The Aberystwith Observer

0 MACHYNLLETH URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. There were present at the monthly meeting of this Council, held in the Town Hall, on Tues- ri u' ^Williams (presiding), Messrs E. Ulart, R. Gillart, T. Parsons, J. Pugh, E. Humphreys, J. M. Breeze, J. Micah, and D. 1 Smith, wlth the Clerk (:Mr J. Rowlands), Assist. ant Clerk D. P. Jones). Medical Officer (Dr A. O. Davies), and Surveyor (Mr D. Thomas). THE MARKET AND TOWN HALLS PURCHASE. A communication was received from the Local government Board saying that as soon as the l1Jfc,tl^ liberty an inquiry would be ■nf, Machynlleth respecting the loan for the purchase of the Market Hall and Town Hall. A LAX COMMITTEE. The Clerk stated that the committee appoint- some n+if St meeting to 8et up a concert or debt of £ 10 e(TlH l°r>th<i pU1^X,S<i of l)a-ving a .publishers fn i W l was »wlng to a firm of called but nn aclvertming Machynlleth had been cauea, t>ut no one attended. cpmmittee were requested to meet it PP^alP1'ePare th€ necss^ry aiTangements. GRESS WITH THE SEWAGE SCHEME. T' I* the resident engin. eei, better progress has been made with the sewage scheme during the last month The building of the filt-er beds had been carried on na uiree ot the same were now in a fourth ™uTlg tCf limited Size of the sit« ihe J^rtSn'Tf J, n0t ,made for ^ome time. A built wa« € ground upon which it was to be °f the rjiim ^Ulr^ ^or plant, etc. The sinking ably but Wfus now proceeding favour- ieek had r wltely the frost of the wees n&d et0pped the work. ,Smi STILL OUTSTANDING. toiA reP°ried that £ 91 13s. 5d. on the -whole r»te was still outstanding. CLAIM FOR DAMAGE TO BE PAID. Mr John Micah reported that he had seen Mr Evans, Aberfrydflan, in connection with his claim for damage done to his land in connection with the sewage, and he stated that Mr Evans was not disposed to accept less than his claim. Mr Pugh proposed that the claim of 30s. be paid, but in future they should see at the time the damage done. Mr Pugh's proposal was agreed to. THE PRUNING OF ORNAMENTAL TREES. The Clerk stated that the question of pruning the trees in the Machynlleth streets was refer- red to the Council. The surveyor had ascer- tained the terms of Mr Austin, Aberystwyth, for doing the work, but the majority of the Council were against those terms. Consequently, Row- land Rowlands and John Evans, Machynlleth, were interviewed, but they stated they could not take the work on. Mr E. Humphreys proposed that they should get about a dozen posters and place them about the town to advertise for suitable persons to do the work. There were plenty of men in the town who could it as well as a man from Aberyst- wyth. Mr Pugh seconded. The Clerk said that Mr Austin in his letter stated there were a number of nice trees, which, if they were allowed to go for a year or two, would be utterly spoiled. The Surveyor said he did not think they could get local people to do the pruning any cheaper. Mr Pugh said they had no evidence, and he wanted some proof that the man from outside would preserve the trees and the one from the town would spoil them. Mr Humphreys' motion was carried, and the ,surveyor was instructed to draft the specifica- tions. THE TOWN WASTE. The committee appointed to inspect a place for tipping the town waste and other rubbish re. ported that they had inspected several places and recommended that a site near the right hand side of the top of Carregfasnaeh be fixed upon for distributing rubbish. The recommendation was adopted. SMALL HOLDINGS. The Clerk reported that one application for small holdings had been sent on, and that there had been several persons applying for informa- tion since. THE HEALTH OF THE TOWN. Mr E. Gillart said he should like to know from the medical officer the present condition of health in the town. The Medical Officer reported that the schools had been closed through small attendance. He was approached by some people in the town, and he thought it advisable to close the schools for a time. There was an epidemic of influenza but he was glad to say it was getting better. ELECTION WANTED TO CLEAR THE AIR." The Clerk said there would be an election in March in the North, West, and South Wards, and he was writing to Mr Harrison to suggest that the election should take place on a Satur- day. The Chairman It is to be sincerely hoped we shall have an election. It will clear the air a bit. THE QUESTION OF MONTHLY FAIRS. The Clerk reported that he had received some letters with regard to the question of holding monthly fairs at Machynlleth. One from Mr John Thomas, Rugby, hoped the farmers would keep their cattle for the fairs, and not sell so many at home (hear, hear). The letter added- "The breeder will find he has made a mistake some day if the fairs are not kept up." Another letter from Mr Frank Roberts, Aylesbury, read If I was your Council—(much laughter)—I would not alter the dates of public fairs, as we have had several alterations, and they have eventually turned to nothing. Of course you know all dates of fairs are taken from the Prayer Book from certain feasts (laughter).— Another letter from a gentleman at Market Har- borough expressed the view that it would be a pity to alter the old dates. But really it made very little difference to him so long as they did not clash with Llanrwst (laughter). Mr R. Gillart proposed a resolution in favour of establishing monthly fairs at suitable dates which would meet the requirements of the town and district. This was agreed to. «.

A GRANDMOTHER SUED FOR BREACH OF PROMISE. £ 50 DAMAGES AWARDED. In the King's Bench Division on Thursday, before Mr Justice Darling, and a special jury, the hearing of the action for breach of promise, Phillips v Goodman, was resumed and conclud- ed. The plaintiff was Mr Walter Lazarus Phil- lips. a surgical operator, and a widower, 60 years of age, with a family, and the defendant Mrs Flora Goodmnn, a widow, also with chil- dren and grandchildren, who is in her sixtieth year. The defendant admitted the promise, but denied the breach of it. The parties to the case were Jewish, and the plaintiff's case was that lie was introduced by a Mr Marks, to whom the defendant had confided that if she could find an honouraible and religious man she would like to be married again. cl He became engaged to the defendant, who proposed to him. and, as she wanted him to give up his profession, it was, he said, arranged that she should settle. £500 a year, of which she was pos- sessed in her own right, upon him. Tho defendant's case, on the other hand, was that it was not she who mentioned marriage, but Marks, who said the plaintiff was an honourable and religious man, who was making from c20 to £ 25 a week. She did not, she said, propose to the plaintiff, but he did to her, and as for the £ 500 a year, she said she had not got it, as her late husband left her £ 1,000 a year for life, and a. house and furniture. Just before the wedding date the defendant was taken ill, and, the plain- tiff said, broke off the match, but she said she only postponed it. His lordship addressing the jury, said he thought they could hardly have sat there so long without thinking they were at a theatre listening to the production of Cupid and Common Sense (laughter). Counsel might distribute the parts between them as to which was Cupid and which was Common Sense. The action was brought by a man against a woman, and one had as good a, right to sue as another; the only ques- tion was—was there a breach of eon tract ? The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff for £bO. F Mr Meares, for the defendant, asked for judg- ment for her, as; 100 guineas had been paid into court. His lordship assented, judgment being entered for the defendant, with costs, and payment out to the plaintiff of £50, he to have the general costs of the action, and the defendant the costs since the payment in. -+-

CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—Approximate return of trnflfic receipts for the week ending February 2nd, 1908. Miles open, 280. Paseenerers, parcels, horse .mrrmyes, df>s?n and mails £ 2.182 merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 2,357 total for the week £ 4,519; aggregate from commencementof half-year 121.392 Actual traffic receipts for the correspond- ing week of last year: Miles open, 280. Passengers, parcels, Ac., £ 2 227 merchant ea. minerals. &c., £ 2,307; total for the week, JE4 534 aprtyrepate from ommencement of half year, £ 21,612. Decrease for the week, passengers, parcels, Ac., £ 45; increase, merchandise, minerals, Ac., £30; totfl decrease for the week, JE15 aggregate inoreasc passengers, parcels Ao., £ 200 aggregate deoreaee norcbandise, minerals, Ao., £420; aggregate do. decrease from commeaeeaieat of half-year, JE220.

57 Y<M¥B Reputation BBOWN'S Coughs and Colds. Ew Beoackitds and Asthma. BBONeBIAL fcls. 1 £ 4. pa* box. Sold everywhere

NEWTOWN URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. Tlio monthly meeting was held on Thursday evening, when, in the absence of the chairman (Mr Alfred Ford) through illness, Mr A. S. Cooke (vice-chairman) occupied the chair. There were also present Messrs Edward Jones, John Humphreys, T. A. Forster, Samuel Powell, Rd. Lewis, John Parry, Richard Barnes, and W. H. Evans, with Mr M. Woosnam (clerk), and Mr G. T. B. Edwards (from the- clerk's office). THE LATE MR DAVID OWEN AND MRS WILSON JONES. After the reading of the minutes, the Chair- man said they ought in the first place to allude to the great loss that Council had sustained in the death of their friend Mr David Owen. Dur- ing the six or seven years Mr Owen had been a member of that Council he was sure they would agree that he had endeared himself to every member of them (hear, hear). They found in Mr Owen a most useful member of the Council and of the various committees, and he was sure each one of them mourned his loss greatly. His family also had sustained a very severe loss. and he asked the Council to extend to them their aincerest sympathy.—The members rose to show their approval. The Chairman asked the members also to ex- tend their sympathy to Mr Wilson Jones, a for- mer member and chairman of the Council, in the death of his wife. The members endorsed this sentiment, and also a vote of sympathy with the chairman and medical officer (Dr Wilson) in their illness. The Clerk was instructed to convey the Council's resolutions to the respective parties. FINANCES. The special committee appointed to consider the question of the Bank charges on the over- drafts, reported that it was arranged that the interest should be calculated at 5 per cent—the rate of interest less than the bank rate—for the half year ending 31st December last. The Finance Committee considered these terms eatis- factory, and supported the recommendation that the termsi be accepted.—Mr Forster proposed that the report be adopted.—Mr E. Jones sec- onded. He said that the Council was very well treated by their treasurer. Most of them were aware that during a part of the half year the Bank rate was up as high as 7 per cent., and according to their terms they could charge them 7\ per cent. I ine treasurer reported the balances to be as I follows:—General account (credit). £ 232 15s. 10d.; gas revenue account (dr.), £ 1.385 7s. 3d. slot meter loan account, £ 638 15s. 3d.; Free' Library (credit), £ 54 15s. 9d. Mr D. M. Woolley (collector) reported that he had collected during the month-General dis- trict rate, £ 315 6s. Id. water rate, £46 5s. 3d. district fund, £ 26 15s. 6d. The amount out- standing on the general district rate was £2,055 19s. 3d.—When this amount was re-ad out many of the members expressed surprise. The Chairman said they were in credit on the general district account, which was the most important account. Mr E. Jones said he should like. to make a statement in reference to the overdrafts in the bank. The principal overdraft was upon the gas account, and he thought that by the next meeting they should be able to show from the discount that what the Gas Committee were re- ceiving or taking would be more than the inter- est they were paying to the bank. When their accounts became due they issued their cheques and took their discount. MEDICAL OFFICER'S ANNUAL REPORT • REMARKABLY LOW DEATH-RATE. Dr Wilson presented his annual report to the Council. In the course of a fairly lengthy statement, Dr Wilson said that during the year 73 deaths had occurred in the district. Calcul- ated on the la-st census of 6,500, this would bring out the average death-rate of 11.3 per 1,000 of the population. The death-rate was Exceedingly low, and constituted a record death- rate for tlio district. Infant deaths were lower than last year, namely 14, but higher than in 1905. This worked out at 2.2 per 1,000 of the population. This, in his opinion, was due to the action of the Council in enforcing proper sanitary conditions in the lower claf?ses of prop- erty, namely in the back yards and courts. A great deal more required "to be done, and he thought under the medical inspection of chil- dren attending schools, they might look forward feo a greater improvement in that direction. The birth-rate recorded during the year was 103, as against 144 in 1906, and 154 in 1905. This Showed a marked diminution, and worked out at the low average of 16.2 per 1,000. or not so much as the average death-rate. This meant that the population of the district was fast de- creasing. During the year six illegitimate births took place, making a rate of .9 per 1,000. The Chairman remarked on the low death- rate, which would compare favourably with any town in North Wales. Mr Powell proposed that the report be printed and circulated amongst the members, and that it be considered at the next meeting. Mr Humphreys seconded. It was, he said, such a full report, containing some pleasant points, and some draw backs. The only thing he regretted was that the gentleman who wrote that report and sent it was not there with his pleasant countenance to hear it being read. He sincerely hoped that before very long Dr Wilson would be with them again.The motion was agreed to. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. eMr E. C. Jones, surveyor, reported that the work of repairing the defective portions of main roads and streets had engaged nearly the whole of the time of the Council's staff and workmen, the county roadmen having been brought in to the town to assist with the work. The services of a. steam roller and scarifier belonging to the Eddison Roller Co., Dorchester, had been en- gaged for upwards of 23 days, and but for stop- t, pages on account of the frost, the work would have been completed some time ago, but he trusted to have the rolling finished in about four days time. The following roads and streets had been up to the present scarified and rolled -Broad street. Severn street. Severn square. Gas street, High street, Park street. New Church street, Short Bridge street, and Weir street. As instructed at last meeting, he had inspected the footpath leading to Castellyd'ail farm, and found that four of the stiles needed a little repairing, and the footpath in some places required to be reformed. He asked the Council's instructions on the matter. Owing to having failed to obtain a. quorum of the Streets Committee, he submitted two communi- cations received (1) a petition from occupiers on the Fron re an additional lamp, and (2) a let- ter as to the disappearance of a name-plate of street in Severn street. On account of the severity of the recent frost, the pressure in the towns mains, was sriously affected, and after the rapid thaw .a great number of leakages were discovered. These leakages, were chiefly in the backyards and the outside conveniences of dwelling houses, and every effort was made to stop the. leakages as they were registered, a I great many notices having to be served. The leaving of taps open to prevent freezing was a very common practice in the town. and this and burst pipes had the effect of reducing the pres- sure over the whole area of supply. Great in- convenience was thus caused. Leaving water taps running was an offence against the Water- works Act, r.nd offenders were liable to be fined for it.. In addition to these troubles they had also had seven bursts on the towns mains. The supply was now fast, regaining its usual pres- sure. The caretaker reported all in good work- ing order at the reservoir, and an abundance of clear water. With re-speet to the stiles on the Castellvdail path, Mr E. Jones proposed that a committee be appointed to consider the matter and report to the next meeting. Mr Powell seconded. He said it was a very grave question, and one that required careful consideration.—The motion was carried. Respecting the memorial for an additional lamp on the Fron, this was referred to the Gas Committee to report. The Surveyor was instructed to procure the name plate for Severn street. ) Arising out of the Surveyor's report also, Mr W. H. Evans asked if the committee of that Council and the County Council, with regard to tho over-flowing of the Dolfor road brook had met. If not, why? The Chairman explained that the meeting was called for the following day, but owing to the illness of the chairman, Mr Ford, and the absence of one other member who was unable to attend, the meeting had been adjourned until next Thursday. On the suggestion of the Chnirman, Mr E. Jones was. appointed on the committee in the event of the c-hairman being unable to be pre- sent. GAS AFFAIRS. The Gas Manager reported that the. gas made during January was 2,227,400, an increase of 200,900 over the same month last year. He had collected and banked during the month, £147 118 9d. THE VACANCY ON THE COUNCIL. The question of filling the vacancies on the different committees1, caused by the death of Mr David Owen, was deferred, seeing that tho election was so near. CHARITY DISTRIBUTION. The Overseers of the Newtown charities re- ported having distributed a quantity of coal to the deserving poor in Newtown parish.—Mr E. Jones, one of the overseers, said that he thought the deserving poor of Newtown for whom this charity was intended by the will of the late Mrs Elizabeth Evans, were very grateful. It came at a very opportune time.—Mr J. Humphreys said that they were very much indebted to the gentlemen for the time taken in distributing this charity, but most of it wa,, distributed at Christmas time. Why was it these gentlemen were so late?—Mr E. Jones: There is no time specified, and we do it at the most suitable time. —Mr S. Powell: Mr Humplirej 's is not aware ,,t that the amount of interest, is not due until the 31st December, so that it would be very diffi- cult for us to get it until after the Bank have declared the amount.—Mr Humphreys suggested that the overseers should do the same as the Vicar of Llaiillwchaiirn-advanco the money and distribute it at Christmas time.—Mr E. Jones: We tell where this conies from—from the late Mrs Elizabeth Evans, Ladywell Hflll. I should like to know where the Llanllwchaiarn charity comes from. We don't know yet.—Mr J. Humphreys: Those receiving charity are not troubled as to where it comes from <o long as they gat it. LETTING OF RIVER BANKS. they gat it. LETTING OF RIVER BANKS. The Severn Banks Committee reported that they had considered the offers received for the letting of the river banks for the next March and April fairs, and had decided to accept the offer of Mr P. Collins, of Walsall, at a, rent of £ 20.—The report was adopted.

NEWTOWN. THE LATE MRS. P. AVILSON-JONES. The inhabitants of Newtown were deeply moved on Monday morning by the news of the death of Mrs Wilson-Jones. Gwynfa, which took place at her residence, with almost tragic suddenness. Mrs Wilson-Jones had some months ago been seriously ill, but had so far recovered as to be able to go about her various private and public duties. Last week, however, she caught a fresh chill in taking her only daughter to a school in Colwyn Bay, and she was confined to her room on returning. No one, not even her most intimate friends, had any ioea that she was so seriously ili as the sequel showed, and the news of her death was therefore almost staggering. The ead news came when her husband, Mr P. Wileon-Jones, auctioneer, who is a member of the Montgomery County Council, aleo a member of the Caersws Board of Guardians, was away at Welshpool on business, and a motor car was sent to convey him home. He was over- whelmed with the news and is almost prostrate in his grief. The deoeased was one of the most accomplished ladies of the district, and was always ready and anxious to do all in her power calculated to be for the interest and benefit of the district. She, like her husband, was a member of the Caersws Board )f Guardians, a parents' representative on the Naw- town County School Governors, being elected on the last occasion in a contested election at the head of the poll with a large majority. She was ilso a most energetic member of the Newtown Dis- trict Nursing Association, and it is a melancholy sircumstance that in working ap a sale of work and sxhibition in aid of the funds of this Institution she was laid up some months ago. Lady Joicey the president, had generously given a certain sum towards the salary of the maternity nurse, but last year her Ladyship ceased to make this con- tribution, and Mrs Wilson-Jones interested herself in securing an equivalent, and by a novel means secured the assistance of a large number of ladies, the sale of work, realising about JS40, which was almost entirely due to the zeal and handiwork of Mrs Wilson-Jones. There is little doubt that the chill and fatigue sustained in connection with that work, so nobly and loyally rendered to so deserv- ing a cause, had to do with her later illness, as the deceased bad never made a thorough recovery. The funeral, which was a public one, took place on 1 hutsday, amidst unmistakeable signs of uni- vereal mourning. The place of interment was the Cemetery, and as the funeral procession, which was a very large one, wended its way through the town, every blind was drawn on the streets traversed. A large number of people lined the Bfc eetp, most of them dressed in mourning. The Rev E. Parry, M.A., pastor of the Crescent chapel of which deceased was one of the promnent members, conducted the service at the home and graveside, and was assisted by the Revs T. E. Williams, Elias Jones, and E. Jones- Williams. The service at the house and graveside was most impressive, many being moved to tears in the large gathering. In the procession, as it wended its way along the street and to the cemetery, wheie the body was interred in a brick gravo, were officers and members of the Montgomery and Salop Presby- tery, Governors and masters of the County schools, boys from each form of the County school, de- ceased's Sunday school class, members and officers of the Board of Guardians, Members of the County Council, and the general public, the attend- ance being one of the largest seen at a funeral in the district fcr some time. The hearse which conveyed the body in a coffin of polished oak with silver fittings (supplied by Mr E. C. Phillips) was covered with one of the finest collections of floral tributes ever Feen on such an occasion, all being of the choicest flowers and arranged in the shape of harps, crosses, A-c. Following tho hearse were the mourners, the chief of whom being the husband and two sons, Mr Evan W»tkin; Mr E. Lewis, Shrewsbury; Mr Jones, Cynffercb; Mr Jones, Machynlleth; Mr Robert Jones, Mr John Jones, Carno Mr Jarman and Mr John Lewis. The bearers were six mem- bers of the Crescent Chapel namely Messrs J. T. C. Gittins, J. Arthur Jones, R. lirown, W. Lowe, D. Bunford, and Mr D. H. Lewis. The latter gentleman had charge of all the arrangements, and also marshal ed the large proceision en route to the cemetery. Wreaths were sent by tho fonowing :—Husband and dear Children; Robert, John and D ivid; Gladys Wheidon dear ftiends at Wilton House, Colwyn Buy; Mr and Mrs W. H. AVilliams, Sefton Park, Liverpool: Mr and Mrs Ernest Jones, Sefton Park, Liverpool; Maggie, Jennie and Bright; Evan Watkin Mr and Mrs D. H. Lewis; R. S. Forrester and E. E. Forrester; Miss Davies, County Schuo'; Mr and Mrs W. H. Burton Swift; Mr and Mrs Geo. Thomas and family; Mr Rd. Phi!lips and family, Plasyndre Mr aDdaMrs Geo. Astley Mrs George, and Mr Richard George; Staff and Pupils of the County School; Membors of the Cres- cent Sunday School; Mr and Mrs Pierce Wheidon; Mr and Mrs Piayfair; Mr and Mrs E. C. Morgan Mr and Mrs A. G. Davies; W. P. and M. M. Phillips; Committee of Newtown Branch of the Liberal Sooial Council; Mrs Black and M Lewis Jones; E. G. Morgan; Miss fggon; Mr David Morgan Executive Committee of Lbe New. town District Nursing Association; Mr and Mis J. D. Rees, NurEe Dean and NurBe.Davipe; Mr and Mrs W. R. Williams; the Lady Joicey; Mr Mark Taylor; Nephew Tom, Upper Bangor; and Mr and Mrs Uugh Lewis and Miss Lewis Lewis. -l 't;' ï.>'

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MILITARY INFORMATION. I Lieut D. H. Leslie (Bryntanat, Llansant- ffraid), 1st, Batt, King's (Shropshire Light In- fantry) has passed the examination for promo- tion to the rank of Captain. Mr Haldane seems determined to adhere to his plan of disbanding the grand old Royal Montgomery Militia and to ignore the record of such a well-tried battalion. His decision may do much harm to the local spirit existing in the county and more will probably be heard of his drastic action in ignoring the protests of influ- ential county gentry when Army questions come up for discussion in the House of Commons. He has certainly been unfortunate in his advisers concerning the break-up of the Militia, and a lamentable ignorance and want of tac-t has been displayed in drawing up the list of doomed bat- talions. Why the favourable reports of inspect. ing generals as to the efficiency, discipline, and drill of the 4th South Wales Borderers, the long I record of honourable service dating back to the days of Cromwell and his Ironsides, and last, but not least, the strong county spirit that sent its sons year after year to serve in their favour- ite Line or Militia battalion have been lIO ruth- lessly ignored, no one can tell. Recruiting for the Special Reserve will surely suffer unless the Secretary for War reconsiders his verdict in favour of those battalions on whose behalf he met the deputations the other day. The War Office has shelved the question of rifle clubs under the Territorial Army Act until the end of the present year, and it is to be hoped they will not put it aside again to lapse into obscurity and die for want of attention. Rifle clubs, although very praiseworthy institutions, do not go far enough. Many consider that if they join a rifle club and learn to handle a. miniature rifle at 25 yards they are doing quite enough in the way of helping to defend the country, but they forget that expert shots are useless without a knowledge of drill and tactics. Instruction in skirmishing, simple drill move- ments and habits of discipline should be the programme of every club even in towns where open-air spaces are few in number. The principal medical officer of the Aldershot Army Corps has issued his strong protest against the practice 60 much in vogue amongst the soldiers of all arms of the service of having their arms disfigured by tatoo artists- who ply their calling in the camp. The number of men who have their arms so di6figured in almost every regiment in the Army is amazingly large, and the medical staff generally attribute the practice to the cause of many cases of disease and illness, for not only are arms but the breasts of liun. dreds of men dealt with in coloured designs, n', and many are of an artistic character. A11 or- der has now gone forth that on 110 account are the arms of soldiers to be tattooed, so that future recruits for the Army will probably have to forego the adornment. In a rifle match which took place at Grinrlel- wiild between ten British officers and ten Grin- delwald marksmen the Swiss team were vie- torious. The Swiss service rifle was used, and the British officers, although unaccustomed to the weapon, showed themselves excellent marks- men and came near winning the match. The duties of the County Associations in con- nection with the care of Reservists and discharg- ed soldiers, laid down in the Territorial Forces Act, are to be postponed until November. A regiment of cyclists in connection with the the Territorial Force will shortly be formed in the Shrewsbury district, to be 'recruited from members of the several cyclist companies now attached to the Volunteer battalions in the command. The regiment will be quite indopen. dent of the Welsh Territorial division, the idea being to form seven regiments of cyclists in the kingdom. Tb^v will have an organisation closely approximating that of the Imperial Yeo- manry. and will be employed in connection with that force in time of war. A new and profitable vocation for women is suggested by the statement of Colonel Walsh, j in command of St. George's Barracks Recruiting Station, that females are eligible as recruiting agents for the Arcnjy. Colonel Walsh is of opinion that the term man used in the regu- lation applying to recruiting was not intended to exclude women, and says. I have acted ac- cordingly on more than one occasion, and am willing to pay the usual rewards to a recruiting agent, irrespective of the agent's eex."

ABERDOVEY. CHESS.—On Thursday evening at the Institute, Mr John D. Chambers, the well-known amateur chess player, essayed the task of playing twelve ( trames simultaneously. The boards were taken by the following players :—Messrs J. M Jones, Owen Jones, William Jones (R.O.), Ffestin Williams, Tom J Walter Evans, Robert Richard*, Richard Williams, Edwin Hughes, William Ives, C. L Burgess, D. L. D ivies, and A. N. Other. Mr Chambers succeeded 1D winning all the games, but ena or two hard straggles took place.

MR DAVID DAVIES' FOXHOUNDS. On his arrival home (after an absence of some six weeks abroad). Mr David Davies. M.P., soon got into saddle, and on Saturday he was seen once again on business bent hunting the native fox from his lair. The meet of hi.s hounds on Saturday was at Mochdre. A fair field turned out. among them being Miss Davies, Messrs Greenhow, Percy Latham, J. Courtney, Miso Humphreys-Owen, Messrs F. S. Morris (Old Hall, Sarn). J. G. Miller, C. Miller (Court, Abermule), F. Roberts (Newtown), T. J. Rob- erts. E. Savage, jun.. John Pugh, Price Pugh (Hafod). J. Lloyd (Esgairgeiliog). E. Morgan (Cwmyrhiwdre), W. Lloyd (-Mill), Cookson (Gartiimyl). It proved an ideal morning for botb scent and go," but with the Pencraig rocks and the Frydd Wood both blank matters did not at first look at all rosy, but you never know your luck when hunting, so glorious is its uncertain- ty. A touch of the horn however wheeled the bounds into the Penstrowed big plantation, and ".oon music denoted Reynard at home. Now this wood has a good reputation for foxes which have been responsible for many a good run, but none better than the run out betwixt its ten- ant and the 171 couples of li-ouncis, on Saturday. Without hesitation, Reynard broke smartly away across Porth hill, over Moat top, and from thence strongly he sailed on until Penrhiew and Moilert was lost to view. Straight for Bwlch gate en route to Rofach hall ran the line, and then turning left handed the fox made hasty tracks over the soils of the Wainher and Havod hills. As he crossed the Dingle to Dygwm Werns hounds were sailing along on good even terms with their game, rattling him merrily along patit the Dygwm rocks. From here he headed its matsk for the Pencraig rocks, reaching it via iBryndadley and Rincoed hill. From thence he entered the Xyodd pastures, with Xyodd farmstead nestling near by. Up to this time scent was as hot as the noses of hounds could well carry, and as they entered theLlwyn. madoc rookery hounds one and all were in full cry. This good fox, however, still carried hia brush strongly into the Ryodd woods; it lingered not, but made straight to the reservoir where it took a short survey of the caretaker's garden, but heeding not the good things it contained he ran the line through it well on to the aqueduct, and here at the edge of the pool hounds received a slight check, but as they pointed their heads across the pool the master knew what it meant. On the fishing path hounds again hit their game smartly off, and soon their music was well in unison. Carefully and smartly were the soils of Xyoddgocli rocks worked out, and as Wennallt and Cvvmgraig hove in sight hot. was the paoe. abating not when the brook of Cwmdonjon had been crossed—the line leading to Penygraig and Bronllan dingle. Here Reynard turned right handed, surveying his course from the top of Frydd wood, but hounds were pressing him too hard to tarry though by some means he held hounds up to a slight check. Soon. however, they worked it out, following promptly in the wake of their game on through Cwmmellei* dingle, over Penybank, via Top hill, to his old home where he went to earth. The diggers worked like clockwork, and bolted him out, the pack running into him within the wood. Yet another fox, however, tenanted the same earth, providing hounds with a second run. short and sweet, before again going to earth, wherein be was left to map out its course for another day. CROWBAR JIM.

MALLWYD. TEA PARTY.—OU Tuesday week the members of the Church Band of Hope were entertained to tea at the Hectory. The following ladies presided at the tables: —Mrs Lloyd, The School Uouse Mrs Jones, Miss I)-,vieR, Miss Morris, Miss L'oyd, Miss Maggie Lloyd, and Miss Evans. Tho tables having been cleared, a programme of games aud music, arranged by Mr David Thomas Braes, was carried out with great gusto hy the young people. The usual votea of thanks having b^en duly parsed, the pleasant proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem. CncRcH DEKSNCE.—On Friday evening week, a very successful meeting in defence of tie ehuroh was held at the Schoolroom, Dinaa Mawddwy. The proceedings were opened with prayer and the sing- ing of a hymn. The Chairman (Major Walton, J.P. of Cwmllecoediog), having delivered an excellent address couched in chaste and temperate langoage, called u on the Rev T. R. Jones, vicar of Glanog- wyo. and organising secretary to the Church De- fence League for the Diocese of Bangor, to address the meeting. The lecturer, who seemed thoroughly oonversant with his subject in all its besriugs, pat befoio the large and appriciative audience, the ciise for the church in a very lacid aild convincing lecture. In the course of his remarks, be warned Noncon form iists thslt the pdby of spoliation, so foolishly advocated by some of them to-day, would in time inevitably recoil up<n themselves. Voles of thanks to the Lecturer ar.d Chairman, proposed and seoonded by Mr Ilerbeit Ba Hock and Mr Ed- wards, Mr John Krans and the R -ctcr of the pariah (Rev M. D. Lloyd), brought th, meeting to a cloee.