Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

THE YEAR'S FARMING. BY A. T. MATTHEWS. The post year will probably be remembered lby the British farmer as a remarkable one in many reepects, for, whether we consider the peculiar character of the weather, the fluctu- ations in prices, the results of the grazing season, or the euccese of the various crops, we shall find in each of them something of the unusual. It has indeed been a year of surprises, but, on the whole, there are good grounds for believing that the surprises have generally been agreeable ones. Let us take first- THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS. After a winter of sufficient frost to make the land which had been ploughed in nice friable condition, the spring began with a really fine Easter and a promise of another fine, dry summer. Instead of this came many weeks of cold, with much cloud and frequent rains, lasting till the time when haymaking should have been nearly finished, and causing considerable damage to about half the crop. Many farmers, fortunately, delayed the cut- ting, and were rewarded by a fine interval in which to eecure a large portion of the very abundant crop in capital condition. As the yield was far above the average, the hay harvest as a whole must be regarded as a good one. The return of wet and very dull weather during August caused a very great and general apprehension for the corn harvest, not only as to its being safely secured, but also as to the yield and quality of the grain. The reputation of the month of September for always providing a fine fortnight was, however, more than maintained, and all went well for the southern half of Great Britain, where the harvest was safely secured. In the North of England and in Scotland the seamy side of the season has been bitterly felt, for, before the crops were fairly ripe, the weather once more changed for the worse, with most disastrous results. Week after week passed by with no possibility of sub- stantial progress, and on Sunday, November 3rd, the weather being fine, carting was going on all day in the neighbourhood of Carlisle. j THE HARVEST. t All over England the corn crops were abundant in straw, and many were sadly beaten down and twisted by the wind and rain, adding thereby to the cost of saving them. This drawback, combined with lack of sunshine, led many to expect a poor yield of grain; but hitherto the results of threshing have been satisfactory, and wheat, barley, and oats are proving to be very good crops after all. The peculiarity of the season has been its deceptive character as regards the actual amount of rainfall, and the official re- ports from the Meteorological Office, pub- lished about midsummer, were quite a revela- tion. So far from being a wet season, we were told that it had actually been a dry one, judging, that is, by the measurements of the rainfall. TI12 prevalence of cloud and low temperature, accompanied by frequent but I light raine, gave a different impression to the casual observer, and a good yield of corn was the last thing that could be hoped for. The fine weather came just in time to ripen the t grain, and made all the difference to its quality. Thus, to all appearance, the cereal j year for the Southern and Midland English counties must—taking the higher prices into consideration—be proving to be the best for I many years. A summer which is productive of heavy crops of corn is usually disastrous to the roots, which II thrive best in a moist season; but here again, the summer of 1907 has been to a certain ex- tent anomalous, for the turnip crop has met with vicissitudes which have threatened I its final success. Deficiency of warmth in the soil retarded its progress, and a tendency to running up to seed was observable in some districts. Then the five weeks' dry weather which saved the harvest proved still more try- ing for the roots, and at Michaelmas rain vas badly wanted, while mildew, was also much complained of. The fine rains of October, fall- ing on the warmer ground, worked wonders; and, with the absence of early frosts, an aver- age crop has been the final result, except in Scotland, where roots are reported to be a comparative failure, although the latest- re-I ports speak of considerable improvement. THE GRAZING SEASON. From first to last the grazing time has been a splendid one. Not only have the fre- quent moderate rains kept the pastures highly productive, but the grass has been free from the washy" condition which in a really wet spring and summer deprives it of its nutritious properties. In other words, "green meat" has been not only extremely plentiful but of good quality, and cattle have thriven accordingly. From midsummer on- wards the graes-fed bullocks coming to the metropolitan market were in capital concS tion, forming a striking contrast to the half. fed beasts which flooded the mar.ket during I tie long drought of 1906. It was notable, however, that sheep and lambs failed to do so well as the horned stock, and their condition when offered for sale at the great autumn faim was far less satisfactory. PRICES OF PRODUCE: GRAIN. Perhaps one of the most unexpected events of the year has been the advance in the price of wheat. Values have so long remained at a persistently low level that farmers had come to consider the -position hopeless as regards any appreciable advance, while the consum- ing public accepted the extreme cheapness of recent years as the normal condition of things. As the summer advanced, how- ever, pessimistic repoits began to come to hand of the unpromising condition of the crops, both in Europe and America; and these reports, coupled with the cold, sunless character of the season at home, speedily af- fected the market. The average price of British wheat for 1906 was 28s. 3d. per qr. of eight imperial bushels, and on December 29th it stood at 26s. On October 31st, 1907, the average was 36s. 3d., which was indeed a substantial rise, meaning very much to the British farmer. Very little threshing has been done at the time of writing, and growers are holding for a further advance. The above quotations froru the official figures of the Board of Agi iciilture, being calculated at 601b. per bushil, do not represent the cur- rent market prices as given in newspapers, which are iounded (, ntii. very generally ac- cepted weight of 621b. per bushel; and in many markets at the present moment the price of wheat is given at 38s., and iu eycep- Jtiqgal cases 42s, has beeu t.ounfc«d ) iur malting purposes is selling j moderately well, considering the quality, which is by no ffieans particularly good. This article, far more than ^heat, depends for its price on the intrinsic value to the consumer, who in this case is the brewer; and there is frequently a margiii of 10s. per qr. between ordinary market, runs and really choiofe I samples. This ,ar much barley has been sold at 34s., bst very little over 37s. A-ii on warm soils, is such a season as the present one, crops of 6qr. per acre must have been common enough, and, therefore, quite profit- able at &!< per qr. Oats hive become a far more important crop in comparison with that off wheat or barley an used to be the case. No less than 3,122,"S38 acres were this year grown in Great Britain, against about half the quantity of wheat and barley. As the crop is reported a. good one and prices are a little higher than last year, the results of the harvest must also in thi6 case be satisfactory. LIVE STOCK. With such a grazing season it was only to be expected that store stock would be in good demand, and both cattle and sheep have realised good prices, except in Scotland, where they have ruled as much below those of last year as they have exceeded them in the South. There is a. decided movement in favour of sheep-breeding, and the annual returns shewed an increase of 2'7 per cent. over the numbers of 1906. Breeding ewes hav3 been in keen demand during the autuniu, and everything points to a great re- vival of this important section of the industry. Pigs have retained their value till quits lately, but the last few weeks have seen some reduction owing to the high price of feeding stuffs and a large increase in the general stock of the country, which was no less than 13'5 per cent. The sales of pedigree stock have been, on the whole, very successful, especially those of Shorthorns, for which breed Argentina is l an excellent customer, while they have CCTtainly lost none of their old popularity at home. There has also been a marked im- provement in the demand for Herefords for export to Argentina, and what is called a "boom" in this famous breed of beef-pro- ducers appears to be not unlikely. MEAT. The trade for beef, alive or dead, fluctu- ated during the year to a considerable ex- tent. During the month of January the best Shorthorn cattle averaged throughout the country 7s. 9d. per 141b. stone, or nearly 6d. per lb. Herefords made the same price, whil-e Polled Scots averaged 7s. lid. and Devons 8s. 2d.; but Shorthorns, being the most numerous, and to be found in all mar- kets, may be taken as the best representa- tives in the remainder of these quotations, which are for first quality only. In February then the average price of this breed was 7s. lOd. per 141b. stone; in March, 7s. 9d.; in April, 7s. 9d.; in May, 7s. lOd.; in June, 8s. 2d. in July. 8a. 2d.; in August, 7s. lOd.; in September, 7s. 9d.; in October, 7.e. 6d.; November prices, up to time of writing, shew- ing no improvement. It will be seen that beef n was fairly steady during the spring months, rising sharply in June and July and falling to a much lower level as the autumn advanced. For sheep we may take those classed as "Downs," and we find that the January general average was 9Jd. per lb.; that of February, 9j3.; March, 9Jd.; April, SId.; 4 4 May, 9d. June, 9d.; July, 9d.; August, 9d.; September, 9d. October, 9d.; November prices being a trifle higher. Taking the first nine months of the year, therefore, the value of mutton has remained remarkably level and at a very satisfactory price for sellers. Pork and veal have varied but little, and the price has been fairly good throughout the year. WOOL. Since the period of depression in nearly all agricultural produce set in the advance in the value of wool since 1901 has been the most remarkable instance of fluctuation. In the six years since the first of the new cen- tury the price of British wool fairly doubled itself. The average of Lincoln wool in 1901 was 67d. per lb., and from that low point it gradually advanced year by year, till in 1906 it reached 14Jd. per lb. In the present year this gradual advance has certainly received a check; but the decline, if any, has, up to the present, been slight, whiles there is no ap- parent prospect of any serious change. DAIRY PRODUCE. On the whole, the year must have been a very good one for dairy farmers, for, notwith- standing the abundance of grass and the consequent heavy flow of milk, prices have kept up to their normal level. In the month of September, contracts for new milk for the ensuing year were being made at 9d. and 9!d. per imperial gallon for the winter six months, and 7d. and 7!d. for the summer months. In a few speeial cases, for extra good quality, contracts at lOd. and 8d. were made. The best English cheese has maintained a very remunerative value. Fine Cheddar has been worth about 86s. per cwt. from January to August, declining to 72s. in September for the new make, which was a large one. Butter is an article of very uncertain value. All imported butters have regular market quotations; but British can scarcely be said to be on the wholesale market at all. The Central Market business in English dairy butter is nearly all transacted by one firm, and their quotations have ranged from 16s. per dozen lb. in the winter to 12s. 6d. in summer. Much higher prices are made for choice quality direct to consumers in ths country. AGRICULTURE IN PARLIAMENT. When we consider the many measures of a directly political nature undertaken by the present Government, the agriculturists of Great Britain may congratulate themselves on the fact that their interests have not been altogether neglected during the session of 1907. Indeed, the session would have been far from barren, from their point of view, if only the Butter Bill had been passed. For several years the Central Chamber of Agri- culture has been pressing for a similar mea- sure and now Sir E. Strachey (always an energetic member of that body) has carried out its wishes in an effectual manner. Water- logged or "milk-blended" butter must now seek a new name* and one that does not sug- gest any connection with dairying. Thus one of the greatest grievances of all sellers of genuine butter has been removed. Many i would have preferred total prohibition of this and other similar mixtures; bat the other provisions of the Act- dealing with factories are of so stringent a character that it is not thought that butter makers will have much to fear from them in future. The Small Holdings Act, which introduces the new principle of compulsory powers for the acquirement of land, is one of these mea- sures on which it would be premature to ex- press an opinion. On the face of it it is only an experiment, which may prove either a dead letter or may have far-reaching effects and revolutionise the character of British agriculture. I CENTRAL CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE. This important body, which is sometimes called the Farmers' Parliament, is the only organisation which can fairly claim to repre- sent the whole of the agricultural interest. It is gratifying to note that it continues steadily to increase in strength. Seven local associa- tions have affiliated during the year, bring- ing up the total of associated bodies to no 0 less than ninety-four. Perhaps the Chamber's greatest triumph this year has been the passing of the Butter and Margarine Act already referred to; but the work of its various committees, deputa- tions to Ministers, and resolutions of the Council would require much space to enume- rate. Every measure, whether legislative or the proposal of local authorities, has been carefully watched, and its voice has been heard in every matter affecting the welfare of the industry. During the autumn a question of the utmost importance has been raised, and at the time of writing is under discussion by the local Chambers. At the November meeting of the Council the Organisation Committee presented a report on the proposal to found a real and independent Agricultural Party in the House of Commons. It has long been felt that agricultural interests have f suffered from the want of such a party, every member of which should be entirely unfet- tered by the claims to his support of either the Government or the Opposition. The re- port was well received, and great hopes are entertained that the subject will be taken up with vigour and pushed to a logical conclu- sion. There has already been much miscon- ception on this subject, and some notices in the Press have been very misleading. State- ments have appeared to the effect that agricul- tural candidates would be run in 150 constitu- encies, whereas no such wild scheme has ever been contemplated. If by a well-organised concentrated effort aericulture could se- cure say, .six Members of its own. the leaders of the movement would be abundantly satis- fied with such a beginning. DISEASES OF ANIMALS. The event of the year in connection witli diseases in aurmals vaA the imia e1. in opriug, yr a second ljiterim report ut tiii Royal Commission on Tuberculosis (Human and novine), which was appointed as far back as 1901. The report states that there can lis no doubt that in a certain number of 'cases the tuberculosis occurring in the human subject, especially in children, is the direct result of the introduction into the human body of the bacillus, of bovine tuberculosis." This conclusion has, however, been called in question by scientists outside the Commis- sion whose opinions carry much weight. During the nine months ending with September there wae a considerable increase in the number of animals attacked by swine fever, anthrax, and sheep scab, as compared with the corresponding period in 1906, while glanders shews a very slight decrease. On the whole, however, we may consider that the live stock of the country has continued to present a fairly clean bill of health.

MTcUYNlXiiTH Darlith. Nos Fawrth, yn nghapei y Graig, bu y darlithydd hyglod, y Parch. Peter Price, B.A., Dowlais, yn anerch tyrfa o bobl ar "Ieuan Gwynedd." Mae y dar- lithydd a theatun y ddarlith, yn blant Sir Keirionydd. Yr oedd tan y sir hono yn ngwaed Ieuan Gwynedd ac mae yn rhedeg yn nghyfansoddiad. Mr Peter Price. Oaf- v. yd engraifft adnewyddol o hyny yn mrwd- frydedd y darlithydd nos Fawrth a chafwyd eipolwg ar yr hyn oedd yn ysgogi corph ciddil Ieuan Gwynedd ganddo. Mr. Henry Lloyd Jones fu yn foddion i gael y Parch. Peter Price i Fachynlleth, ar ran Oym- deithas Lenyddol Feiblaidd y Graig. Cad- gan y Parch. E. Isaac, gweinidog y Wesleyaid yn y dref, ac mae yntau yn gym- lrwvs lywydd i ddarlithydd ar Ieuan Gwyn- edd, gan faint ci gariad at Gymru a'i de- f:on. Pregeth Angladdol. Nos Sul, yn nghap- el y Graig, traddododd yr Hybarch Josiah Jones, gweinidog yr eglwys, bregeth ang- laddol er coffadwriaeth am Mrs. Evans, diweddar briod Mr John Evans, Maengwyn Stores. Cymerodd y gwr parchedig y geir- iau hyny lefarodd yr Iesu wrth Pedr, yn destun ei bregetli 'Yr hyn yr wyf fi yn ei wneuthur ni wyddost ti yr awr hon ond ti a gei wybod ar ol hyn." Sylwodd y pre-j gethwr ar ffyrdd dyrys bywyd ac ar dywyll- well cynlluniau Rhagluniaeth, yr hen ar .'nethedig yn cael aros, yr ieuanc yn cael en cymerycT; y diffrwytn yn cael eu gadael, ond v defnyddiol yn cael eu symud. Rhaid aros hydi ryw amser "ar ol hvn" cyn cael csboniad ar vveinyddiadau y Tad tuagat ei blant. Annogodd y tad a'r plant oedd mor anwyl gan yr ymadawedig i ddisgjwyl mewn hyder hyd nes cael goleu y nef ar y brofe- digaeth chwerw. Daeth tyrfa fawr yn ughyd i wrandaw ar y bregeth ao i ddangos, eu serch a'u cydymdeamlad tuagat Mr. Evans a'i deulu. Gwleidyddol. Daeth torf fawr iawn yn ughyd i wrandaw- ar yr Aelod anrhydeddus dros y bwrdeisdreli yn traethu ei farn ar faterion mawr y dydd. Cafodd wrandaw- iad astud gan y dyrfa luosog. Siaradodd j yntau yn alluog, yn ol ei arfer. Yn y gajdair yr oedd Mr T R Morgan. Siaradodd Mr John Rowlands, cyfreithiwr, a chafwyd araeth frwdfrydig hetyd gan Mr. John Pugh Avrtii gefnogi y bleidlais o ymddiried- aetn yn Mr J D Rees. Pasiwyd y bleidlais wedi "ei chyfieithu i'r Gymraeg ar gais Mr. Henry Lewis, gyda banllef o gymeradwy- aeth. Traddododd Mr. Jones, Gorphwys- le, araeth danlyd odidog ar hoff destun y C,ymro--Dadgyssylltiad yr Eglwys yn Nghy- itiru, a chododd don o wres yn y cyfarfod. Yn groes i ddisgwyliad rhai o'r ysbrydion direiaus oedd yno, ni wnaeth cefnogwyr yr PJtholiad i Ferched" ddim byd mwy nag anfon cwestiwn bach diniwaid i Mr. Rees nr ddiwedld y cyfarfod! Piti ddarfod i Miss Tawkowt golli'r tren yn Nghaer y diwrnod bwnw. Football.—On Saturday the Institute was at home to the Towyn County School. The ame was very evenly contested but was marked by no rousing skill at any point. It was not finished or polished, and there was too much discussing of theoretical nice- ties when the ball was far away. For Mach- ynlleth the goalkeeper, David Jones, the two full-backs, Jack Jenkins and W. A. i'Vans played a sound game. Jack Richards at "half was, however, the most efficient player on the field that day. For the visitors J'ryse Evans, the popular Towyn master was a corps in himself. The Institute just managed to beat their opponents by one, nil. Next Saturday it seems there is to be a cup match at Machynlleth. The only intima- tion of such an event is an occasional flashy poster, prices of yellow journalism, staring at you from wall or wooden door, the players the players themselves bear no marks of anticipation; they have not even given up smoking. However, their "claes may carry them through: if that or weight does not do so. then it is all fare-well. Uymdeithasau Llenydol. Nos Wener, yn nghyfarfod wythnosol Cymdeithas pobi leuainc Maen^wyn cafvryd dadl ddyddorol ar gwestiwn dyrus, "Ai derbyn ai ffurfio ei gymeriad a wna dyn?" Cafwyd tipyn o an- luiwsder i gael neb i f-od mor hyf ac ym- gymeryd a dal mai derbyn ei gymeriad a wna dyn, ond o'r diwedd cafwyd dau Gardi beth na wna bechgvn y sir hono—i ddad- ieu dros y r hen ffydd a roddwyd gan Oalfin i'r saint. Mewn papur llawn o ddaliadau hen ffashwn wedi eu cymysgu a hyll bethau gwyddomaeth Darwin a'i Gwmni, dadleuodd Mr FJdred G Davies a Mr D Jones mai rhodd yn unig yw cymeriad dyn. Rhuthr- asant gyda hydor pendant hogiau dibrofiad u draws daliadau Ewyllys Rydd a Ohyfrifol- deb Personol ond ni thyciodd y swn "r ebychu. Ofer oedd cyplu adnod wrth ad- nod wedi eu dattod o'u cyssylltiadau pri- ed oli brofi pwnc mor groes i brofiad y byd. Gwaith hawdd gafodd y chwiorydd Miss Joanna Owen a Miss Roberts, y Llyttyrdy, i argyhoeddi pobl feddylgar y Gymdeithas mai peth difudd oedd dadleu yn erbyn y t'iimlad sydd yn dysgu pob dyn fod pechod yn dwyn cosb a bod cosb yn golygu cyfri- fokleb. Mae etholedigaeth yn anmhoblog- aidd yn mysg pobl gyfrifol y Gymdeithas T»°nii — ^<>3on ferr fu nos Iau yn y Graig. Darllenwyd papurau byrion gan Miss Lizzie Ilbbott ar "Y Demi, ei hanes a'i hamcari" gan Mr John Ridge a Richard John Jor.eV •T.r "Glanliau y Demi.' Holwyd gan Mr. John Evans, argraffydd, yn ddoniol ac adeil- ,idol. Yna aroscdd goleuadau vr wvbrPn wMidydàoI i wrando ar Mr J D Rees, A.S., yn traethu ar wa' itli y Senedd vn y tvmhor i diweddar. ac aeth ereill tuag adre. Cymreigyddion. Cynhaliwyd ail gyfar- fod y Gymdeithas yr wythnos hon yn y Neuadd Drefol, o dan lywyddiaeth Mr Eld. Ross, U.H., llywydd y Gymdeithas am y tvmhor. Canwyd can swynol, "Y plentyn clall wyf fi," an Miss Lona Evans, merch ieuaf Mr J A Evans, deurodydd, Heol Maen g'wyn. Darllenwyd papur maith, dyddor- oj gan y Parch. D H Hughes, ar Cyn- ddelw," un o gymeriadau cryfion dechreu y ganrif o r blaen. Cafwyd cpdrem frysiog ar bennod hynod yn hanes Cymru, hanes dyddiau doff road y worin, ac esgyniad plant y dosbarth llaiurawl i bwlpudau ac i faes llenyddiaeth y wlad. Adeg ocdd pan oedd addysg yn brm; ni chafodd Cvnddebv ond ychydg iawn o ysgol, ac ni fu mewn Ath- l'ora end am ychyaig fisoedd—09 yn wir y gdlir son am yr ysgol brophwyd y bu ynddi fel athrofa o gwbl. Daeth er hyny yn fardd blaenllaw, ac yn feirniad gwych, yn bre- gethwv mawr ac yn dduwinydid craff. Bed- yddiwr oedd o ran cyfanswm ei gred, er mai gyda'r Trefnyddion Calfinaidd y meithrin- wyd et am y rhan gyntaf o i oes, ac yr oedd yn gyd-bregethwr a'r enwog Christmas ii'vans. ir oedd yn ddyn eang ei farn a chyhuddwyd ef o "wadu'r Ddeddf," a chaf- odd oi erlid am hyny. Fel englynwr yr oedd yn gampwr ac yr oedd yn un o'r meistriaid yn ystafell yr Awdl, end mewn amgueddfa y 7UU ei v.oithiau ef nid mewn ystafell <'07- u» gelf gain. Cynygiodd Mr. Rol- and Prys, eiliodd Mr J M iSreese, bleidlais o ddiokvia(rvvcih. i'r darlitihydd. Cafwyd ymdriniaeth ferr ar y testyn. Siaradodd I 1.10'lard Rees am Qyndelw oddiar adna-, byodiaeth bersonol, a sylwodd, wrth fyned h -,ib-*o, mai sychion a thrymaidd oedd bardd oniaeth Cynddelw ar ysgol hono o feirdd. Yna cafwyd sylwadau doniol gan Mr. John '.nomas fferyllydd, Heol Penrallt, Teimlai 'laydo.ordeb neillduol yn Cynddelw fel pre- gethw-r W- ptis'' fel duwinydd, ac fel bardd. Aid oedd Jlawer un .uwch na Chynddelw fel lJardd os oedd safon feirniadol y Cymreig- yddion yn iawn, yr oedd digon o gliadau cydsemiaid yn marddoniaeth yr hen frawd yn y ffydd, Cynddelw. Yr oedd yn dda g-inddo weled cynrychiolaeth deg o'r frawd- oliaeth yno v noson hono i dalu tyrnged i 1° ?lou^au >; ff*vdd y° yr oes o'r blaen. J>iolchodd Mr. Thomas yn gynhes i Mr. Hughes am bapur mor addysgiadol. CVd- l'abyddodd Mr Hughes y bleidlais, a dar- iknodd rai englynion n waith testun ei an- erch: a d—C y n d del \v. Foüt balI.- Who savs there is nothing nevr on the Machynlleth football field. On Saturday afternoon the faithful few wit- nessed a little treat of a game of Football, and enjoyed an unexpected piece of pleasant su rpr.se, the first half of the game between the old rivals Newtown and Machynlleth County bchools was monotonously one-sided, ) Mie Mac hyn fleth forwards were always clus- tering round the visitors' goal, and they w.ere well fed by their backs. The combina- tion was excellent, but the uncertain foot- ing on the greasy ground robbed the tricky centre forward, Hugh R. Jones oi many noble chances.' He played far better tha a iu any previous game this year. The New- town full backs, however, spoiled his effort# as it was such an easy thing to rush tie player off the ball on the slippery ground, moreover the backs cleared vigorously. Ihis was the only thing that prevented a very heavy scoring by the Machynlleth forwards—for once the right wing was not io brilliant as the left—R. E. Morgan play- ing an excellent game.—Tommy Williama aiso doing good work. The centre forward did not feed his wings sufficiently often, and the right wing suffered, but once they re- ceived it, Reggie James and Wasley laowis were as tricky as ever. At half-time the score stood at six goals to one .in favour of Machynlleth. In the second half came the surprise, the Newtown contre ofrward woke up and to watch him run up to the Mach- ynlleth goal won repeated cneers from the spectators, and tiny little Percy on the tight was a host of fun as he rounded the opposing backs. David Lewis was the only back on the Machynlleth side who seemed to be able to do anything at all. A more miserable lot of defenders were never seen en the Machynlleth field, the Newtown centre forward was too speedy for Hugh Peter Jones and Willie Richards was amazed. Onllwyn James ought to have been playing centre half; perhapa this would have re-, duced the pressure. As it was. none but the brushy full-back, David Lewis, who was never out of his place and who, with the help of the forwards saved the match, eould cope with it. It was, a fortunate thing for Machynlleth that Reggie put his forwards to defend towards the end of the game, and the clever little captain reaped his reward for he won the match seven goals to five. At the close of the match the Newtown boys were entertained at the school by the home players. Tea was provided for them, Miss Lumley and the senior girls of the school catering for them. A very pleasant time was spent there, the captain, Ivor Thomas proposed, a vote of thanks to Miss Lumley for the excellent way in which the boys had been, entertained, the Machynlleth captain Reginald D. James, seconded it. The vote was carried with loud cheering, Miss Lum- ley responded on her own behalf and that of the girls. Mr. Williams, B.Sc., who ao- companied the Newtown team also spoke, and Mr E. F. Jones. B.A., B.Sc., who was the referee made a few comments on the game. ————— COUNTY SCHOOL GOVERNORS. A meeting of the Governors of the County School was held at the County School on Fridav last when there were present Messrs T. R. "Morgan (in the chair), Wm. Jones, Rich- ard Rees, Edward Rees, Thomas Parsons, Dr. Davies, Mrs. Jenkins, J. M. Breeae, Dr. Edwards, H. H. Meyler ((headmaster); J. Rowlands (clerk); and H. H. Clayton ^assistant clerk). Welcoifie. The Chairman welcomed Mrs. Jenkins; among them as a new governor. Mr. Rich- Richard Rees, Mr. Edward Rees, and Dr. Davies also extended a welcome to .her, all testifying to their pleasure in haying her amongst '=' them.-Nirs. Jenkins replied, say- ing that whatever she could do for the boys and girls she would only be too pleased to do so. Bursaries. Seven applications had been received for hursariee.-It was proposed and seconded, that no bursaries be granted this year, as there were no funds in hand.-Tho Head- master pointed out that they granted bur- saries last year when they had no cash in band. He thought that they should grant some bursaries.—Asked if the motion not to grant any bursaries would affect some of the scholars, the Headmaster said that it would perhaps in two or three cases.—Dr. Davies baid that they ought to give every considera- tion to what ,Mr. Meyler had said.— The motion that the bursaries be granted "was then withdrawn, and it was decided to allo- cate two bursaries of 30s. each. Agricultural Teaching.. The Chairman and Mr. Meyler who had re- presented the governors at the Conference beld recently in Newtown to consider the advisability or possibility of teaching agri- culture in County Schools, presented their report to the meeting. The portion of the scheme which affected them most was the request for an initial grant of E50 and an annual grant of £10 for the teaching of agriculture. Mr. Morgan and Mr. Meyler were of the opinion that Machynlleth School, should the request of the governors of the Newtown school for those grants be acceded to, was entitled to them already in respect of' handicrafts, and other technical subjects, which were already taught in the school. If the Newtown school was going to have this money; they would be getting an unfair share. They were of opinion, too, that they could not teach agriculture at Machynlleth cxcept at a considerable cost. They sug- gested that gardening should be taught in- stead. There was a lot of discussion at this instance whether the governors should not make some provision for the teaching of agriculture, some of the governors being strongly of opinion that something should bo done, as Machynlleth was situated in a farming district.—Mr. Meyler said that there was no call among the farmers of the district for the teaching of agriculture. If a boy was sharp he invariably entered a profession, and would not go back to the farm It was a question whether it would bo worth while to teach the subject to those who intended to work on the farms, as they stayed but a short time at the school, roughly speaking, not more than three terms, very often less.—The report was adopted, and the matter of agricultural teaching was left for further consideration. Finances. The Clerk reported that the financial posi- tion of the school was very low, as the county grant. and Board of Education grant had not been received. They usually re- ceived them in October. C'oal. I The tender of Mr. J. Lumley for coal, which was provisionally accepted at a former meeting, subject to the quality supplied being satisfactory, was now accepted, the Headmaster stating that he was satisfied with what was supplied. Meals to Children. A motion was put forward that those rh ldren which were going home every even- ing, and who had their meals in town, should be given their meals in the kitchen of the school. The Headmaster was strongly in favour of such a course. Chil- dren went to have their meals at a quarter to one, and were back aga n at five to one in school. They had nowhere to stay when it was raining, so thev had to come back to school.—Dr. Edwards thought that the it was raining, so they had to come back to school.—Dr. Edwards thought that the County Schools should not, be turned into soup kitchens.—It was decided that the children should have their meals at school. —Mr. Meyler was prepared to take the matter into h:s hands, an intimation which was cordially received. Holidays. The school will close over the Christ- mas holiday on December 20th and will re- open on Tuesday, the 14th of January.

LLANDYSSUL Wales and Welsh Lifo.—A short time ago a young Scottish lady—Miss Nancy Mackay —read a paper on Wales and Welsh life be- fore a literary society in far-off Inverness. Miss Mackay last summer paid a v'sit to Wawniforf Mr. Charles Lloyd's seat in Car- diganshire, and saw a great deal of West Wales and the adjoining counties, and made her experiences the subject of a paper she was invited to read before her Inverness friends. Her paper was well received, and it is to be hoped she will be induced to give it to the public before long. She is a cousin of Mrs Lloyd, of Waunifor, is a young lady of brilliant parts, and is now studying for her degree at Glasgow University. Wesleyanism.—Apropos of the centenary ci the Welsh Wesleyan movement at Llari- ciyssul, it may be said that one of the chapels belongirg to the connexion in that district is Bethel, in the Vale of Clettwr, which has an interesting history. It was built in the "thirtie8" in the last century, mainly at the expense of Mr. Enoc Jones, Abereinon, a wed to-do yeoman in the parish of Llan- dysstil. The landlord of every rood of land in the district was Mr. Lloyd, of Alltyrodyn, who was known to his contemporaries as Llwyd Coch,)) the Red Lloyd, from the colour of his hair. To him went Mr. Eboc Jones to try and negotiate for a Igieco of land to build a chapel "Very well," said the Red Lloyd; "you shall have enough ground for a chapel and burial ground on one condition—that you call the chapel after your own name." Mr. Jones hesitated long, but at last accepted the condition. The chapel was built, and a stone slab was placed in the front wall bearing the legend 'Capel Eiwc," with the year in which the building was erected. When the chapel was transferred legally to the Wesleyan con- nexion, many yeai-s afterwards, the "Enoc" stone, at the wish of the founder's family, was covered over with whitewash, and the name "Bethel" inscribed instead. Mr. Enoc Jones has still some representatives hying, including Mrs. Thomas, Penrallt, Llandyssul, and Mrs. Eilir Evans, Cardiff.

c Football. MONTGOMERYSHIRE AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. ABERYSTWYTH v. ABERYSTWYTH. COLLEGE. A large crowd assembled at the Smithfield grounds on Saturday last to witness this match. The students were remarkably quiet and the match was not an exciting one. The Town were the better team, and wore three goals to the good at half-time. It was expected that they would run up the score further, but they did not succeed in making any addition during the second half. Tins being the case. the game lost much of i s interest, inasmuch as the Town goal was never seriously in danger, except at one time, but their custodian was then equal to the occasion. The Town held the upper band during most of play, and penned their oPP^enta m their own quarters all the while. There was no score for a time, but eventually, from a corner, they succeeded in putting the ball into the net. Tommy Rees, it was who took the kick, and Roderick, in trying to save, sent into his own goal. There was an element of luck in this score The two other goals scored by Bob Peake, the first of them, especially, were thoroughly deserved. After some good individual work, he found the net with a lovely kick under the bar. Again he got into his stride, and beating Dickinson, scored his second goal with a low shot into the corner of the net. But Peake had to retire for a while just after re-starting, but, fortunately, he was able to resume play. It was the halves and hacks of both teams who were the most con- spicuous. The two sets of forwards were uisjorgamsed, the College having lost some °v their best men lately through injuries, and other causes, while the Town tried an experiment in playing Arthur Griffiths as outrndo right and Towyn Jones had been slutted back to his old place as outside left, he having played in recent matches as out- side right. Arthur Griffiths, playing for the first time for the Town, evidently suffered from nervousness. Humphries justified the hopes held out of him, and was a great im- provement on his former displays this season. Me put more dash and confidence in his play. T. Rees, Edwards, and Mansell Jenkins p.aved magnificently all through. J. D. Dayies, had not much to do behind such hacks as Green and Jenkins but he saved smartly once in the second half. For the £ •1 played a good game, while Dickinson was a tower of strength to his side. Final score Town 3 goals. College Nil ine reams were:—Uoll.: Goal, D Roderick* backs, Dickinson and Stephenson; halves' Harper Peter Edwards, W. T. Thomas; forwards, Clarke, Harry Jones, T. O. Jones Charlie Patterson, Goronwy Edwards. IOWTI: Goal, J. D. Davies; backs, Mansell Jenkins, O. Green; halves, T. W. Reas E Peake, J. W. Mxvards; forwards, A. Grif- fiths, E. Humphries, R. Peake D. Hughes, D. Towyn Jones. WELSH AMATEUR. CUP. DRAW FOR THE SECOND ROUND. The draw for the second round of tliis competition was made at Wrexh'am on Wed- nesday, as follows:— Llandudno v. Colwyn Biy. Burntwood United v. Mold or Connah's Quay Victoria. Gwersyllt Victoria v. Brymbo Victoria Coedpoeth or R,uthin Road v. E^iclusham. Rhos Rangers or Johnston v. Acrefair. Towyn Rovers v. Bala or Portmadoc. Shrewsbury Rovers v. Royal Welsh Ware- house. Bujith Wells v. Llandrindod. Buckley Engineers (holders), Aberystwyth Huabon, Holyhead, Bangor, Wrexham, Vio- toria, Oak Alyr, and Welshpool are exempt until the next round. Ties have to be played on December 14th.

-r= 11 m Cured and Still Cured! CHAS. FORDES BILE BEANS DO NOT MERELY RELIEVE—THEY CURE PERMANENTLY. • CONFIRMED WELSH EVIDNECE Chas. Forde's bile bans have earned their world-wide reputa- tion as the finest of all family medicines, solely by their proved value, and the happiness they have given to millions of people—the life-longinvalids they have brought to health, the workers, disabled by pain, they have restored to their wage-earning position in life, the homes they have changed fiom abodes of sickness to bright, cheery family circles. The secret is that Chas. Forde's bile beans cure people thoroughly with cures that are lasting. Mr. W. H. Owens, 1, Railway Terrace, Padeswood, Nr. Mold, Flintshire, says:— For two years I suffered from constipation and piles. I was constantly having head- aches and pains in my back, which made me feel very weak. My appetite was affected, and my bright spirits vanished. Though I tried all sorts of medicine nothing afforded me more than temporary relief. My twelve hours' work every day were hours of misery, and as I couldn't obtain relief I began to despair. "Then I gave Chas. Forde's Bile Beans a trial, and the effect was magical. I felt bet- ter at once. I could go through my day's work with ease and pleasure; my spirits were brighter, and my appetite was greatly improved. I continued to take Chas. Forde's bile beans for a month or two, until I felt they had effected a complete and per- manent cure." STILL WELL TO-DAY. Tocla,v, two years after his cure, Mr. Owens writes: 'I am pleased to say that I have not been troubled with my old com- plaints since Chas. Forded bile beans cured me. When buying your next supply of medi- f.V?e that you get Chas. Forde's bile beans the kind yoai have always bought," and the kind that brought lasting health and strength to Mr. Owens. Of all chemists at Is. lid. and 2s. 9d. per box.

LLAN GEITHO. List of Presents.—The following is a list of presents received upon the occasion of tile wedding of Miss J. E. Jenkins, Gwynfil Mouse, to Mr. M. Margam, Llynvi Stores, l'aerau .-TIlde. to Bridegroom, gold links and scarf p.'n; bridegroom to bride, gold bangle; Mr. D. Jenkins, father of bride, cheque; Mrs. Jenkins (mother), household linen; Mr. Margam, father of bridegroom, cheque; Mrs. Margam (mother), drawing 100m and bedroom suites; IMiss Katie Jen- kins (s;,ster), dinn?r service; Miss Lizzie M. Jenkins (sister), tea service; Mr. Robert R. Jenkins (brother), case of cutlery; Mi*. D. J Jenkins (brother), bedroom ware; Masters leter Davies and David Herbert Jenkins (brothers) carvers in case; Mr. &nd Mrs. J Jenk;ns, Gwynfryn, Caerau, cheque; Mr and Mrs. 1'. Jones, Lloyd street, Caerau, (silver mounted jam dish and spoon i Master J. Gwvn Jones, Lloyd street, Caerau, pair of ornaments; Mr. and Miss Roberts, Glas- fryn House, Tregaron, pair of sheets; Mr. and Mrs. L. Evans, Glasfryn House, Tie- ?#.IV>n' Ar'ute damask table cloth; Mrs and Miss Jones, Gwynfryn Hou.se, Tregaron counterpane; Mrs. J. Rees. 8, Trinity pl^ce!' Aberystwyth, pair of hangings; Rev. and Mrs. R. Roberts Davies, Capel Drindod cheque; Miss Maggie W. Davies. Bryir amman, hand-worked tabk> centre; Mr. a.nd frs. W. Margam, Cardiff, silver suga- bowd and s'fter; Mr. and Mrs. J. Davies, Dvffryn road, Caerau, silver mounted butter dish Mr. and Mrs. J. Roes, Post, Office Caeran. silver mounted biscuit barrel- Mr and Mrs. Evans, Nantsol Cottage, Caerau, silver salt cellars and mustard pot in case Mr. and Mrs. J. Hughes, ITermon road,

» — lr t:1:4ti./tI,t/ ——" f I was ill with influenza and had besides FSp lost 14 lbs. in a single year. After a Ngf course of SCOTT'S Emulsion I feel a fcsaj different man altogether, eat well, Lf*v MR. CHAS. M. PALTOE enjoy 1 living | and have lost all the bad after-effects of .Mi the influenza. Before taking SCOTT'S wk Emulsion I weighed lOst. 2 lbs.; now I weigh 10 st. 10i lbs.-a gain of 8:] lbs. 4 —and am in the very best of health and spirits." vmrnm CHARLES M. PAINE |% 2 Rhoda Cottars, Commodore Road, Oulton Broad, nr. Lowestoft. 21/2.07. jV Above is the Proof in the Facts. Here is Proof in the Reason Why: The Emulsion which brought back health and spirits to Mr. Paine was A Jpk ew, t SCOTT'S, and if you desire exactly the same results you will be wise to ^P^jfJEwV « procure exactly the same Emulsion— SCOTT'S, with the fish man with ? 9 the fish" on the package. K| SCOTT'S Emulsion is cLferent from KH every other emulsion in being made of 3^ the finest quality Lofoten cod Siver oil by the original perfected ScoLt process, two points which place SCOTT'S far ahead of all its competitors. Therefore, when purchasing, don't ask for Emulsion", ij? ask for and get Idaho ille oil ISCOTTS Emulsion .J —the difference between them means a cure for you. See that the Fishman with the Fish is on the Package. Write for free sample and The Cry of the Children (enclose 4ci. for postage and name this paper). Ll^' T ^re^' ^°ad^E'^ s Cawdor Commercial and Temperance Hotel NEWCASTLE EMLYN. Every accommodation for Commercial Gentlemen, Tourists <- Cyclists, and Picnic Parties. 11 POSTING IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. BUS MEETS ALL TRAINS. Proprietor: TOM LLOYD.

rri ^T^H NATIONAL LIBRARY. The Lord President of the Council has 1 been pleased to appoint Lord Rendel, the "i Rev. John Fisher, B.D., and Mr. John) 1 Gwenogfryn Evans, M.A., D.Litt,, to bef J members ofthe Council of the National 1 Library of Wales. -M

ongine-driver working from Crewe to London M tod back has to notice no fewer than 570 signals. II.

:¡" -JI' A -LIT

Caerau, silver cake basket; Messrs. Kemp and Sons, Cardiff, wedding cake; Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Penyrallt, Llangeitho, silver tea spoons; Mrs. Evans, Glynbuartli, Llan- geitho, cheque; The Staffs of the Blaenllynfi Girls and Boys' Schools, silver tear spoons, sugar tongs, jam spoon and fruit knife in case; Mr and Mrs. Jones, Commerce House, Llangeitho, white counterpane; Misses Michell and Jones, Commerce House, plush and silk sofa cushion; Miss S. Davies, Com- merce House, pair of towels ;Mrs. Griffiths, London House, pair of pillow slips; Mrs. Davies, Chapel street, glass oake dish; Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Glovers House, white damask table cloth; Mrs. Davies. High street, pair of pillow slips; Mr and Mrs. Rees, Cwmgwenyn, half-dozen china teas; Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, Drover's Arms, table knives; Mrs. Owens, Fro Cottage, cream i'ug, sugar basin and fruit dish; Mr. and Irs. Morgan, Gorphwysfa, white damask table cloth; Miss Thomas, Sisyllt, tray cloth; Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Gouallt, cheque; Mrs Lyons, Alltvdderw, carvers in case and handkerchief satchet; Mrs. D. H. Davios, Alltydderw, hand worked table centre; Miss R. Williams,, Aeron View, trayoloth and table centre Miss Lille Evans, Cwmgwenyn, cream jug: sugar and slop basins; Miss Maggio Williams, Cnwcygneuen, tray cloth; Miss Hughes, Garth, teapot and stand; Rev and Mrs. D. A. Jones, Glynuchaf, satin tea cosy and cheque; Rev. and Mrs. Worthing- ton, The Rectory, damask table cloth; Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Birchhill, white courter- pane; Miss Williams, Marews, cheque; Miss M. A. Jenkins. Coedmawrissa, silver mounted biscuit barrel; Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Castle House, silk tea cosy; Miss Davies, Panty-- beudy Hall, Damask table cloth: Miss Evans, Meinierwynion. pair of pillow slips; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd. Glanaeron, teapot; Miss Davies, Praed street, London, silver cake basket; Miss Lewis, Cefnllwyn, handworked cushion and pin cushion; Miss Lizzie Jones, Meid- rim road, serviettes; Misses Richards, Tyn- dolau, cheque; Miss Rowlands, Gwynfryn, dessert spoons; Mr. and Mrs. Evans Cae- gwyn, cheque; Miss M. S. Morris, Meidrim road, serviettes: Mrs. Edwards, Brynteg, clioque; Miss Edmunds, Penlanfaen, side- board cloth; Miss Morgan, Parkrydderch, table knives; Miss Maggie Williams, Gwyn- filucha, tea spoons; Mrs. Williams, Three Horse Shoes, pair of pillow slips; Mr: and Mrg. Morgan, Broaeron, ducliesse cover; Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, Brynhyfryd, Tre- garon, silver mounted jam dish; Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Gwynfa, Tregaron, table knives; Nurse Lyons, Bromley Hospital, London, photo frames; Mr. Spiegelhalter, te 1 Maesteg, silver teaspoons and sugar sifter; Miss S. Jenkins, Idole Council School Car- marthen, flower vase; Miss Davies, Council School, Llandyseul, silver sugar sifter; Mr and Mrs. Jones, Tanyrallt, Llangeitho, cheque; Miss Morris, Rose Inn, duchesso cover; Miss C. E. Davies, Meidrim, table cloth; Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, Derlwynfawr, silk tea cosy; Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, Chapel House, hot water jugs; Mr. and Mrs. Dav- ies, Brechfa, cheque; Miss Jenkins, Cae- melyn, pair of sheets; Mr. and Mrs. Davies ies Bryncetliin, damask table cloth; Miss Dav- ies, Tabt'n, silver mounted breakfast cruet; Mr. J. Evans, Cwmyrefail, oheque; Miss Lavies, Pendre, flower pots; Mrs. Thomas, vxwynfil Cottage, cheque; Mrs. Thomas 2n? £ yn' ^'ieyani silver cruet stand; Mr! and Mrs. Lodwick, ironmonger, Caerau sil- ver mounted jam dish; Mr. Evan Evans, Brynhir, London, cheque; Misses Rees, Dyffiyn Farm, Caerau, silver mounted re- volvmg butter d'sh; Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Dvffryn road, Caerau, cake dishes; Messrs. Anthony and Co., Bridgend, silver mounted biscuit barrel; Messrs. D. Williams and Son, Bridgend silver tea-pot; Messrs. W. Powell and Son, Brdgend, silver cruet stand Mr (ruttndge, Bridgend, pair of vases; Messrs T.eer James and Co.. T^inninghani, fancy bellofws: Mr. and Mrs. Davios, Caerlliigest, L.angeitho, cheque; Mr. and Mrs. Daniels, (_wrttarm, pair of towels; Miss Williams .Nantm^yn cheque; Miss Davies CDe lAVii- ♦ ach) Cardiff, drawn thread handkerchiefs; Miss J. Morgan. Fronheulog, pair of towels; Miss Morgan, Post Office, cushion cover • Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Lletemddu, damask table cloth and tray cloth. ill l 1 11 1 — DOLGELLEY. S.P.G.—The collections at the. Parish Church on Sunday were devoted to the funds. of the Society for the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts. Institute.—It has been decided to hold a grand bazaar next summer towards the building fund of the Free Library and Insti- tute. Bardie Chair. The chair offered for the best ode on "Mynydd Duw" at the eistedd- fod Meirion on New Year's Day is now ont view at one of the local business establish- ments. It is both substantial and hand- some, being the handiwork of Mr. Owen. Tudor. Lecture. The Rev. R Morns, M.A., B.D., delivered a lecture at the Bethel C.M. Sfchoolrom on Friday night. The subject was, "The New Theology/' 'Words.'—An interesting and instructive address was delivered at the County School on Wednesday by the Rev. Edmund O. Jones, M.A., vicar of Llanidloes. on "Tbe formation of words." Hockey. The local hockey team played' their first match of the season at Barmouth. on Wednesday. The final score was, Dol- J gellev 0, Barmouth nil. — On Saturday, a match was played between Dr. Williams* P-hooI and Towyn C.C. at DolgelI?y. The 1 homesters scored three goals to their op- ponents' nil. New Deacons. Messrs. Martin Wi)- j Iiams, Penrhosisaf, Thomas Price. Rryn- j coch, and Griffith Price, Corsvgarnedd, have I been made deacons of Ffrwd 'Congregational 1 Chapel, Llanfachreth. | Social Evening. — A social evening was 1 held at the Institute commencing at 9.0 p.m. The Chairman of the meeting was Mr W D Roberts, who delivered a practical ad- dress full of useful suggestions. The fol- lowing were the successful competitors:— Recitation, Messrs E E Jones and Puckley Jones; impromptu speech, Mr. Buckley Jones; solo, Mr Rufus Roberts; duet, Messrs. Richard James and Evan Jones. The- adjudicators were: Messrs. R. Jones Lewis, L) M VYilharos and J Owen, Cambrian Stores. Pictures of the* "R.ussK>-JapaJiese < War were displayed on the screen, the lantern being kindly lent by Mr Thomas O. J Jones, Eldon Row. Two hours were plea- santly spent, the conduct of all present being moat gentlemanly. The arrange- ments were in the able hands of Mr Isaac W Evans (junior). Books were given as prizes. It is intended to hold a debat? at the next meeting. telephone. The Post Office telephone- system has been adopted locally and will, Ari r' ^rove an inestimable boon. Miss- • I"" 1 Lewis> Aberystwyth, has been ap- 1 Pointed manipulator at the head office. Presentation to Major Best. A meeting: convened by Mr H W Bromby was held at the County Hall on Monday at 2.0 p m Its object was to present Major, the Hon* 1. W. Best, Lingfield, Barmouth, with testimonial subscribed for in the county, as a small token of appreciation, Major Best Jiavmg with distinction served as Chief Constable for twenty-four years. There was a large attendance cf friend and well- wishers. The presentation, which was M formally made by the Honourable C. H. X Wvnn, Rug, Corwen. consisted of a hand- <M some silver salver, suitably inscribed, and » M purse containing a hundred sovereiguø.{. fa Speeches were delivered by the Chairman < M 9, ney Wynne, Dol'rhvd (chairman oi S the Police Committee), Mr E O V Lloyd W Rhaggatt (twice High Sheriff for the county)! fl Su Iv. 0 Mr Edward Grif- B fith (both present when Major Best was M appointed). Dr. John Jones and Mr. J EL ,9* Fox, barnster-at-law. Major Best feel- » 1'j responded, and said he had ^ndearour^ 3m to do his duty without fear or favour. S