The North Wales Express

LLANDUDNO. CLOTHING CLUB.—The second anniversary meet- ing of this club, in connection with Penygwaith school (Baptist), was held on Monday at the School, on the Orme's Head. Forty-three members were found to be on the books, and £ 23 were stated to be in hand. This sum was distributed to the children by the treasurer, Mr S. O. Hughes, and by the sectetary, Mr John Davies, Wyddfyd Cot- tages. THE PIER BAD FOR NEXT SEASON.—We under- stand that the directors of the New Pier Company have decided to have a band this next season, which shall eclipse all previous efforts in the same direction: hitherto attempted. Whatever may be the number the promenade band may gather together, the company intend to outdo them in numbers, strength, and efficiency. Several appli- cations have already been received, although no advertisements have been issued, and it is proposed that the orchestra shall be a military one, in uniform. The Pier Company in fact, mean to strive to'make the new pier the promenade of the town, and to render it the attraction of the place. THE SOUTH WALES DISTltESS. -A preliminary meeting was held on Monday last at St. George's Hall, convened by Mr T. T. Marks, when Dr Bold Wdliams was called into the chair, to take into consideration the present distress in South Wales. THT* follnwinrr Dm WPRF* TYTPQIAN f • AT nocvc- T .L.I. ¿''J.I.L'J.. J>.J> 't.LIU.L"L"L& .& 1- "u. "Jt.]a.l.v A.. Edge, George Felton, R. D. Owen, John Hughes, E. J. Watkins, Elias Jones, Richard Conway, E. H. Williams, William Evans,,grocer, H. Edwards, W. Bevan, B. Woodcock, John Jones, Gloddaeth Crescent, A. Evans. Bank; S. O. Hughes, R. Bellis, J. A. Wells, N. P. Bank; Joseph Jones, Graig; Robert Meredith, Swift Sykes, T. Parry, Wynne Williams, and the Rev. D. Davies. Mr T. T. Marks was nominated secretary, and Mr S. O. Hughes treasurer. A sab-committee was appoin- ted to arrange for a public meeting for Thursday, QUARTERLY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION MEETING.— The quarterly meeting of the Baptist association in Llandudno was held on Tuesday and Wcdnes- day last, at the Welsh Baptist chapel, Llandudno, under the presidency of the Rev O. Davies, Car- narvon. The conference took place at two o'clock on Tuesday, when there were present ministers and delegates from different parts of the country. Resolutions in favour of strict neutrality in the present aspect of the Eastern crisis were resolved, and copies were to be sent to the Foreign Office. The Rev J. Griffith, Llangollen College, has ac- cepted the charge of the Llanfairfeclian and Pen- maenmawr chapel, and the new chapel will be opened in the first week in March. The preachers during the week were the Revs Samuel Williams, Llanberis; Owen Davie- Carnarvon; J. Jones, Fforddlas; R. Jones, LVinllvfni; J. G. Jones, Portmadoc T. P. Davies, Bethesda; J. J. Wil. liams, Pwllheli the Rev W. E. Jones, Bout- eewydd. THE AND THETH ENGINEER.—The ratepayers wili probably hear with feelings of pro- found regret rhat the commissioners have parted at last with their long-tried and valuable servant— Mr Bal hvin Latham, as the engineer far the drainage works. The intimacy between these two parties—the Commissioners on the one side. and Mr Latham on the other—had been of so prolonged and so intimate a nature, during which time each had been enabled to thoroughly understand* the other's peculiarities and desires, that the separation as might naturally be supposed, was not affected without a pang, especially on the side of Mr Latham. The pang which the Commissioners felt was in paying the engineer C1400, while the pang felt by the other party was in not receiving £ 1500 odd. But it was evidently felt that a trivial £100 ought not to alienate old and tried friends like these, and so Sir Latham considerably agreed, for auld lang syne," to forego his extra £ 100. Llandudno people are inclined to sing with regard to Mr Latham Fare thee well, and if for ever, Then for ever, fare thee well!" AMATEUR THEATRICALS AT LLANDUDNO. The popular entertainment in aid of the funds of the newly-established volunteer fire brigade in Llan- dudno, which had been announced for several weeks past, came off with the utmost success at St. George's "Hall on Wednesday evening last, when such was the demand for places that to pre- vent disappointment to ticket-holders the com- mittee very wisely determined to repeat the per- formance on the following Friday night. The principal attraction upon the programme was the production of Shirley Brookes' petite-comedy "Anything for a Change," and as amateur acting of this nature is only rarely seen in Llandudno— though nowhere is it more warmly welcomed when it is brought forward—a good deal of interest was occasioned as to what amount of talent the new company, styling themselves the Llandudno Amateur Dramatic Society," would be able to dis- play. The preliminary work of public announce- ment was undertaken and energetically carried out by Mr T. C. Tomkinson, in a manner that was certain to ensure the success that was ultimately obtained. A compact little company including Mr J. M. Young, Mr Cheesman, Mr Tomkinson, Mrs Burditt, Miss Parsons, and Miss Stanley, was readily brought together, while to the experienced head of Mr B. Sykes were entrusted the duties of stage-manager.. Those who have known, though in a slight" degree only, the difficulties and the worry which the office of drilling a corps of ama- teurs, who have perhaps met for the first time, into anything like presentable form the whims of one member, the obstinacy of another—who will have it that there is no other style than his style, the mispronunciations aud neglect of "points" of a third these alone know the extent of hard work which the conscientious amateur stage-manager has to undergo before he can count upon a triumph. We must confess that such a result was obtained in this instance. The rehearsals had been so fre- quent, the I I rioil-its I I so distinctly insisted upon, that the tout ensemble of the piece was altogether agreeable, the actors "playingup to" one another as if they had been "to the manner bom." The business of stage-carpentry was effectively carried out by Mr Thorpe, assisted by several willing hands, and a fire brigade trophy of helmet, hatchets, and other implements, surmounted by flags, adorned the front and the proscenimn. Numerous other flags kindly lent by Mr George Felton, were. disty ibtit ecl about the hall, which was thus made to present a very pretty appearance. Although we have spoken at this length of the theatrical part of the entertainment, as being the chief "dish" of the evening, yet we must turn our attention to the excellent concert also provided for the enjoyment of the audience, which formed the first part of the programme. At this, Mr George Felton, who is always ready to render that substantial assistance which his presence is certain to ensure at such assemblies as the present, took the chair, and after a glee had been sung by the Trinity Church choir, he made a brief but happy address, which he humourously handed (in its complete shape in two vols, folio) to a representative of the press for publication, an example that might be followed on many occasions by other public orators. The great attraction of the concert was naturally the singing of Mr C. S. Gilding, who has earned quite a distinguished reputation in Llan- dudno by his performances in recent years in con-' nection with the promenade orchestra. Although arriving at a laie hour of the afternoon from Cheltenham, and besides suffering from a slight hoarseness, .Mr Gilding sang with fine effect— "Arm, Arm, yc Brave," and was vociferously encored, as lie was again in his song The Tar's Farewell." lie gave also that great favourite "The British Lion," in his usual masterly manner, and was in fact the mainstay of the whole concert. The Misses Ilopson and Roberts sang the duet I know a bank," with much taste, and received a merited encore, as did Miss Roberts for her solo "Alice, where art thou" A reading—"The Subscription List"—from Lover's "Handy Andy," read with an inimitable appreciation of the brogue by Mr B. Sykes, was an agreeable diversity in the programme, and met with loud applause. Mr Davies was greatly applauded for his cornet solo "My Lodging is on the Cold Ground," and Mr Burditt rendered with good effect the song Kvnge Alfred." But undoubtedly the most unanimous applause and the most universal demand for an encore, was accorded to Mr Hugh Hughes* two comic songs in Welsh, given in a quietly humourous sort of way that seemed ex- tremely realised by the aborigines present. Mr Hughes l'ang Gwerthu y Gymraeg," and another song the name of which we are unable unassisted to write. Mr Burwell and Mr A. Evans presided as accompanyists, and The Fire Brigade Galop of the former musician met with considerable favour. This concluded the concert, and with praiseworthy promptitude the interval of seven or eight minutes was not exceeded, and after allowing but a very short space for the audience to admire the exquisite drop seen of Conway. Castle, the curtain was rung up in good time to disclose the luxuriously-furnished drawing room in the house of Mr Paul Honeyball (Mr Cheesman) and his devoted partner (Mrs Burditt). The elegant suite of furniture, though certainly the chairs were of different colours and patterns, the handsome walnut wood cottage pianotorte, 7t octaves, the magnificent antique tapestry (kindly lent for the occasion by two eminent merchants of the town), whose chintz and cretonne patterns contrasted so strikingly with the pink-glazed calico that served to bring into relief the lovely lake scenery from the back window—all these made up a picture that may be imagined, but hardly be properly described. Mr Swoppinton (Mr Young)—a friend of Honeyball's, is visiting at his house, and this young geatleman-from whose violent propensity to exchange or "swop" his personal goods for anything belonging to anyone else which he in: y fancy.for the moment, he probably derivEs his name, has paid this visit with the interesting intention of proposing for the hand of Margaret (Miss Parsons)—Honeyball's sister. With that perverseness, however, which characterises all the impulses of Our friend Swoppington, he is no sooner introduced to Mrs and Miss Honeyball, than he immediately declares his ardent passion for the elder, and his distaste for the younger lady. This naturally leads up to a few complications, which arouse at length the jealousy of "that man of intellect at the head ot a family "-Iloiieyball, but which rapidly come right with a little explanation. Swoppington's humour is of a very laughable kind. He wants" anything for a change." He admits that his friend Honeyball is ugly, but he covets his hair, his dressing gown, his watch, and would even like to exchange noses with him. Mr Young brought the character out to the best advantage, and played it exceedingly well throughout." The acting of Mr Cheesman ..was capital, though if it had nut been. the acute neuralgia from which he was suffering would have been a more than sufficient excuse. There could hardly have been found a better Mrs Honeyball than Mrs Burditt, nor a cleverer Margaret than Miss Parsons. The part of Eliza *was played in a most vivacious style by Miss Stanley, while Mr Tomkinson made up very effectively as Jereny Census. A word of praise is due to the capital style m which Mr C. Arnold performed the duties of coiffeur, for the making up of the wigs, &c., was unexceptionable. As we have observed the performance went without a hitch from beginning to end, and was the source of genuine amusement throughout to all the audience. We should mention that the profits were over C20, and that the members of the brigade kept the hall, and added sensibly to the success of the arrangements.

MENAI BRIDGE. COLLECTIONS.—We understand that at the monthly meeting of the Calvinistic Methodists uu Monday last, a resolution wa* pa.ed that a general collec- tion be made at all the different chapels of the connexion throughout Anglesey, in aid of the South Wales Relief Fund. PETTY SESSIONS, Capt. Verney, Captain Morgan, auùIr Bulkeley Hughes, M.P. A Batch of Inebrieties.The following persons were charged with being (Iriink: Iloulion, Menai Bridge, fined lis. and costs Hugh Roberts, do., 5s. John Joiie.iiio., 2s. 6d.: Thos. C. Jones, Cross Keys, Menai Btidgo* with being drunk on licensed premises, and refusing to quit the Liver- pool Arms, Menai Bridge, 5s.: John Choke, sailor, for committing the same offence at the Auckland Arms, was fined 5s. (id. and costs mW. Proud ley, potter, 2s. 6d.; William Williams, drunk and dis- orderly, 58.; Richard Williams, 2s. 6 1. and costs; Robert Evans, do., 10- Margaret Carvel, Pen- traeth, but who did not appear, was fined 2s. e.d. and costs, with being drunk at the said village on the 2c'th ult; case proved by P.C. Griffiths. Fined 2s. 6d. and costs.—Thomas Owen, Tauyfron, Pen- traeth, who did not appear, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at l'entraeth. Fined 5s. and costs. Magistrates' Clerk's Sclarij.— The magistrates unanimously fixed their clerk's (Mr Rice Roberts), salary at £ 260. § Transfer of Liccnse.—Edward Edwards, <L' 'ed for the transfer of the license of ilie Marq s i. l, Llangefni, from the present holder to hi. Granted. Alleged Cruelty to AulmaIs.— William .-ones, builder, Beaumaris, was charged by P.C Hugh Jones, with the above offence. The i instable deposed having seen a horse and cart belonging to defendant, proceeding towards the square, Menai Bridge, on the 11th ult. He drew the attention of the person in charge of the horse and cart to a wound on the animal's shoulder under its collar. There were two raw wounds, measuring two inches wide and two-and-a-half long. The horse was in a bad condition.—Defendant stated that as soon as he found the wound he treated the animal with every possible care. with a caution and by payment of costs. Breach of Common Lodging Houses' Act.—Mary Jones, an old woman, of Church-street, New borough, was charged with' violating the above Act.-P.C. John Jones deposed having visited one of the houses kept by defendant on the 13th ult., where there were two men and two women. This house had been licensed, but defendant held an- other house which was not licensed. He went there and found- four persons—two men and two boys. All the furniture it contained was' a bed- stead in one corner and a donkey in the other corner. The room measured five yards by four. In his opinion the place was unfit for human habitation. Defendant had been previously cau- tioned about the two lodgers.—-Mary Jones then appeared, and said that she depended upon parish relief, and had intended to live in this house her- self. Her parochial receipts were only 2s. 6d., out of which lOd. was paid for rent. Her house be- longed to the parish.—It was stated that defendant had two sons, in good situations, and one of them kept sheep.—The Bench observed that she was a most improper person to receive parochial relief, and they would draw the attention of the Carnar- von Union to the fact. The Bench inquired whether there was a more suitable person to take charge of these houses, as they considered the de. fendant an improper person. —She was fined 10s, and 16s. Gel. costs, which sum was promised to be paid by her sons. Stray Doii k-ys. -Willi aTn Davies, potter, Pen- traeth, was fined 5s. and costs for permitting his donkeys to stray on the highway on the 16th ult. MaHciotii Damage to Property.-—Elizabeth Owen, Tynyrallt; Margaret Williams, Tynyrardd; Mary Williams, do.; and Ellen Owen, do.,—all of Llan- fairmathafarneithaf, were charged by Mr Owen Thomas, bailing Parkiau, with causing damage to a certain fence erected on that laud.—Complainant stated that he saw the defendants on the said pr(- mises on the 17th ult., and were in the act of break ing the fence. He estimated the damage done at about 14s. 8d.—Defendants denied taking any of the wood away, and in reply to a question from the bench as to what could have been their object in going there, they said they were seeking some fire wood. They were respectively fined 5s° 6d.- in all 22s. Infringement of Master and Servant's Act— John Davies. Maenerur, Llnnengar., sought £ 8 and £4 respectively for breach of contract. None of the defendants appeared.Complainant stated that he had engaged Edward Jones on the 17th November last, for the term of a twelve month, at 10s per week. Defendant was in his employ till Saturday night, the 29t;i of December, when lie disappeared, and had not returned. There had been no misl7 understanding between them. He (complainant) made his damage M for lost service and as hiring time had past. The horses had also been kept ldie at the lie, Bench granted an order to the amount of :£8 with costs.-For the same offence he further charged William Wi.'liams.. —Complainant said Williams had been hired on the same day until the 13th of May, at £9. He h id ulu gone away without making any complaint*- lhe sum of 22s. 6d. was due to him!The claim for £ I with costs was allowed. A ])exerter.-—sVm. Parry. Tvddvn Prior, Bryn- siencyn, was apprehended by P.C. Samuel Thomas Ijlangyfni, and was charged by P.C. Wm. Jones r-J-eth, with deserting from the 23rd regiment ot foot, on the lltu of September, 1876. The constable said he knew the prisoner when he be- longed to the Anglesey militia, from which he joined the 23rd regiment. -An order was made to have him returned to headquarters.— Prisoner wistied the bench to inform them there that he had been married since about a month.

PENMAENMAWK. LOCAL BOARD, TUESDAY, JAN. 8TH.—Present: T G:ITY ivneeshaw (chairman), Messrs J. H. Jones, Robt. Davies, Dr Hughes, Hobt. Roberts, and J. W. Jones. A New nlt(7,The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, plans were shown of a house proposed to be erected on the Conway road near Mr Hudson's brick house, by Mr John Thomas, blacksmith to the I'endvffnn Estate.- The plans were approved of. The Qlerfc Indisposed. A letter was read from the Cterk:, Mr Win. Jones, excusing his absence from the board on account of indisposition. Ligld. in Darkness.—A letter was read from Mr Dempster stating that he was prepared to put the pipes to certain lamps, if the board would put up the lamps, three in Uilfach-road, and three by the yan chapel.—Mr Roberts questioned whether so many lamps would be necessary, but Mr Davies thougnt otherwise, as there were a great many hou.es in the localities.—The six lamps were then agreed upon. Bye-laws.— The Clerk was instructed to proceed with the settlement of the bye-laws at as early a moment as possible, as the board were of opinion that their bye-laws were at present of very little use. Muddy Roaclq.-A conversation arose as to the state of the roads in the district, upon which the Purveyor said that the weather had been so bad lately that it was difficult to keep them in order.— The Chairman said that he had written to Mr ayward, concerning the road to Peumaenmawr, which belonged to the Turnpike Trust, saying that the board offered to have the road repaired by their surveyor, and charge the expense to the tmst. Mr Hayward had, however, promised to set men oil the repair of the road. A Loan for Drainage Purposes.—At a special meeting of the board Mr Farrer had explained that that cost of drainage works, for which money would be required to be borrowed for these pur- poses, would be about £ 10,000, of which £ 5000 would be required during the course of the ensuing year, ,IS7S-lSï!). It was therefore recommended that i loan of £ 10,000 should be applied for. A letter from the defend!»t was read, in which the receipt of r' notics. ior loan of £ 10,000 was ac- knowledged.—Th.> Chairman stated that he had heard that ther- were .likely to be certain objec- tions on the part of the Conway authorities as to the outfall. As the board knew, the Conway poople had opposed Llandudno in this respect, and lie should like to know what the exact objections the Conway authorities had to their scheme in this respect of outfall. — Dr Hughes thought the objec- tion to the Llandudno outfall must have been much stronger than to the Peumaenmawr one. The Clerk remarked that the only way in which the objection could be urged was before the inspector. -Dr Hughes was of opinion that it would very much obstruct matters, if such 11" ^■wi made, and Mr Davies observed that the opposition of Conway cost themselves and Llandudno a good deal of money, which the Clerk said amounted on the part or Conway to between X80 and £ 100. .A Hospital for Infectious Disease.—The Chairman brought before the board the question of building a cottage for infectious diseases. He had spoken to Dr Roc: the medical officer of health, who highly approved of the scheme entirely, and he would propose that a small cottage should be taken, to which should be added a couple of large rooms. The cottage 131 ,tl be let to a respectable woman at a small rent, and the place should be ficted up with comfort, in such a way as not to be too expensive. The board should not resort to compulsion unless absolutely necessary, but it ought to be known that the board had powers to compel persons to enter these hospitals.—Dr Hughes said that the power of compulsion applied to common lodging-houses, and to houses where there was only one bedroom, occupied by a whole family. Such a cottage ought to be apart from other houses, and lili,Iit be made a cheap building to construct.—-Mr Roberts asked who would give the land.—The Clillirraaii said he should be happy to give the land, if he had a suitable site.—Dr Hughes thought the chairman's land was a little bit out of the way. not in the centre of the place. A member stated that the New York stables were in an eligible situation, and it was resolved to write to the Darbisliire trustees with a view to renting the place. Refractor j IVashw women.—The Surveyor reported that the washerwomen of the place refused to pay the extra 2s Gd for water which the Board had de- cided to impose upon them. It was pointed out by several membcrs that horse and carriage pro- prietors paid exti'a for their water, of which they probably did not ^se so much as the washerwomen,. and that if these ladies were permitted to defy the board they would have to allow the same to the other people whf; had paid extra for water. It was decided to enforce the 2s Gd water rent from the washerwomen, or in default of payment, to summon them before the magistrates.

A jeweller's shop i'1 Bradford was broken into on Tuesda.y, and £ 2000 worth of goods stolen. Mr Richard Seyd has compiled the subjoined statistica. of the failures in the United Kingdom during the year. The total number of mercantile failures is given for each year from 1866 to 1877 inclusive, and hkewise a comparative analysis of the failures in the different branches 01 trade for the four years lroni 1873 to 1876 :—The number of failures during 1877 in the United Kiudom have been 11,022, of which 2172 are in the financial, wholesale, and manufacturing branches of trade, and 8850 in ret it trades, professional purUJh, builders, p:ibl'au.s, among the working classy &c. Of those who failed in the wholesale trade there were :-In London, 456 Liverpool, 81 Manchester, pt; Lancashire, 144; Yorkshire (excluding Middlesbrough and Hull), 321; Bir- mingham and Midland Iron Di>tric^ 182 Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Hull, and district, 12' Bristol, Cardiff, Newport. and Swansea, 86 Provinces, 457 Scotland, ^reh»nd, 33. The total failures in 1(>W> were 1610; 1867, 1564 18(58, 2145; 1869,2:U5; 1870, 1351; 1871, 1122; 1872, 1326; 1873,1715; 1S7-t. 1 j .)1; LS75, 1720; H'lt,. 2087; 1877, 2170. Printed and published at the '.NOITlf "VVALFS EXPRESS' Offices, New Harbour, Carnarvon, by ROKEKT WILLIAMS, Friday, JANUAKY lltli, 1878

Mr Fits Hugh, of Plas Power, was summoned at the Ruthin Petty Sessions for allowing three mine shafts to remain insufficiently fenced. It was stated that Mr Fitz Hugh had been most anxious to do what was right in the matter, but had mis- takenly supposed it was sufficient to cover the dis- used shafts with' timber and stones. He now un- derstood that these walls must be built, and the ivork would be done. In these circumstances only a nominal fine was imposed. WELSH No-iENCL.kTUItF. J. G. R." writes to the Vercury-"Tn Rowland's Mona Antiqua ltestaurata' (second edition, p. 357) the name of the parish near Menai Bridge is given simply as Llaufair Pwll Gwyngyll,' -and he adds the re- mark, 'A rectory, in the bishop's gift, hath one chapel under it. viz., Llandisilio.' I believe the name given by Mr Grove, however, to be the full correct name, and, uncouth and barbaric as it may appear, it is or was highly appropriate and dis- tinctive, meaning, as I have been informed on the spot, St. Mary's Church of the pool of the white hazels near the pool of St. Tysilio Grogo.' lhe first-mentioned pool is, no doubt, that near the railway station. The white hazels have probably long disappeared. The second p4'ol must be the whirlpool in the straits near the ancient chapel, between the two bridges, caused by the meeting of the tide from opposite directions."

BALA. FIRE AT RqIWLtg.-NAItILOW EscxpB OF THE MANSION.—The mansion of Rhiwlas near Bala, the seat of Mr Price, had last week a narrow escape from destruction by fire. At 2.30 a.m. on Saturday morning, December 29, a young lady, a guest at the house, found herself unable to sleep owing to the dense volumes of smoke which permeated her apartment. Under these circumstances she sounded the alarm, and Mr-Price being awaked by his brother-in-law, Mr H. Crossley, the household were assembled, and some half-dozen volunteers proceeded to investigate the origin of the un- pleasant emission of smoke, which was rapidly filling the passages and rendering respiration a matter of difficulty. A fireplace was torn down, and half the flooring uplifted in the bedroom, but as the volume of smoke continued to belch forth from every aperture, though no flame could be discovered, the. fatigue party, who had from the commencement been under the impression that the mischief lay in the big beam behind the fireplace, were at a nonplus, and began to wonder where the real seat of the evidently increasing fire lay. At this moment Colonel De Smythe, another guest in the mansion, who had been awakened by the hubbub, and whose room lay so far away from the spot where the smoke had appeared that it had not been considered necessary to examine it, burst upon the scene, with the news that smoke was rapidly filling his apartment, and that his carpet i was "hot." to A move was immediately made to i his bedroom. The slate hearthstone, and a few boards were ripped up, when the seat of the mis- chief was discovered at six a.m. or three hours and a half after the first alarm was given. The beam r uder the fireplace was fast smouldering, apd in a t-uort time the flames would have burst forth, and a serious conflagration must have ensued. For- tunately this was averted, and the fire was ex- tinguished, greatly to thp. joy of all present, who then retired to rest with thankful hearts. The scene of the accident was visited on Sunday morn- ing by Mr Francis, the surveyor of the "Law, Life, and Fire," in which office Rhiwlas is insured. No doubt the claim for damage will be promptly met by this old and well established company.

BETHESDA. THE QVAIUIYMEX AND THE DISTRESS IX SOUTH WALES.-We are glad to learn that through Mr W. J. Parry, president of the North Wales Quarry-' men's Union, the men employed at the Bethesda slate quarries forwarded this week to Lord Aber- dare a second t5,), and will continue the like con- tribution weekly. THE DISPUTE AT THE PENTRHYN SLATE QUARRIES.— It is to be regretted that matters are still in a very unsatisfactory state in the above quarry. The new rules, to which a certain section of the men have objected, are to come in force at the beginning of the present year. They have, however, been re- ferred t:) a committee, and the men have agreed to continue their bargains until the close of the present month. Several meetings have been held by the committee, but a large number of the men are still averse to abide by their decision, apart from any recommendation on the part of the com- mittee. As far as can be gathered, the rules do not at present affect the wages, but effect the management of the quarries, by the imposition of certain restrictions.

BETTWSYCOED. DISPUTE AT THE RHOS SLATE QUARRIES.— We understand that the men employed at the .above quarries have given notice of their intention to strike, having been aggrieved at the new rules 11 17, issued and posted to come in force on Monday. The dispute was referred to the North Wales Quarry men's Union, and the president (Mr W. J. Parry, Bethesda), has already had an interview with the local directors. The probable result is that the directors, at their meeting held in Manchester, wilt withdraw the rules, and the threatened strike con- sequently averted.

CORWEN. CHRISTMAS TitRE.-On Friday and Saturday last a Christmas tree and German fai r was exhibited in the British School. The receipts are to be applied towards the building of the new Wesleyan chapel. DRUNK AND RIOTOUS.- On Friday last, at a Petty Sessions held before Mr W. Corbett Yale, Captain Taylor, and Captain Tottenham, William Williams, of Hill-street, Corwen, a notorious gaol- bird, was charged with the above offence, and sentenced to live for another month in his old habitation at Dolgelley. SUPPER.—On Monday evening week a supper on a grand scale was given by Mrs Lloyd, of Rhagftd, to several guests. Mrs Lloyd is on the point of removing from this ijeighbourhood to Hengwrt, near Dolgelley, and her loss will be severely felt by many of the poor people to whom she has been very kind..

HOLYHEAD. MASONIC INSTALMENT AND BANQUET.—The in- stallation meeting of the St. Cybi's Lodge of Free- masons, No 597, was held on Monday last, at the Masonic Rooms, Town Hall. In the absence of W, ill., the lodge was opened at 3 p.m., by brother John Peters, P.P.G.S.W., supported bv the fol- lowing officers :-brothers K. J. Edwards; S W W.M. elect; W.P. Elliott, J.W. James Lloyd, treasurer; Owen Roberts, secretary; John Weston, S.D. John James, J.D. Robert Panjf organist; and William Jones, J.G. There wa, a large attendance of members of the lodge, as well as brethren Irom other lodges. Brothers William Bulkeley Hughes, D.P.G.M., and Charles Hunter. P.P.G.M., Aberdeenshire East P.S.G.W. of Greece, P.M., 755 and 1615 havnjtr been severally introduced to the W.M., and saluted by the lodge, brother Bulkeley Hughes took the chair. Tho minutes of the last regular meeting were read by the secretary and confirmed, after which the D.P.G.M. vacated the chair, and Brother Peters resumed his place.. The lodge was then opened in the second degree and the U.M. elect (Brother J. Edwards) was presented by Brother J..Lloyd Griffith, for the benefit of installation. After the usual charges had been read by the secretary, the lolge was opened in the third degree, when all brethren below the rank of installed master withdrew. A board of installed masters was then opened, and Brother Peters, assisted by Brothers G. P. Griffith, John Ellis, J. Lloyd Griffith, P.(.T.S.B.William Lewis, T. H. War- rington, WM. 113 and J. Sydney Boucher, J.P.M 606. P.G.C- placed Brother R. J. Edwards in the chair of K.S. On the re-admission of the brethren, the working tools in the several degrees were presented, and the newly installed W. -M. was saluted in ancient form. The W.M. appointed the following brethren as officers for the ensuing year, and they were duly invested by Brother Peters:—W. P. Elliott, S.W. Owen Roberts, J.W. James Lloyd, treasurer; Henrv T. Barber, seerlt-iry John Weston, S.D. John James, J. D. Robert Parry, organist; G. Mawby and W. R. Jones, stewards John Peters, director of cere- monies William Jones, J.G. and William Wil- liams, tyler. "Hearty good .wishes" were ac- corded by Prov. Grand Lodge of North Wales and Shropshire, and Prov. Grand Lodge of Aberdeen- shire East, and by lodges 755, 1615, 606, 659 (J.C), 384, 1488, 1113, 113, 721, 14i7, 1615. The lodge was then closed, and the brethren adjourned to the Ro al Hotel, where the banquet was provided by Miss Lyall in her usual excellent style. On the removal of the cloth, the usual loyal and masonic toasts were ably given, and eloquently responded to, interspersed with some capital songs rendered by some of the brethren, which added considerably to the enjoyment of the evening.

HOLYWELL. WEEK OF PRAYER.—The present week has baen observed by the several Nonconformist bodies in this town as a week of prayer, the meetings in- variablv beinc well attended. PERSONATION AT WHITFORD.—A case which has excited considerable interest was tried at Ilolywell Petty Sessions an Tuesday last. There were on the bench—Messrs Richard Sankev (chairman), John Henry, and the Rev Walter Evans. It will be remembered that for months past there was an agitation in the parish ot Wliitford in favour of the formation of a school board for that parish. Meetings were held in different parts of the parish, until the excitement of the inhabitants had been worked up to fever heat. To brinsr the matter to some practical issue, a poll of the electors took place on the 15th ult., when, as OUT readers are already aware, the school board agitators were crushingly defeated. And it was out of that poll that the present case arose, when it was alleged that a youth of some eighteen summers had committed an act of personation. The case was conducted by Mr W. Davies, solicitor, in the absence of the returning officer, Mr E. J. Davies, whilst Mr P. Mwyndeg Evans defended. The facts of the case, as testified to by several witnesses, seems to have been as follows:—On the 15th December, at the poll referred to, the Rev T. Z. Davies, vicar of Wliitford, acted as personation agent in the Whitford booth, and in the discharge 11 11 of his duties lie noticed the defendant, George Metcalf, entering the room and going to the pre- siding officer for a voting paper. On going home from the polling booth the defendant met his father, George Metcalf, senior, in a trap which was in the service of the opposers of the school board. Defendant accosted his father and called him out of the trap, telling him that he (defendant) had been voting instead of him. Such briefly were the facts, and the solicitor for the prosecu- tion (Mr Davies) in his opening speech said that the returning officer had no option in such cases when information reached him, but was bound to prosecute, hence the present proceedings. He also stated that the defendant had rendered him- self liable to a penalty of C50. For the defence, Mr Evans contended that the defendant's act in voting was a justifiable one that for the last two years the defendant had been tenantbfthe house in respect of which the vote was given, ai.d that the vote therefore rightly belonged to him as tenant. This was supported by the evidence of defendant's father, and that of the owner of the property (Mr Wm. Pierce) and his agent. The examination of George Metcalf, senior, caused some amusement, as he constantly referred to his son (the defendant) as that boy," indicating him with his forefiinger. y The magistrates having consulted mulcted defend- r, 9 ant in a penalty of 40s and costs. HEIUES OF COLLIERY ACCIDENTS.— An inquest was held on Monday last at the Royal Oak Hotel, Greenfield, before Mr Parry, coroner, upon the body of Robert Leighton, who met with his death on the 3rd inst. at the Engleficld Colliery, under circumstances which we reported last week. The jury returned a verdict af "Accidental Death." On Saturday last a man named Hugh Hug ties was killed by a fall of coal in one of the pits at Mostyn Colliery. An inquest was held on Monday at the Crown Inn, Ffynnongroyw, when a verdict of Accidental death was returned. Another fatal accident occurred on the 3rd inst. at the Bettisfield Colliery, by which a young man named Evans met with his death. An inquest was held on Monday whella. verdict of "Accidental death was recorded. SCHOOL Bo..tRi).-The ordinary monthly meeting of this board was held on Tuesday morning last, when there were present :-)Ir Gratton (chairman), Mr Brittani (vice-chairman), Mr E. P. Jones, Rev R. O. Williams, Mr Charles Evans, Mr James Hughes, and Mr Thomas Hughes. The customary reports of the attendance officer and of the masters and mistresses of the schools under the control of the board were presented. Mr Thomas Hughes, according to notice given in the previous meeting, brought forward a formidable list of "reforms" and propositions, which, as was anticipated, all fell to the ground with one exception, viz.: that in favour of convening a meeting of all the school managers in the district with a view of adopting the same school books in all the schools in the district. A resolution was unanimously carried on the motion of the vice-chairman, to the effect that the Bible in future be read in the board schools by the children instead of by the head teacher, which shows the folly of the loud cry which was raised at the late election to the effect that if the Nonconformists had a majority on the board, the children of the parish would be in danger of being brought up as "infidels There was no other business of importance.

LLANRWST. THE PROPOSED EISTEDDFOD.—Last Saturday evening a meeting of the promoters of the above eisteddfod was held at the Market Hall in this town, in order to consider the desirability of holding the festival during the present year or adjourning it to 1879. Several gentlemen, in- cluding Messrs Morris Davies and Hugh Roberts, were present, and the matter was thoroughly dis- cussed. Rumours were afloat, and indeed the fact was published in several Welsh contemporaries, that no eisteddfod would be held this vear, but from the following tele,-rarn, sent by Mr W. J. Roberts (Cowlyd), such is not the case :—" Eistedd- fod Gadeiriol y Cymry, Llanrwst, will be held according to proclamation. The paragraph pub- lished in Bauer Cymru is hereby contradicted." Our literary and musical friends will dare say be glad to hear of this.

LLANBERIS. PRAYER MEETINGS.—Prayer meetings were held throughout the different chapels of the above place during lat week. A correspondent writes What a pity that those mischievous youths of Coedyddol were brought to such trouble by their own foolishness. The row on Christmas eve was frightful, windows were smashed, obstructions thrown on the streets in shape of boxes, &e., and the result of which cannot be comprehended had there been a horse driven through the street at the time. Six of the offenders were apprehended and were fined by the Carnarvon Magistrates the following Saturday. As many of the six that worked at Mr Smith's quarry, no doubt will bo discharged for be to brought before the magistrates in such a manner makes them liable to unconditional dismissal. It must be admitted that this rule seems hard at the first impression, still, the more we contemplate upon, the more we consider it reasonable and just. The authorities should have every possible encourage-I ment from us in their endeavours to promote morality. It is not safe for the young women to walk alone along the principal streets, without being interfered anI insulted by these youths' who treat them according to their own corruptible lusts, regardless both of fear of God and honour towards man. We hope this will be a lesson to them in future."

BANGOR. SAILORS' INSTITUTE, IllItAEL.-Last Tuesday evening Mr Thomson Jones, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, delivered a lecture on The Baro- meter." After the lecturer had given an explana- tion touching the natural effects of the atmosphere upon the instrument, a warm vote of thanks was accorded to him by the Rev. E. L. Lloyd, curate of St. Mary's Church, Garth. STREET OBSTRUCTIONS. — One of the greatest obstructions in Bangor is the one caused by Beth- esda cars, stationed close to the police station. Pedestrians are obliged to cross tht- street at some distance, not only to avoid the disgrace and insults that generally fall from the lips of some ruffians, but owing to the crowded state of the pathway between the vehicles and a public-house. Surely the police authorities ought to have these obstacles removed. ELECTION OF A SURGEON FOR THE NORMAL COLLEGE. —The college committee of management met on Wednesday, for the purpose of electing a surgeon in succession to the late Dr. Lewis Jones. Dr. Ellis was proposed by Mr Henry Lewis, and seconded by Mr W. J. Parry Dr. Lloyd was pro- posed and seconded by Captain Verney and Mr Roger Evans. The latter was elected by twelve votes to six. THE BAXGOR CHORAL LTNION.—We are happy to perceive the good and patriotic feeling which exists in the above society. At their choral meeting on Tuesday night on the motion of Mr Wm. Williams (the leader), seconded by Mr John Richards, (Isalaw), the following resolution was unanimously passed That this meeting of the members of the Bangor Choral Union, beg to compliment Professor Parry upon being graduated a Doctor of Music, at Cambridge University; and consider such dignity bestowed upon him an honour to the nation, whom he has faithfully served. We also rejoice in the gradation of Mr D. Jenkins at the same University, and hope they will both be spared for a long season tI augment the musical treasures of our nation." THE PVRLIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUM.—At the meeting of the local board on Thursday morning, the members present being Messrs T. Lewis (chairman), G. Davies, R. Roberts, and Dr E. H. Ellis, Mr P, Williams, the ourator of the Free Library and Museum, presented his annual report, -which, on the whole, was most satisfactory. By the report it appeared that the large number of 23,175 had visited the institution during the past year, being an excess of 1545 on the former year, while nearly double the number of volumes have been issued. Several valuable contributions have been made, the most notable being by Lord Pen- rhvn, Mr Neville, Mr Warner, Mr Hughes, &c The institution is vested. in the board,°and was founded about seven years ago by the late Captain Jones, of Liverpool.—The Clerk reported that there was a balance in favour of the board on the general account of f,121 18s Cll 168 9d on the private ac- count museum account, £ 169 15s 2d; and that the amount of rates outstanding was X353 16s nd. 2 The other business transacted was of an ordinary nature, and devoid of interest to our readers. BALL.—The annual ball in aid of the funds of the Carnarvonshire and Anglesey Infirmary took place at the Penrhyn Hall on Wednesday night, when there was a good attendance. The orchestra was supplied by Air Rogers, of Liverpool; and Mr Septimus Baker, Williams-Bulkeley Arms Hotel, Beaumaris, furnished the refreshment buffet and supper, the arrangements in this department being of a most recherche character. The general arrange- ments were admirably carried out under the charge of Major Platt, high-sheriff of Carnarvonshire, who interested himself most actively, and to whose indefatigable exertions the success which attended the -rathe-ring is mainly due. The attendance was IllLr numerous than in former years, and a largo number of the company attended in fancy dress," the chief characters represented being- Robin Hood. Major Piatt: Rouge et Noir, Miss Birley Count Araeim, Mr Gamble; Faust, Mr S R. Dew; Henry VIII., Mr W. A. Dew; Zingara MrsW. A. Dew: Dresden China, Miss Dew; Folly Miss M. A. Dew; Sir Roger de Coverlev, Mr j Edwards; Maid of AtheTi-, Miss VincentKate Hardcastle, Miss Alice Barber; Queen Charlotte Miss Jones-Parry Mrs Candour, Miss Prichard; Lady of the 17th century, Miss Bolland Welsh Peasant, Miss Annie Pritchard; Osman Pasha, Mr R. Pritchard. The company also inch-ided Lady Bulkeley, Lady Penrhyn, Lady Dalton Fitzgerald, Mr D. Pennant, M.P., and the Hon. Miss Pennant, Mr Asslicton Smith, Mr Vivian, Mr and Mrs Dew, Colonel Williams, Lieutenant Whalley, Mr and Mrs P. Ormrod, Lieutenant J. E. Platt, Lieu- tenant Owen, Lieutenant Cotton, Mrs Vincent, Mr Dorling, Mr T. Barber, Mr F. Barber, Miss Bar- ber, Dr. Greig Hughes, Mr J. Elias, Mr and Mrs Ratcliffe, Mr C. D. Ratcliffe, Miss Young, Mr and Mrs H. Hall, Mr Hugh Roberts, Mrs Walters, Mr and Mrs C. Williams-Bulkeley, Captain William- son, Miss Mainwaring, Mr J. W. Hughes, Mr R. Mainwaring, Mr Stanley Barrington. &c.

DOLGELLEY. MINISTERIAL.—We are glad to be able to state that Mr Rowland Evans (Roli Aran), late assistant with Mr R. Wynn Williams, chemist, of this town, has successfully passed his examination for admis- sion into the Baptist College, Brighton Grove, Manchester. THE WORKHOUSE TROUBLE.—For many months a misunderstanding has prevailed between the Board of Guardians of the Dolgelley Union and Mr Gisborne, the gentleman whom they have ap- pointed to value property within the district. The bone of contention seems to be the fee claimed by Mr Gisborne for the valuation he made. It was decided to defer the question to the judgment of arbitrators, and the valuer had, at least, a portion of the sum he claimed. As he had not received the whole by New Year's Day, he sent bailiffs to take possession of the Workhouse at Dolgelley, and this was the strange s ene witnessed at that prettv town on the first of the New Year-the Union Workhouse distrained by bailiffs! These officials retained possession of the house until the whole debt was paid. It had been the custom there as in many other workhouses, on every New Year's Day, to give a banquet to the paupers who hap- pened t(õ) be inmate?. As the bailiffs chanced to be "residents" this year, they also were invited to the feast, which to them was an unexpected treat. A question which many will expect an answer to at the next meeting of the board, doubtless, will be, -Why was Mr Gisborne left without the sum due to him under the arbitration award ? This failure was the cause of degrading the workhouse so low as to become occupied by bailiffs.