The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

BOARDS OF GUARDIANS. FO RDE N,—WEDNESDAY. The usual fortnightly meeting of the above Board was held on Wednesday, when there were present— Messrs. W. Rogers, presiding, Rev L. J. Lee, X- o/Jicio, Messrs Thomas Rogers, Forden, JohnDavies, Llandyssil, Robert Scotson, Pool Lower, Joseph Middle, Worthen, Colonel Twyford, Pool Lower, with Mr C. S. Pryce. clerk. PAUISH COUNCIL BILL. The Clerk said that two resolutions had been re- ceived trom St. Mary's Abbot and Epsom Guardians and were the same as the one adopted at the previous meeting.-The Rev J. L. Lee said that they had sent one at the last meeting.—The Chairman said that it was not necessary to send another, and the subject dropped. THE INCREASE IN VAGRANTS. A circular letter was read from the Shifnal Union, asking the Board to adopt the resolution passed by them dealing with the increase in the vacrancy. It was suggested that each vagrant be examied by the police, and a card be granted to each, showing his identity, his description, and his destination, and re- quiring that this card be exnmined and endorsed by the police.—Nothing was done in the matter. STATISTICS. Amount administered in outrelief during the past fortnight, par Mr R. Tomley, Montgomery, j £ 12 16s to 80 recipients; per Mr John Oliver, Worthen, XIO 8s 8d to 79 receipients; per Mr James Fortune, Welshpool, £ 9 3s to 74 recipients. Number in the house, during the fortnight, 228, against 224 during the corresponding period of last year. WORKHOUSE INSURANCE. The Clerk reported that he had perused the poli- cies of insurance effected upon the property of the Guardians, and it was decided to change the existing insurance, which is R4,000 upon the building and .£3UO upon its furniture, &c., to t3,800 upon the structure and X500 upon its contents. MACHYNLLETH,—WEDNESDAY. Present: Messrs Edward Hughes, Aberfrydlan (chairman); Ellis Hughes, Cemmes; Eddward Mor- gan, Llanbrynmair Owen Edwards, Souborycoed Richard Owen, Issygarreg Evan Evans and John Owen, Towyn Thomas Evans, Darowen John Row- lands, solicitor, Machynlleth; D. Evans, clerk; and D. Morgan, assistant-clerk. STATISTICS. Out-relief administered during the past fortnight, Machynlleth district, per Mr John Jones, J621 168 to 93 paupers, a decrease of XI Is 8d in relief, and of 3 paupers Pennal district, per Mr William Jones, iJ29 11s lOd to 109 paupers, an increase of 7s lid in relief, and a decrease of 2 paupers and Darowen district, per Mr D. Howell, £ 4110s 3d to 149 paupers, an increase of 2s lid in relief, and a decrease of 1 pauper. Number in the house, 38, last year, corre- sponding period, 34 vagrants relieved dnring the past fortnight, 110, last year. corresponding Deriod. 64 amount of cheques signed, £ 98. 19 THE HOUSE. The Master reported that IS1 loads of stone had been broken at the House since January, 179 loads of which bad been carted by the Highway Board and placed on the Machynlleth streets.

BRITISH WORKMAN'S AND GENERAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY. PRESENTATION TO MR. H. PORT. The splendid reception accorded to Mr H. Port, the founder and managing director of the British) Workman's and General Assurance Company, at the ) Cannon-street Hotel, London, will long be regarded as one of the most noteworthy features in the insu- rance history of the present year. The testimonial presented to Mr Port proves how highly he is esteemed by his confreres, and it must have been par. ticularly gratifying to him to find that after his long and anxious years of service his great ability and merits have been widely acknowledged. The presen- tation was made by Mr Sessions, the inspector of the Southern division, the occasion of the gathering at the Cannoa-street Hotel being to bring the company's representatives belonging to the London and South of England divisions in touch with each other, so that their efforts might be stimulated. Mr Port's reply was in every way worthy of him, and he was repeatedly greeted with enthusiastic cheering. The great success of the company is unquestionably owing to Mr Port's consummate tact and indomitablo perseverance. Mr Port believes in leading men, not driving them. As to the present position of the British Workman's," we find that it has con- siderably more than half a million of assurants. It has paid in elaims over XI,200,000, and the annual income exceeds £ 330,000. About ten years ago it was only between seventy and eighty thousand pounds. It will thus be seen that the progress of tin company has keen by leaps and bounds. Another strong point in favour of the British Workman's is that it. is most merciful and considerate to its poorer members. Last year the company gave back nearly six thousand pounds! The recent gathering at the Cannon-street Hotel will no doubt stimulate the agents of the company to renewed exertions. Aud it will not only do this, but be a lasting and convincing proof of with what affection and venera- tion the managing director of the company is held by its officials and by the insurance world generally. From a comparatively insignificant position Mr Port has raided the "British Workman's" into the very front rank of industrial offices. He was the founder of the company, and he has every reason to be prond of the great work he has achieved.

COUNTY RATE BASIS. 1\ ADJOURNMENT OF THE QUESTION OF ABATEMENTS. A meeting of the Montgomery County Rate Basis I Committee was held ou Tuesday at the Newtown Police Court, when there were present: Mr A. C. Humphreys,-Owen (presiding), Capt. Mytton, Capt. Pryoe-Jonf-s, Messrs J. Jones, Martin Woosnam, D. Hamer, W. Cooke, R. Lloyd, and G. Morgan; with Mr Winuali representing Mr G. D. Harrison, olerk. THE PRESS. The CHAIRMAN said the first point to discuss was as to wi), ttit r the proceedings of the committee should be open to the Press. Capt. 31YTTON said they had allowed the repre- sentatives of the Press to be present at all other meetings of the committee, and he thought they should con ii.ue to act as they had beguu. He pro- posed th y be allowed to remain present. The CHAIKMAN remarks i that there had been a good deal of leeling ou the question. Two or three members seconded, and the motion was agreed to. DISPUTING THE MINUTES. The CHAIRMAN There is one point upon which I feel a little anxiety, and it is iu regard to the deduc- tions to be allowed on land without buildings. I am not certain as to whether it was agreed that we should aliow 2 per cent, or 71 per ceut. It is quite clear, so far aa the mitiutei go, that 7t per cent. was decided on. At the same time my personal recollec- tions are against that amount, and I think 2i per cent. was agreed upon. Mr H xxEEt pail as tar as his recollection went, he thought the 7i per cent. was withdrawn at the meet- ing of the suo-committee. At the next meeting of the conference at which that was reported he was unfortunately late, and did not hear the report, but he was informed after leaving by Mr John Lewis, who was nnd.r the impression that it was 2i per cent. Ho watched the proceedings, and put a ques- tion to the Chairman with the idea of drawing out the amount, and it appeared to be 2i per cent. Captain PRYCE-JONRS proposed that the report drawn up by the conference be adopted, with the following alterations: Instead of 15 per cent, to be allowed on land and buildings, it be 10 per cent., and on laud, instead of 7i per cent.. put 2!- per cent. By agreeing to his motion they would be deferring this impor.i-.nt question uatit next year, and in the meantime, perhaps, the different unions would take up the recommendations of the County Council if the committee agreed to the report. He had been informed that morning that bffore very long the Vyrnwy Wa erworks would be increased from t8,000 to a very much larger sum. All these increases in the rateable value of properties would help not only one class of the community, but the entire com- munity, the entire class. Mr HAMKR I rise to a point of order. Is it oom. petent for this committee to alter the report of the conference ? The CHAIRMAN No, I don't think it would be; at least, only competent upon notice being given that it was the intention of the committee to rescind its former resolution adopting these proposals, and to again discuss the report of the conference. I don't think we can entertain any motion here to-day in alteration. The other point was not one of prin- ciple, bat one of the accuracy of the minutes. Mr LLOYD: I am quite sure with regard to your recollections that it was 2 per cent. agreed upou. I distinctly rt collect, and I am quite positive, that it was not 7i per cent, i hat proposal was brought np by the representatives of the Newtown and Llanid- loes U ion, and it was withdrawn. Mr UJSOKGK MORGAN said what the joint con. ference had done was with the obj 'ct of making a report to the Couuty Rati Basis Committee, and he presume.! that it was quite competent for them to dtber refu-e the report, or amend it in any way they th"ugh desiiablu, in order tnat the County Council mignt have a report from this committee. The CHAIRMAN Quite so, but the 15 per cent. recommended by the committee was acopted by the committee. The struggle took place not over the 15 per cent. to be allowed on land and buildings, but as to whether 25,30, or 33 per cent. should be allowed on mills. The first part of the report has been agreed to, subj .cti to the inaccuracy which has been men- tioned. Unless you give formal notice to rescind the resolution from 15 to 10 per cent. you cannot do so. Mr JOHN JONES remarked that he should be one of the last to dispute the Chairman's ruling, but he did not think they were bound by what had been done at the conference, but only what had been passed at previous meetings ot the committee. Captain PRTCB-JONES said he fancied a mistake had been made with regard to the eommittee adopting any of the recommendations. Hf was not aware that the committee had come to any decision on any ot the items. Mr LLOYD Can't we come to a settlement over the point whether it shall be 7i or 2-1 per cent. ? The latter was agreed upon, and I move we subsitute 4 per cent. for 7i per cent. as now shown. It has been a clerical error. The CHAIRMAN asked the Clerk to reJod the minutes of the last meeting of the committee. The CLERK replied that he had none down in the minute book. The CHAIRMAN The facts are these. There was a meeting of the conference at which the report was drawn up, and it has been printed and laid before this committee at the rising of the Council last Tues- day and no resolution was minuted as being come to, and the whole question WAS adjourned. ll'o Capt Pryce-Jones 1 am sorry I mar'e that mistake.] Mr D. HAMER seconded Mr Lloyd's resolution. The CHAIRMAN How cun we amend the minute of the conference? We can pass a resolution stating that in oor opinion the allowance of 7t per cent. on lan < is erroneous. Captain MYTTON What is the present deduction on land ? The CHAIRMAN 2t ppr cent. Mr J. JONES t-aid he took it the last ruling of the Chairman made it competent for the members of the committee to discuss each item of the printed report. The CHAIRMAN Yes, the wholo thing is before us. Mr J. JONES regarded the proposed resolution as being rather misleading. He suggested it should be, "That the committee adopt 2l per cent. as deduction for land without buildings." Captain PRYCE-JONES said it was rather unfair upon the officers who had put down 7t per cent., whereas he was under the impression that 7-21 per cent, was agreed upon. Mr GEORGE MORGAN said he knew the 7t per cent was mentioned. If the deductions on land "nd build- ings was 10 per cent., it was the feeling of the oom- mittee that the deductions on land only should be raised. It was certainly the opinion of the confer- ence that if one item was altered there should be an alteration all round. He did not think they had looked closely into the question of deductions, as th-y at first determined to do it, and simply to make deductions according to the evidence laid before them in dealing with every class of property in the county (hotr. hear). The CHAIRMAN With rezard to the point raised by Captain Pryce-Jones, our officers. are quitd as likely to be correct as our recollections. Mr Humobreys-Owen then referred to Captain Pryce- Jone" letter on County Rating, which appeared in the Express and Times last week. He remarked that he had not had ume to thoroughly read it through or analyse his figures in order to appreciate them. He did not think it was possible for the committee to get a uniform standard for the alteration of the County Rate Basis in time for the next assessment of the County Race. Mr LLOYD But it is very important that we should have a new County rate basis in time for the next county rate, or els the Newtown and Llanidloes and Forden Unions will have a great burden cast upon them, while Llanfyllin Union will be relieved. Mr JOHN JONES: How is that? Mr LLOYD repeated his former observations. Mr GEO MORGAN seconded Captain Pryca-Jones's motion. He thought it would be better for the ques- tiou to be adjourned for two or three mont hs, and in the meantime for a committee of three or four to be appointed to go into the whole question of the deduc- tions to be allowed to the various property s of the county. He would like Captain Pryce-Jones to add to his motion that a small committee be appointed to tak exidence as the deductions which the owners of each c'ass of property were entitled to t-othat when they met again to discus4 the county rate basis they might bo finally able to settle the question. Mr WOOSNAM submitted Captain Pryce-Jones's motion as being out of order. The CHAIRMAN I do not think it is out of order. It is open to discuss the whole thing and move amendments. I don't s^e anything out of order m that. You may argue against it, that it is very iu- conv,e,lient. Mr HAMER expressed his regret that he was called aw -y fr,tii the committee meeting held on Tuesday last, and therefore he had not the pleasure of listen* in to the speech delivered hy Captain Pryce-Jones. It s fpmed that he had aone into print, and thus had giveu them -tri opportunity of reading what he said. On reading through his letters, which appeared in the Mniiif/omery-hire Express Mr J JONES asked if it were in order for a member to deliver a speech on a letter which appeared in the paper of that day, and which fcoine of the members i had not seen. The CHAIRMAN said that Mr Hamer no donht wished to answer Captain Pryce-Jones, and as this was an adjourned meeting he was perfectly in orde-. If it w,>ro a meeting of th3 Council the objection! would stand. Mr HAMER, continuing, said on looking through the statements made in tne lettgr, it seemed to him that the writer had proved too muoh and so had' spoilt his case. When he saw ha proved that the de-1 duction upon farm houses was 70perc<;nt., he eaid to | himself that it must be a fallacj, and the fallacy was contained irt the statement. He took the rural p irt of the parishes of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn upon which to make his calculation*, and thus he had been wrong from the commencement. The two parirhes mentioned were the only parishes in which be could find anything upon which to substantiate the case he attempted to make out. The rating of the farm houses in those two parishes was an anomaly. It was an illegal thing.. It had not been done by a properly constituted rating authority, but by the members of the Local Board, who were not a rating authority. It had been done by a number of tradesmen without any farmer being amongst them, or only one, and that one was told that io was bound to be done by law. Where that law was bo had never discovered, although he had been searching several years for it. It was an uncommon law, and he thought perhaps it was "Cooke's law" (loud laughter.) By that expression he (lid not wish Mr W. Cooke to take offence. for he did not use the words disrespectfully. He knew that when the Clerk to the Newto>vn Local Board was a-ked a question he answered straightforwardly and to the point at once. It was said that it had been ordered to be done by an auditor—Mr F. R. Southern, an auditor who had left the district for some years. Mr Hamer was understood to say that the auditor had said that it was not legal to rate the houses anct laud in a lump. Continuing, he said that the amount of expenditure was such that they certainly ought not to have less than a 15 per cent. deduction. He had not tested the figures iu the letter, because he found the super-structure was built on a fallacy. He stated that the farm houses were of a certain value, and the land so much, but the land was no good with- out the buildings, and the buildings useless without the land. He knew landlords had to spend ten times as much on buildiugs as on the farm houses, which were sound in structure, but the buildings were liable to get broken down and out ot repair. He contended that Captain Pryce-Jones had brought nothing to gnbstantiate his fig-ares as representing the two values of the rural portions of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn parishes. He had misled himself, and also attempted to lead others astray. No doubt it waa an oversight, and occasioned by too much haste. He agreed with the adjournment of the ques- tion, and proposed that the question of the county rate should be proceeded with, and only the question of the deductions adjourned. In the meantime they would probably receive more light, and agree to take the matter up in a more generous spirit than seemed to be prevailing at present. Mr W. COOKS spoke in favour of adjournment. Mr LLOYD seconded Mr Hamer's amendment. Mr WOOSNAM supported toe adjournment, and hoped in the meantime the spiritless display would have calmed down. Mr GEO. MORGAN pointed out that he was in per- fect agreement with the amendment, and he should be in favour of combining it with the motion. Mr J. JONES heartily supported the motion. In the course of a discussion the CHAIRMAN suggested the following resolution as one which might bring the members together:—"That in the opinion of this committee the Union assessments should be adopted as the county rate basis, provided a uniform scale of deductions is arrived at, that for the present the existing scale of deductions be retained, and that a small committee be appointed to further consider the question of deductions, and report thereon in time for the next revision of the county rate basis." Mr HAMER mentioned that he thought the allow- ance of 2t pe cent. to woodlanus was also a clerioal error. Mr "W008NAM suegested that the question of deductions would be debarred if Capt. Pryce-Jones's motion were carried. C»pt. PRYCE-JONES Oh, HO. Mr WOOSNAM That ii my way of looking at it. Capt. PRYCE.JONES: I will alter it to meet you, if you wish. Air HAMER thought in the preparation of the new rate the existing deductions should remain in torce. Capt. PRYCE-JONES seconded tue Chairman's motion. Mr LLOYD said if they did not adopt the present assessments as the new county rate basis, Newtown and Llanidloes and Forden Unions would lose considerably, while Llanfyllin Union would derive an advantage. Mr WOOSNAM asked if it were possible to appoint a small committee to over-ricle the standing committee? The CHAIRMAN said the committee could appoint a sub-oommiitee. Mr J. JONES said that if they took the paroohial assessments it would mean that every assessment in uhe county would have to be analysed, as there were certain deductions in each class of property. Unless they had a uniform deduction he thought they were bound to separate the assessments. Mr GEO. MORGAN said it appeired that the com- mittee were ail agreed upon adjourning and pro- ceeding with the new county rate basis, and he asked the Chairman to prepare a resolution which would bring the committee together. Capt. PRYCE-JONES said when he question of deductions were discussed, he should advocate a rn-valualion of the property throughout the county. With regard to Mr D Hamer's remarks upon his letter, there was no occasion to refer to them. Mr Hamer had merely contradicted his figures, and it was only an assertion, while the facts set forth in his letter were backed up by reliable figures, and they were yet not confuted. Mr WOOBNAM said there were two things for them to do. They either had to accept the lists sent them by the different Unions of the county, or decide to have a separate county assessment. If they had the latter it would entail considerable expense, and he questioned whether it would not be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. He was as radical as Capt. Pryce-Jones in regard to the inequality of rating in that county, and would go heart and soul with him for a re-valuation. But they must first of all adopt the principle upon which they were to go, and he did not see how they were going to do that without adjourning the question. The following resolution was ultimately agreed to, That the existing Union assessments ba adopted as the revised county rate basis. That the committee adjourn the queatiou of the deductions, and also the question of a separate county assessment to be made on all mansions, railways, canals, &c." The committee then rose.

POOL & FORDEN HIGHWAY BOARD, MONDAY. 1 Present: Captain Mytton (chairman), Messrs Pryce Butler (vice-chairman), Edward Pritchard, Berriew, J. Watkins, Bernew, T. Gregory, Criggion, E. Farmer, Chirbury, E. Watkin, Chirbury, R. Hughes, Forden, David Jones, Guilefield, J. Hamer, Llandyssil, E. Rogers, Llanmerewig, T. Parry, Mid. dletown, J. Edwards, Uppington, Shuker, Chirbury, and C. Pryce, Chirbury; with Mr G. D. Harrison, clerk, and Mr W. P. Hole, surveyor. REPAIRS AT TEWSTlLEWEIiYN. The Surveyor reported that he had inspected the Trwstllewelyn township award, and found that the road at the 1 ron was a private road, and was for the benefit of occupiers of land adjoining. Since the date of the award thirteen houses and a church had been built upon the side of the road.—The Chairman said he agreed that they ought to do something to the road, especially as the expense would not be heavy.—Mr Bullock proposed that they repair the road. The people living in the houses on the road were ratepayers,'and should therefore have some ad- vantage from the rates. The road was from the Half- way House to the Cross, and would take X2 for re- pairing it, and 10s a year for keeping it ir repair. He proposed that they undertake to repair it.—Mr Pritchard seconded the motion, and it was carried. CULVERT AT CRIGGION, The Surveyor reported that the proposed culvert at Criggion was required, as the road during frost was quite impassable. To make this a permanent job it would cost X7 10s, exclusive of the cartage of pipes. A portion of this would, in any circumstances, be expended, as the end of the existing culvert was in a delapidatad state, and the road would soon become dangerous.—On the motion of Mr Gregory, seconded by Mr Pritchard, it was decided that the repairs be undertaken on those conditions.—The Chairman said it would be understood that there would be a little delay in the work as the price of pipes was rather high at present, and he thought it would be better to wait until trade had eettled into its usual conditions. CULVERT AT LLANMEREWIG. The Surveyor reported that the suggested culvert at Llanmerewig would improve the road, and as far as the pipes were concerned would not cost more 50s. but there would be required a great amount of backing to protect the pipes. This could be done from the quarry, which was only a short distance away. Still, if the cartage of pipes, &c., had to be paid for it would cost, including manual labour, about X7 lOs.—On the motion of the Chairman, se- conded by Mr Bullock, this was approved of, on con- dition that the waywardens arrange for free haulage. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. The Finance Committee reported that the balance in the hands of the Treasurer was .£535. The com- mittee recommended that the treasurer be debited with the under-mentioned amounts County Autho- rity's account, Salop, X13 6s 6d; district fund ac- count, parish of Guilsfield, ^95; Rhosgoch, £ 5; Leighton, 10s; Llandysilio, .£41; Berriew, £ 85. The sum of .£95 15s 6d was recommended for expen- diture for wages, &c., during the ensuing month. The following parishes were reported to be in arrears: Bausley, Berriew, Castle Caereinion, Churchs'oko, Criggion, Guilsfield, Llandrinio, Llan. disilio, Trelyatan and Uppington.

CAPTAIN AND MRS. HUMPHREYLA WEDDKMJ REJOICINGS AT ATTFCRMULE- In connection with the marriage of Captain C. M. S. Humphrey. ot Garthmyl Hall, and Mrs Chad- wicit, oi Dolforwyn Hall, Abermule, which cere. mony was performed in London, on the 14th inst., great rejoicings took place at Abermule, on Wednes- day. Bo ILix Capt. Humphreys and his bride are well known ana greatiy enteemed by the people living in the neighbourhood, and it was felt that the occasion of the wedded couple's return home should be made a day of fe- tivity A committee was formed, com- posed of Messrs Samuel Miller (The Court), E. R. Owen, W. Jones (Trwystllewelyn), J. H. Stephens (Abermule Inn), John Evans (Liegodtg), Benjamin Hixgms (burner, vv Pugn (Luggy), Edward Prit- chard (Hod House), H. H. Owen (Berriew), W. Alk-op (Garthmyl), R. Proctor (Garthmyl), W. Andrews (Garthmyi), W. Jones (Garthmyl), Charles Jones, Ricnard Evans (Abermule), Owen (butcher, t!ot riew), a.nd Alfred Thomas (Garthmyl). The secre- tariai duties wore performed by Mr J. Evans, and tho duties of treaauier were underiaken by Mr J. H. Stephens. These gentlemen all worked hard, and the general airtmgenients of the day were admirably carried out. The weather in the early part of the I day was not all that could be desired, but during the afternoon it remained fine, although cold. There was a large attendance ot children, mccompanied by their parents. Tue day's proceedings opened with luncheon, which was provided at tne Abermuie Inn, when host Stephens exhibited capacity as a caterer. After the meal was concluued, a procession was tormed outside the railway gates. The Newtown Excelsior Baud, under Mr J. Manuel, marched at the head, and was followed by the committee-men and school children, contingent* of the latter coming from Berriew (boys and girls), Fron and Dolforwyu. To a lively march the procession wended its way to Dolforwyn Hall. Shortly after their arrival Captain and Mrs bum- phres walked on to the ground, and were received with enthusiastic ciieers. Mr W. J onis (Ti y wstllewelyn) then read the follow- ing addiess to C.¡;t, and Mrs Humphreys We, the tenants on the Garthmyl Hall Estate, neighbours, and trieuos, arc a-sembled to congratulate you on the occasion of your marriage, and to welcome you home (cheers). Iu order that the very auspicious event may long be remembered by the youth of the district in which yourself and your estimable wife have long resided, we Lave invited the children in the schools and the people of the neighbourhood to join with us, and have provided sports and good cheer— (hear, hear)—which we hope they will enjoy, and re- member in years to come the very plea,ant day they spent in welcoming home Capt. and Mrs Humphreys (loud cheers). We wish you both leng life, great happiness, and every blessing this world can bestow upon you. As the day has turned out fine, we hope you both will honour us with your presence at the sports this afternoon (cheftrsl. Mr SAMUKL MILLER said he should not like this opportunuy to paos without bearing his testimony to the esteem and respect in which Captain and Mrs Humphreys were held. Since Mrs Hnmphteys had been a resident in that part of the oounty she had made her society a pit asure to all (cheers.) She had come amongst them, and always uao a bmile to be- ocow ak,U a uueuiy to pass, and it was with the utmyct pleasure thai he bore testimony to her kind- ness, and it sva-i with great cordiality that they wel- comed her and her jiutbaud home (loud oheerd.) They uad always t,. Mrs Humphreys an acquisi- tion to the cjumj. and they all heartIly wished her long life a..d happiness. Tney trusted she might be 1 pared to reside am ngst them lor many years to come (renewed cheer.) As to Captain Humphreys, he nijgti- sty lie tino known his family si..ce he was a boy, and as the worthy Captain was a hunter, he Was always very popular in that neighbourhood. they tuna, rea ;o tueai their best wishts, and from whas he could Juugcl he should say there was every probability of tut-u- spending a very happy life, and he hoped it would be a long one (cheers.) Three rmging cheers having been given for Captain anu Mir3 Humphreys, Cuptain HUMPKiiEis said he could not think of wOIda to adequutejy express himself for their great kinuness, but ho nop^d they would accept hIol sincere thanks and those of Mrs Humphreys for the great trouble they had taken on that occasion. Ha hoped the afternoon would prove fine, and that they would thoroughly enjoy tnemselves, from the old st down to the youngest (cheers.) The proC'aoion tn, n re-formed and proceeded to a fieid si'.uated iif-ar Do forwyn Hall, and in which a large and spacious marquee was erected. Tea was provided for all comers, while the children ran races and played gamea. During the afternoon athletic and horse racing took place, the results being as folio wi:- HORSE RACES. Race for horses, 15 hands and over.-1, Mr J. H. Stephens, Abermul." Lady Fishbourtie 2, MrE. R. Owen's, Garthmyl, Maid of Honour." Galloway race, for horses under 14-2.-1, Mr Lewis Tones's, Newtown, "Mill-stream"; 2, Mr Samuel Mil.er's, The Court, Doctoress." Trotting niatch.-I, Mr Tom Pryce's, Bettws Hall, "Bess"; 2, Mr i<1. ii. Owen's, Garthmyl, "Flying Dutchman." Pony race.-I, Mr Samuel Miller's "Forrester"; 2, Mr E. R. Owen's Stiver King." Donkey race—1, Mr E. R. Owen's Robert tha Devil" 2, Mr S. Miller's Conservative." ATHLETIC. 440 yards flat race.-l, T. Bird, Berriew; 2, T. Jones, Froufraitli. 200 yards race.-I, F. A. Owen, Garthmyl; 2, L. J. Owen, Gatthuiyl. 100 yards race.-I, F. Cookson, Garthmyl; 2, John Astley, The Revel. The sports committee was composed of Messrs E. jit. Owen, Samuel Miller, junior, J. H. Stephens, W. Jones, Trwystllewelyn, -Owen, butcher, Berriew, W. O. Pugh, Luggy, and Benjamin Higgins, Berriew while the tea was superintended by Messrs H. Owen, Berriew, Edward Pritchard, Pied House, W. Allsop. Richard Williams, Abermule, and W. Jones, Garth- myl Hall. The guests were admirably waited upon by Miss Stephens, Abermule Inn, Miss Miller, The Court, Mrs E. R. Owen, Mrs Jones, Trwstllewelyn, Mrs Owen, Berriew, Mrs Pritchard, Pied House, Miss Pritchard, Tanyfron, Miss Hill, Llywnycrwth, Miss Higins, Berriew, Mrs Evans, Llegodig, Mrs W. Pugh, Luggy, Mrs VViLiams, Abermule, and Mrs Charles Jones. During the day the Excelsior Band discoursed good music, and the festivities wound up with a danca in the marquee, a specially boarded floor hav- ing been put down for the occasion.

+ RECORD PRICE OF CHESHIRE CHEESE. The monthly cheese fair in connection with the show of the Whitchurch Dairy Farmers' Association I took place on ihursday, when there was an enormous attendance, much larger than on any previous year. Altogether there was a pitch of about 120 tons. The finest qualities made up to 75s, medium, 56s to 65s, and lower grades from 42s 6d. There was a rare de. mand for the prize cheese, and most of it was dis. posed of at prices which mudt have been most satis- factory to the vendors, not a single lot making under 72s. Many lots of prize cheese were sold by Mr T. Nunnerley, and a record was established, Mr C. Griffiths, of Northwich, giving 200s per cwt. for the first-prize cheese in class 3, belonging to Mr Peter Nicholas, Dairy House Farm, Edge, Malpas, Cheshire. This was 25s per c.vt. more than was realised at Nantwich a fortnight ago.

A MURDER AT CARMARTHEN. On Sunday week George Thomas, 25, an Army Reserve man, who completed his term of service in the Royal Artillery in August last, surrendered him- self to the Carmarthen borough police, and ackow- ledged that he had murdered a young girl in an un- frequented lane, about a mile from the town, near the Joint Counties Lunatic Asylum. He at the same time said "I cut her throat with a razor. I am sure she is dead, and she is now lying on the road between Pentremeurig and Towelau. The razor is also there alongside the body, but is broken. I was determined to do it, and I took the razor with me for that purpose." The police, accompanied by Dr R. L. Thomas, proceeded to the spot named, and. lying in a pool of blood, with the broken razor on the ground near by, they found the body of a young girl, who subsequently proved to be Mary Jane Jones, 16, daughter of John Jones, weaver, near Swansea. The prisoner was brought before the Carmarthen Borough Bench, ou Monday, and was remanded. Later in the day a coroner's inquest was held on the body of the deceased girl, Mary Jane Jones, which resulted in a verdict of wilful murder against the prisoner.

Now that Christmas is so near, I think I can't do better than give a very good recipe for a plum pudding, for you know it is all the better for being made and mixed some time beforehand. Take three- quarters of a pound of flour, two ounces of Borwick's baking-powder, two ounces of bread-crumbs, one and a half pounds of suet, two pounds of raisins, one pound of currants, ten ounces of sugar, two ounces of almonds, one pound of mixed candied peel, salt and spice to taste. Mix the ingredients well together, and add six eggs, well beaten, and three-quarters of a pint of milk; divide in two, and boil eight honxs.

4 NORTH AND BOUTH 1VAi E, BANK] JUBILEE OF THE CHIEF MANAGES, A meeting of officers was held at the North aaa ooulb vv u, a liank, Castle-street, Liverpool, on Fri- lay to pi i-nut Air Meredith Jones, the chief mana-- witn a testimonial in celebration of the comple- tion :Jt his tifty years of service in the' tank. The testimonial consisted of Mr Jones's portrait in oil by Mr R. E. Morrison, a gold repeatee w.,tch, a writing cabinet mounted in silver, and aa ii.uuiinat-d address in a casket. A large Lumber of officers were present, but much regret was felt that,, owitig to iudispooition, Mr Jones was at the lufc mum nt prevented from attending. Mr Ebenexar Kike, the cvuutry manager, presided, and called UpoA. M. W. Reviw to read the addiess, signed by the mernbe, s of the testimonial committee.—The Chair- man aaia To few has it been given to look back over- 1 all uaoroken and happy connection with one and the same instutioii for the long period of over fifty years. Such instances are rare, but what gives to this aa interest almost it not quite unique in the history of anv ius i in ion is the fact that our respected eisir- m.m, Mr Go, rge Jtiae, completed the jubilee of his connec 1 n "idJ the bank some five years ago. We are happy 10 think he is still wnh us, and we fed. sure that he will be with us in spirit to-day, as nothing thaL concerns the bank or its officials can be a matter i f inoiff rence to him (hear, hear). For the sake of some of our younger friends here, perhaps I may be permitted to reter to the steps in Mr ilere- dicu Jon,s'" career, as recorded in our register. He entereu the bauk nearly fifty-oue years ago, and serv, d as an apprentice for five yaars. He then held a ot, ruchip lor about five years. So conspicuous was the ability he displayed that at the age of tweniy-MX he was promoted to the responsible poet of ch ef accountant. In this post he acquitted him- self with gr at nuccess for about twelve years. He was afterwards appointed country manager, and alter a teuure ot about three years he was summoned. to occu, y the highest and most responsible post on this ciaff, which he has filled for nearly twenty-five years with eminent success and advantage to the bank, and with unqualified satisfaction to his fellow. office-s (cheers). Mr Jones is emphatically one of ourselves, wi ning hia way by his well-pioved ability step by siep from the lowest to the highest position. He has passed thtough every grade, and is a past master iu every department of praetical banking (hear, hear). To the man who has borne his daily inc. easing burden with a resolute heart and a clear conscience for over half a century we may well offer the sincer-st tribute of our admiralllin and our warmest congratulations. It has been our pride and pleasure 10 be associated with our old and tried friend for so many years. In our recolleetions of the paafc thero aio none of us who can recall a time during our connection with the bank when Mr Jones was not a prominent factor in the bank's history, and all the staff will join me in repeating the wish expressed in the address, that we may coutinue for many years to reap the benefit of his capacity and expeiiei.ee.—Mr Rowland Hughes, in accepting tho gift on behalf of Mr Jones, said: Mr Jones s main difficulty was to understand what he h d done to merit the great kindness and generosity thus si own to him by the staff, and he felt that the i.estini' .niai was inucb in excess ol what tile occasion justifies, Mr Jones Was aeeply touched by the LffoCL:Ijii and regard shown towards him by his brdher officers, at.LI whilst greatly regretting his inibiii y to o present that day, tt. d d o i him (Mr Hughes) to ccuvey to them an ex.. i.-»i si 01 his heai'tiai, gra itu e (Applauet-). In ill i.-vem, g tfit ffiee s met t dinner a tne Ex- ci.ang station Hole.. Mr E. iieiss .%a. in the chair. an 1 Mr fciuw^rd Ke in u,e v,ce-etiair, and amongst thov y t. tnt wi re Messrs F. Tcmo e (Bishop's Car>tl.j it bt-r. J-nes (baimouth), J. E iwin Jones (vYei bp, 1, H. 0 Paifr-y, D. L. Williaiii a klisu- fyill ), &c —Mr tdwdiii ltae, m p! op,,sini; the toaeto ot ho s ff xa,id We. e he in Mr Jones's position, he diii 1.cm iiink he Could have a g", attr pleasure La,. o lit) ui r unded by such a statt, for he believed (here wa, ..u nank in the kingdom "bich C'JU d boast; of an bier band ot officers ta^n tiie North a.nd South. W ales bank

TulUl. ifclfctliiaLE LOSS OF LIFE. Thx violent g-le which commenced on Friday and contiuu d with increased severity throughout Satur- day and £ >uu,!ay caused wid'jepread destruction and, serious 1 s- of lite. Scotch reports, indeed, are almost unanimous in stating tliit tho p-ale has been the most. evere since that which caused the ray Bridge di-aatef. The loss of life on and at must be calculated a* well inro three figures. A large steamer was wrecked on the Banff-hire coast, and it is believed that from 20 to 25 lives have been lost in it. Auother large ves* el foundered off Grimaby, and from the nature of the wreakage being washed ashore there is said to b, no doubt that she carried a large crew, who have all benn lost. From the Cornish coast several wrecks ara r corded. The most serious are the loss of the steamer Hampshire with 21 hands, and of an .ther vessel of whos.3 crew of 12 only four were sitved. At Fiiey eight sailors were drowned off F-amborough Head the steamship Princess, of Sunderland, went down with all hands; off Scar- borough the fishing vessel Vine, of Banff, suddenly turned boitom up iu the presence of thousands of spectators, all hllonds-sven or eight in number-- beii,g lost. A vessel foundered near the Fife shore on Saturday, and four lives were lcst; and a barque was lost off Malin Head, with eight of the crew. Scores of smaln-r wrecks &re reported from all parts of thd coast of the United Kingdom, and the tishinff fleets were decimate-1. Inland the destruction of property was enormous, and the loss of life has also been great. About noon on Saturday big chimt eye fell at the paper mills of Moisrs James Ciopper and Co., Cowan Head, near Kendal, and at the works of Messrs T. Liversedge & Sons, dyers, Leeds-road, Huddersfield. In the fo, nier accident three work- women were buried in the dtbris, and when their bodies were recovered ihey were found to be mangled beyond recognition, in the latter accident two men were killed. Two men were killed at Howgill, on the Westmoreland border, by tho fall of a dwelling- house chimney. 1 wo large steamers on Windermere Lake were swamped and went to the bottom on Saturday, but there was fortunately no loss of life. The gallant services of the lifeboat crews during the prevalence of the gale have been especially note- worthy. The boats belonging to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution have been launched on the three days no fewer than sixty times, and have saved 192 lives. The Dover lifeboat on Monday went to the aid of a barque wrecked off Duigeness, but arrived an hour after dark. Finding that nothing could be done daybreak they stayed by the vessel until seven o'clock the following morning, when, aftT passings the vessel several times at the imminent, peril of their own lives, they wero rewarded by saving seven out of a crew of eleven men. The other four, worn out,, had dropped irom the rigging into the sea. The Walton-on-Naze lifeboat travelled over eighty miles to rescue fourteen lives. Old sailors resident along the Menai Straits describe the gale as one of the worst experienced since the wreck of the Royal Charter, although for- tunately but few casualties are recorded. At Holyhead the soa. sweeping over the magnificient- breakwater presented a grand spectacle. Soon after 2 a.m. 00 Saturday the schooner Rossina, of Aberyst- wyth, was Clriven on the Salt Island. The life-boat waa launched, and the life-saving apparatus, under the oommand of Mr Murch, proceeded to tLe p ace, and the crew were brought ashore by means of the latter. The services of the life boat were called on Saturday night to land the crews of the brigantine Henry Harvey, of Hayle, and the schooner Rebecca. The schooner Pearl, of Boaumaris, parted her chains and drove ashore in new harbour. Signals of dietreaa were observed from a steamer between the Skerries and North Stack. Immediately the lifeboat (Coxswain W. Owen) was towed out by the tug Brilliant Star (Captain Walton), and at noon eight men were sum- moned, and drove out in charge of Captain Lewis,. hon. sec to Port Ruffyddd, to man the lifeboat there. The steamer by this time had drifted in viaw of the life-boat station, whoso boat also went out but returned about six o'clock, after seeing the steamer towed by the tugboat Brilliant Star and with the Holyhead lifeboat in attendance. The- steamer proved to be the Teresa, of Bilbao, bound from Liverpool to Bilbao, and was safely anchored in the Holyoead outer roads before 8 p.m. The men for the three days were continually on duty, and have rendered most valuable assistance. Too much praise cannot be given them for their attention and handling of the boat, and much praise is due to Mr Murch and his staff of coastguardsmen, who have rendered great assistance with life saving apparatus and by their careful attention to signals from vessels in distress. The body of a man since indentified as William- Hall, a glassmaker, was found on Sunday morning in l'o agcnfieids, near Brierly Hill. He had evi- dently perished from exposure during the bitterly cold night of Saturday. His ciothing was clogged with ice, and his hands and clothing had been torn in an apparent attempt to sret over some barbed wire fencing on which bloodsta'na were found. The tracks near the spot indicated that he bad got out of the p%th into a brooklet, and wardered about till he lay down exhausted and he was killed by the cold. Incoming fishing vessels report having passed a number of wrecked and abandoned crafts at sea, and it is believed that several serious shipping casualitiea will yet have to be recorded.