The North Wales Weekly News

Welsh Slate Trade. FOREIGN MARKETS DECLINING. The slate trade as regards the home market has shown great improvement in Merionethshire during the past few months, but unfortunately foreign trade is still in a very weak condition, the conse- quence being that the stock of best old vein slates, the most valuable produced in the Festiniog district, continues to grow. At present there is practically no market at home for these slates. Germany used to be the best customer abroad for Festiniog slates, but in recent years the policy of the German Government has been to support home industries. Denmark was the second best customer for Festiniog slats, but during the past two years this trade also has declined.

The Penmachno Agricultural and Horticultural Show. The fifteenth annual show was held at Pen- machino aa Saturday last, and proved a very succes'sfuil event as far as the number of entriee, and the quality of stock was concerned. The 'committee had worked hard, and the only thing left was whether it was going toi be a fine day or not. One distiinict improvement this year was an, agreement with the Great Western Railway for them to run their road motor bus from Cor- 'wen, Befetws-y-Cieed, and the intermediate stations, up to Peomadhno. The day opemed fine, anid' continued till about two o'clock, when it began' to pour, and; it lasted so till the even- ing. The following are the list of officers for the year: -Pr;esideint, The Right Hon. Lord Pen- rhyn, Bangor; Viee-Piresidients, Messrs C. O. Roberts (Miaesgwyn, Pentrevoelas), Thomas Hughes (QerriigeLlgwm, Yspytty), and J. LI. Morris (Ysgwifritih, Penimachino) Chairman of Com,m,ittee, Rev. Ben Jones, Rectory, Pen- i-na,chino VioeJChairman, Mr J. Richards, ParK Hill, Pefiia-nacknK) Treasurer, Mr T. R. Jones, MlOiiilS Hill, Penmachno; Secretary, Mr J. R. Hug-hers, Swcih Isaf, Penmachno, The judges were :-Heavy horses: Mr John foulkes, Henidre, Conway. Light horses* 'Mr John Oliver, Llanwnda. Cattle and sheep: Meissrsi Joibm Williams, Llewesog, and Mr John Owen:, (Swerglas, Corwen. Butter, eggs, and honey: Mrs, Jones, Moelfre Draw, Cerrig-y-Druidliom. Fruit and loweris: Major Priddile, Plas Madog, Llanrwst, and Mr Dickie, Voeljas Hall, Pentrevoelasi. Cage birds and pigeons: Mr Ted Hughes, Llanrwst. Pony races: The Right Hon. Lord Penrhyn, Messrs John, Oliver (Llanwnda), Watlling (Llanrwst), and B'lacfcwailH (Llanrw.et). The field stewards: were:—Heavy horses: Messrs: John Richards, Park Hill, and O. Jones, Bryn Eithffln. Light horses: Messrs Evan Davieis Jones, Bodialaw; Griffith Pritohard, Nant y C'rogiwym, anid D. Thomas, Pen y Waen. Cattle: Messrs R. W. Evans, Tanyrhiw, and O. C,etihiln, Davies, Tyddyn (W thin. Sheep Messrs Owen Roberts, Ty'nycoed, and Henry Llewelyn, Penybonit. Public Hall: Messrs F. 0. Jones, County School, Penmachno, and R. Owen, National School, GWlm, Penmachno. Butter, eggs, and hniey: Miss M. Ll. Jones, Bryn Llewelyn, Penmachno.; Miss: Llewellyn, Penybonit, Peomachino, and: Miss M. Davies, Frondeg, Penimacbno. Clage birdis and pigeons: Mr O. Williams, Tanydlderwen, Pemnachno. THE AWARDS. HORSES (Open Classes). For the best team of horses for agricultural purposes: 1, J. T. Roberts, Cefinhirfyniydd:, Cer- rigydruidlion; 2, 'Morris' Williams, Rafael Fawr, Llanddewi 3, Richard Jones, Tai Hirion, Pen- trevoeilais. For the best mare or gelding for agricultural purpoises 1, T. J. Roberts, Cefnhir- fynydd 2, 'Robert Roberts;, Hendre Wen, Llan- rwst; 3, Owen Roberts, Ffyrdid gleision,, Nebo. For, the best gelding or filly, foaled in 1906, for agricultural purposes: 1, Morris Williams, Hafod Fawr; a, Richard Jones', Tai Hirion; 3, David Williams, Penygeulan, Ysbytty. For the best gelding or filly, foaled in 1907, for agri- cultural purposes: 1, Morris Williams, Hafod Fawr; 2, Richard Jones, Tai Hirioni; 3, W. H. Jones, GlwlernHowel. Mare or gelding exceed- ing 14 hands, suitable for harness or saddle 1, T. Rogers Jones, Llanrwist; 2, C. O. Roberts, Maesgwyin, iPentwvoelas; 3, John. Roberts, Cluist y B'laidd. For the best mare or gelding, 13 hands and' not exceeding 14 hands, suitable for Ir harness or saddle 1, W. Pierce, Bodtafon, Pen- machno; 2, W. 'H. Jones, Gwerinhowel. Pony, mare or gelding, 12 hands, and under 13 hands: 1, T. F. Hughieis, Llanirwsit; 2, W. H. Jones, Gwernhowel; 3, 'Lizzie Hughes, Rhosgoch, Cwm Machno. For the best mountain pony urMer 12 handis I and 3, P. Goodwin, Lliaw'rynys, Pen- machno; 2, 0. E. Morris, Dugoed. Turnout, horse, trap, and, harness, to' be the property of the exhibitor 1, Jno. R. Griffith, Siamber Wen; 2, 'O. E. 'Morris, Dugoedl; 3, C. O. Roberts, Maesgwyn. For the fastest trotter1 (handicap) 1, John Roberts, Olust y Blaidd; 2, O. E. Mor- ris, Dugoed; 3, Richard Jones, Tai Hirion. Fastest racer (handicap) 1, O. E. Morris; 2, John Roberts, Ciluist y Blaidd. Am y cyw goreu c geffyl Mr Parry, Bryn Rhug, Capel Garnion: i and 2, W. L. Thomas, Bryniau Brithion. Aim y cyw goreu o geffyli Mr Robert Williams, Penr tre Mawr, Oa pel1 Giarmon: 1, fbhni Hughes, Cbrrigellgwim, Yspytty; 2, O. Gethdn Davies, T'yddyn Gethin. Special prize by Mr E, Lloya Jones, Llanrwist, for the best! light horse in tihe isihjow 1, T. RogelriSi Jiones, Llanrwst. LOCAL CLASSE'S.-Am y wedd amaethydd- oil oreu 1, Richard' Jones, Tai Hirion:; 2, W. H. Jones, Pliasiolyn., Pentrevoelasi; 3, W: Lit. Thomas, iBryniau Britbion. Am y ceffyl. niou gaseg orsu, arnaethyddol 1, O. Roberts, Ffyrdid Gleision, Néba; 2, Richard, Jones, Tai Hirion. Am y ceffyl neu gaseg wedd oreu, callier, heb fod dlrois 15 hands': 1, Richard Jones, Tai Hir- ion 2, Tecwiyn Jones, Glyn, Capal Curig. Am y gaseg a'r cyw, eto: 1, Owen Roberts, Ffyrdd Gleision'; 2, Rtchard Jones, Tai Hirion; 3, John, Jones, Ty'nybryn. Am yrebol neu eboleis dan idair bJwylClld oed, eto: 1, Richard Jones, Tai Hirion 2, Rowland Hughes, Hafod, Llan- rwst 3, IMrs. Thomas, Cae Haidd, Nebo. Am y cyw siugno goreu ym y show 1, Richard Jones, Tai Hirion.; 2, W. H. Jones, Gwemhowel. Am y ceffyl neuj gaseg (mare or gelding), I4 hands ac uchod, yn gymwyis ii gyfrwy neu harness 1, W.'H. Jones; 2, O. E. (Morris; 3, Richard John Jones, Ciarrog. Aim y merlyn neu ferlan (mare or gelMiinig) i, W. Pierce, Bodiafon; 2, W. H. Jones. Am y imerlyn neu ferlan, 11 hands a than 1276 hanrdlsr: 1, Lizzie Hughes, Rhoisgocbt 2, Edward: Roberts, Gwinger, iCiapel Garmon; 3, 0. E. Morris. Am yr ystalwym mynydd goreu heb fod drois II hands.: i a 2, D. Evanis, Peny- groeis, Penmiachino. Am y m-erlyn (dysbe.edd) neu fenlan. heb fod drosi I I hands: r a 3, P. Goodwin, LJaw'ryTnys 2, O. E. Morris. Am y, ferillan a"r cyw fymyddiig, heb fod dros 11 hands: i a 2. 0. E. Morris; 3, P. Goodwin. Special prize, by Mr. Tudor Williams, iron- monger, Llanirwist, for the best mare or gfelding for agricultural, purposes, shown, by exhibitor residing in the district, of the ishow 1, W. H. Jones, Gwern Hoiwel. Am y cyw goreu o Beaconsfield 11. rhoddedlig gan: Mr. John jonies, Fedw Deg, Bettws-y-Coed: 1, David Davies, iGellli Pianlt, Dolwyddielein; 2, ,Henry Hughes, Blaein, y Cwm. CATTLE (Open Classes). For the best cow, in calf or milk, of any breed i and 3, W. H. Jones, Gwern Howel; 2, J. Roberts, Gliust y Blaidd. For the best heifer under three years; old, of any breed i and 3, W. H. Jones, Gwern Howel 2, Richard Jones, Tai Hirion. For the best heifer, of any breed, under two years old: 1, 0. E. Morris; 2, W. ( UI. Thomas, Bryniau Brithion 3, 0: Gethin, Davies, Tydkiyn Gethin. For the best pair of bullocks 1, Richard Joneis, Tai Hirion. CONFINED TO SlEJOW DI;STRIOr.Am y tarw ddlWy flwydd1 ac uchod goreu: 1, C. 0. Roberts-, Maesgwyn; 2, Richard, Jones, Tai Hirian; 3, W. Williams, Garreg Blaidd. Am y tarw goireu dan ddlwy flwydd oed 1, O. E. Mor- ris. Am y 110 goreu dan flwydd oed: 1, Edward Jones, Penyffiridd 2, W. Ll. Thomas, Bryniau Brith:ion.; 3, Richard Thomas, Blaen- ddtoil. Am fuwch fliith neu gyno, Gytmreag i a 2, W. H. Jones, Gwern Howel; 3, W. H. Jones, iBliasiolyn. Am y fuwch flith gyno. 0, uin- rhyw frid arall: I a 2, W. H. Jones, Gweml /Howel; 3, J. W. Evans, Mill, Penmachno. Am yr iheffeir ^imneig dd'wy fiwiydd a than daiir oed: i, Richard Jbqigs, Tai Hirion; 2 a 3, W. H. Jones, Gwern Howel. Am yr heffer Gymreig flwydd a thao-t didwy flwydd oedl: 1, E. Hughes, Ty'inybefrth 2 a 3, W. LI. Thomas., Bryniau Brithiioin,. Am y ddiynewad gwryw goreu 1 a 2, W. II. Jones, Pliasiolyn!; 3, Richard: Jonas, Tai Hirion. SHEEP (Op«n< Glasses:), For the best Welsh ram: i anid e, W. H. Jbnes, Gwern Howel; 3, Hugh Roberts, Pirns Hafod Maidd. For the beet W dISh ram lamb 1, J. IP, Thornias, Panidiv Mills 2, W. H. Jones, Gwern Howel. For the best three Welsh ewes 1 anid 2, W. AVilliams, Coed y Brain, Llanirwst; 3, J. P. Thomas, Bandy Mills. For the best three Welsh ewe! lambs 1, W. Williams, Coed y Brain 2, Griffith Williams, Talyb#et Isaf 3, J. P. Thomas, PalaKiy Mills. CLASSES I GYLCH Y SHOW.—Am y my- har.en Cymreig goreu: 1 a 2, W. H. Jones, Gwern Bowel. Am yr oen myhareu Cyn-iraii; goreu: 1, J. P. Thomas. Pandy Mill; 2, W. H. Jones, Gwern Howel; 3, T. R. Jones, Moss Hill, Penmaehno. Am dri o famogiaid Cyrnreig goreu: 1, J. P. Thomas, Pandy Mills. Am dair oen fanpjiw Gjnmreig goreu: 1, J. P. Thomas; 2, J. Griffiths, Dyffryn Myimbyr; 3, Evan Wiil iliams, Rihos, iCapl Gurig. Special prize bv Messrs. Hughes and Burrows, ironmongers, Llaurwat, for the best ewes or ewe lambs in. tooali classes 1, J. P. Thomas, PalIl)dlJ- M11L AMRYWIAETH.—Am y pwys ynicayn ffres goreu wedi ei wraeud ya y dull newydd1: 1, Owen Roberts, Ffyrddgleisio*, Neibo; 2, W. Jerkin Roberts, Pentrevoelas. Eto, hen ddull: 1, T. R. Jones:, Moss Hill, PeiatLiachnoi; 2, Lizzie Williams, Fron Ddu, Yspytty; 3, W. Ll. Thomas, Brynia.u Brithion. Arm yr ymeoyin llestr goreu, heb fod drofs ugain pwys 1, W. Ll. Thaams, Bryniau Brithion; 2, O. E. Morris, Dugoed. Am yr haniner diwaiu o wyau lliw- iedig: i, Miiss. Lloyd Jones, Bryn Fawnog, 2, Edward Lloyd, Fuchies Goch. Eto, gwynion 1, John, Williams, Brynibras; 2, John Evans, Trofiarth Farm. HORTICULTURAL SECTION. VEGETABLES (Local). Broad beans, 12 pods: 1, G. Davies, Loudon House, Penimachno; 2, A. Pettigrew, John- istreet; 3, E. H. Roberts, White-street. Dwarf or French beans., 12 podiå: 1, E. H. Ro- berts; 2, A. Pettigrew. Runner beans, 12 pods 1, E. H. Roberts 2, G. Davies, London. HO.ise. Ox cabbage, 2 heads: 1, B. H. Roberts; 2, A. Pettigrew. Beet-tlirn,ip, bunch of four: 1, G. Davies; 2 and 3, Rev. Ben, Jones, Rectory. 'Celery (two): 1, G. Davies; 2, A. Pettigrew. Cucumber (two) 1, G. Davies. Leeks (six) 1 and 2, G. Davies. Onions, autumn sown (six) 1, E. H. Roberts; 2, G. Davies. Parsnips, bunch of six: 1, G. Davies; 2, E. H. Roberts. Peas, 12 pods i, John. Lloyd, High-street; 2, G. Davies; 3, John Griffiths, Aroisfa. Collec- tion of vegetables not under ten and not ex- ceeding fifteen distinct sorts, number of ex- hibits in each variety not to exceed num- ber specified in olasse's: 1, G. Davies; 2, E. H. Roberts. Asters, twelve: 1, D. Roberts, Ael y Don; 2, G. Davies. Daihlias, double, twelve: 1, E. H. Roberts; 2, D. Ro- berts, Ael y don 3, Fred Jones, Arthur-terrace. Begonia, tuberous, 1 pot: i, G. Davies; 2, A. Pettigrew. Fern, i pot: I, Anne Owenis, Green- wich House; 2, T. R. Jones, Moss Hill. Ger- anium (any variety) 1, T. R. Jones. Gladioli, 6s:t.a¡lks: 1, G. Davies. Roses: 1, T. R. Jones. 'Swe«t P'Oas, not more than 12 stalks: 1, D. Ro- berts, Ael y Don; 2, A. Pettigrew. Collection, of cut flowers: 1, E. H. Roberts; 2, T. R. Jones. Beet, long, bunch of four: i and 2, G. Davies. Cabbages, 2 heads: 1, D. Thomas, Penywaen; 2, J. Griffiths, Arosfa; 3, T. R. Jones. Cabbage, red, two, heads i and 3, A. Pettigrew 2, B. H. Roberts. Carrots, six: i and 2, G. Davifts; 3, Richard Thomas, Gwiga. Cauliflowers, 2 heads: 1, A. Pettigrew; 2, Rev. Ben Jones. Lettuce, 2 heads: i and 2, E. H. Roberts. Vegetable marrow, two;: 1, E. H. Ro- berts; 2, T. R. Jones. Onions, spring, .six: I, iG. Davies; 2, E. H. Roberts. Potatoes, kidney, six: 1, Rev. Ben Jones; 2, Thomas Richards, Penywaen; 3, G. Davies. Potatoes, round, .six: 1, A. Pettigrew; 2, G. Davies; 3, E. H. Roberts. Shallots, six: 1, E. H. Roberts; 2, A. Pettigrew. Turnips, white, four: 1, G. Davies 2, A. Pettigrew. Turnips, yellow, four 1, G. Davies 2, R. E. Roberts. Rhubarb, six stalks: i and 2, G. Davies. Swedes, four: 1, Evan Roberts, Rheniffren; 2, David Jones, Bryn Biitbin. Collection of vegetables, not less than eight and not exceeding 12 distinct sorts, con- fined to working men, and tradesmen residing in the parish, of Penimachno,, cup by Mr. E. Davies-Jones, to' be won two years in succes- sion: 1, G. Davies. Fuchsia, double, i pot: 1, E. H. Roberts. Geranium, single: 1, A. Pettigrew; 2, Atris, Lloyd, Cwm-road g, W. V. Williams, 'Groesfiordd. Geranium, double, i pot: 1, G. Evams, Cartrefie. Pansies, 12 Miooims: 1, D. Roberts, Aelydon; 2, G. Evans, Cartrefle. Window plant, confined to workmen, i pot: 1, O. G. Roberts:, Frondeg; 2, R. H. Jones, Gwynfa; 3, Jwrnniie Williams, Talywain. Collection of wild: flowers, oonlftned to school children: 1, E. rG. Roberts; 2, V. Kate Roberts, White-street. Collection) of wild herbs 1, E. G. Roberts, Bryn Arfon. CAGE BIRDS AND PIiGEO NS. Goldfinch: 1, E. Ll. Hope, Penybryn, I.nn- riwst; 2, D. Davies; 3, .R. Roberts, Glasgwm- road. Gage-bird, any other variety: 1, D. W. Roberts, Froni L.lan,; 2, D. Davies, Frondeg. Greypate goldfinch, 1909: 1, J. Jones, 39, Scot- land-street, Llanrwist*; 2, R. Williams, CoMfryn House; 3, D. Thomms1, Plough-street, Llanirwst. Canary, any variety: 1, Lizzie Jones, Mary-sst. 2, John Ellis Jones, Glasgwm-rd. 3, D. Davies, Frondeg. Show homer i and 3, Jores. and Pell- Img, Llanfairfechan; 2, J. D. Jones, Rhiw- hryfdir, Blaenau Festiniog. Flying homer: 1, D. H. Roberts, The Eagles, Lllanrwst; 12 acud, 3, Jones Bros., Denbigh-street, Llanrwst. Any other variety: 1, 2, and 3: Jorss and Pelliing, Llranfmrrf echall1.

Automobile Club of North Wales. MOTORISTS AND THE ARMY. An extraordinary general meeting of this Club was held at Bodnant Hall, on Saturday last, to consider the question of a Territorial Motor Reserve for North Wales, under the scheme recently sug- gested by the Army Council. Sir Richard Williams-Bulkeley, President of the Club, was in the chair. In response to a letter addressed to the Presi- dents of the County Associations of North Wales, four of the six County Associations were repre- sented, viz., Denbighshire by the Lord Lieutenant, Col. Cornwallis West; Anglesey by the Lord Lieutenant, Sir Richard Williams-Bulkeley Flint- shire by Col. Howard, Chairman of the County Association; and Montgomeryshire by a com- munication from Col. Sandbach. Chairman of the County Association. No reply had been received from the Associations of Carnarvonshire and Merionethshire, and they were not represented at the meeting. The question of the attitude of the Club to- wards such a scheme was discussed at some length the meeting being addressed by Sir Richard Williams-Bulkeley, Col. Cornwallis West, Col. Howard, Col. Sandbach, and other members. The general feeling of those present was favour- able to the formation of a Corps of Motorists for North Wales, but owing to the absence of detail in the scheme suggested by the Army Council, no definite proposal could be put forward approved by the Members to be submitted to the Authorities. Finally, however, the following resolution was put to the meeting and carried unanimously That the Club is prepared to view with approval the formation of the Territorial Motor Reserve for North Wales, and, on receipt of further details of the proposed scheme from the Army Council, they will consider how they may best aid its formation." The meeting terminated with a hearty vote of thanks to Sir Charles and Lady McLaren, for their kindness in allowing the meeting to be held at Bodnant, and for their hospitality to the members of tt e Club and their friends who were entertained the same day, a very large gathering of cars and members from all parts of North Wales responding t* the invitation.

THURSDAY FOR FRIDAY. PRICE ONE PENNY tbt Ilortb Wales Wctfclp Hews And series of 12 Popular Weekly Newspapers. The Colwyn Bay Weekly News. The Conway Weekly News. The Penmaenmawr Weekly News. The Llanfairfechan Weekly News. The Bangor Weekly News. The Llandudne Weekly News, The Llanrwst Weekly News, The Bettws-y-Coed Weekly News. The Vale of Conway Weekly News. The Abergele Weekly News. The Vale of Clwyd Weekly News. The North Wales Weekly News (General Edition), SPECIAL NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements appear in the whole of the above News, papers at ONE INCLUSIVE CHARGE, and at a price usually asked for insertion in one newspaper only. Scale of Charges will be forwarded on application. SPECIAL PREPAID ADVERTISING SCALE, For SITUATIONS VACANT AND WANTED, ARTICLES FOR SALE APARTMENTS AND HOUSES To LET, MISCELLANEOUS, &C. One Three Six Thirteen Insertion. Insertions. Insertions. Insertions 16 Words s. d. »s. od. is. 3s. od. 34 os. gd. is. 6d. as. 6d. 4s. 6d. 3a „ is. od. as. od. 3s* 6d' 40 ts. 3d. as. 6d. 4S. 6d. 8s. od 48 is. 6d. 3s. od. 5s. 6d. IOS. od 56 is. gd. 3s. 6d. 6s. 6d. 11s. od. 64 „ as. od. 4s. od. 7s. 6d. 13s. od. If booked, double these rates will be charged. s RELIGIOUS SERVICES, &c. SPECIAL PREPAID SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS RELATING TO RELIGIOUS SERVICES AND PREACHERS, CHARITIES, ENTERTAINMENTS, &C. 1 week a weeks. 4 weeks. 20 Words is. od. is. 6d. as. 6d. oQ is. 6d. as. 6d. 4s- otJ. 40 as. od. 3s. 6d. 6s. od. 50 as. 6d. 4S. ad. 7S. od. And 6d per insertion for every additional 10 Words. Half-penny stamps accepted in payment of all sums under 5s The charge for Births and Deaths is is. each. In Memoriam Notices, as. 6d. Marriages, as. 6d. An extra charge is made for booking. The announcements of Births, Marriages, and Deaths must be authenticated by the name and address of the sender. Thursday mornings post is the latest time for receiving Advertisements. Address- Office)—R. E. JONES & BROS. (Proprietors), The Weekly News Office, Conway Telephones- No. 31-Editorial and Publishing Offices, Station Road Colwyn Bay. No. 12-3, Rose Hill Street, Conway. No. tza-Printing Works, The Quay, Conway. Telegrams—"Weekly News," Conway.

TIDE TABLE FOR THE NORTH WALES COAST.* SEPTEMBER. Date. Morn. Even. height. 10 7 38 •• 8 15 •• 7 II 848 •• 9 15 •• 12 8 12 9 38 10 o 14 o 13 10 21 1037 15 6 14 10 54 11 9 16 7 15 it 25 •• 11 41 •• 17 3 16 •• 11 56 •• J7 S 17 8<' o 11 0 26 8 Conway 10 minutes later.

THE BACK AND THE BURDEN. IN REGARD to Imperial taxation the doctrine is now bieiinig preached, and evidenitly with a corngidjerabile degree of acceptance, that the bur- den of taxation, should be distributed in propor- tion to the breadth of the backis, that have to bear it. The rich man, it is said, should, pay more in proportion to the cost of governing and defending the Empire than the poor man pays, and that because he is better able to do. so. If such be the case, and no doubt it is, the same argument should be applied to, local, rates which are utilised for the government of our towmis and villages:. Every citizen shuld; be called, upon to. pay in proportion: toi his ability to pay. As, the law standis, the citizen's ability to pay" local rates is judged: y the rent of the house he occupies. This is a most unfair criterion:, but even so there are certain wealthy people who manage to escape a very large part of the burden they ought to bear and, shift it on to the shoulders of their leSIiJ fortunate neighbours. That there is great need for a measure of Rat. ing Reform itS strongly emphasized by the recent public announcement regarding the rateable value of the magnificent and palatial mansion, Ctaatswortfh, the Derbyshire seat of the wealthy Duke of Devonshire. The seaside lodging-hou we keeper, whose rent ils, say, £ ao, is rated aiL about ^30. Chatsworth, excluding the pairik, but including the gromndsi and stables as well as the mansion, pays rates, it is reportedi, on not more than £7112. And there are flagrant cases nearer home. Eaton Halll is said within, recent years to have paid rate on £ "700, and P.enrh.yn Castle on £ 350. Eaton Hall cost one million to build, and would probably sell for something in excess of one million sterling. Upon Penrhiyn Castle, in. enlargement, improve- i-n,eint, and' alterations, was, expanded, in or about the year 1846, the sum of half a million sterling. Yet these two fine residences are rated ■for local purposes on ^700 and £ 350 respec- tively. Compare these figures with the rateable values of some of our large hotels at, say, Llalll,- dudmo. The Grand Hotel pays rates (or did within recent years) upon ^1,400 rateable value (double that of Eaton Hall), the Imperial Hotel upon £ 1,120 rateable value, and the Geo-rge Hotel upon Zi,oc)o rateable value. Where is the fairness of such a state of things? Of course, the fault-ie not with the authorities, but with the law. The assessments of the mansions named are strictly legal according to the Rating Act of 1836. But they are none the leas absurd. How, then, does the law stand at present, and in what direction is an amendment required? 'It will be understood that we are dealing with England and Wales, excluding London and Scotland and Ireland, because the Act referred to is not applicable either to the Metropolis or to Scotland or Ireland. Talie any large man- sion in England or Waleis. According to the law, the assessment of this house must be based upon the rental1 which a tenant would pay if it were let for one year. From this hypothetical rent is deducted the probable annual cost of Mitsurtance and repairs, and such other expenses, if any, as are required to keep the property in a condition to continue to. command the saiid rent. If the amunt of hypothetical rent is g,reatly below the rent which would be secured under a long lease, the deductions would not in any wise be reduced, so that the rateable value, being the sum remaining after the deduc. tlibira of these expenses, is extremely low in the case of large mansions of this character. But this is not a fair basis. The question should be, what rent could be got for the property under a lease of reasonable length without I premium, and the o.verseerr;sl should be dlireoteid, by an amendmenrt of the law, to adopt such a I basis in the case of laiige mansions, instead oi the present arrangement, which has been so long in force and which operate so inequitably. If Eaton Hiaill, say, is now assessed at £ 8,700 gross, there is deducted the sum of £8,000. in, re- spect of repairs, insurance, &c., leaving a net rateable value of £ 700. But if the gross were fixed at ^15,000, the £8,000 would. stdlll. be deducted, but the net rateable value would be £ 7,000, instead of 67oo, which would repre- sent a great relief to the Cheshire county rate- payers in general. Eaton Hall, according to a competent estimate, wouild let for 640,000 per 'annum on a fifty years' lease, tout we take £ 15,000 as an exceedingly moderate figure for the sake of argument.

THE PROCLAMATION CEREMONY. ""THE QUAINT, historical, and imposing, GOIr- sedd Ceremony in connection, witth next year's Royal Welsth National Eisteddfod was, carried out at Goliwyn Bay on Tuesday in a most digni- fied and becoming manner. If we may judge from the public inteteist taken iin this event anid thiemanlnler in which it was, carried through, the success of the 6blwryin Bay National Eisteddfod may already be taken for granted. Rarely in, re- cent years has the anlcient and picturesque cere- monial been conducted with so much pomp and circumstance, and there a're local as well as other reasons to account for this exceptional success. In the first place, the Gors.edd Circle is situated in an ideal spot. Thanks to the bountiful generosity of Mr Walter Whitehead, the large-hearited gelntilemaln to whom Colwyn Bay is so greatly inidiebted and in so many ways, the Circle has been erected in a commanding situation within his beau,tifull Flagstaff Estate, itself a veritable paradise well calculated to in- spire the muse of the assembled bards. Then the stones) forming the Circle are remarkable for their historic associations. They are inte- resting in themselves, and they are dioufelty in- teresting by reason of the places where until now they have reposed for countless years. Sruch an assemblage of historical stones is an- other exceptional feature of the Coiiwym, Bay Gorsiedd, thankis to, the historical character of the district, to the learning and researches of the responsible Committee, to the kindness of the ladies and gentlemen wno conrented to. t.i,eSc removal, and again to, the liberality of Mr Whitehead1 in defraying the cost of conveying them. These are among the llocal reasons to which we have alluded, and they are reasoms which deserve to. be placed on record for the benefit of future generations. Then the cere- mony was reimairilaablie alike for the authority ,and status of the principal characters in the striking scene. Not all, perhaps, of the inhabitants of North Wales who- are taking an. interest in the Cblwyn Bay Nalt:iOinal1 Eisteddfod, are aware that the GOIIlSedidl and its ceremonies are of extremely an- cienft institution. IHiOlW old the Gors-edd is, no one can possibly say, but it certainly reaches back to the very early history of these islands. There aire records which have led historians to the belief that the institution flourished in the ,tilme ofPIDyldiaJin Aedd Mawa-, who is said to have liveid about a thousand1 years. before the Chrislt- iiao elfla, and who established the G orsedd as an institution to perpetuate the works of the poets and musicians,. Juldus Caesiar, after the Roman invasion, makes reference in his writings to these ceremonies, as then, being of great anti- quity. Originally the Eisteddfod was, (Desig- nated a Gorsedd, probably because from a "gorsedd," which, means a throne or supreme seat, degrees in biardism were conferred. It was a triennial assembly of the bards, to preserve bardism in its purity, to contest for the pre- eminence in the act of poetry, and receive new d'isciples into: the Order. Records are preserved of Eisteddfodlau held in the sixth century in South Wales, with Tailaesin as chief bard; in Deganiwy or Conway in the: timte of Maelgwyn, Gwynedd; and, of several important congresses in the twelfth century, including the, great Eis- teddfod held at Caeriwyisi, in Flintshire, by Prince Gruffydd ap Cyinan, Amongst the places associated with: the early history of the Eisteddfod; are Aberffraw, in, Anglesey, for- merly the royal seat of the Princes of Nornu Wa.l,es Dineflawr, in Carmarthenshire, the noyal seat of the Princes of South Wales and Mathriafael, the royail palace of the Princes of Powyis. Iin the reigrne of Henry VIII. and Queen Elizabeth, Eisteddifodau were held at Gaerwys, in Flintshire, that locality having been chosen for the purpose, in compliance: with the wncienlt CUSltOlU of the Wiellsh, because it had been the princely residence of Lllewelyn the Last (Lilleweliyin ap Gruffydd). Queen Elizabeth's "commission" for holding an Eisteddfod at Caerwys in 1568—it makes, very amusing read- ing— is stfilU in the poasesman of Lord Mostyn, together with, the silver harp which had from time immemorial been in the gift of his ances- tors to besitow on the chief of the faculty. In this connection we should like to give an1 account of the Order of the Bards, and of the high es- teem and reverence in which its members were held by the nation; but we have only space in which to. remind our' readers that in Drulidioa1 times, and for long afterwards, the site of the Gorsedd was regarded as siacred ground. It is I 6d possible that the history of the Eisteddfod in its modern form, dloeisi not go. back much: further than the beginning of last century. We cannot say when it changed from a triennial to an an- nual festival. Hwever, amiidist all the changes of thought and fashion, in this country, the Eis- teddfod has cointiniued its griand work, its meet- ings remaining the only relics of the Olympics of anoient Greece that exist in the present age. Amongst the Eftsteddfodau of the laist century, two stand out conspicuously as magnificent fes- tivals. That at Denbigh, in 1828, was attended by His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex; whilst at the Beaumaris Eisteddfod of 1832 were present the Princess Victoria and her mother, the Duchess of Kent. Queen Victoria main- tained a deep interest in our great national fes- tival to the end of her long and illustrious' reign and her example has been f ollowed by King Edward and Queen Alexandra. The Royail National Bisteddfod of Wales, al- though s:oi venerable an. institution, still flour- ishes because it is true to. its purpose—th« en- couragement of talent and the preservation oi all that is best in the national character. The people of Wales have reason to be p1í1üud of their literary and, musical gifts. There is ample evidence to prove that the spirit of poesy and music animated the Welshman's nature from the earliest times, and that this spirit has,all along the ages found its legitimate channel of expres- sion in the Gorsedd and the Eisteddfod. Urn- trammelled by its traditions, but ever adapting itself to the changing conditions of succeeding generations, the Eisteddfod is a living force, not only in the land to which it belongs, but throughout the civilised world. This is proved by at least four developments of modern times. In the first place, Welshmen are dispersed throughout the Biritilsill Empire, and wherever they go. they carry the Eisteddfod with them. Itn the second place, it is being copied and imi- tated by Englishmen, in the principal towfnis and cities who recognize its power for good. In the next pllace, the number of English competitors at the Welsihi Eisteddifodau is rapidly increasing. And finally, English residents in Wales are evincing such an interest in the Eisteddfod as has never been known before. These are things which go. to' prove both the undiminished vit- ality of the great national festival and its right to live in this severely utilitarian age, when every institution, is judged', not by its antiquity, but by its practical value. And there is one other reason why it must continue to carry on its beneficent work. It is the institution which enshrines the national sentiments of the Welsih people.

CURRENT TOPICS. THE RECENT LETTER by A Nurse," pub- lished! in this! journal,, rescatinig the practice of nursemaids being attired in clothing resembling the uniforms of trained nurses, is now answered by A Nursefmiaiid." The subject is one of such. general interest that it should give rise to a most interesting and profitable correspondence. Inhuman Contrivances. DR. RUSSELL, Clalwyni Bay, writes calllimgi at- tention to certain cruel contrivances for catch- ing (birds, such, as' the owl, the kestrel, and the m,er-l"n,. It is full, time it became more generally known that such traps: are illegal, whether used on public or on private grounds, by day or by night; and we hope that our readers will as- Slist in bringing to, justice anyone they find mak- ing uise of the inhumian contrivances. The Merry Motorist. SLLANDDULAS seems to be the happy hunting ground of the road-hog," the goggled fiena whose luist for speed must be gratified, even at the expense of causing danger1 to. human, life; and it is very fortunate that the district is, guardied by such a vigilant and straightforward policeman as P.C. Rowlands. The number of captures standing to the credit of Constable Rowlands must by now make a very long list; and as the Abergele JiuIstioes are noted for their leniency towards law-bretaking motorists, the large proportion of convictions is a proof of the straightforward manner in which he oondlucts his cases. This officer, whose claims to^promo'- tion are recognised by this public, is careful not to, enter upon merely vexatious prosecutioinis, and when he does tiaike a case into Coucrt he states his facts in a fair and unbiassed way which compels belief!. Two more of these cases were placed before the Abergele magistrates on Saturday, and: it is plain for all to see that the Bench, on this occa- sion carried leniency1 a step too far. In the first place, the defendants did not consider it their duty to. attend, and the cases were heard in their absence. Why should such a course of procedure be followed in regard, to. motorists, when a workman summoned for a simple drunk" is compelled to attend, even if he has to lose a day's wages by complying with the inevitable warrant? Motorists, like other de- linquents, ought to be made to obey the sum- monses of the Ctourt. Are' they above the law? Certainly not. To MAKE matters worse, in the case of the Mianohester chauffeur his employers had the auidiacity to. write informing the Bench that "they had senrt: him, on. another journey and did not know his whereabouts. and they added to thfiiS insult by suggesting that the defendant should be leniently dealt with because "no damage was done." He was: not charged with having done any damage, but it must be evi- dent that travelling at an excessive speed car- ries with it a danger of causing consrid,eriahle damage to life and limb, otherwise Parliament would not have legislated for putting down the practice. But bad as this, case was,, the second was worse, and therefore there was eveni greater reason why the Bench should have insisted up- :m the defendant being present to answer the charge. A genitlemiani drove dlown the hill ao rapidlly that an accident to the constable was narrowly averted, the lives of several, children were endangered, ainid when asked, to stop the culprit merely grinned and proceeded on his journey." Surely, a man—beg pardlon! a gentleman "—so indifferent to the claims, of humanity ought to be compelled to face the Jus- tices: even if he had to. bear the expense of coin- ing from the other end of the earth. Besides, he hjad not even the courtesy to write to the JUSI- tices instructing them how they should deal with his case. NOT ONLY didi the Justices: show too. much leniienicy iin the way indicated,, by not taking measures to have the culprits before them, but, in the second place, the fines were ridiculously light. What punJiahment is a fine of -,f i and COSits to people like these, and what proportion dbes isuoh a fine bear to. the seriousness' of the offence committed? Talk about making the punishment, fit the crime Such a thing dbes not seem to have been attempted. At the same Court a man who had taken too, much drink— and it was his first offence—was fined 5s. and cost's. Bult the road,-hogs who had jeopard- ised the liveis of many peop/le by their selfish- ness and recMessinesis, and might easily have maimed a number of little children for life, were let off on payment of a sovereign and costs! The Justices are lacking in a sense of proportion, and cannot be congratulated upon their conceptioin, of the duty they owe to the law and to the public.

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PERSONAL AND SOCIAL. The Rev. D. J. Jones1, Curate at Pwllheli, has been appointed Inspector of Church Schools. in the Bangor Diocese, in succession to the Rev. A. O. Evanis. The English Congregatioiraal Churches of Bethlehem, Cbedpoeth; Bryimbo, and Moss, have sent a unanimous invitation: to, the Rev. Ambrose Evans, of Dovaston, near Oswestry, to become the joint pastor of the thrwe churoheis. The Press Association learnis- authoritatively that MilSls Victoria Legige, only daughter of Col. Harry and Mrs Legge, was married at All Souls' Church, Langham-plaee, on the 27th ult., to. Mr R. G. W. Williamis-Buillkeley, of the Gren- adier Guardls, only son of Sir Richard, and Ladly Magdalen \i\T illiJ!iiaill1ls- Builkeiley. Colonel Harry Legge, the bride's father, is, one of the King's equerries, while Sir Richard Williams-Bulkeley is Lord-Lieutenant of Anglesey.

TVEEK BY WEEK. The problem of whether Llandel was ever in Wales is still engaging attention. A friend! once Oiffered Sir Thoinas, Tipton a box of cigars, isayilng, "I don't know whether you will care for these cigars. What do. you generally smoke?" Bacon,* replied Sir Thomas, smiling. Lord Kelvin was one day busy talking oiieep- sea, soundings:, when, a wg in a passing boat called to. him, What are you doing—fishing?" No," replied Lord Kelvin:, annoyed, "I'm taking deep-sea soundings." What does. it give forth?" asked the wag. The deep C, of cour-se," wiaisi the scientist's retort. In iconineotioin with the comling-of-age of the MarqUiiiS of Stafford, it is interesting to. note that hlils Lordship's father, the Duke of Sutherland, has a peculiar privilege (wihich is hereditary) in connection with the London & North-Western Railway, Iiiis Grace being entitled to place him- self or his nominee as one of the Board, of Di- rectors, all the other Directors being elected by the shareholders. The present Duke has, always taken a very keeni interest in the welfare of the line, and was. himself one of the Directorate before he attained to. the Dukedom. They came from Manchester, and were in North Wales on. their honeymoon. He had only three days off—Satuirdlay to Tuesday morning. On Monday Conway was. the resort, and he was particularly anxiouis to take her to. a certain hotel, where they serve such delicious honey for tea." On arrival he escorted his bride to a table in the dining-room, and then, after an ad- miring glance at her, lookedi quizzingly round the board. There was no honey on the table, and1 none in the room. Calling the waiter, he exclaimed, See here, wlhereVs my honey?" The waiter seemed at a loss whait to. say, but finalliy leaned forward, and in. a stage whisper said, .'She don't work here no. more Jacob A. Riis was, talking about witty news- paper headlines1. As, witty a headline as I know of," said he, was written by a youth, of eighteen: in a San Francisco, newspaper office. There was: a bill up to, prohibit the sale of alco- holic drinks within four miles of the University of California, and this bill the youth headedi: An Act to Promote Pedestrianisiin Among our 'Students.' A despatch from America siays that two. hund- red youing gatris belonging to a shi,rt factory have gone on strike becauise they were forbidden to. talik during the lunch how. Not only have they gone on strike, but they threaten further that they will become suffragettes. And so. they ought to. What else is suffragettisun for but to protect the ancient and inialiiieinable rights of the sex? Llere at last is an illiu strati on.—hitherto vainly soiu.gbt-cf the way Íinl which these rights are outraged, anidl it must be adlmlitted that the ginlis have a more genuine grievance and a bet- ter cause to. proclaim it than their aristocratic sisters who vary the monotony of frivolity by appeals for justice." One of the most amusing stories of Mr John D. Rockfeililer (and there are many) is being cir- culated in the New York clubs. The utter dis- regard he displays for the appearance of his clothes is well known. One day, a friendi made a.serrioliis effort to bring abouit a refotrmation, in. this respect, and represented to the great miuilti- miMonia-ire that his attire did not befit hiis posi- tion in, tlhe world. I am surprised," said this friend, that yoiu should let youfnseM be so shabby." But," repltied Mr RoekfeMer with evident sincerity, I am not shabby." Or, but you are," insisted the friend, still hoping. Remember your father. He was always neatly dressed." Why," replied the millionaire' with a look of triumph, these clothes I've got on were my father's I" Modiern mistresses thiink that our time, witth. its numerous factories and new openings: for women, is alone to, bllame for the. servant prob- Ilem. Will it comfort these poor martyrs to. know that Confiuoiiuis muisii have realised ira some way the same difficulties? He says: Giirils and semTlanlts are the most difficult to. behave to. If you are familiar with them they lose thfaiir humility, if you maintain your reserve they are discontented." And recently a Chinese servant, when reproved for, some most obvious wrong- doing, tunned on her mlaster and said Me no. stay with you. You much too cheeky a master." Proving that China, in the matter of domestics, is very much where Confucius left it.