The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

and almost of injustice ?-Witness.-No, when you remember how he was turned out himself. Mr Seebohm- Two wrongs do not make a right.— No. Mr Richard Jones reminded Mr Seebohm that the lease was a repairing lease and that it was not an ordinary case of penalizing clauses. Witness admitted in conclusion to a question put through the Chairman that when he went to law with the widow he and his brother claimed every possible penny. Mr David Jones, Common Fynycld, Llanbadarn Trefeglwys, said in 1869 he took Common Fynydd at E25 (previous rent, f,13 10s.), from Mr J. G. W. Bonsall on the distinct understanding that he was to erect a new dwelling-house and all out-buildings. He did nothing to fulfil his promise until 1891, and he (witness) wanted to know if he could not get back the E253 he had paid in increased rent, he had paid on the understanding that the buildings would be made. Every winter snow covered the cattle in the sheds and the beds in the dwellings. Mr Bonsall had now sold the place, and witness was under notice. Went into England for many years harvesting, and English farmers wondered how Welsh farmers could farm. In England he found that the landlords provided buildings, and made drains without any trouble to the tenant. Mr Timothy Thomas, Penbank, said he was tenant of that farm for 23 years. It was 55 acres, and the rent was 928. He went to sea, and spent earnings there on the farm. For the past nine years he had not made £5 a year out of the farm, and were it not for his other earnings and the fact that his children worked on the farm, he could not have gone on at present rent. On being asked by Mr Vincent if he could plough the sea as well as he could plough the land, witness created a laugh by saying that by knowing how to plough the land, he could steer a ship better than many who went to sea. Mr Evan Evans, Pantygwiail, Dihewyd, said he was tenant, up to 1888, of Lord Lisburne, of Fronddu. He hauled for new buildings. In 1888 he was required to sign an agreement giving six months' notice, he received notice on the farm being sold, and eventually he left without compensation. He applied to Lord Lisburne and to Mr Gardiner, the agent, for compen- sation, and they went on to talk about something else. The Rev David Davies, C.M. minister, Tanygraig, Nantcwnlle, said he was born at Hafodhir, a hilly farm of 340 acres, then owned by the Earl of Lisburne. Worked as a labourer far his father, without wages, till his death in 1858, and then at 35 years became tenant at E70. His father's rent was £ 50. His family made some hundreds of perches of fences, and no allowance was made except for half the cost of boundary fences. Also hauled for out-building. In 1868, some time before the general election, he remembered meeting Mr Gardiner, agent o( Lord Lisburne, at Talsarn fair. Mr Gardiner said that a letter had reached Crosswood, saying that witness was exerting himself on behalf of Mr Evan Mathew Richards, the Liberal candidate, and that his influence was likely to operate powerfully against the Conservative candidate. Mr Gardiner wanted him to be quiet, and said that that was all he wanted of him. Witness replied that he did not exert himself against the Conservative candidate, but that he was a Liberal by eonvictiolil, and that he meant to vote for Mr Richards. That ended the talk then. Just one week before election day r Gardiner called at Hafodhir, and asked him to vote for Mr Vaughan, the Conservative candidate- that it was getting to close quarters with them. Witness replied that he would not, and that nothing would cause him to turn his back upon his convictions and his friends whatever the consequences might be, and if there were to be consequences that the responsibility for such must rest with him (Mr Gardiner) and Lord Lisburne. So far as his memory served him, the election took place in November. In the following March he received notice to quit. He went up to Crosswood several times to see Mr Gardiner and ask him to withdraw the notice. His mother also went up, as she was piteously anxious to be allowed to remain at Hafodhir. He offered JE80 rent for being allowed to remain. Mr Gardiner threw them off time to time with ambigious replies. It was not till July that they were explicitly told their fate. In July Mr Gardiner went to Hafodhir and said, "You refused to go with us at the election. Lord Lisburne does not know what to do with you, and at last he has given you up to me. I am going to send you off to make an example of you to your county for the next election." He had to leave in September without a Sinny of compensation for unexhausted improvements. is eviction was only an ordinary specimen of the evictions that took place all through the county after 1868. A neighbour, Thomas Evans, Commonfynydd, now dead, a tenant of Mr Bonsall, Fronfraith, voted for Mr Richards, and had to leave his farm in the month of September following. The old dread still lurked in the country. The tenants were also down- hearted owing to being commercially crippled, and to lose possible deductions was more than they were ready to risk in their present condition. Mr Thomas Davies, Brynpeithyll (Mr A. T. Davies, Tyllynisaf, landlord), said three tenants had failed in the farm before him. He took at E16. Buildings were dilapidated, and out-buildings fell the first winter he was there. Did hauling for new buildings, land- lord died leaving the estate to three sisters and a brother in Australia. A Mr Ballantine was appointed agent. He made a valuation, and put the rent up to £21. He made new fences and repaired old ones. Rent increased to JE25. Appealed to the brother on his return from Australia who said he was going to sell. One attempt at sale failed. In the second the farm was sold to Mr Gwynne, Monachty. He had no peace of mind or heart to work when he was con- tinuously getting notice from one cause or another. Major Price Lewes, Tyglyn Aeron, said he left the army 16 years ago, and owned about 1,000 acres. He managed the estate himself, and the relations between him and his tenantry were excellent as, generally, they were throughout Cardiganshire. Thought better of his countrymen than to think they were afraid to come forward and give evidence. They were a far more independent body of men. He repudiated the idea that they were of such a craven uature. Before the ballot there might have been cases of fear, but not to-day. He denied that one man went behind another's back and offered a higher price for farms. He generally waited until the landlord was clear of the other man. Did not believe in a Land Court, and did not think the best farmers wanted it. It would be an evil day for the tenant farmer when one was established in Wales. Did not understand why farmers did not avail themselves more of the Agricultural Holdings Act. If anything more was required let it be amended and printed in Welsh, and circulated through the Boards of Guardians. Could not understand how agriculture could be anything else but depressed when these islands were made the dumping-ground for all the surplus agricultural produce of the world which contributed nothing to imperial or local taxation, and foreign meat was sold as the best English. The demonetization of silver was responsible for low prices in all industries. The remedies he suggested werp cheap and easy transfer of land Government loans to farmers enabling them to sell when landowners were willing to sell loans to small landowners for improvements the labelling of foreign meat as such a small import duty on all food imported- (hisses) bimetallism (which people were beginning to under- stand) improved and cheapened transit on present railways, and construction of light railways. The last mentioned was the greatest need of Cardiganshire. Light railways should be made from Abcrayron to Lampeter, and on to Llandilo from Aberayron through the Carrog Valley to Llanilar (13 miles), and from Llantlyssul to New Quay the last mentioned an easily-constructed line of 15 miles. In reply to questions, Major Lewes said that Z15,000 was once locally subscribed to make a railway. An engineer prongeolato make the line if the ownere gave the land, and he believed they refused in the belief that another engineer would give better terms. He did not know what others might do, but he should be glad to give his land at agricultural price for a railway, as he believed it would be of the greatest blessing to the district. Witness, on being asked if numerous changes on the Brynog Estate were evidences of good feeling between landlord and tenant, said he only knew of one farm being vacant for some time, and did not know of any changes. He agreed with Mr Vincent in, saying that what was wanted was an adequate law of compensation. Mr Thomas Davies, Compton-house, district road surveyor, contractor and builder, postmaster, and under agent of the Monachty Estate, gave evidence regarding Aberayron Union, and the Monachty Estate of 4,000 acres. Referring to buildings, witness said the tenants were never so happy in the new homesteads as in the old and, generally, the parlour and best kitchen were seldom used, the family living and eating in the out-kitchen. At the present rate of progress in 20 years there would not be much to grumble at in building. There was nothing so important to farmers in upland parts of the county as shelter, and there was nothing of which the country was so devoid. Landlords planted in sheltered positions foi the sake of the crop of timber. Some of the larch in the Vale of Aeron were 120 feet high, and contained 50 solid feet of timber. What was wanted was systematic planting of long belts of trees along the high ridges of the county, of hardy trees for shelter only. If that was done from Cross Hands and Bank Shon Quilt all the way to Cardigan, in 30 years the land on both sides would produce double its present produce. The same might be said of the neighbourhoodjofNeboandPenwch. In 1888 there were 154 farms in the Aberayron Union of E30 to jE40 rent. If the tenants were converted into freeholders they would soon make their holdings bear double their present crops. Tenants who had to pay zC50 and up- wards, who had to engage a man and two girl servants, had a very different outlook. In Cardiganshire the tenant of jE15 to 930, who with his wife and family did all the work, was the one who was going to weather the storm. Large farmers felt the depression most. The average price of land in the Union was 8s 6d per acre. Referring to landlords, large and small, witness said it was an unfoitunate day when the large old estates were broken up and sold. The saying was a truism—the larger the estate the better for the tenant. It would be impossible to devise any form of tenure that would work better than that under the large landlords. Witness divided small farmers into three classes-those who had in- herited freehold farms, who took a farm from a large landowner at reasonable rent, and let their own freehold at the highest possible rent and gave no abatement; the second those who had bought farms at sales and let them irrespective of the cost at the highest possible penny. Their petty interferences were unbearable. That class was the curse of agriculture. The successful shopkeeper, the sea captain, and the tradesman screwed out the very marrow of their tenants and then passed them by like the Levite in the parable. (Laughter). In giving types of the last class witness said there was one rare good small landlord—Mr Henry Loyn, a stray York- shireman and a rag and bone merchant. (Laughter). He bought three farms, built on them, took great pride in his tenant, and refused £ 5 advance by a new tenant who wanted the farm of a sitting tenant. After saying that large landowners should teach their children Welsh in order to get into the sympathies of the country, witness said a great deal was said about preference by Tory landlords to Churchmen. No greater libel could be made on landlords as a class, and yet there was something in the saying which those who said it never had taken the trouble to fathom. At the end of the last century and the beginning of the present when the Church neglected her duty, the penalty for which she was the previous night in the House of Commons asked to pay, Churchmen were few and consequently Church tenants were very few. But to-day, when the Church was a power in every parish and Churchmen numerous, there were numerous applications by Church tenants for vacant farms, and, in the nature of things, Church tenants must become more numerous as the Church was gaining ground in the country and Nonconformity was at a standstill. (Loud laughter). He added that it spoke well for tolerance on the Monachty Estate that there were nine Nonconformist deacons living on it with ten more only recently deceased. Speaking of mortgaged freeholders, he said that the four-per-cent money lenders were worst than Egyptian taskmasters. The farmers who brought in 1870 were the cream of the neighbourhood and were now the worst off. Young people, he said, were not brought up to farming or country trade. They rushed off to the towns and became clergymen, ministers, barristers, doctors, city police or bus conductors-anything but a worker on a farm. The result was that reformatory children were introduced, so that Cardiganshire would soon lose its reputation as the purest county in Wales and the ratebooks would contain only the names of O'Brian from Ireland and of Smith of England. (Laughter). Mr Davies's remedy was a small duty on imported corn and cattle. Lord Kenyon—But in the evidence given this morning the names of Davies are rather numerous ?— Yes, but t;he name of O'Brian will become quite as numerous by-and-bye. (Laughter). Mr Evan Rowlands, Pantanamlwg, who believed that a Land Court would destroy the good feeling existing between landlord and tenant Mr David Jones, Lluestymaen Mr Evan Evans, Wernllaeth Mr Timothy Evans, Drefnewydd Mr John Davies, Mount Hope and others also gave evidence. Mr Evan Evans, Wernllaeth, in his evidence, said that Captain Gwynne looked upon his tenantry like he looked upon the old oaks which grew about the mansion. He, however, went away to Jersey and a new king arose in Israel who knew not Joseph, He was Mr Daniel Jones who knew no more about farming than a cuckoo knew about making a nest. Dr Gwynne went to reside on the Monachty Estate and rabbits became as numerous as the locusts of Egypt. Once witness killed no fewer than five rabbits with one shot. His son went out with a gun and having shot a rabbit, Dr Gwynne not only took away the rabbit but the gun which witness could not get returned and eventually it was sold at the Monachty sale. (Laughter). He had notice to quit the farm and a Tory and Churchman took his place. In the second court evidence was given by Messrs Morgan Evans, Oakford J. C. Jones, guardian for Llanarth John James, Synod Pare David Evans, Pantteg Evan Bateman, Llanarth Enoch Thomas, Oernant William Evans, Penlone, Cross Inn John Evans, Trefaes Isaf Thomas Morgans, Llainpenpwll, Cross Inn John Evans, Dyffryn Arth, Cross Inn, Llanon Evan Davies, Bontfach, Bontseason, Llanon Rees Lewis Jones, Rhosgoch Shop, Llanarth Evan Jones, Llawrycwrt, Llandisiliogogo David Jones, Wera Newydd Evavi Jones, Synod Canol Evan Evans, Bargoed James Lloyd, Pantycefn James Griffiths, Cefngweddil John Evans, Penrhyn Evan Parry, Pencraig Mrs Anne James, Chapel-street, Llanarth William Jones, Llandissiliogogo Evan Beynen, Pencwm Thoman Jones, Sungricooh Benjamin Jones, Rhosgochfawr and John Evans, Quarre, Llanarth. Mr Morgan Evans, J.P., Oakford, in his evidence, said he had spent his life in close contact with farmers and labourers, and had every opportunity of learning their views and difficulties. Insecurity of tenure was generally held to be a bar to successful farming. In prosperous times advances in rent were made on tenants' improvements, and nearly always oa farms well cultivated. At all times, a farmer was open to receive notice to quit, fictitious reasons being often given instead of the real causes such as interference with game or difference in religion or politics. For anyone to say that politics and religion did not affect the conduct of farmers in Cardiganshire, was to say what many people could not accept as true. He had himself experienced it. Having taken part in disestablish- ment meetings when Henry Richard and Edward Miall visited Wales in 1866, he lost for a time the custom of Mr John Boultbee, of Noyadd, Llanarth, one of his best customers, who was honest enough to give the real reason. Witness continued by saying that he had direct evidence of the compact entered into by landlords to evict Liberal tenants after the election of 1868. Having to call in the spring of 1869 at Noyadd, Mr Edmund Lloyd, the occupier, told him that if he (witness) knew what was to take place he would be sorry for the part he took in the late election. On being asked what he referred to, Mr Lloyd replied that the landlords had joined to evict those tenants who had voted for Mr E. M. Richards, so as to stamp out the disobedience that had been displayed. Witness told Mr Lloyd he hoped it was not true, adding that if true, politically it would be the most foolish thing the Tories could do. Mr Lloyd said it was a fact, and named several estates in the district where evictions were to take place. The thing had not been carried out on such a large scale afterward, but the work of extirpating Nonconformist and Liberal tenants on some estates had been carried out gradually, but most effectually. The terroiism occasioned by the evictions of 1869 had hardly yet subsided. The Rev David Evans, Penrhiwdrych, Messrs Wm. Richards, Rhydalen, Morgan Jones, Cefngyrgos, and John Davies, Gofynachfacn, who had to leave their holdings, were still held in deep respect, but they were not the only sufferers. Some way of protecting tenants against arbitrary eviction was essential to the farming community. Tenants sustained great losses through having to leave their holdings without compensation for improvements. Great im- provement had of late been made in farms and cottages, but in many cases dwellings were still in a most un- satisfactory condition. Good dwellings were not only essential to good health, but also to good morals. People who had bought their holdings led the way in the improvement of dwellings. Out-buildings also were often inferior, inconvenient, and insufficient. Security of tenure would benefit the community as it would lead to an increase in the produce of the land. In many instances the produce could be more than doubled. It would also materially assist to develop the best side of the character of the nation. Witness had not found one tenant farmer, no matter of what religion or politics, who was satisfied with the present state of law affecting agricultural holdings. Farmers did not come forward for fear of offending their land- lords, and losing their holdings. Before the Welsh character would be fully developed, it must be placed in circumstances of greater independence. Courts of appeal in questions affecting land were necessary in the interest of landlords, tenants, and labourers. Allotments were necessary to induce agricultural labourers to remain on the land. Labourers and their families were much attached to country life, and he had heard several remark that if they could only get a garden and land to keep a cow they would never think of leaving for the works or the big towns. Something also should be done to make country life more enjoyable by reading rooms and places of mutual im- provement. While the price of agricultural produce had reduced in the past 50 years, rents and the price of labour had greatly increased. The result was the under-manning of farms and inefficient farming. There was now about 36 per cent. less hired labour on farms. It was, concluded Mr Morgan Evans, a great disadvantage to farmers of the district that they had no direct communication with the great central markets. Light railways, made by Government assistance, would immensely help farmers as well as draw thousands to the enjoyment of the pure air and beautiful scenery of the district. Thirty years ago between New Quay and Llanddewi Aberarth there were at least 12 lime kilns in constant operation during the summer months, and now none at all. Carts were also sent to Carmarthenshire lime kilns. The insignificant quantity of lime now used was carted from a station 13 miles from the district. Mr J. C. Jones, Llanarth, in his evidence, said the population of his parish had declined from 2,001 to 1,850 in the last ten years and at least 80 cottages had been allowed to fall into ruin. Seventeen were on the Llanina Estate which was one of comparatively small area. The Sanitary Authority, of which witness was a member, had to issue notices to landlords say- ing that unless farms and cottages were made sani- tary and habitable legal remedies would have to be applied. Though progress had been made in that direction, he ventured to say that some landlords still housed their dogs and horses better than they housed their tenants. If he accurately described farmers' fare he might be charged with exaggeration. The chief meal of the day was cawl—broth with bacon, or dried beef, and potatoes. Fresh meat was out of the question. Labour was scarce and dearer than farmers could afford to engage. Many of the best workmen and small farmers went to the works and returned home in harvest, and many told him how happy they would be with small holdings in the country in preference to better wages in industrial centres. Wit- ness hoped the Commission would have gone to Aber- ayron from Cardigan, Llandyssul, or Newcastle Emlyn by road when they would have seen much poor land, so poor that it would take a person with much faith to hope to make it pay, though it was certain there was also a great deal of good land cap- able of cultivation. The landlord would not cultivate it, and the tenant durst not cultivate it because he knew it would only mean advanced rent equal to his improvement. That was what they had learnt by experience. Rates were also increased on improved farms while they remained stationary on neglected farms. Tenants did not undertake anything but re- munerative wotk. The Celt was not heedless of beauty, and a Welsh farmer only left his hedges un- trimmed and the neighbourhood of his dwelling with- out ornament because he had to devote every effort to making the farm pay. Until some remedy was found to bring the hundreds of acres now lying un- cultivated, land hunger would continue. Witness continued by quoting a letter written by Mr C. R. Longcroft to his Carmarthenshire tenants on Nov- ember 20th, 1868, expressing surprise they should make any difficulty in complying with his request to vote with him (the landlord) for Messrs Jones and Puxley. He was surprised that the tenants to whom he directly addressed the letter should not have Jet a better example. His tenants had lived with him for many years on terms of confidence and good will, and the continuance of such good understanding ought to be the aim as long as the connection between land- lord and tenant continued. The severance of such good feeling, he feared, was the object of teachers who misled them. As he said before, it was not de- sirable that a breach of confidence should take place where none existed before. He rarely, if ever, asked the tenants addressed or any of them to do anything for him, and as circumstances, from his time of life, might prevent his ever asking again a similar request, and as the addressee well knew his (the landlord's) reasons, he certainly expected he would vote with him for the gentlemen named. The letter was ad- dressed to John Jones, E. Williams, D. Francis, J. Owen, W. Williams, and E. Jacob. The result was that five voted for the Conservatives and one for the Liberal, and the Liberal had to leave his holding. The Cardiganshire tenants of the estate were canvassed by the landlord and the farm bailiff, who were not backward in using threats. The result was that in March, 1869, John Davies, Gofynachfach, Wm. Richards, Rhydalen (son of a former bailifi), and Morgan Jones, Cefugrugoes- fawr (an uncle of witness's), had to leave their holdings on the following September as threatened before the election. They were as good farmers as any on the estate, and they had to go without com- pensation for improvements. In 1868, there were about 20 Nonconformist tenants on the estate to five Conformists, but the process of elimination had taken place gradually, but surely, until 1890, when there were eight Nonconformists to 16 Conformists. For about 19 years from 1871, there were only two exceptions to a Nonconformist getting a farm on the Llanina Estate, and those were the two sons of the old tenants who had held farms on the estate for long periods. About 1878, two tenants changed from chapel to church quite suddenly. Witness added that he went to Mr C. E. Longcroft, as a J. P., to sign a document ministerially, when he demanded Is. 6r). towards the Church Defence Association for signing, which witness considered a coarse joka, and about twelve months afterwards he refused to attest a document as a magistrate, because witness had not paid the money to the Rev D. J. Jones, the vicar of the parish. The matter was reported to the Lord Chancellor, and Mr L. P. Pugh informed witness that Mr Longcroft was reprimanded. Witness asked to be also allowed to give evidence in regard to the Pen- rhiwgaled Estate. It was a well-known fact that no Nonconformist need apply for a farm on that estate, as all vacancies during the la3t 20 years had been filled by Conformists. In four cases, fie new tehants, on entering their tenements, left chapel for church. Witness suggested as remedies—abolition of law of distress for rent, longer periods of notice to quit- a Land Court, light railways, and Government loans to farmers. Mr Evan Thomas, farm bailiff on the Llanina Estate, submitted rebutting evidence, but, on being asked by Mr J. M. Griffiths if it was not a fact that preference was given to Churchmen on the e-;tate, he replied, I cannot say less than that." ABERYSTWYTH. The Commission sat at the Town Hall at Aber- ystwyth on Saturday, and the proceedings had not commenced many minutes before the Chairman dis- covered, aod commented upon, the miserahleness of the place for the transaction of public business. There were present of the Commissioners, Lord Kenyon (in the chair), Sir John Lle-welyn, Mr Edwin Grove, Mr Seehohm, Mr Richard Jones, Mr J. M. Griffiths, and Dr Rhys. The Bishop of St. David's, who is staying at Aberystwyth, was in court nearly the whole of the day, and Gogerddan, Nanteos, Crosswood, Castle Hill, and other estates were represented. The court was crowded throughout the day. Mr E. Vincent, acting for the Landlord's Protection Society, handed in a list of abatements made by land- lords in Cardiganshire during recent years of agricul- tural depression. Mr David Jenkins, Cerrigcyranau, said his father held Cwmmeuriguchaf on Lord Lisburne's estate. The farm consisted 77 of acres of very high land. His ancestors lived on the place for many generations. Heard his grandfather say that the rent at one time was 1:3 a year. That was afterward reduced to 1:4 when the tenant threatened to leave, fearing he would not be able to pay the advance, but the agent persuaded him to attempt it promising not to be hard on him. By 1797 the rent had been raised to 98. He had a receipt for half-year's rent, 94, dated 23rd March of that year. Jenkin Morgan Jenkins was the tenant at the time. He was the first to plough the land with horses. Before then the ploughing was done by oxen and a wooden plough which could be carried on the shoulders from one place to another. There were no fields on the farm. The place was a dessert without hedges or fences or anything but natural boundaries. In 1826 Jenkin Morgan Jenkins's rent was advanced to £21. He held until 1838, and was succeeded by witness's grandfather, Wm. Jenkins. At that time the buildings were miserably poor. The dwelling- house was a one-roomed mud cottage with thatched roof, and the only media for light were the door and the chimney. Under the chimney-piece was a strong pillar which presumably bore the weight of the whole building, and that was also used for hanging bacon on. His grandfather built in 1839 entirely at his own expense, and improved the farm by fencing, draining and manuring. Lime then had to be carted from Aberystwyth, a distance of 15 miles, and three loads only could be brought in a week. In 1848 he further built a stable and cow-house at his own expense excepting timber which the landlord supplied. In 1858 the rent was raised from jE21 to E28. In 1859 he ,built a house on the farm entirely at his own expense iotendmg to remain there to the end of his days. When he removed into that house, witness's father became tenant of the. farm and occupied the farm-house. He started on improving the farm, but next year, 1860, the rent was again advanced by a new agent, Wm. Burman, from f28 to £ 31. In 1861 a barn and cart house were built. His father brought the farm to such perfection that it was a model. In 1875 the rent was again raised by the present agent, Mr Gardiner, from 1:31 to E46, making an increase in 17 years of about 120 per cent. and in 80 years of nearly 600 per cent. on the tenant's own improvements. In 1875 his father and an agent were looking at a swede crop which was bemg destroyed by hd.res and rabbits. Witness's father was advised to set traps, and when he went to look at the traps on the following morning he was met by the gamekeeper who reported it to Lord Lisburne. That was in the beginning of the year. In the following March received notice to quit, and though both wenc to Lord Lisburne to try to stay on, they were both turned out, the sin having been against one or the sacred laws of the esta e Both witness's father aud grandfather were turned out, though tney naa DUIH tneir homes and had spent hundreds of pounds ou the land, and did not receive a penny piece of compensation. The effect of it was that his father did not seek to make those improve- ments in future which he otherwise would have done in farming. He wanted a Land Court, security of tenure, and compensation for improvements. In reply to questions, witness said the tenants knew about the Ground Game Act, but feared to put their power into operation, and gamekeepers did nut sufficiently keep the game down. Was now tenant on the Cwrtmawr Estate. Being asked by Lord Kenyon if be did not think tenants were foolish for not putting the Ground Game Act into force, witness thought they were, to which Lord Kenyon added that that it was not muon use passing laws for the sake of farmers if they did not make use of them, and that witness admitted. In reply to Mr Richard James he said the tenants were afraid of incurring the landlord's displeasure. Mr James James, J. P., Fynonhowel, Llanrhystyd, said that Jenkin Morris James was adopted by his uncle who was a deacon at Tabor C.M., Cnapel, Llan- gwyryfon, and lived at Brynllyn on the Carrog Estate owned by the late Miss Morris. Jenkin Morris James succeeded his uncle in the occupation of the farm and in 1860 received a letter which Mr John Jones, Bridge End, said was in Welsh but was really in English as the original which was sent to witness's brother and which he (witness) produced would show. The letter read as follows As I firmly believe the principles of our Church which I have embraced to be in strict accordance with the Word of God, I therefore take great interest in the Church situate in the parish of Llandeiniol and feel it a duty incumbent upon me to do all I can for its success. Having been placed by divine Providence here as a landowner I feel the responsi- bility of my situation and I have come to the conclusion to make that use of the property entrusted to my care which I deem consistent with the religion of our Blessed Saviour by conscientiously choosing those people to be my tenants who can and will support our Church from principle and conscience. Deeply impressed with these considerations, I feel myself morally bound to set before you two alternatives and you are at liberty to choose for yourself, namely, to attend our Church service with your family and thus to support its principles, or otherwise, if your conscience will not allow you to comply with my request, you must quit the farm which you hold of me because my conscience also forbids me to allow you to make use of the advantages which you derive from your con- nection with my property as a tenant to the support of thase principles which are at varience aud opposed to those of your landlady. Far be it from me to make the attempt to force or compel any of my tenants to become Church people, and far be it from them to be so inconsistent with themselves as to expect they shall continue to be my tenants unless they are Church-going persons, because by so acting I shall consider myself doing nothing else than patronising and encouraging what is quite contrary to my own views of the principles. Also as far as religion is concerned, you will be generous to allow me the liberty of conscience- (laughter)—in the use of what I can claim to be my own which yourself take in the use of the same, and thus we shall be progressing mutually towards the golden rule of justice- Whatever that men do unto you, do ye even so unto them.' (More laughter.) I have thus thought it proper so far to explain myself that you may know the nat juM ground upon which it is my intention to P{^c?e r mef0 seethefairnessofthecour.se of conduct whicn adopt—(laughter)—Mary Morris, Carrog, April, l»j> co0' Jenkin Morris James and another (J hn Li y f tinned witness, refused to c.-mply witn t1 e vjirsr,' that letter to attend *ith their families the srr Llanddienioi Church. They were consequently^^ with notices to quit in September, 1860 a t.jjge'' driven from their farms in 1861 and were ji»« to leave behind one third of their crops as 0{ many other improvements without a single Pe c0ji- compensation. The family of Brynhir f sisted of husband, wife, and five young c ^gre When that letter was written by the landla J were on the estate 14 families of r9' farmers, and about 13 of Nonconformist c 0f The number of Churchmen was tw>» n'/0rnii9^ farmers, and two of cottagers. The Nonco" gef4' on the estate at the present time were three c ^,<1 two dependent up mi the country side for liveliho0 to the third who used to attend Church bti' now chape!. Many Nonconform ss took f rms etf> Carrog Estate during tt'.ese years but hiving were obliged, without exception, to go to SunJays. Many farm rs w ho weut to Churc j they took the holdings left them do¡)St few years because they got tired of the Condit, ot or from some other cause. He ventured hesitation to say that Miss Morris was by olI(s6 kind and amiable, and would not had taken ths she did but for two reasons. One was the iinO*° desire of the Vicar, the Rev James Evans, w v ifii by the nom-de-plume ^of Clericus," to fil' -c&a' means within his power the Church, the serV'8ljy0' which were not at that time attended by hardly the parishioners. It was clear, witness thoughts, the original letter was not written by Mis8 gjij The hand of Clericus was evident in it, and be t jf the handwriting could be identified with the the baptismal register for those years noW 00 H t 00 custody of the present Vicar. Witness went say that the agent of the estate, Mr David was one of the two Conformist tenants at th? vJ1l)if| coveted farms on the estate for his children, vy. when vacated, was given to the agent's son. *■ however, frund to be too poor for the agent's 80D'^ie Catherine Edwards received notice t» q>n ^el>e pi mawr, one of the best farms on the estate on V.Mir1'" th st she had not been properly conv. r ed t ¡¡r,i,Jo principles. (Laughter.) But wheroer thar c was real or not, a better farm na I to be f und agent's son, and she and h^r family had to go, f*Z,u(Jrc'> their surprise, seeing that th-y at ended y'b/ regalarly, and it was e^timcted that she '0jLyi' leaving £ 500. After Mrs Edwards's departure Pugh, the agent's son, went into the faun, an i recollected a couplet of a song made at the time- Dafydd Pugh yw y cawr, Sydd wedi llyncu Penewmnlawr. jfl (Laughter.) JeBkin Morris James, added witTe leaving Brynhir went to Wernddu, on the Estate, but received notice to quit for reasons. He then went to Pencwm, Llang^X.j^ He received L100 from the eviction fund. vvita0 stated the facts to Henry Richard who related 1 the House of Commons on the second reading °1J Ballot Act, and they created a profound effect the House. Jenkin Morris James died three ago leaving a wife and 12 children. (Cheers.) 00 of In reply to Lord Kenyon witness thought sort of thing as he had described went on n°f Jifl' notice was not given to the three NoncoO* cottagers on the estate. One of them had bee° 15 or 18 years. The Rev Mr Sinnett, Llangatt0^ 00 the present owner of the estate. There otit documentary evidence relating to Mrs Edward^. t° was what wa3 said. Farmers oa estates ? A exercise the rights of citizens as artizans & though they had the ballot. Security of tenure give greater manliness and independence to$$ In reply to Mr Seebohm, witness said all tne except two accepted tne alternative of g 1 Church. The cottagers did not get notice. 'II Miss Morris, tnough mistaken, was cmsoi nti"u^ i" was 80 years of age. Tney asked fur compe^ but did net get it. By Dr Rhys: Someof*'lj^K forming tenants were still alive. Believed was prompted by Clericus because someone writing was identical. Dr Rhys saying the let" 0* not look as if written by a lady of 80, witness to say that Clericus used to write to the Banef he did not know exactly on what subjects. tll f. asked how witness connected the letter present, witness said the same thing was nOW () e on through the whole estate. Evide .ce to t11* would be given. By Mr Seebohm Cai' exceptional, but other landlords did similar degree. By Mr Richard Jones It was ¡J1. condition of getting farms that tenants were to Churchmen. In reply to Lord Kenyon, admitted that a Lib-nl was return it t electiou. By Mr Samtel E. us TI f..rm;, on the e.^tat ■ wh I ,\jlll Mr V nceut rne Rev J tiies KV.IH •> flit) yeirs ag) was the 01 i-gyiii,u „ M rris. Bv Mr Henr, a 'i taKen on at Penc m by Co s t, a, .m" •t ¡,I' man. tli" ,r, Mrs Jones, Holynead, taen came forward yp evidence of Mr Thomas Hughes, given at The Rev W. R. Jones was stated to be the of the owner. Her husband had nothing t the matter. Being a public man it iiiig if uut contrad,c d She was t Lloyd acted foi the t ei o c the otiiei- oaner up ditle, t n, of tier, being aii au i s>>> uti io et'ir Evan Evans, so ioitor, to get IM f.e rents. t | not evict him, and he did ;;ot le i > with^ ..t t" pensation. fc>h" had a uieiuoran-hnii to r.ii»; e £ 60 was allowed him in tnret- rents io buildiugs. The trustee in liquiua ion & continue Hugnes as tenant. Tnere was a'B of criminal proceedings. f Mr David Lloyd, Poriland-street, g j mortgagee in the possession, and agrtnt. for M t g said in 1882 Hugnes became laolt upt Jut, appeiranct of la.id and iaiildiuj. no ne ,file ctllø he quoted could have been s^en t by hi.n j^li M of £ 18 and £ 20 were allowed i he tenant bankruptcy went for the benefit, of his credit0 1» also had an allowance of £ 100 in addition 10 years. He removed cattle d uring his J proceedings and criminal pro ceediugs were p against him in the County Co rt. The bedro' H been made eqital to any in to -n, and the te been treated with every consid ration. \j Lord Kenyon said tne Comr nissioners Ihotig jet both Mrs Jones and her hi tsband w. re CO exonerated fiom any blame w n t v. r. For Continuatio n see (J.