The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality

Betton's Charity for Wales. LTo THE EDITOR.] SIR, —My attention has just been drawn to the request of the Ruri-decanal Chapter of Arllechwedd that I should send you an outline of the bearings of Betton's Charity. I have much pleasure in responding to the request. The Charity was founded by Thomas Betton in 1724, one-fourth in aid of charity schools in London, where the education is according to the Church of England one-fourth for the relief of necessitous members of the Ironmongers' Company, the remaining two-fourths for the redemption of British slaves in Turkey and North Africa: As the direct object of the last named bequest failed, measures were taken with a view to applying the funds in the way most in accord with the general intentions of the founder. Bv a judgment of the House of Lords, June 7th, 1844, it was affirmed that if such funds were to be given in furtherance of education 11 it was clear (Lord Brougham) he meant that it should be according to the Church of England (see Times letter dated October 26th, A. Kemble). Accordingly, in 1845, this portion designed for the redemption of slaves was, after years of protracted litigation, and careful.considera- tion of nearly 500 competing schemes which came before the Court, assigned by the Court of Chancery to its present purpose of assisting Church Schools in the various Dioceses of England and Wales by small grants not ex- ceeding 220 a year to any one a .tr 1. It might have been thought that the care with which the present scheme of the Court of Chancery was drawn up j the caie, too, with which it has since been administered by the Ironmongers' Company as trustees of the charity (as admitted in print by the Charity Commis- sioners themselves) would have amply sufficed as arguments for the continuance of the existing scheme. Apparently, however, the Charity Commissioners have for 15 years been seeking to divert this fund for other purposes, for we find that the National Society, in 1878, pro- testing against the anticipated action of the Commissioners that time. But why should it be proposed to divert:this fund P One argument advanced in favour of the proposed transfer is the increased value of the endowment which, from being worth t4970 annually in 1845, has now an annual value of over 27000. But if the value of the property has increased, much more have the efforts to provide Church Schools. Another plea on the part of the Commissioners is that their jurisdiction to alter the distribu- tion of charities was intended to provide a oheaper and more expeditious method of dealing with the income of charities formerly vested exclusively in the Court of Chancery. As to the charge of extravagance in distribution it has been ascertained on enqniry that the costs of its administration do not exceed 3 per cent. I am further informed, on sound legal authority, that it was not intended that they should revise. as they propose to do in this case, decisions of the Court of Chancery itself. In conclusion, I beg to lay before your readers a copy of Act 16 and 17 Vic., c 37, s 43: No. thing herein contained shall diminish or detract from any right or privilege which by any Rule or Practice of the ?ouz,t of Chancery, or by the construction of Law, now subsists for the pre- ference or the exclusive or special benefit of the Church of England or the mem bers of the same j Church, in settling any scheme for the regula- tion of any charity, or in the appointment or removal of trustees, or generally in the applica- tion or management of any charity." DANIEL LLOYD, Hon. Sec., Bangor Diocesan Board of Education. Llandrygarn Yicarge, Anglesey, December 18th, 1893.

Antiquarian Notes SCOTLAND'S DEBT TO WALEP. [To THE EDITOR.] BIB,—Some weeks ago I read in your valuable paper a quotation from the speech of the Marquis of Lome when opening a Welsh bAzaar in Man- chester, BUtiiijf that the present condition of Scot- land was due to Wales-" That the leading hero of Soottish independence was one Wallaoe,a Welshman settled on the Clyde and it was primarily owing to a Welshman that Soot'and held the blessed position in the Unitad Kingdom whioo she at present oconpied and England owed her most powerful dynasty to the pretty dancing of a fine Welsh oountry gentleman,Owen Tudur (Fenmynydd Man)," May I add the following notes T a. haiarn was the grandson of Gwilym Udn o Arfon, or Wallace named above, who flourished in the year 1020, who suoceeded Bleddyv, and conquered (iryffydd ap CynaD ap lago ap Idwal (the legal beir to the Princedom), at Bron yr Er. near Harlech. Rhys also (the Prince of South Walee) fell in a battle, leaving the throne of South Wales to Rhys ap Tewdwr Mawr. But Graffydd ap CyBan I joined Rhye ap Tewdwr, and with an united army after that slew Trahaiarn on tbe:mountain Bear Carno, in Montgomeryshire, in a battle. It is eaid that the war comraenoed at sunrise and continued till early next morning 1 Trahaiarn's son, Gwallter Ddu or Wallace, escaped with 300 of bis father's men to Sootland, and be 1 was the founder of the Stewarts. The said Walter Ddu ap Trabaiarn's, the exile who was to be the Prince of North Wales, great grandson married the daughter and heiress to the King (Robert Bruce, of Sootland). James the IV., King of Scotland, married Margaret, sister to Henry the Till., of Keg land (a relative of Owen Tadur). Their descen- dants were James V., Mary, James the VI of Scot- land and I. of England, Charles I., Elizabeth, Charles II., and Sophia, who married Ernest Au- gustas, of Hanover; George I., George II., George III., George IV., William IV., and our Graoious Qneen Viotoria. God save the Queen of Welsh and Soottish origin. Sir William Wallace was the great hero of the Rusticates of Ytrad Clwyd, and be was hated by the Norman-Bootch noblemen by whose hands lie was betrayed. There were no lnos than 40,000 of the Wallaoes or Welshmen in the army of Edward I., but it is said as long as Sir William Wallace had tbe presidency over the Sootch armies that they ref aa-id to fight agaimtbim nor strike a single blow assirst a cause that was for so many rraaona in unit-on with tbeira. ALLTCD EIFIOW. • GnifTvdd ap Cynan began to reign in the year 1080, and died in 1137. °

THBOAT IRHI rATiON AND COCQH.—Soreness and dry j cess, tickling and irritation inducing oough and affect ingthe voice. For these symptoms use Epp,?'s Glycer- ine Jujubes. b contact with the glands at the moment they are excited by the act of sucking, the ol,ine in these agTeeable confections becomes act?]vel y healing. So.d only in boxes, 7d., tins l, l^d., !aheHed "JAMM Epps & Co., Bomœopathic Chem;sts, London." Dr. Moore in his work on Nose and Throat Diseases," says The Glycerine Jujubes prepared by James Epps and Co. are of undoubted service as a curative or palliative ? nt while Dr Gordon Holmes, Senior Physician to tn;{u:f;.sr;:on and e: Infirmary, writes After an extended trial I have found your Glycerine Jujubes of considerable benefit in almost all forms of throat disease," Epps's labelled Medicines, are told in Bangor by T. Webster, 241,High rtreet. e THE PTR IOHT TIP for the winner is anxiolisly sought for prior to any of our great races, an i the iny or sorrow of the jvoipients is largely measured by the amuunt cf money they afterwards win or lose. There is no uncertainty, however, or anguished suspense, as to the result of using Holloway's Pills and Ointment. After a fair trial the gain is sure and great. The Pills, taken oocafion..lly in prescribed do es, keep tbe digestion in order, excite a free flow cf healthy bila, and regenerate the impoverished blood with rioher materials. The Ointment is a grand remedy fcr the removal of rheuuatio pains, wounds, sores, ulcers, ouU, or bruises.. A BBACTiniL CoKPUmo"?.—Snlphcline Lotion clear l ff every Pimple Spot or Disfigurement- Shilling bottles Sulpholiue, Quite harmless. Krurywhere-

[NOW FIRST PUBLISHED.] CHRISTMAS GTFTS AND HOW TO MAlvli THEM. [A 1,1, Riuirrs RISSKHVKD.] "Wlieii Christ mas comes with mirth and cheer To clasp the circlol of the year, Then forth for Imllj' anil pine. Our wreaths ot i>v«rgru n to twine Then swift we 11 i;i .u-rn ,s the snow, ?T<)nnd)heK?'.?n'i!?n?-.t)etoe, Ami "traight ami uitl a id branching free, Wit haste to choose the.- G'iiristmm tree. When Christ, lias comes, lor mother and Kate, All sorts of sweet surprises wait; And little finders thrill with joy, As 1)rvtt Rifts their ?kill employ. :'hlgr:l,:1:)J1,II: her best To make it beautiful for the rest, Aiitliio one thinks of selfish ease, Bill seeks his nei^iibi-iir to serve and please; When Christmas cOII,es there is iioiio3 so poor, He will turn the beggar from his door. When Christ mall COIIII'S the rich and great Search out their brothers of low enute, And I he slei«h-iiells ring, the church bells chime. The children sing in the merry time; And smiles and greetings leap to lips That Ions were set in grief's eclipse, For angels of comfort come and no Within the Yule Log's radiant glow." MARGARET E. SANGBTER, in Y, ung England. Falling leaves and shortening days have for many weeks foretoM that winter was drawing near; and now the very air we breathe is made musical with the voices of Christinas. Faces, lighted with" Good will to men," meet and justle us in the street, and pleasant greetings pass from lip to lip. See yonder paterfamilias carefully piloting a tiny, golden-haired, five-year-old through the moving mass; closely followcd by niaterfauiilias, guarded on either side by miniature editions of ?)'?f. "'?'' The general well-to-do aspcct of this party plainly tells, as they enter a toy-shop—nay, not a toy-shop, but one of those establishments which, for the nonce, lias been turned froir. its legitimate course alld converted into a Christ- mas Lounge"that their half-crowns will nor he called upon to do the work of three shillings, whethcr thcy he invested i,, a fullv furnished dolls' house, a perfect miniature cycle, or any of the thousand-ami-one utLiaci ions now spread before the youngster's eager eu s. As the crowd around us grows, our eves re arrested by -,f a yoo" mail armed with Gladstone bag iU'l travelling rug. As he lingers before the i •■•ip 'g display of a fashionahle drapery es.aoli-niieiit, we can imagine his thoughts and i n n. i >.is are tixed on the question of "a present for mother," and does not that same power \ie;d us a glimpse of a distallt countrv home, and lite wclcome wait. ing an absent boy ? Were we to linger there our busy thorough- fares would furnish us wi.h a whole gallery of sueli pictures. But some, whose generosity exceeds their wealth are fain to turn from the tempting array; to these, and to the many who from choice rather than from necessity take upon themselves the pleasant labour of making Christmas gifts, a few hints on novelties, elegant aud easily manufactured, will be welcome. At the risk of being charged with repetition, I would say that it several presentations are intended the most satisfactory plan is to prepare a fist of the intended recipients, placing opposite each name the suggestion of a suitable gift. If this plan be followed out thoughtfully it will be found that one purchase of materials will servo many purposes; and the giver will be surprised at the brave display she has achieved by a com- paratively small outlay, besides being saved the annoyance of Il accumulation of scraps, too good to throw a\v, mid doomed to till drawers and cupboards dariug the mouths 0" years of waiting for ihe Jlnth:call ime of need. Amongst the new thin. of lo:Ia; are lnall tenuis battledores i-oaveited into wall-pockets. 'J hey may be bought for a lew pence and with very little trouule or additional outlay a really prei t v article can I prjil.ii ed. An eighth of a yaid oi plush, one or two dozen gilt spangles, one yaid ot silk cord (gold colour) and four poni-ponis to matel" will be needed for the trimming. First cut off sufficient plush to make a puffed pocket to cover half the round part of the battle- dore, and plent Jly stitch it over with the spangles as it is putted. The next work will be neatly fastening it on to the battledore, taking care that the wood is ( n-ered, Tlie reinainrngpicce of plush will need spliti ing, and joining in a long length to make it suflicient for twisting round the handle; it HOW only remains to attachdouhle covil to the handle, and to the round part of the ba( lleiiore, for lian ring it to Ihe wall by, and fastening the pom poms at either end of the fIOrd" and the 1I'0rk is complete. Narrow ribbon, with hows, may take the place of cord and pom-poms if preferred. Ladies who have studied llower-painting find that it has opellcdthe door to many inexpensive household decorations, liecently i saw a parcel of goods intended for a fashionable bazaar. Amongst them being a triangular piece of bright ycllowsatln, measuring fifteen indies on each side, on which wfis pain ted a small group of white prim- ulas, with maiden-hair fern. This was intended for a cushion to suspend by s' cords from the back of a chair; all 'T was to be finished with a double frill, three inches deep of Pongee silk to match the satin, round the point, the top being trimmed with yellow cord. The parcel also included painted slates, and these must appeal to the most practical of house- keepers All deiits at a dislance from town realise the dilticulty of remembering every trifle w)ll?li 1,, d on the next shopping ex- :Jn i å"iIiItn athceon;;1 BIgila;: hanging near the mistress's easy-chair, in a handsomely furnished dinlD room, would naturally prove an eye-sore, the painted article, suspended from gaily-tinted IbI;e:ailt .tre d the eye of the most fastidious. A deicrl*? tion of one out of tlie lot which I was privileged to see will suffice. The surface of t le slate- excepting a square ill one corner—had been back. grounded in terravitta, and afterwards an arum fiiy and maiden-hair tern had been painted on it. The woodeu frame was covered with a much paler shade of terra-cotta paint than tlieslate; and the whole finished with loops of pale blue ribbon, passed through holes in the frame to hang it up by, and a pretty bow to conceal the nail from which it hung. There are 1!1 n these days so many devices in receptacles for our newspaper literature, that some may even doubt whether anything new is to be had; but I venture to say that the news- paper sacque is not a common article. I have pleasure in subjoining the description of one which may be copied or modified at pleasure. The same thing, much reduced in size, would also be found very acceptable as a drawing- loom duster-bag. The "sacque" wèkh I will endeavour to make real to the readers of this paper was of a blue shade, in double-width, woollen cloth, fifteen inches at the doubled side, and gradually sloped to ten at the open side. It had been pinked round the edges with an iron, and the bottom, or wide part, decorated with crewel-work in shades of terra-cotta silk, the narrow ends bein¡¡; pleal cù together and trimmed with bows of ribbon 1II,\tch¡II, tIle silk, and a loop provided from which to sllspend the bag. If was intended to hang against the willi and forlll a "sacque" with convenielltly "pell sidclI for sli ppi 11>( in the papers. The convenient fashion of having pin-cushions fo?- ornaments has developed much ingenuity in these useful articles. We have llilll hem hang- ing from our gaseliers and parlour walls in wooden spoons, pi ,vy heads, and sweet ham- per", Cocoa-nut xlIelis are Illllllll;;st the latest uhied" I have seen pressed into this service winch lias been done leeenily with great success by an artistic lady of my acquaintance. She had broken off, roughly, a small piece of the round end of the shell, and taken out the nut; (which, I doubt not, did duty in making some of the delicious cakes I was privileged 10 taste), thi bcillg done, alltl thre.. equi-distant holes burnt through the open end of the shell it was transferred to her studio, and had a place oil her table there, ready to receive the refuse paint of every colour which was cleaned from her palette when the day's work was over, the only design exercised being a little care that the oolours were laid lengthwise oil the shell. After. wards, with bronze powder and gold size she ):;J'1'ld I i n'I' ,f'n:lï,ll atgi \el i\! touches over the wholc shell; which, when dry, had been filled with cotton wool, and plush of a g iv colour pulled into the top ribbons being 11" »as",d through the holes aud made secure III the plush, and the whole-a really pretty article to bang in any room-was completed. III possing it is well to remark that plush is necessary for these pulled pin-cushions, as satin er siik will not stand out 01 the opening. It, would he impossible to enumerate the pur- poses to which bamboo has been, and may be applic,ll This plant, which with its graceful feathery 1> luty, delights the Eastern traveller h, in its native habitat used in many ways. We are indebted to Sir James Caird for a very graphic description of the Indian ploughman guiding bul locks and plough with the right hand, and with the left, trickling the seed through a bamboo, I1xcd to tbe h'llIole of his plough and passed down to the ground behind its sole. These ree d s are Io .? d by the natives in the construction of their houses, furniture, and domestic utensils; whilst their leaves supply 1lilsïtl;; ¡ ;il¡ gIIÎ:a IÎt: hf¡ pliant canes are formed into life buoys. We f:t í: q:ntiegf tbe(tB:b: Arundinacea of the botanists), annually, in England. Our chimney-sweepers are indebted to it for the long rods to which their brushes are IIxed; and our nursery-men for support for their dedicate plallts, The cabinet maker supplies us with couched, chairs, -ind screens; with lamp stands, plant baskets, and a seore of other articles Iwjtli useful allll ornamental; ttut the resources of this most useful iree are not exhausted by t he professional handicr.'ftsman, and an amateur worker, hy the eXl'ci"" of care and ingenuity, coupled with patient1b" liiav succeed in producing many things which their degane "id usefulness will well repay ail the (roublo ocstcwed upon them. It ?ay be well lo remark, before going into deh&tit on the s;;I.. f"ar: :f\()I;IJ: and decorations, that the reeds mayhepnrrhascd 'from the nori?tsfo)-a!ow price. Slender ones ?fonrfee) in length being about one nennv each; y hilHt thicker canes darker ciiu,-ed ,ix feet long can be had for fourpence. '1' iiialic all (-Ie-,aiit "I. k-?t:,ild, I procure three reeds of bamboo Ihirty-tvvo inches i long, a child's wooden hoop IHt.'en inches in dia. meter, some glue, strong twine, and a few marbles or shut corns for weight. One yard ot Pongee silk and four of narrow ribbon to match, or contrast prettily. These materials being ready, three holes must be bill-fit III the hoop, at equal distances, with a hot skewer, and the silk, having been cut down the centre and neatly joined in one long length must he carcfuily hemmed over it, the selvedge being turned for firmness, and a pin or thread passed tlirougli the holes in the hoop to mark their hereabout-s. After the covering there will t e a length of silk left, from this a small bag must, be made for holding two or three marbles, and the remaining piece hemmed down the side ready for use in draping. The silk on the hoop, iitust next be gathered round the bottom, and the little bag with weight firmly stitched I.? Ihe edges are ,,?nity joined to- gether. In making the. tripod stand for the basket a hot skewer will again be in requisition, as a hole must he burn through each rod, one inch from the end at the top, and thirteen inches from the bottom end. The hoop and canes must now be tied together, taking care that twine is passed through the holes, and that 'h<-v aiv drawn very rio-eh. Next cross t I rods ?.!t? the manner of a gil?y ta'?e. taking care that they stand out well at the bottom or the. work will not he firm, and pass a strong twine 1 hrough the three holes together, and tie after this, wind the string ill and out, round tlie rods, binding them very firmly to- gether. The twine must now be glued at each joining to in >ke it pel'fcdly safe, and generous bows of the "bOil placed at the points of the three rods to cover it; and the junction below draped with the remaining silk. The work. stand is then complete. really effective stand for holding, in a hall, a plant, cut flowers, or pressed ferns and grasses may be lIIadc with three four feel, bamboos, three tweniy-six inches, a good sized Zuln hat., mid eight or ten yards of rope—the kind used tor l'Iotl" llryiu¡.t, '1'1", twine and glue for fastening togel iter bpill required n. before. To iiinke np the stand the useful hol skewer will again be nettled, as holes must be burnt lliu.iigii tbe shorl rods four inches from each 1,1: 1111,1 a1so the same d 1st mice from tbe lower Ci.d of the long OIllIS, nlld two inches from the 1.0]1, (Ireat care must, be taken that these measurements aro exact, and it would bt: well for two people to engage in this bamboo work, it being much easier for one to hold, whilst the oilier fastens ihe canes. The hilt must Hroll. be metamorphosed into a basket by stretching the crown downwards, and turning and stitching tlie brim over it in three putt's. Three pieces of rope, twenty-seven inches long, must next be joined three or four inches from one end, and fringed to form a tassel; which must be fastened to hang from the. point of the hat crown, the remaining rope being passed up the sides of the hat—now converted into a basket—and alter being secured there, joined together at the end to suspend it. The ne.\t "ork will be tying the canes firmly togetlier ai, ilie top, (wrapping the twine well in and out as directed for the work sttmd), as this is being done, the basket must be attached; being made to hang between the rods like gipsy's kettle. The shorter rods are intended to tP2sdt-í;l'r:n:c sl\"I';I,\?\IIa[ r:1t the manner of an Oxford frame. Care must be taken that they are limy tied, as upon I heir nrmness much ot' i ■ o m of the stand will ^ej,('niii ??i, cnoh ;eini'? II" 'e" '?ed, the next, and last, w..? is to i.aii, -i,t fringed rope tassels Hl'c'lIl'tlill' t ¡ a. I I', If an orn.iinent;.l Ihnver-not suspended from brass chains supersede the hatand Pongee silk, and narrow ribbon, the rope, a pretty drawing- room stand will be the result, and if one rod be draped with silk and linished with a bow of the same near the fool, it will be found a great im- provement, If desired more ornamental still, the bamboos may be gilded with bronze powder, and gold size. This is easy of application, and dries readily. That Christmas may he crowned with joy, and the New Year with peace to every reader of this tiaper, is the sincere wish of ._n- DOROTHY.

= w" CADBUBT'S Cocoi,—"A Cocoa poesessmg valueitble flesh-formiug qualities, and inipartir"; Ureugth and staving power.-Realth. D m As a ate, pwiwant and warranted to cure Pimplsf, Scrofula, Scomy. Bad Legs, Skin and Blood Diseases, and Fores of all kinds, we can »ith confidence recommend C LABKK'S WONLD-YAMED Btonn MIXTURI. Sold by Cbemists eterywhere.

I [NOW FIRST PUEMoIlED.] A CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PLAY, FOR A CHKISTMAS HOLIDAY. BY JENNETT IlUMPilltEYS, Author of FUN FOH FAMII.V GATHKIUNGS," &C. [ALL KI HITS IIESHRVKD.J I For children lo see, A ter childrcu'K tea. TIIH FOUR (AND PLENTY!) BLACKBIRDS. LN TURKU SCKNUS. TIME: The/tenrli/part of he Fincteenth Century. l'LAl1F:: Si.ronciu. Witul' DRAMATIS PERSONS. KING ICM.ESSDEU A real Sovereign. QUEKN I'AHi.ouniNA: Ilia help-meat, as well bread nu Iwney-bodt/. MAW PLIGG V: Born not to be drowned, but to be for ever hanging. COOK PIK CIU;STIETTA A widow, with a son in the army. TWKAT J 2'lte f(ni)- black-bil'da. CA'UU f low' black-bil'd8. I 1 wrrn:n SCKNU THE FIRST A kitchen. Flour-bin, rolling- pin. lump of dongh, &-c., for pie. Peggy discovered, sitting and sleeping. A ear to are four birds' heads of cardboard, covered withblach, prominently beaked, and made by go on. anil off the children easily. Enter TWSAT, CIIIRP, CAROL, and TWITTER. THE Fouis: Nice children are we, Just come from our tea, And here we arc lioiv, To iimke you a how (bowing to the al/dienee), TWEAT We had merriest fun, Ciiiltp: And hail hot buttered bun, CAROL: And the bread cut so nice, With some jam on caeh slice TWITTER: And the cakc-plum and secd- THE FOUR O-oli! delicious indeed l'HiUY (wakini/): llighty-iixhty goodness my | Arc you the birds I o make the pie « THE FOUR: Yes, dear Peggy; they and-1 (each pointing). PEGGY Hiphty-iighty KOOIIUOKS my I 1 thought birds ilew about the sky THE FOUR And so would we, if we had wings I PIUVY Oh, you diickic-diiiliiiK thing" I Here each 1 make apietty bird, The sweetest dicky ever heard I (She goes for the heads). TWEAT (suppliading/y): But iirst, Peg, let us dance and sin^ 1 CHIRP That head is such an awkward thing I TWITTER And heads without a tail are queer I 1JEGUY Well, have your dance; I sit me here. (As she sits she sighs, takes out a soldier's portrait, and kisses it). THE FOUR SiiiK: TUNE: Voulez-vous danser, Mademoi§ selle? j (The actions mentioned, to be done.) Christmas has come, so rattle the drum, Play oil jour chin-chin, twiddle your thumb, Knock at yotir forehead, knock like a door. Three checrs for Christmas 1 with one ch(,tl. more (liny g vc the chars, and dance) PEGGY (taking iip the heads and putting them on ) ?,, q.iek I Ti?c l??a d s on, each sweet dear, Lest Cookie comes Enter PIU-CRUSIIETTA (black-browed, trcmemlous). PIE-CRUSTIETTA Benold her here I 1>\ thb i lie way > 011 dl) your duty, You peri, peculiar, precious heauty J The l')il-41S hould count to four and I wcut. And tlii -e are four! TiiE FOUII (ili,i ra plenty I PIE-CRUSTIILITI'A: Away \to L\ggy) And, Peggy, bring tlie knife, That I m.iy innkt THE FOUR (kneeling): O Sparc my life I PIE-CRUSTIETTA I spare ye noi A Christmas pic I make of ye, and ye must die 1 I roast je, hoil ye, hake yet stew, And—yes! I will bc^in with you! (she seizes One bird, and Peggy rushes to hei-I PEGGY: Pie-crustietta, hear me speak I Touch not a feather, eye, or beak The birds have such a pretty song, To kill the darlings would be wrong I PIE-CRUSTIICI'TA Presumptuous, pert, peculiar Pc^-ry. My kllite !;111l'\1! wingaiid le.gieJ I Ami you--snail never Lavc !;¡y son, But shall a mw: have Her" i., one (she takes a lump of the dvujh she hus been handling, and 'fixes it on Peggy, who cries and sobs). THE FOUR (as the curtain falU): Ah, Peggy, dourest, keep heart still. If we can help you, why, we will 1 SCENE TYIE SECOND: The Dining Hall. In the centre a large table, arranged Jora Banquet, with cloth, flowers, &c., and an immense Pie, in which the four bir Is lie concealed. The crust can be of newsjmper. and must go down to the tattle to represent the pie-dish as well. The side away from the audience need not be fUled in, A great piece of thc top must be of tissue-paper only, to let the birds pierce *t. ?n<e7' :'H'I' Alc:{'1itf¡e for the table, and ???Ut/ /«!?<'</ laying them), PtE-CRuanETTA: Mifs Peggy, with your pert proud wa)', Agaj't j,,e your days, ?ou ::¡hLm;I:;J;v'1' goes, For now you have a fairy nose And nobody can take it off, Unless he first cries, Cliiff-cli-,tfr-clioff I" And since thlLlllpcll is known to me, And no one else- (the birds give a faint chirrup). (She stllrts) What can that be I Enter QUEEN: Pie-cruslietta, you are Jate! You have not yet put half the plate The pie is here, Llmt milch is true, And smells quite nice, as most pics do; But why defer, postpone, delay, In this most aggravating way I PIE-CRUSTIETTA Majesty, (he birds were youn, And lively, aml- QUEEN Tut! bold your tongue 1 The King, quite hungry, out there stands. When all is ready, clap your hands! [Exit] PIE-CRUSTILT A: If I could clap hard hands on thee, I should bc glad (the bir(ts clti?,ztp again) What can that be I Tis not the birds. My fairy spell Is laid upon the birds as well; They are not cool?(-(I, are not drawn (Hell rint/s violently>, (To the 'i'i.c King vould hurry me Bo gone Bftev?ry bird within I bat pie, Will seem well cooked, to I ollue and eye, For J have done what ne'e.r can fail,— I sprinkled salt upon each tail (Bell (To the bell). Leave off! -And though, on crust, The King may cut one bird—he mustl (The birds chirrup,). That noise ngaiii !-ft)i- one in four, Is twenty-five per cent, nut more And averages, us 'tis thOIl,4'ht, Make deal lis so trifling, tiey are naught! (lkll (tc¡ai,,), 0, mocking bell It understands! Well, let them conic, 1 clap my hands. (She iloes). Enter KING end QUUEN. Kpw: Is thi" your proper puuctnalily1 Is this a banquet In -ealityl But welcome, now, to Christmas cheer. Be seated, Parlourina, dear. (Be raises knife and ibi-kto carve, when the bir^s burst their heads through the tissue paper and sing). TnE-UR: ChristmM haR come, &c. (The others scream and start). INO (in a rage): Who cooked and baked and set this thing, This pretty dish, before ml, Kingf QUEEN: Pie-crtisfietta I It was he I Let her be punished, Ellessdee I KING fTo Pie-crustietta) lixplain this painful baneful thing! Did you put, this I)efore 7our king? PI E'CRl?; u,\l' ;ofl:i '11g 1 KING can Peggy )iere PIE.CRVSTIETTA Iridian"!I): Ah, no! The girl dare not come near! KING: And why? Prav, is not this her place 1 PIE-CRUSTIETTA (hesitatingly): Hut, King, she lias a swollen lace (the birds sing their sona ar/ain) KING Enough This j'er applal. (Calls) What, ho, there, Peggy I Quick I Come here Enter PreGy (it tlw 8iyM nt lw'immense nose the Qutcn scrra and /:?t?. [CUHTAt.? !] SCENE THE LAST A Garden. Cl/Jthe, lines well- ?e?ec!, washing baskets, itc. ?'M/??/ dis- covered ha,wittq and a-yin/i bitterly. ■ PEGGY What shall I do? How sltall Uvel "How can I Id"es take-and give? And Will, who love.% me, and toes, Will hate uic when ho sees this nose I Enter QOBEN. QUEEN (kindly): My Peggy, on this dreadful day, AMTOU ati)! hen! to peg away f PEGGY (kne;lii!/) Madam 1 QUBEN Peggy, dear, I fainted when von first came near, Because your nose was nch a sight, It gave ine a most fearful fright; Bill, 1."1 III", C:HlIL doctor cllre it, Or must von, Peggy, dear, endure it! PEGGY (still kneeling) All gracious iiitdam I QUEEN Waif, Peg, dear 1 I see the lviug. Let him, loo, hear. [/')t?r KING] KINO (? Peggy. [1')tfer lCi.14G] well th?tyouMe on "0111 !;nc S ICxplain, woman, if you please! PJ;GIIY: > ii, let I.I •• Ki I he black-iii, Is call,— all. An I they tao k;) von it was o! I KING Agreed. Arise. Young woman, go I [7t'.? PKnGY? QUKEN My doubts I have, about that cook, KING And I. She KhaU be brought, to book. (?t<er PEGGY and the FOUR BIRDS.] <?a the King calls e./ch bird's name, it holds up it. hand.) KING: Now, Tweat, Chirp, Carol, Twitter I THE FOUR: Present I KINO (Aside): Such good attendance is quite pleasant! Now, Peggy, speak. PEGGY With fairy power, The cook strewed fairv salt and flour, Upon each bird, to look like done, H?"{.t !'?/i)?f'?'.(rh ?e'?' THE FCUR: She did. To her our lives we owe, And in return her nose shall go PEGGY (overj, yed): My nose THE FOUR: Why yes I We peck It off By crying fairy "Chill'—cliafl—cholt'l" (As the, nay the words, Ih"!1 remove the nose). We hcard Pie-crustietta IlY, There was not any other way. PEGGY: Oil joy KING: Now, Parlourina, look. Behold we punish. Here comes cook. Enter PIE CRUSTIEITA. (To Pie-crustietta) For making us this Christmas pie, Pie-crustietta, you must die I PEGGY (appealing to the King): Nay, King, forgive, if lie "nIl stili Still let. me marry my dear Will I KING (raising his sword). Pie-crustietta, yest or 1101 Your "Oil ? Or shall I deal my blow? PIE-CRUSTIETTA (kneeling): Let Peggy have my handsome SOli! KING: 'Tis well. For now my wrath is done (Military music heard). My M'tnv KOnict 1 Your Will is in it, And will embrace you in a minute [All are i?t ecsta-w, and join in singing and daMC"? '/M 6u'?' ?OM?.J [FINIS.] [If desired. Will 'md some of the army can come in, when the kissing can take place, and these will make a larger party to sing and dance 6e/'org<Aec!t<?a?t/<tMs. ??o. ti!:í ''e the King and Queen enter /")-<?'??<, they can have a retinue, pag,s to Iwtd the* trains, &c.]

Workmen's Wages at the Dinorwic Quarries. [To THE EDITOR.] SIR,-My attention has been directed to cer- tain statements made by a quarryman employed at the Dinorwic Quarries at a recent meeting of the Carnarvon Board of Guardians, and also to the report of an interview with the same workman reported in the Genedl of the 5th in8t., and to the editorial comments made upon it in the same paper. It is there stated that the wages of the workman in question during the past ten months averaged 14s 6d per week only ,in one instance it is given as 14s 8d per week), figures which were subsequently admitted to be wrong to the extent of 2s 6d per week. It was also stated that the highest average during this period was 3s lOd per day, the lowest Is lOd per day, and the average for the whole ten months, 2s 5d per day only. Further it was stated that the workman and his partner had worked as full time during the ten months, as almost anyone in the quarry and that their fellow-workmen who earned more than themselves were excep- tions to the rule. The effect of these state- ments, if true, would show that the case in question is not an exceptional one, and that the average earnings of the other men engaged at these quarries would approximate the figures already given. Seeing this I think it is only right I should state that these figures and statements are entirely erroneous. I give a table taken from the quarry books, which explains the true facts of the caao:— Month Net No. of days Average ending- earnings- worked, earnings. A s. d. a. d. 37 2 51 February 22nd 4 11 3 37 2 5^ March 22nd 6 18 0.40.2 5| April 19th.6 4 6.44.2 9? May 17th 9 17 8.41.4 91 Jone 14th .615 3.30.4 6 July 12th 5 1110. 22 5 1 ?  6 ?. 4 1 0 6. 2 1. 4 3 August 9th 4 10 6 21 4 31 i,er 6th 6 7 II.40.3 21 October 4th.8 16 11.45.31?1 November let .7 1 9.38.3 8! Average earuinga per day .3 9 In order that it may be rightly understood, the following explanation is necessary. The workman in question was one of two partners engaged upon a "bargain" in the quarry. The work done by both men is included in one account, and on each monthly pay day a ticket is issued at the office showing the gross and nett earnings in respect of the bargain. The nett amount is paid in a lump sum to one of the partners, its division being left to the men themselves. The quarry month consists of four weeks, which, omitting Sundays and the usual monthly holidays, gives 23 working days as a maximum. The table gives the total number of days worked each month by the two partners in question, 46 days per month being the maxi- mum work of the two partners. With the men in question it will be seen that the maximum was not reached throughout the whole penod, and in some months it was below one-half. This is partly explained by the fact that the partner of the workman in question was away ill during July and August, and in June he only worked n days. The figures I have men- tioned, from which the erroneous averages have been taken, appear to give each partner a full moiety of the whole of the earnings, so that the partner who was at work, only credits himself with one-half of his own earnings, during the period of nearly three months, when his partner was not at work at all. If this system of calcu. lation were correct, it would be an easy matter to bring down an average to something approaching a vanishing point. It is needless to point out how misleading any average must .be that does not give the number of days worked, but the figures published in this case are doubly misleading inasmuch as it was stated that the partners worked as full time as anyone in the quarry. The month of February only a small quantity of slates were made occupying probably two or three days, the rest of the month being devoted to clearing away the debris from his bargain, &e. I will only add that this man like others employed at the Dinorwic Quarries stood upon his merits; and those employed near him work. ing upon the same nature of work earned wages considerably in excess of his. With this explanation, and declining any further corres. ?-?,)?? ?? +,IA anbiect.—I am, &c" ° w. W. VIVIAN.

INFLUENZA is epidemic in the Vale of Clwyd, whole families being affected. It is stated that in the parish of LUrrhaiadr there were more deaths during a recent fortnight than during the six  carp, ??E ?'??in onnceptionwith tbe farmbonse trM?y ?M j;]MtyHin.Moatgomt.rythir.,bM beeti qui,l,ly a.l?ed. A farm iad, who worked in the Fame house as the injured girl, is rpported to have confessed that he stole £7 belonging to his employer, and that, enraged by a threat to report him, he struck t), e girl with 0 axe. Little hope is entertained of the girl's recovery. "A CERTAIN (JURB FOR CORNS AND RUNIONS, Beetham'8 Corn Plaster immediately relieves pains ani ao n cures the ,r.o?t ob,tin"to Corns and Bnn'ons reduces enlarged great toe joints, and aoftens hard swellings, so that the sufferer can soon walk with ease and comfort. Thousands have been cured, some of whom had Buffered for fifty years. Boxes 1. ld., of all Chemist". Free for 14 stamp by M. Baetham, Chemist, Che tenham. A PuiAtmo AppzAla&NcE.-Ativays wasb with aulpholiue Soap to have a beautifnll fair akin.

Football Notes and Gossip; (By "OLD FOOTBAULIB. "] In my last notes I stated that the fixture between the Bangorians and the eleven of the C. and C. A. Voluutetrs would be an exciting one, and would alao draw a rood gate. I shall cot say anything about the attendance, but for the playing, I sever saw anything to equal it. Borne of the players of the V olunteer, from what I bear, bad not played a game of football for soma time, but there were someoocstact players amongtt ibem, but their playing was something .ti- ful. Bangor in tte first half scored no less than nine floalp. Such a gcal-kt eper as the Volunteers had in tbe first half is very rarely met with, and I am confident that if any of the English League teama only knew of him JE5 a week would be nothing for them to give such a player. I really believe that he ooold not possibly stop a pig in an entry, it would most certainly escape between his lellP. Such was the oase on Saturday. Every goal that was soored against him were neatly put in between his legs. It was really charming. All jokes aside, the goal-keeper referred to rarely enters the football field, let alone play, Stanley, who played back for the Volunteers, went between the uprights in the e oond half. Seemingly, be was disgueted with the previous goal- keeper, and thought that matters would look better if be acted as custodian. He did play a trifle better, but at the same time the Bangor- ians piled on the agony and added balf- a-dozen more points, thus making a total of fifteen goals. Tbe only player worthy of mention in the Volunteers was KobertB, who played on the ontside left. He played a stirring game, but had no partner to support him. 8heeran did not play np to his usual mark. The halves again were completely out of it, especially the oentre, who was constantly kicking the air instead of the ball. Try and Improve Griffith. The Bangor eleven had an eaey time of it. If tbey could only arrange a match a little oftener with the Volunteers it wonld prove very beneficial to them as regards goal average. The" asainsts previous to this match exceeded the" tort," but the fors after this encounter is now a trifle more than the againtt." I was glad to see Arridge taking an active part in the game on Saturday. Although having suffered terribly from influenza be played a grand defensive game. William Henry, who has also been a victim to tho same complaint, was up to date." Allman and Buckland seem to be changing their positions often. If I had my will, I would most certainly play Buckland at centra forward and leave Allman at centre half. Bnckland with a liitle practice would make a clinking centre. He has a fine shot, and perhaps be will carry out into effect my humble suggestion. Tbe Juniors on Saturdav played the University College Reserve team, at Ffriddoedd. Both eleven were strongly represented and a keen contest wall the result, but takibg the game all tbrongh tbe Juniors had the best of the game which resulted to follows: Juniors fonr goalf,, College Reserves two goals. To-day (Saturday), the Bangor eleven will pay Rhyl a visit, this being a league fixture. The Ban- eorianseo far have only played twoleagne matches, in eaob cafe resulting in a draw. On the other band the remaining league olnba have played more games than the Bangorians, and naturally Bangor is very low down on the lift. Whoever has tbe team in hand, I hope that no effort will be spared to get up a good eleven. Try end gain some points for good- ness' sake. The Juniors will be peida visit by the town eleven of Conway, to-day (Saturday). I have not bad the pleasure of seeing the Conwayites play, but a rumour is current that it is a rather strong party. If such be the case I hope the Juniors will be equal to the situation. The Llandndno Swifts, on Saturday, found their equals in the Flint team, This was a league match, and two players were absent from the Swifts. The mlsinlllinks being Arnold Jones and Nicholson. The visiting team wait fully repre- sented. It was a keen contett, and the game resulted in a draw, no goals being soored. From reports tbe "Clarets had by far the best of the game, and the credit is due to Danger Hill" that the Swifts' came off with a clean sheet. I was sorry to see, by Rambler's notes, that Arnold Jones has met with an accident, hut I think that be has evidently been rambling from the point in stating that Arnold Jonep is a gentlemanly player. If he had added the prefix 11 un," I would most certainly allree with him on the point. I know what Arnold is, Mr Rambler. The football competition is drawing nigh at Ban- gor. From what I can ascertain, there has up to the present date several teams entered- Hundreds are daily having a peep at the prizes, which are exhibited at the establishment of Messrs W. and S. Arridge, Albion Buildings. The medals are really grand, and the bags are excel ent second prizes. such prizes, I shonld think, onght to eeoare a. IFeat number of entries. Stringer's competition on the 30th will undoubt- edly be a succesa. I have seen the medals, and personally I think they are too good for boys under 17, but Stringer is such a kind-hearted fellow, you know. Last year's competition was for boys under 14, this year it is for boys under 17. Under the eircumstances more clubs ought to enter. Yon have my good wishes Mr Stringer. Friars School team on Saturday tried oonolu- sions with the Beaumaris Grammar School (Past and Present). The game proved very 112 reht* z] Friars having the best of the game in the nMt hall aJld scored two goalp. Resuming the Beaumaris eleven bad the best of matters, and kept pressing most vigorously, but were only able to put the leather between the uprights once. Thus the game ended in a victory for the Friars team by two goals to one. WlLeH JUNIOR Cup.-Several ties were played off on Saturday. The game with the Mold Red Stars and the Rhos teim ended in favour of the former by three coals to one. and the tie between the Raabon Rangers and Brymbo Institute Reserve ended in favour of the latter by one goal to ml. Queens Ferry bad an easy time of it against the Flint Swifts. It was a one-sided game, and re- sulted in an easy viotory for the Fetryites by seven goals to nil, _==s=s==ss^

Chat from St. Peter's. We)) said the Dean. aome of our goodly npper tan are exercised about the Second Mrs & t but to me the clever part .t Mrs Camp- ?M'?? on is 'te practical coincidence with what grand old Monta:gne WI ate hundreds of years ago, ? Ltfemeentet? tenne Mt eoa?nt bien tendre nonr tout le monde. 8?! son protectear," Hurrah ?F tbe British N?y." shouted the dob's French member. Don't," said Chatlo, II don't; you hurt me. Well," put in Peter, I coald re-oreate the British Navy, and settle the Home Rule rot by the same action." You lunatic, you awful lanatic,"en"red Querpo. Never mind him," smiled the Dean" tell us." "Our Navy," continued Peter, II has almost from time immemorial been mainly recruited from the annthem counties. Its officers, mostly sons of poor south country gentry-Portsmouth Plymouth and other ?MMoondMd sonth otLoEdon-cetth? usufruct of all the v-61? expenditure of the Admiralty, and tbe aggregate of tbe private ezpe d'tore of its ■Tsr-HsiffS- said the Dean. II I begin to folloW you," said tbe Dean, Jnst so, Now there Is in Ireland a Called   finest bays, ud only nineteen hnndred mil think, from tbs Canadian end of tbe Paci a ai & Galway is cruelly oortdawWlf diaaffecteJ, and 80 is the stony country for miles and ™ C Quite right, o," snarl uer 0; Jnt so," an8wered Peter; and thIs IS whit I'd do. Make of G. & a overn ent sbip-building station, send seven t on6an oDthfra skilled ar. ,izans there, with lb pro ortion of admirals, c"p- tain", supervisors, fo caeu! and in ten years, yr,n bet, the West f eland would be loyal prosper. ?us, and o6 P p'Mtttion in bM, M ?*P??. the Dean "a Plantation in the'  Dni Cromwl1'8, benef\atnt, wealth- givi to I you are, PatOr. lea 8'- lKd,rS<<lP" ?'' f?i th?n I thought YOD."  T JTT. KUBSJSLB. 18, Churoh-street, liiverpool, and Lloyd street, Llauuudno, 18th Dec., 1893.

North Wales Conservatives The annual general meeting of the North Wales division of the National Union « Con- servative and Constitutional Associations was held at the Queen Hotel, Chester, on Friday, Lord Penrhyn (the president) in the chair, and amongst those present were Mr H. J. Ellis Nanney, Mr H. St. John Raikes, Colonel the Hon. W. E. Sackville West, Colonel Mesham, Mr P. P. Pennant, Colonel Hore (ot. Asaph), Mr Richard Conway (Llandudno), Captain Griffiths-Boscawen, Mr J. R. Burton, Dr. Jones- Morris (Portmadoc), Mr Richard Thomas and Mr H. Lloyd Carter (Carnarvon), Mr Owen SJaney Wynne (DolgeUey), Mr W. D. W. Griffith (Garn, Trefnant), :Captain Gladstone, Mr J Oswell Bury, and Mr George Bevan (Wreiham), Mr G. W. F. Robbins (Oswestry), Colonel R. Lloyd Williams (Denbigh), and Mr George Owen (secretary). At 11.30 a meeting of the Council was held, at which Mr Pennant (chairman of the Council) presided. Several important matters were discussed and decided upon. At the annual meeting Mr ELLIS NANNEY proposed the re.election of the president (Lord V..prhyn) for the ensuing year, and referred to the great interest his lordship had always taken in the interest of the party in North Wales. This was seconded by Dr. JONES-MOEBIS, who warmly endorsed Mr Nanney's remarks. The resolution was unanimously carried. LORD PKNEHTN thanked the meeting for the honour they had conferred upon him,and assured them that he would be always ready to do what- ever he possibly could for the welfare of the Constitutional cause. The following were elected to serve on the Councilinaddition to therepresentatives elected from the different constituencies: Colonel Henry Platt, Mr Richard Thomas (Carnarvon), Mr H. St. John Raikes, Colonel Wynne Finch, Major S. Sandbach (Abergele), Colonel Howard (St. Asaph), Captain Griffiths-Boscawen, the Hon. Charles H. Wj nn (Corwen), and Captain Mytton (Welshpool). Colonel Sackville West and Mr Owen Slaney- Wynne (Dolgelley) were elected auditors, and the following gentlemen were elected as the Executive Committee—Lord Penrhyn, Mr P. ±\ Pennant, Mr R. Williams Wynn, Sir John H., Puleston,Mr R. H. Pritchard, the Earl of Powisl the Hon. George T. Kenyon, M.P., Colone Sackville West, Sir R. Williams-Bulkeley, Mr J. Rice Roberts (Pentraeth), Mr C. F. Priestley (Llangefnil, Mr P. M'Intyre (Llanrwst), Mr Richard Conway (Llandudno), Mr H. J. Ellis Nanney, Dr. Joiies-Morris, Mr J. Issard Davies (Carnarvon), Colonel Platt, Mr Lloyd W. G. Hughes (Carnarvon), Sir R. E. Egerton, Colonel Mesham, Colonel Wynne Finch, Major S. Sand- bach, Mr J. Oswell Bury (W rexham),Lieutenant- colonel F. Standish Hore, Colonel Howard, Captain Bate (Kelsterton) Mr H Goodman Roberts (Mold), Mr H. St. John Raikes, Mr W. R. M. Wynne, Mr O. Slaney Wynne, Colonel Harrison (Montgomery), Captain Mytton (Welshpool), Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, M.P., and Lord H. J. Vane-Tempest. The following were elected to represent the division on the Central Council of the National Union—The Earl of Powis, the Hon. G. T. Kenyon, M.P., and Mr H. St. John Raikes. Several important decisions were arrived at with regard to the action of the party in view of the coming general election. At the conclusion of the meeting, upon the motion of Colonel Lloyd Williams (Denbigh), a resolution of thanks was accorded to the House of Lords for the straightforward and unmistak- able manner in which they had thrown out the Home Rule Bill. This was cordially and unanimously agreed to.