The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

Vo OSWESTRY. ^TKEN,-LU'R,REPL'ESETLTAfive in Oswestry is Mr ROBERT House, Oswald Road, to whom ^PorWi ° £ *ven °f all events required to be ln the COUNTY TIMES. {OLc^ ^r* Rey«olds- Mns. Doc., ^enhp'i)accePte(i the conductorship of the « ^Rc^K arnbria)i Choral Society. on ^IS0RDERI'Y- At the Borough Police t ^ata^ Iues,]»y before the Mayor (Mr. C. E. Qui atU^ Messrs" ^eo- Gwen an(i Geo. Perks, *6Vei1 datM • 'a^,otlrei') was fined 5s. and costs or overly j^Sp.lrnPr'son»ient for being drunk and dis- AxKlVEg oati'ice street on Monday evening, I^ECTIN 'L,AR.V SERVICES.—Anniversary services in °H Sat^'1 the Welsh Wesleyan Church were an^ Sunday, when the preachers aeQo» T Evans, Oswestrv. and Rev. W. :E};GI ones, of Liverpool. K ARY -FT- APTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL.—The anni- theaS °°*ekrated on Saturday and Sunday, 41ortli Rev. Thompson, preached let.viccee evening. In the afternoon a flower w ~le'c^ when addresses were given by 9,8 nieeiJ,°1n a"d Mr. C. G. Bayley. The rostrum b^otpA-r' with flowers. o^Qghn '^SSAL^T ON SUPT. LANGFORD.—At the p ip[)|ee, ,')Ur'; on Tuesday, John Edwards, labourer, l**u £ £ Was brought before the Mayor (Mr C. K- Ped W-S{' Geo. Owen and Geo. Perks, o^itig a being drunk and disorderly, with com- ?Pt. Lan of the peace, and with assaulting or^j iu Beatrice Street, on Monday ae^rJCe o?t- Langford said he was driving up j^^hen ree' about 11 o'clock with Mr Frank, 'he cent°^^0S^e *^ie Walk they saw a man & of 5e a crowd apparently naked. He got hig aP and found defendant with nothing I bloo i S anc* trousers 0T1) ''is face was covered 8? a ^om' an(' there had evidently been a fight. 'Pped ]tj ?nt> by some peculiar trick, defendant i.0lently e^s r°und witness's legs and threw him af,"1' t>ef° "round- The fall nearly stunned tk^Ujrh*6?-ant then o°t 011 topcf him and kicked 8a? Ctovyr) v, a £ er- Witness called for help from Wo n U0 °Ue came to a^- Defendant w eUp0llU i 'Je quiet and witness let him get up, endaufc threw him down again. A half 0,Wed'arid defendant performed a similar bp^ot & 2eTI times at least, and witness who k^e nP^e|' °f him because he was naked, got^u exhausted with the falls. After Mr th On fv .se lllto the stable he gave assis- | him i near the Plough Inn, defendant } 4a "*M. p pWn a&ain and he nearly became 4^ **> the { Lewis also assisted to take defen- tho nP" (witness) was very unwell J fla^lpset anc* unwell still, and very f Ciw'as yv, to excitement and blows. Defen- ^°.h°rated drunk.—HarryJFrauk, Salop Road, ia^ious -TP.C. Hobson also gave evidence.— f '),1Vlctions against defendant were read, ^jter°Uy angford said he was one of the most Hishe^110,11 *u ^°wn.—The Mayor severely har/^ndant, and sentenced him to six ?ur* He also expressed surprise "ot D0' °^er t° assist-—Supt. Lang- Frank for assistance. He could ft8,8 that Pub'ic did not help, unless ^'j^tGNAT e People were afraid of defendant. ^(Li'°e On 'o51 0F THE ICAR- — At the morning 7) after nnday ^ast the Vicar (Rev. Cecil I 'Ml)lor" a P^ticularly appropriate sermon on Wi!°a S^en by Christ to one of his dis- toylT. 'S that to thee, follow thou Me" hpa °rln8 reference to his own resignation. ^af0*1 ^iiKrp there was some talk of a depu- ^li 1 ^at ? i?rme<1 amongst them. He was glad I ^Od e(l t)i had reached his ears. it had bej^ed t;},6 ^n<ie8t feelings of his heart and Put »^eeP'y- it was of no use, for them re them the principles upon which tL eatjje Tt was out of tone, absolute honest fi ait^ that God guided these things, and hG could be left in His hands. Vl ^hic], f wiHingly leave them after five years' been so loyal and true and which s°lo 11roun<^ him so many friends who had talJa • an<^ encouraged him in every work W° fjac] ,eri in hand ? But then it was not him 'v't} 8fl 0n_e these things. It was them. He tlj- iJig y without anv fear of misinterpretation CQltl8s." say y°u> Jt is y°n who had done these g Looking back on these years of work he k'Sbt 10 niany flaws and many things which I jjj aVe been better done, but he felt grateful I tk^'ily9, ^.is work he bad been supported very k6 ^Qrt» ^ind hands had enabled him to cariy on to!? to entrusted to his care. He would ask Oie^ it) t'10 Larl of Powis would be 60 j 18 i"°^ce of a successor and hoped they '• support him. He would pray ao to n right mrra ac- L 4te Wp wonld be no farewell "en, 4 n ouKhfc i? was not always well to W ^6]i ?a 188 a out a fareweH sermon. They CVj1 how deeply his heart felt and perhaps it M b reason tha-t he wished it to be so. He ViX6 ^th them for a few months yet. The tb^bej Was made in a touching manner, the V deeP'y affected. Mr. Hook, writing in th 8: el)"Iin,- number of the Parish Magazine, aa^,dear Friends,— After long and anxious ■ to i afr er consultation with persons most VSte 1Se me' have accepted the import- Sf'Wac L!amTi^ton" .1 am indeed loath to V /°rr' thp^ 0 1 bave with met so much kind- £ Stf° Vei'v 0w'nsPeople; and work in which I have >1)]?% con, encouragement and help. T am V'f. C:irri0fi < l0'ls much left undone, and much ^W^ateA ? but I do believe that I have 0 (L ^sir,, f ,r> ™y five years' work among you by Nj) in m *>r od's Slory, and an honest longing M'hi.-]f rP!nvor for the best interests of the Sty t0 have laboured, and the people en- .So.)0 °bev'1 Car,0' 1 am convinced that it is my K 1'led J 30 SnCa .1vllich has come utterly unsought, 0 Se,,n,WU many regrets, that I am com- jfyw who ha ate myself and my wife from so h 0v'|ls ? Proverl themselves such kind and of So,!8' ,1 hope to stay among you till ^tv. l.or{) n' 3.1"' an(' that, by that time, our t? fe], an an,! °„W1S -will have found a good c^ntlv-1 W to carr}' on the work which 1 ^icai- •>< :\Ve' Relieve me now your affec- K. 0r'K Q alwoJ*s your most faithful friend. (viclr°u' • iIou(iay- Present: Mr W. JSiw O urman)' Revs" T" M- Bulkeley- J. t> ridgeman, and D. D. Davies, 1<\m -^ndrlmV^e Lees, S. Parry-Jones, T. J\% aM [yw p.eate- E. Goff, J. H. Walford, J. a ei'k rel 1 I Wlfch Mr J- c- Bull (clerk). ,es in Hi reP01"t as follows:—Number 1 IK ^9. 0 f House during the first week, 145 3jjS,r 9a'. ^'door relief, £ 20 13s Od against l5^> <2n]ps relieved' 177; second, 152 Sd-n or relief> £ 2° 53 ld against ^r°tu m 111 reLeved, 88 seven children V>%<} a I6f^eas ?8' C-'lerk also intimated k%>l'ovin:;eVrotn the Local Government a«ch,°f the appointment of Mr \V. D. k l)efoi-0' f, ''1' John Thomas, who had been Isl^hp to i'enlri e Board at the last meeting and tk sent t- Ve family from the Workhouse, <- faj|- 0 5?a°l for two months with hard ann?todo SO- Several members of tk'VC^essi-o c;Ve^ sentence which had been })6 ^ato y> ry Jones, T. Whitfield, and Jh^av^khouco61'? aPP°inted a committee to visit °f the T ore next Board.—Inspector Vk- ^i°n 'tin,, °ca* Government Board, com- 5] h ]V hogr);?r?P0'sed erection of a bath and aSK ^8 nir, a Complained of the rnannei in 'he P°s^d to carry out the work. He tk^Hf aCcn^a to consider the question of i\ wSmodatioQ in the hospital. At ^ard (.i6 t?lne patients accommodated in &». as a 8+ SP'ta' being full. This was 'Hf leth rateii temporary measure, but could •'to^Oho.11, PPesenf erQlanent'y, and he thought the St^tho^ation r^'ou,d find it their duty to take ^'on 1 w.j-8 c'uestion of additional hospital ,n!,k0 tJ0h fr> fi til] „ discussion of thequestion tyjjMs 0f 0lvi>ig fQrnCrf meeting.— The Master re- inmates four fforv, a,l^han k., ^S' -l1-io?, etc., from Mrs. E. 0^ M i's o 1 Rpet °f strawberries for the ^uivh" afry-,0"es; flowers from f''om » c '?ol> Templars' Lodge, ho'C Ch^ Oswestrv" SS been ahf thaL sit3C0 t]u' "last \St) JC a^jle T? procure some of the N^tesChoi*e. He1f^n1W(>rkhonS(ls bv thc K Wh °f MeathVlad alS0 had a letter' from ^0, a&i ^la(l carrio i0cretary and had written H Of the kind at C f111 Boscawan, Rossett). X?b«Vo U,eSoeie^ f ?'°Ur Board of Guar- >i(| .^ati0 Cl'y gkd to beins Started at Morda, Ki8s°VmM *•> 111 hi« V-e VVas eai^J 1 '"spoctur Danaey ij Strict, ar^<l out at several Work- Nfih Ve uWorked vorv P lC(' wliere it had ^r| t^ere :t well. In every Work- °d Wjtii c"of' people who were b^ak'i I'hf,W oiil tim^^thing on earth to do t 6 Crv, e<i th 8e People E very heavily Hoi-6111 to Pass f-h°° the work and Sch<2tn Sa^ anythin &u t'me very pleasantly. ^r Brin g what was favourable r Lees vietna" Will it entail any to aa' e-—Mr Bridgeman Then Y gainst it (laughter).—On the motion of Mr Lees, seconded by Mr Bridgeman, it was unanimously agreed to approve of the scheme.—Mr Lees explained that the next step was to get the co-operation of the matron, which he had already obtained, and the third step was to get a committee of ladies to teach the inmates the work. —It was ultimately left in the hands of Mr Dum- ville Lees to obtain a number to teach the inmates, and to bring the matter before the Hoard again.—This concluded the business. VISIT OF MRS ORMISTON CHANT. On Tuesday afternoon Mrs Ormiston Chant delivered an address to a large gathering of ladies in the Public Hall, and in the evening the large hall was again crowded by a mixed aUd iellee to licir an address from her on temperance work. The officers and members of the local Good Templar lodge were present and the choir occupied seats at the back of the platform. Mr C. S. Denniss occupied the chair, and was supported by Rev J. J. Poynter, S. H. Terrill, R. Jones, Bissell, W. 0. Evans, Dr Fuller, Mrs Hughes (secretary Women's [ Temperance Union), Mrs Owen (Fern Bank), Mrs Hammond Williams, &c. The meeting opened with the singing of a hymn, Miss Venables and Miss Maurice Jones playing the accompaniments, after which Rev S. II. Terrill engaged in prayer. Apologies for absence were received from the Vicar (Rev Cecil Hook) and Rev T. Redfern.—The Chairman in his opening remarks said there was no need for hi m to offer any apology for using whatever influence lie possessed in supporting such an organisation as that which brought them together that evening. He felt it not only to be a duty but a privilege—(hear, hear)—to associate himself with those who were working for such noble ends as that organisation bad in view. Any work having for its object the advancement of temperance and sobriety should certainly be sup- ported not only by Christian people but by all those who had any influence to wield over their fellow- men. The official position which he had the honour to occupy gave to him the control of a large body of men whose daily labour necessarily involved them with a certain amount of hazardous duty, the discharge of which rendered it essential that they should have clear heads and steady hands if thev were to do their part in carrying safely to and fro over the system of the Cambrian Railway the large number of the public who travelled over their lines day by day and year by year (applause). It was imperatively necessary that those who were thus employed should be men whose reputation was one for sobriety and for temperance and there- fore he considered it was his duty to do all he could to encourage and to inspire those who ware labouring with a view of increasing the number of those who were workers in that noble and self- denying work (applause). So far as his com- paratively short association with the town and district had enabled him to form an opinion, it was a pleasurable duty to be able to say that the Cambrian Railway was one which could bear very favourable comparison with that of any of the large or small railways throughout the country (applause). He believed there had been com- paratively less drunkenness, excess or intemperance amongst the Cambrian Railway men than he had seen anywhere else during his railway experience (loud applause). The severe strain to which the staff had been put to during the recent days by the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to their principality, had been unprecedented in the his- tory of the railways of Wales, and it gave him great satisfaction to state that that strain had been borne by the men by their temperance, by their abstinence and by their thorough efficiency, in a way that had provoked universal praise and which had brought from their Royal Highnesses a letter stating that they had been most gratified with the way in which the work had been accomplished (loud applause). Such a result could not have been attained had not every mem- ber of the staff lent himself to the work with a clear head, with a steady hand and with a deter- mination which could only be attained by sober minded men, to do their duty faithfully, loyally, and well (applause.) Another reason which en- hanced the pleasure he felt in being present that evening was because of the presence of a lady whose reputation extended from one end of the land to the other and beyond (applause) whose self denying efforts, whose noble example, whose splen- did achievements had made for her a reputation which was well earned. Mrs. Ormeston Chant had done Oswestry honour by coming there that even- ing (applause) and he felt it an honour to be there by her side (loud applause.) The speaker con- tinuing spoke of the necessity of those who were in sympathy with the work taking a more active interest and giv- ing more definite expression to their disap- proval of intemperance and excessive drinking and cOn-ulude&uovy-oloquent -address by intimating that any who wished to sign the pledge would be allowed an opportunity at the close. Miss Manrice Jones gave an excellent rendering of The Holy City," Mr J. Ollerhead playing the accompaniment. Mrs Chant was then introduced by the Chairman and gave an excellent address on temperance work, illustrated by many anecdotes of an auto-biograph- ical nature. She spoke of the necessity there existed for drinking fountains at railway stations, and of the increased accommodation required for travellers on temperance principles. As an enthu- siastic cyclist she advocated the establishment of places of refreshment for cyclists in towns where refreshments could now only be had at public houses, and briefly alluded to her famous crusade against the Empire Music Hall in London. A col- lection was afterwards taken, and the meeting was brought to a close by the singing of a hymn and the pronouncing of the benediction bv Rev J. J. Poynter.

ELLESMERE. ODDFELLOWS' ANNIVERSARY. The Loyal Bridgewater Lodge of Oddfellows, celebrated their anniversary on Thursday, in a most successful manner, the state of the elements being all that could be desired. Assembling in the fore- noon, the members preceded by the excellent band of the 3rd Royal Welsh Fus iliers, marched round the town, proceeding, subsequently to the Parish Church, where a sermon appropriate to the occasion was preached by the Vicar (Rev A. E. Wauton). At the conclusion of service, a very large company of members and fiiends adjourned to the Red Lion Hotel, where dinner, provided by Mr and Mrs T. Jones, was partaken of, under the presidency of Mr R. E. Lloyd. There were also present Mr J. Pay (in the vice-chair). Revs A. E. Wautin, F. L. Grindrod, Dr. Griffiths, Dr Glasson, Messrs .1. G. Beaven (station master), H.Hawkins, J.Cartwright, Secretary, and C. Hill, Treasurer.—The repast being concluded, the usual loyal toasts were honoured from the chair, as was also that of the Bishop, Clergy, and Ministers of all denominations," in proposing which, the Chairman alluded to the fact that since they last met they had lost a valued and honoured member in the person of their late Vicar (Rev J. Peake) whowas always a willing guest atthat clubon similar occasions. He was quite sure hat there was not one who did not miss Mr. Peake ry much (ap- plause). He was sure that what he (the chairman) was about, to say would commend itself to them, viz., that they were very glad to welcome on that occasion hev. A. E. Wanton -a very worthy suc- cessor to their late Vicar. It was gratifying that one of the earliest appearances of the Vicar should be on an occasion of that kind, as it showed his desire to promote Oddfellowship. He gave them the toast, coupling with it the name of Rev. A. E. Wauton (applause). The toast having been accorded Lodge honours, the Vicar rose to respond. It was, he said, with feelings of considerable depth that he rose on that, the first occasion, to address them as a body of fellow-men. As had been sug- gested, he should like to join the lodge and become one of themselves (loud applause). He believed very strongly in those societies, and that they helped to keep the country together. They could not meet together with such watchwords as friendship, love, and truth, without trying to live up to them. He hoped that they would lind him one of themselves, always willing to serve them at all times (applause).—Dr. Glasson having proposed The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces," associat- ing with it the names of Sergts. Walker and Hawkins, the latter gentleman acknowledged the compliment. The Chairman next submitted the toast of the evening, Prosperity to the Loyal Bridgewater Lodge of Oddfellows." It afforded him great pleasure to submit that toast. because he took the profoundest interest in the Lodge, and was delighted to see it flourishing. There were many "ups and downs" in all Lodges, but theirs seemed to enjoy an uninterrupted course of prosperity—long might that be so (applause). He observed with very much satisfaction that they were about to conduct their accounts on a thoroughly business footing; they were going to have them regularly audited. He did not tiling that any institution of any kind, which had financial ar- rangements to adjust, could properly carry on business except on a business footing. They had always had an excellent secretary, his old friend Mr "Colemere having served them for many years. He hoped that they had found an excellent successor in the present secretary. He was glad to filid the balances 011 the right side all the way down nothing could give them greater satisfaction than that one fact that they had funds in hand. It spoke volumes for the way in which the officers managed the affairs. They had also excellent trustees, and he had no doubt that the administration of the funds was very carefully and generously watched over. He hoped that the success-which had attended the lodge hitherto would continue in the future (applause). The toast having been received with lodye honours, the Secretary (Mr Cartwright), in responding, expressed his in- tention to do his utmost during his term of office to promote the interest of the lodge, and trusted that the members would do the same, and would turn up at the lodge meetings a little oftener. The fact that older members attended would be au in- pucement to the younger generation to join.- The toasts of The Surgeons (Drs. Roe, Griffiths, and Glasson) was next submitted in felicitous terms by the Vice-Chairman.—Dr Glasson, in responding, gave that of the "Vice-Chairman," which was accorded lodge honours. The concluding roasts were the Chairman" and "Host and hostess." The enjoyment of the evening was greatly enhanced by vocal selections contributed by the Chairman, Mr Jonathan Davies, and others. The day's pro- ceedings were brought to a close by dancing and a cycling carnival, which took place in the evening. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.—MONDAY. A special meeting was held on Monday when there were present Messrs. Brownlow R. C. Tower, chairman. R. E. Lloyd, vice chairman, J. Hood, I. Cooke, W. Nunnerley, T. Emberton, H. Hawkins, with Mr. J. Pay, clerk, and Mr. Ashley, gas manager. ALTERATIONS AT THE GAS WORKS. Two tenders were received for the above from Messrs. ClayA Sons and Mr. Griffiths, Ellesiiiere.- Mr. 1. Cooke said if they carried out the alterations as proposed they would require to leave the chimney in the middle and if they wanted to re- move the retorts at some future time they could not do it because of the chimney. There was no doubt the retorts would have to be removed, but if they were removed after the alterations were com- pleted they would require to leave the'chimney in the middle to hold the roof up. He thought when the question was before them they should take into consideration the question of a circular roof over the whole building. He would be very sorry to see them do a job and make a muddle of it.—The Manager said if they shifted the retorts they could put the chimney outside. The Chairman was of opinion that the retorts ought to be removed. The position of things at present was certainly verv awkward.—Mr. Hood The best thing would be to get fresh tenders. Mr. 1. Cooke moved and Mr. Hood seconded that the Board ask the two con- tractors for estimates for a circular roof and for the raising of the walls to a proper height, which was agreed it. THE WATER QUESTION. The Chairman read a letter from Earl Brownlow in which he stated that he did not think the reservoir would interfere with the bowling green.— Mr Thomas S. Stooke (water engineer) wrote saying that he estimated that a covered reservoir equal to about three days' supply might be provided in the west side of the Howling Green, opposite St. John's Hill, at a cost of about X875. The Green would only be interfered with during the construction. This site would involve the continuation of the supply main from the Vyrnyw Aqueduct to the reservoir. An alternative site was to be found by the construction of a tower with storage, affording the same altitude as that of the Bowling Green site on the high ground by the briek field on the Grange Road. The construction at that point would involve an expenditure twice as much as that which would be incurred at the Bowling Green. If the former site was agreed to he thought it probable that the estimate would work out at a smaller sum than that asked for by the Council, viz., £ 4,000. The Chairman The first question is whetherthe site is available (applause). He thought they ought to make a strong representation to the Local Government Board to try and get them alter their decision. Mr Emberton thought their mem- ber of Parliament might be able to do something for them. Mr Hood I should suggest that the Chairman, Earl Brownlow, and Mr Stanley Leighton should go up and lay the case before the Local Government Board.—Mr Emberton proposed that the above-named gentlemen with the engineer form a deputation to the Local Government Board on the subject. Mr Hood said he had great pleasure in seconding the motion. He thought it most impor- tant to do away with the reservoir scheme. For his own part he would rather do withouir the water than the bowling green (la.ughter). They would have no excursionists if it was not for the bowling I y green. -The committee was unanimously appointed. —This concluded the business. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—TUESDAY. Present:—Messrs Brownlow R. C. Tower (chair- man), E. Peel, J. Woodville, W. Jones, (the Threw Fingers), J. A. Mossford, J. Jeffries, J. Griffiths, Revs S. T. Wilson Barber, H. Moody, Hugh Hanmer, with Mr R. E. Lloyd (clerk.) MASTER'S REPORT. The number in the Workhouse for the first week was 54 against 54 last year; second week 51 against 56 last year; out-door relief, Ellesmere district, zE15 3s; Hanmer district, £ 9 4s. A communication was read from the Whitchurch Union, asking the Guardians to adopt a resolution that provision should be made for the detention and care of per- sons, who manifested symptoms of insanity when taking small quantities of intoxicating liquor. Xo action was taken in the matter.—The Parish Council of Bettisfield wrote asking the Guardians to con- sider the question of a vaccination station for the parish, the poor people having to walk about seven miles under the present arrangements.—Rev. Mr Moody proposed that the doctor be asked to attend at the school in the parish for vaccination purposes. This was agreed to. THE QUESTION OF MISS GOUGJi's SALARY. The Clerk read letters from Miss Gough re her resignation ot the overseet-ship of Cockshutt in whioh she stated the appointment was only made for one year and expressing her surprise at the Board taking- exception to her action.—Mr Moody then rose to propose his motion that the whole question of Miss (rough's salary be discussed. He statdtl he had seen Miss Gough since the last meet- ing of the Board and from what he saw he was certain Miss Gough was not to blame. The Parish Council of Cockshutt had written to Miss Gough and appointed her overseer. The Parish Council had no more right to appoint Miss Cough than Miss Gough had to appoint the Parish Council. Miss Gough in reply to a second letter wrote declining the post. Mr Moody then proceeded to quote figures which showed that according to the amounts collected and the rateable value of the parish Miss Gough's salary was considerably less than that paid to other overseers in the district. Her appointment and salary were certainly a very -1 1 I- 1. wonaerIUL amur trom beginning to end. In 1877 f Miss Gough was appointed by the vestry at a salary of £ 90; three months afterwards she was appointed by the Guardians at a. salary of X70 per annum. Shortly afterwards she applied to the Guardians for an increase, and the Guardians passed a resolution that no increase should be given without the con- sent of the vestry. Since the salary was fixed in 1840, the rateable value had increased by £9,844 and yet not a half-penny had been added to the overseer's salary. With regard to the new Act it became more and more mysterious. Before the District Councd came into existence, she received a total salary of EIOI 13s. 4d. She now collected exactly the sum and did more work than under the old system and yet her salary had been dropped to £ 70 now he thought there was gross irregularity in this. He was not going to ask them to increase Miss Gough's salary, but he would ask them to appoint a small committee to look into the matter. He proposed that the committee consist of two members from Ellesmere and three omside mem- bers.—Mr Mossford seconded the proposition. 011 the motion of Mr Wilson Barker the committee was enlarged to six members. The following were then appointed:—Chairman (Mr Brownlow It. C. Tower), vice-chairman (Rev T. J. Rider), Mr J. I). Owen! Rev S. T. Wilson Barker, Rev H. Moody and Mr Win .Jones. This concluded the business.

LLANFYLLIN. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL, Thursday.—-Mr Evan Evans ill the elmir. The Clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board asking the Council to adopt the Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act, 1886. On the motion of the Chairman it was unanimously agreed to adopt the Act.—Mr G. D. Harrison, Clerk to the Montgomery County Council wrote calling upon the Council to undertake the maintenance of the approaches to the canal bridges, and asking the Council to contibute towards fighting the battle in the law courts as to who is responsible for the repair of canal bridge approaches.—Discus- sion of the subject was deferred.—The District Surveyor (Mr .John Storer) reported the bridges leading by the Mill weir from Newbridge to Pontrobert, the bridge by the river side between lower and middle main, Meifod, were in a bad con- dition. It was agreed to repair such. The question of the road on footpath fijom Glascoed to Glascoed Mill, Meifod, was referred back to the Parish Council. I he Surveyor recommended a horse bridge to be erected by Gwaelodymyndd. Discussion was deferred. The Council declined to take over and repair the road across Cyfronydd Gro to Brwyn from Pontsycoed.—The expenditure during the month amounted to zCl60 6s. 6d.—Specifications according to the Medical Officer's recommendation were submitted by the District Surveyor of the pro- posed Llanrhaiadr Water Supply Scheme, at a cost of Y,28.-It was agreed to send the specifications to the Llanrhiadr District Council for approval. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, -THURSDAY. Mr. R. Richards (chairman). MASTER'S REPORT. The Master reported the number of inmates in the House at the end of first week to be 65, against 59 last year; tramps relieved 14 men second weelc 65 against 68 last jear tramps relieved 13 men- third week, 62 against 55 last year; tramps relieved 10 men. Fourth week, 65 against 56 last year; tramps relieved, 16 men. The Master also repot-.ed that there had been an outbreak of measles in the House, six boys and six girls having been affected. Some of the patients had recovered but others were still suffering from the disease. The tailor's room had been converted into a fever ward and the tailor accommodated in another room. Mr. Wm. Jones thought the tailor's room was not a suitable room for a fever ward, as it was immediately above the tramp ward and there might be a danger of spreading the disease all over the country.—The Master stated it was the only room available for a fever ward. The Medical Officer (Mr. Felix Jones) reported the fever cases, recommending the patients removal to the tailor's room from the receiving ward where they had been temporarily accommodated.—It was agreed to await the Medical Officer's report as to "whether the tailor's room was suitable for a permanent fever ward. AMALGAMATION OF WORKHOUSES. The committee appointed to consider the above subject recommended that the report lie on the table.-Atr Evan Evans: Quite right.—On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Roberts, the repoit was adopted. APPOINTMENT OF INFANTS' NURSE. Five applications for the above appointment were received, and after some discussion Miss Lilly Lamb, Wakefield, was appointed. A QUESTION OF SECURITY. Mr Williams, recently appointed assistant over- seer of Hirnant parish, wrote giving two rate- payers' names as security.—Captain Mvtton said he thought it very objectionable that ratepayers in the parish should become guarantors for an assist- ant overseer. Mr William Jones cozictirrp-cl.O:i the motion of Captain Mytton, it was agreed to decline the security offered, and to ask Mr Williams to obtain the security of a Guarantee Society.- This was all the business.

LLANFAIR. THE LATE REV. T. JEFFREY JONES. As briefly announced in our last issue the denrh of Rev Thomas Jeffrey Jones, M.A., Vicar of Llan- fair Caereinion, took place at Llanfair Vicarage at two o'clock on Friday morning. Mr Jones was held in high esteem, and he had laboured in- the parish with considerable success for close upon 20 years. The Rev T. D. James, Curate of Llanfair, in pathetic terms, referred on Sunday morning to the sad event. The rev gentleman did not preach, but pointing to the empty pulpit he said he who had preached so sweetly and so acceptably to the congregation for years was now no more. He hoped they would remember his sermons, and en- deavour to act upon his precepts, which would be the best tribute they could pay his memory. Their beloved Vicar was an abie scholar, having taken his degree at London University in the first class. He was a good preacher, and above all he had a christian character. References were also made to the Vicar's death in the Nonconformist churches. Mr John Jehu, Bronavon, said it was always a loss to a community to be deprived of a good man. Their departed Vicar was a very good man, a man they would miss greatly, and his death had caused universal sorrow. Mr. JJ. Ujyburst Roberts, organist at Moriah Chanel, played the "Dead March on Sunday evening, and the bells of St Mary's Church rang muffled paais throughout the day. Mr Jones, who was sixty-six, was a native of Car- narvon, being a contemporary and an old school- fellow of the Rev Griffith Parry, D.D., of Carno, Hugh Jones (W.), and John Pierce (W.), whom he always held in great esteem. jje beo-an jife as a schoolmaster, and worked hard as a° teacher and student, and by dint of perseverance he was able to take his degree with great credit to himself. That was in 1859, and he was ordained in 1860. He served his first curacy at Rhosllanerchrugog, but was presented by Bishop Short to the living of Minera in 1863, and lie became rector of Llangar in 1872. In 1877 he was presented by the late Bishop Hughes to the vicarage of Llanfair which living he held until his death. At>iLlanfair he laboured hard, and the congregation increased considerably, he threw himself heart and soul into the work of the parish, and his support of any movement for the good of the people might always be relied upon. The massive church tower and the church clock wh;ch combine the useful with the ornamental, will be lasting monuments of his energy and zeal, as also is the churchyard wall. He was an eloquent speaker and combined with pathos sound common sense. He was a man of peace, and by his death the Church loses a good preacher and pastor, and the town and parish a good citizen. It was only a month ago that by the unanimous vote of the Managers he was ap- pointed chairman of the Managers of the Llanfair Intermediate School. He took a deep interest in the school, and promised a handsome sum towards the new building fund, and no one rejoiced more than he did at the gift of a freehold site by the late Colonel Harrison; and at the rejoicings held at Llanfair he was in his happiest mood, and made an excellent speech. The funeral, which was a public one, took place on Tuesday, when tli 3 mortal remains were interred in the family vault in the Llanfair churchyard. The funeral was the largest seen at Llanfair of late years, and the sight was very imposing. The coffin, of solid oak with brass fittings, was made by Mr Joseph Astley, Llanfair. Mr. Astley also decorated the inside of the grave, on the floor of the vault the words, Rest in peace havin°- been painted in white letters on black ground. The following was the order of procession :—The clergy (in their robes), viz., Revs. T. D. James curate of Llanfair. D. Grimaldi Davis, M.A., Welshpool, Samuel Reed, Llangyniew, J. Wilym Jones M.A., ly I Meifod, D. 1.1. James, D.D., Pontrobert, D. C. Jones, B.A., Llangadfan, J. R. Roberts, M.A., Garthbeibio, C. Williams, B.A., Llanllugan. The following were also present: Revs. W. Vaughan Jones, M.A., Tregynon, T. Parry Morgan, B.A., Llandyssil, D. D. Evans, Dolanog, Walter Rees, Llaiigyniew, Edward Jones (W.), Llanfair; the Choir, precentor Rev J. K. Roberts. M. A., Drs Humphreys,Thomas, and Hughes; Magistrates, Messrs J. C. Hilton, ]{'_ (<_ Anwyl' Llngwy, T. Watkin, Brynmair, John Jehu, Bronavon. Col Mackensie. Eithnog Intermediate School Gov- ernors, Messrs W.Theodore, C.C., C. W. Humphreys E. Thomas, B.A., W. Story, Mrs Reed, Miss Morgan', etc.; the general public; the coffin. The pall- bearers were the churchwardens, viz., Messrs J. B. Jones, Goat Hotel, R. Humphreys, Bank ex-eliurch- wardens Arthur Humphreys, W. Morgan F. Bromley Jones, Tom Jones (sidesman), a,nd sides- men Levi Jones, Evan Morris, Ed. Puo-h David Jones, David Davies, E Hughes, W Humphreys, II Bishop., schoolmaster. The bearers were Messrs Ed. James, Edwin Breexc. Wm. Jones, Fir Bank, 1 homas Jones, Dolgead, Timothy and J YV Jen- son, Willie Arthur, Walter Leach. The mourners were: Mr and Mrs J. G.Jones. late 0f Brynpenarth (son «ind daughter-in-law), !Mr Ji] 'p Pick RaTf' iHa!1; 11CV" c Robert -Tonesj Bala (brother-in-law). Rev. S. Reed read the coUect ana prayers in Welsh at the house, and then Rev T. D. James gave out the Welsh hvmn, Yn y dyfroedd mawr a'r tonau," which was sung to "Diniweidrwydd." The procession then formed in fie above order, singing as going, '< Lead, kindly Light As the procession entered the church the organist (Mr T. Tilsley Roberts) played yital Spaik. Psalm 90 was then chanted in English. Hie cothn was pinned in the chance1 in front of the altar. The lesson (1 Corinthians, xv.) was read in Welsh by Rev. D. LI. James, D.D.. and the choir then sang the hymn, "Davs and moments. ltev. S. Reed then read the collect and prayers in English. While the procession was leaving the church the Dead March" was piaye(I on the organ. At the grave the prayers of com- mittal were read in English by ltev. S. Reed, and Rev T. D. James gave out the Welsh hymn, O fry man Caersalem." The service throughout was very impressive. Wreaths were sent by the followino- ■ r and Mrs J.,G. Jones, son aud daughter-in-Tav,- (cross) Miss Tarry (Llandudno), the Sunday School fhanl' the Choir, Miss Pickmere and Mrs Euis Mr and Mrs Travers Pickmere (Nantwich), Rev and Mrg T. D James, Mrs Thomas and irs Tom Jones fw, 1 rf J0neR' Capfc rO'ce, Cyf'ron vd.l (anchoi), Dr aud Mrs Humphreys (cross), Mr'and Mrs Morris au.l family, Miss Griffiths (cr08S), Mr, Hutches (W vim stay), Mrs Watkin (Llangyniew), Mr and Mrs Levi Jones, Mrs M. A. Jones, Mr and Mrs Humphreys (Penrhiw), Mrs Ingram, Mr and a! 'i' Jonies'.Mrs Hughes (Bon Marche), Mr and lh<! Bank- Llat'idloes), Mr and Mrs r a"i \U L 7,nmir'r)' Mr and Mrs H umphreys (The I/1, r,}' C- jHj-. IIowe11 (Welshpool), Miss Leech, Mrs i udor and iamily (cross), Mr and Mrs E. Puo-h (cross), Air and Mrs Anwyl (Llugwy). Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs Hilton and family (harp), Rev and Mrs Reed (Llangyniew), Mr and Ifr.,3 Story, Mrs Jones 7y (ianhouse). The church had been neatly decorated by ^frs\^atnes' 1,ycoch, Mrs. Morris, the Lion, Miss Griffiths, Brynbanwy, and Miss Lewis the Crown. The pulpit was draped in black, lined on the top with a row of white lilies. The town showed every sign of respect to the memory of the departed, the shutters having been put up and the blinds drawn. The flag on the church tower stood at halr-nias; ,a:id the bell mourn- fully tolled throughout the day. Rev. S. Reed. Llangyniew rectory, will preach the funeral ser- mon to-:ii'jrrow evening. —

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. The National Eisteddfod of Wales commenced at Llandudno 011 Wednesday. There was an atten- dance of about ten thousand people. Archdrnid Mwfa Mon presided at the Gorsedd. The bards were presented with an address of welcome from the Llandudno Council, and with the Gorsedd Banner by Sir Arthur Stepney. Llanelly. Lord Mostyn. who is President of the Eisteddfod Com- mittee. opened the Cymmrodorion Society's Section with an inaugural address. Mr. Josepli Bennett contributed a paper on Welsh Music and how to improve it." A disussion followed, during which it was urged that a Board of Music should be formed to select pieces for competition^ so that the same composers might not be aUvayJ selected at festivals. Professor Herkomer presi Jed at the first Eisteddfod meeting. He said he believed the day would come when ::n emotional people like the Welsh would excel in art as they did now in music. The chief event of the day was a choral competi- tion, in which Societies from Merthyr, Holyhead. Llanelly, Rhyninev, Builth, and Dowlais competed in three pieces, including Where His loud voice in thunder spoke," from Handel's Jephtha. Mr. F. H. Cowcn and other adjudicators awarded the two hundred guinea prize to the Builth choir. At the evening concert, Miss Maggie Davies, Mr. Hirwen Jones, and Mr. Ffrangeon Davies, sang. The programme of the National Eisteddfod for Wednesday was a thoroughly interesting one. After the usual assembly of the Gorsedd In the Happy Valley, the Cymmrodorion Society met at nine o'clock, under the presidency, in the absence of Principal Rhys, of Rev J. Fisher. Papers of a particularly able and suggestive character were read by Mr Edwards Tirebuck on Welsh Thought and English Thinkers," and by Professor Kuno Meyer on The collection of Welsh dialects." The morning session of the Eisteddfod was presided over by the Earl of Denbigh, who delivered a pleasant address. The principal musical items were the contests for orchestral bands and male voice choirs. The former was not really a contest, for only one party—the Pontypridd Orchestral Society—put in an appearance, and it was awarded the prize. Five male voice choirs sang, and the competition, as usual, was keen. So evenly balanced, indeed, were the merits of the Moelwyn and Porth choirs that the first prize had to be divided between them. Swansea coming in for the second. A silver cup, however, had been offered to the conductor of the first choir, and as it was impossible to divide this a second contest took place at the evening concert and ended in favour of the Moelwvn choir. Acting upon a suggestion by the adjudicators, Sir John Puleston. the president, announced his intention to give another cup of similar character to the other choir. In the adjudication on poetry the prize for the epitaph Tudno" was awarded to Mr Thomas Williams (Pontypridd). Ilie winners in the art section of prizes for needlework were Miss Heitland Browne, Llandudno, Miss B. Godby, Rhvl, Miss L. Roberts, Glanwyddyn, Miss Jones, Tanybwlch, Miss Williams, Maentwrog, Miss Edith Maclean, Portmadoc. Art prizes were carried off by Mr Carlton Grant, Oxford (oil painting), Mr Paul Knight, Llanduduo (water-colour drawing), and Mr Arthur Netherwood, Degauwy (ideal picture "Solicitude"). Miss Catherine Rowlands, Haver- fordwest, won the prize in the soprano solo com- petition. In the string quartet competition, Mozart in D minor, the prize was won by the Colwyn Bay quartet party, Miss Cheetham con- ductress. Master B. George, Tredegar, won the first prize for the violin solo; the second prize went to Miss Mary Thomas, Morriston. There were eleven competitors, a fact which the adju- dicators thought very encouraging. The piece set was Rode's air, with variations, In the tenor and bass competitions the judges said there were manv excellent qualities in all the singers, but they had not much hesitation in awarding the prize to Messrs Richard Thomas (Llanelly) and Llewelyn Bowen (Neath). The music sung was, For so hath the Lord," from Mendelssohn's St. Paul." Following the Eisteddfod came a meeting of the Association for Promoting the Education of Girls in Wales, and this was followed by the usual evening concert. The programme of the concert inclnded the performance of two new works by Welsh composers—Dr Parry's cantata Cambria," and Mr G. H. Pugh's choral ballad Ivry," both of which appear to be productions of considerable merit, and to have been well received. During the concert a presentation of money was made to Dr. Parry, in recognition of his services to music in Wales. The National Eisteddfod of Wales was continued on Thursday at Llandudno, and prospect of seeing the ceremony of chairing the bard attracted a large gatliering. At the morning meeting of the Cymmrodorion Society a paper written by Mr. Herbert Lewis, M.P., was read on the collection and preservation of Welsh historical records. Sir W. Williams-Wynn presided over the Eisteddfod. The successful bard of the year proved to be Rev. Hen. Davies, Swansea, who was chaired according to the usual rites. The principal musical contest was one for female choirs. The first prize went to a choir from Birkenhead, and the second to one from London. At a meeting of the Eisteddfod Association, it was decided to hold the National Eisteddfod of 1898 at Blaenau Festiniog, and to present the Princess Maud, upon whom a bardic degree was conferred two years ago, with a wed- ding ring n:ade of Welsh gold. A miscellaneous concert was given in the evening.

-+- SHREWSBURY SCHOOL. Following the precedent set last, year the speeches at Shrewsbury 011 Wednesday took place in the morning. Proceedings l)egan with a scene from the Birds of Aristophanes." When the applause which greeted the actors in their bird-costumes had subsided, the Headmaster, Rev. Prebendary Moss, addressing a large audience, deplored the loss the School had sustained bv the lamented death of the late chairman of the Governing Body Archdeacon Llovd who, he said, had been connected with the School for more than sixty years as boy and man. and whose memory would be perpetuated by a stained glass window shortly to be placed in the School Chapel. Mr. Moss expressed the satisfac- tion with which all friends of Shrewsbury have heard that another old Salopian Sir J. T. Hibbert had consented to act as chairman of the Governing Body. Having read the list of school distinctions for the I past year. including six first classes at the Univer- sities. the Powis medal at Cambridge, seven scholarships, and five admissions to Woohvich and Sandhurst, he distributed the prizes gained in the several forms.—Professor Jebb, M.P., in the course of his address, referred to the importance of the work done by the great public schools in the forma- tion of English character. The English ideal of manliness in some respects so much higher than that recognised abroad was largely a product of public school training. The cessation of duelling, the decrease of intemperance among the upper classes, and the philanthropic work carried on in our great cities, were all instances of the develop- ment of this ideal. The greatness of the English public school depended upon the fact that it made character, and not information, the chief aim of its endeavours from which resulted that love of ordered freedom which is one of the best of English traditions. —Scenes followed from the School for Scandal, in which the excellence of the dresses and the acting was alike conspicuous. The Mayor of Shrewsbury having expressed his g(iod wishes for the success of the school, the proceedings terminated with the usual loyal cheers. The company were afterwards entertained to lunch, and spent rhe remainder of the afternoon in exploring the school grounds, and watching the boats on the river, after which tea was served in the various school-houses. Among those present were the Bishops of Lichfield and Shrewsbury, the Dean of Chester, Mr. Samuel Butler, the author of Erewhou," Canons Melville and Lowther-Clarke, and Mr. Chancellor Ferguson.

SUEZ CANAL. The amount or dues has risen from 73.776.827 francs in 1894 to 78,103,717 francs in 1395. The number of vessels which passed through the canal was 3,341 111 1893, 3,352 ill 1894, and 3,434 in 1895, of which 2,405 in 1893, 2.386 in 1894. and 2.318 in 1895 carried the British Hag. Although the number of British ships has Taju. ally fallen, owing to the large size of the ships, the actual tonuage has risen from 5,752,934 in 1893 to 5,996.796 in 1894. and 6,062.587 in 1895. The per- centage, however, of British ships and tonnage has somewhat declined, being 67'5 and 711 respectively in 1895, as against 71'2 and 74'6 in 1894. The, average net tonnage in the years 1881-91 was 6,179,843 tons, and the average net receipts 63.459,025 francs, while in 1895 the net tonnage amounted to 8,448.383 tons, and the receipts to 78,103,717 francs.

CORRESPONDENCE. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. To CORRESPONDENTS. Communications for t; column should be ADDRESSED TO the Editor, and must be written upon one side of the paver cr.hj They should %n all cases he accompanied bv ths. name and address (II" the sender, not necessarily for puoUcaiinn b>it. as a guarantee of good faith. PASS AG K OF Tlf f: ROVAL TRAIN THROUGH VEWTOWN. To the Editor OF the Corxn: TIMES AXD Poc"" Dear >iir. I have e"Served in several newspapers a copy of letter purporting to have been written by Sir l'rancis Knollys indicating that a complaint has rea, lie(I his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, that the Royal train neither stopped nor slackened speed as it passed through Newtown station < I hnrsday last. I have to say that such a complaii.t has no foundation in fact. Not only were printed instructions in the hands of the engine driver for the train to pass through the station at four n\r.e.s an hour, i.e.. walking pace, but the locomotive superintendent, who rode on the engine, assures trie that he has no hesitation in affirming that the instruction was observed, and. as I travelled in the Royal train, I am also able to confirm "s. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales conveyed to me through Sir Francis Knollys his desire that the train should slacken speed as it passed through Xewtown, Hew Street, and Llanidloes stations, and I and my staff would have considered ourselves most seriouslv neglectful of our duty if the Royal desire had net been given effect to, and I have considered it necessary to write to Sir Francis Knollys assuring him that this was done-. Yours faithfully. C. S. DENNIS, General Manager. 4^

RADICAL INTOLERANCE. To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES and POST. Sii-At the last meeting of the Aberystwyth Board of Guardians the Radicals showed their usual intolerance of any views but their own, giving four instances of my conduct at the meeting of the House Committee held on the previous Saturday. It is as well to explain that I was the only member of the House Committee not a radical, and that ito reporters were pieseilt. The causes of complaint were: (1) I objected to making any payment for seats from which the inmates of the House could view the Royal procession, my reason being that it was possible to obtain seats without payment, and, after all, the inmates did obtain seats without it costing one penny. Yet when the Chairman asked why this proposal was not carried, the radicals had not the common honesty to give the reason, but passed on to (2) the gas governor, about which it was complained that there was nothing new in my observations, that I persisted in my arguments." Quite true, but they had nothing to say e-xcept 11 No." It is utterly unreasonable to complain of my repeating my views if'they decline to listen to them. The conduct of tue committee in declining to continue the meeting and at once leaving the room is both discourteous and gross neglect of their duty to the ratepayers. I can only say that I was brought up as a fitte-, and that my knowledge of gas meters is not less than that of any other member of the House Com- mittee or of the Board. The only reason that a Governor was not procured was because I susnrested it. Instead they prefer to ignore my suggestion and waste the money of the ratepayers. ° (3) I objected to an official of the House privately ask- ing a member of the Committee for leave of absence without previously mentioning the matter to the Master, for if such conduct is encouraged, there will be an end of all order and discipline, 1 submit to all impartial observers, that, even if I am wror ti- the trouble there has in Aberystwyth and othe- Workhouses on account of want of bri-moiv justi- fies the consideration of the subject. I leave to Mr. David Lloyd's conscience the task of excusing members privately receiving applications for leave of absence from officials because members are justified in listening tocomplaints from inmates. There is no connection between the two things it is a mean attempt to justify irregular conouct. (4) As to considering my language improper for tLe simple and only reason that I do not agree with the Radicals on the House committee and the Board. this shows no fault on my part but only the small- ness of their minis. I venture to suggest that I have shown their conduct is not "straightforward," which word is especially objected to. As to the proposal to expel me hy means of the standing orders they do not. The idea is so babyish that :t is beneath notice. With apologies for taking up so much of your valuable space with such a trivial subject as the beha.dour' of the Aberystwyth Radicals, my excuse being that they are such a noisy and unruly lot, that by their continued inter- ruptions they prevent a plain statement be:eg made.— Yours, A*c., T. E. SALMON. --+--

THE C OBDEN CLUB. To the.Editor of the COUXTY TIMES and POST. Slit, The Cobdeu Club iu their letter to me 01 the 12th are vastly amusing, as, nothing daunted, they proclaim in their most grandiloquent stvle that the United Kingdom reigns supreme in manufactures, trade, and navigation." Now, ir is by this sort of wild and misleading assertion, ai d also by hiding the truth, that England has so long been deceived and 10J astray. But what are the facts ? Agriculture, which should bo and is the mainstay of every country, is in a state of collapse! The iron industry, which, next to laud, has always been considered one of the best and safest of British industries, is in a state of rapid decay. In 18S2 we were supreme, the iron masters ol the world cur production cf pig iron was 8.586,680 ton* but in 1894 it was 7,427,342 tons And now America is supreme, they have. gone far ahead of us, and this all with protection, mark. Then, ao-ain in 18 ) iu Germany" exported same year made in the United Kingdom £ 1,834,431. We are not supreme there. V\e were in 1882. We then exported £ 4,107.1251 It is perfectly distressing to read such' figures. There we see in a. very marked manner how Ger- many under protection has gained, and how Enland has lost nuder free imports; and it is much the same with every industry. I cannor too often repeat and enforce, that the productive power of the United Kingdom is bein# destroyed bv free imports. It is true thai, for the moment the iron trade is fairly bu -y, chiefly owing to war ship- huilding. And now we come to cotton there we are supreme. Bnt neither protection nor anvthiag else can save Lancashire from a great collapse at no distant day. Even now the figures aie not satisfactory as m 1874 we exported of yarn and cloth £ 74.247.625, and in 1894 only £ 66^564,529! <- oming events eat their shadows before them, if I mistake not. Then as to wool manufactures, for the present, Yorkshire is busy, chiefly owing to the change in the American tariff; but here again the figures show distinctly how very seriously we are being beaten both in the home and also in the foreign market. In 1874 we exported wool manu- C]°th and £ 28,359,512, and in 1894 £ ..3,728,-46; and we imported in 1894, what looks almost impossible, no less than Xll,000,000 from foreign countries. All this is verv deplorable, and unless we change cur fiscal system it seems nothing but rnin. But then to cheer us the Cobden Club tells us triumphantly thai the United Kingdom ¡"(';gns supreme in manufactures,trade and naviga- tion." What a supreme delusion And linen is just a- bad, as in 1374 we xported X8,832,53,3, and in 1894 only £¿),44\8b8. Such figures should cause Lbe nation to go into mourning, Then as to silk, it is almiit as usual as rickety as it well can be, just ai-ve and that's ail. have the verv pleasant figures to 100it at, that vre import upwards of 12 millions, and only export about a million and a half. [ I might also pui nt to th., ruinous state of many other industries' swell as the tin-plate workers, the sugar retiner, the corn millers, and any number of otuer industries, «11 ip a state of collapse but I think that I have proved my case up to the hilt, that free imports have been, and are, injurious to the country," and the Cobden Club knew better than to accept the challenge. Although they sav that we are supreme, we are going faster down the hill than any nation ever did in history. But. before I close, I wish to say a, few words in answer to Mr Thwaites, as 1 have been accused of shirking it. About ten years ago 1 poiuted out in the Press that takinginto consideration the long hours and cheaper labour of France it was costing us zC60,000 or £ 70,000 a year more in England, and that it would pay us to remove the entire concern (Manningham Mills). The difference is not so great now, although it is very considerable, but we should have the enormous advantage of two markets, a protected homp market, and and a free market for surplus stock—so very nice for the middleman and con- sumer, but death, absolute death, to the British producer; and it is not possible for any individual concerned, or for any nation to withstand 'such unfair competition. Ruin, ruin it means nothing but ruin. The figures speak for themselves, and when all the producers are ruined and destroyed what then will become of the consumers ? Can they live without production ? Let them try I am sending my pamphlet to the members of both Houses of Parliament and a-copy of this letter to all the leading journals, in hope that I may be able to thoroughly arouse the country to the vast im- portance cf reconsidcrina- Or fisral nnlW "nil L- l- I,I danger, serious danger, of any further del,,tv.-I remain, sir, yours faithfully, MASHAM. Clunimore Lodge, Pitlochry, June 22nd, 1896. P.S.-Abont ten days ago I had sent to me from New York 1, ( urtiss's Protection and Prosperity," by far the most important and comprehensive work ever published, not very pleasing reading for the British Free Trader; but it should convince him of his folly if anything ill. Many of my figures are taken (after verification) from "Made in Germany a capital book, full of instruction.

SHROPSHIRE ATI!) WEST MIDLAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The annual i-hree show of the Sliropshire and West Midland .Agricultural Society opened at Bridgnorthon Wednesda y in somewhat una uspicious weather. In addition t > the sum of £ 300. the amount of the guarantee, £ 600 was subscribed locally, and the arrangements in every respect were almost perfect. The entries were numerous and though somewhat less than last vear at Shrewsbury considerably beyond the average. The horses llTUIl- bered 253, cattle 162. nd sheep 215. Nearly 261,350 is awarded in pnV.es, in the following pro- portions Horses £ 517, she-p £ 292, and cattle £ 303. The sum of £ 76 is given for horse leaping, and z653 for prizes in the cheese and butter classes. Numerous special prbes were also offered. The attractions mch/ded a dairy show, aud a new feature in the Society's programme was the ait-play of autocars, oce of which was sent direct from Paris. There was a capital lot of horses, and most of the classes w-ve well filled with useful and well-built anÜllak In tne local shire horse class the first award was T> by Mr John Richards, Lay ii eh s, Oswestry, Mr Hey wood Lonsdale, Market Drayton, being second. Por the best yearling mare or gelding Lord Bgert je jf Tatton, secured first honours with a very stylish youngster, Mr P. A. Muntz closely following as second. Lord Egerton was also placed first in the class for mare or gelding ipQTCirD 1894. For tbi-, m;ll'e or gelding foaled in 1893 Messrs W. and J. Thoijipson, of Desford, ne-ar JUeicester, had first pla^e, Mr J. A. Barrs, near N uneaton, taking the second prize in the class. Mr r"' een' f l vVelshpool, received the first awaro in the class for mares and foals, and Mr ^untz 1a a«aiii to be corVent with second place. Mr Edward Jones, Pool Qr^v. exhibited the best toai, and accordingly secured the first award. Lord Llangattock being second o.n the list. In the class for yearling hUJlters) -V-r R Oswestry, was first, and Mr W. Tin, of Ross, Hereford, was in the same position in the class for mares or geldings foaled in 1893: fbe hackneys made up an attractive feature 1ll themqebes- }or mares or geldings foaled in 18^4 Mi1 Forrester Addie was awarded premier honours with a very fine animal, and the same exhibitor was equally successful in the class oi foals. Mr A. E. Evans, Wrexham, was placed at the head of the list for stallions, Mr J. Coneher, of Birmingham, coming second. The exhibition of cattle was remarkably £ ood. There were classes for snorthorns, Herefords, dairy cattle, and the representatives of each breed in the various classes were beyond tue average. The Shropshire sheep shown were of very high quality. The show was'continued on Thursday under much better conditions as regards weather than on the previous day. The weather was fine, with the e xception of a, slight shower in the evening. This and other causes combined to make the show a most successful one. The attendance was very large. Heavily-loaded trains arrived one after the other, and for some hours there was a continual stream of visitors on to the ground, the money- takers, aided by the financial stewards (Messrs J. Bowen-Jones, T. Hlaney Eyton, and W. L. Browne) having a very busy time of it. When the returns were published at two o'clock it was found that last years' att endance at Shrewsbury had actually been exceede. The neither of persons who had passed the turnstiles at that hour 7,306, as against 6,575 at Shrewsbury, and 4.775 at' Whit- church in 1894, and at four o'clock Bridgnorth was still ahead, the figures heing Shrewsbury 9 150 Bridgnorth 9,400. Tin's is over 3.000 above the figures recorded at Whitchurch in 1894. At the clo«^ the attendance reached H:" high fig-ure of 10,058, some 600 in advance of Shrewsbury'last year On Wednesday night Bridgnorth itself was en fete hundreds of people lining the streets to witness The illuminations and ^reworks, and for some hours dancing was indulged in. Among the attractions the showyard the auto-car takes a very promi- nent place, and although the local committee were only able to obtain one entry, there is as much i, Leres-i manifested iu the stranger as if half a dozen cars were on view. The working dairv is another most interesting feature. The following is a list of local prize winners:- tiiiEE (county and locan prize, L3, Richards, LlynclVs, Oswestry — Mare and real, 1st, *10 Edward Green, the Moors', V\ fc.thpool. Foai, exJnbi..ed with mare, which mnKi- be led and shown without their dams l«rLpo Edward Jones, the Bank, Pool Onav • F Green, ihe Moors, Welshpool. HUNTERS.—Yearling, 1st. £8, George n j Hafod Offa, HACKNEVS,-YEARLING Filly, r, W. Forrest,, Welshpool Mare or gelding, foaled in 1394 £ and r, V. Forrester Addie, Welshnool m Gelding foaled in 1893: 2nd *4 r T& OT Bank, Pool Quay.- -Brood mare ^d foal lf i' 'If and over: ord, £ 2 10s. and r, W Forr Welshpool:—Foal, which must be 1 t Without their dams: 1st, £ 5 and Forrester- Addie, Welshpjol.—StMlion f u 1894- ?nr! -0" ;,u, A stallion, foaled in ^nd> ^varu G-cen, Welshpool.