The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

— mp anD goton the Coast. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. "A CONSTANT READER,"—T: e only remedy is au individual remedy. You can only elevate a community by elevatuig the individuals. L."—Look at the streets opposite the Ehop doors of tradesmen. They will no' do what they can do A change is nicd-d in the conceptions of what is due to the public. TIlE SUREST WAY TO GOD. Take thou the greart-st man who ever lived, As we count great, whoso mme and fama sur- vive. And with thy lot despised, his lot compare, And say with truth if thou his place wouldsc buy For just the price he paid from firs; last, Not knowing at th end that fame was his, But doubting he might stake his ail and lore, And in a nameless grave forgotten iie. Think thou of ail the myriads who have failed To rise above the common crowd uf men la every age. They missed their time or chance, Or were too strong or weak, and fo went down Into the human sea. that endless To be re-b rn, perhaps, long ages hence. Just as the dewdrop sparkling in a rose Finds back its wty from whence at first it came A thousand trous>\nd tinien unmsrred, unchanged, Through God's vast cycles which we label time. I cannot read the ancient scroll of l'fe. I do not understand the things I see. The world's vast, of which I am a part. For me to comprehend all it may meAn. 'Tis not for me to make or mar the Or question plans beyond my dip h to scan- So I just leave the universe to Go i And simply help the cceatura at fny side To make thu b:st of what it knows aud has. For it may be, the nearest way to Him Is through some lowly service, humbly given, To those who have no power to help themselves. THE TRANSVAAL. When President Kruger said that the war in the Transvaal and its cost In life and limb and money wnuld stagger humanity, the Jingo laughed in scorn, but the evente of the past ten days and the horrible pr ospect that is open- ing out has already caused humanity to -tagger. The horror of the deaths and the woundiugs are terrible to me, and the backward sweep of civilization carrie" dismay to my but I think there is now a chance of tle best side of us coming to the surface. At any rate, those may be heard who believe that justice is stronger than brute force, and that right is m'ghtier than armed battalions. We w <re eager for war an 1 went on preparing our forces for embarkation while we were pre- tending to carry on negotiations. We were embarking our forces when the Transvaal declared war, and then we meanly said that the war had been forced upon us, and we pretended that we did not want the war we had provoked. How absurd the Jameson raid looks now What ignorance was displayed by that imper- tinent person, who for a time was the idol of the people. He thought he c uld capture the Transvaal with a. handful of blusterers like him- self, and the Boer just gathered them up as if they were a few ft es. The raid was bog io preparation, and the Boers were getting ready. It is four years since the raid aud hince this country whitewashed the raiders. The Boers con- tinued to get ready. Now we say that they have been wanting to fight this country all the time. We are the aggressors al,d wrong-do-r*. But the Jingoes say that the people who have gone from this country to the Tran»vial have a right to this and to that cousi leration. The people who went to that country went for their -own profit, and it was their duty to abide by the laws of the country they went to for their own profit. Very likely the Chinese find things r< ugh for the.n in Australia and New Zealand, and we have discontented people in Ireland. We have people in this country who are taxed but not represented. We dare not ask our own colonies to do what we tried to force upon the Boers, so we went to war. We underestimated the strength of the Boers. We represented them as savages. We said they were religious hypocrites and that they dare not fight, but that if they did fight they would have no chance against our soldiers. No terms of contempt were too severe and no in"u!ts too grosa for the Boers, and our Jingoes yelled them- selves hoarse in senseless lu-t for war. The victories have not all been with us. There was no remembrance that war means wounds and death and disruption and waste and hunger and disease and calamity and crowded horrors. There was no remembrance that every pang is felt in some home. And so our forces went out to fight, as if war were a pastime for children, to avenge Majuba. Mr Gladstone and the Liberals were derided for the peace they made, and our forces talked about going to Pretoria as the French in 1870 talked about g'ing to Berlin. The French did not get to Berlin, but the Germans got to Paris. We have not got to Pretoria. All our forces are being drawn upon to fight the despised Boers-to wage this unjust war—to make good our unjustifiable claim. We may win, for we are very strong and very rich, but it seems as if we were going to have to fight the malcontents of Europe in the Transvaal. Our great initial mistake was contempt for our opponent—I will not say enemy—and our forget- fulness that we have enemies which we have made by our arrogance in every part of the world. Sir Wilfrid Lawson deplores the incompetent diplomacy which has ended in the war, and urges on the Government to make clear to the Boers as soon as possible the terms of settlement which will be expected by Great Britain, so that the definite purposes and the ultimate object of the war may be understood by all partita. This is a wise suggestion. Personally, I do not attach much importance to defeats, but I attach great importance to being in the right—to having right aims and motives. It ia, to me, terrible that young life should be lacrificed wholesale in war which common sense aad average reasonableness might have avoided. The war will cost me nothing but a little money which I do not want. But there are mothers and fathers who will lose their SODS, wives who will lose their husbands, sisters who will loae their brothers, friends who will lose their friends. These losses are harrowing to me. Of course, I know that these losses are said to be borne for the national good, but is war for the national good ? Who gains by this war in the Transvaal ? Nobody. Not even the money grubbers. The Boers appeal to God. God does not move. We appeal to God. God does not move. Men have alain each other in war from the beginning, and the one great and final conclusion in re- ference to war is that it is pure, unadulterated, unmitigated loss. God does not move. The laws of the world's government and progress are not well enough understood by us to enable us to know what the effects of war are. It may be that this and similar conflicts are processes in the evolution of the creature of the future. All we know is that God does not move. We are all in danger of forgetting that neither the Boers nor the British have a right to the country which surely belongs to ths native races. Here rises a great problem. God knows how He haa made the world and on what plan it is governed. I mean by God whatever force there is that lies at the back of phenomena. We can surely all regret that war should be necessary—O, the pain and loss and shame of it The young make light of it, and I do not complain that young men should held their lives lightly. It is right that individual life should be held lightly, and that we should be willing to give up life for many things that are of more value. What grieves me is that we should give up life for wrong or inadequate ends. That we should give it up for that which is of no value. It seems to me that at every stage of the "negotiations we were wrong. Mr Chamberlain played down to the mob, and the mob was as senaelesa as mobs always are. Jesns Christ was not in the wrong because the mob cried "Crucify Him; crucify Him," nor was the mob right. The mob is very seldom right. If you or I, my dear readers, had it in our power to put a stop to this war we would surely stop it. I wovdd stop it, I am certain, but I do not presume to judge what is right or wrong for the whols race of men over all time. War is a local event as well as a national event. Every soldier. officer, and private, has a home somewhere and his injury, cr sickness, or death, comes home to sorrowing heart3 and brings blinding, deadening sorrow. If we could only briug into our municipal and national life the truth and honesty and fair dealing and Christian principle that we bring into our private dealings there would be no war —war would be impossible. I do cot hate the Beers. I am not anxious that either they or our own men should be slain. I do not care a great deal about defeats ir victories. My own experiences are that defeats are more frui-ful of good, perhaps, than victories. Personally I am always being defeated somewhere and one of these days I s-hall go under finally, but you may depend upon it that out of the very ground on which I lay prone will spring others to fight the batties over again that I lost. We are learning to respct the Boers and in the end we shall, let us hope, make friends of them. Why not? Cannot we be generous to brave foes whom we have provoked to conflict in defence of their own country? Military glory is a poor thiog at best. "Peace hath her victories no less renowned than war." This is to me the eaddest Christmas time that I remember for more than fifty years. CHRISTMAS. Shall I wish my contemporaries a merry Christmas, rr shall I jast glance at them and wish the merry Christmas for the younger generat on ? My min i goes back to the Christmas of 1854 and 1855, when our army was in the Crimea and these nations were sorrowing over a dreadful war that now noboiy attempts to defend. In thousands upoa thousands of homes there will be anxiety, sorrow, mourning—and bitter, irretrievable loss. The weather is hard, aud the poor who have at the best of times scarcely any margin will suffer. It is not a cheerful Christmas, but the young will not mind. They do not remember ■ he Crimean war and they are quite proud to read about victories and defeats and generals and the gillantry of the rank and file. They are not troubled—why should they be—with the sad aftermath of war. There will be family gatherings, and notwith- standing the grim shadow of war, there will be millions of bright homes. Old sorrows and bereavements will have added them another year's softening memory. Many will gather for the first time at Christmas round their own fire- side, and this Christmas will be the beginning of g19,J, warm, family life. Very little change has come to some of us—nothing that we can put our finger upon and say that it has changed the current of our existence. We arc in the same ruts and are doing the same work, bearing the same burdens and partaking of the sa.me joys. We-ks hence these words will reach my friends—you are my friends, you know—in far- off lands. We are thinking about you. The holly-berries are red and there is snow in the clefts of the lonely mountains, and we know that >ou will do your best where you are to make a sort of Christmas, however unlike it may be to the Christmases yrJU knew at home. I send you greeting wherever you are, and may the best things be yours although we never know until long afterwards what are the best things, and then we are greatly surprised. The Coast. J.G.

ABERYSTWYTH. EVELINA HOSPITAL.—Mi«s Gladys Gibson, younger daughter of Mr J. Gibson, on Wednesday list entered upon her duties as Durse at the Evelina Hospital, London, of which Miss Cross is the Matron. U.C.W. MUSICAL SOCIETY.—It has been decided that the annual concert of this Society shall be held on Friday, March 23rd, 1900. Well-known artists have been engaged for the occasion aud a first-class band will be in attendance in addition to the College orchestra. The works to be performed are Rossini's Stabat Mater (to English words) and Mendelssohn's Walpurgis Night." THE PTARR-BOWKETT BCILDINO SOCIETY.—The seventeenth appropriation in connection with the above society took place on Saturday evening, December 16th, at the office, Queen's-square. The ballot resulted in favour of Reg. No. 208, held by Miss Harriett Roberts, Portland street, to whom the sum of £200 will be advanced free of interest to he repaid a: the rate of tight per cent. every year. Over £2,600 has been advanced to members since the commencement of the Society eight years ago. SATURDAY NIGHT TEMPFRANCE ENTERTAINMENT. —The British Womene' Temperance Society held their usual entertainment on Saturday, Mrs W. Griffith, »VTaterloo, presidingfhA following was the night's programme :—Pianoforte solo, Miss Mary Evans song. Mr Lewis Thomas song, Miss Lizzie Evans; address, the Mayor sone, Miss Evans, Mayfitld song, Mies Lizzie Evans recita- tion, Mr D. T. Davil's, U.C.W. song, Miss S. Morgan Jones recitation, Mr E. E. Hughes, Ox- ford. Mrs Samuel was the accompanist. The refreshments were supplied by Mrs Williams, Brighton House; and Miss Humphreys, Miss James, and Miss Thomas, North-parade, had been responsible for the programme. FOOTBALL.—On Saturday, the College Reserves played the North End Rovers for honours in the junior competition. North End did not keep up their reputation for combination, but T. Rees managed to score for them early in the first half. During the remainder of the play, College more thao held their own, but failed in scoring. Toe final result was North End, one goal; College Reserves, 0. The following played for North End —Goal, T. Evans; backs, T. Jones and O. Stephens; halves, J. J. Stephens, O. S. Green, and Sam Green forwards, Granville Owen, T. Rees, E. Evans, Stanley Peake, and R. Cowley. On Christmas Day the" Boers play the" Swifts" and on the day after Aberystwyth will play Birkenhead down here, that being also a combination match. LYING-IN AID AND DORCAS SOCIETIES. — The fourteenth annual tea and distribution of clothing to the poor of the town and district took place at the Town Hall on Friday last. The day was cold but bright and sunny which added much to the pleasure of all those taking part in this yearly and interesting gathering cf all classes of the community, especially for those poor old people who have far to come to the meeting. The tea was as usual served in the big room which had been made to look bright and chee. ful. The tables were nicely laid and tastefully decorated with berried holly and bright coloured flowers The catering was of the best There was an abundance of good tempting- looking viands and everythiug was well served. Miss Gibertson, Mrs John Owen, Mrs David Lloyd, and Mrs Henry Davies, carried out the work and all felt that it was well done. The tea tables were presided over by the following ladies :—Mrs Cozens, Mrs Morgan, Nantcaerio, Mrs David Richards, Mrs Shorthouse, Mrs E. H. James, and Mrs Ebenezer Morgan. Good and willing assistance was given by the young ladies among whom were:—Miss Morgan, Nantcaerio, Miss Gladys Gibson, Miss Myfanwy Evans, Miss Dora Grlffiths,Miss Richards. Mts-Stephene, Miss Owens, Mrs John Evans. and others. Mrs E. James, honor- ary secretary, Mrs E. Evans, Mrs Lewis Griffiths, members of the Committee, received the guests and handed the bundles of clothing to them. Mrs Daniel Thomas, Mrs Edwards, Terrace- road, and others were also present, and all were willing to give assistance. Miss Fryer, who has for years been a very useful member, kindly wrote expressing good wishes for a successful time and enclosing a contribution towards the tea, also her annual subscription to the societies for next year. Ill-health prevented Mrs W. Richards being present. Mr John Richards sent the caterers some tea for the poor people. More people sat down to tea this time than at any aimilar gathering siace the Society started. More garments were also given away. Over a hundred and twenty flannel petticoats were given away last Friday, besides the usual stock of other garments. That the people appreciate thene gifts there can be no doubt, and they always look forward to the meetings with pleasure. The first arrival last Friday was a woman over ninty years. She was served with her tea and received her bun- dle before three o'clock in order to walk back to her home in the country before it got dark. People of all ages from ninety-four years to babiee in arms were present at this tea, and all seemed to like to bethere. Every- thing worked smoothly from beginning to end. There was no hurry or disorder anywhere although over one hundred and fifty persona took tea in a short time. After the mem- bers of the Society had had their tea, business matters were attended to and it was deeided to hold the annual meeting of the two societies aboat the third week in January, of which due notice will be given. I LECTURE.—On the 26th, Dr Gomer Lewis will deliver a lecture in St Phillips's Hail on Gogoniant Amrywiaeth." ENTERTAINMENT.—On Sunday evening next a sacred concert will be given in the New Market Assembly Ro >ms by the Walford Family and Com- pany, and enteruioments on the following Monday and Tuesday. THE WAR FUND.—Under the organisation of Lady Evnns of Lovesgrove, a company of amateurs will give a performance of the farcical comedy An Eider-Down Quilt at the Pier Pavilion on the evenings of Jauuary 3rd and 4th in aid of the war relief fund. COLLEGE DRAMATIC SOCIETY.—On Wednesday evening the College Dramatic Society performed A Fo-il' Paradise in the College Hall, Messrs J. P. Millington D. R. Harries, E. W. Wykos, G. Buir Pt-rret, S. H. Beard. H. Mortimer Green. Misses R. M. Graham, J. Fotheringham, and E. Smith taking part. OBITUARY.—Yesterday (Thursday) morning the death of Mrs Gyde, wife of Mr E. R. Gyde. photographer, to. k place at Pier-street. The deceased had been an invalid for many years. She was the daughter of the late Mr Poole, confectioner, a,d was connected with a. well-known Somerset- shire family. FISHING.— According to the annual report of the Western Se-i Fisheries Committee's badiff for this district the toat value of fish caught by Ab r- ystwyth fi-herrren and landed here during the pas' year is £2,162. The value of fish caught iu the whole of ill" dstrict btween Cardigan and Llwyn- JUNIOR RADICAL CLUB.—The weekly meeting of the Club was held on Friday night, Mr T. B. Hall, ice-prt sident, presiding. The subject for the usual di-scusion which takes place was" Is Flirting demoralising." The debate was of a rather iivt-ly character, the following taking part: — Messrs T. Jono-s, P. B. Loveday, D. C. Edwards, T. Stevens, James Rees, A. Lloyd Williams, J. Robert-, D. H. Pugh, Samuel Hopkins, and the Chairman. GOGERDDAN FOXHOUNDS.—The fixture for Wed- nesday last was at Penglaise when a large field of b^th horse and footp-opie were present to accept nesday last was at Penglaise when a large field of horse and footp-opie were present to accept the hearty cheer of Mraud Mrs Roderick Richardes. Afttr partaking of it, a move was made to draw the covers which turned out blank, as many others did until the field arrived at Brt.ginan gorse cover. There a. fox was found, butfor want of scent was s ion lost. MORGAN V. BEDDOES.—The case of Morgan v, Beddoes, opened on Tuesday (before Mr Justice Darling and Mr Justice Channell, sitting as a Divisional Court) in the Queen's^ench Division, was concluded on Wednesday. This was a dispute between p'aiutiffand Dr Beddoes as to the lease of 33, North-parade, Aberystwyth, and defendant appealed from the judgment at the Aberystwyth County Court. Mr Evans, M. P., for the defendant, announced that the parties had come to terms, and the appeal would be withdrawn. SMOKING CONCERT—A smoking coucert was held by the Wednesday United Recreation Club in the Progress Hall, Mill-street, on Tuesday night. Mr J. P. Thomas presided. The programme was as follows :—Song, W. Brown recitation, J. R. Lloyd aong, J. O. Evans singing competition song, D. H. Pughe song, G. Haydn Jones recitation, J. H. Roberts song, J. Lloyd Davies song, Lewis Davies song. Llew Thomas song, Ronald Gibson song, R. Benbow song, E. R. Jones topical song, P. Loveday. The accom- panists were Messrs H Morgan and D. E. Jones. A RARE BIRD.—On Wednesday morning Mr J. Brenig Edwards, Bridge-street, shot a bittern on the banks of the Rheidol. The birds can live in all temperate parts and were at one time plentiful in the marshes of this country, but of reseut years owing to drainage, they have become very rare. Tne bittern is closely related to the heron, but is dis- tinguished from the latter by the elegancy of its p'umage, Such is the elaboration and variety of c dour and lines on the breast and wings of the bird that an old lady coming into Mr Edwards's shop took it to be a very large butterfly. The Welsh name for bird is aderyn y bwn." POST OFFICE NOTICE.—As the work of the Post Office is largely increased at Christmas-tide, the public are requested to post their correspondence "s early as possible, to enable the officials to cope with the work and to ensure due delivery. There will be a delivery of parcels in London on Sunday, December 24th, and at all places in th9 provinces where letters are ordinarily delivered on Sundays. On Christmas Day the delivery of parcels and letters will be general. The letttr box's at Aberystwyth will be cleared half an hour earlier on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 22nd, 23rd and 24th. OBITUARY.—On Saturday morning the deatn occurred at her residence at Bodlondeb, Llan badarn-road, of Mrs Williams, relict of Mr Griffith Williams, formerly ironmonger and timber merchant cf Aberystwyth. The deceased was a native of Anglesey and was born in J 823 and was therefore seventy-three years of age. She was the daughter of Mr Hugh Jones of Capel Farm, Llan. gristiolus. She was first married to the Rev John Charles, Gwalchmai next to Mr D. Hughes, builder, brother of Mr David Hughes of Liverpool; and in September of 18S3 to the late Mr Griffith Williams. J.P., and ex-mayor of Aberystwyth. Mis Williams contributed largely to various causes connected with Calvinistic Methodism, of which she was a faithful member, and gave JE500 towards the building fund of Salem Chapel in Portland- street. of which her husband was the leading deaccn. The body was interred at Gwalchmai on Tuesday, the Revs D. R. Williams and William Jones, officiating. ECCLESIASTICAL.—The Rtv David T. Rees, who has been curate of St Anne's Church, Clifton, for eleven years, has been offered the living by Mrs Wynne Corrie, Lady of the Manor and patroness. Park Hall, Oswestry, and has accepted it. The Rev Thomas Wilson, his predecessor, who has just resigned, was vicar forty-sevan years. The first two years of the new Vicar's clerical career were spent as curate of St George's, Wigan, under Rav Phillip Haines. He received a presentation on leaving and is very popular among the parishioners of Ciifton. He was largely instrumental in the recent establishment ofSt Thomas' Mission Church, Clifton Junction. He has been secretary of the i/pchuical clasees since their formation, and two years ago was presented with a gold chain and pendant iu recognition of his services. The living it worth £280 per annum, with house. Mr Rees is the eldest son of the late Mr David Rees. coachbuilder, of 'his town. THE ATAR.—Corporal A. Smith of the Royal Bucks Husrs has obeyed the request of his Colonel who was asked by the Government to raise three thousand men to repenish the ranks of the cavalry already in South Africa. Mr Smith left on Tuesday evening, being given a heartv send-off. The Royal Bucks is under the command of LordChes- ham and is regarded as the best yeomanry regiment in the county. Mr Smith has been in the town for a considerable time be ing connected with the manage- ment of Mr Pareezer's undertakings. Others who have been called out from this town are—George Pierce (belonging to the West Yorkshire Prince of Own) Regiment, who left on Friday, D. Thomas, Gogerddan Cottages, D. Powell, who is in the employment of Mr Geddes Smith, and Frank Bowyer, the laundry, all of whom belong to the South Wales Borderers which forms part of the Seventh Division. According to an article which appeared in Pearsons Magazme some time ago the South Wales Borderers (formerly known as the Twenty-Fourth") heads the list in the British Army for the number of distinctions gained on the battle- field, the Black Watch coming second. Mr Lull Berry is another reservist from this town who has been called up. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20TH. — B fore the Mayor (in the chair), Thomas Griffiths, Isaac Hopkins, and John Lewis, Esqrs. Maintenance Case,—Lewis Jones, College Farm, Fiochley, was summoned to show cause why he could not be committed to prison for refusing to pay £2 13s. 6d. due under a maintenance order.— J. J. Hughes, relieving officer, said an order was made on November 29th against defendant and since then nothing had been heard from him. The order was that he wa.s to pay the amount due within seven days.—An order for the committal of defendant to a month's imprisonment was made. Scarcity of Houses. —Isaac Evans, Cam- brian-street, applied for an ejectment order against John Lloyd, Moor-lane, plumber.—Mrs Lloyd ap- peared and stated that her husband had been unable to find another house. They had a large family and they did not know what to do.—Au order was made to take effect after the expiration of twenty- eight days.—The Mayor hoped Mrs Lloyd would be able to secure a house. It was very sad to see so mauy poor people unable to find houses and it was to be hoped something would be done soon to remedy that state of things.

CHRISTMAS IN THE SHOPS. The tradesmen of the town have shown their usual enterprise in the matter of providing the population with the dainties and articles of food usually associated with Yule-tide. Ward and Co. are maintaining their reputation for brilliant dis- plays of novelties in toys and Christmas presents, their stock of which is almost inexhaustible and the variation in the sizes and designs of their dolls is calculated to bewilder the intending purchaser of tobaccos, cigars, cigarettes, pipes, &c. Ward and Co. have selections which will enable the most fastidious smoker to be satisfied. For the Christ- mas festivities, Mr Saycell has provided in the most elaborate manner. The rows and rows of geese, turkeys, ducks, &c., have taken a great d< al of time and care in the selection and are all products from the yards of some of the best poultry breeders in Cardiganshire, Merionethshire, and Montgomeryshire, whilst the game has come from the finest preserves in the country, so that buyers may rely upon finding none but the best birds in Mr Saycell's great show. Mr Saycell has had magnificent shows of poultry and game in the past, but he has thia year beaten all previous efforts. As will be seen from our advertising columns, Mr H. P. Edwards's magnificent show of beef, mutton, aud pork is made op of beasts pro. cured from the best breeders and feeders of Cardi- j ganshire and Shropshire. Customers can rely upen obtaining the best of everythiug here. Mr Richard Edwards has made, as usual, splendid provision for his numerous customers, having obtained toe best horne-bred beef, mutton, and lamb which the county can boast. Mr Edwards is also showing a fioe lot of geese, turkeys, ducks, and fowls. Mr Jeukina, Frougoch Dairy, Little Drkga.te-strfct, is showing some fin geese and turkeys bred on his own f irm. Misses Owen, North p-rade, have pro- vided an excellent assortmeut of mince pirs, pium puddings, bon-bons, chocolate, boxes, &c At Sea's Stores, Terrace-road, huyers will find a supply of Christmas fruits and dainties unique in excellence. In an advertisement in another column Mr Rea gives the prices at which absolutely the best fruit, &c., can be obtained. The young are catered fur by Mr Morgan,Confectionery S ores, near the Town Clock, whose window presents a splendid selection of the h!est novelties in confectionery and sweetmeats. Messrs Evans and Co., Terrace- road, have a. large and varied stock of fruits. Mr Bennison, Terrace-road, suppiie, fresh da-ly, and Mr Wilkinson has as usual a fine selection oj ordinary fruits together wstn those of t.he finest quality procurable. Mr J. II. Wdliatns has also a large selection of fruits for Christmas.

PWLLHELI. CHRISTMAS IN THE WORKUOU.SE.—Th- Guardian- have given permission to the Sunday School teachr" to give a treat to the inmates on Christmas Day. The Coairman (Mr J. T. J nes) subscribed libera'ly to the fund. CHRISTMAS MARKET—This market, which wan held on Wednesday, was not considered to be as brisk as in former years. The attendance was exceptionally large, despite the fact that the weather was inclined to be unfavourable. PIER COMPANY.—Pwllheli Pier Company, Limited (64.379).—Registered December 1st, with capital £10,000, in £10 shares, to construct ano maintain a. marine pier, jetty, and landing-stage at Pwdheli, Carnarvon. The number of directors is not to be leps than two the firt are S. Andrews and F. E Andrews (both permanent) qual fica- tion £500; remuneration as fixed by the compaav. Registered by A. H. Atkins, Limited, 23, Bouverie street. London. E.C. COMING-OF-AGE.—On Tuesday evening, a banquet to celebrate the coming-of-;ige of M' Claude Henry Lloyd Edwards of Nanhoron was held at theCrowo Hotel. Sir Hugh Ellis Nanuey, Bart., presided and Alderman Anthony, the ex mayor, was in the vice-chair. The attendance included the majority of the influential men of the district. A presenta- tion in the form of a beautifully-illuminated address and silver plate was made to the guest of the evening by the Vice-president on benalf of the townspeople. BAND OF HOPE ENTERTAINMENT,—On Wednes- day evening, a magic lauteru < n .ertiiument illus trating Christie's Old Organ and other selec- tions were given to the members of the Band of Hope at Ala-road Chapel. A silver medal competi- tion was also held under the auspices of the London United Temperance Conference. The adjudicators were Miss Nodes, B.A., Miss Brown. B.A., and the Rev J. J. Jones, B.A. There were eleven 1 candidates and the medal was won by Master Meurig Jones. COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS.—Those fortnightly sessions were held on Wednesday before R. Carreg, Esq. (in the chair) and J. G. Jones, Esq.—The opening of the Court was delayed nearly half an hour through absence of magistrates, Mr Crick being the only justice who turned up to time. — Mr Arthen Owen, solicitor, applied on behalf of Mr Richard Griffith for the temporary transfer of the licence of the Tynewydd Inn, Aberdaron, formerly held by applicant's father, deceased —The applica- tion was granted.—Robert Jones, Nevin, stone- mason, was charged by Superintendent Jones with having allowed a pony to stray.—Mr E. R. Davies, solicitor, appeared for defendant.—The Bench in- flicted a fine of 5s. LLEYN RURAL COUNCIL.—The monthly meeting was held on Wednesday w eek, Mr Griffith Jones pre- siding.—It was reported that JE115 9s lOd was spent on the roads of Lleyn during the month, aud £100 15s lid on the roads of Eifionvdd.—Attention was called by the Llanaelhaiarn Water Committee with regard to the closing of a well and action was taken in the matter.—It was stated that there would be a meeting of the Nevin Parish Council shortly to consider the water supply question.— It was reported that Llidiarde School, Aberdaron, had been closed for three weeks owing to the pre- valence of influenzi and the Council decided to write to the Abererch Parish Council asking them to commence the drainage improvements within a month.—A letter from the Nevin Parish Council disapproving of the action of the Council requiring workmen to work on Saturdays until four instead of noon was laid on the table.—Mr Robyns Owrn wrote stating that the dispute in regard to the road at Abersoch foreshore had been satisfactorily settled. Music.—Mr W. H. Jude, the renowned organist and composer, of Liverpool, visited the town on Thursday and Friday last under the auspices of the Ala-road and Salem chapels. On Thursday even- ing he gave an organ recital. The Mayor (Dr Wynne Griffith) presided and there was a good attendance. The programme was all follows :—* Pianoforte solo, "Preludes and Fugues" (with a popular and interesting description of the contra- puntal style of composition); dream music, Angei Land organ solo, Trumpet March soog, Eternal Love organ solos, (a) Legende," (b) Berceuse pour l'Orgue"; foie side ditty, "Grannie's Story organ solo, Marche de Pro- cession." On Friday evening Mr Jude gave a It cture-concert. There was again a good attend- ance, over which Mr Richard Roberts, Hope House, presided. Mr Jude was assisted by a specially- trained choir from the town, led by Mr Morgan Evans, the photographer. The programme was as follows:—Jubilee hymn, "Crown Him Lord of all"; Litany hymn, "Jesus, Son of David, Hear"; reading from The Lamp of Truth solo and chorus, The Angelic Choir descriptive choral hymn, There is a Green Hill," the Choir short address, Music in the Higher Life" choral hymn Light at Evening-time." TOWN COUNCIL. — THE ELECTRIC LIGHTING SCHEME.—A special meeting of the Town Council was held on Tuesday morning, when there were present, Dr Wynne Griffith, mayor, presiding; Aldermen Anthony and David Williams; Councillors W. Eifl Jones, H. P. Jones, Thos. J. Williams, Dr S. W. Griffith, T. Lloyd, Wm. Jones (saddler) Messrs E. R. Davies (clerk) and Dickinson (surveyor). The meeting was convened for tne purpose of considering the advisabi'ity of affixing the seal of the Council to the memorial to Parliament for a Provisional Order for the installation of electric lighting in the town.—Aldermin David Williams thought it would be best to postpone the proposal tor a short time, having regard to the other costly schemes in view, and he proposed that the matter should be deferred. —Dr S. W. Griffith seconded the proposition.— Alderman Anthony impressed upon the Council the necessity of the Council being the first in the field in applying for a Provisional Order and proposed that the seal should be affixed forthwith.—Mr W. ElflJones seconded the latter proposition.—Alder- man Williams afterward withdrew his proposition, observing that he was in favour of the proposal, but thought it advisable to delay matters.—It was then agreed without opposition to seal the memorial. Alderman Williams and Mr William Jones (Stddler) remaining neutral.—The Council, on the motion of Alderman Anthony, seconded by Mr Thomas J. Williams, granted the application of the Surveyor for a week's holiday.

BOTTWNOG COUNTY SCHOOL. The annual prize distribution in connection with this school took place at the School Buildings on Thursday, December 14th, presided over by Mr William Williams, Pwllcrwn, one of the governors of the School. The first part of the meeting was a concert given by the pupils of the School, assisted by some old scholars who had recently left school. The programme consisted of action song*, recitations, musical drills, solob and duetts, given in a masterly manner and the choir also sang beautifully under the conductorship of Miss Holt, the headmistress. A very favourable report on the work of the School for the past year was read by the headmaster, Mr J. L. Roberts, B.A who also read the names of successful pupils at the recent examinations held and of those who had secured prizes for good work done during the year. The most interesting event of the meeting then took place, viz., the distribution of the prizes. The Committee had been very fortunate in securing the presence of Dr O. Wynne Griffith, the mayor of Pwllheli, and an old scholar of Bottwnog School undei the old regime and a warm supporter of intermediate education in the county to present the prizes to the successful pupils. Following the distribution, the Mayor delivered an excellent epeech in which he hoped that that meeting and the distribution of the prizes would stimulate the pupils to redouble their efforts and do good and, if possible, better work again in future. Speeches were also delivered by Dr Thomas, Dyffryn Mr G. Jones, J.P., Peny- bont; Mr R. L. Griffiths, Trewan; Mr R. Jones Evans, Llangiau the Rev Davies, the rector of Llaniestyn, and Mr O. Robyns Owen, clerk to the Governors, who read a letter from the Headmaster of the Pwllheli School stating his regret at his inability to attend the meeting and congratulating the staff and pupils on their success in the recent Central Board examinations. Mr Robyns Owen spoke stronly on the duties of parents to allow their children to remain longer in school and the desirability of securing the better co-operation of the elementary school teachers of the district. After the Headmaster had announced that a prize of £1 was offered by the Mayor to the best pupil in school for the next year, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Mayor for his kindness and pre Bence on the motion of the chairman of the Governors, Mr G. Thomas, seconded by Dr Thomas. All present joined in the singing of the national anthems which terminated the meeting.

MAENTWROG. MONTHLY MEETING.—The Rev Hugh Ellis, Featiniog, has been appointed secretary of the West Merioneth Monthly Meeting in place of the late Rev Robert Owen, M.A., Pennal.

LAMPETER. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15TP.-Present: Mr David Davies, chairman, prèsiding; the Rev R. C. Jones, Lampeter Messrs Samuel Davies. Bettws Bledrws David Davies, Cellan B. J. Evans, Llanfairclydogau William Jone3, Llangybi James Jones, Eiau Davies, aod B, Davies E^ans, Llanwenog; the Rev T. C. Edmuivls, Tr.filan Messrs J. Davies, Llanybyther Lewis Davie?, Llancrwys D. H. Janus aud John Thomas, Llanllwni David Evans and William Edwards, Pencarreg J. Ernest Lloyd, deputy clerk E, D. Rees, assist- ant clerk D. Parry and D. Evans, relieving officers Drs Abel Evans and E. C. Thomas" medical officers. Statistics.—Out-relief administered during the pai-t fortnight, Lampeter district per Mr D. Parry, relieving officer, £ 41 3s 6d to 142 paupers Llany- hyther district per Mr D. Evans, i42 15s 2d to 130 paupers. Number of vagrants relieved during the fortnight, 37; compared with 39 in the corres- ponding period last y^ ar. Number of inmates, 21 lust year corresponding period, 18 A Pauper's Effects.—Mr S. H. Evans, auctioneer, attended the Board to give an explanation regarding the tale of a pauper's f flees in Llanfairclydogau. The old woman had given her consent to the sab- •<nd he (Mr Evans) received instructions from Mr William Davies, Llangybi, to sell —It was stated that the pauper was indebted to Mr Davies and the Board and also oWfd something in respect of rent I he Board considered that all creditors should have an equal share of the proceeds and the CI. rk was instructed to write to the landlord asking what amount of rent was due and to Mr Davies holding him responsible for the money realised by the sale and asking for a statement of the amount due. The House. —The Master reported that, Ellen Davies, the wife of John Dav.es, Llancrwys, arId her two children had been discharged from the House. Mrs Roberts, Station-terrace, had sent a parcel of periodicals to the House for the use of the inmates. Two p-gs had been killed wfoighing twelve or thirteen score.—A vote of thanks was parsed to Mrs Roberts. Provision for Soldiers' FarnHies.—A letter was read from the P.phr Unioa askiug the Board to p tition the Government to make provision from national resources for the maintenance of wives and children of soldiers and sailors engaged in war now dependent upon public charity of soldiers and sailors disabled in war, and for the maintenance of the widows and orphans of soldiers and sailors killed in war.—The Chairman said he was in favour of such provision being made. People would get tired in time of subscribing towards these objects. He thought it was their duty to provide for those who fought for them. Mr B. Davies-Evans proposed that the Board should support the petition. One reason, he thought, why they should not trust simply to voluntary subscriptions was that a great many would shirk their responsibility and the whole I burden would fall upon the benevolent, while the selfish escaped altogether. He thought it was the ountry's duty to Co what they could for those who fought for it.—The Rev T. C. Edmunds seconded the proposition and Mr Lewis Davies supported it.—The proposition was carried without opposition. Rural District Council.-A meeting of the Coun- cil was held after the Board meeting, the Rev T. C. Edmunds presiding.—Dr E. C. Thomas, medical officer, reported that a case of typhoid fever had occurred at Pantswllt, Llanwenog. The girl, who was the sufferer, said there was a case at the place in Llitndytsul where she was iu service.— Mr B. J. Evans called attention to Blaenpaut road, Llanfairclydogau, which the Parish Council had asked for assistance to repair.—The matter was deferred in order that the road might be visited.— Mr B. Davies-Evans mentioned the matter of the repair of a path in the parish of Llanwenog. The public were allowed to go over it as a favour and hi* father had sent letters to the Parish Council and District Council askiug them to repair the path as it was now almost impassable and the people went over the field. He had received no reply and, unless som-thing was done. the- path would be closed.—Mr James Jones said it was not a favour at all. It was public path.—Mr Davies-Rvans avked Mr Jones to try and prove that in a court of law. It had never been dedicated to the public. The Chairman said it was but right that Colonel Davies-Ev <ns should get a reply to his letter, but the reply of that Council would be that they had nothing whatever to do with the matter. Paths were under the care of parish councils.—It appeared that both the District Council and Colmel Davies-Evans had written to the Parish Council in reference to the matter, but that body had not thought fit to answer either of the letters. —Mr James Jones: They have decided not to repair ic.—On the motion of Mr B. J. Evans, it w ig decided co ask the County Council to take over the road leading from Pantynos to Lampeter.—The Survey r submitted his report as to the construc- tion or a footbridge at Capel St. Silin.—The matter was deferred owing to the absence of the Councillor for that district.

MACHYNLLETH. ACCIDENT.—On Saturday last R'chard Hughes, quarrynun, Abercwmeiddaw, whilst engaged in removing rubbish at the bottom of a heap was seriously injured by a fall of rojk which crushed and fractured his thigh and, it is feared, caused internal injuries. FATAL ACCIDENT.—A fatal accident befel a quarryman named Evan Williams of Braichcoch while engaged in blasting operations at the Braich- goch Quarries last Monday. Deceased, it is said, laid a charge and fired the fuse. but instead of seeking cover remained in the same place. His fellow workmen shouted to him, but he did not move. The charge exploded and a mass of rock struck him, precipitating him a distance of about forty feet. ROVEY CLUB MEETING.—The report of Mr Archer. H.M's chief inspector of fisheries, on the public inquiry on the 11th and 12th October last at Machynlleth into the bylaws and variation of scale of licence du ies on salmon rods in force in this dis- trict having been presented to and considered by the Board of Trade, the Board have allowed all the bylaws and variations adapted by the Dovey, Mawddach, and Glaslyn Salmon Fishery Board. Henceforth the Dovey Club net must be two-and- a-half inches mesh instead of two inches as at present. CHARITY.—The Marchioness (D) of Londonderry has again given pieces of flannel to the poor of the town and neighbourhood. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of last week flannel was distributed to the poor of Machynlleth, Derwenlas, Uwchy- garreg, Dovey Bridge, and Dolderwen. Breakfasts were given on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Lad, Londonderry was assisted in the distribution by Lady Aline Beaumont and by Miss Amelia Jones, Mr T. R. Williams, Pantglas, and the Rev D. T. Hughes, curate. On Friday her Ladyship gave her annual treat to the inmates of the Workhouse. FLOODING OF THE DOVEY.—At the Mont- gomeryshire County Counoil on Friday, Mr Richard Rees called the attention of the Council to the length of main road between the Cambrian Railway Station and the Dovy bridge. Mr Rees stated that the road was three feet below the ad- joining land on both sides for about half a mile, and when the Dovey overflowed the water covered the road and remained there for a considerable time. The traffic to the Railway Station was much in- terrupted and the traffic from Merionethshire was quite suspended for days. The mail bags had to be taken over in a boat, and very recently the Machynlleth postmaster had a very narrow escape from drown. ing in endeavouring to get the mail through. Mr Rees further said he would move that the County Surveyor should visit the place and report to the Main Roads Committee aud, if necessary, meet the Machynlleth Urban Council ou the spot.—The Chairman said he did not know that the Council would be disposed even to refer the matter to the County Surveyor for consideration. Although be should like to see an improvement of that kind effected, yet he did not think it would be of any use to refer it to the County Surveyor nor to a committee of enquiry.—Mr John Jones, chairman of the Main Roads Committee, asked what the County Surveyor had to say upon the matter that day The County Surveyor said he did not think the matter would be practicable. To raise the road would be the means of interfering with the adjoining land.—Mr Rees The road at present was three feet lower than the land, and if raised level with the land and not any higher, he could not see how it could interfere with the joining land.— Mr John Jones appealed to Mr Rees whether it Nas really of any practical use to report on what had been declared an impossible improvement. It would incur considerable expense in raising the road.—Mr Rees thought that some improvement might be effected. The present culvert under the Cambrian Railway was he thought too small to take off the water adequately. At present the water remained on the road for several days. If the culvert was made larger it would be an improvement.—The Chairman said that was an entirely new point. He had no objection of referring it to the county surveyor. —Colonel Pryce Jones, M.P., seconded Mr Rees's motion that the County Surveyor report on the matter and if necessary to meet the Machynlleth Urban Council.

SHORTHAND CHAMPIONSHIP. A Welsh boy (William Rees Jenkins, son of Mrs Ellen Jenkins, of 199, Richmond-road, Cardiff), is the winner for 1900 of Lord Salisbury's silver challenge shield for the shorthand championship of all boys' schools in East Kent. Jenkins is a scholar of Dover College, writes the "Oxford Shorthand," and was 120 marks ahead of the second candidate (who uses another system), though the winner has been engaged upon the study only two years, as against his opponent's four. This is the second public prize for shorthand young Jenkins has won, and it is described as a massive silver shield on a mount of polished oak and a truly noble work of art. There were forty-four entries and the examination testa were decidedly "stiff."

ABERDOVE1. SHIPPING.—The steamer Kyonite came in on Friday with cement for the Rhayadr Waterworks and left on Tuesday morning. The steam, r "Telephone "came in on Friday from Liverpool and left on Saturday morning for Barmouth. WEATIIER. The weather throughout last week was fiue aud cold. Tnere were 22.5 hours of bright sunshine during the week cloudless days, four temperature highest maximum, forty-six (Saturday); lowest, thircy-two (Thursday) highest maximum, foi ty-two lowest, tw enty-ei Jht; ineau temperature for the we..k, maximum, 36 2 minimum, thirty- two rainfall, 0.12 inch.

PENRHYiNDEUDRAETH. SCHOOL BOARD.—A meeting of the Board was held on Monday afternoon when there present Mr R. J. Pritchurd (chairman), Messrs A. Richards, C. Williams, J. Evans, William Jones, and R Hugnes (clelk).-Thc report as to the ex- aminatiou of the candidates for the positions o monitors was read aud adopted.—The reports of the annual examination of t.he echool was also red and proved very satisfactory—A vote of congratu- lation with the teaching staffs of the different schools was pisse.(I.-A resolution conveying thanks to the Chairman for presenting the pupils who made the best attendance during the year with medals was carried with acclamation,

THifi TRANSVAAL WAR. It is reported that Mr Winston Sp ncer Churchill, the correspondent of the Morning Post, who escaped from Pretoria, has been captured at Water galbouven. In a speech at Newcastle on Friday night the Earl of Durham renewed his attack on General Gatacre. He re-asserted that an officer whose r.-cord for impetuosity and overworking his men was so well-known ought not to have been ap- pointed to an important command. Friday's papers raid-So far as events at the seat of war are concerned, there were, down to a late hour on Thursday night, no tidings of further developments. According to a list issued on Thursday by the War Office, the number of officers and men killed, wounded, or missing at the battle of Magersfontein on the previous Monday was 833. The authorities announce that by Sunday night four battalions of the sixth division will have embarked for South Africa and that the Government have also approved the immediate mobilisation of a seventh division. The reverses sustained by Lord Methuen and General Gatacre are likely to paralyse these commanders until they are adequately reinforced. Each has fallen back to a previously-chosen position, where they can defy any possible efforts of the enemy. Saturday's pap rs said-Early on Saturday morning the War Office issued a telegram received from General Buller reporting a serious reverse to his force near Colenso. At four on Friday morn- ing he moved in full strength from Chieveley to force a passage across the Tugela. General Hill- yard's Brigade occupied Colenso Station and the houses near the bridge. At that moment General Buller heard that the Artillery under Colonel Long had advanced close to the river, which proved to be full of the enemy, who poured a galling fire, killing the horses. The troop3 were ordered to re- tire, which they did in good order, but ten guns were abandoned and another lost by shell fire. The losses in Genera Hart's Brigade are stated to be heavy, as well aa in the 14th aud 66th Field Batteries. G'-nera! Buller's force retired to the camp at Chieveley. From Monday's p Iperil-Lord Robert" and Lord Kitchener have been ordered to proceed to South Africa immediately. The total losses at the Battle of Colenao on De- cember 15th were officers and men killed, 82 wounded, 667 missing, 348 total, 1,097. From the Modder River, a special correspondent, telegraphing on Wednesday, says the Boers are occupying another kopje to the west of the railway line, and that it is reported there are from fifteen to twenty thousand of the enemy between Modder River and Kimberley. Geuerat Crouje estimates the Boer losses in the battle of Magersfontein at one hundred, but several Boer doctors say there were over two thousand killed and wounded. A sharp engagement with the Boer detachment ten miles east ot Orange River is reported, the enemy re- treating On our side there were four killed and several wounded. From Pretoria an attack on Mafeking is said to have resulted in the retirement of the Boers to another position. From Tuesday's papers—Unbounded enthusiasm prevails among the volunteers in London and the provinces at the prospect held out by the decision of the Government of being allowed to serve either in the gari isons at home or in South Africa. Offers of immediate service have been received from quite 20.000 volunteers. It is estimated that in London alone 5,000 men would be ready to start for the seat of war within twenty-four hours of receiving notice. Lord Roberts will leave for the Cape next Saturday. The Boera have, destroyed the railway culvert between Moddt-r River and Magersfontein. Lord Methuen is forming redoubts to protect his camp. Another Canadi&n contingent has been accepted by the War Office. The Jnew joint Australian contmgrnt, consisting of a thousand mounted troops, will sail before January 10th. Our total loss in the campaign up to date 7,630 is officers and men, 728 being killed, 2,784 wounded, and 2,265 lost or taken prisoners. General Buller's engagement on the Tugela was a reverse before the loss of the guns converted it into a disaster. The terrible long list of casualties is sufficient: proof of that, even if one had some hesitation in inferring as much from G' neral Buller's despatch. At the Tugela we lost eleven guns and nearly eleven hundred men at Stormberg we lost between six and seven hundred men &.nd in the drawn bUtle at Magers- lonteiu over eight hundred men, a total of at least 2,500 men during the week. Each of these reverses, moreover, ocouired on a different frontier, the latebt of them in a fiirld of operations to which we had confidently looked for a retrieval of our misfortunes. The bare facts speak for themselves, and they are such as to compel in the breast of every citzen the question, How can I best discharge my duty in the present situation ?-Manchester Guardian. From Wednesday's papers-Once again on Tues- day thero was almost a complete absence of news from South Africa. A surprising bit of intelligence was that both guides who misled General Gatacre were mysteriously shot during the retreat. For the nonce, however, interes, seems to have been re- moved from the seat of war to home. The volunteers continue to respond nobly to the call of duty, while Lord Chesham has been authorised to organise a force of 3,000 Yeomaury, which is to proceed to South Africa uoder his command. There was no news of importance in Thursday's papers. Sir Charles Warren has left Cape Town for De Aar, south of Orange River. Rev. Minot Savage, a leading American Uni- tarian, declared in his church at New York that if Eng and and Russia were at war it would be the duty of the United States to back England with every ship and gun and dollar she possessed, a remark which was vigorously applauded. On Monday a number of Welsh volunteers in North Wales, including prominent citizens of Carnarvon and Llandudno, received official notification that the War Office had accepted their patriotic (,ffer of service. They are now in daily expectation of definite orders as to their destina- tion. LORD ROBERTS' SON KILLED. An official intimation has been received of the death of Lieutenant the Hon F. H. S. Roberts, only son of Field Marshal Lord Roberts of Kandahar. This young officer, who in a previous message dealing with the casualties sustained by General Buller's force on Friday, was through a telegraphic error described as Lieut N. or E. Roberts," was shot in the abdomen, and, although the bullet was extracted by Sir William Mac- Cormac, the hope of recovery, usually slender in such cases, was practically non-existent. News was received of his very grave condition, and on Sunday evening intelligence of his death was trans- mitted to the Government, occasioning the keenest rcgn t. Lieutenant Roberts, who belonged to the Kind's Royal Rifle Corps and left London a few weeks back for the front, was nearly twenty-eight years of age, and was aide-de-camp to his father, the comm mder-in-chief in Ireland. He served in the Wazerista Expedition in 1894-5, for which he was mentioned in despatch, and again with the Chiiral Relief Force in 1895. LORD LONDONDERRY. The Marquis of Londonderry, speaking at Sea- ham Harbour on Saturday, alluded to the reverse at the Tugela River, and said he had come to the conclusion that the plans so admirably arranged by Sir R. Buller were unfortunately frustrated by the over-anxiety of the colonel of the artillery to obtain a perfect situation for his guns. As one who knew Sir Redvers, he was sure that the reverse would not in any way hinder him from displaying that consummate prudence and lionhearted courage which were the great British characteristics. Within the last few weeks they had seen courage diaplayed by our troops as great as was manifested in the Crimea. They had seen our troops called upon to attack heights of a character he should consider absolutely impregnable and impossible to any but English troops and the flower of the British army. He knew the courage of the generals in command' and he only trusted that they had not been asking their soldiers to perform impossible feats in at- tacking absolutely impregnable positions, To his miud the idea was an awful one, that, when this question was settled, when the Transvaal was con- quered, as it, assuredly would be, they might have forced upon them the horrible conviction that the end might have been achieved with less loss of limb and life had impossibilities not been asked of cur gallant ^nd nobl^ sohiieis. IMPORTANT DECISIONS OF THE GOVERN- MENT. The National Defence Committee of the Cabinet held a meeting on iy, and last on Sunday night the following official announcement, showing that drastic measures had been decided upou, was issued hy the vvtr- Offic :—Acting on the advice of the military authorities, the Government have ap- proved the following measures All the remaining portions of the Army Reserve, including Section D, will be called up. The Seventh Division, which is being mobilised, will proceed to South Afr ca without deiay. a well as reinforcements of aridb-ry, including a howitzer brigade. The Commander-in-Chief in South Africa has been authorised to continue to raise, at his dis- cretion, local mounted cojps, and it it intended to send out as well a considerable mounted force from home. Nine battalions of militia, in addition to the two battalions which hive already volunteered for service at Malta and one for service in the Channel Islands, will be all owed to vcuoteer for terviceout of the United Kingdom and an eqnivalentadditional number of militia ba tali ns w ll be embodied for service at bome. A strong force 01 volunteers, a looted from Yeo- manry regiments, wiil be formed for service in South Africa. Arrangements are made, and will shortly be announced, for the employment in South Africa ot a strong contingent of earduliy'elected volun- teers. The patriotic offers which are being receivf d from the colonies will, so far as pos-ihle, be accepted, preference being given to offers of mounted con- tingents. IRISH MEETING PROHIBITED. The authorities at Dublin Castle issued a proclamation prohibiting the meeting announced by the Irish Transvaal Committee to tnki place on Sunday. Mr Wail, chi. f polic- magistrate, signed the proclamation, which sets forth tnat affidavits have been sworn that the object and effect of such meeting would be the display of seditious emblems and the delivery cf seditious speeches seducing Irish soldiers from their duty and allegiance to the Quten. A copy of the proclamation has been sent to the Lord Mayor of Dublin. Sir Henry Camphell-Bannerman, addressing a Liberal meeting 10 Aberdeen on Tuesday night, de- voted the drat part of his speech to the war, re- ferring in t-rrns of pra)se to the gallantry displayed by the British troops in circumstances of un- exampled difficulty. There might, and, doubtless, would be, still further lamentable loss of life, but the end could not be doubted. We had in South Afri, a the largest Army that had ever left these shores, we had a united people in this country and inevery part of the Empire, and with these forces on our side, moral and material, succes was certain. Now that the war had been entered upon, it must be prosecuted with vigour. He held that by proper diplomacy during the last four or five years all occasiou for the present cot-flict could have been avoided, and observed that the Liberals accepied no responsibility for the war or for the policy which preceded it. The country had been kept too much in the dark as to what the GovernmeLt had been doing and it would be the duty of the Opposition to demand full discussion at the proper time, and to ask why the Government, in view of their policy, were n t better prepared for the stale of affairs which had arisen.

Hunting appointments. i-lir T. P. LB,WES' FOXHOUNDS WILL MEET Wednesday, Decembpr 27th Llanilar 10-30 ci. in. Monday, January 1st Llanrhystyd 10 30 a.m. THE GOGERDDAN FOXHOUNDS WILL MEET Tuesday, December 26th .Three Horse Shoee 10-30 a.m Friday, December 29th Piccadilly 10 30 a m. PLAS MACHYNLLETH FOXHOUNDS WILL MKET Tuesday, December 26th Esgairfochnant S a.m. Thursday, .December 28th Cwmbychanmawr 8 a.m. PLAS MACHYNLLETH HARRIERS WILL MEET Wednesday, December 27th Talywern 10-30 a.m. Friday, December 29th ^Glanfechan 10-30a.m.

MINES AND QUARRIED SURVEYED, LEVELLING FOR WATER COURSES, &-c. Plans and Sections prepared. For terms, apply W. A. NORTJQEY, w331 ABERYSTWYTH. ESTABLISHED 1848. DAVID JAMES & Co., SCULPTORS AND MONUMENTAL MASONS, LLANBADARN FAWR, ABER- YSTWYTH. Monuments, Tombs, Crosses, Headstones, Ledgers, Tablets, in Granite, Marble, Slate, and Stone, at Reasoiaable Prices. Monuments Restored and Re-lettered, and every description of Monumental work executed. ESTIMATES AKD DESIGNS FREE. w67 F. BENNISON, FISHMONGER & FRUITERER, LISBURNE HOUSE, TERRACE-ROAD. FRESH FIfcH DAILY RESH FISii DAILY CAUGHT BY OUR OWN BOAT IN THE BAY. FRESH SALMON FROM THE TEIFY, SEVERN, AND OTFER RIVERS. ICE always on hand. Homers' clotted cream and cream cheebe. Fruit and Vegetables fresh daily. 8ENNISONS POSTING STABLES, PORTLAND STREET late Pareezer Hall), ABERYSTWYTH. The best-appointed LIVERY AND POSTING STABLES In Aberystwyth. HORSuiS AND CARRIAGES of every description FOR HIRE. Landaus, Victorias. Waggonettes, Phastons, Dog- carts, Governess Cars, &c., by the day or hour. All OrderH, which may be left at Lisburne House or the Stables promptly attended. gripping. MESSRS EVAN MORGAN & Co's movements of Steamers s.s. Port Darwin" loading at Derindje for Baltimore. s.s. "Eastbourne" on passage Cardiff to Bey- rout. a.s. Oriandi on passage Swansea to Leghorn.

1rth.s, iftarriages, anb deaths. BIRTHS. EvAKS- On Wednesday, the 13 th December, at the Pont- argamddwr Arms, Tregaron, the wife of Mr David Evans, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. JoNFs-DAVIFs-On the 15th December, at Bethel, Aber- artb, before Mr J. M. Howell, registrar, Captain T. J. Jones, Gwelfryn, Aberarth, and Miss Jane M. Davies, Tower, Aberarth. JENKITIS—EVANS—On 20th December, at the Congrega- tional Chapel, Aberystwyth, by the Rev Job Miles, in the presence of the Rev W. Jones, Mr David Jenkins, Crynfryn-row, and Miss Jane Evans, Mill-street, both of Aberystwyth. DEATHS. Ei-ANs-On December lfith, at Pen parke, Elizabeth Evans, widow of the late John Evans, Tanyrallt, Pen- carreg, Carmarthenshire, aged R2 years. ROWLAND-On December 15tb, at Pennal, Ann Rowland, relict of the late Edward Rowland, Pennal, formerly of Corris, aged 75 years. THOMAS—On 14th December, at Aberystwyth, Margaret. E. Thomas, wife of Walter Thomas, labourer, aged 28 years- TIIOlAs-On 15th December, at Mill-street, Aberyst- wyth, Mary Thomas, wife of Mr T. Thomas, labourer, aged 44 years. WATKINS—On ISth December, at Wine Vaults, North- parade, Aberystwyth, Mr J- Watkins, wine and spirit merchant, aged 83 years- WILSON—On December 17th, at Aberystwyth, Jane Wilson, wife of Joseph Wilson, labourer, aged 23 years- WILLIAMS-Un itfth December, at Bodlondeb, Llan- badarn-road, Aberystwyth, Mnry Williams, widow of Mr G. Williams, timber merchant. Printed by J. GIBSON, and published by him in Tenace- road, Aberystwyth, in the county of Cardigan at LI. EDWARDS'S, stationer, High-street, Bala; at J. Gibsons', at the Cambrian News Office, High-street, Barmouth, in the county of Merioneth and at DAVID LLOYD'S, Portmadoc, in the county of Carnarvon. On Friday December 22nd, 1899.