The Aberystwith Observer

LIEBIG'S COMPANY'S EXTRACT OF L MEAT. Only genuine when Baron Liebig's (Inventor's) signature is on the Jar. Retail, 2s. 2 oz. (equivalent to one penny) half a pint of best beef tea. Sold by Chemists & Grocers. FORTNIGHTLY STEAMERS, LONDON TO XF.W YORK.—WILJ.IAM PEXN, CELLA, ATALAXTA, BELLO\\ 1X1)1 YNA leave Victoria Docks alternate Satur- days. Passengers of all classes taken at the lowest rates. Apply for particulars to SMITH, SUNDIUS, and Co., 17, GRACE- C'HURCH STREET, LONDON. DR. HAMILTON'S NEURO TONIC" is, without doubt, the sovereign remedy for Nervousness and Debility, l'tice lis. and 33s. per case. Sent all over the world. J. HAMILTON, M l)., 404, Oxford-street. YOUR FUTURE FORETOLD—Madame DE VERE will reveal by CLAIRVOYANCE, Second Sight, and Perception, the thoughts an(intent;ons of those in any part of the world. Give age and sex. Fourqucsnonsansweredtor nine stamps and stamped envelope.- ,52, Meeting House-lane, Brighton, Sussex. TO CONSUMPTIVES. DR. II. JAMES, the retired physician, continues to send by post, free of charge, to all who desire it, the co;.t- of the prescription by which his daughterwas restored to perfect health from confirmed consumption, after having been given up by her physician, and despaired of by her lather. Sent free to all on receipt of one stamp. Address, O. P. BuO"W>, Secretary, Xo. 2, King-street, Covent Garden, London.

TREGARON MONTHLY MARKET. "VTOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That a License _Li has been granted for holding Monthly Markets for the Sale of Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, &c.,atTrfgaron, and the same will be held regularly on the TUESDAY next preceding the first Wednesday in every month. BY ORDER.

THE COUNTY GAOL. THE position of the county gaol, or more properly the seat of the county assizes for Car- diganshire, is a question that does not affect Aberystwyth especially, but the whole county generally. It is not what a single town will gain in the decision of the committee of magis- trates formed to fix upon the best site we have to take into consideration: it is the economy and convenience to the general public. To Aberystwyth (seemingly paradoxically, but really truthfully) the gain would be a loss, if it were fixed upon as the assize town of the county. Some of the most experienced magis- trates, merchants, and lawyers, in and about Aberystwyth, are of opinion that financially the most advantageous course for the town to pursue would be to separate itself from the county. If the gaol and assizes come here this cannot naturally in any reason be done. We have set ourselves against the opinion of such gentlemen because we believe that the interests of the county at large are to be considered be- fore those of the town of Aberystwyth in par- ticular. It is a question simply for the consi- deration of the county. If the committee fixes upon Aberystwyth as the proper site for the gaol, Aberystwyth must perforce consent to become so. But should Aberystwyth be passed over, she will have a very fair excuse (if excuse be required where right exists) to seek for a separation from the county, from the connec- tion with which she gains nothing at all, and towards the payment of whose rates she contri- butes about one-sixth. We repeat, this is a question that concerns the county generally, It is not a party question-it is a question af- fecting every ratepayer in the county. Aber- ystwyth could, if it were so disposed, create its own Recorder, have its own gaol, appoint its own police, at a figure far under what it now pays to the county and the heavy burden of county rate which it now supports would be thrown upon the ratepayers of the county proper. We understand that we have been rather roughly handled by certain residents of Cardi- gan, Aberayron, and Lampeter, for the argu- ments we recently urged in favour of Aberyst- wyth being fixed upon as the proper site for the county gaol, and consequently the proper seat of the assizes. It is easy enough to abuse an argument, to be sure; but it is not always so easy to refute it. We here respectfully challenge any gentleman who believes that we dealt unfairly with the question to point out in what material argument we failed, and we hereby promise his reply the full benefit of whatever our circulation may be. We do not favour one town as against another from any private or personal feeling we simply contrast them on their relative merits, and seek to show the loss the county at large is likely to suffer by alienating Aberystwyth, a loss which it is not in the power of any other town in the county to inflict upon it. As we said in a former article, Cardigan is out of all question, its only claim to considera- tion being the existence of a crumbling ruin which would cost much more to keep in repair than it would take to build a new gaol. Lam- peter has a railway, but no proper accommo- dation Aberayron has accommodation, after a fashion, but no railway and Cardigan has neither a railway nor accommodation. This is really a very serious question a question in which no special pleading should be resorted to; a question to be plainly put thus: can the county afford to quarrel with Aberystwyth ? and if it can afford to do, will it go to the expense of doing so? The ratepayers of the county as a body should be made to un- derstand the matter clearly. If, for the per- sonal gratification or gain of one or two influ- ential individuals, Aberystwyth is to be robbed of its just rights, there is no question but Aber- ystwyth will, as it can, divorce itself from the county, and so throw upon the general rate- payer the immense amount of taxation which the town at present contributes. In case of a rupture between Aberystwyth and the county, it is the general ratepayer who would have to suffer, and suffer simply for the aggrandise- ment or ambition of a few selfish individuals. Let us once more state the claims of Aber- ystwyth—its population, wealth, position. The population of Aberystwyth is,greater than that of all the other towns in the county twice told its wealth is shown by the taxation that it pays; and of all the towns in the county, its position is by far the most centra] with respect to t) e whole population. Then it possesses the incalculable advantage of a convergence of railways from the north and from the south. If^AberaJron enjoyed the benefit of railway communication it would, next to Aberystwyth, be the most suitable position, because, besides being by far more central ;t £ ian Lampeter or Cardigan, it possesftasaocoinmodation unknown to either of the otli £ r ^wo towns. Cut, unfor- tunately forAberayrttn, it has no railway corn- municát1on-, \+Id-,thi", ohjection is insurmount- able. Of course the inhabitants of Aberayron may reply that they intend to have a railway some day. Good intentions are very good things in their way, but this is a live horse till the grass grows" argument, which, in the language of the classics, won't wash." Added to the other numerous advantages which Aber- ystwyth possesses, is a large and commodious court-house, with cells beneath for the prison- ers, and retiring and dressing-rooms for the judges and the members of the bar. The town itself affords every accommodation for all classes from the judges to the petty jurors. It has some of the best hotels in the kingdom, besides numerous inns and taverns of every degree, and lodging-houses of every rank, out of number. Then, for nine-tenths of the whole population of the county, Aberystwyth is more easily and more cheaply reached than any other spot that fcould be fixed upon as a site for the gaol and assizes; and if the gaol were here, the present expense of conveyance of prisoners would be reduced by considerably more than one-half. We repeat, we are not advocating the cause of Aberystwyth so much as that of the county of Cardigan at large. It is the general body of ratepayers we plead for, not any special sec- tion of that body. The claims of Aberystwyth are so clear that they must speak trumpet- tongued for the town itself. And if our argu- ments tend in any way to lead the attention of the bench of magistrates, who have the custody of the county, to examine into the effect their decision as to Aherystwyth becoming the assize town will have upon the general ratepayer, we shall not have written in vain. The ques- tion affects the whole county as one community, and it behoves the magistracy to weigh well the arguments upon all sides, to debate them calmly and fairly, nor allow any feeling of party or prejudice to tinge the even tenor of their deliberations. The facts we have set before the public speak for themselves, and in the face of these facts we cannot see how the magis- trates can come to any sensible decision other than that of fixing upon Aberystwyth as the proper site for the county gaol.

THE WATER QUESTION. THE second of the three schemes suggested tor supplying Aberystwyth with water was brought forward at the commissioners' meeting of last Tuesday week by Dr. Williams. It is difficult to determine what might have been the effect of Dr. Williams's advocacy if the advocate had been vouchsafed a patient hear- ing. But Dr. Williams did not get a fair and patient hearing; in fact, he was treated with considerable discourtesy, which, however, was not premeditated. Dr. Williams has, in a great measure, himself to thank for the failure of a fair hearing to his motion. He was unable to bring it, on in consequence of the transaction of other business, until a quarter to one o'clock, and he ought to have felt, as a medical man and a brother, that the commissioners would not consent to sacrifice the claims of so many substantial dinners at the theoretical altar of his water works. It was suggested to Dr. Wil- liams, by the chairman, by Mr John Davies, and others, that the hour was too far advanced to enter into the discussion of his scheme; but in consequence of an objection of Mr William Thomas to call another special meeting, an objectionwhich contained a considerable amount of plausibility, and of the interruptions of Mr Szlumper, which were certainly out of order, Dr. Williams elected to proceed with his state- ment. The mayor suggested to Dr. Williams the propriety of postponing the discussion of his scheme to the following ordinary meeting, but Dr. Williams's reply to this was, that ob- stacles of a similar nature to those which pre- vented his motion being taken into early con- sideration at the present meeting might then also occur. That was true enough; but then they might not; and it was offered to Dr. Wil- liams to give himself the benefit of the doubt. He elected otherwise, and the consequence is that his scheme has been shelved for the pre- sent. Like Mr Pell's scheme, however, Dr. Williams's may be revived, and he is even more justly entitled than is Mr Pell to have the dis- cussion of his scheme gone into again, because, whilst Mr Pell's scheme was fully discussed at I several meetings, Dr. Williams was scarcely j granted a hearing for the statement of his. The meeting was unjust to Dr. Williams, who had bestowed so much time and trouble upon the question, at the same time that Dr. Wil- liams was unwise to himself. For the sake of the town let us have a look at Dr. Williams's scheme as its merits have up to the present been placed before us. Dr. Williams tells us that the three grand objections raised to his scheme, the purity of the water, the sufficiency of supply, and the difficulty of obtaining the consent of the owner of the estate, he has overcome. As to the first, Dr. Williams has, through Mr. Taylor, been enabled to procure very flattering evidence from Mr H. E. Roscoe, professor of chemistry in Owen's College. But an opinion of certainly no less weight was obtained seventeen years ago of the water with which Mr Pell proposed to supply the town, and of the quality of which Dr. Williams and Dr. Gilbertson so strongly disapproved. According to the testimony of the renowned analytical chemist, William Herapath, of Bristol, furnished on the 30th December, I860, the component parts of the water with which the present reservoir is sup- plied is per gallon as follows: Nitrate of Magnesia ,4] 6, say 4-1 Oth ofagrain Common Salt >704, — 7-10th ditto Sulphate of Magnesia ,800, — 8-10th ditto Sulphate of Lime ,080, — l-12th ditto Organic Matter a trace only Silica dissolved 1,120, say 11 -8th ditto Grains .3,120 say 3 l-8th Mr Herapath goes on to say that "all the solid matters contained in one gallon of water amount only to 3 l-8th grains. This is a much smaller quantity than I generally find in spring waters. "It is a remarkably soft water, indicating only 2° of hardness by Clarke's scale; whereas the waters of London are from 12 to 14° of hardness, and those of Bristol from 14 to 16°. I should have added that amongst the saline and gaseous ingredients there is nothing in- jurious or unpleasant." So that supposing the water has not, since the date of Mr Herapath's analysis, deterio- rated in quality, Dr. Williams gains nothing over Mr Pell in this part of the argument; on the contrary, Mr Pell's water is rather the purer of the two. As to the second objection, that of a suffici- -ency of supply, to Dr. Williams' plan, which that gentleman says he ha overcome, where, we ask, are the positive proofs of the stability of his statement? He is prepared, be says, to pro- duce old inhabitants who can state that the there is water constantly running, No doubt he can; but the question remains, would the testimony of these old people be held sufficient alone to justify the town in laying out 3,0001. (Dr. Williams's own estimate) upon the scheme? We must have clearer evidence than this we submit. It will not do to be as credulous as poor Claude Melnotte, who —" Thought of tales that by the winter hearth Old gossips tell." We must have indisputable evidence on this point. Lastly, as to the third objection, which was suggested to the scheme the difficulty of oL. taining the consent of Col. Powell and his heir to carry away that water. Dr. Williams as- sures the meeting that not only does Colonel Powell not object to the scheme, but be wholly approves of it." This is gratiiying so far. It would have been still more gratifying to the public, however, if Dr. Williams had been en- abled to repeat the precise words in which this privilege was promised, thereby showing the precise terms on which it would be given. As to any objection which might be raised by Mr George Powell, Dr. Williams disposed of that at once, by stating that they were totally inde- pendent of that gentleman. It will be seen, however, from a letter of Dr. Williams, which appears in another column, that the words he used did not convey his proper meaning. That Dr. Williams meant no discourtesy to Mr Powell we do not for a moment hesitate to be- lieve, for in the first place he is too much the gentleman to be discourteous to any one and in the next place a tone of discourtesy towards Mr Powell could tend to no desirable result; for without the co-operation of Mr Powell— the opinion of any bumptious lawyer to the contrary notwithstanding—a lease of sufficient length could not be granted, which would jus- tify the town in the outlay of a large amount of money on Dr. Williams' scheme. Dr. Wil- liams meant to say, doubtless, what is contained in his letter but owing to the confusion and irregularity which arose towards the close of the meeting, our report contained simply what Dr. Williams did say, not what he intended to say. As to Mr Powell's co-operation, we have reason to believe that it will be freely bestowed on this or any other scheme which may be shown to him will prove beneficial to the town. We have gone rather fully into the merits and demerits of Dr. Williams' scheme, and so far it does not appear to us to be an unobjection- able one but we must repeat that Dr. Wil- liams, who, for the time and talent he has de- voted, and the attention he has voluntarily bestowed on the matter, is entitled to the thanks of the town at large, has not been fairly treated. He is entitled to a further and a more patient bearing. Such an opportunity may give the battle to his hands;" and such an opportunity, if it prove itself a victory to Dr. Williams, may also prove an incalculable advantage to the town. We have suggested all the objections that at present occur to us, to Dr. Williams's plan, not, we am sure he will believe us, in any spirit of ungenerous opposition, but for the sake of attracting his attention now to possible difficulties which hereafter, when too late, he might find it impossible to overcome. We did the same for Mr Pell's plan we mean to do the like for Mr Szlumper's when it is brought forward. In so doing we are acting in the truest interests of the town; because we be- lieve that the author of any scheme which is a sound one will be able to explain away every difficulty as it arises.

LOOAL. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, ABERYSTWYTH. Monday, 27th January, 1868. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Poor Law Guardians was held in the board-room of the Union Workhouse on Monday last. The guardians present were—G. W. Parry, Esq., chairman, John Hughes, Esq., vice-chairman, Messrs. John Jones (Commerce House), John Watkins, Richard Morris, Lewis Jone3, William Mason, John Morgan, William Jones, D. Jacob Davies, James Jones, and Daniel Morris. Dr. Roberts was also present Dr. James was absent, in consequence of having met with a severe accident.

THE COUNTY GAOL. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWX COUNCIL. A special meeting of the town council was held at the Town-hall on Tuesday last. The members of the body present were—Richard Roberts, Esq., mayor, in the chair, alderman John Roberts, coun- cillors John Matthews, Philip Williams, John Rees, Richard Morris, John Watkins, Hugh Hughes, David Roberts, Thomas O. Morgan, and the town clerk, Mr Parry. Mr Parry explained that the meeting was called by the mayor, in consequence of his having received the following letter from Col. Lewes, the chairman of the gaol committee :— Llanlear, Talsarn, Carmarthen, 25th January, 18G8. Sir,—With reference to a memorial forwardad by you to the committee appointed to consider a site for the erection of a new prison, in a central part of the county, I have to request you will afford the com- mittee, on or before the 1st February next, such in- formation on the subject of obtaining land for a site as you may be able to obtain from landowners, near Aberystwyth, more especially as regards position, and the terms on which it may be obtained. The quantity required will be about 3 acres, more or less, and the committee will proceed to view it on Saturday next, the 1st February, at one o'clock. You are requested to state in repty the exact spot, so that the committee may, on arrival, at once pro- coed to business. A letter posted on Thursday evening will reach me here on Friday. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, J. LEVCKS, Chairman. The meeting then went into the discussion of various sites fur the erection of a gaol. Mr Szlumper said that the gaol in Cardigan was built upon something under three-quarters of an acre of land. He thought the best sites would be that between the new barracks and the workhouse, and that of Plascrug. The general feeling of the meeting appeared to be in favour of Plascrug, but several other sites were suggested. Mr Parry proposed appointing a small deputation from the town council to meet the committee of magistrates on Saturday next. It was arranged that the mayor reply to Col. Lewes, informing him that the town was prepared to suggest several sites for the building of the county gaol. Mr T. O. Morgan proposed the castle grounds as a proper site. Mr Matthews and Mr D. Roberts opposed.| |They asserted that the adoption of the castle grounds would be the destruction of the town. The deputation fixed to wait on the committee of magistrates were the mayor, Mr Thomas Jones, Mr T. 0, Morgan, Mr John Matthews, and Mr Hugh Hughes (the treasurer). +

THE GOGERDDAN RENT AUDIT. The spring rent audit of this vast estate, the pro- perty of Sir Pryse Pryse, Bart., was held last week at the Gogerddan Arms, (Lion Hotel,) in this town. There was a satisfactory and numerous attendance. The tenantry were in the afternoon entertained at din- ner by their landlord. Mr J. G. Williams, the agent of the estate, taking the head of the table. After din- ner the usual loyal toasts were proposed and heartily responded to. The healths of Sir Pryse Pryse, Lady Pryse, and Col. Pryse, M.P., were drunk with great enthusiasm. Several other toasts were also honoured amongst them, those of Mr Williams, the chairman, and Mrs Barlow, by whom the banquet was pro- vided. It is bare justice to remark that the dinner provided by Mrs Barlow was of that excellent class for which this old established house has been so long and so justly famous.

+ FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE MANCHESTER AND MILFORD LINE. A platelayer named William Bevan was run over and killed on Thursday last, by the train which leaves here at 2 30 p.m. The unfortunate deceased had been at work on the line when he heard the whistle of the approaching train. He got out of the way himself, but perceiving that he bad left his shovel across the line he made an attempt to remove it, and in the act of doing so was struck down by the engine and killed on the spot. The accident occurred between the Lampeter and Llanybyther stations.

ACCIDENT ON THE CAMBRIAN RAILWAY. The train due in Aberystwyth at 10 50 on Thurs- day night did not reach here till 7 50 on Friday morning. The great and disagreeable delay was caused by an accident near the Llanbrynmair sta- tion, which, happily, was attended with no conse- quence more serious than that of detaining the pas- sengers some seven or eight hours on the road. We understand that the accident was caused by the points near the station being wrongly placed, in consequence of which the engine and tender were thrown off the line.

BANQUET TO THE RAILWAY OFFICIALS. A banquet to the lesser officials of the Cambrian and Manchester & Milford lines of railway was given on Thursday evening week, at the Railway Terminus Tavern. The chair was occupied by Dr. C. Rice Williams, and the vice-chair by Mr Holroyde (engineer of the southern line). Nearly 100 partook of supper, which was most admirably served. Several toasts were proposed—amongst others those of the traffic-managers and engineers of both lines, and of Mr Gowan Clarke, station master, Aberystwvth. The viands were of the best quality, and admirably cooked, and the consumption of liquor was beyond compute.

PETTY SESSIONS, LLANBADARN. Wednesday, 28th January, 1868. Before J. G. W. Bonsall, Esq., and John M. Davies, Esq. EJECTMEXT. Richard Morris v. William Davies. Thomas Thomas, sworn: I served a copy of the notice produced personally on the defendant, on the 21st inst., and read over and explained it to him. Richard Morris, sworn; I let the premises in question to defendant in April, 1864. He has two r loms, at the rent of 3" 6d. a month, which he has plid regularly until the 3rd August last. Thomas Lewis, sworn I distrained on the defen- dant's effects, but gave no notice. William Davies, sworn: I admit having been served with a notice to quit in August. I was to quit in September. Order made to issue a warrant of ejectment. ASSAULT. Rees Morgan v. Daniel Daniel, David Daniel, sen., and David Daniel, jun. Rees Morgan, sworn: I live at Cefnfuches, near Dyffryncastell. About a quarter past ten on Satur- day night last myself and another were returning home from Ponterwyd. When about 200 yards from Ponterwyd Bridge one of the defendants, David Daniel, jun., came to me and wanted to-fight. My friend went on, and I told David Daniel I was going home. The other defendants then came up, and Daniel Daniel struck me on my eye, till I was on the ground. The mark on my eye is to be seen now. David Daniel, sen., then caught hold of my feet and threw me, and Daniel Daniel kicked me when on the ground. David Daniel, jun., did not strike me, but only wanted to fight. John Jones came back when he heard me call, and helped me. When going home I found I was spitting blood, which nearly took away my breath. el John Jones, sworn I am a miner, living at Fag- wrfawr. I was with complainant when the row took place. Heard angry words between complainant and David Daniel, jun. I went on, but hearing a noise I turned back. I saw complainant getting up from the ground, but I did not see his face. I was about 100 yards from the parties when the row was going on. Complainant was very much abased. Daniel Daniel asked me not to say anything about what had taken place. David Morgan, sworn I live at Ponterwyd. Was with David Daniel, jun., on the night spoken of. Wo met complainant, and they challenged each other to fight. David Daniel, sen., only separated the parties. I saw Daniel Daniel kick the complainant whpn he was standing up. David Daniel, sen., was discharged. David Daniel, jun., and Daniel Daniel, were fined 10s. each, with costs.

RESTORATION OF THE ANCIENT PARISH CHL'HCH OF LLANBADAUN-FAWR, CAR- DIGANSHIRE. The committee engaged in carrying out the above good work met at the vicarage on Saturda}r, the 26th January, to receive the tenders for the contract fur the first of the two portions into which the work has been divided by the architect, J. P. Seddon, Esq Park-street, Westminster, viz., the restoration of the nave and porch. The following is a list of the tenders Mr Peter Price, Cardiff £ 2,415 Mr George Lumley, Aberystwyth 2,362 Mr Thomas Williams, Cardiff 2,311 Mr Roderick Williams, Aberystwyth 2,3!)0 Mr Thomas Edwards, Llanbadarn 2,240 Mr Thomas Davies, Aberystwyth 1,885 Messrs. R. Anderson & Sons, L'pool 1,747 Mr Thomas Chester, Aberystwyth 1,600 Messrs. C. J. Davies & T. W. James 1,591 Messrs. John Jones & Son, Strata Florida 1,106 The secretary was l-equested to send a list of the tenders to the architect, and the consideration of the question was adjourned to the next meeting—the committee not feeling justified in entering into a contract until they have in hand a larger sum than they have at present. Arrangements were accord- ingly made for collecting the subscriptions already promise d, and the obtaining of further subscriptions. We have been informed that some highly respect- able parties taking a warm interest in the restoration of this fine old church, are apprehensive that in the carrying out of that laudable and necessary object the building may suffer loss to its peculiarly inte- resting architectural character. To remove such misapprehensions, and in justification of the com- mittee and of the eminent architect to whom they have entrusted the work, we have great pleasure in giving insertion to the following letters, which were read at the meeting Extract from a letter dated 20th January, 1868, from the Rev. a member of the committee of E.I.B.A. for the conservation of ancient monu- ments, to Esq., another member of that body,- "I am in great misery about Llanbadarn-fawr church, near Aberystwyth, Wales. I see by certain advertisements in the Builder," and" Building News," the church is going to have its nave, porch, and I do not know what, all rebuilt. Now it is one of the finest early English churches I know. Its grandeur consists in the perfect simpli- city of its character and the evident massiveness of its walls. I cannot conceive a necessity for rebuild- ing any part of it, though careful repair is undoubted- ly wanted. There is, I think, a crack in the west wall, which may require a little reconstruction, and the front of south porch is of no value, being appa- rently modern, with an ill-shaped, pointed eloorway, without chamfer or moulding. The south door itself is a magnificent early English one, with shafted jambs and mouldings in the arch, enriched capitals, &c.—in fact, almost the only ornamented part of the church. Some of the mouldings are a bit decayed, but if protected by a porch would, I suppose, be sa:e from further mischief, and certainly look more venerable. They are even in their present state more valuable than if restored in the best way. I do not know what may be the internal condition of the walls, but I suspect they are sound enough, and would require very partial, if [,ny, rebuilding. To meddle with the windows, except in the way of necessary repair, would be barbarous. Now, is there any way of conveying a remons trance in any quarter ? I see Mr Seddon is the architect." January 21st, 1868. "Dear Seddon -As I think vou are a member of the committee of the R I.B A. "for the conservation of ancient monuments—at any rate I am—I think I may venture to send you an extract from a letter I have just received from Mr respecting a may venture to send you an extract from a letter I have just received from Mr respecting a monument which he fears may suffer loss of charac- ter and if he be rightly informed that you are the architect, I am sure that your sympathies will be with him, and you may perhaps be able to tell me something that may comfort him about it. It is nevertheless true that restoration committees are apt to go very much beyond their architect's advice, and, as 1 know, to do things against which they protest. I should be very glad to be able to satisfy Mr that nothing will be done to spoil Llanbadarn church. Yours very truly, P.S. Please return Mr -Is sketch. 12, Park-street, S.W., 22nd January, 1868 Llanbadarn Church. My dear ,— Many thanks to you for your kind and courteous letter, enclosing one from the Rev. on the subject of Llanbadarn church. Any remarks from a gentleman I esteem so highly, and whose jealous care on such a theme I can thoroughly sympathise with, should have had my best attention had itoccurredc to him, as it did to you, to address me at once. It would have been some gratification to me if there had been any expression in his letter of the merest supposition that the work being, as it states, in my hands, some care might be expected to pre- vent any acts of Vandalism being done. I can, how- ever, only take it as it stands, and show you that the assumptions in it are based upon the mistaken, though well-meant, judgment of an amateur. I would in the first instance state that I will yield not even to Mr ———— in anxious desire to preserve this and all other interesting old buildings as in- tact as possible, and I accepted the commission of the committee with nervousness, as knowing that the problems it would present would be unusually difficult, and that however they may be solved the method adopted would be sure to be called in question. I am glad, therefore, that the matter has been mooted thus eany, while there is time to adopt any advice or suggestions of value, and whi e any -assertions not founded on fact can be rebutted whilst evidence exists. My first course was to advise the committee to put the restoration of the nave and porch into the hands of a builder in whom I had confidence, and who would have taken up the matter with me, as a labour of love, and by whom I should have felt sure that no more than was necessary would have been done. The committee replied however that, as dealing with public furids, they felt that they could not avoid putting out the work to competition, but gave me to understand that no builder I did not approve should be employed. This being the case I divided the work into two portions—the nave and porch, the restoration required to which amount nearly to re- building. and the remainder of the church, for which restoration would suffice. The latter, I have urged, should be postponed until the builder chosen for the first work has proved himself trustworthy, and has been thoroughly instructed as to the class of work required. As regards the nave and porch, the work needed does amount almost to rebuilding—so nearly that, to put the matter fairly before builders, I was forced to take out the whole as new, for, although I hope to preserve portions, it is probable that it will not be less costly to do so, and our quantities and contract permit us to claim as reductionJ all that I may find practicable to preserve. The roof (not original, so low as to cut across the upper west window,; is decayed and dangerous, and ha* thrust out f'K- side w ills, so tiiut the western end is r *i;t on each .side from top to bcttcm. The south wall is still more seriously fractured, and overhangs its base 13 inches. The north wall has an external pro- file thus, and the top overhangs the base some inches, and it is, in my opinion, dislocated and disintegrated within—how far, until we take off the top, I cannot say, but I hope to retain part of the north wall. The noble entrance doorway I hope to preserve in silu and intact The windows need only repair; the walls will be as massive as now. The entire build- ing, though early English in plan and many details, has been almost rebuilt at different dates, and a con- siderable portion within 40 years. I have had most absolutely careful drawings of the structure taken, showing every deviation from the proper lines of roofs and walls, and spire (which is also dangerously decayed), and these, with my proposed course of action, I should be happy to lay before "the committee" of the "Royal Institute of Architects for the conservation of ancient monu- ments," of which you are a member, and I should be thankful for their advice, as I should have been for that of Mr had it been tendered to me. I am, my dear Sir, very truly yours, JOHN P. SEDDON." January 23rd, 1868. My dear Seddon,—Many thanks for your kind letter, which I forwarded to Mr —————, and it cannot fail to reassure him that all proper steps will be taken in the re-edification of Llanbadarn church. I ought to have explained more fully in writing to you that Mr .'s letter to me was quite a pri- vate letter, and not in the least written as to a mem- ber of the R. 1. B. A. ancient monuments conser- vation committee. Moreover, it is probable that he had only just read of the proposed rebuilding, and, perhaps, scarcely thought himself sufficiently sure that you were the architect, or that he was suffici- ently well known to you personally to address you directly on the point. There can be no doubt what- ever that he intended no slight to you, and I will warrant that the passages in your letter indicating a feeling of that kind will bring a proper disclaimer from him of any such idea You did not send me back his sketch. Yours very truly, [Our reason for omitting the nnmes of the writers of some of the above letters is, that the committee did not, in the absence of permission by the writers to disclose their names, feel justified in doing so. V\ e have, however, been kindly permitted in confl- uence an inspection of the original letters, and can vouch for their having been written by persons of uc- knowledged practical taste in, and true lovers of, an- cient church architecture. Mr Seddon's capabilities for the difficult task he has undertaken are so well known and universally admitted that it is unneces- sary for us to enlarge upon them. We will, there- fore, simply confine ourselves to congratulating the committee and public upon having secured the ser- vices of so eminent an architect., and one so fully competent to carry out the work of the restoration of this ancient and highly interesting edifice.—ED.A.O] — —

LLAN RHYSTID. CONCERT.—Llanrhystid seems to have been un- usually gay last wee, The children were treated wilh a gala day on the 14th, and on the 16th a concert was given with the view of obtaining money towards the erection of a new schoolhouse, which is very much wanted. It really is a pity that with such a church as that at Danrhyatid the parishioners should be content with so poor a schoolhouse. Now that a movement has been made towards building another, doubtless the good work will be carried on, there being in these days so many pretty ways of coaxing money out ot people's pockets. On the evening of the concert, the unsi^htlinpss of the builthrjir was almost altogether concealed hy the judicious arrangement of very pretty decorations which it was evident were made by none other than hulies' fair fingers-so tasteful and elegant were they. The motto, "Cymru dros bytb," was over the platform, and a very pretty design of the Prince of Wales' Feathers, in white and gilt, mixed with evergreens. As soon as the doors were opened at G 30, the crush was so great, that it seemed almost impossible room could be found for so many. And, indeed, this soon pioved to be the case, there not being nearly sufficient accommodation for those who came—numbers being obliged to go away dis- appointed. There was scarcely standing room for those on the shilling benches, and those behind had but little fair plav. Even the ladies and gentlemen on the front chairs were hardly pushed for room— some of the latter being obliged to stand the greater part of the time. The programme consisted of a very good selection of duets, solos, choruses, and quartettes. Several pianoforte solos were admirably executed by a Miss Gardiner and the Misses Lloyd Philipps, of Mabus. We observed the names of two clergymen in the programme, one of whom gave the aUays admired "Village Blacksmith," the other sang very pleasingly" Never mind the rest." Some members ot the Llanrhysiid choir delighted the audience with several good pieces, and especially in a humorous quartette, The four bachelors" (in Welsh). A gentleman, D. Philipps, Esq., of Pantteg, sang most delightfully My pretty Jane" and "Jenny Lind's good night." Miss Fanny Davies, of Fiosrhydgaled, obtained an encore for her pretty rendering of The Bells of Aberdovey," and a Miss Gwiadvs Griffith for "Where the Bee sucks." A certain L. D. Lewis, Esq., procured for himself a shower of encores by the admirable man- ner in which he sang a comic song towards the close of the enfcrlainment. Many clergymen and their families were present, besides other iadies and gentlemen from the neighbourhood, so that the front seats looked gay with the butterfly toilets of those occupying them. A good sum was realised— rhe proceeds being devoted to so excellent a cause. We heartily wish the Vicar of Llanrhysiid success in his object of gaining funds for building his schoolhouse.—Communicated. 0-

CONCERT, GOGINAN. The above entertainment was given in aid of the funds of the British School, on Tuesday evening last. So many unsuccessful efforts had previously been made with the same object that one can hardly believe it was a success. The whole company were amateurs, and several of them were compara- tively unknown to Mr Harvey, the able conductor, and there was only a fortnight in which to mould the musical material available into form. The first piece on the programme was a chorus by Mozart, "To Rome's Immortal Leader," by the whole company, which was rendered in a very ex- cellent style. Mr S. Trevethan next gave a fine song, The moon behind the hill," in a most credit- able manner, and was much applauded. Mr W. Harvey then gave a solo on the concertina. The (.masterly way in which that gentleman handles the instrument can never fail to please. Tbe song "Father, come home," was given by Capt. Harvey, with much feeling. This was followed by a duet by Mr W. Harvey and Miss M. M. Williams, "Hearts and Homes," a very fine production. Then followed a solo—pianoforte, by Miss Corbet, The Maiden's Prayer." Although the audience knew not to whom or for what she prayed, she evidently had their sympathy. Here a good song, The Bridge," was given by Miss E. Paull, who accompanied her- self on the pianoforte. The next was a most feeling song, by Mr S. Trevethan, "The loved ones at home." This song, as, indeed, every other rendered by this gentleman, gave much satisfaction, and was encored, and responeled to. Then was given by Mr W. Harvey the beautiful song "Sweet Spirit, hear my prayer." This was splendidly rendered, Mr Harvey accompanying himself on the pianoforte, and was encored. Afterwards was given the glee See our oars," which brought the first part to a close. After an interval of ten minutes the first of the second part was given—a quartette, "May Day," which was well rendered. Mr Harvey gave the song Lucy Gray," accompanying himself on the pianoforte. This song was the gem of the evening, if one may judge from the manner in which it was received, and nothing would satisfy but Mr Harvey's re-apppearance, on which he gave (by desire) a song- entitled "Those noisy cats." The next was a Welsh anthem, "The Bells of Aberdovey," by the Misses A. M. and E. Paull," on the pianoforte, and was well performed. The "Land of my Fathers" was most ably sung in Welsh by Mr Thomas Davies, and was encored. Then followed" God bless the Prince of Wales," by the company, and a beautiful song by Miss M. J. Williams and Mr Harvey, "What are the wild waves saying ?" This was well sung, and was encored. Next was a song in Welsh, by Mr L. Pearse. This gentleman's repute as a singer is a guarantee that his song was no inferior produc- tion. Then followed a song which, in itself, teaches a moral; and the able manner in which it was ren- dered by Capt Harvey gave very great satisfaction, and prompted an encore; the song was "Paddle your own canoe." Then was given "The soldier's wife's lament," by Miss Boundy, in fine style. The whole affair was brought to a close by the finale, God Save the Queen," the solo being sung by Miss Ellen Paull, and thus ended one, at least, successful musical entertainment at Goginan, amid good order and kindly feeling.—Communicated.

LOCAL FEMAXISM.—It is stated as a fact that a head scenter exists in Aberystwyth, who is a most successful and respectable hair dresser GOOD NEWS.—There was no business to occupy the attention of the borough magistrates in petty sessions t:;is week. PAUPERISM.—There were ;{8 paupers relieved at the Union Workhouse on Saturday, 25th January, distributed through the various townships of the union as follows Aberystwyth 34, Cwmrheidol 1, Ceulanymaesmawr 1, and Clarach 2. There were also 19 vagrants sheltered during the week.

HQLLOWAV'S OINIJIEXT AND PILLS.—Diseases an-J casualties In youth taay lie ;-n!'elv treated hy th>» u-,1) cf lliese excellent Medicaments accoi-din:; (o lhe primed di- rections :olded round racli pot iiiid 1)01. Xov is this Ointment alone opylieaiile to external ailnie iu; conjointly wiili the p;n, í: cxei-rise-. iiie most sal nary iiiilueaee in eheckins iuflamii.a- fions in tÍJe interior of the body wilen rubbni upon Ule hw.i and chest il gives the most sensible relief in asthma, bi-un- eiiitis, !»:eui-sy. and tUi-eutev.in;; eo.n-iimplion. Ilo lowav's rc- iiO'lies are especially servieeaiil. jnlHer and ,,¡om:t< 11 eomplaint,. Fo; the cure of bad less :d1 >" < v,o;nn .o:-es, and likewise .'i:o'1a f.Tid M-orbutic .• r->••• • w picdnees a cool- i £ ,1d l-.t ac;c| iS £

TREGARON PETTY SESSIONS. These Sessions were held on the 28th nit., at the lalbot Hotel, before J. E. Rogers, Esq., and the Rev. J. Hughes. Colonel Powell, Nanteos, upon the information of Edward Evans, of Cilgarn, Caron, charged John Jones and Thomas Jones, of Bryndu, Caron, la- bourers, with having, on the 20th of November last, at Cilgarn, stolen a quantity of trees or underwood, of the value of Is. in each case. Fined 4s. each, and Is. the value of the trees, with costs. The same defendants, who did not appear, were also charged by the witness, Edward Evans, with having, at the same time and place, assaulted him. Fined 5s. each, with costs. David Evans, of Tregaron, labourer, charged David Rees, of Tregaron, labourer, with having, on the 22nd ult., at Tregaron, committed an assault upon him. Fined If., and 10s. 6d. costs. William Chambers, Esq., of Hafod, charged Evan Evans, Cwncybarcut, Llangwyryfon, farmer, upon the information of John Davies, gamekeeper, with having, on the 6th of November last, at My- nyddbrith, Blaenpennal, trespassed in pursuit of game with a gun. Dismissed. Ths overseers of the poor of the parishes of Caron Isclawdd and Lledrod Upper were charged by Mr David Williams, treasurer of the Tregaron Poor Law Union, with non-payment of their contributions towards the relief of the poor of their respective parishes. The overseers of Lledrod Upper settled by payment of the cowtri-bution, with costs and a week was allowed for the payment of the contribu- tion of the Caron Isclawdd overseers. Several persons were summoned by the overseers of the poor of Caron Isclawdd, charged with non- payment of various sums of poor rates towards the relief of the poor of the parish. Some of the de- fendants settled by payment of the claims. War- rants were ordered to be issued against the remain- der for the recovery of the amount, with costs, to be executed in three days in the event of the rates being then not paid.

ELERCH. WEDDING.—On Tuesday, January 21st, the above village was the scene of a rather unusual occurrence in that part—a wedding; and it was rendered the more interesting from its being the first solemnized in St. Peter's Church, Elerch. The bridegroom was MrT. Richards, and the bride Miss E. Ellis, daugh- ter of the late Mr E. Ellis. At 11.30 a.m., the ) oung man came into Church, and shortly after- wards the bride appeared with her friends. They were met at the entrance on the inside by the Rev. L. Gilbertson, the officiating priest, and the clergy- man of St. Peter's. The first part of the service was performed near ihe entrance; and when the bene- diction had been given, a procession was formed, of the priests first, then the newly married couple, followed by the choir, who, on this occasion, had attended to pay a compliment to Mr. and Mrs. Richards, who themselves formed a part of that body. The processional psalm was the exxviii, sung to the 8th Gregorian tune. The officiating priest proceeded up to the altar, when the two young people knelt at the altar-rails, and the choir took their places in the chancel. The exhortation was delivered by the Rev. J. Edwards, curate of Elerch. When the whole service was over, a merry peal was rung on the Church bells to celebrate this the first wedding in St. Peter's Church. May Mr and Mrs Richards enjoy great happiness in their married life.

-o- BOWSTREET. On Tuesday evening last the first Popular Read- ings of this season were held in the schoolroom, at Bowstreet. The programme was sufficiently varied to meet the tastes of all who were present. The chair was filled by the Rev. J. Griffiths, incumbent of Llangorwen, who delivered a short but suitable address on the occasion. The programme was as follows:— Pianoforte duett—"The English Quadrilles Lady Pryse & Miss Feard. Reading-" Kicholas Nickleby's introduction into Mr Squeer's school" Mr James Davies Glee-" The hardly NorsmanPenrhyncoch Choir Reading-" Rhyw beth yn siarad Mr W. Jones Solo—"Take back the heart thou gavest"Miss ° L. Howell Reading Mr Thomas, Frondeg Song "Yr hen amser gynt" (AuldLang Syne).. The Chairman Pianoforte duett—"The Imperial Gallop" Miss f Peard and Miss Vaughan Reading—"Y nhwy" Mr A Owen Duett—Tis the hour for music Miss P. Peard and Miss Vaughan Reading—"Misadventures at Margate Ingoldsby Legends.Mr Ivory Song—"Llwyn Onn Penrhyncoch Choir Children Reading—" Selections from Gwynllan y Bardd" liev. D. Edwards, B.A. Duett—"What are the wild waves saying ?" Miss Louisa Howell & Miss F. Peard A vote of thanks was passed to the ladies who had so generously afforded their services, and also to the chairman. The meeting- was brought to a close by singing "God bless the Prince of Wales." The attendance was very large, and highly respectable, several persons of rank being present, the price excluding the "roughs," who so frequently mar the peace of this kind of meetings. The pieces selected were all well read and received. The music was sparkling, and beautifully played, and the singing good. Everything was rapturously received—the two vocal duetts and Miss Howell's song being voci- ferously encored. In short, the meeting was full of life and spirit, and everybody seemed pleased.

+ A UNIVERSITY FOR WALES. We see it announced that the Rev. D. Charles, B.A., of Abercarn, has been appointed secretary to this proposed university, and it is hoped that the day is not far distant when the Welsh people will possess those means of obtaining a liberal education which are possessed by all other provinces of the British Empire. As many of our readers are aware, it is proposed that the college shall be of the status of the Queen's College in Ireland, or University and King's Colleges in London. The course of study will be adapted for the various liberal pro- fessions, and embrace special preparation for aca- demic degrees. Towards the erection and part endowment of the college, a fund will be raised hy voluntary contributions; and to meet the current expenditure the Government will be asked to make an annual grant in the same manner as is now done towards other colleges and universities. It has been truly said that it is useless to complain of the backward and obscure condition of the Welsh peo- ple, while no proper efforts are made to put them on a footing of intellectual equality with their neigh- bours. Such condition is not traceable to poverty, to intellectual inferiority, or to any of the social or political evil which corrupt or degrade a nation. No portion of the British people is endowed with a n', quicker or more penetrating intellect, none is more ambitious of obtaining knowledge, or more able to appreciate and use it when obtained. Let Wales have 2,000 of her sons under daily training, and the chief posts in the country requiring superior skill and attainments will no longer be monopolised by strangers.— The Christian Times.

CORRESPONDENCE. We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions and sentiments of our Correspondents.

LODGING-HOUSE BUILDING IN ABER- YSTWYTH. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTII OBSERVER. Sir,-I trust you will give insertion to these lines 11 in your next number. Their object is to direct the attention of the town improvement comrnissioriprs, and other public authorities, to a crying evil which, unless promptly put an effectual stop to, wiil assured- ly bring disgrace upon the town, and seriously damage the interest of all classes in it. I refer to the pro- ceedings of certain speculative builders, who, actuated by a shortsighted spirit of greed, are erecting, in important and prominent parts of the town, houses, intended as season visitors' lodging-houses, which are a disgrace to the age we live in and discreditable to a town claiming to be "the Brighton of Wales." If the fact were Dot undeniable it would hardly be believed that in a place like Aberystwyth (where eligible building sites are to be bad in abundance, and on reasonable terms,) persons pretending to respectaoilby could be found in the latter part of the 10th century so selfish as to erect houses without, in some instances, back yards of any kind, and in others merely of a few inches in width. Of the former class of houses we have a glaring instance in the two erected by Mr Thomas Collins in Newfound- land-street, and of the latter in the five erected by Mr Charles James, builder, opposite the entrance front of the Queen's Hotel Mr Collins' houses have no back yard, and, conse- qucntly, no back entrance of any kind, and (as ad- misted ly himself at the last commissioners' in--c ting) no liyht or air for some rooms V". Mr James' houses may be said to possess back yards of some kind but what sort of "yards?" only 2ft. lOin. wide. If these seven houses had been intended for tramps' lodging-houses, it would have been the duty of the inspector of such houses to have reported them as unfit for the purpose. Surely, therefore, they are not fit for the respectable classes of season visitors who come here in search of health and recreation, and who, at any rate, expect to find comfortable house accommodation. What will they think and say of the place when they find lodging-houses claiming to be respectable so wanting in what is in- dispensably Decessary to health and comfort ? Why Aberystwyth is a place, of all others—and we have many formidable competitors—to be avoided, and avoided it certainly will be if such is the accommo- dation we provide for season visitors and when once it becomes known, the prestige of the town and its character as a watering-place will be destroyed-and when once gone it cannot be restored. Therefore, ere it be too late, let the improvement commissioners, town council, and, indeed, all who desire to see the town nourish, actively bestir themselves, and take prompt and effectual steps to redress and put a stop to the evil I have pointed out, as also all others; and there are mauY-strpet encroachments for one— tending to injure the public interests of the town. I am, Sir> yours faithfully, 30th Jan., 1868. COMMISSIONER.

LLANBADARN-FAWR CHURCH. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVER. ■Sir,—Will you allow me, through the medium of your valuable paper, to say a few words in explana- tion of a very serious mistake I committed with re- gard to the tender of myself and son for rebuilding the parish church of Llanbadarn-fawr. Our tender as sent is only 1,106i., whereas it ought to have been 1,506Z. & On the 20th inst. we called to sea the plans and specifications, and took notes of particulars. In the afternoon of the same day Ileturned home, and my son went to Llanfihltngel-y-Croyddin, where we are building a vicarage house. In the evening I added up the particulars, which amounted to the above- named sum, viz., 1.10SZ. But upon comparing notes this week, we found, to my great astonishment, that I omitted items for which we, in our notes at Lian- badarn-fawr, had put down the following sums, 100l,, loOi., 901., and IGOl., which, added to the 1,1061., will be the correct sum we intended to send in, viz., 1,506l. I called this morning on the Rev. John Pugh, the vicar, to explain the mistake, wben I had the first intimation as to how we stood compared to the other tenders. Although in some cases parties n.re allowed to correct mistakes of this nature, it may be that this would be too much indulgence for us to expect from the committee. At any rate we are prepared to do the work for 1.506l. In conclusion, I may be allowed to state that since we sent in our tender for rebuilding Llanbadarn church, our tender of 2,6551., although not the low- est, has been accepted for rebuilding the parish church of Lampeter. I am, yours truly, Llwyngdg, Strata Florida, JOHN JONES. January 29th, 1868.

THE WATER QUESTION. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVER. Sir,—I do not like a newspaper controversy; but I feel bound to offer a few remarks in reply to a letter in your last edition, signed George Jones." The writer thereof appears infuriated by what he calls an insult to him, in my having criticised at the commissioners' meeting, on the 2lst instant, a plan laid before the meeting by Dr. C. Rice Wil- liams. In the first place, I beg to state that the letter in question is the first intimation I bad of Mr George Jones beiDg in any way connected with this plan. Dr. C. Rice Williams, when he produced it, called it his own, never once mentioning George Jones' name; and I do not think any person at the meeting knew that the plan Dr. Williams produced was in any way connected with George Jones. Perhaps Mr George Jones does not know that my proposed source of supply is very much higher than that of Dr. C. Rice Williams, and that, therefore, a 6 inch main pipe will be fully adequate for a con- stant supply for 10,000 inhabitants; not so hy the plan Dr. Rice Williams proposes, as he hesitates to say whether a 6, 7, or 9 inch main will be sufficient. Perhaps be also does not know that according to my plan the pipes are to be laid alongside the Rail- way, and consequently the cost of laying is of very trifling amount; not so with Dr. Rice Williams' plan, as he proposes, for a considerable distance, to lay them along public roads, and, as he states, the excavation will in some parts be 8 feet deep. The cost of this excavation and filling, destroying the metalling of the roads, providing fresh metalling, and to a certain extent keeping the roads in order afterwards, is very great indeed, to say nothing of the difficulty and expense of getting at any pipe in case of accident. I have been professionally connected with one of the largest Metropolitan Water Companies in their obtaining a pure supply of water above Thames Ditton, and am at the present moment construct- ing from my own designs water works for neigh- bouring towns. It is the practice of Pariiamentary.Committees to pay very little or no attention to the engineering evidence of men who are not properly qualified en- gineers; and on the same grounds, with the greatest good feeling towards Mr George Jones, I must decline any engineering controversy with him. This, Mr Editor, must be my first and last letter in reply to Mr George Jones' personalities. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, Aberystwyth, JAMES W. SZLUMPER, January 29th, 1868. M. Inst. C. E.

o THE WATER QUESTION. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVES- Sir,—In the report of the meeting of the com- missioners, held on the 21st instant, subject—"The Water Question," Mr Atwood asks,—" But what does Mr George Powell say?" I am stated to have replied,—" We arc totally independent of him." Now, such a reply is so uncourteous and antago- nistic to Mr George Powell, and so calculated to mislead, that. I wish to have it corrected. There was very great confusion and irregularity at the meeting; but what I intended to say was this,— That I had asked Mr. Cooke whether Col. Powell, in conjunction with Mr George Powell, could not give a long lease, or even give a grant in perpetuity of the water for the supply of the town. Mr Co jke answered that Col. Powell could himself give a lease for 40 years, and that he was not sure hut that be m'Sht give one for a longer period; but by an agreement combined cnith Mr George Powell, a much longer lease, or a grant in perpetuity, could be given. Upon which I said,—I will write to Mr George Powell, who, I feel confident, will do anything to further the best interests of the town. I have done so, and await his reply. By your inserting this in your next issue, you will oblige your obedient servant, Aberystwyth, c. RICE WILLIAMS, M.D. 27th January, 1868.

THE MARKETS. ABERYSTWTTH, Monday, January 27th, 1857. Wheat 8s. 6d. to 8s. 9d. per bushel, Barley 5s. Od. to 5s. 3d., Oats 2s. Cd. to 3s. 3d. per bushel, Potatoes 3s. Od. to 3s. 2d. per bushel, Butter (fresh) Is. Id (salt) lid. per lb., Eggs 20 for Is., Cheese (Welsh) 3d. per lb., Beef 6d. per lb., Mutton 6d. to Od. per lb., Veal Gd. to Od. per lb., Pork 5id. per lb., Turbot Is., per lb., Fowls 2s. 4d. to 2s. fid., per couple, Geese Os. Od. to Os. Od. per couple, Ducks 4s. Od. a couple, Partridges 2s. 6d. a brace, Phea- sants 5s 6d. a brace, Hares 2s. 6d. each, Rabbits J s. each, Oysters (natives) Is. Od. to 3s. 6d. a score, Grapes Is. a pound, Apples 2s. per 100, Herrings 6s. per 100, Wool Is. Od. per lb. OSWESTRY.—Wheat, 10s. 6d. to lis. 6d., Barley, grinding, 5s. 3d. to 5s. Od., Oats, 4s. (id. to 4s. Od., per measure, Butter, tf. 2d. to Is. 3d. a lb., Fowls 3s. 6d. to 8s. Ud. a couple, E" 's 10 to 12 for Is., Duck9, 4s Od to 4s 6d a couple, Potatof-: 10 lb. for Od. WELSHrOOL.—Wheat, per 801b., lis Od to lis (3d, Barley, per 40 nts., (is Od to Gs 3d, Oats per line, 18s Od to 28* Od. Esfts 11 for Butter Is 2d to Is 3d per Ib, Fowls 3s Od to 4s Od a couple, Ducks, 4s Od to 5s Od., Potatoes 4s. Od. to 5,. 0d. per bushel. WREXHAM.—White Wheat lis. 3s. to tl». Rnl Wheat lis. Od. to lis. 2d., Oats 4s: Od. to 4s. 0(1., Malting Bin-lev I), Od to Gs. 3d., Grinding Barley 5s. es to 6s. Od., Potatoes 3s. oct. to 3s 9d. a measure, Butter I s. 2d. to is 3d. a lb., Fowls 3s. (id. to 4s. Od. per couple, Ducks 48. to *s 6d. per couple, Eras n for 1 s.

lautfls. On the 12th ult- the wife of Mr. D. J. Davies, Chemist and Druggist, of this town, uf a daughter. On the 24th ult. ill London, the *vife of Mr. John Davies, late deputy harbour master at this port, of a son. On the 29th ult. the wife of Mr. John E. Jones, Bootmaker, Chalybeate Terrace, in 'his town, of a daughter. fHarrtage. On January 21st, by licence, at St. Peter's Church, Elerch, by the Rev. L. Gilbertson, B.D., assisted by the Rev. J. Edwards, Mr Thomas Richards to Miss E. Ellis, both of Elerch. mcatbs. On the 26th ult., aged 77 years, Mr John Morris, Builder, Poncefn, near this town. On the 30th ult., aged í4 years, James James, Shoemaker, Chalybeate Terrace, iu Ihis town.

MOSCMI;T9 FOR Churches, Churchynl)r.d Ceme'icric j, extciucd in Siu»?, Marble, and Grynite, uu:y be inspected i11 the Show lvooius,rt P. Marble Works. Sn-an-hill. Shrewsbury. 1J-tH. Pr>iil(-d ond Publi-hwl by Pr<) J nt 1: is G-:nei-al r.Aco, i>h?r. èo.iCl:i.) Ah.-iysiwyth. Saturday, February 1st, 1808.

GOOD WORKS. ABERYSTWYTH WORKHOUSE.—Aberystwyth, as well as other places, has its poverty and misery, and it is not surprising, considering the continued depres- sion of trade, and the consequent want of work, but there are persons in it whose hearts yearn towards the suffering ones, and whose deep and abiding interest fills with joy the wretched homes of the poor. On Wednesday afternoon the inmates of the workhouse were favoured with an annual tea, given by one of those generous ladies. As the boon was long-looked- for there were only three absentees, and these because they could not possibly be present. The treat (which was an excellent repast) was much appre- ciated, as there seemed to be no lack in the per- forma.nce of duty. After tea a lady addressed the guests in a very appropriate and impressive manner. Two hymns were afterwards well sung by the child- ren. After thanking the ladies present for their kindness the grateful company separated, evidently heavier and happier persons than when they entered. -Communicated by J. LL. G.