The Aberystwith Observer

BOARD OF TRADE INQUIRY. LOSS OF THE FLORA. A Rosrd of Trale inquiry hai b ea held at S^a- s; a ;ut) t :e o.rjniBs a-ices at>ei:ng the abandonment o* the barqoe "Flora," ot Swansea, off the banks of N ewf-rundlan i in ()ctober la'lt.. Several wit'e-s-os accused the master, -Capt KicUHrds. of Lianon, ot being under the infincooe of drink, and one witness at ributel the loss ot the ship to mismanagement, due to the man at t ic wheel allowing the ship to broaeh to, w:th t >e result that the rudder was smashed. He admit ed tint the fact that tie captain's condition might bo due to bis suffering from fever sgne. In defence of be master, Dr Lewis, of Llanon, telegra-,)- el saving he hai twice attmde I Capt Richards tor fever ague. The Court found thut the evidence of Capt riichards drinking was very conflicting, and they were of opinion that his condi- tion was due partly to excitement from ague fever, and also from taking too much brandy and whisky with quinine to cure the attacks. Nothing could have been done, in their opinion, to repair the broken rudder in the sea which was raging, when the ship was abandoned, but wita the wind of the 22nd and 23rd Oct-ber, the crew might have reached the port of St John's. The Court did not find the m it-ter or mate in default, but expressel the hope that in future the capta n would see that his medicine was never mixed w th spirituous liquor.

PROGRESS AND ITS DANGERS. Aberystwyth is jast now in the midst of ? most forward movement so far as buildings are concerned. There are few houses to let, and rents are rising. A similar state of things existed some thirty years ago, when the railways were brought to the town. In that time, in addition to the railsvay and station works, the Queen's Hotel and the li Castle House Hotel (now the University College of Wales), and several streets were erected, and the consequence was that hundreds of workmen were employed in the town; And at the same time a number of English business people came to reside here, under the impression that it was an ex- ceedingly busy place. They judged from what they saw during a visit in the summer. When the buildings and the railways were completed, the workmen had to leave the town, and trade fell off, and gradually rents came down, until a dozen years ago there were any number of houses to let. After some years of that terrible~jdepression there dawned a new era, and vacant houses became fewer, until now the other climax has been nearly reached. The railway companies have greatly improved their train services, and travelling is now as comfortable on the two lines as in any part of the kicgdom. The town has also been largely advertised, with the result that the place is becoming better known in all parts, and the number of visitors is increasing yearly. As was the case thirty years ago, there are two or three large works in hand. The College hostel for women has during the summer employed a hundred men, and so also the cliff railway, and builders have been busy with the erection of houses in what we may call the suburbs. Bat this "boom" will only last a couple of years, and then will come the stagnation which will precede the reaction.. In less than twelve months the hostel will b? tipplvted—unless the extensian is pmceedeo with z, t once, and 1 !.i:e cI'T a'V.va_« ."ill be in woriuug :)r,,ier by Whiisur^ jt-, zo ♦'jat twc fcaudrod men wili b j '"»' £ t" true tnuv v, the i pier the w hostel, a HI other .vork | will be proceed^ i' h, but in two years the Ouiri wiii Liivc to "■ completed. /i.~c thuo the workmen will have to go elsewhen. for employment. Two hundred pounds a week makes a mat rial difference not only to the A-orking classes, but also to the tradesmen with whom they deal. In the meantime the demand for houses will be met by the erec- tion of new ones, for a considerable number are already in contemplation. There is no danger that too many houses will be built for a couple of years. The danger is that rents will be raised unreasonably by the influx of strangers, who, not knowing the trading capacity of the town, will promise to pay too much rent. Very few landlords cat) resist the temptation of a higher rent, even though they do not afterwards get it, or do not get it without much trouble. Cases have already been known where this has occurred, and next year there will be a larger number still. Last summer was an exceptionally good one for watering places. The fine weather commenced at Aberystwyth at Easter, and virtually did not cease until the end of September. Such a. season has not been known for very many years, and cannot in the ordinary course of events be expected again for a long time. Should next summer 0 tn be wet it will make a very great difference to lodging house keepers and tradesmen, a difference which will be felt during the following winter. And if there be a succes- sion of wet summers, then so much the worse for all concerned. The great danger t; Aberystwyth is that people may forget or fail to realise the fact that the present w.ive of prosperity cannot last. Already houses have been sold at prices which are oat of proportion to their commercial value. It is asually said that fools build bouses and wise men live in them. At present in Aberyst- wyth wise men are building and selling houses and fools are buying them, in a financial sense.

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOU» SOCIETY. — An enl, rttin- noent in connection with the English Presbyterian Christian Eudeavonr Society was h,J:d i-i tiiu chapel, on Monday evening, when the pastor, thll Rev Mr Haghes, presided, and the following w re the per- formers :—Mr Llew T. Edwards, Miss S. Penbow, Mr Eben James, Miss Morcjm, Mr Lloyd Williams, Mr Jenkin Owen, Mr B. Griffi hs, Miss Myfanwy Edwards, Miss Hughes, Miss C. Hughe", Miss A. Roberts, Miss M. Benbow, Mr E .E. Ellis, and Mr T. Woosnam Hughes. EVENING SCHOOL, BOYS' DBPARTMBNT.— A lecture 0& "Coal Gas, its manufacture and ages" was given by Mr F. Soddy, scholar of Merton College, Oxford, on Thursday evening. The experiments and lecture were much appreciated by the pupils. GRAND CONCERTS.—A grand concert will be given by the United choir, On New Years' Ni^ht, nnder the leadership of Mr John Jones. The Mayor (councillor Thomas Griffiths) will, preside and' the celebrated julew Llwyío will be the con- ductor. CHRISTMAS FRUITS. For Christmas Fruits of the Finest quality GO TO TOM GRIFFIfH3, Lion Tea Warehouse. All Fruits cleaned by patent machinery ready for immediate use. ASSESSMENT COMMITTE R.—A meeting of the As- sessment committee was held on Monday, when a large number of appeals were heard, -1 CHRISTMAS GOODS—It will be seen from our ad- vertisement colnmns that a. large number of the beet trade3tnfn*are advertising their Christmas Stick. MR W. GRIFFITH.-We are pleased to learn that Mr W. Griffith, who is on 10', mining prospecting ex- pedition in Sooth Africa, has arrived sifely at C'¡P(, Town. He is now on his way to Kimberley. SOIREE.— A very successful 80'roa was hell by t ie members of the Salem Literary Society on Tuesday evening, at the Town Hall. Mr David Wll:a-n president, occnnied the cha r. The following -.v.is t.o programme :—Piano duett, Misses L zzie aadC aadia Griffiths; song, Golommen Wo M'ss Ma<sr:e Samnel glee, Mr Tom Willians and party sot;?. Miss Polly Evans, Padarn E-stiura-it; mandolin solo (encored), Mr Peter Roberts re din?, selection from Pickwick, Mr John Arthur Jones, ari-.hUeet; song (encored), Miss Eunice Wiiliasas song, Mr W. H. Davies, The Old Pank School; reading, Mr J. Hugh Edwards Gleo, Mr Tom Wilha-ns and party duett, Messrs Williams and Dcrry Evans. The table was i:1 charge of Mrs Edward Hughes, Cor ;"r.1- t'on-st,'eût, Miss Samuel, The Old Bauk, Miss Ja-ie Rowlands, Miss M iry Jeukins, and Miss James, the County Stores, Nc.rth-parade. A most enjoyable feature of the evening was th* waxwork representa- tion, under the management of Mr J. Arthur Jones the showman being Mr J. It. Eva'is, both of vho:n performed their fart admirably. Amongst the figures the following were highly appreciated—Pears' Soap, the new women, sweet girl graduae, Mary had a Little Lamb, Tomes Barilay and Barba-a, aid the Sieepitig Beauty. Mr D. Saauv.il pr.ip >s d i vote of thanks to nil who had con.r,bntel to t :s ovesii:>g's entertainment, and Mr J. R. Evans seconded. :-i e meeting terminated with the rendering of the Wtdsh Nat onal Air. If yoa want good value for your money. Superior and stylish goods at lowest cash prices, go to J. Walter Evans, 19, Grj:it Darkgate-street. New Goods are now shown in all departments. Very special value in B.ijs', Youths' and Men's Suit- Sailor Suits. 3s 61 to 10s 6d School Suits, 23 lid o 8s lid Youths' Suits, 8s lid to 25s Men's Ha.ts, 16s 6d to 45s., &c., &e. New dress materials in great variety. Double wi 'th mater a s, Et i to lid per yard. A great variety of new Prinrs. Latest novelties in Ladies' Jackets, Capes, Waterproofs, &c., Hats, Caps, lies, Gloves, Umbrellas. I kn !»ets, &c. New designs in Linoleum, Stair and Floor oil Cloths, Lace Carteius, Cretonnes, &c. &o. Suit- made to order on the shortest natica. Addrress.—J. WALTER EVANS,.19, Great Darlcgate-street. PEAT IN ABERYSTWTH.—During the ex.-avv-.tions for hause a, the corner of North Pariie and Terrace road, nnderneath the upper strati of sand was rVund a 1 yer of peat about a y-rl deep, some of it being in exce lent condition. Below was f. good bed of clay. WHY have Broken Furniture in your House when you can have them neatly Repaired, Polished, and Upholstered, by H. C. Richards, Portland lane ? DAVID, THE SHEPHERD Boy.Sometime ago the townspeople were taunted with being anal)if to produce a choir which c^uld satisfactorily nnderbk. the performance of a classical cantatn. This was a reflection which the musical directorate at Shilh ehapel could not qiiietly submit to,o:vl thi-y coora^ ousiy determined to show thtt Aberystwyth c n- tuned the elements of vocat abidty in this r isp • t, by training a choir for the purpose of giving a I.Fln- t.ata of a classical charact *r and for pert, ctiug music in their saered sphere of ii.fl ie :ce. 1'he cooim.t'^H of the choir elected a snb-c;omaiittee, coiisi-.tiug of Mr D. Hnmphiey?, tailor, Mr Benjamin, conductor, and Mr George Uwm, secretary, to make the Lecess- 'ry arrangement". The cautata selected vva- David, the shepherd B y," by G. F. Foot, an 1 th g' ntlemen named, er-peciaiiy Mr Humphreys, th-vw themselves en!husiaatically mto their work, which culuminated III an unprecedented success, und t:, h shower of congratulations. In the beginning it was decided that the e t tainment should be of a mod. st chira"ter, bat suSsequently the su'a-oomort'.ee c..w that the prospects were so good that a can-ata on a more elaborate scale planned, eJ.brac ng the iii- troductjou iuto the piec; of ancient Israelitish costume and other effects likely to prore afractiye to the aod:enee. The performance oame off wit.h ^-r JI ..clat in St. Phillips' HaU on Friday evening, t'1e rorlm being packed to suffocation with a dehghtf-t audience, and Mr Vaughan Davies, M.P., p esi'iing. T;:e prelude to the pieco coasisted of an orchestra -ele: tion, and songs by Mr Cow .ey and Miss Rowe, which were admirably goue tlirough. The piece it selt was given in such a manner as to elicit th,. warmest priise from the audience, who expresse.l a > '•rne^t with forti repitition. The oostnmea were most picturesque, aad the sweet and harmonious ? mgii.g tf Lh choruses spoke volaxu->s for the care and ltOour bescoved npou tne training of ehoir by Mr t?enj »min, tno c'JwjU.,L.r. ln, ioliowing werf ta « principal p(rf.s—Je89e, Mr E. J. B.-iijamin Samu-1, I Mr T W. Cowley Eliab, Mr Ch«rl-sMorgan, M>oojni ;"01; f J esse, Mr Thjuias Price th rd son, Mr Dmu Morg '.n t' oth r four so Messrs John ti j'^ail, j W L) T'ausrhan, H. H. Owen, a-.d David Ev-vu | Da,- -d, the youngest eon, Mr L>a»i-i Ha-ner, I.io: weGote atveno'aii^j, Misses K. Pierce ana M. Eva:i- Ab.gaii, Misa Liza:« Wvans, quartet, Messis W. ii •' w.«ra«, U.C.W., J 4J insall, D. Jones, and J. Pogb Joua?; Saul, Mr J, D fetyphens; Michael,M.sa Wiiui. M. Edwar is, be Laureis At.aer, Mr W, 0. Edwar ls; Jonr-tflan, MrF Hobeits, l'alj botit; tlV, sentinels, Messrs .,V. A.. Davies, U.O.W., and ueorg>- Owon, secretary.) <»n el ier, Mr «. A. Jenisius. Ic wouid s oem (almosf; mvi jion-i t 15;> et from the [)n- 'oraiers anyfor special w.1 all uid their parts so excee dingly ttiu tvt; may uic-itioa that the tenor singing of David was a t"t..t seid«. i h aru, Hsp^cially in tho solo 1 ti ru. i>a»;d, the ;>n r Boy." Other pieces deser, Ù!g uiomiurnt tu are—Chorus, ^ing, children ci fo.'thler^ia, si. g Soio, "O Cxrmel tair," Aoigail S-Ji >, Rad is iu j heart," Saul; Bulo, "Fair Shepherd," Miciitei, <31 Winnie Edwards, had the m jst ak'>.vi\•, j-.5u j in the Cantata to interpret anti a-quineJ herself ex eedingly well); chorus A l'hou-jand men, c t.i- j "ihe evening Hyuin," David and Joi,j.ti,a.u | dialogue in the forest of Zsph »olo, For justic j. a Kingdom's Strength," -:au't chorus, ■' \Vi;e.. I tieroes return sojo, In awful Caverns, David (n exilo; solo, Peace," Abigail; chorus, J'he Ji'oo;, Heights of Carmei" and chorus From Carmcl oou.e. Before the proceedings concluded M Vaoghan Davies said he was well repaid tor n" attendance by the singiug he had listened .0. The performance will be rjpeated on Friday event,( when Mr Cowley, who has on many oecaaioi! triumphautly led a male voice party in Lonoou, and >viio rendered v^ry vaiuable vocal service, w.u agaiu take part. Those desirous of securing c jm- iortaoie seats we would advise to be present earij in the evening, as the ball is sure to be crowded to excess. COALS.—Capt Doughton has a very large stock of Coal on hand, at the Rheidol Ooai 1. ard, South road which will bedisposed of t moderate rates. Free burning coal, 16s. per ton; best Newport, 20a per t -n. Orders in-iy be sent either to 45. North p .r¡,¡,dtJ or to the Coal Yard, South road THE STEAM SCR.—The e.H. countess of Lisburne (capt Jenkins) has arrived from Bristol, after a delay of a. week and a stormy passage. THE ELECTION COSTS. —The Registrar of the Aberayron county court (Mr 14. Geddes Smith) is to. day t Wednesday) taxing the tlection costs, at the Town Hall. Look in Thomas the Jeweller's Window for Christ. mas fiesents and New years' Gifts, Selling off. The whole i f the stock must be cleared for extensive alteratious, at very reduced prides. CHRISTMAS, 1895.—Beautiful representation of Tabernacle Chapel and Liaiibs-iara Charoh is Winter. H. Longley begs to call the attention of his numerous friends to a large and varied assoitment ot the purest Sweets possible to be O'-taiu d; also to a -plendid variety of Christmas Tree Toys, Santa Clans Stock- ing-, Toys for filling stockings, Cosaques, Bon-Bous Chocolates, &c. H. L. ha < just received re ?tra I:rge parcels of this season's Specially Selected Frn te, consisting of Dates, Prunes, Figs, 0 aages, Grapus,' Nuts, &c., &c. Longley's Cnristmis Tree Goods have always tAken the lead. They consist of many pleasing varieties. The 3d. Chr.stmas Stocking, con- taining several toys, besides a qoantity or pure sweets, is a present much ap^re^ated by a child of either sex. ti. L. hopes his triends will not ;ail t, see his Window Attractions, which, he feels assured, will be regarded as the most beautiful that have yet appeored. H. LONGLEY, Manufacturing Con- fectioner, three door3 from the Pier. LONDON COLLEGE OF Music.-At the examination held at the Town Hall on December i2tb, the follow- ing candidates presented themselves, and werj one. ce.tatal-Elementary Honours—Nellie M >room, Aber- ystwyth. Pass—Mary Davies, Borth Jcnny Jones Corns; W, 3d. Williams (violin), Talybont. Intor' Honours—M^ry Davies, Borth. Adv. Sen. Honours —lilizabeth Evans, Machynlleth. All were the puoils of Mr J. T. Kees, the College representative. The examiner, was Dr Mansfiold, Torquay. DAVID GRIFFITHS, of No 5, Trinity place, begs to inform his friends and the public that be has lately commenced Business at the above add. ess as Carpenter and Joiner. All Jobbiug Work, including Framing Pictures, &c., done. D. G. hopes to be favoured with the patronage of the public. Estimates supplied. HAWKING WITHOUT A LICENSE,-At the Police Station on Thursday afternoon, before the Mayor (Thomas Griffiths, Esq) and Peter Jones, Esq. William Wilson, hawker, was charged by P.S. Davies with hawking without a license, and the oaaa TM dis. mined, I IDOWNIE'S BEQUEST.—A meeting of the governors took place on Wednesday, whon Arobdeac m Protheroe presided, there being also present—the Mayor (Mr Thomas Griffiths), Mr William Thomas, Dr Gilberfc^on, Mr Isa.ac L'opkins, and Mr Evan Evans, cierk. A number of aopLeations were oon- cousidered, and allowauees made. The Charity Com- missioners submitted the fdlüwing- names of l fe govern ri of the trust.—Messrs H. C. Fryer, J. D. F. I" Roberta, C. Ivl. William*, and Peter .Jones. The mating appr >Vttd of toe nominations. '"NINETKKNTK CENTURY IDEALS."—Uncer tiieaus- picoi of the Junior Radical Club, Mr A. b!. Fletcher, e lit >r cf the Ne ,v Age," and formerly editor of tLe "Da.ily Chronicle" delivered a lecture on "Nine- teenth Ceutnry Ideal" in St Phillip's Hall on Thnr <da -■ evening. Mr Vaughan Davies, Al.P., presided, aiii there were also on tie platform, beside the lecturer, *'? C. M. Williams, Mr David Samuel, M.A., Mr D. C. ;•! -berfs, and .Mr if. Pc-ake. Tre capacious roo;n was • r »wded wiMi an appreciative audience.—The Chairman having Ir'.eiy introduced the lecturer, Mr Fletchcr delivere 1 his address. Th* century he sai I ai h- ra with the French Revo ution, and adopted i".s wat;hword—" Liberty, equality, and fraternity." tie referred to the pr^-at political movemente by which it had been so far characterized, and thediree- t on taken by literature, particularly as illustrated in t to teachings of Raskin, who showed tl.a' the Manchester school of economists erred in their belk f that man was ollly a wealth creating animal. Jonr,i- .,¡i.ts as a red' ar') ('rC'dikd with being' ]a'n},e't e.in led, but Mr Fletcher proved himself to beap«:ne- t ativo and g::tsd thinker., and his ren:rka were a'tontively lis^ n- d ti. Upon the coneiu-ion of his <i re-s, Mr Gil-son proposed a vote of t' anks to Mr lier. In doing solie re'errei to Mr Fletcher's areat; professional capabilities, saying tint that g :fitleman had m tde thp Daily Chronicle" one of tne greatest papers in the civilized world, aud r -linquished his position as a. protest against the a s;r i of the dire :torate that the paper should give yam;ding news.—The Rev T. A. Ptnry, seconded the proposition,which was warmly carried.—MrFlcteher, i reply, said he would not infiict another speech oa tee ii ("Goon"). He would merely say that be thought that Mr Gibson,who proposed the resolution, and the gentleman whe ao kindly seconded, somewhat ever- stimhten the influence of the press (Langhter). Hedd not b dieve etat the world was goverucd by newspapers. Lord Jieaconsfieid sa d that the world an not governed by newspapers, but by sovereigns and t-taresmen. That'was net true. The world was Jiver ied by foroe», in estimating which sovereigns and statesmen made qn;te a,, many mistakes as ev^n Mr Gibson and his brother journalists. Those mys- terious forces which governed the tide in the affairs of inea were just as "silent aud as mysterious in th ar operation as the forces which governed the tides h:h tumble I about this glarious coast. Still he would admit that when a newspaper was well written it mast or course have a certain influence, because everything that was well done must influence people. In c nclasion he said that one of the regrets ot his lfe had been that he was not able to make the ac- quaintance of that beautiful seas:de resort earlier. Aft r a vote of thanks had b en passed to the Chair- n(a'i on the motion of Mr David Samuel, seconded by Mr D. C. Roberts, the proceedings terminated. HOME MISSIONS.—Taking into consideration the inol -ment weather of Thursday afternoon the 8i-Ie of \V rk, hel-i in connection with the Home Missions, which took plaeelin the Old Assembly Rooms was most successful. The onus of the work of making "r a lgements f"r the event fell upon Mrs B. E. M rgan, the local Secretary, who spared no time and (rouble in the matter. Under her superintendence, tlia room was nicely transformed for the oceadon, au t t'18 many useful and fancy articles which kind sympathizes with the movement had presented were artistically laid out on the stalls, Included amongst the articles for sale were a quantity of children's w wring apparal, a huge variety of toys, pendant from a. 'arge Christmas trees,Japanese goods, watellcolonrs, bric-a-brac, &c. Kefreshments were also supplied. The following ladies kindly assisted at the ftalis:— Mrs B. E. Morgan, Mias Osmotherliy, Miss Pcrton, M ss L. VaughanjReeg, Mrs Protheroe, Mrs Richards) Bryne thin, the Misses Jones, Dolau, Miss Fanlkener, M,ss Parry, Gianpaith, Miss C. Bonsall, Miss Qdberteon. Miss Gwynne, Mrs W. Morgan, M;s3 W. Morgan, Miss N. Protheroe, and Mr George Boycott. Archdeacon Protheroe and Mr B. E. Morgan also re.-idered assistance. Mrs and the Mioses Morgan, N ntoirio, were to have been present, but were un- avoidably detained in London. SOIREE.—At the Welsh Independent Chapel, on Wednesday evening, n soiree of a most successiui cha aoter, organized is a means of augmentiug the funds of the Temperance Society, took plaûe in the ■Sc^ooiroom. T' Job M.1's, the pastor, pre- sided over a large attendance. The refreshment tabljs were in charge of < Mrs Evans, Laira Plac, Mr-) Davies, Chalybeate street, and Mi.s Evans, Thespian-street, and the following artistes were down on a well-chosen programme:—Mi.-ses L ly Mile-, (aec mpanist), M Winifred Parry, Get a Lloyd, Polly Jones, Lizzie Jale Emus, Vviliiams, Talybont, M rjfaret'.a and Elizabeth Jane Davies, M. and ti. j. Lav.c-s, Bioiwen Davies, Richards, Jaie Eleanor Da.vied, Lydia Jone., Elizabeth A. Jenkins, H. M. Evans, and Jenkins, and Messrs John Harries, Owen Jones, D. E. Jones, and J. T. Miles. SALEM LITERARY SOCIETY.—On Tnesday evening .veek a meeting wts hold, when the question whether hooks or friends have hai the greater influence was debated. Mr David Williams, president, occupied the oiiair. The argument on the side of books was opened by Mr T. Vaughan, who was followed by Mr Derry Evans, Mr Richard Edwards, Capt Hughes, Mr ringh Edwards, and Mr D. Samnel, M.A.. The argument in favour of friends was set forth by Mr J.R. Jame?',County Stores,North Parade, and subsequently ?■ .ken lip by Mr W. Adams. Mr J. J. Tnomas, and Mr .1. • iugh Edwards. The debate, which was an extr. f' ly int-resting one, was wound up by Mr g An extension of time was voted for the o irry'i1 tne discussion. Miss Lizzie Gr ffiths, Mis-»UO!H. C?-iffiths, Mr J. J. Thomas and Mr Derry Evans ontributed a quartet during the meeting. .Yi..is CI India. Griffiths and M.as Maggie Thomas have bjjn selected to collect funds for the- Llewelyn memorial. THE CHURCH LEAGUE—VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS.— Oil Thursday eveniag, Mr Cocks, National School Master at Penparke, rti 4d a very elaborate and care- ful paper on the above subject to the members of the Church League,at thet assembly Rooms. 1 heVenerable Arohdcajon Protheroe presided. The paper dealt wita the present state and future prospects of voluntary schools in this country, more particularly with regard to their financial position, and the unfair disadvantages in that respect under which they ex- is'ed under the present system, as compared with the Board Schools. He instanced the continually in- creasing requirements of the Board of Education with respeot to the structure and furniture of the school buildings, their Educational apparatus, acc., which in our s ;hool j wre all bound to be provide1 by volant iry sub^cript.ons since the scho d pence had been dropped, whereas the Board Schools could fall upon the rates to a practically unlimited extent. Notwithstanding which our schools prospered, and the majority of the children of thel country were still receiving, and their parents preferring,the elementary education imparted in the Church of England Schools to that in tne Board schools, and, moreover, the Church suhools maintained a superior position as resarded results to what the Board schools did. Mr Cocks alordee convincing details by elaborate figures from the reports to substantiate his a^t-ertions. He fully endorsed the contention of the receat important deputation of the Archbishops, Bishops and laity to the Prime Minister, that the Church could never allow her Schools to be plaoeti on the asis of the Board schools, and discard definite religious teaching in the droctrines of the Christian faith as h tnded down to us from the Apostles. He fult o ,uvin -ed that some assistance was bound to be granted because the voice of the country demanded it, and he advised that a modest measure of relief should be gladly accepted in the first instance, so that we might get the principle reoog- nised, the present position being most unjust and unbearal le. The facts and figures detailed to main- ta n these arguments were most convincing. At the conclusion of Mr Cock's address, Mr Long, teacher, tjave some interesting details in support of the re,y,arks made with regard to the contract between t e furniture and structure of the buildings of Volun- tary and Board Schools, the latter, as he said, being provided by the rates and not the subscribers. The Rev Mr Firth also spoke strongly in support of definite religious teaching of the whole truth being maintained. Man, he said. was composed of three elements, the physical, in*elle'.<tual, and spiritual, a 1 of them requiring to be simnltaueonsly educated, otherwise the educated would be defective and per- nicious. The Rev Mr Morgan and others having ma le some remarks, the President summed up very lucidly and convincingly upon several of the points alluded to, and made suggestions as to the best methods of relief that could be afforded, avoiding at the EoarDa time the great difficulties in the way. He looked forward with confidence to the time when they would be dona away with. A beartv v. te of thanks was accorded to Mr Cocks, and it was announced that the next paper will be reid by the Rev 'Mr Prosser on a subject very appropriate to the present season of Adven', viz Evidences to pr-paration ill the heathen world for the second coming of Christ JEWELLERY—For. fi-st-claus Jewellery, &c., o"l! it the Shop of Edward Vausrhao Reef, Working Lapidary, and Gold and Silver Smith, 2, King street, Dear the College. JSepaim done on the shortest DfciM,—Adrt, ? SUCCESS OF A MEDICAL STUDENT—Mr W. T. Pugh, M. Eng., L.R.C.P., London, late hoas-e surgeon and physician to the Middlesex Hospital, and son of Mr Pngh, former y supervisor cf Inland Revenue here, has been gr-nted the degree ot baeiielor of medic ne of the University of London, being placed in the first division, with honours in medicine aud obstetric medicine. SERIOUS TRAP ACCIDENT.—On Monday evening, on the L-anb tdarn rrad, a serious accident occurred, two traps, one containing Mr Thom.v-JBenjamin,Cwm- rhoidol, and two friends, and the other, Mr Stephen Jove-, Perwrdg, L'anychaiarn, coming into violent collision and getting their wheels locked together All she parties were thrown int.) the road, Mr Uenjamin and Mr Jones being knocked unconscious. The 1 itt >r soon came to himsolf, but Mr Benjamin had to be removed, suffering from a wound on the forehead, te the house of Mrs Forest., where be re- ceived evfry atter.t on. Dr Beddoes was soon on the spot, placing him nnder snrgieal treatment. The traps were damaged. BOROUGH MAGISTRATES COURT.—There was no casi-s for h'a in.' at this court. The Magistrite* present w ere:—The Mayor (Thomas Griffiths Esq C. M. Widuins, Griiffth Williams and T. H. Jonex, Esqrs.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. I MR VAUGHAN DAVIES, M.P.'S FOXHOUNDS. December 24th Eog „ iJ7ta jbovt street Each day at 10.30.

RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The fortnightly meeting of the Batepayers' Asso- ciation was held on Friday evening, Mr Colby in the 3hair. There were also present-Messrs Edward Ellis, auctioneer, D. Evans, Market Hall, Richard Edwards, bntcher, F. Benmsou, fishmonger, W Roberts. J Macpherson, Edward Evans, draper George \Vllkinson, ,rT?;t>rer' J. Morgan, "Observer" Office, T. Williams, Foundry, J. A. James, toba-c >n- l R Lewis, photographer -,h M 8 Lvail!3 and James Evans, with Mr Nightingale, secretary. The Chairman pointe 1 out that under the old pule" thequoromforanordirary meeting was 25, conse- quently there was no quorum present. Perhaps however, they might consider the question of starting wiih fresh ruies. Mr Richard Edwards thought that as they were going to t-tart afresh they shon:d revise the rules. If they adhered to the old qn. rum the Assoc ation might be injured, as meeting after meeting might be he d before theyjeoold get such a large number as twenty. five to attend. He proposed be revision of the ru es. Mr VV. Roberts seconded. He considered als) that theoommitr-ee was a too extensive one,having twenty four members. It was much bet er tuat they should re ar ange their programme. The motion wai carried tmammonsly. Tne ObtvUuiaa canl they were now at liberty to elect officers. Mr James proposed that th ?y enact rDah rules. The Chair ma a before you do auytuing else you must dsct a eta rman. Mr E I;> ards pro.jo.-ed the r -election of the Chair- rran. The Cnairmau I hope Mr Fdwixrd. you will with- draw, b«c%ase must (ioc ine tie honour. .Vi r J. Mor^-in teen -a d lie had to pr >pose t.) the post a i-e-.tle rau who i ad been a member for som year. t.1 oou n hi> at ha I not been verv good of Wu,td' i!0ilI10li^r. He was told taut Mr VVnite darj a tel as Chairman octiasionaliy whenh. ha i givea saoisfact on. He b lievo.i thev would fiud him of a conciliat.-ry disposition, and a good business man. the Chairman May I ask if Mr White has given h;s consentIf he aas not, it will be a vkward for us to efaot him, Mr Morgan I heard Mr White's natne suggested, and 1 atterwards consulted on the subject such members as I have m. t. I saw Mr White this rvenmg, aud although he did n .t give a definite a answer, and I know that Mr White is anx-ous to see for ^S3°'3iatl0n ^ccead, and that he wdl do his best ldr Bennison seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Ellis I think Mr Morgan is taking a liberty, beoause Mr White told m3 some time ago that he would not continue t) be a member of the Assooia- tion. Mr Morgin Yes, but that was some time ago. Mr James D d Mr White say he would not be against taking the chair? uiu uoc oe The vob of the meeting has been taken, aDi the motion carried. We s hall see at the next meeting. The Chairman I think it would be well to elect LThTm tik- t° pr0sent c°mpa''y to the vioe-cha:r and M M 'e 8eat thia evenin?- 1 am not spiking too much, I will propose Mr Colby as vice-chairman. Ihe Chairman: I should prefer someone else taking Mr Morgan suggested that the meeting should ap- point three vice-chairmen, as the attendances were meeting 0110 ^iree wai5 8Dre to attend every The Althoagh the old rules provided for tne appoint nent of three vice-ci airmen, we only had one vice-chairman. 5Jr W-Roberts seconded Mr Morgan. Mr Wilkinson thought it was a mistake to appoint three vice chairmen, for the reason that not one of the three would consider himself a vice-chairman, and !?+lpract 0alljr fed nnJer no obligation to attend It they appointed one man only he would feel rtiucumbent to attend regularly .He made a motion embodying this opinion. Mr Bennison seconded. Mr Morgan withdrew his suggestion as to throe vice chairmen. Mr Wilkinson seconded Mr Morgan's motion to appoint M r Colby, who. he said had been a very fathful member of the rociety. t was to a considerable extent due f that the Society was at present alive, aud therefore he did not think they could do better than ask that gentleman to accept the posit on. l0Q Wr, oarr,ed unanimously. I Jfa^her they had appointed someone else.lt was said at the previous meeting that theSooiety needed new olood, aud he thought that was quite true because when a body lost all its old bhod it could not live without new Mr James: We want some of the old blood as well. Mr Ellis then proposed that twelve members con- stitute an executive committee Mr Richard Edwards seconded. Mr James moved that five form the quorum of the committee. The Chairman said that under the old rules the .:h urma.u, treasurer, and secretary were ex-officio members of the committee. Were they t) be included ex-olhcio members in the twelve? Mr Murgan thought th-re should bo twelve mem- bers besides tne chairman, treasurer, and secretary. The motion was earned. In regard to the que-tion of a quoram for a general meeting, Mr James moved that it consist of twelve members. Mr Richard E wa ds thought the number ought not to be limited, because there might oiten be less than twelve present. The matter should be left open. Mr Morgan seconded Mr James. Mr R b -rts thought they might havedissussionsof a conversational charaoter when there were less than twelve present. Did he uuderstind there was to be no kind of a meeting without a quorum of twelve? Mr Morgan understood there was to be such a quorum at the annual meetings, when the eleotion of officers took place. On those oooMioos ho thought t quorum of twelve desirably Mr James thought that if they were to be looked upon as a ratepayers' association there should be no less a quorum than twelve for a leijal mooting; they might however hold conversational meetings of fopr or five. Mr Evaas, chemist, said they hai rules, and should go by them. The Chairman said Mr Evans bad come in late, so did not know they had cast the old rules a-ide. Mr Morgan aid In seconded Mr Jam -s on the understanding that such a large quorum was for the annual meetings. If it was intended for an ordinary quorum there wonld be no meetings. Mr James said he would withdraw his proposition, and propos)-alt)iough he did not hold wita the idt-a, that, 6 members should constitute a meeting. Mr Cha'les Evans seconded. He said their ex- perience of the past was that the average attendance was about six, and he was convinced that If tuey decided upon a quorum of twelve they would never have a business meeting. As to Mr Edwards' suggestion that they should dispense with a quorum if triey adopted it, an at endance of ore might take upon himself to settle, say, some question of finance in connection with the Association, and this would, never do. Mr James' motion was then agreed to. Reverting to the qnestion of the appointnv nt of a Committee, Mr Wilkinson said he reslly could net see that such a Committee was needed. everything to be done might well be done by the ordinary meetings. It was pointed out to Mr Wilkinson that it" had already been decided to have an Ex cutive Com- mittee. Mr Evans, Chemist, proposed ti;,4, the Comnvtt e should be appointed by bail it. Mr Wilkin on: That is a very cumbersome'mode'of procedure. It was then decided to elect the Committe by a show of hands, the following baing appente*: — Messrs George Wilkinson, Edwa d lillis, J. Morgan, J. H. Edwards, David Lewis, W. Roberts, J. A! James. J. Jenkin Jones, T. Williams, Edward Evans, and F. Beunisoo, and Prafessor Warrington. On the motion of Mr J. Morgan, seconded by Mr Wilkinson, it wa.s dfeided to ask Mr J. P. Tnomas to uont nue iu the offieo of treasurer. The Chairman thought the re-appointment of secretary should remain in the hands of the Ex- ecutive Committee as the Association hai started a- fresh. Mr D. Lewis .st ited th ;t a great many people were prejudiced against that Association because it was -tarted during an agitation about the prosecution of tradesmen for str-et, obstruction. He should there- fore like to see tho Association based upon rnl -s which would convince onteiders that the memb.-r.s were not obstructionist-, aad that they had proper objects in view and were really interested in the wel- fare of th, town. Mr J. H. Edwards said he should like to endorse what had been said-regarding th3 widening of tif basis of the Association. He should like to see be Association formed on a strong, representative basis, and suggested they should set some of their meetings apart, for the purpose of inviting speakers, such as Mr Peter Jones, Mr C. M. Williams, and Dr Harries, I to address them on matters concerning the town. They should then have interesting lectures direo'ly bearing on matters that touched the welfare of Aber. ystwyth, aud they wonld be able to ctike tha Society a truly representative R.tepayers' Assoc ation. He hoped the appointment of the Executive Committee would be the means of their having some propaganda of this kind. Air James pointed oat that the very gertlemen brought under their notice were those who ought to be members of the Society. They were ratepayers as weil as Town Councillors, so why could teey not come amongst t leni ? Mr Wilkinson said he was entirely in pympathy with the remarks of Mr J. H. Edwards and Air David Lewis. They knew the old proverb "Give a dog a had name and it will siiok to him." The Association had been accused irom the beginning of comine int) existence to defend obstructions. He never remem- bered having heard a single wori at any of their meetings in favour of obstruction, and at the verv opening meeting, when be unfortunately was thrus"1.. iuto the ohair, he stated at the outset that the Association was not started to defend obstruction?, but notwithstanding teat they h..d been persisteutly aeeused of being obstructionists. His own belief wis that the Society 's want ot success in the past was due to the apa'hy of the members,t')" major phrtof whom had not seen it worth while te attend the meetings. He hoped they would restart on a wider asis, invit- ing gentlemen ti-ere who would instruct them in civic government, beoause be was sure it was tbeir only wi-h te &do"t right methods in dealing with the objaot-i thay had. in view. Mr Evans, chemift, said teat if they were going to ask outsiders to address them i. was necessary they should be tiose in thy firsu f,Ja:e who knew how to ov em the town proper y. (Lan-ter). Mr E iwaids ad named several gentle-nen whim they had accused more or Jess of not governing teo town propt-rly. The Chairman sai l t :o/ ought not to discuss ex- trai,couzi matter. Mr Evans, chemist, continuing, sa'd it was rather out of plaeJ t J ask outsiders t. ad cess them, unless they joined the Association. Mr J. H. Edwards t-iougbt that if Mr Evans w juid ttke the tr mid* to see how Societies were carried on, ho would find tecre ias no Society that dtdn.-t invite outsiders, Let them invite Mr Peter Jones—a nHn who deser-. ed well of the town for his splendid services—to address them. It would be an advantage to have an ai oess from him on the ques- tion of leases, or the ext nsion of the borough. If such men as Mr Peter Jones wore members they eould not possibly atte.i I every fortuight, as they hai cominiitoes to atto, 1. He should very much l'ke 10 ^eethat As-ociatiori made a patent factor in the t iwn. All he could do he would gltdly do to make the Society a success, and he was heartily g"al it had been decided to reorganise it. The e w^re many con- siderations why he wa anxious to koap it going, chief amongst which w s that one whose memory was very dear to him ha j his heart in the work, and would nover allow it to drop if he were alive (applause). Mr James again contended that Mr Peter Jones and the ether gent!emen should be amongst tileln as mem- bers. Mr Morgan suggested that the Committee should draw up a programme and submit it to the next meetine-. Mr Ellis said there was an idea abroad that that Association was startel in opposition to the town authorities. What they ought t) do to remove the pr, judice again-t the Association was to give it another name, such as the Aberystwyth Improvement Associat on. He certainly concurred with the view that they should have lectures—they might take chemistry, or agriculture, or geology. He proposed that the Kxecutive Committee prepare a programme. Mr Morgan seconded, and the proposition was agreed to.. Ou tee suggestion of Mr Wilkinson, it wai decided to consider the question of re-appointing the Secre- tary at the next meeting and on the motion of Mr J. H. Edwards, seconded by Mr James, it was decided that the Committee should meet that night we"k. The procee lings then terminated.

LLANDDEWI BREFI. OBITUARY. We regret to annotfnee the death of Mr Williams, of Pentrebwlen, father of the Rev D. Williams, the respected curate of Capel Banglr, which to k place on Monday, the 9'h instant, after but a lew dajs illness. The dec a-»ed was church- warden of the above parish for many y-*ars, and a faithful member of thf-cbu oh choir. The tuueral, which t iv k pla. a on S ,tor I -y, was an exceedingly large oue. A great many hai come from a loug dis- tance t) pay a. t ribn e of respect to one that was so universally respected. Tho Rev Thomis Davies, vicar of thep -rs i, officiated at the door, and was assisted at the church by the Rev Mr Davids, vicar of LUngyb he psalm was read by the H'jv Thomas Davies, vi., ar, aL 1 the proper lessons by the Vtear of Llangybi, and an appropriate sermon by the Vioar, from 1 Samuel xx. 18. Dnring his dissoorse he alluded to the sad loss to the family, the chureh, and the neighbourhood by the death of so popular a meoa- btT. The same rev gentleman concluded teo a, rwic" at the grave. The eoffiu was of pdi-h;d oak with Lr iss trimmings. There were many b autiful wreaths sent by loving friends.

LLANAFAN, CONCERT.—A grand evening concert of vocal and instrumental music will be given at Board school, on Januarj 3rd, n'lder the presidency of the Earl of Lisburne. Mr John PulesLon, Mr Charles J. Davie*, and the Rev Morris Roberts have been unanimously re-elected respect v.ly chairman, hon. treasurer, a id hoo. secretary of the annual Welsh Festival I--eld in Lon- don on Sf. David's Eve, Ths Committee, which in. cludes many well-known persons of \ariou8 shades of religious and pol tical belief counected w,th the Principality, ha, urrn ged that the 1896 service shall, as usual, be held (by the kind permission of the Dean and Chapter) in St Pan's Cathedral on the eve of St. David's Day. All kinds" of Printing quicklv and neatly executed at the 'Observer" Qwoe I, North parade*

NRWS AND OBSERVATIONS; ORIGINAL AND SELECTED. Principal ROBERTS proposes spending- 'j 0 Christmas in Athens. Someone on the staff of one of our local contemporaries seems to be suffering from oysters on the brain. Would not oysters on the stomach be better ? The Western Mail and the National Church will be delighted to sec by an ad- vertisement in our columns that. the old Wes- leyan Chapel in Queen-street is for sale. It is not their policy to know that the building is for sale because the church has built a very handsome new chap-1 in a leading thoroughfare. The Queen-street chapel is now used by the Salvation Array. We are pleased to know that Mr GEORGE DAVIS will accept the chairmanship of the Public Library Committee for another year. There was a very brotherly discussion at the Town Council meeting on Tuesday. The Aberystwyth Football Club have done remarkably well at the last couple of matches, in which they have defeated such good teams as Oswestry United and Rhayader. The energy and enthusiasm which animates the club is due in a great measure to Mr T. H. EDWARDS, the indefatigable secretary, and the gentlemen who form the Committee. Con- siderable credit for the g-iod playing is also due to Mr JACK GARNER, the unostentatious but very excellent captain. He plays with skill and care, and is altogether unselfish, and he "captains" the team without their knowing it-which is a great merit in a commander. 0 Among the contributors ta the Young Man next year will be the Rev T. WYJT.VE JONES, formerly the popular pastor of Wesley Chnrch, who will be one of the writers of Biblical articles. The new volume will con- tain contributions from the pens of leading writers,

THE HOLIDAYS, The Observer Office will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and the paper will be published on Tuesday evenings. Advertisers and Correspondents will oblige by sending in their copy early.

TO OUR READERS. In conseq uenco of the great increase in the number of our Advertisements we are obliged to ve out three columns of matter already i i e.

SALE OF BUILDING SITES. This (Wednesday) afternoon a number of freeholl bnilding site". the property of Mr Lewis James, situate opposite the Elvs an Grove, wer-3 offered for sale atthe falbot Hotel, Mr J. J. James beinsr the Bo'ioitor for the vendor. The result was as followa Lor 1.—M<_ ssrs Owen, Brother J, extractors, .£29. LOT 2.—Mr J. Davieq, m-ison, X 28. LOT 3. hi r Thomas Morris, in, .£32. Lot 4, Mr Edward Jones, Llaubadara, < £ 33. LOTS 10, 11, 12 and 13, Rev E. Penllyn Jones, £ 30 eaob. Lots 14, 15, 10, IV, 1.\19 .nd 211. Mr Jumei- ^r.rton, at £ 30 ea r.. Tiia

I!!I' LOCAL LAW CAS 13. f. VIE- This case, whieh ocaupie-i the Probate Court, be- fore Mr Justice Barnes, for three days last week, is of local interest. The plaintiff WAS Mrs Sophia Davies, of Ffynonoer, near Nant T os, and el timed, as next of kin of the lite Mr John Thorns, of Tre- degar, a grant, of letters of administration of his es- tate, and th-it the grant already obtained by defen- dant should be ravok.d. TIle cltim involved Eomo thousands of pounds. The pUintitf was represented locally by Mr A. J. Hnghei solicitor, and the defend- ant by Mr GWDVM .!am\», Morthyr. Porthe defence it was ma-ntiined that tht re were two John Thomases, both of whom went to America, and that the defend- ant repr ssnto I the John Thomas WHO lefttho money. In the end plaintiff consented to JUDGMENT being entered tor defendant on all issues, the plaintiff to be allowed her taxed coits out of the estate. DA VIES v ROWLANDS. This was a ease arising oat of the will of iilorgfin Wiliiam?, flinnel manufacturer, Llingarig, and in- volving XIOI), the decision WAS given for tne defend int. who was represented btfore Mr Justice North by Mr Griffi-H Jones, instructed by Mr W. P. Owen.

YSTRKD METJRIG. DEATH AND FUNEBIL OF MR Jonw EVANS, GROCER, TRNYQRAIG. —Mr Evan. hat b ea ailing for some time, a id did on Monday, th3 9th inst., and WI.S bnried at Gwnuwa eharoh on Friday, the 13th. The fnneial was ltr/ely attended by friends from a and near. The ?Iev Calivaladr Jones and the Rev I. Bowen offieiatjd at t e hous9, and tho Rev W. J. Williams, vicir of Gwnnws Charoh, con. ducted the service at TIE chnrch an 1 crravesi le. Mr Evans was a member of the CaradosjC.M. chapel, and his lo?s is very keenly f>.dt at rhis p A?E of worship, where he HAD so very faithfully audzealoasly worken for many year*. It is difficult to know what loss this little place of worship has snstvined. For many yea s hlo1 had been leading the singing, which he did most creditably, and he bai tiken great pains in teaching tie children's oho r, and in every movement connect >d with ther chapel he had tiken a most active pirt. Although not a deaoon, yet he hai acted t',e part of t:ie most foremost deacon, and the loss to the little chapal is almost irrepar:l.b'e. He leaves a widow and three grown-up children to mourn his loss, and quit a gloom tag been cast over this neigbb 'nrhood, in losing one who was so greatly ad* mired by all sects alike.

BIRTHS. LEWIS—November 10, the wife of Mr Lewis Lewis, Ty'rhoj, Llanddeiniol, of a daulfht r. MOBGAN. — December 14;h, the wife of Mr Evaa Morgan, Penpompren, Llanfthingel-y-Greuddya. of a danght -R. MARRIAGES. MORGANS—MASON.—December 18th, at Shiloh chapel, Aberystwyth, by the Rev T. E. Roberta, pastor, 10 the presence of the Rev W. Jones, registrar, Mr John Morgana, Devil's Bridge, to Miss Mary Ann Mason, Chalybeate street, Abllr. ystwytn. DEATHS. ^V^UBER 15th, aged 48 years, at NEW Row, Devil A Bridge, Mr Wdliatn Ball, accountant at the FROII&O' H Mine. JONss.December 15th, agod 61 years, at 17, George *tr6"t, Miss Jane Green Jones, danshter of Mr George Jones, architect. All Es.-De, mber 14th, age i 94, at Railway tornce, El;z ibeth James. JAHBs.-Deoember 17th, aged 45, at Glandwr, Bron. castellan, John Jones, lead minpr.

HEADSTONES, CROSSES, MONUMENTS, AWD MURAL TABLETS, IN GRANITE, MARBLE, SLATE A STONE. MONUMENTS RESTORED A RE-LETTERED and every description of MONUMENTAL WORK EXECUTED. EaTIMAtTM FBBB. HOSEING A MILLER, DülELLED SLATE AND MARBLE WORK* MOOR STREET. ABERYSTWYT" MEMORIAL CARDS. A very choice Selection of Memorial Can's of the best makes, to be selected from, at tl e "Observer" Office, 1, North parade, Abyrystf "Tt)¡,