The Aberystwith Observer

YSTRAD MEURIG. SCHOOL BOARD.—A meeting of the above board was held on Tuesday evening week, the members present being Messrs John Lloyd (chairman), W. Bebb, W. Owen, and 8. Tregoning (clerk). The clerk reported that since the last meeting he had received the report of the Swyddffynon school. The amount earned per head was 19s 10d exclusive of the se -zing grant, and the excellent merit grant had again been obtained. The grant showed an increase of a little over Xi on last year. The following is the report:— "This school is in very good order and discipline, and is instructed with much zeal, intelligence, and success. The results of the examination, both in the elementary and in the two class subjects were highly satisfactory and especially the composition of the fifth and sixth standards. The needlework was satis- factory. The infants had been intelligently taught. As the pupil teacher has completed her time it is highly important, in order to keep the efficiency of the school, that an assistant teacher in addition to the candidate should be employed. Agnes Evans has passed fairly. "-The chairman expressed his pleasure at the report, and thought that it reflected great credit on their schoolmaster (Mr W. G. Summerhill). He hoped that the school would always continue in its present efficient condition.—The board next con- sidered the appointment, as recommended by the inspector in his report. The members were of opinion that it was necessary for this year at any rate to appoint one, and it was unanimously agreed that Miss Evans be appointed.—On Monday Messrs J. Lloyd and W. Owen attended the school, and dis- tributed prizes to the children for regular attendance. Mr Lloyd urged upon the children the necessity of attending school regularly and getting a good educa- tion, which was very important if they wished to make their way in the world. It was utterly im- possible for them to become good scholars unless they attended school regularly. He hoped to see a great many more earning prizes next year. He was pleased to hear that the boy David Jones who, of course, had the best prize, had not been absent from school for six years.—Mr Owen, in a few well chosen remarks, said how pleased he was to see how well the children had done at their examination, and complimented the children on their cleanliness and general good con- duct. He hoped to see all those who had not obtained a prize this year striving hard to obtain one next year.

METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER. Att. Dry. Wet Date. Bar. Ther. Bulb. Bulb Max. Min.Kam. Wind. in. deg. deg.deg. deg. deg. in. Jan. 4 29*694 49 50 46 51 46 '01 E. 5 29-556 49 43'5 42 51 43 — W.S.W. 6 30'066 48 46 44 46 41 — S. 7 30-340 50 4r3 45 50 44 '04 S.W. 8 30-562 52 50'5 50 505 45 '06 S. 9 30-750 53 47 46 52 44 '02 S E. 10 30 740 53 43 42-5 53 42 — E. Average Max. temperature in shade for week 50'5 Minimum „ 43*5 Total Rainfall „ *13 inch V. XtEES JJAVIBS, M.JH., I Medical Officer of Health |

WELSH NONCONFORMITY. The following letter, written by the Rev A. G. Edwards, vicar of Carmarthen, has appeared in the Times ":— Sir,-Official statistics, quoted in two previous letters, have established the fact that every Welsh Nonconformist denomination in Wales is now on the decrease. With your permission f would once more give extracts from the official Nonconformist reports bearing upon these two points-viz., (1) the alleged difficulty which the Nonconformists experience in Wales in obtaining from Churchmen sites for their chapels (2) the spread of English throughout Wales, and the inability of the .Nonconformists to provide services in that language. I shall be able to show that the last point is recognised by th<i Dissenters as the most important question of the day for Welsh Nonconformity. 1. In one of the singularly fair and able letters from Wales which have appeared in your columns. these quotations are given from the Bauer," edited by the Rjv Thomas Gee, a Calvinistic Methodist minister As the greater part of the landlords are zealous Churchmen and Tories, they are the implac- able enemies of the Nonconformists. There are to-day scores of parishes in which there is not one Noncon- formist chapel; the only leason for that is that not an inch of land can be had for the purpose." Again, It appears that over 2,000 Methodist chapels alone depend for their existence on the good will of the landowners." I will take the last quotation first. In this year's official report for the whole Calvinistic Methodist body in Wales the following facts are stated on pages 37 to 44. In 1882 a committee was appointed by the General Assembly to report upon the whole property belonging to the Methodists. Their report (givsn on pag's 37) states that the Calvinistic Methodists have 1,252 chapels 652 are freehold and 600 are leasehold. Of the latter in 1883 tkere were 347 leases which would termin tte by the year 2,000, and the total number of chapels in i883 for which there was neither jecd nor lease was 46. Since then nine of this number have been converted into freeholds and three into leaseholds, thus reduc- ing the total for which there is neither deed nor lease to 34. The mind naturally compares 34 with 2,000, and ,the judgment consigns the writer in the Baner" to the torture of these official figures. But I return to the first quotation: Since 1883 the Methodists have made an effort to convert their leaseholds into freeholds and to secure freehold liit s for their new chapels and ministers' houses. The results of that effort are given in the same report Out of seven chapels converted from leas holds into freeholds since 1883, five of these conces-ions have been obtained from Cliurchm n, one being from a Welsh archdeacon. Since 1883 s.tes for a minister's house in one f arish, for a schoolroom in another, and for a new chapel in a third hive been given to the Methodists by large landowners, all three of who-m are Churchmen. It it is at all necessary to fortify these official Methodist statements, I may add that I well remember years ago hearing it said by Church- men of the late Sir Watkin—a Churohmtn, a Tory, and the largest landowner in Wales—that hp was so anxious to be fair to the Nonconf ormists that it w IS almost easier to get a site for a chapel than for a church for him. 2. I started by saymg that the spread of English in Wales is the most important question of the day for Welsh Nonconformists. The Calvinistic Metho- dists in their official report for 1882 SlY, We en not maintain our hold upon the country unless we win the towts, and this can only be done through the Ertg'ish lauguage." Again, ill 1883, they state in their official;report;, That the weightiest subject (,f the day appertaining to the Methoaish denominatiot) is the spread of Engiish through Wal s and that year a formal resolution was passed t'h it the English (i.e., in Wilej) shall from henceforth r. ccive the special attentin oteve-y General Assemb y." In the Baptist year book for 1878 this atatoment. is made:—" W* cannot shut our ey s to the fact that in many districts (in Wales-) the usf- of the Welsh language is decreasing. Like the now of the ti< e, the English langn ige is a vancin^ in the Principa ity. If the Nonconformists in Wales will not or cannot meet the r quiremeats that will follow the change of languages, the power of Nonconformity will be diminished." From the Congregational Year-book it appears that Knglish Congregational Unions have been established for South and North (in 1876) Wales, because a large portion of the rising generation in Wa'ell are being transformed into English speaking people." The following statistics, taken from the official year- books of the three chief denominations in Wales, prove that the Nonconformists ara unable to provide those English services the need and importance of which they themselves fully recognize. (a) The fall statistics for 1881 (then first published) for the English C Jvinistic Methodist, causes in Wales show that the total number of English chapels was that year in Wales 103 (i.e.,45 in North and 58 in South Wales); of communicants, 4,290 (i.e., 1,770 in North Wales, 2,520 in S )uth Wales); of h ear csrs, 13,889 (i.e., 6,056 in North Wales, 7,833 in South Wales) the total contributions to the ministry, £ 4,924 18" 5d (i.e., X2,703 17s 8d in North Wales, £2,221 Os 9..1 in South Wales) and the total receipts, £11,500 131 5d (i.e., X6,394 6s 4d in North Wales, £ 5,10S 7s Id in South Wales). This year's statistici, whish give the results of the strenuous efforts for the last five years of the Methodists to extend their English causes," are as follows:—The total number of chapels is now 114 (i.e., 49 for North Wales, an 1 65 for South Wales); of communicants, 6,079 (i.e., 2,403 for North Wales and 3, 676 for South Wales); of hearers, 17,772 (i.e., 7. -09 for North Wales, a-id 10 563 for South Wales); the total contributions to the ministry, X6,485 13s 6d (i.e., £3,338 17s lid for North Wales, and £ 3,146 15s 7d for South Wal"); and the total receipts, £ 14.179 4s lid (i.e., £7,423 17s for North Wales, £6,755 7s lid for South Wales). At the lowest computation, 600,000 people now worship in English in Wales. Of this number the Methodist communicants average one psr cent. The annual increase for the whole of Wales in the English Methodist communicant* averages 357, I believe the Church could show a larger increase for the same period in two towns in Wales than Methodism can show in the whole Principality. Well may the official report (for 1886) regret this slow progress, which ought to be much greater in proportion to the territory that has to be acquired." (b) The statistics for the Baptist English causes in Wales show that the number of chapel sittings in Wales was 48,063(5,480 North Wales, 42,583 South Wales) iu 1885 and 47,642 (5,350 North Wales, 42,292 South Wales) in 1887 the number of membbrs,14,349 (1,124 North Wales, 13,225 South Wales) in 1885 and 13,548 (1,040 North Wales, 12,508 South Wales) in 1887 and the number of Sunday school scholars, 17,879 (1,656 North Wales, 16 223 South Wales in 1885, and 17,299 (1,573 Norih Wales, 15,726 South Wales) in 1887. These statistics, taken from the Baptist official year-books for 1885 and 1887 show an all-round decrease. If we leave out Montgomery- shire, the Baptists are practically non-existent as an English body in North Wales. (c) The Congregational Year-book does not give any detailed account of the Entrli-h causes" in Wales, but it states that tl-ere are 93 Congregational Ministers who minister in English in Wales. I find that the number of Congregational ministers who minister exclusively is English in North Wales is 21. These figu es are enough to prove that the Congrega- tional" English causes in Wales are not numerous. And it is well known that the Congregational" English causes are weaker than those of the other denomin- atior s in Wales. While I gladly recognize the excellent work done by the Nonconformists, more especilly the Calvin- istic Methodists, for Wales in the past hundred years, I am compelled by their own statistics to state that their influence is declining. At the beginning of this century the Chnrch, by her neglect of the Welsh language, lost the Welsh people, and now the spread of English ses-ms to have a similar fate in s ore for Welsh Nonconformity, and threatens to leave its ministes like infants, Crying in the night And with no Un^uige but a cry."

LORD LONDONDERRY AND HIS TENANTS At an interview on Friday evening week, between tenants on the Londonderry estate, County Down, and Mr Brownlow, his excellency's agent, a later offer on the landlord's behalf to sell the estate at 22 years' purchase, payment to extend over 49 years, was made. No decision, however, was arrived at.

GAZETTE NEWS. BANKRUPCTY, \CT 1883, RECEIVING ORDERS. John Beynon, Fountain Inn, Tregaron, Cardigan- shire, licensed victualler, &c.

NOTICE OF DIVIDEND. David Walters, of Kiffig, Carmarthenshire, farmer and cattle dealer first and final dividend 7s 4d in the < £ payable January 17th, at the Official Receiver's, Carmarthen.

ADJUDICATION. John Beynon, Tregaron, Cardiganshire, licensed victualler, aud horse, cattle, and sheep dealer.

Dyke Road & Preston. Laundry Works, Brighton, July 23rd, 1886. To Messrs. RECKITT & SO^N S, Limited. Gentlemen—For twelve years I w.s the Manager of the Laundry at the Grand Hotel," and I found your Blue the best I ever used. I have been in business for myself during the past nine years, and I still use your Blue, as I find it the best. It is superior to all Liquid Blue-I am, yours truly, J. HORN.

I WELSH ITEMS. On Sunday morning, a steamer named the Mary E. Wadham, in consequence of fog, went on the rooks near Sheepscote, on the Pembroke Coast, ^he was coal-laden from Swansea, and bound for Belfast. One fireman was drowned. At about noon on Saturday, two men, named John Davies, a haulier, aged 18, and Robert Collard, another haulier, a married man, both of Ferndale, were killed at the No 1. Pit, Ferndale. They had finished their work underground, and wers in the act of coming up an incline. A journey of trams was being drawn up at the same time by a stationary engine, when the coupling chain broke, and three trams laden with timber and rubbish passed over the men, and also over a horse which happened to be Slose by. Death in each case resulted. Thomas Collins, 41, Thomaston Street, Kirkdale, Liverpool, inspector of the Lancashire and York- shire Railway, after using two bottles of St. Jocobs Oil was completely cured of six months' suffering from severe rheumatism in the ankles. The s.s. Tongariro," which left London on Nov. I 16th, and arrived at Wellington, N.Z., on Dec. 31st, had a large consignment of live weasels on board, with 4,0UOlive pigeons to feed on them during journey. Live weasels are an article of commerce with the Colonies, the export trade of which has been going on for the last four or five years. Traders and exporters of live weasels and stoats are located in Edinburgh and London. At a mee ing of the North Wales Liberal Federa- tion, on Saturday, it was resolved to request the federation specially to discuss and consider, with the aid of their agricultural members, the needs of the farmers of Wales. They also request the Welsh National League and Farmers' Society to supply similar information. The associations are asked to make enquiries respecting the enclosures of commons and foreshores which have taken place or are threatened, and as to the effect of allotments and the preservation of commons, and report the result to the federation. At a meeting of the Geologists' Association on Friday, Mr Readwin read a paper on the auriferous wealth of Wales. That there was gold in the Prin- cipality, he said, had been known to geologists for half a century, but he expressed regret that the public had got into such a state of unrest on the matter, and cautioned people not to expect more than an ounce of gold to the ton of minerals. The following letter has been forwarded from the Home Office to the clerks of the peace in the various counties of Wales: Tiie attention of the Secre- tary of State having been drawn to the question of the apprehended disturbances in connection with the collection of tithe rent-charges in Wales, I am directed to inform you that he has been in communication with the chief constables of various counties, enquir- ing whether they have reason to anticipate any ser- ious breach of the peace, and suggesting whether arrangements could not be made by the several county police forces to render mutual assistance to each other by means of a scheme of combined action. Having regard to the urgency of the matter at the time, the Secretary of State felt himself justified in addressing the chief constables of your county district, but in view of the near approach to the quarter sessions he wishes to bring the matter to your notice in order that it may be submitted for the con sideration of the county magistrates." Mr Lewis Morris has been accepted as the Liberal candidate for Pembroke boroughs, in opposition to the sitting member, Admiral Mayne. At the rent audits of Lord Kensington at Llan- fyrnach on We Inesday, and at Narberth on Thurs- day week, his lordship allowed an abatement of 25 per cent. off his Miehaelaias rents. The tenants did not expect so much, as his lordship is building extensively for them without charging any per- centage. In addition to this, his lordship allowed 40 per cent. ot his Michaelmas tithes. The colliers employed at the New British Iron Company's Wynnstay Coilieries, Ruabon, struck work on Tuesday, owing to a dispute with the managers, who had discharged some of the workmen in consequence of complaints about dirty coal. After leaving the collieries the miners went to the house of the manager, Mr Isaac Jones, who subsequently found refuge in the village. A messenger was despatched for the police, and application was made to the chief constable of the county for a force of constabulary, further disturbances being feared. The Bo»r-* of lraue inquiry ilJtJ the loss of the steamship Brighouse, of Cardiff, on the Seven Stones, last month, concluded at Cardiff on Monday. The court considered that a proper look-ou^. had not been kept, and that the ship had not een navigated with seamanlike mtre. They found the master, Thomas Tregartha, to be alone in default, aud suspended liis certificate for three mojtiis. Ib-viil be remembered that Mr Brodigan, of Crynfryn-buiidin .8, in this town, was one of the crew of the vessel when she was lost.

FOOTBALL. We shall be pleased to receive reports of football matches, briefly written, and of fixtures, for publication. LLANBADARN WABBLERS V. TRINITY II. ELEVEN. A match was played between the above teams on the ground of the latter on Saturday afternoon. he v/abblers scored a goal in the lirst half-time. During the second half-time the Trinity scored one goal, so the match ended in a draw. The following composed the Trinity team :-C. Edwards, E. Morcom, J. T. Davies, J J. Davies, W. Dougall, C. Holmes, J. Wilson, W. Michael (captain), E. Rees (goal). Umpire, A. O. Hughes. CELTIC ROVERS V. TRINITY (2nd Eleven). This return match was played on the Trinity ground on Wednesday last in foggy weather. Trinity won the toss, and decided to play with their backs towards the town. In a few minutes after starting a goal was scored for the Celtic Rovers, and two more were scored before half-time, l'uriug- the lasc half-time the Rovers put ten more goals in but three were disputed, and at the call of time the Rovers left the field victorious by nine goals and three disputed to one. The Celtic liovers' team were—Goal, W. H. Jones; backs, J. W. Scott, J. Jones; half-backs, R.J. Ellis, R Ellis, H. T. Jones left wing, J. Rowlands, R. Doughton right wing, T. Edwards, D. Ellis; centre, D. T. Jones. CELTS F.C. V ST. MICHAEL'S F.C. The above teams met on the ground of the former on Saturday. The Celts bad the best of the game throughout, scoring four goals to nil in the first half of the game. After the change of ends, the Celts played a better game than they did in the first half. They continually kept the ball on the St. Michael's goal, and scored nine more goals. At the call of time the game was a great victory for the Celts by 13 go ils to nil. YSTWYTH ROVERS V. "CAMBRIAN NEWS." The above teams met on the Old Bank school ground on Saturday last, the ground was in good condition. The Rovers, who were poorly represented, won the toss and decided to play with the wind. Shortly after the kick off the Rovers scored a goal, and before half-ime was called they scored two more goals. During th-f second half the ball was constantly pressed on the Cambrian News" goal, with the exception of a few runs, the Hovers scoring four more goals. When time was called the game was an easy victory for the Rovers by seven goals to nil. The goal-keeper of the "Cambrian News" played a good game while the goal keeper of the Rovers, obtained five shots throughout. The teams were as follows :-Ystwyth Hovers: Goal, William Lewis fall-backs, Tom Jones and John Joae^ half- backs, David Morris, John Davies, and Evan Evans forwards, J. Garner, G. Ellis, W R. Jones, Tom Rees, and D. J. Lewis. "Camb'ian News" Goal, R. D. Richards full backs, l'om Phillips and J. Evans (capt.) half-backs, J. Edwards, G. Massey, and J. D. Griffiths; forwards, D. W. Evans, R. J. I Griffiths, D. T. Edwards and William Davies.

No notice can be taken of anonymous comrnunicaCionb Whatever is intended for insertion must be authen- ticated by the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publication, but as a gaamntoo of good faith.

THE ABES VST WFTtI 03 TO THK EDITOR OF THE ABE UYSTW TT .1 OBSEHVEK. My dear Sir,—Your editorial remarks attached to my letter in your last issue demand a word of ex- planation, with your permission. If my chtr.-e against you of fomenting an unhealthy feellllg between the two parishes of S. Michael's aud Holy Trinity cannot be proved from past issues, and as a consequence has not been productive of that unfor- tunate consummation (the former can be judged by reference to your paper for the last two years or thereabouts; the latter by perusal of your bellige- rent correspondents*' letters from week to w, ek), I unhesitatingly withdraw it, and tender you my apology. With the remainder of your comments on my letter I am quite at one with you a SOllrc. of great satisfaction to me. There is no reason why new papers should not deal with religious questions, if they are handled reverently, with a due regard to all the proportions, and a. sutiicient knowledge of the subject under consideration. Bat if these neces- sary qualifications be absent, I assume you will agree with me, it is a case of the blind leading the blind, and worse. My knowledge of the fact that such an alkali as potash seizes hold of some delete- rious acid in the blood and neutralises its evil ten- dency, is not a sufficient credential to enable me to attack a complicated cure, in which half-a-dozen internal organs may be affected. Our Saviour associated with (publicans and sin- ners you say; and so may you, though doubtless in these "bard times" the room of the former is preferable to their company No. Certainly con- tact with the world cannot injure relIgion." And I never said so and I heartily agree with your other statement that religion should enter into every state and condition of life," but I -hall meet with your assent when I say that to thoughtlessly rush in on deep mysteries, where angels would fear to tread, is not a trait of the Christian religion Unintentionally, perhaps, still you have d me me an injustice by implying that my letter throws ridi- cule upon the humble edifices where our forefathers worshipped, &c. The ridicule was not meant for the humble sanctuary, when nothing better could be pro- vided but for the ugly, ba;e, forsaken-looking barns that disfigure many a fair spot of God's beautiful creation; standing monuments to lhe base, selfish and undevotional spirit of utilitarianism, against which David raised his protest when he said See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains." I have worshipped in many different sanctuaries, from the noble cathedral with its "high embowed roof"- And storied windows richly dight Casting a dim religious light," as our Puritan poet has it, down to the humble white- washed room, with nothing to show it was the touch spot twixt earth and heaven, and felt that none the less the Almighty presence was there. I have wor- shipped at the Ysgoldy, in Aberystwyth, in the days of Canon Phillips, and his curates Mr Lewis, Mr Evans, and Mr Jones and at many a Sunday gosper felt the thrill that passed over the congregation still "ridicule" I feel is but a mild article to cast at the shabby and mean spirit of the age which would consider "Four whitewashed walls," &c., a meet habitation for the House of God. My protest and my ridicule is meant for that spirit of utilitarianism and its outward expression, which has no faith in it, and no imagination, which cannot rise above immediate and sensible results; which ignores the principle that the honour of God is an end of human actions, dis- tinct from and superior to the srood of man. I fear I have trespassed too far already on your space but abow me just to say I consider you, sir, quite capable of defending your own interest, and don't require the questionable assistance of the correspondent that sports himself with my last letter, and who, we must charitably judge, to be suffering from the fault of his parents in neglecting to pay the extra twopence for teaching him good manners. And when the deficiency in the common amenities which tend to lessen the friction of the grinding wheels of daily life is so very glaring, the greater kindness is to let him down soft!y, and leave him alone.—Yours faithfully, H. D. MORGAN.

THE VACANCY IN THE COUNCIL. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTH OB>ERVKIi. Dear Sir,-I shall be pleased if you will permit me, before the vacancy in the Council is filled, to suggest that a lady should be appointed, and without a contest.—Yours respectfully, A RATEPAYER.

RE THE SOCIETY FOR THE PRO P .CATION OF THE GOSPEL IN FOREIGN PARTS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVER. Dear Sir,-The collecting boxes of the above society held by the Rev D. W. Jenkins, B.A., of Troedybryn House, Mr Richard James, S.P.C K Depot, Master Charles D. Cocks, 9, George-street, the Misses Minnie Davies, 5, Pound-place, and Rosa E. Griffiths, of Salop House, and myself, were opened during the week, and the contents, amounting to 19s 0 £ d, were forwarded to the treasurers in London this week. I shall be very pleased to circulate more boxes to any one who feels inclined to take one, so that the command of the Great Representative of our humanity -"Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature"—may be more widely obeyed.—Yours respectfully, Curzon Cottage, HY. FRANCIS, Off North-road, Aberystwyth, Secretary, January 12th, 188d.

THE MARKETS AND FAIRS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ABSRYSTWYTH OBSERVER. Dear Sir,-Like, doubtless, many of your other readers, I have perused with much interest and no little curiosity your report of the meeting held last week at the Assembly Rooms to consider the best means of improving the markets and fairs in this town. The meeting seems to have been a small one, and to have been convened by circular. It was supposed to be, I should think, a gathering of repre- sentative farmers, but will anyone for a moment say that it was so ? How many acres of land do Mr Vaughau Davies, Tanybwlch, Mr Richards, jun., Gwarfelm, Mr Edwards, Bryneithyn, Mr H. W. Morgan, Fron, and others who were present, farm? It strikes me as being very strange that the largest farmers in the district were not present and not represented but still more strange that some of the people who seemed to ta.ke the lead in the matter were those who a couple of years ago took an equally active part in thwarting the action of the council in regard to it. Men have a perfect right to get wiser as they grow older, and to change their opinions, but it is usual for leaders or would-be leaders when they abandon their opinions to give a reason for so doing. But neither Mr Vaughan Davies nor Mr Edwards did so at this meeting. Unless this is done they must not be surprised if the public look upon their con- duct with suspicion. It is admitted on all hands that no effort should be spared to make the fairs and markets a success, but this can only be done by the co-operation of all classes concerned. Wishing success to the movement. I am, &c.. A WELL-WISHER. January 10th.

COUNTY BOUNDARIES. At the Pembrokeshire Quarter Sessions a long dis- cussion took place on the subject of the county boundaries, when the court recommended that the portion of the borough of Cardigan that is situated in Pembrokeshire be taken out of that borough and form part of the county of Pembroke, and that the parish of St. Dogmell's continue to form part o; Pembrokeshire. With reference to the Newcastle union, it was decided that the Pembrokeshire parishps now in this union should remain in the union and form part of Carmarthenshire. As to the Narberth union, it was decided that it should remain unaltered, and that the Carmarthenshirp parishes included in it should be added to Pembrokeshire. A suggestion by Mr Bircham, the Government inspec- j tor, for the formation of a joint workhouse for the three counties of Pembroke, Carmarthen, and Cai-- dtgan was, with the utmost unanimity, rejected

To POLICEMEN ao-3 those obliged to be out in the damp night air, CADBURY'S COCOA. affords an exhilarating beye'L-age, warming—comforting and sustaining.

ABEBAYRON. 'EITLA;Tt i> with th° 'j''eat- rpgret thit wa announce the de.tth, of Mto liib.-r.s, Lis*# .vi'V f £ r I f-.wis Robstt', if 5^'8 towni WU- h t,-ck ,vl-M-e „u tb.9 tf-.h inst. i'he ^re-utc^t s'ym^tithy is feit and expressed by all classes ot" the Community with the family ia r hpir bereavement. funeral took pi ice on, Wednesd ij', and was one of the largest ever seen m i this neighbourhood, Jjmy hundreds of people from .t 11 p rt« of Mi. ciunty b :n?»tesenf. The Rev Evan -M--rris, Calvinistic Me-hodist minister, preaehe 1 ths -.er-uoa at thH T^bem. -ie und the »Vr M. iivans, reeior, oUiciatud at JLiuiiddewi Aberajrtfc church. Among rho.-e j■ .v.B-. t: • 1 h^ following uj.uisters:—The Rev VV. Owen r-r-is, 13.-D. rural. de-in, Aberayron the R^v ilees V* vie->j? of id.-a.yron: the iiev William J.vaisa. Iu dependent minister; ths Rev Evan Morris the Bey D. Meyricfc Joaes, Llanbadaru, an<i others. UIIAMMAR SCHOOL.—We are glad t-y find that a committee of Abtnjr ;n people hare succeeded in securing the services of a competent '.etcher to open a grammar school in th'g town. The srentleuian apminted to the mastership is Mr H\<;be; of Uaneliy, who, we understand, has had considerable experience as a teacher, exter ding over a period of eleven year? six j ears In au elementary schos'and tivp years in fiist-class schools in LJllJon and else- wh re. Mr Hughes is an Inter. ILA. of the Load on. University, an i carries with Lim the highest testi- monials as an efficient and successful teacher. The committee guarantee twenty pupils to start with.- i h" school opens on Thursday, i tie 19th insr. We wi. h the institution every success. Sach a scnool is un.cn needed, and Aberayrun is a good centre fo-r (sta.tJIÙ;hihg it.

LLANILAR. CHRISTMAS TREE. Wednesday afternoon was a day of pleasant enjoyment, especially among the juvenile portion of the parishes of Llanilar and Rhostie, the occasion being the Christmas-tree treat in connection with the Sunday and day schools of the above parishes, which, as usual, took place at the Llanilar schoolroom. The room had been very taste- fully decorated with wreaths, festoons, mottoes, &c. by Mr Nicholls, Castle Hill, who is always ready and doing his part well. The Rev. J. T. Griffiths, the vicar, and Mrs. Griffiths, were this year again liber- ally supported by the kind and generous ladies and gentlemen whose liames are subjoined. We Wire were thus enabled to procure a feast and entertain- ment by no means inferior to those of former years. Mrs, Jones, Abergwili Palace, kindly sent six scarlet petticoats and one crossover, and Mr Loxdale also sent two flannel petticoats in addition to his subscrip- tion, as well as giving the beautiful spruce tree, which, after its symmetric d branches had been de- corated and loaded with the numerous and valuable presents looked really handsome, and was greatly admired. Feasting began about four o'clock, when some two hundred ciiildren and adults were attended to and waited upon with the most inviting courtesy and cordiality by the following ladies, who supplied the tea, cake, &c., all of which were of excellent quality :—Mrs Griffiths, the Vicarage Miss Parry Mrs rugh, Abermaide Mrs Jones, Falcon; Airs Hughes, Cwrtycadno Miss Morgan, Llwynhowell; Mrs Rees, Pantygwyfol; and Mrs Evans, Cwmclyd. After all had enjoyed the sumptuous fare, the evening entertainment commenced, which consisted of a lengthy programme of siiiging and recitation. The Vicar made some preliminary remarks in refer- ence to the good attendances, &c., at the two Sunday schools, and expressed a wish to see the good and desirable habit of attending Sandiy school and acquiring religious knowledge continued and increased. The Misses Pugh, Abermaide, were then called upon to open the ma.ical entertainment with. a pianoforte duet. The following was the pro- gramme :—Recitation, Mr William Jones, Llanilar; song, Mrs Puga; recitation, Miss II. R. Morgan, Whitehall; song, Miss Marianne Lloyd, Pentrellyn recitation, Mr f. L. Watkins, Ty'ncelyn; song, Miss Nora Morgan: recitation, Mr T. Thomas; song, Miss Evans; song, Miss Caroline Parry, Llwyn- howell pianoforte solo, Miss Ouhitt song, Miss Louisa Morgan; recitation, G. Parny; song, Miss Annie Lloyd; song, VV. Jones; recitation, E. Evans; debate, What should be the chief aim of life," by twenty members of the Sunday school; recitation, Miss A. J. Watkms; duet, Messrs J. Evans and W. Evans; son Miss M. Lloyd, Misses M. A. Rees, Alice Lloyd, H. R. Morgan and Nora Morgan; recita- tion, Messrs. T. Watkins and E. J. Williams; quar- tette, D. Williams and party song, Miss A. Lloyd dialogue, Mr D. Morgan and party; recitation, Mr Morgan Evans song, Miss Nora Morgan recitation, Miss E. Jones recitation, Miss J. Williams duett, N. Morgan and A. Lloyd duett, D. Williams and A. Evans recitation, Morgan Evans duett, Misses E. and K. Jones, Aberystwyth finale. God save the Queen "—solo sang by Nora Morgan, accompanied by Miss Parry. The ladies who presided at the piano during the evening were Mrs. Pugh, Miss Pugh and Miss Parry. The children of the Sunday and day schools received an orange each from Mrs. Griffiths and Miss Parry on leaving. Some of the recitations and singing were very good, and reflected much credit on the performers. The following is a list of subscribers :—Mr J. Loxdale, .£2; Mrs. Pagb. £2, Miss Parry, £ 2 Rev. J. T. Griffiths, ,81; Mr. J. E. Hughes, 10s.; Rev. J. Thomas, 5s.; Mrs. Morgan. Whitehall, 5s.; Sliss Evans, Brynilar, 5s.; Miss Mii-gan, Tanyrallt, 5s.; Mr Lewis Williams, 5s; Mrs. Lloyd, Tymawr, 4s. 6d.; Mrs. Strahan. 4s.; Mrs. Abarcrcmbie, 2s. 6d., total, -1-9 6s.

CHURCH AND CHAPEL. THE CHRISTIAN'S OBLIGATION. sermon preached by the Rev T. A. Penry at the irortiaad-street Congregational church on Sunday January 8th, from 2 Cor., v. 15, "And that ^°r ^at t'hc'y which live should not hence- » e un^° themselves, but unto him which died and rose again." is one of the many deductions from the facts Wh- u and resurrection of Jesus Christ with ■fM- Writings the Apostles abound. These lasts are represented as 'constituting the essential leatures of the gospel. If Christ died not and rose DOt, says Paul, then is our preaching vain and your faith is vain, yea and we are found false wit- esses of God." They are regarded as the basis of and the source of inspiration amid all conflicts or the attainment of divine, Christ-like manhood. i~6Se truths we acknowledge, in word at least, by prominent place accorded them in our religious as themes of praise and thanksgiving unto J*0* but our praise signifies nothing unless we see 111 them assurances of God's marvellous love and Purpose respecting us, and feel their constraining fOWer raiding us in the likeness of his resurrection to newness of life in aim and motive. The truth .^shrined in the facts relates not only to the life that to come, but to that which now is. This is the sson emphasised by the apostle in the text.- The -.acceptance of Christ as having died for all involves abnegation of self as the inspiring motive of life, "jp S;iy, and mem what you say, that Christ has 5?™ *or you, then the inevitable conclusion follows 'that you should not henceforth live to yourself, but to him who died f#r you and rose again. Due PPreciation of the fact necessitates the honest of the will and spirit of Jesus jj'to.st as the guiding, controlling and inspiring ,?.?w.e^s °f life?. "If any man have not the spirit of in k-e.^s none of his." There is no participation sPirit but by willingly and gladly submitting nun as one who is entitled to be our Lord by iTh *s an<^ kas done for 01ir redemption. r aP°s^°^c lesson deduced from the cross •■tc jp0l-'les the cross as the evidence of discipleship. } ai^y man come after me let him take up his cross „ follow me." To live for Christ, and not for A "sender all circumstances must often, prove to and blood a heavy cross; but this is Christ's f°r Kian's redemption. There is no worthy scipleship but as selfishness is crucified for the th h ^e £ 0°d an<i being true and pure. In C}]f- ,a?s °f his flesh many were willing to follow tei-* they could be accepted upon their own rms. But as he came to save men and not merely v Fain adherents, his purpose would not be attained as they accepted him as their master and the woss of his service as their badge. To many, as to TnayIor t°"day, his method might have appeared ideal, and a modification of his conditions might BCem desirable and politic. In no case, however, did Slower the standard. This remains, though the Church to-day has far departed from his way. We too anxious to gain adherents to insist on discipleship which consists in the cross-bearing IR f??^"a^ne8'ation for Christ. A greater importance ttached to statistics than to Christ-likeness. By -DJ, measure the success of the gospel, and righteousness of principles. Men are ^iced to identify themselves with the Church, and aceeP^ the invitation as a kind of insurance corlsecluerices of sin in another world, and s? m a sense of security which is terribly Chi-;Sl(-Ve an.^ unreal. The saving requirements of the -11 are °^en prostituted to the pride of HQth a man is a communicant guarantees Sobe"1^" n *8 n°^ a £ uai'an^ee that a man is truthful, 4b« ?°ir "or!est, provided he can keep himself from "the h i ^es.°f the law °f the land to say nothing of of fv,1 ?^v"aes °* °liarity, forgiveness, and purity "t and action. He may take his place at the tttif f Si •01 almost any church in the land with- Chpifif a 8"18'le cross for Christ's sake. The thaf that makes such a demand is not the Christ ^.such men believe in. The Christ who "did it fe„ la theirs, the Christ who is satisfied with pro- errlonal routine, but the Christ who disturbs human •as k° ar Vanity and carnal appetite is hated to-day Homn e^er was hated. The Christ as an external tariff 18 accePtable enough, but the Christ that advn demands separation from sin, that ■and fvf" ca?se °f the weak, and the oppressed, '^TTen h wf?n^ed is only too often a rejected Christ, «om,v, those who sing his praise and unite in .an** em orating his death. In all these things we 11 tangling ourselves with the yoke of bondage, Christianity a superficial religion totally jr. rthy of the Master, and confirming men in their olieapprehension of the aim and purpose of the life death of Jesus Christ. By sacrifice are we ior^-em+iT' sacrifi°e for us and by our sacrifice fer 5^uth and righteousness as they are in him, and 'CShinaf'8a appreciative acknowledgment of Jtttn 8 involves the obligation to live to lot- /• liyed so he died, not for himself, but 9, eivhl rs', or al'- In bis redemptive work all have ditxi 5 and an inheritance of blessing. In that he 4avf» l ■(f,r then all died." In him therefore we .1 G' Sf we are n0 l0I)?er our own, but his. Yhi,, acceptance of him as our master and redeemer Sei-w-VeS ni0- accePtance of the conditions of his ice. I his is a principle that holds good every- 3LT> ?r<5 ail(^ always. Every service has its conditions, uu we can continue honourably in it only by faith- lully observing such conditions. This is the law of «Very society, every house of business, and every position of trust. Each sets some limitation to jj^idual waywardness. Personal rights are .-acri- ,r salre of the advantages sought. By °f friendship and love we live not merely to how!f bl^ to .aild. for others. This principle, tion T61*' receives its highest application in our rela- Dtewt iUS Purist. Acknowledging him as our er things, and our redeemer from all evil, $ion« U f^,n.ecess!irily accept the conditions andlimita- ftbid^K service. We make our choice and must "Will m y,hat the choice involves. The master's + enceforth be ours. We live not to our- W -u bim. This is the doctrine of the cross 8ens^ fIC 0ur salTation is wrought, and that in a Hense far more real than that which is commonly r choi^-6 wi^ It. But the grounds upon which the attroof-8 ma"e and the advantages of the service lend every obligation therein involved. If iua^m 6 ^ie ^or us' an<^ attach its that l;earUI?j? tbat fact, the soul-inspiring motives -Drinm 0iln and are associated with it, render the Chri0+? 6 w ^'le text an essential feature of the Bobiwn- ii living for him we shall live the •keinfnii i hest for ourselves, and live the most w ai2. usefully for others, and thereby fill the See nf «,lri? an with a reality in which Christ may a Of the travail of his soul and be satisfied. Jones, B.A., eurate of Lampeter, pr e sentetlto the important living of Kid- VJy by the Lord Chancellor. We announce the death of the Rev J. Powis, M A. Sbip«r °l Peny('lawdd and Liang-oven, Monmouth- jj~re-r.-which sad event took place on Friday week. of P^ased: who was 42 years of age, was the eldest son Urida em^nent bard Dewi Wyn of H'ssyllt," Ponty- Wed>'esJ.116 iunera^ took place at Penyclawdd on IluVeWS Jea°hed this country, by the last mail from j. '1' of the sudden death from cholera of Mrs wife of the Rev J. Pengwern Jones, ^he auspices of the Calvinistic Ittdii Missionary Society at the Khasia Hills, last sa<^ event took place on the 4th Dec. Wot-a an'l A^rs J°nes. it will be remembered, thaf the band of South Wales missionaries deepi^P-i ia°i' September last year. The faen Brecruf Wa",t1heI daughter of Mr Powell, Pont- "Vion'slv to ml an on^ 3uat been married pre- bously to gOIng ont to India with Mr Jones, who Methodist ch urcli °Mountain ^rathy i, fit for Mj uZ&SS'* llZ'&ZrStfSi J™ tt. London eie were only 110; in 1775 they had gro wn into »uhl' i 1,n U|1G to "3" When- in 1816' °r Kees in w History of Protestant Nonconformity letn .^lad increased to 2,927, and the thaf-1Qd ° various denominations for 1887 show 4he<spn°W number nearly 4,500. The whole of suPP01'ted by the voluntary offerings of the WthLAearly ^eturas of the Welsh Calvinistic 3888 XTas furnished in the Official Diary for a^tion« that there are 1,394 chapels and preaching ^hic-h HTQ11 ^oanex_ion, the great majority of ^srshin ir, p iin jie Pri"oipality. The total mem- Sunfi ^inS^an^ and Wales is 129,458, while with **eeted ^-schools there are 188,066 persons con- ^eaeher^ ordained ministers, 370 5ai*ies w;flai /+8 deacons. Last year 6,401 ^9ath rpr5 f o e«o communion roll, while spelled °^d -'563 .ambers, and 1,676 were here is an increase for the year of four *S £ U('lars' w communicants, and 1,326 Sunday ''248 in i-^1 a of 892 m the hearers, and of :?e,r the lai> QC0^ecti°nstowards the ministry. Last ^°warda thff 8^m 7s lOd was contributed ^et to be raiJ!u10n °! church debts, the amount The retuTas% lu" no lessthan ^323,118 5s. wonal Union of i Prfsent state of the Congrega- that there nio and Walea, just published, Searches, and mission n<?vv,338 churches, branch Last year the t connected with the to these figures «f waa 315, but by WO years, the 166 stationi1^ done for the last io* stations known to be supported by individual churches, but not included in the county returns, there is a total given of 4,504, as against 4,461 reported last year. The total number of ministers is 2,686. The returns of accommodation have in many cases not been revised. A substantial increase is, however, shown in the cases in which they have been revised, and as these are representa- tive and in different countries, they furnish a basis for estimating the entire sitting accommodation pro- vided. This amounts to 1,625,600. The actual num- ber of members is, however, not stated. In the metropolis there are 267 Congregational Churches, of which 247 are in the London Congregational Union. Of the the 396 metropolitan ministers, 329 are mem- bers of the London Union. In Scotland there are 102 churches, in Ireland 29, and in the islands of the British seas 10. At the date of the returns there were 174 vacant churches in England, 139 in Wales and in Welsh churches in England, six in Scotland, three in Ireland, and one in the Channel Islands. During the year 18 new churches have been formed, 75 new chapels erected, including the halls and chapels rebuilt 17 new schools built, 14, foundation stones of chapels and six of schools have been laid, while, 11 churches or5 mission stations have been closed. There have been 143 ministerial removals, 83 resignations, and 81 ordinations. Seven ministers have left for other denominations, and three from other bodies have joined the Congregationalists. In England, Wales, Scotland, and the Colonies there are 18 Congregational colleges, at which there are 52 professors and lecturers, and 457 students. There are also in heathen lands ten institutions belonging to the London Missionary Society, training about 300 native students. During the year 54 new minis- ters from English and Welsh Congregational col- leges have settled in Great Britian and Ireland, nine have come from other colleges, and the training of twelve is unknown. The Earl of Powis has conferred the important living of Oswe-try, vacant by the acceptance by the Hev Canon Howell Evans of the living of Potton, Bedfordshire, upon the Rev Henry Fletcher, M.A., Oxford, vicar of Holy Trinity, Shrewsbury. Mr Fletcher, who is a moderate High Churchman, was ordained priest in 1845, a'.d was appointed to the living of Holy Trinity, Shrewsbury, in 1862. The vicarage of Oswestry is of the annual value of .£600, with parsonage. The yearly statistics of the Baptist denomination in the Principality of Wales show considerable in- crease, being comparatively larger than that of any other denomination. The number of chapels in Wales alone ( Monmouthshire being excluded) is 701, and of churches 616. The former provide accommo- dation for 240,992 persons, and evidently the attend- ance is large, as the number of communicants is set down at 75,443. There are 8,535 Welsh Sunday School teachers, who have 77,877 scholars. The ordained pastors number 367, and there are 315 recognised lay preachers. If to these be added the returns from Monmouthshire, in the western valleys of which this body has a strong hold, the figures are largely increased. In that county there are 113 places of worship, with 103 churches. These afford accom- modation for 48,957 persons, and have a membership of 12,595. There are 1,611 teachers and 16,477 scholars in the county of Monmouth, with 80 ordained ministers and 65 recognised local preachers. During 1887 these churches contributed .£9,903 for the removal of chapel debts, while new buildings were erected at a cost of = £ 4,868. There are three theo- logical colleges in Wales -viz., Pontypool, Haver- fordwest, and Llangollen, in which 63 students are preparing for home or foreign service. There are three monthly periodicals and one weekly newspaper published in the vernacular, in addition to the yearly handbook. The smallest church membership is at Newburgh, in Anglesea, and the largest at Moriah, Llanelly, which has 699 communicants. The Rev. John Rowlands, D.D., minister of the letter church, is vice-president of the Baptist Union of Wales. The progress of the Baptist body in the principality may be estimated from a touching narrative of the condition of the principality given by Vavasor Powel, and prefixed to The Bird in the Cage, published in 1662, wherein he says that at the beginning of the Civil War there were but one or two gathered con- gregations in all Wales, and in some counties scarce any that made profession of godliness. It is said that the Rev T Lucius Morgan, Calvinistic Methodist minister at Beaumaris, intends taking orders in the Church of England. Mr Morgan, who was formerly a stud .nt at the University Co]lege of Wales, is a brother to "Morien," and is a good preacher.

LLANON. A very successful competitive meeting was held at the Board schools, on Monday evening, the 2nd inst., when a long and interesting programme was gone tnrough, under the presidency of VIrW. Jones,S.D.C Lampeter. The room was well filled. The follow- ing were competed for :—Handwriting of the 100th psalm, best, Miss Emily Jones, Roslan; reading, The Monkey and the Cats," best, Mr Johnny Davies, Rosehill; impromptu speech, best, Mr Richard Evans, Tyllwyd; descriptive speech on "Llanon," best, Miss M. Emily Jones singing Llwyn On," best Miss M. Emily Jones and friend March of the Men of Harlech," best, Miss Anne Jones and John Davies. Also, several songs were given, among which were Sailors' Song," by a party of sailors from Llanon disguised as Niggers T'was you Sir," by Mr D. Davies, Bridge-street, and friends; several tunes on the accordion, by Miss A. Lillian Maude Jones, Cadivor Villa, and by Miss Lizzie Deborah Richards. The proceeds are devoted towards having a reading room in the place A good reading room is a want long felt in the neighbourhood, and it is much to be hoped that this inestimable boon will be permanently secured, where our yoang men can use- fully and beneficially spend their leisure hours and so prevent them lounging about and wasting their time. Through the exertions of the leading men in the place, ib has done great good already, as is shown by the zeal with which our youth take up politics and watch the doings of Parliament from time to time. It is worthy of note tha.t even the little ones are beginning to the feel want of a reading room, for Miss Emily Jones, in her descriptive speech on Llanon, made an earnest appeal to the intelligence of the audience for their sympathy to so grand an .object. Well, then, go on, try to secure a comfortable room, a good selection of newspapers, and have public meetings held periodically towards refraying ex- penses.-A WELL WISHER.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES. A meeting of the council of the college was held on Monday, the 9th instant, at Lonsdale Chambers, London. Mr Henry Richard, M.P., presided, and among those present were Sir R. Cuulitfe, Bart., Mr Stephen Evans, Mr Lewis Morris, Mr Morgan Lloyd Q.C., the Hon W. N. Bruce, Mr W. Williams, M.A., Mr A. C. Humphreys-Owen, Rev Principal Edwards, D.D., Mr J. F. Roberts, and Miss Hughes. The principal business was the appointment of a professor of chemistry in the room of the late Dr Humpidge. Applications were received from several caudicates, and of these five were invited to meet the council. After interview and a careful examination of the testimonials of the selected candidates, Dr H. Lloyd cinape, senior lecturer on chemistry, physics and chemical technology at Owen's College, Manchester, was appointed. The new professor took the degree of D.Sc. at the University of London, and completed his training in Berlin and Gottingen under some of the most famous chemists in Europe. Dr Snape has also very recently taken the degree of Ph.D. at the University of Gottingen. He was strongly recom- mended by several well-known chemists, among others by Professor Hofmann, of Berlin. Allusion having been made to the recent death of Mr Lewis Davis, of Ferndale, a vice-president of the college, and one of its most munificent benefactors, a resolution was passed expressing the sincere sym- pathy of the council with the family of the deceased gentleman.

THE MERIONETHSHIRE GOLD FIELDi. The work of opening out the new golds fields at Dol,gelley is vigorously progressing. About 150 miners are employed at the new diggings, and upwards of 5i0 feet of gold reefs ha.ve been stripped. Three bars of gold have just been completed from the quartz, and are being tested by analysis to ascertain the quality of the gold.

TREGARON. KENT AuDlT.—At the I'aibot Hotel on Tuesday, January lUtl!, Mr J. T. Peacock's representative, rec-ived the half-yearly rents from the Tregaroa estate..A n allowance of ten per cent, was granted to the farmers. As usual all the teaauts parcook of a. sumptuous dinner, which was kindly provided by Mr Peacock. iiiSADiss BOOSE.—Tke financial returns of this ius.itution for taeyear have beea drawn up, and show ••ousiderable improvement on the corresponding "t it iment of last y< ar. NATIONAL, SCHOOL.—Her Majesty's inspector's report of the above school has been receivsJ. This school has again been rewarded be excellent merit Uldrk. The following is a copy of the report:— This school has been wdll t-iu^nt, and its effioumcy has 1 ean fully inuutained. In the fourth and fifth, standards the aritameiic was net so good as might have been expected. The children answered well in. grammar and geography, and the maps drawn were very creditable. The needlework of the girls was good in every standard except the fourth. The tsinging by notes was very good. In the infants' class the handwriting was good. More reading matter S'IOUM be provided for tie sccond division- In questioning on obj ct lessons a few of tue more forward children were given to answering oat of their turns. The chiLLen in the lowest division should be taugiit some songs with the others."

MACHTXLLBTH. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, WEDNESDAY, JAN- 11th. Present—Mr R. Gid arl, chairman Mr J- Hughes Jones and Mr Eiwird Hughes, Coed-dol»- vice-chairmen; Mr Joseph Evans; Messrs H. L. SUlith and Kich-trd Morris, Llaniirvnmair; David Evans, Oemmaes; Wiiinui Jones, Mvjhyulleth; John Rees, Joiui Morgan and John Owen, To wyn Wm. Kvans, Scyborvco (I; John W.iters, I^yjarreg; rhos- Jones, Uwehygarre#; and Jonu Pugh, Penegoes D. Evtns, cLnk, and D. Morgan, assistant clerk. Out- relief given during past fortnightMachynlleth district, per Mr Thorn-is Thoai-is, £ 23 13s, to 96 oaupers; Daroweu district per Air D1. Howell, £4,:j His 6d. to 231 paupers; and Pennal district, per Mr Wnliam Jones, £301Ss, to 125 paupers. lumates 45, against 51 in corresponding fortnight of last year; vagrants relieved, 5 j, against Z; ( in Correspond- ing fortnight. Some correspondence was considered, and a sanitary meeting wis afterwards held. A meeting of the highway board was he'd in the afternoon of VYednesday, Mr Joseph E v ns presiding.

PORTMADOC. On Wednesday the body of a yuung girl, of about eighteen years of age, was found drowned in the har- bour. She was identified as being from Tremadoc., from where she had come the previous day to gather. cockles at this place, and it is supposed that ill re- turning, the poor girl, on account of the thick fog. must have lost her way, and tallen into the water. So dense has been Lhe fog here that the old ferryman plyaig between Porfcmadoc and Merionethshire, 3- distance of three miles, left l.ere with his soji: on Wednesday afternoon, notwithstanding nis exp&xiance of the river, lost their reckoning and nad to spend the night in the boat, and only reached his 6es.in.a- tion late the following day.