found that he took out a licence the following day.—Defendant admitted that there was a dog belonging to another person on his premises.—He was fined 25st °

LAMPETER. COUNTY COURT CASL,At the Neath County Court on Tuesday, April 16, before W. Beresford, Esq., jud^e, and a jury, the Neath and District Tramways Company, Limited, sued Evan Thomas, of Ffimmtganol near this town, for 250 damages sustained by reason of the de- fendant, on the 5th of December last, so negligently and unskilfully driving and managing a horse and cart in a public highway, that the same were forced against a horse of the plaintiffs, whereby the horse was killed. Mr. T. Jones, instructed by Mr. Charles, of Neath, was for plaintiff, and Mr. Abel Thomas, instructed by Messrs. Price and Lloyd, of Lampeter, were for defendant. After a lengthy hearing, the jury came to the conclusion that there was negligence on both sides, and that defendant should pay JE25. His Honour, how- ever, decided that upon the finding of the jury as to the negligence, he must enter the verdict for the defendant, ann he did so accordingly. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.—A meeting oi the Society was held at the Royal Oak, on Friday, the 12th April. Mr. W. Jones, Llwynygroes, was in the chair. There was a very large attendance. The president for the ensuing year was appointed. The appointment of the vice-presi- dents was allowed to stand over to the next meeting. The Committee for the last year were all re-elected. The officers were re-appointed as follows :-chairman of the committee, Mr. W. Jones, Llwynygroes; secretaries, Messrs. J. Fowden, Bank Hall, Walter Jenkins, Glany- wern, and Lewis Davies, Gelley. Acting secretary, Mr. T. Lloyd, solicitor. Treasurer, Mr. J. L. Hughes, National Provincial Bank. The treasurer's accounts for the past. year were audited and passed. It was unanimously resolved that class B. should be continued this year. The following gentlemen were appointed to draw up the list of prizes, and revise the rules :—Messrs. D. Lloyd, Dolgwm, W. Jenkins, Glanywern, J. Jenkins. Blaen- plwyf, J. Rees, Dolgwm, and J. Evans, Pontfaen. COUNTY COUST.—The bi-monthly Court was held on Saturday, the 15th April, before W. Beresford, Esq., judge. Hugh Lloyd v. John Lewis.-This was an action which had been referred to arbitration. Mr. T. Lloyd Ed- wardes appeared for the plaintiff, and applied that the award of the arbitrators should be made a rule of Court. His Honour said that it was not necessary that any application should be made to him, and that the award should be delivered to the registrar, who would enter it as the judgment of the Court. Mr. D. Lloyd was for defendant. John Jones v. Morgan Jones.-The plaintiff claimed £27 4s. 9d. for money paid by him for the defendant. Mr. H. Hughes, jun., Aberystwyth, was for plaintiff. and Mr. D. Lloyd for defendant. It appeared that the particulars of plaintiff's claim were defective, and Mr. Hughes applied that it be amended. Mr. Lloyd ob- jected to this, on the ground that he had applied to Mr. Hughes for further particulars, and that the same had been refused. Ultimately, his Honour amended the particulars and adjourned the case to the next Court. Richard Hughes v. Daniel James and Morgan Jones.- This was a claim for £13 14s. for money paid by the plain- tiff as the surety of the defendants.—The plaintiff con- ducted his own case. Mr. Hughes was for defendant James, and Mr. Lloyd for Jones.—After hearing the evidence of each of the parties, his Honour decided that each of the defendants was a principal, and gave judgment for plaintiff for JB13 2s. 6d. John Williams v. Lewis Jones.—This was an applica- tion to commit defendant to prison for non-payment of a judgment obtained against him in December last.—J. Jordan Jones, auctioneer, having given evidence as to defendant's means of payment, his Honour ordered that defendant should be imprisoned for 14 days unless the amount was paid in a week. J. Silvanus Jones v. Mary Williams and Thomas Wil- liams, executors of W. Williams, deceased.Mr. Edwardes was for plaintiff, and stated that at the last court the plaintiff obtained judgment against the defendants quando acciderint. He had applied to the Registrar for a warrant of execution, but it was refused by him.—His Honour said the Registrar was quite right in refusing the warrant.—Mr. Edwardes then applied for an order that execution should issue, but inasmuch as he could not show that assets of the deceased had come to the hands of the defendants since the judgment, his application was refused with costs.—Mr. D. Lloyd was for the defendants. MARKETS COMMITTEE, ApRu, 16.—Present Mr. J. L. Hughes, Portreeve, chairman, Messrs. D. Lloyd, Dolgwm House, J. W. Evans, Medical Hall, T. Lloyd, solicitor, Roderick Evans, Chemist, David James, Whitehall, J. Morgan, excise officer, and D. Jones, Old Bank. Trotting Matcli.It was unanimously agreed that the trotting match to be held 011 the 7th of May next be ad- vertised in the Cambrian News, and that an extra number of posters be ordered. Approaching Marriage.—It was incidentally mentioned that Miss Constance Harford, of Falcondale, and of Blaise Castle, is to be married on the 23rd April, whereupon Mr. Roderick Evans proposed, and Mr. D. Lloyd seconded, and it was unanimously carried, that as a tribute of respect to the honoured family of Falcon- dale, thq townspeople of Lam Deter should celebrate the event by -'Marriage rejoi.-i ilg," and that the Port- reeve be requested to call a pubuj meeting on Wednesday evening to consider the best means of carrying out the undertaking. This brought the meeting to a close.

DOLGELLEY. D! WILLIAMS'S GIRLS' SOHOOL.-The Dolgelley School Board have appointed Mr. W. J. Beale, Bryntirion, Bontddu, a governor of the school, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Mr. Walker. THE CHURCH CLOCK.—A correspondent writes: The Prodigal Clock has returned, but not as most prodigals do, being the worse for their travels. No, no, it has come back fitted up in the latest style. How pleasant and so much like old times to hear the old clock chiming away again every quarter of an hour In striking the hour it seems that during its travels it has picked up a new fashion, for it strikes so leisurely as if it were determined that all should hear it. The inhabitants of Dolgelley ought to be grateful to those who subscribed towards its being re- paired,and we hope that those people who were some time ago wondering that the matter was not taken up by somebody or other long ago, are satisfied with the work, and that they will try and raise a fund to get it lighted up at night during the winter months. SCHOOL BOARD, THURSDAY, 4th APRIL, 1878.- Present: Messrs. W. R. Williams (chairman), H. Lloyd Williams, R. Wynne Williams, Richard Jones, Owen Thomas, John Ellis (clerk), William Jones (attendance officer). Dolgelley Board School Assistant Master.—Mr. Richard Jones in accordance with notice of motion, proposed the appointment of Mr. Evan J. Williams, who had served five years as pupil teacher in this town to be an assistant master of this school, at a salary of £27 a year.-Mr. Owen Thomas seconded the motion.—Mr. H. Lloyd Williams proposed that he be appointed at a salary of E25 a year.—The Chairman proposed that he be appointed at C30 a year.—The two last proposals not being seconded, the other motion was put and carried. Visiting Committee.—It was proposed by Mr. H. Lloyd 1 Williams, and seconded by Mr. R. W. Williams, that the Visiting Committee named for last month, viz.—Messrs W. R. Williams and Owen Thomas, be re-elected, as they had not served for the period they were appointed for. Leave of Absenee.-A letter was read from Mr. Roberts, master of the Dolgelley Board School, applying for a week's leave of absence in consequence of ill health. -The application was unanimously granted. Islawrdref Board School.—A letter was read from Mr. Roberts, late master of this school, asking the Board to grant him £ 3 in lieu of his portion of the grant.-The Board resolved not to accede to that request, but to give the portion of grant when ascertained after the examina- tion. Quarterly Accounts and Cheque.The several accounts owing by the Board were examined, and cheques issued for the amounts, with the exception of Mr. Spaull's (the architect) account, which was ordered to be deferred for the present. 1 Dl'C Girls' School.—It was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Richard Jones and carried unanimously, that Mt. William John Beale, of Bryntirion, Bontddu, be appointed a Governor of the school to fill up the present vacancy Quarterly £ ccoiints of the Schools'— The books of fees, and stock, and store for the several schools under the Board were examined. A- .4.L.J.J. average ^utnwance -if-rom the average attendance re- turns and the Attendance Officer's report, we learn that the attendance at the several schools is highly satisfactory -the Town School showing an increise of thirty above the average of that of the corresponding period last year. In the country districts a good deal of illness prevails.

BALA. GRAMMAR SC.IOOL. Among the successful candidates at the recent Preliminary Examination of the Pharma- ceutical Society of Great Britain we were glad to find the name of Llewellyn Llwyd Thomas, son of Mrs. Thomas, chemist, Bala; who is a pupil at the above school.

CRICCIETH. ENGLISH CHAPEL FOR CRICCIETH.—An advertisement announces the stcnelaying of the English Chapel for Easter Monday. Mr. Williams, of Parciau, who has taken the greatest interest in the work, has already re- ceived a large amount of contributions, and he hopes to see the chapel opened free of debt. We wish him all success, and trust that there will be a large attendance on Monday. The want of an English Chapel- at Criccieth I is one which many of our readers will be glad to see sup- plied.

THE CRISIS. „ cieculak by the pobte. Ihe .forte has issued an important circular to its diplo- matic representatives, in which it declares that, while it is determined to carry out loyally the Treaty of San Stefano, it would regard modifications made by the benevolent intervention of the Powers or the moderation of Russia as opportune. The Porte further pledges itself, no matter what the issue of the current negotiations, to carry out the projected reforms. The semi-official Russian or,-an, the Journal de St. Petersbourg, contends that England is bound either to join the other European Powers in com- mon negotiation, or to propose solutions which she may desire to substitute for the Treaty of San Stefano. The same article declares that, if the Powers can find a com- promise, Russia is prepared to modify the Treaty, pro- vided the cause gained with Russian blood is not disputed and the sacrifices of Russia are taken into consideration.' THE RUSSIANS AND CONSTANTINOPLE. According to the Constantinople correspondent of the Observer, the Russians have made new dispositions of their forces in the vicinity of the Turkish capital, and are u°w threatening Buyukdere and the European shore of tha upper Bosphorus. From more than one source we learn that Russia is also insisting on the immediate evacuation of Varna, Shumla, and Batoum in conformity with the provisions of the Treaty of San Stefano, but that the Porte is temporising and pleading a variety of excuses for delay. The Observer also mentions a report that Rus- sia has conveyed to the Porte a warning that the imme- diate occupation of Constantinople and the complete overthrow of the Ottoman Empir e in Europe would be the penalty attaching to any Turkish assistance rendered to England. THE 0CCUPATIONOF ROUMANIA. The occupation of Roumania by Russian troops is about to form the subject of a vigorous protest addressed to the Great Powers by the Government of Prince Charles, who complain that the forces of the Czar have taken posses- sion of towns halls, schools, and private dwellings, and have, in fact, acted as though they were in an enemy's country. TURKISH MASSACRES. As Athens telegram mentions the receipt of intelligence from Volo that the Turks had burnt two villages and massacred a great number of women and children in Pazazache. Strong Turkish reinforcements are arriving in Thessaly, and several war vessels with troops on board have also arrived off Crete. PRINCE GORTSCHAKOFF'S CIRCULAR. The text of Prince Gortschakoff's circular, to which the document telegraphed the other day was the "Annexe," was published on Thursday, April 11, in the St. Peters- burg official journals. The Russian Chancellor says it would be useful if the British Government would state what its wishes are, in order to arrive at a better under- standing of the situation." A telegram from St. Peters- burg states that an active diplomatic discussion is now going on, under the moderating influence of Germany, with the view of arriving at a pacific understanding, the natural path to which would be a Congress." THE ARMENIANS. .r -y. J_ Monsignor JKJirimian, ex-iratriarch of the Armenians, has arrived in London. He has been entrusted with the task of pleading the cause of the Armenians in Turkey with the great Powers, and has already been received by the French and Italian Govern- ments. Monsignor Khrimian is a native of. Vasbooragan, a province of Armenia, comprising Lake Van and thep fertile plains surrounding it. His services to the people have won for him the surnames of Hairig, the Beloved Father. THE MURDER OF MR. OGLE. The Foreign Office have informed Mr. Ogle, the father of the gentleman who was acting as correspondent of the Times in Thessaly when he was murdered, that the Government have decided to appoint a joint commission of enquiry into the circumstances attending his son's murder. Mr. Consul Blunt has been instructed to proceed to Volo, and, in conjunction with the Turkish representa- tive, to open the commission without loss of time. THE DEFENCES OF CONSTANTINOPLE. The Turks have discontinued, in consequence of the remonstrance of the Grand Duke Nicholas, the defensive works they were constructing near Constantinople. The Porte has also promised to concede to the further demand of the Russian Commander that Schumla and Varna should be evacuated without further delay. It is announced from Constantinople that the arms and ammunition in the arsenals there are to be transferred to Buyukdere and not toScutari, as previously stated. THE RETROCESSION OF BESSARABIA. The Foreign Office published a despatch on Monday night, from which it appears that Prince Gortschakoff, in a telegram to the Russian ambassador in London, had declared the statement that Russia would oppose the article upon Bessarabia being broached at the Congress to be founded on a misunderstanding. Prince Gortschakoff's reply to Lord Salisbury's circular reached the Foreign Office on Saturday. ° AUSTRIAN OCCUPATION OF BOSNIA A^D HERZEGOVINA. A telegram received from Constantinople states that Count Zichy has renewed his proposal to the Porte for an Austrian occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, urging that unless this course be agreed to it will be impossible for the refugees to return to their homes or for security to be established on the frontier. Russia is said to be in favour of the proposal. CONFERENCE OF LIBERAL ASSOCLATTn'xrc! A conference of representatives of Liberal Associations and Clubs in the Northern counties is to be held in Man- chester on April 30, with respect to the crisis in foreign affairs. The circular calling the meeting is signed by the official representatives of Liberal Associations in a large number of towns, and states that as it appears that the vote on the address to the Queen has encouraged the Government to believe that its warlike policy meets the approval of the majority of the nation, it is necessary for Liberals to show that this is not the case, by reiterating their already declared views on the subject. The Daily News points out as worthy of remark that m a parish near Blandford, a petition in favour of peace has been signed by every grown up man and woman. with the exception of one farmer. The petition is headed with the name of the vicar, the Hon. and Rev. A. G. Douglas. A conference of Welsh Calvinistic Methodists, repre- senting 12,600 worshippers, met on Wednesday, April 10th, at Liverpool. They condemned all warlike measures against Russia, and were in favour of a Congress to settle the Turkish difficulty. Count Schouvaloff, (says Vanity Fair) was asked two days ago what he thought of Lord Salisbury's despatch. It is," said he, "an eloquent mausoleum of the Confer- ence." Thf Cronstadt correspondent of the Globe says he has a list of officers designated by the Grand Duke Constantino to proceed to America to purchase and equip privateers to prey upon English commerce in case of war, and that the first intimation England will receive of "the proceedings of the Russian Admiralty will be when officers who have already left Cronstadt form in American ports crews of Finnish sailors summoned by conscription from on board English vessels. The Bishop of Manchester, in the course of his serm»n at the Manchester Cathedral, on Sunday night, April 14th, referred to the prospect of impending war and ex- pressed a fear that if the nation did engage in war it would do so without sufficiently calculating the consequences. It might be. he said, that we required some sharp disci- pline of suffering to bring us back to a healthier moral condition. At a meeting of the Conway (borough) Liberal Associa- tion held on Saturday night, April 13, it was resolved, on the motion of Alderman David Owen (president of the Association), seconded by the Rev. J. Roberts, and sup- ported by Mr. Joseph Jones (vice-chairman of the County District Association), that the thanks of the Association should be given to Mr. Bulkeley Hughes, M.P., the mem- ber for the Carnarvoashire boroughs, for opposing the motion for calling out the reserve forces.

THE PROPOSED RAILWAY TO CARDIGAN. It will be remembered that an influential meeting of the promoters of this scheme was recently held at Cardigan, when a resolution was passed to the effect that the di- rectors of the Whitland and Cardigan Railway Company, being fully satisfied with the result of the canvass made in the district for shares &c., suggested that steps should be taken to commence the undertaking forthwith, subject to the approval of the central committee. The latter body having met, fully concur, we are informed, with the sug- gestion of the promoters, and have decided upon calling » general meeting of the shareholders, to be held in the Guildhall, on Wednesday, when the gentlemen of the neighbourhood will be asked to unite in makino- a final effort ta contribute the full amount required as a guarantee, ,,iz., 220,000, the list at present standing at about £16,000.

THE BOAT RACE. The Umversity Boat Race was rowed on Saturday Anril 13, with the result, as had been anticipated, of an easy victOTV for Oxford. At the commencement, as is usual Cambridc*. nulled a quicker stroke than the rival crew, and drewthead^ B^t the advantage was not long maintained, and bv the tfme Hammer- simth Bridge was reached Oxford was three lengths ahead^d the race was virtuall} ovei. Cambridge hnwprpr with ArZrtrnd pertinacity, stuck to their work, lmt could no ^r' in n/fbe Dark Blue'boat, and at Mortlake the victors werften lengths^ the good, thus giving Cambridge a more crulhin-^defeat th'» either crew has received since 1363, when Oxford beat by fortV"

TIABFRTim^J0E ABERYSTWFTi^ ABbRDOVEY, AND BARMOUTH. April. Aberystwyth. Aberdovey. Barmouth. „ a-m- p.m. a.m. p^inT a.m Fri.19 8 20 8 41 8 49 9 10 8 29 8 50 Sat.20 9 3 9 25 9 32 9 54 9 12 9 3^ Sun.21 9 40 10 S 10 15 10 37 9 55 10 1? Mon.22 10 31 10 53 11 0 11 22 10 40 11 3 l'nes.23 11 17 — — 0 12 11 2fi — Wed.24 0 11 0 41 0 40 1 io n ?o 0 50 Tliur 25 i 1 14 1 53 1 43 I 2 22 1 23 2..A torn Printed by EDWARD ^VooDALL, ;ind PubiTshed FOTUIEPROPRIET^ at the dwelling-house of JACOK JONES, High-street Bala, "f the county of Merioneth: of JOHN GIBSO.V 3 Oue'en's-roa"' Abery.stv.-ytn, in the county of Cardigan; and of DAVID LL01'P> Portmadw, in the county of Carnarvon. Friday, April {:>% X57S.