The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

FRIDAY. In the House of Lords the scheme devised by the Government for reorganizing the work of the judges was explained by the Lord Chancellor, and a Bill relating thereto was read a first time. In the House of Commons the Lord Advocate gave notice that on Thursday next he will introduce a Bill having reference to the tenure of land in Scotland. Mr Whalley made an attempt to elicit from the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he in- tends in the forthcoming budget to reduce the income tax, and make up the deficiency by increasing the property tax. Mr Lowe declined to answer the question on the ground that it would be premature to give any information upon the subject until the general financial statement for the year be submitted to the House. In reply to a question by Captain White, the Home Secretary stated that at no time during his imprisonment had corporal punishment been inflicted upon O'Donovan Rossa. TURNPIKE ACTS. Mr WHALLEY drew attention to the petition of the Wrexham Highway Board and Board of Guardians, against the reimposi- tion of the turnpike toll tax in that district; and with reference to the statement on the part of the Government, touching the necessity that required the introduction of the annual Continu- ance Bill, moved for a copy of any correspondence or other documents explanatory of the necessity for the annual Con- tinuance Bill, either generally as to all expired Turnpike Acts, or specially as to those relating to the Wrexham district. Mr OSBORNE MORGAN expressed a hope that the Government would see their way, if not during the present session, in some future session, and bring in a measure to abolish turnpike tolls. Mr KNATCHBULL-HUGESSEN said he was not at all inclined to underrate the importance of this subject, and he had shown his opinion of the matter by having brought in two Bills, as an in- dependent member, for the abolition of the turnpike system. That abolition was merely a question of time. He was glad to find that the people of North Wales were now willing to abolish turnpikes on the only condition on which they could be abolished, namely, that the expense of maintaining the roads should be defrayed out of the rates. The petition from the Highway Board at Wrexham afforded an instance of the vexatious nature of the system. But they had to deal, not with one isolated case, but with a variety of trusts. The Acts relating to about one-half the turnpike trusts had expired, and they were only kept up by an annual Continuance Bill. These trusts were divided into two sections—trusts out of debt and trusts in debt. Last year he moved the appointment of a Select Com- mittee, who recommended that the trusts out of debt, the Acts for which had expired, should be abolished. With regard to the trusts in debt, there was greater difficulty. Parliament, he apprehended, would consider it unjust to abolish the tolls as long as the bondholders were unpaid. He hoped to see a Bill brought in establishing a general system of road management, but no one connected with the Government had pledged him- self to bring in a Bill on the subject during the present session. The motion wasthen withdrawn. Mr Goschen rose in a House of less than a dozen members to ask leave to introduce a Bill to provide for the equal distribu- tion over the metropolis of a further portion of the charge for the relief of the poor. The right hon. gentleman narrated at some length the beneficial results which have already flowed from placmg the maintenance of children and lunatics, and the payment of the salaries of workhouse doctors in the metropolis upon the common fund; and, assuming that it was desirable to proceed a step further in the direction of equalization, stated that by this Bill he proposed to allow the authorities of each union to charge upon the common fund 3s. 6d. a week for the maintenance of every inmate of the workhouse. This would afford a great relief to poor unions, and would at the same time leave a margin of cost to be charged upon the rates of unions sufficient to stimulate the guardians to vigilance and economy in the admission of paupers to the House. There was no general discussion upon the Bill, and after a short conversation it was allowed to be brought in. Mr Plimsoll got leave to introduce a Bill to compel railway companies to provide footwarmers for first and second class passengers; and soon afterwards the House adjourned.

MONDAY. The House of Lords sat for a few minutes only on Monday evening, and the sitting was a merely formal one, at which no- thing but some private business was done. In the House of Commons Mr Norman Grosvenor was intro- duced and took his seat for the city of Chester in the room of Earl Grosvenor, now Marquis of Westminster. Replying to a question of Mr Carter, the Home Secretary announced that he should submit a Licensing Amendment Bill to the House on the 4th of March. Mr Secretary Bruce, in moving the second read- ing of the Mines Regulation and Inspection Bill, stated that its object was to consolidate the existing Acts relating to the manage- ment of mines, and to embody the principal amendments in the law recommended by a select committee. Referring to past legislation on the subject, he pointed out that its effect had been gradually to diminish the annual sacrifice of human life caused by colliery accidents, Thus, whilst in 1850 the death-rate was one for every 67,000 tons of coal raised, from 1864 to 1868 it was one for every 93,000 tons, and for 1868 one for every 103,494 tons. At present there were upwards of 350,000 miners engaged in the collieries, who raised 105 million tons of coal per annum; but a large proportion of these men were totally uneducated, and forty-six per cent, of the young could neither write nor read. In his judgment, then, the best means of diminishing the number of acciaents would be the provision of an ample supply of fresh air, its careful distribution over the mine, and the better educa- tion of the miners themselves. The Bill would also deal with the employment of children. It was proposed by the Bill to exclude all children under twelve years of age from employment in collieries, whilst, under the Bill for establishing public ele- mentary schools, they would be secured useful instruction. Another provision was that no young person above twelve and below sixteen years old should be employed underground for more than twelve hours a day, and that out of that time an hour and a half should be set apart for meals and rest. As to boys employed on the mine but not underground it was proposed that the Workshops Regulation Act should apply to them. The effect of this would be altogether to prevent the employment of women as well as of any children otherwise than during the hours stipulated by that Act. With reference to the portion of the Bill which related to the question of safety, provision was made for supplying a certain amount of air and ventilation to every coal and ironstone mine; and in case of accident the bur- den of proof that the supply of air and the distribution of ventilation was sufficient would rest upon the owners. Coming to the important question of inspection, Mr Bruce observed that the measure did not propose to make any alteration in the existing system; nor, indeed, to add considerably to the num- ber of inspectors, which now amounted to six. For the pur- poses of enforcing the provisions of the Bill, however, the penalties imposed under the present law would be increased. After a long discussion the second reading was agreed to, and the Bill ordered to be committed on Friday, the 18th of March. The four Bills of the Chancellor of the Exchequer relating to Coinage, Savings Banks, Friendly Societies, and Conversion of Stock, and which stood for second reading, were postponed to various dates. Mr Goschen moved the appointment of a select committee to inquire and report whether it be expedient that the charges now imposed on the occcupiers of ratable property for various local purposes should be divided between the owners and occupiers, and what changes in the constitution of the local bodies now administering rates should follow such divi- sion. In making this proposal the right hon. gentleman observed that by a measure which the Government contem- plated bringing in the present system of rating would be ex- tended to subject matter which, in their opinion, was pari materia; but he wished it to be understood that they did not mean that it should extend to the rating of personal property. Local taxation and administration were so intimately connected that it was difficult to touch one without affecting the other 00' and with a view to placing the system on a satisfactory footing, the committee would inquire whether there were certain kinds of other property now exempt from taxation which ought not to be exempted. There were also the questions of collection, the persons from whom the rates should be collected, the bodies who were to administer them; and was it expedient that the burden of local rates should be divided between the owners and the occupiers. Sir M. Lopes contended that the division of the rates between owners and occupiers would not touch the ques- tion at issue, which was the pressure of rates upon real pro- f»erty, and the exemption of personalty from contributing to ocal burdens. So thinking, he moved as an amendment that it would be desirable to postpone the appointment of the select committee until the Government had announced their promised measure for dealing with the whole of the incidence of rating. After some discussion the amendment was withdrawn and the committee agreed to.

WEDNESDAY. Mr STEPHEN CAVE moved the second reading of the Life As- surance Companies Bill, a measure which made some progress in the last session of Parliament, but was ultimately abandoned in consequence of the indisposition of its author. The right hon. gentleman addressed the House at some length, and entered very carefully into the history of life assurance in this country, in order to show the necessity for the legislation which he proposed. He dwelt with severity upon the mischief and distress which have been occasioned by the failure of assurance offices, and the losses which have been caused by improper amalgamations; and, while disclaiming any intention to interfere with the freedom of competition in the matter of insurance, explained the provisions by which he sought to protect the public against the consequences of mismanagement, or dishonesty in the conduct of insurance offi- ces. By the clauses of his Bill all insurance companies will be compelled to make annual returns of their accounts in a uniform shape, and actuarial reports at longer periods. All new companies will be required to deposit £20,000 with the Ac- countant-General in Chancery, to be returned only when the in- surance fund arising from premiums has accumulated to the amount of £O,OOO. Policy-holders will be placed in the same position as shareholders with reference to the power of applying to the Court of Chancery for a winding-up order; and no amal- gamation will be legal unless a statement of the circumstances under which it is proposed has been sent to all the policy- holders, and the consent of at least one-half of them has been obtained to the step. The observations of the member for Horsham were very favourably received by the House, and something more than assent was expressed when he described the manner in which many offices had been founded, trans- ferred, or amalgamated, as a cold-blooded system of wholesale robbery," and aeclared that those who had been concerned in these transactions deserved hanging as much as many of those who had suffered at Newgate. On the part of the Govern- ment, Mr Lefevre gave a cordial assent to the second reading of the Bill; indeed, as he informed the House, he was himself responsible for some of its clauses, especially for those improving the legal position of the policy-holders. In the conversation which followed, no difference of opinion was expressed as to the Ion necessity of legislation upon this subject, or as to the propriety of the provisions of this Bill; but some hon. members expressed regret that it had not gone further-had not, for instance, required an independent audit of the accounts of insurance com- panies, or made some provision as to the surrender value of policies. The nearest approach to opposition came from Mr Lowe, who severely criticised the deficiencies of the measure, pointing out that it did not attempt to deal with the investment of funds, upon which the security of all insurance companies depended, or to suppress the system of puffing, touting, and bribing," with which the business of insurance appears now to be, if not naturally, at all events inseparably associated; and describing the provisions of the Bill as in the main a faint and shadowy imitation of the stringent and effective legislation of the United States, This Bill would not provide, nor did he believe that any other measure could provide, an absolute security for insurers who dealt with private companies; but he suggested that in order to attain that object it might be desirable that the Government, who alone could give a perfect security, should itself undertake the business of life insurance, upon terms which would not bring it into competition with really sound and good companies. He had no special desire to enter upon this task but if it was the opinion of the House that it would be for the public advan- tage, ne was prepared to undertake it. This intimation was received with some expressions of approval, but no decided opinion was expressed upon it by the two gentlemen who closed tne debate—Mr Kinnaira and Mr Dodson. In the result the Bill was read a second time, and the Committee was fixed for next Wednesday. Mr Rathbone's Bill for enabling attornies and their clients to enter into contracts as to the remuneration to be paid to the former, led to only a brief conversation, and it was allowed to be read a second time without any opposition; but Mr Henley, Mr Locke, and other hon. members pointed out that some of its clauses would require careful consideration, and probably amendment in Committee. Mr Wheelhouse obtained leave to bring in a Bill to provide for the elementary education of blind ana deaf and dumb children, and then the House adjourned.

THURSDAY. In the House of Lords the Judges' Jurisdiction Bill was read a second time without any discussion. Lord Lyttelton urged the necessity of the Government bringing in a measure to amend the Hours of Labour Regulation Act, which he urged was in its present shape a dead letter. Lord Morley replied that the Government fully realised the necessity of further legislation upon the subject, but had little hope of being able to deal with the question this session. The mode in which the Bridgewater election commission conducted their proceedings was the sub- I ject of a complaint set forth in a petition presented by the Earl of Derby from the electors of that borough, who requested that the matter might be enquired into. In the House of Commons Mr Lefevre announced his intention to bring in a Bill to facilitate the construction and to regulate the working of tramways in public thoroughfares; and the Home Secretary stated that Government would in a short time submit a Bill under which the census might be taken next year. The Home Secretary further stated that considerable progress had been made in the preparation of a Bill to amend the existing law as to trade unions. In reply to a question by Mr Pemberton, the Solicitor-General stated that the Government intended to prosecute Dr Kinglake, Mr Vanderbylt, and Mr Fennelly for bribery at Bridgewater; Sir H. Edwardes and Mr Burreil for bribery at Beverley and Mr Stacey, Mr Hardiment Mr Young, and Mr Pennyfather, for bribery at the Norwich election. Mr Gladstone promised to introduce his proposed measure with reference to the land of the United Kingdom before the Irish Land Bill passed into committee. The Pilotage Bill was read a second time and referred to a select committee. In the course of a discussion on the War Office Bill, which was ultimately read a second time, Mr Stansfeld explained that the proposed distri- bution of the duties of that department would secure greater efficiency and economy in the subordinate departments. The Merchant Shipping Bill was postponed until the 10th of March.

The Times corrects a report, that Lord Cairns has re- turned to the Continent on account of his health. His lordship has gone to Mentone, but not for the reason alleged. He will remain abroad till after Easter. Sir George Chetwynd, who is yet a minor, intends to relinquish the turf, and sell all his horses in training, at the request of the Marchioness of Hastings. The Sheffield. Independent is authorised to oontradiM-. fho

LIVERPOOL CORN MARKET.-TuESDAY. The market was fairly attended. There was a more general inquiry for Wheat, but the business was not considerable, and was chiefly confined to White, at FRIDAY'S PRICES. Flour was quiet without change. Beans 6d. lower. Peas very scarce, and held in second hand for Is. to 2s. more money. Oats and Oatmeal dull, without change. Barley more enquired for. Indian Corn 6d. on the week. Transactions small. LONDON, MONDAY.—Last week's supplies of all grain were very short: Exports, 6 qrs. Barley, 190 qrs. Oats, 3 qrs. Beans, and 20 qrs. Peas. English Wheat 3,147 qrs., and foreign 2,409 qrs. There was a very small show of wheat this morning from Essex and Kent, and the condition was very bad, the change to milder weather having caused it. The few parcels really fine brought last Monday's rates, though but slowly. The demand for foreign was merely retail, buyers expecting a reduction from the depart- ure of the frost, while holders would not submit. Country Flour 20,651 sacks, foreign 255 sacks. The trade was limited, though some holders were asking improved rates, which were not paid, for Norfolk, or other country sorts. Foreign, both in sacks and barrels, met with little inquiry, at nominally the same money. Maize 2.742 qrs. This grain sold slowly, at previous rates. British Barley 2,546 qrs., foreign 4,960 qrs. The demand for malting sorts was slack, but no change in prices occurred. Secondary and grinding foreign remained dull. The Malt trade was again very steady, without alteration in value. English Oats 818 qrs., Irish 470 qrs foreign 9,672 qrs. With these small supplies there was a very limited business for all descriptions on ship-board and in granary at about previous prices. Native Beans 501 qrs., foreign 45 qrs. Old beans being scarce were Is. dearer, but not soft new. English Peas 813 qrs., foreign none. Prices were firm for white, but not higher. CURRENT PRICES OF BRITISH GRAIN AND FLOUR IN MARK LAKE. Shillings f" qr. Wheat, Essex and Kent (white), old 45 to 48 Ditto, ditto new 38 47 Wheat, Essex and Kent (red) old 44 46 Ditto, ditto new 86 43 Wheat, Norfolk, Lincoln, and Yorkshire (red) old 45 47 Ditto, ditto ditto new 36 43 Barley 25 89 Boans 82 42 Oats, English feed 18 19 lour, per sacK oi asuiD, Town, uousenoias, õïS. tojzss. WARWICK, SATURDAY.—There was a good attendance at this market, with a fair supply of wheat on offer. Business was slow, at from 3d. to 6d. per bag under former rates. There was a good supply of English barley, which was disposed of at a slight re- duction. Beans made from 15s. to 16s., and seedlings from 16s. to 17s. per bag. WORCESTER, SATURDAY.—At this day's market there was a full supply of wheat, which sold slowly at about last "eek', rates. Barley unaltered. Oats only taken in retail. Beans Is. per qr. lower. Peas neglected. LEICESTER, SATURDAY.—This day's corn market WE 8 p-etty well supplied with wheat, the demand for which was toleraole at the full prices of last week. Fine barley scarce, and very dear. Oats and beans came slowly to hand, and late rates were ob- tained. MOLD, WEDNESDAY.—Wheat, 18s. 6d. to 14s. 6d.; barley, 12s. Od. to 13s. Od. oats, 8s. Od.; butter, Os. Od. to Is. 7d.; tub butter, Is. 2d. WREXHAM, THURSDAY.—The following were the quotations: White Wheat, 6s. Od. to 61. 3d. per bushel of 751b; Ked Wheat, 0s. 01. to Os. 01. ditto; Malting Barley, 4s. 10d. to 5s. 4d. per 88 quarts; Grinding ditto, 4s. Od. to 4s. 6d. per bushel of641b; Oats, 3s. 8d. to 3s. 9d. per 461b; Potatoes, 2s. 4d. to 3s. Od. per mea- sure; Butter, Is. 5d. to Is. 81. per 1D; Eggs, 14 and 16 for Is.; Fowls, 8s. 6d. to 4s. 6d. per couple. WELSHPOOL, MONDAY.—Quotations:—Wheat (per 801bs.) 6s. 4d. to 6s. 6d.; old ditto, Os. Od. to Os. Od.; Barley (per 40 qts.), 5s. Od. to 5s. 6d.; Oats, (per bag), 14s. to 18s. Od. Eggs, 15 for Is.; Butter, Is. 5d. to Is. 6d. per lb.; Fowls, 3s. 61. to 5s. Od. per couple; Ducks, 4s. Od. to 5s. 01. Potatoes, 3s. Od. to S3. 6d. per bushel. Geese, 5s. each.

CATTLE. NOTTINGHAM, SATURDAY.—The show of beef at market was fair, but the demand proved heavy, at prices varying from 61d. to 7d. per lb; mutton sold at 7id. to Sd.; pork and veal in slow request and quite as dear. NORWICH, SATURDAY.—The show of store cattle-Scots, shorthorns, and Irish-on offer here to-day was tolerably good business remained in an inactive state, with little change, how- ever, in prices. Fat beasts, 8s. to 8s. 6d. per 141b. The supply of sheep was about an average; the lots on offer found, however, few purchasers, and prices again tended downwards. Hoggets were quoted at 30s. to 40s., and prime lots, 40s. to 52s. per head; keeping sheep, 42s. to 48s. per head; fat sheep, 9s. to 9s. 6d. per 141b. Store pigs supported former rates; fat pork, 8s. to 8s. 6d. per 141b. METROPOLITAN, MONDAT.-The total imports of foreign stock into London last week amounted to 3,426 head. Although the supply of stock has been short of an average, and the general quality has been satisfactory, there has been a want of animation in the cattle trade to-day, and the tendency of prices has been unfavourable. As regards Beasts, the arrivals from our own grazing districts have been on a moderate scale, but owing to the severe weather the supply of foreign has been limited. For all breeds the trade has been dull. The extreme quotation for the best Scots and crosses has been 5s. 24., many really choice animals being disposed of at 5s. per 81b. From Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire we received about 1,200 Scots and crosses; from other parts of England, 500 of various breeds; from Scotland, 210 Scots and crosses; and from Ireland, 100 head. The market has been fairly supplied with sheep, but prime Downs have been scarce. Although the demand has not been active, the trade has been steady, and prices have been supported; the best Downs and half-breds selling at 5s. lOd. to 6s. per 81b. Lambs have sold at about 7s. 6d. to 8a.per 81b. Calves have been quiet, but firm. Pigs have been in limited request, at previous quotations. LIVERPOOL, MONDAY.—The stock on offer consisted of 2,520 beasts and 6,000 sheep. There were at market some very good beasts, which met with a good demand at the prices quoted; middling and inferior a slow sale. Sheep a short supply, and prices much higher; buyers very numerous from the country. There were about 200 Spanish beasts on offer, and a good clear- ance made at the close. Quotations :-Best beasts, 7d. to nd.; second best, 6d. to 6fd.; inferior, 4Jd. to 51d.; sheep, 7id. to 9Jd. per lb.

MISCELLANEOUS. LONDON PROVISION, MONDAY.—The arrivals last week from Ireland were 881 firkins Butter and 3,515 bales Bacon, and from foreign ports 21,994 packages Butter and 859 bales and 82 boxes Bacon. There was more business transacted in Irish Butter last week at irregular prices, according to condition and qualities. The arrivals of foreign were irregular, owing to the severe weather; prices generally advanced about 4s. per cwt. There was an improved demand for Bacon, and, at the close of the week, an advance of 2s. was generally established; best Waterford sold at 73s. to 74s. on board. LONDON HOP, MONDAY.—Our market is inactive for all des- criptions, new English alone, by reason of exhaustion, maintain- ing full values, but all other sorts are drooping under the continued dulness of trade. New Americans, even of first quality, are difficult of sale, but their comparative scarcity keeps them tolerably firm; inferior grades, however, and yearlings of all kinds, are totally neglected. European markets are unaltered, Bavarian hops continuing firm. French and Belgians quiet. New York advices to the 5th instant report a quiet market at late rates. u Mid and East Kent £ 7 0 4915 0 Wealds 6 0 7 10 8 5 Sussex 5 15 6 10 7 0 Bavarians 6 10 8 8. 10 10 French 5 6 0 7 0 Americans .410. 5 15 6 0 Yearlings. 1 15 215. 810 WORCESTER HOP, SATURDAY.—At our market the business done was confined to one or two small sales. For yearlings there is some inquiry, but buyers are unwilling to give prices asked by holders. At a reduction a good trade might be done. LONDON SEED, MONDAY.—English Cloverseed continues to come out very slowly; fine qualities inquired for, and would bring high prices foreign red samples are held with much firm- ness; importers still looking for advanced rates. White descrip- tions were very dear. Choice English Trefoil was held for more money. White Mustardseed realised extreme rates. Canaryseed keeps up in value for choice samples of English, as well as the best sorts of foreign. LONDON WOOL, MONDAY.—The English wool trade has ruled quiet but firm. Some demand continues to be experienced for choice qualities, including lustres and demi-lustres, so the quo- tations are firmly maintained. The attention of manufacture! s is now chiefly directed to the public sales of colonial wool which a opened on Thursday last. The attendance at this series h been good, and both home and foreign buyers have operated with freedom. Prices have consequently had an upward tendency, though no quotable advance has taken place. CURRENT PRICES OF BNOUSH WOOL. S. d. to S. d. FLBECBs-Sonthdown hoggets .per lb. 1 0J 11 Half-bred ditto 14 15 Kent fleeces 1 8 1 8i Southd'n ewes and wethers 10 1 11 Leicester ditto „ 1 2 £ 1 81 SORTS—Combing „ 1 4 1 4} Clothing 1 4 1 4 £ Clothing 1 4 1 4i HALIFAX WOOL & WORSTED, SATURDAY.—Great complaints continue to be made of the badness of trade here. There is scarcely any enquiry for wool, which may in some cases no doubt be bought for less money. Holders in the country are at length giving way in their quotations. The position of the spinner shows no change; it is still an unremunerative position. The piece trade is not inactive, but prices are with difficulty maintained. BRADFORD WOOL & WORSTED, SATURDAY.—The wool market has been very quiet during the past week, though the depression has not been more marked than it has been for some time past. The business doing in worsted yarns is comparatively small. There has been rather more inquiry in lustre yarns, and operations have been somewhat checked by the firmness of spinners. The piece trade remains languid. LONDON POTATO, MoxDAY.-These markets are fairly sup- plied with Potatoes. There has been a moderate demand for most descriptions, at full prices. English Sbaws 70s. to 95s. per ton. English Regents 100s. to 120s. „ English Rocks 60s. to 75s. „ Scotch Regents 90s. to 110s. „ Flukes. 50s. to 70s. „

TRADE INTELLIGENCE. THE WELSH IRON, TIN-PLATE, AND COAL TRADES. In last week's report, some intimations were thrown out to the effect that agents for Russia in this country had begun to institute inquiries on account of their new railways. From later informa- tion we are placed in the position to confirm those observations, and to add that it is not only probable, in the course of another month or so, some important additional orders for railway materials will be placed with makers of this as well as other dis- tricts, but it is likely that the Muscovite empire, and India as well, will shortly become very large purchasers of iron of all descriptions. With this and other prospects in view, the future of the trade may be regarded as encouraging. The works here are all well employed, many old contracts not being completed, but as far as the immediate business is concerned, there is a considerable degree of quietude prevailing. This week, however, some little improvement has been evinced. In the markets there have been some fresh orders offered, but they were for small quantities, and therefore, unsuitable for the small works of this district. The rail department will no doubt be attended with a considerable degree of activity, as it is pretty confidently I expected that during the year some large contracts will be given out. The foreign demand already shows signs of improvement. Some fresh orders have also arrived from the North. A good deal of discussion is carried on in regard to the American tariff, but the general opinion is that no alteration will be made this year at least. In connection with the home demand there is nothing special to note. There Is scarcely an average trade doing. The tin-plate trade is still attended with that degree af firmness referred to last week; but buyers continue to manifest much unwillingness to purchase at higher prices. At the lower prices they show a disposition to enter into more extensive engage- ments, but further they are not ready to go. Until the Spring has fairly set in, no reliable opinion can be expressed as to when remunerative p -ice < will be obtained. In the steam coal trade there is a larger business doing, and merchants find it less difficult to secure orders at current prices. From the French, Italian, and Spanish markets the demand has increased, as compared with past months. The prospects of the trade generally are encouraging, and if the proprietors can succeed in obtaining an advance of about Is. to Is. 6d. per ton, the trade may then be regarded as in a very satisfactory position. The severe weather of the last few days has added considerably to the consumption of house coals, locally and coastwise.

REVIEW OF THE BRITISH CORN TRADE. (From the Mark Lane Express.) The wintry weather of last week, so unexpectedly severe, if for several days somewhat relaxing its hold, has now one, and the navigation of the Thames is free. As re- gards the corn this may be all the better for a check, though the want of a good covering of snow leaves its effects doubtful. If the season should only moderate by March and launch us into a genial April we may yet do well. Holders of live stock, however, are many of them put to their wits for the maintenence of their cattle in good condition, and the plough has done but little. Still a thorough pulverization of the soil through frost will make a fine Reed-bed for the spring corn. Business for such an event has had very little activity or decision about it, but where sales have been made an advance of Is. per qr. on wheat has been realised. The onus of extraordinary granary stocks remains, though the bulk of the Medi- terranean fleet has been disposed of, and heavy supplies cannot now be expected for some time. The weather has hitherto been too fickle to make the continuance of frost in Europe a subject of confidence. No country yet reports any damage to the young wheat, but the rape plant appears injured in Hungary, and prices have risen in con- sequence. The worst fears entertained there were from the long-standing floods, and we must wait to learn their effects. But prices at Pesth have given way about Is., the consumption not being equal to the necessities of farmers, and exporters seeing no prospect for shipments westward at present rates. In France the tendency has been upwards, with more than Is. advance in some local- ities, followed by orders to Konigsberg both for mixed and red wheat. Belgium, also, has hardened as respects values the German markets have mostly been firm, and Danzic has no fine new wheat to offer below 49s. cost and freight to London, with very short stocks. New York continues to fluctuate with cable advices, the best spring wheat being worth 36s. 9d. per 4801b, and the best white Michigan 45s. per 4801b. We note that farmers, either through misgivings or necessity, have raised their deliveries, which six weeks ago were only 38,773 qrs., to 64,319 qrs., with the lowest average reached say 41s. 9d. since October, 1865, when it was 41s. Id., though January in that year commenced with 37s. 1Od.; but the eircumsances were wholly different, and this makes the prices now worse than then. For necessity there is certainly no law but while it is on record that in August, 1867, the averages reached 68s. 4d., we leave them to reflect whether this is not losing a good chance. The sales of English wheat noted last week were 64,260 qrs. at 41s. 9d., against 64,319 qrs. at 50s. 9d. in 1869. The imports into the Kingdom for the week ending 12th Feb. were 409,295 cwts. wheat, and 84,640 cwts. flour.

THE VISIT OF THE RUSSIAN COMMISSIONERS TO WALES. In our last we gave a tolerably complete report of the visit of the Russian Commissioners to Festiniog. The Times of Friday devotes nearly three columns to the subject under the heading of '|Railways of the Future,' in which we find a few new facts and several interesting comments relating to the commission. Mr Dallas, in his article points out the need of "a great revolution in rail- way construction, in the introduction of a more economical system than the existing one;" in fact some system that shall satisfy the requirements of India, for instance, and save Lord Mayo the necessity of going to the United States for engineers with whom to consult. Mr Dallas believes that in (what the Engineer calls) the Light System' we have what the world wants. A system by which lines of the lightest construction and very narrow gauge may accomplish work hitherto deemed with- in the means only of lines of ponderous construction and broad gauge, and by which also the established lines of standard gauge may either partially diminish expenses, or, without additional cost, well nigh double their carrying capacity." From the report we gather that Mr Power, the vice-chairman of the Poti and Tiflis Railway was so convinced of the merits of the Fairlie system, that he, and Mr Crawley, the contractor, recommended the Russian Government to relay fifteen versts of rails laid down on that line, at the ordinary gauge of 4ft. 8in. to a gauge of 2ft. 6in. The Minister for Public Works, Count Bobrinsky caught the infection from these gentlemen, and Mr Fairlie visiting St. Petersburg at the .opportune moment, the commission was arranged with Count Alexis Bobrinsky, brother of the Minister, at the head of it. Sweden, Norway, North Germany, and France, were also represented on the commission. The Times very properly gives credit to Mr Elias, the manager of the Cambrian, for the capital arrangement of the special train that conveyed the commissioners. Although the length of single line the train had to travel was so long, and the train ran out of the ordinary time, there was not a moment's delay during the whole trip between Welshpool and Portmadoc. We are told that the very narrow gauge of the Festiniog railway has enabled the company to economize in many ways. Trucks of minerals, when fully loaded, have less of dead weight on a narrow than on a broad gauge. On the ordinary gauge system trucks are often only partially loaded, because a goods waggon cannot, like a passenger carriage unload itself, and the train cannot wait until the unloading at a particular station, is finished." Con- sequently waggons weighing tons convey only cwts. of goods! On the little gauge, on the other hand, the dead weight would be less, and the cost of construction cheaper. Some of our readers will be startled to hear that of the eminent engineers who visited Festiniog, there were more than one, "with characters to lose, who would not hesitate to say that" on a gauge of 2ft. 6in., they would undertake with the Fairlie engine to work the heaviest traffic in the world." If this be true what a frightful sum has been wasted in railway making, to say nothing of the litigation over the Battle of the Gauges! The merits of the Fairlie engine may be summed up in a few words-freedom from oscillation, whereby the wear and tear of the permanent way is to a large degree pre- vented-immense power, and an aptitude for turning sharp corners, thus irnalrin the work of railway construction less costly.

MODERN INVENTIOH.—That great invention the Chrono- Qtaph" which times all the principal events of the day mil has revolutionized and superseded the clumsy old- fashioned Stop-watch," seems likely to be eclipsed in fame by that still greater and more useful invention the Keyless Watch." The fact of no key being required ren- ders these Watches indispensable to the traveler, the nervous, and invalids. The enormous number sent even by post to all parts of the world is a convincing proof of there great utility. The prices at which they are sold range from 5 to 100 guineas. Thousands of them are manufactured by Mr J. W. BENSON, of Old Bond-street, and of the Steam Factory, Ludgate Will, London, who sends post free for 2d. a most interesting historical pamphlet upon watch- making. V ALBNTINBS. -A young lady living in Welshpool wishes us to insert the following, and we cannot refuse. Her indignation is just; and let us hope it will be felt in the proper quarters Just a word upon valentines. The season of valentines has just passed, and many have been the merry little hearts that have raced to the letter-box to receive tokens of love and friendship from distant well- wishers. Many anxious little eyes may have been seen peeping from windows waiting the postman's knock' at our door,' then the pleasure of opening them and holding them up to the admiration of papa and mamma, afterwards the rush into the kitchens to exhibit their treasures there, and when the excitement had somewhat subsided, and the pretty presents had been laid by in company with relics of past valentine's days, many a spy has been taken at them as they lay in the little box, to remind them of kind hearts and thoughtful friends. That is a pleasant side of things, and the remembrance of nice, similar pleasures takes us back to the days of our own childhood, and over the grave of our 'lost youth' we heave a sigh of regret. But what shall we say of those mean spirits who turn what ought to be a medium of love and goodwill into a channel to convey to others expressions of spite, ill-nature and malice ? We have no words with which to express ouw contempt, our scorn; under the mask of friendship to send ugly, spiteful, malicious valentines, intended either to make a fool of or to insult the receiver; why they are almost beyond every feeling except pity, for we do think that anyone who can stoop to such mean, low tricks, who can so far forget themselves as to be guilty of such littleness, must in an eminent degree be deserving of our pity. Spiteful anonymous epistles are at all times repre- hensible, but when sent under the cloak of goodwill are doubly so. We can honour the man even if we cannot like him who will come up to us and tell us what he means, even if it be something disagreeable, but we cannot but despise those who sneak, for they not only hurt the feelings of those to whom they send them, but lay others open to the blame—but on that point we do not believe that, the real culprits escape the condemnation, for we generally know who are the senders by the tenor of their fives. We know them, for do we not know some amongst our own acquaintance of whom we should say (were they suspected), nay they could not do it. Thank God that there are some in the world of whom it can be said they could not hurt their neighbours' feelings. As for the others we can but leave them to their own conscience; let that be their monitor. If that does not condemn them—well: but

CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS COMPANY. "VTOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Twelfth J3| HALF-YEARLY Ordinary MEETING of the Cambrian Railways Company will be held, pro forina, at the Company's Offices, Oswestry, on MONDAY, the 28th day of FEBRUARY instant, at Two o'clock in the Afternoon, and Adjourned to the same place and hour on Friday, the 4th day of March next, there and then to be held for the Transaction of the General Business of the C°Th^aTransfer Books will be Closed from the 19th to the 28th inst., both days inclusive. VANE, Chairman. R. D. PRYCE, Deputy Chairman. GEO. LEWIS, Secretary. Company's Offices, Oswestry, 10th February, 1870. THE BALA BANKING COMPANY (LIMITED). "VfOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Annual J3I GENERAL MEETING of the Shareholders of the above Company will be held at the Office of the Bank, on Tuesday, the 1st day of March next, at Three o'clock p.m., for the purpose of receiving the Directors' and Auditor's Reports, declare a Dividend, and appoint Audi- tor and Two Directors, in the place of those retiring from office, and other business. By Order of the Board, GRIFFITH JONES, Manager. Bala, 17th Feb., 1870. TO BUILDERS. PARTIES willing to TENDER for the Erection of a VILLA RESIDENCE, at Fronoleu, near Barmouth, for Captain Richards, may see the Drawings and Specification at Mr THOMAS JONES'S, Tailor, Bar- mouth, or my Offices, Portmadoc, from 1st March next. The lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted. THOMAS ROBERTS, Architect. Portmadoc, Feb. 23rd, 1870. BUILDING SITES, Commanding a CHARMING VIEW OF BALA LAKE. THE LAND around Bala Railway Station, TO BE SOLD or LET by PRIVATE TREATY. Apply to Messrs WOODROOFE and PLASKIT, New Square, Lincoln's Inn, London, W. A BEAUTIFUL DOG CART FOR SALE, Light wood varnished, very elegant (hardly used at all), nearly new Lainps, rug, &c., complete price 230, cost JB60. Apply to Mr R. MICHAEL ROBERTS, Henblas, Bala. TO BE LET, Unfurnished, Coed," near Dol- gelley, a Gentleman's RESIDENCE on a small scale, with Land. Distant from Dolgelley Station (on the Great Western and Cambrian lines) by horse road 1J mile, by turnpike road Sh miles. Will De ready for occupation on 25th March. The situation is very healthy, and the surrounding scenery picturesque. For Particulars apply to G. JONES WILLIAMS, Esq., Solicitor, Dolgelley; or to Mr JOHN JONES, Tirstent, near Caerynwch, Dolgelley. BENSON'S WATCHES CLOCKS GOLD JEWELLERY Of all kinds. Of all kinds. Of the Newest Designs. LEVER DRAWINGROOM BRACELETS HORIZONTAL DINING ROOM BROOCHES CHRONOMETER CARRIAGE EAR RINGS KEYLESS CHURCH LOCKETS CHRONOGRAPH HALL & SHOP NECKLACES Mr BENSON, who holds the appointment to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, has just published two Pamphlets, enriched and em- liellished with illustrations—one upon Watch and Clock Makia and the other upon Artistic Gold Jewellery. These are sent post free for 2d. each. Persons living in the country or abroad can select the article required, and have it forwarded with perfect fety. Ii, OLDBOND STREET; & THE CITY STEAM WORKS, 58 & 60, LUDGATE HILL, LONDON. NOTICE. THE Public are respectfully informed that the PRINTING, BOOKBINDING and STATIONERY BUSINESS OF THE LATE MR JOHN COX, AT, 30, PIER-STREET, ABERYSTWYTH, Will still be carried on under the same name; and the Proprietor trusts that, by strict attention to all orders the same liberal patronage may be continued as heretofore 30, Pier-street, Feb. 10th, 1870. IMPORTANT SALE Of Valuable HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, at No. 2, Aberamffra Terrace, Barmouth. MR LEWIS WILLIAMS has been instructed by H. A. Wolstenholme, Esq., who is leaving the neighbourhood, to Sell by Auction, on the premises at the above place, on Thursday and Friday, 10th and 11th March, 1870, the whole of the Rosewood, Mahogany, and other HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, Beds, Feather Beds, Bedding, Carpets, Hearth Rugs, China, Glass, Washing and Wringing Machine, Saddle and Bridle, Silver Lever Watch, Revolver, Fishing Boots, very prime Old Port, &c., &c. Sale to commence at 12 o'clock precisely. Descriptive Catalogues will be issued two weeks prior to the Sale, and the Furniture may be viewed any day before the sale. IMPORTANT SALE OF FAT STOCK. MR JOHN EVANS has been favoured with in- structions to Sell by Auction, at Nanteos Home Farm, near Aberystwyth, on Thursday, the 3rd day of March, 1870- 3 Fat BULLOCKS, About 60 Splendid Shropshire-Down WEDDERS, and About 40 ditto ditto EWES. The Bullocks will be sold separately; the Sheep in Pens of Five each. The whole of the Stock is in superb condition for the Butcher; but the Ewes are well worth the attention of Breeders, possessing, as they do, a happy combination of constitution, blood, size, and quality. Seven days' keep will be allowed.—Credit will be given upon approved security. Luncheon on the table at 1 p.m.; Sale to commence at 2 o'clock punctually. ABERYSTWYTH ENAMELLING SLATE WORKS, MOOR STREET. ELLIS & OWEN BEG to inform that they have taken to the En- amelling Business recently carried on at the Aber- lleveny Slate Quarries, are now prepared to execute any Orders in Enamelled Slate in imitation of the most costly marble at exceedingly low prices. These Works are fitted up with superior Planing and Sawing Machines, so that any order in slate work can be executed with despatch. > Tomb Stones, Monuments, Chimney Pieces, Cisterns, &c., made to order. Designs forwarded for inspection. DEPILATORY. WELLS' DEPILATORY is the only effectual remedy for the immediate and permanent removal of superfluous hair from the face, arms, neck, &c. This preparation effects its purpose almost instantaneously, without pain or injury to the most sensitive skin. Full particulars on receipt of a stamped directed envelope. John Wells, 113, Euston-street, near Hampstead-road, London. N.B.—Hundreds of Testimonials have been received from the nobility and ladies of rank who have tried this marvellous remedy. ASSEMBLY, BALL, AND BILLIARD ROOMS, LAURA-PLACE, ABERYSTWYTH, JOHN EVANS, who has recently taken to the business at the above establishment, begs to announce to the Nobility, Gentry, and Public generally, that he has completed EXTENSIVE ALTERATIONS on the PREMISES, and hopes through strict attention to business to be fa- voured with a share of their patronage and support. WINES, SPIRITS, ALES, PORTER, AND CIGARS, Of the best quality. LEMONADE, SODA AND OTHER MINERAL WATERS. V. R. MR. SELLIS, DENTIST, TOWYN. FIFTEEN YEARS Surgical and Mechanical Dentist in London, may be consulted at the under- mentioned towns:— DOLGELLEY—Every second and fourth SATURDAY, at Miss Evans's, Smithfield-street. BALA-Every first and third SATURDAY, at Mrs JONES'S, Tegid-street. PWLLHELI—Mr Francis Evans, bookseller, &c., High- street, the 1st and 3rd WEDNESDAY in every month. PORTMADOC -Every 2nd and 4th WEDNESDAY, at Mrs. Bennett Williams's, Snowdon-street. All operations without pain. Advice free. WILLIAM OWEN, PROPRIETOR, LATE MANAGER OF TUB BROOK VILLA, LIVERPOOL. AGENT FOR GREAT WESTERN COMPANY, AND TELEGRAPH MESSENGER. BALA LAKE 4 4 0 0",L 0.' BOATS, BILLIARDS, COACHES, CARRIAGES, CABS, AND CARS FOR HIRE. GOOD STABLING. FIRST CLASS ACCOMMODATION FOR FAMILIES, &c. LADIES' COFFEE ROOM. MERIONETH. VRON COLLIERY, NEAR WREXHAM. c,' It!. [MAURICE & LOWE S] BEST MAIN AND HOUSE COALS AT LOWEST PRICES. I APPLY TO M. B. MAURICE, ( J. ? 1 MINING ENGINEER, HIGH STREET, BALA, I A PROPRIETOR AND SOLE AGENT. Immediate Relief from Coughs, Colds, and Influenza. {,.} JI! i.} J:"¡'H MORGAN'S HOREHOUND PECTORAL. A delicious combination of Horehound. Marshmallow, Tolu, and other effective demulcent and expectorant ingredients. THE MOST CERTAIN AND SPEEDY REMEDY FOR COUGHS, COLDS, INFLUENZA, HOARSENESS, SORE THROAT, LOSS of VOICE, WHOOPING COUGH, ASTHMA, BRONCHITIS, CONSUMPTION, SPITTING of BLOOD, and all I Disorders of the Chest and Lungs. V PREPARED ONLY BY J 1 D. MORGAN, ] i PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMIST, 25, BRECKNOCK ROAD, LONDON, N. Sold in Bottles at lB. lid., 2s. 9d., and 4s. 6d., with full directions for Children and Adults, by MR D. J. DAVIES, GREAT DARK-GATE STREET, ABERYSTWYTH. „ J. P. JONES, BRIDGE-STREET, ABERAYRON. V AND ALL CHEMISTS THROUGHOUT THE PRINCIPALITY. :i j i r' J 'l'/ t "T UMjkT' LIGHT ONLY ON THE BOX USm SAFETY THE PUBLIC ARE CAUTIONED AGAINST OANGEROUS IM.ITATIONS to a A >» D 0 L G E L L E Y- JJH ROYAL SHIP PtljCi FAMILY AND COMMERCIAL HOTEL AND POSTING HOUSE. MUCH additional convenience has been added to this Establishment, combining Spacious Coffee and Sitting Rooms. Attendance, Is. per day) BILLIARDS. Omnibuses to and from all the Trains. Coaches to all parts of the District. Ponies and Guides at fixed charges. EDWARD JONES, Proprietor. G L E N F I E L D STARCH. EXCLUSIVELY USED IN THE ROYAL LAUNDRY, and HER MAJESTY'S LAUNDRESS says it is the Finest Starch she ever used. AWARDED PRIZE MEDAL FOR ITS SUPERIORITY. When you ask for GLENFIELD STARCH, See that you get it, as inferior kinds are often substituted.