The North Wales Times

BIRTHS. Es i> :mijer 26th, at Mount Pleasant, Graiaa- rOyd., .rarmon in Yale, the wife of Mr. Morris Lvin -a >, daughter. EVAMS—i».'oember 23rd, the WIFA of Mr. Evans, Gwernygenau, (Japel Celyn, Bala, of a daughter. J0NE8—-December 30th, the wife of Mr. J. M. Jones, Caergai, Llamiwchllyn, of a son. JiNfiS—December 2otb, at Bryiayffynron, Brynybaal. Mold, the wife of Mr. Thomas Jones, of Bistre, of a son. MILLER—January 6th, at Chirbury House, Crown Square, Denbigh, the wife of Sam. T. Miller, of a dtiugh ter. PCERcE-January 1st, at Panton Hail, Holywell, the wife of Mr. William Pierce, of a daughter. ELCHAKDS—January 3rd, at the Castle, Denbigh, the wife of Mr. Thomas Richards, of a son. MARRIAGES. E&GIIKS—WILLIAMS—December 31st. at the C. M. chapel, Penmachno, by the Rev. T. M. Jones (minister), Mr. Qadwdadr Hughes, Melinau Uchaf, to Miss Jane Ellen Williams, Sigh Street-both of Fenm ichno. ROIlEETS-IUORGANs-January 2nd, at the Registrar's Office, Bala, (VIr. Simon Roberts, Argoed, Park, to Margaret Morgans, Dol llychwyn, Park, near Bala. DEATHS. E, ABBER-January 1st, at 3, St. Aaaph Street. Rhyl, Mrs. Margaret Barber (late of Plas Ashpool), aged SL years. The funeral was at Rhewl cemetery on Tuesday, the Revs. G. Lewis (B.), Rhyl, and Evan Jones (C. M.), Denbigh, officiating. DnHFKk—December 24th, Mary Jane, the beloved wife of Mr. R. J. Derfel, 1, Green Street, Ardwick, Manchester, aged 65 years, and was interred at Ardwick cemetery on the 28th. EDWARDS—December 23rd, Mr. John Edwards, near Pontymwynwr, Llanferraa, aged 70 years. HuGHES-December 28th. at Pentre, Bagillt, Mr. E. Hughes, collier, aged 60 years. JONES—December 31st, at Basingwerk Row, Green- field, Holywell, Mr. Edward Jones, aged 71 years. JÛNgs-January 1st, at his residence, Ty'nllyn, Morfa, Rhuddlan. Mr. Edward Jones, aged 74 years. Deceased had been a member for many years of the C. M. church at Morfa, and was wellknown and highly respected by many. He left a wiplow, two daughters, and one brother, to mourn his loss. The interment took place on Wednesday, at Bodelwyddan churchyard. The Rev. W. Rowlands (C. M.), Towyn, officiated at the house, and the Rev. George Owen, curate, at the church and by the grave. Moss—December 23rd. Emlyn, infant son of Mr. John aud Mrs. Margaret Moss, Camddwfr, Llanarmon in Yale, aged 4 months. I'QBERTS—January 3rd, Mrs. Roberts, the beloved wife of Mr. Robert Roberts, T, tandderwen, Bala, agad 7»years. EGBERTS—December 28th, at the residence of her nephew, Miss Mary Roberts, Llandderfel, aged 68 years. WILLIAMS—December 24th, at Glyn Abbot Lodge, Holywell, Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, aged 72 years. WAINWETOHT— January 1st, at Red House, Nant Mawr. Buckley, John, the beloved husband of Mrs. Jane Wainwright, aged 67 years.

WELSH MARKETS. DENBIGH, January 4th.-The market was bat thinly attended. Quotations :—Wheat, 9s; barley, from 8s to 9a 3d oats, 59 to 5s 9d per hobbet. Fresh butter, from 13 21 to Is 3d per lb; small tubs, Is Id to Is lid; large ditto, Is per lb. Eggs, from 12 to 13 for a Is. Fowls, from 3s Od to 4s 6d per oouple; ducks, 5s Od to 58 6d per couple. Potatoes, from 5s to 63 per hobbet. Oatmeal, 2d per lb. LLANGEFNI, December 29th.-Oats, from 13s. 6c. to lis. 6d. per quarter; potatoes, 2s. 3d. to 2s. 6d. per cwt; fresh butter, Is Id to la 21 per lb; wool, 7d to 7d per lb; fowls, 3s Od to 3s 6d per couple; ducks, 4s Od to 4s 6d per couple geese, 5s Od to 7s Od eJLch. Eggs, 8 to 9 for a Is. Young pigs, 14s to 17s each; fat pigs, 3d, per lb. j ROTHIN, January 3rd. Prices were as follow :— Wheat, from 9s Od to 9s 6d per hobbet; barley, 8s Od to 10s Od; oats, 5s Od to 6a Od. Fresh butter, from la 2d to Is 3d per lb; salt butter, Od to Os Od per lb fowls, 3s to 4s per couple. Ducks, 3s 6d to 6s Od. Eggs, from 11 to 12 for a Is. Bacon nigs, 3d per lb; porkers, 3Jd stores, 31\1; and sows, 2id per lb.

———— CATTLE MARKETS, AND FAIRS. BI]Rj&FNHEAD. -Agricultural Produce.—January 3. Elay, old, 22 10s to X3 per ton old clover, S3 to 5s; ditto, oat, 21 10s; and manure, 28 to 4s per LONDON. Agricultural Produce.- January 3rd.— Good supplies, and trade slow at the following prices Good to prime hay, from 65s Od to 82s 6d; inferior to hir hay, 45s to 60s good to prime clover, 70s to 100s; inferior to fair ditto, 50s to 68s; mixture and sainfoin, 50s to 85s; straw. 26a to 38s per load. LIVERPOOL.- Wholesale Vegetable. -January 4th.— Potatoes:—Giants, 2s Od to 2s 4d; mafn crops, 2s 6d to 3s Oi bruce, 2s 2d to 2s 8d per cwt. Turnips, 6d to lOd per dozen bunches; ditto swedes, Is 2d to Is 4d per cwt; carrots, 2s 3d to 3s 3d per cwt. Onions, English, 5s to 6a ditto, foreign, 4s 3d to 4s 9d. LIVBRPOOL.- St. John's Market. -January 4tb. Beef, 51 to 9d per lb; mutton, 6d to 9d veal, 7d to d; frasn pork, 6d to 8d per lb; fresh butter, Is 2d to Is 4d per pound ditto, salt, Is Od to Is 2d per lb eggs, per 120, lis 4d. WREXHAM, January 2nd.-There was a gcod supply of atock at the cattle market on Monday, and the clearance was a most satisfactory one at fair prices, Beef ranged from 6d. to 6yi. per lb., and mutton 7d. to 8d Bacon pigs realised from 7s. 6d. to 8s. 6d. per score lbs. Dairy cows sold well. Trade was pretty hdak. SA-LFORI). January 3rd. -Moderate attendance at maxt on Tuesday. Certain sellers are reported to have done better than last week, bat others have had opposite experience; still, generally, quotations may be said to pretty much aa last week both for cattle and sheep. Calves also were quoted as on the previous Tuesday. Prices Beef, from 4d to 6H; sheep, 5d to 8d: and calves, from 5d to 8d per lb. Pigs were 7a to 7s 6d per score lbs. BIRMINGHAM, January 5th.-Short supplies of castle and sheep, and trade slow; fair supply of pigs. Beef, from 4|d to 6^d per lb; and mutton, 5fd to 8M per lb. Bacon pigs, from 8s 3d to 811 6d per score lbs; porkets, 6d to 10s; and sows, 6s to 6s 3d per score lbs. LONDON, January 5th.—There was a moderate num- ber of beasts on offer, consisting chiefly of fat bulls and rough cattle. The demand was very limited, and trade was slow, with prices mostly nominal. Sheep in fair supply, but the demand was very quite. Wethers ruled at about late prices, but ewes were fully 2d per S'bs lower: 71st to 8st Down wethers, 53 6>1 to 5s 8d; 9at, 5s 4d to 5s 6d per 8 lbs. Calf trade quiet, DTJBLLN, January 5th.-Prime heifer and ox beef, from 52i to 568 fid secondary quality, 46s to 50s per cwt, Pfime wether mutton, from 5d to 6fd; and ewe Biuttoi, 5d to 5 £ 1 per Th Hoggets, 34s to 54s each. Veal: choice, 7d to 9d inferior, 5d to 7d per Th

SUN Insurance Office, Sum Insured in 1897- t 425,000, 000. Ft r particulars, apply to the following Agents- a Bala—Mr. R. L. Jones, Mount Pleasant. Kangor—Mr. James Smith. Mr. Richard Hall. Barmouth—Mr. R. F. Anderson. Itcaumaris-Mr. Frederick Geary. Carnarvon—Mr. William Hugh Owen. Conway—Mr. C- Droyer, Deganwy, Llandudno. Denbigh—Mr. J. H. Jones. Dolgellej,-iNIr. T. P. Jones Parry. Holyhead—Mr. Owen Hughes. Holvwell-Mr. Robert Thomas. Llandudno—Mr. Edgar W. Riches. Llanfyllin—Mr. "Wiliiam A. Pughe. Llanidloes—Mr. Bennett Rowlands. Llangefni-Mr. William Thomas. Llangollen—Messrs. Minshull & Parry Jones. Llanrwst—Mr. E. Jones Owen. Mold—Messrs. Kelly, Keen & Co. Pjrtmadog—Mr. J. Tobias, Solicitor. Rhoa-oa Sea—Mr. P. J. Kent. St. Asaph—Mr. Llewelyn Lloyd. Welshpool—Mr. D. Wall. Wrexham—Mr. Trevor G. Boscawen.

The force of waves breaking on the shore is equal to seventeen tons to the square yard. Blood flows through the bones of very young children almost as freely as through the veins. Bless the man who becomes intoxicated with the true Christmas spirit. Perfection is something which a man no ooner attains than he discovers it to be a sub- stitute. a

THE YEAR 1898. IN wishing all our readers a happy, pros- perous, and good New Year, we feel that we cannot do better than review shortly the principal events of the year 1898 the year that has just expired. A I resume of this kind,—which, considerations of space and other conditions will not allow of its being exhaustive-may to some extent assist us in arriving ac a clear and definite ideas of the world's progress, or otherwise I socially, politically, and intellectually. We propose, therefore, to refer to the home and foreign politics of the year, and to Welsh public matters generally. The year found a Conservative ministry I in power, with one of the largest majorities of modern times. It was not a ministry in its infancy, but a well-developed, matured ministry in the third year of its age Being a Conservative ministry, no one could hope from it any real measures of reform. The present Government has distinguished itself by class legislation of the worst possible kind, although during 1898, its efforts in this direction have not been quite so marked as in the two previous years. The great measure of the session, undoubtedly, was the Irish Local Government Act. Pledged to oppose Home Rule, in whatever guise it might appear, they in spite of the spirit of their pledges, brought in a measure giving the Irish people a limited amount of Home Rule. That the Irish Parliamentary Party looked upon the measure in this light, was proved by the fact that both Parnellites and Nationalists gave it support. Bat the Radicals did not look upon certain clauses of the bill with suc favour. One of its provisions contained a monstrous bribe to the Irish landlords, in order that their op- position to the bill should be appeased. In Ireland, half the poor rate was paid by the tenant, and half by the landlord. The now bill provided that the tenant's half 11 should be paid as before, but that the land- lord's moiety should be borne by tha Im- perial Exchequer, that is, that the taxpay- ers of this country should pay what was before paid by the Irish landlords. It is not surprising that the Radical members opposed this clause tooth and nail, but, of course, their opposition availed nothing. The Nationalists, on the other hand, sup- ported the clause, as their country was re- ceiving by it hundreds of thousands of pounds. There was an addional reason why the Irishmen agreed to this iniquitous proposition. Another clause of the bill provided that the half-county rate, usually paid by the tenant should be paid from the Imperial Exchequer. This was a sop that the Nationalists could not resist. The Go- verment carried their bill, but its passage engendered a sourness between a section of the Liberal members and the Irish Nationa- lists that has not yet completely worn off. The measure came into operation on Mon- day last, and we shall watch with interest how the Irish will take advantage of this instalment of Home Rule. Another measure which gave rise to an agitation in the county of which we have not yet seen its end, was the Beneiices Bill. The bill itself was not of so much importance except to the Church of England authori- ties but during the debate, Mr. Samuel Smith, the well known member of Parlia- ment for tbe County of Flint, raised the question of Ritualistic practices, so pre- valent in many of the churches of the country. His speech, good as it undobtedly was, would not have created such a commo- tion bad not the ball been taken up by Sir W. Harcourt. His interposition raised the question into pre-eminence, and the pre- sent crusade against ritualistic practices can fairly be attributed, in no small degree, to the move then made. One other measure of all those passed during the year calls for comment, and that is the Vaccination Act. This measure was brought forward, undoubtedly, in conse- quence of the efforts of the anti-vaccina- tors; but its provisions are ludicrous in the extreme. To the minds of many, whether believers in vaccination or not, the Govern- ment's remedy is worse than the disease. So far as the Act provides for a plentiful supply of pure sterilised lymph, no doubt, it may do some good, but its quasi-volun- tary character is ridiculous. Petitions I against it have already been adopted in scores of Board of Guardians and other in- terested bodies, and, no doabt, the clamour will soon be so great that the, Act must speedily be amended. A subject of im- portance discussed in the House of Com- mons, was the financial relations between Ireland and the rest of the country. It is contended, and a Royal Commission has so affirmed it. that Ireland is most unfairly taxed, but a resolution to this effect, pro- proposed by Mr. J. Redmond, was defeated by 286 votes to 144. One of the chief political events of the season has occurred since the prorogation ot Parliament. We allude to the resig- nation of Sir William Harcourt from the leadership of the Liberal party. This was made known on the 14th of last month, in a letter addressed to Mr. John Morley. The matter was alluded to in a few days after- wards, at a meeting of the Liberal Federa- tion in Birmingham, but, wisely, no dis- cussion of the subject was allowed. It remains to be seen what the Liberal members of the House of Commons will do when they meet a few weeks hence. As leaders of the party in tbe Commons, two names are prominently put forward, viz., Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman, and Mr. Asquith. Mr. Morley is also mentioned, but as he will, no doubt, be unable to attend regularly at the House, being engaged on a biography of Mr. Gladstone, it is generally believed that he is just now scarcely as eligible as he otherwise would be. Turning to foreign matters, tbe year 1898 has been a remarkable one. It has seen crisis after crisis. On several occasions war has been imminent, and in one case war actually broke out. Early in the year the Chinese question engendered strained rela- tions between this country and Russia. Russia, undoubtedly, has been straining every nerve to obtain predominating in fiuance in China. Germany having acquired Kiao-Chan, and Russia having already bad Port Arthur, compelled China to cede it Ta-Lien-Wari. Lord Salisbury's reply to this was an offer to the Chinese government of a loan of twelve million pounds at four per cent., conditionally upon Ta-Lien- Wan being made a treaty port. But the Russians were too much for Lord Salis- bury, and he ultimately withdrew certain war vessels that were stationed at Port Arthur The Chinese also—acting under Russian influence—refused the loan. Russia gave assurances that Port Arthur should remain a treaty port, and a free outlet to the Trans Siberian Railway. But Rus- sian promises are not made to be kept. As soon as Russia got possession of Port Arthur, they commenced to fortify it, ani now passports are required for admission into the place. Lord Salisbury thought that his best plan was to acquire a similar port, and be obtained a lease of Wei-hai- wei. Since then, Russia and this country have been engaged in a game of diplo- macy over the partition of China, and it is difficult to understand our present posi- tion; but it is positively certain that we have come off very much second best. Meanwhile, there are internal troubles. The young Emperor has been deposed, be- cause, apparently, he was too favorable to European reforms, and the Empress Dowager has taken the reins of Govern- ment. There are other dangers to this country, besides those from Russia, over the Chinese question. France is pushing forward its claim to the Shanghai ter; itory, and this, we fear, is a blow at British in- terests. It was the Fashoda question, however, that very nearly led this country into a great war. Following a policy inaugura- ted some years ago by the British and the Egyptian Governments, a campaign was suc- cessfully launched against the Rbalifa and his followers, and the expedition culmina- ted in the battle of Omdurman, -and the capture of Khartoum. Soudan was thus re- united to Egypt, and the forces of the rebel were utterly overthrown. But whilst the country was rejoicing over the great victory, and over its probable effects, news arrived that there was a small force of white men at Fashoda. The Sirdar sent an expedi tion up the Nile to Fashoda, and there found Major Marchand, a French explorer, who was in occupation of the govern- ment buildings. The French flag was floating over the citadel. The Sirdar pro- tested against this intrusion, but the Frenchman refused to depart from the place, or to lower the French nag. A most serious situation was thus created. Great Britain and France were face to face, and it became necessary for one of them to give way, or war was inevitable, Lord Salis- bury, for once, was firm, and he was backed up by the leaders of the Opposition and by, practically, the whole country. Luckily for him he could fall back upon a declaration made by Sir Edward Grey, when under- secretary at the Foreign Office in the late Liberal government. Sir Edward Grey had said that the despatch of a French expedition into any part of the Nile, would be regarded as an unfriendly act. Backed up by this, Lord Salisbury absolutely de- clined to discuss the right, or the alleged right of France to be at Fashoda, and naval preparations on a great scale were com- menced. The Government let it be known that it was absolutely certain that war would break out unless Marchand and his followers were recalled. The French, when thus cornered, gave way, and at the Guild hall banquet on the 5th of November, Lord Salisbury was able to announce that Marchand had been recalled from Fashoda, and that the imminent crisis was over. But the difficulty with France over our Egyptian policy, is not yet over, and the future is not by any means clear. One of the principal events of the year, alJd one, no doubt, that will have an indi- rect bearing on Great Britain, was the Hispano-American war. For many years Cuba had been in a state of revolt against Spain. The measures taken by the Span- iards to attempt the suppression of the rising were terribly cruel, but they utterly failed. The state of the island was a scandal, and the perpetual discord prevail- ing in it inflicted a serious injury on American interests. There. was a section of the Americans who were and had 'been for some time 'spoiling for a, fight,' and no doubt had events run their drdinary course, President McKinley would have been forced to interfere. But the blowing up of the American cruiser Maine in Havana harbour, fanned the agitation for war beyond controllable bounds. The Spanish authorities earnestly contended that the occurrence was an accident, but there were many who thought it the work of enemies. A commission of inquiry was instituted, and when its report was pub- lished, it was found that its conclusions pointed to the allegation that the ship had been blown up by a submarine mine, but the report did not attempt to fix the responsi- bility. In quick succession after this, events pointed to tha impossibility of avoiding a declaration of war, and such declaration, or what was equivalent to it, was published on the 17th of April. Into the history of the war we need not enter. It lasted three months, and its results have been that practically the whole of the Spanish possessions in the new world have been lost to her. The treaty of peace was, however, only finally signed on the 10th of last month. The attitude of this country towards our brethren in America was most sympathetic, and there is no doubt but that a firmer union of hearts' has been the result be- tween Great Britain and the United States. The splendid isolation' of this country is now a thing of the past, and it is stated that we can count upon the United States, and even upon Germany, should occasion unfortunately arise, when their assistance would be of value. We have only space to refer briefly to one other notable affair. For the whole of the twelve months H'ciffaire Dreyfus' has agitated the public mind of France, and, it is stated, other nations. The successful attempt to reopen the Dreyfus case, was the work of M. Zola, the famous novelist. Although Zola himself has been prosecuted and convicted, the case for which he so fearlessly laboured is now on the eve of being re-considered, and in the opinion of many persons qualified to judge, it is most probable that Dreyfus will be found inno- cent, and that he has been the victim of a cruel conspiracy on the part of the military authorities. Turning to our own little Principality of Wales, the year has been a quiet one, but not devoid of interesting events. In Par liament, the Welsh members have been diligent and faithful to their trust. Mr. Herbert Lewis brought forward the ques- tion of Home Rule for Wales-in other words, the right of Wales to separate legis lative treatment—as an amendment to the address, and it is a significant fact that while a similar amendment on behalf of Ireland was defeated by 168 votes, the Welsh amendment was only defeated by 39. An attempt was made to pass a Welsh Land Bill, its sponsors being Messrs. Herbert Lewis, Vaughan Davies, Lloyd-George, Brynmor Jones, Herbert Roberts, and Lloyd Morgan. Mr. Bryn Roberts, Mr. Lloyd-George, and others, took a prominent part in the discussion on the Benefices Bill Outside Parliament, we must not forget the inauguration of the Welsh National Council. All the Welsh members are not equally enthusiastic over this new institu- tion, and three at least of the North Wales members have not taken any part in its deliberations, viz., Messrs. Bryn Roberts, Ellis Jones-Griffith, and Humphreys Owen. Only one parliamentary election was fought in Wales during the year, viz., Pembroke- shire, and the result was a Liberal victory, Mr. Wynford Phillips' majority being 1,670. The triennial County Council elec- tions were held in March, and in most instances, the Liberals in North Wales more than held their own. Denbighshire sent about the Tory majority in a very un ceremonious manner. The cause of education is steadily pro. gressing in the Principality. The year 1898 saw several new Intermediate or County Schools started, and in nearly every instance those which started two or three years ago, are now pronounced and decided successes. The death rate of public men in Wales has been exceptionally heavy during the year. Mr. Gladstone, although not a Welshman, resided in the Principality, and his death was as genuinely mourned in Wales as in any part of the world. Mr. Gee-passed away from his work to his reward in September. Others connected with Wales by ties of blood or residence, who have died during the year were Sir E. Burne Jones, the artist, Proffessor Michael D. Jones, Bala; Rev. D. S. Davies, editor of the Celt; Mr. T. P. Lewis, ex- M P. for Anglesea; Mr. Thomas Owen, M.P. for Launces'on Mr. Edward Davies, Llandinam; the Marquis of Anglesea; Lady Harlech, Lady Cunliffe, Mrs. De- vereux Price, Lady Theodore Martin, Major-General Hughes, Anglesea; the Rev. John Rees, the oldest Welsh Wesleyan minister, the Rev. Thomas Hughes, Mach- ynlleth, the oldest Calvinistic Methodist minister; the Rev. W. R. Jones (Goleu- fryn); Principal Gent, Miss A. J. Davies (of the Liverpool School Board); Alder- man E. T. Jones, Denbigh; Mr. Llewelyn Adams, Clerk of the Peace for the County of Denbigh, and many others.

SERIOUS POACHING AFFRAY AT. HENLLAN. KEEPERS AND POACHERS INJURED. On Tuesday night, it appears that a fierce encounter took place at Plas Heaton, Henllan, between Mr. W. C. Jonas' gamekeepers and several poachers, who attempt d to set their nets in a rabbit warren on the estate. John Griffith, the head keeper, accompanied by two other keepers, ob erved the poachers before the latter had time io bit; a single r,,bbit. Gritiith fearlessly entered th warren in pursuit, but was immediately attacked by five or six men, and a desperate encounter seems to have taken place. Griffith, who is a strong athletic looking man, stood his ground, and struck right and left with the butt end of his gun, which was smashed, and became useless. We under- stand that more than one of his assailants must have suffered severely -it his hands The other keepers, however, were not able to render him much assistance, and he hul perforce to give in to such a determined assault. The men made good their escape, but lost) their nets, wh ch are now in the possession of the keepers. The police, on being informed ot the encounter, were busy on Wednesday making enquiries with the view of arresting the guilty persons. On suspicion of being concerned in the above affray, the police, on Wednesday, arrested a man named Evan Bather, of Henllan Street, and later in the day brought him before Mr. Clough and Mr. Robert Owen at the Magistrates Court, charged with poaching Mr. A. O. Evans, who appeared for Mr. W. C. Jones, Llanereh, thp owner of the shooting rights, applied for a remand until Friday; and the application was granted On Thursday, the police alsi> apprehended Robert Thomas Jones, Henllan Street, another well known poacher, for being concerned in the same offence, and ke will also be charged in company with Bather. The court will be held at 330 this (Friday) afternoon.

SLINGS AND ARROWS. r-r, LHv A YEOMAN OF THE GUARD]. Some time ago, I bad, occasion to refer to the proceedings of the Trefnant Parish Council, and the now celebrated lamp-post. At last, the long-expected lamp has been placed in position, and as the support of the illuminant is also a finger-post, this souvenir of parish legislation is not only a brightener of the night, but also a guide by day. At the same time, the message of a finger-post, simple as it is supposed to be, is liable to various constructions being put upon it. At a concert recently held at Trefnant, the chairman, Mr. Preston, said that one arm of the finger-post pointed to- wards the Stag's Head, and the other to the Trefnant Hotel-in order, I suppose, that the thirsty wayfarer might know where to go, from whatever direction he might be travelling. But I am assured by others, that the finger post is much more temperate in its advice. One arm, I am told, points to the Post Office, and the other to Mr. Morris' shop. In my own opinion, I believe that the finger-post is an ancient magician, and by 'its art (whether black or otherwise, I do not know) causes its arms to point where each wayfarer likes to go. Personally, I think the arms are pointed one towards the station, and the others towards Henllan. After all it is a question whether this is a finger-post, or a mis-directing lamprpost. It appears that the Denbigh School Board will have to face the opposition of the sup, porters of National Schools, sooner or later in connection with the Henllan School. The National Society who are trustees of the school buildings say in their letter that they do not wish to defer our power to resnme possession' on or after April 1st, 1906. This is a pretty plain hint that at that time the National Society intends to make April fools of the Board, if they can. The two Voluntary School members argue that the statement quoted is not to be con- strued into a threat. What else is it? The latter plainly shows that at the end of the present lease, the trustees may refuse to renew. Is that not a threat? Besides, there is another way of judging of the pro babilities, viz., by the light of history. What about Nantglyn? The Nantglyn School Board, and the Denbigh School Board, are only tenants of the schools at Nantglyn and Henllan respectively, and we all know what has been attempted at Nantglyn. The rates, no doubt, are suffi- ciently heavy, but the Board might as well face the possibilities at once, and provide accordingly.

The pearl oyster begins to produce pearls when it is six or seven years old. Nearly all the condensed milk manufactured in Switzerland is sent to this country.

PERFORMANCES OF CHRIST AND HIS SOLDIERS.' On Friday evening last at the Assembly Rooms, a performance of Farmer's well- known and popular cantata, 'Christ a;nd His Soldierswas given by a choir under t'jft conductorship of Mr. John Davies, borough surveyor, assisted by soloists and a small orchestra. This is not the first time for this work to be given in Denbigh, but several years have elapsed lince it was last heard. Of the host of small but tuneful works composed during the latter quarter of this century, Farmer's cantata is, undoubtedlv, one of the best. The choruses, whilst not difficult, are by no means commonplace, and some of the solos are real things of beauty.' On this occasion, the soloists were Madame Emily Wright Hughes, soprano; Miss Foulkes, Llangollen, contralto; Mr. T. C. Jones, tenor, and Mr. J. H. Edwards, Ruthin, bass. The orchestra was led by Mr. Horace Hazelden, the other members being Messrs. Edwards (Llangollen), J. Ll. Wil liam^> J. Walmsley, and R. Gough (Rhyl). Miss Bunford presided at the piano, and Mr. R. Davies at the harmonium. AH the soloists acquitted themselves well. Madame Wright Hughes, Mr. T. C. Jones, and Mr. J. H. Edwards, are well known in the* neighbourhood, and if possible, en- haneed their reputation on the present oc casion. Miss Foulkes made her debut beforo a, Denbigh audience, and was very favourable received. She has a beautiful contralty voice, of considerable compass and power. The choir was excellent in most of the choruses, and t'-e orchestra gave a good account of itself. The performance was repeated on Satur- day evening as a. waLh-night Service, the same artistes taking part. His Worship the Mayor and the Mayoress we'e presentJon Friday, and a hearty vote of to them for their kind patronage was carried, on the proposition of Mr J. H, Jones, J.P second- ed by the Rev. E Jones

THE DENBIGH BRANCH OF THE AMALG AMATE I > SOCIETY OF RAILWAY SERVANTS. On Saturday evening, a supper and social meeting was held at the King's Arms Hotel, Vale St., under the auspices ot the Denbigh Branch of the Amalgamated Society of Rail- way Servants. The meeting was under the patronage 01 his Worship the Mayor, and Mr. A. O. Evans had been announced as president. Mr. Evans, however, was unable to be present, and the chair was taken by Mr. Dodd. There was a fairly large number of railway employees and a few friends present. Mrs. Bradshaw, who has a high reputation for the excellency of her public dinners, &c., placed before the com- pany a capital supper to which those present did ample justice. Supper being over, the Chairman made a few opening remarks, and read a letter of apology from Mr. MellanJ. Mr. J. R. Williams, who was called upon to address the meeting, said he had first of all to apologise for the absence of the Stationmaster, who was unable to attend owing to pressure of business. He w s pleased to find so many present that night, although the pompany was not perhaps so numerous as those which he had seen during the past years. He himself had been absent from several of those meetings, but could assure those present that it was not for the want of any care or zeal, but it was entirely due to the pressure of work (hear, hear). He would always be pleased to do all in his power for the Society, and would be glad to see all those who were not now members, eri rolling themselves as such on the first opportunity (applause). The Chairman said he thanked Mr. Williams for his very appropriate remarks, and hoped that those present who were not already mem- bers, would join the ranks of the Society. Mr. Lewis Roberts (junior) then enlivened the proceedings with a very characteristic ren- dition of the song 549,* and was encored. Mr. Idwal Jones accompanied on the piano. Mr. Tholll is Jones, outside porter, and who had been for many years a guard, expressed his pleasure at being present that night. He had enrolled himself a member of the Society since its inception in 1872, and he would advise all the railway servants to join such a valuable institution (hear, hear). He was sorry that a great many were under a wrong impression with regard to the Society, and owing to that wrong impression did not think proper to join. Those present should always bear in mind that the object of the Society was a very good one, viz., to assist thos) in need and to look after their interests (hear, hear). He Was surprised that any man in the employment of any com- pany did not at once join the Society, and surely every man was not so badly off that he could not asiord to pay 3d. or 4d. a week in order to secure 15s or QUs. a week given by the Society in oases of need; and if all men in the employment of railway companies would join the Society, he ventured to predict that it would be the strongest in the whole world (hear, hear). In sitting down, he wished all success to the Society Mr. Wright, who was then called upon to sing, prefaced his song by a few remarks, in which he referred to the absence of their old friend Mr. Lewis Roberts, who was unable co be present owmg to illness. He would have been in high glee, were he privileged to sit with them at that tabie. There was another pen- sioner residing at Trefnant, who was also unable to be present owir,g to infirmity. Mr. Wright then g.ve a very happy rendering of the song Mistletoe Bough.' Mr. McLaren, of Liverpool, a deputation from the Society, then delivered a lengthy ad- dress upon the aims of the Society, and the good work it had already accomplished on be- half of railway servants or all grades. He sin- cerely hoped that before he went back to Liverpool, all those who were not members at present would have joiner. When lie was at Denbigh before, there was an impression upon his mind that there were some undue influence used by the officiili4 of the company to keep the men from joining the Society but he left the town having satisfied himself that this was, to a vtry great; extent, a mistaken idea (hear, hear). He had been assured there would be no interference against the men becoming mem- bers of the Association, provided they did their duty t) their employers (hear, hear) There was nothing that men need fear, especially on the system of L. & N. W. Railway. The Den- bigh branch had been established'in July 1897, and/although they were then at the close of 1898, he was sorry to find that the branch was not so strong numericaUv as it was twelve months previously. However, it did not follow thai it was not so strong influentially. But it should be borne in mind that unless the branch was backed by good spirit and determination, the members, whatever their number, would be just like chaff before the wind, and would not be able to accomplish anything for themselves. He did not think there was any excuse for not joining the Society. Even if the wages were small, a man could join. The scales of payment to the Society were now 3d. and 5d., and if the railway servants were taken into consideration, there were but few, and indeed none at all in the better organized grades that did not receive five times five pence more, than they got this time twelve months, and surely it was not too much fco aek a man to pay one of these five- pences towards the support of the Society —— One of those present here interrupted the speaker, by asking where did the railway ser- vants receive these enhanced wages.