The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

CARDIGAN COUNTY COUNCIL. THURSDAY. The quarterly meeting of this Council was held in the Town Hall, Lampeter, when the Rev T bson Jones presided. The other members in- eluded Alderman Morgan Evans, Evan Richards, C M Williams, Councillors W T Davies, R Ellis, Joseph Parry, E Jones, Henry Bonsai], J 0 Davies, I W Griffiths, E H Jones, W Evans. Edward Evans, D Jenkins, D Jones, T Pennant Phillips, R Doughton, Vaughan Davies, M.P., Dr Lloyd, Thomas Morris, Jenkyn Lewis, T Davies, W Davies, James Evans, J Jenkyn Davies, E Morgan, Jenkin Jenkins, and Benjamin Jones, with Mr H C Fryer, (clerk), Mr J D Perrott (treasurer), Mr David Davies and Mr Rhoderick Llo:, d, (surveyors), Mr Howell Evans, (chief constable), and Mr Williams, (deputy chief constable). RIVER CONSERVATORS. The Council re-appointed the following river Conservators :—Teify Aldermen Evan Davies and James Stephens, Mr W George (Neuadfour), and the Rev R Williams (Sr, David's College, Lampeter). Towyn Capt William Davies, Rhydowenfach. Western Sea Fist ery Committee: Alderman J M Howell, Councillors Henry Bonsall, II E Bonall, R Ellis, E Junes, and J M Williams. FOOD AND DRCGS ACT. The Clerk reported the receipt of circulars from the Board of Agriculture upon the subject of the sale of Food and Drugs Act. oorae slight altera- tions were made in the old Act and the Board signified their willingness to send on a numbjrof circulars for circulation amongst the officials con- cerned. SWINE FBVEK. The Clerk reported the r c'cffi pt of a letter from the County Council of Denbiph asking that Council to support a resolution asking tlie Board of Agri- culture to convene a cOilference of the repre- sentatives of the County Councils of England and Wales for the purpose of considering the whole question of swine fever. The administration of the Act was very costly, and the money was drawn from the sum annually falling due to the County Councils. A large number :)f pigs were slaughtererl, and it appeared that the veterinary surgeons could only kill a pig and not cure him.— Dr Lewis They must kill a pig before they can cure it (laughter). — On the motion of Alderman Morgan Evans it was agreed to place the matter on the agenda for the next meeting of the Council. LAMPETER TOWN COUNCIL. The Clerk reported that a letter was receive 1 from the Lampeter Town Council stating that they abandoned the claim made in respect of the main roads. A further letter had been received stating that at a second meeting of the Council that resolu- tion was lescinded. MAIN ROADS COMMITTEE FOR THE SOUTHERN DIVISION. The Committee presented the following report. Surveyor (Mr D Davies) reported that the roads were in a very good state. One of the main advan- tages attending the rolling of the roads consists in the diminished proportion of mud, or soluble mat- ter, which ió; mixed in fOl mation of tbe road surface. In the unrolled portions of road it is found that nearly half of it is soluble matter—mud, dirt, and very tine sand. The Main Ruads by Derry Ormond Quarry is for about 140 yards rather dangerous. Mr Inglis Joues promised to put a fence with three wires on the top of the hedge, also to give some plants to plant upon it. I suggest that a bank 21 feet high from the road channel be built along the roadiide at a cost not exceeding JE5. All bridges are in fair condition, except that a few parapets need some smail repairs. The estimate of expense for the current quarter is £4;")9. The report was received, and Councillor Jenkin Jenkins having reported the result of his interview with Mr Inglis Jones, it was resolved that the sum of £ o be allowed for erecting the bank, as proposed, opposite the Derry Ormond Quarry. That the estimate for the quarter of £459 be allowed.— The report was moved by Councillor Wm Griffiths and adopted, a letter from New Quay Council on the culvert being referred to the committee. MAIN ROADS COMMITTEE FOR THE NORTHF,R", DIVISION. A special meeting of the Committee was held at the Town Hall, Aberystwyth, on Monday, the 4th of September. Plans and sketches of izon bridges for the Devil's bridge, with tenders, were laid before the Committee and considered. It was resolved :— That a special committee be appoited to consider the plana .submitted, consult with Mr Rees Jones, the Borough Surveyor, and Mr J H Appleton, Art Master of the University College of Wales, and decide upon the plan and tender to be accepted at an approximate cost of £850. The question of protecting the main road at Borth from the sea was considered, Mr Case, C.E., having expressed objections to the plan of defence proposed by the County Surveyor, and it was resolved :—That Mr Case be asked to submit proposals and a plan for protecting te road for a length of 60 yards with an estimate of the cost, at the adjourned meeting of the Committee held at Aberystwyth, on Monday, the 18th of September. A letter was read from Mr Case containing the following :—I strongly object to the County Surveyor's plan. My advice is that the £150 should be expended in building a proper fagot wall which will cost about £50, and place two groynes of the same length as those reoeutly put in, viz., 135 feet each, which will cost £100, or a total cost of £15(/. The Clerk stated that he had written to Mr Case for a description of the" fagot wall" recommended, but had not as yet received a reply. The subject had been discussed, and even- tually, on the motion of Councillor Joseph Parry, seconded by Councillor William Evans, it was resolved :—That the matter be loft in abeyance till next spring, the County Surveyor in the meantime to take measures to protect the road temporarily. It was now stated that Mr Case had since died. A quarterly meeting of the committee was held at \berys<twyth. on Monday, the 30th of October. An application from the Aberystwyth Rural District Council for contributions towards the cost of two proposed new bridges, having been referred to this comoii. tee by the County Council, it was 16aolved :— That the Council be recommended to make a grant of one-third of the cost (estimated at £31 5s.) of a new stone arch built over the Beidiog brook near Llan gwyryfon, on condition that the plans and specifications are amended so as to meet the approval of the County Surveyor, and that the bridge is built and completed to bis satisfaction, and that this committee is unable to recommend the Council to contribute towards the cost of con- struction of the proposed iron bridge over the Melindwr brook near Maesbangor, as they consider the strength of the bridge as planned inadequate, and refers the pians and specifications back to the District Council for re-consideration with a view to plans of a mere substantial structure being sub- mitted, if possible, to the County Council at the forthcoming meeting." The Surveyol was directed to submit plans and estimate to the next meeting of the Committee of the Llanilar Bridge. The Surveyor presented the following quarterly report: — Out of six applications for the post of engine driver I have selected William Roberts He is anxious to have a slec ping van. I have to call your attention to the state of the road which was cut up some months ago by the Rural District Council for the purpose of laying watei mains from the Aberystwyth borough boundary to Pendre farm. The ser vice above the trench where the pipes have been laid is very uneven and the metalling has been preserved. I beg to suggest that the authorities be called upon to make good the surface at once. Also the same authorities cut a new drain to replace the old one at the village of Goginan, and that without permission. I am not satisfied with the way the work is done. c\.s reque;¡tec1 I have considered the various lengths of the roads in my district to see if they can be re-arranged with a view to reducing the number of meu employed. I am of opinion that the time has not yet arrived to make a reduction in the stafE of workmen, but when a further improvement has taken place in the state of the roads I hope your suggestion may bo adopted. Also as regards the classing of workmen, I am of opinion that all the workmen should not receive the same wages, but I feel tnar the task of classing them will be a very delicate affair. I estimate that 1 snail require for the ensuing 3 months the sum of £640, Roderick Lloyd." It was resolved that a sleeping van be provided for the engine driver at a cost not to exceed £57; and that the Surveyor obtain full particulars and coat of such vans, both new and secondhand, to lay before the Committee. That a Surveyor be instructed to consider also the question of providing a covered shed for the stone-breaker and other road machines, and report thereon. That the Clerk communicate with the Aberystwyth Rural District Council and request them to have the surface of the Llanbadarn above their water main put into good and proper order tort hwith That the Jlerk inform the same District Council that their pipes alongside the main road at. Goginan ^ave been laid at so shallow a depth that they cannot now carry off the surface water from the road as was done by the former gutter, and express the committee's hope that they will have them re- laid at a greater depth so that gratiugs may be placed to receive the surface water. That the Dis- trict Council be also requested not in the fature to have any works done which necessitated the break. iol2' up of the maio road without previously inform- ing the County Surveyor, and obtaining his, or the Ccunty Council's permission. That the estimate of expenses for the quarter of £640 be allowed.— Upon Councillor John Jonps rising to propose a series of resolutions on the subject of the roadmen's wages and other matters connected with work nnon the roads, of which he had given notice, Alderman Caleb M Williams proposed and Coun- cillor Joseph Parry seconded That the matters be considered and discussed in committee. This proposition was strongly resisted hv Coun- cillors John Jones and Henry Bonsall, but upon being put to the meeting was carried by a large majority. Thereupon Mr Jones declined to pro- ceed with his motion and left the meeting.—The subject of the classifying of the roadmen and paying them rates of wages according to their age and qualifications was discussed by Alderman Evan Richards and others; and eventually Alderman) Evan Richards gave notice that at the forthcoming meeting of the Council he would move that the | roadmen be placed in classes hv the surveyor and be paid rates of wages according to their qualifica- tions and v-).i,ie.-The Clerk informed the Com- mittee that Mr J E Evans, of No 68, St George's road, Southwark, the owner of a field in front of the midway and on the south side of the Llan- babarn road, was about to build a row of houses thereon, and wished the Council to lay pipes in the present open trench which carries the water from the road diagonally across the site of the proposed houses, and it was resolved That the Clerk com- municate with Mr Evans and ascertain whether he is willing to meet the Council fairly in the matter; and if so that it be referred to the Executive Com mittee and fnll power be delegated to them h deal with the matter and to make such arrangements with Mr Evans as they may deem expedient as to the widening of the road at this point.— Councillor D Jenkins presented the report.—In reference to the proposed new bridge to be erected over the Melindwr brook near Maes Bangor, the Clerk said that amended plans had been received, but these bad not been examined by the Surveyor. -Councillor Parry then moved that the Council grant C40 towards the work provided the amended plans were approved by the Sorveyor. He laid stress o. the fact that the farmers were prepared to do the carting free of cost, and this carting could only be done in frosty weather.- Councillor W T Davies: They cannot build a bridge in frosty weatber.-Couzicill,or Henry Bonsall seconded the proposal.—Councillor R Ellis: We should stipulate that the work should be carried out within a certain time. Alderman Caleb M Williams said that, it was unusual to pass it in that form as it was the custom for the District Council to submit their plans to the Surveyor. But in that case he did not think Councillor Parry was asking too much, and the District Council were prepared to build a fairly good bridge and the farmers were willing to carry the stone free.- Dr Lewis moved that the whole thing be sent back to the Main Roads Committee.—The Surveyor said that the farmers would do the carting free as well as con- tribute about -E20 towards the cost. The bridge would cost £ 120.—Councillor Bonsall said that if the bridge was not taken in hand now the matter might become more serious.—Dr Lewis We are quite used to serious delays -The Chairman Order, order!—Councillor Doughton: If you do not pass this now it. will be delayed twelve months. —Councillor W T Davies No, no, three months.— Councillor Doughton I do not see any risk in accepting the resolution provided the Surveyor examines the pl(in.-A vote was taken, when six voted f..r the amendment, ind the resolution was put to the vote and carried by a large majority.— The whole report was then put to the vote and adopted. FINANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. Alderman C M Williams moved the report of the Finai ce Conimitte:-A quarterly meeting of the committee was held at Lampeter on Thursday, the 2nd of November, 1899. The treasurer's accounts for the quarter ended 30th September were examined, compared with the vouchers, and found correct. The bank pass hook showed a credit balance of zC5,314 28 5d at the end of the quarter. Attention being called to the fact that a higher charge was made by a Carmarthen paper than an Aberystwyth paper for an identical advertisement, the clerk was directed to ask for an explanation of the cloarge; and it was also resolved That the clerk a.sk the proprietors of the various local news- papers, circulating in the county, to submit their scales of charges for the county notices and ad- vertisements, and bring the same before the Printing and Advertising Committee for their con- sideration ami SlJ pport. A communication was read from the Committee of Visitors of the Joint Counties Asylum intimating that they had granted a pension of 10, per week for life to Charles Legg, who had been employed at the Asylum for ?3 years and 11 months, was 60 years of age, and now in. capacitated by age and infirmity. The grant of this pension requiring the sanction of the the three counties in union, it was resolved :-That, in the special circumstances of the case, the Council be recommended to sanction the pension to Charles Legg.-It was resolved to recommend :—That ap- plication be made to the Local Government Board for their sanction to two separate loans, one of £ 2650 for bridges, and the other of E800 for police stations made up of the following revised estimates of cost :-Devil's bridge, £ 1,800; Castell bridge, 9350; Bronant, £ 120; Llanilar, £ 350; total for bridges, £ 2650; Lampeter police station additions, X2"0; New Quay new station anl site, £ 600; total £ 800.—The subject of the proposed alterations and improvements of the Aherystwyth Town Hall, especiallay with regard to the county's interest in the south wing was considered, and after consider- able discussion it was, on the motion of Councillor J C Harford, seconded by Councillor D Jenkins, resolved :-That the Council be recommended to offer a fair contributian towards the projected im- provements of the south wing of the Aberystwyth Town Hall, provided that such improvements include the provision of a committee-room not less capacious than the present one, acountancy office, and strong room-the plans with estimate of cost be- ing submitted to the County Council for approval.— Alderman Williams said that when the bridges were completed the county would be placed in a very satisfactory state. The most important work which the Council had been engaged in since its existence was the putting up of bridges in all districts where they were urgently needed.—Dr Lewis seconded and the report was adopted. INFECTIOUS HOSPITAL. The Council passed a resolution authorising the payment of £ 222 12s for the infectious hospital at the Carmarthen Joint Asylum. RATE. The Council passed a resolution ordering a county rate to bo levied at .3d in the pound and d for technical education. THE TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE. The report of the Technical Instruction Commit- tee was, in the absence of Mr Harford, moved by Alderman C M Williams, seconded by Councillor Jenkin Jenkins, and adopted. REPORT OF THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES COMMITTEE. At a meeting of the committee held at Aberystwyth, on Monday, the 6th November, 1899. A letter waF read from D.C.C. D Williams making application for an increase of his salary as inspector for the northern division, on the ground that the amount now paid (£15) scarcely covered his personal expenses when away from home on inspection work, and it was resolved that it be a recommendation to the County Council that Mr D Williams be granted an increase of £ 5, making his yearly salary for the northern division ;C20.-Captain Bonsall moved, and Councillor Parry seconded, the adoption of the report, which was agreed to. SHEEP SCAB REGULATIONS. The committee appointed to discuss the question of providing sheep scab regulations for the county presented their report, and the Council agreed to send a copy up to the BiJard of Agriculture before publicly announcing the terms of the regulations. THE CLASSING OF ROADMEN. Alderman Evan Richards moved and Councillor R Ellis seconded a motion that the rUadnHm be put, in classes and paid according to their qualifications. —Councillor David Jenkins moved as au amend- ment that the question be referred to the Main Roads Committee.—Councillor J Jenkin. seconded. -Councillor Bonsall: And if the two committees br ilig in different reports we shall be in exactly the same place. I think the matter should be placed in the hands of a sub-committee appointed by the Finance Committee.—It was decided by an over- whelming majority to refer the question to the two committees. A letter from the proprietors of the CARDIGAN COUNTY TIMES asking for a share of the advertise- ments was, on the motion of Alderman Williams, referred to the Advertising Committee.

At a meeting held at Barmomth on the 9th inst., the committee of the new library appointed Mr Frank H Shavler, Welshpool, architect of the new buildings, his plans having been awarded first place in the recent open competition. The new library will have a special room for the housing of the most valuable collection of books to be bequeated to the town by Miss Frances Power Cobbe, also a lending library, news room, recreation rooms, and a librarian's house. The appeal for funds having been generously responded to, it is proposed to commence the building at an early date.

I PRINTING of every description executed neat quick and cheap at the COONTY TIMES Office Welshpool.

ABERYSTWYTH. TUESDAY EVENING COMMITTEE MEETINGS.—The following members of the Town Council were pre- sent at the Corporation officeR on Tuesday evening: Councillors C M Williams (mayor), E P Wynne, Isaac Hopkins, J P Thomas, T E Salmon, John Jenkins, R J Jones, and D C Roberts, with Mr H L Evans and Mr Rees JoneEl.-Cour;cil1or Wynne waR unanimously re-elected chairman of the General Purposes Committee.—Councillor Peake was also re-elected on the Public Lights Committee.—Coun- cillor Wynne expressed the hope that they would have better light in futurp-Couneillor Peake: In what way ?— Councillor Wynne: A gentleman re- marked to me the other day that this was the worst lighted town he was ever in—Councillor Peake did not think this was the case — Councillor Wynne He had seen better.— Councillor Peake How is the instrument going at the town clock ? —The Surveyor replied rhEt it was working all right. — Councillor Wynne The light was out for nearly four honrs the other night. -Councillor Peake So I am told, and there was something wrong t,nigl,t, and I find that the man was in attendance —Councillor Salmon wa re-elected chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee.—The Surveyor was requested to bring in a report. dealing with the engagement of a drill master for the new brigade and the alterations in the men's clothing. The next business was the appointment of the chairman of the Finance Com- mittee.—Councillor Salmon prorospd and Council. lor R J Jones seconded the appointment of Council- lor Williams on the ground tdat there were several matters which required to be cleared off —The Mayor declined. He said there was plenty of work in connection with the office of mayor.— Councillor Peake proposed Councillor D C Roberts. —The Mayor T second that.—Councillor Roberts I will not take it upon any terms.—The Mayor was again pressei to take the chair, but he refused and pointed ont that it would be very awkward for him to oonduct the proceedings of the Council and pre- sent debnteable questions as chairman of the Finance Committee.—Councillor D C Roberts said it had never been their custom to appoint the Mayor chairman of the committee. Councillor Wynne then proposed Councillor Jones, but he was already chairman of the Harbour Committee and there was nothing for the committee to do but appoint Alderman Palmer which ,was done upon the proposition of Councillor Peake seconded by Councillor Roberts. —It was agreed to have the offices papered and a. clock purchased for the use of the members. SCHOOL BOARD.—The monthly meeting of the members of the School Board was held on Tuesday evening, when there were present Alderman Peter Jones (chairman), Rev Prebendary Williams, Rev T Levi, Mr T B Hall, Mr Wm Thomas, Mrs Giffiths, Archdeacon Protheroe, with Mr R J Roberts, clerk, Mr D J Saer, headmaster, and Mr Lloyd, attend- ance officer.— When the minutes had been read and passed, Mr Thomas, referring to the attendance, said that the attendance at the schools was now equal to the average of England —The Rev Pre- bendary Williams: How do we compare with towns like our own ?—The Chairman replied that there was a very marked improvement.—An application by Mr J E Parry, assistant teacher, for an increase of salary was favourably considered, and on the proposal of Mr W Thomas the Board agreed to an advance of £5, bringing the salary up to £85.- The Chairman said that the next business was to issue a precept. The position of the Board last September twelve months was that they had .Ell to the good and this year they had £110 to' the good, so that they were better off. The only in- convenience and difficulty was as to the periods of payment. As the members were no doubt aware, the school year closed in July and they anti- cipated that possibly the payments might be made a little earlier. It had not come to hand and possibly they could not receive it until February which was the usual time of payments to that Board.—Archdeacon Protheroe That is the ordinary grant f—The Chairman Yes. — Arch- deacon Protheroe said that he was informed by the inspectors that the change in the teaching year of the school would not interfere with the fiLlancial year and therefore they could not possibly expect any payment until February.—The Chairman said that according to the statement based upon last year's experience the grant would be something similar to last year which was £640. and this was apportioned between the two half years. Their expenses for the half-year were teacher's salaries, £420; officers salaries, £33; fUAI and light, £60; rates, taxes and insurances, £6; repayment of loans principal and interest, £175; books, £30; prizes, £12; adminstration, £10, making a total of £766.-A.chdeacon Protheroe: Is that for the half-year?—The Chairman: Yes, and that leavel a balance of £374 to he made up. I think if we made a precept for £350 it is an easier matter to get JE400 or even £425 in the summer months than in the winter. In addition to that we will receive in February the amount of the grant which will be placed to our credit so that at the end of the financial year we shall be in an excellent position. —The Rev Prebendary Williams: What will £350 mean as a rate. What does a penny in the £ bring in ?—The Chairman £ 125.—Rev Prebendary Williams: So that it will be a little under three- pence. The Chairman: Yes, practically, with the increased rateable value a sixpenny rate covers our working expenses for the year. — The Board then agreed on the proposition of Archdeacon Protheroe to issue a precept for J6350 of which sum £200 was required before the end of December, and the balance by March next.—The Attendance Officer reported that the average at- tendance during October at the Board School was as follows:—Boys, 91'5 per cent; girls, 88 percent; infants, 83 National Schools Boys, 87; girls, 80; infants, 86. Penparkau, 74 per cent.—The Chair- man remarked that the last-named school was always in a worst positien during the months of September and October than any other, owing to children being employed in the fields and getting in the potatoes.—Archdeacon Protheroe: I think that there is an improvement in the National Schools.—The Chairman Yea, there is a marked improvement all round and if you take these com- bined it shows an excellent result, and that the Attendance Officer has performed hia work admir- ably. — Mr Thomas asked if there was any falling off now,-The Attendance Officer said that there was not.—The application of Miss Benbow for an increase of salary was put on the agenda for next meeting.—The Board agreed to give Miss Bubb, who was said to be an excellent teacher, a testi- monial in reply to a request sent in by her.

ABERDOVEY. COOKRRY LECTURES.—Mrs H M Young is this week delivering a course of lectures on cookery at the Assembly Rooms. The attendance each day is very good. DEATH OF CAPTAIN JONES.—On Thursday the remains of Captain John Jones of the schooner Mervinia" were laid to rest in the Aberdovey Cemetery. It appears that the deceased met with his death in London on Monday whilst crossing from the quay to the slip when the plank slipped and rw fell illto the water below f)nd was drowned. MISSIONARY MEETING.—At the Wesleyan Chapel, on Monday evening, a meeting was held in connec- tion with the Wesleyan Foreign Mission. The Rev Hemy Hughes, superintendent of the district, attended and delivered an address. The following were appointed collectors for the ensuing year:— Mrs G Davies, Mrs Hugh Lewis, Mrs Lewis Edwards, and Miss C Lewis, (Tregouwell). THE WAR.—The wives and children of the soldiers who are at present lighting in the Transvaal are not to he forgotten by the people of Aberdovey as a fund is being started to assist them. A public meeting is to be called at which collectors will be appointed. HALF HOLIDAY.—At a meeting of tradesmen held in the Assembly Room it was decided that the shops should be closed at eight in the evening, and that a weekly half holiday be established for the winter months. In this movement all the trades- people have agreed. Officers have been elected to see that this decision is faithfully carried out. Mr E L Rowlands is the Chairman of the committee, Mr R O Richards secretary, and Mr John Evans treasurer. TEMPERANCE.—At the weekly meeting held on Sunday evening, Mr W Jones, presided. Addresses were delivered by the Rev Davies (1), the Rev D D Williamp. Oswestry (M), Mr Hugh Jones (W), and hy an English gentleman of the name of Mr Bowell in J<nglish. The temperance committee have decided to hold the annual festival on New Year's Eve, when a competitive meeting will be held. THE TOWN HALL.—A meeting of the directors of the Assembly Room was held on Tuesday even- ing, Mr J Hughes Jones, J.P., presiding. The application of Mrs Young for the use of the room was granted on the usual terms. There were three applicants for the house now occupied by Miss C Humphreys, and it was decided to let it to Mra Emma Evans. It was decided to put the out- buildings of the houses adjoining the hall in a thoroughly sanitary condition. MEMORIAL TO THE LATE MR RADCLIFFE.—It seems that subscriptions are coming in towards the above memorial from all quarters. Mr E Jones and Mr H Rowlands have called upon the residents also, and they heartily support the movement.

POSTERS printedin all colours at the COUNTY Jt- TiMES Office, Welshpool, newest type good fcyle and moderate sharges.

OSWESTRY. INCORPORATION. The ordinary meeting was held at the House of Industry on Monday there being present Mr W Griffiths (chairman) presiding, Mr John Richards (vice-chairman), the Rev T M Bulkelov Owen, Messrs J H N Walford, E Fox Da\ies, D Vanghan, W Evans, R Howell Davies, T Ward Green, G Perks, W E Frith, Joseph Vanghan, W Humphreys, H C Holland, W Richards, E Goff, J C <rtwright, and John Evans, with Mr J C Bull (clerk), and Mr C H Bull (asnistant clerk) -A letter was read from Dr Moriis, Kinuerley, stating that as the company of the Militia Medical Staff Corps which he had the honour to command was to be embodied at Wool- wich on Monday he would be obliged if the directors granted him leave of absence during the time of such embodiment. His duties during his absence would be performed by Dr W Davies—Leave was granted. — The Vice-Chairman drew attention to the question of the sewage of the House which had an outlet, into the Morda stream. He did not think it was a proper state of things and maved that a committee be appointed to consider the matter.— Mr Perks thought it was a very necessary thing to do, and seconded the proposition, which was agreed t°. The following were appointed the committee for the purpose :—The Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Messrs Perks, Humphreys, Frith, D Vaughan, Waltord, and Goff. — The Visiting Committee reported that they had visited the House and found everything in good order. They strongly recom- mended that advantage be taken of the services of the painter who was in the House to paint certain rooms and anything else required. They also called the attention of the Guardians to the very large amount of gruel and bread wasted at breakfast- On the motion of Mr Walford, seconded by Mr Richards, it was agreed to carry out the recom- mendation of the committee.—The Master (Mr Fulcher) acknowledged the receipt of illustrated books and periodicals from M ;88 Coulson and Mr D Vaugban, and the Board passed a vote of thanks to them. He asked the Board's sanction to a pro- posal that the children should take their meals bv themselves. This arrangement could be carried out without in any, way interfering with the discipline of the House and would be to the chil- dren's benefit. — Granted. — Mr Fulcher further reported that the gruel breakfasts on Mondays and Thursdays were unsatisfactory and the waste from these meals had lately been very great. The tea and bread and butter meal caused no and gave greater satisfaction all round.—Sanction for this change was also given.—The'number of inmates in the first week of the fortnight was 215, against 202; out relief £27 2s 9d to 344 paupers, as com- pared with £26 4s 8d to 331 paupers; tramps relieved 71. Second week Number in. the House 216, as against 211; out-relief £25 17,¡ lOd to 341 paupers, as compared with £24 12s 4d to 326 paupers tramps relieved 64. CONSERVATIVE CLUB. SPEECH BY THE HON SEYMOUR ORMSBY GORE. The second smoking concert of the season was held at the Conservative Club on Friday night of last week, when the chair was occupied by the Hon Seymour Ormsby Gore, who was supported by the Ex-Mayor (Vr W Aylmer Lewis), Alderman W H Spaull, Councillors Watkin Jones and Thomas Edwards, Messrs E M Gardner, R E Hughes, R M Hughes, and Mr G A Doody secretary. There was a fair attendance of members. After a few songs had been given, the Chairman, who was received with cheers, rose to address 'he meeting, after being called upon by the Ex-Mavor. He said be felt very grateful to Dr Lewis for the most kind way he had spoken of him. The first thing he felt incumbent upon him to do was to congratulate the members of the Oswestry Con- servative Club on the premises which they occupied. If he remembered rightly the premises which they occupied before were rather circumscribed in space. The Oswestry Conservative Club reminded him of the parable of the grain of mustard seed which came from a very small beginning and ended in overshadowing the other trees. The Oswestry Conservative Club did not aspire so high as that, but he ventured to opina that the Club was the chief basis of political thought and careful intelli- gence of the town of Oswestry (applause). In the old premises, he thought they were in Leg street, there was a certain atmosphere of tobacco. The same atmosphere to a minor extent obtained there. He was one of those people who had always advocated, and Dr Lewis would bear him out, the use of tobacco as a digestive—(hear, hear and laughter)—and he owed to that small room in Leg street the excellent digestion which he now pos- sessed — (laughter) — and which he hoped was possessed in an equal degree by the other members of that Club. These were not times of political warfare. The mind of every man, of every right thinking man throughout the whole of the King- dom was centred on that portion of the continent which lay between the Southern Cross and Cape Colony and South Africa in general (applause). There was one attribute which belonged particu- larly to that part of England, Shropshire, that was what was known as Imperialism. He need only remind them of that possession which was the foundation of power and the strength of this country-India, which was founded chiefly through the energy and intellect of a great Shropshire man—Lord Clive (cheers). He believed that that sense of Imperialism in Shropshire had in no way diminished. Only last Wednesday he met a soldier friend in the streets of London, who told him that he had been at Aldershot and saw a regiment off. He said it was the finest body of men he had seen marching out of Aldershot; they were a splendid battalion. There was not a man under 5ft 8in. They were full of confidence and were going out full of courage to fight for their Queen and country. That battalion was the second battalion of the Shropshire Light Infantry (cheers). During the past century they had lived in two senses of political thought. He alluded to foreign politics. There was a school of thought founded towards the end of last century by Charles James Fox. It was not a species of political thought with which he had any sympathy. It was thought that any nation who had a minor difference with this country was right and that Great Britain was in the wrong. Charles James Fox at that period advocated that the principles of the French Revolution should obtain and exist in this country, and he almost made overtures in that direction to Napoleon, and if it had not been for the firmness of the Government of William Pitt we might have had some movement in this country towards that most disastrous end. That feeling remained dormant during the greater part of the century, but it was revived towards the middle. It was to a certain extent the prerogative of public meu that they should be criticized when they were dead as well as when they lived. He was the last person to throw aspersions on the great dead of this country. The contention which Lord Palmerston raised was a perfectly just one. When a British subject in a colony belonging to England was shamefully treated at the hands of the Greeks in 18;)2, and Lord Palmerston made his great speech when he laid down that when any Englishman went out of this country he was to hold his head up high; yes, even higher than any other countryman (applause). That contention was controverted by Mr Gladstone, who asked what right had we to dictate to other nations as to what they should do with our subjects, and this trouble in tho Transvaal had arisen with regard to the oppression of English subjects, and the war was raged on the exact principle that Lord Palmerston laid down—that a British subject, no matter where he went, should feel as safe as if he were in London (applause). He passed on to what, was the origin of the war between the Boer and Briton in South Africa. There had probably never been a minor power treated as leniently as the Transvaal Republic aud the Orange Free State had been hy Great Britain. They might have heard something of the great trick in 1838. The Boers trekked because they could not live with their British neighbours and they could not live on peaceable terms with a great number of their own countrymen. The Boers had for some reason not found themselves able to live under civilised Government. They preferred the free tracks of veldt and the reason of the great treck was because England would not allow them to exercise slavery over the negroes (applause). They were of intense anxiety to the British nation. They were always at variance with their ueigiibours and always in danger of being followed up by the native tribes. They rose in 1848 and were defeated with great slaughter and served very much a. General Buller would serve them when he got them in the (applause). At the Sand River Convention, the Orange Free State was given its freedom and the South African Republic was given its freedom also, and it was not until they had only 4a left in the Bank in 1877, at the request of a large portion of the nation that they were given an extra amount from the British purse. He had told them that he was the last person to throw aspersions on anybody who had departed, but Mr Gladstone in his Midlothian campaign stirred up the hopes and aspirations of the Boers that they would become a power again. So England had to fight them again in 1881 at Lai tig's Neg and Majuba Hill and there was the disgraceful scene on the part of the Borrs when they fired on English men and wo ,<en. They were not the men for whom we should feel pity (hear, hear). The discovery of the goldfield caused a ¡ certain amount of administration to be necessary to be worked it required a certain amount of local government, and a certain amount of Imperial Government with their dealings with Cape Colonv. I he question we had asserted to raise was that Englai.d being the paramount power in South Africa should work the oracle as far as the Imperial Government was concerned (applause). After many negotiations with the Transvaaal Republic they found that the attempt at autonomy had been a failure. Finding that the Government gave them a certain amount of responsi bility which they could uot ex-rcise themselves, they sent to Holland and Germany for men to exercise dominion over the Uitlander at Johannesburg. These people were not actuated by any noble motives for those at Johannesburg. They were to fill their own pockets and then go back to Holland and Germany. That was the position three months ago tit Johannes- burg. The great consensus of the population wa" against the Government. They paid all the taxa- tion and did not have one iota of representation ou the Government. I'hi8 had been represented time after time by Mr Chamberlain to Mr Kruger and after all the negotiations—we harl very few troops there at the time showing we had no hostile intention—the result had been the presentation of the ultimatum to the British Government. It was rather like a sprit challeng- ing a whale (laughter). As Lord Salisbury had said we had troops there and we intended seeing the matter through apart from anv foreign inter- ference (cheers) There had been advocates of the Transvaal in this country. He found it obligatory to write a letter to say that he could not meet Sir Edward Clarke on a platform not very far from Oswestry (applause). He could not understand the conduct of Sir Edward Clarke he liked the conduct of Sir William Harcourt and ;ie was sure of the conduct of Mr Morley. We onlv fought when we had our coats off; we did not bluster and brag. There was satisfaction even that war was being waged it showed us that the pluck of the British soldier was not less than it was (applause) The heroism of Talana Hill was on an equal wiih that of Dargai, the great victories of Blenheim and Waterloo were only paralleled by the present, instances and tho fighting for the British soldier had probably been harder than in auy case. It was a regrettable circumstance that in war we lost a great many good men. Genera! Symons had died a hero's death (appla«se). He was ono good man less in the English army. There was another circumstance in the present fight. It was the means of welding them together, it nerved our spirit and braced the arm; it put aside those minor differences which existed in a nation; and it showed that the British lion was not wIthout its cubs. New Zealand and Canada had expressed their wish to fight for their mother conn- try (applause). America had shown that blood wa- thicker than water, and by sending out a hospital ship at their expense showed that if there was any great menace to the Anglo-Saxon race, whether it was on the European or the American side of the Atlantic, they would have more to face than the great Empire of England. There was ano: her pleasing circumstance which he must allude to. On the 20th of this month the German Emperor wou!d be the gsest of Queen Victoria (applause) We would let bygones be bgones and give him a rousing reception (applause). He believed in the security of the peace of Europe because after all Europe was the world. The Boers of course were a nation, but they would retire peaceably off the face of the earth as one (laughter). It was a good thinar we had war. It taught us the exact limits of diplo macy aud it showed that peace conferences must not be relied on as a perfect Utopia. At the end of the nineteenth century we found that our responsi- bilities were not in the slightest degree lessened, and we felt that we must keep up to those respon- sibilities and that we should hand down this Empire intact to future generations (applause). We felt as we saw the dawn of the coming century that these responsibilities must be still more accen- tuated. We saw in the progress of science and the furtherance of art and also in the main- tenance of the power of this great kingdom that we should hold this kingdom with a firm hand, and that when a foot was put down nobody should sweep it away (applause). There was a quotation which had been much hackneyed lately which expressed the great moment of the time :—" Come all the world at arms and we shaH shock them none us shall rule if only England to herself remains true (cheers). The Ex-Mayor proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman. He said they would never forget that Mr Gore was one of them that he was a Shropshire man and more than that an Oswestry man (ap- plause). They must have been thoroughly bene- fited by his exhaustive speech (hear, hear). If there ever was a war righteously undertaken the present one was, and the majority of the people of England was with the Government in the matter (applause). It had been a puzzle to him what a little Englander was, he would be a great pyscho- logical study (laughter). Evidently there was no room for him there. He could not help thinking of the conditions under which the men lived out in South Africa. To be spat upon they were not ac- customed to, and they did not intend to take it on (cheers). There was a Zulu saying which meant Go on you die, go back you die," and he thought that was the spirit of the Englishmen who had gone out. There was not a man in Oswestry who would not bear arms if he were called on. No nation dared insult the Queen. They could not for- get and forgive an insult to the Queen as she was insulted a year ago (applause). Alderman Spauil seconded the vote, and said they could not but feel that England was engaged in a righteous cause, fighting not only for the English people, but the natives as well who were so greatly oppressed (applause).—The vote was passed and the health of the Chairman was drunk with musical honours. The Chairman acknowledged and said it gave him pleasure to be amongst them and he would like to be amongst them oftener than he was (applause). But tLey all had their work to attend to, and the work he liked best was that which tended to the prosperity of Oswestry and the country generally. They had there Mr Stanley Leighton who was a loyal and true adherent, and he was sure they would pull him through in the next election. As long as they had him they had a loyal, useful and devoted member (applause). He asked them not to relax their efforts on hia behalf. Referring to the Zulu saying, the Chair- man said he had not heard that but he had heard another one, and that was" paleeli," which meant all over," and he believed that before the end of January it would be all over with the Boers (applause). He hoped in the election which would occur during the next two years that they would again return Mr Leighton, their old and faithful member (applause). On the proposition of Mr Watkin Joues, a vote of thanks was accorded those who had taken part in the programme. The programme was as follows Pianoforte solo, Mr T H Williams; song, "If it wasn't for the houses in between," Mr H llampson son-, "Queen of the earth," Mr J Edwards (encored); song, "Tom my Atkins," MrE Shepherd; TJ"" _t r"\ 'tl address by the Chairman song, King's Uwn," Mr R C Jones (encored); song, "Soldiers of the Queen," Mr A Parsons (encored); song, "I didn't got a look at them at all," Mr J Lanceley (encored) song, NfrJ Edwards; recitation," Midnight Charge," Mr J Groves (encored); song, "I've done it," Mr Noakes (encored). The accompanist was Mr T H Williams. The Concert Committee consisted of Messrs G Alldritt, R Kay, W H Pendry, A W Sabine, Morris Snii/h, J E Watley, and A Fay VV illiams. THE HABITS OF BEASTS AND BIRDS. On Monday evening the first of a series of lectures for the present winter was given in con- nection with tne Oswestry Museum, Mr G J Dutnville Lees giving a very able paper on the habits of beasts and birds, iu the course of which he asked were the laws and rules of nature un. broken laws and rules, or was it true of nature as ur everything else, that there was always au exception to every rule. In the second place, he wished to point out the wonderful way in which nature adapted herself to her surroundings. It would seem that one rule in nature was that the male should be larger than the female. The most casual observer must have noticed that the cock pheasant or turkey was much larger than the hen. Yet, in the grandest species of birds, the eagles and hawks, we found that the female was much larger and stronger than the male. In the sparrow hawk that was very marked; in the peregrine, the female was not larger, but it bad more courage. Another instance in which nature had broken her rule was in the case of the care for the young. As a rule, it Was the female that cared more for the young, and would be ready almost to throw her life away for her vouiig. The cock partridge would defend its young, as would a cock grouse, unless very old, but the blackcock was the very worst parent possible, and yet it was closely allied to a grouse. There was an immense difference between the lion and the tiger as fathers. Whilo the lion was a fairly good father, the tiger was one of the worst possible, a male tiger even worrying its cubs if it got a chance. The torn oat was some- wha,t like the tiger in this respect, and bad been kuowu to kill its kittens. In the Book of Job there was a strange mistake about an obtrich. The writer said, She is hardened against her yourg and leav.^h them, to be hatched in the sand." Now, as a matter of fact, both the male and the female ostrich sat on the eggs, but the female laid more eggs than she could cover, and these were placed outside the nest, and formed fo KI for the young chicks when hatched. The great exception to the rule that the mwhpr cared more for her young than the father was found iu the case of the stickleback, the mala of which fish was a really good father. When this fi h wanted to get married it first of ail buiti. a nest into which it put its wifo, and she ittiTpi.,4iqf,.I,, began to lay egg*. But the father s.kl back Kept an eye on (tit) wife, for if he did not she would soon gobble up her eiZgs. Wh-Ti t1 nro-q weie tiatcheiI, the farli r tl)"k the 11 111, car,, of the young fish, and if they tried to wander off he blew sand and mud fit rhem, and if an pnplln came near there was at once a ba? t <le r ,I At). rule of nature was that the ryijif, s. "i J :'1:' of brighter plumage than the female, and i,- cases, v,'ry much so, It" in ihe case 'If '(r c i-lv pheasant and the penco-k. while the hf n ■ were very dowdy things. But. perhaps, there weie no -peciea of birds where the difference in colour between the male and female was so marked as in the duck tribe. They could I ,t, conceive a greater variety of colour beautifully laid "i,¡.. hv ,i-ie than iu the harlequin drake. It se. med to hiin th t for the last few months young women had been trying to vie with the bar i-qiiiii drake in their mixture of colours (laughter) They saw a girl with a blue hat, a red tie, yellow boots, a green skirt, and a r urple bh u^e (laughter). The duck was a poor shabby creature, but. there were two exceptions to that rule. In the common shieldrakeand the ruddy sheildrake there w is very little difference in the colours between the duck and the drake. The same might be said of that flash of light which darted down our streams the Kingfisher; there was not much difference between the male and the female. They would, tl en-fore *ee that nature's ules were like other' rules, t hey were subject to exceptions (applause). Passing to the second poinr., Mr Lees said he to..k iL that be-ists and birds' eolourirg were generally for con- cealment, and it seemed to him that those animals and birds which had not altered their colour to suit their surroundings had gradually disappeared. The plumage of a partridge exactly matched the furrows of a ploughed field, and the feathers of a grouse the stalks of heather, while it was almost impossible to detect a ptarmigan in its summer plumage from the lichen-covered rock on the mountain. The whole gull tribe in their grey and white plumage were wonderfully like the waves :>1' the sea, but, perhaps, one of the best instances of this was to be found in the sandv deserts nf Africa, where predatory birds abounded. There were severa) kinds of birds, like the sandgrouse, which were exactly suited to the rand of the desert, and could uot be detected a few yards away.' ['here was also the instance of the leaf inect which was exactly like a leaf both in colour and shape. He drew attention to the suitability of different birds' beaks for the different kinds of food they ate, and, in conclusion, cited a most remarkable instance of nature altering her laws according to altered circumstances. New Zealand began to be used as a farming colony about 50 years ago when large fortunes were made from sheep. There 'ere previously to that large flocks of a certain kind of fruit-eating parrot, hut that bird had now changed its food from vegetable to flesh, and it ate the livers of sheep. He supposed that one of these parrots, finding- a dead sheep lying about, had contracted the taste for flesh meat (applause).—After some questions had been asked and answered by Mr Lees, Mr W II Thomas pro- posed, and the Rev C Bowlker seconded, a vote of r. tanks to Mr Dumville Lees for his paper.— Mr Lees having briefly responded, Mr T Poole proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding, and said now that the Museum was officially recognised and given a home, he hoped greater interest would be taken in it by the townspeople and contributions made to it.—The vote was carried, and the Mayor, in reply, said he would do all he could to further the interests of the Museum.

ELLESMERE. LITERARY SOCIETY.—At the weekly meeting in the Town Hall on Wednesday, Miss" L Jebb, Lee Hall, in the chair, there was a very crowded atten- dance to bear a paper on Destiny," by the Rev W R Riigg, Vicar of Criftins. The rev. gentleman's paper was an excellent one, and was listened to with marked attention. At its close Mr John liood moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Rugg. He said the rev. gentleman was deserving of their best thanks, not only for the masterly way he had dealt with the subject, but it was not the first time he had come forward to help their society.—Mr W Lloyd, in seconding the vote of thanks, said Mr Rugg was well rewarded by having such a good audience. Last year, owing to the stormy night, the attendance was very small, and it was rather discouraging to Mr Rugg to come such a long distance, but that night he had his reward.-Alr Rugg having replied, an animated debate followed, in which the following took partMr T Williams Mr J Bagnall, Mr Hortou, Miss Jebb, Mr W Llovdj Mr J Hood, &c., and the meeting terminated. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—TUESDAY. Present: Mr Brownlow R C Tower (chairman) presiding; the Rev H Moody, Messrs J D Owen, H D Chapman, T Emberton, John Hood, S J Lewis and G Wardle, with Mr R E Lloyd, clerk. STATISTICS. Out-relief administered in the Ellesmere district, per Mr W H Rutter, for the first week of the fort- night, X10 3s lOd, to 108 recipients, against zCl2 2 3d to 112 in the corresponding period of last year second week, £9 to 108 recipients, compared with zC9 3s to 112recipietits. Hanrrer district, per Mr W Williams, £2 17s to 30 recipients, as com- pared with £ 2 10s 6d to 25 recipients in each of the two weeks. The number in the House in the first week was 58 against 67, and second week 60 against 67. Tramps relieved during the fortnight 105, being a decrease cf 10. PUBLIC VACCINATOR. Dr Busteed wrote sincerely thanking the mem- bers of the Board for having elected him to the public vaccination appointment. THE BAND OF HOPE. Miss Jebb wrote stating that three boys from the Union bad asked to be allowed to join the Band of Hope, and she applied for the Board's permission to allow them. The meetings were held on Wed- nesdays from 7 to 8. —The Master said it would interfere with the hours of the House. It would be nearly nine o'clock before the boys came home. —The Rev H Moody thought they should be allowed to go on trial for a month.—On the proposition of Mr Hood it was agreed to let the boys go until Christmas. Mr Moody thought the meetings were held rather late in the evening.—Mr Chapman inquired what time the boys would get supper, and the Master replied six o'clock.—Mr Chapman a"ked if they would get something to eat when they returned.—The Master stated that the order allowed nothing after six o'clock.-The Chairman filled up the necessary papers, and the Master was asked to report in a month as to how the boys behaved.

MIDDLETOWN. SOLDIERS' SUNDAY.—Sunday last was observed at All Saints' Church as the Soldiers' Sunday." The service in the evening was taken by the Vicar, Rev W F Lightfoot Harrison, who preached an impressive sermon to an overflowing congregation. The choir acquitted themselves in good style in rendering the musical item, especially Bunnett.'a Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, and the hymns We are Soldiers of Christ" and Eterr.al Father strong to save." The offertory, which amounted to nearly JE3, will be dijpensed locally.

MINSTEULEY. HELP FOR THE RESERVISTS' FAMILIES.—A public meeting was held in the school on Tuesday evening to decide upon the best means of obtaining funds in support of the families of our reserve soldiers. The choir was occupied by Mr T Hatton who briefly explained the object of the meeting.—It was decided to divide the parish into districts and col- lectors were appointed to make a house to house collection. It was further decided that a coneert should be given as soon as possible, the proceeds to be devoted to the funds.

LLANYMYNECH. DR BARN-ADO'S Homics.-On Thursday in the old schoolroom a public meeting was held under the presidency bf Mr Thomas Pryce, Piitrelieylin, in support of the above Homes. The deputation gave a most, interesting address on From death unto life" illustrated by lantern slides, exhibited by Rev G 0 Evans. Rev W Bea.ven opened the meeting with prayer. Mrs Andrews delivered to Mrs Pryce, Pentreheylin, a certificate from the founder of the Homes stating that a branch had been formed for Llanymynech and neighbourhood. Miss Blodwen Evans recited a piece of poetry entitled The Beggar Boy." Suitable hymns were sung by the audience and at the close the chairman moved a hearty vote of thanks to the deputation which wis carried with acclamation., Mr F, Fox Davies proposed the best thanks of the meeting to the chairman, which was carried amidst cheers. The officers of the local branch are: President, Mrs Pryce; hon secretaries, Mrs Dr O'Conor, Mra I Morgan, The Stores; and Miss Asterley, The Cottage.