The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

TRAFFIC RECEIPTS. For the Week ending January 18th 1880. 1880. Great Western £ 122,822 West Midland V 1879 South Wales ) £ 117,60o 1880. London and North Western } £ 175,104 Shrewsburj and Hereford V 1879.

POLLUTION OF THE SEVERN.—On Saturday, January 24' at Gloucester Police Court, Mr. William Butler of Bristol' proprietor of tar distillery works near Gloucester, was summoned for having knowingly permitted deleterious liquid matter to flow into a tributary of the Severn so as to poison fish. Mr. C. Taynton prosecuted on behalf of the Severn Fishery Board, and Mr. R. S. Helps appeared for the defendant. The defendant's distillery works are situated on the banks of the Severn, about two miles above Gloucester. In one corner of the works is a pond about two acres in extent into which the refuse matter from the distillery operations is allowett to run. From the pond runs a ditch communicating with a small brook, which is a tributary of the Severn and for the prosecution it was alleged that deleterious matter had been allowed to flow from the pond through the ditch and into the brook, by which the fish in the river were poisoned.—The Bench fined the defendant B2 and costs. CBEWE DIVORCE CASE.—HODGSON V. HODGSON AND BRUMMELL.—In this suit, tried on Saturday, January 24, the husband, who is a surgeon, residing at Crewe, when in London made the acquaintance of the respondent at a '♦'•ice of amusement, and subsequently married her. The indent is also a medical man, and, according to the he and Mrs. Hodgson were on terms of the "-oacy, and they were seen with each other ■ices which did not leave any doubt as to they lived.—Dr. Spinks, Q.C., who ,1 for the wife, said that she had is, and he should not, in the ab- t, call her.—The jury at once i the Court granted a decree is prayed for in the petition

NORTH AND SOUTH WALES BANK. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.-RESOLUTION. On Wednesday, January 28, the forty-ninth annual general meeting of the proprietors of the North and South Wales Bank was held at the Law Association Rooms, Cook-street, Liverpool, for the purpose of receiving the report, electing directors, and considering "the expe- diency or othermse of increasing the nominal capital of the bank by attaching a reserve liability of 230 to each ;of the 50,000 shares of 210 each now constituting the capital of the bank, whereby such capital will be raised from £,OOO (its present amount) to k2,000,000 (two millions), with the view of registering the bank as a bank with limited liability as from 1st July next." Mr. George Rae, chairman of the Board of Directors, presided, and there was a large attendance. The notice calling the meeting was read by Mr. Gray Hill, solicitor to the bank, and the report and balance sheet by Mr. R. Meredith Jones, the manager. The report was as follows :— The general stagnation in business and the low rates of interest which prevailed during the greater portion of tiio past twelve months resulted in a reduction in the profits of the bank below the average of late ye ivs, so that, in order to pay the usual dividend and bonus of 17V per cent., the Directors have had to trench on the balance of profits brought forward from last year to the amount of £ 6,000. After this deduction, how- ever, there still remains a balance of £11,366 14s. Id. to carry I forward to next year's account., Then followed the statement of profit and lo-s account showing the result cf the operations of the bank for the year ended Dec. 31. The branches have. as usual, been visited during the year hv deputations of directors, accompanied by the country manager, and the cash, bills, accounts, and securities examined on the spot, and with satisfactory results in all cases. The directors who go out by rotation are Mr. Hugh Bulkeley Price and Mr. George Rae, both of whom are eligible for re- election, and offer themselves accordingly. Since last meeting of shareholders, an Act has been passed by the Legislature which will enable all unlimited banks, who see fit to adopt it, to assign a definite limit to !h 1: n'lty fir shareholders, at the same time that it enables them to re-adjust their capitals, so that they may provide an ample mars in of seenritv to depositors and the National Provincial Bank of England, the London and Westminster Bank, the London and County, and other banks, have already advertised certain re- adjustments of their capitals, with the view of registeriug under the Act as banks with limited liability. Believing that the course adopted by these banks will be of advantage to them, and satisfactory to their depositors, the directors nre now prepared to recommend that this bank should adopt a similar policy. With this view they propose that the 50,000 shares of £10 each. fully oaid which now constitute the capital of the bank, be con- verted into, and exchanged for, an equal number of shares of £o each, P,10 paid, with £ 30 held in reserve, in terms of tho Act. By this means a reserve of canity will be created to the amount of £ 1,500,000, no portion ot which can be called up or used in the business of the bank, because the whole must re- main intact as a permanent guarantee for the security of depositors, in addition to the existing assets of the hank. and, as these amount to R,5, 370,000 (as shown by the balance sheet), the two items together will represent- a total of £ 6,S70,000, to meet (leposits, &c., to the amount of Sl,600,000 Subject to this readjustment of the capital, the directors recommend that they be empowered by the present meeting ;o take such steps as may be necessary to register the bank is a bank with limited liability, as from and after the 1st July i e-x t. -J. Lt.1_L:" Should tne proprietors approve ri "Ul lecuiuuienuacioii, it will be necessary to hold an extraordinary general meeting of pro- prietors, between now and the 1st July, in order to pass the resolutions required by the Act to give effect to the proposal of the directors, of which meeting due notice will be given to the shareholders. GEORGE RAE, Chairman. The CHAIRMAN said-Gentlemen, in moving the adop- tion of the report on the present occasion, it will he best if I deal in the first instance with the question of limited liability, which is the most important subject mooted in the report, leaving what little I miy have to say on the balance sheet and profit and loss statement until after- wards. And I should like at starting to remove, if I can, an impression which I know to be entertained by many well-informed persons, that there is something new fangled in this principle of limited liability. Now, gentlemen, so far from this being the case, it is precisely the contrary. The principle of limited liability in banking has been in operation in this country for very nearly a couple of cen- turies, and in very suecessf al operation. The Bank of Eng- land—I need not add, the greatest bank the world has ever seen-is a limited bank to all intents and purposes. So is the Bank of Scotland and so is the Bank of Ireland. The three foremost banks beyond all question of the three countries are all limited banks. The Bank of England was established, I think, in 1695, or thereabouts, and the Bank of Scotland in the year following; and these banks have gone through all the wars and political convulsions and money panics of the last two centuries without a single breath of discredit rest- ing upon them for a single moment. Therefore, I say that the principle of limited liability is not a new- fangled notion 9.1 all. but has been in successful operation for a long period of time. In fact, gentlemen, it is the principle of unlimited liability that is by far the newer of the two. That has been in operation for only about 50 years past; and there can be no question that it has been eminently successful. The unlimited banks of England, in point of strength and ftability, will bear comparison with those of any other country in the world. At the same time, there can be equally little question that the failure of the City of Glasgow Bank, some fifteen months ago—involving as it did the ruin of so many fortunes and the destruction of so many shareholders and their families—gave a shock to the principle of unlimited liability in banking from which it is doubtful if it will ever fully recover. You may prove to demonstration, as you almost can, that such a calamity can never happen again. Still the very word unlimited," with all its frightful possi- bilities, as developed in that bank failure, i,; still a word of terror to thousands, especially among people of means and property—and these are the very people best adapted for shareholders in banks. (Hear, hear.) This failure of the City of Glasgow Bank threatened to deprive the unlimited banks of England—and our own amongst the rest-of some of their richest and most influential shareholders; and it was with the view to arrest this evil, if possible, that the Banking Bill of last session was intro- duced and finally passed. It has been objected to that Act that it was cut dowu and hurried through the House of Commons at the last moment and in a very imperfect state. But, gentlemen, an Act which has already received the approval of, and been adopted by the London and Westminster Bink, by the National Provincial Bank, by the London and Counties Bank, and by 21 other banks— I say an Act which has received this wide measure of ap- proval, whatever its imperfections may be, has at least proved itself a perfectly practical measure to all who choose to avail themselves of it. (Applause.) And on this subject I think it will interest you a little, and will pro- bably interest the outside public, if I give you a few figures from an official source which will show you the relative position of the limited and unlimited banks of the United Kingdom. I have here a return which was moved for by Dr. Cameron in the Honse of Commons last session, and ordered to be printed, which I have had abstracted; and I gather from this the following figures:—At the date of this return—that is, midsummer last—the total amount of the paid-up capital of the limited banks of the United Kingdom, including the chartered banks of Scotland-which are only limited banks under another name—amounted to 230,000,000. The London and Westminster Bank, the National Provincial Bank, and the other banks that I have just referred to, are also going to become limited banks, as you are aware and they will add another 210,000,000 to the 230,000,000. If to these figures we add the paid-up capital of the Bank of England and the Bank of Ireland, which we are perfectly justified in doing, that will be 211,000,010 more. So that the paid-up capital of the limited banks of the United Kingdom will then amount to 257,000,000, whereas the entire paid-up capital of the unlimited banks will then amount to only £ 17,000,000. I think, gentlemen, these figures show very clearly the direction that things are taking—that the tendency is from unlimited liability towards limited liability. In fact, as you see, the limited banks already in paid-up capi- tal exceed the unlimited in the proportion of three to one. So that unlimited liability in banking has now become the exception, and limited liability the rule. (Applause.) These being the principal facts of the situation a3 they presented themselves to our Board we h ad then to ask oursel vesthis ques- tion. Can we make ample provision for the protection of Olr depositors, and at the same time assign some limit to the liability of our shareholders ? and we came to the conclu- sion that we thought we could. If you refer to the balance-sheet, of which a printed copy has been sent to each shareholder, and the figures of which have just been read by the manager, you will find that our assets— that is to say,our cash in hand, cash at call, consols, rail- way shares, bills of exchange, and debts. owing to us— amount in all to £ 5,369,000. They are worth to-day that amount. Out of this we are owing to depositors and others £4,607,000, so that we could pay these off in full, and still have a surplus for ourselves of £ 761,000. Now gentlemen, under all ordinary circumstances, we should consider that even this surplus would be an ample margin of security for our depositors. To make assurance doubly sure, we propose to increase it by CI,500,000 by ad(lin(, a reserve liability of E30 to each of the present klO shares' in the bank. Our position will then be that we shall have assets £6.869,000 to meet deposits £-1,600,000, or a surplus of ;C2,269,000-(Ioud applause)—an arrangement which, I hope and believe, will be satisfactory to our de- positors and for this further reason, that no portion whatever of this £ 1,500,000 can be called up for the purposes of the bank, but must remain as a permanent guarantee, in addition to all our other assets, and for the protection of our depositors. ("Hear, hear," and applause.) But some of our share- holders may say, This may be a very good arrangement for the depositors—a very liberal arrangement; but how about ourselves ? How about this 30 of reserve liability ? What does it amount to? Well, it amounts to this. It at all events limits your liability to that amount. Your liability, under no circumstances, can exceed that. A man holding, say, ten of our shares, would probably have paid 2300 for them at present prices. He will be liable for another E300 upon them; but there his liability will absolutely cease and determine under all circum- stances that can possibly arise. (Applause.) But, gen- tlemen, as a matter of fact, this liability never will arise. (Applause.) There is no human probability that you will ever be called upon for this E30 a share, or any por- tion of it; and for this reason Before we can come even insight of this liability-before we can approach it-we must first have lost the whole of our present paid-up cap- ital and reserve fund, amounting to 2750,000. (Applause.) Well, gentlemen, I don't know how this idea may present itself to your minds, but to the mind., of the idea of our losing 2750,000 in bad debts is so entirely be- yond the range of probability that it is not worthy serious consideration. (Cheers.) However, for the sake of argu- ment, but only for the sake of argument, let us for a moment assume that by some inscrutable means, unknown to us at the present moment, we do lose this money. Well even then, even after the loss|of the whole of your present paid-up capital and reserve fund, there will still be assets belonging to the bank to pay the whole of your depositors in full, without asking you for a single sixpence of this £30 a share. So that I think on this score the share- holders may make their minds perfectly easy. There is no more likelihood of your being called upon to pay this 230 a share or any portion of it than there is of your being called upon to pay off the national debt. (Ap- Elause.) I am afraid I have kept you rather long, but I ave very nearly finished what I intended to say on thin particular subject; but I should like to add that some banks appear to be waiting in the expectation that there will be fresh legislation on this subject during the ensuing session of Parliament. Gentlemen, I had exceptionally good opportunities of forming an opinion on thin subject durin, the last session of Parliament, and I don't hesitate to exo. press my belief that there will be no such legislation. I don't believe that the present House of Commons or any future House of Commons, will give to unlimited banks the priviliges of limited liability without the name. The word limited will not be given up; and those banks who are waiting for that concession, or for any less strin- gency in the form of audit, will, in my judgment, wait in vain. It is true we might do as some banks are doing. We might wait to see our neighbours take the first plunge into limited liability, and so gain a little experience, and perhaps a little profit, at their expense but this is a course, gentlemen, which does not present itself to our minds as either a neighbourly or a generous one. (Ap- plause.) Either the principle of limited liability under the circumstances of the times has become expedient, or it has not. If it has become expedient-and, from the figures that I have laid before you, our Board have come to the s conclusion that it is not only expedient but inevitable- we think it is a wiser course to accept the in- evitable promptly and with a good grace than to wait until you are obliged to accept it with a bad one. (Hear, hear, and applause.) For these rea- sons, gentlemen, I have to request, on behalf of the Board, that you will adopt that portion of the report which recommends the registration of the bank as a limited bank—a bank with limited liability—from the 1st July next. We have fixed that date mainly for this reason- that our old friends and neighbours, the National Provin- cial Bank, have fixed that date for also becoming a bank with limited liability. I have only a few words, gentlemen, now to say with regard to your balance sheet. It is pre- sented to you in a much more detailed form this time than heretofore, and shows our ifnancial position so clearly thatit does not require any comments from me to explain it. He who runs may read it. In fact our only objection to our pre- sent financial position is that it is too strong. We should be very glad to see half a million of that money invested in good bankers' bills; but with the present rate of discount in London at 11 per cent., we think it better to wait for better times. With regard to our deposits, I am sorry to state that the deposits in the agricultural districts are still falling away—slowly, but steadily. They have been doing so for nearly two years past. On the other hand, they have increased considerably at other points; so that, on the whole-on the balance of the year—our deposits show an increase of about £ 250,000. (Applause.) As to the profits of the year, gentlemen, I need not tell you that last year was one of the most adverse to banking profits in almost the whole range of our experience, and I assure you we were very glad to find, when the balance of profit and loss was made up, that we were within £6,000 of the In per cent.—(applause)—and I hope that it is as agreeable a surprise to you to receive the old rate of dividend and bonus as it was a sincere pleasure to us to lrle able to de- clare it. (Applause.) With these remarks, I beg to more that the report which has justbeenread be adopted, printed, and circulated amongst the shareholders, as usual. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Alderman WEIGHTMAN seconded the motion. Mr. R. NICHOLSON said it had been very gratifying to him to have had the opportunity of listening to the re- marks of the Chairman, particularly so when they re- collected that at that time last year he (Mr. Nicholson) ventured to urge upon the shareholders the desirability of adopting the limited liability principle. (Hear, hear.) With reference to the balance sheet, it was very re- assuring to find it of such a character, (Hear, hear.) In noticing one or two items in the balance sheet for tne year he should not do so with the intention of finding fault, but more particularly for the purpose of obtaining information. He noticed that the gross profits, in the first instance, were £ 2,400 more than those of las year, although, as the Chairman had stated, last year was one of the worst they had ever experienced for banking. He found below that item that the expenditure was £3,000 more than it was last year, and this was a circumstance to which the Chairman had not referred. There was an item upon which he thought they might congratulate themselves, and which he believed was attributable to the fact of it getting known out of doors that the bank was about to be- .1 -.L 1 come a limited liability concern, and that was inat tue deposits had increased something like £ 200,000 during the year. (Applause.) His impression was that, when properly settled under the Limited Liability Act, they should recover their old position. Upon the whole the balance sheet was exceedingly satisfactory, not only as far as its details, but as far as regarded results of the opera- tions of the year. (Hear, hear.) The CHAIRMAN—In reply to Mr. Nicholson I may ex- plain that the addition to the expenses of the bank almost, entirely arises from the increase of the salaries ot our valu- able staff of officials. (Hear, hear.) It was thoroughly deserving in every way, and I am sure the shareholders don't grudge H. (Applause.) I may mention further that notwithstanding this increase, with one exception, we are still at the lowest point of average expense of the joint stock banks in this country. (Hear, hear.) Our average is forty-one per cent., and the others run up from that as high as seventy-three per cent. The CHAIRMAN then put to the meeting the motion for the adoption of the report and balance sheet, and it was carried unanimously. Mr. W. BULKELEY HUGHES, M.P., said lie ha<i peat pleasure in proposing the re-election of Mr. H. Bulkeley Price as a director of the bank. (Hear, hear.) He had known Mr. Price for a great number of years, and had only known him to respect him as a man thoroughly capa- Price as a director of the bank. (Hear, hear.) He had known Mr. Price for a great number of years, and had only known him to respect him as a man thoroughly capa- ble of performing any business matter that he might under- take. His co-directors, he (Mr. Bulkele36 Hughes) was sure, appreciated Mr. Price's character and ability. He moved Mr. Price's re-election, not only as that of one who had had the honour 0;: a scat the Board for some years with the approval of his colleagues, but he movefl it under a feeling- of patriotism and justice towards that part of the Principality over which, as a bank, they p governed. (Applause.) The most satisfactory report they had received from the Directors warranted him in hoping that now that they should become a limited liability bank, their profits might increase, and that the con- fidence which had been reposed in the Directors for so many years would continue as long as the bank existed. (Applause.) Mr. DOBELL seconded the motion, wmc.i was agreed to without dissent. i n- i MrII. BuLKELEY PpiCEthanked MrW.BulkeleyHughes, M.P., for the kind terms in which he had spoken of him, and the shareholders for the confidence they had reposed in him. He should continue to do his best to justify that confidence. (Hear, hear.) Mr. WILLIAM IIIND said it was with peculiar pleasure that he moved the next resolution, which was that Mr. George Rae be re-elected a director of the bank, to act during the term of his office as managing director, at his present rate of remuneration. (Applause). Mr. Rae had now been connected with the bank for 40 years. He entered the service as a subordinate in 1840, and it was not very long before his banking qualifications were dis- cerned by the Board of directors, who, in 1845, promoted him to the office of general manager. (Applause.) They all knew what a troublous time it was from 1845 and 1847 to 1850—(hear, bepr)-hiit Mr. Rae took the helm and steered the ship through difficulties in a way that very few men could have done. He bad, it was true, this ad- vantage, that he was an educated banker, and not an amateur; he knew his business, and carried the bank through many difficulties to a course of prosperity. (Hear, hear.) For 20 vears he held the very responsible position of general manager; his health then failed him, and he had to resign to take the easier, but still onerous, duty of managing director. The admirable Bill, though a very short one! under which they were going to place them- selves was, he (Mr. Hind) might say without any flattery, carried through by the exertions of Mr. Rae. (Applause.) When in a bad state of health, he got out of bed, went to London, and on the very last night on which the measure could have been carried he was there and effected its passage. (Applause.) Mr. R. BRYANS seconded the motion. The motion was carried by acclamation. The CHAIRMAN—Gentlemen, I feel exceedingly gratified by the terms in which it has pleased Mr. Hind and my old friend, Mr. Bryans, to speak of my services to the Bank. I can only say that if I am spared health and strength I shall endeavour in the future, as I have done in the past, to do what I can and all that I can for your interests. (Hear, hear.) I am also exceedingly obliged to you, gentlemen, for the flattering way in which you .Y I have re-elected me as one of the directors of the Bank. Mr. S. HOLLAND, M.P., thought they all agreed that the report and balance sheet were most satisfactory in every respect. (Hear, hear,) It was a very wise step the directors had taken with regard to making this a limited liability company. (Hear, hear.) The change would give greater confidence, not only to those in the Principal- ity in which he resided, but to the public in general. (Hear, hear.) It was for the benefit of the depositors, and no doubt the number of shareholders would increase. He had now the pleasing duty of moving that a vote of thanks be given to the directors for their services, and that the sum of £3,500 be placed at their disposal as re- muneration for the current year. They richly deserved the money, and he believed the proprietors tnougnu wita him that they could not do better than again entrust the directors with the conduct of the affairs of the Bank. (Applause.) Mr. JOSEPH BEAUSIRE seconded the motion. The meeting adopted the motion unanimously. Mr. EDWARD BREESE moved that Messrs. Harmood Banner and Son be appointed auditors for the present year. Under ordinary circumstances such a resolution would not require a word, more especially considering the exceptionally high character of the firm whom it'was pro- posed to appoint; but perhaps he might be pardoned for saving just one or two words upon the subject, inasmuch as this was practically the first resolution that had been proposed to the shareholders since the adoption of the very momentous step which the directors had recommended to be taken. It was by the Act of last session that e,38 c)o the necessity, the legal necessity, of appointing auditors was enacted. It was, he thought, a great pity that this enactment did not come about some ten or twelve years ago, because, if it had, that most disastrous of all modern failures, the failure of the City of Glasgow Bank, together with the failure of other banks, could not, he ventured to say boldly, have taken place. (Hear, hear.) It was by a system of habitual falsification that the disasters were brought about which were so grievously felt by hundreds, he might say thou- sands. of people in Scotland at the present time. With regard to the question of limited liability, he should simply refer to it for one reason. He came from among a thrifty population in the Western part of Vales who looked with a keen eye, not only to the increase of their hoards but particularly to its safe keeping. Many of them had been hitherto deterred from entering the proprietary of any banking company except a limited liability one, on account of the risks the former involved. Indeed, since he had entered the room a gentleman whose name would add much to the strength of the proprietary when pub- lished, had told him that it was only since the resolution which the Directors had now so wisely taken that he had determined to buy, and did buy, shares in this bank. He might say that the National Provincial Bank, which confronted them at almost every point in North and South Wales, had determined on taking this step; and therefore it had become not only expe- dient. but in his humble opinion absolutely necessary, for the North and South Wales Bank to do likewise. (Hear, hear.) Because it was not only a question of satisfying shareholders. He regarded this as a question really for customers and depositors. He had, as one of Shake- speare's characters had, a sense of duality, being both a shareholder and customer of the bank but it was prin- cipally as a customer that he felt grateful to the directors for the step they had taken, inasmuch as before this they never knew, if any disaster should happen to the bank, how many shareholders they could catch. He re- garded also as most satisfactory the form of the certificate which Messrs. Harmood Banner and Son had adopted. Under ordinary circumstances, the auditor said, hecertified that the figures in the balance-sheet corresponded with the figures in the books; but on that, the first occasion when they were called upon to certify to the correctness of the figures, Messrs. Harmood Banner and Son went beyond that, and said-" We certify that the above balance sheet correctly represents, in our opinion, the present position of the company's affairs." That was a statement, coming from so high an authority-from gentlemen so well known throughout the commercial world-which would carry confidence both in Liverpool and throughout the Principality. Mr. R. NICHOLSON seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Mr. ALEXANDER, of the firm of auditors, acknowledged the re-appointment. He said that in the auditing of the accounts the fullest and most ready access had been furnished to the auditors, in regard both to the books and documents they required. The system of keeping the books of the bank was a most perfect one. It was simple, but very complete, and the auditors had had very great confi- dence in signing the balance sheet. (Applau-e.) The CHAIRMAN-Allow me, gentlemen, to propose that a vote of thanks be given to the general manager (Mr. Meredith Jones) and the other officers of the bank for their services during the past year. (Applause.) The staff during the year—which, as you know, has been a trying one-have manifested the same amount of prudence as heretofore. I don't think it is possible to improve on the staff. This 1 think you ought to know, as evidence of 1 1 what they can do, that our books, embracing the accounts i af thirty-eight branches, twelve sub-branches, and the head office, and involving legions of figures, were all balanced to a penny within thirty-six hours of the closing of last year. Applause.) I have, therefore, great plea- sure in proposing this resolution. (Applause.) Mr. ROBERT ROBERTS seconded the resolution. He said there was no better class of men in that capacity in the kingdom than the officers of the North and South Wales Bank. They were worthy of the support of the share- holders in every way. The resolution was passed unanimously. Mr. R. MEREDITH JONES, on his own behalf and that of his brother officers, thanked the Chairman and Mr. Roberts for the complimentary terms in which the resolu- tion had been proposed, and the proprietors for the gen- erous spirit in which they had received it. The staff must still go on endeavouring to do their duty and now that the shareholders were such a numerous and influential body, they should assist in bringing fresh business to the bank. (Hear, hear.) There were 1,500 shareholders, /wad if each brought in a new account the business of the bank would be greatly extended and the dividend maintained and even increased. (Hear, hear.) On the motion of Mr. J. H. HIND, a vote of thanks was tendered to the Chairman for presiding, and the pro- ceedings then terminated.

IC ABERYSTWYTH. CAERLEON HOUSE SCHOOL.—The following pupils in this school passed the College of Preceptors' examination, neld at Christmas, 1879 :—Frst class, Lucy Mary Kealing subjects, Scripture history, English language, English history, geography, arithmetic, French, German, theory of music and harmony. Second class, Marian Florence Ogle and Clara Helen Kealing; subjects, Scripture history, English language, English history, geography, arithmetic, and French. Third class, Ellen Walker; subjects, Scripture history, English language, English history, geography, arithmetic, and French. a GYMNASIUM.—A gymnasium club has been formed at Aberystwyth, and already about sixty members have been enrolled. The room over the corn market has been secured and fitted up with all modern apparatus, and it will be opened for the first time, to-morrow (Saturday) from 7 to 10 p.,a., and every Wednesday and Saturday evening throughout the year. The subscription is 2s. 6d. a member per annum, honorary members 5s., and the charge for admittance to guests on evenings of practice sixpence. The club is well supported by the local leading gentlemen, and from the interest taken in it by its promoters there is reason to believe it will be successfully carried on. This form of evening recreation is much needed in Aberystwyth, arid no doubt it will be welcomed as a healthy exercise and amusement by the youth of the town. The hon. secretary is Mr. Oliver Roberts of Trefechan. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, MONDAY, JANUARY 26.- Present: Mr. H. C. Fryer, Mr. Morris Davies, Mr. Vaughan Davies, Mr. H. S. Richardes (ex-officio), Messrs. Edward Hamer, John Jenkins, John Jones, Penpompren, Abraham James, Griffith Williams, John Morgan, Lewis Richards, James James, Isaac Morgan. David Morgan, Llanilar, John Jones, Elerch, David Jones, Rest, John Edwards. James Morgan, David Rees, the Rev. Mr. Griffiths, and Mr. Edward Edwards, Llangvvryfon. Mr. Hughes, clerk. Proposed Subscriptions to Hospitals-A letter was read from the Local Government Board, asking what advantages would be obtained by subscribing to the Birmingham Eye Hospital, and the Birmingham Orthopaedic Hospital.— The Chairman said the answer to the letter was that the union was in a mining district, and there were many accidents which could be treated at those hospitals at a great saving to the union. The Purchase of the Workhouse Fi-cehold.-A formal notice of the sort of order which the Local Government Board intended to issue respecting the purchase of the freehold of the workhouse, at a cost not exceeding L650, was read. ( The United Counties Lunatic Asylum.-illr. Morris D..vies stated that the charge for maintaining inmates at the asylum would in future be Ss. 2J. per week. Last year the charge was 8s. 3d., and then they were the lowest except two other asylums. It might interest Mr. Abraham •James to know that all intoxicants to the inmates and at- tendants had been stopped.—Mr. Abraham James: Hear, hear." Statistics.—The amount of out-relief for the fortnight was—Aberystwyth district, Mr. T. G. Thomas, £ 48 11s. Gel. for 218 paupers Geneu'rglyn district, ir.!J ohn Jones, £ 61 17s. 6d. for 276 paupers: liar district, Nlr. Joseph Morgan, JB52 7s. 6d. to 219 paupers. The number of paupers in the Workhouse was 92, showing au increase of nine on the corresponding period of last year. The num- ber of vagrants relieved during the fortnight was 37, show- ing an increase of 13. A Troublesome Paupcr.-fr. Isaac Morgan :said lie un- derstood that one of the paupers went out of the Work- house and got drunk, and then got an order from the re- lieving officer to come back the same night.—There was a conversation, in the course of which it transpired that the pauper was Willoughby Miller, and that he gave the re- gular notice.—It was stated that Miller only obtained the privileges allowed by law. The relieving office* was told that he might wisely refuse to give an order for re-admis- sion on the same day that a discharge had been granted. A Petition.-A petition was laid on the table from the Hartlepool Union respecting the rating of shipping and for other personal property. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, J-AN. 28.-Before Peter Jones, Esq. (Mayor), and J. W. Szlumper, Esq. Chimney on Firc.-J ohn Griffiths, dairyman, Little Darkgate-street, was fined 2s. 6d., including costs, for having allowed his chimney to go on fire on January 21st. Sanitary.—Joel Morgan, farmer, Brynyrchen, Llan- ychaiarn, was charged with refusing or neglecting to con- struct a proper drain to a house in Northgate-street, Aberystwyth, and David Rowlands, farmer, Gr^fachgoch, Llanbadarnfawr, was summoned for a similar offence. For some time after the cases were called ou, the prose- cutor, Mr. Rees Jones, did not appear, and there was a conversation concerning the dismissal of the cases. Pre- sently a constable entered the Court, and whispered the Superintendent that he's coming." Mr. J. W. Szlumper asked who was coming.—Mr. Supt. Lloyd My horse, sir. (Laughter.)—A short time afterwards another Constable entered the Court, and said he's coming."—Mr. J. W. Szlumper: Who do you mean this time, Mr. Rees Jones, or the horse? They are somewhat mixed up now. (Laughter.)—Mr. Supt. Lloyd: Mr. Rees Jones (Laugh- ter.)-The case against David Rowlands was then proved, and defendant ordered to complete the work in a fortnight, in default, 10s. fine for each day afterwards.—A siinilar order was made in the case against Joel Morgan.

TREGARON. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, TUESDAY, JAN. 27.-Pre- sent The Rev. O. Davies, chairman, Mr. R. J. Davies and Mr. David Davies, vice-chairmen, Messrs. John Rowlands, Bettws Leiki, David Jones, Blaenpennal, J. D. Williams, Caron Lower, Morgan Jones, Caron Lower, Evan Davies, Gorwydd, William Williams, Llanbadarn, David Davies, Lledrod Lower, William Owens, Lledrod Upper, A. Jenkins, Nantcwnlle, Jas. Williams, Prysg and Carvan, James Bennetts, Yspytty, William Williams, Gogoyan, John Phillips, Gwynfil, David Williams, clerk, and Rowland Rowland, medical officer. Statistics. -Number in the house 16, last year corres- ponding period 11. Out-relief administered during the pasv fortnight, per Mr. J. Roberts, £18 19s., to 83 paupers; per Mr. Stephen Thomas, 240 10s. 91d., to 250 paupers. Amended Dietary.-The Clerk read a letter from the i 'eutral Board concerning an amended dietary table which the Guardians proposed to adopt for the inmates of the workhouse.—The Medical Officer, in reply to queries in the letter, reported that the amended dietary would suit the inmates. Application,-P. S. Phillips applied for an increase of salary as assistant relieving officer for the relief of tramps. —The Chairman remarked that the salary was now 22 10s. He would give notice that he should bring the subject forward at the next meeting. PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY, JAN. 27.-Before R. J. Davies, Esq., and the Rev. O. Davies, M.A. Game Trespass.-David Lewis, fisherman, Tregaron, and John Owens, farmer's son, Penyrallt, were charged by David Evans, gamekeeper, Penddol, with having tres- paBssd in pursuit of game, in the daytime, at Pantycraff, on December 25.—'Defendants admitted the trespass, but said they were not in pursuit of gam*. They could not, they said, kill game with a ferret aud a net.—Evidence was given to the effect that defendants had four dogs with them. David Lewis elicited from a witness that one of the dogs was a sheepdog, and that he did not know to whom it belonged. Lewis thereupon remarked that that witness would "swear the leg off an iron pot."—The Bench fined defendants 20s. each.—Lewis then said that the county would have to maintain him, and he hoped the parish would maintain his wife and four children until he returned from prison.—Defendant was then sentenced to a month's imprisonment. Excise Case.-David Ajax, Esgair Mine, Llanddewi- brefi, was charged by Mr. Hickson, supervisor, Aberyst- wyth, with having used a cart without a licence on Nov. 18.—Mr. John Bolan, excise officer, Lampeter, stated that he saw defendant in a cart with, as he said, bis daughter and granddaughter. He had a small basket containing stockings. There was no name on the cart.- The Bench, after hearing defendant, said the cart had no springs, and the question was whether the defendant could not have been summoned by the police for neglect- ing to have his name on the cart.—The Supervisor said he had been given to understand that the cart was capable of being driven ten miles an hour.—The Bench said it was an important case, upon which many others would prob- ably be decided. They would, therefore, defer giving y their judgment until next sessions. Alli.'gedt Assaultand Fishery Prosecittions.-William Dar- ling, New Bush, Tregaron, water bailiff, was charged by Thomas George, Cyrtau, farmer's son, with having as- saulted him on Sunday, Jan. 4th.-Mr. A. J. Hughes, solicitor, Aberystwyth, appeared for the complainant; Mr. Howell, solicitor, Aberaeron, for defendant.—Com- plainant said that he was at Tan'rallt isa on the day in question. He went in company with his brother John to Watkin Rees, to have a rising on his neck lanced. He heard a noise outside the house, and on going out defen- dant took him by the throat and continued to hold him for five minutes. He was considerably hurt. He had not been salmon poaching. After he had issued his summons he had received three summonses for salmon poaching and other offences.—Elizabeth Rees, wife of Watkin Rees said she saw defendant walk up to the house quietly, take hold of complainant, and both disappeared from her sight into the house. The door was open from the first. She heard defendant call out for his father.—Rachel Evans, servant at Tan'rallt issa gave corroborative evidence.— Mr. Howell stated that the defence was to the effect that Darling was first assaulted, and that he was simply acting ] in his defence as a water bailiff. He followed George across the river, and when he got to the house ho found the door of Tan'rallt issa shut by complainant. He asked Mrs. Rees to open the door aud then it was locked. He said that if the door was not opened he would break it open. Complainant, George, opened the door and kicked defendant in the leg. Defendant then used his staff, Complainant attempted another kick, and again defendant used his staff. He (Mr. Howell) proposed putting de- fendant into the box.—Mr. A. J. Hughes objected, and the charges brought by Darling against George were taken. They were for assaulting, resisting, and obstructing Dar- ling in the execution of his duty as water bailiff with unlawfully using a stick for the purpose of catching sal- mon at Croes Brook, near Tregaron with having fished for salmon during the close season, and with having killed an unseasonable salmon, all on the same time and at the same place.—Darling said he saw George and another person going to the river. He, being 150 yards away, saw George strike the water with a stick five or six feet long, and eventually kill a salmon with it. He saw the salmon in George's hands. Some one whistled, and the two ran off to Tanrallt. He ran after them, found the door shut, and when he succeeded in getting the door open, asked for the salmon. George said some words in Welsh, which witness did not understand, and then he kicked him in the leg. He used his staff over George's head, and when he asked defendant's name, he (defendant) attempted another kick. Darling than struck George another blow with the staff, pushed him into the house, and went to search for the salmon. He could not find it, and was afraid to look, be- cause there was a laoge black dog there. (Laughter). There was, however, spawn on the door step. In cross-examination, Darling said that if George's witnesses said the door was open, that he did not show his appointment, they were telling lies.—David Lewis, water bailiff, said he saw marks on Darling's leg similar to those caused by kicks. For the defence, David Evans, keeper, said he saw Darling walk slowly towards Tanrallt-isa. He did not see anyone go before Darling towards Tanrallt.—The Chairman at the close of the case said he was not referring to the taking of a salmon. There was a question of much more serious and vital importance. There was no doubt that gross per- jury had been committed on one side or the other, and if it could be found who it was, nothing would give him greater pleasure than to send the offender or offenders for trial at the Assizes.—On reassembling after adjourn- ment, the Chairman said it was plain to everyone that either one party or the other had committed wilful and corrupt perjury. The Bench were not prepared to say which party it was and the safest way was to dismiss all the four cases. Fishery Prosecutions. -David Morgans, farmer's son, Penpontbren, was charged with having used a spear for taking and catching salmon in the river Brenig, with having killed an unseasonable salmon,, and with having fished for salmon during the close season, on the 30th December. -Pees'-Niorgins and Morgan Morgans, farmer's sons, Penpontbren, were also charged with having aided and abetted David Morgans.—i r. Howell, Aberaeron, appeared for the Fishery Board, and Mr. A. J. Hughes, Aberystwyth, for the defendants.-Compainant (Darling) saidhe sawRees Morgansearryinga spear,David Morgans spear a salmon, and Morgan Morgitu take the spear up to Penpontbren. The salmon was left on the bank, and complainant took possession of it.—Mr. Hughes called Thomas Evans, gamekeeper, John Morgans, Penpontbren, John Davies, Factory, Evan Jones, Caeganv, and Margaret Morgans, to provean alibi.-The Bench said that under the circumstances the cases must be dismissed. Begging.-J oseph Mead, a tramp, from London, was sentenced to a fortnight's imprisonment for having begged at Tregaron. More Fishery Prosecutions.—James Jones, mason, Pen- trefelin, Llanddewibreti, was fined 10s. and costs for killing an unseasonable salmon, 10s. for using a spear for the purpose of catching salmon, and 10s. for fishing for salmon during the close season in the river Brefi on the 3rd Jan. River Watcher Darling proved the cases. Union Contributions.—The overseers of Caron Lower, Gwnnws, Upper, and Llanbadarnodwyn, and Nantcwnlle were ordered to pay £ 179, £ 29, £ 25, and Jb46 10s. respec- tively and the overseer of Llangeitho to pay j628 in a week's time, and the remainder of £ 5S in fourteen days.

LLANBADARN FAWR. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28.—Before J. G. W. Bonsall, J. T. Morgan, and Griffith Pugh Evans, Esqs. School Attendance.—William Davies, miner, Llwynfrysg, Trefeirig, Lewis Davies, carpenter, Gochelgwmpo, Riclid. Lewis, miner, Darren Bank, John Thomas, miner, Bwlchy- gwartheg, were summoned for having neglected to send their children to school, by Richard Morris, clerk to the Trefeirig School Board.—The cases against Wm. Davies and Richard Lewis were dismissed, Lewis Davies and John Thomas were each fined 5s.—JamSs Evans, Pont- rhydybeddan, was also fined 5s., including costs. Obstructing the Turnpike.—Supt. Lloyd proved a case against John Edwards, farmer, Rhydhir, of having ob- structed the turnpike road at Rhydhir, by leaving his waggon thereon for a. long and unreasonable time on January 1st.—Defendant was fined lOci" and costs. Drunk and refusing to Quit.—Evau Davies, miner, Gwarrho3, was summoned for having been drunk and for having refused to quit the Tynllydiart Anns on the 19th Jaiiuary.-P.C. Thomas Thomas, Goginau, said the man was drunk in the house and wanted more beer. He refused to go out or the house and resisted when he was taken out. He was, however, quiet when he got outside. —Defendant acknowledged the truth of the constable's statement, said he hul t tken some whiskey in town with some friends, and expressed his sorrow at the occurrence. —The Bench fined defendant 10s. and costs. Charge of Trespassing in Pursuit of Game.—Thomas Spiller, labourer, Moor-lane, Aberystwyth, was charged by Alexander Richardes, Penglaise, with having trespassed in pursuit of game in the day time at Peuglaise. Defend- ant did not appear, and the Bench ordered the issue of a warrant for his apprehension. A Sad Case.—Elizabeth Rogers, 16, of the Railway Crossing, Llanbadarn-fawr, was charged by her father, John Rogers, Gate Warden, of the same place, with having stolen a woollen shawl, a jacket, aud three skirt dresses,on the 22nd January. Elizi Rogers, mother of the accused, said her daughter left home on Thurs- day, and after she was gone, the things mentioned above were missed. She valued the articles at 21.-P.C Joseph Lloyd said he went after the accused and found her at Clarach. He charged her with the theft, and took her back to the police station. She was wearing the shawl, the skirt, and the jacket. The other things had been concealed in a passage in Great Darkgate street, and were found there on the accused's confession. Defendant elected to have the case disposed of summarily, and after- wards pleaded guilty to the charge.—The Chairman said that as the accused bore a previous bad character, the Bench would have to inflict a heavy punishment. They could not send her to a reformatory as she was too old, but had she been under 16 years of age they would have done so. Under the circumstances they would sentence her to three months' imprisonment, and they hoped that before that term expired she would have time to reflect as to the probable result of such conduct.

DOLGELLEY. CHOIR SuppEn.-The Dolgelley Church Choir were en- tertained at supper on Tuesday evening, the 26th January, by the Rev. Canon Lewis at the Rectory. During the evening several songs were sung by the members. There was also the usual Pennillion singing, in which most of the choir took part. FUNERAL OF MRS. WHITE, LATE OF GAUTHMAELAN.— The funeral of Mrs. White took place at eleven o'clock on Saturday morning, the 24th January, at Bryncoedifor church (about five miles from Dolgelley). The body was brought by train from Shopwick on Friday night, and was taken up to Bryncoedifor church, where it remained until Saturday morning. As it was understood that It was the wish of the family that the funeral should be strictly private, only a few attended beside the immediate relatives, or otherwise a great number would have been present to show their respect to the memory of the deceased lady. The choir of D jlgelley Church attended, and assisted in the service, during which they sang three hymns from Hymns Ancient and Modern, The officiating clergy were the Hon. and Rev. Douglas (brother-in- law of the deceased), Rev. R. J. Morgan, Vicar of Bryn' coedifor, and the Rev. Canon Lewis, Dolgelley. The ser- vice was very impressive throughout, and there were signs of sorrow on all faces. During the service the Holy Com- munion was celebrated. The coffin was of polished oak, with handsome brass furniture, and before being put into the grave it was covered with wreaths and crosses of the choicest flowers, principally white. All the shops in the town were closed, and the blinds of private houses were drawn down. The deceased was 64 years of age. The family from Caerymoch attended the service on Sunday at Dolgelley church. Special reference was made in Canoll Lewis's sermon to the death of Mrs. White, whose large- hearted kindness and charity, he said, were so well known to ail that he need not enumerate them. The extent of them, however, was only known to the recipients, as the deceased generally sought to do good where it could be most concealed. At the end of the service Mr. Crosby played the Dead March in Saul." BOARD OF GUARDIANS, SATURDAY, JAN. 24.- Present: Mr. E. Griffith, in the chair, Mr. J. Jones, Talyllyn, vice-chairman, Messrs. T. H. Williams> Llwyn, J. Scott, W. Phillips, Evan Jones, David Owen, H. Davies, R. Parry, John Evans, D. Williams, John Jones, H. Lloyd Williams, W. R. Davies, clerk, and W. R. Richardson, assistant clerk. Statist ics. -(I tit -relief administered during the past fort- night Llanaber district, per Mr. John Jones, £ 9312s. t>d. to 405 paupers and Talyliyn district, per Mr. Morris Jones, £ r>4 4s. 4d. to 245 paupers. Number in the house 37, last year corresponding period 39 vagrants relieved during the past fortnight 31, last year 17. Balance in the bank, £ 692 12s. State of the Union.— Mr. W. Richardson, the assistant clerk, presented the following report he had compiled, showing the number of in-door and of out-door paupers in receipt of relief on January 1:— Males Females Children Total In the workhouse 10 11 12 33 Out-door 89 342 197 628 99 353 209 661 being 4'61 per cent, on the population of tin, ""inn in-door 0 23 per cent., and oui-dooi 4 o8 per ceut. The following is a comparative statement 1878 isso Proportion per cent. of in-door to out-door pauperism 1st January 3,3 49 Proportion per cent. of out-door to in-door 987 95'1 Percentage of paupers 011 the population of the union 4 8 Cost of in-mairitenauce tntl out-relief for half- year eadccl Luly-day 3/lj 2191 Expenditure for in-maintenance for half-year ended Lady-day £ 163 £ lf2 Ditto out-relief ditto. £2058 £ 1S30 Assistant Relieving Officer.—On the motion of the Chair- man, seconded by Mr. T. H. Williams, Llwyn, it was agreed to appoint Inspector Jones as assistant relieving officer for the relief of tramps at a salary of B5 per annum. Barmouth Pauperism.—Mr. John Jones, relieving officii for the Llanaber district, in accordance with Mr. Scott's resolution passed at the last meeting, said there was pauper at Barmouth whose daughter was kept at home. #} however, the d aughter went out to service the mother would want another person to attend to her. The pauper got 38. weekly. There was another case at Dyffryn.—Mr. Scott asked where the daughters hid from the relieving officer. He (Mr. Scott) had been told by certain Barmouth people that when they wanted assistance from such persons they could not succeed in getting it.—Mr. J. Evans hoped tb0 Relieving Officer would be more strict in such matters. Mr. Scott mentioned two or three cases which had coLDO under his notice, and eventually the Relieving OfficerS were directed to make further enquiry. The Chairman,-The Clerk read the following letter from Mr. John Yaughan, chairman of the Board :—"De** Sir,—Please to convey my thanks to the Board Guardians for their kind vote of sympathy with me on otf recent illness and congratulation on my recovery. I alu afraid it will be some time yet before I can have the pleasure of attending your meetings, as I am still in rJJ1 room and only leave my bed for a few hours daily. How' ever, I am, I trust, in a fair way of recovery." The Inspector's Expenses.Dr. Lloyd Williams and the Rev. W. Hughes having examined the Inspector's diary- it was agreed to allow him £ 12 odd for travelling other out-of-pocket expenses. The Chief Constables/dp.—Mr. Hugh Davies asked if fcbf Board had anything to do with the appointment of chief constable.-Tlie Clerk replied that the Board could e' press its opinion as to the salary or recommend any person- —It was then agreed, on the motion of Mr. Hugh DavieS, to approve of the reduction of the salary attached to post of chief constable recommended by the Committee 0 Magistrates. PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY, JAN. 27.—Before J. Beale, Esq., and Dr. H. Lloyd Williams. Alleged Assault.-Win. Roberts v. E. A. Roberts. W. R. Davies for complainant.—Adjourned for a montb. Drunk and Riotous.-Owen Jones, police inspector J oseph J ones. Defendant did not ppear. Warrant issue.—William Jones pleaded guilty. Fined 10s. costs, allowed seven days to pay.—Hugh Williams V9* fined 5s. and costs. Drunk and Refusing to Quit.-P.C. Richard Jones David Williams, pleaded guilty. Fined 5s. and costs. Same v. Jeremiah Williams, b'ined 5s. and costs.. Having Trout in Possession during Close Time.—Buff Jones v. Mary Williams and Elizabeth Williams — tf*" David Pugh appeared for the river Conservators. Vfh fendants being young children the case was dismissed a caution.. Alleged Breach of School Board By-la ws. -John Ellis, clorl; to the Board v. Robert Williams and Margaret Hughes. Mr. Lloyd Williams, being a member of the Board, not act, and the cases were adjourned for a fortnight. 4 Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1879.-The Bench appoip g8 the police station, Dolgelley, an occasional Court lIou for the hearing of cases.

PENEGOES. CHRISTMAS TREE.—On Friday, Jan. 9, the School treated to a very agreeable surprise by Miss Howell g,S Dolguog. The surprise consisted of a handsome Christloo Tree laden with useful and elegant articles. At A^ p.m. seventy-five children were admitted and treated Mr. Howell to an amusing series of dissolving views, which each had a bun and were dismissed for ten minu%^ and in the interval the tree was lighted. Then A children were admitted to what seemed quite a firy-e; in real life. Each was presented with three things frfjg. the tree, in the presence of numerous ladies and men. Several good songs were sung by the cbiW^jo much to the credit of their teacher, Mr. James Salt, had tastefully decorated the School-room for the occ^1 assisted by Miss J. Temple. Oranges and marbles distributed among the children, and cake and wine h**1 round.

DIRECTIONS FOR KNITTING LADIES' ORDINARY STOCKING WITH EMPRESS YARN.—Needles, No. 16. 112 stitches. Knit 24 rounds, 2 plain and 2 pearl alternately. Knit 119 rounds plain, or 72 inches in This brings to the intakes. Make on each side 3 1^ be' with 4 rounds between each; 4 intakes with 5 round8 tween each; 4 intakes with 6 rounds between each > oV takes with 7 rounds between each; 3 intakes with 8 between each. This makes 34 altogether—17 on eac" gt 3 and reduces the stocking to 78. Knit 47 rounds^ 0u inches, for the ankle. Divide the stitches, placing each side of the seam, leaving 39 for front of the cbeS> Knit 35 rows, plain and pearl alternately, or M for the heel. Knit the top, pick up the stitches, til* m are 33 stitches on each side of the seam, 14 being gusset. When the gusset is done, there ought to 4$ stitches on. Knit (>7 rounds plain for the foot, o$ inches. Knit tile toe and cast off, with 16 sj* M each side. The above directions are also appl the Victoria and Saxony Yarns, which may be 0 from S. N. COOKE, 35, Pier Street, Aberystwytb. o: Printed by EDWARD WOODAT.L, and Published by at 12, Chalybeate-terrace, Aberystwyth, in the col,n digan; at JACOB JONES'S, High-street, Bala, M tb«c°co00 Merioneth; and at DAVID LLOYD'S, Portmadoc, in of Ca.rnarvon. Friday, January JO, 1880.

ABERDOVEY. KING FPOST.-As showing the severity of the season it may be stated that the quantity and extent of the ice- floes carried down the estuary during the past week has almost been unprecedented within living memory, far in excess even of what the last very severe winter presented. On one or two occasions the two counties abutting the river were almost ice-bound together. These fields of ice were objects of general interest. One in particular drew attention from its being occupied by a solitary cormorant, as if pluming itself on being "monarch of all it surveyed," or like Macaulay's New Zealander on the ruins of Lon- don Bridge, ruminating on the mutability of terrestrial things. OBITUARY.—Amongst the list of deaths this week ap- pears the name of Mr. Thomas Richards, shipbuilder at this place. His death, which happened on Thursday, the 22ad of January, entails an almost irreparable loss on a most important branch of industry here. The ships built in his yard have always been admired as models of naval architecture, and, combined with splendid sailing qualities, have won for Aberdovey a reputation of being nonpareil in the art of ship-building. A RIFT IN THE CLOUDS.—Rumours, which it is to be hoped are shadows of coming events," are circulated here of projected alterations, in connection with the har- bour, about to be carried out. Jetties and other con- veniences are in view to meet any increase in the trade that the future may have in store tor the place.

LAMPETER. SCHOOL BOARD (ADJOURNED MEETING), FRIDAY, JAN. 23.—Present: The Rev. Daniel Jones (chairman), Mr. J. Fowden (vice-chairman). Rev. Joseph Jones, Mr. \V. B. Price, Mr. Joseph Morgan, and Mr. T. Lloyd (clerk). St. Mary's School.-The tenders for the erection of this school were again considered, and after a considerable dis- cussion the tender of Messrs. James Edwards, Lampeter, and John Thomas, Aberdauddwr, to erect the buildings for S232 was accepted, and the Clerk was directed to prepare the contract, the school to be completed by the 1st of July. BOARD OF GUARDIANo, FU:DAV, JAN. 23.-Pre- sent The Rev. R. Jenkins; in the chair, Mr. J. Fow- den, ex officio, the Rev. Daniel Jones, the Rev. James Jones, Cellan, Mr. Lewis Davies, the Rev. D. Morgan, Silian, Messrs. Evan Jones, Llanfair Clydogau, Wm. Jones, Llangybi, John Thomas, Llanwenog, David Thomas, Llanwenog, John Lloyd, Dolgwm, and David Lloyd, clerk. Statistic 3. -Niim her in the house 13, last year, corres- ponding period, 22; vagrants relieved during the past fortnight, 14. Out-relief administered during the past fortnight in the Llanybyther district, B41 8s. 6d., to 172 paupers Lampeter district, £ 40 4s., to 167 paupers. LOCAL BOARD, MONDAY, JAN. 26.—Present: Mr. T. H. R. Hughes, in the chair, Messrs. Rees Davies, D. Price, Dolau, T. Edmunds, D. Lloyd, Dolgwm, T. Lloyd, solicitor, D. Lloyd, clerk, and W. Rees, in- spector of nuisances. Slaughter House.-It having lbeen stated that the rent of the slaughter-house had not been paid, it was decided to proceed in the County Court against the sureties if the money were not paid before the end of the week. Inspector's Report.—Mr. W. Rees, the Inspector, re- ported that the town was free from all endemic and epi- demic diseases. Since his last monthly report one case of scarlet fever had occurred at Mr. J. W. Evans's. It was of rather severe nature, but the patient was now recover- ing (fast. About twelve months ago he had reported that several houses owned by Mrs. Harford, Mr. W. Jones, Glandennis, and Mr. David Thomas, tanner, were deficient of troughing. He asked the Board to instruct him to proceed in those cases. There was also the house called Wesleyan Cottage, from which water fell on the Farmers' Arms. He had spoken about the subject, but nothing had as yet been done. -The Inspector was directed to give formal notice to the owners to provide troughing to their houses# Rent of Room.—On the motion of Mr. Rees Davies, seconded by Mr. T. Edmunds, it was agreed to meet in a room at the Lion Hotel if the Board of Guardians would not reduce the rent of the room from £1 5s. to £ 1.—Mr. Price said he thought the Board should be allowed the use of the room at a nominal sum, to cover the expense of firing, &c., because the membrs of the Board paid rates to the Union.. Lodging Houses.—Mr. Rees Davies said he had been re- quested to mention that there were certain lodging-houses in the town unregistered.—The Inspector was directed to state in his next report what common lodging-houses were unregistered. The Market Hoiise.-The Clerk stated that he had re- ceived the following letter from Mr. Jenkins, Cardigan, respecting a proposed thoroughfare for carts under the Town Hall, and the making of a roadway from College- street to the Market-hall:—" I think it may be better not to have a thoroughfare for carts through the Town Hall. It may hereafter be found very objectionable if the build- ing came to be used as a county hall. I will ascertain what Mrs. Harford thinks upon the subject. As regards the roadway leading from College-street through the Gorsddu to the proposed new Market-place, I presume the Market Company will make that. Every facility will be given them to have material from the Cwm Rees Quarry." —The Clerk said he had suggested, and the suggestion might be accepted, to have a roadway at the pine end of the Hall.—Mr. Rees Davies was of opinion that the Board could not go to the expense of making a roadway through Gorsddu. He thought the Market Hall should be com- menced as soon as possible.—Mr. T. Lloyd proposed that a committee should be appointed to decide as to site, and also as to approaches.—Mr. Price seconded the pro- posal, and it was agreed to.—Messrs. T. Edmunds, D. Lloyd, Dolgwm, the chairman, J. Fowden, T. Lloyd, and Rees Davies were appointed on the committee. Sewerage and Water Supply.-The Clerk read the follow- ing letter from the Local Government Board:— Sir I am directed by the Local Government Board to again call your attention to the letter which they addressed to you on the 4th July last, asking for the observations of the Lampeter Local Board on the subject of a communication the Board had received from the Rev. J. J. Lias with reference- to the sewerage of the town, and also enquiring as to the water supply of Lampeter. The Board do not find that they have received any reply to their letter, and they nowdireit me to request that an answer may be furnished to them without further delay." Mr. T. Lloyd stated that gauging boards had been placed dowa at the sources of water at the Wern, and that the daily supply from the two springs was 33,000 gallons. He moved that the clerk should be directed to reply to the letter stating that the supplies were being gauged, and that the sewerage question depended upon the water supply.

rn.ar. —! FFESTINIOG. CRYBWYLLION.—Parha yr hin yn hynod oer a rhewllyd 5 ond nid oes eto atal ar waith a llafur. Bu y Parch. D- E. Davies, Pwllheli, yn traddodi araeth ragorol nos Sadwrn diweddaf ar ddirwest yn ISighapel Peniel.—Dechreua Pwyllgor yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol ar ei waith ar un- waith._ Bu ganddynt eisteddiad nos Fawrth diweddaf. Materion y drafodaeth ydoedd y guarantee fund, &C-~Z mae rhagolygon am adeiladu pur fywiog at fisoedd F gwanwyn a'r haf yn y plwyf.—Da genym fod y Bwrdd Lleol erbyn hyn wedi cael gweithredoedd trosglwyddiaa yr Assembly Room a'r Farchnadfa (y Blaenau) i'w dwy- iaw. Y mae felly yn eiddo y plwyfolion. GALANASTRA CYMYDOGAETHOL.—Diwrnod a hir Sobt gan drigolioD Four Crosses ydoedd dydd Mercher eye y diweddaf. Yr oedd y cyffro yn boeniis, y golled yn a'r gwaredigaethau lawn cymaint a hyny. Er's blynydd- oedd y mae adeiladu bywiog yn cvmeryd lie, a'r gwahanw glogwyni^ yn cael eu saethu i'r perwyl. Y mae un feU^ yn arbenig gerllaw Plas Isaf, yn nghwr Four Crosses, lie y mae llawer iawn o dai a phoblogaeth favvr. Yr ydy» wedi saethu a chario miloedd o dunelli o heno i wahanol ranau y gymydogaeth, a hyny yn eithaf dibrofedigaetb hyd yr wythnos ddiweddaf. Tybir mai achlysur y galanastra ydoedd rhoddi gormod o bylor yn ihy5' ranau o'r graig, ac i gronfa fawr o geryg S3* eu chwythu i' dri o dai, a gwneud galanastra mawr. Aeth un gareg trwy nen ty Gweinidog y Wesley* aid, a mur teneu gyda hyny, a gwnaeth ei gorweddle Yo ngwely Mr. Owen Gan ei bod yn bur foreuol, gallasal Mr. Owen yn bur hawdd fod yn yr ystafell, oni bai ei fod trwy ddam wain wedi newid ei noson i bregethu yn Pen* rhyndeuclraeth. Pwysai y gareg lawn 400 o bwysi, thrwy ei malurio y cafwyd hi allan. Niweidiwyd rha&au eraill o'rty, a dychrynwyd Miss Owen, chwaer y Parcb- Joseph Owen, yn fawr. Yr oedd hi mewn rhan o'r tyat y pryd, ond ni ddigwyddodd iddi un niwaid corphorol. Yr ail dy ydoedd yr eiddo Mr. R. RobertsJAlaw Bowydd)- Aeth ceryg trymion trwy y ffenestr i'r siop, a maluriwyd gwerth arian lawer. Cyfrifid y golled yn y ty hwn agos i £ 20, a phrin y diangodd y wraig heb ei niwei<fi°f gan ei bod ar y pryd yn y siop. Am ysbaid o amser coll- odd ei hymwybyddia.eth. Y trydydd dy a dderbyniodd niweidiau ydoedd yr eiddo Mr. R. W. Jones. Maluriwyo ei ddrws yn ysgyrion. Cafodd ei wraig hefyd ei chyffroij fel y bu yn wael am ddyddiau lawer; ond yn ffodus 10 niweidiwyd hiihau, yr hyn sydd yn bur ryfedd. Hysbysjj yn mhellach fod un wraig yn bwydo yr ieir, ac y lladdwj^ un o honynt yn ei liymyl, ond ddarfod iddi ddianc heb dderbyn un niwaid. A chymeryd pob peth i ystyriaetb y mae yn destun syndod pa fodd y diangodd preswylwyr y tai a'u bywydau ganddynt, ac yn arbenig heb eu nJ" weidio; ond y mae y golled yn fawr ar rhywun neu rhyw' rai. Bu y pvvnc dan sylw y Bwrdd Lleol yn ei eisteddiad, fel yr hysbyswyd ni ond gan liad yw drysau y llys hwnW yn agored i ohebwyr, ni chawsom y maiiylioii. Yn ddiati dylid cymeryd mesurau uniongyrchol i atal trychinebau mor boenus, diangenrhaid, a pheryglus ac nid oes amser i'w golli heb i'r Bwrdd neu rhyw allu cyhoeddus gymeryd mesurau rhagoclieliadol at y dyfodol rhag digwydd petb a fo gwaeth.—COFNODYDD.