The Aberystwith Observer

CURATES. In these days when Churchmen are en- deavouring to stave off Disestablishment, with, of course, Disendowment, by means of Church Reforms, it is the duty of every loyal Churchman to consider what Reforms are re- quired. One important point to be considered is the appointment and payment of Curates. As a rule Carates are appointed and ruled by the Vicars or Rectors, but they are paid by the congregations, sometimes with the aid of Church societies. It seems to a good many people to be utterly unreasonable that this system should continue, for in other depart- ments of life he who pays the piper is allowed to choose the tune. And the method of ap- pointment is equally objectionable. Take Aberystwyth for instance. During the past year vacancies have arisen at St. Michael's and Holy Trinity Churches. In both cases the Curates are practically paid by the con- gregations, but in neither case have they been consulted as to who should be appointed to minister to them. At Holy Trinity the Vicar has, it is understood, promised the post to a young man from Carmarthen, possibly the son or relative or an old friend. He may be the very best man that coold be selected, but nothing is known of him at Aberystwyth, and he is not yet ordained. At St. Michael's the vacancy has been filled, after a lapse of twelve months. It was said that the Archdeacon was determined to get the very best man possible. Of course he was to bo a gentleman, for all clergymen are gentlemen He was to be one who had a tip-top degree. so that he might stand in that respect on a level with the best men in the College; he was to be a first-class English preacher, and also a first-class Welsh preacher; a high-class musician, and an ideal parish visitor, besides being up to the mark in all other respects. It need hardly be said that such a man was not forthcoming. If he existed he was sure to he already in a fairly good berth, with the prospect of something better in view. And if he had been found he. would have been head and shoulders above his Vicar and the clergy in this part of the country. How many men applied for the post is not known, but recently a monoglot Englishman was ap- pointed. As yet it is premature to say how successful he may be, and how far he may fall below the ideal. He has been appointed choirmaster, but the singing has not yet im- proved, and the organist is leaving. He has only been here a month or two, and as yet he does not seem to have made any special effort to become acquainted with the congregation. It must, however, he said that he reads the lessons much more intelligently than some other people who might be named, and that is a real virtue in these days of sing-song and humdrum. Few things in life are so wearying to mind and body as a ludly rendered musical service. It is doubtful whether either of the two Aberystwyth vicars contributes a peony piece towards the stipends of the Cnrates, or if they do they keep the secret, remarkably well. And why, indeed, do these gentlemen have Curates at all ? As a rule the Curates simply discharge duties which their Vicars are paid for attending to. It may be pre- sumed that Sundays are the heaviest days in the clergyman's week. As a rule there are morning and evening services, with Sunday school, and occasionally an early communion, making a total of less than six hours. With the exception of the two sermons the services in the Church are purely tontine, and the ser- mons are generally read, so that there is no mental strain. And when the Vicar takes a class in the Sunday school—and he ought not as a rule to do so -the work is very light. Country clergymen discharge their duties with- out the aid of Curates, and no Nonconformist Minister ever dreams of having a Curate to relieve him of a share of his work. If the two local Vicars want someone to relieve them of a share of their five or six hours woik let them pay for that help out of their own pockets, as other people have to pay for assistance. It is believed that the Archdeacon draws from the Church altogether as much as the three best-paid Nonconformist Minis- ters in the town, and they are all able men The Town Surveyor works every day twice as many hours as the Clergy do, and for that, with all his professional skill and experience, he gets little more than the pay of a Curate. The Borough Accountant works nearly as many hours, and gets less pay than a Curate, although his duties are much more conpli- cated. It is impossible to separate the Town Clerk's official from his professional duties, but he has to devote much of his time to the latter, and also keeps a clerk, and all for a salary which is considerably below that of a Curate. And as for a Clergyman's week-day dnties, many persons think that his hardest work is in passing away his time, and not in discharging any specific datiea.

A DECLARATION OF WAR. There is a time to speak, and a time to be silent, said the Wise Man; a time to bear per- secution, and a time to resent it. For very many years we have been patient and long- suffering, permitting ourselves to be maligned a c and deprived of ourfjust rights without making any attempt to defend ourselves. But however beautiful in theory it may be to be always for- giving those that persecute us, in practise it does not answer, or rather there is a limit to forbearance, and that limit has been reached by us. Everyone has felt at one time or an- other that there is nothing in the 'Observer' Of course that is not correct literally, for the paper is always full, and there are never any blank columns or pages. What is meant is that the Editorial matter and news are tasteless for want of spice. As a matter of fact we have carefully excluded anything of the nature of severe criticism or even plain truths when they have been likely cause un- pleasantness to individuals. If man had at- tained the high ideal which we had in view, that policy would be right, but he has not, and he wants the taste of earthly things in his newspaper as at his dinner table. Platonic love is beautiful in theory, but it is a failure in this terrestrial world, and therefore we shall in future conduct the paper more on the principle of -1 holding the mirror up to nature," and re- flecting what is going on around us. Of course we shall still be guided by the moral and statute laws, and continue to show all the re- spect that is due from man to another. It has been well said that the best guarantee for peace is the power to keep our enemies from attack. ing us, and of defeating them if they are so reckless as to molest us. Last year, when it seemed as if all the nations of the earth were going to declare war against this country, our Government did not apologise to one power, or make concessions of territory to another, or approach another on bended knee, praying for help. Nothing of the kind. On the contrary they boldly decided to spend many millions of money in strengthening our navy, and at the same time formed a special service squadron, ready for service in any part of the world. The effect was instantaneous, and the war clouds blew away. War is one of the most terrible scourges with which the Almighty chastises the nations, but national cowardice and dis- honour are more to be dreaded even than war. What our Government did last year we in the Observer" office ought to have done years ago. If we had asserted our rights, and insisted upon them, it would have been better for us and for all concerned. Take for in- stance the local Churches. Some ten years ago two new Vicars came to Aberystwyth. It soon became apparent that they thought that their predecessor was a very inferior man, quite unfit for such an important post as ho had filled for a quarter of a century, and that they were sent by Providence to completely revo- lutionise the existing state of things. And they proceeded to do so. However broad our views may be upon many matters, we are quite Conservative enough to dislike revolu. tions, whether attempted in Church or State. It did not take long for us to see that the new Vicars, as was natural foi such men. looked with disfavour upon those people, ourselves amongst the num. ber, who were so blind as not to be able to see that they were Heaven-born leaders, aad that they must be implicitly obeyed. We believe that Heaven.born leaders are equal to the occasion, and as these good people fell far be. low the mark we inferred that they were not to be taken at their own valuation. As might be expected from men of their calibre, any little favours that passed through their hands, such as little printing orders, which formerly came to this office, were diverted to other channels. Fortunately the amount of the orders at their disposal was limited, and it did not make any material difference what became of them. That being so, we took a platonic view of the matter. But, as we have already said, although beautiful in theory, platonism is a. failure in practice in a world like this. And so we find it. In consequence of the treat- ment we received from the Clergy referred to -and also from a more recent import into the neigh bourhood-we ceased to give such de- tailed reports of Church events as we had been accustomed to give. And the effcct was that Churchmen, not knowing the cause, threw all the blame upon us. We ought at once to have given a full explanation, and allowed the congregations to settle the matter with their Vicars. Instead of that we punished the con- gregations for the conduct of the clergy, which, of course, was a mistake. But it is never too late to learn, and we have learnt that much. When the Western Mail" differed from some of the Cardiff leaders recently it at once as- serted its independence and its right to take any course which it believed to be for the good of the whole party, and it prepared to fight anyone and everyone who threw down the gauntlet. The result is that the power of the paper is respected though it be not loved. If the Mail" had allowed its opponents to have it all their own way they would soon have treated it as a door-mat. Learning wisdom from the experience of ourselves and other papers, we have decided in future to take a more independent course, to insist upon our just rights, and to take as a declaration of war any treatment which is calculated to damage our interests. In dealing with us clergymen must remember that they are trustees for the Church, and they must manage Church affairs as trustees, and not as if they were their own private concerns.In future there shall be fight- ing on both sides,and the public may either look on as spectators, or take sides, just as they like. Nothing would please Churchmen more than a bold and definite attack upon abuses in the Church, and we hope to help to clear the air and sweep out the Augean stables. To- wards this end we shall be glad of the aid of our readers.

NEWS AND OBSERVATIONS: ORIGINAL AND SELECTED. Rev R. CEBEDIQ JENKINS' health is grad- ually improving. The students of the Uni- versity College of Wales, Aberystwyth, thoroughly enjoyed his excellent address. Mr JENKINS took as his subject Life and work in China." We cannot do anything better than quote from the "Independent" for last week what is said concerning the young Missionary's address at the Cotlege :—" Mr JENKINS, though unable yet to address public meetings owing to ill-health, kindly gave an t5 address to the students of the llniversity College,whom he delighted with his eloquenee wit, and humour." Mr JENKINS is only 30 years of age. He is an excellent speaker in English, Welsh and Chinese. We wish him a speedy restoration to perfect health and strength. Mr JAMES WILSON, M.A., Fordyo Lecturer in Agriculture in the University of Aberdeen, and formerly Professor at the Uni- versity College of Wales, is the author of a very valuable report on the Results of the use of Tuberculin in the Castlecraig herd belong. ing to Sir T. D. GIBSON-CARMICHAEL, Bart,, M.P, By the death of the Rev JOHN MORGAN, of Rhiwbwys, we lose an Aberystwythian who dearly loved the town, and knew a very great deal of its past history. Had he been induced to write what he knew about Aberystwyth we shonld be in possession of most interesting records of local history. He had heard much whin a boy from his grandfather, a man of more than ordinary parts, who well remem- bered the old Town walls, and had taken an active part in their destruction at the end of the last century. Mr MORGANS, whosadeath took place rather suddenly at Rhiwbwys, was a man of much natural ability. But he was ineradicably 'nn Jest and retiring, and his true worth and talents were known only to his most intimate friends. His powers, both natural and acquired, fitted him for a larger sphere than he ever 611ed in the estimation of the denomination to which he belonged. He, like Gray's flower, blushed unseen and wasted his fragrance, as we are convinced, upon the desert air. He had always been a hard student, having par- ticularly a strong bias for philosophical and theological reading. It needed a more than ordinary thinker to cope with him in this de- partment of literature. He had, in all proba- bility, the finest library of modern theological books possessed by any private individual in Cardiganshire and with these books be had a large and thorough acquaintance. While in politics, he was as advanced a Radical as could almost be found in our midst, in theo- logy he was singularly Conservative. He was keenly cautious in adoptingnew-fangled views, and was a severe critic of the higher criticism. His memory was marvellous, and was the envy of those who heard him give long strings of texts and heads of sermons that he had heard well-nigh fifty years ago. He had a rich baritone voice, which had been well- trained about thirty years ago, and when he sang much under Mr EDWARD EDWARBS (Pencjrdd Ceredigion), under whom, by the way, he also worked for seven years as book- binder. The most cordial relations existed be- tween master and pupil to the very last day. Mr MORGANS always spoke in the very highest terms of his master's wonderful vocal gifts, and Mr EDWARDS is always ready to speak in the warmest and most appreciative terms of his old pupil's conscientiousness and high character. At Trefecca Mr MORGANS was distinguished as an essayist-the students then as now at that College having to write exercises on themes set by their professors- a most useful practice. When at the U.C.W., in 187-5, Mr MORGANS acted as precentor and chief singer—for in those stormy days prayers were read every morning and Hymns Ancient & Modern used-to the great horror of the Welsh Nonconformists Mr MORGANS was not only a vocalist, but he had studied thoroughly the theory of music, and was well up in harmony and counterpoint. As a preacher, he was very acceptable in the Calvinistic Methodist churches. In their monthly meeting, his word, never hurriedly given, but after deliberation, was final-" All men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at his counsel. After his words, they spake not again. For he sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army." When a mere boy, Mr Morgans was fond of listening to sermons, and he followed the annual preaching meetings of the various denominations with a regularity not expected even from a grown-up man. He used to say that he looked forward with keen expectation to the advent of a preacher of reputation wheft his publication was an- nounced. He held in high esteem the old deacons of his childhood days, who in spite of many foibles were men of much earnestness and thoroughly convinced of the realities of religion. Had Mr MORGANS began life under more favourable circumstances there is no ministerial sphere which would not be open to him. Many influential churches invited him to become their pastor at the beginning of his public career, but he, much too retiring a man as he was, chose to remain in his native county. He died, aged 56, on November 29th, and was buried December 3rd, in the cemetery attached to Rhiwbwys chapel. The agenda difficulty has turned up again, Alderman DOUGHTON having very properly called the attention of the Town Council to the fact that the agenda for the last meeting had been delivered on Saturday night, in- stead of on Thursday. The Town Clerk blamed the Council for holding their Com- mittee meetings too late, and also individual members for sending in their notices after the proper time. The assertion about the meet- ings is all nonsense, for one of the committees held its meetings so far back as the 24th of November, two on the 26th, two on the 30th, and one on the 1st. The agendas ought to have been delivered on the 3rd, so that there were two days for preparing and printing its report of less than two pages. Nearly all the other notices were purely formal, and related to rates, precepts and leases, and might prob- ably have been prepared days before- hand. There is no use shirking the matter, the fault lies with the Town Clerk, who is much too good-natured. He should absolutely refuse to send to the printers any copy whatever received after a certain time, say Wednesday evening. This would give the printers a clear day in which to do their work. Last week westated that hens will lay from 300 to 500 eggs a year for three years. It should of course have been in three years. A lady residing in the neighbourhood of Aberyst- wyth has a hen that has laid 200 eggs in one year, and that is an unusually large number. A gentleman connected with one of the large estates tells us that cottagers' liens ought to lay best. As our readers will know, Archdeacon GRIFFITHS, who has resigned the living of St David's, Neath, which he has beJd for forty years,is a native of the neighbourhood of Aber- ayron, and is a frequent visitor to that distant but charming little watering place. Some newspapers take payment for the insertion of the announcement of some births, marriages and deaths, but insert others with- out charge. According to ajpreliminary return, issued by the Board of Agriculture, of the years 1895 and 1896, there was an increase in the latter period of 2,300 acres under small fruit. That is a good sign, for it indicates that home growers are paying more attention to fruit culture. They also do well to pay attention to the better class of fruit and dispense with the pcorer kinds. It is the best that finds a I ready market at paying prices I LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. AN UNNECESSARY PROSECUTION.— Vt the Police Court on Friday, before David Thomas and D. C. Roberts, Esqrs., Edward H Prosper, labourer, New- port, was charged by William Hughal, tarter, Glan- rafon, with stea:inga a overcoat o. the value of 5s, on December 8th.—Willitm Hughesidentined the coat produced as hs property, which he os -d to k, ep in the t-table. the accused was Hi lii-t service for a month, working on the farm. On the day in question accused was granted leave to go to tvw 11, t) get some articles which he add bo needed, and was given 4-s. of the wages due to him. He never returned, and, on the coat being missed, informatio was given to the police.-P.C. Evan Hugh a d"pose I that he found accused at Talieain, wearing the coat. Asked where he came from that day he replie I "From Aberay- ron." He further stated that Berthrea was the o ly farm on which he bad worked in Cardiganshire, and that his name was John Williams. Near Talybont, when on the way to Aberystwyth, aecu od said, I am going to make a cleiti breast of :t. I t Ink th coat from where it -vas hanging, an 1 as Mr H'ighe. lent it me on several p;e"iou-) occasions, [ thought there was no harm in it.Accused pleased that he never intended to "te tl the coat. He had a drop of drink and was afraid t) rdilrd." Accised added that he left at the farm a sui "t tand the remainder of hia wagea.—Proseeu or a :<n:tte i t!) tt h J owed ac- cnsed 3s lOd.— I'he Benon, tikin,r int < consideration tile fact that accused h1. i told a falsehood to the policeman, finel h m 2-s tilaui costs, and the fine was paid by prosecutor. POULTRY SHOW AT PHILLIP,' HALL.- On Wed- nesday, December 23rd, grand pou try show will be held at Phil ipa' Hall, when prizes will be given. THE IVANHOE.- We understand that it is the intention of Mr William .dorris to soli the barque Ivanhoe, now in the harbour, »s soon as the repairs at present being carried out, are completed. NARROW ESCAPE OF ABERYSTWYTH SAILORS.— James Jones, frefechan, aui Tom Edwards left l'enby on 1 nesday, for Aberystwyth, with a smack called the Alert," which had been bought by Messrs Fear Bros. The boat encountered the severe gale which has wrought -o much damage a-nong-t shipping, and fears were entertained at Aberystwyth for the sat\ty of the men. The owners wired to several port, on the coast and nothing was hear.I of the smack until Thurs- day, when a telegram was received saying that the smack was run into Milford Haven for shelter. CHRISTMAS SHOW.-On tbe Talbot Hotel premis;'s on Tuesday, December 22nd, th, Aberystwyth Corn and General Market Company will hold their annual poultry, butter, and cheese show, when prizes t,) the value of .£21 will be offered. A dinner will be held at the Talbot Hotel, at 6-30, for the Show Committee and their friends. Particulars of the show will be found in another column. JEWELLERY.—For first class Jewellery, Ac., call at the Stiop of Edward Vau^han Keen, Working Lapidary, and Gold and Silver Smith, 2, King street, neartae College Repairs done on the shortest notice. COMPLETION OF MICHAELS. -We understand that a public meeting will be helot shortly, with thelide,io of completing St Michael's Church. a SALVATION ARMY.—Spec a.l services were held in connectiou with the salvation Army on Sunday and Monday. In the unavoidable absence of Brigadier Lindsay, of Cardiff, Capt Davies, of Wrexham, con- ducted, assisted by Capt Spicer and Lieutenant Page, the local offioers. The meetings were well attended, and five souls came to the penitent form on Monday evening. PATENTS GRANTED AND SPECIFICATIONS PUB- LISHED. 13,431. W. A Green, Llanoadarn-road, Aberystwyth. Horse shoes. TUB HARBOUR JETTY.—Considerable progress is being made with th-) repairs to the wooden jetty at the Harbour, which was partially destroyed by tht; recent great gale. SALE OF.PROFERTY.—On Tuesday afternoonMessrs Daniel, Son and Meredith put up to auction, at their Sale room, the leasehold properties knpwa as Evelyn Honse, Victoria Terrace, and G'en View, Brynymo- road. Evelyn House is held under a lease from the Corporation, of which 48 years are unexpired, at an annual ground rent of X7 13a 6d. After a brisk bt id- ing the lot was knocked down to Mr Uarnett, Wolver- hampton, for £ 1,183. Glen View was withdrawn at £ 540, t ie highest bidder being Mr Kiddell. The properties belonged to Mr Pierce, and Mr W. Hughes Jones was his solictor. FORTUCOMINS MAKRIAGE OF MR E. L. POWELL. -On Monday afternoon a meeting of the tenantry of the Nant Eos estate was held at the Skinner s Arms, with the view of making !jria;iire- indnts for a presentation which it is proposed to inuke to Mr E. L. Powe I, Nant Eos, on the occasion of his marriage with Miss Pryse, G gerddati. Alderman Ktohards, Penuwch, was the chairman, aud amongst the large number present were tne I ollo wing: -M esirs K Richards, Gwurfelm, secretary, Will am Hughes, Glanrafun, David Jenkins, Crlasgrug. Gavin Scott, Aberbrwynen. R. Edward-, 'Jlaurhos,Morgan Uorris, Piercefield, and David Jones, Troedrhiw. Tee meet. ing decided to appoint collectors for the different dis- tricts, and that -ubscriptions should 1'0 br.ju,'ht to a meeting to be neld in a fortnight, when the form of the presentation wili be adopted. Those who are in Want. f good value f(,r their money, and a large stock to select lrum would do well t) go to J. Walter Evans, 19 Crat Darkyate- atreec, who is now showing a splendid f election of new goods for the present season. New overcoats, to fitail ages, in a variety of qualities. Special attention given to boys' clothing. Girls' land ladies' jackets in the newest styles, flannels, blankets, and household goods of every description. A call will be escemod a favour orders per post promptly attended to. ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL. — The annual entertainment in connection w.t i this chanel wjt be held in the schoolroom, Portland street on Christmas evening. BETHEL SUNDAY SCHOOL QUARTERLY MEETING. -Thits meeting took place on December 13th Mr R. Morgan, J.P., was the chairman, the leader was Mr M de Lloyd, Pencerdd and the accompanist, Master D. J. de Lloyd, tlie well-known boy musician The programme was as follows :-Ton gan y gynuilpidfa adroddiad pennod, Miss Richards j gweddi • Ton Mae'r lesu yn y Nef," Cor; adroddiad, 'David Daniel Evans; adroddiad, Gwladys Mary Edwards • ton,' Tnag Adref," Cor; adroddiad, T. Jarman unawd, Gwen Morgan; adroddiad, Lilian Morgan • adro diad, Annie Ihomas; ton, Mor aitii Bywvd Cor unawd, Mary Ann Roberts adroddiad, Ev/n T Roberts; deuawd, Misses Maggie aud Katie Roberts, and Masters Morgan and E,lis nnawd, Daisy James anerchiad, Yr ITsgol Sul," J. R. Rowlands. nnawd aohydgaa,' lesu Tirion," David J. de Lloyd a'r Cor • adroddiad, Edgar de Lloyd; adroddiad, Claudia Leake nnawd, "Jesus Loves me," Marv Ellen Fl!i« • ton, •• lesu Gwrando Fi," Cor adroddiad. S. Thomas • adroddiad, Sarah Ann Oliver; ton, "Gal wad yr lesu Cor adroddiad, T. Jarman unawd, Annio Davies • adrodiiiad, Mary Evans; anth m, Deuwch i'r Dyfroedd," Cor. COALS.—Capt Doughton has a very large stock of Coal on hand, at the Rheidol Coal Yar 1, South road which will be disposed of at moderate rates Free burning ooal, 16s. per ton; best Newport, 20s. ST.MlCHAttL'S PAROCHIAL CHUKCH LEAGUE On Tuesday evening a meeting for the transaction of business and arranging a programme was held at, the parish room, the Ven. Archdeacon Protheroe, 1,1"e- siding. A committee was named, consisting of the clergy, Mr Evan Jones, Mr Kobetts, and Miss A'ynne secretaries; Miss Knight, treasurer and another lady with Mr Cocks and Mr T. Griffiths, to meet on Monday night and to settle the future dates and pro- ceeding, ot the I, age. A sum of £ 9 „dd wa-i reported to Le in hand, and it was propose t to have a social meeting in course of the holiday#, and also to engage a popular speaker to address a meeting ofthj Church members. POSTPONED. -The ei8teddfod announced to be held at Phillips' Hall on Christmas Day has been postponed to January 27th. LOCAL STEAMERS.— The CountAs of Lisburne left for Liverpool for new boilers, aud in the meantime the owners have engaged the Telephone.

— LanaKsssMx A JAPANESE PICNIC.ls the title of an artiati- cally Ccloured Almanac for 1897. Published by Horniman & Co., the well-known Tea Merchants. The picture vividly illustrates a charming scene of Japanese Life. One of these Almanacs and a pound or thr.-e pound decorated fancy tin of Horniman's Pare i ea. forms a unique Christmas or New Year's Gi;t..Sold fcby :—Aberystwyth—Hopkins and Co. grocers E. P. Wynne, chemist,— Diivies, con- fectioner, Powell, confectioner, —Thomas, chemist, Ellis, Tea Dealer, &c., — Knighton — Blower, chemist, — Barmouth—Owen, grocer, &c., Williams, ohemist; Lampeter — Meggicks, draper, Llan- dyssul — Lewis, grocer Llanidloes — Hughes, chemist; Llandrindod Wells — Owens, grocer; Machynlleth—Breese, grocer; Pontrhydygroes- Loyd, Post Office; Rhayader-Page, confectioner, Borth ■—Lewis, Grocer. Ac Abe-dovey MOlris, Grocer; Harhch—Jones, Grocer, &c.; Llanbedr, Griffith, Stores." SUSQriEHANXA PILLS —Profes or WEBSTER'S Ce'e- braied sUSQUKHANJfA PILLS are warranted to CU,;B INDIGESTION, BlLlOUsNhtvS, LIVIIR COMI'LAIXTS, PILES, RHEUMATIeM, GOUT, U..ON\ HIllS, and all DISEASES OF THE BLOOD. T,istim,)ni;ti. I-om all pTts of Wales of-ut Free, These Pillll are sold by Lhembts and Patent Medicine Vendors at l/i J, il/0, 4/6 and 11/- pe box or they will be s nt anywhere on receipt of (ttampo, by SAMUEL ftUSHWOATS, 8«CS»M7, fieUnic institute, NOTTINGHAM.

BOROUGH MAGISTRATES' COURT. WEDNESDAY. Before the Mayor (R. Dought u, E«q.) Griffith Wiliiarns, J. J. Gritriths, l'h m n Hush Jo ies, Thomas Griiffths, R. J. J mes, Isa o Hjpkm*, and E. P. Wynne, Esq- atid STREET OBSTRUCTION. William Nightingale, Little i.'arkgate street, titiiin,lie,i by P.S. Thomas Pnillips tor allowing tli; h.ghway to be obstruct- d with a number of boxe-i. The case was dismissed with a caution. CHIMNEY ON FIliE. Thomas Williams, 6, Chalybeate street, was sum- moned by Mr Roes Jones, borough surveyor, for allowing his chimney to go on fire, and ha w..a fined Is. P.C. Williams proved the case. Evan Davies, 5, Crvnfryn How, was summoned for a simil r off 'nco by P.U. David Evans. A tine of Is. was imposed. CHARGE OF THREATENING LANGUAGE. William Jones, 61. North Parado, Wit; chirked by Frances Jones, his sister-in-law, with using threaten- ing language to her on Nov. 24th. Mr A. J. Hn^hes was for com;ilainint, and Mr W. P. Owen for defendant. Defendint was bouud over to kee) the peace for six iiioti, hs, in the sum of X5. and WcH order d to pay -tile cost-, excepting those of one adjournment.

0- DUNTILLE'S OLD IRISH WHISKEY Is known and sold a 1 over tho world. It is recom- men jed by the Medical Profession in Preference to French Brandy. Can be suppiied in casos and bulk direct fr)m the ROYAL IRISii DISTILLERIES BELFAST.

TOWN COUNCIL. A special meeting of the Council, with the Mayor in the chvir, was hell on Tuesday evening for the purpose of confirming the resolutions of th previous ordinary me,ting, which was declared to have been illegally convened. THE MINSTRELS. Mr Peake failed to gut passed an amendment to a resolution that Mr Harry Collins should bring a minstrel troupe to Aoery.stwyth for the ensuing season, that the resolution be not confirmed until the committee hid arrauged for a pllwc for afternoon performances. He saggested th it the troupe should be allowed to perform on the Castle grounds. POSSIBLE VISIT OF THE TEACHERS' GUILD. The Town Clerk brought before the notice of the council the effort that was being mad s to get the Teachers' Guild of Great Britain and Ireland to visit Aberystwyth in 1898, and, on the motion of Mr Gr ffiths, seconded by Mr Hopkins, the following resolution was adopted Thttt this Council .desires to co-operate with the Aberystwyth Branch of the reachers' Guild of Great Britain and Ireland in welcoming the Guild on the occasion of the General conference, in the event of Aberystwyth being selected, for the year 1898; and that Pr fessor Foster Watson, M A., be requested to be good enough to convey the feeling of the Council to the General Secretary of the Guild."

COLEMAN'S WINCARMS. COLEMAN'S WINCARNIS. 4,000 MEDICAL MEN have sent testimonials in its favour. Sold in Bottles, 28 9d and 4s 6d everywhere.

CHARGE OF ATTEMPTED HIGHWAY ROBBERY AT TREGARON. Isaac Owen, of Tregaron, was brought up in custody, before the Rev Thomas Phillips and D. J. Williams, Esqrs., with having assaul ed a id at- tempted to rob Mr Michael Davies, Tregaron on Monday night near Ffair Rhos. Mr William Davies (Messrs Smith and Davies) appeared for the prosecution. Sergeant Thomas proved arresting the accused at Pontrhydfendigaid, and the complainant was called and proved the assault. The accused admitted havicg been with the com- plainant in the afternoon, but denied the attempt to rob him. The Bench fiued him .£ 1, in default 7 days im. prisonment.

THE LAND COMMISSION. PRIVATE MEETING. A. meeting of selected farmers was held at Mr James' Auction M-irt on Monday afternoon, Mr Vaugh n Davies, M.P., presiding. The object to di.-c iss" tie r.port of the Land Commissioners, and to appoint del g ites t., attend a Conference of agriculturists to be he.d at Carmarthen. A r solution in favour of a Ltnd Court was parsed, and Mr J.T. Morgan, Maes- newydd J.P., fre-holder, and Mr Edward Jones, Parish Councillor, retired larmer, formerly of Elgar' were appointed as delegates, the t.mant farmers re- fusing to be nom-nated.

FOOTBALL FIXTURES. Ail mitohca played on the ground of the first. named Club. DECEMBER. 26 Aberyshvyth v Brymbo (W L) JANUARY. 2 Whitchurch v Welshpool 9 Wtlshpool v Hhos 9 Druids v Aberyt>twyth (w L) 16 Aberystwyth v U.<\ Wales 30 Welshpool v Druids 30 Chirk v Aberystwyth (w L) FEBRUARY. 6 U C Wales v Aberystwyth 6 vVelshpool v Newtown 13 Druids v We'shpool 13 Westminster Hovers v Aberystwyth (w L) 20 Shrewsbury Athletic v Welshpool MARCH; 6 Welshpool v Chirk 6 Rhos v Abery-twyth (w L) 13 Chirk v Welshpool 20 Welshpool v Whitchurch 20 Al>Fry."twyth v Khostyllon (w L) 27 Oswestry v Aberystwyth (w L) APRIL. 1 Rhostyllen v Welshpool 10 Welshpool v Westminster Rovers

DEVIL'S BRIDGE. DEATH IN AMERICA.—Ihe Daily Northwestern O.-dikosh, of Monday, November 23rd, sivoi an account of t ie cUath of Mr Thomas C. Lloyd, who emigrated to America some thirty years ago from Rhosygeil, Devil's Bridge Mr Lloyd was a promis- ing y >un; man, and well educated when he left this country. The" Dàlly Northwestern" reports as follow—" Thoma* C. Lloyd, a promin-nt Nekiini farmer and member ot t ie County JJ of Super- visors, died suddenly on S turday r.i^ht He had attended the session ot the county board during the week, an 1 after enjoying a:i evening with his family at, his home in Nekimi, retired about 10.30 Saturday night. About midnight his wile w s awakened by a groan from .Mr Lloyd, and on trying, to arouse hira touud that he was dying. The caus^ of h;s death is a mystery, a, he was thought to hare been in perfect health up lo the hour of his r t'ring. Ili- Lloyd was born in Wales, and settled in Nekmii about thirty years ago. He was a prominent farmer of that town, of which he was chairtn tn, He wus a member of the R-jral Arcauuui, i-ccretiry of the Nekimi Town In- surance Company, a member of the school board, secretary of the BIble. .Society ot his church, and wa.s to have ttken a prominent part in the fit tieth anni- versary of the settlement of Nekimi on July 4. He leaves a wife, one daughter and t,ree tons, all residing at home. His suodf n death comes in the nature of a gr^at ca'am ty to his family, and is sinctrely mourned by a host of friends and acquaint- ances, by whom Mr Lloyd was held in the highest esteem. NEW SONG. We have received n song, for soprano or tenor, in B. flat, entitled "Bythod Cymru," by Mr Evan Samud, Racine, Wisconsin, U.S., America. Mr Samuel is a native of I'enparke, and has been forty- five yars resident in Kaciue. As its known, be is son of the 1. to Mr Thomas --amuel of Peup .rke and uncle of Mr D. Samuel, h admaster of the County School. The Bong- is (I y and melodious throughout. We re- commend it to our vocalists. The words are by the well-known Ieuan Gwynedd. All kinds of Printing qnickly and neatly uted a the 'Obactver" Office 1 North

THE DEVIL'S BRIDGE RAILWAY. It is rumoured that the promoters of this Company are prepared to meet the require- ments of the dissatisfied district, but no official statement to that effect has been made. Until that is done the opposition to the bill will continue.*

MAKKhiTS. ABERYSTWYTH, MONDAY. CORN MARKET. Wheat 5s 6d to 6s per 65 lbs barley (home), 3s Od 3B 6d per 651bs; white oats, 2s 9d to 3a Od per 651bs black oats, 2:3 6i to 2s 9d per 401bs; eggs, 10a.6d toils; butter, fresh,Is to Is 2d per lb butter, salt, lid to Is per lb cheese, 0s. to Oil per. cwt; potatoes, 2s Od to 2s 6d per cwt fowls, 3- 61 to 3* 6d; chickens, 8s Od to s 6d Ducks, 5a Od to 5* 6d gfi-ee, 44 6d to 6s Od turkeys, (h to 71! not*- toes, 2s to 2s 6d. MEAT MARKET. Beef, 6id to Od per lb; Mutton, 81 toOd Veal, 54d u5?' Pork> 0d to Od Pork, 0s 0d, to 0s Od, score ■Ketail Priee of Beef to Od Mutton Od to Od ea], 0d to Od Pork, Od to 0d.—Poultry, fowls, 4* to 5s.

L LA TAP AN-. THE SCHOOL.—On Frida/ even:ng Mr D H Davies gxve his illustrated lecture on the Life of' Christ a d the Revalation. Toera was a far attend- ance and th- ;car, the l{"v Mr Williams, presided. The lecture IHLi very appcopriat) and instructive. At the close the loc'urer proposed a vote of thinks to Lord Lisburne for the use of thi school and for his generous patronage.

Dean SPENCE, the talented author of "Tho Church of England, all illustrated H;story for People." H-hichi. now heing issued in monthly parts by Messrs CASSELL A Co., was formerly Professor of Latin at St. David's College, Lampeter. Whilst there he fell in love with one of the charming daughters of the late Mr JONES, Pantglas Carmarthenshire, whonfter- wards became his wife. Another and an equally charming- daughter is the wife of Colonel DAVIES-EVAVS, Highraead, lord- lieutenant of Cardiganshire. The National ChtiTch is a bit hard on our local contemporary, which, by the way, has often supplied it wit.h dainty bits of criticism of Nonconformity, [n the December number it says-" with disorganisation and disaster, the power of the Welsh Radical to abuse the Church has seamed to vanish. Once his vituperation wis pungent, now it is simply yalgarand ridiculous," and in support of this it quotes an Rrticle from our contemporary. The Rev H. GRANVILLE DICKSON has now resigned the editorship of The National Church. He had held the office for eleven years, and had been a contributor for twenty three years. Whilst differing on many questions, we have always perused the organ of the Church Defence Institution with a certain amount of pleasure. The Institution has now been merged in the Central Church Committee, and tho organisation will in future be known as the Church Committee for Church Defence and Church Instruction or more generally as the Church Committee'. The Rev GRANVILLE DICKSON has accepted the living of Coulsdon, Surrey, which has a gros,,4 income of £ 900 and a, house. He has also resigned the post of secretary of the Institution. Mr MORTIMER, who has been the secretary of the Central Church Com- mittee since its formation in 1894, has also resigned, and Mr T. MARTIN TILBY has been appointed secretary of the new organisation. In the past there has been too great a tend- ency on the part of the National Church to quote Nonconformist papers—or papers that profess to be Nonconformist—when they have either praised the Church or criticised Dissent. The result has been that certain papers have regulirly manufactured paragraphs for the use of the National Chxtvchy simply for the sake of the advertisement. You may be quite suro that a Nonconformist paperthat regularly points out the weaknesses, or alleged weak- nesses, of the Nonconformists, and at the same time praises the Church, cannot be altogether sincere. Probably the new Editor will give bis readers something more sustaining and more matter of the nature of Church In- struction. The announcements of leading tradesmen will be found in our advertising columns.

W. II. THUSCOTT, WATCH AND CLOCK MAKER, LAPIDARY & OPTICIAN, 37, TERRACE ROAD, Opposite the Post Office, A large assortment of Wedding, Diamond, and aelM Rings. T. GRIFFITHS, LION TEA WAREHOUSE ABERYSTWYTH. ROYAL COFFEE.

MARMAGES. DAvms—MORGAN.—Dacembar 15th, at the Register Office, Aberystwyth, by the late Rev W. Jones registrar, Mr Jonn James Davies, groom, to Miss M iry Jane Morgan, tot 1 of Maesbangor, Penllwyn. EATON—EVANS.—Dacember ]5th, at the English Paptist Church, Alfred Place, by the Rev T. Williams,B. A., Mrtieorge Eaton, market gardener, Vaynor-street, to Mrs Annie Evans, Llanbadarn- road. EDWARD—PUGH.—December 10th, at All Souls Charoh, Lsngham plioe, London, W., by the Rev. T. Roberts,JM. A., R.N., brother-in-law of the bride. groom, assisted by the Rev Canon Aitchinson M.A., rector of the pariah, and the Rev J. Hanter Robertson, M.A., Wimbledon, Mr W. R. Edward, only son of the late Mr Robert Edward, J.P., Bryn. Awel, Aberystwyth, and Mrs Thomis' the Tower, near Llangollen, to Ada, fecond daugl t-rof Mr T. O. Pusrh, Kingsbury, St. Alban's and Home Park, Sorbiton. REUS—JONES.—On Thursday, 3rd December, at the Parish Church, Dowlais, by the Rev Win. J nes, Rector of Newton Nottage (uncle of the b id"), assisted by the Rector of Dowla:s, John Mi-r.-an Rees, M.B.C.S.,Entr., eldest son of Mr Edwar.) lie- J.P., Machynlleth, to Gwladys Enyd, only da ."l.ter of the late Mr John Robert Jones, DowUis DEATHS. LEWIS.—December 12th, aged 48, William Joh-i Lewis, oathing machine proprietor. ROBltRTs.-December 10th, aged 18, at Rheidol plnce, Mary Roberts, dressowkpr. WILLIAMS.—December 14th, aged CO, ot Crynfryn Buildings, Ann, wife of Evan Williams, stone mason. HEADSTONES, CROSSES, MONUMENTS, An MURAL TABLETS, Iw GBANITE, MARBLE, SLATE a STONE. MONUMENTS RESTORED & RE-USTTERED <m<t wTMy desoription of MONUMENTAL WORK BXJECUTKD. Iwnum fni. HOSKINQ MLLLEB, MNAMweim MAULN woln