The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

THE NOVELTY OF THE SEASON! THE CHAMELEON TOP, Price 2s. 6d., suitable for Boys and Girls, whilst they afford amusement to grown-up persons. Thee# Tops will spin for ten minutes without stopping, and dnriug that time an endless variety of colours may be •btained by simply touching the metal box on the top, and many curious forms, such as a man's face, glasses, spill, (hips, vases, kc., kc., are produced by inserting pieces of shaped wire in the socket of the top wliilst ■pinning. There-haa not been a better novelty for a long tune, ana fee demand for them is very great. SOLD BY ASKEW ROBERTS, WOODAL & YENABLES, OSWESTRY. FORD'S BALSAM OF HOREHOUND. THIS elegant preparation, patented by Mr Ford, and so well known and approved of for its efficacy in curing and relieving Coughs, Colds, and Influenza, is supplied wholesale by the Sole Agent, Edwards, 38, Old Change (formerly of 67, St. Paul's), London, and may be procured retail of an Chemists in bottles at Is. 9d., 2s. 9d., 4s. 6<1., and 10s. 6d. each. 3 MO LADIES.—THE ONLY GENUINE WIDOW I WELCH'S PILLS are those prepared by Mrs SARAH SMITHERS (Grand-daughter to the WIDOW WELCH), from the family Recipe, without the least variation what- ever. Observe that the gennine are wrapped in blue paper and signed on the label by Mrs SARAH SMITHERS, Sold in boxes, at 2s. 9d. each, by most Chemists. 3 TO ADVERTISERS. ALL ADVERTISEMENTS sent to the ABER- YSTWYTH TIMES are also inserted, without extra charge, in the CAMBRIAN NEWS AND MERI- ONETHSHIRE STANDARD, and thus find their way to a large circle of readers in Merionethshire and Carnarvonshire, as well as Cardiganshire. Advertisements should be sent, not later than Thursday evening if intended for publication in the current week, to the Publisher, PHILIP WILLIAMS 12, Bridge-street, Aberystwyth NOTICES. This paper is registered for transmission abroad. The lett-r of "Veritas is too personal, at any rate for an anonymous communication. To CORRESPONDENTS.—We must request those who kindly furnish us with report of local events (which we are always glad to receive) to send their communications to the office as early as possible. As a special department will henceforth be reserved for correspondence, letters should be sent early in the week, and at the latest by Monday morning; and we cannot undertake to insert any letters received after that time on the following Wednesday. Lieut.-Col. HUNTER'S letter is unavoidably held over till next week.

The most exciting intelligence from abroad is the mur- der, or whatever it may prove to be, of a journalist, M. NoIB, by Prince PIERRE BONAPARTE, a cousin of the EMPEROR'S. There are different accounts of the transac- tion. It is stated, on one side, that the PRINCE was first struck, and on the other that he fired without a blow's being given. The PRINCE surrendered to the police. —PRIM has re-formed the ministry, and is still looking out for a King.—There is no home news of special interest. Mr BRIGHT has been addressing his constituents, but he made no important disclosures.

We record to-day the extensive rejoicings which are tak ing place on the marriage of Mr CHARLES EDWARDS'S daughters. Our readers will peruse the report with much interest, and we should like to say more about it, but that our time and space are occupied with the election. Mr and Mrs EDWARDS are to be congratulated on the very successful way in which the happy event has passed off, and the cordial congratulations which they received from the whole neighbourhood. Mr HOLLAND'S nationality has been called in question. Perhaps, it may be well, therefore, to state, that two of his ancestors, EDWARD HOLLAND, Esq., of Pentremawr, in 1702, and OWEN HOLLAND, Esq., of Pentremawr, in 1749, filled the office of High Sheriff of Merionetbshire, which office Mr HOLLAND himself filled in 1862. We understand that the Herald Cymraeg has repented of its remarks on the choice of Mr HOLLAND for Merion- ethshire, made the amende honorable, and now goes with the great body of the liberal party in his cordial support. We are sometimes told that the aristocratic liberals stand aloof from the-Political Evictions Fund but this is what the Hon. Colonel EDWARDES said at Haverford- west the other day- There was a majority in the House in favour of the ballot, he was confident. (Cheers.) Many gentlemen who entertained the same opinions as he had held formerly were now even stronger in favour of the ballot than he was. (Laughter.) The necessity of it was forced upon their minds by the stories of those political evictions which had taken place in the neighbouring counties of Carmarthen and Cardigan. He never had heard a subject treated more fairly than that was by Mr Richard in the House, From the letters which Mr Richard showed him, and from the reports of the evictions generallY1 he would only say that he considered that some of the doings in those counties were positively dis- graceful to the persons who could be guilty of such actions. We have now now a list of the local county courts ex- cluded from bankruptcy jurisdiction, and the courts to which they are attached. The following will be interesting to our readers Builth, Rhaiadr, LtanfyHin, Llanidloes, and Welshpool to Newtown. Aberayron, Dolgelley. and Machynlleth to Aberystwyth. Denbigh, Llanrwst," St. Asaph, Rhyl, Carnarvon, Conway, Portmadoc, Pwllheli, Llangefni, and Holyhead to Bangor. Bala. Corwen, Llangollen, Ruthin, and Oswestry to Wrexham. Holywell, Mold, and Flint to Chester. Northwich, Market Drayton, and Whitchurch to Xantwich and Crewe. Welshpool has distinguished itself by electing two mayors this week. On Monday the Council assembled, to choose a successor to the late Mr PARKER, and as the members were equally divided between two nominees for the office, a struggle took place as to who should be chairman. A scene of considerable confusion ensued, and at last the supporters of Mr BOWEN retired, and the resi- due of the Council installed the man of their choice, Mr THOMAS MORRIS, in the mayoral chair. As the TOWN CLERK, who disputed the legality of the proceedings, had also re- tired, the CHAIRMAN had to take minutes, but he had fortunately secured some leaves from the minute book, which was next best, we suppose, to having the official volume itself. Mr MORRIS was declared duly elected, and for one brief night he had the satisfaction of wearing, metaphorically at least, the mayoral robes. Next morning, however, the Council met again, the election was declared void through informality, Mr MORRIS vacated the chair, and Mr BOWEN was installed. We sincerely congratulate Mr MORRIS on his escape from a most trying position, and wish Mr BowEN patience and fortitude under the trials of temper and patience which await him. Two fresh items for our readers who oppose compulsory education to mark and inwardly digest. They relate spe- cially to the argument against interfering with the liberty of the subject. Professor FAWCETT, speaking at Cam- bridge last week, said one reason why he would cordially welcome a compulsory system was that it would reverse the policy which affirms that if a father wants his children's earnings he has a right to them, even although the child should be ruined in body and mind by premature employment. The consequence of such a reversal would be to declare to the reckless and improvident, If you in- cur the responsibility of bringing children into the world you shall not be permitted to bring them up in such a state of ignorance that they cannot occupy their proper positions'as citizens of a free country. That is a good point. If a man were compelled to marry and have chil- dren, there might be some force in the objection to which we have referred; but the law will only say, "if you choose to have -children you must educate them." Our second item isTmore important. At a great conference of miners last week, a resolution was passed in favour of compulsory-education, of a law which shall keep all chil- dren at school-till they are twelve years old, and forbid their employment for more than eight hours a day till they are fourteen or sixteen. The working classes, it seems, do not appreciate the tender regard for their liberty to starve their children's minds which is exhibited in the ranks above them. One of the speakers made another good point, by remarking that in America, where free and undenominational education exists, there is none of that sectarian animosity which is so sad a characteristic of our own country. At the same conference a number of resolutions were passed in favour of the better regulation of coal mines and upon other matters affectingthe welfare of the miners. The next conference is to be held at Wrexham on the third Monday in April. The PREMIER will soon, we believe, have an opportunity of showing the principles which will guide him in the selection of Welsh bishops, for the report of Dr SHORT'S resignation is repeated. Let the critics of the Bishop of St. ASAPH note one fact-that he displays to the end that generosity which has characterized his career as a bishop. He purposes we read not to insist on his right, under the Act of the last session, to retain the episcopal palace as his residence," Dr SHORT will, however, still live ¡ the diocese, it is said, as an inmate of the house of his oiher-in-law, Archdeacon WICKHAM, at Gresford. We regret to hear that the attempt to bring about the closing of the public houses at Welshpool is a failure. A large number of the publicans kept their promise for one Sunday, but, as some of them went from their word, the excellent practice which it, was hoped Welshpool would honour itself by adopting has been discontinued. We trust, however, that another attempt is not altogether impossible.

COL. TOTTENHAM MAKES A SPEECH. If CoL TOTTENHAM had been well advised, he would have carried out the programme which the London Standard laid down for him, and reserved his maiden address" for the hustings, and even then said as few words as possible. No doubt Mr HOLLAND'S devout aspiration during the last three week has often been, Oh that mine enemy would make a speech;" and at last the fates were kind to Mr HOLLAND, and CoL TOTTENHAM addressed a meeting. That was the blackest day in all the conservative campaign As long as the gallaat colonel confined the expression of his sentiments to the discreet use of pen and ink, it was possible to sing sweet songs to the liberals, and perhaps to wile some silly ones into the enemy's country; but as soon as he opened his mouth the delusion vanished. Had CoL TOTTENHAM'S friends been wise, their advice would have been, Keep your mouth shut." But, alas for the conservative cause, that advice was never given, or was recklessly disobeyed, and now al the world knows what CoL TOTTENHAM is as a politician, and what he would be as M. P. for Merionethshire. We do not propose to go through his addresses. The com- mencement of one of them, delivered at Corwen, is quite sufficient to show that CoL TOTTENHAM is entirely unfit to represent a free and independent constituency in Parlia- ment. It is Mr Wynn's wish that his tenants should vote for the conservative candidate." We do not know that more unwarrantable words were ever uttered on a political platform. Their only excuse is, that the gallant colonel was excited by his first appearanee as a political wooer, and was naturally awkward in his delicate attentions to the very coy maiden of his choice. He loved not wisely, but too well, and went at his wooing with a soldier's impetnousness, saying all he thought, when he should have concealed his thoughts in prudent words. From that moment all his chance, if he ever had any, was gone. The men of Merionethshire are not the men to accept an insult with complacency, and they will resent the COLONEL'S reference to Mr WYNN, and the ex- pression of his own sentiments which it contained, by supporting Mr HOLLAND with greater enthusiasm than before. If Col. TOTTENHAM had held any high belief of an elector's duty, or had understood the principle and in- tegrity of the electors, he would have avoided Mr WTNN'S wish" with scrupulous care—he would have known, as he ougiit to nave known, that a landlord's "wish" should be, not that his tenants should vote for this or that candidate, but that they should support the man in whose opinions they believed. Col. TOTTENHAM is an honourable man, and perhaps did not say what he meant to say but after such a suspicious utterance, the electors will be more determined than ever that such a man shall never represent them in Parliament. The s_econd portion of CoL TOTTENHAM'S speech was only less unfortunate than the first. He had caught Mr WHALLET as a supporter! This was much as if a drowning man caught a piece of lead to swim to shore on. The member for Peterborough leaves his own political party occasionally, and goes out of his way to support religious firebrands, and to make himself ridiculous about the Jesuits; but Col. TOTTENHAM, we should have imagined, was two respectable a politician to wish to be classed amongst Mr WHALLEY'S pets. Let the gallant colonel be thankful that he has escaped such a fate. The whole story is strange enough, but Mr WHALLEY, after leading CoL TOTTENHAM to believe that he would have his eccentric support, has withdrawn from a step so fatal to his own interests, and promised to assist Mr HOLLAND. We cannot profess to unravel the mystery. We do not believe CoL TOTTENHAM would intentionally misrepresent Mr WHALLEY'S state- ment. There may have been some mistake, and we should express a hope that Mr WHALLEY would explain, if Mr WHALLEY'S explanations were not worse than almost any mistakes. Into the rest of Col. TOTTENFIA 's utter- ances we do not care to enter. He is a determined enemy of Mr GLADSTONE—and therefore a determined enemy of all the political principles which the men of Merioneth- shire hold dear-of real progress, and liberty, and enlightened equality. He believes, we know, that his own side is the side of real progress and liberty, but then with him progress means doing battle with what the electors of Merionethshire believe to be the great reforms of the day, and maintaining institutions which ages of darkness have consecrated—means injustice to dissenters, means heavy taxes, means social inequalities in connection with land and other matters. Against the COLONEL as a man we are saying nothing, but as a politician, that he should represent Merionethshire would be an absurdity, a scan- dal, and a disgrace. Such an absurdity the electors will prevent to-day, by sending to Parliament, with a tri- umphant majority, a man who will honourably represent them and take an energetic part in the great battle of liberalism. Such a scandal to the Principality, such a disgrace to the men of Merionethshire, will be avoided to-day by the triumphant return of Mr HOLLAND.

ODDFELLOWS.—At a grand half-yearly meeting of the Aberystwyth district Independent Order of Oddfellows, M. U., held at the Rheidol Lodge on Thursday, the 6th inst., Captain W. H. Boundy was duly elected the Pro- vincial Grand Master of the district. This district extends to Montgomeryshire, Merionethshire, and Cardiganshire. Captain W". H. Boundy is a member of St. John Lodge, Penrhvncoch. BANKRUPTS.—The following announcements appear in the Gazette:—Edward Goodwin, Whitchurch, Salop, coal agent, Jan. 17, at ten; Charles Sinclair, Oswestry, Salop, baker, Jan. 15, at eleven; George Rhodes, Dawley, Salop, miner, Feb. 2, at twelve; John Roberts, Corwen, Meri- onethshire, boot and shoemaker, Jan. 18, at ten; William Pickering, Shrewsbury, commission agent, Jan. 17, at eleven; Arthur Lewis, Shrewsbury, painter and glazier, Jan 17, at eleven; William Weale, Shrewsbury, stone- mason, Jan. 17, at eleven; William Richmond, Llanhafal, Denbighshire, Jan. 14, at, twelve; John Conway, St. Asaph, Flintshire, builder, Jan. 14, at twelve; Edwards, Rhosllanerchrugog, Denbighshire, innkeeper, Jan. 17, at eleven; Thomas Evans, Penyfford, Flintshire, grocer, Jan. 27, at twelve; William Phillips, Walcot, Shropshire, farmer; George Ginison, Neen Savage, Shropshire, paper maker, Jan. 19, at twelve. THE EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE' AT jABERYSTW1"T1I.- We are informed that the following gentlemen have promised to read papers on the different phases of the Education Question at the coming Conference,—namely, The Rev. T. Davies, D.D., Haverfordwest; The Rev. L. Edwards, D.D., Bala; the Rev. W. Roberts, LL.D., Blaina; the Rev. Daniel Rowlands, M. A., Normal College, Bangor; the Rev. F. S. Johnstone, Merthyr; the Rev. Josiah Jones, Machynlleth; the Rev. A. Tilly, Cardiff; Peter Mostyn Williams, Esq., Liverpool, and others; and the principles of the National Education League will be explained by a deputation from the ly, Lloyd Jones, Esq., and G. B. Sulley, Esq.; and also those of the National Education Union by a deputation from that body. This conference promises to be a very im- portant gathering, and will thoroughly discuss the leading points of the education question as bearing on the special requirements of the Principality, as well as consider the steps necessary to be taken for the speedy realization of that great national project-the University College of Wales. All the Welsh M.P.'s, all the Mayors of towns, and ministers of all demoninations, &c., have been invited to attend. GIBSON AND THE LATE SIR WATKIN W. WYNN.—In Lady Eastlake's "Life of Gibson" we read:—"In the same winter-1826-the late Sir Watkin Williams Wynn came to Rome. Having heard that I was a native of Conway, he made up his mind that I should execute a work for him, and that it should be an eagle in marble. As he made this discouraging proposition, we stood before my group of 4 Psyche borne by the Zephyrs,' of which he expressed great admiration. But what could I think of his admiration when he added, If you take away the Psyche and put in her place a timepiece, it will make a capital design for a clock.' When I found him thus be- ginning to change my compositions according to his own taste, I lost all hopes of him. He said, Then you don't care about doing an eagle for me ?' I replied, No, Sir Watkin, that is out of my way.' I then directed his at. tention to a model of Cupid drawing his bow, which I was then designing. He asked me whether I would like to do that for him better than the eagle. I replied that I cer- tainly should, and so it was settled. The old gentleman and his sister, Miss Williams Wynn, were exceedingly kind to me during their stay in Rome." HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. The Vale of Ayron (Capt. Vaugharis) Hounds meet cm Tuesday, Jan. 18th Castle Dhu At 10. Friday, Jan. 21st Llanma At 10.30. Earl Vane's Barriers meet on Monday, Jan. 17th Rhofjdyrno- At 10. °

ABERYSTWYTH. THE GALE.—A very violent gale visited thir, ncighbour- hood the latter end of last week, followed v)V ex-repilincrlir high tides, but we have not been informed of any da^fie done. Some vessels belonging to this port, we are sorry to say, have not been heard of for some time, and great anxiety is felt for their safety o PURIFYING THE RIVERS, v; e have heard'from good authority that r,he gomro'^tee appointed at the public meeting held some time ago to consider the scheme for J cleansing the rivers Rheidol and Ystwyth, have met several times since and co-operated most vigorously to carry out the object in view so as to render the rivers fishable, and confer a boon upon this town without causing the least injury to the mines in the district. The matter has been laid before the Home Secretary, and resulted in the appointment of Her Majesty's Commissioners to pay a visit to this place for the purpose of hearing evidence and report upon the scheme. We would invite all parties interested in the movement to set about gathering evidence in favour of the scheme. When the commissioners will visit the town is not yet known.—Communicated. of the scheme. When the commissioners will visit the town is not yet knowTL --Communicated. A DESERTER APPREHENDED. —A person named James Grant, who had the appearance of a tramp, surrendered himself to the police on the 26th ult., stating that he had deserted from the Military Train assembled at Dublin-his number being 3,730, The prisoner was ordered to be de- tained in custody that the magistrate's clerk might com- municate with the War Office. In the meantime the prisoner became seriously ill, and was attended by Dr Roberts, under whose skill he soon began to recover. On Tuesday last two soldiers were despatched to this place to secure the safe return of the prisoner; however the medical gentleman was of opinion that he was not fit to be removed for a day or two, and the men were therefore compelled to wait until their prisoner would gain sufficient strength. TEA MEETING.—On the afternoon of Wednesday last, at the Temperance Hall, the children of the English Sunday School meeting at the Temperance Hall were treated with tea and cakes. The lady teachers belonging to the school presided over the tables, and many gentlemen Were also present. In the evening a social and competi- tive meeting took place, when Mr Matthews, the worthy Mayor, presided. Several interesting pieces were read and sung by some of the children, and short addresses were also delivered by the Mayor, the Rev. D. Charles, B. A., Secretary to the University for Wales, the Rev. Griffith Davies, and others. The proceedings of the eve- ning were all through most interesting. THE GREAT EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE AT ABERYST- WYTH.—The Secretary of the University for Wales, the Rev. D. Charles, and his assistants, are very busy making preparations for the Conference. Some thousands of cir- culars are being forwarded to different localities over the kingdom from which representatives are expected to attend the ilaeeting. We are happy to learn that many of our leading men in connection with education in the Prin- cipality have promised to read papers on different subjects connected with the movement at the Conference, among whom we may mention Dr Edwards, of the Calvinistic Methodist College at Bala, and the Rev. Daniel Rowlands, M.A, Principal of the Normal College, Bangor.-Commu- nicated. THE ASSIZES FOR CARDIGANSHIRE.—We are happy to be able to furnish our readers with a copy of a letter received through the Lord Lieutenant from the home Secretary in reply to a letter sent on the above subject by the Town .0 Clerk of Aberystwyth:- "Whitehall, 6th January, 1870. Sir, I am directed by Mr Secretary Bruce to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th ult., enclosing a letter from the Town Clerk of Aberystwyth, in which he enquires whether "the Spring assizes for the county of Car- digan will in future be held at Cardigan or at Aberyst- wyth ? And I am to inform you that the question where the assizes for Cardiganshire were hereafter to be held was specially referred to the Judicature Commission for con- sideration, in consequence of a communication from the Chairman of Quarter Sessions for that county, in March last. Mr Bruce is not aware what the recommendation of that Commission upon this subject will be, but it is very improbable that any change in the place of holding the assizes will be made before the ensuing Spring.-I am, sir, your obedient servant, A. T. O. LIDDELL.-To E. L. Pryse, Esq., Lord Lieutenant of the county of Cardigan, Peithyll. COURSING MEETING AT TREGARON.- -On the 24th, 25th, and 26th ultimo, a grand coursing meeting took place on the Nanteos Estate. Although the weather was exceedingly wet and boisterous, a great many of the lovers of the sport had assembled from the surrounding districts. The prizes contended for by dogs were 1st, a silver cup, presented by Major Jones, United States consul, and.Mr Daniel Rowlands, of New- castle on Tyne. 2nd, a purse of seven guineas; 3rd, the sum of three guineas; 4th, one guinea. The stewards were Messrs William Jones, of Ochor; W. Jones. Trafle; M. Jones, Penybont; Daniel Jones, Camerfawr; and Charles Rowe, Tregaron: Mr Arch officiated as judge, and Mr William Humphreys discharged the duties of slipper. The result of the running was as follows I. Mr James Rowe's Wye beat Mr Humphreys's Polly Mr William Jones's Skip beat Mrs Davies's Bess Mr Rees's Jolly Dog beat Mr Davies's Hector Mr J. J. Evans's Mingo beat Mr Davies's Gelert Mr Rees Davies's Telegraph beat Dr Jenkins's Caletena Mr D. H. Evans's Black Cloud beat Mr J. W. Hughes's Satanella Dr Evans's Spring beat Mr Beynon's Spring Mrs Davies's Fly beat Mr Joneses Lady Lucy Wye beat Skip j Black Cloud beat Telegraph Mingo beat Jolly Dog ) Fly beat Spring HI. Wye beat Mingo Fly beat Black Cloud rv. Fly beat Wye. On the evening of the first day's coursing a large number of gentlemen dined together at the Talbot Hotel, and did justice to the superior repast provided by Mr and Mrs Rowe. The sport was a great success in many respects. UNITED TEMPKBANCE CHORAL SOCIETY.—On the 21st ult. a number of persons representing different chapels in the neighbourhood met at Shiloh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, for the purpose of considering the desirability of forming a United Temperance Choral Society, similar to the one now operating so successfully in, North Wales. Several present spoke on the subject, and; ulimately framed a code of rules by which the society should be governed; and it was resolved, that circulars- be issued and distributed amongst the leaders of the-choirs of the different denominations in the town and the several dis- tricts around, inviting them to meet on the 1st instant, at the Temperance Hall, Aberystwyth, in ordfer that the rules prepared should be submitted to the meeting, and the officers of the society should be elected. On New Year's Day, the day appointed to meet, a great many- per- sons representing different dissenting churches in the several neighbourhoods attended, when it was unanimously resolved, that the following persons be elected a& officers -John Matthews-, Esq., Mayor of Aberystwyth,- presi- dent; Mr William Julian, grocer, North Parade; secre- tary Mr Edwd. Edwards (Pencerdd Ceredigion), lieader; and the National Provincial Bank, at this place, treasurers. It appears that the proapects of the society are already very encouraging, but the Wesleyans, the Congrega- tionalists, and: the Baptists have not joined in the move- ment, which has been left entirely in the hands of the Calvinistic Methodists; but we have been informed) that it is no fault of the latter, because circulars were sent to leaders of all denominations. COMMISSIONERS' MEETING.—At an adjourned meeting of this Board, held on Tuesday, when the following gentle- men were present-John Davies, Esq., Ex-Mayor, in the chair; Messrs. Jonathan Pell, Charles Hackney, on P. Jones, John Davies, Morris Jones, Edward Ellis, John Jones, Great Darkgate-street, John Watkins, and Ben- jamin Hughes—the Clerk, in the usual way, having- read the minutes of the previous meeting, the Board proceeded to consider the tenders which had been sent in for supply- ing the horse provender for the ensuing year. There-were two tenders—one by David Evans, of Tandinas, near this town, and the other by Thomas Howells, of this place, grocer and corn merchant. Mr John Davies, who had been appointed to look over the tenders, said he had seen Mr Howell, and had arranged with him to supply the articles as follows :-The best hay, at £4 7s. 6d. per ton; white oats, 3s. 6d. per bushel; and bran at Is. 8d. per bushel. After this explanation, Mr Howell's tender was unanimously accepted, and it was agreed that the con- tractor be paid for three tons of hay in advance. After some discussion amongst the Commissioners, it was re- solved, That the clerk having prepared and produced at the meeting an estimate of the money required for the purpose of the Commissioners' making a new general dis- trict rate for the town, namelj, the sum of £ 1,000, the same be adopted and signed by the Commissioners, ml(' r and that the clerk be requested to prepare a rate of Is. 4d. in the pound, and that seven days' notice be given on the church door, as required by the Act." There- being no other business, the meeting was adjourned for a week. A CASE OF ARSON.—Two disreputable looking tramps named Dawson and Lee, were on Monday last brought up in custody before Thomas Jones and J. G. W. Bonsall, Esqs., charged with having on Sunday last willfully set fire to 'a stack of hay near the road, oa Rhiwlais, the property of Mr Thomas Evans carrier. The case was remanded until Thursday in order to enable the police officers to investigate the matter and procure evidence. We are glad to understand that the hay was insured. -The accused were brought up at the Town Hall on Thursday, before J. G. W. Bonsall and Thomas Jones, Esqs.—John Ballard, an inmate of the Aberystwyth Workhouse, said that on Saturday, the 8th inst., about six o'clock in the evening, the two prisoners, George Dawson and John Lee attended at the workhouse, and asked to be admitted to the house. As he was in the habit of assisting the master, he admitted them and took them to the tramp ward, and bolted the door. In about ten minutes afterwards they knocked at the door; he went to them, and asked what they wanted. They said they wanted fire, and he told them he could not give them fire. He then left them; the prisoners knocked again at the door, and he went to them again; then they said they wished to go out of the house. Upon that he opened the door, and they walked out. When he told the prisoners that they could not get fire, they replied that they would have fire somewhere. He believed when the prisoners left that they went up the hill in the direction where the haystack (belonging to Thomas Evans, carrier), was lying. The prisoners said that if they were not allowed to go out of the workhouse they would do something to go out, but did not say what they would do.-Evan Jones, Tymelyn, victualler, said that about eight o'clock on Saturday evening last, he went out of his own house, about 400 yards from the haystack, which he saw in a blaze. He ran up towards it, and on his way up met the two prisoners coming down from the direction of the,, haystack, making their way to the town. He turned fcnd spoke to them and asked them was there any fire about them. They replied "How do we know about the fire." He then left them, and went up to the stack and examined it, and found he could do nothing to prevent its burning. On his way home he met Sergeant Evans and gave him a description of the two men, and he also gave information to Thomas Evans, the owner of the hay.- Anne Evans, of Liverpool House, said she had gone on Saturday about five o'clock to fetch her father's cows, which were in a field near that in which the haystack was On her way home with the cows she met two persons who she believed,vere the prisoners, between the workhouse and the haystack, and making their way to the place where the hay was lying.—P.S. Evans of this place said he was on duty when his attention was drawn to a great fire some distance from the workhouse. He met the witness, Evan Jones, and got from him a description of the prisoners. He went at once in search of then:i, -and found them on his return safe in the lock-up, to which place they prayed to be admitted. He searched them, and on the person of Dawson he found some lucifer matches. He then charged both prisoners with having set fire to the haystack. The sergeant gave evidence as to the conversation he had heard between the prisoners when they had one day gone together to the yard. They were complaining that they were wet and cold when they applied for fire at the work- house, and the old man there was very saucy to them. When they returned from the yard the prisoner Lee asked the witness if the hay belonged to a poor or a rich man, and he replied that it belonged to a poor man. The prisoner Dawson *,then said, "We are sorry for that; we thought by seeing a sign board near the stack that it belonged to a gentleman."—Thomas Evans, the owner of the hay, said that there were in the stack about four tons and a half, which would fetch about 25 per ton; it was all burnt "t6_ the grdund.—The prisoners were committed to take their trial at the next Cardiganshire Assizes. PETTY. SESSIONS, TUESDAY.—Before John Mat- thews, Esq., mayor, Griffith Thomas, Esq., and Thos. Jones, Esq. More Chimneys on Fire. -Elizabeth Humphreys, ot Prospect-street, was summoned for permitting her chimney to be on fire. P.C. Evan James said he was on duty on the 6th inst., and saw smoke and sparks of fire issuing out of the defendant's chimney in Prospect-street. He went into the house and saw a great quantity of soot in the fire- place. The defendant was present and admitted the offence, which she alleged was a pure accident. She was fined 2s. 6d., including costs.—Thomas Jones, of North Gate-street, hawker, was summoned for the like offence. P.O. Herbert, in proving the charge, said that while he was on duty at the railway station he observed smoke and fire in North Gate-street: he went there, and walked into the defendant's house and saw the grate full of soot. The defendant admitted the charge, and was fined 5s., including costs. Leaving Carts, on the Street. -David James, of Llanerch- pentir, farmer, Was summoned for this offence. Sergeant Evans said that on Monday last he found two carts without horses placed in Chalybeate-terrace, opposite the road leading to the Gas Works. They had been there an hour and a half, and were obstructing the thoroughfare. The drivers of the carts were the defendant's two sons, one of whom was then present.—The defendant was fined 4s., including costs. Nuisance Again,—John Williams was summoned at the instance of Sergeant Evans, inspector of nuisances, for allowing a nuisance to exist in Collin's-couit, Queen-street. The inspector said that he observed a quantity of nightsoil on the surface of the ground in the yard, which in his opinion was very injurious to the health of the persons re- siding in the neighbourhood. The defendant committed the offence by throwing the nightsoil on the surface, he being employed by the occupiers there to empty the cess- pools. The inspector had employed the town cart to take away the nuisance which had accumulated.—Lewis Hughes, John Rees, and David Jenkins, who had suffered Williams to take the nightsoil from their houses, were, together with John Williams, fined 5s. each, including costs.

LAMPETER. INQUEST.—On the 10th inst. an inquest was held at the Royal Oak, Lampeter, before Thos. J. Hughes, Esq., coroner, on view of the body of Enoch Thomas, aged 64, who resided at Typoeth, in the parish of Lampeter. From the evidence adduced, it appeared that the deceased was seen in a state of intoxication on the road near Lampeter, about ten p.m. of the 7th, and partly assisted through the gate, when he went alone towards home. On the follow- ing day, about three o'clock in the afternoon, the body of a man was seen in the River Dulas, near a new bridge by the gas works, and on being pulled out proved to be that of the deceased, who had not been at home during the night. Verdict-" Found drowned." POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS.—The sixth of these enter- tainments for this season was given at the Town Hall on Friday evening the seventh instant, with the Very Rev. the Dean of St. David's in the chair. After a short but humorous speech from the Chairman, tbfc following well- selected programme was gone through, and gave universal satisfaction— Pianoforte solo—" Prince Albert's Band March Miss Annie Evans Recitation-" The Grindstone Mr W. Broad Song—" The empty nut" Mr TX J. Davies Solo violin—" March of the Men of Harlech" (encored) Mr E. Davies Song-" Lily of the vale" and encore Llwynon" Miss Evans Reading—"The Irishman's voyage" Mr T. H. Williams Song-I, Her bright smile haunts me still" Mr A. G. Lewis Song-" My Mountain Cot" and encore My native land" Mr W. Davies Reading-" Female tenderness" Mr D. M. Evans Quartette-Glan yr afon" Messrs Evans, Pontfaen Song-" Katie's letter" and encore" Maggie's secret" Miss Hughes, Llandovey Quartette-Under the willow she is sleeping" Mr T. Price and party Song-" Love's request" and encore "Faithless Rosa" Mr A. G. Lewis Song—"The naughty little boy" and encore "The widow fach lan" (Mr Lloyd's favourite song) Mr T. Lloyd Finale—" God save the Queen" Miss Hughes

"i MACHYNLLETH. SUDDEN DEATH OF A CHILD.- On Friday week an inquest was held before Dr D. R. Pughe, the coroner for the district, and a 'jury of which Mr Adam Evans was foreman upon the body of Sarah Ann Thompson, aged five weeks, the daughter of John Thompson, who died suddenly on the morning of that day. The father of the deceased, a native of Herefordshire, a tramping tailor, said that he and his wife started' walking from Pene- groes, through Beddgelert, intending to make their way down to Shrewsbury. When a little past Penrhyndeu- draeth his wife was seized with the pains of labour, and he carried her down to a lime kiln, and there the de- ceased was born before any assistance could arrive. Wit- ness went down to the-relieving officer, and subsequently the mother and child were removed to the workhouse; where they remained until the motherwas fit to come out. The child was crippled in one leg, but seemed to be in perfect health until Thursday night. On Friday morning deceased seemed rather unwell, and died suddenly about nine o'clock. The mother of the deceased; and the lodging- house keeper also gave evidence. A verdict of "Death from natural causes was returned: PETTY SESSIONS, "JAN. 7:-Before C. F. Thruston, Esq., and John Pughe, Esq. A Passage at Arms.—John Richards was summoned for assaulting Jane Williams. Both parties live at Towyn, are next door neighbours, and a passage common to the two houses was. the catcm belli in the case. On the after- noon of Dec. 29, the son of the defendant came to the passage, and complainant, who was- armed with a long broom, did her best te, keep him out. However he forced his way in, and then struck the complainant on the chest and about the arms. Then the defendant appeared upon the scene, but speedily had his ardour cooled with the contents of a bucket of water which complainant emptied over him, and then pitched the vesseiwith some force at his head. This formed the subject.. of a cross summons. Morgan Edwards, Catherine Miles, and Sergeant Roberts gave evidence pro, and con, the defendant, and Mr Richards, the resident agent of the Ynysymaengwyn property, upon which the parties are tenants, said that the passage was common to the twohouses.-Mr. Thrus- ton, who was alone acting in the case, said that the sum- mons against Richards had failed and would be dismissed. The cross summons he considered: proved, but, as the assault was not a very serious one, a nominal fine of six- pence would be imposed, owing to. the heaviness of the costs, which came to Cl Is. 6d. The money was paid be- he court rose. Poaching on Christmas Day.-Darid Davies Williams, quarryman, Pandy, was summoned for trespassing in search of game on lands belonging to Mr Thruston.— George Yells,, a gamekeeper in the-employ of Mr Thruston. and living at Bettws Cottage, said that at eleven o'clock on the morning of Christmas Day he saw the defendant on lands in the-occupation of Mr Richard Jones. He had a terrier with him, and was beating the gorse and bushes for nearly an hour.—Henry James, an underkeeper, gave corroborative evidence, and that the dog started something several times, but if it was a hare or not he could not see. The defendant had a companion with him, and the party was not, interrupted because- the keepers wanted to secure the second man.—Mr Thruston, who had retired from the bench during the hearing of the case, said that he had no desire- to press for a heavy punishment. He had warned the defendant frequently about being on his land, and on the, previous Christmas Day he had been found there after gaime. -A fine of 5s.. and costs, was inflicted.

WELSHPOOL. FUNERAL OF GRIFFITH PARKER, ESQ., LATE MAYOR OF WELSHPOOL. On Saturday last the remains of our late Mayor were borne to their last resting place, in Christ Churchyard. All the shops in Berriew-street, Broad-street, High-street, and Mount-street, with but one exception, were closed, and business suspended from about half-past eleven till two o'clock. The following was the order of the mourn- ful Drocessica.- £ Mutes. Mr William Davies, Mr M. Owen (Sergeant-at-Mace). 1st carriage contained the Rev. J. E. Hill, vicar; E. T. D. Har- rison, Esq., Ex-Mayor; and T. B. Barrett, Esq., medical attendant. 2adearriage-E. Jones, Esq., Town Clerk; Richard Williams, Esq., solicitor; Mr Ellis Jones, and John Parry, Esq. (Manchester). Srd carriage-The Rev. D. Rowlands, Congregational minister; William Roberts, Esq., Liverpool; Mr Richard Powell, and Mr Maurice Evans. Under Bearers. HEARSE, WITH THE BODY, In polished oak coffin, With the inscription on a brass shield:— GBIFFITH PARKER, born August 1st, 1805; Died January 1st, 1870." Under Bearers. 4th-The Deceased's Carriage, with Mr E. J. Bebb and Mr David Andrew, undertakers. 5th—Mourning Carriage, containing Mr W. T. Parker (son of deceased), Mr Baxter, Mr Owen, and Mr Williams (sons-in-law). 6th-The Ex-Mavor's Private Carriage (closed). 7th-Captain Mytton's (Garth) Private Carriage (closed). 8th—Mrs Owens's (Glansevern) Privute Carriage (closed). 9th-Captain Pryce's (Cyfronydd) Private Carrrage (closed. 10th-Capt,tiu Jenkins's (Derwen) Private Carriage (closed). The pall bearers were the Rev. D. Rowlands, Mr Roberts (Liver- pool), Mr Parry (Manchester), Mr Ellis Jones, Mr Richd. Powell, and Mr Maurice Evans. The burial service was impressively read by the vicar, the Rev. J. E. Hill, and the body was placed in the family vault. On Sunday evening last the Rev. J. Sanger, Wesleyan minister, preached a most solemn and impressive sermon on the death of the late Mayor, from those words of Balaam, Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his," The anthem was that by Dr Calcott, "Forgive blost Shade the tributary tear." <

ELECTION OF MAYOR—REMARKABLE PROCEEDINGS. A special meeting of the Town Council was convened for half-past ten o'clock on Monday morning, for the purpose of electing a fit person to be Mayor of the borough, to supply, the vacancy caused by the death of Mr Alderman Griffith Parker, the late Mayor. It appeared that of the fourteen members of the Corporation, seven Nmr&in fav;our of Mr Alderman Bowen, and the same number-supported Mr Thomas Morris. Each party endeavoured to- get one on the other side elected to the chair for the time being because if Mr Alderman Bowen had been presftfincr- he could not have declared his own election. T There were present—Mr Aid. Humphreys, Mr Aid. Bowen, Mr Aid. Howell; Councillors E. T. D. Harrison, E. Maurice Jones, Yearsley, Withy, John Jones, J. Morris, T. Morris, C. Mytton, T. Rutter, Griffith Evans, and Eddowes, with Mr E. Jones, Town Clerk. Some of these were in the room where the Council and Local Board meetings are ordinarily held; others remained in conference in the adjacent apartment. Mr Ald. Bowen proposed that Mr Aid. A. Howell should take the chair, and this was seconded bv Mr Ald. Humphreys. Mr John Morris protested against this, on the ground that Mr Howell was not the senior alderman, and proposed Mr Aid. Bowen. Mr Yearsley seconded this, and, there being no amendment, it was carried. Mr Ald. Bowen flatly refused to take the chair; and Mr Ald. Humphreys, similarly appealed to, also declined. Mr Harrison suggested that Mr Aid. Bowen should leave the room; upon which Mr Ald. Bowen took up his hat and said that he should adopt the suggestion and retire from the meeting altogether. All this took place amid a scene of indescribable confusion. When Mr Yearsley entered the room he found fault with the Town Clerk for having placed his name upon the minutes before he had actually attended, declared that the meeting was illegal, and com- plained that an advantage had been attempted to be taken of absent members. Mr Ald. Howell, who had taken the chair, asserted that everything was legal, and he would be responsible for it. Mr Yearsley took some leaves out of the Town Clerk's book, and placing a leaf before Mr Ald. Howell, demanded that gentleman's written guarantee that everything was legal. Meanwhile^ we believe, Mr Bowen had been proposed and seconded as Mayor. The Town Clerk and Mr Bowen's supporters left, after de- claring the meeting adjourned until ten o'clock next day. Mr T. Morris's supporters next elected Mr Yearsley chairman and, as the Town Clerk refused to come from the adjacent room, the Chainnanproceeded to take the minutes himself upon one of the leaves torn from the minute book. Mr Mytton proposed that Mr Thomas Morris was a fit and proper person, as Mayor of the borough. Mr J. Morris seconded this proposition. Mr Yearsley asked if any other gentleman had a candidate to propose. There being no reply, he declared that Mr T. Morris had been elected nem. con. This portion of the Council then adjourned until Tuesday. On Tuesday morning, at ten o'clock, the members present were Mr Ald. Howell, Mr Ald. Humphreys; Councillors T. Morris, Yearsley, E. Maurice Jones, J. Morris, E. T. D. Harrison, Griffith Evans, J. Jones, J. Eddowes, Ellis Jones, W. Withy, C. Mytton, T. Rutter; Mr E. Jones, Town Clerk. Mr T. MORRIS at the commencement of the proceedings secured the chair, and said—I have been requested to git here. git here, Mr Alderman HOWELL said-Is it your intention to stop there, sir? Mr T. MORRIS—Certainly; and, as Mr Yearsley said yesterday, you must get a mandamus, and not we. Mr Alderman HOWELL- I will merely state my views on the matter. Mr T. MORRIS-I saw Mr Alderman Bowen last night, and he said that he would not have the mayorality upon any consideration, and wonld have nothing more to do with the Board. Mr Alderman HOWELL—And I have here a letter from Mr Alderman Bowen, received this morning, in which he says—"I am so disgusted with the disgraceful proceedings of yesterday that I am determined to take no part in the meet- ing this morning. If elected Mayor. I will serve, but will be no party to it after what has occurred." My view of the matter is this—we all have a public duty to perform, and I really hope this morning that we will do it, and save the credit of the town by doing things coolly and decently, with the view of having the sentiments of the majority of the Council to prevail. I have no feeling for any one gentle- man nominated more than another, but I have for the credit of the town. There were yesterday morning three aldermen in the room. One of them moved that I should take the chair; the other seconded it; and when I there- upon took the chair I had no more idea of taking any advantage of anyone than of the last thing in the whole world. I wished to have a Mayor regularly elected, but objections were raised, and the proceedings could not go on. Some people wished Mr Bowen to be elected; I asked the Council to allow Mr Bowen to take the chair in lieu of me; but Mr Bowen positively declined therefore I had no alternative but to continue in the chair myself. Mr Bowen was regularly proposed and seconded, and I asked if anybody else had a candidate to propose. Mr Hum- phreys, the only other alderman besides Mr Bowen, had left the room, and I was the chairman according to law. Mr T. MORRIS asked that the minutes might be read. The TOWN CLERK-There are no minutes. Mr YEARSLEY read the minutes which he had taken, recording the election of Mr T. Morris to the mayorality. Mr T. MORRIS then commenced to read the declaration required to be subscribed by a Mayor upon election. Mr HARRISON, entering the room, said he was not going to throw difficulties in the way; he merely wanted to know how the business was being transacted ? Mr Alderman HOWELL wished to continue his state- ment. f Mr T. MORRIS-You are only stating what we all know. Mr YEABSLEY—There is no necessity for your repeating, word for word, what you said yesterday. Mr HABRISON—(To the Town Clerk)—Is the election legal ? The TOWN CLERK—Certainly not, in my opinion. Mr HARRIsoN-Having put the question to the legal adviser of the Corporation, I protest against anything irregular. If yesterday's election be irregular, and Mr Morris is not legally entitled to sit in the chair, let us have it ovee again. If not, as Ex-Mayor, I shall decline to act with any Mayor who is elected into that chair con- trary to the advice of the legal adviser of this Corporation as to the legality of it. As a magistrate I am sworn to administer the law to the best of my ability, and I will not do for any man what I believe to be contrary to the law. I am advised that the election, as stated on this. paper, is not according to law, and it is astonishing how Mr Yearsley; in the face of that,. oould wish Mr Morris, to take the chair or expect me as Ex-Mayor to assist him, I wish the Mayor to be elected to the chair according to law, and not by clamour or bullying. The meeting yas- terday was not creditabe to the Corporation; it was an attempt to sarry an election contrary to the wish of the majority; and although I came into the roon yesterday prepared to-vote for Mr Bowen, I understand that Mr Bowen has now retired from the-contest. Mr YEAimLEY-Folks who talk so much about their conscience have not so very much more than those who don't talk about it. I do not think I acted wrongly yes- terday in supporting Mr Thomas Morris. Mr Alderman HowELL- Wlltl-said you did ? Mr YEAJRSLEY—I should like to know who was the bully yesterday. I am not going^ to. be bullied. I advise Mr Morris to retire from the chair. On Mir- T. Morris leaving the chair, Mr Alderman Howell took it. Then it was proposed by Mr T. MORRIS, and seconded by Mr J. MORRIS, that Mr Alderman Hum- phreys should be chairman.. The majority present, how- ever, were in favour of Mr Howell. Mr Alderman HOWELL said-Mr Bowen was proposed and seconded yesterday. Has any gentleman any- other candidate to propose ?—(Much uproar succeeded.) Mr J. MORRIS-I propose Mr Thomas Morris. Mr T. MORRIS-After what has been said, and after what has taken place this morning, I will not offer.-myself against Mr Bowen. Ii understand that it is illegal alto- gether. Mr MYTTON seconded the nomination of Mr T. Morris. M* ELLIS JONES proposed that Mr E. M. Jones be the Mayor, as he was- a gentleman fully capable of filling the offioe. Mr E. M. JONES—Mr Edward Maurice Jones declines the honour, wholly and entirely, now andi for ever. (Much laughter.) Mr JOHN MORRIS, ho-wever, seconded the proposition. On a show of hands, there were seven for Mr Alderman Thomas Bowen, and four for Mr E. Maurifje- Jones. Mr Alderman HOWELL accordingly declared Mr Alder- man Thomas Bowen to have been duly elected. After an interval (A five minutes the newly-elected. Mayor arrived, and was informed by the presiding alderman of the decision of the Council. The MAYOR having signed the declaration, his worsiap said—Gentlemen, as you have been good enough to elect me to the office of Mayor, I will endeavour to discharge the duties to the best of my ability, and I will endeavour to carry out the wishes of this Board in every way. I have nothing on my own part to look forward to; I un- dertake the duties of the office entirely on public grounds. I hope that all our deliberations will be carried on in a quiet and orderly manner; every gentlemen, as far as I am capable, shall be fairly heard; and however much I may differ from others, I will pay every respect to the opinions of all who are here. I beg to thank you for the honour you have done me. (Applause.) ELECTION OF AN ALDERMAN. The MAYOR called upon the Council to proceed to the election of an alderman, in the place of the late Mayor, Mr Alderman Parker. He advised that the Council should elect some gentleman not already in the Council, so as to avoid the disturbance of a municipal contest, and sug- gested Mr Moses Evans. Mr ELLIS JONES said it was not becoming in the Mayor so to dictate to the Council. He bad seen so much domineering in the chair that he must protest against it. The MAYOR had merely made the suggestion, and not a proposition. Mr Alderman HOWELL proposed, and Mr Alderman HUMPHREYS seconded, the nomination of Mr Moses Evans. Mr T. MORRIS and Mr J. MORRIS respectively proposed and seconded Mr E. Maurice Jones. On the voting papers being collected, it was found that there were seven votes for Mr Moses Evans and six for Mr E. Maurice Jones, The former was therefore declared to be duly elected an alderman. THE LATE MAYOR. The TowN CLERK read the record of a special meeting of the Corporation, following upon the death of the late Mr Alderman Parker, Mayor of the borough, for the adoption of a vote of condolence with the family of the late Mayor, and also approving a request that the inhabitants should close their shops on the de,y of the funeral. THE TOWN HALL. It was report that an application from the Corpora- tion for Vne use of the grand jury chamber had been Cisented to very cordially by the county magistrates, I* I was left to the Building Committee to decide PpOD- "the details of the new staircase.—The Council then &&^arated.

PORTMADOC. ARRIVED.—Henry Taylor, s.s. Sophia, Owen; Le Jeune Louise, Williams; Mary, Morgan; Louise, Jones; Mary Alice, James; Honour John Ellis, Ellis; Isabella, Williams; William Owen, Jones; Ann Davies, Davies; Catherine, Hughes. SAILED. Elizabeth Richards, Roberts; Velocity, Williams; Prince tlf Wales, Roberts; Mary Lloyd, Edwards Lark, Jones; Ann, Jones; Henry Taylor, s.s.

TIDE TABLE FOR ABERYSTWYTH, ABERDOVEY, AND BARMOUTH. Jan. Aberystwyth. Aberdovey. Barmouth. a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. Sat. 15 5 36 6 ? 6 5 6 31 5 45 6 11 Sun. 16 1 6 24 6 48 6 53 7 17 6 33 6 57 Mon. 17 7 11 7 33 7 40 8 2 7 201 7 42 Tues. 18 7 52 8 15 821 8 44 8 1 8 24 Wed. 19 8 36 8 56 9 5 9 25 8 45 9 5 Thur. 20 9 16 9 38 9 45 10 7 9 25 9 47 Fri. 21 9 58 1020 10 27 10 49 10 T 10 29

TRAFFIC RETURNS. Great Western } £ 70^907 West Midland ). 1868. South Wales £ 66,080 1869. London and North Western £ 117,712 Shrewsbury and Hereford > 1868. Shropshire Union J £ 114,650 For the week ending January 9th. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS (178 miles open).—Passengers, parcels, horses-, carriages, dogs, and mails, 21,044: mer- chandise, minerals, and cattle- 21,150. Total for the week, 22,194. Aggregate, to this date, £ 2,935i. Corre- sponding week in last year (176 miles open). -Pawngers, &c., 21,070; merchandise, &c., £ 1,047; total 22,117; aggregate, to this date, 23,062. For the week ending Jhnuary 2nd. BRECON AND MERTHYR RAILWAY (60f miles- open).— Passengers, parcels, &c., £ 212 15s. Od. goods and live stock, £ 838 lls. 6d. total, £ 1,051 6s. 6d.; £ 17 Id. per mile per week. Corresponding week last year (59$miles open).—Passengers, &c., 2162 6s. 3d.; goods, &c., JB775 10s. lid.; total, £ 937 17s.2d.; £ 15 15s. 3d. #mile$week. Increase, £ 113 9s. 4d.

THE WELSH IRON, TIN-PLATE, AND COAL TRADES. Unfortunately, that quietness which was alluded to last week as being, evinced in the iron trade has not yet been removed, but is still to be observed in many of the leading branches of the trade and not unaffected by it is the rau department, which has for the last three months or so been attended- with some degree of animation. Rail- makers state that latterly there have been very few orders offered, and none for anything like large quantities. Whether this fact may be regarded with any particular fear or mistrust, time alone-can resolvebut by some it is only referred to as an ordinary consequence of the closing of the yeau, while others maintain that, there is a general falling off in the demand. Notwithstanding the cpietude just now prevalent, and the speculations concerning it, there is little doubt enter. tained but that the future prospects of the trade are good, as far as many important parts of the-world are to be con- sidered. From Russia and, America, in particular, it is expect that there will be a greatly increased demand in a few months' time; and, in all probability, India will not be an inconsiderable purchaser. Just now the shipments to America are not numerous, but there has usually been a slight falling off in the winter trade with that country. Recent advices from. New York point to increased in. quiries.

RAINFALL, AT DOLGELLEY, FOR 1869. Inches. Rainy Days, January 9'51 17 February 7*66 23 March 3'30 14 April 5'64 16 May 3'29 15 June 119 8 July 217 9 August. 4-44 10 September 11*60 25 October 4-47 18 November 8*76 .26 December 7*59 18 Total 69-62 199 Rainfall for the year 1865 52*01 inches. 186 6 69-68 „ 186 7 62-38 186 8 .64-37 „ R. O. W.

On Saturday the winding rope of a pit near Merthyr broke, and five men were precipitated to the bottom, a distance of 500 yards. They were instantly killed, the bodies being smashed to pieces. At the same pit two mea mere killed in a similar manner some time ago. Mr R. O. Moulsdale, jun., a Denbighshire magistrate; was charged before the Llanrwst magistrates last week with trespassing in pursuit of game, on land the shooting of which was reserved to one Robert Jones. The being on the land was not denied by Mr MoulsdaJe, but that geD," tleman stated that fifteen or twenty years ago the owner of the land gave his father and friends permission to shoot. The magistrates fined Mr Moulsdale forty shilling and costs, and the man Jones, being then charged with t»ach- ing on Mr Moulsdale's land, was fined in a similar amount; Shortly after nine o'clock on the 4th a very severe squall from S.S.W. swept over the Menai Straits, accompanied by torrents of hail and rain. The schooner Volunteer, of Carnarvon, about 200 tons, laden with flour, was beating: up against the wind between Puffin Island and Beaumaris when she was struck by the squall, as she was in her stays, and immediately capsized. The. captain and crew (alto- gether six in number) managed with difficulty to escape into the rigging, and wove taksnoff uiiliarmed by a ship's boat sent to the rescue, The schooner floated with tne flood tide to the beach at Trocasten Point, where she lay on her beam ends, and Íi was thought that she would right without The cargo, of course, is much damaged, Now Pril"' ed at the Caxton Steam Printing Works, Oswald-road, 0<- westry, by ASKEW ROBERTS, EDWABD WOODALL, ami RICHABD HENRT VEMABLES, and Published at 12, Bridge-street, Aberyst* wyth, by PHILIP WILLIAMS. Saturday, January 15th, 1870,