Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

THE TICHBORNE CASE. j Last wetk, the evidence of the Stonyhurst witnesses was taken, proving the non-identity of the Claimant with Sir Roger Tichborne. The principal witness was Lord Bellew, whose evi- dence on the former trial in the ejectment suit respecting the tattoo marks on Roger Tich- borne's arm proved so damaging to the Claimant's oase. Lord Bellew now repeated his testimony respecting the heart, the cross, the anchor, and the initials and emphatically declared that the defendant was not Roger Tichborne. On Monday, at the opening of the court, the Lord Chief Justice called the attention of Mr Hawkins to a letter of Mr Onslow's, which had appeared in several papers, imputing perjury to witnesses for the prosecution. His lordship de- clared the letter to be a gross and scandalous contempt of court, and Mr Hawkins promised to consult the Attorney-General in respect to it. At a later part of the day his lordship said his atten- tion bad been called to a publication directed against the defendant, which was also a contempt of court. The persons concerned must be brought before the court, in order that they might be dealt with in some way. Mr Hawkins slid he had already taken steps in the matter. Mr Gerald Fitzgerald and Mr A. Seymour were the principal witnesses examined. On Tuesday, several officers who had been in the Carabineers were examined, and declared that" the Claimant was not Roger Tichborne. One of the witnesses also spoke to the tattoo marks on Roger's arm. There is no likelihood that Don Thomas Castro will now be examined. as his mental malady is now so bad that he is to be taken back to Chili. It was stated in court that the Leeds Evening Express was the original offender, it appears, in publishing Mr Onslow's letter, and the Attorney-General, who was pre- sent, promised that the matter should be at- tended to. On Wednesday a formidable detachment from the carabineers added their testimony to the heavy weight of evidence against the claimant. The witnesses included General Jones, Colonel Betty, Major Bott, and Captain Polhill Turner. On Thursday, military witnesses were again the order of the day. It seems to be clearly proved that very many persons who ought to know, believe that the defendant is not Roger Tichborne; and the public will now be well tired of the endless repetition, and anxious to hear what defence is to be made. It is believed that the close of the case for the proseeution may now be foreseen (said The Times on Wednesday). After the military witnesses, it is believed, there remain no witnesses of import- ance except members of the family; and, thus, therefore, the case for the prosecution may pos- sibly be closed next week, and certainly can hardly extend much beyond. At all events, it appears pretty certain, judging from the witnesses examined as compared with those whose evidence was opened," that the case for the prosecution will be closed not later than the week after next.

DESTRUCTION OF THE ALEXANDRA PALACE. On Monday, the magnificent Alexandra Palace, on Muswell Hill, London, was entirely destroyed by fire. This is an event which will occasion re- gret, not in London alone, but throughout the whole country. As the Crystal Palace was an off- shoot of the Exhibition of 1851, so was the Alexandra Palace born of that of 1832. It has been an unfortunate speculation from the first. Delays and difficulties have beset it from its earliest history, and although it was formally- opened with every prospect of success just a fortnight ago, it is now nothing bat a smoulder- ing ruin. The fire broke out shortly before one in the afternoon. There was ouly one engine in the place, and but a very scanty supply of water. Thftfire got firm hold in an incredibly short space of time, and when sixteen engines belonging to the metropolitan brigades are arrived, all hope of saving the building was gone-in fact, it was than a raging furnace. It is said that some few works of art and some of the property of the bazaar- keepers was got ont, but very little was saved. Two lives are reported to have been lost. The origin of the fire is supposed to have been the carelessness of some plumbers who were repair- ing the ha-1 roof. The directors propose, it is said, to rebuild the palace. Tue park and out- door attractions are still open to the public.

At the Primitive Methodist conference in Lou- don, on Wednesday, the president announced the e C4,?)i)O frl)a-i -I li- g ft of property to the va- from Mr Joseph Barker, of Phih'uiv :a7 Kr coaucxional | iostltriong. IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—FKIDAY. Mr Newdegate gave notice that he would move his motion respecting monastic and conventual es- tablishments on the 4th of July, and Mr Cranford intimated that he should move a resolution to the effect that the house declined to sanction any new legislation imposing additional local charges until the relations of local ani imperial taxation be de- finitively settled. In a statement on the imprison- ment of the 16 women belonging to Chipping Nor- ton, Mr Bruce expressed his disapproval of the sentences, and stated that the Lord Chancellor would write to the lord-lieutenant of the county requosting him to obtain an explanation from the magistrates, and when that was received he wjald be able to come to some decision on the case. In reply to M Downing, Mr Gladstone declined to state at once whether the Government would ex- clude clergymen from the commission of the peace in England. Mr Cardwell, replying to Lord C. J. Hamilton, said that under the advice of the law officers the late Government claimed the right of having patented articles made for them by private enterprise without paying royalty to the patentees, and it was consequently his (Mr Card well's) duty to protect the public rights. Mr Vernon Harcourt then brought under notice the law affecting the contracts of masters and servants, and the law of conspiracy, with especial reference to the case of the convicted gas stokers. HOUSE OF LORD S.NIONDAY. ine House of Lords reassembled, after the Whitsuntide recess. Earl Russell laid on the table a bill to improve the administration of the law and to effect other governmental reforms in Ireland. To show the necessity for these reforms, Earl Russell referred especially to the prevalence of riots in Ireland, and to the indisposition of juries to convict iu cases of murder and agrarian crimes. He also coaiineatsd on the O'Keefe case, the inference he drew from it being that it was be- coming a question whether the people of Ireland were to be governed by the Pope and Cardinal Cullen or by Queen Victoria and the Irish Exe- cutive. The Earl of Kimberley said it would be out of place on his part to off-r any opinion as to a plan for the better government of Ireland which the Cabinet had not yet seen, but he criticised the inferences and suggestions in Earl Russell's speech, and, in doing so, stated that the annual number of agrarian crimes iii Ireland had decrea-sed in two years from upwards of 1000 to 250. Ia the discus-ion that followed, the O'Keete case was the prominent subject of comment. Eventually, the bill was read a first time. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—MONDAY. I Mr Winterbotham said it was proposed to with- draw the Building Societies (No. 2) Bill, ani to reintroduce it in an amended form on Friday next. Mr Cross postponed his bill on the same subject until the Government bad brought in their amended measure. Mr Gladstone said that the Government would endeavour to bring forward the Indian budget before the house began to thin. Mr Bruce announced that he had received infor- mation as to the treatment in prison of the women committed by the magistrates at Chipping Norton. The women had admitted to two visiting justices and to surgeons that they had received proper food for themselves and infants, and that they had no complaint to make. The Attorney-General then moved the second reading of the Supreme Court of Judicature Bill. He said it came to them endorsed by the high legal authorities of the Upper House. It was a natural outgrowth of public opinion, and he strongly recommended it to the house as a large and valuable contribution to the reform of law as it affected the administration of justice. Some discussion followed, Mr Charley and others strongly opposing the bill. The debate was ultimately adjourned till Thursday. I HOUSE OF LORDS.—TUESDAY. The Agricultural Children Bill was read a second time afcer a. discussion, in which Lord Portman, the Duke of Richmond, the Marquis of Salisbury, Earl Shaftesbury, and others took part. The Crown Lands Bill passed throug com- mittee, and several other measures were advanced a stage. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—TUESDAY. Mr Gladstone, in reply to a question from Mr V. Harcourt, said the Government would bi very willing to afford facilities for the passing of a bill to remedy any defects in the law of conspiracy, either in the present or any coming session. On the motion for going into committee on the Rating (Value and Liability) Bill, Mr Soourfield moved that the bill should be referred to a select com- mittee, The amendment was strongly opposed by Mr Gladstone and Mr Stan-ifeld.^aud, on a divi-j sion, was defeated by 211 to 181. house then went into committee on the bill. At the evening sitting Sir John Hay moved for the appointment 1 of a salect committee to consider the present sys- tem of promotion and retirement in the Royal Navy'. Mr Hanbnry Tracy seconded the motion. Mr Brassey moved and Mr Liddell seconded an amendment to the effect that the committee should consider how far the officers on half-pay can be employed in the consular service or under the Marine Department of the Board of trade. I HOUSE OF COMMONS.—WEDNESDAY. Sir E. Anstruther moved the second reading ot the Roads and Bridges (Scotland) Bill, which was seconded by Mr Orr Ewing. Mr Craufurd moved an amendment to the effect that the House declined to entertain the Bill until the question of the relief to be granted from imperial funds to local taxation should have been definitely settled. The amendment was seconded by Lord Elcho, and after some discussion the Bill was read a second time by a majority of 124 to 115. The second reading of the Factory Acts Extension Bill was moved by Mr Mundella, but the subject dropped at a quarter to six o'clock, when Professor Fawcett was moving an amendment. A Bill to amend the law of con- spiracy was brought in by Mr .V. Harcourt, and after a new writ had been ordered for Roscommon the House adjourned. HOUSE OF LORDS.—THURSDAY. A bill to make the Irish shooting season the same in point of commencement and conclusion as the English was read a second time. Upon the mot:on of Lord Backhurst, it was agreed that re- turns should be made of the number of railway servants killed and injured during the year 1872, and the amount of compensation granted in each case. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—THURSDAY. Mr. Gladstone stated in the House of Com- mons, in reply to Sir George Jenkinson, that the Government had not come to any further decision as to the establishment of railway communication between the Mediterranean aad the Persian Gulf. Upon this Sir George Jenkinson gave notice that, in consequence of the increasing gravity of the question of communication with India, he should again call the attention of the House to the sub- ject. Some amusement was caused by the answer of Lord Enfield to the question of Mr. P. A. Tay- lor, whether the Government intended to recog- nise the Spanish Republic. His lordship said that no official intimation had been received, bet the Government would, on receipt of it, lese no time in taking it into their consideration. Mr. Taylor thereupon gave notice of an address pray- ing the Crown to recognise the Spanish Republic. Lord Enfield stated that nothing was known of the intention of the Russian Government as to the occupation of the A'trek Valley. Mr. Bruce said the Government did not intend to in- troduce a bill relating to the truck sys- tem, which was being greatly diminished in its extent bv the action of the men themselves. Mr Gladstone, in reply to Mr Mundella, said it was desirable that the opinion of the House with regard to the Factory Acts Amendment Bill should be known, and an opportunity of doiag this would be afforded in the course of the session. The debate upon the Supreme Court of Judicature B 11 was then resumed. A great variety of opinion was expressed, a tone of approval predominating. —Mr Henley, however, said that the bill would unsettle everything and settle nothing, and that he had been confirmed in the impression by what the Solicitor-General had said on Monday.—Mr Watkin Williams considered that, although no one had objected to the bill in its integrity, there was a scarcely concealed design to throw it over for this session by referring it to a select committee. The bill was the result of many commissions, and was recommended by the highest livingauthorilies. I —Dr. Ball recommended Mr Charley to with- draw his amendment, and objected to that of which Mr Osborne Morgan had given him notice as contradictory and inconsistent.—The Attorney- General havmg replied to the several objections, Mr Charley's amend ment was negatived without a division, and that ef Mr Osborne Morgan not being pressed, the bill was then read a second time.

HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT AND PILLS.—Coun- sel and Help.—When biliousness, diarrhoei, or dysentery prevails in any district, it behoves every one to be watchful and to have at hand the means of checking tho3e symptoms of general uneasiness, neausea, and vertigo, which foretell the threaten ing malady. This well-known Ointment rubbod diligently and repeatedly upon the pit of the stomach and over the abdomen, exorcises the most pawerful and salutary effects in arresting these morbid indications of advancing disease, aide by appropriate dosos of the Pills, will secure safety to their employers, whilst the keodless are falling quickly around them. Every person at this critical time houH subdue the S/st traces of disordered action by Holloway's regulating and purifying preparations.

CORRESPONDENCE.  &11 letters intended for PUbiication must ocm?y??? ;he following condiHuas 1.—They must be on public nue,HVnI T<n "°', ?' ?*? personal in character fur1h;hl)ns oly, Jree for the diecussiou of the subicct? ? Qeoi3sair* c !I.-They must be written carefuuv on one side of the paper on?- press, as we have not time at 0 read} (1)1' :e re-write correspondence, and do u lqt  publish effusions in the garb in wknh th???' sometimes presented, nor space av?? ."?"- long rambling letters. HI.—Thev must be authenticated (under c??, wiheJ) by the real name and address <& .? writer accompanying the M.S. a IV.—If received after mid-day on Thursday insertion will be precluded for that week, they cannot always be guaranteed to apaessr even when received before that time. V.-Letters which have previously appeared ia papers will not be inserted. We cannot hotdour.,elves responsible for the opirr"s. of our correspondents, leaving our letter columns open for the tree ventilation of opinions by all paita THE GUARDIANS AND THEIR PUMPS. _J: :Sia,-NVill some of the Wrexham uuaruswa explain to the ratepayers why XII, 53. is accepts^ for the old pumps, when X20 was offered in previous tender.- Y OUfH truly, A RATEPAYER. INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION. x^EAii OIB,— vvui you permit me thrcugn yoar columns to apprise my friends that I hava post- poned my motion on International Arbitration from June 20th to July 8th. On the former day. I was second on the list whereas on the latter I have the first place, basides that there is mudk probability that on the 20th there will be n* House, owing to the great entertainment given ca that day by the City of London to the Shah, ta. which a largo number of members of Pariia- have been invited. The change, therefore, is muck in my favor.-Yuurs truly, "LT "T"'t- HENRY KICHARB. I June 10th, 1873..tlE:ŒY EICHAE,!?.

THE IRON TRADE. MIDDLESBOHOUGII, luesday.—The state of the iron trade is mainly unchanged from last week. Busintss in every department of the iron trada just now seems at a standstill. There was aboat an average gathering in the Exchange this morn- iug, but both buyers and sellers seemed inclines! not to make further commitments until the state of trade shall become more settled. The present lull, if maintained, indicates no doubt a fall is prices, unless more orders for iron should shortly be given out. The leading maker3 do not appear ready to take less than the previous rates for pig iron, viz., 1173 61 for No. 3, though odd lots are heard of at rather lower rates. The returns &2 makers' stocks for last month appear less favour- able than they have for the last few months. There were during Inst month 127 furnaces ia blast. Mr Rupert Kettle has been salected to arbitrate on the ironstone miners' wages question. WOLVERHAMPTON, Wednesday.—Tne trade has not improved since the holidays have set in. The accumulation of orders in the Whit week was comparatively insignificant. Some little Canadian business h;ig been done in those in- stances in which makers would give way; but neither the great United States market, nor the Anitpodian, have improved, and the Continental demand generally is only quiet. There is not a disinclination to hum jur the purchasing market, but buyers cannot secure the concessions they demand ia other than rare instances. Makers who are well known for the excellence of their quality are tolerably firm in their recent quota- tions, but they are less rigid than they were a a fortnight ago, for they would to-day accept from 53 to 73 61 under the quotations of that time. Makers with a good, though not a first- class name, are more yielding, and will take from 10s to 12i 6d redaction in a good order. Very few such specifications an?, however, to be ob- tained, and new work is especially needed in bars and hoops and inferior shestc. •L.-jaiPy-vaati-i pigs cf good quality av not to be had mwh under lata rates, but- ttifte is very little <1t --1. Shropshire cold-blast couid not be got to-day at anything under £ 9, nor hot-biast jf the saaie neighbourhood under £ « at luwc.-it. Ojat sho ra a tendency to fall, and gated inter ),- .iir.ii ar-a selling more than la,t m favour of samers. A ramonr is current on 'Change that a meeting is soon to be held, at which it would be determined to declare quotations down, to the extent probably of half-a-crown a ton; but wa give it only as a rumour, for we could not trace it to an authentic sourcr. There are, however, colliery proprietors who would not object to join with others in courting business by declaring a decided fall. BimiiNGiii.v, Thursday.—The tone and tend- ency of the iron trade is in the direction oS: quietude. This was shown most conspicuously to-day on 'Change in the absence of inquiries, and a singular paucity of orders for distribution in this district. Finished iron is, of course, still necessary for the completion of engineering and other public works undertaken long ago, when prices were easier; and as contractors have not bought largely, they have now to come into the market for supplies to complete outstanding engagements. For this reason the home demanci keeps up much better than the shipping trade. Foreign orders are still inconsiderable, and, although second-rate brands of bar may be had at £ 12 to JS15, and even a shade less for cash, no specifications of magnitude are coming forward. Pigs are moderately active, at 98 to Z8 10a for all-mine hot blast.

THE COAL TRADE. A Co OPERATIVE COLLIERY.—A co-operative shooting moor, with colliers as proprietors, ac- cording to Punch, is looming in the distance. In the meantime some very practical minded colliers in Durham and Northumberland have turned their attention in the direction of establishing « co-operative colliery society. They have ac- quired a royalty over about 40) acres in the vicinity of York, where work will shortly be com- menced. It is intended, after declaring II dividend of 10 per cent., to divide the surplus profit between the consumer, the shareholder, and the pro lucer. By this means they expect to sell coals at l is a ton under the present market price.

THE CORN TRADE. THE COHN TR.IDF.-The Mark-lane Express says The late higher temperature, with oc- casional showers, already shows a beautiful in- fluence. The late nigbt frosts, however, did not leave without unpleasant tokens of their severity. The peas and small fruit have been severely cat, but the apple bloom, being unusually late, is little inj ared. The grags in lata districts will yet have the chance of a good yield, but it is too late to expect anything but an average crop else- where. The Paris flour trade has recovered the late declin9, and wheat has improved there but Belgium notes a decline. The value of wheat has been increasing in Spain. Germany scarcely notes any difference, while there has been a sud- den fall in New York. Here in some places prices have advanced Is. Considering the de- ficiency of the crop, our rates are not high, being Is. 6d. per qaarter below those of last year. As New York prices have become more moderate, we may now get better supplies of red as well as white C.ilifornian, and it seems pretty clear all will be wanted."

THE GREAT WESTKRN RAILWAY STRIKE: strike of the platelayers on this line we under- stand from reliable sources, is fast coming to an end; the men returning to their work without obtaining any advance. It may not be generally known that the permanent way of railways is kept in repair hy small gm,g3 of men, operating on sections of about three miles in length. These gangs consist of a foreman and about six men The former get in the B!ack Country distr* icts from 24s to 2!);J per week the latter 19j per per week, and no deductions are made for the en- forced idleness of wet weather. If the exigencies of the traffic necessitate work on Sundays, pay and a half is given for that day. In tho rural dis- tricts, tha foremen get 21s per week, and their under-men get 163, the conditions of service beiDL" everywhere the same. The foregoing is the sys- tem of tha Great Western Railway, we believe and although in manufactories and in contractor's work, higher wages are given for a day's work yet a day's work must be m ide, the men not being paid if cj:n:'?'led by weather to stop work. b

 At the con?-?mj mating of the A M ? of D.e Manchester Li.ity of Oll.ellows, ? Weymoutb. ?n Fr.i.y, Mr >V N. V, eatern, of Po?,th€ p?.utJ.?tty?.?.l ?tci., cld grand

p?cc, -Rhosesmol'; John p,jee, Rhosesmor; John (.; &c. 0 f."under discussion was the ?b ?'??'' t? E''?'???' ? N tb ''in? ??icr-, Beaumaris, to wh?ich ,?a 11 Ul t'.iers, Be-aumaris, to whicll ? of ?' ''?" made on t e appiicatiouof the 'lo-^P1, ?" ? A -,IiPht di.cus.ion took place }:< Jl:j to tbV^ ?ut, as it came out that R. ?? -?- H0.?cb, Scribed ?10 annu?iy, w »*11 ,va'~ '• to Le uu?r tor the a.soc.atlou to t III> l '11 "?ct ??' ..o?t 'ro? t c grant on su? tt"J- %«ould tend to di"cJUrâge pri \Ltc .U¡; A i?c sum was granted to Lylan;  Ilyl, witil the I)rovi?O ? ??'?\ ?)„ ad Rhyl, with the pro?o i!is »o«U only receive ll.e w" .? '-? ;?", the ?m granted not to exceed -t.? 'a; '•> batXf<oc £ 20, .i and from t!,e report ?" ) ?"' n LI. Jones, it s.cmed that this i,; an ..??"? f?..?ut church, the eubscnptioa ''?".nunctoS?t'cr hMd ahuu?ily t^tk"-jsssssaWJSK  ,Vb>'1( yl J 'Vtfc.'clish church at Towyn, a>keJ ".c?or ?'?? make ???? ?'?? &:« r tU!itiusome luture time it w(mld be rc- 1' I 'l ¡¡,at 111 SJme ¡UlUre time It wOllld be rc- J-UC' ¡ tJoe: ansWCl' was tLat it would be u-r- to discuss the question when the to (,i?cu-?s tle (illestlon wtieii the "? r- ,iirrd a< &u&cniut tor the day is ;v ^cK ;;i-. The Rev D. C. Ev?, Ho)y- lO" j t" churches of Eist ;l l\llv;J:te to v¡>tt uC churches of E iSt ^of the "English causes fund,  ,1i,1 at t JC 'lIg IS! causes fuud," M.^I'r.u ?.,po.ntt;d at the last assoeiaUOQ ? uU¡Jbk to go. I ,;i:j-l -I"- A SECESSION. ? -1 Un l if of the monthly meeting ot ?est (,in, 'L W> Rev G. Williams, Talsarnau, "L''¡ the H;v Ebeuezar Jones, of Aber- ;tpO, 0 ?"' "? ) icjt tbe conaectiou and Juwl'd the ) II) ¡¡, h 1 J .l' J'llt- for-owe months Mr Jones had been ?-i ?u ?'.aciung by the  but JU1 'pr,aching by the Presbytery but r ;"t¡. eaóc' CI?MC on for final discussion, he i1 and at thc pre,ent ''luJ-ueudents, and at the present >•' .u'll,.cnon between himself and the jV ih-'ti-sts had ben cutoff. '1j, I TilL MINISTERS FUND. 1'1 (L j, j, ji-ked what progress was made cries with regard to the r 0f D. Davies, Esq of Llandinam. ¡r¡¡:ol h. Ul n taken to collect the sums the fund on a permanent :t'l¡ It l —?"t.h' u;'C?en, Mr Lewis replied that  l 'l' fi do to -'rvli.'ad btt-n divided mto five districts, T* ;I':r:au bjn g appointed to \'iit 1 ,I, bl I 1 t lil'i J'srne churches had already set to <V°rt'V'b.-v were ouU-imined to do their share. ""<I>, ;,L., d. D" ld' J -h  ) u Wthiit ?? ?'?'ss would a.ten e 1, I.IÜ. h I Vi'-iuu m the ?utumu, so as to in'usc ''1\ ,d Ü. t', so"  ,,to otlers. SiLnilar answers .? ? L?e otLr Pivsbytenes, each being lId, [, d.l, L' 1 ?? "?? i,ct )? quota, Liverpool prom-s- r-u'u' ?' '"??\i< t01-c ?a'; its quota, as is its woht. C' '>i'ur JK'Utjjoniery, it was reported tat I" '.? t owe forward with ?20 each, \l" d ,,1".1.- ?"?'??:?;i?ke amount—(hear, hc:u)—wLite v I ,I d b ?" ?? .?i?tiadtr'jmi?ed?jcrtch. (Cheers.) '??' 1; KJ:L-II-. Liverpool, said that the sum v. t hiy thirteen pence a year for four <I L„ju member, and surely it would be tt a to GO that. The Rev J. Hughes J the deacons from the several i'r"u,.tthuu'.u calculate the quota for each EI fling, so that the various counties iiVilii i:. w., Lal was expect.ed of them and this ?. ':?.i 1". t?c q,.?e?Liuu being referred to the ???,.?! ,L"'Cv¡¡S which met that evening. '?.<. i?-' John Hughes also asked how the > i- Lull hitter pay their subscriptions, t.,) the secretary of the fund, or to .t..o their Presbytery, or to the general e: e..ur.lws to which tuey were ait.ichcd. jj.j.ti tuat they should promise their sub- fiu Lt first instai.ee to the general a:i pay it to the treasurer of each t.i/.jS u.ie ill": but this srggestion was opposed IvJlrJ oi Llanfyllin, and the question was r[:er:i.i tu tke committee of deacons. ii„ b „a.; ot the Lancashire Presbytery, the \V. W'.Ilisias asked that a few hundred tit. v: ii.v abstract of the accounts of tuis iu„u h.iuui.; he printed in English for the benefit ei iuji;.L.crs who did not understand Welsh. In-:e jiii-t, being a very reasonible one, was at uu.'fceivu! to. 'J. also asked for power to sell S k li;idge Chapel, theie being anothtr *iu t. e mile and a quarter to it, to which the Cttjr.cuatiou preferred going.— Granted. IKEASE OF IKFIDELISM. The Ei v. li LJwartis asked what Lad better be lL tuijmatter of the conversation in the fiLf-r.il s.e.et, on Friday morning. Ati'r a pat; the Rev. J. Owen, Caecano1, fajit t a t! at it would be wel. to call attention caiiL'ers to Wales from the prevalent DIM- ific.-j.tii.u ia regard to religious matters." tit leanu that they were shutting their eyes to the !.). that unbi-lief was making immense strides iu the cjuntry. Not to speak of hearers, tv.ii ;i uutubers ot their churches were imbued Ritu i; -'0 .i^^i|tn4R?..yv closely to infidelitj^^On .I :c towns and in many of tke country .jis. In I act, he feared that the dissentit-g La.ei u aus were usleep, and failed in their '.i. :r eouutrymen at the present time. liev li Edwards wished to speak with H(',y r.i k-ration on the subject mooted by Mr "*«'<• He teit that much truth lay in his words, he would Lut like to prescribe what books i,, ai o,, unrtai. The question ba i a well as a religious aspect, and there l jij u-t.on but that an effort was now made oCC the Nonconforming truants on many t: tij lsh estates for thick-and-thin con- t')-!Jj¡<, and ritualists. 'Lt. ilev. J. Hughes was of opinion that lloth- II:" (jf greater importance than the question L, by M r Urn n. It was a fact that in many l»ac(.->. v.u«rc religi >n had been in the ascendant Jorjiais, it was now dying out, and the members ct th" ci.urc ies seemed to be unconscious of te Let. England was now deluged with unbelief, ai.d tut-y must expect to feel from its eff-Cts in Tueir joung men read books of a doubt- r, audit was their duty as ministers ottit g. s; c; to make a stand against the further if sujh opinions. It was time they should awake to ti.eir duties, and he hoped the eu'iuvMi'.iou on Friday would have that effect ut'??-.a. ul'lh<' n.eet i:g was then concluded with the usual m'fu::uu. THE ORDINATION MEETING. rr i JIK- ?cnerii committee of the association met "gum at haif-jiiist eight on Thursday morning in the Lii^li-h Wesleyan Chapel. At ten o'clock, tae omiiiat.on meeiing was held at the Rehoboth <-tj<!>ei. bir. was hardly so well attended as we ex- pte'ed. 1 ha chair was taken by the Moderator, v. I,. l,)bL:rts, Abergele,lwbo called upon the l V Joan Pntehurd, Amlwch, to open the pro- ? '.um prayer, Mr Pritchard alo read the tsuai person of scripture, chosen from I. 1,t ii:. and Titus ii. Mr D..vid Roberts, L:?r,o,L read out the list of those to be (lli 1'intil' ?..? ? ,g as follows :—Anglesey Mr »U, '?'i?m-.M.A.; Mcnai Bridge, Arfon, Mr j''f u H??phreys; Lleyn and Edio[]Jdd, jj .V"V Jo?t hliams, WiitiamWiIiiams, Heni y ???"? R?erts; Fimt, Mr Thomas I'h ?'?.?Ua.nerchru?og, Mr WiMiamRow- ?-?, L11 Unartuon, and John Smallwood, Cym- -auti-ou>try. ?s.'rs. Thomas F. RJbert8, l "UJ" j' .D Uan?yncg, and Hug!i J I.,¡:I' ;"a]! a\"lCS, 'ang.}'nog, anu Ugl J"! !•. ":i.' rhi'ia •: the Ches'nre Presbytery !II r }..¡,¡. EV A., late of Tarvin Loudon Lt ¡'lI'L:-rd n answer to the Moderator, e .i,j" ,té'¡:J°'1 ?a.? been duly anJ h(: ? ? ha? heen daly and .ll,. L.  in- cni'-t ,8 •- aadoo t l.eri f? .a < ?itd&o tt.cn In'ü tit. ?' üd ¡Jlla.{, iy~ ■ :J hA- ?-i;?Lr,motb? ?-'???onp.' lLi.*13 e6t ILj% to be- t'r )'■ ,e til'>(ll lu tilc bo ui h t-h-v C, ¡' ^ou> i»im' Oround oi ,e'rl" ? ?ou,ue?ttt?<?.: ?.-?a:ld?<j?i :Ctn"i commenced by laying down that lL" ?. be circle a man moved or was placed tiiVte^ '14 t ,r W<re the tliu«S th;1t were eX" t;(re the tl,iii,-s tli,,it were ex- P'?ctf "? r a,,d if this was true in a natural  ""? ? was it in a spiritual on?. ? \Y l '??' that the conduct of the man ?ouid b |' eaar f cte r with the position he occu- ?'?ter with the pcsinon be occu- ?'' i.,id\h111 te"si°ns he made. The churcn ?tip ? ??' and ?? the pillar and • 'atitlatin» ,r throucrh the "?'Sion f ?'' truth. It was through the ttiuivij ?'" ") ? t?th was held before the world, if ?,?"? 'twas very important tha'. ?'cw),?n? ??° the church should act rightly ? ?i' la!r|e, and it was only whea the 'ut lame, and it was only whe il the fu! In ;a j lh pre-ence of God that it was faith- fu! ? ]*. ?"°?y of God. The being of the ?eb iva, ecessary to the being of the truth- ^tnout thP fl, °ther ??? ?S of the truth- ?? ?n? i. ? °. Save man> *and in his turn U*, to l(?'to zare the man, -and in his turn 11 t It' tl'utli was made known to him, tnm !f 4™?serve ?dtomakethetnttb to II)" IJaWIJo In these it was the fashion ^'kr knmvn T ?''se t'mes it was the fashion ?h c ) ] ♦ ?P??SMon, but if there was ??-??int") "?es8ton of the truth, what a pity *•4 f '1*- not been Patent to the noble who had laid down their lives jJf the t' i." M > ??- But on the other hand if tia-.t., ??? rlght-nd it was impossible for ? ?c ? ? ?' the icnptures to doubt it-it was ? '? '?y of every man who believed in ''?'gi i, ?" ? body, which?to hi- mind, w? ?t? ',?' ""? down in the New Tc: lament I litid down in the New Testament. 'artv., ,'1 -i' the truth in Christianiz, t' c °epended on the church. It was ?  Spirit of t.he Most Hi"h was the lru ii (: ',t> sP''it of the Moat High was the 't ? .?"ce. but it was no less true ??U(. ? ? iii aence rested with the church. [, '1" l' ''?i ? f.? .? '?" ?'th in the L?art of the church, ?"? 'j L:s own boso-r, and eofara- the church ?.. .? warmth from it" own b(i?om to the 1. ;.? ''s duty to (iud by f'.?wh? hhu 'e'i that warmth and t iithu-ia-m  )Vue tLat the church f10m a pre-  ?.' ? Us 01n weakness resorted to out. ward formalities, and far be the day when the church in Wales would be reduced to that posi- tion. One element in the strength of the church was its work in shutting out all that was contrary to the truth, ür, in other words, the church was strong in the same degree that discipline was kept up in it. Before now it had become weak so weak and so far from being able to shut out that which was bad, it was unable to keep in it that which was good. The Established ChurA in Wales was in such a position at the time ot thJ outbreak of the Metbolist revival or reformation men such as Daniel Rowlands, W. Williams, and Thomas Charles were turned out of the church merely for their zeal in preaching the gospel while men, unworthy of the name or position of ministers of the gospel remained in. There was a danger lest laxness of discipline among them, who thought they were standing," should lead them to the rame position. The truth, of which the church was the pillar, impressed its own image on the church, for the church was not an inanimate thing, which felt nothing from that which it up- held, but a living organism partaking of the nature of the truth which it made known to the world. The rev. gentleman's address, which occupied three-quarters of an hour in delivery, was listened to most intently throughout. The usual questions from the confession of faith were asked to the several gentlemen by the R-v. R. Lumley, Liverpool, the answers seeming to give general satisfaction. The moderator having asked from the officers present their approval of the can- didates, which was given unanimously, the ordina- tion prayer was offered very impressively by the Rev. John Owen, Cae Canol. The Rev. D. Davies, Barmouth, delivered the charge, which he founded on I[. Timothy, iv., 2. The charge was a most effective one, occupying an hour in delivery, being wound an by a most graphic description of the late Rev. Daniel Joues Llandegai, afterwards of Llanllechid and Caer- narvon, aud an eloquent appeal to those ordained to follow in the footsteps ot their great master, so as at last to be told by Him, Well done thou good and faithful servant. The meeting was closed \\ith prayer, offered by the Rev. John Hughes, Liverpool. THE GENERAL COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOC IA- TION met in the Baptist Chapel at two o'clock on Thurs- day, when the chair was again taken by the Rev. R Roberts. The next quarterly association for North Wales was published to be at Pwllheli, on August the 20th, 21st and 22nd. The general assembly of the ) whole c mnection-north a:.d c-oulh-is to be held at Doigelley next week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, when matters appertaining to the foreign missions of the connection, with other subject?, will be discussed. Mr P. M. Evans, Holywel!, read the suggestions from the committee of Deacons, wnich had been held on the prtviousevening Theyweretbat Messrs T. Lewis, Bangor, anijzteub Jones, Bala, be re- quested to audit the accounts of the treasurer, which was done and they were found correct. Second—They desired those minister's who in- tended to subscribe to the ministers fund to send their names and amount of their subscriptions to the Rev. Daniel Rowlands, M.A., Bangor, tie general secretary, by the first of August next, so that he might publish it as early as possible. The deacons beLeved nothing would do the fund more good than for the public to ste that the ministers themselves took a lively interest in its success and stibt-cribed to its funds. 'I hlrd-Inas much as the deacons from the several monthly meatings and Pie-byteries had expressed a desire to know what amount would be required from them, taking into consideration the number of members and their wealth, a rough calculation had been entered into aud the following sums were suggested as a fair distribution— £ Arfon with Lleyn and 2,500 Merioneth, east and west 1,5(10 Montgomery, upper and lower 1,200 Denbigh. 1,300 Flint. 1,000 Liverpool 2,500 "I:iiehester 500 Montgomery Presbytery, 100 Lancashire Fresbytery. 200 a total of £ 10,800. They also suggested that the first payment should he made this year, not later than the December association. Mr D. Roberts, chairmnn of the Committee of Deacons, made a warm spccch in support of the suggestions, urging that the deacons had great in- lfuence with the churches, and if they exercised it the thing would easily be done. The Rev J. Hughes also supported the sugges- tions, adding that the irfi lence of the deacons was unmeasurable, if tl e-r only 0"1 so. The movement had made a commencement -u Live: pool, where 4etio or had already Lo.ea pr. raised—(hear, h-. *r) —au-i that .vit-Oiit tLe !lC"" organisation, except in ov- YJere en the suggestion of one of the deacons. JCZ'O had bc ri collected at oil" TU'vting. A J' c. Lew the Moderator read a letter from tile Rjv D. Davies, Llandinam, excusing his ab tence, and finishing his letter by stating that he Lad the first £1,000 ready to meet the first instal- ment of the association. The R3V Evaii Roberts, Birmingham, pointed I out that Montgomery had fully more than its share of the burden to bear. Lleyn had only CSOO to pay, while it numbered a ls000 more members than Montgomery. Mr J. Jones (Mayor of Oswestry) supportel Mr Roberts, staticg,that while only os. per mem- ber wa3 asked from Arfou and L'.eyn, 6s. per mem- ber wasas^.l from Montgomery. Mr D. Roberts said that ry the same rule Liver- pool also had accepted more than its share of the responsibility, but they were determined to do their best. Eventually the suggestions were approved by the association. EAL.Y COLLEGE. The Moderator said that the annual examina- tion had taken place the previous week. Every- thing in connection with the college were an assuring appearance, and great praise was given to the students by the professors. In order of merit the students stood as follows 1ST CLASS.—3RD AND 4TH YEAR. 1, Griffith Roberts, Lleyn 2, W. Griffith, Carnar- VOll; 3, W. Williams, ditto; 4, V, Roberts, ditto. I 2ND CLASS.—2ND YEAR, 1, Ellis J. Jones 2, Robert Richards 3, William Thonns. The other students in this clars were not named. 3RD CLASS.—1ST YEAR. 1, John Elias Hughes, Bryneglwys 2, O. Parry; 3, D. Jones; 4, Johii Jones. Others not named, thirty-four altogether having undergone examination. For proficiency in English, prizes were given to W. R. Jones, W. Roberts, uud Griffith Roberts, and the priz3 of £ 5 for elocution was carried off by Mr Robert Roberts, Earlestown. Numerous suggestioas made by the college committee were then submitted for the approval of the association. RESIGNATION OF PROFESSOR PARRY. The Moderator read with much feeling a letter from the Rev. John Parry, in which he placed his resignation in the hands of the committee, owing to faiiing health and after a service of 30 years. The committee had decided to accept it, aud to recommend an annuity to Mr Pariy of E150 a year for life. They also suggested unanimously that the Rev D. C. Davies, M.A., London, should be asked to accept the vacancy. A resolution to this effect was llronnsfd Ly thp. 11 n'1 l-Tnglioo, cppnnclaa by Mr P. M. Evans-, Holywell, supported by the Rev K. Lumley, and carried with enthusiasm. We shall have a general sketch of the town, association, and preachers in oar next issue, I from our correspondent. OSWESTRY. COUNTY COURT—Ihe monthly court was held on Saturday. There were no eases of import- ance. WEEKLY CATTLE I-Alit.-There was again a good supply of stock in the Smithfield, on Wednes- day, particularly of s heep and lamVs, but prices barely maintained the position of last week, and I tbeN was a slight downward tendency in favor of the buyer. Messrs. Bi • kerton and Hiles sold 85 cattle and calves, and 294 sheep and Msssrs Pugh and Stokes told 80 cattle and calves, and 190 sheep and pigs; Mr Thomas Whitfield sold 16 cattle and calves, and 336 sheep and pigs. Our quotations are for bsef S}d to 9d. per lb., mutton 9d. to 9!<1" lamb lOj. to lid., and veal 8d. to 91. NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUL,The first meet- ing for 187J was held at Chirbary on Thursday j week The members met at Montgomery Station, I acd after inspfetin? Mnntg)mery Church, walked to Churcbstoke, prettily situated on the Camlad., Here the party divided some of them ascended the Corndon Hill. The rest preferred a stroll down Marrington Dingle. All rc-assembled at Chirbury, where they visited the cLuich, which I has been recntly restored by the exertions of the hard-working vicar. A first-rate dinner was par- taken of at the Herbert Aims, concarning which repast the only regret was that there were not mere present to partake of it—the party being an unusually small one, owing to the state of the weather. After dinner, the annual meeting of the club was held, and the accounts for the past year j audited. The Bev. IL K. Ha-Iehur?t, and Mr Dnva'to?, of Wt-t F?ton. were elected -menbarqj and the Rev. J. M. Eva:?, Oswcstrv, was proposed for election at the next wet ing of the club. f"echn a tue llI"xt mc'ctl!1_ ot t!Je e,ub. J' J',J 1.-r? ."Ior0ay, the Primitive M.?hodi?? of O'Me?ry cekhrate,i tile P!,L:xiit;ve of O;wc.?4 ce,'(:I)ratei ??ase in O.-Vt't-.try, Tije 1,; e c or c: siderable interest because of the circumstances in which the Primitive Methodist church was estab- lishel in this district. There are persons now living who remember well the 8th of June, 1823, when William Doughty, who had been sent as a missionary to Oswestry, from the Burland circuit, was arrested bl' the constable while preaching on the Bailey Head, and lodgid in the dark hole under the Council Chamber, where prisoners were then confined. Doughty was one of the sturdy sort, and through the grating of his wretched cell, he continued to preach to the assembled crowd. 0,1 Monday, he was taken before Mr Aubrey, of Brooai Hûl, and committed to Shrewsbury Giol tor a mouth, aud as he passed through the streets in the cart which conveyed him to prison he pro- mised the crowd that on that day month he would sing a hymn and preach to them the word of life in Salop Road," a promise which he faithfully kept. After hii return he laboured zealously in the distl ict. Primitive Methodist chapels soon Sprang up in various vill iges as well as in the town itself, and now, we understand, there are 44 places of worship in the Oswestry circuit, 3 t ravel- I ling preachers, 121 local preachers, 900 church members, 1,05G Sunday school scholars, and an average attendance of 3,045 at the Sunday evening •ervices. iMr Doughy subsequently settled in business in Oswestry as a grocer, but continued actively engaged in religious labour. He died April and was interred in the Oswestry cemetery. Ic IS pleasant to record that before Mr Aubrey died h3 recognised the value of Doughty's labours, and expressed the pleasure which it gave kim to do anything for the man he had onc3 com- mitted to prison. The proceedings on Sunday last included a precession through the town to the Bailey Head, where the Rev. J. Timmins delivered ati address, and the company then moved on to a field behind the National Schools, where services were he d during the day. On Monday, a tea meeting was held in the Public Hall, presided over bv the Mavor, and addresses were delivered by his Woiship, Mr S. Ward, Rev. E. D. Wilks, RJV. J. Hillier, Mr Alderman Minshall (who gave some interesting personal reminiscenes of Doughty and his time?), the Rev. T. Gasquoine, Mr Bayley, Mr Cattle, Rev. R. Harper, Rev. J. Timmins, and others. RUABON. RUABON SCHOOL BOARD.-A meeting was I called tor last Wednesday, the only member, pre- sent bei!? Mr E. Morris (chairman), Mr Thomson and Mr J. D. J' nes (clerk). SuSicienL members to form a quorum not being present, no business was transacted. VOLUNTFEas.-There will be two drills of the above corns next week, on Wednesday and Thurs- day evenings, commencing at seven o'clock. There day even i n,i, commeuc i n _?, will be a supply ot blink ammunition for skirmish ing purposes. As the battalion drill come, off on the 23rd, it is requested that the members should be punctual in tiieir attendance. HUT H IN. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, MONDAY.—Present Rev D. Roberts (chairman), Me-srs R. G. Johnson, and Rev the Warden of Kuthin (ex officio), Rev J. Griffith. Rev J. C. Davies, Messrs J. W. Lloyd, H. Grantkarn, Thos. Jones (Llan- elidan), Richard Beech, Edward Jones, Evan Lloyd, Daniel Rjberis, J. Rowlands, Edward Roberts (Green-paik), H. P. Jones, Tnomas Symond, C. G. Jones, J. Jones (Golien Hart), Evan Hughes, and H. Koberts (clerk). The Appointment of a New Clerk.-A letter was received frum the Local Government n mrd sanctioning the appointment of Mr R. H. Rjberts as clerk, at a salary of X 100 per annum. Purchase of Land.-A letter was real from the Poor Law Board, respecting the purchase of a gar- den i-,ear the workhouse, which the chairman stated had now been effec:ed. Superannuation to the late Clerk.-The Chair. man said he had brought this matter forward rather prematurely, at the last meeting, on the 12th of May. The decision, however. of that meeting was not legal, as it was necessary to give a month's notice before such a resolution could be passjd. It was for them, therefore, either to con- firm or annul this resolution.—After some discus- sion, it was agreed, on the motion of Mr H. P. Jones, seconded by Mr C. Goodman Jones, that the late clerk receive a iuperannuaticn grant of X-50 per annum, as agreed upon at the meeting of the 12th of Mav. The Matron's Salary.—The Clerk said the board was in too great a h irry at the la-t meeting in granting an increase in the matron's salary, as in t iis matter it was necessary to give notice to the Guardi,ius.-A general conversation thin ensued, and it was ultimately agreed that the board should give the matron an increase of £5 per annum, aud sbeuld al*o present her with a gratuity of A5 for past s">ices rendered. ntmcn'. of Saniinry luspccfoi'.— The bo.-r.i sen resolved itseit into a sanitary com- mie:, ind a letter was read from Mr D>v;e, :lht! !o" J In; I tr" » ff) t.-jn.t • to tho Wrexnam, and other union?, imit, -*aM be" a c-nibiur.tion ot certain unions i-iio -itury district. The Chairman said, in reference to Mr Doyle's scheme, Government would pay one-halt of the expenses, such as salaries, &3., but thpy would also appoint their various officers for them, and it was quite I oisible, he thought, that their own proportion of the expense tiny might be led to in-ur by adopting Mr Doyle's plan would be greater than the amount at which they could appoint their own officers, and carry on their business independently. The offer to pay half the expenses was the bait thrown out to them, and it' they joined the union, and agreed to Mr Doyle's scheme, they would have that gentleman, as they had seen him at Rhyl, a very autocrat amongst them, and issuing decrees like an emperor. For his own part, he thought they could get on a great deal better by themselves. The question for them to consider that day was the appointment of inspectors of nuisances, and ai he thought one would be q iite sufficient for their district, he begged to suggest that they elect Mr H. Davies, who had been em- ployed by the board to make a survey of the dis- trict, as permanent inspector, at a salary of 100 guineas per annum. Mr Davies had given the board satisfaction up to the present time, and he thought they could not appoint a better man.— Atersome little discussion, it was agreed to ap- point Mr H. Davies as sanitary inspector at a salary of X105 per annum. Financial, Sx.—The amount of out-relief for the past fortnight was reported as follows :—Mr Thos. Griffiths, L92. 15s. Mr W. H. Jones, .£61 9s. Cheques were also ordered for the en suiug quarter for £ 155; balance in treasurer's hands, XI,347 19.3. lOd.—The Chairman read a statement, showing the amount of the first instal- ment of the call due May 23, 1873, and the amounts paid by the various parishes up to June 8, to be:—Ruthin district, X499, paid up; Llan- rhaidr district, .£523, paid; total amount of in- stalment, £ 1,022.—The number in the house was 84, as against 85 in the corresponding week last year. Vagrants relieved during the fort- night, 22. Servants and Apprentices.—A long letter was read by the Chairman respL cting servants and apprentices being sent out from workhouse- from which we extract the following:—The attention of guardians i. called to the provision of the statute 14 and 15 Vict., c 11, and to the circular letter concerning it. which the Poor LtwBjard addressed to the guardians on July 26, 1851. The board desire to observe that sections 1, 2,6, and 7 of that statute were repealed by the Act 21 and 25 Vic., c 95, which was passed in August, 1871. By section 4 of the 14 and 15 Vic., c It, the re living officer is required to visit any young person, under the age of 16, who is hired or taken as a servant from the workhouse, or bound as an apprentice by the guardians, and to report to the guardians if he thinks the said yourg persons are not properly prnviJcd for. or at-o subject to cruel or illegal treatment. The Poor Law Board been in- formed that some difficulty has been felt relative to the nature of some of the enquiries which the relieving officer is entitled to muke. In some cases, it may be that the master or mistress, instead of paying their servants the stipulated amount of salary in money, may substitute in pay. ment eld clothes, which may be useless or tinsuit- able, or for which an exorbitant price may be charged, aud in such case the doubt may arise as to how far the relieving officar would be justified in prosecuting his enquiries into those particu'ar circumstances. But whenever the effect of the proceedings referred to appears to be injurious to the personal condition of the child as to amount to cruelty or illegal treatment, the board are clearly of opinion that the relieving officer should make it a subject for such enquiry, aud report in writing to the guardians accordingly. RHYL. DENBIGHSHIRE CALVISISTIC CHORAL ASSOCIATION. On Thursday last, the members of the above association bed their annual Choi a! Festival at Rbyl, under the patronage of the monthly meeting. Notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, some thousands of viators poured into the town from the various cheap exeu-sions trains put on for the occasion, and the general aspect of this favourite summer report was throughout the day of the most auimated descrip- tion. At 10.30 a.m. a coafercnce of representatives from various congregations in the county was held in Water-street Chapel, the chapel in C;wyd-street being required for the purpose of re-hearral. The Rev. Thomas Gray presided, and there were also present—Messrs. J. T. Jones, Llandullas Peter Roberts, Swon; B. Hughes, St. Asaph; J. Williams, Talybont; Lewis EJis, Phuddlan \V. Hin-lic,, Ct-ces Robert Owen, Rhyl; R. Kugaas, Couway; R. Hughes, Llanefydd J. Iinghcs, LlansiiiTuffVaidd R. Hughes, Dys-Tl_ n, Ja-eb Jones, Sarn \V. Evans, Ruthin Evan Jones, p.'iitreie'yn; R. Williams, Tanyfrou D. J)-ivie.«, Heal.'an — Roberts, Biclu'irig — \VilliatiiH, Li&ackdan J. Jones, geraoew. &c.. & The proceedings were opened with prayer and praise, and the chairman having briefly stated the object of the conference, the various representa- tives reported as to the condition of Palmody practice, &c., in their respective localities, deliver- ing their remarks in Welsh. Mr Roberts (Bacheirig), in alluding to the state of the association generally, said that a consider. able numbar of members had received certificates of merit during the year for having successfully pas- sed their examination in the elementary principles of the Tonic sol fa system of singing. Mr Wil- liams (Llanelidan), thought the deacons of the churches did not sufficiently encourage the youth of their respective congregations in the art and practice of singing.—Mr Jones and Mr Pryce hav- ing given a very satisfactory account of the work- in? given a v c, '? ing of the society in the interior of the county, Me-srs Roberts and Williams gave a very favour. able report of the Llanwrst district, and refuted, on behalt of the church officials generally, the im- putation cast upon them by Mr Williams, who spoke, doubtlessly, in reference to an exceptional case for, in respect to the Llanwrst district, he could hear personal testimony to the readiness of the deacons of the church to promote the objects of the association by every possible means within their power.—Mr Williams, in reporting on the state of the Conway branches, said a great im- provement in the singing had been noticeable for sotne length of time, but that their always ap- peared to,him to be a great defect in the choral singing not being congregational also the choirs seemed to have all the singing to themselves, while the congregations, as it were, merely formed the audience. 0 There appeared to be a great need of something or other to bring the choir and con- gregation more together, and to render the song of praise a mutual instead of a one-sided peformance. —Mr J. T. Jones, in referring to Abergele, said that district contained about 450 singers, who had all derived incalculable benefit from the practice they had undergone in prepai ing to take their part in that day's festival.—The Rev. J. Evans, of L'ansaintfraid, having made a few general obser. vations on the reports of the various representa- tives, the Rev. Benjamin Hughes, of St. Asapb, said that in some parts of the county the art of congregational singing bad been almost brought to perfection itself, while in others the singing was of third-rate aualitv. The average rate of excellence was, however, W consideiably above mediocrity. In connection with the service at the holy communion, the art of music should give place to devotional worship, and on those occasions, at least, he thought they could well afford to leave their note-book at home, and direct their thoughts from the practical portion of harmony to the more complete worship of their Saviour Christ.—After some further general con- versation, it was moved by the Rev. Lewis Ellis, seconded by Mr J. Evans, of L'ansaintffraid, that the committee entrusted with the arrangements in connection with the present festival be requested to continue in office', under the direction of the monthly meeting, in order that the good work of improving the congrational singing throughout the length and breadth of the county, which had been so earnestly commenced, might be permamently promoted and effectually carried.—This resolution was also strongly supported by the Rev. R. Owen, Rhyl.—It was also proposed that the afternoon meeting should be opened with prayer by the R-v. B. Hughes, St. Asaph, and the meeting in the evening by the Rev. R. Hnghes, Conway. At two o'clock p.m. the first public meeting was held in a field adjoiningthe Wellington-road, where a monster orchestra and p!atform had been erected for the occasion by Mr John Roberts, 40, High- street, Rhyl. There were computed to be 1500 voices taking part in the festival, which was admirably sustained throughout the whole of the performances. Mr John Roberts, Bryngweaallt, Abergele, was chairman, and delivered some capital remarks on the subject that had drawn them together. The second public meeting, held at half-past five, was presided over by Mr J. Williams, of Rhyl, in the absence of Mr Ellis Eyton, and was equally successful. The general arrangements of the festival, which was a complete success, leflect the highest credit upon all engaged in their superintendance, and a special mead of praise is justly due to Mr Edward Mills, the indefatigable secretary of the society, who has spared neither time nor labour in promot- ing the objects of the association. ST. ASAPH. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, THURSDAY.—Pre- sent Mr Brownlow Wynne (chairman), Major Ffoulkes, Captain P. P. Pennant, Rev. D. Butterton, Messrs T. G. Dixon, Whitehall Dod, W. Bell, A. F. Watts, T. J. Williams (Denbigh), It. Williams (Tanygraig), T. Winston, — Parry, D. P. Williams, and — Sleight; Mr P. Wynne (clerk). r., s-— :<«>«uei in the ho"aP. > vagrants relieved. 14. Amonnrof out-relief for tue fortnight, £ 324. Cheques were signed for E380 f,)r the ensuing fortnight. Balance _ill treasurer's hands, £27 lis. 5L The Charfje against^the Believing Qlficer for the Denbigh District. — In reference to the charges preferred against Mr W. Jones, and in rep'y to the notice he bad received, Mr Hamer attended the Board, and stated that prior to about two years ago he used to receive orders from the house for provisions, &-c., through Mr Jones, the relieving officer for Denbigh, and that when that officer paid him the money for the goods supplied, he (Hamer) was in the habit of returning him a certain sum by way of com- mission. He had returned money to the reliev- ing officer in this way on six or eight distinct occasions; and when he had once attended at the pay-room of the house, that officer had asked him Liaiself what sum he would be disposed to allow him regularly, provided that he (the relieving officer) brought all the panpers' cheques to his shop. Witness had then refused to allow the officer any perceLtige whatever, and from that time until November last he had received no orders for the inmates of tho house. In November last, witness had appeared against the relieving officer in a charge which was at that time brought against him, but he did not after- wards give his evidence, and since that time a few cheques had bpen sent to his shop.—Mr W. Jones, relieving officer, was then called in. He distinctly denied ever receiving any sums of money from Hamer, either as percentage or in any other way whatever, save and except on one particular occasion, when the sum of Is 61 was returned to him by Mr Hamer on his (Jones's) paying for a bag of bran which he had purchased fur his own private use.—This statement was positively declared by Mr Hamer to be untrue, as the Is 61 referred to was the amocnt of dis- count which he himself had allowed the relieving officer on the sum of 29s. which he had paid him at that time for goods supplied on the orders of the house.—Several pertinent questions were then put by the guardians, but the relieving officer steadfastly persisted in his denial of the charge against him, and said that, with regard to his receiving a percentage, he had never even hinted such a thing to Mr Hamer or to anyone else.—Mr Jones having retired, the board ex- pressed themselves of the opinion that Mr Hamer's statement was the most reliable, the chairman remarking that Mr Parry Williams, who had brought the case forward, had EO far substantiated his charges against the relieving officer.-After some discussion, it was decided to write to Mr Doyle, and request his attendance at the next board for the purpose of making an investigation, the relieving officer in the mean- time to be acquainted with the nature of the charges preferred against him, and also furnished with a list of the witnesses intended to be called. The Vice-Chairman.—Captain Pennant took occasion to thank the guardians for the honour th; v had cojferred upon him in having elected him as their vice-chairman.