The Principality

carriers on the western valleys, and two years for completing their works, and becoming carriers on the Newport and Pon- typool Railway. Lastly. The company have the power of raising an addi- tional capital of Z 150,000, partly by preferential shares, and partly by debentures. While thus explaining the advantages to be obtained by the company from the present bill, the committee deem it right to 11 âppristhe proprietary, that the Parliamentary committee, in consideration of the advantages which the company will derive from the increase of toll, considered it right to limit the divi- dend, during the period that such increased toll will be taken, to five per cent. Whilst the committee think it right to place the position of the company and the present bill before the proprietary, they are not without expectation, that if they should have an increased trade, the concern, by a strict attention to economy, will still prosper. The committee have also to state, that the deputation expe- rienced a very persevering opposition before the Parliamentary Committee, from certain of the authorities of Newport, and the Parliamentary Committee, after consulting Lord Shaftes- bury, recommended the company to consent to the introduc- tion of a clause, subjecting their canals and roads to be rated according to the usual mode, and not upon any special princi- ple of exemption, which the company have previously enjoyed under their acts of Parliament. The committee have proceeded with the improvement of the roads in the western valleys, by the substitution of wrought for cast iron plates, and have expended a sum of E3,000 and upwards, in the last half-year, in the purchase of plates. It will appear from the usual half-yearly account, that the revenue of the company for the last half year has not suffered any material decrease, notwithstanding the temporary stagna- tion of trade, occasioned by the differences between the iron and coal masters and their men. The committee have the satisfaction to state that the ordinary expenditure for the last half year shows a considerable decrease, compared with the corresponding half year of 1847. The committee again venture to offer their advice to the general body of proprietors on the subject of the present half year's dividend and looking at the obligations to which the company, notwithstanding the relief to be afforded by the pre- sent bill, will be subject, and the reduction of revenue which will shortly take place, the committee recommend the proprie- tors .to be again satisfied with a reduced dividend, and to apply the surplus to the purchase of iron, and improvements of the road in the western valleys. The accounts for the past year were submitted by the chair- man. We annex a comparative abstract of the income for the half-years ending September, 1847 and 1848. The deficiency in the latter period is explained in the report of the committee given below: — June quarter 1847-12,693 9 4 1848-12,958 13 8 Septr. ditto, 1847-12,666 4 4 1848-11,895 15 7 £ 25,359 13 8 424,854 9 3 The question of dividend was then introduced by the, chair- tnan, the recommendation of the committee being that the pro- prietors should agree to a dividend of four per cent., free of income-tax. This was agreed to.

LLAND0YERY. BRITISH SCHOOL.—The Rev. W. Rees, of Liverpool, delivered his famed lecture on the life, times, and genius of Williams, Pan- tycelyn, on behalf of the above institution at the Tabernacle chapel, .on the 26th ult. The chyir was taken at half-past six o'clock by David Thomas, Esq., who opened the meeting in a neat and con- cise speech, and introduced to the audience the Rev. Mr. Rees, whose name as a preacher, bard, and writer, is well known through- out the principality, and his celebrated lecture on the life, times, and genius of Williams, Pantycelyn, has been everywhere well received and highly applauded. The birth-place of the subject of the lecture being contiguous to the town, and his mortal remains being interred at Llanvairarybryn, it was natural that Mr. Rees should deliver it here. The lecturer for near three hours displayed his usual abilities in its delivery, which drew from the audience many a burst of applause. The attendance was numerous and respectable, and was considered by many one of the most inte- resting meetings ever held in the town, and the result worthy of the institution. At the close of the lecture the thanks of the meet- ing were voted to Mr. Rees, on the motion of the Rev. T. Phillips, Hay, seconded by the Rev. Dr. Davies, Froodvale.

TENBY. MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE.—FOUR LIVES LosT.-On Mon- day afternoon, between one and two o'clock, a most lamentable event occurred at Prysap Bay, by which four persons belonging to this town lost their lives, Benjamin Nash, his two sons, Benja- min and John, aged respectively 17 and 13, and a young man named Lewis Bowen. had gone down to clear the lobster pots," and were in the aci; of drawing the second, when a sea struck and capsized the boat, and all four perished. The accident, was witnessed by a man who was on the rocks "crabbing;" but he ees to have taken no measure.. for giving an alarm, as (although it might have been beyond human power to render them any aid) he did not mention it to any one until some hours had elapsed. It was not known in Tenby until 10 o'clock at night, and yet it oc- curred only four miles hence. The body of Bowen was picked up on Tuesday, on the rocks, at high-water mark. It is supposed he had managed to swim through the breakers, and was killed by being dashed on the rocks. He was severely cut about the head and face. Nash was a very daring intrepid man, and during a period of more than 20 years, had been instrumental in saving a great number of lives from shipwreck and otherwise. He is much regretted, and has left a widow and four surviving children to deplore his loss. None of the other three bodies have yet been found.

CARDIGAN. ACCIDENT.—On Tuesday week last, as the Cardigan mail stopped at Kenarth bridge, after taking the drag off, the wheel horses bolted, and run the pole against the bridge, by which Mrs. Williams, of Carmarthen, and Mr. Morris Davies were thrown from their seats. Mrs. Williams was placed inside, and on her arrival at Cardigan at the White Hart Inn, she was put into bed, #nd medical assistance was rendered by Mr. Bevan, surgeou, who bled her. Mrs. Williams now remains at the White Hart until she is able to be removed. FATAL ACCIDENT.-An accident happened on Wednesday week, which proved fatal to a young child, son of Mr. William Williams, Paotyfedwen, near Tregaron. As he was in company with other children, plajing near a loaded cart, the cart fell on him. The injuries that he received were of such a nature that they caused his death in the course of the day.

Uctigious Intelligence. LLANELLY SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.—Friday, the 30th ult., was a day long to be remembered by the churches of this town. For many months past the Sunday School Union has been working great things among us, causing the different schools to be placed in a better attitude for efficiency; and uniting the different sections of the Church in one common brotherhood. Some time since the committee determined to bring the union more prominently before the public, and decided on a proces- sion and a public meeting. At one o'clock on Friday the dif- ferent Sunday-schools met in their respective chapels, and at two o'clock a procession, consisting of upwards of 2,000 chil- dren and adults, was formed, and proceeded through the prin- cipal streets of the town. In the evening the public meeting was held at the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, which at an early hour was well-filled. According to a previous arrange- ment of the committee three ministers addressed the meeting on given subjects. The teachers were addressed by the Rev. Mr. Hughes, of the Bethel chapel; the children by the Rev. R. Rees, of the Wesleyan chapel; and the parents by the Rev. T. Rees, of Siloali chapel. Also the Rev. Messrs. Spencer, Brown, Rees, and Roberts, took part in the proceedings, and the large assembly separated, having received a mighty impulse in their work of faith and labour of love. C OWER.—During the past week the quiet locality of Gower has been in a state of happy excitement occasioned by the visit of Thomas Thompson, Esq., and the hon. Mrs. Thompson, of Poundisford park, Taunton, to the chapels of the late hon. Baroness Barham, their esteemed and honoured parent. On Tuesday, June 29, they met the Sabbath school of Cheriton, Oldwalls, Nicolaston, and Bury's green, under the care of the Rev. W. Griffiths, at Bethesda chapel, when from two to three hundred sat down to tea, the provision being given by the con- gregation as a free-will offering, though Mr. Thompson had previously engaged to pay the whole of the expense. After tea a public service was held, and after singing and prayer, Mr. T. addressed the children from Matt. xxi. 16, in a most engaging manner. The Rev. W. J. Ford then addressed the teachers on the nature and importance of their work;" after which the Rev. W. Griffiths examined the schools on the great doctrines of Christianity, when every question was readily and satisfac- torily answered. Mr. T. said that as he had been denied the pleasure of being at the expense of the tea by the liberality of the people, he should present the chapel with a new pair of chandeliers, a gift most thankfully accepted by pastor and people. On the following Thursday, the sabbath school of Pillon Green, and Park Mill chapels, under the pastorate of the Rev. W. J. Ford, held their anniversary. The scholars met Mr. T. and his lady about three o'clock, and walked in proces- sion before the carriage to the chapel, singing "Hosannah;" and when the chapel door was opened the interior presented a cheering appearance. Three long tables spread out with a pro- fusion of tea things, cake, &c., over which hung two chande- liers, gracefully ornamented with flowers. In a few minutes the area of the chapel was filled, and the children were enjoy- ing their tea. Shortly after the friends sat down to the social repast. At six o'clock a public service commenced with sing- ing and prayer. The schools were examined by the minister, and Mr. T. addressed them in his own peculiar and interesting man- ner on Gen. xlviii. 16, Bless the lads." This address was fol- lowed by others to parents and teachers, and a few words by the hon. patroness herself by way of encouragement to the school. After the minister had returned thanks to the people .for their abundant'liberality, and singing and prayer, :he ser- vice concluded—a service long to be remembered, and; we hope it will be peculiarly blessed of God. In this as in the former instance, Mr. T. himself had engaged to meet the expense, yet such was the good feeling and liberality of the people that they came forward unsolicited, and met the expense themselves. So much for the voluntary principle. Gower is indebted to the late hon. Baroness Barham for its religious privileges to a very great extent, for by her chapels were built, schools formed, and ministers supported and it is pleasing to see members of her family imbued with her spirit, and taking so great an interest in the welfare of the people of Gower. May they be blessed, and made a blessing. T ENRY. An ordination service was held at the Baptist chapel, South Parade, in this town, on the 5th inst., when Mr. W. Phillips, late ofAccrington College, was recognised as the pas- tor of the church. On Tuesday evening the 4th, the service commenced with reading and prayer by Mr. J. II. Thomas, of Milford Haven, when Mr. W. Walters, of Preston, preached from Gal. vi. 14. On Wednesday at ten Mr. Anthony (Inde- pendent) read the scriptures and prayed. Mr. D. Pughe, of Pembroke-dock, delivered the introductory address on the na- ture and constitution of a Christian church. The ordination prayer was presented by Mr. J. II. Thomas, when Mr. H. J. Morgan, of Bethany, Pembroke-dock, gave the charge to the young minister, founded on the words Make full proof of thy ministry," and concluded with prayer. At six in the evening, Mr. Price, of Bristol College, pray-ed; Mr, Benjamin Thomas, of Narberth, addressed the church from Ileb. xiii. 22; and Mr. W. Walters preached to the congregation from Prov. xxiv, 11, 12. The whole of the services were truly interesting, and our prayer is that this religious union maybe ratified in Heaven. COED-Y-OY'MMF.R BRANCH BIBLE SOCIETY,—A meeting was held on Monday evening at Tabor Independent chapel, the Rev. W. Moses's, Mr. Philip Jones, a churchman, in the chair. Mr. 1). N. Thomas, the secretary, read the report, which showed that that branch had not done so much for the Bible society the last year as usual, but determined to do more this year. Brief but appropriate speeches were delivered by Mr. T. Williams, Revs, \V", Moses, YY.atkin Willi a ms, and O. Evans, in moving and seconding the various resolutions. The meeting was then addressed by the deputation, the Revs. Edward Davies, classi- cal stutor of Brecon college, and T. Phillips, of Hay, in speeches which told well on the congregation. It appeared that the inhabitants of that populous village are well supplied with the scriptures. MIDDLE MILL, PEMBROKESHIRE,—On Saturday, July 8th, the members of the Baptist church at Middle Mill presented the Rev. W. Reynolds with a purse of thirty sovereigns as an expression of their attachment and their esteem of his la- bours among them. The presentation was made by Mr. Thos. Morris, in a kind and fraternal spirit, and appropriately acknow- ledged by Mr, Reynolds. LIVERPOOL AND BIRKENHEAD,— On Sunday last, the 9th c inst., the Welsh Independents assembling at Tabernacle, Be- thel, and Salem Chapels, Liverpool, and Sion Chapel, Birken- head, held, their annual meetings in their several chapels. The Revs. W, Griffith Holyhead; D. Rees, Llanelli; E. Hughes, Holywell; n. Price, Denbigh; T. Rees, Llanelli; W. Am- brose, Port Madoc; E. Griffith, Llanegryn; J. Williams, Llan- ga..doc;. J. Roberts, Llanercliymedd W. Roberts, Pen Bont Fawr and E. Davies, Trawsfynydd, preached on the occasion. The congregations were large and attentive, and the sermons impressive, and it is to be hoped that much good will be the result. Notwithstanding the heavy pressure of the times we believe- tbut our fcllow-countrymen have in their several col- lections fully sustained their long-established character for liberality. THE MONTHLY MEETING of the Baptist connexion in the Cardigan district, was held at Cwmfelin-mynich, near Llan- boidy, on the 26th and 27th ult. On the evening of the first day sermons were preached by the Rev. Messrs. D. Davies, Bwlchygwynt, and J. Lloyd, Penpark and on the morning of the second day, by the Rev. Messrs. T. Thomas, and J. Lloyd; and in the afternoon, by the Rev. Messrs. D. Davies and J. Lloyd. The services on both days were numerously and re- spectably attended. RHESYCAE. The association of Congregational ministers and churches within the counties of Flint and Denbigh, held its annual meeting at this place on Wednesday and Thursday, the 5th and ffth instant. Besides a large number of the ministers within the above- named counties, there were present the Rev. W. Roberts, Penybont; E. Griffiths, Llanegryn E. Davies, Trawsfynydd W. Jones, Amlwch; and T. Pierce, of Liverpool. The public meetings were held in the open air, as the assemblage of the peo- ple was much too large for the chapel to contain. The sermons were delivered with great power and effect, and we sincerely hope will be attended with beneficial results to the church, the neigh- bourhood, and the respected minister of the place. The ministers present in the conference unanimously passed a vote of condolence with the Rev. Hugh Pugh, of Mostyn, in consequence of his late bereavement. The meeting of the association next year is ap- pointed to be held in Cliapel-street chapel, Holywell. HOLYWELL.—The Rev. Ellis Hughes, who has for many years laboured with much success in this town and neighbourhood, is about to remove, having received a unanimous invitation from the old Independent church at Penmain, Monmouthshire. His re- moval is a source of much regret to his brethren and the churches in general, as he was very greatly beloved and respected, not only by the friends at Holywell, but by all the ministers and churches of the county, and indeed throughout the whole of North Wales.

BRISTOL. ECCLESIASTICAL MUNICIPALS.—Our correspondent writes, that his estimate of the bonus, intended by the majority of the Town Council for the proposed church in the Rope-walk, was much too low. It seems that the value of the property in question was assumed by the Council to be E300, and they determined on sacrificing one-half of this sum by selling it to the church for £ 150. This act of devout generosity being, however, solely at the expense of their constituents, failed to impress the public with any very reverential feelings. But this is not the extent of their bad stewardship. The city surveyor values the ground at X500, con- sequently the Council, in voting it away to the church builders for E150, showed that their consciencies could stretch to the ab- straction of over two-thirds of an estimated value from the city funds entrusted to their protection. It is fortunate for the citizens that the consent of the Lords of the Treasury must be obtained before any transfer of their property can take place. The memorial of the majority in this instance, rather imprudently, informed their lordships that the land had been agreed for at its fair value whereas the counter memorial stated the truth, as above specified; and the consequence was, the merited rout of the ecclesiastical municipals, who for the future, whether they grant sites for churches, or refuse them for meeting-houses, must lay their account with the public for a fair valuation, such as will bear an appeal to the highest authorities. LAMB STEALING.—During the night of Sunday last, a fine lamb belonging to Alfred Tuckett, Esq., was slaughtered in a field at Frenchay, and the carcase carried away, leaving the skin only to account for its absence. CONFIRMATION.—Lectures on this rite of the Anglican Church are in the course of delivery by the clergy of the city of Bristol and suburbs. Great discrepancies in opinion are apparent in their modes of treating the subject; most of the parochial clergy re- garding it as one of a series of ordinances calculated to edify the Christian by calling his attention to progressive spiritual graces, and therefore to be devoutly regarded by members of the Church which has instituted the rite. Others insist upon its being ob- served as an essential seal to the covenant of baptism actually preserving an established favour with heaven to which the former rite had originally introduced it. From the parish of St. James has issued an address, which asserts, for both baptism and con- firmation, everything which the Church of Rome teaches as true doctrine; clearly implying that a priest and a bishop must be employed, the first to give a soul any title to redemption, and the second to put it in full possession of the holy spirit! If we agree in supporting a Church establishment that countenances such unscriptural views as these, we would ask on what principle we can object to the old Romish apostacy being set up in its stead ?

MINING INTELLIGENCE. CARDIGANSHIRE GREAT LEAD BASIN. (From the Mining Journal.) [We find that the importation of lead, as compared with the previous years' returns in 1846 and 1847, decreased from 7862 to 3032 tons, and British exported increased from 6422 to 8259 tons; thus showing an increase of 5767 tons in favour of the lead mines of this kingdom—an increase that may reasonably be expected to be greater this year, arising from the present position of affairs between this country and Spain. In conse- quence of these facts, we have deemed it prudent to direct at- tention to the great lead basin of Cardiganshire. We cannot close these introductory remarks, however, without stating the advantage likely to arise to owners of mines in being liberal to lessees in the royalty demanded from them.] The depression that has for some time past overhung British industry, induces us to lay before our readers some particulars relative to this great lead district; and, in doing so, we cannot help calling attention to the beautiful maps recently published by the Ordinance, under the superintendence of Sir II. De la Beche and others, in which are most accurately laid down the various lodes, or veins, of ore in this kingdom. The basin may be divided into two districts: the one on the north may be styled "the silver-lead district;" and the more southern portion the lead district," inasmuch as it contains but a small portion of silver, compared with the northern. The former may be said to commence with the River Rheidol" running almost due north, and the latter the ground on the southern side of that river. To give a complete description of all the lodes would occupy more space than we could well spare. There are, however, se- veral which may be called champion lodes, and others which are (though not long) very important and valuable—frequently a number of lodes being clustered together. The first cham- pion lode in the silver-lead district is about nine miles in ex- tent, running nearly east and west from Cefnllwyd to Esgar- galed, and travels through the mines called Brynllwyd, Llech- weddhen, Llechweddaleg, Llcttyhen and Lower Cwmbach. The second champion lode northward commences at Elgair Mine, and runs to Henbwlch Mine, thouglt Moelyglomen. The third commences near the great cluster of lodes at Tal-y-bont, and runs through the great Petosi Mine, called Esgair-hir, to Avon Llechwedd Mawr, a distance of five miles. Near the first lode, close upon Llettyhen and Llechweddaleg, is the great Cwmsymlog Mine, worked by Sir Hugh Myddleton, with the profits of which he brought the New River to London. Adjoining, near this, is Darren, Cwmsebon, Cwm Erfin, Bwlch Consols, and Goginan, all important and valuable mines. Near the commencement of the second champion lode is the cluster of lodes forming the Pen-y-cefn and Elgar mines. The great cluster of lodes at Tal-y-bont have been most productive, and worked to a considerable profit. There are several valu- able mines not included in this hurried description for, as we have observed, it is impossible, within the reasonable limits of an article in a daily journal, to consider them all, We are obliged, therefore, to defer even a description of the southern portion of the basin, though we hope at some future time to enter upon them and, in the meantime, we would sugo-est that some gentleman would give the subject his con- sideration, and publish an account qf all the mines, statistical and otherwise for we feel persuaded, that such a production would not only be well received by the mining public, but would be productive of profit to the author. We have taken a good deal of trouble in applying to the best sources to which we could gain access for information as to most of the Cardi- ganshire mines, though, of course, it is impossible to arrive at an accurate amount, or entire return, for the whole of the mines of any district and in this there is a peculiar difficulty in that respect, in consequence of nearly the whole of them having been worked by private companies or individuals. To give some idea of the value of lead mines in this district, we may state that one company, with an investment of only £ 2,5C0, exclusive of the purchase of grants, have made E18,000 per nnnum profits. We cannot shut our eyes to the fact, that a sum of near £ 50,000 has been lost by injudicious rninijig and mismanage- ment; but, on the other hand, there are mines with trifling in- vestments, which have, within the last 15 years, yielded im- mense returns. For instance:- Names of Mines. Investment. An. Return. Profit, 15 yrs. Lisburne £ 2,600 £ 8,000 £ 100,000 Cwm-ystwith.2,000 7,000- 85,000 Goginan 500 8,000 80,0 0 Esgar-galed 5,000. 5,000. 40,000 Thus showing that, by an outlay of 1:10,030, an annual in- come is produced of £28,000; and the adventurers have already received in profit £ 225,000.. The old mines of this district, according to historical inform- ation, may, according to the injjrmaiion we h-ive received, bo set down as follows;- Names of Mines. Investment. An. Returns. Total Profits. Allty Cribe £ 5,000 £ 5,000 £ 50,000 BrynPien 10,000 5,00 40,000 Cwmsymlog unknown 25,000 250,000 Cwm-ystwith 10,000. 7,000. 500,000 Danen anknown 5,000. 50,000 Esgaiymwya 50. 20,000 250,000 Esqmrhrd 10,000. i TO.OOQ 100,000 Grogwynion 3,000. 5,000. 60,000 Pen-y-cefn 2,000 2,000. 15,000 Othermines. 150,000 300 Assuming the above summary to be correct, and we believe that it is as near as it can be made, it will be seen that, on an outlay of, say E200,000, the adventurers have realised £112,000 a-year, and received in profits £ 1,920,000. We have taken some trouble to follow out the summary y above given, by preparing another of the mines now opening, and not brought into full profit, which we believe is as nearly correct as the nature of the calculations will admit of, being furnished by a gentleman with local knowledge and experience in Cardiganshire, probably equal to any one of the present day. He says—" I shall also add, that such a capital now in- vested, under skilful management, would, in all probability, produce equal results." Mines now opening, not brought into profit. Capital Calc. pro- Names of Mines. expended. Yet required, fitperann. Bwlch Consols £ 10,000 £ 110. 00(1 Boy 2,000. 1,000 Cwm Erfin 2,000 500. 1,500 Cwm-ystwith 3,000 10,000 Cwmsymlog 20,000 20,000 10,000 Cwm-sebon. 10,000. 2,<00 2,000 Cefn Cwm Brwyna. 2,000. 2,000. 1,000 Crown Miles 5,000. 5,000. 5,000 Esgair-hir 2»,000 20,000 15,CCD Eslym-hen Mines 4,000 2,000 2,000 Grogwynion. 300 1,500 10,000 Llettyhen j 1,400 2,600 3,000 Pen-y-cefn 6,0 ;0 4,000 7,000 Penrhiw 3,000. 200. LOOO Tyllwyd 1,200 1,000 2,000 Before closing this article, we believe that we may properly again subscribe to the truth of a quotation which we made from the Mining Journal, on the 26th of April last, and which equally applies to many of the mines mentioned in the fore- going summary :—" In what other class of investments can you show such enormous profits and how necessary it is to rid the market of any visionary adventures, which so dread- fully tarnish these splendid and successful ones." PJst.

BEWARE OF LICKING POSTAGE STAMPS.—A publican near the Surrey theatre, having some two hundred letters to post, wetted the stamps with his tongue; after he had finished, his tongue and throat became so sore, and swelled so seriously, that he sent for medical assistance it was found that the gum on the stamps was poisonous. Antidotes were administered, and in a day or two the man recovered. DIFFERENCE IN BEATING A COAT.-The servant of a Prussian officer one day met a crony, who inquired how he got along with his fiery master. Oh, excellently answered the ser- vant, we live on very friendly terms every morning we beat each other's coats the only difference is, he takes his off to be beaten, and I keep mine on." A JOURNEY IN THE UNITED STATFS.—Through the Lord's goodness I found my habitation and church in peace, and felt truly thankful that I had been able to perform mv mission to America and back without having been compelled to break one engagement; had voyaged 6,000 miles by sea, and near 3,000 by lakes, rivers, and land had preached twenty sermons, de- livered twelve lectures on slavery, peace, temperance, &c., besides a number of speeches at the Sutton Conference and in other places, without the use of any alcoholic fluid, ih the form of wine, ale, or spirits; that, with the exception of a slight attack of stomach derangement at Boston, I had enjoyed good health and spirits. My previous high opinion and strong at- tachment to many things in America were greatly increased. Here I saw a large and prosperous nation without the withering Z, incubus of a state church. Here I saw a people without the silly trapping and unequal laws of a proud aristocracy. Here I saw labour dignified, and the sons of toil elevated and happy. Here the tone of public morals is considerably higher than in our own country. 1 saw only three inebriated persons. I was asked alms by only two beggars. Here diligent labour is crowned with success, the agriculturists and the artisans have no anxiety how to get bread for their children. Let the foul leprous spot of Slavery be removed, and the States, in every- thing truly great and noble, will stand forth the most exalted and happy of nations. How painful the contrast between Boston and Liverpool! In the former we see moral order. commercial activity, and plenty; in the latter, drunkenness, debauchery, pauperism, and crime. We must become a sober people, or all attempts to make our country happy will be in vain. Drunkenness is the reproach, the misery, and ruin of our land.-Dr, litems. THE EXPECTED COMET.—Public attention having been recently drawn to the anticipated return of the great comet of 1264 and 1556, after an absence from our system of 292 years, the fol- lowing particulars, which were stated in a lecture upon the Science of Astronomy delivered by Mr. Henry Althans, jun., before the Hackney Literary and Scientific Institution, London, in the Mer- maid Assembly Rooms, may not be uninteresting:—" On the 5th day of March, 1556, this eccentric wanderer was first perceptible in the sign Libra. Pursuing its celestial course with great velocity, it touched the left wing of the sign Virgo, passed below the knee of the constellation Bootes, whence it ascended to the Northern pole of the ecliptic, (its incli lation being 32 degrees 6 minutes) towards Andromeda, where it lingered, but receding towards lha northern Fish, it was there lost. Its perehelion (or nearest point to the sun) was passed on the 21st day of. April, just two days previous to its final disappearance. Whilst it remained within the circle of those topical stars which never set, the comet was visible all night long; and throughout its course, the apparent magnitude of the head was uniformly as large as Jupiter to the naked eye. Its motion rata contrariwise to the succession of the Zodiacal signs, and within the space of four days, it completed seventy degrees westward and thirty degrees northward, directing its path towards Saturn (then in Aries) but apparently slackening its speed as it approached that planet. At first its heliocentric motion was retrograde—at last direct. In the intermediate course it was most wift, despatching fifteen degrees daily. The nucleus (or body) presented the aspect of a bright globe of flame equivalent to a half-moon, but the rays and colours varied and interchanged like the flickering of a flame agitated by the wind. The tail was moderately long and much attenuated at first presenting a mar- tial aspect, but subsequently dissolving into a pate and livid com- plexion the stream cf rays was denser near the head, and m'lre rarified towards the extremity of the tail, which at first pointed eastward, but as the comet mounted to the north, the train took a southerly direction. This eccentric member of the solar system has been conjectured to be identical with that mighty comet which startled Europe in the year 1264, so particularly described by Palseologus, uinger, Calvisius, Matthew Paris, and other chro- niclers of the period. That portentous visitant was first discern- ible near the sign Taurus, behind the planet Venus and it ragell during the whole summer season, until the 7th day of October. It was originally observed in the twilight of the evening hut speedily passing the sun on the Gth of July, at a rapid rate' (the place of its perehehon being 21 degrees of Capricorn,) it re-ap- peared shortly before the morning twilight towards the 8th d:gree of Cancer, whence it retrograded very quickly into Gemini, thread- ing its way between Canis and Orion, but ultimately retre-tirig into the latter constellation. Its movement from east to west was more than equal to 50 degrees of latitude, and hardly 5 of longi- tude. The inclination of its parabolic orbit to the ecliptic was 36 degrees and the distance at its perehelion (that of the earth being 1) was 0,4450. At first it followed the morning star, but sub- sequently preceded that brilliant orb. The train or tail was very, long and broad, resembling a fan in shape, emerging from the eastern horizon before the dimmer nucleus, and, when fullv asoeqded, stretching itself upwards, and shooting its rays to the meridian, the comet occupied in length one-half of the heavens, presenting a fearful apparition to the eye of the superstitious spectator, A., it swept along through spaco, the tail diminished daily in breadth, buw proportionately increased in length and br.Ilianey, Contemporary historians relate many terrible calami-

HA VERFORDWEST. UNION.—At a meeting of the Board of Guardians of the Ha- verfordwest Union, held at the Board-room, Haverfordwest, on Tuesday, the 4th day of July, 1848, it was unanimously resolved This Board having been apprised of the death. of its respected chairman, Henry Leach, Esq., desires to record its grateful sense of the obligations under which his eminent and faithful services have placed it, and to deplore the loss which it has sustained by being deprived of his unwearied attention to its interests. The Board would likewise tender to the widow and surviving relatives of the deceased its condolence and sympathy under this afflictive dispensation of divine Providence. The common seal of the Guardians of the Union was affixed, by order of the Board.— At the same meeting, on the motion of the Rev. Thomas Watts, seconded by the Rev. N. Davies, George Roch, Esq., of Butter-lull, was elected chairman and on the motion of Mr. John F. Robin, seconded by Mr. Joseph Tombs, James Higgon, Esq., of Seolton, was elected vice -chairman, in the room of George Roch, Esq., to act in concert with Lloyd Philipps, Esq., of Dale Castle.

NORTH WALES. BAIA. ELECTION OF CORONER.—A public meeting was held at the County-hall, Bala, on Thursday, the 29th ult., for the pur- pose of electing a coroner for the lower division of the county of Merioneth. R. W. Price, Esq., of Rhiwlas, proposed Rice Hugh Anwyl, tlsq., of Bala, surgeon, as a fit and proper person to till that important office; and was seconded by Geo. P. Lloyd, Esq., of Plas-yn-dre. No other candidate having been proposed, Mr. Anwyl was declared duly elected. A MELANCHOLY DEATH.A poor old WOman, aged 70 years, was killed on Monday last, whilst passing along a parish road which crosses the Chester and Holyhead railway at Weeg Fawr, near Aber. The deceased had been in the habit of gathering ?btkles on the Lavan Sands, when the tide and tiie weather per- mitted, every season during the last fifty years. On this-occasion, in consequence of her age and of the late hour that the tide served on the preceding night, she had rather overslept herself, and- was hastening towards the sands after some other parties, who; as well as herself, were in the habit of earning a scanty livelihood: by ga- thering cockles. Whilst crossing the railway, the down morning train, in passing, killed her on the spot. The body was found dreadfully mutilated, the head being literally severed from the body, and the legs horribly mangled. The force with which the blow was struck had pitched the body fourteen yards clear from whence he was hit. An inquest was taken on view of the body, on Friday last, before Edw. G. Powell, Esq., coroner, at which two s' witnesses were examined—the woman who accompanied the de- ceased, and John Lewis, cabinet-maker, Bangor, who witnessed the catastrophe. Verdict-" Accidental death." The circum'- stance was, no doubt, purely accidental; but as many persons cross at this particular part of the line daily, it devolves upon the Company to put in force such precautionary measures as will pre- vent a repetition of such painful accidents. THE MUSIC OF WALES.—Mr. Ellis Roberts, the celebrated. Welsh Harpist, gave an entertainment of Welsh music, assisted by Miss Susan Kenneth and Talhaiarn, at the Sussex Hall, Lead- enhall-street, London, on Thursday evening, June 29th, illus- trated by lecture, song, and harp. Talhaiarn gave an historica t sketch of Welsh music, bardism, and minstrelsy; tracing them from the time of the British King Cadwaladr in the 7th century, to the last Royal Eisteddfod, which was held at Caerwys, in Flintshire, in the reign of Henry VIII. interspersed with legendary anecdotes, connected with the melodies and minstrels of Wales and he also traced the history of the harp with its various gradations and improvements, from the remotest antiquity up to the present time. The beautiful songs written by Mrs. Hemans and Mrs. Cornwall Baron Wilson, attached to ancient Welsh melodies, were sung with great taste and feeling by Miss Susan Kenneth, who was encored three times during the evening. All the songs were accompanied by the harp. Mr. Ellis Roberts played several solos on the ancient triple harp, and upon the newly invented and magnificent Cambrian double action harp," and was received with loud applause, and three times en- cored. This masterly and brilliant execution delighted the audience, who seemed amazed at the various effects produced on a single instrument. Talhaiarn gave a specimen of penillion singing in the style of North Wales, and was unanimously en- cored and, in the concluding portion of his address, he recited a patriotic and loyal song written by himself, which was received with immense enthusiasm and loudly encored. The room was full and the audience was delighted with the whole performance and, there can be no doubt, that when our beautiful national melodies are well played and sung, they will become as popular as any other national melodies.