The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality

THE BUDGET. In our last week's paper we were enabled to give a complete abstract of Mr. Gladstone's speech when irftro- ducing his budget; and to lay before our readers the proposals submitted to the House of Commons by the Queen's finance minister. They did not disappoint the public, in one respect—as they had been led to expect a large surplus, and a considerable reduction of taxation but a numerous class of that public,—those who keenly feel the pressure of the malt tax-will be disappointed at the refusal to afford them relief; at the pertinacity with which they are saddled with a heavy burthen, im- posed in opposition to all those principles of free-trade —of all those sage maxims inculcating the utmost free- dom and elasticity to commence industry,—which have formed the staple of our political economists' speeches and publications for more than a quarter of a century. Either all the declamation iu which those gentlemen have indulged is visionary, unsound, and perfectly fu- tile, or those who are affected oy the malt tax have great cause for complaint. Abstractedly—no objection can be made to Mr. Glad- stone's proposed reductions; and the pleasure which the diminution of the income tax affords is a proof of the extreme unpopularity of that impost. But the income tax operates generally, except upon the working classes; whilst the malt tax operates most injuriously upon the barley grower. Mr. Gladstone, in his speech, made many remarks against class legislation and denied that any class had been favoured by the free-trade measures of the Liberal Government. Supposing this to be the case, though Mr. Bentinck pointed out one class whose interests had been especially served by the repeal of the paper duties,—is it right, that when Free Trade" is the rule, the exception to its application should be made in the case of one class only; and that a class intimately connected with the most important branch of industry in the country ? Mr. Gladstone and his supporters think it is; and aa they form the majority of the present House of Commons, we apprehend the proposals made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be adopted and the repeal of the malt tax will be placed iu the long vista of futurity for, of course, the refusal to apply any portion of the large surplus of the present financial year to its reduction will render still more difficult any attempts to deal with it. A great part of Mr. Gladstone's eloquent speech was devoted to a description, in glowing language, of the unparalleled prosperity of our country. In a certain Series of years, he shewed, that while taxes have been repealed to the amount of seven or eight millions be- yond the produce of those imposed, the revenue has improved, since 1840, at the average rate of £1,316,000 per annum; and he maintained that the wealth of the country was greatly iucreased—that its condition'gene- rally was most, prosperous and satisfactory aud that all was owing to the financial and political economical mea- sures of the party that had governed the country, with few exceptions, for thirty-five years. To this picture of general prosperity, Mr. White, the -iberal member for Brighton, took exceptions. He denied its truth, and maintained that the people of Belgium and Holland- countries where, according to the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer, wealth had not increased in the same Proportion as it had in England, were in a much better condition, than they are in that Kingdom. He referred to the re- ports of the medical officers of the Privy Council, which Itated, that two-fifths of the labouring population of this country, were unable to obtain sufficient food, to keep them in proper health; and quoted a passage from a second publication, by the Professor of Political Eco- nomy, at Oxford, in which he states, that "the English field-labourer has no parallel in the civilized portion of the earth; paint his life in the darkest colours, and you have not described the wretchedness of his condition." And said Mr. White "if this can be said of our rural population, what is to be said of our urban popu- lation, who are living in such poverty, and are herd- ing together in such filth and squalor, it is revolting to the dictates of decency and morality." What indeed ? Suoh pictures are dreadful to contemplate; yet they are what we see every day around us. Wealth is increas- ing, but it is also concentrating amongst one class, instead of being diffused through all classes of the community. Hence the excess of luxury and wretchedness, the "comfort" of the one class, and the misery of the others All the legislation of late years, has tended to increase this evil, to render wider the gap between the rich and the poor. We hope we are now got to the full extent of the evil, and that the attention of our legislators will be directed to find a remedy. There can be no lasting happiness, and prosperity in a free country, where large classes of the people are reduced to the state described by the medical officers of the Privy Council, by the pro- fessor of Political Economy, and by Mr. White: and every philanthropist,—every true friend of the people, ought to direct all his energies and talents to its im- provements.

THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE BANGOR I CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOLS. On last Tuesday week, the scholars of the above Schools were treated with tea, in the National School- room. by the kind liberality of those citizens of Bangor who duly appreciate the value of Sunday Schools and their objects. To the usual entertainment of tea, buna and plumcake there was added this year a literary and musical compe- tition, which gtve the children an opportunity not only of gaining prizes of considerable value, but also of enter- taining those ladies and gentlemen who had been kind enough to subscribe the necessary funds for the feast, and to grace it with their presence. The room had been most elaborately and effectively decorated by Mr. and Mrs. Price, assisted by Mr. Green and the Teachers of the English Sunday School. The walls were ornamented with mottoes and scrolls, while the tables were profusely adorned with bouquets, the choicest flowers having been sent from the Palace, Pen- rhyn Castle, Penrhyn Arms, Tanycoed, and Hodifyr. Flags had been most liberally lent by Miss Jones, M u- seum, Messrs. Parry and Co., Mr. Nixon, and Mrs. Shir- ley, the room thus presented a bright appearance, well suited to the festive occasion. At 3.m., the children, numbering upwards of 400, were admitted by tickets. Shortly afterwards, the School- room became crowded with a very distinguished party of visitors, among whom we noticed—The Lord Bishop of Baugor, Mrs. Campbell, Miss Campbel], Miss Bruce, Miss Anstrathen, Mr. Arthur Campbell, the Lady Sarah Hay Wi lianis, Miss Hay Williams, the Dean of Bangor, Mrs. Vincent, Mrs. Iremonger, the Hon. Mrs. Fitzmau- rice, Mrs. Arthur SVyatt, Mrs. Thomas, the Canonry, Rev. J. Price and Mrs. Price, Mrs. Greenall and family, Mr. and Mrs. Pughe, Llantrisant; A. Stowe, Esq., Rev. W. Lloyd, Mrs. and the Misses Totton, Misses Gillson, Gorddinog; Mrs. and Miss Paramore, Mrs. Thompson and family, Rev. D. Evans, Hev. Harris Jones, Mrs. and Miss Pope, Rev. Charles Jones and Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Hurst, Mrs.' Hickman, Miss Babington, the Misses Pritchard, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Roose Hughes, the Misses Moulsdale, the Misses Ingram, Mrs. and Miss Thomas, Mrs. »jloyd, the Port; Mrs John Lloyd, Mrs. Parry, Mrs. Bradley and Miss Rowlands, Mrs. Birkett, Mrs. Aronson and family, the Misses Douglas, Mrs. and Miss Martin, the Misses Griffith, Miss J. Hopson, the Misses James, Mrs. Harrison, Miss Dykins, Mr. W. Dykins, &c., &c. Grace having been sung, the children sat down to a plentiful supply of tea and bara brith." The tables were presided over by Miss Campbell, Miss Anstrathen, Mrs. A. Wyatt, Mrs. Iremonger, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Pope, &c. Tea was succeeded by the literary and musical compe- tition. The following is a list of the subjects and of the prizes attached to them :— 1. "Sunday,"—an Essay in English and Welsh. 1st prize, 5s; 2nd ditto, 2s 6d. 2. Description of the Painted East window in St. Mary's, Bangor," to be written in English. 1st prize, 3s; 2nd ditto, 2s. 3. The Life of St. Paul," -limited to boys of, or under, thirteen years of age. 1st prize, 2s 2nd ditto, lB. 4. An Account of the Holy Women mentioned in the New Testament,"—limited to girls of or under 14 years of age. 1st prize, 2s; 2nd ditto, Is. 5. List of words not in common use," to be found in the English or Welsh Prayer Book, with a short ex- planation of each. (English) 1st prize, 38; 2nd do., 2s. (Welsh) 1st prize, 3s; 2nd ditto, 2s. 6. A Miniature Shirt." 1st prize, 3s 2nd ditto, 2s. 7. A Knitted Woollen Stocking." Prize, 2s. 8. The Darning of a Stocking." 1st prize, 2s 2nd ditto, Is. 9. Seaming and Hemming,"—candidates not to exceed twelve years of age. 1st prize, Is 6d; 2nd ditto, Is. 10. "Sampler." 1st prize, 2s; 2ud ditto, Is. 11. "Repeating, by heart, in Welsh, the 55th chap. of Isaiah." 1st prize, 2s; 2nd do., Is 6d. 12. Repeating, by heart, in English, the Parable of the Prodigal Son,"—candidates not to exceed 13 years of age. 1st prize, 2s; 2nd ditto, Is 6d. 13. Six verses (Welsh) on "The Sunday School." 14. Competition in Singing :"— 1. Hen wlad fy Nhadau." (2 voices)—prize, 5s. 2. Gogoniant i Gymru," (Llwyn Onii)-(4 ditto)- prize, 10s. 3. Hardy Norsemen," (4 ditto)—prize, 10s. 4. Hard Times," (2 ditto)—prize, 5s. Among the successful candidates, some deserve espe- cial mention :-John R. Roberts, 1st prize for the essay on Sunday" Ellen Jones, Dean-street, to whom was awarded no less than four prizes; Mary Oiven, 1st prize for miniature shirt; .John Thompson Jones, &c. In ad- dition to the above prizes, a very handsome writing desk and a beautifully bound Christian Year" were given by Miss Campbell for the best singing of-" 0 we'rt thou in the cold blast," and, Home, far away." At the close of the competition, the Kev. John Price rose to thank the Bishop, Mrs. Campbell, and the other hdies, for the interest they had taken in the proceedings of the day, and for assisting him in bringing the first ex- periment of the kind, in connection with the Church Sunday Schools at Bangor, to such a successful conclu- sion. The cheering which followed had scarcely subsided, when— The Bishop, addressing the meeting, said that he could not allow the company present to disperse with- out saying how grateful they all felt to Air. and Mrs. Price for the great pains, labour, and trouble which they must have had in preparing this treat. He felt sure that one could hardly realize the amount of thought and care which it must have cost Mr. and Mrs. Price before the arrangements could have been made so com- plete, and he begged to congratulate them both upon the success which had crowned their efforts. His Lord- ship then addressed a few words to the candidates, and to the Sunday School scholars in general. The National Anthem was then sung, and the children dismissed. Thus closed a day which will b3 long re- membered by old and young.

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. The Council of the Eisteddfod have just presented to the subscribers the report for theyear 1865; from which we learn that the arrangements for the forecoming meet- ings at Aberystwith, are proceeding most satisfactorily. The presidents have been definitely fixed as follows The Prince Louis Lucien Bonaparte; the Lord Lieu- tenant of the County; Sir Thomas Davies Lloyd, Bart; and John Johnes, Esq. We are requested to re-pro- duce the following in our columns:— The Council of Yr Eisteddfod" in presenting their programme for 1865, venture to hope that the subjects for prizes have been judiciously selected, and the ar- rangements well considered. From the unprecedented number of applications for the Welsh programme, published a few weeks back, it may fairly be expected that the competition at the Aberystwith Eisteddfod will be superior to that of any previous Eisteddfod. It may well be doubted whether any subject for com- petition could be suggested of deeper interest to the literary world than that of The Origin of the English Nation, including special reference to the question,— How far they are descended from the Ancient Britons?" The vast amount of European learning at this time en- gaged on this, and cognate enquiries, renders the subject peculiary appropriate; and it is expected, that the offer of "One Hundred Guineas" will bring out something worthy of note, such as will stamp the impress of gereral interest on the meeting of this year. Objections have been hinted to the excess of subjects of a local character, applying to the County of Cardigan. In this respect the Council have followed the practice of the "Royal Agricultural" and other nomadic Institu- tions, under the conviction that the best Topographical information is to be obtained through the agency of the interest awakened by the presence of a large assemblage coming together in the locality in question, for the special consideration of objects, more or less, connected with those particular points. It may be hoped that a perseverance in this course will bring together a man of local information, such as will eventually be of great value to Historians of Wales. Not content to repose under the shade of such laurels as may have sprung from bringing out those eminent children of the Eisteddfod, Brinley Richards, John Thomas, Owain Alaw, Edith Wynne, and others; and bearing in mind the strong passion for Music inherent in our people, the Council still seek to bring out and foster talent that might otherwise linger in obscurity. Arrangements have been made for making superiority in Instrumental and Vocal Music, whether solo or choral. In addition to the usual Harp and other Prizes of the Institution, and those so liberally offered by Lady Taunton, Messrs. Cocks and Co., Mrs. Westbrook, and others, two patriotic Ladies, Miss Williams, of Llanfair- yn-nghornwy, and Mrs. Price, of Glantwrch, have kindly undertaken to raise a special fund of S60 for a Vocal Scholarship, to be competed for at the Aberystwith Meeting in September next, by young Welsh females, to enable the successful competitor to avail herself of instruction at the Royal Academy of Music. The best proof of the value of such assistance is afforded by the signal success of Miss Watts, who, from similar means, gained at the Swansea Eisteddfod in 1863, has so pro- fited by the boon, as to have competed successfully at the last Christmas examination, and gained an open King's Scholarship," entitling her to two years further instruc- tion at the Royal Academy of Music. It is hoped that in succeeding years, a similar Scholarship, not exclusively Vocal, but open to all departments of Music, may be established. Prizes of 20 and 15 pounds, and smaller sums for composition and execution of Choral M usic, Glees, and Solos, appear in the programme. The "Social Science" branch, commenced in 1862, has brought out some valuable discussions; and the ex- perience gained at the three last Eisteddfodau, has not only convinced its promoters of the paramount impor- tance of increasing its culture, but also of giving it more room than it has hitherto enjoyed, in the National Insti- tution, for the developement of its valuable fruits. They believe that in no way can the Eisteddfod better promote the welfare of the masses of the people, than by practically discussing in their hearing their social condition, and by means of cheap literature, supplying them with information on subjects of interest and im- portance. Wishing to draw out the capabilities of Wales, Moral, Physical, and Industrial, and taking advantage of the increased facilities now afforded for travelling and tran- sit, the Council have ventured on entirely fresh ground, by adding to the usual details of an Eisteddfod Meeting, An Exhibition of the Art, Industry, and Products of Wales." The step may be a bold one; but, relying on the warm hearts and willing hands of her people, and of those who interest themselves in their welfare, the pro- ject is put forth with considerable confidence. When it is considered that the Eisteddfod is, and has been for many centuries, the only National Rrecreation in which the people take an interest and a part, it is not too much to aver that the essentially instructive character of this ancient Institution is thus preserved and fostered in a direction wholly in keeping with the spirit of the times, and may be highly conducive to the Institution and to the Civilization and Happiness of the people. In this view, the Council earnestly entreat the hearty co-operation of all who wish well to their country by sending to the Exhibition objects of interest in every branch of Art and Industry, as well as specimens of the Products that are, or may be, turned to the profitable occupation of the people. Wales has contributed works of Art, such as those of Wilson and Gibson, that may well be held up to stimulate the artistic talent that may yet lie dorment in our secluded vallies, and to correct the taste of our aspirants; and it is hoped that those who possess these gems of art, will kindly send them for such a noble purpose. Other works of native Artists that have engaged the admiration of thousands in the Exhibition of the Royal Academy, have already been promised to give ettect to this our first attempt. The Slates of the north and the Iron of the south afford a variety of products of great value and interest while the teeming populations that work them up for the market contain many individuals who require but to have their talents drawn out, and their skill exercised, to enable them to take a far higher position. Heads of departments, employers of labour, and persons of influ- ence in their several localities, may do much good by urging men of talent to send for exhibition what their skill may have produced in their leisure hours. Though the Institution is not at present in a position to give pecuniary rewards for all such objects as may be worthy of it, its Medals and Cards of honorable mention cannot fail to be highly prized. Surely, an unprejudiced consideration of what the Institution has done, and is doing, will acquit it of the very absurd accusation that its object is to "exclude all ingress of the English language" by perpetuating the Welsh as the sole permissive vernacular of the country If such had been its aim, would it have offered liberal Prizes For the best mode of teaching English to the people of Wales ?" Would it (as ia the past and pre- sent year) sanction a Prize for The best Poem in English by a native of Wales," or one of "One Hundred Guineas," "For the best Essay in English, Welsh, French, or German, on the origin of the English nation ?" Would it select as Presidents of each day of meeting, men of high position and enlightened minds, such as would nauseate such mischievous folly Would the members of the Council, by putting forth such an ab. surd idea, write themselves down as men, destitute alike of common sense, and of love of their country ? Much of the absurdity of the notion alluded to, arises from the confused and unphilosophical idea that the use of the Welsh language, necessarily involves the exclusion of the English, as if the two languages could not possibly co- exist. Facts, however, are the best correctors of false ideas. The rapid increase of English in the last twenty years, concurrently with an enormous increase of Welsh Literature (80,000 copies of purely Welsh periodicals having been issued on the 1st January, 1865), incontes- tably proves that the co-esistance of the two languages is quite compatible. IndeJd it goes further, and fully warrants the presumption that the cultivation of the one eminently contributes to the appreciation and ac- quirement of the other. It is perhaps right, to add -that the course of action, and the sentiments avowed above, are those of The National Eisteddfod," and that this Institution has no connection whatever with anj other meetings under a similar title that may be held in Wales. Subscribers of One Guinea and upwards per annum, will be entitled to a first-class ticket of admission to all tmeetings of the Eisteddfod—the right of voting at all the general meetings—and a copy of the Eisteddfod publications free by post. Signed, on behalf of the Council, JOHN GRIFFITH, Chairman. I

CONWAY. A NOVEL MODE OF OBTAINING COFFEE.—A Girlish Freak.-A Correspondent, writing from this place, says:A curious circumstance, which I picked up from some of the gossipping fraternity in this town, is related as having taken place, the day before, which may interest your bachelor readers, who swear that the girls are always in some mischief or other." One day last week a fair damsel of this town committed an act, which many, no doubt, will consider to exceed the limits of a good practical joke. However, I shall give you the facts, and leave it to your superior judgment to say whether you consider it so or not. The girl having enjoyed her evening stroll, paid a visit to the railway station, and there met with an old countrywoman, who had that morning left the wilds of Penmachno, and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Bangor train to re- turn home. Having half-an-hour to spare, and being of an inquisitive turn of mind, and of a social disposition, she soon entered into conversation with this wicked daughter of Eve—the only person present to whom she could have addressed her enquiries. Whilst walking to and fro on the platform, the old woman became very communicative, which soon excited the irascible nature of the girl. Having approached the apparatus to sup- ply the engine with water (an instrument which of all others appeared to tickle the old woman's fancy) she instantly asked what it was, when the girl seriously re- plied, Ob, this is the Station's Coffee Mill." A coffee mill! said the old woman, struck with amazement- is there coffee in it now 1" "Oh, yes," said her in- formant and do you think I could have a little to take home with me ?" But," asked the young female' are you going straight home from here ? Receiving a re- ply in the affirmative, the wicked damsel said-" Now then, hold your apron. modryb bach, and I will fill it for you." The old woman, with a guilty mien, having cast a sly look around to see if there was anyone near, stretched out her apron, and looking up steadfastly at the hose, the hancile was operated upon, and down came the coffee, which the poor woman found, to her extreme horror and disgust was only aqua, in its purest and most unadulterated state The shock to her nervous sys- tem was so great, that she cried out mightily for help. An official having come to her rescue, she explained to him how she had been treated to a complete shower of water, under a coffee-mill," by a girl who had decamp- ed. The delinquent being well-known to the porter, was soon after cautioned not to repeat such girlish freaks any more in the Station, which she promised not to do, explaining at the same time, that she only wanted to correct the thieving propensities of the old woman, which was so manifested in this instance, in her desire to become possessed of the porter's coffee. The train having arrived, the old woman, in rather an uncomfort- able state, stepped into a third-class carriage, and re- lated her troubles to a sympathising audience (with- holding, of course, the most material fact in the case), and left for Llanrwst, swearing vengeance against the wicked and mischievous Conway girls."

I DENBIGH. I CORPORATION MEETING. The quarterly meeting cf the Denbigh Corporation was held on Monday, 1st inst. Present—R. Lloyd Williams, Esq., Mayor; J. Parry Jones, Esq. j E. H. Griffith, Esq., R. Owen, Esq., Dr. Hughes, Dr. Edwards Messrs. E. Davies, R. Foulkes, draper; R. Foulkes, Graig; Wm. Story, W. Parry, R. Williams, town clerk; andM. Smith, borough treasurer. The Town Clerk reported the payment to the execu- tors of Mrs. Ann Edwards of the mortgage of E 1.135, and the transfer of her mortgage to the trustees of the Infirmary for £ 1,000. Plan of Struü and Draim-A plan of the streets and drains in the town, as prepared by Mr. Clough, Park-street, at a cost of C5, was produced and laid on the table. The Mayor, Mr. Parry Jones, and others, expressed high approval of the plan as being correct, neat, useful, and very cheap. The Gas Metre Act.-A discussion on the desirability of adopting the Gas Metre Act took place at a previous meeting of the Council, and was adjourned till this meet- ing, but the subject was approached with marked in- difference. The Town Clerk said its adoption involved such ex- pense and trouble that it was not worth while to discuss the question any more. Mr. Parry Jones said, although he was a Director of the Gas Company, he thought it would be desirable to have some check on the Directors and the Les- sees. The Major, and Mr. Foulkes, draper, observed that the quantity and price of gas consumed by them re- spectively during the past quarter had unaccountably increased. The Dublin Exhibition.—A letter was read from the Lord Mayor of Dublin applying for the loan of the Cor- poration banners to adorn a certain department in the forthcoming Dublin Exhibition. The Town Clerk said that Denbigh Corporation had no banners, and a reply to that effect was instructed to be sent to the Lord Mayor. Utilisation of Sewage.-Reports upon the utilisation of Metropolitan Sewage were laid on the table, but no dis- cuesion arose upon them. Building for Sheep Hurdles.- The Town Clerk read a report on the necessity of erecting a suitable building at Pwllgrawys to store the sheep hurdles which are used for penning sheep on fair days. On the motion of Mr. Parry Jones, the matter was referred to the Market Committee. A complaint was made respecting the intrusion of shows on the sheep ground on the last Blossom Fair day. Mr. Evan Davies said a line for the Shows had been defined before, and it seemed to him that the order of the Council was not obeyed. Mr. Hugh Hughes, Star Inn, toll collector, was sent for, and questioned on the subject. He stated that he had great difficulty with the Show people on the Blos- som Fair day they were a set of blackguards, and could not be controlled but he gave way to them because he studied the interest of the Corporation Fund. (Laugh- ter.) They had paid to him, he said, a large amount of tolls. A resolution was passed urging the former order of the Council to be strictly carried out in future. The Fire Engine.-The Town Clerk reported that the Fire Engine had been ordered per Mr. Hugh Roberts, ironmonger, and was expected to arrive in a few days. It is valued at £ 150, including equipments. £ 104 have Been collected, and Mr. Parry J ones, we believe, has promised to find the remaining sum required to makeup the ZE150. It was agreed that the Corporation should meet at the Railway Station to receive the Engine on its arrival. The Mayor also hinted that he should call a public meeting on an early day for the purpose of forming a volunteer brigade, establishing rules, &c. Alteration of the Assembly Room.-The Mayor produ- ced plans and specifications of the proposeq, alteration of the Assembly Room, to make it more suitable for con- certs and other public entertainments. They were gra- tuitously prepared by the Mayor himself. Mr. Parry Jones said the Market Hall also required repairing, and he would suggest that the alteration of the Assembly Room be deferred until the cost of repair- ing the Market Hall could be ascertained. The Mayor, in answer to a question by one of the Councillors, stated that the estimated cost of effecting the proposed alteration of the Assembly Room was laid down by Mr. Clarke at X190. Mr. E. H. Griffith was of opinion that a change in the arrangements of the Assembly Room would be very de- sirable, and a good revenue might be derived from it if the Town Hall was confined alone to county meet- ings. The Town Clerk said he hoped the Council would not neglect the present opportunity of proceeding with the proposed alteration, which in every respeot would benefit the town. Now the room was almost useless. Mr. Parry Jones fully agreed with the remarks made as to the desirability of altering the Room, and the town was much indebted to the Mayor for so kindly preparing the plans and specifications, but, where were they to get money to go on with the work ? The Treasurer said he had only a balance of one far- thing in hand. (A laugh.) The Town Clerk remarked that a sum of f 150 to de- fray various debts had been paid out of the Corporation fund during the past year. On the motion of Mr. Parry Jones seconded by Mr. R. Owen, it was resolved that the thanks of the meeting be given to the Mayor for preparing the plans and speci- fioations, but that the work be deferred until more funds can be obtained. The Fron-Goed Drainage.-lbe Treasurer reported that the owners of property in Fron-Goed had paid the first moiety of the assessment made by the Corporation to defray the expense of new drainage in that locality. This was deemed a very satisfactory piece of intelli- gence. Report of Nuisances.—A report of the existence and removal of nuisances was read by the Town Clerk. Mr. Parry Jones said he was surprised the report did not contain any notice of the various encroachments of the footpaths in the town-and alluded especially to those in Yale Street connected with the premises in course of alteration by Mr. Hughes, draper. The Town Clerk said the Corporation had no autho- rity to interfere with those encroachments, unless the Local Government Act were adopted, which would vest the roads and streets in the Corporation. Mr. Parry Jones replied that the Corporation had often interfered with similar encroachments, and effec- tually too. The Town Clerk admitted the Corporation had done so, but without legal authority. The Mayor apprehended that the Corporation as a body of ratepayers could give instructions to the high- way Surveyors to remove the encroachments, and if they neglected to do so they could be summoned before the magistrates. The Town Clerk said that that would be the right course for the Corporation to adopt. The Mayor having referred to the flagging before Mr. Knowles's shop in Vale Street as being dangerous to the public, Mr. Parry Jones proposed that the highway Survey- ors be requested to proceed against all parties encroach- ing on the streets, roads, or footpaths. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The Mil;ti(t.-The Mayor read a communication from Col. Biddulph applying for accommodation in Denbigh to assemble the Denbighshire Militia for 27 days train- ing. His Worship, however, explained that various difficulties had since presented themselves to the Colonel unfavourable for the Militia to meet this year in Den- bigh. Mr. E. II, Griffith said it was he that had first sug- gested the idea to the Colonel of bringing the militia to Denbigh, thinking that their presence would benefit the town. They were in the habit of spending X2,000 dur- ing the term of training, and he did not see why Wrex- ham should always receive that money. It would only be fair for them to meet in Denbigh alternately with Wrexham. After little conversation it was decided that the Mayor should write to the Colonel expressing an opinion that there is sufficient accommodation in Denbigh to receive militia, and if they are not brought this year, to request that they be assembled there in 1866. The Grammar School.-Mr. Parry Jones-I have been expecting to hear some account to-day of the New Scheme for the future regulation of the Grammar School, which I believe has been obtained from the charity Commissioners. Up to this hour I have not seen that scheme and as you (the Mayor) in your office as chief Magistrate of the Borough are one of the Trus- tees I think it was only due to us that the scheme should have been laid before the Council when it was first received. The Mayor—The scheme was sent to me by Mr. Myd- dleton with a request to forward it to the Rector. I did so, and it never struck me that it was to be laid before the Council. Mr. Parry Jones—The scheme should have been brought here before being placed in the hands of a Com- mittee. I am not one of the favoured party appointed on the Committee, and were it not for the newspapers I should have been in utter darkness about the scheme. I declined to sign the petition to the trustees because I had to advise Mr. Myddleton respecting the dismissal of Mr. Burchall, the late schoolmaster; and having done the most disagreeable part of the business, I have been left wholly unnoticed. Mr. Martin Smith has thought fit in getting up this Committee to exclude my name. Mr. Foulkes, draper—Did you not reoeive a printed copy of the scheme Mr. Parry Jones-No. Mr. Foulkeo--A copy ought to hare been sent to you The Mayor-The matter has been widely circulated in the newspapers and discussed by everybody. It is not so much in the hands of the Corporation as it is in the hands of the public. Mr. Parry Jones—The regular course would have been for the scheme to be in the first instance discussed at a meeting of the Town Council, and the Mayor could afterwards call a public meeting to consider the sub- ject. Dr. Hughes-I understand that the Corporation are the sole trustees of Acr Forwyn, (a portion of the School property.) The Town Clerk-Yes they are. Mr. Parry Jones—We are the sole trustees of Acr Forwyn and know nothing of the scheme for the man- agement of the charity The Mayor-It must come here before it is finally passed. The subject then dropped.

DOLGELLEY. Tal WRATIIER.-After the hot weather it made here lately we have had much change, and it is now quite different, it makes fine showers of rain both in the night and in the day time, which shews to every one that we have to expect a good harvest after it again. Last Sunday morning as the Rev. Archdeacon White, Rector of Dolgelley, and Mrs. White were driving from their residence, Garthmaelan, to the morning service at Dolgelley, their horse took fright and galloped furiously down a steep hill near their residence. The servant man was thrown off the box and sustained some injury, but not of a serious nature. The animal then proceeded unchecked on his mad career, till the carriage came in violent contact with the kerbstone of the Dolgelley bridge, which caused the forepart of the carriage to be detached from the body and hindwheels and the carriage upset. The Archdeacon and Mrs. White, very fortu- nately retained their presence of mind, kept their seats in the carriage, and so, piovidentially, escaped injury. Notwithstanding the great shock they must have sus- tained, they were both able to attend morning service, when public thanksgiving was offered to Almighty God for their preservation and escape from so great a danger. The Ven. Archdeacon took his usual part in the service, and preached an excellent sermon. A rumour of the accident soon spread through the town. Expression of sympathy with the Archdeacon and Mrs. White, and of thankfulness for the providential escape was general amongst all classes and creeds of the community, where they are both much and deservedly respected. PETTY SEssIONs.-Before L. Williams, Esq., the Venerable Archdeacon H. W. White, and Colonel Bun- bury. Drunk and riotous.-Robert Pugh of this town was charged with this offence by P. C. William Jones who desposed as follows :—I served a copy of the summons produced on the defendant personally on the 29th of April last. He did not appear on the 23rd of April last. At about 2 o'clock in the morning, he came out of his house and made a great noise in Well-street, I asked him to go into his house but he refused. I took him to the station. He had been abusing his wife and was very drunk. To be imprisoned for four days. Refusing to quit a Public House.-William Jones, an old offender was charged with this offence by P.C. E. P. Evans, who deposed as follows. Between 11 and 12 o'clock at night I was called to the Skinner's Arms. I went there, the landlady Ann Jones asked me to turn him out, he refused to go out, I was obliged to force him out. When he went out into the street, I asked him to go to his lodgings, he refused and laid down by the Skinner's Arms. I took him to the station. Defendant admitted that he had no goods to distrain upon. Fined, £2 and costs, but as Jones was not ready to pay the money, two calendar months imprisonment. LOCAL BOARD.—The third monthly meeting of the Dolgelley Local Board was held at the Shire Hall, at half-past two on the 1st inst. There were present—Mr. P. Basset, Chairman Mr. W. Williams, Ivy House; Mr. E. Walker, Solicitor Mr. G. Williams, Solicitor; Mr. J. Chidlaw Roberts, Nf r. W. Jones, Draper Mr. Ed. Jones, Ship Hotel; Mr. J. Jones, Meyrick House Mr. Richard Williams, Corn Merchant. The minutes of the last Board were read by Mr. D. Pugh, the clerk, and confirmed. Mr. Robert Roberts, Inspector of Nuisance submitted his report of the work done, and expenditure incurred during the last month. He also reported the removal of Nuisances which the Board had ordered to be done by the occupiers of premises. The Inspector also gave the measurement of the proposed main sewers, the subject had been mooted at several of the previous meetings of the Board. The subject of a complete system of main drainage was then fullydiscussed,all the members taking part in it. N early all the members present expressed their opinion to the effect, that it would be a waste of the putJio money to "()nllt.11t drninft, rjienemAol, horA and there, until a complete system of sewerage was con- structed. It was eventually agreed that the first and most important business of the Board is to provide a complete and effectual system of public sewerage for the town, the conformation of the town and district being such, that a continuous stream of clean water could be turned to all the mains, and so effectually flush them without labour or cost, after the first outlay. To give the discussion a practical turn Mr. Griffith Williams proposed, and Mr. Edward Jones seconded, That the Clerk be ordered to advertize for tenders for preparing plans and sections for the construction of the work, with an estimate of the cost." The Chairman suggested that an application should be made to some engineer who had successfully constructed a similar work in a small town like Dolgelley. For he (the chairman), found, that the ideas of engineers who had been engaged only in large and populous town, were altogether too extensive for such a community ahd limited means. The resolution was adopted. Mr. W. Williams proposed, that the Board adopt a Code of Bye-Laws, more especially as regards pedlars and costermongers, who occupy the public streets on fair days, nearly block up the thoroughfares, and cause great inconvenience to the trades-people. Some of the members proposed that a change should be made for the privilege of erecting stalls or booths on the street. And, that the limit should be marked out, so as to allow sufficient space for public traffic. The Clerk said, that he had written to several towns for a copy of their Bye-Laws, which had been approved by the Home Secretary, but had not yet received a reply, except from Carnarvon. The subject was ordered to be brought before the Board at the next meeting.

HOLYHEAD. I COUNTY COURT.-Tueidty, May 2. Before R. V. Williams, Esq., Judge. The cause list was not very long. but contained seve- ral matters of importance and public interest. Ashurst and others v. Hughes.—This was a claim for X5 17s. lid., money paid in seamen's wages, by the owners of the schooner Sir Richard," against the cap- tain, whose duty it was (sailing on shares) to have paid the men, and who had neglected to do so. It appeared that the captain had been discharged, and considered himself hardly used. Evidence was given that he had with difficulty been made to account for freight, &c., and was discharged for bad management. Judgment for plaintiffs, with immediate payment. For plaintiffs, Mr. John Williams, Beaumaris. Hughes v. Ro%vlancls, -This long case was now tried anew. A verdict had at the last Court been obtained for defendant; that decision was now reversed, the Jury deciding in favour of the plaintiffs ou all points submitted to them. For plaintiff, Mr. Powell; for defendant, Mr. T. Gold Edwards. J ones v. Roberts.-To recover f 2 2s., alleged to have been paid by plaintiff to defendant, to be paid on to a third person. ) Defendant showed that he was a contractor, and this third person a joiner engaged by him, and that he had a full right to receive on account of this man's labour, higher wages than he actually paid over to him. Judgment for defendant, with costs. Plaintiff conducted his own case, the defendant being represented by Mr. John Williams. Nicholson v. Jones.—This was a claim for £12 for professional services, but it resulted ir. a non-suit, inas- much as a wrong person had been served—though of the same name, trade, and family, as the intended de- fendant. His HONOR refused to allow this person's costs, on the ground that he ought to have explained the mistake before coming to court. For plaintiff, Mr. John Williams for defendant, Mr. J. T. Williams, Carnarvon. Two bankrupts, Thos. Davies and Wm. Parry, were adjourned to the next Llangefui Court. The Prince of Wales is expected to pass through this town on Monday next on his way to open the Dublin Exhibition, which is announced to take place on Tues- day the 9th inst. The royal yacht, Victoria and Albert will be ready in the new Harbour, to convey his Royal Highness over the Channel, which will undoubtedly be accompanied by other vessels. COLLISION AT SEA.—About midnight, on Saturday, the 28th ult., the schooner Fauny Taylor, under the command of Lewis, to and from Aberystwith, in ballast, bound to Whitehaven, came into collision about three miles north-west of South Stack Light, with the ship Hermonides, of St. John's, New Brunswick, under the command of Moran, from Liverpool, bound to Riu Ja- neiro, with a cargo of 00818, when the latter struck «, schooner right amidahip, cutting her down to the w; ter's edge and sinking her immediately. The m.J*" and crew had just time to save themselves by iumn'W on board the Hermonides. About four a.m. on the SOU? the schooner Isabella, of Strangford, bound up the chan nel, came near when she was hailed, and took the cre of the Fanny Taylor on board, and landed them at Holy. head, at 11 a.m., on the same day. We believe the master and crew of the schooner have lost all their ef. fects. The master of the Fanny Taylor reports that the Hermonides had no side light burning at the time of the colli. ion, for immediately after he got on board h saw the lights taken out of a house on deck, in orj,? that they might be put into their places. If such be pro/ ed to be the case, the entire blame will be attributed to the negligence on board the Hermonides.

I RUTHIN. GREAT FIRE AND LOSS LIFE AT LLANBEDR HALL. Llanbedr Hall is a pretty mansion situated on what we may well term a paradisical spot on the southern slopes of the Clwydian Mountains, within two miles of the town of Ruthin, and overlooking scenes of a most rich and enchanting character. It belongs to the estate of the late Mr. Jesse, but was recently leased to Major Rowley. On Saturday last, about 2 p.m., one of the housemaids felt excessive heat in one of the upper bed- rooms, and instantly communicated to the other domes- tics, and in a few minutes afterwards volumes of thick smoke were seen from outside issuing from the roof in the centre of the house. This was sufficient to convince all that fire was about to break out, and the great- est consternation prevailed amongst the servants and others connected with the noble hall. Mr. Williamson (Mr. Ablett Jesse's coachman) quickly fought his way to the roof to ascertain the extent of the danger, and after a hurried but careful examination, he reported that a terrific conflagration would be the result in a very short time. His prediction was, haplessly, verified, for at 3 p.m. the flames burst forth with wild fury, under a stiff breeze, and the crashing sounds effected by the burning element told that vast destruction was being done. The double-action forcing pump on the premioea was set in motion, and the hose thereof was skilfully applied by Mr. Cowen, the head gardener. The fire was perceived from Ruthin; the bells of St. Peter's Church chimed a fire alarm, and no time was lost in taking the Castle fire engine to render its aid at the scene of destruction. Plenty of water was available and the engine was in good working order before five o'clock. The police and a crowd of people hastened to give their assistance in checking the progress of the fire. Mr. Ablett Jesse was on the spot at an early period and naturally enough exerted himself in saving his own property, and under his directions the furniture, plate, pictures and paintings, books, and all valuable articles' were as hastily as possible removed to safe quarters, Mr. John Jenkins and Mr. R. T. Birch, Brynmorfydd. were indefatigable in their activity-but in defiance of all efforts the fire was not totally put out until between 8 or 9 o'clock in the evening, after causing a loss of pro- perty to the amount of at least X600 to X800. The en. tertaining room—drawing room, morning room, librarv. and the bedrooms above, were completely destroyed, and only the bare walls were left, surrounding a huge heap of debris, consequent upon, the falling in of the roof, floors, timber, &c. A large portion of the wain- scoting of the burnt rooms was fortunately dislocated and saved and owing to similar precautionary steps being taken in other rooms, the mansion was greatly dis- figured throughout. Luckily, the wind happened to change somewhere near six o'clock, which had the effect of carrying the flames over the front of the house, thus saving in a great measure the back parts of the premises from exposure to peril. We regret to say that a large quantity of useful and valuable books, upon almost every topic, ancient and modern, from the splendid library of the late Mr. Jesse, was burnt to ashes or otherwise injured so as to be wholly worthless for further perusal. In the drawing room was a costly best by Gibson of Proserpine (valued at £ 1,000), and at one critical moment it was feared that it would be destroyed,—the pedestal broke into pieces from the influence of the heat, but the statue itself was retrieved. Tradition says of Proserpine that she was the daughter of Ceres, called by the Greeks Persephone, who was so beautiful that Jupiter became enamoured of her. She resided in Sicily, and delighted in the fl,)wery meadows and limped streams which beau- tified the plains of Euna. From this solitary retreat Pluto, sou of Saturn and Ops, carried her away into the infernal regions, of which she became the queen, and was subsequently universally worshipped by the ancients. The cause of the fire is a profound mystery, and we cannot attempt to unravel it. Mrs. Rowley witnessed the whole scene, but Major Rowley had departed from home, only, however, a few hours before the fire was dieoovored. The property was strictly watched by "0 day and night until Monday, and all suspicious parties were driven off the grounds. The Hall, we believe, was insured, to what amount we failed to ascertain. A MAN KILLED. We have, until now, reserved the most heartrending item of the account of this destructive ifre, involving the loss of a life, which was far more dear to the bosom of a dear mother and a family of little children than the property destroyed could possibly be to its owners. About half-past six o'clock, a poor man named Robert Jones, a labourer, ran from his daily toil to give a help- ing hand in extinguishing the fire. His lot fell amongst the men who were working the forcing-pump, which was done by means of turning a wheel with two handles- one each side. Robert Jones held one handle, and to that a rope was affixed, which was pulled by two men for the purpose of hastening the action of the pump. The wheel was travelling at a rapid speed, and in some inexplicable way the shirt sleeve of Robt. Jones became entangled in the handle; the motion of the wheel instantly raised him on' his feet and threw him headlong against ? wooden case attached to the pump. The unfortunate man was picked up in an insensible state, and was bleeding profusely. Dr. Jenkins happen- ed to be present, and having examined the wounds, he at once declared that it was a fatal case. A fearful cut was observed extending from the forehead over the head to the right ear. The skull was fractured and depressed, and life was extinct in less than two hours after the accident occurred. The body was conveyed to a building in the farm yard, where it remained until Monday, to await the coroner's inqui- sition, which, we regret to add, was attend- ed with much unpleasantness. The coroner (Dr. Pierce, of Denbigh), was summoned to hold the inquest at the Griffin Inn, in the village of Llanbedr, but when he arrived at that place at 10 a.m., the body nor the jury were not there. After some delay, the coroner pro- ceeded to Llanbedr Hall, and was followed by a strag- gling jury, who, seemingly, are in the habit of paying little or no regard to punctuality. The Coroner had to encounter another difficulty. He asked Major Rowley for a room wherein to hold the inquest, but the Major \ery ungraciously told him to go to a stable or some of the out- buildings in the farm-yard. The Coroner very properly felt indignant and spoke a little of his mind to the Major, in his own plain and unceremonious style. Ultimately the jury were guided to the coachman s house, where the inquest was opened. After hearing the evidence of Thomas Anslow and David Jones, the two men who were working at the pump with the de- ceased a verdict of accidental death" was returned. Before dismissing the jury, The Coroner said—Gentlemen, I wish to say a few words to you before you leave this court. I never had so much unpleasantness in my capacity as coroner as I have experienced on this occasion. In the first place I was aggrieved to find the body was not in the Griffia Inn, and for that I must blame the police. Serjeant Shean—Doctor, the coffin is not made yet, and until we get the coffin we cannot remove the body. The Coroner—That is nothing to me. I was told that the body was at the Griffin Inn, and the police should have seen that it was taken there in proper time. It was of more importance for them to looic after the re- mains of this poor man than the property of r.b¡or Rowley. hat business had they to be parading On the lawn this morning, admiring the scenery around them, when twelve men were in confusion as to how to proceed with the inquest. The jury are ratepayers, and have M much claim upon the police as Major Rowley, who & quite able to employ men to watch his property. And let me tell you, gentlemen, that Major Rowley h13 behaved towards us this day in a very uucourteous man- ner—unbecoming of his position as a gentleman. e has insulted the dignity and disregarded the solemnity of this court. When you went to view the body I re- quested you to take off your hats, to respect the memory of the dead, and the body of Robert Jones deserves as much respect that of a king or queen of England-" rich and poor are brought to the same level in deitn- But mark the conduct of Major Rowley. This P?' man, as a kind neighbour, rushed to help in saving W property and in doing so sacrificed his life, and ¡e/ wife and children to live on the mercy of the pubuc? and what respect does Major Rowley Bhewto his corple? He puts it in an ollt-house and declines to find a MKe room than a stable or a hovel for the jury to enquo into the cause of the poor man's death. Thus, I gal he has disrespected this court, the solemn oath you h': taken on this book (the Bible), and the memory t dead! If we had been a pack of hounds he coul no? have treated us with greater indignity.. Moat of the jury signified their approval of the coroner's observations.