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THE FORG® ^
A.rbaSGEMENT'^ [PUBLISHED BT Sp¡¡:CI.1L ABJ!.1G EME NT. -:1 THE (0,it FOSTER, j:)T rassie," Tho Cotton r ii A pit-Br°w. ,> The Watchman Author of A jvte, Written COPYRIGHT. „ forge of lif# » Thus at the t be wrought, Our fort]|nesS0^din? anvil shaped And on it" deed and thought Each burn1"# Longfellow. I?^A A DEAD WOMAN'S SAKE. CH „r,r :»<tf&tfSa?SrL* *m — i Well, an'3 am, ^oah-' mere ye mean, doari' Frank i^11 %a' how much longer yet are we to be The >5;lU10' UV tongues lie, each day an' every day, after lotting ° jjftVe the truth in them Frank Elles- when our keft?r kirn, an' his mother the sweetest an' mere .v°u f^v0niftu ttic angels ever called sister, an' most Prrf'v,,e richest an' the biggest—' his father:wJ ]jUSbfUid broke m warnmgly. But I m KafrV tilings as you do all the same. Still, it is after se«"* n 's^wish, an' as he knows best we must Master our tongues yet, ould woman.' stick e0jjtent I was to hold my tongue always, 'An jong- as that bonnie lad was free an' his own Isoiil); 80 ^now when lie's in prison, with that black master j g.jng over him, an' the assizes only a week charge i_ geems t0 me that the time is come for or the truth "Pfylnire an' that is my own opinion, Kate But what ca?f a S°°A deal, man, if you've got an/ -i. What's to prevent you from going straight to spiri Ellesmere an' speakin' right out ? It's pitiful, it Simoii^ o £ ^jiat young man lying in gaol, an' know- •S' othiu?' oi his own fine father an' it is more ter- 1"s."know thai the father ia allowing that unknown son kis fi1'^ wife's to drift among the scum of tho ^•An' that's so, Kate,' Crellin answered, as he scratched his head in deep wonderment, but how in the name of all that is good and holy, are we going to make things different ?' 'Finish your breakfast, an' I'll tell you.' The Manxman went on with his early repast, and his buxom spouse busied herself for some moments about the kitchen. It was a few minutes before six, and still dark outside shortly, Crellin would be due at the works, and he was even then preparing to set forth. He NN,o and Kate, were, of course ignorant of the fact that at that very hour Simon Ellesmere was waiting for the dawn in his dungeon undet Moorhurst. 'An' now, Kate,' Noalj cried, as he rose from the | table, and thrust on his old coat, what's this scheme yez have got in that dear Quid brain pan of yours ? Oh, it is simple enough,jfoah,' she answered rwadily. You've got to do just thrqe minutes' plain speaking, an' then we both plullk up after an hour or two, an' finish the job.' Let's have the sohemo, Kate! Shure an' ye know I'm an ould hen at thim the riddles.' When you go to the wort.s, Noah, you will march straight to Mr Simon Ellesmere an' tell him that we are sick of the silence we hae promised to keep, an' will keep it no longer. Tell him that the sorrow of the dead lady s son is weighing on our hearts, an' that we will bear it no further. T'hen you will come back here at once. An' l'aye the work ?' An' leave your work Au' for why now shure, Kite ?' +1 + weuiay go to Frank Ellesmere an' tell him netruto. lean bear this s\enCe no longer, an' I won t she cried, with the gletm of a resolute woman's will in her warm eyes. If yOt will not go, then I go alone. But go I will. Before sleep agnin that poor lad shall know the truth of heavln Ye mane this, Kat f | On my soul I do, Noah Crellij t' Shure thin an" its with yez I <ni. Now I'm off, an' its back again I'll be befoor Ion?, Kate.' See that ye are, if you don't vant me to go alone.' In another minute the big-farted labourer was striding through the chill morning gloom to the iron- works. When he reached there <nJ walked into the stores, where Ellesmere's own oe was situated, he found a knot of other workmen idling about. Simon had not yet appeared; and not desiring to lose a quarter the men soon sauntered 1t¡.,ay to the jobs they had been employed on the previous h, But Crellin waited, and it was nq till the half-hour after six had gone by that he grew restless. Then he marched back to the town, lmaffHW that Ellesmere bad overslept himself, and present ho was rapping on the door of the storekeeper's home. In a few minutes he had learned all that tho houseke^or. could tell him. Between eight and nine on the prevus evening Simon had left home without saying when he was going he had not returned, nor could she tell !or the life of her where he had got to. In amaze Crellin hurried back ho and made known thav, intelligence to his wife. The unexpected news, wliil-! it astonished Kate, only servedfiQ mii.ke her more determined on carrying out her plkl. If Ellesmere had btieii spa-ited away so mysterIOUy, who could say how sooii thay might vanish as well. They must act at once. Ina dav-a few hours theYould effect much. Frank must know the truth as soon as possible, and then he colildlet as he thought best. Half an bor- or so after that the -Manxman and hia wife locked uptjjgjr house and went t)rtli attired for a journey. Firs of all they repaired to Ellesmere's home, and foucj that be was still abs^1t) nor was his unaccountable t)S(,aCe yet explained. j^s they turned from the house \1?atisfied Crellin crlGt An' what :ir^ve to do now, Kate ?' We have onlj to think now, Noah, of seeing Frank Ellesinere, she replied firmly.. To do that I suppose we shall i ye t0 get an order t0 visit the gaol. There's the attoi Mr Willson Henry, and the Chief Constable, ^,Jtain Walters. W^^jj one shall we see?' Shure now, an ftfter thinkin' t)iat it's the lagal gintleman wft n go jfate. Maybe ^m0n will have towld Mr. Hinrj^ f'^thin' about th< gayeret—an' I think he l»as:-fln he undel.stan'. Then is that case ther0j Niall_. i.i ° v!1 the imprisotjeJ man's trial, the Manxman a „ aCqxiainted wjth the solicitor's pnvateaddressanah^^ wife ftt Qnce M But fate was pnttmgn^^ theynfoSnd that the leached Mr Villson Henry's, business but they wertfr was awa from home on Sere his managiilg clerVferred to big offices in town, After that there was ^ould atteii' to their needs, the Chief Constable ailing for it but to wait upon made for the police. retracmg their steps they thoroughfare, in which ting along- the principal constabulary were situata headquarters ^)f the local Wentworth pacing the pavthey iaw young Kussell- of them saw him turn shavnt a score of yards ahead offices of the solicitor they ht-, and vanish in the very a wondering glance at one avou,ht in vain and with lin passed on their way. her Noah and Kate Crel- It was still only a little aftt their destination they wore inline, and on reaching not yet made his appearance. med that the chief had later he arrived on the scene, Ilt some ten minutes at once ushered into his private the waiting pair were You wish to see me, I sup^ v,mr.,n What can I do for yo„ > Captain Walters ^Wevrish to visit Frank Ell*' o-iii boldly and we have coma \re^, the woman be- order. Captain Walters ou for the necessary Friends of hi?, eh r1 ell, I But I do not remember either or ;se I cannot object. his trr.1 here. Has your cOllemJllin connectiou with do with the charge against him, py risit anything to Nothing, sir,' Kate returnca aj. her husband which commanded hia wlth a look at we have to tell him, Captain Y\altViCe. Bu" what cerns him and Sir Kussell-Wetitwo^ery closely con- May I ask in which way it coital the prisoner, Mrs. Crellin Y the baronet and I do not miud telling you, hut 1^w condition only, Captain Walters^ slie.e!l you on one What condition may that be ? d firmly. That you never repeat—"with011" Sir Russell-Went worth mission from Most willingly. And now your lllf, hear now. is this matter, which, vou What closely two persons so remotely connecto concern so Well, then, Captain Walters, tl'is you have sent to the Assizes Sir Kusselif Ellesmere elder son she said quietly. Qrmly" and Tentwortli's eyes fixed unflinchingly on tj,, chief's °"'n< her frank What ?' Captain Walura had chair, and his superciliou^e'ss had falle. from his suddenly at those startling ^vords. <rom him nonsense is this r Are you inacl or dream,wliat you take me for a. fool r ? Or do I am sane as you are, sj. and much ca answered, the soft brogue £ the isle havikr !> ghe from her tongue now. 1,11 y0u a fft°t -slipped whole world will know sonj. weeks hence. the only because we wish to st voll that we h.tjiat is reasons for seeing Frank$i?,,amere.' good Crellin, do you hear hat y0ur wife is -1- his is a serious matter,, i tT,ny land y°u Ving ? pnson-if iiiitriie :1 in T1 T>ul 1,aI)rcu%0 be true, sir,' Noa. J" ,Slr B«8sell-Weut<0. ,„IS married a w.« h,e„tj-„?dj(,rs seem' tKof ri elt were the. „se3/ -r.tny WentworthkJow p'X'^SanFed^in"11 ^11- e,» l.»f J l'»™. f?'SX knows nothing vZl Tt^ Crellin br°ke 111' after he andfe^y^y, of the son who was N heard^Was this? that one has nev ^ter^rKate'^aS^forniation A i J'UU luore than Resolutely. All'e:ldf jon0 S'noUeebot/1'theCisWno reason vhr Wentworth/ °th gfjesmere and Sir Kussell an early opportunity of speaking to them both respect- ing the extraordinary statements you and your husband have seen fit to make.' Will you oblige us with the order, please ?' she asked, somewhat impatienty. Perhaps if I let SIr Russell-Wentworth's elder son know that you enabled us to see him in order to tell him this great news he may think a little less bitterly of the man who caused him to be ai-rested.' I only did my duty, madam he said scowling at her thinly-veiled sarcasm. But you can tell him from me that I hope he will be able to clear himself of the serious charge hanging over him.' That thought is for the baronet's son, I suppose,' she retorted with a woman's sharpness of wit, and not for the poor ironworker ?' For the man himself, Mrs Crellin,' he cried as lie handed Noah the order, if he is innocent. If be can- not prove that he will have to suffer, no matter whose son lie may be.' It was some two or three hours later and the Crellins and the man they had come to see were closeted together within the confines of the big county gaol. At last Frank Ellesmere knew the whole truth in respect to his own parentage, and his eyes were opened as to the solid basis of fact which underlay the mysterious half-revela- tions Simon Ellesmere had made to him at various times. In their own fashion the Manxman and his wife had discovered to the prisoner all they knew. They had spoken of those far-away days in the Isle of Man when Noah was a young farmer, and Kate was a serving- wench had gone on to speak of the coming of Frederic Russell to Douglas of his long stay at Crellin's farm the arrival of Madeline Grey and her spinster aunt at Ivy House the courtship of the lovers the quiet wed- ding at Kirk Braddan, and their own presence tbere. Then Frederic Russell had been called suddenly away never to return shortly afterwards he had been followed by his wife, when Noah and Kate had lost all touch of both till the passage of many years and the hand of Fate had directed them to Pentonmoor in quest of work. Tl,ey had rülatcd that chance meeting' with Simon near Old Penton his kindness to them both then and after- wards; the riding by of Russell-Wentworth, whom they had instantly identified as the man whose marriage they had witnessed. Their silence afterwards was due to the fact that Simon Ellesmere had sworn them both to silence, after revealing the fact that he Frank, was Madeline Grey's son and they had come to the accused man then only because he was in great danger and Simon had myster- iously disappeared. In utmost amaze the young ironworker had listened to the unfolding of that strange story. Only now and again (lid exclamations of wonder or anger fall from his lips, but it was not until his visitors had completed their narrative that he jumped to his feet, paced about the place, and cried bitterly, with a white, set countenance— I thank you both from the bottom of my heart for the kindness which caused you to come here. And I thank you more still for the love and respect you bore for the mother I never knew. But perhaps, having waited so long for truth—having sought it so often in vain-it would have been better now had I never known it!' You must not say that, or think it either!' Kate Crellin exclaimed. You are in danger; and the knowledge we have given you must be used to save you.' If I had had this knowledge a few weeks ago I should not have been here now, Mrs Crellin Frank rejoined, gloomily. Of what use is all this to me now ? I am here a prisoner charged with a desperate outrage the woman I love is lost to me for ever the v«ry man whose son you say I am must regard me with feelings of hatred and disgust; and my dear friend Simon might have spared me all these indignities and sufferings had he but spoken in time.' It is not too late yet,' the woman answered firmly, to remedy the wrong. Simon Ellesmere is a deep man, a,nd he must have had his reasons for silence. If he does not turn up again soon your father must know the truth. It was to save you, andfor your dead mother's sake, that I insisted on coming here to-day. You yourself must send for Sir Russell-Wentworth That I will never do the young man said proudly. The man who deserted my mother—the father who ignored his sou-will never be approached by me.' Then I myself will go to him!' Kate cried. 'It is monstrous to think that you are prisoned here and your father in ignorance of the truth.' 'He may know the truth, and would perhaps be glad if I were dead and out of the way Frank answered moodily. Doubtless he prizes his immaculate honour, his family, more than the life of the son he never dreamt of cherishing.' He may know, and may decide to remain silent regarding the ties of blood which bind you together,' the woman replied. But the world does not know, and it shall know everything in a week from me if Simon Ellesmere does not come back.' Do not say anything yet, I implore you, Mrs Crellin,' was Frank's response. Wait till Simon returns. Even now he may be at work in secret. No Wait! Wait! Having waited so long, and having lost so much I can wait till Simon is ready.' But there is one thing I can do at once for you, my dear lad,' the woman retorted. Everybody in Pen'ton- mooi Knows why Molly Ashbourne cast you off to take up with oir Kussell-Wentworth's son. Let me write to her and tell her the truth before it is too late. One word and she would be glad to come back to vou, although you are here in gaol. Let me tell her all and save her from that man.' t A thousand times no he thundered hoarsely. one has chosen between us and let her abide by her choice. After all God has not been unkind to me, for at the last hour he has placed my revenge in my hands. No, Mrs. Crellin. As you respect me and honour my poor dead mother, breathe not a word of this to another living soul till I give you leave.' So it shall be Kate said solemnly. She treated you shamefully, and deserves her nunishment. When we leave this place neither my husband nor myself will ever u.ter a word till such time as you and Mr Elles- mere give us leave.' Do that, and I will never forget your kindness.' A little later Frank was again alone—alone save for the thousand and one thoughts which were running a mad, pell-mell race through his brain. At times his face was grave, even gloomy a minute afterwards he would leap to his feet with a laugh of deep content on his lips, and a fierce joy thrilling through his veins. How curious and great and glorious was the irony of iate in his case. He. the poor, obscure ironworker, the suspected, the accused, the prisoner awaiting trial. was the elder son of the great ironmaster, the M.P. for Pentonmoor, the baronet on whom the eves of the world would be so quickly turned again when this ro- mantic story of real life came to be made public. And to think that he was the rightful heir to Sir Russell-Wentworth's title that the supercilious junior Russell-Wentwortli was his own half-brother. No wonder Simon Ellesmere had guarded his great secret so carefully. Now he understood why his guardian, protector, almost father, had come to Pentonmoor and refused to leave it again. And Molly Ashbourne! What of her ambitious dreams now? And her mother too. Verily theirs had been the vaulting ambition which overleaps itself and falls on t'other side.' How long" would it be before mother and daughter learned the truth P And when they did what would happen then ? Why not take hia well-earned revenge now by writing to them both ? No. He would not do that. Till Simon Ellesmere chose to speak he would keep silent. And in the joy of the moment he had no fear of the future-was prepared to believe that a miracle would be wrought in order to save him from dumnce vile. CHAPTER XLV.-IN HASTE TO MARRY. Leaving his prisoner in the cell-like cellar iinder Moorhurst Lodge, Mr Russell-Wentworth proceeded in some haste to prove or disprove the statements Simon Ellesmere had made with such an air of absolute con- fidence. Already he feared that inquiry would confirm what his father's workman had asserted so strenuously, but until conviction was absolutely certain he refused to allow himself to believe that the trapped man had taken such extraordinary precautions for the guarding of his secret. I I k t Leaving the house he went straight to the works, to find the repairs going on as usual. But the man he sought was not present. Noah Crellin had come to work that morning at six, had asked for Simon Elles- mere, found him absent, and after waiting awhile had ■rone home again. V Giving some orders here and there Russell-Went- worth turned to the town. From one of the labourers he had obtained the Manxman's address, and shortly lie reached the cottage to find the door locked and the dvpll'in"" empty. His repeated knocks brought out a woman "next door, and she told him that Mr and Mrs Crellin had gone out, dressed up 111 their best, nearly an hour before. T With 'i sinking heart the Ironmaster s son turned away, and his next step was to call at the offices of the solicitor. Mr Wilson Henry. Had he but Known it, even as he entered there the Manxman Pond his wife were behind him in the street on their way to the Police Office, but quite oblivious of that fact he strode in asked for the attorney m his usual supercilious manner, and was told, of course, that that gentleman was away on business of great importance. More disturbed than before our friend made his exit, and uncertain as to his next step lie passed into a hotel, ordered a brandy and soda, and lighting a cigar- ette tried to think out the position in which he found himself. What business could that be save one which had taken the solicitor and the Manxman and his wife away at the same time ? That it had to do with the great business then filling tlioii-lits lie could not help feeling. Had Simo Ellesmere's disappearance for a single night caused them to act at once P It must be so. In capturing the tfe prime conspirator he had simply struck a blow at himself and his parents. Vv hat was lie to do no\W Better set Ellesmere free at once for then he might be able to restrain the impatience oflns friends Finishing his drink, Russell-Wentworth strode forth, outside plmost on the threshold of the hotel, he aI the Chief Constable. He would have hurried past with a curt nod had not the other stayed hi'Good morning, Mr Russell-Wentworth'the chief cried You are one of the very men of whom I was "'■"{off go, Captain Walters r' +. Well it's rather a long story, and I haven t time W i- 11 jt~'tn vou now. But one of your workmen and iW wife have been at me this; morning for an order to ^No^^Crellin™^d his"'wife ?' the young man de- h The'very persons. But did you know they were oii, no but where are they now? I want to see •Uin.' Then you'll have to wait some hours till they return, or follow them on to the County Gaol. I gave them the order, of course, and they rushed off at once. From what they said I gathered that they had some tremend- ous news to communicate to our prisoner.' Curse it Russell-Wentwor'di hissed venemously. Curse what, sir r' the chief queried, with a curious smile 011 his face. Tho ill-luck which made me miss them.' the other answered quickly. But it will do when the3r get back. Ami now I must be off, Captain. Good morning. Have some business I must see to.' The chief nodded, and his companion hurried away, hailed a passing hansom, was driven to Moorhurst, and ten minutes afterwards was standing face to face with Simon Ellesmere. You are back sooner than I expected,' the prisoned man quoth sarcastically. 11 hope you are satisfied. You have seen Noah Crelliii and his wife, I suppose ?' I have seen no one. They are both away—have gone to the County Prison to see Frank Ellesmere. You are free to go and do as you will, but I hope you will keep your promise to my father.' I never break my word when once it has been honestly pledged. But tell me something. How do you know that they have gone to see Frank ?' Side by side they left that underground place, and as they went along the younger man related his morning's doings. Ellesmere seemed annoyed at what he heard, but lie again pledged himself that nothing should be done till the time of grace had expired. Then he left Moorhurst, bidding his late gaoler a cheery good morn- ing, as if they were old friends. Almost immediately afterwards Russell-Wentworth departed also. He had made up his mind how to act, and at once he set his plans in operation. Matters were in too parlous a state now to hesitate longer over a daring plunge he had often contemplated. Once let it become known to Molly Ashbourne that he and his rival were brothers, and that he was not alone the younger son but an illegitimate one also, and he felt that she would fly from him as a fraud and an impostor. And in spite of the fact that he had realised that damning truth he was more, firmly resolved than ever that Frank should never possess her. To spite both his half-brother and the woman he would force matters at once and only when it was too late would charming Molly Ashbourne learn how she had been duped in her eagerness to trap him. Going to the station at Penlingham he at once booked for Braxholme in Sussex, and half an hour later he was being carried swiftly southward. It was still only an hour or two after noonday when he was set down within a mile or so of Braxholme Park, and set his feet towards the new residerce of his parents he began cudgelling his brains to invent some plausible excuse to account for his unannounced coming that day. In a few minutes he had swung through the great iron gate guarding the entrance to the Park, and as he went leisurely along the stately avenue his eyes sudden- ly lit up with pleasure and his heart leaped as he recognised a couple of female figures coming slowly towards him. In them he instantly recognised Molly Ashbourne, and her companion, the maid, Hester Thompson. Quickening his pace he was soon with tham, was shaking his affianced warmly by the hand, and then as the maid fell to the rear the engaged lovers went slowly towards the great house, now visible through the bare-limbed trees. Whatever has brought you here to-day, Russell Molly inquired, trying to infuse some loving warmth into her tones. Your father was saying that you were very busy at the works and I hardly expected to see you again for some weeks.' When did you see my father ?' he asked, with his eyes bent on her somewhat pale face. Did he come back yesterday ? Is he at home still, dear ?' Sir Russell-Wentworth arrived yesterday, but is not here now,' she announced. He and your mother left this morning to proceed to London, I understand, and are not expected back before a few days.' How lucky that is.' he cried jubilantly. How did father seem, Molly ? Did he appear upset or annoyed ? I Did you notice him ?' Not particularly, but he was as usual, I thought. Your mother did seem somewhat upset this morning. I desired her to allow me to return to Pentonmoor, but she would not hear of it.' I should think not,' he exclaimed. When you leave here for Pentonmoor it will be as my wife. My wife, dearest What do you say to that ? What can you mean ?' she questioned lowly, and some colour flamed for an instant on her cheeks. 1 cannot stay here, Russell, a matter of two or three years, and I suppose we cannot be married before that time?' Why not ?' he demanded boldly. Why should we wait one day longer than is absolutely necessary ? I find that I cannot do without you, and I want you to marry me at oiice-that is, as soon as ever the business can be arranged.' No No We must wait!' and she raised a pair of startled and half-frightened eyes to his face. Sir Russell-Wentworth and her ladyship would never for- give me for allowing you to do that. They have been very kind to me, and I cannot, dare not, marry you without their full knowledge and consent.' But if I tell you that neither my father nor mother will ever raise a word of protest? I pledge you my word that they will forgive us both as readily as I marry you.' How can that be r' she faltered, her colour rising one moment to flicker out the next. Easily enough, dear Molly Really both of them will be honestly glad that we settle the matter at once. But that is a little secret I may not tell you yet. But I know-iiay, I swear to you that neither of them will say a word against it. That is why I came here to-day. I wanted to see you alone and arrange it all.' I would rather wait, Russell she pleaded weakly. But T cannot wait, and I tell you there is absolutely no reason why we should wait another week. Stay here,' and he drew her to a standstill, for I am not going to the house. And you need not mention my coming here to anyone. When I leave you I shall go straight to London. There I will obtain a special licence, and then I will write to you find ask you to join me with one of your friends. After that we can be married in a few days, and go back to Pentonmoor as the master and mistress of Moorhurst Lodge.' Russell, dear, why not wait?' she whispered. This sudden change frightens me.' Nonsense In a day or two you will see the wisdom of my proposal. You needn't join me alone. Bring that girl Thompson there with you. Now, darling, kiss me and say you will come She did not kiss him, but she allowed him to take her face in his hands and kiss her on the lips. Then he wondered why those dark orbs were full of unshed tears. Come!' he cried petulantly. 'Am I to go to London and make you my wife in a week ? Or am I to go back to Pentonmoor, a disconsolate and dismissed lover?' To London she said huskily; and I and my maid [ will come to you there He kissed her again, and then two great tears rollpd down her cheeks. [To BE CONTINUED. The title of our New Story is The Crown- ing of Esther." This story won the First Prize of £100 in an Open Competition instituted by the proprietors of the Newcastle Chronicle for the best serial submitted, and experts consider it to be a remarkable work, exhibiting rare dramatic instinct and power of construction in its author, together with unusual insight into character and a sympa- thetic. imagination.
CHRISTMAS AT VAYNOL.
CHRISTMAS AT VAYNOL. Mr Aesheton-Smish with his customary gener- osity gave his men working in Vaynol Park two fat bnlloeks weighing 17 cwt. and a plum pudding. The choir members also bad beef arid game, and the heads of departments a goose each.
e LLANWYDDELAN.I
e LLANWYDDELAN. CHOIR SUPPEK.—The choir and other Church members sat down to a supper on New Year's Dav. The company nnmbered in all about 80. Among thoss present were the Rector and family and Miss Lloyd, Mr Jores, Finiiat Mr and Mrs Roberts, Adva; Mr and Mrs Evans, Pengelly Mr and Mrs Thomas, Tycoch Mr, Mrs, and Misses Jones. New Mills; Misses Bowen and Mr Bowen, Walk Mills; Mr and Mrs Gethin, Dengor Mr Ciarke, Dwv Priew Mr and Mrs Ashton, Tyisaf Mrs Davies, Betake; Mr Griffiths, Shetyn Mr Parry, Messrs J and D Gethin, Tycoch, and several others. The good things for the tables were the gifts of the respective members of the congregation. After supper a series of toasts were given. The one for The Queen" was greeted with musical honours. Mr Jones, New Mills, and Mr Griffiths, Shetyn, suitably responded for the "Army and Navy." The health of the ladies who superintended the banquet and made it such a grand success was received with applause. Mrs Christopher briefly and neatly responded. Mr "Roberts in a witty speech responded for the farmers of the parish. There were some songs, recitations, competitions, and various amuse- ments that delighted all.
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MEIRION CHAIR EISTEDDFOD.
MEIRION CHAIR EISTEDDFOD. FULL REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS. This annnal and popular Eisteddfod was held on New Year's Day, aud like its predecessors attracted thousands of people to the town. This Eisteddfod is now an old institution, but the interest taken in it throughout the county ard North Wales is unabated in fact, it is not too much to say tlw. it is increasing in popularity. What is usually a characteristic of other Eistoddfodau is for -il)- morning meetings to be scantily attended, but here the spacious hall was crowded to its utmost capacity. It is, therefore, evident that the Eistedd- fod suffers from want of accommodation for several hundreds, who prefer to walk the streets than to be crushed at the meetings. As regards the quality and the quantity of the compositions sent in this year, the Eisteddfod is equal to any of its pre- decessors. In the musical section there was a considerable improvement, and the competitions gave general satisfaction. The following are the officers of the Eisteddfod :—President, Mr C E J Owen, Hengwrtucha; vice-presidents, Mr R J Griffith, Coedcymer, Mr J C Hughes, Bryndedwydd, and Dr John Jones, Caerffynon; tieasurers, Messrs Jones-Parry, Bank, and D H Tones, Lawn House; members, Messrs Edward Griffith, Brynadda Wm Williams, Old Caerynwch Tom Parry, Fron W ilarvey Jones, Caerffynon W R Davies, Bodlondeb D R Mills, Maldwyu House; D.G Owen, Liverpool House; John Lloyd, Upperfield street; and Evan Francis, Llanelltyd. MORNING MEETING. Mr WmEvans, Edgbaston, Birmingham, occu- pied the chair, and Llew Merion conducted with his usual ability. The conductor having wished all present a happy New Year, called upon Mr Ffestin Jones, Festiniog, to give the Eisteddfod song, which he did very creditably. Mr Edmund Buckley awarded the prize of 10s for the best stick to Mr Edward Griffith, Traws- fynydd. For a love song, "Llencu Llwyd," a prize of £1 was offered, and attracted three competitors. The composition sent in by Athron, Festiniog, was declared to be far ahead of the others, and was awarded the prize. There was only one competitor for the violin solo, and Miss Augusta Bicknell, Bangor, was given the prize, For making a model door" Mr W Rowlands Towyn, offered a prize of two guineas, but there was no competitor. It was announced that Mr Rowlands had kindly consented to offer the prize again for next year. For the tenor solo Love in her eyes (Handel) t,here were two competitors, Mr E M Evans, Post Office, Barmouth, and Gutyn Eifion, Garn, Dolben- maen. In his adjudication Mr Bennett said the song was a very difficult one. He bad he-trd pro- fessional singers making a mess of it. The two competitors had merits in common both of them phrased correctly. They did not break a clause into two, but went to the natural finish. The read- ing- of the song was also pretty fair. No 1 (Evans) took it a little too fast. Technically speaking he had the advantage over No 2. He sung it in a more finished style although it was by no means properly done. However, he had the advantage, and he was bomnd to make note of it, and award the prize to him (E M Evans). The decision was received with great applause. For translating from English to Welsh, Miss Owen, Hyfrydle, Penrhyndeudraeth, was awarded the prize out of 12 competitors, all of whom were stated to be excellent translators. The greatest interest was taken in the Male Voice choral competition on (a) The Roman Soldiers '(Dan Protheroe) and (b) The Lily" (Mendel- ssohn), for which a prize of £12 was offered. Three choirs competed in the following order:—Ceinws (conductor, Mr H R Humphreys), Machynlleth (Mr John Williams), and Llanuwchllyn (Mr E Lloyd). Mr Bennett delivered his adjudication amidst breathless silence. He said that the Male Voice choirs at the Meirion Eisteddfod were always worth hearing. In these choirs Wales most cer- tainiy excelled, and he considered that when they had a good competition it was worth his while to come down from London to hear it. There was no exception to the rule this year. Three choirs, though not equal in merit, had done very well and satisfied his expectations, but—there was always a but-there had been general faults spread over all the choirs, and the same faults. One waii, he had to be rather technical, that the passages which were to be sung a little slower were generally taken too slow. That should in future be guarded against. The tendency was to exaggerate, especially in Wales, tho marks of expression. It arose, perhaps, from the keen and quick feeling of the people. It was a matter of temperament, not bad expression. In No 1 choir be noticed the first tenors as being particularly fine in quality. They were better than any other section of the choir, although the bashes were also good. He also had it down that the general body of tone was only very slightly at fault. The singing of the martial piece was full of spirit and neatly done, and their spirited choirs were very good in pieces of this kind. Every note could be clearly heard. The second choir slurred it over. The slow piece was not so well done by No 1 as was the martial piece, and this slow, deli- cate piece tried the choirs very much. The third choir sang the slow piece without accompaniment, and they were right and the others wrong. Then the performance of the slow piece showed some lack in delicacy and finish both by No 1 and No 2. The first tenors in No 3 sang with all the charm that the piece called for. No 3 failed very much in the first phrase of the slow piece. They seemed to be nervous, but they regained themselves in the mar- tial piece, but the singing was not up to the mark of No 1 or No 2. He had put down 20 as the maximum number of marks to be attained, and the choirs stood in the following order :—Ceinws, 15 Machynlleth, 14; Llanuwchllyn, 12. The Ceinws was thus declared the best amid loud applause. Mr Evans (now of Birmingham and formerly of Dolgelley) on rising to address the meeting in Welsh was received with loud and continued ap- plause. He said it afforded him the greatest pleasure to address his fellow-countrymen in his native county (hear, hear). The Eisteddfod Meirion had been established and carried on for 27 years and it was a credit to the people of Do]- gelley. That Eisteddfod was second only to the National Eisteddfod, which he hoped to see visiting Dolgelley at no distant date. The great work done by the Eisteddfod in the past might surely be regarded as a good omen of its influence in the future. Let them all do tLir best to help this grand old Welsh Institution so as to make its influence of the highest character. He was con- vinced that that day's meeting, and all the meet- ings of the Eisteddfod Meirion, would strive for that high ideal (cheers). Thirteen epigrams were sent in on the sublect Cysgod," bat Tafalog declared that not one of them was worthy of the prize. For translating from Welsh to French tiere were two competitors, and Mr Thos Darlington, H.M.I., declared the composition sent in by Miss Gwyther, Barmouth, to be the best. CHIEF CHORAL COMPETITION. The test piece was "Mottet Gallia" (Gounod), for which a prize of 140 was offered to the choir, £1 to the soloist, and a gold medal to the conductor (given by Mr W Williams, Greenwich House, Dolgelley). Unfortunately only one choir entered, viz., the Machynlleth Choral Union, under the conductorship of Mr John Williams, A.C. In delivering his adjudication Mr Bennett said he must begin by thanking and congratulating the committee for their wisdom in selecting an entire piece for competition. It was so much better than to select a couple of choruses of which they perhaps knew all that could he known, He wished that was the case at the National Eisteddfod meetings. He said the choir deserved more credit than lie could express in word. (applause). The piece waS full of particularly trying difficulties for a choir, especially when it was not supported by a full orchestra. There were passages in which the in- tonation was not what it should be or would be if they ".d an orchestra to help them. It was a most satisfactory performance, and he said to them Well done, ye good and faithful servants of music." Certainly, as far as he was concerned, they had the prize. They,had thoroughly earned it. He con- gratulated the choir upon its possession (temporarily or permanently he did not know) of a soloist of such ability as Miss Garnett, Cilfyuydd (appiau: ). This concluded the morning meeting. AFTERNOON MEETING. Mr R Jones Griffith, Coedcymer, presided • r this meeting in the absence of Mr C B J 0.. Hengwrt ucha. Dr Jones-Morris, Portmadoc, '.1- ducted, and there was not a dull moment during the whole meeting. Fretwork pipe-rack, Mr Wm Morris, Pantycelyn. There was only one party for the d net, tenor and bass, "Flow gently, Deva." After the rendering, Mr Bennett asked if anyone could inform him whether the competitors were amateurs or pro- fessionals. The response was speedily given that they were amateurs. This elicited from Mr Bennett the remark, Then it is a bad look out for professionals." If be was at any other place besides an Eisteddfod he would take them to be pro- fessionals.—The names were given as Gutyn Eifion, Garn, Dolbenmaen, and Richard Jones, Llanfrothen (applause). LADIES' CHOIR. The pieces in this competition were (a) "The
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INFORMATION FOR BRITISH\ EMIGRANTS.
INFORMATION FOR BRITISH EMIGRANTS. PERSONS WARNED AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA. The January circulars of the Emigrants' Infor- mation Office and the annual editions of the penny handbooks show the present prospects of emigra- tion. The notice boards are now exhibited, and the circalars may be obtained free of charge, at nearly 500 Public Libraries and Institutions throughout the country. It is too early in the season for the ordinary emigrant to go to Canada unless he has friends to go to or money to keep him till spring, when there is likely to be the usual demand for competent farm labourers. In New South Wales there is practically no demand for ordinary farm or station hands, miners, or mechanics, unless they are specially competent, and have a little money when they arrive. In Victoria there is not much improvement in the general demand for labour, except that a considerable number of those out of employment have been set to work on railway construction. The report of the Chief Inspector of Factories shows that the number of factory employees in 1898 was 45,844. This was less than in 1889-91 but 666 more than in 1897; over 16,000 of the total nnmber were females. The improvement in 1899 was spread over a great many trades, the only important decline having been in the boot trade, where the number of employees dropped from 4,590 to 4,235. There has been a favourable increase in the number of females employed in factories, their numbers having doubled since 1888, whereas the number of male employees has declined. There has been a considerable amount of settlement on the land recently, and dairying has made special progress. In South Australia there has been a demand for farm hands, and for married couples without children for faim and station work. There is no demand for more mechanics in Adelaide or else- where, but miners have been well employed, and there is the usual demand for female servants, In Queensland there has been a general improve- ment in trade, and in the demand for labour; the depression has almost passed away, and the disposal of the unemployed has ci ased to be a difficulty. There is a good demand for farm labourers, miners, and female servants, for a few engine fitters, car- penters, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, galvanised-iron morkers and coopers, and for married couples in pastoral districts. Free and assisted passages are now being granted to farm labourers and female servants from 17 to 35 years of age, who have never been otherwise engaged. In Western Australia the population, though it has rapidly increased, is still small, and therefore the demand for all kinds of labour is necessarily limited but a really first-class man can always get employment in the building and kindred trades. Speaking generally, prospects are better than they were a year ago, aud many of those who left the Colony during the depression have returned. Rents have fallen and tne cost of living has declined. The chief demand is for miners, farm labourers, and for female domestic servants free Dassages are being offered to the latter --o In Tasmania miners and mechanics at Zeehar, Queenstown, and Gormauston, on the West coast, aud in the surrounding districts, are well emploved good miners, navvies, and mechanics (especially first-class fitters, carpenters, and men in the build- ing trades) can always get work, but there is no demand for inexperienced men. The timber-trade in the south-west has been busy, and men in saw mills have been fully employed. In other parts of the Colony there is no general demand for more mechanics. The supply uf farm labourers is sufficient. In New Zealand there has been plentv of em- ployment for men in the building and engineering trades, in the flax mills aud saw mills, and to a less extent in the boot and clothing trades; competent bushfellers, road makers, farm hands and shearers have 1;0 difficulty in getting work in countrv districts during the present busy season. ATith regard to South Africa persons are warned against going there at the present time in search of work. The annual hand books issued by the Colonies can be obtained for one penny stamp from the Emigrants Information Office, 31, Broad AVay, Westminster, S.W. Letters so sent need not be stamped.
REVIEWS.
REVIEWS. The Junior Photographer aud The Practical Photo- grapher have started the year with excellent num- bers. The former, intended chiefly for novices, continues -it-! course of instruction, answering all manner of questions, and offering prizes to its readers for the best results. Such a magazine is of great, value to those who have not yet completely mastered the early principles of the art. The Practical Photographer deals with the subject in more advanced form and its usefulness to those who seek to penetrate the more hidden mysteries of the ) art are at once apparent.
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For full particulars see Tourist Programmes, which may be had at all stations. EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, j CHEAP WEEK-END & 10 DAYS, TICKETS Will be issued from Liverpool, Mancliestex Stock- port, Chester, Crewe, Stafford, Shrewsbury, Brad- ford, Leeds, Oldham, Huddersfield, Halifax, Roch- dale, Wakefield, Blackburn, Chorley. Accrington, Burnley, Bolton, Wigan, Warrington, Preston Leicester, Derby, Burton, Stoke, Burslem, Hanley Birkenbead, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Wed- nesbury, Walsall, Peterborough, Northampton, Hull, Sheffield, Barnsiey, &c., &c., to Oswestry, Llanymynech, Llanfyllin, Welshpool, Montg-omerv, Newtown, Llanid- loes, Machynlleth, Borth, Aberystwyth, Aberdovey, Towyn, Barmouth, Dolgelley, Harlech, Portmadoc, Criccieth, & Pwllheli. CHEAP WEEK END TICKETS (Friday and Saturday to Monday or Tuesday) will be issued on EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY Also 14 DAYS' EXCURSION TICKETS From nearly all Cambrian Inland Stations, to Machynlleth, Borth, Aberystwyth, Aber. dovey, Towyn, Barmouth, Dolgellev, Harlech,Portmpdoc,Criecieth.iii(i Pwllheli, also to Rhayader, Builth Wells, & Brecon. — ON EVERY THURSDAY and SATURDAY in DECEMBER, FULL-DAY & HALF-DAY EXCURSION TICKETS will be issued to LIVER- POOL (Lime Street, Edge Hill. Spellow, or Walton), via Whitchurch and Crewe, and to SEACOMBE, via Ellesmere, Wrexham, and Havrarien Bridge; and to MANCHESTER (Lon- don Road), as uuder :-From Oswestry, ull day at 8 40 a,U1. aud half-day at 11 50 a.m. and 1 55 p.m. (via Whitchurch and Crewe) from Ellesmere at 9 0 a.m for full day, and 12 5 and 2 15 p.m. for half-day; to Seacombe only (via Wrexham) 9 5 a.m. for full day, and 12 10 p.m. for half-day. Third-clsss fares for full day To Seacombe and Liverpool. 3" 6d To Manchester, 4s. Half-day To Seacombe, Liverpool and Manchester, 2s 6d. Passengers return the same day from Liverpool (Lime Street) at 6 50 p.m.. or 11 55 p.m., Edge Hill at 12 0 midnight, Seacombe 7 5 p.m. and from Manchester (London Road) at 7 0 p.m., or 12 0 midnight. RAMS Are now conveyed between Stations on the Cambrian Railways, at a charge as for Two Dogs, with a MINIMUM OF TWO SHILLINGS EACH RAM EVERY THURSDAY AKD SATURDAY In DECEMBER, 1899, CHEAP raY EXCURSIONS "WILL BE BUN TO LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER From Llanidloes 6 40 a.m., Newtown 7 12, Mont- gomery 7 28. Welshpool 7 50, Llanymynech 8 15, Llanfyllin 7 35, Oswestry 8 40, Ellesmere 9 0, and Fenn's Bank 9 21. For times of trains at intermediate stations s handbills. ON EVERY THURSDAY and SATURDAY in DECEMBER and until further notice. Cheap Day and Half-Day EXCURSION TICKETS wil be issued to SEACOMBE, and HAWARDEN (for Harwarden Castle), from Oswestry, Eliesmere, Overton-on-Dee, Bangor-on-Jtee, and Marchwiel. 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MEIRION CHAIR EISTEDDFOD.
Nightingale's Voice" (D Emlyn Evans), and (b) Llwyn Onn," and the prize offered was 98. Two choirs competed, viz., Xantlle (conductor, Mr T Jones Owei-i) and Llanegryn (Mr Owen Jones). Mr Bennett said the second choir (Llanegryn) was very unfortunate in having a false start in the second piece and an equally false intonation in both pieces, which put them out altogether. He had, therefore, no difficulty in distinguishing between the two choirs. No 1 choir sang very prettily. He thought their rendering of "Ash Grove," beau- tifully arranged by Mr Ernlyii Evans, was singularly enjoyable, and it was a pleasure to listen to them (applause). THE CHAIR STBJECT. The subject for which a beautifully-carved oak chair was offered was Thomas Edward Ellis, M.P." Ten compositions were sent in, and they were declared to be very good, especially the four I bes'. The composition sent in by Meredydd Delynor" was adjudged the best. On being called upon the Rev John Owen, Dyfnallt, was found to be the sncsessful bard. The corn gw lad" was sounded and Gwih-m Ardndy and Gwynoro led him to the platform where he "was installed according to the ancient rites of the bards of the Isle of Britain, Llew Meirion conducting the proceedings. Thrice "Peace" was called for, and a satisfactory response was received on each occasion. Bardic congratulatory effusions were delivered by Gwilym Ardudwy, Simon Jones, William Williams. Demetrius Owen (Cynfal), and Liew Meirion. Mrs Dr Edward Jones, Caerffynon, invested the successful bard.— It was autiouueed that the chair subject for the next Eisteddfod was Hell." The President explained that he was in the chair in the euforced absence through illness of Mr C E J Owen. Having congratulated those present on their exemplary behaviour tie sat down "-iiid loud applause. The bass solo was for any piece from the works of any great master. There were four competitors. The competition was between No 1 (Mr Isaac Jones, Abergynolwyn) and No 4 (Mr Richard Jones, LlalJ- frothen). No 1 Rang" Revenge." Mr Richard Jones distanced all his competitors and the adjudicator had ploasure in awarding him the prize remarking that he should be glad if it was two guineas and not one. Capt Bailey and Mr W 1\ Griffith awarded the prize of £ 4 for a music stani to Mr Demetrius Owen, Llanbrvnmair. A prize of C2 was offered for the Cywydd (verse) 011 "lng." That sent in by Mr Wm Evans (Artro) was adjudged to be by far the better. The prize was awarded to Mrs Eryri Jones, Garn. Dol- benmaen. The subject of the chief essay was The com- parative influence of Philosophy, Science and Theo- logv on moral progress." The best out of six com- petitors was the Rev J Edwin Davies, B.A., curate of Arthog, who was awarded the prize of £ 5. In the second choral competition there were six choirs competing on the test pieces (a) Y ffrwd and (b) 0 agor fy llygaid (D C Williams). The prize was X10 and a medal to the conductor, the latter given by Mr G 0 Williams. The choirs com- peted in the following order nllcth (con- ductor Mr John Williams), Aberystwyth (Mr T E Harris), Wnion (Mr David Rowlands), Llanegryn (Mr Owen Jones), and TmwfSfynydd (Mr Edwin Lloyd). The adjudication of Mr Bennett was again listened to with the greatest interest. He did not exactly approve of the choice of the pieces for the choirs; they were somewhat commonplace, and they did not give the singers and the conductors an opportunity to distinguish themselves. Apart from choir No 4 (Llanegryn) which sang a quarter of a tone flat nearly all through, there was not a false chord in the whole performance, but it was sung correctly. There was nothing that would cause them to" sit up," but something very like a re- markable exception was presented by No 3 choir, which had the grip from beginning to end of both the pieces and never relaxed. He thought that when that was said of any choir and when it could not be said of any other, the inference was obvious. The marks he bad given the choirs were as follows out of a maximum of 20:—Machynlleth, 15; Aber- ystwytb, 14; Wnion, 18; Llanegryn, nil, having thrown themselves out of it Trawsfvnydd, 13. This latter choir had a good deal to learn aud could learn it. The prize was thus awarded to the Wnion (Doigelley) choir, amid the greatest enthusiasm. This concluded the afternoon meeting, GRAND EVENING CONCERT. The eveiing concert in connection with the Eisteddfod is sustained by the Idris Choral Society, under the able leadership of Mr 0 0 Roberts, Board School. This Society has been established nearty thirty years and it is a source of great pleasure to h-arr; that the members come from all parts of the district around Dolgelley. The work which was decided to perform this year was I Cowen's "St John's Eve" (the poem by Mr Joseph Bennett). The principal vocalists engaged for the occasion were :—Soprano, Miss Maggie Davies, Loudon; contralto, Miss Lizzie Teify Davies, Lon- don; tenor, Mr Maldwyn Humphreys. A.R.C.M. bass, Mr Ivor Foster, London and the Orchestral Band solo flautist, Mr W L Barratt (the celebrated flautist) London accompanists, Miss B Williams, Mr W II Pyeiuont, and Mr M W Griffith. Mus Bac. The persons represented wei-e :Natiev (a village maiden), Miss Maggie Davies; Robert (a voung villager), Mr Ivor Foster; Margaret (an ancient dame), Miss Lizzie T Davies; the Young Squire, Mr Maluvvyn Humphreys. The whole performance is deserving of tho highest commendation. The- expectations of the most sanguine were more t han gratified, and time after time the vocalists had to bow their acknowledgments to the audience for their marks of appreciation of their renderings. Miss Maggie Davies received the heartiest welcome to the town, whilst Mr Maidwyn Humphreys is as much of a favourite as ever, and was vociferously applauded. Mr Ivor Foster justified his selection, and sung the parts allotted to him in an admirable manner. Miss Lizzie Teify Davies is posseased of a sweet and powerful contralto voice. The per. formance cannot be praised too highly. The Chairman, in addressing the meeting, said the Eisteddfod dated from the very earliest times, and its object was to promote prose, poetry, and song, &c. In the year 608 Cad- waladr, who was king of Britain, made several regulations alid arrangements for the bards and compelled them to use better music. The next step, he believed, was in the time of Gruffydd ap Cynan, who was the leader of the first Royal tribe of Wales, and who ordered that no bard would be allowed to sing or recite unless he had passed the Eisteddfod, i.e., taken his degree. It was very proper that there should be some order of that kind. About the year 1176 a very powerful Prince in South Wales invited there all the of Wales, and one book gave it that as many as 10,000 bards attended. He was very glad •" sav that it was recorded that the North Wale J.rds carried the day (applause). In the time of Eliza- beth a most interesting Commission was appointed for the management of the Eisteddfod and the bards. The meeting was held at Caerwvs, and the original Commission was still the property of the Mostyn family, one of the oldest families in Wales. Having referred to the fact that he had been made a bard at Wrexham Eisteddfod some 18 years ago, and given the name of Ap Idris, and having expressed a hope that the disastrous war now being waged in South Africa would be brought to a speedy and peaceful conclusion, he took his seat amid loud applausu. Mr Ivor Foster next sang Down the Vale" in good voice for which he was loudly applauded. Miss Maggie Davies afterwards appeared to sing Hear the gentle lark (flute obligato by Mr W L Barrett). Her beautiful rendering sent the audience wild with applause and she had to appear for the second time, and gave Peidiwch a dwyed wrth fy nghariad," a comic song composed by Owain Alaw. Miss L ;Teifv Davies gave (a) Avanera," (b) I Canzonet Bohemian (with orchestral accompani- ment), and she again brought the house down, and responded with Myfi sy'n magu'r baban," which was sung in quite an orignal style. The rendering of River of Dart" by Mr Maldwyn Humphreys was the siginal for loud and continued applause, and he responded with a patriotic song referring to the Queen as having reigned for over 60 years, which was received with an outburst of loyalty. It being too late to go through the selection from Mendelssohn's Elijah," the chorus Be not afraid" only was taken. The whole performance was a grand success. The greatest credit is due to Mr 0 0 Roberts and Llew Meirion, who carried out the secretarial duties with such conspicuous ability.