The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] PRACTICAL AGRICULTURE BY PRIMROSE McCONNELL, B.Sc., F.G.S., (Author of A Notebook of Agricultural Facts and Figures, Elements of Farming," etc.). TUBERCULIN REACTIONS. It is contended by veterinary surgeons that 98 per Cent. of the tests made with tuberculin give correct re?ults. This is insisted to be the case, although nothing may be found in the form of any lesions when a post-mortem examination is made. It is because these lesions may be so small as to be in- visible to the naked eye, and a gland may be affected h the extent of a growth no bigger than a pea and thus not seen in an ordinary post mortem examina- tion. Therefore it is quite elisy to miss finding such a tiling in the carcase of an animal while it may be there, so that under such circumstances tuberculin reaction may be true after all. It is admitted that iiKlpient cases might never become bad, and that, indeed, so long as the udder is free from infection, there cannot be any of the microbes found in the milk, but otherwise a lumpy udder ought to be a Htibject of suspicion. The Tuberculosis Order is intended as it at present stands to refer only to pitters," that is to advanced cases, and therefore the great majority of reacting cattle are altogether untouched by this Order to long as the disease does not manifest itself to the ordinary eye in an advanced state. XO HARM DONE. The Order does not apply to the greater number of those animals which do react, but which might never become dangerous at all, that is, assuming for the purpose of argument that the bovine tubercu- losis u; communicable to man from milk. There is the general fact that if the tuberculin test does not act it certainly does harm. Animals so tested have their temperature upset for a day or two if they have got the di6ease in their bodies, but apart from this there is absolutely no harm done. The writer, in in- own work in connection with this, could not find that the milk yield was influenced more than half a puund per head for the day on which the test was made. On the other hand, if a cow is coming very near to the calving an injection of tuberculin might do her harm, so that these kind of things must be taken note of. It is suggested that an injection of tuberculin tends to render the animals immune, and certainly continuous injections are reckoned in time to bring this result about, and medical men art- working in this direction in connection with human tuberculosis. SIZE OF FIELDS. In a recent railway journey across two or three counties the writer was very much struck with the wastage of land and the accompanying wastage of labour which the size of the fields in some of the districts indicated. When one sees a field of three acres in wheat, five acres in roots, and perhaps ten acre grass fields, it do" not need a very wide knowledge to assert that the labour must be fright- 1, fully handicapped under such small conditions. Where the land is all under grass it does not much matter, and indeed extra hedges may be an advan- tage from a shelter point of view, provided there are not too many trees with roots which run right across -i m;ill field. On arable land, however, small fields must be a terrible drawback, because it is only a matter of arithmetic to ee that where men and hordes have to work with short lands anything under 100 yards means that there is more time taken in turning the implements and hordes at the land end than in doing the actual work, and that indeed half an acre of land is a full day's work where a whole Here would be done with long boute. A LANDLORD'S JOB. fields, of course, were well enough in old times, when land was first reclaimed from the original forests or moors as a croft or small holding, but nowadays farming is oompeting with the whole world, and small fields which involve such a waste of labour are quite out of it altogether. The very smallest field in the opinion of the writer which is any use is one of t.en acres, and this ought to -be-as indeed all fields ought to be—of a square bhape, to that when cross ploughing is practised there will still be a long bout obtained. Larger fields from twenty acres and upwards are better still. On many farms there is immense room for improvement 'n this direction in the way of taking out superfluous fences and laying the land more open. It is, of course, a difficult thing to do, because all drains and ditches have probably already been adjusted to the existing small fields, and the removal of the hedge and the filling in of a ditch may rather tend to upset the drainage, while there is the drawback that it is a landlord's job, and ought not to Lc done by the tenant at all. Still a good deal might be done by the tenant in the slack time of the year in makiny III, fields more comfortable to modern ideas. REDUCING THE COST OF MILK PRODUCTION. All the findings now made public, which have been obtained in the course of years from the practice of keeping milk records, go to prove that in the matter of feeding at least it is quite possiblo to reduce the cost of production in many cases. All the various associations up and down the country have done their best to raise the price, and while they certainly have prevented a fall it is only fair to say that very little ha.s been attained iu the matter of a rise. It is difficult to understand why when, say, bread, bacon and other necessaries of life have gone up in price milk remains stationary, but apparently wherever an attempt has been made to raise the price the public have refused to buy and the thing has had to be dropped. We may get used to a rise in time, and obtain something like the old prices, as is the case with other farm products, but meanwhile there is room to try and reduce the cost of production, and large efforts have been made ill fcome cases. We know now that it is possible to feed Oil a rational scale, and that OVBR-FEEDING is not only a mistake, but a very common one, indeed it is quite possible to over-feed with the food grown on a farm, more particularly with such things as hay and mangolds. Usually, of course, it is the use of expensive concentrates which runs up the bill, and probably the first reduction would take place in the use of these where over-feeding had becu prac- tised. The food ought not -to cost more than 5d. to bd. per gallon of milk produced in the winter time, and a good deal less in summer time, and if any man finds after enquiry and figuring it out that he j, spending more than this per head daily then he is over-doing it, and there is room for improvement, Many farmers have found that they were over- doing it, and from 8d. to lOd. has been found to be quit., a common expenditure, althougl. when the farmer; who did this were shown their error they wore able immediately to set about the improvement without any corresponding reduction in the milk yield. The next point in connection with reducing the cost of production is the IMPROVEMENT OF THE MILK YIELD if self. and the original use of milk records was to find out which were the best milkers in a here1, and to remove those which gave less than a certain standard, and to keep and breed from the best. Now, however, we know that the milking power is carried by the bull as much as by the cow, and bulls from milking dams are now greatly sought after. To put the matter in another way it is quite possible to find cows which will yield 800 gallons of milk on the same food as another requires which yields only 600 gallons. It follows therefore that if we stick to an 800 gallon cow and breed from her and her kind we are reducing the coat of production by making the same quantity of food yield it larger amount of milk. A further point in the course of progress is to breed cows of a dual purpose, that is to say, those which will milk well for a certain period, and will then fatten easily and thus develop an animal which contains both beef and milk in her constitution. This is the sort of cow we want, as the celling out price has a very great deal to do I oiit pri with the cost of producing milk, and the ultimate profit from the dairy. In these other points at least we have made very great progress indeed. PRESERVING TIMBER. The Board 01 Agriculture has just issued a leaflet on the above subject. There is all immense deal oi wooden fencing and other woodwork about tho farm which is always rotting away and needing repairs. The principal damage, of course, is done where the timber is set into the ground as with fencing stakes, and the rotting takes place just at the surface of the soil, "between the wind and he wet. Deep down there is no air and the land is always damp, so that the under portion of the post remains preserved. Then again, the part whicn is standing above the ground is thoroughly ventilated, and although wetted by ram iii dry the greater part of the time, so that it lasts double or treble longer than the part which is just at the surface, where the microbe action is strongest, as the rotting of the timber is of course due to tho presence of microbes. Soaking timber in creosote is the greatest preventive, as creosote is a deadly poison to all germ life; even coal tar will have a good effect though not so thorough as creosote. The leaflet points out that for ordinary farm work it is not necessary to force the creosote into the timber either by boiling or pressure. THE EASIEST WAY is to procure a tank and fill this with creosote, ami put the stakes or posts into this to a depth of about two and a half feet, and allow them to stay there for two or three weeks. By this means the part of the stake which is most liable to go wrong is thoroughly soaked, and when some stakes are taken out others ought to be put in so as to keep up a succession. Creosote can be bought in 40-gallon barrels, and the creosote apparatus ought to be put under a roof 60 as to keep rain off. As this stuff is excessively inflammable the work must be done at a distance from houses or stacks, so that a remote corner of the farmyard should be set aside for this purpose. Any kind of cistern or tank will do, and it is quite the bounds of any ordinary farmer to 6et about carrying out this kind of work himself. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Cramp in Turkeys: Reader.—This is usually due to damp and the want of exercise. Removing on to a wooden floor will sometimes cure it: if bad rub some turpentine on feet and legs and keep on dry floors. Preventing Broken Wind: Ignorance.—Proper dieting will go a long way to prevent this: use no musty hay or corn, give the food slightly damped. allow access to 6alt "lick" with occasional bran mash. Balls or medicine can be had at any chemist s for special treatment. Farm .Seeds: E.L.F.—Any seedsman will supply you with small quantities of farm seeds on applica- tion your local paper will have advertisements of firms who will make up small quantities for export. I happen to know, however, that these if sent out to Wisconsin would be no improvement on the kinds in use out there—beans indeed would not grow at all- for there is a very active State organisation which has done much in testing, selecting, and otherwise improving the crops native to that State. I have been there to see. P.S.—The author will be pleased to answer through this column such queries with regard to matters of Agriculture. etc., as are likely to be of general interest to readers. Letters should be addressed to Primrose McConnell, 69, Highgate, Kendal.

MARKETS GRAIN, &c. LONDON, Wed., June 17.—Weather fine and hot. attendance small, and trade generally restricted. Wheat dull and easy—No. 1 Northern Manitoba? 17. 3d, No. 2 Northern Manitobas 36s 9d ship to arrive, sellers.; other grades dull and neglected. Flour quiet at late rates—Town Households 27s 6d mill, Iron Dukes 24s 6d landed. Maize weaker- Plate 26s 6d landed sellers. Barley quieter—Black Sea 23s 9d landed. Oats the turn easier—Bahia Blanca 16s 7^1 landed sellers. English wheat scarce 2 and unchanged. NEWPORT, Wed., June 17.—Wheat and flour were reported steady. Maize and barley were fed dearer on the week, and oats 3d in advance. Sharps were in brisk demand at 5s per ton dearer on the week. Bran was in fairly good demand for the time of year at prices unchanged from last week. CATTLE. NEWPORT, Wed., Juno 17.—There was a moderate supply of cattle offered here to-day with a large supply of sheep, lambs, and calves, and a fair amount of pig. Trade was quick at the fol- lowing prices:—Best beef 7d to 7ld per lb., seconds 7d to 7id, oows 5d to 6d; wether mutton 9d to d, ewe 7id to 8d; lamb, lOd per lb.; calves, 8d to lOd per lb.; pigs—porkers 13., sows 8s per score. LEICESTER, June 17.-About the average supply of cattle; trade firm at about last week's prices for the best quality cattle, but cows and rough cattlw were rather cheaper. Sheep and lambs shown in large numbers, and trade was not so good as last week, nice quality shearlings making 8Jd, hwavier weights 7id, and lambs of best quality 9 £ d, the latter showing a marked fall in price on the week. Good supply of pigs, bacono making 9s to lis 6d, %nd porkers 1115 to 12s. LONDON, Metropolitan Cattle Market, June 15. —A few more cattle on offer, but quality not so good as last week; trade opened very slow, only the best, cattle getting sold early, and prices must be quoted at 2d per stone (8 lba.) les* money on the week. Cows and bulls, however, were a firm trade 4T Irish grass-fed cattle were shown, realising from 4i lOd to 5s per 8 lba. Smaller supplies of sheep and lambs, which met a very dull market, except small choice Scotch and Southdowns, of 50 to 56 Ibs., which sold readily at lOd to 1Clcl per lb. NORTHAMPTON, June 17.—Rather small show of cattle. 166 being on offer, against 223 the pre vious week; trade fair. best quality beasts making 5s 2d. and other sorts 4s 4d to 4s 8d, per 8-lb. si one. Sheep fully as dear as last week, but lambs were rather cheaper. prices for these ranging from 9d to lOd. against 9 £ d to 10^<i last week. Bacon* and porkprs of the best quality made 10s to 10s 6d per stone. WELLINGTON (Salop), June 15.—Barely 300 fat cattle on offer, against 365 last wpek; the quality again was all that could be desired, but prices were 10s to JE1 per head lower than the previous week, the average live weight quotation for prime-fed beasts being about 438 3d per live cwt.. while 40K was obtained for a very good quality bull. Nice quality wether mutton in good demand, but lambs and fat ewes were rather cheaper. Pigs in slow demand at about 10s to lis per score. LEICESTER, June 13.—Nearly 300 store cattle on offer to-day, but trade was exceedingly slow the prices given for young local stores in the auctions did not show any reduction, but the older cattle were entirely neglected. Good rearing calves con- tinue very dear. Dairy cows were a very poor lot. but the tendency is towards higher prices. NORTHAMPTON. June 13.-Onlv a moderate attendance of buyers in the market to-day. and supplies of store cattle were ahead of the demand fi 'ide being very slow. A good bunch of steers made E21, while young barrens made E15 15s., and other young steers E14. Dairy cows were in better demand at improved prices, the top ((notation being 3221 ICs. Rearing calves continue a good trade, reaching 70s. Sheep were in fair demand shearlings making from 45s 6d to 51s and lambs from 29s to

l ^1 r|l iPr^" LISTER" SSI I MW SEPARATOR | f Mp.dc throughout of the Finest Materials^] ] E /ff^i I(SLnc1* Workmanship, at DursJey. Gloucester^] ■ ■r/jfj ffs^Tet m one ot Best Equipped Factories^ J ■fll iii liae l'Iritisli Enpit-c. 1A PERFECT SKIMMER, EASY TO TURN, CLEAN VJ is "It "Ile i,ister," as i* i sittisfir- tI." 'juch iotiger is acttialiv tll, oi- tIAe I fflii ^i'MpnT Write ior Catalogues of SEPARATORS jj & CHTTRi-'fi, BtJTTEJt-WORXERS, ffi */| RSrXIGERATOSS, KILE. IX& /,§j lllhk JffSBmr SHEAR*. «tc., to Makers: =ilk 1 jflKSl R. A. LISTER & Co.. t" I t ? Local Agent-J. TOM JONES, 11-29, Bridge Street, CARMARTHEN.

By order of the Court of Chancery the Miers estate, a mineral property in the Neath Valley, including minerals underlying 8,041 acres and with a grofes income of £ 18.000. was sold at auction at ■Swansea yesterday for £ 325,000, or £ 45,000 above the reserve price, to Mr. Evan Bevan. a former mayor of Neath. a colliery owner and landowner, of Neath. The estate includes the greater part of the township of Onllwyn and the manors of Caegurwon, Neath Ultra and Kilybebyll. It was pointed out that great development had taken place in the anthracite coal trade, and if it continued in the next ten years the income derived from the estate at prosent would be comparatively if insignificant. From 1888 to 1889 the income amounted to 24,271, in the subsequent twelve years it increased to B7,830, and for the last twelve years it aggregated £ 18,724. There were great re- serves of unworkod coal. The total thickness of the seams in the Dulais Valley aggregated 58ft, and in the Cwmgorse district 33ft., of which seven seams were being actively worked in the former and six in the latter. In the Dulais Valley it was estimated that 157 million tons of coal were still available, and in the G "launcalgurwen district there were over 47 million tons. There are ten collieries on the estate all in active operation. Bidding started at £150,000 and rose by £ 10,000 to £ 300,000 then thousands were bid, and at £ 325,000 it was knocked down in one lot to Mr. Bevan. This is the largest sale in one lot that has ever taken place at S-.v«nsea or in South Wales.

McKEE & CO., Waterproof. Weatherproof <& Oilskin Expert9, 10, Queen Street, CARDIFF. The New" NEVER-GET-WET" Coloured Oilskins. Increasingly fashionable. For Ladiet 12/9 and 21/- For Gentlemen 12 9 „ 21/- For Boys and Girl* 6/9 upward*. Don't risk a soaking-get a Nover-6t-Wet" at once. For Summer Wear The New I& Weatberproof RL' withfashionable Shot Liaings. Light, Cool, Protective. An excellent Holiday For Ladies, 30/. and 42/- For Gentlemen, 301. and 42/. or easur-. Don 't start on Holiday without a New McKee Weatherproof. The "BUTE" Guaranteed Waterproof Coat for Gentlemen or Ladies. Prices, 21/. 301., 421. cash. Carriage Paid. There are many professed Waterproofs, but if you want a perfect Rain Register, get one of our "BUTE" guaranteed Waterproofs. Well cut,Smart, variety of newest materials. Money returned if not approved. Waterproof Bed Sheets, If., 1/6. Rubber both sides, 2/ 2/6, 3/6. Soft Rub. ber Cushions. 8/6. Hot Water Bottles, 4'6. Non-Stoop Braces to make you u priglit, 4,6 per pair. Boys'and Girls'. 3/9. Elastic Stockjngs, extra strong, 5/6 and 7,6 per pair. MP" Ask for Price List (free) of the viany Rubber Comforts and Appliances that wc supply. All tile abort Carriage fa id.—Money refunded if net affroved. McKEE & CO., p'jL!,erfoPerticrproof 10. Queen Street. CARDIFF.

CARMARTHEN The fortnightly meeting of the Cacmarthen Board of Guardiano was held at the Board-room of the Workhouse on Saturday, ilr. John Jones, Plas, Ferryside, presiding. There worn also present: — M easts. John Williams, Abergwili; Thomas Davies, I Aberrant; John Evans, C-onwil Elfet; John Jones, Conwil Elfet; John Jones, Laugharne Town; Dd. Stephens, Llanarthney; Wm. Braaell, Llanarthnev; Evan Bowen, Llandefeilog; J. J. Bowen, Llan- Sunnock; Joseph Phillips, Llanddowror; M. W. Jenkins Llanfihangel; John Lewis, Llangendeirne; Liewehn Morgan, Lianginniii$; John Herbert, 'dnnllav. ddog; Thomas Davies, Merthjr; Richard Jeremy. Newchurch; Benjamin Salmon, St. Clears; J. S. Williams, Treleeh-ar-Bettws; J. Patagonia Lewis. St. Peter; Thomas Thomas, t. Peipr. THE MASTER S REPORT. The Master in his report seated:—" Divine service was conducted in the house on Sunday, 7th June, by the Rev. E. U. Thomas, Tabernacle Baptist Church, and on Sunday, 14th June, by Mr. Henry T'nomu*. Presbyterian School, on behalf of Union- street Congregational Church. The number of inmates in ttie iiouse on the last day of the week was 53. against 53 for the corresponding period last; year. The number of casual paupers relieved during the fortnight was 100, against 163 for the tame period last year. The Rev. E. Alban Davies, chair- man of the Llandiio Board of Guardians, visited the hou-e on the 19th inst. and made the following entry:—: I paid a visit to the house to-day, and p al was delighted wtih all I saw.' Periodicals were kindly given to the inmates by Miss G. M. E. White, lady guardian, and Mr. Townsend. Brynteg." RELIEVING OFFICERS' REPORT. The report of the relieving offioers showed the amount of outdoor relief distributed during the previous Board-day to have .been ae followsFirst week: 678, an increase of 12 as compared with the corresponding week last year; expenditure, ;61M 16s. 2d.. an increase of £10 2s. 6d. Seoond week: 671 paupers, an increase of 1; expenditure. £ 38 15,. an increase of E3 12s. 6d. TREASU RER" S REPORT. The Treasurer s report showed the balance in hand on the previous Board-day to have been £5,128 5s. ocl. HOUSEHOLDERS TEIltwRISED. A report was read from the West Wales Vagrancy Committee pointing out that tile way ticket system had proved a great success in reducing the number of tramps in the districts where the system existed. Mr. Llewelyn Morgan safd many of the vagrants now changed their route, and went along the by- roads to beg. ■Sir. J. -S. Williams said there was no doubt that the tramps were now becoming very troublesome and nasty to people who spoke to them. Mr. Llewellyn Morgan SUllo the way ticket system was oil very well in villages where there were policemen, but in isolated parts the tramps threa- tened women and children, and said his children had had tl) come for him to turn out a tramp from the house. "I would have given him this if I had seen him" said Mr. Morgan holding up his clenched fist. I would not mind if he was as big as a mountain. I would be ill for him, he added amid laughter. Mr. O. Stephens—Supposing he was too good a man for you, what then? Mr. Morgan—That would be his ILi,,k. not mine (laughter). Mr. J. Patagonia Lewi* said they were also troublesome in Carmarthen. Some tramps had come into his house and refused tc leave until they were ejected by the police. One of them had smashed Cloth Hairs window and was sent to gaol for it. The Chairman aid the only way to stamp them out was for people to refuse them food when they begged for it. THE WORKHOUSE WINDOW. Mr. John Jones, Laugharne, said he had examined the workhouse windows and found one of them in a bad state of repair. There was no damp course above it at present, and he suggested that one should be inserted when repairing. He proposed that an architect be appointed to see to the matter and bring in a report with an estimate of the cost at the next meeting. Two architt were nomi- nated, namely; Mr. E. Morgan, Pendine, and Mr. Morgan Morgan, Carmarthen. On being put to the vote, the majority voted for the latter. THE OLD AGE PENSION. The Clerk read a letter from the Wandsworth Union asking the Board to make an application to the Government for an increase in the old age pen- sion to 7s. 6d. per week and a reduction in the age to 65 years, i'he matter was adjourned for a fort- night. COTTAGE HOME. It was decided at the last meeting that the in- spector of the Local Government Board should be invited to inspect certain houses which the Board intend to purchase tor cottage homes. The Clerk said that with regard to the houses in Barn s-road the inspector was well pleased and he could recommend them being used as cottage homes. The Llanelly Guardians have purchased two similar houses for the same purpose. Mr. Dd. Stephens—What percentage would we have to pay for the loan? The CIerk-I think it is 3 per cent. Rev. J. Herbert moved that a small committee of five, two from the town and three from the country. be appointed to carefully consi<fc)r the matter. Mr. John Jones seconded. Miss Thomas—Wo have had committees for the last two years, and here we are in the same position to-day. If the inspector approves of the houses why should we not do so. If you buy these two houses I you can easily sell them as they are conveniently situated in the centre of the town. Mr. Dd. Stephens—W f must be very caretul be- cause these cottage homes may be done away with altogether in a few years. Mr. J. S. Williams proposed that they finish it that day. He said that every member knew the matter was coming before the Board and that they were going to consider it that day. In his opinion the houses were model ones. On being put to the vote, it was decided to appoint a small committee of five. The committee were then appointed.

LLANDILO The fortnightly meeting of this Board wep liel(I on Saturday, when there were present: Mr. John Lewis (chairman), Mr. Evan Davies. Mr. Hy. Her- her:. Messrs. R. D. Powell, W. Williams, J. Bevan, Robt. Matthews. Rev. J. Thompson Jenkins, and Messrs. J. L. Williams, J. Morgan, Jacob Davies. Caleb Thomas. D. Thomas, J. Thomas. W. Hopkins. W. Ivoberfs, Llanfynydd; W. Lewis. W. Stephens. J. Richards. J. L. Richards. Arthur Williams. D. Ghn Jenkins. Rev. Alban Davie*; the clerk. Mr. R. Shipley Lewis; the deputy clerk, Mr. D. Jones- Morris and the other officials. COMPLIMENT TO A RELIEVING OFFICER. Mr. W. Popkin, relieving officer, was compli- mented on the way he was dealing with the wife deserters in the district and bringing them to book. Four men had been arrested and proceeded against. Mr. W. Popkin-I have now the fifth in custody (laughter). THE HOUSE. The Master reported that the number of inmates was 58. against 59 corresponding period. Vagrants relieved for the fortnight 98. againt 178 in the corresponding period. Services had been conducted at the house by the Rev. R. H. Roberts (curatel and the Rev..T. Morris (C.M.). Newspapers had been sent by Mrs. (Dr.) Phillips. Mr. J. Harries. Fron- Handilo. and Miss MaeDonald. Maesyquarre. Bettv.s. Mr. Arthur Williams sent 2s. 6d. to be distributed among the children. A vote of thank* accorded the donors. THE NEW OFFICES. The Local Government Board wrote approving of the room in the new offices set apart for registration purposes, and it was resolved to invite tenders for linoleum, mats. &c., where required. The question as to the kind of chairs that should be selected and in respect to which tenders should be invited. led to a lengthy discussion, and after it had been decided what kind pattern and wood were to be chosen, it was decided that those who tendered should be asked to send in tenders for office chairs, round pattern, with a back. against that day fortnight. THE PRESS.' Mr. J. Richards said 110 arrangement had beea made with reference to providing a place for the press. They would require a table and some furni- ture. The Chairman agreed that provision ought to made for their comfort. The Clerk said the members had not made arrange- ments for their own corrrfort. When they met at the new offices they could then decide as to the manner in which they would group the chairs and so on. Mr. Arthur William* suid that the press would have the same chance as ordinary members and The Clerk added that hu had no doubt they would shift for a day. A cheque was drawn for J36 18s. 3d.. being Llan- dilo s proportion under the way tjcket system. TENDERS. The tender of MM. Davies. Pentrecwn. for butter at Is. l^d. and cheese at 5jd. was accepted after a lengthy discussion, beveral of the members held that the price was too high and that the goods could be bought cheaper at the market. Mr. Thomas Lewis' tender for groceries was accepted, Mr, Rhydderch Davies for coal, and Mr. Wm. Stephens, butcher." for fresh meat. COMMITTEE-S REPORT. Mr. W. Hopkins presented his report on the houses that the committee had visited, one of which might prove suitable for a home for the children now at the house. The places visited were:—No. 1, Cambrian-place; Myrddin'» Temperance Hotel; 9, Carmarthen-street, and Waterloo House. He was accompanied by Mr. Davies. Mrs. E. A. Roberts, another member of the committee, was unfortun- ately confined to her bed with illneta and was therefore unable to attend. Mr. Robt. Matthews proposed that the members of the Boarding-out Committee be added to this com- mittee and also thtj name of Mr. Henry Herbert. Mr. Evan Davies said that there might be another j house which might be suitable and if so that should be taken into consideration. Mr. W. Hopkins said that if there was another house they would be very pleased to inspect it, and Mr. L. N. Powell said that they would not tie the committee's hands. TREASURER'S ACCOUNT. Tiie ireaourer's aocount showed a balance in hand of £ 3,543, but cheques were to be drawn that day The Clerk in reply to a question said that the parish of Talley had paid all its precepts due now, but this was a first instalment. The Council sealed the contract for vaoj.nation with Dr. Stevenson Richmond.

Rural District Council A meeting of the Rural District Council syils held later. Sir. Evan Davies, J.P., Pistiilgwyn. chair- man. presided. Mr. J. Thomas asked if it was correct tnat Mr. Evans, a next-door neighbour of Mr. Jacob Davies, had ottered to take the water jointly with the latter, in which case it would not cost the ratepayers a penny. He should like to get an answer from the Sanitary Inspector. The cost to the ratepayers had been about £ 29. The Sanitary Inspector aaid he had a conversa- tion with cuis gentleman about it. But he told him that the colliery company who contaminated the water wat, responsible ior the supply, and that he was going to get the colliery company to carry it to his house. The Chairman—The answer to the question is "No": The Sanitary Inspector—Yes, certainly. Mr. J, Thonuu-The man himself told me. Mr. J. Bevan remarked that he told him that he had asked Mr. Davies if he would agree to take it jointly. and Mr. Davies refused point blank. Mr. Jaoob Davies said he believed he had been too lenient with the Cquncil. His previous supply had been contaminated. He ought to have asked them to bring that down to his place. He mentioned that he also, had to pay something independently to Mr. Jones, Duffryn. The Chairman pointed out that the Inspector in his reply said no mention had been made as to taking the water jointly. PLAXS COMMITTEE. The report of the Plans Committee on this occasion contained no matter of interest. CWMLLYNFELL WATER WORKS. A letter was received from the engineer certifyin. for the payment of a cheque for £35() to the con- tractor of the Cwmllynfell water works. He siso expressed satisfaction at the way the work been carried out. Mr. H. D. Powell invited hit fellow-members to attend the opening ceremony and moved that th^.c who intended being present should hand their nauie- to the Clerk. A member asked if there would be any cham- pagne (laughter). Mr. R. D. Powell was understood to reply that they would do the best they could for them. NATIONAL LIBRARY OF WALES. COUNCIL SUBSCRIBE £25, The Clerk said he had written applying to the Local Government Board asking for their sanction for making a contribution of 1;50 towards the build- ing fund of the National Library of Wales. The reply was to the effect that the Board wa. pre- pared to sanction the payment of a reasonable amount, but having regard to the amounts sanctioned in other cases they were not satisfied with the amount proposed in this instance as they regarded it as unnecessarily large. Mr. W. Roberts—I beg to propose j525 instead of C50. Thie was seconded. Mr. W. llichardi said that he noticed that in several places they had not subscribed anything. I Mr. J. Bevan, speaking on behalf of the working men, said that they were contributing from different sources towards the library. The result was that they were subscribing three or four times. He did not approach the subject from a religious or politi- cal point of view as had been done by a member at a previous meeting. Air. J. Richards asked what the Local Government Board would consider a reasonable amount? The Clerk-The-, don't tell you that. Mr. J. Richards-I propose you write to ask them. Mr. L. N. Powell seconded Mr. D. W. Lewis. He was rather surprised with the reply of the Local Government Board under the circumstances having regard to the contributions allowed in the case of other public bodies. He thought that it was rather unnecessary interference on their part. Rev. Thompson Jenkins said they had contributed £5(\Q through the County Council. On being put to the meeting there voted for the motion four and for the amendment 10. The Rev. Thompson Jenkins thought that it was a perfect waste of money to subscribe this large sum having regard to the terrible way in which their rates had gone up. and that money for this institu- tion could be got from other sources. He proposed that these gentlemen whe were advocating that they should su-bs. l'ibe should -end the hat round amongst- themselves. He knew that he would have no seconder (laughter). Mr. J.Revan then proposed that thev subscribe £1()- Mr. Wm. Williams seconded. He thought £ 25 would be a rather large sum for them to give. and he was somewhat surprised when he saw the list that morning that large towns like Swansea had only subscribed £ 25. These place;-had a greater rate- able value and population than themselves. Pontar- dawe and several other places gave nothing. He thought they would be doing their part, well by jrrf.nting B10 and he doubted very much whether they ought to give anything themselves, as it would do harm to the institution. He thought it was a fai-e move on the part of the National Lihrnry to ak for contributions from public bodies nnd elo^irg the pockets of the ratepayers outside who would take it for granted that they had contributed through their councils. Another objection that he had was that the Library was at Aberystwyth and nor in some convenient pla-c for the working men in South Wales. One of the cbicf movers for the Library refused to give anything unless it was loeatcd at Aberystwyth, and if they all were The same as him they would have no National Library at all in Wales.

I "BLACK CAT" Cigarettes are really 10 for 4d. I Virginias, but we sell them 10 for 3d. because we are content with less than the Three Million pound profit of the Trust every year. And even then we share our profit with you in the shape of Cigarette Cases, Pipes, Safety Razors, Cricket Outfits, &c. Save the coupons. lLi u m 10-F0*r 2 -"2-

TEIFY BOARD OF CONSERVATORS The quarterly meeting of the above Board was held on Friday last at the Salutation Hotel. New- castle Emlyn. when the following were present:— Dr. H. Bankes Price. Lampeter (chairman). Messrs. Charles Lloyd, J. Bowen Davies, D. J. Williams D. Martin Jones. Dr. Jones. Dd. Roberts. Percy Wil- kinson, D. Williams. Mac-scanol, Thos. Jones. Llan- llwni; Urias Richards. W. Lewes. Llvsnewvdd: \). D. Walters. T. LI. Williams. Major Cass. D.S.O.. R S. Rowland. J. Lewis, Meiros Hall: H. W. c Howell (clerk). Phil Jones ((assistant dittoi, and Evan Griffiths (head water-bailiff). The Clerk reported that two persons had been prosecuted against during the year. both of whom were fined. Mr. R. S. Rowland moved that the appointment of bailiffs be in the hands of the members of the Board. which was carried. NIGHT FISHING. The Rev. D. D. Walters moved that Bye-law No. 5. which is as follows be repealed :—"The use in any inland water within the Teify Fishery District of any net. except a landing net. or a net for taking eeL,. between the expiration of the first hour after sun-set, and the commencement of the last hour before sunrise is prohibited.* This Bye-law was confirmed by the Board of Agri- culture and Fisheries on the 9th of January, 1913. Mr. Walters brought this forward at the request of the Cenarth coracle fishermen who since the passing of this Bye-law have been seriously handicapped 'n their vocation, its the prohibiting of night netting has practically ruined their chances of augmenting their funds by fishing. On a vote being taken 6 members voted for the motion and 10 against, consequently the bye-!aw will remain in force. HEAD WATER-BAILIFF'S REPORT. Mr. E. Griffiths. Head Water-Bailiff, reported that the season opened with brig b l prospects, and there was every reason to expect a productive season. The extremely dry weather experienced from the middle of April had greatly diminished the number of catches, and without fre-sh water there could be no improvement. The seine nets were doing ex- ceedingly well since the 9th inst. On Monday the 15h of this month one boat of the name of "Fancy" bad a shoal of 97 salmon, over a hundred being caught altogether. On Thursday. 18th inst., 27 salmon were hauled in one tide at St. Dogmells. they were of heavy weight and in good condition, the 27 weighed over 4 cwt. It was known and reported that the bay was well stocked with salmon, and prospects were very favourable, and with the aid of fresh water excellent fishing was anticipated. Thi year there were 14 licensed draft nets, and 32 licensed coracle net, In addition to the 14 draft nets at St. Dogmells. there had also been issued a draft net license at Newport (Pem..). The licences for draft net were taken out from the 25th to the 30th of April, except two in February. The coracle men have also had very good fishing from the beginning of the season to the middle of April, but since then very poor. The salmon fish- ing with rod and l:ne was also fairly good from the beginning of the season. 1st of April, to the middle of May. Since then there was hardly any fishing done. Up till the present time the number of salmon caught with rod and line was 91. the heaviest weighing 26 lbs., grassed by Mr. Comperyer on Apri! 13th, on the Porth Hotel waters: also his brother on the same date caught a salmon weigh- ing 24 lbs. on Llysnewvdd waters: and Mr. Charlc4 Llovd. Waunifor, caught a salmon on his own waters. Mav 18th. 22 13th April. 14 April 4th. 16 Ibs.. 13th. 14 lb, May 13th. Dd. Roberts. Lampeter. 23 lbs., Mr. Baldwin. Lion Hotel. Lampeter, lbs., both on Waunifor waters. Mr. Griffiths. Llany- bvther. grassed a salmon on the 13th April. 22 Ih; Mr. Timothy. Glandenis. Lampeter. April 12th 23 lbs., Mr. Patchell on Porth Hotel. April 12th. 14 lbs.. 13th. 21 lbs., also Mr. Evans. Station, Maesy- crugiau. Mav 8th. 20 lbs.. June 15th. John Lewis, Pontwelly. 191 lbs.. 13th. Mr. Watts Jones. Graig- lderi. 10 lbs. The number caught during the cor- responding periods of the previous three seasons was;—1'913. 157; 1912 83: 1911. 45. Trout fishing was almost at a stop since the second weelc in May. but several good baskets were reported taken with fly in the evenings by good experienced fishermen. Wednesday. May 20th. he visited Strata Florida mines and first examined Esgermwyn Lead Mine. He found this in fairly good order, a bank i^xmt 3 feet high had been made at the bottom of t1" -ravel hill where the dredger carried the stuff from the whiffle table over the hill: also they made two new cntch pits on the mill leet, and one new catch pit at Cwmmawr mines. —^

A RECORD ROYAL." The Roval Show which opens at Shrewsbury on June 30th. continuing for the rest of that week, will eclipse all the long aeries that has gone before. When the Society celebrated its jubilee in 1889, with the memorable show at Windsor over which Queen Victoria presided, the entries set up a re- cord which has stood ever since, but apart from the jubilee show the forthcoming meeting at Shrews- bury will be the biggest in the Society's history, and present indications point to its being incom- paratively the best. Various new features have been introduced so that the show will be a real mirror of the progress of the Agricultural industry in these Islands. Some of these novelties have a broad popular interest, in fact in all their arrange- ments the management have kept in -view the claims of the general public who annually visit the show in large numbers. There is hardly a representative breeder in the Kingdom but figures among the exhibitors. The prizes offered are more valuable in the aggregat, than on the previous occasion, repre- senting £ 11.700. There will be a fine show of dogs as an extra attraction. Very complete arrangements are being made to afford convenient and cheap travelling' facilities from all parts of the country to the show.

r BISHOP OF ST. DAVID'S AND THE CHURCH BILL The Bishop of St. David's is of opinion that the Nonconformist protest against the Welsh Church Bill has already had a great effect of public opinion, and that it will have a still greater effect when the Bill comes to be one of the principal issues before the country at the next General Election. I have no doubt at all that is will be," said the Bishop in an interview, judging from facts at recent bye-elections within my knowledge, the Government will have no cause to congratulate itself upon having placed this mean little Bill upon the Statute Book, should it do so. The late Lord W olverhampton. whose judgment was very shrewd, attributed the defeat of the Radical Government in 1895 to the first Welsh Bill, and I look forward with. confidence to the judgment of the people at the polls in the near future upon a measure to alienate religious endowments which are admittedly well used to secular objects for which provision could easily be made from other sources. At any rate. Churchmen are in the position of trustees who, having failed to obtain justice from the lower court—the House of Commons-are bound in duty to their trust to carry their appeal for justice to the higher court—the peopie at the polls. The mis- take the Government has made is to treat this Bill as a mere question of party politics, whereas it i* in reality a question of justice and of religion. I I'D

THE GERMAN MENACE A WARNING NOTE. The "National Review" for June contains an article entitled "Germany and Ourselves," from the pen of Capt. Bertrand Stewart, who was for two years the inmate of a German prison, and writes from personal experience. His trial and conviction, which raised a storm at the time. will be remembered by many. Let us." he writes, "understand Germany's position. "She has learnt that the policy of open hostility to England at all times does not pa:" because it keeps us too much on the qui vive, and because it strengthens the hands of those who urge that full preparations should be made to meet anv German act of agression. Hence a show of friendliness has been assumed in the hope that she may obtain concessions from us, and that the British nation, with its proverbially short memory, will be lulled into a feeling of false security. But what is really her present position as regards ourselves? There have been pleasant speeches by the German Am- bassador. But has there been a reduction of one soldier or one sailor as a proof of this friendliness? On the contrary!" If the change of attitude indicated a real change of feeling towards England, it should have been accompanied by at least a decrease in the German navy." After dealing with the hunger for more land which the German Government do their utmost to foster amongst their people, and with the teaching of some of their leading writers that this land can be most easily obtained from us by war or threats of war, he adds: "But besides land and monev there are things of at least equal valu" to our people which we should sacrifice were we to giH Germany her longed-for opportunity. Those are freedom and the right to justice on all occasions." He then compared our system of justice with the German. Among many extraordinary details he telk us that a prisoner may be kept !;i;X mnoths in a cell waiting for a "'trial timed to suit the poli- tical exigencies of the moment. A penniless agent provocateur, the creature of the Government-and already convicted of every sort of crime—mav trv. but fail. to provoke the commission of some act against the law and yet be the only witness against the prisoner. This man's perjury, admitted in the secrecy of the Magistrate's room—as the Prose- cution is careful to arrange—counts for nothing. Then, worst of all. a prisoner may be tried behind closed doors despite all his protests; lying state- ments, which the prisoner is given no chance to deny in public, may be published for political pur- poses; and a judgment given absolutely contrary to the evidence and the admissions of the Prosecution because it may be politically useful, or an agita- tion may be in progress for more ships." All this, according to their standard, is jus- tice, and according to their view is right. Is this and the Sabre Law exemplified at Zabern. and the treatment of their conquered provinces, a system which the most callous amongst us would wish to see imposed on any of our people, whatever their race? We must realise that the preservation of the priceless blessings of freedom and justice depends on our keeping ourselves strong enough to prevent Germany defeating us and forcing her system and her justice on our people. When Germany increases her armaments we must do likewise. When Germany reduces her armaments, we can think of doing likewise but not till then. 'Never must we by any show of friendliness or by any soft words, whoever may be the spokesman be lulled into a feeling of security. The methods of the ruling class in Germany change, but behind it all. with their ever-increasing naval and military forces, they always pursue their unaltered I aim. Co-operation throughout the Empire, real efficiency in all branches of our defensive Services, and the readiness of everyone to take his share in the defence of the Mother Country and the great Dominions can alone bring us security."

CANADIAN MINE DISASTER.—A serious disaster occurred on Friday la.,t at the HiUcrt. mine. Alberta. Canada, as a result of which 197 lives were lost. The cause of the disaster was an explosion followed by fire. Th" majority of the miners are English and Canadians, and about 30 per cent, The work of bringing out the bodies is being proceeded with. but the conditions underground are indescribable and another explosion is momentarily feared. It is probable thaT the majority of bodies will be irrecoverable.

I i 11 1 Write for full particulars and nearest agent, to R. J. Fullwood & Bland, 31 to 35, Bevenden Street, HoxtMi, Loftdui, N

34s. while Cheviot ewes with lambs sold well at 52s. and a few Down couples made 71s. TREOARON. June 16.—At this special sale of store sheep about 680 were penned; trade very slow, dealers mostly having large stocks on hand which tli(, v are not anFous to increase, while fears of further drv weather no doubt prepared farmers to accept lower prices. Welsh ewes with lantbs made from 33s to 48s and himbs about 20s to 22" PROVISIONS. LLANDILO, Sat.. June 20.—The market to-day wa.- on a small scale owing to the fair being on Monday. It was, however, a quick one, everything being cleared quite early. Quotations: Fresh butter, lljd per lb; tub ditto, lOd and 102d per lb; eggs. 11 for Is; cheese—Welsh, 6d per lb; cream an'd Caerphilly, 7j,d; Cheddar, 8d and 8 £ d per lb; honey, lid per lb; rabbits, 8d each; leverets, 5d and 6d each; poultry—trussed ducks Is per lb, live 2s 9d and 3s each; trussed chickens. Is per lb; trussed fowls, lOd per lb, live 5s per couple; fish- trout, Is; salmon. 2s 3d; meat—prime joints of l>eef. 9d other cuts, 8d and 3 £ d suet and kidney. 8d; steak, lOd and lid; pork, 9d and lOd; veal, from lOd to lid; lamb, lid; mutton, 9d and lOd; flannel—white, Is and Is Id; shirting, Is Id; coloured serge. Is 8d; turnovers, 2s 6d and 2s 8d each; large nursing shawls, 10s and lis each; white blankets( 24s per pair: ready-made shirts (men's full size), from 6s to 6s 6d each; wool—white in the grease, 2s 2d; brown, 2s 6d; best black, 2s 8d; best black fine, 3s 4d per lb. CARMARTHEN, Sat., June 20.-Brisk business was done, the attendance being large. Quotations: —Butter, lid and llgd per lb; poultry—ducks 3. 9d to 4s each; chickens 38 9d to 4s, fowls 2s 6d to 2s to 2s 9d: cheese, 43s per cwt. eggs, 12 for Is. BUTTER. CORK. Wed.. June 17.-Firsts 95s, r-econd-s 91s; ■fresh butter from 95s per cwt. CHEESE. NEWPORT, Wed., June 17.There was a very poor market here to-dav in consequence of the non- arrival of the supplies from High-bridge. Prices showed no change from last week.

On a division there voted—For a contribution of £ 10, 7; for the motion that they subscribe £ 25, 1C. The motion was therefore declared carried. I LLANDEBIE WATER MAINS. A mortgage to the Blackburn Philharmonic Assur- ance Co.. Ltd.. to secure repayment of j5750 and interest at three three-eights per cent. per annum, repayable by way of annuity in 30 years, was execu- ted. Mr. John evan moved that the drainage of Dyffryn-road. Saron. be constructed and tenders asked for.