The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

ELLESMERE. HIGHWAY ROBBERY.—At the Police Court on Tuesday, before H. D. Chapman and C. Morrall, Bsqrs., Thomas Rhone, labourer, Northwood, was charged with stealing a purse and 22s. in money from ElizabeWi Taylor on the highway between Ellesmere and Penley on Sunday night. The parties went to Ellesmere together, and on return- ing at night the accused, it was alleged, took the purse from prosecutrix.—P.S. Elcock said he found defendant in a public house at Penley. He had the purse and 14s. Ojd. upon him.—Defendant was fined 10s. and costs, or a month's hard labour, and ordered to refund 8s, the money he had spent. FATAL FALL OF A CHILI).All inquest was held at the Red Lion Hotel, Ellesmere, on Friday, before J. Pay, Esq., coroner, on the body of Charles Drury, son of Edward Drury, of Watergate street.—From the evidence of Margaret Roe, Alfred Peter, a boy of seven, and Samuel Whitfield, it appeared that deceased fell from the wall surrounding the church- yard on the previous Friday.—Dr. Griffiths said he was called to see the boy on September 28th. He was unconscious, and bleeding from the nose and eyes as if from a scalp wound on the back of the head. He seemed better on Sunday, and was im- proving, but on Wednesday nightjhe died after pass- ing through violent convulsions from cerebral hemor- rage, due to an internal fracture of the skull.— The Coroner, in summing up, called attention to the dangerous state of the wall, which was well known to all the jury, but they must look at the fact that children had no right there. He (the Coroner) only a few days ago had occasion to call out, warning the children of their danger, and lie believed this was frequently done by others. They all knew the difficulty of preventing children from trespassing—in fact, it was an utter impossibility. —The jury returned a verdict that deceased died from cerebral hemorrhage, which was the result of fracture of the skull, caused by accidentally falling from the churchyard wall, and they attached no blame to anyone. They strongly recommended that a fence should be put up by the owners of the wall, so as to prevent future accidents, and they wished the Coroner to communicate the suggestion to the proper quarter.

LOCAL BOARD. MONDAY. Present Mr. Brownlow R. C. Tower, who pre- sided, Messrs. J. Sinclair, C. Cooke, 1. Cooke, T. Coffin, and T. Thompson, with Mr. J. Pay (clerk and surveyor), Mr. J. A. S. Jennings (collector), aud Mr. J. Green (sanitary inspector). THE LATE MR. T. J. RIDER. The minutes having been read and adopted, the CHAIRMAN asked leave, before proceeding with the business of the Board any further, to refer to the sad loss which the Board and the whole town and neighbourhood had sustained in the loss of Mr. Rider. He would, therefore, ask the Board to unanimously express their condolence and sym- pathy with Mrs. Rider and family. Mr. Rider had been a most active and earnest public man, and had done his very best for the good of those around him. He never shirked his duty during the whole of the long period he was a member and chairman of the Board. He always gained the respect and esteem not only of the members of the Board, but of everyone in the town and neighbour- hood, and in him the people had a faithful, upright, and honest man consequently his death is a great loss. He begged to propose that a vote of sincere sympathy and condolence be forwarded by the Board to Mrs. Rider and family in their sad bereavement. Mr. C. COOKE, in seconding, endorsed the utter- ances of the last speaker, and expressed his sorrow at seeing Mr. Rider's vacant chair there that morning, He had been a member of the Board for eighteen years, and had always discharged his duties most efficiently. He begged to second the motion. The proposition was put to the meeting, and carried unanimously i» silence. OUTBREAK OF SCARLATINA. Mr. JOHN GREEN, the sanitary inspector, in- timated that this being the month for limewashing the bakehouses and slaughter-houses in accordance with the bye-laws, he had given notice to each of the occupiers to have the said work attended to. He was sorry to say there had been an outbreak of scarlatina in the urban district, four children at three houses having been affected; the cases were in a mild form, and every precaution was being taken to prevent the spread of the disease. The Inspector was ordered to see that the infected houses were properly disinfected. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The SURVEYOR reported that at the last meeting of the Board he received cheque for wages JE18, and had a balance in hand of £2 10s. 8d., together X20 10s. 8d. He had paid wages during the month R16 13s., and had a balance of £3 178. 8d. in hand. He was having the material prepared for the pavement in Cross Street, and hoped to have same completed during the week. The audit of the accounts of the Board took place on Thursday, the 4th inst. by Sir Richard D. Green Price, Bart., district auditor. The Sanitary Inspector had reported to him that on September 25th, at 10 a.m., ho witnessed Joseph Gawide and Herbert Roberts throwing stones on the public highway, public notices having been issued warn- ing persons; lie thought it his duty to report it, and asked if any action was to be taken. A resolution was passed to the effect that the persons be written to, stating that if there was a repetition of the offence they would be prosecuted. THE GAS WORKS. The report of the Gas Manager stated that the gas made during the month was 329,200 feet, which was an increase of 47,300 feet on the corresponding pf.riod of last year. The retort house roof had been repaired and altered according to their in. structions, and the representatives of the Insur. ance Company had inspected it. The report was ordered to be received and adopted. FINANCIAL. The Treasurer reported that on the 8th ult. the balance of the general account was X354 13s 8d to the credit of the Board. He had since received X34 17s 4d and paid X49 17s 2d, making the present balance E339 13s lOd to credit. On the same date the balance of gas account was£88 6s 8d to the credit of the Board. He had since received £ 22 6s 5d and paid £ 33 Is 2d, making the present balance zE93 Is 5d to credit. Mr. J. A. S. Jennings, collector, reported that during the month he had paid to the treasurer X22 6s 5d on account of the gas revenue. He hoped to close the maintenance account at the next meeting. DISSATISFACTION WITH THE TRAIN SERVICE. Attention was directed by Mr. C. Cooke to the great inconvenience which the infrequency of trains between Whitchurch and Oswestry caused and he incidentally mentioned that the last train left Whitchurch at 6-30 p.m., thus leaving a long space of time with no train whatever. He there- fore proposed that the Clerk be requested to write to the General Manager of the Cambrian Railways Company asking that a coach be attached to the luggage train leaving Whitchurch about 8-30 p.m. Mr. ISAAC COOKE having seconded, it was agreed to. APPLICATION. A letter was afterwards read from Mr. J. Hood in which he requested the Board to bring the main sewer down Scotland Street past his house. He had written to the Local Government Board on the matter. Allusion was also paid in the letter to the want of another street lamp near his house. The present lamp supplied light for about twelve ouses, and no less thau ten new houses had been erec e ut no additional lamp fixed, and the itto\™ryrdark!:eeS °ie neighbourhood caused it to be very dark. After a brief discussion it was resolved that Mr. iTov and rhif ° t0 SUbmit Plan* 'or the scwei, and that several members should visit the place to s?e if a lamp was necessarily required. I his being- all the business the Board rose.

FREDK. D. WARD, CIVIL ENGINEER, ARCHITECT, SURVEYOR, AND SANITARY SPECIALIST, 19, BROAD STREET, WELSHPOOL. Late Surveyor (three years) to the Powis Castle Estate. Eight years previous experience in Man. clie ter and Liverpool. Water and Sewerage Schemes, Buildings, Estate Improvements Plans, &c. VACANCY FOR A PUPIL.

LLANDINAM. DEATH OF MHS. DAVIES. We regret to have to announce the death of Mrs. Davies which took place at her residence, Bron- eirion, on Thursday morning 3rd inst. Mrs. Davies was the widow ef the late Mr. David Davies, whose name is a household word in Wales, he hav- ing earned a wide celebrity owing to his public achievements, and the great munificence he showed to so many good causes throughout the Principality. Mr. Davies died in the year 1890, and Mrs. Davies has not long survived him. Mrs. Davies was born at Y Wern, Llanfair Caereinion, in January, 1814. She was one of five children, her brother, Rev. Evan Jones, Brynhafren, one of the.most respected ministers of the Calvinistic Methodist Connection, only surviving her. THE FUNERAL. One of the largest congregations in Llandinam in recent years, representing people of different positions in life, was that which was noticed on Wednesday to pay a last tribute of respect to the memory of one whose efforts on behalf of deserv- ing institutions will live long after her. We refer to Mrs. David Davies, of Broneirion, relict of David Davies, the pioneer of Welsh railways and the promoter of the largest single dock in the world situated at Barry. The funeral pro- ceedings commenced at 3 o'clock with a brief service in front of Broneirion, which was conducted by Principal Roberts, of Aberystwyth College, and Rev. Elias Jones, of Newtown, at the conclusion of which the solemn cortcgc made a move to the Parish Churchyard, where the burial took place, the mortal remains of Mrs. Davies being placed in the same vault where, four years ago, were deposited the remains of her well-known and much-respected husband. The order of the pro- cession was as follows :—Ministers of various denominations—representatives of the Calvinistic Methodist Connexion being in the majority— deacons, representatives from different parts of the country, tenants and workmen on the estate, and the general public. Then followed the coffin, which was of oak with brass fittings, the breast-plate bearing the inscription :— Margaret Davies, Died October, 1894, Aged 80 years. Behind this followed the principal mourners as follows Mr. Edward Davies, Plas Dinam (son), Mrs. Edward Davies, Master Edward Davies, Misses Gwennie and M. D. Davies (grandchildren), Rev. Edward Jones, Brynhafren (brother), Mrs. Jones. Mr. Edward Jones, Trewythen (nephew), Miss Jones, Brynhafren (niece), Rev. D. Lloyd Jones, M.A., Bronhaul; Mrs. Lloyd Jones Mrs. Davies and Miss Davies, Gwerneriss; and Mr. Joseph Davies (brother-in-law). A number of ladies made up the rear. Among those present- we noticed Mr. A. Aslett, general manager, Cambrian Railways Company; Mr. Nathaniel Bebb, Liverpool; Mr. Bowen, The Green, Llanid- loes Dr. Campbell, Caersws Mr. Daniel Davies, cashier, Ocean Collieries, Ystrad; Capt. Davies, dockmaster, Barry Rev. Evan Evans, Llanfair Rev. Robert Evans, Montgomery Rev. E. Evans, Tylife Rev. J. Edmunds, Tregynon Rev. Morris Griffiths, M.A., Llanidloes Mr. James Grant, The Bank, Llanidloes Mr. Gittins, junior, Newtown Mr. G. Griffiths, North and South Wales Bank, Newtown; Mr. James Gwent, the estate agent, Llanidloes Rev. H. Hugh, Llanfair Mr. C. E. Howell, solicitor, Welshpool; Mr. Howells, Aberdovey; Mr. Richard Humphreys, Llanbrynmair Rev. J. Idrisyn Jones, Welshpool Rev. H. Jones, Llangurig Rev. J. Jones, Oswes- try Rev. W. S. Jones, Machynlleth Rev. Morgan Jones, vicar of Llandinam Rev. Elias Jones, New- town; Mr. Rhys Jones (Cardiff), commercial manager, and Mr. Win. Jenkins (Treorky), manager, Ocean Collieries Mr. Wm. Jones, Cam- brian House, Machynlleth Mr. D. Jones, Neuadd; Mr. Edwin Jones, Llandinam Mr. Richard Jones, Pertheiron Dr. James, medical officer, Ocean Collieries Mr. Thomas Jones, Graig, Llanfair Mr. H. Jones, London and Provincial Bank, Llanidloes Mr, E. R. James, Montgomery Mr. Edward Jones, Newtown; Messrs. John Jones, Llanidloes Owen Jones, Llansaintffraid Kinsey, Maesmawr John Lloycj Barry; Dr. Morris, Llanid- loes Messrs. R. Manuel, Pembroke R. Mills, Llan- idloes; Metcalfe, Aberystwyth Morgan, Newtown; R. Morgan, Injector Company, Manchester; John Morris, Gwernygoe; Rev. D. Owen, Newtown; Messrs. A. C. Humphreys-Owen, M. P.; George Owen, engineer, Cambrian Railways; Richard Owen, Machynlleth; Jehu Ow°*is, Llandinam Rev. G. Parry, D. D., Carnci; Mi*. D. Price, Gaerfawr; Professor Roberts, Aberystwyth; Revs. Daniel Rowlands, M.A., Bangor; E. Rees, Rhayader; T. E. Roberts, Oswestry T. F. Roberts, Machynlleth.; Messrs. J. Ray, Navigation Collieries, Treharries; Bennett Rowlands, Newtown; Price Roberts, Dr. Roberts, Newtown; Messrs. Savill, Injector Com- pany, Manchester; IsaacSmedley, general manager, Pembroke and Tenby Railway; Smout, Llanidloes; Abraham Tudor and Thomas Thomas, Ocean Collieries R. Tilsley, Caersws Revs. J. Williams, Llandrindod; William Williams, Dinas Mawddwy; R. H. Watkins, Graig; Messrs. Thomas Webb, Tunbridge Wells; Williams, F.R.H.S., Newtown; E. R. Wood, Oeean Collieries; Williams, Bootle, Liverpool; Mrs. Williams, M.S.A., etc., etc. The coffin having been lowered into the grave, which was lined with moss and chrysanthemums, the burial service was impressively read bv Rev. T. E. Roberts, Oswestry, after which, Rev. RJHughes, Aberystwyth. delivered a short address, in which he paid a high eulogium to the deceased. I Rev. Owen Jones, B.A., Llansaintffraid, followed in Welsh, and repeated the testimony given by Mr. Hughes respecting the excellence of Mrs. Davies. She was excellent respecting the natural power of man, and her feelings in every relationship of life. She was one of the excellent ones on the earth as a wife—and many times had he heard Mr. Davies make this remark-as a mother, and as a member of the church. The best element in her was the religious element; she was Godly minded through- out her life, but latterly she had become heavenly inclined. The world had been good to her in many respects during the eighty years of her life, and through all she had an eye to the [better country, for which she yearned and longed. Now she had reached that high position with her Saviour, whom she so faithfully served. Their loss in losing so beautiful a character could not but be a gain to those left behind her. Rev. Daniel Rowlands, M.A., Bangor, said he had had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Davies for many yoars, and he deemed it a very great privilege indeed. He could not measuie his words if he attempted to state the very high estimate he ever held of her character. She had the grace, and there was no doubt about that, of choosing the good part, which was not taken from her. She had the wisdom to give herself to the Saviour when very young, and she spent her life most un- reservedly in His service. He never had the good fortune to meet any person so well acquainted with Scripture as Mrs. Davies was. The word of Cluist was impressed on her mind, and helped her to meditate upon the great things, a.nd to set her heart upon things above. He found that the great thing with Mrs. Davies always was the work of Christ, the word of Christ, the glory of Christ, and now she had gone to Him, to rest in the Lord. He remembered telling her in July last, when he was visiting Llandinam, of something he had seen in one of the papers, and which referred to a man calling to see a woman who was in a very bad way and likely to leave the world. She said something to the man about going to Christ. Ah my good friend," said the man, "you may think so there is nothing in it, it is far too good to be true." But it was true nevertheless. Yes," said Mrs. Davies, it is true." It was perfectly clear from that con- versation that these things were to Mrs. Davies a grand reality, on which she entrusted all the weight of her soul, and cast her confidence in God. In conclusion, the rev. gentleman remarked that they knew their dear sister had an immortality the other side of the grave, and that she was now entering into the joy of the Lord. She had the other immortality-that fragrant memory of holy things, which, he trusted, to all that knew her would prove a means of grace. Their dear sister had had the privilege of spending a life in the ser- vice of Jesus, and had filled the neighbourhood with the odour of her ointment, and many that knew her would consequently feel nearer to God. Rev. G. Parry, D.D., Carno, having offered up a prayer, the service, which was marked throughout for its solemnity and impressiveness, concluded wri £ h a fine rendering of the well-known Welsh hymn— Bydd myrdd o ryfeddodau, Ar doriad boreu wawr." In accordance with a wish expressed by the deceased prior to her death, no wreaths were deposited at the grave. The' undertaking arrangements were satisfac- torily carried out by Mr. Morgan, of Newtown, Mr. Woolley, of Llandinam, supplying the coffin. It was announced at the graveside that a funeral sermon will be preached at the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Llandinam, to-morrow evening at six o'clock, by Rev. D. Lloyd Jones, Pastor. AGRICULTURAL NOTES. (BY AN OCCASIOXAL COUBSSPOXDKXT.) The weather during the last fewwecks has been very helpful to the clearing-up of arrears of har- vesting ill. the late districts of Montgomeryshire, and even on the heights of Plynlimmon the late oat crops are now harvested. For four successive years the rainfall of Septem- ber has been below the average, which is 2'40 inches. In 1891 the month had a record of 1'83 inches. This has not been equalled since for in 1892 1.64 inches fell, in 1893, 1'07 inches, and this year, 1'71 inches. This must be considered a run of goorlluek, and in the present season the evils of a wet August have been decidedly mitigated. V In the Time* of Monday last there was a note- worthy leading article on wheat growing, which directs the attention of the English farmer to the conditions of wheat growing in America, as dis- closed by the Department of Agriculture in the United States. Withont going into details it is enough to say that the average cost of growing wheat in the United States is shown to be 48s 8d per acre. But, inasmuch as, according to the official statistician's report for December 1893, the average farm value of wheat produced in the; United States was 25s. 8d., the apparent result is a loss to the farmer of 23s. per acre for the year 1893. If we set off the value of the straw, perhaps; 15s. per acre, we arrive at a nett loss of 8s. per acre, or, reckoning 12'9 bushels to the acre, a loss of about 5s. per acre. To this must be added the freight of wheat imported from America into this country, and we see what it cost the American to compete with the British farmer and the rest of the world in 1893. We may go on to calculate, if we please, what it has cost him this year at present i prices. It is plain that this bankrupt competition not go on indefinitely, and already the area in the United States under wheat cultivation shows a decrease of 5,000,000 acres as compared with nine years ago, notwithstanding that the population has increased by more than 11,000,000. The American farmer must in the end raise his prices or give up wheat cultivation. # Allowing 30 bushels an acre as the average yield of the wheat crop, the produce of the 1,977,304 acres grown in Great Britain and Ireland this year will be, in round figures, 7,415,000 quarters, or 1,051,000 quarters more than last year's crop. But there is probably less wheat fit for fiour this year than there was last year, and we shall, therefore, need to import at least as much during the current cereal year as we imported in 1893-4, namely, 22,500,000 quarters including flour. The con- sumption at six bushels per head of the population, including seed, will be about 29,190,000 quarters and if 6,500,000 be allowed for native wheat fit for bread and seed, imports of 22,500,000 quarters will about cover our deficiency. # # Since we last alluded to the extremely low price of wheat, the average has fallen Is 6d per quar- ter, last week's average being 18s 2d. At this poor price, 56,864 quarters were returned as having been sold during the week in the markets in which the statistics are collected. Even supposing a case in which there are five quarters of wheat to the acre, the grower gets only £4 10s lOd per acre at the present average price, unless he sells his straw, which is also very cheap now. The price of 4801bs of wheat is now 5s 5d less thau that of 4001bs of barley. Previous to 1884 wheat was commonly worth 10s to 20s a quarter more than barley, and in the first half of the century the difference was.frequently 30s or more, and occas- ionally 40s in favour of wheat. We heard the other day of a Worcestershire farmer sending twenty-five hundred weight of pears to Manchester, where they were retailed at twopence per pound. Picture the astonishment of that poor farmer whose net profit after paying commission and railway charges was lis 8d, or just a fraction over twopence for every twenty-two pounds of pears What can pay at such prices ? It fairly upsets Mr. Gladstone's fruit farming theory. In olden times Derbyshire cheese was famous for its tine quality, and line flavour,"and there is every reason to hope that the county may win back that profitable reputation. The Technical Education Committee of the local County Council lately addressed circulars to 300 students who had gone through the course of butter-mating lectures, in- viting their opinions on the practical resmlts of this tuition. Only forty replies have yet come to hand, but all of these testify that the writers have sold their butter more readily, while in several instances rather better prices are secured. Encouraged by this quick success the Council purposes to employ similar instrumentality to improve the local manu- facture of cheese. A return from Montgomery- shire students would be interesting. From the thirty-seventh report of the Com- missioners of Inland Revenue, just issued, we learn that the gross annual value of the lands in the United Kingdom fell from £57,391,846 in 1891-92 to £56,969,940 in 1892-93, the decrease being at the rate of 0'79 per cent. in England, 0'43 in Scotland, and 0'69 in Ireland. Since 1879-80, when the assessment reached the highest point, there has been a reduction of to which is added the sum of £824,000, representing re- missions on account of agricultural distress, and making the total decline £13,402,856, or 19"3 per cent. For England and Wales the decrease would come out at about 22 per cent.; but it is certain that even this high percentage does not represent the entire loss in rental incurred during the period, including remissions allowed year after"year. When shall we farmers have a general revision of our railway rates 'i The Cambrian Railwavs Company have reduced the carriage of Welsh mutton to London, but that is a mere flea-bite. The uufortunate inequality in the carriage rates to the prejudice of the Englishman lias been brought about by the competition of our railway companies for the foreign traffic, whilst in this country they have a monopoly, for competition between railway companies as to rates and taxes to be charged to the public is a matter of history only. All "these questions are now settled by a, joint committee, and all the railway companies by mutual consent charge the same rates from and to the various towns. In this country the farmer is handicapped by the railway companies, and being driven out of his own markets by them. For instance, the rate of fruit from Boulogne to the Covent Garden Market in one-ton lots is 12s. 5d., and the empties are re- turned free into the bargain; whereas we are in- formed the railway companies charge 25s. 7d. from Folkestone and the intermediate stations, and in addition charge for the return of empties. This it will be seen is a distinct advantage to the French produce of 13s. 2d. a ton, to say nothing about the empties. The rate for hay from the American ports to London is 15s. a ton whilst from poor un- fortunate Essex, only 45 miles away the charge is lis. 8d. Meat is sent from America to London via Liverpool at a carriage rate of 30s. a ton, whereas to English farmers located between Liverpool and London the charge is 45s. giving an advantage to the foreigner of 15s. a ton over his English competitor. The same disparity exists in the rates for corn and other produce. The remedy for these serious evils would be the constructien of a network of light railways con- necting farm, village and railway station. To secure the lowest possible carriage rates for goods and passengers conveyed on these new roads, the cost of their construction must be minimised as far as practicable with efficiency. The system of light railways has been success- fully adopted on the Continent for many years. The cost of these railways in Belguim has been £1,500 ainile, which su ill icldes thef ull equipment. What a boon such a railway would be from Welsh- pool to Cann Office. The cost of the present rail- ways in this country and their equipment has been £42,000 a mile, and we are suffering from the enormous waste of money which has been expended in obtaining Parliamentary powers and the land for the purposes of our railways on account of their being purely commercial undertakings; and although we certainly have some of the most per- manent and best constructed lines of railway in the world, their cost has been enormous. The Belguim light railways are not completely State-built the same as their heavy railways. The capital has been subscribed by the state, the provinces, the communes, and private individuals in the following proportions:— The State 27 per cent the provinces 28 per cent; the communes 40 9 per cent; private individuals 4'1 per cent. We presume the provinces are equal to our County Councils, and the communes to our Parish Councils. These are the light railways advocated during the last election by Mr. Robert Wynn, and so much ridiculed by his political opponents; now we tind, that Mr. Hamphreys-Owen is preparing a paper, in their favour, to be read at an early Railway Conference.

WELSHPOOL BOROUGH SESSIONS. TUESDAY. Before Mr. D. P. Owen (in the chair) and Col. Twyford. ASSAULT. John Simister was charged with assaulting Henry Gardner on the night of the 19th ult.— Fined 10s including costs, or 7 day' imprisonment. FCRIOUS DRIVING. Richard Bowen was charged with furious driving in Church Street on Monday. P.C. Hughes deposed that on that day about 11 a.m., he saw the defendant driving a horse and trap at a very furious rate. There were several people on the Cross, and defendant very nearly ran over a woman and a little girl. Defendant stated that the pony was frightened, He drew it in until it slipped on the ground. D.C.C. Crowden ren:arked that defendant's master came up to him (Mr. Crowden) and said that defendant deserved to be summoned. He was driving at the rate of 9 miles an hour. Dozens of people were about the Cross. Defendant's master stated that he was wrong in driving at such a furious rate. Defendant I drew up as much as I could. A fine of 10s including costs was inflicted, the Chairman remarking that if defendant came there again it would be a matter of £5 and costs. USING OBSCENE LANGUAGE. Alfred Owen answered to a charge of committing the above offence. P.S. Humphreys stated that on the 27th ult, about 10 p.m., he was on duty in Broad Street, and heard the defendant using obscene language. Witness went to him and found that he was the Worse for drink. With the help of his brother defendant was subsequently induced to go away. Fined 10s including costs or 7 days' imprison- ment. DRUNK AND REFUSING TO QUIT. It was on account of the above offence that Thomas Davis, Brook Street, was placed in the dock. P.S. Humphreys gave evidence to the effect that when on duty on the Cross on the 20th ult he heard a row going on in the Corner Vaults. Pro- cec ding thither he found Thomas Davies causing a commotion because he wanted a pipe." He was very drunk, and at the request of Mr. Morris wit- ness turned him out. This little adventure cost the defendant 10s. PROFANE LANGUAGE AT GUILSFIELD. David Williams was charged by P.C. Lewis with committing the above offence. It seems that on the 29th ult, whiist P.C. Lewis Was on duty on the highway opposite the Oak Inn, Guilsfield, the defendant came out of the inn using bad language, in the course of which he said he would give the officer a —— black eye. The same defendant was further charged in conjunction with Thomas Jones with a breach of the peace on the same date. P.C. Lewis deposed that about 11-30 p.m. on the same date he found both defendants fighting in the Groes. Jones was on the ground with Williams on the top of him. David Williams stated that he left the Oak at 9-30 p.m..Tones was in the house and had been setting the policeman on to him. He left Jones and the policeman on the road. He heard Jones say to P.C. Lewis, "He almost got into a row in the house." As he went up the road, Jones came 11}) and wanted to fight him. Witness said, I want to fight at night," whereupon Jones 'began to strip and followed witness up the road. Thomas Jones He waited for me on the road. fie was at me at the Oak, and stopped for me. I Clever said a word to him. The Chairman said that Williams, for using obscene language, would be fined Is., considering that no one was about. As regards the breach of the peace, both would be bound over in the sum of .£5 to keep the peace for three months. Each Wonld have to pay 6s. costs. DRUNK WHILST IN CHARGE OF A TRAP. Charles Parry appeared in answer to the above .charge. P.C R Jones stated that on the 2nd of this month about 7 p.m., he was on duty on the Cross, when he saw defendant near Bull Street in charge •of a trap. Defendant was very drunk. Witness put up the trap at the Oak, whilst his friends got defendant to lie down. D.C.C. Crowden said he saw the horse and trap, and told witness to go up ro defendant and not to sllow him to go further with the trap. t. A fine of 20s including costs was inflicted. -b. _.a: -v.:u-EUULiJ!;JI.1. John Bason, with an increase of years, does not Seem to possess a proportionate increase of common sense. On the 1st of this month he was in Broad Street with a number of others, and seeing some bottles in the middle of the road, near Mr Barratt's shop, promptly kicked them over. P.S. Humphreys Went after them, and they were some time before they would give their names and addresses. It appears, however, that Bason was the worse for drink. He was fined 10s. ANOTHER CASE OF FURIOUS DRIVING. William Simister was charged with committing ttiis offence on the 2nd inst. P.C. Rees stated that on the date in question he 'vas on duty in Union Street, and noticed defen- dant driving at a very fast rate round the corner. lIe had got seme barrels in the cart and one of them fell out. Witness spoke to him, telling urn there was no sense driving at such a rate. Defen- dant replied, If you think I cannot drive you had better come and do it yourself." Defendant: I stopped the horse and drew it up. The horse did not go more than twenty yards. j D.C.C. Crowden: There have been several -harges against the man. In some instances I have seen him myself. 5 Joseph Payne corroborated defendants state- ment. Defendant did not think the horse was going at very fast rate. The Chairman (addressing defendant) We are inclined to give you the benefit of the doubt; the case will be dismissed.

YEOMANRY SHOOTING COMPETI- TION AT WELSHPOOL. On Thursday week the members of the B quadron of the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry Cavalry competed for the Officers' Challenge Cup, at the Sylfaen Range, Welshpool. There was a good muster. The firing party were under the command of Lieutenant vVvnn and Sergeant- Major Jestico. At the commencement of the firing the sky was clouded, but after the first stage the conditions improved, and the weather was good for shooting. The conditions were seven rounds at 300 yards, individual firing, and seven rounds at 300 yards, rapid firing (i.e., the seven shots to be fired within 70 seconds). At the end of the first stage the three leaders were Trooper E. A. Barnett, Trooper G. E. Barnett, and Sergeant John Hughes, and these three crack shots were the first three at the close of the contest, premier position being held by Trooper E. A. Barnett, who consequently carried off the coveted trophy. The following are the scores —Trooper E. A. Barnett, 53; Trooper G. E. Barnett, 52; Sergeant John Hughes, 51; Treoper M. T. Davies, 47; Sergeant J. W. Davies, 44; Trooper F. B. Williams, 44; Trooper R. G. Sayce, 43; Trooper J. Poston, 43; Corporal T.J. Bratton, 43; Sergeant J. E. Jones, 42; Trooper John H. Thomas, 41; Trooper J. Morris, 40; Quartermaster Davies, 36; Trooper J.R. Thomas (2), 36; Corporal E. Harper, 35; Trooper E. Davies (2), 34; Trooper W. Williams, 33; Corporal J. Fletcher, 33 Trooper E. Jones, 32; Trooper J' R. Thomas (1) 32. Refreshments were supplied at the Range by Mr. T. J. Bratton. The mem- bers assembled at seven p.m., at the Eagles Inn for dinner, prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Bratton. Amongst those present were Lieutenant Wynn, Lieutenant Lane, Dr. Gill, Sergeant-Major Jestico, Quartermaster R. Jones (Welshpool Troop), Quartermaster E. Davies (Guilsfield Troop), Sergeants John Hughes, E. Jones, J. E. Jones, and J. W. Davies, &c. After dinner the Chairman gave the usual loyal and patriotic toasts and then pro- posed the toast of the evening, the health of Trooper E. A. Barnett. In doing so he said he was proud of their being able to vanquish Denbigh- shire and to win their return match with Shropshire and he must congratulate them on the excellent shooting of the day, in fact the bulls at one time were monotonous. He had much pleasure in giving the health of Trooper Barnett who was a most excellent shot (cheers).—Trooper Barnett in reply thanked his comrades for the hearty response they had given to the toast, and said he felt it a great honour to win such a cup.—Quartermaster E. Davies gave the health of the officers and said the squadron must thank the officers for the handsome cup they had given for competition (cheers). He regretted that the squadron and regiment were placed at a great disadvantage in only being able to have a range of 300 yards. He was pleased that the club was prosperous and that good scores had been made (cheers).—Lieutenant Lane in reply said it gave the officers great pleasure to present the cup. The regiment had been praiised by Col. 1 Liddell for its shooting, and it behoved officers and men te do their best to try and secure a longer range.—The health of the chairman, Dr. Gill, Ac., were honoured, and some good songs brought a very pleasant gathering to a close.

FORDEN BOARD OF GUARDIANS WEDNESDAY. Present: Mr. W. Pryce (in the chair), Rev. L. J. Lee. Col. Twyford, Messrs W. Rogers (vice-chair- man), E. R. Owen, S. Miller, J. Pryce-Jones, W. E. Jones, Thomas Rogers, F. Langford, D. Howell, J. Middle, Robert Scotson, E. Hughes, with Mr. C. S. Pryce, clerk. ESTIMATES. The CLERK reported in accordance with the estimate of common charges as passed at the last meeting, £1,729, had been apportioned between the parishes according to their rateable value, which made a rate of 3d. in the The county rate for Shropshire was 2;àJ. in the and for Montgomeryshire 4d., which left £3,078 to be raised. CONTRACTS. The following tenders for supplies for the ensuing half-year were accepted and ordered to be sealed:—Clothing, Mr. Edward Hughes, Welshpool; twill sheeting, 8<1, 10, and nd; grey c-alico, 2iA 2, 2¿td, and 3d;. white calico, d and 6d; harden, 6d andJ7d linen check, 6^d and 8Jd and other articles as per tender. Flour, Mr. Morgan Davies, Forden, 16s 6d per sack. Butchers' meat, Mr. William Davies, Forden, beef 5, mutton 6J, suet 5d, Wines and spirits, Mr. Samuel Morris, Welshpool, port wine 10s 6d, sherry 9s 6d, brandy £1, gin 1113, rum 14s, Scotch whisky 14s, Irish 14s, per gallon. Groceries, Messrs John Jones and Son, Welshpool. Coal, Mr. Morgan, Forden, Wrex- ham best main 12s 3d, Ruabon best main 11 9d, Ruabon seconds lis 6d. Glazing, Mr. T. H. George, Montgomery, 3-{} per square foot. Boots and shoes, Messrs. Stead and Simpson, Welshpool, Men's 7s 6d and 6s lid, youths' 5s 6d, boy's 4s 6d, children's 3s 6d, women's 5s 6d, girls' 4s 6d, infants' 2s 3d. Malt and hops, Mr. W. T. Southam, Shrews- bury, malt 4s lOd per bushel, hops 9d per lb; brooms and brushes, Mr. H. Bunner, Montgomery, scrubbing brush 6d and lid, shoe brush 6d to 10d, bass broom Is 4d and 8d, hair broom 2s 3d, coca broom 6d and Is; coffins, Worthen, Mr. E. Broxton, adults 15s, youths 10s, Forden, MrJE. W. Pryce, adults 14s 6d, juveniles 6s, Mentgomery, Llandy- ssil, Llanmerewig, and Berriew, Mr. John Evans, Llegodig, adults 14s 9d; children 8s 6d. INFECTIOUS HOSPITAL. The CLERK read the following letter from the Local Government Board in answer to the Board's inquiry respecting the reception of infectious cases into the hospital :— Local Government Board, Whitehall, S.W. 4th October, 1894. Sir,—I am directed by the Local Goverrtoient j Board to advert to your letter of the 21st August and the 19th September on the subject of the admission of cases of dangerous infectious disease to the Workhouse of the Forden Union. In reply to the question contained in your former letter. I am directed to state that, pending the erection of an isolation hospital by the Welsh- pool and other sanitary authorities referred to by you, the Board are of opinion that it must with the relieving officer and district medical officer to arrange provision and treatment for any pauper case of infectious disease. It is for the Guardians in their discretion to give instructions to their officers which will ensure the best arrangements possible under the circumstances being made, and dangerous infectious cases should only be sent to the workhouse when no other proper provision can be obtained.—I am, sir, your obedient servant, W. E. KNOLLYA, Assistant Secretary. THE SEAMSTRESS. A letter was read from the seamstress, respect- fully requesting the Board to pay the cost of her etay at Rhyl. It was decided to do so- RE-APPOINTMENT. The CHAIRMAN gave notice that at the next meeting he should move the re.appointment of Dr. Morgan as medical officer. This was seconded by Mr. E. R. OWEN. STATISTICS. In-door relief First week, number in the house 104 against 103 last year; vagrants relieved 78 .sefiniul wfwtt, number in the hoase 104 against 102 vagrants relieved 91. Out-door relief administered during the last fortnight Montgomery district, per Mr. R. Tomley, £12 15s Od to 102 recipients Welshpool, per Mr. J. Fortune, £8 17s lOd to 84 recipients; Worthen district, per Mr. J. Oliver, £11 Os 8d to 112 recipients. +

CHIRBURY. HARVEST FESTIVAL.—On Thursday week Harvest Thanksgiving Services were held in the Church of St. Michael and All Angels. There was Holy Com- munion at 8-30 a.m., and evensong at 7 p.m., when the sermon was preached by Rev. J. P. Dalton, Vicar of Alberbury. Appropriate psalms and hymns were sung, and Mr. Keedwell ably presided at the organ. The thank-offerings (£8 10s. 9d.) were given to the Salop Infirmary and the Shrews- bury Eye and Ear Hospital. The church was elaborately decorated for the occasion by Miss M ;V Dax' MisTsr Langford. Chirbury Hall, Miss Morris, West House, and others, and several of the parishioners sent corn and flowers. ———♦ —

EPITOME OF WELSH SEWS. The present is a very early season for woodcocks. One was killed on Saturday by Mr. D. P. Jones o. the Manledd estate, Van Mines. Rev. D. Jones was last week presented with an address and some purses of gold on his leavirg Llawryglyn for Liverpool. -g At Mold on Sunday a young man named John Jones committed suicide by taking carbolic add and another man nawied Thomas Jones was found in his bedroom suspended by a rope. The cord was cut before the man succumbed. The death is announced of Miss Rachel George who for twenty five years has been head mistress of the girls' school at Llandegai, to which place she removed from Ruabon, where she was school mis- tress for eight years and a half. The Colwyn Bay Local Board have decided to exempt from the payment of rates all places of worship within their district, to accept condition- ally an agreement proposed by the railway company for the erection of a promenade at Colwyn Bav, and to take measures for the speedy recovery of rates in arrear. Mr. D. A. Thomas, M. P., points out what he re- gards as several defects in the financial clauses of the Welsh Disestablishment Bill. He objects to the" parochial" allocation of the tithe and the optional character of the scheme for the compensa- tion of the clergy, and declares his intention of moving an amendment dealing with these points should he fail to effect the desired alterations be- fore the reintroduction of the bill. A painful scene was witnessed at the last meet- ing of the Chester Guardians, when the Rev. Evan Jenkins, who had charged two officers with trying to kidnap him, appeared before the Board and told an extraordinary story of what he described as a diabolical plot." He said that a relieving officer and a medical officer conspired to capture him in order to avoid investigation into the con- duct of those who had attempted to incarcerate him without cause, and connived at his death flirouo-h the instrumentality of private asylums, out of which he escaped in July, 1892, by his own ability At Virginia Water, where he was confined, he said he swallowed a flint stone, and he described his experience with six doctors at Chester, two doctors at Liverpool, and doctors all over the country with a view, if possible, of driving the matter out of his system. On Mr. J^nkm's retire- ment the Clerk said the Commissioners in Lunacy had written asking the doctor if Mr. Jenkins was under proper care and control, and he went to Mr. Jenkins's house and told him what he was going to do. The case about twelve months ago cams before the Court, which considered that Mr. Jcnkins was under proper care and control. There was not the slightest doubt that Mr. Jenkins was non compos mentis. The Board considered that there was no charge against their officers, and no action was taken. 4 —

GENERAL NEWS. There are now fifty-four prisons in England and Wales which receive female prisoners, and 01 these twenty-nine have lady visitors. The strike of Scotch miners is fast coming to a termination, it being estimated that 40.000 men descended the pits on Monday on the employers' terms. At Simferopol, South Russia, a justice of the peace has been sentenced to ten years' banishment to the Yeniseisk Government, in Siberia, for falsifi- cation and misappropriation of funds. Mr. Edward Powell, cashier of the National Provincial Bank, Brecon, has died at Chefn Park from the effects of injuries received by being thrown out of his trap when returning from Sunny Bridge. The Freeman's Journal says another death has taken place at the Richmond Lunatic Asylum from the mysterious disease supposed to be Beri-Beri. This brings the number of deaths up to fourteen. During the past week fourteen steamers arrived at Liverpool with live stock and fresh meat on board from American and Canadian ports. bringing a total supply of 4,773 cattle, 4,734 sheep, and 12,772 quarters of beef. The Wesleyan Committee of Privileges is, at an early meeting, to take up the question of the elec- toral disadvantages of the ministers, consequent upon the itinerant system. It is felt that the position has become intolerable. At Stalvbridge, Daniel Concannou, previously convicted of a similar offence, was fined £10 and costs for detaining a pensioner's life and identity certificates as security for loans, on which he had charged 500 per cent. interest. Whilst a number of platelayers were engaged in repairing the Great Northern and Great Eastern line, near Sleaford, a flagman named William Trolley, whilst endeavouring to remove his flags was caught by a passing train and decapitated. The Countess Hartenau, widow of the late Prince Alexander, of Bulgaria, who is a devout Roman Catholic herself, intends, it is said, to bring her son np in the Roman Catholic Church. Her late hus- band in his will left the decision of this question to her. While corn was being carried at Croesgroes, St. David's, the horse attached to the cart bolted, and Mr. John Griffiths, farmer, who rode on the load, fell down, and, the wheels passing over his body, died almost immediately. A servant girl is also reported to be fatally injured. M. Mazeron, notary public at Lyons, disappeared from that town mysteriously a week ago. Investi- gations carried out by the judicial authorities have led to the discovery that lie had misappropriated funds belonging to clients to the extent of £44,000. So far there is no clue to his hiding-place. Professor Virchow was asked not long ago by an inquisitive American at what hour he was accus- tomed to go to bed. "Wheu my day's work is done," he answered. It may be one o'clock, or three, or five, but it is my rule nor to sleep until I have finished what I have to do." In spite ef this irregularity of habit, Professor Virchow at seventy- two is a very energetic and active man. A railway clerk named Chator has been sentenced at Nancy to six months for felony. Chator, who was a collector of postage stamps, discovered the means of washing out the ink obliterations on Austrian postage stamps, a large number of which on parcels passed through his hands. Then he sold the stamps to people in Austria. It is sup- posed that since 1891 he must have sold £560 worth of stamps. The upper part of a woman's body, with only one arm attached, was found at a lock in the Bridge- water Canal, at Runcorn, on Saturday morning. The remains, which were much decomposed, were afterwards identified as part of the body of a woman named Agnes Anderton, who had been missing from her home since Thursday night week. Passing steamers are supposed to have caused the mutilation of the body. Alexander Campbell, carter, of Paisley, has been remitted from the Paisley Police Court to the Sheriff on a charge of culpable homicide. It is alleged that Campbell backed his horse and cart, whilst unloading goods at Underwood Mills, Paisley, against a ladder on which Samuel Mulhol- land, a painter's apprentice, was working. The ladder was overthrown, and Mulholland fell to the ground, a distance of thirty feet, and was killed. The ancient crypt of St. John's Church, Clerken- well (formerly the Priory Church of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem), was thrown open to the public on Saturday afternoon, and was visited by a large number of people. It is worthy of note that in one of the narrow cloisters on the north side of the crypt there was a coffin, which was pointed out as the one that contained the body of the whose spirit was said to haunt Cock Lane, and it was in this crypt that the Cock Lane ghost imposture was detected and exposed. A short time ago, the Clerkenwell Vestry, in accord- ance with an erder in Council, removed all the coffins in the crypt to Woking Necropolis, where the human remains which they contained were reinterred. The reservoir at Osgodby, which supplies Scar- borough with water, burst during Sunday night, and emptied itself of four million gallons of water. The reservoir is an old one, having been rebuilt in 1857. Apparently the concrete has been forced out of the bottom of the reservoir and the water has escaped through the foundations. Fortunately, the accident will not materially affect the water supply of Scarborough, there being more than sufficient water in the reserve at Irtor.. The General Purposes Committee of the West Riding of Yorkshire County Council have had under consideration a report made to them from the Trades and Labour Councils of Keighlev and Batley, who protested against the practice of one man being allowed to have charge in the public highways, of two horses and two cans. They have decided that the practice is to be condemned, and on Tuesday they asked the County Council to sanction the obtaining of powers to prohibit the practice. The recommendation, if carried out, will compel owners to provide a driver for every vehicle. The ancient gold ring or amulet which was recently discovered in a building estate in Daubeney Road, Hackney Wick, and which is believed to be one of sixteen amulets made in accordance with the directions of the will of Sir Edward Shaw, goldsmith and alderman of the City of London in 1487 as charms against diseases, has been deposited in the British Museum. The Treasury authorities have fixed the intrinsic value at £20, aud they have forwarded one-third of that amount-£6 8s.—to Hackney to be divided among the men—Cole, Cox, and Jeffries-who found the ring. At the City of London Court, on Saturday, the plaintiff, Mr. W. A. Ayres, sought to enforce the payment of the sum 9s. due from the defend- dant, Mr. Robert Campbell. Defendant said it was not his debt. He only became security for someone else. He did not know that the other man had not paid. Mr. Commissioner Kerr, in making an order for him to pay 10s a month, said the defendant ought to be committed for the non-payment of the whole amount at once, as a lesson fur his folly in becoming security for anybody. Men should never become security for anyone under any circum- stances. Rev. T. Dalton, M.A.. an assistant master at Eton College, died suddenly on Monday morning, at his residence, Eton. The deceased was present on the previous Thursday at a meeting of the Eton Local Board, of which he was chairman. He was also a member of the Bucks County Council. The proceedings of the autumnal assembly of the Congregational Union of England and Wales were opened on Monday night at Liverpool, when Rev. Alfred Rowland, of London, preached a sermon in Great George Street Chapel, there being about one thousand delegates in attendance from various parts of the country. Rev. George S. Barrett delivered his presidential address on Tuesday, and at a subsequent meeting the Parish Councils Act was considered. The sixth annual meeting of the Birmingham and Midland Counties Women's Liberal Unionist Association was held on Monday evening. Mrs. Fellows presiding. The formation of a number of branch associations and a large addition to the membership was reported. Mrs. Willoughby Wade was elected president for the ensuing year. An interesting address was given by Mrs. A. S. H. Richardson, of London, on the position of women in politics, and Mr. R. Bagwell, of Clonmel, spoke on the Irish question. The latest reports of the Czar's condition are alarming. Canon Curteis died on Tuesday at Lichfield. He was well known throughout the diocese and was greatly esteemed. The Marquis and Marchioness of Salisbury ar- rived in Arlington Street yesterday (Friday) from Dieppe. Damage to the amount of £300 was done by a fire which broke out in a store room at the Sandv- croft Colliery, Buckley, on Monday. The jubilee of the Maesbrook Primitive Metho- dist Chapel was celebrated on Sunday and Monday. The thirty fourth annual meeting of the Church Congress was begun on Tuesday at Exeter. The Mayor and Corporation gave a reception at the Guildhall. A report was current at Buenos Ayres on Mon- day that Jabez Balfour had managed to escape from the prison at Salta. The reported escape is untrue. The Hungarian House of Magnates have re- jected the Government bill for the legal recogni- tion of the Jewish religion. A Rome journal announces the discovery of a fresh Anarchist plot in that city, and its ramifica- tions are said to extend throughout the whole of Italy. Oliver Wendell Holmes, the well known Ameri- can author and poet, died at his house in Boston on Sunday, after a short but severe attack of asthma. He was in his eighty-fifth year. A correspondent writes: •"Eight quarters of wheat per acre has been produced on some of the Wold farms of Yorkshire. Tins heavy yield is exceptional." Canon Malcom MacColl, who has been Haying at Hawarderi Castle on a visit ro Mr. and Mrs. Glad- stone, has gone to Ripon for his annual three months' residence at the Cathedra:. Mi's. Poingdestre, mother of Cui'moi Poingdestre, di' on Monday night at Jersey. ti.e age of 103. She i!!> belonged to the WesJevan Methodist body in • Channel Islands for eighty-four years. provisional committee formed for the pro- motion of a new line from Manchester to the north. have chosen Newcastle as their headquarters. They have also resolved to proceed wi:h a bill in the session of 1895. Mr. Halley Stewart, M.P., for the Spalding Division, has been suffering from ill-health, but is now recovering. The hon. member, under medical advice, is to take complete rest for a few weeks, and is going to Harrogate. A shop window is not the place to go and look for wit, but there is apparently a humorist in the Edgware Road, London, whose "line" is soap. He fills his window with inedible penny cakes, and labels his soap Cheaper than dirt." On the body of George William Haslehurst, a boy of thirteen, an inquest has been held at Chelsea. It appeared that his sudden death was due to hainatosis. induced by eating unripe pears. A ver- dict to that effect was given. At Bootle. on Monday, John Murphy was sent to gaol for two months for cruelty to his daughter, aged thirteen. It was stated that he had neglected and kicked the girl, and that he had saturated her clothes with paraffin and threatened to burn her to death. An extraordinary sight was witnessed in Dover on Monday, some thousands of grey mullet having found their way during the night, when the dock gates were open, into the harbour. These afforded fine sport, and fishing was carried on all day from the yachts. It is stated that the Midland Railway Company has decided to run to Leigh, near Sonthend, Essex, and construct there a pier and docks, and that thev are in negotiation with the London, Tilbury, and Southend Railway Company in connection with the project. The crew of the British India Company's mail steamer Dorunda, which was recently upon a rock, have been landed at Southampton. The crew, numbering fifty-two, were received by the Ship- wrecked Mariners' Society, and sent to London, en route for their homes. At Wolverhampton, a young man named John Beavon, driver of a mail cart from Stourport to Wolverhampton, was lined £5 and costs for per- mitting two men to ride On his cart, contrary to the Post Office regulations. At the end of his journey one of the mail bags was found cut open and a number of letters abstracted. The men had then disappeared, and have not been discovered. The United States Minister at Pekin has warned American residents in Pekin and Tientsin that a Japanese attempt upon Pekin seems to be almost certain, and be earnestly advises them to send all ladies and children to Shanghai, or some other plaee of safety. It is stated that there is a very large number of American traders in both cities. Wealthy Chinese merchants are leaving Pekin in large numbers. News has reached Shanghai that a rebellion, having for its object the overthrow of the present dynasty, has broken out in the district of Je-Ho, in the province of Chi-Li, but the report lacks confirmation. Cheng, the nephew of Li Hung Chang, and chief magistrate of Tientsin, has been proved to have defrauded the Treasury of very large sums of money by purchasing worthless arms and ammunition. He has been degraded from his office. An inquest was held in London, on Monday, on the body of George Hungerford Penruddocke. aged twenty-three years, the son of a Wiltshire clergy- man, who was found dead in bed at the Craven Hotel, Strand, last Thursday morning with a bottle labelled chloroform tightly grasped in his hand. The jury returned an open verdict. The Valley House, in Achill Island, was fired on Saturday night by an incendiary, and Mrs. Agnes McDonnell, the owner of the house, and of the surrounding estate, was brutally maltreated, her skuV being fractured, her nose broken, and her hair torn away from her head, with portions of the scalp. On recovering consciousness on Sunday she gave the name of her agent, James Lynehehan, as her assailant, and he was arrested as he was assisting to extinguish the flames. He was taken before a magistrate, and remanded. A largely-attended meeting of the supporters of the Parnellite Parliamentary party from all parts of Ireland was held in the Rotunda, Dublin, on Monday night. Mr. John Redmond, M.P., who presided, said that Home Rule had disappeared from the political world because of the apathv of the majority of the Irish party. Before Home Rale could be passed a general election must be held on it, and for this purpose a dissolution of the Government should be forced. The Parnellites would in the coming session do all they could to force a dissolution, and there were signs that in the near future the nine votes of the Parnellites would be able to bring about a dissolution. Resolu- tions in favour of a dissolution, and in support of the Parnellite party, were carried. Dartford Guardians have decided to trv the experiment of providing margarine for the inmates instead of butter. When the matter was under discussion some amusement was caused bv members tasting a sample supposed to be margarine, which they generally approved, It turned out to be a sample of butter. The first dense fog of the season prevailed in London on Tuesday, and business was carried on by gaslight. A dense fog also prevailed in the Channel all night, and many vessels were brought, up. The steamer New ha veil, from Dieppe for New- haven, is reported ashore under Seaford Head through a thick fog. The new Queen's Regulations for the Armv state that a knowledge of shorthand is of groat advan- tage to a staff officer, and also announce that arrangements have been made with the Civil Ser- vice Commissioners to hold examinations in short- hand for officers twice a year, in April and October. Dr. Harris, medical officer of St Marv, Islington, and Dr. Klein, of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, have piesented startling reports on the manufacture of cheap ice cream. The stuff is usually made under foulsome conditions, and samples examined were found to be teeming with microbes of a dangerous character. An extraordinary accident occurred at Heywood on Monday night.' A drunken man smashed a fire alarm, and the brigade immediately turned out in search of the supposed fire. When in the market place their hose-carriage wheels were torn away, and the vehicle turned completely over. Seven firemen were thrown violently into the street and four, including the superintendent, were shocki'ncr]v injured. The man who raised the false alarm was brought before the magistrates on Tuesday and remanded. The handsome bridge of the Wrexham and Elles- mere Railway over the river Dee is now complete the steam navvy is engaged in the last cutting, and in about three weeks it is believed Messrs. Davies Brothers' engines will be able to run direct from Wrexlam to Ellesmere. At the Central Station at Wrexham some additional filling up is being done.