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.. MR. BUCKMASTER IN SHROPSHIRE.
MR. BUCKMASTER IN SHROPSHIRE. Mr. Buckmaster lectured at Church Stretton on Thursday Jan. 23, on Art and Science applied to Every Day Life." A large audience was present of the gentry, farmers, and trades- men, and he entered a little into the scheme for agricultural education. At Bishop's Castle he went fully into this subject, on Friday, Jan. 24, at the Castle Hotel, the attendance being largo and influential. Mr. Jasper Moro presided, and introduced Mr. Buckmaster. He said he should not ask how many hours those present had devoted to the arts and sciences that radiate from South Kensington. He had to ask them whether they would approve of the proposal to add the scientific study of agriculture to those sciences, and if so whether they were dis- posed to carry out the proposals that would be laid before them. He had told Mr. Buckmaster, as a stranger to them, that Bishop's Castle was the centro of an important stock- breeding district, in which tho mutton was for the table pro- bably unrivalled, whilst the beef was considered hard to beat. The men who can ied on a large business in stock were perhaps as unconscious as any people in the country of the severe de- pression agriculture had been passing through in the arable districts, the men who thus farmed might be sceptical as to a department of art and science {teaching them anything. He was not going to argue as to the value of scientific knowledge to practical men. He addressed himself te the education of the tuture, and to the schoolmaster rather than the farmer. That neighbourhood was favourable to the reception of views relating to higher education. It had had good elementary schools. at Bishop's Castle, Churchstoke, Linley, Shelve, and other places for the last 30 years, long before schools were forced on other places only by the Education Act. They had a School Board in Bishop's Castle, managed at a low rate, with the Vicar of the town as chairman. Mr. Scott, one of the landowners in the district, had built probably the finest school in the county, and the master, Mr. Sharp, had already advertised for boarders in anticipation of this scheme. Mr. Garnet-Botfield, another neighbour, had practically carried into effect elsewhere his views of combining elementary and higher education in the same school. Lord Powis had shewn active interest in middle class education. They were therefore no mere theorists about here, and all their schools had recently taken practical means for higher social-improvement. He would only give the sub- stance of a few out of many letters he had received on the subject before them. Mr. Temple, H.M. Inspector of Schools for the district, was in favour of devoting small grammar schools and endowments formerly left for elementary educa- tion for the education of farmers' and tradesmen's sons. Mr. Temple thought that the Science and Art Department should supply trained masters for such schools. With respect to Mr. Temple's first view, an endowment for ele- mentary education (Wright's charity) had been used for secondary education for many years in that town, but latterly in accordance with the wishes of those for whom it was left, the income was devoted to the free education of 25 children at the Board School, by the Bishop of Hereford as trustee. A com- mittee had been formed a year ago to try to convert the endow- ments for the education of the poor at Shrewsbury into a middle-class school, but he had not heard that the gentlemen acting on that committee had achieved any result. Mr. Morgan Owen, another inspector of schools connected with the neighbourhood, had written to advocate schoolmasters teaching agriculture from a text book as a subject of elementary educa- tion. This the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society also advocated; but it would, of course, have to be passed by Parliament. Lastly, he would give them one of the letters he had received on the state of the farmers in Shropshire, because he hoped they would compare the experience of a represent¡¡tive man in anotber district with their own. He read a letter from Mr. Charles Wadlow, of Church Stretton, saying that landlord must meet tenant and tenant landlord, the labourers must come down in wages and the tradesmen in prices that farmers must put down extravagances, and not devote so much time as some did to hunting and shooting that they must don the smock" as their fathers did, and show the Legislature that they both required and deserved assist- ance that he had not much faith instate help, hut it was re- quired when they had to compete with the world; and that any State assistance to farmers' education must be gladly ac- cepted. The association of local schoolmasters attended, and accepted the scheme, which embraces schoolmasters presenting themselves for an agricultural examination, and afterwards pre- paring pupils to pass a rudimentary examination, to be followed by a higher course, which, if successfully passed, will enable the student to earn £4. The examinations are to be held in May, under a committee of the district approved by the Department. > Sealed papers are to he sent down and opened before the candi- dates, who will be allowed three hours to attempt six or eight questions. A syllabus of the subject is to be sent by the De- partment. The scheme was heartily received by the audiences, who agreed to take steps to carry it into effect.
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Lord Coleridge in addressing the Leicester grand jury on Monday, Jan. 27th, referred to the instructions issued with reference to the constitution of common juries. He said any one who felt aggrieved might take such action against him as the law prescribed. He was determined the law should be carried out which declared that special jurors should be liable also as common jurors. The Government had decided that there should be four assizes, contrary to the report of the committee. WILL OF THE LATE MR. JAMES THOMAS JONES.—The will (dated March 9, 1871) with a codicil (dated April 10, 1878) of Mr. James Thomas Jones, late of Brynhafod, near Oswestry, Salop, banker, who died on November 30 last, was proved in London, on the 24th December, by Thomas Vaughan Roberts and Charles William Roberts, the nephews, the executors, the personal estate bejng sworn under £60,000. The testator leaves Brynhafod, with the furniture and household effects, to his wife, Mrs. Lucy Jones, for life, with remainder to his brother, Owen Glyndwr J one and his interest in tha banking house and the premises adjoining to his nephew, Charles William Roberts. The residue of his personal estate is to be held upon trust for his wife for life, and then, after payment of some legacies to nephews and nieces, for the said Thos. Vaughan Roberts and Charles William Roberts. THE BISHOP OF LICHFIELD AND RITUALISM:—The Bishop of LiqhfLeld has sent through his secretary the following reply to a letter of the Wolverhampton Church- wardens:—The Bishop desires me to express his great sur- prise that you should have published in the daily news- papers your imperfect and partial recollections of a private conversation which took place at his house some weeks ago, relating to subjects of great difficulty, upon which some of. the wisest and best men of this generation have been content to speak with considerable diffidence. Such a course of proceeding, if generally adopted, would render impossible any confidential intercourse between the Bishop and the lay officers of his diocese. The Bishop has now given his decision, and directs me to say thti he must de- cline to hold any further communication with you upon this subject. THE LATE PRINCESS ALICE.—At the last Shropshire quarter sessions an address of condolence was agreed to be forwarded to her Majesty, on the death of the Princess Alice. The chairman of the Court, Mr. J. R. Kenyon, Q.C., has received the following communication from the Home Office: Whitehall, 15th January. 1879. Sir,—I have had the honour to lay before the Queen the loyal and dutiful address of the Court of Quarter Sessions for the county of Salop on the occasion of the death of her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess of Hesse, Princess Alice of I Great Britain and Ireland, and I have the satisfaction to inform you that her Majesty was pleased to receive the same very graciously.—1 ana. sir, your obedient servant, R. ASSHETON CROSS."
SHROPSHIRE CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE.
SHROPSHIRE CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE. THE SCIENCE AND ART DEPARTMENT AND AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. The annual general meeting of the members of this Chamber was held at the offices, College Hill, Shrews- bury, on Saturday, Jan. 25, when Mr. Buckmaster, of the Science and Art Department, SouthKensington, attended for the purpofte of explaining the scheme of that Depart- ment with respect to agricultural education. There was a very large attendance, and amongst those present were Mr. H. Robertson, M.P. (in the chair), Mr. J. E. Seveme, M.P., Mr. Stanley Leighton, M.P., Sir Baldwyn Leighton, Bart., M.P., Mr. J. H. Buckmaster, Mr. R. Jasper More, Mr. R. W. Ralph, the Rev. W. W. Edwards, Cardiston, Messrs. J. Bowen Jones, Ensdon House, G. Blantern, W. Blakeway, W. L. Browne, G. Cottle, Westfelton, W. M. Dawes, W. Brewster, Thomas Humphreys, Middleton, Thomas Hudson, Ford, J. Hudson, E. Hawkins, J. Hill, Felhampton, Wilkinson, Wolverton, R. Barber, Halescott, S. Hudson, Wytheford, B. Deakin, Cruck- more, T. J. Rogerson, Admaston, Parry, Frodesley, H. Lee, Ensdon, J. M. Kilvert, R. Woodcock, J. B. Randies, Jones, maltster, Davies, A. Atfield, Shrewsbury, C. Watson Noble, J. Wilkinson, Withington, R. B. Oswell, W. B. Oswell, Eardiston, Thos. Mamsell, A. Mansell (secretary), T. L. Meire, junr., Minsterley, S. Miller, Court, Abermule, T. W. Davies, Sugden, T. Williams, Stalloe, J. W. Edwards, Park, J. Edwards, Woolston, Jno. Smith, &c. On the motion of Mr. R. J. MORE, seconded by Mr. T. W. DAVIES, Mr. Henry Robertson waa unanimously elected president of the Chamber for the current year. Mr. FOWLER proposed, and Mr. E. H. DAVIES seconed, that Mr. R. W. Ralph be elected vice-president, and this was also carried unanimously. The Rev. W. W. EDWARDS proposed, Mr. JNO. SMITH seconded, and it was carried, that Mr. How be re-elected treasurer. Mr. J. PARSON SMITH proposed, Mr. WILLIAMS seconded, that the sixty-three gentlemen recommended by the special committee be elected to serve on the committee for the current year, and this was carried. Mr. A. MANSKLL, the secretary, read the following annual report of the Committee In presenting their twelfth annual report, the Committee have neat pleasure in announcing that the financial position of the Chamber is good, as will be seen by the annexed statement of accounts, showing a balance at the bank and with the Secretary of Z106 6s. 8d., notwithstanding the fact that what may be termed somewhat extraordinary charges have had to be met during the past year, and also that the current financial year has included in it the expenditure of fifteen months. The number of members now on the books is 518. The Committee have to inform the members that they have recently removed the office of the Chamber to a more com- modious room on College Hill, which is now open daily from ten to four for the use of members, two London papers being taken daily, in addition to the leading agricultural journals, as an inducement to subscribers to make the room a place of more general resort. Four discussions of the Chamber have taken place during the past year. The first at Shrewsbury at the annual general meet- ing on 20th October, 1877, and an adjourned general meeting held October 27th, 1877, the subject being "THE POSITION OF AGRICULTURAL QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT. IS IT SATISFACTORY OR NOT 1" Opened by R. Jasper More, Esq., the subsequent speakers being Mr. W. L. Dodgson, Mr. J. Bowen Jones, Stanley Leighton, Esq., M.P., Rev. W. W. Edwards, Mr. J. Bather, and Mr. T. Hudson. A vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to Mr. More for the able manner in which he had opened the discussion. The second discussion took place at Ludlow on March 4th, 1878. The subject was "THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT BILL, 1878." The debate was opened by Mr. J. Bowen Jones, when, after considerable discussion, the Earl of Powis, Mr. R. Jasper More, and Mr. W. Minor being amongst the speakers, the following resolution was passed unanimously, viz. :— That this Chamber welcomes the introduction of the County Government Bill, but is of opinion that the Union should be made the electoral area for the return of representatives to the County Board, instead of the Petty Sessional Difi- sion, and that it should consist of one-third magistrates, as selected by the Courts of Quarter Sessions, to two-thirds elected members of the Board of Guardians." Mr. W. Minor proposed, and Mr. W. Blakeway seconded, the following resolution, which was also carried "That the members be elected for not less than three years, and that the County Board be the ultimate court of appeal for the assessment of the poor rate." The third question which has occupied the attention of the Chamber is the "WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT, 1878." The meeting was held at Oswestrr on October 3')th, the subject being introduced by Mr. W. L. Browne. As the matter for consideration was of more than ordinary interest to agriculturists, a large attendance was the result. The following was the unanimous resolution: That all solids should be sold by weight only, and that the cental of 100 lbs. be the weight adopted." Subsequently, a meeting of the members of the Chamber, and the millers, corndealers, maltsters, and others trading on Shrewsbury market, was held in the office- of the Chamber, on December 7th, 1878, when, on the proposition of Mr. R. Blake- way Phillips, seconded by Mr. W. L. Browne, it was resolved— That this meeting is of opinion that the corndealers, millers, maltsters, and others trading upon Shrewsbury market, should sell and buy all grain by the cental of 100 lbs., on and after the first Saturday in the new year." Much time and consideration have been given to various questions affecting the interests of agriculture, by the Central and Associated Chambers of Agriculture, amongst which we may enumerate the following as some of the most important during the past year:— The Law of Distress as applicable to Agricultural Holdings." Our Meat Suppl Y." Highway Question." Consideration of the Report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on the Cattle Plague and the Importa- tion of Live Stock." c. The Labour Question in its Relation to Agriculture." "ghe Flooding of Rivers and the Formation of Conservancy Beards." County Administration Bill." Contagious Diseases (Animals) Bill." Valuation of Property Bill." Weights and Measures Act (1878)." Deductions from Gross Value on Assessments." Education for Farmers' Sons." The President, Vice-President, Mr. D. F. Atcherley, Mr. J. Bowen Jones, Mr. W. Sheraton, Mr. Thomas Hudson, attended the meetings of the Central Chamber of Agriculture as deputies from the Chamber during the past year. During the past session several matters of considerable agri- cultural importance have been brought under the notice of Par- liament, an epitome of which will be found in the Annual Report of the Local Taxation Committee appended. The Government Bill legislating in the subject of Cattle Diseases, which had been strongly promoted by Chambers of Agriculture, became law. This Act, while improving uniformity of treatment and grant- ing greater liberality in compensation, fell short of the proved requirements of home meat producers by ignoring the recom- mendation of the Select Committee with regard to compulsory slaughter at the port of debarkation, but instituted the statu- tory presumption that no foreign fat stock are normally healthy, it being left to the discretion of the Privy Council to admit—not for immediate slaughter-only animals from such countries that have given satisfactory proof that disease is not prevalent within their borders. In conclusion, the Committee would call attention to the fact that the Science and Art Department of the Government has formed a section in order to stimulate, at a low cost, instruction in the application of Science to Agriculture. The aid granted by the State consists of capitation payments to teachers for such students as they may prepare for the Government exami- nation, and supplementary grants to meet local exhibitions or scholarships, to be held for a term of years, as well as assistance in the establishment of local classes for instruction. It would be by the formation of a local class in connection with this Chamber that the advantage of this technical teaching could be rendered advantageous to farmers generally. Here followed an abstract of the cash account for the year ending Dec. 31. The CHAIRMAN moved, and Mr. RALPH seconded, the adoption of the report, which was carried unanimously. Mr. STANLEY LEIGHTON, M.P., proposed, and Mr. SEVERNE, M.P., seconded, a vote of thanks to the hon. auditor, Mr. W. Edwards, for his services, which was carried. The Secretary read a circular from the Central Chamber, announcing a general meeting of the Chamber on Tuesday, February 4, when the subject of the Law of Distress, as it applies to agricultural holdings, would be discussed. Mr. BOWEN JONES remarked that their Vice-President was their usual deputy, unless the subject was one of very exceptional interest. It was resolved that Mr. Ralph represent the Chamber. Mr. JASPER MORE said that the Scotch law, which was known as the Law of Hypothec, had been before the House, but he had not heard whether there was a pro- posal of any members to bring the English law before the House. It was a question whether it was desirable to introduce subjects not likely to have immediate legislation. He believed that he was the only member of the Cham- ber present who had attended the last meeting of the Central Chamber. It was a pity that no opinions were expressed by the various local chambers as to what SUD- jects should be dircussed by the Central Chamber. It was desired that the several counties should name the question they thought of the greatest interest, and those which were received from the greatest number of counties would be discussed. Only one county in England had shown this interest. The CHAIRMAN remarked that when the Law of Hypothec in Scotland had been before the House it was a subject in which English members had taken a great interest, principally because it was looked upon as the beginning of a change which would ultimately affect the whole kingdom. Mr. WILLIAMS said the time was not far distant when the subject would have to be discussed. Mr. JASPER MORE asked if any member would express an opinion as to what subject it would be desirable to discuss ? .11 The Rev. W. W. EDWARDS said there was a general opinion in his quarter that the subject of highways was not yet sifted out. (Hear, hear.) Mr. BOWEN JONES said he was a member of the High- ways Committee of the Central Chamber, and that Com- mittee purposed to introduce for the consideration of the Chamber a scale of by-laws which they thought would be applicable for general use. They would be discussed by the Central Chamber when presented. The subject then dropped. Mr T. MANSELL proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Stanley Leighton M. P., for his services as president daring the past year. (Cheers.) He had fulfilled the duties of the office in a very practical manner, and in a way most useful to the Chamber. (Cheers.) Mr. J. SHUKEB seconded the motion, and it was carried ^Mr^EmcraTON asked them to accept his very best thanks for their kind acknowledgment of the small ser- vices which he might have rendered them. To him it had been a great honour and great pleasure to be the President of the Chamber, which was doing a great deal of good in the county in calling attention to subjects with regard to which no other body could have so much weight. Mr. Wm. Hughea, Montford, and Mr. Meredith, West- bury, were elected members of the Chamber. PROPOSED AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE CLASSES. Mr. BUCKMASTER was then called upon to explain the arrangements which had recently been made by the Science and Art Department for the purpose of promoting the application of science to agriculture. He said the object of the Department was to establish schools or classes for teaching the elementary principles of scientific agriculture, and he thought it was really astonishing, seeing the importance of the subject, that no systematic effort had hitherto been made for bringing such instruc- tion within the reach of those who are daily occupied in agricultural pursuits. He alluded in a very interesting manner to the condition of agriculture in the time of his boyhood in the valleys of the Chiltern Hills. Their im- plements were comparatively of a very primitive kind. Every three years the land was allowed to be fallow, the farmers believing that the land, like those who cultivated it required rest. He had walked some miles to see the first crop of swedes grown in the neighbourhood, and well remembered the accepted belief that sheep fed on these roots could never have lambs. (Laughter.) At that time but little of the land was drained, and such a thing as a drill as a boy he had never seen, although a farmer near had purchased one, which was never used for fear the men would break it. He contrasted the mode of work and of living on the farm in the days he referred to with that of the present day, alluding to the vicious system of supplementing the wages of round men, as they were called, out of the parish," which had been put an end to by the Poor Law. All this had now been changed. There was no occupation in which the changes had been more rapid than in the art of agriculture, and the men now en- gaged in the cultivation of the soil enjoyed advantages which had never existed in the time to which he had re- ferred. There was no reason why those who cultivated the soil should not aspire to some of the culture and re- finement which was supposed to belong to other classes of society. He had seen farmers and their labourers listening to Oratorios in the village schoolroom, and such association could not but have refining and softening influences. (Hear, hear.) Agriculture as now carried on by thoughtful men was an occupation involving the highest skill and intelligence in its direction. (Hear, hear.) Practical men sometimes despised theories, but n.any practical men had been the most theoretical, as when a man tried some new method or entered upan some unknown path and tried experiment. The theory of an art might be taught by a man who had ne practical know- ledge of the art, although the application of that know- ledge could only be obtained by practical experience. The science of agriculture was never likely to be learnt in the fields. Nothing depended so much upon general know- ledge. Some acquaintance with geology, physiology, botany, See., was desirable, and this could be taught by many of the masters of elementary schools if they devoted themselves to it. He knew that there were many unsolved problems in agricultural science as there were in almost every other branch of science, but that was no reason why they should not benefit by the knowledge they had and endeavour to solve those pro- blems. The Science and Art Department was chiefly occupied in promoting throughout the country schools and classes for instruction in drawing and various elementary sciences, such, for instance, as mechanics, chemistry, physiology, and botany, and a long list of other subjects, to which had recently been added the principles of agri- culture. They had as yet had only one examination in I the last named subject, and it took place last May, but he hoped before many years had passed away that they would have in very many towns and villages schools for teaching that branch of science. Wherever such classes were estab- lished they must have a local committee of not less than five persons, and the instruction must be given in a suit- able room provided by the locality, and if the classes were to receive any pecuniary help from the Department they must be taught by a person who had passed an examina- tion in the principles of agriculture. The pupils must receive not less than twenty lessons prior to each examina- tion, which could be held in the spring of each year. All the diagrams, &c., which would be needed, would have to be provided by the local committee, but the Department would assist to the extent of fifty per cent. of the cost, and teachers would look chiefly for their remuneration to the grants made by the Department. Mr. Buckmaster then gave some details as to the kind of instruction which would be given in the Science classes. There were two stages, the elementary and the advanced, and the teacher would be required ro pass an examination in the latter before he could obtain the grant from the Department as a teacher. To give them some idea as to what was done, he read over the list of questions given at the last examination, and continuing said it seemed to him that a lad who was able to answer those questions or some of them, must go about his work with far more intelli- gence, and his chance of success must be much greater than that of the man who walked about the fields with a mind much like the clods he walked over. (Hear, hear.) They could not expect men of sixty years of age to attend these classes, but it was not too much to expect that those who had boys likely to follow the same occupation of agriculture would send them. The teachers' would receive remuneration according to the stage in which each pupil passed. If he passed in the elementary stage the teacher would receive 21, and if he passed an advanced examination S2 would be allowed. They had had classes, other than in agriculture, in many places, and there had been been paid to teachers in this way sums varying from 25 to £500. The teaching for the most part would be done by teachers of elementary schools, and he was quite sure that the teaching of these high arts in the evenings must be a great relief to the monotony of teaching the three R's in elementary schools. (Hear, hear.) All that was required was to set the machinery in motion, and in time it might spread from parish to parish, and ultimately they would have no lad engaged in the cultivation of the soil without some technical knowledge. It was not intended to interfere with what was called general education, or to diminish their interest in the general education of their children. It was their business and their duty to give their children the best education they could command, and if they could supplement it by that which wasof itself a good technical education their children would throw into their work more thought and intelligence, and it should be remembered that all labour was dignified by knowledge. (Hear, hear.) The life of a farmer was not without its pleasures, but it was one involving con- siderable anxieties. It was a daily struggle against material and natural laws, and if the farmer could subject those laws by knowledge, and reduce them to his own purposes, he was engaged in an occupation of the very highest order. (Cheers.) The CHAIRMAN said that after the very able address of Mr. Buckmaster, if any gentleman present wished to make any remarks, they should be glad to hear him. Sir BALDWYN LEIGHTON asked whether any of the classes for the teaching of agriculture were already estab- lished in England ? Mr. BUCKMASTER said there were several in Scotland, but only one or two in England. They were for the most part attended by lads in the villages, andiby farmers' sons in the neighbourhood. There had oeen, as he had already said, one examination, and only a few had entered. In reply to questions put by different gentlemen, Mr. BUCKMASTER added that the only cost which would faU upon the local committee would be that of providing a room, and half the cost of apparatus, &c. The pupils would pay a small fee, say 2s. 6d., for the course of twenty lessons, or such greater number as the teacher might like to give. A great part of the teaching would be done by local elementary schoolmasters, who would have to qualify, which they could do by private study. The apparatus necessary for a school of twenty pupils would cost about 1;15, but there was no restriction as to the number of pupils in a class. If a teacher chose, he could start a class with two or three pupils only. Nearly the whole of the teaching in the other local science and art classes, had been done by elementary schoolmasters, who, during an experience of fifteen years, had proved themselves well qualified to conduct such classes. Many of the subjects were far more difficult than were the principles of agri- culture. A member wished to know if Mr. Buckmaster could explain how it was that the largest possible amount of Peruvian Guano was worth less than the smallest possible amount of what was commonly denominated "farmyard muck"? (Laughter.) Mr. BUCKMASTER was afraid he could not answer that question he had not devoted special attention to the properties of different manures. (Hear, hear.) The member asked if Mr. Buckmaster could inform him how it was that animals kept in a state of warmth re- quired less food than others. (Renewed laughter.) Mr. BUCKMASTER said that was one of the things the Department proposed to teach them. (Hear, hear.) Mr. HARRISON, of Shrewsbury, who formed one of a number of elementary schoolmasters who had attended the discussion, said that in Shrewsbury they had about 150 pupils attending the Science and Art Classes, the latter of which were very numerously attended. They were conducted by elementary schoolmasters who had first taken the,trouble to qualify themselves by a course of study. He presumed that the reason why so few had presented themselves for the examination in agriculture was that the teachers had not yet had time to qualify themselves for examination. They had a science school in Shrewsbury, and he was sure the committee would afford every facility for the holding of an agricultural class. They taught inorganic chemistry, and had a laboratory. Sir BALDWYN LEIGHTON, Bart., said there was one p(,int; it was thought that agriculture should be made one of the subjects in elementary schools. There was a movement to have that done, and he had no doubt that the action of the Science and Art Department would help to bring that about. Mr. SEVERNE, M.P., said he was sure all were most indebted to Mr. Buckmaster for the able way in which he had brought forward the subject. (Cheers.) He was glad it had been so well received, and he ventured to hope that some practical result would follow. There were means for obtaining knowledge now placed at their dis- posal by the Government, and they had only to put out their hands and take them. The present was one of the best times in which the subject could come before them. They heard a good deal of agricultural distress, and of farmers doing badly, and he was sorry to say that it was unfortunately true. lie hoped things would improve, and that scientific enquiry would enable them to make up in the amount of the produce of their farms for the depre- ciation in value. It should be considered whether it was possible to form a committee to promote these classes. If the schoolmaster were capable of giving instruction, it was not asking too much to ask them to promise to join with the teachers and form these committees. (Hear, hear.) It was almost too soon to take action in the mat- ter, but he hoped the subject would be discussed in their several parishes. Mr. J. HILL, Felhampton, said there was a small society which had been started in the southern part of the county, by a meeting of which this scheme had been approved and they had been most anxious to establish classes. Although the scheme was quite in its infancy he was quite sure something would be accomplished. Mr. JASPER MORE said they had had a meeting on the subject at Bishop's Castle on the previous day. It was clear that the teachers had to pass an examination, and it would not be possible therefore to have a class before May, unless there were gentlemen who were qualified who were willing to teach. It might not be generally known that those who had taken a university degree were qualified to teach. He saw by the last number of the Chamber of Agriculture Journal that there was a class in full working order in connection with the Newcastle Farmers' Club. Although the first examination in May last was a small one, he thought about 80 passed. He called their atten- tion to the fact that a text-book on agriculture, by J no. Rightson, had recently been published at the price of 2s., and another by Professor Tanner at Is. When school- masters had passed the qualifying examinations, they could attend the lectures of the Science and Art Depart- ment, and receive 35s. a week for doing so, which would be an interesting and profitable way of spending part of a holiday. (Hear, hear). They were prepared to carry out the scheme at once, and he hoped that schoolmasters would see that it would be to their advantage to co-operate. The CHAIRMAN said from what had fallen from the several speakers, there seemed to be a thorough approval of the scheme. As regarded the remark of Sir Baldwyn Leighton, as to the introduction of agriculture as a subject to be taught in elementary schools, there was a feeling against any extension of the scale of education afforded by the rates. (Hear, hear). He thought they should hold out inducements to the teachers to render themselves eligible for taking advantage of the facilities placed before them for the formation of classes. In certain districts he believed the means would be forthcoming for supplement- ing the Government grants to the teachers. He proposed That the Chamber, having heard the explanations of Mr. Buekmaster, desire to express their approval of the Scheme he has brought under their notice, and their sense of the necessity of providing a method of technical education for the sons of fanners, and invite teachers in Shropshire to qualify themselves as teachers of agricultural science, where classes can probably be formed. That the Chamber of Agriculture Committee be a committee to promote the above object. Mr. R. W. RALPH seconded the resolution, and it was carried unanimously. The CHAIRMAN proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Buckmaster for his attendance, which was carried with acclamation, and the proceedings then terminated. It was stated that a school for teaching agricultural science would be opened at Shrewsbury as early as possible. THE BANQUET. The annual dinner of the Chamber was held at the Lion Hotel the same afternoon, and was very largely attended. A very excellent repast had been provided. The chair was occupied by Mr. Henry Robertson, M.P., the president of the Chamber, who was supported by Mr. Stanley Leighton, M.P., Mr. Buckmaster, Mr. R. Jasper More, the Rev. W. W. Edwards, Mr. R. W. Ralph, vice- president, Sir Baldwyn Leighton, Bart,, M.P., Mr. C. C. Cotes, M.P., Mr. J. E. Severne, M.P., Mr. J. Thomas, mayor of Oswestry, Mr. W. L. Dodgson. There were also present-Messrs. Samuel Woodcock, Churton House, Chas. Fleet, Shrewsbury, T. Warren Thompson, Shrews- bury, Alfred Mansell, E. H. Davies, Patton, C. H. Dudgeley, Church Stretton, Charles Wadlow, Stand Acton, Church Stretton, John Wilson, Shrewsbury, Wm, Brewster, Balderton, T. W. Minton, Forton, T. Mansell, Harrington, Z. Cope, The Mount, R. Blakeway Phillips, J. Bowen Jones, T. Lockley Meire, Minsterley Hall, Reginald South, Thomas Dicken, William Turner, W. Appenhall, Richard B. Oswell, Shelvocke, J. Withers Edwards, Park, Thomas Humphreys, Middleton, W. B. Oswell, Eardiston House, John Valentine, Ludlow, Wm. Blakeway, Wootton, J. B. Bather, Shrewsbury, Thomas Hudson, Shoothill, Isaac Eakin, Mountfield House, R. Rayner, Shawbury, John Smith, woolstapler, Shrewsbury, Wm. Edwards. Belle Vue, Shrewsbury, Wm. Parry, Frodesley, Edward Price, Henfron, George Cottle, Westfelton, J. Edwards, Woolston, F. Cooper, Wellington, J. Higginson, Preston, G. Blantern, Haston, R, Wilding, Church Stretton, J, Parson Smith, Shrewsbury, W.jCorfield, Alford, E. Haw kins, Cruckfield, W. M. Dawes, New House, Thos. Davies; Newington, J. D. Southam, Shrewsbury, H. C. Simpson Shrewsbury, W. Sheraton, Broom House, Ellesmere, J M. Kilvert, Wem, G. Palmer, Frankwell, M. J. Barber Wellington, T. W. Davies, Sugden, T. Minton, Mont ford, W. Nevitt, Yorton, W. Fowler, Acton Reynald, J Fowler, Foxley, H. P. Reyland. &c. After dinner, The PRESIDENT briefly proposed in succession the health of her Majesty the Queen and of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family, which were drunk upstanding. Mr. R. JASPER MORE gave the toast of the Bishops and Clergy of the Dioceses and Ministers of all Denominations. He said he was not aware how many of those present were acquainted with the new Bishop of Lichfield; he had had the good fortune to attend the Bishop's services before he had come to the diocese, and knew how fortun- ate they were in getting him as their bishop. He thought that the clergy, as a class, laboured under great grievances, that of local taxation amongst others. Some of them had recently tried in London to associate themselves with commerce by joining a co-operative society, but he thought it would have been better if they had come down to the country and associated themselves with agriculture. (Hear, hear). The Rev. W. W. EDWARDS, whose name was associated with the toast, said he felt great diffidence in rising on that occasion to respond, because he believed that having done so last year the duty might have been imposed upon some other gentleman with better grace. He thought it was a very great misfortune in many ways that more clergymen were not present that day. (Hear, hear.) He did not think that any subject they could possibly have brought forward could, or at any rate ought to, be more interesting to them as a body than the subject they had discussed that day. For with what had the clergy to do if not with education ? (Hear, hear.) They were engaged with education to a very large extent, and they ought to feel a gr,-at interest in its encouragement. Mr. More had been good enough to speak of the Bishop of Lichfield; he was not the bishop of the diocese to which he (the speaker) belonged. He be- lieved there never was a time in which the Church was more in accord with the feelings of the laity than the present time. The sympathy and harmony between the squires and the clergy, and between the farmers and clergy was very great, and was the result of increasing education. As far as they would allow him, he would also respond on behalf, of the ministers of other denominations, and he did so with very great feeling. (Hear, hear.) He was aware that there were what were called aggressive Nonconformists, and that from seven to eight million tracts had been issued, and 3,500 lectures delivered, all of which went to prove that he and his class had no right to exist—(laughter)— but he thought that a great number of Nonconformists could not be said to belong to the aggressive class. (Ap- plause.) The PRESIDENT proposed the health of the Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces. He thought he might be allowed to say that nothing could come more home to the hearts of Englishmen than such a toast. To our forces they owed it that sitting round that festive board they were able to do so in peace and security, while their only occupation was to contemplate the. achievements which our brave soldiers were accom- plishing in all parts of the world, for the British soldier was called upon to do duty in every portion. At the pre- sent time it could well be said that all had done their duty. (Hear, hear.) Ours was not a compulsory army, and he hoped that our conquests would never drive us into that system—(hear, hear)—for we had now in the skilful officers and brave men of our country all that we required to protect us. Our army had increased to a very great extent of late, and it had been a source of surprise and pleasure to know that our reserves could be counted upon with such certainty. In two years' time we should have a reserve of 40,000 men ready to come out when re- quired. Our Volunteers, also, who at a comparatively small expense to the country were training themselves in the art of warfare, would doubtless prove themselves an effective arm should they be called upon. (Hear, hear.) 81 Whatever might be the opinions of party as to thenecessity of the wars at present going on, there could only be one opinion of the way in which our men had done their duty. (Cheers). He hoped their objects would be speedily ac- complished, and that the men might soon be restored to take their share in works of peace, in the place of those of war-(App] ause)-for whether in peace or war they would do their duty. He coupled with the toast the name of Captain Severne, who had served in the regular army, and Mr. Cotes, one of the auxiliaries. (Cheers). Mr. SEVERNE, M.P., who was heartily received, said he certainly did not expect that having left the army over twenty-one years he should be called upon to respond for the toast. 4Iis connection with the army, however, al- though not very lengthy, had been long enough to make him think with the army and feel with the army for the rest of his life. He, therefore, begged to thank them. He felt the army would always deserve the warmth they had displayed in receiving the toast in their favour, and as long as England existed the health of her soldiers and her sailors would, he thought, meet with an equally hearty reception. At the present moment there was fight- ing going on, which might have been of a serious character but for the brilliant and decisive manner in which the soldiers had been led. That they might be led in like manner in the future, was, he was sure, the wish of every one present. (Cheers.) Mr. COTES, M.P., in responding on behalf of the Re- serves, said Mr. Severne had spoken ably and eloquently for the Army, and he wished that a better representative than himself could have been found to speak for the Navy. He had watched the proceedings of that service during the past year, and he thought our sympathies could not fail to be with the Navy in these troublous times, in the anxious times before Constantinople, and in the distressing calamity which had recently befallen them. (Hear, hear.) He had been for some time a member of the Shropshire Yeomanry, and as such he could not but hope that the auxiliary forces would ever retain the honour which they had obtained in Shropshire for efficiency. He trusted the day might be far distant in which there would cease to be, in the true sense of the word, Proud Salop- ians ready to come forward to maintain the national honour. (Cheers.) Mr. T. G. ItoGERsON said he had the honour to propose the next toast, which was one always well received in an assembly of Shropshire gentlemen. He need not dilate upon the virtues, public and private, of the Lord-Lieutenant His name was connected with everything brought forward for the welfare of the county. Speaking of the magis- trates, he expressed his sympathy with the present system of administering justice, and said he should be sorry to find stipendiaries introduced into that county. They required justice seasoned with mercy, and not law, and they were more likely to get the former from a resi- dent gentry than from those whose training had been purely legal. H j proposed the health of the Lord-Lieutenant and Magistrates of the County. (Cheers.) Sir BALDWYN LEIGHTON said he had been called upon at a moment's notice to return thanks for the toast. He thought they were fortunate in the possession of a Lord Lieutenant in that county who was singularly fitted for the office. (Hear, hear.) He believed also that they were fortunate in their magistrates, more especially in the financial administration of their affairs. Those who were acquainted with the services rendered by his father, Sir Baldwin Leighton, would remember that the present chair- man, Mr. Kenyon, and the vice-chairman, Mr. Layton Lowndes were intimately associated with him in the financial department. Mr. Layton Lowndes had been his right hand man or lieutenant in many things. If the county rate of Shropshire was one of the lowest in Eng- land, as he believed it was, it was greatly owing to the services of Mr. Kenyon and Mr. Layton Lowndes. (Cheers.) The PRESIDENT asked the company to fill their glasses for the next toast, which seemed very much like drinking to their noble selves. (Laughter.) He gave them Success to the Shropshire Chamber of Agriculture, and Prosperity to the Central Chamber." (Applause.) The Central Chamber of Agriculture was an association which had conferred great benefits upon the agricultural community, and in wishing it success they wished success to their own society. He was himself but a recent mem- her of the Chamber, and until that day had never been present at its meeting. He was ashamed to say so but from what he had seen that day he should never cease to take an interest in its affairs. They had been made aware that much might be done to raise the science of agriculture, and it was not too much to hope that the younger men at any rate would take advantage of the facilities which were thrown open to them by the Science and Art Department, and thus place themselves in a better position to pursue the business which they had undertaken. They ought certainly to have the best instruction they could possibly get to qualify them for their occupation. (Hear, hear.) He wished that, in drinking success to the Chamber, he could at the same time drink ksuccess to Agriculture itself, but un- fortunately those engaged felt at present, like every in- dustrial occupation, the general depression. He had him- self beer, chiefly engaged in commercial and mining pur- suits, but he had nevertheless a not very inconsiderable farm of 800 acres, and he found it difficult to make ends meet, in fact he could not do it. (A laugh.) What was needed in this country at the present time was a system of rigorous economy. They were able to supply about two-thirds of the population with food, and the remaining third were supplied from abroad. The country was open to the competition of all nations of the world, and there was nothing for them to do, but to meet this competition by cheapness, which must be followed from every source. No class could expect togetmore than its share of the profits of any produce, and at present he believed the labourer got a good part of the share. This had been evidenced in the collieries. When he had got 12s. a ton for his coal he could afford to pay the landowner his twelfth and the labourer his share, but when he only got 6s. a ton he had still the twelfth to pay, and there must be a reduction in the remuneration of those who got the coal. They must all set their minds upon producing the best article as cheaply as possible, everyone labouring as cheaply, with the best of his ability, and as long as he was able to do with the strength God had given him. (Applause). These times brought with them a solemn lesson. He had seen a great many changes, and he had never doubted that the time would come when there would be an end of this period of depression; but in the meantime, with economy, self-denial, and hard work, they must contend with it. (Hear, hear). He coupled with the toast the health of an old member of the Chamber, Mr. Ralph, their vice-president. (Cheers.) Mr. RALPH, in reply, said he was not aware of what he had done to deserve the compliment they had paid him, but he felt none the less obliged to them for the kind manner in which they had received the toast. He ventured to express the hope that the day was not far distant when the services of Chambers of Agriculture, and of the Central Chamber, in behalf of the welfare of the agricultural com- munity, and through them of the community at large, would receive greater recognition than they had hitherto received. When they looked around they must admit that they saw many owners and occupiers of land who did not manifest that interest in the proceedings of the Chamber which they might do. (Hear, hear.) The Chamber had been many years in existence, and had discussed many subjects of interest to agriculturists and the community at large. It formed a platform on which all might meet, and where, so to speak, the wolf might lie down with the lamb." Considering the way in which their energies were concentrated on matters of so much importance, he thought greater interest might have been 1 manifested in them than had hitherto been the case. (Hear, hear.) He concluded by thanking them for the warm way in which they had received the toast. Mr. C. WADLOW proposed the health of the Shrop- shire members, of Parliament. (Cheers.) He said that no one could watch the duties of members of Parliament without at once seeing how arduous those duties were. He was sure he might say their members had been most attentive in the House of Commons, where they had tried faithfully to represent the interests ot all. He had not watched so closely the career of the members for that borough, but in their senior member for the county, Lord Newport, they had a worthy scion of a noble father, one who had represented them for many years, and one whom he was persuaded they would in the future hold in the same esteem as they now held his father. In Mr. Stanley Leighton they had a man after the farmers' own heart. (Cheers.) He had known Mr. Leighton before he went to the House, and had seen the practical knowledge he had brought to bear upon everything connected with agriculture, and since he had been re- turned he had done all he said he would before his return. In Mr. Severne they had an old and tried friend, who before his return for the county, had as the member for the borough of Ludlow earned the character of being the right man in the right place. Coming to their junior member, Sir Baldwyn Leighton, he remembered being present in that room when the question was put as to who was the fittest person to represent them. The choice had fallen upon Sir Baldwyn, and he had been one who had quite agreed in the correctness of that choice. (Hear, hear.) He believed that Sir Baldwyn followed in the footsteps of his father, the finest financier perhaps that had ever represented the county. (Cheers.) He hoped there weuld be no contest in that division, but if there should be one he would nail his sail to Sir JBaldwyn's mast. (Laughter and cheers.) .Mr. STANLEY LEIGHTON, M.P., whose rising was the signal for loud and continued cheering, begged them to accept his best thanks. He was fully aware that one of the conditions of Parliamentary life was that a member of Parliament should lead not a selfish or exclusive ex- istence; but should work in concert and co-operation with others. (Hear, hear.) His usefulness was almost proportioned to the extent of the harmony and partner- ship,in work which existed between himself and the public and representative bodies in his neighbour- hoed. (Cheers.) Therefore it was very gratifying to him to have been kindly received that even- ing amongst those in whose labours he had borne a part for many past years. (Cheers.) Not holding the first place on that occasion, being their retiring and not their presiding chairman, he should not trouble them with lengthened observations. Indeed he should only allude to °ne subject and to that briefly. But before doing so, he must express the pleasure which it gave him to listen to their President's speech. It was really a satisfaction to listen to a man who did not mind saying what he thought in the plainest language, and the words he had uttered were rpi! shrewdest common sense. (Loud cheers.) Ihe question of County Government had not yet been disposed of, and until that question was settled, it over- shadowed kindred questions. Therefore he made no apology for speaking about it. He desired to call their attention to a fact by no means novel, but not yet suffi- ciently gauged by the: public, the inherent weakness of fru au or^ea 8,8 present constituted. (Hear, hear.) Ihe weakness arose not because there were not men of sufficient ability within the area of a county to conduct its local government, but because of the infinite sub- divisions into which local authorities were separated. (Hear, hear.) There was a real danger lest the Home Secretary and the President of the Local Government Board should become each in his own sphere absolutely supreme. (Hear, hear.) Speaking with the greatest respect of those two great officers of the State be yet thought that they were sometimes guided too much by the permanent officials of their departments, and that the consequence was that the local government of the country was too much and too directly managed from Whitehall. (Cheers.) He would give an example. The Prisons Act was good as far as it removed from the rates an unjust burden, but it was bad in as much as it abolished the right of an authority independent of the Government and representative of the public from reporting in public as of old, on the state of the prisons and the prisoners, and therein it took away one of the securities of the subject against the pos- sible tyranny of the Government. (Loud cheers.) He would give another example. One of the local authori- ties in Shropshire, the Court of Quarter Sessions, had lately arrived unanimously at a conclusion with reference to the County Lunatic Asylum, which affected the rates and also the well-being of the inmates. It was necessary to apply to the Home Office for powers to carry out their decision. The Home Secretary entirely disregarded their unanimity, and curtly refused their application. (Hear, hear.) So would it be with every local authority when brought face to face with the central authority, until the separate Beards acting in a county were represented on one influential County Board, which would thus be able to speak with the united authority of all. (Cheers.) They desired that such a Board should be so constituted that those whose packets were most nearly affected bv the rates should have on it an influential voice. (Cheers.) The Opposition proposed that on the County Board the popular rather than the ratepaying element should be paramount; a proposition which, in his opinimi, would lead to undue expensiveness in administration, and an undue inclination to political partizanship. (Cheers.) The Government in the meantime halted, and seemed anxious to follow rather than to lead, and certainly in their Bill of last year failed to grasp the conditions necessary for the solu- tion of the question. The battle of county government was fairly begun, but had not yet been decided and was not yet won. (Loud cheers.) Mr. J. E. SEVERNE said he thanked thsm heartily for the kind way in which they had received the toast of his health. During the many years since that Chamber had been formed he had been seldom absent from its meetings, and with two or three exceptions only, and those from unavoidable circumstances, he had had the pleasure of meeting many of those he now saw around. It had al- ways been to him the greatest pleasure to do so. He had come as one of them tohear what others had to say, and to take his share, small as it was, in considering what had been useful for the county. He had not then thought he should speak to them as he now did as their member, and with the great responsibility thrown upon him of representing their interests in Parliament. It was a very great advantage to him, as he was sure it was to every other member of Parliament, to meet Chambers of Agriculture and tÐ hear what was the opinion of the county, and to have the concentrated opinion of those most interested in agriculture. It certainly gave members of Parliament very great assistance in forming their own opinions and judgment, and was an opinion which he was sure they always wished to get. After what Mr. Stanley Leighton had said with regard to County Government, a subject which was of great interest to him (the speaker) it would be indecent of him to say anything, although he had in- tended to make some remarks upon it. After what Mr. Leighton had said on the subject he could only follow him by saying that he did certainly think that those who had a share of the taxation should have a fair share of the representation. (Cheers.) He also thought with Mr. Leighton,that the Bill of last year had not been adequate to what was required. He was of opinion that the Government would introduce a measure of the kind which would be more satisfactory to all of them, and his services would be given to support such a measure. (Applause.) The Bill introduced last year had been amongst those thrown aside in consequence of the distractions caused by affairs abroad. This year sixty or seventy measures had been already introduced, many of them old grievances disposed of before, and which if disposed of now they would possibly hear of again, and no doubt much of the time of the House would be wasted. Even if as he hoped the Eastern Question had come to an end, no doubt other questions might crop up, but he did think they might hope that some of these Bills might not only be brought forward, but to a satisfactory conclusion. There was one thing which seemed to be a new idea, and as it was now being continually spoken of throughout the country, he ventured to allude to it. It was the cry for reciprocity. Knowing that our great import was food, and that our great export was manufactured goods, he felt there was a doubt how far it was possible in the interests of those we had to feed, to resort to anything like protection. The only thing they could protect" would be manufactured goods, and that would risk the import of the necessaries of life, as they could not produce a sufficient supply for the whole of the inhabitants of the country. (Cheers.) Sir BALDWYN LEIGHTON also thanked them sincerely for the way in which they had received the toast. He said it was useful and convenient on those occasions to make some remarks briefly but frankly upon public ques- tions. Upon the chief topic, the Eastern Question, un- fortunately, party feeling had, he thought, run so high that it would be almost impossible to touch without tres- passing upon party questions, and sitting as he was between the two members for the Borough, he should not feel disposed to touch upon a question upon which there might be differences of opinion. (Laughter.) There was one subject, however, upon which they were all agreed, —the magnificent conduct of our troops in India-(cheeri) -not only of the soldiers; they had often fought well be- fore, but they had been magnificently led and with fore- sight. (Hear, hear.) In the last Session there had been one or two questions affecting the interests of that constituency and county, and he had taken an active, and, for a young member, rather a. prominent part with regard to them. The first was the Highways Bill, and he thought that when they came to work that Bill it would be found to be a fairly satisfactory one. To get an equitable Bill for the agri- cultural ratepayers of the country there should be no in- crease of taxation thrown upon them by the abolition of the turnpikes, and he thought that putting the Highways Bill against the Prisons Bill, there would be no extra charge thrown upon the ratepayers, and they would have the ad- vantage^ having the turnpikes done away with. It had been said that there was something exceptional in the condition of this^ county, as the members had taken so great an interest in the Bill, but the only way in which they were differently circumstanced, as far as he knew, was that with Gloucestershire they were the only counties without, any debt. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the Weights and Measures Act, they would see that the cental of 100 lbs. had been adopted as recommended by that Chamber, and he might mention that it had been discovered that the cental was an old weight in use in the time of Queen Elizabeth, therefore they were not inventing a new weight, but going back to an old standard. As to the depression of trade, he was sorry to say it was affecting agriculture. He believed the cause of the present de- prassion was chiefly, if not entirely, the result of the in- flation of trade in consequence of the many foreign loans. There might be other causes. Some said there had been over production, but he believed foreign loans to be the chief cause. He believed that the cure for it, other than the gradual and natural cure, was to be found in expansion and extension. The more ports and countries they had open to free trade, the more independent they would be of those which closed their ports. (Hear, hear.) If France -and Germany shut their ports, let us open out to com- merce Asia Minor and suchlike countries, (Applause.) It was only a temporary ciepression as regarucu olericul- ture, and was owing to the reduction of the purchasing power of the consumer. He believed that apart from everything agriculture must losk more to increased intelligence and capital in the cultivation of the land and that if what had been proposed that day, and teaching of a scientific character could be carried out it would be of great benefit to our farmers. (Cheers.) Mr. C. C. CoTES said it devolved upon him as senior member for the Borough, to respond to that toast. The gentleman who had proposed it had said that he had not very carefully investigated the way in which his colleague and himself had performed their duties. He might say that there were those who had—(laughter and hear, hear)—and the time would come when they would have to justify their action in the past, and give their views for the future. He was always pleased to meet the other Shropshire members in the House, and both in county matters and in matters of national importance to co-operate with them. (Cheers.) He endorsed very much the views of Mr, Leighton with regard to the Lunatic Asylum, but perhaps he could scarcely go so far. As to the Prisons Act, he thought that the Government had acted with a very high hand. Part of the measure was entitled to their approval, but he did not like the principle of centralization involved. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the Highways Bill, he thought the ratepayers should have been much more considered than they had been, and he hoped many little crudities would disappear when the Act be- came better understood and worked, and he considered that all ought to co-operate in making the Act useful. (Hear, hear.) The Cattle Plague Act all parties had co- operated in passing it was hoped that it would be a compromise which would be advantageous to the pro- ducers and to the consumers, and he hoped it would stave off those fearful plagues which had so harrassed them in times past. (Cheers.) Mr. T. WARREN THOMPSON in proposing the toast of the landlords tenant farmers and labourers, said that it was a matter of great congratulation to that Chamber that all seemed so much at one. The toast he had to propose was one of the most important of those with which the Chamber had to do. It seemed to him that in drinking the health of the three classes they wished to propose prosperity to each of them. He could not help thinking that it was a sad fact that at the present moment while they wished prosperity to each of the threat classes, they were not in a position to say that they were in a state of prosperity. Judging from the country, the landlords were not in that state of prosperity which all could wish them to be in. The tenant farmers were decidedly not in a state of prosperity, and he thought they might also wish a greater amount of pros- perity to the agricultural labourer of the country. There had been a great amount of suffering and distress throughout the country, and the question suggested itself how could we reduce things to a better state He thought it could be done by lessening the differences be- tween the three classes as much as possible, and it seemed that Chambers of Agriculture should be the means of working this change. Legislation could do a great deal, but not all; it had not, perhaps, done as much as it might do, for there were real differences, and there must be legislation before they could be done away with. Amongst other things, the restrictions upon land would have to be removed, and a greater amount of freedom allowed. Legislation of late had, he thought, failed to bring the different classes nearer together it had rather set them farther apart. He hoped to see the day when the agricultural labourer would be represented at the Chamber, and when it would really be a representative body for the three classes. (Applause.) Mr. C. C. COTES, M.P., in responding for the landlords, said it was no doubt a very important toast, and he was glad to see the three classes coupled together in one toast. He felt how utterly un- worthy he was to return thanks for the landlords, a young man without any very large estate in the county. He believed he could claim, as he hoped and believed, that at the present time there was good feeling between the landlords, t-nantifarmers, and labourers of Shropshire. (Hear,hear.) Whatevermightbetheremedyfortheunfortu- nate depression which existed, it would be much better carried out by a policy of mutual forbearance and good- will. (Applause.) If that policy were followed they would at any rate be able to claim on behalf of the land- lords that they were endeavouring to do their duty, and the kindly feeding which now existed between the three classes would still be found to exist. (Applause.) Mr. T. HUMPHREYS, Middleton, said he had been re- quested to respond on behalf of the tenant farmers and labourers, and he had great pleasure in thanking them for the feeling and sympathetic teims in which the toast had been proposed, and for the way in which it had been received. They were all aware of their present unfortunate condition, and the question arose, what was to be done to remedy it ? He thought if there was any truth in the oft-asserted statement that the interests of the landlords, tenant farmers, and labourers were identical, let the landlords meet their tenants, and help them in a real, and, if necessary, a substantial manner. Let the tenants, by greater thrift, merit the confidence of the landlords, and so gain greater latitude; and let the labourers on their part gain the greater confidence of their employers. (Hear, hear.) It seemed to him that there was too much carelessness in the matter of local administration, and'more especially in the election of guardians of the poor. How often did they find that out of a Board of perhaps twenty elective members, the real work was left to some half-dozen members. (Hear, hear.) If the attendance were larger, the work would not be so arduous, nor the responsibility so great, and the large amount of rates placed in their discretion would be expended to the greater benefit of all. (Hear, hear). It was only in the union of the three great interests, of landlords, tenant farmers, and labourers, that they could have flourishing Chambers, which were ad- mitted to be the mouthpieces of the agricultural interest, and by combined action that they hoped to have relief from those burdens which the occupiers of the soil had to bear; he need only allude to the maintenance of the roads as an example. (Applause.) Mr. W. SHERATON briefly proposed the health of the President, and congratulated the Chamber upon having secured such a good man to preside over them for the coming year, (Cheers.) The PRESIDENT in responding to the toast, which was drunk with musical honours, said that although he was not versed in the law of Chambers of Agriculture, he had been a man of business, and a working man, for the greater part of his life, and the best part of which had be-n connected with Shropshire. Since lie had come there he had carried out many works benefitting the county and town of Salop. (Hear, hear.) He remembered the time when the traffic of the town was served by a three-horse coach running between Chester and Shrewsbury, and another between Shrewsbury and Hereford, which only went every other day. (Laughter,) They bad not got back to that yet. (Laughter, and hear, hear). He was himself a native of the country of the mountain and the flood, and it had been one source of consolation to think that they had one mountain round which they could rally, and often had lie been cheered by a sight of it from his window when he lived in Shrewsbury. la conclusion he repeated the advice he had already given them to work hard and a good time would come shortly. (Applause.) Mr. 1. MANSELL proposed the health of the Mayor and Corporation of Shrewsbury, the other Mayorj, Mr. Buckmaster, and the other guests. He expressed regret that the Mayor of Shrewsbury was sufferingfrom ill-health, and referring to the fact that the name of the Mayor of Oswestry was associated with the toast, remarked that although they might not agree on all points there was one on which they had always agreed, viz., the repeal of the malt-tax. He wished better health to the Mayor of Shrewsbury, continued health to the Corporation, and good health to the Mayor of Oswestry. (Cheers.) The MAYOR of OSWESTRY (Mr. J. Thomas), in respond- ing to the toast, said he had no doubt that they were all exceedingly sorry to find that the Mayor of Shrewsbury was in such a precarious state of health, otherwise he would doubtless have been present, as his predecessor had been at their dinner the previous year. He regretted the fact that he was the only chief magistrate of any town in the county who was present, although he saw several members of the Corporation of that town. He had no doubt at all that all municipal bodies felt a great interest in the prosperity of that Chamber, because it had paid its round of visits to all the towns. They had been very pleased to see the Chamber at Oswestry, where a discussion had been carried on very ably, and they had come to a unanimous decision, which he was sorry had not since been carried into effect. He had no doubt, however, that it would come about in time. All he could say was that any time the Chamber wished to pay them a visit they should be very happy to give them every welcome, and to afford them every facility for discussion. (Cheers.) Mr. W. L. DODGSON gave the health of the "Press," and the PRESIDENT proposed All Friends round the Wrekin," and the company then broke up.
MONTGOMERYSHIRE INFIRMARY.…
MONTGOMERYSHIRE INFIRMARY. -ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the subscribers to this institution was held in the Board Room at twelve o'clock on Monday, Jan. 27, Mr. R. E. Jones in the chair. Present: Messrs. J. H. Blythe, C. Ray, A. Ford, G. Thorne, R. Lloyd, Jan., T. Barrett, R. Meddins, S. Miller, R. Williams, J. Phillips, W. Cooke, Dr. Pratt, Rev. Wynne Jones, and the Rev. E. J. Bowen. The statement of accounts and the medical report having been read by the Hon. Sec., it was ordered that the same be adopted, printed, and circulated. It was unanimously resolved that the medical officers be re- elected, with special thanks for their past valuable services. The Committee of Management was re-elected, Mr. Ray's name being added in lieu of Mr. Lloyd's, the latter being now an ex-officio member, in consequence of the alteration of Rule 1. It was resolved that Rule 1 should be altered by inserting the words "and trustees, all of whom shall be ex-officio members of the Committee of Management." The following new rule was adopted -That a registration fee of Is. for out-patients and 2s. for in-patients be charged upon admission, to be remitted at the discretion of the Committee under special circumstances. Votes of thanks were given to the treasurer, the Hon. H. H. Tracy; to the hon. secretary, the Rev. H. Marshall; to the Rev. Ll. Wynne Jones, as deputy hon. secretary; to Mr. Healy, house surgeon to Mrs. Price, matron. The CHAIRMAN, in acknowledging the vote of thanks, passed to him, remarked that the accounts showed a considerable defi- ciency owing to the ever-increasing demands upon the Institu- tion. It was earnestly to be desired that every effort should be made in the county to increase the income of the Infirmary, and that special collections should be made this year as in former years, namely, on the last Saturday in April, and first Sunday in May.
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The Devonport Indepeildetit says-V.Lr. o. d. vruieston, the senior borough member, was entertained by the members of the Conservative Association at a banquet held at the Royal Hotel, and we believe it is an honour which has never been before paid to a member of Par- liament in this locality. The Medical profession are now ordering Cadbury,s Cocoa Essence in thousands of cases, because it contains more nutritious and flesh-forming elements than any other beverage, and is preferable to the thick starchy Cocoa ordinarily sold. When you ask for Cadbury's Cocoa Essence be sure that you get it, as shopkeepers often push imitations for the sake of extra profit. Makers to the Queen. Paris depot: 90, Faubourg St. Honore. Chest Complaints.—Thousands die annually through'nejjlect- ing a simple cough or cold. HILL'S MEOICATKD BALSAM gives immediate relief, and completely cures coughs, colds, in fluenza, asthma, bronchitis, difficulty of breathing, consump- tion, and all chest complaints. It contains no deleterious sub- stances, is agreeable to taste, and can be taken by the most delicate adults and children. Testimonials have been received from all parts of the world. Sold in bottles. Is. lid., 2s. 9d., 4s ed and lis., by the maker, Edward Hill, Wellington, Somer- set.-London Agents: Barclay & Sons, Farringdon-street, and F. Sanger & Sons, 150, Oxford-street, and most other chemists throughout the kingdom. Try it, and recommend it to your friends.—Local Agent: G. J Saunders, chemist, Oswestry. HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT AND PILLS.-Much watchful- ness must be exercised at the present time, and the earliest evidences of ill-health must be immediately checked or a slight illness may .result in a serious malady. Relaxed and sore throat, diphtheria, quinsey, coughs, chronic cough, bronchitis, and most other pulmonary affections will be relieved by rubbing this cooling Oint- ment into the skin as near as practicable to the seat of mischief. This treatment, so simple and effective, is admirably adapted for the removal of these diseases during infancy and youth. Old asthmatic invalids will derive marvellous relief from the use of Holloway's remedies, which have brought round many Midi sufferers, and re- established health after every other niezi ni had signally failed. THE MAORIES OF NEW ZEALAND.—A lingular illustra- tion of returning good for evil is to be found in the fact that at about the same time when the English papers, misled by an inaccurate telegram, were charging the Maories with murder and cannibalism, they were really performing acts of kindness of a nature for which all civi- lized nations recognize that gratitude is due. In October last the City of Auckland," with a large number of emigrants on board, was wrecked on the West coast of North Island of New Zealand. The passen^ars aud crew were all saved, and they were landed on a part of the coast mainly frequented by Maories. Nothing could exceed the kindness which the Maories showed to the emigrants. Under similar circumstances, attempts to make gain out of wreckage are not unknown amongst civilized races. The Maories, however, have not attained to this level of civilization. The kindness they showed was of a purely unselfish disinterested character. They added another proof to the many proofs they have already given of their natural inclination to nobis and generous deeds.-Times.
THE ATTEMPT TO MURDER IN ANGLESEY.
THE ATTEMPT TO MURDER IN ANGLESEY. At Anglesey Assizes on Friday, Jan. 24. before J ustice Manisty, Owen Jones, a farmer's son, was charged with shooting at Miss Ellen Pritchard, daughter of an Anglesey magistrate, living at Trescawen, with intent to murder her. Four years ago the prisoner, who lived near Trescawen, was sent to Denbigh Lunatic Asylum, where he remained five months. Subsequently he left the neigh- bourhood, nothing further being seen of him until Nov. 16, when, dressed as a gamekeeper, he appeared at Tres- cawen, and fired twice at Miss Pritchard through the dining-room window, the shot lodging in the window frame. Police assistance was obtained from Llangefni, but the police dared not approach the prisoner, who pre- sented his gun at all who showed themselves. After the siege had been maintained nearly four hours, Thomas Farnell, Mr. Pritchard's head gamekeeper, fired through a bedroom window by his master's orders, disabling the prisoner. There were found upon him a double-barrelled breech-loader, a seven-chambered revolver, and a large quantity of ammunition. The defence was that prisoner was a dangerous lunatic, and laboured underhallucinations that he bad been wronged and robbed by the family of the prosecutrix. A verdict of Guilty" was returned, and the prisoner was sentenced to twenty years' penal servitude.
. APPOINTMENT OF QUARTERMASTER…
APPOINTMENT OF QUARTERMASTER TO THE MONTGOMERYSHIRE RIFLES. Sergeant-Major Dovaston, of the 53rd Regiment, has been pro- moted to the (Juartermastership of the Royal Montgomery Rifle Militia. Sergeant-Major Devaston is of a Shropshire family. His father formerly served in the 53rd, and Dovaston himself was born in the regiment. He gradually worked his way from grade to grade in the ranks, and it may be mentioned that he formed one of the escort who brought the old colours of the regiment to Shrewsbury at the time they were lodged in St. Chad's Church. The following is a copy of the regimental order of the 6th of January, referring to his new appointment. A letter having been lately received from the HorseGuards,directing Sergeant-Maj or Dovaston to proceed to Welshpool in anticipa- tion of his promotion to the Quartermastership of the Royal Montgomery Rifle Militia, from which appointment H.R. Highness the Field Marshall Commanding-in-Chief has been graciously pleased to intimate, through the Military Secretary he has been selected, and will shortly be gazetted to. The commanding officer takes this opportunity of expressing, through the Regimental Orders, the satisfaction he, and he is certain all the officers and men of the regiment, feel at hearing of this well-earned selection and promotion. Sergeant-Major Dovaston enlisted as a hoy in the 53rd in April, 1853. Since then he has followed the various fortunes of the Regiment, whether on service in the field, in the Indian mutiny, or in camp or quarters at home, in Canada, the West Indies, and Bermuda. For the last seven years he has been in the hard- working aud difficult position of Sergeant-Major, in which the commanding officer can safely record the satisfaction, not only of his own, but of his redecessor's (Major-General Dalzell) high approval. Thus, from hoy to man, unaided except by the instruction he has availed himself of in the regiment, he has worked steadily and successfully through all the various ranks, a noteworthy example of what can be performed by unswerv- ing attention to duty. The commanding officer, in the name of the regiment, heartily congratulates Sergeant-Major Dovaston in anticipation of his promotion to the commissioned ranks, in which wish he feels he is supported by all, both officers and men of the regiment, and in their name bids him farewell and God speed.—By Order ( F. C. MEIN, Lieut. and Adjutant, 53rd Regiment."
. MR. GLADSTONE.
MR. GLADSTONE. The, following is taken from a biography of Mr. Gladstone, which appears in the pages of the Biograph :— In response to an invitation from us, Mr. Gladstone has answered some questions which it was thought would throw light upon obscure portions of his biography. Our first inquiry was, By what mental changes, or external causes, did he consciously pass from the Conservative to the Liberal side Probably the question was too well defined to receive an answer that could be given in precise terms. Mr. Gladstone has re- ferred us to his speech at the opening of the PaJmerston Club, at Oxford, in December, 1878, from which we take the follow- ing I trace in the education of Oxford of my own time one great defect. Perhaps it Was my own fault: but I must admit that I did not learn when at Oxford that which I have learned since—namely, to set a due value on the imperishable and the inestimable principles of human liberty. The temper which, I think, too much prevailed in academic circles was, that liberty was regarded with jealousy, and fear could not be wholly dis- pensed with. I think that the principle of the Con- servative party is jealousy of liberty and the people, only qualified by fear: but I think the principle of the Liberal party is trust in the people, only qualified by prudence. I can only assure you, gentlemen, that now I am in front of extended popular privileges, I have no fear of these enlargements of the Constitution that seem to be approaching; on the contrary, I hail them with desire. I am nøt in the least degree conscious that I have less reverence for antiquity, for the beautiful and good and glorious charges that our ancestors have handed down to us as a patrimony to our race, than I had in other days when I held other political opinions. I have learnt to set the true value upon human liberty, and in whatever I have changed, there, and there only, has been the explanation of the change." The second question was—" To what statesman has Mr. Glad- stone been most indebted for his tuition in the principles or the administrative art in politics V Mr. Gladstone answers without reserve that he was most indebted to Sir Robert Peel and to Sir James Graham. Question three concerns the Irish University Bill, and it runs, Was Mr. Gladstone really surprised at the fate of the Irish University Bill, or did he persist in dealing with the subject as a matter of duty, knowing that he risked almost all that fol- lowed V" Nothing could be more emphatic than Mr. Gladstone's answer. He was surprised. In sooth, he had reason to be sur- prised, considering the first reception it met with. Ho had really hoped to carry it, and to settle this vexed question. Question four reads—" In the event of carrying through his University Bill, what other fresh scheme, if any, was in his mind ?" Any further Irish legislation remained for subsequent consideration. Question five was—" Does Mr. Gladstone's moral antipathy' —if it be wholly moral, as some people contend—to Lord Beaconsfield, date from the attacks made on Sir Robert Peel, or is it of more recent origin ?" Mr. Gladstone now replies that antipathy is not a word he can admit or recognise as de- scribing his attitude at any time. That is, he feels no personal antagonism or enmity. Our last question arose out of a passage in Earl Russell's Recollections and Suggestions." We asked "for what precise reason was the late Earl Russell excluded from the Liberal Cabinet in 1863 ?" Mr. Gladstone says he is aware of no dis- ability in Lord Russell, at that or any period, except age he was 76.