Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald and North and South Wales Independent

TIELI BT-IST NIGHT-CAP.—Have your SHEET. washed with ilutiioilti and they will bo sweet as roses, fresh as sea breezes. (here wsU bo of the ditagresa'f'e s:ue!L &•> objectionable in other soaps.-—.A pure Dry Soap in fine powder, a (1) nm

DIKNS I CONWAY BOARD OF GUARDIANS j AT Friday's monthly meetiag, the Rev W. Venables Williams (chairman) called attention I to the workhouse children, who now attended the town school without any one DCTIIK charge. The schoolmaster spoke in the highest S of their conduct, the reg»tonty ot jttejd- I ance.and the proficiency they displayed. The Christmas trSat given by the guardians had been supplemented by gifts from the mayoress (Mrs u Arthur Prichard^. Mrs David Owen, Mr J. Lloyd Jones, and Mrs Moms Roberts. Miss Biggs and her friends from Colwyn Bay had also given a special treat. Mr Bircham, the inspector of the Local Government Board, had lately visited the workhouse, and entered in tne visitors' book that he bad received no complaints, and that the inmates were evidently well cared If or. Complimentary entries had also been made by the vicars of Colwyr andConway ana tne nev j e Davies. The number of inmates was larger than usual-115. There were 26 tramps during the fortnigbt.-On the revision of the relief lists considerable attention was devoted to the Llys- faen district consequent upoa the statement mtde at the previous board by Mr Borthwick. the guardian for the parish, that the pauper- ism was out of all proportion to the population.

DlSJ'SESSlSG OcCCHBENCE IN SOUTH WALKS —Thorn us Davies was shunting sotce trucks at a —Thorn us Davies was shunting sotce trucks at a 'ol'l^rs7 riF-ir Aber.-s.-e on Saturday, an;! while opposite his own res'deace his httse son, u<ed four, save hIs father and ran to no set him. The father, however, not seeing the child, started the engine, which ran over the child and killed him.

1 HS SOUTH WALES TINPLATR TRADE.—A correspondent states that, the M'Kinley tariff is working with disastrous effect upon the export tinplate trade of South Wales to the United States. Although nearly three years hatfe elapse i siace the imposition of the import duty, the tinplate trade of South Wales has failed to right itself. Ont'-third of its productive capa- city has been at iititudstiIl for the last six months, and some of the mills even fur the last twelve months and longer. Owing to the operations of the Tariff Act more than 5000 tiu- pUter.-i in rtou-h have been thrown out of emplov-uieat, bes.d«s a large number who dopacd 1).0 iudu-try indirectly for their living. The loss diivctiy 1' v,tgo-earner,4 in the trade ?s computed at £ 12,000 weekly. The employers, too, at the low esiiru-Ue of 61 per box profit, and taking into cccoiiat. the standing charges, have lost something idcy £ 1000 weekly. These figures are based on the output of jrt) mills now reported idle out of a total of 500. In addition to this must be taken into account many mills running at a loss in the hope of the dawa of better times. Great distress prevails amongst the tmpi.aters, and many families are living on 2s or 2?' fij a week. MAOAZIN.^ dOKT6 AND ..ocmd neatly and d jonoiaically at the H¿TaZ OA-ice, Carnarvon

ENTERTAINMENT AT VAYNOL PARK, By the courtesy of Mr Assheton Smith an interesting musical and dramatic entertainment in aid of the Portdinorwic Mission House was given at the Vaynol Hall Ballroom, on Thursday flight, by the Portdinorwic Amateur Company. The room, which was tastefully decorated, was crowded. Among those present we noticed: Mr and Mrs Assbeton Smith, Miss Enid Assheton Smith, Hon. Claud Vivian, Captain J Griffith, Carnarvon; Colonel Verelad, Mr R. Duff, Mr U. Duff, jun., Mrs Foster, Glan- bnuno *■ Miss L. Price, Mr T. Price, Mr W. L. Griffith, and Mr J. Hughes, Carnarvon, &c. The tirst part of the programme consisted of miscellaneous songs, of which the rendering of Fatber O'Flynn," by Dr Mills Roberts was a good beginning. Miss Maggie Owen's sweet VJice was much admired, more especially in So The song that reached my heart," and her rendering of Ch'" ifio'r Cadach Gwyn," was all tha.t could be desired. The Carnarvon local favourite comic singer next made his appearance on the stage in the person of Mr S. W. Parnham, and the reception accorded him was most enthusiastic. In a comical style, exclusively his own, he rendered The Medley in a manner that fairly brought down the house. In reply t.) an eniore he sang the Grass Widower." The violin solo by Miss Lily Thomas was well rendered. Dr Mills Roberts next ren- dered The little hero." with dramatic effect. Following Dr Roberts, Mr Parnham again made his appearance, and created no end of amuse- ment by his rendering, in character, 11 My first wife." The effect of this song on the audience was marvellous, as was evidenced by the loud demands for an encore from every corner of the room. At the request of Mr Assheton Smith fr Parnham then sang Oh Mr Porter," the audience heartily joining in the chorus. The comedian again, at the express wish of Miss Assheton Smith and the audience, for the third time rendered Daisy," the little lady and the house party joining in this chorus. This brought the first part of the programme to an end. The second part consisted of a comedy entitled" Jack and the Princess who never laughed." The parts were taken up by the following:- Jack, Miss J. Ayres; Dame Trot. Miss K. Lloyd Edmunds; King Jolly, Mr W. L. Roberts; Princess Melancholia, Miss Lort; Prime Minister, Miss M. E. Williams Sobbina, Miss L. Roberts; Sniffina, Miss M. Owen; Wimperina, Miss S. Jenkins; Polly. Miss L. Roberts; Chimney Sweep. Miss E. L. Jones; Burgomaster, Mr O. Williams Policeman, Mr J. H. Roberts; Burgo- master's Wife, Miss E. Griffith; Prince Orpheus. Miss J. Williams; Prince Grimaldi, Master E. W. Roberts: Christy Minstrel, Miss M. E. Wil- liams: Prince Piper, Mr Mackenzie Judges, Mr Vincent Lort, Miss M. C. Griffith, and Miss M. Jones Clown, Miss Williams. Miss Lort played her part well in the role of Princess Melan- cholia," while Miss E. L. Jones as chimney sweep, Miss Williams as down, Miss M. K. Wil- liams as Prime Minister deserve special mention,' and it must be added that the acting of the company as a whole, considering that it was their first; appearance in public, was most praise- worthy. Mrs Back. matron of the Home. acted as prompter, and Mr J Roberts, organist, Glan- ogwen Christ Church, Bethesda, as pianist. Mr P. Ayres, band master of the Vaynol Silver Band, most efficiently carried out the duties of stafe manager. Both Mr Ayres, Miss and Messrs Lort are to be congratulated upon the success of the entertainment. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Assheton-Smith for his kindness in lending the ballroom for so laudable an object.

DOVEY. M4WDUACH, & GLASI/LN FISHERY BOARD. A MEETING of the above board was held at Bar- mouth on Thursday. There were present: Messrs David Griffith Jones, Postiniog H. Haydn Jones, Towyn William Williams, Maes- yffyrnon,-Dolgelley; Morris Thomas, Corris; Lewis Lewis, Barmouth C. E. Munro Eiwards, Dolserau J. K. Roe, Penrhyndeudraeth T. W. Bonsall, Davies Williams, Machynlleth; Owen Roberts, and Robert Isaac W. R. Davies (clerk), and R. Barrett. REPRESENTATIVE MRMBKRS. The Clerk reported that Mr Robert Isaac and Mr Thomas Watson had been elected fur tho ensuing year. FISHING ON SUNDAY. Mr Davies Williams, Machynlleth, made a statement to the effect that at the last meeting he did not charge members of this board with fishing oa Suuday on the Dovey. He was referring to strangers. The report in some papers was entirely misleading. LLANSLLTYD BRIDGE. The Clerk reported that counsel advised that the board could not take, proceedings against the County Council compelling them to construct a fish pass at the abov bridge.-Alderman Lewis Lewis suggested that the consideratiou of this guoject be left until the committee appoints i at the last meeting had prepared a report. REPORT OF WATER BAILIFF.. The clerk received the report of the water bailiff.-Mr Roberts suggested that the reports of the water bailiff should ba printed and circulated to all the members before each meeting. Thev would then be prepared to discuss them. But the standing order prevented him moving a resolution without a notice of motion. FRLINDRK STREAM. On the motion of Aldermin Lewis Lewis, the following committee were appointed to visit the n»st meetia, viz., Mr Watson, Aberdovey Mr. W. R. M. Wynne. Mr Haydn Joaes, ami Mr Rowlands, Machynlleth. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. I The clerk produced a statement of receipts and payments for the year ended December 31"t, 1S93. The receipts from the several dis- tricts were:—Dolgelley, £46 8s 9<1; Machyn- lleth, £ 124. 0' 7d; Towyn, ^24 3s9d; Port- madoc (lower waters), S28 13s 6d Port- madro (upper waters), £1 18s; Maentwro;* and Fesrinsog, £ 27 13s 7d Llanbedr, £ 8 15s 9 i total, £ 316 3" lid. The amount received from fines was „- £ ll 12s, making a total of S32,3 5s lid. The total payments made were £ 199 17s 4i, leaving u balance of £ 128 8s 7d to meet the expenses of the board for the current year. MR VVNNE'S MOTION. Mr W. R. M. \Vynne ba.d given notice of motion that having regard to the scarcity of funds the resolution passed on the 19ch October last be rescinded, and that the wages of the four water bailiffs be fixed at ona uniform rati, namely, a week. Mr Wynne sent a telegram to Mr Mucro Edwards stating that he was unable to attend, and requesting him to tike up his motion.—Mr Morris Thomas moved that as Mr Wvnne was absent that they proceed to the next business.—Mr Davies Williams second'], but an amendment was carried empowering Mr Munro Edwards to propose the motion.—Mr Edwards then proceeded with the motion taking the alleged scarcity of funds as the main reason for moving it.—Mr Davies Williams moved an amendment that the salary of HtirnpbroyQ, the chief bailiff, remain as at present.—Messrs Morris Thomas, Owen Roberts, and Alderman Lewis also supported the amendment.—Oii beinsj put to the rrs-etinf? eight voted for the amendment, and the proposer and seconder only for the origind motion.

the fcd»tor of the fcetiual Annual speaks JU tb# liiqrber'.t tsrms of OADB~HY:;I COCOA as A beverage ai d a !,1Dd far invalids on account of its absolute parir y high quality, and groat solubility and counsels ti.« Ma-Jicat Professicn t> rceoifijj«r:dm g Cocoa that the name CAI>:S"CEY oa guy packet a guarantee of purity A .Q"qj

THE UNDERGROUND QUARRY 1 COMMISSION. I ADJOURNED INQUIRY AT FESTINIOG. THE Underground Quarry Commissioners re- sumed their sittings on Tuesday, at the Cocoa- rooms. Blaenau Festiniog. Dr Le Neve Foster presided, and the other Commissioners present were:—Messrs E. P. Jones, J.P., J. J. Evans, F.G.S., and J. Jenkins. Mr T. R. Roberts, Car- narvon, took official notes of the proceedings. I MR JOHN JONES, PYLLA.U, who resides at Morfa Bychan, said he had worked many years in quarries, and four of these at Cwinorthin. If there was a good I rock permission was given to pull down the pillars, which endangered the leaning which followed. Respecting pathways down the inclines he mentioned a spot four or five yards long where there waa no path, but in another place there was only one level, and men were permitted to go down when the incline was at work, and he was not aware that it was stopped excepted at mid-day. The hoops used the second time with the second powder were also dangerous. He never bad any stamper ex- cept one of iron, and one of the same kind was used by the next opener to him. He used them to insert the powder. He heard that was illegal, but he had not noticed this. The supervision on the part of the Government was very unsatis- factory. The workmen were acquainted beforehand of the coming of the in. spector so as to prepare the huts. The visits of this officer were too infrequent. That was the case till he was dismissed from the quarry, in the time of Mr Andreas Roberts. He referred chiefly to the old time, but he heard it was the same now. He feared influences were brought to bear upon workmen in giving evi- dence in courts of law, and that vindictiveness was displayed afterwards. He was not aware that this was so after giving evidence at inquests, but in other actions. He believed this affected the lives of the workmen because the truth was not ascertained. As a precaution he suggested that arrangements should be made to stop the inclines working. To have paths and walls would be expensive to the company. He knew that the men at Cwmorthin were prohibited going down the inclines when they were working. The inclines were used for three purposes-to raise rubbish aad stones, for the men to walk along them, and to pump the water from the bottom. So.ne times steam was let off so that persons coulp not see before them, but he was not aware whether this was done now. The men were to be blamed for jumping into the empty waggons. He had not much faith in the manholes on the inclines. The men knew that there were good slates in the pits, but they were not permitted to take them out without the permission of the manager. There were uo paths except those by the inclines. He believed some of the accidents occurred at Cwmorthin by working the pillars, when compensation was given to the families of those killed. The fall which killed David Jones and William Ellis had come down some years before Mr Owen was appointed a manager. He knew of only ODe or two accidents in consequence of falls from the bargains. The majority of the accidents occurred owing to the fall of pillars. The work- men put up the pillars so as to get more slates. He was not aware that the law prevented this, but he was not acquainted with the other quarries, as he worked only three months in one of them. He did not say that an opening was made under the pillars, but they came to half the pillars sometimes. Some kind of examina- tion was made upon a complaint. Lamps were used when the men worked on the ladders, but to have a better light oil was poured upon the rocks and burned. He was not aware this was done excapt when danger was observed from the bottom. There should be a periodical inspection by a Government official, who him- self shou'd be able to raise a ladder, else he did not understand his duties (laughter). He knew people working in dangerous places when they knew it to be so, living in the hope the place would stand, and he was aware of a manl going to such a place when another person had refused to do so. Rubbishers did not generally work underground at Cwm- orthin. The fact that there were pumps at work proved that there was water in con- sequence of the fall. and this, of course, affected the men's health. He saw persons wet, and was so himself ic consequence of the weLer running along the chains, and because they were obliged to work on their knees. This could be improved by opening gutters on the surface. He knew of a place in No. 1, South Sink, where a man had to wade to his waist before he could reach it. He doubted whether it would be safe to place a reservoir at the top of each bargaiu. He saw it tried in one place, but it proved a failure. Are quarry managers able to make inspections? —Witness: I only know those whom I worked under. They were as able as a child (laughter), with the exception of Mr Andreas Roberts. None of them were practical rockmen. He believed revenge might follow evidence given at inquests as well as in other courts, and there was a general disinclination on the part of workmen against giving evidence in them. What he thought by an inspector was a man in the neighbourhood on behalf of the Government to supervise the quarries so far as it appertained to life. Mr E. P. Jones: Are you aware that Cwm- orthin is a freehold o'f the company ?—The Witness I ought to know because I have a share in it (laughter). He knew that by that day many workmen at Cwmorthin had plucked enough courage to come forward and give evidence. He was in favour of having dry clothes to be chaoyed in the q tarry after-getting wet. He had a lawsuit with the Cwinorthin. Company, and the commissioners might, see the correspondence, and he was dismissed from the quarry in consequence The next witness was MR DAVID JONES (GLAN TECWYN), who worked as a quarryman at Bowydd. He worked occa.sionaily under groiiud. He had "no desire to confine his evidence to any pirticular quarry. Improvements had been made in the mills, but there were many more desirable, especially to avoid the dr-iughts aud the du-t. and in this he agreed with Dr Roberta and others. The buildings should be properly ventilated, and there should be better supervis- ion over the machinery so thu,t the quarrymen might not be tempted to do what they ought not with the tables, saws. &c. He believed accidents had occurred for want of this, but he knew of no recent ones. These were occasioned in con nection with straps, &c. It was an improvement to have pulleys to work the saw tables, and not have cll-aius around the axle. In the largest mill he knew of there were 24 tables, lie did not suggest that there should be an iuspector to a given number of tables, but that there should .be an effective supervision over them. He con- sidered it would be an advantage if each young mun was taught something about machinery, but a man could. not be a fitter and a quarry- man. MR WILLIAM WILLIAMS, ROCK MAN, M INF FOR'D, said be had worked for 12 years at Cwmorthin, having been employed Lr yer8 previously as a ruekmu in a sett quarry. He was opposed to wooden stampers. He was in favour of living down in the country and cot in the quarry aaighbourhood. fur tho sake of the meu's health. He had not seen many accidents by falls and oJwing to the working of pillars. He did not b.diuve that 15 per cent. cf tüe accidents were owing to falls. He did not believe in managers iaeing appointed by companies out hy the men themselves. Tuere were instances of accidents occurring owing to the men's neglect. He did not believe that responsibility for accidents should hst, for ten years, as that was impossible owina: to tho bargains not existing for such a length of titne, Rocks might get loose in places which at first appeared safe. :Men were now to look ufter tne workings. Ha was now a to look ufter tne workings. Ha was now a bargain taker in the quarry. He had not heard that Cwmorthin wou; 1; slopped if it was in- spected as catefuiiv ;i.s oti.er quarries. He was not aware that there was -t disinclination on the part cf the men to ijive ev.'ienc-i, and that.the committee had faded to obtain witnesses. He wi^^ed to say that the statement of th Oakeley Quarry Society contradicted the evidence of ,i ,lie. of the medical men. Those who weot by trains received less th-in those who remained up. There were pieces to dry ciothes. He believed that there should be better sanitary arrange- ments underground. UR MOSES KCLLOW, PARK QUARRIES, PEN a MYN DKUDRAETH, was next witness. He said: I have been associated with the Park Quarry for a period of 17 years. Daring a h-.rge portion of that time I have taken an active part in its management. "nel latler'y jt has beiMi solely under my control. The slate beds in the Park property are in point of geological age, identical witb those v crke'5 at olaeruu Festiniog, but differ from them in several characteristics. The bedding dips at an angle of 42 deg. in a direction deg. W. of N. the cleavage d:p3 at an angle of 76 cleg, to N.W.; the lines of intersection of the of pillarage "Dd elpavagfe, dips at an sngle of 27 deg. to tho E., Lwd the plane or pillarage without refer- Flce to the cleavage dips at an angle of :;0 deg. in the direction of IS deg. N. of E. I hascl upon ti.e magnetic meridian in all case: The plan up r. which the quarry was opened at first was that common in underground quarries, viz., the :ormation of chambers, with intervening pillars. the working face af rock being opened up on the upper or N.W. side, and the progress of the I chamber as operations proceeded being towards the S.E., or underlie of the vein. The peculiar direction of the pillarage, which neither co- incided with the floors of the galleries nor the sides of the pillars, and the unfavourable pre- vailing direction of the joints made the extrac- tion of the slate rock difficult and expensive, Moreover the igneous rocks which are associated with the veins at Blaenau Festiniog were thinned out to nothing in the Park property. hence the chambers had to be formed with a slate roof. In view of working several galler- ies it was deemed inexpedient to rely upon this. The outcome of these difficulties was the gradual evolution of OUR PBBSKNT SYSTBM OF WORKING, which I will attempt to briefty. describe. A point is selected, the deeper the better, which for the time being is regarded as the bottom of the quarry. An incline shaft following the dip of the vein, is sunk to this point and levels are driven therefrom to the right and left along the face of the vein. The position of each chamber is then decided upon, and a cross tunnel is driven through tha vein in its centre line. This forms a loose end or side for undercutting the rock through the pillars on each side of the chamber. After the completion of this operation the open- ing is continued upwards in the plane of bed- ding at the back or underlie of the vein for say six to eight yards of the highest point diminish- ing aa the piUarage approaches the floor. A loose end or side is then cut at the S.W. side of the chamber, and by means of a pillarage hole bored from the face formed under the vein in the plane of bedding, a miss of rock is detatched the operation being facilitated by its own weight. I may state that bedding joints are frequent and can generally he relied upon to free the mass on the upper face. Moreover with regard to the foot joints, which name I may be permitted to use for their identifica- tion, but which in tie case in question is really a misnomer, 'their prevailing direction is vertical, so that the rule is that the lower end of the mass of rock removed will be frued by a foot joint which forms with the pillarage an obtuse angle. Thus the necessity for second charging of the hole is rare, and the unremoved rock is left sound and safe above. The removed piece of rock form the loose end for the next piece, and by the time the opp)site side of the chamber has been reached, a face has been formed from which the next overlying bed can be operated upon in like manner. The slate rock taken down is trimmed where it falls, and the valuable portion only is sent to the mills. The rubbish is allowed to remain in the chamber, and fills up the space as fast as it is formed by the removal of the rock. The rubbish floor forms a cushion upon which the slate rock when blasted falls and thereby prevents its being 8hared as is frequently the case when falling from a height upon an unyielding rock floor. But by far the most important function performed by tiia rubbish is the effective support if affords to the roof over- head. The tunnels of communication are at the face of the vein at the regular gallery intervals, and as the floor of the chamber rises a short single road iucline is used to connect it with the gallery next below. To summarise THB ADVANTAGES OF THB SYSTEM, the rock can be removed in larger masses in- dividually, and in greater quantities collectively with a less expanditure of labour; it goes to the mills in a sounder condition, thereby producing a greater proportion for the market. The cost of the removal of the rubbish is entirely dis- pensed with; and last, but by no means least, falls of roofs are rendered absolutely impossible. With reference to the question upon which I have been asked to express an opinion by Dr Foster as to whether the system could be applied under the conditions existing at Blaenau Festiniog, I may state at the outset that I approach the matter with a great deal of diffi- dence arising from a due appreciation of the great complexity of the elements of the case, but, nevertheless, if forced to state my opinion pro or con., I should say that the system in its entirety cor.ld not be carried out in Festiniog, but I do think the germ of the plaa embodied in a considerably modified form could, as a matter of possibility, be carried into operation with perhaps many and important advantages. The main feature of any such plan would be to secure the support of the rubbish t.jr the roof above by filling up the space created by the removal of the rock, and to prevent the possi- bility of the recurrence of the disastrous falls which at present involve great danger t6 life, and financial loss to the quarry owners. I will not claim to lay before you a fully developed or perfect plan, but will briefly state the direction in which I should look for THR PRACTICAL DEVELOPMENT OF TKE IDEA, assuming the necessary opportunity and com- petence to work it out and its application to a new or undeveloped property. 1. An incline shaft sunk near the face of the vein to a con- siderable depth, say 10 galleries deep. 2. Levels driven to right and left at face of vein at the 10th Gallery. 3. The opening or unroofirig of chambers in the usual mauner. but extending upwards no further than 7 feet above the floor of Gallery 9. 4. The work'tig of the series of chambers on Gallsry 10 in the ordinary way. miners being put to cut the to? in advance on Gallery 9, and the rubbish taken to the tips m the usual way. 5. When the chambers nearest the shaft should have been worked out or sufficiently advanced, the rubbish from the 10th Gallery to be raised along the incline to the 9th Gallery and tipl)ed.into the chambers below until a fljor, say five or six yads wide, had been formed. 6. The uuroofiug of Gallery 9 might then b,3 completed, and he exraction of slate proceeded with HS in the gallery below, a free top being cut by miners on Floor 8. On this gallery, and all subsequent galleries above it, the carriage of the rubbish to the tips would be dispensed with as it could be thrown forward under the rock into the empty chamber below. thus forming the floor in advance for the meu- t.) work up n. The remaining chambers on Gallery 10 would be treated in a similar manner as fast as they became worked our or sufficiently advanced. By the above plan the method of extracting the slate rock to which the men have become habituatei would remain the same. The hebt paying rock usually found in depth would be extracted fkst, and the working upwards could be discontinued immediately it become unprofitable from its nearness to the surface. Nearly 75 pjr cent. of the rubbishing cost would be saved after leaving the lOih I Gallery, and falls of roof would be effectively provided against. SEVERAL OBJECTIONS occur to me, and I may name them for the pur- pose of replying to them. 1. The operation of cutting the top of e ich gallery would appear to involve increased cost, as in the present method the top is already cut bv- the working of the gallery above. Ai a set off to this the bottom of each gallery has now to be cut which would bd dispensed with under the proposed method, and it is doubtful whether the piesent system of doing it piecemeal, g the occasional advantage that may be taken to joints, does not in the aggregate amount to more than would be the cost under the more straighforward process. 2. That certain com- bination of j might pjs?ibly rt,t,ier the undercut rock unsafe overhead. I am of opinion that except in rare instances it would not. The foot and back joints have their equivalent in the I'ark Quarry iu numerous pilh.rage joints which at first sight might be regarded tii an element of serious danger, hut I may state that experience shews that ttle combinations of joints necessary to entirely free a mass so as to LV.USO, It to fall are so rarely complete that with the exercise of ordimr/ care the risk on t'lis poiat is very little. Moreover, I have an instance now in mind where an undercutting of tile kind propised was formed under conditions identical with those at Blaenau Festiniog without the slightest difficulty being experieuced witti the rock overhead. 3rd. That operations could not be carried on to tiny extent, simultaneously on different galleries in the same chamber, and that therefore the number of bargains working at any one time would be restricted by the extent to which the chambers could be multiplied in the direction of the strike of the vein. My reply to this would be, thai with the advantage oi having a free bottom the output of each bargain would be considerably augmente d, the disposal of the rubbish now frequently a great hindrance, would cease to be a liifficuit", operations could b3 expedited by the application of electric or other motive power to the cranes, or if it still larger output were desired a sec md series of chambers might be worked .-imultmeoudy nt an 8 or 10 gallery interval below the first. Regarded however from A COMMERCIAL POINT OF VIEW most quarry owners would prefer a more limited quarry, where working couid be', commenced on the best rock, and profits quickly realised to a more extensive one, where, tor a long pr¡o I ot years, the operation? bad to r-e confined to'the upper galleries where the working was unprofit- able or comparatively so. I may further state that I look with some degree of confidence to the possibility of extracting the whole of the slate rock, pillars included, as the altim&te result of the application of the principle of working I have sketched out, but I am not pre- pared to go further into details at, present, feel- j i:;g that I have already unduly trespassed upon j your patience. My apology for presuming to pl ;ce bafor-i you these w I have little doubt, appear to some minds to be too revolutionary, must be, that I have had special facilities for seeing, and in carrying into ) practical operation a system which I believe 1 contains a principle that may be developed with j advantage to the personal safety of the work- men and to the financial benefit of the quarrv advantage to the personal safety of the work- men and to the financial benefit of the quarrv owners, and it will be clearly understood that it is as the advocate of a principle rather than as the propounder of a system of working that I have ventured to lay these observations before you. MR ROBER.T ROBERTS, CROESFFORDD, said he was a rock man at Cwmorthin Quarry since four years, He saw a man who went to assist others being killed by the fall of a crane, a piece in the same not being sife. Great care should be exercised in such cases. Men put too thick a block of wood under the stones, and when these were let loose accidents ensued. There should be timber of Suitable thickness. He would clear everything from the reach of the men except old sleepers. The handles of the cranes should fit properly, but not to remain there constantly, as he saw a man being thrown over by the handle being left. He thought they should have proper racks, and that it was the duty of the men to look for the same for their own safety. He was sorry that he had but a borrowed one himself (laughter). He considered that the men were responsible for this, as it meant only tenpance. He wished to put the men under the responsibility of providing proper fuse under legal supervision. There was an universal complaint under this head. When the men had a good fuse no mishaps occurred, hut when they had an inferior article the men were tempted to go towards them. He had grounds tor believing that bad fuses were foisted upon the men. He did not believe that they changed the companies, but that the same sent bad fuse occasionally. The cost of the good and bad ones were always the same (laughter). Men were tempted to break Rule 12. The complaints about bad fuse went as an infection (laughter). Mr J. J. Evans: Did the infection improve the fuse? The Wituasg They went to other quarries to look for some. He complained of candles emitting bad odour being brought to the quarries, and he would make the makers amenable to the law. He suggested that one man in the quarry should have special charge of the ladders and the ropes, and see that they were in proper order, He was in favour of fining anyone leaving dangerous things about without clearing them.. MR JOHN JONES, BRYNHYFRYD, CROESOR, said he had been a rockmao for 33 years, about 20 of which he worked at Cwmorthin. He believed that employers were too prone to give work to unexperienced men. It took some years to bec,)me experienced. He considered that upon the companies rested the heaviest re- sponsibility. He did not consider that there was a special necessity to have a man to super- intend the pillar sides. It would be impossible to make periodical and continual inspection unless one had wings (laughter). In answer to a question whether he thought the working hours too long, the witness said, "To tell you the truth. I often thiuk the hours too short to make wages/' tie now did not see much day- light except on the Sabaath (laughter). MR DAVID JONES, MAESGWVN, PENRHYN who had been rockman at Cwmortbin for 13 years, said he should very much like to see something doue to preveat the cranes to recoil, aud he mentioned an instance of a man being killed by this. Respecting timber under stones he preferred that it should ba square and not round. He thought he could say that Cwm- ortbin was more dangerous than the remaining quarries. He attributed this to natural causes, and to the takiog in of inexperienced persohs to work. MR EVAN HUGHES, working at Maenofferen, complained that they did not get sufficient powder to work. When he applied for more the manager said it was illegal. MR DAVID JONES, MANOD-ROAD, followed. He believed that Government caused more fear than improvemont, becaqse there was a teudency to hide dangers on the part of the men in some instances. In case of accidents, the propar men were not summoned to give evidence.

FLINTSHIRE AND DENBIGHSHIRE LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ASSOCIATION^ -i.(f ¡ t- ON Wednesday night, a meeting of,the ncfeinbers of the Rhyl and district branch of the Denbigh- shire and Flintshire Licensed Victuallers' Association was held at Abergele. Mr W. Price, Albert Vaults, Rhyl, presided. Resolutions were passed to the effect that no publican sho" ](I be allowed to join the association whose name was not submitted to the committee, and any person who wilfully violated the licensing laws was to be precluded from joining the associa- tion. It was also decided only to support at elections those candidates, whether Radical or Conservative, who would see that a licensed victualler carry on his business in a respectable manner should not be b/ the caprice of a few people despoiled of his license and ruined by tao whims of parsons who paid no regard to the respectable manigement of tbe hotels and inns. The association further declined to ally itself with politicians, and daterminei to act in ac- cordance with tiia principles of equity and justice by supporting those who had decided to see that fair play was doue to men %,h ) might ba deprived of their licenced houses through no fault of their own. Mr Alun Lloyd was ap- pointed solicitor t) toe association. III aecept- ing the office, Mr Uoyd, in the course of a long speech, alluded to the assessment of public- houses which at tlie present day he regarded as au extravagant imposition npon publicans. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the WBP

WELSH MATTERS IN PARLIA- MENT. CROWN LANDS AND GOLD MINING IN WALES. IN the House of Commons on Friday, Mr .L Rlolloy I beg to ask what, according to the returns and accounts made to the Woods and Forests Department, has been the yield of gold par ton ou, say the last 50,L"J0 tous of ore worked iu North Wales; how does the goid-yieki per ton in North Wales compare with the gold-yield at the Randt in South Africa; what is the ucre- age ot th" Crown lands in Merionethshire, where the North Wales goldfields are situated; what was the quantity of gold obtained in the Wicklowgoldfields, and during what period, and why was the working of such fields abandoned; and will the Government consider the advisa- bility of allowing under due regulation these Crown lands and goldfields both in Wales and Ireland to be prospected and opened up by parties of work, miners and others as is the case in Australia, America, South Africa, Brazil, &nd elsewhere, SirJ.Hibbert said: The quantity of quartz crushed in the last seven years has been 43,600 < tons, yeilding 23,718oz. of gold, or nerWv lldwts. to the ion. In the year 1893 the ouantity crushed was only 4303 tous. I ha.ve no olhcial information as to the yield of gold at tte Randt in South Africa. The information asked for in paragraphs 3 and 4 will be found on page 310 of the appeti,lix to the report or the Select Committee of 18:.9 on Woods, and on page 211 of the appendix to third report ot Bthe H,y"I Com mis-don on Mining Royalties, 1891. It is impossible to give a geaeral answer to the last question. When any definite proposal is male to work the goldfields on Crown lands they wiil be carefully considered with a desire to facilitate the development of that industry. Mr Moiloy asked if the right hon. gentleman wiis aware that tho yields of South Africa and North Wales showed rather in favour of North Wales, namely lOdwt. in South Africa and over lOdwt. in North Wales. Sir J. Hibbert: 111m not aware of that.

LLANDUDNO IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS. THE monthly meeting of the Llandudno Com- missioners was held on Wednesday afternoon, Mr John Jones, Central Buildings, in the chair. There were also presentMessrs H. Caraher, Elias Jones, J. Jones (Cedars), J. J. Marks, D. Roberts, J. Owen, S. Bartley, T. W. Griffith, W. Bevan, E. Turner, W. H. Jones, Thomas Owen, H. Edwards; the clerk, Mr A. Conolly; the engineer, Mr E. Paley Stephenson, C.E. THB NEW YJlAB. The Chairman, at the opening of the meeting, said that he wished all the members a very happy new year. He thought the town was,! very much indebted to them for their past services, and he was sure their services for the future would be appreciated. Little did the public know what time and ability was given to the lerviees of the town, especially in com- mittees. He also wished the town of Llan- dudno a prosperous new year. He thought he might say that Llandudno was never so popular, never so widely known, never more progressive, than it was at the presant time. All that had been secured to the town by keeping its finances perfectly sound. Compared with other towns of which they heard and read in the newspapers they had a good, substantial balance in the bank, and he believed all their finances were thoroughly satisfactory, and would bear the strictest investigation. He believed the coming year would be a prosperous one to the town. Property had never bean at a higher value than at present. He might say that every house in the town was occupied or ready to be occupied, and he thought they started the new year with good prospects for the town generally.-sir W. Bevan reciprocated the senti- ments expressed by the chairman, and wished him in return a happy and prosperous new year. "VOTE OF CONDOLENCE. Mr Elias Jones said it was their duty that day to pass a vote of condolence with the chairman on the death of his respected mother. Although she had attained the promised number of years, they could not but regret the sad event, and sympathise With the bereaved.—Mr Bartley seconded, and the vote was passed, FINANCE COMHITTBB: THE MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS. The minutes of the finance committee showed the amount of rate to be XL1,890 23 3d, of which £ 11,354 had been collected. There was but X44 19s 9d outstanding on the general district rate. The item of X-493 4 4d irrecoverable was mainly due to reductions in rates on empty houaes. The balance in the treasurer's hands were-reveuue account, 1626 1711 3d; capital account, X2467 6s lOd. The committee decided to hold a special meeting on the 29th instant to consider tne ways and means as to the pro- posed new municipal buildings.—Mr T. W. Griffith said he was much pleased to hear the chairman referring to the financial state of the board. He would find from the minutes just read that his statement was borne out. They would be pleased to learn that the amount outstanding on the improvement and highway rate had been reduced from £ o2 to £14. He would like to observe that through the timely and business- like intervention of the clerk, the amount of income tax payable by the board had been reduced by £ 62 19s 6d. With regard to the scheme for municipal buildings, the committee thought it would be best to call a special com- mittee to consider the question. That com- mittee would be called for the 29th. —Mr E. Turner asked if the money which was placed to the credit of the board] on capital account was not borrowed money.—Mr 1'. W. Griffith: It is pirt of a loan, ot course.—Mr £ Turner: Then I think it ought not to be mentioned.—Mr T. W. Griffith: It is to our credit that we are having interest upon the aum.—Mr W. Bevan: And greatly to our credit that we have the money and do not spend it.- The Chairman in view of the coming meeting to consider the municipal buildings suggested that the committee appointed in connection with them should be amalgamated with the finance committee.—Mr W. Williams thought there was a difference of opinion among the members as to the advisability of relegating the matter to the finance committee. He thought the scheme belonged to the municipal buildings committee. He was sure it was impossible for any com- mittee to give more information to the board than that committee had done.—The Chairman explained that the reason why he had made the suggestion was because he knew there was a feeling that a modus operandi could be found. The members of the committee had given valuable time to the consideration of the matter. -Mr Turner said that the scheme involved the sum of J10.000, and the committee had been appointed to consider the ways and means. He hoped tin two committees would not be amalgamated.—Mr S. Bartley coijg| Dot see why the matter was relegated to •.9^* ♦jwnoe com- mittee, because it cast a ref ■■ I other committee (Voce-- thought it was negotiate ne«P^ to be a f the loans fk be as wells about the munidk He was of had to do somethinSk loan.—The Chairman%^ not discussing the adv^U^ ^pk^l buildings. What they wk^*ele^w*Wff,was the report of the finance committee.—Mr J. Owen. as a member of the finance committee, con- sidered that that committee had a right to veto all the other committees on the matter of finance. If not, why did it exist ? It had been suggested that the scheme of the municipal buildings should be referred to the finance com- mittee to consider its financial aspects. Ho was in favour of moving to the extent of offering a premium for plans in order to be in a position to offer something definite to the county council as regards the accommodation of magistrates. He thought the finance committee ought to be allowed to consider the financial aspect of the scheme without any interference. The muni- cipal buildings committee ought in no way to consider it a degradation that tt e scheme was referred to the finance committee.—Mr J. Jones (Cedars) said that they were on the eve of spending considerably over £ 20,000. He would like to know how much the rate within the district of Llhndudno would be increased by that expenditure. The finance committee had prepared a rough estimate of what the rate- payers could derive yearly from the municipal buildings. If the scheme would not prove a burden, then let building commeuce at once. No one would be gladder than he to see build- ings erected worthy of the town. But he did not think the state of trade wculd justify them in entering rashly into such a large scheme. Let them be cautious.—Mr T, W. Griffith thought the matter should be left entirely to the finance committee.—The Chairman said that, the matter would come right in the end. That debate ought to have taken place when the resolution was submitted to the bnaid with respect to offering a premium for plans. He thought oae committee had done its work thoroughly, and that the other would do its work equally well. -The minutes were then passed. WORK 8 COMMITTER. This committee had considered the plan of Victoria-street,Craigydon, upon the rejectioa of which there was a warm discussion at the previous board's meeting. Toe commits- again recommended the rejection of the plan as sufficient width of street was not shown on the plan, and did Hot in auy respect differ from the previous one.—Mr Elias Jones said that if he had pressed forward his proposal at the last meeting, he thought he would have carried his point, and the plans would have beeu passed. Taking into consideration the feeling of the works committee and the suggestion of the chair- man of the board, he though" it rather unfair that aa objection should be raised at the com- mittee which had been disposed of at the board The works committee seemed to ba a body out- side the jurisdiction of the Loard. If that w-s so, the sooner it was done away with the better (hear, hear, and laughter).—Mr J.J. Marks said that the ruling of the chairman at the last meeting was that if the plan was identical with the one previously submitted, the resolution on the books would have to be rescinded,—vjr Bevan said he thought the plans were practically the same. He had no objection to Mr Elias Jones doing away with the works committee. It was the best abused committee of the whole board (laughter).—Mr Elias Jones gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that the resolution with regard to Victoria-street should be rescinded. PBNNY-IN-THB-SLOT GAS MRTBBS. The water and gas committee considered a report presented by tLe engineers upon the penny-in-the-slot meters. A quiutity of gas sufficient for three hours' consumption could be obtained for one penny. It was decided to re- commend the board to adopt the sys:ern ar the commencement of the financial year.—In moving the adoption of the minutes, Mr W. Williams said bethought, that the recommendation of the committee with respect to the meters was a step in the right direction. In many towns tiie system had been adopted, and he hoped it would come into vogae in Llandudno. Fifteen cubic feet of gas coul; ho he.d for a penny,—Mr J. Owen asked if adopting the system meant in- ourrmg,an>* expense also whether it W:3 to be p'.t into ge'ie. d u«e. It seemed to hira to be n very important, movement.—Mr W. Williams replied that the committee had carefully con- aidered it. The payment for the meter was included in the price charged for the gas. There was no risk whatever connected with the system; the money had to be. paid before the supply could be had. Thu9- there could be no bad debts,-The Chairman: I suppose if the machinery works, the consumer will get what he pays for, and pay for what be- gets (laughter),—Mr T. W. Griffith had great pleasure in supporting that ready money business (laughter). He thought the system was intended chiefly to meet the requirements of small dwelling houses.—The minutes were then passed. BYE-LAWS COMMITTEE: THE CLBRX AND THE CIGARS. The committee had considered the question of Sunday vehicular traffic. and had decided to, obtain the opinion of the board's solicitor (Mr R. S. Chamberlain) as to the commissioners only granting six days' licenses.-At the- committee the clerk produced a box of cigars he had received from a firm with whom the- board dealt. He was instructed to reply stating that the board did not permit it& officials to receive presents from firms; and, with the permission of the donors, it was intended to send the cigars to the cottage- hospital.—Mr Bevan: If I had been present that box of cigars would not have gone to the cottage hospital (loud laughter).—The minutes were confirmed. THE PRINTING OF THE MINUTR8. Mr T. W. Griffith moved that the resolution passed two months ago that the minutes should be printed should now be rescinded. It had been estimated that the cost would be X36, but in all probability it would' be nearer £50. Besides, there would be no- advantage gained, as the members could follow the minutes even better when read at the board than if they had them printed.—Mr D. Roberts seconded. He thought the financial position of the board would not justify the expenditure; they were now scarcely floating.- The Chairman: And we should sink if we did this (laughter).—Mr Elias Jones opposed. The expenditure on the printing regulated, in fact. the whole expenditure of the board, which amounted to about £ 23,000,—Other members having spoken, tbe matter was put to tho board, when the motion was lost, the following voting for it:—Messrs T. W. Griffith, S. Bartley, E. Turner, W. Bevan, D; Roberts, H. Edwards, and J. Jones; against r: The Chairman, Messrs Elias Jones, W. Williams. Thomas Owen, John Owen, W. H. Jones, and H. Caraher.i ACQUISITION OF LAND. Mr W. Williams moved that the board should make an application for land above and adjoin- ing the Happy Valley. He did not think there was much need for his taking up time in advocating the necessity for preserving that land from being built upon. The time had come for the board to move to keep that land open for ever for the enjoyment of visitors and the rate- payers. He hoped the board would purchase or lease those few acres in addition to their grand valley. That would secure for the town an open space between the Orme's Head as a park. It could soon be beautifiec by being laid out in walks. Should it, however, be built upon, the- Happy Valley would no longer be a happv valley —it would he a square for cab stands, &c. He would move that the matter should be referred to the works committee for further considera- tion, and that a special meeting should b& held before the 25th instant to draw out a scheme to be placed in the hands of the deputa- I tion which had been appointed to wait upon Lord Mostyn with reference to acquiring land for a refuse-destructor.—Mr 0. Roberts seconded.—The Chairman explained that an application had been made for an extension of the gift of the Happy Valley, but Lord Mostyn would not hear of it, at the time. No buildings whatever would be built there.—After further discussion, it was unanimously decided that a deputation should wait upon Lord Mostyn. THR ANNUAL ELECTION. A resolution was passed empowering the chairman to take the necessary steps in respect to the annual election ot commissioners. NEW COMMISSIONERS. On the motion of Mr W. Bevan, seconded by Mr W. Williams, Mr Edwin Goulding was elected a commissioner in the room of Mr John Smith, who had retired.—Mr T. W. Griffith gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that Mr Richard Roberts should become a member of the board. He had been appointed,, but had not qualified.

UALVIISrrC METHODISTS MONTHLY MEETINGS. THE Calvinistic Methodist Monthly Meeting for- Lower Montgomeryshire was held at Oswestry on Monday, under the presidency in the morning of Mr Richard Edwards, of Rhydycroesau. Lettws of transfer were granted, with ex- f regret at their removal, to the Rev iin (Adfa). to the Dyffryn Clwyd Meeting, and to the Rev G. Parry < (Llanrhaiadr), to the Lleyn and Monthly Meeting. At the afternoon filing, the retiring Moderator, Mr R. Edwards, Signed the chair to the Moderator-elect, the Itev E. Griffiths (Meifod); and the Rev J. Richards also resigned his post as secretary to the Rev D. R. Edmunds. Mr William Morris was re-elected treasurer of (the Monthly Meeting. Votes of sympathy were passed with several members who bad suffered domestic trouble, including the Rev T. E. Roberts, M.A., of Oswestry, upon the death of his brother and sister. On Monday and Tuesday, the Monthly Meeting of the Lleyn and Eifionydd (South Carnarvonshire) Presbytery of Calvinistic Methodists was held at Garth Chapel, Port- madoc. Ttio newly-elected Moderator, the Rev H. Hughes (Geliidara), presided at the conference. The Calvinistic Methodists of Anglesey also held their Monthly Meeting on the same days at Gaerwen, under the presidency of the Rev Qwen Hughes, Amlwch. A number of recently-elected deacons and elders were received members of the Presbytery, the charge to them being de- livered by Mr John Owen, Llangoed, Beaumaris

OPLUENZ A (LA GRIPPE). There can be little doubt that Influenza is as pre- valent now in this country as it has ever been, but as we are more accustomed to it it attracts less- attention. Many remedies have been suggested but it is generally acknowledged that the best treatment it nourishing food, warmth, and a good tonic. The best tonic is QUININE, and it has been clearly demonstrated ttat the best and most effective way of administering Quinine is the form of GWILYM EVANS' QUININE BITTERS. These Bitters have many advantages, which are now fully re,cognis?d:— 1 They are PURKLY VEGETABLE, ayid are pleasant and safe way of taking Quinine. 2 They have stood the test of TWENTY YEARS, a,nd are acknowledged to be a HikPPY COMBINATION of the Best M edicinal Plants yet discovered, forming a tonic preparation which is ABSOLUTELY UNEQUALLED. 3 We claim that by taking a dose of these Quinine Bitters daily, say about 11 o'clock, and thus keeping the system in good order, INFLUENZA CAN BE KEPT OFF. 4 We also claim that after an attack of Influenza, when the patient is suffering from extreme weak- ness, lassitutle. and low spirits, there is no prepara- tion yet discovered equal to GWILYM EVANS' QUININE BITTERS. to strengthen the system and revive the spirits. SPECIMEN OF TESTIMONIALS. 1, Greenfield Cottages. Wellfield Road, Carmarthen, June 12th, 1893. Dear Sir.—I am 71 yetrs of ago and until lately have not suffered from any serious illness, but last winter I can a severe cold, which brought on an attack of inflaenza, indigestion, and severe head- aches. I was under the best medical treatment, but received no benefit, so I resolved to try Gwilym Evaos' Hitters, and after using three bottles, am now restored o perfect health. In future illness I am determined to try the-e Quinine Bitters before I senrl far the doctor. I heartily recommend all sufferers to try them AT O.SCE.—Yours faithfully, DAVID DAVIES. GWILYM EVANS' BITTERS. ggP' ONE WORD OF CAUTION. All good things, whether in medicine or anything else, are now imitated; and the great success of Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters has been the means of smarting many imitations which are absolutely of no value compared with these Bitters. The only advantage offered as an inducement to buy them, is,—taat they are cheaper. This we admit, but assert th t WOUTULKSS imitations ARE DEUl AT ANY PRTCW. We bold ourselves respon.-iblo for every package which bears the lLiln.) <rwilym hvans u the stamp, label, aud bottle, and for no other. Sold by all Chemists, in bottles at 2s 9d and 4s 6d each, sample bottle a.t is lid I QUININ Y, BrTT ERS M A.NU F AC TURING COMPANY, UNITED. LLANELL Y, SOUTH AV ALES. -==- Printed »;i;d Published for the .Proprietor by DANIET, RBBS, £ t tho HoraM Office, High Street, -C;rnirron, fcViday, Jatl. 19, 1891,