The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

Up anb 33otoit the (Coast. "r- THE DoLCELLEY EISTEDDFOD. I think I have now got at three facts in respect to the brass btuwl contest at Dolgelley on New Year's Day. First, that the Corns band was awarded the prise and lost it: second, that the Aberystwyth baud was awarded the- prize and did not get it; and third, that the vi^'lnau band was, not awarded the prize but deserved it. The co-respondent to witf" i I air: indebted for fresit light vrites from Goginan, and he says the bands played in the following order — Portmadoc, Aber- ystwyth, Corvis, Goginan. The adjudicator, my correspondent says, observed that Corris band was best, br: Corns did not play the right arrangement, and was thrown out of the contest. Then the Com- mittee decided to award the prize to the second-best, and according to the remarks which lie made (I am going by my correspondent) on each of the bands, Goginan was tue second-best because he only found one mistake in this band's playing, while he said (so says my correspondent) the Aberystwyth band failed in four different places. My correspondent brings secondary evidence to prove that others thought the C'oginan band was second-best, and concludes by saying that the Committee show they also thought the Goginan band ought to have the prize because they object to III giving it to Aberystwyth. I suppose there are readers of this column who are not interested in the dispute among the brass bands, and wonder why I have gone into it. I am interested in the adjudicator and the committee. If ever I abandon the pleasing task of writing this letter for some other labour, my friends may take it for granted that I have not taken upon myself the labours of an adjudicator at eisteddfodau. I am beginning to feel anxious about the final destiny of the prize. The case is already complicated, and if it is once put into the county court I am perfectly certain it will never he satisfactorily settled. I should like to have a portrait of each member of the Committee sent to me, and I airfijuite prepared to receive further information on this harmonious topic. A PLEA FOR THE POOR. Snow glistened in the sun beneath a cloudless sky. Strong men in crowds stood idle in the roads. Pale women rocked themselves at home, and children cried for want. The rivers flowed beneath a skin of ice. and all the fields wore hard with frost. Sheep pawed the snow to reach the scanty grass, or died of hunger in the heavy drifts. In towns the poor were noiseless as the snow, but in their eyes were eager, hungry looks. Sickness and death were hovering round, and seized on many a victim unawares. Husband and wife thought words they never spoke. Each day began and closed in gloom. The children ceased to play at childish games. They sat in silence as if full of care—asked hard questions, and cried for bread. The old felt the clutch of ice, and shuddered slightly. z, They looked inward and backward across a waste of years to times at long intervals as hard as these. Then they were poor. Now they are poor. Poverty is theirs. but it will pass—as it passed before, leaving gaps, and tracks, and marks that lie in the memory like kind or cruel words. The need for help on every hand is great, far greater -than we know, who have food and warmth, and ample shelter from the piercing cold. He gives twice who gives quickly. 0 0 UP AND DO WN THE COAST. There are degrees of misery in railway travelling, even after you reach that apparently hopeless condition represented by a third-class Cambrian railway carriage. There is, for instance, a marked difference between the carriages on the coast and the carriages on the inland sections, and then there is a further difference between one carriage and another on the coast. Take for instance carriage No. 48. How would the noble Chairman of the Company like to travel in No. 48 ? I have been told by a gentleman who travelled in this carriage that he was almost in danger of falling out through the spaces between the door and the frame- work. As for foot-warmers it is not worth while mentioning them. The conclusion of the whole matter is that nobody travels on the line unless it is impossible to arrange business in any other way. ANOTHER EMINENT WELSHMAN. The last addition to the immortal roll of eminent Welshmen (discovered by one of the Welsh papers) is Mr Parnell, the notorious land leaguer. This power to prove that every man of note is a Welshman is laughable. The South Wales daily papers chronicle this new discovery with great glee. What would Mr Parnell say to it There is one discovery that has still to be made, namely, that the Pope and Mr tSpurgeon arc Welshmen. ONE OF THE C<>NSE(> FENCES OF NECLECT. You may say what you like (I stood up before the deputation), but there is the fact. Children are dying at such a rate in the town that it is matter of public comment." What is the reason, do YOI' suppose, asked a mild looking man. The reason is fever caused by filth. Do not make the mistake of thinking that the disease is only found where there is dirt. Once started it may go to the mansion and the palace, and it is there, probably, that it will be most fatal. Look tt the to"-iz'! What does the Inspector of Nuisances do for the salary paid for that kind of work. Scarcely anything. His time is occupied as surveyor. There are places in the town that would disgrace a Hottentot village—it is no use disguising the fact. There are pigs and every abomination that can be mentioned—and of course, fever—within a few yards of the place where I write these words." "lVby do you not take action against the people?"' You take action, and you will discover that manure heaps, pigs, and filth are not considered to be nuisances. The pigs may be removed from one side of a yard to another, but the thing not be got rid of altogether. The Town Council do not attempt to keep the town clean. I say this deliberately. Of course the front of the Parade and Pier-street will be -clean, but how about Windmill-court, Spring-gardens, Mill-street. Poplar-row, and many other places? Is not the town manure heap itself a gigantic nuisance ? Is it not possible to do something to prevent these constant complaints?" The difficulty is very great. In the first place the Council admit that the work of the Town Surveyor is sufficient to keep him almost if not quite fully occu- pied, but when they apportion his salary they put about E70 a year down as inspector of nuisances, and about £ 30 as town surveyor. This is done because the Local Government Board returns half the salary of inspectors of nuisances in order to encourage cleanli- ness." That is what I call shabby," said the mild man. It is what I call dishonest, especially as the work of inspector of nuisances is shamefully neglected. It is little use to talk to the bulk of people about the sal- vation of right attitude, but you may depend upon it that as long as the Town Council do a wrong thing of. this kind, and as long as the ratepayers allow them to do it, the town will never be kept free from nuisances." I do not quite see how you make it out that fever in the result of dirt. Deaths occur in the cleanest of houses. "What I say is that the fever is generated by dirt, and once generated may spread, and does spread every- where. It is intolerable that dens of all sorts are allowed to remain month after month unimproved. Year after year I fight for a more efficient inspection of nuisances, and all I get for it is abuse." It seems to me," said one of the deputation. that -something is wrong somewhere. Here is the town, and we are forced to admit that what you say is true. What are we to do ? I will tell you. We must give over believing the people who are always pretending that they save the rates, and that they are economical. Do they save our lives ? Do they save us doctor's bills ? Do they save our children No. I say, no, they do none of these things. We want men who will look after our interests—after our health. If one person is allowed to breed a fever, he may be the means of killing a score of people. Why should one person be allowed to breed a fever ? I think it is our duty to write to the Local Government Board and ask what their opinion is of our Council, of our Nuisance Inspector, and of our way of paying him. A month's sickness costs a poor man more than ten years'rates. That is what I think.' "There is a feeling amongst the inhabitants that to insist upon cleanliness is injurious to the town, and you know how much blame—undeserved blame—has been heaped upon me because I have tried to get our representative 1 and officials to do their duty. Have they done their duty ? Certainly not but I think the time has come when they ought to be forced to do it. It is the back slums of the town we must be particular about if we wish to protect ourselves." You are right. We are with you, and we will see that something is done." The Coast. P. W.

At Warminster, miiow has again fallen. On Wednesday, a whole family, consisting of a man woman, and three children were discovered on the hill' there frozen to death. 0

ABEUYSTWYTII. By an advertisement in another column, it will be seen that our enterprising tradesman, Mr. W. Julian, has completed arrangements for commencing the trade of baker and confectioner in all its branches. WATER SUPPLY,—In consequence of the severe frost, the Tea Pot, as the pumping engine at Plas Crug has been called, has again been set working. LONGEVITY.—A north Wales contemporary says that there is living at Tanrallt, near Aberystwyth, a lady who has attained the age of 104 years. Does anybody in the district know of this lady. ilxrvicitsrt'Y LVTELLICKNCE.- -Dr. R. D. Roberts is now giving a course o: lectures on Physical Geography under the Cambridge University Extension Scheme at Stocktoa, West Hartlepool, Darlington, and Middles- borough. RENT ACDIT.—Yesterday, Thursday, the Goger- ddan rent audit was held at the Lion Hotel, The tithes were deducted from the payments in accordance with an announcement to that effect made a short time ago. MILITARY.—It is understood that an fatlditionaI battery will be added in April to the three batteries which now compose the Royal Cardigan Artillery Militia. It is probable that the Senior Captain, Mr < I. G. Williams, Wallog, will be promoted to the rank of Major, and that two additional captains will be attached to the corps. LADIES' COLLEGIATE SCHOOL.—Certificates have been awarded by the College of Preceptors to Miss Commariua Helena Jones, London, and Miss Louie Davies, Troedybryn, Aberystwyth, pupils at the Ladies Collegiate School, who successfully passed the Christmas Examination. JOHN CALVIN.—On Tuesday evening, at the Taber- nacle Chapel, the Rev. Llewelyn Edwards, 1.A., Ardwyn School, delivered a lecture on John Calvin. This was a fourth series of lectures delivered during the winter in connection with the Tabernacle Literary Society. EXAMINATION.—We observe that Miss Evans, of No. 37, Portland-street, has successfully passed first class in an examination at the College of Preceptors, with special certificate for Scripture, and political economy. Miss Evans is a pupil at the Queen s College, London. PRECAUTION AT THE BARRACKS.—Doubtless in con- /• j.i. ii 1 sequence 01 uie attempt; to mow up otiuoru and the disturbed state of Ireland, the Military Authorities have ordered that guard shall be mounted at the Aberystwyth barracks night and day. On Wednesday evening there was a rumour in the town that the Fenians were coming to Aberystwyth. There may be little fear of that, but the authorities do well to take precautions. ACCIDENT.—A lad named Owens, son of John Owens, Penybont, Rhydbeddau, met with a serious accident last Monday. He was driving to town in the morning accompanied by two women and a man. At the top of Penglaise-hill the horse became unmanageable, and in the end the cart was upset, and the four occupants thrown out. The two women were shaken, but the unfortunate lad had his arm fractured in three places. RESCUE FROM A BURNING sitip.riie SatnnlayPre^, a Honolulu paper sa)-s:-Tlie C-,Lptiin of the English ship Ghilena (Captain James Davies, !>, New-street Aber- ystwyth) who some time since met the Hawaiian bark R. C. Wyllie in flames, rescued her crew and conveyed them to Yalparaiso, Chili, refused to accept any reward for his kind action. The Hawaiian Govern- ment, we are pleaded to learn, now propose to pre- sent the Captain with a chronometer, sextant or other useful article, in testimony of their appreciation of his disinterested kindness. THE WEATHER.—The severe weather continued until Thursday morning, when a rapid thaw set in. On Monday there was a partial thaw, but the sky cleared, and the wind veered round in the afternoon to a cold quarter, and a severe frost occurred during the night. The weather was very cold on Tuesday and Wednesday, but on Thursday morning the wind blew from the south, and the weather was very mild, the thaw was rapid, and by midday the macadam of the streets, which had been covered with SHOW for o\er a fortnight, began to appear. THE ENGLISH CO:-iTI'l'r-rro.On Monday evening last Professor MacCallum delivered an introduction to a course of twenty lectures on the "Growth of the English State," in the Greek Lecture Room at the College, It is, we believe, Professor MacCallum's in- tention on each Monday evening to deliver a lecture of about an hour's duration. At the conclusion of each lecture those who wish it, may remain to have difficul- ties explained, to be examined on the subject of the evening, and to do some historical work. At the end of the course of lectures, Professor MacCallum intends to hold a written examination for those who chose to go in for it and to let the class know the results. POLICE. -On Thursday (yesterday morning), before Peter Jones, Mayor, J. W. Szlumper, and David Williams, Esqs., Edward Morris, aged nineteen, described as a labourer living at Trefechan, a lad who sings Moody and Sankey's hymns about the streets, was charged with having committed an indecent assault on the previous day on Margaret Davies, a girl aged eleven, also living at Trefechan. From the evidence it appeared that the accused called the girl into his father's house, and closed the door. He then acted indecently towards her. A little boy of five hearing cries, informed his mother of what was going oil. In her evidence Mrs. Jones said she went to the accused's house about four o'clock. She found that the door had been fastened. She knocked, and Jhe door was opened by the little girl, who was much excited. She noticed also that the clothes of the accused were disarranged. He was sitting by the fire. After hearing the evidence, the Bench remanded the accused until the following day for the evidence of a medical man. COCOA HOUSE.—The annual meeting of the "Aberystwyth Cocoa House Company" was held on the premises of the company last Saturday. Colonel Pryse in the chffir, there were also present the Mayor, Captain Cosens, Cwm, Mr J. Jones, Bridge End, Rev. W. Evans, M.A., Mr Williams, school inspector, Mr R. Bickerstaff, Mr John Thomas, Mr J. H. Edwards, Mr Evan Morgan, Mr Owen, saddler, Mr Owen, school master, Mr D. C. Roberts. Mr John Morgan, Mr D. Lloyd, secretary, &c. A dividend of 7A per cent. was declared, and leaving about X50 to be invested as a guarantee fund. The Chairman said he was against any dividend at all, preferring what profits there might be made to go into the business and to extend the usefulness of the company by making it more attractive to the public, but he would submit to the majority of the shareholders. Captain Cosens proposed, and Mr E. Morgan seconded, that a dividend of 5 per cent. should be paid. The Mayor proposed an amendment, and Mr J. Jones seconded, that a dividend of 7 A per cent. should be paid. The amendment was carried by a large majority. There was some conversation about selling soups, &c., for the people, and the opening of another Cocoa House. A vote of thanks to the Chair- man, proposed by the Mayor, seconded by Mr John Jones, was suitably acknowledged, and the meeting separated. The four retiring directors were re-elected, and Mr John Thomas and Mr J. H. Edwards were re-elected auditors.

LLANDDEWI BREFI. STRANGE REPORTS.—A correspondent writes: On Sunday last, the attention of the villagers was attracted by several reports of a gun or pistol heard in the direction of Cock ahead Wood, but apparently not so distant. It remains a mystery up to the time of writing, what the object of the strange occurence was. It was hinted by some that some one was being "Boycotted." Others suggested that a stag or other wild beast was being captured. Some of your readers may remember that a stag was shot in the neighbour- hood some years ago. Many would like to get an explanation. Can the Keeper" throw any light upon the matter ? WILD GEESE.—Three wild geese were shot en the river Teify, under Pont Llanio, last week, all in splendid condition. The flock was about fifteen in number when first seen in the neighbourhood, but by this time the number has been reduced to five. WEATHER.—Last week the storm visited this place with unusual severity. On Tuesday, the road between here and Tregaron was blockaded by the drifts. No traffic has been carried on since. All carts and convey- ances are obliged to go round by Pont Llanio Station.— SAER LLEDR.

ABERAYROK DEBATING SOCIETY".—On Monday night, January 24th, the programme was as follows :—Reading, W. George Basket of Wits, J. S. Jones, N. P. Bank; song, "The Yicar of Bray," John M. Howell; impromptu debate, subject given at the time, Which is the best, Wet or Prosty AN'eatlier! John Jones, London House, and D. H. Davies opened the discussion on each side debate, subject. "That Capital Punish- ment ought to be abolished," on the affirmative B. E. Howell and W. Hopkin, N. P. Bank, on the negative D. C. Thomas, National School, and R. E. Ellis, N. P. Bank. In the division, eleven voted in the negative, irnd nine in the affirmative. A resolution was passed that no candidate for admission may be voted upon more than three times during a term of two months.

LLANBADARNFAW-R. TEA MF.ETT-, (;On Thursday evening, January 20th, Mrs. Hugh Hughes, Glynpadarn, gave a tea to the Llanbadam Church Choir, at the Black Lion Inn. A concert was afterwards held. SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION.—About two hours after the declaration of the poll on Wednesday night a party of about half a dozen men attacked the house of the Rev. James Edwards, Independent minister, Llan- badarn-fawr. by throwing stones at the door, &c. Luckily no damage or injury was done. It is to be hoped the police will be able to bring the offenders to justice. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, 26th JANUARY.— j Before J. G. W. Bonsall, J. T. Morgan, and B. E. Morgan, Esqrs. z_1 Transfer of Li,;(-its,On the application of William Northey, the license of the Royal Oak. Goginan, was transferred from William Pierce to William Northey. Nonpayment Fi,e(lei-ick Shaw, Cwmpadarn was summoned for nonpayment of rates. Defendant was ordered to pay.

BORTH. BORTH WATER SUPPLY. —The contractors have com- menced excavating site of Service Tank. The cast iron mains have been purchased from Mr. Spittle, of Newport, and arc expected to be delivered shortly. It is anticipated that the Work will be finished before -May next.

L L,AN1T\YC If LYN. Soup FOR TIIK POOR.—On Monday, January 24th, at the Reading Room, the poor of Llanuwchlyn through the kindness of Lady Williams Wynne, each received two quart. of soup. The Yicar, with Mr. and Mrs. Tohii Williams, Gwernhefin, attended to the distribution and it is said there be soup given out to the poor during the present severe weather. The parishioners feel thankful to her ladyship for so thinking about them.

DOLGELLEY. DISTRESS.—A preliminary meeting was held at the County Hall, in this town to consider what steps to take to relieve the great distress now among the work- ing men and others of the poor in the town and neighbourhood. Mr. C. Edwards of Dolserau in the chair. It was proposed by Dr. Lloyd Williams, and seconded by Mr. E. Grifhth, that a public meeting be called on Friday next at three p.m., and that Mr. Holland, the member for the county, be requested to preside. Mr. R. W. Williams proposed, and Mr. W. R. Davies seconded that Mr. John Ellis be appoin- ted secretary, and Mr. Jones Parry of the North and South Wales Bank, and Mr. j. David, National Provincial Bank, be joint treasurers. ADJOURNED PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, Jan. 26th.-Befoi-e Charles Edwards, Edward Griffith, and H. Lloyd Williams, Esqrs. Larceny Caw.—(Case of Catherine Williams.) The Bench stated that they could not agree with the request of the prisoner to have the case dealt with summarily, and committed her to take her trial at the next Quarter Sessions. Prisoner complained that she had no chance to explain to tie Bench how she became possessed of the articles, but was told that she would have an opportunity to do so at the trial. The Assault Case.—The depositions in this case were read over and signed, and the Bench said they had decided to commit defendant for trial at the next Merionethshire Assizes. Defendant said I am not guilty, and have witnesses to prove it. "-—-Mr. Davies applied for bail and defendant was bound over in £100, and two others in £ 50 each.

BALA. BALA LAKE Fitezi.Tlic severity of the weather continues with more intensity, the frost on Bala Lake extending daily, and it is new all but entirely covered so that it is comparatively an easy matter to cross the lake at any part, or proceed the whole length from Bala to Llanuwchllyn; in several parts there ar& two or three coats of ice. making it very tliiek and strong. This reminds us of the time when th old inhabitants state that the lake was frozen over for considerable time and a bullock roasted on Bala Lake. There are residents now living who remember the severe weather forty-four years ago, the frost commencing on New Year's Day, and prevented farming operations, delaying the sowing time to the month of April. At that time it was practicable to pass across and along the lake; an informant states that on more than one occasion at that time, in the (Veiling of the day after his day's labour he carried firewood across the lake from Llanycil to Ll&ngower, a distance of more than a mile, for his mother who resided in the latter village. It is also stated that a large number of people from Bala who were attending at a funeral at Llanuwchllyn walked back over the frozen lake. A large number of persons avail themselves of the pleasant enjoyment and exercise afforded by skating and sliding on the lake, and the rivers Dee and Trvweryn which also have a thick coating of ice, and, like the lake, attract many persons. —A large quantity of coals has been distributed to the poor, and we are informed that in addition to much liberality and consideration in different ways, Mrs. Bury, of Eryl Aran, supplies soup for the poor of Bala and the neighbourhood.

DOLYDDELEN AND VICINITY. Snow and John Frost have now been in poy. er for more than two weeks. All works at a stand still. People advanced in age—children that have seen some thirty or forty summers and winters—and some of course younger in days are playing at a football— working hard at it—working full time—not what you call a short time, which everyone has been forced to do during this long depression of trade. Their time is all fully occupied in playing. The only thing that induces them to leave the arena is the sound of the meal gong. Snow is knee deep in many places. Where snow banks are it is some two yards deep, and even more than that. HARD TIMES. Harder than it ever was. No sign of change, although many predictions are made, but no prediction brings a change. People are badly olf-Diit of everything. They are at the point of starvation. Munificence has been exhibited by Mr George de Wolf, a wealthy gentleman from Liverpool, and a part owner of the Prince Llewelyn Slate Quarry at Dolyddelen, by enclosing a cheque for £ .1 in his letter to Mr Daniel Williams, requesting him to divide the same among the poor, and those that are rendered needy by being thrown out of work. Many live in this quarter by the hand to the mouth policy. A family of eight or even ten cannot be expected to live otherwise in these modern times. A poor family cannot possibly live to their means, but the bad influence of modern civilisa- tion, forces and compels almost everyone to contract a mode of living, so as to suit the ruling idea of a vast majority of the same class in society. No one says, what we can afford, and what we can buy and pay for, but, what we can get in food and clothing, so that the so-called class in society shall have no unpleasant remarks to make. People do not like to be held up to public obloquy. A large number of peonle are entirely governed, not by their good sense and by what they ought to do, but by customs and habits. People follow example, not reason and sound policy. No one thinks of paying his debts as he goes on. People are becoming, by continually sticking fast to bad and roften habits, so that they cannot tell honesty from fraud—at least, they act in such a manner. THE HALF-YEAR'S RENT AUDIT of the Penrhyn Estate at Penmachno and Yspytty came off at Pen- ybont Hotel, Yspytty, 011 Saturday of last week. Mr. Sackville West, the agent-in-chief, was there. Some of the farmers, it seems, were cautioned not to kill ground game, as the (bound Game Act was not in force on his Lordship's estate. There is no estate in this quarter where the farmers are so much troubled with rabbits and hares as that of Penrhyn. Hares and rabbits are quite a pest, ravaging pastures, grass, and everything in the shape of herbs that they come across. Farmers at Yspytty and Penmachno made use of their right, according to the provision of the new act, to destroy the hares and rabbits on their different hold- ings. But at the rent audit day the agent-ir-chief specified that the act was not in forcc 011 his Lordship's estate until the 25th of March next. His Lordship, it seems, is going to hold fast to this relic of the feudal system and aristocratic mode of oppression. It is just the same as It was of old, when the children of Israel were in bondage—making bricks without straw. I ELLIS O'R NANT,

PORTMADOC. SEVERE WEATHER.—Here as elsewhere the weather during the past few weeks has been very severe. A hard frost was followed by a heavy fall of snow and this in the early part of last week was drifted into large mounds in many places. In some of the roads, paths had to be cut through the snow which had accumulated to a depth of over six feet. On Sunday last a further fall of snow took place, and again on Wednesday evening, on the Last occasion accompanied with a strong east wind.—The river Glaslyn is frozen over. SCHOOL BOARD.—The usual monthly meeting of j this Board was held on Thursday January 20tli. Present Mr. J. P. Roberts, chairman, Dr. W. Jones- Morris, Mr. D. R. Thomas, Mr. John Roberts, and Mr. John Thomas clerk. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Snoicdon-s-rect School.—Mr. Casson, (of Messrs. Breese, Jones, and Casson, solicitors) attended and explained the present position of this school, and advised that Counsel's opinion should be taicen which it was agreed to do. Corporal PunUiimenL—It was proposed by Dr. Jones-Morris, seconded by Mr. D. R. Thomas, and resolved that no corporal punishment be allowed to be inflicted on the children in any of the schools except by the head teacher, and that all such cases be registered. Bilk-The following bills were agreed tc be paid :— R. Humphreys, balance of salary to 30th November, 1SS0. £ 15: W. Parry. Borth, half grant, £ 35 17s. 6d.; R.Grindley, Snowdon-street School, ditto, £ 108 Is. lid.; M Evans, ditto, ditto, £ 32 7s. 7d.; Breese, Jones, and Casson, f37 13s. 2d.; J. Thomas, one year's salary, X40 W. Prichard, Morfa Bychan, contract, £ 19; Ellis Williams, coal, XI 7s. Gd.; W. R. Owen, coal and gas, £1 19s. fill.: W. Jones, builder, fl6 0s. 5d.: Hugh Hughes, 18s.; insurance, m 4s. od.: sundries (clean- ing, forms, postages, &c.), £ 4 13s. 5d. Total, £ 317 3s. 9d. Salaries, <t-c.—A11 application from Mr Parry for an increase of salary was adjourned.—Miss Davies's appli- cation was refused.—It was agreed, to give S. Morris the usual scale of salary, namely, £ 10 for the first year, with all increase of LE2 for each of the following years. —It was resolved to allow A. Roberts for the present 10s. per week as teacher in the Snowdon-street infant soliool, and that the Clerk should communicate with s_ the Education Department about her case.—It was also resolved that the Clerk should advertise in the School- master for an Ex-P.T. to succeed Miss Lunt.

NORTH AND SOUTH WALES BANK, LIMITED, {' .1. lhc 4.)tn annual meeting oi the proprietors 01 ttils bank, was held on Tuesday afternoon, at the Law Association Rooms, Cook-street, Liverpool. In the absence, owing to a severe cold, of Mr. George Rae, the chairman of the board of directors, Mr. W illiam Hind, the deputy-ehairm-in, presided, and there was a large attendance of proprietors. The directors in their report stated- During tiie last twelve months, the published minimum rate of discount at the Bank of England had averaged £2 15s. 3d. per cent., but the market rate during the same period had ruled at a considerably lower point, and the result had been that this bank, in common no doubt with many other country banks, had derived scarcely any profit from that portion of its assets which the directors deemed it prudent and necessary at all times to have at call, or at short notice in London. In other respects the profits of the year had been fairly satisfactory, and had enabled the board to declare the usual dividend and bonus of 17 j per cent. for the year, by drawing to a trifling extent on the balance of profits brought forward from previous years. The profit and loss account for the year ended the 31st December showed a gross profit, includ- ing a balance of ill,366 14s. Id. from last account (after deducting interest due to depositors and rebate on bills not due, and making provisions for losses), of t:160,795 7s. Scl. Deducting from this the total expendi- ture of the head office, thirty-nine branches, and ten sub-branches (including salaries, directors' fees, rent, taxes, and other expenses), amounting to C60,600 14s. 4d., there remained a net profit of 9100, 194 13s. 4d. The interim dividend paid to the proprietors for the half-year ended 30th J uiie, 1880, at 10 per cent. per annum, absorbed £ 25,000, and the interim bonus at 7S per cent, per annum, The dividend and bonus for the half-year just ended, being at the same rate, would absorb a similar sum, and the income tax on profits amounted to C2,287 19s. Id., making a total of £89,787 19s. Id., and leaving to be carried to next account XIO,406 14s. 3d. In accordance with the resolution past at the special meeting of shareholders on the 27th April last, the bank was registered OIl the 1st July last, under the Act of 1879, as a bank with limited liability, with a total capital of £ 2,400,000 in 60,000 shares of f40 each, of which 50,000 had been issued and were now held by the proprietors. On "these 50,000 shares £ 10 per share had been paid up, and this amount constituted the paid-up capital of £;)00,000. The remaining f 30 per share, amounting to £ 1,500,000. constituted the "reserved liability" of the bank: and as no portion of this sum could be called up or used in the business of the bank, it assumed the form of a perpetual guarantee for the security of depositors to the extent of a million and a half over and above the ordinary assets of the bank, which were sufficient of themselves at, all times to repay the whole of the deposits and still leave the paid-up capital and reserve fund entire. The registration of the bank under these conditions had received the unanimous approval of the shareholders, and would appear to have been equally well received by the public, so far as this could be judged from the increase in the amount of the deposits, and in the number of new accounts opened with the bank since the date of registration. In accordance with clause 8 of the Act of 1S79, the balance sheet had been signed by three directors and the Liverpool manager, as well as by the auditors. All the branches of the bank had, as usual, been visited in the course of the year by two directors and the country manager, and the cash, bills, accounts, and securities examined on the spot, and the result in all cases had been satisfactory. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said the deposits amounted in round numbers to X300,000 more than last year. which lie thought would be very satisfactory to the proprietors, as showine that the confidence of the public, instead of being diminished by the change in the constitution of the bank, had actually been strengthened. (Applause.) The other items on the debit side followed very closely those of the previous year. The notes in circulation were £ 46,000, against £ 46,000; drafts £ 21,000, against £ 18,000 acceptances, £ 19,000, against £ 50,000 credits £ 6,000, against £ 49,000 and the paid-up capital, reserve fund, and undivided profits were almost the same. On the other side of account, the cash in hand, at Bank of England and at London agents cash at call; consols and preference stocks of first-class railways at cost, which were all equal to cash in hand, amounted to very much the same as bst year—something like £ 2,070,000. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the result of last year's working of the bank, he thought it ought to be very satisfactory to the shareholders. Last year, in order to pay the usual dividend and bonus of 17per cent.— which they had kept up for so many years, and hoped, and confidently expectcd, to keep up for many years to come—(applause)—they had to trench upon the balance of the profits of previous years to the extent of £ 6,000; but this year they had only dipped into that balance to the extent of £ 1,000—(hear, hear)—so that the result of last year's working had been, in reality, £5,000 better than that of 1879—(applause)—and that under circumstances very adverse to banking business, large sums of money, which could not be profitably employed, having been kept almost idle in London, at a rate of interest very far below what the bank was liberally paying to de- positors. He could only attribute the fact that the bank did so well under such apparently unfavourable circumstances to the elasticity and soundness of the system of banking pursued by the directors, and by the number of new and profitable accounts that were opened. (" Hear, hear," and applause.) They com- menced this year under much more favourable auspices. The trade of the country seemed to have revived in every direction—not by a sudden rush, but by the gradual increase of sound mercantile business. The great overflow and glut of money in London had been absorbed, either by new undertakings or by the sound business developed in the country, and the value of money had now come to a point which would really be profitable to all those who possessed it and had it to dispose of. If the trade of the couhtry was not unduly forced, but went on as it appeared to be doing now, a sound mercantile business being developed, and the value of money keeping about where it v. as now, or, lie should hope, a little higher—something about 4 or 4 per cent.— (laughter)—there could be no doubt whatever that the I proprietors would receive next year their usual divi dend of 17A per cent., and lie thought that, instead of 2 trenching upon the balance of profits brought forward, there was a reasonable expectation that at the end of the year that balance might be added to.(" Hear, hear," and applause.)—There were rumours afloat that they might have to meet increased competition both in the town and in connection with their country branches; but they were not afraid of it.—(Hear, hear.) With their large proprietorship of 1600 shareholders, he thought they would be able to stand their ground against any opposition, and still hold their own, and progress for many years to come as they had hitherto done.—(Hear, hear.)—He had nothing more to say upon the report. It was so full that it really called for very little comment, but lie should be very happy to elucidate it further, if thought necessary, by answering any questions which might be put. In the meantime, he begged to move that the report be adopted, printed, and circulated among the proprietors. Air. U. C. DOBELL said he had great pleasure in seconding the adoption of the report, and he was sure that all the shareholders must agree with him that it I was a very favourable one, and be perfectly satisfied with the working of the bank. (Hear, hear.) C, Mr. W. R. PEA ROE said he should like, before the 1, resolution was put, to ask a question with regard to r the bank buildings account. He wished to know whether the buildings stood at the cost price, or whether anything had been written off. The CHAIRMAN replied that the buildings did not stand at the cost price, but that a fair amount had been written off. The inquiry was probably suggested ) by the apparent increase in the cost of the bank buildings at Liverpool and fifteen branches, which stood in the balance-sheet this year at ZEIO 7OOCF, as against £ 105,000 last year. Since last year, however, a magnificent branch at Birkenhead had been com- pleted, and a branch at Bala had been nearly finished. The policy of the directors had invariably been to lease buildings, where they could get other people to build them for them but in so large a place as Birkenhead it was impossible for them to obtain premises suitable for the very large and increasing business carried on there by the bank, and they had therefore erected a building which was an ornament to that rising place, and would be a scource of remuneration to the share- holders. They were in the same position with regard to Bala. Being unable to find proper accomodation, they were erecting there a very elegant building, which would be an ornament to that part of North Wales, (FTear. hear.) The motion for the adoption of the report was then put and carried unanimously. Mr. MARKE WOOD said that, having just heard with what care and attention the affairs of the bank had been conducted, he thought it would be the desire of all the proprietors to recognise the services of the gentlemen who had been connected with the manage- ment during past years. He had, therefore, great pleasure in moving that Mr. Thomas Brocklebank and Mr. Edward Thompson, the directors retiring by rota- tion, be re-elected. Air. R. W. JONES secomled the motion. Nothing succeeded like success, and he thought the shareholders were very fortunate in having as directors of their bank gentlemen upon whose career success was very fully stamped. (Hear, hear.) He should be very sorry to have shares in a bank directed by people who had not been successful—(laughter)—and he repeated that he thought they were fortunate in having as their directors gentlemen who had been eminently success- ful. He thought that those who had watched the recent changes in the money market and studier-l its prospects would agree that he was not far wrong m anticipating, not merely that the present dividend would be maintained in the future, but that it might even be increased to 20 per c?nt. (Applause.) The motion was carried unanimously. Air. JOSEPH BEAUSIRE moved that the thanks of the shareholders be presented to the directors for their valuable services, and that the sum of be placed at their disposal as their remuneration for the current year. (Applause.) He was sure that the proprietors would all cordially agree to this resolution, for it was owing to the care and attention which the directors gave to their interests that the bank kept so free from bad debts, which, he believed, had during the past year been almost a cypher. (The Chairman A mere bagatelle.) The directors were all men of valuable experience, and their time should be well paid for. (Hear, hear.) There had been a very con- siderable increase in the deposits in the agricultural districts. This showed that the agricultural interests had seen their worst, and were now recovering, and this was a very important matter to the bank, as they had so many country branches. He thought it promised well for the current year. (Applause.) Air. ROBERT ROBERTS seconded the motion, remarking that there were no more valuable services performed in connection with any institution in the kingdom. The great attention of the directors to the interests of the bank was shown by the results of their labours. t The motion having been carried with acclamation. The CHAIRMAN, on behalf of himself and his co- directors, acknowledged the compliment. One of the greatest incentives they could have, he said, to future attention to the interests of the shareholders was the goodwill which the latter had displayed towards them at that meeting, and the board thanked them for the handsome remuneration which they had voted all this as on previous occasions. He had been guilty of an omission in not having'afforded Mr. Brocklebank and IN] r. Thompson, the re-elected directors, an opportunity of expressing their feelings, which he could now endeavour to remedy by calling upon those gentle- men. Mr. BROCKLEBANK briefly thanked the share- holders, saying that he had tried during this his first term of office to merit their confidence by strict attention to his duties, and lie should endeavour to continue to do so. Mr. THOMPSON also thanked the meeting for re-elect- ing him a director. He had now had the honour of holding the important office for the very considerable period of twenty-one years but this lengthened 8CITice had in no degree weakened the zeal and interest he felt in performing the duties and, thanks to their confillence "and indulgence, he hoped he might be able to continue for some time longer to devote his best services to the advancement of their common interests in connection with the affairs of the bank. (Applause.) Mr. Alderman NICHOLSON said that was the first opportunity, he believed that the shareholders had had of electing their own auditors, and he hoped that one and all would be prepared to show their confidence in the judgment exhibited by the directors on former occasions by confirming the election of Alessrs. Harmood. Banner and I':) Son. (Hear, hear.) Neither In this town nor in the city of London coald they better the selection. (Hear, hear.) He begged to move that Alessrs. Harmood, Banner and Son be the auditors for the ensuing year at a remuneration of 200 guineas. (Applause.) <' Mr. JOHN H. HiN i) seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr. ALEXANDER, in returning thanks on behalf of the firm, said they had every confidence in certifying that the balance sheet truly and fairly represented the position of the company's affairs. One feature he liked in the bank very much, and that was that the assets in the hands of customers were spread over a very large number of people, so that there M'as no fear that the bank could possibly sustain loss by large or excessive advances. (Hear, hear.) The CHAIRMAN next moved that the thanks of the shareholders be given to the manager and other officers of the bank. (Applause.) Without any attempt at adulation, lie must express his own individual opinion, both as a director and as a shareholdor, as to the great value of those services. The bank had been for many years happy and favoured in its staff—in the devotion they had displayed to its interests, in the intelligence )1 they brought to bear upon all its affairs, and in their most untiring efforts to promote its success. (Applause. I I To show how well they carried out the system of keep- ing the accounts, which last year was declared by the' auditors to be a most accurate and yet a very simple one, lie might state that, the 31st December falling on a Friday, there was at the head office by ten o'clock 011 Saturday morning a full balance sheet of the head office, showing the whole of the operations to a penny- profits, charges, and all particulars. On the Alonday morning, the balance sheets were received by post from the branches, some thirty-eight in number; and at twelve o'clock on Alonday there were laid before the directors at the board meeting full and condensed accounts of the whole of the operations of the bank. (Hear, hear.) He thought lie need not go beyond this to show the untiring industry and value of the staff, and lie proposed this vote of thanks to them with the most unbounded pleasure. It was due to. them that they should receive not merely a formal vote of thanks but a hearty recognition of their services. (Hear, hear.) Those services were valued by the board and he wished them to be equally valued by every shareholder, and this recognition of them would be an incentive to them to continue to work as they had hitherto for the benefit of the bank. (Applause.) Mr. J. T. DAVIES seconded the motion. He said he had from time to time come in contact with the general manager and other officers of the bank, and no reasonable man could expect more courtesy or a greater desire to oblige, than they exhibited, whilst, at the same time, showing a proper appreciation of the interests of the bank. They looked to the officers of the bank for their best services but, at the same time, he thought they would be failing in their oblig- ation as shareholders if they did not give them a hearty and unanimous vote of thanks for their untiring industry and attention to the interests of the bank. The resolution was cordially adopted. Air. R. MEREDITH JONES expressed the best thanks of his fellow-officers and himself to the chairman for the very generous terms in which he had proposed the resolution to Mr. Davies, for the warm way in which he had seconded it and to the meeting, for the very enthusiastic way in which they had been kind enough to receive it. There were a great many officers present at the meeting, not in their capacity of officers, but as shareholders, for the shares of the bank were a very favourite investment for such savings as they could make and it was a very great gratification to them to find that their exertions were so warmly appreciated. Thanks were then voted to Air. William Hind for presiding, and for the very lucid way in which lie had put the affairs of the bank before the meeting, and the proceedings terminated. -==:=:=-== The value of agricultural produce introduced into this country in 1880 was £ 409,990,000, against £362,127,000 in 1879. and 368,609,000 in 1878. Amongst the items for last year were £ 10,242,903 for animals alive; £8,7;")0,50:3 for bacon: butter, £ 12,122,172; cheese, £ 5,083,017; grain of different sorts CD2,362,865 eggs, zC2,241,340 potatoes £ 2,761,686.

WELSH SHEEP DOGS' "TRIALS." The Maud,ester Cl'y Nevn of January 15tli, 1SSI. contains a report of a meeting of the "Literary Club" on the previous Alonday evening. We are that-- "Mr. Joseph C. Lookhart read a short communica- tion on the treatment of their sheep dogs by the Welsh farmers and shepherds. He first described the operations of two collie dogs when dividing a flock of sheep on the steep bluff that rises above the hostelry at Tal-y-llyn, as seen from a boat on the lake. The shepherd who M-as M-ith the dogs would sing out some very dreadful language about the length of one's arm. and off one of the dogs would go almost to the top of the bluff, M'hilst something still more aM'ful would despatch the other in an entirely different direction. It was marvellous to see these l' ivo creatures at work separating tMTo sheep from the point of the mountain, and tiiree from another, and carefully bringing them down or up to the shepherd for examination. And he (Mr Lockhart) could not help wondering how long it would take a dog of ordinary ability to master the niceties of the Welsh language. (Laughter.) During the same holiday lie happened to be near Penmaen Pool, midway between Barmouth and Dolgelley, when lie was overtaken by a young Welsh shepherd driving a flock of fat mountain sheep. He had with him a handsome collie bitch. He said that lie was a tenant of Sir Edmund Buckley, and his farm was on the Aran mountain the sheep in front of them had been fattening in the richer pastures of the Alawddach valley. They had four other dogs besides that one. 'And what do you do with them in the winter: 'We always turn them out in winter time.' 'That is, of course, after they have served you during the spring, summer, and autumn. What do they feed on, then, duiing the winter:" 'Oh; sometimes there are dead sheep—sheep that have fallen down the rocks or been starved to death.' 'But if it doesn't suit the sheep to die either by accident or starvation, how are the poor brutes to be fed?' 'They sometimes take bad ways, and they kill a sheep or a lamb for themselves. The brother of that little bitch took such ways, and he was very cunning with it. We lost lamb after lamb, but we never suspected him till one (Itty I was out with him on the mountain, and with my own eyes I saw him seize a lamb, worry it, make his meal out of it, and then go and wash himself in a pool, then rub himself dry on the heather, repeating this until not a trace of the blood could be seen on him.' '"What did you do with him?" 'Oh! I took him by the hind legs and banged his brains out on a rock.' 'Is the custom common in your neighbourhood to turn out the dogs in winter ?' 'Yes, we all do it.' 'Then you are all a set of infernal wastrels Yes, indeed, sir, we wass. How you possibly could go about with a faithful, beautiful creature like that little bitch, and have her staring into your eyes for nine months out of the twelve, no hours too long for her, no labour too hard, and then, in the hardest weather, turn her adrift, and beat her from your door with staves, I cannot possibly imagine. You richly deserve to have all your sheep worried.' And with this parting benediction the talk euded." The distinguished foreigner in Pickwick took a whole- fortnight to compile a "book full of notes" on England, "music, picture, science, potry, poltic; all tings;" but Lockhart would scarcely need such an expenditure of time to do one on Wales. A single glance, and a solitary conversation makes him master of a very important element of Welsh farming,—the ways of farmers with their dogs, and dogs with the sheep. And yet it might be hinted that—sinking humanity altogether—Welsh farmers are not sucn fools as to turn their best shep- herds into wild animals at a period of the year when they may aiiy day require their services and beat from their doors with slaves animals worth their weight- in gold. That "the dogs sometimes take to bad ways'' is true, but the "brothef to the little bitch" who came to so untimely an end, evidently, did not do so from hunger but (as is invariably the east) from mischief. However, we need not argue on a matter like this. The simplest thing to do is to give the charge aflat denial. Whether the gentle shepherd the tourist met Mas !a,, "itr his joke with the Saxon, or not, we cannot say but we can say to the gentleman ma,King the charge—" Indeed, truth, he wass tell you a lie, whatever, Air. Lockhart

girths, ^larriagcs, anb geaihs. "r- _r-J' No announcements of rnarriaacs are inserted withovt svficicut authentication, for want of which, announcement* sent to uncut' sometimes omitted. A charge of 1paid in advance, is mailt' for tite words So Cards," dc., in marriages, and any addition to the simple record of deaths. BIRTHS. JONES.- January 19th, at the Post-office, Tregaron. the wife of lhomas Jones, of a daughter A'IOROAN.— January 24th. at Marine-terrace Aberyst- wyth. the wife of B..E. Morgan, J.P., of a daughter. ROBE'r.,r, -J ztii t,,al-y 22nd, at i, New North-road, Abe 1- ystwyth, the wife of John Jones Hooerts, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. "WILLIAMS—OWENS.—January 22nd, at Fitzclarer.ee Chapel, Liverpool, by the Rev. Dr. Thomas, Captain David illiams, of Aberystwyth, to Kate Maria Owens, of Liverpool, late of Aberystwyth. DEATHS. BERRIVIAN.—January 18th, aged 72 years, at Newport, Pembrokeshire, Airs. Berriman, mother of the Rev. R. Berriman. rector of Aberporth. CHARLES.—January 19th, at Cilgerran, David! Charles, mason. ? ELIAI,Talii,ary 14th. aged 62 vears, at Pentraeth. Anglesea, J. R. Elias (Y Thcsbiad). t' ELLIS.—January 5th, aged 25 years, at Church-rov, Bala, Ellen, the only daughter of Hugh EJIis. GRIFFITHS -January 23rd aged 76 years, at Alouid- s.reet, Bala, Jane Griffiths, the wife of Thomas Grif- fiths, carpenter. GRIFFITHS.—January 15th, aged fî3 years, at the Black Horse, Aberystwyth, Sarah, wife of John Griffiths, farmer. GRIFFITHS.— January 19th, aged 72 years at Forest Farm, Cilgerran, Alartha Griffiths, wife )f John Griffiths. HUMPH REVS. January 16th, aged 80 years,' at Long- down-street, St. Dogniells, Edward Humphreys tin- plate worker. ISAAC.—January I lth, aged 45 years, at Parkgwevdih Llandygwydd, Jane Isaac, wife of David Isaac. JENKINS.—-January HJth, aged 84 years, at Henhafod, Jenkin Jenkins. JONES.—January 20th. aged 62 years, at his residence, Bodwenni, Liandderfel, William Price Jones, Justin of the Peace for the county of Alerioneth. JONES. January 21st. aged 71 years, at Little Dark- gate-street, Aberystwyth, John Jones. JOSE P R. 14th. at the Union Workhouse. St. DogmelJs, Thomas Joseph, late of Parkypees, Bridge* End, Cardigan. AIORGAN. —January 20th, aged 90 years. Ann, relict (If John Alorgan: Chapel Keeper, St. Giles, Newtown. OWENS.—January 14th, aged 81 years, at Orien's-coui't- Strand, Cardigan, David OM'ens, for many yC'liS coachman at Coedmore. PAUUOCK.—January 19th, aged 66 years, David l'a(i" dock, carder, late of the Cross Guns Shop, P'11' street, New-town. ROBERTS. January 21st, aged 73 years, at PETIDI' Bala, Airs. Roberts, widow of the late John Hobeb.- ROBERTS.—January 24th, aged 38 years, at Llan*01'' near Bala, (.4wen Roberts, the wife of David Robe! labourer. ROBERTS.—January 23rd, at 1, New North-road, Abf" ystwyth, Elizabeth, widow of the late Richai'" Roberts, Prospect Place, Llanbadarn-fawr. t SMITH.-—January 24th. aged 9 years and 2 months. 50, North Parade, AberystM yth, William, son of T. and Sophia Smiths SWANCOTT.—January 18th. aged 82 years, at G i'1'1 Oak-street, LIanidloes, Alargaret SwmlCott. l'cd WILLIAMS.—January 18th, aged 55 years, at 2, Lion-yard, Carmarthen. William Williams. YOUNG.—January 15th, aged 69 years, at AVil street, Cardigan, Hannah, wife of John Young- Printed by Joux GIBSON, and Published by him at 12, | terrace, Aberystwyth, in the county of Cardigan; at ■JONES'S, Ilisrh-street, Bala, in the county of Merioneth- DAVID LLOYD'S, Portmadoc, in the county of Carnarvon. J Friday, January 28th, 13b!. J

Imperial parliament. .J.4- t' i.t 1.l.. t! -r- _r- HOUSE OF COMMONS, WEDNESDAY. The discussion on the Irish Coercion Bill, in the House of Commons did not conclude until yesterday afternoon at two o'clock. It was continued in the usualy dreary, dismal style, with the customary pro- cession of Irish members, and was only relieved from absolute dulness by the amusing protests of Air. Justin Al'Cartliy and other Obstructionists that it was tin- only desire of the Irl: h party to faciliate the despatch of busines.s, and to avoid discussion. Air. A.IOI.LOY. going farther, reminded the Government that thev were the only cause of the delay which, had taken place. After a few hours' repose. Air. Gladstone returned to the HonsJ in the forenoon, while the debate was going oil, apparent- ly fresh and anxious to take his part in the struggle. About the same time Air. Parnell arrived from IrelamL and of course received an ovation from his party. Ultimately, after speeches from Mr. Parnell, Air. Gladstone, and Sir Stafford Northcote, an attempt was made by the Irish members to obtain an ntljounlmcnt of the debate. Air. Gladstone pointed out that it would be impossible in view of the pressure of business before the house; andatafewminutesbefore two o'clock the motion of the Prime Minister, that the bill of Air. Forster should take precedence of all other business, was carried by a majority of 251 to 33. The house then adjourned, after having sat 22 hours.