The London Kelt

F-he Sa^sfac^on of year. Years, as their numbers increase, multiply cares and grow shorter; they become fuller and fairer. Sometimes they contain much sorrow, and sometimes they are remarkable for the joy they bring; whether they be joyful or sorrow-laden every succeeding year seems, to contain less time between its begin- ning and its end, but to hold more that impresses the mind, and more that deserves reflection to gleam and gather from the mental fields and byways of past years and bring home in due order, its glean- ings, placing them each year nearer the place which their relative worth entitles them to take. With succeeding years mental states acquire a habit of clearness and definiteness. The wheat is separated from the chaff, and the grains also are sorted according to their quality. Doctrines and theories, conduct and practice are discerned to have their separate values though they are closely allied. The essentials of doctrines or theories are more readily recognised, while the non-essentials are allowed th ir meed. It is a satisfaction to live long enough to emerge from the malodorous slough of opposing dogmas where every element seemed in confusion, to plunge into the clear stream of living waters, and rise to place one's foot on firm bottom and breathe the pure and refreshing air of heaven. Years bring one satisfaction which cannot be appraised, it is that of learning more truly the character of men with whom one has come in contact. It is difficult to conceive of a greater pleasure than that which is experienced upon discovering, perhaps after years of suspicion or opposition, a man previously disapproved of, to be in truth a man of single mind and righteous conduct. Such reflections lead one to pray for life, because, perchance others yet despised may be shown, when years have proved them and us, to be not deserving of scorn-far otherwise-of our respect rendered in humility. H.

THE PARISH COUNCIL. BY OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. THE INDIFFERENCE OF NEW MEMBERS. The conduct displayed in many of the first meet- ings of the new Parish members in certain districts in Wales, mildly condemns them with regard to the honesty of their convictions, and militates in opposi- tion to the claims which they put forth when they very humbly sought to be installed into the ambitious positions of local councillors. On good authority I have heard it stated that there are not many hopes forthcoming of the accomplishment of any sub- stantial benefits during the tenure of office by the first members, many of whom are, unfortunately afflicted with a sense of helplessness and despair to work the Act in the interests of those who are justly worthy of its intended assistance. Decidedly a considerable amount of pity can be felt for those who will probably put forward some claims for land. When it comes to a matter of £ s. d., those that hold highest the flag of humanity are often the SLOWEST TO PERFORM their duties in accordance to the noble principles of that fl ,g. At one of the Parish sittings lately held in the Principality, a prominent member declared to his colleagues that, according to the Act, they, as humble Councillors, would not be able to do any- thing except to wateh some minor local details. Many parish members approve most willingly of the parishioners looking after themselves, so as to give them no trouble while in office, often administering the Act to suit their own selfish interests. However, let us hope that the indifferent and unconcerned attitude displayed by many of our new Councillors in their first meeting, will through the strong pressure of public opinion and other salutary forces, be soon converted into a zealous determination to carry out the purpose of the new measure in the effectual furtherance of the welfare of the people.

It is unknown to the majority of the public to what extent men from England enlist themselves in the military service of foreign countries. To our sur- prise, we learn that the leader of the Hovas in their defence against the aggressive French is an Englishman, who was rejected in the British Army, because he failed to pass an entrance examination in one of our military colleges. He then served for many years with great distinction in the Cape Mounted Police, which he left, to join the forces of the Queen of Madagascar. It is to be trusted that this English Generalship of the Hovas will not lead to any disastrous friction between France and Eng- land, both of which thrive best when at peace with each other.