The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

(J AiiOlC-T.A i IKE ELE TION. iloéP1 •>-s hi id at e Guildhall, Car- d-z o/. ■ .-tar^ay o February ït.h. when Mr Henry Jt.-icb.ird. M.P., achbv crowded meeting. The chair u, 'eit i)y ivir s f. Evans, solicitor. Mr Richard s?" • ■ -iglish .J, »v sdah, and his account of the work 0M! "i,universal fee'„^ of apprecia- tion I he applause du ing Mr Richard's speech, especially whr-ii ;du> ing to M.' E. M. Richards's career in Parlia- ine » proof of fne feeling .of Cardigan for tbeir late memhPr. Mr Richards Able addresses were also delivered M u vs Junes, Bridgend, and W. Davies, Capel ARFERAYRON. Mr tienry Richar i, who came after his victorious con- te at ilerthyr, to this county, to aid Mr Evan Matthew Kichards's candidature, met with a very warm reception at this place. A public meeting was held at two o'clock on Monday, Feb. 9-h, and taking into consideration the inconvenient tlmo at which it was held, it may be said that it was very well attended. Mr Henry Richard, who in a very able Welsh speech reviewed the conduct of Parliament during the last tive years, recommended Mr Evan Richards as a most honest, true. conscientious gentleman, and most worthy of being re-elected as member for the county. The meeting was presided over by Mr J H. Jones. Addresses were also delivered by the Revs. D. C Evans, Evan Morris, and others. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Richard for his able address, and the meeting rejoiced with him upon his hte brilliant victory at Merthyr Tydvil. At six o'clock, which wa? the time for Mr Richard to start for Newquay, where he was to hold a public meeting, a vast crowd assembled and dragged him through the prin- cipal streets of the trwTJ. The crowd considerately abated their shouts and cheering whilst paising Mr Benjamin Evans' Portland House, as he, we are very sorry to say is very unwell. BEFORE AND ON THE POLLING DAY. ABERYSTWYTH. Until within a few days of the nomination for the coun ty it was generally thought that Mr E. M. Richards would have been returned unopposed. This opinion, at one time, was strengthened by the fact that the Conservatives were reported to have passed a resolution at Aberayron ex- pressing a determination to remain for the present inactive; because it was said by those who seemed to have a know- ledge of the affairs of the Conservatives, that they could not find a man willing to contest the seat with Mr Richards; but it has since become probable that the resolution was in- tended as a "blind" t,) throw the Liberals off their guard. To people who are fond of excitement, and who wish to see a little of what they call fun in a contested election, the news of inaction was not weil received, and they conse- quently hailed with pleasure every vague rumour of a Recond candidate's advent, and up to Monday night, Feb. 2, nothing was publicly known of a contest, and it was only when the nomination day was half over, that the fact became apparent by some bills announcing that a house in Portland-street was "T E. Lloyd's Committee-room," but as the nomination of th-tt gentleman was not made known by telegram (in consequence of the line being blocked up) it was greatly doubted by some until the trains came in from Cardigan, when the nomination of a second candidate became known as a certainty. The electors then began to make up their minds for a little excitement, and on Wednesday evening they gave Mr D. Davies, who had been elected for the boroughs» without opposition, a hearty reception at the railway sta- tion. On Thursday afternoon (Mr Davies having left for Tregaron on Wednesday night), the town crier announced that Mr Davies would come in by the 10'30 p.m. train from the south, and consequently a few of the leading Liberals of the town, and a large number of people, and a band, waited at the station for the arrival of the new member of Parliament; but when the train came.inj he was not in it, and the more vigorous of the crowd who had prepared to carry somebody through the streets in a carriage, seized a prominent Liberal for that purpose but he decidedly ob- jected more than once. "Let them carry you," urged his friend by his side, it will do you no harm," but the other answered, Well then you shall be carried," and the mob immediately transferred the honour to the second gen- tleman, who, after clinging to everything he could get at, and after having been lifted from his feet several times and nearly thrown down, escaped to the far end of the plat- form, and was seen no more until the crowd had dispersed, the band playing for some time in their own peculiar style. The electors, however, were not disappointed in doing full honour to their member on Friday night, when a larger crowd than that of Thursday assembled at the station. At the entrance to the platform a large tar-barrel was lighted, and when Mr Davies arrived he was accom- panied by Mr Alderman Roberts to a carriage, and drawn through the town, with the tar-barrel in front and the band behind. The cheers were at times almost deafening, and the cries of "Davies for ever" greeted the honourable gentleman from many a window on his way through the town. Having addressed a few words to the crowd in Welsh, they dispersed. During the evening, we are sorry to say, an event occurrsd which is deeply regretted by both Liberals and Conservatives. Some persons, who perhaps falsely imagined they were deing the cause of Liberalism good, smashed several plate-glass windows of tho3e who displayed Conservative colours, doing damage to the extent of about E20. The police are on the alert, and there is a probability that before long the offenders will be brought before the magistrates, and, lttushope, well punished. Saturday and Monday were comparatively quiet, and with the exception of a fresh squib' now and again, and the crowd of lads in the streets, nothing extraordinary oc- curred. Some of the most prominent "squibs" were on the Conservative side, and one, printed in Welsh and Eng- lish, gave the people to understand that the Conservatives had, as they always have, carried all the measures condu- cive to the well-being of the nation and had advanced a long way towards making an Arcadia of England; while the Liberals bad threatened to tax matches, sacked the dockyard men, and had done their utmost to destroy the "good old constitution." Another Welsh "squib" in- formed the electors that the Liberals allowed the historieil of Greece and of Rome to be read in the schools, but not the history of the Children of Israel; that the children could read the lives of Homer, Dick Turpin, and Tom Paine, but not the life of Jesus Christ. It was announced that the Conservative cmdidate had made the best of his time on Sunday in canvassing, and a large bill was posted on the walls on Monday inviting the electors to vote for Richards and the Sabbath." This allegation the Conserva- tives repudiated with another bill, and so on till the res- pective committee rooms could scarcely "see out" for posters. The polling-day was fixed for Tuesday, February 10th, when the weather was dry, and the wind extremely cold and piercing. The polling for the Aberystwyth district took place in the Town Hal], outside of which a large con- course of people were assembled throughout the day to look at each other, and see as much as possible of the mys- terious voting by ballot, and though nothing whatever could be seen excepting the voters going in and coming out, yet the people for the most part stood and good humouredly waited for something to turn up to break the monotony of the modern mode of recording a vote. At intervals of about half an hour a gang of boys came their rounds, carrying one of their number astride a rail, and dressed in a blue jacket, with his face well bedaubed with blue paint. The day was observed as a general holiday, and all the shops were closed. In the afternoon large numbers of well- dressed women paraded Queen's-road and the vicinity of the Town Hall, exhibiting the different colours, and other- wise taking an active interest in the election; nor were they at all alarmed when the crowd began to show signs of disorder, and a fight or two took place in its centre. A number of special constables had been sworn in, and other precautions were taken by Mr Supt. Lloyd which ensured the general quietness of the town, and the election was not marked by any serious casualty. In the evening a tar-barrel was paraded through the streets, followed by a large crowd of people, cheering lustily. GREAT CONSERVATIVE VICTORY. Mr Lloyd, of Coedmore, has been returned to Parliament by a majority of 215 over Mr E. M. Richards, the late member. There can be no question as to the complete defeat of the Liberal party in Cardiganshire, and we have great pleasure in stating that the Conservatives conducted themselves with great moderation when they received the news of their almost incredible victory. There were some processions headed by blazing tar barrels, but there was no attempt whatever to create a disturbance. The result was scarcely expected; and in consequence of no informa- tion reaching the Liberal committee on Wednesday even- ing, the large majority for Mr Lloyd was taken as evidence against the authenticity of the information which had been telegraphed to the Conservatives. CARNARVONSHIRE ELECTION. ANOTHER LIBERAL DEMONSTRATION AT PORTMADOC. The Liberals held another-being their final—njeeting before the pollinsr day at the Town Hall, Portmadcc, on Tuesday evening, Feb. 10th, Mr Robert Rowland, banker, in the chair. The hall was full, and the people were very enthusiastic, though they were disappointed by the non- appearance of several public mer, who had been announced to take part in the meeting. The presence of Mr Corbett Yale, Plas-yn-Yale, Llangollen, made up to a great extent for the absence of other leaic-rs. The Chairman opened the proceedings by a clear exposition of the real issue put before them, of the antagonistic principles of Liberalism and Toryism, and the relative claims of Mr Gladstone and Mr Disraeli to their confidence; and he also passed in re- view the important measures carried by Mr Gladstone's Government, and referred to those it had still in contem- plation. Mr R. W. JONES was not afraid that any of them could charge him with hyp,crisy in his political" faith; he had been a Liberal from his youth. In consequence of the loss of his father when he was very young, he had early to commence the struggle with the world, and by diligence and honesty he nad now acquired a competency, so that he was afraid of no screw in the exercise of his vote. (Great applause.) It was not exactly correct to say that the laws were made in Parliament; the fact was that they were made by the constituencies in selecting their representa- tives. Let them, therefore, be careful what man they re- turned to Parliament, for it would be too late to complain aiter he had been returned that laws contrary to their wishes were enacted. He maintained that the farmer ought to have ill that fed upon his hr.d—hares, rabbits, pheasants, as well as the sheep. Wexe not the iisli Q.ï, the sea tb^ com- mon property of all? What right had the landlords to compel the tenants to preserve the game for them ? Th"y wanted also a tenant-right bill. The Itr.d ip Wa'^s not half «-i; t, uted. Why? Bec.us.- »• of the farmers liked to venture bis capital nil k- uncertam a tenure as tne presem; tenancy at will I oft"n h-ippened that when a m sn, having a large f <,m«!y had spent hundreds of poun< r in improving his land, he laDdlord or his a^ent found that it had become worth doub e the rent he had been paying for it. Notice of an increase of rent followed. He advocated the fito ss of Mr J r.es- Parry as a representative who would carry out good nlei- sures, and pressed upon his neighbours to support him at the booths the following days. Rev. J. R. JOKES (B. M ), who spoke next, said he v as a sincere and thorough suppo ter of Mr Jones-Parr., At the last general election, the Liberals gjiioed splendid vic- tories, and he was pleased to find that, whilst the oMisr parts of the United Kingdom had adopted a retrograde policy, Wales still proved faithful to the Liberal principles. He urged upon them all to send Mr Jone.Parry to Parlia- ment, bec iuse he had been true to all bib promises. The CHAIRMAN said he was about to call upon a gentle- man whom they would all be glad to listen to. The Liberals were obliged to get a magistrate from another county to swear in the Liberal agents—they were obliged to ask the services of Mr Corbett Yale, a magistrate for the counties of Merioneth and Denbigh, for that purpose, as they could not get enough magistrates in their own county^ willing to swear their agents. (Voices: "Shame, shame.) That shows the necessity for agitating for the appointment of some Nonconformists to the Bench. (Ap- plause.) Mr CORBETT YALE made a few remarks in good Welsh, but excusing himself on account of indisposition and his inability to make a Welsh speech without a little preparation, proceeded in English. He felt much difficulty in pleading Mr Jones-Parry's causse, not because his heart was not in the right place. but because as Mr Jones-Parry was a man altpr their own heart he had no cause to plead. He had fulfilled all his pledges. But he must tell them that, having heard the Conservatives' account of the conduct of the people of Poitmadoc at the Conservative meeting held on Friday, he was not pleased with them. He had seen a little paper called "Llais y Wlad," (" Voice of the Country,") which he would call "The Lies of the Country." He understood the Conserva- tives could not get a hearing at all, but he had since learnt that the audience only refused to bear a Dissenting preacher who had been vilifying Mr Jones-Parry at Carnarvon. The ministers of religion ought not to preach anything but the truth. He was deeply grieved that a gentleman in the position of the chairman of that meeting, who ought to have known better, used such unkind language about Mr Jones-Parry. (Cries of shame, shame.") It showed that his case was bad when he resorted to such abuse. Mr Jones-Parry reminded his constituents that they had tried him, and challenged any one to say he had not fulfiiled his pledges. He was not a newly-pledged Liberal; no, he and his family before him had always fought the battles of Liberalism. Talk of a long pedigree, indeed! If the- Madryn family could not boast of a long pedigree and good arms, he begged to know where such were to be found He knew Mr Jones-Parry from his childhood, and he had never heard him say a bad word of anybody, not even in election times. He wished that that could be said on the other side. (Applause.) People who boasted of their education and gentility ought to have shewn better manners. (Great applause.) He then proceeded t,) ex- plain the procedure under the Ballot Act. He had been a returning officer in Australia, where a ballot system much like the English one wa3 in operaciou, but the English ballot system was an improvement on the Australian system under the former it was quite impossible for any one to find out how any voter has given his vote. It would certainly be possible to trace out how any particular voter had voted, if the voting papers were given up to be com- pared with the register. But that was exactly what would not be done; and there would be no time given for it. It would take hours to count the vote-, but weeks to find out how the voters had voted. The ballot papers would only be produced before a commission in case a petition was pre- sented that voters had been bribed, or intimidation was used by landlords See. There was perfect secresy under the English ballot. If any of them made a mistake by putting a cross opposite Mr Pennant's name, when they in- tended it to be opposite Mr Jones-Parry's name, or put the cross on the lines-which would make their votes worth- less, they had only to take the voting paper folded to the returning officer, and say they had made a mistake, and he would tear up the old paper without looking at it, and give them a fresh one. In Australia they counted the votes ef every district by itself, and the objection to that was that the landlord, who might find out that a certain proportion of his tenants had voted against him though he could not discover who they were, might select some more or less, of those he suspected to be against him, and sacrifice them for the sake of striking terror into the rest. But that course was impossible under the English ballot; for all the ballot boxes were taken into the county town, there poured into one heap on a table, thoroughly mixed, and then counted, and it would be impossible for any of those counting to know from what district any particular vote had come. Nobody would be able to know how they had voted, unless they told their wives, who being proud that their husbands had voted for Mr Jones-Parry,"would, at some pleasant tea party, let the secret out. (Great laughter.) As first cousin of Mr Jones-Parry, he was proud of the grand reception he received from Portmadoc and other parts of the county. Mr Pennant did nothing when he was a member for the county. He now was ready to do many things; but he (the speaker) did not exactly like that kind of deathbed repentance. (Laugh- ter.) He would advise them not to put any confidence in his promises, unless he put them down in black and white. (Great cheering.) Mr BENNET WIIXCAMS said that he had twenty--five years ago imbibed Liberal principles and that he was still animated with the same spirit. On one side all that was adduced was about persons, and on the other side all about principles. As in all other matters, the right path was between these extremes. He did not wish to speak dis- paragingly of any one. Mr Jones-Parry was an advocate of perfect religious and political liberty, and he was their own flesh. But Mr Pennant was a stranger who did not sympathize with their national peculiarities. He had no objection to strangers coming among-t them and by the wise use of their capital, pocketing a good profit by their eater prise; but they must not interfere with liberty. (Applause.) Mr Jones-Parry had shown that the good of his country was dear to his heart. He supported Welsh literature, and he often served as an adjudicator on some important Welsh subjects. He was descended directly from one of the 15 tribps of Wales. He was the descendant of a hero that did much for Wales eight hundred years ago. People talked of their pedigrees in England, Scotland, or Ireland; where could they find a family that could trace back their pedi- gree further than Mr Jones-Parry? (Great applause.) The Tories had always been against every improvement. Who had kept John Bunyan in prison for fifteen years ? (Voices, The Tories.") Who had imprisoned or sent to exile several of the best men the country ever produced ? (Voices, "The Tories.") The productions of the land of this country were not enough to feed one-third of the present population, and if it had not been for the abolition of the Corn Laws, what would have become of the country ? This gentleman spoke long and with considerable effect, but we regret our space will not allow us to give his remarks and those of the succeeding speakers fully. The meeting was addressed after him by the Revs. Mr Hughes (W. M.), W. Jones (B.M.), Captain G. Griffiths, Messrs O. M. Roberts (architect), Evan Jones (plasterer), Thomas Jones, Osmond Terrace; and John Lewis (blockmaker), whose addresses elicited much applause. THE POLLING. The polling for this county took place on Wednesday, Feb. 11th. There was only one case of personation in Car- narvon, a man having polled for the parish clerk of Llan- beris, who died two years ago. The personation was not detected until the return had reached the Liberal com- mittee. At Llandudno a voter, who had refused a convey- ance from either side, died at the booth before voting. He was suffering from heart disease. Mr Jones-Parry reached Carnarvon shortly before the poll closed, and his carriage was dragged through the town. There was no disturbance in the county. Captain Pearson, chief constable having exercised the precaution of bringing in reinforcements from Merioneth, Flint, and Denbigh. From a Correspondent. PORTJfADOC.— Everything passed off most quietly here Out of about 270 voters, it is calculated that Mr Jones Parry got about 240. The Liberal electors voted all except one. who was expected to put in au appearance before the close of the poll. CuicctETH.—Everything passed off most quietly here. The number of electors was comparatively small. It is believed Mr Pennant will have a small majority here, as the territorial magnates were on-his side. DOLBENMAEN. There are a great many electors here, and nearly all are supposed to vote for Mr Jones-Parry though great pressure, it is believed, was brought to bear on some of them. Order prevailed. FOUR CROSSES, NEAR PWLLHELI.-There was no row here up to a late hour. It is calculated that the majority for Mr Jones-Parry will be about one hundred; about the same in the Nevin district. As to Sarn and Aberdaron, we have not obtained information. THE PENEGROES DISTRICT.—The mass of the electors, here very numerous, are supposed to have polled for Mr Jones-Parry. Perfect order prevailed, up to a late hour. CARNARVON DISTRICT.—The booths were at the British and National schools. The polling went on with the greatest order and quietness. Outside the National school, and at the entrance to the polling place, there were, in large type on the wall, the words, "Vote for Mr Pennant." This was evidently in violation of all rules of fairness, and we were much surprised that so fair a gentleman as Mr Rees (Bank) allowed such a thing. Probably, he was not aware of this trick. The feeling of the ma-ses was decidedly in favour of Mr Jones-Parry. In the afternoon a sweep was perambulatingt he street, carrying a loaf on a pole. As long as he kept quiet, he was not molested; but when he cried out, "Mr Pennant for ever," a large crowd, composed, we should say, of about two hundred persons, more for the fun of it than anything else, took down the loaf, broke it in pieces, and pelted him with them. Eventually his safety was put in peril. Our reporter saw several skirmishes on a small scale, which foreshadowed that a storm was brewing for the evening. In the town of Carnarvon there are but few county voters, and most of those are supposed to be in favour of Mr Pennant. But in the upper part of the parish of Llan- beblig, which was represented by Mr Jones-Parry's Waen- fawr Brigade and some eighteen reluctant supporters of Mr Pennant, there was a majority of some seventy votes for Mr Jones-Parry. In all the constituency Mr Jones- Parry has not a braver little brigade than the Waenfawr Brigade, for at this and the previous election this band has been faithful to him to a man. There will be a majority for Mr Jones-Parry in this district. ThE BANGOR DISTRICT.—We have not obtained any trustworthy iiew-i respecting it, but no doubt there WilJ be a large aj n'Ïty for Mr Pen^anl. I THE BETHESDA DISTRICT.—Mr Jones-Parrry has li 1 as well as Bangor, to beard the lion in his den. I\ re ) will be a majority herp 'Mr Pennant, hut not so large as the ConBe.-varives tak>-t for. 'I BEDDGELKUT.—A ]ar(; f e Mr Jones-Pisn-y is expectpd. THE GENERAL RESULTS. — Aocord'ng to the promises made to the LiU-nd c,)n. ti the majority for Mr Jones- Parry ought to be aOnut five 'imidre.. Accordill to the most moderate calculation of thp Conservatives the e should be a ni jori-V of ten e.9 for Mr Pennant, allowing o-l the doubtful votes for Mr Jones- 'arr*r, and i-j-sn^i' that Bethesda will vore ("1 rimse for lir Pennant, i ani of opinion that the majori.-v will not •■e much above fifty on either side, and 1. incline to the belief that iL v. ill us I in favour of Mr Jones-Parry. [ This wad written Oil .V nesday night, of course Vf«ra the roaiiH, 0f the noil was known.] CONTESTS. ANGLESEY BOROUGHS. The official declaration of the poll was made at midnight by Dr lirisco, returning officer :— Lloyd L 947 Lewis C 390 Verney L .238 ANGLESE Y COUNTY. R. Davies L 1636 Captain H. Bulkeley C 79.3 RADNOR BOROUGHS. Marquis of Hartington L 612 Captain G. Cockburn C 160 CARMARTHENSHIRE BOROUGHS. Neville C 1654 Stepney L 1481 FLINT. Eyton, L 1076 Conwy, C 1072 Cunliffe, L 772 SWANSEA. Dillwyn, L 5215 Eah, C 2708 BRECON (COUNTY), Hon. Godfrey Morgan, C. 1 594 W. F. Maitland, L 1,036 RADNORSHIRE (1). Walsh (C) 889 Green Price (L) 832 Haig (L) 100 The Liberal would no doubt have won the seat from Mr Walsh if Mr Haig had not interfered. PEMBROKE BOROUGH (1.) Reed L 1330 Moyrick C 1310

At a meeting of Fhntshire electors on Monday evening, at Holywell, Lord R. Grosvenor, the re-elected member for the county, gave his views on the causes of the Conserva- tive reaction._ The winter must follow summer in politics as in other things, but he thought it was going tj be very mild and short. Biographical sketches have been published of the work- men's representatives, Mr Alexander M'Donald and Mr Thomas Burt, who have been returned for the new Parlia- ment for Stafford and Morpeth respectively. Mr M'Donald is the son of a Scotch miner, and, as early as the age of eight, he was sent to work in the pit. By means of 8avingp which he effected, he enabled himself to enter Glasgow University, where he remained for two years. In 1850 he became a teacher, but subsequently he appeared before the public as a leader of the class of workmen among whom, in hi* early boyhood, he had toiled and delved. Mr Burt is also the son of a miner. In consequence of a strike which occurred at Percy Main, near Noith Shields, the Burt family were obliged to remove thence, and eventually settled at Seaton, Delaval Colliery. During his career, Mr Burt has been distinguished for IIH studious, temperate, and industrious habit, as well as for his efforts to promote the social levelling up of the mining community. The election riots in the Forest of Dean have terminated and the military have left the district. A great many of the ringleaders were arrested on Tuesday. East Derbyshire polling took place on Tuesday. There were boisterous proceedings at Chesterfield, where carriages were overset and windows broken. The mayor and the leader cf the Liberal party asked the people to keep order. The poll will be declared at noon to-day. A desperate faction fight took place on Tuesday, February 10th, at Newpalles county Limerick. Sticks and stones were freely used, and the police quelled the riot by charging with fixed bayonets.

GOOD TEMPLARISM CASTELL-Y-BERE LODGE, 304, ABERGYNOLWYN.-The officers of this Lodge for the quarter ensuing are the fol- lowing:—W.C.T. William Ellis, W.V.T. Richard Owens, W.S. David Richards, W.A.S. John Edwards, W.T. John Pughe, W.C. John Griffiths, T.R. Abram Williams, I.S.G. John Rowlands. O.S.G. Rowland Williams, R.H.S. Mary Ann Pughe, L.H.S. Catherine Ellis, D.G. W.C.T. Thomas E. Rogers. This Lodge is getting along very well-in- creasing in numbers and in good feelings. LLANSANTFFRAID. ST. DAVID'S LODGE. The officers for the ensuing quarter were duly installed by Bro. T. G. Jones, D.G. W.C.T. on February 4th. They are as follows; —W.C.T., Bro. H. Jones; W.R.H.S., Sis. E. W. Edwards; W.L.H.S., Sis. E. Lewis; P. W.C.T., Bro. C. D. Jones; W.V.T., Sis. M. F. Davies; W.C., Bro. Richard Divieg W.T., Bro. G. Davies W.F.S., Sis. S. E. Thomas W S Sis. J. E. Edwardes: W.A.S., Sis. M. C. Jones: W M Bro. E. Fugh W.D.M., Sis. S. Hughes; W.I.G., Bro. j. Morris; W.O.G. (volunteer), Bro. Dr. Edwardes. The lodge has been gradually increasing both in number and in- fluence from the commencement, and very much good has been done by the Order during the last year.—The Anni- re)-sary.-On Friday, Feb. Cth, the first anniversary was held, the following being the order of proceedings :-At one p.m. the members met at their lodge room (the Church School-room), accompanied by the Ju venile Tem- ple, "The Village Hope," and ijoined by true and tried brothers and sisters from Llanfvllin, Llansilin, Oswestry, Llanrhaiadr, Meifod, Arddleen, and Guildsfield, the lodges paraded the village in a procession of a most striking pro- portion and gay appearance, headed by the Oswestry Mechanics' Brass Band. The following was the order of the processionIn advance walked the W.C.T. and P.W.C.T., followed by the W.M. and assistants, carrying the charter gaily decorated for the occasion then came the band, after which the ministers, the juveniles, the officers, and the body of Good Templars, all wearing the regalia of the degree in wich they had been initiated. The gay colours of the different degrees added very much to the success and striking appearance of the parade. Hav- ing walked the village, they returned to the lodge room, by two o'clock, when a public meeting was held under the presidency of the Vicar, the Rev. R. H. M. Hughes. In his opening remarks he referred to the extraordinary suc- cess which had attended the Good Templar movement, and said he was very glad to lend a helping hand in it. He hoped that the country would be made sober, and prayed God to bless the movement for good. The following brethren ably advocated the claims of the Order to a most respectable and attentive audiencc-: -The Rev?. J. Thomas Liverpool, E. Griffiths, Meifod, H. James, Dr Edwardes' and Mr Tannatt. The usual votes of thanks to the Chair- man brought the meeting to a close. After singing an ode the procession was re-formed in the same order as before and proceeded to the new British School-room for the tea which had been provided. At 6.30 a public meeting was held in the Independent Chapel under tbe able presidency of Brother Dr Edwardes. The Revs. J. Thomas, E. Griffiths, and W. Foulkes, and Messrs C. R. Jones and J. Jones, D.D.G.W.C.T., Llanfyllin, spoke in a very telling manner, the large audience (the chapel being quite full) showing their appreciation of the strong ar^Kl&gnts adduced by the speakers by frequent marks of approbation. At the close of the meeting cordial votes of thanks were accorded to the Chairman, the speakers, and, especially, the Sisters' Committee of Management. During the day the band dispensed some of the finest music ever heard in this vil- lage, the programme consisting of Welah airs, and sacred music at the church and chapel, Brinley Richards's God bless the Prince of Wales," "Let the hills resound," and others. Thus closed the most successful demonstration the advocates of total abstinence have had here for the last thirty-four years. Our hope is that much good will follow, and that many of our young friends in the parish will come forward and enrol themselves good and true members of St. David's Lodge of Good Templars.—COM- municatcd. RUABON.—Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 4S9.-0n Friday, Feb. 6th, the following officers were installed for the en- suing quarter :—Bros. Joseph Darlington, W.C.T., (re- elected). Sister Jane Jones, W.V.T.; Bro. G. S. Halli- dey, W.S.; Bro. D. C. Evans, W.A.S. Brn. John Ellis, W.F.S. Sister Roberts. W.T. Bro. the Rev. J. Jones, W.C. Sister Daniels, W.M.; Sister Ellis, W.D.M.; Bro. Darlington, W.I.G. Bro. John Evans, W.O.G. Bro. Roberts, P.W.C.T. The service was very effectively ren- dered by Bro. Gill, D.G.W.C.T. Ii WELSHPOOL.—The installation of officers of the Welsh- pool Lodge (5G) was performed by Bro. Robert Jones, D.G.W.C.T., on Thursday, February 5th. The following in' are the officers for the current quarter :—W. Ashford Owen W.C.T.; J. Pryce Jones, W.V.T., D. H, Raines, W S. Miss R. Jones, W.T.; the Rev. T. Evans, W.C.; W. James' W.M. W. Davies, W.I.G. J. FMurards, W.O.C,. I Wooding, W.A.S.; Miss J. Evans, W.B.M. Miss E: A Ellis, W.R.H.S.; Miss M. Edwards, W.L.H.S.

TRAFFIC RECEIPTS. 1874 Great Western R101,1 76 West Midland. J- 1873 South Wales J £!)4,600 1874 London and North-Western £ 16.").43o Shrewsbury and Hereford 1873 Shropshire Union J £18,S07 UAMBRIAN XVA.ILWAYS.—Approximate return of trntfic receipts for the week ending Feb. 8,1874. Miles open, 178. Passengers, parcels, &c., £ 971; merchandise, minerals, and cattle, 21,685; total for the week, £ 2,656; aggregate from commencement of current half-year to this date 215,361. Corresponding week last year. Miles open, 178. Passengers, &c., £ 932; merchandise, Ac., £ 1,612; total for the week, £2,3-14; aggregate from commencement of current half-year to this date, £ 14,801. BRECON AND MERTHYR RAILWAY (61 miles open.)—Re- turn of traffic for the week ending Feb. t'th, 1874:-Pas- sengers, parcels, &c., £ 269 18s. 3d.; goods and live stock, £ 1,045 12s. 7d.; total, £ 1,315 10s. 10d.; £ 21 lis. 4d. per milo per week. Corresponding week last year (61 mile3 open.) -Passengers, parcels, &e., £171 Cs. 5d. goods and live stock, E890 18. 8d.; total, P,1,061 19s. Id. ;Cl- 8 4. 2d. per mile per week -Acmregate from 1st Jan. 1874, £ 7,i-SS 16s. GJ. ditto 1873 k7,041 17s. 10,1. Increase for this week; «253 lis. 9d. Increaa for 6 weeks S846 18s. 81.

SHREWSBURY. CHIMNEY ON FIII-I. -On F. i,l,y, Fet. 6bh, af, tlt,- Police r,qn, -"11' I immel". 1.1;0 ''< IJU.l;H::er'at t,he I))UI, ¡1'(1" M-ukei-r-qtnre, wis ciiir.ed with ailowmsr his ii.nit ;'1 blou fire from npgie<t to hive it. S-ept. The i, it, m.d nile or two fif th,j ,atí'd (,hat the U1,'2:' px' ,¡ many feer. above the chitnnc-y. The ch ei -a, j ), went to look at the piice, a id it was the ve.-y worst o e he had ever seen. bur. b>d 'V f:u't iav vr- h person who laM; sw«pr tfi<' chimney, an from tbe q.i .M ciear-sed. Mr Rimmer said i: \9 ab in fifteen veeic-j a"o that the chimney was SWfpt; he did not: think until > he matter was brought to his notice that it could have been so long. He was fined 2s. Gd., and "09t. ROBBING EMPLOYBKS.—On Saturday two YOUTHS n «me<i Joseph Gardner aud its were charged before the borough magistrates with having stolen £ 2 10s. in gold rroin their employers, Messrs Adnitt ilnd Nannt m, prmfc.es and of the Market-square. Ga-dner had bee.i an apprentice to them for about four years, and Lane was just about to be taken as an apprentice. Miss Salisbury, an as- sistant in the shop, -,iid that on Thursday eveiiiz;,z ,,lie put the cash box into the iron safe. She locked the "box and not the safe; it contained JB8 il gold, besides some other moneys and checks. On the following morning she went, to the safe and found that the cash box had been open- d and £:3 10s. taken from it. Mr Adnitt said he i-vai at, work in his office on Thursday night until ten o'clock, bur. left it for about ha'f aa hour to go into the printing iffice; he left his keys in the safe and was not aware tha' one of them fitted the cash box. He Was not awa c that either of the boys had been there; they had 110 busi- ness to be there. He had missed two sovereigns off his desk the week before, and other sums on previous 1 occasions, but did not know whom to suspect. D tecti ve Ltoyd was sent for and he learned from Mr Naunton tha- a leat ier purse had been accidentally found in a drawer near to where Gardner worked it contained some money and Gardner claimed it saying that he b night in from a"boy at I Mr Tanner, the saddler's, and Lane hAd bought one like it This was found to be untrue. Lane said lie had lost his During the time Lloyd was questioning Gardner he turned to Mr Naiint In and said if he would forgive him he would tell him where the money was. He went t,) a corner near where be worked and picked up a piece of paper containing £ 1 14-. 61., and then accused Lane of having the remainder. Lane picked up from another corner two papers, the one containing two sovereigns, the other £ 1 IO3. Both lads pleaded guilty, and Mr Naunton asked the magistrates to be as lenient to them as they could. They were sentenced to one month's imprisonment, with hard labour, the Mayor observing that the punishment would have been more severe but for Mr Naunton's kind applisation. ELECTION AMEKITIES.-At the Magistrates' Couit on Saturday, Feb. 7th, a young man, named William Brown clerk to a solicitor of the town, was charged by Samuel Wvnn, a cheesemonger, with having violently assau.ted him on Tuesday evening, the day of the election. Wyna ap- peared in the witness-box with two terribly black eyes and bruises on several parts of his face, which was very much swollen. The complaint, was that the defendant had used a life preserver.—Mr Eddowes, surgeon, said he was quite certain the blows had not been inflicted with the fist, and from the appearance of the wounds he could believe that they had been caused by a life preserver, or some blunt in- strument of the kind. He had never seen such a face in his life. Two of the front teeth were broken, and com- plainant was much bruised about the body.-It appeared from tho evidence of five or six witnesses, that on Tuesday evening Wynn and Brown met in Salisbury's Vaults, where a good deal of chaffing was gang on about the election and some words passed between them amongst others. Brown told Wyrn to "shut up," or he would tell something that he would not like the company to hear, and then remarked that he remembered him a common railway porter. Brown left the vaults, and in about five minutes after Wynn also went out, and in going up the Gullet-passage lie met with Brown, whom he saw draw something from his pocket, and immediately he received a blow on the head, which knocked him dowm. As he was getting up he re- ceived another blow, which rendered him insensible, and he did not remember anything more until he found himself in a house close by, where a woman was bathing his face. Wynn said he was sure it was Brown who struck him he did not know why, there had never been any ill-will'be- tween them.—From the evidence of Mr Healing, it appeared Brown afterwards returned to the vaults and asked why they bad sent that Wynn after him, and, showing a life- preserver, said, I have made him as he won'c foflow ms soon again this is the sort of thing that I carry." Healing said, "Mr Brown, if you will take my advice, you will put it in your pocket and never use it; you may hit somebody on the head and be sorry for it. "-After some other corrobo- rative evidence the case was adjourned until Tuesday.—Mr Chandler appeared for the complainant, and Mr Richard Clarke, jun., for the defendant. TOWN COUNCIL MEETING—Or; Monday Feb. 9th, a Quarterly Meeting of the Council was held "in thtj Crown Quarterly Meeting of the Council was held in thtj Crown Court. There were present the Mayor in the cha-r Aldermen Trouncer, Wood, Southam, Burton, How| Cross and Craig. Councillors Eddowes, Price, White' Fenton, Heath, Crump, Calcott, Ebrall, Kent, Ood., Binnall, J. Harriss, J. Cross, Bagnall, Turner, Patchett, Thompson, Williams, Blockley. The Town Clerk read minutes of last meeting, and in reference to a resolution then passed as to the appointment of a successor to the late Mr Keates as one of the Governing body of the schools.— The Mayor said he had much pleasure in informing them that The Earl of Powishad accepted the appointment in the most prompt and cordial manner, and had shown his zeal in the cause by attending a meeting which had just been held in London. From the contents of a letter he had received from the Ear, it appeared that the Governing body were quite determined as to the removal of the schools from the present site, the Bishop of Manchester being almost the only one who advocated the present posi- tion. If the Council felt that any steps were t> be taken in the matter they must be taken immediately. No pro- position upon the subject was made.—Mr Alderman How moved the adoption of the Estates and Parliamentary Com- mittee, upon which Mr Southam said he was glad to find that the corporation seal had been affixed to the document for the sale of the old Hutter Market and hoped we should soon see a very handsome building put up there as a General Post Ofli?e.— Mr Grove3 proposed the adoption of the repoit of the Im- provement Committee, which was agreed to.—Mr White proposed the acceptance of the Gas, Water, and Lighting Committee, which was adopted but Mr Cock suggested that the supply of water should be placed in the band;, of the Corporation, as it was a matter of the greatest import- ance to the inhabitants. Mr Cross asked it the resolution which had been passed some time ago with referenci to a supply of water to Coton Hill and Castle Foregate had been carried into effect. He contended that the whole of c the wells on Kingsland should be cleansed, and the service pipes lowered so as to catch the water when the supply was low. He was satisfied that the conduit head would supply sufficient, if properly attended to, for the whole town. It was argued that if the service pipes were laid any lower they would be below the level of the reservoir, and so all supply would be lost at certain times. The report was adopted. Mr Alderman Southam, in asking for the adoption of the report of the Sanitary Committee, of which he was chairman, said he, thought the Council, would believe the committee had done their duty, and that some benefits had resulted from their labours. Two great nuisances bad been got rid of, one in Abbev Foregate and one in Castle Foregate, by ditches of the most offensive kind being covered in. Mr Groves doubted whether the Corporation were not exceeding their duty in improving private property at the expense of the town. They might call upon parties to cover drains and ditches at their own expense. The Town Clerk said they had considered the matter well, and they found that X2 would cover the expense of doing what they had done, and for the sake of such a sum it was not worth while entering upon litigation to compel parties to do it, perhaps with a doubtful result. (Hear, hear.) The drainage of Coton- l.ill and district gave rise to a long discuaion. It was saal tha1; Mr Stanton objected to one system that had been sug- gested, as it was likely to bring down his walls and subway. The Mavor faid he had some time ago been consulted upon the subject, and he thought it would be dangerous to carry out the plan proposed. Some alternative plana were suggested, but no resolution arrived at.- The next subject was the appointment of a public analyst Mr Southam stating that they had appointed JVlr Blunt' jun., but the Board in London had declined to approve the' appointment. Since then, however, they had consented and the matter was arranged. With regard to the appointmen t of a medical officer for the district, he (Mr Sou'h?mTn! conpujate the Corporation ,J>vi such a man a* Dr Thursfield,_ who had agreed to undertake the duuies at the comparatively low price of thirty-five guintas per annum, as it would suit his convenience to visit this 10^ n m conjunction with some other places for which he held a similar appointment.—Mr Fenton could not agree with the recommendation of the committee, as he did not thmk it possible that any gentleman having so large an area to attend to could possibly perform his duties effi- ciently. He had to attend to the Unions of Atcham, j Forderr, Ludlow, and Newport, and his belief was that anybody holding such offices was unable to undeitake the duties of this borough, according to the programme is- sued by this committee some time ago reference to this appointment.—Mr John Cross agreed with the opinions expressed by Mr Fenton.- Mr Cock could not agree with Mr Cross they did not want an inspector of nuisances.— Mr Wood said a medical inspector required a special edu- cation for the post, and that educaion Dr lhursfield had bal.—After some little other discussion the appointment rf Dr Thursfield was assented to for twelve months.— The reports of the Market and I'air -mmittees^ and also that of the Finance and General 1 urposes Committee having been agreed to, the meeting separated after a sitting of more than two hours.

ELL,ESMF-HE. MAJOR C L ELECTION FOR GRANTHAM.—AS will be seen from our election ^intelligence Major Cust has been chosen to represent the oorough of Grantham in the Con- servative interest, his co lea0ue being Sir Hugh Cholmelev, a Liberal. The news reacued Ellesmere on the evening of the election—W ediieu.ay, reb. as soon ,.3 it was made known a hearty cheer went up from those assembled to bear the result 01 the poll, and the church bells rang out a merry peal.

MAESBROOK- COXCERT. -On Monday evening, Feb. d, a concert was piven in t.iO U^ptist Chapel on beii tlt of the chapel fund. The chair was taken at seven o'clock by Mr Sugden, of Llanymynccb. J ho songs, readings, given, met with The chair was taken at seven o'clock by Mr Sugden, of Llanymynccb. Ihe songs, readings, given, met with the approval of a numerous audience. Praise is due to Mr Evan. the leauer of the choir, for the very efficient manner in which 11 ev sung their pieces. Ihe following was the programme: -Address, by the Chairman; dedication an- them, by tl e caoir trio, "One by one," Miss Rowlings, Miss Willitms, and Mr Tnoma" Whillington anthem, Come ye bhs3ed," the elo*r song, "Beautiful land on high," Miss S. Sugdeil; Mr Evans accompanied each of these pieces cii. the Wimnlumj leading, by Mr Evans, ) part song, Shall we see von there?" Ir S. L'ovd S. Swain, Mr G. Lloyd, and j\L. J. Wa;r; dialogue ^•ug, au a on Roberts lu-r. Chimes of ct V "V," .»xus.Ju,,e.sivuu ..d/- JJ i- VJVI, "Angels are wa -g," ,6 wading, .1. A. J. Blair; part song,' >R IT We >'avher at Lh" Mr W. Humphipy md i8. j^upj'droys, accempaiueu bv che harmonium • Light m ths window," .-liv5 Roberts; sonf, "lVf vef a«ain»*' 1 Evans; hymn, "The w/uer of life, 0y the choir; duet, '• Ten Commandments," Teii eyitp," :I;; R¡,j)::q .u:fi."J \YillÜ' "eng-, "rut m my

,1Le bel" .d WELSHAMPTON. i Mia-" wai! 1" » T!iron«>)"«i V? 1111 an.PaIs of the school in this village, nolds and fh ^^iudty or .sirs and Ail** •-=>- to partake of" S36S. V'"0' ,l,hc €rei1 Wcre invited o'clock ri/vthey assembled at three s Vl- u" w ,r 1 a,f;Pa-8S threo was served in iirst- did fu'l iri^ce'* H,eS children were present, and X ? wt 1 kVi ample client fare set before f 1 7PI8Un?\ tables were removed and 11:e1C,hll<V first formed into line and went through some drill and extension motions. Thev were then anantred into position, suitable for sin-ir, -md sang with great spirit, "Blue bells of ScoS:'—' The minstrel boy, "Just before the battle, mother" "Gaily the troura lour," and other songs and catche Not tha let,t of the fun was caused by the singing of the alphabet ty y,e,e, cki'dren, to the tune of God save the Queen." J G'bo'ns. schoolmaster, was then called upon for a song, and favoured tne company with two or three. At half- pas, seven the children were drawn up into line, and each presented with an orange and a bun. Mr Gibbins returned thanks on behalf of the children, to the ladies who had so kindly provu.ed the evening's amusement, and on parting, gave them this sentiment—" Happy have we met, nappy may w° remain, happy may we part, and happy meet again." Gon. save the Queen brought the proceedings l'l c an, the company and children separated a a amusements.18 Wshly dfeii2htocl vviiil their afternoons

p LODGE. SUPoiTter^oJthe'r^rfi11 Ju"uarv 31st. some warm 'n T £ :e Church services and Sunday school • ° l0,31 to w^tn<?ss the presentation of a tes- tuiionuu to the eldest daughter of Mr Hall, the Lodge National Schoolmaster. For nearly four years Miss Hall has accompanied the choir on the harmonium at the Church services, while she has been also an active tcacher in the day and Snndav schools. As she is now leaving the Lodge for the hiteiands Training College, a favourable oppor- tunity occurred of giving some practical proof th"t her services had been appreciated. Mr Richards, Rhoswiel, and ^_iss Whittaker, Lodge Hotel, two cf the Sunday school t.eacners, and Mr John Hodgkiss, one of the choir, under- took to collect subscriptions. A goodly sum having been raised, it was determined to expend a portion in the pur- chase of a gold watch, and to present the surplus in a purse. Mrs L. Blackwell kindly consented to make the presentation. the Rev F. R. Elliott s.iid a few words a lout tue subject of the meeting, and spoke of the irreat re-pect that^ Mr Hall and his family had won for them- selves since their residence at the Lodge. As the minister of their parish, he felt, of course, very anxious about the success attending both church services and schools, It was, therefore, with a feeling of great thankfulness that he ac. knowledged the thorough and efficient manner in which Miss Hall bad performed her various duties. He then asked 8 Blackwell to present the testimonial. In making the presentation, Alrg Blackwell said-I have been asked to present you with this watch and purse in the name of the Sunday school teachers, choir, and other friends. It gives 111 Mn-ica pleasure to be present on this happy-Accssion, and to he oa .ed upon to make this presentation. The same success which has attended you at your entrance into the WhitdLlonds Training College will, I trust, ascompany you to the end of your college c .reer. A very iii-,d and hearty speech was made by Mr L. Blackwell, who said that he took an es- pecial interest in the choir; he, in fact, considered himself one of them, as he always sat as near them as he could, and always gave them his very best help. He could not refrain from speaking of the admirable way in which Miss Hall had always performed her part in accompanying the choir, which he thought, taking into consideration they were all youthful voices, was as good a on; as could anywhere be feund. After Mr Hall had returned thanks for his daughter, and for the kind manner ia which mention had been made of his own services. A few songs were sung and the proceedings were brought to a c,ose. Miss Hall has obtained a very creditable position in the first class of those who Lave just passed the necessary government examina- tions previous to their entering a training college. The watch and purse was supplied y Mr Lashmore, O.,we;try, and gave great satisfaction.

OSWESTRY. WEEKLY CATTLE FAIR.—There was a much larger supply of Stock in the Smithtield on Wednesday, Feb. 4, than 011 the previous fair-day. Prices rather in favour of the Vendor. Quotations would be about as follows Beef 3d to 9,1, mutton 91 to 10j. Mes.-rs. Lickerton and Hiles sold 11G cattle and calves, and 14G sheep and pig3. Messrs Fugh and otokes sold GO cattle and calves, and 120 sheep and pigs. Mr Thomas Whitfield sold 47 cattle and calves, and 115 sheep and pigs. Mr Moses Davies also held hia usual weekly Auction. LEGAL.—We are pleased to see th-it Mr H. R. Giles, articled to Mr Salter, solicitor, Ellesmere, has successfully passed the Intermediate Examination of the Incorporated Law Society, held at the Law Institution, Chancery Line, in Hilary term last. ACCIDENT CASE AT THE COTTAGE HORPITAL.-Ono case has been adjlitted into the accident wari at the Cot- tage Hospital since our last impression, it is that of Wm. Salmon, of St. Martin's Moors. He Ny,is employed as one of the" topmen" at the Preesg'.vyn Colliery, and he met with his accident on Thursday Feb. 5th, through the falling of a piece of timber on the bank whereby his ankle was severely crushed and strained. Salmon was admitted into the Ho-pital on Saturday, Feb. 7th, where he is now rapidly recovering from the effects of the hurt under the care of Dr. Fuller, medical officer for the week. SERVICE OF SACRED SOXG.—On Monday evening, Feb. !bh, a sacred service song consisting of The Children's Messiah," with connective readings in the words of the Scripture, was given in the United Methodist Free Church, Castle Street, Oswestry, to a crowded audience. The performers were the chapel choir, assisted by the school children, and several ladies and gentlemen. Their sinlingof the various byrrna and anthems was very creditable Mr James Burton was the leader, Miss L. Ollerhead played the accompaniments, and the reader was the Rev. J. Latham. The performance was for the benefit of the Society, and financially as well as musically it was a success. POLICE COURT.-On Thursday, February 4, .John Jones, a Ruthin drover, was brought before G. Owen, Esq., and J. Thomas, Esq., charged with drunk and disorderly con- duct on the previous day. P.C. Reynolds proved the offence, and defendant was ordered to pay a fine of 53., with 5s. Gd. costs.—On Friday, February 5th, before Askew Roberts, Esq., and J. Thoma<<, Bi-q., Mary Rogers, Bell yard, Church-stieet, Oswestry, a single woman, wai charged with stealing a child's jacket, value Is., and a pair of socks value 4d., the proptrcy of Edward Bloyd, general dealer Oswestry. Sarah BlOyd, daughter of the prosecutor, said On Saturday night la-t I was assisting in the shop. Pris- oner came there between nine and ten to buy a pair of socks \v hilst I was looking for a pair I saw her put something under her dress. I asked her what it wa", and she replied she had not got anything. Then I said I must see. She said I should not and began to swear, but I said again I must see and she brought out a sock from under her left arm, and said that was all she had. I said she ought to be ashamed]of herself, and she went off after I had called my mother in. I suspected she had something else under her arm. I informed the police oil Wednesday when we missed the jacket^—P.S. Bullock deposed to going to Mr Bloyd s Shop on Wednesday night, where the prisoner was p1 tlfnor.111 v,3 Pre.Sel?oe with stealing the articles mentioned. w admitted the theft and began to cry, held .f r 0 S0c^s in her hand at the time, and witaess took Li a was 'deHtified by the previous witness, 10 nad the sock obtained from the ptisoner on the Satur- day n.ignf. Prisoner said the jacket was at her lodgings. She was then taken to the lock-up, the jacket being given up to witness by Mrs Rogers, prisoner's sister-in-law, at the lodgings.—Mrs Rogers, wife cf the prisoner's brother, ad- mitted! giving up a jacket to P.S. Bullock which prisoner had brought to the lodgings for her child, who had been wearing it.—prisoner elected to have her case disposed of by the Bencn, and pleaded guilty. She was sentenced to fourteen days imprisonment with hard labour. IXCORPOIlA TIO, MONDAY, FED. 9TH.-Pregfnt 'Ihe Lev. P. G. Beatley (chairman). Mr Edward Jones fvice-caairman), the Rev. F. P. Wilkinson, Mr David HicLards, Mr Jackson Salter, and Mr Edward llogers Mr W. I. Bull, clerk, and Mr J. C. Bull, Assistant clerk. Financial.—The Clerk reported that he had examined the Mister's books, and had found them correct. The number in the house in the week before last was 146, cor- responding week last year 135; number in receipt of out- door relief 473, last year 591; amount of out-door relief for the week, £ 32 8s lid, last year, £ 37 2s lOd. Number m tbe House in the second week 145, last year 136 num- ber in receipt of out-dn<»r relief 473, last year 598 amount of but-door relief £:J2 133 <31, last year £ 3o 15s U1; balance in the hands of the treasurer j-P2,509 Os 3d.. The Hospital Plans.—The Clerk read a communication from the Local Government Board requesting the Directors to take into consideration the plans amended by the Board in London, of the Hospital, and to send the same to them. The plans were produced, and approved of by the Board, and the clerk was instructed to forward them to White- hall. The relief crises were then taken, and tin Board arose,

VALENTINE'S DAY IN THE OLDEN TIME.—A quaint old author, in writing of the customs of merrie England in the middle ages, informs us that on the eve of St. Valentine an equal number of lads and lassies aH;cmbled, when each wrote his or her name on a billet of paper. These billtt^ when collected were drawn, as in a lottery, and the youth and maiden thus linked became valentines, the swain weaning his billet pinned to his coat for many days. This ydta-ant sport," our astute historian observes,' often ends in low." Tiines have happily changed, and, instead of wandering love-lorn and aimlessly about with a billet at- tached to his oveicoat, the smitten yc.uth of our own Valentine's Day secures a welcoming smile from his chosen lady-love by tile tirnelypre,entit*(,,n t)f a selection of those much-coveted toilet requisites, Rowland's Macassar Oil, alyd r, and Gdont >. ill Printed by H. H VENABLES; and Published for the Proprietors at the a'.veiling-.louse of JACOB JOKES, High-street, Bala, in the county or iueiioneth; of JOHN GIBSON, 3, Queen's-road, Aberystwyta, in the county of Cardigan and orDAviii LLOYD, Poxtmadoc, in the county of Carnarvon. Frida»i February loth, 1671.