Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

CLUB ANNIVERSARIES. Fridav week was marked by four different benefit societies celebrating their anniversaries in Wrexham, accompanied by bell-ringing, band playing, street parading, and the other usual demonstrations common on these occasions. First we have THE ANCIENT EHITON'S LODGE, I.O.O.F., M.U. who hold their lodge at the Swan Inn, Penybryn, where they assembled about mid-day, and, headed by the band of the Royal Denbigh Militia, proceeded to the parish church after which they paraded the principal streets, and then returned to the lodge-room to dinner— a splendid repast having been laid on the table by the host, Mr Taylor, consisting of every variety in season. The chair was occupied by F. Page, Esq., and P.G. Edward Williams the vice-chair. When dinner was over and the cloth removed, the Chairman gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts in very suitable terms, and in giving the toast of the day, Success to the Ancient Briton's Lodge," spoke ill high terms cf men banding together to provide for the day of sickness and death. We are glad to find the lodge in a very flourishing con- dition, the past year showing an improved state of the finances compared with the previous year, much of which is doubtless due to the activity of the secretary, Mr Joseph Bailey. Subsequently the company adjourned to the green in the rear of the Swan Inn, to which the public were also admitted by ticket, where the militia band discoursed sweet music, and dancing and other out-door games were kept up with spirit until the shades of evening. THE ALMA LODGE OF THE GRAND "CITED ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS celebrated their anniversary at the Horns Inn, when about fifty member;- sat down to a sumptuous dinner, which was provided in Mr and Mrs Jones's usual good style. Mr Samuel Williams, D.M., presided; and after dinner the usual loyal, patriotic, and complimentary toasts were duly honoured. P.G.M. T. Bates, vice- chairman, responded to the toast of Success to the Alma Lodge" in a very neat and appropriate manner. The Chairman and the District Secretary (Mr H. Caddock) afterwards gave some humourous illustrations of the history of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows, and several excellent songs were given by Brothers Charles Jones, James Parry, John Hughes, J. Kend- rick, itc., which further enlivened the proceedings. It was intimated that next year it was the intention of the different lodges of the district to hold a grand demonstra- tion, the proceeds of which would be appropriated towards a superannuation fund for aged members in the district. Altogether a very pleasant evening was spent, and the company broke up about ten o'clock. The balance-sheet of the lodge shows that it is most favour- ably progressing in funds and members. Tne other societies who held their anniversaries on this day were the Friendly Beneficial Society, held at the Lion Hotel, and the Cambrian Friendly Society, at the Fleece Inn, at both of which places the catering was said to be excellent. Mr Bithell, Gwersyllt, pre- sided at the Lien Hotel.

MR WAT KIN WILLIAMS AT HOLT. LARGE AND INFLUENTIAL MEETING. On Friday evening weeK a public meeting was held in the borough of Holt for the purpose of hearing Mr Watkin Williams, the Liberal candidate for the Denbigh- shire boroughs, give a larger outline of his views on the current political questions of the day than he was able to do in his printed address. Mr Williams, as we intimated last week, arrived in Holt on Thursday, and previous to the meeting made a thorough canvass, with, we are happy to state, the most gratifying results. In consequence of the large number that had assembled near the Town Hall shortly after the hour announced for commencing the proceedings, it was deemed advis- able to hold the meeting in the open air instead of in the court house. Benches were accordingly laid round the ancient cross for the comfort of the ladies, and the oldest inhabitant," in gazing on the sight shortly after the proceedings commenced, informed us that it was the largest meeting he had ever witnessed in the borough of Holt. The Mayor was unanimously voted to the chair. The Mayor said lie wished some more competent person had been called upon to preside. Mr Watkin Wiliiams was about to state to them his views-to tell them what be approved and what he disapproved-to show them if they elected him to be their representa tive, how he intended to represent them. He differed with Mr Williams a little on some political points, but he was ready for all that to give him the right hand of fellowship, as he had no doubt Mr Williams wished to cultivate a iriendly feeling towards all. Mr Main- waring, when he was down in Holt the other evening, had been interrupted by one of the Lions, but he hoped no one would interrupt the proceedings that evening, but on the contrary give Mr Williams a fair and candid hearing. (Cheers.) Mr Williams then mounted one of the steps at the Cross, and was received with loud cheering. He -expressed himself much pleased in being able to attend and address a public meeting in the square of their old historic town. It was very gratifying to him to meet -with the reception he had in the other boroughs, and from all he had seen and heard since he came down there, Holt was not going to be an exception. He had come down there to explain to them his political principles. First of all he would tell them that he was one of themselves. He had passed through every stage like many others who might be present, and could aympathise with those who were labouring to improve .1 their position. In adaressing tne worRmg men in the elr pOSl 1 o. audience, he would say that it was to Air Gladstone they were indebted for the franchise that they would enjoy at the next election. In point cf form it was Mr Disraeli who did it-in point of fact it was Mr Glad- stone and the great Liberal party. Throughout the history of this country, the Liberal party had been the friends of the people. They abolished the corn laws in point of fact; and cheapened everything. Mr Disraeli would make it appear that he gave the franchise; but -they all knew that he did it to keep in power, for he imew that by doing it he would have the support of the Literal party. He would say a word about the great question of the day-the disestablishment of the Irish Church. Church-rates were once looked upon as essential to the prosperity of the church. He publicly advocated fifteen years ago the abolition of church-rates, and it would have been better for the church if they had been abohshed then. if the Church of England is to stand, she must be prepared to make concessions on the side of justice. (Cheers.) There was no such abomin- able anomaly in all Europe as the Irish Church. (Renewed cheers.) He was a member of the Church of England and the son of a clergyman, and he wished t) see the church strengthened. What would they think if any foreign nation of a different religion to ourselves were to conquer us and compel us to support their reli-ioll ? What would they say to the justice of that ? They might depend upon it Christianity was not to be maintained by forcing it down the throats of people by Act of Parliament. That was the way to make them reject Christianity. He, as one desirous of seein" the church maintain its position, was desirous of seeing the church give up every kind of injustice and he should like to see the clergy stand out as defenders of the church by opposing every kind of injustice. Fault had been found with Mr Gladstone for making the Irish Church question a party question. Why there was no question of that importance that could be dealt with without making it a party question. By being made a party question it was looked at from one side, and everything that could be said in its favour would be said, while the other side would be equally industrious in saying all they could on the other side. The very essence of our constitution was party action no great question ever had nor ever would be carried on with- out it. Another great question of the day was that of throwing open the universities and endowed schools to all parties without distinction of creed. He advocated that change for two reasons. In the first place the people had a right to it; in the next place he would do it because it was politic. It was not quite enough that a thing should be in the abstract just—it must also be politic. It was only common plain justice, that these public schools and universities should be thrown open to the whole nation. There was neither reason nor justice in appropriating particular endowments to the exclusive use of one section or religious class of the nation. They were left for the promotion of education, and this they failed to do to the extent that was desirable, and to the extent those who left them intended, when only one section of the community got the benefit of them. If returned to parliament they would find that by his voice and his influence he would set about giving the benefit of these endowments to the whole nation, regard- less of creed or party. Then there was the subject of the more general extension of education, SO as to bring it within reach of the whole of the poorer class of the nation. Many of the aristocracy were opposed to this but he remembered them opposed to railways. He remembered it said amongst them that if we went on extending railways we should all go—they could guess where. (Laughter.) Education made a man feel more independent, more manly—makes one man feel as good as another; for that reason there were many who dreaded it. Let them go to Prussia as he had been, and see the effect of it there. No man there would dare to go and tell a cottager to vote for Mr So-and-so. They never dream of doing it. If they did they would quickly get their answer: My vote is a matter of con- science. In Prussia every child was so educated that he was fit to be a member of the legislature. The man who was educated was superior to the man who was not in all things. He had more physical pluck than the man who was not educated. The Prussians beat the Austrians in one single battle. For these and other reasons that he advanced, Mr Williams said they would find him a strenuous advocate for a large measure of education. In adverting to the late Reform Bill, he strongly condemned the rate-paying clauses. The rates would be more difficult to collect, and larger sums would have to be asked for. Suppose the overseers of Holt wanted £100. Had they to collect that sum from the owners only they would be much more sure of the money, and collect it in much less time. Under the pi" -ent system, in consequence of the greater risk and the larger time occnpied in collecting, the overseer when he wanted £100 would make R call say of £140. True the occupier had to pay, but he meant to say he paid less under the system of compounding. What he said was, if a man had a house let him have a vote, whether he paid the rates himself, or whether the landlord paid them. Whichever way it was they were virtually paid by the tenant. (Cheers.) After touching upon various other points, Mr Williams concluded a very lengthy and able address by enjoining upon the electors to send up some one really and truly to represent their views, and carry out what they thought right and just. He sat down amidst loud cheers, which continued for some time. The Mayor asked had any one anything to ask or propose. Mr Samuel Harrison then rose. He said: I am not going to say one single word that will be offensive to Mr Williams. I am simply going to ask one or two simple questions, and I hope you will say aye or no to them, sir. I am sure all have been pleased with Mr Williams's eloquence. No man is better able to address the electors than he is. You said something about the Irish Church. I want to know whether you will go the whole hog or none. It's useless to talk about Ireland. The same thing exists in this country. I ask you are you going to disendow the whole establish- ment in this country as well as in Ireland? Then about compulsory education. Let us understand about that; you have got it in your address. Then you have our glerious constitution. What are we to understand that you are for or against our glorious constitution. The address looks to me like an election squib. It's well got up, well thought over, everything is well put. (Laughter.) I give you every credit. You had a perfect right to do it. (Renewed laughter.) You said you are not a gentleman. I say you are a gentleman as much as Mr Mainwaring. (Laughter and cheers.) But let us have things honest, fair, and above board. What is your opinion of the Permissive Bill ? No man can read Mr Mainwaring's address without understanding it. (Great laughter, which continued for some time.) You say you are a churchman but I sincerely question it. (Great laughter.) I have some friends round me who have the same doubt. About the endowment. If I leave money for any purpose, ought not that money to be kept for that purpose ? If any money be left for the endowment of that beautiful chapel (the new Presby- terian Chapel), has any one a right to apply it to Roman Catholic purposes ? If I make a will, and leave £200 I to Holt, I say that money ought to be left as the testator intended it. I mean to say that Oxford and Cambridge are Protestant institutions. Protestant there means Church of England and if that money was left for the Protestant Church of England, I cannot see how you can take it from them and apply it to other purposes. Mr Watkin Williams I shall not have the least difficulty in answering Mr Hairison's questions. I am glad he has asked them, because they are subjects with which I have been familiar for some time. I will begin by taking the last first-the endowment of Oxford and Cambridge. I believe hisory tells us that these endow- ments were not left by Protestants but by Roman Catholics and if they were left for religious purposes, they were left for the Roman Catholic religion—( cheers) —and by baing subsequently appropriated to Protestant Church of England purposes, as Mr Harrison calls it, here we have the very thing done that he appears to denounce. (Loud cheers.) With regard to the right of testators, I deny that they have the right to dictate to posterity for all time to come how their property shall be dealt with. A man dying has a limited right to say what shall be done with his land. But it's a principle of English law that he shall not dictate what shall be done with it for hundreds of years to come. With regard to the Permissive Bill, I have said nothing for nor against it in my address. I mean to say you cannot make people sober nor moral by Act of Parliament. I should like to see people better educated. I should like to see them learning in school the elements of botany, of geology, &c. For the study of botany here you need not go many yards from your own doors. Education would be one of the best preventives of drunkenness. With regard to compulsory education, that is a difficult subject which has engaged the attention of many great men. I certainly think that ignorance is one of those blights in this country that the government have a right to deal with as they have to deal with drainage, water supply, &c. In reference to the disestablishment of the English Church, I should like to ask first of all what right you have to insinuate that I am not a churchman ? I might insinuate that you were a Hindoo. How dare you or any other man challenge my sincerity ? Can you mention a single fact in proof of your insinuation ? (Cheers.) I say I desire fo see the English Church flourish; and in order that it may flourish the more let us do justice. The question before the country now is the Irish Church, and let us deal with questions as they turn up. (Loud cheeia, which continued for some time. the assembly waving their hats and handkerchiefs.) The Rev. E. Powell said: I rise for the purpose of proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Williams for coming down to Holt and so ably and fully giving expression to his views on the important questions of the day. I feel very much gratified to see so large a number of people present. Those of us who had an opportunity of hear- ing Mr Mainwaring last Saturday evening, must be struck with the contrast presented by the two meetings. It is only fair to say that Mr Mainwaring's meeting was not made known as this meeting has been, but the con- trast does not end there. I was struck that Mr Main- waring's meeting should been such an absolute failure When I heard that Mr Mainwaring was going to address the electors, I felt somewhat sorry that he should be the first to do so, and the fact suggested to my mind the words of an old book, He that is lirst in his own cause seemth just, but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him." Mr Mainwaring had the advantage of coming first b:, :is eveniag his neighbour has come and has cer- tainly searched him. The fact of the meeting being held on Saturday night looked somewhat ominous. Did it not occur to you that the fact of its being held on Saturday night seemed to indicate that it was Satur- day night with Mr Mainwaring as the representative of tile Denbighshire Boroughs (cheers and laughter), that his week's work as a member of Parliament was well niah done and that a day of rest awaited him. (Cheers). All I wish is and I am sure all present will unite with me that that rest may be a happy and a long one. (Great laughter and cheers). I am sure of this that siuce Mr Mainwaring has been sent to represent the Denbighshire Boroughs he has misrepresented them. Whenwe have petitioned in favour of any liberal mea- sure Mr Mainwaring has been so kind as to present our petitions, but he has invariably voted against their prayer. (Laughter). I remember we wished him to present a petition in favour of Mr Gladstone's Reform Bill. He did so and afterwards voted against the bill. I am quite sure that the majority of the people in these boroughs are liberal in their views, and at the same time I don't think there is a member of the House of Commons so illiberal as Mr Mainwaring. It is quite true that as a private gentleman he may be very liberal and benevolent, but as a member of Parliament he is most illiberal. Ten or fifteen years ago we had some hope of him, but since then he has become more and more illiberal. He is a Tory of the new school. There are Tories of the old school and there are Tories of the new school. Among the Tories of the old school we have General Peel, the Marquis of Salisbury and others, staunch men of principle who refused to be educated by Mr Disraeli. (Cheers). Mr Mainwaring is a Tory of the new school, who has been thoroughly educated by Mr Disraeli. I don't believe there sits upon the benches of St. Stephen's one of Mr Disraeli's pupils who has made more thorough progress than Mr Mainwaring. (Loud cheers). True he voted between 30 or 40 times last session, but how did he vote ? When Mr Gladstone asked permission to bring before the House his resolu- tions on the Irish Church, Mr Mainwaring voted against him. When the Suspensory Clauses Bill was brought in, Mr Mainwaring voted against Mr Gladstone. We petitioned in favour of the Suspensory Bill, but Mr Mainwaring voted against us. It is proposed to add £ 200,000 to the already enormous navy estimates, Mr Mainwaring votes for this. It is moved to grant the protection of the ballot to the poor of Ireland to save them from the tyranny of the landlords, Mr Mainwaring votes against it. We petitioned in favor of Mr Cole- ridge's Bill to throw open the Universities to all indis- criminately, Mr Mainwaring voted against this bill. In the face of these and other similar votes, how can it be said that Mr Mainwaring has represented us in the House of Commons. (Loud cheers). At the meeting I have already alluded to, held in Holt, Mr Harrison asked Mr Mainwaring would he vote for measures that were for the benefit of the country. (Great laughter). I am sure no one would find any difficulty in answering that question. (Renewed laughter). But the question is who is to be the judge of what is for the benefit of the country. Mr Gladstone brought forward a measure that he thought was for the benefit of the country, and a majority of 65 members thought the same thing, but Mr Mainwaring voted against it. Mr Mainwaring in his address says that Mr Gladstone has felt the bitter pangs of regret for having taken a course which he was urged to pursue with reference to the Irish Church. In commenting upon this much criticised sentence of his printed address at the meeting in Holt, Mr Mainwar- ing, speaking in a confidential soto voce style told us he obtained this valuable piece of information in this way: Some one told some one else, and that some else heard that Sir Roundell Palmer had pressed Mr Gladstone so hard upon this subject that he in some way manifested regret for his conduct. Now as this was the first time that Mr Mainwaring had publicly given an explanation of this unfortunate sentence, making a clean breast of it, I thought it my duty to write to Mr Gladstone at Cllce, as so many false things have been and are said about him, and ask him was there any truth in this latest." I regretted very much to trouble him, know- ing the great value of time to him. To give you an example of what things are said, the other day I was in Somersetshire staying for a few days with a staunch churchman and tory, and I was told there that Mr Gladstone was a Roman Catholic, or rather that he had married a Roman Catholic lady. I said I came from the same part of the country as Mr Gladstone, and was, therefore, able to contradict all that. I was next told that he was insolvent, and that to keep him from mis. chief he ought to be shut up in prison. I very much doubted this, but I believed he was not a very rich man. The next day, however, Mr Huntley, of the firm of Messrs Muspratt, and Co., Flint, happened to be pre- sent. He said he was acquainted with Mr Robertson Gladstone, of Liverpool, who attended to business tran- sactions for his brother and I know for a fact," he said that Mr W. E. Gladstone is in a better pecuniary position now than he has been for many years." I don't know what people will say next. Perhaps some learned curate or other well up in the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation of St. John, will assert and offer to prove that Mr Gladstone is Antichrist, and that the letters composing his name make up the number of the beast 666! (Laughter and cheers). I will now read you Mr Gladstone's reply to my letter 11, Carlton-street Terrace, London, July 27th, 1868. SIR,—I beg to assure you that for the story told by Mr Main- waring, as reported in your letter, there is not one particle of foundation. I must add that should other candidates through- out the country prove to be equally credulous with him, it will not be in my power to spend my time in undeceiving them. I remain, sir, yours obediently,  E. POWEL, ESQ. W. E. GLADSTONE. (Ihe reading of this letter was followed by immense cheering, which continued for some time). It is diffi- cult to understand how any men holding liberal views can go about as canvassers for Mr Mainwaring. Have they Mr Mainwaring's authority for this ? If not, of what value are the promises they receive-if they have his authority it is evident Mr Mainwaring does not feel very secure in his seat. I am very sure of this from what Mr Watkin Williams and I have seen to day, if the electors of this borough are allowed to vote according to their conscientious conviction, if there be no coercion, no intimidation, no screw, Mr Mainwaring will not count 20 votes here. I have great pleasure in moving that the thanks of this meeting be presented to Mr Wat- kin Williams, for his kindness in explaining to us his political opinions. (Great cheering). Mr Thomas Chaloner seconded the resolution pro- posed by Mr Powell. He said he remembered Holt well for fifty years and be never saw such a meeting there before. (Cheers). A vote of thanks was proposed to the mayor for presiding. Mr Watkin Williams seconded it, and stated that he never attended a more orderly nor better conducted meeting in his life. It was a credit to them. (Loud cheers ). The Mayor responded and stated that he was a Con- servative. He had some power over a few votes, but he should not exercise it. They should go as they liked. (Loud cheers). Three cheers were then called for Mrs Watkin Williams, and lustily given by nearly the whole as- sembly. Mr S. Harrison then called for three cheers for Mr Mainwaring, when lie was joined by the curate (Mr Jones), and led off three ragged cheers in one corner of the meeting, and which ended in a laugh.

MTNERA LIME QUARRIES, WREXHAM. INTERESTING BORING AND BLASTING EXPERIMENTS. On Friday a number of gentlemen connected with the various mining operations in North Wales, met at the above quarries to witness some interesting experiments in boring in rock by Haupt's improved Rock Drill," and blasting with a new explosive compound called Dynamite," the invention of Mr Nobel, the well- known manufacturer of nitro-glycerine. The experi- ments were witnessed by the following gentlemen :—Mr John Taylor, C.E.; Mr Robert Roy, Brymbo Hall; Mr George Meakin, Birkenhead; Mr Alex. McIntosh, C.E.; Mr C. E. Darby, Brymbo Iron Works Captain Francis, manager of Lord Penrhyn's Slate Quarries Mr Dennis, C.E., Wrexham Mr Darlington, manager of the Minera Lead Works; Mr F. Chamberlain, C.E., Wakefield; Mr R. Ellerton, Llangollen; Mr Isaac Shone, Mining Engineer, Wrexham; Mr Frazer, Minera; Mr Shepherd, manager of thA Minera Lime Works; Mr Downie, C.E., Glasgow; Mr Webb, Llan- berris Slate Quarries; Mr Harrison, M.E., Chester; &c., &c. I ..n. HAUPTS' ROCK DRILL. uTT_L_u I ..i.. -1 i 1 1 HIT.. TT.1 I The drilling experiments were conducted iDy ixir noimes C.E., of Mold, agent for the sale of the machine in Great Britain; Mr F. B. Taylor, engineer, of Mold; and Messrs Blanchard and McKean, of Paris, the proprietors of the patent for Europe. The following short sketch of the drilling machine will give our readers a better id-a of the work it is intended to perform, and the result of the experiments, than they would otherwise be able to attain. It was originally an invention of the eminent American engineer, Gen. Herman Haupt, of Phila- delphia, but during the past year it has undergone essential modifications and improvements, whereby it has been rendered practical and effective. The present machine is exceedingly simple in construction; it stands about 38 inches high, and weighs only 1501bs., and only requires one man to operate with it. All the working parts are constructed of hardened steel, in order to bear the strain of severe work. It is fixed in a simple frame which has four adjustable legs, and weighs about 90lbs. the machine and frame being easily moved by two men. The machine gives the drilling tool the same three motions that are observable in hand drilling, viz., the stroke, the revolution, and the feed. All these motions are automatically made by the machine, and are self adjusting to all differences in the hardness of rocks, or varying in speed of penetration. The motive power was steam, but may be compressed air, which operates upon the piston in a small cylinder, and g ives the drill the impetus necessary to carry it through these motions at the rate of 400 to 500 strokes per minute, the force of the stroke being esti- mated at 2001bs. To work effectually it requires about 2-horse power of steam, at 301b to 401b pressure. This power is easily obtained by a portable boiler at a very small cost, but on the present occasion a flexible tube I was attached to the locomotive in the quarry. The rock operated upon was a seam of limestone of the hard- est texture. The machine was placed upon a flat sur- face, and occupied a space two feet square. A lg inch drill was then placed through the cylinder, and the machine was at once in motion, hammering away at full speed. A jet of water flowing into the bore hole absorbed the dust and kept it cool. In four minutes the tool had gone to a depth of sixteen inches, and was exchanged for another one. This operation occupied rather less than two-and-a-half minutes, and the machine was at work immediately, this time with a 11 inch drill, upon the same hole, and in three minutes a further depth of fifteen inches, or five inches the minute, was attained. Thus a good blasting hole was made in the hardest rock thirty-one inches in depth in less than ten minutes, including adjusting the machine, and changing the drill; an operation that would have taken in the ordinary way two men something like three hours. The machine was then removed to other parts of the rock, and a number of holes bored, all with the same successful results. The gentlemen present appeared much interested in the experiments, and expressed their satisfaction with the results. In reply to the numerous inquiries made, it appeared the rock drilling machine is easily fixed for horizontal, vertical, or angular drilling, and can be adjusted on any surface however irregular. It is thus equally adapted for driving levels or sinking shafts as for open quarry work; and, judging from the experi- ments of the day, it is calculated to work a revolution I in quarrying operations, so far as relates to rapidity and effective action. DYNAMITE. I After the drilling machine had been tested t8 the ) satisfaction of the gentlemen present, this new explosive compound was brought into operation. Dynamite is a powder invented by Mr A. Nobel, who has attained considerable fame as the manufacturer of nitro-glycerine. In appearance it resembles large grained brown sugar, and it consists of nitro-glycerine absorbed by particles of a silicious earth. Mr Downie and Mr Webb, gentle- men connected with extensive quarrying operations in Scotland and Wales, conducted the experiments with this compound. To show its harmlessness and freedom from danger in its transmission and storage, Mr Webb placed a quantity of it loose upon a stone and set fire to it with a match, when it slowly burned away without any explosion. He then placed a similar quantity in a similar position, but affixed a copper cap to the end of a fuse, and gave it a pinch with a pair of nippers to make it fast. The end of the fuse on which the cap was j fixed was placed in the dynamite, the match applied to the fuse, and a general rush was made from the place. On the fuse burning down to the cap an explosion cc cur id louder than a thirty-two pouuder, which reverbe- rated among the hills. This was to show that without the application of the cap, which contained a charge of ful- minate of mercury, the application of fire did not cause an explosion. After this illustration a number of prac- tical experiments were gone through, the holes previously bored by the steam drill being charged with the dynamite, some were tamped with sand and others with water, and on firing large masses of rock were dislodged, though very small charges were used. One charge of lilb. was placed in a horizontal bore hole of nine feet j in length, and though it was evident by the explosion that the tamping had not been well done, still nearly 1000 tons of rock must have been effectually detached. The experiments proved dynamite as a blasting agent to have at least six times the power of ordinary powder, that it could be used as effectively in wet and dry places, and that it may be thrown about or fired without danger of explosion in the absence of the copper cap. We understand it is rapidly getting into use on account of its exceptional qualifications, and that hitherto no accident has resulted therefrom. The various experi- I ments occupied several hours, and the gentlemen present manifested great interest, and several—including Mr Shepherd, the manager of the works—expressed their entire satistaction with the results. STONE DRESSING MACHINE. « r TT • M 1 » 1 1 il At L. 1. — Mr Jbioimes informed some Of tne gentlemen mat ue had patented a machine for dressing stone for building purposes, or for flags, kerbs, steps, landers, &c. The machine dresses the face of a stone two feet by six feet in four to six minutes, the work being superior in finish and polish to the best hand-work. Mr Bryan Johnson, engineer, Chester, and Messrs. Ormerod and Greerson, of the St. George's Ironworks, Manchester, have arranged to manufacture these machines under license.

OPENING OF THE BALA AND DOLGELLEY RAILWAY. The opening of this railway took place on Tuesday. Tho line was officially examined by Colonel Hutchinson a few days ago, who expressed himself fully satisfied with the manner in which the works had been carried out and the general arrangements. The line is a con- tinuation of the Bala and Corwen Railway, which was opened for public traffic on the 1st April last, is eighteen miles in length, and has occupied about two years in construction. Joining the Bala and Corwen Railway at the east end of the far-famed Bala lake, which this year presents a similar appearance to what it did in 1842, the water being very low, the new line skirts the south side of the lake for its entire length, a distance of four and and a half miles, passing Bryniaugolau, the residence of Mr Watson, and other gentlemen's seats on the south side. The opposite bauks of the lake are dotted with handsome villa residences, the most prominent being Brynyrgroes, the residence of Mr Rice Gwen Anwyl, Eryl Aran, the picturesque seat of Mr T. Lloyd Anwyl, Vrondderw and Bryntegid, the residence of the Mr John Jones and Mr W. Jones, and Vronveuno, the residence of the Misses Roberts. Llanycil churchyard, in which lie the remains of the Rev. Thomas Charles, the founder of the Bible Society, and the Rev. Simon Lloyd, a Welsh author, is visible from the line, and the view of mountains in the distance is grand and impressive. At the east end of the lake a fine view is obtained of Aran Fowddy, the highest mountain in Merionethshire, being 2,955 feet, just a foot higher than Cader ldris, above the level of the sea. At the south-west end of the lake, a flag-station has been erected for the convenience of Sir Watkin, who has a large interest in the line, and whose sporting seat Crlanliyn is just visible through the thick woods which surround it on every side. Castell- carndochan, an old Welsh castle commanding the romantic pass of Cwmpennantlliw, the recesses of whose mountains have been searched in the thirst for gold, and Caergai, or Caius's Fort, where are to be seen the remains of an old Roman station, are passed on the right, and the village of Llanuwchllyn, noted as the residence of an old Welsh Nonconformist minister, Dr. Lewis, the author of a commentary on the Bible and several other works, is reached. For a few miles the line crosses a heavy marsh tableland, and passes through a country of no special interest until the first heavy cut. ting, that on the Garneddwyn, where the rivers Dee and Wnion have their sources in a few springs running from the mountain, is arrived at, and here the first glimpse of Cader ldris, towering above the surrounding mountains, is to be had. The Garneddwyn cutting is about a mile in length, and, like the majority of the cuttings on the line, was difficult of excavation, the general formation being wet earth and clay, in which a number of boulder stones of an unusual size were met with. Passing on, there is a fine view of Hengwrt- uchaf, the residence of Mr Howel Morgan, the line running through the village of Rhydymain, where as an old saying has it, the Welsh language is used more in its original purity than in any other village or town in North Wales. In Rhyd-y-main there is a handsome church dedicated to St. Paul, erected about fourteen years ago by the Countess de Morella, a member of the Caerynwch family, in which building a monument, sculptured by a self-taught Welsh artist, Mr Joseph Edwards, has been recently erected in memory of the Rev. Evan Charles Owen, the first curate of Bryn- coedifor, by his widow, Mrs Owen, of Bryngwyn, Dolgelley. The remaining portion of the line passes through a most beautiful valley, environed on every side with lofty mountains, and with surrounding scenery of a most picturesque, romantic, and bold character, there being but a few localities where nature presents so wide, varied, and grand an aspect. The little village of Brithdir, nestling high up in the mountain, and which claims notice as being the birthplace of two men whose memories are regarded in high esteem throughout the Principality, the Rev. Hugh Pugh, a Nonconformist divine, and Ieuan Gwynedd, a Welsh bard who was some time editor of the Welsh Nonconformist magazine, is passed on the left, and the river Wnion, at a distance of about three and a half miles from Dolgelley, is crossed by a handsome viaduct with three spans, one fifty and the others of forty-seven feet, the depth being about fifty feet. After passing through a very heavy rock cutting, Dolserau, the handsome residence of Mr Charles Edwards, the member for the Royal borough of Windsor, stands prominent in the surrounding country, and the path of the Torrent Walk, with the romantic grounds of Caerynwch, the seat of Mr Richard Meredyth Richards, Chairman of Quarter Sessions, is just trace- able en the mountain's side. Nannau, the family seat of the Vaughans, who claim descent from Roderic Mawr, king of North Wales, which is supposed to occupy a loftier site than any other gentleman's house in Britain, and Moel Offrym, the hill of sacrifice, are passed on the right, and close by the line stand the walls of a fine old mansion, Dolgnn, which was burnt down twenty-five years ago, and which is left by its present owner, Mr Richards, in its dismantled and neglected condition. The river Wnion for some distance runs nearly parallel with the line, and there is a straight course of about a mile into Dolgelley, the line passing close by the fine old mansion of Llwyn, celebrated as the residence of Dr. John Owen, the great Welsh divine, and now occupied by a lady whose name is a household word with the poor people in the district, and who is held in general respect and esteem in the neigh- bourhood, Miss Hartley. The permanent station at Dolgelley will be under Tynycoed, on the other side of the old bridge which spans the Wnion at the entrance to the town, and close by the site of the proposed new rectory. Here a junction will be formed with the Cambrian Railways Company, whose line is at present only open as far as Penmaenpool, a distance of two miles from Dolgelley. There are six stations on the line, Bala, Glanllyn, Llanuwchllyn, Drwsynant (for Rhydy- main), Pontnewydd (for Brithdir), and Dolgelley. The gradients, considering the mountainous and irregular tract through which the line has been constructed, are very favourable, and the curves very slight, the sharpest being of twenty-five chains radius. There are forty- seven bridges on the line, all of which are constructed of stone. There are no tunnels. The line is at present a single line, and will be worked by the Great Western Company. The promoters are chiefly London gentle- men, the chairman of the Board of Directors being Mr W. Fenton. Messrs Brassey and Field are the con- tractors, and the works have been carried out under the superintendence of Mr Drennan. Mr Wilson, of Wor- cester, is the engineer, and the engineer in charge of the works is Mr D. Pryce. The traffic arrangements will be under the direction of Mr H. G. Stevens, of Chester. THE OPENING OF THE RAILWAY. ) The opening for public traffic on Tuesday was celebrated by considerable demonstrations in Dolgelley, and at several of the villages on the line, in com- memoration of the event. A towns meeting was held on Thursday, at which a committee was appointed for conducting the demonstrations. The committee con- sisted of Mr Charles Edwards. M.P., Mr Griffith Williams, Mr Griffith Jones Williams, Dr. Edward Jones, Mr Edward Walker, Mr Pugh (National Pro- vincial Bank), Mr Pryce, C.E,, Mr L"wis Williams (auctioneer), and Mr Thomas (National Provincial Bank). Through the exertions of these gentlemen a considerable sum was collected from the resident gentry and townspeople, Miss Hartley, of Llwyn, heading the list with the sum of £5, Sir Watkin, Mr C. Edwards, M.P., and Mr Wheldon, of Hengwrt, also subscribing I liberally. The day of opening was observed as a ) general holiday, all the shops being closed. Bell-ringing and cannon firing contributed to the enlivening of the proceedings, and the amalgamated bands of the Dol- gelley Rifle Volunteers and the Bala Militia assisted in keeping up the excitement. The scholars of the Grammar, National, and British Schools, to the number of 240. were conveyed at the cost of the committee by a special train to Bala, and, after enjoying a pleasant day, returned to tea provided for them on the green, the tea being under the superintendence of Mrs Pugh, The Bank, Mrs Chidlaw Robert?, and other ladies. A variety of sports were indulged in during the day. At seven o'clock the opening was celebrated by a public dinner at the Golden Lion Hotel, under the presidency of Mr Charles Edwards, M.P., Mr Griffith Williams, Bryntirion, being the vice-president. Mr Stevens, the traffic manager, Mr Pattison, Mr Chapman, and the gentlemen who had been engaged in the con- struction of the line, were invited guests. Those present included Mr C. Edwards, M.P. Mr W. R. M. Wynne, M.P.; Mr Lewis Williams, Fron- wrioth; Mr R. Williams, Dolinelynllyn; Mr R. N. Williams Mr Griffith Williams; Mr John Jones, Brynaddu Mr Griffith Jones Williams; Dr. William Williams, F.R.C.S.; Mr Edward Walker Dr. John E. Jones; Dr. Edward Jones; Mr Pugh, National Pro- vincial Bank; Mr J. Chidlaw Roberts; Mr R. O. Rees Mr John Jones, Meyrick House Mr Richard Williams, Post-office; Mr Davies, Fron-allt; Mr C. Bibby; Mr David Pryce. C.E.; Mr Drennan; Mr Pattison; Mr Day; Mr Chapman, C.E., Shrewsbury; Mr Dangerfield; Mr Morrow Mr Thomas, The Bank Mr Lewis Williams, auctioneer; Mr John Jones; Mr Yaughan; Dr. Walker, Corwen; Mr O. D. Hughes, Corwen Mr H. H. Lloyd, Dolgelley Mr Patterson, Shrewsbury; Mr W. Evans, British Iron Company Mr G. Bradley, Wrexham; Mr M'Dermid, Oswestry &c., &c. The dinner was of a rechcrche character, and after the cloth was drawn and grace been said, the Chairman proposed in graceful terms the health of the Queen. Drunk with three times three. The Chairman said In Cymry no toast was so popular as the Prince of Wales, who, on all occasions when called upon, came to the front and nobly did his duty. The toast was drunk with three cheers. The Chairman: The next toast was one of special regard. We were all very peaceable and quiet people no doubt, but still it was necessary to keep up the army, navy, and other establishments. Although these branches of the service were very expensive, still they were very effective, as had been evidenced lately in the Abyssiuian War, which had gained this country more prestige than any other in our history. (Loud cheers.) We ought on this occasion to drink the toast with all honours. (Loud cheers.) Mr Griffith R. Williams, of the Merionethshire Rifle Volunteers, responded in a neat speech. The Chairman then proposed the Lord Lieutenant— Lord Mostyn. The Chairman gave the member for the county, Mr Wynne, of Peniartb, and he expressed his regret that the gentleman was not present to respond. The toast was drunk with all honours. The Chairman, having gone through the complimen- tary toasts, begged to give them the toast of commercial enterprise, and in connection with that—Success to the Bala and Dolgelley Railway, the greatest commercial undertaking in this district. It was an undertaking that had been pushed on day by day without a single stoppage and it would do much to develope the trade of the county. Though the Cambrian had done much for the trade of the county, still this was an arterial line, and must be of the greatest benefit to the neigh- bourhood and ultimately it would be more beneficial when it went through to Barmouth. He did not think it would be antagonistic to the Cambrian system, but the two lines would feed each other. He asked them to drink success to commercial enterprise, as developed by the Bala. and Dolgelley Railway Company. (Loud cheers.) Mr Pryce, C.E., said it afforded him much pleasure in responding to the toast in the absence of Mr Wilson. He believed the town of Dolgelley would benefit much by this line, as it opened up a communication with all the great towns of the kingdom. It was advantageous to have the station so near the town and thanks were due to the townspeople, particularly to the chairman, for the manner in which they had aided in bringing the line so near to town. (Loud cheers.) He reiterated the sentiments of the toast, and hoped the line would prosper. The Chairman proposed in complimentary terms the working staff of the Great Western Railway Company, who had contributed so much to the effective develop- ment of these Welsh lines, and represented by Mr Stevens, who sat at his right hand, who managed the northern district, and to whom he believed they were greatly indebted for the very efficient manner in which the system was worked, and he believed that their little I line would be worked with the same efficiency as the Great Western main line. He coupled with the toast the name of Mr Stevens. Mr Stevens, in responding, regretted Mr Tyn'el was not present, but in his absence he had great pleasure in responding to the toast. They had opened on very short notice, and had they not had a very efficient staff, they could not have done what they had done. The Dolgelley people had supported them well for the first day, and he hoped they would continue so to do, and in return the traffic company would bring all the traffic they could to Dolgelley. (Lnd cheers.) The Chairman then proposed, in complimentary terms, Mr Pattison, goods manager, and Mr Chapman, resident engineer. The toast was responded to by those gentle- men. Mr Chapman alluded to the masterly manner in which the line had been made, notwithstanding the engineer- ing difficulties connected therewith. b The Chairman then proposed the health of Mr Edward Wilson, the engineer, and in doing so stated that Colonel Hutchinson stated he had never passed a railway that had been better made and more thorou°ghly completed. (Drunk with cheers.) The Chairman then gave the health of the contractors, Messrs Brassey and Field, and their coadjutor, Mr Drennan. Mr Drennan responded in an excellent speech. After the toasts of the Town and Trade of Dol- gelley." proposed by the Chairman, and responded to by Mr J. M. Jones The Press," proposed by the Chair- man, responded to by Mr Bradley and Mr M'Dermid the Vice-Chairman proposed in an eulogistic speech the health of the Chairman, which met with an enthusiastic reception. The Chairman responded. Several other toasts and songs were given, and the proceedings were kept up until a late hour. A large traffic was done on the line for the first day and although the opening of the line had taken place with very short notice, the arrangements were very effectively carried out by Mr Stevens, Mr Inspector Brooker, and the other officers of the Great Western Company, who were indefatigable in their exertions to the comfort of passengers. Mr Robert Roberts, who has been station-master at Bala, and an old servant of the company, is the station-master at Dolgelley, and Mr Brooker is the booking-clerk. These two officers are obliging in manner and attentive to their duties— I:> n d b qualities which will be appreciate d by travellers. The line opens up to the tourist one of the most beautiful districts in Wales, and we have no doubt that it will develope a profitable traffic both in goods and pas- sengers. r FLINTSHIRE SUMMER ASSIZES. I The assizes for the county were opened on Monday last. Sir Wm. Bovill, knight, Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, arrived in Mold from Ruthin about four o'clock in the afternoon. He was escorted by the High Sheriff, Capt. Pelham Warren, the Under Sheriff, George Edward Roper, Esq, and the javelin men to the County Hall about five o'clock in the after- noon, when the commission of assize was opened; after which the court attended divine service in the parish church, where an appropriate sermon was preached by the sheriff's chaplain, from the 25th chap. Matthew, 21 and 22 verses. On Tuesday morning the court assembled at haif-pnst ten to proceed with tha criminal business. The following magistrates of the county were sworn on the GRAND JUIIY Sir Stephen R. Glynne, Bar, Hawarden Castle, fore- man Lord Richard Grosvenor, M.P., Eaton Hall; the Hon. G. T. Kenyon, Gredington Sir John Hanmer, M.P., Bettisneld Park J. Wynne Eyton, Esq., Lees- wood C. B. Trevor Roper, Esq., Plas-teg; Joseph Warter, Esq,, Bangor-Isycoed; Capt. Willis, Plaj- bellin; C. Butler Clough, Esq., Boughton House, Chester; Henry Potts, Esq., Glanyrafon; Richard Sankey, Esq., Holywell; T. G. Dixon, Esq., Naut, Prestatyn; Capt. Cooke, Colomendy; J. Oar-tairs Jones, Esq., Gelligynan Wm. Iv*ates, Esq., PieèiIl Hall; Frederick Theed, Esq., Rhyl; II. S. Cooper, Esq., Springifeld, Halkin Capt. Piiillips, Rlttial; Wm. Johnson, Esq., Broughton and Meadows Frost, Esq., Meadowlea, Hope. The proclamation against vice and immorality hiving been read, His Lordship, in his charge to the grand jury, observed that he wus happy t,) inform them that he should not be required to detain them any lentrtii of time. The calendar was extremely light, as the calendars had been in most of the towns he had visited in this part of the Principality. The cases were not numerous, nor were they of such a serious character as to make it necessary that he should offer many observations to gentlemen of their experience. A latl named Allen Jones was charged with stealing a donkey. When apprehended he said he took it by mistake for another which had been lost. It would be necessary for them to sift this case to see if there really was a mistake, and that the prisoner took it believing it to he the one which he had lost, and if so it would he hardly worth while to put the boy on his trial. It was not likely ithat he would go and steal this donkey in broad daylight, and if they took this view of the evidence perhaps they would say so and not put the hoy upon his trial. There was the case of Aaron Williams, who was drunk at the time he took some money out of a till in the presence cf a person who was in the shop it would be for them to say whether there was a felonious taking. The thing was done so openly that it might require some investigation. Two ether cases were of a more serious nature, in which Thomas Evans was charged with perjury and Edward Lewis with subornation of perjury. The perjury was committed by Thomas Evans for the pur- pose of saving Edward Lewis from certain penalties for keeping his house open during illegal hours. There was no doubt that Evans made direct statements to the magistrates in opposition to other statements, but in a case of perjurj statement against statement was not sufficient. They must be satisfied upon the evidence beyond the statement of (be man charged upon oath It was necessary there should Le two witnesses, but there must be evidence in addition to the two contra- dictory statements. The same difficulty arose in the case of the man charged with subornation of perjury. Thus it muse be established that the prisoner called ths man to assist him in swearing falsely on the first occa- sion. The circumstances were that the witness now charged with perj ury was absent altogether from the place, and he hoped that those who had charge of the prosecution would produce evidence to that effect, and there would be no difficulty but if they did not, it would be for them to sav what evidence there was con- firmaiory of the evidence of one witness. That would deserve their consideration. They were then discharged to their duties, and shortly returned a true bill against William Evans for larceny. STEALING A WATCH AT HOLYWELL. William Evans, 18, pleaded guilty to the indictment charging him with having at Holywell, on the 20th July, stolen a silver Wilkh, the property of Ellem Winstanley. The prisori.T was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, with hard labour. CHARGE OF RTOBBING A TILL. Aaron Wiiliams, 23, diaper, pleaded not guilty to Its indictment charging him with feloniously stealing the sum of thirteen shillings and threepence, the money of one Peter Hughes, his master. Mr Ignatius Williams prosecuted, prisoner was undefended. Prisoner enteral the service of the piosecutor on the 9th July, and on the 13th the prosecutor left for half a day, leaving the shop in charge of the prisoner. On his return the pri- soner was drunk, and in the tiil there was but £1 m gold, which was left there in the morning with IBs. 3d. in siiver. In reply to the prisoner's questions, the prosecutor said he had not engaged him for any time or any definite amount of salary, but he had allowed him to remain there, both beinir friends, till he could meet with a situation.—Hugh Matthews, lawyer's clerk, said- he saw the prisoner lititiiii-t half a sovereign in his waistcoat pocket; he was then drunk, and witness per- suaded him to go to the Manchester Arms, and locked the shop up for him, as lie was insulting the customers, —The jury acquitted the prisoner. ROBBERY BY A ME3IBER OF THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY JiAXD. Isaac Copley, alias Isaac Newton, out on bail, was indicted for feloniously stealing a velvet coat, straw hat, a pair of gloves, and a clothes brush, the property of Mr John Lawrence, at Hhvl, on the 21st June. Mr Lloyd Roberts prosecuted, and Mr Swetenham defended the prisoner. The articles were taken from the White Lion Hotel, the prosecutor being landlord they were kept in a little room called the lltnsery. The prisoner, who had been in the Rhyl band, stopped at the house. —The defence was that the prisoner had bought the coat from a "banI up commercial traveller," and am alibi was attempted to be proved, prisoner having been engaged in dragging a domcey by its ears out of a pit on Wellington-road about three o'clock on the Suuds7 in question, but the ronoery was ,iiiti to have been com- mitted from twelve to two o'clock.—He was found guilty and sentenced to three months' hard labour. WHO STOLE THE DûKEY f Allen Jones, 16, labourer, submitted to his bail, being charged with having feloniously stolen a donkey, the property of Arthur Alge,- Ifanmer, at RbyI, on the 4tln Jnly.—Mr Lloyd Rubers prosecuted, and Mr Sweten- ham defended the prisoner— J.diu Evan Roberts, nine years of age, said he saw tiie pri-oner taking the donkey out of a field at six o clock in tiie morning.—Proseeutoc saw the animal in the field at live on the same morn-ing- He next saw it in a b-ick ti-dd hv the prisoner's house about eleven o'clock. By his Lordship What was tLt donkey doing there ? Was He feeding or what ?—Wit- ness first said it was C:l"D' tlnn he said it was doing" nothiug.-His Lord-hip Then I nmst enter, "Donkey was standing ill the fieul doing nothing." (Laughter.* -It was then stated the donkey WMS found in the satsc field from which it had been taken in the evening of th* same day. His Loidshin hero snid this was the most curious charge of st-alins h<- had ever he ard of. Ther<? was no concealment, it ua^ taken out of a field in broaÆ daylight, and left to remain in a brickfield. The jury could not do otherwise than find the prisoner not guilty. -Mr Swetenbam said his instructions were that the donkey was taken out by mistake, and when that wa.c found out it was taken back again to the field.—Prisoner was then acquitted. THE BUCKLEY PEIMURY CASE. Thomas Evans, 36, suoemaker, was irvlicted for having on the 3rd of April falsely, wickedly, wilfully, and corruptly committe d perjury before certain of her Majesty's justices of the pe-ice at Mold.—E>1 war d Lewis was also charged with unlawfully, corruptly, wickedly, and maliciously suborning and procuring the said Thos. Evans to commit wilful and corrupt perjury before the same magistrates and at the same time.—hi vans pleaded guilty, and gave evidence against Lewis, who pleaded not o-ailty.klr Cecil Raikes prosecuted. and Mr Mac- intyre defended.—It will be remembered that Lewis was brought before the magistrates at Mold for selW beer on a Sunday morning in March last, when Evans gave evidence gave evidence stating that he was a lodger at Lewis s house, and was there cl on the moraine ilt question, and that the beer was for him and the land- lord, whereas it turned out that Evans was on that day at his parents at the Rossett, having left Lewis's oa Saturday night and returned on Monday inornin, After hearing the evidence of Evans, Mr Macintyre took a technical objection that the witness's evidence did not agree with the allegations in the indictment. -Hie Lordship thought that if the allegations contained the substance of the evidence it, was not material —Mr Macintyre contended that it was not a mere formal defect, but a real difference, and that it could not be amended, nor could the point be reserved. After some conversation, and his Lordship having endeavoured to get Evans to repeat his evidence, putting the convert tion between Lewis and him in the first person th& objection was deemed valid, and his Lordship dircte(( the jury to.acalt Lewis.-His Lordshin?in ? ??°S Evans, told him that he had sworn S? e S Pod T i m that which he knew was not true Ld the paltry snm of 3s. he had deliberately commit^ e™ ffsirxt of perjury, and if that maa   o? f nenn? ?. ?? Vt?? f????? Sa'r Tld hate '"? his punishment. Eva? would be sent,'need i imprisonment, with hard I?o? i?or nttt?een n caie"uj? ur months.

v REMOVAL OF PAUPERS. I Mr T. Bury applied to the bench for an order of removal of two paupers to Holywell union, and inas- much as the parties were at present unable to travel, that it should be a suspensory order. The chairman questioned their power to grant a suspensory order. Mr Bury said that Holywell union had very recently served one upon Wrexham union. The statute was referred to, and ultimately the bench granted the order.