The North Wales Express

BANGOR AND THE ELECTRIC LIGHT. "At Bangor the air Js still strongly charged with electricity, and the question of the supersession of gas by the electric light continues the main topic of discussion in the University city. The resolution passed at the hastily-summoned meeting of ratepayers, held at the Penrhyn Hall on Friday night, was tantamount to a vote of censure upon the Town Council; but whether they will regard it as such remains to be seen. A special meeting of the Council should have been called to decide upon the future action of that body in the face of the condemnatory resolution. It is very evident that there exists a marked feeling amongst the ratepayers thctt the scheme, which is a costly one, has been too hastily rushed, that it required more careful consideration, and that it was desirable that other important undertak- ings upon which the Corporation ha.s em- barked should be completed, and their cost fully calculated. What has happened in the uncompleted Cowlyd water scheme fur- nishes a significant illustration on this point, and should serve as a warning to other public bodies. The proposal for the introduction of the electric light into Bangor was carried by a bare majority of the Council, and it is a well-known fact that some of those mem- bers who originally favoured the scheme are, now that public feeling has been more fully tested, by no means enamoured of it, and would prefer that it should be tempo- rarily abandoned. Considerable cost has already been incurred Parliament tary powers are being applied for and the engagement of an expert to make the necessary preliminary inquiries has been decided upon. The law, as the Mayor pointed out at the meet- ing held on Fr day, does not require a poll of the ratepayers to be taken. At the same time it would not be illegal for the Council to consult the ratepayers on this most important matter. It seems that the only step nftw open to the opponents of the scheme is to make their opposition ap- parent when the inquiry is held by a representative of the Local Government Board. That they will do so there is little doubt; but whether they will prove suc- cessful is another matter. It is somewhat curious that in the late municipal elections none of the candidates were sounded on this important detail. Even at the two recent bye-elections no one troubled to question either candidate upon the point, and one of the candidates did not trouble himself to enlighten the constituents of the ward he now represents, ot the ratepayers generally, until after the declaration of his unopposed election had been duly an- nounced. As to the other candidate he has not even vouchsafed such courtesy to those whom he has now the honour of re- presenting on the Council.

PORTMADOC AND ITS PROSPECTS. A few years ago the late Mr S. P. Owen, one of the most active, far-seeing business men of Portmadoc, called together a few of likeminded men, and put before them the fact that something had to be done at once to protect the traffic and trade of the town in face of the serious danger that threatened them at the time. The result was that a general committee was formed, consisting of slate quarry proprietors, slate merchants, and tradesmen, with Mr J. E. Greaves, the lord lieutenant, as chairman; Mr Wm. I Jones, N. and S. Wales Bank, as treasurer; and Mr R. G. Humphreys as general secretary. The committee set to work. They had in view the improvement of the Barbour, reduction of harbour dues, tow- age and haulage charges, and everything else that had to do with the protection and development of the slate trade. Deputa- tions waited upon the Festiniog Railway Company, the Portmadoc Steam Tug Company, the Cambriau Railways Com- pany and the proprietor of the, Macoc estate, and a long correspondence was carried on between the committee and the parties mentioned. The Festiniog Railway Company met the requests of the com- mittee very well indeed, and reductions were made in the charges for haulage, &c.: and the Tug Boat Company also did what they could in the matter- The Cambrian Railways Company, represented by Mr J. Conacher, the general manager at the time, did not go any further than making promises. It was thought that if the station were removed to where the Croesor Rail- way intercepts the Cambrian Railway, or that a large siding were made there, the facilities for slate shipments, &c., would be greatly increased. It was further thought that a loop line could be made from the proposed new sta- tion or siding, to the Festiniog Railway Station. Nothing came of these projects. The committee failed to get any conces- sions from the Madoc estate, thcugh the prosperity of the port and town was of equal importance to all parties concerned, 1 A proposal was made by a firm of Iron- ] foiinders to build iron vessels or steamerj near the Festiniog Railway Station, but I nothing came of it. The proposers were ,handicapped by the difficulties put in their way by the Madoc estate. The negocia- tions revealed the fact that a heavy royalty was charged on every ton of slates con- veyed either way along the Cob (as the breakwater is locally named). Though the Railway Company and the Tug Boat Com- pany, all of whom were dependent upon the slate trade, reduced their charges, not a farthing was struck off the royalty, which would cease to exist altogether if the slate trade was diverted elsewhere. Under these circumstances the committee failed to remove the obstacles in the way of effectively protecting and properly de- veloping the slate trade of the place. The fault did not lie at the door of the com- mittee it lay elsewhere. Fortunately, however, the committee succeeded in con- tributing towards the means which preven- ted the slate trade from leaving Portmadoc, and it certainly deserved the thanks of the inhabitat ts. As nothing can be expected from the Madoc estate, all persons who have inves- ted their money in the place, and all tradesmen and merchants, must know by this that the salvation of the place is in their own hands. They need not look to other quarters for help. The truth in this form has at last dawned upon them. Last week an association was formed, having a far wider programme than the committee had. The leading men of the place have resolved npon, not only protecting the trade of Portmadoc, but also upon developing the splendid natural resources of the town. Mr R. Newell, Dr Jones-Morris, and Mr J. R. Prichard, who, we understand, are the initiators in the matter, are to be com- plimented upon the success that has already partly crowned the movement. It may be well that the executive committee of the association should have some suggestions to go upon in addition to what there is al- ready in their possession. Attention must be paid to the lack of proper train arrange- ments. There is no train for Pwllheli be. tween 7 and 10-50 a.m., and no train for Barmouth after 4-35 p.m. If a passenger loses the 11.20 a.m. train he will not get another till 4-35 p.m. and if he fails to get that, then he has no further chance to get home that day. Tradesmen have been complaining, and very much so lately, of the delay in the delivery of goods by the Cambrian Railways Company. This is owing to there being only one horse and one lorry, in charge of one man, doing all the work of delivering goods. The importance of Portmadoc demands a far better train service and despatch of goods. The Cambrian Railways Company's statistics show that more excursionists and tourists were booked to Portmadoc in the summer of 1893 than were booked to any other town along the whole of the system, excepting Aberystwyth and Barmouth. How was it that Portmadoc did not receive the same benefit from these vrsitors as Aberystwyth and Barmouth received from those who went there ? The only explanation is this that whereas the latter places catered for visitors, and so attracted and caused them to stay for a week or two, Portmadoc absolutely did nothing, though in natural beauty and local attractions it would hold its own against all Welsh watering places. There are no proper lodging houses, no suitable bathing conveniences, nor is there anything that can be said to have been specially made to meet the requirements of summer visitors. Practically, nothing have been done to develop the natural resources of the place. Ever since the town has undergone such a splendid sanitary trans- formation and street improvement as, the Urban Council has been able to accom- plish, it has also greatly increased in popularity and attractiveness for visitors. who, if there were suitable lodging houses, would come and stay every summer. Serious outbreaks of infectious diseases are entirely unknown there. Moel-y-Gest could be made a most attractive pleasure resort, if a footpath were made to the top, where a magnificent sea and landscape views can be had. Such as there are of speculators in the town speculate in works or quarries at Festiniog and elsewhere. It is strange that somebody does not re-open the setts quarry at Moel-y-Gest. The market held on Friday is not what it ought to be. There is a splendid market at Pwllheli. Why cannot something of the kind be effected at Portmadoc ? We believe that the Market's Act ought to be adopted, and so compel all strangers who come to the place to sell anything to pay toll. At present these people hawk their butter, fowls, or anything else they may have, without paying a penny towards the rates, and they take away thousands of oounds every year. It would only be fair towards the inhabitants that the various vendors should contribute something for the advantages Portmadoc gives to them. The fact that the Town and Market Hall do not belong to the ratepayers is a serious hindrance in the way of getting compulsory powers, compelling all country dealers in butter, poultry, vegetables, &c., to pay for stalls in the market place. I Though Portmadoc is the principal sea- port in North Wales there is no "slip" in the place to enable shipowners to have their vessels repaired, and there is no dry dock whereby vessels with damaged bottoms might he examined. To any thinking mind it is a wonder that Port- i madoc has achieved the success it has. All we say is that the success is all owing to the natural circumstances of the place, and not to any artificial means used to effect it. If the association will go the right way about the work it has in hand, the future of Portmadoc will be far more brilliant than the past. There are already signs of improvements in divers directions houses and shops are scarce, large buildIngs are soon to be erected; and busy times are anticipated in connection with the restart- ing of some of the local quarries.

7 NOTES iND COMMENTS. CONSCIENTIOUS Conservatives, and it may be presumed there are a few in Carnarvonshire, must have perused with feelings of anmyance and amazement the revelations attending the bankruptcy of their erstwhile candidate for the Eivion Division of the county. The candida- ture was simply from the beginning to the finish a pure prostitution of politics. The can- didate did not have to bear any portion of the cost in embarking upon a hopeless political venture, but he actually made some money out of the transaction. The few Conservatives or Unionists who suppottad Mr Humphreys must nosr feel thankful that their Quixotic endeavour to oust Mr Bryn Roberts from the representa- tion of Eivion did not succeed. There is no doubt that the candidature of the late Mr Owen, a kinsman of Mr Humphreys, who was running for Merionethshire in opposition to Mr Tom Ellis, was similarly bolstered by the Tory party. IN Anglesey and Carnarvonshire politics ZD remain remarkably quiescent. The representa- tive of Arvon h is not condescended to break his long silence, and his colleague, Mr Bryn Roberts, following the example of the member for the Boroughs, has, piloted by Mabon and Mr D. A. Thomas, been addressing a series of political meetings in South Wales. Both he a.nd Mr Lloyd. George appear to have studiously avoided any reference to the warfare which has been raging as to the Parliamentary tactics I of the latter, and which, it is gratifying to note, is now well-nigh subsided. The movement for the presentation of the address to the late member for the Arvon Division of Carnarvon- shire is being actively taken up, and the occasion of its presentation is likely to be a memorable one in the political records of the memorable one in the political records of the I county. ALTHOUGH the municipal election at Bangor passed over tamely, none of the Wards being contested, there threatens to be a sharp nght over the coming contest for the School Board. The existing body terminates its three years of office next month, and the Church party are putting forth strenuous efforts to regain that supremacy they obtained when the board was originally elected. They intend running four candidates, amongst whom will be the late Mayor. The great cry to be raised agaicbt the re-election of members of the moribund Board is that of excessive' expenditure,—al- ways a most effective one with which to appeal to the less informed class of ratepayers. There is no doubt that the expenditure has been large but whether any portion of it has been unnecessary the Chairman will doubtless point out in his valedictory address. That the re- tiring board has done excellent educational work during its term of office the returns of the attendance officer amply testify. The monthly meetings are always well attended, in singular contrast to the Conway School Board,-where a quorum can seldom be secured, —the members have generally worked together harmoniously, as they do at Carnarvon. As to number of attendances at meetings with which members are to be credited, and which is to be circulated for the benefit of the ratepayers, these data, like those of other public bodies, are next to useless. Thus, at the last meeting the chairman and Professor Phillips were for nearly half an hour the only occupants of the board room two members arrived three quarters of an hour late, their excuse being that they were detained on busine-s pertaining to another public body; and another put in an appearance in time to discuss the last item on the agenda. I At the Town Council meetings it is notorious that one member arrives when the business is half through, and is the earliest to depart, and yet he is credited as one who is present from its commencement to it3 conclusion. THE Bangor Board of Guardians oa Friday discussed an important subject-that dealing with the boarding out of deserted or neglected children, and finding homes with which they will be free from the tiint and surroundings of pauperism. In this scheme Lady Penrhyn, who is an active member of the board, is evincing a warm interest. The ex- periment, which has worked well in the case of orphan children, is to be tried on a small scale and its operation will be watched with interest by other boards of guardians. There is, as was pointed out by Mr Harry Ciegg, a danger that the measure will be too liberally availed of, and that some parents, knowing that their children will be provided for at the cost of the ratepayers, will nut trouble themselves as t. their well-being or maintenance. Such a risk must be carefully guarded against, otherwise the poor rate in the Bangor and Beaumaris Union, already sufficiently high, will be greatly iuci eased. Nothing more has been heard of the adoption of the ticket system for tramps advo- cated at the Llandudoo Conference of Guard- ians of North Wales Unions, and the trial of which was agreed to some time ago upon the 0 ZD proposal of the Chairman. Judging by the amount it is contemplated to expend in im- proving the workhouse, the Guardians are not now under the apprehension that the Local Government Board will issue an order for the dissolution of the Union and the severance of the Anglesey parishes, a proposal which has been oft-discussed at both Bangor and Car- narvon. In the latter Union the boarding out question is in abeyance, although the subject has been for some time on the agenda paper. IN Anglesey and Carnarvonshire several District Councils, it is satisfactory to note, are agitating in the matter of construction of light railways, and it is to be hoped that they will persevere in such agitation until their object is attained. In Anglesey the movement is especially noticeable. The proposal for c n- structing a light line from Gaerwen Junction to Foel Ferry is being once more mooted. If carried out it will greatly develop that dis- trict, bring it in direct connection with the main line of railway, prove an important feeder to the ferry, and benefit Carnarvon as a market town. A meeting is to be held this week to advocate the construction of another line from Llanfair P.G. through Pentraeth, and on to Red Wharf Bay-a district which attracts many visitors during the summer season. The route I was surveyed some time ago for the construc- tion of an ordinary line, but the cost swamped the scheme. Now that it can be done for half the outlay, ani that the landowners are in favour of the scheme, there is every indication that it will be matured. Beaumaris, too, as the capital town of Anglesey, ought to move in this direction. Railway connection would be appre- ciated by those who have to attend assizes and quarter sessions. Some years ago a line was mapped out, also from Llanfair, and the site of the station at Beaumaris fixed upon but the scheme, like many others projected for the development of the district, never got beyond 1a paper existence. Even an approach to thE town by a tramway running from the ferrj was strictly tabooed bv the local landlords 01 the grounds that it would spoil the privacy 0 their properties, public convenience being oui of all question.

THE ALDERTFANHJ VACANCIES IN CARNARVON. [TO THE EDITOR OF THE OBSERVER AND EXPRE3S."] j SIR,-My attention has b'jen directed to Mr John Jones's lettei- on the above matter, to which I have been urged to reply by friends who relied upon what I told them had taken place between Mr John Jones and myself. A few days after the election of councillors. I conveyed the decision of the Liberal party to Mr Jones, with a view to securing the continuance of his seat on the alder- manic bench. I explained to Mr Jones that there was a general desire on the part of the Liberal party not to disturb him, and, if he could see his way to support the Liberal nominee for the mayoral chair, I promised, on behalf of the Liberal party, that his seat would be safe. Mr Jones replied that he could not do so, but would vote with his party, which would soon again be in the ascendant on the Council.—Yours, &e.. ROBERT EDWARD OWES. Bryn Eryr, 21st November, 1895.

"DIGON." [TO THE EDITOR OF THE OBSERVER AND EXPRESS."] SIR,—It is impossible to allow Dig-on" 's letter to pass unnoticed. He is an amusing writer, and the number of questions he asks suggests that an important member of his digestive Qrgans is tainted and has been so for some time. His knowledge is apparently very great, but the fact that he "solicits answers to so many questions leads us to conclude that it is local and of a specialised character. Yet it extends from Religion to "Digging." •? His letter also is a fair specimen of what may be called "mathematical preci sen ess of expression." With a stretch of imagination, a small band can be conceived diligently at work, holding the in- strument in a perfectly mathematical position, and cutting out each figure in black upon white, with geometrical exactness and carefully regulated pressure. Sir, I also heard that excellent sermon to which he refers. It was a well-thought discourse and delivered with great force and effect. It is a great pity that so small a proportion of our city friends enjoys the eloquent and powerful sermons of the youngest if not the ablest of our ministers." It would have been much better if Digon" had called attention to that alone, rather than dabble in matters so intricate, to neither of which does he even suggest a possible solution. But why did he not refer to the sermon preached at night ? It was more scientific and masterly even than the morniag's, and I should say more palatable to Digon," since it was upon a subject that would interest him, judging from his letter. But there-perhaps he was not present; and, therefore, how could he ? We all like digging" at times, and I enjoy a dig" now and again. Nowadays, I;notice a good number of correspondents, with a taste for sar- casm and "digging;" and because they are not in a sound state of health, as I suppose Digon" to be, they attempt to vent their ill-humour on the powers that be" in a fashion partly mystica.1 and partly pietistic. If Digon" has any real cause of complaint, let him attach his own name to the letters. I don't think we should attach much importance to such irresponsible individuals."—I am, &c., NAMELESS.

DISPUTE BETWEEN ANGLESEY FARMERS. Carious History of a Case- At the Menai Bridge County C )urt on Tuesday, before his Honour Sir Horatio Lloyd and a jury, the action of Shadrach Owen, Bryn glas, against Hugh Parry, Ty'nlon, both of Llanrhyddlad was part heard. Mr J. Bryn Roberts. M.P. (instructed by Mr E. G. Roberts, Holyhead), appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Ellis J. Griffith, M.P. (instructed by Messrs D. Owen aud Griffith, Bangor), for the defendant. This was an action brought to recover £ 40, being a half year's rent of land let by the plaintiff to the defendant. The original letting dated as far back as 1882 by a written agreement, as also was the case in 1883 and in 1884. After 1884, according,to the plaintiff's evidence, nothing more was said until 1892,and it was contended on his be- half thatas the parties had agreed to go on a.s before, 0 C5 the letting implied a tenancy from year to year. The plaintiff gave evidence in support of his con- tention and said that, with one exception, there had never been a single conversation between him and the defendant with regard to the tenancy from 11894 to the present day. He admitted, however, that in 1892 he let the land to one Shadrach Wil- liams, but subsequently, as the landlord would not consent to his sub-letting, the land was again let to the defendant. This evidence was corroborated by that of his wife and by a man who was formerly in service at the defendant's farm. The defendant's case was that the letting was for a year certain from the commencement of the original tenancy, and that this was clearly under- stood between both parties. He admitted that most of the negotiations were carried on between Mrs Owen (the plaintiff's wife) and Mrs Parry (his wife), but he was certain that he never intended at any time to take the land for more than a year at the time. He admitted that, when the land was let to Shadrach Williams with- out notice to him (the defend ant), he had asked the plaintiff to be allowed to take it for another year,as that would be a great convenience to him. He gave farther evidence that in the Spring of 1894 the plaintiff's wife came to beg of him to take the tenancyfor another year as that would enable plain- tiff to get things together to farm himself.an i this, he contended, was inconsistent with a tenancy from year to year as said by the plaintiff. This evidence was corroborated by tha.t of his wife, who spoke to the visits of the plaintiff's wife in May 1894 and 1895. The history of this case has been somewhat curious. It was down for hearing at the Llan- gefni court some three months ago, but was not I reached. It was then tried at the Menai Bridge Court before the judge alone, who failed to come to a decision; and to use his own words, failed to agree with himself, and therefore had to discharge himself." On Tuesday it was a ^ain tried before the judge, and what was practically a special jury of farmers, but the hearing was not concluded at the rising of the court, and the case was again ad- journed to the Llangefni Court.

SHIPPING. t PORTMADOC. ARRIVALS.—Marquis of Anglesey, Griffith, St. Helens Glad Tidings, Williams, Shoreham John I Williams, Evans, Pwllheli; Maggie s.s., Glen, Carnarvon; C. ffi. Spooner, Jones, Goole; George Evans, Rees, Cardigan Winifred, Roberts, Rhyl; Cytnro, Williams, Pwllheli; John Evaus, Evans, Ayr; Rebecca s.s., Roberts, Liverpool. SAILINGS.—Caroline, Rowbottom, Kings Lynn; A. T., Thomas, Cardiff; Martha Jane, Davies, Cardiff; Maggie, 8.8., Glen, Aberystwyth; Mar- I garet & Mary, Jane:" Cardiff Lizzie Jane, l Simons, Poole Industry, Williams, London: Cambrian, Williams, London; Brothers, James, J Cardiff; Ermenilda, Sharman, Gloucester; Ra 7 vinala, Holding, Bridgewater; Advance, Tape, i Plymouth Rebecca, a.s., Roberts, Liverpool. ,rLt

Bangor. At the 3t. Paul'8 Wesleyan Literacy Society on Wednesday nigat, a discussion took place on the subject, Whether marriage was a fate or choice." On Monday evening a.t the Ebenezer Literary Society, an interest discussion took place on the subject of football playing. CITY COUNCIL.—Alderman T. Lewis has been re-elected chairman of the water and gas commit- tee, and Mr Robert Haghes, deputy-mayor, chair- man of the improvement committee. At a meeting of the museum and general purposes committee held on Wednesday night, Alderman Hugh Savage was unanimously re-elected chairman. NORMAL COLLEGE.—With respect to the alleged out break of scarlet fever at this institution, it out break of scarlet fever at this institution, it has bsen limited to a solitary case which occurred upwards of A fortnight awe. By direction of Dr E. J. Lloyd, the medical officer, the patient was at once taken to the Borough Hospital for Infectious Diseases, and is now almc-t convalescent. HOREB LITERARY MEETING.—At Monday evening's meeting, the Revs R. Lloyd Jones de- livered a very interesting and instructive address on The Protestant Reformation and its lessons." There was a very good attendance of members and others. Next Monday week the Electric Light question will be debated on. For, Mr J. R. rritcharct; against, Mr William Howard Lewis. ODFELLOWSHIP.—The annual dinner of the Prince of Wales' Lodge of Oddfellows tuok place on Wednesday night at the City Hotel, and was numerously attended. Dr Richard Jones, the lo ge surgeon, presided, Councillor Robert Owen being in the vice-chair. A very favourable report I of the financial condition of the lodge was pre- I sented by Mr W. Jones (Bulkeley place), the secre- tary. SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION.—The election will take place on the 14th December. rhere are thirteen candidates for the nine seats, viz., Miss Wynn Jones, Dr Langford Jones, *Dr Richard Jones, and *Mr R. Roberts, Church of England nominees; *Mr C. Pozzi (R.C.); Principal John I Price (0.21); "Professor Phillips (Congregationai- ist) *Mr W.L loyd Jones (Wesleyau); *-Ar W. P. Matthews (Baptist), Dr E. O. Price (C.M.). Messrs Chas. James (Church), and W. Hugh Rowl <n;i (C.M.), will offer themselves as independent can- didates. Those marked with an asterisk are old members. TEMPERANCE MEETINGS.—Meetings in cmnec- tion with the Bangor Temperance Society are being held during this week h.t the various chapcls in the town. Amongst those taking part are the Revs Hugh Williams, Gwalchmai O. J. Roberts, Llanfair P.G.; D. Hugbes, Ca n^rvon; W. O. Jones, Aber G. Roberts, Caraeddi; T. N. Roberts, Amlwch R. Pentir Jones. S. R. Jenkins, D. Rees, Capel Mawr; J. Griffith, Llanftirfechan; W. Richards, T. J. Wheldon, Ellis Jones. Pr' lessor Lloyd, Professor Davies, Plenydd, and others. ORCHESTRAL CONCERT.—We have to bring under our readers' notice the particulars in our adver- tising columns of Miss Isabel Hewitt's second annual Orchestral Concert as the Penrhyn liall, Bangor, on Wednesday evening next, December 4 the proceeds in aid of the Science and Art Insti- tute, Bangor. No words of recommendation are needed from us, -the orchestra,at, their first concert A in Dec^tiber, last year, having dese-vedly gained high public favour by their excdleU ail-round playing, and it is not too much to say that their second appearance will command a large and ap- preciative audience. To Miss ilovr.tt must be awarded all honour for her praiseworthy efforts on behalf of string music in Bangor, arid she is to be heartily congratulated upon the efficiency of her orchestra, which can provide such a charming musical evening. SCHOOL BOARD.-The monthly meeting of this Board was held on Monday evening, under th« presidency of Principal John Pryce (chairitiav). The attendance officer (Mr W. C. Jones) reported that all the schools had been duly visited, and the 491 absentees personally inquire 1 after. It was pointed oat that s&Vt;n years had elapsed sincf the last census was taken, and it was agreed that as the present time was most opportune for taking one it should be taken.—A letter was read from toe Education Department approving of the proposed alteration to St Pa ill's Infant School, A letter from Mr Glynue Jones, solicitor, offering on behalf of a syndicate a portion of land or. the Friars' estate for a school site at a price of £ 600, was referred to the new Board, the election of which takes place on December 28. Atte ition was directed to the heavy item for books supplied to St Paul's Infant Schools, the amount being closs upon £ 72. —The Chairman said that i he account was for a year's supply.-Mr Pozzi: There is enough there for 2 years.—The Chairman That shows the necessity for the managers paying cl >ser attention to the requisitions sent by the teachers in tte several departments.-A. letter was re-td from Mr L. D. Jones, headmaster of Garth > -h >ois, a,skir.g for an increase of salary, his duties having in- creased by the lumping of the two 'epartmeuts into one, whilst his share of the Government gra^t had been reduced from one-half to on.-third. It was stated by the clerk (Mr Downs) that the lumping of the departments woul represent a savins in the salaries, whilst iucre .s >d work ar-d additional wesponsibility was thrown upon the headmaster.—Mr Pozzi srid that the ratepayers were continually grumbling about the amount of salaries paid their teachers. He, or one. con- sidered £ 170 ample.—Professor Phillips said that some people would grumble if he got only J6100 a year.-Dr Richard Jones sail there was a gieat outcry in the town about the school board rate. If any increase was allowed it should be distinctly understood that, by the new arrangement, the services of a mistress of the girls' school were dis- pensed with, and the salary consequently dis- pensed with.—Mr R. Roberts: As also the neces- sity for building a new girls' school.—It was de- cided to guarantee that the salary should be £ 10 I excess of that paid last yeir.

UNIVERSITY (uLLEGE OF NORTH WALES, BANGOR. ————- The following students of the College have passed the B.A. Exanination at the University of London. Division r., Walter H. Hill, Hull; William R. Owen. Bethel, Anglesey, Division II., Howell Harris Hughes, Brynteg. The following former students also passed in Division II.: Lillian Dalley, Syston Janie E. Horsburgh, Barton; Muriel Maries-Thomas, Carmarthen; and William H. Robinson. St Asaph. Herbert E. U-ardner, a former student, passed the B.Sc. Examination in the second division.

f DINORWIC QUARR1 MEN. Workmen's Trains Instituted. Saturday last saw the inauguration of the new workmen s train which will in fu;ure T.o run be- tweea the Dinorwic Quarries aud Portdinorwic. Our readers will remember that the H,)u. W. W VIVIan, the chIef agent of the qaarries, on behalf of Mr Assheton-Smith, of Vaynol, promised the men in the early part of the year that he would provide them with a workmen's train, instead of the old-fashioned and dangerous velociped e?. Pre- parations for the new arrangements have be-n in progress for the last six months. A new locomotive was purchased, and orders for special carriages were given, and chese have been ready for some months. Sheds are being built at Poutrhythallt, Cysegr, and Port- (hnor'.yi :to afford cover for the carriages during the night, as well as a covered siding at the j quarries. These have, however, not yet been com- p e„ed, A trial trip was made during the summer, but m consequence of some further works having to be ca. ried out, the regular trips were delayed later than was at first expected. On Saturday, however, these trips were started. A large number of rules and regulations have been laid down for the | men, who, it may be added, h^ve agreed to travel at their own risk. The train consists of 19 carriages, each containing six com- partments to accommodate iive a side. Taese compartments are, as in the old-fashioned rail- way carriages, open, high partitions dividing one compartment from the other. A portion of the train is kept at night at each of the vanora sta- tions named, being under the care of a gut.rd, who receives a regular wage for his trouble. Each carriage has its own gaffer," who acts as fare collector and general carekeeper. Each workman has been provided with an oval-shaped brass ticket or check, on which are impressed the check num- ber, the number of the carriage and the number of the seat, together with the words, "The holder travels entirely at his own risk. Issued to be t used subject to the conditions, rules, and regula- tions in force." On the other are the names of the stations between which the ticket is in fo; c?, and the words. "Any person transferring this check will be liable to dismissal," The fares, it should be added, are extremely moderate, beii g from Is 2d to 2s 6d a mouth. The workmen seem very well pleased with the new arrangement so far. It may be added that the Hon. W. W. Vivian per- sonally superintended the first trips on Monday morning and evening.