Wrexham Guardian

OSWESTRY. FIKE. On Tuesday evening an alarm of fire, which is fortunately seldom heard in this town, was raised. It appears that a travelling furniture vaD, owned by Benjamin Bryan, and located on the waste ground at the bott< m of Beatrice-street, caught fire in consequence of the ilue through the roof becoming heated. The baskets, broom." matting', &c., on the roof of the van were almost completely destroyed, and as they were not insured a serious loss was inflicted upon the owner. The flames were soon put out, and fortunatelyjio one was hurt. THE DISPENSARY BALL. t This annual ball was held under very numerous and distinguished patronage, on Tuesday evening, at the Victoria Rooms, and was very largely attended. The room had been tastefully decorated, under the superin- tendence of Capt. Arkwright and Mr Buller Swete. Plants &c., were sent for this purpose from Brogvntyn, Llanfo'rda, The Mount, and Park Hall. Messrs Lewis Brothers, supplied the furniture, &c., for the entrance decorations. The orchestra was occupied by Streeter's Band, from Liverpool, who played an excellent programme. The supper was as usual, supplied by Mrs Payne, Bradford Arms, Kaockin. The following' were amongst those present:—The Hon Mrs Stapleton Cotton, Mrs Bubb, Miss Lloyd, Miss Daw'e« MissFrick, Mr Bond, Mr Wetherburn, Mr A. Monck'ton. Mr and Mrs Rivers Buikeley, Park Hall, Mr and Mrs Stanley Leighton, Mr and Mrs Harrison, Mr and Miss Cbolmondeley, Mr W. Childe-Pemberton, Mr Charles William Wynn, M.P., Miss Annora. Williams Wynn, Sweeney Hall, Mr and Mrs Mostyn Owen, Mr C. R Mostyn Owen, Miss Eloisa Cotton, Mr and Mrs Edward Wiliiama, Miss St. George, Mr Howard St. •George, Miss Senior, Mr Charles Roberts, Mr Sandys, "Mr Ald'ersev Major Harrison Broom Hall, the Lady Annora Williams Wynn, Miss Williams Wynn, Miss M. Dowlas Miss Hope, Mr T. H. Ward, Mr W. Foxley Korrts, Mr H. Walsham How, Whittington Rectory, Mr and Mrs T. Longueville, Mr and Mrs Egerton Tat ton, Mrs and Miss Scott, Mr S. K. Mainwaring, Mr Charles Harding, Mr Fred Gosling, Mr Willoughby Wood, Mr Harold Littledale, Llanforda, Oswestry, the Hon. A. F. Hood and Mrs Wood, Miss Heber Percy, tho Hon. G. T Kenyou and Mrs Kenyon. Captain and Mrs Ark- wriebt The Mount, Mrs Kenyon Slanev, the Misses Kenyon Slaney (2), Miss Alice Kenycn, Moreton Vicarase Col. and the Misses Lovett, Miss R. Swetea- ham Miss H. Mostyn Owen, Mr F. E. Cotton, Mr R. Cholmondtlejrr -27th regiment, Mr Charles Eyton, Belmont Mr Edm. Bridgeman, the Misses Bridgeman, Mr Herbert, Mr I-L Heber Percy, Mr Arthur Williams Wynn, Knockin, Col. and Mrs Cochran, Miss Grey, Captain and the Hon. Mrs Egerton, Lord Harlech, the Hon Emily Ormsby Gore, Hon. Geo, and Hon H. Ormsby Gore, Hon. Luke White, Colonel Antrobus, Captain W. Drummond Moray, Brogyntyn, Mr and Mrs Atcherley Mr and Mrs Woolaston, Mr Hartley, Miss Hariolu •' Edw and Lady Hamilton, Major and Mrs Stuart, Mr and Mrs W. Gill* Mr and Miss Chambres, Mr T and Miss Ellen Osweil", Trewern, Mr and Mrs John Jones, Whitchurch, Mr Fletcher Rogers, Colonel Lloyd. Miss Selina and Mr Fitzwarine Lloyd, Aston Hall Mr Edm. Wright, the Misses Wright (2), Lady and Mi=s Leeke, Mr C. H. Wright, Mr Horace Lovett, Halston Mrs and the Misses Kenyon (2), Miss G. Kenvoo' Mr and Miss March Philiipps, Mr II. Cotton, Mr Lloyd, and Mr Austace Kenyon, Mrs and the Misses Edwards (3), Major-General, Mrs, Miss Annette, aad Mr Charles Jenkins, the 9th Hussars, Mr Philiipps, Mr and Mrs Provis, Mr and Mrs Owen Walcot, Colonel and Mrs Talbot Mr and Mrs Nicholas Robinson, Dr. Rees, l)r Sides Davies, Mr J. F. Davies, Mr Rigby Owen, Mi'ss Owen, Wwilmott, Mr W. W. Rowley, Mr W. H Snaull Park Issa, Mr G. Ward Saunders, Mr and Mrs Graham Lloyd, Mr C. W. Owen, Mrs and Miss Mr Mainwaring Jacson Mr Alfred Jacson, Mrs Blaiku' M. Blackie, Mr J. Blackie, Mr G. J. Humviilq Lees, Woodhill, Mr Rowland Venables, Mr and Mrs J. H. N. Walford, &c., &c. The Countess of Bradford and Lady Florence Bridgeman were prevented from attending by a domestic affliction. The company numbered upwardsof 150.

penybont-FAWR. SUPPOSED LOSS OF A POLICEMAN IN THE SNOW.—On Tuesday, December 31, P.C. Thomas Theodore, stationed at Penvbont-fawr, lelt his home about three o'clock in the afternoon. He was seen that evening between eight and nine o'clock at a place called The Groves, Llanfi- hancel near Llanfyllin. The night was a very stormy one and it was conjectured that he had been lost in the snow on the mountains, but although a vigorous search was instituted, nothing has been heard of him. A Llanfyllin correspondent writes :—A most extraordinary occurence has taken place at Penybont-fawr, in the county of Montgomery, the police officer stationed there having disappfeared, and he has not been heard of now for over a fortnight. It seems that on Tuesday the 31st December last, this officer, named Thomas Theodore, had served six parties in that village with summonses to appear at a petty session to be held at Llanfyllin the following Fridav, for having been at a public house during prohibited hours on Christmas Day. Some of these men angrily informed Theodore that they would lav complaints against him for <ffences they alleged he had committed himself. Whether it was that he got frightened at this cannot be said. But immediately rfterwards on that day he went to his house, changed his trousers, and left his watch in those took off, told his wife he was going to Llanwddyn, and started off. He was seen passing by a farm house, about a quarter of a mile from his honse, on that day, but has not been seen since And although the chief constable, superintendent of police and other officers have made every possible search for him for the last fortnight, no clue whatever has been obtained to his whereabouts. There have been all kinds of rumours afloat about him, but no one seems to know anything for certain.

RHOSLLANERCHRUGOG. PROPOSED COCOA ROOMS.—A meeting to consider the question ot establishing cocoa rooms was held at Berlin House Market-street, on Friday afternoon week. Pre- sent Revs. John Jones (vicar), John Jones (C.M.), and William Foulkes, and Messrs. B. Davies, W. Baker, R. Roberts (Ponkey), Edward Hooson, R. T. Duce, and S. Maurce Jones. A deputation from the Cocoa Room and Public House Company, Wrexham, consisting of Mr E Evans (Bronwylfa, Chairman;, Mr T. Eyton-Jones, M.D., Mr W. Thomas, and Mr W. H. Tilston (Secretary), were present. After the deputation had explained the object of the meeting, the following re- solution was unanimously adopted That it is desir- able that a branch of the Wrexham Cocoa Room and Public House Company be established at Rhos." Proposed by Mr B. Davies, seconded by the Rev W. Foulkes Twenty shares of £5 each were taken by those present.' The following gentlemen were appointed a committee to look out for suitable premises :-Mr E Evans Rev. J. Jones (vicar), Messrs. B. Davies, Edward Hooson, and R. T. Duce. Mr B. Davies convener. The meeting closed with a vote of thinks to the Chair- man,

RHOSLLANERCHRUGOG. FATAL ACCIDENT IN A COAL PIT.-An inquest on the body of Joseph Philips, a collier, adjourned from January 7, was held at the Fox and Barrel, Rhosllaner- chrugog, on Tuesday, before Mr B. H. Thelwall, coroner. The inquest had been adjourned so that the district Inspector of Mines might be persent, ,and Mr Hedley, assistant inspector, now attended to assist the inquiry. Mr W. H. Simpson was foreman of the jury. Mr George Saint was the first witness. He said I am the manager of the Vauxball Colliery. I hold a certificate. I have with me plaifs of the workings and an enlarged sketch of the place where the accident happened. Deceased was 50 years of age. He was in charge of a wicket. A slip had taken place in the measure of coal he was working, but at one end it was held fast, and he got underneath the slip to make the fall more easy, and it fell upon him; and he was killed. In answer to the Coroner, witness said: Deceased ought to have spragged the leose measure of coal before working it. I go down the pit every three or four days; sometimes oftener. I went into the pit about an hour after the accident. There were plenty of sprags lying about.—Thomas Parry said I am fireman at the Vauxhall Colliery. I recollect the day of the accident. Saw deceased at eight o'clock in the morning. He was preparing a shot. The shot was fired at a quarter past eight o'clock. It went off properly.—Coroner: How do you account for the accident ?—Witness: He did not sprag the measure.—Coroner Did you know of the slip P"— Witness: Yes, sir.—Coroner: How far off was the shot fired ?—Witness: About four yards. The hot would not affect the slip.—Coroner: Have many complaints have been made to you lately that sprags were not about? — 'Witness: Never. Deceased should have spragged the place. It was his duty to do so, being in charge of the wicket, for his own safety and for that of others. I was in the pit at eight o'clock. I go round the pit sometimes two or three times a day. Deceased knew of the slip. Am positive that the shot had nothing to do with the fall by which deceased was killed. From four to six tons of coal fell. I did not caution deceased about spragging the slip in the morning, because he was working several yards from it.—Coroner: Is thpre anyone to blame in the case ?—Witness: No one but the deceased himself.—Thomas William?, a collier, said—I was" fil- ling" for the deceased when he was killed. He was holing a measure, and the coal fell upon him and he was killed. He was working properly in my idea. No one would have expected it to come down. Two of us had been pulling at it. Deceased did not sprag it.— Coroner Had the deceased any idea that it was danger- ous.—Winess: No, sir.—Coroner: If he had spragged it the accident would not have happened, would it ?— Wirness I expect not, sir.—This was all the evidence offered. After a short consultation the jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

RUABON. TEMPERANCE MEETING,—A temperance meeting was held in the Primitive Methodist Chapel, in connection with the Sunday School Band of Hope of this place of worship; on Tuesday evening. The chair was occupied bv Mr W. Richards. There was a fair attendance, and a'capital programme was gone through. SCHOOL BOARD.—A meeting of this body was held on Tuesday last. Present: Mr G. Thomson (chairman), Mr Gomer Roberts (vice-chairman), Rev. John Jones, and Messrs Edwards, and E. T. Fitch. On behalf of the Rhos Committee, the Rev. J. Jones reported that estimates had been received for constructing benches, and several had been made and put in the school. Monitors were also wanted in the school. On behalf of the Acrefair Committee, the Chairman reparted that with regard to Mr Archer's application for an increase of salary, the Jcommittee unanimously recommend that he be allowed the same amount as recently, viz., £20. In the present state of things they could hardly recom- mend an advance of salary, and they suggested that in the ■coming year the teachers be paid by results. Pupil teachers were wanted in the schools. As a result of the examination of the Inspector's report the com- mittee had ordered the erection of certain desks, and they now asked the Board to confirm this action. The attendances of the children had been satisfactory, being 346-6 compared with16 in the last quarter in the Cefn school, and 206 against 184 in the Acrefair school, The Rev. J. Jones moved that the recommendation of the committee be adopted, and Mr Edwards seconded. Mr Gomer Roberts objected to the £20 extra to Mr Archer, pointing out that the agreement was to give a salary of JB100 a year, the same as was paid to the other master. It was true Mr Powell, the other master, had the advantage of a house, but that was only valued at £10, and if they gave Mr Archer that sum he thought it would be sufficient. If they gave him more, dissatisfaction would arise on the part of Mr Powell, who would ask for an mcrec.se of salary. He, therefore, moved an amendment to the effect that Mr Archer's salary be increased only to the amount of Mr Powell's.—Some discussion ensued, but as no one seconded the amendment the motion was carried. The Clerk presented all elaborate comparison .of this and last year's position of the schools which revealed that much progress had been made generally. In his statement of the average cost and income ot the schools ha showed that for the Cefn 45 per cent. of the costs only was charged on the rates Acrefair, 63*1 per cent. ■ Uhos, 27-2 per cent.; Ponkey, 47*2 per cent. The average cost of each child was an average of 6s €d less than the whole of England and Wales. The Clerk also made some excellent suggestions in regard to assistance to teachers and the giving of prizes for early attendance in respect of which he thought the expenditure of per school would earn perhaps £10 from Government.—On the motion of the Chairman, the Clark was heartily thanked for his statistics and asked to give a copy for the use of each committee.—In accordance with notice Mr Gomer Roberts brought forward his motion in regard to the payment of the teachers according to results. The principle had been discussed on a previous occasion and approved by the Board, who requested Mr Roberts to bring it forward again with a view to its adoption. Tfie principle was that a certain fixed but small sala.ry be given, and that the teachers' salary be made up by one- third of the Government grant and of the children*' fees. It was resolved to refer the submitted by Mr Roberts to .the Committees for consideration and modification according to the circumstances of each school.—The statements of accounts were reported by the clerk to have been audited, and were ordered to be inserted in the Wrexham Guardian and other papers.—The Clerk was also instructed respecting tne purchase of a safe.—Her Majesty's Inspector reported with regard to the Rhos Schools, that in the boys' school the pupil teachers were in a weak state and needed the aaxious care of the master. Order good, and tone commendable, singing pleasing, geography and grammar promising. Same weakness in third standard, but great improvement in the standard work generally. Mr Powell appeared to be a capable and anxious teacher. Girls' School: good tone and order, and singing also good. First and second standards doing well. Paper work of both boys and girls need reformation. Grammar promising. Geography, second standard really good, and other standards barely scraped through. Writing of third class very good. Infants also made their letters well. Grants: Boys, £84 ls; 15s; infants, .£123; total, £2674;, nearly .£50 more than last year.

TREVOR. NATIONAL SCHOOL.—The annual Christmas Tree was held in the schoolroom on Tuesday, December 31st, and January 1st. The tree, which was kindly presented by Captain R. M. Biddulph, of Chirk Castle, was lighted up and beautifully decorated with toys and numerous other things, and had a very pleasing effect. The stalls were also covered with a great variety of both useful and ornamental articles, and were ably presided over by Mrs Owen. The Vicarage, Trevor, Mrs Williams, Aber- gele, Miss Owen, Llangollen, and several other ladies. Refreshments were also provided. The tables were very tastefully laid out, under the superintendence of Miss Davis, Baschurch, Miss Jones, Trevor, and Mrs Penling- ton, Gronwyn, and were exceedingly well prtronised. The visitors were numerous; amongst them we noticed Mr Lloyd Edwards, and the Misses Edwards, Trevor Hall, Mr and the Misses Etidy, Vron, the Rev. F. Williams, Abergele, Mrs Hughes, Plas-yn-Pentre, the Misses Jones, Post-office, Garth, and other friends. The proceedings were enlivened by selections of music at in- tervals. It is believed that the receipts will amount to a good sum, and will enable the Rev. H. T. Owen, to con- tinue the educational work of the school successfully.

WELSHPOOL. DEATH OF MR SIDDORN.—Great regret is felt in the town at the rather sudden death of Mr Siddorn, manager of the North and South Wales Bank in this town, who died on Thursday morning, January 9th. EXCELSIOR LODGE I.O.G.T. ENTERTAINMENT.—On Friday night, January 10th, this lodge gave an enter- tainment in the Congregational Schoolroom, Mr Ellis Jones presiding. Rev J. S3. Williams gave an address, which was attentively listened to. Mr W. Watkin presided at the harmonium. Cow STEALING.—John Harper was brought up in custody on Tuesday, January 14th, before W. T. Parker. Esq. (Mayor), and charged with stealiug a cow (in company with another man who was not in custody), on 6th January, belonging to Mr R. Jones, Hendre, Buttington. Mr C. Jones, solicitor, appeared to prosecute, and asked for a remand for eight days, which was granted. THE FLOODS.—At Os. meeting of Shrewsbury Town Council on Monday it was suggested that communication should be established with Welshpool on the subject of floods, and it was arranged when information was re- ceived from that town or Llanymynech of a rise in the Severn or the Verniew, boards announcing the fact should be placed in those parts of Shrewsbury that were likely to be inundated. THB REFORMED EPISOOFAL CHUBCH.—The vestry of the Reformed Episcopal Church, Welshpool, having unanimously elected as their incumbent the Rev R. Hunsley Taylor, missionary chaplain, son of the late Mr Francis Taylor, J.P., of the firm of Potters and Taylors, Manchester, Bishop Gregg has signified his willingness canonically to confirm the election, and Mr Taylor will accordingly be installed as incumbent on the evening of Sunday, January 19;h, by Bishop Toke. THE DISTRESS.—The Distress Committee have received subscriptions to the amount of £150, and have already relieved many families in the town, as 1,500 4-lb. loaves have been distributed. About eight men have been engaged by the committee in clearing the pavements gutters, &c. The wives of the men, however, having been refused their share of the distribution of the bread on the ground that their husbands were at work, the men threw up their work and assembled in front of the Corn Exchange, but after friendly explanation had boen given they went to work again. MONTGOMERYSHIRE ENTIRE HORSE ASSOCIATION.—A meeting of this Association was held at the Royal Oak Hotel, on Monday last, Mr R. J. Harrison, the chairman of the Association, presiding. The horse belonging to Mr Masters, the animal the Association have hired for the last two seasons having been hired for another dis- trict, a deputation consisting of Messrs. Green, Bank Farm, Pool Quay, T. Williams, Stalloe, and 0,3well, Westfelton, was appointed to secure the services of a horse for the ensuing season. In the event of Mr Oswell not being able to act, Mr L. Vaughan was named to fill the vacancy. Two CHILDREN DROWNED.—On Tuesday evening two little boys, the eldest eight years of age, sons of Evan Roberts, waggoner, employed on the Powis Castle estate, met with their death under the folio ing melancholy circumstances. It appears that they were scholars at the Bellan School, and at three o,clock got leave from the mistress to go home. They then went on to the Canal, which runs near to the School, and after sliding some distance both got into the water. The body of the one was recovered. in about an hour or so, but life was quite extinct. A search was made for the other child, and shortly after seven o'clock news arrived in the town that it was found and taken to the house of the parents, who reside near to the spot. MONTGOMERYSHIRE INFIRMARY BALL. This ball was held on Friday, January 10th, under the patronage of The Lady Sudeley, Lady Williams Wynn, The Lady Annora Williams Wynn, Lady Frost, Mrs Hanbury-Tracy, Mrs R. E. Jones. Mrs Willes Johnson, Mrs Lovell, Miss Buckley Williames, Mrs Howell, Mrs R. J. Harrison, Mrs Corbett, Mrs Walton, Mrs Through- ton, Mrs Bayard, Mrs Mytton, Mrs G. E. Herbert, Mrs Offley Crewe-Read, Mrs Fairless-Humphreys, Mrs Hunter, Mrs Woosnam, Mrs Peel, Mrs R. D. Pryce, Mrs Curling, The Right Honourable Lord Sudeley, S.r 9 Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., M.P., Sir Thomas G. Frost, The Honourable F. Hanbury-Tracy, M.P., Messrs C. W. Williams Wynn, M.P., J. A. Walton, R. E. Jones, Major Corbett, Messrs J. Buckley Williames, R. J. Harrison, Stuart Rendel, Colonel G. E. Herbert, Mr J. G. Bayard, Captain Mytton. Messrs Rd. Woosnam (High Sheriff), Jukes Sty rap, M.D., E. Andrews. M.D.. J. Lloyd, Tamberlain, W. Pugh, Offley John Crewe-Rsad, A. Howell, Edmund Peel, R. D. Pryce. Stewards Mr T. Sturkey, Mr Pryce Jones, Mr R. Parry, Mr C. Morgans, Mr T. E. issard. Mr S. Miller, Dr Munro, Mr Robert Jones, Mr E. R. Morris, Mr W. F. Thomas, Mr C. D. Ray, Mr Clement O. Ray, Mr T. Turner, Mr D. Gillart, Mr A. T. Williams. The Public Rooms, which had been recently cleaned and painted, were beautifully decorated for the occasion. This renovation added to the brilliance of the ball. The decorations were done under the super; nteiadence of Mr Thomas Sturkey and Mr Robert Jones, North and South Wales Bank. A large number of tickets were disposed of, but many were prevented by the severe weather and other causes from attending the ball. About nine o'clock large numbers of people assembled in Broad-street to witness the arrivals. Mr I Baurlay, of Shrewsbury, acted as master of the cere- monies. The music was supplied by Mr A. Whitting- ham's quadrille band. Supper was supplied by Mrs Breeze, Unicorn Inn. The dancing did not commence until after tea o'clock.—Among those present were :— Mr C. W. W. Wynn, M.P., the Hon. F. Hanbury Tracy, M.P., Mr Offley J. Crewe-Read, Mr R. E. Jones and Mrs Jones, Miss Buckley Williams, Mr R. J. Harrison and Mrs Harrison, Mr J. A. Talbot and Miss Talbot, Mr Robert Harrison (Welshpool), Mr C. Hunter (Llanidloes), Mr Burgass Woosnam, Mr Thomas Sturkey and Miss Sturkey, Mr Owen Sturkey, Mr Samuel Miller (The Court), Mr D. Morgan and Miss Morgan, the Misses Hilton (Sutton), Mr Thomas Turner and the Misses Turner, Mrs Ray (Glanhafren), Miss Ray, Mr Clement Ray, Mr Charles Bright, Mr David Gillart and Miss Gillart, Mr Robert Jones (North and South Wales Bank), Mr and Mrs Hancock, Mrs and Miss Swift, Mr Alfred Ford, Miss Morris, Mr Thomas Halford and the Misses Halford and Miss Green, Mr Russell, Mr Ward, Mr Owen (North and South Wales Bank), Mr and Mrs Bariiugton, Mr and Miss Mickleburgh, Mr David Morgan, Mr Salter, Mr Ben Weal, Mr Rice Jones (Wood- more), Mr Hotchkiss, &e. The ball was opened by the, Hon. F. Hanbury Tracy, M.P., and Miss Buckley Williams. Dancing was continued until five o'clock.

WHITCHURCH. THE OUTBREAK; OF SCA RLATI';A.-An other :,C-f Mr Joseph Shone's children, a boy two years of age, has succumbed to this disease, death taking place on Wed- nesday week. There has thus been four deaths in Mr Shone's family in a few days, viz., Mrs Shone, two daughters, and a son. The remaining three children are ill, and although a few days since it was expected that some of them would not recover, there is now, we understand, every probability that all of them will get well.

MONTGOMERYSHIRE HILARY ASSIZES. The commission for these assizes was opened at the Town Hall, Welshpool, on Saturday, January 11, by Mr Justice Manisty, who arrived by the 6.15 p.m. train, and was met by the High Sheriff, Richard Woosnam, Kq" and the usual retinue. The Court .met at ten o'clock on Monday morning for tha trial of prisoners, of whom there were two only. The foIlowjnggeatlemen were sworn upon the Grand jury :—Charles Watkin Williams Wynn, (Joedymaen, Meifod, Esq., M.P., foreman, R. E. Jones, E--q., Cefn Brvntalch, Llandysil. D. H. Mytton, Esq., Garth, Guilsfiald, W. H. Adam", Esq., Plas Llugsin, Wm. Fisher, Esq., Maesfron, John Dugdale, Esq., Llwyn, Llanfvllin, A. C. Humphreys Owen, Esq., Glansevern, C. J. Naylor Esq., Brynllwarcb, Robr. John Harrises, Esq., Caerhowell, Wm. Walton, E-g., Djiforgan, Peter A. Beck, Esq., Guilsfield, Rd. J-no. Eimunds, E-q., Edderton, A. Howell, Esq., Rhiewport, J. H. Blyike, Esq., Hendidley, Lewi, Lewis, Esq., Newtown H-li, Rd. Lloyd, Esq., Plasyndre, Newtown, Thomas Foiilkes Roberta, Esq., Doleuog, Henry Leslie, E>q., Bryn Tauat. After the usual proclamatian,, His' Lordship charged the Grand Jury. He said he scarcely knew whether to congratulate them or not. When he looked at the smallness of the calendar, and the light nature, comparatively of the offences, he w-ao inclined to congratulate them upon the apparent absen-ce of crime, but the very same causes prevented him from coming to that conclusion in the way he should like to He could most heartily condole with many of the gentle- men before him, who living at a distance, had to leave their homes early in the morning at this inclement season of the year to attend these assizes. The fact of their attendance showed their love of discharging the duties devolving upon their high position. He had little to say to them as the cases to come before them were light in character and number. If they had any doubt upon them he should be happy to assist them. As there were several charges in each of the cases, if one bill failed, they had other bills before them against the same prisoners. He might tell them what had brought them there that day. Tkey were going through an experimental crisis, and some persons thought that justice would be better administered by their having three assizes. If the present a'sizes at Welshpool were to be taken as a specimen, he should certainly say that a third assise for Montgomeryshire was not much wanted. There were 56 assiaa towns in England, and fifteen assize towns in Wales, and when they considered whom the assizes called from home, all the grand juries, high sheriffs, &c., and the cost of putting all that machinery in motion, did they consider it was necessary, even for a great county like Montgomeryshire, to have three assizes in the year? If they thought it necessary to take the subject into their consideration, he should be happy to receive any presentment they might think proper to make. It might be. and no douot was proper to have them for large and populous towns like Liverpool and Manchester, but it was a far different thing to have them in all the counties of England and Wales. There was a system of grouping counties, but if an assize were held for every county it must involve a great deal of expense and trouble that the circumstances scarcely seemed to warrant. There had never been a time when things had been better done than at present, for they had a Home Secretary of high mind and commanding abilities, whese attention was constantly exercised in the improvements of the administration of justice. In the smaller places he would ask them to consider whether two general assizes were not sufficient, and a third for extraordinary districts. In London, where he need scarcely tell them the business was enormous, fourteen judges had had to go out on circuit, leaving only three, whilst at the present time there were upwards of a thousand cases for hearing, and the delay before they could be heard must create serious incon- venience and expense. If this system were to be continued,:he ventured to say that some better lodgings must be obtained for the judges, for many of the rooms were worse than many of those occupied by, he was going to say unfortunate, but he thought he ought to say fortunate prisoners in this respect, who were coming for trial. If the few remarks he had made were worthy of their consideration, he should be glad to hear any presentment they might have to make upon the subject. RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY AT LLANLLUGAN. Emma Heath (38), who had been committed to bail to appear at the January Quarter Sessions, but who had failed to surrender, and had since been apprehended, pleaded guilty to receiving from John Heath, on the 28th day of May, 1878, at the parish of Llanllugan, two shirts and cne shirt front, the property of Evan Bennett. Was further charged with receiving from John Heath, on the 18th diy of October, 1878, at the parish of Llan- llugan, a quantity of potatoes, the property of Joseph Tymm. Was further charged with stealing at the parish of Llanllugan, on the 9th day of October, 1878, one mackintosh, and one riding skirt, the property of Edward Jones. Was also farther charged with stealing at the parish of Llanllugan, on the 15'h day of October. 1878, one shirt and other articles, the property of Richard Jones. Sentenced to three calendar months' imprisonment with hard labour. OBTAINING GOODS BY FALSE PRETENCES AT NEWTOWN. Thomas Williams (60), gardener, pleaded guilty to obtaining by false pretences, from William Arthur Turner, 8-J lbs of Portland cement, of the value of 8id, on the 28th day of June, 1878, and one spade, of the value of 3s 6d, on the 29th day of January, 1878, the property of William Arthur Turner, at the parish of Newtown. Also to obtaining by false pretences from William Robert?, one spade of the value of 3, 6i, the property of William Francis, Walter Lawton Davies, and Thomas Morgan, on the 29th day of June, 1878, at the parish of Newtown. Also to obtaining by false pretences from John Henry Jones, one spade of the value of 3s 6d, the property of Joseph Palmer, on the 1st day of July, 1878, at the parish of Newtown. Also to obtaining by false pretences from Giles Meddins, one garden fork of the value of 4s, the property of Frederick Britton, on the 4th day of July, 1878, at the parish of Newtown. Mr E. Rowley Morris, Newtown, was called to speak to prisoner's previous good character. He had known prisoner for over forty years, and he should have no objection to give him work the next day. The whole of the cases were not gone into. Sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labour. NISI PRIUS COURT. CLAIM AGAINST A LIVE ASSURANCE OFFICE. The civil suit of E. Rowley Morris v. the Great Britain Mutual Life Assurance Society had been entered. It was an action brought by the plaintiff, who is the trustee of the estate of Robert Smith Pilgrim, late of Tycocb, Llanwyddelan, in liquidation against the de- fendants, to recover the sum of .£800 under a policy on the life of Pilgrim. The defendants had refused to pay on the ground that Pilgrim had been of intemperate habits. Mr Swetenham and Mr Marshall (instructed by Messrs Williams, Gi tins, and Taylor, of Newtown), were counsel for the plaintiff, and Mr Mclntvre, Q.C., and Mr Coxoa (instructed by Messrs Talbot and W liosnam, of Newtown), for the defendants. The record was withdrawn on terms "—Judge's order to be obtained if necessary. The terms were stated to be, the defendants to pay the plaintiff £700 in discharge forthwith. PRESENTMENT BY THE GRAND JURY. The Foreman of the Grand Jury said they were of opinion that there was no necessity for a winter assiZ9 for the county, following so closely as it did after the Epiphany Assizes, and also being so near the Spring Assizes. They were sorry that his Lordship had thought it necessary to mention what he had with regard to the rooms in which he was staying, but the Grand Jury had no voice in the matter. His Lordship said 'he was quite sure everything thst could be done had been done by the Grand Jury. He had thought that he would refer to the matter, and all that remained for him to do was to thank them for their attendance. f The whole proceedings did not last more than an hour.

THE RUTHIN FIRE BRIGADE AND THE | THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE GUARDIAN. Sip.As no account has yet been made public as to what has become of the surplus receipts from the late amateur theatrical performance got up to assist the Fire Brigade fund, will the gentlemen behind the scenes" inform the subscribers whether it is true, as rumoured, that the receipts were X21 and the expenses X16 ? I trust that some satis- factory answer will be given.— I am, &e., HKLKET.

DISTRIBUTION OF COAL AT LLANFAIR. TO THE EDITOR OF THE GUARDIAN. Sip.From the report which appeared in your Iastnum ber of our Christmas werk among the poor of this parish, I fear lest an undue share of the credit of it should fall to we, I therefore crave a short space in this week's paper to point out that the movement for supplying the poor with coal was as nearly spontaneous as any movement ceuld be. It originated with my parishioners and was carried out by them on the principle, I suppose, of provoking one another unto good works." Thirty- seven tons of excellent coal have been distributed among 140 poor families, in quantities ranging from 10 to 3 cwt. apiece. The money was provided by the offertory on Christmas Day and the Sunday following, supplemented by a few donations from absent friends and others who were unavoidably prevented from coming to church on those days. The farmers (Churchmen and Nonconformists alike) have been most generous in the matter, having sent their teams to the coal pits and done the carriage free of cost, thus enabling us to give double the quantity we could otherwise have given. As I observe the omission from you report of the name of one firmer who, though not a Cymro, has shown himself to be a true Briton by his valuable help and advice in committee, as well as by his indefatigable exertions during the distribution, I think it desirable to give you a complete list of the farmers who took part in the movement:—Messrs T. Ll. Roberts, Garthgynan W. Davies, Llvsfasi; T. J. Davies, Llainwen W. Kallet, Piasnewydd J. Roberts, Plasenion, W. Eyton Lloyd, Graig; Rhys Jones, Ty Isa; J. Hazell, Graig Isa; O. Parry, Ffynogion; E. Owen, Hendre; T. Roberts, Pentre- coch R. Jones, Tybrith M. Pierce, Plas Isa T. Edwards, Merllyn; J. Roberts, Bacheirig.—I am, sir, your cbedient servant, BASIL M. JONES, Vicar of Llanfair.

THE "PEOPLE'S" TRIBUTE! TO THE EDITOR OF THE GUARDIAN. SIR,—Many working men, who still continue to favour me multitudinously with letters from various parts of the United Kingdom, have recently written to me expressing a wish to present to the Earl of Beaconsfield—in recognition of his great national services-some token purely and wholly emanating from the labouring community," and furnished exclusively by the contributions of th« working classes themselves. Most willing should I be to carry out their wishes, regardless of labour or expense, were not the undertaking far beyond my already over-taxed time and capacity. All that I can do, therefore, is to mention their wishes as publicly as lies in my power, by means of this letter-the cost and circulation of which I take ) cheerfully on myself. I further suggest—as the most appropriate gift the people could offer—that "a laurel wreath in gold" be presented to the Premier in the name of the working classes of England. I propose also that committees be formed in the various towns of England for the purpose of receiving "penny subsonptioias"-to the one in Leamington I shall be most delighted to ct pro ttyn. as hon. secretary. In any and every way shall I be happy to devote whatever remain- ing energy I have to forward an object which, coming from the people, would have an especial signification and value.—I am, sir, yours truly, TaAcy TURNERELLI, Author of Free Tracts for the People on Anglo-Russian Topics." Tracy Ledge, Leamington. P.S.—It is further proposed that each county (or town) should furnish the cost of one leaf, on which will be euo-raved the name of the county (or town) whose labouring classes have presented it.

DENBIGHSHIRE. COUNTY OFFICIALS. Lord Lieutenant: Major W. Cemwallis Welt, Emthin Cd.u" High Sheriff: James Goodrich, Esq. Sheriff Elect: R. Middleton JBiddulph, Eeq. Under Slier iff 1.1.. Adams, Esq., Ruthin Clerk of the Peace J. Peers, Esq., Ruthin County Treasurer: J. R. Heatou, Esq., Plas Heaton, Denbigh County Surveyor R. Ll. Williams, Esq., DeuWgh Chief Constable Major Leadbetter. Wrexham Coroners: B. H. Thelwall, Esq., Possett, Lud E. Pierce, Esq.. M.D., Denbigh. County Analyst: J. J. Bancroft, Esq., F.C.S., Ruthin Governor of Gaol: Mr Walmsley MAGISTRATES OF THE COUNTY OP DENBIGH. T. Hugbes, Esq., Ystrad, Chairman of Quarter Session* H. W. Meredith, Eôq., Pentrebychu Major Ffoulkes T. Mainwaring, Eôq., Galltfaenan :1. Ll. Wynne, Esq., Coed Coch, Abergele B. W. Wynne, Esq., Garthewin, Abergele Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart, M.P., Wynnstay T. Ll. Fitz-Hugh. Esq., Plaspower H. It. Sand bach, Esq., Havoduuoa Rev J. Evans G. Roberts, Esq., Cefn Coch, Ruthin R. O. Moulsdale, Esq., Bryndyffryn, Llanrwst Rev J. W. Kirk ham, Llaubrynmair P. W. Yorke, Esq., Dyffryn Aled, Abergele Lieut.-Colonel J. E. M&ddock, Army and NaVJ Cialb, Lon- don, W. Ignatius Williams, Esq., Bodfari, Denbigh Rev W. M. Williams, Barneote. Reigate S. Yorke, ESQ., Erddig Rev F. G. Tippinge H. R. Hughes, Esq., Kinmel J. Goodrich, Esq., Eyarth House, Eathia T. Barnes, Esq., The Quinta Sir T. Erskine, Bart., Cambo House, King's Barnes, CroL R. R. Wingfield, Esq. Lord Mostyn, Mostyn Hall H. Potts, Esq., Glanrafon, Mold J. H. Fomlkes, Esq., Gres-ford T. P. Jonw-Parry, Esq., Roxborough Park, H uww H. B. W. Wynn, Esq. Captain Griffith-Boscawen, Trevalyn E. Peel, Esq., Brynypys R. G, Johnson, Esq., Llanrhydd Major W. Cornwallis West E. Sharp, Esq., Lancaster Major H. R. Hughes, Ystrad E, W. Griffith, Esq., Plasnewydd Sir R. Brooke, Bart., Norton Priory, Halton W. D. W. Griffith, Esq., Gam Lieut.-Colonel Price R. W. Price, Esq., Llanrhaiadr Hall P. H. Chambres, Esq., Llysmerchien W. Pritt, Esq. B. G. D. Cooke, Esq., Pentrehobin John Taber, Esq., Claremont, Ruthin H. B. Roberts, Esq., Leamington Lord A. Hill Trevor, Brynkinalt Sir R. A. Cunliffe, Bart., Acton Park I Rev T. Z. Davies, Whitford Major-General Townshend, Trevalyn S. P. Hope, Fsq" Marchwiel Hall Meilir Owen, Esq., Tanygirt, Denbigh R. F. Birch, Eaq., Maes Elwy, St. Amph F. H. Barker, Esq., Llyndir R. O. Moalsdale, jun., Esq., BryndyfEryn R. C. Naylor, Esq., Hootom Hall R. B. Hesketh, Esq., Gwryoh Castle Rev T. Williams, St. George Rev O. Jones, Pentrevoelas C. R, W, Tottenham. Esq., Rhjagog Cottftjf, ElNf»ll«t C. S. Mainwariog, Esq., Gtilltfaeaaa John Black well, Esq., Llanrwst ,J! W. Corbet Yale, Esq., Pias yn Yale, Corwen R. G. Jebb, Esq., Ellesmere J. C. Jones, Esq., Gelligynan. Mold Rev W. V. Williams, Llaniirillo, Conway J. R. Barnes, Esq., Brookside, Ruabon S. P. Lynes, Esq., Royal Artiller Woolwich Thomas Palgrave, Esq., Llansantffra.d, Conway W. Chambres, Esq., Dolben P. S. Humberston, Esq., Glanywern Rev J. Pugh, Llansanaan J. Pender. Esq., M.P. T. G. Ll. Dicken, Esq., Llangellen Rev B. O. Jones, Ruthin Rev R. Williams, Llausilin W. Kerr, Esq., Maesmor, Corwen A.. T. Jebb, Esq., Ellesmere H. W. Finch, Esq., Voelas Hall, Llanrwst J. Evans, Esq. Major W. Hanmer, Athanaeum Club, S.W. 3. Osborne Morgan, Esq., Q.C., M.P. Watkin Williams, Esq., Q.C., M.P., Plas Draw R. M. Biddulph, Esq., Chirk Castle J. F. Jesse, Esq., Llanbedr Hall Lieut.-Col. Naylor Levland, Nantclwyd Hall W. H. Darby, Esq., Brymfeo Sapt. T. W. Gill, Trewern, Oswestry iI. Robertson Esq., M.P., Pale Hall J. Hampden Whalley, Esq. J, Roberts, Esq., M.P., Bryng-wenallt, Abergele Lieut.-Col. H. M. Jones-Mortimer, Plas Newydd, Ruthin Sir W. Grenville Williams. Bart, Bodelwyddan W. Low, Esq., Roseneath. Wrexham Captain Conran, Brya, Ruabon colonel R. M. Bonnor, Bryngwalia, Oswestry Captain Best, Plasynvivod, Llangollen D. Burton, Esq., Gwaenynog: ^aptaim W. Drury Lowe, Llanrwst H. J. Potts, Esq., Chester Rev. R. H. Howard, St. Asaph 2. Edwards, Esq., Dolserau, Dolgelley Captain Mesham, Pontruyffdd, Rhyl E. Evaxs. Esq., Bronwylfa, Ruabon R. J. Lloyd-Price, Esq., Rhiwlas, Bala fheodore Martin, Esq., Bryntisilio, Llangollen J. P. Hamer. Esq Glanrafon, Oswestry Brooke Cunliffe, Esq Bathafarn, Ruthin P. H. Humberston, Glanvwem R. Blezard, Esq., Pool Park, Ruthin A O. Walker, Esq., Nantglyn, Conway H. D. Pochin, »Sq., Bodnant Hall, Conway Archibald Peel, Esq., The Gerwyn, Wrexham Rev. H. W. Wynne Jones, Fron Canol, Llanrwst MAGISTRATES' CLERKS. Wrexham, J. Lewis and J. A. Hughes, Esqrs. Llangollen and Llansilin, C. Richards, Esq. Ruthin, L!. Adams. Esq. Denbigh and Cerrigydruidion, J. Parry Jones, Esq. Llanrwst, J. R. Griflith, Esq. Abergele, Messrs Sisson and George. FLINTSHIRE. COUNTY OFFICIALS. Lord-Lieutenant: H. R. Hughes, Esq., Kinmel High Sheriff: C. J. Trevor Roper, Esq. Sheriff Elect: Meadows Frost, Esq. Under Sheriff: G. Beydeil, Esq., Chester Clerk of the Peace A. T. Roberts, Esq. Deputy Clerk: T. T. Kelly, Esq. County Treasurer D. Trevor Roper, Esq. County Surveyor J. H. Fairclough, Esq., St. Asaph Cmef Constable P. Browne, Esq., Rhyl Coroner P. Parry, Esq., Chester County Analyst: W. F. Lowe, Esq., Chester Inspectors of Weights and Measures D.C.C. Adams. Mold Superintendents Hughes, Helywell; Bolton, Hanmer MAGISTRATES OF THE COUNTY OF (FLINT. J. Scott Bankes, Esq., Chair of Quarter Sessions, SoughtOo Hall P. P. Pennant, Esq.. Deputy Chairman Lord Mostyn, M< styn Lord Hanmer, Bettisfield Park Sir P. Mostyn, Bart., Talacre R. Rickardson, Esq., Cranford, Exmouth H. M. Owen. Esq. Rev. J. R. Owen, Llanferras R. "W ills, Esq., Plas Bellin, Northop i Rev. W. M. Williams, Barneote Hill, Reigste T. Hughes, Esq., Ystrad The Earl of Denbigh E. H. Mostyn, BFq., Arundel The Hon. R. T. Rowley, Horsham C. B. Clough, Esq., Llwyn Offa C. J. T. Roper, E'g., Plas Teg Rev. R. Brisc e, D.D., Nutfield, Red Hill D. F. Atcherley, Esq., Marton Hall, Shrewsbury E. Peel, Esq., Brynypys Rev. T. H. G. Pulesion, Wcrthenbury R. P. Warren, Esq., Basingstoke H. Potts, Esq., Mold J. P. Gubbins, Esq., Leamington R. Sankey, Esq., Holywell G. P. Roskell, Esq., Holywell P. W. Godsal, Esq., Iscoed Park R. Howard, Esq., Broaghton Hall J. Jocelyn Ffouikes, Esq. W. Keatez-, Esq. T. G. Dixon, Esq, Prestatyn P. B. D. Cooke, Ksq., Owstsn, Doncaster.' J. Churton, Esq Moranedi. Rbyl. B. G. D. Cooke, Esq., rectrehobiti. J. C. Joues. Esq Gelligynan. Rev. H. C. Knight, Heathlands, Malvern Wells. Maj jr-Generai H. R. Browne. W. B. Buddicom. Esq., l'enbedw. O. M. C. Head, Esq., Llandinam.; H. C. Raikes, Esq., M.P., Ouslow-square, London. P. A. Lloyd, Esq., Bangor. Lord Richard Grosvenor, M.P., 76, Brook-street, London. F. T. eed, Esq., M.D. W. H. Gli.d>toue, Esq., 11.P., Leeswood HalL Rev. T. Z. Davies, Whiticrd Vicarage. » Hon. G. T. Kenjon. W. Johnson, E-q., Broughton Hall, Chester. M.Frost, Esq., St. John's House, Chester. R. Fro"t, Esq,, Lime Grove, Chestaf. P. W. Mostyn, Esq., Talacre. C. G. H. H. Conwy, Esq., Bidrhydclan. H. R. Huhe, Esq.. Ystrad. Hon. R. Mostyn, Mostyn. Rev. G. A. Butierton, D.D., Rhyl. T. Wynns Eyton, Esq., The Tower, Mold. Rev. R. H. Howard, St. Asaph. R. F. Birch, Esq., St. Asap:i. A. F. Jones, Esq., Sandown-terrace, Chester. W. P. Jones, Esq., Rhyl. H. J. Potts, Esq., Pantymwynwr, Mold. Sir W. G. Williams. Bodelwycidan. J. H. Lee, Esq., Redbrock, Whitchurch. W. H. Buddicom, Esq., Peubedw, Mold, A. Mesham. Esq., PontruSydd, Rhyl. Rev. W. Evans, Halkyn. Hon. E. F. Kenyon, 7, New Square, Lincoln's Inn, London, St. John Chariton, Esq., Holywell. H. Lees, Esq., Piekhill Hall. Horatio Lloyd, Esq., Sandown-terrace, Chester, H. R. Hughes, Esq., Kinmel. B. T. Griffith-Boscawen, Esq., Trevalyn.] T. P. Jones-Parry, E,q., Harrow. E. Thompsom, Esq., Mold. H. Maddocks, Esq., Sealand. W. Hancock, Esq., Hawarden. J. E. Bankes. Esq., Sougbton Hall, C. E. Thorneycroft, Esq., Bangor-Isyeoed. A. P. Heywood-Lonsdale, Esq., Gredington. R. V. Kyrke, Esq., Nantyfirith. J. Henry, Esq., Halkyn. G. A. Cayley, Esq., Llanerch. Ll. N. V. Lloyd Mostyn, Esq., Gloddaeth. R. Muspratt, Esq., Flint. MAGISTRATES' CLERKS. Divisions of Motd, Hope, Hawarden, and North", Memot Kelly and Keene Assistant Clerk, Mr W. T. Thoma.s. Holy- well and Caerwys, S. Williamson, Esq., Rbuddlan, Prestaty* and St. Asaph, Messrs Sisson and George; Hanmer and Overton, W. Jones. Esq., Island Green, Wrexham.

THE ABERCABNE EXPLOSION—Explorations at the Abercarne colliery have been discontinued, the ovrner« not caring to incur any further outlay. It is possible that the pit may be re-opened some day, but, so far as can be foreseen at present, the bodies of the unfortunate miners will never be brought to the surface. C. K. BENSON and C 's. Teas are the purest, the best and the cheapest. 14, High-street, Wrexham. 77 The Best, the Purest, and the Cheapest New Season's Teas are to be had at C. K BENSON acd Co's. Family Grocery Stores, 14, Bigh-s-reet, Wrexham. Epps's COC»A.—Christian World saysIf I 8111 to taII8 cocoa," said I, I mus: See and judge' for myself what are tha ingredients of which it is composed; -with this view I madia my way to the cocoa manufactory of James Epps aad Co. in the Xuston Road." EPPS S COCOA, John BuR. says:—" An idea of the vaat extent of the industry may be gained from the fact that OM ^E-THAT ?/ ^i>PS AND CC.-JLOW sell SOME 4,000,G60lbs MmuallT. Epps's COCOA.-All the Year Bound says"Let as STREL to the Euston Road, hard by the Regent's Park, to EDM'I Cocoa Manufactory, where may be studied the ma kin" irma* an a stupendous scale, giving a Just idea of the valve of them articles, net as luxuries, but as actual food." Epps's COCOA. Oas~.els Household Guide" says :¡Je will now give an account of the process adopted by Meam James Epps and Co., homoeopathic chemists and turers of dietetic articles, at their works in the Eusten-rva4. London." Epps's C»coA.-Morning Advertiser sa.Ts:-Nearly two centuries after, in 48.,2, the duties which had hitherto almost prohibitive, were greatly reduced, and one of the first to tHke advantage of re-establishing the popularity of o»coa was Messrs Ejpa and Co., the Hommipatfcic Chemist*. 7$J To be giveR. a:way.-A bandsomeVolume will be presented to purchasers of 3 lbs. of Poland, Robertson & Co Book Bonu« pure Tea, price 2s 8d per ib. To be obtained of asrenta everywhere. PolaDd, Robertson & Co. sell the li.ier-t and strongest pure Teas from China and India only, at all prices, from :2. per Ib, carriage free. For family use their celebrate* Congow at 2s 6d per lb is highly recomnoended, and an 8 U. tin will be forwarded free to any railway station en receipt of Post Office order for 20s. Price list and all particulars M application at the Warehouse, 9, Curtain Road, London,E.C —Additional agents wanted. ROSBACH WATER.—Imported direct from the Bprimtg near Homburg. Pleasant to the taste, pure, BEtaral, effot- vescing, delicious. Professor Wanklyn reports, Water te REMARKABLY PURE, and an EXCELLENT TABLB WATER, which may be taken ia large quantities," whisk CANNOT BE SAID OF ANY OTHER MINERAL WATER before the public. Can be obtained at the clubs, hotels, aai of chemists, wine merchants, and others. Original Packama containing SO quart glass bottles, 29s, or 100 pint dittoite.' lees 5 per cent, for cash. The Rosbach Comnanr Flaebary Circus, Louden, £ .c.

TERRIBLE COLLIERY EXPLOSION IN SOUTH WALES. On Monday night, shortly before 11 o'clock, an explosion of fire-damp occurred in the Dinas Colliery in the Rhondda Valley, by which it is feared the lives of 60 workmen have been sacrificed. The colliery is the oldest and deepest in the Rhondda Valley, having been sunk more than 40 yoars ago by the late Mr Walter Coffin. It is now the property of Colonel Hunt. Originally it was sunk to work the bituminous and semi- bituminous coals iiwed for cooking and household purposes; but of late years it has been sunk to the steam ccal measures, of which several seams are now being wrought. There are two shafts, one about 360 vards deep, the other 440 yards. They are about a quarter of a mile apart, the former being used as a down- cast or in-take for the air, and the latter as the up-cast or outlet. Both pits, however, are used as winding shafts for raising and lowering workmen, coal, and materials. The down-cast shaft is sunk to what is locally called the polka" seam, which is the famous four- feet smokeless steam coal, and there is a good travelling road driven along that seam and communicating the up-cast shaft. The general ventilation of the pit is controlled by a fan erected at the top of the up-cast shaft. The pit gives employment to about 400 hands, of whom not quite one-half worked in the six-feet seam, the remainder being employed in the four-feet workings connected with the cast-shaft. On Monday night, after the colliers had left their places and the general operations of the day hands had ceased, the men em- ployed at night in the repairs of working places, the clearance of rubbish, and other details necessary to the safe conduct of operations, went dowa at the usual hour to the number of 58, besides whom were the two hitchers working at the bottom of the shaft. In all there were 60 men and lads in this part ot the mine- At 20 miuutes to 11 o'clock, the engineer, John Burton, heard a crash at the pit's mouth, and going out saw that the heavy iron cap which diverts the air through the tunnel into the fan had been blown up into tbe pit gearing and fixed there. The banksmen, William Taylor and William Webber, had also been blown away from their places, and directly afterwards there came the deep reverberation of an explosion, followed by a cloud of dust and densely sulphureous vapour. The manager, Mr Samuel Hughes, and the overman^ Mr Chubb, were immediately sent for, and meanwhile the engiueman ran back to his engine and made an attempt to raise the cage, which, however, had become fixed. The tidings spread rapidly, and within a few hours not only was the entire population of the village of Dinas gathered rouad the ill-fated pit's mouth, but several managers of the neigh- bouring collieries—Mr Hood, of Llwynpid CoWery Mr Daniel Thomas, Mr Curnew, of the Eute; Mr*D. D. Eva.ns, of the Ferndale Colliery, and others—were present. Owing to the dense volumes of fuul gas ascending the up cast, it was useless to attempt to get at the unfortunate men by that means, and exploring parties lost no time in descending the down-cast shaft and making their way along th^ in-take to the up-caet. When they arrived at the point where the air is taken through the intervening strata from the 4L workings into the 6ft., they found that there had been a tremendeus fail, whieh completely blocked up the windway called the 80 yards staple; and, penetrating further, they found that the doors opening into the up-cast were blown down, so that the maiu current of air was passing from the down-cast shaft along that way directly into the up-cast, 80 yards above the bottom, leaving all the workings below without ventila- tion. The condition of the air below may be imagined from the remark of one cf the exploring engineers that a man could not put his, nose three inches below the level in tbe shaft without being suffocated. Whether the fall which happened in so remarkable a manner directly over the 80 yards staple was a cause or a conse- quence of the explosion is at present doubtful; but there is a complate absence of any of the ordinary evidences of a blast having rushed upwards through that way from the workings below. All the efforts of the engineers and exploring parties were directed to the introduction of old tubes of sufficient size to convey air through to the choked staple into the lower workings. Mr Wales, inspector of the district, and his assistant Mr Galloway, arrived in the afternoon and descended into the work- ings as far as the blocked-up staple. They gave small hopes indeed of a single individual being recovered alive,. but thought that there might be the barest possibility of some of them retiring into the remoter workings, where the air would be purer. There was not much consolation in that they said, because miners, overtaken by an explosion of fire-damp invariably made their way to the mouth if they could, and if the poor fellows did so in this case, those who escaped instant death would only be rushing upon a cruel doom. According to tbe latestinforwation on Wednesday, from the scene of the terrible catastrophe, hope of being able to save life has been abandoned, although the authorities and the large number of volunteers by whom their exer. tions are bravely seconded are persevering in their at- tempts to reach the lower seam. Repeated endeavours have been made to get to the bottom of the shaft, but without success, the gallant exploring parties having from time to time been beaten back exhausted, and in several cases almost fatally so. As to the cause of the accident at present all is theory and speculation. Numerous rumours are afloat, that they are of an extremely untrustworthy character. For instance, it is pointed to as a significant fact that the colliery was at the time of the explosion under the care of the assistant-manager, the manager had his certi- ficate suspended a short time ago, as the result of an enquiry before Mr Commissianer Rothery, at Cardiff. It was the intention of tQe assistant-manager to present himseif for examination at the next sitting of mining engineers, to be held on the 31st of the month. The only man in the pit at the time of the explosion who has been rescued is William Morgan, the pumping engine driver. He was in charge of his engine in No. 3 heading, 100 yards down the shaft. According to his statement he went on duty at a quarter past four o'clock on Monday evening. Shortly after ten o'clock, as he was reading a paper by the light of his lamp, he was startled by a terrible report. Two air doors in his neigh- bourhood were blown down, the lamps extinguished, and he was thrown with considerable violence upon some iron pipes close by. Fortunately, the only injuries he sus- tained. besides a very considerable scare, was an extensive contusion of the right leg and thigh. The first report of the explosion was followed by a hammering or shivering in the air, which continued daring the time he remained in the pit, some three hours after the accident. The delay occasioned in his rescue was owing to one of the guides in the shaft having been fractured by the violence of the explosion. Morgan states that, on groping his way to the shaft, he listened for a signal from the hitchers, at the bottom, but, not receiving one, concluded that they were cut off from communication with the bank, and thus obtained some idea of the extent of the calamity. He says it was not in accordance with the rules for the engine-driver to be at work alone, but he does not attribute the accident to any breach of regulations in this respect. This is his first experience of an explosion. Two years ago he was working at the Australian diggings.

(Sarmpmibtna. We do not hold ourselves responsible for the vpinkm* am preued by our Correspondents. Our columns are optm Ie Air discussion, but we request all writers to me tmryperutt and courteous language, and to be as brief and condtt as possible. Communications not accompanied by the ( name and address of the [writer, or which are adwromd in any other way than to THE EDITOR, will net bt inserted.

school and pay 2s 6d for him weekly, when he would be sure he would be well attended to. Powell said he had not earned 2s 6d for some time, and he had fourteen children. The boy, it was added, was going to school regularly now. A CHARGE WITHDRAWS. Mr Poyser, of Wrexbam, in an adjourned action under a bill of sale brought against a bailee for theft, asked that the case should be again adjourned for a month. The defendant, he said, had communicated with him, offering to make up the deficiency, and he was disposed to let the matter stand over for a month to see whether the defendant would or not.—The Chairman said he conld not use a criminal court to make up debts which could be recovered in a civil one, and be was in favour ot dismissing the case-The Clerk (Mr Keene) advised Mr Poyser to withdraw the case, which course was adopted.