The Rhyl Advertiser

THE REV. DUNCAN MACGREGOR'S FAREWELL SERMON. The English Baptist Chapeljwas on Sunday evening last filled with a congregation, representing all de- nominations in the town, assembled to hear the last sermon from the beloved pastor of the chapel prioi to his departure for America. The rev. gentleman took for his text the 17th verse of the 3rd chapter to Ephesians—" Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth." The sermon was most impressively delivered, and the preacher dwelt upon the connection between the Christians on earth with the saints in heaven, and the relationship all bore to our Saviour. He (the preacher) also dwelt upon the importance of all being united in opposing the sin and ungodliness of the day, and though there might be surface diffe- rences, such as various members of the family differ in opinions though closely united by the bonds of love, yet they ought to be one in opposing the [irreligious tendency of the age. The preacher concluded an elo- quent and impressive sermon by appealing to his hearers to work more earnestly for the spread of holiness, and to pray constantly for the blessing of Godjupon their work. Before singing the last hymn two adults were ad- mitted members of the church by the rite of public baptism by immersion. During his ministry here nothing but success has attended the labours of the Rev. Duncan Macgregor, and he has left the Church stronger in numbers and in a better organised state than when he came to Rhyl. The finances too are now managed in a business-like way, and are in a healthy state-this the deacons (Messrs K. McEwen, Reynolds, and Homan) have frequently acknowledged. After the administration of the Lord's Supper Mr K. McEwen read the church's letter of recommenda- tion, which was highly eulogistic of the services ren- dered by the late postor. While the letter was being read many of the members were visibly affected.—Mr Macgregor, in feeling terms, thanked the church for this spontaneous expression of goodwill, and for the assistance they had so willingly and cheerfully rendered him during his five years' residence amongst them, and said that he would carry with him many happy memories associated with the church. On Monday Master Macgregor was presented by the Sunday school children with a beautiful writing desk.. The Rev. Mr Macgregor, Mrs Macgregor, with their son and maid, left the Mersey on Tuesday morning in the s.s. "Egypt," of the Cunard line. Mr W. P. Jones met them on board to bid them a last farwell.

THE WELSH EMIGRANTS TO SOUTH AMERICA. A South American paper says—" The tide of Welsh immigration that has set in to the Plate is very re- markable. The Welsh people, as a community, have no greater locus standi in this country than the Chubut colony. Were they as rich or as influential as the English, the Irish, or the Scotch, it would not be so surprising the monthly arrival of large batches in Lamport and Holt's steamers. Did the Argentine Government give them free passages out to the Plate, or sfcnd special agents to Wales to invite them to emigrate, one could better understand the movement, but none of our sheep-farmers or estanciero princes are Welshmen, and their foothold in this country is in a distant part where no other foreigner has as yet had the courage or the enterprise to make a start. Strange fact that the Irish sheep farmers, who as a class are richer than any immigrant class in this country, and much more independent than their countrymen of the same walk in life in any other .country fed by immigration, have utterly failed to create a migratory flow from their native Island such as the hardy Welsh peadants of Chubut have now establi 83d; and the question becomes a severe one for us, to trace the causes which lead to such an import- ant hegira of Welshmen to the Plate, when English, Irish, and Scotch immigration to this country is no- where. Within the last week we have "seen 90 Welshmen started for the Chubut, with Mr. Jones at their head, to settle on new lands in the Chubut valley, and make for themselves new houses and new farms, whilst a single Irish family that arrived out here at the same time, is still in this city unemployed." It is added that hardly has the steamer Villarino cleared from the Boca with ninety Welshmen, when the Euclid and Bessel' enter port with eighty more."

A RHYL BOOKS E LOHLXLSI DHIS BIBLES. At the Holywell County Court, on Wednesday, a number of cases were entered in which Messrs Lewis and Edwards, book hawkers, of Rhyl, were plaintiffs, and the defendants were persons in humble life, who had failed to pay the instalments due upon books pur- chased by them from the plaintiffs. In one of these cases the claim was on account of a Bible, which cost .t'2 18s. 6d.—The Registrar (Mr Pugh): It is a shame. ful thing to persuade these poor people to buy these expensive Bibles, when they can get them for half-a- crown and less even than that at the depository of the Bible Society. To Plaintiff Don't you know that these people could have bought a Bible for half a- crown?—Plaintiff: It was their own bargain.—The Registrar Answer my question, will you?—Plaintiff? Yes, a small one.—The Registrar: Coxild they not have bought a comparatively large one for five shillings ?— Plaintiff This was a Bible and commentary.—The Registrar: Just answer my question, will you?— Plaintiff: They made the bargain.—The Registrar: That is no answer. Tell me do you not know that they could have bought a comparatively large Bible at the Bible Society's depository for five shillings ?— Plaintiff: Y es. The R-egistrar Tneii will you take I this book back r-Plaintiff: No.—The Registrar: Very well. Then I will make an order for the pay- ment of this claim by instalments of one shilling monthly I would even make the instalments less but for the trouble they would give. But the debt will not have to be paid if the defendant returns the Bible, and the plaintiffs will not be allowed costs. That is my decision, and I will ask the judge to confirm it.—Mr Pritchard (solicitor, Chester) Just permit me to say as a professional man, that your decision does you great credit, for the system is a temptation to poor people to incur debts which they can never discharge.—The Registrar I wish it to be publicly known that as far as I am concerned, I am determined to put a stop to this practice, and especially so when I know that there are persons in Holywell and the neighbourhood who would be glad to give the poor people a Bible if they required one.— The plaintiff then paid the court fees, and whilst doing so said that he would accept the return of the Bible.—In another case a valuable book had been sold to a youth 18 years of age, and being that he was under age he was nonsuited.—In some other cases the collector for Standard Works and Fine Art Co' appeart d to support the summonses, but the Registrar declined to allow him to appear as nn agent for the company, and therefore adjourned the cases, allowing costs to those defendants who were in court.

I HI-: IXVKNTIO.V OIi ( ARJ).S.—A curious tradi- tional account of the invention of cards say they were the i contrivance of a painter in 1390, for the purpose of di- ci ting the Sixth of France, who had fallen into l a < eep melancholy. Some say the four suits were de- signed to represent the four principal classes of society. or hearts, were used I' tlie emblem of choir men, oi ecclesiastics but the Spaniards have cojias, or c la lies, instead oi hearts, though in illusion to tile sanu i laiaitei. 1 lie nobility, or prime military part i ot the kingdom, are represented by what the French t cad /e, the points of lances or pikes to which, r from our ignorance of the meaning or resemblance, wcgave T the name of spades, from the Spanish word esnadas, I swords, wincli the Spaniards W painted on their cards ? instead of pikes. < <n ran* diamonds, square stones, or I tiles, appear to have been a hard-strained representation of citizens, merchants, or trade smen but the peasantrv, t or class of people engaged in the pursuits Of agriculture' i. had a much more appropriate type in what the French eall trejhs, trefoil, or clover-grass, instead of which the Spaniards using ktvto.i, staves, or clubs, in the corre- J ■ponding suit of their cards, we have absurdly annexed tliej^anish sigiyikation I? the FarmU li^urc,

I NORTH WALES AND CHESHIRE ASSIZES. The winter assizes for the counties in North Wales and the county of Chester were opened for the trial of prisoners at the Castle, Chester, at eleven a.m. on Monday before Mr Justice Lush, and were continued -)n Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The grand jury having been sworn, His lordship addressed them at some length, dwelling specially on the two cases of wilful murder that were to be brought before the Court. A BATCH OF BURGLARS. Thomas Jones, tramping labourer, was charged with burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling house of one John Bartlem and stealing therein one shirt, one pair of boots, and a quantity of bread and cheese, the property of the said,' John Bartlem at Hanmer on September 1st. The prisoner pleaded guilty to this offence and to two other previous con- victions. Edward Lewis, 23, labourer, was charged with breaking into the dwelling house of Evan Evans, at Llandinam, on the 3rd October, and stealing a quan- tity of bntter, one bottle, one jar, and a piece of cheese and also with stealing one coat, the property of Benjamin Griffiths, at Llandinam, on the 3rd of October. The prisoner pleaded guilty. John Thomas Cooper, 37, fitter, Macclesfield, was indicted for burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling house of George Arnold, and stealing there. from lOlbs. of beef, and 61bs. of mutton, the property of George Arnold, at Macclesfield, on the 1st October, and also with breaking and entering the dwelling house of James Jackson, and stealing therefrom two hams, at Macclesfield, on the 2nd of October. Mr Marshall prosecuted, and the prisoner who pleaded not guilty, on both counts, was undefended. The jury returned a verdict of guilty in both cases. His Lordship deferred sentences in all the above cases. A FEMALE HOUSEBREAKER. Ann Mills, servant, was indicted for burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling house of John Smith, and stealing therein one pair of boots, the property of Jane Smith, and one basin, the property of the same person, at Llandyssil, on the 16th of August. The prisoner was further charged with burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling house of W. Alderson,atSnead,and stealing therefrom twelve pairs of knives and forks, eight spoons, two brass candlesticks, and one basket, the property of the said Wm. Alderson, on August 19th. The prisoner pleaded not guilty, and the second charge was heard, Mr Ignatius Wiliiams appearing for the prosecution. The first charge was not gone into, and the jury almost immediately found Mills guilty on the second. His Lordship, in passing judgment, said he should take no time to consider what sentence he should pass, as the case was different from the others of the kind he had heard. The prisoner appeared to be an old offender, and the' sentence would be penal servi- tude for five years. DETESTABLE INSTITUTIONS." Daniel Wheland, a money lender's clerk, was charged with forging promissory notes,with intent to defraud his master, James Platt, and also with em-, bezzlment and stealing the sum of £ 2 5s. in August last. The jury found the prisoner guilty, but recom- mended him to mercy, "because they did not like that money-lending business. His Lordship agreed with the jury that they werej "detestable institutions," and would give what effect he could to the recommenda- tion. Mr Marshall submitted that the prisoner's past life had been well conducted, and undertook to have a letter written by the prisoner's late employer to his Lordship, who, on that ground, deferred sen- tence.—Mr Higgins prosecuted, and Mr Marshall appeared for the defence. OUTRAGE ON A MARRIED WOMAN.HEAVY SENTENCES. Thomas Parlies, aged 35, and Francis Deven-mh, 22,. labourers, were indicted together for committing a criminal assault upon Mary Jane Welsh, the wife of an organist, at Poulton-cum-Seacombe, on the (jth of August. The case for the prosecution was that on the evening of the day named the presecutrix was on her way home across a field, when the prisoners seized her, forced a quantity of rum down her throat from a bottle, and successively outraged her. Mr Higgius prosecuted. In answer to Mr Swetenhaij, Q.C., who, with Mr Marshall, was for the defence, the complain- ant admitted having some gin and beer that day. Mr Swetenham, on behalf of the prisoners, was discussing the subject of the woman's condition and observed that that he had evidence to show that she was worse for liquor.—His Lordship said: No matter whether the poor woman be drunk or sober, she is not to be violated.—Mr Swetenham went on to state that the defence was that what took place was with the consent of the prosecutrix and that her evidence was not to be relied upon, because she did not thoroughly understand what took -place on the occasion.—The jury found both prisoners guilty. His Lordship having commepted upon the loathsome nature of the offence, said—These are times when a spirit of law- lessness prevails, and crimes of violence,' I am afraid, increasing but, at all events, it must be' understood that. the strong arm of the law will be put forth in order to put down crimes of this description, and I cannot therefore pass .upon you a less sentence than twelve years' penal servitude. WIFE MURDER. William Osman, coppersmith, Birmingham, was in- dicted for the wilful murder of his wife, Hannah Osman, at Bredbury, near Stockport, on the 19th August. Mr Higgins, with Mr Bankes, appeared for the prosecution Mr Swetenham, Q.C., with Mr. F. Marshall, for the defence.—Mr Higgins, in open- ing the case, made a long speech, and described the nature of the case.—His Lordship having summed up, the jury, after an absence of 15 minutes, found the prisoner guilty of murder, recommending him to mercy on the ground of his wife's admission that she had given provocation.—Sentence of death was then passed in the usual form, the judge assuring the jury that their reccomendation should be forwarded to the proper quarter.

MR. SCOTT^ANI^ES- &, THE SUNDAY CLOSING SONG." Unfortunately, a portion of the report of the Flintshire Quarter Sessions last week was mislaid, but since our last issue the missing folio, containing the Chairman's remarks respecting a certain song, has been found. Mr. Bankes said that a copy of a "Sunday Closing Song" had been placed before him. They all knew that he (Mr. Bankes) was a man who spoke out his mind, and who could not {ironounce Welsh.. A man named Roberts, with the etters M. W. R. O. & whatever they might mean— after his name-had written the song then before him. To give his opinion of it, he had to say it was the most vulgar production he had ever seen, and the composer must be a man of very low tastes. It could not have been sent to a court of justice at a more un- seasonable time, or in worst taste.

THE WELSH SUNDAY CLOSING ACT. At the Mold Petty Sessions, on Monday, James Samuel Swift, Black Lion Hotel, Mold, was sum- moned for selling beer on Sunday, the 9th instant, contrary to the provisions of the Welsh Sunday Closing Act. The evidence of the police was admit- ted, but Mr. W. H. Churton, who defended, said the Act would only come into operation after the Mold Brewster Sessions next year. It was a scandal for the Hawarden and Mold benches of magistrates to convict when all ether benches of magistrates, as far as he could see, where the conditions were similar, refused to convict. Mr. Churton referred particularly to Swansea, where the justices, under piecisely simi- lar circumstances, had deoided to dismiss a summons under the Act. Mr. John Scott Bankes, Chairman of the Flintshire Quarter Sessions, who presided, after conferring with his brother justices, said they had better retire. On returning into court he stated that they were still unable to agree, aud, under the cir- cumstances, he decided to adjourn the case to the next Court. For the first time since the passing of the Welsh Sunday Closing Act, the public-houses on the Flint- shire side of Saltney were closed on Sunday last. This is to be accounted for by the very determined steps the Broughton magistrates have taken to enforce the law, and their decision to endorse the licenses of all the publicans that are brought before them on the charge of opening on Sundays.

THE NATIONAL LIBERAL FEDERATION. The annual meeting of the Federation was held on Tuesday last at Liverpool. There was a full atten- dance of delegates, those from Rhyl being the Rev E. Lloyd Jones, Mr J. Taylor, Mr A. C. Clews, Mr P. Mostyn Williams, and Mr W. P. Jones. Several important subjects were discussed, and when the land laws were under discussion, The Rev. Lloyd Jones, stepped on to the platform. He was repeatedly asked for his name, and a reporter asked "What town;" upon which Mr. Jones answered, with some indignation, Lloyd Jones from Wales," a reply that caused not a little amusement. Mr. Jones said there was no question on which the people of Wales felt so strong a political interest as the question of the land laws. Dissenters as they were, they were willing to put off disestablish- ment for a time for the sake of this reform. Even the extension of the franchise they would put off, for they had a sufficient number of Liberals in Wales to beat the Tories (laughter), and they were not in im- mediate want of any more. But, as regarded the landlords, were not the majority of the people of his country Dissenters thei e would have been a revolution in Wales to-day equal to that which existed in Ire- land (applause). The poverty of the Welsh farmer was equal to the poverty of the Irish farmer, and some change in the land laws was the one thing which they cried out for with all their might. They considered that before they could ever have a proper land bill they must have fewer landlords and fewer lawyers in Parliament (laughter, and hear, hear). If this country were to send a number of joiners to Parliament it would be rather expensive to build a hencoop (laughter). But for the last four generations they had sent a majority into Parliament, not to re- present Welsh men and women, but to represent hares and rabbits and pheasants (laughter and ap- plause). They wanted this system to come to an end, and he hoped when the next election came round one of their cries would be. Who and what are you going to rpprcsent;" If there were fewer landlords and fewer lawyers in Parliament they would have more fair play on the land question,which he hoped would be the first great measure placed before the country (applause).—Mercury.

SUNDAY CLOSING. To the Editor of the RIIYL ADVERTISER. SIR,-I hope the police are taking note of those public.houses that were open in our town on Sunday last, for I believe all will come in for conviction ac- cording to the Act of Parliament. Why should the publicans of Rhyl-that is, a portion of them—keep their houses open while the law says they are to close. I shall be anxiously waiting to "see what the Rhyl Bench of magistrates will do in the matter at the sessions on Monday next—whether they will, like the Browghton magistrates, enforce the law, or allow it to be ignored by a few publicans who" think they are iu the light."—Yours respectfully, FAIR PLAV;

MISCELLANEOUS EXTRACTS. MICHAEL ANUKLO.—Michael Angelo Buonar- rotti was born in 1475 at Caprese, in Tuscany, of which town his father was podesta, or chief magistrate. His family was noble, descended from the counts of Canossa; but he, according to the custom of his age, was put out to nurse. His foster mother was a stonemason's wife in the village of Scttignano, near to Florence, where his family returned soon after his birth. He used playfully to remark in afterlife that he drank in his love of hand- ling the chisel with his mother's milk. His boyhood was passed in Florence amidst the rare beauties of nature which surround that city, amidst the studios of the celebrated painters of the day—under the shadow of Brunelleschi's majestic dome, whose beauty and strength were ever an enchantment to him, and of Giotto's ex- quisite campanile, which Professor Ruskin calls that headstone of beauty." Besides these he could study the great principles of architecture, from which he afterwards constructed and perfected one of the greatest architectural marvels of the world. The Magazine of A rt. THE SwKAitiXG IX OF AIH. DISRAELI AS CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER Mr. (burge H. Par- kinson writes from the Central Office, Courts of Justice: The enclosed extract from mv diary of 1852 may be acceptable. I was clerk to ISaron Parke -(Ior(i M ensleydale) at the time. and can vouch for the correct- ness of the incidents referred to: Saturday, June 12, 1852.— Mr. Disraeli, the new Chancellor of the Ex- chequer, came down about two to be sworn in. He was quite alone, and Davis, the usher, showed him into the judges' private room, where I happened to be, arranging some papers. T placed him a chair, and said I would go and tell the judges he had arrived. In a few minutes they came in—Lord Chief Baron Pollock, Barons Parkt., Alderson, Iiolfe, and Piatt. All seemed to know him, and all talked aud laughed together. His new black silk robe, heavily embroidered with gold bullion fringe and lace, was lying across a chair. Here, get on your gown," said Baron Alderson, you'll iind it monstrously heavy." Oh, I find it uncommonly liglit," said the new Chancellor. "Well, it's heavy with what makes other things light, said the Lord Chief Baron. "Now, what am I to say and do in this performance t" Was the next question. Why you'll first be sworn in by Vincent, and then you 11 sit down again; and if you look to the extreme left of the first row of counsel you will see a rather tall man looking at you. That is Mr. V.'illes out of court, but Mr. Tubman in court, and you must say, "Mr. Tubman, have you anything to move ?' He will make his motion, and when lie sits down you must say Take a rule, Mr. Tubman,' and that will be the end of the iffiir." The ushers were summoned, and all marched to the Bench—Baron I'litt as junior baron first, Mr. Disraeli last, immediately preceded by the Lord Chief Baron. Mr. Vincent, the Queen's Remem- brancer, administered the ancient oath, in XoniKin- French, I think. Mr. Tubman (afterwards lr. Justice Willes) made some fictitious motion, was duly desired to tike a rule," and the Chancellor and Barons returned to the private room. AVell, I must say you fellows have easy work to do if this is a specimen," said Mr. Disraeli. Now, don't you think that, or you'll be cutting down our salaries," replied one of the judges. Take care of that robe," said Baron Alderson you can leave it to your son when the Queen makes him a Chancellor." "Oh, no; you've settled that business," said the new Chancellor "you'd decide that was fettering the Royal prerogative." There was a general roar at this witty: allusion to a very important case just decided in the House of Lords, in which the Peers had held that a large I' monetary bequest by the late Earl of Bridgewater to his son on condition that he should obtain the title of duke withiu a certain time was void on the ground that it was a fettering of the Royal prerogative. There was a mutual shaking of hands, and all parties separated. .FAMILIAR Shalcspeare give us more pithy sayings than any other author. From him we call, Count their chickens ere they are hatclwd;" "Make assurance doubly sure;" "Look before yon le,ii); Christmas comes but once a-year." Thomas Norton queried long ago, What will Mrs. Grundy say.1' while Goldsmith answers, "Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no Jibs." Thomas Tasser, a writer of the sixteenth century, gives us, "It's an ill wind that turns no good; Better late than never;" "Look ere thou leap;" and" The stone that is rolling will gather no moss." All cry and no wool," is found ill Butler's Hudibras." Dryden says, None but the brave deserve the fair "Men are but children of the larger growth;" "Through thick and thin." Of two evils I have chosen the least," and "The end must justify the means,"are fromMatliewTrior. We arc indebted to Colley Cibber for the agreeable intelligence that Richard is himself again." Cowper tells us that Variety is the spice of life." To Milton we owe "The Paradise of Fools." From Beacon comes "Knowledge is power," and Thomas Southerne reminds us that Pity's akin to love." DWll Swift thought that "Bread is the staff of life." Campbell found that "Coming events cast their shadows before," and "'Tis distance lend enchantment to the view." A thing of beauty is a joy for ever," is from Keats. FUEDKBICK, PRINCE OF WALES, AND THE LOUD MAYOR'S SHOW.—In 173(3 Frederick, Prince of Wales, the father of George III., being desirous of seeing the Lord Mayor's show privately, visited the City in disguise. At that time it was the custom for several of the City companies, particularly for those who had no barges, to have stands erected in the streets through which the Lord Mayor passed on his return from West- minster, in which the freemen of companies were accustomed to assemble. It happened that his Royal Highness was discovered by some of the Saddlers' Company, in consequence of which he was invited to their stand, which invitation he accepted, and the parties were so well pleased with each other that his Royal Highness was soon after chosen Master of the Company,. a compliment which lie also accepted. The City on that* occasion formed a resolution to compliment his Royal Highness with the freedom of London, pursuant to which the Court of Lord Mayor and Aldermen attended the Prince, on the 17th of December.—('asueU's Old and New London. RELIGION consists not in knowledge, but in a holy life. OLD SUPIRRSTITIO.Ns.-It used to be a common thing for sailors to refuse to go to sea on a Friday. We hear nothing of this in these steamboat days. Steam has made every day alike. Steam has been a great changer, and in the matter of popular suporstitions it has proved the great reformer. Wherever steamboats and steam- engines appear superstitions disappear; ghosts, fairies, witches are speedily forgotten. Who ever heard of a ghost in a railway station, or of a bewitched cattle truck, or of a haunted saloon carriige ? The thing is impos- sible. The most expert seer could not find a ghost in a first-class waiting rtioiii-cotil(i iiot even imagine such a thing. Ghosts like very different quarters --old houses, wainscoted rooms, secret passages, and scanty visitors.— Antiquary. ALGECIRAS.—Algeciras is one of the most remote nooks of Spain, but it cisv (if access. Early in the morning you emerge from that little tropical corner of Gibraltar where the trees of geranium load the air with their fragrance and the thickets of aloe conceal the English houses, and you go down to the quay, beneath the Hanover battery. Even a little after dawn the scene is one of the most varied in Kurojie. Just as that point civilisation deposits one or two representatives from nearly every region. True, they are chielly sailors chaffering for fresh fruit; and they have a.strong family resemb- lance, be they American. Swedish, Russian, or French. But the older population is there too groups of Moors looking from beneath their white furbaus with serious black eyes, their loose yellow clothes hanging free about their limbs; and Barbary Jews, in caftans and dark itoods,moving out aud in among them, their hands on their leathern pouches. It is a fresh, breezy morning, aud there is some temptation to stand at the foot of the rock and see ships of all the nations heaving out their anchors, the grinding thunder of their descent repeating itself in echoes above your head. No time need be lost in getting a lug-sailed boat; a Maltese seaman and his little bov, who viry their eln- ployment by passing cakes of cavendish in strings up the forecastles of the ships, are glad to take you. Presently, with cool puffs of wind filling the sail, thp boat is drawing out from beneath the shadow of the rock and threading its way among the teak hulks and steamers. White sea birds are soaring and diving as if they were on a northern sea a steady gust of wind puts the boat outside the furthest anchorage, and you are in a wide bay of rutlled turquoise. Turn back and tlvre is the leonine mass of Gibraltar, with the red do(s mi tlif stairs and batteries look beneath the sails and there are visible the outlines of the Sierras; white and shining, Algeciras lie,, in the sunlight on the opposite Andalusian shore; you have not half crossed the bay before you are asked to look to the south and make out the dim pencil- ling amidst the haze, which is African Ceuta.—St. James's Gazette. THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD "FARI.The origin of farm-words is one of the most interesting of studies. Take, for instance, the word "farm," which is one of the most familiar of our household words. The estates which in the, time of the Saxons the lords of manors granted to the freeman were but for years at lirst, with a render of a rent, which in those days was of corn or victuals. Thence the leases so made were called formes or farmes, which word signified merely victuals, In process of time victuals were turned into money, and terms of years to terms of life and inheritance, retaining the rents, and those called quit rents, or the rents of those versons that were frte or acquitted.—Land,

LOCAL AND GENERAL ITEMS. IT is expected that Sir Watkin Williams Wynn will preside over the annual dinner of the Vale of Clwyd Chamber of Agriculture, which is provisionally fixed for November 23th. A few days ago, whilst a timber waggon was des- cending a steep hill into Ruthin from Gyffylliog, David Thomas, the owner, in endeavouring to save the shaft horse from falling, was knocked down, and the wheels passing over his chest he died almost im- mediately. THE Carnarvonshire Court of Quarter Sessions have refused to pay the C.50, damages done by rioters in the borough of Carnarvon at the county election in November. The application is said to have been wrongly made to the borough magistrates, who ordered the damages to be paid, in accordance with which a demand was made upon the county teasurer. RUTHIY MUNICIPAL ELECTIO.N.-The candidates are Mr. William Jones, miller, Mr. Lewis Jones, printer, Mr. William Edwards, brewer, retiring members; Mr. Osbert Edwards, solicitor, Mr. G. F. Byford, auctioneer, and Mr. Ezra Roberts, accountant. The contest will be fought on local and personal grounds, and not political. DENBIGH MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.—The following have been duly nominated :—Mr. R. C. B. Clongh, surveyor, Mr. R. Lloyd Williams, architect, Mr. J. Copner Wynne Edwards, solicitor, Mr. John Lloyd, hotel-keeper (all four Conservatives and Churchmen), Mr. Evan Thomas, ironfounder, Mr. J. Harrison Jones, chemist, and Mr. Thomas Williams, mine pro- prietor (all three being Nonconformists and Liberals). The first three and the last three fight together, Mr. Lloyd running singlehanded, and the contest is pre- dicted to be a stron one. THE "CLIO.We are glad to learn from a reliable source that several of the boys who have served theif full period on the "Clio' are making not only ex- cellent sailors, but creditable members of society. During the late very severe storm much anxiety was felt for the small boys,who have now to form a boat's crew in the absence of the elder boys gone to sea, in making their way occasionally to shore during the gales that swept the Straits, and we do think that it would be much better, both for the crew and the ship, if some more sheltered place could be found for the vessel.- THE Flintshire police are now investigating a bur- glary which has been effected at the residenoe of Mr. Hancock, one of the Hawarden magistrates. A few days ago Mr. Hancock's son went away on a journey, and in the evening after his departure a servant em- ployed in the house was going out at the side door, when she ran against a man in the dark. He asked for Mr. Lee Hancock, and was told that he would not be at home that night. He then went away. The next morning the chambermaid, on going up to Mr. Lee Hancock's room, found clothing scattered about in disorder, and the cash box on the bed.locked. On the return of Mr. Hancock, junior, the sum of £ 25 was found to have been extracted from the box. "You A DUKE?" — Speaking at a colonial dinner, in London, the other evening, the Duke of Manches- ter, in replying for the House of Lords, said he was not all sure that he had not lost his identity in Queensland and become a representative of the bush, for, travelling up the country one day, he was accos. tcd4by a free settler, who a -k d him whether it was true that the Duko of Manchester was coming that way. "I am the Duke of Manchester," he replied. The man, with a well known sigh of derision, said, "\ou git along now." By-and-by, however, he was convinced of the fact that the duke was really before him, and, walking round him critically, at length said, I'm blowed. You a duke ? You might go from here to the Barcos aud nobody would take you for anything but a bushman." Edward Roberts, aged 30, labourer, and Philip Jones (alias "Phil TzLIbot") aged 50, shoemaker and labourer, iudictcd for night poaching, in a deer park belonging to Major Cornwall is West, at Llanfwrog, near Ruthin, and which is occupied by Mr. Thomas Hardcastle Sykes, as a rabbit warren, ou July 16ili last, were found guilty at the Denbighshire Quarter Sessions last Friday. Jones, who is an old offender, was sentenced to 9 months' imprisonment,and Roberts to 3 months. Frederick Bird, who was sent to eighteen months' hard labour by the Flintshiie Court of Quarter Sessions last week, found to his cost that punishment sometimes follows very quickly at the heels of crime, On Monday night he called at the residence of Mr. J. Scott Bankes (the Chairman of the Flintshire Quarter Sessions), where he had previously been employ- ed as butler, and managed to carry away with him a cash box and some 14.-) in money. Mr. Bankes discovered the theft a little before midnight, and, after finding out that Bird had been in the house, at once started in pursuit. Arrived at Mold, he called up Supt. Adams, and together they searched the premises of the Star Hotel, but without finding the criminal. From there they went to the Bear's Head, and in the house discovered Bird in bed, and the stolen money in his pockets. Ou Tuesday he was taken before the magistrates and committed, and on Wednesday, as we have said, he was tried at the Quarter Sessions, where he pleaded guilty and received sentence. AT the Parish Church, Bodfary, last Saturday, a remarkable wedding was celebrated the bridegroom being- 57 years of age, while the bride had seen her 77th summer. THE Duke of Westminster, speaking at the annual meeting of the Church of England Temperance Society, Chester, the other day, congratulated the meeting on the fact that, while the trade of the country was reviving, there seemed also to be a lull in crime and drunkenness. Temperance societies were doing good work, if only because they helped to create and maintain a healthy public opinion on this question. One of the most valuable results of their efforts had been the establishment of cocoa houses, and he hoped to see the day when they would become so prosperous as to be able to afford the employment of duplicate managers, in order that, whether the public-houses were open or closed ou Sundays, the public might have the benefit of these excellent in- stitutions — the cocoa houses — on that day. The public opinion created by temperance societies had done a good work iu the closing of public houses in Ireland and Wales on the Lord's Day, and from his experience in connection with the committee of the House of Lords on Sunday closing for Ireland he be- lioved that public opinion was rapidly coming round to a similar view with respect to England. He would not discuss the question as to houses remaining open an hour during the middle of the day, but felt certain that the whole subject must come prominently forward next session. The great evil appeared rather to be the Saturday night drinking. Undoubtedly, restrictive legislation had done good, and he believed a policy of restriction would be the policy of the future. They had now a House of Commons favour- able to the discussion of this question, and also a favourable Government. (Cheers.) At the same time, regard must be had to the natural requirement-i > of the public, and, while opposed to the drinking of spirits, he considered that beer taken in moderation was not an unwholesome drink. It is rumoured that the Right Hon. John Bright, M.P., will pay a visit to Llandudno during November, when he will be solicited to lay the foundation stone of the new board school. The following inscription was over the gateway of Flint prison written by the late Mr Pennant, who died 1798.—" In the 25th year of his Majesty, George III, in the sheriffalty of Sir Thomas Hanmer, Bart., this prison was erected, instead of the ancient loath some place of confinement, in pity of the misery of even the most guilty to alleviate the sufferings of lesser offenders, or of the innocent themselves, whom the chances of human life may bring within those walls. Done at the expense of the county aided by subscriptions of several of the gentry, who in the midst of distressful days voluntarily took upon them- selves part of the burthen, in compassion to such of their countrymen on whom fortune had been less bounteous of her favours." It would be well for the unfortunate in any station of life if such a tablet was placed over the entrance to the lock-up at Hanmer, County Flint. Unfortunately the above is destroyed at Flint, but recorded in a small work published by J. Poole, Holywell, 1831.-C. J. H.

1ST FLINTSHIRE An CARNARVONSHIRE RIFLE VOLUNTEERS. "C" (Rhyl) Company's Orders for the week ending 4th Nov., 1881 Saturday, 29th Oct., prize shoot- ing at the range in uniform. Rules as to distance, &c., may be seen at the Armoury. Firing to com- mence at 11 o'clock (weather permitting).—Monday, 31st October—Company drill at Rhyl at 7-30 p.m. iu plain clothes.—Thursday, 3rd November—Squad drill at Mostyn at 7-30 p.m.—Friday, 4th November —Squad drill at Rhyl at 7-30 p.m. All persons de- sirous of joining the company are desired to send in their names at once to Sergt. Instructor Morrison. Morley Road, Rhyl, as the Volunteer new year has commenced. (Signed) W. WRIGHT, Major coinmaucling C Company. Rhyl, Oct. 28th, 1881.

ABERGELE. ] ABERGELE AND PEXSARN LOCAL BOARD.—The ad- 1 ourned monthly meeting of this Board was held on Monday, Mr. J. Edwards presiding. The Rev. D. 5vans, vicar, brought forward his motion respecting he abolition of pigstyes at Pensarn, which he now sonfined to those which had been condemned by the nedical officer of health. Mr. Carrington and other nembcrs objected to Abergele being excluded from ts operation, owing to the number of poor men who Lept pigs towards paying their rent. Mr. Copping .dding- that he always contended that the two best hings a poor man could be possessed of were a come- y wife in the cot and a fat pig in the stye (laughter)

FOOTBALL. FIXTURES 1881-2. October 1.5th, 29, Rhyl v. Holywell at Rhyl; Nov' oth, Rhyl v. Mold, at Mold 12th, Rhyl v. Wrex- ham, at Wrexham (cup tie) Dec. 3rd, Rhyl v. Cor" wen, at Rhyl; 10th, Rhyl v. Llanrwst, at Rhyl 17th, Rhyl v. Ruthin, at Ruthin Jan. 7th, Flint- shire v. Ruthin, at Rhyl; 14th, Rhyl v. Mold, at Rhyl; 21st, Rhyl v. Llanrwst, at Llanrwst; Feb. 1th, Flint v. Rhyl, at Rhyl; 20th, Ruthin v. Rhyl, at Rhyl; March 4th, Rhyl v. Flint, at Flint; 25th, Rhyl v. Holywell, at Holywell.—The 2nd Eleven will play as follows: Nov. 5th, Denbigh Colts at Den- bigh 26th, Flint 2nd at Flint; Dec. 3, Llanrwst School at Llanrwst 17th,Colwyn Ocean at Rhyl; Jan. 7th, Flint at Flint 21st, Denbigh Colts at Rhyl; March 4th, Colwyn at Colwyn 18th, Llan- rwst School at Rhyl. RHYL COLTS t'. COLWYN BAY.-A match between the above two clubs was played on Thursday last, at Colwyn Bay, which, after an exciting game, resulted in an easy victory for the Rhyl team by 4 goals to none. This was the first match played this season by the Colts. A MATCH will be played to-day (Saturday) between the Rhyl (Scull aud Cross Bones) and Holywell Clubs on the ground in Wellington Road.

EPPS'S COCOA.—GKATEEUL AXD COMFORTlXH. By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion aDd nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well- selected Cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitu- tion may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency of disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floating around us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping- ourselves weirfortified 1 with pure blood and a properly nourished frame."— Civil Swrice Gazette.—Made simply with boiling water or milk. Sold only in Packets labelled—"JAMES < EPPS k Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, London. "-Also makers of Epps's Chocolate Essence fur aftoruoou use. I

AMERICAN ITEMS. WHAT makes Johnny so cross this morning P Dot up s'urly." A LOWELL, Mass, firm recently sent a lot of bills Wcst for collection. The list came back with the result noted against each name, one being marked, "Dead." Three months after, the same bill got into a new lot that was forwarded, and when the list came back the name was marked" Still dead." LITTLE four-year-old Mary complained to mammathatherbuttonshocswere"hurting." Why, Matie, you've put them on the wrong feet." Puzzled and ready to cry, she made answer What'll I do, mamma ? They's all the feet T've got! AN instructor asked a Freshman girl why beer in French was feminine. She replied that it was probably owing to the fact that the boys liked it so well. BEAUTY and booty," was the cry of the young man who kissed the girl and was kicked by her father. WE had short-cake for tea," said a little girl to a neighbour's boy, to whom she was talking through a fence. So did we," he answered very short-so short it didn't go round." As they were about to quaff, one of the party suddenly called out to another Hello, Dougherty! You drinking whisky ? Sure, it was only yesterday ye towld me ye was a taytotler." "Well," said Mr. Dougherty, evidently somewhat disconcerted, "you're right, Misther Kelly. It's quite right ye are. I'm a tavtotler, it's true; but I'm not a bigoted one." A WARNER lady stopped the milkman as he was passing the house the other day, and inquired the price of milk by the quart, putting up her ear-trumpet to catch the reply. The milkman drew a quart of milk and emptied it into the trumpet, and the result has been that he has to go a mile out of his way to keep out of sight of the lady, who sits on the front porch with a shot-gun watching for him to pass. A BOOK agent, who has retired from active labour upon the hard earned accumulations of a life of industrious cheek, says that the great secret of his success was that when he went to a house where the female head of the family presented herself, he always opened by saying: "'I beg your pardon, miss; but it was your mother I wanted to see.' That always used to get 'em. They not only suhscribed for my books themselves, but they told me where I could find more customers." A CITIZEN who thought to improve a recent suggestion, bought his four-year-old son a scrap-book, some pictures, and a bottle of mucilage, and is astonished at the artistic taste and originality the youth is display- ing. He first spilled the mucilage over the front of his new suit, and the mother has spent time and labour in vain in trying to make the velvet trimming look as well as before. He then conceived and carried out the brilliant idea of fastening together in a pyramid some holiday books on the parlour table, after which he put some pic- tures on the parlour wall, doing his work with great thoroughness, in the idea it was to be a permanent im- provement, as it probably will be. His present daily occupation is to cry for the mucilage, which is resting on a shelf above his reach. A MAN was telling his symptoms—which ap- peared to himself dreadful—to a medical friend, who at each new item of disorder exclaimed, "Charming! De- lightful Pray go on And when he had finished, the doctor said, with the utmost pleasure, Do you know, my dear sir, you have got a complaint which has been for some time supposed so be extinct ? I am so glad A MAX may elude a disagreeable creditor for a long while sometimes, but there's one thing in this un- certain vale of tears he can't dodge. When a sneeze has business with a fellow it always finds him at home. SURELY you must be tired, aunty. I can't think how it is you are able to work so long." "Bless you, my dear, when I onst sits down to it like, I'm just too lazy to leave off." AMERICAN ingenuity has recently revealed itself in an entirely new invention, worthy to rank with the wooden, nutmegs and imitation oats which are reported to have made such a brilliant commercial hit in the days of Sam Slick. It would appear that a Yankee traveller iiji notions" has succeeded in clearing something handsome" during a brief tour through the Canadian frontier districts by selling to the blue noses" an inliuite iitiiiilvr of neatly made-up packets at ten cents apiece, bearing the promising inscription "Certain death to the. potato bug, without the least risk of poisoning other animals, as is the case with Parisian greeit The packet must not be opened until the moment when its contents are to be used. Full instructions as to method of use will be found inside the covering." As the Colorado beetle has been working infinite mischief to the Canadian potato plantations, Certain death to the potato bug found a rapid sale among the farmers on the boundary. When, however, the purchasers of this nostrum opened their respective packets with a view to the utilisation of certain death," they found that they had purchased two thin blocks of plain deal, upon i)iie of which were pasted the following terse and simple instructions —" Place the beetle upon this piece of wood theii squeeze him with the other. If sufficient force be applied his instant demise will ensue!" A WELL-KNOWN brass and string band pro- fessor was interviewed the other morning by a man who wanted a situation in the band. What can you play ?" asked the professor. I ain't much for fiddiiii' replied the man, but, if you want wind stuffed into a cornet, or wind belted out of a brass drum, I'm your oyster." He was engaged. ENGLISH juries are sometimes liable to make a bull as well as their Irish brothers. On a recent trial, where a railway porter was charged with stealing a salmon which had dropped upon the platform from a parcel, the-jury brought in a verdict that he did not steal it, but took it with the intention of making it his own property." THE question, "Whoever heard of a tongue- tied barber is answered by The Philadelphia Bulle- tin His tongue tied was like that of Tennyson's brook. It flowed on for ever." l, WHj,s- I wath a little boy," lisped a very stupid society man to a young lady, all my ideath in life were thenterell on being a clown." Well, there is at least one case of gratified ambition," was the replv. THE other evening. Mrs. Kennedy was dressed and ready to go to the party at Mrs. Lane's, when Mr. ]\. came in weariug a beaming smile and carrying a small package in his hand. I have a surprise for you, my lie said-a lovely little present." "Oh, how nice!" "Something original too, my dear—altogether original. It's an ornament for the hair. Just sit down and let me arrange it. Now shut your eyes until I tell you. to look in the glass." "Oh, how kind of you, 'lTu"tus; I was just wishing'I had some- thing that would :tstoni,-h those stuck-up Lanes." "It'll just paralyse' the whole set," said Kennedy, working away among his wife's frizzes ? You remember reading about that countess who is making such a ensa. tion wearing a live beetle Yes, indeed; is it some- thing alive? How delightful!" "Well, this beats a beetle all hollow. It's just the sweetest little live mousi —" The impression gained by the neighbours just then was that a keg of gunpowder, or something, had exploited in the Kennedy mansion and, as that gentleman has since circulated a report that lie had cut himself badly by being thrown out of a dogcart, it is fair to suppose his experiment in jewellery failed. 11 A HANDBILL announcing a temperance pic-nic, < was conspicuously headed 11 "'Take notice,' I ] suppose," said a man who stopped to read it. "Oh no," i replied his friend- '110 beer:' ] ( OMPLIMENTS may be offered in all sincerity, ] and yet have a very equivocal sound, as in the case of the ( city kllight nnable to aspirate the letter" h," who, being < deputed to address "William III., exclaimed, "Futuro 1 ages, recording your Majesty's exploits, will pronounce < YOU to have been a Nero." J A FOKEIGN journal says Poe's "Raven" was borrowed from the Persian. If Poe was alive, lie would doubtless deny the fowl-as-Persia n! How much will a fool weigh ?—A simple-ton, of course. Ax envious paragrapher i-eiual-lis It has been observed that the lady with a diamond ring will 1 scratch her nose in a given period four times as often as any other woman." J

THANKSGIVING SERVICES AT RHYL. It has become quite an annual custom in Rhyl to devote a day to return thanks for the harvest. Thursday last was the appointed day this year, and as usual all the places of business were closed, and the town generally wore a decided holiday appearance. The Nonconformists held services in the different places of worship,in the following order :-The Welsh services commenced at 7.0 a.m., at the Brunswick School-room, and was conducted by the Rev. Hugh Jones. The Rev. J. J. Williams conducted the second service at the Welsh Baptist Chapel, at 10 a.m., when an excellent address was delivered by the Rev. Hugh Jones. At 2 p.m., the Rev. Hugh Jones again conducted the service at the Brunswick Welsh Wesleyan Chapel to a crowded congregation, and Mr. Jones (in the absence of the Rev. D. Charles Evans, who was appointed to address the congregation), delivered an able speech. At 6 p.m., the large Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Clwyd Street, was srammed. This service was conducted by Mr. Edward Roberts, Llys Aled (in the absence of the Rev. J. Ogwen Jones, B.A.), and the Rev. J. J. Williams addressed the congregation. This, undoubtedly, was bhe best meeting during the day, and the singing leserves special mention. An English service was held in the English Wesleyan Chapel, at 10.30 i.m., when addresses were delivered by the Rev.. E. Lloyd Jones and Dr. Raby. At 7 p.m., a prayeir meeting was held in the same place of worship. At 3.30 p.m., a prayer meeting was held at the English Jongregational Chapel. Water Street, and an address was delivered by the pastor, the Rev. Aaron Francis. Jollectiots were made at these services towards the British Schools. An English service was held in St. Thomas's I Dhurch, at 10.30 a.m., when an appropriate sermon vas preached by the Rev. Canon Wynne Edwards, 'rom Acts, 2nd chapter, 16th verse. In the evening, ] it 6.30, the same reverend gentleman preached in tVelsh at the Trinity (Welsh) Church from the 1st I Epistle of St. John, 4th chapter, 16tli verse, when Jwain Alaw's anthem, Gwrandewch, y nefoedd," ] vas sung. Collections were made at these services < ;owards the Church Missionary Society. ] In addition to the above services, prayer meetings 1 vere held in connection with the harvest thanksgiving ] it Bethel, Vale-road, on Wednesday night, and at < Warren-road Chapel last night. ] Thanksgiving services were also held on Thursday ast at Dyserth and Meliden. I

RHYL. WE regret to learn that Mr Commissioner Williams, West Parade, is seriously indisposed. ON Wednesday last a society tea meeting was held in Morlev-road schoolroom. The tables were presided over by Mrs Jones (Morley-road) and Mrs Daniels, and all seemed to enjoy the good things pro- vided. After tea a fellowship meeting was held, con- ducted by the Rev. Fred. Payne, who suitably ad- dressed the meeting, and alluded to the proposed "Punshon Memorial Chapel at Colwyn Bay, and which he hoped would prove a blessing to the neigh- bourhood. Several other members spoke of the im- portance of helping on the work of God in the circuit. After prayer and praise the meeting ended with the benediction. AMONGST those lost by the capsizing of the life-boat off Douglas Bay last week, was Herbert Jones (one of the crew of the ship Lebu). Deceased was the son of our respected townsman, Mr R. P. Jones, of the Dudley Arms Hotel, for whom much sympathy is felt in the sad bereavement. THE annual preaching meeting of the Welsh Bap- tists will be held on the 13th and 14th of next month, when the Revs. J. Robinson (Llansilin) and W. Wil- liams (Liverpool) are expected to officiate. BY our advertising columns it will be seen that Messrs E. T. Smith & Co. have taken to the station- ery business lately carried on by Mr W. A. Nott. A DASTARDLY ACT. -During his residence here no man has been the subject of so much personal abuse by anonymous scribblers than the Rev. Duncan Macgregor, and oven when he was on the point of leaving Rhyl for a foreign country some evil-disposed and cowardly person circulated a printed sheet con- taining the most virulent abuse we have read of any man, and stating that which the author knows per- fectly well to be utterly false. Not satisfied with libelling Mr Macgregor the author steps out of his way to introduce Mrs Macgregor's name in the most un- warrantable manner. The writer is ashamed of his own conduct, otherwise he would have given Mr Macgre- gor an opportunity of repelling his base assertions in a court of law. It is a pity such men as the author of the sheet under notice is allowed to be at large. Their proper place is the prison, doing duty on the treadmill. Perhaps before long we shall hear of him being there. SPECIAL SERVICES will be held in the English Wes- leyan Chapel the second week in November, conduct- eel by the Rev. Edward Smith, a very successfu evangelist., 1 We understand that Mr J.'B. Laurence, of the Belvoir Hotel, has been summoned to appear at the petty sessions on Monday, to answer a charge of keeping his hotel open in contravention of the Welsh Sunday Closing Act. Of course this will be test case and as Mr Laurence is keenly alive to the interests of the Trade," a stubborn defence may be anticipated. The annual riflo competition of the Rhyl company of volunteers takes place to-day. A report of the pro. ceeding will be published in:oiir next issue. The entertainments in the pier pavilion were brought to a close for the season on Monday evening, with the performance of Ingomar, the barbarian." A porch is being erected at the Water-street entrance of the market-hall. This addition will be an improvement to the hall, ana will, doubtlessly, add to the comfort of the stall-holders and their customers. Miss AMY NEILSON'S Variety Entertainment at the Winter Gardens, on Monday evening, we are pleased to chronicle, met with the support that their sterling abilities truly merited the arrangements being most satisfactory, and the programme strictly adhered to. The opening sketch, After Marriage," found much favour with the audience, frequent bursts of applause testifying their satisfaction. Miss Neilson. with Mr Towers, appeared again in the final item, and created roars of laughter by the eccentric manner in which the novel Dundreary attempted to "poptheques tion."