The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

1.7 -A.. "I8JI THE! oqVE (APPRECIATION). Esquisite Silk Shawls in Black and Cream 7s 6d each Charming Honeycomb Wool Shawls, (."reaiii 8s lid „ Handkerchief Satchets very delicately painted on Satin Is 3d „ Child's Beaver Set, Satin lining 10s 6d set Fancy Knitted Wool Throwover, Cream 3s 6d each ABOVE CARRI AGE PAID. R. McLEAN, General Draper, PORTMADOC

DOLGELLEY Coffee Simper.—As a compliment to Mr J. Corris Jones, who is leaving to go 011 tour with the Moelwyn Male Voice Choir 1„ America, the members, of tue Wesley an Debating Socicty arranged a c.:ffee supper on Friday night. After rofreshme-nts had been served^ a miscellaneous programme was gene through under the presidency of the Kev Kgwys Jones, pastor. Part was taken by Messrs J. Corris Jones, R. J. Roberts," Ruhis Roberts, Buckley Jones, Baldwin Hedd Owen, and Miss -Nellie Parry Roberts. Mr D. R. Meredith, Liys'Meirion, was the accompanist. ■Removal.'—Mr C. E. Munro Edwards, J.P., D.L., of Dolserau, has made ar- rangements to reside at Coedcelyn. Snow.—There was a heavy downfall or .snow on Sunday afternoon. Constable Becomes Science Master.— Air David Humphreys, who last Novem- ber joined the Merioneth Constabulary, resigned that ncsition oil Saturday. JitiU- < ated at Brynevug Council School, he nassed a scholarship examination into Towyn County School where he remained for six vears. Thence he proceeded to the Cniversitv College of Wales at Aberyst- wyth, taking the normal course prepara- tory icr file scholastic profession. He pawed the intermediate bachelor ot science, examination (London) and also the C.M. examination, thus qualifying to be- (oine schoolmaster/ Vacancies being lew in the scholastic line at the time, he joined the. police force, having always a liking for that- profession. Tlie old love, how- ever was not dead and after seven weeks experience as a police officer he received the welcome intelligence that he had been appointed science master at a secondary school at Thornton Heath. Mr Hum- phries is now spending a fortnight s lioa- dav at his parents' farm in Bryncrng. He. is a member uf the A\ e-Uyan body, is or a menial disposition, and has been the re- rtpient of congratulations on his new ap- pointment.. Cattle. Show.—A meeting of the local committee of the Merioneth Agricultural Society was held at the County Hall on Thursday (fair day). There were, present Dr J. Jones, Wenallt (in the chair); m Hughes, Penrallt; L. W. Stevens Old Caerynwch; Hywel Pugh, Tyddvnbach; Thomas Lilis. Tyddyndderwen; Edward Williams (Llew Meirion); John Price Frouoles; R. Roberts, secretary; and Tom Parry, local .secretary. On the com- mittee of management were appointed Lieut .-Col. G. F. Scott (president), Dr. .John Jones (vice-president), Captain ±1. M Richards, Messrs Hywel Pugti. John }•'iwards, Tyddyiimawr, and E Collmson, Ynysfechan. On the .proposition 01 in John J cues, a vote of sympalny was passed with Colonel Scott, Penmaenucha, in his illnE",s. Death.—The death occurred at his residence, Tawelfa, en Sunday night, ot Mr David Lewis, stone mason, aged sixty- six. He was known in bardic circles as Tawelo" Precentor at the Welsh Con- uregational Chapel, he took the deepest mterest in music and was the local con- ductor of the gymanfa ganu. lor many vears he wai; president or Hen Ghvb y Pias iFriendlv Society). He leaves two sons I and two daughters (one of his sons being the Rev Peter H. Lewis, Pencader. com- poser). His wife predeceased him eleven years ago. The funeral took place at Tabor Cemetery on Wednesday. Tariff Reform— A public meeting under the auspices of the Merioneth W omen s Unionist Association was held at the Public Rooms on Tuesday. The Countess of Winehelsea presided over a large attendance. Addresses on Tariff rlefoim were delivered by Mrs Clerk, London, and Mr R. Jones Morris, J.P., Talsarnau, the Fnionist candidate. Messrs K W llliams (Llew Meirion), William Allen, Mrs Scott, Penmaenucha, arid Mrs McCarthy, B rodvn, also snoke. At the close ot the meeting a series of questions were asked by Mivi Charles, Mount Pleasant. The votes of thanks included one to Mr H Parry Jones, Welsh Hills, who had assisted with the putting up of the decorations. Urban Council.—The ordinary meeting was held on Friday evening, there being present Councillors Edward Willi'ams, chairman; J. E. Fox, vice-chairman; Dr John Jones, E. E. Jones, James Lewis, I). Meredith, Rees Morgan, R. J. Mere- dith D. U. Wake Williams; Messrs R. Barnett, clerk, and llichard Edwards, plan was submitted for the conversion of the old malthouse ill Mey- rick-strcet into two cottages: but the Surveyor reported. that the byelaws were not complied with in the provision of twenty-four feet frontage and 150 square feet "air snare at the back. On the Streets Committee's recommendation, the nian was disapproved.—Mr Rees Mor- gan 'reported having attended a •confer- ence of local authorities at Bala the previous day in connection with the ad- vprtisin"- of the G.W.R. Company's sec- tion in North Wales. Three schemes, were considered, the estimated cost being £300. It was suggested that the Company should bear half the cost and the remain- der allocated among the localities con- cerned. Further consideration of this matter and other matters referred to was deferred.—Three tenders were received for carting stones from the Workhouse to repair the roads, and as the price in each case was Is. per load, it was agreed to share the work.-Permisiol1" was given the Water Company to lay a main along Tvnycoed-road on the understanding that the Company would be responsible for any damage done to the sewer or parapet. INTERMEDIATE: SCHOOL GOV- ERNORS, Friday. December 17th.— Present: Messrs Richard Williams (chairman), William Hughes (vice-chair- man), R. Guthrie Jones, John Edwards, R. Wynne Williams, Miss Anstey, Mr J Griffith, B.Sc., headmaster; and Mr W7. T. Lloyd, clerk. Late J. Parry's Legacy.—Mr John R. Jordan, Bala, wrote stating that the be- quest contained in the will of the late Mr John Parry for educational purposes is one-fiith share of his residue. One-fourth of this sum in set apart for children born and attending an elementary school within three miles of the village of Bontddu. It was impossible yet to state or even to esti- mate what the residue will amount to. When this has been asoertamed it will be for the trustees of the will to prepare a scheme for the administration of the charity. Mr Jordan concluded by saying that the trustees would be glad to receive oonsider any suggestions which the Governors might have to make, but much, of (xmrse will deoend upon the amount available and he would write further when the amount had been ascertained. Gifts.—The Headmaster reported hav- ing received thirteen books to augment the school library from Mrs Lawford, Horthwnog; £1 towards the same object from a friend, who desired to be anony- mous; and a large number of shrubs from Mr O. D. Roberts, Clogwyn. The Gov- ernors thanked the donors for their kind- ness. Health.-The health of the boys during the term was reported to be excellent.— Mr Robert Jones, B.A., one of the masters, wrote statins: that acting on medical advice he could not resume dufie3 until next term. The New Boarding House.—Prior to attending a public meeting in the town the pervious Wednesday, Mrs Lloyd George -visited the new boarding house. She -complimented the town and the Govern- ors of the School on their public spirit and enterprise in thus making provision for boys from outlying districts and expressed herself highly pleaded with th site, the .accommodation, and the arrangements.— t)n the proposition of Mr J. Edwards, seconded by Mr W. Hughes, a vote of shanks was unanimously accorded the Chairman for his kindness in providing a •diver key t'or the opening ceremony. PETTY SESSIONS, Tuesday, December Richard Williams (pre- fidir-r/), Wm. Hughes, J Meyrick Jones, °; Ð. Roberts, and Edward Wil- liams, Ksqrs. Larceny.—Charlotte Roberts, Sarn who r.pp^ared in Court with a baby her arm, pleaded guilty to having committed a theft.—Inspector Ben Evans said that on December iCth he received information from Mr Griffith Pugh, Bod Arran, that a tin of salmon and a tin of pears were missing from the shop since November 18th. Witness, in company with P.C. Barnard, proceeded to the de- fendant's house on December 11th, cau- tioned her, and charged her with stealing a tin of salmon and a tin of pears, value Is 4d. Defendant admitted the offence and said she was very sorry for what she had done and offered to pay for the goods.—On the. advice of the Bench, de- fendant went out in search of her hus- band, but returned eventually without Jiiin.—The Chief Constable explained that the defendant's husband was a Jounger and was fined at the previous Court for drunkenness. The house was bereft of furniture and oftentimes there was no food. Witness took the Inspector of the N.S.P.C.C. there last week.—Defendant expressed contrition for having yielded to a temptation and appealed for mercy as slio had two young children. She prom- ised never to reoeat it.—Under tile cir- cumstances, the magistrates bound her over in the sum of £5 to come up tor judgment when called on. Chimney lairing.—-For having allowed his chimney to go OIl fire, D. Owen was lined Is and costs. Drunkenness. — Griffith Humphreys, Lawnt, pleaded guilty to being drunk at 10 15 n.m. in Eldon-square on Saturday, Deceniber 18th.-Fined 2s 6d and costs. The case was proved by P.C. J. Barnard. OF GUARDIANS, Saturday, December 18th.—Present: Messrs Hum- phrey Jones, Maesypandy, chanman, Morgan Williams, Arthog, vice-chair- man- James Lewis, Griffith Owen, D. G. Wake Williams, Dolgelle-. Meyrick Roberts, Towyn; Griffith Price, Corsy- "■arnedd Morris Jones, Efriddbryncoch Si. G. Wliliams, Dyfrryn. David Owen, Llanegi'vn John Williams, Llwyngwril; David Evans, Mallwyd; William Ellis, John Griffith, Brithdir; G. J. Griffith, Llanaber: Griffith Powell, Llanddwy- weis David Jones, William Jones, Taly- Uvn •' R. Guthrie Jones, clerk; H. R. Evans, assistant clerk; J. R. Jones, master- and the relieving officers. Sympathy.—On the Chairman's proposi- tion, a vote of sympathy was passed with Mr. Robert Hughes, Felin Newydd, who recently met with an accident Appointment.—Mrs. Cox, Tanllan, hav- ing resigned her membership of the North Wales Friendless Girls' Oommittee, it was agreed to appoint Mrs. R. C. Evans, Einon House, in her place. Extra Relief.—A number of unions wrote granting extra relief, during Christ- mas week their non-resident paupers, excepting Machynlleth union. Pontypridd nnion also allowed ls. extra per week during the winter to householders who were unable to obtain coal at reduced colliery charges. Wine Bill.—Writing with rei^reme to a bill for £3 12s. due to Mr Owen, Cross Keys, for port wine, the Local tk-\ ern- meiit Board wrote asking for an explana- tion of the delay in payment and the Clerk said he had .replied giving t! e necessary information. School Attendance.—The Vice-chairman asked whether there was any djfck by the relieving officers oil the school attendance of pauper children? Person illy, he was not satisfied with the attendance.—Mr T. Parry, relieving officer, replied that the attendance, returns were produced beicre the Auditor and relieving officers were liable to lie surcharged if the c:i;;oien did not attend regularly. On the Vice- chairman's proposition it was f gieDtl to obtain returns for the past quarter. Financial.—The monthly statement showed that the amount of 'lutm-ient due was £1,170 ICs., and there were a-r°ars of £191. The amount in hand was £449 and cheques were passed for £1265 in eluding £980 to the County Council. —It was reported that the assessment of the Grlasc'ir Mines had been increase:1 and the Company had appealed to the Committee. —It was agreed to pay Mr. R. R. Roberts, Corwen, a fee of £6 6s., for making the valuation. Gifts. — A vote of thanks was parsed to Mrs. Scott, Penmaenucha, end Mrs. Cox, Tanllan. lor the parcels of illustrated magazines and also to Mr. Dorsett, ;I'r%n- mvnaeh, who had presented 'he men in- mates with tobacco. The Rev. W. Pari Hughes and friends from Tabernacle Chapel were thanked for giving an enter- tainment in the Workhouse. Poor Law Reform. —In the absence (of Mr. Hugh Evans, Barmouth., the dis- cussion on recommendations of the Poor Law Commission was deferred, Mr p] ice saying the report of the recent conference of North WTales unions was me-siued in opposing the suggested reforms and he did not think it should be adopted. Vaccination.—Mr. Morris Jones pointed out that a child had been removed fiom Penrhynd-eudraeth union to Llandd vvwe- ll well parish and had not been vaccinated, although the parents had offered to take the child a long way for the doctor's cc n- venience. He mentioned the ease in der that the cost of vaccination sn not he charged to the Dolgelley union as the child was removed when it was fco;tcc:i months old.

PORTMADOC Advertising North Wales.—A special meeting of the Improvements Association was held on Thursday night. Present: Messrs J. R. Owen, vice-chairman, pre- siding; J. Owain Hughes, W. Morris Jones, R. J. Purnell, D. 0 M. Roberts, John Jones (Garth-terrace), William Jones (Town Hall superintendent), R. G. Roberts. Hugh Hughes (Borth-y-gest), G. Yates, and J. R. Prichard, and Llew Davies, hon. sees.-—Mr. O. J. Oldman, secretary to the North Wales Advertising Board attended and spoke for over an hour on the objects of the Board. He ex- plained that the Board was quite inde- pendent of the London and North Western Railway Company. Its main object was to popularise as summer and winter holiday resorts those towns that subscribed to the Board, but other important functions it would>take up was the improvement of the train and postal services and the further development of North Wales as a residen- tial district. There were now twenty-two towns in the combine and the adver- tisements booming North Wales were so framed as not to give the bigger holiday resorts an advantage over the smaller ones. The advertisements would take the form of press advertisements, pictorial posters, lectures, guides, booklets, maps., cinematograph pictures, albums, etc. The albums would be put in liners and big hotels. Mr. Oldham, who has a quar- ter of a century's experience in town advertising, dwelt on the futility of spas- madoc advertisements. Town advertising, like every other advertising, to be of any value must be constant. Tlie -basis, of contribution to the Board was population and ratable value. In representation 110 town had more than four members on the general .committee and no town, fewer than two. The executive ws?s composed of fifteen members, and Portmadoc was represented on the Executive by Mr J. R. Prichard, Criccietb and Pwllheli were also repre- | Rented by Mr. W. Watkin and Dr Shdton Jone?.—A letter was received from Mr. Jonathan Davies. chairman of the Associa- tion, heartily approving the objects of the Board, but expressing the belief that £10 should be the sum asked for from Port- madoc. Mr. Oldham saitf he appreciated that it was hard to call upon Portmadoc, which was in its infancv as a holiday re- sort, to make a contribution of £ 20, which was equal to that of Pwllheli, but showed the difficulty of relaxing the rules gcvern- ing the basis of contribution.—Mr. J R. Prichard. Mr. J. Owain Hughes. Ir: R. I J. Purnell, and Mr. D. O. M. Roberts ppoke strongly for joining the Board, be- lieving that it would be a great mistake for Portmadoc to be left out of the com- hine.Eventually on the motion of Mr. J. Owain Hughes seconded by fr. John Jones, it was unanimously resolved to join and te contribute £ 20. Mr Hughes reeog- nised that the Association would have, to make a special effort to secure this sum and he volunteered to double his subscrip- tion. (Hear, hear.) The meeting, which _fI lasted two and a half hours, closed with a vote of thanks to Mr. Oldham, proposed by Mr. Llew Davies, and seconded by Mr Hugh Hughes. F'aotb&li.—Pbrtmadbc played Towyn Rovers en Saturday at Portmadoc in the second round for the Wrelsh Amateur Cup, before a small "gate." It was a poor game, both sides being weak in front of goal. Portmadoc scored through Owen Jones in the first half, and soon after re- sumption Towyn equalised. They were also conceded a penalty kid, hut failed to convert. The game thus, ended in a draw Portmadoc, one goal; Towyn. one goal. Hookey.—In the international trial match at Llandudno between East and West- on Saturday, which ended in a draw of two goals each, Portmadoc was represented in the West team by Mr W. Roberts. Church Men's Society.—The Rev D. E. Jones, vicar of Abercynon, gave an ad- dress last week at the Church Room on the aims and objects of the Men's Society connected with the Church of England. The Rev J. E. Williams, M.A., the vicar, presided, and a vote of thanks was ac- corded Mr Jones on the proposition of Archdeacon Lloyd Jones, seconded by Captain Drage. Tremadoe Children's Concert.—The children of Tremadoe Council School gave their annual concert at Tremadoc Hall on Wednesday and Friday nights of last week. There was a crowded attendance each night, and the programme was sus- tained in a manner highly creditable to the children and to their trainers, Mr R. Lloyd Jones, headmaster, and his staff. Mr E. Hugheston Roberts presided on Wednesday night, and the. accompanist was Mrs J. Bennett Williams. Prizes for regular attendance at school were dis- tributed by Miss Greaves, of Tanrallt, and Mrs Hugheston Roberts. Miss Greaves referred in detail to the medical inspec- tion of schools and impressed upon par- ents that the success of the movement de- oended upon them. Mary Wrilliams and Hugh Owen received medals for three vear«' full attendance. Fifteen received books for one year's full attendance, viz., John Thos. Jones, Robert Griffith, Jane Morris, Lizzie Owen, Jane Oweiij Annie Williams, Blodwen E'vans, Jennie Hugheston Roberts, Ann Jones, Katie Griffith, Robert E'vans, Caleb Owen, Pris-cilla Roberts, Priscilla Jones, Lydia Ann Jones. Fourteen received books for attending ninety-nine per cent. of full time, viz., Thomas Morris Jones. Cyril Wm Evans, Owen Jones, Thomas Robson, Wm Evans, Arthur Jones, John Charles Robert, Richard Williams, Walter Arthur Ellis, Lizzie Wnlliams, Lizzie Brown, Jane Buckingham, Edith Williams, Gwenfron Williams. Sixteen infants received books for attending 95 per cent of full time, viz., Thomas Williams, George Robson, Cath- erine Evans, Tabitha Jones, Robert Ed- win Worlev, Thomas Roberts, William AVilliams, Richard Jones. Evan R. Evans, Meredith Williams, Evan Williams, Annie Griffith, Griffith Owen, John Wil- frid Evaw, Robert David Williams, and Ellen Williams. THE LATE CAPTAIN RICHARDS, HARBOUR MASTER,. Captain David Richards, 146, High- street, Portmadoc, passed away after a long illness on Monday morning at the age of eighty-two years. The ,30n of the late Captain David Richards, of Ynysgyn- gar, Morfa Bychan, the deceased went to sea in his father's ship at the age of twelve years and before he was twenty years of age he was in command of the little schooner "Limas," the property of his uncle, Captain Thomas Richards, Portmadoc, trading between Portmadoc and London. Afterward, he was master for a short time of his father's ship, "Humility," and next the schooner "Anne." His next command was the "Isabella," built for him in 1854, and his last ship before he gave up the sea was the "Patriot." On his retirement from the sea, he opened business as ship chandler at 3, High-street, Portmadoc. In 1880, on the death of his uncle, Captain Thomas Richards, he succeeded him as harbour master, a post which he held for twentv-three years, retiring for reasons of health. He held the post for a longer period than any of his predecessors and in connection with this appointment it is interesting to recall that his grandfather, on the maternal side, the late Mr WTm. Owen, of lnysgyngar, pilot at Borthy- gest, was the first harbour master at Portmadoc. Captain Richards married Miss Jones, daughter of the late Capt. E. Jones, Pw lllud I, master of the schooner "Great Britain." They celebrated their golden wedding five years ago, and much sympathy is felt for the bereaved widow. (attain Richards did not take an active part in public life. He succeeded the late Mr \V. E. Morris on the Board of Guardians, but was out of his element there and 111 a few months he resigned. Politically, he was a staunch Liberal. A cause which was very near his heart was that of the Memorial Congregational Church, Portmadoc. He was one of the founders cf this church and had been deacon there from its inception. He was also treasurer to the church up to six years ago when failing health compelled liim to resign the office. But a feature still more outstanding in the life of the late Captain Richards was his charitable deeds. He was generous to a fault and contributed lavishly to worthy objects. The noor never annealed in vain to the late Captam Richards, and his memory will long remain green in Portmadoc for his kindness of heart and generosity.

BARMOUTH PKrTY SESSIONS, Friday, December 17th.—Before H J Wright, John Evans, Owen W. Morris, and T. Martiu Wi1 liams, Esqrs. Drunkenness.—P.C. George Dayies charged AVilliam Jones Hughes, Station- road, Harlech, with having been drunk on Llanaber road 011 November 20th.—Mr. Louis Jones (Messrs. George and Jones) appeared for defendant and admitted the offence, but suggested that as the young man had got into bad company and, like some other young men, thought it a glor- ious and manly thing te, get drunk, the case- should be adjourned for three months in order to give him an opportunity of improvement.—The Chairman feared defendant was not as quiet a youth as Mr Jones thought. That was not his first conviction.—Mr. Louis Jones said that conviction was not for drunkenness, and the Chairman admitting that, thø Bench inflicted a fine of 2s. 6d. with costs as that was the first offence of that kind. Rates.—Three or four cases of non-pay- ment- of rates were brought before the Bench and orders made for payment. In one ease total rates due amounted to £17 Us. lid.—The Chairman thought the rates should not be left until the winter, but that the Collector should make hay while the sun shines.

ABEKDOVEY C.M. Literary Society.—On Monday evening a meeting of the C.M. Literary- Society was held in the Tabernacl Vestry. The meeting was presided over by the Rev John Lewis, pastor. Christmas carols were by a party conducted by Mr R. Ffe-stin Williams, who also sang a solo. Addresses were given by the Pastor, Mr W. J Olles Hughes, and Mr David Hughes, Royal House. Football.—On Saturday Aberdovey met Barmouth at Aberdovey, and after a well fought match, Barmouth won by one goal to nil. Temperance.—The usual temperance meeting was presided over by Mr Robert Richards when addresses were given by Mr Thomas Edwards, Gwalia, and David James, Downing; College. Cambridge. The music was conducted by Mr J. Lumley and Miss M. Richards accompanied. Workmen's Supper.—On Friday even- ing Mr David Hughes, Rose Hill, enter- tained workmen who had helped to build the two new houses at Trefeddian to supper at the Gwalia Temperance Hotel. Besides the workmen, there were also present Mr C. F, Ellis, architect Mr W. Jones Hughes, sanitary contractor; and Mr George Davies, gas fitting con- tractor. The company spent a pleasant evening, having a musical programme after a good supper. Literary Institute.—A "meeting of the Committee was held on Monday evening when there were present Messrs George Davies in the chair: R. Griffiths, R. AAril- liams, Dr, Jackson, E. L. Rowlands the I-Jev Rhys Jones, R. Ff. AYilliams, AY. J. Hughes, W. D. Evans, Capt. J. Evans, AY. Jones, R.O., L. Edwards, and AAr. J. Eves. The Committee fixed the date of the annual meeting and appointed audi- tors. Attention was called to the fact that some persons were using the rooms without paying their quarterly subscrip- tions. The secretaries were instructed to. write to all in default, j

vilorm pmiiiotu TARIFF REFORM AND THE "WELSH SLATE TRADE. SIK,—Tlie assertions which ha've recently been made by tariff reform advocates as to the beneficial results which would accrue to the Welsh slate industry from the adop- tion of a system of protective tariffs are ( largely, if not entirely, negatived when I considered in the light of the following. facts. I Tariffs cannot be considered in. relation I to their effect upon the slate trade alone, j for without building there woulc. Be no j demand for slate—slate is the finished j article to the slate producer, but it repre- sents nothing more than raw material to the builder. The general effect of tariffs I upon the building trade must therefore form the basis for any enquiry concerning the benefits or otherwise which their adap- tion might have upon the slate industry. It is a truism to say that the building trade is dependent for its stimulus and prosperity upon the cheapness of the prices of the various classes of raw material which are necessary in the con- struction of all erections. Under any system of tariffs framed to give protection to> the home producer, as against the competitive imports of foreign manufacturers, an import duty would have to be imposed sufficient in amount to shut cut the foreign products or to restrict the volume of their entry into this country. If, as a result of such impositions, for- eign products were excluded, the claim made by Protectionists that import duties can be looked to to assist in bringing in more revenue which would fall upon the foreigner, would be transparently ludicrous, whilst on the other hand, a re- strictive market with prices raised by the amount of duty imposed, would inevitably tend to still further stiffen prices by reason of the limitation in competition. Protectionists argue that our home manufacturers would consequently bene fit by the necessity for greater pro- duction. the rise in value, and increase in the employment of labour. Let us see if this is so and if the contention is capable of being sustained to a logical conclusion ? Slate, as has been said—and the state- ment admits of no denial-is merely raw material to the Builder, but it is only one of many such materia's essential to the builders trade—glass, cement, joinery of every description, including doors. window frames, boardings an mouldings, ai-e all articles in the same category as slate so far as their in part imported origin is concerned and their exclusion or importation, plus an import duty, would in like manner to slate, encourage an in- crease in the prices of the home products. Now if the price of slate and those other materials mentioned is raised as a natural and inevitable result of tariffs, against Whom is it to be raised ? Primarily of necessity, against the man who requires it, namely, the builder. Here, then, we find the builder com- pelled to pay an increased price for every essential article required in his business! AYhat then must be the indubitable con- sequence? The ereetion.pf all classes of buildings must represent a largely enhanced outlay to the builder, a corres- pondingly higher price for the completed structure to the purchaser and a bigger rent to the tenant householder! Dearer building means less building, less building means less roofing, and less roofing means the use and sale of less slate, the use and sale of less slate means less employment to the workers in the AYelsh Slate Quarries! How simple it all sounds; Tax the foreigner and exclude him, or limit the scope of his operations in our markets and the result will still be—according to the fables of patriotic protectionists—to place the burden of the tax upon his bad? where- by he will be the means of assisting to bring in more revenue! Welsh quarrymen stand in need cf cheap food and cheap housing. Under a system of tariffs they will get neither the one or the other, whilst the additional cost of living and necessaries of existence will render nugatory those illusory repre- sentations of an increase in employment. Yours, etc., CHARLES E. BREESE. Portmadoc. 21st December, 1309, HARLECH AS ROME OF OLD. SIR,—I approach you as a man of much public service, to allow me to plead for admittance of few statements in your valuable paper, with a view of upholding the noble and kind attitude of a public meeting which was held here last Monday evening, w-herrtlrs. Clerk of London, placed for consideration the question of Tariff Reform and' the House of Lords. Her ladyship, the Countess of AAnnchelsea, Nottingham, who presided, in her opening address, pleaded for silence and fair play. Airs. Clerk delivered* an excellent and well prepared speech which appealed to the, common reasoning of anyone wh possessed even a grain of sense. Mr. Editor, 1 have traveled in many countries of this world. I have also come in contact with all sorts and conditions of men, but never have I come across such selfish and narrow-minded people as my fellow-villagers of Harlech, Those wo have travelled know that Welsh people have not a bright name, but I never was ashamed of my nationality until I wit- nessed the behaviour of the audience of Monday evening's meeting when I heard them cheering their fallible God. and disrespecting their neighbour. Mrs. Chirk, in the course of her speech, gave in brief the "history of the House of Lords and, if history repeats itself it is the peers who have been the foundation of cur country, and they are not only the founda- tion of our country, but of our empire. When the House of Lords is abolished, Africa, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, India, and other colonies) will no longer fly the British flag, but their own. Where will AY ales be? This parasite, along with her gods and the imaginable dragon will be consumed by the digestion of a hungry eagle which is now visibly flying in the air in search of prey. Awake, oh, AYales, and give no cause for such as the great explorer to ignore thee no more.—I am. Editor, yours etc.. COLONIAL. fAYe print our correspondent's letter. AYa! es will have no dictation from the Lore's, and no tariff reform. The men ot Harlech have no fear for the empire. They and their wives and children will not ent taxed bread. -ED. ENVIABLE- OCCUPATIONS. Sir,—Many people envy the comfort- able and easy-going occupation of certain officials who have lately been prominent in North AYales, particularly in the counties of Montgomery and Merioneth. To be an inspector of the Board of Agri- culture seems almost as good as being a prince when travelling about the country, minus loyal demonstrations of welcome. That the inspectors are not welcomed and their services unappreci- ated is no doubt due to the agitation re- specting the compulsory dipping of sheep scab and its inefficient results It is not my intention to criticise and condemn the regulations, or the attitude of the officials. That has been done by public bodies and farmers; but from the point of view of the ratepayers it is hoped that local authorities will call at- tention to the apparent waste of public money which is incurred by the multipli- eity of officials and their expensive main- tenance. Not satisfied with first-class railway travelling, they needs must hire motor oars at an expensive rate and, as a prominent agriculturist said recently, they live on the fat of the land. There are two questions to be answered—Does not the ratepayer and is the expense justified by the results? Sheep scab will never be eradicated by in- creasing the public expenditure and keeping aloof from sheep farmers. If a thief is set to catch a thief, then a prac- tical farmer should be employed to stamp out sheen scab.—Yours, etc., A.BC.

TOWYN Literary Society.—The weekly meeting of this Society was held on Monday even- ing at Bethel C.M. Chapel when Mr J. Geufronydd Jones presided. Songs were rendered by Mr 0. A. Jonathan, Miss Laura Owen, Brynmair, and the anthem, "Y cyfiawn drig yn y net," was well ren- dered by a party of -sixteen under the conductorship of Mr Bob Owen, Brynmair. Very good competitions in translation of words and impromptu reading also took place. Free Church Council.—The quarterly meeting of the Free Church Council of Towyn and district was held on Mon- day afternoon at Bryncrug and was well attended. The chair was occupied by the Rev John Smith, president of the Council. After the minutes of the previous meeting had been read, con- firmed, and signed, the President called attention to the appointment of the Sec- retary of the Council (the Rev R. R. Wil- liams, M.A.) to the secretaryship of the auxiliary fund of the Calvinistic Metho- dists in North Wales in succession to the Rev T. J. AYlieldon, B.A., Bangor. He felt sure the Council rejoiced in the hon- our conferred by the North Wales C.)1. Association on the Council's secretary, and they wished to record their greeting and congratulations on the minutes of the Council. A vote of congratulation was thereupon proposed and seconded by the two vice-chairmen and carried unani- mously. The Rev R. R. AYilliams had been secretary of the Council since its formation seven years ago and they re- gretted that lie was now obliged to resign. on account of the extra work involved in his new appointment. On the recom- mendation of the Executive Committee, the Rev J. M. AYilliams was unanimously appointed secretary in succession to Mr. Williams. Reports were received from the nineteen churches affiliated with the Council relative to a series of preaching services arranged annually at the begin- ning of the new year, and it was resolved to entrust the arrangements therefore to the Executive Committee. The new sec- retary, the Rev J. M. AYilliams, was ap- pointed delegate to the National Council to be held at Hull in March, 1910. Ar- rangements were made for the holding of a public meeting at Towyn under the auspices of the Council to deal wuli the present crisis from the point of view of free churchmen. It was also resolved to distribute leaflets in town and country calling attention to the gravity of the present election as affecting the inter- ests of Nonconformists. Public Meeting.—In the evefiiing an enthusiastic jjufc^S meeting was held, the Rev. Humphrey Williams, one of the vice- presidents, in the chair. The Rev John Smith delivered a rousing speech on "The relation between Religion and the Vote." Mr Smith called himself a social reformer and dwelt upon the sacredness of the vote for purposes of social reform and the extension of the Kingdom of Heaven, while disclaiming all connection with party politics as such, but ready to help whatso- ever party enabled them as Christians to realise the ideals set before them by the founder of our religion. The great pivots on which the prosperity of every nation turned were the home, the school, and the church. They should therefore use their vote as a sacred trust to protect" the home from the ravages of drink, and to ensure decent housing for its occupants. Morality and humanity demanded this of every thinking man. On the motion of the Rev R. R. Williams, M.A., seconded by Mr J. Erfvl Jones, supported by enthusiastic addresses, the following re- solution was carried with acclamation: — That this meeting of free churchmen (1) deeply regrets the, reforms in national education, licensing, social reform, and religious equality, advocated for so many years by our national assembly, have been frustrated by the action of the House of Lords: (2) recalls and endorses the resolu- tion passed by the National Council at Swansea for the abolition of the veto of that House; (3) fully believes that the continuance and extension of the liber- ties of free churchmen are at stake in this election (4) therefore pledges itself to do all in its power to maintain those liber- ties and to further the objects for which the National Council has laboured so long."—The Rev J. M. 117illiams then delivered a beautiful address oil the "Heavenly Citizenship" (Philippians, iii., 20), and dwelt at length on the privileges and duties of a. citizen of the kingdom of heaven.—A vote of thanks to the speakers was carried on the motion of Mr Samuel Edmunds, seconded by the Rev Evan E'vans. The Bryncrug people turned out in great numbers and there was a strong contingent from Towyn. The meeting bore a striking testimony to the vigour and virility of Nonconform- ity in this neighbourhood.

HARLECH Public. Meeting.—On Friday evening, at the Council School, under the auspices of the I.L.P., a successful public meeting (i-toii-pa rty), was held to discuss one cf the burning questions of the day—the minority Poor Law report. Tlie task was confided to the Rev. T. Griffiths (C.), Blaenau Fes- tin iog. He performed his task to the satisfaction of the large audience. He gave a lucid exposition of the minority report and criticised the majority report with tact and insight. He showed the superiority of the former over the hitter in many points. The meeting was pre- sided over by Mr. George Davidson. Mr. Davidson is the honorary secretary of the Welsit National Committee to break up the poor law. He is devoting his time and energy to this beneficent work. The meeting should be a go-od omen cf what can be done throughout AYales in rousing the people to take, not passive, but active interest in the movement.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, speak- ing at the National AYelsh Liberal Con- vention at Cardiff, said that the House of Lords were not there to protect honest iifclustry against confiscation, but to de- fend monopoly, which plundered industry. They were not there as the guardians of liberty, but as a garrison of privilege.