The North Wales Times

CARNARVONSHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS. THE quarter sessions for the County of Carnarvon were held on Thursday, at Car narvon, before Mr.Greaves(Lord Lieutenant), Mr. Bryn Roberts, M.P. (deputy chairman), Sir H. J. Ellis-Nanney, Bart., and other magistrates. In his charge to the grand jury, of whom Mr. Hooson was foreman, the Chairman, whilst deploring the sad tragedy atCriccieth, held that the county maintained its im- munity from serious crime, as evidenced by the few. and unimportant cases in the calen- dar. Mr. T. Roberts, Tanyfynwent, Aber. quali- fied as a county magistrate. There were appointed as visiting justices to the Carnarvon Prison the following:— Mr. AIlanson Picton, Mr. D. P. Williams, Colonel O. J. Ll. Evans, and Mr. Greaves. The Deputy Chairman, in moving the appointment, expressed regret that, owing to indisposition, Captain Wynn Griffith and Sir Llewelyn Turner would not be nomina- ted, as they had been most able and attentive in the discharge of their duties, which had extended over many years (hear, hear). On the application of Mr. Samuel Moss, M.P., the appeals against the assessment of certain rates in four parishes in the Llan- rwst Union were further respited, it being stated that the matters had been referred to arbitration. Mr. Trevor Lloyd (instructed by Mr. Mason) assented to the arrangements. TRIAL OF PRISONERS. James Thompson, labourer, pleaded guilty to obtaining money by false pretences at Bangor. Six months with hard labour. Owen Jones, clock cleaner, pleaded guilty to larceny at Llanfairfechan. Six months with hard labour. ? Benjamin Rose, watchmaker, Newton street, Liverpool, was acquitted on a charge of burglary *a.t Bangor. Mr. S. R. Dew pfb- secuted and Mr. R. Griffith (Messrs. Owen and Griffith) defended. The grand jury made a presentment asking that the court should meet earlier, the present hour being very inconvenient for the jury from all parts of the county.

REVIEW OF THE MEAT TRADE. BY MR. JOHN JONES, LLANDUDNO. We live in a period of almost continuous change. This particularly applies to trade. As competition increases, the existence of industry as a profitable concern depends upon its develop- ment and the adaptability of its, provisions to meet the requirements of the purchaser. Ten or twelve years ago we commenced an agitation in our Christmas circular against fat and over- fed animals. We were joined by all the most experienced and practical men in orr trade. Slowly but surely these PAMPERED AND USELESS CATTLE to the consumer came more and more unsaleable until this year there was an entire absence of competitio in both the Birmingham and Smithfield Shows for even prize-winners, the great prize-winner and champion of both these shows not being placarded as I Sold' until the aecond day of the show. This change is effec ted because butchers must buy what is in demand, and also because they either have seen the folly of buying what they cannot sell, or cannot afford to give fancy prices for what is now a doubtful advertisement. Now another great change is in progress. The demand for over-fed cattle of all sizes is over the big cattle will have to follow. The value of fat cattle in the future will be regulated by their size and thickness. The best traders require the smallest cattle they can get, provided they possess the NECESSARY THICKNESS OF NUTRITIOUS, LEAN FLESH covered with a reasonable amount of fat. Cat- tle of this description, weighing in carcase 600 to 750 command the highest prices, while similar eattle weighing 750 to 900 come second. Purchasing smaller cattle is the only weapon left to the retail butcher to prevent an accumu- lation and a certain loss in the secondary joints. The demand for the coarser joints by the ordinary householder is almost nil, and although fat cattle in the bulk have sold low all through 1898, the average price wholesale of the best joints has advancnd20 per cent. Never before has the difference between the best and secondary joints been so great as in 1898. In this year's GARCA.SE COMPETITIONS AT SMITHFIELD, which, from a consumer's and a butcher's (and should be also from a farmer's) point of view, is the most practical and interesting competi- tion in the whole show, two small Galloway steers weighing only 10cwt. 2qrs. and 9cwt. 2qrs. respectively took first and second prizes, and *jhe first animal took also the gold medal for the best in the three carcase classes. The reserve number was also taken by a Galloway, while the three first prizes were taken by twe Galloways and a Devon. Nota single pure Shorthorn nor a Hereford entredi the com- petition amongst the M animals slaughtered. ¡; "■ The reason undoubtedly was because their owners fear the result when ju ged by practical men, who knew what the trade re- quired. It is IMMATERIAL TO THE CONSUMER what breed produces what he requires, and when the breeders of the Shorthorns and Here- fords realise and take the lesson at its value, no doubt they can produce an animal or those breeds second to none, with the advantage of quicker feeding, which they now possess The future encouragement to these interesting com- petitions was disastrous in the prices realised, some carcases only realising 4$d. per lb. and the average not reaching 5d. It is unlikely that feeders will submit their animals to risk such a loss, except from philanthropic motives, and if the carcase classes are to continue and grow, the Smithfield Club should GUARANTEE FAIR MARKET VALUE for the carcases, if slaughtered, as they must be sold. I think I have given sufficient facts and figures to prove that the breeders of cattle in this country, if their aim is to produce an animal that will command the highest value, must breed for the butcher, ana not to their own fancy. Owing to the ever-increasing foreign supply, our trade has now become so strictly commercial that only those who can get what is in demand can expect a reasonable profit in return. THE CLOSING OF PUBLIC SLAUGHTERHOUSES. During the last fifteen or twenty years of depression in the cattle trade farmers have shown no little bitterness towards butchers, maintaining without proof that they receive exorbitant profits, suggesting as remedies a Meat Marking Bill, Weigh-bridge, Co-opera- tion and Direct Supply, the latter practically meaning the extermination of the trade. As regards the first remedy, although no new Bill has passed particularly directed to the meat trade, the Merchandise Act is quite sufficient for any common informer with proof to secure a conviction, but nothing would be more to the interest of foreign supply than a Meat Marking Bill, and what is to their interest is against the interest of the farmer. The Weigh-bridge again— THE IDOL OF MR. MACJANNET — has been generally adopted at auction marts and some markets; result—an almost uni- formity of prices for first, second, and even third quality per fiundred weight, and this at the expense of the best feeder- who find it im- possible to get d to ïd. per lb. more than for seconds. Beyond this the Weigh bridge has regulated the sale of store and fat cattle to weigh, whatever composed of, rather thau to judgment; but it is amusing to hear that some few feeders even now insist upon passing their cattle to the sale ring without being weighed, preferring THE FOLLY OF COMPETING BUTCHERS to the Weigh bridge. Co operation amongst themselves and Direct Supply have had generally disastrous results. Thus each aad all these remedies have been tried, and all have failed to give relief, leaving the farmer to face foreign supply—the only cause which has and does and will mean reduced profits to the home feeders until population increases in different parts of the world, necessitating increased de. mands generally. And those of them who have taken the trouble to ascertain the real cause will now admit that the best class of butchers have suffered equally with themselves in reck- less competition amongst themselves, through irregular retail prices, placing the consumer in a position to regulate his own prices, and to purchase only the best joints at unprofitable prices; but to-day, THE OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS OF PRIVATE SLAUGHTER-HOUSES alone stand between them and the alternative of competing with foreign meat on the same level, viz., dressed meat. The action of the London, County Council, in their endeavour to close all private blangh- terhouses in London, and replacing them with six huge abattoirs several miles apart, means eventually closing the London Cattle Market; and if they succeed, probably a Bill will be presented to Parliament to the same effect, applicable to all the country. Should it pass, the meat trade then will be carried on in populous centres; the cattle consigned for slaughter direct there and the fat cattle mar- kets, auction marts, and private sales for private slaughterhouses, will be of the past. The butchers, if driven to this, will prefer buy- ing the meat slaughtered than be harassed by heavy expenses and unpractical restrictions and it would be, probably, that the wholesale trade prices would be in the hands of only a few, AS IT IS NOW IN AMERICA, where retail prices equal our own, although when these supplies are sent here wholesale, they are sold much lower and if the farmer had to depend upon sending his cattle to be slaughtered, and then sold, his returns would be controlled by over supplies, the weather, and endless difficulties all against his interest. Therefore, I am not surprised that the agricul- turist has at last found that it is to his interest to join the trade in its almost general opposi- tion to this unnecessary change and it is gratifying to read that the Smithfield Club have unanimously passed a resolution against it. It is also necessary that THE RATEPAYERS OF THE COUNTRY should know why this change is advocated, and what it means to them. The objection te private slaughterhouses is almost entirely con- lined to two reasons. To give facilities for the better inspection of meat and the public health, in proper drainage and sanitation. Private slaughterhouses can be as sanitary, and the drainage as perfect, if not more perfect, than large abattoirs, with all the drainage in one large sewer, and with often insufficient fall. The inspection can be quite as effective in private slaughterhouses, if registered, as abattoirs. The population in close proximity to private slaughterhouses had been proved 50 be more healthy than in the same towns generally. Beyond this the cost to the rate- payers would be enormous; compensation would have to be paid to owners huge buildings— often unnecessary—raised EXTRAVAGANT EXPENSE OF SUPERVISION and control incurred; and the probability, in small towns, of being not used owing to the uncertain state of the meat trade. And if it takes effect, refrigerators will be wanted more than slaughterhouses. I wish it clearly understood that the forego- ing remarks apply to the country at large, and in the general interest, and do not refer to any particular town or locality; and a'so that I am as strongly opposed to private slaughter- houses as anyone, unless equipped with sufficient accommodation, perfect sanitation, and strict inspection, complying with aU the requirements of the law.-Froiii the Meat Trades' Journal.

The screw of an Atlantic liner costs close upon £ 4,000. A boy of fifteen thinks he is too old to run errands, but after he is twenty-five and mar- ried, he begins again. An affectionate Irishman enlisted in the 75th Regiment in order to be near his brother, who was a corporal in the 76Lh. Customer (at restaurant): 'I say, waiter, I've dropped a sixpence. It you find it, let me have it back; if you don't, you can keep it.' You, sir,' said the poet, are 3. bad judge of poetry.' 'I, sir,'retorted the editor, I am a judge of bad poetry.' Entirely Unexpected: I What is meant by the unexpected happening, mamina When I hear your father coming in, and it isn't quite 12 o'clock.' Too Quick for Him.-Teller; I The cashilr has skipped.' President: I've been afraid that that fellow would get ahead of me.' Dawson's an awfully extravagant chap.' Yes, he is.' Has he got much money behind him?' Ilm afraid more than he has before him/

CITY COUNCIL. At last Wednesday night's monthly meet- ing, Alderman J. E. Roberts (the Mayor) presiding, a long discussion took place as to the opinion of counsel on the bond given by certain ratepayers to cover" for five years, any deceit which mav occur on the electric lighting scheme. Mr. David Owen contended that the bond was invalid, having been signed by Alder- man Grey Edwards and five other members of the Council. Mr. T. J. Williams also objected :o the bond, as being one likely to land the rate- payers in many legal difficulties Alderman T. Lewis, as chairman of the lighting committee, strongly defended the action of his colleagues, as did also the Mayor, who said that days and weeks had been devoted to the question of providing Bangor with proper lighting. Dr. Price, Mr. Bayne, and Mr David Wil liams also spoke, and it was agreed by a large majority that the opinion of counsel should be obtained, and that the points for opinion should be submitted to the lighting committee and the town clerk. The report of the finance committee shuwed that there was diie to the treasurer X7, 06, and due by him £ 7,852. The auditors (Messrs. J. R. Pritchard and Deane, Liver- pool and Bangor), reported on the audit of accounts for the year ending 31st of March, 1898. They had found the books and ac- counts in perfect and correct order. The books were exceedingly well and regularly kept; the system adopted was an excellent one, and called for no suggestion for im. provement. The question of municipal offices, which had also been before the same committee was deferred.

Street refuse is sold by public auction in Italy. Johnny:' My father's a policeman; w'hat does your father do ?' Jimmy: What tnit tel.9 him.

POLICE COURT. This court was held on Monday, Mr. H. Kneeshaw (chairman) presiding. On the application of Mr. R. S. Chamberlain, the following licenses were transferred .—Bryn cryn Hotel, Peumaenmawr, from the execu tors of Mrs. Jane Williams to Robert Jones; Stanley Hotel, Llandudno, from H. Robin- son to Charles Robinson Snowdon Hotel, from James Davies to A. H. Robinson; grocer's license from Percy Hutt, Mostyn Street, to, George H. Brookes. Richard Hughes, Tholas Williams, and Edward Williams were charged with ob- structing the footpath in Castle Street to the annoyance of pedestrians. Superintendent Rees said there had been great complaints about the practice of men standiugon the footpaths and refusing to go on. The Chairman said the bench would stop it, and fine the defendants as a caution to others, Is. each and costs. Edwin Goulding, hotel proprietor, Roe Wen, Conway, was summoned at the in stance of the Rural District Council by T. E Parry (clerk) lor an offence against the Highway Act by erecting a wall which ob structed on the highway. i i r. Chamberlain was for the council, and Mr. E. E Bone defended. Elias Davies, the late surveyor to the Council, stated that the wall in question was built level with the outside branches of what was formerly a growing hedge, which was part of the highway, and less than 15ft. from the centre of the road. Hugh Jones, present surveyor, said the defendant had built his wall 3ft. too near the road. Cross-examined by Mr. Bone, the witness said that a wall built by the Council near that spot w is for the protection of the public, and not regarded as a boundary. The width of the road where the Council's wall was built is 14ft. 6in., and where Mr. Goulding's wall is built, the width was 15ft. 9in. He was sure it was not 17ft. where he measured it. Mr. Chamberlain suggested that before giving their decision, the bench should see the locale of the dispute. The Chairman considered it a good sug- gestion. Mr. Bone called Mr. T. T. Marks, who had inspected the place with Mr. J. M. Porter. They put in plans of the wall. It was then agreed that the bench should visit the place. Mary Williams, Central buildings, Con- ,way, was summoned by Mr. T. E. Parry, at the instance of the Town Council, to abate nuisances at several houses in Llewelyn Street by doing away with earth closets, and providing water closets, also proper landers. Mr. Chamberlain appeared for the Coun- cil; Mr. J. T. Roberts, Carnarvon, was for the defendant. Mr. J. E. Jones, sanitary inspector, pro- duced a copy of the notice served on de- fendant, none of which had been complied with. Their worships made an order for the w 11 nuisances to be abated.

VIOLENT GALE. Last Monday's gale was felt in Llanrwst with exceptional severity, and the wind continued to blow violently all night. Rain fell in tor- rents. The Conway river was running with terrible force, covering all the meadows along its banks. Not within the memory of the oldest inhabitant has so severe a gale been experienced, but no accident is reported except much damage to chimneys, roofs, stacks, and trees. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Board was held Oil Tuesday, under the presidency of Mr. E. Jones Williams. The minutes of the la4 meeting were read and confirmed. Out relief for the fortnight, Llanrwst distict, £ 38; Pentrevoelas, £43. MASTER'S REPORT. Number in the house, 28. Vagrants, 28; cor- responding week last year, 11. RESIGNATION. A letter was read from Mr. J. M. Jones, Pen- machno, resigning his seat, owing to having taken the management of a quarry, and going to reside at Bangor. Resolved that the same be accepted with re- gret, and the Local Government Board to have notice of the same. A PAUPER LUNATIC. The Clerk was requested to write to the Asylum Authorities that the Board is not res- ponsible for the maintenance of a patient not sent there by the order of the Union. TREAT. Mrs. Owen, Brynynyr, in her usual kind manner, on Monday, treated the Inmates to a substantial meat tea, and one ounce of tobacco. Those that did not smoke received three pence each. BETTWS-Y-COED RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. 'The above Council was held at the Board room, Llanrwst, on Tuesday last. Present:— Dr. Evans (chairman), Messrs. E. Jones Wil- liams, D. E. Davies, W. Roberts, Tre'wydyr; R. Evans, Dolwyddelen; J. M. Jones, Pen- machno. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Minutes of Highway and Sanitary meetings were also read and confirmed. RESIGNATION. Mr. J. M. Jones sent is his resignation, for the same reason as that given to the Board of Guardians. Accepted; the Local Government Board to be acquainted of the same. PLANS. Plans of new houses by Mr. D. Roberts, Trefriw, were referred back to the owner, also that of the billiard room, Mr, Roberts to be asked to give the ground plan.

Sheet-music in Berlin is sold by weight. •Do you know, I can't tell a lie without blushing.' Hlm! You are not blushing now.' c Smith got oft a bright thing the other day.' What was it?' I A lighted cigar someone had carelessly dropped into the chair he sat on.' Uncle Bobby, I suppose you've been a good little boy 'I, Bobby: No, I have'nt.' Uncle Why, I hope you haven't been very bad ?' Bobby: I Oh, no just comfortable.' 'Just by way of a hint, you know, I told her she looked sweet enough to kiss.' 'Well?' Well, she said that was the way she in- tended to look.' 'And so 'Precisely.' Dodo 'Now, tell me, what do people think of me?' Penguin: 'And make you my enemy for life? Not much!' Tom Innit: 'What did the telephone girl f say to you when she broke thGengagernent Jack Potts Ring off.'

PRIZE DAY AT THE COUNTY SCHOOL. [This report was received too late to appear in our last issue]. On Thursday, the 22nd ult., in the after- noon, the annual distribution of prizes took place in the schoolroom. Mr. J. Harrison Jones, J.P., Chairman of the Local School Governors, presided, and was supported by the following School Governors:—Miss Tumour (who distributed the prizes), the Rev. James Charles (Vice-chairman), the Rev. H. Hum pereys (Henllan), Mr. W. H. Evans, with the Clerk (Mr. A. Foulkes-Roberts), and the Head- master (Mr D. H. Davies, B.A., B.Sc ). The Chairman opened the proceedings by a very interesting address, in the course of which he said he was very glad to be present once more at the annual distribution of prizes. The system of secondary education in Wales had been maturing during the past few years, and pupils were able to pass from the lowest to the highest round of the educational ladder. Schol- arships tenable at the Universities, were awarded from County Schools. Two pupils from the Denbigh County School had already had the grit to try and the ability to win scholarships which they .now hpld at Bangor. He referred to William r. Woodroofe and their fellow townsman, John Newton Davies, (applause). These results were highly credit- able to them and their teachers. He reminded the boys that two more scholarships were to be competed for in Jultr next. They could not all win scholarships, but he encouraged them to make the most of the opportunities of school life. It was the duty of everyone to make the most of himself—mentally, spiritually, and physically. He did not think much of the man who said I I know enough.' Our true educa- tion was not confined to school or youth, but continued through life. The school had entered upon a new chapter in its history. Their late headmaster, whom they all respected (ap- plause), had retired, and now they had one who was as capable of discharging his duties as any- one they could find wherever they went (ap- plause). He wished them all a very pleasant holiday, and hoped they would come back in good spirits, and that next year would be one of the best in the history of the school. The dis- tribution of prizes was more private this year, but next year he hoped that, as on former occasions, they would be able to have some- thing of a more public character. He had great pleasure in calling upon Miss Tnrnour the Mayoress tot distribute the prizes. She had taken great interest in the school since her appointment as a School Governor, and he was glad to see that she was following in the steps of her worthy father, who was one of the beet friends the school ever had (applause). Miss Turnour then distributed the prizes in a pleasant and graceful manner, showing that she thoroughly appreciated the efforts of the prize winners The boys, who were eager critics of this part of the proceedings, cheered the recipients heartily as each came forward to receive his prize. July Examinations, 1898. Prize List.—Form V. John N. Davies for general proficiency. Cecil R. Lurring ditto. Arthur H. Evans for algebra. Christmas Anwyl for English literature. Form Upper IV. A. Thomas P. Pritchard for general proficiency- Arthur H. Dean for chemistry and book- keeping. William H. Revill for English literature and geography. Percy Anwyl for Latin. Charles W. Radnor for French. H. W. Owens for English composition. Form Upper IV. B. William E. Hughes for general proficiency. R. Anthony Richards for English grammar, French, and Welsh. John E. Davies for Euclid and book-keeping. Robert A. Evans for arithmetic and history. John M. Hughes for algebra. Thomas Anwyl for English literature. Form Lower IV. William Haydn Evans for general profi. ciency. Jesse Lloyd for English literature and Euclid. John Robert Hughes for English grammar and history. John Jones for algebra. Form III. Edward O. Williams for general proficiency. Charles E. Revill for English and geography. Leopold V. Lurring for English. Science and Art Prize List. Alphabetical List of Students, with successes. Anwyl, Christmas—Mathematics, 1st stage, 1st class. Davies, John Newton—Chemistry Elem., 2nd class. Davies, Roger Wilfred—Physiography Elem., 2nd class. Dean, Arthur H.—Freehand 2nd class, Geo- metry and Chemistry, 2nd class. Evans, Arthur H.—Chemistry, 2nd class. Evans, Robert A.—Model Drawing, 2nd class. Evans, Wm. Haydn.Freehand, 2nd class. Helsby, Robert J.—Chemistry, 2nd class, Mathematics, 1st stage, 2nd class. Hughes, Joseph L. -Model Drawing, (2nd class, Mathematics, stage 1, 2nd class. Hughes, William E.—Freehand, 2nd class, Model Drawing, 2nd class. Lurring, Cecil Ronald.—Chemistry, Mathe- matics, stage 1, 2nd class. • j Pritchard, Thomas P.—Chemistry, Physio- graphy, Freehand, 2nd class,and Geometry. Richards, R. Anthony.—Model Drawing, 2nd class. Williams, Benjamin Aled.—Freehand, 2nd class. Other successes during the year. Matriculation Examination of the University of Wales, June, 1898: John Newton Davies and Arthur Hedley Evans. Oxford Local Examination, July, 1898. Three candidates presented, and all passedj viz. Christmas Anwyl, senior, 1st class. A. W. Jone3, junior. S. S. Davies, do. In the eompetition for the scholarships offered by the Denbighshire County Governing Body, last July, John Newton Davies obtained 2nd place in order of merit, and was awarded an exhibition of £31) a year for three years, which he now holds at the Bangor University College. The Rev. H. Humphreys, being called upon, said that if there was any encouragement in prizes, the boys ought certainly to be greatly stimulated by the large number just received. i He hoped the winners would not rest on their oars, and that the others would not be dis- couraged. The plodding and the persevering generally won in the battle of life. He then made a few remarks on discipline, tone, and character with reference to individual and school life. The character of a school, like that of an individual did not depend entirely upon prizes or scholarships. Habits were formed at school which would cling through life. 'The boy was father to the man.' He urged them all, especially che senior boys, to regularity and punctuality, also to foster and maintain everything that was manly and straightforward, and concluded by wishing them all a pleasant holiday, and a very success- ful career, The Headmaster (Mr. D. H. Davies, B.A., B.Sc.), said that as his connection with the school had been so short, a lengthy report would not be expected. The schoel opened on Tuesday, the ]3th of September last, with 21 boys This number by the middle of the term had increased to 40. Since then two boys had left, so chat there were now 3S. Of these, 15 T. O. JONES sells onlv the best brands of Pro visions, Cumberlan l Cut, Irish Rolled, and Smoked Irish Bacon, Plain & Smoked Hams, Bancroft's Lard, Beef Suet, Palethorpes Sausages and Pies, &c; I were new boys. Thus the school might be said j to be starting afresh. This fact, and others incidental to it, accounted for the private char- acter of this prize day, but next year they hoped to do better. No boy had been sent in for any examination. Thus there was no success to record, nor was there any failure either. The boys had engaged in their usual athletic contests, and had come off in a way which had given the utmost satisfaction to themselves. He thought the school field was at too great a distance, and earnestly hoped this would be remedied when they had the new school buildings. Before closing, he must thank his colleague- Mr. Howland-for his valuable assistance and co operation. After the meet- ing a tea would be provided for the boys (and not for the first time he believed), through the kindness of Mr. Gold Edwards (applause). Also, Mr. W. H. Evans had presented the boys with an assortment of fruit and sweets (ap- plause). The Vice-chairman (the Rev. J. Charles) pro- posed a vote of thanks to Miss Turnour for distributing the prizes, to the Chairman for presiding, also to Mr. Gold Edwards and to Mr. Evans. He also considered the school had made a very good start, and he expected that next year there would be 50 pupils at least. He showed the boys the advisability of staying at school as long as possible, as in after life they would have to compete with others possessing all the advantages of a modern training. The Rev. H. Humphreys, in seconding, said he would bear witness to the great interest Dr. Turnour and Mr. Gold Edwards had taken in the school for many years. The Chairman having suitably replied, the boys, who, under the leadership of Mr. Jones, the music master, had contributed three part. songs during the afternoon, sang the well- known school song,' Good-bye, old schoolroom,' in a style which reflected great credit upon their teacher. An adjournment was then made to the old dining hall, where the boys did ample justice to a first-class tea, after which they as&toibled in the schoolroom, when the fruit and sweets were distributed. A short address was then given by the headmaster, at the close of which he wished them a 'Happy Christmas and a pleasant holiday.' The school then 'broke up' to re-assemble on Tuesday, January 17th, 1899.

CALVINISTIC METHODIST CHAPEL. On Monday evening last, a grand concert was given at the above place. Owing to the inevitable absence of Mr. R. Roberts, Trefuant Isaf, the chair was occupied by Mr. O. Williams (jun.), Glanclwyd, Bodfary. An excellent programme was provided, which was disposed of in a very creditable manner. The artistes who took part were: —Soprano, Miss Kate Jones, Ceryg-y-druid- ion contralto, Miss L ura Evans, Henllan; tenor, Mr. Owen Jones, Ceryg-y-druidion; bass, Mr. R. Griffith Jones, draper, Denbigh. Miss Jones, Cetyg-y-druidion, seemed to be the favourite, and her rendering- of Ar Ian y mor,' was exceptionally good, and created much merriment, and incl ded 4n her re- pertoire were Y golomen wen,' 'Fy Mam,' and She wandered down,' each giving gene- ral satisfaction. Miss Laura Evans, a young local artiste of some promise, contri- buted in her best style, 'Pennill adroddai fy nhad/ Y Gardotes fach,' and Dream of Paradise,' her rendering of each being highly appreciated. Mr. Jones, Ceryg y-druidion, who has a fine tenor voice, was rapturously encored for Sound and alarm, Hen gadair freichiau fy mam.' His other song entitled, 'Rwy'n myn'd,' was given with expression and taste, and fully merited the warm ap- plause with which it was greeted. Mr. R. Griffith Jones had a grand reception his selections were: 'Honour and Arms,' Hoff wlad fy ngenedigaeth,'<kc., his render- ing of these was remarkably good, and they well suited his powerful bass voice. The duett,' Hywel and Blodwen,'by Mr. and Miss Jones, Ceryg y-druidion, was ran- dered in such an excellent style, that it roused the audience to a pitch of enthu- siasm, and proved one of the gems of the evening. The duett 'Lie treigla'r Caveri' by Messrs. O. Jones and R. G. Jones, fully gained the appreeiation of the audience. The duties of accompanist were discharged by Miss M. E. Roberts, Mold, in her usual efficient manner, and she certainly deserves thanks for the many services .she renders gratuitously, in this capacity year after year to this cause. Taking the concert on the whole, it was superior in everyway to soine of its predecessors. The usual vote of thanks was proposed and seconded, and carried unanimously by the highly delighted audience. The meeting closed with the singing of the Welsh National Anthem.