The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

CONTENTS OF INNER PAGES. PAGE 2. Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Aberdovey, Towyn, Newtown, Oswestry, and Ellesmere news. PAGE 3. Montgomery County Council; Forden Rural District Council and Board of Guardians; Chirbury- Minsterley Light Railway; Funeral of the Dean of St. David's; Welshpool and the Welsh Language; Welshpool-Llanfair Light Railway; Funeral of the late Capt. Hayhurst Franee; Parliamentary. PAGE b. Football Notes and Matches; Chess; Correspon- dence, &c. PAwic 7. Agriculture; Markets, Ac.

THE reports of the Medical Officers of most of the Town and District Councils have now been published, and they deserve more than passing notice. None of the duties entrusted to the Councils are of more im- portance to the community than sanitation, and none of the reports submitted to them by their officials are more worthy of careful and respectful consideration than those of the Medical Officers. The Medical Officers hold a unique relation to the Councils. They are experts, and know more about the work of which they aie in charge than the members of the Councils can ordinarily be expected to do. They are not merely the officials of the Councils but their advisers, whose opinions are to be treated with deference. The science of sanitation and public health is compara- tively a new one, its laws are only be- ginning- to be understood by scientists, and it will be some time before the general public become instructed in the observance of them. Councillors should see that it is their duty to make themselves sutliciently acquainted with the subject to enable them to discharge their duties intelligently and efficiently under the guidance of the Medical Officers. The reports of all the Medical Officers show that much remains to be done in making our houses and towns healthier, and in teaching the public the element- ary laws of health. There is much pre- ventable disease and mortality among infants, for instance, through the ignorance of mothers. Dr. MARSTON. Welshpool, in his report, draws prominent attention to this matter, and his words should be pondered by all who are interested in the subject. "Though this infantile mortality"—134'2 per 1,000 of infants under the age of 12 months is not so high as in the previous year, there is no doubt that it would still be much diminished if the mothers amongst the poorer and labouring classes had a better knowledge of tending the young children under their care and practised more attention and cleanliness in hand feeding, so prevalent among them." He suggests that instruction on this head could be given to the elder girls in elemen- tary schools. In this as in manv other cases people are impatient of instruction and correction. 'They resent being told of their ignorance and pin their faith to traditional methods, as if to change them would be an insult to their mothers and grandmothers. Dr A. O. DAVIES, of Machyn- lleth refers to the same subject in similar terms. The death rate of children under one year in Machynlleth is, he considers, most unsatisfactory, but until the rules of hygiene are more closely followed he fears that the high rate of mortality among children will continue. Dr MAT- THEWS, Medical Officer of the Machynlleth Rural District Council, had to report an increase in the death rate upon previous years, especially amongst children. In Llanfyllin the death rate of children under one year was extraordinarily high, being no less than 205 per 1,000 of the births registered. In Forden District infantile mortality was 135 per 1,0( 10 compared with 100 for an average of 17 preceding years. Another evil, that of overcrowding, is to some extent under the control of Councils and is an evil that seems to be abating. In the reports of both the Medical Officers of Machynlleth attention is drawn to the damp floors of the cottages, and it is surprising to find that there are still many bedrooms without fire-places. There are two evils connected with this, ventilation is defective and there is no means of heating and drying the rooms. In a severe winter the hardship to young and healthy people would be con- siderable, and the suffering and danger to the old and the sick is painful merely to think about. A great number of the deaths in Machynlleth were due to affections of the chest and Dr A. O. DAVIES attributed this to some extent to the want of fireplaces in bedrooms. Our fathers evidently believed in the survival of the fittest, and those who could not survive Spartan treatment had to go under, but milder views prevail now and something more is required than a bare shelter from the elements. Dr A. 0. DAVIES also called attention to the neglect to secure proper ventilation of sleeping- rooms by opening the windows in the day time to procure the necessary fresh air. This also is a matter that might be instilled into children in our elementary schools. The statistics are most interesting. Figures may be used to prove anything, it is said, and said with some truth, but used straightforwardly they are very valuable. The death rates for the various towns and districts show great diversity. They are, so far as we have obtained them, as follows: Machynlleth 312 per 1000 Llanfyllin, 22 8; Dolgelley, 22 6; Machynlleth Rural District, 17 9; Forden, 17*2 Welshpool, 14 1. The death rate for England and Wales is 17 per 1000. We are at once struck with the figures for Machynlleth and we would draw attention to a letter in our correspondence columns, which explains away the figures as well as they can be explained away. But, leaving the figures on one side and admitting that it is not safe to take percentages of any single year as a guide in small communities, we turn to the medical adviser of the Council, whose opinions must receive res- pectful attention. The Machynlleth Urban District Council have been doing good work both in the matter of the water supply and in the matter of sanitation. They must, however, go forward energeti- cally with both schemes, if they would save the lives for which they are in a manner responsible. Dr A. O. DAVIES had no hesitation apparently in attributing the high death rate of the town to bad sanitation. But the people were to blame for contributory neligence. The people — here he meant the lower classes — were to be blamed for their carelessness. The Council could not close their eyes to that fact. They had no idea as to the decency of life and their whole mode of life was not as it should be." The people of Machynlleth should lay these words to heart; their Medical Officer at any rate has discharged his responsibility. The Llan- fyllin Town Council seem alive to their obligations, and the drainage scheme under their consideration is likely to have an effect in lowering a death rate which is at present too high. The death rate in Welsh- pool is remarkably low and speaks well for the sanitation of the town; but this must not lead the Corporation to neglect the recom- mendations of their Medical Officer regard- ing the improvement of the water supply. Something has been done in the way of cleaning out the filter beds recently, with, by the bye, no very perceptible improve- ment in the clearness of the water, but Dr. MARSTON urges the necessity for increasing the present filter beds, the area not being sufficient for the thorough filtration of the water. In several of the villages in the Forden District the question of the water supply is an important but very difficult one. It is a sign of great ignorance and short-sightedness that the Medical Officer of that district, Dr THURSFIELD, has to report that occupiers of houses, to save rating pro- fess to carry water an unreasonable distance whereas as a matter of fact they habitually use water from such sources as a foul brook. While people run the risk of disease and death in order to save their pockets, Medical Officers and Local Authori- ties will find their hands full in their efforts to save people from themselves. Mid-Wales, with an agricultural and com- paratively sparse population and no large. towns, ought to have a lower death-rate than England and Wales as a whole, and it is far from satisfactory to find that it is in most cases higher and in some cases very much higher than the average of the country. THE Newtowu Urban District Council having demonstrated thier incapacity, to conduct h. ,me affairs, last week aspired to show forth their wisdom on International questions. The electors must recall regret- fully as something notrealised the [ romiseof of the Chairman three years ago to manage the affairs of the town with a half-crown rate. In his first year the rate was 3s. 9d. and since then it has been 3s. 6d. The electors must also have some recollection of a bridge promised, suggestions of a Town clock, and a plan to improve the name of the town off the face of the ea th, schemes silly and schemes sound, but all ending in smoke. Whatever the Council have laid their hand to has ended in talk and waste of time. One of their schemes is probably still in process of incubation. It is char- acteristic of the Council and of a certain section of the townspeople, who have a rooted objection to paying costs. The Council has proposed. to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in a very econo- mical fashion by getting some one to present them with a recreation ground. It did not occur to them to put their bands in their pockets and raise a fund. They come for- ward. child-like and bland, and ask to be allowed to honour the Queen in right loyal and truly Liberal fashion by receiving a gift, while other towns subscribe and pay down the money. If they do not conduct the negotiations to this end better than the negotiations over the waterworks Newtown will have to whistle to another tune for a recreation ground and for the means of celebrating the Diamond Jubilee. But then there are allotments to which they can point. They can plume themselves on their success there. Can thej ? For the allot- ments the town has to thank Sir PRYCE PRYCE-JONES, Miss BRISCO, and others. But why did the Council not buy out and out, or get a price fixed for purchase at the end of the lease P At the end of 21 years the Council will probably have to pay an increased ri iit. which the tenants will possibly be unable'to pay. What about the further irregularities in the records of gas consumption and the dangerous and unsatisfactory state of the streets ?" Now a Government that is a failure in home affairs sometimes points to the success of its foreign policy. The Newtown District Council cannot attend to their own business in a business-like way, and try to divert attention by vapouringabout matters that do not concern them. They make speeches and pass ineffective resolutions about the Volun- tary Schools Bill, but they cannot settle down to work that will be profitable to the ratepayers. On Monday last their Chair- man called a public meeting, at which there was only a moderate attendance, but at which much immoderate language was used. They come together at a very critical period in the history of Europe "— as if the history of Europe would stand still while Newtown Radicals expressed their sage opinion. One speaker traced a resemblance between himself and Sir GEORGE OSBORNE MORGAN, and pro- tested that he was getting tired of hearing of the Concert of Europe. It is to be hoped that his Words will not have the effect of shaking the Concert of Europe to pieces. He trusted, this speaker, who resembles Sir GEORGE OSBORNE MORGAN, that their view would be heard and their influence felt in the Parliament of the land, and that their influence would be so great as to make it impossible for the most influential Government of modern times to order even a sailor or a soldier to use force to prevent Greece from going on with the good work it had started. This sort of language, commonly called high falutin, tickles the ears of the groundlings, no doubt, and the speaker is reckoned an orator. He is carried away by the exuber- ance of his own verbosity, and forgets the proportion of things. Sober men smile at hearing the views of the Radicals of New- town and their influence talked about in this style, they only bring ridicule on them- selves and on the town where they live. It is changed times with the Radical party since 1886, when Greece came into conflict with the Powers of Europe, in circum- stances almost parallel to those of to-day, But at that time Mr GLADSTONE was in power, and took part in the Concert of Europe, which coerced Greece. Then as now, Greece sought for an extension of territory, then as now, the Powers protested against the war preparations. Then perhaps their attitude was more peremptory. When the King of Greece, in reply to the joint note of the Powers. declined to disarm, he was informed on January 23rd that England would prevent any attack by Greece on Turkey, and Mr GLADSTONE wrote to the inhabitants of Athens, earnestly recommending them to defer to the wishes of Europe. On March 31st the British fleet, in conjunction with the other Powers, proceeded to Soda Bay, under orders to enforce the decision of the Powers. On April 17th Greece still refused to disarm and troops were sent to the frontier. On June 7th the Foreign Ministers of the Powers left Athens, and a blockade was enforced. In all this Mr GLADSTONE'S Government concurred, and at that time the Radicals were not tired of hearing of the concert of Europe. The real spring that moves this agitation is not sympathy with Greece or Crete, but a desire to embarrass the Government, and still more to pose on public platforms and make pompous speeches about matters that the speakers have little to do with, and know nothing about.

NOTES BY THE WAY. The Show of the Montgomeryshire Agricultural Society will be held at Newtown on Thursday, 9th September, not on the 9th of October, as stated in error. We are glad to state that the obstacles placed in the way of constructing the railway along the quay wall at Aberystwyth Harbour have been overcome, and we gather from a letter written by Sir James Szlumper that theprojec..will be carried out. The chief object in taking the railway along the quay is to facilitate the shipping of minerals, and anything that has a tendency to increase the trade of the port, should be welcomed by the fishermen and seafaring men as a step calculated to bring back the prosperous days of the past. • The annual meeting of the Cardiganshire County Council was held at Lampeter on Thursday, and a report of the proceedings will be found in another column. Dr Lloyd, Adfar, was chosen as chairman for the ensuing year, and in reply to a vote of thanks the retiring chairman, Alderman C. M. Williams, claimed tiiat the Council was looked upon as the leading Council in Wales. Cardiganshire, different to some of her neighbouring counties, believes in change, and eternal" chairmen are not known. The Councillors are ready to give their fellow members a share of the work that falls to the lot of the chairman, and their proceedings are not characterised by an attempt to hold office year after year, regardless of the claims of the rest of the Council and careless of their own reputations. At their meeting on Wednesday the Guardians of the Machynlleth Union pa",o:ed the final plan" for the proposed alterations at the House, to be carried out at a of £360. # It is stated that the Earl of Powis.has consented to become president of the Shropshire and Midland Agricultural Society for this year. Tin Mayor of Shrewsbury (lr Cresswell Peele) will be the vice-president. Senders of fresh meat, butter, eggs, cheese, &c., will welcome the further concessions granted by the Railway Companies. Hitherto the traffic men- tioned has been charged at half parcels rate, with a minimum charge rangingftom 7 to 28 lbs. This has now been abolished, and in future the traffic will be carried at half the ordinary parcels rates with a minimum charge of sixpence only. This should b. an inducement to many who up to the present ha> e thought the old conditions prohibitive to send small consignments of fresh meat (including Welsh mutton), butter, eggs, &c. That there should be some brightness about the life even of a pauper is a principle we are pleased to see recognised by the gentlemen who have the duty of administering the poor law in the Llanfyllin Union. Captain Mytton, one of the most valued members of the Board, very properly drew atten- tion at the last meeting to the grim prison-like aspect of the Union buildings, remarking that com- pared to it a neighbouring establishment bad quite the appearance of a private residence. As a result of the gallant Captain's action e e sombre- looking and even poverty-stricken walls of the work-I house are to undergo suitable embellishments in the shape of painting, colouring, &c., when they will present a more cheerful aspect. Oswestry is determined not to be behind-hand in the way of celebrating, in some substantial way, the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. As to the exact form which this shall take, there would seem at present to be a divided opinion, but at a special meeting of the Town Council during the week, the proposition which seemed to find most favour was that for the provision of a recreation ground in the borough. It gees without saying that such an institution would prove an inestimable boon to the youth of the town, and we are pleased to know that an early opportunity will be afforded to the ratepayers of giving an ex- pression of their opinions on the matter in public meeting. What their verdict will be, we think, requires no very wise prophet to foretell. '# Nothing has been brought out more prominently by the deputations of the promoters of the Welsh- pool-Llanfair Railway to the various Councils, than the fact that the construction of the line is a matter that concerns a much wider district than that which will be served by the railway. The opinion has been freely expressed by men well competent to form an opinion as, for example, Mr T. Green, that the Welshpool market is a good one, superior in some respects to Oswestry. Now if a railway were constructed that would have the effect of weakening the Welshpool market, the farmers of the district would be the first to feel it. This point was well put by Mr W. A, Rogers to the Forden District Council. It is not a matter of keeping the trade within the county, out of jealousy of other counties, but a matter of the best interests of the district. Farmers will quickly perceive the incon- venience that will be caused them if local markets fall off, and they are obliged to make a long journey, and in the end have to accept a lower price than if they had remained at home. The resolutions passed by the Guilsfield Parish Council are puzzling. What can people who are interested in the trade of Guilsfield expect from the construction of the Meifod line ? The trade, perhaps, is not large, but then Guilsfield itself is not large. Do they expect that it will add to the business of the lime-kilms, and coal wharf which are in the vicinity, or will it naturally diminish the out-put ? Will the Llanfair-Meifod Railway serve the people of Gnilefield parish or will they suffer, along with Welshpool, from the diversion of traffic ? Had the majority of the members of the Parish Ceuncil put these questions to themselves they would probably have voted along with their Chair- man in support of the Welshpool-Llanfair schenje. The Montgomery County Council is in a parlous state. It is not a small Council, but only one man is considered worthy to preside over its delibera- tions. Fortunately, the hour of need has not yet arrived, and when it comes so doubtless will the man. The language of Mr R. Jones, Petheirin, in seconding the re-election of the chairman was the language of exaggeration. The present chairman is a worthy gentleman, greatly respected in his office, but, after all, business does not seem to suffer wher. the presides. Indeed, in disposing of a long agenda, to judge from the meeting this week, Mr Humphreys-Owen might take a lesson from Captain Mytton. ♦

WELSHPOOL. Lady or gentlemen cyclists looking for a reliable up-to-date mount at a popular price are asked to inspect the machines at Higham's, Berriew street. JB11 and £10 respectively, with Fleuss tyres.—Advt WATER SUPPLY.—The water supply was cut off during the greater part of yesterday, to the great inconvenience of householders, who had no previous intimation. COUNTY SCHOOL.—Mildred Anderson and Ethel Davies passed in Class II. of the College of Preceptors' Examination, and not Class III., as stated in last issue. In the Hockey match Miss Harrison, Manchester, acted as umpire. SPECIAL SERVICES have been held every day of the past week at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, preparatory to the 14 days' Evangelisiio Mission to be conducted next week by Miss Jones (Whit- church). UNITED LODGE.—An open session of this Lodge was held in the Templar Hall on Tuesday evening. Mr A. W. Jones in the chair. An impromptu en- tertainment was given by the members, the selec- tions being exceedingly varied. There was a large attendance. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.—The Charity Commis- sioners have given leave to the School Governors to commence the new school building. The mana- gers hope to have the contract with Messrs Brodney and Lloyd, of Shifnal and Wolverhampton (con- tractors), signed during next week. The amount of the contract is £3,060. FOOTBALL. — On Thursday the Intermediate School eleven visited Oswestry to play the return match with the High School. A fast and spirited game resulted, the homesters eventually winning by two goals to none. CHURCH BAXD OF HOPE.—A very interesting and instructive evening was spent in the Church House, last night by the juvenile members of the above Band of Hope. The Rev J. Jenkins presided, and amongst those who contributed to the evening's amusement were Miss Langford, Miss Morris (Severn Villa), Miss Amy Morris, and Miss Owen. There was a large attendance. ACCIDENT IN THE CANAL.—Last evening as a young fellow named Whittingham was returning home along the canal side he saw a little girl struggl- ing in the deep lock near the coal wharf. He called for aid and a boatman who happened to be near pluckily dived into the water and saved the child, who was sinking. The little girl, whose name is Fitzhenry, it appears was with some other children playing with the windlass which lets the water in the lock, and must have overbalanced herself. JUVENILE MISSION MEETING.—A Mission meet- ing in connection with the Primitive Methodist Chapel was held on Sunday afternoon. The open- ing preliminaries were undertaken by Mr T. Basnett, who afterwards called upon Mr C. Dudley to take the chair. A very en joyable and instructive afternoon was spent. Addresses were given by Miss L. Jones, Miss Clara Davies, Miss E. Price, and Miss E. Wilson. Recitations were given by Miss F. Pugh, Miss A. Evans, Alfred Thomas, and Bert Jones. Mr C. E. Pugh ably acted as accom- panist. The Secretary of the Sunday School announced that the collections and subscriptions were in excess of last year, and he heartily tendered his thanks to the congregation for so willingly supporting them. PIIESBYTI RIAN LITERARY SOCIKTY.—The final utfetiriif 'or the .session, in cc••ction with the above Society, to.ik p!a< .» Thursday last, in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, and took the form of a social gatheiing. There was a larlye attendance, and the Kev. T. C. Jones presided. company -at down to an excellent ten catered '■•••• "y M i'f-. -Ion; S \1 -IPconenl.)nOI 'i> H, d,1p, and rli" re- r. "f t.lu* evening was SpPl11 in soeiiil intercourse. KXCELSIOR JLOOGE. — A successful open Lodge session was held in the Wesleyan School- room last Thursday evening in connection with the above Lodge, Mr J. R. Boffey was in the chair, and delivered a brief though effective address. A capital programme was given aud much enjoyed by those present. Th 1 programme was as follows Address, Chairman; flute solo, Percy Davies; reci- tation, Miss Watkin; solo, Mr Twist; recitation, Mr R. Stevens; address, Mr J. Hart; solo, Miss May Humphreys; recitation, Mr J. Davies. After a vote of thanks had been passed to the Chairman and to those who took part, the company dispersed HOMR OF WELCOME LODGE—An open session of the above Lodge was held on Tuesday evening in I New Street Schoolroom. Rev T. Rowson presided and opened the meeting with a very able address \n interesting programme of recitations, songs, &c., was well sustained by Mrs E. Jmes, the Misses A. Jones, A. Parry, M. Williams, Messrs James Davies, J. Hart, S. Jones, R. Joseoh, A. Jones, and R. Bishop. The chief item iu the programme was a Temperance Sketch which was greatly appreciated by the large audience present. PANTOMIME.—Miss Jessie D'Alton's Pantommie Company will appear in Little Miss Cinderella at the Town Hall to-day (Saturday) at 3 and 7 55. It will be remembered that Miss D'Alton's com- pany appeared here in Dick Whittington" about twelve months ago. The entertainment last night attracted a very large and appreciative audience. Miss Jessie D'Alton, who plays the principal part, delighted the audience, and in one of the most at.tractive features—3kirt danGing-she was enthu- siastically encored. The other actors received I well-deserved applause. The entertainment is full of genuine fun from beginning to end, and there was not a dull moment, as was manifested by the continned round of applause and laughter. BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS —MONDAY. Before the Mayor (Mr W. Forrester Addie), Messrs D. P. Owen,jMaurice Jehu, E. O. Jones and W. Rogers. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. — Thomas Jones, labourer, Welshpool, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Severn Street, on the 20th Feb. last.—P.S. Humphreys proved.the case.—Fined 10s 01 seven days' hard labour. A DEAR RIDE.—Pryce Owen, 38, Pool Road, Newtown, and A. H. Jones, Crescent Villa, New- town, were charged by P.C. L. Lewis (Buttington), with riding bicycles without lamps on the night of the 22nd February.—P.C. Lewis in proving the case stated he saw the defendants riding down the Garreg Bank between Middletown and Buttington, on the day in question. The road was a dangerous I one under ordinary circumstances.—Defendants said they were sorry and asked him not to say any- thing about the case.—Defendants were fined 10s including costs. TRANSFER OF LICENSE.—Mr Albert Little, Whit- church, applied for the transfer of the Pheasant Inn, High Street, from Mrs Margaret Edwards to himself.—The application was granted. This was all the business.

LEIGHTON. PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting of the Parish Council was held on Friday week, when there were present Mr J. Naylor (chairman), Rev J. Sawer, Miss F. Naylor, Messrs J. Elton, T. Jones, William Powell, and J. Evans (clerk).—The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.—The new agricultural rate basis was submitted to the Coun- cP.-The question of the observance of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee was discussed.—The Pathways Committee were desired to do what was necessary to the path leading to the Welshpool road.—It was proposed by the Rev J. Sawer, and seconded by Mr J. Elton, to memorialise the County Council for the construction of a footpath from the lower turn- stile to the Leighton bridge.

FORDEN. THE LATE COLONEL HARRISON. — A marble memorial has been erected in Forden Churchyard daring the past week to the memory of the late Col. Harrison. The memorial consists of a massive ledger, and at the head is a plain Latin cross securely fixed in the ledger. The very best Sicilian marble has been selected, and the inscription is engraved in imperishable lead letters. The whole work was designed and executed by Mr E. M. Lander, London. ————

CASTLE CAEREINION. NATIONAL SCHOOL.—Inspector's Report: This school is doing very good work, and very creditable progress is being made in all the subjects of instruc- tion. The children appear to take an intelligent interest in their work, and the tone and discipline are admirable. The needlework is good. The infants are taught with much intelligence and industry." The highest grant has been earned in all subjects taught, and My Lords have again sanctioned the exemption of the school from examination in February, 1898.

MOELYGARTH. SUDDEN DEATH.— On Tuesday afternoon an inquest was held at Moelygarth on the body of William Blackman, gamekeeper to Captain Mytton, who died suddenly in a field on the estate. Black- man was an old and faithful servant of Captain Mytton. He joined the 85th Light Infantry (now the Shropshire Light Infantry) in 1852, and served the whole of his time under Captain Mytton. In 1866 he accompanied him on a shooting expedition to the Orange River Free State, and on taking his discharge entered Captain Mytton's service as game- keeper. At the inquest John Jones, the first witness called, stated that he saw deceased alive on the preceding day about 8-45, but he made no com- plaint. The next time he saw him was about ten minutes to twelve. He was lying on his face in the ditch by the side of the road. Witness discovered two bankets, deceased had with him in the earlier part of the day, about ten yards nearer his house. Witness did not see the deceased between the hours stated, his son was with him when he found deceased. The next witness, Percy Rogers, stated that as he was going to Garth he met deceased on the road leading from Garth. Deceased made no complaint but said he must go and do a bit of work. Dr Gill (Welshpool) stated that about 12-45, he was called to Moelygarth. He was on his way to Welsh- pool when two boys requested him to come and see deceased. He found deceased's body, it was warm, but stiffness was just commencing. He concluded that deceased had been dead from an hour to two hours. On examining the body he found no exter- nal injury except a mark on the right knuckle, pro- bably due to a fall. He had known deceased and attended him professionally for many years, but not recently. He was of opinion that death was due to heart disease. He examined the ground where deceased was found but discovered nothing to alter the opinion formed when he first examined the body. The jury returned a verdict in accord- ance with the medical evidence that deceased's death was due to heart disease of many years' standing." ————

POOL QUAY. INDIAN FAMINE.—Collections were made at Pool Quay Church at both services on Sunday, in aid of the Indian Famine Fund, and the sum of JE4 17s 4d was received. ————

LLANDYSILIO. DEDICATION OF NEW ORGAN.—The dedication of the new organ for Llandysilio Church will take place on Sunday, the 28th inst., and on the follow- ing Monday an organ recital will be given in the church, under the direction of Mr T. Maldwyn Price, organist of St. Mary's, Welshpool. PETTY SESSIONS.—Saturday, before Mr T. Pryce, there were three charges of removing swine from Salop to Denbighshire without licenses, down for hearing, but owing to the want of a second magis- trate, the justices were attending (the funeral of Capt. Hayhurst-France), the cases were adjourned to the next court. ————

LLANFAIR. LECTURE.—On Wednesday evening, an interesting lecture was given at the Wesleyan Chapel by the Rev Hugh Jones, Birkenhead, who took for his subject "Ymneualldueth Cymry." The chair was occupied by Mr John Jehu, J.P. HORTICULTURAL SHOW.—On Saturday evening a general committee meeting of the above society was held at the National Schools for the purpose of revising the schedule for this year's show. The chair was occupied by Dr C. E. Humphreys, and he was supported by the hon. secretary (Mr R. Humphreys, North and South Wales Bank), in the absence of the secretary (Mr D. Davies).—It was decided that Mr C. E. Howell, of Rhiewport, be asked to become president for this year, and that the show be held on Thursday, 12th August.

LLANWRIN. CONCERT.—A very successful concert, in aid of the Day Schools, was held in the Schoolroom on Wednesday evening, Mr Edward Hughes, J.P., presiding.

LLANSAINTFFRAID. DKYTHECU PARISH COUNCIL, Mr H. Thomas pre- i'tig. Atter some discussion, it was decide 1 to >v: t;e fo the Vicar asking him for a list of the ci aririvs for the present year, aud the past year. If was also decided that the matter of appointing "lifji-i; y n iisti es be deferred until the County Couno-i: had decided whether they would call for an enquiry into the ciiaritieJPof the county. It was resolved that the Chairman of the Council be re- quester ro call a parish meeting to discuss the cele- bration of the Queen's long reign. PARISH- CoL-,NCI- _A, mee.ag of this Council was held on Monday in the National School, when there were present Councillors R. O. Perrott (vice- presiden ) presiding, J. Itees (treasurer), R Davies, J. Evans, D. Gittins, T. K. Perrott, J. W. Edwards, with Mr D. M. Lewis (clerk). — The minutes of the last, meeting were read and coiifii-iiied.-Tli(- corres- pondence regarding the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Commemoration Fund and the County Agricultural Rate Basis, were allowed to lie on the table until the next meeting.- Correspondence was also read asking the Council to open a subscription list to- wards the Indian Famine Fund.— Mr T. K. Perrott proposed that the different denominations be asked to make a collection in their places of worship on Sunday the 28th inst.—Mr John R es seconded and it was carried.- ',Ir J. W. Edwards was appointed treasurer of the money so collected.- !1 he following were approved of as being eiigible to s, rve as parish constables for the ensuing yet, Hugh Lloyd, farmer, Wiullan; David Williams, boot arid shoe maker, New road; Richard Richards, farm bailiff, Bronhyddon; Edward Jones, baker, Tanyard row; Pryce Morris, farmer, IVInIlan David Jones, farmer, Tyissa Bach.—It was decided to hold the parish meeting on the 18th inst at seven o'clock. +

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. THE BOARD OF TRADE ENQUIRY AT ABERYSTWYTH. To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES AND POST. SIR,-In condensing his report of this enquiry, yonr leporter has uiiintezitionally done me an in- justice. After 1 had suggested that the railway should sweep round the boatmen's mooring-place, Sir George Nares said that the line of deviation would not allow that, and asked if I had oeen the plans. 1 am reported to have said No." My reply was that I had seen them, but they had not helped me n uc-h. Your reporter omits altogether what followed, although it was important. Mr Arthur Hughes (who appeared for the railway company) said that the suggestion could be adopted, subject to the consent of the owners of the land outside the line of deviation. The Inspector then remarked If there is a way out of the difficulty it is a subject for consideration among yourselves."— Yours faithfully. JOHN MORGAN. Observer Office, Aberystwytb, March 8th. WALES VERSUS IRELAND. To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES AND POST. SIR,-The charge brought forward by Fair- play," in your last issue, respecting the action of the Selection Committee, is most unwarrantable, and such wanton" expressions are calculated to grossly misrepresent the irreproachable integrity always reposed in that honourable Committee. The attempt to incite adverse criticism in the choice of Roose of Abeiystwyth, in preference to Edwards of Newtown, as reserve goal-keeper for Wales, is a typical characteristic of the blustering defenders of the exotic team or Newtown. To thoroughly dis- cuss the argument as laid down by Fairplay," it would be essential for him to ennmerate upon the results of last season's matches as well as the present, for statistics. We should then be better able to dwell upon the superiority of the respective goal keepers. It is unquestionable that the position attained in the Welsh cup ties by the Newtown team is entirely at- tributed not to their goal keeper, but to their strong re-enforcements at back. Whereas Roose in the majority of matches played this season had unfortunately very feeble colleagues to depend upon for support, both in the forward and defensive rank. Let the question be argued on its merits, as Fair Play's statement is na criterion. It may be added that Roose was unavoidably absent from many an important match this season.—Yours, &c., 12th March, 1897. PLAY FAIR.

0 REVIEW. THE NEW WELSH DICTIONARY. We welcome with unmixed pleasure the issue of the fourth part of this great and national work Nothing of the kind has ever before been attempted in connection with the Welsh language, unless the Welsh dictionary of Dr W. Owen-Pughe, published in 1803, be regarded as such. The present work, however, is a great advance, in point of exhaustive- ness and accurate scholarship, upon that of Dr Pughe. The latest and best works in Celtic philology are laid under contribution at every turn. Cognate words are given from the other Celtic languages, as well as from English and the classics, whilst all delicate shades of meaning are exempli- fied with abundant illustration taken from the whole range of Welsh literature. Idioms also are treated with the same scholarly care, and even dialectal peculiarities receive more than passing notice. The volume now before us, covering Welsh words.from Ch-Dd, not by the way D-Dd, as given on the title-page, shows no falling off from the great excellence of the previous parts. We should have liked perhaps to see under Din the proper name Breiddin quoted. It would have been at least of local interest to find that the name of the hill on which Caradog made his last stand in defence of his country, means etymologically the hill-fert." This, however, we must confess is but a small detail, and the compilers might not even acquiesce in this interpretation. The pub- lishers deserve great praise for the altogether superior execution of their part of the work. A Dictionery of the Welsh Language, by the Rev D. Silvan Evans and Mr Henry Silvan Evans. Publishers: W. Spurrell & Son, Carmarthen.

PERSONAL. Mr Herbert Lewis is engaged to be married to Miss Caine, the daughter of Mr W. S. Caine, and the sister of Mrs Herbert Roberts. Major E. Pryce-Jones M.P. attended the Marchioness of Londonderry's At Home" on Wednesday, at Londonderry House. The marriage of Miss Annie Pryce, Pentreheylin, with the Rev. R. S. Edwards, Minor Canon of Ban- gor Cathedral has been arranged to take place in Llandysilio Church, on Tuesday the 27th of April. The Lord Chancellor of Ireland and Lady Ash- bourne entertained at dinner on Thursday night, the Lord-Lieutenant amd Coantess Cadogan, at the King's Inns, Dublin. Amongst the guests invited to meet Their Excellencies were the Lord Chancellor f England and Lady Halsbnry, the Earl and Countess of Huntingdon, the Earl of Claredon and Lady Edith Villiers, the Countess of Powis, Vis- count Chelsea, M.P. and Viscountess Chelsea, and Lord and Lady Lurgan. After dinner there was a reception, which was well attended. The Band of the Rifle Brigade played during the evening. On Tuesday the Standing Committee of Law met, Sir James Fergusson in the chair, and con- sidered the Preferential Payments in Banktuptcy Act (1888) Amendment Bill. Major E. Pryce-Jones was present, and voted against the only amendment on which a division was taken. The Bill was ordered to be reported without amendment to the House. —■

On Wednesday evening the Marquis and Mar- chioness of Londonderry entertained at dinner the members of the London School Board and their wives, together with other guests. Afterwards Lady Londonderry held a reception. The Bishep of Bangor at the Palace on Tuesday licensed the Rev J. E. Williams, B.A., to the vicarage of Bontddu, Merionethshire, and the Revs R. W. Owen and R. Williams, B.A.. to the curacy of Llandudno. Mr T. E. Ellis is announced to address the Cym- mrodorion Society next week on "Art in Wales," and Mr Herkomer is expected to be present. The Rev T. M. Burnike. curate of Berkhampstead, has been presented to the vicarage of Penley, Flint- shire. The patron is the Rev A. E. Wauton, Vicar of Ellesmere. Mr Homersham Cox, the distinguished mathe- matician and ex-County Judge, died at Tonbridge on Wednesday, at the age of 75. He was the son of the late Mr Edward Treslove Cox. He was educated at Jesus College, Cambridge, and was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1851. He was appointed a County Court Judge in 1871, his first circuit being that of Mid-Wales, from which he was transferred to Cardiff in 1884, and after a few months was again transferred to the Lambeth County Court. He retired in 1893. Among his published works are treatises on the differential calculations and integral calculations, and also a treatise on the law of property.

NOTICE. The LONDON AGENT for the COUNTY TIMES is Mr J. GEE, 6, Ivy Gardens, Crouch End, N.