The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

ABERDOVEY. RUNAWAY.-On Tuesday, the horse belonging to Mr Joachim, baker, suddenly took fright in Chapel square. The trap was overturned and the horse got loose. Fortunately there was no one in it at the time and no personal injuries were received. RECHABITES.-At the annual meeting of the I Rechabite Tents of Gwynedd, held at Blaenau j Festiniog, on Monday, Mr E L Rowlands (Dvfi), ) f Liverpool House, was elected High Chief Ruler of j the North Wales district. This hononr confers t upon Mr Rowlands the power to initiate new tents in the southern district. TEMPERANCE.—On Sunday evening a temperance meeting was held at the Assembly Rooms, Mr John Owen presiding. Addresses were delivered by the Rev J Pritchard, Corwen, and the Rev D Jones. Garregddu, Festiniog. ANNUAL VESTRY.—This annual meeting was held on Thursday evening, when Mr J D Evans, Penmaenisaf, was voted to the chair. — Mr John Owen, clerk, read the accounts of the Burial Board which showed that a sum of X15 2s Od had been received, and that the expenditure amounted to £ 18. It may be well to explain in regard to this adverse balance that the Board levies a rate but once in two vears and last year there was no rate made. Mr W J Eves and Mr John Rees, the auditors, certified that they had examined the accounts and found them correct.-Mr Eves and Mr J Lumley, jun., were elected auditors for the ensuing year.- Messrs Hugh Rees, J D Evans, and W. Vaughan Thomas, the retiring members on the Burial Board, were re-elected. A vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding was passed. LITERARY MEETING.—The annual meeting was held on Good Friday at the Welsh C.M. Chapel There was a large attendance, over which the Re-, J 0 Thomas presided. The following awards were made:- Ysgrifenu ar canvas, 1 Mary Thomas, 2 Dovina J Davies; ysgrifenu pregethau dros 16eg oed, 1 D Llew Hughes, 2 Gwen Jones; ditto dan 16eg, Edwin Hughes; atteb o'r Rhodd Mam, 1 M J Jones (Maethlon), 2 Thomas James ac Evar Row- lands, 3 R 0 Jenkins; arholiad i rai mewn oed, 1 W Jones Hughes, 2 W Williams ac W V Thomas; traethawd i rai dan 21ain oed, 1 Rd Bowen, 2 Katie Williams; atteb o'r Holiedydd Bach, M D Jones, Maethlon; cwestynau goreu gan athraw i'w ddos- barth, 1 Robert Griffiths a W Williams, 2 D Jones, Bwlch; adrodd i rai dan 12pg oed (plant), 1 M Williams a M Rowlands, 2 Blodwen flughes a B E Owen; arholiad i rai dan 21ain oed, 1 Catherine Richards, 2 M Evans, 3 M J Davies; cyfiethiad Saesneg a Cymraeg dros 16eg oed, 1 D Llew Hughes, 2 Mrs K Davies; ditto dan 16eg oed, 1 Margaret Richards, 2 Louisa Ann Jones; egluro pennillion, D Llew Hughes; llythyr dysgybl at ei athraw, S J Evans; dewis tonau at y Gymanfa Gerddorol nesaf, B J Evans; adrodd Du Gwrfu" dan 16eg oed, 1 Morris Rowlands, 2 Maggie Wil- liams, 3 Catherine E Rowlands a Jona Jenkins, 4 Ellen Rowlands a Blodwen Lumley canu i rai dan 14eg oed, 1 Maggie Williams, 2 Mary Evans, 3 Blodwen Hughes; barddoniaeth ar y teimlad, R Bowen child's pinafore, 1 E Huphreys, 2 E Evans; deuawd i blant dan 16 oed, ICE Rowland, Eliz., Evans, A M Rowlands, Arthur Hughes; arholiad dan lleg oed, 1 Morris Rowlands, 2 Blodwen Hughes a M Williams; arholiad dan 16eg oed, 1 Edwin Hughes; pedwarawd, parti H Lewis; atteb o'r Hyfforddwr, Rebecca Edwards; hanes Charles o'r Bala, 1 D LI Hughes, 2 Mrs K Davies; darllen sol-fa dan 16eg oed, Annie Evans unawd baritone, "FeIIten," Hugh Lewis; adroddiad, "Y Diluw," Gwen Jones; unawd soprano, Janetta Jones; deu- awd, 0 rhowch i mi fy nghledd," J D Hughes a Ernest Richards; traethawd i rai mewn oed, J E Jonas; par of slippers, Mrs R Davies; arholiad ar y Hyfforddwr, W Jcnes a W V Thomas; corau plant, cor Robt Griffith freehand drawing, Edwin Hughes; wythawd, parti E Davies. ABERDOVEY GOLF CLUB. The Easter tournaments commenced on Saturday. The number of golfers in the town is unusually large, and it may safely be asserted that the town has never been more full during Easter nor has a larger number of golfers visited the town. In the morning the handicap competition for sweepstakes (medal play) was played. The following is the result:— Gross. H'cp. Net. W L Atkinson 92 17 75 .J A, Faii-i-iurst 83 4 79 F Holmes 91 12 79 B K Wilson 85 5 80 Captain Brown 86 5 81 C F Hoskins 90 9 81 Perry 97 15 82 A H Griffiths 102 20 82 S II Petre 87 2 85 S Sanders 106 17 89 Other cards were over 90 net. In the afternoon the bogey competition, under handicap, was played for a prize value C3. The following were the best cards returned:-D Hills, less 12 down, 3; A B Sanders, less 4 down, 4. The following were 5 dowri:-Lowe less 4, Powell less 10, Brodie less 10, Clifford less 10, Walker less 10, S Sanders less 17. MONDAY'S PLAY. On Monday morning a handicap competition, medal play (50 entries) was played, and the follow- ing were the scores:— Gross. H'cp. Net. R Perry. 94 16 78 S Pent-re 82 2 80 W Forbes 92 12 80 M Hills. 95 14 81 R More 92 9 83 O Goodman 98 14 84 Dr Lowe 89 4 85 E Jacobs 95 10 85 G Brodie 95 10 85 C Hoskins 95 9 86 J Clifford 96 10 86 K Wilson q2 5 87 H Walker 97 10 87 Several cards were sent in over 90. In the afternoon a foursome against bogy (50 entries) was played. The following were four down: Woodbridge and Hargreaves, six strokes; Hills and Hayben, eight strokes; Teape and Tom- lins, nine strokes. The following were six down Downing and Atkinson, seven strokes Phelps and Carslake, eight strokes Sturge and Tangye, eleven strokes. The following were seven down Crane and Hoskins, eight strokes; Jacobs and Holmes, eight strokes; Cheshire and Walker (with six strokes), eight down Forbes and M Hills (with ten strokes), nine down. TUESDAY'S PLAY. On Tuesday the President's Cup with gold TUESDAY'S PLAY. On Tuesday the President's Cup with gold memento, 36 holes, under handicap, was competed for. Scores:— Isbroand. 2nd round. gross. h'cap. net. TI. J A Fairhurst 84 4 80 89 169 F Holmes 92 12 80 90 170 A H Griffith 102 20 82 88 170 S H Petre 90 2 88 85 173 H Walker 94 10 84 90 174 Dr Lowe 90 4 86 88 174 C H Alleock 92 5 87 88 175 W Knyvet 90 5 85 91 176 J A Hope 100 10 90 87 177 Dr Chesshire 96 7 89 89 178 E L Jacobs 99 10 90 91 180 0 G Goodman 104 14 90 96 186 O V Crane 102 12 90 101 191 Dr Biggan 103 12 91 E E Lamb 102 5 97 The winners of the first round sweepstake were Messrs J A Fairhurst and Holmes, each of whom received £ 1 Is 3d; second sweepstake, Mr J A Hope, Cl; and Dr Lowe, Mr C H Allcock, and Mr Giiffiths, 3s 4d each.

MACHYNLLETH. EASTFR SERVICEs.-On Easter Day there was a full choral celebration at the Parish Church at 8 and 11, when there was an unusually large number of communicants. The anthem "I will ransom them was well rendered, Mr David Williams and Mr Johnny Edwards taking the solos-tenor and bass. Willie Williams sang the treble solo very sweetly. Mr Tom Parsons and Mr Roger Howell presided at the organ at the morning services. FOOTBALL CONCERT.—A concert in connection with the Town Football Club took place in the Vane Hall, on Easter Monday evening. Mr Lascelles, of Pentnaen Dyfl, presided over a fnll house. The following is the programme:—Duet, Mr Owen Morri- and Mr J Jones; song, Mary of Argyle," Mr R Howell; pianoforte duet, Mrs Lascelles and Miss Lascelles; song, "The Diver," Mr Trevor Jones; comi..1 song, "The golden dust- man," Mr J E Hughes (encored) duet, The children's prayer," Mr and Miss Lumlev; song, Cycling," Mr H R Humphreys; song, Mr Owen Morris song, Y plentyn a'r gwlith (encored) Alone on the raft," Miss Lumley; song, "Gwlad fy ngenedigaeth," Mr Jones; song, Mr Trevor Jones; duet, Hywel a Blodwen," Mr and Miss Lumley comic song, "We all live with father" (encored) "The German girl," Mr J E Hughes; song, "In old Madrid," Mr Howell; song, Mr Humphreys; trio, Miss Lumley, Mr Lumley, and Mr H R Humphreys. The feature of the concert was the capital comic singing of Mr J E Hughes which caused roars of laughter from the audience. He is the finest comic singer for many miles round. Is as solemn as a judge, as funny as they make'em. He fairly brought the house down with his We all live with father.A vote of thanks was pro- posed to Mr Lascellfs by Dr Davies, and seconded by Mr Edmund Gillart. Lady Londonderry was also heartily thanked for the use of the Hall. Miss Williams and Mr Cule accompanied the singers. BANK CHANGES. Mr W T Duke-Williams, manager of the National Provincial Bank in this town, has been promoted to be manager of the Corn Exchange Branch of the eame Bank in Manchester. Mr Duke-Williams, who entered the Bank service in 1875, had been chief cashier at Liverpool and accountant at Bangor, and succeeded the late Mr Hugh Lloyd-Jones as manager at Machynlleth just two years ago. During his short residence in this town, Mr Williams has won the highest esteem and confidence of all classes, and his departure from the neighbourhood is much regretted by the in- habitants of Machynlleth and district. During his two years' management of the National Pro- vincial Bank in this town, Mr Duke-Williams initiated and carried out the opening of a new branch at Towyn and a sub-agency at Llanbryn- mair. Those who have .had the pleasure of Mr Duke-Williams' private friendship, speak of him in the highest terms as an affable and courteous gentleman. He leaves the district with the hearty good wishes of all. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.—TUESDAY. Present: Mr D Davies-Williams, chairman, pre- siding; Messrs G W Griffiths, R Owen, Joseph Evans, John Thomas, Edmund Gillart, R Rees, E Rees, J Pugh, Henry Lewis, with Mr J Rowlands, clerk Dr A 0 Davies, medical officer; and Mr John Jones, surveyor and inspector. A NEW STREET. The Chairman said the plan bad been submitted of a proposed road, to be called Heol lorwerth, opposite t,he new houses now being built by Mr Edward Morgan. The plan was approved, on the motion of Mr R Rees, seconded by Mr J Pugh, sub- ject to a slight alteration as required by the bye- laws. COMMON LODGING HOUSES. P.S. Hamer reported that he had regularly inspected the common lodging houses during the past year. They were kept to his satisfaction, and much better than in previous years. 1284 men had been lodged during the year and 183 women, a total of 1467. CHARITIES. The Charity Commissioners wrote asking whether there were any charities in the parish besides the following:-John Jones, John Owen, Anne Jones (consolidated charities), town house, Hughes' and Morris' charities, A Morris, H Humphreys, David Parry, Mary Breese, Glanpwll Church trust, site of Machynlleth Church trust, site of National School, site of the Intermediate School, Uwchygareg local school. An enquiry would be held on the forenoon of April 23rd. In reply to a further communica- tion from the committee which had been appointed to go into the matter, the Charity Commissioners wrote that the Sunday schoolroom, the disused chapel, and cottage, and the minister's house would appear to fall within the scope of the present inquiry. They should therefore be glad to be informed of the names of the trustees or of other person or persons to whom notice of the inquiry could be addressed. It was possible that the cemetery which was mentioned would fall within the juris- diction of the Home Office, and not of the Charity Commissioners. However, it was advisable not to determine that point until it could be elucidated at the enquiry.—Mr R Rees said the time for holding the enquiry was drawing near, and they would have only one meeting before it was held. It was an important matter, and would cost the county be- tween X400 and R500. In view of that it was advisable for the Council to get someone to attend and act as the Council's spokesman. He proposed that the Clerk should represent the Council, and act as their spokesman.—Mr E Gillart aaid it seemed that there was a large number of charities in the town, and although they were small they should be carefully looked into. He was under the impression that the committee appointed by the j Council to make inquiries into the charities was to report to the Council. He did not know what was meant by to prepare for the inquiry as it was very vague. That Council represented the rate- payers and he thought they should know what the report of the committee was. He was sure the members of the Council were willing to render all assistance in their power.—The Chairman said he was at a loss to know where the committee was to get information. It seemed that the only source was the Charity Commissioners themselves.—Mr E Rees said it struck him that all they were asked to do was to submit the names of trustees, &c., of the several charities.—The Clerk, on being appealed to, observed that the committee had no material to work upon. The assistant overseer was the best person to give in- formation. As to the work delegated to the com- mittee, he believed the committee was to collect all information they could possibly get and lay it before the Commissioner.—Mr E Gillart: Without submitting it to the Council ?-The Clerk replied in the affirmative. He did not think the com- mittee was to take any line or prepare any case- but simply to collect all information and submit it to the Commissioners.—Mr E Gillart: If the report will be submitted as coming from the Council he should certainly like to see it before it was laid before the Commissioners.—Mr R Owen remarked that if the Council would be held responsible for the report they should by all means approve of it. —The Clerk The resolution simply states that they were to prepare for the inquiry, and not to bind the Council in the least.—Mr E Gillart said that if the report would be presented as that of individuals he would have nothing further to say on the question. —The Chairman said the Council could not be held responsible for the report as they had nothing what- ever to do with charities. That power was delegated to other authorities, such as Parish Councils, &c. They, of course, represented the interests of the ratepayers, and as such they would do their utmost for them.—Mr J Pugh, proposed, as a solution of the difficulty that a committee of three persons be appointed to collect all the information they could get, aud to submit a report to the Council.—Mr Joseph Evans, seconded, and the proposition was carried.—The same committee was appointed.— The Clerk was instructed to attend at the inquiry to represent the Council.—It was decided to hold a special meeting on the 18th inst. to receive the report of the committee UNABLE TO ATTEND. The Chairman read a telegram from Lord Henry Vane-Tempest regretting hia inability to attend the meeting. FISHING IN THE RESERVOIR. A letter was read from Colonel Hughes (Sir Watkin's agent) offering the right of fishing in the reservoir to the members of the Council for XS a year.—It was decided to acknowledge the receipt of the letter. THE SITE OF THE NEW POLICE STATION. A reply was received from the Home Office ac- knowledging the receipt of a resolution passed by the Council at its last meeting in regard to the erection of a new Police Station at Machynlleth. The letter further stated that on inquiry it was found that the erection of the proposed station on the site to which the Council referred would not impair the efficiency of the force, and therefore the matter was not one in which the Home Office could interfere. COLLECTOR'S REPORT. Mr Rhys Lewis, rate collector, reported that the total rate for the year amounted to zEB53 10s 5d, of which he had collected £ 769 2s 3Jd, leaving a balance of JE84 8s lid, of which C45 5s %d was recoverable. STREETS COMMITTEE. This Committee reported that the Surveyor's report had been considered and directions given. Accounts amounting to E37 10s 3d were recom- mended to be paid.-The report was adopted. MEDICAL OFFICER. The Chairman said he had great pleasure in moving the re-election of Dr A 0 Davies as medical officer. Since his election he had performed his duties to their entire satisfaction.- Mr J Evans seconded, and the motion was unanimously agreed to, and Dr Davies returned thanks. MISCELLANEOUS APPOINTMENTS. On the motion of Mr R Owen, seconded by Mr R Rees, Mr John Jones was appointed inspector and surveyor. Sergeant Hamer was also elected inspector of common lodging houses. Messrs Thomas James and D E Davies were re-elected overseers for the ensuing year.—On the motion of Mr J Pugh, Mr John Jones, surveyor, was appointed reservoir keeper. TENDERS. A tender for carting house refuse was received from Mr Evan Jones, 4s per day and to go round three days in the week 5s per day and to go round twice a week; carting street refuse, 5s a week; Mary Williams tendered for the carting of stones at Is per ton.—Mr E Rees proposed that the tirst tender sent in by E Jones be accepted.—The Chair- man reminded the meeting that it had been decided some time ago that when the tendeis were dealt with they should take into consideration at the same time the advisability or otherwise of the Council going in for a team of horses to do the carting.—Mr R Owen said he had had scme ex- perience of carting, and considering the small amount of carting required as well as the very reasonable tenders received he did not think it would be wise on the part of the Council to buy a team of horses.—The Chairman said the sum paid last year for carting amounted to zE58 8s.— Mr R Owen You would have to pay that in wages alone. It was decided not to let the contract until the next meeting, so that the members might have an opportunity of expressing their views on the matter. THE CHAIRMAN. Mr R Owen said as that was the last meeting for the Chairman to act in that capacity he had great pleasure in moving a vote of thanks for his services in the chair. He had 'conducted the business uf the Board with ability. For the town the last year had been an important one particularly in connec- tion with the opening of the waterworks.—Mr Joseph Evans seconded and endorsed the remarks made by Mr Owen.—The motion was unanimously passed.-The Chairman thanked the members for the kind way in which they had spoken of him and recognised his services in the chair. He regretted that he was not more efficient ard no one was more conscious of his shortcomings than he was. He had sacrificed a great deal to attend the Council meet- ings and really more than he could afford to devote. He would look back with pride and pleasure Yapon his year of office. On the other hand during that year his family had had the darkest cloud that had ever occurred to them in the death of their son. He trusted that such would not be the lot of any other membtr of the Council. The members had respected the chair, and he hoped the day was far distant when the Council would lose its respect for the chair whoever might be its occupier. Daring The year the waterworks had been opened, which marked it as a notorious one in the history of the town. Whilst outside the Council he would closely follow their doings in in regard to the scheme for better sanitation which it was proposed to carry out. In conclusion the Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to the Vice-Chairman, which was seconded by Mr E Rees, and agreed to.—Thanks were also accorded to the Clerk for the careful way he attended to the business of the Board.

LLANIDLOES. LOCAL GOVERNING BODY.—TUESDAY. Present: Mr Edward Bowen (vice-chairman), presiding, Mrs Prsce-Davies Messrs W Ashton, J Godfrey Bowen, Gwilym Edmunds, Edmund Hamer, with the Deputy Clerk (Mr W S Morgan), the Headmaster (Mr E Horsfall Turner), and the Headmistress (Miss Mole). SCHOOL MATTERS. The Governors discussed several matters affecting the school, and among them was the acquisition of a playing field. It was stated by Mr Turner that the present plot attached to the school, which was too small to allow of any games to be played properly, required to be set with grass seeds. In the meantime the pupils would require another plot on which to play.—Mr Godfrey Bowen sug- gested that the pupils should forego their sports for one season to allow the ground to be properly set. He could not sanction further expenditure on athletics.—The Headmaster said above all things the Governors should give encouragement to athletics.—Mr Edmunds agreed, but could not see how a field some distance away could be kept select. The impudence of the town boys was astounding.—The Clerk was directed to enquire about a field mentioned by the Headmaster.—The Headmaster pointed out the necessity of purchasing a roller, and the matter was referred to the Shrubs Committee with power to expend £2 in the purchase of one.—An application by the Headmaster to furnish the walls with pictures was deferred, Mr Turner being instructed to make enquiries as to cost, etc. MUSIC AND PAINTING. The suggestion made by the Head Teachers at the last meeting that music and painting should form part of the curriculum again came up for dis- cussion. Enquiries, in accordance with the Governors' instructions, had been made by the Headmaster in different schools in the county, and he gave several instances of schools where music was taught, and in reference to the immediate locality he mentioned the schools of Welshpool and Newtown. In mentioning the question he merely did so tentatively, because parents sometime asked whether music was taught at the school, and he could only reply that they had no regulations. He could neither answer negatively nor affirmatively, because the Governors bad not decided one way or the other. Another question which had to be considered was whether the fees charged would cover the expense of engaging an outside teacher.—Mr Edmunds said the real question was whether there was any need for another subject. There was a great number of subjects now, and an addition might interfere with the curriculum —The Headmaster said they bad sufficient subjects, but when the Governors considered the number of pupils taking music elsewhere it would be no hard- stjip for them to have lessons inside school hours. —Miss Mole said it would certainly be an advantage. Mrs Pryce-Davies asked if the children would be willing to pay the extra fee, which was rather high. They would without doubt get lessons at a much lower rate in town.—The Chairman suggested that the question should be deferred.—Mr Turner said he was strongly in favour of a resolution being made for the reason that he had no answer to give to the parents. He suggested that the subject should be taught provided parents were willing to pay the fees required by the scheme.—Mr Hamer had no objection to a motion of that kind, and he moved accordingly.—The motion was carried. OUTSTANDING SUBSCRIPTIONS. The Clerk said that there were many outstand- ing subscriptions and be asked for instructions in regard to the matter.—Mr Ashton asked if there were many uncollected subscriptions from Trefeg- lwys.-The Clerk Yes.—Mr Godfrey Bowen said there was a large sum uncollected, in town especially (laughter).—Mr Edmunds considered that some strenuous effort should be made.—The Chairman said the Governors should defer the question until they could be supplied with a list of those who had not paid.—Mr Ashton said the money would come in by degrees. Every time the circulars went out a little came in.-Mr Edmunds said a personal visit would be more effective. The Governors certainly wanted money. The funds had gone, and they had now only the income. The matter dropped. THE INCOME, ETC. Replying to a request from the Governors for their portion of the income, the Clerk to the County Governing Body said that after the accounts bad been audited on the 31st March the Governing Body would be in a position to distribute to the school their portion of the income. Bills to the amount of X119 Is 2d were passed for payment. VOTES OF CONDOLENCE. On the motion of Mr Gwilym Edmunds, seconded by Mr Ashton, a vote of sympathy was passed with Mr Edwin Jones, Wandinam, in the loss sustained by him in the death of his wife.—Mr Wm Ashton said that in moving a vote of condolence with the relatives of their late chairman (Mr A J Morris) he had a melancholy duty to perform. They had that day to lament the loss of one who for many years was chairman of that Board, and who gained for himself by his ability and courtesy the goodwill and esteem of everyone with whom he came into con- tact. Mr Morris took a deep interest in matters educational, and he might say without prejudice that no one on that Board was so well versed in Intermediate Education as their late chairman. The loss was serious not only to the Board but to the town generally.-Mr Godfrey Bowen seconded.— Mr Turner as headmaster supported the motion, which was carried in silence.

UWCHYGARREG. EASTER SERVICES.—Good Friday service at 10 a.m.; class of candidates for Confirmation which is to take place at Machynlleth Parish Church, in the evening at 6. For Easter Sunday the Mission Church wa" nicely decorated with choice flowers by Miss Jones, Penrhiw, and Miss Williams, Pantglas. The service at 10 a.m., Sunday School at 2, and service at 6 in the evening, were all well attended. Miss Williams has the charge of the harmonium on Sundays and her service is much appreciated.

THE GREAT REMEDY, CrOMT IP I Xt j JL 25 • FOR GOUT, RHEUMATISM, SCIATICA, LUMBAGO, NEURALGIA Claim a superiority over all other GOUT and RHEUMATIC Medicines. They give relief from pain in a few hours, and a speedy cure without the slightest inconvenience. I¡All Chemists and Stores, at Is. lid. and 2s. 9d. per box.

CO HUES HO V Db\\ Oh. 10 COKBKSPONDENTS. Communication* for th s column should be addressed to the Editor, and must be written upon one side of the paper oniy. They shorÛdin all cases be accompanied by the name and address of the sender, not necessarily in ini.oiic.ation but as a guarantee of good faith.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF SCHOLARSHIPS. To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES. Sir,-I was very much grieved by reading in your last issue the report of a meeting of head- masters and mistresses of the Local Association of the National Union of Teachers held recently at Newtown. From the report I conclude that there is considerable triction between the members of the Association and the Local Governors on Inter- mediate Education. That a real or imaginary grievance exists must be apparent, or the following expressions would not have been used with regard to the examinations for intermediate scholarships. I air. not at all satisfied with the examiner nor with the questions set." The examiner did not seem to undersand the syllabus or the code." "The whole affair was bungled from beginning to end." With these statements another teacher agreed, and he also had previously complained of what he regarded as an injustice done to a candidate from a county school. In consideration of the fact that the piin- cipal source from which the County School is to obtain scholars, is the elementary schools of the district, the matters complained of should receive due and timely attention from the Governors of the Intermediate Schools. It is not sufficient to treat their complaints as of no moment and pass on to the next order of business. The National Union of Teachers is an intelligent and influential body, and shoulu at least be treated with courtesy and con- sideration, and both classes of teachers should endeavour to work together harmoniously, each remembering that the qtate of education in Wales at the present time has been mainly brought about by the years devoted to it by the teachers in our elementary schools. Although only an outsider I feel deeply interested in the educational progress of the future of the Principality, and respectfully submit a few proposals for consideration, believing that if they are adopted, the present unpleasantness will soon come to an end. (a) Have all examina- tions for scholarships throughout the county on the same footing. (b) Adopt a uniform syllabus for the examination for county scholarship, (c) That similar questions be given to all candidates, making only the required difference, if any, between girls and boys. The scholarships to be awarded to the candidates who obtain the highest aggregate of marks, (d) Let the questions for the examination be framed by a joint committee of intermediate and elementary teachers, (e) Provide a sufficient num- ber of forms with the questions printed and send the required number to the Clerk of each local governing body, who will retain them in a sealed envelope until the morning of the examination, when they will be delivered by him to the person or persons who conduct the examination. Such superintendent to be appointed by the local gover- nors, but must not be a teacher either in an inter- mediate or elementary school. This envelope con- taining the questions not to be opened until the hour has arrived for the commencement. (f) At the close of the examination all papers to be col- lected by the superintendents and forwarded to the Clerk of the County Governing Body, to be sent by him to an examiner appointed by the County Governing Body who will examine and report the result to them. I do not say that the recommen- dations named are faultless, but it may be possible to gather from them sufficient suggestions for an improvement upon the present system and reduce to a minimum the cause of complaints.—Yours faithfully, OBSERVER.

NEW POLICE STATION AT MACHYNLLETH. To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES. Sir,—A copy of your paper for last week and the previous week has been sent to me, in which I find a letter by Councillor Richard Rees upon the New Police Station at Machynlleth, in which there is a reference to a plot of land sold by me to the county authorities for £ 240; and I find in your last issue a letter by Mr D D Williams upon the same subject, in which he seems to ask very pointed questions with regard to the transactions between myself and Mr Rees. It gives me great pleasure to endorse every word in Mr Rees's letter, as it gives in a full and straightforward way all that passed between us upon the matter. Mr Rees only asked me verbally at Machynlleth whether the land was for sale, and when I saw him afterwards, after I had decided to sell, I told him the price that the plot had cost me (£220) but that I was offered on the same day X20 for my bargain, therefore I considered I was entitled to have X20. Mr Rees said he was making the enquiry on behalf cf the county authorities for the proposed site of the New Police Station and that he would inform the authorities the price. After sending the particulars to Mr Rees, pending the decision of the Council, all my further com- munications were with Mr G D Harrison, Clerk to the Montgomery County Council, and between the time I made the offer to them and the date I re- ceived the contract to sell for signature I had a much higher offer for the plot of ground. After my verbal offer to Mr Councillor Rees the only com- munication I had with him was one letter to con- firm my offer. A few days lat3r I called upon Mr Rees and he said the Clerk of the Peace required a letter from me offering the plot for sale and upon what terms, which was duly sent to the Clerk of the Peace. That was all the transactions with Mr Rees; the correspondence was between me and the Clerk of the Peace.—I am, sir, yours truly, F. S. FOSTER. Glandovey, St. Helen's Crescent, Hastings, March 29, 1899.

MACHYNLLETH U.D.C. ELECTION. To the Editor of the COUNTY TnlEs. SIR,-There is nothing which a defeated candi- date at an election makes a grab at sooner than some lame excuse for his defeat. Mr David Wil- liams, the defeated Liberal candidate for the North Ward, seems to be very anxious to inform the public generally that he attributes his defeat to apathy on the part of the Calvinistic Methodists of this town. Besides this he seeks to lay upon Mr Richard Owen, and make him his scapegoat, the whole blame for inducing him to become a candi- date at all. This is certainly very modest on Mr Williams's part. Surely Mr Williams is old enough to choose for himself in these matters and not to allow himself to be humbly led like a lamb to the slaughter" by other people. Whatever excuse he chooses to make it is clear as the mid-day sun that the electors of the North Ward will not have him at any price. We have heard a good deal during the progress of tlon last election about ulterior motives, personal euds to gain, &c. What about the ambition and the everlasting craving foi notoriety displayed by some of ou pettifogging would-be Councillors. I would earnestly recom- mend to the notice of some of these cranks the words of the immortal poet- Fling away ambition, By that sin fell the angels. Yours, &c., April 4th, 1899. DISGUSTED RADICAL.

To the Editor of the COUNTY TUlEs. SIR,-I must say, I read Mr Williams' letter, in your last issue, with much amusement. It really must have been most gratifying to Mr Williams, to have found himself unanimously selected as a candidate, but who were those that made him their champion? Finding himself in such an honoured position, he evidently imagined that he could defeat such worthy representatives of the ratepayers as Messrs Gillart and Evans. The result of the election, I am glad to say, proves that he was not the unanimous choice of the electors, and their reason for retaining the old members is not far to seek. Can Mr Williams explain to your readers what "denomination has to do with these elections; very little fortunately, according to the result of the poll. What the ratepayers of Machynlleth required, were the best men, and they wisely made their choice in this instance, both in the North and South Wards.—Yours &c., RATEPAYER."

THE WELSHPOOL WESLEYANS. t To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES. SIR,-Your correspondent, who writes on the above subject, is very anxious that we (of the Wesleyan Church) should abstain from interfering with matters outside our own Church. May I suggest that he should first act on the same principle. I believe we understand our own affairs, and can do very well without the interference of those who are outside.—I am, yours truly, J. TESSEYMAN, April 4th, 1899. Wesleyan Minister.

KERRY HILL SHEEP. Since I wrote the first paper, eighteen months ago, in advocacy of this useful and valuable breed, I have not ceased in my efforts to point out the necessity for an Association and Flock Book for it. I now find that the one founded in 1894 is as perfect and complete as it can be. The articles of associa- tion, working committee, rules and regulations, and the first vol. of the Flock book itself, leave nothing to be desired: therefore the resuscitation of this Society is not difficult. With the single exception of Mr Edward Langford, the loss of whose valuable services was so much to be regretted, the committee is precisely the same as it was when first constituted. I am presumptuous enough to respectfully ask the members of the Society and all, or any, beeders of Kerry Hill sheep, to attend a meeting at the Bear's Head Hotel, Newtown, on Tuesday, April 25th (Fair day) at 2-30 o'clock in thp afternocn, to take up Mr E Langford's position as secretary, and to ask his brother, Mr W Langford, jun., of Chirbnry Hall, or some one as eminently qualified, to accept it. Should he do so, and seeing that he resides at the lower extremity of the district, which is about 30 miles by 30, might it not be advisable, if quite agreeable to Mr Langford, to associate with him a colleague of equal ability to work the upper part of the district. I know of no one mure capable than Mr J E Kinsey, of Maesmawr; his services would be most valuable to the Society, as be knows its requirements, the people, the diiuriet, and is well located for working it. Newtown, N. Wales, THOMAS HALFORD. 4th April, 1899.

QCAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.— Approximate return of traffic receipts, for the week ending April 2nd, 1899. Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails, £ 2,966; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 2,757; total for the week £ 5,723; aggregate from commencement of half-year, £ 60,145. Actual traffic receipts for the correspond- ing week last year Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, &c., £ 2,359; merchandise, minerals, &o., £ 2,892; total for the week, £ 5,251 asvrefcra.re from commencement of half-year 1,58 886 Increase for the week, passengers, parcels, Ac., £ 607; decrease, merchandise, mineral,, &c.. £ 135. total increase for the week, -2472; aggregate increase, passengers, parcels, &c., £1,114; aggregate increase, merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 145; aggiveate iu. crease from commencement of half-year, £ 1,259.

ABERYSTWYTH. PETTY SESSION".—These sessions were held on Wednesday, before Messrs T Hughes Jones, Tom G/iffiths, John Lewis, and R J Jones.-David John Edwards, 13, Bridge street, labourer, was sum- moned for being drunk and disorderly on April 1. He was fined 5s.-P.C. Phillips gave evidence of seeing the house chimney of Sarah Davies, Skinner street, on fire on March 30. The defendant did not appear and she was fined Is.—There was a similar charge preferred against Mrs Rea of the White Horse hotel, and evidence was given by the same constable. Defendant, who did not appear, was fined 2s 6d.—Joseph Taylor, painter, Liverpool, was charged with having been drunk and disorderly on March J30th Defendant appeared and admitted the offerce.-P.C. Charman said that defendant was fighting near the Terminus hotel with Henry Davies, who was now charged with obstructing the highway by fighting.— P.C. Charman added that when he told Davies to go home he did so but Taylor refused. The latter was very drunk and used obscene language. Eventually Taylor was taken into custody. Davies said that Taylor asked his brother if he belonged to the Fire Brigade and when his brother replied Yes," Taylor said I'm coming for your clothes; are they clean enough for me to wear ?" Then the row started. Davies said he was a teetotaller and had been for many months but he took his brother's part. Taylor was fined 5s and costs and Davies 2s 6d. TOWN COUNCIL.—WEDNESDAY. The ordinary meeting of the Council was held t't the Town Hall, and there were present: Councillor D C Roberts (Mayor) presiding, Aldermen Peter Jones and T Doughton, Councillors C M Williams, E P Wynne, R Peake, J P Thomas, and E H James; with Mr Massey (deputy clerk), Mr II L Evans (accountant), and Mr Rees Jones (surveyor). SECURITY AGAINST FIRE. Mr Mortimer Green, registrar of the College, wrote on behalf of the Building Committee of the College asking for permission to put two extra water taps on each floor at the Alexandra Hall of Residence as a further security against fire.—The letter was referrtid to the Public Works Committee with power to act. COLLECTOR'S SALARY. An application from Mr Phelix, rate collector, for an increase of salary was referred to the Finance Committee. BLACKPOOL HEALTH CONGRESS. A letter was read from the Mayor of Blackpool inviting the Council to send delegates to the forth- coming Health Congress to be held at Blackpool.— The letter <vas referred to the General Purposes Committee. FIRE BRIGADE RESIGNATIONS. A letter was read from Captain Peake tendering his resignation as Captain of the Fire Brigade and asking that a time and place should be named for banding in the uniform. A letter signed by all the men was read tendering their resignation (1) be. cause they considered that in fining two of their number the full penalty for the first offence, if there was any offence at all, the Conncil had dealt harshly with them and they considered that a reprimand ought to have been sufficient; and (2) that they considered the captain the best judge of when and how te call out the brigade, for the efficiency of whose members he was responsible. The vote of censure on the captain and themselves they re- garded as uncalled for because the captain only went according to the rules.—On the motion of Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Wynne, the letters were referred to the Fire Brigade Committee to make the necessary arrangements for receiving the clothes, etc. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE'S REPORT. Alderman Peter Jones presented the report of the Public Works Committee which recommended the adoption of the model by-laws for dairies, cow- sheds and milk shops as presented by the Local Government Board. They recommended the Coun- cil to adhere to its resolution respecting the erection of a public urinal at the north end of the Promenade, Alderman Jones pointing out that ;he urinal would be completely out of sight; and further the Committee recommended that the usual steps be taken to have four houses in Fountain Court, Trefechan, reported by the Inspector as being unfit for human habitation, closed.—The Council adopted the report. THE FAIR GROUND. The Markets Committee report, presented by Councillor E H James, stated that they recom- mended the Council to grant to Mr Studt the use of the fair ground at Whitsuntide for a weekly payment of -67 7s.-Councillor Thomas asked if this was for the whole of the fair ground. He understood that last year the man who hired the ground made more money than he paid by sub- letting—Councillor James said that this was con- sidered and the rent raided, INCOME TAX. Councillor Thomas asked for particulars of a cheque drawn out for the Inland Revenue amount- ing to £3 19s 4d. What was it for ?—The Borough Accountant: Income tax on account of the sale of sand and paid under protest.—Councillor Williams (chairman of the Finance Committee) said that the matter had been before the committee for two years and the Town Clerk had tried to get a rebatement, but had failed to do so.—The Finance Committee's report in which the cheque was in. cluded, was passed. DEATH OF MR TOM ELLIS, M.P. Alderman Jones rose and said he was sure he was expressing the feelings of the members present as well as those absent and of the inhabitants of the town generally in proposing that they record their deep regret and sorrow at the sad news received at Aberystwyth that day with regard to Mr Ellis. He looked upon it as a national loss to be deprived of his services at the present time. He believed thev would find all political parties with whatever difference of opinion they might hold respecting his abilities and his sterling qualities (hear, hear). They in Aberystwyth possibly had a closer know- ledge of him as an old student and one who had rendered valuable service to the College and they looked upon him as one of themselves and one of their tiuest friends. He felt assured of this that no one took a keener interest in the well-being of that institution than Mr Ellis did and in the posi- tion he held he was able to render invaluable ser- vice. Family ties had possibly brought him into still closer contact with them at Aberystwyth and their hearts went out in sympathy to the family in their bereavement.—Councillor E P Wynne said he regretted very much the necessity of getting up to second that resolution. Although not personally acquainted with Mr Ellis he knew sufficient of him as a public man to understand the loss sustained, especially in Aberystwyth, and the country at large would suffer by his death.—The Mayor said that in these few words the feelings of every one of them bad been expressed and he asked them to pass the proposal in the usual way, which was done in silence.—There was no other business and the Council rose. SAD DEATH OF AN ABERYSTWYTH MASON. At a late hour on Saturday night the sailors en- gaged in towing the schooner Hephzibah," of Plymouth, to her moorings at St David's wharf, found the body of a man floating in the water face downward. With as little delay as possible the man was got on board and every effort made to bring him to life, but unfortunately they failed. The body was taken to the Royal Oak at which place the deceased, who was recognised as David Evans, 52, a widower, and by trade a mason, resided.—On Monday evening an inquest was held at the Police station before Dr Bassett Jones, deputy coroner, and a jury, of whom Mr William Rowlands, Penmaesglas road, was foreman.-The first witness called was Annie Evans, daughter of the deceased, living at the Royal Oak, who gave evidence in respect of identification. She last saw him alive in the house at 8-15 p.m. on Saturday. He went out and said nothing about when he would return. There was nothing unusual about his behaviour. Betweon one and two o'clock the next morning the body was brought home.—By the foremau They became uneasy and sent out to look for him at the houses where he used to oall.- By Mr Hugh Hughes: He did not complain of feel- ing unwell.-Thouias Jones, a boy 14 years of age, said that on Saturday night, about 9-30, he saw the deceased in Sea View place and he was coming down towards the South terrace. The deceased was drunk and leaning against the wall of the houses. When walking he was very unsteady on his leys. — James Jones, 4, Trefechan, was the next, witness He was a fisherman, and about 11 20 he was piloting a vessel called the Hephzibah down to St David's Wharf. From the ship's deck he noticed something bla-k floating in the river. WimesH instructed a man to haul the body in. The man was dead, but they made the usual efforts \,0 restore him and for that purpose got a hatch down and rolled him on it, continuing their efforts for seven or eight minutes. Witness and the Captain we, for a constable who returned with them Wit rifss helped to carry the body as far as Trefechan.— By Mr Hugh Hughes: About 11-20 he saw a man on the upper road going down towards the harbour. The man was very unsteady, but he could not say if the deceased was the man. The body was got aboard by a tackle.-The Coroner said that he did not propose to call any further evidence unless the jury desired him to (-all the police. The Foreman said that from the evidence it was no accident at all, but through the effects of intoxicating drink.— The Coroner interposed, and suggested that the Court should be cleared.—The Foreman added that he thought the public ought to know so that it would act as a warning.—The Court was then cleared, but the jury were not long in arriving at a verdict, and agreed that death was brought about by the deceased accidentally falling over the Quay wall at the harbour.

0.- VANE HALL (MACHYNLLETH) SUNDAY SCHOOL. To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES. SIR,—The above Sunday School has a treat to the seaside annually. The expenses connected with it are chiefly subscribed by the Rector and Church friends. In former years a statement of accounts showing how the money is spent has appeared in the Church annual statement of accounts," by Canon Trevor. How is it that a copy of the accounts have not appeared this year in the annual church account? Naturally subscribers will want to know what was done with the money last year if they are asked to subscribe this year. Perhaps the members of the School Committee can give some explanation. Until this is forthcoming sub. scribers this year will be on the alert.-Yours, &0., SUBSCRIBER.

MR. W. F. REGAN, F.R.G.S., AGAIN TO THE FORE. WHERE GOLD COMES FROM. The interview from which the following is abridged was first published in the Daily Teleyraph the other day. Mr W. F. Regan, F.RG.S., is, of course, the well-known city and South African magnate. Described by the interviewer as a hard worker, of sound judgment and restless activity, the famous author of Boer and Uitlander was found in his office at 41, Threadneedle-street, London, E.C., long after his army of clerks had gene home, and was still alert and ready to talk. I am not hypocritical," said Mr Regan, and don't pretend to be averse to be interviewed; my views as to the present state of affairs in South Africa and elsewhere are at your service. Never in history has mining been more pros, perous, nor in the history of the Tran-ivaal has the political hcrizon been clearer. In the hands of such men as J. B. Robinson, Beit, George Albu, and Messrs Lewis and Marks, the Transvaal is being developed, and immense dividends on capital in. vested have been and are paid. Toe Witwatera- rand Gold Fields produced for the month of May, 1887, 887 oz. of gold for the same month in 1897 the output exceeded 248,305oz.; whilst for January of the present year the twenty-eight days yielded 431,010oz. Further, new mills are being erected, capital for development purposes is again finding its way into the Transvaal, and I hope to see before June next a monthly return of 500,000oz.: yet the country is but in its infancy. NEW FACTS IN HIS PERSONAL HISTORY. Mr Regan then went on to give an account of the satisfactory state of affairs in West Africa, British Columbia, and the Klondyke, and proceeded to say It is expected when a man saves the life of another the least the individual so assisted can do is to tender his thanks and gratitude. I do not say this principle is always strictly followed, because on one occasion, I HAVING SAVED THE LIFE of a person-who will be nameless-the gentleman seemed to think, much to my disgust and astonish- ment, that he had a claim on my protection and support for the rest of his days. On principle, I believe that if a doctor, chemist, or medicine manufacturer, directly or indirectly helps to relieve a complaint, the least one can do is to acknowledge the fact, so that others who are similarly afflicted may know that within their reach is a medicine which, if used, may bring relief. Up to 1895 I enjoyed perfect health. From February toNovember of the year in question I worked on an average nineteen hours out of the twenty-four each day. Many days, running into weeks, I have worked day and night. In 1896 heavy work continued up to the fall of the year, when symtoms of weakness and general debility appeared. At first I took little notice, and was not alarmed until I found a difficulty in walking straight when passing through the streets. Indeed, sometimes I was forced to catch hold of a railing or turn into the nearest office for a few minutes. I have been forced as early as ten o'clock in the morning to hail a hansom in Cheapside, not being able to control my limbs, though there was left but a few hundred yards to travel in order to reach this office. This kind of thing continued throughout 1896, though I never missed one day from business, and fainting fitll were of frequent occurrence. I recollect on one occasion-to me a notable day (April 24,1896)-as a strange coincidence by one mail I received three letters, the first written by the greatest of English statesmen, the late RIGHT HON. WILLIAM E. GLADSTONE, the second from the Cromwell of South Africa- Paul Kruger; whilst the third was written to me by His Majesty the KING OF PORTUGAL. All three were letters of encouragement. Now on this particular day, above all days, one would fancy an individual so honoured would not, could not, forget the incident; yet I left this office on the evening of the 24th about seven o'clock, and the next day found me in such a condition that the knowledge of these important communications was gone, in short, my mind appeared a blank. The complaint had evidently left the limbaand attacked my brain, and this state of things continued well into last year at frequent intervals. I beliered that sooner or later a stroke of paralysis would follow. Had I been a married man with a Family depending upon me I should certainly have thrown my business up, settled all my affairs, executed a will, and other- wise prepared for the end but believing that recovery was quite impossible, I worked on in des- peration, in order that I might better forget my wretched state. I consulted four doctors, all specialists and noted medical men. By one I was told that if I did not give up my work in three months I should be in my grave within six another suggested that I should go abroad permanently j whilst a third consoled me with his opinion that nothing ,.ould be done, and that my case was brain paralysis brought on by overwork and anxiety. A city friend suggested that I should try Dr Williams' pink pills for pale people. I simply laughed, and thought nothing more of what I now regard as a most valuable suggestion. Meeting the same gentleman again, he asked me if the medicine was beneficial; on my replying that a purchase had not been made, he left me in the street, and appearing at this office later in the day, much to my amuse- ment placed before me twelve small pink-wrapped packages containing Dr Williams' pink pills, and "insisted on my swallowing the first dose then and giving a promise to take one pill after each meal. My friend is a persevering man; he called the following day, and the next, to know if I had obeyed his injunction. When a man puts hand in pocket and buys for you when ill a medicine, the fact establishes at least beyond a doubt his belief in the efficacy of the prescription, and for this reason alone I determined to finish the contents of the twelve boxes within a reasonable period. I consumed all, and always carry now in a silver match-box (filled twice a week) Dr Williams' pink pills. I take three a day, and am no longer troubled with locomotor ataxy in the limbs, my brain is perfectly clear, and I work on an average from eight in the morning until eight at night, and I verily believe I sleep as soundly as if camping out on the South African veldt. -+--