The North Wales Express

BTfZZLNGS FROM THE CLWYD VALE. BY WASP. TAX DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT — ELECTION PROSPECTS IN DENBIGHSHIRE AND FLINTSHIRE. The great necromance has at length shown his hand. It remains to be seen whether he will be able again successfully to play his cards. Sir Stafford Northcote will bolster up a rotten budget, and the Tories hope that before its rottenness can be fairly exposed the ratepayers will have been cajoled into again returning the "glory and gun- Powder" party to power. I hope Mr Gladstone will burst the bubble, and exhibit the glaring in. competence of the Government to have charge of the nation's affairs. The announcement of the dissolution created some consternation. The Liberals in Denbigh set to work on Monday even- ing, immediately after the receipt of a telegram from Sir Robert Cunliffe. There will be a very keen contest in the boroughs between Sir Robert and Mr Kenyon. The friends of the latter will leave no stone unturned to secure his return. I trust the Liberals will not be too assured of vic- tory, but will work their hardest to carry their num. A contest for the representation of the county is a great improbability. It would be no- thing short of cruelty to force Sir Watkin to fight when the state of his health is taken into account. baronet of Wynnstay, too, is averse to a cnange in representation which would deprive muILa worthy colleague, Mr Osborne Morgan. T Dat^on8 will doubtless settle the pre- Charles Mainwaring, who has been as a possible opponent to Mi Oaborne Morgan. Lord Richard Grosvenor will n0;°e opposed for Flintshire. If Mr P. P. Peasant e hardihood to come out in opposi- tion to M ^°berts for the representation of the Flint boroughs he will assuredly get a severer thrashing than he did twenty months ago. I fancy that the smarting recollections of previous crushing de ea. WI prevent another contest. This is mot the time for preaching, but for hard work. The w ^?bast of the Premier in his manifesto formally addressed to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland raises a false issue. The Irish question is purely a subsidiary matter, and it is nothing short of knavish trickery and political dishonesty to charge the Liberal party with the seditious intention of separating the constitutional tie which binds Ireland to this country. The Premier may don his tin armour and blow his penny horn, but Englishmen are tiring of fanfaro- nade which is nothing but the cloak for imbecility The .question is simply this: Are the ratepayers of this eountrv content to see the continued reckless Waste of the national resources consequent on needless wars of aggression, and a disgraceful policy of bloodshed abroad and neglect at home ? I am. confident that the men of Denbighshire and Flintshire, at any rate, will show by their votes that they hate unjust and unnecessary Wars and that they desire peace that they wist to get rid for ever of Lord Beaconsfield, the great- est political failure of our time that they have every confidence in the sagacity and patriotism of Mr Gladstone, and that they are thoroughly con- vinced nothing will secure the enduring prosperity and greatness of this empire, but the possession of the reins of Government by the party pledged to "peace, retrenchment and reform." Sir Robert Ounliffe is eminently qualified to represent the Denbighshire boroughs, it will be the duty of all Liberals to vote for him to a man. The fight will be a close one, and calls for the straining of every nerve. Mr John Roberts has been tried and proved to be one of our best Welsh members. His sup- porters will assuredly secure his triumphant re- turn if Mr Pennant is dragged into the contest. Dr Pierce will not come out as an opponent to Mr Osborne Morgan; neither will he take an active part in the contest for the boroughs.

ABERGELE. GOVERNMENT INQUIRY.—On Tuesday, Major Tullock, R.E., held an inquiry at Abergele in reference to the application of the local board for compulsory powers to buy a large quantity of land and other property for street improvements. Mr Hesketh, of Gwrych Castle, a large property owner, and other ratepayers, opposed the applica- tion on the grounds that the expenditure Was not justified, the present improvement rates being 3s 6d in the pound, and also that the alterations would not be real improvements. The Lord Lieutenant of Flintshire, it was stated, had offered to give portions of his land required for the alterations. Major Tullock inspected the places, and will report thereon.

BANGOR. FATAL ACCIDENT TO A WIDNES SAILOR.—Mr Roberts, district coroner for Carnarvonshire, held an inquiry at Bangor Infirmary, on Monday night, as to the death of John Clarke, Widnes. Deceased was mate of a vessel lying off Conway pier, and on Wednesday night he fell a distance of twelve feet between tne pier and the ship, sus- taining injuries which resulted fatally on Satur- day. A verdict of Accidental death was re- turned. ANNUAL VESTRY.—The annual vestry for the purpose of nominating parochial officers was held at Bangor Cathedral on Thursday week, when there were present: -Messrs William Jones (chair- man), R. H. Roberts, City View; T. MDermid, R. Dorkins, Robert Roberts, postmaster; Evan Williams, printer; Richard Williams, butcher; Robert Hughes, Garth; William Thomas, "Alliance" agent; W. Jones, Capt. Da vies, Carreg-hwfa; Edward Jones, Brynteg; David Williams, currier, &c. Messrs Richard Davies, architect; R. Hughes, Garth (West End); Capt Davies, Carreg-hwfa; and E. Jones, Bryn- teg-terrace, were elected overseers for the ensuing year; and as guardians the selection fell upon Messrs John Evan Roberts, Victoria House; David Williams, currier; William Jones, pork butcher, Market-place; William Jones, Menai View- terrace Robert Hughes, Garth-road; Thomas Lewis, Gartherwen; George James, and W. Edwards, Glasinfryn. A warm vote of thanks was passed to Mr Bicknell for his valuable services as guardian and chairman of the. board for forty years. The vestry expressed deep regret that he was obliged to retire from the board. PETTY SESSIONS, TUESDAY.—Before Col. Wil- liams and Col. Holt, Thomas Howse, a labourer living at Birkenhead, was summoned for leaving his wife chargeable to the Bangor and Beaumaris Union. The wife stated that she was married to the defendant 33 years ago, and that he deserted her 13 years ago, whilst working upon a canal at Amsterdam. An order was made for the payment of 3s 6d weekly.—William Hughes, Virginia Inn, Llanfairfechan, and Grace Williams were each fined 5s and costs for not sending their children to school.—Owen Williams, Minffordd, was com- mitted to the quarter sessions for biting William Jarvis, a watcher on the Penrhyn estate, and in- flicting what Dr Lloyd stated to be four distinct wounds on the right cheek, and a lip bitten through. — Samuel Crosby, goods manager at Bangor railway station, and Thomas Williams, carter, were charged by Inspector Warren, Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-the former with allowing a horse suffering from en- largement of the fetlock to be worked, and the latter with working it. Mr Preston appeared for the London and North-Western Railway Company. A fine of 5s and costs was imposed, including veterinary surgeon's fee. THE CATHEDRAL.—In connection with the open- ing services of the cathedral in its entirety,.it is proposed to have, the day following that upon which these services will be celebrated, an oratorio performance, to consist of Beethoven's Halle- lujah to the Father," Mendelssohn's "Hymn of Praise," and a selection from "Prayer and Praise," the degree composition of Dr Rogers, organist of the cathedral. It is intended to have principal vocalists, a full orchestra, and a chorus of 100 voices. A local committee to arrange the necessary details is being formed. The dean has consented to act as chairman, and Mr W. Jarvis is associated with the minor canons as hon. secre- taries. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—Mr Bicknell presided at Wednesday's meeting, the attendance of guardians also including the Revs H. D. Owen (vice-chair- man), W. C. Edwards, Colonels Williams and West, Messrs W. Jones, R. Roberts, R. Hughes, W. Edwards, H. Thomas, T. Hughes, R. Evans, &c. The resignation of Mr W. Hughes, the relieving officer of a portion of the Anglesey district, was accepted, the cause being ill-health, the appointment to be filled up in a month. Out- relief for the fortnight, £ 367; non-settled poor, 118 2s 6d; treasurer's balance, C1731 6s 8d; number in the worhouse, 145; corresponding week last year, 44; vagrants for the fortnight, 40. BANKRUPTCY COURT, WEDNBSDAY.—Before Mr Horatio Lloyd, judge. A Rhyl Liquidation.—Mr Swetenham (instructed by Mr Oliver George) applied to his honour to re- view the taxation by the registrar of certain costs arising out of an action which has been long before the court, in whieh a bill of sale has been given by Abel Jones, Rhyl, a liquidating debtor, in favour of Richard Jones, his brother-in-law. The bill of sale was declared void and fraudulent, and costs were given against Jones. The items reserved by the registrar (Mr Glynne Jones), to whose very great care and extreme conscientious. ness counsel bore testimony, were the costs of the interim injunctions obtained against Jones, the witnesses at the examination before the trustee, and some affidavits. Mr Kennedy (instructed by Mr W. Davies) opposed on behalf of Jones. Judg- ment was reserved. A Llandudno Liquidation.-Mr Chamberlain ap- plied for an order calling upon the trustee in the bankruptcy of David Meredith, Llandudno, to pay in person dividends due to Abel Roberts and an- other creditor of the estate. The debtor's estate was purchased by Mr Heintz, flour merchant, Bootle, who agreed to pay a composition of 5s in the pound. Subsequent litigation followed, and, after Heintz had paid part of the creditors, he withdrew from the estate. It was stated that the trustee (Mr Rogers) had commenced an action against Heintz, and after some argument, the motion was adjourned to the August court.

BETHESDA. WATER SUPPLY IN THE DISTRICT.—Mr Smith, C.E., an inspector of the Local Government Board, held an inquiry at Bethesda, on Saturday, into the subject-matter of an application made by the commissioners for the issue of a provisional order authorising amendments in the local act so as to enable them to borrow more funds for the pur- poses of water supply in the district. Mr John Thomas, clerk to the commissioners, conducted the inquiry, which was of a formal character.

•R"R ATTTVT A"RTS TOWN COUNCIL MEETING.—The monthly meet- ing of the council was held on Tuesday, the Mayor (Col. Hampton Lewis) presiding. A borough rate of 3d. yi the pound, payable by the parishes I before April 19th, was passed. The erection of a proposed public slaughter house was again dis- cuesed, it being stated that Sir Richard Bulkeley was willing to sell an eligible site at the tanyard for about £ 80; and on the motion of Councillor H. Thomas, the surveyor was instructed to pre- pare plans, and the committee authorised to treat for the purchase of the site. A proposal by Alder- man Slater that a premium should be offered for the best design of the proposed building found no seconder, and resulted in his withdrawal from the committee and the substitution of councilor Wat- kin.—A petition in favour of the Sunday closing of public houses was submitted for the signature of the council. The Mayor said that he had sub- scribed to three movements having such an object in view. He was personally in favour of the houses being opened one hour in the day and one hour at night, but he considered that total closing was going too far and was tyrannical.—Councillor E. R. Thomas objected to the strong wording of the petition and to the arbitrary proposals contained in it. All places, including coffee and eating houses, ought to be entirely closed on Sunday.— Alderman Slater suggested that the petition should stand over until the new Parliament met, and this was adopted.—A petition to Parliament was adopted asking that the trust of the Beau- maris and Menai Bridge turnpike, which expires in November next, should not be renewed, it being contended that Beaumaris was unfairly bur- dened with the maintenance of road, whilst Llan- degfan and Menai Bridge paid comparatively little in proportion to their rateable value. Com- plaints were made by several councillors of the erection of the turnpike gate between the town and Garth Ferry, the impost having been very detrimental to Beaumaris. The mayor hinted at the probability of the erection of another gate near Cadnant bridge, if the trust was renewed as asked by the trustees, and that the toll at the Beau- maris and Garth Ferry gate would be reduced one-half.—A letter was read from Alderman Slater, the honorary treasurer of the pier com- mittee, stating that the expenses incurred in re- constructing the pier, £ 605 12s., together with all other charges and cost of maintenance of re- pair, and conducting the traffic, had been de- frayed. The cash in hand on January 31st was j667 4s lOd.—The Mayor said this news was the most gratifying the ratepayers had heard for many years, and the cordial thanks of the borough were due to Alderman Slater and the gentlemen associated with him on the committee. Through Alderman Slater's exertions, donations to the amount of £ 1277 had been raised towards the cost of reconstructing the pier.—On the motion of Councillor W. Hughes, seconded by Councillor E. R. Thomas, a vote of thanks was passed to Alder- man Slater, who, in acknowledging the compli- ment, said that the committee took over the lease for 15 years, subject to the payment of the debt; and that term having not expired, he pro- posed that the lessees should continue working the pier, and apply the surplus to freeing the encum- brances on the borough property, which amounted to about X7000, and had stopped every public im- provement. This was seconded by Alderman Wynn Jones, and opposed by Councillor E. R. Thomas and others, who urged that the lease should be given up to the council. After a long discussion the subject was deferred for legal opin- ion to be obtained as to whether the lease was terminable upon the extinction of the debt.

DENBIGH. INFRINGEMENT OP THE LICENSING ACT.-A gross infringement of the Licensing Act came under the consideration of the county magistrates' on Wed- nesday. The magistrates present were Captain Wynn Griffith (in the chair) and Mr W. D. W. Griffith. The defendant was William Williams, a farmer residing at Tyddyn y Ciw, and a holder of a grocer's license to sell beer to be consumed off the premises. Sergeant Vaughan about 7 o'clock oil the evening of the 4th inst. went to the defendant's house dresssd as a navvy He feigned lameness and altered his voice and personal appearance so effectually that none of the inmates of the house recognised him. On entering the house he saw eight men in the porch, and eight glasses containing beer. He asked the men if there was any chance for him to get a glass of beer, and was told to go in and get as much as he liked. He went into the kitchen and sat down, took a sandwich out of his pocket and asked for a glaes of beer. A woman named Margaret Owen who was serving the beer supplied him and he paid two- pence. He saw the eight men served with beer while standing in the passage by a man of the name of Ishmael Jones. The defendant was in the cellar drawing the beer. The men in the house were drinking quickly and he saw there glasses re-filled. A man named Ellis Williams who had been a policeman in Liverpool, and game- keeper in the neighbourhood of Denbigh, and had lost both situations through drink, was in the house in an intoxicated condition. Margaret Owens told Vaughan that they had been very jolly before he came in, and said it was a pity that Ellis Williams was so very drunk. Vaughan saw beer supplied to other men in the kitchen, and after being in the house about an hour told the defen- dant who he was, and what was the meaning of his visit. The defendant said he was very sorry for the offence and hoped the sergeant would for- give him. This was of course out of the question, and Vaughan instituted proceedings to bring the defendant before the magistrates. Sergt. Vaughan was called to prove these facts. The defendant admitted the offence, and hoped the bench would deal leniently with the case as he had a large family, and one of his sons was out of his mind.—The Chairman said the offence was a very bad one. There had been several complaints of the way in which the defendant conducted his house, and he would be fined the full penalty of £10 and costs, and his license would also be en. dorsed.—Mr W. D. W. Griffith said: It may ap- pear that this is rather a severe penalty, but I think it is difficut to imagine a worse possible case for a first offence. The magistrates were forced into the granting of this license, which was pro- tested against by the respectable farmers in the neighbourhood of Tyddyn-y-ciw. The magis- trates were anxious not to grant it, but it turned out from the anomalous state of the law that we were obliged to grant the license, the defendant obtained a beers slier's license from the excise authorities to sell small quantities of beer to be consumed off the premises. I myself cautioned him in the strongest manner that he must be ex- ceedingly careful, and that his house would be watched, and if he infringed the terms of the license he would be severely punished. There have been several complaints of late, and one or two of the most respectable farmers have spoken to me about it, and I was going to communicate with the police when I heard of the action they had taken.

HOLYHEAD. GRAND AMATEUR CONCERT.—On Friday evening last a grand amateur concert was given at the town hall, the chairman being Mr J. H. Platt, of Bodior. The proceeds were given in aid of the Rhoscolyn Church fund, and judging from the attendance at the concert, a good sum was left for that object. The concert was got up principally by Mr Platt, and the great success was doubtless attributable to his kindness and energy together with the patronage which he accorded so liberally towards the concert. The programme was sus- tained by Miss Platt (the chairman's sister), Mr Radcliffe, Mr J. H. Platt, Mr Myrddin Jones, Bangor, Miss Hughes (Eos Cybi), Llew Mon, The Holyhead Glee Party, and the Holyhead Brass Band. Mr Ainsworth, of Bangor, was unavoidably absent and Mr T. F. Parry ably presided at the pianoforte in his absence. Miss Platt and Mr Rad- cliffe in their solos and duetts were warmly re- ceived each time they sang, and Mr Platt had to pay the penalty of success which he attained by reappearing. Mr Myrddin Jones, who ssng here for the first time, was well received and encored, as was Miss Hughes. Llew Mon never sang better than he did on this occasion, and his pennillion (accompanied on the piano) were enthusiastically received. The Holyhead Glee Society and Brass Band also acquitted themselves with their usual ability. The concert throughout was a thorough success, both musically and financially, and the audience was one of the most appreciative we have witnessed for some time. It is a pleasing thing to find that we have amongst us a gentle- man of Mr Platt's position who is ready to assist in a good cause in the way that he did, and he deserves great praise for his very substantial sup- port in this instance. After the concert the band, glee party, and soloists, were entertained at dinner at the Royal Hotel at the expense of Mr Platt.

HOLYWELL. "ALPHA" CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL. The English chapel of the Congregationalists at Green- field is renewing its youth. On Sunday week it was crowded by a congregation which much ap- preciated an excellent discourse by Mr Alderman Minshull (late mayor of Oswestry) the treasurer of the North Wales Congregational Union. On Pun- day next the pulpit will be filled, morning and evening, by the Rev D. Burford Hooke (Mold), the hon. secretary of the Union. The Revs O. Tho- mas, B.A., D. Oliver, and other ministers in the district have consented to supply it on subsequent Sundays. ENGLISH CONGREGATIONALISM IN NORTH WALES. —A series of county conferences is to be held daily next week throughout North Wales in con- nection with the Congregational Union, and ad- dresses by the Rev E. J. Hartland (London), secretary of the Church Aid Society, and others. The first is to be held on Monday at Rhyl, for Flintshire, on Tuesday at Colwyn Bay, for Car- narvonshire, on Wednesday at Barmouth, for Merionetkshire, on Thursday at Newtown, for Montgomeryshire, and on Friday at Wrexham, for Denbighshire, with public meeting at Buckley. These conferences will be succeeded on the fol- lowing Monday and Tuesday by the Annual As- sembly in Great George-street Chapel, Liverpool, when tlxeltp-v J. Baldwin Brown, B. A.. (London), is to preach the annual sermon of the Union. The Venerable Dr Thomas Rees, of Swansea, a well- known authority |on all matters affecting Non- conformity in Wales, is expected to take part in the proceedings.

LLANDDEINIOLEN. SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION.—This election took place on-Monday. The contest was exceedingly keen, and the proceedings excited considerable interest. Mr J. H. Thomas, Market-street, Car- narvon, was the returning officer. The candi. dates wete :-Messrs W. J. Williams, accountant, 3, St. David's road, Carnarvon; Henry Owen, Liverpool House, Ebenezer; Edward Williams, Trosywaen, Pentir Morris Thomas, corn mer- chant, Rhiwgoch; William Jones, Ooedhelen House, Clwtybont; Revs. R. Prytherch Williams, Independent minister, Waenfawr; William Ryle Davies, Calvinistic Methodist minister, Ebenezer; Robert Owen Williams, Calvinistic Methodist minister, Llidiart-y-clo, Dinorwic; Ellis James Jones, Calvinistic Methodist minister, Coedhelen House, Clwtybont; and William Roderick, Baptist minister, Clwtybont. Appended is -the state of the uoU: Mr W. J", Williams 1328 Rev. R. P. Williams 1243 Mr H. Owen. 1219 Rev. W. R. Davies.1203 „ R. O. Williams 1117 „ E.J.Jones 1116 Mr E. Williams.1115 Morris Thomas 790 Rev. W. Roderick. 546 Mr W. Jones 463 The seven first-named gentlemen were declared elected to constitute the new board.

LLANLLYFNL THB SCHOOL BoARD.-Hr J. H. Thomas, clerk to the Guardians of the Carnarvon Union, was on Tuesday evening unanimously appointed clerk of the Llanllyfni School Board. A better selection could not have been made, as Mr Thomas, who holds several important public offices is eminently qualified for the post.

nLANRVST. WBLBH CONGRAGATIONALISM. -For some con- siderable time now the Congregational body in this town, with the well-known Rev T. Roberts (Scorpion) as their minister, have been making preparations towards obtaining a new and more convenient place of worship than the present chapel, where they have been worshipping for the last 90 years. They have taken ample time to choose a proper site for the new chapel, and, as the reward of patience, their efforts thus far have been crowned with the most complete success, for rarely has it been the good fortune of any religious body in Wales to secure a piece of ground so well adapted for the purpose in every sense as has been the case here. The Independent Church have borne in view the important fact that the town is rapidly extending northwards, in the direction of the railway station, and that the Llanrwst of 20 years hence will lie entirely in this part, and that the buildings erected in the other end will be really outside the town before many years are over. They have accordingly purchased from Mr R. O. Moulsdale, Bryndyffryn, a most eligible and commodious piece of land at the junction of Parry street, George-street, and Chapel-Btreet; and they will immediately proceed to the erection thereon of an imposing new chapel which will be an ornament to the town, a credit to the church, and worthy of the grand cause in whose interest they are working. And may the blessings of the great Head of the Church attend the efforts of His people in the place, and give them in their new house new assurances of His presence with them and approval of their work.—Correspondent.

MENAI BRIDGE. The annual vestry was held yesterday, Mr J. Morgan in the chair. The following parochial officers were nominated- .-Guandians Mr Henry Humphreys, Bulkeley Arms Hotel. Churchward- ens Mears R. Humyhreys and W. Roberts (Rosemary Cottage). Overseers Messrs H. Ellis (slate works) and O. T. Owen. Highway Surveyors: Messrs R. Algeo and O. Davies. Constables: W. Williams, O. Jones, aud T. Ellis.

MOLD. THE ARGOBD COLLIERY.—On Tuesday last this concern, together with the plant, machinery, &c., was offered for sale by auction by Messrs Churton, Elphick, and Co., at the Grosvenor Hotel, Chester, when there was a good attendance. The colliery was sold for 13125, to Mr Edward John Bartlett, of Great St. Helens, London, the secretary of several lead mines and collieries in this neighbour- hood. THE BAPTIST CHAPEL.-We are glad to see that this new building is now completed, and we are sure not before it was wanted as the want of it has been long felt. It looks very well, although it is not situated in a nice spot. It will be opened on the Saturday following Good Friday, and through- out the following week special services will be held, at which the leading Welsh ministers of the denomination will preach. THB GENERAL ELECTION.—A meeting of the Liberal electors was held in the Market Hall on Tuesday evening last, when there was a good at- tendance. Mr E. P. Edwards presided, and those present promised to do all they could to secure the return of the present Liberal member-Mr John Roberts. Private meetings of the Conservative party have been held, and at the time of writing this it was not known whether a candidate would be brought forward although it was announced that Captain Pennant would again contest the leat. He was present at the meeting of the party held at the Black Lion Hotel on Wednesday. The annual concert in aid of the funds of the Welsh Wealeyan chapel, Pendref, was held in the Assembly-rooms, on Monday evening last, when there was a large attendance. The artistes were Miss Lillian Price, soprano (winner of the prize at the Birkenhead Eisteddfod); Eos Morlais (the great Welsh tenore); Mr Herbert Williams (baritone); and several amateurs, assisted, by an efficient choir, under the conductorship of Mr R. Dykins. The accompanists were:—Piano, Mr M. W. Griffiths, Dolgelley; harmonium, Mr S. Wil- liams. Mr A. J. Brereton, (Andreas o Fon), presided. The following programme was credit- ablv rendered:- Address President. I Chorus, And the glory of the Lord." Handel Song, I loved her in the spring time." Dr Rogers Eos Morlais. Song, "Cambrian war song." Brinley Richards Miss Lillian Price. Instrumental solo Miss Annie Powell Song, The noble boy of truth." Dr Parry Herbert Williams. Instrumental duet, Mr R. Edwards and Miss J. Lewis Song, "Ohhow delightful." Molloy Miss Lillian Price. Glee, "Ywawr." H. Smart Duet, 'Tve wandered in dreams," Eos Morlais and Miss Lillian Price Interval of five minutes. Solo (piano), Descriptive fantasia of Maesgarmon battle (Dr Parry), M. W. Griffiths. Chorus, Rhuthyrgyrch. Alaw Ddu Song, "Hen wlad y menyg gwynion" (D. Emlyn Evans), Eos Morlais (encored).. Overture (harmonium), Led neu: M igots" (P. Bouillon), S. WiLiams. Duet, The two cousins Misses A. Powell and Hales. Song, "Jack's yarn." Louis' Emmanuel Herbert Williams. Song, "Esmeralda." L*vv Miss Lillian Price (encored). Song, The distant shore." Sullivan Eos Morlais. Chorus, Bendigedig." J. Thomas Finale National Anthem. Eos Morlais' abilities are sufficiently well known without any praise from us. He always sings well, and this occasion was no exception. He met with a flattering reception, especially when he gave Hen wlad y menyg gwynion," for which he received a most enthusiastic encore, and he re- sponded with a solo from "Blodwen," equally well rendered. He also sang all his other songs in very good style, and it is difficult to say in which he excelled. Miss Lillian Price also sang well. She has a very good voice, and she knows how to use it to advantage. She also met with a hearty reception, which she well deserved. The amateurs did their parts creditably, but it is of course not fair to make comparison between them and the artistes above named. The choir, which was a large one, deserves praise. The pieces rendered reflected credit upon the members and their con- ductor, Mr Robert Dykins. It was evident that a good deal of labour had been bestowed on the choruses, which were sung with effect. Mr M. W. Griffiths' performances on the pianoforte, both as accompanist and otherwise, left but one impres- sion, viz, that he is an accompanist of much ability; and Mr S. Williams' accompaniment on the harmonium gave satisfaction. The usual vetes of thanks were accorded to the chairman and all who had assisted. DISTRICT SCHOOL MEETINGS.—On Sunday last the school meetings of the Mold District of the Calvinistic Methodists were held at the Bethesda Chapel, Mold, and were largely attended. In the morning the adults were catechised by the Rev George Jones, Nerquis, on the Miracles of Christ" as chronicled in the gospel according to St. Mark, and it was quite evident from the ready answers given that the subject had been well studied. In the afternoon there was a very large attendance, when the children of the Mold School and the two branches, viz., Maesydre and Pentre, were catechised in the "History of Joseph" by the Rev George Jones, who expressed his satis- faction with the manner in which the questions were answered. The childem, under the leader- ship of Messrs. Thomas Foulkes and Thomas Parry, also sang a cantata entitled I I Joseph" (the work of Mr H. Davies, A.C.), which was very well rendered, and added much to the interest of the proceedings. In the evening the Rev George Jones continued his examination on the Miracles of Christ," and there was again a large attendance. At the close he expressed his entire satisfaction with the answers generally, and the pleasure it gave him to be present. There were representatives present from all the schools comprised in the district, and various matters affecting the schools were discussed. All present joined in expressing their opinion that a better meeting had never been held in the district in their tiTie, both as regards attendance and knowledge of the subjects. Mr J. D. Jones, timber merchant, is president; Mr E. C. Griffiths, Nerquis, secretary; and the Rev George Jones, examiner of the district. The meetings are held in different places in the district every two months. SCHOOL BOARD.—The monthly meeting of the board was held on Thursday last week, the Rev Roger Edwards presiding. It was resolved that the nine tables of the Buckley Schools be altered, so as to be the same as the Mold schools. The report of H. M. Inspector of the Mold School was read, and it showed an increase of grant (the previous year's grant was £ 275; this year it amounted to X312), and it was generally favour- able to the school. It was decided to give the Infant mistresses of the Mold and Buckley Schools the school pence, X2 10 per month, and a fhare of the grant in lieu of salary. Mr Henry Jones, master of the Leeswood National School, was ap- pointed master of the new Board Schools at Lees- wood at a salary of X130, and Mrs Jones, mistress, at a salary of L70. The "Rev Roger Edwards and Mr W. Hopwood were appointed visitors to the Mold School for the present month, and Mr Bellis and Mr Hopwood were appointed as com- mittee of the Leeswood Schools. The attendance officer's report and other routine business was dis- posed of. FoOTBALL.-On Saturday last a match was played at Chester between the Mold and Chester College Clubs, resulting in a victory for the latter by three goals to one. The Mold Club had the wind against them during a part of the game, so that their defeat is not discreditable, especially by a club like the Collegian. We append the names of the player?:—Mold.—Backs: J. B. Marston (captain), T. Lloyd Hugbes half backs: J. Jones, Small (sub.); right wing: P. Dykins, S. Roberts left wing: E. Edwards, T. Everett (sub.); centres Ll. Browne (sub.); goal: Taller (sub.) Chester College: Backs: Pollard (Captain), Wood; half backs Gordon, Grant; right wing Hardy, Flaxington left Wing Anson, Tillson; centres Yates, Say goal: Christopherson.

NEVIN. MUTUAL DEBATING SOCIETY.-The above society was held for the first time at the Town Hall of this town on Tuesday evening. The principal subjects of that evening was the reading of the rules and electing members of the committee. Mr R. Cun- ningham was elected chairman and Mr N. Spargo vice-chairman. Mr Sharp also made a very inter- esting speech.

NORTHOP. THE NEW CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL.—On Mon- day the concluding services were held in connec- tion with the opening of the English chapel at Northop, near Flint. The chapel, which is built on land generously given by Mr R. S. Hudson (Chester), has been erected by Mr W. Davies, of Northop, from plans furnished by Mr Isaac Aydon (Mold). The opening sermon was preached on Tuesday by the Rev S. Pearson, minister of Great George-street Chapel, Liverpool. On Wednesday, the Rev F. Barnes, B.A. (Chester); on Thursday, the Rev D. Oliver (Holywell); and on Friday, the Rev O. Thomas, B.A. (Holywell), officiated. On Monday, the sermons were preached by the Revs D. B. Hooke (Mold) and T. Owen (Bagillt). The congregations, despite inclement weather, were large, and liberal collections were made towards the building fund. The Duke of Westminster, K.G., contributed L10 at the stone-laying in October.

PORTMADOC. SHOCKING SUICIDE.-F. H. Carless, the clerk in charge of Messrs Smith and Sons' bookstall at Portmadoc, shot himself through the head with a revolver on Tuesday night, death being instantan- eous. The district superintendent was to examine the books of the deceased the same night, and, as there are considerable defalcations in his accounts, it is thought the act was premeditated. The de- ceased was a native of Stafford, and had been at I Portmadoc two years, being removed there from Penmaenmawr.

RHYL. PETTY SESSIONS.—The petty sessions were held on Wednesday last when the following magistrates were present:—Mr J. D. Dixon, Dr Butterton, Mr Price Jones, and Mr Sisson.—Ann Morris, of Cwm, was prosecuted by inspector McLaren for hawking without a license. Mr Jones, solicitor, Conway, appeared for her. It was proved that she had offered butter and eggs for sale without having a license to do so in contravention of the bye-laws. Mr Jones contended that butter and eggs were perishable victuals, and no licence was needed to hawk them. A fine of Is and costs was imposed. Notice of appeal was given.—Henry Fruby, Ann Hughes, William Jones Hughes, and Thomas Jones, were complainants and defendants in a case of assault in which summonses and cross- summonses had been taken out. After the evidence had been heard the chairman observed that the parties appeared to have been engaged in a general fight. They were each fined 2s 6d and costs.— Thomas Crooke, a painter of Rhyi, was fined 59 And costs for being drunk at the Bee Hotel.—Mr -I ones, school attendance officer, summoned John Thomas and Thomas Davies for neglecting to send their cMliren to school. An order for the atten- 'nee oi the children was made.—There were three cases in which the defendants were charged with riding in carts without reins. The defendants were dismissed.—Robert Jackson, a county court bailiff, neglected to appear in answer to a sum- mons charging him with drunkenness, and a war- rant was issued for his apprehension. IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS.—A special meet- ing of the Improvement Commissioners was heli on Monday, at whiqh the foUowing were present: -Mr James Taylor (in the chair); Mr John Ro- berts, Queen-street; Mr John Griffiths, Mr James Davies, Mr W. Morris, Mr W. Wynn, Mr John Jones, seedsman; Mr Merridew, Mr R. D. Roberts, Captain Groucutt, and Mr P. P. Jones. On the motion of Mr Davies it was agreed to res- cind a resolution passed at the last meeting of the commissioners exempting the tenant of Voryd Hall from the payment of the general district rate. The house has been empty for some time, but it was stated that there were over 100 pieces of fur- niture there. Mr R. D. Roberts stated that the cinders must have been counted also if they had made the number of articles of furniture up to 100. —Some discussion took place respecting the clos- ing of Nant Vaynol road, St. Asaph. It was ex- plained that the matter had been before the St. Asaph magistrates, who had been asked to close the road in question by the highway board. Mr James Davies said the commissioners ought to oppose theclosingof the road.—Theclerkstatedthat two years ago the commissioners passed a resolution adverse to the closing of the road.—After some discussion it was r s >lved to call the attention of the highway board to that resolution.

RUTHIN. Look out for LUNT & GRIFFITHS' Great Show of Spring Geods on March Fair. X.3872-M The announcement of the Dissolution of Parlia- ment created intense excitement in political circles in this town, and immediate steps were taken by both parties to organize their forces for the im- pending struggle. Sir Robert Cunliffe's committee- room will be at the Wine Vaults, and that of Mr George Kenyon at the Wynnstay Arms. The Conservatives have already commenced a vigorous canvass, Mr Kenyon attending in person. It is not expected that either candidate will deliver an address for a week or two. DEATH OF MR JOHN JONES.-It is with the deepest regret that we have to announce the death of Mr John Jones, Agency Offices, which occurred at his residence, Pyrocanth House, on Monday afternoon last. The deceased gentleman was in his 64th year, and was one of the most prominent public men in the town, and the many appoint- ments which he held with such efficiency will make his loss all the more keenly felt. The newtt of his death spread rapidly throughout the town, and in consequence of the terrible suddenness with which it came, many were loath to give it credence. He was secretary to the governors of the charities, and collected the tithes in the majority of the sur- rounding parishes. He was vice-chairman of the board of guardians, and actuary of the local Savings Bank. He was also a director of the gas and water companies, and for many years sat in the council. His genial manner and kind- heartedness made him beloved by everyone who knew him, and it is not the lot of many to be held in an estimation as high as he was. The funeral, which was a private one, took place yesterday at Llanrhydd Church. The mayor and corporation attended, the deceased having held the office of borough treasurer.

The Times has discovered that Mr. Osborne Morgan unseated Mr Mainwaring in 1869 The High-sheriff of Carnarvonshire (Mr Lloyd Edwards) has appointed as his deputy Mr Owen Owens, solicitor, Pwllheli. Mr Rice Roberts. has been appointed under-sheriff for the county of Anglesey. The rehearsals of "Emmanuel" are pro- gressing most favourably. Eos Morlais is in London this week personally conducting the L.W. Choir, and is fully satisfied that by the 12th May they will be perfect. Miss Lizzie Evans will take the contralto part, and Miss Tillie Robinson and Mr Ben Davies will, in addition to the artistes already mentioned, take part in the performance. We are informed that Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., M.P., has quite recovered his usual health, after his recent attack of faint- nessin the House of Commons. His medical advisers, Sir William Jenner and Mr Bennet, attribute the attack to his having, ou the 1st inst., visited Westminister School at eight o'clock in the morning before breakfast, the long fast and conse- quent exhaustion having been too much for him. In the Chancery Division, on Saturday, before Vice-Chancelor Sir J. Bacon, a petition was presented to obtain the sanction of the court to a scheme for an arrangement which had been entered into between the Mid-Wales Railway Company and their creditors. The principal object was to allow the debenture holders the option of renewing debenture bonds for five years on converting them into debenture stock. The Vice-Chancellor made an order approving of the scheme. At the distribution of prizes to the Wrexham Sunday School last week, the children were delighted by the gift of an elegant book mark containing a number of texts of Scripture and the words, In rememberance of July 29th, 1879; from the Hon. George and Mrs Kenyon the date being that of the summer treat to the school. Some of their parents will, no doubt, be delighted* and remember the Hon. George Kenyon. The Bishop of St. Asaph has presented the Rev. Llewelyn Wynne Jones, M.A., who has been vicar of Llanllwchaiarn since 1874, to the living of Chirk. Mr Wynne Jones was at onetime senior curate of Oswestry, and is well kn: wn to many of our readers in Shropshire as well as Mont- gomeryshire. In removing from Llamwrchaiam to Chirk he is returning to live among old friends. The Living of Llanwrchaiarn, which is in the gift of the Bishop of St. Asaph, is put down on the Clergy Directory as worth S355. The Living of Chirk is worth t520. The following Petitions for Liquidation are announced, J. Brown, Bangor, licenced hawker, jeweller, and dealer in cloth and fancy articles. M. Price, Chester-street, Flint, Grocer. R. Andrews, Broseley, Salop, grocer. P. Hamer Welshpool, grocer. E. Borne, Chipnall, near Market Drayton, Salop, farmer. E. Roberts, Fron. dirion, Llong, Mold, Flintshire, farmer. N. White, Foregate-street, Chester, outfitter. A. Ward, Newport, Salop, timber,tile, and coal merchant. K. James, Bishop's Castle, Salop, Coal dealer. J. Edwards, Triog, Cilynen, Mirionethshire. A united tea party and entertainment in connection with the three Welsh chapels in Earlee- town, near Mancheater,-the Wesleyan, Presby- terian, and ConRregationalist-was held on Satur- day evening week. It has been the custom in vAars crrmo nv f(,\1" +.Via Wfislflran Arid PrRabir+oi-inn J 0, -J "6. -¡ "&qA..l, Churches to hold an annual united tea, but on this occasion the Congregationalists were also invited to join, but notwithstanding this, the number, present was somewhat below that of previous years. The following ladies presided at the tablea —Mrs Williams, Mrs W. Jones,^Mrs Profit, Miss Watkins, Miss Jones and Mrs Parry. Tea having been fully enjoyed, an adjournment was made to the Tamworth-street Chapel, where a miscel- laneous entertainment was given under the pre- sidency of Mr Israel Jones, of Earlestown, who, together with the Rev. E. Lloyd, of St. Helens, suitably addressed the meeting in the language of the Principality. A capital progamme consisting of songs, recitations, readings, &c., given in Welsh, was successfully gone through, in which several ladies and gentlemen bt k pu-t-Communi- cated.