The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

POWI3 PROVINCIAL EISTEDDFOD. An Executive Meeting was held in the Town Hall, Welshpool, on Monday evening, the ex-Mayor (Mr. K 0, Jones) presiding. A letter was read from Mrs. Beck, expressing her willingness to adjudicate on the needlework. It was announced that Rev. J. Hill had consented to act as adjudicator on the "Tourist Handbook." The CHAIRMAN then said that at the last meeting they appointed a Finance Committee for the purpose of examining their estimate, which differed very much from the cost which they had conceived. At Brecon the expenses were zE461 5s. 6d., and a profit of zC284 14s. 8d. was cleared. The Executive Committee's original estimate was something like £700. The Finance Committee was then appointed for the purpose of ascertaining where they could curtail something. It turned out that they had X625 to face, as against X401 5s. 6d. at Brecon. He noticed that their estimate for printing and advertising was -675, and at Hrecon it was £ 49 6s. Id. Mr. C. SHUKER remarked that the original estimate was £ 120, and they cut it down to £75. The CHAIRMAN: There is no reason why volt should not curtail it more. How are yon going to cover this nioiiev Mr. T. ROWLEY MORRIS Our basis, upon which we hope to realise that £625 has been thus The Horticultural Show had 10,000 people, and we shall have 10,000 in two days. The CHAIRMAN observed that people came from Shropshire and other parts to the Horticultural Show. The Eisteddfod was only for the Wcls\>. Ten thousand or 15.000 was a very big number. Mr. T. R. MORRIS: If 10,COO came to the Horticultural Show, they will come to Welshpool Eisteddfod. Mr. C. SHUKER said that for each morning performance 500 might be present; in the after- noon 1,250; in the evening 1.800. Taking those quantities, he believed, as they estimated, that the Eisteddfod would pay its way. The CHA I nMAS It's the printing and adver- tising that we have to deal with at the present moment. Mr. T. ROWLEY MORRIS As to the £ 75, we don't say that we shall spend it. We shall submit it here. Mr. 11. JONES remarked that they ought to decide as to the number of papers they should advertise in. lie proposed the MONTGOMERY COUNTY TIMES, and 12 other newspapers. Mr. T. SIMPSON JONES proposed that it be left to the secretaries to advertise in the 13 papers, and that they be permitted not to exceed £ 6. This motion, after being seconded by Mr. R. JONES, was carried. Mr. C. SHUKER said they had no prize for photography. That was a subject which would not .take up any special time on the days of the Eis- teddfod, and Mr. R. Williams-Wynn would offer, if they were willing to accept, three prizes of 30s, 20s and 10s for nine views taken within eight miles of Welshpool. Professional photographers would be ineligible. Then as regarded the harmonium solo, the same gentleman would be willing to give two prizes, the first of 30s, and the second of 10s. He begged to propose that those prizes be accepted. Rev. J. 1DRISYN JONES seconded, and it was unanimously carried. Mr. J. PUGII rose to say a few words in refer- ence to the Brass Baud contest. lIe thought that the great attraction to the Eisteddfod would be the Brass Band contest. He proposed that they give prizes to the exteni of 942, to be distributed as the committee might direct in three prizes. If they gave paltry prizes they would get paltry music. After further discussion it was decided that there should be three prizes,viz., X20, £ 10 and E5. The YTCAR remarked that before separating, he would like to say that he had just looked at the draft programme, drawn up by their secretaries. He congratulated them on the very thorough manner in whis-li they had done that work. If the success of the Eisteddfod depended upon their secretaries it was already guaranteed (applause). This concluded the meeting.

BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. TGESDAY. Before S. Powell, Esq. (in the chair), Col Twy- ford, W. Rogers and D. Wall, Esqrs, D.C.C. Crow- den being also present. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. David Roberts was charged with committing the above offence on the 1st inst. 110 P.S. Humphreys deposed that on the day in ques- tion about 11 p.m. defendant was drunk and dis- orderly in High Street. He was also using bad language. Witiless" told him to go away, and de- fendant then went down to the Cross, where he became abusive.—A fine of 10s was inflicted. David Jones was charged with a similar offence. It appears that on December 3rd at 9 p.m., defen- dant was drunk, cursing ad swearing, and inter- fering with foot-passengers near tke shop of Mr. Hoberts, huteher. On being>rdored home he made his way to Mr. Gittius, groer, where he continued using bad language. On Ising turned out from there, he went home. Defendant said that the asistants at Mr Gittins' shop, said that he was not svearing. The police- man went into Mr. Gittins'shop after him. He acknowledged being drunk. Col. Twyford 1 thought you had taken the pledge. Defendant I did not say;hat I would. Mr. W. Rogers pointed oit that the defendant had promised at a previous Court to take the pledge. Defendant- was fined, in al, 15s, and was allowed till Saturday in which to pa\ OBSTRUCTING TIE STREET. It was on account of the dbove offence that Wm. Siuiister appeared at the Court. P.C. Stephens stated thaton Saturday last when going down Brook Street -I)oiit 10.30 a.m., he saw a cart opposite defendants door. Defendant's brother was with him and they had a box on the doorway, and there was vood across the path. Witness passed that way ajain about 12 o'clock, and found defendant chopping wood on the pavement. Defendant: He came up md asked me whether I was doing right. I said, "What's that got to do with you He said it wts no harm in asking me. I said, You go on with your business and I'll go on with mine." Defendant then called a witness, John Quin, who deposed that he heard the police- man questoning Simister about breaking up the wood. There was no other place for defendant to break upthe sticks except in front. Witness considered that if a man had not a back-door, or a back-yard, it was very hard for him to be sum- moned for breaking sticks in front of his own door. Defendant was forced to break them up in the street, or else throw them away. Defendant did not use any bad language. Simister was fined Is., with a caution not to repeat the offence. USING OBSCENI; LANGUAGE. William Simister was further charged with the above offence, on the same date and place and in con- nection with the same matter, viz: the obstruction of the footpath. Defendant denied the offence, and called his for- mer witness John Quin to support his denial. In doing so, the witness said that he did not believe that there was any case against Simister for what he had done or said. Dismissed, with a caution. I DRIVING A TIMBER WAGGOX ON THE FOOTPATH. Joseph Morris was charged with committing the above offence on November 28tli. Mr. C. Pryce Yearsley appeared for the defence. P.S. Humphreys stated that on the date named, about 9 a.m., he was on duty near the Cross, when he saw defendant driving a team of horses up Severn street, drawing a timber carriage. When lie came to the Cross, the itwo hind-wheels of the timber carriage went over the causeway near Mr. Morris's, the Corner Vaults. Witness went over to defendant and told him he would summons him. The carriage was empty. After-the witness had been cross-examined by Mr. Yearsley, the latter applied for an adjourn- ment for a fortnight, as a witness for the defence was absent, whose evidence was most material to the case. The application was granted. THE.FT OF TIMBER. Ernest and John Roberts, two boys, were charged with stealing a certain quantity of timber, valued at 30s., on December 13th, being the property of Mr. John Weir. David Davies, a man in the employ of Mr. Ellis 0. Jones, stated that on the date in question he was fetching a load of hay out of the late Mr. Simister's field, and being on the top of the load, z, saw a lad knocking some wood from a shed at the Nursery belonging to Mr. John Weir. In about half an hour's time, after finishing the load, when in company with a man named Joseph Hughes, he saw John Roberts drawing some boards out of the field of Mr. John Morris, Foundry, and on to .the road. The pieces were about six in number. Wit- ness told the lad that he should tell Mr. Weir if he saw him. The lad then turned into Mr. Jones's, Waterloo, with the timber. The mother of the boy stated that she did not know anything about the matter. The boy did not take the timber home. Mr. Weir, who was next called, deposed that the theft was from the Lower Nursery, on the Salop Road, adjoining the field of Mr. John 'Morris, the Foundry. From infom<ntion received from the last witness he went down and inspected the build- ing, and found that the whole of the boards had been stripped from it. He then went to Mr. Jones and there found the timber or boards, which he identified as his property. The damage done was estimated at 30s. Witness thereupon gave in- formation to the police. Mr. Jones, Waterloo, stated that the bovs brought some old boards to his place, and asked him if he would give them something for them. He asked where they had got them from, and they replied that they had got them from the river, and that people there had given the boards to them. Witness thereupon rold them that he hoped that they had obtained them honestly. The boys brought the timber at separate times. Mr. Weir, on being asked by the Bench if he had anything further to say, remarked that lie was very sorry that he had to give evidence against these lads. He hoped that the Bancli would deal leniently with them. The Court was then cleared, and on returning, The defendants admitted the offence, and Ex- pressed a wish for the case to be settled then. The Bench ordered them to come up for jlHlrro ment within three months. 0 This concluded the business of the Court.

POOL AND FORDEN HIGHWAY BOARD. Monday: present, Captain D. H. Mytton, chair- man, Messrs. Pryce Bullock, vice-chairman, Edward Pritchard, Berriew, Edward Watkin, Chir- bury, T. Gregory, Criggion, R. Hughes, Forden, AV. Davies, Guilsfield, D. Jones, Guilsfield, T. Green, Guilsfield, W. Powell, Leighton, B. Beddoes, Llan- drinio, J. Downes, Llandysilio, E. Evans, Manafon, and J. Edwards, Uppington, with Mr. G. D. Harrison, clerk, ani Mr. W. P. Hole, surveyor.— The Surveyor reported that lie had examined the damage done to Yelindre Bridge and valued it at £ 3.-—()n the motion of the Chairman, seconded bv the Vice-Chairman, it was decided to claim from Messrs. Groom of Wellington, whose team it was alleged had destroyed the bridge, the sum of 15s. as their share toward repairing the damage. --With regard to the alleged encroachment at Pentrebeirdd the Chairman stated that he and the Surveyor had looked through the award, and they reported that having examined the award they found that the place was private property, and that there was no encro,teliniejit.-The Finance Committee stated that there was a balance of zC259 Os. 3d. in the hands of the Treasurer. The Committee recom- mended that the Treasurer be debited with the following amounts: District fund account, Llan- merewig £ 6, Llandyssil £ 24, Guilsfield £ 57, Chir- bury £ 49, Rhosgoch £2 10s. They recommended that the sum of X150 should be paid as expenditure for wages, and as salary Mr. G. D. Harrison Y,14 5s., and Mr. W. P. Hole £ 55. There was no other business. t

comment is made on a speech delivered by Mr. HKHBERT GARDNER on cattle disease, and observations to the elf act that the Tories are significantly silent on the subject of A vVise and Bran Policy." Although Tory, we do not wish to confirm the silence that is attributed to us, and from the National Observer, one of our best weeklies, quote the following in an article on Agricul- ture :—" Both Mr. CHAPLIN and the wise- heads of the Board of Agriculture have discoursed on the present depression, and. although the world is not likely for many a long day to agree with Mr. CnAPLtX upon questions of currency, it is certainly consoling tOTIml two men of such experience, expressing a firm belief that quack remedies applied by the legislature are neither to be looked for nor desired." Again, the Lice Stock Journal, commenting 0!1 the same speech, says, It was in accordance with the fitness of things that at the dinner of the Farmer's Club and Central Chamber of Agriculture, on Tuesday evening, the toast of Pi-osl)ei-ity to Agriculture" should have been proposed by Mr. CHAPLIN, CX- president of the Board of Agriculture, and that lie should have coupled it with his successor, Mr. H KRIIKRT GARDNER. There is nothing whatever about the work of the Board of Agricultuie which should degenerate into the domain of party politics. The preservation of the health of our flocks and herds is equally the duty of Conserva- tives and Liberals, and it is most gratifying that. in the main, the policy carried out by A[r. (with a leaning to Protectionist views) should have been continued by a staunch Free Trader like Mr. GAEPNKI;. We do not praise a man for doing his duty, and if Mr. GARDNER had not felt able to do what lie has done to exclude foreign cattle disease, or if he had not been strong enough to have his views accepted by his colleagues we have little doubt but that he ■vould have resigned. But while we do not praise him. we can assure him that his action has the approval of the vast majority of the agriculturists of Great Britain. A noisy minority condemn him just as they censured Mr. CIIAPLTN, and as they will treat every- one who has the courage to administer the law with fairness to the stock-breeders of the country. But they are numerically insignificant compared with the "vast number who are grateful to any Minister of Agriculture who saves our cattle and sheep from the ruinous losses caused by foreign pestilence." We commend tllis to ourlSTewtown contemporary for what it is worth, at the same time fully bearing in mind the wise man's scornful qiu-stion, "How can he be wise whose fall, is of oxen r

NOTES BY THE WAY. Wa "congratulate Capt. Pryce-Jcrur- inac. honour accorded him by his fellow-i o», asmen in placing him at the head of the poll for thp New- town Urban District Council. It acknow- ledgment of the able manner in which presided ■over the late Local Board, and will pn. < no doubt an adequate incentive to even ir.r.rp earnest endeavours on his part to further I he of 'his native town. # Some well intentioned, but I mistaken people, have been protesting against he Cnmbiian Railways Company running special na'.ns- to suit the convenience of their passem-e; "n raorning next. We hear of cei-t:iltt imnisters sitting in solemn conclave passing equally solemn resolutions condemnatory of the arrangements that have been made benefit of the public generally, Surely in this ease they have been misled in the matter. "What the Cambrian Company is doing is surely for i lif, benefit of those Who at this festive season of the year wish to reach their homes from places far de taut, and who by reason of their being detained in their business Until a very late hour on Saturday night are unable to take advantage of the earlier trains. We under- stand that the special" which is to run from < Barmouth to Pwllheli on Sunday morning, has given due offence to some good'goody people, but surely it is an act of great consideration on the part of the Company to make a connection between the two places instead of compelling passengers who arrive at Barmouth atW,15 to remain there Urtil 4.50, before continual" and completing their journey. Th defeat of Mr. Edward .li nes for the Maesburv District Oswestry Union is to be regretted. Probably no man in the Chirm knows more of the powers and duties of a Poor Law Guardian than he, and he was chairman .,1 tiie old BOPrd for many years. Yet he was badly beaten, and everybody is Surprised. No man is sure of his seat on a repre- sentative body if he neglects or offends the voters first a-id then seeks Rev. W. Beavan, wh<< is leaving Holy Trinity Parish, Oswestry, this .reek, is a man who will be missed. Full of zeal and ability, he has worked hard and well in the cause of piety and temperance for over six years. lie and his wife have organised a series of free Saturday night entertainments, which have been a <,i(a-. success in every way. Providing two hour: wholesome entertainment in a comfortable room ir "likely to do more good than simply preaching roiai abstinence. Mr. Stanley height on, M.P., called attention in our columns last week to the Decennial Return of the Charity Com m is-ioners. in which is given a list of the orders which, during the past ten years have been ni vie. e-i.abiishnig schemes for Noncon- formist Ciiap 'l or institutions, or their endow- iiients." As a serious attempt is just now being made to secure rhe disestablishment and disendow- mcnt of anor!e t portion of the Church of England -that which e.visry in the" neighbouring Princi- pality—the hUll. 'critleinan, says a contemporary, deserves credit r the manner in which lie is con- centrating thought upon an aspect of the question which the great. majority of Lib-rationists, both English and will ivoid, if they are permit- ted to do FO Ar Mr. Stanley Leighton points out, it appears f»~rn this 'let urn that Dissenting bodies apply onct, cii a week to the Commissioners, as represent 1 ,h(, State, for the purpose of having schemes established in connection with their chapels, schools, and other endowments, and for the appointment or removal of trustees. When a scheme is once established it cannot be altered except with the approval of the State. It is very interesting to read that as many as seven hundred and sixty distinct Nonconformist trusts, including at least two from the borough of Shrewsbury, have thus been dealt with during the past ten years. Jews, Roman Catholics, Friends. Moravians, Particular Baptists, Countess of Huntington's Connexion, Calvinists, Presbyterians, Wesleyans, Primitive Methodists, &c., all in turn besiege the doors of the Charity Commissioners." And why do Dissenters seek State aid in the management of their affairs ? Why cannot they get along without that which they would deny to their Episcopal friends ? Mr. Stanley Leighton supplies the answer: The endowment of the ministry is one of the principal objects of these trusts. In some cases the property is vested in the Official Trustee of Charity Lands-a State-paid officer, and thus the trust fund itself is placed in the legal custody of the State, not of course for use or dominion, but for guardianship and regula- tion," in the same way as if it were the property of the Established Church itself." The religious endowments of Dissenters and the management of their denominational business are, in fact, to a large extent controlled and governed, and their trust deeds interpretEd, through the instrumentality of the State and this, as can easily be shown, is of sub- stantial pecuniary benefit to the denominations. In the words of Mr. Stanley Leighton, the value of this official Return lies in its drawing pointed attention to the existence of endowments in the hands of the various religious communities at the very time when the question is being raised as to the rig'it of the Church to continue in possession of her trust property and an idea is widely prevalent that she, amongst all the religious communities of the land, is the only religious body in possession of hereditary estates. Under these circumstances, how any one can deny that the Disestablishment and Disendowment of the Church of England in Wales mean spoilation, passes our comprehension. We venture to hope that the new light which Mr. Stanley Leighton is periodically throwing upon this very important subject may have the salutary effect of checking the attack upon the Welsh Church. It is about time says the Western Mail that the Aberystwyth townspeople should lend a helping hand to the college situated in their midst. It is estimated that the college brings something like X15,000 annually to Aberystwyth, yet the 'Stwith- ians give i; hardly any material support. For the last ten years the students have had to pay the corporation a heavy annual rent for the use of a part of a field for athletics, and now, when a few thousands of pounds are wanted to meet the pro- mise given by Sir William Harcourt, the wealthy town of Aberystwyth will not subscribe even £ 500. At the monthly meeting of the British Dairy Farmers' Association, held in London on the 12th of this month, it was proposed, on the motion of Col. Curtis Hayward, and seconded by Sir Reginald Beauchamp, and unanimously resolved that Mr. J. Marshall Dugdalc, of Llanfyllin, Mont- gomeryshire, be elected a member of the Council until October, 1895, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. James Robertson. i -# "W 0 are pleased to see that Lord Kenyon has been elected a member of the Shire Horse Society. V5 Montgomeryshire Conservatives will be pleased to see their Parliamentary candidate, Mr. Robert W. Williams-Wynn, heading the poll amongst thirty-six candidates for the St. Asaph Parish Council. V The World says Brigg election is still in the front of political discussion and Mr. Richardson may congratulate himself on being, unlike most of the by-elected, something more than a nine-days' wonder. Liberal comment OIl his victory has varied greatly, as one would have ex- pected from so composite a band of critics but, though amusingly inaccurate, it has been instruc- tive enough to be recapitulated. First, the party fell foul of Mr. Thomas Ellis, who, they said, should never have allowed the vacancy to occur till the new register came into being with the new year; and a good many of the party are still of this way of thinking. Then Mr. Ellis put it off on Mr. addy, Mho, as the Chief Whip was careful to have it known, had assured him that Brigg was safe for the Liberals. Next the Irish who were concerned with the constituency came in for attention, some declaring that it was all through the wicked Parnellites, who made their com- patriots go Tory, and others ascribing the defeat so much to the Irish Unionist workers, that they talked of petitioning against the result—a folly 111 which a desperate few still persist. "Lastly, some sapient observers have noted (none too early; that the prehistoric Schnadhors- tian method of sending young gentlemen from London to do anything anywhere is not exactly the last word of political wisdom. On the whole therefore, Mr. Ellis has come very badly out of the business. He has shown that he is weak and wanting in judgment, and that the organization he presides over is very unsound; for, if caipet- baggers arc not ideal .candidates, they arc at present the only kind available for the service of the united Liberal party." Lord Tweedmouth's latest and most indiscreet speech has given great offence, oven in Ministerial circles, and attention will be called to it in the House of Commons, when his strange negotiations with the Irish members arc also to receive notice, and a question of privilege will be raised thereon! It is as unusual for a Ministerial Whip offer meat to a section of his followers as for a Cabinet member to propose pll bliely that judicial changes shall be subject to party convenience, and that there shall be manoeuvring of the most equivocal kind in respect of vacant seats. Lord Tweedmouth's veiled attack on Lord Herscliell, Mr. Asquith, and Mr. Ellis, for creating vacancies in Forfarshire and at Brigg, is also greatly resented.

GUILSFIELD. CONCERT.—A concert was held in the Schoolroom on Thursday, December 13tli, in aid of the Football Club, and proved a great success. The following ladies and gentlemen took part: H. F. Mytton, Esq., Miss E. Scotson, Mr. and Mrs. Yaughan, Messrs. T. Jones, E. Parry, Checkitt, W. Mathias, and J. Jones. Miss Alice Owen, Welshpool, ac- companied in her usual good style. Thanks arc due to Mr. and Mrs. Scotson for kindly lending their piano. 0 POOL QUAY. LOCAL SUCCEss.-At an open competition for 60 situations as Assistants of Excise in the Inland Revenue Department, held last November, Mr. W. Fred Pugh, son of Mr. J. Pugh, The School, obtained the 29th place on the list. There were 800 candidates. TREWERN. GIFT OF COAL.-On Thursday, Lord Powis with his usual kindness and liberality caused 2 cwts of coal to be given to all the poor of Buttingtou parish. The tickets were kindly distributed by Rev. T. Hughes, vicar. WHITTINGTON. C.E.T.S. (WHITTINGTON BRANCH). The annual meeting of members was held in the School on Tuesday. The attendance was good. There was an excellent tea provided, and gi eat thanks are due to the members of the tea committee for the pains they took to ensure the fulfilment of all the arrangements.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL. WELSIIPOOL BOROUGH BOUNDARIES. THE ENSUING ELECTIONS. YESTERDAY (FRIDAY). V Present: A. C Humphreys-Owen, Esq. M.P. (chair- man), Alderman John Jenkins (vice-chairman), Aldermen W. Cooke, Edward Davies (Dolcaradog). C. R. Jones, E. R. James, and J. Jones, Councillors Col. R. J. Harrison. Capt. D. H. Mytton, Capt. E. Pryce-Jones, W. Forrester Addie, II, Lester Smith, D. Richards, R. Owen Perrott, Richard Lloyd, R. E. Jones, John Shuker, Thomas Watkin, Martin Woosnam, Nathaniel Watkin, Edward Bowen, J. Godfrey W. Bowen, Thomas Samuel Pryce, Thomas Morris, l), Jones, Hugh Lewis, Joseph Richards, W. H. Gardner, Richard Rees, John Jehu, W. Scott Owen, W. Theodore, David Edwards, and David Rogers, with Mr. G. D. Harrison (clerk), Mr. C. P. Winnall (assistant clerk), Messrs. G. A. Hutchins (County Surveyor), R. W. Hughes (Chief Con- stable), and A. Breeze (Inspector of Weights and Measures). OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE. The CLERK read a communication from the Home Secretary with regard to the Wild Birds Protection Act, requesting the Council to pay attention to the powers the Act confers on the Secretary of State to make orders for the protection of wildfbirds, and of fitheir eggs upon application from the County Conncil. The CHAIRMAN said that so far as they were concerned there was no special need for the adoption of the act, but it was open for any mem- ber of the Council, if they thought it desirable, to ask to have the Act put into operation. He thought the proper course to take was simply to acknow- ledge it. This was ordered to be done. FOOD AND DRUGS ACT. A circular was read from the Leicester County Council, with copy of resolutions passed at its last meeting, with regard to the Food and Drugs Act, and requesting the Council to pass similar resolu- tions with the view of their supporting the same and forwarding copies thereof to the Loeal Gov- ernment Board. The resolutions were That the Council approves of the act of the Local Govern- ment Board with regard to the enquiry before the Parliamentary Committee respecting the adultera- tion of food stuffs, dairy produce, and drugs, and the working of the Food and Drugs Act, and the Margarine Act. and expresses a hope that the recommendations of the Board's inspector, Mr. Preston Thomas, made to the said committee, will be embodied in a bill in- troduced to Parliament."—" That in the opinion of the Council, all vessels containing skimmed or separated milk should be labelled as such in letters an inch long; that a standard for water in butter be fixed, and that margarine should either be sold in a separate shape or coloured differently to butter." The CHAIRMAN said these were a series of suggestions for the general .purpose of making easy to tnose interested in agriculture to carry out the intentions of the Act in regard to the products of farms of taking samples, and having them analysed by the County Council analyst. He thought they might accept the recommendation of the committee, and let the course of procedure be adopted. If any gentleman would wish to hear the course of pro- cedure gone through, the Clerk would read them, if not, they would take the Finance Committee's recommendation. Mr. R. E. JONES asked whether it would not be be necessary to refer it to a committee to consider whether any alterations were necessary under the special circumstances affecting the County. The CHAIRMAN The matter has already been referred to the Technical Instruction Committee. The VICE-CHAIRMAN moved that the recom- mendation of the Finance Committee be adopted. Col. HARRISON having seconded it was agreed to. PROPOSED ENLARGEMENT OF THE WYE FISHERY DISTRICT. The CLERK also read a letter from the Secretary to the Wye Fishery Board in which he enclosed a notice of the intended application of his Board to the Board of Trade to alter and enlarge the present district.— The Clerk said the finance Committee reported that having considered the notice for extension of this fishery district, they recommended the Council to adopt the same course of procedure as was taken upon a similar application of the Severn Fishery Board. The CHAIRMAN observed that this was a claim of a most sweeping chaiacter on the part of the Wye Conservators, namely, to take over the whole of the waters of the Wye whether standing or run- ning. He therefore moved the adoption of the Finance Committee's recommendation. Mr. WOOSNAM enquired whether some action should not be taken on the part of the Council to oppose the application of the Conservators. The VICE-CHAIRMAN said that if any necessity arose let them take steps to consider it. He thought the present recommendation sufficient. Col. HARRISON considered that it would be well to ask their representatives in the House of Commons. Capt. PRYCE-JONES enquired whether a copy of the resolution, if passed, would be sent to the Board of Trade, and The CHAIRMAN r2plied in the affirmative. The recommendation of the Finance Committee was agreed to. RAILWAY AND CANAL TRAFFIC ACT, 1894. The CLERK read a circular received from the Mansion House Association oil Railway and Canal Traffic, which stated that the Executive Committee of the Association had decided to prosecute test cases on behalf of the Association under the above Act, with a view to minimising, as far as possible, the expense and trouble of individual complaints, and assisting traders to determine the precise effect of the provisions in the Act relating to in- creased railway rates. For this purpose a guaran- tee fund was to be provided, towards which they were invited to contribute. It was hoped that sub- scribers to the fund would in no case guarantee a less sum than £ 5, and that those whose differences with the railway company were of an extensive character would contribute in proportion to their interest in the proceedings. The ciroular referred to probable test cases in connection with private siding rebates and analysis of rates, and also as to undue preference to foreign merchandise. The Finance Committee recommended the Council to give a guarantee of £ 5. The CHAIRMAN said a good deal of what was contained in the circular did not affect them verv much, especially with regard to sidings. He did not know whether there had been much trouble in this country with regard to increases in railway rates, and that had been a burning question in some places. The only matter which affected them was the question of undue preference to foreign merchandise, inasmuch as this was an agri- cultural county, and as the Association intended to take a test case in regard to the latter question before the Finance[Committee recommended that it would be desirable on the part of the Council to guarantee the sum of £ 5—the lowest sum asked for—in order to assist the Association to get at the bottom of this question. Capt. E. PRYCE-JONES moved that the recom- mendation of the Finance Committee be approved, which was unanimously agreed to by them. Mr. SHUKER seconded, and it, was carried. FERTILIZERS AND FEEDING STUFFS ACT, 1893. The CLERK reported that lie had acknowledged the receipt from the Board of Agriculture of an epitome of procedure adopted by the Leicester County Council. THE STANDING ORDERS. The CHAIRMAN, in carrying out the recom- mendation of the Finance Committee, moved the adoption of the following new standing order :— Any of these orders may be suspended by a majoritv consisting of not less than 16 members of the Council, being three-fourths of those present. The motion shall be introduced by a speech not exceeding five minutes in length, and shall be seconded" and put to the meeting without speaking." The VICE-CHAIRMAN had much pleasure in seconding, provided the words three-fourths of those present, sHeh majority being not less than 16 members of the Council in number," were sub- stituted for the words not less than 16 members of the Council, being three-fourths of those present The CHAIRMAN accepted the proposed altera- tion. )11" SHUKER was in favour of making the number more than 16, whereupon The CHAIRMAN said he was willing to alter the number to 18. Capt. PR YCE-JONES moved that the matter be referred back to the Finance Committee. Capt. MYTTON, in moving its rejection, said he thought the minority should be protected as much as possible. The standing orders had been care- fully prepared, and he did not think it wise of the Council to pass standing orders at one meeting, and then at the next move that they be suspended. The CHAIRMAN observed that the resolution ought to be passed with unanimity if passed at all; he did not wish at all to force a motion of this kind upon the Council, almost at the end of its existence. and under the circumstances he would ask leave to withdraw his motion, but would bring- it forward again in the usual way, at a time when it would be dealt with more effectively. This was unanimously agreed to. RIVER CONSERVATORS. The Council next proceeded to the appointment of Conservators, in pursuance of the Salmon Fishery Acts for the ensuing year. For the River Severn and its tributaries Messrs Beck, E. Buckley, Charles W. Owen, Captain Westby, Geo. Kempster, Alfred Ford. Tnomas Pryce (Pentre- heylin), Captain Somerset, Dr. Kendrick Jones, Kynaston Perrott, Dr. Green, and F. W. Cooke (Newtown). River Wye Messrs John R. Pryce and J. Rees Bowen. Rivers Dovey, Mawddach, and Glaslyn Messrs David Davies. Williams, Richard Rees (ykv. David Evans), and Colonel Norton. BANGOR COLLEGE. Alderman John Jones was re-elected representa- tive for this county on the Court of Governors of the University College of North Wales for the vow^ 189^- j^LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1 £ 94. The Committee appointed by the County Council in pursuance of Sec. 83 to exercise the powers of the Council under the Act, reported that they had drawn up reasons to be assigned to the Local Government Board in support of the proposal of the Council for the curtailment of the Borough Boundary. The draft was still under discussion,' and would be completed as soon as the Committee were able to supply full information upon the subject. The Council in JLil N- last deferred one of the proposals of the Joint Committee of Montgomerv and Salop affecting portions of the Parishes of Berriew and Castle Caereinion situate within the Borough of Pool. Upon the appointed day," December 4th, these portions by operation of the Act Sec. 24 (5) became separate parishes, and it was therefore necessary that provision should be made for the election of one or more Guardians for such parishes. The Joint Committee having recommended that for the election of Guardians the said parishes should be united into one parish to be known by the name of Brithdir, and should jointly elect one Guardian, the Committee adopted the proposal, and directed that with the concurrence of the Salop County Council an order should be sealed and issued carrying the Hme into effect, and this had been done. ELECTIONS. In accordance with minute of Council No. 476 the committee had prepared and issued a scale for Returning Officer's charges and expenses pursuant to sec. 48, sub-section 7, which was submitted therewith. The committee also made an order for the election of Councillors and Guardians together in the Newtown Urban District. HIGHWAYS. In accordance with a suggestion of the Local Government Board, the committee made an order directing the election of waywardens to take office from the appointed day until 31st March, 1895. MACHYNLLETH UNION. In consequence of the failure of agreement between this Council and Cardigan, as regarded the parish of Scuborycoed, an order dealing only with the Merionethshire and Montgomeryshire parishes in this Union, and carrying out such of the proposals of the Joint Committee as were approved by this Council on 7tli July last, was made by this and the Merioneth Council and sub- mitted to the Local Government Board. The Board, however, declined to confirm the Order (Cardigan not having assented to it), and the Act (sec. 24, c, 5) would therefore operate, the effect of which was that Scuborycoed (Cardigan) and Pennal (Merioneth) would respectively become separate Rural Sanitary Districts with one District Councillor each, to be dealt with in the future by the Local Government Board. The CHAIRMAN moved that the report be received aud adopted, and the VICE-CHAIRMAN having seconded, it was agreed to. Two or three members brought up questions affecting the Act so far as it concerned their respective districts, but they were all referred to the committee, who met subsequent to the meeting of the Council. A monotonous discussion ensued upon the chairman verbally calling a meeting of the committee at such a short notice, the meeting con- vened for the purpose on Thursday, the 20th inst., falling through owing to the absence of a quorum, there being only two members in attendance, but the ruling of the chairman was justified so far as it affected the standing orders, and consequently allowed to hold good. MAIN ROADS. The Main Roads Committee reported that they met at Newtown 011 the 11th inst, when the County Surveyor reported that the repairs a:id aintenance of the main roads were being carried on for the year in as satisfactory a manner, and as rapidly, as possible. In those localities where it was intended to consolidate the metalling with the steam roid roller, about 2,000 tons bad already been rolled in, and a considerable quantity of material was ready broken on the roadside, and was waiting to be spread until the roller could be brought round to consolidate it--chiefiy in the Llaufair, Llansaimffraid. and Montgomerv dis- tricts. In those places where ir would be im- possible to roll in the stone, owing to the inability of one roller to go over the whole ground in a single season, the metalling was being laid in the usual way, to be consolidated by the wheels of the vehicles passing along the roads. About 14,786 tons of metalling had been placed ready for this year's maintenance upon the roadsides,of which 12,583 tons were broken, aud 2.2J3 tons were un- broken on the 20th ult., and 1,044 tons remained to be delivered, in all 15,930 tons, against his estimate of 14,793 tons. Mr. Hutchins presented a table showing an abstract of the cost under the different heads for the quarter euded 30th Sept., and also for the six mouths ended the same date. The totals for the quarter and half-year respec- tivelv were Manual daily labour. £ 721 16s 7d— £ 1,695 3s 4d; materials, zC778 5s 1icl- £1.352 4s 6 £ d stone breaking, £ 197 6s ljd—- £ 351 12s 2 team labour, £ 336 17s 4d— £ 513 5s 2d; grand totals, X2,014 5s 2d— £ 5,912 5s 3d. The cost of the year's rolling, after making the usual deductions, amounted to X225 16s 4d. Up to the above date about 69,815 square yards—5,755 tons —of metalling had been rolled in at a cost of a little over three-fourths of a penny per square yard or 9d per ton. A ton covered about 12 square yards of surface. About 1,040 tons of metalling had been quarried and sent out of Penstrowed Quarry during the present season at a cost for labour, A-c., of £54 Is lOd, or about Is 01-d per ton. 2 The quality of the stone broken was verv good, and when rolled in by the steam roller it would not be less durable than the stone broken bv hand and laid down under the old system. No doubt the machine was capable of breaking 40 to 50 tons in the ten-hours day when in full working order, and so they might fairly expect to slightly reduce the cost of breaking. The Local Board of Newtown had asked if they could supply them with broken stone, and he had replied that is could be done if they were willing to pay at the rate of 4d a ton for the hire of a steam engine, as they could not spare the steam roller for that purpose this time of the year. This was referred to Penstrowed Quarry Committee to report to the next meeting of the County Council. The incline at the quarry was working most satisfactorilv. and had cost up to the present time about £ 119 Is 7d. They would have to construct a small shed for the men working in the quarry, a cover for the drum and rope, and a roof over the driving belt of the stonebreaker, in addition to two measuring boxes for the broken stones, which he estimated would cost about £ 30. (Recommend these works being carried out at an estimated cost of not exceeding X30). Making up the actual cost of the incline, stoneyard, Ac., to 1149 Is 7d. As a set off against this the carter would charge 6d per ton less for carrying the stone out from the stoneyard instead of from the quarry, which he estimated would pay off the cost above in about three or four years. Thiiteeu Finger Posts have been erected at -a cost of £ 22 in the L'nnfair, Llansantffraid and Montgomery districts. Many complaints had been made as to the want of mile posts on some of the county muin roads. He had obtained a quotation from a local firm to supply iron oius at a price which would very much reduce the amounts of all former estimates, and he suggested that the D.strict Sub-Committee be asked to consider the question between this time and the March meeting, with the view of obtain- ing opinions upon the subject from each of the localities affected. The height of the mde posts would be 3ft. 6in., and the price 12s each, with raised letteriug-the number of letters must not exceed 40 for the above price. (Approved). He had arranged with the Railway Company for a wharf at Abermule railway station near the points of the crane siding, 20 yards long bv 3 yards it E3 10s. per annum, the of erecting a shed thereon if necessary. (Approved). 1 he total cost to the borough of the roads in ques- tion had been f r the !a>r two years £ 557 7s 2d. '1 lie oftVr ot t lie Counrv Council of £ 240 per annum, or £ 4>3 for two years, fell snort of this by £ 77 7s 2 and they re commended to the Council as an amicable settlement that for the two years the further sum of £ 38 13s 7d. making a total of £ 518 1.3s 7d be offered to the Corporation, and this sum they understood the representatives of the Corpora- tion were willing to accept. The Main Rovis Committee recommended that an order for pao% ment of the amount recommended, be made by^the Council. The Committee recommended the Conn- cil to accept the offer of the Llanfyllin Corporation to repair the roads for the current year at the rate of £ 26 per mile. The Committee referred^, tip question of re- opening the lower beds of tbe"nhall Qaarrv ro the Llansaintffraid Sub Committee for theirrel-t also with regard to the erection offences along th« Llanwyddvn roid aad round tbtt quarry at Tynbwlch. The Committee approved of the acceptance of Mr. John Weil's temfer for carting away the road scrapings and s,, within the limits of the Welshpool Borougli streets. The secretary's estimate of wages and cash payments for the quarter commencing January 1st next, was 1. 6 DO. LLANFYLLIN fAIX ROADS. The Sub-Committee reported that^tey were satisfied that the amounts claimed by thptlanfyliia Town Council had been in fact spent upon the Main Roads in the Borougli, including the streets, during the last two years. The figures shewed an average- cost per mile per annum for wages, materials, and team labour only, for 1892-3 of zC28 lls. Sd., and for 1893-4 of CS4 16s. 8d. They found, however, that the Main Roads maintained by the County, of which the Borough roads were continuations, OlJ,' cost from zCl6 to £ 21 per mile per annum, and after making every allowance for the additional cost due to the convergence of the traffic upon the town and station, they were clearly of opinion that a considerable saving could be made for the benefit of the ratepayers of the borough and county, if the County Council undertook for the future the maill roads of the borough. COUNTY BRIDGES. The County Surveyor prepared a list of bridges repairable by the County Council, and it was re- ferred to a special sub-committee appointed for the purpose. The Main Roads Committee recon mended the Council to provide the County Road- men with waterproof capes and Sou' Westers at an estimated cost of not exceeding 5s. 8d. for each cape and Sou' Wester. The articles to continue the property of the County and not to be replaced for at least four years. Tiie County Surveyor was instructed to advertize for tenders. The report was ordered to be received and adopted. FINANCIAL. The Finance Committee reported that they met at Newtown on the 11th inst., when they examined the claims against the Counrv Fund iTu-lnmncr accounts passed by the Main Roads Committee and the Standing Joint Committee expenditure, and submitted their recommendations for pavinent therewith. CONTAGIOUS DISEASES ANIMALS ACT The CHIEF CONSTABLE reported as follows :— I have the honour to repor for your information, that during the three months ending 30th Novem- ber last slice]) scab broke out on 19 farms, 181 sheep were attacked by the disease, of these 46 recovered, and there remain 135 still affected on 15 farms. The county is free from swine fever. During the quarter ending 30th September last the police in accordance with the Privy Council Order, No. 1323, have made 170 inspections of 1.223 cattle trucks. 174 horse boxes, and the pens at the railway stations in the county, and report that the provisions of the above order have been complied with. I append a list shewing the parishes in which sheep scab broke out." FINANCE ACT, 1894. A very animated discussion followed the reading of the report, of the Committee upon the above. The VICK-CHAIRMAN saying that they must be very careful they did not pass a scale of charges which would put into the hands of one of their valuers something like £ 1,500 or £ 2,000. Alderman JOHN JONES thought they should have the report printed and circulated among the members, so that they might consider it in the meantime. The VICE-CHAIRMAN moved a proposition favouring the last suggestion. He hoped eac i one of them would give it the attention it deserved, and decide upon a scale that wouuT be sufficient, and not deprive the County Council's funds of a very large and excessive sum for very little labour. A genera] discussion followed, with the result that it was resolved, on the motion of the CHAIR- MAN, seconded by the VICE-CHAIRMAN, that disappointment of valuers be deferred, and that the report, together with Ryde's scale and a copy of Sec. 10 of :he Finance Act. 1894, be printed and circulated among tit- members of the Council, and entered on the agenda for the next meeting of the General Purposes Committee. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT. Mr. A. BREEZE (inspector) reported that he had been th-toughout the countv during the past quar- ter, for the purpose of verifying stamping weights and measures and weighing instruments. The number of weights examined and found correct wore 8,927: seized, 97 adjusted and stamped. 939 measures, 119 and 74 weighing instruments, The report, in addition to that of the Standing Joint Committee, which was takeu as read. was j ordered to be received and adopted. THE COMING ELECTION. The date of the election of County Councillors j'r ¡he EJlsuing' tI11'1'(' "(':11' \1S Ol'dPI:E'd to be fixed for Saturday, March 2nd. the new Council to meet (,:i Friday March 15ch. COMMUTE:: OF ENQUIRY. Councillor W. THEODORE, in the course of a I brief speech, moved that the Clerk be instructed to obtaiu information as to the probable cost to the county of a committee of enquiry into the endowed charities of Montgomeryshire. Councillor REES seconded, and it was carried. This concluded the business, and the Council | rose at two o'clock, the meeting having lasted three hours.

-O- I MONTGOMERY. PENNY REAIUNRS.The fourth of the series was hold in the Town Hall oil evening. There was a large attendance, and the chair was taken by Mr. C. S. l'ryce. town clerV. Mr. Pryce at the i commencement sought the interest of his audi-mce in ilio petition which is being addressed bv the inhabi- talits of the district to the Cambrian Railwavs Company, and which seeks to obtain the provision of a much needed shelter on the down platform. | The programme was then proceeded with, and carried out much to the delight of the audience. CHI-UCH HISTOKV LECTURE.A lectuie on The i history of oir from the earliest times," illustrated by beautiful magic lantern pictures, was given in the Town Hall Oil Wednesday evening, by Rev. Kihlare O'Neil, curate of Clan. The chair was taken by C ol. Harrison. ;uid there was a good attendance. Another lecture continuing the his- torv to the Reformation will be given KT a future time. TREFLACH. A spirited Bazaar was held in the C ;ffee Room on 1 ivesday to obtain funds for a new harmonium, and in aid of the Trefonen Clothing Club. Stalls were, held by .Miss E. Perrott, Miss Lucy Dumville Lees. Miss Davis, and tl e Misses Redfern, The tea stall was undertaken by Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Ellis, Mrs. Lircroft, Master Arthur Dnmviile Lees, Id. dips. Mrs. Pro- bert, and Mrs. M. Tudor, amongst many others, worked hard. Mr. Richards, Brynaber, kept the door. It would be impossible to give the names of all the contributors but we may mention S i- Watkin Williams Wynn The Dowagei Lady Williams Wynn -01 1s., Mr. Wright, Halston, zEl. A word of praise migh; be bestowed 0:1 Miss Lucy Dumville j Leis, the Trelfach organist, as it was mainly through her efforts that the bazaar was started and we wish her every success in the future with the new instrument and trust that the Sunday evening services will long prove a blessing to the neigh- bourhood, as the energy shown on the above en- tertairunent prove that they are greatly appre- ciated by the poor. LLANW DDYN. eveiiii- I)ecem- ber 13 th ■ Parish Council held their first meeting. Ail the Councillors were present and formerly took office. Mr. J. D. Williams was elected chairman, Mr. Watkin Owen treasurer, and Miss Davies and | Mr. Simon Jones, Rhiwarger, trustees of charities.

Christmastide will be attended with the means of ensuring that fair average" of physical and mental enjoyment, which some philosophers adjudge to be the very I I acme of human happiness. Enough is as good as a feast. At this time of universal "I feasting we heartily trust that in every humble home there will be enough and to spare. Though the times are not like they were a couple of years ago, yet trade is still flowing in the great current of commerce, and it is a source of unqualified satisfaction to be able to feel that to the vast bulk of the population, Christmas will be Christmas still, and observed with time-honoured j customs of good cheer. In a local contemporary, political