The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

FOOTBALL. 1 WELSHPOOL WANDERERS V. ST. OSWALD (OSWES- IBY.)—An exciting game was played between these clubs on Saturday, January 17, at Welshpool, and resulted in the defeat of the St. Oswald by three goals and one dis- puted (kicked by Gwalchmai two and Wynn one) to one.

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THE LIBERAL CANDIDATE FOR LIVERPOOL. The Spectator, in speaking of the new Liberal-candidate for Liverpool, says—Lord Ramsay is evidently a strong man, who wins over men inclined to object to the selection, who speaks unusually well, and who expresses most determined, though moderate Liberalism. He admits, for example, the great difficulty of tiie situation in the East, but holds that the Government have dealt with it on wrong lines throughout, and that they have made their difficulties in Afghanistan for themselves. He is earnest for the extension of the county suffrage, and for a thorough reform of the land laws, on the principle of sweeping away primogeniture, entail, and settlement. It is believed that the Nine Hundred will accept him unanimously, as their Executive Committee have already done, and that the seat will be fought for with- earnest determination. As Liverpool has always been considered a Tory stronghold, the election will be one of the most important ever held in England, and far eclipse the struggle for Sheffield or for Barnstaple, which latter will be important chiefly be- cause it is such medium seats that it is necessary to re- cover.

SIR HENRY LAYARD AND THE SULTAN. The Sultan has (says the Spectator) revenged himself for Sir H. Layard's lectures by inilictiIJg on him a public humiliation. It will be remembered that Lord Derby, when Foreign Secretary, demanded the punishment of Hafiz Pasha for his share in the Bulgarian atrocities, whereupon the Porte took Haffc into especial favour, and ultimately made him Minister of Police. He has ever since shown himself most hostile to England, and after the seizure of Dr. Roller's papers, Sir Henry Layard made his dismissal a condition of the continuance of diplomatic relations. The Sultan refused this, alleging that he him- self had given the order., but Hatiz was directed to apologise, and did 80. wher^noon the FnltiTi him with the highest mark uf favour at his uisposui inn Grand Cordon of the Medjidie. In other words he in- formed the diplomatic world and Constantinople that as England protested against Hafiz Pasha, he honoured and should protect him. A more striking proof of the contempt, into which Lord Beaconsfield has brought the influence of England with the Sovereign whom lie has so openly adulated, could not be conceived. We presume that on the opening of the session, the Premier will add to his usual list of Abdul Hamid's good qualities, his devotion to Great Britain and his personal friendship for Sir Henry Layard. He has not forgotten his old apophthegm that "with words we govern men." It was truer than his readers thought.

THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO SIR ROWLAND HILL. Saturday, Jan. 10, was the fortieth anniversary of the introduction and me of the penny postage system, origi- nated by the late Sir Rowland Hill. We have received a circular letter from the Lord Mayor of London, on behalf of the Executive Committee formed at the Mansion House to promote by way of a national memorial to Sir Rowland Hill, aud in commemoration of the introduction of the penny postg system, the foundation of a benevo- lent fund for the succour of aged and distressed Post-office employes and their widows and orphans. In proof of the necessity of such a mud the Lord Mayor mentions the following facts :—The Superannuation Act (which applies to all Government Offices, including the Post Office, and in which there is not the slightest probability of an altera- tion) makes no provision whatever for the widows and orphans of Post Office employes. In the case of the em- ployes themselves (of whom there are 45,505) no pension is granted to those who have been lass than tan years in the service, even if they are incapacitated from further duty; but in that event they are entitled to a gratuity. In consequence of this there are many cases of hardship and distress which are necessarily unprovided for. In il- lustration I may allude to a few instances that have re- cently come to my knowledge :—A. B. i< obliged by illness to resign, after nine years' service—nature of illness I" spinal paralysis." On his retirement, which took place two years ago, he received a gratuity of JESS. This was soon gone, and with his wife and child he is now subsisting on charity. C. D., a country postman, whilst arranging his letters preparatory to starting on his rounds, fell down in the Post Office and died on the spot; wages 13s. a week. He had en twenty-six years in the service; leaves a widow advanced ia years with no resource but the work- house. E. F., a clerk at a country post-office, wages 33. a week, died suddenly after one day's illness, leaving a widow and five young children, the eldest only ten years of age, utterly destitute; the widow suffering from the effects of a. severe accident (fracture of the knee-cap) and incapable of the slightest exertion. G. H., another clerk in a country post-office, died at the age of forty, leaving a widow and nine young children, besides a widowed mother whom he supported. Of the nine children, seven are un- der the age of twelve, and one only three weeks old. The whole are in abject poverty. The Lord Mayor will be glad to receive at the Mansion House subscriptions—either large or small—in aid of the fund.

NEWTOWN HARRIERS.-ANNUAL SHUNT DINNER. On Friday evening, Jan. 16, the annual hunt dinner was held at the Greyhound Inn, Newtown, when an ex- cellent repast was prepared by the host and hostess. The president was the Hon. F. S. Hanbury Tracy, M.P., and there were also present Mr. T. E. Issard, vice-president, Dr. Ed. Williams, Messrs. William Fortune, Miller (Th," Court), Evan Humphreys, W. H. Lee, Lewis (Meirion House), Richard Evans (The Pheasant), Henry Reese (The Buck Inn), Thomas Reese (Brynbedwen), Joseph Lloyd, Walter Dolby, Charles Thomas (Aberystwyth), W. Thomas (The Crescent), David Hibbot, James Pryce (timber merchant), Evan Jones, E. H. Davies, John Jones (Bryn-street), T. H. Davies, J. Hotchkiss, B. Weal, C. T. Davies, R. Brown, C. Law Green (resident engineer), T. Turner, Cornelius Owen, John Stephens, W. Norton (Brynhyfryd), J. M. Carnegie (brewer), Rd. Bennett, B. Suunnerfield, &c. After the preliminary toasts had been loyally honoured, Mr. Wir. FORTUNE gave The army, navy, and re- serve forces." He said that we had as a nation every cause to be proud of our army. Although they had been told by some that it was now only composed of boys, he thought the deeds of the army on the field of battle lately showed that our present soldiers had quite much courage as was the case years ago. (Applause.) They had heard it said that many of the best officers were first of all trained for the battle field in the hunting field, and no doubt the hunting field had provided the army with many good soldiers. As for the navy, it would ever brave the battle and the breeze, and the reserve forces would always be prepared to defend the hearths and homes of England. (Applause.) Song—" The British Flag," Mr. F. Hall. Mr. J. LLOYD, Montgomeryshire Yeomanry, responded. The VICE-PRESIDET (Mr. Issard) next proposed The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese, and Ministers of other Denominations." Mr. THOMAS (Aberystwyth), in proposing the health of the Lord Lieutenant and the County Magistrates," remarked that they heard of magistrates in other places making mistakes, but in that county they were highly favoured. (Applause. Mr. R. BROWN gave "The County and Borough Mem- bers." (Cheers.) In doing Sl), he referred to Lord Sudeley, their former borough member, with whom he said he had the honour of working in the establishment of what had been one of the greatest blessings to the town—the Cambrian Mills. (Cheers.) He believed that their present borough member was following in the foot- steps of Lord Sudeley. (Cheers.) He did not wish to make invidious comparisons, but he could not help say- ing that their borough member had done more in the way of hetping them in their local sport than their county member. He believed that politically both gen- tlemen had served them remarkably well. There had never been a more painstaking member of the House of Commons than Mr. Wynn. Both members in their at- tendances at the House had stood exceptionally high, and he was convinced that both of them strove to protect and promote the general interests of their constituents. (Loud cheers.) Song—" Mother's Sweet Home is in Wales," Mr. Bennett. The PRESIDENT in responding said he had always great pleasure, wheneved Mr. Wynn was absent upon such occasions as the present, in returning thanks on his behalf. Though he disagreed with his political principles he naver met a gentleman in whom he had greater confidence than he had in Mr. Wynn, and never came across a man of more honourable character. He believed that it would be impossible for those who agreed with Mr. Wynn's prin- ciples to have a better representative. The hon. gentle- man then referred to the coming Session of Parliament which he said they might expect to find a very miserable one. They would have, no doubt, a good deal of Irish business, much of which wn111,1 consist in walking into one lobby or the other until five o:clock in the morn- ing. (Laughter.) Mr. Wynn would be upon the same side as himself upon the Irish question, for they must meet this great Irish opposition by counter op- position. The Irish obstructionists were really making a farce of politics. It was most disheartening to have to withstand their tactics night after night till five o'clock in the morning, when there was so much business on hand. Such a state of things prevented any Govern- ment having a fair chance. He hoped the Government would do something to alleviate the distress in Ireland, and that a change would come over the. disposition of the Irish members, so that they mignt have a more tranquil and a, more fruitful session than the last. In the course ). of his speech the hon. gentleman remarked that a member of Parliament ought to have a certain amount of back- i bone, and to be prepared to act in fearless accordance with his own sense of what was right. (Cheers.) The PRESIDENT, in proposing the toast of The New- town Harriers," said he felt it a great honour and pleasure to be present at the first dinner in connection with their new pack of harriers. He believed that the formation of that pack was owing to the energy and industry of New- town people. The saying was almost proverbial amongst their neighbours that whatever the Newtown people undertook was sure to succeed—(cheers)—and in fact Newtown had met with an extraordinary amount of suc- cess in most of the things it had undertaken. People wiiu despised recreation had little knowledge of human nature or of the world. If aU the business men of Newtown were to neglect their business and go in for tuat course would not be a good thing. But a pack of harriers like that would really assist and stimulate trade. It was often noticed in London that men came fresh and bright to their business, after a day passed in the fresh air of the hunting field. He thought they had done perfectly right in starting those harriers. He should join the hunt, and hoped that they would find plenty of hares, and that thev should have those meetings every year. The land- lords, so far as he knew their feelings, were all anxious that they should have good sport so long as they did not damage the farmers' crops, Huntihg, like everything else, coald be carried on in a right or wrong way* and they could not ride over new sown wheat without doing harm. He begged to couple the toast with the name of the master, Mr. Thomas Tur- ner. (Loud cheers.) The toast was drunk with all honours. Mr. CHARLES THOMAS gave an interesting account of the Newtown Harriers of a former day. Mr. T. TURNER, in responding, described the efforts which were being made to increase the pack. Song—"Rowley Jones's Harriers," Edward George. Mr. T. TURNER proposed the landlords whose land was hunted over, coupling Lord Sudeley with the toast. (Loud cheers.) Mr. FORTUNE said a subscription had been opened for the pack, and the President had headed the list with JE5. (Cheers.) The PRESIDENT acknowledged the toast on Lord Sude- ley's behalf. The VICE-CHAIRMAN, in complimentary terms, gave the health of Mr. Miller of the Court, and after Mr. Fortune had .given a recitation. Mr. MrtiLER responded, arguing that hunting was an excellent recreation. He should always be glad to see the harriers go over his land. He liked them because they could be followed by persons on foot. (Cheer3.) Song—"The Miller," Mr. TURNER. Mr. FORTUNE gave the health of the President, who 1.1 ..v _1 j t. -• —i..v_ i., J i J • iu London in order to take the chair at the dinner. (Applause.) Song—" Poor Old J^B," Mr. D. HIBBOT. The PRESIDENT suitably responded, and in the course of his speech said that the Welsh had all the vivacity of the Irish, the sound sense of the Scotch, and the thorough goodness of the English. (Loud cheers.) It was a great pleasure to be associated with a body of men having all those qualities. He was pleased to meet so many gentle- men connected with the Newtown harriers, and it had afforded him great gratification to be present at their first annual dinner. (Cheers.) Three cheers for the President, and Mrs. Tracy and family were then given. The other toasts were "The town and trade of New- town," "The Vice-Chairman," and "The Host aud Hostess."

EXTRAORDINARY OCCURRENCE AT WHITCHURCH. A fortnight ago a gun was brought to Mr. Howell's, ironmonger, Whitchurch, to have » lock repaired. The lock was sent to Birmingham, and on Tuesday night Mr. Howell put a ca.p on the gun to see if it was right. Ho pointed the gun to the window, in which was a great num- ber of expensive lamps. When the trigger was pulled there was in a moment a great crash of glass. The front plate window and other panes were broken, and a number of lamps and other things. The gun proved to be loaded with shot. The owner of the gun had no knowledge that the gun was loaded. Several persons narrowly escaped being shot.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE DYLIFE MINES. On Tuesday, January 13, as a miner named Joseph Jervis of Peugaelan, Trefeglwys, was descending the Dylife Mine to his work, he missed his footing, jmd fell to the bottom of the shaft. He was killed instantaneously. An inquest was held before Dr. Edward Hall, coroner, at Penygmlan, in the mrish of Trefeglwys, on the 10th Jan. John Jones saiu—I live aff Staylittle. I am a miner,aud have been working at Dylife. I know Joseph Jervis. I was working vrith him. We went down together on Tues- day last. I reached the bottom, but deceased fell before he reached the bottom. We were going down by ladders. I was going down first, and deceased was following after me. The deceased fell twelve to fifteen yards. I was with deceased as soon as possible after his fall. He was lying on his hack perfectly unconscious. He never spoke but sighed once or twice and died. The deceased had a candle on his hat in going down. His two hands were free I suppose to grasp the ladder in descending. There was a borer resting on the ladder when deceased fell. I think the borer fell from "the braast of the deceased whilst he was descending the ladder. It is usual for us to take our borers down the ladder in our hands. The ladders are in a perfect condition and the footway good eury- where. The ladders dip with the lode. Every stave i'■ perfect on the ladder in question. The plan and section shown are a faithful representation of the place where deceased fell. Griffith Evans examined—I am a miner working at Dylife. I confirm the evidence in all respects of the former witness. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

SERIOUS ASSAULT AT THE WHITCHURCH WORKHOUSE. At the Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, the 20th January, before R. P. Ethelston and S. H. Sandbach, Esqs., Job Heath (42), Malpas, Cheshire, farm labourer, wa<» bro-rrht up in custody of Sergeant Thomas, charged with COtrl- mittiug a brutal and unprovoked assault on Richard Adams, 74 years of age, on the previous evening. Adams has been an inmate of the workhouse for several years- Heath having been there for about six months. On Mon:1 day morning Heath was discharged for the purpose of going into service at Mrs. Dickens's, of Ightfield. Instead, how- ever of doing this, he stayed in the town and got drunk. About nine o'clock at night be returned to the workhouse, and by some means succeeded in getting through the coal grid into the tramp ward, where he was met by Adams. Adams at once went and told the porter that Heath Was there drunk, and then returned to the attendance room in the tramp ward. Heath followed him, shut the door, struck him several violent blows in the face, knocked him down several steps toward the coal cellar, and repeatedly kicked him about the chest, breast, legs, and other parts of the body. Heath had strong nailed boots on. The porter hearing the screams of Adams went to the tramp ward and pulled Heath off him, and left him in charge of another man, taking Adams with him to his lodge. He then went and told Mr. Hines, the master, what had occurred. I>Ir. Hines went to the old man, found him nearly insensible and covered with blood and bruises, his face being "all of a jelly," and barely recog- nisable. He had him washed and put to bed in the sick room. The police shortly after arrived, and Heath was taken into custody. Dr. George, the medical officer was 1 sent for, and his assistant, Mr. Harbord, attended, and did what was necessary. The following certificate from Mr. Harbord was handed to the Magistrates by Sergeant Thomas :—" I hereby certify that I have this day examined Richard Adams, and that he is not in a fit condition to leave his bed, owing to injuries received last night." Mr. Hines said Mr. Harbord told him if erysipelas set in, death would certainly ensue. Mr. Ethelston said if Adams got worse, his depositions must be taken. When asked by Mr. Hines why he abused Adams, Heath told Mr. Hines that he (Adams) had done him all the harm he could, and now he had had his revenge." On the application of Sergeant Thomas, prisoner was remanded until Friday, Jan. 30.

DARING BURGLARY* AT CHIRK VICARAGE. Early on Thursday morning, January 15, a burglary of a daring nature was perpetrated at the residence of the Rev. F. H. Tompson, vicar of Chirk. Plate to the value of between S60 and R70 was stolen, and up to the present the police have failed to discover a clue to the whereabouts of the burglars. Several h •ises in f he surrounding dis- trict have lately been forcibly entered, and the probability is that the burglaries were carried out by the same people, who, unfortunately, have been rewarded with a success that baffles all attempts to determine as to who the offenders are. At the quiet little village of Chirk these undesirable visitors conducted their business with such systematic pre- cision as to hare remained unnoticed during their stay or departure. It is a matter for regret that the stolen ar- ticles from Chirk are such as cannot be replaced, as they ware for the most pait gifts from Mr. Tompson's friends and parishioners at Llanllwchaiarn and Chirk. The thieves appear to'have firstof all attemptedanentrance by boring with a centre bit the panels of the front door, in which were pierced twenty-one holes. From the marks of the footsteps round the house iaJwnulcl seem that having failed to admit themselves in the manner stated, they tried the windows, and on going to the back yard they found a window leading to the larder. Against the wail was reared a large stone, standing on which the window could be reached without difficulty. The appearance of the window afterwards would lead to the impression that a small spoon bit had bsefc amployed by the thief, who bored outside the casement in the neighbourhood of the catch. After apparently having made two or three attempts to spring the glass, it gave way, and so enabled the uninvited visitor to put his hand through the window and release the catch, in doing which he was slightly punished, judg- ing by the stains of blood which remained on the window frame. Having opened the window, there was another obstacle to overcome before an entrance could be gained, in the shape of two small bars, which Wt're placed against the window. The burglar succeeded iu removing one of these, al.d then found his way into the larder without any serious inconvenience. The door, however, was locked, being fastened by a common lock, and in undoing it tha persevering applicant for admission drew out the bolts, which he placed onhe floors in a very workman- like manner. A visit was then paid to a room opposite the study, in which a clock was subsequently found on the floor, having been abandoned in preference to articles of a more costly nature. On examining the clock it was found to have stoppad at four in the morning, and at this time it may be concluded the house was broken into and it is a fact worth noting that just at that hour a trap was heard driving into the village, and driving away again after staying for some ten or fifteen minutes. The study was thrown into much confusion by the burglars, who evidently expected to find money in it. In the room was a tin box containing Mathews's charity papers. This they endeavoured to open with the poker, but were unable to force the lock. n oak boo case, together with a writing desk, to which were attached a number of drawers, was also persistently attacked in the hope of finding money, but in this they were disappointed, as the only place in the room which contained money was left untouched. Judging by the marks on the writing desk, it would seem that a chisel was used in try- ing to open the drawers. The burglars met with the most success in the dining and drawing rooms, from which they abstracted property to the value of upwards of £60. The work was carried on with the utmost despatch and quietness, as Mr. and Mrs. Tompson, who had a number of friends staying with them, were not aware that anything unusual had taken place until they discovered that the gifts of many loving friends had been unex- pectedly taken away from them. The thieves only left themselves one way of exit, viz., through the larder window, whereas it would naturally have been thought they would have prepared to leave the house by a more convenient and quicker way. The stolen plate included a magnificent silver inkstand, about fifteen inches long and eight broad, containing two small pillar inkpots, and square centre piece with silver lamps as a covering. This article, which was taken from the drawing room, weighed about fifty-six ounces, and was worth £35. On it was the inscription "Presented by the parishioners of Chirk and other friends to the Rev. F. H. Tompson a.nd Mrs. Tompson on the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, June 3, 1878." Another article was a very handsome silver flower stand, fifteen inches high, representing three palm trees, with foliage at the top, on which was the inscription, Presented to the Rev. F. H. Tompson, by the parishioners of Llanllwchaiarn and other friends, upon his removal to the Vicarage of Chirk. as a mark of their warm appreciation of his earnest labours amongst them for more than twenty years. June, 1874." This was taken from the dining room sideboard, and was worth about £30. There has also been stolen a very pretty silver filagree sugar basin, with handle, of the round small size. It is to be hoped that the offenders will not be long before they receive the punishment they so justly merit. Much sympathy is felt with Mr. and Mrs. Tompson in the loss of the articles expressing the good wishes of the people amongst whom they have so zealously laboured; and all can readily conceive what a disappoint- ment it must be to suddenly lose a memento of twenty years' work amongst parishioners who testified their ap- preciation of the manner in which those duties had been discharged by giying a well-earned testimonial. A gift greatly valued also was the one we have mentioned, pre- sented by the Chirk parishioners upon the occasion of Mr. and Mrs. Tompson's golden wedding.

SCHOOL REPORTS. The following reports have been received after school examinations conducted by the Rev. R. Temple, her Majesty's Inspector, and his assistant, Mr. Hughes :— LLANDYSILIO NATIONAL SCHOOL. "I know of no school that combines excellent order with life, spirit, and intelligence, better than this. The examination has been thoroughly successful. The only fault I have to find is that the master has not used enough variety of method in teaching arithmetic. The needlework is satisfactory, but darning and knitting shoulcLreceive more attention. The singing is good. John Earnest Jone3, having at the age of ten years passed the fourth standard and made the required number of attendances, receives a 'Scholar's Honour- Certificate,' and also claims payment of school fees from the Education Department for three years." LLANRHAIADR BOARD SCHOOL.—" The results of the inspection are very good. I wish in this report to express my great regret for the death of Mr. Evans, the very industrious and efficient Clerk of the School Board. R" never made a blunder in his official papers or was behind- hand with them when I came, and he was always present at my inspections from the beginning to the end. I wish E. Morris has passed well." Entry on Master's certifi- cate, This school is very well taught and disciplined." LLANGYNGG.—" This School has passed a decidedly suc- cessful examination. This is the more creditable to the master, as there has been a great deal of sickness in the parish during the last few months." "If I had not taken a great deal of trouble beyond my proper duty, a consider- able loss of grant might have occurred in consequence of the School Board not having provided anybody to replace a pupil teacher who had six weeks ago announced her in- tention of leaving after the inspection. The scholars numbered 25, 31, 32, 35, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 59, G8, 70 and 71 on the examination schedule are disqualified (article 20 [a] 2). I am to remind you that your by-laws make no provision for half-time scholars. E. Roberts, grammar, dictation and history. Her name has been removed from the register of pupil teachers serving in this school. Charlotte A. Pughe is recognised as qualified under Article 32 (c) 3. Number of passes in English literature 17, domestic economy 9." Entry on the master's parch- ment, "This school is good." Grant earned £û,7. This is the highest grant that this school has earned since its establishment. The school lost £ 5 8s. in consequence of the Board having made no provision in their by-laws for half-time scholars. LLAMFYLLIN BRITISH SCHOOL.—"This school continues to stand high among the best in my distrcct. The in- telligence of the higher classes has never been excelled at, any inspection held by me. It is to me a marvei that the reading should be so good in this crowded school, where there is no class-room. The infants need more attention. The needlework is goad. The singing and music from notes are admirable." Honour certificates are held by James Morris, George Hayes, John H. Davies, Robert M. Williams, Jane Williams, Robert W. Jones, Elizabeth Roberts, Ellen A. Williams, and Annie Williams. Mr. J. P. Williams, teacher, is worthy of great praise for the continual great success of this school. GUILSFIELD NATIONAL bCHOOL, The discipline, com- position, physical geography, and domestic economy are very good, and the elementary instruction deserves de- cided praise. The infants need more attention. Th, needlework is very well taught. The singing and music from notes are unexcelled in my district." The grant was £82 10s. Od. POOL QUAY SCHOOL.—" The scholars continue to coin- bine good order with cheerfulness and spirit in an unusual degree. The success of the examination in the elementary subjects is nearly perfect, and the general knowledge is well advanced. I know 110 school which seems to have a better hold on the people in its parish than this has. The school fees for George Davies, Charles Del. Jones, Wm. Davies, and Ed. Roberts, have been allowed, and Bessie Pugh, Annie Davies, S. K. Brumwell, M. Humphries, Bromley Jones, and Ed. Thomas Jones, receive honour certificates." MEIFOD NATIONAL SCHOOL.—The Diocesan Inspector of Schools, the Rev. Liias Uwen, has forwarded the fol- lowing report to the Managers of this School:—"The work in this school is well graduated, and all the classes passed a very satisfactory examination. There is a marked improvement since last year, the teaching is thorough, and the children are attentive and intelligent." The follow- ing scholars have been awarded certificates of merit:— E. J. Jonea, Edward Jehu, Alfred Wiide, Harriet Mor- rid, Elizabeth Pickstock, Henry J OUC8, Wm. Jones, R. J. Parry, Margaret Jones, Jane E. Jones, Jane Jones, Sarah A. Rees, Margaret Jones, Richard Pugh, John Owen, Alice Owen, Aunie lich:mi8, Joseph Jones, M. E. JOIIJJS, Sarah A. EvSns, Lewis Morgan, and David Morgan. LL'ANDRINIO SCHOOL.—"The discipline continues to be excellent, and the elementary subjects are very well taught. The neatness of the handwriting cannot be sur- passed anywhere, and the quickness and intelligence of the elder scholars are not surpassed in my district. The in- fants should add and subtract with greater accuracy. The singing and needlework are very good." The entry upon the master's certiticate is—" This school is excellent." The number present on the day of examination was 10S, and the average for the year 84.

THE MYSTERIOUS MURDER AT MANCHESTER. The examination of the photograpti taken of the face oi the murdered girl just before her interment has not been the means of elucidating the mystery in any degree. Mr. Superintendent Bent has made the examination, and he is satisfied that no material evidence can be obtained by this means. On Friday night the letter signed W. Wilton," which was sent to Mr. Greenwood, and by which he vvas induced to leave his house, was copied, with a view to its being exhibited and made as public as possible, in the hope that by means of the handwriting the culprit might be identitied.

SHROPSHIRE HUNT BALL. The members of the Hunt held their annual meeting in the Musíc Hall on TnurscIay evening, January 15. There was ltU average attendance. The supper was supplied by the Raven Hotel Company, and the ball was opened by Lord A E Hill-Trevor and the Viscountess Newport in a country dance. The decorations in the supper-room, which were much admired, wóre supplied uy)fr Jones, of tlw Cutou Hill Nurseries, Shrewsbury. The band was from Liverpool. The ball-room was decorated oy Messrs. White and Co., of Market-street, Shrewsbury. • Among the nobility and geutry present were the following :— MEMBERS OF THE AUNT.—Sir V R Corbet, Bart,'Mr W H Sitwell, Air J H Sandford, Sir B Leighton, Bart, Mr It J More, Air C G Wingtield, Air C J Morris, Air S K Alain waring, Air J li Saverne.Lord A E C \Viekste<l,Mr T Slaney liyton, Air William Keuyon-Slaney, Mr A Heber Percy, Viscount New- port, Air C D Hudson, Air A Heywood-Lorisdale, Air Alfred B Darby, Air R T Lioyd, Lieut-Colonel William Slaney lCenyon- Slaney, Air J J Bibby, Air J Tayleur, ALijor Stuart, Sir H Hariiage, Bart, and Air W 0 Corbet. INVITED G1.JESTS,-Viscountess Newport, Vtóly A 1 Hill- Trevor, Miss Hill-Trevor, Aliss Hope Edwardes, Air H S Aliddleton, Airs LLoyd (Leaton Knolls), Mr E A Phillips, Lord Windsor, Earl of Leitrim, Airs Severne, Airs Hey wood- Lonsdale, Mr J R Kenyan, Air K E L Burton, Air G Hayhui st, Captain, Airs, and thù .\1isses Cotton, Lady Fb- reutia, and the Misses Hughes, Air Soooell (Royal Scots Greys), the Alisses Swetenham, Mrs and tile Jlis:j8 Foster, Hon. Mrs Charles and Miss Ada Noel Hill, Colonel, Airs, and j Aliss Edgell, Mr It Edgell, Captain Pryce (Boll Hussars), Rev. F H, Airs, a-id the Aliases Hothain, Mr and Airs Atelierley, Mr and the Hon. Airs Tighe, Mr J A Austice, Mr William Autttice, Aliss Clare Leighton, Airs and Miss Roddain, Airs Charles Wickstead, Airs Wingfield, Rev. W B Corheld, Rev. R H, Airs, and the Alisses Cholmondeley^ Rev E and the Misses BriJgeui.tn, Air and Airs G D Harrison, Airs and the Alisses Lleyd, Aliss Boughton Knight, Air Bougliton Knight, Air John Naylor, Air C Edwards Jloss, Airs and Aliss Herbert Crawshay, Air Alister Sandeman, Air Charles Wright, Mr Horace Lovett, Air Aleyrick Pryce, Hon Mr and Airs. WYUJl, Captain E H Day, Airs Lovell, Air Kossen- dale Lloyd, Airs and Miss Becker, Aliss E Harrison, Mr S 6atacre, Alajor-General and Airs Jenkins, Aliss Alary Jenkins, and Miss Annette .J enkin, Air A Kenyon, Air H Dmke, Air Wynne Edwards, Mr Charles Jenkins (19th Hussars), Aliss Rose Eyton, Aliss Lillian Eyton, Mr A Napier, Air, Airs, and Aliss Charles Edwards, Airs and the Misses Naylor, Air, Airs, and the Alisses Forbes, Colonel, Airs, and the Misses Edwards, Aliss Edwards Jloss, the Rev. Geo. Forrester, Colonel and the Alisses Lovett, Mr It H L Burton, Air H W Lovett, Airs Alainwaring, Mr, Airs, and the Alisses Sparrow, Colonel nnd Airs Field, the Rev G, Mrs, and the Alisses Whitmore, Air Herbart Goodall, Air and Airs Shakerley, the Viscountess Hill, Mr C Hartley, the Rev A G Kingsford, the Hon E Kenyon, Air E L Peel, Airs and the Alisses Kenyon Slaney, Air and Airs Robinson, Air P R Kenyon Slaney, the Rev F Dayrell, Air H Saiusbury, Colonel C R Crosse, Air F G A Phillips, Air and Airs Boyle, Captain and Airs Bell, Air Lovelace Stamer, Air and Aliss lluut, Airs Alore, Air Thouias Hunt, Admiral and Airs Jenkins, Air W E Garnett Bottield, Air R Bagot, Mr and Airs Walford, Airs George Kenyon and Miss Kenyon, Air A Kenyon, Air E Keu. on, the Hev. C 0, Mrs, and Aliss Alice Kenyon, Mrs and Aliss Helen Williams Wynn, Mr Robert Jenkins, Mr Herbert Lewis, Mr and Airs Longueville, Airs Alorris, Air and the Misses Heber Percy, the Hon. Alexander and Airs Hood, the Misses Harley, Miss Benson, Aliss Hayhurst, Air Sherwin Pearson, Air A Chiohele Plowden, Air Herbsrt Hawkins, the Misses Eremolt, Aliss Bagot, Air, Airs, and the Alisses Kenyon, Afiss C Kenyon, Airs Darby, Air and Airs Hillyar Chapman, Mr E Saiusbury, Air H Bowles, Air E A Kenyon, Lady Hester and the Misses Leeke, Air and Mrs Warter, the Alisses Williams, Colonel Pryce, Air C C Rogers, Air and the Hon. Airs Harley, Air R. Scott, Mr J J Atkinson, the Hon Airs H and the Misses Noel Hill, Air Lyde Benson, Miss Alary Jenkins, Hon S Hanbury, Air and Mrs Bonnor, Mr F H Sitwyl), Mr E R Boughton, Airs Heywool Lonsdale, Aliss Fells, Air H Littledale, Air, Airs, and Aliss Tippinge, Air G Warburton, the Hon E F Kenyon, Air Cockayne Cust, Hon G and Airs Kenyon, Airs Stuart, Airs Sandford, Aliss Ethelstane, Aliss Loveden, Air R Phillipson, Air E W Herbert, Lady Harnage, Aliss Oakley, the Alisses Lloyd, Air G G Bather, Air R Hunt, Airs and Misses Jacson, Air and Mrs W Kenyon-Slaney, Major-General Saiusbury, Air and Airs Phillips, Hon R C and Airs Herbert and Aliss F Her- bert, the Alisses Wright, Captain W ill, Air H V Heber Percy, Mr and Mrs R Barton, Air C S Mainwaring, Airs Sitwell, Sir William, La. 1y, and Aliss Clerlte, Air J C Clerke, Air and Airs Oscar Blount, Mr H Wilson, Rev W and Mrs Wingfield, Mrs Lovell, Mrs and the Alisses Willes Johnson, Aliss Alacpherson, Mrs and Aliss Aleyrick, Col and Airs Colville, Air H Cuinpstone, Air D W Green, Rev H W and Miss Moss, Air H W Green, Aliss Green, Alajor and Mrs Cauldwell, Lieut-Colonel Alontgomery, and Mr M Jacson.

THE TERRIBLE RAILWAY COLLISION. A serious and fatal railway accident occurred on Thurs- day, Jan. 15, on the Lancashire and Yorkshire line at Platt's Bridge siding, between Ormskirkand Burscough junction. The Fleetwood express, which leaves Liverpool at 6 30 p.m., left Ormskirk at the appointed time, but when at the above-named point it came into violent collision with a train proceeding from Burscough junction to Ormskirk, which was travelling on the wrong line of metals. The driver, stoker, and guard of the Burscough train were killed, and the fireman of the Liverpool train and some of the passengei-s received serious injuries. Five of the persons injured in the accident have died at the Preston Intirmary, making a total loss of eight lives. The line was cleared on Friday morning and traffic resumed. The pointsman Melia has been arrested. On Saturday the iu- quest on one of the killed men was opened and adjourned till Friday. The Coroner's inquest was held on Monday, January 19, at Preston, on the bodies of fivof the persons who have died from injuries caused by the railway collision. The injuest was adjourned, and a Board of Trade enquiry wa3 opened by Major-General Hutchinson, R.E. The points- man Melia was charged at the Ormskirk Police Court with manslaughter, aud was remanded.

THE OSWESTRY NEW YEAR'S FESTIVAL ADJUDICATIONS. We have received the following adjudications at this Festival:— A TALE ILLUSTRATING THE EVILS OF INTEMPERANCE. Eleven compositions have been received, viz., those signed "Ymeisydd Anfedrus," Un a'i Amser yn brin iawu," Excelsior," "De Witt," One who might do more towards promoting Temperance," "Truth," "James Owen," Llewelyn," "Oswallt," Diwyd," "Libra." They may be divided into two classes, those which show a power in the writer of projecting himself into the scenes and descriptions which he presents, and those which, while enumerating in the form of narrative some of the great evils of intemperance, show a want of this power of making the scenes real, and causing the persons to live in the reader's mind. In the latter class are" Excelsior," One who might do more towards promoting Temperance," Un a'i amser yu brin iawn;" "Ymgeisydd AnÙ:I_rus," who has begini his work with a dissertation, also falls partly into tIlis cJss. In the narrative part of the composition, there is a realism which makes his tale interesting. All the others show more or less of this power, but" Truth" and" James Owen" show less of it than the others, while Llewelyn has confined himself almost entirely to vividly relating one scene, and De Witt," who appears to feel the evils of drink more than all the rest. is guilty of allowing his feelings to run riot to some extent. His short piece, however, has some parts of great intensity, and if he caB. succeed in running his passionate vehemence into moulds of adequate and restrained expressions he will Qe able to write a really powerful tale. Diwyd has written must copiou!>ly, but many of the incidents are improbable, and Rome impossible, such as the second trial in England of one fOUllll guilty otJ a criminal charge. His work also in some parts hcks vigour. "Oswallt's" is a quietly-tolll tale, but full of facts minute details, which enhance the probability by adding to the realism of the story, are numerous. "Oswallt" can tell a tale well, Libm," however, has most life. His story, treating as it does a theme which, alas, has become old, is mora new than any of the others, more vivid, jmd succeeds at times in making the reader forget that he is reading a made tale at all. The first part is especially good, and contains touches which go far to show that the writer woulcl.do well to follow this line of compo- siton. The httor part is p, little hurried. If" Libra" take8 pains to mdee the latter parti as good as the first, the tale would be one which would interest L large circle of readers. Libra i8 thus first, and perhaps justice will best he done by sharing te second prize between (Oswallt and" Diwyd." ESSAYS ON THE BEST MEAXS OF BRINGING CULTURE AND REFINEMENT WITHIN THE REACH OF THE MASS or Till: PEOPLE IN SMALL PROVINCIAL TOWNS AND RURA L DISTRICTS. Eloven css"lYS have como in for adjudication. Three of he eleven may be"considered below the average in general ability, namely, those of "Delta," "Yillage Maiden," and "If.,r these productions beyond that I consider the authors to have I "walked in things too high for them" in entering on this competition. They would have better succeeded if they had directed their efforts on some of the easier tasks proposed by the Society. They must cultivate literary composition for some time before they can hope to succeed in contests for the highest prizes. Of the other attempts I shall say a few words one by one. Four of them are written in English, and four in Welsh. The names appended to the English papers are the following— 1 Inquirer", 2 E.P. 3, Giraldus", 4, Rasselas." The essay written by "Inquirer" in one or two respects stands higher than any of the eleven. It bears the marks of a higher culture, ami of a largor acquaintance with English literature than any of the other essays with the exception possibly of the one written by E.P." which comes near to it in this respect. If I were called upon to adjudicate on the general ability of the writers as manifested in their productions and not on the productions themselves as efforts to elucidate the subject iveu for cunsideration I should cortamly be (l1sposed to award the palm to Inquirer," but she has evidently not devoted so much thought and time on her essay as seveflll of the other competitors have done. I cannot, therefore, pronounco her essay to be the best on tlw subject given for competition. I might repeat almost every word in regard to the paper written by E.P. inasmuch as they are very like each other and are very nearly equal in point of general merit. The essay of Rassolas" and Giraldus" are more satisfactory, considered in relation to the subject. They give it a fuller treatment, and endeavour to como to a more practical solution of the problem proposed to them. In relation to each other thce two again seem to me, after habmcing their re.5pectiv merits and defects, to be nearly equal. The four Welsh treatises aro signed, 1, Alephiboseth2, "Hunan ddiwy- llydd moesgar;" 3, "Brython 4, Gwladwr Gwledig." I was much pleased in reading the essay of Alephiboseth." It im- pressed me as possessing more individuality and freshness than any of the eleven, amI evidently the author is one who devotes his leisure hours to literary studies. This essay, nevertheless, is defective as a literary ¡;Olnpositioll, ami contains several errors. The treatises of Bryth .n and "Hunan ddiwyllydd Moesgar" are very equal to each other, and, in some respects, do not far fall short of the one whieh I consider to be, on the whole, the best. The writers deserve great pmise for their industry and application, for their productions must have cost them much thought and time, and are, in point 01' literary merit, excellent. The author of "Brython," in my opinion, excels Hunan ddiwy- l1ydd Aloesgar in composition, is a greater master of style, and writes tersely an i elegantly. In I am disposed to re- gard him as by far the best writer of all the competitors. The essay of "Htman ddiwylly(ll1 Aloesgar" is, on the other hand, more complete and full, but rather diffusive in style and tho lIght. After some hesitation, I consider the essay WrittOIl by "Gwlad wr Gwledig to De the best, and judge it to be worthy of the reward. The treatment given therein to the subject h very full and sound, and its literary merits come up to tIlose exhibited by the others, when all things are taken together. EXGI.VX I'R MILGI. Derbyniwyd chwech av hugain 0 Englyniun a chan EoU bod 011 yn lied amcanus, nld hawdd iawn ydvw eu rhestru yn 01 eu teilyngdod cydmariaethol. Nid oes ond dau 0 honynt yn cyn- nwys gwallau cynhaneddol, sef Heliwr (1) a, Cyrn y Bwch." Daw yn nesaf gyfres lied faith o englyiiiou lied dda, ond heh lawer o brydferthweh ynddynt. Gellir eu galw dariuniau rhanol o'r milgi. Ceir ambqll linell dda iawu yn gwplysog a llinellau canolig. Yma gosodir enwau Berwynfab," Aloe' Iwrch," Gwerfil Goch," Oswallon," "Nid Nimrod aï Vod Anian- ryw," Un hoff ohela," Frigo," "Nimrod" (1), a "Ci Morgan." Y mae y dosbarth nesaf ychydig Yll well at eu gilydd, 3. bychan yw y gwahaniaeth rhyngddynt. "Herwhelitvr," Perthes," "Red Rose," Nimrod" (2), Heliwr (2), DistadI," pc Oswald." Y goreuon ydyw Glyndwr," "Penrhos," ac "Iùlo Meirionydd." Er mai ychydig a ragora y tri olaf ar y gweddill, y maent gam ym mlaen; ac "lolo Aleirionydd" yw y goreu oil. Cynwysa gyflawnach portread o'r miJgi yn ei XL'uri, nodwedd, a gwasan- aeth, nac un o'r lleill. Darllena yr englyn fel hyn — Cwmmauog gi siomrc, meingoes, hir-un gwell Na'i gynt ni chanfyddir Helwriaeth o'u gwal yrrir I hynt hwn drwy gyrrau 'n tir. Derbyniwyd englyn "Llwynox" yn rhy ddiweddar. Pe daethai i law yn brydlon, buasai yn agos iawn i'r blaen. Daeth englyn arall yn afreolaidd i'm llaw iimau ar y 15ed o'r mis, ond gwan ydyw. Amy ddau englynSaesonaeg, tipynyn "dalcen slip" ydynt. Gellir eil darllen or codi gwen, a dim arall.—-Yr eiddoch yn gywir, Eus WIN O WYHFAI. Y I'RYDDESTAU Art YR OLYGFA ODDIAR GYRN r nWCH. Daeth tair pryddest i'r gystadleuaeth dan yr enwau "Y Gwalch," Brochwel Ysgythrog," a "Tremydd." (1).—"Y Gwalch." Nid ydyw y "Gwalch" yn arddangos llawer o fedr i bortreiadu parthluniaeth. Parthluniad wedi ei dynu a phin ac inc ydyw y bryddest hOll; ac y mae yn dra diffygiol yn nodweddion priodol y fath gan. Gorlenwir y darlun ag enwau moelion, tra y mae yn dra amddifad o ddysgrif-eiriau. Nid oes ynddo leoliad rheolaidd er' y nodir cyfeiriad pob gwrthrych a enwir. Alewn ambell gyffyrddiad yn unig y rhoddir swyn dymunol yn y delweddau a ddygir o flaen llygad y meddwl. Fel mydryddiaeth y mae y gan yn gan- holig, er y defnyddir ynddi ar y mv.y ti o eiriau sathredit; a sillgoIl-eirbu 'brattiog. Bron na thybiwn mai ymadrodd o chwaeth amheus ydyw ysgrifenu Eia Cym y Ewch" (Our Cyrn y Bwch). Dullwedrl ffug-chwedlaidd o darddiad lied ddinod ydyw y dull diweddar o ysgrifenu "ein harwr,' "ein harwres.' Ond rhaid addef fod awduronlled dda yn defnyddio yr arddull yma. (2.)—"Brochwel Ysgythrog" Y pedair iliuell gyntaf yw rhan waelaf can yr awdwr hwn. Dyma hwy- Ar nawn rhyw ddydd yn Aledi Es i ben Cyrn y B.vc'i, I Syllll 0 fy amgvlch Ar olygfeydd filweh. Byddai yn sarhM ar synhwyr awdwr ag sydd wedi cyfansoddi o loiaf ddau ant o lineliau (LL i'r drafforth o drl'-in^oy g.vendid y fath linellau. Da gellvf ddwevd fod y bryddcst "vn gwella yn raddol bron hyd y uiwedd. canol cvfansodda ^Brochwel" yn dda iawn, a dwg i fewn i'w gyfausoddiad lawer o adgoflon ag sydd yn cyfosthogi ei gan ac yn eneinio ei fardd- oaiaeth. Tra y mae yn colli mewn parthluniaeth bortreiadol y mae yn enill mewn cyffyrddiadau hanesiol. Wrth fyned trwy ei gan yr ydys yn sefyll ynjr nffhwmni hynafiaethydd chwedleu- gar, Cymro gwresog, a gwladgarwr aiddgar, ac yn edrvch ar oiygfeydd dymunol, a chan bob un ei chwedl ddyddQrol i'w hadrodd. Gresyn ddarfod i'r awdwr fod mor ddiofal vn ffurfiad useiniau o'i linellau, fel ag-i ymtoddloni ar fydrydd- iaet-h garpiog a gwallus. Y mae o fown galla pub dyn berlfeithio ei waith, a chaniattau ei fod yn weithiwr galluog, fel ag y ceir arwyddion fod yr awdwr liwn. (3.)—"Tremydd." Dyma ysgrifenydd medrus a gofaltis. Ed- rycha oddi amgylch o ben Cyrn y Bwch a llygad yn gweled anian." Y mae ei fydryddiaeth yn esmwyih, yr iaith yn goyth, oddi eithr dau ansoddair fel gwasanaethyddion odl, "bmf" a chweg," a ddefnyddirar y mynychaf, ac y mae y parthluniaeth yn dra phortreiadol. Lledir yr olygfa o'n blaeit mewn dull eJ[eíthiol a swynol. Darlun o'r olvgfa yw y gi'm, a. dim yn yell- waneff: portreiad pin ac inc yw, mor fud am y gorphenol a gwaith y paent luniedydd. Fel darlun rungora. ar yr oil; fel lianesiaeth ddyddorol y mae ar ol pryddest Brochwel." Fel gwaith gorphenedig y mae o flaen Yi oil, fel gwaith llawn yn ei wahanol ranau, y mae ar ol Broehwer Ysgythrog." Fel barddoniaeth y mae yn mhell ymlaen, fei hanesiaeth y mae yn tnhell yn ol. Pan edrychwn ar y cyf insoddiadau yn y goleuni hwn teimlirgradll o amheuaeth pa Ie y trydd y f.intol- ond pan eir i wyneb y was?, a gofyn pa syfauaoddiad sydd gytnwya fel y mae i'w osod o flaen y cyhoedd fel pryddesc deilwng o aygraffiad, daw "Tremydd" ar unwaith yn mlaenaf. Rhaid boirniadu oyfansoddiad fel y inae, ac nid fel y gellid ei goethi a'ic;aboli, a'i wneud yn dda. Felag y mae y cyfallsuddirLdau o'm blaen, "Tremydd" yw y goreu, a haedda y wobr. Eus WY o WYRF.U. ADJUDICATION OF THE HARMONIZING. The competitors fall naturally into three classes. In the third class appear W. E. T. and Student. In the second class Cymrodor, Nou Clementi, Harmonist, Padre, Mar- tini, Harold, Brysiog, Temlwr ùa, Tubal Cain. In the lirst class appear ApHugh, John Howard, Cousin. Briton, J. E. Jones, Mainzer, Donizetti, John Goss, Bleddyn, Alltud, Welshman, Ysbryd J. S. Bach. Those in the third class are defective in the air and in the bass theme. Those in the second class are not good in the air, but are most defective in the bass theme. In the first class the competitors are far more successful iu the first exercise, but are defective in the bass theme, not only as regards melody and counterpoint, but simple harmony. The com- petitors have made no attempt at the suspensions, which are clearly suggested by the syncopated notes in the bass. The nearest to the mark is that of Ysbryd J. S. Bach, but we regret to say that he is not accurate—very careless about the dissonances. Alltud is successful with the air, but inaccurate in the suspensions of the bass theme. The same may be said of Welshman," only that he does not attempt the suspensions. It will be seen from the above that none of the competitors are correct, although they show considerable knowledge of harmony, and, there- fore, we would advise the committee to* give half the prize to Ysteryd J. S. Bach." For the benefit of the competitors the mistakes are clearly marked on each exer- cise. We would advise the candidates to work carefully the Construction Exercises in Prof. Alacfarren's Rudiments of Har- mony, or in Mr. Curwen's Commonplaces of Alusic.—From the adjudication of Mr. D. Jenkins, MllS. Bac., Cantab., Aber- ystwyth.

A LAWYER ON THE LAND LAWS. AT the annual dinner of the Oxford Liberal Association Last week, Mr. CHITTY, Q.C., the Liberal candidate for the city, delivered an address ou the land laws, which, coming from a lawyer of so much eminence, has excited considerable interest. Describing the evils of the present system, he said that land was tied up for periods extend- ing to half a century, and even longer. It was estimated that from half to three quarters of the land in this country was under settlement, the result of which was to make the unborn generation the owner. "Could human ingenuity, he had almost said perversity, have effected a more astonishing result ?" But this was not all. A man could order that after he was dead the rent should be ac- cumulated for twenty-one years, and could give directions as to the cultivation and management of the property. The holder of the land under settlement was the apparent, not the real owner it came to him burdened with join- tures and other incumbrances; and he was expected to fulfil all the duties of a real owner. In the midst of apparent plenty he was of tea a poor man—a Tantalus parched with thirst though the water was rising to his lips. Often it would be to his advantage to part with some of the property, but he could not sell. If he was a. spendthrift he mortgaged his interest to money- lenders, whotookpossesshm of the estate and impoverished it: if he was prudent, he knew that what he put into the land from his own savings went to swell the fortune of his eldest son, who already had too much, and was taken away from his younger children, who had too little and what he saved for his younger children in many cases he took away from the land. Tha Legislature had recognized the evil effects which arose from limited ownerships by the many palliatives which were provided, but by these mere supplementary devices," as they had been called, the limited owner was often involved in^expeDse, trouble, and delay. It was true that in almost every settlement there was a power of sale, but the ultimate destination of the money was to buy more laud, which, when bought, became subject to the settlement. Amongst the evils that resulted from the present state of the law was the obstruction to the free circulation of land, and the expense, delay, and uncertainty mixed up with the question of title, which pressed niost heavily on the small purchaser. Another evil was the inability of the apparent owner to do his duty to the land in the way of improvement and cultivation. As to the remedies, public opinion seemed scarcely ripe for the total abolition of the monstrous system of settlement and entail; but it seemed right at all events to tike away tho power of making unborn persons the owners of land. A very excellent suggestion was to give every tenant for life in possession an un- restricted power of sale, with due provision for the protection of the surplus purchase money after discharging incumbrances. Primogeniture should be abolished. If the law made a will for a man, it should make a just one, not such as no man in his senses would think of making. There were many other points, such as the law of distress, of fixtures and improvements, and of long building leases, requiring revision and alteration, but he could not dwell upon them. Suffice it to say that in the interest of the community at large, of the landowners themselves, of the farmers, and of the labourers, our land system required a complete and thorough reorganization. The principle on which we should proceed was to remove all artificial restraints, and to leave natural causes and the wants of society free to do their work. Mr. CHITTY was not disposed—and indeed who is ?—to create by artificial means a class of yeomen or peasant proprIetors, much as he should like to see them but he said we should endeavour so to reform the law as to make the purchase of land easy and inexpensive^ to give the artisan and working man facilities for making a safe investment of his small savings, and to afford the agricultural labourer soms hope that he too might some day by industry and thrift become an owner. Mr. CHITTY was convinced that a thorough reform of our Land Laws would stimulate in- dustry and thrift, reduce pauperism, and strengthen the rights of property. We have given an abstract of the speech because the subject will soon have to be dealt with by the Legislature, and the learned speaker has shown us how it is regarded by a man of sagacity who thoroughly understands what he is talking, about. We ask our readers to compare Mr. CHITTY'S speech with Lord BEACONSFIELD'S, in the spirit not of a partisan but of an impartial observer. Which is more sensible ? Which more statesmanlike? Mr. CHITTY appioachos the subject with a desire to make it • clear, and to do the best for the country; PREMIER treats us to a disquisition, which can scarcely be called ingenious, on the three revenues derivable from the soil. Lord BEACON'OFIELD raises a fosj of a. shrewd and trained intelligence upon it. It is not too much to say that in the two speeches we have a fair indication of the treatment which great social subjects re- ceiveat present from the Ministerialists and the Oppo- sition. How much better, said Mr. CHITTY, would it be, if the Government were to direct its energies to some such useful -and beneficial work as this, instead of fighting Zulus and slaughtering Afghans, persecuting Boers and not reforming Turks. But the Government is hampered too much by its relations with its own supporters to un- dertake any great work of domestic reform, and least of all the liberation of the land from the fetters of an anti- quated legislation.

FORDEN TITHE AUDIT.—On Wednesday, Jan. 14, the tithe audit of this parish was held at the Church House Inn. In the evening the principal tithe payers were entertained at a dinner, which ^was prepared in excellent style by Mr. Blackshaw. The chair was occupied by Mr. William Mickleburgh, who attended on behalf of the Grocers' Company, to whom these tithes belong, and the vice- chair by Mr. Hughes of Edderton. The usual loyal toasts, and others of local interest, were given, and some excellent songs were sung. A very agreeable evening was Epent. UNION HOCSE.—THE CHAPLAIN'S TEA.—On Thurs- day, Jan. 15, the Chaplain gave a tea to those of the inmates who by reason of sickness or other infirmity are unable to enjoy the good things provided by the kind- ness of others at this festive season. About sixty came under this head, and a capital tea was provided for them. At the conclusion of the meal an inmate proposed three cheer3 for the Chaplain, which was very heartily re- sponded to.—On the same day Mrs. Harrison, the wife of the worthy Chairman, presented the inmates with presents of tea, sugar, and tobacco, supplemented with oranges and sponge cake for the children. Her kindness v/as greatly appreciated.

MEIFOD LECTUKE.—" William Ewart Gladstone as a statesman" was the subject of a lecture delivered in the Methodist Chapel of this village on Friday evening, January 16, by the Rev. Owen Jones, Gelli. Mr. Jones of Yarchwell presided. There was a good attendance, audlhe proceeds were for the benefit of the Children's Lodge yd Juvenile Singing Ciass.

LLANIDLOES SALMON POACHING.—At the Town Hall, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, before the Mayor (Mr. Edward Davies) and Mr. Thomas Efoulkes Roberts, Thomas Jones, foreman plate- layer for the Mid Wales Railway Company, and David Laurence, platelayer, Tylwch, were charged with having unseasonable salmon in their possession. Mr. Alfred George attended on behalf of the Severn Fishery Board, and Mr. H. V. Thomas for the defendants.—P.S. Sibbald deposed that on Saturday night Jan. 10, he went in search of the defendants, and found them in a stable in the Mount Inn yard at Llanidloes. There were several men in the stable at the time. Defendant Joues was in the act of weighing a salmon. Two or three of the men in the stable, on perceiving the officer, rushed out of the stable. One had a lantern or light in his hand, which he held for the defendant (Jones) to weigh the fish. Jones, on seeing witness, went t:, the door, closed it, and prevented him from entering. Witness had to pull his hands off by force to open the door. P.S. Sibbald then called for the lantern and entered the stable, but the defendant Jones put out the light in the police-sergeant's hand, and attempted to make his escape. Witness obtained another light and took Jones into custody. On entering the stable the police- sergeant saw four more fish besides the one on the scales, and charged both defendants with being in unlawful pos- session of the fish, and locked up the defendants. Jones said, when charged, "I have never been at this before. It's done now, and we must try to do the best of the worst." In cross-examination P.S. Sibbald said he could see iuto the stabie before entering, and saw the defendant Lau- rence there, but not taking an active part.—Mr. H. V. Thomas addressed their Worships on behalf of both defendants. He said the defendant Jones pleaded guilty, but he contended that there was no evidence against Lau- rence, as the police-sergeant simply saw him in the stable. He hoped their Worships would not be prejudiced against them.—The Mayor We are not in the least prejudiced.— Mr. Thomas assured their Worships that it gave him great pleasure to be before a Bench of magistrates who were not prejudiced. As for the defendant Jones he was enticed by a certain man from Llanidloes (whose name could be mentioned if necessary), to bring the fish to this town to sell, and in a weak moment he consented, and was caught by the police. Jones had a large family. He never had been in a Rebecca riot, aud as this was the first time he had ever been in a police-court, it was to bo hoped that their Worships would take as favourable a view of the matter as passible.—The magistrates, with the Town Clerk and Mr. Alfred George, retired, and in a few min- utes returned into court. As soon as silence was obtained, the Mayor said that they had come to the conclusion to dismiss the charge against Laurence, and Jones would- be fined £1 for each fish, and the costs, in all £6 10s. Gd., or two months'imprisonment. The money was paid.—The case ereated great excitement in the town, aud the court- room was crowded, a great many persons having come from Rhayader that morning by the 9.45 train. The five salmon were exhibited in the room, and weighed alto- gether 101 lbs. Mr. Arthur Evan Williams, of Rhayader, superintendent of the water bailiffs of the Wye Conserva- tors, and Mr. E vaii Owen, of Builth. clerk to the vY yq Conservators, watched the case, as the fish were supposed to have been taken in that river.

MAILTON PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, 14,-Before Capt. Severne, M.P., J. Whitaker, Esq., and the Rev. L. J. Lee. Heavy Fine for an Assault.—Ed. Pugh charged Samuel Lewis, Bentlawnt, with having assaulted him. It appears that the complainant and defendant, who are relations, occupy the same house, and ou the occasion in question the defendant wont to the complainant's room, and after challenging him to fight, he gave him a black eye.—The Bench fined defendant £2. and 10s. 3d. costs. Drunkenness.—J. Griffiths, labourer, Bentlawnt, was fined 5s. 6d., and fe. 4d. costs, lor having been drunk at Worthen. Highway 0(foicc.—P.O. Cooke charged Ed. Bennett, hawker, Pontesbury, with having left a horse and trap without a driver ou the highway at Bovington.—Fined 2s. 4d., and 7s. 3d. costs. Gunpoioder Licence.—An application was made on be- half of the Wotherton Mining Company for a licence to store gunpowder on their premises.—Granted.

PEON, BEESIEW ANNUAL CUOIn SUPPER.—The members of the Fron Choir had their annual supper, thanks to the generosity of Miss Mary Buckley Williames, Glanhafren, on Thursday, January 15. At half-past six the party sat down to an excellent supper, that had been provided by Mrs. Owen, Halfway Inn. The chair was occupied by Rev. J. Roberts, and the vice-chair by Mr. George Davies. The healths of Miss Buckley Williames, and Airs. Buckley Williames, received musical honours. Other toasts followed, and the enjoyment of the company was supplemented by some excellent singing on the part of Miss Mary Davies, Miss Methven, Aliss Martha Smout, the Misses Lizzie and Jennie Davits, Messrs. Bevan, R. Davies, T. Laurence, W. Jones, E. Parry, L. Evans, J. and T. Bebb, W. Davies, and W. Smith.

MONTGOMERY TITIIE AUDIT.—On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Rev. F. W. Parker, rector of this parish, held his tithe audit and. taking into consideration the present depressed state of agriculture, generously remitted ten per cent., which was much appreciated by his parishioners. The rector after- wards entertained the principal tithepayers and his friends at an excellent dinner, and a very tiLant evening was spent.

LLANFAIR CAEREINION GIFTS TO THE POOR. We understand that a number of poor people of tlns. town came in for a large share of flannel, &c., kindly given by Mrs. Pryce, Cyfronydd, who is well known for her charitableness in the district. EŒTEDD.FODlC HONOURS.—The Rev. T. Jones-Hum- phreys (u esleyan) has borne away another prize from Dolgelley eisteddfod, held on New Year's Day, The prize of five pounds for the best essay on "Oliver Cromwell was awarded to that gentleman. RENT AUDIT.—On Saturday, Jan. 10, the half-yearly rent audit of the Earl of Powis was held at the Goat Hotel. Mr. T. Newill, agent, was present. An abate- ment of 10 per cent wa^ allowed, on the larger tenements, accorhng to a scale provided by his lordship. A sub- stantial dinner was provided in the usual style. TITHE AUDIT.—On Thursday, Jan. 15, the half-yearly tithe audit of the Revs. E. V. Owen, Pontllogel, J. D. Edwards, Rhosymedre, and Mr. J. M. E. Jones, Brighton, was held by Mr. Joseph Evans, Fronygog, Machynlleth, at the Goat Hotel, in this town, for a portion of the parish. A CHILD BURNT TO DEATH.—INQUKST.—On Friday, Jan. 1G, an inquest was held at the Lodge, near this before Mr. W. A. Pughe, coroner, and a jury, with Mr. J. Lloyd Humphreys, foreman, on the body of a child aged one year and seven months, youngest child of John Evans, sawyer. It appeared from the evidence given that the mother had left the child to go to a neighbour's house adjoining, and in the care of another sister aged eleven years, who also went to a neighbouring house to see the time of day. In the meantime the child managed to crawl from his chair to the fire, where he got severely burnt and died in the course of a week from the effects of the injuries it had received. The mother and girl were soon ou the spot, and James Jones, the Factory, helped to extinguish the fire.—The Jury, after a short consulta- tion, returned a verdict of "Accidentally burnt."

LLANV7YDDYN CHRISTMAS TREE.—On Friday, January 16, the annual treat in connection with the Church Sunday School of this place was held at the Vicarage. The members of the school met at 3-30 p.m. After the Vicar had read the registers of the school, and had made remarks on the pro- gress of each class, he began distributing the articles from the tree, which was a very fine one, given by him, reach- ing nearly to the roof, and nicely decorated with toys of every description and valuable articles. It presented a very pleasing effect when illuminated. The costly articles consisted of flannels, scarves, &c., which were given to each member of the school in proportion to the number of attendances made during the year. After votes of thanks to the Vicar, Mrs. Evans, and family, cakes and oranges were handed round.

LLANDINAM MRS. STUART RENDEL'S GIFTS TO THE POOR.—Since our last report of charities at Llandinam, Mrs. Stuart Rendel has sent money down from London to Mrs. Thomas, The Shop, to be distributed to the most aged and deserving poor of the neighbourhood. She has also given instructions to Mrs. Morris, the gardener's wife at Plasdinam, to supply yarn for knitting stockings, gloves, &c., calicoes, and prints, to be made up in clothing for the poor. These are dealt out to any inolined to work and they are remunerated for their services by Mrs. Stuart Rendel, and tlisn tho articles are given away.

LLANGOLLEN MAJOR TOTTENHAM.—Major C. R. W. Tottenham, Mrs. Tottenham, and the family, left Plas Berwyn on Wednes- day, Jan. 14, for a sojourn at their Irish mansion, Wood- stock, Newtown, Mount Kennedy. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Tuesday morning, January 13. Edward Roberts, shoemaker, and late sexton, Price's- square, died suddenly. Mrs. Roberts went to a neigh- bour's house to see the children, leaving her husband smoking a pipe by the fireside. In a few minutes she heard a loud and distressing scream from her daughter, and on entering the house she saw her husband lying sense- less on the floor.. It appears that while smoking he across the iron stool in ftont of the fire. Lif o wa.s extinct in a few minutes. Ha wjas sixty-nine years-of age.

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