Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald and North and South Wales Independent

BETHESDA. INQUEST.—On Friday afternoon, Mr J. H. Bodvel-Roberts held an inquiry into the death of Mr J. W. Parry, the eldest son of Mr W. J. Parry, J.P., Coetmor Hall, who died suddenly from the egects of an overdose of chloral on Wednesday evening.—Evidence was given by the housemaid to the effect that the deceased came home as usual on Wednesday and ate a hearty dinner with the family. He then went out and returned at half-past nine. As he went upstairs he asked the witness if his sister was at home and then went straight to bed. He appeared pale and sallow. Miss Parry went up to his bedroom later in the evening and found him lying on the bed undressed with his head on one side. He was not dead at the time, and the doctor was immediately sent for.—- Dr Griffith save evidence, stating that the deceased had for some time past been suffer- ing fro minsommia, and he had given him a sleeping draught. When he went to the house on Wednesday night life was extinct, but he made every effort to restore it by y means of artificial respiration. But this proved futile. He noticed a bottle in the 'bedroom, frnm which twelve doses of medi- cine had disappeared whereas the deceased -should only have taken one dose, and he • — attributed the cause of death to that. The 1 sleeping draught was quick in action and the amount taken was sufficient to kill two men in the condition the deceased was then in.- The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." The greatest sympathy is felt for the bereaved family. The deceased was a very popular young man and was 33 years of age. The funeral, a private one, took place at Glanogwen cemetery on Saturday.

COLWYN BA.Y. LANTERN LECTURE.-At the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel, on Tuesday evening, an interesting lantern lecture, under the presi- dency of Mr Simon Williams, was delivered on the "Rev C. H. Spurgeon" by Mr H. Williams, Llandudno. The proceeds were towards the erection of a new chapel, which is much needed.

CORRIS. CHARGE OF POACHING AGAINST QUARRYMEN. — Before the Towyn magistrates on Friday, Richard Jones, John Griffith, John Owens, Morris Thomas, and Thomas Hughes, quarrymen, Corris, were charged at the instance of the Dovey, Mawddach, and Glaslyn Board of Conserva- tors, with having unlawfully in their pos- session a lamp at the rivers Dysynni and Ystradywyn, on the 18th December last. Mr W. R. Davies, Dolgelley, prosecuted, and Mr Martin Woosnam, Newtown, de- fended. Mr Lewis Lewis, river watcher, said that on the morning of the 18th De- cember he saw seven men on the side of the river Dysynni, between Cedis and Maesypandy. In company with Police-con- stable Griffiths, he followed them up to- wards Penybont Hotel. The men had sticks and a lamp, the sticks being in the water. Witness and his companion moved to Ty'nyoornel side of Talyllyn Lake and got hold of Richard Jones, when the other de- fendanta commenced to assiault him with sticks and stones. Police-constable David Griffith gave corroborative evidence. The Bench considered there was not sufficient evidence and dismissed the case.

ORICCIETH. WORKMEN'S DWELLINGS.—Houses of this nature, it is said, are scarce in the locality, therefore the rents rui very Lvgh. WELSH ORATORY. — pn Wednesday evening, the Rev W. J. Nicholson, Port- madoc, delivered his interesting lecture on the above subject before the members of the debating society at the Congregational ChapeL I

DOLGELLEY. "rrY SESSIONS,—At a. special court, held on Saturday, before Dr Edward Jones ) and other magistrates, a young man, giving the name of James Irving, with no address, was brought up in custody charged with hav- ing assaulted and threatened Mr Hugh Ro- berts, landlord of the Caerynwch Arms, a wayside inn some few miles distant from town.—The accused, in answer to the charge, pleaded he was not aware of having caused any offence.-It was stated in evidence that the prisoner had threatened to shoot Roberts with a revolver.-He was sentenced to one month's imprisonment.

FESTINIOG. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. -This council met on Friday night. The report of the technical education committee was sub- mitted, in which Mr W. Owen, Plas Waen- ydd, was recommended as its permanent chairman. The appointment was confirmed, and a vote of £ 50 towards technical instruc- tion for the year was passed. It was also and a vote of £ 50 towards technical instruc- tion for the year was passed. It was also resolved to ask the opinion of the teachers as to the best way of disbursing the amount in order to make this side of the school more effective. It was agreed to purchase a steam roller for a sum not to exceed £ 300. The libraries committee reported that 1384 volumes had been borrowed during the month, and that Mr Owen Jones (Erw Fair), and others had presented the library with a number of valuable books. The sanitary inspector reported that he had visited 75 farm houses in the district, and that there was considerable room for improvement in their structure. It was resolved that the serious attetion of the owners of the houses complained of be called to the unsatisfactory condition of the dwelling-houses, and that they be requested to put them into proper repair forthwith. During the discussion Mr Cadwaladr Roberts referred to Cwmortliin Farm, which is situated on the slopes of Moelwyn, where the same family had re- sided for over 800 years, and to the best of his knowledge the services of a medical man had never been required. A large number of plans of new houses proposed to be erected were passed, as well as improve- ments in existing houses.

1!1 LLANRWST. THE REV J. GOWER, will, in all pro- bability, be a member of the next board of guardians. THE ASSESSMENT QUESTION.—The assessment committee of the Llanrwst Un- ion, acting on the report of Mr J. Menzies, C.E., of Carnarvon, have issued notices of the raising of the valuation of farms, quar- ries, &c., in the union. The increase amounts to nearly 80 and 90 per cent. H E FORTHCOMING COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.—General feeling prevails in all circles in the town and dis- trict, that it would be most ungrateful to contest the return of Mr Isgoed Jones at the forthcoming County Council election, es- pecially in view of the great services he has rendered to the county and the cause of education in the district. AN INTERESTING DEMONSTRA- TION.—On Saturday afternoon, an inter- esting demonstration in connection with thb latest improvement in the method of generating acetylene gas was given by Mr H. R. Hughes, son-in-law of the inventor 'Mr Evan Williams, ironmonger, Llanrwst). The analysis of the acetylene gas light rays gives exactly the same result as that of the rays of the sun, consequently, colours, fab- rics, and flowers appear just as by day- light. Its illuminating power is 20 times that of coal gas, there is a complete absence of sulphur and the combustion is perfect. THE DISTRICT COUNCIL. — The monthly meeting of this council was held on Friday evening, under the presidency of Mr J. E. Humphreys.-The clerk was in- structed to write to the trutees of the Town Hall, asking them if they would hand over the building to the council.—Mr W. J. Williams gave notice that at the next meet- ing he would propose that the council apply to the Local Government Board for sanction to borrow money for the purpose of pur- chasing the Town Hall, the construction of new sewers, and the re-construction of old sewers in the town, and? also to pay for the town reservoir bought at the recent Gwydyr estate sale.-The Chairman, Mr J. E. Hum- phreys, was appointed to represent the council on the Court of Governors of the University College of North Wales at Ban- gor.-It was decided to ask Mr P. McIntyre to make a survey of the new sewer in Station-road.—Mr Thomas Elias gave notice that he would move, at the next meeting, the adoption of the Infectious Diseases Notification Act, 1889, and the Prevention Act, 1890.

PENMAOHNO. COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.-On Saturday night, at the Public Hall, a crowded and enthusiastic meeting was held, in support of the candidature of Mr E. Da- vies-Jones, solicitor, Llanrwst. The chair was taken by Mr Hugh Hughes, Upper Mills. Dr Williams and Rev J. P. Roberts, spoke in favour of Mr Jones, and he him- self, in an eloquent speech, laid his views before the meeting. Mr Davies-Jones is well-known in his own and the adjoining parishes, and his party are confident of his return. A vote of confidence was proposed by Mr Bellis, and seconded by Mr Thomas, Coedyffynnon, and the whole audience stood up to pledge themselves to do their utmost to secure his return.

VALLEY RURAL COUNCIL TUESDAY.-Mr, Robert Jones in the chair. BANGOR COLLEGE. — Mr Robert Gardner, Kirkland, Valley, was appointed governor of the North Wales University College, Bangor, to represent the council. ADJOURNED. — A letter was received from Messrs Rice Roberts and Laurie, on behalf of Lord Stanley of Alderley, for the sanction of the council to close up the highway passing between Penrhos Bradwen and Penrhos Demesne should be deferred. The application was, therefore, not con- sidered, but adjourned for a month.

THE NATIONAL BANK OF WALES. SENTENCE ON DIRECTORS. At the Central Criminal 'Oourt, London, on I Monday, before the Recorder, Frederick Ro- bert Howell, 60. director; Thomas Cory, 65, director and Henry Ellis Collins, 50, bank manager; who were convicted at the last sessions, Howell and Cory on their own con- fession, of having fraudulently applied to their own use and benefit £ 30,000, the moneys of the National Bank of Wales, were brought up for sentence. Mr Mathews re- presented the Treasury. Mr Lawson Walton, Q.C., on behalf of Cory, mentioned that he had a numerously- signed testimonial vouching for Cory's past good character. He pointed out that his client had suffered already very considerably in the position he was placed.—Mr Bodkin urged that Howell bad borne a good charac- ter in the past. The Recorder said there was no doubt as to the characters borne hitherto by the prisoners. As every one knew well, prisoners would never have oc- cupied the high positions they did unless they were persons of high character.—Mr Ma- thews said he had not anything further to lay before the court relative to the case. The Recorder said Howell and Cory were well advised in pleading guilty to this charge, which was one of having pocketed I £ 30,000 belonging to the bank, of which Collins was the manager and director, with- out a shade of excuse, and this was managed I in such a way that it might have remained undiscovered for many years longer. As it I was it had remained undiscovered eight j years. He believed that Collins was respon. sible for dragging Howell and Cory into the transaction-in fact, he had bribed them into it. There was a distinction between the cases of each prisoner, but he found no circumstances of mitigation in the case of Collins, who must go to penal servitude for four years. At this stage Howell asked per- mission to make a statement.—The Recorder granted laeve.-Howell, in a lengthy explana- tion of his conduct in connection with the transaction, declared that throughout he had acted in a perfectly straightforward, honest, and honourable manner, and that he was as innocent as a babe unborn."—The Re- < corder said there was no doubt but that he [ (Howell) had taken EJO,000 from the bank, of which he was a director, and he must have known the source from which the money came.-Howell: I did not, my lord.—Howell was sentenced to 15 months, and Cory to eight months' hard labour.

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METROPOLITAN BANK (OF EiSULAND & WALES). LTD. The thirty-second ordinary meeting of the shareholders of the Metropolitan Bank (of England and Wales), Limited, was held at the Great Western Hotel, Birmingham, on Thursday, January 27th. Sir Thomas Lea, Bart., M.P., the chairman, presided; and amongst those present were Mr J. Satchell Hopkins, deputy chairman; Mr J. H. Col- lins, Mr R. Forrest, Sir John J. Jenkins, M.P., Mr A. C. Rawlinson, Lord Ernest J. Seymour., Mr W. E. Warden, Mr C. H. Wil- liams, Mr Morgan B. Williams, directors; Mr F. W. Nash, general manager Alderman G. J. Johnson, solicitor to the bank; Mr J. S. Wood, secretary; and a large attendance of shareholders. Mr F. W. Nash, the general manager, having read the circular convening the meet- ing, The Chairman said The resolution I have to move is as follows: -That the report and balance-sheet, as pointed and circulated amongst the shareholders, be approved and adopted." During the year which has end- ed since last we met, the bank has shown steady progress in all its departments. We have bad years in which the figures pub- lished in our balance-sheet have exhibited greater advances, but the directors are of opinion that in few of them has more genu- ine, solid improvement been made than in the year which has recently passed away. The increase for the year in money entrusted to our care shows a steady, continuing im- provement, and the increase in the number of our customers is between 1200 and 1300. The bank Ü, steadily gaining in all its dis- tricts. I remarked last year that our cash balance was exceptionally large; this year it is nominally JS59,000 less. 1 say nominally, for when I state that just before Christmas we took more than this amount of Treasury Bills which appear under the head of invest- ments, you will see that we have in this what is practically cash, though under an- other name. The bills of exchange show a I large diminution, but last year we had dis- counted from two to three hundred thousand pounda of brokers' bills in London, and the I actual reduction of our customers' trade bills is only about £ 72,000. In common with most, if not all banks, last year's working confirms our previous experience in this respect, that trade is being conducted more on a cash basis and less on bills. The balance we propose to carry forward is large; in fact, only once before have we had so large a carry-forward, and on that occasion there were special cir- cumstances connected with it. Last year we thought £8019 a rather large unappropriated balance, but it is more now by nearly £6000, and though some of our shareholders may think we ought to have increased our divid- end, the board decided to recommend the prudent course, and we trust our share- holders will support this policy. The invest- ments, as usual, have been taken at cost price, and the statement I made last year still holds true, that if calculated at to-day's price they would show many tens of thou- sands of pounds to the good. We have opened a new branch at Maidenhead, which we believe will prove satisfac- tory, and it has been considered necessary to open two or three sub- branches at Cardiff to protect our business in that important and rapidly growing centre. The expenditure-upon premises at Llandudno and some other places causes the increase in our bank premises account. We have no doubt our properties are- well worth the amount they stand at, without reckoning the sttadily-increasing bank premises redemption fund. A paragraph relating to the National Bank of Wales seems to have become a ne- cessity in our report. This year it once more appears, but as you will judge, it shows signs that even in this troublesome business an end is approaching. The valuation of the assets, which last year I said had been near- ly accomplished, has now been quite com- pleted, and that part of the business done with (hear, hear). The legal questions have been compromised. It is dangerous to pro- phecy with regard to this protracted liquida- tion, but there are grounds for hope that only once more shall we have to bring the name of the National Bank of Wales into our report, and that will only be to say the matter is finally closed. You will have no- ticed that a trial in the criminal court has taken place implicating the general manager and some of the directors of the National Bank of Wales. With that trial we have no- thing whatever to do, it is entirely a matter for the Public Prosecutor, and, perhaps, the liquidator of that bank; but you may gather that the grave circumstances which came to public light during the trial have caused difficulties for the management of our bank to encounter of no ordinary charatcer. There is one other point in the balance-sheet to which we desire to refer. You will recollect that two years ago, upon our auditor's ad- vice, we put the total of our goodwills into our published accounts, and Mr Young then said it was a perfectly good asset in his opinion, which might remain for any reason- able length of time. The directors think, nevertheless, that some reduction from time to time should be made. Now, as you are aware, the business of the National Bank ol Wales was taken over without any increase j of capital, and references have several times II been made to the desirability of making our capital into the round sum of half & million. The directors! are considering, under the power they hold, whether during the ye**> they shall allot this £ 30,000 of new capital pro rata among the shareholders of our Dank at some point below the market price of our shares. They propose to deal with the good- wills account in their application of the prem- iums, and thus affect a substantial reduc- tion of that account, and at the same time give a slight benefit to our shareholders. Trusting that this course will meet with the approval of the shareholders, though it has no connection at preseift with the resolution I propose, I beg to move the adoption of the report—(applause)—and I call upon the de- puty-chairman to second it. Mr J. Satchell Hopkins seconded the re- port. The resolution was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks was passed to Sir Thomas Lea for presiding at the meeing, and the pro- ceedings terminated. I

I ILLNESS OF THE BISHOP OF BANGOR. On Saturday evening, the Bishop of Ban- gor was performing the opening ceremony in connection with the new Infant Depart- ment of the Holyhead National Schools, and had finished his address when he was followed by Mr J. LI. Griffith, M.A. Dur- ing Mr Griffith's address, the Bishop ac- companied by Canon Thomas, left the build- ing by a side door, It was afterwards as- certained that he was seriously ill, having had a paralytic stroke, his right side being affected and his speech also to a certain ex- tent. It was noticed that he spoke with unusual clearness and vigour at the opening of the ceremony. He was subsequently driven in Miss) Adeane's carriage to the Station Hotel, and Dr Clay and Dr O. T. Williams, were soon in attendance. His condition was considered somewhat better on Sunday, but he will not be removed to his home for some days. Miss Lloyd and two trained nurses arrived on Saturday evening to nurse him. The Bishop passed a quiet night on Tuesday night, but re- mained in a precarious condition. No fresh unfavourable symptoms had developed. On Tuesday, his lordship's son, who is a student at Sandhurst Military College, was tele- graphed for, together with other members of the family. Tuesday night's report was as follows —"The doctors consider the im- provement of yesterday maintained to-day."

ABEKGKLE. CRUELTY TO CHILDREN.—On Satur- day, before T. W. Mason, Esq., and other magistrates, Inspector Rowlands charged John Barron, hawker, and Margaret Barron, 4, Peel-street, Abergele, with neglecting their five children in such a way as to cause them unnecessary suffering and injury to health. John Barron did not appear.-The inspector visited the defendants' house on the 19th of January, where he found the wo- man and children in a shocking state of destitution. On a later date, he found the condition of things even worse. The woman said that the man she called her husband was able to earn from four to five shillings a day as a hawker, and she, when well, could earn from one shilling to two shillings. lhe •woman refused to go to the workhouse or to allow the children to be taken. Tne magis- trates ordered the woman to be sent to pri- son for seven days, and the children (with the exception of the baby) to the workhouse. -A warrant was issued for the apprehension of John Barron.

AMLWCH. OBITUARY.—The death occurred on Tuesday, February 1st, of Mr J. Norman Williams, second and only surviving son of the late Mr Robert Williams, London House. Deceased, who was 21 years of age, had been suffering for some time, and since October had been at Bournemouth, where he died. The remains were brought here on Thursday morning, and were met at the railway station by a number of friends. The funeral, which was of a public character, took place on Friday. The Rev C. Winters, Holyhead, circuit minister, officiated at the house. The interment took place at the cemetery, where the Rev C. Winters, assisted by the Rev D. Marriott and Mr A. Parifett officiated. The coffin, which was of polished oak with brass mountings, bore the inscrip- tion "John Norman Williams. Aged 21 years. Died, February 1, 1896," and was covered by a number of beautiful wreaths. The chief mourners were Mr C. G. Harper, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (brother-in-law); Mr Alfred White, Poynton, and Mr Tom. Wil- liams, Amlwch (cousins); Mr W. C. Brown, Ashton-under-Lyne (uncle) and Mr O. R. Williams, Rhyl (uncle). Amongst others present were the Revs T. Evans, O. Hughes, G. Williams, and O. Pritchard, Dr W. H. Williams, Captain Lewis Thomas, Messrs W. Thomas, C.C., Lewis Hughes, J.P., W. Owen, Fferam Gyd; Lewis Hartley, Ban- gor; J. Matthews, J.P., 0.. E. Jones, J.P., W. Fanning, and E. A. Evans, Mona Lodge. Carriages were sent by the Hon. Lady Neave, Llysdulas, and Mr J. Wynne Paynter, Bryntirion. The following young men walked each side of the hearse —Messrs W. H. Griffiths, E. R. Griffiths, R. Gussey, H. P. Hughes, O. Price Jones, W. Morgan Jones, W. P. Jones, O. T. Owen, Richard Owen, R. W. Pritchard. R. W. Thomas, D. H. Williams, and T. Williams; also Mr T. Jones and Mr John Hughes. Wreaths, etc., were received from Misses Williams (sisters), Mr and Mrs C. G. Harper, Misses Sellers, Manchester Mrs Williams, Regent House Mrs and Miss Harper, Dunholme, New- castle-upon-Tyne employees at London House; Hon. Lady Neave, Mr and Mrs Jones, Ty'nrheol; Mr, Mrs, and Miss Matthews, Bank; Mrs Fanning Evans, Mona Lodge Miss J. C. Roberts, Miss Ph. Jones, Miss Marshall, Liverpool; Mr W. H. Griffiths, Glan Aber; Mr T. R. Jones, Bangor and Mr and Mrs R. R. Jones, Market-street. Much sympathy is felt with the sorrowing sisters, who have received a large number of letters of condolence.

BEAUMARIS. CONCERT.—A very successful concert was held in the Town Hall, on Monday evening. It was organised by Mr Edwin R. Thomas, chemist, for the benefit of a young man, of this town, who has recently lost his mother, and who had been put to great expense with her during an illness of many months. The public readily responded to the appeal, and an overflowing house was the result of Mr Thomas's exertions. Councillor W. T. Williams occupied the chair. Part was taken by the Beaumaris Town Band, Mr D. Gordon Williams, Miss Mollie Williams (Ruth), Mr Charles Wil- liams, Mr J. W. Jones, Miss Dew (Menai Bridge), Mr A. E. Bethell, Master Allan Parry, and Mssi A. J. Williams (Eurgain) presided at the pianoforte.

CONWAY. THE BOROUGH SURVEYOR.—Mr T. B. Farrington, C.E., who has been indis- posed for some time past is now recruiting his health at Harrogate. DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES. — The annual distribution of prizes to the faithful attendants of the Tabernacle (Welsh Wes- leyan) Band of Hope took place on Tuesday evening THE CARDIFF CONVENTION.—The Conway (Borough) Liberal Association was represented at the Cardiff Convention by Dr M. J. Morgan, while the county associa- tions delegate was Alderman Hugh Hughes. TO COMPETE.-At the weekly practice of the Conway Male Voice Choir, conducted by Mr J. P. Griffiths, it was decided to enter the male voice competition at the St. David's Day Eisteddfod at Llandudno. TEMPERANCE.—On Thursday evening, the Rev Evan Jones, Carnarvon, visited the Carmel (C.M.) church meeting, to start the Connexional Temperance Society. A large number of church members joined the society. THE COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION. -It is said that the Liberals intend con- testing the seat occupied by Dr R. A. Prichard. at the forthcoming election. The candidate will, in all probability, either be Dr M. J. Morgan or Alderman Hugh Hughes.. CARMEL LITERARY SOCIETY.—At the weekly meeting of the society, held on Monday evening, a discussion took place as to the chief points of difference between the Calvinistic Methodists and the Congrega. tionalism. The discussion was opened, in his usual able manner, by the Rev T. Gwyn- edd Roberts, and several members took part in the same. BILLIARD HANDICAP. — The final round in the handicap for the C. J. Wallace Challenge Cup, to be competed for by mem- bers of the Conservative Club, took place on Monday evening. The players in the final were Mr R. Conley (receives 30) and Mr R. Jones (receives 130). A good game ended in Jones winning by 22 points, the scores being Jones 250, Conley 228. In addition to the cup, Jones gets a prize value 30s, and Conley gets the second prize, value 15s. IN AID OF ARMENIAN ORPHANS. A large attendance attended a lecture given I on Wednesday evening, by Professor Arnold in aid of the children rendered homeless orphans by the recent deplorable events in Armenia. The Vicar of Conway (Rev J. P. Lewis) presided. All sections of tie com- munity united in the effort to realise by the proceeds of this lecture a sum worthy to be sent from the ancient borough, in aid of an object no humane person can conceivably fail to be in sympathy with THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE.—A meet- ing of the Gloddaeth Habitation was held on Saturday, at the Conservative^ Club. The Hon. H. Lloyd Mostyn occupied the chair. It was arranged that two or three meetings were to be held during the spring, and steps were taken to organise them. The right hon. the Earl of Powia was nom- inated as representative for Wales on Grand Council. The hon. secretary, Mrs Fincham, I reported that the habitation was in a very I flourishing state, many new members hav- ing lately joined. The finances also were very satisfactory. There were present at the meeting —Lady Augusta Mostyn, Mr Fincham, Provincial secretary for North Wales; Mrs Fincham, Miss Sutton, Mrs Pollitt, Misses Brittam, Mrs Tritton, Miss Hughes, Miss Roberts, Miss Smyth, Miss Blacker, and Mr A. W. Jones, hon. treasurer, &c.

DENBIGH. LITERARY SOCIETIES.—On Friday I night, the literary societies of Denbigh held a united meeting, at which a paper was read by Mr L. J. Roberts, inspector of schools, Rhyl, on "The development of the national feeling among the small nations of Europe in the nineteenth century." Mr R. Prys Jones presided, and there was a good attendance^ including the Rector of Den- bigh (the Rev Daniel Davies), Mr Howel Gee, the. Rev James. Charles, the Rev Joseph Evana, &c.—Mr Roberts pointed out that the striking growth of the idea of I nationality which was seen in Wales in the present century was not confined to Wales, but that the growth of the spirit of na- tionality, especially in small countries, was in fact the most interesting characteristic of the nineteenth century. Its develop- ment in such countries as Bohemia, Servia, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Croatia, Rou- mania, and Wales was traced at consider- able length. The causes of the movement were analysed, and were attributed mainly to the influence of the French Revolution and to that of patriotic but scientific his- torians, such as Franz Palacky in Bohemia, and Alexander Herculano in Portugal, with whom Mr Owen M. Edwards was com- pared.—An interesting discussion followed, during which some of the Denbigh council- lors who were present were exhorted to follow the example of the Czechs in Bo- hemia, who were said to be everywhere re- placing German named by those in the Czech language, in substituting Welsh names for the in-elegant English names now borne by many of the streets in Den- bigh.

PORTMADOC. MEDICAL. Mr Robert Owen, only son of the Rev Thomas Owen (M.C.) has passed his final medical examination at Edinburgh. A LAUNCH.-It seems the new ship built by Mr David Williams is to be launched on Tuesday next. The proceed- ings will, no doubt, be witnessed by a large crowd of the inhabitants. INTERESTING SUBJECTS.-On Mon- day evening, at the Tabernacle School-room, the Rev J. Owen, M.A., delivered bis lec- ture on "Higher Criticism." The chair was occupied by Mr R. Davies, C.C.-The same evening, the members of the Salem Debating Society listened to an excellent address on "Self-culture" by the Rev O. Evans.—At the Memorial Chapel, the Rev W. J. Nicholson gave his able lecture on "Welsh oratory." As usual, he was highly appreciated. SCHOOL BOARD.-The ordinary meeting of the board was held on Wednesday, Mr D. R. Thomas (chairman) presiding.—The at- tendance officer's report was considered very satisfactory.—The question of the Snowdon- street School was deferred on account of the Rev LI. R. Hughes and Mr Casson's in- ability to attend.-The Clerk stated that the overseers had paid up all that was due from them for the half-year, and that there was a balance of j3500 in the board's favour at the bank (applause).—A discussion took place with reference to the sum of 40s surcharged by the new auditor.-The indentures of Dav- id Jones and Ellen Jones as pupil tcachers were signed. Winifred Jones wrote asking to be released from the next pupil teachers' examination. The clerk was directed to in- quire her reason for the request.—Replying to Mr E. H. Roberts, the Chairman said a special meeting of the board would be held to deal with the question of the Trsmadoc School drainage, when Mr Casson and the Rev LI. R. Hughes found it convenient to attend.-It was announced that the parents of the children who had broken the win- dows of the Snowdon-street School had agreed to pay for the damage made, and also the cost of the summonses, which had been drawn out against them. The board there- fore decided not to take any further pro- ceedings.

PWLLHELI. LEGAL SUCCESS.-The numerous friends of Mr A. Ivor Parry will be pleased to learn that he has passed his final law examination. He was articled to Messrs Pryce Picton and Co. SHOULD THE FRANCHISE BE EX- TENDED TO WOMEN. ?-This was the sub- ject of a lively debate at the Ala-road De- bating Society on Thursday evening. The chair was occupied by the Rev J. Jones, F.R.G.S.

RHYL. POACHERS HEAVILY FINED.—John Evans, Joseph Hunt, Isaac Jones, and: Ro- bert Davies, all of Vale-road, were charged at the Abergele Police Court, on Saturday, with trespassing in pursuit of game on the land of the Lord-lieutenant of Flintshire. Evans and Jones were each fined £1 and 19s 6d costs; Davies, 7s-6d and 18s 6d costs J and Hunt, 5s and 18s 6d costs. DISPUTE BETWEEN L ADIES.—At the petty sessions, on Tuesday, Mrs Grace Evans, Edward Henry-str<33t, Rhy I, and wife of Mr John Arthur Evans, formerly of the "Carnarvon Herald," summoned Miss Cranshaw for using threatening language, which defendant denied. Defendant's father has taken Emral Villa furnished from the complainant. It was suggested that the superior landlord's action in distraining for rent upon Mrs Grace Evans aggravated matters.—The Bench dismissed the case, Cranshaw paying Is costs, and Mrs Grace Evans 2s. SHOP-DOOR THEFTS.—At the police court, on Monday, Charles Thompson, journeyman painter, Nantwich, was charged with stealing two pairs of trousers and a vest, the property of the Gwalia Clothing Company, on Saturday night. From the evidence it appears prisoner was very drunk. He first of all asked a man in the street to give him a "leg up" in order to get hold of a coat from the Fiee Trade Hall premises. The request was; refused, whereupon prisoner walked across the road and helped himself from the stall outside the Gwalia Clothing Stores. He was seen by a police- man, wTho locked him up. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sent to prison for a month. The Bench reflected upon the practice of tradesmen leaving their goods outside the shops, whereupon the proprietor of the Gwalia Clothing Company retorted that he had to pay his rates and therefore he was entitled to sell his goods as he liked.

RUTHIN. THE TELEPHONE.-The Mayor was last week informed that the Postmaster- General had consented to the borough being transferred from the Holywell telephonic area to that of Rhyl, and hence the obstacle to the establishment of an exchange in Ruthin was removed. His worship called a. meeting of prospective subscribers for i Saturday, and it is understood that a suffi- cient number have agreed to sign the usual agreement, and that the National Telephone Company will forthwith proceed to set up the local exchange.

ST. ASA PH. POLICE COURT.-At the monthly ses- sions on Monday, Major Birch presiding, James Owen, Ciedigod Farm, Tremeirch- ion, and Thomas Hughes, Waen, St. Asaph, were summoned by Mr Herbert Jones for trespassing on land over which he had shooting rights. Mr Joseph Lloyd pro- secuted. Owen was fined 10s and costs.—■ A youth, named William Lucas, St. Asaph, was summoned for maliciously damaging a fence. He was fined 10s and costs. — A labourer, named Duncan, was fined 5s and costs for being drunk. The Defendant: labourer, named Duncan, was fined 5s and costs for being drunk. The Defendant: Will you allow me time, sir?—The Chair- man This is a. ready-money business1—. (laughter),-but we will give you a fort- night,

oS-n.m SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. CARNARVON. ARRIVED. — Christiana, s.s., Captain Griffiths, from Liverpool; Prince Ja Ja, s.s., Evans, do. Success, Williams, Bangor; Flagstag s.s., Jones, do. Moses Parry, Jones, Dublin; Colonel Gamble, Roberts, Connah's Quay; Lady Bessie, s.s., Roberts, Belfast; Sarah Lloyd, Jones, Red Wharf Uriana, Owens, London. SAILED.—J. H. Maclarren, Captain An- derson, for Garston Pioneer, Rees, Cardiff L. L. Lloyd, Jones, Holyhead; Christiana, s.s., Griffiths, Liverpool; Prince Ja Ja, s.s., Evans, do. Lady Bessie, Roberts, Llanael- haiarn; Unicorn, Davies, Newcastle Lean- der, Hurst, Portdinorwic; Wild Wave, Ar- nold, Silloth Two Brothers, Thomas, Port- dinorwic Messenger, Parry, West Bank. PORTMADOC. ARRIVED.—Jane, Captain Jones, from Swansea George Casson, Jones, Waterford A. T., Thomas, Aberaeron; Rebecca, s.s., Roberts, Liverpool; Tyne, Green, Dublin; Gauntlet, Cabot, London; Gowerian, Jones, Dublin; Mary Edwards, Edwards, Pwll- heli; Miss Pritchard, Jones, Dublin. SAILED.—Rebecca, s.s., Captain Roberts, for Liverpool; Martha Jane, Davies, Car- diff Ariel, Foulkes, Belfast; Desdemona, Evans, Aberdeen; Herbert, Thomas, Poole I Snaefaell, Marks, London.

EARLY WELSH DEVOTION- AL FORMS. On Tuesday night, the Rev J. Fisher, Ruthin, read a paper on the "Private Devo- tions of the Welsh in days gone by" before the Liverpool Welsh National Society, at the Royal Institution. He said they knew well enough what were the public formu- laries of the pre-Reformation Church in Wales, but it was not so easy a matter to ascertain of what nature were the Welsh- man's private devotions during the same period. There was but little doubt that the Welsh people used the vernacular in their private devotions. It was true that Latin was the ecclesiastical language of Wales, as of the rest of Western Christendom, at the time and there was no traces of a vernacular Liturgy having been in use in any portion of the Celtic Church. Such Celtic liturgical fragments as had come down, which dated from the seventh century, were in Latin; and it had been shown that the Celtic Church had not only a liturgy, but also a Bible version of its own-both, however, in Latin. But as regards the private devotions of the Welsh, probably the same custom ex- isted in Wales as in England, where the use of the vernacular had been encouraged from the earliest times, there having been many canons and injunctions, from the eighth century down, imposed upon the clergy to be careful to teach the people the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, &c., in the vulgar tongue. There are English versions extant.; of the Lord's Prayer and the Apostles' Creed from the eighth and ninth centuries, and the people in olden times were probably as familiar with them as they were to-day. I The great prayer used by the Welsh in the Middles Ages was the Lord's Prayer. There t were versions of it of the middle of the four- teenth century, and there was evidence to show that the people were thoroughly familiar with it. They called it the "Pader" (and still did), from the first word of the Latin version. To trace its history and its use in mediaeval Wales formed an interesting bit of study. It was used sometimes oc- cultly as an incantation or charm; and, of course, the Welsh were used to its technical repetition with chaplets and rosaries, ap- I parently even from the twelfth century. Beads were called in Welsh "Paderau." "Pwyll y Pader," a sort of running com- I mentary upon the prayer, was rather a com- mon mediaeval tract, and there were two distinct copies of it, the one epitomised from St. Hugh's work and the other from St. Augustine's. There were a few MSS. ex- tant in Welsh of the Officium Parvum of the Blessed Virgin, better known as the Hours of Our Lady, which in the Middle Ages was, and still is in the Roman Church, used generally in private. This was a most popular Office, and in its fuller form it be- came the Prayer-book of the laity. English MSS. of it, generally beautifully illuminated, dated from the fourteenth century, its Welsh version was probably, in its original form, of the end of the fourteenth century or the beginning of the fifteenth, and it was usually ascribed to Dafydd Ddu, of Hiraddug, in Flintshire. The lecturer, however, believed that, from internal and other evidence, it was undoubtedly the translation of a native of South Wales, probably Dafydd Ddu, a monk of Neath Abbey. The translation was of peculiar interest as containing the earliest specimens of any great portion of the Scrip- tures in Welsh, as well as being the earliest known Office in that language. In the Middld Ages the cultus of the Blessed Virgin had taken a very firm hold upon the Welsh mind, as the literature of the period amply testified. The lecturer next came to the Reformation, and described the Prymers and other manuals of devotion and elemen- tary religious instruction. Probably the first book ever published in the Welsh language was the Prymer of 1546, brought out by Sir John Price, of Brecon. It was now so scarce that only one copy of it was known to exist, the one recently discovered at Shir- burn Castle. The majority of the books of this description published down to the middle of the seventeenth century were the productions of Welsh Roman Catholics, and were published on the Continent. However, among the peasantry, or less educated, in Wales, down to the last century, and even into the present in the more out-of-the-way parts, the evening devotions usually con- sisted of the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and "Breuddwyd Mair" (Mary's Dream), which they repeated kneeling. This metrical "Dream" was in the form of a dialogue be- tween the Madonna and the Child, and had reference to His Passion and Crucifixion, ending with the reward for repeating it nightly. There were people still living who had been taught it in their childhood—Non- conformists as well as Church people. Several versions of it had been taken down, but they were all drawn from North Wales. These varied in several respects, which could only be expected as the result of the oral transmission of a devotion dating back from pre-Reformation times. The "Dream" was not peculiar to Wales for there was a Breton version of it which had been taken down in 1885 and published in Luzel's "Soniou Breiz- I Izel." It showed how hard old ideas and usages died. The lecturer, after some re- II marks in illustration of this once popular devotion, concluded with some metrical prayera, formerly used by the Welsh peasantry.

] Sore Throats. 9 "You cannot do bettor than gargle 2 with'CONDY. 3 8lr Mors!I Mackenzie, > | J Physician to The Throat Hospw* 3 CONDY'S ■ Remedial ■ &2WAKE 0? SUBSTITUTES. t ■ Insist on buying lr-ONDYS." -wr -Ii "LINSEED COMPOUND" a demulcent anodyne expectorant for Coughs and Colds, 9^d I3jd, of Chemists only. c431w

-w. l THE COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION. LIVELY LIBERAL MEETING AT CARNARVON. THE PARTY UNITED AT LAST. A public meeting of Liberals was held at the Liberal Club on Tuesday evening, for the purpose of selecting candidates for the County Council election. The chair was occupied by Alderman J. R. Pritchard, J.P. Mr W. J. Williams read the minutes of the executive committee, from which it transpired that Messrs D. T. Lake, J. T. Roberts, R. E. Owen, and W. M. Roberts, had been asked to fight in the Liberal in- terest. It was further reported that Mr J. T. Roberts had expressed his willingness to contest the seat, if he would be allowed! to retire from the town council in November, that Mr D. T. Lake had refused to standi, that Mr R. E. Owen was willing to place himself in the hands of the party, but had not yet made up his mind; and that Mr W. M. Roberts declined to take the field against Mr J. R. Hughes.—Mr J. R. Hughes asked if a letter from him had' been read at the committee.—The Secretary re- plied that there had, but he considered it to be of a private nature. However, it was agreed, after some discussion, that the letter should be read. The letter was a reply to an inquiry, and in it Mr Hughes declared that he was a life long Liberal in theory and, in practice, and hoped to re- main one. He would not, however, agree to be tied to the party in matters where political principles were not involved, but political principles were not involved, but whilst disagreeing on personal grounds with many of his party he claimed to be as strong a party man as any of them.—Mr J. T. Roberts, in reply to the chairman, said that he left himself in 'their hands.—Mr J. R. Hughes asked if Mr Roberts decided to fight after hearing that letter read. Mr Roberts had made a charge against a cer- tain gentleman saying that he would not have his support if he came out, but he (Mr Hughes) might say that Mr Roberts never asked him to support him. He had gone into the County Council as a Liberal and Nonconformist, and if he had done anything in the Council against those principles, he was ready to give up, but until then he would place himself in the hands of the Liberals of the No. 2 Division of the Eastern Ward. — Mr John Jones asked Mr J. R. Hughes why he had come to the meeting.—Mr J. R. Hughes replied that he came to show that he was not afraid nor ashamed to fight with the Liberals, having seen it said in the papers that Mr John Jones had said he was a Tory, and that Mr Beriah G. Evans had referred to his absence, as a proof that he was not willing to place himself in the hands of the Liberals.—Mr John Jones said that this did not appear in the newspapers, but an- other gentleman said that it did.—Con- siderable discussion followed, in which both Mr J. R. Hughes and Mr J. T. Roberts took part, but, eventually, Mr Henry Owen made an appeal for unity. He did not agree with Mr J. R. Hughes in several 11 11 matters, but that gentleman said he was an Liberal, and the Liberals of the town could not afford to let personal feelings and petty prejudices to come between them and' the interests of the party. Mr Hughes had acted as a Liberal on the County Council whether he had done so on the town coun- cil or not. The party was not so strong in Carnarvon that they could afford to be divided. Let them bury this matter for ever, and never allow personal feelings to be discussed in connection with public affairs (applause).—^ir John Rees thought they should' be more consistent and true to I each other. If they selected a candidate he would do his best for him, but he wished to say that there were prominent Liberals in his immediate district who did not sup- port the Liberal nominees and did not sup-* port Liberals in the polling booth. ("Chair, chair").-The Chairman said' this was noti the place for personal attacks, and if Mr Rees made an attack upon anyone, let him namo him. If tlxe remark made by Mr Rees was meant to apply to him (the chairman), as they had been made outside it was not true.—Mr Rees said he did not refer to the chairman.—Mr J. T. Roberts said! that if he was challenged he would take up the challenge.—Mr J. R. Hughes said that he had not come to the meeting to ask for charity, nor to make an apology. He simply asked for what was riglu. and all he could say that if Mr J. T. Roberta challenged him he would be ready to meet him.—Mr W. Evans said he would like to see both parties shaking hands and work- ing together.—Mr J. T. Roberts said he 11 V, never challenged' Mr Hughes, but at the same time, he did not want to be challenged himself. He would like to ask Mr Hughes if he had not said that he would be glad too see Dr Parry or he (Mr Roberts) coming out against him.—Mr Hughes remarked that he was there as a Liberal, and any personal matter that might be between Mr Roberts and him, he was prepared to settle with Mr Roberts privately. There was, no doubt, that he (Mr Hughes) had had a1 challenge, for he had! been repeatedly told that he would be thrown out at the nexta November election.—Mr J. Jones amd Mr D., Morris again appealed for unity.—Mr J. T. Roberts contended thatl Mr Hughes had made use of these remarks to a Conserva- tive. He had not challenged him, and he did not want to be challenged.—Mr J. R. Hughes held that Mr Roberts had no right to bring private matters into a public meet- ing of the Liberals.—A member said that there were rumours that Mr Gregory was going to contest the seat for the Conserva- tives.—Mr J. R. Hughes: In that case, I will retire, if the meeting adopts Mr J. T. Roberts, so that the two gentlemen may, have a fair fight (applause).—Mr J. T. Ro- berts I may as well fight Mr Hughes as Mr Gregory.—Mr W. J. Williams made an appeal to the meeting not to divide the party, and Mr Edwarcf Hughes thought they could not afford to lose Mr J. T. Ro- berts from the town council. If Mr Ro- berts had given a challenge, perhaps he would withdraw it.—Mr J. T. Roberts said he had nothing to withdraw. The best thing would be to leave the matter in the hands of the ward.—Mr J. R- Hughes then appealed to Mr Roberts and all of them not to believe anything about him unless they got it from him. He knew that there were some people who tried their best tal widen the breach by carrying tales from one side to the other. He had tolil Mr C. A. Jones, who was chaffing him, that if Mr Roberts came out, he "would thrash him in spite of him. This was said in the same spirit as all these things were said, and he never thought Mr Roberts intended to come out. He had not given a challenge, and if h!e jwished to challenge Mr Roberts, he .1' .L 1. 1. ^oui T • i s face. He had' always Lmr • .j atmosphere, and would ba m to turn his back on Li- i noi_- he»r).—An amendment pro- then wJ+ff to stand waa Srawn' and Mr H. G. Foulkes vitfS h Hughes be now in- TVU o rv^e liberal party to contest ther no. Division; of the East Ward. — Thia was seconded by Mr H. Owen.—A discus- SIon then arose as to the remaining three! wards. and it was resolved not to nominate condid'ates that evening. — The meeting Passed a resolution congratulating Mr David EdWards, of Nottingham, upon his appoint- I ment to the staff of the "Daily News," and the proceedings terminated with the usual vote of thanks.

"LINSEED COMPOUND for Coughs, Coldfi, Asthma, and Bronchitis. Of Chemists onlv. n431w IiINITM CATHARTICUM PILLS, diges- tive. corrective, and sgreeabl aperic" t, !:I1d. 13,d. Of a?] Chemuts. c 131W