Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

i The success of De Wet on Christmas eve is stil the engrossing topic in connection with the war. From later reports it appears that the guerrilla chief's force was considerably larger than was at first supposed, being in fact of overwhelming num- ber in comparison with that under Colonel Firman Our severe loss in killed points to desperate fight- ing, and all accounts agree that the British strove with the utmost gallantry to defend their position. But the time is rapidly going by when such achieve- ments as that of De Wet will be possible. The blockhouse system is gradually being extended so that the Boers will become more and more cornered, and not even the tactics of a born guerilla leader Will avail against wire entanglements and stoae forts. One thing, however, will be necessary for the success of Lord Kitchener's plans, and that is reinforcements. The Government must be pre- Pared to answer this inevitable demand, and they I Deed not be afraid to call upon the nation to supply them. A meeting of the local committee of the Merion- ethshire Agricultural Society, to makeanangements for the annual show, which this year takes place at Towyn, was held last week. The remarks of the General Secretary about the uselessness of appointing large committees deserve attention. It is a fact that a large number of persons are appointed on these committees, not only in con- nection with agi'icultural societies, but with other Useful institutions also, who are for all practical Purposes of no avail. Possibly they do not realise their responsibility, but in the majority of cases the work devolves upon a few enthusiasts and the Facials. It is indeed to be questioned whether IUch people do not actually hamper the others, as they sometimes consider they have done a fair "hare of the work if they manage to defeat a useful Motion. *:JI:* At the last meeting of the Dolgelley Town Council, the question of the crush after the New dear's meeting was brought up. Last year a terrific crush ensued and uot a few people were injured, although fortunately the casas were not serious. The railway officials stated that it was due to the fact that the excursions were run Pretty nearly at the same time, and that the fresh arrangements made this year would obviate this difficulty. We trubt this will be so, for a repetition of last year's fiasco would considerably affect the attendance in coming years. # The Christmas season has passed off very quietly and uneventfully in this district, quieter, in fact than has been the case for years. The continued wet weathor gave everything a miserable appear- ance and beyond a few preaching meetings here and there there was nothing to relieve the dieari. less which was accentuated by the general depres- sion prevaling in local industries. Great interest is being taken in local Volunteer circles in the new regulations which have been framed by the authorities for the coming year. Recruits in future will have to put in at least 40 drills and get through a course in musketry and attend the training, while the old hands or trained tnen must attend at least 10 company drills, at Which no less than 25 are present, and leave from camp will only be granted for special reasons. Those who can get leave will have to pat in an additional 13 drills to make up for the training. These are stringent conditions, and it is probable that there will be a large number of resignations, but it is obvious that 50 wen-trained men are worth treble the number unable to reach a fair standard drill and disciplire. *11: The conditions of some of the footpaths in the streets of Towyn are deplorable, and High street, which has long been notorious for this, probably possesses the worst section. During the recent slippery state of the streets a foot passenger tried the pavements (It is, by the way usnal to walk in the roadway in order to avoid them) but he had not gone far before his foot was trapped by a broken flag, and he was thrown headlong, but luckily escaped serioas injury. That the pavements should be in a bad state is serious enough, but that they are dangerous to life and limb is quite another Matter, as the local authority willfmd to its cost, if anything happens. — ♦

TOWYN. Oar representative in Towyn is Mr 0 W Hughes, Cader View, and we shall be much obliged if clerks local authorities, secretaries of sports, &c., would send notices of meetings, and orders for advertise- ments and printing to that address. To OtJR READERS.—As we had to:go to press on Tuesday last, owing to Christmaa, some reports of last week's meetings which came in late are 'Publish ed this week. SHOOTING.—A good bag was made by Mr R B Yates, Sandilands, on Dolgoch farm, the property "Of Mr R T Roberts, on Tuesday the 24th inst. He secured five pheasants, one wood pigeon, two woodcocks, and five rabbits. GIFT.—A valuable gift has been presented to the Parish Church by an anonymousjdonor, in,the form of a complete set of new seats for the nave. The offer has been accepted by theYicara and wardens. BETHESDA IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.—A competi- tive meeting was held on Monday week. The chair was taken by the Rev J M Williams. The first item wa? the adjudication on a book mark, and the winner was declared to be Miss Maggie Evans, Marine Parade. Second competition on explaining proverbs, winner Mr G D Williams. Following this, some extracts from Rhys Lewis were read by Mr Ellis Griffiths, after which a duet was rendered by the Misses M Owen and M Evans. FOOTBALL.—The Rovers were drawn to play the Volunteer Rovers, of Dolgelley, in the Challenge J Cup competition in the semi-final yesterday, and the following team was appointed. Goal, L Jones backs, E Jj Jones and Jos Lewis; halves, Bob Jones, J T Jones, and E Jones; forwards, Joe Edwards, Gao Davies, Hy Cotton, Gladstone Daview. Archie Evans. LECTURE. The lecture delivered by the Rev R R Williams, M.A., on "A Journey through Rome," proved to be very interesting to the good number who had assembled to bear it last Friday evening, and the views were capital. The lecturer, it is needless to add, treated the subject in a pleasant and instructive manner. ~.The time-honoured Plygain was iw 6 Parish Church on Christmas morning, but it was hardly up to the standard of previous years, the carol singers being conspicuous by their absence, and the attendance was much below the average. The singing of the church choir was. I nowever, very good, and this compensated to a great extent for the absence of carol singing, which is the feature of the meeting. BETHEL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.-At the meet- ing of this society held on Monday evening, a very interesting address was delivered by Mr J Maethlon James, on Notable events in the district during the last 40 years." There was a good attendance and the address was much appreciated. h ugh' Th'om as/Krro.^s?^ fh pcyjj?/?,, ] ,TC^Vt o £ Mr age of 84 years. The deceased was much respected in local agricultural circles, and leaves a large family to mourn his loss, one of the daughters being Mrs Jones, Pall Mall, with whom much sympathy is felt. WESLEY GUILD.— At the last meeting of this Society, held on Thursday week, under the presi- dency of the Rev Robert Jones, an interesting and instructive paper was read by Mr D 0 Jones, Frondeg, on Hymnolgy." Comments were made by Mr Jacob Rowlands and Mr Jones, Merton Villa, after which several of the hymns mentioned by the speaker were sung to appropriate tunes. A recita- tion by Mr Hugh Mason followed, and the Rev J M Williams read further extracts from Rhys Lewis." A quartette under the leadership of Mr Hugh Lewis, saug a carol which was much appreciated, and the proceedings terminated. IMPROVEMENTS.—The planting of young tree. and shrubs around the approaches to the Railway Station, is being carried on this week, by Mr R Davies foreman platelayer, and staff, and in front of the Intermediate School a large number have already been planted. Mr J Pritchard, signalman, has commenced to lay out flower beds around the signal box, with the evident determination, to again secure the first prize offered by the Company for the best kept signal box. We trust that the Improvement Committee will not forget to carry out their share of the agreement with the Railway Company, as so far nothing has been done. CHRISTMAS DAY.—Preaching meetings were held all Christmas Day. The morning service was held at the Congregational Chapel, when an eloquent sermon was delivered by Rev J Evans, Amlwch. At the Wesleyan Chapel in the afternoon the Rev Cadvan Davies, Barmouth, occupied the pulpit, and at the evening service which was held at the Welsh Methodist Church, the preachers were the Rev Morgan Jones, Aberdare, and the- Rev J Evans, Amlwcb. The previous evening, sermons were delivered by the Revs Morgan Jones, and Cadvan Davies, at the Wesleyan Church, to a large con- gregation. CHRISTMAS TREAT.—The break up for the Christ- mas holidays, was celebrated at the National school by an entertainment and Christmas tree on Friday the 20th ult, which proved to be a great success. A good programme had been arranged, and was well sustained. A mongst those present were the Rev T Lewis (vicar), Miss Lewis, Rev D R Pugh (curate) and Mrs Pugb, Miss C Gibbons, Mrs Shuker, Tymawr; Miss H Gibbons, Mrs Tookey and the parents and well-wishers of the school. Prizes for good conduct and attendance were awarded the following John Norton Lewis, Willie Dowsett, Maude Axe and Kate Lewis, in the above order of merit. The gifts on the tree which bad been presented by interested friends and were of considerable value were afterwards given away. The room had been tastefully decorated for the occasion and Mr Tookey (head. master) and staff deserve great credit for time and trouble taken, to make the proceedings a success. BETHEL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.—An interesting meeting was held on Monday evening week under the presidency of the pastor, the Rev T R Jones.— The adjudication on the questions from John xv. stated that the best replies were given by Ap Gwilym," who, however, did not come forward to claim the prize. A song, Yr eneth ddall," was tastefully rendered by Mr Hugh Morgan Jones. One composition on "YNadolig" came to hand, and was adjudged worthy of the prize, but no one came forward to claim it. A recitation, "Tke Lifeboat," by Mr Geufronydd Jones, after which a song, Y penill adrodda fy nhad," was sung by Miss Lizzie James. For reading unpunctuated matter, the prize was divided between Miss Lydia J Rowland and W L Hughes. A competition for quartette singing at first sight was very amasing. A dialogue, entitled John Jones, the moderate drinker," by Misses Annie Evans and Mary Owen, proved interesting, and another, Moderation and Total Abstinence," by Miss Lydia J Rowlands and W L Hughes, was excellent. A seng, Bwthyr yr amddifad," by Miss M A Evans brought a success- ful meeting to a close. SPECIAL SESSIONS.- THURSDAY. Before Mr H Haydn Jones. DOMESTIC JARs.-Francis Francis, tailor, Red Lion street, Towyn, was charged with unlawfully wounding his w-fe on Christmas Eve. Evidence was given that a serious altercation took place iu the course of wh,ch the defendant struck her with a poker, causing severe injury. She was said to be in a serious condition. The accused was remanded until the next Petty Ses"ions and was bound over himself in 110 and his Rees Francis, in a like sum. like sum. DRUNK AND INCAPABLE,—JN0 Bywater, labourer was charged with being drank and incapable the previous week. The case was proved by P.C. Jones and defendant was fined 5s including costs TO MR. AND MRS. J. E. THOMAS, PROSPECT HOUSE, TOWYN. We wish you joy, both groom and bride* ine season s prone to happy tide n°d,°fJ.!ymen With you dw'eU, And the Goddess Fortune serve >Wwell. YN- EDMUNDS.

DOL3ELLEY. VISITORS to Dolgelley should not fail to inspect the display of Clocks, Watches and Jewellery, on the premises of Williams Bros, Eldoa Square, where the Dolgelley Challenge Cup and Medals can also be seen. [Advt. OBITUARY.—The death occurred on Christmas- day of Mr Evan Pugh, gardener, Pendref Chapel House, of this town. The deceased, who was only 43 years of age, was much esteemed in the district and great sympathy is felt with the family. THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIEs.-At the meetings of the societies, which have been held during the past few days, all have pledged themselves to support the new doctor, who started on his work yesterday, which is the commencement of the societies' year for one of the clubs. Dr Pritchard will begin with the others on the 1st of March. SERVICES.—The following were the preachers at the various chapels on Sunday The Tabernacle, Rev W Parri Huws, B.D.; English Congregational, Rev H N Henderson; Salem (C.M.) Rev R H Watkins, Bryncrug; Bethel (C.M.) Rev E Roberts; English Methodist, Rev R Morris, M.A., B.D.; Ebenezer (Wesleyan) Mr Peter Williams, morning, and Mr W M Jones, evening; Judah (Baptist) Rev R G Roberts. PRESENTATION.—On Friday, 27th ult, a repre- sentative body of teachers in the distriet met at the Criterion Restaurant to present Miss Pritchard with a token of their high esteem and regard for her on the occasion of her recent marriage. During her long connection with school work the recipient was always painstaking and successful. In the infants' department, where she was employed, she was presented with a silver service by the children and staff, in addition to the testimonial given by the teachers. CHRISTMAS MEETINGS. — Competitive meetings were held at nearly all the chapels here on Christ- mas-day. At Salem the Rev John Williams, B.A., presided over a large and successful gathering, where a very interesting meeting was held.—At Bethel Chapel a similar meeting was held in the evening. The ^president was Mr R Brodie, and Mr Harvey Jones acted as leader, and a good meeting was the result.-At the Congregational Chapel the meeting was presided over by Mr W Hughes, Penrallt House, and led by Mr Richard Humphreys. At the Baptist meeting the Rev R G Roberts presided and Mr E Wynne Williams led.- I The Wesleyans also had a successful meeting.- Altogether Dolgelley fblk were well provided in this direction. WEDDING.-An interesting event took place on Thursday, the 26th ult., at the English Presbyterian Church, when Mr William David Pugh, of Bir- mingham, late of Dolgelly, acd Miss Maggie Pritchard, for many years infant mistress at the school in this town, were married. The ceremony was performed by the Rev Richard Morris, M.A., B.D., pastor of the church, assisted by the Rev David Thomas (W), in the presence of Mr Tom Parry, registrar. Mr Richard Barnett, a prominent member of the School Board, acted as best man while the Misses Maggie Davies, Katie Pierce, and Annie Pugh acted as bridsmaids. The chapel was ftlled to overflowing by well-wishing friends. Miss Blodyven Williams ably officiated at the organ, and the happy pair left the building to the strains of the Wedding March, and aplentiful supply of rice and confetti greeted them. Mr and Mr* 1 ugh left for Birmingham later in the day. The presents were numerous and costly, one worthy of notice being a silver tea service, presented by her fellow-teachers and the school children, who during; the afternoon were provided with a plentiful tea. in honour of the event.

BARMOUTH. WESLEYAN IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.—A meeting of this society was held on Tuesday week, under the presidency of the Rev J Cad van Davies. Mrs J Lloyd read an instructive paper on Religions Society A lengthy discussion followed, in which Messrs Wm Owen, W J Morris, Owen Williams, and Rd Griffiths took part. SUCCESS.—-At the Board of Trade examination held recently at Cardiff, Mr W Griffiths, son of Capt Griffiths, Fronfelen, Barmouth, gained a master's certificate. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL-TUESDAY, DEC 24. resent: Mr B J Allsopp, acting chairman, Capt E Richards, John Richards, Hugh Evans Ed Wil. liams, and D E Davies; W George, clerk, Owen Jones, assistant clerk, and T Inman Jones, surveyor -u o J," AJl?AN^ that they were not prepared to grant another loan. on the security of the local rates.—Mr Hugh Evans proposed that the Clerk be instructed to ask for. terms from the North and South Wales Bank aneU. the Public Works Loan Commissioners. It was said that very valuable aid had been rendered by the bank in past years, and some discussion was raised as to whether this bank should r.ot be given the first opportunity in the matter, and eventually it was decided to deal with them first. THE MAIN ROADS DISPUTE. The Clerk stated that a memorial to the County Council, with reference to their dispute on the claim against the Main Roads Committee, had been prepared. They would, however, write first of all to the County Council's chairman, asking him to convene a special meeting, to discuss the question of the claim, before proceeding to settle the matter by arbitration. If he declined, they would then forward the memorial. It was necessary to get the consent of five members of the County Council to compel the chairman to convene a special meet- ing. The local members were prepared to sign the memorial to do so, and he did not think there- would be any difficulty on that point. PAYMENT OF A BILL. The Clerk stated that a communication had been received from Messrs Baker, Lees and Co with reference to the amount due to them. They said they were willing to w-it for a further period of six, months, but would have to briog a friendly action against the Council, and issue a writ against t .hem.—The Clerk in reply to Mr Allaop said that, the amount was something less than £ 150.—Mr Allsop thought that the writ business looked a bit suspicious, as judgment would be made against them, and the costs would probably come to about £ 10, which would mean very good interest to the plaintiffs.—A short discussion followed but the Coun- cillors were unanimous that the bill should be' paid at once, and finally disposed of.-If there was any difficulty in getting the amount the Chairman said he was prepared to pledge him- self as security at the Bank.—It was decided to, inform the Company that the cheque would be sent on at once.—Mr D E Davies asked what the bill was for, and the Clerk explained that it was for electric lighting.—A letter from Mr Edwin Blakey, with reference to a road was referred to the Roads Committee, who were asked to meet Messrs Greener- and Blakey on the spot.

CORRIS. OBITUARY.—Last week the death occurred of Mr John Rees, Old Factory, Cwmerau, Corris, ab the- age of 54 years. Deceased was a very useful worker with the Methodist connexion, and hii- death will be a great loss to them. Much sympathy' is felt with the family.

The offical return of the last Census gives thlf poplation of Italy as 32,966,307. A telegram from Bonny on Saturday records; further British successes in cenneetion with Aro expedition on the Cross River. A Royal Commission has been appointed ttP in- quire into the resources of the coatfmtds oT tie United Kingdom, the rate of exhaustion which may be anticipated, the effect of the exports* on the! home supply, and the time for which that supply,, especially of the more valuable kinds of coaJ" will probably be available to British consumers, includ-- ing the Royal Navy the possibility of a reduction1 in cost by cheaper transport, or the adoption of' better methods, or through a change in the cus- tomary term and provisions of mineral leases; and- whether the mining industry, under existing con- ditions, is maintaining its competitive power with' the coalfields of other countries. The house in Upper Brook street, London, long occupied by Mrs Siddons is coming down, owinv-, to the railway. It is on the east side, and was for.L- merly used as the Portman Estate Office. Mtg-i Siddons asked the Prince Regent not to build so>as'- to spoil her pretty country view, looking over the- park to Hampstead. A memorial window contains,. medallion portraits of Shakespere, Milton, Spenserr. Cowley and Dryden. At a meeting of the Cork Corporation, on Fridayv evening, it wt:S>esolved to present the Freedom "of f the City to Mr John Redn ond, Leader of the Irisbji Party.