The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

THE PALE DINNER, LLANDRILLO. The annual dinner to the farmers, tenants, and others on the Pal4 and Crogen estates, given by Mr. H. Robert- son, M.P., came off at Llandrillo on Thursday, Feb. 6. The repast, a very excellent and bountiful one, was pro- vided by Mr. and Mrs. Jones of the Dudley Arms Inn, and was laid out in the Board School. About 140 sat down, and amongst the company were several freeholders 1_ L1_- _1_1_1- -'1 uving in Lijo iieiguoournooa. Mr. Edward Jarrett, Plas-yn-fardre, occupied the chair, and the vice-chairmen were Messrs. Thomas Jones, melyn, Bollam, Llandrillo, Roberts, Tyfos, and Hem*y Davies, Branas-ucha. Amongst those present were—Messrs. Ed. Parry, a0\:i:i,, Pale, David White, Rhydyglaves, T. White, Stamp, Cor- wen, Robert Hughes, C.wm issa, John H. Jones, Coedy- molfa, R. Jarrett, Heolgauad, Robert Evans, Hendwr, R. W. Roberts, Llawrcilan, John Jones, jun., Cilan, J. Phillips, Tynyfach, Rev. J. Jones, Independent minister, Messrs. G. Roberts, Tydraw, J. Evans, Moelisgnedwig, L. Roberts, Branas-issa, J. Jones, Tynypark, J. M. Jones, Trawsfynydd, R. Evans, Llechwedd, F. Jones, Branas Ledge, J. Jones, Blaengwnodl-issa, H. Jones, Gwnodl- bach, S. Roberts, builder, Pale, D. Hughes, Llanerch, W. Lloyd, Gwnodlfawr, Jno. Roberts, Cross Keys, Llan- drillo, S. Roberts, butcher, Llandrillo, T. Boddam, Blaengwnodl-uchaf, Oswell, Llandrillo, Roberts, Llan- dderfel, H. Jones, Glyn Mill, J. White, Rhydyglaves, &e. Grace was said before meat by the Rev. Jno. Jones, Independent minister, and after by Mr. Simon Roberts, Palé. The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the loyal toasts, said he was sure that in no part of her Majesty's dominions were there more loyal subjects than in many parts of Wales. Although she was Queen of England she was as subject to losses and grief as the rest of the world, and she had recently experienced a very deep loss by the death of the Princess Alice, than whom a more lovable woman, or one possessing more virtues, had never lived.—The toast was drunk upstanding, and the Chairman then gave the health of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family. He expressed the hope that long and distant might be the day when the Prince of Wales would be called to the office of king. He had not the least doubt that when called he would fill the office as his illustrious father had done, and prove himself worthy of the proud position of king of England. (Applause). Mr. T. JONES, Brynmelyn, then gave the health of the Bishop and Clergy and Ministers of all Denominations. He said he was proud to propose the toast. He was sorry to see there were so few present, and he trusted it was not a sign that they thought ill of these meetings, but that some other reasons had kept them away. He hoped that if they all lived there would be more with them at a future time. Continuing, in Welsh, he expressed a hope that they would all go home in such a manner that their ministers would form the best opinion of them in future. (Laughter and applause). He coupled with the toa3t the name of the Rev. Jno. Jones. The CHAIRMAN proposed the health of the Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces of this country, remarking that our army, though small in number, was equal to, If not better than, any in the world. We had lately been engaged in war in Afghanistan, where a portion of our troops had been led by a general, a Welsh general-he supposed he must be-General Roberts, who had gained glory in every battle in which he had been engaged. When he returned ( to England he would meet with a great reception. Mr. T. WHITE, of the Denbighshire Yeomanry Cavalry, I whose name was associated with the toast, responded. The CHAIRMAN, who spoke in both Welsh and English, said they now came to the toast of the evening. He had to give them the health of Mr. Robertson—(cheers)—who had been very liberal in giving that feast. He was a very good landlord, as all knew. It would have given them all very great pleasure to have seen him present, but some- thing had occurred to prevent his coming, as he had in- tended. On those occasions nothing could be better than to see the landlord and his tenants meeting together. They ought always to go hand in hand, for their interests were identical; the landlords could not do without the tenant farmers any more than the tenant farmers could do without the landlords, and the interests of the one were the interests of the other. (Hear, hear.) He was very flad to see that so much good feeling existed between Ir. Robertson and his tenants, and the Earl of Dudley and his tenants, both of whom they were most proud of. (Hear, hear.) He gave health and long life to Mr. Robert- t son. (Cheers.) Mr. EDWARD PARRY returned thanks for the toast, which was drunk upstanding with musical honours. He expressed regret that Mr. Robertson had not attended as he had promised to do, but he would certainly have been Eresent but for unavoidable circumstances, and all would ave felt and been happy in his presence. (Hear, hear.) During the past year things had gone on amongst the tenantry and keepers in the most satisfactory manner and he had not heard of any complaints. (Applause.) He was very much obliged to them all. The CHAIRMAN next gave the health of Lord Dudley, which was also very warmly received. He was sure he need not say anything about the nobleman who was the subject of this toast. He was known to all as one of the best landlords in Wales. (Hear, hear.) They needed no auctioneer in Llandrillo, for all were doing well there, and the farmers held their land on terms which enabled them to make them pay. Lord Dudley was certainly a noble landlord, and he only wished that there were many others in Wales as good. (Cheers.) Mr. BOLLAM, his lordship's agent, responded to the toast. Mr. T. JOKES, Brynmelyn, next gave the health of the two agents, Mr. Parry (Pal6 agent) and Mr. Bollam (Earl of Dudley's agent), and remarked that while sometimes placed in a very difficult position between landlord and tenant the two named gentlemen had the good sense to carry out all orders from their employers in such a way as to be most advantageous to both parties. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. Mr. PARRY responded, and said that he would do the best he could for the tenants, as well as look to the interest of his employer. Song-Mr. Oswell. Mr. H. DAVIES, Branas, gave the health of the Chair- man, who had acted as their president for many years, remarking that he had fulfilled his duties well on all occa- sions, and this year better than ever. 8 Drunk with musical honours. Mr. E. JARRETT thanked the company for the kind manner in which they had received the toast. The last toast from the chair was "The Host and Hostess." The CHAIRMAN said that Mr. and Mrs. Jones were always considered to be good caterers, but in his (the Chairman's) opinion they had excelled all former occa- sions. The toast was very heartily received. Mr. JONES responded. Several other toasts were given, and in the course of the evening many excellent son were sung by Messrs. J. Morris Jones, David Jones, Gelli, Robert Roberts, Peter Jones, &c. After a second round of punch, the company dispersed between six and seven o'clock highly pleased with the en- tertainment they had had.

The following is a copy of a receipt given fifty-five years ago by the agent of Sir Thomas Mostyn-" Received, 12th day of March, 1824, of Mr. the sum of one hundred and ninety-six pounds fifteen shillings, which, with an allowance of eighty-two pounds, five shillings, on account of the low price of produce, is the remainder of rent due to Sir Thomas Mostyn, Baronet, at Michaelmas last. —JOHN MAUGHAN." On Saturday, February 8, there was launched from the yard of Mr. R. Smith, Preston, a new steamer, intended for the passenger traffic between Liverpool and Rhyl. It was named the Cambria, by Mrs. Oldfield, wife of one of the owners. Thomas Hughes, ot Berthengau, near Prestatyn, was brought up before the Rhyl magistrates oa Wednesday, Feb. 5, charged with having committed perjury at the Prestatyn Petty Sessions on the 20th of January last, whilst giving evidence on behalf of the defendant in a game case. Hughes new admitted that his tale was untrue from beginning to end." He was committed for trial at the next assizes. Mr. G. W. Duff Assheton Smith, of Vaypol, has for- warded to the Dean of Bangor a contribution of 22,000 towards the restoration fund. More than 26,000 has been contributed in a fortnight. As many large landowners in the Diocese have not yet announced their subscriptions, it is hoped that the entire sum of 212,000 required will be shortly provided. A maiden lady named Davies died from the effects of poison at Bangor on Friday, Feb. 7. At the inquest held on Saturday, it was stated that the deceased had been in low spirits some time, and on Thursday evening the servant found her lying unconscious. She never recovered consciousness, and died on Friday morning. Shortly before her death a neighbour found a bottle of belladonna liniment and a glass lying on the floor between the bed and the wall. This bottle, which was marked Poison," had been obtained for a Mrs. Lewis, who at one time lodged with the deceased, and it was conjectured that during the servant's absence Miss Davies went into an adjoining bedroom where the bottle was and drank some of the contents. The jury found that she committed Bilicide while in a state of temporary insanity. » The Bisnop ot Alancnester, in preaching before the Oxford University on Sunday, morning Feb. 9, condemned that religion which was almost entirely aesthetic or emo- tional and said that in early ages there was nothing sacer- dotal in the sacrament. For this they had to wait until the age of liturgies and formularies which were often re- vised to meet the growing claims of priestly prerogative. RICCKITT,,3 PARIS BLUE. —The marked superiority of this Laundry Blue over all others and the quick appre- ciation sf its merits by the public has been attended with the usual result, viz. a flood of imitations the merit of the latter mainly consists in the ingenuity exerted, not simply in imitating the square shape, but making the general appearance of the wrappers resemble that of the gennine article. The manufacturers beg, therefore, to I caution all buyers to see Reckitt's Paris Blue on each packet. I THE CONVICT PEACE. The following letter has been received by Peace's family, under date Friday, Feb. 7 it is in the convict's own handwriting, and is the first which he has written since his trial:— My dear Wife and Children,—I got your letter a minute ago. I hope that you will all keep your spierits up as well as you can through your grate troubel, as well as you can, and pray to God to have mercy upon my poor soul. I think that I shall have to die in a fortnight from now. [He then gives directions with respect to a visit from his family, and concludes]—" With best love to you all as long as I do live. I am yet very ilL"-I am yours, CHARLES PEACE. Mrs. Thompson went to visit Peace at Armley Gaol on Friday, but the Visiting Committee refused to permit her to see him. Mr. Brion, of Peckham Rye, has now made an elabor- ate statement as to his acquaintance with the condemned convict Peace. At their first meeting, which was purely accidental, Peace showed him an invention for raising sunken ships, and they agreed to work it together. Pro- posals were made by them to the Admiralty for raising the Vanguard and Eurydice, and to the German Govern- ment respecting the Grosser Kurfurst. The Admiralty replied that they were able to manage their own affairs, and needed no outside assistance. An application to Mr. Plimsoll was equally unsuccessful. -Ultimately Mr. Brion and Peace quarrelled. According to the former, Peace committed one of his burglaries on an evening when lie was at a musical party at Brion's house, excusing his departure on the ground of a pressing engagement. On Monday Peace received a farewell visit from Mr. and Mrs. Bolsover (his daughter and her husband), Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Peace (his brother and wife), John Peace (a nephew), and Ellen Taylor and Mary Ann Neil (his two nieces). Peace bore the interview with great fortitude. Mrs. Thompson also applied at the gaol on Monday for admission to see Peace, but was refused. The Leeds correspondent of the Press Association tele- graphs that Peace appears daily to realize more fully his dreadful position. He is said never to have entertained any hope of a reprieve since the dread sentence was pro- nounced upon him by Mr. Justice Lopes. The two warders, who watch him by night and day, are changed at frequent intervals. He writes one or two letters daily, in addition to the statement he is engaged upon. He at all times conducts himself with perfect docility. Mrs. Hannah Peace, her son, Willie Ward, and nephew, Thomas Neil, had an interview with the condemned man at Armley gaol on Wednesday. Peace's reception of his wife was at first less cordial than might have been expec- ted although he professed to be glad to see her. The woman cried bitterly, and Peace afterwards spoke more kindly. The interview- was mainly taken up with family affairs.

THE ALLEGED MURDER BY POACHERS AT CONGLETON. At the Burslem County Court, on Wednesday, Feb. 5, Thomas Jones and Wm. Burton were remanded for com- mittal on the charge of the wilful murder of gamekeeper Beswick. Evidence was given to show that a gang of poachers, including the two prisoners, attacked a party of watchers at Bicklulph, Staffordshire, and that Beswick was so wounded on the head with a gunstock that he died shortly after. It was intimated at the outset by Chief- Superintendent Longden that the police authorities had not been able to secure such evidence as would allow them to go fully into the case on the present occasion, but he would call a witness upon whose statements he would ask that a remand might be granted. Mr. Pain represented the prisoners. Chief-Constable Hall, Congleton, stated that the prisoners were taken into custody at Congleton on the 30th January, and had been remanded. On Sunday the prisoner Burton said to witness, On the night of the murder I was with Slater. I saw Heathcote come from behind a tree in Whitemoor Wood. He shouted, and fetched the man from the hedge who got killed. Slater and Herb Dale rushed at him. I saw Higginbotham knock the man down, and when we were running away I saw the man lying on the ground and thought he was dead." A statement was also made by the prisoner Jones impli- cating Slater and Dale and exonerating himself. The prisoners were remanded till Thursday, January 13, at Kidssrrove. On Wednesday afternoon, a telegram was received by the police authorities at Birkenhead, intimating that two of the alleged murderers—John Slater, a labourer, and Herbert Dale, a weaver-were supposed to have taken up their quarters in that town, their intention being to pro- ceed to America. Instructions were given to Detective officer Moore to make strict enquiries respecting the two men. Moore quickly set to work, and in a short time he discovered Slater and Dale in a beerhouse and lodging house kept by a man p^med Peter Flynn, where theyha3 taken up their temporary abode on Monday night. On being charged with the murder they made no reply. The two men were then taken into custody, and lodged in the bridewell at the town hall. One of the prisoners had a fresh wound on his head. It is said that the prisoner Dale struck the gamekeeper, James Beswick, with a loaded gun on the head, which was fractured, and caused the unfortunate man's death. The gun on coming in con- tact with Beswick's head, exploded, and wounded him in the knee. Immediately after the apprehension by Detective-officer Moore of Slater and Dale, a telegram was sent to the police at Burslem. and next day the two prisoners were removed to Staffordshire.

LORD HARTINGTON AT LIVERPOOL. The Marquis of Hartington opened on Thursday, Feb. 6th, anew Liberal Club, at Liverpool..At the dinner, under the presidency of Lord Sefton, Lord Hartington referred to the caucus system, which had, he said, met with a great deal of unnecessary and unmerited abuse. It would be a mistake to suppose any hard and fast system could be applicable to every constituency. It worked admirably in the place of its origin, and, where willingly adopted, nothing could be more conducive to the interests of the Liberal party. On Friday night there was a great party gathering at the Theatre Royal, Liverpool. Mr. R. D. Holt, chairman of the Liverpool Liberal Association, occupied the chair, and amongst those present were Lord and Lady Sefton, Mr. W. Rathbone, M.P., Mr. A. H. Brown, M.P., and an influential representation of local Liberal leaders. The Hon. HENRY MOLYNEUX moved That this meet- ing offers a hearty welcome to the Marquis of Hartington,. as leader of the Liberal party in the House of Commons, and as a worthy representative of the great principles of civil, commercial, and religious liberty, identified with the history of his family." Mr. W. RATHBONE, M.P., seconded the motion, and it was enthusiastically carried. The Marquis of HARTINGTON, who was most cordially received, spoke of the political position of Lancashire, and indicated what were the hopes and intentions of the Liberal party. He also reviewed the home and foreign policy of the Government, and complained that, under the present administration, no one had the slightest inkling of what was ^intended to be gone before Parliament had actually assembled. Speaking of the anticipated legisla- tion on Irish university education, the noble speaker said he was sure that any proposal which they might make would have a calm and fair reception and consideration from the Liberal party. In reply to the challenge that their party should, whilst condemning the policy of the Tories, declare what was their own, asserted that the Liberal party was pledged to an assimilation of the county and the borough franchise, a redistribution of seats, local government reform, and religious equality. The legislation of the Liberal party towards Ireland, if it had not effected the reconciliation of the Irish people, had in- uioaseu wieir prosperity, sonenea religious ainerences, and mitigated disaffection. He believed the time would come when the Irish people would believe the Liberal party were their natural allies. He protested against England stepping into the arena and dictating to other nations. She had never occupied that position, and that game could not be played unless they were prepared to submit to conscription. The following resolution was carried That the best thanks of this meeting be given to the Marquis of Hartington, for the visit which he has paid to Liverpool, and especially for his kindness in attending on the present occasion and that the meeting expresses its unfaltering attachment to the Liberal cause,upon the revival of which, at this time especially, the welfare and progress of the nation greatly depend."

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT. A notice appears in the London Gazette stating that whereas it appears to the Board of Trade that a new de- nomination of the standard weight of 1001b. is required her Majesty in Council approves of the cental or new hundred weight as a new denomination of standard in compliance with the provisions of the Weights and Measures Act, 1878. A second meeting of cheese factors carrying on business in Lancashire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire, was held at Manchester, on the 30th Jan., Mr. Grimes, of Northwich, in the chair. There was a numerous attendance. The secretary of the Sub-Com- mittee, Mr. James Eckersley, reported that, in accordance with the resolution adopted at the previous meecing, a petition had been forwarded to the President of the Board of Trade, praying that this particular trade be permitted to continue buying and selling cheese at the old standard weight of 120lbs. as heretofore. The following reply had been received to the memorial:— Sir,—I am to acknowledge your communication of the 8th instant, forwarding to the President of the Board of Trade a petition of cheese factors and merchants trading in the counties of Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire, and Stafford- shire, with reference to the operation of the Weights and Measures Act, 1878, and the use of a weight of one hundred and twenty pounds (120lbs.). In reply thereto I am to state that the Board of Trade have not given, and have no power to give, directions to the effect that goods must be bought and sold at a uniform standard of one hundred and twelve pounds (1121bs.). I am also to acquaint you that, in the opinion of the Board of Trade, there is nothing in the Act to prevent the sale or pur- chase of cheese, i or any other article, at per one hundred and twenty pounds (I201bs.), which is a multiple of the imperial standard pound, provided the one hundred and twenty pounds (120 lbs.), is not termed a hundredweight.-I am. &e. T. H. FARRER. The meeting expressed itself highly satisfied with the re- sult of the memorial, and adopted a resolution thanking Lord Sandon for his kindness and courtesy. It was also decided to issue a circular to the trade embodying the reply, and requesting that in future cheese should be bought and sold upon the basis laid down in the reply of the Board of Trade.

The Lord Mayor has received a communication from the Queen, enclosing a cheque for 250 as a donation to the fund for the relief of the sufferers in the Dinas Colliery Explosion. Chest Complaints.-Thousands die annually through neglect- ing a simple cough or cold. HILL'S MEDICATED BALSAM fives immediate relief, and completely cures coughs, colds in uenza, asthma, bronchitis, difficulty of breathing, consump- tion, and all chest complaints. It contains no deleterious sub- stances, is agreeable to taste, and can be taken by the most delicate adults and children. Testimonials have been received from all parts of the world. Sold in bottles. Is. ljd., 2s. 9d. 4s. ed and lis., by the maker, Edward Hill, Wellington, Somer- set.—London Agents Barclay & Sons, Farringdon-street, and P. Sanger & Sons, 150, Oxford-street, and most other chemists throughout the kingdom. Try it, and recommend it to your rien.ls.—Local Agent: G. T Saunders, chemist, Oswestry. HOLLOWAY'S PILLS.-This purifying and regulating Medicine should occasionally be had recourse to during foggy, cold, and wet weather. These Pills are the best preventive of hoarseness, sore throat, diphtheria, pleurisy and asthma, and are sure remedies for congestion, bron- chitis, and inflammation. A moderate attention to the directions folded round each box will enable every invalid to take the Pills in the most advantageous manner; they will be taught the proper doses, and the circumstances under which they must be increased or diminished. Holloway's Pills act as alteratives, aperients, and tonics. Whenever these Pills have been taken as the last resource, the result has always been gratifying. Even when they fail to cure, they always assuage the severity of the symptons, and diminish the danger. Tumble over and die on the spot."— HILL'S MAGIC VER- MIN KILLER is certain death to Rats, Mice, Ants, Beetles, Cockroaches, and all kinds of Vermin. Sold by chemists, &c., in paoicets, 3d., 6d., and Is., and by the proprietor, E. Hill Wellington, Somerset. Sent post free for 7 or 14 stamps.—Lon- don Agents Barclays, Sangers, &c. Local Agent: G. J. Saunders chomistl Oswestry.

THE GREAT STRIKE AT LIVERPOOL. The struggle between capital and labour in Liverpool seems as far off a settlement as ever, and it is computed that the men on strike in connection with the shipping trade of the port-dock labourers and sailors—now num- ber about 35,000. Notwithstanding the great distress necessarily entailed on their wives and families, the strike hands express a firm determination to "stand out" until the employers remove the "obnoxious" placards notify- ing a reduction in the wages of the men, and consent to a continuance of the old terms. Until within the past few days ..the demeanour of the unemployed men was most orderly, but a strong force of the rough element appears to have associated itself with the strike hands, and on Saturday, Feb. 8, serious disturbances were appre- hended, in consequence of the violent attitude assumed by a number of the men on the previous day. To pre- vent rioting, the authorities deemed it necessary to call in the aid of the military. There is now a strong force of soldiers in the neighbourhood of the docks. The dock labourers held a mass meeting in the course of Saturday afternoon, and re-affirmed their decision not to submit to the reduction. The seamen also held a meeting with a similar result.—On Sunday afternoon Messrs. Mclver brought from the Clyde in one of their steamers 500 men who will take the place of the turnouts in the Cunard Company's employ. The steamer, with the men on board from Glasgow, went straight into dock. Upon being landed the men were marched to a building ready arranged, where provisions were prepared for them, and where they will be lodged and fed, to prevent any interference. Tuesday's papers state that the strike continues, but beyond the outburst of Friday no disturbance has taken place, and the rioting that then occurred was fomented by inveterate roughs rather than the labourers on strike, who, generally, seem to be a very respectable body of men. Both the sailors and the dock labourers held several meetings during the day, the chief one of the latter body taking place at three o'clock in the afternoon, at the George Pier Head. The attendance was even larger than on Saturday, while the same orderly demeanour was manifested. It was decided that a deputation should wait upon the Steam Shipowners' Association and ascer- tain the masters' opinion. The deputation are to meet the men after their interview; but are not empowered to make any agreement except at the old rate of pay.—At the annual meeting of the Liverpool Chamber of Com- merce on Monday afternoon, Mr. David MacIver, M.P., in the course of his remarks in support of the report, said that there never was a more hopeless struggle than that in which the men were now engaged. If the ironworkers were to succeed it would drive the iron trade from Liver- pool, as it had been driven from London and if the dock labourers persisted in their present determination the shipowners would simply get men from other towns to take their place, and they would be left out. A deputation from the Liverpool Dock labourers had an interview, on Tuesday, with a committee of the Steam- ship Owners' Association, but no agreement was arrived at. The men are orderly. The City of Brussels sailed in due course with United States mails on Tuesday afternoon. "On Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 12th, a meeting of the men was held on the Geoig-e'rs Pierhead to hear the report of the deputation appointed to wait on the Shipowners' Association. It was the largest gathering yet held in con- nection with the strike, the number present being estim- ated at from 60,000 to 80,000. As submitted to the meet- ing, the employers' terms were-5s. per day for lumpers and 4s. 6d. per day for porters, the men to work an extra hour per day overtime for the time worked to be 7d. per hour for lumpers and 6d. for porters; the alternative of arbitration was also offered, the whale question of wages and time to be gone into. This proposal was unanimously rejected, as also was a compromise suggested by Mr. James S-muelson and Mr. William Simpson. On being informed of the decision of the men to continue the strike, the Steamshipowners' Association withdrew their modified terms. No attempt has been made to interfere with the labourers who have been brought from a distance to fill the places of the men on strike. The strikes of corn porters, coalheavers, sailors, and shipwrights also continue.

LITERARY MEETING AT LLANFYLLIN. A very popular literary and musical entertainment was given at the Town Hall here on Tuesday evening, February 4, In the absence of the Rev. D. S. Davies, the chair was ablv occupied bv Mr. C. R..Tnn«>R- who the chair was ablv occupied bv Mr. C. R- Jnes- who opened the meeting with a very appropriate address on the benefits of holding such meetings, especially when they were held, as this one was, in connection with the Sunday School, an institution which had always been of great power in Wales. The following gentlemen acted as adjudicators, viz. Prose, Rev. D. S. Thomas, Llanfair; poetry, Rev. T. P- Edwards (Caerwyson), Llandulas, Abergele singing and music, Eos Brychan, Meirion House, Dolgelley; transla- lations, &c., Messrs. C. R. Jenes and Ellis Roberts; reading and reciting, Messrs. Thomas Edwards, Llan- fyllin, and Edwards, Penybont; art, Mrs. C. R. Jones and Mr. Jones, Station House. The secretary and con- ductor was Mr. S. Bryan, High-street. The following programme was gone through, and the following prizes awarded, Miss Anne Jones, High-street, ably presiding at the harmonium Competition in reading-Best, Walter Williams second, Edward Williams. Song, "Adgofion y Morwr," by Eos Brychan, which was loudly encored. Reading adjudications on the Translation from Welsh to English. There were ten compositions. The best was "Mawrth," Mr. John Ellis, junr., Llanfyllin. Competition in singing "Chipperee Chin." Iw children under twelve years old—Best, Robert Williams and iuiams an party. Reading the adjudication on the poems on the Inter- cession of Esther." There were six competing. The best was sent in under the nom de plume of loan ab Dafydd, who turned out to be John Owen, Meifod. Competition in reciting—Best, Margaret Evans; second, Sarah Morgan. Solo competition for girls, on "Myfisy'n magu'r baban". —Best, Miss Lizzie Pryce. Reading adjudication on a series of questions that had been sent in on the 3rd chapter 1st Epistle of John. Nine competed—Best, Ymofynydd Pryderus," who turned out to be William Jones, Llanfair. Competition in reading-Best, Richard Thomas second, Edward Williams. Song, Y Bachgen Dewr," by Eos Brychan, which was well received. Reading adjudication on the essays on "Christ's personal conversation." A little disappointment was experienced here through the adjudication by some inadvertence not being received until the following morning, but we are in- formed by the Secretary that the best was Thomas Roberts, Paris House, Llanfyllin, who called himself Pa le 'r wyt ti." Competition in reciting-Best, Ellen Abigail Williams; second, Kate Morgan. Glee competition in singing "Sleighing Glee"—Best, Morgan and party, Llanfyllin. Adjudication on the Translations from English to Welsh. Six compositions were sent in.—Best, "Dissrybl," John Philip Harries, Llanfair. Competition in reciting—Best, R. O. Jones; second, John Edwards. Choral competition in singing "Cydgan y Morwyr." Four choirs competed, viz., Rowland Jones and party, Llanrhaiadr; J. P. Harries and party, Llanfair and E. Watkin and party, Braichywaen; and Evan Evans and party, Meifod. The prize was awarded to Harries and party, Llanfair. Competition in reciting—Best, E. A. Williams; second prize divided between Robert Williams and Elizabeth Roberts. Adjudication on the odes on "Bartimeus." There were six compositions sent in. The best, which was highly praised by Caerwyson, was David Askyn, Llanrhaiadr, who called himself "Ymgeisydd." Competition in solo singing, Gwroniaid Gwlad y Gan." There were five competing. The prizes were awarded- 1st, to Christopher Gittins, Llanfair 2nd, Thomas Ellis, Llanfyllin; 3rd, Edwd. Williams, Penybont. Adjudication on The Times." There were 41 com- positions sent in. The two prizes were divided, the first between John Evans, Llangynog, and R. Rowlands, Meifod, who respectively styled themselves Aristoxinus" and "Eiriolwr"; second prize between Perllenydd," who was Mr Storey,Board School, Llanfair, and "Madoc," who did not appear. Adjudication on the Anti-macassars. Only one had been sent in, and the prize was awarded for it to Eliza- beth Evans, Liverpool House, Llanfyllin. Song, The Vagabond," by Eos Brychan, which was re- ceived with acclamation. Adjudication on the on "Proper conduct at Divine Worship." This adjudication was received after the meeting. There were eight compositions. The best signed himself as "Maher-shallal-hasbaz," who turned out to be \Vm. Jones, draper, Llanfair. Awarding the prize for the best impromptu englyn to the Chairman. Best, Mr. Rowlands, Meifod. Choral competition in singing the anthem Duw sydd Noddfa" (Mills). Only two choirs came forward to com- pete, viz., Morgan Watkin and party, and Rowland Jones and party, Llanrhaiadr. The adjudicator said he had no hesitation in awarding the first prize to the last named choir, but he considered that the other choir was not worthy of the second prize. This brought the proceedings to a close. The hall was crowded with an appreciative audience, but the meeting was much too long.

PRICE ONE SHILLING. Or Post Free Fourteenpence Halfpenny. Now Published, AGRICULTURE IN WALES, By J. GIBSON. (Cambrian News.) To be had at the Booksellers, and at the Rail way Bookstalls. CONTAINS CHAPTERS ON Yearly Tenures and their Effects. Superstitions about Land. The Preservation and Reclamation of Land. Land Proprietors. Garden and Dairy Products Fairs and Markets. Hill Sheep and Escheators. Wool Growing and Management In Servants and Hiring. Stock Rearing and Wheat Growrn. The Growth of Root Crops. Cattle Breeding-Mongrels. Cattle Breeding—Pure Bred. Ground Game. Plantijjg—Wales a Land of Forests. Planting—The Revival of Arboriculture. Planting—The Future of Arboriculture. Labour-Saving Machinery. Agricultural Societies. Lime and Bones. Horses. Horses (Continued). Agricultural Education. Sales by Auction. The author is a thoroughly straightforward man. He has shirked nothing here in the way of honest criticism. Landlords, tenants, labourers come under his supervision, and, so far as we can see, every class alike receive fair and wholesome exhortation, castigation, praise whatever their desert may be. Although there is much to criticise, and even to condemn, in the field which the author traverses, there is nothing set down in malice. What possible motive could there be for that ? If we understand the title page aright, Mr. Gibson is the editor of the Cambrian News. So far as his personal interests are concerned, he must desire to be considered friendly by his readers in the Principality, and he has interpreted aright the duties of true friendship. We see that he has been pulled up by an angry writer in a contemporary, on the ground of his too sweeping assertion ef the superstitions which still lurk in secluded places—in Wales as elsewhere and perhaps it is too bold a generalization to declare that there is scarcely a farm where there is not, at least, one cursed' piece of land respecting which stories are told of disasters that attend attempts at cultivation." This is, however, the onlybitof exaggeration that has been hit, and the twenty-four chapters of which the book consists, re- lating to yearly tenures, land reclamation, landowners, garden and dairy, fairs and markets, hill sheep and wool growing, servants and hiring, stock rearing, cattle-breeding, planting, horses, education, and the like, are an admirable series of essays written in weighty, authoritative tone, with historical impartiality, and obvious anxiety to be serviceable. We should have been glad of everyone of them, to have secured it, before publication elsewhere, for a leading article in the Agricultural Gazette. There are here 140 useful pages for a shilling.-Agricultural Gazette. Taking into consideration that the Principality of Wales is so intimately connected with England, it is with some surprize we have perused this pamphlet, the author of which, living near the centre, and connected with one of its most influential newspapers, has ample opportunities of knowing the real state of its agriculture. In plain language—a fact which cannot be disputed-he tells us in the preface that farming is not in an advanced state in the Principality. It appears that the bulk of the land under cultivation is high and poor, but the low lands for want of capital and enterprise, are undrained, and simply used for occasional runs for cattle and sheep. The high lands are neither planted nor enclosed, and conse- quently return the owners low rentals, and afford the tenants no brighter prospect than a hard life, little if any, better than that of a labourer. This is a dreadfully black bit of painting, but fortunately it does not apply all over the country. In Cardiganshire, Merioneths lire, and other counties there are landlords who plant liberally, and some who grant leases, do not over preserve game' maintain buildings, and encourage improvements, and with such treatment tenants thrive in Wales in a similar ratio to what they do in Scotland and England. • The other chapters in this really inter- esting book are, planting trees, and labour-saving machinery. The lime and bones question, and the chapters on horses and agricultural education, and sales by auction, are well worth perusal. Indeed, if the far- mers in Wales read this treatise with profit they will take the advice given by the author in good part, and endeavour speedily to profit by it.-From a review, two colums long, in the Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser. Mr. Gibson has described in a very able manner the present condition of agriculture in the Principality. North Wales Chronicle. The pamphlet contains much information, and is cer- taiply worth its price to those who are interested in the Principality.—Field. "It would be impossible, in the space at our disposal, to do justice to all the points dealt with by Mr. J. Gibson, of the Cambrian News, in his interesting pamphlet. We shall, however, notice a few of his more interesting facts and sagacious refiections. "-Leader in Liverpool Daily Post. Mr. Gibson, of the Cambrian News, has written a very interesting and valuable treatise on Welsh agriculture, and we like it all the better because, as he tells us, he has not attempted to teach the farmer his business, nor to lay'down hard and fast rules of any kind. We have in most agricultural manuals a great deal too much dogma- tism about farming, comprising much that is nothing more than milk for babes." Mr. Gibson has well described the agriculture of the Principality, pointed out its defects, and suggested remedies. There is in this little book— which, by the by, deserves a more permanent binding than its cheapness allows—a great deal of interesting informa- tion on the social customs of the Welsh farmers, besides a full treatment of the systems of tenure, methods of cultiva- tion, stock breeding and management, fairs and markets, arboriculture, horses, and labour system of Wales. Mr. Gibson seems to us to hold sound views generally on what may be considered the debatable points of his subject, and he has something to say on such vexed questions as game and farm tenure. On the whole, we strongly recommend his treatise to all who love to study the agricultural and social customs and peculiarities of different parts of the country.—Mark Lane Expresa. Many small occupiers with insufficient capital and less knowledge may no doubt be met with. Many landlords not alive to the necessities of modern farming, or in a position to effect the repairs required for dilapidated and obsolete buildings, or others who maintain a pre- judicial exuberance of ground game. are to be found among, the hills and vales of the Principality. But surely the exceptions are more numerous than this pamphlet would lead us to believe. If not, the sooner the agricul- tural schoolmaster is let loose &-non-- the Welshmen the better, and the sooner they listen to some of the advice which is liberally offered in this little treatise the better for all parties. -Chamber of Agriculture Journal. The information conveyed to the reader extends over some 150 octavo pages of well-printed letter-press, and is given under twenty-four separate headings, which include such subjects as yearly tenures and their effects, super- stitions about land, the preservation and reclamation of land, land proprietors, garden and dairy products, and many other subjects of equal interest to the farmer. In short, there are many good and useful hints in connection with the farmer's business in the Principality, which might be adopted with advantage. Those interested in the agriculture of Wales will find in this little volume many suggestions well worthy of consideration.— Welshman. Publishers HODDER and STOUGHTON, 27, Paternoster Row, London. BUSINESS ADDRESSES. r ..I"V" -V'" IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT. S Toe K-TAKING SALE H. R. PUGHE, 2, LITTLE DARKGATE-STREET, ABERYSTWYTH, BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HIS STOCK-TAKING SALE WILL COMMENCE ON: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1st ASTONISHING BARGAINS! TERMS-CASH. STEAM SAW MILLS, ABERYSTWYTH. R. ROBERTS and SONS, TIMBER AND SLATE MERCHANTS, HAVE JUST DISCHARGED PRIME CARGOES OF SPRUCE DEALS, FIRST QUALITY BALTIC RED PINE, AND RED DEALS, THEY HAVE ALSO IN STOCK A LARGE QUANTITY OF WHITE AND RED FLOORING BOARDS, YELLOW PINE & PITCH PINE LOGS, & PITCH PINE FLOORING BOARDS, PLAJSTED, TONGUED, AND GROOVED. SAWING, PLANING, MOULDING, &c., BY MACHINERY. A Number of Well-made WHEELBARROWS on Sale. F I R E W 0 0 D. RELIANCE HOUSE, GREAT DARKGATE STREET, (Opposite the Meat Market,) and 7, PIER STREET. WILLIAM PROBIN, WORKING LAPIDARY, JEWELLER, AND S I L V E R S M IT H, EGS to inforin the Gentry, Inhabitiiits, and Visitors of Aberystwyth, that he has now on hand a well. B selected Stock of Diamond rings, We(ldiii- Pint-s Si-net Rings, and Gem Rings. Bright and coloured Gold, Jewellery, in all its branches, n-tad,;upon the prenai.4es. Kvery article warranted. Also a large Stock of NVhitby Jet and Bog Oak Ornaments. Old Gold and Silver purchased. and Retail Dealer in New and Secoiad-hmd Plate. ROBERT ELLIS'S QUININE DENTIFRICE, FOR WHITENING AND PRESERVING THE TEETH AND STRENGTHENING THE GUMS. ROBERT ELLIS, PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMIST, TERRACE ROAD, ABERYSTWYTH (Four doors from Marine Terrace.) T. POWELL & CO., MARKET STREET, ABERYSTWYTH. TTAVING purchased a large quantity of FINE TEAS are prepared to supply the Gentry and Inhabitant* XX of town and eountry at pnees and quality that will compare favourably witELy LondoThouse InhabltantS n J 4. n m TERMS CASH. Good strong Common Tea, 1/6; Ditto Morning 2/- (usual price about 2/9), Fine Kaisow, 2/6; very fine Ditto 3/- Id. less for 6-lb. tins charged; 2c]. for half-chests. SELLING OFF SELLING OFF GREAT BARGAINS IN DRAPERY GOODS! DANIEL THOMAS, GOODSrtlCRemnInrtlyMrKUCeu ? 0rdfr tf?ey mTay b? cleared to make room for SPRING and SUMMl^t t« rrpf- tlifi VAT TTli1 NTJ \ITTPTT nearly half-price. Here is a rare opportunity for those with LITTLE MONFY to get the VALUE OF MUCH; BO please come early so as to secure the best bargains. TERMS: ONE PRICE AND READY MONEY ONLY. NOTE THE ADDRESS- DANIEL THOMAS, 8, LITTLE DARKGATE-STREET (OPPOSITE THE INFIRMARY), ABERYSTWYTH. ELLIS WILLIAMS, GREENGROCER, FRUITERER, AND LICENSED DEALER IN OA VP NEW MARKET HALL, TERRACE-ROAD, ABERYSTWYTH. In consequence of spurious imitations of LEA & PERRINS' SAUCE, Which are calculated to deceive the Public, Lea and Perrina have adopted A NEW LABEL, bearing their signature, thus, oo-o,O Which is placed on every bottle of WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE, and -without which none is genuine. IW Sold lvholegak by the Proprietors, IVorcester; Crosse and BlacJcwell, London and Export Oilmen generally. Retail, by Dealers in Sauces throughout the World. "ABSOLUTELY PURE." SEE ANAL YSES :-Sent Post Free on Application. jZI | I O'O CRYSTAL SPRINGS. ■■■ ■■■ ■■■ B Vaiir Soda, Potass, Seltzer, I, Lemonade, also Water Si I I B I 1KB without Alkali. For la (LJ I fl f I I GOUT, Lithia Water, and ■ ■ ■ E I Lithia and Potass Water. >. S; WATERS. OORKS BRANDED ELLIS SON, RUTHIN,' anil every label bears their Trade Mark. Soil e verywhere, and wholesals of R. ELLIS & SON, RUTHIN, NORTH WALES. I A RI r\ Are granted b7 the Agent- Mmk I I General for South Australia, I 1^ to all persons approved as suitable, who are in sound health, and have not previously resided in B 1 Australia. They must pay their own pas- l"% II rC sages, and proceed DIRECT to ADELAIDE, South Australia, and reside in the Colony for two years. of the WARRAN SValue ofcE20 Forms of Application and other information may be obtained from THE AGENT-GENERAL FOB SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 8, Victoria Chambers, Westminster, London, S.W. CROSSE & BLACKWELL'S SEVILLE ORANGE MARMALADE In 1-lb. and 2-lb. Pots of full weight, IS SOLD BY GROCERS THROUGHOUT THE KINGDOM. CROSSE & BLACK.WELL PURVEYORS TO THE QUEEN, SOHO SQUARE, LOJSTDOJST- Twelve Prize Medals-PARIS, VIENNA, PHILADELPHIA. TO PLANTERS AND OTHERS. B. GOLD, ABERAYRON, has a fine Stock of FOREST AND OTHER TREES, Well Rooted, consisting of 1.00,000 PRIME LARCH, from 18 inches to 4 feet. AUSTRIAN PINE, SCOTCH SPRUCE, 3ILVER ASH, ALDERS, SYCAMORES, and POPLARS, from 3 to 12 feet; useful THORNS and BEECH. A good stock of FRUIT TREES a good stock of EVERGREENS and FLOWERING SHRUBS, grown within 300 yards of the sea. AN INSPECTION SOLICITED. I ORDERS FOR PRINTING AND BOOKBINDINJG I RECEIVED BY I J. GIBSON, 3, Queen's-road, Aberystwyth. JOHN BAKER, I Rhydypenau Farm, Bow Street. BY the request of numerous friends has been in- duced to take a VALUER'S LICENCE, and he will be happy to attend to the commands of gentlemen leaving their farms or requiring a Valuer's services con- nected with land or stock.

THE VICAR OF FORDEN ON DIPHTHERIA. At the last meeting of the Chester Natural Science Society, the Rev. John E. Vize, M.A., vicar of Forden, read a paper entitled The genus Peronospera (to which the potatoe disease belongs) and its allies." The chair was taken by Mr. A. O. Walker, and there was a large attendance, the audience including many medical gentle- men of the city. The lecturer, in the course of his remarks, said he wished to direct attention to another fungus, which did its deadly work not in the vegetable but in the animal kingdom. He referred to diphtheria, which certainly was fungoid, and belonged to an ally of peronospora, namely, oidium (still under the order mucedines). They might probably think it strange that he, a parish priest, should be arrogant enough to refer to a subject which certainly would far more readily and easily be treated by some one in the medical profession. But sometimes those diseases came so near to one whose work was not medical that they must attend to it whether they liked it or not. Such had been his duty lately, for his parish had had diphtheria in it since last October, and the National Schools had been closed for several weeks, and were likely to be for some time. There had been several deaths amongst the children, although the great majority of the attacks had been light. Those light attacks seemed to him to be relly the most subtle and dangerous, because the sufferers were not isolated, and were therefore liable to spread the disease. It should not be forgotten that, generally speaking, the first outbreaks were light and why ? Speaking not from a medical but from a botanical point of view, the answer was very easy. The fresher the spore (the seed) was, the more vigorous it was. Hence, if an attack came from an enfeebled snore the virulence of the growth would be quite weak compared with a spore recently communicated from a patient. When the medical officer of the parish called upon him to urge the closing of the schools, they became mutually in- terested in the diphtheria question, and the doctor urged him very strongly to investigate the diphtheria oidium. It was arranged that some of the dipththeria fungus should be sent to him, and this was done with every possible measure of precaution to avoid the risk of contagion. Having received the fungus, he mounted some microscope slides, and then found that his specimens showed unmistakably an oidium growth. In his manipulation of the slides every precaution was taken to prevent the escape of even a fragment of oidium and he would particularly urs-e the burying of all linen that could be buried; for a frightful source of the spread of diphtheria was the use of pockethandkerchiefs, &c., which even after washing in cold water might still contain the spores of oidium-and these were the germs of diph- theria. As a rule these germs were the only elementary states of higher fungi for in the vegetable kingdom various species of oidium developed into different kinds of blight. It was to find out the higher fungus of the oidium of diphtheria that he had run the risk of having it sent him, and if he or his co-workers could discover this, they would be doing good service. The spores were so minute that 6i millions of them would lie upon an inch of writing paper. By some it was supposed that diphtheria was caught from cows suffering from garget," and was com- municated with the milk but he would say-Examine under the microscope the milk from a cow thus diseased, and if there be any spores in it just like the oidium, then you have safe ground on which to go. His own notion was that "garget" had next to nothing to do with diph- theria but if it had, then it seemed to him that the spores of oidium were eaten by cows in herbage near the mouths of bad drains or such like spots, and so passed through their system and into the milk. His own notion was that they might almost leave the cows alone, and that in certain seasons there would be outbreaks of the illness, because these seasons were, from atmospheric or other causes, favourable to the greater growth of the oidium in drains. The oidium escaped into the air; but was not (even when it reached the throat) injurious to anyone unless their throats were ripe for its developement.-Dr. Stolterfoth, M.A., referred to the Lecturer's question anent infection, and said the only way he could account for it was by portions of the membrane coming away; these portions drying, and the spores then being liberated. Of course, the spores were so infinitesimal that the smallest portion coming away would be quite sufficient to spread the disease. Another point was this that certain throats were very favourable to the developement of the disease, and it had been shown that the Royal Family were peculiarly liable to attacks of the throat. He Re- lieved the Princess Alice took the disease originally from a very mild case and it was these mild cases that were too often overlooked. Not much could be said before a general meeting like that, the subject was too technical; and it was, too, a very difficult one. The spores of which mention was made were so very minute that, although they would be shown under the microscope magnified 1,000 times yet they were so small that only a skilful microscopist could see them.—Dr. M'Ewen, J.P., pro- posed a vote of thanks to the Lecturer for the treat he had given them, more especially in the latter part of his lec- ture, when he spoke of diphtheria.—The motion was seconded by Dr. Davies-Colley, and carried with acclama- tion.

THE AFGHAN WAR. OCCUPATION OF GIRISHK. General Biddulph reached Girishk on the 29th Jan., and occupied the fort there without any opposition. The inhabi- tants of Girishk are reported to have hailed the British troops as deliverers, having been subject to severe op- pression by their native rulers. But according to the special correspondents with General Stewart's expedition, neither he nor General Biddulph is to retain during the winter their recently acquired positions. General Stewart will return to Candahar without either destroying or vln leaving a garrison in the Khelat-i-Ghilzai fortress. General Biddulph will not return to Candahar. His troops will be distributed about thirty miles westward of that city. THE AMEER. Mr. James Gordon Bennett, of the New York Herald, telegraphs from Tashkend, under date of February 7, that General Kauffmann had on the previous day received a telegraphic despatch announcing that the Ameer, who was ill, had abandoned his intention of coming there, and had instead sent four ambassadors with General Rosgonoff, who had accompanied Shere Ali from Cabul. The Viceroy, in a telegram to the India Office, reports that General Roberts is at the Peivr.ir Kotal, and that the snow has not rendered the Shutar-Gardan impassable. It was recently announced that General Stewart was to withdraw altogether from Khelat-i-Ghilzai, returning to Candahar, and that General Biddulph, who had succeeded in reaching and occupying Girisk without opposition, was also to return, and to encamp his force within about two days' march of Candahar. But the Viceroy, in his tele- gram, states that General Stewart is withdrawing only one brigade from Khelat-i-Ghilzai, and that General Biddulph is still at Girisk with half his forces, the re- mainder being at Atta Karez, half way towards Candajiar. The report that gome more Pathans had attacked the British camp at Candahar is officially confirmed. They wounded several English and native soldiers. It is be- lieved that they were killed. In the confusion in firing upon them the shots intended for them killed one and wounded several others of our own troops.