The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

WELSHPOOL. IF You WANT a good reliable Bicycle at the cheap- est rate go to Thomas J. Evans, ironmonger, and ask for quotations. Old machines taken as part pay- ment. Ladies'and Gent's Bicycles for hire. [Advt. HICHAM, Berriew Street, Welshpool, is now showing the latest and best form of Acetylene Cycle Lamp. [Advt. DRINK D. Jones and Son's noted Indian and Ceylon" Tea at 2s per lb. Noted Home-cured Ham and Bacon Stores, High Street. [Advt. GARDENING.—Our enlarged Seed Catalogue for 1899 with Special List of Exhibition Varieties, is now ready (post free.)—JOHN SWAIN, seedsman, &c., Newtown. [Advt. 40s and costs. All persons having charge of any cart, &c., without light after sunset, will be liable to prosecution on and after February 17th. Cart lamps are supplied by Humphrey Jones, Hall street. Prices from Is qd. [Advt. THE MILITIA.— The recruits of the 4th Batt S.W.B. will assemble here on the 3rd of April for 63 days preliminary drill. The Battalion which assembles on Jane 5th, will be encamped at Oldford until the 1st July. WTESLEY GUILD.—The special feature at Wed. nesday's meeting was a paper read by Mr T A Basnett on At what age do children become morally responsible ?" Messrs E G Highfield, W Newman James, T B Jehu, and E C Bishop, took part in the discussion, but no age was decided upon. THE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.—The half internal scholarship awarded on the result of the Christmas Examination to girls in the top form has been gained by Alice Lewis, aged 14, third on the list, Dora Davies having left, and Sybil Hutchius being over the school age. MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.—At the Primitive Methodist Church on Monday evening the mutual improvement class was presided over by Mrs Evan Evans. Mr D J Jones gave an excellent review of the book In His Steps." At the conclusion of Mr Junes' able summary a discussfon took place in which the fallowing spoke, Mrs Crowe, Messrs T Ashley, J Jasper, Bishop. LITERARY SOCIETY.—At the Presbyterian Church last evening a very pleasant time was spent, papers being read by members on Some of the greatest men and women of the century." Miss Roberts, Miss A Jones, Mr Herbert Hughes, Mr H Rees, and Mrs Cooke took part. The President, Rev T C Jones, presided and added a pleasant interest to the meeting. THE FLOWER SHOW.—The Executive Committee at a meeting on Tuesday evening decided to con fer with the Llanfair Horticultural Association with the view of changing the date of the Llanfair Show from the 17th August to some other conveni- ent day, the committee of the Welshpool Show to recoup them any expense they may have incurred, if the proposal is agreed to. In the event of the arrangement not being carried out the committee decided to hold the Show on the 27th July. BAND OF HOPE.—On Friday evening a miscel- laneous entertainment was given in the Church House by the children of the Church Band of Hope to a full audience. The Rev D Stephens occupied the chair the programme, which included an address by the Vicar, was gone through admirably. Among those who took part were Miss Farmer, Miss Wyke, the Rev W T M Davies, Miss Alice Davies, Rose Corbett, Slade Jones, Maggie Williams Alice Thomas, S Pryce, M Grice, May Humphreys, P Brighouse, Mabel and Marie Edwards, J Smith, Walter Brighouse, E Gwalchmai, Gertie Williams and E Ellis. Miss Farmer accompanied. I.O.G.T.—The quarterly meeting of the Lower Montgomeryshire Convention of Good Templars was held in the Templar Hall on Thursday at 5 p.m. Encouraging reports were given by the Officers and Representatives from the various lodges. Sub- stantial increases were reported in the adult and juvenile branches, the Home of Welcome" lodge leading the way with an increase of 29 for the quarter. Vacancies occurring in two offices Mr W T Howell was elected C Co, and Miss A Jones C.F.S. A very interesting paper was read by Mr E Hughes, C.S.J.T., the subject being" Alcohol, what it is, and what it does," and a discussion followed. MUSICAL EVENING.—The members of the Old Girls' Association of the Intermediate School held a musical evening last night. There was a good attendance of members, including Miss Robinson, the head mistress. The programme was as under: Piano duet, the Misses Farmer and Wyke song, The old home songs," Miss May Evans; violin solo, Miss Lottie Waine; song, The valley by the sea," Miss Alice Davies; piano solo, Miss Mildred Smith; song, The Gay Tom Tit," Miss May Evans; piano duet, the Misses Farmer and Wyke; song, "Summer Stars," Miss Alice Davies. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.—The annual supper to the members of the above Church wasjgiven in the New street Hall last evening. Mr A E Bond catered, and the ladies who presided at the tables were Mrs R D Thomas, Mrs R Powell, Miss Gwynne, aud Mrs John Jones. The evening was afterwards spent in a merry manner, music being given at intervals by Miss Gwynne, Miss Dolby, Miss Beatrice Jones, and recitations by Miss Alice Jones, and Miss E Pritchard. Mr C I Gwynne accompanied. CONCERT.—A highly successful concert and entertainment was held in the New Street School- room on Thursday evening under the direction of Mr A. E. Bond. This is the third of a series of concerts arranged by members of the Church with the object of defraying some portion of the debt incurred by the erection of the new organ, and, in addition to being successful from the financial standpoint, they have been instrumental in no small degree in developing the dramatic talent existing in many members of the congregation. Mr Bond is to be congratulated upon the attractive pro- gramme he had drawn np, and also upon being so fortunate as to secure the services of Miss May Moze, Treherbert, who as usual delighted the audience, her two solos receiving enthusiastic encores. Miss Bessy Dolby gave a splendid render- ing in character of the popular song When London's fast asleep," and Mr Alfred Jones was equally good in his yarn Jud Brownin's account of Rubenstein's playing." Miss Ethel Evans con. tributed a violin solo, whilst Miss Dolby and Miss Beatie Jones were accorded an uproarious encore for their pretty duet in costume Where are you going to my pretty maid?" Mr Wendell Jones gave a humorous song That boy who'd not been asked for which he received a well-merited encore and the children's choir under the able leadership of Miss Maud Gwynne gave a delightful rendering of the action song The Japanese Fan." Other items included a duet by Miss Maggie Davies and Miss Don Jones, a recitation by Miss Emily Pritchard, and songs by Miss Annie Hughes and Miss Wilson, all of which were rendered with con- spicuous ability. The programme concluded with a humorous sketch entitled "Advice Gratis" in which the characters were taken by Miss Louie Jones, Miss Edith Wilson, Miss Elsie Wilson, Messrs J. W. Price, J. Jasper, W. T. Howell and E. Jones. The piece was extremely laughable and met with a good reception. Appended is the programme Duet, The Convent Bells," Miss Maggie Davies and Miss Don Jones recitation, Jealous Peterkin Peep," Miss Emily Pritchard violin solo, Miss Ethel Evans song, "The Blue Alsatian Mountains," Miss May Moze (encored) and sang" Love was once a little boy duet. Where are you going to my pretty maid ? Miss Dolby and Miss Beatie Jones, (encored) song, When London's fast asleep," Miss Dolby, (encored) Yarn, "Jud Brownin's accun t ,.F Rubinstein's plaving," Mr Alfred Jones, (i tie d) ujtve The experiences of a whistler; action song, The Japanese Pan," children's ( )• ^ontr, H iiiing ->i> a load of Imy," Mi-s Annif Hug'es; humorous song, "That boy who'd not be n a-keri," Mr Wendell jones. (encored) and "That'll DO..die do" HOIILT "Down the Lane." Mirs Wilson son^, Killamey Mi-s Mav Moze, (encored) and sang The gay Tom Tit"; humorous -sketch, '"Advice Gratis." The audience dispersed to the singing of God save the Queen. OXFORD UNIVERSITY EXTENSION LECTURES.—Dr Fison delivered the fourth of the series of Oxford University Extension Lectures in the large of tbe Conlltv Schools on Wednesday, there being a good attendance. After briefly referring to the last lecture Dr Fison called the attention of the audience to the fact that certain times the moou looks larger than at other periods, and it has been observed that when the moon looks largest, the sun looks smallest, and so that the shadow of the moon is able to cover the sun, and so causes, what we call an eclipse of the sun. A total eclipse of the eun will only occur clearly, when both the moon and the sun are at the same node and at the same time, this took place on January 21st, 1898. An eclipse seldom lasts longer than eight minutes. For the brief time that the photosphere is covered by the moon during a total eclipse of the sun, the beautiful appearances known as the Corona and Red Flames of the sun appear to project from the moon's dark disc. Both, in reality, are delicate aopendages of the sun, and are commonly invisible by reason of the intense illumination of the earth's atmosphere by its rays. The corona is an exquisitely beautiful and gener- ally irregular halo of silvery light surrounding the black circle of the moon It is full of the most minute detail, and appears to the eye to consist of streamers, some of which extend from the sun to a distance of millions of m'les. From the brief period of its visibility, aud from the usual abnormal conditious under which it is seen, drawings of the corona have been of little value, and almost all our knowledge of its delicate structure has been derived from photographs of recent eclipses. The corona is generally invisible under the strong glare of the sun. Attempts, but so fat unsuccessful, have been made to observe the corona round the uneclipsed sun. The corona is continually changing, that of the eclipse of 1871 was entirely different from that of 1882. Its delicate complex structure, which is clearly dependent upon the sun-spot cycle, is entirely unexplained. We know that the corona contains glowing incan- descent gas, which is distributed around the sun, while its extreme temerity is shown by the occa- sional rush of comets through it without any apparent diminution of their speed. The streamers or rays are fine solid particles of fog or reflected sunlight or suspended solid or liquid matter in the form of fog. 1 be red flames of the sun, which according to Sir William Higgins consist of glowing hydrogen gas, are in colour of a rose tinted shade, the study of these prominences has shown many of them to be the results of eruptions originating below the photospheric cloud shell. The more violent appear to be frequently directly associated with SUB spots and to originate from round their edges. No satisfactory explanatIOD of such con- nection, or of their origin, has, however, been advauced. BOROUGH POLICE COURT.—TUESDAY. Before the Mavor (Mr David Jones), presiding, Messrs D P Owen, Maurice Jehu, W Rogers, and John Reese. D.G.C. Crowden was also present. MAGISTERIAL V AGARlES. Rising to his feet before the commencement of business, Mr D P Owen said he wished to make some remarks as regards the Mayor of Welshpool. When the prisoners in the recent poaching affray, David Ruscoe and Evans, were before the Magistrates, be (Mr D. P. Owen) distinctly stated that the Mayor of Welshpool was a game dealer, and consequently was not entitled to sit on the Bench during the hearing of the case. He had not said it in any vindictive spirit, for he did it with an important object in view. He believed it was the Mayor in person who assisted to grant himself a licence in the name of David Jones and Son, and he now distinctly said he was justified in saying what he did—that the Mayor was a game dealer. He would make it his business to write to the Board of Inland Revenue to enquire on what grounds and by what jobbery and hocus pocus the name of Mr Jones's son was inserted on the licence to deal in game. This was the second time that he had been attacked in the Newtown paper for what was called his freaks and vagaries, and he would not have referred to the matter if it had not been for what was eaid in the paper.—The Mayor: Kindly call on the other business.—Mr D. P. Owen (thumping the table) You will have to listen to it. I am informed that you intend to em- ploy a solicitor to take proceedings against me.— The Mayor: I wouldn't waste my breath on a man like you.—Mr Owen It is not at all unbecoming. 1 have sat here too long not to know what is my duty.—Mr Owen then left the Court. ANOTHER POACHING CASE. David Williams, labourer, Rock cottage, Gnilsfield, and Richard Gwilt, labourer, Rhallt, were charged by Edward Phillips, gamekeeper, with trespassing on Maes- mawr Estate, in pursuit of game on Febnary 16th. Both defendants admitted the offence.—Evidence was given to the effect that on the morning of the 16th defendants were found on a rabbit run near Captain Adams's residence with eight netfc and a rabbit in their possession.—D.C.C. Crowden sub- mitted a list of previous convictions against the defendants, both of whom were fined JE1 6s including costs. Allowed a fortnight to pay.

GARTHMYL. ACCIDENT.—Whilst Mr and Mrs Humphreys.Owen were driving near Caerhowel Bridge on Thursday, they met a timber carriage and both conveyances collided. The shafts of the trap were both broken but fortnnately the occupants escaped with only a slight shaking. 81

LLANDYSSIL. PARISH COUNCIL. — At a meeting held in the Schoolroom on Wednesday four men were fixed upon to serve as constables and their names handed to the Overseers. Two small bills were ordered to be paid. It was decided that the Council could not Fee their way to contribute to- wards the funds of the Montgomery fire engine. Two roads said to be in a bad state were discussed, and the Clerk was instructed to write to those concerned. A vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding during the year terminated the pro- ceedings.

PENEGOES. ACCIDENT.—On Thursday evening] Mr Richard Williams, of Llawr, was entering tlie stable for the purpose of feeding a colt, when without any warning the animal launched out and kicked him in the right arm, smashing the shoulder bone. He is now under the care of Dr Williams.

LLANWDDYN. BIBLE SOCIETY.—The annual meeting of the Bible Society was held at the Parish Schoolroom on Wednesday evening. The delegate from the Parent Society this year was the Rev E. Griffiths, Meifod. In the absence of the Vicar, Mr W. Owen was voted to the chair. DOGS AND THE LAMB SEASON.—A Correspondent writes :—" Now the lamb season is commencing the dogs have also commenced their depredations. Last week Mr Edward Roberts, Glascwm, lost three lambs about a fortnight old by dogs. We hope the CounLy Council will at once legislate strict measures to put a check to these aunual losses, so far no attempt has been made to put a stop to it."

+-— LETTER TO THE EDITOR. DEANERY OF CAEREINION. To the Editor of the COUNTY TDIES. Sir,—I have read the Rector of Garthbeibio's letter respecting Hymn 1 in the Festival Book with surprise and disappointment. As far as I know, the ability of the Precentor of St. Paul's, Knights- bridge, to compose suitable Church music has never been before questioned. In my opinion, Mr Roberts would have done great good had he complaiued of the English Anthem, unsuitable in almost every way for country choirs, not, of course, for Jack of musical beauty, but rather because of the high key and intricacy of arrangoment. It would be interesting to know how many of the remaining eipht, deaneries have decided to oust Hymn 1.— Yours, &c., B FLAT. +

On Thursday last Messrs Morris, Marshall and Poole sold several useful lots of timber at the Royal Oak Hotel, Welshpool. There was a large company present and a bri«k bona-fide competition. Two lots on the Gunley Estate made £480 and £130: the purchasers being Messrs Boys and Son, Walsall, and Messrs Caswell and Bowden, Ltd. Lot three on the Edderton Estate made £ 330 to the same buyers, and another small lot at Manafon, £40.

MACHYNLLETH. FLOWER. GARDKN, AND FARM SKKDS. — Messrs Parsons Hnd Son. Burcoinbe 110us. have leceived a 1 uge varietv uf Flower. Garden, and Farm Sped. They I,ave also on hand the following varieties (If Kn!, Seed Potatops :—"Rivers Royal," "Mvatts Pio'iHc." F.arlv Puritan," '"Snowdrop," Beauty of Hd>ron," and Early Recent." Arlvt. DKATH OF THE HON C. H. VANE-TEMPEST.—The death occurred suddenly, a' Wellington House, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, on Monda nignt, of the Hon Charle- Henry Vane-Tempest, only son of the late Lord Ernest Vane-Tempest, fourth son of the Marquis of Londonderry. Deceased was about 28. RUMOURED RETIREMENT OF MR LEWIS WILLIAMS. —It is rumoured that Mr Lewis Williams, who for many "fean has collected he rates. is about to retire. The office is a lucrative one, and the appointment of a successor is sure to produce a close competition, and is said to have something to do with, he non-re-appearance of certain candidates in the forthcoming District Council election. THE DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION.—A meeting of Liberals was held at the English Chapel School- room, on Tuesday night, for the purpose of nomi. nating candidates to contest the seats for the various wards. The following were Helecteo :-Xortb ward, Messrs J Bennett Davies and D Williams, Maen- gwyn street; south ward, Mr T R Morgan; west ward, Messrs Henry Lewis and John Humphreys. The following are the retiring candidates:—^orth ward, Messrs Joseph Evans and E Gillart; south ward, Mr T R Morgan; west ward, Messrs D Davies Williams and Henry Lewis.

ADD ft ESSES. COMMERCIAL and TEMPERANCE HOTEL. 15, BERRIEW STREET, WELSHPOOL. GOOD ACCOMMODATION FOR COMMERCIA1 GENTLEMEN AND TOURISTS. Hot Joints Daily from 12 till 3. CHARGES STRICTLY MODERATE. M. REED, PROPRIETRRS. TENTS and FLAGS for HIRE. ROPES, RICK SHFETS, WOOL SHEETS, AD OIL SHEETS. The Cheapest House in the Trade for HALTERS (WHOLESALE AND RETAIL). Mr Pilot attends the Fairs held at Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Welshpool, Llaufyllin, Llanfair, &c. Please note the Address- ALFRED H. PILOT. ROPE MANUFACTURER, BANK COTTAGE, NEWTOWK. -=- _=- CONTENTS OF INNER PAGES. PAGE 2. Newtown Waterworks Arbitration. PAGII 3. Welshpool The Attributes of a Good Character, MZh nUr ^cal,Governing Body Newtown Machynlleth, Aberdovey, Llanbrynmair, Llan- wyddelan, Bettws, Tregynon, Churchstoke, Pen- goes Eglwysfach, Llangurig and Llanfair news • Saorlege at Oswestry Annual Meeting of the Montgomeryshire Infirmary. PAGK b. antlir3?11 Fore^asfc Competition, Notes, Hatches a?Tir^reS\Hunting Appointments; Sad Case wf'mistcleSiB",rd of Gua,'di'n'i CbirW-v PAGK 7. A Story■■ The Bond of Black," by William Le ineux Markets; The Evolution of the British Isles; Correspondence; Parliament.

THE NEW FRENCH PRESIDENT. By a wise provision of the French Con- stitution the office of President of the Republic, on the death or resignation of its holder, is not allowed to remain long vacant. On Saturday at, Versailles M. LOUBEL, was chosen to succeed M. FALKE by the substantial majority of 204 votes over his opponent, M. MELINE. The giavity of the situation brought out the best in French politics, for the new President is recognised as the champion of law and order and as opposed to the exaggerated claims of the military section. There was a scene in the Chamber during the voting, for which M. DERONTEDE was responsible,' and after the result was declared the popular demonstration was antagonistic to the newly elected head of the State, but the main fact remains that France has chosen as President a man well qualified to hold Llie position in the present crisis of their affairs. An attempt was made to connect him with the Panama scandals bv M. de BEAUREPAIRE and M. DERONLEDE but his accusers are not the men from whom we should expect accuracy or truth, and he is recognised as a man of integrity, pos- sessed of sound judgment, a moderate man and a sound Republican. He has given proof by accepting office that he is no destitute of courage, for if uneasy lies e head that wears the crown," still'more uneasily must sleep the President of the rench Republic. He has the prospect of lavin§". encounter fierce storms of opposition from those who would under- mine the Republic, but he seems to have e a llity and the desire to lead France J *eglon of quietude in foreign affairs lnto domestic tranquility.

THE mahdfs BODY. trv bvl\C Se"timent i8 shocked in this coun- bodv 16 ?,la' statement that the Malidi's intn 1 from the tomb and thrown mto the Nile. To us Westerns, it .seems enemn 0n an(l gratuitous insult to a dead thp rl^ A • remal'kable however that lw +l6e ls,v*ewed in quite a different light •tnrl Jvi TT are acquainted with the East that w Mah°meaai,s. It has been aiKued vinrliof^ are 8^,on" enough to refrain from mdictive measures the answer is that suner?HrreS Were not vindictive. The the Mahdi^f reverence that attached to another outbrea]c0r*7f Soudan, but wi,en his bnf "I With indie-nitv u d?" Wfus treated for what he' W°U'f ,be recoSni1se<1 We have to deal W'FI F PROPLIET- the Soudan in a way th 18 na,tlves of .just as MOSFS had tL I"Y understand> in a manner because of the harS understand and It was not imputed to\t tW Learts" permitted customs tl f8 under the Christian rT are P^olnbited iiccordinp- to™ dispensation. But, far since thehJjve.adYanoed far since thehJjve.adYanoed AND Loup KITCHEN™ Christian era, outraged sentimpnf ought not to have in time to c^™6 pT" to aVert "oodshed Of the Prophet and to the tomb in memor/ot hi Sr118 of Wioism women widows and T.' rV? English phans, and broken children or- mothers whose dead sons\vn u i°f Ep."liish a grave in the sand of tVm A found tie Sirdar ha., averted b, AI1 *"» Western sentiment and wT °utraM'e on think that he did well. We cann°t but an outrage on Westf>w> ,'?ay advisedlv faet thatlhe deed Sbl^^ prophet and as such hi« J* false their fate. h,S renmns ^^erved

ABERYSTWYTH. LIBRARY.—During the week ending Wednesday evening the number of books issued from the Public Library amounted to 569. SALEM CHAPEL.—Rev D. R. Williams, minister at Cruglas, Swansea, and formerly of Lampeter has been offered the pastorship of this chapel. JUNIOR CUP COMPI-TITION.—The match, College Reserve v. South End, in the second round of this competition was played on the Vicarage field on tldturday. The College crossed over with a lead of three goals to one. In the second half the Collegians added another three goals, and rau out winners by 6 to 2. COLLEGE LITERARY SOCIETY.—Professor Angus presided over the weekly meeting of the Co lege Literfery and Debating Society, when Principal Viriamu Jones, Cardiff College, read selections from the works of Matthew Arnold. Thomas Carlyle. R. Browning, ana William Watson. On the motion of Principal T. F. Roberts, seconded by Miss Winn, a vote of thanks was accorded to Principal Jones. LAMPETER LSTTER SERVICE.—Beginning on Mon- day an additional bag will be made up at 5-55 p.m. for Lampeter. By this arrangement letters will be delivered about eight o'clock next morning instead of twelve o'clock. FIRST AID INSTRUCTION.—In connection with the Ambulance Class, Dr Bonsall, the instructor, de- livered the first lecture at the Town Hall on Friday evening last week. The next class will be held on Friday evening. Farther information can be ob- tained from Mr J Lewis Evans, Great Darkgate street, the secretary, who has succeeded in enrolling twenty members. BALL.— A successful ball was held at the Lion Hotel on Friday evening week. Dancing was kept np from seven to two. The music was supplied by Mr Wheatley and the refreshments by Mr Rufus Williams. Mr J C Rea and Councillor R Peake acted as stewards. COB SHOW.—An advertisement in another column of the paper gives particulars of the annual Cob Show. This year the show will be held on Monday April 3rd, and full particulars can be had from the secretaries, Mr Rufus Williams, Lion Hotel, and Mr E Richards, Penuwch. "PEEPS AT PICTURESQUE WALES."—No 4 of Peeps at Picturesque Wales" takes in the town and district. The book contains a splendid lot of photos taken by Mr Gyde, and is without a doubt the best thing of its kind ever issued for the town. TEAMS.—Aberystwyth College T Cardiff University College. Aberystwyth: Goal, L R Roose; backs, A J Grundy and H W Pring; half- backs, C R Johnson, J A Xash, and E D Evans (captain); forwards, K H Thompson, W H Jones, E A Lewis, D P Williams, and another. Cardiff: Goal, T Rees; backs, A Gilligan and W S Hughes; half-backs, F J Askew (captain), W R Hughes, and G Walters; forwards, T J Davies, R V de Redwood, H R Burpitt, H Evans, and F C Kerslake. PROPERTY SALE.—On Wednesday afternoon Mr J. E. James, auctioneer, acting under instructions from Mr Thomas Hugh Jones, J,P., put up for sale at the Lion Hotel the leasehold residence, 42, North Parade, which has an unexpired term of forty-three years at a ground rent of 15s. per annum. The property was knocked down to Mr R. Geddes Smith, solicitor, for £675. Mr Hugh Hughes acted ae solicitor for the vendor. NEW COUNTY MAGISTRATES.—On Thursday week an adjourned meeting of the Cardiganshire Quarter Sessions was held at the office of the Clerk of the Peace to swear in as county magistrates the gentle- men recently placed on the commission of the peace for the connty. The magistrates present were Messrs J G F Hughes-Bonsall, David Thomas, David Howell, and B Ellis Morgan. The following were the gentlemen who qualified as magistrates for the county :—Mr David Davies, Stanley House, Cardigan Mr Thomas Griffiths, grocer. Aberyst- wyth Mr Thomas Davies, Pantybendy Hall, Llan- geitho; Dr Evan Lloyd, surgeou, Tregaron; aud the Rev T R Davies, vicar, Llandewi-brefi. CONSERVATIVE CLUB.—On Wednesday evening last, at a well-attended meeting, presided over by Mr Hugh Hughes, in the unavoidable absence of both the Chairman and Vice chairman, a paper was read on Ritualism," by Mr W Long, on behalf of Mr Thomas Griffiths, who was unable to attend owing to indisposition. Mr Griffiths had treated the sub- ject elaborately and all present must have gleaned much information. At the close a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Griffiths, for bis trouble in preparing the paper, and to Mr Long for reading it, was carried unanimously. This was followed by a dis- cussion in which a large number present took part. Various points were touched upon and a proposition was carried that the meeting be adjourned, so that Mr Griffiths could continue his paper. An opinion was also expressed and met with general approval, that nothing existed in the form of worship in local churches at which anyone could take offence. Among those who took part in the discussion were Messrs Hugh Hughes, J R Jones, R James, H Richards. J Jones, H Hindlev, J D Williams, Evan Lewis. W Long, D M Lewis, J Morgan and T Buhb. K ext Tuesday evening, February 28th, a smoking concert will take place, when the Chairman of the Club, Mr John Morgan, J.P., will preside. COMPULSORY PILOTAGE. — In the Admiraltv Division, on Monday, before Sir F Jenne. the case of Slater and others v. Owners of Glanystwyth came on for hearing. The plaintiffs, the owners of the ketch Sarah Lizzie, claimed damages in respect of a collision on October 20th in the River Orwell with the defendants' steamer Glanystwyth, of Aber. ystwyth, which ran into the Sarah Lizzie whilst the latter was lying at anchor. The Glanystwyth had brought a cargo of barley from Asiatic Turkey for Ipswich and Leith, and having discharged her Ipswich portion was proceeding down the Orwell when she ran down the ketch. The defendants now sought to escape their liability by pleading that at the time of the accident the Glanystwyth was in charge of a pilot, and as bis employment was by law compulsory, they were exempt lia- bility. The plaintiff, on the other hand, said that, although the ship bad a foreign cargo and had come from abroad, she was, by reason of her voyage, from Ipswich to Leith, engaged in the coasting trade, and as vessels engaged in the coasting trade were exempt from taking pilots, the pilots of the Glanystwyth were not compulsorily employed, and therefore the owners were liable for the conse- quences of the collision.—Sir F Jeune said that the phrase "engaged in the coasting trade" meant in his opinion, "regularly or habitually engaged in the coasting trade," and it was an abuse of lan- guage to say that, becanse a vessel from abroad called at a home port before going to her final home destination, she was engaged in the coasting trade between those two home ports. The Glanystwyth was under compulsory pilotage in this case, and judgment would be for the defendants on this point. GOOJJ TEMPLARS SOIREE.—Under the auspices of the Ystwyth Lodge of Good Templars a soiree was held in the New Maiket Hall on Wednesday even- ing. Alderman C. M. Williams, J.P., presided, and the accompanist was Miss Lizzie Jones. The adjudicators in the twocompetitionil were Professor Edward Edwards, M. K., and Mr John Lloyd. The programme was as follows:—Pianoforte duet, "Qui Vive," Misses Lizzie Jones and Maria Doughton; address bv the Chairman; song, Baner ein Gwlad," Mr J D Jones; recitation, Mr John Roberts song, A Voice from the Spirit Land," Miss E J Warrington male voice party, Cydgan y Morwyr," conductor, Mr G Haydn Jones; song, H Uehelgais Cymru," Mr J Benjamin, AC.; dia- logue, "Darll Ddirwestol," Misses Edwards, Richards, Nesta Hughes, Messrs Gwtnryn Jones, J W Jones, and D J Jones; song, The Miller and the Maid," Miss L M Jones; mandoline solo. "Pierrot Alan Macey," Miss Maria Doughton; adjudication on the essay, Coleg Aberystwyth," prize a silver medal presented bv 1\11' Evans, watchmaker, three competitors, best, Mr Harries at Mr J B Jenkins', i bookseller; glee, "Away to the Meadows," con- ductor, Mr J Benjamin, AC.; recitarion, "Tori Priodas" (cncied) Mr D Rees Jones, U.C.W.; song, •' The Cavalier's Kong," Mr G Haydn Jones duet Mar tial Spirit, Messrs J JJ Jones and Willie H ughes Song, Mr D T-'lfv Davies, U C.W. adjudication Oil the poetry, "Teuil Ystwyth," (prize, silver nt.dal), five competitors, best. lr R GWlIlrn, Jones; Male Voice Pirty. Comrade's song of conductor, Mr G Haydn Jones; iv-citation, Mr R Evanp, U.C.W. song, "Felly Siwr, to be sure," Mr J A Jenkins; finale, God Save the {)ueen." TOWN COUNCIL.—TUESDAY. Present: Councillor D C Roberts (mayor); Aldermen Peter Jones and T Doughton Coun- cillors C M Williams, R Doughton, R J Jones, J P Thomas, R Peake, E H James, E P Wynne, G C Marks, J Jenkins and T E Salmon, with Mr A J Hughes, clerk Mr Massey, deputy clerk Mr H L Evans, accountant; Mr Rees Jones, surveyor, and Inspector Morgan. EXTENDING THE GAS MAIN. A letter was read from the Secretary of the Gas Company (Councillor R J Jones) stating that the Gas Company were prepared to meet the wishes of the Council by extending the mains along the Rofawr provided that the Council agreed to take four lamps there. As to Penparke he had to re- peat what he told the Council a*, the last meeting that the directors were prepared to lay down the mains at a cost of £250 and the amount they would receive would be only £7 per annum. He boped that the beuefits about to be conferred upon Penparke residents would be appreciated (hear, hear).—Councillor Peake moved that the letter be referred to the Public Lights Committee.-—Agieed. TAP OF THE WATER MAIN. An application from Messrs D. Roberts & Sons, Ltd., to tap the water main for the supply of Tynliiart Arms and two houses adjoining was re- ferred to the Public Works Committee. THE COB SHOW. Mr Lewis Williams, chairman of tbe Cob Show Committee applied by letter fer the use of the Smithfield for the purposes of the annual show which would take place on Monday, April 3. The letter was referred to the Markets Committee. TELEGRAPHS ACT, 1892. A letter was read from Mr Baker, parliamentary agent, enclosing a copy of the Telegraphs Act, 1892 (amended), but which was promoted by the National Telephone Co. and which gave the Com- pany as much power as reards roads and high- ways as possessed by the Postmaster General. The agent suggested that they should petition against the Bill. Referred to the Finance Com- mittee. PUBLIC HEALTH ACT. The Town Clerk of Wolverhampton wrote en- closing a copy of the Public Health Act Amended Bill and asking for the support of the Council. Referred to the Public Works Committee. THE DAMAGE BY THE STORM. Councillor R. Donghtou presented a report of the Harbour Committee held on January 14, which recommended the erection at a cost of £300 of a stone wall in lieu of the old jetties where the damage had been done by the storm and that it be the first section of a projected wall from here on to South Marine Terrace. There was also a second report of a meeting of the Committee held on February 13 when further damage was re- ported and the Surveyor estimated this to increase the previous estimate by £50. The Committee re- commended that the Surveyor be instructed to pro- ceed with the work forthwith. The report was agreed to. HARBOUR BRIDGE. The Borough Surveyor reported that this bridge was in a dangerous state and would cos: to repair. The Harbour Committee recommended that the work should be done. Agreed to. FINANCE. Councillor C. M. Williams moved the payment of bills amounting to £376 16s 9d. CLERK TO THE BOROUGK JUSTICES. A letter was received from Mr Fryer, Clerk to the County Council, informing the Council that in consequence of the decision of the judgment in the Court of Appeal in the case ot the Mayor of Thet- ford v. Norfolk County Council, the County Coucil would discontinue payment of the salary of Mr Hugh Hughes, Clerk to the Aberystwyth Borough Justices, from the 30th September, 1898.—The Finance Committee recommended that the salary of Mr Hugh Hughes, Clerk to the Borough Justices, be paid by the Council from the 30th September, 1898, as in former years, the Council to receive the fines and fees.—Councillor C. M. Williams moved this portion of the report.—Councillor J. P. Thomas thought they shouid hesitate. There might be another revision-The Mayor Do you know of any case to be revised ? — Councillor Thomas said that he did not. He proposed that they delay this matter for consideration.—Councillor Marks said that they were bound to follow the judgment in an appeal case.—Councillor Williams: That is so; we have DO alternative but to comply with the judg- ment.—The report was then adopted. MILL-STREET IMPROVEMENTS. The Borough Surveyor was instructed to invite tenders for the re-building of the wall in front of Mr Morris' property on the corner of Mill-street. LEASE GRANTED WHERE CONDITIONS HAVE NOT BEEN CARRIED OUT. The Finance Committee reported that a question was asked the Chairman if all parties having had their leases granted had carried out the conditions attached thereto. The Chairman not being able to anpply the information, the Committee re- commended that the Town Clerk be asked to present a report as to what steps had been taken to carry out that resolution dated February 15th 1898, and if there are any defaulters to present a list of the same.—Agreed. TENDERS. Tenders for agreement for leases, also for leases on skins were received from the following firms for 303 copies of each:—Messrs Shaw A Sons, £63 19s. Od. Waterlow 4 Sons, £70 16s. 6d. Drake, Driver A Leaver, £24 19s. Salter A Rowlands £27 J. & J. Gibson. £82 9s. After comparing the several tenders it was found that the tenders of Messrs Drake, Driver & Leaver and Messrs Salter & Rowlands were the lowest but before finally deciding the Finance Committee having regard to the great difference in the prices quoted, thought it advisable to obtain fuller particulars of the twe lowest tenders.—Agreed to. GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE. Councillor E. P. Wynne presented the report as follows :—The Borough Accountant was instructed to ask Mr Marks to let the Committee know the number of pictorial posters in hand.— Agreed that the Town Clerk be instructed to ask the Cambrian Railways Co. to join the Corporation in distributing the posters.—To recommend the payment of the sum of JE5 5s to Mr Banks for the whole set of photos of Aberystwyth and district.—To advertise in certain papers.—That Mr Rogers, of Oswestry, he appointed Inspector of Hackney Carriages for the ensuing year upon the same terms as last year, and that Mr Hugh Jones, of Portmadoc, be ap- pointed Inspector of Pleasure Boats upon the same terms as last year.—Councillor C. M. Williams asked that the Committee should arrange with the newspaper publishing the advertisement to insert each dav the weather report. — Councillor E. P. Wynne said that he mentioned that at the meeting of the Committee but Alderman Palmer did not believe in it. He promised to get it carried out.— The report was then adopted. GAS AND ELECTRIC LIGHT ACCOUNT. Councillor Peake moved the report of the Public Lights Committee,which recommended the payment of gas bills amounting to Jb82 6s 8d for the quarter ending January 1st, being a reduction of £5412s 6d upon the corresponding quarter of last year. The cost of electric lighting for the September quarter was £138 16s.-Councillor R. Doughton called attention to the difference in the amount and asked if it was correct.—Councillor Peake: I am pleased to say it is so.—Councillor Doughton I can explain, for this time last year there were two quarters included in this £137 38 2d (laughter).—Alderman Jones If vou know wbv ask the question ?—Couu- cillor Marks You asked the question to give us the answer (laughter).-Council1or Peake: The Borough Accountant informs me that it is perfectly correct. -Councillor Williams When is it proposed to erect the new electric lamp at the bottom end of the Terrace ?—The Surveyor I believe the work is being put in hand to-day. VICTORIA TERRACE. Councillor R. J. Jones drew the attention of the Chairman of the Public Works to complaints made in respect of the heavy cartage in front of Victoria Terrace.—Alderman Jones: What is the nature of the heavy traffic?—Councillor T. E. Salmon believed that it was Councillor Jenkins who did the carting, perhaps he would explain.—Councillor Jenkins said that the road at the back was not finished.—The Surveyor said that this was the explanation, and if the heavy traffic was permitted to go over it the curbing would be undermined.—Alderman Jones said that the committee would consider it at their next meeting. — Councillor C. M. Williams asked the Chairman of the Public Works to try and come to an arrangement with Penglaise estate so that the work might be completed.—Aldermanj Jones replied that the committee bad met once. DISCHARGED WORKMEN. In accordance with notioe of motion Councillor T E Salmon rose to call the attention of the Coun- cil to the discharge of men who had been in the employ of tile Corporation for many %e.irs. He did not know whether rhe dismissal was none at the Surveyor's discretion or wh-ther the Surveyor was intimidated by some of the Councillors. He did not think that Mr Rees Jones would have the con- science t.() dismiss old and faithful servants ill that off-handed manner without an hour's notice. If these men were getting too old to do work of an ordiary nature let them tie paid according to their merits. Let them be put to do work which younger men were doing. There wa" plen'y of work found for young men who had been put on by the Council lately. He proposed that these men should have the first chance of employment-— The Mayor: Does anyone second it? — For sometime there was no answer and the Mayor remarked that it fell through when Alderman Doughton said that. he would second it. They would onlv have to keep theue men in the Workhouse and he thought they might be given ten or twelve shillings per week.—Alderman Jones opposed the motion on the ground that it was an improper tiling to interfere with the Surveyor and his men.— Alderman Doughton VYe do not interfere, we leave it to the option of the Surveyor.—Councillor R Doughton questioned whether the Surveyor had power to pay a different wage to the one agreed upon.—Councillor Marks said that he opposed the motion on the same ground as Alderman Jones. If they listened to every man's tale he was quite sure that the Surveyor would have a bad time of it. Although be had perfect sympathy with the propo- sition he should vote against it.— Alderman Doughton Not one of the discharged men have applied to me. The Mayor Order, I cannot allow you to reply to each one.—Councillor Doughton Am I in order to rise a point of order (laughter) P The Mavor: You are always in order to rise a point of order (laughter).—Councillor Doughton then went on to say that there was a resolution of the books stating that the men were to be paid 3s per day. and that resolution, would have to be rescinded before they could pass one to give the men less.—The Mayor ruled that the motion was in order and Councillor Salmon having replied a vote was taken.—The following voted forthe motion Alderman Doughton, Councillor T E Salmon, R J Jones, E P Wynne and J P Thomas. Against: The Mayor, Alderman Jones, Conncillors R Peake, E H James, George Croydon Marks, John Jenkins and C M Williams. The motion was declared lost.— Councillor R Doughton did not vote. THE POSTAL SERVICE. In replying to Councillor Williams the Town Clerk said that Mr Vaughan Davies had all the papers and correspondence connected with the postal service, and in conjunction with Mr T E Ellis he felt certain that they would be able to do something in a short time. There was no other business. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.—MONDAY. Present: Rev John Davies, Messrs James Jones, John Morgan, T Powell, Evan Richards, E J Evans, W A Miller, J E James, John Davies, Lewis Richards, Thomas Jenkins, W Morris, R Jones, R Jenkins, David Morgan, T James, B Thomas, with Mr Hugh Hughes, clerk, and Mr David Davies, assistant clerk. GORS TO MORIAH ROAD. Mr T H Lewis, Nant Eos, writing under date February 4th, said that they were not prepared to erect fences on the Gors to Moriah road or to take off the gates, and he added that he could not see the necessity for doing so.—Mr James Jones said that if the wopk was done it would be a great ad- vantage to the tenants of the Nant Eos estates. In reply to Mr John Morgan the Clerk said that the resolution passed at the last meeting of the Council was as follows Resolved that the Surveyor repair this public road leading from Gors to Moriah pro- vided Mr Powell, Nant Eos, was prepared to fence the said road where necessary and remove the gates placed across the said road. It was agreed to send the letter to the Parish Council. LLANFIHANGEL CROSS GATES. The letter from Mr .T. M. Williams respecting the Llanfihangel cross gates complaining of the gates being closed much to the inconvenience of the public was again read. The Clerk said that he had obtained a copy of the Act of Parliament which showed that the Company were liable to a penalty of £20 if the regulations laid down in respect of cross gates were not carried out. The Clerk added that the new Stationmaster was more atten- tive, but he proposed to communicate with the Board of Trade asking for a copy of their regula- tions in respect of srossings.—Mr E. J. Evans Clearly they infringe the law by not having a person in charge of the gates.—The Clerk: Yes. The Clerk was directed to obtain a copy of the Board of Trade regulations. The Clerk was directed to obtain tenders for printing the by-laws. THE RHEIDOL RIVER. Mr Morgan Edwards, surveyor, reported that the Rheidol river was changing its course and workiag towards the road near Glanrafon Rheidol farm. He asked for a committee to visit the spot and report.—Agreed to.

CARDIGANSHIRE ASSIZES. The Winter Assizes for the county of Cardigan were opened before Mr Justice Channell in the Town Hall, Lampeter, on Wednesday morning.-— His Lordship, in his charge to the grand jury, said their duties would be very light. There were two cases in the calendar, the alleged attempt to shoot, and false pretences, neither of which was likely to give very much trouble. LLANILAR POACHING CASE Isaac Edward Bonsall, grocer, Brynhoreb, Llan- badarn, surrendered to his bail on a charge of having shot at Frederick Reynolds, rabbit catcher, Abermaide Mill, Llanilar, with intent to do him grievous bodily harm, on the night of December 27th. Mr J. Lloyd Morgan, M.P. (instructed by Mr W P Owen solicitor, Aberystwyth) was for the prosecution and Mr S. T. Evans, M.P. (instructed bv Mr John Evans, solicitor, Aberystwyth) defended.—Frederick Reynolds, the rabbit catcher, deposed that he was in the employ of Mr Lewis Pugh Pughe, of Abermaide. Witness went to Penlanlas, about 11 p.m., on December 27th, to watch poachers. A gamekeeper-labourer named Stephens accompanied him from Penlanlas. They proceeded to Caebank Carreglwy d. A considerable number of pheasants was reared at this place. After walking about the covers witness went into a shed, Stephens being still with him. About 3 o'clock in the morning, looking out from the shed, he saw two meu about 30 yards away. When he saw the men he ran out, followed by Stephens. He called out in Welsh, Where are you going, boys ?" Prisoner came to the front of his companion, who was a tall man, and after calling out several times Stand back he fired at him. He was about ten and a half yards away when prisoner fired. Judging from the flash and the noise he would say that the pistol was loaded. Prisoner was walking in the direction of his home. Witness knew prisoner before this event. When he first saw prisoner and his companion they were coming from the direc- tion of Bonsall's home. It was a moonlight night. William Stephens, who accompanied the previous witness, said he knew prisoner well because be attended the same chapel as prisoner. Witness saw him walking backwards with hand outstretched containing a pistol or revolver. He pointed the firearm towards Reynolds. By this time prisoner's companion had proceeded some distance to the left and when the shot was fired he was about 30 or 40 yards away. This man carried a gun. Prisoner and his companion would arrive at their destination from different directions. P.S. D. Phillips spoke to apprehending prisoner at his mother's bouse. In reply to queries as to whether he had any firearas, prisoner said he had a rifle, his sister had a pistol, and there was a gun used by his deceased father. The gun and rifle were loaded, and the charges were extracted at the time. Prisoner told him that his mother and sister were the only persons who could prove that he was at home on the night in question. He wM evidently replying to the charge contained in the warrants. Cross examined The gun and n did not appear to have been used for years. Prisoner gave evidence to prove an ahbl" i;f examined He said he had been lmng m Califor for some years. Some people mie there, but he did not, neither- did home.—Kate and Mary Jane Wonsao, prisoner, said that their brother was at^h^o e hen he was said to have attempted to shoot Reynolds. —James Hutchings, gnnsmith, Abery yth, said he examined the gun, rifle, an pi ie pis had never been fired. e a cobwebs. The gun had not beer.fired for months.- The Judge, in summing up, said that the prisoners conduct was consistent with his being an innocent man-The Jury found a veroict of not guilty.-Tbe Judge asked upon what grounu the verdict wa* found -Foreman: Whoever the individual wa« who fired it was only done to frighten.-There waj still another charge of common assault, but as t prosecutor would not proceed with this coant the prisoner was discharged. ALLEGED FALE PRETENCES. James George Lewis, an industrial boy "j1 London, was charged with obtaining 6s by pretences from Daniel Llovd, Llandyssihgot. • JT„»»ry 5r.LI. Mr YODIIK, ™.>*R Industrial School, having undertaken to bov back, prisoner was discharged on recognisances. Mr J H Davies was briefed for th prosecution and Mr I Davies defended.