The Aberystwith Observer

THE BRITISH AND AMERICAN FARMER, When two farmers meet in the person of the salesman on the Corn Exchange in London they may both have 1000 quarters to sell the English farmer receives the price of his 1000 quarters, cut of which he pays to the country of consumption £175 in taxes; the American receives the price of his 1000 quarters, out of which he do«s not pay a-single penny to the revenue of the country of consumption. Thus, as wo import 22,500,000 quarters j)-r annum, Free Imports means a loss of £3,937,50;) at the rate of 3s 6d per quarter paid in taxes by British farmers. Farther, the English farmer spends the money received in England, but the American takes the English money and spends i0 in America; again, the money circulated in the production of the English wheat was spent in England, and that spent on the American in America. FREE TRADE AT WORK AT MERTHYR. L Travelling in the train the other day I got into conversation with a gentleman whose business it was to call upon householders in the Merthyr district, he told me that distress was rampant there and that in house after h he went to* in the Capantwyll district, '0 earner was engaged either in grind- -dstone to make sand, or chopping wood bundles o; f¡"ewo()à so that the -I could havt. thing to dispose of to ..1. Here .u instances of men — workers prs -lio through the ig of steel 1-iV o break sandstones at.d chop sticks to i. This is not ia the days of Protection" but in 1909. If this state o .it» existed in Protec- tionist America t e Trader would be holding up his ariiiS ..oJy horror. FREE TRADE PROTECTION. M. Yves Guyot, the veteran French Free Trader, is very angry with oar present Gov- ernment. In an article contributed to the current number of Le Courrier Europeen," he says that not" only has the Libera! Min- istry f-alle(t in act to pursue a positive policy, but it has passed a whole series of Protec- tionist measures. To give satisfaction to the Labourists the Cabinet declared for the expulsion of the Chinese from the South African mines. The Trade Unionists desired to drive out their competitors. Adherents of free exchange with respect to food and raw m tfei iil, they are Protectionists when it is a question of keeping out foreign labour. The English Government has made itself the exf-ouent of this illoitical attitude." M. Guyot also points to the Merchant Ship- ping Bill, regarding which he says: the Government declared plainly that the object was to hinder (-on:pctit)on to the Imported Watch Cases Act, the result of which, lie complains, lias been to render the introduc- tion of foreign watches into the United King- dom very difficult; and to the Patent Act, which, he says, contains a frankly Protec- tionist clause." He states, quite conectiy, chat the Patent Act aims at developing the industry of the United Kingdom, driving out foreign competition and reserving national labour for national labourers." M. Gayot urtist be singularly guileless -individual if he looks for consistency among present-day Free Traders. The fact is that every one now realises that Free Trade is dead, and recent legislation shows the Government's recognition of this tact. AS OTHERS SEE U.S. The" New York Uerald of January 10th, in a leading article, shows the advantages ot a tariff system by a cosnr»rison or the busines-s J situation in prot-ected and unprotected cocrn- tries. After showing how the United States; Germany and France have prospered under a tar is?, it goes on to aiy :—"On the other hand, in England, as a result of Freo Trade, there is a phenomenally large number of.HnempSoyed, whoe the shrinkage in the volume of trades- last year amounted in value to 570 million doi'ars. The London 1 Morning Post' points I out that recovery from the elleets of the fi'iatiei-l depression of 1907 has been far slower in England than in the United Stales. In short, the only country where the nntli¥>k is unpromising is England, where the Free Tr ule fetish is still worshipped by a number of old fossils, rhotigh signs are not lacking that the mass of the nation is slowly coming to its senses and that the return of that country to n ot ctionist pies is now merely a ques- tion of time. L this English sittiation of gcnp af distress, shrinking trade and dimin- ish! g industry, the situation in which Mr Andrew Carnegie and his chin would like to ■nve the United States? Do; they wish to see the country overrun, as E^giano is, by great masses of starving: men, ftcmen a id children ?*' | Free Traders, please note THE COST OF RELIEF WORKS. The "Manchester Guardia of January 27th, says :An interesting return was pre- sented to the Manchester Distress Committee at its meeting yesterday by the City Surveyor (Mr T de Courey Meade), showing the cost of the relief works. It stated that the Com- mittee's expenditure for wages during the four weeks which terminated on the 1st instant was £4,112 3s. 2d. The value of the labour executed amounted to only £630, or 15 3 per cent. of the amount spent. These figures compare very tadly with the last return made to the Committee, when the value of the work ¡I done by the unemployed amounted to 32 per cent. of the cost." This experience is not confined to Manchester. Councillor Alston, of Glasgow, gave evidence before the Afforest- ation Commission regarding the work of a number o! men employed in afforestation from I January to March, 1908, and said "it was ascertained that for every jEl paid as wages a value was obtained in return of only 2s. 5|d. It is plain that the policy of relief works is a very expensive one for the ratepayers. Why not Sad work for the unemployed at their own trades by taxing imports of foreign manu- factured goods. THE PROSPERITY OF THE GERMAN WORKMAN. I Should any one still believe that Tariff Reform will place a burden upon the working classes he may be referred to the speech which the Prussian Minister of Finance recently I delivered in the Diet on January 20th. Baron van Rheinbaben showed that in the thirteen years from 1893 to HiÜH the sam paid in wages annually had increased from £ 168,000,000 to £388,000.000; that the average wage had risen from £33 to £ 44; and that the number of Prussians above the income-tax level had increased from eight to fourteen millions. Figures like this dismiss with ridicule the idea that Tariffs are a nefarious instrument for depressing the condition of the poor to the advantage of the rich. Thb evidence of statistics, as well as tho fruits of every open- minded investigation, makes it an incontestable matter of fact that under Protection the prosperity of the German workmen has advanced by leaps and bounds.

At their meeting FJ'Mlay the Holywell Rural District Coancii passed a resolution in favour of Flalkea Moiiaiak) being utilised as a e<t aip i r<g-grou n-d lor the Territorial Forces. It was. pointed osi. by Mr H- PoweH, the mover of the resolution, that the site was an excellent OBe. with gooil roads and excellent climatic conditions, and was far better for the purpose- e-ifcaes Coawaj or Towyn.

FOR PREVENTING CRUELTY. ANNUAL MEETING OF N.S.P.C.C. The annual meeting of subscribers to the Aberystwyth District of the Oswestry, Mont- gomeryshire and Aberystwyth Branch of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was held at the Buarth Hall on Wednesday afternoon, when there was an ex- ceptionally large attendance. The Rev M. Jones Powell, D.D., vicar of St Michael's, occupied the chair, and he was supported on the platform by the Rev Thomas Williams, B.A., Rev T. A. Penry, Mr Teasdale, of the Central Office of the Society, Mr J. T. Davies (Mayor), and Mr Meyrick Hughes, solicitor, representing Mr A. J. Hughes, town clerk, the hon. district correspondent. The Chairman said that he highly appreci- ated the honour conferred upon him in being asked to preside over that meeting in the first year of residence in Aberystwyth. He con- sidered that the moral, spiritual and physical welfare of children were of first importance, and had been and ever would be one of the first cares of all Christian churches. This Society met with some criticism, but a pro- minent physician had told him that the work done by the society was "admirable," and he (the Chairman) felt that that opinion out- weighted any possible criticism by people who were prepared to criticise anything (hear, hear). It was sad to think that there was any need for such a society. It was a lamentable proof of how men, in spite of all their gifts, had fallen even lower than animals, for these at least took care of the young. It was necessary that the Christian principles should be more impressed than they were by religious teachers upon their people. There were several societies whose business it was to do something in this direction, and they deserved every encouragement, for the chie aim and business of the Christian Church was j surely to bring to bear the principles of religion upon the life of the people. There were tendencies at the present time to loosen the responsibility of parents, and such tendencies were fraught of great danger. He did not think that in supporting that society their was any danger of their being regarded as interfering with the authority and discipline which properly belonged to the parents. Though the officers of the society might have made some mistakes that was no reason why there should be a wholesale condemnation of the society (hear, hear). The Chairman read letters regretting their inability to be present from Mr George R. Pryse. J.P., Mrs and Miss Phillips, Dr and Mrs Bonsall, Lady Evans, Lovesgrove, Major Harford, Falcondale, Lampeter, and Lady Lisburne, Crosswood, who also enclosed a cheque for £ 1 Is Od. Mr Meyrick Hughes apologised for the absence of his father, the hon. district correspondent, and also on behalf of Mrs James, the hon. secretary, who through illness, was prevented from being present. Mrs James desired to resign her position as hon. secretary to the Ladies' Committee, which they all regretted, and whenever Mrs James took up any work of that description she took it up with a will, and ho was sure they all regretted her absence and desire to resign (hear, hear1. He presented the report of Inspector J. J. Peart, which was as follows Durin g the year 1908 I have made 10 visits to Aberystwyth and enquired into 14 cases of complaint, as follows Neglect 12, begging 1, exposure 1, concerning the welfare of 57 children, 30 hoys and 27 girls. There were 21 offenders, 9 males and 12 females. The above cases were dealt with by warning. During the year I made 179 visits of supervision in the Aberyst- wyth district." The Mayor moved that the Ladies Com- mittee with its officers and the District Corre- spondent be re-elected for the ensuing year and that the thanks of the meeting be tendered them for their valuable services in the past. In doing so he said the society and its sister association for preventing cruelty to animals were the best societies amongst them, and he appealed for more support. The Rev T. A. Penry seconded the proposi- tion. There was, he said, a case of cruelty to children among them a few months ago in which the cruelty and the negligence of the parent was such that the Inspector of the society felt that he was helpless in the matter of taking proceedings owing to the law not recognising such particular form of treatment as cruelty. The Inspector's presence in He district at that time unquestionably exerted a healthy influence. The resolution was carried. Mr Teasdale, of the Central Office, gave an interesting address and made special refer- ence to the excellent work done for years by Mrs Elizabeth James, as well as by Mrs Phillips, the president, and the ladies' com- mittee. Owing to continued ill-health, Mrs James deemed it desirable to resign. On behalf of the committee, he wished to express the cordial thanks of the Committee and of the society for all Mrs James had done and hoped the Committee would have little diffi- culty in finding someone else to take her place and continue her good work (hear. hear). Never in the history of the society had it stood higher in the official mind of the country. Since its inauguration it has be friended one and a half million children last year 20,000 more than ever before and 135,000 altogether. The experience of tho society was that 9.10ths of the cruelty of the country was not caused by want of means. As to legal work, all the legislation of modern times for the protection of children had been pro- moted by the Society and the recent Children's Bill was largely due to its instrumentality. As to its prosecuting work, a great many people ran away with the idea that it was a prosecuting society. It was a society for the ''prevention "of cruelty to children. When he said that five per cent only of the cases coming under the society's notices were taken into court, it would ke seen that the great bulk of the work achivedwas done by warning, persuasion, and tact on the part of the inspectors (hear, hear). Of course the Society did not hesitate to invoke the arm of the law when necessary; but not a single case was taken into court without the greatest and gravest investigation and consideration, and not until prosecution was deemed to be fully and absolutely justified. It was obvious, owing to the nature of that work, and through extraneous causes that the society should make I mistakes but it would be most fallacious to condemn a society or an individual which made an occasional mistake in the honest and conscientious discharge of duty. As a matter of fact, the Society numbered among its sub- scribers people who themselves had been under supervision and even people who had been proceeded against. Last year the society took 2,341 cases into court and of that number convictions were secured in 2,272 cases, three per cent only being discharged. The value of its work in the relief of rates was recognised by the Boards of Guardians throughout the country and much water would have to run under London Bridge before Boards of Guardians repaid the debt they owed the society for the numberless instances the society had induced careless, negligent parents to take care of their children who would otherwise Lecome chargeable to the rates (cheers.) The Rev Thomas Williams, B.A., in propos- ing a vote of thanks to the Vicar for presiding, alluded to the sad death since the last general meeting of the Rev W Matthews, whose loss was a calamity to Aberystwyth. His work, however, had been taken up by a good successor and he (the speaker) hoped Dr. Jones Powell would have long life to carry on social and philanthropic work. The Mayor put the resolution which was carried, and the Vicar briefly replied. Tea was provided by the Ladies Committee.

ABERYSTWYTH RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. INCOME TAX DEMANDS. The monthly meeting of the members of the Aberystwyth Rural Council was held at the Workhouse on Monday, Mr W. Mason, vice- chairman, presided, and there were also present Rev N. Thomas, Messrs Richard Thomas, J. Richards, E. J. Evans, D. Jones, W. T. Lewis, J. Roberts, J. Davies, W. Sinnett Jones, Isaac Jones, T. Jones, T. Oliver Jones, Lewis Richards, Ll. J. Lewis, T. James, William Jones, J. James, L. R. Lewis, John Jones, with Mr Hugh Hughes, clerk, and Mr E. Llewellin, assistant clerk. INCOME TAX. The Assistant Clerk reported that the authorities for the first time had made a demand for payment of C7 lis Od income tax on account of the income derived from the water supplies of Llanbadarn, Borth, and Tre'rddol. The Rev N. Thomas said the Government badly wanted money. The Assistant Clerk added that there had been no profit on Tre'rddol this year, but the tax was charged on the previous year's profits. As a matter of fact the receipts did not cover the cost of the outlay. In respect to Llan- badarn supply they were charged on a profit of £100. Rev N. Thomas But you have not deducted repayment of principal and interest. The Assistant Clerk said this was not allowed, as it could not be regarded as work- ing expenses. The Clerk said there bad been a case on these points and the authorities won. He would, however, make further representation. The Rev N. Thomas said the claims of the authorities were most unfair. It was decided to leave the matter stand over for a month. LLANBADARN FULLBROOK. Mr Evan Evans, clerk to the County Council, wrote to inform the Council that the Main Roads Sub-Committee had reported that owing to the objection made by adjoining owners they could not recommend tho cover- ing up of the Fullbrook. He was directed to call attention to the neglected state of the catchpits above the village, towards the con- struction of which the County Council had contributed one half, and to ask that the pits should be put into working order and period- ically carried out.—It was decided to make application to the County Council for co- operation. NEW BRIDGES. A letter was also read from Mr Evan Evans, in which he informed the Council that the Main Roads Committee had decided to recom- mend the County Council to erect three new bridges in the village of Llantihangel-y- Creuddyn provided the plans and specifications were approved by the County Surveyor.-It was decided that two bridges should be con- structed of iron and one of stone, and tenders are to be invited. ERGLODD LANFj. The Clerk to the Llancynfelin Parish Council wrote on behalf of his Council to inquire the responsibility of his Council in respect to the taking over of the Erglodd road. The Council, however, earnestly supported the scheme, but as Henllys people made more use of the road than the parish- ioners of Llancynfelin they thought that Henllys parish should bear its share of the cost.—The Council decided to take over the road, and the Surveyor was directed to report on the repairs needed. COMMINS COOH. Mr D. Edwards, Commins Cocb, reported to the Council that a spring of fresh water had been discovered in a field owned by Major J. J. Bonsall at Fronfraith, and that gentleman had very generously offered the supply for the use of the village of Commins Coch on pay- ment by the Council of a nominal annual rent of Is per year.—The Clerk said the Inspector had a report on this matter. MOTOR TRAFFIC. The Rural District Council of Clare, Suffolk, sent a copy of a resolution which the Aberyst- wvth Council was asked to adopt in which it was proposed to increase the penalties for furious and reckless driving by motorists. They proposed that after the first conviction the license should be suspended for three months; 2nd conviction, suspended for six months and for 3rd conviction the license to be taken away. All license holders to prove their ability to drive, motor cars to be taxed according to horse power. The Rev N. Thomas They ought to add another clause, that alter the 4-th conviction the driver should be shot (laughter). I move that we adopt the resolution. Agreed to. PARSONS AND FACTORY BRIDGES. The Council directed the Surveyor to put these bridges into propef repair at once. He presented estimates for their construction, but the Council decided that the work should be done by the Council. LLANFIHANGEL-Y-CREUDDYN". The Inspector reported that he had visited Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn and had made an inspection of the water supply. Although the supply was near the churchyard an analysis of the water proved that it was pure, and an abundant supply could be obtained from the present source if they drained deep enough. There would be an extra cost in draining off the waste water. He did not know of any other supply which could be brought to the village at any reasonable cost. He hoped, however, to increase the present suppty during the summer without eur.ailing an excessive expenditure. The Dot ha log drain, Llan- badarn, required immediate attention. The pipes were in dlngpr of b«i< g blocked up, and unless the work was done z, once the workmen would not be allowed to emer the field. A spring of water which was Vonnd in a field belonging to Major Bonsall, ot Fronfraith, had been analysed and found r uitahi- for domestic 1 purposes. It tnis wafer "as connected with the Commins Coch supply it would be of much value. Cases of diphtheria- had broken out at Llanafan and i lanilar and scarlet fever at Bronpadarn Cottage and N w Row. He recommended for approval th,, plans of a new j house at Talybont by Mr D. Williams. In respect to the IJlans of a new house at Blaen- plwyf for Mr T. Jenkins he suggested that fireplaces should be placed in the bedrooms so as to ensure adequate ventilation. The Rev N. Thomas said it would be a great boon to the village of Cornmius Coch, for he had seen that hamlet without any water in the summer. The Inspector was directed to prepare an estimate of the co,t of providing the extra supply of water both here and at Lianfihangel- Creuddyn. It was decided to ask the County Council to contribute towards the cost of the cleansing of the Dolhalog drain.

LLANBADARN LICENSING ) SESSIONS. THURSDAY. Before Dr. Morgan, Messrs J. G. Hughes- Bonsall, Henry Bonsall, Geo. R. Pryse, J. T. Davies (mayor), and Richard Thomas. ANNUAL LICENSING REPORT. Supt. Jones presented his report on the I licenses issued in the division of Lower Geneu'r- glyn. He said there were 5 seven day licenses and 8 six day licenses, which were at the rate of one house to 289 persons. During the year 6 persons were proceeded against for drunken- ness and of these 4 were convicted. This was a reduction of 2 on the previous year.—The Chairman said the report was very satisfactory and he was glad to observe that there was a diminution in convictions. Supt. Jones said there were no objections.-The Bench renewed all the licenses. CHARGE OF TRESPASSING ON RAILWAY Mary Edwards, Rheidol Lodge, Llanbadarn, spinster, was summoned by Mr James Rees, supt. of the Vale of Rheidol Railway, for hav- ing trespassed on the railway at Llanbadarn on January 27th. Mr James Rees stated the defendant had been repeatedly cautioned not to trespass on the line between the Rheidol Cotteges and the Llanbadarn railway crossing. Obstacles had been found on the line between these points, and all attempts to discover the offenders having failed, the company resolved to put a stop to all trespassing. He was sorry to say that since the summons had been issued the defendant had again been seen on the line.- The Clerk: It is said that others also trespass. Mr Rees This is the only one of whom we have knowledge.—Mr Geo. Pryse asked it this part of the line was fenced.—Mr Rees Yes. The Bench fined the defendant Is. and costs. The Chairman said any other offenders coming before them would be heavily fined. BOYS' AMUSEMENT. Richard West, 2 Vaenor street, and Augustus Richards, 1 Brynymor road, Aberystwyth, errand boys, were charged by Mr Hugh Hughes, Glynpadarn, with having wilfully damaged the cement of the outer wall of Quebec Villa, on January 12th. Both defendants pleaded guilty. The Clerk said he was the prosecutor in that case and as the defendants admitted the charge, there was no need to call evidence. He estimated the damage at 5s, but he did not wish to press the claim for damages, nor did he ask them to inflict a fine. He had taken those proceedings in the interest of property owners and to prevent any further damage on these lines. When walls were freshly cemented, boys inscribed their names on the surface with the result that the wall was disfigured and could not be repaired. Ie this particular- instance the cement was disfigured the day after it was put on. The defendants apologised but he told them that it was not enough and that they would have to come before the Bench. All he asked was that they should be called upon to pay the costs. The Bench made an order accordingly, the Chairman remarking that the offence was a very serious one. CHARGES OF POACHING. John Powell, Glynmelindwr, Capel Bangor, blacksmith, Richard Williams, Maesbangor, Capel Bangor, collier, John Pierce, Dolypandy, Capel Bangor, collier, and Thomas Price, Black Horse, Goginan, collier, were charged by Mr William Morgan, Goginan Fawp, farmer, with having trespassed in search of game on his land on Boxing Day. A letter was read from the complainant in which he said that as the defendants had agreed to pay the costs, he had consented with the approval uf the Bench to withdraw the charge. The Bench ordered accordingly.

LLANILAR LICENSING SESSIONS. FRIDAY. Before Messrs M L Vanghan Davies. M.P., E M Lear, Dr. Hughes, J G Morris Davies, and Evan Richards. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of Superintendent Jones stated there were 7 seven day licenses in the division (one of which was a beer house), and 1 six day license, which was at the rate of one house to every 753'87 of the inhabitants. During the year 5 persons had been proceeded against for drunkenness, as compared with 4 for 1907. There had been no extension of time for any licensed house during the year.— The Bench decided to renew all licenses, the Clerk stating that there was no money in the compensation fund, even if the Bench did refer any of the licenses. POOR FENCES. Robert Morgan, Tynberllan Farm, Llanilar, was charged by Supt. Jones with having allowed three ponies to stray on the highway between Llanilar and Crosswood on January 22nd. P.O. Owen said the ponies were continually found on the road and he had cautioned the defendant twice this year.—Defendant said the ponies jumped the fence and he had lo drive them back often twice each day.—The Chairman said he thought it would be eheapor for the defendant to put up wire fencing rather than come there and pay a fine and costs. —He was fined sixpence for each pony and ordered to pay the costs. SCHOOL CASES. Elizabeth Royle, Penrhiw, Llanychaiarn, widow, and Thomas Jones, Morfa Bychan, were charged by Alban Lewis, attendance officer, with having neglected to send their children to school.—These cases had been adjourned from the last Court, and the attend- ance officer now informed the Court that the child Royle was attending regularly at Llanfi- hangel-y-Creuddyn school, but there were two other children at home who were not attending.-The Chairman You cannot go into that case.—The Officer said he would summon them for the next meeting.—In respect to the case of Thomas Jones, the Officer said the child was now attending and a medical certificate had been obtained to cover the two weeks she was absent in January.

The ice palace at Montreal, which is to be the main feature of the forthcoming Winter Carnival, is being built on a scale never-before attempted. The most important feature will be the King Edward Tower, a glittering mass of ice 190 feet high, and 40 feet square. Tho Royal Tower will be flanked by two lesser erections, named after the Prince of Wales and Queen Alexandra, the three being connected by ice arches about 60 feet high. I

7,;Ezr j RYDERS SEEDS I S Axe all sold in Penny Packets. No better H g quality can be bought at any price. They are 11 H sent to every quarter of the Globe. A million m Catalogues are issued annually. Write to- jjj H day for one, which will be sent FREE, with B U beautiful Coloured Plate, by return of post. S RYDER & SON, | 9 Seed Specialists, | 1ST. ALBAN'S. g $3" Beware of Imitators. |j

GENERAL NEWS. Llandrindod Wells Urban District Council is applying to the Local Government Board for sanction to a £10,000 loan to erect a huge pavilion on the recreation ground. Travelling show people are no longer to be allowed on the Smithfield, Llangollen, during Easter holidays, an institution dating back very many years thus coming to an end. A Leeds man named Thomas Baldwinson who had been missing from home for a day or two was found in a state of collapse in a field at Killingbeck, just outside the city, and died from the effects of poison. The following is an extract from a composi- tion paper on London written by a Lytham schoolboy in Standard III.: There are many kinds of animals in London. There are lions and monkeys and elephants and policemen." The Light Railway Commissioners have decided to reject the application made for an order to authorise the Pwllheli, Nevin, and Portdinlleyn Light Railway, as the promoters. are not now in a position to proceed with the scheme under the existing circumstances. An inquest was held on Thursday at Swansea Hospital touching the death of Vaughan Pratt, who in October last fractured his thigh while on the road at Pont Neath Vaughan. A verdict of Accidental Death" was returned. The population of the Dominion of New Zealand on December 31st, 1S08, was esti- mated .-—Europeans, 960,000; Maoris, 48,000; Cook Islanders, 12,000. There was an increase of Europeans during the year of 31,000, being at th6 rate of 3'36 per cent. The Home Secretary has appointed a, Departmental Committee to consider the duties of the police with respect to the pre- servation of order at public meetings. A serious railway collision occurred at 4 a.m. on Thursday on the Midland Railway at Sharnbrook, between Wellingborough and Bedford. An express goods train from Man- chester crashed into stationary goods train being shunted on the down main passenger line, and the driver and fireman of the express were killed. On Thursday, at the goods yard, Brecon, whilst marshalling the 12.45 goods train for Swansea, Thomas Hardwicke, guard, of the Midland Railway, met with a serious accident, being caught between the buffers of the wagons- The Marine Society has during the 152 years of its existence sent 05,434 trained lads to sea, 28,486 of this number being supplied to H.M.'s ships. George Cutler Nadin (35), seaman, of Plai- stow, indicted for murdering three of his children with a razor, was at the Old Bailey on Thursday found insane and ordered to be detained during the King's pleasure. The bell-ringers of St Mary's Churchy Brecon, have created a record by ringing in 2hr. 48min. a peal of grandsire triples, 5,040 changes. A Pontefract child^named Fred Atack,aged four years, died in the Leeds Infirmary in con- sequence of a bead having become fast in his ear. A Richmond (Virginia) despatch states that Mrs Florence May brick has won a suit in the,, Federal Court establishing her title to the ownership of an estate of over 100.000 acres. Having enlisted in the King's Own Lancaster Regiment at Manchester, John McLaren left Southampton tor Jersey. On the way he was seized by an attack of violent sea- sickness and died on the journey. The Great Western Railway Company announce a dividend for the past half-year at the rate of 7 per cent, per annum on Consoli- dated Ordinary Stock, carrying forward about I £87,000. A year ago the dividend was the same with £]03,000 forward. Lord Esher has received a cheque""uli £ 10,000, unconditionally, to assist the Lond County Territorial Association in recruiting the full numbers required for the County Of- London regiments. Mr Edwaid L. Waring, an engineer of Priory road, Chiswick, London, has been missing from Kilmore Quay, County Wexford, since Sunday, when he went out to shoot wild fowl. His gun, with one barrel empty, was. found on St. Patrick's Bridge, near the sea, but no trace of Mr Wai iiig could be seen. It. is reported from Gort (Co. Galway), that on Wednesday night the tails of seven head of cattle belonging to Mr John Conroy, of Boston, near Gort, were maliciously cut off' and the animals were also tarred and painted. It is stated that Conroy intended to take the beasts for sale to Knnis Fair. In connection with the discovery of the body of a young man named James Bailey on the road near Lettermore (West Galway), a postmortem examination was made, and it was ascertained deceased came by his death from violence, the skull being fractured by a blow with a stone. A verdict accordingly was re- turned at the inquest. Three arrests have been made. The new University College buildings in the Cathays Park, Cardiff, will be opened in the autumn of this year by the president, the Earl of Plymouth, and Lord Lieutenant of Glamor- gan, and the library by the Master of the Drapers' Company, London. The latter body are the donors of the new library buildings. which will be worthy of the donors and of the new coiiege. At a meeting of the Council of the Liberty and i'roperty Defence League, held at the Central Oiiiccs of the League, 25, Victoria street, West- ruuister, the Earl of Wernyss in tho chair, it was rcs-oived that with a view to encouraging speakers and writers against Socialism, Jthe League should undertake to gratuitously supply to all bona-fide applicants such trustworthy information and liter-- ature as would enable them to take a more- effective part in 1ho present agitation. Such persons are invited to communicate with the Sècretary of the League. Two tine steam trawlers have arrived with their first cargoes of fish at Milford Haven. The vessels have been built at South Shields to the order of Messrs Selliclc, Morley, and Price. Milford Haven. They are not of the largest dimensions, but are thoroughly up-to- date as regards equipment. They are the Abulard, commanded by Captain J. T. Clarke, and the Macow, by Captain Mat. Kingston. The fish trade of the port has shown great improvement during the past month. At a meeting of the board of directors of the London and North-Western Railway Com- pany, Porter Eccleshall, at Bushbury, attended, and was informed that a letter had been received from the Home Office intimating that the Albert medal of the second class had been conferred upon him for bravery. He jumped from Bushbury platform in front of an approaching engine and pushed clear of danger a child on the line, but himself was knocked down and rendered unconscious. Eccleshall, who has also been promoted in the Company's seavice, was complimented by the board upon his gallant action. tilt is not too late to make a good resolu- I on fop 1909. A resolution to purchase no tea but Horniman's is the best. Don't be put, off by so-called cheap tea. "IT IS NOT JUST AS GOOD." Ask for Horni- man's, see that you have it, and you will drink no other. Sold in Aberystwyth by-J. R. James, 10-12 North parade, Special Wholesale Agent E P. Wynne chemist Misses Owen, 19 North parade; Jones, Cash Tea Stores; Llanfarian, Jones, Tea Merchant Knighton-Blower,. Chemist; Lampeter—Meggicks, draper Welshpool- Williams and Co. Printed and Published by the Proprietor, David Rowlands, at 10, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, London Agent—Mr G. Rawson, 85, Fleet Street E.C. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH, 1909.

FROM The Aberystwyth Observer, 1860, FEBRUARY 4TH. j TOWN COUNCIL. I A meeting of the Town Council of this borough was held on Tuesday last at the Town Hall present Robert Edward, Esq., mayor, in the chair, John Hughes, John Roberts, George Fossett, John Davies, Griilith Thomas, Richard Thomas, Thomas Jones, Lewis Pugh, F. R. Roberts, and T. W. Wells, Esqs. An application from John Evans for an ex- tension of the lease of a piece of land by the North Gate, was ordered to be taken into con- sideration at the next meeting. An order was made for the payment of the bill of the Gas Company for lighting the town clock. The Town Clerk said he had been asked to lay a petition on the table praying for an Act of Parliament to legalise marriage with a deceased's wife's sister, which he now did but as none of the councillors seemed disposed to sign it it was withdrawn, and the meeting was adjourned. SHIPWRECX.—A boat a fortnight ago, in a heavy gale, off Brest, France, the brigantine "Island Maid," of this port, dragged her anchors, and was driven on shore, where she became a total wreck. Crew saved. FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Thursday last an inquest was held at Lied rod, near this town, before J. M. Davies, Esq., coroner, and a. jury, on view of the body of William Jones, aged 54 years, a farmer residing at Ffoshelyg, near the above place, who had met his death by the following extraordinary circumstances. It seemed that on Sunday evening last the deceased went from I is house to give fodder to his cattle, and wh doing so a cow suddenly raised her head, ,-ii.td the point of her horn, which was exce-s vely sharp, entered the corner of his eye, from the effect of which he died in a few hours in the greatest agony. The jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." BUETH.—The usual monthly meeting of the Calvinistic Methodists was held on the 2nd and 3rd instant, at Borth, near this town, which was numerously attended. The following ministers preached The Revs Daniel Evans, T, Abfsravron Daniel Da vies, Abcrporth Evan Phillips, LIanon Robert Roberts, Llan- geitho Grdiith Davies and William Jones, Aberystwyth, and John Rees, Tregaron. The sermons were powerful and impressive, and the hearers were muck edified. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The meeting of the Agricultural Society for the northern division of Cardiganshire for I ploughing and draining took place on Thurs- day last at Llettyilwyd, near Talybont. By abont 9 o'clock in the morning 37 teams were on the ground, and the weather was all that could be desired. Among-t those present we noticed Captain Pryse, M.P., Peithyll, Pryse Loveden, Esq., Gogerddaa, G. G. Williams, Esq., Cwmcyn- felin 11. C. Fryer, Esq., Lodge Park George Jeffreys, Esq,, Dovey Castle John Davies, Esq., Aberystwyth J. G. Williams, Esq., Gloster Hail Messrs Abraham James, Doly- ybont Richard Joües, Glannsorfa Owens, Tanllan J. L. Lloyd, Talybont ;;pJames Somerville, farm bailiff, Crosswocd; Henderson, farm bailiff. Gogerdda-n; Thomas ■Sa^es, RhoHccHanfach. &c., &c. To the best ploughman of not less than a quarter of an acre, zL2, David Pryec, Bryn- bwl second best ditto, £1 lOs, David Morgan, servant at Cogcrddan third best ditto, £ 1, John Edwards, Ynyshir-isaf; fourth best ditto, 10s, Richard Jones, Nantcollenfawr. The ploughing of Morgan Parry, servant at Cro-js John and Richard Morgan, Gwarallt John Jones, Wero; and John Lewis (15 years of age, servant at EryaUys), were highly com- mended. Of those who eo 'd for the cutting of a perch of drain the be&t workmanlike manner, the following were adjudged entitled to the prizes :—The best, £ if William Pierce, Bow Street; second best," l-5s, James Trickey (at Castle Hill); third heat, Joseph Jones, Claracii., The society presented the un- successful candidates with Is each. BIRTHS, On the 7th inst., the wife Robertst Esq., surgeon, of this tows, of a daughter. On the 8t,h Past., the wife of Mr Evan Jones, painter, of this town, of a son. MARRIAGES. On the 28th nit., in London, Mr Charles Slephrns to Miss Sarah- fjiunby, both ¡ servants to A- N. NoveM, Esq., Castle House, in this town. Oil the 8th ifist., at Lianfeadarn-fawr, by the Rev John Pugh, en rate, Captain David James, of the schooner Cheerful." of this- port, to Margaret Elizabeth, third daughter of the late Captain Evan Davies* of the "Speculation," of this port.