The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

CYCLING club ANNUAL DINNER. evening November 29th the annual Cluber connection with the Newtown Cycling °&T)if '°°k place at the Unicorn Hotel where a Bree repast was provided by the host Mr. H. .of tfse. The chair was occupied by the president I 11: W club (Mr. C. L Kershaw,) the vice-chair by of tt) W. Cooke. There was a large attendance ttembers including Messrs. A. D. Dawson, H. 0W P- R. Hall, Tom Norton (captain,) J. H. X. gn> (v'ce-captain,) W. T. Lowe, A. N. Roycroft, Rogers, E. Williams, G. L. Tilslev, E. H. W. A. Owen, W. E. Jones, C. W. Lloyd, G. 6l1, E- Williauis' D- H- Bennett, P. Prit- A- Rees, O. Edwards, Griffiths, A. King, 1'h hoo. sec. and treasurer. patpj6 cloth having been removed, the loyal and otic toasts were duly honoured, after which 8. r." Ä. D. DAWSON proposed the" Army and and in doing so remarked that he was not Ver^i^siastic cyclist, although he was always Cyci-^ ased to meet them in any way he could, \yer ^'as a healthy exercise and when people t}jev 'e<^ to their business it was necessary that *Hd 8 ,u'd have some means of seeing the country time the scenery and having at the same C0RJ exerciss (applause.) The Cycling Volunteer ^aS DOW a distinctive feature of the army h6a|.a ^eans of getting healthy persons with a hotgg jf. mind. To those who could not afford the c7chny was a means of getting about °t^-c°Untry which they could not do in the t^at ary way. Referring to conscription he said ^bn only way to fight against it was by the the militia and especially the volunteers. ^OQs • ^ne> yeomanry, or cyclists' corps, pt() Cription must be avoided. Long might they totyj*8.1*' might they all give their help and strength fie keeping the Empire entire and unsullied. Ofc„C°?P'ecl with the toast the name of Mr. S. yhn (applause.) Cjul gentleman being absent, the VICE. ^as (Mr F. W. Cooke) responded. He t)aYv^ eased to hear the capital way in which Mr they °n ^ad proposed the toast. He was sure that ^b&ck ^ere all proud of their land when they looked ^•d nUp°n fc*le Pas^ historJ °* the country. They in 0 reason to doubt that what had been done kpplau8'8)' Wou^ be repeated in modern times j MORGAN then proposed The Club," that tl so said 'hat it was pleasing to know them 1e club was a success (applause). None of 1tletnbnee be ashamed of the performances of the they era ,10 the fifty mile racing, especially when ^°nsidered the district they had to travel. He tnQ.de ? Pleased to think that the members were th of ) good metal. As regarded the management in tb e club, they had a very energetic secretary 'ffhe: Person of Mr Fred R. Lloyd (applause). ?*cCeJ Cl^ had a good secretary it was bound to 3°vecje,<7 Mr Lloyd worked with a free will, and Th T and its members (applause). in r"e H°N- SECRETARY (Mr Fred R. Lloyd), hafl said that he did not know what he fie j ,ne merit the kind words of Mr Morgan. only done that which he would be pleased ° for any club with which he was connected. 0 loving the members any secretary would be lenrf^ such members, especially when they had ^.Qers lilcg Messrs Norton, Tilsley, arrd Owen thPPlause). Proceeding, he said: "Owing to Unfavourable state of the weather on the w?* ts that runs were fixed several of the had to be abandoned, but it is hoped during 1>1 coming season that we shall be able to accom- more runs. With the view of encouraging district the committee again decided members wlio rode fiftv miles witliiu BJ TTumiai "Mr Kenkaw, I?e c°Tfini^r lcind generosity, came to the help of T* disS!eV again promising the member who I l.is Dce ia the best time a gold medal, and ^stance in oLby Mr Toin Norton, who covered the Presented 8- 43m.. Silver medals were also -8.re due f The thanks of the members generally he took a fr E. H. Morgan for the gréat trouble incon1 n,usfc have resulted in consider- ^eeper. /eQience to himself for acting as time- e'd in c s members are aware, a ball was ast, a t?Dec^on with the club on the "first Feb. the cointnitf result exceeded the expectations of Cotning v n ee> and offers a fair prospect for the club ar ^anuary 10th next. The thanks of Policy thev^ 8 c^n^n-ifee for the energetic ^hich ha/i 8 Pursued during the past season, Pre8ent 0ne much to place the club in its ^»are t^0tni.nent Position. You will also be OQrino-'pi J' rough the kindness of the Cyclists a flange n wo have had erected on the Vastre 0c°Urrpf] fPos to prevent a repetition of what '1'he CHo years ago" (applause). com n IRAN then presented medals to those ancl In the 50 wile race. Their names rrGold lr J vy"'ch they did the race are as follows: ?er8haw^ tp (^'ven by the president, Mr C. M. 48niin ^^Norton, 2h43min 1'ryce H. Owen, h eedwell, 2h 58min W. A. Owens, Gtnin • J'TT" T Stoke. 3h l-min; O. Edwards, 3h ■ "'ones, 3h 8j7nin A. N. Roycroft, 3h aHin w tT' ^o^ers, 3h llmin; A. Rees, 3h ^in-'r wJ°M8' 3h 15min; D. C. Evans, 3h that-+v! 3h 30min. It should be f°ad ]1Q, • last-named man was delayed on the Th0 L to repair his tyre. etIth¡ eaJth of the riders was then drunk with ISHlsm. BanJ' 0 I Mr A. D. Dawson. }tr F MI' H. Randall (Oswestry). ^residen). ^OOKE proposed the Health of the to the p' He said they were greatly indebted yearg, resident for his kindness during the past ^eetin.q e was always present at the committee a.nd he al Do^w'ithstanding his professional duties, k the Club So. took part in all things connected with for any was a particularly generous gentleman, ^r }Ce"rq}?SerV^n^ ins-;itntion was always assisted by ^ent anl ?'w (hear, hear). He was a model presi- bu^^hop od they would drink his health in a ilr Vpnl1718 received with musical honours. a.l\vays r,i i ,r» returniug thanks, said he was esPeciaH w^at 'ie could for any cause, *rusted yf Cycling Club (bear, hear). He What- vG ^VOQ^ have his health and strength to Sono. 1; could for them in the future. Mr T'rw E. H. Morgan. In doin NORTON gave the Town and Trade. 80 was to think it w^s in a On the °S^erotls state, and was improving. It was (heap }1g°a<j improvement all over the country The t0asfc yas "well received. the Vi8&ainin?..toasts were the Vice-President, E>nri „ and tho Hosfc and Hostess. ^8 t^le evening vocal and instrumental music toatthl80 rendered by Messrs G. Beasley, H. tor Savers, W. R. Wood, and thers. audall, Oswestry, acted as accompanist.

SCHOOL BOARD. jj • INSPECTOR'S REPORT 0"N NEW CHURCH • STREET SCHOOLS. ■^ridav meeting of this Board was held on F_ rp^° nn%ht. Mr R. Phillips presided, and Mr. alsohro lornas occupied the vice-chair. There were Ree«<Senj: ^essrs John Humphreys, B. Halliwell, H. ^Vill' an kewis; with Messrs E. Powell, clerk, attetlHoalrl^, assistant clerk, and John Andrew, The ?Ce officer" ■^evy read a report of H.M. Inspector on give thlr-ch-sreet Board School, from which we attend- O'lowing extracts :—Boys' School: Average Girls' U.>.e' £ rant earned per head, £ 1 0s 6d. earnecl Sc Average attendance, 120 grant atteiul;jPer head, £lls 6d. Infants'school: Average grant l1ce, 108; grant earned per head, 13s. Total "'s 6d n- average attendance—Boys' school, £ 138 On ex'' school £ 129 infants' school, £ 70 4s. .£5 11 amlatlOn in specific subjects—Boys' school On e s; school, £129: infants' school, £704s. -85 in specific subjects, boys' school, grant ischool» £ 2 14s- Amount "of annual of thP T s 6d' The followinS is the summary inspector's remarks :— ^BOW«WN NEW CHURCH-STREET BOARD SCHOOL. tion t, .ch°o1: T1,e tone> discipline, and instruc- SeneAli^s school are good, and the boys did well and al' m the elementary and class subjects, first frge first-cl&sa answered creditably jn the a°d °f botan5r- The reading, recitation, 'ana-writing in the upper standards were highly creditable. The grammar of these stand- ards was not so good as I hope to find it another year. More writing in copy books should be done in the first standard, and the scholars should be trained to hold their pens better. The drill and singing from notes were very satisfactory. As the upper standards are large, it would be desirable to engage a certificated assistant, when one or both of the present assistants leave, especially if a specific subject is to be taught. Girls' School: This school is under very good discipline, and con- tinues to be well instructed. The reading, reci- tation, hand writing, and composition were very good, and the class subjects, spelling, and arith- metic were fairly good. The Directress of needle- work has given the summary mark of good for the needlework, and states that the herring-boning in the third standard was incorrect. The gathering in the fourth standard needs attention, and the hedge-tear in the seventh standard was unsatis- factory. The singing by ear and note was very satisfactory. The first-class answered creditably on the whole in domestic economy. The chimneys are said to smoke, and should be attended to soon. The boxes which encumber part of the space allotted to the girls' hats ought to be removed. The class-room is too full, and another class room would appear to be necessary. Infants' School: The course of instruction is rather meagre. The attainments of the scholars are in most respects below what they might be expected to be, and there is a want of tact, care, and thought shown in the conduct of the school. General improvement will be expected next year, especially in reading. An illustrated alphabet sheet should be procured for the lowest class, and word-building should be introduced. Singing for notes if taken, should not be confined to a comparatively small part of the school. Greater care should be taken to keep the rooms ventilated, without unnecessary draught. The class-room is overcrowded. Another class- room is much needed, and also a suitable cloak- room.—The early attention of the Board is re- I quested to H.M. Inspector's remarks on the pre- mises of the girls' department. A circular from the Education Department, stated that on the special recommendation of II.M.'s ¡ Inspector, they have sanctioned the omission of the annual inspection of the boys' and giris' de- partment of the New Church-street Board School, due in October, 1896. Mr. W. F. THOMAS remarked that the 'school had done very well with the exception of the infants. The CLERK produced figures which showed that in 1893 the average attendance in the infants' class was 127, and the grant 17s per head. Now the average attendance was 108, and the grant 13s per bead. In 1893 the "otal grant was £108 19s, and now it was £70 4s. The Board then proceeded with the re-arrange- ment of the teachers' staff. Plans for the proposed erection of new class- rooms were forwarded to the Education Department for their approval. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. W. F. THOMAS, to suggest that all teachers bo taught from six to seven during the winter months. It was resolved to hold an entertainment, and to have the distribution of prizes on Friday, Dec. 2nd, the arrangements for which were left ia the hands of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. This terminated the business.

THE BISHOP OF ST. ASAPH ON VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS IN WALES. IMPORTANT SPEECH BY HIS LORDSHIP. The annual prize distribution to the scholars attending the Newtown National School took place in the Public Hall on Friday se'nnight. The room was crowded. The chair was occupied by the RECTOR (Rev. E. A. Fishbourne), who said they had had those annual prizegivings for the last three or four years at the National Schools, and year by year greater interest had been shown. There was a general impression that the National schools were very feeble indeed. Some people seemed to think that the instruction given there was far inferior to that given at the Board schools, but it was precisely the same. The Bishop had come to them from a long distance, and had come to show his interest with them in their endeavour to keep up their National schools and religious instruction. They were living at the very furthest end of his diocese, and tie had put aside most important engagements to come there (applause). The BISHOP OF ST. ASAPH, in the course of his address, said that—as the Rector had said—he had come as Bishop of Diocese to shew them the interest he took in the Newtown National Schools. He asked them to bear with him a few momenta while with fjae general qnestion, whIch was one of saoh great importance at the ¡ present moment that it. was necessary for him to speak with care and great thought upon it. The position of the Board schools and the Voluntary schools of to-day was one of exceptional interest. The two systems were intended to work in co-oper- ation and not in hostility, but differences had been developed by time. First of all there was the financial difficulty. Mr. Forster had said that when the Board schools were established by the Act of 1870 they were intended to supplement Volun- tary schools. Mr. Forster then said that the School Board rates would not amount in the vast majority of cases to anything like 3d in the pound. They knew very different from that now. Expense upon education he was sure no one would grudge if it were not excessive and extrava- gant. Tho education given in the Voluntary schools in this country was quite as fgood as that given in Board schools. The number of children attend- ing the elementary schools of Montgomeryshire was 7,000, 2,300 of whom were educated in Board schools and 4,700 in Voluntary schools. Expendi- ture in the blue-book was ranged under four heads —administration, maintenance, loans and repay- ment of loans, and miscellaneous. The total expenditure under these four heads in 1894 was £5,600, and of this sum £447 was spent upon administration, that was upon officials who had nothing to do with the actual work of education. Again, £1,000 went in loans and repayment of loans, and at the present time the School Boards in Montgomeryshire had something over £16,000 liabilities. Net one penny in Voluntary schools was spent upon administration, as the work was done, and he ventured to say admirably done, by volunteers. No money was spent upon loans and repayment of loans, as they built their schools and kept them in repair, and they satisfied the Department by voluntary effort. All that must be remembered when they compared the two systems. He had sometimes seen the two systems compared under one head of maintenance. Now maintenance really meant the salary of teachers, books, repair of furniture, &c. Such a comparison was hardly fair or honest. If they wanted a fair comparison they-must compare the total expenditure. I they did that they would then realise the enormous amount of money that was spent under a those four heads by the friends of the Voluntary schools. He thought it was impossible to study that financial question with all care and fairness wi out coming to tho conviction that the School oar system was certainly a very expensive one. (Har, hear.) And now he came to the religious question. He would refer them to the illustration of the Greek statue and torso that was used by Lord Salisbury last Wednesday when be gave his reply to the deputation who waited upon him. It was said that the conscience clause was ignored in a great many cases. One of the leading members of that deputation, a Wesleyan minister whom he thought they all regarded with respect, said there was a certain catechism read and sold by tens of thousands in their Church of England schools. In that day's Times they would see a letter from the publishers of that catechism stating that the total number sold during the last ten years was 4,000 copies, and those the publishers believed were sold not for use in the day schools or Sunday schools but to those who wished to use them in the Disestab- lishment controversy. That illustratrion was enough to justify them in asking for proof on such matters. He should like to add one word in regard to the general aspect of the religions question. He would only ask for Church children to have the same liberty of being taught religious beliefs as other children. Referring to the Newtown schools he said that no less a sum—and he saw there a lady who had done more than anyone in that room towards raising it, Lady Pryce-Jones—(applause) —than £1,300 had been, contributed towards clear- ino- off the debt on their National Schools. He not tell Church people why all that great struL'o-le was being made to maintain their schools. They ° believed that one of the most important parts of education was religious education, but he did not admit that they gave religious education at the cost. of secular education. He believed that the secular education they gave was as good as in any other elementary school in England or Wales, and his experience as a schoolmaster, extending over a good many years, was that religious t') education did not impair education generally. He thought perhaps the best way ot always regarding those questions was to begm with the individual. He had children himself, and it he bad to pick a school for them he would not send them to a school where religion was not taught. It was necessary that Church people should do tneir utmost if they were going to main- tain their elementary schools. They had- known many of their own Churchpeople who were not particularly careful as to whether their children were taught religion or not. His impression of life—and he was not going down the plane-was that if they watched families they would tn," that the little rift within the lute occurred where religion was not recognised as the first motive in the home. If they wanted their children to do well in the world and i.o grow up as a credit to themseives and their family let them take care that they did not neglect religious education. As they valued their children's happiness in the world they should make a great effort for religious teach- ing. It was a matter in which they must not be apathetic. He could not understand a Churchman not doing his utmost to support the Church schools, and he hoped the parents would give their sub- scriptions, however small, if it were only a shilling, towards their National Schools. Let them make every effort to maintain them. He was afraid there would be a slight deficiency at the end of the year, but not a very largo one. They at the other end of the diocese would do all they could to back up the Rector, who had had a stern fight, When the Rector first came to Newtown he (the Bishop) told them one thing about him, and he though the could repeat it that night. The more they knew of him the more they would respect him. He had only one motive, and that was love for his work (ap- plause). On the motion of Mr W. WATKINS, seconded by Mr J. PATTERSON, a. vote of thanks was accorded the Bishop for his address. The BISHOP, in acknowledging the vote, said that he had just learnt that Griffiths's Charity was the means of first bringing free education to the town of Newtown. He thought they ought all to remember that with gratitude. The prizes were afterwards distributed by Lady Pryce-Jones. The following programme was performed by the children, whose gambols on the platform were very pretty and amusing and showed that they had been carefully trained by their teachers:—Anthem, Lord, through the world proclaim duet, Buy my pretty flowers;" kindergarten game, The rabbit;" song, List to the Convent bells;" musical drill; corkscrew dance, Infants; play- ¡ ground song and dance; musical drill, Infants; song, Sweet and low;" maypole song and dance scarf drill; fan drill. The following is a list of the scholars who ob- tained prizes, and the number of attendances made and the amount of prizes. The top boy has won a scholarship in the Intermediate School, partly given by Griffiths's Charity and the remainder sub- scribed by private friends. The highest number of attendance possible was 415. BoYSStandllrd VII. Griffiths's Charicy, John L Roberts, 415 £3, John Blayney, 414. Standard VI. £2 5s, George Jones, 400. Standard V. £1 Es, James Delves, 415; £1 Es, Thomas Jones, 415; £1 5s, William Poulton, 415 £1 5s, John Dodge, 415 £1 5s, Maurice Jones, 414 £1 2s 6d, Martin Williams, 413 £1 2s 6d, Arthur Brown, 412. Standard IV. 15s, Ernest J. Powell, 415 15s, Thomas Evans, 415 15s, Edward Blayney, 415 15s, Frank Edwards, 415 14s, John H Roberts, 413. Orders for clothes. Standard III. 10s, Osborne Morris, 415 10s, Charles Edwards, 415 10s, Thomas V Powell, 414; 9s, Bertie Hamer, 413; 7s, Albert Smith, 407 7s, Edward H Jones, 407 5b, Clement Morgan, 401 5s, Llewelyn Smith, 400. Standard II. 8s, Richard Williams, 415 8s, Eli Bennett, 415 6s, Alick Williams, 412 5s, Charles Parry, 405 4s, Herbert Woodhead, 401. Standard I. 7s 6d, James Blayney, 415 7s 6d, Percy Hamer, 415 7s 6d, William Delves, 415 7s, Llewelyn Edwards, 414 7s, Rd Parry, 414; 7s, Thomas Williams, 414 6s, Fred Lewis, 412 5s, Llewelyn Jones, 408 5s, Arthur Jarman, 408 5s, Edward Williams, 408. GIRLs-Prizes in books. Standard VII, Florence Smith, 404. Standard VI, Patty Jarman, 411; Daisy Wallingford, 404. Standard V, Georgina Lewis, 412; Emily Wallingford, 413-; Violet Hamer, 393; Harriet Jones, 383; Florence Owen, 373; Sarah Bevan, 370. Standard IV. Elizabeth Jones (2), 387; Elizabeth Jones (1), 378; Emily Rees 37C; Elsie Gentle, 370; Christina Thomas, 370. Standard III, May Hinchcliffe, 415 Gwen Rees, *415 Nellie Breeze, 399 Fanny Hooper, 399; Nellie Jones, 396; Emma Brown, 386; Elizabeth Field, 377; Alma Evans, 370; Martha Evans, 370. Standard II, Ella Powell, 409 Rose Wallingford, 409; Millie Dadge, 408; Hilda Powell, 395; Annie Edwards. 380; Edith Poulton, 379; Ruth Beaton, 375. Standard I, Elizabeth Williams, Sylvia Jones, Sarah Beaton, Maggie Roberts, Agnes Williams, Maggie Pryce, Annie Cannon, Jenny Williams. INFANTS.—Prizes in books. Gertrude Jones, 415; Jack Tudor, 414; Edgar Powell, 410; Fred Rob- erts, 409; Elizabeth Williams, 410; Arthur Blay- ney, 408; Sidney Jones, 404; Ada Jones, 402; Edward Bennett, 384 Owen Jenes, 387 William Owen, 386 John Owen, 387 j Wynne Morris, 387; Herbert Hinchcliffe, 384; Robert Dadge, 398; Matilda Wilson, 385; Mary Poulton, 386; Cissie Parry, 384; Beatrice Paddock, 386; George Taylor, 389; George Williams, 384; Harry Wallingford, 387; Harry Morris, 385; Hilda Poulton, 388; Frances Owen, 384; Bessie Cross, 387; Annie Hooper, 385; Richard Edward Bennett, 386; Geo Williams, 384; Norman Morris, 382; Frank Rob- erts, 387; Herbert Jones, 384; Humphrey Owen, 384; Annie Williams, 389; Margaret Evans, 386; Lawton Hamer, 332; Lily Williams, 330; Owen Blayney, 333 Ernest Tudor, 337 Fred Williams, 340; Myrtle Hamer, 353; Emily Barratt, 395; Ernest Jones, Annie Jarman, Winnie Owen, Stephen Pugh, Winnie Williams, Rose Williams, Richard Owen, Annie Davies, Owen Blayney, Sidney Owen. Writing prize, won by William Owen, given by the Rector.

LIBERAL CONFEKENCE ON THE EDUCATION QUESTION. MEETING AT NEWTOWN. A conference of Liberals, under the auspices of the Montgomeryshire Central Liberal Association, was held at Newtown on Tuesday, Mi. A. C. Humphreys-Owen, M.P., presiding over a large attendance. The CHAIRMAN said he considered the occasion on which they were met as one of the greatest public importance. He had been charged with initiating the attack on voluntary schools. He did nothing of the kind (hear, hear). It was their anxious wish to see voluntary schools, bo far as thay were voluntary schools, and doing good work, fostered in every possible way. What they were met for was to protest against the misapplication of public funds by handing them to private sec- tarian management, iustead of allowing them to be managed by local representative bodies. The question to him was not one between Church and Nonconformity, but between the privileges of a part and the rights of a nation (hear, hear). No national interest was greater than the interest of the young, and they should support national and unsectarian teaching; and they were convinced that, by placing the control of education in the hands of the ratepayers and parents, they would ensure the education being of the best kind, and most suited to the needs of the country, whether these needs be moral or intellectual. What they maintained was that their schools should be thoroughly national and unsectarian. Referring "to tho question of religious instruction given by board schools, the hon. member pointed out that religious instruction would be safe in the hands of the people, inasmuch as in England only seven board schools did not give religious in- struction. Out of fifty board schools in North Wales which did not give religious instruction, thirty-seven were in the three counties of Cardigan, Carmarthen, and Pembroke. A Parliamentary paper recently issued-gave judicial statistics which contained maps of the country, arranged according to criminality, and it was remarkable that in cases of crimes against property, crimes against the person, and crimes against the morals, these three counties were either highest, or at any rate second, while virtuous England went down to the fifth, sixth, Or even seventh class. Mr RICHARD LLOYD proposed a resolutfon which stated that the conference viewed with alarm the recent declarations of Lord Salisbury and Mr Balfour and the Church party in favour' of an increase of grants to Sectarian schools, of limiting the efficiency of the Board schools by external con- trol, and the alleged intention of her Majesty's present ministers to introduce a measure in the next session of Parliament in order to carry out this reactionary policy that the conference entered its solemn protest against any attempt to secure the further endowments of Sectarian schools from rates or taxes, and to restrain popular local bodies from earring out in full efficiency the duties for which they were chosen. Mr C. R. JONES (Llanfyllin) seconded, and in so doing observed that they were told by the hierarchy of the Church that they demanded a sub- vention of a substantial character for the Voluntary scnools—that they should be put on an equal foot- ing with the Board schools of the country as re- garded public funds. The Church people knew they could not teach their dogmas, tenets, or Church belief in Board schools, the latter being perfectly unsectarian, as they rightly should be and if the Church were not prepared to accept the teaching given in Board echools, let them find some other way by which they conld teach their dogmas. To place the Church schools upon an equal footing with Board schools would be nothing less than re- endowment with a vengeance. They did not want to endow the Church of England any more, the Church being sufficiently endowed already, and therefore ought to learn a way of paddling their own canoe (hear, hear). Rev T. E. WILLIAMS (Newtown) supported, and after referring to the three periods into which the elementary education movement might be divided, and contending that Board Schools were far better than Voluntary schools, said the present agitation was twofold in its character. The aim of their opponents was o secure increased aid for Voluntary schools, and at the same time to capture the Board schools. He pointed out that appoint- ments in Board schools were open to Churchmen and Nonconformists alike, but that in Church schools Nonconformists were boycotted. Dealing with the right of the parent to have his child in- structed according to his own opinions, he said that if the parent desired that his child should be taught distinctive dogmas or creeds, he had no right to demand that they should be taught at the expense of another man's pocket and in violation of another man's conscience (applause). He fully recognised the right of the parent to decide the religious training of his child, but any dogmatic religious teaching should be given at his own expense. They in Wales had no fear that the religious education of the children would be neglected if the denominational system were not maintained. On this point a few figures as to Sunday school attendance might be instructive. In Ireland only 6 per cent. of the population attended Sunday schools, in the United States 14 per cent., in Scotland 15 per cent., in England 20 per cent.; but in Wales one person in every three was either a teacher or a scholar in the Sunday school (ap- plause.) The attempt to capture the Board schools and get increased assistance for Voluntary schools was only one of the manifestations of that priestism which was seeking to regain influence and authority in England. The battle between priestism and personalism would clearly have to be fought over again, and he had no fear as to the result. It was their duty to "fight the fight" and maintain the strife" against priestism, whether in the State or in the schools, to secure for themselves and their children the rights and liberties they had inherited from their fathers, and to transmit them to those who would come after them unimpaired and un- adulterated (applause). Rev HURST HOLLOWEL, of Rochdale, supported the resolution, which was carried unanimously. Rev W. S. JONES, Machynlleth, moued a re- solution protesting against the injustice of giving large subsidies out of public funds to schools which arc wholly under the control and management of one religious denomination. lie said he hoped that all the Welsh members would follow Mr. Humphreys- Owen's example. In so doing they would be better employed than some of them appeared to be at present. The motion was seconded by Mr D. HAMER, supported by Rev E. PARRY (Newtown), and carried unanimously. It was resolved to send copies of these resolu- tions to Lord Salisbury, ]\II' Balfour, the Duke of Devonshire, Sir John Gorst, Sir William Harcourt, Lord Rosebery, the members of Parliament for Wales and Monmouthshire, and also to the county and borough associations of Wales; and to thank the Executive Committee 0f the Liberal Association of this county for its action in summoning this gathering of the friends of education, and pledges its hearty, personal, and financial support to its operations, and urges upon the executive to unite with other organisationa in impressing on Parlia- ment and the nation the principles laid down in the foregoing resolutions. A vote of thanks was accorded the executive com- mittee of the Liberal association of the county for for its action in summoning the conference, and pledging its hearty, personal, and financial support to its operations.

OSWEsxBT. S.P.G. Sermons in aid of this Society were preached in some of the churches in the Oswestry Rural Deanery on Sunday, The preacher in the morning at St. Oswald 8 Church was Rev T Lloyd Williams, organising secretary for Wales, and in the evening the Vicar, ltev. Cecil Hook. There was no exchange of Plpits amongst the clergy this year. ASSAULTING THE PoLicE-_At the Borough Police Court on Tuesday, before George Owen and George Perks, Esqrs., William Jones, of New Marton, was charged with assaulting p c. George Lloyd while in the execution of his duty on November 30th.- P.C. Lloyd said he was oii^jnty in plain clothes in Beatrice Street, when defendant assaulted him, hitting him all over the boiiy. Defendant said he knew nothing about the affair.-Fined £2 and costs, or one month's hard labour. C-E-T.S. The ordinary monthly meeting was held on Monday evening in the Castle street Mission Room. The temperance reading, "farmer Brown, his awakening as by fire," illustrated by magic lantern views, was given by Mr T. J. Bradshaw, Jones tern was manipulated by Rev J. Evans FOO.TBALL.-Oswestry United wiJI meet Aberyst- wyth in the third round of ithe Welsh Cup to-day (Saturday), at Oswestry, when the Oswestry team WIll be-Goal, Da"ies; backs, Grainger and Lewis; It Pn Parr?> H. Sabine, W. Faulkes; right Watkins and ■P1imrI,er; leffc wing, M. Jones and Watkms centre, F. Benbow. niffhtTa frp R0AD IJITERAKT S°CIEtt —On Monday merits WPTO entertainment was givetl) and refresh- ^d the foLPr?Vided- Mr.S" Parr? ^nes, presided, Jones V"g took part: Mr R. Morris, Mr T. Jones,' and MiTa' A* Mr HoWe"' -Mr nromnfn or^ 1 • Askin. A competition in 1m- Mr W Willi'iTWas W°D J ^iss Maria Jones, • Williams being second.

TOWN COUNCIL. MONDAY. Owen,SeRogerSMaJdr ^uli EpWilliams)> AlcL <^ Whitfield, iylmpr ? SpaUi Couilcillors Lloyd, Maclardv T^i J? emner Smith, Lacon, W. T. Jones^^7. Martin, Mason, England, Davies, Jackson fHon V s a ?fnie'> with Messrs W. (bSCh( £ E, tyt?w,lcl<,ri)- »• Wynn,, Roberts clerk). ey°r)» and J- W. Thomas (finance The MA- V°TE °F THANKS- the la,tmZ°R t^,e^ Were aware that since General Pn 1D^ ^0"tlcii a meeting of the was the llT1 ?oses Committee was held, when it man Owen^T10^ wish f11 Present that Alder- (the Mavn i B^ould be elected chairman, but he see his vv-vcr *WaS sorry Alderman Owen could not Councillor the position, and consequently Perhan« waa e'ected his successor time AlrWt^r no^ of the length of Council anH^ik en beeu connected with the ticularlv u General Purposes Committee par- Council in I860 WifS, elected a member of the five vP1,0 whlch gave a connection of thirty- Mayor h? v*,ltl\the Council. He was elected and was rmirl 1864, and re-elected in 1865, Purnospc r Alderman m 1874. The General bv thai- TI OTnmittee had not always been known initio n^tpe ifc was formerly the Works Coin- first chairm1D 18I6 AIderro.an °wen was elected its to the Y>recanl ^yhioh^position jje retained up of the 001? Vbg done 80 at the earnest wish He was Q 1tself. (Hear, hear, and applause.) retain the n^-f- y a11 regretterl his inability to short mrpo afad dan.n £ his (the Mayor's) struck bv AlHU the CouDC1,1 he had been much and faimp«« + ™an Owens complete partiality (ADnlaul? V11 wh01? he came in contact, moving /l -^e therefore had great pleasure in Council rl i oliowir, £ resolutionThat this ment -M 1 P 7 r<?gret8 Al?61'mau Owen's retire- mer t as chairman of the General Purposes Com- able a^H ffia?C°rds ifcs best thanks to him for the CondurtPH^lenufc m.aaner in^hi«h he has always tho last- tw f usiness ^e committee during to exm-P^N years, and that the Council desires courlpnn? extreme satisfaction at the impartial, SX ,\an? kindl7 in which, from the dntif« ie eud> he has performed the arduous utIes winch have devolved upon him." (Hear, near, and applause.) v ConClllor WHITFIELD seconded, and observed cr'sf-nm 1 m tIus C0U1Qtry heen a time-honoured W £ C?gniseia some way or other suoh dorprl i°n°AlliriX and faithful service as that ren- y Alderman Owen (aPf^ause), who had been tlio'i^V!1, ^oard f°r °vcr 37 years, during the last twenty of which he had served as chairman of the Works Committee, one of the most in fact the most, important committees in the town. AJuring that time he had filled the chair with credit and honour to himself, and to the advantage not only of the Council but of the town generally (hear, hear). He retired from the chair with the legret of every member of the committee, and of the ouncil, and, he felt sore, of those outside the ouncil as well. Happily, they were going to retain is services on the Council, and he hoped they would lor many years to come (hear, hear, and applause). 'I he motion was then put to the meeting and carrried unanimously. Alderman OWEN, in repty, said he had been taken quite by surprise at the kind expressions of reeling, and the kind words uttered bv his friends the Mayor and Councillor Whitfield. He could, however, assure them that he did not decline to act as chairman of the committee without first giving the matter his grave consideration, and as there were so many important measures to come before the committee in the future, which would require greater care and attention than he could possibly give to them, he should not be doing hi? duty as a citizen if he again accepted the chairmanship. In what they had said that morning he felt they were making him feel ac old man, and there rose before him the faces of those who had gone before, all old friends-Hilditch, Cartwright, Minshail, Salter, and Jones, each of whom did good work in their time. There was one feature in their Council which was always to be found, no matter however much they entrenched on the propriety of debate, or whatever hot words were said—that outside the Council all these things were forgotten (hear, hear). It was indeed a credit to the Council that such a spirit was a guide of their delibeiations. He would not leave them (applause), and the resolution they had so kindly passed would be prized as long as he lived, and as long as he was a member of the Council. Most sincerely did he again thank them (applause). EX-ALDERMAN SHAW. Councillor PERKS (ex-mayor) nexr, rose to pro- pose a resolution expressive of their regret at the loss which had been sustained by the retirement of Alderman Shaw, who was elected to the Council in 1863, mayor in 1869, and Alderman in 1836. They all felt the loss they had sustained by the retire- ment of so distinguished a member as Mr. Shaw, who was a gentleman of ripe experience, and had given his assistance in the carryimr out of many important questions which affected the interests of the ratepayers (hear, hear). He moved the resolu- tion with all the greater pleasure because of their having always been neighbours, and he felt certain the Council were sorry to lose him. Alderman SPAULL seconded, and said they had done him the honour of electing him to the place so long and so honourably occupied by Mr. Shaw, and he could not, consequently, do less than ex- press his feelings of regret at Mr. Shaw's retire- ment, which were shared by all present. During his connection with the Council Mr. Shaw had always taken a prominent part in all public matters and assis ed greatly in carrying out measures which had materially added to the welfare of that borough (hear, hear, and applause). The motion was unanimously agreed to. GAS COMPANY'S PROVISIONAL ORDER. The General Purposes Committee recommended that Mr Charles E. Baker, of 22, Great George Street, Westminster, be requested to advise the Council upon the course to be pursued with regard to the Provisional Order about to be applied for by the Oswestry Gas Company, and to act as the solicitor and Parliamentary agent to the Council in the matter. Councillor SMITH, as an amendment, moved the appointment of Mr Bott, solicitor, of Oswestry, who was quite as capable and (had had experience in this kind of work. They should also encourage local men. Councillor LLOYD, in order to test the feeling of the meeting, seconded, and, after further discussion, seven voted for the amendment and seven against, the Mayor giving his casting vote for the original proposition. Councillor SMITH then laid objection to a share- holder in the Gas Company voting, but The MAYOR ruled the voting quite in order, as they were then deciding the appointment of a legal gentleman. Councillor DAVIES, as an amendment, moved that the matter be referred to the next General Purposes Committee, and gave his rasons for so doing. Councillor LEWIS seconded, and remarked that, as the Council was equally divided on the question, it would be to their advantage to postpone their decision. A discussion followad, and on being put to the meeting the amendment was lost, the original pro- position being afterwards agreed to. THE REMOVAL OF ASHES. Alderman SPAULL, in accordance with notice of motion, proposed, That the Ash Heap be treated in such a way as to render the ashes available for manure, and to employ the unemployed in winter." Councillor DAVIES seconded, and after further discussion it was agreed to refer the matter to the Sanitary Committee. MISCELLANEOUS. It was decided to hold the Christmas Market on Dec. 24th. It was agreed to appeal to the Local Government Board to interfere between the County Councils of Denbigh and Salop with a view to securing an in- crease in the representation of the town on the Board of Guardians, it being stated that they only had two representatives, whereas they were entitled to five. The Town Clerk was granted leave of absence for six months'on account of ill-health. On the recommendation,-of Mr Rofe, the services of Mr Thompson were retained for five or six weeks, to superintend works required at Penygwely Reservoir. Alderman Bayley and Councillors Smith, Lacon, W. T. Jones, Edwards, and Perks were appointed a sub-committee to go through and revise assessment of the borough, whilst Alderman Spaull and Coun- cillors Smith, Mason, Lewis, Tyley, Whitfield and Bolton were elected a sub-committee to formulate regulations as to water fittings, &c., Alderman Spaull, and Councillors Smith, Lacon, Whitfield and Perks were appointed to revise the bye-laws, and Alderman Spaull and Councillors Lewis, Lacon, Mason and Davies, were elected a sub-committee to superintend the construction, repairs, and regula- tion of streets and roads. The Mayor, Alderman Spaull and Councillor Maclardy were likewise ap- pointed to represent the Council on the proposed committee for the establishment of a museum ..or the borough. Councillor Lewis returned thanks for his re- election as chairman of the Sanitary Committee. There was some very important work for the co- mittee in future, and he was glad the whole Council had been resolved into a Sanitary Committee, and he hoped they would give that co-operation and assistance that was necessary. Councillor Smith was appointed chairman of the Markets Committee for the ensuing year.

INCORPORATION. MONDAY. Present: Mr E Jones (in the chair), Revs D Davies and T M Bulkeley-Owen, Messrs T Whit- field W Griffiths, E Goff, A Peate, J Richards E Vnx navies, W E Frith, S Parry Jones, ana J Sands, with Messrs J C Bull, clerk, and C H Bull, assistant Clerk' OUT-RELIEF. The CLERK having read the statistics, Mr. WHITFIELD said he did not think that the Board had so explicit a statement in regard to out- relief, M the Wrexham Union had. At that (the Oswestry) Board they got the total amount spent by the relieving officers, but not the number of people on whom it was expended. The CHAIRMAN replied that they had that in- formation in the book. Mr WHITFIELD It is not given as a rule. Mr W. E. FRITH thought that a Blue Book should be published at the end of each year. The CHAIRMAN replied that they had one alrMrdFRITH and Mr WHITFIELD thought that the information in the statement of the Wrexham U The CHAIRMAN^aid that the Clerk would ask the Wrexham Union to send a, statement to him. THE TRAMPS. Mr A PEATE did not think that the number of tramps decreased in any enured the It nf labour which thev performed. ^The CHAIRMAN' replied that they did their lor work Their system of detention, which ^noV" woi, did not operate in the way they ha?he°CLERK having stated that, according to thJlaw the amount of stone to be broken varied 5 Jr?to 13 cwts, and it having been further stated^that the amount broken at the Union was 8 nr. FRITH proposed that the men should do 13™Wt,vA«?TT3R who corroborated the statement The MAS g pointed out that )he that the mei an(1 that though some men stone was ve j ifc took other8 a long time. °°The ^th^numbei^of ctvts.fixaan exact quantity or make a distinction in the case of some people. The )I.ASl'El advised that 10 cwts. should be fixed upon. decided that notice should be O'iven that the ma.tter would be brought forward ^~CATI0N OF PAUPBM. m, m i?FK read a letter from Mr. 8. P. rrj The CLERK iea __noPd bringing a motion Jones, stating that he Jj". PBoarj) to the' effect that before the meeting ° cousider the question a committee be appointed jo c establsh- of classification of wmates a ment of a proposing the motion, Mr. S. J the yeai" all the scum and said that at this; fame °WorkbouSe, and the decent riff-raff came into the h no fault of their old men who came there tnroug own, were obliged to associate with these people. He thought that the Local Government Board sent them a letter in January, in which the Guar- dians were directed to further sub-divide the classes, having regard to the moral behaviour, &c., of the inmates. As to classifying them, the Sheffield Guardians had taken the matter up and drawn up a very careful scheme. He did not know whether it could be acted upon at a Workhouse like that. Their chairman had pointed out two great difficulties; one as to the smallness of numbers. That was certainly a difficult matter. The other difficulty was lack of room, which they had in the present buildings. If a committee could go through the Sheffield scheme and write to other Unions as to what they weie doing in regard to this matter they could formulate a scheme which would answer the requirements of the House, by which old people might have more comfortable apartments, more liberty to go out, to have their friends to vis:t them, etc. It would be well for the Board to appoint a committee to consider the matter. He wished to bring the question of a children's house within the scope of the committee. He did not think that there was room for a separate apartment for the old people. They couid, how- ever, kill two birds with one stone by taking the old people into the present children's room, and the children might be kept in touch with the other in- mates. llev. T. M. BULKELEY-OWEN observed that it would be difficult to define who were respectable paupers and who were not. Mr A. PEATE replied that it would be for the Guardians to do that. The CHAIRMAN said that if a good case could be made out for a committee it would be desirable that that committee should meet. If, however, there was nothing to submit to the committee it was useless to appoint one. As to the classification of the House, one portion alone had been spoken of. He had been through every case in the House, and as to the numbers who came in and were kept until the spring, the addition was but small. They varied from 25 between the summer and winter. If they went over the list and omitted those who were in the Infirmary, he did not think that there would be more than four in the men's room who were really deserving characters. The bulk of the people in the House were not deserving characters. If they separated those four they had nowhere to put them without spending a considerable sum of money, and would that Board spend hundreds of pounds for the purpose of providing a separate room for four or five men, seeing that they had no complaint from them ? Rev T. M. BULKELEY-OWEN would like to see the old men's room a little more comfortable. The CHAIRMAN said that Mrs Fulcher had a large quantity of pictures and if the Board would spend a little money they could be framed by an inmate and could be put on the walls. Mr S. PARRY-JONES, alluding to the Chair- man's previous remarks, said that in Sheffield 25 per cent. of the inmates were entitled to better accommodation. Mr FOX DAVIES observed that the Guardians in Sheffield were well-nigh perfect in their work. Mr A. PEATE, having seconded the motion, Mr T. WHITFIELD said that he had no objec- tion to the committee being appointed but he thought that they were in the position of a minority that day in consequence of there being only two representatives from Oswestry at present on the Board. He had got Mr Fulcher to give him some information which had startled him (Mr Whitfield). As regarded Oswestry he found that in 1893, out of a total of 153 vagrants, 69 came from Oswestry in 1893, out of 161, 76 came from Oswestry in 1894, out of 165, 71 came from Oswestry; in 1895, out of 160, 79 came from Oswestry. Taking the matter all round half of the people came from Oswestry. Speaking for his own part he would rather that this question was deferred for a time until they got a better repre- sentation from Oswestry. He was surprised to find that such a large number came from Oswestry. He found that in reference to classification there was considerable expenditure. The children who went out of the House became respectable members of society. In the House they were under far stricter supervision when they were at the age of going out than those under the roof of any cottage. He would be inclined to defer the matter for six months. He made that proposition. Mr E. GOFF seconded. The CHAIRMAN (who remarked that he spoke under correction) said that as to what Mr Whitfield had said about the vagrants, there was not a soli- tary soul from Oswestry who deserved considera- tion from that Board (" Oh, oh" and laughter). Rev T. M. BULKELEY-OWEN did not think a children's home a necessity. If the children had to be turned out of the House, they were better bo&rded out. Mr J. RICHARDS said that if Mr Parry- Jones would withdraw the latter portion of his pro- position, referring to a children's home, he (Mr Richards) would be disposed to support him. Mr PARRY-JONES having consented to do so Mr FRITH said they were binding themselves to nothing by appointing a committee, and if Mr Whitfieid would withdraw his proposition the Board might be unanimous on the question. Mr WHITFIELD having done so, the proposi- tion was put and carried, and a committee was appointed. STATISTICS. Number in the House first week, 167 as against 155, vagrants relieved 107. Out-relief per Mr J. W. Price Cl2 19s 4d, to 186 recipients; per Mr Reynolds, X8 5s 6d to 113. Number in the House, second week, 170 as against 160, Vagrants relieved 114. Out-relief per Mr Price, zE12 15s to 188, per Mr Reynolds, 3s 6d to 128.

LLANFYLLIN. INTERMEDIATE EDUCATION.—The quarterly meet- ing of the local managers of the Llaafyllin School District was held in the Town Hall, Llanfyllin, on Thursday. Present:—Dr. Roger Edwards (chair- man), Mrs Leslie, Rev. Thomas Jones, Messrs. Evan Watkins and William Jones, with Mr Ellis Roberts (clerk).—Mr Marshall Dugdale wrote regretting his inability to attend, which was due to absence from home, and asking that a list of subscribers should be forwarded to him. [The Clerk mentioned that the list already showed pro- mised subscriptions amounting to upwards of £ 285.] Several applications were received for permission to sit at the Scholarship Examination to be held on Saturday the 14th instant, including some from the parishes of Llanfyllin, Llanrhaiadr, Llangy nog, and Llansantfcraid.—On the motion of Mr E. Watkins, seconded by Mr William Jones, it was decided that the chairman and clerk under- take the responsibility of making the necessary arrangements for the examination.—It was also decided, on the motion of Rev. T. Jones, that a ciicalar containing the list of promised subscrip- tions be forwarded to the other parishes.—Mr William Jones drew attention to a suggestion thrown out at a public meeting recently held in the Town Hall as to getting up a subscription lis5 amongst the working classes and the young, and collectors were appointed for this purpose.

LLANSANTFFRAID DEYTHEUR. EMTERTAINMENT. A most successful enteitain ment was given on Thursday evening week in aid of the Primitive Methodist Chapel. Mr. G. Kemp- ster, C.C., presided over a crowded attendance. Miss Edith Hanmer very ably performed the duties of accompanist. The programme, which was very well sustained by a choir from the Congregational Chapel, Llausantffraid (Pool), was as follows :— Pianoforte solo, Miss E. Hanmer; anthem, "Oh praise the Lord," the Choir (with Ir- R. Davies, Melyniog, conductor) tenor solo, Mona, Mr. Bert Jones; recitation, The twins," Mr. H. Davies; duet, "No, sir," Miss Minnie Davies and Miss M. J. Wynn solo, Love's old sweet song," Miss A. Davies; solo, The miller and the maid," Miss M. J. Wynn quartette, When the harvest is past," Miss Minnie Davies and party; solo, Grandma's advice," Mrs. D. Mason duet, The master stood in his garden," Miss Wynn and Miss E. Hamer; solo, This and that," Miss Minnie Davies; double quartette, li Him that eometh," Miss Minnie Davies and party song, No night in heaven," Miss E. Hanmar and Miss Davies; quar- tette, "Rock of Ages," Miss Wynn and party; solo, "Scmebody whispered so sweetly," Mrs. D. Mason; double quartet te, "Two gates, two ways," Miss Wynn and party; recitation, The bridge keeper's story," Mr. II. Davies; glee, The g:psv'S life is a joyous one," Choir; solo, I couldn't, could I," Miss Wynn; duet, List to the Convent bells," Miss Minnie Davies and Miss E. Haumar solo, The Holy City," Miss Minnie Davies.—On the proposition of Mr. Lloyd, Trewyilan Farm, a vote of thanks was g'¡ veil to" the Chairman and friends from Llansantffraid Congregational Chapel for their services—Rev. R. J. Yv'illiams, on behalf of the singers, in responding said they were -all very pleased to come and assist in a good cause and to help each other.—A- hymn bv the. Choir brought a very pleasant evening to a close.

JUDICIOUS ADY ERTISING creates many a new business, enlarges many an old business, and seenres success in every properly mana-ged business; and advertising in the COUNTY TIMES is certainly the surest way of obtaining this result in this district.

CORRESPONDENCE. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. To CORRESPONDENTS. Communications for this column should be addressed to the Editor, and must be written upon one side of the vaver only They, should in all coses be accompanied by the name and address of the sender, net necessarily for publication but a* a guarantee of good faith. VILLAGE CREDIT SOCIETIES FOR MOST- GOMERY SHIRE. To the Editor of the COCXTY TIMES AND POST. Sir,—May I be allowed to ask, through your columns, whether one or more gentlemen, with leisure, would kindly assist in forwarding the philanthropic work of the Agricultural Banks Association by means of (a) :correspondence with persons in districts suitable for the establishment of Village Co-operative Credit Societies and (b) by calling meetings, giving addresses or arranging for the attendance of a representative of the Associa- tion. To such public spirited workers the association would feel very grateful, and on receipt of their names, addresses, and qualifications I would at once forward them a plentiful supply of literature and at the same time publish their appointments as honorary correspondents in ihe Press. The two years' work of the association has been so success- ful that it is now intended to widen its scope, and extend its operations, hence this appeal. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, E. M. LEMAN, Westminster, S.W. Organising Secretary. December 3rd, 1895. ♦

ABERYSTWYTH LIBRARY. To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES AND POST. Sir,-Permit me to draw the attention of the Aberystwyth Library Committee to the fact that there are no catalogues in connection with the library which makes it exceedingly disagreeable to borrowers who have to go to the library and strain their eyes in order to discover what the almost obliterated titles on the books really are. You cannot even do this when there is a crowd in the room and often enough one is tempted to take the first volume at hand in order to make room for others equally as anxious to obtain a book. Dis- appointment sometimes follows the selection, and the language thrown at the beads of the Committee for their apparent negligence would shock some of the sages of that august body if they heard it. I would appeal to the new committee to give this matter their earliest attention. A MEMBER. Aberystwyth, December 4th, 1895.

ABERYSTWYTH RATEPAYERS' ASSO- CIATION. To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES AND POST. SIR,-The incidents that occurred at the meeting of the Aberystwyth Ratepayers' Association on Friday are lamentable in character, as they are surely but the death-knell in the life of this body. There seems to be none capable of taking upon their shoulders the control of affairs. Here was one of the members appealing in words as only a man of large experience could appeal, for all the members to be as brothers-to act together, to sink all personal differences, and wound up by hinting that it would be beneficial to the members if they read the leading articles which appeared in a local paper, which he declared were, in his opinion, equal to anything ever written. And this rexrark was made in the presence of the editor and proprietor of another local journal. Oh! the inconsistency of man 1-calmizig the troubled waters with a benignant smile and blowing peace to Jericho the same moment by his closing remarks. Is there any wonder the other article writer was wild ? Unless something is done in the way of bringing back the lost reputation of this Association, its career, I am afraid, will be a short-lived one. A RATEPAYER. +

PENCOED "PROBLEMS." To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES AND POST. SIR,—Your correspondent-" One Interested "— seems to consider himself a good hand at solving problems." May I venture to ask you to gire him ore or two, which he seems to have solved to his own satisfaction, but not to mine. (1) At what date in April, 1895, was the chair- man of the Llangadfan Parish Council elected for the ensuing year, and who proposed and seconded him. (2) Has any single meeting of the Parish Council been held in direct conformity with the Parish Council's Act, 1894 ? If so give the date. I can give One Interested" a few more problems, but let him first solve these two. Yours truly, PENCOED. +

THE BREAD QUESTION. To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES AND POST. Sir,—Would you kindly insert in your next issue the enclosed letter taken from the Standard on Tues- day last, touching upon the topic which deeply interests most of the readers of your paper. I presume the arguments advocated therein will be considered by some people to be too highly flav- oured with Protection to allow them even to meditate upon its contents; having held similar views for a length of time is my reason for troubling you. By most people I should suppose it would be thought that the more work we can provide in this country for our unemployed thousands, the better would it be, but by doing so we are increasing the price of foreign manufactured goods, by placing import duty upon them, but not the raw material. Which is the wisest and best policy to pursue,—to allow all manufactured goods to come in in abun- dance which men out of employment cannot pro- cure, having no money to buy with, or to allow the raw material to come in as heretofore, but not the manufactured article, duty free, thereby providing our unemployed with work at home, and at the same time the means of procuring food for them- selves and families.—Yours, &c. Llansantffraid Mills, GEO. KEMPSTER. Dec. 4, 1895. To the Editor of the Standard. Sir,—During the last ten years we have spent X320,000,000 for imported wheat and flour, and have lost zEI8,000,000 by importing flour instead of the equivalent in wheat. The Marquess of Salis- bury having kindly promised to consider my scheme of a bounty to counteract the loss on producing wheat, a heavy duty on imported flour to stop flour coming here, and imported wheat duty free to pre- vent the price of bread increasing. I wish as briefly as possible to place it before the public. The year 1894 will be taken as an example. We imported 19,134,000 cwt. of flour at an average price of 8.35 shillings per cwt; therefore, it cost £ 7,988,445. We, also, I conclude, imported sub- stites to take the place of the wheat offal left abroad, which, at 4s per cwt, comes to £ 1,435,050. Therefore, 1 take it, we paid during 1894 for im- ported flour and wheat offal substitutes £ 9,423,495. Now, as, according to millers, about five-sevenths may be considered a fair average of the amount of flour in a given bulk of wheat, the rest being wheat offal, after deducting about two pounds per cwt for waste in grinding, it follows that the quantity of wheat used to obtain the flour we imported in 1894 was 26,787,600 cwts. The average price of im- ported wheat that year was 5.35 shillings per cwt, therefore to have imported wheat to produce the required amount of flour would have cost £ 7,165,683. As our millers are pleased to grind wheat for the offal instead of a money payment, since the value of the offal comes to more than the cost of the grinding, the exporters overcharged us L822,762 at least. If we had imported wheat instead of flour, not only would we not have been overchaiged, but we should not have had to bny substitutes for the wheat offal left abroad, and would have saved £1,435,050, which, plus the £ S22,762 overcharged, means a saving oi £ 2,257 812 on the year. This £ 2,257,812 we could then have paid away to our wheat-growers as a bounty, ard still have only spent £ 9,423,495, and have gained a wheat bounty and an abundant supply of wheat offal as our millers would have obtained the offal,' which it Las been explained, was worth £ 1,435,050 From the money obtained by selling' this < ff«l it £ 1,000,000 had been «»d away bv the mSSs i wages, it would have allowed 20,0(0 men to have been m regular employment at an average wage of £ 50eaca for the year. It is now ,i • I suggested to the Unionise Le*-<dr>i <■ smce home wheat growtrs. and a heavy duty on mpo'ned' floured1 £ ^ow XtcTf £ £ "J be"* E+Qnrf 4. ii *~u^OEe "who does not under- r P'n cornniunicate by letter with am> Slr> Jour obedient servant, N THOMAS G. READ. 31, Cavendish square, London, Dec, 2.