The North Wales Times

BODFARY. -J' r\ I THE RECENT WEDDING FESTIVITIES. We are given to understand that Messrs. D. Hughes, Adwy Wynt, and R. J. Roberts, Hen- dref, were mainly responsible for collecting to wards the presents given recently to Mr. Satterthwaite. Through inadvertence, these I names did not appear in our last issue. ACCIDENT TO MR. OWEN WILLIAMS, J.P. We regret to have to report an unfortunate accident which happened on Saturday last to Mr. Owen Williams, Glan Clwyd. Whilst occupied on the farm he was struck on the head by a piece of timber, severely injurying him near the eye. He is confined to the house, but is progressing towards a recovery. WILL OF THE LATE MR. W. R. WILLIAMS. Probate of the will of Mr. W. R. Williams, of Tanygaer, Bodfary, for upwards of twenty years buyer and latterly assistant manager for Mr. Owen Owen, draper and silk mercer, Lon- don Road, Liverpool, who died on the 9th of December last, aged 42, has been granted to the executors, Mr. Brown Williams and Mr. Charles Underwood. The gross personal estate is valued at £ 3,852 16s. 6d. The testator be- queathed to Mrs. Williams (mother) zC600, Miss Lizzie Williams (sister) £900, Mrs. Margaret Jones (sister) 1:500, Mr David Williams (bro- ther) 1500, smaller legacies going to other re- latives, &c. He also bequeathed £ 150 to the bodfary Wesleyan chapel, and the residue to his mother absolutely.

The smallest parish in England is Hilcot. It «as but seven persons. Nearly 900,000 grown English people can Ueitherfread nor write. Returns show there are over 58,000 artists throughout the country. longevity of trees is found to be much influenced ^y climate. *v,A. cu^c f°°t of oak weighs nearly double as much as a cubic foot of fcr. j

I RUTHIN. YOUNG PEOPLE'S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY. ¡ On Friday last, the members of the above society held their weekly meeting. A debate took place on the subject,' Is war in any case justifiable.' The affirmative side was taken by Mr. Gee, and supported by Mr. John Williams. Councillor T. J. Roberts opened on the negative, and sup- ported by Mr. Henry Roberts. A lively discussion followed. On a vote being taken, there was a majority in favour of the nega- tive. COFFEE SUPPER. On Thursday evening last, a coffee supper was held in connection with Bethania (C.M.) chapel, when about 250 sat down to a capital repast. Subsequently, a grand en tertainment was held. The programme consisted of vocal and instrumental music, and recitatios, &c. Attheclose.avoteof "thanks was passed to the kind friends who hadasaisted. Proceeds were in aid of the Bethania chapel funds. ;—

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Board was held at the workouse on Monday. Air. H. Williams presided, and the oilier members present were Messrs. Thomas Jones (Plas Coch), John Evans, Edward Jones, Robert White, Evan Davies, Hugh Jones, E. Wil- liams Jones, T. P. Roberts, R. H. Pugh, J. Garner, G. H. Simon, R. Davies Jones, Richard Jones, John Roberts, E. R. Evans, Rev. W. G. Richards, Isaac Williams, T. H. Roberts, John Foulkes, E. Rogers Jones, Thomas Jones (Llanferres), Mrs, Edward Roberts, and the clerk (Mr. R. H. Roberts). THE DEATH OF MRS. J. F. REECE. A letter was read from the Rev. J. F. Reece, rector of Lanfwrog, who is also a member of the Board, conveying his grate-j ful thanks for the kind sympathy shown with him by the Guardians in his great sor- row caused by the death of his wife. THE HOUSE. The Master reported that the number of paupers in the house was 78, as compared with 79, the corresponding period last year. The number of vagrants relieved during the fortnight was 51, an increase of 17 on the corresponding fortnight twelve months ago. OLD AGE PENSIONS. The Chairman submitted to the Board the report of the committee appointed at the last meeting, to consider the Old Age Pen- sion scheme. As to the first clause in the scheme, the committee were in favour of some state provision to the poor in old age, distinct from the poor law. As to the second clause whether they regard favour- ably a proposal for the State to endow with 5s. a week persons arriving at the age of 65 years, on condition that they had insured against sickness and funeral expenses for a period in a friendly or trade union society,' the committee were in favour of granting this whether they had insured or not, if the recipients bore a good character.. The Board adopted the recommendation of the committee, and it was also passed that the scheme, if it became law, should be administrated by the Boards of Guard- ians, and that the contribution from local rates should not be more than one-fifth of the whole amount. No discussion took place upon other and minor provisions in the scheme. THE SALE OF INTOXICATING LIQUORS TO CHILDREN. The Clerk read a circular letter and re- solution passed by the Bodmin Union, in favour of legislation to render it illegal to sell or supply any intoxicating liquors to children under 13 years, for consumption off the premises. It was pointed out in the resolution that drink was a fruitful source of pauperism and crime, and that its sale to young children greatly conduced to the increase of pauperism and crime throughout the country. Mr. Thomas Jones (Plas Coch), proposed that a similar resolution be adopted, but that the age be risen to 15 years. Mr. Richards seconded, and the motion was agreed to. THE EVIL OF TIED HOUSES. Mr. John Garner said that inasmuch as this matter had been mentioned, he would move at the next meeting, that the magis- trates be requisitioned not to grant licen- ses to tied houses in the Ruthin Petty Ses- siooal division. He thought the present system, with regard to the ownership of public houses was most unfair to the ten- ants, as well as to the country at large (hear, hear). The Clerk said this question did not come within the scope of the PJor Law, and that really the Board were powerless in the matter. After some discussion, Mr. Garner said he would bring the matter before the District Council, and asked the clerk to place it on the agenda for that meeting. At present, inferior articles were sold in these tied houses, causing hardship to the tenants, and the community at large. ABLE BODIED PAUPERS. At the-last meeting of the Board, it was announced that the resignation o; the house servant bad been handed in, and after some discussion it was accepted, and a resolution passed appointing a committee to make an inquiry as to the number of able I bodied women in the house, and whether one of them could do the kitchen work so as to obviate the appointment of a paid servant. At the present meeting, Mr. E. R. Evans asked why was this committee not edled. The Clerk explained that the hon • ser- vant had intimated to him her des,: to withdraw her resignation, and to compji r her year of service. Thinking that tin- Board did not wish to force the servant to leave, he had taken upon himself to instruct her to remain, and therefore did not call the committee, knowing that they would have to go over the same work at the end of the servant's year of service. In the course of the discussion that en- sued, several members contended that the resolution of the Board should have been carried out, and the committee called, it being stated that the question of able bodied paupers in the house should be immediately taken into consideration. It was ultimately decided to allow the servant, whom the clerk and master said was an excellent girl in every respect, to complete her term of service, and at the same time to go into the question of able bodied paupers.

England eats 40,000 tons of Irish eggs an- nually. Extreme heat is more fatal to human life than extreme cold. One-third of all the landed property in Russia is mortgaged. Of the population of Spain one-fifteenth are said to be nobles. Corsets have been found on the waists of Egyptian mummies.

BALA. DR. BARNADOS HUME. A very successful sale of work was held at the Vestry Room of the Independent chapel on Thursday last, by means of which over fl4 was secured for the benefit of these Homes. The management of the sale was in the capable hands of Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Post Office, and others. -_u_u_ THE THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE. We learn, with regret, that Principal Ed- wards, D.D., has, on account of ill-health, in- timated to the College Committee his intention of resigning. HIGH STREET IMPROVEMENT. The Joint Committee of the County Council and Urban Council met on Monday last, to endeavour to settle the claim made by the Urban Council of Bala for improving High Street. The Committee appointed by the County Council were:—Hon. C. H. Wynne, Rug; Messrs. W. Davies, Cae'rblaidd; and Haydn Jones, Towyn. The Committee ap- pointed by the Urban Council consisted of the Chairman (Mr. R. Ll. Jones), Mr. R. W. Ro- berts (Vice-chairman), and Mr. David Jones (Birmingham House). The Clerk of the County Council (Mr. R. Jones), and the Clerk of the Urban Council (Mr. J. R. Jones), were also in attendance. The amount claimed was £ 794. An offer was made by the representatives of the County Council. The Urban Council met to consider it, and refused it. The Urban Council made an offer to accept a certain sum in full discharge of claim but the representa- tives of the other side did not decide anything, further than to submit it to the County Coun- cil. The matter will, it is conjectured, have to be decided by arbitration. LITERARY AND MUSICAL MEETING AT TY'NYBONT. On Thursday last, at the Ty'nybont Inde- pendent Chapel, a very interesting competitive meeting was held, under the presidency of Mr. J. Parry, Glantegid. The chapel was crowded -every nook and corner was occupied, and the seating accommodation was inadequate, that only about one out of every three could be seated. The following programme was gone throu,h:- Competition, reciting a portion out of the Scriptures—1, Lizzie Davies, Glan'rafon. Bardic addresses were given by the Chairman, Mr. Ellis Jones, and others. Solo competition, 'Yr Eos '-1, G. A. Pugh, Bala; 2, Kate Rowlands; 3, S. J. Hughes and Thomas E Ellis. For the best essay, the prize was adjudged by Mr. James Jones, Bala, to be equally divided between J. Rowlands, Tyisa, and E. Ll. Jones, Cwm. Rev. W. Morris' adjudication on answering of questions, resulted in a division of the prize between Jane Rowlands, Tyisa, and Llewelyn Owen, Cwm. Quartette competition, for the rendering of an unseen piece of music, Mr. John Jones' party was adjudged the best. Song, by Miss Dakin,' Yr esgid ar y traeth.' Mr. Watkin's adjudication on the englyn, 'Craig y Garn,' declared Mr. Ellis Jones' con- tribution the best. Competition trio, 0 na bawn yn seren '—1, Mr. D. Roberts' party from Talyb-mt. For the best recitation of 1 Carlo and the child.' The effect given to the piece by some of the competitors was very amusing and evoked loud laughter. The first prize was given to Mr. R. Roberts, and the second to Mr. D. Jones. For the best essay on the duty of the church to oppose the sins of the present time, the prize was awarded to Mr. John Roberts, Ty'nybont. Duett competition, 'Gwraig y Morwr '-1, Mr. Roberts and Mr. D. R. Jones. Competition on rendering any solo selected by the competitor—1, Mr. R. Roberts; 2, Mr. Robert Jones, Rhyducha. Penniilion, The profligate son,' first prize awarded to Mr. Lewis Roberts, Cwm. On the motion of the Rev. T. T. Phillips a cordial vote of thanks was given the Chairman for his able services. After singing the National Anthem the audience dispersed. It

FOUND DEAD ON THE ROAD SIDE. Last Monday morning a sad report reached Bala that Mr. Edward Lloyd, Dol-llycbwyn, had been found dead on the side of the road near Gwernhefin. Further confirmation was soon forthcoming, when his body was brought to the Workhouse mortuary pending the in- quest. Mr. W. R. Davies, the county coroner, was communicated with, and the enquiry was held the same evening. THE INQUEST. The inquest was held at the Board Room be. fore Mr. W. R. Davies, the county coroner, and the following jury ;-Messrs. R. L!. Jones (foreman), D. W.. Jones, H. LI. Davies, Evan Davies, R. Evans, J. J. Hughes, M. J. Jones, H. Evans, 0 H. Hughes, D. T. Lewis, O. W. Roberts, G. Rees, and G. Roberts. There were also present Dr. Williams and Police Inspector Morgan. In opening the enquiry the coroner said they had been brought together to inquire into the circumstances touching the death of Mr. Ed. ward Lloyd, whose body was found on the road near Gwernhefin, under circumstances which would be brought out in evidence. He could not say whether the doctor, after hearing some of the evidence, was able to state the cause of death. Sunday night was a cold night, and it appeared that deceased had been for hours out in the cold, and he thought no strong man even could withstand such cold. The jury could consider after hearing some of the facts, whether it would be advisable to ad. journ the inquest or not. The doctor had made an external examination of the body. The finding of a man dead on the highway made it incumbent upon them to endeavour to ascer- tain whether he received any injury accident- ally, whether he receive fair play, or whether he received any injury by doing or not doing something which ought to have been done. The jury then went to view the body, and upon their return the following evidence was given:— Garibaldi Roberts, slater, Llanuwchllyn, said I I was acquainted withJEdward Lloyd. I was I with him last night going from Goat, Bala. We were driven in a, car towards home. W. T. Ellis, Red L on, was the driver. We went as far as 'Stryt Gwernhefin.' There was too much ice to be able to cross the bridge. On the road Lloyd said he would go home past Gwern- hefin. Lioyd and myself alighted from the car near Stryt Gwernhefin. It was light then, and would be about 7 p.m. Lloyd could then walk and speak alright. Lioyd alighted from the car, and sat on the side of the hedge. I said to him, 'Come on, Lloyd, if you begin sleeping, here you will be.' Lloyd replied, You go on, I w'll overtake you.' I went on as far as Gwernhefin hayshed to shelter from the rain, and slept there. I came back soon. I do not know hew long I slept, and found Lloyd in the place I had left him. I said to him, Come on, Lloyd, so that we may go home.' I got hold of him and tried to rouse him, but he fell back helpless. I thought he was asleep, and I said, 'Come from there, Lloyd.' I placed my hand on his forehead, ana found it was cold and wet. I went to Dol-llycbwyn, a distance of about half-a-mile off. I cannot say when I reached there It was dark and wet. The body bore no signs of struggle, his clothes were in order. We had some whisky in the car. We drank pretty freely of it, but cannot say bow much. The three of us drank of it. I had only one bottle of whisky, and Lloyd said to me on the road, Here, tap this,' and he had a drink, so also I and Willie. I tapped the bottle with my knife, and replaced the cork with a paper stopper. 1 had that bottle afterwards. I think Lloyd had another bottle, but I did not see it. I have no idea how long deceased had been there. It was about 6-30 or 7 p.m. when we left Bala. I do not know what time it was when I reached Dol-llycbwyn. After doing so, I knocked and called for John Lloyd. The ser- vant appeared at the door, and I went up to in- form John Lloyd of the occurrence. He ordered Robert Morgan to inform his cousin, Mr. R. Jones, Cyffdv. 1 went to Cyffdy, took a pony and rode to Bala for a doctor and inspector. I can't say what time it was. By Mr. R. Ll. Jones: He lost no time in going to Del lycliwyn and Cyffdy, and thence to Bala. The bottle was empty, and no one helped him with it after leaving Lloyd. From the Goat they started, and it was there he un- derstood the whisky was obtained on the previous Saturday. By Mr. J. J. Hughes: Edward Lloyd was sober when he went from the Goat, and chatted along the road. By Inspector Morgan Was he sick when he went from the Goat? I heard that be had been complaining. Dr. Williams said he was called to see the deceased about 6-30 a.m. on Monday. He found the body on the back drive leading to Gwern- hefin, about eight yards from the gate. The deceased was apparently about 55 years of age, and was a farmer. He had attended deceased professionally several times. Some years ago, he had suffered from erysipelas and cold, and generally suffered from want of proper care of himself. Deceased was dead when he found him. Witness made an external examination, but was not able from that, or from the evid- ence already adduced, to state what was the cause of death. By Mr. R. Ll. Jones Does the doctor think that a post mortem would reveal the cause of death? The doctor replied that it would undoubtedly. There might be many causes to which his death might be attributed. The fact that he had been lying for so many hours in the place where he was found was sufficient of itself to cause his death. The Coroner said it would certainly be more satisfactory to the deceased's relatives, and to the jury, to adjourn the inquest, and that in the meantime the doctor could make a post mortem examination. The jury agreed to this, and the inquest was adjourned to Tuesday next at 12 noon.

LLANUWCHLLYN. LITERARY AND MUSICAL MEETING. The above meeting was held at the Girls' School on Thursday last, Mr. W. Morris, Glanllyn, presiding. Mr. L. J. Davies, J.P., conducted, and a very successful meeting was secured, the building being crowded to excess. The duty of adjudicating the musical part of the programme devolved upon Mr. Cadwaladr C. Roberts, Tanygrisiau, and he, needless to say, performed his duties to general satisfac- tion. The following were among the prize winners Solo, far children under 15 year, hymn lan- y-manod'— 1, Lizzie Thomas, Rhos. Recitation, for children under 12 years of age-I, Jane Thomas, Rhos; 2, John Jones, Llwyngwern. Recitation, over 12 years of age and under 18, The Lifeboat'—I, May W illiarns, Fondro. Map of Capam-l, J. T. Davies, Post Office 2, R. E. Edwards, Pantclyd. Solo for boys, 'Ravensworth from the Con- gregational hymn book—1, Rhys Jones, Pant gwyn. Knitted Cravat-1, Mrs. Pugh, Blaenlliw. Workman's Shirt, for girls under 21 years of age-I, Jane Edwards, Rhydsarn. Rendering of byr,)n Ifereford by a party of not more than ten voices—1, Messrs. Evan Jones and Hugh Rowlands. Potato Basket—I, D. Griffiths, Rhydymain. Oak Teapot Stand -1, R. L. Morgan, Ty'n-y- pandy. Life of Joseph,'to written examination—1, R. E. Edwards, Pantclyd. Tenor solo, 'Baner ein gwlaa1—1, Evan Jones, Feidiog. Quartette, 'St. Garmon1, Mr. R. Rees' party. Essay on the 'Life of Joseph"-I, Lewis Jones, Dolgelley. Bass solo, 'Fy Kgwlad'-I, Job Jones, Llwynllwdyn. Six verses, 'Joy'—1, D. Wilhams. Male Voice Party Competition rendering of Yr eneth ddall'—1, Party of Mr. Edward Williams, Tyddynvrinen.

OERYG-Y-DRCJIDION. THE UNITED CHOIR. We are glad to inform those who take inter- est in the musical success of the above choir, that the members are at present showing great activity. The choir intends competing at several important festivals in the near future, and their success in the past leads their numerous supporters to believe that greater successes are still in store for them. The choir is trained by Mr. David Jones, J.P., Bryn- saint, who is an excellent musician, and one worthy in every respect to act as their con- ductor. He has been eminently successful in all the competitions in which his choir has taken part, and as he is heart and soul in the work, there cannot he much anxiety as zo the results. The choir has the good wishes of all the inhabitants of Cervg-y-druidion and sur- roundings. CONCERTS. The annual concerts of the children attending tne Glasfryn Board School was held on the tl nights of the 24th, 25th, and 26th ult. The ap- pointed chairmen were :—First night, Col. C. S. Mainwaring, Bwlchybeudy second night, Mr. J. Roberts, Clustyblaidd; and the third I night, the Rev. J. Morgan Jones, Bronygraig. Col. Mainwaring was unavoidably absent through illness, but wrote declaring his interest in the concert, and enclosing a handsome addi- tion to the funds. In his absence the chair was taken by Dr. H. H. Davies (Chairman of School Board). The attendance during the three nights was numerous, and though the room was crowded, I perfect order was maintained throughout. ¡ The following is a copy of the programme — PART I. 1. Hen Wlad fy Nhadau.' 2. Action song, Llwyn Onn,' Infants. 3. Dumb bell Exercises, Infant Boys. 4. Doll Drill and Song, Infant Girls. 5. Chorus, 'Village Minstrels,' Elder Schol ars. 6. Recitation, Twr Babel,' Robert Jones, Bryndedwydd. n_ 7. Song, 'Grandmother's Old,7 Girh. S. Cymbal Drill, Boys. 9. Song and chorus, ¡ Tommy Arkins and his Arr-nv," Infant Boys. PART II 10. Chairman's Address. 11. Action Song, 'A Little Farm in Ohio.' 12. i heel Drill, Girls. 13. Song, Sandwich Men,' Boys. 14. Dumb beil Exercises, Boys. 15. Tambourine March and Drili, Girls. 16. Recitation, 'Die Ifan y Ddol,' Evan Jones, Aelwyd y Brys 17. The Song of the' Union Jack.' a. Flag of the Pose,, English Boys. b. Flag of the Thistle,' Scotch Girls. c. Flag of the Shamrock,' Irish Boys. d. Dragon of Wales,' Welsh Girls. e. Rnie Brittania,' Brittania. The whole of the programme was exceedingly well renjei-ed; but we may mention that Nos. 4, 7, 8, 9, 13, 1-5, and 17, deserve special praise, and were greatly appreciated hy the audience. The last named item, The Song of the Union,' being a new song in which England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, were represented in char- acter by scholars, and paying their homage to Brittania, was, no doubt, the most interesting on the programme, the acting and the singing were particularly good. Tne part oi Brittania was kindly taken by Miss Jones, Ty'nygraig, Ceryg, who sang "Rule Brittania' in grand style. No doubt this was the best children's concert ever held at Glasfryn and it reflects the great- est credit on Mr. and Mrs. Jones for the ad- mirable way the children were trained. We should also say that the proceeds are entirely devoted to reward the children.

ST. ASAPH. TEMPERANCE. In connection with the church of England Temperance Society, and also of the Church Institute, temperance addresses weredeliver- ed at the National school, on Thursday evening last, by the Rev. J. Dale Jones, vicar of Bistre, and others. QUADRILLE PARTY. In connection with the St. Asaph Quad- rille Party' a special dance took place at the Plough Hotel Assembly Room, on Thursday evening, from 7 30 to 12 p.m. No refreshments were provided. The promoters were Messrs. W. H. Williams, and J. R. Williams, Bigh street, secretaries. A good number attended. MALE VOICE CHOIR. The above choir competed at Rhyl Eis- teddvod and there lost. They took their defeat quietly to all appearance, and determined to enter for competition at Lon- don. However, the defeat at Rhyl brought on the decay of the choir, and it has been determined to wind it up until next season. DEBATING SOCIETY. One oi the most lively debates of the season took place at the C.M. School room, an Wednesday evening last, in connection with the St. Asaph Debating Society, under the presidency of the Rev. Jonathan Jones. The subject for debate was Should the Government interfere with ritualism in the Church of England.' The heroes of the debate were, on the affirmative :—Mr. David Hughes, Victoria Printing Works negative, Mr. John Parry, Brynhyfryd, Waen. Both gentlemen did their work well, and the following members also took part, Messrs R. Griffiths, Arsyllfa Henry Thomas, Ro- bert Hughes, &c. All the members did not vote, but a substantial majority were in favour of the negative.

TREMEIRCHION. A meeting was held in the National Schools on Tuesday evening last, for the purpose of taking into consideration the best mode of celebrating the majority of Mr. Douglas Mor- gan, Cae Gwyn, which takes place on the 26th inst. The meeting was of the heartiest char- acter, showing the high esteem in which the family are held among their neighbours. Inti- mation was given at the meeting that the pro- posal is likely to receive a warm welcome among those connect d with the Board of Guardians and the District Council, where the services of Mr. Morgan, senior, have been so highly appreciated. In no less degree is it probable that the friends and neighbours in the district round, of Newmarket, Llanasa, and Gwaeaysgor, will testify their regard for the old family of Golden Grove. A committee was formed to carry out the proposal, of which Mr. Pennant is the chair- man, Mr. T. O. Edwards, Tanybrvn, treasurer, and Mr. Grimsley and Mr. England, lion, secretaries. Mr. Pennant presided over the meeting, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his services in the chair.

C A E R W Y S. THE FAIR. The monthly fair was held on Tuesday, and was well attended. Prices had improved all round since the last fair. ———————————— LECTURE. The fourth of a series of lectures promoted by the Flintshire Baptist Union was given on Monday night last The Rev. Evan Jones, :St. Asaph, was the lecturer, who. treated his sub- ject 'The Distinctive and different Baptist principles,' in a masterly manner. The pastor presided. CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR SOCIETY. The inaugural meeting in connection with the above society was held on Friday evening of last week, in the Schoolroom of the Baptist chapel. Mrs. Matthews, Pendre, presided over a large attendance. Miss Edit I Roberts, High St., opened the meeting by reading a portion of the Scripture, and offering up prayer. Fol- lowing the singing of a hymn, an excellent paper was read. on 'Our duty towards the Bible,' by Miss Williams, Chapel Street. The president briefly thanked Miss Williams for the excellent paper she had given. The meeting was then addressed by the Rev. E. Jones (B). Messrs. W. Moses Evans, and Wt H. Parry, Miss C. Williams, Chapel St., then rendered a solo, entitled, BeibI bach tlws fy Nain. After a conversation respecting the programme for the next meeting, which will be held on Friday night, Mrs. Matthews closed the meeting with prayer.

The making of chinaware is the oldest in- dustry. £ 1,300,000 worth of pickles and sauces are exported to other countries yearly. A rude species of mariner's compass was known to the Chinese as early as B.C. 1113 It is estimated that there are about 540,000 persons employed in mines in Great Britain. Naturalists assert that the hippopotamus will become extinct within the next twenty years. On an average, each person in this country sends forty-four letters yearly through the post. Nearly one-half the total number of suicides take place between the hours of six a.m. and noon. The transmission of messages through tele- graph wires does not injure birds that may be perched on them. Miss Oldun (playfully): 'I'm older than yon think I am.' Miss Castique: I doubt it.'

proceeds of the ball, held on the 15tib. of Decem- ber last, including several donations, be appro- priated for the use of the charity. On the motion of Mr. William Parry, se- conded by the Chaiyman, the clergy and minis- ters oi the Nonconformists chapels whose con gregations had made collections in aid of the charity were sincerely thanked for the amounts collected, the Chairman remarking that it was very gratifying to the Committee to see that subscriptions from this source were increased. {ELECTION OF THE COMMITTEE. The Chairman said that several members of the Committee retired this year in rotation, but Were eligible for re election. But. there was one vacancy to be filled also. This had been caused by the death of a very old member of the Committee, whose loss they all felt very much. Ile allu,,t,,d to the I.,ite Mr. Tli,,)itias Gee. He had been connected with the institution for many year, and always took very great in- terest in it. Mr. T. J. Williams proposed that the retiring members of the Committee be reelected, viz., Messrs. F. J. Preston, R. E. Hughes, E. A. Tumour, J. Harrison J. lies, and'R. Humphreys Roberts. Mr. Gold Edwards, in seconding, said that they had lost from amongst them, as th" Chair- man had just told toc-ai, a very old member of the Committee in the person of Mr Gee. about whom he could speak from personal knowledge. Mr. Gee had been a subscriber to the institution before he (Mr. Gold Edwards) was, and he was rather an old hand at it now. For many years, Mr. Gee had a special fund as the hooks would show, to which he collected subscriptions amongst the ministers of the Cafvinistic body. Mr. Gee had, indeed, all his life taken a very warm interest in the institution. He thought it.would be gratifying to the family, and to Mr. Gee himself, if his wishes could be known, that they should elect in his stead his son, Mr. Howel Gee. As far as he knew, Mr. H. Gee had not been consulted, but he (Mr. Gold Ed- wards) hoped that, if elected, Mr. Gee would not be simply an ornamental member, as some of the members appeared to be (laughter). They wanted a gentleman that would come down amongst them. The register showed that some of the members had not appeared there at all during the year, neither were they present at that meeting. At the same time, he would be sorry to omit their names. The late Mr. Gee put his shoulder to the wheel, and collected money himself from amongst the ministers of his denomination (hear, hear). He was sure that Mr. Howel Gee, if elected, would follow in his father's footsteps. The Chairman, in supporting, said they would all be glad to see Mr. Howel Gee elected to fill his father's place. The motion was carried. NEW STEWARD FOR ST. ASAPH. Mr. Grimsley was, on the motion of Mr. J. Parry Jones, elected steward for the St. Asaph district, in the place of Mr. Howes Roberts, resigned. THE INFIRMARY TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ACT. The Chairman said Mr. John Davies, solici- tor, had taken a great deal of trouble in the matter of the proposal to register the institu- tion under the Companies Act. Mr. Davies had submitted his report to Mr. Gold Edwards, whose ability, as a lawyer, no one could gain- say. Mr. Gold Edwards Hear, hear (laughter). Proceeding, Mr. Gold Edwards proposed that the necessary steps be taken to have the in- stitution registered, and went on to say that it was very difficult to carry on the business in the old grove. If registered, the work of the institution could be carried on much better. Hitherto, they had the securities registered in the names of gentlemen, many of whom had passed away. All the original trustees had gone, and nobody had been appointed to fill their places. It was very undesirable to have the affairs of the institution in this unsettled state, and it would be to its interest to have it registered under the Companies Acts. Dr. Hughes seconded, and the motion was carried. Mr. John Davies explained that the effect of this would be that rule 25 of the institution would be done away with. The object of the registration was that all the securities would now be vested in the institution itself as a cor- porate body. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT. The Chairman proposed, and Colonel Lloyd Williams seconded, that the Honourable Laurence Brodrick, of Coed Coch, Aoergele, be the president for next year, and the motion was carried. THE JUBILEE FREE BED. Mr. Preston pointed out that the fund of the Jubilee Free Bed was languishing. No dona- tion had been given towards it since August, 1897, although since then n legacy of £ 100 had been left for its benefit by the late Mr. Edward Lloyd. This brought the fund to £295, and they required t205 more to have sufficient money to endow the bed. Mr. Preston then announced, amidst much cheering, that he Would give a third donation often guineas to Wards the fund. Mr. Thomas Williams, in supporting Mr. Preston's appeal in favour of making further efforts on behalf of the Free Bed Fund, pro nrsed a donation of 15 (hear, hear). Dr. Griffith William; Roberts And I shall be very glad indeed to give another couple of guineas to my previous donation (loud ap- plause). These promises were then followed by the Chairman, £ 5; the Mayor. £ 5; Mr. T. Gold Edwards, X5; Mr. T J. Williams, f2 2s. Col. Heaton, £ 2 2s. Dr. Hughes, £2 2s. and Mr. Foulkes, fl Is.—a total of zC39 19. Other matters of minor importance were re ferred, and the meeting was closed by a vote of thanks to the Chairman, proposed by Col Heaton, and seconded by Colonel Lloyd Wil- liams.