The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

UCH interest is still being evinced in the ^portant question of Light Railways for .tttgomeryshire. and more especially as promoters of the different schemes ^'ready !>efore the public make the advan- ces better known. Although we found r°om for an article on the subject in our issue yet we find that there is still a 6lUand for more information on the sub- let. And, indeed, the more discussion the b etter, for even at present the public ideas distinctly hazy on the subject, and from ie number of letters we are constantly deceiving it is apparent that few people eeIll to have any idea of what a light 18, whereas such a definition is, in the Mature of things, obviously impossible. A Slow train cannot be defined, except by Reference, implicit or explicit, to a fast one, and a slow train in England would be an 6xpress in the regions of Dongola. Simi- arly a light railway can only be defined by Terence to railways which are not light. light railway must be something simpler and cheaper than an ordinary railway, but the simplest and cheapest railway prac- tically possible in an old, settled, and rich country like this, may well be found, neces- sarily and rightly, more expensive and more elaborate than a railway of normal type in ™exas or Mexico. One definition, then, of a Light Railway may be said to be a rail- Jay of seco-nd or third class standard, •^bis is looking at the subject from the Practical side ;°but there is also a legal and administrative point of view, and it is father from this point of view that aderini- tlon would usually be given on the Continent. Our definition is a purely Negative one. A Light Railway is one Which, from whatever point of view it be whether of importance, of speed, of expense, or what not, is inferior to the 9*"dinary railway. Having settled what flight Railways are, the next point for >nquiry is, Are such railways wanted in VXT countlT ? If so' f°r what purpose r1 hy," it may be asked, have an inferior article, and accept a lower standard to the fisting main line ?" The answer is simple. en thousand pounds a mile—the lowest at which railways of the existing s andard can be built at all—is a sum on ^hich the traffic of an agricultural district an never hope to pay interest. Unless, erefore, such districts as Llanfair, Llan- adfan, Cann Office, and Tregynon, which ei at present, without railway communi- ^i°n, are content to have railways of a if .cally different type, they must make up eir minds to go without it to the end of and not, as Dr HUMPHREYS stated to ,~e last meeting of the County Council, get tired of waiting for a railway." If we turn from England to the Continent find the evidence is overwhelming that 6 extension of cheap railway communica- tion into sparsely populated districts helps to promote agriculture, which is very much needed in this country, and it was especially for the benefit of agricuS;•> that the Light Railways Act of py; wa* passed by the present Government. It is the function of Light Railways to nnjuove the existing state of things. If constructed on the existing roads, and in consequence more economically than main railway lines, and operated with the utmost economy, and by means of cheap rolling stock, they will furnish the people with the means of trans- porting theirproducts at the lowest possible price. By means of their junctions with the main railway lines they will render access to them more convenient, both for passengers and for goods. They will assist communication from village to village, and from the village to the adjacent station. They will call into being new industries, and increase the prosperity of existing industries, by affording them new outlets for theirproducts. Finally they will enable the farmer to procure, at a cheap rate, the fertilisers necessary to enable him to face foreign competition, anl by the low cost of carriage will open to him the markets of his own country, as well as those abroad For many places, deprived as it seemed for all time of railway communication, these light lines will furnish an opportunity un- hoped for, and possibly the last of escaping from their fatal position of isolation. Else- where the construction and working of similar railways have, by practical experience, proved a blessing to the country. Assuming, therefore, that it is desirable to have such railways, if we can get them, the first question naturally arising is, will they pay in the ordinary sense of the word r That is, can we trust to ordinary commercial enterprise to provide them ? It is likely that capitalists will build them as they have built the main railway lines, not out of philanthropy or even, in the general, to develop their own property, but simply in order to obtain a. dividend on their investments P To this point Continental experience once more enables us to make a tolerably complete answer. In Holland, we find these lines have, with the main, been constructed as private commerical enterprises, and they have paid a moderate rate of interest, on the average something like three per cent. But Holland is the only country where the thing has been done by private enterprise. The Belgian Vicinal Company is practically, though not nominally, a State organisation, but it is worked in a commercial spirit, and attains a fair measure of commercial suc- cess. Recent dividends have been at the rate of about three per cent. per annum. The light lines in Germany have a very varied history. Some of them pay hand- somely; others barely pay their working expenses, and lines may be found at all in- termediate points between these two ex- tremes. The same is the case in both por- tions of the Austrian Monarchy. In France the Light Railways are a heavy tax on the public funds of the districts and of the State. The same is notoriously true in Ireland. The French failure to earn a satisfactory income is, however, easily ac- counted for by special circumstances, more especially the extravagent prices that have been paid for land, and the unthrifty bar- gains that have been made with the opera- ting companies, The Irish conditions must not be touched here, for it would be neces- sary to occupy space out of all proportion to the importance of Ireland as an economic example, and it would not be easy to avoid trenching on matters of current political It win be seen, therefore, that experience shows that light railways may pay in the commercial sense; but it is on the whole more probable that they will not do so, and it is well to put this point in the plainest possible language as a difficulty which has got to be faced by those who advocate an active light railway policy. When it is faced fairly the difficulty in a great measure disappears, for even the countries where as dividend-paying undertakings the light railways do worst are still going steadily forward in the construction of new lines. One is therefore entitled to say, with some certainty, that public opinion in these countries regards the construction of such lines as a thing so desirable as to be worth some financial sacrifice. Put in another way, Continental public opinion is decided in holding that the indirect gain more than balances the direct loss. One of these indirect gains, not perhaps one of the most important, is so easily recognised that it should be mentioned at once. Perhaps it might almost be called a direct gain. It is In the economy of road maintenance when I the bulk of the heavy traffic is diverted on to a railway or tramway alongside, borne of the Irish highway authorities have given the figures showing that for a road which cost 6s per rod for maintenance before the railway came, the cost is now Is. ocl. Having proved the necessity of light rail- ways, and their success in the commercial sense in foreign countries, we hope in a sub-" sequent article to deal with the question or the working expenses of a light railway and the best modes of construction.

—♦ — SIR JOHN LAWES, the highest agricultural authority in the country, has congratulated the British farmer upon the quantity and quality of the wheat crop which has re- cently been harvested. The season, from beginning to end, was highly lavourabie for wheat. There was a good seed bed, a warm and dry winter, and a hot and dry summer. There was a rainfall in the earij part of June, followed by dry weather to the end of July, and thus the crops were secured in excellent condition. Taking the average population of the Unite Kmgdom as rather over thirty-nine and a half millions, at six bushels per head, the requirements of the people would amoullt to nearly thirty million quarters of wheat. Of this Sir JOHN LAWES calculates that we grow ourselves something over seven million quarters, leaving nearly twenty- three millions to be supplied by imports from abroad. Last year we lmpoi e twenty-two and one one-tlnrd mi ion quarters, which Sir JOHN estImated was over three million quarters beyon our re. quirements. The result was a consi eiai e fall in prices and a large accumulation of stocks in the warehouses. Most ot this has been used up now, and if the imports do not exceed our requirements, we may expect prices to rise again. This is more likely because the European crop is known to be under the average, and Russia es- pecially. a chief source of our supply, bRS had a decidedly short crop. Sir JOHN LAWES' remarks, that so long as G Britain is the only market for the surpMIS wheat of the world, we must expect that orices will go down until it does not pay a E to gray, wheat for export When will this mneh-to-be-desired cpMh an'ive f It would almost appear, says Sir JOHN, that this point has already been approach- ed in some countries, if we may the decline in their exports. This is an interfiling forecast from so eminent and dispassionate an observer of the agricultural changes which have been going on around us for so many years. It may serve to throw a gleam of hope upon the horizon tor our farmers. Mean- while the Inter-national Agricultural Congress at Buda-Pest has met and separated after the discussion of a vast number of subjects. It is clear from the reports of the proceedings that the outlook in foreign countries is quite as gloomy as it is, and has been, at home. The gravity of the agricultural crisis was painted in the darkest colours, and the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture admitted that the dual Empire had suffered very severely. A o-reat deal of time was occupied by discus- sions upon what is commonly known as options and futures in the corn market, a species of gambling which few people in England believe has any real effect upon the world-wide fall of prices. Another cause was found by many Con- tinental and English authorities in the absence of bi-metallism, or double standard for the payment of debts, and many days were spent in threshing out a subject which has almost become thieadbare. Generally speaking the various causes, which have conspired to increase production and reduce prices, may be stated as follows :—The abundance of capital and the reduction of the rate of interest; the application of the discoveries of science; agricultural pro- gress and more intensive farming in the old countries the multiplica- tion of implements the diffusion of seeds of large production the use of phosphates permitting the cultivation of land'formerly waste the multiplication of the means of communication the opening of new and shorter commercial routes the use of the telegraph economising time and intermediary agencies; the perfecting of navigation "and the reduction of f i eights the "reduction of the premiums for in- surance the construction of grain elevators; the various facilities which enable capital to make three or four Operations where formerly only one could be made, and so to be content with less remuneration on each operal ion. This is, no doubt, a formidable list of obstacles to the success of the British farmer. But it is useless to try and hide the facts of modern competition. It is better indeed to see them in all their bearings, and to admit their force than to imagine they can be removed by Acts of Parliament. The adjustment to new con- ditions is a slow and painful process, but Sir JOH N LAWES is evidently of opinion that agriculturists abroad have begun to see that the time is arriving when cut-throat competition is suicidal.

— ♦ THE POPE'S decision on the attitude of the Roman Catholic Church towards Anglican orders has been well described by 'the Archbishop of CAXTEEUUBY as a New Defiance of History." It may have been a disappointment to some earnest seekers after Christian reunion who had brought themselves to believe that the Church of Rome has lately become other than she has for centuries been, but for the great majority of English Churchmen it has been merely a confirmation of their previous opinion of the See of Rome. It is as true as it is sad that the POPE'S very position disqualifies him from taking a candid view of the hard facts of ecclesiastical history, for, claiming a sovereignty over the whole Church which was unknown to primitive Christianity, he is compelled to wrest the historical events of every age into some I semblance of support for his own preten- j sions. This fatal flaw is obvious in his recent Bull. The question at issue is, in the strictest sense of the word, historical, but of serious historical argument the Bull bears scarcely a trace. The POPE and his < advisers have ascertained the opinions of previous Popes and the practice of the Churches subject to their domination, and there their information almost ends. Of the ten sections into which the Bull is divided, two deal with the cause and method of the examination," four deal with the opinions of previous Popes, one embodies the conclusion of the POPE, and only three of the ten (filling in all barely one short newspaper column) are addressed to the merits of the controversy. Even these three sections of the Bull add nothing to our previous know- ledge of the subject. They only repeat some of the familiar objections of Roman controversialists (which have been answered by learned theologians over and over again), and contain not a single plea which ought to prevail for a moment with any Anglican of tolerable education. References to the practice of the Undivided < Church, or of any of the historical Churches outside the Roman domination, such as would have a prominent place in the writings of any com- petent Anglican controversialist, are con- spicuously absent. But then Anglicans are Catholics, while Romanists are, at the best, only sectarians after all. For the well- instructed members of the Church of England the POPE'S Bull has, of course, no terrors at all. It is as certain that Angli- can orders are consistent with the practice of the Undivided Church as that the Papal claims are inconsistent with it, and our historical Church may well be content to take its stand at the bar of history upon this simple historical fact. ♦ —

NOTES BY THE WAY. We are again requested to draw attention to the building fund of 'the Welshpool Intermediate Schools, and on enquiry it is surprising to find that those who at present avail themselves of the advantages offered by these schools have not con- tributed towards the building fund, more especially when it is considered that these persons are people of property. The time of providing the necessary money expires in November and of the £1,521 5s. 4d. required only £350 has yet been snbscribed. Surely it is time the people of Welsh- pool made themselves acquainted with their re- sponsibility in this matter ? The Cambrian Railways Company have increased the facilities for communication between North and South Wales, as will be seen from an adver- tisement in another column. This is a step in the right direction, as we consider that in the past this part of the Cambrian system has not received the attention it deserved. Taking into consideration the extensive imigration from North to South Wales, this must lead to a larger traffic. We cannot see why the mineral traffic cannot also be very much increased, as it is taken over a much greater distance on other lines. Mr Hugh Hughes, clerk to the Aberystwyth Board of Guardians, reported at the meeting on Monday that enquiries had been made respecting the statement that a pauper who for many years had been in receipt of out-relief had died worth £150 and he was informed there was no truth in the rumour. The relieving officer reiterated his belief that there was a purse of money, in fact it had been seen, but he could bring no further proof. The matter then ended. The High Sheriff (Mr. J. Marshall Dugdale) has issued the following notice County of Mont- gomery.—In pursuance of a requisition addressed to me, I give notice that a pubjic meeting will be held in the Town Hall, Welshpool^ on Friday, Octo- ber 9, at 12 30 p. 111., for the purpose of expressing the horror which has been felt throughout the comity at the erncltios perpetrated by the Sultan of Turkey upon his subjects, and to assure the Government that they will have the support of the county in carrying out effectual measures for re- medying these evils." The following letter, signed by the county and borough members, has been ad- dressed to the clergy, ministers, and members of public bodies in Montgomeryshire Dear sir — In response to a requisition signed by each of us and others, the High Sheriff has convened a county meeting, to be held in the Town Hall, Welshpool, on Friday the 9th October next, with a view of ex- pressing the horror felt by men of all creeds and parties in the county at the cruelties perpetrated on his subjects by the Sultan of Turkey, and to as- sure the Government that they will be supported in any measure that they may think fit to take, to put an end to these horrors. We earnestly hope that all who can do so will atte id, so as to make the meeting fully representative of the county. We are, dear sir, your obedient servants, A. C. Humphreys-Owen, Ed. Pryce-Jones." — Major Pryce-Jones, M. P., has also sent to each of his con- stituents a circular in the following words New- town Hall, September 28, 1896. In response to a requisition signed by the county member, myself, and others, the High Sheriff of the county has con- vened a county meeting to be held in the Town Hall, Welshpool, at 12 o'clock noon, on Friday tho 9th of October next, with the view of expressing the horror felt by men cf all creeds and politics in the county at the cruelty perpetrated on his sub- jects by the Sultau of Turkey, and of assuring the Government that they wiU be supported in any measure they think fit to tae to put an elJd to these horrors. It is earnestly hoped that all who can do so will attend, so as to make the meeting fully representative of the county. I have the honour to be, you" obedient servant, Edward Pryce- Jones." to What brings health to the body brings heatlh to the mind is a good old axiom, and the pro- moters of te Moreton harvest, home no doubt had this truism in lew when they couple! phys'cal with spiritual exercise in their annual festival of Thursday last. The pleasant rural event was unfortunately greatly marred by adverse atmos- pherical conditions, but so dear to the heart of our sons of the toil is the good old parish festival that even the the heavy downpour of raiu which pre- vailed throughout the aflern0on did not deter them foregathering in goodly numbers on the field of sport. Thanks to the efforts of a good working committee, with Mr C. R. Boswell as chairman and Mr E. D. Nicholson as a most energetic hon secretary, a very entertaining programme of events was gone through, the contestants hailing from the borne" ullage and the'^ compeers from the surrounding locality, all giving excellent proof of no mean attainment in athletic feats all the various events carded beingexceEdiuglywel¡ contested. A touch of Ye olde mevrie Upland was imparted into the proceedings by Lhe introduction of some old-fashioned rural sport3, highly delighted the spect-itois. A most enjoyabJe afternoon was wound up by the holding of the festive service in the Parish Church, at whi^ « the few weds in season" were admirably sPoken by the Ven Arch- deacon Howell. Thtt whole proceedings were in aid of the school funds, aod it is gratifying to know that these will be agreaably autrine*)ted by the day's receipts. At Machynlleth Petty Sessions, held on Wednes- day, several farmers residiDg on the borders of Montgomeryshire were sQmmoned for removing their sbeep contrary to th.e3.11::1.t:01JS now issued. One ef them was fined but aU the other cases were dismissed. The Public Works Committee of the Aberystw* cli Town Council have instructed tbe Surveyor to procure a large quantity of macadam for the repair of tbe streets during the next Tilonth or tw0. The streels are in a bad state, hav;u„ been subjected to heavy traffic in the early part of the vear V Pbv. Morris Roberts has received from Lord rojrhyn a donation of £50, and a promised annual the North Londoa Welsh Church Mission, situated in Hornsey Road. The services are highly appreciated by the Welsh Churchmen resident in the district of Holloway. The curate in charge is Rev. William DavieJ, A.K.C. We are informed that the Cambrian Directors at their Board meeting in London last week, had under consideration several proposed Lchemei for constructing light railways, and that they wete unanimously of opinion that every encouragement should be given by tbe Company to the promoters of schemes which would be likely to develope the resources of the district which they are intended to serve. It was, however, considered desirable that the promoters should carry their schemes through and raise the necessary capital, and then invite the Cambrian Company to construct and work the lines. V We fairly sympathise with the audience which assembled in the Milford Road Chapel, Newtown, on Thursday last, for the pUrpose of hearing a lecture on The Pilgrim's Progres3" dervered by Rev. E. Lloyd Jones. The speake, wandered from his subject most lamentably, a Id ;nBteai of a lecture on the Pilgrims Progress," he used the opportunity for political purposes, and poured out the venom of his wrath upon the b:sbop) the squire, and churchmen generally. The company instead of listening to a highly interesting dis- course oa the immortal work of John Bunyan, bad toremain contented with the address of the Chair- man. which was much nearer- the point than the lecture itself. Rev. Lloyd Jones' discourse was practically a political harangn6) delivered in an up- rated building. *#* A A very animated discussion ensued at the ordin- ary monthly meeting of the Newtown Urban Dis- trict Council on Thursday evening with reference to the re-letting of the sewage farm. It was pro- posed that the farm should again be advertised and submitted to public auction. The members repre- senting the farming interest advocated a private arrangement being entered into with the present tenant, who was the highest bidder three years ago. The farm being public property it is only right that the Council as caretakers of the pubHc purse should dispose of it in a public manner, and for that reason the Chairman gave his casting vote in favour of the original resolution. The farmers have to remember that this is the course adopted by all public authorities similarly situated, and it is un- doubtedly the fairest. — WELSHPOOL. (Continued from Page 2.) THE HORSE FAIR.—There was a good supply of cart and hack horses and colts in the Smithfield on Monday, including some useful animals. There was a fairly good attendance of dealers present, but there was not much business done, prices not coming up to the anticipations of the vendors. THE LICENSE OF THE TALBOT INN.— On Tues- day befoie Messrs D. p. Owen, W. Rogers, and M. Jehu; the licenso of the Talbot Inn occupied the attention of the Bench, the question being con- sidered as to the suitability of ,the tenant, Thomas Owen, of the Liverpool Arms having been selected as tenant by Thomas Ellis. There was a long con- as tenant by Thomas Ellis. There was a long con- sultation with the Bench, and :n the end the license was granted to Mr Owen. A GOSPEL Temperance Meeting took place in the Templar Hall on Sunday evening under the presidency of Mr C. H. Jones. The Chairman, and Rev T. C. Jones delivered addresses, and Miss Alice Jones rendered a solo. THE PARISH CHURCH.— Rev Spencer Jones, Vicar of Moreton, Gloucestershire, wiil preach at the parish Church at the evening service to-morrow. The preacher is sent by the committee of the Shrewsbury Church C'ongiess. THE FORTHCOMING MUNICIPAL ELECTION.— The members of the Council whose term of office expires on November 9th next, are as follows :— Guilsfield Ward Ellis Owen Jones; Llanerchydol Ward: Robert Jones; Castle Ward: Richard Parry Jones; Buttington Ward: Aaron Watkin. Nothing has yet been definitely settled as to which of the above seats will be fought, but opposition is threatened in one or two cases. PRIMITIVE METHODIST Y. P. S. C. E. — This society celebrated its anniversary on Wednesday by means of a tea and entertainment. The former took place at 5 o'clock, being presided over by Mrs. Crow and Miss L. J jnes, assisted by Mrs. Ashley, the Misses Wilson and Edith Jones, Messrs. Evan Evans, D. J. Jones, and Tom Ashley. The enter- tainment followed in the evening, Mr. T. S. Prvce in the chair. Anthems were rendered by the choir, quartettes by Messrs. Jones and party, duet bv Messrs. C. H. Jones and Williams, solos by the Misses Wilson and L. Jones, whilst Miss Pritchard, Miss Annie Parry, and lr. Alf Jones, Hall street, gave recitations. SCDDEX DEATH.—Wm. Morgan (67), has, for some time made his home with Mr Bem bow a relative, at Moydog, Castle Caereinion. On Tues- day night he retired in his usual health and seemed very cheerful. Before going to bed he took out his best suit of clothes ready to attend the rejoicings at Cyfronydd on the following day. Next morning Mrs. Lloyd, one of the household, went upstairs to make the beds, when, on entering the room of the deceased, to her great surprise found that he dead, with his arms folded across his breast.e matter was reported to Mr E. Maurice Jonci-, coroner, who, taking everything into consideration, did not think that it was a case in which an enquiry- was necessary. Deceased had been complaining of late of an affection of the heart, but had not been attended by a doctor for some years. LARCENY AS A BAILEE.—At the PoFce Court on Monday, before Messrs D. P. Owen, W. Rogers, and 31. Jehu, Alfred Owen, labourer. Welshpool, was charged by C. D. Baker, with, in the early part of IN)arch, stealing a gun the property of Mr Baker was entrusted to him on approval to be afterwa'-ds returned to prosecutor. Owen sold the gon to Gc j cge Nixon, Horse Shoe Inn, Brithdir, on Augvst 4th, and it WDS recovered, from the latter by P.S. Humphreys on September 25th. Defendant ws arrested on a warrant by P.C. Rowlands, but the Bench now considered that the case was rather of the nature of a civil debt than a misdeauour, and was consequently dismissed —A further charge ol; dtunk and disorderly was also preferred against Ower, the date of this offence being July ISth. Prisoner absconded at the time and was now com- m-'tted to efle day's imprisonment.—Elizabeth Barker, of Llaugollen, was summoned by P.C. Row- lands for a similar offence on the 26th ult, but the cise was dismissed. HARVEST FESTIVALS.—Oa Thursday the annual festival took place at the Wesleyaa Chapel, the interior of which preseqted a highly attractive appearance owing to the exertions of the following friends, who had been most assiduous in their efforts to render the appearance of the sacred edifice in barmony with the occasion :—Mrs and the Misses Kendrew, Mr and Mrs Boffey, Mrs Twist, Mrs Tom Davies, Misses Wynne, Morgan, and Bowron, Messrs J. Pryce Jones, B. Wynne, Watson, and Basnett, assisted by many willing helpers. The festival com- menced in the afternoon, when Rev. G. Phillips, of Newtown, delivered an excellent sermon, which was followed in the evening by a public meeting, over which Mr T.Pryce presided. Addresses were deliver- ed by RevsG. Phillips, J. Wilson, T. C. Jones, and tbe circuit ministers. Selections of rnus-'c were given by the choir and trends.—The harvest thanksgiving services in connection with Christ "Church were held on Sunday, the preacher morning and after- noon being Rev. E. A. Fishbourne, Newtown. The chu' ch was not decorated specially for the occasion, but Mrs Salter filled the vases and placed corn in the sacrarium. Beautiful white flowers were sent by Miss Nora Jones, Rothsay, N.B. The services were fully choral, tbe anthem, "Thou Openest Thy Hand" (Simper), being well rendered by the choir at both services. Good were taken in aid of the Sunday School funds.—The harvest thanksgiving service in connection with the Bap- tist Chapel wai held on Thursday, when a sermon was preached by Rev T. E. Wtlliams, of Newtown, who based his remarks on Cast thy biead upon tbe waters ard thou shalt find it after many days." He delivered a powerful discourse to a large congregation.

PRIEST WESTON, CHIRBURY. THANKSGIVING SERVICES.—The harvest thanks- giving was held in the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel on Tuesday. A prayer meeting was held in the afternoon, and there was a special service in the evening, when Rev. J. Davies, Bernew, pieached an excellent sermon on the "Parableof the Tares. There was a large congregation, and the collection, which amounted to £2 6s, will be given to the budding fund of a new chapel at Newton.on-the-

H,1L MEIFOD. HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES were held at the Mission Room, Nantymeichiaid, on Friday week at 2 30 and 6 30 p. m. The preachers were Rev. J. Wilym-Jones and Rev. Dr. James, Pontrobert. The congregations were large and the singing under Mr. J. Davies' leadership was excellent.

LLANGADFAN. HARVEST FESTIVAL. — Harvest thanksgiving services were held in Llangadfan Church, on Wednesday. Holy Communion was celebrated at 11 am, when a sermon was preached by Rev J R- Roberts, Rector of Garchbeibio. The Litany was read at 3 p.m, by Rev. E. B. Thomas Rector of Trawsfynydd, and a sermon was delivered bv Rev. D. James, Penbontfawr. At both these services there were large congregations. At 6.30 D m the church was crowded. The service, which was fnUy choral was intoned by Rev J. R. Roberts, and the lessons read by Rev. D James. The ser- mon was preached by Rev. E. B. Thomas. The choir assisted by members of Garthbeibio and Llanerfyl church choirs, sang the anthem, Cenwch i'r Arglydd gan newydd" (Eos Llechyd) Collections in aid of church expenses were made at each service. The church had been decorated by Rev D C Jones, assisted by Mrs Ellis, Misses M. Watkin, Jane A. Ellis and Catherine Ellis.

LLANSANTFFRAID. PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting of the Deythyr Conncil was held on Thursday in the Tillage Hall, when there were present Messrs Hugh Thomas (Chairman'). Evan Evans (Vice-Chairman), J. Hughes. T. Jones, J. Watkius, J. Lewis, J. Hughes, jun. (clerk).-The minlltes of last meeting were read and conf:lrnwd.-No reply had beeu received with regard to Deythyr Well.—The bills for printing and stamps were ordered to be paid. The cheques were signed by Mr Jones and Mr Hughes.—The Clerk read a letter from the postal authorities in Oswestry intimating that their proposal at the parish meeting was receiving attention. A letter was read from the clerk of Llanfyllin Rural District Council informing them that their letter and enclosure with regard to the culvert at Deythyr would be submitted at their next meeting.— A letter was read from Mr. Dowell Lee, Devthyr Grammar School, stating that a member of their Council had asked him to reconsider his decision with regard to holding meetings in the school. He would be pleased to allow meetings to be lield, if it was impossible to obtain a room elsewhere, on the following conditions (1) That they were not to be held before 7.30, except on Wednesdays, when they may he held at 6.30. (2) The charges to be for commitee meeting, 3s 6d per night; Parish Council, 5s per night. He wished the Council to understand that the restrictions made were abso- lutely necessary in the interests of the work of the school. If they had any suggestion to make he would be plcased to comply with them as far as possible.—In answer to Mr Watkins, the Clerk replied that the old charges were 2s 6d.—Mr Evans said as long as they had permission to hold their meeting at Gwernypant, a more central place, they need not trouble amy further.—The Chairman said the next bustness was to ask the Footpath Commit- tee to visit, if necessary, the stepping stones st Godfor in accordance with the resolution of the Parish Meeting.—Mr Hughes said he thought the stepping stones belonged to Llansaintffraid (Pool and Deytheur), andth; two Councils ought to work together.—Mr Watkin. asked if many jjatlis lead from the stepping stones. —Mr Evans said there were, and in his opinion they ought to make the man who removed the stsnes put them back.—Mr Hughes, proposed that the Footpath Commi^e visit the place and report at their next meeting. Mr Evans seconded, and it was cani.d.—The Council then ———

LLANFYLLIN. LECTURE.—On Tuesday evening Rev E. Lloyd Jones delivered a lecture in the Town Hall on "Cromwell and Puritan Ideas. Rev E. Morgan, presided and he was supported on the piatform bv Mr E. Watkin, Mr C. R. Jones, Revs W. H. Jones, and J. C. Jones. The proceeds were in aid of the Chapel. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, Thursday week, lIr. R. Roberts presiding.— Mr Bircham (poor-law in- spector), referring to resolutions passed at the recent Poor-law Conference at Oswestry, and the proposal to remove helpless and destitute people to the workhouse, said before such people were compelled to enter the house proper safeguards would be insisted upon, such as a duly certified report from a medical officer that the person was unfit to live alone, and that his removal to the workhouse infirmary would be ad- vantageous. Mr W. Jones moved the adoption of the resolution on the subject sent from the conference. The Chairman deprecated hard and fast rules. Mr J. Jones said as long as our workhouses were as ugly and uninviting as they were at present, and and as long as they were called by such ugly names as "workhouses" and" poorhouses," so long would it be a hardship to force anyone to enter them. He moved that the resolution lie on the table. Mr Evan Roberts seconded this motion, and Mr W. Jones's motion not being seconded, the subject dropped.—Mr Bircham reported that he had inspected the honse, and he recommended, amongst other things, that the children between nine and sixteen be allowed an extra meal. on the ground that children of this age of all people required extra food that games—football in winter and cricket in summer—be provided for the boys who were allowed by Mr Dugdale to play in his field close to the House.—Captain My lton moved that application be made to the Local Government Board to vary the diet of the children from 9 to 16 that repairs mentioned be referred to tie Visiting Committee; that a bed rest recom- mended be procured at once that the question of the dress material be referred to the Ladies' Com- mittee, with power; and that the question of pro- viding recreation be considered at the next meeting. Mr Bircham asked whether in the meantime the Master might not procure a leather case for the football. The children had a bladder; it would only cost 3s.—Captain Mytton said he would be very happy to give that 3s — (cheers) — and he banded the amount to the Master.—Mr William Jones seconded Captain Mytton's motion, which was carried unanimously. — Mr. John Jones said Miss Hayhurst had been supplying string for the old men to make nets with as a means of passing away the time, which weighed so heavily upon their hanQs; but there was no sale for the nets. Could Mr. Bircham suggest something in that direction ? Mr. Bircham thought they might join what was known as the Brabazon Employment Society. If the Ladies' Committee would communicate with Mrs. Boscawen she would send them all particulars and details. On the motion of Yr. John Jones, the Ladies' Committee were requested to put them- selves in communication with Mrs. Boscawen on this subject. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL, Thursday week.—Mr Evan Evans presided.—Dr Humphreys introduced a deputation from the promoters of the Llanfair and Meifod Light Railway. Their object, he said, was to apply to the Council for its support under Section 7 of the Act. It was proposed that the line should go along the south side of the river all the way, so that no bridges would be needed. The estimate for the line was £36,000, about £2,650 per mile. If, as they hoped, the Cambrian Railways Company would construct and work the line, and local Councils encouraged the scheme, they might get a special grant. He pointed out the advantage the line would be to the district, and the saving to the roads by diverting heavy traffic.—Replying to questions, Dr Humphreys said he estimated the traffic at 25,000 tons a year at 2s a ton, the income at £4,000 and the profits at £2,000 or £ 2,500.—Rev W. Jones, Meifod, one of the deputation, said the Council was only asked to become surety for one-fourth the cost, £9,000, the interest on which would be £281, which would amonnt to a little more than a halfpenny in the pound on the rateable value of the district. Dr Humphreys said he had reason to believe that the Cambrian Railways would construct and work the line if the local authorities gave the project their aid and counten- ance. The Council considered the matter in committee, and adopted the following resolution :— The Llanfyllin District Council, having beard the deputation of the promoters of the railway from Llanfair to join the Cambrian Railway near Ardd- leen, are not in a position to pledge themselves to give financial aid, but are quite willing to receive the deputation on a future occasion, when their plans are further advanced."— The Postmaster General wrote asking for payment of £12 8s 7d the amount of deficiency arising on the provision of telegraphic communication with Llanfair and Meifod. It was explained that the sum was chargeable upon those parishes.

LLANDYSILIO. WEDDING. Last Monday, the marriage of Miss Annie Lee, eldest daughter of Mr John Lee, Four Crosses, with Mr James Edward Ashley, Oswestry, took place in the Parish Church, the Rector (Rev Prebendary Matthews, M.A.) officiating. The bride, who carried a lovely bouquet, was given away by her father. The bridesmaid was Miss Mary Lee, and the best man was Mr Wilcox, Oswestry. After the wedding breakfast the happy couple drove to Oswestry en route for London. The presents were numerous and of a useful description. CONCERT.—A concert took place in the Village Hall on Thursday, given by Mr R. Howell Davies's concert party of Oswestry. The committee had also engaged Professor Gaukrodger (Manchester) in his humorous selections. Mr Howell Davies presided. There was a very good attendance and the concert was a decided success. The following is the programme :—Part I: Trio, A little farm well tilled," Messrs Thomas, Roberts and Edwards; address by the Chairman; song, Gipsy Jane," Miss Suie Roberts song, Inchape Bell," Mr J. H. Thomas; song, Dolly's revenge," Miss Lala Parry; song, The Newspaper," Mr J. O. Roberts; solo, "Better and best," Miss Annie Venables; humorous selections, Professor Gaukrodger. Part 2 Trio, Dear is my native vale," Misses Venables and Miss Suie Roberts; song, "Mary Lee," Mr J.O. Roberts; humorous selections, Prof. Gaukrodger; song, "The Toilers," Miss Annie Venables song, Anchored," Mr J. H. Thomas song, Alone on the raft," Miss Lala Parry; duet, Y Morwyr," Messrs. J. O. Roberts and J. H. Thomas humorous selections, Prof. Gaukrodger finale, God save the Queen."—Mr and Mrs. Hum- phreys-Owen were present and Mr. Humphreys- Owen was called upon by the chairman to say a few words. He dwelt principally upon the massacre of the Armenians, and hoped the Government would take speedy measures towards the sup- pression of them.—A hearty vote was accorded the different artistes for their kind assistance, and the chairman. "ihe singing of the Natio-i: A; the at brought a very pleasant evening to a close. PETTY SESSIONS.—WEDNESDAY. Before Cap: Mv t!ou and Mr Thomas Prvee. Jrr.v LIST.—T:ie lists of jarors for RII-> the re- spective parishes aad townships within the div ision of Deytheur were revised and allowed. I-i regard ro the list, for Llansantffi-aid the assistant overseer OP. I;ci')^- aked whether a copy of the list had iv-en placed on the Church door of the parish, replied that he had been instructed by the Parish Council not to affix it on the Church door, but all the religious places of worship strictly within his por- tion of the parish. The Church was outside the district of his Parish Council. The list was allowed and the Clerk was directed to advise upon the law. —The Clerk (Mr Howell) said he was Dot aware or any recent alteration in the law relating to iurv lists. ASSAULT. — Martha Francis, Pool Road, charged George Gittins cf the same place, with assaulting her and using threats on the 11th September, Complainant stated that the defendant and wife were quarrelling about 5 o'clock in the evening, and the latter ran from the house across complainant's yard tu a neighbour's house. De- fenoant then came to her front cioor stating that his wife was there. She denied this and ordered him off. He then used abusive language and struck her on the eye. She was in bodiFv fPar of him".—- Eli Davies and Walter Rogers* corroborated. Rogers stated that on interfering the defendant struck him also.—The defendant stated that lie had been roughly used and called P.C. Davies, who said that after the row he saw defendant who had a swelling on the left side of his forehead, It might I have been done by a blow or fall.—The Bench con- sidered ihe assault an 1 threats proved and inflicted a fine of £2 10s, and bound defendant over in £10 to keep the peace for 12 months. KEEPING A DOG WITHOUT A LICENSE.—Mary Hughes, widow, was charged with committing this offence at Liandysilio on August 31st. — P.C. Davies proved that he found the clog on the premises on the day in question. There was no license but one was subsequently taken out the same day.-Fincr110s including ec/sts. DRUNKENNESS.—Thomas Williams, block.'mith, LIandrinio, was fined 10s including costs for this offence^ on August 29th.—L'efendant denied being drunk, infor_ning the Bench that he had only had seven glasses. M.oses Braddock, chimnev sweep, Llansantffraid, was fined 12s 6d for being drunk while in charge of a horse. LAR< R.N-N. David Hope Jones, gardener, appeared upon his recognisances to answer to a charge of stealing at Trederwen on September 12th, two basket makers' knives the property of Thomas Morgan of the Ark Inn.—Prosecutor stated that he lived at the Ark Inn, and also carried on the trade of a basket maker. He had two knives used fur working at his trade and saw them on Friday evening the 11th ult.. and missed them on the following day Saturday. He saw nothing of the defendant at the time. He seat information of his loss to P.C. Davies, and afterwards on the Saturday he saw the knives in the constable's possession. The two knives produced wcv- the ones he missed, and were his property. They were worth about two shillings. — P.C. David Davies stated that on Saturday the 12ih ult he made enquiries and traced the defendant in company with another man to Chirk. He there took the two into custody and searched them. He found one of the knives upon the defendant. He took both men to the lock-up at Llandysilio, and there on further search found the other knife upon the defendant, who afterwards admitted having ta.ken the two knives from the same place. On the 14th lis took the two men to Welshpool where the other man was discharged, and the defendant bound over to appear at this Court.-Prisoner consented to be tried summarily, and pleaded guilty, and was ordered to pay a fine of £1. The money was paid.

GARTHBEIBIO. HARVEST THANKSGIVING.—On Tuesday, at St. Tydecho's Church, thanksgiving services were held at 8 and 11 a.m, and at 2.30 and 7 p.m, and were conducted by Revs. E. R. Roberts, M.A., Garth- beibio; D. Carrog Jones, M.A., Llangadfan ;„C. Warrington, M.A., Llanerfyl; Dr. James, B.A., Pennant; and E. B. Thomas, B.A.. Trawsfynydd. The preachers were Rev. Dr. James, Pennant, and Rev. E. B. Thomas, Trawsfynydd. The services were very well attended throughout the dav, es- pecially in the evening, when the sacred edifice was overflowing. The sermon was most impressive, and the singing, under the able conductorship of Rev. E. R. Roberts, the worthy rector of the parish, deserves the highest. praise. The church had been very tastefully decorated for the occasion by Mrs. Roberts, the Rectory, assisted by Miss Morris. Maes Llymystyn, and Miss Evans, Tynllan. Collections were made after each service in aid of chureh expenses.

LOWER MONTGOMERYSHIRE CALVINISTIC METHODIST MONTHLY MEETING. The meeting was held at Rhiwlas, on Thursday and Friday, Rev O. Lloyd Owen, Llanwvddelan, presiding.—Revs E. Griffiths, O. Lloyd Owen, and Mr J. Jehu, were appointed to meet the brethren appointed by the Upper Montgomeryshire Monthly Meeting, to re-arrange the Associations.—Rev E. Griffiths was requested to arrange the time and place of meeting with the Secietary of the Upper Montgomeryshire Monthly Meeting.—It was resol- ved to invite the deputation from the Home Mission Board to Pontrobert Monthly Meeting.— After the transfer of Rev John Jones, Rhydycroesau from East Merionethshire Monthly Meeting had been read, the rev. gentleman was cordially recei- ved, and he briefly acknowledged the kind reception given him.—Rev R. Edwards and Mr J. J. Roberts, Oswestry, were elected members of the Committee proposed by the Association to make an inquiry as to the Papal attack on Wales.—The Treasurer was reqnested to pay the annual quota towards the expenses of the Protestant Schools. —It was resolved to invite Mr Peter Roberts, St. Asaph, to visit Oswestry Monthly Meeting on be- half of the Auxiliary Fund.—Rev James Richards and Mr J. Edwards, Llanrhaiadr, were appointed to take the voice of the churches at Cymdy, Pentre- felin, and Brithdir, as to the calling of a pastor, and Rev J. Hughes and Mr David Edwards, Cymdy, were appointed to go to Llanrhaiadr on a similar errand. — Encouraging reports on the state of the Cause at Rhiwlas, Cefn Canol, and Llansilin were given.—Messrs. Edward Jones and Edward Owen, Elim, were questioned by Rev J. Richards on Ephesians ii, and received members of the Monthly Meeting. — Mr John Edwards, Llanrhaiadr, de- livered the charge, and Rev J. Pritchard offered prayer. otes of condolence were passed with the families of the late Mr, Thomas Jones, Llawrycwm, and Mr Edward Edwards, Moxley and a vote of sympathy was parsed with Rev J. R. Evans.—Rev O. Jones, B.A., O. Lloyd Owen, R. Edwards, and Messrs J. Jehu, lV. Story, and Thos. Jones (chemist) were appointed a committee to revise the Standing Orders and arruuge for a re- print of them, Rev O. Lloyd Owen to be convener. —Rev R. Edwards and Mr Jones (chemist) were elected members of the Loan Fund Committee.—An application from Cefn Canol for a grant from the Loan Fund was confirmed.—The meeting ex- pressed its joy to hear that Mr Edward Pierce (Salem) had won a Bala Scholarship.—The report of the Temperance Committee was confirmed. The following resolution was adopted That this meeting participates in the stern indignation aroused in all parts of the country at the atrocious persecution and slaughter of the Armenians by tne Government of the Sultan, and joins in urging the Government of our country to exercise its power to put a speedy end to this systematic inhumanity, which is almost without its parallel in the history of the world."—A copy was ordered to be sent to Lord Salisbury.—The next meeting was fixed to take place at Pontrobert, October 27 and 28. "ThePrinciples of Protestantism" was the subject considered on Thursday evening, and it was opened by Rev. E. Griffiths.—On Friday afternoon an in- duction meeting was held, presided over by Rev R. Edwards.—Addresses were given bv Rev. Iga« Davies, John Jones, J. Hughes, J. Pritchard a d Messrs Hugh Hughes, Tregeiriog, and Thomao Jones, Cefn Canol.—The ministers who Dren^ were Revs. J. Pritchard, D. B. Edmunds J Hi v, E. Griffiths, E. M. Rees, and Isaac Davies 6S'

At Ruthin County Court on Thursday before Sir Horatio Lloyd, the case of Rev Evan Evans of Llanarmon, against Robert and John Par r8Ctor again mentioned.—Mr John Parry, a w ii? was anti-tithe organiser, occupies the' Ffv^ 'n Farm at Llanarmon, but pavs no rent .°°WenwiI Mr Robert Parry, in ordefto ~t' this, it was necessary to call Mr John pCe aS 1)0 witness, which was done last Mav o ry as a there have been other formal stens' in ,i Ce then and now Mr Parry again appeared an J matter. reply to his Honour, that there had h„ m in the situation.—His Honour Th^n T" N° CHAU&E we shall have to take the same course T" it is a matter of principle ?—Mr P*^ „ .8uPPose His Honour then made an n,/ y = Quite 8°'~ Maurice Hughes receiver and auct1onePP°mt^ J" powering him to distrain upon Mr T he were the owner of the W? T distrained for will be 7s 8d .T, I80a and costs. It is sup- posed that precautions against resistance will have to be taken when the distraint occurs.

BERBTEW. HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES.—As briefly stated in our last issue, these services were held at the Parish Church on Wednesday week. The Chnrch was richly decorated with fruit; flowers and vegetables, the effect being most striking, perhaps in the evening, wbea the temporary screen and the sanctuary standards weie lighted up, and the Church thi onged with worshippers. The sanctuary was decorated with wreaths of evergreens, dahlias and barberiy, three handsome gourds occupying the siJI of the window. The reredos was dressed with pampas grass and box, and on the ret:tole were a floral cross and bouque. s of white flowers. The choir was beautified by a quantity of anemone japoy);c:1; the screen, asparagus, corn and grapes; the lectern grape3 and flowers; the pulpit, chesQut fol;age and fruit, with pendants of ampelops;s the front, dahli:1s, corn, and light diagonals of asparagus and oats, the space above the tower arch, two double triangles dressed with dahlias and moss, and foliage and gourd arrangement between; the window sills, fine apples, vegetables, and a profusion of flowers; the lampstands and seat ends were a'so adorned with corn sprays, red berries, Ac. Amongst those who contributed to the charming result of the whole, either by offerings of fruit, flowers and vegetables, or by personal service, were the and Miss Corbett- Winde, MisandM;ss Humphreys Owen Miss Howells, Mrs and Mies Humphreys, Miss Wei's, Mrs Martin, Miss OJhvants, Miss Johnes, Mrs Lloyd, Mrs King, Misses Janet and Elsie loyd, Mrs H Oven, Meiars J. Lewis, J Hio"*in £ Watkir, Morris, Blockley, R Lloyd, Jones, ancTwii'de, and several boys and girls also giving wili:no- and help. At the 11 a.m. service, Rev Prebendary White bised Irs teiflion on Gods use of tbe weakest instruments to do His will: n the evening Rev B A Fishbourne gave a most s t'rrjng and practical exposition of the duty of worship. At the close of tbe service the Vicar reminded the congregation of the special cause to thanksgiving that all had in the long reign ot they beloved Queen, which that day, by G s provi- dence, had exceeded that of any ocher Bntis^ove eien He then used the Accession Thanksgiving, and,'after the Blessmg," God Save the Queen was played as a voluntary. The choir, which was strengthened in numbers, rendered good serVlCe during the day, and it was evident that they had spent no small pains in learning Sir John Stainer s anthem, "Ye shall dwell in the la.d," as weU as other music, which they so wett offertories amounted in tbe morning to £ 4 lbs (devoted to the St. Asaph Church Extension Society), and in the evening to £3 10s 9d (which went to the Shrewsbury Infirmary).