The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

_H, ;0 '¡o'r: ,c, -7>1'1' .r EDITORIAL NOTES. The death-rate of Pwllheli for 1913 was only 11.5. This is very satisfactoiy in- deed. The birth-rate was 17.2. This also is satisfactory. Pwllheli is making progress. There can be little doubt that a higher tax will be placed on alcoholic motor fuels. This is the only way to reach the motor owner who uses the reads lie docs not pay for. *7r IBARON DE FCHEST has accepted Lord DERBY'S offer to sell his Beetle estate for £1,500,08.0. We do not think that the land will be transferred, after all, but the attempted deal will bring about valuable revelations in respect to land and its value. •X' 7.' If it is true, as was recently stated, that there are more old-age pensioners in Cardi- ganshire than there are people of seventy years of ago and upwards, it will be inter- esting to know where they came from. The information, is to be supplied by the CLERK, and the-sooner it is obtained the better. At a recent meeting of women, at the Llandudno Town Hall, at which it was decided to form a League of Women Citi- zens, one of the speakers protested against girls being allowed to act as golf caddies. The difficulty of securing freedom for women is very groat. Freedom means risks, and if there are to be no risks, then women cannot be free as men are free. If there is any public body in Wales that we have never believed in, it is the Central Welsh Board. It is now publicly announced that there is something seriously wrong with that body, and theie will, we hope, be drastic changes. The Central "Welsh Board has been a dead weight on education in Wales ever since it came into .existence. The miserable performance seems to be coming to a close at last. We :3-re glad. -X- Mr. LLOYD GEORGE received a deputation of the Scottish Women's Liberal Federation at the residence of Sir SAMUEL CHISHOLM, Glasgow. last week. In reply to a question -as to what course the women should pursue in order to obtain the enfranchisement of women, he said he had only one piece of advice to give them, and that was that they should endeavour to bring back public opinion in favour of the enfranchisement of women. He expressed his determination to do whatever it was possible for him to do in order to secure that reform. Lord EDMUND TALBOT, speaking at Rustington, Sussex, said that so far as he personally was concerned—and he had every reason to believe that so far as his party was concerned—the C400 a year salaried members of Parliament would be wiped out at the earliest possible moment. How shocking it must be to Lord EDMUND TALBOT that persons who cannot afford a ;paltry JB400 a year should be allowed to go to the House of Commons, and even inter- fere with the House of Lords! Tile authorities of Bangor University College intend to provide more hostel accommodation for students. The PRIN- CIPAL wrote to the City Council stating that jesidence in a hostel was regarded by the Board of Education as so valuable an .element in the training of teachers that it made an additional grant of JE20 to each student residing in an approved hostel Members of the Council object to increased hostel provision, and it was decided to send a. deputation to the College authorities to urge reasons why increased accommodation should not be provided. This is a subject that is likely to come before the people of Aberystwyth at an early date. The Rev. Dr. OYNDDYLAN JONES has been ,saying severe things about newspapers. He said that "speaking generally the news- "papers of the country were filled with "filth and untruth, and consequently they "wielded a debasing influence upon the "minds of the readers. Columns of space "were devoted to reports of filthy cases, "whilst the treatment of doings in the "religious world were either barely men- "tioned or left out altogether." We have had a somewhat prolonged experience of newspapers, and what impresses us very much is the in creased references to religion and the pub- licity given to the higher sides of human life and action.. There are many news- papers which refuse to insert advertise- ments that have dishonest or immoral in- fluences. Newspapers are not perfect, but there ore very few things perfect in this .queer old world. I Sir EDWARD CARSON celebrated his sixtieth birthday on Monday. We wonder when he will reach years of discretion. The death is announced of Mrs ROBERTS, mother of Mr. ÐVAN ROBERTS, the Welsh revivalist. ÐVAN ROBERTS is not now at Leicester. It is announced that Mr. DAVID DAVIES, M.P., has bought the Gregynog Mansion and the remaining portion of the estate. The announcement has given great satisfac- tion in Montgomeryshire. The reduction of expenditure on arma- ments has began. Japan has made a start by reducing the navy votes by £ 3,000,000. It is to be hoped that other nations will do likewise, only on a larger scale. It is announced that the Liberals have decided to leave the Labour Party a free field in fighting Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN in West Birmingham. Would it not be wise to do this always, as long as the Labour Party do not oppose Liberals ? Party politics are undergoing a drastic revolution. » tc At the meeting on Monday the Aberyst- wyth Guardians wisely increased the salary of the WORKHOUSE MASTER from L50 to J360 a year, and that of the MATRON from £ 30 to £ 40. The increase is well deserved. The ratepayers could not have two better officials. They have done very good work since their appointment. It is to be hoped that the auctioneers, farmers, and local governing bodies in the whole of this district will persevere in their efforts to improve the markets and fairs. Care should be taken to see that they do not clash. Nothing seems to have been done yet in the way of improving Aberyst- wyth Smithfield accommodation. There will be fewer sales of stock over cups of stewed tea in future. The demand for stock of good quality is great. ..¡.; At the annual meeting of the Criccieth and District Unionist Club, it was announced, amid applause, that a free offer of two sites had been made by Lord HARLECH on which to build a new Unionist club. Sir HOGII ELLIS NANNEY, Bart., president of the Club, has also offered, Li 1,' 1 LI subject to certain conditions, a free site. There will be great fights in Wales at the next general election. Strong support for a policy of railway nationalisation was given at a conference at the Memorial Hall, Farringdon-street, London, on Saturday. In a speech, who.! seconding a resolution in favour of railway nationalisation, Mr. C. BATHURST, M.P., said that the private ownership of railways had been an incalculable grievance to our greatest industry—agriculture. It seems to us that the only possible way of further national development is railway national- isation. Millions of acres of land would then be rendered habitable and cultivable. -'(- Sweden has now gone armament mad. A great demonstration of more than thirty thousand people recently demand ail im- mediate increase of armaments. The people were received by the KING who said that he fully shared the opinion of the peasants that the defence problem should be settled without loss of time and in its entirety. Is Sweden afraid of being swal- lowed ? There seems to he some action going on all over Europe that is not made public. Sweden has not a large popula- tion—ten or eleven millions. vr The weather is almost the only topic of conversation. The variations during the week have been numerous, and the temper- atures have varied between summer heat and winter coldness. There is no im- mediate danger of a shortage in water supplies. Farmers are fairly well satisfied, except those who hoped to sell their hny crops. There has been no urgent demand for hay, as the pastures are not yet denuded, and are not likely to be. Visitors arc not numerous, and business is far from brisk. Farmers are co-operating for the improvement of their important business, and one of the questions they are discuss- ing is how to increase the supply of bacon. ■X" The efforts to bring about a revival of the slate industry is, we are glad to say, going on. Even quarry owners are begin- ning to move. The subject came up last week at a meeting of the Carnarvon Har- bour Trust. One of the speakers said that quarry owners ought to look after their own business. This is true, but the slate trade, like many other trades, affects large numbers of people besides the owners. There is movement, and quarry owners have already learnt that it is possible to do with- out slates. We think the trade will im- prove now that wiser methods are being adopted than have prevailed for more than a quarter of a century. At the last meeting of Carnarvonshire County Council, the distress caused by closing down of slate quarries came up. The COUNTY SURVEYOR was instructed to supply stone-breaking work at once, and a special meeting of the SRUVEYOR'S Com- mittee will be held to consider the provision of other work. It was stated by Mr. HUMPHREYS that some of the unemployed who had been offered work at Doncaster at £ 2 10s. a week had refused the offer. The Rev. W. MORGAN explained that some of the older men knew little or no English, and that accounted for their disinclination to go far from home. We suppose they prefer stonebreaking at home to L2 10s. a week at Doncaster. There are some hard things to understand in labour troubles. The Newtown Urban Council decided last week not to take action to assist in raising money for the Welsh National Museum at Cardiff. The feeling is very strong, not only at Cardiff but elsewhere, against the removal of the head offices of the Welsh National Memorial to Cardiff. The Welsh National Museum must be helped, but Newtown is not alone to be blamed, as the attitude taken by Newtown is not very different, we understand, from the attitude taken up by Cardiff in reference to the Welsh National Library at Aberystwyth. Wales is in reasonable protest against the grabbing protest of Cardiff. The protest will grow and become more intense. At a meeting of Nonconformist ministers, at Barmouth last week, a resolution was passed expressing dismay at the constantly increasing expenditure on armaments, and urging the Government to take immediate steps for establishing a mutual understand- ing between European Powers to put an end to this insane competition in arma- ments. We believe that this country is greatly to blame for the armament curse. During the past five years the German ex- penditure on naval armaments has'increased from £ 20,125,000 to JB25,650,000, while the British naval expenditure has increased from £ 35,331.800 to £ 45,701,700. The British expenditure has increased by nearly £ 12,000,000, while the German expenditure has only increased by about £ 3,500,000. There seems to be no limit to the services which Mr. DAVID DAVIES, M.P., renders to Wales. He is now assisting to develop live stock. At Newtown, on Tuesday, it was announced that he has provided con- siderable financial assistance for the estab- lishment of a society, under the Board of Agriculture scheme, by which seven bulls will be provided in his hunt district for the improvement of stock. The civil war makers in Ireland say that they will not have Home Rule. The Gov- ernment says that Ireland is going to have Home Rule. Then what is the use of talking about concessions? The great issue before the country is whether those who do not like the legislation of the Gov- ernment of the day, whether Liberal or Conservative, can resort to civil wax-or threats of it-as a means of defeating gov- ernments. We do not understand the Conservative attitude, for the national forces will make short work with the Ulster rebels. The law in reference to the sale of milk which is below a certain standard is un- satisfactory. The honest purveyor may he wrongly fined and the dishonest purveyor may be more than a match for the officials. "W he-ther milk sold direct from the cow which is below a certain standard should be sold for consumption is a question that is not easily settled, as there are ways and conditions of reducing the standard of milk without dealing with it after it has been taken from the cow. Under the present law farmers have a grievance. The sub- ject was discussed at a recent meeting of the Central and Associated Chambers of Agriculture. Parliament has again met and the Lib- erals are still in office, notwithstanding almost daily announcements that the Gov- ernment was going to smash. The KING, in his speech on Tuesday, was wise. The civil war makers are not happy. There is going to be Irish Home Rule and Welsh Disestablishment. Mr. ASQUITH spoke in a way that has put the Carson-Bonar-Law sort of politician in a corner. There was nothing of consequence said or done. It was what was not said or done that was important. Conservatives say that they will not have Irish Home Rule. The Gov- ernment say that there must be Irish Home Rule. Then there must be civil war or a crawl down. The KING does not seem to be frightened. Hore is an advertisement which appeared in a London daily paper on Tuesday: W ILL all who love their country pray V Our Heavenly Father for Christ's sake, to save it from the horrors of Civil War? For—•'Whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name that will I do, that The Father may be glorified in The Son." Civil war, if there is to be civil war, is being promoted by members of the Church of England in the name of religion. The prayer should be addressed, in our opinion, to- Mr. BONAR LAW, Sir EDWAUD CARSON, and some other patriots and religionists. lore is another advertisement from the same paper on the same day: "H AVE "° fear for "UIster." She is absolutely safe, for her trust is in God and in the power of His might. So God is on the side of civil war!

CORH-ESFOHDEIfCE. EXODUS FROM CANADA AND WALES. Sir,—Several Welshmen in the dominion of Canada have urged me to try and arrange a kind of pilgrimage to Wales in the near future, composed of Welsh- Canadians drawn from eveirv nrovince. Doubtless this cou'd be arranged as it is a desirable thing. What is proposed can be briefly summed up thus:(l) The en- rolling of three hundred or more, who are ready to visit Wales during the summer of 1915 or 1916, travelling together from Mon- treal to Liverpool and back at a special cheap rate (2) A tour of North and South Wales, visiting the principal points of in- terest; (3) A visit to the National Eistedd- fod where, a fitting reception would cer- tainly be arranged; and (4) The forming of another party to return with us to Canada composed of these who desire to emigrate. Thty would have the advantage of being accompanied by about 300 fellow country- men who have had experience in Canada, whose advice would likely prove useful and valuable. T write this in case there may be seme in Wales interested in Section 4. Correspondence should be addressed to the writer who will endeavour to take the matter further.- Yours faithfully, C'ARADOG RHYDWEN, Secretary Welsh Club, 40. Broadmount-road, Toronto. The Be:eh, Toronto.

WORKMEN'S WAGES. Sir,—-In your issue of the 6th February, Councillor David Davies is reported to have stated at the Town Council meeting on Tuesday of last week that the Secretary of the Trades and Labour Council had accused him of stating that £1 a week was a "living wage." The remarks made by me at the Progress Hall, which were reported in your paper, did not contain the term "living, wage. The word used by me was the word "hand- some" as reported in your issue of Janu- ary <5Cth. If Mr. David Davies has forgotten when and where he used the word "handsome," i have pleasure in referring him to the reports or the Town Council held en January '¡th.-Yours faithfully, T. It. JONES, Hon. Sec. Trades and Labour Council. Eagle House, Aberystwyth, January 6th, 1S14.

ALCOHOL AS A STIMULANT. Sir,-l am undesirous of entering into a controversy on the above subject, but your correspondent's reference to lite in- surance in your issue of the 6th Febru- ary calls for attention. For his informa- tion, I may say that the companies who make special provisions for total abstainers require guarantees as to continual total' abstinence. I will cite the instance of the United Kingdom Temperance," which does a great deal of business in this direc- tion. With each proposal this Company requires a declaration of total abstinence. In order to ensure that the person in- sured continues to be a teetotaller, a de- claration has to be made at the payment of each renewal premium. Reversion to drinking habits does not make the policy void; but the insured is transferred to the "ordinary class," thereby losing the special bonuses accruing to the policy of a total bonuses accruing to the policy of a total abstainer. I trust that the above clears up the points raised by your corres- pondent.—Yours faithfully, OARDI. Birmingham, 9th February. A further letter on this subject has been received from Aberdare.

YSBYTTY YSTWYTH. Obituary.-Tho death of Mr. Rees Jones, Rhiwlas, occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd, after attaining the age of eighty-eight years. He had resided all his life at Rhiwlas and was the son of the late Mr. Rees Jones and Mrs. Jane Jones. The family were of the yeoman class and at one time owned a large portion of land in the parish of Ysbyttv Ystwyth, and were greatly respected in the district. Deceased was one of the largest flockowners in the county. He was the owner of Rhiwlas and also held the large sheepwalk of Claerddu. At one time he carried on an extensive trade as a sheep dealer, in partnership with the late Mr. David Evans, Trewern, Tregaron. For some years he was a mem- ber of the Tregaron Board of Guardians and Highway Board, and acted as over- seer for the parish. He was greatly re- spected in the district. His sterling qualities, kindness, and generosity, and the hospitality extended to all who called at Rhiwlas, had won him a large circle of friends in the surrounding districts, and his loss will be felt in many directions. For some years he had been unable to go far from the house and his affairs were managed by his nephew, Mr. John Jones, who had been brought up with him since he was a boy, and his niece, Miss Ann Jones, had also resided with him for many years. Much sympathy is felt with the-gi in their bereavement. The funeral took place on Saturday at Ysbytty Ystwyth Churchyard when an unusually large num- ber of people attended from the sur- rounding districts. The Revs. T. R. Morgan, Baptist minister, Swyddffynon, and T. M. Jones, Trisont, officiated at the house, and J. Jone. M.A., vicar, at the Church. At the Ysbytty Ystwyth C.M. Chapel on Sunday evening, the Rev. T. M. Jones referred to the good qualities pos- sessed by the deceased aild his readiness at all times to help any good cause brought to his notice. Mr. Jones stated that he had been a pillar of strength to him when he was a pastor of the Chruch at Ysbytty and was one of the prime factors which enabled him to face the huge debt on the chapel when he commenced his pastor- ship. The debt in a comparatively short time was wiped away entirely.—The death of the Rev. Jehn O'liver, formerly of this place, occurred on February 5th in his forty-eighth year of age. He was a son of the late Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Martha Oliver of Nantyberws. Ysbytty, and a brother to the Rev. David Oliver, the re- spected pastor of Mile End Chapel,London. Most of the members of the family reside iin the district and are greatly respected. Deceased was a good preacher .and his ser- mons were always stamped with origin- ality. His health broke down a few years ago and he had to give up preaching. Interment took place on Monday at lsbytty Ystwyth Churchyard, at which place deceased had evinced a desire to be laid to rest by the side of his father and mother.

NOTES FROM A3ER AYRON. At the Licensing Sessions held on Febru- ary 4th a letter roUl Air. W. Thomas, iirynarior, 1\ b'V Quay, on behalf ot a fo^iat temperance society, was read. the letter contained a message that there were re- I dundant licences at jNew Qaay and re- questing tne court to. instruct the Chief C'nstv.uie Lo enquire and report. ihc Jbencli lesoived to asK the Chier Constable consider tjie, request and vane into con- sideration whether the time iiad not come to survey tile situation irom tne point o. view ot tne WhO-e county. it was pourteu cut that temperance agencies were more operative in some localities than in others, but that was no pruoi tnat "rectuiidanc-y" was greater in tiiose districts, it was possible too tha.; landlord and publican might enter into collusion to bring about the reterence ci a House to the incensing Committee for com- pensation, ancl that acting piecemeal a. mucii laiger proportion oi tlie compensa- tion fund fell to one district than to an- other. From both considerations it seemed to the justices that a proportionate extinction-of licences was ue&iraDie. New (4uty and Aberayron urban dis- tricts contain respectively m round num- bers 1,400 inhabitants. In New Quav urban district there are eight public houses, that being one to every 175 of the inhabitants. In Aberayron uroan district there are fifteen public houses, one to every 94 of the innabitants, and the term "inhabitant" comprises men, women, and children, This fact exemplifies the con- siderations just referred to. One of the questions of deep interest to the community which is discussed just now is whether it is possible to continue a water carrying service to and from Liverpool, now that the s.s. "Telephone" has ceased running. It affects the status and trade cf the town. It also affects the prospects of the Aberayron Steam Packet Company, whoso steamer the "Norseman" plys be- tween Aberayron and Bristol. From their point of view the withdrawal of the "Telephone" seemed to offer an oppor- tunity to expand. A meeting of share- holders was called to consider the situation but, strange to say, out of a dozen or more shareholders- who reside at Aberayron, not one attended. The three shareholders who did attend hailed from Neuaddlwyd, Ta1- sarn. and Aberystwyth, avd consequently the directors were left to the resources of their own wits.

MORE ABUSE. Viscount (lastlereagh M.P., addressing a large y-attended meeting of the Old Court Suburb Habitation of the Primrose League at the Kensington ToiN-ii Hall on Monday evening, said Mr. Lloyd George's niethous were very crafty. No statement was too extravagant for him. Accuracy counted for nothing if an inaccurate state- ment could blacken the character of a political opponent in the eyes of his audi- ence. He never withdrew or apologised because his original statement might capture ignorant voters, and a withdrawal or an apology wou-ld certainly weaken the unscrupulous attacks he made. He had accused the trustees of the Duke of Suther- land's estate of perjury and likened the case to that of Ananias and Sapphira. Well, if anyone living at the moment was more likely to be fully cognisant of the motives which actuated those characters of unen- viable Biblical notoriety, after the Marconi scandal, he would say that person was Mr. Lloyd George, and it was only due to the whitewashing given to him and his col- leagues by a party preferring to retain £40a a year than risk breaking up the Government that he still retained his posi- tion as a minister. A more dishonest shuffle was never executed, and the reason for that shiiffle and of the procrastination was that Mr. Lloyd George thought that there was just a chance his gamble in Marconi shares on the tip of a man con- tracting at the time with the Government might never be divulged. The rest of the story was well known and, moreover, the opinion held about it by those who attended the Labour conference had been published in the Press; but he would sug- gest to Mr. Lloyd George that he was hardly the person to accuse anyone of per- jury or to liken any transaction to that carried out. by Ananias and Sapphira. (Cheers.)

OUR GUARANTEE. If ever anything purchased from us gives the slightest dissatisfaction, pur- chase money will be refunded in full. Mny we have the pleasure of a trial order ? Our Specialities are :— Cleaves Finest Irish Butter, Harris's Wiltshire Bacon. Finest quality Wines and Spirits. The value of our spectalitiea is very high-no one can beat us for them. May we have the pleasure of a triai order ? OWEN HALL'S STORES 19, PIER STREET ABsaY.srwrrH -*247

ABERYSTWYTH COUNTY COURT, Wednesday, February 1Ith.-Hefore his Honour Judge Wm. Evans. A Llanbadarn Application.—Mr. W. P. Owen. on behalf of the Vicar and Church- wardens of Llanbadarn, applied for an order to commit John Griffiths for infringing an order of the Court. Mr. Owen said his Honour made an order in November, 1912, restraining John Griffiths, Penyfron, from committing acts of trespass on Penyfron School premises and requiring him to pull down a summer house and remove loose timber. He (Mr. Owen) had witnesses to prove that there had been infringements of the order. An order was made to commit defendant for breach and his Honour suggested that plaintiffs should do the removal. Not only did defendant not do anything, but quite recently he brought certain things on to the premises which increased plaintiff's disabilities in the use of their premises. Mr. Samuel appeared for defendant and was willing to consent to an order for com- mittal which would not be acted on as long as defendant behaved himself.—Mr. Samuel said he had had an interview with defendant who appeared to have been labouring under hallucinations with re- gard to the property; but was now willing to agree to an order being made.—His Honour granted the order as asked for, the order to remain in Cc)urt during de- fendant's good behaviour. Particulars.—Mr. P. Owen applied for particulars of alleged negligent driv- ing in an action brought against Dr. A. 0. Davies, Machynlleth by J. Fred Francis and Son, Colwyn Bay, in which JS48 10s. 6d. was claimed for damage to a motor charabanc. Mr. Owen added that the plaintiffs, Messrs Francis, were the owners of a motor charabanc weighing about 2 tons 4 cwts. Dr. Davies was the owner of a small Ford car and was passing the charabanc. Dr. Davies said he did nothing to the charabanc on the road near Doigelley, but for seme reason or other the vharabane turned suddenly and went into the hedge. His (Mr. Owen's) theory was that the accident was caused by the road itself, there being a sudden dip at the spot.—Mr. A. J. Hughes said he appeared for Mr. Porter of Colwyn Bay. Dr. Davies was driving his car and there was an allegation of negligent driving.—The Judge thought the defendant was entitled to' such further particulars of alleged negligent driving as plaintiffs were able to give and made an order for the further particulars to be supplied in seven days. —It was stated that the action would be tried in March. Re Owen Davies.—On the application of Mr. H. W. Thomas, the official receiver, who said that Owen Davies, Llanbadarn Trefeglwys, had purged his contempt by supplying a statement of affairs and sub- '7 mitting to public examination in bank- ruptcy, his Honour made an order of deb- tor's release from Carmarthen Prison. Motion to Sat Aside Assignments to a Bank.Mr. Trevor H. Hunter, banister, appeared on behalf of the Official Receiver to set aside two assignments of book debts of the value of £ 203 made by W. A. Bul- lock, late of the Motor Garage, North- parade, to the London and Provincial Bank, Aberystwyth branch. Mr. Tyndale Davis, instructed by Messrs Munns and Longden. London (represented locally by Messrs Smith, Davies, and Evans) appeared for the bank in opposing the morion. Mr. Hunter explained that a re- ceiving order was made in the matter of W. A. Bullock on the 20th January, 1913. During 1912 Bullock was pressed" by a number of creditors and there were sum- menses and executions. In November, 1612, he was being pressed in particular by a cYeditor named Evans for a. sum of £ 450. Bullock's bankers at the time was the L. and P. Bank. His account was guaranteed to a certain amount; but his overdraft exceeded the limit allowed. On the 3rd December, 1912, he executed an assignment to the bank of his trade book debts, the consideration being that the bank would not take immediate proceed- ings. The bank now set up that that re- cital of consideration was not complete and something else was set up. The result of that indenture was that the whole of t debtor's estate which was not required to be registered and of the value of lis. lid. was assigned to the bank. No notice of assignment was given to a single debtor. Evans had been pressing Buliock in November and on the 12th December Evans issued a writ and on the 2nd January, 1913, obtained judgment. I j On the 6th January, Bullock executed another assignment to the bank, the con- sideration being the same as in the first assignment. All the debts in the first not collected were included in the second why he (counsel) did not know. On the 8th January the Sheriff levied and betWeen the 13th and the 25th the bank gave notice to a number of debtors of the second assignment. After the 6th January the bank account was practically not worked at all. Two cheques were paid out, but both were met by earlier payments in and certain debts were received and credited to Bullock's account. There was no further advance by the bank after the second assignment. The Official Receiver now asked that the two assignments should be set aside for the benefit of the general body of creditors on the ground that one or both were fraudulent conveyance and an act of bankruptcy.—-Mr. Tyndale Davis said it was rather important that it should he known that debtor presented his own petition in bankruptcy on the 20th Janu- ary.-The. Official Receiver was called and in reply to Mr. Tyndale Davis, said that at the date of the first assignment, Bul-I lock was the owner of leasehold premises which had been purchased at £ 1,350 on which there was a mortgage of £ 900 and a charge of jE450 to Mr. Evans. Asked whether Bullock had not a balance in assets of £ 400 or £ 450 at the time, the Official Receiver said it might be so if the premises were worth £ 1,350, but a licenced valuer valued them for him at £ 1,100. The furniture was claimed by the wife with the exception of L25. Stock in trade and tools were valued at £40, not break-up vatip, but valued with the idea, that the business would be carried on. On the 3rcl December debtor had two motor cars on the hire purchase system. Stock on the premises of the value of £ 23 belonged to the Michelin Tyre Company. He (witness) realised L27 121s. lOd. book debts. Alto- gether J5187 was the total assets collected up to the piesent t 'i.,ie.-Mr. Hunter asked the Official Receiver if he had not been rather successful in resisting claims and if he did not hope to make more by setung aside the two assignments and the Official Receiver smiled in reply.—Mr. Hunter read Mr. Kitto, the LanK man- ager's examination, which stated that he knew Bullock was overdrawn at the North and South Wales Bank which was paid off by instalments after opening an account at tne JJ. and P. Bank where he was allowed an overdraft of £250, his account being guaranteed by his father and Mr. Lewis. lie exceeded his- limit and in consequence an assignment was asked for. The reason notice was not given oi the assignment was that it wuuid give people who were dealing with Bullock a bad impression, it was arranged that Bullock was to give an assignment every month for the book debts of the previous month in order to carry him over the winter.—W. A. Bullock was called and said that Evans was press- ing for his R450 about the middle of November.—By Mr. Tyndale Davis: In December, 19i2, had increased his over- draft to kZW. In December, 1912, he drew a cheque for JE50 for the Michelin Tyre Company and L25 for Thompson Bennett. He believed the Bank Manager told him that he could not honour those cheques without further security. It was of great iimportance to him (witness) that the eheques should be honoured in order to keep his big trade with Michelin and it was about that time he suggested his book debts as security and at the same time he agreed to assign his book debts for each previous month and the bank was to give him further facilities in regard to overdraft. By that means he was to be enabled to carry on until the busy season arrived. It was part of the arrangement that he and his manager were to collect the book debts and to pay them into the account. Between the 3rd December and the 6th January he had a further overdraft of £197 As. 6d. and was in consequence asked to give the second assignment.—By Mr. Hunter: The two cheques for P,50 and L25 were in respect of goods already sup- plied. On January 14th payments made to the Ford Company were obtained from purchasers of the car. Those payments were made into the bank; but he did not think the Manager toM him he could not clear the cheques unless the amounts were paid in.—Mr. Tyndale Davis submitted that he had no case to meet. The assign- ments were as little like fraudulent con- veyance as one could imagine. It was an arrangement made by debtor himself to enable him to carry on business. He had a surplus of assets of £185 at the time. Though not to take immediate proceed- ings was the consideration in the assign- ments the debtor had given admissible evid- ence of other considerations. Though there had been executions before the date of the assignments, it was in debtor's favour that they had all been paid out. Mr. Davies quoted many authorities in support of his contentions.—Mr. Hunter also addressed the Court and the Judge summed up eventuahy dismissing the application to set aside the assignments, holding them to be good, directing that book debts collected in respect of which notice had not been given should be re- funded, which Mr. Tyndale Davis admitted the bank made no claim to, and giving the bank a lump sum of i:20 costs to be paid out of the estate. Llanrhystyd Motor Car Case.—William Bradley and Daniel Edwin Evans, two young men living at Llanrhystyd, each claimed £100 from Henry G. Powell and Lionel Maiyn Powell, tinil)cr merely Aberayron, damages for personal injuries caused by the neg.igent driving of a motor car at Llanrhystyd on the 1st May of 1913. Messrs Turner and Co., Loiidoi), ii-lio sold the motor car, was joined as third parties on the allegation that they agreed to indemnify tll{' purchasers of the car. Mr. T. J. Samuel appeared for plaintiffs Mr. Griffith Jones (instructed by Mr. D. Pen- nant James, Aberayron). for the defend- ants, and Mr. D. H. J. Hartley (instructed by Mr. A. J. Evans. Holborn Viaduct, London) for Messrs Turner and Co. When the case was called, Mr. Hartlev raised a preliminary objection that Messrs Turner were not rightly joined as third parties, it not being a case where the whole matter could be disposed of in a trial between plaintiffs and defendants. Messrs Turner were represented that day because they had been summoned as third parties to in- demnify the defendants, the defendants p-ying that if judgment went against them Messrs Turner were to indemnify them. He contended that they were wrongly joined.—In reply to the who asked what the action was, Mr. Hart- ley .said the action was one for damages for negligent driving a motor car. The defendants purchased a motor car from Messrs Turner and had it down for trial. Tlit,eiiiciiei, was paid over and the car handed to them. Shortly after the car was handed over to defendants they used it and an accident happened. They said they were to have a free policy with the car. They. however, bought the car, never had a fivs oohr-v, never asked for one, and it the- d:d ask would not have been given one. I icy ais said that under the free policy whirn was supposed to have been g:vel1 the car they were to be indemnified for any damages that might be obtained against defendants in the action. He contended that it was noi a matter that could be tried that day. The matter between plaintiffs and defendants was one of tort and between defendants and Messrs Turner one of contract and the two ques- tions could net be tried in one action.— The Judge saying he agreed with Mr. Hartley there, Mr. Griffith Jones said de- fendants contended that the car was bought on the understanding that they were to have a free comprehensive policy. If plaintiffs succeeded in that action, the defendants fell on the third party. His suggestion was that the Sction between plaintiffs and defendants should be dealt with and that against the third party afterward.—His Honour dismissed the third party with costs.—Mr. Griffith Jones quoted Order 11, rule 2 and contended that the Court could deal with the whole matter that day; but the Judge said the defend- ants in bringing in the third party were jumping before they got to the stile.- After adjournment, Mr. Griffith Jones stated that the parties had agreed to terms by which Daniel Edwin Evans would re- ceive C60 and Wm. Bradley £ 70 from de- fendants with costs. The question as to right oyer against Messrs Turner would be the subject of another action. Claim for Rent.—David Owen Edwards, mason, Temperance House, Taliesin, sued Sarah Julian, widow, Black Lion Hotel, Taiybont, for R3 5s., half years rent of a cottage at Taliesin due on the 12th Novem- ber, 1913. Mr. Emrys Williams appeared for plaintiff and Mr. T. J. Samuel tor de- fendant who, it was stated, was over eighty years of age. Mr. Samuel contended that there had been surrender of the tenancy with the landlord's consent and called Miss Jenkins, late of Henhafod, who said she understood the landlord to take over the tenancy.—Plaintiff denied having done so; but the Judge nonsuited him, remark- iiig that a new trial would be granted if fresh evidence was forthcoming.

ABERAYRON. Ladles Cuild.-Tlle Ladies Guild, under the direction of Mrs. Evans, the Vicarage, which has had a successful season, were entertained at the Vicarage by Mrs. Evans and spent a pleasant evening Political Meeting.-Sir Courtenay Man- sel, Bart., delivered a political' address at the Town Hall on Friday evening. There was a very satisfactory attendance. Mr. J. M. Howell presided. The customary votes of thanks were accorded, moved by the Chairman, Mr. E. Lima Jones, C.C.. and the speaker. Steam Packet Co.—A special meeting of shareholders was held at the Town Hall on Monday which had been convened by the directors. Its object was to consult- the shareholders as to whether it was the wish of the shareholders to take any means to step into the gap caused by the withdrawal of the s.s." Te:cphone" from the Liverpool trade. There were present Dr. Edward Williams (chairman), Messrs T. Pugh, E. Lima Jones, John Rees. and J. M. Howell (directors), Mr. John Williams, Aberyst- wyth; Mr. Evan Davies, New Inn; Mr. Morgan James, Neuaddlwyd; Capt. Wil- liams, agent, New Quay;, and Mr. D. C. Evans, agent, Aberayron. The whole situation was carefully discussed. It was eventually resolved that as even a monthly service would be unsatisfactory, even if practicable, and that <1 fortnightly service was impossible without dropping Fish- guard and Solva, which could not be done with honour or with profit, it was useless to entertain the thought of carrying from Liverpool. It was pointed out that only three sharehcfdci's outside the directors attended, though the meeting had been called for the express purpose of hearing their views for the guidance of tlie direc- tors. Funeral cf TZs. John Evans.-The re- mains of Mr. John Evans of Bargoed, Llanarth, who was fatally injured on board steamer at Bremen by falling from a ladder in climbing to the upper reaches of a. funnel, were brought home for burial. The coffin was met at the station at Aberayron on Thursday, February 12th, by a large concourse of neighbours and friends. It was placed on an open car and covered by the union Jack. The body was conveyed to Henfynyw Churchyard direct and buried there, the Vicar (the Rev. Evan Evans) officiating. Great consideration for the feelings cf the sorrowing mother and relatives has been manifested through- out by the owners and Captain and crew of the boat. Tabernacle Literary Sc-ciety.-At a fort- nightly meeting on Tuesday evening, the Rev. D. Lewis Rees, B.A., B.D., pastor, presiding, the R.ev. Evan Morgan, B.A., Pennant, read an instructive paper on "Purity as a condition of Culture." That the paper was stimulating became quickly evident from the spontaneity of the subse- quent speakers, who were Mr. W. Edwards, Faust; Mr. J. R. Evans, Anchor House; Mr. Daniel Jenkins,' master, Council School; and Mr. John M. Howell. The meeting was closed by singing tho hymn, "Gwna nj fel halen a dy ras," to the Old Hundredth. One of the Aborigines.-frs. Mary Jones, "Hope," died at the "Hope" on Tuesday. She was an octogenarian and was born in the house in which she died, Sonne of tjhe hoxtyeis on the Quay were erected in their primitive forms when the harbour was being built over a 100 vears ago. The father of the deceased. David Davies. "Hope," was one of the pilpts and fishermen of primitive days and customs, and the death of Mrs. Jones snaps nearly the last link which connects the com-; munity with its vouthful days. Evening School.—The session of 1913-14, the seventh consecutive session held in Aberayron since the institution of evening classes by the County Education Committee came to an end on Wednesday, February 4th. The classes this winter were open to boys and girls, and were under the joint charge of Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Lloyd, head teachers of the Council and Nntionn] Schools. Out of fifty pupils enrolled, thirty-four qualified by attendance for grant. On Friday evening there was held, to mark the close of the session, a success- ful and enjoyable social, at which there was j a large attendance of pupils and friends. The tables were presided over by a band of young ladies unconnected with the classes, who had kindly volunteered their services. They were the Misses Olive M. Jones, Susan Jones, H. Moore Jones, Nesta Howell, Edith Jones, Olwen Jenkins, Elsie EVans, and Annie Davies, Royal Oak. Musical items were contributed by the Misses Nesta Howell, Oeinwen Thomas, Irene Jones, Jennie Evans, Bessie Jones, Mildred Griffiths, Theresa M. Williams, Annie M. Rees, Minnie Williams, and Messrs Lewis (G.W.R.), Saunders (G.W.R), and Simmonds. The instrumental selec- tions were a noteworthy feature, and the gramaphone selections, in charge of Mr. J. Jones, B.Sc., were also much appTe- ciated. A hearty vote of thanks to all who had contributed to the success of the evening terminated tlie proceedings. The local managers of the classes, Messrs John M. Howell, J.P., and E. Lima Jones, were present. ABERAYRON AND LAMPRTER LIGHT RAILWAY COMPANY. A meeting of directors was he'd at the Company's Offices at Lampeter on Tues- day. Present: Mr. J. C. Harford (chair- man), Col. Davies-Evans, Highmead; Mr. Roger Lloyd. Mr. John M. Howell! and Mr. S. W. Yockney, engineer. The rate of traffic in passengers and goods for the year 1G1-3 showed an increase of over £ 400. Important business was transacted and a report adopted for submission to the annual meeting of shareholders.

MACHYNLLETH Football.-O,i Saturday the were at home to Caersws in the first round of the Montgomeryshire Cup. Machyn- lleth entered the field with a weak team, several new men being tried for the first time. Caersws soon became aggressive and kept the home defence busy for the first fifteen minutes; but. thanks to the fine form of the backs and goalkeeper, the go'al was kept intact. Play then became more general, frequent attacks being made upon each goal. Towards the end of the first half, Caersws men managed to find the net; but soon after. Tommy Vaughan, from a brilliant centre by David Lewis, equal- ised. In the second half play became fast and furious, both teams being guilty of doubtful tactics. Early in the list half, Max Davies made a brilliant dash on the left and from the extreme corner sent in a beauty which found the net at the far end top corner, far out of the goalkeeper's reach. Soon after, Sam Vaughan sent in a fine shot, striking the bar and refunding into the field of play, but Willie Vaughan° gaining possession, unfortunately sent the ball wide. Caersws then monopolised the game, and forced the "Blues" to concede a corner. From the corner shot, which was sent too high for the Machynlleth backs to head, one of the Caersws players managed to score by striking the ball into the net with his hands. The spectators were surprised to see the referee pointing to the centre and allowing the point. Matters became so exciting that at one time it looked as if a section of the spec- tators would invade the field of play. Full time was called with the score at two each. The referee was Mr E. Hughes Llanidloes. The Machynlleth team was composed of Goal, Stewart Williams; backs, Hugh Jones and Willie Arnold; halves, Sam Vaughan, Harry Arnold, and David Lewis- forwards. Max Davies, Tommy Vaughan, Willie Vaughan, Lewis Richards, and Edwin Rees. "Ambelt Dant" was the subject of pn in- spiring lecture delivered before the Owain GJyndwr Institute Young Men's Society on Monday evening by Mr. Baldwyn Jones, Dmas Mawddwy. Mr H. Meredith Roberts presided. The interesting and E'ntertain- ing manner in which Mr. Jones dealt with the- different epochs in Welsh poetry, and the examples he quoted so well, created a desire in his hearers to become acquainted with these literary gems. At intervals during the lecture, penillion were sung by Mr Hugh Evans. Dolgelley. He also sang Dyfi and -'Yr Hen Getyn Du," the words of which had been written by the LTF iier ^r' Jones). A vote of T W VT0 t>1P ^er'tnrPr was proposed by Mr 'j Humphreys, seconded by Mr. John Jones (Gwladwr), and carried with Peclam- atinn. Lecture.tn interesting: lecture was delivered at the English Presbvterian Schoolroom on Tuesday eveninsr bv Captain Gertrude, KcHeshall. on "Glimpses into Salvation Army Warfare." At the close, a substantial sum was collected towards the work of the Salvation Armv. Unveiling of Paintings.—Mr' ^rray Utrquhart, the well-known historical' painter, has completed two more mural paintings of scenes in the days of Glyadwr at the Owain Glyndwr Institute. They were unveiled oil Tnursday afternoon, in the presence of a large number of towns- people, by Air. E. Jones, London House, chairman of the Urban District Council. These complete a set of four paintings which have been painted by Air Lrquhart at the Institute. All the paintings have been executed at the expense of Air. David Davies, M.P., the generous donor of the Institute. Sleeping Out.—On Thursday morning of last week, at the Police Station, before Air. Richard Rees, Jeanetta Jones, a domestic servant, was charged bv In- spector Davies witn sleeping out without means of sustenance. She was found at 1-45 on Thursday morning soundly asleep on a dooi-step., Defendant had walked from South \Vaies. On promising to go to friends at Aberllefenni, she was dismissed with a caution. County Court.The bi-monthly County Court was held on Tuesday, before Judge Evans. At the November court, Air. Richard Rowlands. Bryncoch, Llanbryn- mair, obtained judgment against Mr. E. B. Davies, farmer, Llanbrvnmair, for £ 7 10s. for cattle sold. Mr. R. II George, solicitor, Newtown, appeared on behalf of defendant to make an application for a new trial. Mr W. P. Owen. Aberystwyth, appeared on behalf of Dlaintiff to oppose the application.—His Honour refused the application, defendant to pay plaintiff's -Nle costs.—Messrs Hull Brothers, accounta its Altrincham, were nominated in an assignee's action against Air Lewis P-.o-h Esgaii-geinog, for £ 3 for goods sold. Coste were allowed defendant.—Numerous judo- ment summonses were heard, in which Aa.essrs Hull Brothers were plaintiffs, and committal orders made in some of the A large number of undisputed rases were disposed of before the registrar Mr. David iivans. I

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The annual meeting of Machynlleth Agricultural Society was held on Wed day afternoon at the Vane Hall. Afr. Richard Gillart, Llynlleoedd, en airman of the Committee, presided. There were present Colonel Norton, Dolcorslwyn; Messis. David Evans, Wermatvo; Edward Hughes, Mathafarn; Richard Jones, l nyshir David Jones. Llwydiarth M E. Francis, Cemmesbvchan Henrv J. Evans, Eseuan Hall; T. Parsons, Lee L'Strange' J. O. Williams, E. Evans, Aborffrydlan; and John Pugh, secretary. The Secretary presented the financial statement as audited by Mr. J. Ryan Leighton. Subscriptions and special prizes amounted to £ 86 15s. 10d.; entry fees, £ 66; gate money, £ 111; the total receipts being £ 302 5s. 9d. The expenditure amounted to £ 268 12s. lid., including L164 !8s. 4d. in prize money. The financial statement- was adopted. -On the proposition of Mr. Edward Hughes, seconded by Mr Parsons, it was unanimously agreed to continue the show this year. Though the attendance was small in the meeting, it was stated that there was' a general feeling in favour of continuing the show. Lord Herbert. Vane Tempest was re- elected president, and Mr. David Davies, vice-president. On the proposition of Air. Edward Hughes, seconded by Mr. Parsons, thanks were accorded the Presi- dent and Vice-President, particularly to his Lordship for the free use of the show field. On the Chairman's proposition, seconded by Mr. H. J. Evans, it was agreed to appoint Mr. John Parry, Penrhvn. as chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year, with Mr. David Evans, Gwerniago, as vice-chairman. Mr. John Pugh was re-elected secretary, with the National Provincial Bank as treasurer. It was agreed to hold the show. as usual, on the last Wednesday in August, subject to the President's approval The members of the Working Committee were re-elected, with the addition of Messrs D. E. R. Griffith and T. Parsons. The Secretary called attention to the fact that in last years show the local classes, from the exhibiting point of view, Had proved a failure. THe entries were lew, and tiiere was but little return to the large expenditure incurred. Tlie local classes were badly patronised. excepting the class for exhibits from the banks of the Dovey, for which the priao was given by the Dovey Club. The Chairman said that after all the trouble taken in regard to the local classes tIle response was disappointing. It seemed useless giving lurtiier encouragement in that direction. All. H J. Evans said he had never been in lavour of the local classes. vvas agreed to recommend to the Working Committee, in revising the schedule, that the local classes should be deleted, except where special prizes were given. On the proposition of Mr. Edward rlughes, it Was also agreed that the moun- tain sheep classes should be re-instated It was stated that the rule to deduct a percentage from the prize money won by non-subscribers had realised L6, which was considered satisfactory. LIVE STOCK IALPROVIJMENT. Mr Edward Hughes, Mathafarn, who is an alderman of the County Council, pre- sided over a largely-attended meeting sub- sequently held to consider the lire stock scheme of the Board of Agriculture. Mr. John Pugh explained that he had been in communication with Mr Harrison clerk to the County Council, and Mr R N. Jones, live stock officer of the Bangor ftr-f,3' f. IVas that a toimal application for a grant should be made before Saturday, to be considered at a meeting of the County Live Stoek Com- mittee on Monday at Welshpool. A letter was read from Mr. F. M. Campbell, vBrynllwydwyn, stating there was every chance of having good sires if an arrangement could be made. He sug- gested, however, that a committee should be organised, independent of the show. The Chairman and Mr R. N. Forbes, director of agriculture for the county, ex- plained the scheme and its rules. It was stated that fourteen bulls and two shire horses were allocated to the county. lr. Richard Gillart said the scheme was a step m the right direction. He pro- posed that a society should be formed in that end of the county to proceed and obtain as much as possible toward bulls and horses. The scheme would be a great bene fit to farmers generally, and he could not impress them too strongly to give their support.. Mr. Francis seconded the Propasition to form the society, which was unanimously ly agreed to. It was also agreed, on the proposition of Mr. Gillart, seconded by Colonel Norton, to make a formal applica- tion for one shire horse for the district, and rl" for two Hereford bulk and two I J k A 5 I*?' ln addition to two Here- ford bulls for Llanbrynmair. A further meetifc will be held on Feb. 25th to con- sider the decisions of the County Com- mittee and take the necessary steps to carry out the management of the Society.

GOGERDDAN FOXHOUNDS meet Foxhounds Tues., Feb. 17th Llydiardaa 11-0. Friday, Feb. IDth Gwynfrya 11-0. Beagles Wed., Feb. 18th Bow Street 11-0. Sat., Feb. 21st Tom Jones 11-0. THE PLAS MACHYNLLETH HOUNDS Hiers4 Mon., Feb. 16th Abergwydo! 10-30 Thursday, Feb. 19th. Mae;pertbi 10-30 Foxhounds. Tues., Feb. 17th Pennant Rocks 10-30 Friday, Feb. 20th Bwlch-Hyddge* 10-30. MR. DAVID DAVIES'S FOXHOUNDS. Mon. Feb. 16th Llandinam Bridge 10-30; Wed., Feb. 18th Llanfair, draw towards Llanllugan. 11-0. Sat., Feb. 21st Berrieir 11-0. MR DAVID DAVIFS'S BEAGLE#. Tues., Feb. 17th Liangurig 11-0. Friday, Feb. 20th Llandyasil 11""

partly to the power to engage skilled officials, partly to official freedom from interference, and partly to there being plenty of ratepayers who are willing and able to devote themselves to the public service. There is a further reason for efficiency in county boroughs, namely, well-grounded fear of the con- sequences of sanitary and other neglect. In rural districts and small .urban centres there is no fear of the consequences of sanitary neglect. A few deaths from filth diseases do not trouble villagers. What they are afraid of are increases in the local rates. We have given the subject of local 'self-government careful thought for many years, but we see no way out ex- cept by the reconstruction of the Local Government Board, which could be brought about if there were Home Rule h all round the appointment of a system of supervision similar to that which has made Boards of Guardians in many respects superior to other local govern- j ing bodies the provision by the State, or by combinations of areas, of arterial j drainage and arterial water supplies the grading of local governing bodies so that the members of County Coun- cils would be chosen from Parish Coun- cils, Urban Councils, and Borough Councils; and the elevation of Urban Councils to equal status with Borough Councils. If Wales, Ireland, England, Scot- land had Home Rule, the Local j Government Board would be relieved of a great deal of detail work, and that body, aided by efficient inspectors, could see that local self-government was not the sort of tragic larce it is at the present time. Home Rule all round is, we fear, still a long way off, but the need for Local Government Board reconstruction is urgent, and how re- form is to be obtained without unload- ing that body from work which it can- not possibly do we do not know, and nobody else seems to know. One thing is certain, that public un- rest is growing, and something will have to be done to save the lives of the people, to improve their health, and to put a stop to the financial waste which is becoming unbearable. _r_