The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

TO ALL WHO YARN.' ALWAYS IN STOCK, a Large Assortment of WOOLS in different makes and qualilies such as the WHITE and BLACK SHETLAND YARN. 19 ANDALUSIAN YARN. ,GREY and WHITE WELSH YARN, 3s. per lb. BLACK and COLOURED YARNS. Special for making Hose, Scarves, Helmets, Etc., ctc. A VISIT TO OUR WOOL DEPARTMENT WILL BE GREATLY ESTEEMED Robt. McLean, millinery est I blisstienr, Portmadoc.

PORTMADOC. Wedding.—The marriage was solemnized en? Saturday, February 12th, at Ebenezer on, Congregational Church, Bangor, between Mr Ellis Evans, headmaster of Tremadoc Council School, and Miss Elizabeth Rhys, -dau,llit-er of Professor Rhys, of Bangor Congregational College. The ceremony -was performed by the Rev Ellis Jones, Bangor. í BALANCE SHEEæ, "ERS HOSPITAL, January 21st, 1916. Income. £ s d Balance, December 64 8 2 Maintenance—Mrs C M Greaves, fanlity, ajid servants 22 10 0 Government grant 49 0 0 Donations lx 17 9 .Miscellaneous i.- 0 13 6 Total 149 6 10 Expenditure. £ s d Maintenance 64 6 2 I.,auiidi-y 4 14 3 Salaries 8 10 9 Dispensing 2 12 10 Miscellaneous 11 2 4 Petty Cash 0 19 11 Balance ••• 57 0 7 Total 149 6 10 Government grant owing January 31st, æ72 5s. ud. Approximate value of gifts received in kind, £ 16 9s. 2d., and consumed during the month. Mrs. W. M. Greaves wishes to acknow- ledge the under-mentioned with grateful thanks:— List of Gifts in Kind, Wern Hospital, February 14th-20th. R. J. Purnell, Esq., Portmadoc, quoits. Mr. Robert Ellis, blacksmith, quoits. Surgeon-General Ellis, eggs. Mr. George IPovey, Ymwleli, potatoes. Miss Priestley, Criccieth, eggs. Mrs. Oates, Pensarn, eggs. Mrs. Jones, Ynysddu, eggs. Mrs John Pierce, Garn, eggs. Ihrs Humphreys, Lliwdy, eggs. Mr. Thomas Roberts, Bailiff, Gwynfryn, eggs. Miss Griffiths, Aberkin, eggs. Mrs. 1. P. Lewis, LJan- .ystumdwy, -eggs, Mrs Roberts, Tyddyn- muthwl, eggs. Mrs. Williams, Ynysgain Bach. tea. Miss S. A. Jones, Tynygate, tea. Mrs Walter Jones, Emu, marma- lade. Miss Griffiths, Cefncollfrvn, butter. Mrs. Drage, Parciau, potatoes. Miss Sybil Jones, Ynysfor, pyjamas. Miss Reese, Portmadoc, apples. Gifts in Money. F. Vaughan, Elsq., 92 2s. Od. Mrs Wyatt, 6d. The Misses Moss, 5s. Mr. Thomas Roberts, Keepers' Lodge, 6d. Mrs l>?vies,' Ynysgain Bach, Is. Mr. Evan Jones, Keeper, 6d. Mrs. E. Roberts, Talarvor, 10s. Total, k2 19s. 6d. Entertainments to Soldiers. February 16th, Mrs. Greaves, concert and tea Criccieth. Conveyances supplied by Mrs. Greaves and Mrs. Bolland. February 17tli.—Miss Thomas's Concert Party at the Hospital. Motor rides.—Mr. R. M. Greaves.

lor Sight Testing Spe "tacies | If we cannot help, we say so. If we can, we do thoroughly. n THEREIN LIES OUR SUCCESS. E. THOMAS, D.F.O.A. Qualified for Sifcbt Testing, by Exun, I London. Honours Certificate. R. Bonner Thomas & Sons 4, Bank Place, Portmadoc-

URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL, Friday night, February 18th.—Present: Councillors Evan T. Pritchard, chairman, presiding; R. J. Jones, William Edwards, David Jones W. J. Rowlands, T. J. Williams, Richard Jones, (C), William Owen, Cadwaladr Roberts, D. J. Roberts, E. D. Hughes. Edward Jones, clerk; W. Williams Jones, accountant; W. J. Pritchard, gas manager; E. Lewis Evans, surveyojr; and George Davies, sanitary engineer. Ipondolence. On the motion of the Chairman, the Council passed a vote of condolence with Dr Evans in the death of his son, Lieut. D.O. Evans, killed in action in France, and with Mr and Mrs R. M. Hughes. 143, Manod-road, whose son died after being picked up when the" Arabis" was sunk. Sympathy. Sympathy was conveyed to Mr and Mrs Hughes, Dolgaregddu, in the wound ng of their soldier son, resulting in the loss of his arm. Congratulatory. On the proposition of Mr William Owen, seconded by Mr David Jones, the Council congratulated Mr R. C. Jones, a former member, on his appointment in a local Government factory. Ga The gas made during the month was 692,600 cubic feet. Public Lighting. A sub-committee reported that they had interviewed Mr Yale in respect of the Council's offer. Mr Yale presented a statement showing the expenditure in connection with public lighting and said in the circumstances he could not recom- mend his Company to vary their offer of August last. It was agreed to ask Mr Yale to at- tend a special Council meeting to discuss the terms. Coal Contract. It was agreed to forward the whole correspondence between the Clerk, the Urban District Councils Association, and the Colliery Company in reference to the coal contract to the Board of Trade. Keeping Pigs. At the Health Committee it was stated that four applications had been re- ceived to keep pigs. The Inspector said the situation of the proposed pigstyes in certain cases contravened the byelaws. It was proposed that the byelaw as to dis- tance be not enforced in all cases and that was carried in the Committee, an amendment that all applications which did not comply with the byelaws should be considered on the merits being rejected. Eventually, the Committee granted three applications, subject to the conditions laid down in the Inspector's report being carried out. The fourth application was refused. With the Colours. The Sanitary Inspector reported the arrangements made for carrying out the work of Mr R. J. Owen, assistant sur- veyor and inspector, during the latter's absence on militarv service. The Council confirmed the arrangements and expressed appreciation of the co-operation shown by by the officials. The Council are paying Mr Owen the difference between his Army pay and his salary and also keeping his place open. Replying to Mr Richard Jones (G.), the Accountant said the sum payable by the Council was £1 lis. 4d. per month. Vital Statistics. The medical return for January showed four births and seventeen deaths, giving a death rate of 22.0 Sheep Straying. It was agreed to direct the attention of the police to the complaints about straying of sheep on the main roads. Main Road Contract. The Accountant submitted to a sub- committee a statement giving the actual amount of expenditure to date and estim- ated expenditure to the end of the financial year on March 31st on the maintenance of main roads. The Surveyor also submitted a statement giving particulars of the work intended to be carried out during the year. The sub-committee decided "That the Council in view of the present war and the financial position of the county, be recom- mended to accept the sum of £1,100 for the maintenance Inti the main roadt; for the year ending March 31st, 1917, and that the County Council be informed that the main roads cannot be expected to be maintained up to the same standard as previous years." A copy of the recommendation, which was duly adopted by the Health and Roads Committee on February 8th, was sent to the Clerk to the County Council and Mr Breese replied that he was glad to find the Council were ready to meet the County Council in the matter of ex- penditure. The Council adapted the sub-commit- tee's report. Flag Day. It was agreed to join the movement in- initiated by Towyn in favour of a flag day in aid of funds for Welsh troons on March 1st. Compliment. The Ministry of Munitions wrote that they had received from the Birmingham University Laboratories the test of tar made by the Council. The Ministry noted with much satisfaction that the Council had succeeded in improving the toluol contents of the tar and that their treated tar now contained a most valuable percentage of toluol. The Council congratulated the Gas Man- ager on the Ministry's tribute. From the Front. Mr Wrilliam Owen read interesting let- ters from the front which he. had received from Lieut. Evan Jones, a member of the Council, and Capt. H. P. Williams, formerly quartered in the district. Lieut Jones sent his good wishes to the beys of the Council. Conference. The Council, on the proposition of Mr J. Cadwaladr, seconded by Mr William lOwen, approved the movement to provide for the after care of broken Welsh warriors and appointed the Chairman to attend the proposed conference at Shrews- bury. Mr J. Cadwaladr was also appointed to attend. Train Facilities. The G.W.R. Company wrote regretting their inability to improve the train facil- ities during the period of the war. Finance. Bms for J3879 and wages and other accounts amounting to JB189 were passed for payment. Stone Throwing. It was agreed on a report by the police to prosecute certain boys for stone throw- ing. The Local Tribunal. Mr D. J. Roberts asked if the Council could add to the membership of the local t tribunal now consisting of eleven mein- bers ? The agriculturists were ocmplaining that they had no representative on the tribunal! and intended calling a meeting to consider the matter. The Clerk said the eleven names had been sent to the Local Government Board and been confirmed. Mr E. D. Hughes proposed that two or three agriculturists should be put on the tribunal. The Chairman said the proposition was not in order for a special meeting was called to appoint the tribunal. The pre- vious resolution must be rescinded first of all. Mr Hughes and Mr Roberts persisted in their proposal whereupon Mr J. Cadwaladr asked where had they been up to now P The Clerk said the instructions asked that labour should be represented on the tribunal and that had been done. With regard to the proposal if the Council de- cides to re-open the matter for one class other classes would also ask for repre- sentatives. Mr Cadwaladr Roberts thought the Council had selected the best men possible for the tribunal, • and as one connected with a farm all his life he might say he was quite satisfied with the constitution of the tribunal. After mere discussion the Chairman ruled that the proposition was out of order until the previous resolution was rescinded and the next matter was taken.

Merioneth Nursing Association. A conference of the Merioneth County Nursing Association was held at the Police Buildings, Barmouth on Thursday, Feb- ruary 10th, with Lady Williams, Deu- cjraeth, in the chain-. There were also present Miss Greaves, Tanrallt. Tremadoc; Mrs. C. J. Holland, Caerdeon; Mrs. Richards, Caerynwch; Mrs. B. L Duns- mure, Hengwrt; Mrs. Thomas, The Vicar- age, Corris: Miss Joyce G. Ruck, Esgair, Pantperthog; Mrs. M. Jones, Glanrafon, Dyffryn; Mrs. S. A. Blakey, Cwmglas, Arthog: Mrs. A. M. Burgess. Plas Blod- wen, Llwyngwril. Mrs. M. A. Gordon- Mills, Islvvyn, Llwyngwril; Miss C. Elking- ton, Frondirion, Llwyngwril; Mrs Trevor, Maesmor, Maerdy, Oorwen; Mrs. Lloyd, Rhagatt; Mrs A. Lawford, Borthwnog; Mrs. E. Burton, Eryl Aran, Bala Miss Hughes, Rectory, Talyllyn; Mrs. F. Pryoe Jones, The Rectory, Talyllyn; Mrs. H. E. Jones, Rhianfa, Towyn; Mrs Haydn Jones, Dolgeiley; Mrs. J A. Griffiths, Bod Eryl, Brynhyfryd, Dolgelley: Miss L. Charles, Dolgeiley; Mrs. M. Morgan, Bodlondeb, Dolgeiley Mrs. J. A. Griffiths, Bod Eryl, Dolgeiley; Mrs. Collinson, Ynysfechan, Arthog; Mrs. J. J. Thomas, Talsarnau; Miss Ei. Griffiths, Harlech; Miss M. Richards, Pensarn: Mrs J Amer Williams, Barmouth; the Rev E. Jones Edwards, Arthog; Miss M. E. Owen, Penrhyndeu- draeth; Mrs. G. Silver, Mrs. M. Owen, Minffordd; Mrs. E. Humphreys, Gwalia, Penrhyndeudraeth; Mrs. K. Williams, Bethesda, Llwyngwril; Mrs., E. Owen, Carmel, Celyn; Mrs. O. W. Morris, Miss Emily Roberts, Mrs Claudia Jones. Mrs. A. Jones, Mrs. E. Jones, Barmouth; Mrs. K. Lloyd-Owen, Mrs. White Phillips, Blaenau Festimog; Mrs. W. E. Jones, Bala; Miss Lewis Aberdovey; Mrs. W. Morrfis, Glanllyn. Bala; Nurse S. Roberts, Barmouth; iNurse Jones, school nurse, Dolgeiley; Miss Prytherch, superintend- ent, North Wales Nursing Association; Nurse Williams, Ganllwyd (late Bala) Nurse Hughes, Welsh National Memorial; Alderman Dr John Jones, J.P., DoIgelley; Dr. R. T. Edwards county medical officer of health; Messrs. L..Lloyd John, Cor- wen; L. J. Davies, Llanuwchllyn; and D. White Phillips, Blaenau Festimog, county correspondent for North Wales Nursir Association and secretary of the Merioneth Nursing Association. Before commencing thy business. Dr. John Jones with much feeling referred to the death of Captain Osmond Williams, D.S.O. Since the previous conference there had Iveen cause to rejoice with Sir O'smond and Lady Williams in the honours conferred by the King on their gallant son for distinguished conduct on the field of battle; but, alas. there was now cause to lament with them on his death as the result of wounds received whilst in the act of repeating his brave and heroic deeds. A resolution of sympathy with Sir Osmond Williams, Lady Williams, Lady Gladys Williams, and the members of the family was passed. Arising out of the minutes, Mr. White Phillips explained that the quecstion of drawing up the constitution and rules of the Association was in abeyance. The Association was now treating with public bodies to undertake nursing of different characters and was to receive grants for the work. It might be desirable that those public bodies should be represented on the Association. The reports from the different nursing associations given bv the secretaries were satisfactory, -excopt that in two districts, namely, Penrhyndeudraeth and Blaenau Festiniog, North Wales nurses had to be engaged to take the places of Queen's nurses who had resigned. Mr. White Phillips explained that un- fortunately the changes had had to be made owing to the lack of funds due to the depression in those districts; hut it was hoped that when prosperity set in they would again -engage Queen's nurses. The County Correspondent pointed out that Dinas Mawddwy. Trawsfynydd, and Pennal were still without nurses and that it was imperative that those districts should be provided in order to carry out the public work the Association was now invited to undertake. Dr. John Jones said it was necessary that a nurse should be placed at Dinas Mawddwy. He was prepared to do every, thing in his power to assist in that direc- tion. A discussion followed, and it was ultimately decided to request Lady Williams and Mr. White Phillips to hold a public meeting at Dinas Mawddwy with the object of arousing local interest, and in the case of Tra-wsfynydd and Pennal the County Correspondent was asked to make the best arrangement he could. It was explained that last year the Education Authority granted two scholar- ships of £25 each to enable the North W ales Nursing Association to train two nurses from the county and that the candidates were now in training. It was agreed to make an application to the Education Authority this year again. Miss Prytherch, superintendent of the North Wales Association, reported that the Queen Mary Fund for Women Committee had kindly offered the Association J352 for the training of two women suffering from the effects of war, and that one of the grants had been offered to a candidate from Merionethshire. A suitable candidate had been selected and was now in training. With reference to the other grant, it appeared that no other suitable candidate was to be found in the other counties of North W alc-s, and the grant was therefore given to a second candidate from Meri- onethshire. She was also in training and reported to be making satisfactory pro- gress. Mr. White Phillips said those grants were made for the. training of two candi- dates clearly suffering from the effects of the war; but it appeared that no other county in North Wales, except Merioneth, was suffering thereby. Notwithstanding endeavours to find1 a suitable candidate in the other eonties, none was found. Lady illiams said the principal business of the conference was to consider an invi- tation from Merioneth County Council to submit a scheme and terms whereby the district nurse may act as health visitor under the Notification of Births (Exten- sion) Act. 1915. Mr. White Phillips, in introducing the discussion, said the question should re- ceive careful consideration. The County Council last year adopted the Notification of B rths Act. 1907, when under no legal obligation to do- so. -The new Act of 1915 was compulsory. When the urban and rural district councils were circularised by the Local Government Board in- timating him that they should carry out the provisions of the Act much confusion arose. To dispel that con- fusion, a conference of the Public Health Committee of the County Council and re- presentatives of local authorities was held, when it was stated that, as the County Cbuneil had previously adopted the Act for the whole county and that it was now in operation, it was unnecessary for the urban and rural district councils to con- sider the matter. Under the Act it was absolutely necessary to appoint health visitors, and as that meant much expense the minor bodies were asked to consider the question and suggest to the County Council whether (i), the work be under- i, taken by directly-appointed officers (it being suggested that three whole-time nurses should be appointed to do school nursing and health visiting for the whole county, or (2), through the district nursing association the district nurses to act as health visitors. The alternatives were considered by the public bodies and the following resolution was adopted by the County Council" That having heard the opnions and suggestions of the urban and rural district councils as to whether the work be undertaken by directly-appointed officers or through the nursing associations and with a view to having all the informa- tion possible before deciding the matter. the County Nursing Association be invited to submit a scheme for health visiting by the district nurses, and for their terms for so doing Mr. White Phillips had pre- pared a draft scheme. He anticipated that manv errors in allocating the parishes to the district associations would be pointed out, but those were errors which oculd be easily rectified. After the draft scheme had been fully explained to- the meeting. Dr. John Jones said its preparation must have cost Mr. White Phillips much labour. On paper the schema looked well, but to carry it out it was absolutely necessary that nurses should be placed in all the districts set out. such as Dinas Mawddwy and Traws- fynydd. Jf nurses were apoointed in those districts he saw no reason why the scheme could not be adopted. The County Coun- cil had to obtain the approval of the Local Government, Board to the scheme. The County Medical Officer of Health explained that the scheme was incomplete without having nurses in the places named. He considered that the district nurses might well undertake the work of health visitors, if properly qualified for the work. The district nurses now did school work under him, and he was pleased to report that it had been done most satis- factorily. He was anxious, however, that the nurses should not lie overworked, of which there was a danger. The principal question for him as medical'officer of health was that the work was done properly and thoroughly and that the Local Government. Board should have no reason to cpmplain and withdraw the grants which they pro- posed making in respect of the work. That was one reason for his desire to be satisfied with the qualification of the nurses to undertake the work. It was purely a matter for the Local Government Board whether the qualification's were satisfac- tory He also explained the provisions of the Act and the duties of a health visitor. He thought the district associations should consult their nurses as to whether they could undertake the extra duties. Mr. White Phillips pointed out that the Local Government Board had already specified in rules and orders issued what qualifications were necessary for health visitors. iTbe district nurses in the county were well within those requirements. Queen's nurses are employed as health visitors in numerous places at present. Nurses trained under the North Wales Nursing :As(poei,atiorL (biold the Central Midwives Board Certificate and were specially trained in the subject. The representatives of the District Associations expressed their views and in; all cases where the matter had been con- sidered the idea of undertaking health; visiting was approved. Miss Greaves, Mr Lloyd Jones, and others spoke and made several suggestions. It was ultimately resolved on the proposition of Dr. John Jones that the district nursing associa:- tions should further consider the matter and report to a sub-committee consisting of the President and Secretary of each district association; that all the informa- tion available should be supplied in the district associations lenable them to decide the matter; that the sub-com- mittee should be authorised to draw up a schemes in accordance with the report from the district. The Medical Officer of Health undertook to give all the assistance he could. Referring to the question of establish- ing maternity and infant welfare centres, the Secretary reminded the conference of the address delivered by Mrs Leverton on the subject at the previous meeting. He wondered whether the subject had since received the attention of the district associations. He feared it was out of the question to form maternity centres in so scattered a county. Infant welfare centres, however, were quite easy and simple to start and carry on. He explained briefly how the centres may be formed and carried on. The Board of Education would bear fifty per cent. of the costs if their regula- tions were adhered to. Miss Greaves reported that through the generosity of Mrs. Joseph Davies, Dinas Fowis. an infant welfare centre had been formed at Blaenau Festimog and that, notwithstanding the weather, •eight- mothers with babies attended the first meeting. She believed that it was a splen- did institution. She wondered whether som", generous person might come forward in Merioneth as in Carnarvonshire. Mrs. Holland said she was anxious to have centres set up in the county. She explained what had been done at Talyeafn, and elsewhere. Dr John Jones expressed himself in full sympathy wjth movements of that nature and believefi that much good could be brought about by those institutions. Dr: Edwards also expressed approval of the movement. He feared the idea of establishing maternity centres was almost impossible owing to the county being rural and scattered. Mr. White Phillips urged the district associations to entertain the idea of setting up infant welfare centres. ;Dr. Edwards; had kindly promised to attend the centre at Blaenau to deliver lectures to the mothers., and would be pleased to attend any other centre established in the county. Mrs. Holland said her attention had been called to a dormant account at the bank at Dolgelley, in which was a sum of JB97. Included in that sum was accumu- lated interest. The principal sum was a balance of a fund raised many years ago to establish Queen's nurses. It had lveen deposited in the name of the late Lord Lieutenant. Her attention had been called to it probably because she was one of the persons particularly interested in the movem-ent at the time. It occurred to her that the sum might be applied to start infant welfare centres; but she was at a loss to know who had authority to deal with the monev. 'Mr. Lloyd John pointed out that as the object for which the fund was raised was still in ox:sten'-e the mOB"V could not be applied to other purposes. xvlr. White slumps concurred and said he was of opinion that the County Nursing Association was a competent authority to administer the fund in accordance with tlio original object for which it was raised. Dr. John Jones thought the money might be applied to start new district associations in the districts now without nurses. It was fortunate that the fund had pome to light. He suggested that the sub-committee appointed to deal with health visiting should be authorised to consider the matter and bring in a report. The suggestion was adopted. On the proposition of Dr. Jones, seconded by L. J. Davies, a vote of thanks to Lady W illianis for presiding was carried. Miss Greaves proposed, Lady Williams seconded, and a cordial vote of thanks was accorded Ir. White Phillips for his in- defatigable services.

HENLLAN. Sad and Unexpected Occurrence.—On Saturday morning a young student (Mr Benjamin Davies, of Panthelen), having occasion to go to Newcastle Emlyn by the 11.56 a.m. train from Henllan was being driven to the latter station. Soon after his arrival on the platform he burst a blood vessel and died before any medical aid could be procured. Mr Davies had been an invalid for some time and his health had been the cause of much anxiety to his relatives. The sad occurrence cast a gloom over the district.

THE SPORTSMAN HOTEL, PORTMADOO First class Family & Commercial Rote) Under new Management. Situate 01. Station, and near to all places ef interest, Every %ocommodaion. Posting in all 8h Branches. tn64. Proprietress, MISS JONES, Tel. No. 15. (Late of the Queen's Hoti j

London & Provincial Bank. A HEALTHY POSITION. The ordinary general meeting of the shareholders of tne London and Provincial Bank (the balance sheet of which appears in our advertising columns) was held on the 25th January in London, Sir Joseph Savory, Bart., presiding. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the directors' report and the declaration of a dividend at the rate of nineteen per cent, less income tax, said the seven- teen months which had passed since war broke out had been a time imposing on the directors and managers incessant vigilance and careful thought. It would be acknow- ledged that from 0 the beginning of the war the banks had done their utmost to assist the Government in all its financial arrange- ments and to set free their employees to serve, the country in a military capacity. The banks had subscribed liberally to the war loans and supported the industries of tiie country wherever financial aid was needed. They had, however; to keep be- fore them the .paramount duty of maintain- ing 'the i tA-engt'h .-t,id chedilt of British banking. That they considered to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest service banks jxiuld render to the State. It v culd interest the meeting to know that the total male staff enlisted and called up in the groups was thirty-six per cent. of the entire staff. To meet that large exodus over 400 women clerks had been engaged of whom favourable reports were heard. It would interest the share- holders if he mentioned the very satis- factory progress of the Bank during the past ten years. At the end of December, 1905, the reserve fund was £ 1,395,000. To-day it is £ 1,750,000 with, in addition, a further special reserve fund for invest- ments depreciation of £ 250,000. Ten years ago the current, deposit, and other fcccicjunts were £ 13,7)51,000. Tjb-day they are £ 24,362.000. Ten years ago the in- vestments wtere £ 4,056,000. To-day they are £ 6,570,000. Ten years ago cash and money in hand was £ 2,857.000. To-day it is £ 8,952,000. Ten years ago the net profit was £ 192,000. To-dav it is £ 298,968. He therefore thought he could congratulate the shareholders on the increase during the past decade. (Hear, hear). Notwith- standing the unprecedented crisis through which the country is passing, foreign trade has been carried on practically un- checked, due in a great measure to the strength of the Navy and mercantile marine and the loyal support of the colonies. Imports for the past year, in- eluding Government- stores, were nearly 1,000 million sterling and British exports were as large as 385 millions sterling, a figure larger than the value of exports six years ago. Against net import of goods, after deducting the value of exports, the country has received from interest', ship- ping, etc., income amounting to £ 425,000,000. In order to pav for exten- sive purchases the country had withdrawn capital from abroad to the extent of about £ 65,000 000 only to balance matters. It had, however, to find a. very large amount of money for our allies, colonies, and flareigp (Customers tc the exjtent of something like £ 400,000.000 and in order to do that had had to realise investments as well as to export gold. It would, then, be at once apparent that the financial con_ dition of cur country is at the present time a healthy condition. After dealing witIi exchanges and remarking that they were proving very disastrous to Germany, the Chairman said, looked at from all points of view, our present conditions are much more satisfactory than might have been expected and that was due to the protection of trade by the Fleet. Dealing with trade and agriculture, as shown by reports by the branches, the Chairman added that the past year had been a flourishing one for farmers. From Wales reports recorded prosperity in the farming industry, owing to high prices for live stock the breeding of which is the principal feature cf Welsh farming, though he was told that farmers were cultivating more! land for corn than usual. Full prices for wool have been maintained. The war had had disastrous results for fishing. The total catch of herrings for 1914 amounted to 177,000 el-ans only as against 824,OCO in 1913 and the 1915 season showed a further decline to 120.000 crans. Trade in South Wales generally had shown remarkable prosperity, though the tin plate trade was rather less prosperous. Manufacture had been limited by the supply of steel from the Continent and by a shortage of spelter. Before the war the material for the pro- duction of spelter .was mainly supplied by Germany. Steps are now being taken to get control of that manufacture and to place home producers in a position to re- sist competition after the war. It would interest the meeting to know that the grand total of the London Bankers Clear- ing House for 1915 was £ 13,407,725,000 against a total in 1914 of £ 14,665,048.800. The bank rate remained at five per cent. throughout the year against an average of L4 Os. 9d. per cent. for 1914. The price obtained for money in London had conse- quently been higher and about i per cent, more was obtained for money lent to bill brokers. Turning to the balance sheet. the Chairman said the subscribed capital of the Bank is t2,000,000 and the paid up capital £ 1,000.000, the same as last year. The reserve fund was £ 2,000,000, but £ 250,000 has been transferred from that account to an account called reserved fund for investments depreciation. leaving the reserve fund at £ 1,750,000. That is still a larger reserve in proportion to paid-up capital than that of any other bank so far as he was aware. The current, deposit, and other accounts amount to £ 24,362.305, showing an increase of t2,631,045 which is the largest increase that has taken place in any year during the history of the Bank. The amount of cash on hand and at the Bank of England and at call and short notice is £8,952,748, showing an in- crease of £ 1,880,292. The total of the in- vestments is £ 6,570,567, being an increase of £ 1,342,516 and the bills discounted for and advances to customers amount to Lll.894,100, being £ 523,946 less than last year. Premises, freehold, and leasehold (as reduced by amounts from time to time written off) now stand at £ 369,824. 1 an increase of £ 5,796. In the profit and loss account, the balance brought forward amounted to L25,967 lis. 7d. and the gross profit for the year amounted to £1,<ns.669 8s. 7d. after making provision for bad and doubtful debts and contin- gencies and deducting rebate on bills not due, an increase of £ 129,434. On the other side of the account the current expenses of L370,855 lls. 6d. show an increase of 23,315. After payment of interest the net profit for the year (including balance brought forward) amounts to £ 324,936. In Ju, Oif \Jr.s|t ydir 'the directors 'applied £ 85,104 3s. 4d. in payment of an interim dividend at the rate of nineteen per cent. per annum, less income tax and recom- mend that the remainder be appropriated as follows:— £ 79,562 10s. to payment of a dividend at the rate of nineteen per cent. per annum less income tax: £ 120,000 to write off loss on consols (in addition to L50,000 transferred from investments de- preciation account), and PM,269 17s. 3d. to be carried forward which is about £ 15,000 more than was brought forward last year. Sir Herbert Maxwell seconded the ad- option of the report and it was carried unanimously. After the transaction of formal business. the Chairman moved that the thanks of the shareholders should be given to the general managers and the other officers of the Bank for the zeal and ability with which they had discharged thr duties. The proposition was also agreed to un- animously as was also a proposition thankiner the directors fer their services during the past year and especially Sir Joseph Savory for so admirably presiding.

TOWYN Marriage.—At the Registry, Carnarvon, on February 14th, the marriage took place between Mr William Hughes, Groeslon, and Miss Gwena Jones, late of Berwyn House, Towyn, and now of Chapel House. Brynkir, Carnarvonshire. The bridesmaid was Miss Jones. Beston, and the best man Mr John Hughes, Croeslon. The honey- moon was spent at Mountain Ash.

Last Week of Sale. All COATS, FURS, WINTER BLOUSES, and MILLINERY HALF rKICf, much below Cost. ONE WEEK ONLY. BAIRD, PORTMADOC. I tpnoNB 32. CHARLES HUGHES & SONS, I. The Garage, Portmadoc. DISTRICT AGENTS FORD and OVERLAND CARS (FORD STOCKISTS). Ford Detachable Wheel Sets fitted on the premises for X4 IDs. CARS OVERHAULED, PAINTED, dtc, On Sale-Rubber Tyred Governess Car and Small Dog Cart. also Iron Tyre Milk Float. In Stock-New Ford Touring Oar. ron1 TO mmi Prevent Loss in all your Stock by using 0 Morris Evans' Horse, Sheep and Cattle Oil. Full instructions with every Bottle. The change to winter food generally means A DECREASE IN THE ZMLILZKI but by dosing your Cattle with Morris Evans' Horse, Sheep and Cattle Oil you prevent this Decrease. During the coming winter months by continually using Morris Evans' Horse, Sheep and Cattle Oil you can keep Your Stock Healthy in Stomach and Body. A HEALTHY Cow MEANS MORE MILK. Morris Evans' Horse, Sheep and Cattle Oil in Bottles, £ 1, 10/ 5/ 2/6, and 1/6. Morris Evans' Household Oil in Bottles, 2/9 and 1/3. Grocers and Chemists, or direct for above prices from:- MORRIS EVANS and Co., The Manufactory, FESTINIOG, N. Wales. 1 Portmadoc Steam Laundry Co. WOMEN DRBAD « nAxr MEN HATE WASHING DAY A Poateard M Hi Qompanjr'a Muiagereaa will brief their Tu la rent door »n<t ease yon of aout All deaorfptslooi of vovk undertaken, including Diy Clouting, BEran un OOLLAR8 A 8PKOIALITY. 8sfte«i of Walar ated reqalilnr do Injurious Ohemim •. ESTABLISHED 1880. RICHARD NEWELL, SPsineyor or Heat, PORTMADOC, PWLLHELI, CRICCIETH, BLAENAU FESTINIOG, AND BACHELLYN FARM. LLANBEDROG. Supplies best quality Home-fed Meats only at Moderate Prions* Yofr Patronage RESPECTFULLY SOLICITED Tel. Non Partmadoo, 2. Pwllheli, 12. Criccieth, 2 BUenaa Fwtlnfeg, 40 R3nhnl. It You Have Hens That Don't Lay in Wintcr, CALL AT D. ROBERTS, Grocers, &c., Shop Newydd, Portmadoc, IN l<WINT^ReiEGU°'pR0Dl?bT*i0^0"I^rl'°^0^)1^'1^1 AITOSTISHING INCRESE 0,1 OWEN ROBERTS & Co IIIIRAL IRONMONBLR4 n.. V | PORTMADOO District Agents for NOBELS EXPLOSIVES Co. Ltd. And for Knight, BevRn & Stui-ge'a CEMENT. Dealers in Agricultural Implement*. Sportlw Cartridges, Fishing Tackle. »KI» Telephone—33 Portmadoo; 5 Bala. EVAN JONES & SONS, Timber & Coal Marnhant), SAW MILLS, PORTMADOC, and at) BALA. Building TiMBBa—Red and White De.le, Planed Boards, Pitch Pine Moulding rt*. Wheh.wmght-8 TiMOEB-Spok. Sh.fu, F.lk* BrrU. cV^ fttaS, sawn to requirements. Qparry Timbkr—Sleepers, Crane Polee, W &«rgon Frames. Prop*, etc SEED SEASON. The seed season is now drawing near. Before you oecide on your requirements in Oats. Sarlcy and ——— Wheat, send to us for samples and prices. We have a stock of Manx, Abundance, Black and Goldjinder Oats, Manx and Welsh Barley, Spring, Autumn & Winter Wheat. The Portmadoc Flour Mills Co.. PORTMADOO. Telegrapbic Address: "Millers," POETMADOC. Telephone No. 14, Telegrams; Rictiardt4 Llanbedr." TeL No. 4. ESTABLISHED 1840. Cambrian Coast COALS, Lime, Bricks, & CEMENT. i]. J Beat House, Steam, Anthracite and Smithy Coals. Furnace and Gas Coke. Sanitary Pipes. Building and Agricultural Umo. Agenœ for J. B. WHITE CEMENT and for FOODII. Richards Bros., Pensarn, LIanbedr, R.S.O. Also at HARLECH. vgS3 ARTIFICIAL TEETH, on Vulcanite, Dental Alloy, «.nd Fiiwat Quality. Ail Prioea. MR, WILLIAMS, Garmon House, QUn-y-Pwil, Bl. Festinio* LLANRW8T:—Taeadajr* and I itr Dava n„t a. • DEUDRAETH Tharsday, »t> Mrs Robert*^ lESJfcSX,. *totlon;re^\ PkNHHYF* « Portmadoo. j Telephone No. 13. STEAM SAW MILLS, PORTMADOC. J. OWAIN HLTGE[ESI ,La.. Themaa Parry), Timber Merchant, has ti lane stock ot Timber Doera, Windows, BMbto, fc rwmei (nltable for BUILDBB8 ud CONTRACTORS. TIMBKB SAWN FOR CUSTOMERS. PUriure-Fr&me Mouldings in great variety. Stock of Building and Fire Bricks, Laths Tiles, etc. latf Telephone Ne 21. Established nearly a Century. ELIZABETH OWEN" SONS, TIMBER MERCHANT, to., PORIMADOO. A LARGE Quantity of Build&M Timber always in stook, also Doors, Windows, Mouldings, at most. Reasonable Prloes. Special attention paid to Orders by Post. Timber Sawn to required sizes, for Customers. 71 HOUSE DECORATION. PURNELL & Co., Painters, Glaziers &c., PORTMADOC. A 80n. Printers Booksellers, Stationers, 125, HIGH STREET, PORTMADOC, HA.VK AN EXCELLENT STOCK OF ACCOUNT BOOKS, MANUSCRIPT ACCOUNTS, OFFICE UTENSILS, AND FILES, COPYING LETTER BOOKS, etc., etc. :AGENT FOR GOSS'S WARE. WILLIAM MORRIS & 00., I SHIP CHANDLERS AND IRONMONGERS PORTMADOO. All kinds of Bopet, Paints, d: Exquisites for Ships and Yachts «Z«o«ys in Stock SHIP BISCUITS MADEl TO ORDER Tel.: No. 16. Tel. No. 29. LAOR J. THOMAS, J. ROBBRTS. HIGH STREET, PORTMADOC. Fish and POULTRY Merchant. LICENSED GAME. DEALER. All kinds of Fish in season. Poultry always in stock. Ice supplied. Orders promptly attended to. o27 THE INFALLIBLE CURE 1 OOTHA.. INSTANTLY RELIEVES. SPEEDILY CURES Indigestion, Flatulence, Wind. Fullness and Pain after Eating. Price, Is. lid. & 2s. 9d. Prepared enly by R. 0. GRIFFITHS, M.P.S., Pharmacist, (Silver Medallist of Westminster College. London) 60, HIGH STREET, PWLLHELI. Telephone—No. 30 BILL POSTING. THE PORTMADOC. HARLECH and CRICCIETH BILL POSTING COMPANY. Bills also distributed. Address Parcels to the proprietor, G. PRITCHARD, 5, Brynhyfryd, Cricoieth Portmadoc. I QUEEN'S HOTEL, PORTMADOC. Commercial, Family and Postta* Establishment. BILLIARDS. and Private Sitting Rooms Tcmriflts, 00ralnftmW gentlemen lad vigii"t wlllllnd every glttention. at meets all tralus. 11164 Proprietress-Mn HAPPTppn Tel. No. 52. THE PARK MOTOR GARAGE. PO:ø.TJIdI:.&oOO, 5 & 7 SEATER CARS FOR HIRE. Repairs to Motors and Cycles. PetroL OiL Tyres, etc., in Stock. SECOND HAND MINERVA CAR, 22 h.IL -FOR SALE at ridiculously low price. AdfressJOHN ROBERTS. 41, New-street. (z866) Proprietor Tel. No. iS. Dicks' Boot Stores, NETHERTON, 2, BANK PLACE, PORTMADOC. Highest Grade Boots for Ladies and Gentle- men-The 11 Perfeota" Brand, Boots for country wear-The Dryioot,,i. and Holdfast Brands. vU7 M. E. Morris, CHEMIST, 8, & 7& HIGH STREET, PORrBADDU Invalid and Toilet Requisites. Photographic Materials. r78 71 I. LLOYD JONES, GENERAL & BUILDERS' IROMMONGN]T PORTMADOC. Agent for Anchor Brand OEMENT. Tel.—No. 31. Pwllheli. THE TOWER HOTEL. PWLLHEU. FAMILY AND COMMERCIAL HOTITL, nighoiass Accommodation far Visitors. Motor Garage free te Hotel visitors. Wttfcfe 10 minutes of Golf Links (18 Holes L H«4> quarters ef R.A.C. and Motor Union. ells M. JONES, Proprietress, EASINE THE VERY THING WANTED AT THE FRONT. Private John Davies, 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers (who has been at the front since the com- 5?^e-ment of the war) writing from the trenches hi France, says :I find EASINE the best thin* to cure the AWFUL HEADACHES we get here I and ray mates in the trenches use it very often, is the very thing we want, please send some more." ESINR was tJFO highly praised during the Soatk African War as a most effective cure for Headache. A well-known Artiat writing from Rome says then is nothing better than EASINE to cure Tfoiriicfci due to heat and stuffiness. EASINE is the best. safest and quickaft cure known for Headache and Neuralgia. Sold in 1/. packets. Send for it to-day-to the manufacturer. HUGH JONES, F.S.M.C, CHEMIST, THE MEDICAL HALL, BLAENAU FESTINIOe.

addition, tobacco and cigarettes in thousands have been sent to those serving abroad on the order of the Hon Secretary by wholesale tobacconists direct from bond, thus saving the payment of duty. The discount on the orders has been credited to the funds of the Committee, through the kindness of the Chairman, Mr. v W. Allen, J.P. The Committee also sent on behalf of friends and relatives, through the same means, quantities of cigarettes the same means, quantities of cigarettes and tobacco to named individuals, and they will be happy to continue doing so to the mutual advantage of the senders and re- cipients. Owing to excise duty regula- tions this method is only available in the case of men serving abroad. Mr. Jones Willuims has received scores and is daily receiving) letters of thanks from soldiers and sailors for the goods sent them, and in appreciation of the fact that those at home, on whose behalf they arc serving, have their comfort and welfare at heart 1 BLAENAU FESTINIOG.