The Weekly News and Visitors' Chronicle for Colwyn Bay Colwyn Llandrillo Conway Deganwy and Neighbourhood

COLWYN BAY (continued). A LETTER FROM THE REV DR SCHOLES. The following is a copy of an interesting letter received by the Rev W. Hughes, F.R.G.S., Secretary of the Congo African Training Institute, from the Rev Dr Theophilus Scholes, who, last June. left Colwyn Bay to carry on the Institute's recently-extended work on the West Coast of Africa S.S. Dahomey, West Africa, July 14th, 1894. Dear Mr Hughes,—The outline of our journey already given, was, you will remember, continued to Bathurst. from which port, after leaving the day following our arrival. we proceeded to Sierra Leone, whither we took four days. From the harbour of Sierra Leone, the land, draped in richest verdure, has the appearance of an amphitheatre, towards which the face being turned Freetown will be seen to begin some distance from its right extremity, nestling first in a grove of cocoa nuts, passing next to the right, then on the central slope of a gentle incline, climbing to its summit. The town, continuing still in the direction ot the left, descends the opposite side of the inc.ine, croises a narrow valley, to terminate in the left horn of the amphitheatre, whilst the gallery is enclosed by hills. beginning at each extremity and notched at regular intervals. These, rising in gradations, at length blend in the centre into a stately and magnificent cone. As the pioneer of British possessions in Africa, especial interest surrounds Sierra Leone, and that interest intensifies when the confederacy of adverse fortunes that conspired against its infantile existence, and that it has survived, is taken into consideration. The prey of English piracy, of French buccaneers, and of internal insurrec- tions, the continuance of that existence is o-day an attestation of extraordinary vitality. And, coming to the planting of tne Cross in West Africa through the agency of Protestant Missions, that same interest burns to a white heat about Sierra Leone as we stand there over the graves ot that silent host who, foc this end counted not their lives dear to them. And, going from them, we read the record of weir triumphs among the living and the dead wh), through their testimony, have been gathered iito the fold of Christ Jesus. In Sierra Leona, too, the sects are reproduced with underrating exactness, but, like regiments of a great army, are drawn up in battle array against the forces of Islam on the one hand, and heathenism on the other. And since it is sometimes asserted that Islamism is better adapted to the religious nature of the African than Christianity, we may say that the expression of native intelligence, thrift, and influence visible in this city, where there is also a large Mohammedan population, springs exclu- sively from those who profess the Christian faith. Of the immediate results of Mohammedanism, one of the most blighting is polygamy. For, in addition to sterility, it is subversive to that affection, that confidence, and that concord that is a bulwark to the stability and sacredness of the home. Of course, there are ugly and grievous blots in acts done in the name of Christianity, but such acts are without the sanction of Christianity, although too frequently confounded with Christianity. Christianity countenances none of the vices and evil practices that flourish with so great luxuriance on the African coast, and that are the products of those who, although hostile to its demands, yet shelter themselves beneath the banner of its fair name, whereas polygamy and other forms of conduct inimical to the commonweal, are not only allowed, but positively enjoined, in the tenets of Islam. Those who entertain genuine and intelligent concern for the spiritual welfare of Africa, cannot be indifferent to her commercial progress, both as to its nature and development, for, undoubtedly, a healthy and energetic commercial enterprise will afford real and abiding facilities for the speedier and more effective spread of the Gospel in the unevangelised interior of the Great Continent. On this account, therefore, we most heartily unite In the wish of the colonists of Sierra Leone, and their friends in Great Britain, that a union between this part of the coast and the vast inland may, by such means as railways, giving safer and easier access to the interior, be shortly accomplished. At present, Sierra Leone, which should be a powerful light to the interior, and especially that part of the interior that is contiguous to it, is throngh the blocking up of the way by inter-tribal wars, the absence of proper roads, etc., practically cut off. These interior tribes, shut off from that light, from the intercourse and general enlightenment that follow in its train, remain in their barbaric wilds, quarrelsome, cruel, suspicious of one another, suspicious of strangers, and a menace to civilization. For like reasons, cut off from those treasures that give momentum to trade, that enrich a community, and with which the interior is said to be laden, Sierra Leone remains in comparative poverty, unable to minister its full share for founding and sustaining missions to other parts of the continent that are in abject spiritual darkness. We were gratified in noticing that, in the absence of the Lord Bishop of Sierra Leone, the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone and the Gambia, and the Wesleyan Superintendent, all of whom are away on a furlough in England, their places were being honourably filled by inative gentlemen. So that the highest offices of the two leading religious bodies of the Colony, as well as the principal function of the law, are at the present time being discharged by negroes. In it, we see a strong contradiction to the statement that the negro is incompetent to occupy any other than subordinate positions. Are they capable of discharging the duties incident to these offices for six, twelve, or more months at different times, but incapable of performing them permanently ? And now touching the Contco Institute, I was surprised as well as delighted to discover that, through the untiring devotion of Mr Lawson, an auxiliary for helping forward the Institute on in mission, and composed of some of the leading native gentlemen of Freetown, has been formed. Mr Lawson, whose enthusiasm in the matter is beyond all praise, took me, soon after my arrival at his house, to call upon a few of these gentlemen. And we felt thankful and encouraged in seeing the earnest and hearty manner in which they spoke of our scheme. Unfortunately, the Hon. Samuel Lewis, C.M.G., the President of the Society, was out of town, so that we were deprived the pleasure of meeting that gentleman, of whom we have heard so much, and of hearing his word of cheer. From Sierra Leone, after a day's uneventful passage, we reached in safety Monrovia, the capital of the Liberian Republic. This place possesses a unique importance, and that not because of any geographical advantage it enjoys over other African territories, or on account of the national or international influence it exerts, but because it stands as the only Christian Independent Negro Government in the entire continent. As such it is in frequent demand, mainly to support assertions discrediting the negro race. And although few, if any, of those specially concerned, appear to regard such aspersions as serious enough for notice, newspaper and magazine articles, pamphlets, and even books of this nature, continue to flow from the press with obstinate persistency. But, unfortunately for those who summon the supposed failure of the Liberian Republic to support these pronouncements against the whole race, hardly any of them have set foot in the country, their nearest approach to it being through the medium of a map, and their informa- tion about it, gathered second hand. We remember being told by a gentleman at a meeting some time ago, when visiting a great English city, that he was told by certain persons in the ship that was returning from the African coast, and in which he was returning from the Canary Islands, that the natives were far better off before they came into contact with Christianity, than they have been since, that their life of polygamy is well adapted to their manner of living,, etc. The gentleman, after telling us, wished to know whether it was true. We give this as a specimen of what may be commonly heard on the Coast, with respect to the betterment of the African. For it is a fact most apparent, that the average European in this part of Africa, affects and acts as though he were sincere, and had greater esteem and deeper regard for the savage African than- fo r his enlightened brother. Hence, whilst he heartily detests the enlightened Sierra Leonian he lavishes his encomiums on the untutored Kroos. In short, ignorance, as far as the African is concerned, is at a premium with him, whilst intelligemce is at a discount. And, of course, the reason for this is not far to seek. So it happens th,at, as Liberia has the misfortune to be an aspirant after the honours of intelligence, added to the still grosser offence of having a Government of its own, she naturally comes in for a double dose of verbal castigation and gibes. And we are bound to mention that such persons form one of the main sources from which the multifarious literature that make what is called Liberian failure, an exemplification of negro incapacity, draw information and inspiration. Another channel of information is supplied by those more favourable to Negro enlightenment and general progress. One of these, starting we will say, from England, with the best intentions during the voyage of two weeks, hears frequent references and insinuations about the unprogress- iveness of the African. At first. he listens to the defamation with feelings of resentment, but, when he reaches Sierra Leone, and finds there that the chief city of West Africa, is not so grand as either Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast, or Liverpool, and that there is an absence of some of those con- veniences that help to lessen the friction of city life—an absence of buses, trains, railways, cabs, museums, parks, picture-galleries, etc.,—when he observes, too, that the bulk of the inhabitants are not so well clad, in fact, that everything appears to linger in the rear of British advancement, his reflective mind, in ruminating over the lessons of the last fortnight on the subject, and bringing them into sharp contrast with the present situation, begins to perceive a vein of truth in them. When he arrives at Monrovia, therefore, and is told that that is supposed to be the monument of Negro progress, with a thrill of disappointment pervading his whole being, he receives the oft- repeated lessons of negro inertness as an un- disputed fact, and in his next letter home he writes about the same with energy and even heat. And so pamphleteers and book makers are supplied with fresh evidence, dealing with this most absorbing theme. But, of course, such a conclusion does not necessarily depend upon a visit ashore, for our hero may not have been nearer the land than the anchorage of the ship permitted, his scope of observation being, in consequence, as circumscribed as ours when, three yesrs ago, we paid our second visit to Liberia. But he may have been told, as we were told on that occasion. Entering the harbour, soon after the anchor was dropped, a gentleman came beside me, and, pointing to a piece of land on the shore that bore signs of comparatively recent cultivation, he said, with a touch of pathos, Do you see that place? A year ago, it was all under cultivation, but look at it now. Tut the place (Liberia) is gone down." We felt that several or one of several things might have happened by which not only the land and its late tiller would be free from reproach and reprobation, but even the Liberian nation. For example, the agriculturist might have been sick, have died, or, for some very tangible reason, he might have removed to some other part of the country. Any ot the^e con- tingencies might have been the cause of that symptom of decay-that so stirred the righteous wrath of our friend. But, granting that indolence was the real cause of the invasion of this plot by noxious weeds, is that a conclusive proof that the entire country is on the wane ? Does the general progress and well-being of this modest Republic rest on the tillage of one single plot of land ? Yet a hypercritical mortal might have found on so slender a basis ample room for establishing a strong denouncement against this negro Republic. And on his carefully digested production, specialists in this form of literature would feel themselves entitled to speak with the loudness and assurance of eye-witnesses. This is our third visit to Liberia and its capital, Monrovia. It is also our second on shore at this last place, and, these being supplemented by reading as well as intercourse with those who have either lived or bear some close connection to the country, we give it as our deliberate con- viction that the Liberian Republic is laying the foundation of a future which, if she continues, will lead her to the van of the protectorates and colon- ies of the West and South-west Coasts of Africa. Africa is altogether destitute of manufactories, its commercial resources being drawn from materials of spontaneous production and from those reared through human skill and labour. The first class such as the palm (from which palm oil is expressed and palm kernels gathered), mahogany, cane-wood, ebony, log-wood, monkey- skins, rubber, ivory, etc., are all the products of nature, unaided by the intervention of man. The other class, requiring human skill as well as energy for their production, embrace the cultiva- tion of the soil or Agriculture. The first class, from the fluctuations of the market, the obstruc- tion of channels affording transports to those markets, as, for example, tribal wars, and, perhaps, what is more seriotie, the comparatively small area from which the demand for these articles of trade arise- Causes of this kind appear to us to combine to the great detriment of the places dependent on the profitable sale of such products for their increase. Whereas, by agricul- ture, staples ensuring a more stable demand, such a demand as has its origin in a greater as well as a wider necessity, can be reared. And, on that account, a substantial and constant revenue can be secured to a country. In relation to the first of these two classes of commodities, Liberia enjoys all the advantages obtainable, and with respect to the second, she is, by her coffee culture, starting for the ground of vantage that agriculture offers. And as her soil remains un- rivalled in any part of the Coast for fertility, as its coffee stands first in the marts of the world, and as the disposition of its people to extend this industry rises to higher and yet higher points of determination, the prospect of her success seems the more reasonable. By way of verifying one or two of these state- ments, we may remark that the cultivation of coffee in Liberia began about 40 years ago until then Java (or other) coffee was regularly imported into the country for ordinary use. The introduc- tion of coffee, which, I understand, was the undertaking of a missionary, proved so satisfac- tory that ever since it became a staple of the coun- try. And so powerfully has its benefits appealed to the Liberian people that, from a paltry outpu t forty years ago, its steady growth enabled one country alone to export to Europe and America one million pounds this year. There are planta- tions consisting of twenty, thirty, forty, and up to two hundred thousand coffee trees. And the Gov- ernment, by way of encourageing the enterprise, has imposed no duty on its export. The desire to produce coffee infects all classes of the community, from the President down to the youth emerging into manhood. One of these, with whose boat we came off to the ship, informed us that he was just twenty-one, but that he had already taken a farm to plant. coffee, whose market value is eightpence per pound in Europe. But we must not omit those other factors by whose help success is not only conferred upon a State, but also preserved to that state. These are, in our opinion, education and the Christian religion^ With regard to the first, we have only to observe that the Liberian Government, supported by the beneficence and counsel of the American Colonisation Society (whose interest in the Republic has always been warm and genuine), is maintaining free schools in every district over which it exercises jurisdiction and not only are the doors of these schools opened to the poorest children, but materials also, such as books, slates, etc., are furnished them free of cost. Churches, also, as centres of spiritual light, carry illumina- tion into every district. And, to show that they are more than a latent force, we will only instance a branch of industry, whose encouragement promised rich and immediate profit, whilst its remoter sequence was charged with elements of positive danger to the little commonwealth. This industry was the distilling of rum. The Government was then, as it is now, poor. It's coffers languished for the remuneration that rum manufacture would give. But a wiser sentiment, a sentiment that looked beyond the confines of present advantages prevailed. And thus, instead of wealth inflated by the misery, the shame and ruin o;f its citizens, poverty was chosen, until the relief borne by longer yet more honourable toil, shall have recompensed it with the horn of plenty. But that sentiment was conceived, begotten, nurtured, and "matured by Christianity. As a result, no Monrovian shcp-keeper or merchant (we are told) sold intoxicants of any kind, the traffic being delegated to Europeans. It is these three things, the possession and practice of Christianity and the aspiration after intelligence and wealth, that make us so hopeful about the future of Liberia. Let her friends therefore be patient. All the great nations of to-day have had insignificant beginnings. Their present position is the attainment of ages. It is hardly fair to expect from a people that have not yet completed their hundredth year, as much as from one two thousand years old.

CONWAY. Parish Church (Sunrlav Services"): 8.0 a.m. Celebration of the Holy Communion. 9.45 a.m. Welsh service. 11.15 a.m. English service. 6.0 p.m. Welsh service. 8.0 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays Thursdays, and Saturdays, Matins. 10.30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, Matins and Litany. St. Agnes 6.0 p.m. Knglish service. Rev J. G. Haworth, of Colwyn Bay. Wnsleyan Methodist Chapel. -(Fziglish Services).— Next Sunday: Morning 11.0, evening 6.30, Mr W. C. B. Turner, Conway. A GOOD PLACE FOR BOOTS.—For the best and cheapest of all classes of Boots and Shoes go to Joseph Jones, Berry Street, Conway. Best Shop for repairing. adv. 109— ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN SERVICES.—The Rev J. Verrier Jones (of Rhyl) conducted the services last Sunday, September 30th. Next Sunday, October 7th, the Rev T. H. Williams (of Bala) will officiate. THE NORTH WALES COAST FOOTBALL Assoc- IATION.—At the North Wales Coast Football Association's meeting on October 2nd, at Rhyl, Mr J. J. Marks (Llandudno) presiding, the draw for the first round of the Senior and Junior Cups took place, and Mr T. B. Farrington, C.E., Conway, was appointed referee in the Carnarvon Reserve v. Bangor Reserve match for the Junior Cup, for which the first round was fixed for Oct- ober 20th. A PRIMROSE LEAGUE MEETING AT LLANSANT- FFRAID.- A successful meeting of the Primrose League was held at Llansantffraid-glan-Coriway, on Saturday afternoon, September 22nd. This is a new Ward of the "Gloddaeth" Habitation, and since its formation great progress has been made in the work of the Primrose League in the neigh- bourhood. The Lady Augusta Mostyn, Dame President, presided, and presented diplomas and badges to a large number of new members, and expressed great pleasure at seeing so many present that afternoon. She also congratulated the Hon. Secretary (Mrs Fincham) and the Wardens on the encouraging growth of the Primrose League in this little village.Mr Fincham, Pro- vincial Secretary for North Wales, addressed the meeting at considerable length, on the aims and objects of the Primrose League, and he also impressed on the members that it was their duty as Primrose-Leaguers to do their utmost to frus- trate the attempt now being made to deprive the ancient Welsh Church of her endowments and to use those endowments for secular purposes. Mr Fincham also pointed out the indefeasible right of all parents to have their children educated in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, and he con- cluded his remarks by proposing a hearty vote of thanks to Lady Augusta Mostyn for her kindness in presiding at the meeting, and this was carried with great applause.—Mr Brooks, of Glan-conway, then addressed the meeting, in a very able Welsh speech.—The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem.—Great credit is due to Miss Brittain and Miss Evans, the Wardens, for getting up such a good meeting. A FORMER RESIDENT'S LATEST APPOINTMENT.— Mr Huw Rowland of Bangor, was on September 28th elected out of several candidates to the post of superintendent registrar of births, marriages and deaths in the Bangor Union. PRESENTATIONS TO DEPARTING MEMBERS OF THE DIVISIONAL POLICE.-The respect and esteem in which Police-Sergeant Rowland (10) was held in Llandudno and neighbourhood prompted a number of leading Llandudnoites to take up the pleasureable duties connected with the present- ation of an address and a tangible token of their interest in his promotion to an Inspectorate at Pwllheli, in succession toSupt. Hughes (resigned), and the presentation of a framed illuminated address accompanying a purse of twenty-five guineas, was made, at the Masonic Hall, Llan- dudno, on Thursday evening, September 27th, when Inspector Rowland was also presented, 011 behalf of his former comrades in the Conway Petty-Sessional Police-force, with a gold-mounted umbrella, and a handsome walking-stick. At Penmaenmawr, Police-Sergeant Griffith Edwards has been similarly presented with a testimonial subscribed-for by the residents, on-his appointment to be Chief Clerk at Carnarvon, in the place of Inspector Harris (promoted to the charge of the Bangor Division, vacant on Inspector Prothero's appointment as Chief Constable of Anglesea). FLINTSHIRE AND CARNARVONSHIRE RIFLE ASSOCIATION.—In addition to the results of the other competitions previously decided and al- ready announced, the under-mentioned results in the annual competition at Conway, concluded last Saturday, September 22nd. have just been made known. Lord and Lady Penrhyn, it will be remembered, gave a fifty-guinea challenge-cup and £ 10 in prizes. The cup was won by the Hawarden Company, with a total aggregate of 346, the £ 10 was allocated to the following seven best shots:—Private W. Challoner (B), Sergeant Newton, Corporal H. Jones, Private S. J. Jones, S. Bartley, Griffiths, and R. James. The National Rifle Association's bronze medal county badge of :£7 10s was won by Captain Sparrow (Caergwrle), 62 points; second prize, £ 4. and county badge. Sergeant Newton (B), 59 points. Other Assoc- iation prizes were won by Private Ashcroft, Sergeant Ratcliffe, Private Bailey, Sergeant Litherland, Privates Challoner, P. Griffiths, Pimblett, W. Roberts, Corporal H. Jones, Ser- geants T. Davies, J. Roberts, and Leech, Privates Bartley and Booth. CONWAY LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY. At the Conway Literary and Debating Society's meeting on Tuesday evening, October 2nd, Vice- President J. Roger Dawson occupied the chair until the arrival of the President (Mr T. B. Farrington, C.E.), whose train was a few minutes late. The Society considered the Executive Com- mittee's proposals for the inaugural address, and it was decided that the inaugural meeting be held at 8.0 p.m, on October 9th, at the Boys' School- room, the Mayor (Councillor Dr R. Arthur-Pric- hard) to deliver the address (illustrated with the oxyhydrogen light), and that the chair be occupied by the President of the Society. It was also announced that the President had kindly promised to deliver an exposition (followed by discussion) of the new Parish Councils and District Councils arrangements, on October 16th, discussion to follow the paper; and that on Oct- ober 23rd the question "Should wives obey their husbands ? would be debated, Councillor J. P. Griffiths to open affirmatively, and Vice-President J. Roger Dawson to oppose. These announce- ments were approved by the Society. After several new members had been proposed, seconded, ballotted-for, and elected without oppos- ition, it was reported that the Committee unanim- ously recommended the payment of "the Sec- retaries," the Senior to receive -63 lOS, and the Junior i os. The President stated that the present Hon. Secretaries would vacate office, should the scheme be adopted, but would be eligible for re- election. The discussion of the matter was adjourned till October 30th, the Hon Secretaries consenting to act meanwhile. THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF RECHABITES' SOIREE. On Tuesday evening, September 25th, the members of the Conway Castle Tent of Rechabites, with their wives and friends, sat down to a splendid repast in the Ancient Coffee Room, Aberconwy Temperance Hotel. Grace was said by the Rev T. D. Jones, Congregational minister. After the tables were cleared, Councillor J. P. Griffiths proposed that Mr T. W. Hughes occupy the chair during the entertainment. Mr Hughes, in thanking the company for the honour conferred upon him, said that he had expected to be excluded from the chair that nignt, as he had had another gentleman's name to pro- pose, but, as one of their rules was to do everv- thing asked them, he would try to conduct the duties of the chair. He then went on to speak on the history of the Order, which had been first formed on the 25th of August, 1835, in the house of Mr Moses Meadowcroft, Salford, for the purpose of establishing a Temperance Friendly Society. The number of persons who then joined the Order, was i i. At the second meeting of the Tent, several new members were enrolled. On October 20th, 1835, the Executive Council, or Central Committee of Management, was formed. The name of the first Tent was "Ebenezer," and within three months after the formation of this, another tent (called the "Good Samaritan") was opened, and before the end of December 1835, three Tents had been formed, and were very successful. On the 6th February 1836, the Executive Council decided to form a Burial Fund. Mr Hughes then went on to give statistics:—To the end of 1892, the membership was:—Adults, 112,092 juveniles, 59,905. At the last previous Movable Conference, the total number of members was 97,563 adults and 48,472 juveniles, showing for 18 months an increase of 14,529 adults and 11,433 juveniles: During the past two years 242 Adult Tents and 197 Juvenile Tents, had been instituted, the funds during the same period showing an increase of £IOO,OOO. In Wales, the increase in number of Tents, was 26. Mr John Owen, then gave a capital rendition of "Chwyfiwn Faner." The Chairman then called upon Councillor J. P. Griffiths to address the meeting. Mr Griffiths stated that the object of the entertainment was to commemorate the forming of the Conway Castle Tent of Rechabites, which had taken place two years ago. At present, it numbered 25 members. During the past two years, only two members had been expelled for breaking the pledge. The emblem of the Tent was white, the emblem of purity; but the Rechabites were not content to be themselves pure, but strived to get other people to be the same. The chief object of this Society was that every member should do whatever he could for the welfare of all in their various spheres of life, to give everybody a helping hand. It was not only a temperance Society, but also a Friendly Society, and the aid it had given many in sickness, etc., was immense. He hoped that every member present would remember his cov- enant, and do all in his power in aiding others, and also for the success of the Society. Mr Henry Lloyd here gave a fine rendering of "Gwlad y Delyn." The Rev T. D. Jones, Congregational minister, having been called upon to address the meeting, said that he was very glad to-be present, and thanked the members for their, kind invitation. He thought the. Rechabites Society a splendid one in every sense. Not only was it working for morality, but it was a means of preparing for the future in a pecuniary way, and he wished the Conway Tent every success. Mr Thomas, Manchester House, brought the house down with his mirth-provoking lecture on "'Temperance. The Chairman next called upon Councillor Dr M. J. Morgan, who said that he was very glad to have the pleasure of being present that evening, and, remarking upon the excellence of this Society over other Friendly Societies, stated that at Bradford two Lodges of Friendly Societies had been opened,—one Rechabite and one Oddfellows. The annual death-rate amongst the members of the Rechabite Tent, was 1 in 150; and the death- rate amongst the members of the Oddfellows' Lodge, was i in 40. He had great pleasure in proposing a vote of thanks to the ladies for under- taking so readily the work of carving. Mr R. B. Hughes here read "Catching a Cold," by Mark Twain. Alderman Hugh Hughes had great pleasure in seconding Dr Morgan's proposition. He thought that the success of the meeting was due in a great measure to this, and to the splendid catering of Mrs Jones. He was very glad to see the Rev T. D. Jones present, and hoped to see the other min- isters of the town in a similar meeting very soon. He thought that a counter-attraction to the public houses was urgently needed, and was sure that meetings of this kind would in a great measure go far towards this end. The motion having been carried unanimously, Mr John Owen gave the solo "The Noble Boy of Truth," in splendid style. Mr T. M. Jones proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Jones for her excellent catering, and said that it needed no praise from him, as the way in which the company present had enjoyed themselves, spoke volumes for the skill of the caterer. After Mr W. G. Williams (chemist), had briefly, in a few appropriate words, supported Mr Jones's motion, which was carried most enthusiastically, inir Jones, in a few suitable words, thanked the company on behalf of Mrs Jones, and a very pleasant evening came to a close, with the sing- ing of the Doxology. THE ARBITRATION OF THE MAIN ROADS QUESTION. On Monday afternoon, October 1st, at the Guild Hall, Conway, Mr Thomas Coddrington, M. Inst. C.E., Local Government Inspector, re- sumed (after an adjournment from September 25th) the arbitration of the dispute between the Conway Corporation and the Carnarvonshire County Council, as regarded the sum the County Council ought to contribute towards the maintenance of main-roads within the Borough of Conway. There were present on behalf of the County Council:—County-Alderman Elias Jones, J. P., Llandudno; Mr E. Jones Williams, Rhydlanfair; Mr J. Evans Jones, Trefriw; Mr J. H. Bodvel- Roberts (Clerk to the County Council), and Mr Evan Evans (County Surveyor). For the Town Council there were present:—the Town Clerk (Mr T. E. Parry); the Borough Surveyor (Mr T. B. Farrington, C.E.), who acted for the Sanitary Inspector (who was absent through illness; and Mr Owen Jones (Brynaber), Quarry Manager. The Borough Surveyor submitted that one cause of discrepancy was he County Surveyor's omission (in his estimate of cost of repairs of the roads in question) to allow anything for the cost of quarry- ing the necessary macadam, whereas this item cost the Corporation eighteenpence per load. The Quarry Manager, in answer to the Borough Surveyor, said that he kept accounts of the material taken from the quarry, the men's time, etc., and week by week rendered an account to the Sanitary Inspector, after which the wages were paid in due course. After questions of account had been gone into, the date of the termination of the quasi contract between the County Council and the Corporation, was mentioned, Mr Bodvel-Roberts contending that the date was the end of the financial vpar subsequent to Corporation's final refusal (on March 1st, 1893) to maintain the roads for the allowance theretofore granted them, and Mr T. E. Parry submitting that the date was the begin- ning of the then-current financial year. However, the Inspector decided that he must go into the accounts of the year in question, inasmuch as the County Council had submitted to arbitration the accounts of the year in question and of the follow- ing year. Proceeding, the Borough Surveyor explained that although the quarry was the source of supply of stone for building purposes,, no material there- from was used for roads other than the main-roads. The County Surveyor produced a detailled estimate for a portion of the period under review, and, the accounts having been then examined at considerable length, the County Surveyor put in, for comparison, the rates (per mile) of expenditure on county roads just outside the Borough, and under his immediate control. The Borough Surveyor said that he was dis- posed to recommend the Corporation in future to get all the main-roads macadam from Penmaen- mawr. After some further discussion, the Inquiry closed at 5.30 p.m., after a sitting of three hours and a half. THE JUNCTION RAILWAYMEN'S ANNUAL SUPPER. On Friday evening, September 28th, the annual supper for Llandudno Junction railwaymen, was held at the Ferry Farm Hotel, Llandudno Junction, where about sixty sat down to an excellent repast provided by Mr and Mrs Moses Godber. After supper, Mr Benbow (stationmaster) took the chair, and the vice-chairs were occupied by Messrs Cartwright, Nevitt, and Osborne, and the following assisted with §ongs and recitations:— Messrs H. Ellis, Connolly, Tharme, Boulton, Huxley, Humphreys, Berry, and Ackerley. The toast of "Queen and Country," proposed by the chairman, having been drunk with enthusiasm, Mr Ackerly proposed the toast of "The L. & N. W. Railway Company," and, in the course of his remarks, after expressing pleasure at seeing such a goodly number present and thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who had so kindly and generously subscribed towards the provision of the good things they had enjoyed, spoke of the pride that North-western railwaymen ought to feel at their connexion with a railway whose system was con- sidered the best in the world. Continuing, Mr Ackerley went on to say,—We have a noble body of Directors, who have sympathy and kindness to their emfiloyds, which is shown by their generosity in subscribing to the diffierent Societies for the benefit of the workingman. I should therefore advise all present and elsewhere to stand united, and thus encourage and enlist kindly feelings towards us from those who are able and willing to improve our positions whenever our abilities and merits show that we are able and willing to fill better positions. Certainly we have grievances and some of us think that we are not treated with that fairness which we are entitled to, but I feel sure that, if we press our claims in the proper quarter, we should be listened to, and, although there have been cases of favouritism which were very plain, yet, if those interested would only show that such promotion tended to create dis- satisfaction, I think the Directors would be the first to put their foot upon and stop the power from being excercised. Anyhow, I hope that merit and abilities will always be repaid, and thus encourage those who were willing to give their youthful energy and zeal to the service which I hope will always have the confidence and support of the travelling public. [Loud Cheers.]. The toast, with which were coupled the names of the chairman and vice-chairmen, was received very cordially, and was suitably responded to, and the Chairman stated that, whilst he con- sidered that all should do their best to secure punctuality, in his experience he found the London and North-Western as good at timekeeping as any other Railway Company, but travellers who missed trains always grumbled, no matter on what system they travelled. The next toast was that of the District Superin- tendent (Mr Neele), proposed by the Chairman, who expressed very great pleasure in asking them to drink to the health of their Superintendent, who, the speaker felt quite sure that everyone in that room that knew him must say, had dealt with the railway staff as a gentleman, and who was one of whom it could be said that, if they all acted as near the mark as they could, they would always obtain his sympathy, and that any grievances explained to him he would try his best to remedy. The toast was received with enthusiasm, and For he's a jolly good fellow" was heartily sung, after which Mr Ackerley said that Mr Neele had asked him to express his regret that he was unåble to be present with them that evening. Mr Neele thought that his presence might be a restraint, and thus prevent them from enjoying themselves. This was the only reason that Mr Neele had for not accepting their kind invitation, but he hoped that they would all enjoy themselves, and, if spared, nothing but ill-health would prevent him (Mr Neele) from having the pleasure of joining them at the festive board another year, should they again afford him the honour of an invitation. [Loud cheers]. The health of the Chairman and his family having been drunk with musical honours, on the proposal of Mr Humphries, and Mr Benbow having responded, a very agreeable reunion closed with a vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Godber, for their excellent catering. It was arranged that the few shillings surplus after paying all outgoings, should be handed over to Ticket-collector Joseph Moody, who broke his leg at Deganwy the preceding Monday, and whose recovery is satisfactorily procoeding in the Sarah Nicol Memorial Cottage Hospital, Llan- dudno.

Forthcoming Sales. Tuesday next, 9th October, 1894, Miss Parson's Sale of Furniture, at Primrose Villa, Meirion Gardens, Colwyn Bay. Contents of 3 reception rooms, 8 bedrooms, and all china, linen, electro- plate, etc. Sale at 11.30 a.m., by Mr F. A. Dew. Catalogues on application. Thursday next, I I th October, 1894, Sale of the late Mrs Parker's out-door and in-door effects, at Rock Cottage, Old Colwyn, including meadow hay, cow (in milk), furniture, etc. Sale at 2.30 p.m., by Mr F. A. Dew. No catalogues. Thursday and Friday, October nth and 12th, 1894, at Brynhyfryd, Conway, important sale of valuable in-door and out-door effects, by Mr John Pritchard, commencing each day at 10.30 a.m. Catalogues on application.

Monday, October 15th, 1894, at Waterloo House, Conway, important and attractive sale of modern and substantial household furniture. Sale at one p.m., by Mr T. W. Griffith. Catalogues on application. Tuesday, 16th October, 1894, Mrs Lewis' sale of the whole of the contents of the Sea View House and Bay View House, The Parade, Rhos, removed to the Public Hall, Colwyn Bay, for convenience of sale. Embracing the contents of 6 reception rooms, r4 bedchambers, and domestic offices, and a quantity of timber, carpenter's benches, etc. Sale at the Public Hall, at 11.3° a.m., by Mr F. A. Dew. No catalogues. For further particulars see posters and our advertising columns.

Correspondence. [In no case are we responsible for the opinions expressed in this column.] To the Editor. GROES BRIDGE. "IF THE SHOE PINCHES," WILL THE WEARER KICK? SIR,-The very able and lucid letter of the Chairman of the Local Board, puts the history of the negotiations between the County Council and the Local Board so succinctly that all ought to be grateful for the trouble it must have involved. However, we pass on to enquire what is to be the practical outcome? The County Council prima-facie has control over all bridges. The Local Board are contributaries to the cost of renewal. Have they (the Local Board) no control or voice in the interests of the ratepayers they represent (and for whose benefit and welfare the Bridge is being rebuilt), or must they pay and be silent? The reason of the rebuilding of the Bridge, was its alleged dangerous condition—this to many minds has never been clearly proved; but let that pass. Is it not equally dangerous to the trade and interests of the District, that the traffic should be seriously interfered with, and diverted up a narrow and dangerous lane, where the chance of accidents is infinitely greater than over the old Bridge ? A temporary bridge was deprecated by the County Council, for fear of accidents-(a) to the traffic, (b) to the workmen 011 the new bridge. But it is scarcely conceivable that ordinary com- monsense could not have prevented either, without taking into consideration the resources of modern engineering skill. The Chairman of the Local Board, in his letter (as I read it) leaves it to the ratepayers of Colwyn Bay to speak out, and say whether they would like to pay £300 out ot one year's rates for the cost of a temporary bridge. I feel sure if such a question were put to a town's meeting now, it would, be voted at once and unanimously—2d in the Z. Why, a mere bagatelle for so desirable an object? Practically, then, call a town's meeting if ne- cessary, get the sanction for such extraordinary expenditure, and erect a temporary bridge (and one that will not cost half ^300 !). The loss to tradesmen, carriage-proprietors, etc., in nine months, unless it is done, will put us back half-a- dozen years.—yours faithfully, W. F. WILLIAMS-REES.

THE PARISH COUNCILS ACT. SIR,—I read not only your leader, but also the letters of Mr Blud and Mr Davies on the above subject, with interest. I trust that, whoever we elect, they shall be men who thoroughly understand the question of sanitation who are also acquainted with the law, with engineering, road-mending, finance, agricul- tural chemistry, land surveying, and other useful and practical matters. To whatever rank in life those who shall be selected as candidates belong, whether to the working classes or the upper ten," energy and fitness of character are the true standards of judging. I heartily agree with the sentiments in Mr Blud's letter on the Parish Councils Act, on its coming into operation and I trust the powers it confers will be used for good and not for evil. I do not, however, think that Act, even, will do away with many of the terrible and grievous social evils which afflict Great Britain of to-day -evils which, unhappily, are too little known and too little studied by many. We are however, I believe, fast advancing to that time when Burn's prayer that Honest worth, o'er a' the earth, May bear the gre, for a' that," shall be answered in the affirmative. Quoting Tennyson also, let us hope that our Parish Councils shall be such instruments for the promotion of social morality and social good, that we shall gradually Move upward, working out the beast. And let the ape and tiger die," and that it is one of many preparations for that brighter age, which none of us may live to see, when The war drum shall throb no longer, and the battle-flag be furled In the parliament of men, the federation of the world." —I am, yours faithfully, CHESTER MALAM.

R. E. Jones & Bros. ¡ R. E. Jones & Bros. Printed and Published by R. E. Jones & Brothers, their Printing Works, 3, Rose Hill Street, and Published at the Central Library, Colwyn