The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

ruOTBALL. FORECAST COMPETITION. The conditions are as follows :Every week the sum of One Pound is offered to the person who sends to the Editor the actual forecast, of the results of the matches given for competition the preceding week, and in the event of no one giving the actual scores the sum of Ten Shillings will be given tothe person who predicts nearest the actual scores. Each person competing must use the coupon to be found on this page. No old coupon will be allowed, neither will any recognition be given to forecasts other than on the proper coupon. Each con.petitor mnst cut out the coupon, and fill in the scores, and forward in a sealed envelope to the Editor, COONTY TIMES Office, Welshpool," by whom it must be received not later than nrst post on Saturday morning in each week, the envelope to be endorsed Competition." Four points will be allowed for an actual result, three points for a result one. goal out, two points for two goals out, and one point for three goals out. In the case of a draw the same conditions willi apply. -No point is allowed if the wrong team is given to will. One or more forecasts may be sent in by the same persou but in each case the correct coupon must be used. The Editor's award is in all cases final. If there are less than three of the matches played the prize will be reserved and added to the prize in a week following. The following fire the matches for competition on March 4th coupons must reach the head office, not later than first post on that date, other- wise they will be disqualified. Competitors may, to save postage, hand in their coupons personally at the head office, Welshpool or at the branch offices, Chalybeate Street, Aberystwyth, and 3, Church Street, Towyn; also at Mr J. Griffiths's, 37, Broad Street, Newtown. In the three latter cases, however, they must be handed in before noon on the day previous, RESULTS OF SATURDAY'S COMPETITION. Whittington 0 Oswestry R 0 Iron-Bridge R 2 Bridgnorth. 7 Bangui- 4 Chester 4 Oswestry v Market Drayton did not come off. The consolation prize (10s) has been won, with 5 points, by Charles Bevan, Stone Street, Newtown, A. E. Adams, Acrefair, Ruabon, and E. Roberts, Forester's Arms, Oswestry. 15el

ASSOCIATION COUPON (TO BE DETACHED). Iti FEBRUARY T [I F 25TH, 1899 Q ™ z I CLUB 5 CLUB G 1 Chirk I Buxton I I I I 2 Druids I Bangor 3 I Everton R I I Garston 1- 4 Welshpool I I Iron Bridge I Name Address.

FOOTBALL NOTES. [BY "VETERAN."] The Welsh Cup tie between Oswestry and Chirk was of a true Cup tie character, and was witnessed by a large and enthusiastic crowd. The game began in rare style. Right from the kick off Oswestry got to goal in grand style, and Tracey saved in marvellous fashion in the first minute. True there was a lot of luck about it and it was hard lines on Oswertry that the ball from only three or four yards away should have been kicked straight against Tracey's legs. The visitors kept up the pressure for a little time, then Chirk warmed up and very even play followed, first one goalkeeper and then the other being called upon to save. After the first ten minnte Chirk seemed to have rather the better of the play aud came near scoring twice from very tine play on the left wing. The Oswestry defence was admirable, and Benbow once nipped in and saved splendidly on the goal line. Granger, who took the, place of Roberts, showed up most prominently during the first half. One bit of work of his deserves special mention. He fell in trying to take the ball but even when down gave Goodrich the ball and the latter after very tricky and good plav spoilt it by a miserable shot. Amid tremendous excitement the ball was sent travelling up and down the ground at a very fast rate, but as one old friend said "t here was nothing in it," and "it was anybody's game," bat then Lloyd, after loosing the ball, did a very unwise thing in trying to get it by kicking round T. Roberts's legs, and the referee awarded a penalty. This resulted in a goal and caused great dismay as well as indignation in Oswestry camp. The border men, nothing daunted, put even more life into their piay and pressed very considerably. From one of their raids the ball was fouled about 30 yards from Chirk goal, and the ball was so well placed that after a little popping it was popped into the net and the teams were again on a equal footing as they deserved to be. Nothing more was scored in this half though both goals had near escapes. The 2nd half was a repetition of the first but no goals were scored. After 90 minutes play as no more goals were added the referee ordered an extra half houn' pIRY. This was hard lines on Oswestry as Grainger was not in condition for so much extra work, but the men stuck to their guns well. Chirk at once forced the game, but met with a most sturdy defence, and ther9 was every probability of another mutiny when the bad luck of Oswestry was again the cause of a goal being scored against them. From very good play on Chirk left Davies was called npon to save. This he did, but as some of his players were in the road he did not send the ball far enoutrh away, and while he lost sight of the ball Wynne steered it into the net. The goal waa well deserved, but at the same time it was rather hard on Oswestrv. When the final whis,le blew Chirk were hailed winners of as hard a game as ever they took part in. On the day's play I must freely own that Chirk were rather the better team. Thev were smarter on the ball and kicked cl ear.er. This was especially the case with the forwards who seemed fastei tran their opponeuts. Somehow or other the ha), was too often placed nicely at the toe of the Chirk backs, and they had nothing to do but return it without let or hindrance. At the same time they were a grand pair. The halves were only fair and some of their play was not above suspicion. The goalkeeper was very good. On the other side the forwards Jacked their u,„al combination and smartneB and again Wellings was badly fed. Here I think was made the great mistake of the day. Goodrich was very good and clever all through The halves were good Grainger did capital work for about ar hour, and then want of condition told its inevitable tale. The other two worked tre- mendously hard. It was hard lines on poor old Lloyd to give a penalty. At the same time the referee could not well refuse it. All through the game he did splendid work, and so did Watkins. Davies kept up the form of the previous Saturday and proved himself a most capable goalkeeper. Mr Edisbury was most painstaking as referee, and at the same time was very smart and impartial. I am afraid that the Oswestry Reserve made too cock sure of defeating Whittington. They have fought their way nobly into the final for the Welsh Cup and thought they had only to go down to Whittington and the thing was done, for the Shrop- shire Final too. They certainlv were the better team and played much more scientific football, but they bad nothing to spare at the finish. First one side and then the other clamed the advantage. The great feature of the game was the able defence of both sides. The goalkeepers were not severely tried and only once was the net found by the United, but the point was. at once disallowed for offside." Towards the close Oswestry fought with desperation to gaia the winning point. From good work by Roberts, Mack put in some splendid centres, .and it was hard lines on both that they were not converted. The game resulted in a pointless draw, and the teams will have to meet again at Oswestry. Whittington are to be congratulated on their pluck) display, and it, is most creditable to the villagers to eret into the semi-final and then to hold their own for an hour an half with a team like the United Reserve who have cotie so well this season. Griudlv had very little to do, but he appeared verv safe. Owen and Edwards defended with great stubborn- ziesm and were ably assisted by Davies. llal lam and Payne were the pick of the forwards and the former nearly got through on two occasions, although he was closely watched. For the United Foulkes did all that was required of him, but lie was splendidly covered by Burgin and Humphreys. Kenyon was the pick of three capital halves, though all have played better this season. The forwards were below their best form. R. Roberts was by far the best forward on the field, but probably from over anxiety he occasionally neglected his partner and wandered over to the right wing. He led on nearly every attack on the home goal and there was "class" stamped on his every movement. Matthews and D. Davies also played well and tried desperately hard towards the close. Mack got hurt. in the first half and this took a lot of life out of him, but he put in some tine centres at times. In the repfayed game Oswestry will probably win, and this lesson they learnt of holding a team too cheaply will be useful to them on future occasions. The game between the Liverpool Combination and Newtown on Saturday was undoubtedly the best seen on the Cunuings this season and it was witnessed by a fairly good gate. The visitors played ten men but held their own till flalf-titn". Then the home team was reduced to ten men through Moore having to retire owing to a sprained knee. The visitors played a very scientific game and the saves of McQueeu in goal were cool and finished. The backs and halves played a strong game on the whole, whilst the forwards, four in number, were fed most accurately from the half- back line and showed pretty combination all through the match. For the homesters every man played a brilliant game for the greater part of the time. Edwards had much more difficult shots to manage than McQueen, but he did his work mar- vellously well. Three or four of his saves were I little short of miraculous and his display evinced a great amount of resource, as he seemed to know on the spur of the moment what to do and what is better he did it too. C Parry's display was the best hack play on the field. Ho tacked judiciously and kicked with tremendous power and accuracy Rees also played a very useful game during the great part of the 90 minutes. His performance however was marred by having two penalty kicks given against him. Many were strongly of opinion that the handling in the second case was not inten- tional. C. Parry took Edwards' place for the first penalty kick and raised tremendous cheers by sav- ing his goal. The second from the foot of McCowie beat him completely. Prior tj the first penalty the home team were leading by one goal to none, and looked like going on leaders to the end, but the penalties took all the hPltrt out of them, and deprived the game of all its interesting aspects. The home halves did well, Pilot again played reo markably well, and considering the talent opposed to him gave great promise of future usefulness. Moore, until his accident, was in his very best form. Teddy Davies at first seemed to be off colour, but after about twenty minutes got into his old form, and was equal to most of the calls made on him. The forwards played their best game on the whole, but were terribly handicapped as W. Parry had to go half after Moore's accident. Pryce- Jones played in the best form lie has shown this season. He passed with his partner very cleverly indeed, and he generally got the ball into danger- ous proximity to the visitors goal. Morgan was nor so attentive to the goalkeeper as usual, an i so McQueen had much of his own way, and therein his display was good. Swettenham in the centre played grandly and made several individual runs which looked dangerous. He also kept his wings well together on the whole. Parry was moved about so his display cannot be criticised very much, but he did good work in all places. The palm in the forward rank, however, must be given to Morris, who, especially in the second half tricked Stephenson continually, even when he had no partner to assist him, and his centres in the second half were a feature of the match. These remarks apply more particularly to the play before the second penalty, for after that time the vigour of the home players seemed to banish and an otherwise brilliant game ended very tamely indeed. Of lute years the games between Town and College at Aberystwyth have been close and excit- ing and last Saturday's match was expected to be of the same character, but the brilliant all round form of the Town team quite upset this calculation and the result was a most pronounced victory for the on by 7 to 1. The Town team have always been considered a fair weather and dry ground lot," but this season they have proved on more than one occasion that they are equally suited to the other state of things. The College defence was good but the Town forwards were too clever for them, and the forwards were not strong enough to break through the double line of defence opposed tothem. They were handicapped by the absence of Roose, who bad a severe cold, and his substitute was not smart enough for the determined clever Town for- wards. A Green, Barson, and J Evans were in first rate form in the Town front rank and required some stopping. J H Edwards, G Green and W Jones were about perfect as halves and never played a better game. These three are a rare trio and deserve a trial for International honours. The College backs, Pring and Grundy, are two well- built players and did their work well, often beating the nimble opposing forwards. Nash led the half line and is a capital player. It was most unfortu- nate for his side that he hurt his knee as they were considerably handicapped. Evans and Johnson tried hard. As I said before the forwards were not strong—the left wing did very little. T Jones and T Williams were the pick. The Town defence was really grand and the result of 7 to 1 in favour of the Town speaks for itself without any more praise. A great many were disappointed at Wynnstay Park on Saturday when they found that Pugh, the new centre forward, was not playing, which was partially owing to a slight indisposition and partly to some little bother about getting his papers. I am, however, pleased to say that all is now settled and that he will take his place in the Druids' racks to-day, when they play Llandudno. The match last Saturday week was about the poorest I have witnessed this season, and considering that Buxton beat the Druids by three to two when they visited Buxton I quite expected to see a good fight, but was disappointed. The visiting forwards were weak and the only four that played anything like a decent game were Pickering, Bloor, Finney, and Gomshall. For the homesters the backs played grandly as also the half-backs, the forwards, how- ever, missed a lot. of good chances and they should made the score 12 to 1 instead of what it was. The action of the Crewe Magistrates in regard to assaults and iusults to referee's is to be highly commended. Scarely a match occurs, and more especially is this the case if the encounter is styled A Friendly," but the poor fellow is hooted at and insulted by those who ought to know better. I know most local men who act as referees, and I feel certain that every man desires and tries hard to give fair play. They are only mortals after all and must make mistakes, and spectators ought to be obliged to them for offering themselves up as sacrifices on the altar of public opinion. To be a, success a referee should now have a sharp pair of eyes, a shrill whistle, and be stone deaf at least to anything outside the ropes. THE LEAGUE.—FIRST DIVISION. Goals. P W L D F A PTS Aston Villa 23 15 5 3 50 23 33 Liverpool 26 14 7 5 36 22 33 Everton 24 12 7 5 35 27 29 Blackburn Rovers 27 11 10 6 54 46 28 Burnley 25 11 S 6 3S 39 23 West Bromwrch A 26 11 10 5 39 36 27 Notts Countv 24 8 5 11 38 36 27 Bury 26 10 10 6 36 40 26 Derby County 25 8 7 10 53 45 26 Sheffield United 27 7 9 11 35 4:3 25 NottsForest. 26 7 9 10 32 34 24 Sunderland 2-1 10 10 4 29 34 24 Preston North End 26 8 11 7 33 38 23 Stoke 25 9 11 5 36 42 23 Wo'r'wft.-vi W. 25 8 11 6 37 41 22 Nrwca."le United 25 7 11 7 39 39 21 Sheffield Wednesday 25 6 13 6 22 47 18 Bolton Wanderers 23 5 13 5 25 35 15 THE COMBINATION. Goals. P W L D ]•' A PTS Everton Reserve 20 18 0 2 90 14 38 Liverpool Reserve 19 17 1 1 74 14 35 Wrexham 23 13 8 2 47 39 28 Druids 19 ii 8 0 40 21 22 Chester i<) f) 7 3 35 37 21 Tranmere Rovers 17 9 6 2 31 25 20 Bangor 16 7 6 3 41 39 17 *White Star Wand. 20 7 8 5 39 38 17 South Liverpool 17 7 9 1 25 30 15 Chirk 17 6 9 2 23 33 14 Buxton 17 6 10 1 27 55 11 Oswestry United 16 5 9 2 21 40 12 Llandudno Swifts .17 4 12 1 24 48 9 Garston Copper W'ks 18 3 14 1 18 54 7 Rhyl 17 2 15 0 18 63 4 White Star Wanderers have had two points deducted *White Star Wanderers have had two points deducted for playing an ineligible man. k, SHROPSHIRE AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. Goals. P W L D P A PTS. Iron-Bridge 10 8 0 2 35 3 18 St. George's 11 7 3 1 27 19 15 Newtown 10 6 2 2 32 9 14 Walsall Reserve 10 6 3 1 33 10 13 1 Wem 11 4 G 1 12 24 9 Wrockwardine Wood 9 2 6 1 14 36 5 Newport 9 1 7 1 5 24 3 Welshpool United 10 1 8 1 9 43 3 DENBIGHSHIRE AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. Goals. P W L D F A *PTS Chirk Reserve 13 10 1 2 53 18 22 Wrexham Reserve. 16 9 5 2 63 34 20 Adwy United 13 8 3 2 47 22 18 Oswestry Reserve. 10 5 2 3 32 23 13 Druids Reserve 10 4 2 4 31 17 12 Llangollen Wand. 10 4 5 1 30 32 9 Stanstv Villa 11 4 6 1 28 38 9 Cerney Swifts 12 4 7 1 22 37 9 Weston Rhyn 12 4 7 1 15 35 9 Brymbo United 9 2 6 1 20 27 5 St. Martin's 12 1 11 0 7 65 2

THE VILLAGE CUP. SEMI-FINAL. RHOSYMEDRE ST. JOHN'S v WESTON RHYN This interesting match was played on tho Brook- field, Rhosymedre, on Saturday last, in splendid weather Rhosymedre won the toss and Lyth set set the ball iu motion putting St John's immedi- ately on the defensive. Tom Price relieved and piny went on in mid-field. After each side having been visited a few times John Millership raced down, passed to his brother, who oplmed the score for the visitors. Both teams did their best to get another goal but when half-time arrived the score was unaltered. In the second moiety Weston Rhyn did most of the pressing, Tom Price, Eaton and Enoch Edwards defending their goal splendidly and with good result until 20 minutes from time, then seeing their forwards did not show up much they went to help them, the consequence being an open field which Lyth took ad vantage of and scored the second goal, and a few minutes before time Charlie Millership scored the third and last goai, thus leaving Rhosymedre vanquished by 3 goals to none. For thn viAit,(.rFl thfl three brothers Miller- ship played grandly and in the home team Tom Price, Eaton, Edwards, Llew Wright and Borrill were the shining lights the forwards were very weak and Colley was quite out of form. Weston Rhyn fully deserved their victory.

SHROPSHIRE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION. A meeting of the Executive was held at Shrews- bury on Tuesday evening. Mr A Sharman pre- siding.—On the failure of Market Drayton to meet Oswestry United in the cup competition, Mr Pritchard of Oswestry apprmred to ask that the match might be awarded the United. This, after some discussion, was agreed to. It was decided that the final for the cup, for which Oswestry and St. George's are in, should be played at Shrewsbury on Easter Monday, Shrewsbury to be at liberty to play another match that day providing two hours interval between that and the cup tic is given.— Mr Scragg was appointed referee.

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WELSH CUP. FOURTH ROUND. CHTHK v OSWESTRY UNITED Oswestry United, the only representatives of the Border Counties left to wrestle visited Chirk on Saturday to replay the tie in this round. A "special" was run on the G.W.R. and several hundreds of the United supnorters went bv In the beginning of the season, when the United went to Chirk to play the Combination match the game ended in favour of the United by 3 goals to nil. When the return match was played at Oswestry 011 Boxing Day the score was two each. A fortnight ago when the teams met at Oswestry in the fourth round of the Welsh Cup Competition the game again endud in a draw of two each and the- tie was replayed last Saturday, when the com- position of the teams was somewhat altered. Tom Parry was able to appear in the United forward line, but, Roberts (half-back) was absent owing to an injury received on the previous Saturday. His place was taken by Grainger. Tracey Morgan was in goal for Chirk and Roberts appeared at back. Better weather conld not be desired and there was a large gate." Mr Edisbury was the referee, and the teams lined up as follows;- CHIRK. Goal, Tracey Morgan; backs, Meredith and Roberts; half-backs, G Williams, R Morris and C Atorris forwards, S Roberts, T Wynne, E James, A Lockley, and E Williams. > OSWESTRY. Goal, G Davies; backs, Lloyd and B Watkins; half-backs, Barratt, Benbow and Grainger; for- wards, Wellings, M Watkins, Tabor, T Parry and Goodrich. (Iswestry won the toss and immediately got down Tracey having to clear a hard shot which looked dangerous. A free-kick fell to Chirk, from which Tabor and M. Watkins got away, the attack was finely repelled by Roberts and the homesters got well in, Davies having to shoot out. The home left wing again broke away, but the bail was sent wide by Wynne. Barratt finely" stopped the home left wing and took the ball up but kept it too long with the result that Morris robbed him. He gave to E Willi ims who looked dangerous, but Benbow relieved and by long passing Oswestry went to the other end, the pressure being relieved by the defence. B. Watkins having made a good clearance S. Roberts and Wvnne made a pretty run and crossed over, E Williams sending wide. The home- sters maintained the pressure amid great excite- ment and Lockley tested the visiting custodian with a swift shot causit g him to give a corner. Barratt averted a certain score hy rushing across and lobbing a Chirk plaver close in goal when he had no one to beat. Wellings put in one of his fast runs, and being closely followed by Morris he back-heeled and M. Watkins took up the running and gave to Wellings, but Roberts relieved in fine style. The pace was very fast, the short passing of the home forwards being splendid. In front of goal however they did not seem to be so dangerous, whilst the visitors kicked the ball to the Chirk backs' toes. Goodrich and Parry got nicely away. The former centered, but unfortunately there was no one to meet it and the home defence had no difficulty in clearing. A combined run by the home vanguard seemed as if it would end in disaster for the visitors' goal but Catkins relieved as James was about to shoot. Oswestry now pressed, Grainger showing up well. At lasi they secured a corner, and after the ball bobbed about the goal mouth a few minutes Geo Williams got it away. Tabor had a clear field but was fouled. Afterwards a free kick fell to the homesters and E. Williams had a shie at goal but Davies cleared, and soon after Lloyd cleverly saved from a rush follow- ing a free kick. S. Roberts got down in fine style but was fouled by Lloyd, and from the penalty kick Lockley scored amidst wild cheers from the Chirk supporters. This was after 35 minutes' play. Faster the game now became and after Lloyd had effected a good clearance from E. Williams, Tom Parry was fouled and a free kick was given. A scrimmage followed in front of goal and Oswestry equalised amidst cheers. Parry passed to Goodrich, who sent a trifle wide. Half-time then arrived. On resum- ing each end was visited. After a temporary stoppage through R. Watkins being hurt, Lockley sent in a fast ground shot. Davies attempted to shoot, but miskicked. Fortunately, how- ever, the ball went past the post, although R. Williarns was close by. Oswestry now pressed and the Chirk defence had plenty to do. Goodrich being conspicuous. Then Chirk showed up and Lockley sent wide, and shortly after Oswestry goal was in jeopardy but the ball was headed over. Tom Parry secured and gave to Goodrich who centred. M. Watkins shot in but Tracey cleared. Goodrich, however, returned with a wide shot. Chirk then went, down and E,. James with the goal at his mercy shot against Davies and the ball was got away. A minute later Tracey made a some- what lucky save from M. Watkins, who afterwards returned the ball over the bar. Wellings got away and gave to M. Watkins who centred and Tom Parry had hard lines in not scoring A conple of corners fell to Oswestry, but they could not get through the home defence. S. Roberts made a fine individual run and centred. Ephraim who was standing by Davies, received and netted the ball amidst cheers, but the Referee disallowed the point. Parry and Goodrich then got in and Tracey made a fine save, and at the other end Bob Morgan sent over the bar. M Watkins was hurt, and the game was stopped for a few minutes, after which Chirk pressed. The visitors' defence, however, was sound. Oswestry then put Chirk defence to the test and gained a corner which Tracey cleared and Wellings returned the ball outside, the whistle then sounded with the game a drawn game. An extra half-hour was played. James started the ball and Chirk rushed right into goal, but Barratt cleared. Oswestry having paid a visit to the other end, Davies was called upon, and then Tracy had to fist out from Goodrich. The greatest excitement prevailed amongst the spectators, and the players strained hard to get a lead, each end being visited in rapid succession. From a pass from Tabor Wellings shot on to the net. After a run on the Chirk left, Wynne put the ball past Davies after he had once cleared. The cheers were deafening. Davies was again called upon and he gave a corner which was cleared. On changing ends Tracy saved from Goodrich and M Watkins had two shies at goal, and obtained a corner, but Oswestry could not get this. Chirk went to the other end and the ball was sent over the bar. Oswestry pressed hard and Tracey saved twice before time. Final, Chirk 2 goals, Oswestry 1 goal.

THE COMBINATION. DRUIDS v. BUXTON. There was a good attendance at Wynnstay Park on Saturday to witness the return match between these teams. The Druids put a full team on the field, but the visitors were short of one or two of their first eleven. The teams lined up as follows DRUIDS. Goal, Sam Jones; backs, C Thomas and Hughes; half-backs, G Richards, J Price, and T Davies for- wards, J Vaughan, W Butler, Jim Davies, Walter Davies and Ralph Jones. BUXTON. Goal, Pickering backs, Finnev and Bloor half- backs, Hobson, Gomshall and Headington; for- wards, Taylor, Kane, Moss, Milhvard and Pickford. The game had not been in progress many minutes before Pickering was called upon to negotiate a smart shot from Jim Davies. Three corners fol- lowed each other at the Buxton goal, the last of which was got away in grand form by Finney. Then Kane secured and getting near the ho ne citadel with some pretty passing tried a shot which was met by Hughes. From a goal kick Tommy Davies passed nicely to Butler, who beat Pickeriug with a terrific shot just after six minutes' play. This result, which was loudly cheered, livened the visitors up a bit and from the centre Moss and Millward travelled down the field, and after about another minute's play Millward made matters equal with a slow shot, Richards and Sam Jones both letting the ball pass them. Ralph got free scope at the goal and sent in one of his lightning shots wh:ch Pickering in a marvellous manner saved, thereby gaining loud applause. Finney fouled Ralph, and from the free kick Jim Davies managed to notch point No. 2 after 29 minutes' play. The visitors then pressed for a short time but nothing resulted. Pickering fisted out a corner and a minute or so afterwards effected another grand save from a shot delivered by Jim Davies. Charlie Thomas, putting in some good head work, gave Butler ths sphere who raced down the field and passed nicely to Walter and he rushed the third goal through. At the other end a foul against Tommy Davies npar the twelve yards' 1ine looked rather ominous, Hughes relieved and a rush on the visitors' goal ensued. Vaughan running down the wing tricked Pickford, Headington, and Bloor, centred and Jim Davies scored the fourth goal. Gomsh8ll was soon conspicious for the rare style in which he fed his forwards, but they could not penetrate the home backs, Charlie and Arthur showing excellent defensive tactics. Half time arrived with Druids leading by 4 goals to 1. Upon tho resumption of hostilities Druids were imme- diately on the aggressive and, despite the grand defence shewn by Bloor, Ralph beat Pickering with a stinging shot which could not possibly have been stopped. Corner after corner fell to Druids, and six minutes from the restart Ralph notched the sixth goal. The home forwards tried their utmost to secure another goal without success. Thus when the whistle sounded the score stood, Druids 6, Buxton 1.

SHROPSHIRE JUNIOR CUP. S K M I F I N A L v. OSWESTRY UNITED RKSKRVE These teams met at Wnittiugton on Saturday to decide who should eirer th^ final < f it e Shropshire Junior Cup, hi fore a good number- of spectators. Mr Tovvrisend, ol Newtown, wielded the whistle, and when he called the players together they faced each other in the foilowing ..rder; WHITTINGTON. Goal, Grindley backs, W HO wen and J Edwards; half-backs, J Davies, H Youens. and.) Richards; forwards, W -Payne, J Wilkinson, S Hallatn, H Hales, and li Richards. OSWKSTRY RESERVE. Goal, Foulkes; backs, Humphreys and B irgin half-backs, T Griffiths, Kenyon, and W Jones; forwards, W Morris, D Davies, Marthews, R Roberts, and Macnamara. Linesmen, Messrs Clayton (Wem) and Lawson (Shrewsbury). The homesters winnin-, the toss, Matthews put the ball in motion., Morris and Davies were getting away when they were pulled up by Edwards, who transferred play to the other end. Hallam gave t he home right possession and they forced a fruitless corner. After each side had been pulled up for fouling, Oswestry were penalised close to goal, but Humphreys cleared, and at the other eul Hallam put behind. Robeits and Mack made a good run, which, however, came to nothing. A couple of fouls against the United close in looked dangerous, but Roberts relieved, and Hallam and Matthews on their respective sides were conspicuous, but the defence of both sides were safe and play was chiefly confined to mid-field. Good work by Davies I and Matthews ended in Mack putting the leather outside, and then the homesters placed the ball over the bar. Roberts was conspicuous for some tricky work, and along with Mack and Matthews caused the home defenders some anxiety, but the United failed to overcome the stubborn defence opposed to them. Hallam was getting away when he was pulled up by Ken-yon, who gave to Davies and Morris. The latter pair made a good run, but danger was averted. Then the homesters had a turn of pressing, but Burgin and Humphreys were sate, and Foulkes was only once called upon. The United left wing were again to the front but they ran the ball out, and ultimately Owen relieved. From a foul against the homesters Humphreys placed well in goal, the United experiencing hard lines in not scoring. Hallam was pulled up at the other end, and Edwards relieved from Matthews. A foul against the homesters close in goal looked dangerous, but nothing tangible resulted. The United now strove hard to score, Roberts, Mack, and Matthews being noticeable for some clever and tricky work, but they failed to find an opening. The game was stopped for a short time owing to Mack being accidentally kicked by Owen. The vigorous play of the homesters appeared to upset the combination of the United, the Villagers being repeatedly penalised for fouling. Payne and Wilkinson made a run down, but Burgtn relieved. Roberts and Mack put in some pretty passing move- ments and forced a fruitless corner. Whittington pressed for a time, but Oswestry returned to the attack, the interval arriving with the score sheet blank. On resuming Oswestry became aggressive, Davies being prominent, but Owen and Edwards I defended well. Mid-field play was the order for a time, Matthews and Morris working hard. Hales and Richards paid a visit to the United territory. but they found a stumbling block in Humphreys. J. Davies, the home right half. who had been prominent throughout, was a thorn in the side of the visitors' left wing. From good centres by the visitors' left wing Matthews and Davies missed a couple of good openings. Roberts and Mack forced a couple of corners, but these were not im- proved upon. From a run by Hallam, Payne put behind. Oswestry again pressed and from a bully in goal Roberts tried hard to score, but Grindley fisted out. A foul against Kenyon brought relief, and Hallam essayed a run, but returning to the attack Mack beaded wide, and directly after Matthews placed just the wrong side of the upright. Glifliths tested Grindley with a capital shot, but the home custodian proved equal to the occasion. During the last fifteen minutes, except from an occasional breakaway, Oswestry pressed severely: Roberts and Mack working well together. Davies and Matthews missed a couple of easy chauces, the former just sending the leather over the bar with the goal at his mercy. When the whistle sounded the game ended in a pointless draw. FOOTBALL FIXTURES. Played on the ground of thelfirst-named club. MARCH. 4 Welshpool United v Iron-Bridge 11 Newport v Wem 25 Iron-Bridge v Newtown 25 Wrockwardine Wood v Welshpool United 25 WaJsall Reserve v Wem APRIL. 8 St George's v Newtown 8 Welshpool United v Newport 15 St George's v Welshpool United 15 Wals.tll Reserve v Newport

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. 1 UNITED PACK WILL MEET Saturday, Feb. 25th .Kennels (for Oakeley Wood) Monday, Feb. 27th Old Kennels, Gatten Wednesday, March 1st Plowden Station Saturday, March 4th Marrington Hall At 11. S. V. THOMAS. SIR W. WILLIA'MS-WYNN'S HOUNDS WILL MEET Saturday, Feb. 25th Wynnstay Monday, Feb. 27th Llangollen Road Station Tuesday, Feb. 28th Baschurch Friday, March 3rd. Bangor Saturday, March 4tli Bettisfiel(i At 11. THE PLAS MACHYNLLETH HOUNDS WILL MKET FOXHOUNDS Monday, Feb. 27th Abergwynnant, Dolgelley Thursday, March 2nd Penmaenpool, Dolgelley At 10.30. HARRIERS Tuesday, Feb. 28th Glandulasmawr Friday, March 3rd Penrhyn At 10-30. THE TANAT SIDE HARRIERS WILL MEET Tuesday, Feb. 28th. Llanyblodwel Friday, March 3rd Rhandregunwyn (To finish the season.) At 11. THE NORTH MONTGOMERY HARRIERS aWILL MEET Saturday, Fçb. 25th Bwlchycibau Wednesday, March 1st Cornorrion Saturday, March 4th Llanfechain At 11.

SAD CASE AT LLANIDLOES. A WOMAN FOUND DEAD. At the Lion Hotel on Tuesday afternoon, Mr fiiehai-d Williams, Coroner held an inquest respect- ing the death of Hannah Edmunds which took place suddenly at the Old Vicarage on Monday under most painful circumstances. Mr Evan Evans, (i-rcal Uak Street, was foreman of the jury. Ellen Pryse, 9, Church Place, stated that Deceased was her sister, and a single woman of 38. She lived with her little boy, who was about two years old, at the Vicarage. She was poorly on Sunday and had been complaining so for about six weeks. She was with her on Sunday at 9.15 p.m. She felt much better then. There was no one attending her in that illness. When she left on Sunday night deceased was sitting at her supper. About 3.30 p.m. on Monday she called to see her again, but found the door was locked. She burst the door open, went upstairs, and found the little boy sitting alone in bed crying. She came downstairs, and looked about the fire ano found deceased lying on the floor with her head under the grate and her arms across the fender. She was lying on her face. Witness called in some neighbours and afterwards sent for the police, and Dr Morris also came. Witness was not aware she was pregnant, but advised her on Sunday to see the doctor. Deceased said she bad been as bad as that several times, and tbat she wuuld get over it.-By the Foreman She was subject to fainting fits for years, and had always been exceedingly delicate. Margaret Mumford said:—She had seen deceased several times last A-eek and knew that. she was not well. Dr Morris said he attended deceased about two years ago. He was called to her house on Monday afternoon about 3-45 and found her lying face downwards near the fireplace in the kitchen. Her head was partly under the grate. There was no fire in the grate when he saw her. A large quantity of her hair had been singed, and on the right side of her forehead there was au oval-shaped burn of the first degree about two inches long. There was discolouration of the face and also of the skin of the breast. It was not due to burns, but owing to the body being in the same posture for a long period. She was quite dead, and had probably been so for about 12 to 15 hours. He had her placed on the table and had all the clothJS removed tro the body. He then made a careful examina- tion of the whole surface of the body. He then ordered the body to be laid ",u t and decided to call later on. He calh-o again at 6 p.m. aud found the body had been taki-n upstairs and la id ou t, He asked a married woman to accompany him upstairs with a light and proceeded to nuikf- a very careful examination of the "oOlh aud its contents. Whilst doing so he distinctly felt the leg and arm of a child partly born ill the vairina. He removed the body and completed the birth. He thought it was premature. He con.iinbd it must have been dead with the mother some days previous to her death. He had attended deceased for many years. She was exceedingly delicate haviug suffered hemmorhage from one of the lungs, and was subject to fainting fits. She had been in a consumptive hospital at Man- chester, and had mi: improved 111 health after the treatment received there. She returned home to Llanjdloes, where she gave birth to a child. He attended her her confinement, when she nearly lost her life. Tins was 2 sears ago.— Inspector Lake: It is genera ly rumoured in the town that deceased had taken s unethiug to procure abortion. Did you find any traces or symptoms P — The Doctor.: No. I fou-id no traces of her having taken drugs or used other means ro procure abort ion, but she might have done. There were no indications of it.—The Coroner: What is the precise cause of death Witness: Premature labourat child-birth, accelerated by the fall during a fainting tit atrainst the grate, with subsequent burning and shtwk. It is just possible that if the woman ha: been seen before or even after she fell agaim-t, the fire-place she might probably have pulled through. —The Doctor (in reply to a juryman): We must, have a public analysis of the contents of the stomach if you want to go further—Inspector Lake: The reason why I asked the que.-tion was to clear up public opinion.—The Coroner To me the ap- pears pretty clear. There is nos ispicion of fuu I play on the part of any one, and the deceased had taken no nauseous drugs or used illegal means to procure abortion from what the doctor couid fine; out. We have uo evideuce to show anything of the soi t, and the jury should pay no attention to idle remarks outside.—The Doctor If jou will permit, me I will make a post-mortem examination—The Foreman: I don't thiuk it is necessarv. L think it will bt best to pass a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.—The Coroner: A post-mortem examina- tion will have to be made if you think there is any real ground for it. In these cases there are always idle rumours and reports but. not much in them; if you think there is any real suspicion that this poor woman had been doing anything illegal, it misfhtbe well to clear the matter up—Inspector Lake As the police are concerned they have not the least suspicion whatever. I have known the deceased from childhood. I think the doctor's evidence is sufficient to clear the matter u — This was the unanimous opinion of the jury, and a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. Prtvious to this, however, the doctor said it was surprising to learn from recent analyses which appeared in The Lancet of the quack medicines sold all over the country with a view of producing mis- carriages, contained most harmless prepaiations. .+-u_

FRIENDLY MATCHES. MACHYNLLETH HALF HOLIDAYS V RAILWAY Locos.-Oti Thursday afternoon, on the Town ground, a scramble took place. The Cambrian men were by far the better team and should have scored more heavily than they did. David Parsons did remarkably well in goal for a youngster. For the winners Dick Griffiths, W Evans and S Weaver did champion work. The game ended in a win for tl"f Railway men of three goals to nil. The referee was Colour-Sergeant Evans of the 5th V.B. He did not see n quite at home with the work. VVKLSHPOOL RFSERVE V. CASUALS. Played on the ground of the former on Saturday. The Casuals won the toss, and after some pressure Hamer came to the rescue and relieved with a huge kick. Jarmari getting hold of the bull made speedy tracks for goal when Thomas handled and from the free kick Jones scored. The Casuals now made a determined attack on the home citadel but Gar tner and his backs played a fine game. Heath handled and a penalty was the result. Hamer I took the kick but failed to score. At the other end Hamer gave a penalty to the Casuals aud Heath equalised. Half-time one each. From now to the finish the Casuals had it all their own way, and lorn Davies scored before the finish the game ending 2 to 1 in favour of the Casuals. LLANFYLLIN ALBION V. DEYTHEUR GRAMMAR ,SCHOOL.-Pla *yed at Uevtheur on Saturday. The Albion won the toss and kicked up hid. Deytheur were the first to score, but from a fine centre by Vaughan, Griffiths soon equalised. Deytheur again took the lead and even played followed. Another fine centre by Vaughan was again converted by Griffiths, and the score stood at half-time two all. On resuming, the Albion pressed considerably and had hard lines in not scoring. The game looked very much like ending in a draw, but one of the homesters handled the ball within the twelve ards line and a penalty kick was given to Llanfyllin. Griffiths took the kick which the goalkeeper saved, but bifore he could clear Forty rumhed the ball through, and a very exciting game ended in a win for the Albion by three goals to two. The winning team :-Got], D Thomas backs, S Glossop and W Williams; halves, C E Palser, E It Ellits forwards, T Bailey, S Williams, T J Vaughan, H Forty, and R Griffiths; referee, Mr E E Roberts. OSWESTRY OLYMPIC V. ELLESMERE RANGERS.— This match was played at Oswestry on Saturday. Both team A were well represented, and the homesters winning the toss elected to play up the incline. The visitors kicked off and at once tested the home defence but were repelled back. After a series of throws-in, Mayers got hold of the ball, made for the visitors' goal and gave to Wilcock, who placed the ball through with a low swift shot. This was the only goal scored in the first half, and the homesters crossed over leading one to nil. In the second period the homesters were seen to be outplaying the visitors at all points, and after 20 min ites' play Hallam scored No. 2. Still pressing, the homesters sent in shots from all quarters, but the goalkeeper was in his best mood and saved b illiantl v- At this period of the game it was seen that the homesters' goalkeeper was playing amongst t,he forwards endeavouring to help his comrades to score, but it was of no avail, the visitors' backs being in fine form. Soon after the whistle blew for hostilities to cea3e, the homesters being declared winners by two goals to nil. The visitors played with ten men during the second half, one of their forwards having left the field for some unknown reason. MACHYNLLETH V TOWYN. Spectator" writes as follows ;-1 read with great interest your Mach- ynlleth correspondent's remarks on the game played last Saturday between Machynlleth and Towyn. As to the relat,ive strergth of the teams, the behaviour of pome of the Towyn men and the gentlemanly sportsmanlike game played by the Machynlleth team, I agree with him. But why your correspondent should in any way apologise for his remarks I don't know. The con- duct of some of the Towyn men justified the use of the strongest unqualified language. The conceit displayed by one of them was sickening. When that young boy—for such his actions proved him to be-booked at Towyn I am certain that he had to pay extra for his luggage—his conceit and bad form. I mean good players need give no gallery play to gain the spectators' appreciation, nor is it customary amongst the best players, to apply the finger tips to their noses. The man who indulges in these practices betrays his breeding. Your correspondent also praises, and not a whit too highly, the Machynlleth players. We have good i-eas,n to be very proud of them. One word again re the Captain. The committee's decision in select- ing him has been amply justified by his play and conduct. Could they not entrust the little changes to meet the exigencies of the game to him. Surely if he is to be something more than a nominal captain, these matters, such as the conduct of the team whilst playing and the aforementioned changes can be left entirely to him. LLANFAIR v. LLANFLLIN.—Played at Llanfair on Saturday in fine weather and before a good crowd of spectators. The home team kicked off and immediately made tracks for the Llanfyllin goal, Davies for the visitors relieving with a strong kick and the visiting forwards took up the running and on several occasions compelled White to clear. Give and take play followed each side attacking in turns. The home team showed good combination at times and scored with a fine shot which gave the Llanfyllin goalkeeper no chance. Immediately on restarting Ridge in trying to clear kicked the ball through his own goal. Straight from the kick-off the visiting forwards carried the ball to the home territory, and after some passing in front of goal Jones beat White with a fine shot. This roused up the visitors and they came very near scoring several times. The home goal was hotly attacked when half time arrived with the score Llanfair 2, Llanfyllin 1. The opening stages of the 2nd half of the game developed a tendency to roughness, several bad fouls being overlooked by the Referee. The play was of a very even character, the home right wing showing pretty combination at times, but the visiting defence was strong. From a throw-in the visitors rushed towards the home goal and Jones was badly fouled when in a good position. The Referee gave the visitors a penalty kick for this offence. Ridge took the kick and failed to score. The home team assumed the offensive and scored another goal. Nothing further was scored and the home team retired winners by 3 to 1. For the home team the backs played well, the halves tackled in good style, and the forwards at times showed good combination but were lacking in finish. The visitors were evidently bothered by the hilly nature of the ground. The backs and goalkeeper played a good game, and the halves played a determinedly. The forwards lacked combination and were rather wild in their attempts at goal. They should shoot oftener instead of trying to dribble the ball through the goal. Taking the teams on the whole there was not more than a goal difference between them. ABERYSTWYTH COLLEGE V ABERYSTWYTH TOWN. One of the most popular games of the season, the match between College and Town invariably pro. vides a good game for the football enthusiasts. Last Saturday's game proved no exception to the rule and a fairly large number of spectators were present to witness the game. The College were witho-it Roose, who, unfortunately for his side, was a bit off owing to a cold, and could not play. The following were the teams — College: Goal, Dowlais Williams; backs, Pring and Grundy; half-backs, E Evans, Nash, and Johnson forwards, E A Lewis, D P Williams, Towyn Williams, Conway Jones, and Thomson. Town: Goal, T Evans; backs, D Ed- wards and Geo. Evans; half-backs, G Green, J W Edwards, and W Jones (secretary); for- wards, J R Jones, Barson, A Green, J Evans and Bennett. Referee, Mr Ruston, College. Linesmen, Messrs Edwards and Benbow.— The ground was in a bad condition, and when the ball fell it simply stopped, and of course a neat game of passing was out of the question, the players finding it almost as much as they could do to get alorg at any sort of pace. The College men were eager to attack and were first to press the game. It was, however, only of short duration, for in a few minutes' time Dowlais Williams had to fist out a nasty shot. Pring played an excellent game for hip side and fought like a Trojan to clear his line. An exchange of shois sent in by the outside right of both teams led up to an incident in which Nash was the principal actor, that player fouling the ball near to his goal greatly to the dismay of his team. J.Evanagota shot in from the free kick which followed, but the ball weut wide. Another free kick for the Town was taken by G. Orpen, who in response to an appeal from his brother to "rise her up," lifted the ball well over the heads of the crowd of players on to that of his brother, who neatly popped it under the crossbar. This was the ifrst goal scored, but not the last, as after proceedings will show. The steady and per- sistant play of ttie Town backs and half-backs completely wrecked the attacks of the College forwards, who after a galtant effort to draw level were beaten back and in turu became defenuers. The second goal for the Town was admirably well worked and was really due to good play on the part of the players named below. J. H. Edwards from the half line passed with splendid judgment to W. Jones, and the latter tipping t! e bail to Barson it was centred on to the foot of A. Green and potted without more ado. College right wing were again rustling the game at the Town eud, both Jones and Thonisou playing a hard aud persevering game. They could not however break down tht sturdy defence offered by Jones and Evans, and if they goc Lbr >ugh were summarily dismissed when un the point of shooting for goal. Smart work was shown by and his fellow backs in defending their goal frum a rush 8ubséquent to .a comer kick. Tile work for the moment was terrific, but Pring and Grundy with the wiry Nash got the ball away, and Jones and Thomson once more led a charge upon their opponents and once aaiu were badly beaten. Just before balf-time J. Evans scored frum a pass by Bennett. The last named was appaiently off- side, but as he was not giveu, off-side, and Evans who scored was not" the crowd of Town supporters beeame incensed, and sODle compliments of a questionable nature were flung at Mr Rustou's head from the four corners of the ground. Half-time score Town two, College llone. The SéCOlI<! half was for the greater part in favour of the Town, and although they were robbed of another goal which like its predecessor was declared off-side, they managed to score three goals in a few minutes. The College men kept up their ding-dong play and Conway Jones, the smartest of the five forwards, got in several smart shots which Evans had to be pretty sharp to clear. At this time the College were having the better of the game, and out of a free- kick which Grundy took the ball was lifted above the goal. Evans made the mistake of letting it go, but instead of going over it struck the cross-bar, and darting up Conway Jones put it through. Evans could have saved had he tried to do so, but drop shots always are deceiving and that must be his excuse for letting it go. Before the close Johnny Evans and Barson scored one goal each, and the game ended in a win for the Town by seven goals to one. NEWTOWN v. LIVERPOOL R. Played on the Cunnings ou Saturday in fine weather and before a good gate. Teams were as follows: — Newtown Goal, A Edwards; backs, E Rees and C Parry; half-backs, M Pilot, H E Moore, and E Davies; forwards, W E Pryce-Jones, E Morgan, A Swetteuham, R Morris, and W Parry. Liverpool Goal, McQueen backs, Stephenson and Cleghorn halfbacks, C Wilson, Birchall, and R Ellison; forwards, Marshall, McCowie, Lloyd and Kelly; reteree, Mr Oliver Taylor. Newtown won the toss and selected to play down the incline, Liverpool playing with 10 men. McCowie hit the crossbar in about ten minutes from the kick-off, but two fouls against Liverpool were given early in the game, and from the latter of these Newtown got down, only however, to be driven back, and Rees missi*>g his kick allowed Lloyd to get in, bat Pilot rushed up just in time. Soon after this C Parry sent in a long shot from beyond the half-way fine with which he nearly scored. The home players now showed good form and were little behind their opponents in form. Morris and Moore had a try. and Pryce-Jones headed the ball into the goal month where a scrimmage resulted, Stephenson eventually clearing. Good football was shown by both teams, each trying to get the advantage. Pilot let the left wing in, and C Parry headed behind in clearing the corner being fruitless. From a long shot by C. Parry, Swettenham got possession and nearly scored. E. Davies was penalised which relieved the pressure on the visitors' goal, but R. Morris again had a try. Swettenham got through down the centre and cleverly passed to Pryce-Jones who landed the ball into dangerous quarters, but Morris when about to shoot fell. Moore now sprained his knee and had to retire. Morris and Teddy Davies got down by some very nice short passing, but the former eventually was robbed, and W. Parry cleverly tricked McCowie, giving the ba'l to R. Morris and again tried McQueen, but the latter cleared beautifully, Morgan trying him with another shot a minute later. Edwards at the other end made two marvellous saves having to throw himself along the ground on each occasion, Swettenham made another good individual attempt, he was nastily sandwiched between two men, and the free-kick was got away, Edwards saving another beautiful shot from Lloyd in brilliant fashion. Half-time was now called the score sheet being blank. Restarting, Liverpool put great pressure on the home goal, but Edwards, Rees and particularly C. Parry were in brilliant form, and cleared splendidly. Teddy Davies nicely checked another rush, and after this the home forwards got up and looked like scoring. The home halves were now playing a brilliant game, and Teddy Davies got the better of Marshall on several occasions. Mverpool again got down and forced two fruitless corners. Soon after this Rees apparently handled the ball and the Referee gave a penalty. McCowie took the kick, but C. Parry who had supplanted Edwards for the time being cleverly saved-, and a mighty shout rent the air. Morris took the ball up the left wing, and passed Wilson and Stevenson very cleverly. He centred beautifully and Pryce-Jones pounced ur-on the globe, but passed to Morgan who shot a few inches wide. A foul against Morgan was got away by one of C. Parry's huge kicks. A fight among some of the spectators next took place, but this did not last long as Morgan scored for the home team, and all joined to give a hearty cheer. The goal was prettily worked for. Morris tricked two or three opponents and centred, Morgan beat- ing McQueen. For a few minutes after this success the homesters still pressed, but McCowie equali8erl from a scrimmage shortly afterwards. ALer this Liverpool put great pressure on the home goal, and again a penalty was given, Rees being a second time adjudged the delinquent, which however he strongly disclaims on both occasions. McCowie was more successful with this and beat Parry, thus putting his team ahead. Much opposition was shown to this and other decisions of the referee. From now to the end the pome deteriorated in a^urprising manner. The home team being apparently quite disheartened the visitors took advantage of this, and McCowie and Birchall added one each to the score, and Liverpool were winners bv 4 g^als to 1.

FORDEN BOARD OF GU AEDIANS. WEDNESDAY. Preient: The Rev L J Lee chairman, presiding, Mr E R James, vice chairman, the Rev J Sawer, Messrs S D Price-Davies, G Hellard-Holt, W Prit- chard, J Whitaker, W Rogers, J Davies, C Davies, T S Pryce, J Edwards, D Gittins, J Holloway, R Jones, Pentre: T Hotchkiss, John Edwards, R Jones, Courthouse; R Gwilliam, E Price, E Hughes, and J Whettal, with Mr C S Pryce, clerk. VACANCIES, The Chairman said there were at present two vacancies on the Board, one caused by the death of Mr R. Scotson and the other by the absence of the guardian for Pool Upper, Mr Green, for a period of more than six months. In reply to the Chairman, the Clerk said no reason had been given by Mr Green for his absence. Mr E. Hughes pro- posed, and the Vice-chairman seconded, that the Board declare the seats vacant. The motion was carried. MISCELLANEOUS. A circular was received from the Clerk to the County Council notifying the Board that Mr Mar- chant Williams had been appointed to conduct an enquiry into the Charities of Montgomeryshire.— Mr J. Fortune and Mr R. Tom ley accepted the terms offered by the Board for t he performance of the duties of Vaccination Officers.— With regard to the recent fire at the Workhouse, the Insurance Com- pany wrote that they must have au estimate of the damage done.—Mr Maurice Owen, Garthmyl, was selected to carry out the work. THE CONTROL OF DESERTED CHILDREN. A resolution was received from the Keighley Beard of Guardians requesting the Board to assist in peti Zoning Parliament to amend the Poor Law Act, so as to give boards of guardians additional powers over destitute orphan children or children of persons unfit to have control of them.—On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr E Hughes 1 the resolution was accepted.

-+- CHIRBURY RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. WEDNESDAY. Present: The Chairman (Rev L J Lee), Messrs S D Price-Davies (vice-chairman), J Whitaker Enoch Price, J Whettal, R Gwilliam, and T Hotch-, kiss, with Messrs C S Pryce (clerk), W P Hole (surveyor), J Williams (inspector). THE REA VALLEY RAILWAY. Bearing upou the promotion of the above a letter was received from Sir Offley Wakemati, stating that as the joint railways had now decided that they were unable at present to give any definite answer to the application of the promoters of the above line, he thought it would unfair that the ratepayers of the Chirbury district should remain any longer out of pocket by the considerable sum they had advanced in respect of the scheme. On behalf of himself and those interested in the scheme he enclosed a cheque in re-payment of the monies so advanced by the Dis- trict Council as set out in their letter of the 4th inst. Ho sent the cheque subject to the following conditions: (1) If the scheme was eventually with- drawn the JE50 deposited by the Council with Government, now repaid to them by the writer, should be paid over to him. (2) In the event of the success of the scheme the sum he was now paying should be deducted from his promised sub- scription to the line.—The Chairman said the expense connected with the construction of the railway would represent a rate of about 6d in the pound. He wished to make it perfectly clear that they intended to pay no more preliminary expenses. — Mr E Price thought :th6Y were much indebted to Sir Offley Wakeman for paying this money.—The Chairman said they ought to pass a very cordial vote of thanks to the gentleman. —Mr Whitaker concurred, but thought it would be advisable to wait till they had heard from the Companies.—The Chairman havinf notified that he would be absent from the next meeting of the Council, Mr S D Price-Davies gave uoricc to move for Mr Lee. That this Council will incur no further preliminary expenses with respect to this proposed Light Railway."—A cordial vote of thanks was accorded Sir Offley Wakeman for his action in the matter, and the discussion terminated. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. Dr Raytior Hatfield, Worthen, medical officer to the Council, submitted his annual report, which stated that the population of the district at present was estimated at 4,080, the increase over last year being attributable to the recent re opening of lead mines in the district. During the past year 93 births had been registered, as against. 75 in 1897, giving a birth rate of 22 7 per 1.000, an increase on the rate of last year, which was 18'5. The number of registered deaths in 1898 was 49 criving a death rate of 12 per 1,000, the rate in 1897 being 116. The death rate for children under one year of age was 54 9 per 1,000, a considerable decrease com- pared with the year 1897, when the rate was 120. No deaths from zymotic disease had occurred during the year. Seven cases of non-notifiable infectiouadiseasealia.d been reported. They were diphtheria (one case), scarlet fever (two), erysipelas (three), typhoid fever (one). As regarded non- notifiable infectious diseases, they were made up of cases of whooping cough and an out-break of measles,which occurred at Marton, the sehoul thure having to be closed in consequence. Further out- breaks of measles had taken place at Brownlow and Worthen, but these were promptly suppressed. With reference to the general sanitary condition of the district many of the houses ou the hills presented grave sanitary defects. No lfagrant case of over-crowding had come under his notice. Many drains in the district were allowed to contaminate the- water supply. He wished to draw the attention of the Board to the insanitary condition of many privies in the district. The water supply of Chirbury, Worthen, Wotherton, aud Marton, was satisfactory, but that of Brockton and Snailbeach called for attention. As regarded Brockton he suggested the sinkingof fresh wells, and in reference to Sifliilbeach the water supply was derived from three sources, two of which were doubtful as to quality. — The consideration of the report was deferred to the next meeting.