The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

MACHYNLLETH. POSTAL SERVICE.—Mr Thomas William*, a pupil ISjBgg——————————— •t the County School, has passed the examiuatioo Omittance into the Poet Office. VACCINATION.—Dr A. 0. Davies has received the Local Government Board's grant for successful VACCINATION.—Dr A. 0. Davies has received the Local Government Board's grant for successful cclnation in the Machynlleth and Penegoes dis- trict. PLAS IICIU.ND,The Plas hounds left on Satur- day for their annual visit to the district of Bar- mouth, Penmaenpool, and Dolgelley. The visit "111 extend over a fortnight. EISTEDDFOD SUCCESS.—The Rev E. Wnion Evans, Congregational minister of Derwenlas, won the prize ol one guinea and the eisteddfod medal at the London Chair Eisteddfod held last week at the Queen's H,ill for the best translation into Welsh ) of «« The Ballad of the Buried Sword (Mr Ernest Rhys). L ENTERTAINMENT.—This (Thursday) evening the I third annual entertainment will be given by the I. children of the Board School at the Town Hall. The president is Mr Josiah Jones and the pro- lamine will consist of songs, recitations, action ■angs, drills, etc. Prizes for regular attendance W'U be distributed. LITERARY SOCIETY.-At the weekly meeting of I the Maeugwyo Literary Society held on Tuesday evening under the presidency of the Rev W. S. Jones, a lecture was given by the R: v J. D. Jones, Aberdovey, on his experiences for three years in J Australia. There was a large attendance, and on the motion of Mr D. Lloyd Jone-, seconded by Mr Powell, a vote of thanks was accorded the Lec- turer. THE WELSH NATION.—At the Gra g Chapel on J Monday night, a lecture was delivered hy the Rev O. R. Owen, Glyndwr, on Fy Nghenedl (My Nation)." There was a large attendance, over Which Mr John Rowlands, solicitor, presided. The proceeds, which were considerable, were in aid of the new schoolroom in course of erection at Dovey Bridge. On the motion of the Chairman, leconded by the Rev Wnion Evans, a vote of thanks was accorded to the Lecturer, and a similar Vote was accorded the Chairman. FAIR.—The March fair was held on Wednesday. There was an exceedingly large nu.nber of English dealers who arrived from Newtown where a fair "as held on the previous day. The nhow of cattle Was better thac at the previous fair, but the prices were not so good. Two-year-olds sold at from JE7 to JE9, three-year-olds from £1°- to fl2, useful barrens from g8 to £9, and cows in calves, which Were scarce, from jEI2 to C13. The show of horses Was very ordinary and prices were fair, ponies sell- ingat from 914 to jE18 cobs from 920 to £28, and carters from f28 to 940. FOOTBALL. -00 Saturday, the town went to New- town to play the Royal Welsh Warehouse. The game Was witnessed by a large number of spectators who preserved a most impartial attitude. Playing with the wind in the first half, Machynlleth scored from scrimmage. Newtown immediately equalised and scored two more goals. After the interval they scored a fourth, the final being Newtown, four goals, Machynlleth one goal. Machynlleth, who had three reserves ,were as follows :-Goal, Williams backs, Owen and Morris halves, Weaver, Humphreys, and Evans forwards, J. Edwards, Hughes, R. Humphreys, E. Owen, and J. O. Holt. PRESENTATION.—On Thursday evening a meeting Was held at the Waiting Room of the Railway Station for the purpose of making a presentation to Dr W. R. Williams in recognition of his services as lecturer to the Ambulance Class. There was a large attendance including all the members of the elass Mr Morgan, stationmaster, who presided, made the presentation which consisted of a hand- some case of surgical instruments supplied by Mr Evans, watchmaker, on which was inscribed Presented to Dr W. R. Williams by the members of the Cambrian Railway Ambulance Class, Mach- Jalleth Branch, January, 1899." Mr Morgan in his speech pointed out that fifteen out of the twenty-one candidates who presented themselves for examination had succeeded in passing. Mr W. Ll. Williams, foreman porter, Mr Gribble, Messrs W. Sangei, Griffith Williams, and Thomas Rogers of the Locomotive Department also delivered com- plimentary speeches and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Dr Williams. The Rev D. T. Hughes, curate, joined in the congratulations to Dr Williams, who, in responding, said it had given I him great pleasure to act as lecturer. He would be delighted to extend his services at a future time. (Applause.) Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr Bowen, secretary of the class, and to the Cambrian Railway Company for the use of the Waiting Room and for providing stretchers for the use of the class. Songs and recitations were given during the evening by Messrs Norman and Hugh Evans. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL MANAGERS (An- nual Meeting), TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH.— Present: The Rev Josiah Jones, Mrs Jones, Dr A. 0. Davies, Messrs Rd. Rees, Rd. Owen, W. M. Jones, Dr Edwards (Cemmes); Messrs J. Rowlands, clerk Clayton, assistant clerk and H. H. Meyler, headmaster- ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. The Clerk said that being the annual meeting, the first business was the election of chairman pro. oem.—Dr A. O. Davies proposed the election of Mr Rd. Owen to the chair pro. tem. -Mr Rd. Rees seconded the proposition which was agreed to.- The Rev Josiah Jones, the retiring chairman, then proposed the election of Mr Rd. Rees, last year's vice-chairman, as chairman for the ensuing year.- Dr A. O. Davies seconded thp proposition. He said Mr Rees had taken a deep interest in the school from the start and had been a faithful atten- dant at the meetings. He felt sure that it was the wish of every member of the Local Governing Body that Mr Rd. Rees should be elevated from the vico- chair to the chair.—The proposition was carried unanimously. -i%lr Rees suggested that the Rv Josiah Jones should b? re-elected, buttai prevailed upon to accept the appointment. He returned hIs thanks for the honour confemd upon him. He said he would endeavour to perforin the duties cf the office thoroughly and impartially. APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN. Dr A. O. Davies proposed the election of Mr Rd. Owen as vice c: airman for he ensuing y ^ar and the Rev Josiah Jones seconded the preposition. -Mr Richard Owen declined the honour, stating that the Managers should endeavour to make ap- pointments which would be satisfactory to town and country alike. As an amendment, he pro- posed the election of Dr A. 0. Davies.-Mrs Jones seconded the proposition which was carried un- animously. VOTE OF THANKS. Mr Richard Rees, on taking the chair, proposed that a hearty vole of thanks should be accorded to the Rev Josiah Jones for the very able manner in which he had discharged the duties of chairman for the past five years. He had performed his duties in a most satisfactory manner, a.nd had worked most assiduously to make tbe school suc- cessful in every respoct. — L)r A. O. Davids seconded the propositi jn, Relieving that the thanks of the Managers were coriainly due to Mr Jon^s for his services during tue five years he had been in office. He was sorry he was retiring, as he had dis- charged his duties in an able and impartial manner. The school had gone through a trying period dur- ing the chairmanship of Mr Jones and it must be stated that he had steered the ship in a most suc- cessful way.—Mr Richard Owen, in supporting the motion, said Mr Jones was the right man in the right place. His assistance and experience had been invaluable and he hoped that he would con- tinue to take as much interest in the school as a member as he did when he waa chairman.—Mrs Jones spoke to the same effect, stating that Mr Jones had given great satisfaction to all the mem- bers.—Mr W. M. Jones also supported the motion and hoped Mr Jones would be spared many years to render assistance to the school.—Mr John Rowlands, the clerk, endorsed the remarks made, and said Mr Jones had taken an interest in the Intermediate School movement from its inception, and he made up his mind that a school should be established in the town. He was sorry that he was retiring from the chair as he had proved a most capable chairman.—Mr Meyler, the headmaster, in supporting the proposition, said the relations be- tween Mr Jones and the school staff had been of the most cordial kind. The school had passed through a critical period during the time Mr Jones held office and he had guided the Managers in a masterly manner. —The proposition was carried unanimously and Mr Jones briefly returned thanks, stating that he had tried to do his best and expressing pleasure that he had given satisfaction to his fellow mem- bers. Their work was only commencing and they must endeavour to work in the future as they had done in the past. (Applause.) EXCHANGE OF LAND. The Charity Commissioners wrote asking the Managers to make formal application to the Board of Agriculture as to the exchange of a portion of the land at the entrance to the school field.-The Commissioners had no objection to the exchange.— On the proposition of Mr Richard Owen, seconded by Mr W. M. Jones, it was agreed to make the appli- cation. PROPOSED LABORATORY. It was stated that after the plans of tbe proposed laboratory had been examined by the County Gov- erning Body, they would be submitted to the con- sideration of the Charity Commissioners. MISCELLANEOUS. It was announced that the travelling teacher appointed by the County Governing Body to teach cookery, etc., at the county schools had commenced her duties.—Bills amounting to L17 19s were passed.—It was stated that the school had been provided with a new piano.—The question of advertising the school was referred to the Finance Committee.—It was resolved to make application to the County Governing Body for a printed copy of the minutes of each meeting, it being stated that matters pertaining to Machynlleth were often dis- cussed by the Body, yet the Managers were never officially informed of what had transpired. APPROVED LODGINGS. A list of lodging-houaes for pupils attending the school was approved. A committee consisting of Messrs W. M. Jones, Edward Rees, and Dr Davies Was appointed to visit the houses included in the list and to draw out rules for the supervision of approved loggings. SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATION. It was unanimously resolved to ask Mr R. E. Owen, headmaster of the Welshpool County School, to conduct the scholarship examination this year. —It was agreed that the examination should be held on July 22nd, and it was furbher decided that the Headmaster should report as to the number of scholarships to be offered. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Chairman, Vice-Chairman. Messrs John Thomas, W. M. Jones, and Ed. Rees were appointed as Finance Committee for the ensuing year. SCIENCE AND ART COMMITTEE. It was agreed that all the Governors should act as Science and Art Committee, and the Clerk was re-appointed custodian of the papers connected with the examinations. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. On the suggestion of the Clerk, a management committee was appointed with power to act in minor matters cropping up between the meetings. Messrs John Thomas, Ed. Rees, the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and the Clerk were appointed on the Committee. ANNUAL REPORT. The Headmaster submitted his annual report as follows: I have the honour to submit to you my fourth annual report on the work conducted at this school and its progress during the year ending December 31st, 1898. The number of pupils attending the school during this period has been as follows :-Easter term, 51, 38 boys and 13 girls Summer term, 51, 40 boys and 11 girls Michaelmas, 71, 55 boys and 16 girls. It will be observed from these figures that there was a substantial increase in September last and the number is being maintained at the present time, and also that the number of boys preponderates considerably over that of the girls. Ninety pupils have attended the school during the year, being divided among the school district as follows :-Machyalleti), 39 Llanbryn- mair, 8 Cemmaes, 2 Darowen, 2 Isygarreg, 1 Uwchygarreg, 1 Llanwrin, 1 Penegoes, 1 while as many as 34 came from outside the school district, chiefly from- Corris, Scuborycoed, and Borth, The subjects of the school curriculum were taken up as follows Latin, 79 Greek, 5 French, 77 English history, all; English grammar, all; geography, all Scripture, 75 arithmetic, all algebra, all Euclid, 85; trigonometry, 8 mechanics, 15 chemistry, 49 general elementary science, 15 drawing, 41 hygiene, 12; Welsh, 14 book-keeping, 10; vocsl music, all; instrumental music, 12 cookery, 13 sewing and cutting out, 14. The proportion of pupils taking the various subjects is very similar to that of previous years, while there is the same tendency observable in a few pupils to discontinue, if they can, the study of Latin and French after a few weeks' trial of one subject somewhat to the detriment of school organization, but I am glad to say that on the whole parents are content to leave the question of subjects in my hands. The intro- duction of general elementary science to meet the needs of candidates for London matriculation has necessitated the discontinuance of geography in the upper forms. There still continues to be a demand for commercial subjects and we have endeavoured to meet it to the best of our ability. You are aware that hitherto instrumental music has been taught free of charge and experience has now shewn that some pupils take it up who are not at all likely to profit by it in consequence of their having no facilities for practising, the time spent on them is therefore wasted. I fear it will be found necessary to charge a fee for this subject as laid down in the scheme, otherwise time and labour will be thrown away to no purpose. I shall be glad to have your opinion on this subject. With a lecture room specially adapted for the purpose and with the better apparatus we now have, better results in science may be looked for, especially as this department of study has done so well hitherto under great disadvantages. I am glad to learn that arrangements for the erection of a chemical laboratory are in advanced state of progress and trust no time will be lost in completing it. It is pleasing to report that the higher branches of classics, mathematics, literature, and history are being studied with much energy and intelligence by the sixth form and that this year a higher level has been reached than ever before. This is, of course, only possible when boys and girls remain a reasonable time at the school and in this connec- tion I may say that, perhaps, one of the most gratifying features of the year that has passed is the fact that the best and most successful pupils are not withdrawn at the moment they begiu to take an intelligent interest in their work. I have in previous reports complained of the premature withdrawal of pupils from the school. This is an evil that is decidedly growing less, a sign of pro- gress and growing enlightenment in regari to education that is full of encouragement. On February 4th, 1898, the Chief Inspector visited the school and spent the day with us. His report is in your hands and you have already expressed your satisfaction with it. Our record for the year in the various public examinations is, I think, satisfactory, if our numbers are taken into consideration; it would have been very much better, but for the fact that several of the senior pupils were stricken down with illness and were prevented from entering for the examinations for which they had been reading. There was one case of a very serious kind, but I am glad to say th<*t the patient has completely recovered and is again doing excellent work. One boy has passed into the North and South Wales Bank and one into the Post Office, both by public examination. The following were the results cf the Cambridge local examinations held Decem- ber, 1898, at the Newtown centre Junior Percy Lewis, second class honours; Thomas Williams, third class honours Richard Hughes, John E. Reese, and Susan J. Humphreys, pass (>11 over age for honours). Preliminary Emrys Jones and Sarah Owen, pass (over. age). At the Science and Art Departments examinations held in June the following results were obtained:—Mathe- matics, three first class, seven second chemistry, three first, twelve second theoretical mechanics (solids), one first theoretical mechanics (fluids), one first, two second hygiene, one first, one second. In June, Richard Hughes passed the London matri culation examination, second divieion, and Frauces A. Reese completed her matriculation at the University of Wales. These two pupils are still at the school doing excellent higher work. Thomas W. Phillips obtained three first classes at the science and art examinations, a very meritorious perfor- mance illness only prevented him from obtaining a fourth success. I am glad to repeat that this boy has more than justified the high expectations formed of him on his entry into the school. In July the annual examination of the Central Welsh Board A as held. The report of the examiners has been laid before you and I am, personally, so satisfied with it that I would suggest the desirability of getting extracts printed from it for distribution among parents of pupils and in the district gener- ally. Fifty pupils sat for the examination and there were 110 cases of honourable mention and this notwithstanding the fact that candidates in the lower forms are not mentioned in accordance with the rules of the Board. Some flattering remarks were, however, made of almost all the work of this section of the school. The Central Board intend at the next examination to grant c-2rtific ites (senior and junior) to candidates who fulfil certain conditions, but I regret that it has seen fit to charge a fee to all entering for the certificate. Small though this fee is, I cannot see that there is any extra expenditure involved in the granting of the certificates by the Board, and as always happen, it is certain to influence the members entering for them in our poorer districts. While I think that the machinery of our educational system from the Central Board downwards is likely to work smoothly and well, when small matters of detail, such as the one indicated have been put right, I would warn you against what I conceive to be the really harmful policy of imposing a too rigid uni- formity upon the schools which, if carried too far, will destroy the freedom which is the very life of secondary education and crush the individuality of the schools. In July the annual examination for scholarships was held, conducted by Mr A. S. Tetley, M.A., headmaster of Newtown School. Over forty candidates presented themselves, a record in the history of the school. This encourag- ing fact is due to the spleudid public spirit dis- played by the teachers of the priuury schools of the district, who continue to manifest a deep interest in the school and in the welfare of the pupils they send to it. Several teachers give special preparation to candidates for the scholar- ships and this year the successful ones are, taken generally, a better lot than in previous years. I beg through you to thank the primary teachers most heartily for their excellent work and their kind interest. I must here mention once more the melancholy occurrence which cast a deep doom over the school and the town just before the school broke up for the summer holidays, when William Alfred Williams, a youth possesfoing an excellent school record and full of promise for the future, was most unfortunately drowned whilst bathing. The year under notice will be a remarkable one also in our history by reason of the fact that in September we left the inconvenient temporary premises in which we had been located for four years for our commodious and admirably-built permanent dwel- ling place. The school buildings will be an endur- ing monument of the perseverance and untiring devotion of the friends of education in Machynlleth and district in this generation, a devotion all the :more noteworthy because of the innumerable difficulties that. have had to be surmounted. In the raising of this build- ing I can heartily congratulate you on the accom- plishment of an achievement of which you may well be proud. I may mention that the school was cpened in October by our fellow townsman, Mr David Jones, in the regrettable absence of Lord Rendel, who was prevented from attending by ill- ness. The school is fortunate in securing the in- terest of Lord Rendel, who, I believe, has done as much as, if not more, than any man living for Welsh education and has been its munificent patron in this county of Montgomery. On the occasion of the opening of the school, the scholars gave an en- tertainment consisting of a fairy play entitled "Cinderella," followed by a concert. I mention this fact with some satisfaction as by mean* of this entertainment we were able to illustrate a side of school culture which is too often left in obscurity. For myself, I attach even more importance to this training in literature and music than I do to exam- ination results. I may mention that on this occa- sion a sum of over f23 was realised, £10 of which were devoted to the purchase of books for the school library and to the games fund. We have now started a library of 200 volumes and I trust to be able to report that we have more than double this number next year. We have been helped in the providing of books by the generosity of Mis Jones, Cambrian House, who has given £ 1, Mrs Davies, Maidwyn House, and Mr John Rowlands, who have presented valuable books and pictures, the latter of which now adorn the school walls. Other gentle- men of the Governing Body have promised further help. I have also to thank Mr Edward Rees for planting shrubs on the school premises. I cannot leave unmentioued the highly successful bazaar which was held in May and which realised, to- gether with the series of teas that were held, over £ 400 for the building fund. I may be allowed to say that the success of this undertaking reflects the highest credit on all who were concerned in it and is another instance of the splendid loyalty on the part of the people of this town and district to the school. Our entry into the new premises was marked by the opening of a cookery department for the girls. Miss Keene was appointed travelling teacher by the County Governing Body in &.ptem- ber and took classes till the end of the term. Miss Lilian Francis, from the National Training College, has now been appointed and she also takes classes in sewing and cutting out. For valuable help in making these classes a success, I have to thank several ladies, too numerous to mention by name, who have very kindly attended to render assistance. The same ladies also deserve our gratitude and thanks for presiding at teas given to the pupils of the school and others on more than one occasion. I am glad to report that the physical side of school life has been greatly developed dur- ing the past year with the most excellent results. During the past season the boys of the school have not only been highly successful in their football matches, but have been able to play on their own recreation ground during the intervals between school work. I will repeat here that whether as a help to the maintenance of good health or as a means of discipline these games are invaluable. I must mention the names of Richard Hughes and Edward W. Rees in this connection, as being boys who in their capacity of club officials have rendered excellent service and exercised a good influence on their fellows, I regret that no provision has yet been made for the girls, and would suggest that the Governing Body should secure a plot of ground, admirably adapted for tennis, contiguous to the boys' recreation ground. No doubt it could be secured at a reasonable rent. The school is now to be congratulated on the appointmenc by you of Sergeaut Instructor Hemming, who takes the boys in military drill twice a week. I venture to pre- dict that it will not be long before the good effecte of this instruction will be manifest. Two events remain to be recorded. The prizes were distributed to the successful pupils of the year in October, on the occasion of the opening of the school, by Mrs A. C. Humphreys-Owen and the certificates in December, when the school broke up for the Christmas holidays, by Mr Richard Rees, vice-chairman of the Governing Body. I desire to thank my valued colleagues, Miss Lumley and Mr Evan Jones. for another year's hard work and for their unremitting labour on every side of school life, as well as for their unfailing loyalty to me and to the school. The report of the Central Board examiners is the best testimony to the nature of their efforts. And lutly, I have much pleasure, ladies and gentlemen, in again tendering to you my sincere thanks for all you have done for the school during the past year for your courtesy and kind- ness to myself personally and for your continued interest in and care for the welfare of education in this town and district.—I am, ladies and gentle- men, your obedient servant, Hugh H. Meyler. The Chairman and the Rev Josiah Jones said the report was most encouraging and, on the suggestion of Mr Richard Owen, it was agreed to consider it at the next meeting.—It was agreed to have it printed and circulated.—The Chairman said the report, together with extracts from the Central Welsh Board, would serve to advertise the school. -Dr Edwards jocularly remarked that the Managers need not advertise further, as they had as many pupils as they could accommodate already.—On the proposition of Dr Edwards, seconded by the Rev Josiah Joneg, a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Meyler for his complete and exhaustive report.—Mr Meyler having responded, the meeting ended. PETTY SESSIONS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1ST.— Before Major Bonsall (in the chair), N. Bennett Owen, D. Davies-Williams, Edward Davies, Edward Hughes, Esqrs., and Dr Edwards, Cem- maes. Sheeb Scab.-P.C. Caradog Tudor, Llanbryn- mair, summoned John Bebb, Dolfawr, Llanbryn- hlair, farmer, for not notifying the police that he had six sheep affected with sheep scab on February 24th.-P.C. Tudor charged Thomas Morgan, Nant- ycarfan, Llanbrynmair, with not notifying the police that he had two sheep affected with scab on February 24th, and John Jones, Gerddigleision, Llanbrynmair, farmer, was charged with not noti- fying the police of three sheep affected with scab. —Bebb's brother appeared and admitted the offence.—P.C. Tudor said defendant expressed sorrow when served with a summons. -Def en iant's brother said there had been a change in the police, and his brother did not know the new officer or he would have reported the ccab.-The Bench said they must make examples of persons charged with this offence in future. They would fine him 10s and 8s costs.—John Jones appeared and said he was not aware of the scab, the sheep being under the care of a shepherd.—Fined 10s and 8a costs.— Thomas Morgan, who appeared, said he was not aware the sheep were affected with scab.—Mr Edward Davies said the trouble taken in this matter was labour in vaiu.-The Chairman That is a matter for the County Council.—Mr Edward Davies We can express an opinion.—The Chair- man We are here to administer the law. We must adjudicate on this case first.-N,lr Davies There appears to he no effectual remedy.—Defend- ant was fined 10s and 8a costs. Obstructiitg Ilighways. -Richard Owen, Nawlyn, near Machynlleth, timber merchant, was charged by Richard Williams, surveyor to the Machynlleth Rural District Council, with having wilfully damaged the highway situate between Pantglas and Dolcaradog and Bontfaen and Talbont drain by causing timber to be dragged along the roads on January 7th and on divers other subsequent days. The damage was estimated at f,2 10s.-Richard Williams, Llanbrynmair, surveyor to the Rural District Council, also charged Daniel Jones, Aber- angell. waggoner, residing at Pentrehedyn-street, Machynlleth, with having obstructed the highway leading from Bontfaen to Talbont drain on Febru- ary 8th by leaving thereon two timber waggons and a timber loading pulley for three hours with- out just cause.—John Hughes, Llanbrynmair, waggoner, residing in Pentrehedyn-street, was charged by Richard Williams with having ob. structed the same highway by leaving two waggons and a pulley thereon for three hours on February 21st. Hughes and Jones are workmen in tile employ of Mr Owen.—Mr A. J. Hughes, soli- citor, Aberystwyth, appeared on behalf of the Rural District Council to prosecute -Mr Hughes stated that Mr Owen, who was largely concerdcd in the timber trade, was in the habit of dragging timber along the road causing very considerable damage. He had erected on the highway a pulley to assist in the transmission of timber. Mr Owen, no doubt, did not wish to act in contravention of the law, but serious complaints had been made to the Council of the road being obstructed and that the road had been damaged. He understood Mr Owen was willing to indemnify the Council against any expense which might be incurred in restoring the road to its normal condition and would undertake not to repeat the offence. Under those circumstances, he would ask for an order in the terms of the summons with costs against the workmen in the employ of Mr Owen.—Replying to the charge, Mr Owen admitted that damage was done.—Mr HughlS asked that an order by consent should be made. The Council merely desired to be indemnified to the amount of damage done so that the ratepayers might not Buffer.-Ultimately all the cases were withdrawn, defendants under- taking to pay the costs and not to repeat the offence. Drunk and Disorderly. —P.S. Edward Hamer charged Morris Nicholas, Hendreseifi m, Llanwrin, farm labourer, with having been drunk and dis- orderly in Maengwyn-street, on February 18th.— Defendant was also charged with laving been drunk and disorderly In Doll-street, on February 1st.—Defendant admitted being drunk on February 18th, but not on February lat.-P.C. Tudor said defendant was cursing and swearing.—Defendant No I was not. The Chairman Probably you were too drunk to know.—Defendant No, sir.— The Chairman Have you any witulses?- Defend ant No, I am a stranger.—Defendant was fined 10s including costs in respect of the first offence and mulcted in the co«ts in the second offence. He was allowed a w< ek to pay. Appeal against the Poor R(xte.-This was a case in which Edward Jones and Jane Jones of the Red Lion Inn, Maengwyn-street, Machynlleth, appealed against the ass-s^m^nt of their property by the Machynlleth Union Assessment Committee. The gross estimated rental was fixed by the Committee at JE30 and the rateable value at C25 10a. The appellants cootendeii that the rate or assessment was unequal and unfair, on the ground that they were over-rated in respect of the yearly value of the hereditaments occupied by them and that it was unfair and incorrect in that it was not made upon an estimate of the rent at which the heredita- ments might reasonably be expected to let from year to year frse of the usual tenant's rates and tixes, deducting therefrom the probable average annual cost of the repaird, insurance, and other expenses necessary to main- tain them in a state to command such rent.—Mr A. J. Hughes, solicitor, Aberystwyth, appeared for the Union Assessment Committee, Mr David Evans, the clerk, being unable to act owing to being also clerk to the magistrates. Mr Gittins, jun., New- town. acted in his stead. Mr W, P. Owen, solici- tor, Aberystwyth, on behalf of Mr Woosnam, New- town, appeared for the appellants. Messrs Edward Hughes and N. B. Owen, being members of the Board of Guardians, did not sit during the hearing of the case.—Mr Owen, opening the case for the appellants, said the rate was made in December, 1898. Up to seven years ago the Red Lion Inn was the property of Sir Watkin and was then rented at EIG a year. When the present landlord, Mr John Jones, took it on the rent was raised from fl6 to £ 18, and jElSwas the rent paid up to the present. The Assessment Committee had now raised the gross rental from JE16 to 930 and the ratable value was consequently E25 10s instead of 914. It was a most unreasonable procedure on the part of the Committee to practically double the assessment. The house made no more business now than it did ten years ago. There were only three bedrooms in the house all told and consequently nobody could lodge there. Very little business was done except on market and fair days. The rent, £18, was in his opinion a fair criterion of what the rateable value should be. The house was absolutely out of repair and a large sum would have to be spent in improving it. There was no reason whatever why the assessment should have been increased to practically double what it was before.—Edward Jones, the tenant of Red Lion Inn, Maengwyn-etreet, submitted the agree- ment of tenancy. He paid 918 a year rent for the house, an increase of f2 a year on the rent paid by previous occupiers. He produced receipts of rents paid. At the back of the Inn there were stables and to take horses to them persons had to make a circular tour. There was a. kitchen, a bar, and small parlour on the ground floor. Upstairs there were there bedrooms. There was an attic, but there were. no bedrooms there. The Inn was in a tumbledown state and they had to spend money in repairing it. There was a cellar. Up to December, 1898, the gross rental was f:16 and the rateable value JE14 8s. There was nothing to justify the increase. There ought to be a de- crease and not increase. He did not know whether the Lion Hotel was rated at £ 50.—Mr Hughes I admit that.—Ed. Jones added that he could not live and make both ends meet by paying on;C30. It meant an addition of £ 12.—Cross-examined His father was the owner of the property.—Mr Hughes: Will you accept an offer of JE30 now ? The offer is bona fide.-Appellant: Are you on the look out for commission ?—Mr Hughes: If I can earn an honest penny, yes. But I am not; here to be insulted by you. Please answer my question. Will you accept an offer ?-—Appellant: I am not the landlord. Have had no offers for the place, but had heard that his father had had offers. He considered LIS a fair rent. They sold on the average a barrel and a half a week. He admitted that Maengwyn-street was one of the principal streets in the town. He should not say that there was much difference between the Skinners Arms and the Red Lion. He did not know which was the better house. He should say the Skinners Arms. They had private rooms at the Skinners Arras.—Mr Hughes I did not know before that private rooms were in demand at Mach- ynlletb .-In further reply, appellant said he was aware that the actual rent was 930 a year.—Mr Hughes: You are aware of the fact that they pay 930 and yet you say there was very little difference between the two houses. —Applicant: But perhaps the Skinners Arms is also valued too high. Mr Hughes: It is not valuation, but a matter of rent,-Appel. lant But it is a tied house and a tied house is in better circumstances.—Mr Hughes: Then why not make this house tied !-In further cross-examina- tion, he said he paid nothing in good will in going in. He paid the rent in cash. There was only an agreement between him and his father. He paid for the liquors that they ordered for the house, but his father paid sometimes as a favour. His father might occasionally write cheques. The receipts were paid to the bank fn his sister's name and not his father's. He would not say that his father did not receive some of the money taken. His sister and he paid the servants' wages. His father's name was still on the sign, but a new sign had been ordered. -Mr Owen: Has your father an interest in the business ?—Appellant: None whatever.— John Williams, Machynlleth, said up to a few years ago his father was tenant of the Red Lion. He had been tenant for about twenty-eight years. The rent up to the time Mr J. Jones, appellant's father, bought seven years ago was fl6 a year. The house was of no more value seven years ago than it was now.—In cross-examination, witness said the house was in such a poor condition that it was not more valuable now than it was seven years ago, although the value of public-houses was going up. -In re-examination, witness said it would cost 9250 to put the house in proper repafr.-Edward Parke, architect, Newtown, who -has been in business twenty-two years, said he was consulted by Mr Jones as to the repair of the house. It was beyond repairing in his opinion. It needed re-building. Comparing the house with. public houses in Newtown, he should say JE18 was a good rent. The sum of jEI8 was a very fair gross rental. Public-houses in Newtown doing a better business did not pay so much. -Cross-examined Did not want the house and knew nothing very much about public-houses. The rates in Newtown were something like 6a. His basis was by comparison and his comparison was not in reference to the valuation of houses in Newtown and not Machynlleth. There were about thirty-eight public-houses in Newtown.—Mr Hughes There are only ten in Machynlleth.—Mr Owen said that was his case.—Mr Huthes You are not calling Mr John Jones, the landlord?—Mr Owen No.—Mr Hughes afterward addressed the Bench on behalf of the respondent*. He pointed out that Mr Owen had not called the landlord or Jane Jones, the second appellant, to give evidence. He had called two people who were most likely to. know nothing about the house. He had called Edward Jones, who did not reside at the house, and therefore knew little, if anything, about the place, and Mr Parke, who drew his comparisons from public-houses in Newtown. The appellant, although stating;CIS was a fair rent, declined to accept an offer of JE30. He proposed calling Mr David Gillart, Machynlleth, who would be able to draw his comparisons from houses in Machynlleth. It was notorious that during the past few years there had been a great increase in the value of public-houses. The Assessment Committee did not see why the owners of the pohlichouses should gaio all the advantage and decided to increase theasaess- ment of all the publichouses. It was really a com- petition between the Committee and the brewers. The assessment of the White Horse had been in- creased from JE24 to f:48 the Rlue Bell from;EIS to £40, the Ship Inn from £ 24 to JE36, and the Skinners Arms from £ I 6 to £ 30. Not one of these public houses had appealed, owing, no doub, to the fact that they considered the increase ju-ti- fiable.—Mr Owen Those ara tied houses.—Mr Hughes said that was true. The Red Lion being a free houtie held the advantage, inasmuch as it could sell what it liked and could command more dis- count from the brewers and distillers than the tied houses which had a fixed amount. It was owing to the abnormal increase in the value of'public houses that the assessment Was increased. The landlord could get E30 a year for the Red Lion Inn any day.—David Gillaft, valuer, said he was well acquainted with the Skinners Arms and Red Lion. The Red Lion Inn was the best house in his opinion. Fixing the valuation of the gross rental at E30 and mak- ing the usual deductions of fifteen per cent. the rateable value would be f25 10s. He had no doubt whatever that he could get more than f30 a year in rent for the Red Lion.-Mr Owen Valuing the Red Lion at JE30 do you say C50 is sufficient for the Lion Hotel ?—Mr Gillart I say JE30 is a fair valuation of the gross rental of the Red Lion Inn. I have not valued the Lion Hotel.—Mr Owen put the same question half a dozen times, but Mr Gillart persisted in his answer and ultimately said he would not give an opinion as to the value of the Lion Hotel. He was prepared if Mr Owen instructed him to make a valuation.—Mr Owen No, thank you. I prefer to be out of your clutches.—In further cross-examination, Mr Gillart said the value of liceiiaed premises had gone up very much recently.—Mr Owen (to Mr Hughes): Where is the person who offers £ 39 a year rent ?- Mr Hughes I am prepared to enter into an agree- ment now to pay t30 a year rent.-Mr Hughes in- formed the Bench that he had intended calling another professional valuer from Aberystwyth, but he had been compelled to return by the mid-day train.—The Bench deliberated in private. The Chairman, giving the decision, said they had con- sidered the care very cartfully and they had come to the conclusion that the sum of E30, fixed as the gross estimated rental, wIL9 a right valuation. They, therefore, dismissed the app^a^ but in order to divide honours, they made an order for each party to pay its own costs.—-Mr Hughes Give me the costs and Mr Owen can have all the honour. (Laughter )—M»jor Ronall said the Bench divided the costs owing to the h^vise being in a bad state of repair.—Mr Edward Davies said as one of the Bench he should like to point out that there would be a general increase in the ratable value of public, houses all along the line in future. (Laughter.) -=