The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

IFTON HEATH. INQUEST.—An inquest was held at the house of Mr. Jonathen Sides, of If ton Heath, on the body of Sarah Ann Roberts, a girl aged 6 years old, before J. Pay, Esqr., coroner and a jury of whom Mr. Taylor was elected foreman.—Ann Roberts, wife of Edward Roberts, a collier, said The deceased was an illegitimate child of my daughter, aged 6,\Ít was somewhat delicate but I have taken every care of it. On Thursday morning last about 6.30 a.m., the child asked me if she could get up. She went down and was about to take the fender from by the fire when her dress ignited, and she became a mass of flames. She came and screamed at the bottom of the stairs. I went down and found her all in flames, and I got and wrapped two of my son's jackets, and extinguished the flames. I did not think she was badly burnt. Dr. Roe of Elles- mere, happened to be in the district, and called in to see her. He said she was badly burnt and gave me a note to send to Dr. Lloyd. Mr. Smith, Dr. Lloyds assistant afterwards came, and Dr. Lloyd came to see it on Friday night about 9, and said she was badly burnt, and gave no hope of recovery. She died at 5.30 on Saturday morning.—A boy Edward Roberts, agfed 11, son of the witness also corroborated the evidence of his mother.—Mary Ann Sides said she was called in to see the deceased on Thursday morning last, and at once applied lin- seed oil and goose oil. She knew that Mrs. Roberts was very much attached to the child.—Dr. Smith made no remark and said that once a day was sufficient to dress it. Dr. Lloyd saw it on the Fri- day night and said the shock to the system was sufficient to cause death, and he did not entertain any hopes of recovery, everything was done that1 could be and the child died at 5.30 p.m., on Satur- day morning.—The coroner briefly summed up and a verdict of accidental death was returned.—A requisition in favour of payment of juries was signed, and the Coroner said he would see that it was forwarded to the proper quarter.

DEYTHEUR. APPOINTMENT OF HEAD MASTER OF THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.—The Rev. W. B. Dowell-Lee has been appointed head master of the above school. The reverend gentleman received his education in one of the London schools, and at Trinity College, Dublin, where he graduated M.A., about eleven years ago. For the last ten years he has acted as senior assistant master of the large and important Grammar School, Camberwell, which has nearly 400 boys. During his time there he won for him- self an excellent character both as a teacher, and for hia great and elevating influence over the boys. His class always stood well in the annual reports. We doubt not but that he will be equally success- ful in his new sphere of work at Deytheur. Mr. Dowell-Lee has already offered several scholarships to assist boys of limited means to obtain a liberal and practical education of a high class character and modern type, and he intends to build shortly a new and improved science laboratory. This will, doubtless, be a valuable help to those boys who intend proceeding to one of the Universities, or to Bangor or Aberystwith College. Deytheur School was founded and endowed in the year 1639 by Lord Newport. It was reconstituted this year under the Endowed Schools' Act, and the Intermediate Education Act, and will be reopened on the third Wednesday in January, 1894. We fervently hope that the new head master will be the means of re- establishing the fame which once belonged to this old foundation. The number of scholars will be 80, and of these 30 may be boarders.

MORTON. The Rev. C. R. Garnett-Botfield, M.A., late reotor of Ardwick-le-street, Donoaster, who has been appointed by the Lord Chancellor to the liv- ing of Morton, near Oswestry, vacant by the death of the Rev. R. E. Price, was instituted by the Bishop of St. Asaph, on Saturday, and inducted on Sunday by the Rev. Cecil Hook, vicar of Oswestrv, and rural dean.

BERRIEW. CONCEALMENT OF BIRTH.—On Saturday Mr. E. M. Jones, coroner, held an inquest at Trwstllewelyn farm, Berriew, upon the body of the illegitimate child of Mary Horton, a servant at the farm.— Elizabeth Owen, housemaid, said she slept in the same room as Mary Horton. On Wednesday night the latter complained of pains, and was restless after going to bed. At 4.30 on Thursday morning she got up and sat on the bed, again saying she was ill. Some time afterwards she went down- stairs with a lighted candle, saying she should be back in a few minutes. She did not come, and at 7 o'clock witness got up and went downstairs. Mary Horton was sitting down with her head on the table. She afterwards told witness she had had a ohild. P.C. Davies, Berriew, proved finding the child in the w.o., at the farm house.—Dr. Morgan, of Montgomery, said he had made a post-mortem examination and found itlhad breathed imperfectly, there being signs of air in the lungs. The doctor said oases similar to the present had been known to occur. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the child had been born alive but accidentally killed by a fall. Mary Horton when able to be removed, will be charged with concealment of birth. 0

POOL AND FORDEN HIGHWAY BOARD. The monthly meeting of this Board was held on Monday when Capt. Mytton presided, and there were also present—Messrs P. Bullock (vioe-ohair- man), T. Gregory, W. Davies, F. Rogers, T. Green, W. Powell, D. Thomas, E. Evans, Manafon, E. Jones, Manafon, B. Beddoes, J. Edwards, and Jones, Guilsfield, with Mr: W. P. Hole, surveyor. FINANCE. The Finance Committee's report, whioh was adopted, was to the effect that the balance in the hands of the treasurer was £503 14s. 6d. The committee recommended that the undermentioned accounts be credited with the following amounts reoeived by him :—District fund account: Guilsfield £20 10s., Castle Careinion £25, Berriew £19. The sum of £123 16s. 7d. was recommended to be paid to the district surveyor for expenditure for wages, Ac., during the ensuing month, THE ROAD LEADING TO OLD MILLS, MANAFOJF. An application having been made to the Board to repair the road leading to the Mill from the main road, it was resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Edwards, that the Surveyor confer with the County Surveyor with a view of making good the damage done to the Old Mill Road by hauling stones for both district and main roads. This was all the business.

LLANFYLLIN. DISTRIBUTION 017 COAL.—On Monday the Rector and Churchwardens distributed coal to over a hun- dred poor people in the town, allowing each about two cwt. MURDEROUS ASSAULT.—On Monday last, before C. R. Jones, Esq., John Morris Jones, was brought up in custody of Police Sergeant Meredith, charged with attempting to murder Mary Ann Pryoe, a servant girl living at Llwydiarth Fach, on the 14th instant by striking her on the head with an axe. P.S. Meredith, stationed at Llanfyllin stated that he took the prisoner into custedy on Saturday last, at Llwydiarth Fach. The prisoner having admitted to John Jones, his master, in the presenoe of wit- ness that he took the money that was missing. Witness aocompanied prisoner to a field belonging to Llwydiarth Fach where he had hidden part of the money. When they got to a ditch prisoner re- moved some earth away and produced the £2 5s. They then went to another field and to a ditch ad- joining a wood where prisoner ;W&b — 5 v- LO murder Mary Ann Pryce; prisoner replied I did strike her with the axe." Witness then charged him with stealing the money, he replied The key was in the drawer and I took the money out." Witness wrote these statements down at the time and prisoner signed them, they afterwards were prodnoed in oourt. Frederick Felix Jones, surgeon in practice at Llanfyllin said that he saw Mary Ann Pryoe on Thursday evening at 5 30 p.m. at Llwydiarth Fach. He found her in an unconcious state, suffering from a compound fracture of the hinder part of the skull, and a contused wound about two inches long on the forehead, her whole face being bruised and swollen. The fraeture of the skull was such as might have been caused by a blow from an axe.— By Mr. C. R. Jones: I do not think that the bruise on the forehead was oaused by an axe. The Girl's life is in danger, and if she does recover she will not be able to give evidence for some time. The prisoner was remanded on the application of P.C. Meredith until Friday.

LLANIDLOES. Our correspondent for this district is Mr. Lewis Rowlands, printer, China Street, to whom all notices of meetings, and paragraphs should be sent. COUNTY COURT.—MONDAY.—Before Hia Honour Judge David Lewis. David Jones and Co. v. Thomas Breeze.—This was a claim for £2, the value of a suit of clothes ordered by the defendant.-—David Jones said that defen- dant came to his shop on April 18th and ordered a suit of olothes. There was no one with defendant. —Defendant admitted having had the ■suit of olothes, but said that his uncle promised to pay for anything he ordered at that time.—Jane Brown, for the defence, said she was with defendant when the uncle gave him permission to order a suit of clothes.—Judgment was given for the plaintiff, the amount to be paid in two instalments. Richard Evans w. William, Alderson.—The plaintiff in this case was a tradesman and the defendant a County Court bailiff. The claim was for JE1 3s., the value of' a jacket supplied to the grand- daughter with, it was stated, defendant's consent.— Defendant said he had paid plaintiff every penny due to him and never gave a written or a verbal order for the jacket, and his grand-daughter had never told him that she got it at his expense.— Plaintiff stated that the grand-daughter did not sleep at defendant's house, but she did his work for him.—defendant continually interrupted the witness, and at length his Honour stated thwb if he continued to interrupt he would take steps to have him turned out of his office of bailiff. He knew defendant's state and had seen him often in a similar condition.—Eleanor Alderson, a weaver, said she remembered her daughter getting a jacket on March 11th. It was purchased with the consent of defendant, who had kept his grand-daughter in clothes owing to witness's circumstances.— Judgment was given for the plaintiff. ALLEGED DISHONESTY.—STRONG REMARKS BY THE JUDGE. George Roberts, of the Unicorn Stores, sued Ann and John Griffiths, of the Blue Bell Inn, Llangurig. for goods supplied for the business.—Mr. Taylor, of Newtown, said his Honour would see that his firm's name was down as plaintiff's solicitors, but he was not aware of the circumstances of the case until that morning, when he discovered something which compelled him to take a certain course. There was recalled to his recollection a case which was heard in that Court in November, 1892, in which an action was brought by the same plaintiff against the female defendant in regard to the very same goods which caused the present case. He remembered that then h$Honour Judge Beresford considered there was dishonesty in the case, but he was not satisfied that the female defendant, the wife, was liable. He was under the impression that Judge Beresford non-suited the plaintiff with leave to bring a fresh action. The plaintiff etated that the Judge told him to enter an action against the husband and wife, and he acted upon that advice. Both defendants there was no doubt from what had taken place in the previous action had been playing a game of shuttle cock and battle dore with their creditors. Up to January, 1892, the business was to all intents and purposes that of John Griffiths and his wife. In January the male defendant had the licence in his own name, but apparently in consequence of some other actions there the wife took out the licence. His i could draw an inference why this thing had been done. The legal aspect of the case was this, that in the face of the minute of the Judges decision ni the previous case, which did not tally with his recollection, he could not proceed against the female defendant, so they could sue the male defendant only.—Mr. Harding said he was in- structed to contest the liability of the defendant.— The Plaintiff said that in June last Mrs. Griffiths, who was then carrying on the business and came to pay him a bill, brought him an order saying she would pay for the goods oontained in it. Witness said to her You know your husband owes me a lot of money and that I cannot trnst hhn alone." Mrs Griffiths replied, I will see you paid. Cross-examined: At the last Court it was admitted that the goods were delivered.—The Judge said that it was a most dishonest sort of thing, and that Mr. Harding had said nothing to disprove liability.—Mr. Taylor said he remembered Judge Beresford saying there was dishonesty in the case, and he understood him to say he was compelled to non-suit plaintiff, and that he gave him leave to bring a fresh cas«.—The Registar was also of his opinion.—Mr. Harding quoted a legal volume to show that an entry made at a previous Court oould not be altered or amended.—His Honour said that he would reserve judgment until the next Court. He considered that both defen- dants ought to be ashamed of themselves, and that their next application for a renewal of the licence of their business should be opposed as they were not fit to hold one.

CHURCHSTOKE. MISSIONARY SERMONS.—-The usual sermons on behalf of Church of England Missions were preached in the parish church on Sunday last. There were good congregations, and suitable addresses were given, in the morning by the Rev. Prebendary White, vicar, and in the evening by the Rev. E. W. Cockell, rector of More. The offertory amounted to £2 11s. 9d., which, with the subscriptions of parishioners, will be divided between the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and the Church Missionary Society.

WHITTINGTON. C. E. T. S. (JUVBNILB BRANCH). — On Monday, December 18th, a meeting of this branch was held in the Boys' Schoolroom, under the able manage- ment of Miss Kate Charles, Plas Griffith. The Rev. J. Wynne Davies presided. The programme of the entertainment was as follows :—Pianoforte solo, Miss Kate Charles; recitation, Eliza Jones; song, Daisy Rogers; recitation, Robert Lloyd Jones; a carol, 8 girls; recitation, Louie Lloyd; recitation, Milly Morria; song, the Rev. J. Wynne Davies; recitation, Janet Davies. The entertain- ment, which was a very good one, was brought to a close with .the usual vote of thanks, and the prayers.

LLANDYSILIO. PIGEOX SHOOTING.—Owing to the death of Mr' Thomas Kempster the annual pigeon shooting which takes place about Christmas has been post- poned.

FORDEN BOARD OF GUARDIANS. WEDNESDAY.—Present: Col. R. J. Harrison, chairman, Messrs. W. Rogers, E.R. Owen, Berriew, W. E. Jones, Cnirbury, Thomas Rogers, Forden, John Davies, Llandyssil, Francis Langford, Mont- gomery, and Robert W. Timmis, Worthe with Mr C. S. Pryce, clerk. RBLIEF. Number in the house first week of the fortnight 115, against 115 last year. Tramps relieved 63 against 53. Outdoor poor relieved, 230, against 226. Amount spent in out-rblief, £17 3s.l2d., against £18 18s. 2d. Second week, number in:the house, 118, against 117. Tramps, 49, against :49. Outdoor poor relieved, 230, against 236. Amount spent, JE16 Sa. against £17 6s. AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. A letter was read from the Chamber of Agricul- ture in which the Statistical Committee requested the Board to furnish them with figures from occu- piers of land throughout the county relating to agriculture. It was stated that the returns would be treated as private and confidential. Upon the suggestion of the Vice-Chairman it was decided to let the matter stand over so that the gentlemen farmers might have an opportunity of seing the letter. THB NEW LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL. A letter waa read from the Tamworth Union drawing the attention of the Board to seGtion 23, sub-seotion 25, of the Local Government Bill, and saying it was clear that if rural sanitary districts were divided as proposed it must necessarily result in an inoreasod coat to the ratepayers. The con. venienoo of the locality, the letter also stated, should not be sacrificed for making county govern- ment more symmetrical. They suggested that the Board should adopt the following resolution That where a rural sanitary district is in more than one oounty it is essentially one district. in the interests of convenience and should be allowed to remain one distriot. The Chairman said they had had the question before them two years ago. He had always been of opinion that as regarded this Union it was much better to allow things to remain as they were. He oertainly thought the portion of Shropshire attached to their Union was more conveniently managed from Forden than if it were joined to Atcham. Then had been a good deal of discussion on the subject, and the late Government dropped the question altogether and he should not be sur- prised if the present Government followed suit. The Vice-Chairman said he also did not think there was any advantage in the alteration proposed by the Government. The Chairman proposed that the resolution be adopted. The Vice-Chairman seconded and the proposal was agreed to. It was decided to send a copy of it to the President of the Local Government Board, the County and Borough Members and the Mem. ber for the .Osweatry Division of Shropshire. •

SHOCKING REVELATIONS AT FESTINIOG UNION. At the fortnightly meeting) of the Festiniog Union, held at Penrhyndeudraeth, on Tuesday, Dr. B. T. Jones, medioal officer, reported upon the case- of a man named Robert Jones, Gellirwaen. At the request of the Guardians he visited the place, he notioed twe lads, apparently of the ages of nino and 16, digging potatoes outside the house. Both of them appeared to be suffering from the cold weather, and were insufficiently clad. Their clothes: were literally hanging in rags about their arms and legll. The knees of the eldest lad were bare, and one of them was covered with sores. His arms were* also bare to some extent above his elbows. His- tongue was fissured, and hia appearance gave the dootor the imprewion that he was suffering from want of proper food as well as from cold The eldest boy was apparently suffering from infantile paralysis. The youngest boy's face was pale and wan. He was a aharp, bright and intelligent boy, and it was a shame he was not at school. In the house was one dirty bed, in which the two boysr a sister (between thirteen and fourteen years of age), and the father slept together, Three rem- nants of blankets, torn in shreds lengthways anct worn thin, and a couple of sacks and an old coat, formed all the bedolothing to be seen. The sacking' of the bed was torn, and the chaff running on the floor. Thve was a similar bed, but no bedclothes, upstairs. The only food he could find was some buttermilk in an old tin can, and a quarter sack of. "n" was no fire in the grate, and no signs > ? been lighted for many days, if not 3 30 p.m. the kitchen waejjark, the of the window being covered with bits LId a great number of the panes were th rags. A more delapidated house was lund he (Dr. Jones) was thankful to say in any part of the oountry he had been practising" in. Mr. Owen Jones said they had no alternative but to put the law in force and defend the little children. This course was unanimously agreed to. "»■■■—■——

GALE IN THE CHANNEL. A Dover telegram states that a terrific southerly gale was raging in the Channel on Wednesday. High seaa were running, and a number of vesse making for harbour. An exciting scene was witnesed at Dover on Thursda when a large acrew steamer, the Gorton, of London, after colliding with the North Pier, was driven ashore by the south-westerly gale. A tug took her in tow, but the rope broke, and she waS driven upon an iaon groin. A rope was fixed to the vessel, and two or three men were got off, the re- mainder, about fifteen, being afterwards rescued by the rocket apparatus.

SALES OF SHORTHORN CATTLE IN 1893. The recently issued almanack of the Live Stock Journal contains a large number of special article9 •n the breeding, rearing, and sales of the different kinda of farm live stock, besides articles on dogS, poultry, and cage birds. One of the most interest" ing is that from the pen of Mr. Thornton, the well' known auctioneer, of Princess street, Hanover Square, London, who summarises the sales of pedigree Shorthorn cattle. Mr. Thornton state" that, despite the absence of foreign buyers and genralliloarcity of keep, better, prices have beelS obtained than in 1892, the average, which was onlY £23 10s. in that year, having risen to £25 for tbe 1,619 head of cattle disposed of at thirty-fo13^ different sales in 1893. It should be added, ho' ever, that in 1892 there were forty sales of 1,8^ head, so that there was a considerable decrease ø the total number disposed of in 1893, while thf average for the ten previous years was about S&3' The decrease has, in fact, been constant for son?? time, and, • although last year as much as 1,0"^ guineas were paid for a bull at the Queen's sal0' the highest price obtained during the past was 200 guineas, this being paid at the Blenhei^1 sale of the late Duke of Marlborough's herd & March. The Blenheim sale was in all respects best of the season, for not only was the highest dividual price of the year obtained there, but forty-eight lots made the highest averag^J £44 11s. 8d. Mr. T. Eades Walker's well-kno^ herd was sold on the following daj, but the si five lots did not average more than £24, and th various sales held in May were also less sat; factory than oould have been wished. Two three good sales were held in June, Mr. Barchard herd in Sussex and that of Mr. P. E. Mills Nottinghamshire averaging over £ 33 and respectively, while of the two sales in July 9 of the Prince of Wales was the most satisfactory g draft of fifty-two from his herd averagiJl £ 32 10s. 6d. The majority of the sales were held in Septernb and October, and in the former of the two mont Mr. R. Thompson, Lord Bective, and Lord ham obtained averages of £ 33, £ 30, and £ 38 selections from their well-known herds; and the'best of the October sales was t of Mr. J. M. William's herd in Scotland, fifty making an average of over £ 37; while of ± two sales in Ireland during that month, the j, successful wa^ that of Lord Lismore's herd, made an average of nearly £24.

ELLESMERE. This paper can be obtained from Messrs C. HILL and C. ROBERTS, Stationers, and Mr. V. EVERETT, Hairdresser, every Saturday morning. CHURCH OF ENGLAND WORKING MEN'S CLUB.— On Monday evening last a meeting was held in the Infants' Schoolroom, St. John's Hill, for the pur- pose of considering the question of formir g a Church of England Working Men's Club for Ellesmere. Rev. J. Peake, vicar of Ellesmere, occupied the chair, and there were also present Mias M. Jebb, Messrs. H. J. E. Peake, James Cartwright, George Davies, W. Davies, T. Boyling, J. A. S. Jennings, C. Davies, S. Whitfield, T. Downes, F. Ashley, J. Pay, and others. The Chairman briefly announced the object of the meeting pointing out that there were many questions which effected the Church which it would be well for working men and others to dis- cuss. There was the question of Church Schools, in Ellesmere they had been ordered to build a new Infant School, a site had already been fixed upon and plans would soon be submitted. It was of great importance to Church people who believed in the teaching of a definite Christian religion that the school board should be kept out of the place, then at election times they could form a church party to consider political questions affecting the church, then there was the Church in Wales and many other important questions that they might consider. After some discussion, Mr. James !Cartwright was unanimously elected secretary on the motion of Mr. Jennings, seconded by Mr. C. Davies. A committee was then elected as follows Messrs. F. Ashley, T. Boyling, T. Downes, and H. J. E. Peake. Ashley proposed, and Mr. C. Davies seconded, that the vicar be elected president, this was carried unanimously. Mr.' Pay spoke of the good such a society could do and especially referred to certain clauses in the Parish Council's Bill which affected the church. After some discussion, Mr. Pay in re- sponse to the request of the chairman consented to open a discussion on the Parish Councils Bill as far as it affected the church at the next meeting of the Club which was fixed for January 8th, at 8 p. m. A vote of thanks to the chairman was proposed by Mr. C. Davies, seconded by Mr. J. Pay and carried unanimously. The committee afterwards met and drew up rules, Ac., to be submitted to the club at the next meeting. Mr. C. Davies was ap. pointed treasurer. The subscription is to be a very small one and it is hoped that a large number of working men belonging to the church will join the club and help to make it useful both to them- selves and the church. CHORAL UNION CONCERT.—One of the most suc- cessful concerts performed in Ellesmere was given in the Town Hall on Friday week by the members of the Ellesmere Choral Union, when Gaul's sacred cantata Ruth" was chosen for the first part of the programme and a miscellaneous selection for the second part. There was was a, large and fashionable audience present, in- cluding the following :—Mr. James Kendall and party, Mr. Farthing, Mrs. Alderson and party, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. P. Child, Mr, and Miss Davies (Elson), Miss Pritchard (The Schools) and party, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley, Lieut. Coffin, Mrs. Giles and party, Dr. and Mrs. Glasson, Mr. J. Pay, Mr. W. and Miss Owen, Miss Tomlinson, Rev. — Stevens, Mr. Foster, Misses Coffin, Mr. G. M. Hales, Miss Roberts, Mr. and Miss Whitfield (Crickett), Misses Green, Mr, and Miss Berridge (Oaklands), Mrs.4IcCutcham. Miss Roe, Miss Jebb (Church- street) and party, Misses Wynn (Crickett), Misses Wynn (Gladwyn), Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Bickley, Mr. and Mrs. Lea (Lyneal), Mrs. Povey, Mr. C. U. Moore, Mr. and Miss Batho, Mr. and Mrs. Davies (Union), Miss Scott, Miss Armytage, Dr. Harrison, Mr. H. J. E. and Miss Peake, Mr. and Mrs. R. Roe, Mr. J. S. Knight and party, Mr. and Miss Lloyd (Sparbridge), Miss M. Allinson, Miss Tabor, Miss Pritchard (Cross Street), Misses Davies, Miss Cluff, Mr. and Mrs. Mylius, Miss Bury, Mr. and Mrs. Cornish, Rev. H. Pugh, Misses S. A. and A. Thompson, Mrs. W. H. Lloyd, Frauline Deiz, Miss Gibbs, Mr. Hill, Mr. Brown, Mr. Duncan, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Lloyd, Mr. Foulger, Mr. Williams, Mr. Pierce, Mr. Mann, Mr. Read, Mr. Welsford, Mr. Jones, Mr. Kesterton, Mr. C. Davies, Mr. Jennings, &c.—The first part of the programme consisted of the sacred cantata Ruth," by A. R. Gaul, as follows:—Chorus, "A grievous famine"; recita- tive, "Now go your ways, my daughters," air, "0 gracious Lord"; choral recitative, "They lifted up their voice and wept," trio, Farewell! air, Entreat me not to leave thee chorus, Art thou that Naomi ?" recitative, Call me not Naomi," choms, Weep no more"; chorus, See, the golden rays of morning choral recitative, Naomi had a kinsman," air, Let me "hi*, unto the field," recitative, Go, my daug' n— not from hence"; recitative, WhJ grace in thine eyes P air, Past a the kindness choral recrat; in the fields until even," daet, With I greet thee heme" chorale, Nighto mezzo (instrumental) Daybreak, weuuing chorus, Hark hark! the cymbals clash air, Glory be to Thee, 0 Lord; chorus, Rejoice. for blessings round us fall." The soloists were :—Soprano, Miss Fanny Bouffleur, of Liverpool; contralto, Madame Pollie Jenkins, of Llanymynech tenor, Mr. J. S. Knight, of Elles- mere; bass, Mr. Hartley Ditchburn, of Chester jC^thedrel. The choruses were well and carefully render ad by a clioir of about 40 voices, which showed by the way in which the whole of the performance was gone through that great care and pains must have been given in getting up the piece. The soloists were very good and received frequent and prolonged applause. When everyone did so much to contribute to the general success it would be invidious to single out anyone for special praise. After the conclusion of the cantata a duet, Love Divine," from the Daughter of Jairus," was sung by special request by Miss Bonffleur and Mr. Knight, and was much appreciated and loudly applauded. The part song" The Pilgrims" was jriceiy render^ tj- the choir unci brought the first part to a close. Part 2 was as follows :—Song, ^Should he upbraid," Miss F. Bouffleur; song, Thy Sentinel am I," Mr. H. Ditchburn; song, Love has eyes," Miss F. Bouffteuf) pianoforte solo, Sonata," Miss M. A. Pritchard; song, Out on the Deep," Mr. H. Ditchburn song, Children Asleep," Madame Pollie Jenkins; song, "Before we part," Mr. J. S. Knight; glee, Song of the Mountaineers," the choir. This was a great treat, and from the numerous encores must have been very much appreciated by the large audience. Miss Bouffleur received an enthusiastic encore for her song Should he upbraid, and also for her rendering of Love has eyes," when she kindly gave The White Sergeant." She possesses a splendid soprano voice and sings in a very pleasing style. Mr. Hartley Ditchburn received a well earned encore for his song Thy Sentenal am I," when he kindly gave Drinking." His second song, Out on the Deep," also received an enthusiastic encore, when he kindly substituted Ting Tong." Mr. Ditchburn possesses a powerful bass voice and his choice of songs was very good; he, like Miss Bouffleur, has appeared before an Ellesmere audience before, and they both well maintain the reputation they have earned. Madame Polly Jenkins appeared for the first time in Ellesmere and sang her song Children Asleep in perfect style. She was enthusiastically encored, when she gave The lost chord," which was loudly applauded. Her fine contralto voice of great compas was much appreciated by the audience. Miss Pritchard's pianoforte solo was a very clever performance and she also received an enthusiastic encore. Mr. J. S. Knight Is an old favourite, and received a well- earned encore for his solo" Before we part," when he kindly substituted Tom Bowling." The choir brought the second part to a conclusion by a good rendering of the Song of the Mountaineers," after which the National Anthem was sung. The concert was a great success, and the Choral Union are to be congratulated upon the successful way in which it was carried out. Mr. J. Cornish as conductor wielded the baton in excellent style, and Miss M. E. Hill and Mr. H. H. Tims fulfilled the office of accompanists with, great credit. Nor must we omit to mention the hon. sec., Rev. J. H. Pugh,who is to be congratulated on the success which has attended his first year of office. The platform was nicely decorated with flowers and evergreens from the greenhouses of Messrs Thompson and Son, of this town.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS AMONG THE SHOPS. Tuesday last being the market day before Christmas there was as usual a good display of Christmas fare. In the Market IIa.il there was a good show of geese and turkeys. Some of very good quality and prices ranged from 8d to 9d per lb. The butchers also made a good display. MEAT MARKET. Mr. H. Pierce had a good show of prime beef and mutton, comprising two magnificieii: two-year-old heifers fed by Mr. J. Lee (Crimps), and winners of the first prize in Messrs Parry, Dawson, Batho and Co's. auction, also a fine heifer fed by Mr. E. Parker, of English Frankton, three heifers, fed by Mr. J. P. Edwards, of Haughton, Mr. Simcock, of Northwood, and Mr. Marsh, of Crosemere, all of prims quality. The mutton composed ten prime Clun wethers fed by Mr. Batho, of Old Marton, and purchased in the Christmas fair at Ellesmere. The stall was nicely decorated with evergreens, &c., and suitable mottos. Mr. T. Dickin was well to the fore with some nice beasts fed by Mr. Nunnerley, of Kenwick, which won first prizo at the Christmas fair last week, also some nice wether mutton fed by him. self, and out of the same lot which took first prize in the Smithfield last fair. Mr. Venables had some nice quality beef fed by Mr. Butler, of Hordley, which were highly com- mended at the Christmas fair. He also had an ox fed by Mr. Arding, the winner of a second prize, and five prime Welsh wethers. Mr. J. Phillips had a good display of beef, in- cluding one fed by Mr. Nunnerley and winner of a first prize in Ellesmere Smithfield, also seven nice sheep and some lambs fed by Mr. Nunnerloy,which took first prize at the Christmas fair, and others fed by Mr. Charles Parry which were highly com- mended. Mr. Hawkins shop was as usual nicely decorated and had a good display. The beef included one of Mr. Nunnerley's first prize heifers and also one fed by Mr. F. B. Owen. The sheep included some of prime quality fed by Mr. T. Diokin, of Cockahutt, winners of first prize at the Ellesmere Christmas auction, and also some lambs fed by Mr. Nunner- ley, of Kenwick, which took first prize at the same auction. Also six porket pigs of nice quality. Mr. John Clay, Mr. John Copnall, and Mr. T. Manning, also had some good Christmas fare. THB GEOOBBS made a good show of the ingredients for the Christmas pudding and other things for the festive season. Messrs Phillips and Co. had an attractive window. Mr. Fitzjohn had a "winter scene" flanked with oranges, lemons, &c. Mr. E. K. Bickley, Mrs. Jones (Higlt Street), Mr. Tims, and Mrs. Emma Davies also had good display of Christmas fare. THE DRAPERS made a good show of wraps, furs, evening dresses, Ac. Misses Thompson, of London House, Mr. Isaac Cooke, Mr. Hudson, Miss G. Roberts, and Miss Haynes had good displays of seasonable garments and fancy articles, Ac., suitable for presents. THE CONFECTIONERS, &C, were well to the fore. Mrs. Fowler had a nice display of cakes, &c., and her window was bright with Chinese lanterns, Ac. Mr. Jeffreys, Mrs Jones, and Mrs. Goulden also had good displays. Mr. Hill and Mr. Roberts had large assortments of Christmas and New Year's cards, and a great number of other articles suitable for Christmas presents and likely to please the most fasidious tastes. Mr. Grosvenor and Mr. A. Hendrick displayed a assortment of clocks, watches and jewellery well suited for Christmas presents. Messrs T. Coffin, junr., V. Everett, and Mrs. Towler catered for the smokers, and had a good assortment of pipes, pouches, &c., and Mrs. Taylor, as usual, had a large assortment of toys and other articles dear to the hearts of the juvenile part of the population.

INQUESTS. An Inquest was held at Mr. Cartrights, The Buildings, Rednal, on the body of Thomas Rogers, aged 29, on Friday the 15th., before J. Pay, Esqr., coroner, and a jury of whom Mr. Edwards was foreman. Thomas Cartright, farmer, identified the body, and said the deceased was in his employ as a waggoner, he was a steady, trustworty and sober man. He sent him to Oswestry on Wednesday, with some sheep for the fáir, with a waggon and two horses. The horses were constantly at work. They were put up at the Kings Head. I told him he must remain in Oswestry until the stock was sold. I saw the deceased about 1 o'clock he came to say where he had put up the horses. I next saw him when he was ready to start home, it would be between three and four, he certainly had had beer but to all appearance was quite able to take charge of the horses. I left Oswestry a little after four. I first heard of the accident at 5.30. The message was that the horse and waggon had been upset in the pool. I found the shaft horse standing with his head towards the waggon and several men in "souring to rescue the deceased who j: x ..u" 0000>u4"t co carr) lUW nitv _4. Blacksmith's Cottage. I did not see the bodJ water. I saw no signs of life, but a doctor was sent for. The road where the accident occurred is certainly dangerous. Jane Harper, wife of Andrew Harper, said she knew the dece. t1 personally, and believed him to be a steady so' fman. I saw him on Wednesday: last, he was C01 ng home from Oswestry, he had charge of two horses and a waggon, it would be about 5.30 p.m. The horses appeared to be going alright. I did not speak to him. I noticed that: the shaft horse appeared to shy and give a spring, and they started to gallop, Mr. Davies, the black- smith, ran out, it was so very dark I could not see what was going on. I saw the waggon go over but did not hear the deceased say anything, the only person present was Mr. Davies. I screamed and several more persons came. By the Foreman: The only thing I saw in the road at all likely to frighten the horses was a cow. 1 Joseph Davies, said I am a blacksmith, living at Rodney, and had lived there 4 years. Mr. Cartright horse was shod at my place, and I knew the deceased very well. I did not see him either going or coming from Oswestry. About 5.30 on Wediies- day last I was just finishing my tea, and I heard a crash by Rednal pool, and I saw a waggon over- turned, and dashed in at once. I called out but no one answered, the waggon was turned over on its side in the pool. I ran up the road and met his brother and another person, we went into the water after the waggon had been lifted and re- covered the body. It would be about twenty min- utes from the time the accident occurred and the time we got him out, and I believe that he was dead at the time he was taken out. I believe he was killed by the waggon falling on him. Some- thing should be done to the road which certainly is very dangerous. The Coroner summed up, and the jury after deliberating for some time returned the following verdict. That Thomas Rogers was accidentally killed by the horses taking fright and throwing over the waggon in Rednal pool, which fell on the deceased. What caused the horses to take fright there is no evidence to show. An inquest was held at the house of Mr. Thos. Bowen, of Gadlus, on Saturday, the 16th inst., before J. Pay, Esq., Coroner, and a jury of whom Mr. William Thomas was foreman, on the body of Phillip Owen, a clock cleaner, living at Gadlus. Jane Owen, widow of deceased, identified the body, and said his age was 43. Until about six weeks since my husbaud enjoyed good health. On Thursday last he remained in bed until about mid-day, he felt tired and had a hard day's work the day before. He complained more than usual on Thursday last, and I noticed that his breathing was short. He was taken ill at about 8-30. He cat a hearty supper and appeared alright, I saw no difference in him. Shortly afterwards he said Oh dear, I am going." I thought he was fainting. He fell forwards toward the fire, and I just had time to catch hold of him. Dr. Harrison, of Ellesmere, was sent for at once. I also sent for a neighbour, Miss Bowen, who rendered me every assistance. He foamed at the mouth and appeared to fight for his breath. I have heard him com- plain years ago of pain at the heart. The statement of this witness was corroborated by Ellen Bowen. Dr. Harrison afterwards gave evidence stating that when he arrived deceased was dead, he had never attended him. Having heard the evidence he should say deceased died from diseases of the heart. The Coroner briefly summed up and a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

BISHOP'S CASTLE. On Tuesday evening last an excellent entertain- ment consisting of concert and opperetta, was given in Robers' "Assembly Room," which was kindly lent for the occasion. Although the weather was unfavourable, there was a good attendance. A capital programme was well rendered by the following, who kindly gave their services:— Messrs. Walter James, F. Blake (Ludlow), E. Edmonds, and C. J. Mabbatt (Lydbury North), Dempsey, R. Cooke, and R. Ridge. Mr. J. H. Caeless was the accompanist. The proceeds were in aid of the funds of the Powis Institute. The promoters were Mr. Allan (hon. sec. of the In. stitute), and Mr. Havard.

OSWESTRY. THE Oswestry District Entire Shire Horse Asso- ciation have hired for the ensuing season Regent II. (6216), the property of Mr. E. Green, The Moors, Welshpool. The Chief Constable of Shropshire, Captain Williams-Freeman, has presented Sergeant Hamlet, of the county police, with a badge of merit in recognition of his having traced the men Dawson and Burns, who were convicted at the assizes of burglarly near Chirk. THE WEST END SCHOOL, OSWESTRY.—This school dispersed for the Christmas holidays on Friday, December 15th. Prizes were gained by James Lloyd Campbell, Tom Adams, and Hugh Davies. George Evans received the prize for arithmetic and Hugh Davies for drawing. Mr. J. Hubert Jones, B.A., the Head Master awarded the prizes, whioh consisted of the following books:—1st, a bound volnme of Sunday," James Lloyd Campbell; 2nd, a volume of the Children's Friend," Tom Adams; 3rd, a volume of the Child's Companion," Hugh Davies; 4th, Early days," awarded to George Evans. THE OSWESTRY CHORAL SOCIETY commenced this season with a performance of Elijah," in the Victoria Rooms, on Friday, December 15th. The work was a bold undertaking, demanding as it does the highest capabilities of choir, band, and soloists; but the result fully justified the attempt. One of the most striking points of the performance was the sympathy which existed between the executants; and thus the various pitfalls which usually beset the progress of a work of this kind were avoided. The ensemble was well balanced both in the dramatic Baal choruses, and in those which demanded a more delicate interpretation. One of the best numbers of the evening was the chorus co) Thanks be to God," both band and choir seemed carried away with a spirit of enthusiasm which secured a very vigorous and effective result. The band was particularly good in the passages in this chorus which represents the rushing of the rain. The success of the oratoria was in no small manner due to the orchestra engaged for the occasion. Some people imagine that the choral portion is so im- portant that the orchestra must occupy an altogether subordinate position, and that expense is needlessly incurred by engaging a satisfactory body of instrumentalists. Little do they think of the careful thought spent by a composer on his orchestration. It is the colouring of the tonal picture and a work given with an inadequate band must be regarded as being in a more or leas mutilated oondition, and as not being at all in accordance with the interpretation of the composer. In the orchestra engaged was a full complement, and beautiful effects were pro- duced. The r61e of the Prophet was taken by Mr. Tufnail, and his interpretation was at once refined and vigorous, whether in the dramatic recitatives in the stirring ail" Is not His word," or in the pathetic solo It is enough," Mr. Tufrail fully grasped the spirit of the part and achieved a decided success. Madame Laura Smart sang the music allotted to her in excellent style, especially the air Hear ye Israel." The contralto part was taken by Miss Mary Morgan, and she delighted the audience in the airs Woe unto them and "0 rest in the Lord." Mr. Tandy gave If with all your hearts and Then shall the righteous shine with grand effect. In the double quartet For He shall give His angels," the principals were assisted. by Miss Littlehales, Miss Bertha Evans, Messrs Roberts and Frith, and an excellent rendering was given. The unaccompanied trio, in which Miss Littlehales took part, was well rendered, the pitch being carefully sustained by her. In the quartet and chorus, Holy is God the Lord," Miss Littlehales and Miss Hamer took part. The singing of the choir throughout the oratorio was admirable, and the result of the conceit must be very gratifying to all concerned. Great credit is due to Mr. Reynolds for the success of this concert; he must have devoted much time and hard work in training the choir to such a degree of excellence never before attained in Oswestry. The arrangements of the room were very efficiently carried out by the hon. sees., Mr. John Hughes, Queen's Road, Mr. Win. Morris, Bodlondeb, and Mr. Bertie Ollerhead, assisted byt the following gentlemen as stewards: Messrs J. Inglis, Fay Williams, J. B. Roberts, Rhys Lloyd, 0. Fox, A. E. Shepherd, E. Owen, W. S. Ball, and C. R. Jones. Mrs. Wynne Corrie, Park'Hall, very kindly sent the cut flowers for decorating the conducting stand, which was very tastefully done by Miss Amy Leah. Mr. Robert Porter, the Cross, kindly lent plants for the stage.

LAKE VYRNWY. THB SCHOOL.—The structural and other improve- ments aa ordered by the Education Department are now completed, and together with the increase of staff, prospects are entertained of successful ex- aminations, viz.: Drawing, science and art depart- ment in June, and the Government examination due in July. SCHOOL ATT»NDANCB.—A special Sohool Attend. ance Committee of the Llanfyllin Union who pre- sume to be the Local Authority in enforoing attend- ance in this and other districts are now investigat- ing the irregularities of the attendances at this and other schools in the district. The attendance is far from being satisfactory. The climate, which is at times Siberian, and the distance are obstacles it is true to regular attendance, but sheer neglect and indifference is also displayed, and parents and guardians evidently do not appreciate the value of education, free and unfettered as it is, and the con- sequence is that the present rising generation is not advancing with the age. CORPORATION IMPROVEMENTS. — The workshops, offices and dwelling-houses erected by the Corpora- tion of Liverpool are progressing steadily and their -iuyn adage— Y daw Llanwddyn heb ddim lol, Yn gapitol Trefaldwyn." CHBISTMAS.—" Christmas comes but once a year, but when it comes, it brings good cheer." The old custom of carol singing is still kept up in the churches of this district, one would think from the year one, as it undoubtedly originated on the day of the Nativity of the World's Redeemer. That Celestial Choir though sang the first carol in the open air, but then its strength was equipollent to space; and mortal choirs owing to their limited power must of necessity confine themselves to stone and mortar. Services will be held with carol sing- ing in the different churches on Monday and special services are now held weekly during Advent in St. John's parish church.

LLANFIHANGEL. RENT AUDIT.—Sir Watkin's rent andit for Llan. fyllin and Llanfihangel took place on Tuesday. INFLUENZA.—A great many in this district are suffering from influenza, many families being laid up. CONCERT.—Last Friday night a concert was held at the Congregational Chapel, Braichywaun, Llanfihangel, the proceeds being in aid of the chapel.

MEIFOD. AGRICULTURAL LECTURE,—On Monday evening Mr. C. Brynmor Jones of the University College of North Wales, gave an address descriptive of the results of the agricultural experiments conducted at Mathrafal.

LLANYMYNECH. THE LATE MISS GRIFFITHS.—The funeral of Miss Griffiths, of the Gardens, Llanymyneoh, the oldest inhabitant of the village took place on Monday last, the service being conducted by the Rev. LI. Wynne Jones. The mourners were Dr. John Griffiths, W. T. Griffiths, of Llansantffraid, great nephews; Mrs. Williams, of St. Martin's Vicarage, niece; Mrs. Aylmer Lewis, Bellan House, and Miss Bessie Griffiths, Victoria Parade, great neices; and the Rev. T. Williams and Mr. J. Parry- Jones, Town Clerk of Oswestry, nephews-in-law of the deceased. Dr. Aylmer Lewis was una- voidably absent. Miss Griffiths, who has resided at the Gardens for a very long period, was the last surviving child of Mr. Griffiths, of Llansantffraid, and her family had been connected for generations with that village and Llanymynech, where they were considerable landowners. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Francis T. Pugh, Llanymynech.

JJJANRHAIADR. CONCERT.—On Friday last week, a ooncert was given in the Wesleyan Schoolroom on behalf of the Independent Chapel. Dr. J- Kenrick Jones occupied the chair in the absence, through illness, of Mr. C. R. Jones, Llanfyllin. The programme opened with a violin duet by Messrs. Bagley and Bryan of Llanfyllin, consisting of Welsh airs. Glan Machreath sang Yr Amen," followed by Captain Morgan's March," by Mr. Moms Jones, Castell.and "Can y bugail," by Mr. J. Bryan. Mr. J. P. Williams, of Llanfyllin, then gave a Welsh version of The Lost Chord." Mrs. Roger Edwards, the favourite of the evening, sang The better land then followed a pianoforte duet, The hollybush polka," played by Mrs. Roger Edwards and Miss Sydney Jones, Manchester House, Llanfyllin, Mr. Morris Jones sang A welsooh ohwi fi," which was encored; Mr. Bagley with his violin solo, Scotch airs," gave great pleasure. This was followed by Mr. J. Bryan's singing of "0 na bai'n haf o hydi" Mrs. Roger Edwards's song "Na na," elicited a warm encore, and in response she sang Merch y melinyd-i." Mr. T. Price sang in good style "Cymru fydd Mr. Bagley gave another of his solos on the violin, Welsh airs;" Glan Machraeth succeeded with The Combat;" Mr. J. P. Williams sang" Nos Calan," the audience taking up tho chorus; and Mrs. Roger Edwards sang Husbands," and in answer to a vigorous encore gave The bells of Aberdovey." The singing of "Hen wlad fy nhadau by Glan Machraeth brought a very agree- able concert to a close.

AN OBSTINATE WITNESS. The" divorce suit in which Mrs. Richardson* daughter of an Indian judge, is petitioner, was further heard on Wednesday. The respondent, cross- examined, said the lady who visited him in Chelsea Gardens was not Mrs. Cobbett, and he emphatically deolined to disolose the lady's identity. Reminded that he was liable to committal for contempt reapondent still declined to answer, saying he could not be dishonourable towards the lady. Justice Barnes said he would consult the President concern" ing the course to be adopted towards the respondent- Later, his lordship, having consulted with the President, aaid he had come to the conclusion that It was not necessary to compel the witness to answer the question. Further cross-examined, witness saId the lady was married, but her name was not any thing like Mrs. Cobbett's. +