The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE AND VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS. Nothing distinguishes Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE from his fellows more than the quality of his taste. Some people may admire it-for Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE himself is admired by some people-and may account it good taste, but at any rate it is different from that of speakers of the first rank. Take, for example, what he said at a meeting in connection with the recently organised Nonconformist Political Council on Tuesday last. He was talking about Church Schools and he remarked: The other day we had a quarrel about a little quarter of the Soudan and were prepared for the possession of a sandbank to fight with one of the great military Powers of the world. He was not going to speak about that question but if it were so, why should they leave their most priceless possessions, their schools, in the hands of the Dervishes still ? These remarks were received with loud cheers, which is sur- prising. We may pass over his obvious sneer at the success we have achieved in connection with the Fashoda incident, at which the whole of the country, except Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE, rejoices. Every one knows by this time what the Dervishes of the Soudan were; no name hardly is more loathed and detested in this country for the miseries they brought on the Egyptian province, not to speak of the murder of GORDON. But when Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE by the exercise of his peculiar taste compares Churchmen who are, after all, his fellow- countrymen, to the.Dervishes of the Soudan he is loudly cheered. Churchmen, who before the national duty of educating the young was recognised, undertook the work and still continue to carry it on at great sacrifice to themselves, are styled Dervishes. The phrase may be ridiculous, but is never- theless offensive. Then observe how Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE begs the question by the term their schools." Why should they leave their priceless possessions, their schools, in the hands of the Dervishes. Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE in this matter is evidently an advocate of nationalisation. He would probably hesitate to say that the land, the railways, the canals, and the shipping of the country are the priceless possessions of the Nonconformists and that landlords and shareholders are Dervishes. But when the circumstances are compared dispassion- ately, where is the difference? The schools, erected by voluntary subscriptions, although they are free to all classes of the community without distinction of creed, cannot by any- thing but the lowest morality be claimed as their schools by the Nonconformists. We are forced to the conclusion that Mr. LLOYD- GE oRc.E' political morality is on a par with his taste, and we would fain think that it is peculiar to himself, but when we recall that his observations were received with loud cheers we are compelled to hesitate.

-+- THE NONCONFORMIST POLITICAL COUNCIL. A new political organisation was formed this week in connection with Noncon- formity. This is the Nonconformist Political Council, with Mr R. W. PERKS M.P., as the first President, Mr LLOYD- GEORGE, M. P., as vice-president and many other members of Parliament as the Execu- tive Council. The constitution was adopted at a "national conference of Noncon- formists held on Tuesday. The conference marks a stage in the activity, which has recently been very marked, in the political organisation of Nonconformists. The form- ation of local "Free Church Councils." that is, Free Church Political Councils in many towns is an instance of this activity. The objects of the central organisation we may take to be the same as those of the smaller local bodies, and it is well to emphasise the fact that they are from beginning to end political. They are to secure the united action of Nonconformists in and out of Parliament upon all questions affecting the rights of Free Churches, to influence legislation, to secure the due repiesentation of Nonconformists upon administrative bodies, including, of course, County Coun- cils, Town Councils and District Councils, the placing of all elementary schools under popular control, and the disestablishment and disendowment of the Established Church. It is as well that objects of the New Councils should be generally known, so that those who would strongly oppose objects which they have in view may know what they have to face, and that those who are not prepared to go the whole length with them may learn in time the need to stand aloof. Those who do not wish to see school boards and school rates imposed universally cannot work in harmony with these councils. Those who are not in favour of the disestab- lishment and not only the disestablishment but the disendowment of the Church of England cannot work in harmony with these councils. Not only does the Council insist upon universal School Beards giving elementary education but the Conference would insist on School Boards being allowed to open higher-grade schools at the expense of the ratepayers. They protest against preventing School Boards from opening new higher-grade schools or from vigor- ously carrying on such schools where they already exist, We do not think that every- one who has joined these political Councils has counted the cost. A speech delivered in the Congregational Church, Welshpool, on Thursday, suggests that fears are enter- tained that there will be some Nonconform ists unwilling to go on with this new political propaganda. The speaker was the Rev. JONATHAN EVANS. After a reference to ritualism in the Church of England and a claim that Nonconformists would prevent Papacy and Paganism from again becoming triumphant in the land, he went on to say that they must close their ranks and unite their forces, that" it seemed to him that just at this time there must be a clear understanding between the Free Churches and their ministers. The weak-kneed must mend their ways or get out of the ranks, for they were fast approaching the time when it would be made clear that whoever dared insult the principlas of Free Church- men could not go unpunished." The Rev. JONATHAN EVANS'S language reminds one of that of the French press over Fashoda. The spirit is that of an aggressive party who will brook no hesitation among their friends and whose tactics deserve some attention from those whom they are eager to attack and despoil.

«. MR. CHAMBERLAIN ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS. MR. CHAMBERLAIN has this week addressed a number of meetings in Manchester. On the Fashoda question and our relations to France he had nothing new to communicate, but his speeches have emphasised the strength of the British position and the unity of sentiment that exists in the Cabinet as well as in the country. Mr. CHAMBERLAIN stated facts which doubtless are unpleasant to French hearing, but there was nothing unnecessarily unpleasant in the manner in which they were put: The Manchester Guardian makes a violent attack on Mr. CHAMBERLAIN because he did not refrain from mentioning the "pin- pricks" to which this country has been subjected by France. For the sake of con- triving an argnment against a politician for whom it feels a keen antipathy, the Guardian does not hesitate to belie facts and to libel the British public. To a public morbidly craving for matter of offence against the French he gave it with both hands, raking it from Siam, from Madagascar. A really truthful man would not have gone beyond the question of Fashoda." Now it is a fact which is admitted by everybody except our contemporary, that nothing has been more marked in the present controversy with France than the self-restraint of this country and the pains that have been taken by speakers of all complexions to avoid saying anything that would hurt French amour propre, at the same time that the tone has been unmistakably firm. The Guardian ignores this fact in order to injure Mr. CHAMBERLAIN. But we cannot go on speaking only smooth things to our neighbours. It is necessary that leading statesmen should avoid misunderstanding by clearly saying what this country means. It is not safe to ignore facts which are patent in this country but which are not known to the bulk of Frenchmen. The speeches of British politicions only not in- fluence British opinion but put facts before the French public which their own press and public men do not communicate to them. To speak with an uncertain voice at the present crisis could be a most deplor- able mistake. Mr CHAMBERLAIN speaks with more freedom than the Foreign Min- ister, and it is well that he should have taken the opportunity of stating some plain facts which this country cannot forget and which it would be well for France to remember.

NOTES BY THE WAY. The demand for dwelling houses at Aberystwyth is as strong as ever and at the last meeting of the Town Council a petition was read from about a dozen householders requesting the Council to grant them sites upon liberal terms at the back of South Terraoe and on Plascrug. The petition was re- ferred to the Finance Committee for consideration. In many courts and alleys in the town great hard- ship exists amongst the working classes and in some cases as many as three families live in a small dwelling each paying a sum equal to the rent of a deoent sized house. It is to be hoped that the Council will push forward the work of erecting workmen's dwellings and by so doing rescue many families from the evil influences of alley-life. # # The Aberystwyth Town Council have agreed that Mr Pemberton shall be allowed to erect an iron portico upon a modified plan over his doorway if he pays the costs incurred by the Corporation in the recent prosecution. By many persons it is felt that the prosecution has now become a persecu- tion, and that the Council are making unfair use of their powers. People ask why Mr Pemberton should be called upon to pay the costs of a prosecu- tion which might have been avoided had the Surveyor formally notified him that he was offending against the by-laws. The expense Mr Pembertpn has been put to over this affair is sufficient punishment for the unwise step he took. If the ratepayers asked to express an opinion they would very probably reply that they are satisfied with what has alreadly taken place. Surely Councillors are not so thin-skinned as to desire to make a ratepayer suffer for having offended their dignity. They are ratepayers themselves, and in exhibiting this spirit of resentment they are calling into being a similar feeling upon the part of the majority of the ratepayers of the town. Swine fever is said to exist in a oertain part of the northern end of the County of Cardigan and an order from the Board of Agriculture to close the I district is expected. A number of prominent ratepayers in Scar- borough are proposing that in future all visitors to the town should be taxed Is per head and that the money so obtained should be expended in adding to the attractions for visitors. There is something to be said in favour of such a proposal although the imposition of the tax might be the means of scaring people away from the town. The delay in making known the results of the examination for the award of County Exhibitions has caused a great deal of inconvenience both in Merionethshire and in Montgomeryshire. The results were published too late in some cases for the successful candidates to gain admission to the College. In both counties the blame rests with the I' County Governing Body. Hitches like these are to be expected before the machinery gets into regular working order, but there should be no excuse for the same thing happening again. # # The difficulty of filling the Intermediate School at Aberystwyth would appear to be extreme. The difficulty is not unknown elsewhere, but at Aber- ystwyth they contemplate asking Mr Darlington, Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools to use his influence with the headmasters of the elementary schools to induce them to send children to the scholarship examinations. It has been found not enough to advertise and send out circulars, the Chairman thinks that some stimulus is required and that the Governors might use their influence in getting boys to go to school. We do not for a moment question the ultimate advantage of Inter. mediate Schools, but there can be no doubt that a great mistake has been made in planting so many schools over the country. There is no doubt also that a great deal of interest and benevolence has been diverted from elementary schools to secondary schools. Now however the re-action begins to set in and it will be found necessary to improve the teaching in day schools in order to feed the Intermediate School. An illustration of the parsimony of the Post Office or of the Treasury which rules all depart. ments of the Government is to be found in the refusal to fall in with the proposal of the Cambrian Railways to carry the mails to Barmouth by an early morning train from Machynlleth, running in connection with the morning mail to Aberystwytb. The Railway Cempany started running such a train, but as the Post Office would not use it they had to take it off again. We are doubtful whether this would have involved any further outlay on the part of the Post Office, and whether they are to be accused of parsimony or pure wrong-headedness. Local opinion has been strongly aroused, and a, petition in favour of the early mail train is to be presented to the Postmaster-General. The request aeems such a reasonable one that there should be little difficulty in granting it. The coantry is on the way towards a change of opinion in regard to the Post Office. It has been, and is still regarded by the Treasury as a huge money making establishment, and the public have acquiesed in this view. It is in fact a means of indirect taxation, and adds millions to the national revenue every year. The public advantage has been sacrificed to financial profit. It is this view that is gradually giving way, and the present Government must be conceded the credit of recog- nising the drift of public opinion. Imperial penny postage will come into force on Christmas Day in a slightly modified form. It will from that date be possible to send a letter to India and Canada for a penny. There has been an extension of the delivery of letters to every house in these islands, and there has been a concession in regard to the delivery of telegrams. But much still remains to be done. The principle that each locality must pay its way in the matter of revenue to the Post Office should be definitely abandoned. At present however poor a locality may be, and however much its depressed industries might be assiated by an extension of the telegraph, nothing can be done without a local guarantee that the Post Office will not suffer loss. The wealthy and populous districts of the country ought to be set off against the poor and thinly peopled, and a more generous policy might diminish the Post Office balance, but would add to the national wealth. » # « The query sent to the Charity Commissioners by the Welshpool Local Governors as to their right to admit children residing outside the county has brought an unexpected reply. It is that there is nothing in the Scheme to prevent their doing so. In many places there has been more difficulty in filling the school than in Welshpool, but even Welshpool School is not full. Now the Governors will be at liberty to take children from outside their district if the children wish to come. Captain Mytton's plea for free trade in education has received unexpected support. The Governors still hesitate as to whether children from England can be admitted. On the strength of the reply of the Commissioners they might easily proceed, but we hope that the answer to their next letter will be to the same effect as the last reply. The Vicar of Welshpool on Sunday very eloquently pointed out to the Mayor and Corpora- tion the responsibilities of their offioe, and not only the responsibilities but the epportunities which their position gives them. To lessen suffering, to promote oomfort, to give fresh air, fresh water, wholesome surroundings, and intellectual oppor- tunities to the people of the town—these things are greater than the honour of being Councillor, Alder- man, Magistrate or Mayor. The Vioar enforced the lesson with dignity and appropriateness. With- out for a moment turning aside from his spiritual functions, he was able to give impressive and forc- ible counsel on municipal affairs, which will not be lost to the town. To be a Good Samaritan it is not always necessary to give alms. Magistrates in administering tae law and a Town Council in managing the affairs of a town may find many opportunities of carrying out the spirit of the parable. Testimony was borne by the Rev Grimaldi Davis to the good work of the Victoria Nursing Institute in Welshpool. There were formidable difficulties in the way of starting it and it seemed impossible by discussion and negotiation to over. come them. The managers did not attempt to so overcome them, but set to work, and work has done more in a few months than talk would have done in a hundred years. The work is being quietly done, and we have no wish to bring it into the glare of publicity; so quietly does Narse Crabb do her work that we feel it necessary to apologise for mentioning her name, but we cannot forbear making an acknowledgment which is merely the echo of the feelings of hundreds who have benefited by her ministrations. The Assessment Committee of Forden U nil n have nsseswd the new Intermediate Schools at Welshpool at £60. » After a long discussion the Montgomery County Governing Body on Monday decided that the Llan- fair Governors are entitled to the fifth of the Llan- fyllin District Fund under section 38 of the County Scheme. By this they reverse their former decision. The matter will no doubt go before the Charity Commissioners on appeal from the Welsh- pool Governors, who have already received the money. a.* A sad accident occurred at the Cambrian Mills, Newtown, on Monday by which two men lost their lives and two were injured. The men were en- gaged in making alterations in the machinery and two tanks full of water fell on them, killing two men instantaneously. Professor Boyd Dawkins, F.R.S., will give a lecture in the Art Gallery, Welshpool, on the after- noon of Wednesday, 7th December, on Britain in the Prehistoric Age." It is a lecture that Professor Dawkins was to have delivered at the Exhibition of Antiquities at Shrewsbury. The lecture will be illustrated by lantern slides and the lecturer's repu- tation should be sufficient to seonre a large audience. We wish to draw the attention of the inhabitants of Llanfair to a matter which interests them as ratepayers. Except by making the facts public and obtaining an expression of public opinion it seems impossible to get redress. We have written to the Clerk to the Intermediate School Governors at Llanfair and Clerk of the School Board of Llanfair asking him to notify as of any meetings of these bodies that are to be held. One of our reporters has personally made the same request and the Clerk agreed to send us notice. Another of our reporters has seen the Chairman and other members of the Local Governing Body and has again made the same request and it has been agreed to. Our endeavours to learn when meetings of these bodies are to be held have extended over some months. But al- though we are always met with fair words, the promises made to us have never once been fulfilled. They are bodies spending public money, and the public have a right to demand that the Press should be admitted in order that they may learn how the money is spent. In no part of the extensive dis- trict which the newspapers from this office cover— the whole or the great part of four counties— have we met with the same difficulty. On the contrary, we have pleasure in acknowledging the courtesy of Clerks and members of public bodies everywhere except at Llanfair, and it is only be- cause we have failed to obtain what we have asked for in the public interest that we draw public at- tention to the matter. We are quite unable to explain this peculiar conduct of the Llanfair Governors and School Board and we have no wish to draw inferences. Besides we are hopeful that after this public statement of facts they will come into line with the County Governing Bodies, Local Governors and School Boards elsewhere. Some snrpise is felt in the 5th Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers at the order that all efficiency badges and badges for good shooting are to be paid for by the men who earn them. It had been understood that the badges were granted and not sold, that they would be provided at the expense and be the property of the Corps, that they would not belong to the Volunteer any more than his uniform or equipment. These misconceptions have, of course, been removed by the Battalion Orders, but probably not many badges will be worn in the Battalion. The total inadequacy of the lighting system of Oswestry must convey a very poor impression of the place to strangers who arrive after the shops have been closed. The town can boast of excellent publio buildings and markets, but the public light- ing is worse than that of many a village. Perhaps the Council have been so engaged with great works that this matter has been overlooked. It is satis- factory that Mr R. H. Davies called attention to it at the Council meeting last week, and that he is to move a resolution at the committee. The Mayor concurred with Mr Davies, and undertook that the matter should be taken in hand. It is to be hoped the question will not be lost sight of. The Council might also pay attention to the pavements of the town. In many important business portions of the town the pavements are much worn, and in wet weather pools of water remain on them, much to the diseomfort of pedestrians. Mr Darlington, H.M.I.S., in a letter to the School Board of Oswestry has drawn attention to a law which has been imperfectly observed in many parts of the country. This is the illegal casual employ- ment of children. The same matter has recently been brought before the Teachers' Union, and they have obtained counsel's opinion on the subjeot. Everybody knows that it is illegal to regularly employ children of school age, that is, under 14 years of age, unless they have a certificate of exemption. But it is not se widely known that employment of such children during the reoogbised school hours is illegal if such employment extends to only a half-day in the week. Anyone employ- ing a child under 14 who cannot produce a certificate, for only half a day, is liable to a penalty not exceeding ferty shillings. It ahould be noted that it is not sufficient for the child to have passed through Standard IV; the certificate must be produced. # m We have this curious anomaly that under the local by-laws a child between 13 and 14 who has no certificate cannot be compelled to attend sohool except, of course, by his parent er guardian but under the Act no one can engage him in profitable employment, not even his father. He must run wild, and get into all sorts of mischief. He may go to school or he may trifle away his time, but he must not work. The Code to some extent recognises a means of obtaining exemption from school attendance after a certain age by reasonable regularity. This is the system of reward in place of punishment. Bnt the limit insisted on is quite inadequate. A child who has made 250 attendances for each of any five years since his fifth birthday may at 13 years of age claim exemption. As a child can make 400 attend- ances at least in a year, the required 250 is much too small a number. It has been suggested that the limit should be raised to 353, which certainly is not too high. But if a child attended with this degree of regularity he would probably bav- no difficulty in passing the requisite standard of examination. The Oswestry School Board in view of the great irregularity at the schools have adopted a prize scheme as a means of inducing the children to attend more regalarly in future. The scheme will come into force at the beginning of the next school year and under it children who have attended a certain number of times and have been of good conduct will receive certificates and prizes. A similar scheme works well at the Aberystwyth Board School, where also they have a banner, and the class which registers the best number of attendances secures the banner for the week and retains it until beaten by another class. It is hoped that with the changes the Oswestry Board are making, the percentage of attendance will raoidly increase. William Taylor, the bailiff, who attempted to murder Judge Parry in the Manchester County Court in July last, has been sentenced to 20 years' penal servitude—a heavy sentenoe, but not out of proportion to the gravity of his offence.

ABERYSTWYTH. PUBLIC LIBRARY. During the week ending Wednesday evening, the number of books issued from the Public Library amounted to 561. SOUTH WALES Cup —The draw for the second round in the South Wales Cup competition took ph,('p on Saturday when Aberystwyth were drawn to play Builth at Builth. GRAND EVENING RECITAL.—Our readers' atten- tion is drawn to istri advertisement in our columns of a grand evening recital to be held in the Royal Pier Pavilio/r on Thursday next. The recital trio include Miss Ethel Barns, violinist, Miss Mary Olson, pianist, and Mr Charles Phillips, vocalist. In a notice of the performance by these artistes at St. James's Hall, ihe Times said "An interesting pianoforte, violin, and song recital' was given by Miss Marie Olson, Miss Ethei Barns, and Mr Charles Phillips, and it is satisfactory to record that St James's Hall was unusually well filled. The first of the artistes mentioned is a highly-accomplished pianist, a pupil of Mme. Schumann, whose playing of the 'Carnaval revealed taste and sound musicianship. Mr Charles Phillips sang a group of songs, including the vigorous Vengeance, 0 come inspire me,' from Arne's Alfred. Sachs' final oration in Die Meistersinger, the accompaniment arranged for two pianos, was well declaimed by Mr Phillips, who was accompanied by Miss Olson and Miss Barns, the latter of whom is not only an excellent violinist but a pianist of considerable attainment. FATAL QUARRY ACCIDENT.-We regret to state that the quarryman named John Roberts, who met with an accident at Mr John Jenkins's quarry on Monday last week, died at the Infirmary on Thurs- day evening. The deceased had a blow on the head from a small stone, which fell from the quarry top, and upon examination it was found that the skull was fractured. The unfortunate man refused to allow the infirmary physicians to operate upon him on the night of the accident, and went home; he, however, returned the next day, when the operation of trepanning was carried out. An inquest was held last night. NOVEMBER FAIRS.—On Monday there was a good demand for servant girls, who secured wages ranging from zE12 to E18 a year. Men servants were more plentiful and their wages averaged about £ 23 or X24, experienced men asking X28 and X29. The open space at the Smithfield is occupied by merry-go-rounds and the tents of the itinerant show man. A large attendance of people is expected on Monday. ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE.- A meeting of the Assessment Committee was held on Monday morn- ing at the Corn Market Hall. There were present Mr Richard Edwards (chairman), Messrs W. A. Miller, David Lloyd, E. J. Evans, T. Powell, B. E. Morgan, James Jones, J. J. James, and J. E. James. Six appeals were heard, out of which four were allowed. Now supplemental valuation lists, pre- sented by the overseers of the parish of Aberyst- wyth. Cyfoethybrinin, Henllys, Llanbadarn Upper, Llanfihangel Upper, and Llanrhystyd Mefenydd, were considered and approved. ACCIDENT. Mr W. B. Hughes, commercial traveller of Swansea, met with a somewhat serious accident. As he was about to enter a shop in Little Darkgate street he lurched forward his foot slipping and his hand crashed through a window pane. Dr Harries attended to the injured hand which was badly cut and Mr Hughes afterwards had his injuries dressed at the Infirmary. THE FOUNDERING OF THE AGNES FRASER. We are informed by Captain Doughton that on Saturday week a lifebuoy belonging to the Aber- ystwyth schooner "Agnes Fraser" was picked up on the beach between Aberystwyth and Clarach. The schooner which was under the command of Captain Evan Doughton, a brother of Captain Doughton, whilst on his way from Aberdovey to Portsmouth, came into collision on September 23rd with another vessel and foundered, but all on board were saved. The lifebuoy has drifted 189 miles at the rate of four and a half miles a day, and ended its journey within a few hundred yards of the schooner's port. THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.—The Committee met on Friday evening, when there were present the Mayor (Mr D. C. Roberts), Captain Doughton, Messrs C. M. Williams, Robert Doughton, R. J. Jones, Evan Evans, David Samuel, Thomas Owens, Professor Edwards, the Rev T. A. Penry, E. H. JameA.-M.. E. H. James was re-elected chairman, but Mr James declined the honour, and Captain Doughton was then proposed and seconded.—The proposition was carried unanimously.—Mr J. Hugh Edwards was appointed minute secretary. POLICE COURT.-After a good deal of trouble the following particulars of a Police Court pro- ceedings have come to hand on Friday afternoon before Mr Thomas Griffiths. Mr T. F. Roberts Principal of the University College of Wales, Aber- ystwyth, was summoned by Supt. Phillips with having ridden a bicycle without a light on Tuesday night. P.O. Charman said he saw defendant about eleven at night riding through Northgate street in the direction of Llanbadarn road. The bicycle had no light. Principal Roberts, who was present admitted the facts. He stated that when he left the College to go home he lighted the lamp, which must have afterwards gone out. It was not his intention to infringe the law.—The Magistrate who said a technical offence had been committed, inflcted a fine of 2s 6d including costs. DELIVERY OF LETTERS.—The Committee appoin- ted by the Town Council to consider what steps should be taken in order to secure an improvement in the Postal service met at the Town Hall on Tuesday morning. There were present Councillor D.C. Roberts, Mayor, presiding, Aldermen Peter Jones, W. H. Palmer, and Captain Doughton, Mr C. M. Williams and the Town Clerk. It was stated that nearly all towns in Merionethshire were suffer- ing in the same way as Aberystwyth, and the Com- mittee authorised the Town Clerk to communicate with the authorities in these places requesting their co-operation in the matter. It was also de- cided to ask the Merioneth and Cardigan County Councils to identify themselves wilb the movement as well as Aberayron and New QnayUrban Councils. It is also the intention to seek the aid of Mont- gomeryshire towns in order to make the appeal as strong as it is possible to do. TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION. ANALYSIS OF THE VOTING. The following analysis of the voting will be of interest to our readers. In all 85 combinations are recorded:—Doughton, Phillips, Roberts, White, 11; Doughton, Phillips, Roberts, Thomas, 41; Doughton, Roberts, Thomas, White, 182; Doughton, Roberts, Salmon, Thomas, 43; Doughton, Hopkins, Roberts, Salmon, 57; Doughton, Hopkins, Roberts, Thomas, 56; Doughton, Roberts, Salmon, White, 16; Doughton, Hopkins, Salmon, Thomas, 28; Dough- ton, Phillips, Roberts, Salmon, 7; Doughton, Hop- kins, Phillips, Roberts, 19; Doughton, Hopkins, Phillips, I Thomas, 8; Doughton, Phillips, Salmon, White, 4; Doughton, Hopkins, Phillips, Salmon, 39; Doughton, Hopkins, Thomas, White, 2; Dough- ton, Hopkins, Roberts, White, 16; Doughton, Phillips, Thomas, White, 4; Doughton, Hopkins, Phillips, White, 7; Doughton, Salmon, Thomas, White, 5; Doughton, Phillips, Salmon, Thomas, 8 Doughton, Hopkins, Salmon, White, 10; Doughton, Hopkins, White, 3; Doughton, Roberts, White, 6 Doughton, Salmon, White, 5; Doughton, Roberts, Salmon, 4; Doughton, Hopkins, Salmon, 34; Doughton, Phillips, Salmon, 7; Doughton, Roberts, Thomas, 13; Doughton, Phillips, White, 1; Dough- ton, Hopkins, Roberts, 6; Doughton, Hopkins, Phillips, 2; Doughton, Salmon, Thomas, 2 Dough- ton, Hopkins, Thomas, 1; Doughton, Thomas, White, 1; ;Doughton, Phillips, Thomas, 2; Dough- ton, Hopkins, 11; Doughton, Salmon, 13; Dough- ton, Phillips, 3 Doughton, White, 2; Doughton, Roberts, 5; Doughton, Thomas, 4; Hopkins, Phillips, Salmon, Thomas, 18; Hopkins, Phillips, Roberts, Thomas, 15; Hopkins, Phillips, Roberts, Salmon, 16; Hopkins, Salmon, Thomas, White, 9 Hopkins, Phillips, Thomas, White, 5; Hopkins, Roberts, Salmon, White, 9; Hopkins, Roberts, Salmon, Thomas, 24; Hopkins, Roberts, Thomas, White, 7; Hopkins, Phillips, Salmon, White, 9; Hopkins, Phillips, Roberts, White, 5; Hopkins, Roberts, White, 5; Hopkins, Salmon, Thomas, 5 Hopkins, Salmon, White, 4; Hopkins, Phillips, Thomas, 1; Hopkins, Roberts, Salmon, 12; Hop- kins, Roberts, Thomas, 3 Hopkins, Phillips, Roberts, 3; Hopkins, Phillips, White, 1; Hopkins, Thomas, White, 1 Hopkins, Phillips, Salmon, 21 Hopkins, Salmon, 96; Hopkins, Phillips, 9; Hop- kins, Roberts, 7; Hopkins, Thomas, 1 Phillips, Roberts, Thomas, White, 20; Phillips, Roberts, Salmon, White, 6; Phillips, Roberts, Salmon, Thomas, 9; Phillips, Salmon, Thomas, White, 5 Phillips, Roberts, White, £ Phillips, Roberts, Salmon, 3; Phillips, Salmon, Thomas, 2; Phillips, Salmon, White, 1; Phillips, Salmon, 22; Phillips, White, 1; Phillips, Roberts, 1; Phillips, Thomas, 1; Roberts, Salmon, Thomas, White, 13; Roberts, Salmon, Thomas, 5; Roberts, Salmon, White, 5; Roberts, Thomas, White, 4; Roberts, White, 8; Roberts, Thomas, 7; Roberts, Salmon, 7; Salmon, Thomas, 12; Salmon, White, 2. Salmon, 145 Phillips, 26; Hopkins, 22; Doughton, 20; Thomas, 17; Roberts, 15; White, 13. Doughton appears in 40 combinations, Hopkins in 40, Phillips in 37, Roberts in 39, Salmon in 40, Thomas in 36, and White in 37.

CARDIGAN COUNTY COUNCIL. QUARTERLY MEETING AT LAMPETER. Mr J C Harford presided and there were present, Alderman C M Williams, Peter Jones (Aberyst- wyth), Evan Davies and Morgan Evans, Councillors John Jonps (Taliesin), Joseph Parrv (Goginau), Vaughan Davies, M.P., D C Roberts, Robert Ellis, Wm Evans, Henry Bonsall, Thomas Morgan, Ed Jones, T Davies, W T Davies, R Doughton, E II James, Major H E Bonsall, Ed Evans, Dd Jenkins, Wm vans, D. J. Williams, David Davies, Evan Jones, J Hughes, Evan Morgan, J 0 Davies, Rd Jones, J Jenkin Joues, David Lloyd, T H R Hughes, E Lewis Jones, Major Pryce Lewis, Jenkin Jenkini, A J Joseph, T Morris, Edward Evans, James James, with Mr Fryer (clerk), Mr Perrott (treasurer), and Mr Howell Evans (chief constable). A HAPPY EVENT. Before proceeding with the ordinary business of the meeting, the Chairman said he daresay that they bad heard that their Clerk was about to get married (hear, hear). He had been connected with the Council since the commencement aud it would be uncourteous if they did not at once publicly ex- piess the hope that he would have a very happy married life (applause). He desired that they should give him their most hearty congratulations upon bis forthcoming marriage and hoped that he would have a long and happy life (applause).— Alderman Peter Jones seconded the proposal and spoke highly of Mr Fryer's conduct of business.— The proposition was carried amid cheers.— In reply, Mr Fryer said that he was quite taken by surprise at that public announcement of what be j thought was going to be a very private arrange- ] ment (laughter). For the last ten years he had tried to do his duty (cheers), and he was exceedingly pleased to find that the County Council was able to place upon record its belief that he had tried to do so (hear, hear). WESTERN SEA FISHERIES ABERY8TWYTH AS A PLACE OF MEETING. The following gentlemen were appointed mem- bers of the Western Sea Fisheries Committee :— Alderman J M Howell, Major Bonsall, Councillors i Henry Bonsall, R M Williams, and Ed Jones.—Councillor Henr^Bonsall said that Cardi- gan contributed largely M the funds of the com- mittee, and he thought that they ought to have at least one meeting of the committee at Aberystwyth. —The Chairman thought that that was a matter which should go on the agenda.—Alderman C. M. Williams You can attach it to this resolution, that it is the opinion of the Council that one meeting should be held at Aberystwyth.—The Chairman Perhaps Mr Bonsall will propose it.—Councillor Bonsall: I think that it will come with greater weight from the chair.—The Chairman Very well, I propose that the Council is of opinion that at least one meeting should be held at Aberystwyth.— Councillor R Doughton seconded, and the motion was carried. CONDITION OF MAIN ROADS. Councillor D. Lloyd moved the report of the Southern Main Roads Committee, which contained a report by Mr Davies, surveyor, that the roads under his care were in,a>ery satisfactory condition. —Major Pryce Lewis challenged this statement, and said that the road from Aberayron to Lampeter was in a very bad state.-r-The Suiveyor said that if the yearly expenditure was compared it would be found that this road was treated as well as any of the other roads within the county.—Alderman Williams supported the Surveyor upon this point, and said that the average expenditure was in pro- portion to other parts of the county. It was not fair to take a quarter or a half year's expenditure. —The Chairman expressed the hope that the com- mittee would see to the matter and have more material laid down.—The committee's estimate for the quarter was put down at £ 500.—The report was adopted as a whole.—Councillor Joseph Parry presented the report of the Northern Main Roads Committee, which estimated the expenditure for the quarter at d6580. The committee recommended D. Davies, of Talybont, as driver of the steam roller engine.—The report was adopted. ALLEGED ENCROACHMENT. The Northern Main Roads Committee recom- mended that legal proceedings be taken against Mr John Jones of Maesyfelin for encroaching upon the main road.—The Clerk said that some years ago a committee was appointed and they reported that an encroachment had taken place. Mr Picton Evans said that he was prepared to contest the claim. The Sur/eyor now reported a further en- croachment. — The Surveyor: Yes, for about twenty yards. — On the motion of Councillor R. Doughton it was agreed to appoint a committee to report upon it. THE DEVIIS. BRIDGE. Mr Lloyd, the Surveyor, reported that the Devil's Bridge was gradually giving way and the only re- commendation which he could offer was to build a new bridge.—Alderman Jones: Have you called in the assistance of an expert ?—The Surveyor: No.—Alderman Jones: I certainly suggest that you do so.-The Surveyor: I did so in 1896.— Alderman Jones: We ought to have the beat possible evidence upon this matter.—Alderman Williams said that it was only fair to the Surveyor to say that a Committee had visited the spot and they had the advice of a competent man—a man whose word could be relied upon. The evidence of the expert upon that occasion was still adhered to. If the bridge was coming down in 1896 it certainly could not improve since then.—A vote was taken and the proposal of Alderman Jones to call in ex- pert evidence was carried by one vote. THE ALLEGED ENCROACHMENT AT LLANBADARN. The Council approved of the appointment of the following gentlemen to report upon the alleged encroachment at Llanbadarn: Aldermen Peter Jones, and C. M. Williams, Councillors E. H. James, Major Bonsall, and Joseph Parry. NEW QUAY MAIN ROADS. Alderman C. M. Williams moved the adoption of the Finance Committee which recommended that a county rate of 3,d in the pound, and a technical instruction rate of a halfpenny in the pound be ileved.— Agreed.—The. report also recommended the Council to increase the payment to JE30 per mile for the maintenance of the main roads by the New Quay Urban Council.—The Clerk now read a letter from the New Quay Council asking forjE70 per mile. -Alderman Williams said that the Committe went into the matter carefully with the deputation from New Quay and they were satisfied that the sum they recommended the Council to pay was a fair sum.—Councillor J. O. Davies (New Quay) moved as an amendment that they grant the £70.- The amendment was seconded.—Only two voted for the amendment and the report was adopted. 8ALARIES OF JUSTICES* CLERKS. Followiug upon a decision in the Court of Ap- peal the Finance Committee recommended in future that no payment of the salaries of the Aber- ystwyth and Cardigan Justices' clerks should be made after the quarter ending September 30th.— The Clerk explained that the decision of ihe Court ruled that such monies should be paid by the Boroughs. The payments hitherto made by the County Council were perfectly legal and regular because they were made upon the ruling of Mr Justice Vaughan Williams. — Alderman Jones pointed out that if the county had paid the salaries they had also been in receipt of the fines and fees. The recommendation was approved. APPLICATION FOR SALARY. A letter from Mr J. p. Perrott asking for a salary as treasurer was referred to the Finance Committee. LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT. Alderman Jones moved a resolution that certain powers of control now exercised by the Local Government Board and other Central Authorities might safely be devolved upon the Councils of Counties and County Boroughs. He considered the present movement a very opportune one for bring- ing forward this matter as alterations were about to be carried out at the offices of the Local Govern- ment Board, and that Board could be relieved of much work if the County Councils were granted the power now alone vested in the Board.—Alder- man Morgan Evans seconded, and it was carried. CZAR'S MANIFESTO. In the absence of Alderman John Williams, Alderman Morgan Evans moved the following re- solution That this County Council hails with supreme satisfaction the manifesto of the Czar requesting a conference of the Powers to consider the possibility of a reduction in the armaments of Europe, and respectfully urges our Government to do its utmost to secure.the success of the proposed conference.—Councillor Thomas Evans seconded.— The resolution wan carried, and amid much laughter Alderman Morgan Evans asked that a copy of the resolution should be sent to the Russian Ambassador and Lord Salisbury.—The Council then rose.

THE ALLEGED CHILD MURDER AT MINSTERLEY. At the County Police Office, Shrewsbury, on Monday, before the Rev L. J. Lee, Senia Edith Bright, the young woman who, at Pontesbury, on the 7th inst., was remanded for a week on the charge of wilful murder of her illegitimate child, was again brought up. It was stated that the prisoner had been ill since she was remanded, and she now presented a weakly appearance. She stated chat she understood a solicitor had been engaged for her defence, but as no one appeared she was again remanded until to-day (Saturday).

NEWTOWN. LAMPS, LANTERNS, AND ACCESSORIES.—WHY pay catalogue prices when you can have large dis- count at PARK'S STORKS, 17, Short Bridge, New- town. See Vases just imported. T. C. Cross, manager. [Advt. THE ACCIDENT: THE SYMPATHY OF THE BOROUGH MEMBER. On hearing of the accident at the Cambrian Mills. Colouel Pryce-Jones, M.P., wired the following message to the secretary of the Severn Valley Powvaland Mills: Offer all help you can to Cambrian Company." CHESS CLUB.-A match was played at the Benr Hotel on Saturday evening between the home team and Rhayader, the visitors being victorious, wiuuing 5 games, the home team winning 3. This was the return match, Newtown last year journeying to Rhayader. TO-DAY'S TEAM.—The following team will appear against Iron-Bridge, in the Shropshire League tournament to-day Goal, A,f. Ed wards backs, E. Rees and C. Parry; half-backs, H. Tucker, R. E. Moore and E. Davies; right wing, W. E. Pryce- Jones and M. Watkin centre, A. Swettenham; left wing, R. Bevan and W. Parry. FOOTBALL.—The benefit match for C. Parry is looked forward to with great interest. Mr Stanley D. Edesbury writing to Mr T. J. Pugh, hon. sec. of the Newtown Club, enclosed a subscription on be- half of the movement. He stated that no players in Wales better deserved a good benefit than does C. Parry. A very good team is being got together to face the Everton men and a good match will be witnessed. PRESENTATION.—Mr W. R. Crewe, of this town, formerly a clerk in the employ of Mr Barker Hali- well, Cambrian Brewery, has been presented with a handsome Gladstone bag, brush and comb case, studs and cuff links, on the occasion of his promo- tion to the Barton-on-Trent office of Inde Coope & Co. The present was contributed by the em- ployees and customers of Inde Coope & Co. at New- town and a few friends and well wishers, and the arrangements were carried out by Mr F. B. Lloyd and Mr W. Hamer. The articles were sent to Mr Crewe to Burton and acknowledged through Mr Hamer. He thanked all who had so kindly con- tributed to the presents, which he would very highly value. THE ACCIDENT.-The funeral of the remains of the two men killed, took place on Thursday when there was a very large attendance, the procession was formed at the Iufirmary and proceeded to the Cemetery, the streets en route being "lined with sympathetic spectators, the remains of Abraham Humphreys were interred in the Cemetery where the service was conducted by the Rev T. E. Williams, Rev T. Griffiths (in Welsh) and Rev G. Phillips. The remains of Brown were conveyed to Llandyssil where deceased was a native of. Every tokeu of universal sympathy with the bereaved families was manifested all along the route of the procession. BAPTIST SCHOOLROOM.—The second of a series of social gatherings was held on Thursday evening, when there was a good attendance. The chair was taken by Rev T. E. Williams in the absence of Mr R. Lloyd. Before commencing the programme the Chairman asked the assembly to stand as a token of sympathy with the sufferers in the recent catastrophe. This was done, and the programme was then proceeded with. Messrs Reynolds, Trenchard, Oliver and Humphreys opened the meeting with an instrumental selection which was much enjoyed as were also two other pieces by the same performers. Mr C. Davies followed with Off to Philadelphia and he gave a good render- ing of this favourite song, aud Miss Hilda Barnes made a very good impression with a pianoforte solo. The next item was a recitation by Mr T. P. Keay "Christmas Day" and he fairly brought down the house. In the absence of Miss Cornelia Morgan, Mss M. Humpheys sang Home, Dearie Home," and Mr Lewis Humphreys gave a good display on the concertina and was encored. In the second portion Mr Alf. Evans gave a very fine display of The Star of Bethlehem." Mr E. Lucas (violin), and Miss Maggie Humphreys were both deservedly encored with their selections, the latter singing "Killarney" in a most tasteful manner. On the line was the subject of a recitation by Miss M. Evans which was must enjoyed. Votes of thanks were accorded the artistes, and after the singing of the National Anthem the meeting terminated. Miss Trow was the accompanist. DEATH OF MR G. WILMER HERBERT.—We deeply regret to have to announce in our obituary column the death of Mr George Wilmer Herbert, second son of the late Col. Herbert, of Glanhafren, near this town, and of Upper Helmsley Hall, York. Mr Herbert, from boyhood, showed that he inherited the martial spirit of his brave father and uncle Richard, who distinguished themselves in the Indian army, which branch of the service he intended entering, but after his military course of education had been completed, it was found that his sight and general health began to fail him, therefore he was compelled with great reluctance to relinquish his military pursuits. After further symptoms of declining health set in, he resided most of his time at Helmsley Hall with his mother until she died, after which event he went to reside in London, where he remained until his death, which took place on Thursday, the llih inst., after a long and painful illness, which he bore with great fortitude and resignation. By his kind, amiable, and gentlemanly disposition he won the affectionate esteem and respect of all with whom he came in contact.

LLANBRYNMAIR. LITERARY SOCIIETY.-The subject under dis- cussion at the above Society in the British School last Monday evening was Ritualism." Before the reading of the paper a very interesting programme was gone through in which Miss Irene Ethelberta Williams, Masters Percy and Melville Williams and Miss Mary Thomas took part. In a quartette com- petition (singing at sight), Mr Edwin Evans and friends were declared by the adjudicator, Mr Ed. Rowlands, fully worthy of the prize. Mr Evans generously returned the prize to the funds of the Committee. In a Welsh spelling bee (Adjudicator, Mr Richard Williams), Miss Roberts, assistant mistress, received the prize. The Rev W. Rhys Williams, Curate of Llanbrynmair, then read his paper. The reader explained that it would be im- possible for him to deal with Ritualism in all its branches in the half-hour allotted and so would confine himself to two things, viz. That there bad been three Orders of Clergy in the Church from the beginning as well as Farms of Prayers." In conclusion he gave a large number of instances how everything connected with the Church of England had a meaning, and showed that Ritualism meant teaching through the eye as well as through the ear and he could not see why the former should lead to idolatry more than the latter.—Several speakers criticised the paper. -Mr Richard Williams expressed disappointment that the reader had not dealt more with higher Ritualism, as e.g., consubstantiation.-T hat, said Mr Williams, was Ritualism in the extreme. He strongly objected to the clergyman being con- sidered higher in church than the laity, as that was another instance of Ritualism. He said there was an impression among Church people that the bread and wine improve under the hand of the Priest. He considered that a great mistake, and said that many of the clergy, through having too many cele- brations the same day, drank wine totexcess. He strongly objected to Fasting Communion.—Mr Demetrius Owen expressed disappointment that the reader had not dealt more with the Ritualism of the Middle Ages.—Messrs E. Evans and Davies spoke in praise of the paper.—Mr John Edward* made a speech against Kitualism endeavouring to prove that outward forms must destroy the religion the religion of the heart.— Mr George H. Peate spoke in favour of Ritualism and stated that he would be glad to see more of it in chapels instead of throwing pills at another in his prayer. He spoke of the irreverent mar-ner people walked in and out of chapel and conducted themselves during prayer, and stated that he fully approved of all the Ritualism of the Church of England, which tended to improve the services and only objected to those for which there could be no meaning.—The Rev W. Rhys Willliams, in reply, pointed out that the majority of the speakers had not touched his paper at all, but had wandered astray in other directions. Mr R. Williams was wrong in his statement that the Archbishop of Canterbury had strongly advocated consubstantiation, and that that was a doctrinal point and not Ritualism. He thought the Clergyman, or even the Congregational Minister, ought to take a higher standing in the congregation than an ordinary layman. There was much ignorance about the simplest Church matters. Had Mr Williams been a Churchman he would have known that no Priest consecrates twice the same day, except in the absence of another Clergyman. Mr D. Owen should remember that whatever faults the Church bad in the Middle Ages should not be put against it in the 19th century. With regard to Mr John Edwards, he denied that Ritualism de- stroyed the religion of the heart but rather helped it.—Votes of thanks were passed to the Rev Mr Williams and his children for their services and the meeting ended with Hen wlad fy nhadau," Mr Richard Rowlands singing the aolo.

POSTERS printed in all colours a* the COUNTY -t. TIMES Office, Welshpool newest type; good style; moderate chargss.