The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

LLANIDLOES WORKING MEN'S INSTITUTE.. — On Tuesday evening, November 30, the annual meeting of the Llanidloes Work- ing Men's Institute was held at their Library for the pur- pose of electing c,!TIc2rs in the place of those retiring for the ensuing year, and also for receiving an account of the state and progress of the institute. The secretary read and dis- tributed the report, which was highly satisfactory, showing that the condition of the funds was in a healthy state, and also that a new lease of the premises was obtained for five years. The report having been adopted the meeting pro- ceeded to the election of officers. The President, Mr Ikin, was re-elected, as also was the secretary, Mr Webb, and the two vice-presidents, Dr Davies and Mr R. Mills. Mr E.R. Cleaton, of Vaenor Park, was also elected a vice-president. A few of the members of the committee retired, and others were elected in their places. On the following day an entertainment was given in the Public Booms. There was first of all an abundant repast of tea, &c., which the following ladies provided at their own expense, for about four hundred people, thus contributing a large sum of money to the funds of the Institute :—Mrs Hunter, Broomcliff, Mrs Cleaton, Vaenor Park, Mrs Kitto, Red House, Mrs Thomas, Midwales Villa, Mrs Marshall, Severn View, Mrs Carver, The Foundry, the Misses Davies, Short Bridge street, Mrs Dr Davies, Castle House, Mrs Ikin, The Bank, Mrs Smout, Dulas Villa, Mrs Webb, New-street, and Miss Hamer.Dolwen. In the evening at eight o'clock a grand con- cert was given by the Llanidloes Choral Union, led by Mr J. H. Mills, and assisted by Eos Morlais, Miss Kate Roberts, of Newtown and other local artistes, all of whom sustained their parts very creditably. The Hon. C. H. Tracy, M.P., was prevented attending, as expected. He sent a letter of apology, which was read by Mr John Jenkins, of Peny- gwern, in the interval of the concert. The concert was a great success, being very numerously attended. We append the programme Part song, Norah the pride of Kildare;' song, The noble boy of truth,' Mr D. Ll. Morgan; song, I cannot mind my wheel,' Miss Kate Roberts duet,' Lar- board Watch,' Eos Morlais and Mr D. LI. Morgan song, Home again,' Miss George; song, Alice, where art thou,' Eos Morlais glee, Now by day's retiring lamp glee, Y Wybren IJlos;' sang, Phoebe dearest,' Eos Morlais; duet, The warrior page,' Miss Roberts and Mr D. LI. Morgan; song,' Kathleen Mavourneen,' Miss Kate Roberts; duet (instrumental), Lucia de Lammermoor,' Mrs and Mr Coates song, The anchor's weighed,' Eos Morlai- part song, 'A spring song.' The institute has a library of nearly 200 volumes of standard works, though the latter has only been established just two years. MALICIOUS INJURY.—At the Magistrates' rooms on the 29th November, before Captain Crewe-Read, R.N., and Colonel Brooke, Edward Cleaton charged Thomas Hamer, a boy under sixteen years of age, with malicious injury to a mitre wheel.—Complainant said I am managing director of the Llanidloes Welsh Flannel Tweed and Wool Stapling Company, Limited, defendant is employed by the Company, I have seen the wheel injured.—William Jenkins, said I am employed by the Company. I saw defendant going to throw an iron into the cog wheel. He told me he was going to do it, and he went into the room to do it im- mediately afterwards.—Charles Evans said Defendant came and told me he was going to throw an iron into the cog wheel, he went away, and presently the factory stopped. —Other evidence was produced to corroborate. —Fined 58 and costs. Money paid. The same complainant charged one John Roberts with counselling and procuring the said Thomas Hamer to com- mit the said offence.-David Lamer said I work at Glynn Factory. Defendant (Roberts) asked me to join him to put something in the cog wheel to stop the Factory. I refused, and I begged my brother, Thomas Hamer, not to do it. Defendant (Roberts) took me into the lumber roora and showed me how to do it. He afterwards took my brother into the lumber room. William Jenkins said I work at Glynn Factory. Defendant Roberts told me he had put a piece of iron in the cog wheel and had broken one tooth. Defendant (Hamer) showed me how to put something in the wheel, and the factory stopped soon afterwards.—For defendant, Thomas Baxter said: I work at Glynn Factory. Defendant, Thomas Hamer, and his brother told me not to tell, and they would put the fault on defendant, John Roherts. -Charles Evans said Thomas Hamer and his brother said they would put the fault on defendant, Roberts. William Rowlands said: Thomas Hamer came and asked me if I would join him to put something in the cog wheel. I said I would do so if all would join. Some days after defendant (Hamer) said that defendant (Roberts) had put him to do it, and that he would tell the master.—Roberts was ordered to be im. prisoned in the house of correction at Montgomery for twenty-eight days with hard labour. The defendant is about seventeen years of age.

1,TL, IFTON RIIYN COLLIERIES, LIMITED. REPORT OF THE COMltlTTFE OF ENQUIRY. The following report has been issued The committee appointed by the shareholders on the 7th October last, to enquire into the present position of the company and the raising of the further Capital required, beg to present the following report — 1. The company was registered on the 28th February, 1873, and was formed for the purpose of acquiring and working coal and other minerals from underneath a surface of about 1,100 acres, previously leased to Messrs J. and J. J. Holdsworth, by the trustees of the will of the late Viscount Dungannon, for a term of thirty years from 25th December, 1868. 2. J. Holdsworth died, and the surviving Huldsworth, under deed 26th October, 1872. assigned the lease to Colonel George Davison, John Tanner, Frederick Henry Smith, Thomas Randolph Mellor, aud Walter Long Granville This assignment by Holdsworth having been confirmed by Lord Arthur Hill Trevor (the tenant for life), the consider- ation paid to Holdsworth by Colonel Davison and his co- lessees was the sum of £ 500, there being at the time sundry incumbrances on the property which were subsequently discharged by the syndicate. The new lessees then pro- ceeded to form a syndicate consisting of themselves and fifteen others, with the object, as stated in the syndicate deed (13th November, 1872), of working, developing, selling, and disposing of the same to a joint-stock com- pany." 3. James Milne, who would appear from the prospectus to have been the vendor, had but one sixtieth share in the syndicate, and received 2500 presumedly for no other ser- vices than the use of his name. The syndicate then consti- tuted themselves the promoters of the Ifton Rhyn Collieries, Limited, and settled the termi o the prospectus, appointing five of their number directors of the company, another consulting engineer, and another auditor. The company, through !VIr \V. E. Breakspear, purchased the property for the sum of 220,000 in cash and 245,000 in free and paid-up shares in the new company. 4. At the time this purchase was effected iJr Breakspear was the private secretary to Mr Mellor, and Mr Mellor was not only a member of the syndicate,but was, under the articles of association, appointed the engineer of the com. pany, and his name appeared as such in the prospectus. This prospectus and a plan of the property were then drawn up by the syndicate, adopted by the directors whom they had just appointed, and issued to the public, announcing the formation of the company, with a capital of £ 150,00(? of which the public were invited to subscribe £ 105,000. It should also be stated that no independent engineer or colliery valuer was employed to report upon the property on behalf of the company. 5. From the accounts it appears that the syndicate made various payments forming a total of P,13,473 Is 6d in dis- charge of the incumbrances above referred to, and sundry other small claims. The committee are unable to verify these payments, as the syndicate have positively refused to produce their minute book and vouchers; but assuming these claims to be such as ought fairly to have been dis- charged, the cash profit made by the syndicate was £7,237 16s (over and above the 245,000 in free and paid-up shares as already stated), out of which Mr Mellor was paid 22,500, and James Milne 1500, "for services rendered as per agreement." It is, however, necessary, the committee should add, that no money appears to have been expended by the syndicate in developing the property. 6. Out of the proceeds of the shares taken up by the public the 220,000 ia cash was handed to Mr Mellor for dis- tribution amongst the syndicate, and the k45,000 in free shares were allotted to them. The prospectus and plan above referred to, purported to show the position of the collieries, and the facilities which existed both by railway and canal for the development of the property. The pro- spectus stated that, from the reports obtained, there were two upper seams of coal, some 7 feet thick, underlying 200 acres, in addition an aggregate of 35 feet thick of coal in the lower seams, extending over the whole estate also that, when these lower seams were reached, they would provide for an output of 2,000 tons a day for the next century. That, meanwhile, from the upper seams alone, there would within three months be an output of 1,000 tons per week, and within six months an output of 1,500 tons per week, whilst dividends of 15 per cent. were to be paid by simply working the upper seam, and 50 per cent. when the lower seams were brought into working. 7. The committee will not criticise these assumed dividends. The shareholders are equally aware with the committee that, at the time this prospectus and plan were issued, coal was selling at high prices, and hopes of large dividends from the working of all new collieries were indulged in by pr jmoters aad subscribers alike. But in the case of the Ifton Rhyn Collieries the com- mittee have to call the attention of the shareholders to a mere serious matter as affecting the syndicate and the directors. The existing facts were strangely at variance with the statements set forth in the prospectus, and nothing could justify the issue of a prospectus and plan of so misleading a character. In the first place, not one of the lower seams had been actually proved. In the next place, the limited workings in the two upper seams mentioned rendered it totally impossible for the output from those seams to be otherwise than of the most insignificant character. This is best shown by the fact that, at the time the prospectus was issued, the two pits at Ifton were full of water, had not been worked for more than a year, and the previous year's working had only resulted in sales to the amount of L312 Ss 5d. 8 8. Again, even assuming that the tonnage of coal raised could have been lirgely increased, no means existed for its removal. Instead of the Shropshire Union Canal passing close to the collieries, as stated in the prospectus, the pits are fully a mile and a halt distant from the canal. As regards railway com- munication, it is true that the plan shows what is called a Itaitway Siding" connecting the collieries with the Great Western Railway; but no such siding existed then, nor even now exists, and, as a matter of fact, the collieries were then, and are still, more than three miles away from any point where it is possible to effect a communication with the Great Western Rail- way. 9. The syndicate deed was signed by twenty gentlemen, many of them of high standing as members of the Stock Exchange, and the committee consider the syndicate as being clearly responsible to the shareholders for the issue of these documents. The committee are informed that, at the time the syndicate authorised this prospectus and plan, none of the members, except Dr Bennet, who was interested as mortgagee of the property, Mr Mellor, and possibly a Mr Granville, who has since died, had ever seen the property. Being thus, as the committee are also informed, unacquainted with the facts, the syndicate accepted the statements and reports of Mr Mellor, who, as the committee are also informed, initiated the formation of the syndicate and the sale to the company. 10. In his letter of the 27th October last addressed to the com- mittee, but also printed and issued to the shareholders, Mr Price, the chairman of the syndicate and the board, says that the directors have been victims of the delusion equally with the shareholders. The committee would gladly adopt that view, but it must be borne in mind that the shareholders generally knew nothing of the Ifson Rhyn Collieries except from the prospectus and the plan. These prospectuses and plans were sent all over the kingdom, in order that the company might be floated, and that sufficient applic itions for shares might ensure a quotation on the Stock Exchange. It was manifestly unlikely that investors generally could examine the property for themselves, and they were fairly entitled to assume that the directors had satisfied themselves of the position and state of the colliery, and the means of access to it, before they allowed their names to appear on the prospectus 11. The committee do not hesitate to say that no applications for shares would have been made if the prospectus and the plan had been in accordance with the facts of the case. It is true the prospectus contains extracts from reports purporting to bo made by one or more colliery engineers, employed by the syndicate, but the directors neglected to call in any engineer to test the accuracy of such reports in the interests of the company, and under these circumstances it is obvious that no value can attach to reports made simply in the interest of the vendors. Whatever may be the ultimate value of the property, it is clear to the committee that no justification existed for representing it as a going concern of appreciable value, still less as being in any way worth the (15,000 in cash and in shares divided amongst the syndicate afterthe public had been induced to come in and subscribe. 12. The committee are also of opinion that the payment by the Directors of X-500 to Messrs Sandeman and Co., and zC500 (irrespective of broker's commission) to Messrs Peppercorne and price (chairman), for allowing their names to appear as brokers to the company, were payments which, even if legal, were never. theless an unjustifiable use of the shareholders' m Iley seeing that a member of each of these firms was in the syndicate and interested in the sale of the property to the company. 13. In order to get a quotation on the Stock Exchange a declaration was made by the chairman that none of the shares were allotted conditionally whereas it was stated by the chair- man on 6th January, 1874, that a large number of shares were subscribed by the directors upon an understanding that the second payment of 92 10s per share should he deferred. The decree of Vice-Chancellor Hall in the suit of Bennett)). Mellor, is also evidence of the manner in which some (at any rate) of the subscriptions were obtained. The committee will now proceed with their report on the manigement of the Ifton Rhyn Collieries after the syndicate had appointed the directors. 14. The line marked upon the plan as Railway Siding," and purporting to be the line of communication between the collieries and the Great Western Railway, turned out to be an imaginary railway of some 2l miles long, as proposed by Mr Mellor, but to which LDI d A. Hill Trevor objected as interfering with his es- tate. Under these circumstances, the directors found it neces- sary to seek another mode of communication, and as Colonel Lovett's estate lay between the collieries and the Great Western Railway, negotiations were concluded for a lease from Colonel Lovett of the coal under his estate. This lease was not granted to the Ifton Rhyn Collieries Company, but to Mr Mellor and three of the directors. Even now no deed of trust has been exe- cuted showing that it is held on behalf of the Ifton Collieries Company; but, notwithstanding that, considerable sums have been paid in respect of this Gobowen estate by the Ifton Com- pany. In addition to what has been expended in engines, boilers, and plant, for commencing the sinking of two shafts, and a dead rent of je700 per annum to Colonel Lovett, Mr Davies, the Company's agent at Ifton, has received for his interest in this Gobowen lease the sum of XI,500 in cash and 150 fully paid-up shares of the Ifton Company, purchased in the open market through Messrs Peppercorne and Price at a cost of X650 5s. Mr Mellor has also been paid P,500 in cash "for his trouble and exertions in the matter," so that, with law costs and other charges, and the purchase of smaller properties lying between the Gobowen property and the Great Western Railway, a sum approaching £10,000 has been charged to the capital ac- count of the Ifton Company, in order to discharge claims arising out of the acquisition of a lease over which the Ifton Company have not at this moment an atom of control, except in so far as a Chancery suit may establish their interest. 15. It was not until this Gobowen lease was thus arranged that Mr Melior let the shareholders in the Ifton Company know that it was necessary to construct a railway of some three and a half miles long in order to put their coal upon the railway sys- tem. The prospectus was silent as to any capital being required for the construction of a railway to the collieries, and indeed the line upon the plan marked" railway siding" is drawn in pre- cisely the same form as the constructed line of the Great Wes- tern railway which it is shown as joining. But after the Go- bowen lease had been acquired, the truth came out, for on the ''EAV,'™11"' \8,7i' Mr stated (in his printed report) that £ 50,000 would be required to construct the railway to the Ifton Collieries. 16. In the opinion of the committee, the suppression in the prospectus of all reference to the non-existence of a railwav to the Collieries, and the issue of a plan so desigued a. to lead to the beiii'f that such railway was really in existence, is of itself sufficient to condemn the whole proceedings of the Syndicate irrespective of the other misrepresentations contained in the prospectus. 17. As regards this Gobowen route for the railway, it may probably be true that the directors have now secured the right to make what is termed "a railway by consent pa-sing from Ifton Collieries to Gobowen Station on the Great Western Kail- way. But the question arises—are the committee justified in advising the shareholders to find the money to con-truct such a line? In his report, as read at the specialmeetingof the sharehold- ers, \lrFrance,in alludingto this proposed railwity says, "I should think the shareholders would put a stop to this preposterous ex- penditure." He has also informed tha committee that the con- struction of this line would be fraught with difficulties from one end to the other. Ho says that, immediately after having Go- bowen station, a short tunnel of some fifty yards in length will be rpqui-ed to carry the railway under a junction of four public roads, which the road authorities will not allow to be cro-sed on the level. Then a bridge of some fourteen yards under the iluiyheadroad. Isext, a brook has to be crossed; and, after entering the Belmont estate, the line has to be carried by a tunnel, which Mr Mellor, in his corrected estimate says ou^ht to bo 950 yards long. In addition to heavy cuttings and Em- bankments, the crossing over the canal can only be effected by au expensive bridge; and, in short, Mr France altogether difftlrs from .Mr Mellor in his estimate that this proposed railway and tunnel can be completed for zC50,000 18. As regards the past outlay, the committee are of opinion that there has been a great waste of money under the various heads of expenditure in connection with the Collieries It ap- pears to the committee that from first to last the to has been no effectual check either on the cost incurred or the payments made. The entries of wages paid appears in the minute book down to the 23rt! Decembor, 1S73; but from that date down to 4",h September, 1874, there is no wages entry in the minute book When the entries recommence, the wage; appear to averasre be- tween E400 and £500 per week. It is true that a finance com- mittee existed but it does not appear that this finance commit- tee exercised any effectual control over the expenditure 19. The shareholders are aware that Mr Price in his printed .eUi.er defends Mr Mellor s estimates and general system" of car- rying on the colliery working,, and Mr Price calls upon the committee to retain the professional services of an independent engiueer to decide between Mr France's report and Mr Mellor's Views. Mr France tdls the committee that, whilst he is quite prepared to stand by his report, Mr Price's proposal to call in an engineer is a fair one, and ought to be adopted by the commit- tee. The committee are, however, nnwilliog to thus add to the cost of their enquiry, especially seeing that the Board have so recently bad the joint report of three collierjT engineers at a cost to the company of X236. These engineers avoided comment- nnoPJgfi,34 of l\Ir report, containing his estimate of P-50,000 as the cost of constructing the railway. 2). The decision of the committee that they would not, on their own responsibility, call in another engineer has led to Mr France resigning his seat at the committee, on the ground st -.ted in the following letter :— "18, Cavendish-road, 13th November, 1875 "Ifton Rhyn Collieries. ~?e ,r ^aj°r Little,—I regret to inform you, as Chairman of the Committee of Inquiry appointed by the shareholders that I feel it my duty to send to you my resignation as a member of that committee. You are aware that, having no previous con- nection with the company, I was asked by Mr William Froom on behalf of himself and his clients, to examine the statp of the works at the Collieries, and to report to him on the position of the company generally. My report was read at a special of the company generally. My report was read at a special meeting of the sh areholders, when they did me the honour of electing me a member of the Committee of Inquiry, which they felt it necessary to appoint. "MrPrica, the chairman of the company, afterwards issued to the shareholders a letter, in which, at great length, he wished to justify the Board in nearly everything that had been done, and he, moreover, challenged the accuracy of my renort from beginning to end. It is true Mr Price admits he has uo nrofes sional knowledge of the details of colliery workings, and it is also true that his co-Directors disavow any responsibility for the statements in his letter. But Mr Price is nevertheless the chairman of the company and he not only admits his individual responsibility for what he has written, but he also calls upon the committee to obtaia the report of an impartial engineer or colliery vainer to decide between his statements and tnosa con- tained in my report. Personally I much prefer the committee taking the opinion of an engineer, but you .are aware that when I proposed it at our committee meeting yesterday, there was a decided expression of opinion that too much money had already been spent in these reports of colliery engineers, and it was added that other mem- bers of the commitee had by personal inspection satisfied them- selves of the unremunerative expenditure at the Collieries. This decision of the committee places me in a difficulty. On the one hand, Mr Price challenges the accuracy of m v renort whi e, on the other hand, the committee are lookin J Z advise tneni on those practical <ie>tr»iiu wnicH win necessarily nafe to be embodied in their recommendations to the share- holders. I stand by everything in my report, and you may still count upon my giving to you and the committee the best ad- vice I Gan give on any point submitted to me. But, under all the circumstances, 1 think I should place myself in a false position were I to remain a member of the committee and thus have to sit as a judge between Mr Price's statements and my own. If the committee hesitate to incur the cost of obtaining a report from a professional colliery valuer, the question is one which I think may be fairly submitted to the shareholders for their decision. Having attended all the meetings of the com- mittee, I am aware our enquiry is so far completed that the future policy, and the financial details for carrying it out, are practically the only points yet to be dealt with. If, therefore, the committee decide to remit this question to the shareholders, I see no reason why the special meeting necessary should not be at once convened. The report of the committee up to tkat point can then be submitted to the shareholders, and a decision taken thereon. The committee need not necessarily be dis- solved, and the special meeting of the Shareholders can be adjourned till such day as the committee can make their fur- ther report, the course of tbeir proceedings being meanwhile determined by the decision of the first meeting. This would be tantamount to what, in parliamentary phraseology ia termor! Reported progress, and asked leave to sit again.' In resigning under the circumstauces I have stated. I have the pleasure of acknowledging the great courtesy I have re- ceived at your hands as chairman of the committee, and also from the other members.' I remain, yours very truly, R. S.' FRANCE. Major Iilttle, &c., &c., &c." 21. Under these circumstances the committee find it neces- sary to report to the shareholders at this stage of their inquiry. If the shareholders decide that another engineer shall be called in, and wiil provide the funds for th it purpose, the committee will adopt that course but if not, then they will adopt the sug- gestions contained in Mr France's report as the basis of their recommendations in regard to tke future operations, and the capital required on the modified plan he suggests, both as to the sinking of one pit and the railway. The mattrr is well worthy the close consideration of the Shareholders, seeing that, ac- cording to Mr Mellor's corrected estimate, the carrying out of his plans will involve the expenditure of at least £ 150,000 addi- tional capital.' The committee have obtained from Mr France his suggestions as to the present necessary expenditure in com- parison with the outlay recommended by Mr Mellor, and a sum- mary is enclosed with this report. 22. Pending the decision of the shareholders, the_ directors ha u on the recommendations of tbe com?llttee, diminished the working expenses of the colliery by reducing the wages paid, and by asking Mr Mellor to send in his resignation of the post of engineer to the company. 23. At the late special meeting of the shareholders, Mr Price the chairman, stated his readiness, and that of his co-directors' to resign, if so desired. The committee consider that this ques- tion should be left to the decision of the shareholders —Signed on behalf of the committee, FRANCIS LITTLE, Chairman. 24th November, 1875. Copy of Mr Mellor's Estimate of the Cost of the Works specified in his Report of 30th June. 1874, as revised and corrected to 28th February, 1875. O^GE „ WORK AMOUNT Sundry Requirements £ 1,000 36 COMPLETE NO. 2 PIT 3,600 87 WORK AT NO. 1 PIT 1,250 33 3 9 WORK AT NO. 3 PIT 11 000 4 0 BRICKWORKS AND WORKSHOPS' 4'™ 4 1 EQUIPMENT OF NO. 8 PIT. LVWO 34 Railway Estimate #^oooni Less already done 6'onn f u>000 Working Capital to this point 2,380 4 2 Gobowen Pit 4 3 And further Working Capital.'10,000 X150,000 The latter two items may be deferred for a time. T. RANDOLPH MELLOR, 28th February, 1875. MR FRANCE'S SUGGESTIONS. fhe^hole00/?^^6 Sl\0uld ?dvi?e the Shareholders to suspend ii u n n nr. nL operatl"ns involved in the schedule of further and in lieu therp'f P°Se by Mr Mellor> amounting to £ 150,000, wh n ik2 l! Carry one snaft down to lower seams. ^e!to"ed and fimhSeamS-?a,ve beeQ reached. confidence will be other shafts -.= »! -Ca?lfca readl|y provided for carrying down re^un-fed. The cheapest shaft to carry down is h ,ih 1 Mellor has already sunk 75 yards. A 10-feet shaft wo d have been preferable, hut the 8-feet shaft can be continued as a test shaft. 2 All thoughts of the costly railway to Gobowen should be and no outlay incurred on any railway scheme until the deep seams have been reached. In that event a very cheap line of about equal mileage with the Gobowen route can be con- structed along the side of the canal to a junction with the rail- Qear ^L'ndford. This cheaper linejwould give access to the (j-oboiven Kstate as well as to the Ifton. Meantime it is desirable to complete the tramway to the canal as an outlet not only for the coal from the upper seam now being worked, but also for bricks from the valuable fire clay in that seam. 3-H the least possible cost is incurred in the construction of the tram way the canal ought to be reached, the 8-feet shaft carried down to the deep seams, and a very profitable trade es- tablished in fire bricks, &c., for a sum not exceeding £ 10,000. 4—The Committee are aware that Major Bevilb 's friends have arranged to advance (on a bill of sale) £ 7,000, in order to pay off sundry debts owing by the Company. Arrangements can doubt- less be made for tha.t loan to be continued beyond the six months already agreed to. If so the X10,000 specified will be all thai has to be provided pending a further development of the property, and there ought to be no difficulty in raising a sufficient sum by issuing five per cent. debentures. 5—It may be assumed there will bo no difficulty in the Ifton Company establishing their right to work the coal un ier the Gobowen lease. That being so there can bo no doubt of the very great intrinsic value of the property. Ifl he money absorbed in the promotion of the Company had been expended in sinking to the coal, the promoters, it is true, might not have reaped their harvest so quickly, but, at the same time, there would have been fewer grounds of complaint oa the part of the ordinary shareholders. 20th November, 1875. R. S; FRANCE.

THE CAMBRIAN NEWS AND ABERYSTWYTH TIMES. LEADING JOURNAL FOR MERIONETHSHIRE, CARDIGANSHIRE, SOUTH CARN ARVONSHI-RIO CIRCULATION DOUBLED IN THREE YEARS. NUMBER OF ADVERTISEMENT'' DOUBLED IN TWELVE MONTHS. I The Cambrian News is sold by Agents in the followix- pJaces. CARDIGANSHIRE. ABERYSTWYTH. Mr J. Gibson, 3, Queen's-road A Parliamentary and (Publishing Office of the CotM" Municipal Borough, a brian iveics). seaport, and one of Mr Morgan, 30, Pier-street the favourite watering Messrs Smith and Son, Railway places of tho King- Bookstall dom. In the neigh- T?. T-. I -N bourhood are a num- • dLdwards, Great P^rkgat0 ber of important street mines. The Univer- Mrs Williams, Great Darkgate- sity College of Wales street is situated here. Aberystwyth is a ter- minus of the Cam- brian Railway and the Manchester and Mil- ford Railway. Aberaeron. Mr W. Griffiths, chymist stamp Watering place, seaport, distributer and stationer' and quarter sessions town. "RORTH A favourite watering. Mr J. Roberts, stationer place. Bow Street. Mr J. Evans Capel Bangor. Mr Blackwell, Post-office Cardigan. Assize town, Parliamen- Mrs Williams, book se :ler tary and Municipal Borough and seaport. Cwmystwyth. v Mr C. Burrill, Post-oTL Goginan. Situated near several AIr P. Nicholls, Di ul I Inn lead mines. LAMPETER. Parlinment.try borough. Mr J. W. Evans, Medical Hall St. David's College is Mr D. Rees, draper here. r Llavdcivi Breji Mr Hugh Lloyd Llanybyther. Mr Evan Evans, news agent Llangcitho Mr Samuel Prosser Llanilar. Mr Jenkin Morris, draper Llanon Mr Daniel Jones, grocer Llanrhystyd-road. Stationmaster Llandyssul Mr Ebenezer Jones, The Shop Penrhyncoch. Mrs Samuel, grocer Lead mines. Pontrhydfendigaid. Mr J. Thomas, draper Pontrhydygroes. Mr T. H. Davies, Post Office Swyddfynnun Mr Evan Jones, shopkeeper Lead mines^™' Mr Thoma3 Jones, Post Office Talybont. Mr John Pritchard Lead mines. Tregaron. Mr E. C. Evans A market town where large fairs are held. CARNARVONSHIRE. Beddgelert. Mr R. O. Gl slyn Bettws-y-coed Miss Jones, Post Office Carnarvon. Mr J. Williams, Bridge-street t Mr Jeffrey Williams, 30, High.s, Criccieth. Miss j ones, news-agent Dolyddelen Mr Ellis Pierce Llanberis. Mr D. H. Williams, bookseller, &c. PORTMADOC. Mr D. Lloyd, bookseller Terminus of the Fes- (Publishing Office of the CaW tiniog Railway. An brian New important shippiDg ,f. n p r. D 1 Wfl port; a growing town. Williams, 5, Bank-plac Mr R. Humphreys, stationer Pwllheli. Mr J. T. Evans, bookseller Church-street Talysarn Mr David Thomas, bookseller MERION KTHSwin P. ABBBDOVET. Mr R. Rees, Chemist Seaport and watering- place. place. Aberganolwyn. Mr E. Jones, Post-office Great slate quarries in the neighbourhood. BALA. Mr Jacob Jones, High-street The Calvinistic and In- (Publishing Office of the Cam- dependent Colleges brian News). are situated here, and it ia much visited by tourists. BARMOUTH. Mr John Evans, grocer One of the favourite watering places of Wales. Corris Mr Robert W. Evans, grocer Corwen. Mr J. May, Bridge-street A market town. Dinas Mawddwy. Messrs Evans and Son rerminus of the Maw- ddwy Railway. DOLGELLEY. Mr Owen Rees, printer Assizes and Quarter *J.lj-J. Wiiliams Sessions held here. O. ivees, chemist One of the head quar- ters of tourists. Manu- facture-Welsh Tweed Cloths. Dyflryn. FESTINIOG Mr J. Roberts, Shop Isaf. The eat slate district Mr Ellis Roberts, bookseller, Four Cossea place A V6ry populous Harlech Mr R. Richards, stationmaster Llanfair Mrs Pugb, draper Llanbedr. Messrs J. Evans and Son Llanegryn Mr Pughe, chemist Llanelltyd. Mr T. Griffiths Llwyngicril. Mr Griffith Evans, shoemaker Maentwrog. Miss M. Richards Pennal. Mr R. Humphreys Penrhyndeudraeth. Mr E. Edwards, stationer A populous place. Talsarnau. Mr G. Williams, postmaster TOWYN. Mr J. Jones, Post-office Favourite watering- Mr Evan Newell place. MACHYNLLETH. Mrs Pugh, news agent Market town. In the Messrs Smith and Son, Railway neighbourhood are Bookstall several mines. Llanbrynmair. Mr Maurice Jones, Winllan Welshpool. Messrs Smith and Son, Railway Bookstall Oswestry. Messrs W. H. Smith and Son Messrs Askew Roberts, Woodall, and Venables Liverpool. Mr T. Lloyd, Tithebarn-street London. Messrs Davies and Co, No. I Finch-lane, Cornhill Chester. Mr J. Rathburne, Roman Bath, Bridge-street Carmarthen. Messrs W. H. Smith and Son, Bookstall ADVERTISEMENTS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS, IN WELSH AND ENGLISH. Should be scut not later than Thursday morning to the Publishers- JACOB JONES, High-street, Bala, J. GIBSON, 3, Queen's-road, Aberystwyth, or D. LLOYD, Portmadoc. ADVERTISING IS TO xo BUSINESS What Steam is to Machinery, THE GRAND PROPELLING POWER- '>

LLANERFYL UOWANNU-KTED. -After his faithful and long service of thirty-one years P.C. Davies, of Llanerfyl has been granted a peflsiotf-ot sixteen shillings per week, the highest sum the magistrates could allow. CLOTHING CIXTS.—-The members of Miss Mc'Intosh's clothing club assembled at the Rectory on Mondav Nov 29ch, and were warmly received by the family. The' mem' bers, after having each received their tickets, were supplied with portions of different clothing for the winter at Mrs Evans's, Brynhvfryd House. HAFOD BOARD SCHOOL.—This school has been examined by the Rev R. Temple, M.A., H,M. s Inspector, and we learn that it has made a good commencement, and that the Inspector is pleased with the master. The scholars it is said have passed a good examination, considering the great dis* advantage the master was under at first. "DAY OF INTERCESSION FOR MISSIONS.—On Tuesday, Nov. 30th, (St Andrew's Day), the day of intercession on behalf of the missions of the church, services were held in Sr pfel's Church, in the morning and evening. The Rev Mr Fd'vards rector of L'.angadfan preached at eleven, and the Rev J. Mc'Intosh at seven.

ABERHAFESP V.TTRTVAR SCHOOL —The following report of the first NATION L THIG GChool has been made bv H.M.'s F N*D»CND'S —" The order in this school is very good, and h,™ The ""lata needle" ™ we™ ««Jy xne pe< IM.ns or p SHOULD trv to make a more suit- FAIRIY DONE. THE M. LEARNT BY THE CHILDREN ABLE SELECTION OF SCHOOL SONGS TO UE 1 J BEFORE THE NEXT INSPECTION. U NLESS ^E.. R.M. READY FOR THE INSPECTOR NEXT YEAR, I SHALL ADVISE A REDUCTION of the grant."

NEWTOWN FLANNEL MARKET —ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER E supply of goods was very small. The demand continues good. Wool trade is still very depressed. LECTURE—The first of a series of lectures, given in con- nection with the Templar Lodge in this town. was de- livered ON Monday evening, Nov. 2f1, by Mr Nob,le. The chair was occupied by the KE^ T. Evans, and there were Also present on th". platform—Messrs T. Parry Jones, Geo. MORION. John Phillips, Richard Powell (Abermule), and DAVID Owen. The lecturer secured the unflagging atten- tion of the audience throughout the whole of his address, which TREATED of the drinking cu«tonr;s of society. A nnanimou-i vote of th.nks WR passed to Mr Noble. ..c W'SS KATE ROBERTS'S CONCERT.—This concert was • H'RI 1 iv evening, D-c. 3rd, and was under the GIR OCT- of the HIGH Sheiiff of Montgomeryshire, the P*t«>naee N the » ~TR,CY, M P CAptain O. M. Crewe Hon C. K- H The proceedings were held in the Read, H. A., A fairly well filled with an apprecia Public rooms, which were^airy "tdx st JirssstssnJ: s £ Tension 'paid her second ptof.MOmd ™it to N.tto.o) Mrs Mynyddog Davies, Mr H. T. Bywater, Mr D. Emlyn Evans, the Newtown Glee and Madrigal Union, Mr A. C. Stephenson, solo violin. At the pianoforte, Mr Edwin Harris, organist of St Mark's, Wrexham, presided. CHARGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT.—At the Police Court on Wednesday, December 1, before J. H. Blythe, Esq., Thomas Jones, of Welshpool. was charged with having on the 30th November embezzled the sum of 15, or there- abouts, in money, the property of Edward Rees, his master. —Edward Rees, dealer in fish, fruit, and vegetables, New- town, said I employed prisoner to act as salesman for me. It was part of his duty to receive the money for goods sold for me, and it is customary for a salesman to account for the money at the time the goods are sold, or at the end of the day. Yesterday I gave the prisoner a caskful of herrings to sell for me in High-street. I was selling herrings out of the other casks: at the same tima2 and close to him. I saw him sell herrings and receive money for them to the amount of £ 1, or 159. He came to me in the morning and said he wanted a job. I said he should sell for menn that day, and I would give him 3s. He then began to sell about, 3 30 to 4 o'clock p.m. Prisoner made an excuse for leaving, and went away saying he would be back shortly. He never did come back. I went to see for prisoner, and from informa- tion I received I found him at the Railway Tavern about G p.m. I asked him for the money he had received for me, and he refused to pay me. I then applied for a warrant. I asked him to give me a little, if be would not give all, but he refused. He was drunk. Cross-examined: I did not say to you you might have one of the barrels of herrings. I did not say vou might have the barrel of herrings, or work for me.—Edwd. Rees,son of last witness, corroborated and said the cost price of the barrel of herrings was from 30s to 37s, and the retail price would be more. They were selling them at sixteen for a shilling.—P.C. Martin Owen sai l he apprehended the prisoner at the railway-station with a ticket for Welshpool in his possession. He had 7,; I in his pocket, and a new pair of clogs. Although sober enough to walk, he had had a good deal of liquor. The prisoner being cautioned and charged, said, "I have no more to say than that I bought the barrel of herring s of him at 5s per hundred." Committed to take his trial a t the Quarter Sessions, and the witnesses bound over to ap pear. SCHOOL BOARD, MONDAY, DEC. G —Present Mr Thorne, chairman, the Rev. John Williams, Mr Lewis, vice-chairman, Mr Hall, Mr Cooke, clerk, and Mr Lewis, attendance officer. Mr Lewis presided. The following letters from the Public Works Lean Com- missioners and the Education Department in reference to the disposal of the plot of land in the New Road were laid before the Board by the Clerk Public Works Loan Board, 3, Bank Builiinfrs, London, E.C., ISth X ov, 1875 '-Sir,-l am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 17th instant, and to inform you that as the security to the Board consists only of the School Fund and Local Rate, the sanction of this Board is not necessary to the proposed sale, and the School Board should communicate with the Educa- tion Department on the subject. This Board will be prepared at any Lme to accept the proceeds of sale in reduction of the loan.—I havo the honour to be, your obedient servant, E. R. SPEARMAN, Assistant Secretary.—W. Cooke, Esq., Clerk to the School Board, Newtown Education Department, Whitehall, London, S.W., 27th Nov., 1875.—Sir,—I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th inst. I am directed to request that in the first place a plan of the entire school premises may be for- warded to this olhe-, shewing the existing premises in block, and, in a different tint, the portion of land which it is proposed to sell.—I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, P. CUMIN.—W. Cooke, Esq., Newtown, Montgomeryshire. —The Rev. John Williams proposed, and the Chairman seconded, that the Clerk be hereby directed to request Mr Lay, of Welshpool, to furnish the Board with a plan of the premises and land in accordance with the requirements of the Education Department. The Rev. S. Williams and Mr Lewis voted for the motion, and Mr Thorne and Mr Hall against it. The voting being equal, Mr Lewis gave the casting vote in favour of the motion, and it WAS re- solved accordingly. The Clerk report 3d that Mr Jennings, whom the Board accepted as an assistant for the boys' school, New Church- street, had declined the appointment, in favour of another. Application was made by a parent to be allowed to send her daughter to service half time. The application was not granted, in consequence of the child's late irregular attend- ance at school and low attainments, she being in her thirteenth year and only working in the third standard. The following report was laid before the Board and read by the Clerk. Summary of the Inspector's report on Newtown New Church- street Board School.-Boyal School-This newly opened school has made a very good beginning. The boys are in good order, and their examination has been a very good one. Writing is more than usually good throughout the school. Arithmetic is successfully taught, and reading is fluent, with perhaps a little better attempt at expression than is usually made. The upper standards showed careful and intelligent teaching in history, geography, and grammar, and their general knowledge is satis- factory. Military drill should, if possible, be introduced. This might be managed in conjunction with the other schools in the town, so as to lessen expense. The singiDg of the boys was particularly good. Mixed School—The children are in good order, and passed a satisfactory examination in reading and writing, but the arithmetic was weak. Special attention will have to be paid during the ensuing year to the extra subjects. The singing and needlework were very good. Many ohildren were absent in both departments owing to epidemic measles. The average attendance in the mixed school must not ue allowed to exceed 125. The Rev. John Williams proposed, Mr Thorne seconded, and it was unanimously resolved, that John Henry Swain, be accepted as a pupil teacher in the New Church-street boys' school, and that the memorandum of agreement be prepared and laid before the Board at its next meeting, also that Miss L. N. Cooke be engaged pro. tem. as an assis- tant in the said school from Jan. 1st. Ordered that the clerk consult with the teachers of the national schools respecting instructing the boys of the schoels collectively in military drill, and also ascertain the cost thereof and report. The Rev. J. Williams undertook to Bee the managers of the schools in reference to the same. The following monthly report was read:— Gentlemen,—I have the honour of laying before you a sum- nary of the returns made by the teachers of the public schools within your district for the month ended the 26th of November, 1875. On the registers belenging to Newtown parish :-265 boys. 313 girls total, 478. Belonging to Llanllwchaiarn parish198 boys, 162 girls; total, 358. Total of the district461 boys, 375 girls; total, 836. Average attendance for the month, 460'9. Number who attended less than half time, 328, their times of attendance averaging only nine each. Compared with the returns of the cor- responding period of last year they show an increase on the re- gisters of 71, but a decrease on the average attendance of 55. The number of scholars who have made less than half the re- quired number of attendances has risen from 176, to the present unprecedented number 328, being an inorease in this respect of 86 per cent. Although the prevalence of measles has contri- buted largely to produce such unfavourable results, yet an in- creased tendency to irregularity throughout the district is ap- parent. I would respectfully invite your attention to the marked disparity in the number of girls who attend school as compared with the boys.-I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, WM. COOKE, clark.-Newtown. 1st Dec.. 1875. The attendance officer reported visiting 189 persons in default during the month, and having served 29 notices. He also stated that he found 75 children of school age suf- fering from measles, and 30 others kept at home in conse- quence of measles in the family. The attention of the Board was called to some of the worst cases of neglect. An order was given for the persons to be summoned. One or two matters of little importance brought the meet- ing to a close. LOCAL BOARD, PSIBAT, DEC. 3.—Present: Messrs Morgan (in the chair), Goodwin, Newell, and Evans; Mr Cooke, clerk, and Mr Thomas, surveyor. Fire Hydrants.-The following letter was read Newtown Waterworks Company, Nov. 8th, 1875.-Dear sir,—The Directors of the Company do not for a moment wish to evade their parlia- mentary obligations. As soon as your letter, informing me of the desire of the Local Board to have fire hydrants placed on some of the company's mainsjwas received, these hydrants were ordered from the makers, and when received will be at once fixed in the positions indicated by you.-Yours, &o., J. A. TALBOT.—Mr Xewell moved that the company be instructed to put hydrants in all spots indicated by the Board's committee.—Mr Evans seconded this, and it was carried. The Street Sweeper.-The Chairman said they should consider about the purchase of the street sweeper. They had all seen it at work, and as far as he could see it answered its purpose very well. He had consulted a great many ratepayers and there was scarcely a man but thought the same. In fact, he believed an enormous majority of people were very glad to see it in the streets.—The Inspector said that the streets of the town could, with the aid of this sweeper, worked by three men and a herse, be cleaned in one day, while under the old system it took four men and a horse and cart three days. He thought this showed the change would be an enormous saving. Certainly it had not swept the stuff off completely, but that was, he thought, in con- sequence of the men not yet understanding it. His opinion was that a heavier weight could always be put on with machinery than without it, and he thought the weight of this machine could be exerted so as even to tear up the streets. In conclu- sion, there was no question the work would be done better and more cheaply.-The Inspector remarked that Newtown streets were not well adapted lor a machine, and it had hardly fair play on them, but still, notwithstanding this, it did its work very welL-Mr Goodwin was afraid the machine would not do for some parts of the town.—Mr Newell said that a lot of new machinery bad been introduced into Newtown. He did not see why the Local Board should be behind private individuals and, at all hazards, would move that thejmachine (which costs X30), be purchased.—Mr Evans seconded this, and it was carried. The Board afterwards adjourned. At the meeting on the following evening, there were present Messrs Morgan, Kinsey, Gittins, Newell, and Parry Jones. Mr Morgan was voted to the chair. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. A report was presented from the Surveyor. It stated that the result of the last manure sale on the 29th of November had been satisfactory. About 180 tons were sold for X27 to Mr Pryce, liianhafren, which was equal to 3s per ton. He thought the Board could rely upon realizing A200 per annum from the manure depot, if not more. The street sweepers have been at work on several occasions through the principal streets of the jL! he felt sure would answer the town well. The mnra °« <*one better and in less time, and secure 8J.°? he dePot- The chief streets of the town could „ ed in one day with one horse and cait. aud three Green wem 5 of November Park-street and parts of the Sturkev's and al<?( hoi examined tbe cu,verts above Mr and found them to ha nT *hey crossed the main street, Ut.v of waWh" sLb?^rraye^^erdreandJrging fr,0m ceived from old inhahifaT^o i \aud *r°m information re- Tlie extensrioiis of the gas mains'wwff^ CUlv?rt9 to° 8ma11" Morris, of Welahpool, hH(l rromi^ th^m camfd out' and. Mr the last meeting he had proceeded with !lt,0I}ce- Since and had altogether now visited 42' honqp* ou.se house visit, of 1715, which Rave an average of just four'T.1^ a P°P«lation The slaudUer-houses had been kept as clean 1 would permit, but there had been no structural ?Jrcu™slances beg to call your particular notice to^?he '™?t,on,8- over the town none of which were,he believed, impervious He had suggested to several owners—and they hud promised tn unon the advice—that it was better to use boxes, and not t the expense of cesspools until the Board decided what svstem should be adopted m future for the removal of the fa»cal and other inat'er.—As the Surveyor was not present, the report was not gone entirely through, though two or three matters in'it we. e considered during memeoung. The Collectorship. -Applications had been received for the vacant office of collector from Mr Rees Griffiths, who referred the Boar>l to his past services, and from Mr thomas Svars, who sent testimonials. There was a communication from Mr II. Lloyd, MflVtivrilleth. but it was not treated as an application, as the writer raerelv i .quired if the office was filled up.—The Cleik having read the advertisement for a collector, which stated that the duties would he the collection of the rates, the Chairman asked how about the collecting of the money for the manure, which amounted to £ 200 a year ? It had become more valuable since they had fouud a new outlet by selling it by auction. The Clerk observed that there were the amounts from the turnpike trust and county also to be collected.—Gittins asked what the percentage upon the whole amiunt collected would come to.—The Clerk replied that the who)** amount collected last year was nearly a thousand pounds, L874 on the highway, and 1 4534 on the general rate. It would not be heavier next year unless the Board went in for works.—The Chairman said that evidently the Board would be spending AI,500 a year.—Mr Newell observed that they need not define the collector's duties that night, as they were defined in the minute-book and by-laws. He moved that Mr Rees Griffiths beappoiuted. As far as collecting rates was concerned, he had served the Board very well during the seven or eight years he had been under it. He did not say that Mr Syars would not make an excellent collector, but considering the time Mr Griffiths had served them, they were bound to do something for him, if they could do it with- out a violation of their duty as members of the Board.—Mr Kinsey seconded the motion, and it was curied without a word of discussion. The Canal Basin Road.—The discussion with regard to the adoption of the Canal Basin Road was resumed. The Chairman pointed out the increased value of the district, through the rise of the mills in it, and argued that as the money would not come out of the pockets of the people fit other parts of the town the ratepayers in the district referred to were entitled to the facili- ties the Board could give them. The road should be formed and metalled to the satisfaction of the Board, and, according to the recommendation of the committee, a footpath should be ma 'e.- Mr Parry Jones observed that there was a great deal of traffic on the road. The people had for years been doing the work, and paying the Board for doingit.— Mr Gittins moved that the Board ailopt the road, if repaired and made good to the satisfaction of the Board, and Mr Newell seconding it, the motion was carried. COUNTY COURT, FRIDAY, DEC. 3.-Before Judge Homersham Cox. There were eighty-five new plaints, five judgment summonses, anrl one adjourned case. William* v. Blacknban-The plaintiff, a Newtown milliner, soed the defendant for payment for making a child's dre-s and supplying some materials. The plaintiff said she co ri side. ed the making of the dress cheap at 5s 6d. The materials supplied amounted to 4H. She had been paid 3s.—Mrs Blackman main- tained that the charge was exorbitant.-His Honour said that this was a case which ought to have been decided by a jury of matrons. At the suggestion of the Registrar, Mr R. Goodwin was asked to value the work, and as he said 4s was a fair price, judgment was given for Is. Lloyd v. Lamont:—Mr R. Lloy,i, cooper, Newtown, sued Mr Archibald Lamont for the recovery of X6 10s, the valne of a churn.—Mr E. Powell appeared for plaiatiff Mr R. Williams for the defence.-Mr Powell stated the case, and called Pryce Lloyd, who said I am a cooper in the employ of my father. On the 26th July the defendant came to our sh >p with Mr Turner, ironmonger, of this town. Defendant asked me to make him a churn, and at the same time gave the measurement of it. It was to be a square one, with a circular bottom, at least it was to be between square and round. The price was to be about et). The churn when made was sent for by the defendant, and ta en away by his carrier. Faom a communication I had from defen- dant, I went to his farm, and saw the churn there. I found that it had been damaged aud had had a fall, the effect of which was to spring the whole of the joints. About an inch was splintered otf one corner, and the churn leaked, which it did not do before it left Newtown. I told him that the leakago was caused either .y him or somo of his men. I told him it was no part of my duty to repair it, but out of kindness I would do so, and after- wards endeavoured to stop the leak. Huge blocks of wood had been nailed to the bottom, the points of the nails coming through the churn. He kept it for five weeks, and I refused to receive it.—Cross-examined The churn was delivered on the 6th of August, and on the 9th I went to see it. It came back in about five weeks.-By Mr Powell: When the churn was ordered the defendant told me to make it of deal, as that would come cheapest. It was made of properly seasoned wood.—Enoch Pugh, joiner, said that he made the churn, and that it was pro- perly made.—Thos. Rees assisted to load the churn. It was de- livered to Lamont's servant safe aud sound. Did not see it tested. —For the.uefence the defendant was called. He said I put water into the churn to season it before the milk was put in. It let out the water at once. After the milk was put in it would not hold. I sent for the plaintiff to come for it, as it was of no use to me. When he came he wished to put straps of wood upon the joints to which I consented. I afterwards seuit to him that it would not suit, and asked him to come and take it away. He did not come, and I returned it by the carrier in about a week. There were two blocks put under it. These were fastened with a common nail. The blocks were put on by Mr Turner's joiner. I saw a little scratch or flaw on the corner, but that would not cause the leakage. I saw no other injury. It was in my posses- sion about a month. I cannot recollect what Mr Lloyd said, or what I said-Mr William Turner said: I deal in churns and o'her agricultural machines. I was present when the order was given for the churn. I went to Pen Ithon, and saw the churn there. I saw that it leaked. It had been patched up by the plaintiff. I did not observe any injury done to it. All the joints leaked. I did not observe any scratch, although I sawall the joints leaked. My opinion was it was badly jointed. I don't know whether the wood was badly jointed. It is now in a very bad state, worse than it was.—Cross-examined I recommended Mr Larmont to Mr Lloyd's. I do not deal in this large class of churns.—Edward Jones recollected going for the churn to New- town. It was not packed at all, but put on the cart face down- wards. It was nine when they reached Peneiddon, the churn not having shifte 1.' It did not fall out or receive any injury. Did not St:6 it taken out of the cart. Saw it when it was first worked; Did not see any marks on it, except a scratch as if done by a nail in the cart. Was there when the water was put in, and saw it leak.—Cross-examined The cart had no springs. It was about ten miles from Mr Lloyd's to Peneiddon, and was a| very good road.—He-examined: The churn was not jogged. Did not take tno churn back to Mr Lloyd's. The water was put into the churn on the Saturday and left in until the Monday- Believed the milk was put in on the Monday morning, and in the evening word was sent to Mr Lloyd about the leakage.-Mr Larmont recalled The churn suffered no injury in loading.— Thomas Pryce, a carpenter, had examined the churn, and found it made of common flooring deal, seven inches wide. There was an eighth of an inch shrinking in every joint, owing to the wood having been unseasoned. The sap could be seen in the wood from the inside, and even on the outside through the paint.- Mr Tamer, re-called Did not notice the sap, but did not look inside.—Thomas Pryce, continuing There was a scratch as if from the head of a nail. This would have nothing to do with the leakage. There was no appearance of there having been a fall.—Cross-examined The workman who put np the churn was a carpenter, and did not know much about churna. He had helped witness to make churns. The nails used for nailing the pieces of wood to the churn were three and a half inch nails; they could not go through the churn. The wood would shrink in two or three days.—His Honour, in giving judgment, said there was a distinct bargain made that the churn should not be made of ash or oak, but deal. The witnesses for the plaintiff had all said the chum was delivered watertight, and it was pretty clear that afterwards some injury was done through which it ceased to be so. What rendered thi. conclu. sive was that defendant had aid I can't recollect whether he (the plaintiff) said when the churn came back that it had received a severe iDjnry. I don't recol- lect what reply I made." This convinced his Honour that the plaintiff had done all the law required him to do, and judgment must therefore be in his favour.-Coits followed the event. Tudor v. Evans.-John Tudor, labourer, Brickfield, Newtown, claimed X3 8s as wages from Thomas Evans, farmer, Vronlan. Mr Powell appeared for the plaintiff. The defendant had paid £2 lis into court.-The PW]atiff. a boy, said: I entered the service of the defendant on May 8. I was to receive fl2 10s for the year ending on the first Tuesday in May. He did not treat me well. 1 did not have enough to eat. I went with my nuster with a load of stones to Mochtre churchyard, after Newtown Agricultural Show, and while I was waiting for another man to come my master struck me under the eye. I went back to the farm, packed np that night, and went home. I eame back again and saw the servant at my master's, who said I should not go on any more, and I went back home on the Tuesday morning. I received Al 5s on account of wages, and 13 8s is duo.-His Honour (to defendant): Wny don't you pay what you owe him ? -The defendant: I want something allowed for his drinking. Plaintiff, in answer to His Honour: I was off once from four till night. I was not drunk. I had had a pint of ale; it might have been a pint or two.—By His Honour: I am between fifteen and sixteen.—Defendant: I did not strike the boy although he was tipsy then. If I had known he was going to say I struck him, I could have brought a witness who was there all the time. -Cross-examined: Witness did not know that this person he spoke of was the man the boy was waiting for. Did not know his name.—Mrs Ellen Tudor, the mother of the plaintiff, re- collected her son coming home last September with a lump, the size of an egg, under his cheek. He told her his master had struck him, and she sent him baok to his master. He was quite sober.-His Honour said that drunkenness was the curse, or one of the curses, of this country. He had only oath against oath in this case, but it was shocking to see a lad of the age of the plaintiff taking to drink, and he had admitted he had lost time by it. The master said he had deducted money on account of this, and his Honour's opinion was that when a boy got drunk the master was justified in not paying a penny. The plaintiff must, however, have what had been paid into court, but no more, and the defendant would have his costs allowed him. Thomas v. Higgs.-A Curious Case,—James Thomas, farmer, Celley, Llandinam, sued for 96 15s for nine sheep, sold and de- livered to Edward Higgs, Bryndu, Llanidloes, on Jan. 15 1875 Mr E, M. Jones was for tha plaintiff, and Mr Powell for the de fence.-The plaintiff said: I claim £ 6 15s as the price of nine sheep. Two were rams, and the others were ram lambs. Higgs, when I sold them to him, then lived at Bryndu, a bitog" be- longing to Mr Jones, of the Angel Inn, Llanidloes, whose daugh- ter he had mairied. She managed the dairy at Bryadu. Thos. Jones and Higgs'a father both lived in Llanidloes. The sheep were sold on Jan. 15 at Celly. Edward Higgs came to my larm about three in the afternoon, and said I want to buy a lot of sheep." I said I would sell him seven lambs and two rans. We went up to the barn and looked at them, and there closed the bargain. He said his father-in-law had given him the winter keep and clover of Bryndu. In consequence he said he would try his luck at butchering. I knew his father's shop in Llanidloes, and that his son assisted him in the business, which was grocery and pro- vision dealing. His father was not a butcher. He asked me what was best to feed the sheep with peas or oats. I said two were fit to kill, but the others were too young. The father of Higgs and I were on bad terms. He became bankrupt about two months after this. The sheep were taken to Bryndu, and were there when the bankruptcy occurred. Edward Higgs killed two there. I called repeatedly on Edw. Higgs for the money, but never on the father. I saw Mrs Higgs-at Bryndu one morning, and told her I intended doing something, In conse- quence of what Mr Price, auctioneer, told me, I took seven of the sheep away. There was afterwards an order of this Court made on me to give up the sheep to the trustee of the father, and he had the sheep.—Cross examined: Knew that Edward Higgs managed his father's business. I have dealt with him as his father's shopman. I never sold him pigs for his father. I be- lieve my father sold him pigs, but I don't knew whom for. I don't know that sheep and pigs were slauahtered in the shop, nor that Higgs sold mutton to people from the mines. I have had receipts signed by Edward Higgs. LThese proved to be all shop receipts on bills made out from John Hifcgs.]—The Registrar, by whom the before-mentioned order on the plaintiff had been made, said it had been shown that a sow, paid for out of Jno. Higg->'s estate, was allowed the plaintiff in part payment for the sheep.—Plain- tiff, continuing A sow which I was to have had was to have been allowed for in paying for the sheep, but when I went to the place where he had told me the sow was, I was told he had never bought it, and I never got the sow. I did not take the sheep from Bryndu immediately on hearing of Jno Higga's absconding. I took them away on March 24. I had authority from Edward Hi^gs to take them away. Mr Price, auctioneer, sent me a note stating that Edward Higgs said I should take the sheep. The note has been destroyed.-Flis Honour asked where Mr Price was ?—Mr Powell said he was selling some freehold property that day.—His Honour remarked that he should like to see him there, as he appeared to be playing the part of Hamlet. -The Registrar said he was astonished at what the plaintiff said, as before him, he had denied that he had taken the sheep, nor did he know where they were. From the record of tho examination, which the Registrar read, it appeared that plaintiff said he did not tell anybody to take possession of the sheep, and first saw them after January 15th, in a meadow by his house. He never took possession of them, but his son did without any orders. —Plaintiff, continuing: The sheep were in my possession what I said before the Registrar was according to my belief at the time. The note seut by Price came in my absence, and was re- ceived by my wife, and opened. My son acted upon it I might have known he intended to take the sheep away, but I never told him to do so. I knew he had brought the sheep back less than a week after he did so. The agreement when I sold the sheep was that I should be paid in nine days—The Registrar, in answer to his Honour, said he made the order because the shuffling of the plaintiff led him not to believe all he said. and because Edward! Higgs positively swore the sheep were bought for his father. -Plaintiff, continuing: I have told Edward Higgs I held him responsible for the sheep, not his father.-Re- examined: Never asked John Higgs to pay the money, nor ever even named the sheep to John Higgs. I was near when the sheep were brought from Brvndu.-By Mr Powell: Saw some of the sheep brought back from Bryndu. Brought one back myself same time after the 24th from Bryncoch, which had strayed from firyndu. I had bought it at Brvncoch.—John Thomas, son of rnf.- P ln"^> said: Edward Higgs was at our house last soii'fk au market (lay, and wanted to know if my father would e from Bryncoch. He said he was going to try his butchering, as his father-in-law had given him the winter J! auu clover at Bryadu.—Witness described the bargain made whiwf 111 January, a week after, between his father and Higgs, w?i^aCt T iC<jnfirmed the plaintiff's statement. He added and ii ,ffS lhem there were too many shops in Llanidloes., thino-fnr6 £ ?r^aSifnot-rv"j ving for two was going to do some- mutton iim-Tw i? inot know that John Higgs ever sold mutton, nor that Edward managed for his father. Edward never said he bought the sheep to sell in the shop. I brought the sheep back from Bryndu in consequence of a letter we received from Mr Price in the absence of my father. My father did not tell me to bring tha sheep, although we talked about it.—For the defence, Mr Powell called, first, Edward Higgs. He said: I have managed my father's business for the last ten years. My father's business was grocering, killing pigs and sheep, and selling. I have dealt with Themas for the last six years. I have bought wheat, oats, and pigs from him, and he has bought to the amount of scores of pounds from us. I had no share of the profits of my father's business. I was told Thomas had some sb.oep to sell, and I went to his house, but he was out. I had no conversation with the son. I went again and bought the sheep for X6 15s, just as I always used to buy things for my fatner. My father cannot write, and I managed his business entirely. I told the plaintiff I would feed and kill the sheep for the shop. The sheep are down in the shopbooks. LNo- thing was said about my carrying on business on my own account. The sheep were taken to Bryndu, as there was no place in town to keep them in. I verv often did this. As roon as there was talk about my father being made bankrupt the sheep were taken away, without my authorization. I told Mr Price I had nothing to do with it, Thomas would take them at his peril. The sheep had been taken away then.-By his Honour: My father did not remunerate me at all: he just give in, what I liked to take for serving him—(laughter)—and I lived in the house- My father's name was over the shop until the day of his bankruptcy. Mine is over it now, and 1 carry on the business, my father not having received his discharge yet. It was not until the talk of the bank- ruptcy that the plaintiff told me he wouhlllOlù me responsible for the sheep. The two sheep that were killed were killa at the shop. I received the money for them.—John Higgs, f tther of the plaiw- tiff, said: I carried on business at Llanidloes as grocer and pro- vision dealer. I bought pigs and sheep, which were slaughtered at the back of the shop. My son managed the business entirely, but he had no interest in iho business. My son told me he thought of buying the sheep alijut which this action is brought. He always bought for me, never for himself.—His Honour, in giving judgment, said that the sheep were gone, and the plaintiff had never received a penny for them. The Higses, father and son, had had a little hocus-pocus—a nice li^tie ar- rangement. The son managed the business entirely, and re- ceived what money he liked for his services, and when all the arrangements had been made, the father became bankrupt, and the son continued the business. If such injustice were to be tolerated in any court, as depriving the plaintiff of the price of his sheep, the sooner County Courts wore done away with the better. The plaintiff and his son had both stated that Higgs, > the father, was never mentioned iu the making of the bargain, I and the defendant had unwittingly confirmed this, and showed that he was acting as principal. Judgment would be for the plaintiff with costs.