The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

THE DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS BILL. „ The Bill, which has been passed by Parliament in the closing <kiys of the Session, is a very short one, and follows the lines of similar provisions contained in the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act of 1869. Section 1 deals with the introduction of the insect from abroad, and gives power to the Privy Council by Orders to prohibit or regulate the landing in Great Britain of Potatoes or stalks and leaves of potatoes, or other vegetable substance or other article brought from any place out of Great Britain the landing of which may appear to the Privy Council likely to introduce the insect into Great Britain, and to direct or authorise the destruction of any such article if landed. The section goes on to provide that persons landing or attempt- ing to land articles in contravention of orders under the Act "hall be liable to the penalties imposed under the Acts relating to the customs upon the importation of prohibited goods. Sec- tion 2 deals with the destruction of the insect should it gain a footing in this country, and gives power to the Privy Council to enter upon land, to remove and destroy crops, and to prohibit the sale or exposure, or offering for sale, or the distribution in any other manner, of the insect in any stage of existence. For offences against orders under this section, penalties not exceed- ing 410 for each offence may be imposed, and, as in the case of Penalties under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, one half of the penalty is to be paid to the person who sues or proceeds for the same. Section 3 relates to compensation for crops destroyed under any Order of Council. In the case of a crop on ^hich the beetle in any stage of existence is found, the compen- sation is not to exceed one half the value of the crop. In every other case the compensation is not to exceed three-fourths of the value of the crop. Provisions follow relating to the mode of ascertaining the value of crops ordered to be destroyed. These and all the other provisions of the Bill are in England and. Scotland to be carried out by the local authorities under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act- that is to say In England, in counties, by the justices or general or quarter sessions; in the metropolis, by the Board of ™orks; in boroughs, by the mayor, aldermen; and burgesses acting by the council, in other boroughs not subject to the 5 and Will. 4 c. 76, by the commissioners or body maintaining the Police therein.' In Scotland, in counties, by the commissioners nominated to act on the County Board for the purposes of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, the lord-lieutenant, the con- vener of the county, and the sheriff of the county; in burghs Which return or contribute to return members to Parliament, the magistrates and the town council.

I FRUIT CROPS. The following [reports are extracted from the* Gardeners' chronicle. Salop William Pratt, Hawkstone Gardens Apricots, nnder average; cherries, plentiful; peaches and nectarines, average crops indoors; apples, under average; pears, under average; small fruits, abundance; strawberries, plentiful; nuts, plentiful. A. S. Kemp, Haughton, Shifnal- Apricots, nnder average, bad; plums, under average, bad; cherries, average, good; peaches and rectarines, under average, good; apples, under average, good pears, under average, good; small fruits, average, very good; strawberries, average, very good; nuts, over average, very good. George Pearson, Attingham Gardens, Shrewsbury—Apricots, under average; plums, under average; cherries, Morellos average, others under average; Peaches and nectarines, under average; apples, under average; Pears, under average small fruits, average; strawberries, over average good; nuts, over average. -Denbigh P. Middleton, Wynnstay and Llangedwyn-Apricots, Inder average, good; pluins, under average, good; cherries, Under average, good; peaches and Nectarines, average; apples, Under average, good pears, under average, good small fruits, over average, very good strawberries, over average, very good; nuts, over average, very good. Merioneth: James Bennett, Rhug Garden, Corwen—Apricots, 'ailure plums, failure cherries, Morellos average peaches ^°d nectarines, good average; apples, good average; pears, yery much under; small fruits, over average, very good straw- "erries, average, very good nuts, good average. Our contemporary remarks—Seldom has it been out lot to a fruit report of more uniform character than that J*hich now we lay before our readers by the courtesy of our numerous correspondents throughout the British isles. Unfor- tunately the uniformity may too often be described as uniformly Pa* Neither latitude, nor protection, nor soil, nor elevation, speaking generally, to have availed aught in securing a » °.P. of fruit. Apricots were almost uniformly below average, ?nd in some cases utter failures. Two exceptions may be noted jn Sussex and Herefordshire respectively, which lead to the in- Jerenee that the localities in question are in some way specially Protected from the onslaught of spring frost. Plums are almost invariably much below an average, and jn*y generally be registered as an utter failure—a taking proof of the inclemency^ of the flowering season. In ?ne part 0f Kent, Victoria and Prince of Wales have done some- thing to redeem the general disaster, and the loyalty of Plum showers is likely thereby to be enhanced. Cherries were generally under the average, with the exception of Morellos, of jnich in many places the crop is reported to have been good. eaches and Nectarines, as might be predicted, are almost jOn-existent. Apples in by far the large majority of cases are "eiow average; in a few cases they are spoken of as average, Snff *n certain localities in Lancashire, Buckinghamshire, th anfl Sussex the crop is recorded as over-average. In •nose fruit orchards and gardens we have ourselves seen, while jree after tree is destitute, or nearly so, of fruit, here and •nere a particular tree is heavily laden. This seeming capricious- Pesa is doubtless primarily dependent on the variety of Apple •ather than on climate or soil. .Insect agency has so much to do with the setting of the fruit that it must not be overlooked that it is not the direct ftuenee of untoward climate that has to be looked to, but also the effect of cold and wet in keeping insects at home. Turning to small fruits, such as Currants, Gooseberries, and strawberries, a different tale is told. The crop of these fruits has in general been large. Probably their blossoms were later *n developing, and of necessity less exposed to the inclemencies the weather. Nuts again are generally abundant, and in ^ent; Surrey, and other southern counties, as also in the West, Promise an abundant crop. The period of blooming, as well as ne structure of the fruit, may perhaps account for this. The **o^en, too, of such plants being carried by the wind, to a large *tent, would render them to that degree independent of the ^sency of insects. Fortunately if our own supplies run short ■^nierica and France will be able to help us. exit may be interesting to notice that good fruit years are the jJpeption rather than the rule. Thus, taking the record from <570 till the present time, we find that in 1870 the crop was generally speaking abundant; in 1871 scanty and late; in 1872 a J^nipJete failure; in 1873 it was under average; in 1874 it was Reported to be average; in 1875 unusually abundant; in 1876 unsatisfactory, while the wet autumn of last year, and the iTUel spring of the present, have rendered the season of 1877 ne worst of the series.

MARKET REPORTS. -r..r. CORN AVERAGES, For the week ending August 11. The following are the quantities sold and the prices this year last year QUANTITIES SOLD. PRICES. This year. L ist year. This year. Last year. Wheat 22,854 27,290 65s. Sd. 45s. lOd. Barley 173 237 34s. 7d. 32s. 2d. Oats 1,885 806 27s. 4d. 20s. 5d. Corn, &c. LIVERPOOL, TUESDAY.—Wheat was very dull to-day, and losed 2d. V centtl lower for good average qualities. Flour slow fd in buyers' favour. Beans rather easier. Peas unchanged i^dian corn met with a growing demand, and closed better, at 261. Od. V quirter for new American mixed. PRICES (this day). s. d. s. d. American Wheat, 13 cental of 100 lbs 10 0 to 12 8 English Flour, 280 lbS 43 6 49 0 foreign Barley,$60 lbs 3 2 3 10 English Oats,$45 lbs 4 0 4 6 Egyptian Beans,$4S0 lbs 29 6 30 9 Indian corn, American new white 0 0 23 6 11 mixed American 26 6 27 0 TH ON, WEDNESDAY.—The market was dull for wheat; t" few samples of new English on show were held for high lices. Scarcely any business done in foreign wheat. Flour very dull, and tended lower. Barley and maize remain Oats a shade cheaper to sell. Beans and peas unchanged. Arrivais British wheat, 100 quarters. Foreign wheat, 46,140 fgarters; barley, 1,740 quarters; oats, 64,980 quarters; flour, ■*0 sacks. CURRENT PRICES OF GRAIN AT MARK LANE. tb. Shillings$qr. heat, new Essex and Kent (white) 62 to 68 tb. Ditto ditto (red). 62 65 >. heat, Norfolk, Lincoln, and Yorkshire (red) 60 62 parley (Chevalier) 47 55 <ata, English feed 25 30 geans (Mazagan) 30 34 eas, White boilers (English) 36 40 Vt' ■> (foreign) 39 40 27 32 Aour, test J own Households,$sack of 230 lbs., 51s. to 5Cs. LIVERPOOL, FRIDAY.—Only a limited trade was done in Uiw? an<l Prlfes closed steady at Tuesday's figures. Flour and quiet. Beans and peas steady, without alter- Indian corn opened quietly, but a more active demand 2«„ ]??> prices advanced, and new American mixed closed at °'s- 3d. to 26s. 6d. ¥ quarter. IjONDOIl-, MONDAY.—The market was quiet. English wheat et a dull sale, and late prices were barely maintained. Rather je«er enquiry for foreign wheat, without change in values. both1 m?t a slow s:lle' an,\ PPCffi favour of buyers for O *h sacks and barrels. Barle> and maize firm at previous rates, qj?, were quoted the turn cheaper to sell Beans and peas Bai? > and unaltered.—Arrivals: British-wheat, i)S6l quarters- q^ley, 227 quarters!; oats, 340 quarters. Foreign wheat, 64,877 »ers; barley, 8,326 quarters oats, 6o 9ol quarters; maize, •*23 quarters flour, 3,961 sacks and 7,-61 barrels. -J*HRFWSBURY, SATURDAY.—There was a moderately large 'tendance at this market, and prices were as follow :— S. a. S. d. Jfhite Wheat, 19 75 lbs ™ £ @10 9 §ed ditto, „ 10 3 10 6 Barley (malting), V 33 quarts 0 7 0 Oats, « 225 lbs5 21 6 24 6 §eans; 225 lbs 21 0 22 6 Peas,$225 lbs 19 0 20 0 Malt, imperial bushel 8 9 9 0 ATFK ESTER. SATURDAY.— The prices of wheat remain steady for ?Sjlu°tation3 of last week, being 10s. to 10s. 3d.$bushel "hite, and'9s. 9d. to 10s. for red. ba^?L^HpOOL, MONDAY.—Wheat, 10s. 9d. to lis. 3d. 80 lbs.; ba». to 7s. 6d 40 quarts; oats, 24s. Od to 26s. Od$ fowi'u £ Ks, 00 to 12 for a shilling; butter, Is. 4d. to Is. 6d.$lb.; Courfi' to 4s. 0d.$couple; ducks, 5s. 0d. to 6s. Od.$ each Bee88> 0s- °d toOOs. 0d. each.; turkeys, 00s. Od. to 00s. Od. bug^Y^OWN", TUESDAY (Aug. 14).—Wheat, Os. Od. to 0s. Od.$ °0to i0'f arley- 0s- 0(1 to 0s. 0d.; oats, 00s. to 00s V bag; eggs, to 5S a i a shilling; butter, Is. 3d. to Is. 4d.$lb.; fowls, 4s. 6d 0s. oj couple ducks, 4s. 6d. to 5s. 6d.$couple; geese, 6 5,8 each; turkeys, 0s. Od. to 0s. Od. each; potatoes, veal V?r sncpence; beef, 9d. to Is.$lb.; mutton, 9d. to 10Jd.; 7a. to lod.; pork, Od. to Od. SUotaH^^y^EDN KSDAY (Aug. 15).—The following were the Jng) n. nw "heat, 10s. 4d. to 10s. Gd.$bushel; barley (malt- la. m V'i' to 0s. 0d.; oats, 4s. 3d. to 4s 9d.; butter, Is. 5d. to ? counlJ. 0 to 13,for a shUling fowls, 3s. Od. to 4s. 6d. « 0d emi. ,s' 4s- <il'- to 5s. od. y couple; geese, 0s. 0(1. to 0 V for a 'shillingS' °°S' °d' k° °°3-0a- eac^' Po^toes, 16 &s.to Cattle. LIVERPOOL, MONDAY.—The supply of cattle at market was larger than last week, sheep and lambs about the same, the numbers being 2,410 beasts and 9,922 sheep and Iambs. Mid- dling and inferior cattle were a slow dull sale. Buyers from the country not very numerous. There were 243 foreign cattle on offer this morning, compared with 344 last week.—Quotations; Best beasts, 8}d. to 9d.$lb.: second ditto, 6d. to 8d.; sheep, 9d. to 10d.; lambs, 9d. to 10d. V lb. METROPOLITAN, MONDAY.—A firm market for beasts, and appearance and condition surpass previous supplies, those from the Midland counties being especially good. Trade was slow, owing to the dulness in the dead meat market, and prices were unchanged. The sheep market was dull, the quotations being barely maintained. A short supply of calves, and firmer rates were obtained. Pork also 2d. zp stone dearer for best quality.— Prices; Beef, 4s. 6d. to 6s. Ocl.; mutton, 5s. 6d. to 7s. Ocl. veal, 5s. Od. to 6s. 3d.; pork, 3s. 9d. to 5s. Od.; lamb, 7s. Od. to 8s. Od. The stock on offer consisted of 2,570 beasts, 8,200 sheep, 30 calves, and 20 pigs; included in which were 790 foreign beasts and 530 foreign sheep. BIRMINGHAM, TUESDAY.—There was a full supply of beasts on offer to-day. The beef trade was a shade better. We had 34 prime Canadian beasts, which came to hand in very good condi- tion prices about SJd.$lb. Sheep and lambs a fair supply; trade steady. Fat pigs were a better supply trade quiet.— Beef, 7d. to 8d ;p lb.; mutton, 8id. to 9Jd.; lamb, 911(1. to lOld.; bacon pigs, 7s. 3d. to 9s. 9d 11 score; porket ditto, 10s. 9d. to lis. 6d. SALFORD, TUESDAY. The supply of all descriptions of stock was smaller to-day. A very brisk trade was done in the best class of beasts, at prices slightly favouring sellers; middling and inferior lots changed hands at the extreme rates of last Tuesday. About 200 foreign beasts, principally Spanish, sold at good prices. Good North-country sheep and lambs were scarce, and consequently fetched fully id. P lb. advance. A better trade was done in calves than for some time past, but rates were not quotably higher.—Beef made 7d. to 9d. lb.; mutton, Sid. to 10Jd; lamb, 9Jd. to lO^d.; veal, 6d. to 9d. LONDON DEAD MEAT MARKET, MONDAY.—The follow- ing were the quotation-, V 8 lbs. by the carcase: Middling and inferior beef, 3s. Od. to 4s. 9d.: prime ditto, 5s. Od. to 5s. 8d.; inferior and middling mutton, 3s. 6d. to 4s. 8d.; prime ditto, 5s. 4d. to 6s. 4d.; veal, 5s. Od. to 5s. 4d.; large pork, 4s. Od. to 4s. Gd.; small ditto, 4s. 8d. to 5s. Od.; lamb, 6s. Od. to 6s. 8d.— To-day there was a moderate supply of meat, the demand for which was quiet. Miscellaneous. IRISH AND AMERICAN PROVISIONS, LIVERPOOL, FRI- DAY.—Butter: Really choice is in fair but active request, at about previous rates. Bacon Heavy_ weights rather easier, whilst very light brings quite outside prices. Lard has declined Is. <j¡1 cwt. Cheese is reported 2s. P ewt. lower, but as yet there is no accumulation of stock. Beef and pork without change. LONDON PROVISION, MONDAY.—The arrivals last week from Ireland were 213 firkins of butter and 4,132 bales bacon, and from foreign ports 19,546 packages of butter and 3,409 bales bacon. The butter market continues in the same dull state, ex- cept for the very finest quality, for which there is more enquiry, Normandies ranging from 80s. to 120s. according to qualities. Best Dutch 116s. to 120s. In the bacon market there is no change to notice in prices or demand. LONDON POTATO, MONDAY.—There is a steady market for potatoes of all descriptions not absolutely diseased, and the following are the quotations:— I Kent and Essex Regents 110s. to 160s. V ton. Shaws 90s. to 100s. „ Kidneys. 60s. to 130s. 11 Earlv Rose SOS. to loos. WORCESTER HOP, SATURDAY.—Messrs. Piercy,Longbottom, and Faram, in their weekly circular, say-The planters report to-day that the bine has grown and made fair progress, but owing to the stormy and cool weather it has not been rapid. Hot forcing weather is much needed to develop the burr into hop. Market unchanged, with rather more disposition to do business. LONDON HOP, MONDAY.—The reports from the plantations still continue rather unfavourable, especially from the large hop-producing districts of Mid and East Kent. Vermin is still spoken of as keeping the growth in check, and the weather does not assist the weak and backward portion of the crop. Advices from America and the Continent are uniformly favourable. East and Mid Kent £ 5 12 £ 0 0 £ 8 0 East and Mid Kent £ 5 12 £ 0 0 £ 8 0 Weald of Kent 5 0 0 0 6 0 Sussex 4 15 0 0 5 12 Farnham and Country 7 0 0 0 — 8 0 LONDON WOOL, MONDAY.—The wool market remains quiet, but although business is very limited a steady tone prevails, and prices are supported. From the Continent reports of firmness are received, but without activity. CURRENT PRICES. This year. Last year. (Per lb.) s. d. s. d. s. d- s. d. FLEECES.—Southdown hoggets ..1 3 to 1 4..1 3 tol 4 Hall-bred ditto 1 2J to 1 3J—1 3 to 1 4 Kent fleeces 1 2J to 1 3J.. 1 4 to 1 5 S. Down ewes and wethers ..1 3 tol 4J..I 3 tol 4^ Leicester ditto 1 2 to 1 3..1 3J to 1 4 SORTS.—Clothing, picklock 1 5 to 1 6 ..1 6 to 1 6k Prime. 1 4 tol 5 ..1 5 to 1 5.1, Choice 1 3 to 1 4 ..1 4 to 1 4j Super 1 2J to 1 3 ..1 3 to 1 3 £ Combing wether mat 1 6 to 1 7 1 7 £ to 1 8 Picklock 1 4 tol 5 ..1 5 tol 5t Common 1 2J to 1 4..1 3! to 1 4t Hog matching 1 5J to 1 6J..1 7 to 1 7i Picklock matching 1 4 tol 6..1 5 tol 5J WOLVERHAMPTON HIDE, SKIN, AND FAT, SATUR- DAY.—Hides, 95 lb. and upwards, 6Jd. lb.; 85 to 94 5d.; 75 to 84, 41d.; 65 to 74, 3 £ d.; 56 to 64, 3id.; 55 and under, ild.; Cows, 3d. to 3d.; bulls, 21d.; flawed and irregular, 2d.; kips, Od. to 3d. Horse hides, Os. Od. to 12s. 6d. each. Calf, 17 lb. and upwards, 4d.; 12 to 16, 5 9 to 11, 5id.; light, 4d.; flawed and irregular, 3Jd. Wools, A-l, OOs. Od.; A, Os. Od.; B, Os. od. each. Pelts, A, 2s. 9d.; B, Is. 8d. each. Lambs, A, 4s. Od.; B, 2s. 8d. each. Fat, 2Jd. to 3d lb.-J:-<O. S. D'ARCY, Broker, Cleveland-street. LIVERPOOL PRODUCE, WEDNESDAY.—Sugar is tolerably steady. Rum without material change. Rice firm, but not active. Nitrate of soda 14s. 9d. to 15s. RP ewt. Linseed oil 30s. ;¡¡J cwt. in export casks. Rape oil, refined Stettin, steady at 42s. 6d. Cottonseed oil, 32s. 6d. to 33s. V ewt. for Liverpool refined. Palm oil firm. Tallow 41s. for fine North American. Spirits of turpentine 26s. 6d. 111 cwt. Rosin, common, 5s. lid. to 5s. 3d. V cwt. Ashes, pots 22s. V cwt., pearl 31s. 6d. Petroleum Hid. to Is. V gallon. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE.—LIVERPOOL, WEDNESDAY. Hay, 20 tt>s. s. d. s. d.$ton. Old 1 0 @1 3 s. d. s. d New 0 9 1 0 Carrots 0 0@0 0 Straw— Turnips 0 0 0 0 Wheat 0 10J 0 11J Mangel Wurzel.. 0 0 0 0 Oat 0 9J 0 10J Manure 4 6 7 0 Barley 0 0 0 9 Grass,$20 lbs. 0 2J 0 4J Wheat. 0 10J 0 11J Mangel Wurzel.. 0 0 0 0 Oat 0 9J 0 10J Manure 4 6 7 0 Barley 0 0 0 9 1 Grass, V 20 lbs 0 21 0 4J

Trade Intelligence. WOLVERHAMPTON IRONF,TRADE.—WEDNESDAY.] Much discussion took place this afternoon as to whether the colliers will striko instead of accepting longer hours. Masters declared themselves ready and even willing to stop working if this course should be pursued. Makers of pig-iron declared they were losing on every ton, some of them as much as 2s. 4d. Cleveland iron is less firm than last week; sales are very few. Lancashire and other foreign hematites are slightly stronger. Best plates secured £ 10; consumers hereabouts are, however, buying Middlesborough plates at R-6 15s. and £6 12s. 6d.$ton. Common bars hold at belowt6 10s. THE CROPS AND THE CORN TRADE. The Marlc-Lane Express says :—The abnormal weather expe- rienced during the past month formed a striking contrast to the brilliant summer of 1876. When it is considered that the maxi- mum heat of an Fnglish summer is requisite ta produce wheat of fine quality, it will not occasion surprise that the yield of this year's harvest is deficient in this respect. In some districts in the home counties, the reports from which promised abundance, a mere cursory inspection reveals tbe thinness of the plant on the ground, with the ears poorly filled, and bearing distinct traces of blight and mildew. Cutting has indeed commenced; but, with the weather we have lately had, the harvest will be much protracted and the result scarcely encouraging. Barley has certainly derived benefit from the rain, and roots have been growing fast; but some apprehensions are felt for the potato crop, as the excessive moisture is likely to predispose that valu- able esculent to disease. The business at Mark-Lane has been somewhat of a holiday character but the wet weather has caused steadiness to prevail, and wheat and feeding corn have main- tained former values. Imports into London continue heavy, and no material rise in price can be anticipated unless the har- vest turns out a failure, as large arrivals are coming from India, Russia, and America.

YSTRAD MEURIG SCHOOL. The following is a list of the prizes distributed lately at the school Scripture History. E. K. Roberts, Wordsworth's Poetical Works, given by the Rt. Rev. the Lord Bishop of St. David's. VI. Form Pri--e.-D. W. Davies, Moore's Poetical Works, given by Major Philipps, of Dale Castle. V. Form, Prize—W. Davies and J. D. "James (equal), Thompson's Poetical Works, given by Lieut.-Col. Powell, of Nanteos and 1,001 Gems of English Prose, given by the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Lisburne, ofCrosswood Park. IV Form P),ize.-Thomts Morris and H. L. James (equal), Legendary Ballads of England and Scotland, given by the Venerable Archdeacon Jennings, of West- minster; and Cowper's Poetical Works, given by the Rev. Lewis Gilbertson, B.D., of Braunston Rectory, and late Vice-Principal of Jesus College, Oxford. III. Form Pi-ize.-Thomas Richards, Herbert's Poetical Works, given by Mr. J. Waddingliam, of Hafod, and Guiting Grange. II. Form Prize— J. C. Jones and W. Edwards, equal. Longfellow's Poems; given by thejRev. Oct. Davies, vicar of Tregaron, and a Book of Golden Thoughts, given by the Venerable Archdeacon Jennings, of Westminster. I. Form Prize.—John Evans. The Modern Speaker; given by the Headmaster. Mathematics.—1st prize, J. C. Jones. Animal Creation given by the Rev. Canon Philipps, of Aberystwyth. 2nd prize, D. W. Davies. Selections from Tennyson; given by Mr. J. E. Rogers, of Abermeurig. Latin Prose Prize.—E. K. Roberts. Holden's Poliorum Centuriaa given by Mr. R. Rowland, F.R.S. A., of Strata Florida. Also two fishing rods were given by Major Philipps, of Mabws, and Mrs. Begbie; one to the best cricketer over 14, and the other to the best cricketer under that age. The boys were E. K. Roberts, and John Lewis. The examiner was Mr. H. M. Hewitt, of London. We subjoin his report:— Aug. 7, 1877. To the Visitor and Trustees of the Grammar School, Ystrad -Ifeui-ig. "Gentlemen,—At the invitation of the Head Master I have examined viva voce the pupils of the Grammar School in the subjects of their classical studies. The study of the Greek'and Latin authors forms, I am told,(the staple of the education given in this school, and I am glad to be able to testify that the knowledge of the Greek and .Latin languages evinced by the pupils throughout the school is of an unusually high order, and that their attain- ments in this department are eminently satisfactory. While according this high commendation, however, I would suggest to the generality of the students that there are one or two subjects to which they would do well to devote a larger share of their attention. More time, I think ought to be given to the study of ancient history and I would impress upon the pupils the great importance of mastering the subject matter and opinions of the various classical authors, as well as their style and peculiarities of expression. I feel the more confidence m offering these suggestions as I have found abiindant evidence of laborious teaching on the one part, and painstaking application on the other. I am sure that the pleasant spot which I have just visited for the first time for the purposes of this examination will continue to produce many men whose industry and ex- ample will be a source of pride to their instructors and of benefit to their country.. I have the honour to remdn, gen- tlemen, yours very faithfully, HENRY MARMADUKF. HEWITT M.A., late scholar of St. John's College, Cambridge 1\ ¡ sistant exajuiuer in classics to the University of London."

ABERDOVEY. TOWYN LOCAL BOARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 9TH.— Present: Mr. James Webster, chairman, Messrs. W. Parry, Edwin Jones, Evan Newell,, Adam Hunt, Thomas Rees, John Williams, John Daniel, John Morgan, W. R. Davies, clerk, R. H. Hughes, murveyor, J. JTf. Jones, medical officer, and Owen Williams, in- spector. Estimate of Rates.-Tlie Clerk relid an estimate of rates for water and general district purposes, showing the necessity of a rate of 6d. in the pound, the same as last year.—Mr. Daniel asked if the sums were to be collected in one rate ?—The Clerk replied in the affirmative.—Mr. Daniel thought that entailed in some instances hard- ship upon the out-going tenants. There had been several complaints made about the matter.—The Clerk replied that there would be considerable trouble in making, two. rates, and additional expense in collecting them. Although the arrangement suggested was a desirable one, it could not be conveniently carried out The tenants ought to be able to arrange about the rates in the same way as they arranged with the in-coming tenant in respect to rent and tithes. Towyn Piei-The Clerk also read a letter from the Board of Trade, enclosing plans of the Towyn Pier, and asking if it would interfere with the passage of boats or. navigation ? The Clerk added that the letter had been laid before the Towyn Committee, and that Mr. Elliott had attended to explain the matter. The Board's Sur- veyor was also present.—The Surveyor, in answer to a question, said he did not think the 300 feet of concrete would interfere with the navigation, but if the Pier were extended to 1,200 yards, there should be archways for the passage of boats.—The Chairman thought there should: be some understanding on the part of the Pier Company to make a road around the nose of the Pier, with proper ap- proaches.—The Clerk was eventually directed. to reply that the Board had no objection to the Pier, provided a road be made at the shore end, giving proper approach to the beach on either side of the erection. The Clerk was likewise directed to intimate that the erection, of the pier was not opposed by the Board in any way, neither would its extension be opposed.—Mr. Thomas Rees- asked what the two houses at the entrance to the Pier were intended to be used for ?-The Clerk thought they were intended to be used as refreshment rooms.—Mr. Rees felt that there were too many refreshment rooms already.—(Laughter.) —The Clerk replied that that was a. question for the magistrates to decide.—Mr. Newell also, thought that question should be let alone by the Board.—The Chair- man said they did not know what would be sold at the re- freshment rooms. Tea and coffee might be sold there, and nothing else.—The Clerk And, perhaps, tobacco.— (Laughter.)—The Chairman said his opinion was that at the end of twelve months there would not be much of the Pier left.—Mr. Edwin Jones remarked that it had stood the waves on the preceding night very well.—The Chair- man said that was only a pailful to. what the work would have to stand in the winter. Inspector's Report.-fr. Owen Williams, the inspector, presented a report, in which he stated:—"On the six- teenth of last month, in consequence of the inundation caused by the heavy rains, a great number of sheep, which had been drowned, were found to be floating about, and were likely to create a nuisance. He had therefore col- lected the carcasses, numbering fifteen, and had had them buried, as he had also several others he found on the fol- lowing day. A great number of pigeons in the place was the cause of complaint, especially to those people occupying the front houses. The birds nestled under the eaves, and stopped up the troughing with their dung."—The Clerk said he did not directly advise anyone to kill the pigeons, but he knew what be should do if he were concerned. Anyone killing pigeons when they visited a garden would be liable to punishment, but when the birds left their owners' houses and took up their residence under some- body else's roof, then that somebody else could take steps to do away with the nuisance. Aberdovey Water Wori-s.-The Clerk said there was a sum of t77 to be laid out on the Aberdovey Water Works. Would the Aberdovey ratepayers prefer including it in one or two rates ? There was no doubt posterity ought to bear a share of the burden, but the expense of borrowing £100 would be out of all proportion to the benefit derived. —After some conversation, Mr. Webster proposed a 3j. rate for Aberdovey, in order to include the sum and have done with it.—Mr. John Williams seconded the proposal, and it was agreed to.—The Surveyor stated that a shilling rate would realize 4;72. The Surveyor's Repog-t.-Brynerzig Water Supply.—Mr. Pryse Hughes, the surveyor, presented a report to the Board, a portion of which ran as follows Conform- ably with instructions received at the last meeting, I visited Bryncrug with Messrs. J. Daniel, John Roberts, and John Morgan. The two streams running through the village are liable to be, and often are, polluted by cattle and tramps encamping on the banks at Pontyfelindre. The stream passing under Pontfathew runs by the grave yard, a'fact which renders the use of its water for domestic purposes highly objectionable. The streams are often flooded, and during such time as they are the inhabitants have no water fit for use. Having consulted several of the chief ratepayers in the place, including Messrs. G. Jones, Gwyddaelfynydd, L. Lewis, Pont- fathew, and R. Morgan, Perthycetiau, and having con- sidered the matter very carefully, it was resolved to advise the Board to form Bryncrug into a separate district, and cause at least two pumps to be erected at the place. The Clerk said as the water supply of Bryncrug and Towyn seemed to come almost under on« heading, he would read a letter he had received from the Local Government Board on the question of water supply. It was as follows:—"6th August.—Sir,—I am directed by the Local Government Board to acknowledge the re- ceipt of your letter of the 10th and 18th July with refer- ence to the steps taken by the Towyn Urban Sanitary Authority to improve the sanitary condition of their dis- trict. The Board regret that the Authority have decided to defer the adoption of a comprehensive scheme for the water supply of the town of Towyn. I am to point out that notwithstanding the care which may be taken to secure wells from pollution, yet when such wells are Bunk in a highly porous soil, which may receive privy soakage and other impurities, the water cannot be regarded as safe from contamination. Moreover, the only springs appear to be inconveniently distant from the greater part of the population, and under these circumstances the Board trust that the Urban Sanitary Authority will, on further consideration, decide to take without delay such measures as will secure to the town generally the advantage of an ample and readily accessible supply of water of unques- tionable purity. As regards the provision of hospital ac- commodation for cases of infectious diseases, I am to ob- serve that if the Urban Sanitary Authority are unwilling to provide a separate hospital for their district, they are empowered under section 131 of the Public Health Act, 1875, to combine "With the other authorities for the pur- pose of making such provision, and I am to suggest the consideratian of the subject from this point of view."— After consideration, the Surveyor was directed to cause the erection of two pumps at Bryncrug. The question of separate district was referred to the committee for definition and the settlement of other details.—Referring to the Towyn water supply, Mr. Edwin Jones proposed that the Surveyor should be empowered to obtain the necesary instruments to efficiently gauge the various sources of water supply in the district.—The Clerk said that Dr. Airy's recommendation was that skilled advice should be taken.—The Chairman said the Clerk could reply to the Board's letter, saying that steps were being taken to gauge the water.—Mr. Newell having seconded the motion pro- posed by Mr. Edwin Jones, it was agreed to. The Aberdovey Gas Works.—The Chairman said, before the Board rose there was one thing he wished to mention. As he was a shareholder—a small one-he felt some diffi- culty in bringing the matter forward. He had reason to believe that the Aberdovey Gas Works would soon be in the market, and it would be a great pity to let it go out of the hands of the Board into the hands of private men, who would make money out of the ratepayers. It WFts a paying concern, and the chance of obtaining it was worthy the attention of the Board. He was quite willing to sac- rifice his interest.—Mr. Newell proposed that the subject should be placed on the agenda paper for discussion at the next meeting.—Mr. John Williams asked why the shareholders wanted to get rid of the works if it were a paying concern? The Chairman replied that the principal shareholders lived a long way off from Aberdovey, and could not give proper attention to the matter.—Mr. Williams Do you think they will sell it cheaply?—The Chairman: Certainly.—The Clerk stated that one of the advantages of the purchase would be that the consumers would be the shareholders.—Mr. Thomas Rees asked what dividend had been paid in the past ?-The Chairman replied that Mr. Pryse Hughes could inform the Board.—Mr. Hughes replied that the dividend had been five per cent. Had it not been for an extensive waste of gas, it would have been seven and a half per cent.—The Chairman remarked that the works might be bought for a half, or even a third, of the costs of the erection. It was a thing that would pay better every year, as the places increased in size. Division of the District into Wards.—Mr. Thomas Rees gave notice that at the next meeting of the Boa-d, owing to there being only six members of the Board present at the meeting held at Towyn on the 8th July last, at which the vote on the question of the division of the district into wards, come to by the Board at its previous meeting, was rescinded, he would move that the Board were of opinion that it was not desirable to divide the Local Board district of Towyn into wards for election or any other purposes.—Mr. Evan Newell protested against the motion. The Medical Officer.-The Medical Officer. Mr. J. Ff. Jones, said he had seen in the Gambrinn NC/cs that he was required by the Board to keep a series of books. He was quite willing to do the work, but he could not do it for B10 a year.—A long discussion followed, the result of which was that the matter was adjourned to the next meeting.

PORTMADOC. COUNTY COURT, AUGUST 13TH.- Before Mr. E. Beale, M.A., judge. There were 151 fresh plaints entered for hearing, 5 adjourned ditto, 9 fresh judgment summonses, and 1 ad- journed ditto. A Schoolmaster Summoning a School Board.—H. D. Jones v. the Beddgelert School Board. Mr. Jno. Roberts, Bangor, appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. R. Casson for defendants.—Mr. Roberts, in stating the case, said that plaintiff had been the master of a School at Rhyd-ddu belonging to the Beddgelert School Board. He now summoned the Board for £ 10, being balance of the Govern- ment grant due to him. By the terms of his engagement with the Board he was to receive £40 fixed salary and the whole of the Government grant. He then read the correspondence that took place between the Board and plaintiff, in which the terms were distinctly as stated. At an interview subsequent to this correspondence, the plain- tiff hall an interview with Mr. George Thomas, clerk to the School Board at Beddgelert, and he accepted the situation on these terms, and the question to be decided now was whether the term grants included the sum of klO obtained under clause D" of the 19th section of the Education Code, which is as follows—" The sum of 210 or £15, subject to a favourable report from the Inspector, if the population within two miles, by road, of the school is less than 300 or 200 souls,, and there is no other public elementary school with sufficient accommodation for such populatfen withiu three miles- of the school."—Mr. Casson said that: the clause was- added to the Code for the first time in 1976, and as the rasreement with plaintiff was made in 1<?74, his clients maintained that he was to get only the grants, the amount of which depended on his own ex'eotions. That was in. accordance with article 32 of the COI-le. If any deduction was to be made through the default of the Board, he was-not to suffer any loss on that account. —The Judge observed that he could not see that they could make any distinction between the two kinds of grants, unless after the publication of the population clause they gave the master, notice that the grant under that clause was not to be included. The letters from the Board to plaintiff gave him, encouragement to expect that the grants would continue to increase. The minute book of the School Board was produced, and the minute relating to the engagement of the plaintiff was found to be in accord with the letters,Afr.. Roberts said that the grant was liable to two kinds of deductions, viz., the one through the default of the teacher from deficiency in the 'teaching, and the other through the default of the Board in not raising a sufficient sum to meet the grant. There was a reduction of the grant to the amount of about 212 owing to the latter c-.iuse;Afr. Casson observed that the Board was not any better off for the" D" grant, as a deduction had been made;-The Judge observed to Mr. Roberts that if it were not for the £ 10 added to the grant his client would have been worse off, for the amount of the grant after the dfeduction had been made would have been less.—Mr. Roberts said the amount of the grant earned by the school was C55 158. Od. A deduction of about £12 was made through the default of the Board, and his client received about £43. He received too much supposing the deduction was to fall upon him the Board paid him all due under A, B, C,. without any deduction. —The plaintiff's evidence was taken, and it was in accordance with this statement.. At this stage the solicitors agreed that the matter be referred- to the Education De- partment, and, the case was. adjourned without any prejudice to any of the questions raised at this court. Edward Bruce v. W. S. Searcll.—Mr. Cledwyn Owen appeared for plaintiff, and Mr.. R. Casson for defendant. The claim was £ 4.13s. 11. By tbe consent of both parties the case was referred for arbitration to Mr. Lovegrove, Castle Hotels Harlech. Simon Jones v. Robert WillUwus, Pantevan.—This was a claim of £ 6>. brought by plaintiff against defendant for the done by his goats to plaintiffs garden.—Mr. Cledwyn Owen appeared for plaintiff and stated that the defendant had brought an action and, obtained a judgment at the last court against plaintiff, of £ 4, value of goats shot by the latter) the judge, Mr. Homersham Cox, advising his client to bring this action > and staying execution until this case was heard.—His-Honour adjourned the case to' the next court, in order that it might be heard before Mr. Cox, Lewis Hughes v. John Tftoraas Jones, Owen Jones. and Henry Jo)tes.-This was a claim for k3, interest on £ 60.— It appeared that defendants had bought a ship for B300 from Capt. T. Richards, in part payment for which they pnt in a promissory note for £ 100, of which they paid £ 40. Plaintiff was a surety for them for the note, and they fail- ing to meet it, ths- drawer fell upon him.—They were or- dered to pay the amount claimed. PETTY SESSIONS, AUGUST 12TH.-Before Mr. Owen Griffith (chairman), Major Mathew, Messrs. G. H. Owen, E. S. Greaves, and John Jones (Ynysfor). Selling Wine without a Licence.—Henry Damerell, super- visor of excise, v. Evan Pierce, Union Inn, Tremadoc.— John Thomas Mulqueen, said I am an excise officer at Portmadoe. On the 15th May last I visited defendant's premises, and asked for half a glass of ginger wine-in English. He replied in English that he had no ginger wine, bat had gingerette, and I asked for half a glass of the latter, and he gave it me. I drank it and paid 2d. for it. I then said, "This is not gingerette it is ginger wine." Defendant brought in his daughter to interpret, and I said This is not gingerette, but ginger wine." He said through the interpreter it was gingerette, and that he bought it from Mr. Robert Isaac Jones, who came there and said that it was he who had sold the stuff to defendant as gin- gerette, and that "defendant called it gingerette, but it is ginger wiiie." Defendant gave me the paper No. 1 pro duced on the 18th May, and on the 19th I received from defendant No. 2. On the 19th I saw defendant with complainant. Defendant said that what he had sct-d me was bought from Mr. R. 1. Jones, and produced ajar, and said it came from that gentleman, and that the quan- tity sold and supplied to me was from the jar, I asked for a sample, and he gave me one from the jar. I corked and sealed it, and the bottle produced is the one, and complainant took possession of it. I paid Is. for it. De- fendant has no licence for British or foreign wines, but only for beer and spirits.—Robert Isaac Jones said: I carry on the business of a British and foreign wine mer- chant at Tremadoc. I supplied goods to defendant ac- cording to the invoice produced No. 1. These goods are green ginger, but I have sold it for 25 years as being the same as gingerette, and I only learnt the difference since this case has come on. J sold what we understand to be sweets, and it is invoiced to me as green ginger. I sold defendant a portion of the cask mentioned in invoice marked No. 2. I do not know what it is. I sold it as ginger wine or gingerette.—Henry Damerell said that on the 19th May he visited defendant, and obtained from him the sample of the liquid produced which he alleged to be a portion of the contents of the jar spoken of by the first witness. Witness forwarded the sample pro- duced to the laboratory, Somerset House, on the 24th May.-John Holmes said: I am a chemical officer at Somerset House, and have been for thirteen years. On the 25th May last I received the box produced contain- ing the bottle of sample produced. I examined the sample on the 5th June and analyzed it. I found it to be ginger wine. I found fermentation to have taken place. I also found yeast cells of the juice of a fruit, from the quantity of grape sugar, and from ashes or inorganic matter in the liquid. The character was that derived from fruits. The spirits were in excess of that produced by fermentation. It also contained a volatile acid, usually acetic. It was an article known as ginger wine. Gingerette is merely spirit sweetened and flavoured, no fermentation taking place.—The case was adjourned to next meeting, with a recommendation that the commissioner permit the inform- ation to be withdrawn. Drunk and Riotous and Refusing to Quit.-P.C. Thomas Williams v. Thomas Jones, who appeared. Robert Fran- cis Roberts said that defendant went to his house drunk. He asked" for drink, but he would not allow any to be given him. He refused to go out, and witness called com- plainant to turn him out. The complainant gave evidence to the same effect, and defendant was fined 5s., and 10s. costs. Drunk and Biotous.-P.C. Thomas Williams v. same, Thomas Jones.—Complainant proved the offence, and de- fendant was fined 5s., and 10s. costs.—A. S. Owen Price v. Griffith Griffiths: P.C. Owen Jones proved the service of the summons, and defendant was fined 10s., and lis. costs, or 14 days. Keeping a House open at Illegal Hours.-A. S. Owen Price v. Catherine Thomas, who appeared. Complainant said that on the 14th July he went to defendant's house, and remained nt the door; it opened, and Sarah Rice came out. He told her he wanted to know what she had, and he found a bottle of gin on Sarah Rice. It was then twenty-eight minutes past eleven by the town clock.— For the defence Sarah Rice was called, and she said she went over to defendant's for some whiskey for a child at her lodgings who was sick. Mrs. Thomas took no money for it.—The case was dismissed.—The same Sarah Rice was then chargecTby the same officer with being on the premises during illegal hours, and the same evidence was gone into.—Case dismissed. Cruelty to a Horse.— A. S. Owen Price v. Humphrey Jones. The alleged offence took place on the 14th July, and the case was an adjourned one.—Complainant said he found a wound on the off side of the near horse and a wound under the collar, and defendant was driving.—He was fined 6d., and 11s. costs. Donkey Straying.—P.C. John Roberts v. Andrew Jen- nings. Defendant was fined 6d., and 5s. costs.—Benjamin Williams, Criccieth, was charged by the same officer with the same offence on the 30th July, and was fined Gd., and lls. 6d. costs. Common Assault.—Evan Roberts, for an assault upon Elizabeth Jones, was bound over to keep the peace, and Eliza Lloyd, on the complaint of Anne Williams was also bound over.

PWLLHELI. COMING OF AGEOF MR. O. LLOYD J. EVANS, OF BROOM HALL.—It appears that demonstrations on an extensive scale are to take place at Pwllheli on the 4th September next, on the occasion of the coming of age of Mr. O. Lloyd Evans. Tl\ere is to be a dinner at the Town Hall, the town is to be decorated, and there are to be bonfires and illuminations. AUGUST FAIR.—On Monday, the 13th Aug., this fair was held. There were a great many persons present, and there was a good exhibition of cattle, though inferior to what has often been seen here. The prices of the cows varied from E12 to klS, those of the best oxen from kl7 to j319, two-year-old oxen from tlO to J314, yearlings from S7 to 210. The prices for horses were a little lower than in previous fairs. COUNTY COURT, AUG. 14.—Before Mr. Edmund Beale, M.A. The number of new plaints entered for hearing was 65; of adjourned do., 22; of judgment summonses, 1; and of equity cases, 1. William Graham and Mary Ellen, his wife, v. Jane Joize.s.-This was an adjourned case from four previous courts.—The claim was E2 for rent. The title of the pro- perty claimed was involved in the case.—Mr. Cledwyn Owen appeared for plaintiffs, and Mr. Ivor Parry for de- fendant.—The defence was that the defendant was willing to pay the rent, provided she was as- sured who was the owner. A good deal of evi- dence was adduced to prove that defendant had paid rent to one Griffith Williams, Pwllheli, as agent, to Anne Williams, mother of the female plaintiff. It ap- Eeared that by a mistake of the persons writing on be- alf of the said Griffith Williams, and his brother, Robert Williams, both of them shoemakers, the former living at Pwllheli, the latter at Carnarvon. The property was claimed as their own by them. Letters written by solicitors acting on behalf of Robert Williams, claiming the property as his own, were put in.—With regard to the letters, the Judge observed that they did not prejudice the case of plaintiffs, but in his opinion quite justified the case of the defence, and he did not wonder that Mr. Ivor Parry disputing the case point by point.—Robert Williams denied having instructed his agents, Mr. R. D. Williams, solicitor, Carnarvon, and Mr. Robert Hughes, accountant, Carnarvon, to write claiming the property as his own, as being the heir-at-law, and the Judge said there was something disgraceful in this pro- ceeding.—His Honour gave his verdict for plaintiffs for the amount claimed, but without costs. Equity Case.-Owen James and Margaret James, Cerigydrudion, v. Catherine Evans, Criccieth. — Mr. Cledwyn Owen for plaintiffs, and Mr. T. J. Roberts for defendant.—The application, which had been before the last Court, was for the custody of an infant, and for tbe payment of £ 30 from America into Court, to be handed over to him on, his attaining his majoritv.— Owen James was ordered to pay the amount into Court, and Margaret James was appointed guardian of the child. The other cases did not possess any public interest.

BARMOUTH. THE GAS CommxY.-Mr. John Ellis,'accountant, Dol- gelley, has been appointed secretary of the Barmou'-b Gasr Company.

TOWYN. BRYNCKUG CHURCH BAZAAR. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Augusf. 8 9 and 10, a grand fancy bazaar was held in the Market JTalL iowyn, in aid of the fund for building a church at Bryn- crug, an outlying; portion of the parish, about three miles from Towyn on the Dolgelley Road. The bazaar, held under the patronage of the Marchioness of Londonderry Sarah Lady Harlech, and Lady Williams Wynn, was fa: voured by the Cambrian Railway authorities who issued tickets from Machynlleth, Aberystwyth, Barmouth, Dol- gelley, and intermediate stations at cheap rates by. the ordinary trains. The new church, will cost about £ 800, and will be built on a site presented, by Mr. W. W. E. Wynne, of PeniArth, who for this purpose has given half an acre of land. Tie Diocesan Church lExtension Society have promised to con- tribute £100, and. the Ecclesiastical Commissioners will give a stipend of .f1l20 a year to the curate in charge cf the church. b The market hall, an iron building, which stands back from the road, was not large enough to afford accomuno- dation for stalls, and for lounging about. The committee got over this dignity by borrowing from the committee of the Ardudwy Choral Union a portion of the material used at the yearly festivals at Harlech. With this material they erected an outer room equal in size to the market hall. When the weather was fine this erection afforded a cool retreat, and a pleasant promenade- The buildings were tastefully decorated with flags lent by Mr. C. Elliott, Mr; Cooke, Aberdovey, and Mr. Kirkby Here a number, of ferns presented by Mr. Kirkby end the vicar of the parish, the Rev. Titus Lewis, were offered for sale. Amongst them were the Osmunda Regalk, the Hart s Tongue; Parsley Fern, Oak Fern, and others. At one end of tais apartment the refreshment stall was placed. I he contents of this stall were presented by Mrs. wtU £ ^lrWis' wll<> received a contribution from Mr* w! W. L. Wynna. Here hungry and thirsty souls could ob- tain sandwiches, pies, jellies, beer, wines, pastrv. at prices not exceptionally outrageous. On Wednesday, Mrs. Wood presided-over this department, and on Thursday and Friday the creature comforts were dispensed by Miss Sophia Kirkby. In the middle of the open space in the temporary erection there was a mysterious square enclo- sure of canvas stretched from post to post. Youthful 're' visitors peered their best to get to know what was to be seen inside, b.t they like their elders unless willing to pay the fee were compelled to be satisfied with. the follow- ing written announcement: Pongo. Gr performing Gorilla. Chief Monkey. Admission sixpence." The eloquent showman was Mr. Kirkby, who was evidently safer in the VIllllty of Pongo than when near the visitors who paid Ct £ < to see Pongo," who was nothing more nor less than ft Diusical box in the shape of a ictonkey. Pongo was placed, on a table and screwed up, and then the show- man and Pongo began to make noise enough sufficient to silence, any indications of disappointment, which if noticed, at all were interpreted as expressions of rap- ture on. seeing Pongo pretend to play on a trombone. Just inside the door of the market hall a bundle of walking sticks,of native growth cut out of the hedgerows and pre- sented.by Mr. Kirkby claimed attention. The advertise- ments of the bazaar announced that a varied selection of music would be played throughout, each day. The music was obtained from a piano lent by the Rev. Titus Lewis, and the following ladies, amongst others, were the musi- cians The Misses Stuart, the Misses Pemberton, the Misses Kirkby, Mrs. Seaton,. Miss Jenkins, Llanegryn. The musical arrangements W&SJ of the most free and easy kind. Anybody who felt so disposed sat down and played, and as your reporter was net on the ground the whole of the three days, he may have failed to record the names of more than half the fair players. From the three stalls hereafter to be described skirmish- ing parties were sent out to harass the enemv and brirc, in "supplies." Right well they did their work. Lucky bags, raffles, impossible smoking caps and still more im- possible slippers, were made to haunt one like neglocted duties in a dream. The very thing you least wanted was always turning up when you most didn't want it. Victory was generally on the side of the skirmishers, who were like flies on a summer's night, the more you tried to get rid of them the closer they buzzed about you. One young lady—Miss Pemberton—especially distinguished herself. If you would not pay half-a-crown to go into a raffle, nor sixpence to push your unlucky hand into a lucky bag, and did not want to buy an elephantine cushion, perhaps you would buy a pennyworth of marbles. She had a large box full of these circular means of juveaile joy, and spared no effort in finding purchasers for them. Will In you buy some marbles, please" she asked a youth ashamed of what had not yet ceased. He pleaded that he did not play. But perhaps you have some little brothers. Do buy a pennyworth." 0, it was cruel. Then an old man of seventy was asked to buy a pennyworth, and he complied, but on being asked to play a game pre- cipitately retired from the scene of action. There were three stalls. No. 1, by Mrs. Kirkby, assisted by the Misses Kirkby, Miss Pemberton, and Miss Jenny Jones, Jasper Ho ase, Aberystwyth. No. 2, Mrs. Titus Lewis, assisted by Miss Charlotte Pugh, Miss Gibbons, and the Misses Kettle. No. 3, Sarah Lady Harlech, assisted by Miss Rosalie Champion de Crespigny, Miss Reveley, and Miss Rose Reveley. The chief feature on No. 3 stall was a large number of water colour drawings, oil paintings, &c. Views of Cader Idris, Craig-y-Deryn, Pont-y-Garth, and other places of interest in the district were well represented. A curious and interesting sketch by Mr. J. H. Reveley represented the murder of Baron Owen, as related by Robert Vaughan, of Hengwrt. The grouping of the figures and their expression were very good. A pencil sketch of Mr. W. W. E. Wynne, by Mies de Crespigny, was greatly admired. There were many other sketches of considerable value. The other part of the stall was well stocked with useful and fancy articles, the useful in the shape of children's clothing predominating. In the centre of No. 2 stall an elegant glass flower stand was conspicuous, but the chief article was a splendid table cover, worth about ten guineas, worked in coloured silks by Mrs. Thomas Jones, London. Here also a fair show was made of the now favourite hand-painted red ware. Amongst the minor attractions of this stall was a small fern basket, curiously and ingeniously made of cut cork. The most expensive articles at No. 1 stall were a pair of handsome fire screens, on rosewood stands, worked in coloured silk and wool. One represented the bachelor's arms. The motto was "ego." The quarterings repre- sented a crab, a tobacco pipe, two bottles, a glass, an arm chair, a tobacco box, and a cigar case. Two bears supporters. The crest, money against ease. The other screen represented the spinster's arms. The motto was "Dumspiro spero." The quarteriugs, three teapots, three teacups, a pair of spectacles, an umbrella* and a workbox. Supporters, two cats. The crest, a parrot. Amongst the other articles was a white china tea set, with coral handles, raffled for and won by Miss Rose Reveley. On a table opposite the stalls, amongst other things which might be classed as miscellaneous, were baskets of eggs, butter, a large cake, and odds and ends of every conceivable kind. Towards four o'clock the room began to fill, and each day the attendance was good considering the weather, which was variable. The first day was most unfavourable, Thursday was fine, and Friday was showery. It is worthy of note that neither Lady Harlech nor Mr. Kirkby own land in the parish, and that what they did was done simply out of a desire to assist the people in their efforts to build a church, which it is felt the district needs. The results of the three days' sale, which finished up with a sale by auction, were satisfactory. Amongst those who visited the bazaar were—Major Norman, Mr. W. W. E. Wynne, Peniarth, Mr. and Mrs. Reveley, the Misses Reveley, Mrs. and Miss Lewis, Dol- gelley, Mrs. David Roberts, Aberystwyth, the Misses Jenkins, Llanegryn, Mrs. and Miss Griffiths, Mertliyr Tydfil the Misses Stuart, the Misses Pemberton, Miss Jones and Miss Lloyd, Jasper House, Aberystwyth, Mr. William Parry, Miss Davies, Penmaendovey, Mrs. Silvan Evans, Llanwrin Rectory, Mr. Oliver, Festiniog, the Rev. Titus Lewis, the Rev. Griffith and Mrs. Roberts, Llanegryn, the Rev. T. Edwards, Llanfihangel-v-Pennant, the Rev. Robert Edwards, Corris, Mr. W. R. M. Wynne, Peniarth, Mr. C. Elliott, Captain and Mrs. Beadnell, Mr. and Mrs. Kettle, the Misses Kettle, Mr. M. R. Pugh and Miss Pugh, Cefncamberth, Mrs. Bunburv, Cefncamberth, &c., &c. In the evening a successful concert was held.

DOLGELLEY. COUNTY COURT, FRIDAY, AUG. 10.—Before Judge Beales. Fifty-eight new plaints were entered for hearing at this court, one referred hearing, one adjourned and nine com- mitment cases. James v. Daries.-This was a claim made by James Davies, mason, of Dolgelley, upon the Rev. Thomas Davies, executor of the late Watkin Anwyl for the re- covery of £1 10s. for work done in building a water closet on land belonging to the deceased. Judgment was entered for the full amount with all costs. Jones v. Owen.—The plaintiff, Ellis Pugh Jones, a draper, residing at Corris, sued the defendant, William Owen, quarryman, for the recovery of k8 Is. 4d., account delivered.—Mr. G. H. Ellis, Ffestiniog, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. W. R. Davies for the defendant.—A notice pleading the Statute of Limitations had been given, but the payment, in 1872, of kl, by the brother, barred the statute. The defendant had also given notice of a set-off, claiming by it, £28 15s. for work done in plaintiff's garden from January, 1871, to September, 1876, at the rate of ki-) per annum. In answer to the set-off the plaintiff de- posed to having squared with the defendant as he pro- ceeded with his work at the garden, giving him meals, shop goods, clothes, and cash. From the evidence it seemed that a bill had been delivered for that amount to the plaintiff a few days prior to the entry of the case into court; but plaintiff stated that his brother, Hugh Jones, had seen the bill and had deducted a certain sum, as the garden was 100 yards less than the defendant had said it was, and had allowed in proportion, afterwards striking a balance. He also set a claim against that balance of 29 for the food, cash, and clothing given the defendant during the time. His Honour held with the plaintiff before see- ing that account, but after perusing it he remarked that it was an acknowledgment that the defendant should be paid for the work done. He accordingly gave judgment for the defendant, inasmuch as the set-off was more than the claim. Under the circumstances, however, he dis- allowed the costs. Williams r. Williams.—The plaintiff, John Williams, a timber merchant living at Dolgelley, claimed of David I Williams, a mason, lately returned from America, £ 5 10s. PiHa1wa je.ars rent' due 1-th. 1869.—Mr. G. H Ills, i festiniog, appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. W R thr'l? /T the defendant. A notice of the pleading of the statute of limitations .^1 been served, but not in time, and consequently the case had to be proceeded with on its merits.-Mr. Ellis res**t hi, case on an Act of Par liament passed in the reign ei --(,)tpeein Anne, providing for the recovery of certain actions or suits, including arbrear- ffie aCCrU1+ni? durin° defendant's absence Wond ™ instance, the defendant ha\ m0 left the country during the half vear for which the rlnenlpVT w ir /v E^is *h*t that Act had not been repealed but Mr Davies, on the other hand, held that «;Lrl vf clauns> whether tha defendant had re- thLt\heyAn+ft? co"dd not find had been directly repealed, yet he held that A if! re^ fJ)y He quoted another Act in support of his view ot the case.—His Honour after looking minutely into the law upon the subject, said that after reading both secuions in conjunction with one another which was the golden .rule, he found that the Act had not been repealed.. He al-o added that no Act whatsoever could be repealed, by implication. He was ml st Mr. Davies, as the dtefendant was beyond the seas. -»«- e RaiI?bff was entitled ts judgment for the full amount. shw.v.that the plaintiff had stept return A/1 l e defCI1dant was away, and had only met snot !fSt FebTru*ry- —* <<& by Mr. Ellis- met such cases. Jud-,memt -Nvas tbæn stored for the full. amount, with costs. '5^fi 'T?aPP^&tion was made for a new trial TWLC f Ratford, of Colxfea Mill, Wresham, v. ,VaT^Cer'i °L lr?;rcut31' irL the sum of £ 36, 13s. 4d. was involved. Prftt. clerk of the plaintiff's appeared forplauM, aixl.Mr. W_ R. Davies 4 the de- fendant. lyo affidavit iiad, bees* filed, nor "were there any witnesses present in support ^the Lpplkation, which was made on the ground that the plaintiff Imd. since the trial discovered fret&.evidents material to- the ias^.— Mr. Davies objected tc rv new trial, because cf the ab- sence of the affidavit and ..the witnesses.—At plaintiff's desire, however, the application was adjourned to the next, court, in order that an. jiJidavii might be Sled. BOARD OF GUARDtAXS, SATUKDAY, AUGUST 11.- Present: Mr. Edwesai. GirifSth, in the chair, the Rev. •JY' J 3L. Jcxaes, Mr. E*an&, Mawldwy, Mr. Owen Owen, Mr.. John Humphreys, Mr. John Scott, Mr. John Talyllyn, Ms: Daniel Williams, Mr. Hugh Evans, Mr. Joseph Roberts^ clerk. Statistics. Out-re!ief administered during the past fort- mght Barmouth cKstriet, per Mr. John Jones, £ 101 4s.. 10d., to 424 paupe:« TaJlyllyn district, per Air. Morris Jones, £55 Is., teo 240; paupers. Arrears, k577 Os. 4d. Balance in the banic £ 826 9s. lid. Nounber in the house, 26 last year, 21. Vagrants relievicL during the past fort-. night, 22; last year,. 26. ges. -The Cldik: read a latter from the Local Govei-jinent Board seM in answer to-his queries respecting the ^ilanjmawddwy satss, but the letter did not touch at all. upon the question 1 dispute. A desul- tory conversation ensued, duri which Air..Evaas held that unless the sstimates were "i,.Ie np and sent to the overseers befoaa the 25th Marcit and the 2th. September respectively, they were illeg.V-rhe Clerk said he cer- tainly would act have the matter brought up. tiiae after time to occupy the Board usel^'isly, when they ha.d nothing at all to do **oth it. The oves^eers of Llanymawddwy had paid their -isJIs, and the Boaod had notiiiiig further to do with thenv—Mr. Evans ù.i,j< not believe the sum in dis- pute had b jen paid. He said Se should take the matter into his own bands and would -write to the Local Government Board atc-ut it.—Mr. Sc»tfc thought the ISeaxd ought to see wh&fc was written.—The Cl^rk produced thd monthly statement of iJanymawddwy parish, showing a -« j a2*ce *n t^le collector's hands of £ 4 7s. 3d. Evans was s\ye the money in. dispute had not Œ.{tD paid, nor wosild it be paid. That was, as far as Mr. Jivans's money w-3f> concerned. — The Clerk said Guardians had_ nothing to do with Mr. Evans's money. It was a question foe the overseers to deal with.—Mr. Evans asked the ck-rlc why bi)- did not make the calls at tte proper time ?—This question, occasioned a great out- cry frcm the clerk and several Guardians, during which. Mt. Scott told Yr. Evans that he was only a young v; C.1 Guardian, and ol.ht not to pounce upon the Board in tha way he had done,-—The Clerk added that he would leave the room unless. Mr. Evans would be satisfied with the ex- planation that had been made at previous meetings. He had told the Board several times that he reasom why the estimates^were not allowed before was. because the valua- tion was in such a state, and because there was so much money in the hands of the treasurer. That was the reason why the calls were not passed.—Mr. Evans Shall I give you a question?—The Clerk Was not that, Mr. Chair- man, my explanation ?—The Chairman The clerk is our legal adviser, and it is his opinion that the Board has nothing to do with the matter.—The Clerk: I don't want you to take my opinion. Was not what I have said the explanation I gave before?-The Chairman: Yes.—The Rev. W. Hughes The question Mr. Evans raises is, can the overseers levy the rates because the calls.were not made at the proper time?—The Clerk Certainly they can-—The Rev. W. Hughes: Well, if you are satisfied on that point, that will do.—Mr. Evans I have a right, as a Guardian, to ask any question I like.—The Rev. W. Hughes Certainly.—Mr. Evans Has the balance in the bank anything to do with the calls ? The Clerk: Certainly it has.—Mr. Evans Who makes the estimate ? ~The Clerk The Board of Guardians.—Mr. Evans: Then the Board of Guardiansis at fault.—Mr. J. Meyrick Jones If it does not concern the Board I think we ought to have nothing to do with it. If so Mr. Evans has a perfect right to act on his own responsibility.—Mr. Evans If we take the thing into our own hands will you not interfere with us ?-The Rev. W. Hughes No, all we shall have to do will be to enforce our calls.—The Clerk, after further conversation, asked the Board to let him fight it out, and that he would do. He would answer the letter in his own course of correspondence.—The discussion ter- minated after the reading of a note from Mr. A. W. Wilcock, and further repetition of arguments. The Charges Against the Master.—The Clerk informed the Board that on the 21st August, at 10 30, Mr. Murray Browne, the Local Government Board Inspector, would hold an enquiry into the charges made against the master and matron of the workhouse.

ECCLESIASTICAL. Pius IX. is approaching the completion of his Memoirs on which he has been engaged for more than forty yeirs. In pre- paring this work, which is being executed on an elaborate scale, His Holiness has had no aid except from Father Dresciani, one of the most learned of the Jesuits. The Pope has now handed over his autobiographical notes and accessory documents to Father Dresciani, who is to put them in order for the press. Among the manuscripts to be used in the preparation of the "Memoirs" is the correspondence of the Pope with Charles Albert, King Victor Emmanuel, Napoleon III., and the Count de Cavour. By a special codicil to his testament His Holiness orders that the Memoirs" shall not be published until ten years have elapsed after his death. At Friday's meeting of the Wesleyan Conference, at Bristol, in the report of the Committee of Privileges especial notice was taken of the action of the committee in reference to the Burials Bill, and the Connexion was congratulated on the prospects of the measure. A resolution was adopted, heartily approving the course taken by the Wesleyan Association for the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts, and urging it to persevere in more vigorous efforts to procure their repeal. At the Old Bailey, on Friday, August 10, John Elliott sur- rendered to his bail on the charge of breaking into St. James's Church, Hatcham, and destroying the confessional box. The Rev. Mr. Tooth and other Ritualistic clergymen were present. Mr. Montagu Williams was for the prosecution, and Mr. Douglas Straight for the defence. The defence was that the box had been previously damaged during the riots. Eventually the jury said they had heard enough evidence, and the prosecution was withdrawn.

TIDE TABLE FOR ABERYSTWYTH, ABERDOVEY, AND BARMOUTH. August. AberystNvTth. Aberdovey. Barmouth. a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. Fn. 17 0 56 1 27 1 25 1 56 1 5 1 36 Sat. 18 2 If 2 46 2 30 I 3 15 2 10 j 2 55 Sun. 19 3 34 4 19 4 3 I 4 48 3 43 4 28 Mon. 20 5 2 5 19 5 31 5 48 5 11- 5 28 Tues. 21 5 37 6 6 6 6 6 3o 5 46 6 15 Wed. 22 6 29 6 51 6 58 7 20 6 38 7 0 Thur. 23 7 10 7 29 7 39 7 58 7 19 7 38

ENGLAND VERSUS Fr,-ANCE.-For generations chocolate has been imported in large quantities into this country from France. We are glad to find the tables turned at last, and that Cadburys, the makers of the well-known Cocoa Essence, have opened elegant premises at 90, Faubourg, St. Honore, Paris.—Their Cocoa Essence being perfectly genuine is a beverage far better suited to warm climates -e, 1 4 than the thick heavy compounds of Cocoa with sugar and starch generally sold. MYWDDOG.—The Academy'says :—"Mr. Davies, be- sides being a poet and musician, had become essential to all public meetings of an entertaining character in the Prin- cipality for, besides being able to take an active and varied part in them, he had acquired such tact in the management of mixed audiences of his countrymen as no other man living could be said to possess and we are glad to say that his influence was always of a legitimate and beneficial nature, for it never assumed the form of coarse- ness or vulgarity, and it was always directed to civilizing the crowd and to teaching it good manners and orderly- behaviour. But perhaps what struck strangers most was the amazing readiness with which he could bring an im- patient or even irritated audience into good humour and order. It must be admitted that a Welsh crowd is much easier than an English one to keep quiet and contented, through its more decided taste fur literature and music, but even Welsh ones are known occasionally to become very noisy; we well remember the following instance. A young Welshman was discoursing at an Eisteddfod on the Welsh language, and scattering to the winds the absurdi- ties which it was the fashion to air in all meetings of the kind. The audience showed repeated symptoms of impa- tience, but the speaker, who had taken care to have his discourse ready in type, studiously avoided conciliating the crowd, and declared with irritating coolness that they might stop him if they liked, but that they would not succeed in getting him to talk nonsense to them, his policy. apparently being to make the sensible portion of the audience disgusted with the more ignorant and credulous. The latter grew more noisy and stamped^ the floor with great unanimity, which brought Mr. Davies to his feet, entreating them to stop that, lest Mr. should conclude that all their sense had subsided into their shoes. Then he promised to sing for them on condition that they joined in the chorus, premising that they would all be able to understand and appreciate the words. The latter turned out to be a nonsense-rhyme, and they had not reached the end of the chorus before it gradually dawned upon them that the conductor had made fools oi them th^ result was that the iguorant and the fiction-mongers in the audience remained silent, and allowed the rest to hear the discousae to the end. It is needless to add that Mr. death, is an irretrievably loss to the Eisteddfod, and that it is universally beveled by all his comtrymen.