The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

The Welsh Farmer's Gazette Friday, February 20th. WEATHER AND THE CROPS. February thm far has been quite a sunny month, and the season seems more advanced than it usually is at the end of March. The high temper ature by day has been to some extent controlled in its effect on vegetation by the nights, which have cot been wholly without frost. The fgrowing wheat is fairly forward, but seldom presents any weak or spindling appearance. Barley sowing is in active progress, and despite a miserable price of 24s on London and:couatry averages a fair acreage is likely to ba devoted to this crop. The decliue in area devoted to beans and peas should be arrested. As yet it is no early to form any idea of what a-ea will be sown with oats. The sale of English wheat for feeding purpose goes on briskly, and we hear of farmers taking five pound note for a weighted ton of newly-threshed corn, deliv- ered to neighbouring farmers needing it for feed. The price where it was to be delivered on rail would be somewhat higher. These are west country prices, which average low, but S5 10a per ton will command wheat in the best parts of East Anglia.Vaik Lane Express

atlttt Reports. CORN AVERAGES. For the week ending February 14th, 1903. The following are the quantities sold and the prices this year and last year QUANTITIES SOLD. PRICES. This year Last year This year Last year Qrs bus. Qrs bus. Wheat. 59909 4. 68,500 0.25s 6d.26s lid Barley. 88,299 6. 54,084 1 238 7d -278 5d Oats. 29,975 0. 21,824 0>.17s Id.20s 3d ABERYSTWYTH, Monday.—Wheat, 5s 6d to 6B 6d per 65 lbs; barley, 3s 9d to 4s Od per 65 lbs oats (white), 3s 3d to 3s 6d per 65 lbs; black, 3s 31 to 3a 4d per bushel; eggs, 8 to 9s Od per 120 butter (salt) lid to Is Id per lh; fresh, la to Is Id p-r lb fowls, 3.6.1 to 4. 01 per couple chickens, 3/6.to 4s; ducks, 53 0d to 5 6d geese, 10s to 12s per couple; turkeys, 123 to 143 per couple; potatoes. 3s to 3i 3 I per cwt. OSWESTRY CORN MARKET, Wednesday, February 4th.—The following were the prices :— White wheat, 4s Od to 4s 2:1 per 75 lbs red ditto, 4s Od to 43 2d per fo lbs osts (old), 16s to 17s per 200 lbs new ditto, 10s 6d to lis 6d malting barley, 16 to 183 6d per 280 lbs grinding barley, 13 6d to 13s 9d. OSWESTRY POULTRY AND BUTTER MARKET, Wednesday. February 11th.—Retail— Butter, Is 2J to Is 3d pc. lb eggs, 10 for li chickens, 4s 6d to 63 Od per couple dressed do, 53 to 6/0 per couple fowls. 3s to 4s 6d per couple; ducks, 5a 6s to 7<1 per cnilple turkeys, U8 to OOs each rabbits, Is 8'! to 2s per couple pheasants, 5s Od to 6s 0 i per brace partridges, 2s 6d to 3s 6d per brace pigeons Is 6d per couple hares, 4:9 01 to 5s Cd each apples. 3d to 4d per lb; pears, 4r) to 5d per lb English tomatoes, Od to Is per lb foreign, do 7d per Ib grapes, 7d per lb; celery, 3d to 4d per ttick turnips id to Id each lemons, 2 for I cl potatoes Is per score carrots, 211)- for 1ri parsnips, Id per lb Brussel sprouts, 3d per lb onions, Id to 1d per lb parsley, Id per bunch beet, Id to 3d :each cauliflowers, 3d to 4d each cabbages. Id to 2d each oranges, 20 to 30 for a Is rhubarb, 2d to 31 per bunch. Wholesale-Butter. Is Id per lb eggs, 11 for Is chickens, 3s 61 to 5a 6s per couple ducks, 5s 6d to 6s 6d per couple rabbits, Is 6d to Is 9d per couple potatoes, 4 per bag. CARMARTHEN BUTTER, Saturday.—A fair supply on offer, which was sold at a much lower price than las:, week, to day's quotations being from Is to Is Id per lb. Continental markets have interfered very much with the price locally. CARMARTHEN CHEESE, Saturday.— Several small lots of cheese on offer, which were disposed of at from 24s to 2Si per c-vt. A few lots of superiors were sold at 30s per cwt. CORK BUTTER, Monday.— Ordinary— Fir-ti 104s seconds, 87s thirds, 81s fourths, 70s. Fioe mild. 98?. In market-40. Fresh-A, 102s LIVERPOOL CATTLE, Monday. — Cattle, 1,157; sheep 5,237. H:'st beasts, 6id to 6cl; second, 5^1 to 6d third, 41,1 to 5td best Scotch sheep. 9^1 other sorts, 8d to 9d. An increase of 16 cattle and a decrease of 150 sheep. Better demand for cattle and good for sheep at about late rates. Forty dairy cattle firm prices-EI5 to f22. LONDON POTATOES, Monday. — Good sup- plies and a slower trade at the following prices :-Dunbar maincropg, 110s to 120s Dunhar up to-dates, 100s to 110s up-to-dates, 80s Scotch, 80s; British Queens, 75 to 80s blacklands, 703 to 75 per ton; Belgiums, 33 3d Dutch, 3i 6d per bag. LONDON PROVISIONS, Monday.- Mesi;re Samuel Page and Son's report Butter ennt nups dull at previous prices-Friegiand, 110s to 114s Russiau, 86s to 96s Danish and Swedish, 106s to 110s Krenoh, 108s to 112s Australian, 46s to 100s New Zealand, S01 to 100s Canadian, SOl to 94s Irish, 95s to 100s. Bacon slow at last Friday's quotations Irish, -1Si! to 59s Danish, 49 to 55s. ifame-Ame! ican slow of sale; Irish quiet prices unchanged. Cheese quiet, but un- altered Canadian, 611 to 65s. LONDON DEAD MEAT, Monday.—Fair sup- plies and trade low, but pric-s firmer for beef. Eoglish beef,3s lOd to 4s Scotch sides, 4sto 4s 2d: shorts, 4s 4d to 4s 6d American (Deptford and Liverpool kil ed), 31 8d to 3- 10-' do refrigerated hind quarters, best. 3s 6d to 3s Sd ditto seconds, 3a to 33 4d infer;or, 2 41 to 2s 10,-1, Mutton-S-ot,h wethers, 5-2d to 5 6d do choice small, 58 8d ewes. 49 to 4s 2d English wethers, 4 lOd to 5a 2d do ewes, 3" 8d to 4 English lamb, 6s 4d to 7s 4d veal, 4s 0d to 5s 2d English pork, 3s 6d to 48 foreign ditto, 3r:s 4d to 38 Sd per 81b. LONDON CATTLE, Monday.-Beast supply, compared with Monday last showed a decrease of 20 head. For both prime and second quality. trade opened rather slow, but finished a little better than anticipated. Last Monday's rites governed all transactions, witn the exception of a few Scotch beasts, which made Id to 2d per Sib more money, Fat bulls met better trade, but rates for fat butchering cows were maintained with difficulty. Top ratei-SO to 90-t Scotch, 59 to 5s 2d per 81b; 90st Norfolks, 4s 6d to 4s 7d exceptional, 4s 8d..Arrival.Scotch, 10; Irish, 50 Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, 707; Midland, Home, and Western Counties, 464 Devon, 10. Increase of 870 in sheep market — best Downs and half-breds met fiim trade at last week's rate- in early morning, but were slightly lower as the day advanced, though not quotably lower. Ewes were short and met ready sale with early clearance. A large supply of lambs for this sefison of the I year-best quality small Downs making Id to 2d per 8tb more money, but middling descriptions no higher in price. Calf trade uominal-Beasts, 3s 4d to 5s 2d sheep, 4sto 6i 2J lambs, 5s lOd to 7s 4d per Sib. Total supply -Beasts, 1,250; sheep and lambs, 9,270; calves, 10. BRADFORD WOOL, Monday.—If quiet as to ctual transactions, the market was more cheerful in tone than last week. Holders of merinos, finding it difficult to replace in Australia or else- where, are very independent in their attitude and stand out for recent values. Strong crossbreds have not yet entirely recovered, but there is no further weakening. Eoglish wool is quite steady at late reductions. Spiniurs well engaged, except those in the botany trade. I LONDON, CORN, Monday.—Market nuiet. Wheat unchanged—English white quoted 261 6d to 31s; red, 26s to 30s per quarter. Flour, un- changed. Grinding barley dull malting do, very dull. British oats dull Russian, 3d lower on the week. Maize dull. Beans, peas and lentils quiet and unchanged. Arrival :—English—wheat, 1,278 qrs ;barley, 2,660 qrs oats, 4,095 qrs malt,24,971 qrs beans, 269 qrs peas, 296 qrs flour, 24,336 sacks. For-ign-wheat, 38,830 qrs barley, 156 qrs oats, 90,706 maize, 31,885 qrs bcanp, 2,483 (I rs peas, 2,060 qrs flour, 45,556 sacks, 40 barrels. GRIMSBY FISH, Tuesday.—Moderate sup- plies 64 vessels fair demand. Soles, Is lOd turbot, Is to Is 4d brills, 9d per lb plaice, 6s 7d lemon soles, 10s whitches, id 6d halibut, lis to 13s per stone live Hug. 3s 6d to 4s 6d cod, 4s to 6s I;ve skate, 5s dead ditto, 4s each hake, 24s to 33s; coil fish, ISs to 26 per score kit haddocks, 241 to 30s gibhed, 363 to 4Ss dabs, 183 to 24s live codlings, 14s to 21s gurnets, 8s per box.

CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—Approximate return o! traffic receipts for the week ending February 15th, 1903. Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, &c., and mails, 91,792 merchandise, minerals, and live stock, 13,166 total for the week, £4,958; aggre- gate from commencement of half-year, 1:30,583. Actual traffic receipts for the corresponding wetk last year. Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails, £1,632; mer- chandise, minerals, and live stock, E3,046 total for the week, E4,678 aggregate from commence- ment of half-year, £ 31,188. Increase for the week: Pa-sengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails, 9160 merchandise, minerals, and live stock, C120 total for the week, £280. Aggregate increase, passengers, parcels, horses, carnages, dogs, and mails, £ 340. Aggregate decrease, merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 895 aggregate from commencoment of half-year, £ 555.

MACHYJNLLETH NEW SCHOOLS: OPENING CEREMONY. On Thursday afternoon of last wpf-k, the interest- ing csremony of opening the i), w Board Schi ols af. Machynlloth took place, and the occasion was 'avoured with the most fitting circumstances. Situaled at the rear of Maeng-Ayn-street, the schools are on a convenient as well as an excellent -ite, and llley are, as vias stated at the meeting, the most modern aud complete buildings iu mid- W.les, so that with its w-ll equipped county school as well, the town of Machynlleth may feet proud of its fducktional attainments. The new schools are intended as a mixed school with infants' school at ached, and provides a otal accommoda- r ion fer 400 children. It is on the latest, system with large central hall 50 x 32, with four good clas--ror)n,s conveniently arranged around such oall. Two of these clafs-rooms are enclosed by movable partitions and can be thrown bick, the space then bting given to the central hall. The infants' school provides for a school-room for ninety-six children with a class-room adjoining for thirty-four children. Sepsrat? cloak rooms and entrances are provided for boys. girls, and infants, and each cloak room is fitted up with lavatory basins. A board room is also provided on the firsr I floor. The exterior is faced with Ruabon red pressed bricks relieved with blue brick quoins and string courses, with slated roofs. The floors are of wood blocks laid on concrete. Match boarded dados are provided to a'l walls of central hall and class-rooms. All rooms are ,mply lighted and the ventilation is by means of Tobin air inlet brackets and exhaust ventilators in roofs. The rooms are heated by the improved warm air grates, with fresh air brought from external walls. The build- iog has been erected at a cost of £ 3,500 by Mr John Humphreys, builder, Machynlleth, Ifrom designs (accepted in competition) by Mr J. Cook R,-es,areiii,e,ct,Neath. The ironwork was executed by Mr B. M. Davies, engineer and ironfoundeT, Penrallt street. Thursday's proceedings opened with a procession .'I'hich was formed at the Railway Station, headed jy the Pt-nnal Brass Bind. Following the nembers of the School Board came the Managers )f the County School and the school children mcceeded under the charge of the teaching staff. Photographs having been taken of those pres-nt n front of the school, the Rev Josiah Jones was presented with a key, and, after opening the door, ne declared the schools open. In a few words on the doorstep, the rev gentleman remarked that the large assemblage testified to the interest and sym- pathy which the townspeople took in the erection \f the schools (Hear, hear.) The Board had had bo face many difficulties, but those difficulties had now been successfully surmounted, as was shown by the handsome buildings they were about to enter. (Applause.) The Rev W. S. Jones (chairman of the Board) was the first to enter and immediately afterwards the building was filled to its utmost. Among those present were Col Pryce-Jones, M.P., Principal T F Koberts, Mr T Darlington (inspector of schools), the Rev Josiah Jones, Mr Richard Gillart, the Rev J D Jones, Rev D H Hughes, Mr D D Williams (clerk), Mr Rees (architect), and Mr John Humphreys (contractor), Mr J M Breeze (chairman of Urban District Council), Messrs Edward Gillact, Richard Rees. J.P., W M Jones, Harri Lewis, Evan Rees, D Morgan, David Smith, John Thomas (eounci lors), John Rowlands (clerk), Dr A 0 Uaviea (medical officer), Mr Evan Humphreys (surveyor), Mr Edward Rees, J.P., Mr H H Meyl-r (headmaster County School), Mr Roberts un I Mr Jones (assistant masters), Miss Luiniey. Mr F R Morgan, Mr and Mrs J G Jenkins, Mr D E R Griffith. Mr and Mrs Tom Pow-11 (Headmaster of Board School), Mus Robert", mistress, and staff Dr Rees (Ap G^yidon), Caerswi Mr an<4 Mrs Edward, Brynffynon; Mr and Mrs Richard Lloyd, Mr and Mrs Edward Jones, London House; Mrs Harri Lawis, Mrs David Morgan, Miss Ellis, Commerce Hou,-e Mr John Jones (master of the Workhouse), Mr and Mrs L'ewelya Evans, Mr and Mrs David Jones (draper), Mr John Morris (tailor), Mr John Jones, Glanwerin Mr Hugh Pugh (coal merchant). Miss Meredith, Penrhyn Dyfi Miss Lizzie Fvans, L.R.C.M. Miss EdwardB and Mrs Davies, Royal House Alder- maD Diivid Williamp, Mr and Mrs Clement (Post- master), the Rev Edward Williams, Mr Morgan (stationmaster), Mrs D D Williams, Miss Rees (Paris House), Mrs Thomas, Miss Lumley, Miss Thomas (chemist), Mr and Mrs Leightoc, Miss Petra Jones, Mrs D H Hughes, Miss M A Hughes, Mr Jones (nnoDumental works), Mr and Mrs Edward Breeze, Mrs and Misses Bref ze, Mis* Jane Howell, Vane Hall-place Mr Williams, Mrs anil Miss Edwards, Wylfa House Mrs David Smith, Mr and Mrs I-aac Evans (tanner), M'ss Leek, Mr and Mrs Jones (ironmonger), Messri4 Edward Row- lands (Pennal), Edward Morgan, Thomas Bowen, William Pugh, David Pugh, Maengwyn-streei; David Jones (tailor and draper), G F Roberts, and Own M rr s. The CLERK (Mr Divies Williams) seated that Mr Humphieys-Ovven, M.P., was unable to attend owing to a m eting of the Govrrnmt-nt Consulta- tive Committed, which was held that day. Letters of apdogy were also receiv i from Dr Edward-, CemmaL-s Mr Daniel Howells, and Councillors J Pugh and R Owen. The meeting was opened with a song rendered by the children, and tne Rev W. S. JONES, who presided, afterward made his opening remarks. He said that that day's ceremony was the open ng of a new chapter in the history of education at Mach- ynlleth. The old chapters had been full of interest and importance, and there were many in the room who remembered the time of Robyu y Soldiwr" and his wooden leg. He felt confident that the new schools would be of the greatest benefit to the ratepayers and the children; The- schools showed that the Board had not bl era work- ing in vain. (Applatise.) Lhe ULERK then read a report of the Board's deliberati, ns from the establishment of the school. He said tl at the school was originally established on May 18th, 1886, and was known as the Mach- ynlleth British School, when the names of eighty- nine children were on the registers. The cost of adopting the building and carrying on the echool was for years borne by voluntary subscriptions, as was also the further additional cost from time to time to meet the iequirements of the Education Department until it became too heavy. The Education Department contended that they had only sanctioned the building as a temporary one and continually harped upon its unsuitability. Consequently, the Comrrittee gave notice to the Department that inasmuch as they depended for their funds upon private subscriptions, and that they had spent so many hundreds of pounds to carry on the school, they were unable to meet the requirements and would close their school at the end of the then current schcol ytar. In October, 1897, notice was received by the Overseer that the Education Department would issue an order for the formation of a school board for the parish of Machynlleth. The election of the first board was held on December 2nd, 1897, when Richard Gillart (estate agent), Josiah Jones (Congregational minister), William Sylvanus Jones, M.A. (C.M. minister), John Roberts (Wesleyan minister), and Thomas Warren Trevor (clerk in holy orders) were declared to have been duly elected, four of whom continued to be members to the present day. The Department in London began to draw the attention of the Board to the buildings, and year after year they were denounced in the annual reports. In that for the years 1900 1, the reports began to bear a more serious aspect, special attention being directed to the unsatisfactory state of the premises. Notwithstanding those pressures, the School Board were very reluctant to be a means of bringing a heavy burden upon the town and prayed for toleration for the reason that the town had recently gone into the expense of provid- ing a water supply and contemplated a further scheme for sewage disposal. That, however, did not prevail and, consequently, it became neces- sary to procure a site for a new building. Several sites were considered, but a suitable one was difficult to get. Negotiations were, however, opened with a local gentleman, who ultimately gave his terms, which were accepted. He als, drafted his own contract, which in the main were agreed to by the Board. The Board advertised for plans and offered a prize of B30 for the most suit- able for the town. Fifteen complete sets were received and the whole undoubtedly from experts. The estimated cost of errction ranged from £ 1,700 to £ 6 0 7s. The Board experienced some diffici from outside interference and being anxiVs c inplete the purchase of the site, they dir ct. d h r nlicitor to get the owner to complete hi c The following was his reply to the B, I".t-" U ..forms us that he is not prepared to pt,t.d WI, .ne proposed sale unless the Board acc p, the I ILLas of which the estimated cost is the low est." TIle Board sent the following reply- This being a new condition the Board is not pre- par. d to aco pt it, reserving to itself the right of &•- • ctiou." I the opinion of the Board this plan iit-t and even if it were it could not £ ><Minly be .1 oted at the estimated coat. That was prove., lau r by the fact that the owner wrote asking to be peimitted to amend 4is estimate and aaded £ 1,000 thereto, thus shotting that the Board was right. Another site was secured from a friend of education upon whose ground they now stood. Another ltttei, dated January 27th, 1901, was recei-ed 'rom the Bo"rd of Education pointing out tha- trie need for new premises was one ot growm^ urgency and regretting that the Board had not sefi tneir way to providei them before. The exisin.; n.iseg, which had only been a makeshift hince ey w r. t -ken ovtr were badly planned, out of d-t-, auu in ufficient for the children, among whom much ovtr crov> di,.g eXILd inconsequence af the waste space in the room; The Board of Education expected to receive plans for the new I chol at an tarty date-, at (I gave notice that the | ex premi es would not continue to be vecogniefd after April 30th, 1903, before which dat ow; ter. it was hor,ed that the new school vxould be completed and occupied. After considerable deliver tiot), the Board ou June 24th, 1901, selected the plan sent in by Mr J. C"ok Rees of Neath. The Board of Educatiou then sanctioned a loan of £4,050 to be repiid in thirty years. Three tenders fi r the erection were received, and that of Mr John Humphreys was accepted. A 1 the decorations, including piano, pictures, s uffed birds had been presented to the s -h-'ol. Th>- [public wt-re now to decide on the in-rits of the Architect, the credit due to the Contract -r, who had pat up the buildings in less than twelve months, aud their indebtedness to the B'-ard for the. part they had doiiB. Thirty years hence the loan would have been rrpaid and he (the ('I,t-k) c,!ul.-I )tily hope that they would all meet then to celehrute the jubilee. The school work would commei c- on the following Mouday with 310 names <>n the registrar. Brief pe, ches followed by the Rev JosiAH ,JOSE" who spoke of the gradual improvement of elem-iitary education at Machynlleth during the past forty eighr years by Mr GIEB. who repre- sented the architect and congratulated the Con- tractor on his work and by Mr JOHX HUMPHREYS, the contractor, who remarked that th work had been doue as w- ll as he could do it. (Applause, ) The lit-XC speako-r was Mr PRYCE JONES, M.P., whose English speech was one of the few exceptions in the whole proceedings. On rising to speak, the borough member was greeted with a hearty reception. At the out3et, he congratulated the town upon that auspicious day. He had the honour to represent the b(,rough in the House of Comnv ns, and he assured them that he was proud to say without any flattery that within the last few years Machynlleth had marched forward wich greater progress than any other place in the county of Montgomery. (Hear, hear.) He said that with great pleasure, although he canrid from Newtown. (Laughter.) Some little time ago he had the honour of being present when they turned on the pub ic water in Machynlleth, which he looked upon as an enterprising stroke upon the part of the Council. (Hear, hear.) A ht le time before that he had the pleasure of supporting upon the County Council a proposal to make Machynlleth district an urban council. He was perfectly sure that if the same rate of progress was continued during the next few years they would not rest until they had a corporation and mayor. (Applause.) He also had the pleasure of taking part ic the opening of the Intermediate School and he valued the rrcognition of the Machynlleth people on that occasion all the more because he must candidly con- fess that he was not asked to take that share in the promulgation of the county scheme which he should have liked. Therefore, he appreciated very much the fact that he was asked by the people to lay one of the stones of the County School. (Hear, hear.) He regretted the unavoidable absence of his friend, Mr A. C. Humphreys-Owen, but as he was not there they would no doubt expect him to say scme- thing about the Education Act. In that new room they undoubtedly had the finest schoolroom in the whole of the county of Montgomery—(hear, hear) and the difficulties wiich the Board had to face were now passed and they were about to reap the rt-ward of their labour^. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the Education Act, he was satisfied that when it was tried, as he believed it would be tried, fairly and squarely that it would be found even by those who did not altogether agree with some parts of it to be more beneficial than it seemed. He felt c rtain that the real merits of the Bill had been, to s, me extent, misunderstood. He was not going in- to politics, but he must say that there had not been sufficient allowance and tolerance shown towards the authors of the Bill, the Government, and the House of Commons for having brought about a great scheme. It was a great scheme because it dealt with elementary education, secondary educa- tion, and higher education. It was trying to form a key to open one room, into which all those grades of schools should work economically together. He appealed to all classes cf politicians to give that Act a fair trial. He dared say some of his friends were surprised that he did n, t take a more active part in the Houae upon the matter. The real reason, he might tell them, was his desire to do nothing to irritate his honourable frienda on the other side of the House, nor to complicate the difficult task which the authors of the Act had got to face. But he felt that their opponents ought to have sympathised with the Churchmen and Conservatives in Wales who, for the sake of seeing education advancing, were placing their sentiments and their children in the hands of the Welsh county councils. all of whom with one exception disagreed with them in politics. Under the Bill, he wished to note that Nonconformist grievances had been removed absolutely and many benefits had been conferred upon Nonconformists which they were entitled to and which he was sorry had noc be en removed be- fore. Whilst he agreed that education was a national matter and should be paid for by the nation, he did not thiuk they were ready for that stage because it wai not necessary that the rate- payers should have a voice in the conduct of the schools and the class of educbt on to be given, al- though the new scheme would allow them to spend more money than in the past. In conclusion, he expressed the hope that the County Council, when taking over the care of the building, would also take over the construction and repair of the road leading to it. (Hear, hear.) Going on to sp?ak if the county Bchtme, he said that he was glad to say that they had made a fair start, and when they had made a good start in harmony, they were likely to continue. He was pleased to say on be- half of the party that they were perfectly satisfied with the way in which the Chairman of the County Council (Mr Humphreys-Owen) had launched the working of the new Act. He cnly hoped that party polit cs would be put Mtde and exercise more toleration towards each other in order that the scheme when thoroughly launched for that county should do honour and credit to the county and would be a lasting and growing benefit to genera- tions of children in future. (Applause.) Principal T. F. ROBERTS taid he was very glad that despite the controversy which agitated the country at present over education, thr.t the work was going forward. He dii not say that so large an amount of work had been done iu the past for they found by looking carefully ahead that they were only really commencing. The county schools had lessened the task tor them, by limiting the number of pupils allowed to each teacher. In times gone by as many as fifty pupils had been under the charge of one teacher, but they had received a little more light on this question since then. The county schools had been of great benefit to the pupil teachers and he hoped the time was coming when each one of them would spend at least three or four years in them, not only in the towns, but also in the rural areas. They' must also remember that the chief object of the school was to teach those who were going to be the artisans and work. men of the town in the town. Much was being said of technical education and he sincere)y trusted that every pupil would remain in the school until the age of fifteen years and to enter continuation classes for,another four years. Until that was done he did not think that they could move forward. There were many of them present who remembered the time when night schools had been in a flourishing condition. (Hear, hear.) He hoped that these schools would be revived in the future aud their education would continue to be a lasting one. By this means they would be enabled to turn oat good men who would be a credit to the town and district and to Wales itself. They would take more interest in the work and all round there would be energy and enthusiasm shown. (Applause.) Mr T. DARLINCTON, who also spoke in Welsh, said that speaking in his official capacity he was very glad they had opened these spacious schools. lie knew the old place and the less said about it the better. (Laughter.) Col Pryce-Jones had referred to the buildings as being the best in the county. He could go further and eay that they were the best in the four couuties. (Cheers ) Thirty jears ago education mainly consisted of the three R's, and a lair knowledge of these satisfied the pnents. The increase in the number of rtquirements had, however, many drawbacks, because each separate authority did not decide to follow the same course. The new Act had one great advantage and he hoped they would have many men who would take the keenest interest in the county generally. He did not depreciate the work of the boards in the past, be- cause he believed that they carr.ed out the work as best they could undt r the circumstances. They were told nowadays that education in rural dis- tricts was too bookish, and that they did not pay sufficient attention to instruction of a local character. If that were true, the local authorities themselves in the future ought to be able to deviae methods to do away with the objection. They heard a good deal about technical tducation and, going on to allude to the various authorities, Mr L'ariingtou said he felt that the chief object, the ultimate objecf, was to turu out g.jod men and good women. (Applause.) Dr A. O. DAVIES, chairman of the County School Governors, said it gave him great pleasure to con- gratulate the members of the Board upon the success which had followed their labours. Tne old school was a disgrace to the Board of Educa- tion and to the town. It had been frequently condemned and its sanitary arrangements were unique, whilt its shape was anything but what was required. (Laughter.) Day after day the children had been going to the school and crowded lugethtr, which was one of the most criminal things they as citizens could do, and the new school was a real blessing to the town. He, how- ever, expressed the hope that the approach to the i-chool would improve and a new road be con- structed. Toe town was making excellent progress in all directions, and during the last ten years the population had increai-ed from 1,826 to 2,200. With a reference to tt.e labours ( f Mr Ashton, the late headmaster, who was surely with them in spirit that day, Dr Davies resumed his seat. Mr J. M. Breeze and Mr John Rowlands also spoke, and on the motion of Mr RD. GILLART, seconded by the Rev J D. JONTES and supported by the Rev T. H. HUGHES, a vote of thanks was accorded to the speakers. Colonel PRYCE JONES and Mr DARLINGTON briefly responded. The proceedings terminated with the singing of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau," Mr John Lumley render- ing the solo. At the close, tea was provided for the visitors.

ABEHDOVKY. WOMEN S TEMPERANCE. A meeting of the Women's Branch of the Temperance Association was helj on Tuesday evening at the Assembly Rooms when Mrs Hughes, Royal House, presided and opened the meeting with prayer. The pro- gramme was as follows -Song, Dim ond Deilen," Miss Laura Jane DavieR recitation, Bren- ddiewyrl u oryniad," Nlisp A. J. Ovven glee, "Cany Mil wr," the Cnoir paper on "A ddylai nierche. gymeryd than mevrn miterion cyhoeddus?" by 1\1, M. Owen, Glanaber song, Rwy'n Mynv'd." Miss S. Dwies; recitation, "Old Dad," li..s Maggie Ff-ulkes duett, Yr hen hen I %I ibses M. and M. J. Roberts. At the C1O-B. two new members signed the pledge. LITERARY INSTITUTE.—A meeting of the Com- mittee was hdd on Wednesday evening of last week. Mr W. Jones presided and there were also present the Rev W D Evans, Captain Edwards, Captain Evans, Messrs W J Hughes, E L Row- lands, R Griffith, W D Evans, J W Morgan, J E -kl,,rri-, G W.-iliams, and W J Evans, secretarv. The qu s ion of billiards, referred to the Com- mittee by tne annual meeting, was adjourned to a future meeting. A sub-committee was appointed to consider the erec-.ion of a urinal and all neces- sary repairs. The question of appointing a separate library cumini'tee g-A,e rise to a warm discussion and the mat;(-r was adjourned to the next meet- ing. A vote of thanks was passed to the organ- izers of the recent entertainment and it was resolved to hold similar meeting some time next month. Mr W. J. Hughes reported that the money collected at the meeting had been handed to Mrs Green and that she desired to send her warmest thanks for the same.-A vote of thanks was passed to Miss Ransom14, Brynteg, for a large parcel of magazines received from her this week. Collectors of subscriptions were appointed and it was resolved to hold another meeting in a week. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL, FRIDAY, FEB. 13TH. — Present: Councillors J. Maethlon James (chairman), W. Jones Hughes, J. M. Howell, E. L. Rowlands, John Rees, W. Rowlands, Henry Evans, Daniel Edwards. J. D. Latimer, William Wdliims, J. Geufronydd Jones W. R. Barnett (clerk), R. P. Morgan (surveyor), and Edward Williams (inspector). INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The Inspector reported that five cases of scarlet fever had been notified during the month. They were all of a mild character. Disinfectants were used freely and every case was properly isolated. The Whitehall Hotel was in the same condition as when reported two months ago. He had foutid Hendy Farm in a vrry damp state all through, and there were large holes in the bedroom floors. The house was in a most dilapidated state and, in his opinion, uufit to 1iv in. The walls inside Dyffrwyn F^rm were very damp, the roof dilapidated, and rain came into the bedrooms freely. Several per- sons had been served with notices to repair the water-service pipes and all were complied with. TOWYN COMMITTEE. The Towyn Committee reported that it had been resolved to lay six-inch pipes from the reservoir to Pen Ire, Meven-inch pipes from Pendre to Pier-road, and that the four-inch existing main should be taken up aod used in Sandilands-road. The Clerk was directed to write to the owners and occupiers of land to ask for their consent to go through their land with the pipe-line, and the Surveyor was instructed to prepare plans of a reservoir, contain- ing 100,000 gallons of water, and of new filter beds, at an approximate cost of £ 800, with all neces- sary details. A further plan of alterations was ordered to be made in regard to the existing intake. All the plans were to be forwarded to the Lccal Government Board. At a subsequent meeting of the Committee, it was resolved that a special meeting of the Council should be called to consider a recommendation to advertise for tenders for cast iron pipes for the new water scheme. The Surveyor reported that he had completed the plans of the new filter beds and that the cost would be fully what he had stated approximately at the previous meeting. It was resolved that it would be advisable to include the new filter beds in the scheme and also intake works, but that they need not be proceeded with until the Council was pressed to do so. Another meeting of the Com- mittee was held on February 10th, when it was recommended that the new water pipes in Neptune- road should be proceeded with as soon as the men were available.—The Clerk was instructed to write to Mr Collins, engineer to the Cambrian Railways, asking him to confirm his interview with Mr Latimer regarding taking one of the pipes over the railway bridge and that the Surveyor should pre- pare a plan shewing how it was proposed to fix and support the pipes between the girders. This was to be sent to Mr Collins for his approval.-A letter having been received from Mr W. George, clerk to the Barmouth Urban District Council, suggesting that three members should be appointed to meet the Barmouth and other urban councils to consider the advisability of appointing a committee to give evidence with regard to the administration of the Highway Act, it was resolved tha' three members should be appoint d.—It was further resolved that no sand was to be carted from below the Promenade witliMit the Surveyor's directions as to where it, was to be i.taken from. The Surv. yur reported that he had completed the whole of the additional plans for the water supply. He had forwarded them, with the specification and bills of quantities to the Locol Government Board on February 4th. The Clerk was instructed to write to Mr Osmond Williams asking him to use his influence at the Local Government Board to get the matter pushed through with all p ssible speed. The Committee resolved that the plans of the proposed alterations to Mr Haydn Jones's shop should be approved of and that the Clerk should Inform Mr H. Richards that the tap in Sandiland-road would be removed on March 25th laext. Mr Geufronydd Jones, on behalf of the residents of Mariner-place, asked that a gas lamp should be fixed at the south end of the Promenade and it was resolved that Mr Jones should explain to the petitionera that the Gas Company would be willing to put up a lamp at that point providing the occupiers of the houses would take in the gas. The Surveyor reported that the hollows in the main street had been filled with stones specially broken for the purpose and at considerable trouble. The surfac however, was not only hard, but the traffic was also heavy and the result of the experiment would be that the stones in a short time would be ground to mud and the condition of the streets would be worse than before the stones were put down. The main streets ought to be properly scarified and rolled, which, in the long run, would be both the best and cheapest ways. In the absence of the rollers nothing could be done better than what the Com- mittee had decided in regard to filling up the holluws in the back streets, but it was a most un- satisfactory way of ^repairing roada and .streets and would prove very costly. FOOTPATHS. The Purveyor further reported that the foot- paths in some parts of High-street were in a dan- gerous condition, but it was a hopeless task to make any further improvements. It was his duty, however, to report in the matter as they were unsafe iu their present state. This was not the first time by a long way that he had reported the same matter during the last two years.-On the motion of Mr Latimer, it was decided that the question should be left in abeyance for a month He thought, however, that if nothing was done at the forthcoming conference of the district councils, it would be time for the Council to move ahead.— Mr W. Rowlands said if the question was left for a month, many children woulu be drowaed in the footpaths.—The Chairman suggested that the Sur- veyor should patch up if necessary.—This course was agreed to and the report was adopted. ABERDOVEY. lhe Aberdovey Committee reported that plans of alterations to Llwyn were approved subject to a duplicate on cloth being provided. The plan of alteration to 27, Sea View-terrace, was also ap- proved, but that submitted by Mr Thomas Jones, Sea View-ttrrace, did not show any drains, which was essential. It was decided that the question of the lifeboat slip and the leased foreshore should be gone into further, after having the neces ary information from the Clerk. T..o applicanout were received offering entertainments of a higii order in the summer. It was recommended that they should not be r< quired. It w.b aleo re- solved thai as no titeps had Deeu taken to remedy the damage done to the main road by the water from the hillside, proceedings should be taken against the owner. Mr J. Hughes Jones was rfqutsted to clear the rubbish placed over the guliy in Bodtor-t-rrace. One member from each ward, together with the Clerk and the Surveyor, were recommended to be appointed to mee; a depuiattou of the urban dis- trict councils of the country to decide on the ques- tion of giving evidence before the Department*! Commission appointed to investigate the present administration of the Highway Acts. The Sur- veyor, in his report, suggested that the surplus from the Trefeddian drain, which was deposited in the side channels of the main road, should be re- moved in order that they might be cleaned. The roads at several points was out of order and un- even. A temporary cover of macadam had been put on those portions of the main street where the surface was worn. The men were to proceed with the cleaning of the side channels. The new springs on Bwlchgwyn had been connected with the existing collecting drains and were now in worki, g order. It would be advisable to issue notices some time between now and the summer to caption every householder to overhaul their service water pipes and fittings and put tri, in in proper order, and also to inform them that all defaulters would be proceeded againtt on the report of the water turnkey. That, tha Surveyor added, had been resolved upon last summer. He had inspected Mr Thomas Jenkins's new slaughter house and found it complied with the plans submitted, only that the pigstyes attfached had not been removed.—The report was adopted. PROCEKDINGS. The Clerk stated that the twenty-one days' notice which had been served in regard to the damage done to the main road had not been cum plied with.—Mr Latimer propped that proceed- ings should be taken, and Mr W. Jones-Hughes having seconded, the proposition was agreed to. PIGSTYES. It was decided to grant a licence to Mr Thomas Jeukins for his new slaughter house, subject to his removing the pigstyps.-The Chairman Are there any pigs there now ?-The Surveyor: Yes, plenty. (Laughter.) WEATHER REPORT. The weather report by Ca.pt John Edwards for January was—Bright sunshine, 65'2 hours rain, 4*15 inches highest maximum, 51, January 26th lowest, 6U, 14th mean.temperature for the month, 42'5 11 days wind between north and east, 3 days south and east, 8 days south and west. 9 days north and west 20 days with rain; 7 days temperature below 33. RURAL WARD. The Surveyor rcp,,rt ed that he had worked out the expense which was necessary in regard to the highway near Bank-y-Tyno and downwards, on acccuDt of the haulage of timber, and resulted in £10 Is Od. He had again to report the great in- convenience caused by the frequent blocking up of the main road near Tanycoed Uchaf, in consequence of which the meu had often to leave their work and go immediately to see what was wroug. He hoped the question of improving the place would not be lost sight of while the kind offer of Mr Kirkby's was still to be accepted. He had made an inspection of the main ro..ds during the month, and had come across many places where the roads showed every sign of breaking up. If another winter passed with so little done to them as had been the case this winter, be was of op.nion the Council would have to face a large problem of ex- penditure. The cutting of the rocks on the old road to :Pennal was proceeding and was much ap- preciated by those that used the road. The road below Pantyron had to be practically recon- structed, as he considered it a waste cf good material to cover it with macadam when the side channels were on an average six inches higher than the middle of the road for a long distance. Con- sequently, all the surface water ran along the middle of the road. He had inspected the slaughter house of Mr Rees, Cwrt, and had given instructions as to what was necessary to be put in order, which, he understood, would be done at once. With the exception of a few hedges near Pennal, they were all in a fairly good order in the whole district. In regard to some hehad been writing periodically for the last two and a half years and they had at latt been cut down. The Dyffryn-y- glyncul-road was in a shocking condition aud almost impissable. A committee of the ward had been called for that day, but there was no one in attendance t-x. ept Mr Rees and, therefore, the matters that were to come before th,3 Committee were a(ijourtied.-On the Chairman's suggestion, it was decided to make an application for the recovery of the damage done to the highway near Baok-y tyno by the haulage of timb r —Attention was called to the condition of tne Bankglas-road, and the Surveyor replied that he had almost given it up in despair. There was a good footpath above it which could be used. In oue part of the road water came from both sides and it was hopelesR to keep iL in anything like repair. The other portions would compare favourably with any road in the district.— Mr J G Jones said that 500 tons of macadam would be necessary for it.—The Surveyor Yes, it would cost at least t500 to make any proper repairing.— The Chairman also thought it was hopeless, and he proposed that it would be advisable to visit the place.—Mr John Rees suggested that the members of the Rural Ward Committee should visit the place. -Mr E L Rowlands seconded the proposition which was agreed to.-Mr J G Jones called attention to the Dolau-gwyn Bridge and said it was dangerous for children to pass over as it was so narrow and there werp no parapets.-It was agreed to br.n the matter before the notice of the Committee, FINANCIAL POSITION. Mr E. L. Rowlands preteuted the report of the Finance Committee and said that the expenditure for the ..various sub-districts were Towyn, JE27 1711 2d Aberdovey, 416 7s 4d Rural Ward, £42 16s lid total, je87 Is od.—The Committee recommended that tenders should be invited in future for advertising the abstract of account*.— The Clerk said that the practice hitherto had been to give the advertiaement in turns to the local papers.—The Committee's recommendation was ;kdopted.-In regard to the present financial position of the Couucil, Mr Rowlands said that at the last meetiug they were in d, bt for £ 91 lis 10d and cheques were signed f. r fl02 Os Sd, making an overdraft of 1193 12s 6d. Since the last meeting, the total leceipts .mounted to £ 528 5s 2d, and after deducting tie overdtaft, that left a balance in hand of £3:34 t2:i 8 i. l'ht total cheques to be drawn that day amounted to E164 lis 4d, which would still leave a balance in hand of fl70 Is 4d. TILK HIGHWAY CONFERENCF. A letter iv*d tr 111 Mr W. George, e'erk of the Harm< n 1 im ,« OL, I;Ol) cd. r.c(¡m"Jt.udmg th appointmeut of three members to attend the forth- Col..19 c ..ia.uue in regard tj main roa(is.-trie CI. I k :-I1(j that since the la.t meeting Fealiiiing an. IlUll Llkt(, deci,leit Chairman thought the Council had aircauy decided to j >in. — inu Oluk said they hid in the com- mittee, but no member-i had been appointed. Acting on the recommendation of the Aberdovey Committee, the following were then appointed to represent the Council Messrs W. Joues Hughes, Aberdovey J. i). Latimer, Towyn and D. C. Davies, Rural Ward,—Mr Jones Hughes: Would it not be bett r to ask our Member or Parliament as well to assist "i-.Mr g. L. Kowlands thought it would be mor- important that he should support the ur'an diet cts rather • hun tne County Council. -Ultimately, < was dec ne i t) 1 IH" the matter in the hands (I toe delegut -.—Mr Latimer: The probability is v., it they will flo.d mm uu the ffnc". WATER SCHEME. The next business was to adopt the Surveyor's estimate in regard to the propo.ed scheme for an additional water supply at Towyu.—The Chairman proposed that the Council should apply for sanction to borrow the sum of £ 4,475.—Mr H. Evans said it was only right to hold a public meeting first. A public meeting was held before when they applied for £ 3,500.—The Chairman There will be an op- portunity for the ratepayers to object, if they wisn, at the inquiry.—Mr Latimer said there was a good deal of misconception which he wished to make clear. rhe Surveyor's estimate at first was f3,200, but at the public meeting the Council gathered an expression of opinion that they should have in hand a scheme which, after having been carried out for a number of years, would ueed no further expense. The Council aleo gathered that it was the town's wish to have expert advice on the whole scheme. That plan was followed by the Council, and when the Surveyor went to London he found that his scheme met with the approval of the expert, except that the latter pointed out that it would be necessary to make a larger reservoir as well as larger filtering beds. if they had regarded the opinion of a competent authority, that would have brought up the expense to f 4,500, But the Council did not intend spending all that money now any more than they did in the first case. The itr.medtate expenditure would be in regard to the pipe lin3, and the ratepayers would have the satis- raction of knowing that there would be no need, in ten yiars' time, to go and spend several hundred pouuds more. — Mr Evans thought it was only faic the ratepayers should have a voice in the matter.— Mr J. E. Jones said the Council only intended ask- ing for sanction to borrow more funds in case that there would be any necessity. They could have a public meeting again before spending the additional «um.—Mr Latimer was afraid that the public meeting idea was simply an obstruction.—Mr Evaus No, no.—Mr Latimer did not speak of Mr Evans ptrsonally. He thought quite honestly that public meeting was not the best way. Many people WHO st.euted the loudest were not at the last meeting and did not tpe-tk. Many people who made the most noise outside, their voice would not be luard iusidi. They might hear one or two. But at the enquiry before the Local Government Board eveiy man who had a voice in the matter would be perfectly ready to give his reasons why the proposed work shou d not be done. The Council had absolutely carried out the wishes of the town's meeting -Mr Evans But you only asksd for L3,500 then. — Mr Latimer replied that although they had taken expeitopiuiou, they diduit intend to spend any more than at the public meet- ing.—The Chairman said the scheme had been considered very closely and they could nut pos- sibly postpone it again. A portioa of it ought to be carried out before the next season. It wa- not the Council's intention to carry out the whole of the scheme. At the same time, if they were to delay it in order to get the jancuon of the public meeting and then the decision of the Council, he was afraid that what they wanted would Di t be carried out by the burrmer and they would have to tell the volunteers who intended camp lig at Towyn not to come. They were either to dis- appoinr them or do the best they could with k por- tion of the scheme. — Mr W. Rowlands said the Council would not only have to tell the volunteer brigades, but also the lodging house keepers that there was no water tor them next. summer. They would have to deal not only with the volunteers, but with the kdgiDg house keepers and the trad, s- men if there was no water for the visitors. He seconded the Chairman's proposition which was then carried. T MEDICAL OFFICER. There were three applicati ,ns tor the position of medical officer, rendered vacant by the departure of Dr Gordon. The applicants were Dr Jackson, Aber- dovey, Dr Dunlop, Aberdovey, and Dr Lloyd, Towyn. -On a division, Dr Lloyd was appointed on the cast- ing vote of the Chairman.—In the first ballot, the- voting stood as follows:—Dr Jackson three, Dr Dun- lop two, Dr Lloyd 5.—Dr Gordon wrote stating that he was obliged to leave on the following Saturday, and asked that the successful candidate should be instructed to act as his deputy until his notice expired. -This was granted. LIFEBOAT SLIP. The Clerk said he had received a letter from the- Board of Trade asking whether the Council would have any objections to the plans of the lifeboat slip- which were submitted bv the Lifeboat Institution.— On the motion of Mr J. G. Jones, it was agreed to adopt the plans, subject to the approval of the Sur- veyor.

Imperial parliament. OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. Parliament was opened by the King on Tuesday. The gilt state coach containing the King and Queen, and drawn by eight creams, emerged from Buckingham Palace at 1.33. The Horse Guards band outside the gates struck up the National Anthem, and the crowd greeted^heir Majttsties with hearty cheers. Tho King saluted in reply and the Queen bowed repeatedly. Immense cheer. ing greeted their Majesties throughout the entire route to the Houses of Parliament. The Duke ot Devonshire bore the Crown, the Marquis of Winchester the Cap of Maintenance,, the Marquis of Londonderry the Sword of State, ,and the Lord Great Chamberlain his wand of office. Immediately the King had taken his seat, the Lord Chancellor, kneeling handed to his Majesty a copy of the Royal speech, after which the faithful Commons were summoned. THE KING'S SPEECH. My LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,— My relations with all the foreign powers continue to be friendly. The blocade of the Venezuelan porti rendered necessary by outrages on the British flag and wrongs inflicted on the persons and property of British subjects by the Venezuelan Government, has led to negociations for the adjustment of all the matters in dispute. I rejoice that a settlement has now been arrived at, which has justified the blockading powers in briogingall hostile naval operations to an immediate close. Papers on the subject have been before you. Negotiations have taken place for the adjust- ment of the questions which have arisen with regard to the boundary between my possessions in North America and the territory of Alaska. A treaty providing for the referencp of these questions to an arbitral tribunal has been signed and ratified. The condition of the European provinces of Turkey gives cause of serious anxiety. I have used my best efforts to impress upon the Sultan and his Ministers the urgent ueed for practical and well. considered measures of reform. The Gov. rumouts of Au,tria-Hungary and Russia have had under their consideration what reforms it would be desirable that the powers who were parties to the Treaty of Berlin should recom- mend to the Sultan for immediate adoption. I trust that the proposals made will prove to be sufficient for the purpose ar d that I shall find it possible to give them my hearty support. Papers on the subject will be laid before you. I regret that the tfforts which my Government have been making to arrive at a joint delimitation with the Turkish Government of the boundaries of the tribal county adjoining Aden having hitherto failed to bring about a settlement. Negotiations upon this subject are been urgently pressed forward. A b,dy of my troops including a small corps of mounted infantry raised from the inhabitants of th& Transvaal and Orange River Colony has been disembarked at Obbia, in Italian Somaliland, to operate against the Mullah Abdullah {and an advance inland is about to be made The co-opera- tion of the Italian Government in this 'undertaking has been most cordial, and I trutt that as a result of these operations the tribes of both protectorates may be secured from further molestation. The progress of events in South Africa has been satisfactory. The visit of the Secretary of State for the Colonies to that portion of my dominions has already been productive of the happiest results and the opportunity which it has provided for personal conference with Lord Milner with the Ministers of the self-governing Colonies, and vith the repre- sentatives of all inttresto and opinions has greutly conduced to the smooth adjustment of many difficult questions, and to the removal of many occasions of misunderstanding. It has been found necessary to send an expedition to Kano in consequence of the hostile action of the Emir of that place. My troops have successfully occupied this capital, and I trust it will now be- come possible to prooeed in safety with the delimi- tation of the boundary between my territory of Northern Nigeria and the adjoining possetsiona of the French republic. Papers upon this subject, will at once be presented. My succession to the Imperial Crown of India has been proclaimed and celebrated in an assembly of unexampled splendour at Delhi. I there received from the feudatory princes, chiefs, and hom all classes of the peoples with my Indian •minions gratifying marks of their loyalty and devotion to my throne and family. I am glad to, b able to state that this imposing ceremony has coincided in point of time with the disappearance of drought and agricultural distress in Western India, and that the prospects, both of agriculture and commerce throughout my Indian Empire are more encouraging and satisfactory than they have- been for some years past. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS The Estimates for the cuming year will be laid before you. Although they have been framed with due regard, to ecenomy, the needs of the country and of the Empire make a large expenditure inevitable. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN: — A Bill will be laid before you which will, I trust, complete the series of measures which have already done much to substitute single ownership or the costly and unsatisfactory conditions still attaching- to the tenure of agricultural land over a jaige portion of Ireland. Proposals will be submitted to you for complet- ing the scheme of educational reform passed last session by extending and, adapting it to the Metro- politan area. Measures will be introduced for the purpose of carrying into effect engagements arising out of the- convention for the abolition of bounties on sugar, which has recently been ratified at Brussels, and for guaranteeing a loan to be raised for the develop- ment of my new Colonies in South Africa. A Bill will be lai i before you for improving the administration ef the port and docks of London the condition of which is a matter of national, concern. A measure amending and consolidating the licensing laws in Scotland is greatly desired in that country, and I trust will pass into law. Measures will also be proposed to you for im- proving the law of valuation and assessment, for regulating the employment of children, for dealing with the sale of undulterated dairy produce, for amending the law relating te savings banks, and' for re-constituting the royal patriotic fund com- mission. I pray that the guidance and blessing of Almighty God may direct all our labours. The great ceremonial in the House of Lords be- ing concluded, the King, with his Consort left the Parliamentary buildings at half-past two. Cheers again marked his Majesty's [progress by the same route back to Buckingnam Palace which was reached at three o'clock the day from start to- fiuih having been crowued with remarkable success to the evident appreciation of their Majesties. In the debate Oil the ml tilln for the Address, Sir Heiry C-impbell-Baniierman in the House of Com- mons and Lord Spencer in the House of Lords at- tached the foreign policy of the Government, and ere replied to by Mr Balfour and the Duke tf Devonshire. The Hou.e arjourned at 11-10.

M. Max Regis, on Saturday, fought two duels- near Paris. The filet, with swords, was with his former ad versary Algiers, M. Laberdesque, who inflicted a deep wound in his right arm. Subse- quently M. Max Regis txchanged two shots with- out effect with M. Landuu.

BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER T Is daily used by tens of thousands with perfect satisfaction in making the sweetest Bread & Pastry. BORWICK'S EGG POWDER. A542 This celebrated manufacture has been well known for nearly 80 vears When ordering Baking Powder insist on having Borwick's, Por Cakes, Yorkshire Puddings, Gingerbread, dse