The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

bEATH OF KESHUB CHUNDER SEN. jj^-ne death of Keshub Chunder Sen is announced. ^"aS leader of the "Brahma Samaj of Iudia." -On6 J^rahma Samaj, or New Theistic Church, was 1{1) tlde4 about 1830 by the late Raja Ram Mohun and made considerable progress, but its members -av Iong did not attempt any social reforms. But ^^0 the younger Brahinans, headed by Baboo Chunder Sen, tried to carry their relig'ous irorles into practice by excluding all idolatrous rites 1 their social and domestic ceremonies, and by no\vGtlng the distinction of caste altogether. This, evef, the older members opposed, declaring such faovv^ions to be premature. The theoretical schism the tldened into a visible separation, and henceforth n'° parties of the Brahmas were known as the gres ?rvatives and the Progressives. The Pro- the Brahmas, or, as they call their church, °0ns;Brahma Samaj of India." have made Cal" erable progress. Thev built a chapel in ^Ucl anc* encouraged the establishment of 1 sainaies in different parts of the country. The Part °f the educated natives of Bengal sym-J *8o Jr6 !nore or less with the movement. Some years ?r spQjV5 3 Chunder Sen visited this country, preached Lov.? 111 several of the large Nonconformist chapels Vsr ^and received a good deal of attention from ^d0rs ei,gious leaders in this country, who did not fais theological views. Lord Lawrence, for Xn("v' Ppesided at one of the meetings addressed by s ^former, and spoke highly of the value of r lidia. One of Mr Sen's latest utterances j of fuQ Indian papers was a strong commenda- Salvation Army movement in India.

A ^ster°^shlre gentleman having written to tiie Post- t]laeneral inquiring if postage stamps of greater i for11 °Ue Penuy might to be used on the savings 1 "th is 0:18 as deposits, has received a reply stating I e VajUe a^t necessary that the stamps should be of 1 6 °tie jsi,°)i-a Penny-» it being sufficient ir the total l smiling. j

I DR. MATHIAS'S DEATH. ADJOURNED INQUEST, On Wednesday afternoon the adjourned inquest into the death of John Edward Mathias, F.R.C.S. Lond., was held at the Black Lion Inn, Llanbadarn Fawr, before Evan Rowland, Esq., coroner, and a jury com- posed of the following gentlemen :-The Rev Mr Parry, foreman, Messrs London, John Hughes, weaver, Morgan Rees, baker, John Thomas, mason, David ITones, shopkeeper, Thomas Jenkins, BlackLion, Richard Roberts, farmer, David Davies, gardener, Hugh Morris, Thomas Simon, Richard Griffiths, grocer. John Griffiths, carpenter, John Jones, Midway, and Morgan Jones, Llaugawsau. I Mr Griffith Jones, solicitor. Aberystwyth, appeared for Mrs Mathias and Mr Allen (Messrs Ormerod and Allen, Manchester) said he appeared on behalf of the relatives, who thought, after what had taken place, that it was only right feeling that he should attend, but they did noc for one moment suspect that there had been foul play and he hoped his appearance would not be taken as casting any blame or suspicion of foul play upon anyone. The Coroner-I don't consider that anybody suggests it. We are here to see how and by what means Dr Mathias came to his death. There is no one accused. Mr Griffith Jones—No this is not the Court. You cannot accuse anybody. Dr Gilbertson- was- then called and the evidence taken at the preliminary investigation read over to him and confirmed. The Coroner (addressing the witness)—Supposing he did not die from narcotic poison do you know any other way of accounting for his death ? Dr Gilbertson-I should like to hear the result of the analyses first. Mr W. Hughes Jones, the deputy coroner, who was present, then read the following report Report of Thomas Stevenson, M.D. and F.R.C.P., Lond., Examiner in Chemistry H.C.P., Lond., Lecturer on Medical Jurisprudence and on Chemistry at Guy's Hospital, Official Analyst to the Home Office, re Dr. Mathias, deceased. On December 31st, 1883, I received at my laboratory, Guy's Hospital, from the hands of David Phillips, P.C., Aberystwyth Division, Cardiganshire Constabulary, 3 packages, all duly sealed with unbroken seals, viz.:—I. A jar, sealed Constabulary ottice, J. M., containing all adult's stomach. II. A package, sealed Cardigan- shire Constabulary, Aberystwyth Division," containing a 0 ounce medicine bottle half filled with liquid. III. A package, similarly sealed, containing a spirit bottle with 1 fluid ounce and five drams of brandy. All these I have duly examined and analysed. 1. The stomach was distended with gas from decom- position. It was tied at the ends, and had not been opened. It presented no appearance of disease, and was free from solid food. I have analysed this organ with the view of detecting poison. I found no poison—merely a trace of an alkaloid, which I believe to be morphia, the chief alkaloid of opium but the quantity was too minute to enable me to be abso- lutely certain of this, and was unweighable. II. The medicine bottle contained half of a G-ounee mixture, or 3 doses, labelled The mixture. One-sixth pait to be taken every four hours. Dr Mathias. 10907. E. P. Wynne, dispensing chemist, 7, Pier-street, Aber- ystwyth. It was a. mixture of bicarbonate of potash, acetate of ammonia, nitrous ether, ipecacuanha, opium, alcohol, and water. I made up myself a mixture of bicarbonate of potash, 1 dram, solution of acetate of ammonia, 11 fluid ounce, spirit of nitrous ether, H fluid dram, ipecacuanha wine, 40 minims, tincture of opium, half a fluid dram, water to (5 fluid ounces. These I submitted to comparative analysis, i.e., the medicine delivered to me and the medicine made up by myself. Except a little difference in colour, I could detect no essential difference between the two the difference between the solid residues left by the two on evaporation of a dose, 1 ounce, was 1-1!th of a grain only. The yield of alkaloids—opium alkaloids, with a trace of ipecac- uanha alkaloid, from 1 ounce, or one dose, of each medicine was only one-fiftieth of a grain, a difference readily accounted for by differences of quality in opium. This is an ordinary medicinal mixture, containing safe doses of opium only; and three doses, even if taken at one time by an adult, would form only an ordinary dose of opium. III. The brandy was free from poison. I find nothing in my examination and analyses which enables me to account for the death of the deceased person. Guy's Hospital, THOMAS STEVENSON, January 8th, 1884. To Major C. Bassett Lewis, chief constable of Cardigan- shire. The Coroner—We have gone so far clear. (To Dr Gilbertson) Could you give the jury any other ex- planation how to account for the profound coma in which Dr Mathias was ? Dr Gilbertsoti-Well, in the absence of any poison, there is no other conclusion to be come to but that he died from natural causes. The Coroner—You have seen cases of that sort in practice before ? Dr Gilbertsori--I have seen plenty of cases of coma from different causes. The Coroner-Can you quote from any works for the information of the jury ? Dr Gilbertson-I have hene some authorities on the point if you would like to see them. The most modern is an article on opium poisoning written by Dr Steven- son himself. This is a book written last year, and it is the most modern. He says this:— "The certain diagnosis of opium poisoning is often a matter of great difficulty, as the symptoms may differ in no material respect from those exhibited in con- gestion of the brain, however produced, apoplexy and urremia. The case may also be confounded with pro- found alcoholic intoxication. It may also be difficult or impossible to diagnose from poisoning by chloral hydrate—a matter of less importance, since the treat- ment of the two cases would be similar. The differen- tial diagnosis of opium poisoning rests upon the equally and minutely contracted state of the pupils, a con- dition which is all but universal in the second stage of opium poisoning, our ability to arouse the patient temporarily, the rousing being followed by more or less complete disappearance of the cyanosis of the coun- tenance, and by increased rapidity of the respiration, and the profuse "warm or clammy perspiration. An examination of the urine for albumen, which may have to be drawn otT by the catheter, should always be made but it must be borne in mind that urremia and opium poisoning may be co-existent." So that coma may be produced from either of these causes. I have also other evidence here. This is a volume by Dr. Aitkins. He is speaking here of the pathology of poisons, and in an article on typhoid fever, he describes the asthenic, or the fading of the powers of life. The quotation is as follows :— Putrescence of the infiltrated exudations in the in- flamed part, degenerating and decomposing, poison the fluids circulating amongst them, and so, by absorption, may induce the typhoid state. If this happens with an internal organ the event is generally indicated by a sudden cessation of all pain, at which the patient often appears very happy, and even joyous, while to the ex- perienced physician its sudden cessation is assuredly an evil omen. The most important vital functions arc deeply impaired by a prolonged existence of this type of fever. It tends to death by a complete sinking of the circulation, and diminution and loss of animal heat, or deepening stupor, with oppressed respiration, super- venes or the patient dies by a combination of lootti conditions." Mr Griffith Jones-You have no hesitation now in saying that lie died from natural causes ?-It appears to me quite clear. The Coroner—I think, since the thing is cleared up, that we do do not want to cross-examine or anything else. Mr Griffith Jones—But this is a court to enquire re- specting the death of the deceased. The Covoller-I think we shall be able to prove how it occurred. Mr Griffith Jones—But in making the enquiry on the last occasion you will agree with me that suspicion was cast on some individual or individuals, and I must ask you now to allow me the usual right that is granted in all these cases to call what evidence I think proper, and to ask questions of any witness that may be forth- coming. The-Coroner-%V, ell, Mr Jones, I quite agree with you that it is a court of enquiry, but still, at the same time, you have heard the report of Dr Stevenson, and he exonerates everybody. Mr Griffith Jones—That is very true. The Coroner (continuing)—That there is no trace of poison, narcotic poison, found but simply a trace what would be expected in the stomach after taking the medicine. Mr. Griffith Jones—Oh, yes. The Coroner—Consequently that is entirely gone. If there was any imputation everybody is cleared from i Mr. Griffith Jones—I am very much obliged to you for stating that fact, hut this seems to be the only point between us, whether you arc going to allow me to put a. question when I see it necessary or whether I am to be fettered. The Coroner—I should like first of all to go over the evidence. Then we shall see about it. Mr. Griffith Jones—You see, sir, what I propose. I have little to say or do in the matter. This thing has been cleared np so thoroughly that I have little to do but when these witnesses are called I have one or two questions to put to them. The Coroner—Very good. I want to have the evi- dence read, and then anything you think Mr. Griffith Jones—I hope, Mr. Coroner, that the police will have nothing to do with it and that you will be guided entirely by your own judgment. The Coroner—That is entirely in my own hand. Mr E. P. WY.NSB'S evidence was then read and con- firmed. Mr Griffith Jones—Will medicine when exposed to the light and air change colour?—Some will. Would the preparation that you made turn colour when exposed to the light ?—No, I do not think it would. It would only be a chemical change. There were two vegetable products in the medicine, ipecacuauha and opium, and there was an alkali, and the actions of an alkali on some vegetable colour would be to deepen the colour. On Mrs JAMES'S evidence being read, Mr Griffith Jones asked—Was Jane Roberts present when you gave the bottle of medicine to Mrs Mathias ?—She came to the door. And she went with you upstairs ?-No, I did not go upstairs. Was Mrs Mathias in anxiety owing to the sickness of her husband ?—She was in the parlour when I was there. And Jane Roberts was there?- Yes, sir. On the reading of JAXE ROBERT'S evidence, Mr Jones asked-You saw the bottle being received by Mrs Mathias ?—Yes, sir. You, Mrs Mathias, and Miss Edwards went up to the bedroom ?—Yes. You saw the bottle taken off the table ?- Yes. And the dose given ?—Yes. Is was then put on the chest of drawers Yes. Now, during the whole time that you were in the house, Mrs Mathias was not in the room alone ?—No. After the confirmation of Mrs ROSA ROBERTS'S evidence, Mr Richard Griffiths, one of the jurymen, said he believed the jury did not wish to go further into the matter. They had come to the conclusion that there was nothing wrong. HEXRY GRIFFITHS' evidence having been confirmed, Mr Griffith Jones asked—During the whole time that 5 you were there Mrs Mathias was never in Dr Mathias's room by herself ?—She was not. Some one was there continually. Addressing Miss EDWARDS, Mr Jones asked—You were not there when the bottle of medicine came ?— No, I was not. But you were there before Jane Roberts and Mrs Roberts came?- Yes. And you accompanied them iipstairs ?-Yes, sure. Now you were there from the time you went up- stairs with Jane Roberts and Mrs. Mathias until after the doctor's death ?—Yes. Now, throughout the whole of that time Mrs. Mathias. I think, was not once in the room alone with Dr. Mathias ?-No, sir. The Coroner—Mrs. Mathias was in the room when she (witness) went up to the Vicarage Mr. Griffith Jones-No, sir. Mr. Superintendent Lloyd—That is what she said. The Coroner (reading from the depositions)—She said, I left Mrs. Mathias in the room with the doctor at six o'clock on Thursday night." Mr. Griffith Jones-After the medicine came. I don't care how often she was there before. From the time the medicine came into the house until the doctor's death, Mrs. Mathias was not alone in the room. I wish to refer to the brandy. (Addressing Miss Ed- wards) I think you went upstairs and asked the doctors for the bottle?—Yes; it was for Jane Roberts. She was unwell ?- Y PEl. f And suffering from diarrhoea ?-r-I do not know from what, sir. On the confirmation of the Rev. J. PCGH'S evidence, Mr. Jones asked-Yoa knew them intimately for some time past ?- Yes, for some uears. Dr. Mathias was poorly for some weeks previously, I think ?- Yes, he was complaining from diarrhoea. Suffering greatly from diarrhcea ?—Yes. Mrs. Mathias's mother has only just died lately ?— Yes about a fortnight before his death. Mrs. Mathias, I think. wa? up for about nine nights attending to her mother ?—She was, I believe. And for some days previous to Dr. Mathias's death she was in bed prostrate ?—She was to my knowledge. Now, throughout the illness of Dr. Mathias did she show anxiety and distress ?-(A brief rause)- Yes; especially the last morning. And did she do all in her power to bring about the recovery of her husband ?—Yes, as I thought. Rightly or wrongly, I think she had a very strong belief that the medicine was too strong for her husband in his then weak state ?—That was the first remark made to me when I went into the room, that she thought he was poisoned. By the medicine ?—Yes. I think she repeated that more than once ?—Several times. You referred to the statement made as to the pro- perty and so on. These were statements made to you at that time ?—Yes, after Dr Gilbertson was sent for. And I believe they are substantially correct and are repeated to you by her to this day ?- Yes. You have seen, I think, the will which was made in 1S75?—I have. Attested by myself and the Rev Mr Penry ?—Yes. I think after Dr Gilbertson arrived you went a little on the way or you met him on the road ?-I met him on the road. And you learnt from him that the doctor was not likely to recover ?—He said he wa3 afraid that he would not get out of that stupor. You then informed Mrs Mathias ?—When I went into the house. And, I think, she wis naturally anxious and vexed ?- She was very anxious when I informed her that he was dying. And what did she say ?—She went to him to the bed and called out to him, shook him to rouse him to get him to speak and to take the coffee and, as I thought too roughly as he was dying, I begged on her to desist. She said that he had been poisoned, and that that was the way to treat a person that had been poisoned. I said it was inconsistent with the quietness a man should have when dying. But she did it in a kind manner. She seemed most anxious to awaken him. It was not in an unkind manner that she was shaking him. We most of us know something. The treatment would be called proper if a person was suffering from the effect of poison ?—I should think so. I took her away and she sat on the easy chair and wept bitterly. By the poison she of course referred to the bottle ?— To the bottle all the time. I think Mrs Mathias never once asked you to make a will ?-No. she concurred with me at once that he was not in a fit state. I do not think she would have mentioned a word about the will if I had not intro- duced the subject. I think her explanation why she asked Griffiths to go to you to make a will was in order to induce him to go at once and arouse you ?—That is what I find after- wards. It was not with the intention of making a will ?—I found that out afterwards. After Mrs PCGII'S evidence had been confirmed, Mr Jones asked her—Mrs Mathias had an idea that this opium was too strong?—Yes, I believe so. She told me so. And you corroborate what Mr Pngh hr.s stated as to the kindness and attention and anxiety of Mrs Mathias? —I saw no cruelty whatever. She showed every kindness, attention, and anxiety in respect to her husband ?—Yes. Dr HARRIES sa,id-I am a registered medical practi- tioner living at Aberystwyth. I received the Coroner's warrant on the 29th December to make a post-mortem examination on Dr Mathias. and on Sunday, the 30th December, I went to the house of It he deceased a little after one o'clock to make a post-mortem examination of the body. I was assisted by Dr Morris Jones, the Coroner, his assistant, Deputy Chiet Constable Lloyd. P.S. Morgan and several others were present—at least, came in and out of the room. On viewing the body generally, the external appearances were such as we usually find in an old and emaciated man. His skin was of a yellowish tinge, the pupils were natural. I first removed the skull-cap or ¡ upper surface of the skull and inspected care- fully the surface of the brain, which presented to me a natural condition. I then removed the brain, after which about two to three ounces of a reddish fluid remained at the base of the skull. I then proceeded to the examination of the brain itself. I made several sections, exposing the chief points where I would expect to find disease of any kind, or which would be likely to throw any light on the subject. To my mind the brain was perfectly healthy. I then proceeded to remove the stomach. In making a section through the abdominal walls, that is, the walls of the front part, I found but very li. tie fat. I then got down to the stomach, and tied both ends. I examined it before removal, that is the external portion, and it appeared healthy with the exception of a few black blotches situated on the under surface of the upper end of the cardiac or stomach. Before removing the stomach. I tied the upper end of the intestine, so that none of the fluids could escape. I then removed the stomach, and again examined it by holding it up between me and the light. Nothing unnatural was revealed by this examination. We then proceeded to examine the lungs. The left lupg was perfectly healthy. There was one small paten and concretion on the top, wnich was of long standing, and has nothing to do with the case. I then examined the right lung, and found it completely consolidated. I made a section on the an- terior or front part of the lung. Into this incision, purulent fluid flowed freely. I tore a part of lung with my finger and found it to give way under the least pressure. I told the gentlemen present that that was certainly sufficient to account for death. I did not my- self consider it worth while going on with the examina- tion. The Coroner requested me to complete it. Now, that you have began," he said, "goon carefully and complete it." I then examined the liver, which was perfectly healthy, extremely so. The spleen was also healthy and normal. I then took oat the left kidney, leaving the right, fearing it might again be required. I Upon examination of the left kidney it presented no sign whatever of disease. I examined the heart, and found in the left chamber dark blood in a fluid condition. The right chamber was comparatively empty, with the exception of a small thread of coagulated blood. There was nothing iu the condition of the heart to account for death. In fact, it was normal—a very healthy heart for a man of his age. The intestines I looked over externally. did not open them, and they seemed extremely healthy, but containing hardly anything, almost empty. The lining fat of the intestines was almost absent. It was extremely thin, clearly showing that decay had been going on for some time. My con- clusion, after examining the body, was and is still what I then stated at the examination, that death was due to the purulent condition of the right lung. Will you inform the jury the reason of the comatose state ?-It is a condition we frequently meet with in that condition of the lung. We do get that sleepy con- dition, and that is the real closing of the scene. I cannot account for it in any way, the analysis having failed. I placed the case before Dr Stevenson, and kept a copy of it. I told him what I heard of the death of the man, and gave the exact condition of the lung, which, of course, other witnesses will testify to. I received a reply from Dr Stevenson, and I think it will clear up the case for the jury to hear it. I quite agree with you," wrote Dr Stevenson, that the condi- tion of the lung you describe will account for Dr Mathias's coma. Under such conditions, small doses of opium would be operative." Mr Griffith Jones—Might I understand that this was the last stage of inflammation of the lung ?—Oh, cer- tainly. And how long do you say it had been in that state?- It comes on very rapidly in old age, when they are emaciated. It may be from 30 to 36 hours from the advent. I am speaking of what I think is the least period. And yon are clearly of opinion that the state flf the lung is sufficient to account for it ?-I am clearly of opinion that the state of the lung was sufficient to cause death in a robust person. And you agree with Dr Stevenson that there was not a trace of poison.Oli, quite except what is pre- scribed. Dr MORRIS Joes-I am a registered medical practi- tioner living at Aberystwyth. I corroborate what Dr Harries has said in every respect. Mr Supt. Lloyd-I may suggest with reference to what Dr Harries has said, that you have not completed the evidence. You have been speaking about the analysis and yon have not proceeded upon the analysis. Dr Harries sealed up the stomach and handed the same over to me. Mr Griffith Jones—That is taken for granted. Mr Lloyd-It .nay be on the minutes. Dr Harries-I declare that the stomach was carefully put in under the seal of the constabulary which I have now in my pocket and intend to keep there. Mr Lloyd—You must be regular with it. Then I will prove Dr Stevenson's handwriting. We have no evidence of the handwriting. The Deputy Coroner—The Coroner is satislied. Mr Lloyd—The jury must be, too. Dr Harries, in answer to Mr Lloyd, said he sealed the stomach up and handed it over to Mr Lloyd. Mr Griffith Jones (after asking sarcastically if that was the official seal" which was produced) said—I have ready to be called here at once Mrs Mathias. I leave it entirely to you, sir, and the jury, whether you are prepared to hear her. The Coroner-I do not think we want to hear her evidence. Mr Lloyd-Let us proceed to the end of the post- mortem examination. He then stated that he handed the stomach, &c., over to P.C. Phillips, who said he took it to London, Mr Lloyd adding that that was the report of the analyses he had handed in. Mr Griffith Jones again tendered the evidence of Mrs Mathias (which the jury did not think necessary), and afterwards referred to the bottle of laudanum which had been found, and asked to be allowed to recall Jane Roberts. He believed Dr. Gilbertson said that Mr Wynne could prove that he supplied the laudanum to Dr. Mathias during his lifetime. Do you remember, Mrs Roberts, some laudanum being given to Mrs Lloyd ?—Yes. And it was given out of the bottle that you saw here on the last occasion ? It was poured out by Dr Mathias and given to Mrs Lloyd ?—Yes. The Coroner, addressing the jury, said the report of Dr Stevenson plainly told them that there was no narcotic poison found in the stomach, neither was there a trace in the brandy or medicine except what was prescribed. Consequently they must leave that entirely on one side. There was nobody to blame be- cause no poison was found, The jury found that Dr Mathias died from inflamma- tion of the right lung. Mr London added that the jury were of opinion that no one was to blame in the case. They approved of the Coroner's order for a post mortem examination, as it was a proper case for thorough investigation.

ABEKAYROK LITERARY SOCIETY.—On Friday, the 4th January. Mr J. M. Howell presided. The attendance was small, and the time was occupied by several members deliver- ing extempore speeches. THE EISTEDDKOD.—At the eisteddfod to be held in this town on the 30th July, 1884, the presidents for the day will be Mr Lewis Morris, Mr Stephen Evans, and Archdeacon Griffiths adjudicators, Principal Ed- wards, Tanymarian, Eos Morlais, John Thomas, Blaen- anerch, and Dyfed. THE AEIWX BENEFIT SOCIETY.—At the annual audit held last Tuesday, this society turned out to be in a most flourishing condition. In December. 1879, the surplus funds were divided at the rate of 8s. 9d. per member, per year of membership, amounting to f241 9s. During the previous five years 1206 were distri- buted among the members to relieve sickness, &c. The last audit showed that the reserve fund now amounts to £29:3 Is. 3d.; disbursements during the year. f59 13s. (jll, The total nett balance for the year 1SS3 is £ 56 7s. 2d. Twelve new members joined on New Year's Day—making an aggregate of 206.

CARDIGAN. THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF A MAX.—No further intelligence has been received respecting the whereabouts of the man Joseph Holt, clogmaker, who left his home at Pwllhai, Cardigan, on the evening of New Year's Day, and was last seen alive at the Tivyside Inn, Llechryd, on the same night. At the latter place the man applied for lodgings, which were granted, whereupon he went out of the house, and was not again seen alive. Several articles of his wearing apparel were found on Llechryd-bridge the following morning, and the police are of opinion that he is drowned. PETTY SESSIONS.—At the Lower Troedyraur petty sessions, held at the Shire Hall, on Tuesday—before Mr Thomas Davies and Dr Mitchell—Owen Williams, road surveyor under the Cardigan Highway Board, charged John Davies, of Login, farmer's son, with altering, obstructing, and interfering with a gutter used to convey surface water off the highway at Ty'r- lan, Verwig, on the 10th November last. Thomas Davies, Login, father of the defendant, was also charged with aiding and abetting the defendant. His contention was that the water in question came from Blaenplwyf Farm, and that the proper course had been diverted, whereby tiie crops in defendant's field were greatly damaged one yeur to the extent of £ 15. Mr John A. G. Evans appeared to prosecute on behalf of the highway board. The case was adjourned till the 12th of February.

TOWYN. EXTRAORDINARY ROOT CRCI1.—A splendid crop of roots and cabbages was grown on a hillside farm in the occupation of Mr John Jones, and known as Ty- newydd, close to the town of Aberdovey. Some of the turnips measured over a yard in circumference, and many of the cabbages weighed from seventeen to twenty pounds. The soil is thin, and was originally poor, but continuously good cultivation has enabled the farmer to obtain these creditable results from it It would be very desirable lor all the farmers in the locality to go and do likewise.

PEN-NT-IL. SCIIOOL TRF.AT.-On Saturday last, the children of the Pennal school sat down to tea and cake, which was done full justice to by about 140 children. Mrs Rowland, Lhvynteg, Mrs Rowland. Shop, Mrs H. S. Roberts. Mrs David Davies, Mrs Griffiths, Mrs Ellen Pugh, Miss Ellen Jones, Miss E. Jones, a.nd others gave efficient help by plying the children with cake and and by pouring out the favourite liquid, which, in spite of the Dean of Bangor's strictures, continues to be as great a favourite with the children of Pennal as ever. Mr end Mrs Thruston, Penmaen Dovey (by whom the treat was given), added to the pleasure of all by being present at the tC3., ana were also accom- panied by Miss Corbett and Mr Ccrbett, jun., Ynys-y- Maengwyn. The delight of the children reached its height hen a big bagful of sweets, and finger biscuits was brought out and the contents distributed amongst them. After tea. a public meeting was held, Mr C. N. Thruston presiding, to present Mr H. S. Roberts, the former schoolmaster, with a handsome writing desk, on his leaving to take charge of the Tynyberth School, Corris. Mr David Rowland, in a humorous speech, referred to the pleasure and pride which Mr Roberts no doubt would feel when showing this desk to his children and they to their children, being as it is a small memento of the high estimation in which he was held by the people of Permal. The Rev Robert Owen, M.A., gave a few interesting facts concerning the condition of the school, and of the sreat improve- ment which it had undergone during Mr Roberts's j management. Just one fact- cut of many which he mentioned, viz., the average grant during the eight years of his mastership was lGs. per head, a fact which proves beyond cavilling the efficiency of the teachings. Mr H. Lewis, the new schoolmaster, was then pre- sented to the meeting and v.-as warmly received by the children. A vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Thruston and friends for their kindness and liberality, closed the proceedings. Credit is due to Mr D. Davies for his kindness in erecting a stnge, which be did free of cost. NORTH WALES (RE-VISITED). SIR.-D.ring our stay at Dyffryn, we paid flying I t, visits to the once familiar places on the north coast of Cardigan Bay, where we had so pleasantly sojourned in IS75-6. I sent you some "yarns" at the time, and I particularly dilated, though feebly, on the beautiful scenery and advantages I thought afforded in I the vicinity of Portmadoc, at Bortli, for those seeking pleasant, healthy, and quiet summer quarters. In the town of Portmadoc there have been some additional handsome houses, and a very ornamental chapel built—a memorial one I believe-and on the hill above the port I noticed some pretty new villas on the road to Borth. There was a little bustle now and I again at the station, when the summer tourists came in or went "up and down the coast," or for Bedd- gelert or Festiniog. But the place looks dull since the staple industry in the quarries has been very slack. When I was here before, the trade was lively, and I knew that orders for slates could not be filled without considerable delay. At Borth, the shipbuilders then were busy, and as many as four vessels I saw on the stocks there, and some at Portmadoc. Now all is silent in this line-" morp's the pity." It was so cheery and pleasant to hear the thud of axe and hammer, and scent the oak chips while watching pro- gress of construction of the "wooden walls," now being superseded by iron steam kettles. The next little village round the tiny bay of Borth looks well as ever, and the grand rocky hill, Moelgest. is unchanging in its romantic outline towering behind the village. We walked along the grassy slopes to Morfa Bychan, and up to the old church of Treflys. At this spot the views of Snowdonia and the coast are about the finest to be had, then down to railway line and the shore to Criccieth. The large bay east of Criccieth Castle is still a desolation. On the west coast a long terrace of cramped-looking narrow houses has been erected, and they were all very full of visitors, the best bathing beach being in front. The other lodging houses appeared much the same as formerly, and there are excellent shops in the place. In end of August, of course, nearly every lodging is occupied, and I went on to Pwllheli to secure the accommodation I desired for a month more on the coast. The obliging and intelligent station master at Pwll- heli gave me needful directions as to where to look for lodgings, the supply of which is but scanty, as visitors are few, the town being in aspect uninviting, and too far from the sea beach. I returned to the station rather disappointed, when I was recommended to inquire at one of two houses on the hill overlooking the station and harbour, and I fortunately found that good apartments would be soon vacant at Cardigan View— Mrs Jones—every way suitable, and I accordingly secured them for a few weeks. A visitors' book shown being very satisfactory in its records, and here I would say it is often amusing and useful to look over a book of the kind, especially in rather out of the way places. My last visit to Barmouth was on 1st September. The weather had been rather threatening in the morning, but I wished to walk by the road to Llan- aber, and when I got so far, a violent storm of rain and wind came on from the south. It was the great gale which caused such damage over greater part of England, and injured the crops, especially the fine hop harvest, nearly secure and expected to be so profitable for the growers. The appearance of sky and sea was most remarkable for some hours. Black clouds brooded over the horizon, the sea roared, and the squalls rushing down the mountains of the Cader ranges formed a scene of tempest I have rarely wit- nessed. Th;s unexpected change of weather stopped incoming and sent away prematurely visitors who might have stayed longer, so the lodging house keepers were rather down on their luck." Tne barometer went very low to 2S.60 by the Lloyd's one in Barmouth. The London Standard, on 3rd September, remarked on the gale:—"Gales, like pestilences, are inter- national calamities. While London citizens lament the wreck of their gardens. and view with concern from the carriage windows, as the morning trains bring them from the suburbs into town, the lines of hedge-row trees laid low, Parisians bemoan the dis- figurement of the Bois de Boulogne, and the vineyard proprietors of the Marne can sympathise with the hop- growers of Kent. It is also reported that a destructive gale has visited the Mediterranean, but whether it is part of the same storm wave as has atHicted Northern Europe, it is for the meteorologists to decide. Certain it is that the atmospherical disturbances of which these destructive phenomena are the expression and the result connects two continents—the old and the new. It is an old piece of pleasantry that Ireland gets its bad weather as well as its Fenians from America. Whatever may be said of the political departments in the United States, the meteorological authorities are the most communicative and friendly of advisers, though they often threaten us with tempests of dangerous energy which fail to arrive. A good deal of good-humoured incredulity exists as to the value of the weather forecasts issued by our own meteorological office, and a faithful collation of the prophecies with the event, it is believed, goes far to justify distrust. But, while no infallible guide is available to foretell the minor every-day contingencies of English weather, for the great and exceptional events we are generally prepared. If any Londoner laid his plans last week to spend his Sunday morning iu France with the purpose of returning to his native land in time for work on Monday, lie did so in sheer contempt of good advice telegraphed for his benefit from the other side of the Atlantic. A depression, we had been warned, was crossing the ocean, and would make its effect felt on the English coast between the 2nd and the 4th. The fulfilment of the forecast is seen in the fact that on Sunday both from Dover and from Folkestone the midday service to the continent had to be suspended. So far as this, meteorology has become a tentative science—or an art-of fairly trustworthy prognostication." And another journal, the Daily News, said Unfortunately, the shippinar interests are not tIe only ones that have suffered. From the centres of hop growing we hear of thousands of poles laid low, battered, and discoloured. Orchards in many parts have been stripped. The corn crops in the earlier districts are. fortunately, in great part, safely housed and in splendid condition. Where the crops are still in the field great injury must have been suffered. Hay in many parts has been floated away. corn laid level, and potatoes washed out of the ground. But the same same disturbance a fortnight ago would have been infinitely worse." On 4tii September, the weather became fine again. We had a delightful ramble from Talysarnau to the romantic scenery about Llandecwyn and pretty lakes near, and returned by the road past Captain Thomas' beautiful place, and Glanwern, and Lord Harlech's Glyn to Harlech. The evening was most lovely, and we continued on the road through Llanbedr to our Dyffryn cottage. We had magnificent weather during the remainder of our sojourn on this part of the coast, and I most enjoyed the sea bathing and rambles about the sand dunes and burrows. The old squire of Corsygedol and his heir were bus3, at the partridges, and the bunnies partook of the alarm caused by the unusual reports of breech-loaders. The crops were nearly all gathered in, and results satisfactory in yield, that of potatoes unusually fine this season here as elsewhere. So we departed from the Merioneth shore with pleas- ing impressions of our visit, and hope of a renewal, if spared, to prolong our wanderings to and fro.—Yours truly, CARDITM RRSTICLTM. Cooldaragh, Bangor, 4th January. 18S4. NIGHT POACHING. SIR,—Farmers in the district of Aberdovey, Towyn. and Bryncrug complain that their sheep are disturbed and destroyed by night poachers. Of late years wire fencing has come into use and sheep, when harassed by the poachers' dogs at night, will attempt to take any fence and frequently get entangled in the wire and are either killed or maimed. This happens oftener to the best sheep than to any other, because those sheep generally get the best pasture so as to be fed and there also as a matter of course the hares and rabbits are fond of frequenting. Farmers are well protected by the Ground Game Act against the evils of over-preserving, and ought for their own protection to make common cause with their landlords against night marauders. If the farmers set their faces like men against night poaching, instead of conniving at it, the evil complained of would be soon stepped. Farm labourers have every opportunity of finding out the feeding grounds and tracks of hares and are not slow to make use of their knowledge directly or by giving the benefit of it to others. This is undoubtedly the source from which most of the mischief complained of arises. l!us could witn a little energy and honesty on the part of the farmers be put a stop to. The poachers have really no more right to kill .the farmers' hares than they have to kiU their sheep, but owing to some clannish feeling they are allowed to do so. I shall feel much obliged if you could afford this letter space in year columns.—Yours truly, MINERVA MINROD.

Servants in want of places employers who want assistants farmers who want to buy or sell stock of produce lodging-house keepers who have apartments j to let should send the facts to the Gambrian Neics. Their attention is called to the first and second columns of the first page of this week's paper, where the terms for prepaid advertisments are printed every week. The Cambrian Xews affords an easy and suitable means of communication between buyer and seller, owner and occupier, employer and

DOLGELLEY. CYMKEiGYDniON.—We find that at the last meeting of- this society a paper was read by Mr Hugh Roberts, draper, on The way to make Dolgelley more attractive to visitors;" and at the next meeting the Rev..T. Cad van Davies will deliver his long promised address on the "Importance of having Welsh judges to preside in Welsh courts." GERMAN THEE.—On Thursday and Friday evening a "German Tree" Mas held for the sale (,Î the remainder of the goods unsold at the bazaar recently held at Barmouth. The same ladies presided as those who presided at the bazaar. Abcut SCO was realised during the two days. The profits were applied to the reduction ct tne debt ot the iMigiisii congregational L<napei. PRAYER MEETINGS.—Meetings for prayer and praise at the opening of the new year are being held this week every evening in all the Dissenting chapels in this town. On Wednesday evening, at Salem Chapel, a short meet- ing of church members was held, at which five candidates for membership presented themselves. It is said that the eminent Welsh revivalist preacher, the Rev Richard Owen. will visit this town and conduct revival services during the first week in February. ISLAW'RPKEF BOARD .SCHOOL.—On Thursday, the 3rd January, Lady Wyatt, of Gavthynghared, treated the children of this school to a symptuous new year's dinner. The tables were laid at the school, while the dinner was cooked at the mansion. The bill of fare consisted of beef, mutton, and what greatly interested and amused the children, one fat pig ro isted whole, with an abundance of plum-puddings and other relishes. We need not say that full justice was done to everything laid before them. Who ever saw a lot of school children who could do other- wise? The names of the kind donor, and all the Garth family, were received with warm rounds of cheers, and the children departed highly pleased with their treat. PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY, JANTARY STII.-Before Edward Jones, H. Llcycl Williams, and Edward Griffith, Esqrs. Order of Jfaintenance.—Mr W. R. Davies, clerk to the guardians, applied for an order upon Ellis Griffith, plasterer, late of Dolgelley, for -is. weekly towards the maintenance of his daughter Keturah, who was an invalid and an inmate of the union workhouse. Mr Davies said that the sum did not nearly represent the amount her maintenance cost, as she required almost constant attendance.—Defendant pleaded that he was out of work, and had another daughter now come home unwell.—The Clerk said he need not be out of work just now, adding, "I will give you work if you will only do it. "-Order granted for the amount claimed, ana costs. a Transfer of Licence.—Mr J. C. hughes applied for the transfer of the licence of the Brown Horse Inn, Dolgelley, to John Foulkes. A temporary transfer had been granted about a month ago.-The application was granted. Usinj < a Gotf for the taking of Salmon.—Owen Roberts, painter, Lawnt, John Jones, labourer, and William Roberts, jun., tailor, all of Dolgelley, were charged with having on the 17th of December last, in the parish of Dolgelley, unlawfislly taken from the river Wnion, a certain unseasonable salmon with gaff. —Thomas Coles said-I reside at Ganllyd and am a river watcher. On the 17th December I saw the defendants on the Dolserau Farm by the side of the river Wnion. They were throwing stones into the river, and afterwards saw them going into the bushes by the side of the river and searching the river. I saw John Jones en the other side with something under his coat. I found a fish hidden under some leaves, wrapped in the handkerchief produced. I was within five or six yards from the defendants.—By the Bench I did not find the fish there on the evening of thel7. It was too dark to see it if I had. I went there after- Wards on the 24th, and found the fish wrapped in the ii,iidereiiief, -Robert Williams said I am a river watcher. I was with Coles and Kinsey by the side of the river. I saw defendant John Jones stooping under a hedge by the side of the river. I was about nine yards from him, oil the opposite side then.- By the Bench I did not search for the fish that even- ing, nor did I go there for a week. We found the fish exactly in the spot where I found defendant Jones stooping.—The defendants were all fined 10s. and costs with advocate's fee, the Bench expressing their dis- approval of the conduct of the river watchcrs in allow- ing a week to transpire between the time the tish were gaffed, and the time it was found.—Another charge for taking an unclean salmon was withdrawn.— James James, mason, David Jones, potter, and William Roberts, jun., tailor, all of Dolgelley, were charged with having gaffed a salmon in the River Wnion on the 30th of December last.—Lewis Davies, river watcher, said on the last Sunday in the year I saw defendants together on Bont-y-wernddu. I saw them gaffing a salmon, and I saw the marks of the fish on the bridge, on the railings, and also near the turnpike roa.d—brawn and scales of fish was to be seen there.— Cross-examined by defendants I saw other men speaking with you on the bridge, but you allowed all to go away before you gaffed the fish. I went round and over the bridge by Dr Williams's School in order to try to intercept you. but failed.— D. J. Williams said I am a police officer at Dolgelley. I went on Sunday week last with Lewis Davies to the railway bridge at Llynywernddu. I saw the marks of fish scales on the bridge, on a rail near, and one fence near the road I saw blood, brawn, and fish scales. I did not see the fish anywhere.—Robert Williams, river watcher, said I went on Sunday, the 30th of December with Lewis Davies. and he saw marks of brawn and fish scales on the railway bridge, where the fish was drawn up from the river, and on the fencing near.—For the defence, Mr Thomas Evans, coachman, was called, who said, I met the three defendants on the railway bridge, near Llyn-y-wernddu, about half-past two in the afternoon of Sunday, the 30th of December. I stood for some time speaking with them. David Jones went from us along the line towards the town, while I and the two others stood on the bridge. We went away to- gether along the road leading from Penmaenpcol to the town. On Pantyrodvn bridge we parted-one going through the Green home, and the other with me along the road. I did not see Lewis Davies at all, nor did I see a fish, nor did the defendants try to catch a fish in my presence.—The Bench, after retiring, said they would give the defendants the benefit of the con- flicting evidence, and dismiss the case, warning them to keep away from the riverside, and calling attention to the fact that by destroying salmons at this season of the year, they not only des- troy a fish which was unclean and unfit for food, but also destroyed thousands of other fish, which might, if left alone, stock our rivers, and be a great addition to our food wpply. Another Similar Charge.—Edmund Jones, labourer. Groes. Llanymawddwy, and John Humphreys, post- man. of the same place, were charged with havfng on the ISth of Dec. last unlawfully take an unseason- able salmon in the River Dovey.—The defendants ad- mitted the charge, and that the fish they took weighed about 171bs.—Defendants were fined 91 each and costs, which was paid.

gjunting Appointments. THE MARQUESS OF LONDONDERRY'S HARRIERS WILL 3IEET Friday, January 11th Darowen Village. Tuesday, January 15th Forge. Friday, ISth Gelligen. At 10 o'clock each day. COLONEL PRYSE'S FOXHOUNDS WILL MEET Tuesday, Jan. 15th at Llanrhystyd. AT 10. j THE XEUADDFAWR FOXHOUNDS WILL MEET ON Tuesday, Jan. 16th Llwyngroes (Gartheli) AT 10. Friday, Jan. 19th. Llanfihangel Bridge At 10. ABERYSTWYTH BEAGLES WILL MEET Wednesday, Jan. 16th Three Horse Shoes At 11. Saturday, Jan. 19th Rhydmerioneth At 12.

EXTRAORDINARY ROBBERY. At Highgate Police Court, on Monday morning, Elizabeth Gillings, a stylishly-dressed young woman, was charged with stealing three bottles of ale, of the value of Is. 9d,, from the cellar of Messrs Smart, provision merchants, of Queen's-terrace, Finchley. Messrs Smart's cellars extend under the house occupied by the prisoner, her mother, and two sons. For a considerable time past it was alleged that goods had been missed from the cellar, including twenty pint bottles of champagne, hams, butter, bottles of beer. and other things. No traces could be found of any one having broken into the premises. Mr Si Hick, the prosecutors' manager, however, noticed that two of the boards under the passage of the prisoner's house were loose. He kept them under view, and shortly after noticed that they had been moved. In consequence of this, on Saturday night he and one of his assistants hid themselves in the cellar. After waiting until about a quarter past three in the morning. Mr Silliek saw the two boards removed, and the prisoner walked across the cellar straight to a shelf, and took three bottles of ale. As she was carrying them hack to the passage. Mr Sillick came from his hiding-place and captured her. A constable was sent for. and she was given into I custody. On searching the premises, the police found a number of articles similar to those sold by the prosecutors. Several witnesses were examined, and the Bench remanded the prisoner for a week, and refused to take bail.

"CAMBRIAU NEWS" PRINTING WORKS.—All kinds of machine rnling, and every description of bookbinding done at the Cambrian News Printing Works. LIQUIDATION.—Robert Evans, late of Pantmawr, Harlech, Merionethshire, afterwards of Clogwyn-ter- race, Harlech, and now of Penygouge, Harlech, and Victoria House, Congleton, Cheshire, cattle dealer. A FIRF, ENGINE FOR THE ABERYSTWYTH BARRACKS.— Colonel Lloyd Philipps has induced the Government to supply the Aberystwyth Barracks with a fire engine for the protection of that building and the arms and other property it contains. THE SLATE TRADE.—Gloomy accounts are given oi the condition of the slate trade-the staple industry- of North Wales. The Quarrymen's Union in that part of the Principality have voted £2,000 towards assisting linelr members to emigrate. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS. Approximate return of traffic receipts, for the week ending Jan. 6th, 1884:— Miles open, 180f. Passengers, parcels, &c., £ 1,224; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 1,214; total for the week, 92,438. Aggregate from commence- ment of half-year to this date, £ 1,878. Actual traffic receipts for the corresponding week last year :—Miles open, ISO J. Passengers, parcels, &c., £ 1,236; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 1,340; total :for the week, £ 2,576. Aggregate from commencement of half-year to this date, £ 2,021. Increase Passengers, parcels, &c., £00; merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 000; total for the week, £ 000. Decrease: passengers, parcels, &c., E12 merchandise, minerals and live stock, £ 126; total for the week, £ 138 ggregate from commencement of half-year to this date, fl43. DEATH OF CAPTAIN CREWE-READ. R.N., ILAS- -Captain Offley Malcolm Crewe-Read retired Captain Royal Navy. of Plas Dinam, Montgomeryshire, D.L., J.P. for counties of Montgomery and Flint, died at Barrington House, Southsea, on January 2nd, aged '62 years. He was an active magistrate, and as such, "Was always a member of various committees, by which the work of quarter sessions is carried on. He was also chairman of the Newtown and Llanidloes Union. Not long before the last general election, while presiding at a meeting of the Highway Board, he was seized by paralysis, and though he partially recovered, he was thenceforward compelled to lead the life of an invalid at Southsea, where he died. He is succeeded in the family property bv his only son, Lieut. Colonel Offley John Crewe-Read. The funeral took place on Monday, in the Parish Church-yard, Llandinam.