The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

THE SEVERN VALLEY HARRIERS. Date. Meet. Saturday, Dec. 26 Revel Bridge Friday, Dec. 29 Montgomery Tuesday, Jan. 2 Caerhowel Bridge Friday, Jan. 5 .Kilkewydd Bridge Each day at 11 o'clock, S. D. PRICE-DAVIES, Master.

BORTH. CHURCH DEFENCE. The great bard "Twm Gwynedd," or perhaps more properly speaking the Rev. Thomas Edwards, vioar of Llanllyfni, Car- narvonshire, who is now on a lecturing tour through the deanery of Llanbadarn Fawr, paid the above place a visit on Monday night, and gave a, splendid and telling address in defence of the church. The meeting was held in the National Schoolroom, the Vicar being in the chair. DEATH OF MR. THOMAS JENKINS, PENYGOITAN*.— It is our painful duty this week to record the death of this gentleman, which took place on December 8th, at the ripe age of 88 years. Deoeased was one ot the most highly respected men in the neighbour- hood, and had enjoyed up to a short time ago excellent health. He then caught a slight odd which however took a serious change, and from which he succumbed. He was buried on the Wednesday at the romantic graveyard adjoining Llanfihangel Church. Notwithstanding the in- clemency of the weather, a large concourse of people assembled to pay the deceased their last respects. The services were oonducted by the Rev. J. M. Griffiths, vicar, and the Rev. T. O. Timothy, B.A., curate, whilst there were many other olergy- men and Nonconformist ministers present. Mr. Jenkins ,in his day had filled the offices of church- warden, guardian, and even constable of the parish under the old regime. He was to the last a staunch and loyal Churchman and an ardent Conservative. He leaves behind him a large family, consisting of four sons and three daughters. Two of his sons are clergymen, viz., Rev. John Jenkins, Vicar of Hirnant, and the Rev. W. Jenkins, Curate of Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire.

FOOTBALL FIXTURES. December 23-Aberystwyth v Llanidloes, at Aber- ystwyth. December 23—Portmadoc v Towyn, at Towyn. (Towyn Cup.) December 23-0swestry United v Newport, at Oswestry. December 23-Newtown v Ironbridge, at Iron- bridge. December 25th-Ynysybwl (South Wales) v R. W. Warehouse, at Newtown. December 26—Aberystwyth Excelsiors v Aber- aeron, at Aberystwyth. December 26-Aberystwyth v Ynysybwl, at Aber- ystwyth. December 26-Newtown v Ironbridge, at Newtown. December 26—Oswestry United v St. George's, at St. George's. December 30-Ynysybwl v Towyn, at Towyn. December 3O-Newtown v Llanidloes, at Newtown December 30-Oswestry United v Hereford, at Hereford. December 30—Aberystwyth v Aberystwyth Excel- siors, on ground of latter. January 1—Oswestry United v Aberystwyth, at Aberystwyth. January 6—Aberystwyth Reserve v U.C.W. Reserve on Town ground. January 6—Aberystwyth v Towyn Reserve, at Towyn. (Towyn Challenge Cup Competition) January 13-Qswestry United v Hereford, at Os- westry. January 13-Newtown v Newport, at Newport. January 13-Aberystwyth Reserve v Aberaeron, at Aberaeron. January 13-Aberystwyth v Towyn, at Aber- ystwyth. January 20—Aberystwyth v Portmadoc, at Aber- ystwyth. January 20—Newtown v Hereford, at Newtown. January 20—Barmouth v Aberystwyth Excelsiors, at Towyn. (Towyn Cup.) January Z7-Aberystwyth v U. C. of Wales, on ground of former. January 27—Oswestry United v Newtown, at Owestry. February 3-—University College ef Wales v Llan- idloes, at Aberystwyth. February 3-Newtown v St. Georges, at St. George's. February 3-0swestry United v Newport, at New- port. February 3-Aberystwyth Reserve v Excelsiors Reserve, on Town ground. February 10—Aberystwyth Reserve v -U.C.W Reserve, on College ground. February 10—University College of Wales, v Port- madoc, at Portmadoc. February 17—Oswestry United v Market Drayton, at Oswestry. February 17-Aberystwyth v U.C.W., on College ground. February 24-Aberystwyth v Aberystwyth Excel- siors, on the Town ground. February 24—Newtown v Oswestry United, at Newtown. February 24-University College of Wales v. Dol- gelley. March 1-University College of Wales v Univer- sity College of North Wales (Bangor.) March 3-Oswestry United v Wellington, at Os- westry. March 3-Aberystwyth Reserve v United Schools, at Aberystwyth. March 10—Aberystwyth v Towyn, at Towyn. March 10—Aberystwyth Reserve v Excelsiors Reserve, on Excelsiors ground. March 10—Oswestry United v Whitchurch, at Whitchurch. March 17—Newtown v Wellington, at Newtown. March 17-Aberystwyth Reserve v U.C.W. Reserve, on College ground. March 23-0swestry Old Boys v Aberystwyth, at Aberystwyth. March 24—Newtown v Market Drayton, at Market Drayton. March 24-R.W.W. (Newtown) v Aberystwyth, at Aberystwyth. March 26-Aberystwyth v Welshpool, at Aber- ystwyth. March 26-R.W.W. (Newtown) v Excelsiors, at Aberystwyth. March 31-Aberystwyth Reserve v Ardwyn School, on Town ground. March 31-Newtown Shrewsbury Town, at Shrewsbury. March 31-Oswestry United v Wellington St. George's, at Oswestry. April 14—Aberystwyth Reserve v Towyn Reserve, at Aberystwyth. April 21-Aberystwyth v Excelsiors, on Excelsiors ground. April 21—Newtown v Whitchurch, at Newtown. April 21-Aberystwyth Reserve v Ardwyn School, on School ground. April 28-Aberystwyth Reserve v United Schools, at Aberystwyth. THE TOWYN ROVERS CHALLENGE CUP. PRESENTED BY MB. ROBINSON, TOWYN. FIRST ROUND. December 9-A. Dolgelley v Aberystwith Reserve December 23-B. Portmadoc v Towyn 1894—January 6-C. Towyn (second) v Aber- ystwith January 20—D. Barmouth v Excelsiors (Aber- ystwith) SECOND ROUND. February 3—E. Winner of B v winner of D. February 17—F. Winner of A v winner of C. FINAL. Winner of E v winner of F INTERNATIONAL MATCHES. February 5 Trial Match February 24 Wales v Ireland, in Wales March 12 Wales v England, in Wales March 24. Wales v Scotland, in Scotland WELSH SENIOR CUP. December 9 Third Round January 6.Fourth Round February 17 .Semi-Final March 3 Semi-Final March,26 Final WELSH JUNIOR CUP. November 25 First Round December 16. Second Round January 27 Third Round March 10. Semi-Finals April 14 Final Tie

THE PLAS MACHYNLLETH HARRIERS. Date. Meet. Tuesday, Dec. 26 Aberffrydlan Friday, Dec. 29 Pantglas Each day at 10.

SIR W. W. WYNN'S HOUNDS MEET ON Saturday, Dec. 23 Broughall At 10 30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27 Llai Smithy at 10 30 Friday, Dec. 29 Carden at 10 45 Saturday, Deo. 30 Iscoed at 10 45 Monday, Jan. 1 Brynypys Tuesday, Jan. 2 .Petton Friday, Jan, 5 Trotting Mare Saturday, Jan. 6 Ightfield At 10 45 o'clock.

ABERYSTWITH HARRIERS ) Date Meet. Saturday, Dec. 23rd 4th Milestone, Devil's Bridge Rd. at 12 o'clock.

THE CARDIGANSHIRE POLICE FORCE. I (BY AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT.) As the Hood of talk poured out at the Cardiganshire County Council usually en- gages all the attention that the public can spare and removes from siglit the effects of their actions, perhaps it will be profitable to describe the present condition into which the police force has been brought, and to consider the results that have followed from the conduct of the County Council. Some imagine that the Chairman of the Police Committee, being the egregious Mr. C. M. Williams, explains the whole difficulty, but if this were all, the matter would be of little importance, and like him, will soon disappear from the horizon of Cardiganshire politics. The subject, however, is far more important because on the Police Committee j there are others like unto him, that is, more 11 or less like; of course it is impossible to imagine any other individual having all the points and distinguishing features of Mr. Williams, or showing them so prom- inently. Few of the County Councillors are large employers of labour with exper- ience of administration on a large scale in their own affairs, or have shown more business capacity even than Mr. Williams. When men thus inexperienced in organisa- tion undertake the difficult task of control- ling a police force scattered over a large county, with many and most important duties to perform, it is only to be expected that confusion, dissatisfaction, and in- efficiency would result. It may be thought, that the Chief Con- stable is placed in authority over the force, has control over it and is answerable for the discipline that the County Council only supervise. This is what should be, not what is, the true position of affairs, with regard to the relative positions of the two. The Chief Constable is merely a machine that moves when the Council pull the string, and they Radicals as they are, fancy every one is—-if not is,—ought tp be, as good as his neighbour. Consequently each of them is supposed to be able to tell the Chief Constable what his duty is, and how it is to be done. He feels that his wings have been clipped, the dismissal of the ex-Chief-Constable after many years service just at the time he was entitled to a pension, of which he was deprived in a most unfair and un-English manner, indi- cates most clearly the treatment that he will receive should he venture to think or act for himself. It must be remembered that the present Chief Constable has been deprived of his power to engage and dis- miss constables, indeed they can only re- ceive the increase of pay which they are en- titled by length of service, when the Council please. The conversion of the Chief Con- stable into a simple puppet in the hands of the Council has caused dissatisfaction through the force with the result that some of the men have sent in their resignation, and others will probable soon do so. It is easy to predict the utter disorganisa- tion of the force as the result of the man- agement, or rather mismanagement, by the County Council, and probably at no dis- tant date the county will be surprised when the Government grant of about Z2000 is withdrawn. This the Government con- tributes towards the maintenance of the police, on the condition that the force is reported efficient. The question will be asked what con- stitutes efficiency ? Without stopping to fully answer the question, it must be evi- dent to every one that the police force can- not be regarded as efficient, when in one district alone there are scores of dis- tress warrants, legally applied for, legally granted, for legal and just debts, which are absolutely valueless owing to the fact that the bailiff entrusted with the enforcement dare not undertake the duty owing to that lawless conduct of individuals who are practically backed up by the County Coun- cil and the unfortunate Chief Constable, who dare not move a peg without their authority. I To any one living out of the county the very course pursued in cases of recovery, or attempted recovery of tithes is absolutely ridiculous on the face of it. It can hardly be believed that when a tithe warrant has to be enforced the bailiff is required to give notice to the Chief Constable who in turn has to give notice to certain members of the County Council, who in nine cases out often are anti-tithers, and the matter having been announced in the district where the warrant has to be enforced, a large crowd attends, barracades the premises, and is enabled to resist execution of the warrant, to enforce which the bailiff has asked the protection of the police. ♦

INDUCTION OF THE RECTOR OF MANAFON. The Rev. LI. W. Davies has taken up his residence at Manafon Rectory, and the parishioners have given him a most hearty welcome. At a special afternoon service on Sunday week the new Rector was inducted to the benefice by the Rev. S. Reed, Rural Dean. Notwithstanding the fact that the arrangements were not known before Sunday morning and the inclemenoy of the weather, there was a very good congregation. Special hymns and prayers were used, and an appropriate sermen, based on Romans xv., 30-32, was preached by the Rural Dean. Before the commencement of the morning service, and with the consent of the new Rector and churchwardens the Rev. Evan Jenkins read a protest.

ABERYSTWYTH. 1 We have arranged for an additional agent, 1 namely, Miss. D. Colquohoun, fancy stationer, printer, j 41, Terrace Road, and Mr. Roberts, Tobacconist, Terrace road. CHRISTMAS MARKET.—In consequence of Christ- mas day falling on Monday, the Christmas Mar- ket will be held to-day Saturday the 23rd. The Town Council have offered prizes to persons exhi- biting the best poultry for sale at the meat and general Market Hall, and a good show of geese, turkeys, ducks and fowls is the result. The prizes are 10s., first, and 5s., second, in each class. The successful competitors will be announced in our next. To-day the butchers, fishmongers, grocers and confectioners have displayed a varied assort- ment of Christmas goods, including gesse, turkeys, game and fruit of all kinds. In the opinion of several experienced butchers and farmers who have been aronnd inspecting the meat, the best display of beef and wether mutton is at Mr. Richard Edward's Little Darkgate-street, who shows two bullocks and a heifer, bred and fed by Mr. Richards, of Penuch, also twenty-four three- year-old wether mutton, which reflect the greatest credit on the feeder, as well as the butcher. Mr. Thomas Jenkins comes next with a couple of bullocks and a heifer, bought at Welshpool Christ- mas show on Monday. Mr. H. Edwards has an excellent show of beef, which can not fail to give every satisfaction. Amongst others we notice the shop of Mr. William Rowlands, North-parade, with two bullocks, bred and fed at Crosswood, by Lord Lisburne, who for several years held the first place in the district, but recently tenant farmers have contested the first place with him. Mr. Tom Rowlands and Mrs. Mary Parry can not fail to receive a due share of custom. In the meat market there is a good show of all sorts, turkeys at six pence a pound, geese from four to six shillings each. Fear Brothers, new shop, in Terrace-road, is decked with game of every sort, besides other ob- jects to attract the attention of the passers by. Mr. Saycell, North Parade, and Terrace Road has a^display of first class articles, which maintain his reputation for choice and excellent goods. Mr. Taylor, Radnor House is also well to the front. Mr. John Rea, Grocer, White House, has decked his shop in first class London style, which, with the other attractions of Terrace Road, clearly in- dicate that the business of the town is collecting in that part. Amongst the confectioners we notice a varied display of sweets of all sorts with the Misses 'Owens, and the tastly decorated shop of Mr. Powell, Great Dark Gate Street cannot fail to gratify the infant mind, while the display of frost- ed cakes in Mrs. Garners would make the beholder think that Father Christmas was only round the corner. THE RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION. According to arrangement a meeting of the rate- payers' newly formed Association was held on Fri- day night the 15th, at the Assembly Room in the Corn Market Hall. Mr. J. P. Thomas the Chair- man presided, and many influential ratepayers were present. After reading and confirming the resolu- tions of the previous meeting, the Chairman before proceeding to .read the agenda of the next Council meeting, introduced a petition to the Council with respect to the early hour of closing the public reading room at night, which had been submitted to him by Mr. David Lewis, Great Dark Gate Street, with the view of securing the support of the Association to the object of the petition. The Chairman read the petition which purported to come from the frequenters and subscribers to the public reading room in connec- tion with the Town Library asking the Council to extend the hour of closing from nine p.m. to ten p.m., so as to afford the benefit of the room to those who, through being kept at their business until 8 or 9 o'clock were deprived of the advantages which the reading room is meant to supply. The Chairman said he concurred with the object of the petitioners and observed that in large towns similar reading rooms were kept open until 11 p.m. Mr. W. Colby also concurred and he considered it a great pity that the room should be closed at so early an hour as nine throughout the year. After a general discussion of the matter Mr. J. D. Hughes suggested that the Chairman and Secretary should be authorised by a resolution to adopt and sign the petition in the name of the Association. Mr. John Edwards remarked that a great number of young men did not leave business until eight o'clock and after having tea and time to dress they could not possibly make any use of the reading room. Mr. J. D. Hughes formally proposed that the petition be adopted and that the Chairman sign it as he had suggested; Mr. W. Colby seconded. Mr. David Dayies proposed that a separate petition be sent direct from the Association signed by the Chair- man, leaving the other petition to be signed generally by those who were in favour of the pro- posal. This was seconded by Mr. R. Edwards, butcher. It was carried unanimously that the Association support the petition and that a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the Town Clerk signed by the Chairman and Secretary. Some members intimated that closing at nine was for the oom enience of some favoured few who invariably at that hour came to borrow the papers for the night, and possibly they might calculate upon the opposition of those in the Council who had that privilege. The Chairman read the agenda of the next meeting of the Council. With reference to buying foreign timber for the Rofawr proposed jetties, at the same contract prices as the timber obtained for the groynes on Victoria Terrace, a discussion arose thereon, but in the absence of further particulars it was felt the Association could not deal with the subject, the outlay however was considered necessary. It was reported that foreign timber for previous purposes of the Council had been purchased from members of the Council which was contrary to law. Mr. R. Edwards ex- plained that the contractor in the case alluded to was not a Councillor and therefore had perfect right to buy the timber for his contract from any merchant he' pleased though he happened to be a member of the Council. But in reply it was intimated that the councillor who supplied the timber, when he supported the granting of the contract was probably aware, and had possibly arranged, that the timber would be purchased from him." It was felt that the question of such contracts generally should be thoroughly proved. Mr. Richard Edwards wished to refer to the refusal of the Council to give liberty to carry gravel and sand from the beach, he stated that Mr. Vaughan Davies had given permission to builders to obtain sand from the beach beyond the harbour, and he proposed that they should make an application to the Council for a right of way to carry the gravel from Tanybwlch beach over the Harbour bridge which belonged to the Council. This question was deferred until the necessity for the permission arose. The Association approved of the purchase and fixing of a new lamp for the Pier Head at the price of £5 5s. Od., but the price was considered too low, and a revolving light was suggested. On the question of preparing an estimate of the cost of improving the outlet of the main sewer Mr. Councillor Hopkins warmly supported urgency in the matter, and oonsidered that there was no question that required more thorough attention the state of things at present being a crving evil. The Secretary introduced the subject of the reduction of ground rents which were far too high. Mr. Councillor Hopkins also thought that they should take into consideration the quantity of land taken, and not to confine themselves to the length of the frontage alone, he instanced glaring in- equalities in this respect if it were only in his own case he paid £18 for site of six honses, whereas the houses in South Terrace were leased at £1 each, besides having other more important concessions which he thought most unfair. The question was thought worthy of future attention on granting leases. Satisfaction was felt that the agenda will in future be furnished to the Secretary of the Association and that Mr. Councillor Hopkins is to be placed on the Free Library Committee. The meeting was adjourned for a fortnight.

TOWN COUNCIL. A meeting of the Council was held on Tuesday morning. Present Councillor William Thomas, deputy mayor, presiding, Aldermen Peter Jones, C. M. Williams, and George Green; Councillors D. C. Roberts, W. H. Palmer, Griffith Williams, Robert Ellis, John Jenkins, Isaac Hopkins, Robert Doughton, Thomas Doughton, T. W. Powell, R. J. Jones; Messrs A. J. Hughes, town clerk, Rees Jones, borough surveyor, and H. L. Evans, borough accountant. UNION STREET. A letter was read from Mr. Edwards, 3, Union- street, complaining that he had been put to an expense of JE3 2s. 6d. in consequence of the main sewer in this street being choked, and aske the Council to repay the amount. The letter was referred to the Public Works Committee. THE SCHOONER JANE DAVIES.—A MEMBER'S SERVICES ACKNOWLEDØED The Town Clerk said that after the last meeting Captain Doughton and himself went to see the persons interested in the vessel which got damaged in thelharbour,as well as Mr. Thomas Jones, of Trefechan, who had made a survey of the vessel, 1nd without acknowledging any legal liability to jhe owners of the vessel they arranged the matter by payment of £10. They obtained a discharge from any further claim, but there was one omission, viz., a claim by the Captain for 15s., which was received on the previous day. The Captain was on board the vessel and worked hard in getting her off. All the other men had been paid, and had he not been there at the time it would have been necessary to call other assistance. It was at his (Mr. Hughes') suggestion that he sent in the bill, so that either the Finance or Harbour Commiitee might deal with it. The Chairman understood that £3 10s. had been voted towards the payment of the men who assisted in bringing the vessel to this place, and in Captain Doughton's absence he would move that they also have a statement, showing how that money had been expended, laid before the Finance Committee. Alderman C. M. Williams said that no report had been received with regard to the matter. He did not agree with the hurried way the whole thing had been carried out. A meeting of the harbour committee could have been called in a few hours, and they could have had Mr. Jones before them, and Ihave settled the matter equally well. He did not believe—assuming that the Council were responsible—that they ought to take advantage by settling the matter hurriedly. Whrtever was con- sidered due to them they ought to have received. With reference to the £ 3 10s.—he did not know how many men there were working. He saw with- out going into details that there were four gentle- men who had been fortunate enough to receive 15s. and one he believed, 10s. Captain Doughton was present when the labour sheets were before the committee, and it should have been pointed out, and the men paid direct by the Corporation. He did not know of any case where money had been paid out as was the case in that instance. Mr. Hopkins wished to explain, in Captain Doughton's absence, that 15s. would not be paid to the men if they did not get the vessel off. Captain Doughton, who came in while Mr. Hopkins was speaking, remarked that what Mr. Hopkins had stated was quite right. Mr. Hopkins Captain Doughton is in now, Mr. Williams. He will answer for himself. Perhaps you will repeat what you said before he came. Mr. Williams accused others of speaking in other people's absence, and I think he ought to speak out now. Capt. Doughton If there is anything will you kindly explain, Mr. Williams. If there is any. thing I should explain, I am quite prepared to do so. Captain Doughton warmly remarked that he could not understand this discussion about paying the bills, adding that whatever had been done the Corporation had not prejudiced themselves. The owners were quite prepared to have the agreement cancelled, and have it fought out, and he was quite prepared to assist them. He understood the maritime law as well as anyone in Aberystwyth. The Chairman, explaining, said that they decided to have the Captain's bill put on the agenda in the usual way. He (Mr. Thomas) had also suggested that they should have an account of the other money, but he was not at that moment aware that the Town Clerk had the receipts. No accusation had been made in any way at all. Captain Doughton added that the Captain ought to be paid according to the arrangement. It was inadvertently omitted on his own part. THE ROFAWR LIGHTS. A letter was read from Mr. R. J. Jones, secretary to the Gas Company, in which he stated that the Company was prepared to extend the gas mains to the point mentioned on Rofawr if the Council agreed to contribute towards the expense of their doing so. Captain Doughton asked how long this matter was to be kept in abeyance. Were they to be left until the summer time, when they would not be wanted ? The Gas, Company reaped a benefit from certain parts of the town, and they certainly ought to do a little for the public convenience. Captain Doughton protested against dilly-dallying in the matter. It was useless to refer the matter to the public lights committee. If the Company. demurred about charges they ought to meet them. Captain Doughton suggested that they should pay the Company £10, and if the Council would not vote the money he would set about and collect it and shame them. Mr. D. C. Roberts, amid much laughter, proposed that they accept Mr. Doughton's offer, and request him to bring the £10 to their next meeting. Captain Doughton remarked that the light was really necessary for the protection of life. They all knew perfectly well what state the wharf was in. Mr. Hopkins agreed with Mr. Doughton that it was very necessary that they should come to a decision. The Chairman stated that it would be irregular to vote the expenditure of this money, and he was surprised at these gentlemen after their special lectures as to doing things legally. They had it from their Town Clerk that they could not vote any money if it did not appear on the agenda. At the last meeting they decided to vote £10 to settle the vessel question—and he was one of those who was prepared to be responsible for the amount— but surely they were not going to repeat it con- tinually. In a few further remarks Mr. Thomas added that he would not put a proposition to vote this money to the meeting. Mr. Griffith Williams said it was quite time to put a stop to these illegal practices. He was really surprised at people making complaints at one meeting, and the same people again bringing things forward at a subsequent meeting. If one individual was allowed to proceed in this way, so could pnother, and where would they end. Indeed it would be useless to call a meeting of the Council if one individual could do as he pleased. It was high time that they should put a stop to such con- duct. Mr Hopkins I am here an independent member. I am not rubbing anyone's back here in order to get a favour. Captain Doughton referred to the case of the schooner Jane Davies, and said he sent to members of the harbour committee informing them what had happened. Mr. Jenkins asked if he sent any intimation to him, and Mr Hopkins replied that he informed Mr Jenkins on the Terrace. HARBOUR COMMITTEE. The report of this committee recommended that the Surveyor be instructed to purchase 1,500 cubic feet of larch timber, and 3,000 square feet of Swedish planks, at the recent contract prices of timber obtained for the groynes on Victoria-terrace, for repairing the Rofawr jetties. They also recommended that a lamp be purchased, at a cost not exceeding £5 5s., for the pier head. A letter was read from Mr. William William-street, stating that he found by the agenda which was read at the Ratepayers' Association, that it was the intention of the Council to purchase a quantity of timber for jetties, &c., on Rofawr, at the same rate as that paid to Mr. Evan Richards. He begged to state for the information of the Council, that he was ready to supply timber of a superior quality, and more durable for the purpose, viz., pitch pine, at a cheaper rate than was paid to Mr. Richards for Swedish. Mr. Hopkins said that this letter was the result of their agenda being submitted to the Ratepayers Association. This man was offering to sell them timber of a better quality at a lower rate. This showed clearly that if they invited tenders they would be treated better, and he begged to move that tenders be invited for pitch pine. Captain Doughton They were only working into one another's hands in an indirect way. Mr. Hopkins And I would like to know who supplies this timber. I would like to know if Mr. Griffith Williams supplies any to the town ? f Captain Doughton: He admitted it the other j night. Mr. Griffith Williams said he wished to reply to the remarks made respecting him. It had been stated that he supplied the Corporation with timber, and he wished to say distinctly that he sold timber to Mr. Evan Richards, Penuwch. Mr. Hopkins: You admitted it the other night in committee. Capt. Doughton There are a good many ways of killing a dog besides chocking him, sir. Mr. Griffith Williams: But that ds a different thing altogether. That is a bird of another colour (laughter). You take a contract and come to me, and I supply you, and this is exactly the same. Mr. Hopkins Didn't you. admit the other night at the committee that the timber came from your saw mill, that they were sawn there, and that your horses and waggon and your man took them down there? „ T Mr. Griffith Williams: No, I did not. The Chairman said he was present at the har- bour committee, and he was duty bound to say that Captain Doughton especially was very strongly in favour of purchasing timber under the old contract. Mr. D. C. Roberts, in the course of some remarks, pointed out that it was not illegal to supply timber for the harbour at any time, although he would not for his own part do so. Mr. Hopkins said that Mr. D. C. Roberts had 'always acted like a gentleman in dealing with the Corporation. Mr. Roberts always supplied in a direct way, bat others always supplied indirectly, and in an under-handed way. Mr. Griffith Williams said there would be a danger of other persons tendering again if they did not advertise. It would be much better if they advertised. Captain Donghton; Yea, spend six months about it. Mr. Williams: If you invite fresh tenders, adver- tise by all means. Alderman Jones approved of the suggestion that the Surveyor invite tenders, and in order to save delay suggested that the committee be empowered to receive the same and accept the lowest tender. On a division seven voted in favour of the Surveyor issuing the specifications, and seven in favour of advertising. The Chairman gave his casting vote in favour of advertising for tenders. Coming to the recommendation in the report with reference to the pier head lamp, Mr. Jenkins said that although ho was one of a sub-committee appointed to see for a lamp for the pier head, he only saw the drawing of the lamp at the committee meeting the other evening, and he had not heard anything since about the matter. He thought they should advertise for tenders for supplying a lamp, and not allow one man to go and buy it. Chairman said with regard to the purchase of a lamp for the pier head at a sum of five guineas, they found that the lamp had already been pur- chased. That was what they were told, and in the face of that what were they going to do. Mr. G. William said it was at the harbour oom- mittee, and he understood that they made these recommendations the same as all other committees. He never thought the lamp had been purchased, without first being before the Council. Mr. Jenkins suggested that they should adver- tise for tenders for lamps. Mr. R. J. Jones: Where ?—in the London papers. There are only two or three firms who can supply, and the Surveyor can ask them for quotations. Alderman Williams understood that that was what Mr. Jenkins meant. It was decided that the Surveyor should invite tenders from local tradespeople.

WELSH QUARRY COMMISSION. The Commission appointed by the Government to inquire into to the working of the underground quarries in Merionethshire held another sitting at" Festiniog on Wednesday, Dr. Ie Neve Foster (Government inspector of mines) occupied the chair, and the other members were present.—The first witness was Dr. Robert Roberts, J.P., the senior medical practitioner in the district, who oon- sidered the inhalation of slate dust was deleterious to the general health of the quarymen. He sug- gested that accommodation be provided in the various quarries for drying the men's clothes. Ablutions were sadly neglected by the men, and it was a deplorable fact that there were nu pablic baths in a place which had so much claim to such conveniences. It was also desirable that the rail- way oompanies should make the best possible arrangements so has not to keep the workmen waiting unnecessarily at stations in all kinds of weather. There was too much truth in the charge that quarrymen drank too much tea, and in so doing they spoilt their appetites for more substantial food. The housing on the whole was satisfactory but the sub-soil was damp and was responsible for diseases of the respiratory organs, Consumption was on the decrease in the district, and he attri- buted this to the fact of the quarymen being picked men, and also of temperate habits, the fact being that it was seldom that quarrymen died from diseases produoed by achohol. He thought that more attention should be paid to ambulance work, nursing, and to oookery.—A number of the,quarry- men having given evidence, the Commission was adjourned. +

LLANIDLOES. SERMON.—On Tuesday evening last, the Rev. J W. Nicholson, of Portmadoc, preached to a large congregation at the Independent Chapel. CWMBELLAN COMPETITIVE MEETING AND CONCERT. —On Wednesday evening last, a very successful competitive meeting and ooncert was given at the above place, when the chair was occupied by the Rev. A. C. Pearce. Llanidloes. Adjudicators music, Llew Buallt (Mr. Evans), recitations, the Rev. J. Griffiths, Llanidloes. Accompanist, Miss L. Jones, Llanidloes. The programme was as follows —The Chairman gave an excellent address, and explained the object of the meeting, which was to defray the expenses connected with the Baptist Chapel of the above place. Anthem by the choir "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord," oonducted by Mr., B. Jones recitation, Old King Time (4), best Miss M. H. Jenkinf, Brynpostig; baritone solo, The Collier" (4), best Mr. D. Jones, Llanidloes; duett, "The two sailors (4), best Mr. J. H. Mere- dith and Mr. John Owen; party of four, hymn tune, Maidstone" (3), best Mr. Edward Ingram, Cymerdrain, and party; recitation, A psalm of life" (4), prize divided between Misses R. H. Jenkins and M. M. Jones; song, "Fall of Llew- ellyn," Llew Buallt; reading musio at sight (6), 1st, Mr. John Price, Nantgwyn, 2nd, Miss M. M. Jones, Llangurig; anthem, The hunting song," Choir tenor solo, But thou didst not leave my soul in Heaven (5), best Mr. D. Evans, Llanidloes; im- prompter speech, divided between Mr. William Price and Mr. John Ingram; song, Hurrah for dear old Wales," Llew Buallt; party of eight male voices, Capstan Chorus (2), best Mr. John Price, Nantgwyn, and party. The Rev. W. E. Hughes proposed a hsarty vote of thanks to the chairman, adjudicators, and all who assisted in making the meeting a success. The Chairman responded. ENTERTAINMENT. On Wednesday evening last a very succesful entertainment was given in the Public Rooms by the scholars of the National School. The chair was occupied by the Vicar. Great praise is due to Mr. Cope, schoolmaster, for the excellent way in which each piece was gone through. The following is the programme:— Chorus, School march," scholars; recitation, "Our entertainment," Richard Ralph; song, When babies go to school," Annie Morris, Evelyn Davies, and Annie Owen; recitation, A little boy's troublep," Albert Jones; song. Swiss toy girl," Marie Kinsey; recitation, The four sun- beams," S. E. Williams, Beatrice Marpole, L. Wil- liams, and Gwen Kerr; song, "Blossoms, fair blossom," Lixzie Davies: flag drill, infants; duet, If you are a dunce," Fred Evans and William Richards; recitation, rights," David LI. Kinsey; chorus, Little housemaids," girls; recitation, When I'm a man," infant boys; song, "A lullaby," Annie Jerman; recitation, "The diamond ring," Fanny James; scarf drill, girls; recitation, Grandma." Florenoe Phillips; song, Mr. Nobody," James Owen; recitation, The guidepost," Evan Evans, T. P. Williams, Alf. Lewis; kindergarten game, The windmili," infants; snng, The professor," Millie Hamer recitation, "People will talk," girls; song, The song that reached my heart," Gertie Owen; wand drill, boys; vocal waltz, Welcome Spring," scholars; chorus, Gendarmes' song," boys.

THE FRENCH SPIES.—The trial of Lieutenants Degony and Malevas, the two French Officers charged with espionage, reuslted at Leipzig, on Saturday, in the former being sentenced to six years and the latter to four years' imprisionment in a fortress.