Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald and North and South Wales Independent

TO CORRESPONDENTS. AN ORANGEMAN."—Your letter is ironical, and if inserted might be deemed libellous. Moreover, it would scarcely be right to ridicule an act of good nature because it was not one of more extensive liberality. W. P. (Llanfechell), sends us a letter extolling the liberality of Mr Bulkeley Hughes, M.P., and men- tions several gratifying instances of free grants of lard having been made by the hon. member for chapel purposes. The latter, however, in its en- tirety is too fulsome a eulogy for insertion in our columns. HENRI STRINGER.-We did not insert the letter signed Lay Clerks," without the usual condition being complied with; but we must decline to accede to your request. "London Jottings" received, but some of the matters to which they refer were already in type when the M.S. arrived. I "OWAIN ALAW ON TOWN AND VILLAGE FESTI- VALS."—We have received the paper on the above subject, read at the meeting of musical gentlemen held at Carnarvon, last Monday, but are compelled to omit it, owing to want of space.

-r- CARNARVON, JANUARY 3, 1880. A competitive literary meeting was held at Conway on Christmas Day, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the reduction of the deficiency in the receipts at the late Eisteddfod. At an influentially attended meeting, held on Monday at the Guild Hall, Carnarvon, a Musical Association for Wales was formed, with the Rev E. Stephen (Tanymarian), as president. The Inland Revenue Commissioners have decided not to go on with the case adjourned to last Wednes- day at Pwllheli, against Mr Henry Damerell, the late supervisor. Mr Damerell is committed for trial on eight charges. Subscriptions on behalf of the special fund being raised for the Clio Training Ship are coming in satisfactorily. It is to be hoped that the county of Carnarvonshire will make a respectable addition to the fund at the pending Quarter Sessions. The county of Lancaster which has only one boy on board the vessel, last year made a donation of 500Z to the ship. The county of Carnarvon will, it is believed, exhibit a similar liberal spirit with legard to the excellent institution referred to. At a special sessions at Portmadoc last Tuesday, Robert Evans, a labourer, living in East Avenue- street, was committed for trial at the next quarter sessions for stealing a tin of corned beef from the Portmadoc branch shop of Messrs Hugh Prit- chard and Co., Pool-street, Carnarvon. At the same sessions Ellen Jones a well-dressed young woman, a native of Pwllheli, was charged with ob- taining half a sovereign from Joseph Evans', china dealer, Portmadoc, under false pretences, but owing to the absence of two witnesses, the hearing of the case was adjourned. In their annual review of the Shipping Trade, Messrs C. W. Kellock and Co., the appointed brokers to the Admiralty, state that for the first time during the last four years they are enabled to congratulate their friends upon an existing cheer- fulness in shipping circles, founded on a steady, solid, improvement in business generally, and what may not unreasonably be considered a posi- tive termination of that period of settled gloom and stagnation in trade all round, which, for a weary time, seemed to bar all hope of change for the better. A fire occurred on Monday night in a barn on the farm premises of Mr John Edwards, Tycha, Llanrhos, and before the flames could be extin- guished some unthrashed barley, of the value of about 161, was totally destroyed, and a quantity of potatoes spoiled. The fire is believed to have been occasioned through Mr Edwards' son and another youth smoking in the barn, and throwing a lucifer match which they had struck among the unthrashed barley. An important meeting of the ratepayers of Ruthin, which had been convened by the mayor (Dr Jones), in answer to a lequisition, and was pre- sided over by him, was held in the Town Hall, Ruthin, on Monday evening, for the purpose of considering a new scheme prepared by the Charity Commissioners for the administration of the Hospital, Grammar School, and Exhibition Charities. The meeting was thoroughly unanimous in its opposition to several proposals in the new scheme, and some singular observations were made in the course of the discussion, which will elsewhere be found fully reported. An interesting competition took place on Friday, at Tal-y-Cafn, near Conway, among about forty sheep-dogs, which were tested to the utmost of their ability in their peculiar and useful work of driving sheep in any direction their masters require. Valuable prizes were awarded to those that showed the best form, and great public interest was manifested in the trials. The day was fine, and the promoters of the affair achieved a signal success. We have no doubt that competi- tions of this kind will tend to improve the breed of sheep-dogs, as coursing meetings do the quality of greyhounds. Such competitions are therefore useful as well as interesting. The members of the band of the Third Carnar- vonshire Rifle Volunteers, on Tuesday evening last, I presented to Mr John Watts, teacher of the band, an illuminated address, as a token of their esteem for him personally, as well as their appreciation of his efforts for the band's efficiency. The presenta- tion was made at the Twthill School, and was fol- lowed by the presentation of a timepiece to Mr Henry Ensor, a sergeant in the Third Rifle Volun- teers, on the occasion of his marriage, and in ap- preciation of the great interest he has taken in the corps for a long period. During the week, the counties of Anglesey and Carnarvon have been visited with an unintermit- tent storm of wind and rain. Many of the meadows in the neighbourhood of Llanrwst, Aber, and other places, are completely submerged. Numbers of trees have been snapped asunder, and chimney-pots and slates have been whirled about in all directions. A heavy thunderstorm passed over Carnarvon on Tuesday morning, and while it raged a school-house at Clynnog was struck by lightning, causing some damage to the chimney and gable end of the building. The Rev John Evans, B.A., the master, was sleeping in an apart- ment adjoining the wall, but fortunately was uninjured. The committee of the Peace Society have issued an address to the people of the United Kingdom, pro- testing not only against the policy of the war in Afghanistan, but also the way in which it has been carried on. The circular recapitulates the cir- cumstances which preceded and followed the death of Shere Ali; and, speaking of the vengeance which has been exacted for the Cabul massacre, asks whether the country approves of converting British soldiers into hangmen, and of employing them to spread indiscriminate havoc and devastation among the homes of a people whose main offence is that they dare to dislike our presence in their country, and to offer an asylum to their hunted neighbours, for whose heads rewards were offered by the Bri- tish authorities. A correspondent, whose letter under the signature of "Observer" appears in our columns this week, commenting on the recent delay in the administration of justice, which took place at Caerwys, suggests that some additions should be made to the list of gentlemen holding her Majesty's Commission of the Peace, and asks why the name of the largest landed proprietor in Caerwys should not be included in it, he being a gentleman of mature experience and sound iudgment. "Observer" further remarks that so long as the magistracy are drawn from only one or two classes, there will always be a danger of some such negli- gence as that at Caerwys, and which has been so properly exposed by this journal. We are glad to note an instance of appreciation on the part of quarrymen of an,, act of Lord Penrhyn from which they derive considerable advantage. His lordship has recently converted the old tramway leading from Bangor to his Bethesda quarries into a permanent line with steam power. Since this has been effected he has kindly allowed his workmentllo run cars on the line to take them to and from their "work. The boon being fully recognised, a crowded meeting was held on Saturday night, at Glusinfryn, where an address was agreed to, thanking his lordship, and acknow- ledging the interest he has taken in the welfare of the men in his employment. Similar compliments were paid to Mr Arthur Wyatt, and Mr John Evans, the managers of the quarry. Some very strong remarks have lately been made on the Barmouth sewerage scheme, and there are some persons who entertain the opinion that it will do more harm than good to Barmouth. Such, however, does not appear to be the case, and the system is pronounced by persons qualified to judge as the best possible for Barmouth under the present circumstances. In fact, it will be a great boon to the town, and it is contemplated that the drainage works and the waterworks shall be completed before the commencement of next season. There is no cesspool in the quay, neither is the overflow to be discharged into the harbour, as some persons seem to think, but the sewage will be conducted in pipes over to the other side of the island, where it will be carried away by the current. The system* which is from the designs of Mr Thomas Roberts, I ortmadoc, with Mr George Dixon as consulting engineer, has received the approval of Mr Smith, C.E., one of the inspectors of the Local Government Board. The Meirion Eisteddfod was commenced on Wed- nesday evening at Dolgelley, and continued on New Years' Day. The first meeting was under the pre- tidency of the Rev E. O. Williams, Fronwnion, and that on New Years' Day under Mr H. J. Reveley. An address on Music in Wales was given by Mr Brinley Richards, who considered that such a meet- ing at Dolgelley was peculiarly appropriate, and attributed the love of music in Wales as being in some respects due to nationality, but in a greater degree to the religious sentiment of the people. At the afternoon meeting Mr Samuel Holland, M.P., presided, and expressed his conviction that the Sun- day Closing Bill for Wales would pass. He added that he was glad to hear that some of the Dolgelley publicans were already closing their public-houses on Sunday, and believed it would conduce to the welfare and happiness of the community in genera The proceedings were brought to a close with a concert under the presidency of Mr Charles Ed- wards, Dolserau. At the monthly meeting of the Criccieth Local Board the question of the removal of the encroach- ments in front of the English chapel was again dis- cussed. It was explained by the chairman that no steps had been taken in the matter, because John Jones (the surveyor) did not know how much to remove, and wanted Mr Thomas Roberts, Port- madoc, to come with him, and mark oiit the en- croachment. Mr Roberts, however, declined to do so unless he received formal instructions from the Board through the clerk. After some hesitation, it was resolved that Mr Roberts be employed for the purpose. It was also explained that the wall, which the board wanted to pull down was not the chapel wall, but the wall of the courtyard in front of the chapel. Several other encroachments were also dis- cussed with a view to adjustment. The dangerous places at Criccieth likewise came in for a share of attention, and steps were ordered to be taken to render them safer in future. Before separating the board decided to lower the wages of the men in their employ from eighteen to sixteen shillings per week. Mr E. Ellis, master of the Board Schools, Love- lane, Denbigh, has retired upon a well-earned pension, after twenty-nine years' service at the school, both under the committee and the board. Mr Ellis began his educational career in November, 1844, when he took charge of one of the first British Schools in North Wales, that of Dinorwic, Carnarvonshire. From thence he went to Denbigh twenty-nine years ago, and during the period he has held his post the school has been visited by ten different inspectors, whose reports have been uniformly favourable. It is also worthy of note that he has never had a single complaint from the managers or from the board. Mr T. Morgan Owen, the examiner, has congratalated Mr Ellis upon receiving a pension from the Education Department as a reward for work well done on behalf of the public. On the occasion of the breaking up of the school for the Christmas vacation, the good wishes of the scholars were freely manifested towards him, and he was presented by the boys with a handsome writing-desk as a token of their esteem and regard. On his part, Mr Ellis presented to each boy a hand- some book as a memento. There is only one fact in connection with his retirement which must inspire general regret, and that is that a school- master who has devoted a lifetime to teach the children of her Majesty's subjects, and who in his early career received but a small salary, should receive.a pension which is under 10s per week. So zealous, able, and highly efficient a teacher un- doubtedly deserved a larger and more generous recognition of his excellent qualities, and of the results he has achieved by years of devoted labour.

WALES IN 1879 Another year, with all its chequered events, has gone to join the eternity of the past. Its deeds tor good or ill cannot be recalled, but their consequences may and probably will affect various sections of the human family for a long time to come. Like all its predecessors, the year 1879 will leave a distinct mark on the page of history. It was a year in which, so far as the United Kingdom was concerned, war abroad and depression of trade at home combined to fill the minds of men with anxiety and alarm. Even the elements seemed to have con- spired to deepen the general gloom; for sumpier was almost struck out of the season, and in the months when warmth and radiance are necessary very little sun- shine gladdened the earth. In many respects, therefore, the year will hereafter be considered a disastrous one. Some of the best and bravest of Britain's sons fell on the battle-field while engaged in practically carrying out the policy which English ministers had decreed. Wales, naturally shared in all the influences which affected other parts of the kingdom, and had her share of danger and adversity. Among the forces which operated both in Zulu- land and in Afghanistan there were no soldiers more heroic than her sons, as the gallant defence at Korke's Drift fully testifies; and at home those engaged in peaceful pursuits displayed qualities which augar well for the future destiny of the Cymric race. We therefore deem it right, in casting a retrospective glance upon the past year, to devote our attention chiefly to those events in which Wales played a promi- nent part, holding that much instruction may be gained by noting the causes which have led to success in some instances and failure in others, as thereby various shoals and quicksands may henceforth be avoided, and the lessons of the past utilised for future guidance. WELSH POLITICAL MOVEMENTS. In Wales the foreign policy of the Government has been generally denounced, and Liberal members have shown them- selves worthy of the confidence reposed in them. Early in February Lord Richard Grosvenor, and Mr John Roberts, the honourable members for Flintshire, and for the boroughs, addressed enthusiastic meet- ings of their constituents at Caerwys and Holywell. Both members delivered masterly criticisms on the foreign policy of the Government, and Mr Roberts, at Holywell, showed how that policy had been instrumental in bringing about the prevailing depression of trade. Referring to the next General Election, he advised the Liberals of Flintshire to gird on their armour, to be true to the Liberal cause, and to trium- phantly return their Liberal members." He recapitulated the many beneficent measures passed by the Liberal party, which entitled them to the confidence of the county, and appealed for a renewal of that confidence when the opportunity occurred to prevent further Tory obstruction. These sentiments were vociferously cheered, and a vote of confidence in both the honourable members was carried with acclamation. Besides the foreign policy of the Govern- ment, however, the increase in the national expenditure was viewed with alarm in Wales, and a meeting of the Liberals of Llandudno was held, at which this subject was dis- cussed, the result being that a resolution was unanimously carried, condemning the largely increased and still increasing national expenditure, the meeting pledging itself to use its utmost endeavours to pro- mote peace with other countries, retrench- ment, and reform. The meeting also, be- lieving the policy of the present Ministry to be injurious to the welfare of the country, pledged itself to use every effort in its power to secure the return of a Liberal member for Carnarvonshire at the next election. Later on, a letter appeared in the Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald' from a Reformer" who urged that the Liberals of Carnarvonshire ought not to allow' a general election to pass over their heads without a good fight once more for the seat now held by Mr Douglas Pennant, the Con- servative member. "Reformer" pointed out that since the year 1874 the Liberals had lost, through death, many strong and zealous members of their party, and in con- sequence a new generation of electors had risen and taken possession of the political world in Carnarvonshire. It was these electors that the Liberal party must ask to come to the front in favour of the old flag" Peace, Retrenchment, and Re- form;" and he ventured to predict hat the result would be similar to that n 1868, but with this difference — that he majority against the Conservatives would be more crushing and complete. It was also suggested that a conference of Liberals should be held in a central part of the county. During the Parliamentary Session Wales attracted considerable no- tice. In the House of Commons, attention was prominently drawn to the Principality by the debate on education. Justice to Wales in this respect was demanded, and will probably be conceded in the ensuing session. Nor was the cause of temperance forgotten, Mr John Roberts, M.P., having given notice of his intention to bring in a Bill to prohibit the sale of intoxicating liquors on Sunday in Wales. The announce- ment of the honourable gentleman's inten- tion was received with loud cheers in the House, and there can be no doubt that when the Bill is introduced it will' receive the greatest possible support in Wales, where the necessity for closing public-houses on Sunday has been long recognised. The effects of a Sunday Closing Bill in Ireland have already been found so beneficial that the claim of the Principality to separate legis- lation on the subject will scarcely be con- tested. At Llandudno, in September, there was a great Liberal demonstration, on which oc- casion Mr J. Roberts, M.P., made an important speech, and combated some random assertions which had been pre- viously made at Rhyl by Mr Raikes, M.P. Mr Osborne Morgan is another Welsh Member of Parliament who has distinguished himself by his opposition to the retention of the lash in the army, and by the introduc- tion of a Burials Bill. A Cemeteries Act has been passed, but, as has been well observed. the necessity for a Burials Bill —a real Bill-is as great now as it was before this new Act was passed. The opponents of Mr Osborne Morgan's Bill have raised the cry of new cemeteries instead of old churchyards. The answer should be old churchyards or new cemete- ries-no invidious distinction in either; but in consecrated and unconsecrated ground alike, let burial services be performed by all parties according o the convictions or wishes of survivors. To that complexion we must come at last, and we shall not regret if the too clever tactics of our oppo- nents hasten by some years so desirable an issue." In October, there was a great meeting of Liberals at Holyhead, when excellent speeches were delivered by Mr Davies, M.P., and Mr Morgan Lloyd, M.P. Reso- lutions were unanimously passed, thanking the two honourable members for their services in Parliament during the past session, and pledging the constituency to return the two respected Anglesey repre- sentatives to Parliament at the next general election. The resolutions expressed strong disapproval of the ^'fantastic" foreign policy of the Beaconsfield-Salisbury Ad- ministration. In the same month, a meeting of the Liberal delegates of the various polling districts in Carnarvonshire was held in the Queen's Hotel, Carnarvon, when it was announced that Mr Jones-Parry would again contest the county, and that no Con- servative opposition was anticipated to the re-election of Mr Bulkeley Hughes for the boroughs. In November Rhyl had its share of poli- tical excit nrient, the first annual meeting of the Rhyl strict Liberal Association being held. On that occasion the prospects of the Flintshire districts with regard to the forthcoming election were dwelt upon with much satisfaction, the state of the register and the unity of the Liberal party affording good ground for anticipations of the highest success. A vote of confidence in Lord Grosvenor, as member for the county of Flint, and in Mr John Roberts, as member for the boroughs, was unanimously passed, and the meeting pledged itself to use all its influence and energy in again securing their return to Parliament with a triumphant majo- rity at the next general election. Lord Gros- venor and Mr Roberts delivered animated addresses; the latter gentleman criticising Lord Beaconsfield's Guildhall speech at some length. A resolution was also passed severely condemning the Government for its neglect of domestic legislation, and its med- dlesome foreign policy. In fact, about this time there was an awakening of the Liberal party all over the Principality. A meeting was held at Dolgelley to consider the state of the party in Merionethshire, and to en- sure the return of the present member, Mr Samuel Holland. The manner in which Mr Holland had discharged his duty towards his constituents was dwelt upon with m'ch satisfaction, and it was pointed out that during the past session he had been present at every division of any importance in Par- liament. Besides a vote of nnabated confi- d ence in the hon. gentleman, a resolution was unanimously passed, affirming the de- sirability of calling a public meeting re- questing the presence of Mr Holland to de- liver an address. It was further agreed to forward copies of the resolutions passed at the meeting to the leading Liberals of Cor- wen, Bala, Aberdcvey, Festiniog, and other places, urging them also to hold similar public meetings, and to endeavour to obtain the attendance of Mr Holland to address them. Other districts were advised to take similar steps. It will, therefore, be seen from the foregoing that Wales has been tolerably active in political matters during the year, and no doubt whatever is enter- tained that the Welsh constituencies will pronounce themselves emphatically in favour of a Liberal Administration when their votes are given. STATE OF TRADE. Trade in North Wales was dull during the greater part of I879. The shipping interest suffered considerably, and the slate trade, the greatest in importance in this part of the Principality, was for a long time depressed In the autumn, however, some improvement took place, and the accounts which reached us from different parts of North Wales were more satisfactory than they had been for a long time previously. Writing in November, our Portmadoc correspondent stated that the demand for slates in that neighbourhood was in excess of the supply, and that in con- sequence vessels had to wait for their cargoes. The depression in that neighbour. hood, he thought,had reached its lowest ebb, and ere long things would resume their wonted briskness. It appears, however, that these anticipations have not been realised, and that the slate trade, as well as some other industries in Wales, is still in a very unsatisfactory condition. In con- firmation of this we may state that the work at the Llanberis and Penrhyn slate quarries is still confined to four days a week. AGRICULTURE. The season of 1879 was most unfavour- able for agriculture in the British Islands,and this, added to foreign competition, caused great depression in the agricultural world. A great portion of the grass crop in Wales was destroyed by heavy rains and floods, and the grain harvest was almost unpre- cedentedly late, and in many districts deficient in quantity and inferior in quality. In some parts of Anglesey, however, some very fair crops were garnered. From an elaborate statement which was published in the Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald with respect to Carnarvonshire agriculture, it was shown that there had been a decrease in the breadth of wheat sown amounting to 400 acres in four seasons, the falling off this year being 238 acres, compared with last year's returns. The low price of wheat and an unfavourable seed-time were thought to be the chief causes of this declension. In the Principality generally a decrease in sheep and pigs was noted, and a steady increase in the number of horned cattle and horses. It is thought that grazing will in future become a general substitute for non- paying crops. Agriculture is year by year becoming more of a science, and receiving a greater share of attention, the fact being generally recognised that he who can grow two blades of grass or two ears of corn where only one was grown before is a bene- factor to his kind. The Vale of Clwyd Chamber of Agriculture renders excellent service in promoting scientific know- ledge, and during the past year it has discussed topics of great in- terest to the farming community. Agricultural Shows wereheld in North Wales, as usual, in 1879, and despite the unfavourable season with which they had to contend they were for the most part very successful. The Anglesey and Carnarvonshire Show was held at Bangor; the Denbighshire and Flintshire, at Ruthin the Vale of Conway, at Llanrwst; the Lleyn and Eifionydd, at Pwllheli; the Merionethshire, at Dolgelley. An Agricultural, Horticultural, and Poultry Show was also held at the Pavilion, Carnar- von, but was not so well-attended or ap- preciated as it deserved to be. Landowners in Wales have shown, during the great de- pression of agriculture, an appreciation of the difficulties with which their tenants have had to contend, and liberal reductions of rent have in many instances been made. THE SOCIAL CONDITION OF WALES. The year, unhappily, has been distin- guished in North Wales, by various acts of violence which have resulted fatally. Most of these, however, seem to have had their origin in drunken brawls or outbursts of sudden passion rather than guilty preme- ditation, and as some of the cases are still sub judice, we retrain at present from going into more minute details with respect to them. A great number of petty thefts have been committed, showing that the laws of meum and tuum are by no means strictly observed. Last year we had to allude to perjury as an offence which was but too frequent, and complaints of its alarming prevalence in the Principality have since been very rife. The magistrates at quarter sessions, and the judges at the assizes have, however, evinced a determination to punish the perpetrators of this serious kind of offence with the utmost severity which the law allows. As a proof of this, we need only refer to the case of police-sergeant Owen Hughes, who at the Anglesey Summer Assizes was sentenced to five years' penal servitude, being convicted of perjury in the case of a man named John Stanley, who, last year, on the sergeant's evidence, was convicted of an assault, for which he was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, but was subsequently found to be innocent. Several other instances of perjury have since occurred; and there seems no doubt, unless the lower orders in the Principality can be taught to understand the solemn nature of an oath, and its binding effect on the conscience, some more severe examples will yet have to be made in order to eradicate the foul blot which the prevalence of perjury implies. Drunken- ness is unfortunately also a vice which is far too general, but it is hoped that the Sunday Closing Bill. cf which Mr Roberts, M.P., has given notice, will to some extent check it, when supplemented by various energetic efforts by influential people tor the pro- motion of temperance. We are glad to note that temperance reform is being strongly advocated by the Church of England, the Dean of Bangor being particularly actively in the good work.. If the evil be continually attacked, it must eventually be reduced to manageable proportions. Another social evil however, has still to be noted. In the rural districts of Wales the number of illegiti- mate births registered go to prove that a low state of morality prevails. This is, perhaps, asmuch the result of ignorance as of debasing passions, and some improvement may be looked for as education more fully asserts its sway. In other respects continuous pro- gress in the Principality is observable. There is much religious earnestness among all denominations. At the Calvinistic Methodist Associations of Pwllheli and Machynlleth, the Rev J. Owen, Criccieth, called timely attention to the perjury, petty thefts,:and immorality updn which we have commented, and the influence of the teachers of religion will doubtless be exerted to check these evils. More attention is also paid to sanitary matters than formerly, and although in some districts the people require to be educated as to its advantages, it is to be presumed that they will ere long come to recognise the fact that -1 cleanliness is next to godliness," and tends to the pre- vention of epidemic disease and the pre- servation of life. Improvement has con- tinued to be made in the aspect of various towns in Wales,—Carnarvon having added to its town architecture a number of palatial shops and a new P )st,office. In the moun. tain districts also much improvement has been effected, especially at Trevor, where a new and substantial village has sprung up under the auspices of the Welsh Granite Company, and a new chapel has been pro- vided to meet the wants of the increasing population. Carnarvon has initiated a move- ment for holding in its spacious Pavilion the National Eisteddfod of 1880, and so well have the efforts of the townspeople been seconded, and so ably have a;l the neces- sary arrangements been made by the com- mittee, that a grand and most successful 0 gathering is confidently anticipated. The cocoa-room movement has also gathered strength in Flintshire. A cocoa-house has been opened at Bagillt, and working men s clubs, and other agencies for the moral elevation of the hard-handed sons of toil, have been multiplied all over North Wdles, Dolgelley rejoices in a new Market Hall, and Llanrwst in a new room for public assembles. With all these and other evidences of progress, there can be no doubt that Wales is marching with the times, and will claim more and more the atten- tion of Parliament and of the world at large, as her people assert their intelligence and make known their legitimate wants and aspirations. ElSTEDDFOBAU. The 1 Herald Cymraeg' speaks of these gatherings to the following effect" The year was prolific of Eisteddfodau, as many as four pretentious meetings, called either pro- vincial' or I national,' being held in the Principality. Up to this time the success of an Eisteddfod was looked upon as a matter of certainty, but this year's experience has belied this belief, the Holyhead, Conway, and Llan- beris Eisteddfodau not proving financial successes, but in one or two instances disastrous failures in a pecuniary sense. No doubt the ill-success of the gatherings referred to must be attributed to the frequency of Eisteddfodic meetings, and probably the result will prove a salutary lesson to our enthusiastic and patriotic countrymen who promote, unrequited and often to their loss, the national institution. The Cardiff Eisteddfod was an exception, as it proved highly successful, owing, no doubt, to there having been no similar large gathering during the year in that part of Wales. The multiplicity of Eisteddfodau, literary meetings, and concerts in Wales has suggested to several thinking men who have the welfare of the country at heart, as to whether the enthusiasm connected with music in Wales is conducive to mental development. Indeed, we find that one gentleman is giving a prize at the Carnarvon Eisteddfod for an e&say on the sub- ject. It is a fact that singing is engrossing a much larger share in meetings in the Princi- pality than it was wont to do, and that literary pursuits are commensurately neglected. Lectures, even when delivered by our most eminent men on the most interesting and in- structive subjects, have no very numerous patrons among our young people; but let a concert of any nature be announced, they are found flocking to it in very large numbers. These remarks are not made to discourage the study and use of music, than which nothing 0 can be more elevating and profitable to the national character; but other studies, such as the fine arts and the sciences, should have a share -a very large share—of our young people's attention. We trust that our leading men, our religious instructors especially, will take this matter to heart, and use the great in- fluences they have to induce the rising genera- tion to run, not along one narrow track, but that broad highway which neighbouring nations are so assiduously and quickly traversing." o OBITUARY. Death, who lays his icy hands on kings," has been busy in the Principality during the year, and Wales has lost a few of her most able and patriotic sons. One of these was Mr Thomas Nicholas, M.A., Ph.D., F.G.S., the author of < Annals and Antiquities of the Counties and County Fa- milies of Wales,' and several other very valu- able books. In his researches, he brought to light several important facts in connection with the antiquities of Wales, and did as much as anyone during the century to bring interes- ting matters connected with his country before the English people. He also took a great interest in Eisteddfodau, and in all educational matters, and was closely identified with the University College of Wales, and its start. —Probably, the Principality never possessed greater patriots than the late Rev Robert Jones, vicar of Rotherhithe, London, and the late Rev T. James, F.S.A. (Llallawg), vicar of Netherthong. The former had a famous Welsh library, which it is satisfactory to find has been purchased in its entirety by the cor- poration of Swansea. He was a great ad- mirer of the ill-fated poet Goronwy Owain, and made full researches with respect to his works. Mr Jones brought out an elaborate edition of all the works of Goronwy, and in- tended, had not death put an end to his meri- torious intentions, to publish the works of other eminent old poets of Wales. All this was a labour of love on the part of the rev. gentle- man, as he could never hope to make a profit out of such expensively-got-up works. Llall- awg was another whose face will be lost from our national gatherings, and his munificent prized missed. Others, whose death took place during the year were the Rev John Davies, Nerquis, well known as the best ex- ponent of the book of Proverbs that Wales ever produced the Rev William Morris, Rhuddlan,a respected minister with the Calvin- istic Methodists; the Rev Evan Pugh, Wes- levan minister, Rhyl, a most pleasing preacher; the Rev John Jones, Baptist preacher, Llanberis; the Rev David Price, Aberdare,' and others. Although these have gone to their rest, we will, in conclusion, ex- press a hope that to the new year are left many heirs offame, capable of winning va- lour's prize or virtue's crown, and that on our countrymen will descend all the happiness by which the enjoyment of life can be enhanced, coupkd with the best gifts which heaven allots to mortals.

THE FLINT AND DENBIGH HOUNDS will meet on Monday, January 5th, at Pontryffydd; Thursday, January 8th, at Rose Hill; Saturday, January 10th' at Hafodunos; each day at 10.30. THE VALE OF CLWYD HARRIERS will meet on Wednesday, January 7th, at Dyserth Castle; on Saturday, January 10th, at Llanbedr; each day at 11. The ANGLESEY HARRIERS will meet as under:— Monday, the 5th inst., at Trevor, near Beaumaris; Wednesday, the 7th, at Llanerchymedd; Saturday, the 10th, at Bodfordd; each day at 11.30 a.m. THE DUKE OF WESTMINSTER.—The Duke of Westminster presided at the public opening, a few days back, of the new Protestant school house, Route de Grasss, at Cannes. LOCAL FAILURES.—Friday night's 'Gazette' con- tains the following:—In the winding-up notices, The Bettwsycoed Gas and Coke Company. Liquidations by arrangement, W. Roberts, Dolwyddelen, Carnar- von, woollen manufacturer, and H. Roberts, March- aled. Denbigh, farmer. CARNARVONSHIRE AND ANGLESEY INFIRMARY.— Weekly report, December 31th, 1879. In-patients, 9; total number of out-patients admitted since Oct. 25th, 1879, 272, ditto during the past week, 31; home-patients, 44. Visitors for the ensuing week: Mrs Williams and the Lord Bishop of the Diocese. Hon. Physician for the ensuing week Dr Richards. —Hon. Surgeon for the ensuing week:—Dr Greig Hughes.-Richard Jones, house surgeon. FOUNDERING OF A SCHOONER.—A telegram from Buenos Ayres, dated 25tli December, states that a schooner has foundered near the island of Tova, off the coast of Patagonia-supposed the British brig- antine Fanny Beck, from Buenos Ayres (October 8th) for Patagonia. Nothing known of the crew. The Fanny Beck is a brlgantine of 153 tons, built in Wales in 1864, owned by Messrs II. Roberts and Burdis, of Newcastle-on-Tyne. Her master is stated to be Captain Jones, of Edern, Lleyn.. LETTS'S DIARIES.—We have received from Messrs Letts. Son. and Co. a selection of their popular diaries and calendars, which are now issued in upwards of 150 varieties. Every taste has been studied, and merchants, men of business, clergymen, professional men, ladies, and others will And diaries especially adapted to their several requirements. Among the novelties are Letta's Registered Letter Box," a highly useful receptacle for notes and busi- ness memoranda. The Suspending Paper Rack" is also a contiivance of great utility. Messrs Letts's diaries and household books have now been issued for seventy years, and their popularity is greater ¡ than ever.. Saxby's Weather Almanac, issued by this firm, last year passed through three editions, the remarkable weather of the year being forecast with I remarkable accuracy. LIBEBAL CONSERVATIVE.—The best definition of the term "Liberal Conservative" yet given is that which has just appeared in the Sheffield Indepen- dent Liberal—denotes the party from whom the votes are to be obtained. Conservative—the party to whom they are to be given." KiNin^L.—Mr and Lady Florentia Hughes gave a grand ball at Kinmel Park on Friday, the 19th inst., at which about 150 persons were present. Among the company W61'6 Lady Louisa Cotes and Misses Cotes, Lord Houghton and Hon. Miss Milnes, Lady Elizabeth Biddulph and Miss Adeane, Mr, Mrs, and Miss Bromley Davenport, Hon. Spencer Hanbury, Hon. A. de Saumarez, Hon. Kenneth Howard, Lady and Miss Guise, Mrs Williams Wynn and party, Mr Farquhar, Mr, Mrs, and Miss Boughton Knight. Hon. Roger Mostyn, Hon. Kate Mostyn, Mr and Hon. Mrs Trelawney, Hon. George and Mrs Kenyon, Mr and Mrs Knollys, Mr and Mrs Sandbach and party, Mr and Mrs Rowley Conwy, Viscount Parker, Mr and Mrs Humberston, &c. MAY AND DECEMBER 75 AND 22.—SIR JULIUS BENEDICT.—The marriage of Sir Julius Benedict with Miss Fortey was celebrated on Tuesday morning at St. Thomas's Church, Orchard-street. Consideiable. pains had been taken to keep secret the place of wedding, as both Sir Julius and his bride wished the ceremony to be as private as possible. Conse- quently only the near relations of the bride and bride- groom and a few of the most intimate friends of Sir Julius were present, and all were bound to keep the name of the church selected a profound secret. Con- trary to the custom, Miss Fortey, a beautiful girl of two-and-twenty, wore neither veil nor wreath, nor was the bridal costume of that light and delicate colour usually adopted in such cases. She was at- tired in a plain walking dress of the shade known as navy blue, with a silk jacket with broad, black stripes, and a dark hat and feather. At the entry of the bride, Sir Julius Benedict, leaning lightly on the arm of Signor Randegger, his best man," and look- ing not a whit the worse for his 75 years, placed himself at the right hand of the communion table. The officiating clergymen were the Rev Stopford Brooke, Chaplain-in-Ordinary to the, Queen, and Benedict's next door neighbour in Manchester- square, and the Rev C. J. Phipps-Eyre, Rector and Rural Dean of Marylebone. In accordance with the purely private and unassuming way in which the proceedings had been carried out, there was no wed- ding breakfast, Sir Julius and Ladv Benedict at once e-itering their private carriage, and driving to Char- ing Cross to spend a honeymoon lasting but one week.

THE ARGUS LETTERS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CARNARVON AND DENBIGH HERALD.' Sr-n,-Although Christmas week has passed away, it has left behind it many pleasant reminiscences in North Wales. Acts of charity and generosity have been numerous, and your paper this week, I have no doubt, will contain some very pleasing records of events in which benevolent individuals have played a conspicuous part. I learn that at Bala Mr Sorton Parry invited a hundred aged persons to a substan- tial dinner on Christmas Day. The repast took place in the Town Hall, and went off in the hap- piest manner, additional pleasure being derived from the presence of Mr Parry himself. This I believe was the sixth time that his invitation has been given to the aged folks of Bala, who heartily appreciate his kindness. That Mr Parry does not give the dinner for the sake of ostentation is cer- tain. Those who heard the modest way in which he replied to the cordial vote of thanks which was passed to him must have perceived that his sole object is to do good, and he finds in it the truest kind of pleasure. Of a similar disposition is Mr Alderman L. Lewis, the worthy mayor of Carnar- von, whose generous gift of the meat of two bul- locks to the poor was distributed to worthy reci- pients on Wednesday last. The ladies of Carnar- von have also been active in the promotion of good work, and I understand they are making arrange- ments to re-open the soup-kitchen very shortly. Mr Assheton Smith last winter made a dona- tion of 51 to the fund, and has done the like this year but, of course, many other contribu- tions are needed, and will be cordially welcomed by the ladies' committee. There is plenty of scope for active benevolence to play its part for a long time to come, as there are scores of persons out of employment-, and a large amount of distress which a little severe weather would soon intensify. It is therefore a good time to open the soup- kitchen, and I trust that whatever external help may be necessary to make this charitable agency doubly effective will be readily forthcoming. While speaking of acts of generosity at Christ- mastide I may mention that the mayor of Conway behaved in a very liberal manner for, with a view to enabling the poor of his neighbourhood to have a good Christmas dinner, he distributed from his own kitchen to all who stood in need of it a large quantity of first-class mutton, having had fifteen of his sheep slaughtered for the purpose, and he also purchased a fine wether of a local butcher. The meat was distributed in a proper, methodical, manner, so as to ensftre its reaching worthy recipients. This seasonable benevolence must have been most welcome to many a poor family, and the mayor must have felt that high satisfaction which springs from a consciousness of having performed really Christian work. Similar remarks will apply to Mrs Owen, who was most active in deeds of benevolence. The old year has gone out like a lion. Heavy gales, rain, hail, thunder and lightning, and a terrible disaster which will leave gloom in many a home in Scotland, have characterised its last hours. Wales, too, it seems, very nearly had a counter- part of the Tay bridge disaster, for on Saturday morning a collision took place near Menai Bridge, an express train from Holyhead dashing into a goods train, the engine of which had broken down. The driver of the express train, when he saw the goods train on the same line, appears to have done all in his power to avert the collision, but not having time to apply the brakes effectively, he was unable to prevent the two trains coming in contact. Before they did so, however, the stoker jumped from the engine, and sustained severe injuries by falling on the line; the driver, with greater presence of mind, remained on his engine, and escaped with slighter injuries; although it is reported that some of his ribs are broken. Most of the passengers fortunately escaped with nothing worse than a severe shaking. Someone, of course, has blundered, or this accident would not have happened. The block system of signalling seems to have answered its purpose very well, but the human machines who had to be guided by the signals were, it appears, more fallible, otherwise the express train would not have been allowed to proceed past LIaufair station until assurance had been received that the line at Menai Bridge was quite clear. It is not for me to appor- tion blame to any particular individual. Doubtless, the Board of Trade will fully investigate the matter, and the railway company will take such steps as may appear necessary and desirable to prevent a recurrence of anything of the kind. Meanwhile, it must be a matter for congratulation that although the accident was of a serious and alarming nature, and delayed the traffic for some hours, it has, so far, been unattended by any fatal results. # Our friend 'Punch' is facetious with regard to what has no doubt been a general wish among Welshmen since Mr Gladstone's Midlothian tour; for he says: —" At the urgent solicitation of his Welsh neigh- bours, who feel that as he lives in Wales it is only just that he should favour that country with a public exposition of his views and opinions, Mr Glad- stone, has consented, with the beginning of the new year, to speak in public at Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Pwllheli, Swansea, the cathedral cities, and the principal railway stations, and from the Menai Bridge. A torchlight procession up Snowdon is in contemplation as a grand finale to the campaign, but itis feared that the season will interfere with Mr Gladstone delivering an address on the financial position of the country from the summit. Great preparations are making for Air Gladstone's recep- tion throughout the Principality, and presents of Welsh ale, Welsh flannels, Welsh slates, Welsh ponies, and Welsh rabbits will greet him at every stage of his progress." I hope this pleasant sketch will be found to have more reality about it than its author thought to be likely when he penned it. No one would wish to impose upon Mr Gladstone the penalty of ascending Snowdon or making an address from Menai Bridge but the people of Carnarvon would be very pleased to hear him deliver an oration in the Pavilion, where an audience worthy of the great orator could be assembled; and in a visit to the Principality he would doubtless meet with as much welcome as I Punch' has pictured, although the demonstrations would be of a some* what more rational character, ARGUS.