The Aberystwith Observer

TOWN COMMISSIONERS, ABERYSTWYTH. Tuesday, February 18th, 1868. An adjourned meeting of the town commissioners was held at the Town-hall on Tuesday last. The commissioners present were Messrs. R. Roberts, mayor, in the chair, Thomas Jones, John Davies, Dr. C. Rice Williams, John Jones (Great Dark- gate-street), David Williams, Charles Hackney, John \V illiams (Marine Terrace), Jonathan Pell, G. T. Smith, and J. J. Atwood. Mr Szlumper, C.E., Mr Holroyde, C.E., and Mr George Jones, C.E., were present. Messrs. John Vaughan (town surveyor), Jesse Morgan (turncock), and William Rice (rate collec- tor), were also in attendance. The ordinary bills for labour, &c., were examined and passed. In reply to Mr Pell it was stated that the cost of attending to the water supply of the town was 1261. a year, being 781. a year salary for the turncock, and 481. for his assistant. Mr W. H. Thomas stated that the disgraceful state of the flagging cost the town for extra labour some 24s. a week. It was observed that that is interest at 3 per cent. on 2,000Z. Mr Jones said they appeared to be precisely in the same position as the harbour trustees. They were bound to lay out weekly an extra sum in labour in consequence of not being able to expend a large sum at once. The Mayor Before the other business of the meeting is proceeded with let me call your attention to the state of the poor people living in Spring Gardens. They are half drowned with water there. Mr Thomas: Then it appears that Spring Gar- dens has too much of the commodity for which all the rest of the town is fighting. The Mayor There is one poor man there lying ill, and the water comes into his house, and flows -freely under his bed. The other day, too, there was a woman confined in one of these houses, in which water was ank:e deep on the floor. The child of which she was delivered died in a few days, and most likely its death was caused by this water. Mr Pell said it was the sluice which did not act. Mr Vaughan was understood to say that the evil in a great measure was to be attributed to the water from the brewery, and'the inefficiency of the pipes, which became choked up when the tide rose. The Mayor remarked that they never had heard of these complaints be.fore-not till after the present system had been devised of taking the water from the brewery. In the winter it was bad enough, but in the summer it was enough to generate any deadly disease there. Mr Vaughan The water stands in the trench in Mr Roberts's field. The Mayor observed that there was no drain there. The owners of the property would have con- structed water-closets if there had been a drain. All they required was a drain across the street. Mr Pell said the same complaint had been made in George-street and Powell-street. Mr Jones suggested making a cess-pool for the I C!l water to accumulate in. Mr Thomas Appoint a committee to do the work, if it will not entail too great an expense on the town. Dr. Williams If Mr Paul were to make a report on the matter, would not that suit ? Mr Pell And whilst such report is being made people are dying in their beds through our neglect. It is monstrous. Mr Thomas It is a most urgent case, like the water question. Suppose it is left to the street committee to do the work but limit them at the same time not to expend more than a certain sum you can here agree upon, without applying for per- mission so to do to the commissioners in meeting. This suggestion was favourably received, but Mr Pell objected that the street committee be re- stricted in that way. They ought to do the same here as they had done in the case of George-street and Powell-street. In these streets the owners of the property were induced for their own sake to do the work, and trust to the commissioners re-emburs- ing them hereafter. M r Thomas But the evil complained of now .has arisen out of works done by the commissioners, and left in an unfinished state. If the present state of things is allowed to go on it may be the production of fatal diseases. I Mr Pell: The street committee ought not to be compelled to lay out 20l., or any other sum. There ought not to be made any exception to the plan hitherto adopted in other cases. Mr Smith: Would it not be better for Mr Vaughan and the street committee to examine into, and report this matter by tlfis day fortnight. (Hear.) Dr. Williams thought with Mr Smith that such would be the best course to pursue. A general conversation here ensued. At last, Mr Smith Mr Chairman, in order to expedite matters I beg to move that the matter be left in the hands of Mr Vaughan and the street committee, to report upon by this day fortnight. Mr John Jones seconded. Carried new. con. STREET OBSTRUCTIONS, &C. Mr Atwood called attention to the bay windows which, in the teeth of the commissioners, and in direct opposition to their clearly expressed prohibi- tion, Charles James had erected on Mr John Davies's houses oppo-ite the Queen's Hotel. It ought not to have been left to him (Mr Atwood) to bring this niatter forward. It placed a commissioner ui a very inyidious position to have to take upon him such an office. It was the duty of Mr Vaughan, the town surveyor, to have reported the matter to the meeting but as he had failed to do so, either through timidity or otherwise, he ( Mr Atwood) felt it his duty to bring the matter forward. Mr Vaughan, it must be ad- mitted on all hands, was a very excellent road sur- veyor—everyone must admit that, but there were other parts of his duty in which he was deficient. Here was a most glaring act of insubordination to the commissioners, and of injustice to the town, which he (Mr Vaughan) failed to report. The Mayor: Perhaps Mr Vaughan will take this gentle hint. (Laughter.) Mr Atwood: Now, I ask you, are you going to pass over without notice the illegal act which I have just called your attention to? After what passed here this day fortnight are you going to allow these bay windows to stand in direct opposition to your own orders ? I say the act is an insult to the com- missioners, and an insult to the town generally. Charles James comes here and asks your permis- sion to erect these windows, and you unanimously refuse him such permission, after which he goes straightway and erects them. Could any instance of greater contempt be shown for the authority of the commissioner", than that? (Hoar.) I have no- thing to say against Mr James personally. I believe he is a very respectable man in his way, but I repeat that the act he has committed is an insult to the commissioners, and an injustice to the town. As the governing body of the town we are bound not to act either under the influence of fear or. favour. Therefore, I say, be just—deal out impartial justice to all the town alike. (Hear, hear.) You may all recollect some time ago when a bay window was actually erected in Terrace Road it had to be taken down again, and you know through whose instru- mentality that was done. That window had to be taken down after it had been already fixed, and when there was no special order on your books regarding such obstructions But then a special order was made and placed upon your books that no such obstructions should be permitted in any part of the town. In the face of that order, and in the face of the express prohibition of the com- missioners pronounced this day fortnight, those bay windows have been erected. I say it is only due to ourselves and to the town generally that such a proceeding, no matter by whom, ought to be resented. I am saying what others think, but they have not the courage to avow it. (Hear. hear.) Mr Vaughan, I repeat, ought to have brought this matter before you, and not have left it for me. And there are other things he ought to report. He ought to have reported the state of the outlet, and that the water is thick there with the gas from the gas works, which prevents the outlet working properly. Mr Vaughan denied the statement as to the outlet not being in working order. He said that this time 3 years it would take a couple of men to open the valves, and that now, in consequence of his having them oiled twice a week, a boy of ten years old could work them. Mr Pell: There was an order made that the gas tar should not go into that outlet. When the work was being fiuished Mr Paul distinctly said it should not be allowed. As to summoning Siviter for the offence, let Mr Vaughan know whether it is his duty to do so or that of the inspector of nuisances That is a nuisance. I should propose that.a com- mittee be appointed to define what are the duties of the town surveyor, and what are those of the in- spector of nuisances. Mr Atwood said if he were Mr Vaughan he should take it as an insult that it should be deemed neces- sary to appoint a committee to point out his duties. Mr Siviter said that as so much had been spoken about the gas tar, he must state that he had Mr Vaughan's son at the yard some time ago to see him puddie it. Even if he could keep the present tar from flowing into the outlet, still the ground of the yard was full of tar for fed in depth, and that would ooze out even though they kept all the present tar, which he had no means of keeping. MrDurie (of the Aberystwyth Foundry) Can't you burn it ? Mr Siviter: No we have no convenience for doing so. Mr Thomas here read the following communica- tion, which he had received from the flume Ottice:- Local Government Act Office, 8. Richmond Terrace, Whitehall, S.W., February 17th, 1868. Sir,—I am directed by Mr Secretary JIardy to acknowledge the receipt of your Ietlar^m the 15th inst., with accompanying petition from the Aberyst- wyth commissioners for repeal of the restrictions contained in section 150 of the Aberystwyth Local Improvement Act, with a view to extension of the borrowing powers of the commissioners. In reply I have to inform you that, in pursuance of this petition, a provisional order w-rtl be prepared, repealing the restriction on the borrowing powers of the commissioners, and a local enquiry directed, to obtain objections, if any. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, W. H. Thomas, Esq., T. TAYLOK. Commissioners' Office, Aberystwyth. THE WATER QUESTION. Dr. Williams then rose, and made a rather lengthy statement on the above subject. The only fresh features we could recognize in this gentleman's speech were the following. He said that three objections were now urged against his scheme the tirst by Mr Hackney, who asserted that the town had a plentiful supply of water Mr Hackney So it has. Dr. Williams And that he knew this of his own knowledge, and had also obtained the same infor- mation from the visitors. But, knowing all this, he had strenuously supported a scheme for supplying water which would involve the town in an expense of 2,000l. (Hear, and laughter.) So much for Mr Hackney, when we find his acts contradicting his words. Mr Hackney: What, Sir ? (Laughter.) Dr. Williams In his objection it must be con- ceded that Mr Hackney stands alone. The second objection is that of Mr Pell, who thinks we can obtain sufficient water from Penglais hill. The third objection is that of Mr Szlumper, who tells you there cannot be any scheme worth your consi- deration but his own. (Laughter.) Mr Szlumper I beg your pardon, I never said anything of the kind. Mr Pell: But you have no right, Dr. Williams, to use an objection, the nature of which you are un- acquainted with. Dr. Williams: Don't put words into my mouth, please. I am sorry that Mr Szlumper has not-pro- duced his plan, so that we might be enabled to dis- cuss it. (Dr. Williams here produced his own plans ) If the railway company will let Mr Szlum- per take his pipes along their line, and thereby may hang a doubt, we shall be obliged to give them water, and that will be a loss to the town of about 50/. a year, for the Cambrian Railway now pay us some- thing like that sum for supplying them with water, and of course the Manchester and Miltord line would have to do the same. (Hear.) Now I have shown you that according to my scheme you can have water, the quality of which is not questioned, and in abundant quantity and the economy of that scheme has been placed in figures before you. The objec- tions raised that Col. Powell and Mr George Powell would be opposed to it have been overthrown by the letters which I read to you from both these gentle- men, at the last meeting. They have got a great deal of property in the town, which it is their in- terest to improve, and they cannot improve it more surely than by giving to it a proper supply of water. To-day we had a case before the magistrates showing the disadvantages to which people were put by the imperfect supply. If we had a full supply always on the town would not only be better and more healthy, but much time and trouble would be saved to the magistrates. (Laughter.) Mr Atwood: Is not this going over the same ground again ? ° ° Mr Pell: Quite so and I have a strong objection to going into the matter again. Some gentleman has been asked to come down here from Liverpool and enquire into the relative merits of all the schemes to be laid before him, so that it would be waste of time to go on with this discussion now. But as Dr. Williams has referred to me I may be al owed to say a word in reply. I have not only one objection—as a scheme other than the doctor's own is called—but I have two objections now, and may have many more by the time this gentleman arrives. (Laughter.) I am of opinion that the outlay of 2,000Z. on my scheme, as explained to you, would beamptysumcientforpresentpurposes but If that IS deemed insufficient I am ready to spend more money, by bringing water from LlynLlygaid Rheidol, 2,000ft. above the town of Aberystwyth, and I will thus bring you 1,500,000 gallons of water daily from Plynlymon, by gravitation, for the same cost as Dr. Williams proposes to bring 250,000 gallons from Nanteos, in 9-inch pipes. I undertake to do this. Dr. Williams Have you plans of this scheme ? Mr. Pell Yes I will have them ready by the time required. Mr. Jones, in reply to Dr. Williams, said that the gentleman could not say yet whether he would be able to come at all. He (Mr. Jones) had written about him to a friend. He had mentioned three schemes to him, but not Mr. Pell's, as he understood that that had been rejected by the commissioners. Mr. Pell: Excuse me nothing of the kind. Mr. Atwood Certainly, all the plans are to be placed before this gentleman. Mr. Hackney remarked that Mr. Green, who was in attendance, had been requested to bring his plan forward, which could be carried out for less than a fourth of the cost of Dr. Williams' wretched scheme. (Laughter.) We cannot depend on Nanteos for a summer supply. Mr. D. Williams We must get all the plans we can to lay before this gentleman. Mr. Atwood CertTnhly. Mr. Thomas Jones I feel assured we must give over all idea of carrying out any of these schemes for this summer, which we must tide over as we have hi- tiierto done. But I believe that all this discussion is gain to the town. (Hear.) It is the most impor- tant matter we can touch on and I like to hear all that every one has to say upon each of the schemes. It is best for the town that we discuss it properly, and fully satisfy ourselves as to which is the best plan of all proposed and then—then to get hold of the mo- ney to carry the plan out if we can. Mr. Atwood And the sooner we arrive at a de- cision the better. Mr Green then addressed the meeting, and said that at the commissioners' meeting held the previous Tuesday he had been requested to bring forward plans of the scheme which he then proposed for supplying the town with water from the neighbour- ing springs. The plan he proposed was a very simple one, and he had no hesitation in averring that it'w&s by far the best, not only of all those already brought under the notice of the commissioners, but the very best that it was possible to suggest. The question was, how could the town obtain a plentiful supply of water, and at the cheapest rate ? He (Mr Green), as they ail knew, had taken a great deal of trouble to look into this matter, and he was prepared to say. that there was plenty of water to be had from those springs. When this was so it would be unwise to o-o to a distance, if there was water near at home of as good a quality, which could be obtained at a tithe of the expense necessary to carry out any of the other imperfect plans proposed. (Mr Green here went into the figures and other particulars of his scheme.) As far as the Nanteos scheme was concerned, he could safely say that at the season when the town most required a supply there was at least twice as much water to be had from the springs with which he proposed to supply the town as there was coming down the Rhydvfelin brook. He did not offer these remarks as a matter of opinion—for he regarded mere opinion as being worth nothing—but he offered them as matters of fact, which he knew to be incon- trovyrtable. Mr Pell: Is not this the same plan as our prepgj^t one? If we adopt this plan the only differerfeewill be that we shall be using our own engine instead of that of the foundry. Mr Green said he had studied this question deeply, and he was qualitied, he thought, to give an opinion. He, and his father and his grandfather before him, had been connected with the Manchester and Sal- ford water works. This was not a novel or a new plan he could not claim to himself the credit of originating it—it was an old plan, which had many years ago been suggested and approved of; and be could now tell the commissioners the town could obtain the best supply of clear good water. The time had been so brief between the present meeting and the last that he had been unable to produce his plans at this meeting, but they were in course of preparation, and would be submitted to the commis- sioners as soon as completed (Hear.) After the usual general conversation, the subject was allowed, to drop. THE BAY WINDOWS AGAIN. Mr John Lloyd (lapidary) applied for leave to form a coal cellar in front of his new house on the Terrace, close by the Queen's Hotel. Mr Atwood: I would make you to pull down those bay windows first. Mr Pell: This is not one of the objectionable five houses with the bay windows. Mr Atwood Then of course Mr Lloyd's applica- tion ought to be granted, on the usual terms. Application granted accordingly. Mr Atwood And now, gentlemen, I ask you again, for this is a subject which must not be shirked, after what passed here this day fortnight are you going to sanction the conduct of those persons who have erected those bay windows in opposition to your express desire ? I dare say you all saw my letter in the OBSERVER —— Mr Thomas Yes, a.nd Mr Collins's also. (Laugh- ter.) Mr Atwood Well, I was obliged to come out of my shell. My opinions there are openly expressed. I am sorry—very sorry, that these houses were ever built where they are. There was room there for two respectable houses, and they have built five. They have served to destroy the appearance of a beautiful buikling. Mind, I am not speaking in the interest of the Queen's Hotel, but I do say, and I repeat, that the erection of these trumpery houses has been the means, in a measure, of depriving the town of one of its chief ornaments. (Hear, hear.) You ail feel with me—you know I am speaking the truth—you have permitted one of the chief features of the town to be obliterated. (A voice, shame.") And not satisfied with what they had already done to injure town, they seek to encroach upon the streets still farther with bay windows, the erection of which you had forbidden. (Hear, bear.) I say it is a monstrous shame. (Hear.) Mr T. Jones: If that had been thought of before that plot of land was sold it would have been open to Mr Atwood to make these objections. But that plot was private property, and the owner had a per- fect right to do as he pleased with that which be- longed to him. It could not be expected that he was to yield up his right for the sake of the appear- ance of other people's property. It was the corpo- ration who were in fault in selling that plot of ground. Mr Atwood I do not blame any individual in the ^natter. I only say it is to be deeply regretted for the sake of the town that these buildings were ever erected. But having been erected do not let us make bad matters worse by allowing those bay win- dows to stand. If you do this, then go as far as Mr Collins tells you—throw out the pavement, and let them encroach as much as they please with their bay windows and areas. (Laughter.) I say, let justice be even-handed justice, and deal out to all the same measure of justice which you dealt out to the man in Terrace Road. (Hear, hear.) Treat every one alike. The man in Terrace Road obeyed your order when it was made, and removed his win- dow, already erected. But here both you and your orders are set at utter defiance. I tell you as com- missioners that if you wish to uphold your character as a just and honourable body you must act in a spirit of justice and honour, and deal alike with all, without fear or favour to any individual, no matter who that individual may be. (Hear, hear.) Mr Pell: Besides, I may add that the buildings themselves have already encroached on 5 or 6 feet of the commissioners' ground, where they have no right to be at all. The corporation had lost their right to it by its having been kept in repair as a public road by the commissioners, and they had no power to reclaim it. When application was made for leave to make such encroachment, Mr Parry distinctly pointed out to the applicant that it was not the business of the corporation to grant this piece at all. And Mr Parry moreover told him that he ought first to consult the commissioners on the subject. Mr Atwood I am willing to pass that, because it was to be paid for. Mr Pell Mr Smith is one of the valuation com- mittee appointed to value that piece of land. Mr Matthews, another of that committee, comes here and tells you that Mr Davies has gone with his building to the utmost limit to which he could advise the town council-to grant to him, and the windows now constructed are much beyond that utmost limit. How can we stop out ears to these facts. Dr. Williams The case stands thus permission was asked to put these windows up, and that per- mission was refused. Mr Atwood And in the face of that refusal they are put up. Mr Pell Charles James came here and asked for 22 inches, and be was asked if a foot would not do, and he said no. Mr Atwood Yes, and he was told he was a —— something fool for his pains. Mr Pell: What is the use of our sitting here at all if our decisions and orders are to be treated after this fashion ? Dr Williams If this treatmeat is to be submitted to quietly Mr Collins and all the rest of the town may do the like to-morrow. Mr Thomas Jones admitted that Charles James was very wrong in doing what he had done. This was the first that he (Mr Jones) had heard of the matter, and it certainly seemed to him that Mr James had acted very injudiciously. He thought also that something must be done to rectify the line of these new buildings. Mr Pell said that if the present line were continued the end of the row of new houses would reach into the middle of the Terrace. After some further conversation it was resolved that the clerk of the commissioners be ordered to look into the law of the case, and advise the proper steps to be taken against the parties who had erected those bay windows. The meeting then broke up.

MARINE EXAMINATION.—John Jones, son of the late Mr Thomas Jones, Tanner, Pwllhobby, near this town, (late pupil of Mr Lewis Roderick, of this I place,) has past his examination at Bristol as master in the foreign service.

THE WATER QUESTION. Dr. Williams has made his plan for supplying the town with water public; so has Mr Pell his original plan. Mr Pell's plan has been rejected by the commissioners for the present; less, because they do not approve of it, than for the very good reason that tliey do not understand it. Of these two plans, it must at least be admitted that they have been fully and fairly placed before the public: their merits have been openly discussed and commented upon. Mr Green, too, has suggested the rehabili- tation of an old plan, and he explained the parti- culars of it at the last commissioners' meeting very lucidly, and as fully as could be expected in the short time gi-ven him for the purpose. But we are threatened with two other plans—one by Mr Szlum- per, which hitherto in the abstract we have felt inclined to favour; and another by Mr Pell, the original projector of the present water supply agitation. Mr Pell's, being the last of the new-born schemes, its author should of course be the last person to be called upon to produce and exhibit his plans. But Mr Szlumper, whose indignant outcry some half-dozen meet- ings ago against the advantage which had been taken of his absence by Mr Pell in bringing on the first scheme, might surely be expected to discover his views to an appreciating public. Why should Mr Szlumper, any more than Dr. Williams or Mr Pell, hide the light of his in- spiration under a bushel? Mr Szlumper says he will produce his plans when the proper time arrives. Now, we take leave to enquire of Mr Szlumper what does he mean by the proper time"? Probably he may reply--when"thisgen- tleman" (as the Liverpoorengineer was called at the last commissioners' meeting) comes down here to examine the various plans. But here we must differ from Mr Szlumper: the proper time for the production of his plans is the present, in order that its merits may be as freely discussed as have been those of Dr. Wil- liams and Mr Pell's schemes. We must be in a position to lay before "this gentleman" from Liverpool, not only the plans themselves) but every special objection which may exist as to the adoption of those plans. Mr Szlumper should recollect that the decision of this gen- tleman "engineer from Liverpool will not be hindtng upon the town and if he should select MrSzlumper's scheme as the best before him on paper, the commissioners will hesitate to follow blindly his dictation. We ask Mr Szlumper, does he not think for his own sake it would be safer to have the merits of his scheme publicly discussed before "this gentle- man's" visit, rather than after? To discuss its merits in the presence of "this gentleman" would. be simply impossible, for we all know the length to which these discussions run and the Liverpool engineer is not as independent of time as the majority of the Aberystwyth commissioners have often proved themselves to be. If Mr Szlumper believes his scheme is capable of passing safely through the ordeal of investigation, we cannot conceive why he hesi- tates to make it public. It cannot surely be that he sets so high a value upon his own in- telligence, and so mean a value on the intelli- gence of all the rest of his fellow townsmen, that he considers them incapable of forming any opinion worthy of his consideration. Whatever may be the secret of his silence, we can assure Mr Szlumper that the course he is pursuing takes the complexion of supercilious superiority, which, however ludicrous in itself, must prove irritating to the feelings of the town. If Mr Thomas Jones was correct at the last commissioners' meeting—and he is one of the not over many amongst the commissioners whose words are weighed before they are uttered—the more fully this matter is discussed the better; for the discussion is calculated to do good. Surely, if it be so, it would do good in the case or Mr Szlumper, as well as in that of Mr Pell or Dr. Williams. Therefore we strongly advice Mr Szlumper to explain his scheme fully to the commissioners before the engineer, to whom the matter is to be referred, comes down—for although we have been favourable to Mr Szlumper's scheme ever since it was broached, still we cannot counsel our townsmen to buy a "pig in a poke," even at the bidding of "this gentleman" from Liverpool.

FREEMASONRY.—We are informed that it is the intention of Sir Pryse Pryse, Bart., of Gogerddan, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Freemasons for the Western Provinces of South Wales, to hold his first provincial grand lodge meet- ing at Carmarthen on the 27th instant. CAPT. James Bryant Tonking (son of Mr. James Tonking of Goginan, near this town,) reports, in his letter dated Weaverville, California, Oct. 26th, 1867, that the Klamath Copper Mining Company have struck a well-defined rich ledge of copper, ten miles south of Orleans Bar. Capt. T. is superintendent. THE SPRING ASSIZES—Mr. Baron Pigott has fixed the days for holding the assize in South Wales as follows :—Haverfordwest, February 24th Car- digan, February 27th Carmarthen, February 29th Swansea, March 5th Brecon, March 19th Pres- teign, March 25th; and Chester, March 28th.

♦ PENNY READINGS. An entertainment, "literary and musical," under this head was given at the National School-room on Friday se'nnight. The Rev. E. Owen Phillips oc- cupied the chair. There was a crowded attendance. The programme was very well chosen, and the mu- sical pieces and readings, being for the most part Welsh, gave general satisfaction. The proceeds of the gathering were announced to be applied to the fund being collected for paying off the debt upon the new Welsh Church.

ABERYSTWYTH LITERARY INSTITUTE AXD WORKING MEN'S READING ROOM. The hon. secretary has thankfully to acknowledge a donation of 12 volumes (including Knight's beauti- ful and valuable "Museum of Popular Antiquities." in two volumes, profusely illustrated, entitled "Old England,") from the Rev. E, Owen Phillips, M.A., president of the Institute The hon. secretary has further to thankfully ac- knowledge a donation of two guineas from Mr. Edward Robinson, Jeweller, 5, Pier-street, by the hands of Dr. C. Rice Willianis.

DEATH OF MR. LEWIS PUGH. Lewis Pugh, Esq., J.P., departed this life'on the 18th of February, 1868. The deceased gentleman, who bad been ailing but for a short time, died at the comparatively early age of 513 years. Industry and honesty were the cha- racteristics of his career through life and in dying he leaves behind him no single blot upon his memory. By close application to business, Mr. Pugh succeeded in accumulating an im- mense fortune and whilst it cannot be said that he ever applied any of his vast wealth to the purposes of idle pleasure, or unworthy pur- suits, it can be safely asserted that he did many and constant acts of unostentatious charity, with which the general public were not made acquain- ted, but which, on that account, were not the less appreciated by the poor. Many will have reason to miss and mourn his demise, whilst not one can lay finger on a single unworthy act in his whole life's career. The remains will be interred this day at Llanbadarn-fawr.

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID. PENNY ENTERTAINMENT. — On Friday, the 14th inst. the fifth of these series of readings was held in the British School-house, Mr. John Jones, of Llvvyn- gog, occupying the chair. After a few introductory remarks from the chairman on the nature of these entertainments, the following programme was duly gone through. Singing, "0 gollwng fi," Swyddffynon choir; song, "Clychau Aberdyfi," E. Williams and M. Har- ries; reading, "The Habeas Corpus Act," Thomas Davies; comic song, "Uncle Ned," Evan Evans; reading, Ffiangell i watwarwyr," John Jones glee, "Rhovvch i mi fwtb," Thomas Williams' choir; singing, Can y Tylwyth Teg," Bont glee party reading, "Y rhew," Thomas Williams song, "Ym- weliad y bardd," Evan Jones, accompanied by R. James on the concertina reading, Y diogyn trws- tan," W. Edwards; song, Boneddwr mawr o'r Bala," D. Davies reading, Can y gog," Miss M. Williams; comic song, "Polly Perkins," E. Wil- liams; reading, "Cerdd y celfyddydau," Thomas Jones quartette, "Croesaw i'r gog," pedwar llanc reading, "Hanes y carwr trwstan," T. Jones, jun. glee, "Y gwanwyn," Swyddffynon choir; reading, Gofaler ei ysgwyd," James Roberts glee, "Before the battle, mother," Thomas Williams' choir read- ing, "Dafydd y gwas," Evan Evans singing, "Ffynnon ger fy mwth," Swyddffynon choir read- ing, "Capel Seisneg," David Morgans; glee, "Pan fo'r haulwen wedi ffoi," Bont glee party reading, "Ymroad i ymadael a meddwdod," David Pugh; comic song, "Sir Frederick Funny Vane," E. Wil- Iiams; dialogue, "The Irish Schoolmaster," John Richards and party duett, The A, B, C, duett," E. Williams and Miss Anne Evans (loudly encored, and responded to) reading, "Eisteddfod fawrLlan- gollen," J. Williams finale, "God save the Queen." The whole of the proceedings passed off very plea- santly, and gave great satisfaction to the large con- gregation, if the applause which followed each per- formance be considered as the criterion.— Communi- cated.

+ [The following is a letter addressed to the Committee for the Restoration of Llanbadarn-fawr Church, Cardiganshire.] THE HISTORY OF THE EXISTING CHURCH. This stately and venerable fabric, once the Cathe- dral of the ancient see of Llanbadarn-fawr, is a cruciform Church, consisting of aisle-less nave, tran- septs and chancel, with a massive tower over the intersection. The style of its architecture is that of the early part of the 13th century, but the structure has evidently been nearly rebuilt at a subsequent date, after extensive injuries suffered from fire or through violence; the same design was, however, adhered to, and many of the older details preserved and re-used. 'I he difficulty of ascertaining the original charac- ter of the Church under such circumstances is ren- dered less by a comparison with other contemporary buildings in the principality, such as the Priory and Christ-church at Brecon, Eweuny Abbey, Sec. All these exhibit the same general characteristics, extreme simplicity in the external features, combined with an admirable degree af finish in the masonry, and a comparative refinement and richness of detail in the interior. Llanbadarn Church, though one of the simplest, yields to none of these in point of the execution of those details that are evidently original, while it is surpassed by few in dignity of scale and proportion: its beautiful southern doorway, however, alone remains to show what the internal features may have been, which are now replaced by work of an entirely different and ruder class, as, for instance, the arches supporting the tower. The windows, though but simple lancet-shaped openings with chamfered edges, have dressings of the best description; and at the angles of both tran- septs are still remaining a few stones that show that the first building had a projecting moulding above the base, and quoins of a corresponding character. The tower, which is evidently of a later date, as it has many older worked stones built into it, has, unfortunately, none of the usual weatherings to show the original pitch of the roofs; the present roofs, of indifferent character, are comparatively modern and much too low; the only clue to the former condition of these is, therefore, by reference to other existing examples. The Church has fallen into a sad state of dilapida- tion from neglect and injudicious repairs. The nave roof, and the spire in particular, are in an imminently dangerous condition from the decay of their principal timbers, and the side-walls are tottering, from their outward thrust: in some parts they overhang the base 15 inches, and in others they are rent from top to bottom. In carrying out the works, which are become ab- solutely necessary, the aim of the committee has been already declared to be scrupulously to preserve the ancient character of the Church, and this should be kept in view, so as to preserve all the alterations which are due to the periods of ecclesiastical archi- tecture, all of which have an historical interest; but at the same time the character to be aimed at in the proposed restoration should be that which it possessed before it was mutilated and shorn of many of its best features. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, JOHN P. SEDDON.

LLYWERNOG LEAD MINE. Some considerable interest is attachable to the opening of this ground, from the fact, according to an ancient publication entitled "Chronicles of Wales," that "more lead lodes intersect each other at Blaen- Llywernog than at any other mine in Cardiganshire." The Ordnance Geological Survey of Sir Henry de la Beche confirms the mass of lode in this particular ground and the map—with the lodes laid down in gold—appears to give a still greater intersection of lode lines only at Cwmystwytli. However, the Lly- wernog mine was worked by Sir William Bushell more than a century ago, and all the ore ground was exhausted down to the greatest depth the then mining appliances would permit. The present company has, during the last three or four years, energetically continued those workings, which are chiefly on the western side of the shaft; and, for about 25 fms. to which depth they found it had been sunk by former parties, the engine-shaft is now 62 fms. deep. At each stage it has developed several good and pro- ductive lodes and, as is shown by the report of the Bronfloyd agent, an experimental trial of less than 3 fms. east of shaft in the 40, has lately proved a good lode on that side. The capital applied to this work has been less than 6,000/ and, this being ex- hausted, the company, amongst themselves, are rais- ing an extra sum of 3,OOOZ. to continue explorations at still greater depth. It is to be hoped that this praiseworthy perseverance will be rewarded to the fullest measure and they have our best wishes that it will result in the development of only half as o-ood a mine as Cwmystwyth has proved for it has °paid to its present proprietors, after creating two or three fortunes in private hands, 38 H. IOs. dividend upon every 601, share.—The Mining Journal of the loth inst.

THE LATE MR. W. HERAPATlI, The death of this gentleman, which occurred about midnight on Thursday, the 13tb inst., will be noted in other loca- lities than that in which he lived and died. While Mr. Herapath's celebrity of course must depend upon his special qualifications as an analytical chemist of great acuteness and dexterity, he was in many res- pects and on general subjects a man of considerable information and great quickness. He was born in 1796, and was therefore in his 73rd year. His father was a maltster, and after his death Mr. Herapath succeeded to the business. This led him to study chemistry in connection with the trade in which he was engaged, and finding a congenial pursuit in the further cultivation of that science, he persevered in his reading and researches until be had attained a thorough acquaintance with it. The first great trial on which he was engaged was that of Mrs. Burdock for poisoning Mrs. Smith, in Bristol, some thirty years or more ago, when he attracted great attention by the nicety of his analyses and the discrimination with which he followed up the delicate but conclu- sive chain of evidence which connected the culprit with the crime of which she was accused Since then he has been required to make analyses in con- nection with all the great poisoning cases, and has been opposed to Professor Taylor and others in se- veral instances. In the case of Palmer (the Rugeley poisoner) he was examined for the defence. He was one of the founders of the Chemical Society of Lon- don (of which he was a Fellow) and also of the Bris- tol Medical School, of which he became Professor of Chemistry on its first opening, in 1828.-Bristol Times. GENERAL BELIEF AS TO RESULTS OF REFORM BILL. —'I>e belief must be general, either that a parliament elected by the new constituency will be very like all previous parliaments, or that even if the new parliament should be different, the position of the country will remain in essential respects un- changed. The apathy shown by the public at large to the creation of a million electors belon^in"- to the poorer classes an enfranchisement which0causes existing electors to be entirely ou-tnumbcred at the poll, is the greatest compliment which could be paid by the upper classes to their poorer fellow-country- men. It exhibits their faith in the deep-rooted sta- bility of our institutions, and their belief that all Englishmen are very much alike. The practical side of English politics has never been shown in more striking colours. Logically, theoretically, d priori, the Reform Bill is nothing less than a revolu- tion. Practically and actually, the vast majority of Englishmen have shown that they believe it to be a slight modification of our representative system which it was politic to make, in order to satisfy somewhat importunate demands, but which was scarcely worth all the fuss that a set of professional politicians chose to make about the matter.—St. Pauls, edited by Anthony Trollope. HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT AND PILLS.—With the changing season it is prudent for all to rectify any ailment afflicting them; but it is incumbent on the aged, sufferinj; 1IIlder ulcerations and similar debilitating causes, to have them re- moved, or worse consequences will follow This Ointment is their remedy on its powers all may confidently rely It not only puts their sores out of site, but extirpates the source of mis- rihief, extracts the corroding poison, and stimulates nature to fill up the ulcer with sound, healthy granulations, that will abide through life. Under this ti'ejatment lju^ SQOl) become -nund, scorbutic skins cast oft' their scales, and scrofulous gjies ci ase to annoy. Such hope for the diseased was unknown in j former days. j

OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT. LONDON, WEDNESDAY. With the opening of Parliament last week the season may be fairly said to have begun. It is shewn by a thousand little indications this spring- time of the fashionable world, and from what one may judge it gives good promise of a brilliant sea- son. Gradually,almost imperceptibly, but still surely, the streets are filling, and par consequence the houses as well; dashing equipages and striking liveries throng Boud-street and Regent-street in the after- noon the Park resounds once more with the con- tinuous roll of aristocratic wheels; and the "Row" has at last a fair complement of equestrians. The shops in the West End too display all that is most gorgeous, attractive, and exquisite in dress, bijou- terie, and art; in fact, last week the valentines alone which adorned the windows of some of the sliops were a study of themselves. Anything more beauti- ful, delicate, and tasteful in their way could not be conceived. Some of these offerings at Cupid s shrine are very costly too, and 1 suspect some of your fair readers would be almost incredulous at the idea of a valentine costing ol- and even 10Z. Such is the case however though I fear me much that in these practical days there arc few ladies to be found so romantic that tliey would not rather have the note drawn on the Bank of England than on the Bank of Cupid. With regard to politics, it is certain that the No- vemher session has rather taken the edge off the excitement which usually attends the assembling of Parliament, and people are raking up the ashes of the Queen's Speech, than to find amongst the embers the programme of the session now begun. This is of course a very much more sensible plan than that of vague speculation which has unfortu- nately been so greatly in vogue of-late. The great question is undoubtedly the question of national education just now, which seems at least to be attracting a due amount of attention. The tramway movement is again afloat, and a bill for introducing street tramways in London is to be brought before the House of Commons; it has already passed standing orders. When we remem- ber street tramways of about six years ago inaugu- rated so prosperously and perseveringly under Mr. Train's bombastic patronage, it is difficult to disas- sociate the present visit of that gentleman to the British Isles wit4 the bill now to be brought before the House, especially as the same ship" hieh bore Train to these shores also contained hei' passengers one M r. Dur nit, a coutry man of his, who speculated largely, and consequently lost largely, in the last tramway venture here. Of course, Mr. Train would not allow anything so petty or prosaic as filthy lucre to influence his actions; and a com- mercial speculation is far too unsensational for him to own it for a moving power: but nevertheless the visit of Mr. George Francis Train and Mr. Durant have something in common with the street tiarnway bill, or I am much mistaken. The measure is an American one, brought forward by an American company and though it is a Yankee speculation, pur et simple, for which the influence of members of Parliament and the press is strenuously sought hy various means, yet it undoubtedly has advan- tages as well as disadvantages. It is proposed to use a flange wheel on which a royalty will be charged. If the scheme can be carried out in wide streets without inconvenience to the public, it must economise paving expenses, wear and tare of car- riages, harness and horse flesh, as well as afford an easy, and that great desideratum—a comparatively noiseless—mode of travelling in the streets. A power- ful opposition is, however, organising in some ot the West End parishes of the Metropolis, led on by St. Pancras vestry, which on this day confirmed a minute of last week's proceedings to petition against the bill. I lately noticed in a largely circulated London weekly a most unjust and sweeping con- demnation of omnibuses, and the officials connected with them, put forth, I have reason to know, by the promoters of the tramway movement. I have no interest but in the cause of truth to deny the jus tice of this. I am an old and daily omnibus travel ler from St. John's Wood to the Strand, and a fre quent. one in many other directions and I cat speak from my own experience, in which I am sun thousands will bear me out, to the civility, obliging- ness, and general attention of the servants of the London General Omnibus Company, which has moreover, a printed notice posted up in every omni. bus requesting passengers to report any incivility or the part of its servants at once to the secretary and, as I said before, universal civility has been thi result. At the time I write, poor Mr Speke remain? a great a mystery as ever. I only wish there wa, some kind of intelligence to give you on the subject but though letters appear daily in the papers, the suggestions and suppositions contained in tiiera ge daily more and more wild and vague, aud les; likely to assist in elucidating the myst. ry. The report last Saturday that he had been traced to a lunatic asylum in Germany was entirely groundless; in fact, the police know no more than they did when the missing gentleman's hat was found in Bird-cage Walk. We are inundated with hosts of instances of persons who have been missed of late years and never henrd of again; but there is nothing to show in most of the cases that they were sought for, or that they have not voluntarily absented themselves on account of pecuniary embarrassment, or something of the kind, from which supposition Mr Speke's case is free. True, he may have ab- sented himself for some reason unknown, but there is no tangible reason for believing such to be the fact. The papers report a most flagrant case of swind- ling young women anxious to earn a livelihood, which has just been exposed in Howell-street, Pad- dington. A fellow advertised a light and genteel occupation to be taught in 10 days for 5 shillings. Twenty-five young women caught the bait, and were furnished with a small stand, brush, &c., and shown for a few minutes how to paint some letters on glass; at the expiration of 10 days more money was extracted from them, on the plea that they were not quite competent; but in the end they were sent away without the least satisfaction for their money, time, or disappointed hopes. Worst of all, the swindler, who has thus takem them in, cannot be punished, they having received something tangible, namely, the stand and brush, for their money. A rather novel mode of swindling came under my notice last week. A poor woman was induced to buy a duck at a remarkably low price, and found, when about to cook it, that its weight had been increased by having been stuffed with sand. Yesterday (Tuesday) there was a renewal of ex- citement, when the Clerkenwell prisoners with their armed escort were brought up at Bow Street for the eleventh time. The prisoner Allen was discharged, as will be seen by the report, but immediately taken into custody again on a coroner's warrant, but did not seem to mind it. Some of the disclosures seem to implicate Cassy in a knowledge of the plot.—The precarious state of Lord Derby's health is causing great sensation, as it is believed to be more serious than it is allowed to appear. The alarming fire at Charing Cross Railway Station, yesterday afternoon, caused intense excitement in West Strand. On the first alarm of fire being given, people rushed from all parts to the scene, almost blocking up the road, to the imminent danger of their own lives, for the traffic not being stopped, vehicles of all kinds were driving in and out, and nearly over the crowd and each other in the excitement. This was heightened ten-fold as fire-engine after fire-engine came dash- ing at full gallop with reeking horses through every obstacle; but the scene of confusion did not last long, for large bodies of mounted and foot police were speedily on the spot in sufficient numbers to stop the traffic, and keep the crowd in order. The other day there was a great special constable stir here. In many parishes of the metropolis they had a muster and march out, headed by their bands, playing lively airs. The "specials" were all armed with their staves, and presented a formidable ap- pearance, showing what a good backbone of loyalty there is in the country, and showing what a for- midable combination could be brought to bear upon any would-be disturbers of the national peace. In one of the processions the band was preceded by a band of firemen, and another of commissionaires, which had a striking effect. While on the subject of constables I may mention that various circum- stances point to the desirability of increased perma- nent police protection for the metropolis, and a thousand additional constables will shortly be added to the force. This will, however, entail an expense of sixty or seventy thousand pounds per an- num upon the already over-burthened ratepayers. A pleasing variety in the mode of baby-desertion occurred the other day in the parish of Paddington, if any variety of so sad a practice can be considered pleasing. I speak of the finding of a female child on a door-step in Norfolk Crescent. The poor little foundling was richly dressed in a clean suit of baby's clothes, and carefully secured against cold and hunger by being extensively wrapped up in flannel, and provided with a feeding bottle, which however, the little creature had contrived almost to empty by the time it was found. Whoever placed the poor child there had evidently not wished it to perish. It is a rather curious fact that there are more foundlings in the democratic parish of St. Pancras, and the very aristocratic parish of St. George's, Hanover Square, than in any other parishes in London. It seems strange at first sight why a wealthy and aristocratic parish like St. George's should exceed all others in the number of children deserted in it, but I think it may be accounted for by the supposition that mothers en- tertain of the possibility of their offspring being adopted by some one of rank or wealth, or botb-R supposition, I need not say, far too romantic for the present day, the only probable adoption being the compulsory one of the parish, where the child generally receives the name of the street or square in which it is found.

WRECK IN THE CHANNEL. The schooner "Mary Lewis," of this port, Capt. Thomas Lewis, was run down on Tuesday, in the English Channel, by an American steamer. The captain and bis daughter, and the whole crew, with one exception, were lost. The fortunate exception was a boy named James, son of Mr Edward James, ship carpenter, of this town, who succeeded in gaining the deck of the vessel by which his own perished. The crew, with this exception, were all strangers to this place.

▼— LODGING-HOUSE BUILDING. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ABERLFSTWYTH OBSERVER. Sir,—Will you kindly allow me to trouble you once more by inserting the following in your next publication? I find that another attempt is made to depreciate the value of the two houses I have in course of building in Newfoundland-street. I allude to the contents of the letter in last week's Observer, signed "J. J. Atwood." As your paper circulates in many parts of England, where the writer of that letter is not so well known as be is here and here- abouts, I consider it my duty, in justice to myself, to inform the public that what be states about the back premises of my houses is totally unfounded. When I applied for a certain grant at the commis- sioners' meeting, I informed the mayor that as I was building two new houses that the baclt or my present house was shut up, and that I came there to ask permission to build an area. Now observe: I was speaking about the back door when I said I had no light-not air. I meant to say I had no light- not air-from my back premises. Whereupon our worthy mayor, with his usual smile, said, "In that case you will not live long." This was followed by Mr. Atwood's observation, that the application ought not to be granted-live or not. What a ten- der-hearted commissioner Yours faithfully, THOMAS COLLINS.

ASSEMBLY ROOMS. THE LATE FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT. CONCERT FOR A PRAISEWORTHY PURPOSE. UNDER THE MOST DISTINGUISHED PATRONAGE. A CONCERT will be given in the ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Aberystwyth, on next THURSDAY EVENING, the 27th inst., the proceeds of which are to be handed over to the WIDOW and ORPHANS of the late SAMUEL DANIELS, Engine-driver on the Cambrian Railway, who was killed in the late FEARFUL ACCIDBWT on the line at CAERSWS BRIDGE. The chair will be filled on the occasion by R. D. PRICE, ESQ., CYFRONYDD, (Director of the Cambrian Railway Company.) The Programme, which is of a highly attractive character-many of the most renowned amateurs in the town and neighbourhood having volunteered their services, will be published this evening, and may be had, together with tickets of admission, at the following places: Mr Cox's, Stationer, Pier- street Mr Jenkins's, Observer Office Mr Philip VV illiaius's, Printer, Bridge-street, and at the prin- cipal Hotels in the town. N B. The entrance to the First and Second seats will be by the new fight of steps constructed in Laura Place. The entrance to the Back seats will be as usual, through the ordinary door in Church- street. Prices of Admission: Reserved Seats, 3s.; Front Seats, 2s.; Second Seats, Is. Back Seats, 6d.

THE MARKETS. ABERYSTWTTII, Monday, February 17th, 1868. Wheat 9s. Od. to 9s. 6d. per bushel, Barley os. Od. to os. 3d., Oats 2s. 6d. 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 Gd. to OJ. per lb., Veal 6d. to ad. per lb., Pork 51d. per lb., Turbot Is., per lb., Fowls 2s. 4d. to 2s, tkl., per couple, Geese Os, Od. to Os. Od. per couple, Ducks 4s. 0d. a couple, Partridges 2s. 6d. a brace, Phea- sants 5s Gd. a brace, Hares 2s. 6d. each, Rabbits Is. 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.

ISirtfi. On Saturday, the 15th inst., at Cedar Lodge, in this town, the wife of Mr. H. G. Atwood, of a daugh- ter Eeatfis. On the 6th instant, deeply regretted, aged 10 years, the beloved daughter of Mr Adam Evans. Printer, Machynlleth. On Thursday, the 13th instant, at Tenby, Mrs Morgan, widow of the Rev. Evan Morgan, late Vicar of Llantrisant, in the county of Glamorgan. On Tuesday, the 18th instant, aged 58 years, Lewis Pugh, Esq., of this town.

MONUMENTS for Churches, Churchyards, aod Cemeteries, executed in Stone, Marble, and Granite, may be inspected in the Show Rooms, at R. DODSOJI'H Marble Works. Swan-hill. Shrewsbury.

LOCAL- PETTY SESSIONS, ABERYSTWYTH. Tuesday, February 18th, 1868. Before Richard Roberts, Esq., mayor, and John Davies, Esq. LARCENY. Edward Owens, sworn: Witness resides at Tal-y- bont, in this county. On Friday last witness pur- chased from the prisoner, Robert IIowolJs, a carriage cushion, similar to the one now produced (cushion produced), at the Lion yard, and paid him sixpence for it. The prisoner in a short time afterwards brought it down to the Talbot yard, and placed it in the market-cart I had on that day; and in a short time afterwards police constable Evans came and took it away. P. C. David Evans, sworn: In consequence of in- formation received, witness went to the Talbot Hotel yard, and took from the market-cart of the last witness the cushioa now produced, and afterwards went to look for prisoner, but found he had ab- sconded. Arrested him on Sunday at Berth. David Davies, head ostler at the Lion Hotel, identified the cushion as the property of Mrs Barlow, the proprietress of the Lion Hotel. It was worth about 2s. Cd. The prisoner elected to have the case disposed of by the magistrates. The defendant received a good character from those present, who knew him. The prisoner was sentenced to 14 days imprison- ment in Cardigan gaol. A DOMESTIC SQUABBLE. Charlotte Hodman, sworn: On Thursday evening last, the defendant, —— Jones, who lives in the same house, came down stairs, and threatened to rip her." On Friday morning, the defendant threatened to drown the witness's child, a little boy; and on witness expostulating with her, she struck the witness (who had a child in her arms) to the ground; and scratched her, and otherwise ill-treated her. The whole dispute arose about a cask which bad been used as a dirty water cask. The defendant said that the cask was used to hold the water for drinking purposes, and she was so annoyed at seeing the water dirtied when she wanted to make tea that she vowed she would drown the complainant if she caught her. Instead of the defendant assaulting the complainant, on the con- trary, the latter assaulted violently the former, who was as quiet as a lamb.. The complainant exhibited a handful of hair which she asserted the defendant had pulled from her head. Dismissed with a caution and severe reprimand.

— ♦ — POPULAR READINGS. The next of these excellent entertainments will be held on Tuesday, the 3rd of March, for which occasion the programme is being most carefully prepared. It was originally intended to hold the entertainment on next Tuesday; but the plan has been altered, so as not to clash with the interests of a concert to be given next week for the benefit of the surviving relatives of the two poor fellows who lost their lives by the recent accident on the Cam- brian Railway; and to further which benevolent effort the committee of the Popular Readings will render all the assistance in their power.

TREGARON. CONCERT.—On Tuesday last a concert was held at this place by the local choir, Dr. Rowland, M.D., of Strata Florida, presiding. The songs were well rendered, and numerous encores responded to. Af- ter the conclusion of the concert, a vote of thanks to the chairman was proposed and carried with ac- clamation. Great praise is due to Dr. Rowland for his readiness at all tunas to take part in whatever may tend to the good of his neighbourhood.

«O^ES?ONDENCS. UN1VE1MTTY AND MIDDLE-CLASS EI) U- T CATION IN WALES. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVE 11. Sir,-To satisfy those friends of education who have been fearful that in seeking a higher type of education for the Principality we were oblivious of the pressing wants of the middle classes, permit me to make one quotation, which will have the effect of showing that educational means for these classes has always been a mark kept in view by us. The condition of things in the Principality with respect to middle-class education is at present very peculiar, and calls for the serious attention of our wisest men. The children of the poor are better educated than are the children of those next above them. British and National Schools, stimulated into efficiency by Government subsidy and inspec- tion, give the poorer classes an education, whatever its confessed defects, of a highly practical and valuable kind.- But what then? While pahlic attention has been awakened to the education of the poor, all hut entire apathy has reigned on the question of middle-class education," &c. The words are from a jiamphlet, Middle and High Schools, and a University for Wales, which I ?rlb- Ji,h('d just five years ago, and after the perusal of u hicii the late Mr W. Williams came to 1 he decision to give One Thousand Pounds to the object. In fact, the education of the middle class is a chief aim, and wiil be the chief effect of our movement. This department of culture is a paramount head of the country. Wales is, if we may so speak, a peculiarly middle-class country. The strength of every nation is beyond doubt found in what is called its middle class—a term understood by all, though perhaps capable, of definition by very few. But if this section is the most influential of the population in England, v* hen the classes of higher dignity through birth and fortune are so numerous and powerful, what must it be in Wales, where the aristocracy are comparatively few and poor, and where the lowest cia-s-the abject and destitute poor, so numerous in many countries, are fortunately also so limited. The bounds of the middle class in Wales are in truth very wide, and embrace an enormous bulk of population. Now the fact is patent, and it is of no use ignor- ing it, that for this most important and rapidly increasing section there is no systematic and per- manent educational provision. We have nothing but a few schools, excellent of.their kind, set upby private enterprize, and a good many in no sense excellent in their kind, (with one or two prominent exceptions,) called Endowed Grammar Schools, whose main service seems to be to spend in the most unremunerative way the money Jeft by our benevolent forefathers, and stand in the way of the establishment of really efficient schools. The question therefore is, What is to be done to remedy this state of things, and how is it to be accomplished? Yours truly, THOMAS NICHOLAS. 5, Gracechurch St., Londun, Feb. 18, 1808.

THE GOGERDDAN FOXHOUNDS WILL MEIT oa Wednesday, 26th February The Kennel Saturday, 29th February Crosswood EACH DAY AT HALF-PAST 10 O'CLOCK. THE VALE OF AYRON FOXHOUNDS (Capt. Iaughan's) WILL MEET os Tuesday, 25th February At Llauina, AT 10.30. O'CLOCK.