The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

MACHYNLLET& TfrE S.\xwART CONDITION OF TITS Tow-;i.-The first Meeting o* the committee which has been organized for general sanitary purposes Was held at the Board Room of the Workhouse on Mondhy. There was a full attendance, over which Mr Sackville Phelps, and at a later hour, Mr Stronsburg presided. Various schemes for improving the Sanitary condition of the town were mooted and discussed jit length. The general tone of the meeting appeared to ofe that the system of drainage should be carried out by toe owners of property in the town and liberties, the cost to be defrayed in equal proportions, and the subsequent Expense of iramtenance to be borne by the ratepayers. Mr Stronsburg, as the plans of Mr Szlumper did not give Satisfaction to the town generally, offered to provide new Plans gratuitously, and the services of an engineer to make a new swrrey. Mr Stronsburg gave it as his opinion that complete and effective system of drainage could be car- ded out at a cost averaging from £ S00 to £ 1,000, and, we believe, offered to do the work himself at that price. A forking committee was formed to enquire further into the state of the town and the best means of carrying out a complete system of drainage, and their report was presented at the meeting of the Board of Guardians on Wednesday morning. JiOARD OF GUARDIANS, SATURDAY. —Present: Mr Edwd. Davies, Dolchradog, deputy-chairman, who pre- sided; Mr C. F. Thruston, ex officio; Mr R. Gillart, Mr G. W. Griffiths, Mr Evan Jones, Mr John Jones (Pennal), Mr John Davies, and Mr Griffith Griffiths; Mr D. Howell, clerk; Mr David Evans, assistant-clerk; Dr Lloyd and Dr D. R. Pughe, medical officers; Mr Lumley Edwards, inspector of nuisances; and Mr Thomas, master of the House. This was a special meeting, convened for the purpose of considering the report made by Mr Szlumper, C.E., Spon the existing drainage and water supply of Macbyn- "eth. The owners of property in the town and liberties Machynlleth were invited to attend the meeting, and •heir number included Mr Sackville Phelps, the Rev. ?eo. Griffith, Mr J. Foulkes Jones, Mr Stronsburg, Mr y>hn Meredith, Mr David Jones (Unicorn), Mr Richard iJoQes (merchant), Mr James Jenlcins, Mr John Lumley, Lewis Morris, Mr T. Morgan, the Rev. J. M. J ones, John Davies, Mr R. Lloyd, Mr J. J. Jones, Mr Wm. i°nes, Mr David Owen, Mr Rowland Wood, Mr B. Her- ^rt, Mr Griffith Williams, Mr David Davies, and Mr °hn Hughes. The CHAIRMAN—Before we commence the business of the meeting, it may be as well that I should briefly ex- Wain the reason why this meeting has been called. Some Soie ago a memorial was presented to the Board of ardians, signed by our worthy rector, and by a number Of other gentlemen, asking that the guardians should tkke into their serious and immediate consideration the nitary condition of the town of Machynlleth. The sub- ject was carefully discussed by the Board of Guardians, ?>d, at an adjourned meeting it was resolved that we should call in Mr Szlumper to advise us as to the best y of meeting the difficulty which presented itself, and J complying with the request which was set forth in the ?*emorial. Mr Szlumper was accordingly called in, and made a survey of the town, and has prepared a re- rt which has been laid before us, and this having been Reived by us, we decided upon calling a meeting, par- king somewhat of a public character, so that all persons J^hected by property with the town should have an op- jr.ttunity of discussing the report before us; and that we oteht be able to ascertain, as far as possible, what was opinion and the feeling of the townspeople upon this Important matter. As for the Board of Guardians, I just as well say, that we are not over-anxious to take i e matter up on our sole responsibility; we have our fields already fully occupied with our own business of the fiion. Legally, we are the only body which can, under lasting circumstances, carry the work out, but, as I said r'ore, we should be very giad to have it taken out of our Jj^ds, as we have quite enough to do already; but if we assist the furtherance and completion of any scheme jJ^ch may eradicate the evil complained of, we shall jg tnost happy to do all that lies in our power. This y v an adjourned meeting for the purpose of taking this re- rt of Mr Szlumper's into consideration, and as guard- we should prefer to be listeners, and to hear what the i^ers of property have to say upon the matter. jMr MEREDITH—May I ask who signed this memorial the guardians, besides yourself, Mr Griffith ? he Rev. G. GRIFFITH—A great many persons, besides vlelf, si'nied it. It was remitted from a public vestry. MEREDITH—I only wished to know, as this is the time that I have heard of it. FC *he CHAIRMAN—Th= memorial has appeared in the pub- Papers, and was signed by the rector and the officials of town. If you please, we will take the report of Mr rp^^per sis read. *he report was as follows -tv yth, February 15th, 1870.—To the Board of Guard- the Machynlleth Union.—Gentlemen.—In accordance nj1 your instructions, directing me to report upon the present °f the drainage of the town of Machynlleth, and to prepare "late, for improved drainage and water supply, I beg to state A have, ai-cordingly, made a survey of your town with that <1K. • Its present drainage consists of imperfect small shallow Wjls, which empty themselves into the Garsiwn open ditch. teh or o:ien Fewer is so flat and circuitous that the sewage r and other filth remains in it close under the Garsiwn where, already., one of the most vital principles of (jlstfcod, viz., ventilation; so that it is not at all sur- ^48 ^at disease should have there broken out in the form it The Garsiwn ditch lalls into the River Dovey about 1J fnfr .below the town, and but very little of the filth which first «L^° it ever reaches -itt outfall. I have taken considerable f°r a new outfall as the Garsiwn ditch should cer- C1? never be used as a sewer, and I propose that for that pur- should be abandoned. The natural drain of the country the River Dovey,-it is into this river direct that any new should bes made, unless a system of utilizing the sewage ke-adopted, which at present I am not prepared torecom- I huve therefore selected, as the point of outfall into the vey that shown on the accompanying drawing No. 2, is the nearest point to the town where a sufficient fall II be ol)tained, and it is so arranged that all the sewage fyJKd be brought to this one outfall. The whole length of the Propose shall be covered, and as glazed stoneware pipes Hi ee 'he best as well as the cheapest sewers, I propose that in It asps they should be used. The sewers which I propose to A and for which I have prepared estimates, are all shown by 68 on the accompanying drawing, No. 1. The main drain er commences at the top of Maengwyn-street, running U the entire length of that street, crossing Penrallt-street, *1) B fnmngh Garsiwn-lane, and thence taking the line of out- W 'o the River Dovey, as shown on accompanying plan No. 1. kg branch drains are as follows1. A drain commencing at bottom of Pentrerhedyn, joiuing the main drain, close to Op it passes the Town Hall. 2. A drain commencing at the Penrallt-street, near M&esglas, and joining the main itjj1. at the top of Garsiwn-lane. 8. A drain commencing lit those ol°-sely packed cottages in Pwll-llan-lane, running in Garsiwn Cottages, .joining the main drain near the bot- t iparsiwn-lane. 4. A drain commencing in Penrallt-street, tto*n of Tanrallt-street, running along the road to the station; and when nearly opposite the National Schools, across the field, and joining the main drain, a3 shown on VsJJ'Panying drawing, No. 1. These drains are laid out so that ll^court and alley can be drained into them, their sizes are l|jvrked on'the plan, and their depths on the sections, draw- »j °' 8 and 4. The cost of these works, including all neces- and gulleys, I estimate at £ 1,815. A perfect of drainage is worse than useless without a bountiful Supply; and such water supply should be made available (^°Qsehold and drinking purposes as well as for the flashing t6s*ers, I have therefore searched for the best source; the tllnt season of tke year is, however, very unfavourable for s investigation; provided, upon an analysis, the water W8 good, I believe the best supply is to be obtained from bach Brook, about 1J mile from the tollgate, from whence .e d bring the water by gravitation through a six-inch II stoneware pipe into a reservoir, to be constructed about Itdred and fifty yards above the tollgate, by the roadside, 1 iv: a sufficient level to supply the tops of the highest houses town, from which reservoir it should be distributed by Pipes through every street in the town, thus giving every i^ltK Packed court and lane that most necessary requisite of kflj > a bountiful supply of good water. The cost of this, in- 6 J!ig the p'pe line from Pandybach Brook, the construction of JW^^buting reservoir, and the laying of the cast-iron main Pipes, as shown on drawing No. 2,1 estimate at £ 1,898, S ad<lfcd to the estimate for drainage works, amounts to the £ 3,713. — I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, W. SZLUMPER, M. Inst. C.E." Rev. G. GRIFFITH—If Mr Szlvmiper had been I¡j¡. I was prepared to ask him one question—" Why \> 8:\V"age of the town should not be utilized ?" We shall fv Sreat expense;, and we should keep it in view utilization of the -sewage would be a source of 8 "well as assisting ia the preservation of the health ^inhabitants of the town. (Hear, hear.) JWEDITH said that on Monday last, on the recom- cf Mr Goschen, tte President of the Poor-law a committee had been .appointed for the purpose 9uiiiDg and reporting whether it be expedient that the now imposed upon the occupiers of rali&ble pro- f for vai'ious local purposee should be divided between Wilers and occupiers, which would thus increase the WiT8 of the landowners. He suggested that the whole should be deferred until it was seen what Bill the t'ntnent proposed to introduce. ^V- GRIFFITH—Will that Bill bear upon the condition of a town ? i^EREDITH—It will. -OIlGAN—I should like to know where the £ .3,713, ijjJhount of Mr Szlumper's estimate, is to come from ? Sh VWELL—You will have no great Aifficulty in bor- upon good security being-given. SU "■ MORGAN —In his report he does not say a word the drainage of Cae Bach. He seems to have 1(^3 that altogether. W*IOWELL said that the question of raising the money • for carrying out a system of drainage and other d: In the town had been much discussed by the :lls, who had waited for the receipt of Mr Szlum- tit ?Port before they decided what course they should t on-5 the matter. At the last meeting of the Board, ld 110n was most cleady expressed that the works be carried out without the formation of a Board 511 the town, and so the great and chief question W .Prog-ant meeting to consider was—" Shall we form i%> Health or not?" The guardians would h Ce great difficulty in borrowing the money, which V i?t well be raised by means of a rate payable in one 6 voider the provisions of the Local Government Act, l's "aey might be repaid, with interest, over a series of k Board of Health would be a corporation, and ^j^Hiage powers would be under the control of such Vh' and the guardians would be ready to give up their at any moment providing that something was Qifther the formation of a Local Board of Health, or her feasible means of carrying out the necessary ?<w., The feeling of the meeting as to the formation of of Health should be taken. ^tlu'STON said that the formation of a Board of ft, ^'ould not tie that body down to any particular ibl RO-N-SBURG said that the guardians were clearly re- j e"for the sanitary condition of the town, and the uP°n the Board of taking the necessary the initiative in the matter. A committee of b oWners had paid for the plan and report which submitted by Mr Szlumper, and had originated & sh an<^ ^le proposed that a committee of land- L^aiiT011^ formed for the purpose of enquiring into K a"e> frame a report upon the same, and present guardians. "W. Mobgajt—I think that the ratepayers should "thing to say in the matter, for they will have to guardians. "W. Mobgajt—I think that the ratepayers should "thing to say in the matter, for they will have to Eay for the work in the end> and I think you ought to ave them upon the cfon^ittee. Mr STRONSBURG preferred that the committee should be 'confined exclusively to owners of property in the town afid liberties. Nothing would be done if they depended upon the ratepayfe^s for seeing the drainage carried out. The ratepayers were squeaking" very much already. After some further discussion as to who were to take part in any voting which might arise—landowners, guar- dians, or ratepayers—Mr HOWELL suggested that the guardians should adjourn their meeting, and that a dis- cussion, of a free and friendly character, should take place between the owners of property in the town, and that their feelings on the matter might thus be ascertained. On the motion of Mr THRUSTON, seconded by Mr GIL- LART, the meeting of the Board of Guardians was then declared at an end. Mr E. DAVIES-Now, gentlemen, the meeting of the guardians being at an end, it devolves upon you to elect your chairman for the meeting, and I now retire. Mr STRONSBURG—I move that Mr Davies retain the chair. Mr Davies declining, it was moved by Mr RICHARD .TONES, seconded by Air HOWELL, that Mr Gillart be elected chairman, which was carried. Mr GILLART, having taken the chair, invited any land- owner present to speak his opinion, and mention what views he held in order to meet the requirements for the amelioration of the sanitary condition of Machynlleth. It was clear that some immediate steps must be taken to remedy the existing evil. Mr STRONSBURG held a similar opinion, that something must at once be done, that immediate action must be taken. If the guardians would not take the necessary steps it was very probable that they might be compelled to act by a higher tribunal, and he, as a landowner, would not hesitate in taking the initiative to obtain compulsory powers if he found the least obstinacy or inclination to thwart the carrying out of some feasible scheme which would meet the present case. All the landowners ap- peared to be very backward in offering any suggestions to the meeting, and the only answer they made to the re- peated appeal of the chairman was-silence. They all appeared to be afraid to take any action, for fear of the expense, lest it should touch their pockets. Mr RICHARD JONEs-The feeling of the town is, I know, very averse to the expenditure of this large sum, 23,713. (Hear, hear.) Mr STRO-SBURG--And so am I, and I am averse to throwing it upon the shoulders of the ratepayers. If the landowners will not do anything, we must apply else- where. Mr J. FOULKES JONES suggested the formation of a Board of Health for the town. Mr THOMAS MORGAN suggested that a public meeting should be called, in order that the ratepayers and free- holders might have the opportunity of expressing their opinion. The Rev. GEORGE GRIFFITH said that it was apparent from the tone of the meeting that no difference of opinion existed with regard to the question-shall something be done, or shall matters remain in statu quo ? The general feeling was that some steps should be taken in order to im- prove the sanitary condition of the town. They all held the opinion that the matter should be taken up, and be- yond that they came to a full stop. It appeared that the scheme of a drainage system could not be carried out ex- cept under the provisions of the Local Government Act, and he suggested that the feeling of the meeting should be elicited on that point. Mr THRUSTON said that they were agreed that the town was in a great state of sanitary neglect, and that much improvement was absolutely necessary. Something must be done, that was also agreed upon, and then came the question, "How were they to do that something?" At present the guardians had no power to borrow except upon the rates of the present year, which were already heavy enough. There appeared to be no other means of carrying the matter into effect, save by the formation of a Local Board of Health. Mr SACKVILLE PHELPS fully concurred in all that Mr Thruston and the Rector had said. They saw the great calamity of sickness and disease which had broken out in the town, and he thought that no time should be lost in staying this fearful scourge, which robbed numbers of families of those who were near and dear to them. A plan had been proposed, to his mind the only practicable remedy which could be adopted, and they should now consider the most feasible way of carrying it out. The money must be borrowed from some source, and their only satisfactory borrowing powers appeared to be through the medium of a Board of Health. All looked with some mis- givings upon the expense attendant upon the establish- ment of a Local Board of Health, but it appeared to be the only resource left; and when their great object had been accomplished, and the town thoroughly cleansed, that body, its great work at an end, might be dissolved. He thought that too great an outcry was being raised about the expense, which must of necessity be incurred, but they must remember that the repayment of the loan and its interest would be extended over a series of years, and this expense would not press unduly upon the ratepayers. The health of the poor people of the town, of their own families, should surely be of greater importance and anxiety than a rate of sixpence or a shilling in the pound. (Hear, hear.) Mr THRUSTON said that taking Mr Szlumper's estimate with interest at five per cent., a rate of Is. in the pound upon the ratable value of Machynlleth, would amply meet the expenditure. Many of his friends, to whom he had spoken upon the subject, thought that Mr Szlumper's estimate was much too high, and might be cut down a great deal. Mr LEWIS MORRIS thought that the landowners and others interested should have time to think over the matter, and advised a delay of twelve months or so Mr THRUSTON—What, and let your poor people die in the mean time (Hear, hear.) The Rev. G. GRIFFITH proposed that application be > made at once for the establishment of a Local Board of Health. Mr J. FOULKES JONES seconded the motion. Mr RICHART) JONES objected to the formation of a Local Board. In many of the adjoining towns,where such bodies had been formed, there were endless complaints, and a never-ceasing expense. At Aberdovey the ratepayers had bo pay about 21,000 for a reservoir, which was almost use- less. He moved, as an amendment, That a Local Board be not formed." Sir DAVID JONES (the Union) seconded the amendment. IT STRONSBURG quite agreed with Mr Richard Jones as to the failings of a Local Board of Health. Still he thought that the fault rather rested with the ratepayers to allow mch failings on the part of their representatives. Mr RICHARD JONES suggested that a further appeal should be made to the owners of property for the improve- ment of their tenements. As an owner of property, he pleaded guilty in not having done what he ,should -have ione, but he was fully prepared and willing to meet any mggestion which might come from a committee. It would be a very great hardship upon the owners of property which was in good repair to be taxed to carry out the necessary alterations in other properties where they were needed. (Hear, hear.) A man might have two or three jottages in perfeet repair, and was it just that he should be compelled to pay for his neighbour who might have twenty or thirty small cottages in a dirty condition? (Hear, bear.) Mr THRUSTON said that the meeting appeared to be losing sight of the main point, the formation of a Local Board, or some other body to take the matter up. Mr STRONSBURG again urged the appointment of a com- mittee, and the motion and amendment having been with- irawn, it was moved by the Rev. G. GRIFFITH and seconded by Mr THOMAS MORGAN, that A committee be formed for general sanitary purposes, consisting of Earl Vane, Sir Watkin W. Wynn, Bart., M.P., Mr Sackville Phelps, Mr D. Howell, Mr Strasbourg, the Rev. George Griffith, Mr Gillart, Mr William Pugh .(agent for Sir Watkin), Mr J. Foulkes Jones, Mr G. W. Griffiths, Mr David Jones (Unicorn), Dr Lloyd, Dr D. R. Pughe, Mr Thomas Morgan, Mr William Jones, Mr John Meredith, Mr John Davies, Mr Lewis Morris, Mr David Morgan, Mr Edward Morgan, Mr Rowland Wood, Mr Richard Lloyd, Mr David Owen, Mr David Davies, Mr B. Her- bert, Mr Griffith Williams-(Skinners' Arms), Mr Edward Davies (Dolcaradog), and Mr C. F. Thruston, five to form st quorum, and with power to add to their number. Mr THRUSTON intimated that the Board of Guardians would still keep in force the ,provisions of the Nuisance Removal Act, and hoped that the committee would take imnaediate steps, and report to tke Board. The meeting concluded with the usual compliment to the chaimnan. The following extracts from the .report presented by the Inspector of Nuisances, may be taken as illustrating, in some slight degree, the advantages which Machynlleth presents as a place of summer resort Thirty houses with but two privies nine families with one ten with one; three with one fifteen cottagies with none; ten with one eight without any.; three, ditto five, ditto seven with one • sixteen cottages with one, and that very full, being used, as I am informed," say the inspector, by seventy persons; fourteen with one; eight with one seven without any five, ditto; five, ditto twenty-one with two six with one, and that out of repair two, with- out seven, ditto three, ditto two, ditto;" and so on ad libitum, with foul defective drains, and nuisances ad nauseam.

O' LLANWDDYN. THE NEW VICAR.-The Rev. Thomas Henry Evans, rector of Llandegla, has been appointed to the vicarage of Llanwddyn, in the diocese of St. Asaph. Patron, the Right Honourable the Earl of Powis gross annual value, £ 282 and a house.

LLANDRILLO. THE FAIR.—This fair, which was held last Friday, the 25th ult., was well attended by buyers. Cows with calves were in great demand, and fetched very high prices. Of horses there was but a scanty supply; good cart horses sold well. There was a large number of young pigs offered for sale, their prices being lowered very few were sold.

BALA. THE BALA BANKING COMPANY, LIMITED.—On Tuesday, the 1st inst., the annual general meeting of this company was held at the office of the Bank; T. Jones, Esq., Penisarllan, in the chair. The directors' report of the operations for the half-year was encouraging. The profits realized admitted of a considerable increase in the divi- dend, but in order to augment the reserved fund, it was resolved that the dividend upon the paid-up capital should remain (as before) at eight per cent. per annum. The call made in November received general approba- tion, and met with the prompt response of the proprietary, and several new shares had been disposed of during the half-year. The auditor was re-appointed, and the retiring directors were re-elected. The meeting terminated with the usual vote of thanks. POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT. An entertainment was given at the British School on Friday, the 25th ult., for the benefit of the funds of the school;R. J. Ll. Price, Esq., Rhiwlas, in the chair. The roomwas crammed, and on the arrival of Mr and Mrs Price and party, they were heartily received by the audience. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said before commencing the pro- gramme he wished to express the gratification he enjoyed in seeing such a large assembly met together to encourage and stimulate the local talent of the town and neighbour- hood, and they could not too highly appreciate the good cause which could collect so many, bringing class and class together for instruction and innocent enjoyment, and to assist local institutions like the one in which they were assembled. In the course of the proceedings it would be seen what talent there was in Bala, and whether they had the germ of a future orator. He wished great success to the object for the benefit of which the meeting was convened. The following is the programme- Song and Chorus—"Ring the Bell, Watchman" Misses Williams and Jones Recitation-" Casabianca." Master Owen, N. P. Bank Diiet-11 I know a Bank" Mr and Mrs Seaton Recitation—" Sut yr aeth Shoned yn hen ferch" Mr W. Price Song—" Can i hen ferch" Gwrtheyrn Recitation—" Cheese in Chancery, etc." Master J. P. Jones Instrumental Duet Misses Parry Song- Massa's in the cold ground" Miss Seaton Pickwick's Trial Scene—Breach of Promise Case." Solo (cornet)-" Blue Bells of Scotland" (with variations) Mr Maurice Song—" Wanted a Governess" Mr J.Lewis Chorus—" March on, March on" Glee Party Song-" A Life on the Ocean Wave" (encored, and gave Eis- teddfod Ruthin") •• Gwrtheyrn National Anthem. On the motion of Dr Hughes, seconded by Mr Simon Jones, a unanimous vote of thanks was passed to the chairman and the performers, with three cheers for Mrs Price. The Chairman, in responding, said he felt thankful for the kind expressions manifested to himself and his wife they had, as well as all present, spent a most plea- sant and entertaining evening, and it was properly called a popular entertainment. As to the performers they had all executed their tasks well. The gentlemen who per- formed the scene from" Pickwick" must have devoted great time and trouble to get it up so successfully, and he hardly knew which to admire most—the eloquence of the counsel, or the gravity and sternness of the judge. (Cheers.)

CORWEN. PENNY READINGS.—On Thursday evening last, another of these pleasant entertainments came off at the National Schoolrooms, the chair being occupied by G. Buckton, Esq. A well concerted programme was enjoyed by a large and respectable audience. The usual compliments to the chairman having been recorded, the National Anthem terminated the proceedings. SAD OCCURRENCE.—An inquest touching the death of Robert Evans, sixty-eight years of age, late labourer at Maerdy, Gwyddelwern, was held at the Blue Bell Inn, Gwyddelwern, on Thursday last, before the county coroner. —Robert Hughes, coal dealer at the Railway Station, Gwyddelwern, deposed that the deceased came to the station about one o'clock^ on Saturday last. The train having arrived, a horse in deceased's charge took fright and started away, but was then stopped by the deceased. The horse then had another fright, when the deceased and witness caught his head, but unfortunately deceased fell and the cart went over him, causing him severe injuries. He was at once conveyed to his home at the village, where he was attended -totby Dr Jones, of Corwen. He died on Monday last.—Mrs Roberts wife of Mr Roberts, station- master, Gwyddelwern, also gave evidence. -Mr Jones, of Maerdy, the owner of the horse, was called and ex- amined by the coroner as to his previous knowledge of the horse's viciousness, when he denied ever having heard or known that he had run away at any time. It was part of the deceased's duty to follow the team when required to do so; and he had on previous occasions worked this horse to the railway station.—The coroner succinctly summed up the evidence, observing that no blame was attached to anyone. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." PLOUGHINC MATCH.—The annual ploughing match for the Edernion District took place on Thursday, the 3rd inst., in a field near this town belonging to Mr Simon Williams. The morning broke cloudy, heavy rain soon began and incessantly fell during the day. However, the spirit dis- played by the ploughmen and the lookers-on, was not at all damaged, but the number was not as large as in team s previous years. It was half-past nine before the teams were set in working order. Mr Walter B. C. Jones, the energetic secretary, read the rules before the competition commenced. Thirteen teams competed, and capital work was done considering the state of the weather. The work was to be performed in four hours and a quarter, and by a quarter to two, the time appointed for completion, each ploughman had finished his task. He then "struck up" and proceeded to prepare himself for the capital dinner provided for the occasion at the Harp Inn by Mr and Mrs Davies. The judges were Mr W. Davies, Penygraig, Ruthin, and Mr William Hughes, Berth, Llanfair, who awarded the first prize to Mr Edward Lloyd, Cae Crwn, Cyowyd—maker of plough, Mr Wm. Roberts, smith, Cynwyd; second to John Jones, Penlan—maker of plough, Mr John Owen, Llandrillp; the third to Hugh Williams, Hendreforfydd, Llansaintffraid — maker of plough, Mr Edward Williams, of Corwen; fourth to Griffith Evans, Hafod, Corwen—maker of plough, Mr The judges highly commended the whole.

PORTMADOC. FBEEMASONRT.—INITIATIFTN OF EDWARD BBEESE, ESQ., AT ROSS.—On Monday the Provincial Grand Master of Herefordshire visited the Vitruvian Lodge, Ross, in order to introduce to the brethren Charles Mackay, Esq., LL.D. (the well-known poet), and Edward Breese, Esq., of Morfa Lodge, Merionethshire, to be initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry. After the ceremony of initiation, the Provincial Grand Master addresw-d the W.M. as follows :—" I would first express my sincere re- gret at having been disabled by serious illness from being present at your installation. I should have been much pleased and gratified to have. evitwed by my attendance Ion the regard I feel for you personally, and the estimation in which I hold your character. Worshipful sir, I congratu- late the brethren, of the Vitruvian Lodge on the accession to their number in the persons of my friends, Dr Mackay and Edward Breese, who have this evening being partially- initiated into the mysteriee of our most ancient and world- renowned fraternity. Brother Dr Mackay's reputation is well known. He was born a poet. Pod-z nascitur non fit. He is also no inconsiderable contributor to our national literature; he has helped to give new truths to the stock of diuman knowledge, and has thereby aided our native land in continuing to hold the first rank among the lights and benefactors of the human raee. To do this falls only to the lot of the gifted few. It is a much higher work than the most brilliant oratory-for oratory is <only the communication of thought by speech, whereas in Dr Mackay's case it is the mind giving to multitudes, whom no voice can reach, its compressed and select thoughts in the most lucid order and instructive forms which it is capable of inventing. Brother Edward Breese is also one of those men who have inscribed their names on the roll of acute thinkers and earnest workers in the great cause of civil, intellectual, and religious liberty. I have known him from his boyhood, and it is my privilege to number him amongst my most attached and valued friends. More- over, it has been no small satisfaction to me to have noticed him winning his upward way, year after year, to a high social position in North Wales, and whilst so doing gathering around him the confidence and regard of his fellow-countrymen. For these reasons, brethren, I am rejoiced to hail my old friends as my Masonic brothers."

TREDDOL. PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY.—Before H. C. Fryer and Lewis Pugh Pugh, Esqs. Non-payment of Poor Rates.—Anne Williams, of Taly- bont, widow, was summoned by the overseers of the town- ship of Cynnillmawr for refusing to pay the poor rate. P.C. Jones proved the service of the summons. John Griffiths, the rate collector, also proved having made a demand for the rate. The defendant was ordered to pay forthwith. Keeping Dogs without Licence.-Daniel Evans, of Brwynog, in the township of Sgyborycoed,!was summoned by Mr Hickox, the supervisor of excise, for keeping five I full-grown dogs and a whelp under six months, without taking out licences as required under the Act. Mr Hickox appeared to prove the case. The defendant was fined 25s., and to pay 7s. 6d. costs.—Thomas Evans, of Llwyngwyne, in the township of Sgyborycoed, was also summoned for keeping a number of dogs without a licence. Mr Hickox again proved the case, and the defend- ant was fined 25s., and costs.

LLANBADARNFAWR. FAIR.—The annual March fair was held on Tuesday, the 1st inst., when there were a great number of English drovers and horse dealers in attendance at an early hour. Unfortunately there was a poor show of both fat and store cattle, but all went off at fair prices; and the same may be said of the horse show.

DOLGELLEY. THE FEMALE CHRISTYS.—A coloured troupe performing under this title occupied the County Hall on Wednesday evening. PRESENTATION TO THE PARISH CHURCH.—A handsome Bible, Book of Common Prayer, and a copy of Hymns Ancient and Modern, the result of a subscription by the relatives and friends of the family, have been presented to the parish church of St. Mary, by Miss Reveley, eldest daughter of Hugh John Reveley, Esq., Brynygwyn, Dol- gelley. ST. DAVID'S DAY AND THE CLUBS.—The anniversary of the tutelary saint of the Principality was celebrated with all due honours in Dolgelley on Tuesday. The two prin- cipal friendly societies, the Golden Lion and the Angel clubs, who keep their anniversary on this day, met at their respective club houses in the morning, and thence, headed by the band of the Dolgelley Rifle Volunteers, under the direction of Bandmaster Humphrey Roberts, and the Rhydymaen Brass Band, they marched through the streets of the town, and attended morning service in the parish church. The prayers and lessons were read by the Rev. Evan Lewis, and the Rev. John Hughes, and an appropriate sermon based upon the parable of the Good Samaritan was preached by the Rev. Arthur Jones, B.A., curate of Llanegryn. After church the procession re-formed, and the clubs escorted their doctors and the rector (who is identified with both clubs as an hon. subscriber) to their residences. In the afternoon the members dined together at their club rooms. The members of the Golden Lion Club, some two hundred and twenty in number, sat down to a capital dinner provided at the Golden Goat, by Miss Mary Owen. The chair was occupied by Mr John Williams, president of the society, who was supported Mr Thomas Humphrey Williams, Llwyn, Dr Edward Jones, Mr Owen Thomas, the Gaol, Mr William Williams, &c. The vice-chair was filled by Mr Wm. Davies, the vice-president of the club, and Mr Hugh Griffiths, and Mr Evan Williams, Pont-yr- Arran, officiated as presidents of the tables. After the cloth had been removed, the loyal and patriotic toasts were drunk, and the health of the member for the county was duly honoured. The health of Dr Edward Jones, the medical officer of the club, was proposed by the chairman, and drunk with all the honours. The health of the hon. subscribers, coupled with the name of Mr Richard Meredyth Richards; "The Bishop and Clergy of the diocese," coupled with the name of the Rev. Evan Lewis, M.A., The President," The Office-bearers," and a num- ber of personal toasts were drunk. In the course of the evening songs were sung by Messrs Owen Jones, Hum- phrey Roberts, Owen Thomas, Richard Ellis, Richard Ellis, jun., David Lewis (Penrallt), John Ellis, Owen Davies, Thos. Owen, and others, and a very pleasant evening was spent. From the balance sheet of the receipts and expenditure of the society (which was established in 1802, and is the parent society of the numerous clubs which are the pride and boast of Dolgelley) for the year ended January 22nd, 1870, as presented by Mr Wm. Williams, the secretary, the affairs of the club appear to be in a most satisfactory and flourishing condition-there being an in- crease on the year of 228 7s. 7d. The number of respon- sible members upon the books is 224, and there is a total balance in hand of C983 11s. During the year 44 members have been in receipt of sick relief at a cost of j690 Os. 4d., three funerals are debited with £31 2s., salaries absorb 261 3s. 9d., and miscellaneous expenses k-95 Is. 8d. During the evening the names of three honorary subscribers were an nounced—Mr William Williams, Ivy House Mr John Meyrick Jones, and MrW. Williams, Glanmawddach. The members of The Aiding Friendly Society" sat down to dinner at the Angel Hotel, a capital bill of fare being pro- vided by Mrs Griffiths. Mr Howel Parry, president of the society, occupied the chair—numbering amongst his imme- diate supporters Dr John E. Jones, Brynfynnon, surgeon to the club Dr Lloyd, Barmouth and other gentlemen. The yioe-chair was filled by Mr Lewis Jones. The usual toasts were duly honoured, and the musical portion of the evening's pleasure was ably discharged by Messrs John IS1,ac Roberts, John Carmel Evans, David Griffith, and Thomas Parry. From the yearly statement, from Feb- ruary 15th, 1869, to February 13th, 1870, presented by Mr Lewis Williams, the secretary, it appears that the club, which has now attained its forty-fifth birthday, has 164 members on its books, and that the total funds in hand amount to £ 665 2s. 7d., showing an increase on the year of 213 6s. 7d. The expenditure for the year was 2140; thirty sick members received relief amounting to 248 17s. 3d. seven funerals of members and four of members' wives cost 238 14s. 4d. salaries, 231 Is. 3d.; sundries, £ 18. Mr Edward Griffiths was re-elected treasurer, and Mr David Thomas, Mr John Mills, and Mr Evan Jones, trustees. We may add that at both clubs a special vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Richard Meredyth Richards, of Caerynwch, for the interest he has at all times evinced in the progress and welfare of Friendly and Benefit Societies in Dolgelley. Mr Richards, in his carriage, accompanied the clubs round the town, and this was regarded as a special compliment upon his part, and acknowledged by a special vote of thanks on the part of the clubs.—In the evening a semi-public dinner was-held at the Talbot Hotel, about thirty gentlemen sitting down under the presidency of Mr William Griffith, Glanalvon Cottage, and the vice-presidency of Mr Poole,' Cambrian Railways. The catering of Mrs Pugh was ad- mirable. In the course of the post-prandial pioceedings the health of the Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese, coupled with the name of the Rev. Evan Lewis, the health of Mr Samuel Holland, M.P., the "Town and Trade of Dolgelley," coupled with the names of Mr Thompson, Railway Refreshment Room, and Mr Edward Owen, the Prince of Wales, who responded, and a number of personal toasts were dunk, and songs sung. PETTY SESSIONS, TTjpSDAY, -Before R. M. Richards, Esq., CoL Bunbuiy, C.B., and John Vaughan, Esq. Begging.—Henry Sharpe, a vagrant, was charged by P.C. Ashton with begging at the Talbot Hotel, and com- mitted for seven days with hard labour. Fowl Stealing.-Evan Roberts, shoemaker, Dolgelley, was charged on remand with stealing fowl. Mr John Jones was for the defendant. -P.C. Azariah Phillips said that about five o'clock on the morning of the 20th of last month, he saw the defendant coming from the direction of the Green towards Church-street. Witness was standing near the Crown, and defendant hurried down the lane which leads under the archway by Tanyfonwynt. Witness went by the way of the Old Bank to meet him, and encountered him at the end of the lane leading to Lom- bard-street. He asked "Where have you been to so early as this?" and putting his hand into defendant's pocket he found that it was wet, and challenged him with having been out fishing. The defendant denied that he had been fishing, and witness looking at his hands saw that there was blood upon them, and a feather sticking in the blood. Going up the lane he found a hen recently killed, lying close to where he had seen the defendant standing. He then went in search of the defendant, who bolted when he saw witness, and nothing more was seen of him until his apprehension on the previous Tuesday.—Evan Edwards, Talybont, Dolgelley, identified the hen as being one of two which had been stolen from his hen house on the morning of the 20th ult.—The magistrates held that the case was fully proved, and committed the defendant for two calendar months, with hard labour. A Raid upon Publicans and Drunkards.-Miss Mary Owen, the Golden Goat, Dolgelley, was summoned by P.C. David Jones for permitting drunkenness. Mr Griffith Williams, who appeared for Miss Owen, asked that the case might be adjourned for a week. Case adjourned.—Evan Jones, Dolgelley, was summoned by Inspector Owen Jones for being drunk and riotous. De- fendant did not appear. Inspector Jones said that at nine o'clock on the night of February 23rd he saw the de- fendant, who Is a respectable young man in business in the town, making a great row in Queen-square. He was very drunk and refused to go home. Fined 5s., or seven days' imprisonment. —Humphrey Williams, quarryman, was sum- moned for being drunk and refusing to quit. P. C. D. Jones said that on the night of the 21st ult. he was called into the Prince of Wales, and'found the defendant very drunk and noisy. He refused to go out, and had to be forcibly ejected. Defendant did not appear, and his being a familiar face, he was fined 22, or a month.— John Williams, tailor, and father of the last defendant, was charged with a similar offence, and fined 10s., and costs, or seven days.—Evan Jones, the Swan, was summoned by P.C. A. Phillips for permitting drunkenness. The officer said that on the night of the 24th ult. he saw a man named Griffith Jones going into the Swan. Noticing that he was very drunk witness followed him into the house, and saw him with a portion of a glass of ale before him. Witness told defendant that he was doing very wrong in serving a drunken man. P.C. David Jones said that he was with the last witness. When he told Mr Jones that it was very wrong to serve a drunken man, he replied that he would not let him have any more. Griffith Jones was drunk, but not disorderly. The defendant had been pre- viously cautioned by witness. For the defence it was con- tended that Griffith Jones came into the house, but was not served with beer, having coolly helped himself out of the glass of another man. Edward Pugh said that he was at the Swan on the 24th ult., and saw Griffith Jones come in. He appeared as if he had had some drink. No drink was supplied to him in the house, but he took some out of arother person's glass. Witness was in the house twenty minutes or half an hour, but saw nothing of the police. Robert Lloyd, blacksmith, said that he was in the Swan, and saw Griffith Jones sitting upon the settle. He saw the police come into the house and leave, and could swear that no drink was supplied to Griffith Jones while he was in the house. Much to the suprise of a crowded court a fine of 21, and costs, was imposed.-Gwen Jones, the Cross Foxes, Dolgelley, was charged with a similar offence. Mr John Jones appeared for the defendant. P.C. David Jones said that he went into the Cross Foxes on the 25th ult., and saw two drunken men there. He had seen them going in and had followed. One of the men was sitting by the fire, and had a glass of beer in his hand, and offered witness some. Witness cautioned the manager, who said that he had taken no notice whether the men were drunk or not, but that they should not be served with any more liquor. For the defence Hugh Jones, the manager of the Cross Foxes was called, and said that he did not notice that the men were drunk. He told them what the police- man had said about them, and upon hearing that they drank up their beer, and went. Edward Barrow said that he was in the Cross Foxes when the men came in. They were not reeling drunk. The case was dismissed.— Griffith Thomas was summoned by P.C. Phillips for being drunk and riotous. Defendant did not appear, and the case was adjourned until the next sessions. BOARD OF GURDIANS, THURSDAY. -Present: Mr David Jones, deputy-chairman, who presided, the Rev. Evan Lewis, Mr Hugh Roberts (Dolgelley), Mr Lewis Jones (Llanelltvd), Mr Owen Owen (Llahfihallgel-y- pennant), Mr John Edwards (Llanegryn), Mr Robert Williams (Llanaber), Mr Richard Jones, Llanddwywe- uwch-graig) Mr Griffith Williams, clerk; Mr Joseph I Roberts, assistant clerk. Vacant Collectorships. The Clerk reported that n( applications had been sent in for the vacant collectorshij of poor rates at Llanelltyd. Resignations had also beer sent in from the collectors of Talyllyn and Mallwyd.— The clerk was instructed to take the necessary steps in filling up the vacancies. The Visitors' Book.—The Clerk said that the house was visited on February 17th by Mr R. M. Richards and Mr Edward Jones, who reported as follows:—"House gradually becoming cleaner, clothing still incomplete."— In answer to the seventh question, it was stated that there were three children in the house, who had not been vaccinated. —Dr Edward Jones, the surgeon of the house, attended before the guardians, and said that the children were too ill to be vaccinated. The Supply of Wine.-The Clerk said that at a previous meeting of guardians he had suggested the desirability of having the wine for the use of the house supplied from a local wine agent. As the contracts for provisions would shortly be entered into, he proposed to include wine amongst the other articles for which contracts were invited. A Deserted Child. —The Clerk called attention to a letter which had been addressed to him by Mr D. Howell, clerk to the Machynlleth Union, respecting the case of Mary Ann Evans, a child aged If year, who had been left chargeable to that union. The mother had absconded, but as it was clear that the child was charge- able to the Dolgelley Union, Mr Howell wished to know whether the guardians would receive her without an order of removal.—Mr Morris Jones, relieving officer for the Talyllyn district, said that in the May of 1869 the mother removed from Llanymawddwy to the neighbour- hood of Machynlleth. -The Clerk: Then you are satisfied that we ought to take the child?- --Nlr Morris Jones Certainly, the mother was born and bred in Llany- mawddwy.—Order accordingly made. A Windfall to the Union.-The Clerk read copies of a correspondence which had passed between a firm of solicitors in Liverpool, the clerk of the Denbigh Lunatic Asylum, and himself, relative to a pauper lunatic, named Hugh Owen, who has since December, ,1849, been confined in the Denbigh Lunatic Asylum as a pauper patient chargeable upon the Dolgelley Union. It appeared that the pauper was entitled to a third share of £1,300, left by a deceased sister, who was formerly an inmate of Den- bigh Lunatic Asylum, and who recently died in the asylum at Bethnal Green. The pauper had served in the second battalion of the Rifle Brigade, and was discharged at Chatham, as of unsound mind. He had not been found a lunatic upon inquisition, but in answer to a question put by the Liverpool firm of solicitors, the clerk to the Den- bigh Lunatic Asylum declared that he was a confirmed lunatic.—The Rev. Evan Lewis Now, I suppose, we shall get our money back.—The Clerk Yes, I will com- municate with the Liverpool firm of solicitors, and see that the matter is taken up. State of the Calls, &c.-The following arrears were re- ported on the call due on February 2nd Dolgelley, 2261 ls. 6d; Llanenddwyn, 968; Llanelltyd,£4;j 3s. 6d.; Llanymawddwy, 251 19s. making a total of E426 4s. Number of inmates in the house 34 vagrants relieved during the past fortnight, 17; corresponding fortnight, 1869, 49; number of paupers in receipt of out-door relief, Dolgelley district, 613; Talyllyn district, 393. Amount paid in out-door relief during the fortnight, Dolgelley district, Mr John Jones, 2124 14s. 9d. Talyllyn district, Mr Morris Jones, 280 17s. 8d. total, 2205 12s. 5d. Balance in the hands of the treasurer, Mr William Williams, 2862 3s. ld. cheques drawn, 2207 ls. lOd. 2

TALYSARNAU. MISHAP ON THE CAMBRIAN RAILWAY.—An accident, fortunately unattended with any serious results, occurred on the Cambrian Railway near Talysarnau on Wednes- day afternoon. The 3*45 p.m. passenger train ex- Machynlleth for Pwllheli was approaching the station, when the driver noticed a man with a horse and cart coming through a gate, and crossing the line, for the purpose of getting on to Captain Thomas's land. The train dashed into the horse, killing it, and carried away a portion of the shafts of the cart. The driver, fortunately for himself, happened to be on the wrong side of the cart, otherwise he must have been killed. The accident would appear to be the result of gross carelessness on the part of the driver of the cart, as the train can be seen for a con- siderable distance.

irtht !Uarria\Jtt and tath. BIRTHS. 1st, the wife of Mr EVAN WATKINS, auctioneer, Llanfyllin, of a son. MARRIAGES. 22nd ult., at the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Bala, by the Rev. L. Edwards, D.D., Mr ENOS DAVIES, chapel keeper, Bala, to ANN PUGH, of Hendreddu, near Bala. 26th ult., at the Parish Church, Llanfachreth, by the Rev. R. Roberts, rector, ROBERT, son of Mr HOWEL JONES, The Lodge, Nannau, Dolgelley, to Miss JANE EDWARDS. 4th, at the Parish Cnurch, Llanychaiarn, near Aberystwyth, by the Rev. Mr Davies, incumbent, Mr SAVIN SCOTT, of Aber- brwynen, to Miss MORRIS, of Morfa, Llanychaiarn. DEATHS. 13th ult., JOHN, son of OWEN JONES, Penybwlch, Penrhyndeu- draeth. 16th ult., aged 80, JANE EVANS, widow of the late Rev. Daniel Evans, Calvinistic Methodist Minister, Peurhyndeudraeth. 17th ult.. aged 77, at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr Jones, butcher, Shrewsbury, Mr E. ROBERTS, late of Llangollen. 17th ult, aged 86, Mr EDWARD REES, Rhiwhiriarth-uchaf, Llanfair Montgomeryshire. 18th ult., GWEN JONES, wife of Mr Robert Jones, Adwyddu, Penrhyndeudraeth. 18th ult., aged 5 months, THOMAS HENRY PARRY, infant son of Mr T. Parry, G.W.R., Berwyn-terrace, Corwen. 18th ult., aged 82, EMMA, widow of ROBERT OWEN TUDOR, Esq., of Inkerman-terrace, Kensington, and Lloran, Denbigh- shire, and youngest daughter of the late John Lloyd Jones, Esq., oJ. Maesmawr, Montgomeryshire. 19th ult., aged 82, Mr JOHN JONES, Caerbwla, Llanerfyl. 19th ult., aged 3, FANNY, daughter of Mr THOMAS MANTLE, Hyssington, Montgomeryshire. 20th ult., aged 100, CATRIN SH6N of Berthengron, Penrhyn- deudraeth. She was walking out the day before she died. 20th ult., aged 16, SARAH ANNE, youngest daughter of Mr GEO. LEWIS, plumber and glazier, Welshpool. 21st ult., aged 69, at Drefechan, EDWARD DAVIES, late farmer, Eglwyseg, near Llangollen. 21st ult., aged 61, ELIZABETH, wife of Mr THOMAS EDWARDS, butcher, Ty'ntwll, Llanarmon-Dyffryn-CeLriog. 22nd ult., aged 68, at his residence, Tanycoed, near Menai Bridge, Anglesey, the Rev. RICHARD RIDGWAY PARRY MEALY, M.A.,Oxon, formerly of Perfeddgoed, Bangor. 22nd ult., at Mount Cottage, Llanidloes, ANNE, wife of Mr JOHN KINSEY. 23rd ult., PRYCE, son of Mr THOS. DAVIES, Salop-road, Mont- gomery. 2Srd ult., aged 62, MARY, the wife of Mr THOS. JONES, Bryn- castell, near Aberystwyth. 24th ult. aged 5 years and 5 months, FREEMAN HOWARD, son of Mr Howard, G.W.R., Glyndwr-terrace, Corwen. 24th ult., the son of Mr JOSEPH ROBERTS, Pantybledw, Llan- fyllin. 24th ult., aged 53, Mr WILLIAM BENBOW, of the Herbert Arms, Kerry, Montgomeryshire. 25th ult., aged 72, Mrs SARAH JONES, Penygloddfa, Newtown. 25th ult., aged 19, ROBERT, the son of Mr ELIAS DAVIES, boot and shoemaker, Aberystwyth. 25th ult., MARY, the wife of JOHN TISDALE, of Windmill Court, Aberystwyth. „ „ 25th ult., aged 65, Mr JOHN FRANCIS, Red House, late of Cefn- gwifed, Llanbrynmair. 26th ult., aged 82, ELLEN WILLIAMS, Brynrhys, Penrhyndeu- draeth. 27th ult., aged 63, at Montgomery, of fever, ROBERT PRYSE EDWARDS, for many years Governor of the Montgomery County Prison.. „ 27th ult., aged 52, the wife of JOSEPH JACKSON, Esq., 21, King-street, Wrexham, and daughter of the late Mr Evan Watkin, Market-street, Llanfyllin. 28th ult., aged 2 £ years, of diphtheria, JOHN MATTHEW HERBERT, fourth son of Mr E. MAURICE JONES, solicitor, Welshpool. 1st, aged 45, CADWALLADER THOMAS, for fourteen years porter at Messrs Minshall and Co.'s, wholesale ironmongers, Os- westry.

THE GREAT EASTERN. The following telegram has been received by the Tele- graphic Construction and Maintenance Company, Limited" Bombay, February 25, 4 p.m. Halpen to Osborne. Great Eastern, at noon, lat. 13deg. 15m., Ion. 48deg. 31m. The rest of the telegram is unintelligible, ex- cept the last wards, 'All well. This places the Great Eastern, on Friday last, 2,157 miles from Aden, in 1,000 fathoms of water. She would, therefore, certainly reach that port last Sunday and Bombay and Aden were pro- bably, on Monday, in direct telegraphic communication.

I CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS. MEETING. The half-yearly meeting was held at Oswestry yester- day, and lasted nearly five hours. Earl Vane presided, and there was a large attendance. The motion for the adoption of the report was met by an amendment, pro- posed by Mr Rawson, to the following effect- That this meeting approves of the letter addressed to the Board on the 17th ult. by the chairman of the committee ap- pointed on the 27th of October last; that such committee was fully empowered to re-construct the Board, and to t ike any steps for that purpose which they thought proper; that the ) directors on the occasion of the appointment of such committee, by deliberately concurring in the terms of the resolution then agreed to, came under an express compact with the share- L holders, and therefore as far as they were concerned their only function as a Board in the matte.' was to give etfect j to the request of this committee; that those di-ect.irs who have refused to carry out the undertaking they deliberately entered into, have by that act justified the waut of comidence in them, and that this meeting now reiterates the opinion of the former meeting of shareholders, that the Board as at p. esent constituted is not entitled to, and does not possess, the con- fidence of the shareholders. The amendment was carried. Mr M'Andrew, of London, was elected a Coast director in the place of Mr C. Holland deceased. The meeting was adjourned to Crewe on the 31st of March.

THE PRINCE OF WALES IN THE WITNESS BOX. There were few—we may say there was no Englishman who was not distressed when he remembered that the eldest son of the Queen rested under this cloud of obloquy. The surreptitious publication of the Prince's letters was the first gleam to lighten the darkness. They were not such as to entitle the writer to a place in the next edition of Walpole's Royal and Noble Authors," but they gave the world greater pleasure than many works of the highest literary distinction. They were simple, gossiping, every- day, and, if we may be permitted to use the phrase, stttpidly honest letters. There was no art in them. 'Hie stttpidly honest letters. There was no art in them. The Princess has had a little girl, and both are doing well." I hope when I come back from Paris to make the ac- quaintance of your husband." There was talk of shooting, and of hunting, and of getting a presentation forSt. Ann's Asylum, and a buying and a selling of ponies, and gossip over measles. The publication of these letters was, doubt- ess, as Lord Penzance said yesterday, a most improper proceeding;" but the Birmingham papers which com- mitted this impropriety will receive light punishment from public opinion. They lifted the cloud which op- pressed us. The evidence of the Prince yesterday must disperse it entirely.-The Times.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. AMERICA. New York, March 1st. Intelligence from Havana announces that Santa Anna was forced by the Spanish authorities to leave that citv. Toronto, Feb. 28. Mr Donald Smith has given general assurance that the Canadian Government will concede to the principal pro- visions of the new Bill of Rights settled by the conven- tion.

COLLISION AT SEA AND LOSS OF LIFE. Point de Galle, 22nd Feb. The American corvette Oneida, when run into by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company'» s.s. Bombay had on board 176 men, of whom 56 were saved.

ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF BALTIMORE. Queenstown, March 1st. The City of Baltimore, from New York, arrived at six a.m. to-day, and having landed passengers, proceeded im- mediately for Liverpool. All well. Specie nil.

On Monday, Lord Napier of Magdala was examined before the Select Committee, appointed last session, to inquire into the expense of the Abyssinian expedition. Lord Napier thinks the expedition could not have been carried out at less than the actual cost, and he is furthei of opinion that a previous estimate was impossible.

DINAS MAWDDWY. LECTURE.—On Thursday week a lecture was delivered at the Methodist Chapel, Dinas, by the Rev. John Davies, Nerquis, the subject being "Two Brothers and an Uncle. The proceeds of tickets sold, at one shilling each, amounted to a g-iod sum, and is intended to defray the expenses of the Methodist Chapel recently erected, and shortly to be opened. Several of the audience were disappointed to and the lecture was but thewellknown history of Esau and his brother Jacob, and the "uncle" was Laban. The lecture would be edifying to persons who were not pre- viously acquainted with Scripture history. COMPETITIVE MEETING.On Friday week a com- petitive meeting was held at the Methodist Chapel, Dinas, the competitors being members of the Sunday School Union of Cemmaes, Aberangel, Camlan, Llan- wrin, and Dinas. The programme contained competi- tions in reciting, reading, singing, poetry, on the modu- lator, &c. The adjudications for all were given, also prizes, both in books and in money. The singing was very creditable to the Cemmaes and Llanwriu choirs. Solos were sung by Mr Williams in a very pleasing man- ner, and most of the prizes were carried off by the Cem- maesites. These meetings will be held annually, and will prove beneficial, having a tendency to show up the talent of young men. The chapel was crowded. PENNY READINGS.—On Tuesday evening, the 22nd ult., these popular readings were held at the Minllyn School- room. The Rev. D. Williams, Mallwyd, took the chair. The following programme was gone through in a masterly stvlA- Opening speech • • The Chairman Village Choristers" •• Brass Band Dialogue.. Penteulu a'r Hen lane" Mr H. Jones and party Song. Croesaw y Milwr" Mr V.Hughes Reading (English) Mr Readwin :# .v.-¡. ¡ Solo. "Ll^-yn On" n Miss Clarke Adjudifcjktion of Poetry •• •• Mr J.Jones Song Diwrnod 8 WftmVyft" Mr L. Jones and party Reading From Handy A»dy" Mr J. S. Hunt Song "Diwmod WftmVyft" Mr L. Jones and party Reading From "Rtndy Aødy" Mr J. S. Hunt Solo Myfi sy'n Magn'r Baban" Miss Rowlands Adjudication of Handwriting Mr E. Hughes Song Bwthyn Gwyn" Miss Hughes and party Adjudication of Composition Mr Jones Song Annie Lisle" Miss Williams and party Reading Nid arian yw'r Cyfan" Mr E. Lewis Song Nid aur yd yw pob peth Melyn" Mr Jones and party Adjudication of Letter Writing. Mr E. Hughes Duct Awelon yr Eryri" Messrs Rowlands Reading Troed goreu 'Mlaen" Mr J. Jones Glee (Welsh) Mr D. Dloyel and party Impromptu Speech Competitors Mr Readwin addressed the audience, and spoke of the beauties which are in this valley, and which few are aware of. He should therefore, for an inducement, offer first, second, third and fourth prizes for the best collec- tion of wild plants before the 1st of July, stating that some would be astonished to find there was such a great variety. The prizes were given to the best of the com- petitors for letter writing, poetry, and. hand writing, from the proceeds of these entertainments. These readings being the last of the season, the school was crowded. The brass band played the finale, which ended a pleasant evening.

THE NANTYGLO MANSLAUG D IE K UAOIS. The charge of manslaughter against the lad .Jo.in Grif- fith, a surgeon's apprentice, in Carnarvoush re (referre d to in another column), was resumed before the Ca narvon county magistrates on Thursday. When the c.t",e was before the Bench on Saturday the magistrates desired Mr Roberts's (the boy's master) attendance, :.ud on his arriv al he was included in1 the charge of manslau. liter. He was now represented by Mr Swetenham, Oar, iser, of the North Wales circuit, who complained that his ciieut should have been charged without a previous properly sworn information. Dr Roberts, however, he sai.1, courted inquiry to the fullest extent, and he (.\lr .Swetenham) would assist the investigation in every way that he could. It was explained to Mr Swetenham that Dr Roberts's brother-in-law undertook to procure his voluntary attend- ance, upon its being stated that a summons or warrant would be issued against him. At the su^ges.iou of the chairman the cases against the lad and Dr Roberts were heard separately, that of the lad being first taken. The evidence of the woman Moses, given at the last inquiry, was fully confirmed in every particular; and the testimony of the medical men who made a post-morte ii examination of the body of the deceased was very sirong, shewing that serious wounds had been inflicted. Only gross ignorance or gross carelessness would hai e led any person to use a woman in this way. The prisnuer's attorney could not struggle against the evidence fo:- the prose cution, and the magistrates committed the lad for trial at the assizes, but admitted him to bail. Mr W. Jones, the solicitor for the prosecution, expressed a doubt whether the evidence was sutii ieut to send Dr Roberts for trial at the assizes on a ch ir,;e of criminal inattention, and left it for the Bench to dec.de what course should be taken. As showing that Dr lioberts had not countenanced the acts of his apprentice, the Bench were reminded of a piece of evidence yuen dur- ing the other case, that the boy wiped the instruments and put them away before his master arrived. Mr Swetenham said if the Bench felt any ditfi-tilty in de- ciding what course should be pursued, Dr Roberts would prefer that the case should go on, because b. was pre- pared with evidence to show most conclusively that Dr Roberts did not know of the instrume-it-i having gone out of his establishment or of their La ling been used until the fact transpired at the inquest on the body of the deceased woman. With regard to Lis not going to the woman, he said, besides that sh was a pauper, there was no legal obligation upon him to attend her, but he would have done so had he not. been suffering from a cold, and had taken something to procure profuse perspiration. He therefore sent his apprentice, not to attend the woman, but to report upon her state. The learned counsel said he should be glad if the prosecu- tion would launch the case, so that he might have the opportunity of giving Dr Roberts's explanation. The wit- nesses in the previous case were then re-called and examined, and the medical men were cross-exam- ined to show that Dr Roberts had acted as a skilful accoucheur (when he did deliver the child) and as a kind- hearted man.—The Chairman, with reference to bs, said the learned counsel had laid great stress ou Dr Iwherts's kindness, but the fact that the doctor, notwithstanding that he could see the injuries the woman had received hurried away and left her dying, did not show a iy great amount of kindness on his part. Dr Roberts then m ide a voluntary statement in answer to the charge. He said he did not know of Griffith using the instruments. Griffith was called by Mr Swetenham, and swore that his master did not order him to take the instruments. In cross-examination he said he had attended seven labours before with his master's knowledge. He would not say whether he had used instruments before. The magistrates committed theMoctor for trial, and ac- cepted bail.

ST. DAVID'S DAY FESTIVAL. The 155th anniversary festival of the most honourable and loyal society of Ancient Britons was celebrated on St. David's Day at Willis's Rooms; Lord Hyde in the chair. The attendance was not large, but it was, as all Welsh meetings are, peculiarly enthusiastic. The Prince of Wales, instead of being coupled with the rest of the Royal Family," as is generally the case, was the subject of an isolated toast, in virtue of his presidtiicv of the society, and "the Princess and the rest," followed. Con- sidering that Welsh bardism is a prominent characteristic of the Principality, and that Brindley Richards's "God bless the Prince of Wales is almost as well known in this country as the National Anthem, it was rather singu- lar to find Mendelssohn's part song, 0 Hills, 0 Vales," follow the toast of his Royal Highness's health. Indeed, the only Welsh song given during the evening was St. David's Day," which, as every one knows, is pervaded throughout by but one idea-the leek. Instead of The Bishops and Clergy of all Denominations," usually given at charity dinners, the toast on this occasion was, strangely enough, considering how pre-eminently nonconformist the Welsh are, "The Church" only. Mr Osborne Morgan, M.P., proposed this, hoping that the successor of the Bishop of St. Asaph would be a thorough Welshman. The main speeches, however, like the warm-hearted audience, were national, and, what is more to the pur- pose, the charity is unaffectedly devoted to the interests of the Principality. Its claims are urged I'r sawl sy'n caru Cymru," which being interpreted means, To su ;h as love Wales." An elaborate account of its rise, progress, and present state was circulated amongst the guests last night. One of its paragraphs tersely asked what better object a Welshman could propose than to train up in the ways of virtue the descendants of those who breathe the mountain air of Wales, and never visit prisons." The Society of Ancient Britons is very old, but the Welsh can also boast three other charities, which, it is to be hoped, are more prosperous than pronounceable, since they are named the Cymreigvddion, Gwyneddigion, and Royal Cymrodorion Societies. From Clerken-.veil-green (be- rio tween the corner of Clerkenwell-close and Ray-street) the charity long ago moved to Ashford, Middlesex, where it now carries on its operations, within three-quarters of an hour's journey from London. 2,422 boys have been ad- mitted upon the establishment; of these'1.133 have been put out apprentices, 199 have been sent to sea, and the rest have been satisfactorily disposed of. 763 girls have been provided for. Sir Watkin Wynn, M.P., was loudly cheered in proposing one of the preliminary toasts The noble chairman eloquently advocated the claims of th society. Amongst the guests were the Hon. G. Kenyon the Hon. E. F. Kenyon, Mr C. B. Hoskyns, M. P., Mr C. Wynn, M.P., General Brownrigg, Mr Hugh Powell Price (High Sheriff of Brecknockshire), &o. At present, partaking of the charity and schools connected with it, there are 109 boys and 52 girls. These were marched into the rooms last evening, the boys in their half-naval cos- tume, with a leek in each cap, and the girls in d.srinctive high white head-dresses, tippets, and aprons. Th" children one and all were the picture of health and comfort. Their presence, coupled with the noble lord's appeal, produced a good subscription list. Mr Hutton, Mr George Perren, Mr Lawler, Miss Emmeline Cole, and Miss Goodall, were the singers.