The North Wales Times

rviuLD. THE WAR. On Sunday morning last, the Vicar, the Rev. J. Poole Hughes, preached a special sermon on the war. The offertories were in aid of the war fund. and amounted to over £20. A de- o tachment of the local corps of volunteers was present, under the charge of Surgeon-Major Williams. MOLD SAVINGS BANK. The annual meeting of the Trustees and Managers of this Bank was held on Saturday, when there was a large attendance presided over by the Vicar of Mold, the Rev, J. P. Poole Hughes. The statement of accounts showed amount in hand of the National Debt Commissioners £ 34,977 3s. 7d.; surplus fund in hand, £ 100. Amount in hand of Honorary Treasurer 9495 2s. 3d., making a total of £ 35,572 5s. lOd. The liability of the Trustees on amount du to depositors was 935,392 4s. 2d. leaving a cash surplus of £ 180 Is. 8d., which together with the value of the Bank premises £ 1*150, made a total of fl,330 Is. 8d. after meeting all liabilities. The Secretary, Mr. J, E. Da vies, was con. gratulated on such a good report on the year's work, and for the admirable way the Bank business was conducted, and on the motion of Mr. W. P. Jones, seconded by Mr. A. B. Roberts, the accounts, together with the audi- tor's report were adopted. During the year the number of accounts had increased and the balance due to depositors had been increased by nearly £300, which was attributed to the fact that the Bank was open on Saturday even- ings in addition to the afternoon, and further, that depositors could withdraw sums not ex- ceeding f5 on demand, without notice. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. W. H. R. M. Johnson, Honorary Treasurer, for his services and to Mr. Small, the Auditor, after which the meeting terminated. THEFT OF LEAD. At the County Hall, on Monday last, before Messrs. Henry Lloyd Jones and Josiah J. Morgans, Paul Andrew Hutchinson, labourer, Watergate Street, Chester, was charged with stealing a quantity of lead of the value of 16s. id the property of Messrs. Proctor and Bylands, Bone Works, Saltney. Patrick Dobbins, of Chester, Marine Store dealer, stated that on Saturday evening last, the prisoner came to his stores with some sheet lead in a bag. When asked where he got it from, prisoner replied from I Muspratt's Flint,' and said he had been looking for a job and some men gave it to him. When asked how he carried it from Flint, prisoner said he had a lift in a cart. Witness asked him if he had any more of it, prisoner replied I yes' and said he would go and get it and would come back in half an hour. W hen prisoner went away, wit- ness telephoned to the police office to send a detective, and Detective Crewe came. They waited until the prisoner came back with some more lead making i of a cwt and 18lbs. Wit- ness told prisoner that a detective was waiting for him, and he had better tell the truth as witness did not believe he got it from Mr. Bttugpratt's. Thomas Crewe, of Chester police force, stated that in consequence of the telephone message he received, he went to the last wit- ness's stores and waited for half an hour. The prisoner came in with a bag containing the lead now produced. Witness asked him how it came into his possession. He replied a man named Thomas at Flint gave it to him at Muspratt's works on Wednesday last. Witness took the prisoner to the police station and charged him with being in possession of the lead and not giving a proper account as to where he got it from. Witness then made en. quiries about it, and, later on the prisoner said I may a& well tell you the truth, I took the lead from the Bone Works at Saltney.' Archibald Knox, a manager at the Bone Works, Saltney, stated that the prisoner had been in their employ ofi and on for the last twelve months. Witness saw him there on Friday last. About 10 days ago he instructed the plumbers at the works to remove six pieces of lead, and replace them with new ones. The lead now produced were the six pieces which were removed and valued at 16s. 4d. James Adams, of Saltney police office, stated he received the prisoner into custody from the Chester police that morning and the lead now produced. Witness charged the prisoner with stealing the lead from the Bone Works, Salt- ney. Prisoner replied Yes I did take it, I found it by the acid tank at the Bone Works.' Witness brought the prisoner to Mold. The prisoner was ssntenced to 21 days im- prisonment. THEFT OF FOWLS. At a Special Police Court, on Saturday last, before Messrs. W. Catherall, and J. T. Mor. gans, two young men. respectably connected, named A. E. Jones, Victoria Terrace, and Walter Mather, respectively, were charged with stealing four fowls the property of Eleanor Jones, 1, Victoria Terrace, Mold. Prosecutrix stated that on the previous Wed- nesday evening she had five fowls in an out- house in the backyard. She saw them safe about 6 o'clock that evening. When she went into the yard next morning, she found that four of the fowls had been stolen, and two of their necks were on the yard. The two (pro- duced) belonged to her and were of the value ot about 7s. Philip Dykins, plumber, Ponterwyl, said the prisoner Mather had lived with him. On the day in question witness and the two prisoners had been drinking and they went to witness' house shortly after 11 o'clock at night and took a jar of beer with them. They remained in the house for about two hours. Jones invited witness and Mather to go and stay the night with him at his mother's house. Witness re- fused, but asked Mather to see Jones home.' Jones and Mather went out and they were away about on. hour's time, and returned with four fowls. Witness asked the meaning of the fowls being there and Jones said it was call, right.' The prisoners plucked one fowl each and threw the feathers into the fire. The next day witness met Jones and they part eat one of the fowls' On the following Friday, in con- sequence of what witness had been told, he took the part eaten fowl and the other one, and put them a in disused pit at the Wylfa. Jones brought the fowls into his house. Mrs. Amelia Jones, mother of the prisoner Jones, said her son and Mather came to the house'early on the morning of Thursday last and brought the fowls. In answer to witness one of them said they had got them 'allright.' Witness made them take the fowls away, which was done. Serjeant Jones proved arresting the prisoners. Jones at first said 4 he knew nothing about the matter,' but subsequently told witness where the fowls were. Witness afterwards arrested Mather who said 4 he had been told all about it and was about coming to the Police Station.' Mr. Marston, who appeared for Mather, asked that Jones be dealt with first, and al- though he was not instructed by Jones, he desired to say thrt he had until recently been a most respectable young man, but had latterly given way co intemperance. He bad been in the aruy for a number of years, and had volunteered his services for South Africa. Under those circumstances, he asked the bench to deal leniently with him. Jones here put in a letter from the Adjutant of his old regiment to the effect that he would do his best to get Jones' offer accepted. In answer to the Chairman if he had any state- ment to make, Jones said he had served twelve years in the Royal Engineers, four of which he had served in Cape Colony. Being on the ordnance, lie was well acquainted with the country. He asked to be leniently treated and he promised that he would never appear before a court again, unless it be before the Boer President. He much regretted what he had done, which had been done in drink. The Chairman addressing Jones said he was sorry to see him before the court. The magistrates desired to give him every chance Od would discharge him on his entering into | recognisances for his good behaviour for a period of six months, in the sum of £ 10. Mr. Marston then addressed the court on be. half of Mather, He pointed out that although there was a previous conviction against his client, he had never been doubted as a dis honest man, on the contrary, he was a most straightforward person. There was no evidence whatever against Mather upon which a jury would convict, and he, therefore, asked that Mather be discharged. After consultation, the Chairman said they had decided to commit Mather to the Assizes, but bail would be allowed himself in £ 20 and two sureties in the sum of £10 each. ROBBING A FATHER. On Wednesday, before Messrs. T. Parry, and H. Lloyd Jones, at the County Hall, John Crompton, collier of Cefnybedd, appeared, charged under remand with stealing a silver watch and top coat, the property of his father. Thomas Crompton, the prosecutor, said the defendant was his son, and lived with him. On the 1st inst, he put the watch produced in a box on the top of a chest of drawers in the kit- chen. His top coat was also thrown over the defendant's bed. Abont 4 40, the next morning the defendant was absent from his bedroom, the coat was gone, and on prosecutor going down stairs to ascertain the fime, found his watch missing, and he informed the police of his loss. Thomas L. Doddinan, slioespiith, at Yates Forge, Chester, deposed to the defendant coming to him at 8 a.m on the 2nd inst. He was wet through, and said he had come from Hawarden that night. He had no money, and did not like to pawn his watch, but would rather sell it. He showed the one produced to witness, and stated it was his own watch, and that was all he had. Witness asked if the watch was alright, and the defendant replied, it was. He then offered five shillings for it, and promised to keep it until defendant called for it. The defendant then took the money, and left the watch. P.C. Gabriel proved receiving the defendant from the Bolton police. He charged him with stealing the watch and overcoat, He replied that he had sold the watch, and given the coat to a man in Chester to pawn. Witness on the 8th instant, went over to Chester, and re- covered the stolen articles. The defendant was ordered to be imprisoned for one month with hard labour. SEND OFF. On Monday morning, a large number of people assembled at the railway station to witness the departure, by the 12.23 train, of those from the neighbourhood who have joined the Imperial Yeomanry. About a dozen have put in their services, and are now at Wrexham underdoing a training preparatory to embark- ing from Liverpool on the 25th inst. The young fellows appeared in the best of health and spirits. As the train moved out, there were loud cheers given, which were heartily respon- ded to by the men. The same evening, the annual smoking concert took place at the Black Lion Hotel, the gathering being held yearly, and inaugurated by the local corps of volun- teers and the members of the Denbighshire Hussars. In consequence of the event, which also took the form of a send off' meeting to all from the district bound for the front, special permission had been given to those who had gone to Wrexham to attend the gathering, the contingent arriving by brake at about 8.30 As they disembarked, they were cheered lustily by a large crowd. There was a good represen- tative attendance, together with a respectable party of guests. Captain T. M. Keene presi- ded, and a capital musical programme was gone through, as toll ows :-Messrs. W. H. Adams, A. E. Myatt, Albert Edwards, Arthur Evans, D. E. Lewis, A. M. North, J. M. Lows. by, W. H. Pugh, A. W. Lewis, D. Z. Johns, J" D. Kendal, S. Alyn Jones, and Private George Humphreys. The 4 pierrots' also gave a couple of popular and appropriate choruses in very smart style, the items being much appreciated. Altogether the meeting was an exceedingly interesting one, and passed off very pleasantly. During the evening, the Chairman, on behalf of the members of the Denbighshire Yeomanry and friends, made a presentation to R. T. Major Palser of a beautiful gold ring, set with a fine diamond. Owing to the fact of Sergeant Major Palser being exceedingly busy making arrange- ments preparing tor the departure of the men to South Africa, he was unable to attend, and was represented by Sergeant John Lloyd (Maes- garmon), who accepted the gift on his behalf, and briefly thanked all tor their kindness, con- cluding with the remark that whenever Sergt. Major Palser would be in the Transvaal, the ring would be there also.' We understand that Sergeant Major Palser will accompany the troop that is being mobilised at Wrexham, comprisimg of voluuteers from the ranks of the Denbighshire Yeomanry, and those who have also volunteered their services from outside. The Chairman also made the presentation of certificates to the ambulance section of the Mold volunteers, Surgeon Major Williams ex- plaining the service of the ambulance men. After the proceedings were concluded by the singing oi 'Auld Lang Syne,' Captain Keene was carried frdm the Assembly Room, shoulder high, amidst the most enthusiastic excitement. Outside the hotel, a very large concourse of people were waiting to bid- the last farewell to the men. For a short time, the brake stood in the middle of the street, when short speeches of thanks were given by Mr. Charles Marston and Mr. George C. Alletson, on behalf of the con- tingent, for the very warm reception accorded them. 'They stated that all of them were de- termined to do their very utmost in whatever capacity there were placed, and they felt sure that they would do so with every credit. They would behave themselves according to the best traditions of the good old town of Mold, and remember their friends after the goal of their ambition had been realised at Pretoria. We understand that the amount contributed locally to the war fund is now not far short of £500. The ladies have been exceedingly busy, and have.altogether prepared nearly 700 garments to be forwarded to the troops. The feeling throughout the town is at a very high pitch, and all have responded to the calls and needs of the great struggle with remarkable pat- riotism.

We understand that the Secretary of State for War has accepted from Messrs. S. Chivers and Sons, the well known proprietors of Chivers' Jellies and Jams (of Histon, Cambridge), 5,000 packets of their jelly for our sick and wounded soldiers in South Africa, and these are now on their way to the front.

BALA. .r" URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The ordinary meeting was held on Friday last. There were present :-Mr. R.W. Roberts (Chairman), Mr. J. W. Roberts (Vice chairman), Messrs. R. LI. Jones, H. 1..1. Davies, W. T. Jones, T. R. Dakin (Deputy Clerk), and D. R. Roberts (Surveyor). FINANCE. The balance in the Treasurer's hands was re- ported to be JE104 6s. lid. Cheques were signed for jE48 lls. 9d., which, after payment, reduced the credit balance to £ 55 15s. 2d. ELECTRIC LIGHTING. In response to the Council's request for an amended report, Mr. Peers, electrical engiueer, who had made a survey of the district and pre- pared the original report, wrote that he had again looked through the report. The reference to 1,000 lamps there, was the estimated num- ber which would be connected to the mains during the first year's working, for which he mentioned the item of 9313 Ils. as maintenance. This item, he found, was the cost of generating 25,000 units (including street lamps), and should be calculated at 10 units per lamp per annum, and both this item, and also the income, should refer to the second year's working when 2,000 lamps would be connected up. Is will be remembered that at the public meeting, when the original report was sub- mitted, and at the Council meeting held pre- vious, a consensus of opinion prevailed that there was some discrepancy in the report. It was then noticed that the engineer estimated that there would have been connected to the mains within 12 months of starting the supply an equivalent of 1,000 8 cp. lamps, lof which only 500 would be in use at the same time. Each lamp was calculated to consume 10 units per annum. It was further noticed that in the estimated income it was stated 120,000 units at 8d. per unit.' It could not be explained how the 20,000 units had been arrived at. Some were of opinion that 20 units per annum was intended and not 10. As will be seen from Mr. Peers' letter, the estimated consumption of 10 units per annum, as stated in the report, is cor- rect, and the 20,000 units was calculated on 2,000 lamps, which he estimated would be con- nected up in the second year's working. SOUTH AFRICA WAR RELIEF FUND. It was resolved, upon the motion of Mr. R. LL Jones, seconded by Mr. J. W. Roberts, that the best thanks of the Council be accorded to the several ladies who, in response to the re- quest of the Council, so kindly collected to- wards this fund, and who did their workjin such a thorough and expeditious manner. LIBRARY. The report of the Library Committee was submitted, from which it appeared that the ten- der of Messrs. Davies and Evans, Bala, for the supply of books was accepted. Their terms consisted of a discount of 3d. in the Is. It was resolved that another list of books of the total value of £ 25 be selected, and that pre- cedence be given to Welsh books. Messrs. Davies and Evans having written to inquire what binding was required for the books ordered, it was decided that every book should be half-bound if possible, but as an alternative, cloth binding. The Committee recommended that the Librarian's salary be advanced to £5 5s. from the 1st January, 1900. The number of books given out during the month of Decem- ber was 269. It was resolved, upon the motion of Mr. H. Ll. Davies, seconded by Mr. W. T. Jones, that the Committee's report be accepted. MORE BAKERY PLANS. A plan was submitted of a new bakery pro- posed to be built by Mr. W. T. Roberts, Meir- ion House, at the back of Arenig Street. It was resolved, upon the motion of Mr. J. W. Roberts, seconded by Mr. W. T. Jones, that the plan be adopted. NOTICE OF MOTION by Mr. R. Ll. Jones. That a public meeting of the ratepayers be convened before the end of February to consider the matter of electric lighting.

QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES OF MERIONETHSHIRE. The above was held at Bala on Monday and Tuesday last, and was largely attended. The Home Mission Committee held their meeting at 11.30 a.m. on Monday, and at 2 p.m. the Conference was held under the presi- dency of Mr. D Lloyd, Llanegryn. The meet- ing was openedjthrough prayer by Mr. Williams, Maentwrog. The minutes of last meeting were read, and confirmed. I.-It was resolved that the next meeting be held at Glanllwyd, about the beginning of April. 2.-The Rev. Ivan T. Davies, Llandrillo, will preach there on the subject matter: 'Chris- tianity and War.' 3.—A cordial and enthusiastic welcome was given to the Rev. Evan Evans, Llanegryn, on his being stationed in their midst. Theylwished him every success in his sphere of labour. 4.—The report of the Hugh Owen Memorial Committee was submitted by the Secretary and Chairman. The report showed that the matter was well taken up, and that considerable sums had already been received. It was left to the Committee to make further arrangements to carry out the work. 5.-Attention was called to the Society for insuring churches of the denomination, with a recommendation that the churches should be insured in this Society, as they gave a portion of the profits towards institutions of the de nomination, viz., 4 Cronfa yr ymgyrch,' and others, which have received JMO. 6. -The confirmation of the proceedings of the 'Home Mission' Committee was postponed to the next meeting, so that opportunity might be given them of completing their work. Attention was called to Mr. Beriah Gwynfe Evans' book, and churches which have not sent in their orCers were exhorted to do without de- lfiy- The Rev. O. L. Roberts, Liverpool, visited the Conference on behalf of the Cronfa yr ymgyrch.' The reverend gentleman gave a very able and appropriate address, in which he showed clearly and emphatically the importance of the movement to them as a denomination in the present period of their history, and that if they had awakened to the work, the sum would not be £ 20,000, but should have been £ 100,000. He pressed the importance of making an excep- tional effort this year to achieve the object of collecting £ 10,000 before the Union Meeting at Portmadoc. Mr. Parry, Bala, and Mr. Parry Hughes, Dolgelley, supported. A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Roberts for his visit and his excellent address. 8.—It was resolved unanimously that this meeting mindful of the unnecessary and disas. trous war, which is at present being waged be. tween two Christian nations in South Africa, wishes to call upon both parties to put an end to the struggle by expressing their readiness to submit the question in dispute to arbitration. 9.—It was also resolved that this meeting strongly disapproves of the war spirit which prevails among the followers of Jesus Christ at the present time.It desires to express its sym- pathy with the poor creatures who have been made widows and orphans in consequence of the present war, and hope that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, will show our sympathy with them in a practical and substantial manner. 10.—A cordi.il vote of thanks was passed to the Bala friends for their generous preparation for these meetings. After the Rev. J. Hughes, Tanygrisiau, had offered prayer the meeting dispersed. 0 On Monday evening, the. Rev. J. Hughes, Tanygrisiau,and Rev. Parry Hughes, Dolgelley, preached. On Tuesday morning the usual church meeting was held, and in the afternoon and evening preaching services were held, when 1 the Revs. H. Gwion Jones (Bethel), Williams I (Maentwrok,), Phillips (Festiniog), and Davies I (Corris), officiated.

CORWEN. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Friday, January 5th. -PrE. sent :-Dr. Jones (Chairman), Messrs. R R. Roberts and Godfrey Parry, Corwen Isaac Hughes, John Hughes, and Robert Wynne, Gwyddelwern W. E. Williams and Thomas Owen, Llangar; John Hughes and the Rev. Ivan T. Davies, Llan- drillo Messrs. David Jones and John Roberts, Cerygydruidion; Samuel Davies, Llansantffraid GO.; John Roberts, Llangollen (rural); J. Nanson, Miss Edith Barker, Mrs. Rich&rds, and Mrs. Roberts, Llangollen (urban); Messrs. John D. Jones and Ellis Jones, Llanfihangei G.M.; Simon Jones, Llangwm; Thomas Hughes (clerk), Dr. Walker (district medical officer), R. Williams (master). STATISTICS. Out relief administered during the past fort- night—Corwen district, per Mr E. Derbyshire, £ 54 13s. 6d. to 210 paupers; corresponding fortnight last year, £56 4s. OJ. to 211 paupers. Llangollen district, per Mr. E Foulkes, fol 5s. to 220 paupers; corresponding fortnight last year, £ 58 4s. to 244 paupers. Numbel in the house, 50; corresponding week last year, 52. Number of vagrants relieved during the past fortnight, 33, against 32 for the corresponding fortnight of last year. Tha Master reported the death of four inmates during the past fort- night. CONDOLENCE. Upon the motion of Mr. John Roberts, secon- ded by Mr. J. Nanson, a vote of condolence was passed with Mrs. Jeffreys, Pontcyssyllte, and family, on the death of Mr. Maurice Jeffreys, a valuable member of this Board. CHRISTMAS GIFTS. The Master intimated that the inmates of the Workhouse, wished him to thank the Guar- dians for their Christmas treat, and also re- ported the receipt of the following gifts by the inmates:—From Dr. Jones (chairman), beer and tobacco to the men on Christmas day; The Hon. C. H. Wynn, Rftg tobacco to the men, and toys for the children; Mrs. R. R. Roberts, Corwen, 5 dozen mince pies; Mr. and Mrs. Freine, The Cefn, Corwen, lb tea to each of the women, ilb tea and 2 ounces of tobacco to the men, aihi sweets and oranges to the child- ren Messes. J. Parry & Co., Grocery Stores, Corwen, oranges, apples, and sweets; Miss Cross, Llangollen, a copy of the 'Graphic, newspaper weekly for the inmates; Propritors of' Llangollen Advertizer and Wythnos and Eryr,' copies weekly of their papers. Upon the motion of the Rev. Ivan T. Davies, seconded by Mr. John Hughes, a warm vote of thanks was passed to the persons named for their kindness. ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE. The Rev. Iva.n T. Davies gave notice that at i.it next t..« The ■, -.vtee, on Feb. y }&ry -3 immediate steps !f -A-h-de oi Lac parish of Lhng # •••

lirfit I bought a flew balloon for my yesterday.' Aeronaut—{ How did she like it?' Firrx Aeronatiu—'Oh, she was quite takea up ;t.' up witt

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting was held on Saturday last, when there were present Mr. Evan Jones (chairman), Miss Parry (vice). Mrs. Parry, Messrs. Dauiel Roberts, William Richards, Robert Hughes, Robert Jones, J. LJ. Jones, Robert Davies, John Roberts, J. J. Edwards, Evan Evans, and T R. Dakin (assistant clerk). STATISTICS. The balance in the Treasurer's hands was reported to be £ 15 14s Sil., and in the Relieving Officer's hands £ 10 lis. 6d. During the past 3 weeks, X50 5s. had been expended in the relief of 138 out-door paupers, as against £52 lis. to 158 last year. The Treasurer had .since last meeting received £ 30 from Llangower parish, and £ 66 from Llanuwclillyn parish. NON-RESIDENT PAUPERS. A letter was reid from Bedwellty Union, dated 22nd December, giving instructions for the payment during the Christmas week of Is. extra relief to each adult pauper (if any) whom this Board relieved on their behalf, and 6d. to each child. They desired to know whether they could pay such extra relief to paupers whom they relieved on behalf of the Bala Board. It was resolved that Is. extra relief be given for one week to the pauper relieved by Bed- wellty Union on behalf of this Board. CHESTER INFIRMARY. It was resolved, upon the motion of Mr. Daniel Roberts, that the Board subscribe £ 2 2s. again this year to Chester Infimary. VOTE OF SYMPATHY. It was resolved unanimously, upon the motion of Mr. Daniel Roberts, seconded by Mr. Wm. Richaids, that the Guardians desire to express their sympathy with Mrs. Price in her illness, and hope that she will soon again enjoy her usual health, and be able to resume her duties as a Guardian of the Poor. ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE. The Committee met for a short time after the meeting of the Board of Guardians, when several applications for reduction were con- sidered and disposed of. Reductions were made in the assessments of Garneddlwyd, Garnedd, and Maesyfallen.

BANKRUPTCY COURT. On Monday, before his Honour Sir Horatio Lloyd, John Roberts, late car proprietor, Llan- dudno, applied for his discharge in bankruptcy. The Assistant Official Receiver (Mr. W. G. Williams) reported that the liabilities scheduled were 9426 7s. 6d., the assets realising only £ 10. No dividend had been paid, and no proper books of account had been kept. Mr. Rodway appeared in support of the ap- plication, which was opposed by Mr. Hugh Vincent on behalf of two creditors, one of whom were Messrs. T. Lewis and Co., City Steam Mills, Bangor, from whom the debtor had purchased a horse, giving a promissory note. The debtor said that he had lost 32 horses. The discharge was granted conditionally upon judgment being entered against the debtor for 950 and a weekly deduction of 10s. from his salary to make up a dividend of 7s. 6d. Mr. W. Huw Rowland applied for the con- firmation of a composition in the bankruptcy of W. O. Daniel, contractor, Vronheulog ter race, Upper Bangor. The official receiver approving of the com position, which was one ot 7s. 6d., the applica- tion was granted.

AUCTIONEERS AND THEIR FEES. AN IMPORTANT CASE. At Bangor County Court on Monday, his Honour Sir Horatio Lloyd was engaged the greater part of the sitting in hearing an action in which Messrs. W. Dew and Son, auctioneers, Bangor and Llandudno. sued Mr. Charles Fruen Albert-mansions, 102, Victoria Street, London, for a fee of £ 61 7s. 6d. for valuing property with a view of obtaining an advance on the Belle View Hotel and other places at Trefriw. Mr. Bryn Roberts, M. P. (instructed by Mr. S. R. Dew), was for the plaintiff, the defendant being represented by Mr. Germaine (instructed by Messrs. Barfield and Barfield, London). The defence set up was that the fee was pay- able only in the event of the mortgage being obtained upon the report of the plaintiffs, but this was strongly repudiated by Mr. W. A. Dew, who stated that the fee of 75 guineas was payable whether the transaction went through or not. This was corroborated by Mr. David Williams, the chief book-keeper in the plaintiff's firm, who was present at the in- terview between Mr.IW. A. Dew and the de- fendant. The latter demurred to the amount as being large in the event of the transaction not being carried through. A suggestion that Mr. Dew should view and advise upon the pro- perty for a fee of 20 guineas was agreed to upon the understanding that if a detailed re- port was called for, the fee of 75 guineas, into which the 20 guineas merged, was to be paid, whatever result followed such detailed report, which was made in due course. The witness drew a cheque for 20 guineas in payment of an account the defendant had against Mr. W. A. Dew for the fishing rights at Trefriw, and this the defendant handed back to Mr. Dew in payment of his fees. Replying to Mr. Germaine, Mr. Williams said that he had no recollection of the defen- dant, whilst demurring to the fee of 75 guineas, expressing an opinion that ten guineas would be an ample amount. Mr. Henry Elliot, managing clerk to Messrs. Barker and Rogerson, solicitors, Chester, under whose instructions the plaintiffs origi- nally acted, also gave evidence. The defendant, in the course of his evidence, said that he desired an advance of 920,000 upon the property at Trefriw, which he was anxious to develop. Messrs. Barker and Rogerson never acted as his solicitors, but they acquiesced in the appointment of Messrs. Dew and Son as valuers, negotiations for an advance having been opened with the Law Guarantee Society. As to the interview with Mr. W. A. Dew, when the fee was mentioned, Mr. Williams was not in the room until he was called in to draw out the cheque for 20 guineas. As having had con- siderable experience, he demurred to the fee of 75 guineas being payable whether the transac tion went through or not. A preliminary fee of 20 guineas was agreed to upon the under- standing that if the advance of E20,000 follbwed the report, the full fee of 75 guineas would be paid. However, the transaction collapsed, and Messrs. Pritchard and Porter, another firm of auctioneers in Bangor, were approached, with the like result. A mass of correspondence was put in on both sides, and His Honour gave judgment for the plaintiff, with costs.

THEFTS BY PENRHYN CASTLE SERVANTS. At the Bangor Petty Sessions on Tuesday, William Edwards, of Gateshouse, and Henry Hughes, of Bangor, were charged with stealing a quantity of oats and carrots, the property of Lord Penrhyn, on December 27th. Mr. H. C. Vincent watched the case on behalf of Lord Penrhyn. Robert Pryke, park watcher for his Lordship, in whose service he has been for 33 years, stated that at five o'clock on the day in ques- tion he was standing about 30 yards'f rom the paddock shad when he saw the two defendants going in. He could hear them talking inside. Edwards had a sack with him, and when he came out in about three minutes time he car- ried the sack on his back. The witness went to meet him on the road and caught hold of the sack, saying, 41 believe you have some- thing in this you ought not to have. The witness took the bag from the prisoner, re- marking, I think this game has been going on too long.' The witness then walked away, taking the bag with him, and when he opened I it he found it contained oats and carrots. He reported the matter the same evening, and on the following morning the witness went to the game tower. The two defendants were sent for to meet Lord Penrhyn and the gamekeepers. When the defendants came in, Lord Penrhyn pointed to the sack and asked if they knew anything about it. Edwards replied that he had taken the oats to give them to the fowls. Hughes was asked by Lord Penrhyn whether he had given the contents of the bag to Edwards for his fowls. Hughee replied that he did, as Edwards had begged for it. Lord Penrhyn asked whether it had happened before, and Hughes replied 'Never.' Replying to the defendant Hughes, the witness said he had re- ported him to Mr. Thompson, the keeper, on a previous occasion. Hughes strongly denied this statement. Julian Chandler, stud groom at the Castle, said Hughes had been employed by him for about six months as'paddock man to look after the brood mares and foals. The animals were fed on oats, carrots, bran, &c., in the sheds in the paddock. Black oats similar to those in the sack produced were kept in the shed. Hughes was expected to be at the sheds about five o'clock, but Edwards, who was employed in the gardens, had no business there. Hughes had hitherto borne a very good character. Replying to Mr. Vincent, the witness said Hughes was paid good wages and occupied a position of trust. Walter Speed, gardener at Penrhyn Castle, said that Edwards was employed by him, as a general labourer. There was no previous complaint against him. In answer to Mr. Vincent, the witness said that Edwards re ceived good wages, and there was no occasion for him to do this thing. The Chairman What were his wages. The Witness: Eighteen shillings a week, and regular employment. William Thompson, gamekeeper at Penrhyn Castle, stated he was at the game tower on December 2Sth, and translated to the defend- ants the remarks of Lord Penrhyn, and to Lord Penrhyn the replies of the defendants. The defendants were charged, and pleaded guilty. Edwards admitted that he went to Hughes and asked him for some poor oats for his fowls. Mr. Vincent stated that both men had been discharged from their situations. The case formed part of a regular system which had been going on for some time, and it was found absolutely necessary to make an example. His instructions were to press for an exemplary punishment, so that it might be an example to other servants on the estate. The defendants were fined each 20s. and costs.

WEEKLY NOTES. The French nation are already beginning to perceive that the diversion of British passenger traffic from France may have disadvantages. For some time past passengers from Britain^to the East have had the option of travelling via Marseilles, or Brindisi, but the railway charges of the Italian Companies made the latter route the more expensive with the result that con- siderable profit occurred to Marseilles. Now the Italian Government have brought their in- fluence to bear upon the railway companies, with the result that the two fares are assimila- ted, and the press and the people of Marseilles are in a state of some trepidation concerning the possible diversion of British passenger traffic by the P and 0 steamers. Nor can it be said that there is no ground for the appre- hension, and when the Queen has paid her ex- pected visit to Italy, the French nation will probably have some further opportunities of realising that the policy of irritating the British people, or permitting them to be irri- tated by a degraded press, is rather an expen- sive one. While there is time, our neighbours would do well to defer to the opinion of their compatriots who know us, and in this connec- tion reference may !be made to the address which was recently forwarded to the Queen by the National Society of French Professors in England, and courteously acknowledged by Her Majesty. -0- The Prince of Wales truly remarked last week that in opening the English Education Exhibition, he was assisting a cause which had been suppojted particularly by his father. The Prince Consort always manifested the greatest interest in matters relating to national educa- tion and he would have been the more pleased to assist this effort, because it was preliminary to a further exhibition at Paris in the course Of the present year. It was in fact owing to a resolution of the Royal Commission for the Paris Exhibition that the display at the Im- perial Institute was arranged, a decision being come to at the same time to hold Rimilar ex- hibitions at Edinburgh and Pardiff. As the Prince of Wales remarked, this^is the first time that an education exhibition on such a scale has been held in this country, but the result was eminently satisfactory, and the only diffi. culty will be to select from the collections at the Imperial Institute, the much smaller num- ber of exhibits which can be accommodated at Paris. —o— The fact has been exemplified very frequently of late that there are many people who suppose that the Queen is in a position to set tight everything which is wrong. Among those who thus regard Her Majesty as the people's tribune appears to be that excellent organisation, the Church Society for the Promotion of Kindness to Animals-who recently begged the Queen to propose to the Powers some measure of relief fco the sufferings of horses wounded in battle. The petition testified to the humanity of its promoters and we may be sure that it met the personal sympathy of Her Majesty, who did not however see her way to exercise any per- sonal interference in the matter. The idea of the Association is, that the case may be met by an extension of the terms of the Geneva Convention. In offering this suggestion, they are ahead of the times, but it does not follow that they are not right or that their suggestion will not ultimately be adopted. —o- A telegram from Rensburg tells how a squa- dron of the Inniskilling Dragoons charged a greatly superior force of the enemy, and cut their way through. This is not the first time that this gallant regiment has performed a similar feat. In the charge of the Heavy Bri gade at Balaklava, they went with the Scots Greys, right at the centre of It he Russian cavalry who appeared to be numbering enough to an- nihilate them. As lightning flashes through a cloud,' says Sir W. H. Russell, so they pierced through the dark masses of Russians and came out on the other side. In comparison with the number of the enemy, they were a mere hand- ful, and they might all have been killed but for the promptitude of the 4th and 5th Dragoon Guards, who rushed at the enemy, and put them to rout. -0- The Peace Conference would probably have accomplished quite as much as it did, if it had resolved itself into a convention for determin.ng more precisely the rights of belligerents in the direction of searching vessels supposed to con- tain contraband of war. It is intolerable that Britain should have to contend against such breaches ot neutrality as she has experienced in this war, but perhaps a still graver question is the constant menace to the peace of Europe which is provided by attempts to introduce arms, ammunition, and men, into South Africa, for the assistance of the Dutch republics. -0- The departure of a battalion of West Kent Militia served to recall the fact that this is by no means the first occasion upon which the force has served abroad. During the Peninsu- lar war, the Militia ■ >-1-} ;td a. large csnota of men to fight agf • it recor I corded that from tti >-5, ro fewer than 100,000 men, or tv of the ■ 1Himber raised, joined tbe aTmy if*. :Mtia. >■ During the long pec-" whhh J bat tie of Waterloo, t' c was mcit- th;.11 a paper one, but in lr" it tB revived in tan to assist the Pruif e. v d ir tbe 4>ire?a. lb contributed & iatge. k of ofews J. 30,000 men to the line, and by occupying the Mediterranean Garrisons, was the means of setting free several battalions for service in the Crimea. -0- There is a statute which has never been re- pealed that renders every man between the ages of 18 and 30 liable for ballot for the Militia. It provides that the Secretary of State is to declare the number of Militia-men required, and in the event of the volunteers being inadequate a ballot is to be taken, the names drawn being twice as many as are re- quired to supply the deficiency. The liability of these men to serve, and their physical quali- fications are then to be determined, and the quota is to be completed by taking the names in the order in which they are numbered. Any balloted men may however provide a qualified substitute, the option of paying 110 being no longer in force. —o— It would appear from the Parliamentary paper, published a few days ago, that the next great naval war in which Britain in concerned will, in several respects, be conducted upon lines which have never yet entered into such a conflict. Britain has a satisfactory prepon- derance of strength in the matter of battleships and cruisers, but there would seem to be a very systematic attempt on the part of Continental Powers to piepare to blow these ships to pieces with torpedoes. If the return is complete, Britain has a smaller number of torpedo boats than either France or Germany, whilst on the other hand we have built, or in course of con- struction, 108 torpedo boat destroyers, which exceeds the aggregate of France, Russia, Ger- many, and Italy. It would appear therefore that our Admiralty attach less importance to torpedo boats-than do our Continental neigh- bours. -0- It is rather remarkable that the disaster of Friday, last week, was not the first occasion upon which the Jersey mail boat Ibex had struch the rocks. She met a similar mishap in April, 1897, but was saved by the promptitude and skill of the master, who succeeded in beaching the vessel. An attempt was made on Friday to adopt a similar course, but, unhap- pily, without success. On both occasions the passengers were safely landed, and one can readily understand that they were loud in their praises of master and crew. -0- In the course of the present year, there will be an opportunity of witnessing an eclipse of two-thirds of the sun's surface, visible at Greenwich. The date is the afternoon of May 28th, and the greatest phase of the ecupse will be at five minutes to 4 at Greenwich, 3.45 at Edinburgh, and 3.22 at Dublin. —o— Reports from all parts of the country tend to show that a very severe epidemic of influenza is now visiting our shores. The mortality from this cause has in many places been exceedingly high, owing probably to the fact that people had come to think lightly of this mysterious ailment, and have ventured out when they ought to be in bed, which is the safest and best place for an influenza patient. -0- If there is anybody who doubts that our rule in India is a boon of priceless value to the natives, he would do well to study the figures included in the Viceroy's telegram on the sub- ject of the scarcity of food in that dependency. The number of natives for whom relief is pro- vided reaches the enormous total of two and three quarter millions, and it is indubitable that. but for the assistance thus rendered, hundreds of thousands would die of starvation. Happily, each recurring famine finds the officials better able to deal with the emergency, but the extent of the need which occasionally arises may be gatheied from the fact that in 1876-8, the Government spent no less a sum than eleven millions sterling in coping with a famine. Despite the stupendous efforts which were put forward on that occasion, the number of deaths abnormally caused by starvation and disease is estimated to have been more than five millions. Such a mortality is terrible to contemplate, and enables us faintly to imagine what the effect would have been if the Government had no responsibility for India.

TEMPERANCE MEETING. As was stated in these columns last week; united preaching meeting will be held next week in the different Nonconformist chapels. With regard to Monday night, a change has been made, a public temperance meeting being substituted for the preaching meeting. It will be held at the English Congregational chapel.