Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

-!BL..&i ABliiiYSIWYTil. § The result of the examinations for the Jesll College scholarship Oxford was announce^ °';jl| Monday night. The awards include a con.ine(.|g classical scholarship to William S Davies, Umvei-ig sity College, Aberystwyth. ra DRUNK.—James Taylor, Newtown, FAGTORYMAII.^ ■was brought up at the Police Station on ThursdajM last, charged with having been druuk ou trie nign-M way at Trefechan. Evidence in support ot theSg charge was given by P.O. David Mathias, and dejj fendant was bound over in the sam of Pl. for six months, and ordered to pay Is costs. Ja ODDFELLOWS. The Oddfellows of the (listric, met at the Town Hall on Thursday for the iisuuM half-vearlv meeting when Mr Tom Hughes, of Llan-p elly was present. The business was ot a privatvg character. The delegates afterwards met at the Talbot where an excellent dinner had been prepared fey Mr and Mrs Jones. The chair was taken byjg Councillor E. P. "Wynne (Mayor), <ind h^ ported by a number of the principal delegates anagj friends. ■ THE COUNTY SCHOOL.—Last week saw taew re-opening »f this school after the ris m"sjgj vacation, with several new pupils in attendance.| Sholaiships have been awarded to pupi.s ir01^g the Cyfoethybrenin Elementary Schools to wiog Daisy .Hughes, pupil of Borth National ^chooll (Miss Pat hurst, head mistress), and ^nn'e Hughes, Dolybont, pupil of the Borth Board behoof (Mr R. E. James, head master). There were| eighteen candidates. JE DOBCAS SOCIETY.—Mrs Cosens presided o\eri| the animal general meeting, which was held in tnes Town Hall on Wednesday last. There was a good attendance. The honorary secretary read lie annual report and financial statement for 1900 These were accepted and adopted. Mrs Cosens wa unanimously re-elected president. Most o. this vice-presidents were re-elected, and some additionalj names added to the list. The executive committeei was re-arranged, and some new members added Mrs E. James was re-elapted honorary secretary, g COUNTY SCHOOL LIBRARY.—Lists of suggestec books are now being drawn up by scholars of tbej upper form, with the view of expending the sum made at the recent lecture by Philip Sidney i -nant, as satisfactory a manner as possible. The lntentiong is to endeavour to lay a good foundation org standard Welsh and other volumes, which are not, as a rule, available to students in every library. I is a good sign to note that the scholars do not forget their library, when an opportunity oc-cursg of adding to it; recent gifts of books havin", been received from Reginald Stephens an James Rowland Morgan. E PETTY SESSIONS,—At the weekly Petty Sessions^ held at the Town Hall on ednesday morning.a before the Mavsr (Mr E. P. Wynne), and Alderman C. M. Williams, the case of the Aberystwyth Electric Lighting Company, charged with allowing smoke to emit from their works in Mill-street, and thus causing a nuisance, was further adjourned. It J was stated on behalf of the Compauv that the chimney stack was about to be increased in heig-ijt, which, it was felt, would abate the nuisance.—1 hej magistrates granted a temporary transfer of the licence of the Old Black Lion, Bridge-street,, Iroiuj Mrs Lewis to Mr Henry Matthews, butcher, North-t parade. j ^NATIONAL SCHOOLS.—The following is a veroatim copy of the Annual Government Report on the above schools for the year 1900 :—Mixed School "This School continues to be taught with intelli- gence and industry. The Divisional Inspector forj ^Drawing reports that this subject is ^very web taught with highly creditable results." lnlarus School: "The School has been main- tained by the new mistress is a very satisfactory condition of efficiency." The highest possible grants for each subject taught were earned throughout the whole School. The amount of grant earned for each unit of average attendance is as follows :-Infants earned 17s each; Boys earned 22s 3d each; Girls earned 21s 6d each. JUNIOR RADICAL CLUB.—A meeting of the members of this club was held on Friday last, Mr D. C. Roberts presiding. The rules were further discussed, Mr T. J. Samuel proposing that the age of admission be reduced to 16 instead of 17 as at present. It was carried, however, that this be de- ferred until the special general meeting which wil be held shortly. Mr T. H. Edwards gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that the name of the club be changed to that of the Reform Club -It was reported by the committee that ar- rangements were being made for holding a soiree z, towards the end of February, and that the mem- bers of the Women's Liberal Association had con-I sented to provide the refreshments,—Messrs Peter JLoveday, James Rees, Jenkin Humphreys, J. A. Phillips and G. Ellis were appointed a Syllabus Committee to draw out a programme fen the; remainder of the winter session—A committee waS| also appointed to arrange a billiard tournament. On the proposition of Mr T. B. Hali, seconded by Mr T. J. Samuel, a vote of sympathy was passed with Mr George Rees and Mr James Rees (secretary of the club), and their family, in their sad bereave- ment caused by the death of their brother. PRINCIPAL BEBB.-Taking advantage of his visiti to the town for the purpose of addressing the Teachers' Guild, Archdeacon Protheroe invited Mr Bebb to preach at the Parish Church last Sunday evening. Notwithstanding the extremely unpro- pitious" weather there was a large congregation, which listened attentively, as the Principal of St. David's College spoke simple, yet penetrating sentences, from the words "for whosoever hath to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken awav even that he hath." The theme and central thought of the sermon were the need ot personal and individual consecration of life to ail that can enoblo and elevate it. The Archdeacon read the prayers, and Mr Panchen presided a,1 the organ. THE COUNTY SCHOOL LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.-The first meeting this term was heid last Friday evening, Janufery 18th, when it had D Jonathan Jones for president and E. Rhys Thomas for Hon. Secretary. The subject under discussion was the following: Are Christmas festivities con- ducive to the highest interests of the nation ?' S O Owens was to open in the affirmative, but being unavoidably absent. Mr J, H. Howell verv kindly took his part; and E. Rhys Thomas opposed in the negative. H. E. Jones, Bernard Owen, and H. C. Ellis also spoke on the negative, while J. M. Jones and D. J. Jones supported the affirmative. On the motion being put to the vote, the house was equally divided, and the chairman's casting vote -iiat I was given to the affirmative. TEACHERS' GUILD.—Saturday evening last found several ol the members of this admiraole and use ful organization foregathered in the Hall at U.C. íY to meet the Rev L1. Bebb, M.A., Principal of St. David's College, Lampeter, who had come up t( address them on Stimulus." The chairman wib. Mr T. Darlington, H.M.I.S., who was supported by the Principal of the College (Mr T. F. Itoberts M.A.), Professor Foster Watson, M.A., Revs Mor-S timer Green, Geo. Eyre Evans, Messrs D. Samuel. M.A., and J. h. Howell, B.Sc., Misses C. P| Tremain, B.A.. Mrs Humpidge, and others. ,nn| cipal Bebb dealt with the subject m academics terms and sentences, not one of which could beg missed, and his matter bristled with thosefpomts sol necessary to ensure a free and open debate at the close of his address. lf1 this discussion and con fer^nce manv ioined, the Chairman adding inanyjj valuable experiences gained during his recent visit! to Moscow. On the motion of Mr Samuel, secondedg by Professor Watson, hearty thanks were tendereda to Principal Bebb for his visit and lecture. I PRESENTATIONS.—At the weekly meeting of the Ystwytb Lodge of Good Templars, Mr J. W. Jones the Chief Templar, was presented with a marble timepiece on the occasion of his marriage* and in recognition of the splendid work done byffl him whilst acting as chief templar. On Fridays evening, at' Holy Trinity, Mrs W. P. U illiams wa| presented with a handsome marble clock inscribed and three bronze figures. T-ie presenta-g tion was made on the occasion of her which took place at the close of the year, and wa the gift of the choristers and the con,-t-egat,ion. The inscription was as follows:Presented to MrsH. Williams on her marriage by the choristers and con-M gregation of Holy Trinity Church. December 1st, 1900." Mrs Williams who is the eldest daughte of Mr Collins, ironmonger, Great Darkgate-street jffl is the deputv organist of the church), i faithfu chorister and Sunday School teacher at the abov chnrch and this was a gift in recognition of he &€rvic€s. B ■"1'HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.—The annual meeting! of the North Cardiganshire Horticultural Society| was held on Friday evening, January i8th at the* Town Hall. There were present Mr Edward Lvans,1 J.P. (chairman), Messrs R. C W ilhams, H. S.| Sheraton, James VeaTy, A. Austin, H. Mallorv, R.l Weller J. Purton, D. Colville S. Glitheroe, J. L J Bees (N. & S. W. Bank), T. W. Powell, and H. G.I Atwood (secretarv).-The Secretary read the balance sheet for the past year, which showed a balance of £ 53 12s 3d in favour ot the Society| which was considered satisfactory.—On the pro-| position of Mr Purton, seconded by Mr Glitheroe.g it was decided that a sum of £ 50 be withdrawn! and placed to a reserve account, in the joint names of the Treasurer (Mr J. R. Rees) and the Secretary. —It was proposed by Mr Purton. seconded by Airg Sheraton, and unanimously resolved, that a shown -no be held in the month of August next, the date tog be fixed by the committee—Mr Vaughan Davies,| M P was unanimously re-elected president tor then enstiin- year, and the Mayor (Mr E. P. Wyi-ine), Mr J. Frauds. » ^unanimously re-elected chairman of co^.nte| Mr J R Rees treasurer, and Mr H. G. Atwool.g secretary.—A committee of management and a» schedule committee were also appointed^ On t leg proposition of Mr T. W. Bowe l, seconded by Mig Glitheroe, it was resolved to insure against fire|S etc., the sheet and timber belonging to the S^ietyg sand now at the Elysian Grove, in the sum ox -oo, I| a'lEO'1If(I'"z¡¡a'=Ø\1Ao. THE BELLE VUE HOTEL.-The ravages of the recent destructive fire in this hotel are now being ictivelv repaired by the energetic proprietor, Mi« Palmer who has a large staff of workmen under lie control of Mr Robert Peake pushing forward che necessary work of painting and decorating the spacious apartments. 8 S\LK.— On Wednesday afternoon at the Lion noyaljj Hotel Mr J. E. James, auctioneer, offered for ?ale<| the house and shop in.wn as 25, Nortli-parade. The| premises were held under a lease from the Corpora-H tion, of which there was seventy-three year unexpired, at the annual ground rent of £ 2. 14?.l Bidding commenced at £ 1,000, and rose bv £ 1000 bids to £ 1,4-00, and then by £50 bids to 3^1,600, a which figure it was withdrawn. I OBITUARY.—We learn with regret of the death iof Dr Williams, the headmaster of the Abergele^ County School, which occurred on Friday night 1 Dr Williams passed through a serious illness a| couple of years ago, from the effects of which hejj never thoroughly recovered, and his death when ii12 tthp. mime of his life, and when he had a career oral jmuch usefulness before him on behali of educatio land of his country, will be deplored by all whogl Sknew him. Deceased was the only son of Mr Isaacgj JWilliams, of LlanfarianJ and formerly of SVilla. He was for some time a pupil at Mr DayidHj fsamuel'a school at Old Bank, Bridge-street, andlfl [continue 1 his studies in Germany, where he took|g| his doctorate. H DEATH CF AN OLD TRADESMAN.—The deathg took place on Tuesday of Mr David Thomas, J.r.Jj Pantyderi, Llanbadarn-road, at the ripe age ufl sixty-nine years. Deceased, who was a native of|8j Pembrokeshire, was one of the oldest tradesmen in9 the town, having commenced business as watch maker in Great Darkgate-street in 1854. In 189 he retired, and banded over the business to hisffl son, Mr Jack Thomas, who still carries it on. Hi, illiiess was a brief one, the first serious symptom. being shown on Sunday morning, and death erisue( lat. about one o'clock on Tuesday. He was on thee! ■commission of the peace for the county, feavingg Sheen appointed in 1893. Deceased-leaves a iaftd a son and daughter, the latter being Mr Jack* ST nomas and Mrs Morgan, wife of Mr T. Ej| HMorgan, architect, together with a step-daugbterjt Band step-son, viz., Miss M. Jones, Pantyderi, andfl lr Evan Jones, jeweller, Shrewsbury. The funeral, which will be of a semi-private character, will tak place on Friday at the Cemetery; no flowers. B g PAXTOX SOCIETY,—The members of this society held their last meeting of the session on Wednesdays evening last, and were honoured by the Rev G. E yr gEvans with an excellent resume of the late Henryjg ■Arthur Bright's delightful hook, A year in a Lan-g Soashire garden," which was highly appreciated. fflMr Evans was accorded a very cordial vote of thanks for his address. Theappointmentofofficen; for the ensuing year was made as follows :-Patron, Capten G. W. Cosens, Bronpadarn president, Aid I W. H. Palmer, Queen's Hotel; vice-presiclents Principal T. F. Roberts, Messrs W. H. Colby, J. iVeary, and T. Ellis curator, Mr A. Askew bast. lr R. Weller; treasurer, Mr T. W. Powell; seeretary, Mr O. Stephens auditors, Messrs J. D. Saer and W, SP. E. Jones; committee, Mrs O. Stephens, Sr. C. Williams, L, Hopkins, Ii. Pateman, J. Jones,| HF. Studley, G. Griffiths, G. Slack, D. Evans, H.g ■Austin, R. Hughes, and J. L. Pickard. The syllabus| ■for the coming session, we understand, will com-jj Bprise very valuable papers and lectures of thel flutmost importance to all interested in horticulture^ THE LATE MR JOSHUA REES.—The funeral ofjj §Mr Joshua Rees, Trinity-place, late auditor M. and| 3M. Railway, took place on Saturday afternoon last.8 sllpn, despite the inclement weather, a large nmn- per assembled tu follow the mortal remains to their| last resting place. The employees of the Cambrian! prcsent in uniform, acted as bearers in conjunction with the members of the local tent of RechabitesJ | of which deceased was a member. The chicif i mourners were:—Mrs Rees (widow), Robert,! Georgie. and Ceridwen (sons and daughter), Mr 8 and Mrs Rees, Lampeter (father aDd mother), Mis | Geo. Rees, Rev John Rees, Pontycymmer, Mr James? Hllees, and Mr Henry Rees (brothers), Mr and Mrs ■.Jenkins, Pontardawe (broter-in-law and sister). SMiss Margaret Rees and Miss Mary Rees (sisters). !JMr, Mrs, and the Misses Evans, Emporium, Llan-y- jflbyther Mrs D. Morgan, Lampeter; Mr and Mi> Hjerikins, Llangeitho; Miss Roberts, Mrs Jones, and SlMiss Katie Davies, Tregaron and Mr Robert R. !arid M. and M. Railway Companies, who werei wDavies. Amongst those also noticed in the cortege Mwere the Revs Job Miles (deceased's pastor), T. A. BPenry, T. E. Roberts, M.A., Griffith Parry (Llan- Bbadarn), and J. Llewelyn (Borth) Alderman Peter jffljones. Alderman C. M. Wiiliams, Mr Howell Evan9 ffl(chief constable) Messrs James Jones, Tyllwyd Capt W. Jones, Trinity-place; Evan Evans, Vaenor- street; Thomas Evans, Thespian-street; J. Davies Powell-street; Edwin Peters, H. Meredith, David ■Thomas, Thomas Williams (deceased's fellow- Bdeacor.s at Baker-steet Congregational Chapel); aMr W. Thomas, (chairman of the School Ijlioard); Mr Daniel Thomas, Great Darkgatestreet; I,d Councillor T. E. Salmon, with the following Kstation masters and railway officials:—Mr J. A. EjThomas, Aberystwyth; Mr T. Kilvington Inspt. E HKumphreys and Inspt. Banford, Aberystwyth i Mr gHThomas Owen, Lampeter; Mr \V. Pearson, Llan-v- a|byther Mr T. W. Jones, Tregaron; and Mr J. F. §HThomas, Llanrhystyd-road. A short service was conducted at the house by the Rev Job Miles. At the Cemetery Chapel the Rev T. E. Roberts, MShilon. officiated, and at the graveside the Rev T. nj| Penrv. Wreaths and flowers had been sent by ra&he following: Mr J. C. Russell, General Manager M. [Hand M. Rly. Co Mr Josiah Thomas, Muswell Hill, KjLondon; Mrs Roberts, Tregaron (mother-in-law): Welsh Gazette Office; and Mr Bell, gDerry Grmond. M LOCAL LAW CASE. a On Monday in the Appeal Court. in re the School fflBoard of Llanbadarnfawr (Cardiganshire) v. The HCharity Commissioners, plaintiffs appealed from the ffldecision of the Divisional Court refusing an inquiry Hwith regard to certain endowments now in posses- sion of the Charity Commissioners claimed by ^plaintiffs under an instrument transferring to them [San elementary school. The County Court Judge Bat Aberystwyth refused an inquiry, and the Divisional Court upheld him. The Court of Appeal Know dismissed the appeal with costs, without Bcalling on respondent's counsel. i DEVIL'S BRIDGE RAILWAY. ■SITES OF PROPOSED RAILWAY STATIONS. ju We are able to state that negotiations are rapid-| llv proceeding with the landowners for the Hoi the necessary land required for the construction! iof the light railway from Aberystwyth to Devil's! HBridgn. The majority of the owners are fovour- ;Ibly disposed toward the scheme, and it is not ■anticipated that the compulsory powers nestecl Hin the Company will be needed to be enforced It Hwill interest our readers to know that there will b Stive stations along the route, the sites of which are Has follows:—Aberystwyth; Llanbadarn, near the level crossing; Rhiwarthen, distant about half al mile from Penllwyn, and one mile from Goginan ;S Tvllwvd, near Aberffrwc1; and Devil's Bridge. It 1-; expected that the work will be started about Alarel-i, the contractors being Messrs Pethick MHros., Plymouth, who have carried out large con- tracts in different parts of the country. Regarding the extension to Aberayron, we understand that t some of the principal residents along the line of route and at Aberayron are taking steps with the view of approaching the landowners in order to obtain their support and to induce them to giv reasonable terms for the land required. r DEATH OF MR. WILLIAM SCOTT. The news of the death of Mr William Scott, at his residence, Hazelwood, Cardiff, on Wednes- day evening in last week, will be received with general regret locally. Deceased had lived for many year-i at Aberystwyth, where he was much respected. He suffered from atrophy of the liver, land his final illness had extended over three weeks. |-Mr Scott was of a retiring disposition, but socially She was of the most genial of men. He was not a fereat 'conversationalist, but he had that intimate ^knowledge of men and movements, especially of Wales, and could draw upon an apparent limitless fund of anecdotes and reminiscences, spiced with '& quaint humour, that made his society a pleasure. In all but his patronymic, Mr Scott was intensely Welsh. His ancestors hailed from Scotland andH settled in Cardiganshire, where deceased was born.H His early days were spent at Aberbrwvnen, near* Aberystwvth, where his brother, Mr Gaven Scott,flH still resides. He afterwards removed to Portland-J street Aberystwvth, and during his residence inB Iie town was a member of the English Gongrega- onal Church..His first, wife was a sister of Mi ho'nias Jones, 63. Maiine-terrace, who died in Uou.st 1883. After his removal from Aberyst- yth Mr Scott went to live at Llantrisant. and ibsequenfly at Cardiff, and at the latter place 3 made the acquuaintancc of Mr John Ballinger, ie"Cardiff Librarian, and so became interested in ie Free Library. He contributed many volumes old Welsh l o^ks and valuable M.S.S. to that stitution. As a commercial traveller, whose dis- ict covered all Wales, he had the best of all op- ■rtunities for pursuing his researches. He often avelled manv miles into out-of-tne-way farm- rases, where" literary finds were likely, and my were the rare treasures he picked up in this iy—some for a mere song, but others at a heavy st but he never grudged the outlay. In this wayg brought to<retl§er no fewer than 2013 printed volsH wyth, Mr Scott went to live at Llantrisant. and ibsequenfly at Cardiff, and at the latter place he made the acquuaintancc of Mr John Ballinger, the Cardiff Librarian, and so became interested in t the Free Library. He contributed many volumes of old Welsh looks and valuable M.S.S. to that institution. As a commercial traveller, whose dis- trict covered all Wales, he had the best of all op- t ■rtunities for pursuing his researches. He often avelled manv miles into out-of-tne-way farm- rases, where literary finds were likely, and many were the rare treasures he picked up in this iy—some for a mere song, but others at a heavy st but he never grudged the outlay. In this wayg brought to<retl§er no fewer than 2013 printed volsH and 56 "manuscripts for the Library. Many interesting were the tales he told of his book-B huntino- adventures. Once he brought home a _be-B Wed and much fbarred bundle of books, which had been found concealed in ths old-fashioned fire-S Placo of a Cardiganshire cottage. Among theS number was one entitled, "Eglurhad o Gatechismg F'yrra f i Gvtnanfa o waith Thomas Vincent, Gwein-g idocr Maudlin,Heolv Llaeth, Ysgaerludd print^ i'rehedyn,by Isaac Carter, 1719." Trehedyn is-»ow^ better known as Adpar, a village near rsewcastleK i-rdvn and Carter's was the first printing press introduced into Wales. It was thought when this* a, Catechism was discovered by Mr Scott that it wa-S the first book printed in the Principality, but sincel then a previous book, .dated 1718, has been dis. covered. It is a curious coincidence that a. fe\\ reeks afterwards Mr Scott discovered anotheig ;<my of the same Catechism, and that copy he pre-g enter! to the University College at Aberystwyth.H This was not the only gift he made to that institu-w ion, for it was his custom for some years to o Aberystwyth all the duplicates he could find off volumes in his Cardiff collection. Perhaps rarest of all Mr Scott's finds" was a 12ino 80pp of which there appears to be no record. Ihe titled Sis as follows Cvdymddidden rhwng Dau wr yn| •Vmruau Ynghylch ])edydd Plant. GanW. Wal, ficerl Shorham yn Nghent,"a Chyfieithiad TheophilusJ Evans. Printedig yn Llundain. Ac ar Werth gang I Joseph Downing yn Martholomew Close yn agos| i Wesf Smithfield, 1719." The interest of this« volume, of'course, centres in the fact that its trans-| llator was Theophilus Evans, who wrote the famous| [Welsh cla.-sio, '• Drych y Prif Oesoedd," and theij LODV found bv Mr Scott is, as far as can be ascer-8 volume, or ,eour,e, centres in the fact that its trans-s llator was Theophilus Evans, who wrote the famous| [Welsh cla.-sio, '• Drych y Prif Oesoedd," and theij LODV found bv Mr Scott is, as far as can be ascer-8 itained, the only copy extant. Since he had taken up his abode at Cardiff, Mr Scott paid fiequentS jvisits to Aberystwyth. He spent a fortnight^ [holiday in the town in September last, being tli&j gue-t of his father-in-law, Mr Thomas Jones, ands his last visit was paid about a fortnight previous t his final illness. He was twice married, and leaves| a widow and four children. One of his daughters? is the wife of Mr Davis, J.P., ironmonger! Aberystwvth. I The funeral took place at Aberystwyth Cemetery on Monday morning. The body was conveyed from Cardiff by" the 2.30 a.m. mail train, and reached Aberystwyth at 10.15. A special coach was reserved Y, for the coffin and the mourners. The latter in- cluded Messrs James and John Scott (sons), All Gaer Jones, Mr Willie Davies, Mr R. Edwardes James, solicitor, and Mr Ballinger, chief librarian of the Cardiff Free Library, which institution Mr Ballinger represented. At Aberystwyth there were other mourners, and these awaited the arrival of the coffin on the platform, together with several friends of the deceased gentleman. The coffin, which was of polished oak. was ornamented with heavy brass mountings, and bore the following in- scription :—" William Scott died January 16, ageci 52 years." The funeral was private, and the eight mourning coaches which followed the hearse were, occupiecfby relatives and close friends of the family. The first coach contained Mrs Scott (widow), Airs George Davis (daughter), Mr James Scottj (son)t and Mr George Davis (son-in-law) second coach—Mrs Oliphant (daughter)^ Mr John Scott (son), Mr Gaven Scott (brother). and Mrs Gaven Scott thirdr Miss Grace Scott (niece). Miss Queenie Davis (stepdaughter), Mr Gaer Jones (stepson), Mr James Scott (nephew) fourth, Mr John Scott (nephew), and Mr Thomas Jones (uncle). The wreaths, composed of rare and lovely flowers, were sent by the following Scott, Mr and Mrs George Davis, Mr and Mrs Oli- phant, Mr James Scott, Mr John Scott, Mr and Mn Gaven Scott, Mr Gaer Jones, Miss Queenie Davis Mr and Mrs Llewellyn, Llandaff; Misses Dorothy and Edith Marquand, Cardiff; servants at Hazle. wood and Holydene. Aberystwyth the Free Libraries Committee, Cardiff, bearing the following inscription In kindly remembrance of a devotee friend and colleague;" Mr and Mrs Jones, Porth, cawl; Mr and Mrs Willie Davies, Pencoecl am: Mrs Williams, Lion Hotel, Aberystwyth. Th< and hs and Mrs Willie Mrs Box, and Mr anc service at the church and graveside was shared bJ the Revs Prebendary Williams and T. A. Penry The undertakers were Messrs Stone Brothers, Car diff and Mr William Rowlands, Aberystwyth.

Q University College of Wales Aberystwyth. HOMER AND THE HOMERIC AGE.-List nigh (Wednesday) a meeting of the Literary Society was held, when H. T. Tristram read a paper on thi; sublet. ffij The first of a series of meetings for th, H.»Liidy of Japan was held last Tuesday night, whet two papers were read (1) The Japanese by E Morgan Williams, and (2) Art in Japan by Bei Morgan. A short discussion followed. MUSICAL SOCIETY.—The annual concert of th4 Musical Society will take place March 22nd, 1901 at the New Market Hall, when Handel's Acis an( Galatia" and fliawatha's Wedding Feast" (S Coleridge-Taylor) will be performed. Judging from the preparations the performance promises t( be full worthy of the general support accorded ti this unique and high class musical treat. A NEW Q C.—His alma mater will heartily con gratulate Mr S. T. Evans, M.P., upon his appoint ent to the rank of Q.C. S.T. is the first studen to take silk—but not, by a long way, we hope, th last. This new distinction is peculiarly welcom in view of the opening of the new School of Law. H CHRISTIAN UNION.—Meetings in connection witl Hthis fraternity were held last Sunday when th Rev George Jackson, B.A. of Edinburgh, conducted the afternoon aud evening meetings as well a preaching in Wesley Church, kindly lent for th purpose. H CELTIC SOCIETY.—Mr William Jones, M.P., wa to have addressed the College Celtic Society oi ■Wednesday evening in last week, but he tele Bgraphed during the day expressing his regret a being unable to fulfil the engagement. In hi absence the president, Prof. E. Anwyl, M.A ■opened an interesting discussion on dialect peculi Sarities of the Welsh language. The professo enumerated a large number of idiomatic words am expressions, and the members were invited to stat to which counties and districts the same wer, peculiar. An edifying and interesting evening wa REAPPOINTMENT—Mr John Roberts, of Perfedd nant, Towyn, who until the end of last session wa a student in the Agricultural Department at th, HU.C.W., has been appointed lecturer in Agricultun Bat the University College, BaRgor, under Professo Winter. Mr Roberts is one of the three who dis Htinguished themselves at the examination for th, jgNational Diploma in Agriculture last year and late Son passed the examination for the Surveyor's In jsstitution Diploma. Last October he was appointee ^assistant to Mr Williams in the Agricultural De partment, a position he still holds. He will not however. leave Aberystwyth until April, the pos Shaving been accepted by Mr Ddr Thomas, anothe; student at the U.C.W. last session, during th< interim. Both these young men entered the ■College as short course students and their appoint gments should be a great incentive to others who ma\ wisb to continue the study of Agricultural Scienct and The new curriculum of the Department is very sliitalily arranged for the purpose. 1 DEBATE.—A meeting of the Debating Society oi the short course students in Agriculture was held t the University College on Tuesday evening, the subject being Whether heavy or light horses pay best for agricultural purposes." The President, S.Mr D. D. Williams, occupied the chair. S. H. Anthony read a paper advocating heavy horses, because he thought that there are both better demand and prices to be obtained for them at the present day than for light horses. D. Gwynne Anthony read a paper advocating light horses on the principle that there are always ready sale and good prices to be obtained for cobs, hunters, etc. SThe following took part in the discussion that followed :—J. Ellis, W. Hopkin Jones, J. H. Evans. J. M. Wilde, E. Peacock, T. Bennett, J. Jones, W, J. Williams.'and T. Lewis. The voting resulted in favour of the heavy horses by 18 votes. The meet-j in<* then terminated with a vote of thanks to those who took part and to the president

LLANBADARN. GENEROSITY.—On Wednesday, the 16th inst., the members of the Church Sunday Schools of Llanbadarn and Comminscoch partook of a most eujovable treat bountifully prepared for them at Penyfron Schoolroom by Lady Evans, Lovesgrove. A teaparty is always an attraction to adults as well as children, but on this occasion the well known magnanimous hospitality of the Lovesgrove family drew, together an unusually large gathering. Lady Evans' presence together with that of her two youngest daughters contributed as much to- wards the success of the party, even to tb children, as did the abundant supply of varied deli-l cacies which adorned the tables. -No g&theringfl could possibly respond more heartily to the Vicar'sB call for a thoroughly Welsh •' Hwre to the Loves-| u-rove family. It was evident that one and allfl fully appreciated Lady Evans' kindness. In the evening an entertainment was held in the same room under the auspices of the Sunday Schools, in which only members took part The schoolroom was packed. The singing, reciting, and acting were excellent, but nothing seemed to take as well EIS the temperance dramas and dialogues. It ap- pears that Llanbadarn has a reputation for rowd- ism at concerts and other similar entertainments. Ignorant of its past history and with a wide ex- perience of such assemblies all over the country, we can venture to describe the meetings held o late at Penyfron as equal if not superior in good behaviour and respectability to any entertainment held under similar circumstances that we have gygj- attended. It is only fair that the Llanbadarn-flj ites of the present day should have justice. Ourffl last entertainment was a grand display of fineffl talent and hard preporation to a most attentiT3 and appreciative audience. B

PENNAL. 1 DEATH.—The death of an old and respected in- [habitant took place on Monday morning, in theg Iperson of Mr David Davies, joiner. His illness a brief one, and he had attained the age of eighty. two years. H

:JtA- JiDi :J"WI!C- 1'a1WWIi.Iif=-a: i j Death of tlx I Queen. =: I i Queen Victoria died on Tuesday evening at half-H ipast six o'clock. The news was first made publicH 8by a message from the Prince of Wales to the Lord IjMayor of London, and Hter by the publication of al ^bulletin signed by the medical attendants. AS I"Gazette Extraordinary" was issued on Tuesday! levening containing the Home Secretary's intimation! the sad event. The earlier announcements had prepared the public for the deplorable result, ithough it came earlier than was, perhaps, expected, and had all the effect of a sudden shock. 1 Although there is no official description 1 igof the deathbed scene, all accounts agree lithe end of the illustrious Queen-EmpreseB nvas peaceful and painless. Below will beB mound the official bulletin announcing tiit'H Bevent, also a message from the Prince ofB Vales to the Lord Mayor of London :— B Osborne, January 22, 1901, B 1 6.45 p.m. 1 9 Her Majesty the Queen breathed her llast at 6.30 p.m.# surrounded by heri ■children and grandchildren. G 1 (Signed) I I JAS. REID. 1 B R. DOUGLAS POWELL. 1 I THOMAS BARLOW. j H The Lord Mayor of London was notified of her Majesty's death by the following telegram, received at seven o'clock — il Osborme* Tuesday* 6<45 p.m. The Prince of Wales to the Lord Mayor. I My beloved Mother the Queen has just passed away, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. (Signed) 1 ALBERT EDWARD. Jg It transpired subsequently that immediately the Bjdeath occurred all the doors at Osborne House were closed, so that no inkling of what had occurred jHshould be known to the outer world ^before all the jjjnecpssarv messages to the Crowned Heads of Europe In Majesty's Ministers, and to relatives had been despatched. In fact, all authoritative messages ^Hwcre to have precedence. M The Bishop of Winchester who had returned in .ffltime to be present at the final scene, and to whom, -Has Clerk, fell,,the sad duty of performing the last fSrites, left the Castle immediately after the official announcement had been made. m Up to 1867 the law under the Septennial Act laid Kdown that however recently elected, a Parliament must expire in six months at most from the demise of the Crown, and might of course be disolved earlier raby the new Sovereign. Eut the Reform Act of 1867 fflchanged that. Under that law the Parliament exist- Hing at the time of any Sovereign's death continues as Hlong as it would otherwise continue, unless dissolved t«by the new7 Sovereign. But in any circumstances pfflparliamentmust be called together immediately on sBthe peath of the Sovereign. So important is an instant assemblage of Parliament, that according to PB"Dod," upon the demise of the Crown even the iKiintervention of Sunday has not been permitted to ■delay the meetiug of both Houses. 'B THE KING AND ABERYSTWYTH. ffi The King visited Aberystwyth on Friday, 26 une, 1896, accompanied by the Queen, and the ifflPrincesses Maud and Victoria, on the occasion of i.Hbis Majesty's intallation as the first Chancellor of ~53'he University of Wales. I RECEPTION OF THE EWS. g The news of the Queen's death w^s received in igthis district, as well as in other parts of the country, -Hwith profound r«gret. H xhe first intimation of the sad event was received t Aberystwyth about seven o'clock on Tuesday eSevening by Alderman C. M. Williams, to whom a Htelegram was forwarded by the Central News, stating hHthat Her Majesty passed at half-past six. The news efBquickly spread throughout the town, and the express- rlBjions of deep regret everywhere heard amongst all sHclasses showed that the hearts of the people had been eJBtouched at the loss of a good and beloved sovereign. I The Rev J. Cynddylau Jones, preaching at Salem s [Methodist Chapel, "Queen's-square, 011 Tuesday (evening, in connection with the North Cardiganshire ■Monthly Meeting, paid a touching tribute to the imemory of Her Majesty, dwelling upon her many t virtues, and extolling the noble example she had s Balways set her subjects. ■' B Earlv on Wednesday morning flags were floating at |half mast on the Castle Tower, the College Tower, r jthe Pier-head, the Barracks, and at various business premises in the town. efEN The magistrates sitting at Petty Sessions on Wednesday morning passed a resolution expressive a sof the profound sorrow universally felt at the death Her Majesty, and the Clerk was directed to wforward the resolution to the Iloyal Family. The Sstaff and students at the College met in the Examina- rration Hall after morning lectures on Wednesday. The ^Principal proposed a vote of sympathy with the T HPrince of Wales, chancellor of the Welsh University, H.R.H. the Princess of Wales, and the rest of the SRoyal Family. This was seconded by Prof Angus, efiiand supported by Mr J. R. Johnson, president of the C' rig!Students' Representative Council, and carried in fflsilence. I ■ The Mayor of Aberystwyth received the following ireply same evening:—"The Prince of Wales desires |me to thank the people of Aberystwyth for their kind mes3age of sympathy. -EQuEnRy., II LAMPETER. 3 H The news reached Lampeter only on Wednesday Bmorning, and the bells of St Daviel's College and St Peter's Parish Church were tolled, and they muffled peal quickly spread the mournful news. I MACHYNLLETH. ? I After having been hourly expected, the news of gthe Queen's death was received with profound ■sorrow when it arrived on Tuesday evening. It was Ithe sole subject of conversation amongst the towns- people, where the pervading gloom which has Bfallen all over the country is intensely felt. The abell at the church was tolled, and flags were hung Bat half-mast at the Plas, anel other places jn and Haround the town. M) A meeting of the members of the Board o Guardians and Rural District Council had fflbeen called for Wednesday morning, when Hthere was a gooel attendance The Chair- tSman said that in face of the circumstances the country bad been placed by the death of the Queen, he thought it advisable, in order to show ■their respect for Her Majesty, to postpone all the Sbusiness.—Mr John Rowlands then proposeel thai Bowing to the death of the Queen,all the business be Hdeferred until the next meeting, except that tsolutely necessary to be transacted that day. gHe also proposed that they record their deep sense Hof sorrow at the death of Her Majesty. She had! won the love and respect of the people of Great Britain, and her reign was unequalled by any other sovereign.-Ald J. Hughes Jones seconded the proposition, and eulogised the remarkable reign Bof Her Majesty.—The proposition was Bcarrieel, all the members standing.—The onl]yB business then transacted was the signing of cheques H

TOWYN. VOLUNTEERS.—The roll of the looal Company has been augmented by sixteen new members. Enthusiasm prevails amongst all the members at the prospect of having to furnish another contingent I ent to serve in South Africa. DEBATING SOCIETY.—This society opened their second session of the year with a social meeting. 'be lady members had prepared a most delicious repast, which was much enjoyed by those present. An interesting programme of vocal and instru- mental music was rendered during the evening. CHRISTMAS TREE.—The members of the Band of Hope in connection with the Presbyterian Church were entertained to a Christmas Tree on Thursday evening last. The tree was artistically decorated with useful articles by the elders of the church, and the children were greatly elated on receiving the articles from the branches of the beautiful tree. FOOTBALL.—On Saturday a football match was played on the Corbett Hotel grounds between the home team and Dolgelley. The weather turned out very unfavourable," but although the rain came down heavily, it did not deter the teams from facing each other, and a well contested match took place, resulting in a victory to the home team of four goals to three. H COUNTY COUNCIL.- -The electors of the uibanB district are already moving in the matter of select- ing a candidate for the next County Council elec-j tion. It is to be hoped that Mr Haydn Jones, present member, will allow himself to be rs-dl'C!:ed.B The electors are most anxious that he should con- binue to represent them on that august body, and their confidence in him is implicit. M ;í

_iIWrT"o2ra-rw- LLANAFAN. I OBITUARY.—We regret to record the death of Mr Ebenezer Williams, J.P., of Bronoaradog, which -.ook place on Sunday morning last at an advanced ige. Deceased was one of the oldest natives in the district and was held in high esteem by one :md all. He had been out on Saturday evening, and was taken ill suddenly during the night. and expired without scarcely any warning. He was a faithful attendant at Gwnnws Church, and was placed on the commission of the peace for the county inj.893. He leaves one daughter and a number cI sons, with whom much sympathy is felt.

ABERDOVEY. | METEOROLOGICAL.—Last week the weather recorded here was as follows --Bright sunshine. 16-9 hours; rainfall. 0-71 inch; temperature, highest maximum. 49: lowest maximum, 43; Ihighesj minimum, 45; lowest minimum, 39. H SHIPPING.—Arrived: January 18th, s.s. Tur-B jquoise," with 540 tons of cement from Lonelon :S January 20th, s.s. Dora," with heavy cargo ofg groceries and grain from Liverpool. Sailed: 'TAN 2nd, s.s. "Turquoise" for Duddon; January 23rd, s.s. Dora" for Barmouth. N DEATH AND FUERAL-Tbe death took place a the Bootle Hospital, on Monday of last week, of Capt James Morgan, late of Cliffside, Aber(lovey, as the result of injuries sustained whilst dis- charging his duties at the West Hornby Dock, Liverpool, on December 31st. The body was brought here for interment on Friday last, and was met at the station by a large number of friends and sympathisers. The chief mourners were:-MTS organ (widow,) Miss Morgan (daughter), Mr J. J. Morgan and Rev D. W. Morgan (sons), Mrs Jones anel Mrs Barnes, Liverpool; anel Mrs Evans, Meir- ion House The Rev J. D. Jones officiated at the cemetery. The Rev J. Williams, Princes-road, Liverpool, who was unable to accompany the funeral, followed by a later train, and in the| evening preached an impressive sermon at the| Tabernacle here, at which chapel the deceased had for many years been a faithful member. Ther was a large congregation. BADEN-POWELL'S POLICE.—Mr William Jones, Copper Hill-street, left here on Friday evening to join the South African Constabulary. Some of his friends upon hearing that he had been accepted for service, at once commenced to collect subscriptions towards making him a presentation, and we under- stand a subi-tintial sum was collected. Lieutenant Howell made the presentation in Chapel Square in the presence of a large crowd of people who had assembled to give Jones a hearty send-off. A trap rigtred up with banners and Chinese lanterns was provided, in which young Jones rode to the station, eing drawn by means of ropes. Before the train moved out, three loud cheers were given to the departing constable, and several of the fair sex were observed to wipe the tears which trickled down their faces. Jones reached Southampton at Hnoon on Saturday, and sailed for Capetown on iboard the Transport "Canada," at 4 o'clock the, same day. J B SCHOOL BOARD.—A meeting of the Towyn and Aberdovey School Board was held last week under the presidency of the Rev Robert Jones. It a, a, Bdeciderl to increase the salary of Miss Mary Da\ie.a, Pennal School, and to dispense with the services of n assistant teacher, inasmuch as the former was. about completing her time as a pupil teacher. A letter was read from Mr J. M. Jones, Ceirws, objecting to the opening of a school at Pantperthop on the ground that the children of Esgairgeiliog would not attend there.—The applications of two ssistant. teachers for increase of salaries were rejected, it being stated that their remuneration was equal to that of other assistant teachers in the (listrict.-A resolution was passed thanking Mr Orford, Bronffynon, and Miss Steel. Talgarth, for the treat which they had given the children attend- ing Bryncrug and Pennal Schools.—Complaints having been received that .the teachers did not attend school punctually in the mornings, it was decided to communicate with the headmasters and mistresses enquiring whether such was the case.

I DOLGELLEY. B THE PENRHYN CHOIR. The Penrhyn Male Voice Choir visited Dolgelley on Wednesday, and in the evening held a concert at the Public Rooms in aid of the aged workmen of Bethesda and their families. The chair was occupied by Mr R. Wynne Williams, J.P. B THE FREE LIBRARY.—The committee appointed by the Library Authority to consider what cotilel be done to improve theFree Library, met on Friday SSnight, Mr T. P. Jones-Parry in the chair. A long discussion took place on the best scheme to adopt— whether to rent a house, or to erect a new building. to include a billiard room, &c. The matter was djourned, and a meetiug fixed for this week tc further consider the different schemes. B ANNUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL.—The friends at Salem nd Pendref have made arrangements to hold their annual tea and literary meeting on the 27th of March. A committee has been appointed and we understand that the arrangements are now almost ■ completed. Mrs D. H. Jones. and Mrs Dr Thomas have been appointed to superintend the treat, and the Rev J. Williams, B.A., is to preside at the evening meeting. The Secretary of the committee is Mr Ellis Roberts (Glan Wnion). 1 A JOURNEY TO ITALY.—That was the subject ot an excellent lecture given by the Rev R. R Williams, M.A., Towyn, to the M. C. Literary ■Society last Friday evening. The chair was loccupied by Mr Humphrey Morris. The lecture jwas illustrated by lime-light views under the direction of Mr R. C. Evans. The lecture was a real treat and was thoroughly enjoyed by a large Kcongregation. Mr Williams was heartily welcometl iby the Society as its first secretary, and as one of the prime movers in its establishment, and we hope he will keep in touch with it, and visit us from year to year. A hearty vote of tbanks was accorded him for his lecture on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr W. G. Jones. Mr R. C. Evans was also heartily thanked for his service with the lantern on the motion of Llew imeirion." S A SOCIAL EVENING.—At Bethel Schoolroom on Thursday evening, an enjoyable social evening was spent by the English Presbyterian friends. The first part consisted of a social tea, given by the gentlemen belonging to the church. The following presided at the tables :—Messrs E. W. Evans, Ernest Davies, Harvev Jones, and Mr Brown, assisted by Messrs Guthrie Jones, Herbert Davies, John Owen, John ,Brodie. Edward Arthur Jones, and Mr §»Nethf;rton. The meeting following the tea was ^presided over by the Rev R. Morris, M.A. pastor, and the following took part:—Vocal music', solos were rendered by Miss Pritchard, Messrs John Sltoberts, John Owen and Edward Arthur Williams; iustrumental, Rev R. Morris and John Evans. Eldon Row; recitations, Mr Gnthrip Jones and Mr Brown. «A vote of thanks to the gentlemen for providing the ■tea anel presiding at tables was passed on the motion of Miss Davies, Bridge-street, seconded by Mrs R. Morris, and a vote of thanks was acccrdeel to the Chairman on the motion of Mr Harvey Jones, seconded by Mr Puleston Jones. j URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. I The ordinary fortnightly meeting of this Council was held at the Shire Hall on Tuesday night, Jan. 22. Present: Messrs E. Wynne Williams (chair- man), John Edwards (vice-chairman), R. Richards, Ellis Williams, D. Meredith, John Griffith, Robert Davies, Edward Williams, Dr. John Jones, John E ones, E. W. Evans, John Jones, with R. Barnett (assistant clerk), Wm. Jones (surveyor), and E. R. ones (collector). THE APPROACH TO THE STATION. I The Clerk said that he had not received any reply from the Railway Companies, and be was requested to write again to the Great Western Company to re-| mind them of the request sent to them from thel last Council. FL TENDERS FOR MANHOLE. § SB The Clerk stated that the Streets Committee had met and had undertaken to invite tenders for the ■construction of a manhole at Queen s-sejuare. This! was confirmed, and the tenders received were a follows :-Mr James James, P-9 19s Mr Edward Evan. S6 5s; Messrs Williams & Roberts, £ 8 16s g ■Mr John Thomas, £ 11. It was decided to accept the lowest, viz, that of Mr Edward Evans, Peny- btnk. ■ AN APPLICATION. B The Surveyor stated that Mr Edward Evans. HPenybank, asked for permission to build a cowsheel nd a pigsty in the field between Ffynon Fair and the Old Gaol. The Surveyor was instructed to raw out a plan. and to submit the same to the ouncil. 9 MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. 9 The Clerk read the following report which had been sent in by Dr Hugh Jones, the medical theer :-I' Two cases of scarlet fever hpe occurred in your district during the past fortnight. One oc- urred at Meyrick-square and the other at the astle Inn. In examining the last named premises I discovered an inside water closet n a most unsatisfactory condition. Theapartmenl tself is dilapidated, and is provided with a sk\ light which is not made to open. There is an olrfl ■hooper pan which is in a most foul condition, anojH ■there is is no water. The soil-pipe is also witliou'B Iventilation. The water supply of this house hH itaken from a pump in the yard, and which wa, considered by Dr Parsons in 1888 to be exposed tu the risk of contamination, and I am of opinion that it is so still. Dr Parsons describes it as follows :—H It is about fifteen feet from the churchyard the o-round around it is sodden with sewage in the in- terstices af the cobble stones with which the yard is paveel. A water closet drain is neai, a^so s,ab.es^D and dung heap." H It was decided that a copy of the report be sentW o the owner requesting him to remedy the defects* mentioned. H I -.rr In5i8Jt111.JBm: THE LAND BY THE GASWORKS. Mr John Edwards had given notice of motion that the piece of land near the Gasworks be sold [n moving the resolution he said that they all knew to what the motion referred. They had bought the piece of land in 1899. and although he was not zoing to say anything about the price paid for it. the fact was that they had bought it under the impression that it would be very valuable and paid a high sum for it. It was now, however, idle, and there was no liklihood that any use could be made of it. Their financial state was not so flourishing that they could afford to have it like this on their hands. The Gas Company had been approached on the question, and Mr Woodford has requested them to state their price. He thought, however. that the question of price should be eliscussed in committee. He proposed simply that they sell it. Mr Edward Williams seconded the motion. and it was carried unanimously, without any dis- cussion. U A long discussion, however, ensued, on the best way to proceed. Some of the members wanted to sell it by pi-irate treaty, while others strongly advocated that it be offered by public auction. Mr J. Edwards proposed that they fix their price as requested by Mr Woodford. Mr E. Williams seconded. Dr J. Jones jpre>poseel that they advertise for tenders, the reserve price to be fixed before opening the tenders. Mr J. Griffith seconded. t Mr John Edwards said that they knew very well that it was the Gas Company, whose premises were close to this land, would be the most likely party to offer. The Council had already offered it B m sale at a public auction, and had offered it to other people. He considered they treateel the Gas Company badly, when they were asking for a price. N Mr E. W. Evans spoke strongly on the other side. The Gas Co. had had their chance at the public auction, but their fixed price had then been divulged, and it was deemed too high. The Gas Co. ha( I kept away from the auction. Why, therefore, this preference 1 After a somewhat long discussion, Dr Jones' motion was carried by a large majority, and it was decided to advertize in the Welsh Gazette, the tenders to be opened at the next meeting of the Council. M A NOTICE OF MOTION WITHDRAW. Z Mr J. Griffith bad given notice of motion to th e ect that whenever the streets are cut up anotice be sent beforehand by the Surveyor. Mr Griffith, however, stated that he wished the discussion to take place in committee and not in an open meeting of the Council. Mr Edward Williams strongly opposed this, and this again gave rise to a warm discussion. Ultim- tely, Mr Griffith's request was agreed to. M THE FREE LIBRARY. a Mr E. W. Evans reported that the Library Auth- ijority was taking the Free Library quest ion up, and Ijhad appointed a committee to consieler the matter further. The committee had met,and had arranged to meet again, and the Library Authority was to ffflmeet next month. ■ Mr Edward Williams said that he wanted a more ^specific report. If it was now the Library Authority aHawakened to its responsibilities, anel if they were i now asking for a month's indulgence, he was | tempted to move a very drastic resolution. I Mr J. Griffith explained that Mr Williams woulel H not have spoken as he had done if he only knew gj what the Library Authority had done. They had j| met, and were going to meet this week to consider schemes. He believed they could report favourably to the Council before long. U THE DOLGELLEY FREE LIBRARY. || [TO THE EDITOR OF THE Welsh Gazette.] |!§ SIR,—It is with unfeigned joy we find that this ^important question is once more engaging the Hjattention of our public men at Dolgelley. Indeed, Mit was an agreeable surprise to many of us to find from your columns last week that the Library Authority had once more met after such a long filperiod of lethargic inactivity. We are now looking ■anxiously for signs of renewed life and active ■work. The Library Authority evidently has not ■lost faith in its own ability to deal with the matter ■and seems willing anel anxious to make anothei attempt. However, in perusing your summary of the proceedings of Tuesday night's meeting we cannot but find that the key note of the meeting Bwas the word Difficulties." This weu-d seemed te Bjpermeate all the sentiments expressed, nnd to cast its gloomy shadow over the meeting, banishing bope and faith and rendering the atmosphere chilh with despair. We have no intention of„insinuating that the Committee endeavoured by this means to Bjustify its policy, or non-policy, in the past, and we are quite willing to admit the difficulties as genuine and real. But, somehow, we should likt to hear a wore hopeful note struck, and to find OUI pleaders casting melancholy and despair away ther we might hope that the future would he brightel .Hthan the past, and woulel feel assured that we hae ■advanced a step towards the solution of the Free ■ Library problem at Dolgelley. ■ However, our friends may be only clearing the ■way. In any case the difficulties and obstacles ■have been enumerated and*defined to a consider- flable extent, and we shoulel do well to ponder ovei BJthem, not with any intention of criticising the Library Committee, or in and way to make its path more difficult, but rather to be in touch with its movements, and to prepare ourselves to render aic Hand help when the plans of the Committee are Mbrought before us. The initial difficulty is that ol Bjtnoney, and we see that this was clearly brought out at the meeting. Dolgelley is but a small town, and our rates can yield but a very inade- Mouate sum towards this object, but the rates are not meant to be adequate. It iJ only a contribu- gStion towards an object supposed to be supported by other means, by subscriptions, &c. ■ This brings us to the other difficulty mentioned gfflat the meeting,—the want of enthusiasm, If we, l|gas townsmen, were enthusiastic about it, we could ■easily find sufficient money to make it a success. Bit was suggesteel that salvation lay in the direction or a personal hobby. Let someone take it up as ma hobby, and this. we suppose, means that some one who feels strongly and deeply in the matter— la man of energy, tact, influence and business Sability—should take the matter up, and, without ■calling any committee to cool his enthusiasm and IBblunt his energy, to draw out a scheme, to set it in {Border, aad to work it out single hand eel. We do jglnot wish to crit icise such a suggestion we would Bonly mention the reflection it casts upon our ■public spirit at Dolgelley. Does it not. seem to aimply that the real difficulty is not to be found in ■the directions already mentioned 1 If one man could do it while a committee has failed, must not £ the blame for the failure be laid at the eloor of the I committee? That seems to be the logical conclu- "ion from the above hypothesis. The supposition is not ours, it was stated at a meeting of the Com- mi Hce itself. | Indeed, it seems that the curtain was drawn, Maside at the meeting, and the real state of things! disclosed. The committee had made attempts toj proceed, but had found it impossible to get thej matter through, mainly, it seems, because they could not. agree amongst themselves as to what they wanted to get through. Because they could no: agree how far to provide for our young people, they settled down to apathy, and decideel not to make "any provision at all." This seems to be the key to the situation. One of the speakers, according to your report, strongly advocateel an elaborate scheme, admitting at the same time that here lay Ithe crucial point—the real difficulty—the rock against which the previous scheme dashed itself to pieces. Surely this is not the way to deal with the matter. Personally, I am in favour of the broader scheme, and would feel the greatest joy to see at Dolgelley a complete provision fortheamuse- ment as well as the instruction of oulfcyoung people. However, we are all well aware that most of our religious leaders in the town are not prepared to go so far as this. We may think as we will of their opinion, and may deem them narrow-minded and puritanical. But this is but a contra-opinion. Our ministers and leaders we know very well feel I strongly on this point. They have expressed their convictions before the present Library Authority came to existence. At that time they also explained that their opinions were based on a long experience of the results of such broad schemes in other towns. We may disagree with them, but we should respect their convictions. Parcha byd yn nod ragfarnau dynion duwiol." Such was an old deacon's advice to a young man who was leaving lately for one of our great towns. So let us respect the opinions of our religious leaders. G Butwe don't wish to press this point any further. We do not intend advocating the more modest scheme on sentimental, but on practical grounds, It has been made clear that it is hopeless to have agreement and co-operation if we go in for the broader scheme, and it is not right to say that the! responsibility of wrecking the project lies on one alone. Both parties must bear their share offi it, and the greater part of it lies with the party which concedes the less. Now those who are in 'avour of the simpler scheme are anxious to provide adequately for the instruction of young people. They will do all in their power to have a prope reading room with a goojJ library attached. Now, is not this the essential point ? Whatever we may [think of a billiard room and other facilities for recreation, we believe they are but secondary con- sideratiens. If the choice were given to any of 11 whether to have the one or the other, there would ertainly be no disagreement. Now let us co- iperate to have the one thing we are all agreed ipon. seeing that it is the essential thing. The uncompromising spirit "hi h demands" the wI e )1' nothing" will bring about the same state of "hings as before, viz., a deadlock. On thisH ground we maintain that the best and wisest policy is to unite to establish the thing the urgentSft leed of which we all admit, leaving the rest to theSH aw of progress and developement. Ijg 18 th January, 1901. Vox. II

London Letter. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] J London, Wednesday Afternoon. THE QUEEN. For days the Queen has been the one subject of discussion in all circles up here. The latest bulletins were eagerly looked for md the slightest sign of improvement was thankfully noted. For some reason or other all the papers have vied with one another in taking a most pessimistic view of the situation, and the consequence was that the uncertainty and anxiety became poignant nd the public heart sank within it. All classes, whether poor or rich, were equally concerned, and never has a more genuine feeling of sympathy for any person, been exhibited. Ever since the Jubilee cele- brations of 1887 and 1897, the person of thi' Queen has become sacred. Perhaps the mystery which surrounded her, and the grea power which she was known to exercise honorably, accounted for that. But it Bshould not be forgotten that her spotless char- Bacter and the beauty of her private life, learned her the grateful love of her people HShe had been the first to sympathize with '1 the relatives of those who had become victims of great disasters, and her pursq Hwas always open to help the poor and needy, ■The picture of her as a matron surrounded Bby her numerous descendants also appealed to a nation which still holds in reverence the ties of family and kindred. Her loss Bwill be deplored everywhere, and the debt- the nation owes to her will never be for- Bsotten. None, of our monarchs gained SO Hhonoured a place in the affections of tha- people as she has, and none of them liaa left such a spotless inheritance to her children and to the nation as Victoria. It is hard to reconcile oneself to the fact that the Queen is no more, and millions to-day, gdumb with grief, will mutter with the greatest of her laureates I cannot think the thing farewell." H TWO INTERESTING TRIALS. M Considerable interest has been taken in the election petition tried last week, in which judgment was delivered last Monday. Mr Thomas Lough, M.P., who is the head of a great tea business, was made the object of a most bitter attack during his election campaign. Mr Chamberlain excelled hiniself in a letter sent to the Unionist candidate, and rightly or wrongly Mr Lough |lis under the irapiession that, lie suffered ■more than any other candidate in this respect. It may be remembered that Mr Lough and Mr Chamberlain had a very bitter passage of arms during last year just before the General Election. Mr Lough is ■married to a Welsh woman, who is, T ■believe, a daughter of the late Rev John IgMills, of Llanidloes and London. She is Bone of the most prominent workers in the Liberal cause in London, and has ably helped her husband in his political work. fl The other trial is that of Mr B. G. Lake, t one time President of the Incorporated Law Society. He was accused of mis- flappropriating trust monies, and a jury haS now found him guilty. Consecpiently, he, was sentenced to twelve years, penal ■servitude. It is a long drop from the iiotiotired position he held a few years ago, btit it shoulel act us a warning to all people who act as trustees There is no doubt that some radical change in custom is necessary, for the law is blameless in this matter till it simply shews how blindly people will iggact in their pecuniary concerns, and it may ■be that neither a change of custom nor a change of law will hinder persons from running their heads into a noose.

N CORRIS. M PROF. ALFRED HUGHES' MEMORIAL FUND..—A meetinil: of the Executive Committee of the fund J was held at University College, Cardiff, on Friday R last, Dr W. T. Edwards in the chair. Is was reported I that the fund now reacheel £ 770. The secretaries B reported that the announcement which had appeared in the local newspapers concerning the will of Professor Hughes, Professor of Engineering in London, had prevented many subscriptions from oining in.

1 A SERIOUS COMPLAINT. ,1 [TO THE EDITOR OF THE "WELSH GAZETTE. "I 3 SIR.—Kindly allow me to ask the Postmaster H General, through vour columns, why is it that the ji letter box near m,y house is without its'proper little 'H changing plates to denote whether the box has been f| cleared or not. On examination I find that other B boxes are in the same state as the one I refer to. I C woulel also like to know why it is that the be>xes are ji cleared at 5.30 a.m., instead of 6.30 a,m. as indicated Hon the permanent plates. The latter fact explains |s|why I cannot receive replies to my country letters ■which have been written by me late at night, and figposted by my servant directly after 6 a.m. Perhapss jjffithe Postmaster General can linel where the fault lave fjjand can put matters right. These apparantly littl fj|niatter.s are of great import to the public. *For in" |j|stance ;—A dear relative of mine died about 2 a.m. ■some month s ago. After the first spasms of grief Sgwere over I sat down to write letters to her immedi-. Mate friends anel relatives, and posted them in the ■nearest le tter box about 10 minui.es past 6 the same ■ morning, and they should have been delivered in ■the country before 12 noon the same day. To my ■surprise, and to the great annoyance of all they were ■not delivered unti 1 the next day Possibly x niight ■not have troubled you in the matter had it not been SSthat the same thing is continually happening, and I ■feel it a duty to myself anel the public to eneleavour to have matters put rIght. H J. LI.

I For Sale. BUILDING LAND AT DOLGELLEY. rriHE URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL invite J- Tenders'for the purchase of a piece of land situate in Smithfield Street and having a frontage thereto of 25 yards or thereabouts and containing an area of about 150 square yards, subject to Conditions, particulars of which may be obtained at my office at Dolgelley. Tenders are to be delivered to me not later than Monday the 4th day of February next. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. By Order, W. R. DAVIES, Solicitor, Dolgelley, Clerk to the Council. 23rd Jan., 1901. delivered to me not later than Monday the 4th day of February next. The lowest or any tender will ot necessarily be accepted. N By Order, j W. R. DAVIES, B Solicitor, g Dolgelley, Clerk to the Council. 3rd Jan., 1901.