The North Wales Times

CAMBRIAN GOSSIP. Lord and Lady Bute are to celebrate their silver wedding on the 16th April, and there will be big rejoicings at Rothesay. • t The Rev. W. H. Humphreys, of Stockton- on-Tees, is removing to Bala, having been appointed private secretary to Principal T. Charles Edwards, D.D. • ft » The Rev. G. Hartwell Jones, whose name was mentioned in connection with the va- cant bishopric of St. David's, will preach at the Welsh Festival on St. David's eve at St. Paul's Cathedral. • • The Principal and Fellows of Jesus Col- lege, Oxford, have unanimously elected the Rev. Chancellor D. Silvan-Evans, rector of Llanwrin, to a Fellowship in recognition of his services to Welsh literature. »• # • The venerable Rev. W, Williams, of Swan- sea, is the only survivor in South Wales of the Calvinistic Methodist ministers ordained in the '40's, and there are only three left in North Wales. One of; the three is Mr. Thomas Gee, of Denbigh. • » • At a meeting of the Council of the Uni- versity College of Wales (Aberystwyth) held in London, Major Pryce-Jones, M.P., was elected a representative of the Council on the Court of the University of Wales, in the place of the late Mr. Williams, chief in- spector of schools in Wales. • • The Welsh members are well te the front with amendments to to the Voluntary Schools Bill. Already about 150 amend- ments stand to the credit of Mr. J. H. Lewis, Mr. W. Jones, Mr. Lloyd-George, Mr. J. H. Roberts, Mr. Brynmor Jones, Mr. Bryn Ro- berts, Mr. E. J. Griffith, and Mr. Lloyd Mor- gan, and the list has not yet been exhausted. • 9 m The dinner of the London Cymru Fydd Society, to be held on March 1st, promises to be exceedingly interesting. Professor Herkomer and Mr. Ernest Rhys will res- pond to the toast of The literature and art of Wales,' and Mr. William Jeats (the well- known Irish poet), and Mr. William Sharpe (the editor of Lyrica Celtica) will respond for Kindred Celtic nations.' • Major Jones, the ex-member for the Car- marthen Boroughs, has accepted an invita- tion to propose the toast of the Welsh pa- tron saint at the Cardiff banquet on St. David's Day. This year the banquet will be held at the Park Hotel, under the pre- sidency of the Rev. J. Morgan Jones, and the secretary, Mr. J. Austin Jenkins, will soon be flooded with applications for tickets. » • • Now that Gwalchmai is gone the distinc- tion of being the oldest Congregational minister in the Principality belongs, it is said, to the Rev. D. M. Davies, of Talgarth, Brecon, who was ordained to the ministry in the year 1836. The Rev. Dr. David Roberts, Wrexham, comes next. He still holds his pastoral charge, and haa been in the ministry for 58 years, having been ordained in the year 1839. » It seems that the Welsh Colony at Pata- gonia is not the first or the only Welsh colony of the kind. As early as 1616 it is recorded that Captain Whitburn, who was born at Plymouth, was in that year appoin- ted chief over a little colony of Welshmen in Newfoundland, which had been founded by Dr. Wm. Vaughan on the south part of of the island, and named by him Cambria, now called Little Britain. < « St. David's Day in Manchester will be celebrated this year on a larger scale than ever. First of all there will be a national service in the Cathedral, followed by a swell dinner, over which the Lord Mayor will pre- side, a soiree of the Cymru Fydd Society, which Mr. W. Jones, M.P., will attend, a din- ner in connection with the Welsh National Society, a Welsh concert by the Manchester Cambrian Choir, and various private cele- brations. • » Principal Owen is the third Welsh Bishop to be drawn in succesion from the ranks of schoolmasters. It is worth noting, in con- nection with the memorable speech which Mr. Gladstone delivered in the House of Commons some years ago in defence of the Welsh Church, that Canon Owen was clo- seted with Mr. Gladstone for some hours be- fore the debate, and he is credited with having been the Liberal leader's 1 coach in reference to the progress of Church work in Wales. ♦ ♦ Mr. Evan Morgan, late of Melincrythan, Neath, has recently been promoted by the Watch Committee of Birmingham to the rank of superintendent in the police force at that town. Mr. Morgan is a Welshman o waed coch cyfan,' and an intelligent enthu- siast in all things that appertain to the welfare of his country, and, like Mr. Ashton, is of a literary turn of mind and a capable scholar. He figured in a heated controversy on the Disestablishment question some years ago, and is the author of several pam- phlets dealing with that matter. Mr. Mor- gan is an officer highly esteemed by his colleagues for his kindly disposition and sterling character, and respected by his chief for his high ability and zealous dis- charge of duty. In 1890 he was promoted to the rank of inspector, and was made chief clerk, with the rank of chief inspector, in the chief constable's office. Mr. Morgan has not forgotten his mother tongue, and is one of the pioneers of a Welsh Baptist cause at Birmingham. Charles Ashton, in his recently published Hanes Llenycidia^h Gymreig'—a valuable work by the wp,,r, -dismisses the long-dis- puted question whether the Rev. W. Richards, LL.D., ever published a Welsh- English dictionary with an answer in the negative. He seems to imply that the dic- tionary published by Hughes, of Wrexham, in conjunction with the English-Welsh is by Hugh Jones, of Llangollen. I have (says a correspondent) a copy of Richards' first edition English-Welsh, 1798, and on the last page I find an announcement that 'shortly will be put to press' a Welsh land English dictionary by the same author. Price 5s. to subscribers, who are to pay 2s. in advance, and 3s. on the delivery of the book. From this it would appear that Richards had actually prepared a Welsh and English dic- tionary but the question still remains, was it ever published Probably the largest collection of Welsh dictionaries is that at the Swansea Free Library, and it may be the chief librarian there can answer this question. « e Sunday, February 14th, was the centenary of the Battle of St. Vincent, a battle ever dear to Welsh soldiers from the fact that on that occasion 300 men of the 69th Foot served as marines: A detachment of them was on board Lord Nelson's ship, the Cap- tain, when the unparalleled exploit of board- ing and capturing two line of battleships at once was performed. Nelson himself,' says the 69th Regiment's record, led the boar- ders/ The great vessels, the San Nicholas and the San Josef, came up to close quar- ters with the Captain, which had lost her topmast, and was incapable of taking part in the chase. Nelson directed the helm to be put to starboard, and called out to board the San Nicholas. To quote Lord Nelson's words, 'The soldiers of the 69th Regiment, with an alacrity which will ever do them credit, and Lieutenant Pearson ot the same regiment were amongst the foremost on this service. The first man who jumped into the enemy's mizen chains was Captain Barry.' Subsequently the San Josef was boarded, and there,' to again quote Lord Nelson, on the quarter-deck of a Spanish First Rate (extravagant as the story may seem) did I receive the swords of the vanquished Span- iards. I was surrounded by Captain Barry and Lieutenant Pearson (69th Regiment) and several other brave soldiers and seamen. Thus fell their ships The Victory passing, saluted us with three cheers, as did every ship in the' fleet.' Such, in the picturesque words of Lord Nelson, was one of the bravest deeds ever performed by Welshmen for their country's name and fame

BREACH OF THE MINES ACT AT FESTINIOG. On Thursday the Festiniog magistrates, presided over by Mr. E. P. Jones, were en- gaged for several hours hearing charges against the new Welsh Slate Company, Mr. R. Eames, their manager, and Mr. Humphrey Roberts, their late manager,of not complying with special rule No. 13, which provides that a notice should be posted up and main- tained in a legible condition, specifying the highest pressure to which the steam in any boiler and the compressed air in any reser- voir may be raised.' Mr. Lloyd Carter (Car- narvon), prosecuted on behalf of Dr. Le Neve Foster, inspector of mines Mr. J. Humphreys (Portmadoc) defended Mr. Eames, and Mr. M. F. Robarts (London) ap- peared for the Company. Mr. O. R. Jones, assistant inspector, gave evidence in sup- port of the charge. The Bench inflicted a fine of 2s. 6d. each, and costs. The charge of neglecting to observe rules 14 and 21 was admitted, and each was fined Is. and costs. Three workmen named J. Owen, J.Williams, and E. L. Jones, were charged with a breach of rules 25, 29, and 30, and were fined 2s. 6d. and costs. Mr. Carter said that the prose- cution did not press for a heavy penalty; all that was wanted was protection to both em- ployer and employed.

SIR R. T. REID ON Of HE FUTURE OF LIBERALISM.' Sir Robert Reid, M.P., speaking in Lon- don on The future of Liberalism,' said that if Liberalism was to have a future at all it would not be sufficient for them to go on mumbling those general benedictions upon what were called Liberal principles without being particular and specific as to what it was they meant to do (cheers). A change had come about in the questions they had got to consider, and that iwas due, in his opinion, to the pressure of population. The population of this country was growing en- ormously, and the territory in which we lived was not growing. It was only just to say that all classes of the population were greatly increasing in wealth, and a very good thing too but they had not succeeded yet to any considerable extent in getting rid of a number of evils that were in our midst. The things they had to think about if they intended to command the confidence of the country in the future were these-the ir- regularity of labour, sweating, pauperism, the evil effects of drink, the depopulation of agricultural districts, and 'the crowding of population in places like London, with its frightful consequences to the dwellings of the people (cheers). Those were the kind of questions they would have to consider if they were to be a party worth returning to power at all. What kind of a country was it that allowed an individual to exercise the control over his fellow-creatures' destiny that Lord Penrhyn claimed the right to exercise ? (hear, hear). The attitude of the Conservatives on that question was deplor- able, and indeed they could not get much done with land, liquor, and education from a party supported by the landed interest, by brewers, distillers, and the Established Church (cheers). Liberals must suppprt the Conservatives in good measures, if they brought in any. The Independent Labour party consisted of honest men who wanted to do what they thought to be in the public interest. As regarded the ultimate prin- ciples the party advocated, he thought they were not attainable in our generation (shame). He thought their ideal was a very fine one of a community of labour by the nationalisation or municipalisation of land and of all the chief instruments of industry. He would go so far as to say thatJae believed that that was the finest ideal of human so- ciety—(cheers),—but he repeated it was not attainable in one generation. It might come hereafter. But if it came-and there was no one in that room who would be more de- lighted to look forward to that as an ideal than he would be-it would be after long years of education and after careful and protracted organisation (cheers). He had, however, never heard that the men who held that ideal were unwilling to support less ad- Tanced opinions that were immediately prac- ticable, and he hoped they would not think it beneath them to help humbler aims pro- vided they were in the right direction (cheers). As to sweating, he thought they could do a great deal by an extension of the inspectors, to begin with,land by putting all sorts of places where men worked in the same sort of position as factories occupied under the Factory Acts. As to pauperism, he believed they could form a system by which men and women should in old age re- ceive some assistance such as should enable them to be independent of the workhouse or of poor relief (cheers). In regard to drink, he was a strong and hearty supporter of the proposals in Sir William Harcourt's bill (cheers). With regard to the depopulation of the agricultural districts, he thought the remedy was to deal with the land laws, not only in the country districts, but also in the great urban districts, in such a way that there should be no piece of land in the country which a public authority should not be at liberty to buy at a fair price in the public interest, so that they should dimi- nish, if they could not destroy, the effects of the land monopoly (cheers). In regard to crowding in London, the present state of things was a disgrace to civilisation. He would arm the London County Council and other great bodies that governed municipa- lities with the largest powers, so that they should be able to put down insanitary con- ditions, and should be able to fine persons who allowed, for their own profit, such dens to exist as did exist in London. As regar- ded the irregularity of labour, he had tried to think that out, and he was not at present able to suggest a remedy (shame). Well, could any gentleman get up and suggest a remedy? (cheers). It was very easy at public meetings to come forward and talk generally about a social programme and ex- press sympathy with those in favour of social reform, and that was a trick that had been played a great many years (hear, hear). But what one wanted was to be par- ticular and definite, and not take advantage of people's sympathies in the wrong direc- tion and unfairly (cheers). Home Rule was wanted all round, and the House of Lords must be dealt with. In the House of Com- mons the bowlers always got the better of the batsmen. It was always possible to stop a Government doing its work, because the mass of business to be done was greater than any single Chamber could get through (cheers).

(Sitrkmng. [If any reader who isin a difficulty with reference to his garden,, will write directly to the ad- dress given beneath, his queries will be an- swered, free of charge, and by return of post. -EDITORI MARCH. This is just the busiest time of the year for garden work and seed-beds of all kinds must be prepared without delay. In the kitchen garden the seeds of nearly every kind of vege- table may be sown, provided the ground be fairly dry, and not at all pasty. Get together as great a bulk of manure as possible, an4 turn it several times, sprinkling with water if too dry, previous to making it up into a large square bed, when it must be allowed to settle down of itself. Put the frames in their places, and add a foot layer of light rich soil, and in a few days an excellent hot-bed will be ready for successional sowings of whatever it is con- sidered advisable to start under cover. Jeru- salem artichokes can be planted at once in deep, strong soil, whole sets being used if pos- sible. Sow globe artichoke seeds, and clear away the litter from established beds. Keep asparagus free from weeds; and prepare seed- beds on which to make sowings next month. Sow several varieties of cabbage in rich, fresh- ly manured beds, and start the first batch of Brussels sprouts on a warm border. Sow for the main and crops of broad beans, and plant out those which have been broughr on in frames or under glass. Use a frame for the earliest sowing of broccoli, but put out the seedlings directly they are large enough to transplant. It is a little risky sowing carrots before April, but if the weather seems to settle down mildly, a portion of the seeds for the main crop should be put in towards the middle or end of the month. A little protecting material of one kind or another will do wonders. The earliest crop of celery is obtained from small sowing made in a warm frame or house soon, but seed may also be nown in sunny unheated frames in about a fortnight or three weeks' time. If the main crop of parsnips was not sown in Janu- ary, get the seeds in at once in shalluw drills, about 18 inches apart. Make liberal sowings of fine marrow peas, such as the Duke of Albany, but on no account permit the rows to shade one another. Give the selected plots a liberal dressing of manure it will come in for the following crops, celery, etc. Get the prin- cipal potatoes ready for planting at the end of the month or in early April. Perennial herbs can be safely dividedand re-plantednow, and the seeds of most varieties may be sown on a warm, sunny border. Too much spinach cannot well be sown. If more is produced than be con- sumed, it will pay for cultivation when dug in as manure. Perpetual spinach beet is a splen- did variety for deep, rich, and rankly manured soils. The New Zealand sort can be sown to- wards the beginning of April. It is usual to start it in gentle heat. Quite at the end of the month sow good breadths of turnips, and make provision for an abundance of hard winter greens. Plant out strawberries just when they are starting into growth. If plants are wanted to fruit in the open ground, sow an early kind of tomato as soon as possible in well drained pots of firm sandy loam. Cover the seeds with tine soil, and start in a temperature of 65 de- grees. It is time to prepare for frame culture of cucumbers. Place the seeds singly in small pots of good soil in some warm, moist situation, and the seedlings will be ready to put in the frames in about a month's time. When making up the hot-bed, let the manure project from a foot to 18 inches all round the bottom of the frame. Drainage is a most important point. Garlic, shallots, and horseradish must be got in with the greatest expedition, as it is already late. Plant out lettuces from frames, and make extensive sowings of several varieties, since some are sure to run to seed in dry, hot soils. In the flower garden, hardy annuals can be sown this month and in April on a well pre- pared surface, which is neither so line as to be- come pasty when wet, nor yet too rough and cloddy to prevent the seeds germinating, when covered with a very fine layer ef dry soil. The great point in the culture of this class of plants is to prevent overcrowding by early and vi- gorous thinning out. Thinned out very boldly, the seedlings will not only bloom more abun- dantly and brilliantly, but they will rapidly cover large spaces of ground. It is seldom wise to sow until after the middle of March. Asters, stocks, and other hardy plants should be sown at two or three times in well drained seed pans, containing a compost of loam, leaf-mould, and sharp sand, placed in a cool vinery or green- house, or even on a partially spent hot-bed, where a temperature of 55 degrees can be relied on. Zinnia seeds require sowing quite at the end of March under similar conditions; though a temperature of fully 60 degrees is not too high for them. Abundant sowings of mignon- ette, poppies, etc., should be made where the plants are to bloom. Tuberous-rooted begonia seed can still be sown to provide a summer show of bloom and coleus seed can be started in well drained pots in a heat of some 65 de- grees. Calceolaria plants will need moving to larger pots when they begin to show fresh growth. At the end of March or in early April gladiolus corms may be planted in well pre- pared ground. Lobelia seed should be sown at once to produce border plants. Moderate heat is necessary. Many other tender and half- hardy flowers can be sown in gentle heat dur- ing the next few weeks. In the rose garden, the time of pruning all outdoor trees, except. ing teas, is at hand. It will not be safe to re- move winter protecting materials from delicate teas and noisettes, until nearly the end of the month. Planting can be done still if the opera- tion is carefully carried out, and if the trees are kept in water while out of the ground. Be especially careful with the ventilation of rose houses, and fumigate them at the first appear- ance of the aphides. Protect any wall fruit trees which may be coming into blossom, with fronds of fern or branches of spruce, but use as little of either as possible. If the weather continue open, grafting will be commenced just about the end of the month, but the exact time depends entirely on the season. Generally early April is to be preferred. E. KEMP TOOGOOD, F.R.H.S., Pro TOOGOOD & SONS, The Royal Seed Establishment, Southampton.

PLAIN SPEAKING BY THE VICAR OF HHOS. Writing to the Ruridecanal Magazine,' and referring to the Bishop of Chester's recent cor- respondence with a Roman cardinal, the Rev. T. Pritchard, vicar of Rhos, says :—Surely the Voluntary School question was thorny enough without its being intensitied by the extraor- dinary silly communication of the Cestrian Bishop to the Pope's Cardinal. This was not the first instance of a bishop of their Church writing a foolish letter, but certainly this capped all, and as Mr. Balfour put it, the least said about it the better for the prelate him- self. Still, the fact remained that a prominent bishop of the Established Church had, in studied phraseology, suggested co-operation with Rome in coercing the Government of this country in its educational proposals, and even to overthrow it. To attain a certain object, he passed by his own archbishop, and enthroned Popish arrogance on a throne of dictatorship, and invited a cardinal to play Becket and Guy Fawkes. Why, Dr. Jayne's raid seemed to him more rash than Dr. Jim's raid. In the name of Church and State, what moved his lordship to seek shelter from the coming storm under the mantle of Papish auto- crney-to do evil that good might come ? If this were a necessity to keep the Church Schools on their feet, then to his (the vicar's) mind they cost too much, and Protestant England confirmed it with unmistakable em- phasis. Indeed, some of them-poor ignorant mortals as they were—were already asking the question would it not be better to trust a religious nation in the matter of the schools, and co-operate in a really national system of education.

Furnishing on the Hire System. FRED ROBERTS AND CO. (Late DEANE and ROBERTS), 3. RUSSELL BUILDINGS, RHYL, Offer the best faciiities to parties wishing to furnish upon the Hire System, having a large Stock of Drawing Room, Dining Room, and Kitchen Furniture, And every requisite to furnish a House-Bedsteads, Bedding, Bassinnettes, Bicycles, Mail Carts, Knife Ma- chines, Wringing Machines, always on hand, and ready for immediate delivery. For Ready Cash, or Easy Payments. Only Personal application required to get Furniture on our easy payments. lfPi The Amoiunt of Deposit or Payment can be reduced or increased to suit the convenience of Customers, Return Hal way Fare for Orders over £ 10 allowed to those country Customers who can make a personal visit. FRED ROBERTS & CO., The House Furnishers, 3, Russell Buildings, Rhyl. uæ: x. -r \In;¡1oI.DIL I" /"X jT> O* Balm I) Gilead fu G S VJ? lj I" Q GEORGE'S PILLS i mi." "They are more than Gold to me—they saved my life." 'One wonders that things so small should produce such mighty results." PILE & GRAVEL Many of my customers have been cured who have suffered for twenty years." The three forms of this Remedy:- No, 1.—George's Pile and Gravel Pills. f"| § 1 | Q No. 2. George's Gravel Pills j" | | j No. 3.—George's Pills for the Piles. In Boxes, Is. ld. and 2s. 9d. each by post, Is. 3d. and 3s. 2 Proprietor :-J. E. GEORGE, M. R. P, S., Hirwain, Glam. WiiI.. := = lE. óI[, OAIBBJAI CELEBRATED IINERAL WATERS, ? RUTHIN. JL MANUFACTURED BY THE RUTHIN SODA WATER CO., LD UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIAL. By Dr. C. B. FRANCIS, late Principal of the Medical College in Calcutta-an entire stranger to the Company See The Indian. Magazine, September, 1888, On the best mode of preserving health in India,' page 487: Among the BEST SODA WATER SOLD is that supplied by the Ruthin Soda Water Company-the Wate being obtained from an Artesian Spring in the Yale of C'lwyd, North \Y ales. Ask for the CAMBRIAN WATERS." ODA WATER. LITHIA WATER. LEMONADE. GINGER BEER. ELTZER WATER. AERATED WATER. GINGER ALE. BREWED do OTASS WATER. QUININE TONIC. ZOLAKONE. LIME JUICE, &c. Cambrian Hop Bitters, from best Kentish Hops, By New Process. Goods forwarded free to all Railway Stations in Great Britain. Price List, Testimonials, and Report of Analysis, post free on applications Address—Manager, Cambrian Works, Ruthin, North Wales. T. J. WILLIAMS' GREATANNUALSALE Commencing MONDA Y, February 1st, and continuing for ONE MONTH. The whole Stock, without reserve, offered at greatly Reduced Prices, in order to make room for Spring Novelties. T. J. WILLIAMS is compelled, through want of room, to offer the remaining portion of his WINTER STOCK At most REMARKABLE REDUCTIONS. The Goods are fashionable, and in good Condition. T. J. WILLIAMS does not think it necessary to submit a List of Prices, nor to fully enumerate the class of Goods in the various Departments, as the general character of his Sales are so well known. Purchasers will find this Sale as eminently satisfactory as any previous one, and the extraordinary Low Prices cannot fail to be appreciated and secure willing Buyers. All Goods marked in Plain Figures for CASH during the Sale. This Sale offers a grand opportunity to obtain in all Departments Real Bargains. Mantles, Jackets and Capes, Ladies' Waterproofs and Imperial Cloaks, of hand- some designs, including Real Seal Skins, the latest Novelties in Styles will be sold regardless of cost. Millinery Goods Will be offered at Special Prices to clear. Dress Materials. Some extraordinary Bargains are offered in this Department, regardless of cost. Furs, Hosiery, Gloves, Umbrellas, and General Fancy Goods, are all offered at extremely Low Prices. Flannels, Blankets, Sheetings and Linen of every description, marked down. Special purchases in Calicoes, Oxford Shirtings, Prints, Cretonnes, Flannelettes, &c., all reduced. DRESSMAKING.—Dress Fabrics bought at the Sale will be made up at much less than the usual ch arges Xailoring I>epartrn.en.t. Style, Fit, and Finish guaranteed. Very Special Terms offered during the Sale. An immense selection of the Newest Patterns. READY-MADE CLOTHING DEPARTMENT. Boys', Youths' and Men's Clothing in Suits, Overcoats, and Single Garments, Waterproof Coats, &c.; unrivalled variety of the most fashionable productions, offered at a substantial Reduction for the Sale. General House Furnishing and 1897 DESIGNS OP WALL PAPER, All Reduced for the Sale. A VISIT OF INSPECTION SOLICITED. -F-r HUGH WILLIAMSs TAILOR AND DRAPER, CHAPEL PLACE, DENBIGH. Begs to inform the public generally that he has on view an excellent -r ASSORTMENT OF NEW GOODS of the latest design, and of the best quality that money can procure. LIVERIES of every description execut on the shortest notice. Kiting Breeches, a JS^>eoialit;y« H.W. being a practical Tailor and Cutter (holder of a Diploma) and having a staff of experienced work- men fit and style is guaranteed, consistent with MODERATE CHARGES. A TRIAL ORDER RESPECTFULLY SOLICITED. ANCIENT AND MODERN DENBIGH. Descriptive Histories of the Castle, Borough, and Liberties with sketches of the lives and exploits of the Feudal Lords and Military Governors of the fortress to its final siege, &c. By JOHN WILLIAMS. Price 58. in boards. DENBIGH, AND DENBIGH CASTLE -Price 6d. AN ENGLISH AND WELSH DICTIONA:RY, Adapted to the present state of Science and Literature; in which the English Words are deduced from their iginals, and explained by their ynonyms in the Welsh Language. By the Rev. D. SILVAN EVANS. In 2 vols.. in boards, price £ 2 half calf, £ 2 5s. Od.; and full calf, jE2 7s. 6d. THE ENCGLISH-WELSH HANDBOOK, AND VOCABULARY. By Rev. T. LL. PHILLIPS, B.A, Price Is. 6d .in boards. BOARDS OF GUARDIANS. Their Constitution, Duties, &c. Compiled for the use of Guardians, in Wales and Monmouthshire, by I' TJBJRCHAM, General Inspector Local Government Board. Price 3d. May be had in English or Welsh. T. GEE AND SON, PUBLISHERS, DENBIGH.

'FARTHEST NORTH.' Dit. Nansen's book, being the Record of a Voyage of Exploration of the ship lham (1893 -96), and of a fifteen months' sleigh journey by Dr. Nansen and Lieutenant Johansen has just been published, and is one of the most intensely interesting books ever pub lished. Some of the descriptions, such as the following of 'an Arctic night' are extremely beautiful 'It is dreamland, painted in the imagination's .most delicate tints; it is colour etherealised. One shade melts into the other, so that you cannot tell where one ends and the other begins and yet they are all there. No forms it is all faint, dreamy colour music, a far-away, long- drawn out melody on muted strings. Is not all life's beauty high and delicate and pure like this night ? Give it brighter colours, and it is no longer so beautiful. The sky is like an en- ormous cupola, blue at the zenith, shading down into green, and then into blue and violet at the edges. Over the icefields there are cold violet blue shadows, with lighter pink tints where the ridge here and there catches the last reflection of the vanished day. Up in the blue of the cupola shine the stars, speaking peace, as they always do, those unchanging friends. In the south stands a large red-yellow moon, encircled by a yellow ring and light golden clouds floating on the blue background. Pre- sently the aurora borealis shakes over the vault of heaven its veil of glittering silver, changing now to yellow, now to green, now to red. It spreads, it contracts again, in restless change next it breaks into waving, many-folded bands of shining silver, over which shoot billows of glittering rays and then the glory vanishes. Presently it shimmers in tongues of flame over the very zenith; and then, again, it shoots a bright ray right up from the horizon, until the whole melts away in the moonlight, and it is as though one heard the sigh of a departing spirit. Here and there are left a few waving streamers of light, vague as a foreboding—they are the dust from the aurora's glittering cloak. But now it is growing again, new Jightenings shoot up, and the endless game begins afresh. And all the time this utter stillness, impressive as the symphony of infinitude.' The story of the five months' sledge journey and ten months on Franz Josef Land is told in the second volume, and is the continuous record of toils and hardships, of life inja temperature of from 40 degrees to 45 degrees below zero. In the words of the narrative:- 'As soon as Johansen had finished with the dogs the sleeping-bags were spread out, the tent door carefully shut, and we crept into the bag to thaw our clothes. This was not very agreeable work. During the course of ^ie day the damp exhalations of the body had little by little become condensed in our outer garments, which were now a mass of ice, and transformed into complete suits of ice armour. They were so hard and stiff that if we had only been able to get them off they could have stood by themselves, and they crackled audibly every time we moved. These clothes were so stiff that the sleeve of my coat actually rubbed deep sores in my wrists during our marches one of these sores-the one on the right hand-gob frost-bitten, the wound grew deeper and deeper, and nearly reached the bone. I tried to pro- tect it with bandages, but not until late in the summer did it heal, and I shall probably have a scar for life. When we got into our sleeping bags in the evening our clothes began to thaw slowly, and on this process a considerable amount of physical heat was expended. We packed ourselves tight into the bag, and lay with our teeth chattering for an hour, or an hour and a half, before we became aware of a little of the warmth in our bodies which we so sorely needed. At last our clothes became wet and plaint, only to freeze again a. few minutes after we had turned out of the bag in the morn- ing. There was no question of getting these clothes dried on the journey so long as the cold lasted, as more and more moisture from the body collected in them.'

A fire occurred on Friday morning at the Queens Hotel, Richmond Hill, and a lady aged 60, said to be a Mrs. Forbes, lost her life. Joseph Aldridge was, at the Old Bailey, London, on Friday, sentenced to eight years penal servitude for a murderous attack upon his paramour. Another man named Bennett was sentenced to five years penal servitude for stabbing the woman with whom he lived.