The Aberystwith Observer

-+- MQNTGOMERYSHIKE STANDING JOINT COMMITTEE. MAGISTRATES AND SHEEP SCAB OFFENDERS. On Friday a meeting of the Standing Joint ("omniatee was held at the Town Hall, Welsh- pool, when there were present: Cant Mytton (presiding), Col Twyford, Ca-pt Johnes, Messrs R. Jones, A. E. Humphreys-Owen, C. W. Hum- phrevs, and C. J, Newell, with Mr G. D. Har- rison, clerk; Mr W. J. Holland, chief con- stable; and Mr G. A. Hatchins, county ear vevor. Apologies for absence were intimated from Lord Powis and Mr Price-Davies. The Chief Constable submitted his report for quarter ending 31st December. This showed I that the number of indictable offences was 17, the number discovered 15, the number of per- sons proceeded against 16. Of these, three were I discharged,, four -committed for trial, and nine dealt with summarily. The value of property stolen was £ 36 1:1;. 3d., and recovered £ 20 19s. 9d. The number of persons proceeded against for non-indictable offences was 205. Of these 35 were discharged orders made on 11, and 159 convicted. The number of indictable offences was the same as for the corresponding quarter of the previous year, in non-indictable offences there was a decrease of 23 persons dealt with, and an increase of five cases of drunkenness. The police seized 22 stray dogs 13 of which were claimed bv the owners, one sold, und eight des- troyed. The police noted 6,6.59 persons at the common lodging-houses and casual wards at the Workhouses, this being an increase of 1,053 as compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The annual Government re- turns showed 77 crimes to have been committed during the past year, this being an increase of 12 on the previous year, which was in cases of simple larceny. 753 peisons were dealt with for non-indictable offences. This was a decrease of 83 on the previous year, 13 of them beiiig for drunkenness. The force was complete in num- bers, and with one exception its conduct had been satisfactory. P.S. Morgans, Newtown, in applying for an increase of salary, wrote that he completed 26 years' service in the county constabulary on the 9th inst., having been a constable for seven c years, acting sergeant .ver one year, and ser- geant at Newtown over 17 years. He was 47 years of age and felt as capable as ever to per- form his duties. He was qualified to retire on a pension of two-thirds of his pay, but applied for an increase in the event of his continuing in the service. —The Chairman asked if an increase in pay would mean an increase in pension?—The Chief Constable No, sir.—The Chairman If we lose Sergt Morgan's services, it means that we would be put to the expense of a sergeant's pay.—Colonel Twyford A sergeant's pension. -the Chairman I think Sergt Morgans has been such an efficient officer that it would he an advantage to the county to retain his services.— Mr Newell agreed that the Sergeant was a very capable man in full health, but he thought the matter ought to be looked into. He moved the ,appointment of a, committee to consider the new Act under which the Sergeant's application was made so that they might know exactly where they stood. They might have other applications of the same kind coming in.—Colonel Twyford We thrashed this all out on a former occasion. —Mr Humphreys seeonded Mr Newelts pro- posal, which was carried, and the following com- mittee was appointed -the Chairman, Colonel Twyf ard, Messrs Newell, Humphreys, R. Jo tea, and Lloyd. The Clerk read a letter from the Board of Agriculture calling attention to the result of re- cent proceedings before justices at Machynlleth against a farmer in the district named John Jones for failing to report an outbreak of sheep scab., The penalty inflicted in that case as well as in certain other recent cases Of a, similar na- ture was so light as to-hai,e no deterrent effect, and the Board asked that the matter should be brought under the notice of those concerned with the administration of justice so as to en- sure a strict compliance with the Sheep Scab Orders. The clerk said his information was that in the particular case referred to there were three charges against the defendant. A very small penalty was imposed and the costs he was required to pay were less in amount than what fell upon the county.—The Chairman I move that a copy of the Board's letter be sent to the justices in the county. I am always very loth to find fault with the decision of the magis- trates because I should think their own common- I sense should tell them that if they want to put down such a disease the only way to do it is to fine offenders heavily. That has been done in some instances, but in others a light penalty has been imposed. The Chairman went on to refer to the Board of Agriculture's sheep dipping or- ] der and said every farmer knew the objection 3 to dipping in inclement weather and at lambing time. The exectHlve committee had sent a representation to the Board on the subject; was 1 there any reply ? — The Clerk: No, sir.—The chairman's motion was agreed to. A letter was re..d from the Secretary of State asking that there should be less delay in the | transmission of depositions to Clerks of Assize, and also as to the sending of prisoners to the Assizes who sometimes ought more properly to be tried at Quarter Sessions. —Another letter 1 from the Home Secretary called the attention of the authorities to what was required of them J under the new Children Act when entertain- ments were given by children in a public hall.

A WORD TO LADIES, I A WORD TO LAI>IES. gEND FOE Dr. PATTERSON'SFAMOUSFEMALJC PILLS, which remon Irregularities, ke., by simple means in a few hours. R-eoommended by eminent Physi- cians and thousands of Ladies, being the only Geonin* Remedy. Sample packet absolutely free. Or in boxes, 2/9; special «xtr& strong. 4/6; scerofly paeked; rmaran £ teed relief. (Wiite or eall). ICaaa^eross, A. O.J AC K- SON, French Chewigt, 8.M., 95, Chatisg Cross Koad, Loms, W.C. (2 doors from Palaco Tkootro). £ tft»b)ishod t* ytmrt,

-H_ FARM NOTES, I [BY AN OCCASIONATI CONTILI]t-UTOR.] I February has quite failed this year to main- tain her traditional character of H fill dyke with black or white." Instead floods of rain or heavy snowfall we have had fine dry frosts at night and bright sunshine during the day. The gardens are bright with snowdnps,. croeus, and aconites, and the woods resound with the merry song of the thrush. Farm work has proceeded without interruption, the land has been in a capital condition for bearing the horses, carts, and other implements. The manure heaps have all been cleared out on to the meadows, and mostly spread and chain harrowed. A large acreage has been ploughed for spring grain. A 91 splended opportunity has been given for ex-1 tending the breadth of wheat. It is very sel- dom we have had such suitable weather for wheat sowing in February. Possibly the Feb- ruary sowings may prove the best crops of wheat, although there is but little fault to find at present with the appearance of the winter sown wheat., mo-i of it looking very promising. A continuance of frosty nights and sunny days may prove rather trying to the plant on light soils, but no harm, is done so far. The land that ha- been ploughed for spring grain is now in excellent tilth, having been pul- verised by the dfrosts of February, and if we are favoured with plenty of March dust, we will get the seed put into an ideally fine seed bed. The sowing of oats will now shortly occupy our attention. Dry soils ought to be sown early in MartAl so that the plane may have its rooj well established before hot weather sets in. Deeper soils may do quite as v/ell to be sown in the latter part of the month, or early in April. Very late sowings seldom prove profitable. Good seed oats are more difficult to procure than is usually the case. The crop of 1908 was under the average and much of it got spoiled in the harvesting. Many stacks got over heated so that the grain is not fit for seed. The best quality of oats will command a fair pfice, but there is no economy in sowing damaged or in- ferior Reed. We have not yet come across any variety of oats that has proved all round so suitable for our soil and climate as the Abund- ance variety. For yield of grain and quality of straw it beats all others we know of. Its weak- est characteristic is the readiness to lodge on very rich ground. If the land is inclined to be poor or the soil of a tenacious nature it will stand up all right and yield better than any other sort. It is a good plan to get a small quantity of seed for a change every year of the best that can be procured, and to save the pro- duce of that seed for the purpose of sowing all the land the following year. It is well known that the best results of a change are obtained in the second year of sowing, the first year of a change showing but little benefit. The weather has been all that could be desir- ed for thrashing, and a large quantity of clover has been thrashed and is now placed on the market. As was to be expected after the wet September of last year, when the bulk of it was being harvested, much of the red clover seed is very deficient in size, colour, and stanfina. A large percentage of it will not germinate, so I that it ought to be bought at a low price per lb., and sown very thickly—151bs. per acre will be none too much to sow of home grown, red clover this year. It will also be advisable to sow along with a larger allowance of alsyke, cowgrass, and ryegrass, so as to secure a plant in the event of red clover failing. Timothy grass might also be added on some soils. There is still a. lively demand in the cattle markets, although prices are a shade easier dur- ing the month. The best quality of beef main- tains its price, and it is only old cows of sec- ondary quality that are worse to sell. Cows I and calves are very dear, especially those show- ing a promise of milk. It seems surprising to everyone that sheep do not recover a little from the very low range of prices, especially now that wool is looking up in price. It seems diffi- cult to get the consumer back to mutton, when he has been shunted off it by the hiqh >ice at the jdiop, and has just got into ihe V y-of dering beef instead. Why do not the butchers tempt the public a bit by offering mutton at a more reasonable price, now they can buy the sheep so cheaply? I The lambs are coming thickly now, and so far are doing well. All care must be taken to pre- vent the ewes falling off in their milk. As the lamb gets stronger and larger his demands for sustenance also become greater, so that if the mother fails to supply that demand it becomes difficult to keep the lamb improving, no other substitute being practicable where there is a, large number of lambs. A good tump of man- golds is invaluable during the spring months where there are a lot of ewes and lambs. Yet it is not wise to depend on mangolds alone. About lib. per day for each ewe should be given in addition to some concentrated food, such as oats, peas, or one of the excellent lamb cakes which are now on the market. With reference to agricultural education a curious controversy has unfortunately arisen as to whether the Board of Agriculture or the Board of Education should have the, control. Judging by a memorandum issued by the Lon- don Farmers' Club in December it may be pre- sumed that the farmers of the country would prefer to have the whole management and con- trol of agricultural education placed .with the Board of,Agriculture, assuming that that Board is in a better position to kiiow what is required, is in closer touch with agriculturists, and is able to arrange and carry on the work more efficient- ly and economically. They assert that in rural districts 4( the feeling is that the Board of Edu- cation cis corlilected with codes, grants per head, cast iron rules and red tape, while the Board of Agriculture is sympathetic, quick to learn the needs of farmers, and after u. some- what lengthy experience it has entirely gained the confidence of the. farmer." There is no doubt a great deal of truth in these remarks, al- though they may be considered as expressing the circumstances quite strongly enough. It also seems to be a more correct adjustment of mat- ters for the department that has the official oversight of agriculture to have also the full control of the first steps in its advancement, namely the training of the young farmers. Of course the general education of the child must necessarily be under charge of the Board of I Education, but the technical instruction which begins later .in life, it would seem, should be placed under the charge of the deportment ap, pointed by Government to attend to all business pertaining to agriculture. On the other hand, the advocates for the Board of Education assume that all forms of in- struction from the primary and elementary up to the University teaching should be tinder the care of this department, and argue that if the Board of Agriculture in terfel-e in the work of education there will be an unnecessary and irritating overlapping of duties. Possession, it is said, is nine points of the law, and as the Board of Education is at present in full control of all educational work and has control of all money devoted to that work by the Exchequer, and has got a, staff of experts at work in the disbursement of that money to the best advant- age, they argue that it would be disadvantage- ous to divide the control and the money between two departments, and that it would necessitate I setting up another staff of experts to deal with those funds. They also argue that as there are a hundred and one branches of technical in- I struction besides that of agriculture all under the control of the Board of Education it would be invidious that, agriculture should be selected j for special treatment and made a favoured child of the family, and that if all the different branches of technical education are to be put under separate control it would multiply organi. sations to an extent that would be cumbrous and unworkable. The unfortunate result is that whilst the two departments are at loggerheads, the work of agricultural teaching is being scotched. The. Board of Education, it is alleged, have money for thst purpose which might be utilised if the Board of Agriculture would put themselves in proper form to carry out the work, instead of -< fighting for possession of the purse. Com- 1 plaints are coming in from all the centres of agricultural instruction that they cannot go ahead as they wan t. to for want of funds, and that the main work is being neglected whilst the two Government depattmonts are wrangling about details. There is much to be said on both sides, and farmers themselves might have a few words to say about it. It is quite non-political, 1 might be (without prejudice) discussed by our young Farmers' Associations. The voice of these Associations ifrust. be heard .in the land, and their influence must be felt.

For Children's Hacking Cough at night, I- Woods' Great Peppermint Cure, 2. 2/9.

W E T, SH POOL 5' Af.R M EES ASSOCIATION. MEETING AT BERRIEW. I Mr Job Watkin, 'Lower Luggy, presided over an influential gathering of the Berriew farmers at the Lion Inn, on Thursday night. Mr Tin- niswood, of Oswestry, in a clear and, lucid ad- dress, explained the aims and objects of the Association, and said that although it was purely a teiiiajit farniei-s' association, instituted for the benefit of the farmers, yet it was in no way antagonistic to the landlord's interests,, showing clearly that whatever measures were passed for the benefit of farmers would eventu- ally indirectly benefit the landowners and also the, labourers. He also explained that party politics would be strongly prohibited at all their meetings. Amongst the many objects of the Association, he instanced the necessity of doing something for the improvement of our local markets, and amending the regulations regard- ing the dipping of sheep, suggesting that a reso- lution should be parsed and sent to the Board of Agriculture, or that a deputation might be ap- painted to wait on the Board. The present re- sfcraciHons being unreason ably absurd as re- ferring to the dipping of ewas in lamb, or suck- ling lambs ..interfered greatly with the trade in our local markets. He also emphasised the ne- cessity of agitating for the relief of some of the present heavy burdens on the land and having land treated as raw material in the system of rating,'instancing the fact that through the ac- tion of these heavy burdens 4J millions of acres of land had been put down to graas during re- cent years that ought to be growing bountiful crops and employing thousand!! of men. Mr Pryce, of Kynant, also gave a forcible ad- dress, showing the necessity of farmers combin- ing for the purpose of improving their position and getting concessions from Parliament by ab- taining a better representation in the House of Commons, instancing what had been done by other organisations, and how the various trades unions had derived many benefits from Govern- ment, and frcra other sources by the force of combination; and suggested va.rious objects which farmers, might profitably aim. at in their united capacity which they could not hope to accomplish singly or individually, urging every farme,r in the room and every farmer in the parish to become tmember of the Welshpool Association. Mr Davies, FelimTre spoke in favour of the object and of the advisability of becoming mem- bers and of getting all their neighbours also to become members. He suggested that as Berriew is a large parish they should divide the work of canvassing by appointing one in each township to canrasft and get all his neighbours to join, he himself volunteering to work up the town- ship of Penthryn. This very excellent sugges- tion was at once taken up, several farmers in the room volunteering to take pa.rt in the work. Eventually the work was arranged to be under- taken by 11 different farmers in the various townships, and an enthusiastic meeting termin- ated with the usual votes of thanks.

Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Colds never fails. lIlt, 2/9. B. R. 7TH (MONTGOMERY AND MERIONETH- SHIRE) BATTALION ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS. REGIMENTAL ORDERS BY LIEUT.-COL. Sm. W. L. NAPIER, BART. Commanding. Headquarters, Newtown, 27th February, 1909. ENLISTMENTS.-The under-inentioned men bav. ing been enlisted on the dates stated, are taken on che strength of the Battaliou, posted to Companies and allotted Regimental numbers as stated against their names :—A Company (Llanidloes), 381 M C Tuder, 18/2/09; No 382 P Heaven, 19/2/09 (Caer- sws), No 383 A E Wilson, 384 C Morris, 20/2/09 H Company (Bala), No 2233 M Roberts, 2234 D Thomas, 12/2/09 F Company (Towyn), 2235 G E Morris, 20/2/09. RE-ENGAGEMENTS.— The Commanding Officer has been pleased to approve of the under men- tioned N.C.O's. and men te-engaging to continue serving in the Territorial Force for the periods stated. A Company, Llanidloes (for one year), No 105 Sergt F Rogers, 244 Le-Sgt T P Williams, 264 Pte W Baxter, 124 Pte R Davies, 93 Pte D PJdwards, 263 Pte T B Baxter, 94 Pte E T Edwards, 132 Pte W 0 Edwards, 252 Pte J Evans, 95 Pte W BEvans 122 Pte D H Jones, 261 Pte D A Jones, 274 Pte D C Jones, 121 Pte D Jones, 98 JPte E Jones, 100 Pte I G Jones, 175 Pte A Mills, 123 Pte D Morgan, 272 Pte T E Morgan, 102 Pte J E Owen, 253 Pte F Owen, 103 Pte E Owen for two years: 92 Pte M Dykes, 276 Pte R 0 George, 97 Pte G Hereomb, 99 Pte R 0 Jones. B Co (Newtown), for one year: 30 Pte H Brum- well, 44 Bug W Edward Gittins, 46 Bug T Lloyd, 47 Bug A Owen, 50 Boy II Boalton, 64 Pte A Woolley, 65 Pte F Woolley, 116 Bug H Woolley, 117 Boy A Woolley, 126 Pte C Edwards, 143 Pte R E Jarvis, 150 Pte F Clayton, 172 Pte M Jones, 223 Boy C V Williams, 228 Bug R G Siasons, 237 Clr.Sgt J M Jones for two years 49 Bng R W Sissons for four years 29 Cpl G Griffiths, 42 Bus J Breeze, 58 Sgt E Jones, 60 Cpl W J Owen, 108 Pte J Baxter, 109 Boy D C Beedles, 114 L-Cpl W Phillips, 201 L-Cpl J E Morris, 202 Pte R Andrews, 214 Pte W Morris, 215 Pee A Nock, 222 Pte E Vanner. F Co. (Towyn), for four years 2008 Cpl R L Jones, 2050 Sgt L M Jones. COURSE OF INSTRUCTION.—Second-Lieut W J Evans, A Company, will attend a course of in. ittruction at tbe Depoli R., W. Fusiliers, Wrexham, from the 15th to 27th March, 1909. A. T. C. BUNDLE, Captain. Adjutant 7th Battal-ion Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

.» Opposed by the combined forces of Socialism and Liberalism, in the person of Mr Frank Smith, the Hon. W. Peel won a splendid victory for Unionism at Taunton on Tuesday. His poll of 1,976 gave him a majority of 891 votes.

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CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—Approximate retard traffio receipts for the week ending February 218 1909. Miles open, 280. PasBenuers, pareslll, hor carriages, dogs and mails, £1,872; marohn.dle minerals, and live stook, E2,778; total for the wet 94,650; aggregate from commoncamentof half-ylw £ 35,480. Actual traiffc receipts for the correspon' ing week of last year: Miles open, 280. Passenger parcels, Ac., £1,847 merchandise, minerals, &0 £ 2,738; total for the week iE4,585 aggregate fro, r:ommenoement of half year, X-35025, In<;re»f for the week, passengers, parcels, Soo., £S inorease, merchandise, minerals, &o., 440; tot9 increase for the week, 165 aggregate inTaaa- passengers, parcels Ac., 9285 aggregate incru^3 merchandise, minerals, Ac., E170, ag^rega' crease from commencement of ha.lf. ear, £ 455. llfDSOSlj Site) TO MOTHERS. MRS. WINSLOWS Soothing Syrup FOR CHtLORKN rCETHIMO Has been nsed over 50 years b> millions of mother* to* their children while teething with perfect BtteoeM. ggatzu&the ohitd, softana the gume, ftliaya all rim, CM" WB> MUTO, and iff tb? brat remedy for BIABUII'E*. ..It fef All Ckuatatt at tili W blWeo j

CONSERVATIVE MEETING- AT I MACHYNLLETH. LOCAL INDUSTRIAL DEPRESSION. TARIFF REFORM THE ONLY REMEDY," A well attended public meeting was held in the Town If all, Machynlleth, on Wednesday night. The proceedings throughout were most successful, and there was a splendid rally of sopporters. Towards the close some restive spirits in the ranks of the opponents put for- I ward some questions to Mr Sam Thompson, which that gentleman easily answered, and turned the laughter on his hecklers. The note of anger which run through the questions indi- eated that Radicals are recognising they are fighting a losing game, and that poor old Free Trade has not a leg to stand on. In the absence of Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest, who is abroad, and who sent through Mr Richard Gillart his I best wishes for the success of the meeting, Colonel E. Pryce-Jones presided. There were also present on the platform Mr Sam Thomp- son, Colonel Spurrel, Major Barry Taunton, Dr A. O. Davies, Mr Buckworth, Messrs Rd. Gillart and R. W. Henry. There were also present amongst others Mrs Buckworth, Mrs A. O. Davies, Mr E. Gillart, Mrs and the Misses Evans (Fro-nygog), Misses Gillart, Messrs Har- old and Leo Evans, Mr and Mrs Bradwell, Mrs Walter Williifims, Mr Kenyon, Mr Evans (Welshpool). At the outset the Chairman call- ed upon Mr E. Gillart who had done so much for the success of that meeting as well as hav- ing worked hard for the cause in the to read letters of regret. Mr E. Gillart read the following letter from Mr W. T. Lewis, quarry owner and manufac- turer, of Temple Row, Birmingham —" In re- uly to your letter of 9th, I regret that through the state of trade making the conduct of such a business as mine so difficult just now I dClrenot venture on any other engagements, and there- fore I have with much regret to express my in- ability to be present at the meeting on the 24th inst. Convinced as my experience and observa- tion make me that Tariff Reform is the only efficacious .remedy for the evils which retard the development of the resources of Wales, and in particular those of the locality to which we are attached, I am glad that the spark which flick- ered out locally tt the last fluke election is to be rekindled, and I hope that justice to our home industries will be made the paramount issue in local preparaticn for the next Parlia- mentary contest. If circumstances will enable me to maintain and extend the undertaking re- cently established at Machynlleth, I hope that the potential voters imported into the district may prrove a contribution of some practical value towards redressing the balance against our cituse at the last election (cheers).—Let- ters of regret were also read from Mr F. M. Campbell, Major Walton, Mr E. Williams (Cor- ns), and Major II. E. Bonsall. The Chairman said he appreciated the honour of being .asked to preside in the absence of Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest-, and alsfe the still fur- ther honour of being the prospective candidate for the Boroughs once again (hear, hear). He was somewhat handicapped at the last- election 011 account of the general feeling that prevailed in Machynlleth that they were undecided as to which side the great. Londonderry family hoped would win (hear, hear). There-was no doubt that that interest was in his favour, but the Marquis of Londonderry could not take part in the election after the writ, had been issued, and he was therefore in a delicate position. He could assure them that there was no one who 'was more sorry he (the speaker) was not return- ed to support the party of which he was a mem- tl ber than Lord Londonderry himself (hear, hear). Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest had told him the reason he was not. present at the elec- tion, and it was a most handsome one. His Lordship said Had I only known that I could have done you -any good I should have come, bnt lam not. a voter, nlrl,4 I felt it would be out of place for me to come." So that he (the speaker) felt he lost a lot of votes on account of that little misunderstanding. Coming to the subject before the meeting, that of Tariff Re- form, lie said he was one of the first to follow their great leader, Mr Chamberlain—(cheers)— and he regretted exceedingly that so many of his fellow countrymen were so bitter against that great statesman. He could not for the,, life of him understand why that bitterness should exist. They knew that in order to bring to the notice of the country the need for a reform of our fiscal basis Mr Chamberlain had thrown up -a, post in the Government and Y.5,000 a year in salary because he felt that the time had come when they ought to make a stand in favour of. securing better terms for the English merchants in the foreign markets (applause). He regret- ted to see paragraphs in Liberal papers circulat- ing within that neighbourhood which almost made fun of the health of Mir Chamberlain. He ventured to say that the time would arrive when no statesman would be so much admired as Mr Chamberlain (applause). The story of the by- elections told them that the rural and urban districts of tne provinces were following the lead of the great cities in adopting the policy of Mr Chamberlain (Voice: "Taunton," and I cheers). They were getting near to the election day, and he for one did not intend to have an "open mind" (hear, hear). There was one question which had come before them and in respect to which it would be his duty to define his attitude. That was the question of disestab- lishment and. disendowment. He knew there were many there who would want to know how he was going on that question. There would be no hesitation on his part, for he held to every word he had said upon previous occasions. They had been told something of the provisions of the Bill which the Government, was going to bring in, and he need hardly tell them there was no alternative for him but to give his most uncom- promising opposition to that measure (cheers). After reading the provisions of that Bill he could not conceive how any honest and fair- minded man could vote for such proposals. To rob the Church would be a very bad beginning, for none of the institutions of the country to which money had been given for religious pur- poses would be safe (hear, hear). He knew hundreds of Nonconformists who would take 'no part in that confiscation. If they attacked the endowments of the Church, then would follow in all probability :attacks on chapel endowments, on the Salvation Army, Friendly Societies, and hospitals. Upon those grounds he wanted it made quite clear so that there would be no mis- understanding. It would be his greatest plea- sure to defend the ancient Church just in the same way as he would defend any attack upon' property. He took the same view OIl the Licensimg Bill, and they would always find him a gallant defender of any attack upon the rights of property and persons (hear, hear). Mr Thompson 'would presently deal with the ques- tion of Tariff Reform, and he might say just by way of prelude that all they desired was to give more work to the unemployed (applause). Tar- iff Reformers asked that the Government should be given power to make a deal with foreign Governments so that the same terms might be secured for English goods as England gave to the foreigners (cheers). It was true that the value of the English exports were far greater than other countries, but the rate of progress was not in proportion. Thirty years ago this country produced more iron and steel than the rest of the world, but now America was leading with Germany second and England third. Take any industry they liked, and they would find they were losing ground. It was the hope of Mr Chamberlain and many others that the ques- tion would not be made a party question, but unfortunately it had been made one, and they very much regretted it (hear, hear). He then called upon Mr Thompson. Mr Sa.m Thompson was received with ap- plause, and he gained a ready hearing when lie told his audience that he was born at Bontgoch, in Cardiganshire, and at 12 years of age was working as a miner at Cwmsynlog (applause). Therefore in coming to Machynlleth there were awakeaed in his heart many old associations. Like many others he had to leave Cardigan- shire when the mines closed down, and went tc Glamorganshire. He was glad to have the op portimity of replying to the other side' wi '-t meeting t-ook place a few days ago (hear, hear). He always felt that no elector could form a satisfactory opinion of a subject unless lie first heard both sides (hear, hear). Instead of a system of international co-operation of whicl1 Cobden and others prophesied when Free Trad- was introduced, they now had a system, of inter- national competition of a very unfair character and they wanted to alter it. For some timt after adopting this one-sided system of Free Trade we in this country did not feel the pinch. One of the first industries to feel the pinch waf that of agriculture. Farmers in' Cdbden's tinif said Free Trade would do them harm, but M Cobden did not agree with them, and said th cost of carriage of corn would he an effects barrier to competition with the home producer Those were the days of the old modern ship- when it cost £13 to carry a ton of corn fro* Chicago to England, but now it only cost 138, so that the natural protection afforded by th cost of sea transit had disappeared. For;; years ago they produced four-fifths of the whes required, but now they only produced one-fil'il It was not noticeable then perhaps so much u: at present because these people who were drive off the land found work in the manufacturrr, centres and on the railways. But what was th cry of to-day? It was that of Back to th land." Every party wanted to devise SOJ# method for keeping people on the land. Why Because they found the same thing happenic .in the industrial centres as happened in tb agricultural districts and the unfair competition of foreign goods made1 it more and more dift cult, for people in the towns to earn a livelihoo (applause). But it was not of much use sendin people back to the land unless there was soff reasonable hope of them making a living. Ea £ land would not object to giving foreign country the freedom of her markets if they in turn worn open their markets to England (cheers). Give fair conditions the working men and manttfa1 turers of England could hold their own agaii;' the world (hear, hear). Last year there was conference of delegates at the Cobden Club, at what did the delegates from other countries tt the conference? They said: "We rely npl' you in England to keep the Free Trade 1h flying because there is no hope of any one of t e,yu.itf,.ries which we represent adopting tt blessed system of Free Trade (laughter), Nil the proposals of Mr Chamberlain, and the who thought with him, were to place an avero- duty of 10 per cent on. all goods manufacture abroad and brought into the United Kingdor The 10 per cent was adopted as the basis of ii cost of taxation which fell on the shoulders the home manufacturers. But it was not pi posed to tax those articles which could not made at home (Voice What are they?). Taj the case of leather. If it were found that putting a tax on leather it would increase H price of boots, it would not be done. It not proposed to adopt an extremely protect; system, but they only wanted the power to 11 it, as a weapon for negotiating better terl (cheers). Nearly £ 2,000,000 was sent abroad buy ready-made joinery and as fifty per ce was paid in wages, this was a clear loss to ti country of F-I,000,000 in wages. If the r timber was allowed in free and joinery gok, taxed they would provide work for home t employed. Mr Thompson then proceeded speak in Welsh and drew an object lesson if the closing down of the slate quarries. he resumed his seat, he was loudly applaudf Questions were invited and Councillor Humphreys, a builder, asked upon whose f thority the speaker said imports of join- reached £ 2,000,000? Mr Thompson The Board of Trade return Councillor Humphreys I sav joinery was o' £ 209,000. Mr Thompson Joinery articles general1) window sashes, doors, furniture, school desk Councillor Humphreys: Furniture does >' come under the name of joinery. Mr Thompson It is not made by hI a cksIIlll it is joinery work (Laughter and cheers). Councillor Llew Jones asked if Mr Wyndb did not propose to put a tax on timber. Mr Thompson Mr Wyndham said lie 1119 the statement on his own responsibility (he; hear). I put before you the proposals of Chamberlain (applause). Another speaker shouted out some quest! which could not be heard at the pi atform for f laughter which followed. But another pale fa-i questioner rose in the body of the hall angrily demanded to be told what other 001.111. could pay off £ 40,000,000 National debt. Mr Thompson presumed other countries coi do it they followed out the same plan and I down the allowances for tire Arm.v &nd Navy What was the deficit this year— £ 16,000.0t And the Government had sacked thousands people from the national arsenal at Woolw" (cheers). The Chairman said they wanted to find e ployment for working people. A Voice Did not Mr Austin Chamberlain s it would be no use for unemployment (laugh1 I and cheers). The Chairman What we say is that it give more employment, than now (cheers), don't want to be returned to Parliament up any false pretence (hear, hear). I say this tl it will be better for Machynlleth and district,, it will be the means of encouraging local ind tries (cheers). Mr R. GilLart proposed a vote of thanks Mr Thompson, and complimented him on address. Mr Lane, a working man, second* and the vote was carried. Mr Thompson replied, and proposed a vote thanks to Col Pryce-Jones, who lie said, was t most frank and most straightforward man ever had had the pleasure of meeting (cheer —The proposition was seconded by Dr A. Davies, who suggested, to an interrupter at t back of the hall that if he wanted to be fun- he could come and give a performance on i platform. The sally was received with IDTY laughter.—In reply to the vote Col Pryce -Jot expressed the hope that at the next" electii the flowing tide would be in his favour (cheer The proceedings closed with the singing ft God save the King." Outside a handful the opposition waited the out-going of the spell ers, and one single voice raised a shout "Rees for ever." There was no answering -a, somewhat prophetic omen for the flitit prospects of the iBorough Member.