The Aberystwith Observer

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IN NORTH WALES. An important conference was held on Friday, January 25th, at the Masonic Hall, Bangor, between the special committees appointed by the North Wales University College and the Angle, ey and Car- narvonshire Agricultural Society, to consider the best means of promoting agricultural education and dairy farming, and of taking advantage of the grant of £ 200 made by the Government, through the col- lege, for the promotion of agricultural education in North Wales. There IV' preèeut-Col. the Hon. W. E. Sackv;lie West (in the chair), Col. Piatt-, Principal Reichel, Dr Dobbie, Mr C. F. Priestley, Mr R. B. Smith, Mr R. A. Jones (i iverpool), Mr John Pritchard (ox-Mayor of Bangor), Mr Thomas Roberta (Aber), Mr Cadwaladr Davie3, Mr E. Humphreys (Carnarvon), Mr Humphrey Ellis (Aber). A scheme which had been approved by the council of the University College was explained by Dr Dobbie, and after an interesting discussion, it was resolved, on the motion of Colonel Platt, who stated that he had been for th:ea or four years making enquiry into this subject with a view of starting a Dairy School Company at Bangor or the neighbour- hcol, that a sub-committee be appointed to make further enquiries, and to report to an adjourned meeting of the conference to be held on the 8th February, the co-operation of the Anglesey Agricul- tural Society in the meantime to be invited.

CLAIM TO THE PICTON CASTLE ESTATE. A RENr ROLL OF X25,000 IN DISPUTE. There will shortly (says the Gentleman ") be another sensational trial in our law courts. The question of the rightful ownership to the magni- ficent estate of Pictin Castle is about to come before a jury. The present claimant contends that he is the lineal descendant of the late Sir John Philipps, Bart.. 1 and his next male heir. The estate, which consists of over 30,000 acres and the greater portion of the well-known town of Haverfordwest, and brings in a rental of £ 25,000 per annum, is now held by Sir Charles Edward Philipps, who was created a baronet in the Jubilee year. Sir Charles, who was formerly known as Captain Fisher, married a Miss Philipps, and assumed that name upon her father's death. Pro ceedings ha.ve already been commenced by the claimant in the Court of Chancery.

ILLNESS OF MR W. R. H. POWELL, M.P. We regret to learn that Mr W. R. H. Powell, M.P., is very seriously indisposed. Mr Powell has been ailing for some time, but the more serious symptoms have developed quite recently. The fact that the county gentry, without distinction of party, are just now engaged in getting up a testimonial to Mr Powell shows the steem in which he is held by his sporting friends, and all earnestly hope that he may regain his health sufficiently to meet the pro- moters of the testimonial before very long.

REMOVAL OF THE ASSIZES TO LAMPETER. The St. James's Gazette says :—" The petition in favour of removing the assize' own of Cardigan- shire from Cardigan to Lampeter has just been granted, and the county assizes will be held there next month. The matter has been for a considerable time under the consideration of the Lord Chancellor and the Privy Council, and their decision has been made known. The proposed change, which was stoutly opposed by residents in and near Aberyst- twyth and Cardigan, was supported by the Lord Lieutenant of Cardigan hire, the majority of the magistrates, and by the entire South Wales Bar, headed by Mr B. Francis Williams, Q.C.As a matter of fact the change was not stoutly opposed by residents in and near Aberystwyth." An effort was made to have the assizes held in the latter town instead of Cardigan; but failing that, the general opinion was that they ought to be held at Lampeter.

ABERDOYEY. SHIPPING.—Arrived, Ystwyth and Mary Ellen. LECTURE.—On Friday evening a lecture was de- livered by the Rev. J. Owen (M), at the Wesleyan chapel in connection with the flourishing literary society, the subject being Crefyddan yr India." OBITUARY.—Mrs. Edwards, Pier House, and Mr Morgan Evans, Copper Hill-street, two of the oldest inhabitants of Aberdovey, have departed this life since Sunday. The latter was buried on Wednesday at Pennal, in his 74th year. Mrs Edwards' funeral takes place on Friday at Towyn. Next week we hope to be a.ble to give a full account of the funeral. INSTITUTE.—On Thursday evening, January 24th, a meeting was held at the above place, when a work- ing committee of twelve was selected and appointed to carry on the management of the literary institute for the ensuing year. The following gentlemen con- stitute the committee :—Messrs. G. L. Whitworth, ehairman; W. Jones Hughes, vice-chairman; L. Edwards, treasurer; I H. H. Clayton, secretary; W. Jones, registrar; John Pugh, Gwilym Williams, T. M. Rhys, Henry Jones, draper; E. L. Rowlands, D. Lewia, and your humble correspondent TEMPERANCE.—A public meeting under the auspices of the United Kingdom Alliance was held in the National schoolroom, on Wednesday evening, Mr James Tomlin, in the chair, when Mr H. J. Williams (Plenydd), and the Rev. LI. R. Hughes, B.A., vicar of Portmadoc, spoke, and were supported by the following gentlemen Revs. E. T. Davies, B.A., Griffith Evans, M., Wm. Perkins, I, John Felix, W, and J. Owen, M. Speeches were delivered both in English and Welsh. THE COMMONS.— On Tuesday evening a public meeting was held at the Assembly Rooms, Mr Webster being the ehairman. It appears that the meeting was convened by some anonymous or invis- ible being or beings. Such at least is the impression as the written placard bore no trace of a particular 1 name or names. The subject under discussion was the probable fate of the commons. Alas! the Commons is doomed. One humourist exclained that six attempts have been made to grab it piece- meal, and yet it is Commons still," Truly this indi- vidual possesses legal acumen of a very high order. However, notwithstanding this discovery, the meet- ing failed to decide what steps to adopt, but in the meantime we are asked to think the matter over calmly, and to faveur the next public meeting with our mature reflections.

r M J N T G O i £ >'i\ S KIR E COUXTY COUNCIL. The first meeting of this body was held on Thurs- day, at the Town Hall, Welshpool. CHAIRMAN. On the motion of Mr John Jenkins, seconded by the Earl of Powis, Mr Humphreys-Owen was uani- mously appointed chairman. j ALDERMEN. The following were elected aldermen :— Votes. John Jones, Llanfyllin 41 N. W. Fairies Humphreye, Montgomery 40 R. Morgan, Bahillon 39 Joseph Evans, Fronygog 39 Joseph Richards. Meifod 25 John Rowlands, Machynlleth 23 Morris Evans, Bronygarth 23 John Jenkins, solicitor, Llanidloes 23 Nathaniel Watkins, Meifod 22 William Cooke, Newtown 22 T. Hamer Jones, Bettws 22 J. F. Francis, The Gaer, Forden 22 W. A. Rogers, Trelyddan. 22 Samuel Powell, J.P., Welshpool 22

LLANBADARN. PRESENTATION.—On Friday afternoon the Rev Thomas Parry, late curate of Llanbadarn, was pre- sented with a purse containing .£47 15s 3d, on the occasion of his leaving for the rectory of Cilgerran. Mr Parry had filled the office of curate at Llanbadarn for the last seven years, and was much esteemed by all. The Rev J. Pugh, vicar, made the presentation owing to the unavoidable absence of Mrs Powell' Nanteos, who was unable t) be present owing to the illness of her sister. Mrs Powell collected ii30 of the money, the remainder having been aollected by the Sunday school teachers. DUNVILLE'S OLD IRISH WHISKY is recommended bv the medical profession in preference to French Brandy. They hold the largest stock of Whisky in the world. Supplied in casks and cases for home use and exportation. Quotation. on application to OCXVILLB & Co., Limited, Royal Irish Distilleries, Belfast.

PENLLWYN. The second of a series of entertainments that it is intended to give this winter was held at Penllwyn on Wednesday evening, Jan. 30th. The chair was taken by the Rev David Morgan. A miscellaneous pro- gramme was provided, and judging from the at- tention paid, and the demeanour of the audience, the qifferent performers gave great satisfaction, and their performances were much appreciated. Songs were given by the Misses E. A. Stephens, (Eos Melindwr); Catto James, Llwyniorwerth; Getta James, Abercwmdole; — Cousins, Lovesgrove; Mrs Jones, Brynrheidol; Messrs James Pierce; John Williams, Tricornel; J. Morris, Pandy, and John E. James, Llwyniorwerth. Misses Getta James and Catto James presided at the piano. Readings and recitations were given by Mr John Morris, Mr J. Prys, Factory, Mr J. Parry, Tyllwyd, and Mr R. Adams. But the chief feature of the meeting was the Welsh dialogue, A Hiring Fair was given by the Misses E. J. Evans, Myrtle Cottage, J. E. Lewis, Llwyniorwerth Uch&f, Maggie Jenkins, Getta James and Catto James. The young ladies were dressed in Welsh Costume. The two Mothers was given by the Misses M. J. Jones, M. Jenkins, L. Vaughan, A. Williams, Miriam Vaughan, L. A. Morgan, A. Pierce and H. Vaughan. This dialogue was also given in character, and another, entitled "Knowledge and Money" by Mr Parry, Tyllwyd, and Mr Wm. Tibbott, Maesbangor House. The proceeds are to be devoted to establish a library in the place.

Epp'ss COCOA.-Grateful and Comforting. By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine-properties of well-selected Cocoa, Mr Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floating around us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame." Civil Service Gazette. —Made simply with boiling water or milk. Sold only in packets, by Grocers, labeled—"James Eppa and Co., Homcepathic Chemists, London.—Also makers of Epps's Afternoon Chocolate Esaenct,

CARDIGANSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL. The first meeting of this newly-elected body was held at the Town Hall, Lampeter, on Thursday, when there was a full attendance of members, the following being a list of those present Messrs. John Hugh Jones, Aberarth; J. M. Howell, Aberayron Evan Davies, Aberbank Geo. Green, Aberystwyth John James, do; Thos. Levi, do; C. M. Williams, do Thomas Thomas, Bleaen- porth E. W. James, Borth; Wm. Morgan, Bow- street W. P. Evans, Cardigan; Levi James, Cardi- gan John Davies, Cilcennin; Nicholas Bray, Cwm- rheidol; David Jones, Devil's Bridge D. Morgan, Goginan; Morgan Evans, Llanarth J. T. Morgan Van')adarn.fa" r; Morgan Jones, Llandygwydd; D.; Davies, Llanddewi-brefi Enoch Davies, Llandyssul- T. Thomas, Llandyssul; Evan Evans, Llandyssilio, gogo; William Jones, Llanfair; Morris Davies. Llanfarian Evan Richards, Llanfihangel; W. H, Jones, Llangeitho; W. O. Brigstocke, Llangoedmore John Davies, Llangranog; G. W. Parry, Llanilar- James James, Llanrhystid Evan Morgan, Llansant, ffraid H. D. Evans, Llanwenog E. E. C. C. Davies) Llanwnen; John Owens, Lledrod Jenkin Jenkins Nantcwnlle W. Davies, New Quay and Llanllwch- aiarn (united Wm Timothy, do; David Griffiths, Penbryn E. G. H. A. Vaughan, Strata Florida J. Morris, Taliesin J. T. Morgan, Talybont; Peter Jones, Trefeirig; R. Lloyd, Tregaron; J. Powell, Troedyraur D. Jenkins, Ystrad; W. T. Davies, Yspytty. Mr Fryer announced that he had received a letter from Mr Harford, stating that he had to seek the protection of the court from certain penalties in consequence of the printer having omitted to put his name to all bills, and therefore he would not attend that day.. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr Morgan Evans, Oakford, proposed the election of Mr Peter Jones as provisional chairman. Lord Lisburne seconded the motien, which was unanimously agreed to. Mr Peter Jones, in taking the chair, referred to the fact that some members would prefer to express themselves in the Welsh language, to which there would be no objection, and he hoped that they would be able to conduct the business in a satisfactory manner. Some of them had had experience as mem- bers of the Court of Quarter Sessions, while others had taken an active part in local work, and they had also amongst them a very fair sprinkling of the agri- cultural interest. This was the first time in the history of the county in which they had a representa- tive body to administer their own affairs, and it was due to the Conservatives to say that they had created an Act in which representation and taxation went together, and he believed that there would be very many matters better managed than hitherto. Those who paid the rates ought to be the persons to ad- minister them. .APPOINTMENT OF CLERK. Mr Brigstocke said it was necessary to conform to the Act of Parliament, to appoint a clerk prevision- ally. Under the Local Government Act of 1888 the Clerk of the Peace became ipso facto clerk to the council, and he proposed that Mr Fryer be appointed provisional clerk. Mr Wm. Jones, Glandennis, seconded, and the motion was unanimously agreed to. Mr Fryer: I thank the meeting for the compli- ment paid me, and the confidence placed in me. ELECTION OF ALDERMEN. Colonel Evans said that he was aware that he was out of order in addressing the court, but he would put himself in order by moving a resolution, as he thought it was very desirable that they should avoid anything like party spirit, and the efficiency of the council depended in a great measure upon that whether the members had confidence in one another, and whether they would work smoothly together. They had all to row in the same boat for the next three years, and it was very desirable that they should settle down to work in a friendly and kind spirit. He was aware that the majority of the council was undoubtedly of one bias and opinion, but still it would be a good thing to have members of different shades and interests, and he sincerely trusted that the majority would deal fairly with the minority, and would not use their strength to drown tho voice of a section of the electors-he appealed to the council not to drown altogether the voice of the minority, but to elect a number of aldermen in proportion to the voting of the county. To put himself in order, he thought it would not be a bad thing if they were to adjourn for an hour, as it would give the chairman a few moments to reflect upon the manner in which he would carry out the business that day. It was very desirable thit they should have no bitterness of feeling, but they should work together for the good of the county without animus or bitterness (hear, hear). He proposed an adjournment for an hour. Mr Morgan Evass seconded the motion, and it was unanimously agreed to, the council then resolr- ing itself into committee. Upon remming, the Chairman read out the votes recorded for proposed aldermen as follows: Mr Då. Jenkins, 40; Mr J. T. Morgan, Maesnewydd, 38; Mr C. M. Williams, 44; Rev LI. Edwards, 40 Lord Lisburne, 45 Mr Jenkin Jenkins, Felincoed, 39 Mr Roderick Lloyd, 39; Mr Levi James, 39; Mr Wm. Davies, 39; Mr Daniel Jones, 38; Mr David Lloyd, 38 Mr David Davies, 38; Mr Jenkin Jenkins, Blaen- plwyf, 36 Mr John Davies, 38, Major Price Lewes, 37; Mr Wm. Jones, Glandennis, 38; Mr W. O. Brigstocke, 12; Mr J. Hugh Jones, 8; Major Hughes, 1; Mr John Gibson, 1; Mr T. H. Maddy, 1; Mr Peter JOLes, 4; Mr Charlr-s Lloyd, Waunifor, 2; Mr Waddingham, 1; Mr E. Edwards, Llangwyry- fen, 1; Mr B. E. Morgan, Aberystwyth, 1; Mr J. W. Szlumper, 1; Mr John James, 2 Rev E. Alban, 1 Mr G. W. Parry, Llidiardau, 1; Mr George Green, 1, and Mr Vaughan Davies, 1. The first sixteen were declared elected, and it will be seen that eight of them were already members of the Council, while the remaining eight were selected:from outside. The following gentlemen will retire in 1891 :-Rev Ll. Edwards, Lord Lisburne, Messrs Jenkin Jenkins, Felincoed, Jeukin Jenkins, Blaenplwyf, Daniel Jones, Dd. Jones, Major Lewes, and Mr Wm. Jones. We are asked to state that Mr Brigstocke and the other nori-electad members of the Council withdrew their candidature, hence the reason that so few votes were recorded for them. This concluded the business.

ABERAYRON. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30TH, be- fore Mr T. H. Maddy, chairman, Major Price Lewes, Mr John Parry, and Mr H, T. Evans. Supt. D. Williams, Llandyssul, charged Mrs Evans, licensed victualler, Red Lion Inn, Ffosyffin, Henfynyw, with having sold beer in a measure which was not marked according to imperial standard to one David Lewis, a travelling (clock cleaner, on the 17th.—Mr Owen, solicitor, Aberystwyth, appeared for the defendant. The case was dismissed. The same complainant, on the information of Sergt Phillips, charged Thos Williams, labourer, Penlanfach, Ciliau Aeron, with having been drunk on the highway at Aberayron on the 19th.-Fined 5s. and costs. P.C. D. Thomas, Llannon, charged Maria Anne James, late of the Aberayron union workhouse, a clergyman's widow, with having been incapably drunk on the highway at Llannon on the 31st ult.- Fined 5s. and costs. P.C. David Davies, New Quay, charged Thomas Jones, chemist's apprentice, Fron Villa, Llandyssilio- gogo, with having fired certain fireworks in Pengeu- lan-street, New Quay, on the 25th ult.-Fined 5s. in- cluding costs. David Williams, carpenter, Bank-du, Llanaant- firaid, [charged Thomas Jones, farmer, Tynewydd, Llanbadarn-trefeglwys, with having assaulted him at Bank-du, on the 19th.-The case was compromised.

LLANDOVERY. Mrs Carbery Vaughan Pryse Rice, of Llwynybrain, caused a quantity of coal and a number of blankets to be distributed to the deserving poor of the town on Monday last.

LLANGRANOG. SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO "ORANOGWEN."—'While Miss Rees (Cranogwen), the well-known lady leaturer, was driving home from attending a class of young people at Capel Ffyaon, on Tuesday night, the horse became unmanageable, and galloped off, throwing her violently to the ground. The bone of the right shin ¡ was broken, and Miss Rees sustained other injuries. Dr Powell, of Newcastle Emlyn, attends her.

CARDIGAN. Intelligence ha.s been received by wire of the total loss of the schooner Maggie, of London, whilst off Pnedos, in the Brazils and as nothing was stated in respect to the crew, it is believed that they effected a landing in their own boat. We understand that the whole crew shipped at Cardiff about the 20th of November last year, the following being a complete list :-D. Evans, Aberayron, master; R. Ow8n, Anglesey, mate; D. Donovan, A.3.; T. Harris, A.B., Fishguard G. Carlson, A.B., Christiana; G. Hampton, A.B., Leamington. HOME SWEET HOME.-The sweetest houses in this town are those where Hudson's Dry Soap is in daily use. A pure dry Soap in Fine Powder. It leaves no smell. Is quick, safe, and sweet. Splendid for washing Flannels and Woollen Underclothing. Sold Everywhere. For Family use in Dozens and Half-Dozens, also in 141b nd 281b Boxes.

COURT AND SOCIETY. [FROM "THE WORLD."] The earnest wish of the Duke of Edinburgh is to be gratified; and he will be allowed to return to Eng- land from the Mediterranean in his flagship the Alexandra, an arrangement which greatly delights the officers and crew of that vessel, who feared that their stay at Malta was to be prolonged. The Duke is to leave Malta for Portsmouth on Friday, April 5th, and the Duchess will return overland, in order that she may pay a visit to the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Vladimir at Cannes on her way home. Aske Hall is a very large house, but presents no architectural features of any note. It was built on the site of the ancient manor-house early in the reign of George III. by Sir Lawrence Dundas, who purchased the Aske estate in 1760 from LordHolder- ness, to whom it had been bequeathed by Sir Conyera d'Arcy, who had bought it in 1727 from the creditors d'Arcy, who had bought it in 1727 from the creditors of Philip Duke of Wharton. The park is wellwooded and picturesque, and the house commands magnifi- cent views of the valleys and hills of Richmond- shire." George IV. visited Aske about 100 years ago, when he was Prince of Wales, and Prince Albert Victor has twice been a guest there. Prince Albert Victor, the second son of Prince and Princess Christian, leaves Cumberland Lodge at the end of March, to join the army of the Grand Duke of Hesse at Darmstadt. It was always supposed that both of Princess Christian's sons would enter the English army, but family reasons have made it advis- able that one should go to Germany, and the eldest having entered the Rifle Brigade, the second son is to become a German soldier. The present Duke of Schleswig-Holstein is not strong and is unmarried, and were he to die childh s Prince Christian would succeed him. It seems hardly judicious by bringing up their children as Englishmen to sever all connection with a country in which they might some day have a status. It would be much more to their parents' taste could both their sons have remained in England and have become English soldiers but in these times anything that looks like favouritism to the Royal Family or rapid promotion is jealously watched. And yet in the case of Prince and Princess Christian, who are very popular, there would be less risk of antagonistic criticism. Were a Radical Government to come into power their position might be rendered very disagreeable. The most natural thing would have been for the Prince to enter the German army and be at Potsdam, but with the strained relations now existing between the Emperor and his mother's family it would not be possible. The Empress Augusta has given a dinner-party at ) her palace in Berlin in honour of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Baden, who have been staying with her for several weeks. Later there was a reception, to which only a very select company was invited. Among the guests were the Hereditary Prince and Princess of Saxe-Meiningen (the eldest daughter of the Empress Frederick), Prince and Princess Frederick of Hohenzollern, the Hereditary Grand Duke and I Prince William of Hesse, Prince Frederick Leopold, Count Herbert Bismarck, and most of the Ambassa- dors. The aged Empress appeared to be stronger and altogether in much better than health when she was at Baden-Baden in the autumn. The Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, who is about to transport himself to Nice for a few weeks (where the Duchess is staying), has composed an opera in five acts, entitled Diana Lalauze," which will shortly be brought out at Ratisbon. The libretto is by Otto Prechtler. The Hereditary Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Oldenburg are staying at Poonah, on a visit to the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, and intend to remain in India till the end of March. The Heredi- tary Grand Duchess is the only surviving sister of the Duchess of Connaught. The house in Stuttgart which was recently occu- pied by the King of Wiirtemberg's American favourites, Baron Woodcock Savage and Mr. Hendricks, has just been sold for j610,000, and the splendid furniture has been removed to the Old Schloss. Mr. rioehm has just completed the modelling of the replica, or, more correctly speaking, the enlarged improvement," of Baron Marochetti's Glasgow statue of the Prince Consort, and the castmg will be com- menced at once. It will be inaugurated at Windsor some time in October, but no imposing function is contemplated. Lord Limerick, who succeeds Lord Kintore as Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard, has, like his predecessor, military experience, he having com- manded the 5th Battalion Royal Munster Fusileers (Limerick County Militia) since July 1870. He was created a Queen's Aide-de-camp on the occasion of the Jubilee. Prince Alexander of Battenberg is now staying at Venice, whence he will proceed to the Riviera, and it is probable that he will pass a fortnight at Biarritz during the Queen's visit there. [FROM TRUTH."} The Queen will be at Buckingham Palace for three days during the last week in February, and I hear that her Majesty intends then to pay a private visit to the Stuart Exhibition, in which she takes a great interest. There will be two Drawing-rooms during the third week in May, both of which, all being well, will be held by the Queen. I was recently told by a person who knows the real facts of the case that some years ago the Queen's savings from the Civil List alone amounted to £ 1,100,000, and, of course, they must now have been very considerably increased. Although the abolition of the Queen's Staghounds has been definitely decided upon, there is a strong pro. bability that the Royal pack will continue to exist for another year. The private opposition to this root- and-branch reform has been very vigorous and perti- nacious, and Lord Coventry has had a long corres- pondence with both Lord Sydney and Sir Reginald Welby on the subject, in which he has expressed himself very strongly. On the other hand, the economical party (headed by Sir Reginald Welby) protest that if this feasible plan of saving at least JE 10,000 a year is postponed, the idea of carrying out extensive reforms must be abandoned for the present, as there is no immediate prospect of being able to save more than zC3000 a year by the abolition or reduction of offices. One result of Prince Alexander of Battenberg's visit to Vienna is that the Duke of Cumberland is now actively exerting himself in order to bring about a reconciliation between the Prince and the Emperor of Russia. Prince Alexander of Battenberg has been prin- cipally occupied during the last two years in writing an elaborate history of his seven years' reign in Bui- garia, but the work is not to be published for a long time to come. I hear that one reason (and perhaps the reason) for Prince Henry of Battenberg's appointment as Governor of the Isle of Wight is that it entitles him to wear a handsome uniform; in which he will appear for the first time at the Drawing-room this month. The Queen intends shortly to confer the Order of the Garter upon her grandson, the hereditary Grand Duke of Hesse, who has just been created a Knight of the Black Eagle by the Emperor William. Prince Albert Victor has been invited by the Em- peror of Austria to go to Vienna next summer to attend the wedding of the Archduchess Valerie and the Archduke Francis Salvator. The Prince will subse- quently accompany the Archduke Rudolph on a tour through Hungary, and then proceed to Russia on a visit to the Czar and Czarina. Lord Dufferin has been received at Rome almost with enthusiasm, and I hear that he has made the best possible impression at Court. With charac- teristic felicity, Lord Dufferin reminded KingHumbert at his first audience that he is himself an Italian by birth, having been born at Florence, and they had a long conversation about both Indian and Italian affairs. The embassy is undergoing extensive repairs, so that there can be no entertainments there during the present season, and Lady Dufferin and her daughters are not expected to return to Rome till the autumn. Lord Dufferin comes to England early in May for several months on leave of absence. Mr. Holman Hunt's new picture, which represents the quaint and picturesque May morning ceremonial at Magdalen College, Oxford, will be finished shortly. The faces in the procession are portraits, and the present President and Sir John Stainer are admirably delineated. The Pall Mall Gazette relates a very good story about the late Bishop of St. Asaph and a boy whem he was catechising, who presumed that his lordship's besetting sin was drunkenness. The hero of the tale, however, was not Bishop Hughes, but his dis- tinguished predecessor, Bishop Vowler Short, who re- ceived the answer in question when he was catechis- ing the choir-bovs of his cathedral.

r SPORTS AND PASTIMES. Mr. H. A. Cursham, ex-captain of the Notts Foot- ball Team, and a well-known" International" player, has sent in his resignation. This step, which it is understood is due to reasons of domestic polity, will be a great sacrifice to him, for he is as devoted a lover of our winter game as he is a fine exponent of it. Educated at Repton School, where he was a leading figure in the playing fields, he first made his mark in adult football as a member of the Sheffield Thursday Wanderers, with which his brother Arthur Cursham was also connected, but in 1876 he donned the choco- late and blue for Notts, and has been with them ever since. It is a remarkable in&tance of long-sustained condi- tion and vigour that he played for Notts against the Forest in 1878, and yet figured in the annual con- test between these hot rivals on Boxing Day as centre forward. He played in eight international matches, a number which would have increased but for mis- haps. His play was characterised by much dash, and he was one of the fleetest and trickiest dribblers that ever ran up a left wing, but at times he was not as unselfish as he might have been, and he was apt to lose his head in a crisis. The new Marquis of Donegal will long oe remem- bered in sporting circles as the Earl Belfast. He ran through a lot of money over his hobby. He was Clerk of the Peace for Belfast, but he probably will have to give up his berth now. The jack disturber (Mr. A. Buller, Maidenhead) has been at it again. Out with Brooks recently, he secured some fine jack, one scaling lOflb. There has been some good angling at several places on tha Upper Thames. There is not much to be said of the angling in the Lincolnshire waters, notwithstanding the fact that they have in most cases been in fair order. Results are somewhat unsatisfactory, so far as can be gained from the tenor of anglers' observa- tions. After all, the Medway at Tunbridge has fined down rarely, and those anglers who have ventured out have been rewarded with both roach and pike. The latter have been biting well, especially above tha town, and some handsome and well-fed fish have been caught, but nothing much over 51b., though there are some larger ones which have broken away. Sportsmen, particularly those of a past decade or two, will regret to hear of the death of Mr. Teddy Brayley. His red and yellow cap was once well known and popular at nearly every meeting in Eng- land, and few turfites had such good fortune at one time. Of late years Mr. Brayley has been residing in the neighbourhood of Bath, and he died at his resi- dence on Lansdown Hill at midday on Sunday. The funeral will take place on Friday at Lansdown Ceme- tery. In this cemetery is buried Mr. Willes, son of General Willes, who used to write Our Nan in Baily's Magazine, and also the racing article signed Argus in the Morning Post. It was in 1861 the "red and yellow" were first registered at Weatherby's. As far back as 1858 Mr. Brayley won races, but only at minor meetings. His first important success was when Tom Fool won the Prendergast Stakes at Newmarket in 1862. He owneel a smart two-year-old at one time in Duke of Beaufort, and Mornington was, perhaps, the best flat racer that ever carried his colours. Other horses who won races were Pearl Diver, Ecarte (who won the Shrewsbury Cup), Cock of the Walk, Arlington, Recorder, Mariner, Sycophant, M'Sycophant, Gnome King, Redivivius (afterwards a good chaser), Papil- lon, Prince Regent, Bird's Eye, Wild Dove, Killaloe, Notary, Trapeze, Ladylike, and many others. Mr. Brayley also patronised the sport under Grand National Hunt Rules, and owned such useful horses as The Moose, Chivalry, Midshipman, Silvermere, Casse Tete, and Pearl Diver. The Prince of Wales is, says Truth, to be the guest of Lord and Lady Sefton at Croxteth during the last week in March, for Liverpool Races. At a meeting of the Society of Cyclists, held on Tuesday evening in London, under the presidency of Dr. B. W. Richardson, Mr. O. H. Gale exhibited a new photographic camera of his invention the Cyclone," designed especially for cyclists. The inventor claims to have made several improvements in this apparatus with a view to making it more portable than those in general use, and also to making it less liable to injury. The weight of the camera is 22ozs., and it folds up like a book, there being no projecting thumbscrew or other metal work. Accompanying it are three double dark slides, weighing in all about lOozs. It is quite possible even for a bicyclist to carry an apparatus capable of taking photographs 6l by 4Jin., together 2 with a tripod stand, combined with a telescopic ar- rangement, so that it is reduced to about half its proper length when not in use. A paper in praise of the Isle of Man as a field for cyclists, by Mr. Alfred Haviland, the author of the well-known medical map of England, was afterwards read. At Cambridge, though the weather has been vari- able, and rain has fallen, useful practice for the com- ing great rowing contest has taken place. The presi- dent, Mr. Muttlebury, took no part in the practice on Tuesday, in consequence of a sprain, and P. Landale was also away; the services of Bevan and Backhouse were, therefore, requisitioned. After the usual small- boat exercise, the crew, accompanied by Mr. H. Trevor Jones, went out for a steady pull to Ditton and back. On the outward journey the boat was un- steady, but returning, the work showed a great im- provement. The amended order of rowing was as under: R. H. Symonds-Taylor (Trinity Hall) (bow); 2. L. Hannen (Trinity Hall); 3. R. F. Bevan (Third Trinity); 4. C. P. B. Bell (Trinity Hall); 5. R. H. P. Orde (First Trinity); 6. J. Backhouse (Lady Margaret); 7. F. H. Maugham (Trinity Hall); J. C. Gardner (Emmanuel) (stroke); T. W. Northmore (Queen's) (cox). Rain fell the greater part of the morning on Tues- day at Oxford, but the afternoon was favourable for aquatics, and there was a good attendance on the river and towpath. After some gig pair exercise, the gig eight was manned, and the crew rowing in the same order as previously, went for a trip below the locks to Sandford, when after a short rest they re- turned to the club barge. The president, Mr. Holland, and Mr. T. W. Woodgate accompanied the crew on horseback. Order of rowing: H. E. L. Puxley (Corpus) (bow), W. F. Smith (New), E. H. Robertson (New), F. Wilkinson (Brasenose), A. Inman (Mag- dalen), R. P. P. Rowe (Magdalen), Lord Ampthill (New), W. F. Douglas (Christ Church) (stroke), H.H. Houldsworth (Christ Church) (cox). There was an attendance of 4000 spectators to wit- ness the encounter at Exeter, on Wednesday, at Rugby football between Devonshire and the Maoris. The weather was damp, but the ground was in good condition. Devonshire had not, a strong team to represent them, and the New Zealanders, who had the best of the game at all points, won easily by two goals seven tries to nil. A match was played on the Ley's School-ground, Cambridge, on Wednesday, between the University and East Sheen, before a fair number of spec- tators. The visitors included such well known players as A. L. Brooks and A. E. Stoddart, but the Cantabs never gave them a chance and won by the large margin of 4 goals 4 tries to 1 goal. The I attendance at Kennington Oval on Wednesday after- noon to witness the Association struggle between the Corinthians and Oxford University was very limited, no doubt owing to the miserably wet weather. Despite the unfavourable surroundings a good game was witnessed. The Corinthians went off with the lead, and at half-time had scored 4 goals to 1. In the second half goals came quickly on both sides, but the Corinthians always held the lead, and won by 8 goals to 5. The annual general meeting of the Lawn Tennis Association body was held in London on Wednesday, Mr. D. Jones presiding. The regulations proposed by the council for the conduct of prize meetings were passed with only one slight alteration, and the accounts were adopted. Mr. W. Renshaw was selected president, Mr. H. Chipp honorary secretary, and Mr. S. A. E. Hickson honorary treasurer. It was resolved, "That the council be asked to fully consider the matter of the value of a bisque and draft a. rule on the point for the guidance of handicappers and clubs.' It was further resolved, That the council take into consideration the question of holding a Championship Tournament next year." During the past year 28 clubs and four associations have been affiliated. The -election of councillors was proceeded with, but in the case of Ireland it was decided to leave the six vacancies to the council itself to fill, whilst three of the four Scottish seats will be provided for in a flSmilsv mannAV

WELSH ITEMS. At a meeting of commercial travellers, held at Cardiff on Saturday, it was decided to form an asso- ciation for South Wales and Monmouthshire in con- nection with the Commercial Travellers' Benevolent Institute. A police-constable named Daniel Davies made a determined attempt at suicide by cutting his throat, at Llanelly, on Saturday. It is said that excitement consequent upon the county council election deranged the poor fellow's mind. At a meeting of the University College of North Wales held on Friday, January 25th, at the Masonic Hall, Bangor, Colonel West in the chair, a com- mittee was appointed to devise a scheme for agri- cultural education in Anglesey and Carnarvonshire. The Cambrian Railways (Steamboats) Bill was on Wednesday declared to have complied with the standing orders of the House of Commons. The High Sheriff elect of Montgomeryshire (Mr Henry Leslie) has appointed the Rev. Tudno Jones, curate of Llanyblodwel, as his chaplain. A special meeting of the Denbigh Town Council was held on Thursday to consider the resignation of the Mayor (Mr W. D. W. Griffith), in consequence of the recent County Council election. Accompanying the letter was a cheque for £ 35. to pay the fine under the by-laws for the resignation of the two offices, X25 as mayor, and £10 as councillor. In the letter he complained not only of his defeat, but that the opposition was organized and carried on by mem- bers of the Council as Liberal leaders, thus showing not only no appreciation of past services, but plainly saying that they were not needed in future.—Dr. Pierce proposed, and Alderman E. T. Jones seconded, that the Mayor be asked to reconsider his decision and withdraw the resolution.—Mr T. J. Hughes moved that the resignation be accepted, but no one seconded it, and the original resolution was carried. On Saturday a reply was received from the Mayor intimating his intention of withdrawing his resigna- tion, and continuing in the office of Mayor of the Borough. At the Montgomeryshire Quarter Sessions, a memorial from some twenty clergymen in Mont- gomeryshire was presented to the Montgomery- shire Quarter Sessions and the Home Sec- retary, calling attention to and complaining of certain language used by Major Godfrey at the tithe sales. Last week a special mooting of the Constabu- lary Committee was called to receive the reply of the Home Secretary, who simply returned the memorial, without comment, for the consideration of the justices who made the appointment. After a long address by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones in support of the clergymen's memorial, Captain D. H. Mytton pro- posed, and the Earl of Powis seconded a resolution expressing unabated confidence in Major Godfrey, and recognising the good results to the county which had followed his courteous and wise administration* The resolution was carried. The lad Prydderch, of Dowlais, leaves on Friday for the Art University College, Gower-street, London, where be will receive 12 montha' training at the expense of Mr Pritchard Morgan, M.P.

A BRECON RECTOR'S OPINION OF PARISH- IONERS. An irate rector, alluding in his sermon on Sunday evening to the recent county council election, in which Sir Joseph Bailey gained a majority of four votes over his Liberal opponent, declared that there were 50 liars in his parish,

APPREHENSION. On Friday morning P.C. W. Joseph (12) appre- hended Ellen Jones (wife of R. Jones, alias Dick Llanidloes) at Aberystwyth, who was wanted at Newtown on a charge of larceny.

CAPEL SION. We regret to announce the death of Mr David Morgan, Gwarallt, which occurred on Thursday, from the effects of the kick of a horse.

HOLLOWAY'S PILLS AND OINTMENT.-The atten- tion of all sufferers is drawn to these well-known remedies, for they possess conspicuous advantages as a safe and reliable aid in all those emergencies to which tra- vellers, emigrants and sailors are so especially liable.; They have been largely patronised by wayfarers by land and sea, and, in fact by all classes of the community, to their very great advantage. The Hills are beyond all doubt one of the most effective remedies ever discovered for cases of obstinate constipation, confirmed indigestion and colic, complaints which are engendered by exposure and irregular feeding. The Ointment will be found of the very greatest service in cases of piles, absoerses, erysipelas and all kinds of local ulcerations. PRINTING! PRINTING! I PRINTING OF EVERY DE3CRIPTION EXECUTED OST THE SHORTEST NOTICE AT THE "OBSERVER OFFICE. JOHN MORGAN, PRINTER, "OBSERVER OFFICE," 1, NORTH PARADE ABERYSTWYTH. Printed by Steam Power and Published by JOHN MORGAN, at the Observer Office, 1, NorthParalle. Aberystwyth. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1889,

THE FIRST COMPLETE BIBLE IN WALES. BMessrs. Eyre and Spottiawoode, printers to her Majesty, writing to the Dail i Chronicle on the interesting discovery in Lord Spencer's library," say that the first complete Bible in Welsh is known as Morgan's Bible." It is small folio size, and is dated 1588. Imprinted at London by Christopher Barker, Printer to the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty."

CHURCH AND CHAPEL. The Rev. Canon D. Silvan Evans, B.D., rector of Llanwrin, was installed a canon of Bangor, at the Cathedral, on Thursday, January 24th. The Dean and Chapter of Chester met on Saturday to receive the Queen's mandate to elect a bishop of Chester, and recommended Dr Jayne, vicar of Leeds, to the office. There were present the Dean of Chester, the Venerable the Archdeacon, Canon Hilliard, Canon Blencowe, and Canon Filden. The Dean (Dr Darby) read the conge d'elire, and Dr Jayne was elected, it being ordered that a certificate of the fact should be sent to her Majesty, and a declaration of the election was made at the ordinary service. Mr Vaughan, of Nannau, has granted land for the erection of Hermon Calvinistic Methodist Church at Llanfachreth, and has returned .£10 of the purchase money towards the erection of the building. The Rev. Robert Roberts, who for the past five years has had the pastoral oversight of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church at Tyldesley, Lancashire, has removed to Penrhyndeudraeth, Merionethshire. In presenting him with a gold watch, testimony was borne to the material assistance which he has rendered to the struggling Welsh Churches in Lancashire, by whom his removal is keenly felt. I The counterblast to Archdeacon Denison's mani- festo, in the shape of a Declaration against Ritualism and Lawlessness" has been signed by the following:—The Rev Messrs W. S. Burns, vicar of Annscroft, Shrewsbury, A. Burn, rector of Kinnersley, Wellington, Salop, D. Davies, vicar at LJansilin, E. Edwards, clerk in holy orders, Machynlleth, H. \V. Jones, vicar of Christ Church, Ruabon, H. Jones, rector of Rhydycroesau, Hugh Jones, canon of St. Asaph and rector of Llanrwst, Robert Owen, curate of Rhyl, David Price, B.D., Brecon, R. L. Protheroe, curate of Machynlleth, 'homas Richardson, B.D., vicar of Rhyl, W. G. Vaughan, curate of Machynlleth, C. E. S. Wightman, V, vicar of St. Alkmond's Shrewsbury, Charles Whittaker, clerk in holy orders j Rhyl. The Calvinistic Methodists held their Monthly Meeting for the Lower Division of Montgomeryshire at Oswestry, on Thursday and Friday week. There was an unusually large attendance of ministers and deacons.

THE SPRING CIRCUITS OF THE JUDGES. The following is a list of the commission days fixed by the judges for holding the ensuing Spring Assizes — Sours WALES CIRCUIT (Mr Justice Grantham and Mr Justice Cave) Haverfordwest, Tuesday, February 19th, Lampeter, Thursday, February 21st. Carmarthen, Saturday, February 23rd. Brecon, Thursday, February 28th. Cardiff, Wednesday, March 13th. Both civil and criminal business will be taken at these assizes, which are timed to finish about March 20th.

LITERATURE. "Weldon's Ladies' Journal for February con- tains a paper pattern of a fitted seal jacket, a coloured plate of the latest novelties for early spring, and the usual budjet of new fashions. Weldon's Practical Needlework is very nicely illustrated. The February numie; of the "Quiver" contains several interesting papers and stories, among them being The Conscience of the States "-An inter- view with the Rev. John Hall, D,D., of New York Real and Amateur Gentlemen," by the Rev. E. J. Hardy, M.A.; 'John Bright;" "A Friend Indeed," by a Member of the Society of Friends The Seven Leaves of the Vine," by the Lord Bishop of Derry "Christian work at Oxford," by an Oxford Man; Thirsting for God," by the Hev. P. B. Power, M.A.; Granny's Jubilee," "Scripture Lessons for School and Home," "The Fisherman's Charge," by F. Bayford Harrison, To the Lions," by the Rev. Professor Church, and a number of interesting stories. The frontispiece is drawn by Percy Tarrant, and is entitled "The last Good-night." This is a magazine for Sunday and general reading. Part 36 of Cassell's Natural History" contains much interesting matter. The fifth part of "The World of Adventure" opens with an illustration, beautifully got up, entitled I saw a Lifeboat head- ing direct for us. It is also brimful of interesting readable matters, among them being some interesting pages entitled Tales of the Alps." Part 16 of Cassell's Dictionary of English His- tory," which is edited by Sidney J. Low, B.A., and F. S. Pulling, M.A., goes from S to U. "The Old Testament Commentary for English Readers," edited by C. J. Ellicott, D.D., Lord Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol, contains maps of Babylonia, Assyria, Media, and Susiana, countries of the Jewish captivities. The part commences at the 7th chapter of Job, and ends at the 28th. The magazine under the title of Cathedrals, Abbeys, and Churches of England and Wales," con- tains a splendid plate of Chester cathedral, from the south-east.