The Express.
London, England, 1863-08-26 00:00:00

RHYL GRIND EISTIDDIDD.

This great national gathering of the people of
North Wake commenced yesterday at Elul, under the
patronage of the nobility and gentry of the northern por-
tion of the principality. Ethyl, by its close proximity by
water and rail to some of the principal towns of Eng-
land and Wales, is admirably adapted for such •
gathering, and the neighbourhood is replete with interest-
ing historical associations. The pavilion wherein the
meetings of the Eisteddfod are held is a large and
cumbrous edifice, measuring 60 yards long by 40 wide,
and rspable of accommodating about 6,000 people.
The threatening aspect of the weather yesterday moni-
tor greatly iuterfered with the day's proceedism ; but
towards 10 o'clock it cleared up, and, though this improve-
ment was of short duration, it enabled the committee to
form a procession at the Townhall, when the bands, min-
strels, and other friends of the Eisteddfod joined the town
oommissimers end members of the various friendly societies
of the town to gem= the president at the day (Sir W. W.
Wynn, Bart., M.P.) to the pavilion.
In reply to an addreer on his installation in the chair at
the sound of the trumpet, the PRZIEDENT said—Happily
Wales is united to the throes of Great Britain, and we are
able to work hand in band in producing over the whole of
this ialand • great amount of good. When I look around this
room and see so many Welsh and English mottoes, such as
"Samos to the Priam and Prisons of Wales," who I hope
will be induced ere long to come and visit this oountry
from which they take their title—(cheers),—and witnam
what real loyal hearts there are among the true suns of
Wales— (reamed cheering) I tenet we will then give
them such • greeting as to show that we are not behind
other natioos in our feelings of loyalty and attach-
ment to the throne of this country. I shall merely
ad that these Eisteddfod= tend not only to
the ancient language of the principelity—w I be-
lieve% is one of the most ancient of the Western languages--
but to foster • taste in the common people of Wales for
literature and intellectual pursuits generally. The Walsh
leaguers, I rim told, is much more generally spoken
in France (koown there es the Bretagne) than even
here. I was informed by • gentlemen formerly
connected with the French government, that there
were no better soldiers or sailors to be found aay-
where than the Baton. The tendency of these
institutioos to promote rational amusements among the
people, and to entice them from indulging in low and gro-
velling habits, must commend them to all those who have
the wells /eat their fellow-countrymen at heart. (Loud
applause.)
The Eisteddfod Song was then =or by Lie, Lleryfo
after which poetic addresses were delivered by the bards,
and letters from distinguished men and literati were read.
A number of prism were then awarded, the first being five
guise's for the beet Welsh novel, entitled, " The Poacher,"
showing the evil consequences of poaching. In the evening
the was • grand concert in the pavilion under the con-
ductorship of I2cow Llwyfo. —Li rerpool Mercury.

METROPOLITAN RAILWAY.-(THIS DAY.)

This day the half-yearly meeting of proprietors
vas held at the London Tavern ; Mr. WrLamsoy in the
chair.

Tit; report, which has already been published, having
been takes) as read,
The CHACIUILAN, in moving its adoption, said that he was
inclined to go into details in order to explain the circum-
stances which placed theta in their present position, but
as a circular had been emit out explaining those cir-
oumataaoss he should refrain from doing so. All he
would say was that they were 'maims to remain on
good terms with all parties and with other companies.
(lieu, hear.) They had been six month" working, and
they proposed to divide 5 per cent. When the traffic of
the line was fully developed, and when it wee worked Si
be thought it should be worked, he did not think the divi-
dend would fall very much short of 15 per out. He hoped
the shareholders would not discus the past. They were
better friends a great deal with the Great Western than
they were before their separation. (Haar, hear.) Them
was, in fact, a courteous and friendly correspondence going
en at present between the two companies. There wee •
rumour that they wereng to abandon the broad
gauge at the Far ngdoe-sheet station ; but in
answer to • letter on that subject from the Great
Wester°, dated the 19th of August, they assured the
directors of the Great Western that there was no such
intention, and that what wee being done was for
the purpose of accommodatiog the local narrow
gauge traffic at Farrhagdoo-street station. There
were inherent difficulties in the way of carrying out the
arrangement with the Great Western Company ; but they
were in a better position sow, in consequence of their being
independent of the Great Western. The local traffic
would never be properly developed as long as
' they were dep3ndeot on the Great Western. The
Great Western had only en interest in their line
as shareholders toe certain amount, but the directors of the ,1
Metropolitan Company were bound to develops the local 1
traffic to the utmost extent. The report of the House of 1
Lords stated that it was not desirable the statics' of any of
the great companies, except that of the Great Eastern, should
be brought nearer the metropolis, and that it was better they
should be accommodated by an independent line. That was
the position of this company, and it was their duty, as well
u interest, to be equally independent of all the great coca-
remiss. Steps were being taken to place new engines no
the lies, which would consume their own smoke.
These engines would be ready in about seven months, and
he believed they would give satisfactioo. The dividend
wee within the mark he could assure them. When they
were in difficulties they borrowed 275,000/. at 6 per cent.
That loan was terminable in sixteen months,
when they would be able to reduce the interest
by 17 per cent. There was also a large sum for waste
land which was not brought into the accounts. The divi-
dend included a portion of the money in the hands of the
Great Western Company, but it would be observed that
5,0001. had been tarried over. There were still legal ques-
tions io dispute between them and the Great Western.
Mr. PARSONS seconded the motion.
After a short discussion the motion was put and carried.