Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

I HOPE AND CAERGWRLE. DEATH AND FUNERAL OF MB ROBEUT ROBERTS- This old inhabitant passed away on April 2nd, and waa interred on the 6.h inst. at Hope Cemetery. A funeral service was conducted at hi? late residence, The Gwalior, there being a large number of mourn2rsa, including a deputation from the Ancient Britons' Lodge, G.U.O.F., Cefnybedd, which headed the procession. Service was again held at the Welsh Congregational Chapel en route, the Revs. J. Morgan Jones, Rhydderch (Brymbo), and Uchlyn Jones (Rhesvcae) officiating these gentlemen also carrv- J ing out the last sad offices in the cemetery. Mr Roberts had been a member of the Welsh Congrega- tional Chapel for over forty years, and a deacon for over twenty years. Although not a prominent member, he was seventy-eight years of age, he yet was a constant attendant at the Sunday School, and, as a rule, he was in his place three times every Sunday. He was of a very retiring disposition, although a man of great stature and endowed with much muscular strength, and he rarely spoke at the religious meetings. He was the oldest member of the church, a native of Rhesycae, but came to live in Caergwrle over forty years, and was for many years an employe of Meaara Sparrow and Sons, Ffrwd Iroa Works. EASTER V, YSTRY.-Tbi-i was held in the Bridgend National School in the afternoon of Easter Monday. The Rector, Rev. T. E. Jones presided, and Captain Wilson acted as clerk. The accounts showed that the receipts for the year were S43 4s 4d, the expendi- ture iE49 9:3 23, leaving a debt of S.6 4s lOd. In refer- ence to this deficit the chairman explained that they had lost during the year some of their best Bap- porters, notably the late Mr K. Kyrke. After some discussion, subscriptions to liquidate the debt were promised, amounting to jE4, leaving JE2 4s still owing. The rector, on behalf of the incoming church- wardens, promised to notify the congregation of a special offertory to wipe out this debt, and Mr Wm. Moses, the organist, offered to organise a concert for the same object.—Mr John Evans proposed the appointment of Meaara E. O. Probert and Joseph Cooper as churchwardens. Carried unanimoafily.- The Rector selected Mr W. Davies, J.P.. The Celvn, as his sidesman, and after a considerable pause, Mr John Evans, timber merchant, was persuaded to accept a similar office on behalf of the parish.—The choir accounts showed receipts X8 3* 33, and expendi- I ture JE7 13.. 3d. leaving a balance in hand of 10s.— Votes of thanks were accorded to the out-going I trustees. Messrs George Griffiths and Joshua Evans, and a like compliment was paid to the chairman. I PARISH COUNCIL. A meeting was held on Taesdav, in Abermordda Board School. Amongst those present were :—Mr E. O. Probert, chairman of the council for the pa-it year; Messrs George Griffiths, Edward W. Smallwood, and Joseph Griffiths, overseers also Messrs Richa.rd Edwards, Josh Williams, P. George Rogers, William Lewis, Thomas Jones, and Fred Jones, clerk.-Ilr E. O. Probert was. again unani- mously elected chairman, and, in returning thanks, said this was the fonrth time he ha.d the honour to occupy the chair, and was rather sarprised, as ho • haJ thought they would have tired of him ere this. He thanked the council for the assistance they had given him in the past. They had not spent much money, but had done the bst they could with the money they had in itand.-Ilr William Lewis, Cvmmau, was again unanimously elected vice- chairman.—The appointment of committees was then proceeded with. In the composition of the Burial Board. the Chairman pointed out, that it would be well to appoint as many of the old membsra as possible because the coming year was fraught with work of ch importance, viz., the enlargement of the Hope Cemetery, with which the old members were acquainted. The following members, however, retired :—Messrs W. H" Savage, Robert Jones, Pontybodkin; and George Griffiths, Greenfield.-The Castle Committee was re-appointed, and in the case of the Footpath Committee two members were appointed from each of the three wards-The Chairman prop03ed thanks to the retiring overseers. They had an unpleasant time, during their term of office, by reason of the increased rates, and had experienced a lot of trouble. The thanks of the parish were undoubtedly due to them for their disinterested services.—The new overaeers elected were Messrs J. Griffi hs, Caergwrle; E. W. Smallwood, Cymnsau; H. H. Hughes, J.P., Caer- gwrle, and E. Salthouse, Lower Mountain. The first two were re-elected, and incidentally it was mentioned that the new rate for the year in Hope parish would amount to £935. The recommtndations of the recent parish meetings were dealt with. the chief of which was the enlargement of Hope Cemetery, which com- prise an acre of land. The Chairman had received a. letter from Mr Warburton Lea who wanted the Council to decide whether they would purchase the land before the end of the month.—Proposed by Mr Joseph Griffiths, and seconded by Mr George Grittthe, that a letter be written to Mr Lea saying that, owing to the absence of Mr Kyrke in a foreign country, be being the ownir of a dwelling bouae within 100 yards of the proposed enlargbmt-nt of the cemetery, they wished to know whether Mr Lea would sell the land unconditionally, or whetker he %as willing to wait till they got the consent of the adjacent property owner.—A letter was read from the Hope School Board complaining of the disgraceful condition of the road, in wet weather, between Cefnybedd Station and Abermorddu Board School, there being an aver- age of at least 300 children travelling the road several times a day. HOPE NOTES. I The Parish Church, St. Cynfarch, was prettily I decorated for the Eastertide services, the pre- dominant flower being the daffodil. Visitors are flocking into the neighbourhood in large numbers, a sure sign of the return of Spring. A picnic party, numbering over thirty from the Presbyterian Church, Everton Brow, Liverpool arrived by the one p.m. train on Easter Monday. The Volunteers of F Company, 2nd V.B.R. W.F., commenced their shooting practice on Easter Monday on the Ffrwd range. The weather was anything but propitious, a strong and boisterous wind with occa- Bionalshowers milittttiag:against good marksmanship We \re losing two good citizens in the persons of Messrs W. R. Savage and John Fidler, the latter removing on Monday to near Gloucester. Mr George Griffiths, of Greenfield, is also leaving the neighbour- hood. Mr Sam Eccleston, son of Mr Henry Eccleston, of the Derby Arms, has volunteered for the front, and goes out as a sergeant in the mounted infantry of a Derbyshire regiment. The public in Llanfynydd and district will regret to hear that Mr P. Aled Roberts, head master of the Board School, has, under the advice of Dr. T. Forcer Williams, been compelled to relinquish his duties for a week or two. This school has shown a marked improvement since Mr Roberts took charge, a littie more than twelve months ago. The members of the Stoneycroft Camera Club, paid a visit to Caergwrle on Monday. Three years ago they came amongst us, and were so de!ighted with the beautiful scenery of the surrounding country that they determined to come again. A few years ao there was competition for the office of parish sidesman, but now matters are I reversed. Is it because the wicked cease from troubling ?

ROSSETT. I VISITORS.—This village is becoming quite a fashionable rendezvous tor visitors, who are already taking up their quarters here. SERIOUS ILLNESS OF MR THOMAS WOOLRICH.—We regret to hear that Mr Thomas Woolrich, assistant- overseer, and clerk of Burton Council, is lying seriously ill at Llyntro. CHRIST CFIURCii.-On Good Friday special services were held in the Parish Church. The celebration of the Holy Communion took place R.t seven and eight a.m. and twelve noon, and at 6.30 Evensong was Rung. All the services were largely attended. The Vicar officiated. SEA-GULLS.-An immense flock of these pretty birds visited this district on Wednesday evening in last week, and alighted in a field. Here they were joined by a flock of pewits, who appeared to accord the visitors a hearty welcome. Between eleven and twelve p.m. some of the gulls were hovering over the village, their doleful notes being beard for some time. As usual the result of their visit was a storm. ANNWAL PARISH COUNCIL. I On Tuesday evening the annual Parish Council meeting was held in the National School. Present Captain Griffith-Boacawen, Mesara George Croinar, Thomas Thomas, Thomas Parry, John Eardley, Edward Babb, J. Randies, Edward Woolrich, W. Samuel, Samuel Williams, Charles Davies, clerk, and J. Parry, deputy-clerk.-The Clerk, who presided pro. tern., said the first business was to elect a chair- man.—Mr E. Babb proposed, and Mr G. Cromar seconded, that Captain Griffith-Boacawen be elected, which was carried nnanimously. Captain Griffith- Boscawen briefly thanked the council. He referred I to the great loss the district had sustained by the removal of Mr Townshend. whn had hopn ihq-irmaii ( since the formation of the council.—Mr S. Williania proposed, and Mr J. Parry seconded, that Mr Cromar be vice-chairman. Mr Woolrich proposed, acd Mr Thomas Lee seconded, that Mr Babb be re-elected vice-chairman, and he was elected by one vote.—A vacancy on the council occurring owing to the removal of Mr Townshend, Mr Thomas Lewis was elected to fill the vacancy.—Mr Thomas Prichard, Trevalyn, and Mr Thomas Lewis, Mill House, were appointed overseers.-Captain Griffith-Boacawen, Mr G. Cromar, and Mr Thomas Thomas were unani- mously appointed the Charity Committee.—The following were appointed an Allotment Committee:— Messrs G. Cromar, Thomas Thomas, J. Hughes, E. Woolrich, John Randles, T. Parry, and S. Williams. -ifr Gecrge Edwards's (Lavister) contract for repairing the allotment hurdles was accepted, and the contract of Mr Peter Edwards for tarrin g the same.-The Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Mr Cromar were appointed to sign the cheques of the council.—Mr Thomas Parry said he wished that at the next meeting they should consider the baying of a piece of land for the purpose of building a. public hall for the village.

I COEDPOETH. PASTORAL.—On Monday, April 9th, the Rev. J. H. Davies, late pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist Church, Coedpoeth, was publicly recogoised as minister of Cefncoed Church, nsar Merthyr. A large number of ministers took part in the meeting, among them being Revs. J. James, Abercanaid (late of Wrexham), W. S. Joses, D. Price, and Jenkins, Merthyr, J. Jones, and J. P. Hughes, Dowlais R. Jones, Penrhiwceibr E. T. Jones, Sennybridge and T. Morgan, Mold Ac., Ilc.

I ELL'S Asbestos Packings, Jointings, and ,B Lubricants are always the Beat. Northern Depit F. R. Patz, Manchester. t817

I OVERTON. t VESTRY MEXTING.—The vestry was held at Overton I on Monday, whvplv there were present:—The Rector (Rev. J. W. TJnwfr?), Mr Edmund Peel, Mr G. W. Tringham, Dr. Wright, Mr F. Fitzjohn, with Mr George Goderrck, vestry clerk. The accounts of the past year were submitted to the meeting, and after being audited showed a balance in hand of £ 5.—A vote of thanks walt passed to the retiring church- I wardens, Mr Ped and Mr Tringham. These two gentlemen were re etected, Mr Peel being nominated by the Rector as his warden, and Mr Tringham waa re-elected people's warden on the motion of Mr F. Fitzjohn. Mr Hargreaves and Mr Fitzjohn were again appointed lay delegates to the Run-Decanal Conference. The sidesmen were re-elected, and in addition to those already acting were added Mr A. J. P. Child and Mr H. Barrett. The foremen bell- ringer was instructed to take atdps to-strengthen the bellringers by instructing a number of youths in the art of bellringing.-This concluded the business. SERIOUS ACCIDENT.—A serious accident happened at Overton, on Tuesday afternoon. It appears that Mr Harry Barrett, the son of Mr Harry Barrett, of Little Overton, and who is employed ac the Kennels by Sir Watkin Wynn as second horseman, was driving through Overton in a trap conveying hounds home. As he was proceeding slowly along the Wrexham road, one of the hounds became restless, and Mr Barrett's attention was drawn from the horse to the hound. Unfortunately, just at this moment, the trap went over a atone and was over- turned. Barrett was thrown out and was found to be seriously injured. He was immediatelly conveyed to the blacksmith's shop, and Dr. Richmond and Mr Fitzjohn were summoned. By the doctor's orders, the stretcher was procured from the Cocoa Honae, and the young men who have been instructed in ambulance work carried the injured man to his home. Barrett was unconscious for a long time, and on examination was found to be suffering from concussion of the brain and internal injuries. The horse was stopped by a plucky young lady, named Stansfeld, of Ellesmere, and no damage was dene to the horse, hounds, or trap. BURNING FATALITy.-An -ingnest was held at Overton, on Tuesday, before Dr. Aylmer Lewis, coroner, on the body of Lizzie Jenkins, two years and four month!: old, daughter of Ellis Jenkina, labomrer. Lightwood Green, who died from the effects of burns.-The mother said between eleven and twelve noon on Saturday, she had to go to a well, about two hundred yards away for water. Before going, she sent deceased and her brother to meet their grandmother, leaving another daughter at home. As sh e was returning from the well, she met Edward Jones, who told her her danghter Liczie was burnt. When she reached the house she found the child had been bildly burnt. She could not say how the child's clothing caught fire. She applied linseed oil and flour before the arrival of medical aid. The child died about 4 p m. the same day. Her daughter, Ethel, aged five, told her that a cinder fell from the fire and burnt deceased's clothing. She (Ethel) tried to put it out and burnt her haals in doing so.—Edw»rd Jones, joiner, Penylan, Overton, said be was working at iiigjhtwood Green, and on Saturday. about 11.30 a.m., he heard a child scream. On looking towards the cottage he saw two children, and one of them was enveloped in flames. He ran to their assistance, and put out the flames. He cut away the clothing which had been burnt. He laid the child by the road, and fetched some linseed oil, which was applied to the child. He sent for a doctor. He noticed a speet match by the door of the house.-This was all the evidence, and the coroner having summed np, a verdict of accidental death was returned. Mr Parry was fore- man of the jury. EASTERTIDE IX THE DISTRICT. Although, fortunately, there w-tq little or no rain in this district during the Easter holidays, yet the weather was in no wise of the holiday kind, for the wind for three or four daya blew with great violence, which had a most deterrent effect on cycling in this district. Good Friday passed very quietly, a large number of people visiting Erbistock and Llangollen. Overton Bridge was very lively, for upwards of fifty to sixty young men from Liverpool were staying in the neighbour- hood. At King's Mills there was a football match between the employees ao Messrs Davies' Works, the games resulting in a win for the married men bv three goals to two. A good number of people went to Bangor on fishinz expeditions, and some very good catches were made. There was a great demand for sleeping accommodation, and as this could not in all cases be met, some of the visitors were obliged to spend the day in Bangor and at night drive to Shocklach and other villages for their night's rest. Overton was very qniet, but a many passed through the village on their way to Ellesmere. Ellesmere was fairly well patnuieed by anglers, and some very good fishing was obtained. The merea were like miniature seas, for the wind swept across them with such force as to produce fairly sized waves, and those who were boatinghad in some cases anxious times of it. For the Easter festival the churches were very prettily decorated. The services at Marehwiel, Banaor. and Overton were well attended, and there were an exceptionally large number of communicants. The singing in every instance left little to be desired, and great credit is due to all concerned for the way in which the services in the various churches were conducted. On Bank Heiiday it waia too rough to cycle and too cold to drive. The river Dee again engaged the attention of the disciple of Izaak Walton, and at Bangor an uncommon sight was wit- ness on the river, for a large boat house had some- how made its way up to the village. The children of Bangor, too, were not found wanting, for on Tuesday they gave a. capital concert, which was much enjoyed. The footballers of Ellesmere on Monday wore a smile serene and high. for had they not dashed the aspirations of the Wrexham Junior team to the ground, and thrown them out of the running for the League championship ? Unfortunetely the holidays have been marred by a number of accidents, two of which terminated fatally. THE PARISH MEETING. I The annual meeting of the Overton Parish Council was held on Thursday, when there were present Mr F. Fitzjohn, who presided Dr. Wright, Messrs John Williams, T. D. Studley, John Jones, Eli Williams, T. Roberts, and William Arrowsmith-Dr. Wright waa made chairman, pro teiii.-The first business was the election of chairman.-Dr. Wright said that they could not do better than re-elect Mr Fitzjohn as chairman for the coming year. They all knew the old proverb It was dangerous to swop horses in crossing a stream. They were now engaged in the intricaces of the Burial Acts, and he was aure that in proposing the re-election of Mr Fitzjohn aa chairman of the Cauncil for the ensuing year he was voicing the expression of the members of the Council. (Hear, hettr.)-Nf r Arrowamith seconded, ana the motion was carried unanimously.—Mr Fitzjohn said thp.t he was extremely obliged to the Council for the honour they had conferred on him by re-electing him as their chairman for the ensuing year. He quite recognised the force of Dr. Wright's words, which he thought were very appropriate. As they were carrying out the Burial Act he again consented to act as chair- man for the ensuing year. If the Council had not been engaged in carrying out such an important pro- ject he would not have consented to act as chairman, for he was of opinion that a change in the chairman- ship now and again had its advantages. He again thanked them for his re-election.—The next business was the appointment of overseers. Mr Duncan having served the required term of office, Mr Studley proposed that Mr John Jones, Queensbridge, be appointed.—This was agreed to. so that the present overseers are Messrs John Williams, Argoed, and John Jones, Queensbridge.—Dr. Wright called the attention of the Council to the Nursing Association promotad by the Flintshire County Council. One of the rules of tho association was that a candidate should have a knowledge of Welsh. He thought that was most unfair if applied to the Hundred of Maelor, as it would debar many candidates from that district I for there Welsh was conspicuous by its absence. -Mr Studley proposed that no action should be taken in the matter.—Thia was agreed to by the I Council. LOCAL NOTES. Captr.in H. B. Piercy, Marchwiel Hall, has sailed for the front. Mr and Mrs Sides intend shortly to give up the tenancy of the Overton Bridge public-house. It is pleasing to know that the churchwardens at Overton intend to replace the fine yew that wiis blown down in tha churchyard. Dances have been held during the week at Maroh- wiel, Isycoed, Holt, and Welshampton. There was a bicycle accident at Eyton on Good Friday, some gentleman from Liverpool colliding with a locul cjclist. One young man was ruthsr badly hurt. The annual meeting of the Muchwiel Cricket Club wiil be held shortly. A burglary took place at Cheshire View, March- wiel, the other day. Several things were stolen. Much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Jenkins. of Lightwood Green, and Mr and Mrs Harrison, cf the Crymbal's Farm, Eyton, both having lost a chiid, the one by fire and the other by water.

PONKEY. THE TABERXACLE AND SOAR BAPTIST CHURCHES.— The sum of S,40 3-s was raised by these churches on Sunday. LADIES' TEMPEKANCE SOCIETT.-At the last week's meeting held in connection with the above society at the Welsh Wesleyan Church, Miss Pritchard, Birmingham, daughter of the Rev. J. Pritchard, formerly pastor of Capel Mawr, read a paper. Addresses were also delivered by the Rev. E. Isfryn Williams and the Chairman (Rev. D. Tafwya Jones, Johnstown.) A solo waa given by Miss Mattie Price, Hall-street. MYSYDD ZIOS CHURCH.—The members of the slbove church held their annual Gymanfa on Thurs- day and Good Friday, when sermons were delivered to large congregations by the Revs. R. Gwyfa Roberts, Llanelly, and U. Lloyd Owen, Borth, Pontypridd. Special tunes were rendered by the choir, conducted by Mr Jonathan Griffiths. Mr Caradoc Roberts presided at the organ. WELSH BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.—The quarterly meetings of the Welsh Baptist Sunday School Union were held on Sunday at Zion Baptist Church, Ponkey. The presidents were:—Morning, Mr Bemamin Davies. PenTca.e nvenintr Mr S -u- --J Rowley, Rhos. In the course of the morning meet- ing the juveniles were catechised by Mr Gwilym Humphreys, the answering being remarkably good. Amoagst those who gave recitations were Miss Mary E. Jones, Miss Jane Jones. John Hannaby, and others. In the evening the adults were catechised bv 1 Mr John Thomas, and recitations were given by T. Williams and J. Hannaby, and solos were con- tributed by Miss Eliza Griffiths and others. Anthems were rendered by the choir.

ELLIS DATISS Sxpp TBAS direet from Calevtta aad Colombo to the trade all over the world.-14, Regect- strast, Wrexham. 2flf BOER TRENCHES I EY SPECIAL WARRANT ||j|$l MANUfn;UtRS TJ THE QUEEN :¡ t f i. Lu, HEAD. || pfc' AT MACERSFONTEIN, Major the Rev. E. P. Lowry, Senior Wesleyan Chaplain to the Forces, with the Rev. T. F. Falkner, Senior Church of England Chaplain, visited these trenches immediately after the Boer retreat from their mighty stronghold. Mr. Lowry writes to the Methodist Recorder Of course I did not go, to those trenches and laagers for purposes of loot. That is scarcely in my line, though naturally I picked up a few curios, as in duty bound. But the professional t: looters, who were there betimes, were in some cases well repaid for their -trouble. We are told that in the tents of Boer officers cli-iynnntl U rings and gold watches, and portmanteaus full of various valuables, were fo uiid. The retreat must have been hurried enough to justify its being called a rout; and the line of retirement was for a long way littered with abandoned spoils. Large supplies of sundry kinds of food and clothing were left in the trenches beside them, and I was astonished to note how large a portion of the Boer belongings bad originally come from England. One of our poets tells us that 'Sympathy without relief Is like mustard without beef," I saw no beef in the Boer trenches except in the, to us, repulsive form of stale biltong. Of that there must have been tons left; but the mustard was there- good old English, with the famous Bull's Head on the tin." "THE FAMOUS BULL'5 HEAD" IS THE TRADE MARK OF COLMAN'S MUSTARD. Hp ??tftlc?AT?r? ?S!B)!t??f These Remedies ha. ve stood tilt, teet FIFTY YEARS' EXPEBiENC-E, And are pronounced the Best Medicine fop Family nsa. THE PILLS f Purify the mood, 00" all dird.}th LIVES, STomAcut KmllIYS and BOWELS, and -nrr Invaluable in all complaints incidental to Females of all ages* I THE OINTMENT Is the only reliable remedy for BAD LjMa, SoRM, ULCERS, and OLB Womms; I for BRO?C!TJ?T8- So? THROATS, COUGHS, C??Da, GouTL, RUXA.n.r, GLAND Li?R SWELLINGS, and for all Sxm DIBJU.SU it has no eqxal  only at 78,  late 533, Ox&rd St., L9K90N, | j Kanufecturea only at 78, NEW OXIO&D 8TREET, late 533, Oxford Bt,L8K3QH, II | j SOLD BT ALL MEDICINE VENDORS THROUGHOUT THS WORLD. |    ? Advice Gr&W, at the abOTOaddrem, duly bowom the houn of 11 & 4D, u by ??)<?ot. ?  j i ?-  „ ? n

VRON. VRON BOARD Scxoors.-Last week the annual concert Mid distribution of prizes took place, when there was a crowded attendance. The meeting was presided over by Mr Thomas Charles, chairman of the School Board. Robert J. Lloyd, a juvenile scholar, gave an introductory address, which dealt with the principal event of the dav and of the school year. The school choir followed with a song. il The Mariners of England," and the chairman referred to the efficiency thsachoola of the Board had attained. The grants earned lalit year were the largest ever received since the schools were opened, and the report of H.M. Inspectors spoke in high praise of the teaching staff. The four pnpil teachers at the Vron Schools, whose term of apprenticeship expired last year, passed the recent Qneen's Scholarship examina- tion in the acond class and at Bwlchgwyn the only pnpil teacher eligible to stand that examination, Miss Mary J. Mitchell, succeeded in passing the first class. The Bwlchgwyn children, in the matter of attendance, showed a better attendance than those of the Vron, notwithstanding greater disadvantages of distance and a colder district, but the attendance at both schools wa* in per centage higher than that of Wales generally. The parents were urged to aSlist the teachers by appreciating the importance of send- ing their children regularly to school. A party of infants, under the direction of Miss Rowland, head mistress, gave an interesting recita- tion. Mr* Kirkham Jones sang, accompanied by her sister, Mrs Ryland Jones. In response to a loud demand for an encore, Mrs Kirkham Jones gave a second song. Miss Dors6 Ellis recited Curfew shall not ring to-night," and waa much applauded. A party of four boys gave the action soug, Soldier's Life," which waa redemanded. An interesting dialogue, "Tragedy of a pin," by a party of four tiny infants, had to be repeated. A number of boys gave a "Wand drill," after which Miss Mary A. Lloyd ably recited The charge of the Light Brigade." Patriotic songs in costume followed. entitled "Men of Harlech," "Minttrel Boy," Grenadier Guards," "Highland Laddie," and "Rule Brittaaia," which also had to be repeated. The distribution of prizes to the best scholars and attendants at school took place at this stage. The tchojta, owing to the recurrence of an epidemic, had only been opened 360 times. Three children were present every time, Beatrice and Hector Powell, ann Thomas Colley. Emlyn Thomas made 359 attend- ances Sarah A. Jones, 358; and eight others attended350 times or more. Each received a special book prize. In the infant department, George book prize. In the infant de  ?thel M. Jones, Powall, Myfanwy Colley, and Ethel M. Jones, attended over 350 times, and they were also the recipients of prizes. A special examination had recently taken place, on one of the school text books, The Laws of every day life." Miss E. C. Sharland of Ickleford Rectory, Herts., had kindly concented to daw out a number of questions and mark the examination papers. Twenty children from the Vron School entered the examina- tion, and Miss Sharland wrote I have examined the papers sent in by the children attending this school and am very much pleased with the result of their teaching on this subject." The first, second, ¡ and third prizes were given to Emlyn Thomas, Joseph Whitley, and Matthew Wiiliams.-Mirs Kirkham Jones and Mr and Mrs Ryland Jones gave the trio The Shepherds' Watch," which was encored, after which an interesting dialogue, A visit to Old Kitty," was given by a party of girls. The part of the heroine, Kitty, was ably sustained by J. Catherine Jones, one of the assistant teachers. The Toy Girls," with their loaded basketii of selected articles for the delectation of juveniles, proved very attractive and were well received. Mrs Kirkham Jones gave Jeanette and Jeannotte in her usually good taste, after which the usual votes of thanks were accorded. The proceedings were brought to a close by the children singing The Evening Bells" and God Save the Queen." The arrangements proved very complete, aud reflected much credit on Mr R. Hughes Jones, head master, and his staff.

ACREFAIR. I BI-,TEDDI-OD.-The annual tea and competitive meeting in connection with the Bethel Welsh G.M. Chapel was held on ftood Friday. Upwards of 250 parcok of tea in the afternoon, and the ladies and gentlemen who assisted were:—Mesdames Robert Fritchard, H. Jarvis, Edward Griffiths (Glanllyn), E. R. Roberts. G. Evans, J. Roberts, W. Evans, J. H. Jones, Misses Edwards (Coach-road), C. A. Pritchard, E. A. Davies, J. Hughes, Evans, Gabriel. Pritohard, Williams, Powell, Thomas, S. E. Jones, Messrs E. Fonlkes (Trefynant), Thomas Willitins, Hughes (Derfel House), and Evan Davies. There was an I exceedingly large attendance at the competitive meeting in the evening, and, in the absence of Mr J. Watkin Lumley, J.P., C.C. (Ruthin), the chair was occupied by Mr Robert Pritchard, D.C. The Rev. John Thomas (pastor) performed the duties of con- ductor, whilst the adjudications were entrusted to Mr D. ilryce Jones (music), "Abon" (poetry), Rev. W. O. Williams (recitations, &c.), Dr. Llugwy Owen (essays), Miss E. A. Jones (knitting), and Mr Joseph tIall, The Manse (drawing). Proceedings were com- menced by a well executed pianoforte solo by Mr R. O. Pritchard, and the results of the various com- petitions were as follows :-The best fonr-line verse on" Kruger "-Mr Thomas Cnffin, Rhos; recitation by children under 13, Pa le mae fy nhad "—(1) Pollie Wright, Ruabon, (2) Edith Wright, Cefn; soprano solo, "Y pemnill adroddai fy nhad "-Miss Jane A. Williams recitation, Pleser-fad y Niagara" —Mr D. Owen Morgan, Garth; essay, The way in which our young men should spend their leisure hours "-Miss Ellis, Penybryn; duet, "The Two Lives''—(1) Misses Myfanwy Roberts and Ethel Wright, and (2) Misses Sallie Edwards and Edith Wright; pencil sketch of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct -Mr E. W. Evans; pianoforte solo, Daybreak Master Newton Wright and Miss Mary Jones, equal; piar of stockings—Miss Ellen Ellis, Garth; best party of ten voices renderin g the hymn Engedi"- Mr John Wright and party; reading an unpunctuated paragraph-Messrs Joseph Edwards and T. C. Eaton, equal baritone solo, "Cymrn fy Ngwlad —Mr Jos. Edwards, Cefn; and Mr John Wright's Juvenile Choir took the prize for the rendering of Clyw, o Dduw fy llefain." Mr R. O. Pritchard accompanied throughont, and gave entire satisfaction. The customary compliments having been expressed, a pleasant evening was brought to a close with the singing of Hen wlad f v Nhadan." The Rev. John Thomas was chairmgn of the committee, Dr. T. Owen Jones, vice-chairman, Mr Llewelyn Evans, treasurer, and Mr James Roberts, secretary.

i GLYNCEIRIOG.  WELSH WESI.EVAS CHAPEL. The anniversary services in onnectionwith the above were held on Sunday atd Monday, April 8th and 9th inst., when eloquent termona were preached by the Revs. D. O. Jones, Liverpool; T. Chp.s. Roberts, Oswestry, and Mr John Phillips, Llandriilo.

BANGOR. CHILDREN'S CONCERT.—A very successful concert was given, on Tuesday evening, by the children attending the schools, assisted by a few of the former scholars. The programme was divided into two parts, the first part consisting of songs, recitations, and drill by the infants and girls. The manner in which the infants sang their songs, which were in character. and did their recitations, reflected the greatest creiit on their teacher, Miss Hughes. The drill, which ia a new one, was done in excellent style, the time being admirable. The second part of the programme was occupied by a cantata, entitled Cinderella." The chief characters were taken by the followingMiss Mabel Davies, Cinderella.; Miss Jenny Hughes, the Baron; Miss Lydia Bostock, Baroness; Miss Large and Miss Stant, the Two Sisters Nellie Lightfaot, the Fairy Godmother; Edward Large, the Prince; William Shone, the Herald Miss Crissie Spoor. Stallkeeper trumpeters, page boya, and fairies. The whole cantata was a. great success. The music was very pretty and bright, and was rendered with plenty of life and spirit. The singing of Cinderella was much appreciated and admired, as also were the songs and appearance of the Baron, indeed all the characters were well got up and well rendered. The cantata was accompanied by Mis Elrington-Bisset on the piano, and Miss Sharpe on the violin, who also gave a mandoline solo. The tirst part of the programme was accompanied by Miss Mabel Davies. The work of Mrs Davies and Miss Haghes, in arranging the concert and in the training of the children, ia much to be commended. The programme was as follows :-Pianoforte solo, Miss Mabel Davies; song, The Manse-trap," Infants; recitation, My Servants," Lily Pritchard; mandoline solo, Miss Sharpe; recitation, The Truthful Boy." Bernard Bennet; song, "Uncle Jack," Infant Boys; recitation, Playing at School," Infant Girls; recitation. The Sportsman," Harold Bartlem sing, "The Dances," Infants; recitation, The Driver," Infant Boys violin solo, Miss Sharpe drill, Girla. Cinderella "—First scene, A Market Place second scene, The Kitchen third scene, The Baron's Drawing-room."

HOLT AND FARNDON. FARNBON VOLUNTREKS.—Aa many as fifty-five young men have already joined the Volunteer Corps, and it is expected that the number will soon be increased to sixty. GOOD FRIDAY.—Owing to the cold weather only a few pleasure boats were seen on the River Dee. A great number of visitors in vehicles drove down from Wrexham. Services were held as usual in both pariah churches. DEATH OF A Music TEACHER.—The somewhat inexpected death of Mr James Pinnington, Farndon, which took place last week, cast a, gloom over the Tillage. A few days before his death he was quite active. On Sunday he was taken seriously ill with congestion of the lungs, which terminated fatally on the Wednesday following. He acted for lnanv years as organist a.t Coddington Chuich, and at Holt Church previously. He had several pupils in the district whom he taught muais. He was a most genial and kind-hearted gentleman, and was mrch beloved by his acquaintances. He leaves a wife and four children. His age was forty-six years. The funeral took place at Farndon Churchyard on Satur- day. BARTON CONGREGATIONAL Cut:Rcm.-On Good Friday the annual teu. meeting was held, when a large number sat down at the tables, over which the following hdies presided ;-Mrs L. M. Daviea, Mrs Jones, Mrs Ikin, Mrs Carr, Mis Cross, Miss Carr Miss Benitt, Miss Woollam, Miss Jackson, Miss Clubbe, and Miss Smith. At 6 30 p.m. an excellent entertainment was given by the Lavister party, and the chapel was crowded to excess. Mr James Edwards, Darland, very ably presided. The follow- ing programme was well rendered :-Glee, by the Sarty nnder the conductorship of Mr S. WiUtams* Broad Oak solo, Miss Polly Edwards recitation 11 Wee Tiny," Mr Roberts song, Tell it again Mr Phillips, Wrexham mandoline solo, Miss Polly Pyke solo, Miss G. Edwards, Darland recitation' Miss Mary Roberts; scng, Mr S. Williams glee: Yes, we meet pianoforte solo, Miss Pyke son, Miss G. Edwars mandoline solo, Miss P. Pyke solo, I am hiding," Mr Phillips recitation Miss Roberts.-The Rev. L. M. Davies proposed a hearty vote of thanks to all who had taken part, and said that it was the best enterta.Inment they had ever had.-Mr Thomas Wynn seconded, and Mr Ikin supported. The tea-makeis were included in th? votj of thanks.

EYTON. THE LATE MRS HLGHES.-By the d3ath of Ar Hughes, the other day, Eyton has lost one ofi? oldest and most respected inhabitants. M™ was in her 78:h year, and had lived in the  house for fifty-two years. The funeral took ?nLn "t Bangor, Rev. Mr Ellis officiating. The mourners were Mr and Mrs Walter Hughes, Evton OM HaU Mr .nd MrsJo.eph Hughes, Wen? .?? ei2tworth Air ana M;Trs Huad rry Haghes, N annerch; Mr and'" James Hughes, Nuneaton Mr Md Mrs Harris, Lon d on Mr ?nd Mrs Jones, BrTnypya M-  Edwards, Eaton Hall, Cheater and th« fmi ■ 69 grand children Alice. Cb?Io?e, A?r jh Edwin, Joseph, Walter, and Cecil Hughes were also present: Mr and Mrs Parry, Stone Bridge^ Mr Rogers, Eyton Dairy and a number of other friends. WreathH were sent by the re!&t)v?  the deceased, and also by Mr and Mrs F L?yd E? House Mr and Mrs Parrry, MraBMo???' ir^ Roberts, Me.ars W. and J.andM?.J???  M? A. Payton, Mareh?el. ? the under- taker. GWERSYLLT. TEA MEETING AND ENTBRTAIXMENX Th« NN I tea. in connection with the Encash f? Mnaat Church, was held in the schoolroom n G?6d ^ri'dn when about 500 ff down. The fol!?- ??"?' sided at the tables, and assisted:—Mrs VT' Mrs J. P. Grif&thB, Mrs W. Wiliiams Mr, '?' Mrs Jones, Mrs Tilston, Mrs Ev? 'Mrr-P? ??"' 'illiams Mrs P. Jones Miss S. E. Davies, Hies V. DaviM??? )' ??' G. Jones, Miss Bradshaw and Mis! Phn;nix.' The Mayor and Mayoress of Wr.?h.? ? ?"? --U" Aur ana Alrs Thomas Jones, attended the proce^ngt aJnd r„ £ evenin the Mayor presided at a lecturp «i in the -.lor. the Rev. W. Thorns, oa????°?*??-? Theie was a large attendance. JJMl-OoDJi at. BURTON. ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL.—This -v? held in the classroom at the ROBBt School, o? ?? h.? ° ??? Mr T. B. PMKer prMiding  T°n?2 £ ^Thtreaaib?notice°f the meeting. M"Rr J. T. Sykes, J.P., was elected chairman Mr T  Parker. Tice chø.irman j Mr Thomas Shepherd and C Yrre aPP°'nted overseers for the er»uyig year; Messrs Sandbach, Cnrwen and ?S.?'?.?"?" on the s".?:? C 0--ittee.

„ w deacatch from Lord Roberts was tha, ?'?''?'?? late on Taesday night:— ¡;r BLOEMFONTKIX, TUESDAY, 11.45 A.M. fl>e ff f ■ tWepener is still surrounded, but it is lll*Mhc e^emy are attacking m a very half- Ur^» m ,er and are anxious about their com- ,uaer, and are anxIOUS a ou t elr CD1- ,;r,I. he:HlU that forces are approaching ::l:j.:<tI.-rU1 tro directions, one nnder General -r. ?ddersbarR. ?d another, under General  ?''??  support,  VIFCICJ, WKD H"art's Brigade in support, via K-joxvi1^- t:ll.jli'¡¡patiol1 of Ronxville, on the 15th, the few ..od, and Brabant made some im- i' 1 ftrest3' -??? v'le°.L Htorma of rain have somewhat "Jhe ?" L f h I t?. march of these columns, but it is orfef- i] -10n b~> able to make their presence ,3 oJ ? di.:idt:lr ¡"It. ? ?!?-.°?? ?,?i well on the 5th mat. was the news l'lamer's camp on the 8th by 10 X .man, of the Rhodesian Horse, who L:l' ? nVerce the Boer lines twice, getting ¡: ?' of kins: and returning with despatches. ,fely t." Colonel &Igety and his little force at ^"i:caiiantly holding their own against •> \cr.. ¡;;aliantly 0 IDg t elr own a¡¡;ainst •he ^Jir T' ?ho ??e reported to be apparently ^jckeDinU :\u n their attack. ?B'"?'°????d?bnr? from a place called -:?&? .? ? correspondent reports the arrival ?he: I; nrda'v of General Chermside's division, ?re os ?- ,?ement of the enemy towards the .?-.??' ?ed?sburg itself is held by General "n,ell"' f. ^t* '??received on Wedegda, the Boers i-J be anrronnding Wepener, but -.«:e =% ^ported w be surrounding Wep ener, but .,ey of1) c jIV on |i desultory fire. Five of their .?-' ?''? -?)J l0 have teen disabled. General ,,7ry in:J RooxviMe wa.a praetica.My nn- iJerscbel it is reported that the rfp?" are resting owing to Free rti wjJ0 surrendered are resting ow i ng to ?pre?"?- ?f J:?Ki- p?tro!s. The Boers report r V«on bridge at ?etha'ie has been blown -n \t i.4-,r r'" :B" ?jto'.vu te?rtnu. however, states that the :r-F"'rv raa'Aay bridge at that place wnl be opened ;f'- ;w' Jranivr.al Government heard of the «wiirl ??.y )ffered Portugal the Bnm .ntt H" .-?"" Tile cad was, however, refused. In an :¡:rc ?;t:jrrJ-pJ"?fnt, Mr Rsitz states that -??"?' Ii' :"T;U;l!l1 Government has taken no resolution d to the blowing up of the minem. .'] .t 1 1 T'* n:.t?ri.? ?r\icc to the late Colonel de ii,r uil in Palis on Wednesday some dia- r':t4S jjk 'J'he plie had to be reinforced nJ''ou of ct?'a.Iry. Ultimately several arrests -?rem??'

JCVERT CRITICISM OF WARREN AND BULLER. ESPATCH LO RD ROIRERlrs. I n • 4* 'lit.™ ?o'n General HaUór describing the i!\U-e 'across ;be Tns»ela on the 17th and 18th u. d. f an-l the c ipture Ln d evacuation of Spion V; 23rJ n'd 24?h January, were published in "ÜH' :l:h: "I. t;(i? Sir C. Warren, in     ?"?-?? Sir C. Warren, in States that the evacuation of Spion a ",I; ?.? n'- ?,j,?d by Lwuteuant Colonel Thornev- ja tbt- ?cecf the vi?orona protests of eeveral ??''?.?. anil he "n,,dt:! that an investigation of this ?h ?-L.i t.??cmtion might be desirable. ?? ?) H'?r. in ÍJm:uding Sir C. Warren's report, ?'v cfi?'i-L') the conduct of the operations by ? ?- Gt?M!. and remarks on the want of organisa- ar ay"jtem thai u""k"a the affair. He ex- i the view thai L:entenant Colonel Thorney- t: <I"rÓ.ed a ?'?f d'-cretiou in evacuating the ?'-?-, L-?r? Roberts, in his covering despatch, !? httnci'?""Lit'to coacar with Sir Redvers thi!. "ing ihat Lieutenant Colonel Thomey- ??"n? ext rftse-i a w?f discretion, and expresses O"pi'nion that h's a^nmption of responaibility and vi ii Nvh,)I?v inexcusable." He al50 ??.,? rc?ret that Sir C. Warren himaelf did not -r? ? Vivjii Kop. kuon?iuv aa he did that the state of .?.t- v.ry critical, and that the loss of the ?':ijn ivoniJ Mvohe the failnre of the operations. -?ntin? np Lord Robert eays the attempt to -? Lt.?'-nmh W¡5 wI] devis?d, and he agrees ,? e r K. BaUcr in thinking that it ought to have That it failed ruight in some measnre be tht- .lifiealtie^ of the ground and the com- pheld by the enemy, and probably ki a errcri of jndgnu-nt and want of administrative Hicm ca the pa.r: of Sir C.Warren. "But what- fiViis Sir Ciiarlts Warren may have com. Lord Koberis concludes, the failure must fcteiecribi-d to the disinclination of the officer in ~:eme cftnniaud to a-sert his authority and see Ij-.shat he thought best was done, and also to the -7.irractible and needless assumption of respon- bv a subordinate officer." B!SHOP JAYNE'S SON KILLED. I A corrt-p.naent telegraphs that the news thc.t i=Bi:hop of Chester's son, Ernest Munroe Garland Ji.Lr, tf Kjbertss Horse, was killed at Sanna's Post W-iiuivd ia Chester and other parts of the diocese 3etp :^rf>t. Mr J'tyne was twenty-three years d Hê, ll. left England on the 23rd of December, =nl sa-prficiit at the relief of Kimberley. lIe was tdscited Edinburgh University, and intended cotipletiis i»is t-jurse there after the war. He was tL" rldrn survivin g son of the Bishop, his elder b :viug died at the beginning of last year. GENERAL WHITE AND MR I WINSTON CHURCHILL. A ft:w U,ivs after Lidysmith was relieved, Mr T.s.on Churchill cabled home an interview he had iiiaith Su Gcorjc White, in which the following Fi:tacc appeared The General then spoke Utcriy ci the treatment and criticisms to which b ¡,lid been HGOjened at home, and of the i'2ip!d v,JjR-ij Lis War Oifice had made to snoer- h:t Htteaipt* which Sir Kedvers Haller bad L'a il hilsiy a Centra! News representative called r: Sir Gcorg White to ascertain if the gallant e r.snl hrni been cjriectlv reported in that passage. rU-0 thflt ••al'jtci I have nothing to say, and I will uotoiat, replied Sir George. I intend to deal "n Ltit! nirtttr in another way than by controversy. -Kctiaer 1: most mischievous tha.t anyone should -••tr JO the relatione between the War Office and -t:,If I I[ L-.riysmith defender absolutely -cd to cjinuicnt further on the subject, but it is ¡::iDl :1Jt if General did refer to the treatment rrccivtd he buiievtd the conversation he had f-Jt Mr Churchill was private. Asked if it was his •titca to r,urn to ti,e theatre of war, Sir George I catiuot di-er,s in%- future plana; I have :Itbout, to reet. Whether I go back to Soath a cr net is a luptttfr between the War Office and If I ?<:e no command for me at present." Sir Ijuiily engaged on Monda.y replying to ticmrroua lett-.ia and telegrams of congratnla- —3 and well wishes he had received. COLONIAL NONCONFORMISTS I AND THE WAR. ,"Ih,¡,c", H. J Campbell writes to the Daily Xelt;, i. utidcr date llarch 28th, as follows :— -:t.< b-jt'.voen the great body of Noncon- a: home and that of the Evangelical here is almost startling. I came to the •u vf.jjjn prepossessions against the policy ir; tilt- of so many of my co-religionists, L to present struggle. I am bound to say -iniflt minister of any British denominti- I have met moat of them, if not all) of Dr. Cliii jrd, Mr Silas Hocking, or ^.e-tcr IlJrul. One and all assert that not Mr ,i )r sir Alfred Ililner, but President r: tutr Afrikander liond. and the retrocession of b*^fVc :o v'tr' They laugh at the idea of K-I-.1M ir.:iii.e. a. veual Press, or Rand .1< more than accidents of the t f. Annexation they declare to be iuttieritent, -.iid many of them are f -t-r far as to r--cotii,.iend the immediate Dona, and that Cape Colony itself once more administered as a L i a curions fact th-at the political •itg.itionansts, liaptists, an i- distinctly Liberal, more eo, if :i jine, bat they are utterly out of • Little TJnglaud policy in Colonial •oancement of the new Liberal is hailed with delight. Lord "11 ita to Colonials generally, aists in partienlar. "He is the i istone in home affairs," said my iiitiht, but he remembers the ei.rious fact that Liberal policy •is. as Lird Salisbury himeelf has • most to do with the creation of a d Cooniai Empire by the con- • eniir.g institutions, should fcr the III-to keep tonch with Colonial to the further development of

OTTERS FROM THE FRONT. A WREXHAM MAN. is dated Kimberley, March 1 wrote to yon at Orauy,'j Kiver, U;h, I have experienced some hard j I" a-.¡¡! you. We left Orange Kiver on v •. -•■'•it in railway tracks to Belmont, -nd waited two days for rL supply • i Tolled up country. The lirst "t ;i-ispan, and I shall never forget travel alter sunset), as three of ns officer were taken for guard, >■ the unlucky ones after tramping ::11:: 'ht iinles over the veldt. Well, it rained j-.t*— a propt-r South African thunderstorm- ;<Jt 6iir topcoata on. and got %et 'ld to keep 1ik. that for over six hours, :r^CC !1';Vcf Sieved till abont 3 30 p.m. Jnst ■■■-)'.U,e convoy moved off, and I c--n assure -L ^:etty Htiif and sore, but I managed to Jlhes while the wagons were on the move, .> r,dJd a-" irksome job. as they have Lo go ■ T '0^»h roads. We got into En9lin, and °f rest, and dned my wet things. '?"???t.u:iboa: four p.m., and got into .? -• -??'f about e18ven p.m., and there had to the Boeri were sapooaed to be in ?"?, c[ courne, had to form another tHken for it this time, and were V t?'F? interva! We h&d ? day's reat ?'?'??? ?a.iu about fonr o.m. ,ver for?. We no sooner got ? n''?' we hacl to form laager, BoenJ S vscf. fi ul n °??rsawa.ny. The convoy :'A.-? J-?Lc:obiaitl before a= got very nearly cut • read the account in the papers. 'L?:. ?evcn of onr fe ows killed, Well, wi aot tlirongli to 41it '?ter an eventful march of fifteen f ?°"??'- I can assure yon we very ??' ?? cm ? Btarted iaeuing buHy-mea.t and  ? tlie troops there. We started off again LO ??PP a Drift on the Modder River, but we did not tramp that night, as some of our wagons were partly empty, and so we jumped on, and rode into Klipp's Drift. We were following Lord Roberts's troops a. long way in the rear. We stopped here for four or five days, and then moved on to Paardesberg, and got another wetting through, thongh wo bad our coats on. We got there on the 22nd February, and were there for the fight, and saw the prisoners Drought in. We stopped here about (seven daya, and I can assure yon the ,Ieuph W8  something terrific, as dead animals from the Boer I laager floated down the river the veldt, too, was awful for miles and miles wherever yoa travelled up country. I had several attempts here to p03t a letter-card, bat coald not find the post-ofifce, as it was somewhere with Lord Roberts's headquarters, We moved on to Osfontein, about seven miles farther np, and were there about seven days, when I had to go sick, as I had caught a thorough cold, and could hardly walk, bat had to walk four miles to the .nearest hospital, and was there about four days, and was moved here over thirty miles in bullock wagons with about 150 aick. We are getting kindly treated, and are a lot better, and expect ere this reaches you to be in Bloemfoutsin.-I remain, your loving son, I forgot to tell yon that I met Staff-Sergeant Doolan, R.A.M.C., who left Wrexham in October last for South Africa. He happened to be in attendance over ns. There was about 500 sick and woauded came down with me from the front. We travelled in bullock wagons about forty miles. It took no about three days to reach bore, and some of the poor fellows (very bad cases) were very nearly dead, for the jannt- ing of those wagons is terrible. We were glad to reach here. I expect to get the bar, which is to be given for the Psardaberg engagement as my unit was there the specified time. I rationed the 4,000 prisoners that were captured. I am glad to tell you I am getting strong again as the fever left me very weak. I am anxious to join my nnit again as soon as possible in Bloemfontein. The above comes from Kimberley Hospital to Sergeant-Major Dipple, Hightown, Wrexham, from his son, Private Walter Dipple, who belongil to the Army Service Corps. LIFE ON BOARD THE TRANSPORT KENT. The following interesting letter is from Mr J. Idris Jones, aon of Mr J. Tysilio Jones, of the firm of Messrs Jenkins and Jones, timber merchants, Johnstown, who recently left Wrexham with the Yeomanry :—"I tLm pleased to Bay that I am in the pink of condition now, but I have had my turn, I was helping to hoist one of our dead horses from below one night, and the rope broke, down came three men on top of me, and I damaged my right ha.ud, after which blood poisoning set in, but now its as right as ever again. We have had rather a rengh time of it on the whole, but after leaving Las Palmas, we got very good weather, of course occasionally rough. Oar time is folly ocenpied -here-rise at 5.30, pack up your blankets and hammock, then stable duty, after which we have a salt water bath, then breakfast at eight. We have a general parade at 9.30. For firing exercise we throw barrels or empty cases overboard, and as soon as they are about 200 yards behind us we fire. We also have stable duty at eleven, and dinner at 12 30. General work in the afternoon, stables again at five, tea at six. We get first warning at 9 30, and lights out at ten, when W8 retire, ao you can judge for yourself how it is with us. We have had several concerts and sports on board. Yesterday, being St. David's Day, we had sports in the afternoon, and I won the obstacle race. You should see me at the finish such a aigat! my best friend would'nt know m^ iu xact I'm not clean yet. At night we had a concert, all the troops and officers on the hurricane deck. We had a. piano, violin, and cornets, and opened out with, Hen wlad fy nhadan." We were a party of fourteen, I got through without p breakdown. Lord Cowley, on behalf of his fellow officers, complimented ne, I forgot to mention we tad an extra meal to celebrate the event, and I feel certain we could not have enjoyed ourselves better on land. I and a Liverpool fellow have been looking after our table for the last week. You should see us washing up, scrubbing the table and the floor, also polishing the tins, &c., Ac. We got a prize of 53 from Lord Compton for having the cleanest mesa, and we were that indeuenien: we have thrown np the job. We anchored outside the port at Las Palmas, where we were boarded by a quarantine doctor, who after inspected the ships, and getting the sick report, allowed us to remain to coal, and also take in some fresh water, of which we were very short. They have a most peculiar custom there as soon as the ihip anchors in sight of land, scores of small boati cluster round loaded with fruit of all kinds; tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, figs, and every kind of articles. Tobacco costs Is 6d a lb., cigars three shillings per 100, oranges ranging from 20 to 40 for a shilling, and I can assure yon we laid in a fine stook. The boats come along- side the ship, and they throw you a rope, on which is fastened a basket. In this you place your money, and lower it down to them, then load up what yon require, and you haul it up again. The men are not allowed to board the ship. There were boys diving from the boats into the water for coins that were thrown in for them. We were not allowed ashore. The place is really beautiful at a distance of about li miles. There is our church parade on' Sundays, our pulpit is a case that a piano came in, covered with the Union Jack," the captain reading portions out of tho Common Prayer, and Lord Compton a. portion out of the Bible, we sing two hyoins and God save the Queen," the whole service lasting abont twenty- five minutes. Wa have at last arrived oat here, and thank good- ness, I am tired of this ship waiting to go. I have just seen a Boer prisoner, and ha tried to escape from one of the vessels here, and there are three more to bashot in the morning for killieigone of the guards, it is now three o'clock, and a train has just arrived with 650 prisoners, who will be put out on one of the ships here in the morning. All on board this ship were working getting the baggage off until twelve last night. Our camp is in a lovely spot, the only thing we lack is, there is not much food to be had as yet. We have some biscuits that would stand Johnstown Wag^n Works 3team hammer. Grapes are as cheap 801 dirt, what cost you 53 we get for 6d. It is scorch- ing hot here in the day time, biit cold night and morning. The present orderi are, stay here until Friday, then go up to Kimberley, which is about three days journey by train." STARVING AND DRILLING OUR MEN. The following letter has been received by Mr D. Humphreys, Ilill-street. Newbridge, Ruabon, from his brother. Private P. Humphreyr, 3rd Grenadiers, who is with Lord Roberts's forces at the front Bloemfontein, 20/3/1900. Dr-ar brother and sister,—You will excuse me being so long in writing this time, but there has only gone one post out since I wrote last, and then I never had a chance to writs. We have had very hard times since you heard from me last; what with long marches and nothing to eat it has very near killed I us. I am not goii- into detail about our record march fro-ii Kipp 1. ) ,j, from Klipp Drif; to here, for no doubt you have seen all abont it in the papers. We covered 42 milee in 22 hours, and had four or five hours' rest out of that (this was the last two marches). We arrived in camp one morninjj about one o'clock, after marchinn about 20 milt:3, and started off again about five o'clock. We left a lot of men bahind on the veldt, too weak to follcw any further. The people in Bloemfontein were surprised to see how well we marched in. The band was playing. Lord Roberts did not expect us so soon. lie was going to inarch at the head of our brigade, but he did not know we were so near, and he told ua in a spsecn the next day that he was very disappointed, but he says "Never mind, I will march you into Pretoria;" and he also said that he did not think it was possible for men to march so far nnder such trying eircutiiitaiieeg. What made it harder for my battalion was, we had been to Modder River with the 4,009 prisoners from Klipp Drift. So we started from Modder River. I believe it is over 100 miles. I expect you know we marched in hf-re with- out firing a shot, but we were not the first here. French's colnmu came in in the morning, and we came in in the evening, but General French had very littie fighting to do. We came here on the 15th, and on the 15th we- entrained for Norvals Pont. We stopped at Edenburg for the night. Here we found hundreds of rifles and tons of ammunition in the church and prison. We burnt the ammunition next morning, and got in the train. When we got to Norvals Pont the Boers had gone. We expected having a nice capture. We turned abont and started back again, stopped again at Edenburg for the night; got back on thp 17th, riding in coal trucks it beats marching though. You might think I'm all right now I'm in Bloem- fontein. Well, I'll just tell you what we are doing here. For a start, 1 have not been in the town; we are only allowed to go 100 yards around the camp. They do net give us any more to eat; in fact, we get I less. Yesterday they served us out with a cup full of flour each (loot, I believe) instead of our rations. We had to bake it ourselves. We had no wood, no fat, and besides a cupfnl is not enough to keep a dog alive for a day. I could tell you more about our food, bnt if I were to tell you all you would wonder how we live at all, but its not living wel are. There are over 100 in our battalion sick, and I expect yon see the death-roll in the papers, and if they don't give us more food BOW the winter is coming on the death- roU will be heavier, and its hard linea after pulling through the battles to hava to die for the want of more to eat, but its nothing in the p%ptrs-its Died of enteric fever." Then another thing, yesterday thsy made its waih on- khaki, and we had no sooner wfuhtd it than it started to rain, it rained all day and night, we had nothing to put on as we have only one suit, and we have no coata at 11.11 and our rags got wet through, then we had to lie naked all night with a wet rug around UB, and its bitter cold at night. The officers have tents. I should like a pair of trousers I can't find my original pair for patches. We are having parades just the same as if we were in London, and they expect ni to drill jast as well; its, Hold your head up," Step quicker," So and so idle." When we go and see the doctor we get a pill or two. Ite a pity to see big etron g men wasting away, but I suppose it don't matter how many poor fellows die so long all they get it over. Things are very dear here, batter and cheese 33 6d & pound, a 2,d loaf Is 6d, small tin of treacle 2s 61. I don't know how long we atop here. The Free Staters seem to have had enough of it, I believe they are coming in the towp every day, and they say that the Boers are from fifty to sixty miles away. I think we have got them trapped now. We have not been giving them a chance to entrench themselves our mounted infantry have saved U8 a lot of work, and a good many lives, and I don't think there will be many more bayonet charges. There is plenty of cavalry to get round them. The Boers still think they will beat us when we took the 4,000 prisoners from Kiip Drift to Modder River, I had a chance to speak to some of them. One told me that they had the Lord on their side, and we had the devil, and he said they knew what they were fighting for and that we weri fighting for big men to make money. Another said that if they did not get any more to eat than we gat they would not pick up a rifle, and he said they got from six to seven pounds of meat per day (we get half a pound). Its all rot about the Buers starving. Another Boer told me that one of onr shells alone killed fifty or sixty at Magersfontein. They are very religions, they sing hymns night and morning, they never eing comic songs; they don't know any. I believe it will all be over in about six weeks. TrnstiMg this will find you in the best of health, I complain about mine.—Your brother, P. HUMFHMTS. HAVING A DELIGHTFUL TIME. Mr Jalian Ralph writing to the Daily Hail from Bloemfontein, says The moat peculiar thing about the conquered capital is its daily newspaner, the Friend. It used to be known as The Friend of the Free State, but for obvious reaaone the Army took it over, and the war correspondents were asked to edit and write it. A few of these correspondents form a sort of edittrial committee-they being the ones who were willing to do the work and take the responsibility. Rudyard Kipling was, to begin with, the chief con- tributor. He flung himself into the ink-tainted air of the editorial sanctum, and exclaimed. Oh, isn't it good to be here I haven't had a fresh tttate of this old life for mtny years." He brings his pipe and tobacco-pouch, and drives away at the work in hand, writing paragraphs, leaders (and one undying poem), editing copy. and commenting with humour and spirit on whatever interests him. It is worth any one's while to see him pick up a private soldier's poem and hear him declaim it. Oh, this, is ripping he cries out splendid Hear this line Hail, Britannia Britannia rules the waves '—that is not original, to be sure, bnt isn't it good ? Lord Roberts and Kipling alike are never tired of praising Tommy. Earnestness is one great factor in the success of the laurel-crowned Imperialist. Boyish zeal, fresh enthusiasm, always rc-ady to kindle; humour that never deserts him—these are the gifts we had not read of as being primo aids to his genius, but we have discovered fountains of them in him. We publish a big paper with a bole in it nine columns wide, which has to be filled every day. We have the cable news of the world, and the telegraphic news of South Africa. We milk the Army for stories, poems and jokes, and we write leading articles and military disquisitions.

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GENERAL WHITE'S TRIBUTE TO THE WOMEN. The London Evtniwj -Veiis publishes an interview with Sir George White. He says Let me reiterate in the strongest terms that the storv that we were ready to surrender when Sir Redvers Buller came up is entirely untrue. We could, and would, have held out another month, with some considerable difficulty perhaps, but still successfully. I will not say what would or would not have happened after that." Some of Bailer's men tell ns that your soldiers were so weak tha.t they were unable to stand to the salnte and sat down on the ground to cheer." "Well. air," says Sir George, "the actual facta are these. My men were extremely weak—as men who had been living on quarter and one-fifth rations for three out of four months would be likely to be. They were worn to the bone, and the skin was almost transparent. But the determination to hold out wa3 as strong or stronger than ever, and i. the general body of the force there was strength enough to keep on for another month. We all shared and shared aiike in respect of food-when I say all I mean garrison and township. The women, children, and old people had the first claim And let me, here bear a tribute to tha good women who endured side by side with us the trials of that seige, and set so much of an example of sweet patience and fortitude to their sisters. It is not easy to name the best quality in a good woman. She is a combination of beautiful qualities, and one might as well try to dissect the essence of a beautiful tower. Yet it is the custom of the man to sav that she is incom- Ereheneible and inconsistent. But we who were with er through that siege and saw her with the children learned that she is not so very far removed from the angels after all. I do not care and in fact I have no time, to go into the story of the defence of Ladysmith." He adds. I'm too tired to begin, and secondly, it is not fitting that I should go into these matters just now. At some fntnre time perhaps. Besides, there is nothing left for me to 811,1. for the story has already been told, and admirably told, by the moat able corres- I pondents. Ob, yes, that story of my having been the first to sight t)Kj advance guard of the relief force is true, says Sir George. •' Nothing very much in it. I was wttchin? for the relief, and through my Rt?ss saw two monnto? figures miles away oulined against the plain. British cavalry for & pony,' I cried, after looking at them for a moment. And everyone around started np and began to shout. One of my staff less sanguine than the others asked whether I did not think that they might be Boers. But I replied that if they had been Boers we would not have seen them, and so it proved. These two men were the advance messengers of Lord Dundonald's force, and this much is true of the Boers. Five hundred of them were massed on the hill outside of Ladysmith, and through all the fighting we scarcely ever saw one. Of General Joubert I have but this to say in fare- well, that he was a soldier of the highest type of Christian gentleman, who acted in the spirit and the letter of the Geneva Cross. Ah, he was a man worth fighting." Not one word could Sir George be persuaded to say on the military aspects of the campaign or of the question now dominant in the hearts of those at home, How long ? And any forther talk was abruptly ended by the arrival of Lady Buller.