Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

CILIE-AERON. DEATH AND FUSERAL OF MRS. EVANS, TYNANT.— It is our sad and painful duty this week to chronicle the death of Mrs Evans, the beloved wife of Mr Thomas Evans, Tynant.—She had been ailing for many years, but not until about a month ago did it become evident to her friends that her dissolution was near at hand. She lingered until Friday, the 6th instant, when the end came. In many respects she was an exceptional and exemplary woman. Eminently kind-hearted, and hospitable beyond measure, her house to all alike was a veritable house of joy and comfort.—Her death at the comparatively early age of sixty has created a great void in her home, in the little chapel at Cilie, and in the district generally. Her funeral took place on Thursday last. In spite of the inclemency of the weather, a large concourse of people assembled to pay their last tribute of respect. The service at the house was eonducted by the Bevs J. Davies, Alltyplaca, and Lewis Williams, pastor of Cilie Unitarian Chapel-the former read a portion of scripture and offered prayer, and the latter delivered the funeral sermon.—Afterwards her. remains were the inclemency of the weather, a large concourse of people assembled to pay their last tribute of resp«ct. The service at the house was eonducted by the Bevs J. Davies, Alltyplaca, and Lewis Williams, pastor of Cilie Unitarian Chapel—the former read a portion of scripture and offered prayer, and the latter delivered the funeral sermon.—Afterwards her. remains were conveyed to L lanfihangel-Ystrad Churohyard, to be interred with her ancestors of many generations.— The Rev T. Pugh, Cilie Aeron, officiated at the grave, in the place of the aged vicar, who is laid on a bed of sickness.

DOLGELLEY. THE SOCIAL CLVB.—Mr W. Evans, of Birming- ham, has made the generous offer of £100) to the shareholders of the Social Club provided they are prepared to add a free public reading room to the scheme. Mr Evans states that he has no desire whatever to interfere with matters appertaining to the management of the club, but he feels strongly, as many others in the town have felt from the beginning, that this project should prove of general benefit, and should provide in some way or other for the labouring classes.

CARDIGANSHIRE COUNTY GOVERNING BODY. A quarterly meeting of the CSasdiganshire Gov- erning Body was fixed for Wednesday in last week at the Town Hall, Lampeter. At twelve o'clock Mr D C Roberts and the clerk Mr H C Fryer) presented themselves in the Council Chamber, About balf an hour afterwards Mrs Jones, Gellifabaren, walked in, subsequently foMowed by Messrs Thomas James, William James, and Jenkin Lloyd, Eight mem- bers formed a quorum, but the clerk said if seven turned up the business joould be transacted. No other members putting in an appearance, the meeting had to be abandoned after considerable waiting. Several of the members, before leaving, expressed themselves in string terras against inactivity of the Body,

!!) t ————— Aberystwyth Town Council. POST OFFICE TROUBLES DEPUTATION TO THE POSTMASTER GENERAL. A meeting of the Aberystwyth Town Council was held on Tuesday morning at the Council Chamber, Town Hall, when there were present the Mayor (Mr R J Jones), Alderman E P Wynne (ex- Mavor), Aldermen Peter Jones, W H Palmer, Councillors C M Williams, J P Thomas, T E Salmon, G Fossett Roberts, R Peake, W Thomas, T J Samuel, J T Davies, and R Doughton, with Mr A J Hughes (clerk), and Mr Rees Jones (borough surveyor.) THE NEW CHANCELLOR. I The Mayor said he bad a resolution to submit to j the Council, which be was sure would be most I cordially received. He felt he would be expressing not only their feeling, but the feeling of the Principality of Wales, when he said how pleased they were that the Prince of Wales had succeeded his Majesty the King as Chancellor of the University Court of Wales, and also that the King had been gracious enough to allow the arms of Wales to be adopted by the Prince of Wales. The following resolution had been drawn up, and he would ask the Council to adopt it:—" That this Council, in recording their great appreciation of the inestimable services of the King in connection with the University of Wales, and of the continu- ance of his Majesty's connection and interest in the University, desires to join in the hearty expression of pleasure and gratitude throughout the Principality that his Royal High- Mess the Prince of Wales has signified his willingness to succeed his illustrious father in the .ffice of Chancellor of the University. This Council further desires to record their warm appreciation of the inclusion of the Red Dragon of Wales in the arms of his Royal Highness." The ex-mayor (Mr E. P. Wynne) seconded the resolution, which was carried with acclamation, and it was decided that a copy of the resolution be sent to the Prince of Wales. PROTECTION FROM FIRE. The Clerk read a communication from the Home Office, dealing with the number of deaths caused among children through their clothing taking fir e It had been ascertained that during 1899 and 1900 inquests were held on the bodies of 1684 children whose deaths had resulted from burning, and that in 1425 of these cases the evidence showed that the fire by which the burning was caused had been unprotected by a guard. The Secretary of State suggested that these facts should be made as widely known as possible, and that so preventative steps should be taken without delay. Varoius suggestions were made, amongst them that the letter should be published in the Press, that handbills be delivered at each house, and that advertisements should be inserted in the local papers. Mr W. Thomas pointed out the dangers of the paraffin lamps, which he considered was the cause ef a great many deaths. Alderman C. M. Williams said he did not think there was any cause for alarm in this matter as far as Aberystwyth was concerned, He believed the number of burning cases in this town was very few, and he did not remember a case for some years. Mr J. P. Thomas said there were thousands of oases of scalding due entirely to tires being without guards, and that should not be overlooked. It was decided that the matter be referred to the General Purposes Committee, a motion of Mr W. Thomas that bills be printed and distributed drawing attention to the danger of unprotected fires not being accepted. TERRACE-ROAD IMPROVEMENT. A letter was read from Mrs Uraniah Doughton, 58, Terrace-road, stating she found it would be impossible for the contractors to complete the erection of 6, Terrace-road until April next. It would, therefore, be impossible to start and com- plete the erection of the premises at the corner of Terrace-road and facing the Station by the 12th May She therefore, asked that the time be edended till May, 1903, but in order that the atreet might be widened in accordance with the plan, she was prepared to pull down the front of the present shop, and put it back five feet as required before the 12th May next. Mr Salmon wished to discuss the application, as a matter of urgency, at this meeting. Alderman Peter Jones said such a eourse would be out of order, as it had first of all to go before the committee. The Mayor said the Finance Committee met on Friday, so the delay would not be great. The matter was then referred to the Finance Committe. LIFEBOAT ROCKETS. A letter was read from Mr A. Edgehill, Ascupart House Queens-road, drawing attention to the loud reports of rockets that were heard previous to the life- boat going out for practice. Sometimes the noise was deafening; as if the very rocks were rent asunder. He knew of one person who was prostrate for a week whenever these reports occurred, and he was assured that this was by no means an isolated case, although the general effect might not be so serious This might seem a trivial matter to those who had strong nerves, but he could assure the Council it was fraught with danger to those wbo. 1ae*~ ▼ously afflicted, and also to those who might bei n abed of sickness. It was the Jock that did the mischief. Personally, be did ™t see the necessity for these loud reports unless there was danger on the sea. Therefore he^ suggested that some other mode be adopted when the lifeboat letter be sent to secretary of the Lifeboat Institution. Mr W. Thomas thought they should also ask the General Purposes Committee to consider it, with the view of finding some other means of summon- ing the lifeboat crew. Alderman Palmer seconded Mr Thomas p position, which was adopted. LIGHTING OF MARKET-STREET. A letter was read from Mr Andrews, of the City Brewery Company, on behalf of the licensee of the Talbot Hotel, complaining of the insufficient lIght- ing of Market-street. A Mr R. Peake said the matter had been considered by the committee, and it had been decided to place an improved lamp on the corner near Tottenhaml Mr Salmon asked when the new lamps which had been decided upon were to be fixed The dark- ness of some of the streets was a disgrace to the town. The Surveyor replied that he bad written to several firms, and obtained quotations for lomps, and the order would now be sent without aeiay. PENLLWYN WATER SUPPLY. A letter was read from Mr James Hughes, in- spector of the Aberystwyth Rural District Council, asking this Council whether they could supply the neighbourhood of Penllwyn with water from the Plynlimon main, if desired, and on what terms could they supply them. The inhabitants num- bered about 149 adults and 59 children. The letter pointed out that it would be necessary to tap the main in six or seven places, and would relieve the district from the cost of laying a separate line of pipes for the whole length. « The letter was referred to the Public Works Committee. PORTLAND-ROAD. The Clerk reported having received a letter from the Local Government Board, enclosing copy of a letter received from Mr Morgan, complaining of the state of Portland-road. The Mayor suggested that perhaps the surveyor could carry out some temporary improvement. Mr W. Thomas hoped attention would not be confined to Portland-street. Stanley-terrace, Cam- brian-street, and other places where building operations were in progress, were in an equally bad state. The Surveyor suggested he should be authorised to pave in front of the new houses which bad been recently built in Portland-road, and the road could be attended to afterwards. He could do something temporarily to the road, but it would only mean having more mud there. The question was referred to the Public Works Committee, who were authorised to instruct the .surveyor to adopt the best remedy possible. PENPARKE FOOTPATH. The Clerk reported that the Borough Surveyor and himself, accompanied by Alderman Peter Jones, attended on the previous Friday at Penparke, where they had arranged to meet Mr Lloyd, of Nanteos, on behalf of Mr Powell, and having fully explained to Mr Lloyd the course of the proposed footpath to Penparke, and shewn him the proposed exchange of land in order to carry the footpath in a direct line, Mr Lloyd stated he thought the plan would be approved of by Mr Powell, to whom he would immediately report. I TELEPHONE CONFERENCE. The Clerk announced that a conference had been arranged for the following day between representa- tives of the Council and Mr Dennis, general manager of the Cambrian Railways Company, regarding the proposed extension of the trunk line telephone system to Aberystwyth. NEW BUILDINGS. The Public Works Committee recommended that -the plan for re-building a house in Northgate-street, by Mr Evan Lloyd, and a plan for the re-building of 58, Terrace-road, by Mrs Beavan be approved of, together with the plan of a house in Cambrian- street for Mrs Edwards, subject to the bay window not projecting more than 15 inches. The recom- mendations were accepted. HObTEfa ROAD. Mr Salmon again complained of the want of attention to the road at the rear of the Hostel. It had been decided that the surveyor should bring in an estimate of the cost of repairing it, but he saw nothing on the agenda. The Burreyor said the estimate would be presented at the next meeting of the Public Works Committee. FINANCE AND NEW TERMS. The Finance Committee, whose report was pre- sented by Mr E. P, Wynne, recommended payments amounting to £ 35216s 7d, and these were approved of. An extension till 12th November, 1902, bad been granted Mrs Samuel to carry out, the conditions attached to the renewal of the lease of her property in Portland-road. Alderman Peter Jones bad reported to the com- mittee that he had, with the Town Clerk, met Mr Joseph Davies with reference to the purchase of a piece of land at the corner of Terrace-road and North-parade, owned by Miss Jones, and that terms bad been agreed upon. By these terms Miss Jones had agreed to surrender forthwith the residue of the existing lease of a portion of the premises; to convey to the Council the fee simple of that portion forming a triangle at the junction of North-parade and Terrace-road; to forthwith demolish the shop and premises now in the occupation of Edward Piears, and to permit the demolition by the Council forthwith of that portion of the existing shop of David Jones and Sons, as stood upon the triangular piece of land, and to convey to the Council the fee simple of the remainder of the land, comprising 28* square yards. In consideration of the foregoing, the Council to grant her a lease or leases for 75 years from the 12th day of November, 1901, of the land shewn on the plan, and coloured red and green, at an annual rent of j22 5s, she covenanting to erect and build two messuages thereon upon sites and according to plans and specifications to be approved of by the Council, the same to be completed and fit for habitation on or before the 12th day of May, 1903, and the lease to be in the form of the present leases granted by the Council. The Council to take down and remove the existing wall of David Jones and Sons' shop fronting Terrace-road, and at the like expense to re-erect the said wall between the points G B and E on the plan. Mr Fossett Roberts thoughtan expression of thanks should go from the Council to Alderman Peter A .I! .&.L-. Jones, the Town Clerk, and the surveyor ior me successful way they had completed the negotiations in connection with the purchase of this land, by which, no doubt, considerable expense and trouble had been saved the Council. He proposed that the thanks of the Council be accorded to the gentlemen named. Mr J. P. Thomaa seconded, and this was unani- mously adopt-ed, the terms being also approved of. VALE OF RHEIDOL RAILWAY. The Finance Committee reported that a letter had been received from the Local Government Board with reference to the land agreed to be sold to the Vale of Rheidol Light Railway Company. The committee recommended that subject to their giving up the piece of land not used by the railway in the field now used for tipping the town refuse, the grant to the railway to be 2a., lr., 8p. of land in the station field. Also the strip along the river and the strip of land in the field now used for tipping town refuse, and over which the line had been con struct.ed; and that the necessary steps be taken by the Town Clerk to prepare and submit a memorial to the Local Government Board asking for their sanction to the sale. Mr W. Thomas said he understood the railway had been cut through the embankment which had been erected by the Council to protect the town from floods. He thought before disposing of any land they should make certain that the embank- ment was left intact. Alderman E. P. Wynne said that was a matter between the Council and the Railway Co., and their interests wonld be safeguarded when the final agreement came to be drawn up. Alderman C M Williams said it would be well to have it clearly stated what was the quantity of land the Council would give up in the field where the town refuse was now tipped. A dispute had arisen before when the Local Government Board inspector was down, and he wanted to avoid that in future. The Clerk said that the several quantities of land to be conveyed would be shown on the plan which the Council would be asked to approve of. The recommendation was then unanimously ac- cepted. ANTIQUATED BATHING MACHINES. The committee appointed to revise the bye-laws in force in the borough reported that those in regard to hackney carriages and public bathing had been amended, and it was recommended that they be approved of, and that the necessary steps be taken to obtain the approval of the Local Gorernmen Board. The Clerk said the bye-laws would be deposited at the Council Offices before being sent to the Local Government Board. Attention was called at the committee to the antiquated bathing machines at present on the beach, and to the absolute nec- essity of the proprietors by degrees or at once get- ting rid of the older ones and getting newer and more modern machines in their place. It was also proposed to have a bathing stand on the South Castle Beach. The report was adopted. HIRE BRIGADE. The Fire Brigade Committee recommended that a list of the names and addresses of the members of the Brigade be lodged at the Police Station and that the members be instructed to notify any change of their addresses to the captain also that the Surveyor invite tenders for the fixing of elect- ric bells at places to be approved of by the com- mittee. Mr G Fossett Roberts, chairman of the committee said it was intended to have electric fire alarms at each of the firemen's bou&es connected with the Police Station. The Electric Lighting Co. bad been good enough to make arrangements whereby the fire hooter could be placed at their works tem- porarily, and were prepared to guarantee that it would work at any time during the night. The report was adopted. ADVERTISING. The General Purposes Committee recommended that the tender of Messrs Smith's Advertising Agency for advertising the town during the winter months be accepted. Mr J P Thomas, chairman of the committee, stated that the total cost of the ad- vertising would be P.100 4s 5d. The report was accepted. ISOLATION HOSPITAL. he Public Works Committee reported having visited several sites which had been suggested as suitable for the erection of an isolation hospital, and hoped to present a report as to the most suit- able site at an early date. Alderman C. M. Williams, who presented the re- port, said the matter had been delayed a long time, unfortunately, but he did not think there would be further delay. THE POST OFFICE. SOME TELLING FIGURES. Mr T. E. Salmon proposed the following resolution That inasmuch as the repeated com- plaints to the Postal Authorities have hitherto failed to improve the postal arrangements, and in particular the delivery of letters, H.M. Postmaster- General be asked to receive a deputation from this Council with a view of remedying the present most unsatisfactory state of things." Alderman Palmer said he quite agreed with Mr Salmon. When previous deputations waited upon the Postmaster-General it was stated the letters could not be delivered in time because the train came in so late. The mail was always punctual now, and what was the reason the letters were not delivered early 1 It could not be the fault of the head office, and it must be the fault of the local office. He would suggest that the Town Clerk write in the first instance to the Postmaster-General, be- fore appointing a deputation. Mr Salmon said there was always delay in cor- respondence. Alderman C. M. Williams seconded Mr Salmon's proposition. The matter he said hact been continu- ally brought forward during the past four or fire months,and the manner in which the town had suff- ered for want of a better postal service pointed out. Visitors had complained bitterly almost every day, .L- L\ -1. 1, Willie only two or !,un: WvvÄ" i1J;v wcie not delivered in Pier-street until 9-30. Having regard to these complaints, he had taken some trouble in looking up some Government returns to see how Aberystwyth was treated as compared with the treatment meted out to towns of similar popula- tion, and he found they had grounds for serious complaints. They had a strong case to present to the Postmaster-General in applying for a redress of their grievances. Taking the 1891 census, Aberys- twyth in 1900 bad a population of 6,725 and 1441 inhabited houses. The total amount allowed by Government for Post Office purposes was Z4221, which included the salaries of 33 sub-postmasters, as compared with E5,074 granted to Llandudno, with 28 sub-postmasters; £ 6,578 granted to Rhyl, with 33 sub-postmasters; and 4,306 granted to Buxton, with 24 sub-postmasters. For 1901. the p-rants were—Abervstwyth £ 4.479, Llandudno iE5,4,52, Rhyl P,6,873, Buxton £ 4,511. The grants for 1902 were-Aberystwyth P,4,608, Llandudno £ 5 666, Rhyl P,6,896, and Buxton £ 5,163. So they p found that Rhyl got £ 2,288 more for the working of their postal business than Aberystwyth, although they had the same number of sub-postmasters. Then what was the money really used for? In Aberystwyth, they had only six permanent town postmen, with a little extra, help in the summer. Llandudno had 11 permanent postmen, Rhyl had 11, and Buxton 16. There was no wonder that they had cause for complaint, when they found that Aberystwyth, with a population almost iden- i, tical with that of the other towns, and the numbre of inhabited houses almost identical, having to put up with six permanent postmen, while two of the other towns had 11 each, and Buxton 16. The re- turns also showed that the amount paid for extra, help in the summer was considerably more in the other towns. He thought they had a perfect right to ask the Postmaster-General to place them on an equal footing with the other towns. They had been patient too long, and they ought not to allow the matter to drop until they secured an increased number of town postmen. Deputations had gone to London from the Corporation three or four times. In 1888, an important deputation was sent up to try to secure for the Cambrian Railways Co. an increased amount for.e-arrying the mails. They did not succeed then, but they kept at. it, and in 1893, there was another deputation. That deputation succeeded very handsomely indeed; far beyond all expecta- tions. Prior to that period the Cambrian Railway Company only received £5,500 for carrying the mails. But the case of the Council's deputation was so splendidly put before the then Postmaster General, Mr Arnold Morley, by Mr Bowen Rowlands, an old member for the county, that the grant was increased from £ 5,500 to £ 13,500. He must, however, say that the improvement in the arrival of the mails was not equal by any means to the enormous increase in the amount paid. He was sorry to find that when they made complaints to the postal authorities they were told the mails did not arrive in time. It was an easy matter for the Town Clerk to get direct from the local Post- master the time the train arrived each morning, and prepare a proper table. He now found-he did not know whether it was for being a little later than they ought to be-that the Cambrian Railway Company had received a further increase for carry- ing the mails, the amount in the estimate for 1902 being £ 14,750. Although they had that enormous sum for carrying the mails, they hardly ever came in in time. The increase had been got mainly through the influence of the deputation, and yet they tolerated this inconvenience all these years, with the worse postal delivery of any town in the Kingdom, of similar importance. He trusted the fresh deputation would be able to put before the Postmaster General such a case of glaring neglect that immediate steps would be taken to improve the postal facilities. He did not think the local Postmaster was to be blamed. He believed his only weakness was that he did not put the con- dition of things stronsr enoulrh to the Government, and insist upon getting additional postmen. The postal authorities, no doubt, put every complaint off as far as they could, and Mr Williams, being desirous of working the thing as economically as possible, had allowed the town to suffer all this time. The marvel was that the public had tolerated it so long. j Mr G. Fossett Roberts supported the resolution, and said from their own knowledge and from the figures Mr Williams had so ably placed before them, there was no doubt that the Post Office was understaffed. He did not think the resolution contained any reflection upon the postmaster. No doubt he bad done his level best to deal with the situation with the small staff at his command, and to such an extent that he had now been incapaci- tated from work. Mr T. J- Samuel thought they were indebted to Mr Williams for the trouble he had taken in look- ing up his figures, as they would be a great help to them in making a good case before the Postmaster General. He agreed with Alderman Palmer that they should write to the Postmaster General, and also appoint a deputation. Alderman Palmer said he did not make his suggestion in opposition to Mr Salmon. He thought it might come as a preliminary step. Mr J. P. Thomas said there was another cause of complaint, namely, the serving of the public at the counter of the Post Office. That was a thing to be looked to even more than the delivery of letters, because he knew, as a matter of fact, that several people were inconvenienced by being made to wait about quarter-of-an-hour before being served during the busy season. He knew that some tradespeople bad to post their letters very much earlier than was necessary according to the rules of the Post Office. Letters for registration were not supposed to be posted until 4.30, but some had to do so about three o'clock in order to be certain of delivery. In addition to what had been said, this also ought to be brought to the notice of the Postmaster General. Mr T. E. Salmon-And the conduct of some of the officials. Mr J. P. Thomas—That I have nothing to com- plain of. Mr R. Peake—That is the fault of the local postmaster. If he is not sufficiently staffed he should say so. Mr R. Doughton said he was talking the other day to a gentleman who had bad to wait 12 minutes at the counter before he could be served, and he only wanted a penny stamp. The Mayor said the town was indebted to Mr Williams for the statistics be had prepared. He had shown very clearly that they bad a strong grievance, and he hoped something tangible would result. The resolution was put to the meeting and, carried unanimously. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. On the proposition of Mr G. Fossett Roberts, it was agreed that the medical officer's quarterly report be in future inserted in the agenda. A STRONG REBUTTER. Mr Salmon asked whether there was any founda- tion for the allegations made by Messrs Gibson, printers, that Corporation printing had been done in London, that could be as well and cheaply done at Aberystwyth. He addressed his question to Alderman C. M. Williams, who was chairman of the Finance Committee at the time the transactions were alleged to have taken place. Mr T. J. Samuel-Send the Chief Constable lafter him (laughter). Alderman C. M Williams, in reply, said in Feb- ruary, 1899, the Corporation invited tenders for printing 300 leases on skins, and 300 copies of hand made paper for agreements. These were submitted to the Council on February 21st, 1899, and were as follows: Messrs Gibson, £82 9s; Drake, Driver, and Lever, £24 19s (cries of Ob,| eh,'—and Shame "). Alderman Williams said the difference between the two prices amounted to £57 10s, while the quality of the skins sent in by the latter firm was far superior to the others. The figures he bad quoted did not, he thought, require any comment. Atderman Williams also contrasted the prices of same firm when supplying goods by tender and without tender. On one occasion 1,790 ballot papers cost £3 10s without tender, but when ten. ders were invited the price was 27s 6d for 2,000 papers, the tender of another firm being only 22s 6d. He had also calculated the prices of the same firm for 25 different jobs, the numbers of which came to 6,915, and the price without tender was JS16 Is 6d. The same jobs, but with the num- bers increased to 14,600, had been offered by the same firm, by tender, for 9.8 9s 9d. The members expressect their satistaction at the explanation given, and fully agreed that there was no ground for the allegations made.

MACHYNLLETH. CYMREIGYDDION.—Bu Iolo Carnarfon, un o brif feirdd Cymru yn bresenol. yn anerch y gymdeithas uchod nos Wener. Cymerwyd y gadair gan Mr Rowlands, yr hwn a roesawodd y gwr dawnus ar ei ymweliad a'r Gymdeithas. Testun yr anercbiad ydoedd Barddoniaeth Gymraeg," ac fel y svlwodd Mr Rowlands, nis gellid cael neb cymhwysach i draddodi ar y testun, gan fod Iolo yn fardd cadeir- iol a choronog. Yn mysg beirdd y bedwaredd ganrif ar ddeg sylwodd Iolo ar Iolc Goch, bardd Owain Glyndwr, a dyfynodd yn helaeth o weithiau Dafydd ab Gwilym, bardd mawr Cymru y Canol Oesau. Sylwodd Iolo na wyddai efe am linell Wgredig yn holl waith y bardd nwyfus a chwareus hwn. Gellid casglu oddiwrth yr englyn canlynol fod yr ben Gymry yn tyfu llIn- Brysia, gweithia, dwg eithin—i mewn Mae'n myned yn ddryccin, Gyr y gwartheg o'r egin Hogyn tro'r Hoi o'r Ilin. Difynodd yn helaeth o feirdd diweddarach y genedl gan roddi lie helaeth i Goronwy Owen ac i Ddewi Wyn o Eifion. Beirniadai Iolo lawer Uinell a llawer syniad yn nghynyrchion y beirdd byn fel yr elai vn ei flaen a'l anerchiad. Tua diwedd ei anerchiad ymdriniodd a barddoniaeth eisteddfodol; hynod o drtyaaoroiueuu uiyweu am leirdd amlwg gwlad y bryniau fel Eben Fardd, Dafydd Ddu o Eryri Gwallter Median, Gwenffrwd, Hiraethog, yn ymdd'angos am y tro cyntaf ar feusydd y gwahanol eisteddfodau. NONDKSCKIPT.—It seems that Cae Ceiniog was never a smithfield. Mr Edward Rees informs us that it simply served as a field to which the farmer turned his horse or his ox whust he was engaged with his shopping on market days and fair days. The farmer now has no place whereto he may turn his steed save to the stable of a public house. Certain peopie rile against the temperance people for not providing the town with a temperance hotel even at a dead loss. These men seem to for- get that, if an establishment is worked at a loss. there is no reason why such should be started. It remains to be seen whether a first class tem- perance hotel could not be run at a profit -The weather has been perfectly furious for the last few days. Thursday brought with it a proficient bliz- zard and to wade through the slush was no mean achievement. Friday saw the elements mwch calmer, but Saturday afternoon saw a recurrence of the eddying air currents. It was so cold on Satur- day night that most of our street corner., could boast no more than two or three loiterers. With the exception of a few incorrigibles, even the in. chaperoned maid servant was in a hurry to com- plete the scrubbing of the back-kitchen door stop. —Those who were daring enough to face the splitting breath of the strong Nor'-Basfcer on Satur- day obtained an excellent view from the Rifle Range Common. The Darau-gesail and Cader Idris ranges stood out in real grandeur with their snow-clad peaks and ridges, resplendent with the slanting rays of the sun, which wants but a few days to reach its lowest altitude. For the last few years Machynlleth has been free from snow, whilst the rest of the towns have been surrounded with snow many inches deep.

COUNTY SCHOOL PRIZE DAY. The seventh annual prize day of the Machynlleth County School was held on Thursday afternoon last. The attendance of Colonel E. Pryce-Jones, M.P., and Mrs Humphreys-Owen had been secured for the occasion. Mr Richard Rees, J.P-. chairman of the Local Governing Body, occupied the chair. and amongst the other governors present were Dr A. O. Davies (vice-chairman), Messrs Edward Rees, John Thomas, T R Morgan, Edward Owen. and the Rev D T Hughes, together with Mr H H Meyler (headmaster), and Mr John Rowlands (clerk). Un- fortunately the weather was unfavourable, and the attendance was not as large as might otherwise be expected. The central ball, however, was com- fortably filled with pupils, their parents and friends, and others interested in the school. The Chairman, on behalf of the Local Governing Body, welcomed the parents and friends of the pupils. He expressed his regret at the absence of Mr Humphreys-Owen, but said they had a worthy substitute in his good lady, Mrs Humphreys-Owen (applause). He said he was gratified that they bad the presence of Col. Pryce-Jones, a gentleman who had always been a warm supporter of the school, and who had recently given a full scholar- ship, tenable for five years, to be competed for by the children of the elementary schools of Machyn- lleth (applause). This was their seventh annual prize distribution. The School had now gained a high reputation in Wales; probably it was the highest. The school as a whole had done well, and some of the pupils had done remarkably well. (applause). The Headmaster (Mr H. H. Meyler), in the course of his address, said it afforded him peculiar pleasure to have this :opportunity of once in the year of meeting parents in this collective way in order to quicken and maintain, if he could, their -_JI. 'I.. -Y .L- J- _L interest in wnat tney weic endeavouring TO uo at, the school. It was the only opportunity that he, as headmaster of this school, had of laying before them some points that bad arisen during the year, and of aliaying to some extent the diverse criticism that did, and would continue to arise in connection with the working of their intermediate schools. He was glad to say that the past year had been, on the whole, a very prosperous year. Their numbers bad been very well maintained, and the quality of their work, as proved by the tests to which they bad been submitted, certainly showed no sign of falling off, but rather the contrary. They had reached that point in their history when they had to work against their own reputation. As the Chairman had said, but as he must not directly say, they had succeeded in making something of a reputation. It would handicap them in future years, because he feared they could nor, turn out B.A.,s every day of the week (hear, hear). But they would endeavour to do so nevertheless (ap- plause). He wished to impress upon the public generally that this was not a school of one boy or of two boys. He ventured to say that notwith- standing the high standard they had attained at the top of the school, they had, nevertheless, a report from the Central Welsh Board which showed that the best and the most widely diffused work was really in the lower school (hear, hear). There was a tendency on the part of people to say, when they heard of an abnormal and remarkable success in connection with this school, Ah, well, at our school we are giving a more all round education, and we don't merely pay attention to one or two.' No more did they at maonyniieth. He ventured to say that the two boys at the head of the school had received less individual attention during the past year than any other individual member of the school (hear, hear). He wished to impress that as much as he possibly could upon the public generally. The success of one or two boys at the top of the school was really a very good thing for the school. It acted as an incen- tive and stimulus to the rest.. Mr Meyler then enumerated the successes of the school in the domain of public examinations. They bad obtained three certificates in the advanced stage in connection with the Board of EducationEdward Richard Vaughan and Janet Davies obtained second class in mathe- I matics, stage 2; Edward Richard Vaughan, second class inorganic chemistry, stage 2; in June of this year, Edward Richard augban passed the exam- I ination tor matriculation of the University of London is the first division They bad secured 17 Central Wolsb Board certificates during the year, thrte beiag in honours, seven senior certificates, and nine junior certificates. The county of Mont- gomery obtained seven honours certificates, and it was not bad proportion that three of them should go to Mwfhynlletb School (applause). The Central Welsh Board also held an examination for certifi- cates, ahi rtiat was the one to which he referred just now as Jmving produced, perhaps, the best all round rtolilbs in the school. That was very promis- ing for the future. They had been able to obtain success at the top because they had been looking after the elementary forms. The first fourth, and fifth positions in the Rendel scholar- ships had been won by T. W. Phillips, E. R. Vaughan, and R. Hughes respectively. The Rendel scholarship of E20 for three years, open to the counties of Montgomery, Merioneth, and Cardiganshire was offered to Phillips, but by reason of circumstances he was unable to accept it, because it was only tenable at Aberystwyth College. Mr Meyler referred to the inequality whereby candidates for the Rendel scholarships from Montgomeryshire had to be under 18 years of age, while Merionethshire could put anyone in up to the age of 50, and Cardiganshire anyone up to the age of 19. The reason was that thp. schemes varied in regard to the age question, and be hoped the County Governing Body would succeed in bringing down the ages or raise them in order to place things on an equality. Speaking of successes in connection with the University of London, Mr Meyler stated that T. W. Phillips was elected in September last to a scholarship of £80 per annum at Jesus College, Oxford, and this week they had 1 heard with much gratification that he had passed | the final examination and the degree of B.A. at the j TT. I uiversity or Lonaon (applause.) He wished to say quite frankly that they had another candidate for the final B.A., and a very good one he was (applause). He had four stiff subjects to pass in, namely, Latin, Greek. English, and mathematics. He passed in Latin, in Greek, and in English, and all but passed in mathematics. He referred to Richard Hughes, who went in twelve months after passing the intermediate examination in arts, a feat, he thought, to attempt which required no ordinary pluck. He was glad to tell them that he was by no means undaunted, and that the next time they appeared before them he hoped, if all went well, to be able to announce that he had been successful (applause.) The Headmaster also referred to the progress of old pupils, and the school football and hockey teams. He also thanked Mrs Smaile and Mr Edward Rees for valuable collections of books to the library. Colonel Pryce-Jones, M.P., then distributed the prizes, which took the form of books, as follows Form vi, J W Phillips, R Hughes. Form v, Elwy ap If or, Goronwy M Davies, John Ed. Evans, Han- nah Morgan. Form iv, Gwendoline Lloyd Row- lands, Phoebe Williams, Susie Jenkins, Wm Jones, Evan Jones, and D H Williams. Form iii, Hannah Blodwen Richards. Gladys Morean. Hannah Breeze, and David Emrys Lewis. _u_ The following were awarded special prizes on the result of the Central Welsh Board examination:— Form v, L'ewellyn M. Jenkins. Form iv, Blodwen Roberts. Form iii, John Ivor Jenkins, Willie Breeze. T W Phillips and Richard Hughes were awarded extraordinary prizes for their work in con- nection with the London University examinations. Central Welsh Board certificates were distributed as follows:- Honours, T W Phillips, with distinction in English composition, Latin, Greek, history, arithmetic, and additional mathematics; Richard Hughes, with distinc- tion in Latin; P R Vaughan with distinc- ion in Welsh. Senior certificates-Elwy ap Ifor. qualifying for matriculation in the University of Wales Goronwy M Davies, with distinction in ar- ithmetic John E Evans, distinction in history; R J Humphreys, history, Latin, and French; Han- nah Morgan, distinction in English composition; Margaret A Williams, distinction in Welsh. Junior certificates:—Gwennie R Rowlands, dis- tinction in arithmetic, history, English composi- tion, French and cookery, Gwennie Hughes, dis- tinction in French and cookery Susie Jenkins, distinction in cookery; Phoebe Williams, distinc- tion in cookery Wm Jones, distinction in Welsh Evan Jones and D Henry Williams, distinction in Welsh. Colonel Pryce-Jones, who next spoke, said he felt a great honour had been done him in asking him to distribute the prizes that afternoon. He had listened with great pleasure to the admirable, able, and straightforward remarks of Mr Meyler, and believed that the success of the school was due chiefly, if not entirely, to his undoubted merits. The Machynlleth school was, he believed, a mixed one, and he believed it was the best system in a small school, where pupils were few and where the staff was limited. Proceeding, the speaker said that allusion had been made to a scholarship he had given to the school. He regretted that more scholarships were not given, as he certainly thought the little example he Fet would have been followed by many others who could well afford to give larger scholarships. He was glad to find there was one exception in this district in the case of Mr Wintringharo Stables (Hear, hear). If the inter- mediate education scheme.throughout Wales was to be a success, they must secure more of these scholarships, and after the schools bad been firmly established they would also have to have more help from the Government or some other source. Col. Pryce-Jones referred to the action of the Mont- gomery County Governing Body the other day, which was composed mainly of Liberal friends of his, in refusing to adopt a resolution asking the Government to bring in a Bill to enable County Councils, if they desired, to levy a penny rate instead of a halfpenny rate for intermediate educa- tion purposes. He failed to see why they should not have the power of levying a penny rate, should they require it, although he did not say which he was for (laughter). There was no doubt that the day would come- and the sooner the better for them who were alive now and had children—when it would be increased from halfpenny to a penny, and it was with regret that he saw his friends on the County Governing Body, the majority of whom were Liberals, did not pass the resolution when the opportunity was given them. He hoped some day to see that changed. Colonel Pryce-Jones pre- dicted a great future for Welsh Intermediate Edu- cation. He had read the report of the proceedings connected with the opening of the Rbyl County School and amongst the speakers was the Bishop of St Asaph. He had not seen his name so pro- minently connected with intermediate education before, and this was one great sign to him of the success of intermediate education in Wales (ap- plause). Mrs Humphreys Owen was the next speaker, and in the course of her remarks congratulated the school upon its success. Speaking of the age limit mentioned by the Headmaster, she said she entirely dissented from the proposal to place Mont- gomery on the same level with the two neighbour- ing counties. She felt that a boy who had got through an education such as was to be got through a school like this, if he was not fit to enter upon the work of his life when he was eighteen he had better give up the attempt altogether. Her suggestion was that there should be one of the three scholarships allotted to each of the three counties entitled to try for them. As to the other in- teresting suggestion, which had come from the other County Councils to the County Governing Body of Merioneth, she could only feel that their know- ledge was not equal to their good will. Why should they ask for a power they already possessed? T.n -I: +- n_ L_- iu vttM 'i u. Muc iue county councils only had the power to raise a halfpenny rate for the purposes of intermediate education, but the County Councils also had the power to raise, whenever they pleased, a halfpenny rate for technical instruction, and there was nothing whatever to prevent any county that pleased raising a penny for technical instruc- tion and handing it over to the County Schools of the country. Dealing with the Machynlleth school Mrs Humphreys Owen said, satisfactory as their numbers were on the whole, and most satisfactory inasmuch as 48 of the pupils were between the ages of 12 and 16, yet what struck her not so pleasantly was the comparatively small number of girls on the books. Outof tbe whole71, there were, she believed, only 24 girls. The proportion of women to men was not that at all, aud what she asked herself was, where were the sisters of all the brothers (laughter). The least they could have expected was that the numbers would have been more like half-and-half. She knew there were reasons why all the children of the family could not go to school, and she thought it a fair thing that boys should have the preference but as the battle of life did get more serious, and harder and harder every day, it was a great pity that the girls should not be as well- equipped for their careers in life as the boys were. Mrs Humphreys Owen continued to say that prob- ably the women in this corner of Montgomeryshire were more devoted to their domestic and household duties. But that was .not the case all over the world, and as far as her experience went there was no more terrible drawback, and no more terrible drag upon the father, the husband, the brother, or the son than the foolish mother or the foolish sister. If there was one thing that a man needed in life if he was to succeed and get on and be a useful citizen, it was to have a good woman at his back (applause). And when she used the word back she used it advisedly, because there was no one more convinced of one thing than she was, that women were so much handicapped by Providence or some other power that they needed all the advantages in life to do their fair share, which was never the first. It was nonsense to talk of over-stocking the labour-market, or of bringing up competitors to fight with their sons. There might be a certain amount of honest stimulation, but as all the exper- ience of life showed, it needed an expert woman to cope with the average man (applause). What they did need was that the average woman should be able to co-operate to the best of her ability in help- ing the average man (applause). The Chairman said he was not quite sure that they could levy a penny rate in addition, but an- other half-penny rate would bring in about £800. which would be sufficient to put all the schools in the county on a good financial basis. Mr John Rowlands, clerk to the Governors, said he was glad that the subjects of age and rate had been broached, for when thatjjwas done he was sure the subjects would be fought out and the resalts would be satisfactory to them. He could assign no reason for the low number of girls at present in the school but he could say that on the question of bursaries and scholarships the girls stood equally well as the boys. If the fault Jay anywhere it was 'f I outside. He was glad to say that he worked under a Governing Body who were enthusiastic for edu- cation, and any movemeet which required material support was always readily forthcoming from the Governors. He must confess that this year they found themselves in rather low water, and this was accounted for by the fact that the finances were not so good as in the past. Reference had been made to the powers of the County Council, but it should also be noted that the Urban District Councils of the county had power to help them with technical education and he saw no reason for delaying1 putting into force the powers given to them (hear, hear). They paid in scholarships jE57 10s which was outside of the help received from other gentlemen and L24 was paid in bursar- ies. The school, thanks to the excellent staff, con- tinued to do excellent work and the results were most encouraging. Nearly Z3,000 had been spent on the school premises and they bad been exceedingly well supported in the district. They were asked to provide accommodation for 54 yet they bad 68 in school but they were only paid at the proportion of 54. Other schools scheduled at 80 had only 60 in school yet that school was paid at the rate of 80 (shame). He hoped that the day was not far distant when that irregularity would be dispensed with (hear, hear). They were faced with a finan- cial difficulty and they might have again to come to their friends for help. He hoped that Mrs Humphreys-Owen and Col Pryce-Jones would do their best to help in supporting any scheme in the county having for its object the better support of the school (hear, hear). Dr A. O. Davies proposed a vote of thanks to Col Pryce-Jones, which was seconded by Mr Edward Rees, J.P., and carried with acclamation.—A sim- ilar compliment was paid Mrs Humphreys-Owen, on the proposition of Mr T. R. Morgan, seconded by Mr Jenkins, N.P. Bank. Rev D. T. Hughes proposed a vote of thanks to the donors of prizes, amongst those who bad subs- cribed being Mrs Foulkes Jones, Lord Henry Vane Tempest, Colonel Pryce-Jones, M.P and Mr Robt. Francis, Llwyneira.—Mr John Thomas seconded, and the resolution was unanimously carried. The Headmaster announced that he had received a letter of apology for absence from Canon Trevor, and a telegram of congratulation had been received from I- Philip Sidney," of the Welsh Gazette." The proceedings ended with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, proposed by Col Pryce-Jones, and seconded by Mr Edward Oweu.

Lampeter Secondary School for Girls. END OF FIRST TERM. ADDRESSES BY MRS DAVIES-EVANS AND MRS INGLIS JONES. The headmistress and committee of management of the Secondary School for Girls invited a large number of persons on Monday afternoon to bear an address to be delivered by Mrs Davies-Evans, Highmead, the occasion being the end of the term. Tea was served in the afternoon, and a large number of persons were present. It will be remembered that this school has been established through the untiring efforts of our worthy Mayor- Dr Hugh Walker. On the night of 9th November last year when he was elected Mayor he received at a banquet given by him, a petition signed by a number of inhabitants urging upon him to establish a Secondary School for Girls. Ever since that evening the matter has had its due consideration, and after a few meetings held during the year, the result was that a school was opened for the first time in September last. The managers appointed Miss Raeburn, of Dublin, a lady with high qualifications as headmistress, and the school is now in a very flourishing condition. The excellent programme presented to the audience on Monday last was carried out with great skill; and Miss Raeburn deserves great credit. Mrs Davies- Evans, who presided, was supported on the right by Dr Hugh Walker (Mayor), and on the left by Mrs Inglis-Jones. Among those present were; Principal and Mrs Bebb; Colonel H Davies-Evans; Rev and Mrs Footman. Tanybryn the Rev and Mrs T P Lewis, Silian Mr and Mrs D Jones, Old Bank; D F Lloyd, secretary of the School Com- mittee the Rev W J Evans (curate) Mrs Davies, Roseland; Mrs Roderick Evans and Miss Evans, High-street; Mr and Mrs T L Davies, Mayfield; Mrs Davies, Millfield, Mrs Joseph Davies, Cambrian Mrs Moore. Miss Dovey, Bridge-street; Mrs Davies Velindre; Mrs Davies, and Miss Davies, Tanlan; Miss Rees, Velindre; Miss James, White Hall; Mrs Rees Davies, Bridge-street; Mrs Evans, Bryn-road; Mrs Davies, 5, Station-terrace; Mrs Nun Davies, Commerce House Miss Jones, Llandyfeilog Miss Grey, S.D.C,; Mrs Jones, Tyssil Villa; Miss Owen and Miss Rosy Owen, and Miss Hughes, Station- terrace; Mrs Jones, Peterwell: Mr and Mrs E D Rees, Station-terrace Mrs Green, College-street; Mrs Lewis, Pencarreg; Mrs Thomas, Church-street; Miss Thomas, Harford-square Miss Jones, Teify Hall; Miss Jones, Uplands; Mrs Jones, Brittania Stores; the Misses Parry, Station-terrace; Mrs Davies, the Pharmacy and others. Dr Hugh Walker said that the committee deeply regretted that they had not been able to invite more friends, as they would like, but had the weather been better a larger number would have been present. The Committee had made the policy of asking a lot of friends who knew not much about the school. He bad great pleasure in calling upon Mrs Davies-Evans to deliver her address (applause.) Mrs Davies-Evans said-My only excuse for taking up the time of this meeting will be that I shall follow Ruskin's advice, and not give you my own solitary and unstable opinion," as he puts it, but having consulted some of the wisest writers aDd speakers, I will try and tell you some- thing which they say on the subject which has brought us together to-day. When I think of what education is now and what it was, I often wish that it had been my fate to have been educated in the present century, and I should like to impress upon the pupils how fortunate they are to have e such an excellent school as the present one within their reach.—Fifty years ago in Wales the schools were of the poorest description, especially for girls, as the government commissioners found in 1848. Now Lampeter is a comparatively small town, and yet it possesses, besides the college and its excellent elementary schools, a first-rate grammar school, and this year for the first time a high grade girl's school. And whereas in old days such teaching as was thought necessary was as often as not instilled by blows 0 and received with tears, and hated alto- gether, now, thanks greatly to the German Richter, Ruskin, Herbert Spenser, and Dr Froebel a totally different system prevails. I congratulate Lampeter very much on the perfect completion of its educational system, and as so much trouble, tI1. n_l, +.tI"I. nrl TT>n £ »V V>5*V/» hAPn ovnonrl<a/1 lUUUV UL;, LiLJUC, aim "'&.l.v"J .LIo- fwiv.vu thereon, the question may be well considered," Why has- all this been done ? What is the use of education ? To begin with Ruskin, who was so true a friend of our sex, says: An author who feels he has really something worth saying to his generation writes it down, after perhaps years of thought and study, and would engrave it on rock if he could, saying, I This my book is the best of me; for the rest I ate and drank and slept, loved and hated like another-but this I saw and knew, and it anything in me is worth-your memory, it is Cuis Speaking especially to the young, who had their lives to mar or make before them, I should like to draw their attention to Browning's definition of life —" I count life just a stuff to try the soul's strength on—educe the man."—Now the word educe means to bring or draw out," and comes from the same word as education, and a real, true education brings outthebestof tbe strength ofthe sou] in man or woman and helps us to keep what's bad under.—It will then rest with yourselves into what manner of stuff you weave your lives: I hope it will be similar to the good old Welsh stuffs made in our own county. The stuff of the dress which I am now wearing is a! Welsh Industries' copy of an old Welsh poplin made in 1810 by a Cardiganshire weaver for his daughter's 1 9 wedding.—Its original is also made of wool and silk, but of wool so fine that, it cannot be made to- day, and I have had to be contented with a coarser copy. The old dress is now at Highmead, in good preservation after being the best dress of its owner for more than fifty years. I a-n afraid that I shall not be able to test mine in the same way, as it would take me beyond a hundred years to do so, and I .1.1- .of-.onrl tn Amnlofo t-h.c.a <f"o"1, —.U 1- uuii u >viiu, uearing a parrot lived a hundred years, bought one to try. But what I do hope is that when we have done with our life stuffs they may be found to have worn as well as the old weaver's stuff, and that we shall be able to show that what Herbert Spenser says is the aim of all true education has been fulfilled, and that we have used all our faculties to the greatest advantage of ourselves and others.—In conclusion, I should like to say how glad I was to be reminded, on re-reading Herbert Spenser and Ruskin, that they both agree that physical health and strength and beauty are the first things to be thought of in bringing up the young—" A sound body so as to give every play to a sound mind,"—boys and girls equally —Health is the foundation stone without which every good thing in life becomes useless, and unless we have this first it is impossible to do our best for ourselves and others.-It is most necessary therefore that the laws of health be studied early they are so simple, depending firstly on fresh air, next on regular meals of properly nutritious food- no eating between—and the right warmth of clothing.—If these were really followed, in anyone not diseased or injured by accident, there should be no headaches or pains whatever, and life would be ten times as happy and useful.—I think most of you will have already heard of the National and Welsh Tuberculosis Societies, and the marvels accom- plished already by the above simple rules in sad cases of consumption.—I am most deeply interested in hygiene, and should wish to do all I can to help it.-I told Dr Walker I should like to give you some prizes to be arranged after, but to-day in order to give you an object to be out as much as possible I shall be delighted to offer you each a drying book for wild flowers, and three prizes for the best col- lection of them at the end of the summer term.- All the flowers to be found by yourselves in Wales. --I saw that the girls of the higher grade school at Llandilo found no less than 217 sorts,. and I think many will be found in our neighbourhood too. I was interested in seeing this school playing a hockey match at Tregib last month, which seemed to me a most healthy exercise.—Flower collecting could be begun at once with the different mosses and evergreen ferns, and soon the first-born of the vernal year, the snow-drop, will appear (applause). Miss Mabel Jones, Old Bank, then presented Mrs Davies-Evans with a beautiful bouquet, whilst Miss Nancy Davies, Mayfield, presented the Mayor, in the absence of the Mayoress (Mrs Walker), with a similar bouquet. The following programme was then gone through and was much appreciated by the audienceScarf iT i! PuPils action sons:, '• A Japanese Lmbrella" violin solo, Miss N" Walker; song, "Sur le pont dAvignon," by the pupils; violin 5010. JJFLNSA T -71* rra N TLF*. I J r iixi jjci Lie vmenieau iancT dance, Miss G J ones; violin solo, Mr Bertie Oller- tambourine dance, by the pupils; song, 'The Flower-bells"; March.. ■ajr^^ Inglis-Jones, in proposing a rote of thanks to Mrs Davies-Evans, saidI think we should be very much obliged to Mrs Davies-Evans for her most interesting address. In these days anyone is seriously handicapped in the struggle for life who has an insufficient education, and I think many parents scarcely yet realize their responsibilities in this respect towards their daughters. I say daughters, because in most families an effort, more or less suc- cessful, is made to provide an education for the boys, so that in after years they may be enabled to earn their own living and keep their heads above water. But I fear that often the parents' educa- tional ideas end here, and the girls of the family have to pick up a small amount of knowledge as they can, and the best they can do without regular instruction, is to make bnt a poor affair of it. Now the day is past when a young woman was con- sidered sufficiently equipped witb learning who could read and write, and do a little simple arith- metic. She was thought to be really exceedingly well educated if besides she could make arti- ficial flowers in coloured paper, and tinkle two nr three simple tunes on the parlour piano. I don't know if you have ever read Mrs Gaskell's book, The old ladies of Cranford." If you have, you will doubtless recollect that the heroine, a certain old Miss Mattie, was left early in the 19th century, by the breaking of a bank, absolutely in want of the common necessaries of life. When her friends came to consider what accomplishments she bad by which she could earn her living, they found that her only talent lay in the making of coloured paper spills with which to light candles. Eventu- ally, I believe, the old lady undertook a sugur-plum shop, but I fear she never made it pay, as when- ever she sold sweets to a child she always gave it as well a free present of candied ginger to counter- act the bad effects of the bulls-eyes. Now, to re- turn to what I was saying, parents have to face the question of how they can enable their girls to earn their own living, should circumstances make it necessary they should do tiO. Well, the best thing they can do is to give them a real, good, sound education, and then they can feel that their girls, as well as their.boys.- start well equipped in the battle of life. I now propose a vote of thanks to Mrs Davies-Evans for her kindness in coming here to-day. Dr Walker, in seconding the vote of thanks, asked the audience to use their indulgence this time, as to the programme, as the school had only been in existence about three months, but should they come back next year they will have prepared a better programme. As to Miss Raeburn, he had had the privilege to see some of her methods, and he could say that they were excellent (applause). The vote of thanks was enthusiastically carried. Miss Raeburn, who accompanied on the piano having played God save the King," the audience parted, after a very successful and lenjoyable meeting.

ABERAYRON SHIPPING.—The quay presented a busy appear- ance on Monday, both the "Norseman" and the Telephone discharging their cargoes. Eight or nine ships are now moored in Pwllcam over the winter. READING ROOM.—The quarterly meeting took place on Monday night, when the usual sale of papers, &c took place. The prospects of the Insti- tution, although still fairly gloomy, are improving. What is needed is to have the youth of the town to take a livelier in erest in the room. LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.—The "Par- liamentary Election"—a new feature in the pro- gramme of the Society—took place on Friday even- ing. Mr C Denham Evans presided, and there was a good attendance. Three candidates had been nominated Mr H W Seex (Conservative), Mr J M Howell (Liberal), and Mr E Lima Jones (Labour). Mr Howell did not appear. His place was taken by Mr D Williams, B.A., who laboured under the disadvantage of being unprepared with an address. Mr Seex in his address treated of the disorganised state of the Liberal party, the war, temperance and education reform. He described the Liberal party as composed of Irish, Nationalists, and Fenians, teetotal fanatics, little Englanders, all who were against their country, some dyspeptic grumblers, and a few philanthropists. He warned his audience against taking the patent political pills of the Lab- our candidate, to mind that all pill boxes were marked Tory In conclusion he urged upon all to walk in the narrow, straight path of Toryism. Mr E Lima Jones, addressing his audience as Fellow labourers," and later on as" Men," gave figures relating to the representation in Parliament of the labouring classes. Out of six million, voters, four million belonged to the working classes while out of the 660 Members of Parliament, only 9 were Labour members. He therefore urged upon all the necessity of a stronger labour representa- tion. He denounced both Liberals and Conserva- tives, as they did their best to hoodwink the work- ing classes. Mr D Williams, B.A.. agreed with Mr Seex that Conservatism is a narrow path. The Tory party was the party of class privileges, the paity of stagnation, of opposition to all reform. The fact that there are only nine members of parlia- ment to represent the labouring classes which formed two thirds of of the votes, show that they do not desire to have special representation. The Labour programme is not broad and comprehensive enough. After the candidates' addresses several questions were asked. In answer to Miss Scett, B.A., the .Liberal candidate said he favoured women suffrage, while the Conservative candidate said he would oppose it. The Labour candidate said that every man and woman, not being a criminal nor a lunatic, should have a vote. With regard to the war and the peace terms the Liberal candidate said be believed the war to be an unjust one in its conception, but that annexation was now inevitable. The Labour candidate refused to give an opinion on the war, as it was outside his pro- vince as a Labour candidate. The voting resulted as follows :—Conservative, 13; Liberal 10; Labour, nil.