Llangollen Advertiser Denbighshire Merionethshire and North Wales Journal

THE LLANGOLLEN ADVERTISER. PRICE ONE PENNY. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION PER ANNUM s. d. Unstamped Copies, on credit. 5 0 Ditto paid in advance 4 4 Stamped Copies, on credit 7 6 Ditto paid in advance 6 6 Publisher H. JONES, Castle Street, Llangollen,to whom all orders for the Paper should be sent, and to whom all Post Office Orders, &c., should be made pay- able. NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. This Journal is now in its nineteenth year, and has a very influential circulation in Llangollen, and through- out all North Wales. Being conducted entirely on neutral principles, it finds its way into families of all classes. As it is also the only paper printed and published in this district, it offers peculiar advantages to advertisers. Advertisements are inserted on the following terms PARLIAMENTARY NOTICES, ELECTION ADDRESSES, AND PUBLIC COMPANIES, 6d. per Line. LAw NOTICES, AUCTIONS, AND MISCELLANEOUS, 4d. per Line. TRADES, BOOKS, CHARITIES, &c., 3d. per Line. Advertisements continued for 13 weeks charged at the rate of 8s. per inch long; 26 weeks, 14s. per inch; 52 weeks, 22s. per inch. A copy of the paper is included in the above charges. All advertisements not ordered for a definite period will be inserted until countermanded.

TO CORRESPONDENTS, &c. We shall deem it a favour at all times to receive short notices of any local occurrences at which we may not happen to be present. Having to go to press early on Thursday night, our readers will oblige by forwarding their communications as early as pos- sible, and advertisements must be received notlater than Twelve o'clock on Thursday noon. [n consequence of the increasing demand upon our space, we beg to say that, for the future, in report- ing Meetings and Entertainments, we shall give the preference to the most concise reports. Our Bardic Editor at present is the Rev. J. H. Hughes, The Manse, Cefn, near Ruabon. The bards will, therefore, send their productions to his address. We cannot undertake to return rejected communica- tions, or take notice of anonymous communications. Whatever is intended for insertion must be authen- ticated by the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of • good faith. Letters to the Editor ought to be in hand as early as possible in the week, and we cannot guarantee the insertion of any lengthy correspondence if received later than Tuesday morning. Press Telegrams can be transmitted under the new postal regulations from any Postal Telegraph Office to the Advertiser office, Llangollen, at the rate of 75 words for one shilling. Telegrams so sent must be addressed to "The Editor," and not to any person by name. They must contain news only, and nothing in .the form of a personal message. We shall feel obliged if correspondents will, at our expense, avail themselves of this medium to transmit any late items of news.

THE Bangor and Bethesda railway scheme formed the subject of an interview between a deputation of Bangor ratepayers and property owners and Lord Penrhyn on Saturday afternoon at the Penrhyn estates offices and the other scheme-a railway communication between Bethesda and Carnarvon-,was sub- sequently a topic of conversation at the Carnarvon Town Council, but no definite decision was arrived at with regard to either project. Meantime the Carnarvon Town Council are in communication with the London and North-Western Railway Company in regard to the latter scheme. THE directors of the West of England Bank have suspended payment, owing to the large and continued drain for some weeks on the deposits, and the inability to realise the assets. A very gloomy feeling is said to prevail in South Wales. FROM our Vale of Clwyd jottings, says the Carnarvon Herald, it will be seen that no fewer than "eleven Nonconformist ministers and preachers recently signed a communication to the Ruthin workhouse master, expressive of their readiness to attend to the religious wants of the workhouse paupers by visits, &c. They did this because they had heard with regret "reports that the religious provision for the workhouse was not adequate to the wants of the inmates." A MEETING of the shareholders of the Ruthin and Cerygydruidion Railway Company was held at the Castle Hotel, Ruthin, on Tuesday evening. A preliminary draft contract between the company and Mr. Fryer, of London, for the construction and working of the line for ten years for £80,000 was read, Mr. Fryer to receive £13,000 in cash, and to take the remainder of the sum in shares in the company. The total sum required to float the scheme is £14,000. Already £10,300 has been raised, and between this and the 19th December, when the contract is proposed to be signed, the shareholders intend making every effort to raise the remaining £ 3700. The project now seems in a fair way of being, realised. THE frosty weather has put a stop to winter sowing, and the acreage devoted to wheat will be smaller than usual. The change from wet has, however, been very beneficial to farmers. There have been increased supplies of home-grown wheat in the provincial markets, but prices have been maintained, both for English and foreign. Heavy snow has been falling almost continuously in Scotland during the past few days. THE extraordinary case of baby-palming in which Lady Gooch was concerned is at an end, the grand jury at the Central Criminal Court having thrown out the bill. A STRIKE of 30,000 colliers in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire appears to be imminent, in consequence of the determination of the coalowners to reduce wages 12! per I cent. THE polling at Maldon, on Wednesday, to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr. Sandford, resulted in the return of Mr. Courtauld, Liberal, by a majority of 141 votes over Sir W. N. Abdy, Bart., the Conservative candidate. As the late member was a Con- servative, this is a gain of a vote to the Liberal party.

LOCAL & DISTRICT NEW. LLANGOLLEN. PREACHERS FOR NEXT SUNDAY.—English Baptist Chapel (Penybryn), at 10 30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Rev. Dr. Ellis, pastor. English Wesleyan Chapel (Market-street), at 11 15 a.m. and 6 p.m., Mr. W. Forest, Wrexham. Welsh Wesleyan Chapel, at 10 a.m., Rev. D. Anwyl Williams, Llangollen, and at 6 p.m., Mr. Wilfiam Jones, Pontfaen. Independent Chapel (Church-street), at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Rev. S. Evans, Llandegla. Welsh Baptist Chapel, at 9 30 a.m. and 6 p.m., a student of Llangollen College. Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, at 9 30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Rev. D. C. Davies, M.A., London. Penllyn Mission Room, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Mr. Roberts, Bala College. THE FADING LEAF.—The Rev. J. H. Hughes, Cefn, has just published a beautiful sermon to children from Isaiah lxiv. 6—" And we all do fade as a leaf." It would seem from the introductory address that Mr. Hughes delivers a sermon quarterly to young people, which custom other ministers would do well to follow. The preacher deals with the subject very cleverly and appropri- ately, adapting himself to the juvenile capacity of his audience and readers. Although this sermon was delivered to children, grown-up persons may peruse it with great benefit. We, therefore, heartily recommend it in its printed form to all ages, especially to young people. The price of the pamphlet is not stated, but we guess it to be one penny, and any number of it may be had of the Rev. J. H. Hughes, The Manse, Cefn, Ruabon. The book, which we ought to say was published by request, would be a most proper one to give away to children. DEATH OF MR. RICHARD JONES.—Another of the old and well-known faces has disappeared. Mr. Jones was a native of this parish, having been born at Bachau, Nov. 19th, 1809 he was, therefore, 69 years old at the time of his death, which happened on Monday last. His father, Mr. Edward Jones, was a tailor, and brought up his son to the same trade. We first saw Mr. Richard Jones keeping a tailor and draper shop in Bridge- street, in the house lately held by Mr. R. Jones, china and earthenware dealer; and afterwards he carried on a successful business inChapel -street, in the shop where the above Mr. Robert Jones is at present. A few years ago, however, he gave up the tailoring trade and carried on the publican business in his own house-The Queen-in Berwyn-street. He was a man of strong, healthy constitution, and his illness was of short duration. Mr; Jones attended divine service at Zion Chapel, but was not a member. He was a very decent and unoffensive person, and duly respected by all his neighbours. His jolly and familiar features will be missed by many. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon, at St. John's Churchyard. The Rev. D. A. Williams officiated at the house, and the Rev. E. R. James, B.D., at the church and grave. There was a large funeral, and every respect was shewn by the inhabitants to the memory of the deceased. Great sympathy is evinced for the widow and children. SIR W. W. WYNN left home on the 10th inst. for the South of France, where he intends to winter. No doubt his sojourn in a warmer climate for a few months will greatly improve the baronet's health. AMATEUR BANK DIRECTORS.—'L. R. S. who has had forty years' experience of banking business, during half of which time he was a bank-manager, attributes many of the evils of banking practice to the pressure put upon managers by their directors to make profits in order to pay big dividends. The interference of directors who do not know their business in other ways is exceedingly prejudicial. Not many directors will say right out, as one of the dignified fraternity is reported to have once said to a manager on introducing a friend, 'This, Mr is Mr. Sandy Poodle what he wants you can let him have;' but many act in a similar spirit. Such interference would be resented by any bank-manager fit for his place; but there is a growing tendency to treat managers as a kind of superior clerks. Directors chosen for their names or their social standing alone must invite disaster for they are either ciphers, or they are dangerous, from interfering with what they know nothing about. Who would sail in a vessel navigated by a man who had never been to sea, instead of a trained captain? That would be equally sensible with letting our joint-stock banks be controlled by men who have to learn the rudiments of banking after taking their seats at the board, and most of whom never, in such circumstances, learn them all. This 'directorial navigation,' our correspondent thinks, would lead to a revulsion of feeling in favour of private banks, if these institutions would only publish their assets and liabilities certified by a public accountant. DEPARTURE.-Col. and the Hon.Mrs.Tottenham, and suite, left Plas Berwyn on Wednesday morning for their Irish seat, Vkroo-Is tock, Newtown, Mount Kennedy. THE FROST.— The present is the most severe frost in the neighbourhood for some years. Several parts of the Dee are frozen, and sliding and skating are being vigorously engaged i i. Some immersions, however, have taken place, and great care ought to be exercised not to venture the ice in weak places. Yesterday afternoon, a boy, named John Jones, from Geufron, fell on the ice at Ceryg-y-llan and broke his arm. He was taken home, and Dr. Drinkwater was called to his aid. LUTHER—HISTORICAL STORY AND SONG.-On Monday evening last, a most interesting enter- tainment was given in the Assembly Room, under the auspices of the Welsh Wesleyan Sunday School. During successive years we have had the pleasure of witnessing similar performances, and each year their popularity seems to increase rather than diminish. The subject chosen this year was "Luther" by T. K. Longbottom. Mr. Fell, as usual, occupied the chair Capt.Barnes,as is his wont, gave the Readings, while his good lady, as informer years, presided at the harmonium, the choruses being sung by the Wesleyan choir, conducted by Mr. James Clarke. The artistic illustrations were supplied as heretofore by Mr. GreeDhalgh) of Farn worth, Bolton. The chairman having opened the meeting by a speech containing very appropriate remarks about the great blessings brought about by the Protestant Reformation, Capt. Barnes gave the following epitome of the argument of the piece. Part I. commences with the birth and parentage of Luther, and recounts the young student's early struggles. His singing carols for a subsistence is exhibited in "The street singer" to a favourite tune by Root. "The name of Jesus only" (Root) is introduced when the reader tells of his nearness to death, and of his seeking salvation through the Virgin Mary. The discovery of the Bible in the library at Erfurt, brings out "Holy Bible, book divine." Under an impulse of terror, inspired by a terrific thunderstorm, Luther determines to become a monk, and the drudgery of his nunciate is shown in the words "Victims of a priestly snare," to a favourite Scottish tune. Justification by faith, the kev note of the Reformer's life is set forth in the anthem, "Saved by faith." Part II. He had by this time been ordained as a priest, but the great cardinal truth Justification by faith" had fastened itself upon his mind and he was soon induced to become a preacher of the newly-discerned doctrine. At this point, Salvation, 0 the joyful sound is introduced, the whole audience being invited to join. A mission to Rome opened his eyes to the insincerity aud wickedness of the priests. This suggests "The only priest. The song "Unavailing Works" (Dr. Mason) is called forth by the ascent of the wretched imposture of Pilate's Stair." Then comes the story of Tetzel and the indulgences, and Luther's bold denuncia- tion of these wicked inventions is applauded in Stand up, stand up, for Jesus." The burning of the Pope's Bull of Excommunication is the climax of this part of the history, and its closing illustration is Luther's own hymn "Turk and Pope." Part III. recounts the progress to the Diet of Worms, and the glorious Ein feste burg is here sung. The casting off the monk's habit, and the marriage of Luther, the converted monk, and Catherine von Bara, the escaped nun, bring out the song "The final protest." An anthem by Tenney ascribing the glory to God brings the life of Luther to a close. It is but fair to state that the whole arrangements were carried out in the most satisfactory manner; the reading was extremely well done, and the singing of the choir as regards balance and quality of voices, precision and expression left nothing to be desired, while the taste and execution thrown into the accompaniment by Mrs. Barnes consti- tuted, perhaps, the chief element of its success. At the close the usual votes of thanks were accorded to the chairman, Capt. and Mrs. Barnes, the Choir, Mr. Greenhalgh, &c. The room was crowded, antl it is expected that, after deducting all expenses,about 115 will have been realised. SPECIAL SESSIONS.-Before Col. Tottenham, at Plas Berwyn, John Davies was charged by P.C. Windsor with being drunk and riotous at this town on Monday night. Fined 5s. and costs, or 7 days at Ruthin gaol. LOCAL BOARD, Thursday, Dec. 5th.-Present Mr. S. G. Fell (chairman), Major Tottenham, Messrs. Edward Roberts, E. H. Roberts, T. Hughes, Wm. Jones, S. Hughes, S. Lloyd Jones, J. Parry Jones (clerk), R. T. Jones (surveyor). Report of Works Committee.- The notice con- vening the meeting having been read by the chairman, and the minutes of the previous meeting read by the clerk, and confirmed, the minutes of the works and finance committees were submitted to the meeting. The first subject dealt with by the former was the Fire Engine Shed.-The recommendation of the committee to erect a partition separating the engine room from the rest of the building was adopted, the cost not to exceed £1 15s. The Gwerncint Path.-It was reported that the path over the Gwernant Hill still remained impassable, owing to the projecting branches from the trees on each side. This path was a great convenience to persons going in that direction, as it considerably curtailed the distance. It was, therefore, resolved that the clerk write a letter to Mr. Dickin, requesting him to lop the branches. The Highway Board was also to be asked to co-operate with the Board in having the portion of the path under their supervision cleared of all obstruction. Cam fa Dolydd.It was resolved that a board be placed up on the side of the railway near Llandyn fields, declaring that the path extending from "Camfa Dolydd" to a point near Sun Trevor was a public one. The Railway Company was also to be requested to place a stile at this spot. The Volunteers and the Assembly Rooms.-The committee reported that no charge had been made for the use of the room for the volunteer prize distribution since the year 1873, and they recommended, in the absence of any minute bearing upon this subject, that the usual charge be made.—The chairman said that some years ago he moved a resolution to the effect that the room be let free for the above purpose, but in that he was overruled by a majority of the Board. He must say that he now thought that the decision of the Board was a right one. There were very strong ressons for not establishing precedents in this matter, for the room was let for other objects that were quite as public in their character as the volunteer movement, such as the Bible Society meetings and the meetings of the Cottage Hospital, and in these cases a uniform charge of 15s. was made.-Major Tottenham remarked that he had always under- stood that the room was given free of charge to the volunteers, provided that the sum of 3s. 6d. be paid for removing the forms and cleaning. That had always been done in his time. He was strongly of opinion, that he had a letter in the handwriting of the then surveyor declaring it to be so.—Mr. Thos. Hughes said that he considered it most outrageous that they should charge 15s. for the use of the room for the purpose of advocating the spread of the Bible which taught the principles of peace through all the world, and then giving the room free of charge for the purpose of teaching men to fight and kill each other. He would strongly condemn the practice of making any distinction whatever in the letting of the room.—Mr. Samuel Hughes thought that everybody ought to pay alike there would then be no cause of complaint.—Mr. Wm. Jones and others expressed similar views.—The report of the committee was ultimately adopted. Major Tottenham did not vote. The Assembly Room and the Popular Entertainments -An application from the Popular Entertainments Committee for the use of the room for ten nights for the purpose of obtaining funds to provide uniform for the Fire Brigade was then considered. —Major Tottenham said that after passing the resolution with regard to the volunteers he could not see how a distinction could be made in reference to this application. He begged to move that the room be let at the usual tariff for this object.—Mr. William Jones thought there was a great difference, for the object of this committee seemed to be to raise funds for the purpose of doing what really was the duty of the Board to do. The chairman said the Board had power to supply the Fire Brigade with all the necessary equipments. Mr. Thomas Hughes argued that the Board should deal honourably with the committee, as they had such a good object in view. He understood that most of the gentlemen-forming it were among those who, two years ago, were the means of presenting the Board with a piano for the use of the room. It was ultimately resolved that the room be let for ten nights at ten shillings a night. The Smoke Nuisance.—The surveyor reported that the chimney of the Cambrian Brewery, about which a complaint had been laid before the last meeting of the Board, did not consume its own smoke, and ought at least to be raised nine feet above its present height. He questioned, however, whether the side wall of the chimney which was only two feet in thickness would support such a structure. The matter was accordingly adjourned to enable the surveyor to make enquiries about the cost of providing a smoke consuming apparatus. A Plan of the Town Drainage, Sfc.—At the suggestion of the chairman, the surveyor was requested to send in his estimate for enlarging the ordnance survey map of the town, and marking thereon the position of the drains, water courses and pipes, with the depth at different points. The Roadmarfs Wages.-An application from Mr. Wm. Roberts for a fixed salary of a guinea a week, for performing all the duties now devolving upon him was refused, the same being fixed at £1 until the 25th March next. Water Rents and Water Rates.—Mr. Fell, who had given a notice of motion bearing on this question, now introduced the subject. He called upon the clerk to read copies of correspondence that he had had with the Local Government Board upon the matter. The clerk's letter contained the inquiry whether a water rate could legally be levied upon premises that had no actual supply of water thereon. The reply of the Local Government Board was to the effect that the Local Board could only charge a water rate under section 56 of the Public Health Act, where they actually supply water to the premises, and that they cannot charge the rate in cases where the premises are not supplied, although the pipes may pass so near them that a supply may be easily obtained. The Board presumed that no agreement had been entered into upon the subject between the Local Board and the occupiers of the premises. Provision was made on this subject in section 9 of the Public Health (Water) Act, 1878, so far as related to Rural Sanitary Districts, and the powers contained in that section might hereafter be conferred upon an Urban Sanitary Authority by the Board by virtue of section 11 of that Act. The Act, however, did not come into force until the 25th of March next.—Mr. Fell said the law seemed so explicit on the subject that it was unnecessary for him to enter any further upon it. He would, therefore, with the consent of the Board, withdraw his motion. The Estimates for 1878 and 1879.-It was ordered that the estimates for the forthcoming year be prepared by the clerk, and presented to the next meeting of the Board. Petroleum Licences.-It was stated by the clerk that when he tendered a. licence to Mr. Davies, ironmonger, to sell benzoline according to the resolution passed at the last Board he (Mr. Davies) stated that Mr. Chas. Richards, clerk to the magistrates, had informed him that he (Mr. Richards) was the person authorised to grant such licences. The clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board upon the matter and said that he had no doubt whatever that the Local Boird possessed the powers of granting these licences. The Water Supply.-Complaints having been sent in through the surveyor from three brewers of the scarcity of water, it was stated that a committee would soon have to be appointed to enter fully into this question of water supply. Several other matters possessing no public interest were subsequently discussed. CEFN. BAND OF HOPE.—On Tuesday afternoon, the 3rd inst., the members of the English Independent Band of Hope, to the number of about one hundreJ, took tea together in the chapel. In the evening a public entertainment was given. After a few encouraging words from the chairman, the Rev. J. H. Hughes, the meeting was opened with a harmonium solo by Mr. E. Edwards, organist of the English Wesleyan Chapel, Acrefair. The choir sang several melodies, which gave great satisfaction. The pretty song "The lament of the soldier's wife" was very nicely rendered by Miss Annie Roberts, and so also was the trio, "Beautiful stream," by her, Miss Angelina Jones, and Master Levi Daniel. The Welsh song "Dacw'r bwthyn gwyn lle'm ganwyd" was very efficiently sung by Mr. E. Thomas. The duet "The camp," given by Messrs. Richards and Thomas took well. And the song Over the stones," sung by Mr. Taylor, Rhos, was very kindly received. The dialogue, Inter- ested kindness, or The magical power of money," given by Messrs. R. Ellis and T. and L. Daniel produced great applause; and so did the one entitled "The giant and the fairy," given by Mr. Theophilus Daniel, and Miss Angelina Jones. The audience seemed also well pleased with the readings of Messrs. T. Cartwright and A. Taylor. But the piece of the evening was the interesting temperance drama, entitled "Saturday night; or, How the money goes." In the performance of this piece nine young friends took part, representing the following characters: —Jack Jelly, carpenter, Mr. R. Ellis; Jim Smith, bricklayer, Mr. T. Daniel; Harry Glass, glazier, Mr. A. Taylor; Mrs. Jelly, Miss H. Hughes, Cefn Mrs. Smith, Miss C. Hughes, The Manse; Mrs. Glass, Miss E. Hughes, The Manse; Peter Jelly, Master L. Daniel; Annie Glass, Miss Davies, Plaskynaston-store; Mr. Cartwright, house owner, Mr. J. Wright. Each part was well sustained, and the whole affair gave great satisfaction to the large company present. A COFFEE STALL.—Some good friends have provided a coffee stall in our streets, offering a penny bun and a cup of hot coffee for ltd. We 2 trust that this is a step in the direction of a much- needed coffee room. RUABON. THE VOLUNTEERS.—The company drill of the Ruabon Volunteers took place on Thursday evening, December 5th, at the National School- room. The march out was arranged for Saturday, December 7th, when the corps met at the school- room at 5-30 p.m., and paraded Rhosymedre, Cefn, and Acrefair, returning to Ruabon, where they had their usual feast at the Duke Inn, provided by Mrs. Jones. The Llangollen band was in attendance. ACREFAIR. A CHILD BURNT TO DEATH.-On Tuesday December 3rd, an inquest was held at the Foresters' Arms, Acrefair, before Mr. B. H. The] wall, on the body of Samuel Jones Parry, a child aged four years, whose parents reside at Penbedw. It appears the deceased was left playing in the house whilst the mother went to the well for water, and during her absence it in some way got to the fire, and was so severely burned that it died on Saturday. The jury, who expressed their opinion that the fire should have been protected by a proper guard, returned a verdict of Accidental death." CARNEDDAU. A COTTAGE BURNT.—On Monday, December 2nd, a cottage inhabited by a man named Rigby was burnt to the ground. Mrs. Rigby, we believe, was heating her oven, when some sparks from the chimney ignited the thatched roof, and soon the highly inflammable materials of which the building chiefly consisted were in a blaze. Rigby was in bed at the time, and when warned of his danger he seemed at first unable to understand the situation. He was soon, however, taken outside, his bed was dragged after him, and most of the contents of the cottage were piled up 111 the garden, though a few articles of clothing, &c., were destroyed. The man, we have heard, fled from the scene in dismay, and was not heard of again until the following morning, but Mrs. Rigby is made of sterner stuff. She even refused the kind offer of Mr. Williams, of the Vron, to put a roof over her head, preferring to dwell with her household goods in the garden- Mr. Williams, falling in with her whim, lent her a tarpaulin, under whose cover the plucky woman remained through the night, by the side of the gaunt-looking chimney, which alone remained standing of her old home. GLYNDYFRDWY. ACCIDENT.—On Wednesday, a child of Mr* Ellis, Plastirion, broke her arm at the elbow- joint by falling. Doctor Jones, of LlangolleUj was called for, and we are glad to state that she is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances. BALA. ASSOCIATION.—The North Wales Quarterly Association of the Calvinistic Methodists was held hereon Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, this week. "The great day of the feast" waS Thursday. Powerful sermons were delivered by the principal ministers of the connexion at the Calvinistic and Independent chapels to very large congregations. The weather was dry an frosty.