The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

POOL QUAY. LECTURE.—On Tuesday a most useful and inter- esting lecture was given on "Bees" in the School- room by the Rev.J. Vize (Forden) and Mr J. Pugh (PoorQuar). The former, with the aid of a power- ful lantern, showed and explained the different parts of the bee, while the latter gave several practical hints on bee-keeping. The Schoolroom was quite full and all appeared greatly interested in the lectures.

plEA1,Tff IS. I R-1 B LO 0- ID Prepared under MEDICAL INSTRUCTION from PUREST COCOA, KOLA NUT, MALT, and the FERRUGINOUS or IRON-BEARING ELEMENTS OF FOOD. A Doliciou, Refreshing, and Sustain,ng Beverage. How many people are to be seen daily who are suffering from impoverished blood, brought about by an insufficiency of Iron in their system. Such people are Anajmic, i.e., their blood is not rich enough in Hæmorrlobin or Red Colouring Matter to perform its work properly. The result is that they constantly suffer from breathlessness, palpita- tion of the heart, lassitude, and general incapacity for mental or physical exertion. These symptoms are shown by their pale skins, expressionless eyes, and languid gait. To keep the fire of life burning healthily a plentiful supply of OXYGEN is necessary. This Oxygen is absorbed from the lungs by the Hromoplobiu or Red Corpuscles in the blood", and carried to all parts of the body, there to comhina and burn up the food it comes in contact with and supply the ditVcront structures with the re- quisite energy and heat. The power of Haemo- globin to curry Oxygen DEPENDS UPON THE QUANTITY OF IRON CONTAINED IN IT, for the chief feature of Hemoglobin is, that it contains and is made up very largely of IRON. FfcRiRif-GOCOA contains a rich proportion of these Ferruginous; EJctncsiiss and theae must of necessity enrich the blood, remove Anemia, lessen the tendency to Consumption and all LULlg" Complaints, and bring to the cheeks the ruddy glow of health. These elements are extracted by scientific methods from FOOD and added to FEIUifJ COCOA UNDER THE INSTRJCTIONS OF MEDICAL MEN. Form-Cocoa, is the only Cocoa containing Iron. r^];ci3 in 6d., 9d. & 1/6 tins, of all Chemists & Grocers. Literature, containing Bevorts from the highest Medical and Analytical Lrp81.ts, pouted free. Free Samples sent to Medical Men, Trained Curses, Clcniymen and Ministers, on application to FEKRU-COCOA M'FG CO., LTD., 329, GOSWELL ROAD, LONDON, E.C.

MR. STANLEY LEIGHTON, M.P., AT OSWESTRY CONSERVATIVE CLUB. The first smoking concert of the season took place in the Conservative Clubroom on Friday night week when Mr Stanley Leighton, M.P. for the division, presided. There were also present—The Mayor (Dr W Aylmer Lewis), Alderman Whitfield, Alderman W II Spaull, Messrs R T Gough, G Inglis, D Vaughan, W Martin, G C Smith, A Fay tViHiams, R Hughes, J P Sheather. E N Gardner, C H Bull, T Knight Barnard, J H Gough (treasurer), and G A Doody (secretary). Messrs G Alldritt, A W Sabine, George Whitfield, and G E Whatley arranged an excellent programme which was creditably gone through and was as follows :—Pianoforte solo, Mr Knight Barnard; song, "Tommy Atkins," Mr Arthur Parsons; character comic song, "At my time of life" (encored), Mr George Merricew recitation, The midnight charge," Mr J Groves song, The Queen's Own" (encored), Mr R C Jones; song, The young brigade," lr G Alldritt; comic song, Didn't get a look at them," Mr E J Lanceley cornet solo, Mr Wilfrid Ollerhead song, Boys of the old brigade," MrG Alldritt; character comic song, My intended," Mr S Branch; recita- tion, The fireman's wedding," Mr J Craig; song, My lot took the cake" (encored), Mr G Merridew concertina solo (encored), Mr C Edwards; song, Pass no rude remarks," Mr E J Lanceley song, Queen of the booth (encored), Mr R C Jones. Mr T R Williams ably acted ae accompanist. MR. STANLEY LEIGHTON ON CURRENT AFFAIRS. During an interval the CHAIRMAN rose to address the meetiug and was received with prolonged cheering. He said: Gentlemen, members of the Oswestry Conservative Club, at this period of the evening it is the duty of the Chairman to call upon himself, and he gladly responds to the orders which he cannot fail to obey, and therefore I rise to interrupt the proceedings to a certain extent, which up to the present time have been so interest- ing and effective. Yet I do not apologise for in- terrupting the concert, nor do I think that I shall say anything which is out of tune-(Iaughter and applause) — because all those who are gathered here belong to a political club, and at a political club there is every reason why a political address should be delivered. I am in no fear of treading upon anyone's political corns because only those who hold common opinions upon the principles upon which the government of the country should be carried on and of the persons to wbom the govern- ment of the country should be entrusted-only those who hold common opinions upon such subjects are here. Now, there is a good reason for those who belong to a political club to assert and never be afraid of asserting their political opinions, and they ought to be able to give the reason for the faith that is in them, and therefore when I address the members of the Oswestry Conservative Club at the head or centre of the division I feel that 1 am in the responsible position of not only addressing you, but addressing every constituent and every person who lives in this division (hear, hear). Therefore I feel myself in a responsible position, aud I feel that you will not object to a certain seriousness in my remarks which I cannot help using when I address so great and so important a body of men. Since the year has begun-during the past year, two men of world-wide reputation have passed away—Mr Gladstone and Prince Bis- marck. Both of them died in retirement, but both of them worked in harness till they were over four score years of age, which certainly says something for the healthiness of » political career. I suppose there is no one in this room except myself who ever voted as a constituent for Mr Gladstone. I voted as a graduate of the University of Oxferd iu the year 1865 for Mr Gladstone. I have never regretted that vote (hear, hear). On the contrary 1 should havek been glad to see Mr Gladstone my repre- sentative for the University of Oxford to the very end of his days. It seemed to me that such per- sonal qualifications as he possessed might have commanded the suffrages of the University and there is a certain spirit of toleration which exists in all Conservatives and I do believe that there is an element of Conservatism in most Radicals (hear, hear). Therefore it happens that here at all events I am able to gauge the qualities of a political opponent without any of that narrow and irrecon- cilable prejudice which often distorts and mars the utterances of politicians. Mr Gladstone was by parentage a Scotchman, by birth place an English- man, by culture an Italian, by adoption a Welsh- man, by sympathy an Irishman—all of them claimed something in that illustrious man, but first and most of all the House of Commons marks him as its own—there was the home of his activities, there was the scene of his greatest triumphs, there his life was lived. Ah, where the spirit, its highest life had led, all spots with that spot is less divine." He regarded the voice of the House of Commons as an expression of authority almost more than human. He listened, he reverenced, he obeyed, he led, and in his keeping its honour was always safe, and in this man every party in his succession, for a while, centred its hopes. To one he gave his joys and brilliant youth, to another his matured years, to a third his experience in manhood, to a fourth his old age; all may claim something in this man and as we knew him, the product as it were of the highest university culture, refined and most highly educated, he was yet the favoured of the middle classes and the masses followed him exactly. Churchman of Churchmen, he was loved by the Dissenters and indeed every cause which he espoused, he surrounded with a halo of religious sanctity which made his followers possess themselves with the idea that theirs and theirs alone was the cause of morality. Indeed he of all men entered the political arena clad in the breast plate of righteous- ness and with the shield of faith. He lived in public a public life under the fierce gaze of the public eye. Fitting was it that in death he should lie in state under the roof of the historical Hall of Westminster, and that he should sleep in the transept of the venerable Abbey, where men's incessant stream goes by. The other great spirit which has passed away is that of Prince Bismarck. How splendidly has he written his name across the scroll of his fatherland. When he was born Germany was an aggregation or federation of many states. He left it a united German Empire, and as long as the German tongue is spoken and the empire lasts Prince Bismarck's name will be re- membered gratefully by his countrymen (applause). LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN IRELAND. But, gentlemen, I pass from these past famous men to those who at the present time are con- ducting the Government of England, who are at present working in the same line as they were. We have to-day perhaps the strongest Government since the beginning of the century, and none but a strong Government could have undertaken that great work, the greatest work yet undertaken— Irish Local Government—the restoration of peace, tranquility, goodwill, and prosperity of Ireland. It is a slow process. You cannot restore the social conditions and industrial prosperity of a nation by an Act of Parliament. It comes by slow degrees, by administration and not by sudden actions. The troubles of Ireland, as I have already stated here and elsewhere, seem to me to be social and in- dustrial more than political. Poverty and dis- content are twin sisters, and as long as the Irish people are poor I am certain they will be discon- tented, and as long as they are discontented I am certain that their discontent will show itself, to a certain extent to be of a political nature. There- fore it seems to me that the great work of the Government — although I should have been much more pleased if it could have been carried out by independent enterprise— seems to be somewhat or other to make the position of the great masses of the Irish people more comfortable, and so I do not think that the public money which has been spent upon helping the Irish has been ill spent, or spent in vain (hear, hear). It has been spent upon a congested district to develop the industry; and the money spent in relieving the local taxation appears to me to have been well spent, and the position and condition of Ireland now is one which we may feel proud of, and which we may hope, if the same policy continues, will bring great results. The great measure of this present Government has been the creation and es- tablishment of local Government in Ireland—the creation of elective councils to manage the local business of the Irish people in the same way as our County Councils manage our business. The work has been successfully done in England, and I do not see any reason why it should not be successfully done in Iieland. On the contrary, I think it will be a success, and I am satisfied that it will be one of the ways under which, if we can only continue this policy long enough, the discontent and trouble and disloyalty, which we have complained of in Ire- land will be swept away. It is a very great measure, and a business which no Government but a very strong Government could carry through. INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS. Now I will pass into the industrial complications which are going on in England. It is a proof of life and energy that these problems should be coming on. Industrial problems will always arise in an industrial country, and you will never get to the end of them, because as you progress and develop new difficulties and new conditions will arise. Therefore do not suppose that we in Eng- land will get rid of the industrial, social problems. All we can do by legislature is to keep pace with the new conditions of the times (applause). These conditions will always change, and if we ever come to a stationary stage we shall lie on the down grade. The great step which has been made by the present powerful Government is the Act for the compensation of workmen for injuries sustained in their trade. That introduces an enormous principle, which is capable of enormous develop- ment. At. present we have only began, and I believe it is a great thing that a Unionist Govern- ment should have made this step. 1 do not think we have by any means come to the end of those resources of civilization, which may be found in the principles or systems of insurance. We have done something, and Insurance Societies have done a great deal, but I do not think we have by any means yet arrived at the end of what Insurance Societies— insurance principles I would rather say—may be capable of doing for the condition of great masses of the people of England, the people of the world, but something has been done at all events. The great Friendly Societies have led the way, and I do hope that, without interfering with their independent action, they will be assisted by way of strengthening them in the principles they have laid down of insurance of old age, against accidents, and against sickness, and if they can carry out this work they may well claim to have assistance from the Govern- ment (applause). The difficult social question of the hours of labour and of the rate of wages has always seemed to me to be not a national question, but an international question. We cannot tie the hands of our workmen by Act of Parliament, unless and until those in foreign countries work in the same line as our artizans work, are prepared to work for the fame wage and for the same hours (applause). There are a great many subjects with which I think it would be appropriate to the occasion for me to deal, but it would take up too much time. LOCAL TAXATION. I pass on to one question which has always been to me a question of most vital importance and for a great number of yeaes, long before I had the honour to represent this constituency I took a great interest in the question øf local taxation— how are we to provide for the public needs of the people. A portion of these needs are provided by local taxation and a portion by Imperial taxation, but the question is always present how much should be provided by Imperial taxation and how much by local taxation. This is a very serious matter and should receive the attention of every- one who lives in this country. because it does not very much matter as far as the spending authori- ties are concerned whether money is taken out of the peckets of the ratepayers or the tax payer, but it is a very important matter if'you happen to be an owner of property whether the ratepayer should put his hand very deep into your pocket or whether if you are a taxpayer how far the taxpayer should put his hand into your pocket. The system of local rates was founded in the time of Elizabeth. The condition of things in the time of Elizabeth are hardly such as the conditions in the time of Queen Victoria. Land values-the values that come from the occupiers of land-bave fallen very much, but the money values from which the Imperial taxes are chiefly paid have increased enormously. The agricultural land has decreased in value enormously, comparatively, and the personalty has greatly increased. The consequence is that the present rating system is somewhat antiquated, and it is in consequence of this and in consequence of the agricultural depression that the present Government came into office, and the mandates of the constituencies was that the rates upon agricultural land should be re-considered, that is to say that the farmers and freeholders should be relieved to a certain extent from what seemed to be an unfair adjustment of taxation. Well, that was done. Half of the rates upon the agricultural laud, upon the freeholders and farmers, was taken off aud placed upon the taxes instead of the rates. Why the Radicals should have opposed such a reasonable aud just relief of taxation upon the farmers and freeholders in the country I do not know, but this I do know, that it is a very serious consideration for all those who live in an agricultural constituency to contemplate the possibility—I will not say the probability—of a Radical Government coming into office and all their rates being instantly doubled, and that is unfortu- nately the state of things which faces every farmer and every freeholder and every labourer in this constituency of the Western Division of Shropshire (applause). I have always been surprised at the bitterness with which the Radicals have opposed any pecuniary assistance to the ratepayers. We have never been able to get from the Radicals any assistance with regard to local taxation. It is very unwise of them to oppose it, but they do oppose it, and what seems to me is one of their dis- qualifications—one of them, not all—for office is tbeir extreme hardness upon the rural population of this country. I know they comfort them with what they call political sympathy, but they have never given them a -farthing of money to assist them to make the two ends meet (applause). The present Government, taking one case, have given a large grant to voluntary schools to keep them on their legs. Look at this from an economical point of view—the question of pounds, shillings and pence. If the Radical succeeded in what they have always tried to do—if they suc- ceeded in abolishing voluntary schools what would be the result ? In order to provide the necessary school accommodation the ratepayers would have to pay two millions a year and would have to find no less a sum than thirty millions as capital to provide the schools (applause). The re-arrange- ment of local taxation by no means ends what I have dealt with at present. I have always thought aud still hope to see the whole cost of the work- houses and lunatic asylums taken from the rates and placed upon the taxes, and I am perfectly satisfied that that is only fair and just a re-arrange- ment when you consider the difference between the money which comes in from the rates and the money which comes from the general income of the country. However, I do not wish to deal with that question to-night. FOREIGN AFFAIRS. The interests of England at the present time are abroad rather than domestic politics. The eyes of all England are turned to what is going on abroad and not what is going on in England. Never has the wisdom of the policy of strengthening our Navy been so readily justified (loud applause). I think we may all rejoice that diplomacy has arranged the Fashoda difficulty (hear, hear). That incident seems to be at an end and we need not discuss it further, and there remains nothing to disturb the satisfaction of Englishmen at the crowning victory of Kitchener at Khartoum (cheers). They were no feather bed soldiers"—(laughter)—and we in this district can claim to have bred some of those who were bis companions (applause). General Gatacre comes from an old family; the Lloyds of Swanhill were his ancestors, and one of the streets of Os- westry has his name. General Gatacre is now General of the Eastern District, and is a K.C.B. (loud applause). Then there is General Lewis, son of the Rector of Llandrinio, and I think he was educated at Oswestry School (applause). General Lewis is now a C.B. Let me mention the gallant son of a gallant father—Colonel Francis Lloyd. We are sorry that his father has passed away and yet we are glad that he lived long enough to know of his son's distinction. His sou has received tho medal for distinguished service and is now a Colonel of the Guards. Then there is Colonel Sandbach, of Bryngwyn. He has received brevit rank and has now been placed in the respon- sible position of Military Secretary to the Governor- General of India. So I think we may feel some amount of pride in knowing that our friends took part in this great triumph (loud applause). Now we may fairly take a retrospect of the policy which has been carried on in continuity by both parties with regard to Egypt with varied success. The nrst great step was taken when Mr Disraeli pur- chased the Suez Canal shares, an operation which was as successful politically as it was financially and he also peacefully obtained possession of Cyprus. That I think was the first great step which gave us the commanding voice with regard to the Suez Canal. You must remember that 90 per cent. of the ships which pass through the canal bear the English flag, and therefore it seems right that those who provided 90 per cent. of the income to keep the Suez Canal going—that the nation to which they ;belong should have some control over the canal. The next great step was the bombardment of Alexandria and the battle of Tel-el-Keber, and the next step was the firso expedition to Khartoum and the death of Gordon. Upon that I draw a veil to-night. But now, after 13 years, the flags of Egypt and of Britain float over the waters of the Blue Nile-(loud applause)—and we have given peace and tranquility to the inhabitants of these regions and we have given an open way to the com- meroe of the world (applause). It is seldom in a campaign that you can awe nothing but ruin and waste where the army has been but here in Kitchener's campaign it is different. We have some assets. We can turn to 700 miles of railway, we can point to 3,COO miles of telegraph wires, and we can point to a flotilla of steam boats bearing the com- merce of Europe to Khartoum (applause). I do not think any campaign in the history of the world can produce, has ever produced, such industrial results (applause). As we all know there are clouds still on the horizon. We know that the Asiatic problem is not altogether solved, there are new factors in Asia and Japan, and the Phillipines are now in the occupation of a kindred nation. Europe Beems to be parcelling ont the Chinese Empire. For my own part I am not quite certain whether China is yet in the category of dying nations, but I should not be surprised if there was a resurrection. But let events be what they may England holds net own in Europe, in Asia, and in the world, and whether the nations envy her or not, it matters little, because they all respect her (applause). We may be satisfied that these great works throughout the world have been accomplished by a Unionist Government, and that Lord Salisbury, the servant of the Qaeen, and the chosen of the people, is our leader and is at the helm (cheers). The MAYOR proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman for his inspiring address. For twenty- seven years he had represented that division, they had heard of the doings of Shropshire men in the Soudan, but it was only fair to refer to the many victories Mr Stanley Leighton had won for them (applause). They did not know what troubles might be in the front in future. They might have a contested election but as the song said" Let them all come" (laughter and applause). The speaker referred to Mr Leighton's conduct in the House, and said he had never misrepresented his constitu- ents (applause). He was Shropshire to the back- bone, and they must have appreciated the kind words he uttered of one who was opposed to him in so many years of political warfare. He thought those words must have shown that Mr Leighton was a man who bore and had borne the good old name of gentleman (loud applause).—Alderman Whitfield seconded the vote, and said Mr Leighton had always taken the deepest interest in the Club and in the welfare of Oswestry (applause).—The vote was carried with acclamation and the singing of For he's a jolly good fellow."—The Chairman responded.— On the proposition of Alderman Spaull, seconded by Mr D. Vaughan, a vote of thanks was accorded the performers, to which Mr Alldritt responded.

CAERSYVS BOARD OF GUARDIANS. WEDNESDAY. Present: Mr R Bennett (chairman), presiding, Messrs D Higgs, Evau Powell, John Evans, T B Kinsey, Thomas Mills, David Lloyd, John Thomas, David Jones, Richard Breeze, Thomas Jones, Richard Pryce, Joseph Jones, John Lewis, John Brown, D. T. Francis, N. Bennett, Edward Powell, Richard Evans, E. P. Davies. and Evan Jones, with the Clerk (Mr Richard Williams), aud the Assistant Clerk (Mr Cecil Taylor). STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS. Mr John Lewis pointed out that some time ago the Visiting Committee in conjunction with the Lunacy Committee inspected the Workhouse, and recommended the carrying out of extensive altera- tions including the provision of hot water.—The Clerk read a letter from Mr Edward Parke, aichi- tect, Newtown, stating that his fee for preparing the necessary plans for the alterations would be £5.-Mr John Lewis said that it appeared to him that the consideration of the question of alterations to the House before the settling of the Asylum question was absolute folly. He was afraid that they were going to throw away £200 for nothing if they considered the matter before tiually settling the Asylum question.—It was decided that the matter should be adjourned for a month. THE ASYLUM QUESTION. The Clerk said that it appeared to him from the newspapers that the Llanfyllin Union, with regard to the Asylum question had accused the Caersws Guardians of changing their front. He had seen Mr Edward Powell, who had not yet arrived, and he suggested that he (the Clerk) should write to the Llanfyllin Board pointing out that the Caersws Board still wished to hold a conference, and explain- ing that it was on account of the Borden Board of Guardians declining to send delegates to the pro- posed conference that the position was changed. This on the proposition of Mr Jehn Lewis, was agreed to. VACCINATION STATIONS AND THE NEW ACT. The Clerk alluding to the recent Vaccination Act said that the question of the retention of the vaccination stations was adjourned at the tast meeting of the Board, a proposal being made to pay 2s extra to the public vaccinators "in cases which were three miles from the neatest surgery. — Mr D. Higgs inquired what fees under the old Act were.—The Clerk S&K! that it was Is 6d for persons living near a snrgsj?, then there was a graduated scale.—Mr J. Lewis Said at first sight he had thought that it was imperative that the Vaccination Stations should be abolished on the 1st of January, but he now fouud that it was not imperative, and he considered that if it was possible to retain the vaccination stations it would be a very great advantage. The recent Vaocination Amendment Act was, in his opinion, a wicked and mischievious Act, and might be much more fittingly described as the Vaccination Endment" Act. It was a bungle from beginning to end and was nothing but costly (hear, hear). It was an designed to benefit no one and to injure everybody, especially the ratepayers. Dr Palmer had told them that under the old Act it only took him from 16 to 20 hours to vaccinate the children of Newtown, whilst under the new system the same work occupied several days of his time. Supposing he vaccinated 240 children a year his salary would be JB72, and besides the medical man the Viccination Officer and the Registrar would have to be reckoned with. To his mind the vaccination question was a grievious and intolerable one. The matters laid down in the new Act were all very well in theory, but in practice they were complicated to a degree. The new system cost twice as much as the old. He suggested that if possible they retain the vaccination stations.—The Clerk: There is this difficulty. If we retain the stations we cantiot compel the children to aotend. — Mr Lewis admitted this but thought they might be permitted to make some slight deviation.—The Clerk stated that he had prepared the following statistics. In 1897 Dr Palmer received £19 18s. for 189 cases in his district. For the same number of cases he would now receive JE56 4s. In the same year Dr Morris was paid JE13 12s. 6d. for 74 cases, whilst according to the new scale tte would now be paid £22 4s. for a like number of cases. It was imper- ative on the Guardians to settle the matter definitely before the 1st January. If there was any difficulty thp only course was to refer the matter to the Local Government Board.—Mr Lewis proposed that the question be adjourned for a month, and that in the meantime the Clerk should write to the Local Government Board pointing out the scattered nature of the district and enquiring what, in the event of the retention of the vaccina- tion stations, the minimum fee would be.—Mr Evan Davies seconded, and Mr David Jones supported.— Carried.' PAPERS FOR THE INMATES. The Clerk reported receiving communications from the proprietors of the various local papers consenting to forward free copies of their papers every week for the use of the inmates. On the pro- positi jn of the Chairman it was decided that the best thanki of the Board be accorded to the donors. A NEW BY-LAW. Mr John Lewis said that the Board had now been in existence for some years under the Local Government Act. It was provided that Guardians who did not attend after signing the declaration of office were liable to a fine of £25. He would be sorry to see any maa fined so heavily and be proposed that the Board should frame a new by- law, subject to alteration, imposing a fine of .£1 upon non.attending members.—Mr David Jones seconded.—The Clerk said that the member specially referred to was Mr David Hamer.—Mr Lewis's proposition was agreed to and the Clerk was also directed to take the necessary steps to fill up the vacancy caused by Mr Hamer's non- attendance. APPOINTMENTS. Sarah Humphreys, Carno, was appointed cook by a majority of 13 votes, and Jones Woosnam, Llan- dinam, porter, by a majority of 15.

CAERSWS RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.—WEDNESDAY. A meeting was held after the meeting of the Board of Guardians, Mr John Lewis (chairman) presiding. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor, Mr Thomas Edmunds, reported that Mr Lloyd bad paid his promised subscription of JE5 towards the expense of repairs to the Gorn Road. He (the Surveyor) wished to call the attention ef the Council to the notices issued by the London County Council and to the promotion of the East and West Wales Railway from which it appeared that they intended diverting and other- wise interfering with some of the Council's high- ways in the parish of Llangurig. He had inspected the footpath cemplained of near Tylwch. He was informed that the footbridge had bee. down over 30 years and to erect a bridge at the old place would entail an outlay of about £12. REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Finance Committee reported having examined the Surveyor's iccounts with the vouchers and bills produced by him and they recommended the pay- ment, viz:—Manual labour, £121 14s 6d; team labour and materials account, JE6 13s 6d. The balance iB the Treasurer's hands was JE564 4s Id. Contiibutionsin arrear :—Aberhafesp, £ 13; Bettws, £23; Carno, £22; Kerry, £80; Llanidloes (without) £40; Llangurig, £34; Llandinam, £47: Llanwnog, £44; Llanwyddelan, .Ell Llanllugan, £10; Manafon, JB17 and Mochdie, JE12. Total, £353.- The report was adopted.

NEWTOWN. WESLEY GUILD.—At the Wesley Guild on Friday evening, the Rev John Davies presiding, several impromptu subjects were discussed and proved very interesting and instructive. THE WOAK OF THE HEART.—This was the title of a. lecture given at the Public Hall on Monday evening last by Professor Ainsworth Davies, under the auspices of the R.W.W. Recreation and Improve- ment Society. There was a good attendance, and the chair was occupied by Mr W. E. Pryce-Jones, in the absence of Colonel Pryce-Jones, M.P. At the conclusion of the lecture votes of thanks were passed to Professor Davies and the chairman. FREE CHURCH COUNCIL.—A meeting of Noncon- formists was held last week to consider the for- mation of a Free Church Council for the town. The Rev T. E. Williams, who presided, said that the Union of the Nonconformist churches of the town was the object of the Council, and that it also provided education for the people in Nonconformist principles, and aimed at unity of action in spiritual, evangelical and social matters. A motion to form & Council having been carried a representative committee was appointed to draft a constitution to be presented to a further meeting. FUNERAL OF MR G. W. HERBERT.—The remains of Mr George Wilmer Herbert, second son of the late Colonel Herbert, of Upper Helmsley Hall, York, and Glanhafren, Newtowc, were conveyed from London on Tuesday morning, the 15th inst., for interment at Upper Helmsley. The body was enclosed in a coffin of polished oak, the plate bearing the following inscription — George Wilmer Herbert, born April 13th, 1873, diedNovem ber 11th, 1898." The body was met at the railway Station and conveyed to the church. The officiating clergymen were the Revs P T dorner and B Proctor, clergyman of the parish. Amongst those present were Mr and Mrs Edward Herbert, Sir Jamea B Wa ker, Bart., Mr H M Walker, Mr E H Walker, Mr E B Walker, Mr W E Mirehouse, Rev C D Trotter. Rev W Gill, Rev R Surtees, Rev H L Paxley. Dr Wright, Mr D Strangeways, Mrs Brain, Mr T Widd (valet), Mr C Schofield, Mr Bell, Mr H Cholmlev, Mr R Smith, Mr B W Forbes, and the tenants and servants of the estate. Wreaihs were sent by Mr and Mrs Herbert, Mrs S. Key, Sir James and Lady Walker and family, Mr S. W. Key, Mr and Mrs Powell, the Misses Mire- house, Mr W. E. Mirehouse, Mrs Burgess, Mr and Mrs Bennett Rowlands, Newtown, Mrs Briar, Captain and Mrs Key, Miss McArthur, Mr and Mrs Cholmlev (Howsham), Mr and Miss Sykes (Gate Helmslev), the Rev Arthur Hughes, the Rev and Mrs G. T. Horner, Miss Ponte, and Mr T. Widd (valet). THE ACCIDENT AT THE CAMBRIAN MILLS. INQUEST AND VERDICT. The inquiry into the deaths of Abraham Hum- phreys and John Brown, adjourned from Tuesday, was resumed on Saturday at the Police Court, Newtown, before Mr Coroner Williams and the jury, of which Mr G. H. Ellison was foreman. Mr T. M. Taylor represented Messrs Turner Bros., and Mr Edward Powell appeared for the Company. There were also present: Mr John Hilditch (H.M Inspector of Factories), Mr Gar lick (Managing Director of the Severn Tweed Co., Ltd.), Mr Mitchell (Manager), Mr W. A. Turner and Mr T. A. Turner.—The Coroner said he conveyed to the relatives of the unfortunate workmen the expression of sympathy passed by the Jury and he had received letters of acknowledgment and thanks. — John Inkerman Jones, one of the injured men, was first called. He carried his arm in a sling and looked verj pale and ill. After being accommodated with a seat in the witness box, Jones said he had been in the employ of Messrs Turner Bros, as labourer for eighteen months. On the 31st ult., accom- ps.nit:d by Humphreys, Brown and Francis, he went to remove some maehiuery from the Severn Valley Tweed Mills, consisting of shaftings, castings and pulleys. After dinner on Monday last, the cog wheels of the shafting having been removed the previous Friday and Saturday, they prepared to take out the frame work. A prop of wood between the frame and the girder supported the tank. (The prop split in two was produced in Court). Hum- phreys proceeded to take the frame down, and witness said to him suppose we ask Thomas Humphreys (the Company's blacksmith) what he thinks about the prop." Thomas Humphreys say- ing that the prop was of no account, witness sug- gested that they should see Mr Mitchell, in case Something happened, though he never dreamt that anything would occur. Mr Mitchell said that Thomas Humphreys should be consulted and he went to see him. Mr Mitchell came back and said that it was all right, they could knock out the prop. Abraham Humphreys at the first stroke with a sledge hammer split the prop up the middle, taking one part away in his hand. Francis asked to have a blow at the prop, and putting some old pieces of plank across the fly-wheel hole stood upon them and struck at the remaining piece of the prop. Witness stood close to Francis, Brown was standing at the side of Humphreys about a yard nearer the door. From the position in which Brown's body Was found he must have shifted his position from the spot where witness last saw him. Francis took up the hammer and struck two or three blows at the prop, and then down came the tank and the water, without any crack or warning of any kind. Owing to the immense volume of water he did not attempt to breathe until it had cleared away. He felt little hurt and was conscious the whole time. In reply to qaestions by the Coroner, witness said the prop was examined by Abraham Humphreys on the Friday Saturday and Monday. Nothing could be made of it, it sounded as if not much Weight was upon it. Two small bolts attached to prop apprently to steady it were taken out by Abraham Humphreys before the prop was knocked dowu.—Cross-examined by Mr Hilditch Witness Said as there was no space between the girders and the tank they could not use the pulley blocks in the engine house. The breadth of the prop was parallel with the girders. As Abraham Humphreys who first struck the prop, was standing on a greasy cog wheel he could not use much force, and the prop split at one blow and moved a quarter of an inch. They supposed that the prop was there for some purpose, therefore they consulted the manager and the blacksmith, but they never dreamt that it supported the tank. They did not examine whether the girders were loose, or whether the ends of the girders were loose on the wall.—Replying to Mr Edward1 Jones (a juryman) witness said they tried the pulley block on Friday, but owing to insufficient height they failed. The blocks were attached to a stay fixed to two of the girders.—By the Coroner: The weight of the shaft and cog wheel would bo Upon one end of the stay, but he did not notice any any looseness of the mortar and brickwork in con- sequence.—The Foreman: Was it necessary to remove the prop ?—Yes.—Did you notice any Crack H—We cracked the stay on Friday, but the blacksmith said it was nothing. The stay was not afterwards used. T Humphreys did not examine the prop. Cross-examined by Mr Ed. Powell witness said in raising the shafting they noticed a jerk, and afterwards a crack in the stay which did not bang down. The chain was not attached to the stay immediately above the wheel and shafting. The blacksmith was in the room at the time, but did not tell Abraham Humphreys to use the block upon the stays again. All the men were working under the direction of Abraham Humphreys, neither the Manager nor the blacksmith superintended the Work. Mr Maurice Owen was in the engine room on Saturday, but did not mention that he had examined the prop. Witness did not see any leak- age near where the stay was cracked.— Cross- examined by Mr T. M. Taylor, witness said the stays steadied the girders, but did not. support them. One stay could be taken down without the others. He had been working with Abraham Humphreys for 16 months and knew he was a very experienced man in removing machinery. Hum- phreys had been engaged in removing heavy machinery in the district for many years. On the day they commenced work at the mill, Mr Maurice Owen said to Humphreys You and Johnny go down to the Mill and Mr Mitchell will show you what to do."—Dr. Palmer gave evidence as to the examining the bodies and as to their injuries. An adjournment was then made, and on resuming the Coroner and jury went to the Infirmary where the evidence of Chas. Francis (22) was taken. Witness said he began to work for Messrs Turner Brus. on Friday week. He was then engaged to assist in removing machinery at the Cambrian Mills. Witness corroborated J. Inkerman Jones's state- ment as to the cause of the accident and stated that when the tank fell he jumped towards the door. The others were standing uurler the tank but Johnny Jones was much nearer the wall than Humphreys and Brown. Thomas Humphreys, who had been employed as blacksmith for 16 years at the Cambrian Mills, stated that the large tank was erected before his time. The tank was of cast iron and above it was a small cistern resting on two pillars six feet high, and built inside the tank. This cistern, erected in 1890, was supposed to hold 650 gallons and supplied the gas plant. The water was pumped into the top cistern from which ran an overflow pipe into the tank. The cistern and tank were both filled on Monday morning. The tank rested on three girders of cast iron, three walls and a cast iron beam at the farthest end. Between the girders were cast iron stays. When the men were lowering the blocks the stay snapped and came down about three inches from the girder. Witness Baade no remark but Humphreys said that it was nothing. He corroborated Jones's evidence in regard to the removal of the prop.—By Mr Hilditch: He was not certain whether the prop was beneath the cistern or the girder. The crack took place about six inches from the girder and the top of the arch and the stay must have dropped from the bottom of the tank leaving a trood portion of the tank |unsupported.— By the Jury He did not think when the stay was broken that there was any danger of the tank coming down.—By Mr Mr Powell: The whole weight raised by the blocks would be very nearly two tons. After the stay was broken he told Humphreys not to attach the blocks to it again. His idea about the prop was that it was intended to attach to it a board to prevent grease being thrown about the engine house.—Cross-examined by Mr Taylor, witness said that he did not say when the stay was broken that it was of no importance. He was not put in charge of the removal of the machinery, nor did he make any examination. For the last two years the old I machine house had been used as a lumber room.— Mr Hilditch, replying to the Coroner, who asked for evidence as to the weight and capacity of the tank, said the approximate weight of the water in the large tank was 28 tons 18 cwt, and the whole weight resting upon the girders would be 41 tons. —The Coroner then summed up. In this painful inquiry he was very glad to have the assistance of practical men who were able to give the question due consideration, and the knowledge and exper- ience of experts with regard to the construction of the tank proved extremely useful. He asked the jury to dismiss from their minds anything they might have heard outside the inquiry. Every facility had been afforded by the proprietor of the mill and by the employers of the deceased work- men. None of the parties interested had en- deavoured to shelve the responsibility, and every- thing had been above board and straight- forward. Having reviewed the evidence the Coroner said the important qnestion for the jury to decide was whether anyone was to blame, and what amount of blame was attached to the orders given, or to the parties who might have been responsible for this unfortunate accident. If a person under- took any duty and neglected to perform it with due care he was responsible for what might happen. As to the amount of neglect necessary to bring it under the designation of manslaughter, that was a matter for serious consideration. Having quoted the law on the point, the Coroner, continuing, said that if the jury were satisfied that Messrs Turner, Bros., Mr Mitchell, Mr Maurice Owen, or anyone else concerned had taken precautions which in their judge ment they considered necessary and sufficient, the jury could not for a moment charge them with such culpable negligence as would amount to man- slaughter. Mr Mitchell was certainly not an expert in tmch matters, and he consulted the only man on tht- premises who, from his experience and long employment at the Mills, was qualified to give advice. He, Thomas Humphreys, assured Mr Mitchell that there was no danger, and the question for the jury to decide was whether this was sufficient to warrant Mr Mitchell in giving the men instructions to proceed with the work.—After an hour's deliberation the jury returned a verdict to the effect that Abraham Humphreys and John Brown met their death through the falling ot the large iron tank with the cistern and brick wal] upon them. They added a rider that in their opinion a serious error of judgment was made in removing the piece of timber under the tank in the way it was removed, and that the building of a cistern supported by brick pillars inside the tank con- tributed to the accident.—The inquiry lasted over eight hours. BANKRUPTCY COURT. RE JAMES JONES.—The first public examination of James Jones, tailer, Wood Villa, Llanbadarn FawI, Radnorshire, was conducted at the Jourt on Wednesday before Mr Registrar Watkins, by Mr Frank Cariss, assistant official receiver. Debtor's liabilities according to the statement of the Official Receiver, are expected to rank at JE472 17s lOd, while his assets are estimated to produce of;80, leav. ing a deficiency of JE392 17s lOd. Debtor attributed failure to bad debts, heavy family expenses aud sickness. For the past 26 years he had carried on business as a tailor and draper at Llanbadarn Fawr, and he appeared to have been insolvent for a long period, debtor himself having been aware of his in- solvency for eight years. The cottage and shop occupied by debtor were erected in 1872, and he stated that the land altogether cost him £250. It was mortgaged for JE135 and after deducting the cost of realisation debtor did not anticipate that any surplus would arise from the property. Debtor had once kept a pubiic house, but lost his licence for being drunk on his own premises. His turn- over was JE300 to £400 per year, which was not con- sidered bad for a country tailor, but he only reckoned that that would show £100 clear profit as his expenses were heavy.—The Official Receiver: What have been your personal habits ? A hard working man so long as 1 was able to work.—Is it not a fact that you have spent a great deal of money on your own personal pleasures? Yes.— And is it not your own conduct alone that has brought about your present cendition ? Yes.— Debtor stated that the ledger had not been posted for two years, during which period his transactions with customers had been entered partly in sundry diaries and memorandum books, and the Official Receiver remarked that under these circumstances the statement of affairs could only be accepted as approximately correct. Debtor had filed his peti- tion in consequence of an execution levied for a trade debt and costs amounting to £25. Debtor replying to Mr Moseloy, solicitor, Llandrindod Wells, said his wife had had 18 children, 11 of whom were still living.— The examination was closed. COUNTY COURT.—WEDNESDAY. Before His Honour Judge William Evans. WEAVER v. SWAIN.— This was a case in which Walter Weaver, Cross Guns, Newtown claimed the sum of £7 12s. 7d. from J. W. Swain, Builder, Newtown.—Mr R. G. Bembow appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Edward Powell for the defendant. The case was adjourned from the last Court when the sum of £7,128. 7d. was admitted but defendant pleaded a set-off, and the case was allowed to stand over to enable defendant to produce particulars.— Mr Powell said they had paid £4 4s. 3d. into Court, and the amount of the set-off was JE3 8s. 2d. This was not disputed, but the plaintiff said it was agreed between himself and defendant that the amount should go against a previous account. The quest ion was whether such an arrangement had been made between the parties. Plaintiff promised to pay defendant £2 15s. Od. in consequence of poplar being sent instead of oak, aud discount for cabh payments. His Honour gave judgement for plaintiff for £10 7s. 7d. on the claim, and for J63 Os. Od. for defendant on the counter claim. IMPORTANT TO FARMERS.—John Owen, farmer, Kerry, claimed from the Newtown Co-operative Society, the sum ofjEl 9s, for damage done to the shaft of a trap through a van of the defendants colliding with the trap.—Mr Martin Woosnam appeared for the defendants.—Plaintiff said that on the 13th July he came to Newtown and left his trap outside the Eagles yard in Ladywell street, in accordance with his usual custom. He left the trap there for some hours and on returning with the horse he found that one of the shafts was broken. The accident had occurred through the negligence of the driver of the Co-operative van as the trap was not in the way.—Thomas Maxwell, barber, Ladywell street, said he saw the Stores van turn into Ladywell street from Bridge street, and collide with the wheel of the trap, which was standing close in to the kerb. The driver backed and attempted a second time to pass but agaia struck the wheel. At the third attempt he passed the trap. His attention was then called to the shaft of the trap which had been broken through being pressed against the kerb. The driver of the trap which was going slowly did not dismount to move the trap.—Cross-examined The trap was five or six yards from the end of the etreet. It would be impossible for anyone coming round the corner to see the trap until they were close upon it. He did not know the distance from kerbstone to kerbstone. On the other side of the street clothes were banging on a line.—Cross-examined by plaintiff: The Eagles' Brewery dray passed the cart while he was there.—Charles Bumford, driver of the Eagles' Brewery dray, stated that there was plenty of room for his diay, which was 12 inches wider than any ordinary trap. When he passed there was a foot between the dray and the trap.—Mr Woosnam, for the defence, said that it would be impossible for anyone turning into Ladywell street from Bridge street to see the trap before turning the corner. He referred to the narrowness of the street and said that that morning a clothes line bearing some clothes had been fastened to a house directly opposite and the prop which supported the line projected some distance into the road.—His Honour Do you suggest that the driver of the van would rather have smashed the shaft thau have overthrown the clothes line ? The clothes could have been washed.—Mr Woosnam said the driver attempted to pass without touching either but the horse, frightened undoubtedly at the clothes, drew back into the trap aud as there was only four or five inches between the axle van and that of the trap. The cart was an obstruction and there was, he contended, contributory negligence.—His Honour: The question is whether the driver of the van exercised ordinary care and skill in passing the cart.—Mr Wocsnam said the driver for the pro- tection of his property would do all he could to drvie carefully and skilfully. It was not a question of money with the Society, but of principle. He had been informed that the actual cost of the repair of the trap was 9s., while the plaintiff claimed £1 9s, £ t evidently for IOJS sustained.— W. L. Murray, driver of the van, gave evidence in support of counsel's &tatement, and said that when l1e passed the trap, after colliding with it twice, there was only one inch between the two wheels.— Charles Evans, manager at the Co-operative Stores, stated that the broken shaft, when he saw it was an old one, and where it was broken he noticed an old crack.—His Honour said the question was whether the Society were liable for the impact of their van npon the plaintiff's trap. It was quite clear that the plaintiff placed his trap in the public road, and although that did not entitle anyone to drive into the vehicle it raised a greater difficulty on the part of the plaintiff than it would under ordinary circumstances. There was sufficient room ou the road for people wishing to drive along, and the question was whether there was not a want of skill or care on the part of the driver. After having touched the wheel once and drawn back again, the driver should have got down and led his horse past. The plaintiff was entitled to the expenses he was put to, and he gave judgment accordingly for 9s. with costs. A PAYING GUEST. — Jane Owen, Wrexham, clamed from Edward Griffiths, farmer, of Kerry, the sum of £6 15s., money lent, and Griffit hs entered a counterclaim against Miss Owen for £9108., beard and lodging.—Mr Martin Woos- nam appeared for Miss Owen, and Griffiths was represented by Mr R. G. Benbow.—The original claim being admitted the counter claim was gone into.—On the 14th May, 1895, according to Mr Benbow, the plaintiff, Jane Owen, who was the sister of the defendant's wife, being then out of a situation, came without any invitation, and took up her abode with the defendant. From that date until the 17th of December, 1896, plaintiff stayed at Borfawen, during which period she alleged that she nursed her sister through her confinement, nursed the four children through whooping cough and measles, and undertook the general duties of the household. This was altogether wrong. During her confinement defendant's wife had a nurse who constantly attended her, and the servant did all the house work. Plaintiff consulted her own inclination whether she did any work or not. She never did any domestic work, never lent a haud at the milking, in fact she did what she liked, and was a kind of paying guest. During the time she was there defendant gave her the opportunity of going to two or three situations all of which she declined. For the whole period of a year and a half defendant had only charged her the modest sum of 5s per week.— Defendant bore out his solicitor's statement, and said that during the time plaintiff was there he never inado an agreement with her as to how long she was going to stay. Neither he nor hia wife ever asked her to do anything, and she invariably came down to breakfast between half-past nine and ten o'clock, and was waited upon by his wife and the servaut.-His Honour: If she was waited upon in this manner, she could not have done much milking, except at the cream jug (laughter).— Witness further stated that he had borrowed from plaintiff £10 and various small sums, all of which he had paid except the amount now claimed.— Cross-examined: He never told plaintiff while she was at Boifawen that he would charge her for her board.—Mra Griffiths, wife of the defendant, corroborated.—His Honour asked this witness if plaintiff read novelettes. Witness replied that she did not know.—Elizabeth Morgan, Drefor, Kerry, stated that she was servant at Borfawen during a portion of the time plaintiff was there.—Cross- examined: Plaintiff would only do a little dusting now and then.—Plaintiff said she went to make her home with her sister because she had lost her place. Her sister appeared pleased to see her and said that, as she had no servant, witness could undertake the work. She assisted the men to milk, attended to the milk in the house, prepared the meals for the men and nursed the children while they were ill. During the time she was there, her brother-in-law never said he intended to charge her for her board and lodging.-His Honour said the whole difficulty in the case had arisen from defendant's own conduct.—Presumably the girl should have paid for the accommodation she got. She went there to make a sort of home, and when there her services were used and she was asked to stay. Whilst plaintiff was staying in defendant's honse, whether she did service or not, he borrowed money from her, and be might have borrowed this money on account of food and lodging, but defen- dant did not appear to see that. If Griffiths had intended to charge plaintiff he ought to have done so he ought not to have told her that he would apply the money borrowed towards liquidating his claim. For three years defendant had not applied for the money, and his (the Judge's) duty was to find for the plaintiff in the sum of JE6 15a, and to dismiss the counterclaim.