Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald and North and South Wales Independent

THE LATE MR H. HUM PHREYS, CARNARVON. Late on Saturday night at Hendregaerog, the death of Mr H. Humphreys took place, at the ripe age of 79 years. He had suffered a long and hngering illness. He leaves four daughters to mourn his loss. During the past 60 years he filled an important position in the town especially in connection with the Welsh pre^s and literature. He was a native of the town. When very young he was apprenticed to the late Mr Peter Evans, printer, etc., whose office was at the house now known as Temperance Mawr. How- ever, before completing his apprenticeship he started on his own account as a publisher, and his first venture was the bringing out of a volume of "Fifty Sermons" mostly by Wesleyan ministers. At tliLs time he kept a shop and office in Castle-square, from which Mr Humphreys turned out a number of im- portant works. Forty years ago, Huw Tegai started to publish "Chambers Information for the People" in Welsh, and it was taken over by Mr Humphreys, and brought out in two volumes. AN hen this book appeared out of pmxs, much attention was drawn to it by the Rev John Jones. Talysarn, who assailed it from the pulpit of Engedi chapel. Mr Humphreys also published translations of Adam Clarke's commentary, Wesley's com- mentary, the history of Josephus, Dr Wm, Dayies's "Biblical Dictionary," and "Pen- nant's Tours in Wales," with notes by Princi- pad Rhys and Mr Trevor Parkins, &c., &c. He started at the time of the Ciimean War a monthly newspaper called "The Welsh Tele- graph," but on the appeairance of the "Her- aid Cymraeg" Mr Humphreys abandoned it. Probably he was the first in Walcs-at all events in Xorth Wales—to introduce lithography, copper-plate printing, and stereotyping. Later on again he added photography and oil painting to his business. As a townsman he was 0 an enterprifsing business man, and he built a large number of .«hops, villas and workmen's dwellings in the town. At one time he was a member of the Carnarvon Town Council, and an alder- man. In 1876 he filled the office of Mayor in his native town. He was also up to the time of his death a member of the Carnar- von Harbour Trust. From his early days he was a staunch Conservative, and rendered great assistance to Conservative candidates in delivering Welsh speeches. The deceased wa3 a member and local preacher with the Wesleyan body, and at one time had the late John Bright amongst his congregation at Llandudno. He was the prime mover in the erection of the new Wesleyan Chapel, Castle-street, on the site of the old Gerlan. His funeral, which was of a strictly private character, took place on Wednesday morning.

-J- THE EDUCATION BILL AND WELSH AUTHORITIES. DISCUSSION AT MOLD. Mr J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., presided on Saturday over a meeting of the Flintshire County Governing Body, at Mold. The other members present were Lord Mostyn, Mr J. L. Muspratt, Rhyl; Mr H. Lloyd Jones, Mold; Rev John Owen, Mold; Rev Richard Jones, Manoott; Rev Hugh Davies, Hawarden; Mr John Foiilkes, Rhyl; Mr G. Xuttall, Rhyl; Rev J. LI. Williams, St. Asaph; Mr H. Tiby, Rhyl; and Mr D. Pierce, Holywell. The Holywell Local Governors applied for an increased grant from the County Govern- ing Body, in order that they might proceed immediately with the erection of the new premises. The application was supported by I a deputation, comprising Messrs E. K. Mus- pratt, P. Harding Roberts, andT. Thomas. The Clerk said he had received tenders. I The lowest was that of Mr M. S. Rogers, Flint, and amounted to JES485 10s. Mr E. K. Muspratt said they strongly re- commended the lowest tender. After discussion, it was thought there was a difficulty in making the extra grant, but it was understood that the Charity Commisiioto- ers would be approached on the subject, and thaS the matter would be ultimately con- sidered, aa bearing upon atl parts of the coun- try. In reply to Mr E. K. Muspratt, it was added there would be no objection to the building being oommenced if the futl amount requisite were secured or, in part, guaranteed. Respecting the proposed sale to Mr W. E. Gladstone of Hawarden Grammar School, it was decided to accept Mr Gladstone's offer of JE550, and a further oontiibution of JE10 towards the costs. The County Body had advertised for head- teachers for the proposed schools at Rhyl. Hofywell, and Ha warden, and had received 58 applications for the Hawarden post, 24 for Holywell, and 31 for RhyL The applications were referred to special ooma-dtteeis. The Education BO had been placed on the agenda for discussion. The Chairman said the measure proposed to make a change—a very great change—in the position and work of the County Govern- in, Body. On the one hand, they lost their independence, for they would be placed bin- der the County Council. On the other hand, their powers apparently would be largely increased. 0 The Rev John Owen asked what powers would be delegated to County Governors by the bill. The Chairman said in the first place they wouM be placed under the Coun- ty Council by the absorption of the technical instruction committee of the County Council. As he read the bill, that committee would ce-ise to exist in Flintshire, and the County Governing Body would be charged with the administration of the technical fund. Then there would be an addition to their powers by having a certain amount of control over elementary instruction in the county. He was bound to say it was very difficult at the present time to define the nature of that control. The Rev J. L. Williams: Is it proposed to give this body the power of examining the schools ? The Chairman I understand the examina- tion and inspection of elementary schools will be conducted under the County Govern- ing Body. The Rev Mr Wilfiams: What becomes of the Government inspectors, then ? The Chairman: Well, that is a difficult question {laughter). It is a question that has been asked elsewhere (renewed laughter). The Education Department is to be left with a certain supervising and controlling au- thority, but what the nature and the extent of that authority will be I cannot possibly answer at the present moment. The Rev Richard Jones Will all the funds of elementary education pass through the governing body? The Chairman replied that would not be, but there would be a special grant passing through the governing body. As he under- stood, it would be open to voluntary schools to federate themselves by a scheme they would make in conjunction with the County Governing Body. The nature and extent of the powers of the County Governing Body were very vague and indeteririnata. The discussion terminated without any mo- tion being proposed on the subject.

Sore Throats T 1 You cannot use a better £ | gargle than "CONDY." jL I Sir MorelI Mackenzie, M.D. m I {.Late Physician, Throat Hospital). C SOLD EVERYWHERE. fl| CONDY'S I PEMEDIAL FLUID. r

NORTH WALES QUARRY- MEN'S UNION. THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. The twenty-second yearly Conference of the North Wales Quarry men's Union was lield at Blaenau Festiniog on Saturday, under the most favourable circumstances as regards weather and future prospects of the slate trade. The arrangements were mest com- plete and satisfactory. THE ANNUAL REPORT. The Secretary (Mr W. J. Williams) pre- sented the annual report, which stated that there was at the present period a greater demand for slates than had been known for the last 20 years, the demand far exceed- ing the supply. The price of slates -lad in- creased annually since 1890. If they took 20 sizes of the best slates, from 24 by 14 to 12 by 8, taking the selling prices of 1000 of each, the increase would be 228 17s, or upwards of 26 per cent. Taking the Government returns for the value of slates in 1890, and assuming that the same quan- ing tity would be sold now as then, which was certain to be below the actual number, the states that were made in be counties of Carnarvon and Merioneth would increase in their selling prices to upwards of £2?3,713. As they were aware, the representatives of the Union had given evidence in 1891 before the Royal Commission on Labour, and said then thev (the representatives) could ad- vance Jc:150,000 in the prcie of slates without reducing the demand or endangering sending them out of the market. These figures showed that the masters received more by £ 117,713 than was said then, though the re- presentatives of the employers condemned such a statement as being without any foundation. An undoubted proof of the prosperity of the slate trade was the re- opening of many old quarries that had been closed for years. The Union had every reason to believe that, with the present prospects of the trade, this encouraging state of things would continue for a long time, unless some sudden change took place. I Meetings had been held in various centres, with the view of getting quarrymen to in- terest themselves in the working of the organisation and its objects. This year was the first that the quarries had been under Government supervision, and many im- provements had been effected which, it was hoped, would prove the means of averting accidents which were chiefly due to the care- lessness of the men in not adhering strictly to the rules laid down. In accordance with the recommendation of be last conference an organiser had been appointed, and out of a large number of applicants Mr David R. Daniel, Fourcrosses, had been selected out of the two candidates who were voted upon by the members. The committee re- gretted to report the decease of Mr Robert Parry, Betliesda. who was the first president of the Union. The balance-sheet., as audited by Messrs W. Gadlys Williams and R. G. Jones, showed a balance on the right side on the year's working, in addition to the property of the Union. Mr Griffith Edwards, Bethesda, moved, and Mr Joseph J. Jones, Festiniog, seconded the adoption of the report as well as the balance-sheet, which was agreed to unanimously. THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. The President said that he was pleased to find that their circumstances were not nearly so discouraging now as at the time of their last visit. i..ie treasury of the of their last visit. i..ie treasury of the Union had then, in consequence of the numerous battles with capital, become almost exhausted, and the fact that they had suf- fered defeat in each engagement did not tend to improve their eririts. While in this state of weakness they had been launched into another war with their natural enemies, and this time the battlefield was within a short distance of where they now sat. He re- gretted to say that here also they were de- feated, with the result that the Union was considerably demoralised. Every Philistine among the quarry managers laughed in high glee at the prospect of the utter annihilation of their organisation, while the individual workman became dispirited and craven- hearted, afraid even of turning when trodden upon. In a moment of weakness, he feared, they had placed themselves in a position which it would take years to shake them- selves clear of. All agreed as to the fact that they were in bonds, and it was a great pity they could not be brought to agree as to the method of breaking through 1:1 them. They as unionists maintained that the only way to do so legitimately was by united action. Union was not advocated in order to attain ends which were unjust, but the principle they preached and endeavoured to practice was that every working man was deserving at least of a living wage. Their heritage as working men was a proud one -the world could not exist without them. Much was said of capital and capitalists now- adays, but it was satisfactory to the sons of toil to remember that it was their order which created capital and enabled it to ex- ist, and yet they had an occasional employer and many an underling regarding them as mere tools existing only for them to gain their ends. Individually it was difficult, if not impossible, to free themselves trom those bonds but by combining they could dictate terms even to their so-called masters. They had the machinery within their reaclt to re- gain their freedom and independence, but before they could utilise it they must unite in one strong phalanx. Referring to the appointment of a paid organiser, Mr Thomas paid a high compliment to the energy and tact displayed by Mr Daniel during the short period he has been in office, and ex- horted his hearers to give him every sup- port. He expected great things for the Union from their organiser, and the great increase which had already taken place in their numbers proved beyond doubt that such an officer was required. He sincerely trusted that the quarrymen would not allow the present brisk time in the slate trade to pass by without doing something effective to bring the funds of the Union up to a point which would make it a power that the quarry proprietors could not fail to respect and fear (applause). On the motion of Mr Robert Davies, Tregarth, seconded by Mr W. Williams, Festiniog, and supported by Alderman D. R. Daniel, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the President for his able address and services during the vear. SUBSCRIPTIONS. It was decided that the membership pay for the current year be 6d per month. THE NIEXT "LABOUR DAY." Applications were received from the NantBle Vale, Bethesda, and Carnarvon for next year's Conference and "Gwyl Llafur." -After some discussion it was decided to leave the matter for the general council to determine after taking the voice of the work- men through their representatives. THE GENERAL COUNCIL. The following were elected members of the general council: —Messrs D. J. Jones GranviHe Temperance, Blaenau Festiniog;' '■*r • n' Br.vn EiHan, Llanberis: W. Morns Jones, Bontnewydd J. G. Jones, Dinorwic; Griffith Edwards, Bethesda; W. Griffith, Blaenyddol, Nantlle, and the president-elect. AUDITORS. ) As auditors. Mr R. G. Jones and Mr Ed- pointed °U 8 Morris> Dinorwic, were ap- THE NEW PRESIDENT. On t.ie motion of Mr O. O. Jones, Dinor- wic, seconded by Mr O. Ellis Jones Velv> Mr W. Thomas Bron unanimously elected president for the forth- commg year. As ICE-PRESIJyji-yrp^ Mr Robert Davies Tregarth, and Mr D. J. Jones, Blaenau Festmio" were elected A RESOLUTION FROM THF RTTVT) Dm; lodoe A protracted discussion took place with regard to the following resolution received from the Rhyd-ddu Lodge :—"That the standard wage of quarrymen should be 5s a day and every other class to follow propor- tionately." Ultimately the following resolution was unanimously passed on the motion of Mr D. Lloyd Humphreys, Blaenau Festi- niog, seconded by Mr O. O. Jones, Dinorwic, "That this Conference is of opinion that the present wages of the quarrymen should be from 6s to 7s a day, and every other class to follow proportionately." Another resolution was unanimously adopted on the motion of Mr D. LI. Hum- phreys, seconded by Mr Robert Davies, Tregarth, to the effect, "That this Con- ference is of opinion that the minimum wage of the quarrymen should be at least 5s a day." This concluded the business of the Con- ference. MONDAY S DEMONSTRATION. Favoured with fine and beautiful weather, thousands of the quarrymen of Carnarvon- shire and Merionethshire flocked to Festin- iog on Monday to the great demonstration an- nually held in connection with the North Wales Quarrymen's Union. So early as half- past eight, the Carnarvonshire trains ar- rived fully loaded, while each Ùxlge was ac- companied by the brass band of the dis- trict. In all, there were six brass bands taking part in the demonstration. The FIRST MEETING was held at ten o'clock, at the -Issembly. room, under the presidency of Mr J. W. Thomas, Waenfawr. The proceedings were opened with that wdl-known hymn, "0. Arglwvdd Dduw rhagluniaeth," which used to be sung daily during the strikes at th.) Bethesda and Llanbeiis Quarries. The Chairman delivered a brief and suit- able address. THr, SYSTEM OF BARGAINING. Mr O. I). Williams, Talysarn, moved, and Mr Richard Hughes, Bethesda, seconded, the following resolution, which was unani- mously adopted —That we are of opinion that no system of bargain should be allowed between master and workman which may ob- lige the workman, after working an honest day's work, to go home without having been paid the full standard wage of the quarry for his toil." LABOUR QUESTIONS. Mr D. J. Jones (Festiniog) proposed:- "That this mass meeting pledges itself not to support any Government, nor to assist in the return of any Parliamentary candidate, who are not disposed to take up labour ques- tions, to vote and to legislate upon them in accordance with the deolared judgment of the workmen concerned in those question^' —This was seoonded by Mr W. Morgan (Waenfawr), and adopted unanimously. WAGES INSUFFICIENT. Mr G. J. Davies (Dinorwic) proposed — "That this meeting desires to express its dis- satisfaction with :t-,he advance recently made in the wages of quarrymen as being insuffi- cient, and as being disproportionate to the advance made in the prioee of dates."—Mr H. C. Thomas (Rhostryfam) seconded, and tha resolution was adoDted. REPORTS WANTED. Mr D. Lloyd Humphreys (Festiniog) pro- posed, and Mr D. Hughes seconded:—"That this meeting is of opinion that the Board of Trade should be called upon to furnish a full report of the state of the slate -trade, to in- clude the number of men employed, the in- dividual production of each quarry separate- ly, and that the necessary steps be taken to bring the matter under the attention of the present Government.Tha resolution was adnnfpd Mr Broadhurst, M.P., in the course of an address, said he had seen many labour days, and attended many annual demonstrations. but he had never seen anything to surpass the eight of that morning (cheers). He took it as one of the many signs of the awakening of the people to assert uieir rights, to de- monstrate their power, and to further de- mand thtir greater share in die prosperity of the oo'iiitry (hear, hear). Labour never 7 got a single advantage from Parliament until it was strong enough to wring it from Parlia- I ment by the force of its combination. Trade unionism had been advocated, not for the purpose of causing strikes and lock-outs, but i in order to give the workers a larger share of profits by peaceful means (hear, hear). He and others who supported trade unionism had advocated arbitration and conciliation, j but these could not be obtained until the I workmen were strong enough to demand from capital equality of consideration and treatment. That could only He done by I strong and powerful trade associations (hear, hear). It was many years since, at the in- stigation of Mr W. J. Williams, their secre- tary, and Mr W. J. Parry, of Bethesda, he prepared a bill providing for Government inspection for slate quarries in the same manner as it was extended to coal and other mines. They fought for years in favour of that measure, and in 1886 they made it a Government bill, and had the Liberals re- mained in office during the whole of that year he had no doubt it would have become law. Now, however, some fragment of it had become law, and if they only were persistent and united that Act which was now only small in its scope would be enlarged before many years were passed. He understood from a hasty translation that oil e of the Welsh speakers had advocated a complete annual return of the. number of slates quarried in North Wales, and that the information should be made public in precisely the same manner as were the annual coal returns. There was no re-ason why that should not be done, for a knowledge of the selling pric&s of thair slates would furnish them with a soud ba«s for their demand for an ascertainable and certain wage. If they would only thoroughly organise themselves they would be able to so shape their demands as to result in a bet- terment of their condition AS wage earners, a/nd to make their position a more sure, and a more certain one with regard to their an- nual income (hear, hear). There was nothing antagonistic to capitalists in these demands (hear, hear). They were only asking ior their share as partners in a great venture. He hoped the result of that annual meeting would be such an increase of effort as would result in bringing into their ranks jiine- tenths of the workers engaged in that great industry (hear, hear). Mr T. E. Ellis, M.P., congratulated the Quarrymen's Union upon the success which attended the efforts which were now being made to infuse new life and increased enthu- siasm into its ranks. He did not forget that the Quarrymen's Union's past history was characterised by some things of which poss- ibly the men could not feel very proud, but there were other things which redounded to their credit, and lie now appealed to them to make this restart in earnest, regarding it as the most important thing that affected their lives. Their condition as workmen de- pended entirely upon their own strength, and their lives. Their oondition. as workmen de- pended entirely upon their own strength, and upon the foresight and organising abilities of their leader. He was gratified to think that since the appcintment of Mr Daniel there had been a. large increase in the number of union men. Efforts should be made to double the numerical strength of the Umon, and to augment its funds, for they imght depend that the strongholds of their oppon- ents, as represented by the quarry owners, would not come down except by the deter- mined force of a combination laid on firm and deep foundations (cheers). A PROTEST. Mr W. J. Williams, Carnarvon, moved, and Mr R. J. Williams, Festiniog, seconded, the following resctur-ion. which was passed —"While rejoicing at the, appointment of a labour secretary for the Union re- grets that a person unable to underhand Welsh should have been anpointed to the post. The Union confers that he could not do his work effecfcive'v in such a Weish- speakinor district as tint of the arr-a of the North Wales Quarrymen's Union" (applause). THE PROCFSSTcy. At one o'clock, a was formed in New Market-Square. Ire Messrs D. R. Daniel and R. Griffith Ln horseback, followed by an open carriage containing Messrs T. E. Ellis, M.P., and Broadhurst, M.P., the Festiniog Silver Band, and the officers of the Union. After these came the various [odges of the Union, each preceded by a local band, open carriages containing aged workmen, the rear being brought up by quarry horses gaily decked. After parading some of the principal streets the throng, which had reached immense proportions by its arrival in the field, where the AFTERNOON MEETING was to be held. joined together in singing the hymn, "Ymddiriedaf yn Dy allu," to the tune, "Bryn Calfaria." The chair was ta- ken by Alderman Daniel, the recently-ap- pointed organiser of the Union. He con- gratulated the quarrymen upon the success of their holiday. The men of Arvon had at considerable sacrifice and expense come to enjoy wiJi their brethren in Festiniog the inestimable boon of a whole day of rest to mind and body. It was an encouraging sign that some of the foremost men of the age recognised the fact that the human body was not a machine of perpetual motion, but that the working-man, as well as more fa- voured individuals, required an occasional rest to recoup his drooping energies. Doubt- less it wa-s a pleasure to them all to find, after 'the meetings of Saturday, and the grand meeting they were then having, that the Quarrymen's Union was rapidly regaining its youth, and had every prospect of becoming a, power to speak out boldly the voice of Welsh workmen with regard to questions of burn- ing interest to them. He wished to avail himself of that occasion to thank them public- ly and collectively for the honour they had conferred upon him. He had not accepted the post without hesitating much as to his I fitness for it. Some of his croaking, candid I friends had prophesied that his efforts wouM result in a dismal failure; that quarrymen were as unstable as water, deficient in con- fidence in one another, and possessing no moral courage. He, however, feit sanguine as to the future of the Union. They had the sympathy of every good man, and at their invitation they are able to command the presence of good men of all shades of politics at their gatherings. Referring to the time when quarry-owners and managers made membership of a trade union penal, he said that the battles they had fought at Llanberis, Bethesda, and Iieehwedd had con- vinced big lords and little dies that they had no earthly power to prevent their work- men from combining to ttieir common in- terest. Tiie working-man's labour was quite as important to him if not more so than the capitalist's money was to him, and it stood to reason that if it was just and fair for one class to combine, it was equally just and fair for the other (fass to combine (cheers). THE DUTY OF JOINING A TRADES UNION. Mr Robert Davies, Bethesda, moved, and Mr J. W. Roberts, Nantlle, seconded, the following reset ution:—"That this meeting, considering the great, boncnt derived by ths workmen of this country from trade unions, is of opinion that it is the social and public duty of every quarryman to join the Quarry- men's Union, as the only effectual course that can be taken to secure their rights as men and fair wages as workmen." Mr H. Broadhurst, M.P supported the resolution in a stirring speech, and offered to the Quarrymen's Urioin and the labour party in that part of the country, his congrar filiations upon the magnificent scene which lie had witnessed in the streets of Festiniog. He had seen many labour days, and had at- tended many annual demonstrations, but he had never seen anything to surpass the sight of that morning (cheers). He took it as one of the many signs of the awakening of the people to assert their rights, to demonstrate thu'r power, and to further demand their greater share in the prosperity of the coun- try (cheers). Trades unions had been ad- vocated not for the purpose of causing strikes and lock-outs, but in order to give the workers a larger share of profits by peaceful means (hear, hear). He and others who sup- ported trades unionism had advocated arbi- tration and conciliation, but these could not be obtained untf. the workmen were strong enough to demand from capital equality of consideration and treatment (applause). He did not believe an any industry in which it was not known at the beginning of any one month what the wages would be at the end of that month (hear, hear). Subsequently, Mr Broadhurst referred to the leasehold sys- tem, which he described as a legalised system of -robbery for a lazy class, and set forth his views on old age pensions. Working-men were told they ought to be ashamed to come I on the State for aid. That was all very fine, but no other class was ashamed to go to the State for aid. They were told they were all to save enough out of thtir wages of £1 a week to keep them in cf.d age. But other classes did not do that out of thousands a year, and they felt back -on the resources of the nation sometimes before they were old, and before they were incapable. Why, they had a Minister in office now, an active young man, who looked almost as blooming and voung and fresh and beautiful as their friend Mr Ellis (roars of laughter). He had six years at JS4000 a year wages, and at the end of it lie had to make a declaration that he had not saved enough to keep him in respec- tability (roars of laughter), and he went on the rates to the tune of £ 2000 a year ("Shame"). And now lie was back again at £ 5000 a year ("Shame"). Why, he had known a Lord Chancellor at j510,000 a year. That was quite a decent income, and he (tha speaker) thought that if he had a thrifty wife a 'man might soon save enough out of that to live on in old a.ge. But when the men he referred to "finished their shift" (roars ot laughter), they retired with a pension of £4000 or £ 5000 a year for the rest of their lives ("Shame"). What a mockery it was to tell the workers of this oouniry to look to their scanty savings to safeguard them from the hideous institutions called work- houses (hear, hear). He wanteS them all to join hands on this great question, and tell the nation that labour was the source of all wealth, the foundation of all society, and the greatest of all communities. He paid proper re-spcct to and hoped he fully appreciated science, literature, arts and law, but where would they be, out of what would they arise, if not out of the greatness, the power, the majesty, and the forces created by the brains and muscles of the workers of this mighty empire (applause) ? He maintained that the working-classes were entitled to the first charge upon the nation's savings, to keep them in comfort, in honour, and in respec- ts bijfty, and in peace in the evening of a life that had been illuminated by great fidel- ity. by industry, by honesty, and by sobriety (loud applause). Mr T. E. Ellis, M.P., who followed Mr Broadhurst, was received with enthusiasm. In the course of his address, which was d-e livered in the Welsh language, he said I have left my work in Parliament and como here, not to deliver a dissertation on trade unionism, but to express my hearty wish for the success of your efforts to infuse fresh life and new vitality into the North Wales Quar- rymen's Union. You are undertaking no small or inconsiderable task. Thirty years have passed since the first attempt was made to combine the quarrymen for common de- fence wild collective bargaining. It has had to encounter the most fierce and powerful opposition. Some of the great magnates of North Wales placed it under the ban of their severest condemnation, and threatened to visit its members with terrible pains and penalties. You have had to fight and sacri- fice and suffer in order to establish the ele- mentary soeiail right of combining for your common good. The quarry proprietors, in 1874, combined to condemn and break up your efforts at combination. They are now wiser and more tolerant. The tide of your fortun es has flowed and ebbed, but you have established your right to combine; you have achieved much of which you have cause to I be proud (applause). But in times of weak- ness, you have acquiesced in actions or In- action and in decisions which may well cause you regret and even remorse. Now you are making an earnest effort to place the Unior. upon a more .solid and durable basis. In tins task you will require time, patience, and steady persistence. You cannot build 'i strong union in a day. You may jerry-build a union, buc shoddy work and thin waits and bad mortar cannot stand the strain of conflict or the stress of time. A strong union needs the same qualities as a strong building— good design, well-arranged proportions, sound material, devoted workers, and faith in the nobleness of its uses. I am aware of some of the disadvantages under which you are trying to reform the Union. The traditional, sys- tem of bargaining is itself a considerable ob- stacle in the way of forming a strong union. This will, I think, form a subject for aux. ious and caraful consideration. I would ven- ture to warif you not to test your strength prematurely or use it wantonly, but to ae. cumulate and reserve it. The measure of ö man's strength is the amount of his reserve. So in the case of an organisation or a nation. The strength of a union is its reserve of funds, its reserve of experience, intelligence, and judgment, its reserve of memories of vic- tories won, its reserve of tradition of loyalty to principles and leaders (applause). I am extremely glad that my life-long friend, Mr Daniel, has been chosen to be an instrument in extending and strengthening the Union, and it is a genuine delight to find that sincc his appointment the membership has in- creased by leaps and bounds (applause). But before you have a sufficient reserve of funds and of moral strength, you must double you: present membership, and you must double your monthly subscription and when your strength is established, and your reserve is accumulating, you will he able to exert a threefold influence—first-, in the conditions, circumstances, and reward of labour; second- ly, in the membership, work, and activity of locaf, municipal, and educational bodies; and, thirdly, in the social and industrial tenden- cies of State action in the making and ad- ministering of law. Not one of these spheres of influence can be neglected without injury to the position and to the lights and duties of the wage-earners. You are the best judges of the questions affecting the amount of your wage, and the conditions and surroundings of your daily work. No forward step in as- serting your claims to a. liiglier wage ought to I be taken except after full deliberation based upon reliable information as to prices and markets, and after a careful estimate not only of the rightfulness of your claim but the strength of your position and resources. Thu.) alone wiF. you be enabled, once you have pu" your hand to the plough, never to took back or to waver till your purpose is attained. With regard to your responsibilities in local and municipal and educational I do 1 not think that you properly realise or exer- cise them. Owing to letharrrv. heedlessness, and want of union, you tolerate insanitary conditions and surroundings. Why is it that here in Festiniog your rate of mortality is so high that your splendid schools have for weeks and weeks this winter been closed owing to the prevalence of measles and in- fectious diseases ? Why is your drainage scheme allowed to be obstructed and delayed from year to year ? Why are your houses overcrowded, and your pavements unfinished ? It is largely due to your want of union, and your reliance upon others, instead of upon yourselves, tin -the enforcement of public heaCth law. With regard to the work of Par- liament and the action of the State, I have had good reason during ten years of publia life to know of your interest and your activ- ity. I exhort you to be united and watchful, for you will have not merely to attack Long- standing grievances, but to defend positions which you have won at much cost. Among the leading victories of the last half century, none has brought greater blessings and bene- fits to the wage-earners of this country than free imports, especially of food and of raw material, the establishment of free public primary schools, and the equitable adjust- ment of the burden of taxation as between property and industry. These three liard- won positions are threatened. Mark well the attempt to inaugurate a system of class finance in favour of one form of property. Look with jealousy upon proposafs to ham- per, restrict, and fetter free pub'ic primary schools, and beware Jest a Corn Law be re- enacted before the .end of this dying century (applause). The motion was carried unanimously. The usual votes of thanks having been passed, the proceedings concluded by the singing of "The land of my fathers."

RAILWAY RATES IN NORTH WALES. NO TIMtE TO LOSE! The instruction to the committee which has under consideration the London and ) North-Western Bill has been accepted. Mr I George and Mr Lewis have in turn placed it upon the paper, and now that it is finally accepted an obvious duty lies on those who have information to give upon the subject of railway rates on the Holyhead-Chester portion-of the line. It is widely complained that the charges are in some cases excessive. It costs less to take cattle from Dublin to the Midlands than from Holyhead. The ready-reckoner in use at the stations tells severely on those who send small quantities for example, though the rate be 20s a ton, the rate per cwt. is one-fourth. This in- crease seems out of all proportion to the increased trouble of sending small quanti- ties Now, that there is an opportunity of bringing the whole matter before the com- mittee, it is most important that farmers and traders should avail themselves of the occasion. If they do not, the railway com- panies will insist that there are no real grievances, otherwise they would be venti- lated and they will doubtless add that the instruction to the committee was not really required. Under these circumstances it ia to be hoped that public bodies, as well as private traders, will make a special effort to produce and give evidence on these points. The sittings commence next Tues- day, and there is no time to lose. The County Councils, the district councils, and the parish councils could do a great deal in this matter, and the urgency is such that if nothing is done during the next week. another such chance may not occur for a long time. I

On Monday and Tuesday, the Anglesey Monthly Meetings were held- at Tabernacle Chapel, near Pentra-eth, under the presi- dency of the Rev R. Thomas (Llanerchy- medd). A number of deacons recently elec- ted by the tchurches were received members of the Presbytery.The "charge" to the new deacons was delivered by Mr J. Matthews (Amlwch). It was announced that the As- sociation at Amlwch had been fixed for the 2nd and 3rd of July, and that the following ministers had promised to preach at the ser- vices:—The Revs Dr Hugh Jones (Liver- poo^, D. Llovd Jones (Llandinam), W. Tho- mas (Maesteg), J. Williams (Prince's-road, Liverpool. and J. Puleston Jones (Dinorwic). EPPS'S UOCOA. GRATEFUL & COMFORTING.—"By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine proper- ties of well-selected COCOA, Mr Epps has pro vided for our breakfast and supper a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually built up until strong enough to re- sist every tendency to disease. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nour- ished frame.—Civil Service (rnzett*.—Made simply by boiling water or milk.—Sold only in packets, by Grocers, labelled-" JAMES Epp:o; & Co., LTD., Homoeopathic Chemists, London." —Also makers of Epps's Cocoaine or Cocoa-Nib Extract: A thin beverage of full flavour, now with many beneficially taking the place of tea. Its active principle being a gentle nerve stimu- lant, supplies the needed energy without nuduly excitino the system. cl66y49rl64w

I GLOBE FURNISHING COMPANY. COMPLETE HOUSE FURNISHERS. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, 12 14 16, AND 18, PEMBROKE PLACE, LIVERPOOL. FURNISH FOR CASH, OR ON THE HIRE PURCHASE SYSTEM, AT CASH PRICES. NOTE.-Our Hire-Purchase System is entirely different from any other, and has been higbly co llmended by the whole of the local Press. rriHE GLOBE FURNISHING COMPANY X is the oldest-eetablished and b7 far tha most extensive Furnishers on the Hire-Purchase System in the Provinces. Supply every requi for the complete Furnishing of Cottage, or Mansion considerably cheaper than the majority of those firms who sell for cash only. This we are able to do through having a very large capital at command, and being the bona- manufacturers of the principal Goods we sw NO SECURITY REQUIRED, NOEXLKG EXPENSES ON OUR HIRE-PURCHAaiu SYSTEM. The fair and equitable manner in which the business is carried on, and our reasonable terms and low prices are so well known throug the whole of England and Wales as to render further comment unnecessary. General Terms, which, however, 0311 altered to suit the convenience of custom Payments Weekly, Monthly, or Quarterly- Amount of Purchase. Payment per ^ee £ 10 £ 0 3 6 JE20 JEO 5 0 I R50 JE010 0 £100 JE017 6 JE500 E4 0 0 An inspection of onr Stock will at OI~° satisfy intending purchasers that we give value and offer easier payments than any ot House Furnishers on the Hire-Purchase System" in the Provinces. All goods are Delivered Free, in our own Or private vans, and no expenses of any kind are incurred by customers. Furniture sent to anY part of England or Walea. ■ The Trade Supplied Shipping Orders Es. ecuted with Despatch. CA UTION .-As some firms adopt various means-siieli as copying our Prospectus, &c-f~ with the evident intention of inducing MtOf public to believe they are connected with uS, please note our address. FURNISH FOR CASH, OR ON THE HIRE-PURCHASE SYSTEM AT CASH PRICES. New Prospectus, Large Illustrated Catalogue, and Opinions, and Price List sent Free by Post on application. GLOBE FURNISHING COMPANY, 12, 14, 16, and 18, PEMBROKE PLACE, LIVERPOOL. Business hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 98,.m. to 6 n.m. Blil.T ay Fat >9 allowed to Country Cnstome BESiffiSS BEECHAM'S PILLS For Bilious and Nervous Disorders. BEECHAM'S PILLS For Indigestion in all its forma. BEECHAM'S PILLS For Wind and Pains in the Stomach. EECHAM'S PILLS B For Sick Htadache. j, BEECHAM'S PILLS Have saved the Lives of Thousands. DEECHA-,V['S PILLS .1"> For Giddiness. EECHAMffPILLS For Fulness and Swelling after Meals. TkEEcTlIA M7S rILLS y Are Adapted for Old and Young. EE~CnAMTS~PILL S For Dizziness and Drousiness. EECHAM7S~PILL S I-'or Cold Chills, Flushings of Heat. E K CILURLTP IL LS Will Restore the Rosebud of Health tOf Every One who Uses Them. EECHAM'S PILLS For Blotches on the Skin. „ E E CJI AM S~P J 'I L S For 'Disturbed oleep and Frightful Drea^T EECHAM'S P!LLS 13 For Costivericss and Scnrvey. EECHAM'S PILLS Are the Best Medicine for Female Com- plaints. I")EECIIAI-I'S PILLS Are a wonderful Medicine for Females ot all Ages. PILliS J The first Done (Jives Belief in 20 Minutes. EECIJAM'S riLLS J['3 Are Recomniended by Medical Men. iEECil XarsT l LLS J Havf- the Largest Sale of any Patent Ms r!cino in the World. EECIIAirS TOOTH PASTE B Will Recommend Itself. -u EEC flAi^lTT^OTH"PA.OTE D Is efficacious tuid economical. BEECT-tAM'S TOOTII PASTE Cle.maes the Teeth and Perfumea the' Breath. EECIIA M'S T< )0T1I PASTE In Collapsible tabes, Is each. EEC HAM'S P ILLS B and BEJ;:CIT"\M'S'TOOTH PASTE JLJO Sold everywhere. Prepiued only by the Proprietor, THOMAS BEKCHA«, St. Helens. Lancashire. Sold by all Druggist*? Hod Medicine Dealers every- wtiwre v COCKLE'S PILLS. COCKLE'S PILLS. 8 COCKLE'S PILLS. • In universal use since the dawn of the century. A tried and trusted family medicine, prescribed by medical men for tie common ailments of every- day life, such as ACIDITY. HEARTBURN, • J—L. • WOiQESTIOM. v;-ol'\Ac' N" I 'l ijUOOgNEsit SICK HEADACHE. DISORDERED LIVER. These famous Pills cleanse and regulate the whole system,leaving it free from all imp urities. They carry off all unheal Lhy humours are admirable in women's ail- ments, overcoming all irregulari- ties and maintaining the system in health, strength, and vigour. To use them always is to keep yourself in perfect health—the bowels free, the liver active, the head clear, and the skin and com- plexion free from blemi*ih- IN USE FOR 94 YEARS. 8 COCKLE'S PILLS. 8 COCKLE'S PILLS. 8 COCKLE'S PSLLS. ajockle's Pil!s ;i • 1 vegetable— warranted !r:. .v. mercery flay be had thrfughoui Kinpdom. in Boxes, zt 1: (,' J nli 3CS. its Great Ormoncg Street. London. W-C-