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THE WAR.
THE WAR. DURBAN, Dec 19. Several detachments of the King's Royal Rifles, the Welsh Fusiliers, and other Regiments left the Hospital ship Lismore Castle, which is stationed here, for the front, having completely recovered from their wounds, thanks to the splendid climate, excellent medical and surgical attention, and the best of skilled nursing. MODDER RIVER, Dec 20. Yesterday afternoon a naval twelve-pounder succeeded in bursting a shell amidst a group of the enemy, inflicting severe loss. A 4-7 inch gun to- day planted a shell close to a trench where the Boers were working. It is now impossible for a Boer to show himself during the day at any point throughout the entire length of the enemy's works. The naval guns command the whole position and possess the exact range of every stone and bush. Dee 21. There was intermittent shelling on both sides to-day. All the Boer shells fell short. TOWYN VOLUNTEERS RE^ DY. The "F" Company (Towyn), S.W.B., have received notification from headquarters to hold themselves ready for mobilization. It is under- stood that Captain Kirkby, who patriotically and promptly offered his services to the Government when it was decided by the Defence Committee to call for the assistance of the Volunteers, has received a reply intimating that his services may be required. Orders have also b3en received from headquarters to the officers commanding companies to furnish the Adjutant as soon as possible with a list of those men who are willing to serve in South Africa. As the Towyn Company is a new one and contains, in consequence, but very few marksmen it is probable that none of the men will be asked to serve in South Africa. However, should the men be required, there is no doubt that the call to duty would be patriotically responded to. If the Company is called upjn to do garrison service it is considered probable that every man in the Company will offer his services. THE CAMPAIGN IN SOUTH AFRICA. IMPORTANT STATEMENT. The Central News is enabled to state that unless the enemy should force the fighting, which is not regarded as probable, there will be no important military movement in South Africa until after the arrival of Lord Roberts. Instructions to that effect have, the Central News has reason to believe, been telegraphed to all the Generals of divisions and to General Buller. Lord Roberts will make certain changes in the plan of campaign, reverting more to the original idea. The divisions of Generals Gat- acre, Warren, and French will join forces and march direct upon Bloemfontein thereby drawing off many Boer troops from Ladysmith and the western border. In the meantime both Mafeking and Kimberley will have to look after themselves, and if need should arise they would be sacrificed to the great object of carrying the war into the enemy's country and bringing it to the earliest possible conclusion. All the reinforcements now on the way out and also all those who have yet to embark will be sent to the southern and western borders of the Orange Free State. In all probability Lord Methuen will be strong enough to resume his march simultane- ously with the main advance upon Bloemfontein. In the opinion of those best qualified to judge there is no necessity for undue haste, as delay up to a certain point can only strengthen the British position. The Boer supplies are not inexhaustible. They have unquestionably suffered severe losses in killed and wounded, and they have practically no reserves of men to replace casualties. THE CONVEYANCE OF STORES TO THE BOERS. MORE VESSELS CAPTURED. SIMONSTOWN, December 21. News has just reached the Naval Commander-in- Chief that one of the patrolling crusiers has captured another ship laden with various stores for the Transvaal Government. The prize has been taken to Port Elizabeth. DURBAN, December 19. The Norwegian barque Regina, from Java, laden with stretchers and railway sleepers, has been captured near Delagoa Bay and brought in here by Her Majesty's cruiser Forte. CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS. About £75,000 has been received or promised towards the Lor 1 Mayor's fund for equipping. and transporting to the seat of war in South Africa a contingent of upwards of 1,000 men, to whom the official* title of The City of London Imperial Volunteers has been given. The various sub-Committees for clothing and equipment met at the Mansion House on Tuesday, and great progress is being made in the details of the expedition. It is expected that the contingent will start for South Africa about January 13th. BULLER'S FRESH MOVE. Asa considerable portion of Sir Charles Warren's division is being directed upon Natal, it is certain (says the London Mail) that General Buller is going to make a fresh move in the very near future. COLONIAL LOYALTY. Melbourne, Friday.-On the; 30th inst., 262 Victorian officers and men, with horses, leave Melbourne for the Cape. A local insurance company has offered a life pension of £ 1 per week to the first Australian who gets the Victoria Cross. Wellington, Friday.-A further contingent of New Zealanders, numbering 234 men, will sail for South Africa in the second week of January. Perth (Western Australia), Friday.-The citizens here have resolved to send 20 nurses to the Cape free of charge. MORE OFFERS. The 3rd Battalion Devonshire Militia Regiment paraded this morning in Jersey, and in response to the Colonel's enquiry, 400 men out of a total atrength of 403 volunteered for service in South Africa.
ONE GUN DRAGGED ACROSS THE…
ONE GUN DRAGGED ACROSS THE RIVER. SCOUTING NULLIFIED. Chieveley Camp, Saturday.—One of the guns which supported the Fusilier Brigade in yesterday's battle at the Tagela was got across to the other side. After a. portion of the Brigade crossed in the face of a deadly fire the gun was dragged through the river-a difficult task without the per- sistent rifle and shell fire kept up by the enemy. The work of the scouts was completely nullified by the tactics of the enemy. Neither rifle fire nor shelling could make them disclose their positions. It was only when a body of infantry came within easy range that they opened a deadly fire. Small parties of scouts were not noticed. One of them even passed right through the enemy's advanced positions without attracting a single bullet.
A PRINCE IN HIS SHIRT SLEEVES.
A PRINCE IN HIS SHIRT SLEEVES. There embarked at Liverpool yesterday, on the transport Ottoman, of the Dominion Line, 48 men of the Royal Horse Artillery, under Lieut Jeffcoat, from Woolwich, 50 men and two officers of the 1st Dragoons, from Aldershot, besides 420 horses. Prince Francis of Teck, Captain of the 1st Dragoons is in command of all the troops on board. Owing to the heavy snowstorm, very few spectators wit- nessed the embarkation. The Prince took his coat off and helped to get the horses on board. The battalion has a total strength of nearly nine hun- dred, and leaves behind a mounted infantry com- pany to follow next week.
" ESCAPE OF MR WINSTON CHURCHILL.
ESCAPE OF MR WINSTON CHURCHILL. Much satisfaction has been caused by an official announcement from Sir Alfred Milner that Mr Winston Churchill has succeeded in his second attempt at escape from the Boers and has arrived safely at Delagoa Bay. It is thought probable that he will be able to furnish useful information to General Buller.
IRISHMEN VOLUNTEERING FOR…
IRISHMEN VOLUNTEERING FOR THE FRONT. By special permission of the War Office Lord Chesham has been authorised to enrol a company of 100 Irish gentlemen and yeomen for service with Imperial Yeomany in South Africa. All the names have already been given in. The first detachment of Llmperial Yeomanry will sail in January.
WARNING TO TRADERS.
WARNING TO TRADERS. The Foreign Office this evening issued a notice warning British subjects and foreigners resident in the British Empire that it is unlawful for them to trade with the South African Republic and the Orange Free State. All persons who thus contravene the law will be liable to such penalty as the law provides.
[No title]
+ A good story is told in the Birmingham Daily Mail, of the departure of one of the Reservists for the front, showing the sublime confidence which a British soldier's wife has in the prowness of her spouse. As her husband left in the train from Snow Hill Station, a woman was to be seen weeping bitterly. Full of sympathy a bystander tried to speak words of comfort to the grief-stricken wife, when he was met by the following answer "Oh, it ain't 'im I'm troubling about, it's them poor Boers I'm athinkin' of. Bill's such a terror when 'e starts." So saying, the woman started off home, shuddering at the dire fate that awaited our enemies in South Africa. Another tale illustrative of Black Country propensities is told in the district. A very good specimen of the Birmingham lad who has been called to the front found himself in the thick of one of the recent affrays. He fought like a true Briton, but was not at all comfortable. At last, turning to a companion, he shouted, Here, Bill, you take my rifle. Just give me that 'ere brick end, and let's see if it don't feel more'omelike. What should a Volunteer going to South Africa take besides the weapons and clothes with which he is to appear in the field ? According to in. structions issued to the Inns of Court Rifles, his kit-bag should contain a pair of laced boots, two pairs of spare laces, a flannel shirt, two pairs of woollen socks, a Melton frock and trousers, a towel. In his valise there should be knife, fork, spoon, clothes brush, hair brush, comb, razor, shaving brush, grease pot, housewife," towel, soap, field cap, and flannelette for the rifle. In addition he ought to have a knife in his pocket and a bottle of special regulation oil from the regimental armoury.
0 DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT ABERGYNOLWYN.
0 DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT ABER- GYNOLWYN. A GREAT LOSS. Early on Sunday morning Mr E Evans, Bodilan- fach, noticed the haystack of the adjoining farm, Oaerbellan, on fire. He at once acquainted Mr Vaughan, and strenuous efforts were put forth to check its devastating effect. The fire, however, had had such a start that it was impossible to put it out, and the host of willing hands had to direct their efforts to save the out-buildings, which were quiti close and in danger. Two large sheds, measuring about 30 yards each, and full of barley and oats were completely destroyed in fact, the whole crop of last season was consumed with the exception of the supply for a few days kept inside the buildings. Had the wind been a little stronger the fire would have been far more destructive. Unfortunately, the crop was not insured. The total loss is estimated to amount to not much short of £ 300. The greatest sympathy is felt with Mr Vaughan, who is an energetic farmer highly res- pected in the district.
.---..-FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE…
FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE RAILWAY. A fatal accident befell a young man named Richard Newell, son of Mr Newell, South Beach, Pwllheli, on Saturday night. He was returning by the last train from Portmadoc to Minffordd, where he was engaged during the day at the Retts quarry. He alighted on the platform on the arrival of the train due at 9 40 p m., but afterwards stood on the step to speak to someone in the carriage. As the train was starting ïoff he was seen to red round and fall between two coaches, the wheels going over him.
DEPARTURE OF LORD ROBERTS.
DEPARTURE OF LORD ROBERTS. REMARKABLE DEMONSTRATIONS. Lord Roberts's departure from London on Satur- day morning was made the opportunity for a spon- taneous and very remarkable demonstration of the honour, admiration, and affection in which he is held by all classes of the community. On the plat- form hundreds of representative persons were gathered to bid the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa. God-sneed on his outward journey. How large the crowd would have been if the station authorities had not refused applications for tickets to numbers of those desirous of being present it is impossible to say. Even as it was the throng was so dense that only with the utmost difficulty could a passage be made for Lord Roberts himself when he arrived at the'station, looking very well, and endeavoured to cross the platform to the saloon carriage reserved for him. Those who took part in the farewell demonstration will never forget the scene, for it was one which all present felt to be profoundly moving. No more splendid example of loyalty and patriotism could be afforded than the sight of this gallant and successful soldier, whom the war has not spared the acutest pangs of per- sonal bereavement, setting forth to do his duty to his Queei and country at a moment of national emergency. How much Lord Roberts's action is appreciated by the Royal Family is apparent from the fact that the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Connaiight, and the Duke of Cambridge were all present at the station to bid him good-bye. The members of the Government who attended for a similar purpose included Mr Balfour, Lord Lans- downe, who was accompanied by Lady Lansdowne, and Mr Ritchie. The army also was represented by some of its most distinguished officers, foremost among whom was Field Marshal Sir Donald Stewart. As the time drew near for the departure of the train the crowd increased in density. Lady Roberts and her daughters were present in the saloon, dressed in deep mourning. The last minutes before the departure of the train were spent by Lord Roberts in conversation with the Prince of Wales and others of the illustrious personages who had come to do him honour. Descrying Mr Balfour among the crowd, Lord Roberts stepped forward and cordially shook hands with him. Then onca more gotd-byes were uttered, and the train began to move out of the station before Lord Roberts had taken his seat. Hastily mounting the step of the saloon he waved his hat in token of thanks for the thunder of cheers which rose as the train was seen to be in motion. Again and again the cheers went up, while hats and handerchiefs were waved with the utmost enthusiasm until the train had dis- appeared from view. The train conveying Lord Roberts and his staff, Lady Roberts, the Misses Roberts, and a number of friends, after stopping at Farnborough to receive on' Major General T Kelly-Kenny, arrived at South- ampton at ten minutes past two. Outside lay the Dunottar Castle, and the scene which followed was one which will never be effaced from the memories of those who witnessed it. Inside the shed was the Deputy Mayor of Southampton, Alderman Tyrrell, ready to welcome Lord Roberts. As Lord Roberts walked through the shed he noticed an Afghan medal on the breast of one of the Harbour Board constables, and he stopped to talk to the man -his name was Hudson,-who had accompanied him on the famous march to Kandahar. It was a graceful act, and it left Hudson a proud man. Lady Roberts and her daughters, escorted by Colonel Stacpole, and amid tremendous cheers, came down the after gangway and passed through the shed to a small place roped off to the quay a little forward of the bridge of the ship. At the same time Lord Roberts, with the captain, went along the promenade deck and on to the bridge, while the cornet played The conquering hero," and there was a tempest of applause which Lord Roberts answered time after time by lifting his hat. After having taken her mails on board, the vessel started southward at about a quarter past six. But long before that Lord Roberts had gone down below, and Lady Roberts and her daughters had started for London in the 4 40 special, which waited until nearly five o'clock.
.,-THE SHROPSHIRE AND WEST…
THE SHROPSHIRE AND WEST MID- LAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Council, at a meeting on Saturday, decided to hold the next show at Shrewsbury on Wednes- day and Thursday, May 23rd and 24th, 1900, as no invitation had been received to visit any other town next year. The date fixed is Severn weeks earlier than last year's meeting, a fact without pre- cedent in the annals of the Society. It will thus be one of the earliest of the summer shows. Among breeders, fanciers, and exhibitors of the various classes of stock for which prizes are offered, an interest will be created which was lacking when the show was held in July; for by the new arrange- ment many animals, will here meet in competition for the first time, and the others will be shown under different conditions than prevailed last season. This novelty and uncertainty as to merit and the awards should secure a larger number of entries all round. To this end the details of further concessions to county and tenant farmer classes are under consideration. The Council has already decided upon liberal additions in the way of extra tickets for members. The fixtures in May will be one of the first op- portunities of the season for a county open-air function. It is not a particularly busy time with those engaged in farm work-the very people who are most likely to wish to be prerent-and if. is hoped that many may be able to attend in 1900 who were prevented last July through pressure of hay-making and turnip-hoeing. Being practically three months before the great floral fete in August the townspeople of Shrewsbury, too, may attend in greater numbers, and excursionists from other towns are also more likely to make a trip in May than in July when the flower show is already ad- vertised and looming in the near future. The annual general meeting of members, who number about seven hundred, will be held in January, when the President and other officers for the year will be appointed. The prize list will be issued as early as possible, and anyone wishing to join the Society should communicate with the Secretary, Mr Thomas Whitfield, Junr., Talbot Chambers, Shrewsbury, who will be pleased to furnish all particulars regarding membership.
GOLD MINING IN MERIONETHSHIRE.
GOLD MINING IN MERIONETH- SHIRE. A BARMOUTH CASE. On Monday week, before Mr Justice Farwell in the Chancery Division, the case of Isaacs and Evana v Evans came on for trial. Mr Badcock, Q.C., and Mr Edward Ford appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr Hughes, Q.C., and Mr Ingle Joyce for the de- fendant. Mr Badcock said this was an action against Meredith Evans, Barmouth, for a declaration that the defendant held as trustee for the plaintiffs, or one of them, a certain lease of a goldmine in North Wales. Mr Isaacs was the chairman of a large mining company on the adjoining property, and he took an assignment from plaintiff, Thomas Evans, Barmouth, who was a mining captain of great experience. He was no relation to the defendant, but they were old acquaintances, having been previously associated in similar undertakings. In a previous case the lease had been taken in the name of the defendant alone as trustee for a part- nership venture upon a verbal agreement that the profitj should be divided between them. On the present occasion they did not put down in writing exactly what the arrangement was, but the lease j, was taken in the name of the defendant on behalf of the joint venture, and the arrangement was that t the'profits to be made by workiug or selling the mine were to be equally divided. Plaintiff alleged 1 that the money and expenses required for working + the mine and developing it to the extent of finding a purchaser were to be found by defendant, and ,rj plaintiff himself contributed the experience, being r; of considerable skill and experience as a miner in v searching for gold in North Wales. This was in j-- March, 1898. On April 30th they got a lease to j¡ defendant alone, and after that obtained the necessary Crown licence. Since then there had been workings to a certain extent and they had found an appreciable and payable amount of gold; and plaintiff now learned that defendant had found a person willing to take an option to purchase two- thirds of the mine for £1260. After the mine had been proved Mr Isaac acquired from the plaintiff all his interest in the venture. Between them they represented a beneficial interest in one moiety of the mine, and they now asked for a declaration that defendant was trustee of that moiety. The question was whether plaintiffs could make out that there was an agreement of partnership, and the facts supporting that were these :-Plaintiit was the first person to inform defendant that the mine was available. He heard in March that the existing lease had expired and took the news to defendant, who was very pleased to hear it, as of course everyone in North Wales was on the look- out for gold mines. They had a long conversation together at an hotel at Barmouth, and agreed verbally to act jointly, defendant to find the money and plaintiff the experience. Plaintiff then went off to Dolgelley, saw Griffiths, the landlord's agent, and arranged to take a lease. Ever sine the lease was granted plaintiff had been actively associated in the business of the partner- ship by lending mining tools and directing the work- men as to the way in which the mine should be worked collecting specimens of quartz, etc., which he took to the solicitor representing them in securing a purchaser. He also arranged with the landlori for a reduction of his royalties from l-12th to l-16th. Defendant had now the audacity to set up the Statute of frauds, but he submitted that would not apply where the parties had already worked together under the alleged arrangement. The plaintiff put the defendant in the way of acquiring the mine, but not for himself. Plaintiff got the mine, and he had the information which en- abled him to join with the defendant in getting it. The fact that plaintiff did not find the money was met and balanced by the fact that it was the plaintiff who found the information which told the defendant of a mine which was worth taking. The defendant knew nothing about it till the plaintiff told him, and he told him on the promise that there should be a partnership. The parties agreed that there should be a partnership before anything was done, and the mine was taken in defendant's name to be held, not for himself, but for both of them. Under these circumstances he contended that the mine was acquired for the purposes of the partnership, and theiefore that the defendant was acting as trustee for the plaintiff. Mr Justice Farwell, without calling on Mr Hughes, said be was convinced that in this case there was no partnership at all except with respect to a piece of land to be acquired. No doubt in this case the mining captain seemed to have done certain works which were alleged to be in part performance of the contract, but he could not hold that this was so. He had therefore no alternative but to dismiss the application with costs.
_____+ WHERE IS SIR WILLIAM…
+ WHERE IS SIR WILLIAM BUTLER? What has {become of Sir William Butler? asks To-Day. A very strange story is current in the clubs that he has gone back to South Africa, not exactly incognito, but in a private character. He has sunk his rank, it is said, and means to take any sort of employment against the common enemy that may offer itself. I know for a fact that he had thought of this, at least to the extent of begging the War Office to allow him to*?'volun- teer, and that he then expressed his eagerness to take any post that might be offered to him. The answer was that any such course was out of the question so far as the authorities were concerned, but that did not mean that they would disapprove of his action if made proprio motu. All we know is that Butler has been granted three months' leave, and no one is certain where he is. If he should really turn up in South Africa we may hear of his being employed, and in responsible work. Sir Redvers Buller thinks very highly of Butler's military capacity, and he would be glad enough to utilise him in the present crisis.
♦ REVIEWS.
♦ REVIEWS. "VINTON'S (LATE MORTON'S) AGRICULTURAL ALMANAC" for 1900 (in the 45th year of publica- tion), retains all the features that have made it so popular among agriculturists during this long period. Tile cost of the book is 6d., post free 8d. bound in cloth Is. 6d. The publishers are Messrs Vinton and Co., Ltd., 9, New Bridge Street, London, E.C. Printed and Published by Samuel Salter and David Rowlands, at their Offices, 21, Bcrriew Street Welshpool, in the County of Montgomery, and Rock View, Towyn, in the County of Merioneth. -Thursday, Decembei 28, 1899.