Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

ABERYSTWYTH. PERSONAL.—The numerous friends of Mr Thomas Owens will regret to hear that he is indisposed. and has, for some time, been unable to attend to his duties at the County School. CAPTURE OF A OTTER.—A young otter was z! captured in the Leri River near thj railway bridge at Ynvslas, on Friday, Febuary 1st, by Mr John Griffith?, Tvmawr. A VISIT To FLOREXCF.—At the weekly meeting of the members of the Radical Club, held on Friday evening last, Mr David Samuel, M.A., head- master of the County School,delivered an interesting address upon the above subject. His reumrxs upon the many places of interest in the ancient and historic town and his description of Italian life and character were followed with the closest attention and wers much appreciated. A hearty vote of thanks was afterwards accorded Mr Samuel, on the proposition of Mr J. H. Davies, Cwrtma wr, seconded by Mr T. II. Edwards. Mr D. C. Roberts (president) eccupied the chair. IN* MEMORIAM. On Sunday last all the voluntaries, chants and hymn tunes used at the morning and evening services at the English Con- gregational Church, Portland-street, were the composition of the late Dr Hopkins, who for more than half a century, had been the organist of the Temple Church, London, and whose recent death has evoked expressions of deepest sympathy. To Dr Hopkins all sections of the Church owe no small indebtedness for his musical compositions. The Rev T. A. Penry made a brief but appropriate allusion to Dr Hopkins, and the selections played by the organist, Mr Leah, A.R.C.O., were much and deservedly appreciated. CANTATA.—On Wednesday evening in last week a performance of the cantata, The Boyhood of Christ," was given at the New Market Hall by the Bethel Welsh Baptist Choir, under the conductor- ship of Mr M. De Lloyd. There was a large audience. The chair was occupied by Principal T. F. Roberts, M.A. The soloists were-Soprano, Miss Myfanwy Jones, London contralto, Madame Cassie Rees- Jones, R.A.M. together with Miss M. M. Davies, Miss Rosina Jones, Miss May Morgan and Miss Winifred Parry. The accompanist was Mr D. J. De Lloyd. The proceeds were devoted towards pur- chasing a suitable organ for the chapel. B.W.T.A.—The usual monthly meeting of the local branch of the British Women's Temperance Association was held on Wednesday, 6th inst, when Mrs Principal Roberts presided. Several members spoke on the life of Queen Victoria. On Saturday evening the first of the weekly entertainments was held at the Eagle Restaurant, Great Darkgate- street. An enjoyable programme was gone through, and an address was delivered by the Rev. G. James, Nebuaska. Refreshments were supplied at intervals. The programme was arranged by Miss Kate Jones. On Tuesday the inmates of the Workhouse were treated by the members of the branch to an excell- ent tea, this being followed in the evening by an entertainment, which gave much satisfaction. LECTURE.—On Friday evening last, at the Shiloh Schoolroom, the Rev T. E. Roberts, M.A pastor, delivered a lecture on his recent tour through Egypt and Canaan. The chair was occu- pied by Mr Evan Edwards, Laurels, who had accompanied the lecturer on his tour. The lecture, which was attentively listened to by a large audience, was made doubly interesting by the appearance of a number of persons attired in Eastern costumes on the stage. A large number of Eastern relics and curiosities were also exhibited by both the lecturfr and the chairman. A vote of thanks to Mr Roberts was afterwards proposed by Mr Isaac Griffiths, seconded by Mr Edward Evans, builder, Baker-street, and supported by the Rev T. Levi. The Chairman was also thanked for pre- siding. The proceeds were in aid of Skinner-street Schoolroom. PETTY SESSIONS.—The weekly Petty Sessions were held at the Town Hall on Wednesday morning before Mr E. P. Wynne (Mayor) and Mr J. D. Perrott.-Daniel Edwards, 24, High-street, seaman, and Henry Jones, Castle-lane, Trefechan, boatman, were charged with having been drunk and disor- derly at Trefechan on February 9th. Defendants admitted the offence, and were fined 5s and costs each.-IVilli,im Jones, 14, Terrace-road, Aber- ystwyth, and Elizabeth Jones, 10, Marine-terrace, were fined Is 6d and 2 6d and costs respectively for allowing the chimneys of their dwelling houses to be on tire.—The charge against James fLu'v* nai fpr nf urun& on the at Xberystwyth, on February 12th was dismissed.—Thomas Vaughan, relieving officer to the Aberystwyth Union, charged Richard Price, 10, Zoar-street, Neath, with having disobeyed a magis- trates' order by refusing to pay P.2 17s 6d, arrears due under a maintenance order. The Relieving Officer said that the man was a widower, and had four children, but only one was dependent upon him. Be earned good wages.—Defendant was committed to prison for one month with' hard labour. ORGAN., RECITAL,-All music lovers in Aberyst- wyth are under a debt of gratitude to Mr J. E Leah, A.R.C.O., whose organ recitals at the English Congregational Church, Portland-street, afford the opportunity of listening to and enjoying the works of the great masters. Another recital was given on Tuesday week, when it was gratifying to find that the audience was a record one. The com- positions chosen by Mr Leah for this occasion, all of which were rendered in his masterly style, were the following:—"Prelude and Fugue in D Major" (Bach) solos, Liebeslied" (Henselt) and "Scherzo" (Callaerts); solo, "Allegro" (Ruben- stein); and solo, "Grand Cbceur" (Guilmaut). Variety was lent to the programme by a number cf other capable artistes, including Miss A. Harding (soprano), Mr W. S. Stephenson (violoncello), and Mr D. J. De Lloyd (pianoforte). The gem of the evening, undoubtedly, vgfes the trio, Hymne a Sainte Cecile" (Gouno(k), by organ, cello and piano, which gained the unstinted applause of the audience. Mr Leah's rendering of Rubenstein's "Allegro ? was also delightful, and listening to the performance of such exquisite compositions creates a desire for more of the same kind. Miss Harding scored her chief success of the even- ing in Bftch-Gounod's Ave Maria," in which she was accompanied by organ cello, and piano. We understand tyt another recital will be given some I time in March. WOMEN'S LIBERAL ASSOCIATION'.—A meeting of the Women's Liberal Association was held on Fridav afternoon last, at 26. North Parade, the residence of the secretary, Mrs Elizabeth James, who kindly entertained all the members to tea. Those present were Mrs T. E. Ellis, the president of the Society, who occupied the chair, Mr E. H. James. Mrs Ebenezer Morgan, Mrs Levi, Mrs Penry, Mrs Daniel Thomas, Mrs Isaac Hopkins, Mrs John Evans, Mrs T. Williams, Mrs E. James, Miss Roberts, South Marine-terrace Miss Davies and Miss Lily Davies, Miss E. C. Davies, Miss Getta Jones, Miss Levi, Miss Penry, Miss Grace Williams. Arrangements were made to assist the members of the Junior Radical Club as usual with their soiree, and the question of taking a new room for the Society at the new Radical club was also discussed. The chief business of the meeting was to hear a paper from Miss Grace Williams on Legislation for women during the 19th century." In the course of her excellent paper, Miss Williams enumerated those laws passed which affected women in their capacity as breadwinners, and those laws which dealt. with the powers of women to act on various public bodies. It was now, she said, being recognised that women were, in- dustrially, as valuable as men and the prejudice which formerly existed against women working side by side with men in various trades and pro- fessions was growing less. Miss Williams then ex- plained the principles of the Workshops and Factories Acts, and their bearing on hours of labour, overtime, nignt work, and over-crowding. As to the qualification of women to serve on School Boards, she said the right to do so as the law now stood was very doubtful, but Parliament could put the matter beyond doubt by a short Act of one clause. Women's suffrage was still an unrealized dream, but it would always be an object of am- bition to be sought after with all earnestness, for without it women were placed in a false and un- worthy position in the State. THIS PAXTON SOCIETY.—" Bee-keeping was the subject of a lantern lecture delivered by Mr J. L. Pickard at the meeting of the Paxton Society, presided over by Prof. Angus, on Friday evening when about 50 of the students attending the short course in horticulture, also attended Mr Pickard treated the subject in an interesting manner and gave an instructive history of the life and doings of the busy bee.—Mr R. C. Williams, Queen's Hotel Gardens, supported Mr Pickard and related his experience, extending over 10 years, with the in- dustrious honey makers both at Crosswood and at Aberystwyth.—The members and their visitors accorded a hearty vote of thanks to Messrs Pickard and Williams, also to Mr Colby for manipulating the Lantern.' We may add that the importance of the subject of Bee-keeping" cannot be over-estima- ted, as the business of supplying the market with honey is becoming a really brisk one. And, since the industry has been taken up in this district, it has assumed a large and important proportion, great difficulty being experienced nowadays in disposing of the product locally, the supply far exceeding the demand, which is a considerable quantity, has to be sent to the English market, where the demand for Welsh honey is increasing rapidly. One bee-keeper in this district supplied several hundredweights to a purchaser in England last season, and was asked to send more next season. The demand for honey in the comb is more so than for that in t,ottlc-s or jars. The supply for comb honey is brisk everywhere, so that the bee-keeper has a good market for his toothsome goods, and if lie can not dispose of it at home, he can clear all his stock at other, and perhaps better markets in England. The next meeting of the society, which will be of a social character, will be held at the Buarth Hall on the 22nd inst.. when it is expected that the members will muster in strono- I rore ° I! PRESENTATION.—In recognition of long and faithful services in connection with St. Mary's Sunday School, Mr Thomas Griffiths, J.P., was presented with a beautifully illuminated address by the members. TEA AND ENTERTAINMENT.—On Friday after- noon last, at the Old Assembly Room, the members of the St. Paul's and Silcam Welsh Wesleyan Bands of Hope were entertained to tea by Mrs Edwards, 12. Marine-terrace, when about 150 children sat at the tables. In the evening an en- tertainment was held, when Mr H. L. Evans, Glyn- gronfa, presided, and an interesting programme of soners and recitations was gone through. BANKRUPTCY OF MR THOMAS HOPKINS.—This bank- rupt attended lx fore Mr Joseph Davies, registrar, at the Town Hall on^Friday, the fcth, for his adjournal examination. MrThos. Thomas, the OfflcialEeceiver, of Carmarthen, and Mr D. C. Roberts, ti e trustee. were also present. In reply to the Official Receiver the Debtor promised to fe the architect, relative to his final certificate for the property bail: in Railway- terrace. The Trustee said lie had no question to put to the debtor, who had promised to give him every information, and the Official Receiver declared the examination closed. SCHOOL Bo.k PD.-A nipetinz cf the School Board was held on Tuesday evening, when there were present Mr William Thorras IC chairman), Mrs Griffiths, Archdeacon Protheroe, Rev. Prebendary Williams, and Professor Edwards, with Messrs 11. J. Roberts, (clerk), D. J. Saer, (headmaster), and David Lloyd, (attendance officer) -On the propos- ition of the Chairman, secondfd by Archdeacon Protheroe, a vote of sympathy with the King and Queen and Royal Family, upon the death of Queen Victoria, was passed.—Professor Edward Edwards submitted a new scheme for the training of pupil teachers in tbesemllo.v of the Board, which pro- vided, amongst other things, for their attendance at the County School for a period, not exceeding three years.—A long discussion ensued, during which alterations in the scheme were suggested.—The Reverend Prebendary Williams said he thought there must be something behind the scheme.—Professor Edwards declared that he was perfectly honest, and there was nothing behind the scheme.—The Chairman asked Pre- penriarv Williams to withraw the remark he bad male.-Prebendary Williams refused to comply with the Chairman's request, saying that he merely said what he thought.—Eventually, the scheme, with certain alterations, was adopted. +.

NEWCASTLE EMLYN. SESSIONS.—At the special sessions held at the Police Court on Tuesday morning before Dr J. Powell, Sarah Jones, late Farmers Arms, was charged by P.C. Johns with stealing a fowl value 2s the property of Mr Thomas Lewis, Blue Bell, on Sunday, the 10th inst. She was remanded until Friday on her own recognisances. ACCIDENT. Ir Thomas Jones, Pantyronen, Bet- tws Evan, farmer, met with a serious accident on Monday whilst attaching a pair of horses to a thrashing machine. The animals plunged sud- denly forward, with the result that he was thrown under their feet. He was picked up unconscious, but is improving rapidly under the care of Dr J. Powell. DEATH OF AN OLD INHABITANT.—All Emlynians will learn with regret of the death of Mr John Bowen, Penlan, of this town, which took place on Wednesday, the 6th inst. A large number of people were present at the funeral on Saturday to pay the last tribute to one of the oldest and worthiest inhabitants of the town, the Rev D. D. Walters officiating. The deceased leaves a son and a daughter to mourn their loss. His son is Mr W. Bowen, of Victoria Park, London. ENTERTAINMENT.—The second of the series of penny readings was held here on Friday evening at 8 p.m., the Rev William Powell, vicar, in the chair. The schoolroom was crowded, and the artistes had very good attention given them, mainly due to Inspector Rogers, who had some of the rowdies turned out, and so frustrated their efforts as on the previous occasion. A good programme had been got together by Mr W. D. Mathias, and the sum obtained goes toward the Church Sunday School. PROCLAMATION AT CENARTH.—Saturday last, the 9th inst., was a great day in this neighbour- hood, for crowds had gathered to hear the King's proclamation read. The little village was alive, and looked well with bunting. At 2 p.m. the herald (Mr George Williams, Gelligatti), dressed in scarlet, on horseback, started from the Rystlys. Having rung a large bell, the schoolchildren cried out Edward VII. is King. God save the King." The procession having gone through Cenarth, re- turned to the triangle, where Mr G. M. Williams, Gelligatti, read the proclamation in English, fol- lowed by the Vicar, Rev D. H. Davies, in Welsh. A few appropriate speeches having been made, the health of the King and Queen was drunk, and the procession dispersed after the children were loaded with sweets by Mrs D. H. Davies,

TALYBONT. PETTY SESSIONS. 'lhe monthly Petty Sessions were held on Thurs- day, the 7th February, at the magistrates' room, Wern, Talybont, before Mr J. T. Morgan, David Howell, and J. M. Williams. DEATH OF THE QUEEN. The Clerk was directed to write conveying the sympathy of the Bench with the King and Queen upon the death of Queen Victoria. MALICIOUS DAMAGE. David Rees, Tynpark, Llanfibaii-, -el-geneu'rglyn, charged William Jenkins, Pantyperen; Evan R. Jones, Ffosygravel Ucha and James Beechy, Tyn- llechwedd bach, farm servants, with causing wilful damage. Prosecutor said on the 10th January last he found some gates taken off their hinges and thrown into a field while others lay by on tbeside of the road. The feeders in the yard were also thrown down--P.C. Thomas said he went to Llanfihangel to make enquiries, and he found that defendants were in the neighbourhood of Tynpark late on Jan. 10th. He questioned William Jenkins, who ad- mitted everything.-P.C. Davies also saw the other two defendants, and they also made a clear breast. —Jenkins „was fined 10s and costs, E. R..Tones 5s and costs, and James Beechy 2s 6d and ccsts. A case of considerable importance was that in which the police charged William Griffiths, Albert 1 Mugford, William H. ,Edwllrd, and John Lewis, all | of Aberystwyth, agents of the Singers' Sewing Machines Co., with having on the,24th December unlawfully acted as pedlars within the meaning of the Pedlars Act, 1871. without certificates as required by such Act.—Mr Stanley Griffith Jones (instructed by Mr W. P, Owen) appeared on behalf of the police, and Mr A. J: Hughes appeared on behalf of the defendants.—Mr Stanley Griffith Jones, in opening the case stated that the Pedlars Act, 1871, required that all pedlars should acquire an arrival certificate from the police, at the cost of 5s, before they were entitled to hawk about and I offer forjsalecertaingoodsand merchandise —There appeared to be no authorities decided as to who was a pedlar or what constituted trading as such, further than the definition given in the Act itself. The Act shortly defined a pedlar as any person who, on foot, travelled and traded, and went from house to house carrying to sell or endeavouring :to procure orders for goods to be delivered immediately. This definition exempted commercial travellers and such class of person. Mr S. Griffith Jones explained that the defendants were known in the trade as travelling canvassers," that is to say, people who travelled abuut the country going from house to house soliciting orders for the company's sewing machines. If they obtained an order they would produce an order form, which was signed by the person ordering. This form would then be sent to the local depot, and a machine would subsequently be delivered. These canvassers, however, were also in the habit of carrying with them on their, travels small leather bags containing samples of oils, needles, cottons, &c., and they would endeavour to solicit orders for, and to sell these also. On the 24th December P.C. Young, of Bow Street, observed the four defendants calling from house to house in the neighbourhood of Llanfihangel. Upon making enquiries he discovered that the defendants were soliciting orders from the inhabitants for sewing machines, and that they were also endeavouring to sell. and in fact, defendants Musford and Lewis did sell, deliver, &nd receive immediate payment for certain bottles of-oil, needles and cotton. The defendants had no pedlars' certificates at the time. Upon these facts be (Mr S. Griffith Jones) would submit, after calling his evidence, that the defen- dants were guilty of trading as pedlars within the meaning of the Act without the necessary certi- ficates. Further, that were companies such as that which the defendants represented permitted to sell their articles thus, they would be acquiring an advantage over the poor and humble pedlar who was compelled to pay 5s for his certificate before he was able to sell his articles in such manner, which was never the intention of the Legislature. These facts had been submitted to the well-known law journal, The Justice of the Peace," for an opinion, and this paper had expressed a decisive opinion that the defendants had been guilty cf transgressing the law and did require certificates. —Evidence was then called on behalf of the pro- secution. P.C. Young bearing testimony to the facts as related in counsel's opening statement. The i-olice constable's evidence was corroborated by Miss Morgan, of the Rhydypennau Inn. She stated that on December 24 defendants Mugford and Edwards called and offered for sale needles and cotton. She purchased half-a-dozen needles and a bottle of oil, for which she paid lOd.—Mrs Hughes, of Railway View, Bow Street, also stated that she bought from Mugtord a penny reel of cotton on that date.—Mr Edward Edwards, of Penygroes. and Miss Mary Thomas, both testified as to buying cotton from defendant Lewis, the same being delivered immediately.—Mr Edward Edwards, Penygroes, and Mr Ed. Evans, of Rhydy- penau bach, also stated that defendant Griffiths had called at;d requested them to buy then and there bottles of oil.—This closed the case for the prosecution.—Mr B. J. Hughes, for the defence submitted that none of the defendants had trans- gressed against the làw. As to the defendants Griffiths and Edwards, there nu case? piortrd, for no witnesses been called showing that they had sold articles. As to the other defendants, tnough they might have sold a few articles, it was at any rate without the sanction and, indeed, in direct contravention of the terms of their signed contracts with Singers & Co. He submitted that the Pedlars Act was not intended to apply to travellers of this class: The Act was passed in 1871 at a time when the country was over-run with hawkers, who, at that period, were looked upon as people of disreputable and low character, The intention of the legislature at the time was to enable the,police to keep a close super- vision over such class of persons then travelling broadcast over the country. Mr A. J. Hughes submitted that though the Act was passed so far back as 1871, there were no decided cases on the point of travelling canvassers," which strongly indicated that up to the present such persons had been considered exempt from the operation of the Act. The legislature never intended the Act to apply to such class of travellers. He attached much importance to the decision of the magistrates, for their decision might seriously effect such Companies as Singers & Co., who ha.1 in their employ in the limited Kingdom alone considerably over 5.000 such 'travelling agents.' Mr Hughes quoted a passage from the opinion of Mr Asquith, K.C., in support of his contentions.—Mr Doukin, manager of Singers Company in South Wales, was then called, and related the system of the working of travelling canvassers. Each canvasser was provided with a bag containing sample of oil, &c., for which sample, he had to account periodically to his respective superintendent. They were prohibited by their contracts with the company from selling or parting with such samples. It was the duty of the canvasser to call from door to door soliciting orders for machines, cotton, &c., and each canvasser was provided with order books. The orders, if they were only penny reels of cotton, should then be sent to the local depot from which place the goods would be forwarded in due course. Payment for such would be made to collectors upon and after the delivery of the ordered goods.—Mr John Williams, manager of the Aberystwyth depot, was next called, and corroborated the last witness. —Cross-examined by Mr Jones it was occasionally found that the canvassers had parted with their samples, though it was against the rules. The canvasser had to replace such sample from the Company.—Defendant Mugford having being called, admitted having sold oil and needles on the 24th. He did not know or think that a certificate was necessary. It was his duty to solicit orders only. He could only produce a receipt book.—Mr John Lewis, who was a collector as well as canvasser, corroborated what the former witnesses had stated. He did sell samples, but they had been previously ordered. He had only been in the Company's employ since November. He supplied Mr Edwards, at the previous request of his father. He merely supplied Miss Thomas with a penny reel which she had ordered the previous week.—Cross-examined by Mr Stanley Jones: He could not remember if he had sold a second reel that week. He produced no order books.—Defendant Griffiths denied having offered to sell to anyone any of the samples on the 24th Dec He had merely asked for orders. He bad never sold samples. He produced no books.— Defendant Edwards denied having sold any samples. He merely asked for orders. After the Bench had diliberated for some considerable time, the Chair- man announced the decision of the Court to be that defendants Mugford and Lewis bad acted as pedlars on the 24th Dec, without the necessary certificates, and would each be fined the maximum penalty of 10s. and costs; but as to the other two defendants, the benell, not being unanimous in their opinion, the charges would be dismissed, but without costs. A CHARGE OF MURDER. Henry James, aged 12 years, was charged by Supt Phillips with unlawfully killing one Hannah Margretta Owens by shooting her with a gun at Henllys Farm, Penvbont, near Borth, on the 30th Jan.—John Daking said be lived at Henllys, and was a servant boy there. He owned a single- barreled muzzle loading gun. He had left it on the wall in the stable. He had had it given him. There was a charge in it, he having loaded it and put a marble into it at mid-day on Tuesday, the 29tb Jan. He intended to kill rats with it. He had not nsed is; and the accused could reach it,- P.C. Davies, sworn, said on the 30th ult at 5.40 p.m, he was at Dolybont, and there met Enoch Wackins, of Henllys Farm. He told him that an accident had occurred at the farm. He (the con- stable went up there, and saw the little girl Owens in her mother's lap. She had received a large wound above the left eye, which was bleeding, j The marble could not be found. He was informed j that the accused had shot the girl. He found that j the gun had recently been discharged. Dr James J came there, and ordered the child to be removed J to the Infirmary, where she subsequently died. At the inquest a verdict of Accidental death was returned, and the accused was censured by the coroner, but did not admit shooting the girl. Henry James, the accused, said he was shooting at a swede. He did not see the girl. He got frightened and ran away. It was an accident,— Fhe Bench, after a short deliberation, dismissed the charge.

MACHYNLLETH. FOOTBALL COS CERT.—A well-attended concert I was held on Thursday evening last at the Vane Hall, under the auspices of the Football Club. Dr. A. O. Davies presided, and an enjoyable programme of I vocal and instrumental music was gone through. j DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION, — Very little J interest has been excited up to now in the forth- j coming Urban District Council election which will | take place on March 25th. The retiring menbers | are Mr Richard Rees and Mr John Thomas in the | ^\aId' Lord Henry Vane Tempest and Mr tr. VV. Griffiths, in the South Ward, and Mr J. M. Breeze in the West Ward. SHOOTING COMPETITION. There were 20 competitors in the shooting competition at the rifle range on Saturday last, the distances being cUU and 500 yards, with seven rounds at each dis- tance. The winners of the spoons were Sergeant- Instructor Wilson, who scored 63 points; Corporal Hughes, 58 points; Sergeant Sadleir, 57 points and Private Roberts, Aberystwyth. 53 points. Twelve of the competitors were from Aberystwyth, and the remainder from Machynlletb. COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.—This important event has been fixed jfor March 2nd..A contest seems inevitable in the division which includes the pauohes of Isygarreg and Uwchygarreg. Mr E. rntcnard, iynohir, the present representative, has nas signified his intention of retiring. The Isy- garreg parish has, consequently, chosen Mr John Jones, GuWiucrin, as its candidate, while the parish of Uwchygarreg has placed Mr Campbell, Brynllwydwyn Hall, in the field. A meeting of the | ratepayers of the two parishes will be held in | Machynlleth shortly to decide which of the can- didates to adopt, but as partisanship is running high, it is very improbable that an amicable ar- rangement will be arrived at. CVMREIGYDDION SOCIETY.—This flourishing Society held its fortnightly meeting on Wednesday evening, Febuarv 6th. at the Town Hall, under the presidency of Mr John Rowlands, solicitor. Dr Rees (Ap Gwyddon) read the acknowledgment received from the King in reply to the resolution of sympathy passed at the previous meeting with him and the other members of the Royal Family upon the death of Queen Victoria. Mr Evan Jones, B.A., of the County School, read an interesting and edifying paper on "Davies, Castell Howell," which was listened to with great attention. Eulogistic comments on the paper were afterwards made y several of the members, and the meeting conclu dd tfith a vote of thanks to Mr Jones. PILLORIED.—There are many ways of getting fame, and as far as this town is concerned the latest medium that has brought Machynlleth before the public is mongrel writing and bad grammar. Mr Ernest Rhys, the well-known writer, has pilloried some bungler in last Saturday's Manchester Guardian," and deals humorously with a newspaper cutting which, he remarks, deserves to be put on record as an instance of what extravagance foot- ball Welsh is ready to go to. This paper, what- ever its name and locality, not long ago protested against the bad Welsh now so common. Yet it admits such gems as rhyw Foard of Guard- ians" (it might as well be consistent, and put Foard o' Uardians "), cabbetgis "and sosedjes to its pages. As for the football paragraph, it needs no further advertisement. It announces a forthcoming match at Machynlleth, and then waxes too humorous for mere Welsh to satisfy its emotion. What makes it the more humorous, or the more melancholy., is that its perpetrator is said to be "a very able Welsh writer "Dys-,wylir y bydd yma ganoedd o edrychwyr, a record gate. Disgwyliaf i Fachynlleth enill. Hei lwc, boys bach! Gofalwch fod mewn training drwy'r wythnos fel bo i'ch muscles fod fel whip-cord. Dim cigarettes na chwrw, os gwelwch fod yn dda. Stop tap yw'r unig ffordd i enill." We may add that this specimen is another proof that the Welsh language is not adapted to the cultivation of the cult of kicking as a fine art.

BARMOUTH. SNOW.—During the past week the weather here has been extremely cold witfe bitter North East wind, Cader Idris and some of the adjacent mountains were for several days covered with a coating of snow, but the lower ranges, about the town have been quite free from it, so far less snow has fallen than on former years. LANTERN EXHIBITION.—An entertainment com- prising lantern exhibition was given on Tuesday evening at the Wesleyan Chapel on the "Gems of Religious Art," when Messrs G. E. Owen, Green- wich House, and H. E. Williams, Marine House, explained the subject of every view, A large num- ber availed themselves of the treat, which was highly appreciated by the audience, the proceeds goes towards liquidating the remaining debt in the chapel. LECTURE.—On Friday evening at Caeralem C.M. Chapel under the presidency of the Rev D. Charles Edwards, Hafod y ftryn, Llanbedr, "the Rev Hugh Roberts, C.M. Minister, Rhydymain, Dol- gelley, delivered a very interesting and edifying lecture on Creatures of the Sea." His descrip- tion of the numerous species of living creatures the sea contains was really marvellous. The proceed- were intended to liquidate a portion of the remains ing debt on the County School and a good number attended. A hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer and chairman was proposed by :the Rev. J. G. Davies and seconded by Mr Lewis Lewis. PREACHING MEETING. The last for the autumn and winter months of these gatherings was held on Tuesday and Wednesday last in connection with the Calvinistic Methodist congregation wor- shipping at Caersalem, Park Road, and Christ Church. On Tuesday evening the Rev Thomas Willams and H. Barrow Williams were the preachers at Caersalem Chapel. On Wednesday morning at ten o'clock at Park Road, the preachers were the Revs Thomas Jones, Rbostyllen, and Thomas Williams, at two o'clock at Caersalem, the Revs Thomas Williams and Thomas Jones, at six o'clock the same evening at the same chapel, the Hevs Thomas Jones, and H. Barrow Williams. The con- gregations at all the meetings were large. I FREE CHURCHES.—On Wednesday afternoon the monthly meeting of the Council took place when all the Churches were well represented. A geueral review of the Mission held the previous week was made, and all agreed that it was the means of instilling a closer unity amongst the Non- conformist Churches of the town. The large edifice of Caersalem Chapel during the week the mission was held was filled to ovei flowing, and prayer meetings were daily held during the week at the Baptist Chapel which were well attended. A unanimous resolution was passed, requesting all the churches to close the doors during the intro- ductory part of the service on week days as well as on Sundays, so as not to disturb the congregation during the solemn part of the service. The dele- gates were requested to bring this matter before their respective congregations on Sunday. It was also agreed that on the first Wednesday in March a united church meeting be :held. A notice of motion was given that the time had ar- rived that this Council issue a magazine for the purpose of expounding and enlightening the dis- trict as to the object and work done by it.

TREGARON. OBITUARY.—The death took place on Monday even- ing last at her residence in Doldre, of Mrs Mary Jones, widow of the late John Gladstone Jones. Deceased, who had reached the ripe old age of seventy two yeais, was much respected, and was a faithful mem- ber of the C.M.;Chapel, and a regular attendant at the Sunday School. She leaves several children, all grown up, one of whom, Thomas Jones, is now in South Africa with the Grenadier Guards. LITERARY SOCIETY —A meeting of the above society was held on Wednesday evening in last week under the presidency of Mr Waterhouse, B.C.L, A paper was read by Mr T. H. Davies, CountySchool, on Welsh Literature, and was listened to with great attention throughout. The following members spoke at the close of the meeting :—The President, Mr Owen Jones, Mr Thomas Evan and Miss Ffoulkes. A vote of thanks was accorded the reader on the pro- position of Mr Jones, seconded by Mr Evans, for his very excellent paper. • EISTEDDFOD BLAENCARON.—Nes Wener diwedd- af cynhaliwyd eisteddfod gynta'r ganrif yn Nyffryn Croes, pryd y gwasanaethwyd gan y rhai canlynol: j Llywydd, Parch Morgan Evans, Tregaron arwein- ydd. Mr T. Jones, Postfeistr; beirniaicl-cer(d,r- laeth, Mr J. Lumley Davies, G.T.S.C., Lied rod amrywiaetb, Caronian a'r Parch S. George, M.A. Llandrindod celfvddyd, Mri S. Griffiths, Ty'nrhos. J. Jones, Berwyn Villa, a Miss M. Jones, Ty'rcapel, i regaron. Yn dilyn wele rhaglen v eyiarfod:- Aneiehiad gan y Llywydd, duniol ac adeiladol. Yna galwyd ar y beirdd i anerch, ond ymddengys eu bod hwy wedi gadael i'r awen i freru yn yr eira. Yna gwobrwyd y buddugwyr ar y testynau canlyn- ol-Unawcl i ferched dan 14ag oed, goreu Jejmie Morgan, Tregaron: adroddiad i lai dan 16eg—13 yn cystadlu—^oreu Mary Evans, Nantylies. Hlaen- caron; ysgubeil fedw, 5 yn cystadlu, goreu Sam George, lynant, Auermeurig; unawd soprano, 6 vn cystadlu, goreu M. Griffiths, Cefnresgair lledwad bren, 3 yn cystadlu, goreu Isaac Davies, Tregaron pedwarawd, 3 yn cystadlu, goreu W. D. George, Tregaron, a'i barti; atebion ysgrifenedig i 6 cvvest i rai clan 21 oed, 5 yn cystadlu, goreu Annie Davies, Blaencroesfechan; con i rai uwchlaw 50ain oed, 2 yn cystadlu, goreu Ieuan Wnen.Tregaron, 2d S. George, Ty'ncoed araeth pum' munyd, un vm geisiodd, sef Herbert Davies, Llangeithn, a dyfam- wyd y wobr iddo unrhyw unawd, 4 yn c\stadlu, goreu T. H. Lewis, Paal, Llangeitho adroddiad rai mewn oed, 4 yn cystadlu, goreu Lewis Evans. Tregaron, ac E, Davies, Caetudur, (yn gyfartal) i unawd tenor, un ymgeisiodd, a dyfarmwyd ef yn deilwng o'r wobr, sef T. H. Lewis, Llangeitho; coes pladur, 3 yn cystadlu, goreu S. George' Abermeurig; unawd i fechgyn dan 14 oed, 7 yn cystadlu, goreu D. Morgan Rees, Bout; penill Dyffryn Croes" 5 yn cystadlu goreu W. Jones, Cefngiler Bont; unawd baritone, 7 yn cvs- tadlu, goreu R. Jones, County School, Tregaron dadl, goreu H. a D. Davies, Llangeit ho llwyau pren, goreu Daniel Evans, Llangybi"; cor plant, 2 yn cystadlu, goreu cor Tregaron dan arwciniad W. D. George par o hosannau, 3 yn cystadlu, gnreu Mrs George, Dolau; atebion ysgrifenedig i rai dros 21 oed, 3 yn cystadlu, goreu Lewis Evans, Nantylles, a S. Griffiths, Tynrhos, yn gyfartal; basged wiail, 3 yn cystadlu, goreu S. George, Abermeurig parti cymysg 12 mewn rbif, 2 yn gystadlu. goreu parti Tregaron, dan arweiniad W. D. George. Er fod yr hin dipyn yn anffafriol eto llanwyd y capel o bobl yn gynar. Y mae clod nid bvchan vn ddvledus i'r arweinydd am ei waith yn arwain yr eisteddfod mor ddeheuig a pheri i bawb deimlo dyddordeb yn y gweithrediadau gan ddwyn y cyfarfod i derfyniad boddbaol. Cyflwynodd yr ysgrifenydd ddiolch- garweh gwresocaf v pwyllgor i bawb oedd wedi rhoddi eu presenoldeb yn yr eisteddfod, a chymeryd rhan yn y gystadleuaetb, a chyfeiriodd yn arbenig at ffyddlondeb Tregaron. Cyflwynwyd hefyd diolch- garweh gwresocaf y cyfarfod i'r cadeirydd doniol, yr arweinydd medrus, a'r beirniaid gonest. Yna dygwyd i derfyniad un o'r eisteddfodau mwyaf llwyddianus a gynhaliwyd erioed yn y cylchoedd hyn drwy ganu ein hanthem genedlaethol Hen Wlad fy Nbadau." HOARD OF GUARDIANS.—TUESDAY. The members of the Board of Guardians met on Tuesday, when there were present Mr Evan Evans, Lledrod Lower (chairman), presiding Messrs David illiams, Bettws Leike; E. Lloyd, Blaenpennal; D J. Williams and Rees Evans, Caron Lower; Thomas Jones, Doithie United David Davies, Gorwydd Thomas Davies, Gwynfil; Peter Davies, Llangeitho John Owen, Llanbadarn; William Jones and Lewis Oliver, Ysbytty Charles Jenkins, Ystradmeurijf, and Daniel Lodwick, Gartheli, with J. Lloyd (clerk), Rees Rowlands (relieving officer), Dr Lloyd (medical officer), and M. Morgan (master). STATISTICS. The amount of out-door relief administered during the past fortnight was P,41 lis to 140 paupers. Num- ber in the house, 33; number of vagrants relieved during the past fortnight, 8. THE MEDICAL OFFICER'S SALAUY. Dr J. Morgan. Pontrhydygroes, wrote stating that in view of the fact that the Locol Government Board was unwilling to sanction the appointment of more than one medical officer of health for the Union, he begged respectfully to appeal to the Guardians to re- consider his application for an advance in salary, as Poor Law medical officer. Having recently given his reasons for his application, it was unnecessary for him to repeat them, but if the Guardians would kindly look over the list of pauper's they would find that in order to be paid at the same rate per pauper as his brother offieer was, his salary ought to be about £39 a year. Mr D. Davies proposed that the matter be deferred tor a fortnight, in order to see what would become of the other appointment. Mr Lewis Oliver seconded, and this was agreed to. ADDRESS BY MR. BIRCHAM. Mr Bircham, Local Government Board Inspector, was in attendance, and in the course of a short, ad- dress, stated it was about a year ago since he visited the place last. He thought the reason he could give for that was clearly explained by the position the Union ofceupied, being at the head of the Unions of Wales with regard to pauperism (hear, hear). In saying that, he based his figures on a census of ten years ago. Very little over 2 per cent of the people were paupers. The Local Government Board had forwarded a circular letter in August last to the following effect:—(1) Bringing up children in lodg- ings (2) Adequate relief for deserving and old paupers; (3) The classification of the aged and deserving class. There was only one of these items that effected them, viz., the second item. In this Union the number of children was very few indeed, and these were looked after re- markably well (Hear, hear). With regard to the aged paupers at the Workhouse, they could not be granted any privilege better than they were now having. The Master told him that when paupers wished to go out for a walk the request was granted, and, besides, there was a very nice garden where they might parade. Regarding out-relief, Mr Bircham said he did not know whether it was wise to advocate a very High scale The Guardians, he thought, should treat each case on its merits. People ought to be absolutely destitute before they should come to apply for out-relief. As to the new dietary table issued by the Local Government Board, as far as the Tregaron Union was concerned they had a variety of meals. He d d not think that the paupers of any Union were better fed than those at the Tregaron Workhouse. The Local Government Board had received many criticisms from different Unions. Some wished it to be optional, and others not to put it in force but they had now issued a memorandum which they would have by the next meeting explaining why they meant to adhere to the table. Mr J), J. Williams in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr I i-cham, said that although he only visited them once a year, lie always brought them good news. Air 1). Davies seconded, and the vote was heartily carried. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. A meeting of this Council was held on Tuesday, under the presidency of Mr D. Davies, Gorwydd. APPOINTMENT OF UmICAL OFFICER. The Local Government Board wrote in reply to the Council's letter stating that they could not approve of the appointment of two medical officers for the district. Mr Bircham said if the Guardians were to appoint two medical officers they would have to pay for them, but if they appointed only one the Local Government Board would pay half the salary. Mr William Jones said the area of the district was so very large, he could not see how one medical officer could do all the work. Mr Evan Evans contended that it would be useless to make another application, He proposed that one medical officer be appointed. Mr Rees Evans seconded. Mr William Jones proposed as an amendment that the appointment be left as at present, and that they retain the two medical officers. Mr Lewis Oliver seconded the amendment, and on being put to the meeting, five voted for the amend- ment, and nine for the proposition, the flatter being declared carried. j mr noes Evans tnen proposed the appointment of Dr Evan Lloyd as medical officer of health, and this was carried. Mr Evan Evans proposed that when an officer ap- plied for an increase in his salary that each should explain the reason why the advance was asked for. Also that the matter be first brought before a com- mittee before being placed before theCouncil. Mr Evan Lloyd seconded, and the proposition was agreed to. After some further discussion, it was agreed, on the motion of Mr Rees Evans, seconded by Mr Lewis Oliver that the salary of Dr Lloyd be 430 per annum. Mr Peter Davies proposed that the apointment be made for five years, and if the Medical Officer re- quire an advance in his salary he must first resign. Mr John Owen seconded. Mr William Jones proposed as an amendment that the appointment be made annually. Mr Lewis Davies seconded. On a division, Mr Peter Davies; proposition was declared carried. A DANGEROUS PLACE. A letter was read from Mr Daniel Jenkins, Pentre- felin, Talsarn, calling attention to a dangerous foot- bridge in the parish of Nantcwnlle. The Surveyor was directed to visit the place and report to the next meeting. "r BROKEN CULVERTS. Mr Tregoning (surveyor) reported that several cul- verts had lately been broken by the rough weather, and asked for instruction to fix new ones in their places. Mr William Jones also called attention to the breaking of culverts by the County Council steam roller, and suggested that the County Council should pay for the same. This suggeotl)n was adopted, and instructions given the surveyor thereon.

London Letter. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] London, Wednesday Afternoon. THE "DAILY NEWS." The change in the proprietary and the staff of the Daily News is already bearing fruit. The Liberals who did not commit themselves too deeply during the General i Election are now beginning to make their voices heard in favour of peace. Rumours of a change of view by leading politicians are in the air, and it is whispered that the new Parliament will witness a complete volte, face, on the part of some of the leaders in the Jingo propaganda. The Jingo papers ha ve been so hopelessly wrong from the start that the public puts no faith in their teach- < ings, and the sane healthy view of the situa- tion taken by the "Daily News" is given consideration to, even by those who are hostile to the paper's politics. THE WAR. And still the war drags on. Generals come and generals go, Tmt the watf remains. The sentimentalists who have said from the start that it was next to impossible to conquer a free people, whatever the odds against them, have had their own way, and the materialists have gone to the wall. Englishmen know so little of what the tvelsh call Die-SShon-Dafyddiaeth that they now pin their faith upon the Dic-Shon- Dafydclion of the Transvaal* It is incred- ible to them that Christian De Wet can be dumb to the appealing cries of Piet De Wet, his brother, who counsels him to surrender, But biother or no brother, Christian pr' 'i bubly regards Piet.as a patriotic Weislim 3 rtgards a Dic-Sion Dafydd and will have none of him. Peace will never ba made if Lord Kitchener uses the Dic-Sion-Dafydd- ion as his instruments. Why does he not oiler tenns himself through the medium of English friends of the Boer ? They at any rate will not be shamboked, and will pro- bably be given a respectful hearing. THE RECRUITS. We are now told that thirty thousand recruits are to be despatched immediately to South Africa. This number does not include the details sent out to take the place of invalids in the regular army. When will it all end ? It is difficult to keep up the present strength of the army in South Africa, but it will be far more difficult to secure volunteers for further service. It is feared that one of" the most alarming effects of the present war will be to make it difficult to recruit for the- regular army. A thorough change in tho- organization of our system of service will have to be made at once. The expenses which an officer has to pay to keep up appear- ances make it almost impossible for an oidit-at-y soldier to accept a commission, in the rare cases when one is offered to him. The old theory that so-called gentlemen alone make good officers has been knocked in the head in the present campaign, and a clean sweep of these class restrictions will have to be made before the country will regain^con- lidence in its regular army. Y BRYTHONIAID. A new Society has just been started among the young Welshmen here. It steers a middle course between the Cymmrodorion and the Cymru Fyeld, but it is too soo;t as yet to prophesy whether it is to have a successful career. The great difficulty which meets societies of this kind in the metropolis is the want of a central hall, and the new society has taken an initial step in the right direction by securing for itself a permanent home in Chancery Lane.

Births, marriages and Deaths. 4 BIRFH. JAMES.-On Jan. 23rd, at 52, Plasturton Avanuer Cardiff, the wife of R. Edwards James, solicitor,. of a son. MARRIAGE CLARKE—JONES.—February 13tlir at Llanbadarn Church, -Mr R. Clarke, Llanbadarn, to Anna. Jane, eldest daughter of Mr David Jones, Little Parkgate-street, Aberystwyth. DEATHS. JONES February 11th, at Cefnmabws, Llan- rhystyd, Jonathan Jones, farmer, aged 72 years. JONES—February 11th, at Doldre, Tregaron Marv Jones, aged 72 years. BuRBECK-Febriiai-y 10th, at Blue Gardens, Mill- street, Emanuel, son of Emanuel Burbnck, aged 11 years. WILLIAMS—February lith, at Dolgelley, Wr O.. Williams, mason and engraver, aged 60' yea"rs.' BOWEN February 6th, at Penlan, Newcastle- Emlyn, John Bowen. At:> Printed and Published by the Proprietor, GEORGE REES, at the "WELSH GAZETTE" Printeries. Bridge-street, Aberystwyth, in the County of Cardigan, Thursday, February 14tb, 1901.

University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. A report of last Wednesday's football match, Aber- ystwyth College v Lampeter, will be found in another column. The Short Course students held their usual meeting on Monday, with Mr D. D. Williams in the chair. The subject of debate was Whether agri- cultural shows confer any benefit on farmers in general." A paper was read on the affirmative by Mr Poysar, of Staffordshire, and on the negative by Mr Roberts, of Merioneth. Mr Poysar maintained that they conferred a great benefit upon farmers as they were the means of comparison, advertisement and gave a stimulus to emulation that they hod been the cause of much improvement in all kin-.Is of stock in the last few years. Mr Roberts said that as a ride all stock exhibited were in too good a condition to breed, and too costly; and that only the well-to-do could exhibit successfully. The following members also spoke :—For Messrs D. Gwyn Antony, S. H. Anthony, E. Williams, F Lees. Tudor Lewis, W. J. Roberts, W. L. Williams, J. Lawt«.n inst: Messrs Pugh Jones, J. H. Evans, J. Beynon, E. Peacock, J. Jones. John Ellis, J. Bennett, t. Davies The vote went in favour of the shows.

L6cal Law Case. SMITH v. CARDIGAN COUNTY COUNCIL. In the King's Bench Division on Monday, Mr Justice Lawrance heard the case of Smith v. the Cardigan County Council, in which Robert Geddps Smith, solicitor, Aberystwyth, and registrar of the Aberayron County Court, sought to recover £ 5uJ as damages for injuries sustained bv him, bv fallimr .us uiujv/icJuy reason oi trie negligence of the defendants in leaving a heap of stones in the road- way. Defendants denied negligence, and alleged contributory negligence. Mr Witt, K.C., and Mr Griffith Jones (instructed by Mr N. G. Driver, as agent for Mr Hugh Hughes, solicitor, Aberystwyth), appeared for the plaintiff and Mr Abel Thomas, K.C., M.P., and Mr Lloyd Morgan, M.P., (instructed by Messrs Roberts & Evans, solicitors, Aberystwyth), appeared for the defendants. From the evidence it appeared that the plaintiff, on the 27th June last, when riding up to Ponterwyd between 5 and 6 o'clock in the evening, where he and his family were then staying, came to a part of the road between the 10th and 11th milestone, which Wi s covered partly with metal. About 7 feet. on the left hand side appeared to be smooth surface, alld finding this was so he kept on the same side, and when, within a few yards of it saw a heap of shale which had been deposited on the smooth part of the road preparatory to being spread over the new metal for binding purposes. When he saw the shale he was so close to it that he had no time either to get out of the way or to pull up, and his bicycle came against it, and he was thrown over on to the metal and sustained serious injuries. There were three of these heaps, one behind the other ocupying the whole of the spa.ce between the ditch and the newly metalled part, each two feet high. These heaps being much the same colour as the road a person cycling along on a smooth road naturally would not notice them until he was right on them. Plaintiff went into the heap and was thrown off, sustaining serious injuries to his right shoulder, besides other bruises and cuts. He was slightly stunned, but managed to get up and make his way to his own house, where he was medically treated by a friend, a doctor, who was staying with him. In July he was attended by Dr Bonsall, Aberystwyth, but he suffered a great deal of pain and worry, besides having his professional practice seriously "interfered with.—Cross-examined, MrSmithsaid he was slightly short-sighed. He did not see the stones until he was within eight or nine yards of them, and he was travelling at a rate of about eight or nine miles an hour. His machine had a brake, but he could not stop in time. He was absent from his office 13 or 14 days, and was very busy at the time. He estimated his loss at £100, and in addition to this had to pay Dr Bonsall ten guineas, and Dr Gratte, Newport, four guineas, for attendance. The following witnesses also gave evidence in sup- port of the plaintiff's case Dr Gratte, Newport; Professor Ainsworth Davis, Aberystwyth; Mr T. Llewellyn Evans, manager of the British Empire In- surance Company (who was frequently referred to as the manager of the British Empire), Mr Alfred Searle a solicitor, practising at Newport, Mon., Mr J, T. Rees, Mus. Bac, Pengarn, and Dr Bonsall. Professor Ainsworth Davis said he was a cyclist himself and thought this heap of stones distinctly dangerous to cyclist. Mr J. T. Rees, in cross-examination, said that the heaps could not be seen from far off. He thought, he could see them about 15 yards away.- Asked by the Judge why he did not drive into them, he said he saw them before coming to them, as he was driving very slowly. The defendants contention was that the County Council officials were not guilty of negligence in de- positing the shale where they did, as it was done in the course of their duty as repairers of the road, and, further, that if they were guilty of such negligence, the accident was caused by the contributory negli- gence of the plaintitf in not taking sufficient care 11 in riding where the heaps were placed, as the mishap occurred in broad daylight. Mr Roderick Lloyd, surveyor to the County Coun- cil, said he gave orders in June last to have three loads of refuse from the stone breaker deposited at a spot between the 10th and 11th milestone on the road leading from Aberystwyth to Ponterwyd. The steam roller was at liogtnan, about three miles from the spot, on the 26th June, and he intended bringingitupto the road near the mine on the 27th, but failed to do so until July 2nd. He visited the road on the 26th June, and he then noticed that the stones had set to the extent of one half of the width of the road. Mr Parry and himself measured the road on the 19th July, and found it was 22 feet from channel to channel. They also measured the position of the heaps as shown by the marks. They extended into the road four feet from the channel, leaving eighteen feet of roadway. A person travelling from Aber- ystwyth to Ponterwyd could see the heaps 'a distance of 130 yards at least. He saw the photo- grapher take one of the photos produced at that distance, which he himself measured, and also another at a distance of 20 yards.—William Evans, Ponterwyd, builder, member of the County Council and Main Roads Committee said lie saw the heaps on the road- side on the 30th June last when returning home in the evening from the direction of RhydJydan. He measured the shale as soon as he heard of the acci- dent, and found it stretched about four feet on to the road from the channel on the left hand side. He also corroborated the last witness's evidence as to the measurements of the road and the distances at which the heaps could be seen.—Joseph Parry, Tyllwyd, Penllwyn, ex-chairman of the Main Roads Committee, was called to prove that on the 19th July he visited the spot and there saw the marks where the shale was deposited, and corroborated William Evans as to the position of the shale.—Lemuel Edwards, road- man, and John Howells, Brynglas, carrier, /also gave evidence, the latter stating that on the 27th June last he deposited three heaps of shale on the road at Ponterwyd. On the 18th Jan., 1901, he deposited three loads of the same stuff in a similar position. The heaps extended nearly four feet from the channel, but there was a width of 18 feet 4 inches between the heaps and the channel on the opposite side of the road. -i-Mr T. E. Morgan, architect, was calied to prove plan of the road where the accident happened, and Mr H. H. Davies to prove certain photographs taken by him last month of heaps of shale which had been deposited there recently by the county authorities.—Mr F. R. Roberts, solicitor, Aber- ystwyth, and deputy clerk of the peace for the county, gave further evidence, and said he had known the road between Aberystwyth and Ponterwyd for many years, and had on muny occasions cycled on it. There was a turn in the road between Rhydlydan Arms and the old mine works. On the 18th Jan. last he visited the spot with the road Surveyor and the other wit- nesses for the defence. He could easily see three I heaps on the roadside from the bend in the road, although the day was not very bright. Mr Roberts also gave corroborative evidence as to the width of the road. After a humorous summing up from Mr Justice Lawrance as to he vagaries ofjbicycles and bicyclists and the experiences of his bicycling friends, the jury, without leaving the box, found a verdict for the de- fendants. Judgment accordingly, with costs.

LLANILAR. THE VILLAGE PET.—Gunner Dick Mantle. WANTED IMMEDIATELY.—An organ at the chapel. AN APOLOGY FOR ONE.—The organ at the parish church. INTERMITTENT.—The water supply. 'l'rs A CONSUMMATION DEVCUTEDLY TO BE WISHED.—It was understood that the work in connection with the water supply would be started in the spring of this year. Has not that time yet arrived ? Anyway a better supply is sadly needed. ST. HILARY'S CHURCH.— Few sacred edifices in this neighbourhood have been draped more correctly than this for the national mourning. The scheme in royal purple relieved with white, and with cypress sprays, was due to the energetic and personal services.of Mr Win. Hughes, Mrs Hughes, Cwrtycadno, and Mr Austen, gardener at Abermaide. Tne service, con- ducted by the vicar, the Rev J. F. Lloyd, and his curate, the Rev J. T. Evans, was one which will long be remembered by the parishoners. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.—Classes have at last been formed to give instruction to candidates who intend entering for the C.M. Sunday School examinations in April next. The preparation of the children has been entrusted to Mr David Rees, Pantygwyfol, with Mr Daniel Richards, Meillionen, and Mr Evan Jones, Tvncoed, to assist him. Mr Rees will probably take charge of the class under 16 years of age, Mr Richards that under 13. and Mr Jones that under 10. The first lesson was,given last Friday nnder the direction of the Rev Mr Williams, of Salem, Aberystwyth. AT DUTY'S CALL —As readers of this column are aware, Gunner Richard Mantle, a native of this village, who is atcacbed to A Battery of the Royal } Horse Artillery, and now stationed at Dorchester. has been spending a month's well-earned holiday in his old home upon his return from South Africa, where he saw nearly a twelvemonth's active service including among many others, the following memorable engagements:—Pieter's Hill, which was immediately followed by the almost despaired of relief of Ladysmith; Helpmakaar, when the Battery covered 47 miles through the burning velt until the poor horses' legs were all scorched and blistered Almond's Nek, Vlaakfontein, where the Battery were cornered in a very tight place, and when all perforce had to keep'in hiding until past midnight in order to escape from the Boers' deadly close ranged fire, and Middleburg, &c., &c. Last Thursday on the eve of his depature to rejoin his Battery, tbejbrave gunner was presented with a greatly appreciated testimonial from the in- habitants of the district. Among the various gifts were a leather writing case, albert watch chain and compass, cigars, money presents, Common Prayer Book and Bible. The writing case bore the following short 'address:—" Presented to Gunner Mantle on the occasion of his return from South Africa in grateful remembrance of his service for Queen and Country, and with best wishes for his welfare and happiness. From a few of his friends and well wishers in Llanilar."

CWMKHEIDIOL. ADFYWIAD GWEITHFAOL. Cynwysa y cwm rhamantus hwn amrai hen weithfeyddion. blends, &c., y rhai fuont mewn bri yn y dyddiau gynt, ond, fel llawer o'i bath, a adawyd mewn dinodedd, bron yn hollol, er's cryn nifer o flynyddau bellach. Ond cyn i'r ganrif ddiweddaf dynu ei thraed i'r gwely i farw, cawn y "lllteidiol Mining Company Limited —cwmni tra anturiaethus yn prynu ystad Mr Green,^Aberystwyth, ydoedd yn y cwm, a'r hon hefyd a cynwysa amrai weithfeydd plwm, blende, MilpluT, £ c. Rhai misoedd yn ol, rhoes y cwmni gychwyniad i ddau o'r gweithfeydd byn, sef y rhai adnabyddir wrth yr enwau Lefel Fawra Ty'ny- fron. Ada vw gweled fod vnddvnt vn bre. I, 4U l DU o weithwyr. Dyma enwau y swyddogion goruchwyliwr Mr F. De Bal, Broncastell; clerc, .Mr Henry Francis, Aberystwyth; cashier, Mr Wil- bow, Broncastell; foreman, Mr David Jones, Llain. lEu Mr Bal yn ffodus yn newisiad Mr Jones fel fore- man, am ci fad yn hynod gydnabyddus a'r gweith- feydd a'r ardal yn gyffredinol, yn fwnwr profiadol ei hunan, ac yn frawd cywir a ffyddlawn. Yr ydys yn prysur symud peirianau yr hen olcbfa èr eu had- osod mewn safle arall Rawer mwy cyfleus, gerllaw y brif-ffordd, wrth yr afon. Yno y bydd yr olchfa newydd. Ymgymerwyd ag adeiladwaith y saer maen gan Mr D. Davies, Cenant. Yn ol y rbagol- ygon, rhoddir pawf da ar Lefel Fawr a Ty'nyfron, a bydd ynddynt nifer luosog o weithwyr yn y man. Pwy feiddia brophwydo nad oes eto gyfoeth anhy- goel yn hen gronbiliau,,creigiog a chudd y gymydog- aeth Darllennis am hen ferch ydoedd mor an- ffortus a cholli pob cariad-lanc a gaffai, yn cysuro ei hunan yn ei byrdwn gwastadol hwn :—" Y mae cystal pysgodyn yn y mor ag a ddaliwyd." Da yw gweled fod y cwmni anturiaethus a nodwyd yn credu egwyddor y ddiareb bon, ac yn gweithredu ami. Deallir eu bod wedi penderfynu ar un peth eitbriadol yn banes gweithfaol Ceredigion, sef, os cant hwy 5 per cent, o elw elid oddiwrth y gweith- feydd, y bydd iddynt ranu cymaint o elw all ddeiliaw uwchlaw hyny cydrhwngyswyddogion a'r gweithwyr. \Vel, coroner auturiaetb y cwmni a llwyddiant gdihafal, er llesoli y gymydogaetli yn gyffredinol. Hyderir y daw Rheilffordd Cwm Kheidiol yn ffaith. Bydd byny yn sicr o enyn mwy o fywiogrwydd gweithfaol yn y cylch. Gresyn na fyddai mwy o ysbryd anturiaethlis yn y Gymro. Yn lie bod Seison a thramorwyr o Belgeum, &c., yn dyfod yma I chwilio allan y trysorau sydd yn ein gwlad, ni fyddai yn llawer o aberth, er engraifft, i drigolion Cymreig y sir hon ymuno a'i gilydd i weithio ambell i weithfa ynddi, a chwilio am drys- orau mewn lleoedd newyddion. Yn y cyfeiriad hwn, fel mewn cyteiriadau eraill, ymddengys rhaid i ni edrych at y Sais a'r tramorwr am ysbryd antur- iaethus ac am arweiniad.

ABERDOVEY. j GRATUITOUS.—At a committee meeting of the I Literary Institute held last week it was decided to | forward some bundles of illustrated papers and I periodicals for the use of the inmates of the | Machynlleth Workhouse. 1 SHIPPING,—Arrived, Feb. 9th, s.s. "Malachite j with 650 tons of cement from London Feb. 10th, | s.s. Dora with general cargo from Liverpool; j Feb. 13th, s.s. Telephone with cargo of oats 1 and potatoes from Newry. Sailed, Feb 12th, s.s. |Dora" for Porthdinlleyn, s.s. "Malachite" for | Llanddnlas. J CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR.—The weekly meeting j of this society was held on Monday evening, the I Rev. J. 1). Jmica presiding. The for debate | was Whether the country or town is best for the J formation of character." Mrs Davies, Bod for | Terrace, opened strongly in favour of rural life and j was supported by Mr John Owen and Mr Job* J Pugh, whilst Mr W. Jones Hughes supported by I Mr R. O.Richards favoured town life. On a division | a large majority voted in favour of country life. J ENTERTAINMENT.—An entertainment in aid of I the funds of the Cricket Club was held at the J National School on Tuesday evening, under the I presidency of Mr F. A. Lindner, Braic'hycelyn. The | following was the programme :—Gramophone selections, manipulated by Mr D, L. Davies sons, Glory to God," Miss Susie Davies; song, "Y plentyn ar y gwlith," Mr W. Cuckson: duet. Brawd a chwaer," Mr J. Lewis and Miss S. A. Bell: song, Sailor's Grave," Mr E. M. Evans (Eos Mawddach) mandoline solo, Miss Lizzie Hughes; song, Mr Ffestin Williams comic song, Mr Pienne; song, Castiau Gwraig Mr J. Pugh mandoline selections, Miss L. Hughes; son, Cymru fv Ngwlad," Mr Tom Jones; ,ot), Dream of Paia- dise," Eos Mawddach recitation, Mr Pienne song, Mr F. Williams; gramapbone selections; song, Y Bugail"Mr W. Cuckson; song, Queen of the J Earth." Eos Mawddach finale, God save the King."

DOLGELLEY. DR. WILLIAMS' SCHOOL.—The annual meeting of ths Governors of this school was held last, week, Mrs Holland in the chair. The most interesting business transacted was the election of chairman of Governors for next year. Mr F. J(\tes, London, proposed the reappointment of Mrs Holland, which was seconded qy Mr A. C. Humphreys-Owen, M.P. Mr Edward Griffith proposed Mr Thomas Edwards, Blaenau, and this was seconded by Mr W. Hughes. On the motions being put to the meeting, Mr Edwards was elected. S'HOOL BOARD.—A meeting of the School Board was held on Thursday, when the following members were present Mr W. Hughes (in the chair), Revs. J. Williams, B.A., O. Evans, B. A. Messrs JohniLloyd, J. Price, E. W. Evans, with Mr Jones-Griffith (clerk). It was decided to send to the headmasters calling their attention to the regulations as to corporal pun- ishment, and also to the fact that, children from the Board Schools were asked by teachers to provide appliances for themselves.—A letter was read from Mr Peter Williams, ii.A., stating that the required number of attendances at the evening classes had been made, and that it was intended t) break up the classes at the end of the present moath. The Rev. O. Evans, and the Chairman were ap,,)jin,o I to visit the evening school. The question of providing prizi s for attendance was deft rrjd to the next meeting. OnrruARY.—It is with deep regret we announce the death of Mr W. 0, Williams, mason and engraver, of this town. which took place on Monday morning, in his sixtieth year. He had been complaining for some years, but continued to follow his occupation and to attend all meetings in connection with his church at Bethel, where he was a faithful deacon. But a few weeks ago lie had a serious attack, and his last illness, though of short duration, was very severe. Mr Williams was a native of this town, and lie spent m(st of his davs here, He was a man of strong intellectual powers, and had trabed and cultivated his I acuIties by hard Q1 thorough reading, especially 0:1 theological topics. He was a;o a very good public speaker, and often took part in reiigious meetings, He was elected deaoon at Bethel in 1896, and did all in his fower to further t';e highest interests of his church, and of religion in the town. His loss will be deeply felt in many circles. He left a widow, a son, and a daughter, with whom the deepe t sympathy is felt. SCIENTIFIC DRESSMAKING.—On Friday a committee meeting, convened by Mrs R. Jones Griffith, was held, to make arrangements for forming classes in scientific dressmaking in connection with a scheme prepared by the County Governing Body. The fol- lowing ladies attended :—Mrs Edward Gr ffith, Mrs R. Wynne Williams, Mrs Williams, Maesyffynon Mrs Mrs Hughes, Meirion House; Mrs O. D. Roberts, Clogwyn; Mrs Jones Griffith, Cocdycymer; Mrs Williams, Plasuelia Mrs E. W. Evans, Frondirion; Mrs E. Wynne Williams, and Mrs Clendon. It was decided thot two classes be formed—one a paying class, and the other free, and a committee was appoint- ed to confer with Miss Baldwin, the teacher, regard- ing the arrangements. Mrs Williams, Maesyffynon, was appointed president of the committee, with Mrs J ones-Uriffith, as treasurer, and Mrs Roberts, Clogwyn, as secretary. We understand that the pupils in each class must be limited to fourteen.