The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

I THE WAR. BOER ATTACK REPELLED WITH THE BAYONET. I A DARING liKCONNAISSAXCE. X A a u w p o o K t Saturday. A large number of Boers to-day approached our right, coming to within 1,000 yards of Col Porter's camp at Sli-t-gersfontein. They rested themselves contenu with the dis- "cbargc of a few rounds, and retired directly we i opened fire upon them. The entire Boer force iu front of U8 shows signs I of trireme restlessness. The enemy are apparently I apprehensive of the tactics of General French, and fear the devolooment of movements to cut off their retreat. Many of th: women and children arc leaving Coles- berg and are being sent across the Free State bor- der, and from other evident signs in the Boer laagers it is certain that they regard a general re- tirement as possible and are preparing for it. Eighty-seven English prisoners captured in re- cent operations have been sent to Bloemfontein, but there are still 37 of our men who are wounded lying in the school at Colesberg. It is certain hat the enemy in this district are almost without Provisions. I Rensbukg, Sunday. The shelling of the enemy's camps steadily con- tinues. One man of the Essex Regiment has been wounded while at, a wniering-plaoe. Monday. It has been observed from a bill near Colesberg that all the Boer Lents have been removed eastwards as a result of our shell fire. The Boers this morning attempted to take a bill occupied by a company of the Yorkshire Regiment and the New Zealanders, but wero repuised at the point of the bayonet with a loss of 21 killed and about 50 wounded. Rensbuhg, Monday. A very important reconnaissance has just suc- cessfully concluded. A party com-.hit it: g of cavalry, horse nrtillory, ana mounted infantry, under Major Allenby, of the Iuniskilling Dragoons, left here on Saturday. Our men bivouacked six miles west of Bastard's Nek, and on Sundoy proceeded so far as Colesberg; Bridge over the Orange River, which, together with the adjoining laager, was shelled from al distance of 500 yards. Boer reinforcements arriving, onr troops retired. The enemy made n attack on the rearvand flank of the little column, and then retired, but our troops escaped without a siogle casualty, arriving in camp this morning. It is thought that our unexpected move has compelled the Boors t.o withdraw their troops from their main position in order to cover the Colesberg waggon bridge. Renrburg, Monday. By Gencr-fi! French's orders a daring reoon- naissance has just been successfully completed bv j Major Allenby, who, with a force of cavalry and artiJiery, has thoroughly explored the country be- tween the camp and the enemy's position cm the Free State frontier. The little force perntrated as far as the waggon 1 bridge on the Orange River. There they found the I enemy's inagcr, and our guns at once opened fire at long rajjge. The shells repeatedly burst in the enemy's position. < The Boer", though in force, did lictlo in th" wnv or repiy. The y were evidently -ompiefely tak«n by surprise. i Mdjor xiljeahy, having obtained all the informa- tion he was sent to gather, retutued safely to camp t this afternoon without a single casualty. I

THE ATTACK ON T -T i FULL DETAILS. i RP, Ladyssuth, January 6th. i.<e enemy to-day made a determined effort to capture two lK»itions--Caraar's Camp and Wagon l't,e lu,'ter a lofty eminence to the soatb-weet .fc,!? Possession of winch would have brought them within rifle range of 'olio town. uffi&ar e Camp was held by the 1st Battalion of the Manchester Regiment. The positiou was separated from that of the Boers by a rocky rn.vine. In the early hours of the morning, under cover of the uess, the Heidelberg commando suc- ceeded in evading our pickets, making their WILY. through the thorn-bush, and reaching the foot of the slope. At haif-past two the alarm was raised by onr sentries, but before the full extent of the danger could bo realised, the outlying sangarg had been ] rushed, and their defenders slain. j Heaving the firing, two companies of the Gordon Highlanders went to the assistance of tbe Alan- Chester Regiment. It was t3 iirst thought that the Boers were concentrating on the southern slope, where they had already secured a footing on the plateau. Here, however, their advance was checked by the steady volleys of our Infantry and the deadly fire of an automatic gun. -JJ'eVt*'entmt ^mt"rll'he went out, to see if any aid was needed by the troops stationed on the ridge near the town. He was unaware that the enemy bad aiready captured the breastworks, and called cut "Sergeant!" lie received the reply, Here I am, sir!" and then suddenly disappeared from sight. Captain Carnegie, suspecting a ruse, ordered the Gordons to fire a volley and charge. The enemy thereuppn fell back precipitately, leaving behind them the officer whom they had captured with so much presence of mind. The Lieutenant was quite unhurt. By tins time was evident that the camp was being assailud both on the left flank and on the I front. By daybreak reinforcements of the Gordon Highlanders and the Iliflo Brigade had been binrried ] up U to the fighting line. Lieut. Colonel Dick- Cunyngham, who was leading the Gordons oat. of camp, feli mortally wounded, being hit by a stray bullet whiie still close to the town. The 53rd Battery of Field Artillery, under Major Abdy, crossed the Klip River, and shelled the ridge and the reverse slope of the front position, where the enemy were lyiug among the thorn bushes. lite shrapnel, which flew over our Jlead, did terrible execution. It effectually held the Boers in check, and rendexed it impossible for them to send reinforcements to their men through the ravine. The enemy fought throughout with the most stubborn courage, being evidently determined to take the camp or die in tho attempt. Their six-inch gun on Umbulwana Mountain ani its smaller satellites, threw over one hundred shells at Major Abdv's batf.erv, and at the troons on the hill. Our men, howeyor, were not less gallant and resolved, and the enemy were pressed back step by step until, at longth, those who were left of them brokq and fled in utler disorder. A terrific storm of rain and hail, Hocompanied by peals of thunder, had burst over 'the camp during the lighting, and served to swell the streams into raging torrents. In their efforts to escape, numbers of the enemy flung themselves into the current, and were swept, av/av. The struggle in this part of the field was now at an end. The final was a terrific fusillade nIJ along the li: e, the crash of which almost drowned the incessant thunder above. Meanwhile, a more exciting contest was in pro- gress in the direction of Wagon Hill. At two o'clock a storming party furnished by the Harri- sniith commando crept slowly and cautiously aloug a donga in the valley which diyides our posts from their camp. A few well-aimed riflo shots killed our pickets. Takilig advantage of every iuoh of cover, they j then gradually reached the crest of the height. Here the Light Horse were posted, but were forced to retire before the Free Staters' advance, there being no breastworks for defence on the western shoulder of the hill. With little to impede thoir progress, the enemy came to an emplacement, wncro they surpiised the working parties of the Gordon Highlanders, Sappers, and 60th Rifles. j Lieutenant Digby Jones, R.E., collecting a hand- ful of men, made a gallant effort to hold the position; but nilmbai-p, wei-e against them, and after a stubborn resistance, they were driven back, and the enemy got possession of the summit. Even then, however, the Free Staters were afraid to venture far, or to face the heavy tHe from tne 8angar. It was hero that Lieutenant 'Mncnr.ghi.eu and thirty of the. Gordon Highlanders were taken prisoners, though not till every man of them was wounded. At five o'clock Colonel Edwards, with two a<Hat\r°oH Horse, arrived on the scene, M- St- Bacter-V K°yal Field Artillery, under »301 Blowitt, came into action, preventing the storining party being reinforced froui the Boer camp. At the sume time the 18th Huaxars and 5th angers checked the movement from the Spruit on our right flank. Nevertheless, our position at this point had be- come critical. Our men had retired for cover behir¡cl the northern slope, while the enemy had made their way into the pass dividing them from the hill. Major Biiwen rallied a few of the Rifles, but fell while leaning them to the charge. His example was at once followed by Lieutenant Tod, bat he met with the same fate. The enemy were making pood the footing they had already secured in the emplacement, when Major M Wallnutc, calling the scattered Gordons together, charged in and drove them back. Having thus cleared the ground, he joined Lieutenant Digby Jones in the newly-prepared emplacement 011 the western shoulder. A pause ensued for the time, but the Boers were not finally beaten. Taking advantage of the storm that was now raging, they essayed to capture the position by another rush. Three of their leaders reached the parapet, but were shot down by Lieutenant Digby Jones am! Major Wallnutt, the latter of whom also foil. The renewed check effectually discouraged the assailants, and the deadly duel was now practically at an end. Nevertheless, small parties of the braver spirits kept up a murderous fire on oil- men from behind the rocks. The moment had evidently arrived to strike tho final blow, and Colonel Park quickly issued the necessary orders. Three Companies of the Devonshire Regiment, led by Captain Lafone, Lieutenant Field, and Lie-n- tenant Masteraon, made a brilliant charge across the open, under a terrific fire and fairly hurled the enemy down the hill at the point of the bayonet, in the course of the struggle Captain Lafone and Lieutenant Field were killed, and Lieutenant Mss- terson received no fewer than ten wounds. This was the fitting close to a struggle that had lasted sixteen hours, during which evety rifle and gun had been brought to bear. Our position was now secure. The attacks on the north ar.d east had also been repulsed, and the grand assault had failed all along the line. The Boers lost heavily, and admit that the en- gagement was the most severe blow their arms had sustained since the opening of the Campaign. They were confident of their ability to cr.ptnre the town, and had called up reinforcements from Coienso to assist at the expected victory. Our own losses arc, I re,.ç et to report, also con- siderable. Lord A va was mortally wounded cr.rlv i ¡ in the morning while accompanying Colonel Ian Hamilton to the scene of action. I The garrison can now awa.it the coming of relief with renewed confidcnce. LIURBAN, January 16th. The list of casualties among the various corps of Natal Volunteers, in the fighting at Ladysmith on the 6th inst., has only just been published, The Imperial Light Itorse suffered heavily, losing twenty-four killed and twenty-five wounded, while the Natal Volunteers lost six killed.

METKUEN'S WOUKDED CHARGER. Surgeon C Marsh Beadneil, R.N., eldest son of Major C E Beadneil, Nantyrebeg, Llanidloes, with Lord Metbuen's force, in a description of the battle of Modder, published by the British Medical Journal, relates the following exciting incident in connection with the wounding of Lord Mefhuen — Our chief was put out of action very earlv in the day by a bullet wound. I learnt this in a curious manner. On tho left of our line I saw a horse bolting riderless; it was evidently an Officer'•; charger, as there was a sword, etc., attached to the l s-'tit a bugler to catch the horse, and found it had a Mauser bullet wound through the near foreleg, ar.d there was blood on the bridle, stirrup, and saddle. Drawing the sword one read: Methuen from Chapman.' Fears at once arose that the General was wounded, and Wj, alas, he was, though luckily the wound was not serious.

A TERRIBLE STORY. j DUBLIN FUSILIERS BURIED ALIVE BY BOERS. I Sergeant T Jewiss, of the Royal Artillery, now with General Oiorv's field force, writing to his sister at Grave-send, says :— We have been here (Frere Camp) now nine, days, but we expect to make an advance on Monday to Ladysmith, and from there then to Pretoria, old Kruger's capital. And the sooner the better. God help the Boers when our fellows do get a rub at them, for the; are the most cruel men that you would dream of. They buried some of the Dublin Fusiliers alive, poor devils, because they were wounded, and the Dublins since they have been reinforced are like a lot of mad men, thirsting to get at the Boers. The other day a troop of cavalry went out reconnoitring and saw three of our troopers tied up to trees and eitch of them with 20 shots, in them. To see some of the houses that the devils have looted is shocking. Doors smashed in, furniture and goods that they could not carry away they smashed to atoms. Our Brigade of Artillery has been in two battles since we have been out here-the battle of Estcourt and the battle of Mooi River —but no casualties on our side. With- ont a doubt the Boers ftro good shots, but they can't stand cold steel. As soon as our troops are near enough to make a charge they are off as fast as their legs can carry them."

BOERS ILL-TREATED. I PROTEST TO PRETORIA. Capetown, January 13th. A. fragment of the "Kimberley Advertiser," of December 2nd, just received, described the manner in which the Boer commanders persistently keep their rank and file in complete ignorance of what is going on and especially of their own losses in variorls battles. Boer prisoners brought into Kimberley agree in stating that the Boers in the field are prohibited even from visiting their comrades. The men of one laager are not allowed to wander to other camps even if they be adjacent to their own. On one of the prisoners was found a petition signed by a number of men of the Bloehof Com- tnando addressed to the Executive c.t Pretoria complaining of tho brutal treatment to which the e men were subjected by their officers and requesting to be transferred to some other Commando. Mr Rhodes had presented a pipe and a pound of tobacco to each soldier iu Kimberley.

DEPARTURE OF OSWESTRY VOLUNTEERS. ENTHUSIASTIC SEND OFF. The six members of the Oswestry Company of "Volunteers—Corporal J T Byrne, Lance-Corporal J Kenyon, and Privates J C Phillips, D Lewis, Edward Roberts, and T Hampson—who have vol- unteered for active service in South Africa left Oswestry in the best of spirits, on Tuesday at noon by the Great Western Railway for Shrewsbury and they were accorded an enthusiastic send off. The men, with other members of the Company, paraded at Major Bull, Lieut Hawkins and Gol-Sergt Alldritt being piesent. Preceded by a posse of police in charge of Supt Lewis, and the Volunteer Band (conducted by Bandmaster Bayley) they started off for the station shortly before twelve o'clock. As they emerged from Caeglas, in their Volunteer uniforms with rifles and fixed bayonets, the band playing "Soldiers of the Queen," they were hailed with ringing cheers aud waving of hats from the great crowd which bad assembled at this junc- ture of the route. Each side of Church street was liued with people, and from the windows of Messrs Dutton's Union Jack flags were waved. At the railway station they received a grand reception, and whilst waiting the train persons in the crowd sang, It is hard to say Good-bye,' after which sang, It is hard to say Good-bye,' after which the band struck up Auld Lang Syne and God Save the Queen," and the crowd joined in. Major j Bull then addressed the Volunteers and said You are assembled here this morning on a very im- poi tant occasion. You, of your own free will, have volunteered for active service in South Africa to serve your Quo«n and country, to fight England's batties, and uphold the honour of the English flag. You nu; setting a noble arid patriotic example to the men of Oswestry. I am proud of you, we are all proud of you, and I wish you every success, a successful journey, a suc- cessful campaign, and I hope you will come back soon with honour aod distinction (prolonged cheev- ing). The men then took their wife "he good wishes of thoir numerous friends, and the train left amid the firing of fog signf^s, the. I cheering of tho great crowd on L the platform, and the band played "Auld Lang Syne," the I greatest enthusiasm prevailing. Amongst those who witnessed the men's departure were Mr Stanley Leighton, M.P., Dr and the Misses Lewis, I | the Rev N ar.d the Hon Mrs and Miss Ogi'vy, the Revs T Eedfern, W Pownall Owen, and J J Poynter Col Maltby, Major Lovefct, Mh.s Ber?e- ford, Mr J C Bull, Sergt W Felton, S.Y.C., Mr and J j Mrs C S Dennis, Mr T Edwards, Mr R E Hughes, I Mr Howell Davies, Mr G VV Lacey, Mr L Lewis, j Mr Martiuoale kindly sent a supply of tobacco and j a pipe to each man. j

WHAT KHAMA IS DOING. j Tho Chief Khnrna, who was in England a few )' years ago, is well- known and much respected iu this country. Cape Time: writing about his con- duct during the present hostilities, say :Kha,,)io. I is behaving splendidly, and is the only chief the Protectorate who is not afraid of the Boers. He has about 1,200 armed men on his border patrci!- f ing and doing intelligence work, and net a Boer dare show his face on the border. There was a scare hero last week, and all the women wore anxious to get off to Bulawayo at once, but ho quieted them down and re-established order. Khama heard of it, and was quite insulted, saying he had had the English in his town many 3 •?&»•••, and had always looked after them well, ar.d he hoped tho women would not go away now, a? no Boer would ever touch them as long as he or a jy of the men were left alive." KImma, it may added, quite despises the Southern Protectorate natives tor doing nothing to help the English after enjoy- ing their pioieetiou for so many years.

Omdurman, it is said, now possesses three cafes, lun on modern piinciples, and even a music ware- house and a concert hall. Only a Bishop and a a brewery are needed to complete the civilisation of the desert city. I

MONTGOMERY PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. The annual prize-giving in connection with the Church Sunday School took place at the National Schools 011 Friday. There was a large attendance. The Rector presided and paid a few words of en- couragement to the children. He urged them to make the best use of the din's of thrir vouth, to bf regular and punctual in their attendance at the Sunday School, and to second the efforts of teachers to instruct them in the principles of faith aud duty. Ho reminded the parents tnat the Sun- day School does not release them from their responsibility in regard to the religious inst ruction oi their children at home, and that it was their duty to set them a good example. He thanked the teachers for help and co-odcration and said that the large attendance at the Sunday School testified to the kindly interest of the t.eacheis in their important He congratulated the teachers, parents, and children upon the excellent attendance during the last year and this was shown by the number who had gained prizes and certifi- cates. Great praise, was dne to those who had made every attendance at the morning and after- noon schooi.—Mr 'lurnbnll, in seconding the vote of thaiiKS to the teachers, Sato howgra.tefui parents were for the w.rk done by the teachers in the Sunday Scrsool.—The children sang two songs very nicely at intervals daring the in ize-odving, ard after God save the Queen had been &une. the Rector gtive each child a bun and an orange. The following is the prize list:—Books earned by attendance tickets William Tnrnbui], Sarah Ann Davies. Agnes Gwiit," Emily Gwiit, Mary Emily Pryce, Georgina Davies, Beatrice Williams, Alice. I Williams, Catherine Wood, Maude Pryce, Mary Jones, Geo Weaver, Ed Weaver, Marv Weaver, Samuel Jones, Raymond Bright, Jno Whittingham, ¡ Wm "Whittingham, Lizzie Lowells, Annie Jones, (Castle street), Florence Hill, Gladys Wood, Susan Be&van, Maggie Pryce, Grace Tipping, Willie Jones, •Ed Prvce, Percy Wood, Arthur Davies, Annie Bebb[ Nora Jones, Ernest Jones, Charlie Jones, Ethel Annie Bason. Lizzie Davies, Annie Evans, Nellie Williams, Nellie Davies, John Bishop, Alick Wil. j lian s, Mary \Vilbams. Emily Williams, Minnie Williams, Frank Williams, Fred Williams, Wiliie Davies, Emily Bebb, Geo Evans, Myddleton Bright, Charlie Bason, Maggie Evans, Nellie Whettal, Tome Gittins, S A Whetiai, Mabel Maddox, Nora Maddox, Annie Mary Pnce, Annie Turnbull, Rboda Owen, Rose Russell, Martha Russei, Lizzie Turnbull, Daisy Tipping, Lizzie Evans. Sarah J Evans, Sophy Williams, Hilda Davies. Edith Pryce, Nellie Williams (Backyard), John Cheese, Pryce Williams, Margaret Rogers, Nellie Davies (Police Station), John Beavan, Walter Pritchard, Elizabeth b I Pritchard, George Yvm Davies, Edzabeth Grice, Charlotte Crowther, Susan Bunnor, Thomas Cheese John W Davies, Kitty Lewis, Margaret Peitchard, Wm Pritchard. for the two best attendances in each class, wiiws there are more than two the attendances are equal— Rev E Brown's class t Thcmas i"a ng, Fred Harris. =\1 r Tipping"s class: John Whittingham, Arthur Williams. Mr O R Owen s class: Samuel Jones, Ed I'ryce, Pryce Williams, Wm Whittingham, Percy Wood. Miss Evans' class: Ed Weaver. Henry Pryce, George Weaver, Alec Williams, Wm Pritchard. Miss Bryan's class M Beedle, Edith Lloyd, Ruth Wil- Mrt. Brown's ciass: Rebecca Jones, N Wiiiiams. Mrs John Davies'class Annie Jones, ;3üphy Wil- lift-ms. Maggie Pryce. Lizzie TurRbull. Grace Tipping. Miss II Davies' class A^ne* Gwiit, Emily Gwiit, Eveiine eavei.. Lizzie Pritchard, Sionie Davies. Lizzie Davies, Minnie Williams, Hhmia, Owon. Miss Eaton's class, Maggie Evans, Katie Wood. M 1^3 E M Davies' class Gladys Wcod, Maggie Pritchard, Lizzie Grioe. Miss Annie Allan's Class: A::I1;c Bebb, Emilv Bebb, j Annie Jone: Yera, Jones, George Evans. Miss Befftle's class Annie B;t"oI!, Annie Tarnbu'l. Miss t Nellie olais: Mary Pryce. May Weaver. 1 Beatrice Williams, Alice Wiiuams. Annie Evans, j Emily Williams and i-.i&y Williams. Moraine School: Boys, John Whittingham, Pryce Williams, Ed Pryce, and Wm Whittir.gham. Girls: Agnes j Gwiit, Emily Gwiit, Maggie Evans, Katie Wood, Maggie Pryce, and Lizzie Pi itch ard. Eoys (in- j J fant-a) George Evans, Alec Williams, Edward i Weaver, George Weaver, William Pritchard, and Henry Pryce. Infants (girls) Maggie Pritchard, S A Whettal, Lizzie Grice, Mary Pryce, Minnie Wiiiiams, May Weaver, and Annie Evaus. Certificates gamed by those who Lave not missed more than five at tendances: Agnes Gwiit, Emily Gwilt, Eveline Weavei, Lizzie Pritchard, Nellie Davies, Lizzie Davies, Minnie Williams, Katie Wood, Maggie Evans, Annie Jones, Sophy Wil- iiams,^Maggie Pryce, Gladys Wood, Maggie Prit.ch- ard, Lizzie Grice, Tho? Evans, Sam Jones, Ed Prvce. Pryce Williams, Wm Whittingham, John Whitc'ing- ham, Annie Bebb, Emily Bebb, Ed Weaver, Henry Pryce, Annie Evans, Geo Weaver, Aloe \Vi!.iaui8, Mary Pryce, May Weaver, 33 (maximum). The i above 29 made every attendance and received p'V, Vl framed ceiuificrtte =. The following are in order of merit: Beatrice Williams, A Williams, E Williams, May Williams, Annie Evans, W Pritchard, George Evans, Vera Jone-, Annie Jones (Kerry Street), Percy Wood, Fred Harris, Grace Tipping, Lizzie Turnbull, Lizzie Evans, Martha Jones, Rebecca Jones, Beatrice Harris, Charles B Williams, Arthur B Williams, Walter Pritchard, Charles Davies, Hilda Vaughan, Jane Maddox, Jane Whittingham, Daisy Tipping, Charlotte Crowther, M Beedle, Nellie Williams, Edith Pryce, Nellie Davies (Police Station), Edith LJoyd, Hilda Davies, Susan Beavan, William Harris, Annie Bason, Harold Tnrnbull, Marian Farmer, Ruth Wiiiiams, Annie Turnbull, Ben Maddox, Thos Maddox, Alary Maddox, M J Vaughan, Morffvdd Jones, and Rhoda Owen. Miss Bryan and the Rectur yave a special prize to the following children, who have made full attendances at both morning and afternoon school during the past year: John W nittingham, W.m WhittilJgham, Margaret Pryce, Edward Prjce, Catherine Wood, Agnes Gwiit, Emily Gwiit, Margaret Evans, Elizabeth Pritchard, Pryce Williams, Alec Williams, Ed Weaver, Geo Weaver, Margaret Pritchard, Elizabeth Grice, Mary Pryce, Minnie Williams, May Weaver, Henry Pryce, and Annie Evans.

LLAADYSSIL. Cor,NTT WAR 11 nd. I he Llandyssil Committee held its third meeting on Friday last. Mr Herbert D Owen, of Fronfraith Hall, presided, and there j were nlso preseut The Rector, the Rev J P Mor- ? gan, Messrs W Brumwell, A Withers, B Withers, J Edwards, C Lewis, J R Morris, Edw Lewis, Ernest Lewis, and J G Wroughton. The Chairman reported that he had banked X14 12s Id, received on Dec 29th. At the present meeting the following sums were handed in Church collection, £ 1 13s 5d children of Llano., ssil school, 13s 6d proceeds of patriotic concert, £ 7 Oa 6d Mr Lewis, second instalment, 4s 6d Messrs Brumwell and Withers' book, £ 1 js 6d total, £ 10 los od. This brings up the total so far to £ 25 7s bd. The children's con- tribution was particularly well received, and Master Ernest Lewis, who made the presentation, was requested by the chairman to convey the thanks of the committee to his fellow scholars. A Missing Max.—The greatest sympathy is felt in the parish with Mr and Mi s Corfieid, of the Rosaa, Their son Alfred, aged 29, who was married in May. 1898, and went to live at Farndon, Chester, suddenly disappeared from his home on the nighr, of I;c)r 30th last. He wore very little clothing, and took no watch and very little money with him. His mauaer had been strange for a week previous, but no motive can be ascertaind for his rash action. The river Deehns been dragged, and the police have made every effort to trace him, but without avail. His parents and young wife are naturallv greatly distressed at im disappearance. He was a univer- sal favourite and scrupulously honest.

LLANBRYNMAIR. THE BRITISH SCIfOOL.-T;,e B,iLisli School enter- tainment and distribution of prizes took place (,n Friday week. Mr J Ed wards, Post Office, presided, and Mr D ] Owen conducted. There was a very large audience. The following programme was gone through Choruses, Mae'r Cytxiry am godi," Dirge of a soidier," and "Springtime," School Children; action s:mgs, When babies go to school," Standards 1 and 11, Girls The Chinese Lautern." Girls The Village Minstrels and The German Band," Bovs songs in character, with choruses, I. Tjie Merry Peolnrs," Masters X Hughes, R Evans, and DN Hughes; The old folks at home," Mr Idris Jones; There was a mouse,Misses Jennie Hughes and Lizzie E Daniels The Sunbeam and "The old black cat," Infants; drill and chorus, Standards I and II, Boys recitations, Y Gwew ar y Fed wen," Infants; The little fish," Standards I and if, Gir.s; "Edward a Haw," Standard IV Bovs- solos, "13wthyn yr amddifad," "Y Plent-,Tll 'a'r Gwlith," P'am na hi Llewelyn," and The sore that, reached my heart," Miss Frances Lewis, Mach- ynlleth; Y Ferlen Ddu" and" Myfanwy," Mr- D Davies (Eos Cyfeiiiog) liiraeth," Mr" Peter O 1 1. Alr 0 Burton. The school has again this year kept u„ it* reputation for regular attendance, no fewer than eighteen scholars having uiaL;e full time during the past year. These deserving scholars were each invested with a handsome meùaJ, with ribbon, and clasp, by Miss Morgan of Llwynaere, in the absence of Mrs Francis, and Mrs Edwards, Post Office. Books were preseuted for attendance throughout the school. Many friends generously contributed towards the medals and prizes. The accompanists were Miss Morgan, Llwynaere, and Mr R W Davies, Glanrhyd. Mr and Mrs Edwards, Post Office, kindly provided buns for distribution among the school children. To all who had assisted in promoting the success of the meeting hearty votes of thanks were jxiver. on the motion of Mr J Rees, seconded by Mr Rich- 3rd Will iam*, jun., Hernlre. With the singing of Hen w !3] fy nhedau by Miss Lewis and Mr D Davies, a most enjoyable, meeting terminated..

LLAXWYDDELAX. Co\c~];t. — A very successful concert was given in the C.,r: -oh Sunday School Room on Friday evening w. vk. There was an admirable pro- gramme, the first item on which was a violin solo by AT,-is,.er B Christopher then followed Hearts 1 of Oak," by the Rector, the audience heartily join- in the chorus. Mrs Roberts and Miss Pottle acquitted themselves admirably. Two Little aü:]: Ïri IlL, by Miss II Bowen and Miss M Jones, with banjo accompaniment by Master B Chnstopher, was well received. Action duet, "You mustn't" bv Miss N Clarke and Muster M C! n-isropher, was loudly cheered. Nigger song by Master A Christopher, and humorous 1 ecitatiotig by -ler A Clarke, Miss L Gethin and Master M Christopher, were very amusintr. A comic song in character, and stump speech on tem- perance by M&sler E Christopher, were loudly encored. The las' Jtem Handy Andy," by Mr J D Thomas and Master B Christopher was EIIeid performed, the audience throughout standing in great excitement. Mr D Roberts took the chair, aou j;.rs Christopher presided n.t the organ. Few of thanks and the singing of the National 1 Anthem ended a dcMghtfo.1 entertainment,

LLAXGADFAN CAIIOL Skeyice.— (ia Friday evening week the Epipnany Carol Service was celebrated iu the Parish Church, which was crowded. A short even- song—fally choral—y.-as intoned by the R*v D C Jpnes, Rector, after which carols were rendered by parties conducted be Messrs R Mills J Owen, E Price, and D Roberts, the latter party being from ) Llanerfyl. Mr D Roberts sang of Zion" with great taste. The service throughout was very impressive. P Audit.—The half-rear]R audit the Llj mystyn estate was held at Cann Office hotel on Tuesday last, by Mr Forrester Addie, assisted by Mr Manford ar.d Mr Davies. There was fA, large muster of tenants- Tie company sat down to a dinner provided in Miss Owen's usual bounti- ful style. When the tables were cleared Mr W For- rester Addie. who presided, proposed the health of The Oueen and the Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the Roval Family." Then followed the toast of "Lord and Ladv Powis," proposed by Mr Hnehes, Ffridgowney. Mr Hughes referred to the loss which his Lordship had sus- tained last August by the disastrous ifre at Llvroys- tyn Had. The feast wis received with great enthusiasm. Mr W Forrester Addie proposed the health of "The tenants of the Llymvstvn estate," and said he was always very pleased to co'me among thera. ar.d at the cheerful'way in which they came forward to pay their routs. He also said that Lord Powis was very much touched by the sympathy with his Lordship which they and all others had shown when Idymystyn Hail was burnt- down. This toast was coupled with the names of Mr D Davies, Tycyfedw, and Mr Robert Hughes, j Ffridgowney, who suitably responded.-Th( Rev 1) C Jones gave the toast of Mr Addie," and s(1.id in Mr Addie they had a friend to whom they could go at all times, and that the tenants under him were happy and prosperous. — The toast was received with great acclaatmation.—Mr Addie gave the toast of Mr Owen, Miss Owen, and Mrs Williams, Cann Office." and wished them a long continuance of life and health to carry on the | house so honourably connected w;th their names. j —During the evening songs were given by Mr E iiharrs, Mr Torn A r.ley, aud Mr J Davies, Lluast. XEEWEKN. War Fukd.—On Friday week a concert wes given iu the fchooJrouE- in nid of the fund for the equipment of the Impeiia! Yeomanry. The room was crowded with patriotic sublets of the Queen. Mr T Morgan-Owen, J.P., H.MI, Maesfron, pre- sided, and be was introduced by the Vicar, the Pe. D Stephens, and received with loud applause. He said In the first place allow me to wish you one and all every good wish for the year just be- gun (applause). So f-ir it has been a very serious year for us, as oar forces in South Africa." who are bravely battling for what is just and right against what is brutal and wrong, have not been very suc- cessful but we hope for better results ere long (applause). In certain quarters our right to im.e: fere in S-nth African riiairs L been put to the question. Let me, therefore,very briefly put the case before you in a figurative manner. Some years ago chief partieR concerned might be represented by the respective positions of tiiree men. The one was on the ground struggling in the throes of death, while the second grasped him by the throat with the one. hand and poised aloft with the other his spear. But ere this weapon reached tre heart of the qniverintr wretch beneath it, a third man appeared and waved a..ide the triumphant foe (cheers). Well, my friends, the man on the ground was the Boer. The man who wished to wip? him out was the Zulu. The man who rescued the Boer was the Briton (cheers). Now, do von not think that under such circumstances as these the Boer would for ever be beholden to the Briton, and that to the end of time be would endeavour in every possible way to show his gratitude to him (cries of Yes, yes."). But what happened ? Ever since since his deliverance from the clutches of the ZUlU, the Boer has plotted and schemed against, the Briton (cries of Shame."). The position of the Briton in the Transvaal was that of hewers of wcod and drawers of water." He had no voto foi and no representative in their Assemb;ies-his children were obliged, whilst in school, to give up the language of their mothers and to speak Dutch—(shame)—and meanwhile the Briton had to pay almost all the rates and taxes- j (laughter)—and he aDd his were treated as beings inferior to the Boer. Was that right? (Cries of no, no.") The Boer filled his country, on "the slv, with guns, cannon, and ammunition, and when he thought he was quite ready for the Briton, who had allowed himself to be duped, the Boer threw off the Sovereignty of the Queen and said he would j sweep the Briton into the ocern (laughter). How- ever, he has not. done so yet-(Jaughter)-and I do not suppose he ever will do so, as the British Lion is -it his heels and will in the course of time make hit lair in Pretoria (cheers). I have said that onr days are serious ones and they remind us of the time when Napoleou Buonaparte threatened to invade England. Then as now our country roused itself as one. man and stood to arms. Then as now a Sir Watkin Williams-Wvnn assembled the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry to defend and to fight for their Fatherland — (cheers) —aud it is pleasing to know that the proceeds of this concert will be giver, in aid of the brave men who have volun- teered to join the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry (ap- pltiti;- programme was as follows Song, "The Briti.-h Lion," Mr W Morris: harp solo, Gweuith Gwvn," Miss Morgan-Owen reading, W hic-h would you choee !,(-v D Stephens; song, Jack's the boy for work," ír M Morgan-Owen so,g, Foiir jolly smiths," Mr C Morris; songj of the Queen," Mr Q.uin; song, "The curtain drops," Mr L Sykes A little farm well tilled," Messrs C and W Morris and R Preece: song, The Absent-Minded Beggar," Mr R Preece p Men of Harlech," M■cs xviorgan-Owen Soiig, Canity," Mr M Morgan-Owen; reading, On purser" Rev D Stephens; duet, The pilot brave," Messrs W Morris and R Preece; song, 1 hey all love Jack," Mr C Morris; soug, True as the compa.ss," Mr L Sykes; duet (in character), Country courtship. Mrs Quia and Mr R Preece. The accompanists were Miss Morgan-Owen and Mrs Qnin who performed their ardaous task's in an ad- mirable manner All the items received weii-de- eacores- An did not respond, but in some case*- the- audience would not be denied. As wen as being encored and responded to in Paru 1. of the program me, that popular song, "Soldiers of the Queen," was given by special request in Part II. and each time the chorus cauie round the whole' company joined in heartiiy. The stage had been nicely decorated with plants kindly sent from Maesfron, which with the aid of the footlights pre- sented a very pretty appearance. The usual votes of thanks were given to the chairman, the per- formers (especially those from the adjoining parish) to MrPheby for the loan or his piano, the audience for their heaity support to so worthy an object, and any who had in any way assisted. The singing of the National Anthem brought a very jolly even- ing to a close. Ail the expenses were verv gener- ously borne by Mr Morgan Owen. The proceeds amounted to over zC4, The collection taken after the singing of the Absent-minded Beggar was 16s.

SPECIAL SHOW OF IXVITATIOX CARDS COUNTY TIMES OFFICES, WELSHPOOL & ABERYSTWYTH

OSWESTRY. CEOSS MARKET EXTENSION. A special meeting- of the Town Council was held on Thursday morning to confirm the Ma-kets Com- mittee s decision, and accept a ion with reference to the tenders received for extending the Cross Market. There were present the Mavor (Councillor n IT Mason), Alderman W en field, Councillors llowelt Duvies, W li Plimmer, Edward Roberts, S Parry Jones, E Bremner ad P., Danit.L vith Mr Jackson, deputy it-wn clerk, and Mr G W Lacey, borough surveyor.— The Mayor apologised for the absence of Vise Town Clerk, who WPo" detained in Lomh>n. The report of the Markets Committee t" ed that the following tenders were opened f„i h maiket extension work .— Mr J Higgins, £ 5,183 12s Id • Messrs Jones and Evans, £ 3,794 12s Mr Nicholas' Shrew bury, £ 5.751 3s 6d; Mr W Fehom £ 5,495 lis 9d; Mr W H Thomas, £ 4,99C I:- 9] Toe committee recommended that the lowest (Mr Thomas') be accepted.—Mr Bremner Smith said the committee went carefully into the tor rJer sub- ject to a revision by the Surveyor. Toe Surveyor had done the revision and there was an error of £ 9 12s 3d in the tender, which 0 Counci would not notice, he hoped. lie pr« pored that that ter.der should be accepted. He was glad ü find that a townsman had received the contract. —Mr Howe11 Davies seconded and saia t uat from what they knew of the firm the work woald be well done. He hoped the work would be finished before the fruit season as that was a bn.-y time in the market—Mr Jackson said Mr Thorns.? saw him that morning and stated that the snrvt;. or was errEd, be; he thought that as the tender was the lowest the sum in error should net be takes o5. | The propositi:Ti was agreed tc. i SCHOOL BOARD.—Trrj-DA >' j Present The Rev Norman Ogilvy {vice-chairman) presiding, the Revs T R-edferu and J I Povnter. Messrs \V Martin ar.c; J J Roberts « Mr J C Bull (c-lerk), and Mr H T Gougb (school attendance orflcei).—The Chairman and Mr T II H vt were appointed \>iring Committee tor t1 e "nsuing < nriomn. — Mr Maltoy sent in his rep.- rr on the examination of the Roarc Schools ir: religious knowledge, and stated that on the whole thought I the knowledge displayed by the children in the various subjects chosen by the Board was very j sac-istactory.—Mr Poynter moved that a neart-y vote of thanks be accorded Mr Maltby for his thorough examination and interesting report. He added that it was pleasing: to hnd that the relierioas instruction was so happily a: tended to.—Mr R,edfe> -1 seconded the proposition, which was agreed ,o. -Th(- Revs J J Poynter and T Redfein were appointed to revise the syiiabus of religious subjects.—Comelaint was madi- that short notice was given of tin examina- tion for labour certificates. The noric-i was i-e- ceived on Tie morning tne school broke up for the holidays and the examination held during tae rolidays. The Chairman said he dd i, --) t know whether the Bo.t. d would j rre;ke representations, to the chief inspector with a view to receiving suScient notice jn future. — Tne Clerk thought proper notice would bi3 given next time.— In reply to Mr Poyntei the Clerk stated thr.i be had ree*-ivr-d no information from the Education Department with reference to the Act which came into force on January 1st. whereby a chili must attend school until the age of 12, and not 11 as LEfore.r Poynter said he wanted parents to know that the school age had be n raised, and the Clerk asked the representatives of the Press present to give publicity to the fact.—Relative to the distribution of prizes, Mr Poyntei said Le thought some kind of an entertainment should be got up at whiCh trie school children should take part and tiie parents be invited, with a view to the Board getting into closer touch with the part nts. He gave notice that the matter should be considered at the next meeting- Ir Poynter asked the cierk if he had received any communication from the In- spector about the staff at the Bf}ys'Sdwol.-The Clerk said he had ziou.Mr Red,eru said the school was fuliy staffcu according to the number present. What they wanted was a junior to assisi as pupil teacher.—The Clerk also said that the Board com- plied with the regulation a.F: to staff.— Mr Poynter said his idea was a readjustment of the teaching staff more LIlaH an addition, but tuey had nothing official before them.-—Applications from Mr Srnouc, caretaker, arid Miss Nellie G Taylor were e >nsidered iu Committee. THE WORKING GIRLS' CtCH. On Friday evening [week, a successful children's entertainment was given in the Ariiiar Street Assembly Rooms, in aid of the "Working Girls' Club, which meets in the Assembly Rooms. There was a crowded house, nearly every seat being occupied. Tne programme opened with an over- ture on the pianoforte by Mr G W Ferrinirton and Mrs Henry Ferrington. The first portion of the programme ir.ciuued a pretty Maypole viance by a number of children, a march by the kazoo Band, the instrumentalists appearing in suitable uniforms, a scarf drill, two scenes from "Alice in Wonderland," the chief character beintr taken with much success by Miss E Coulson, a butterfly song by Master II Barclay and Miss E Coulson, and a Japanese umbrella song by a num- ber of girls. The part closed with a dormitory song, which caused ujuch amusement, the final scene representing a pillow fight between about a dozen school boys. The second part was entirely taken up with the operetta, Robin's Remedy, or the changes cf a night." The singing was much appreciated by the audience, and the dresses were much admired. Evidently great pains had been taken to train the children, all of whom snstained their parts faultlessly. The following were the characters:—Fairy Queen, Miss Mabel Minshall Prettywinks, Miss N Huxley; Robin the Red, Miss G Hammond Wiiiiams; Santa Clans, Mr F Askin German Ma.ician, Miss N Phillips; Spanish girl, Miss Littlehale* Japanese girl. Miss Whitridge; Welsh girl, Miss M Jones; trench demoiselle, Miss R Jones; Indian girl. Miss F Owen; Alexander, Master A Phillips Li-Yung, Master Owen; Antonio, Master J Whitridge; "ionnny, Master B Phillips; with a chorus of fairies and a chorus of rabbit fairies, who acted as charioteers to the Fair., Queen. The success of the entertainment was largely due to Mr W W Coulson, who acted as stage manager, and undertook the laborious duty of instructing several of the children in their parts. It is hoped that a large sum will he handed over to the funds of the club. Mrs Henry Ferrington made an able accompanist.

ELLESMERE. LITERARY SOCIETY.-At the weekly meeting of this society, held in the T- N-Li Hall on Wednesdry, Miss Jebb, Lee Hall, presided. There was a very large at tendance to hear the debate opened by Mr Lea (Ki.-isale), Can we keep the labourer on the land." Mr Lea is a large farmer aud employs a number of farm labourers. He feared it was only too true that the farm labourer was leaving the land and going iuto the large towns, and he said the only way to stop this was to give him an interest iu the land by giving him at least three acres of grass land to enable him to keep a cow, jugs, and poultry. The farm labourer's cottage as a rule was little better than the sheds in which the farmer kept his cattle, and he should hare comfortable cottages to live in. He pointed out that in their own neighbourhood, while farms were being added to, cottage properties had been allowed to dwindle away.and in many instances land had been put to the adjoiuitjp farms. In addition to the provision of mere cottages, he also advocated more small farms, which, he said, would give a steady, thrifty man a chance to better his position and further, that the land laws of the country should be altered' to enable owners to sell land. He moved, That in oraer to keep the labourer on the farm it was desirable that he should be oetter housed, and have at least three acres of grass land attached." Mr Juu Hood seconded the resolution, but con- tended that it hardly went far enough. Be said the labourer was leaving the land of his fathers because he got bptter waces, shorter hours, and better homes in the towns, and the ouly way to prevent him going away was to give him better pay, shorter henrs, a cottage fit to live in, and a few acres of land free of charge.—Mr Thos Ember- ton said he agreed with Mr Hood as to the better wages and shorter hours, but did not think the land would be much use to him, as very few labourers' wives could milk a cow or look after it. Mr Edwards (Haughton) said he supported Mr Lea. The condition of the labourer was not satisfactory at present, and he was in favour of giving him a piece of lanci.-Air W Lloyd also supported the resolution. He did not think the labourer would go awav if he was better treated. Evidently there was a disease somewhere, and a remedy must be found.—Miss Jebb, The Lyth, contended that the labourer did not want shorter hours, and said it was much happier for him to live in the country than in a back street in a town. —The other speakers were Mr James Bagnali, Mr Preece Mr ■ Rogers, &c.—There being no amendment -.i-,e reso- lution was carried unanimously, and the meeting terminated.

The London journeyman Qakeib have a batch of grien-atices, and are becoming crusty in consequence. They compiain that they have to loaf about while the bread is fermenting aud they ask ior an eight houis day. But the master bakers don't offer them a crumb of hope or comfort. If the journeymen try to take a rise out of the masters there may be a rise in bread, too.

LETTER FROM A WELSHPOOL SOLDIER. The following letter has been sent by Sergt T G Morris, late of Welshpool, to his mother:—12th Royal Lancers, Military Hospital, Wynberg, near Cape Town, South Africa. Dear Mother and Father, Just a few lines to let you know I've stopped one of the Boers' bullets on Monday, lltb inst., at the battle of Spytfontein. After lying on my belly for over 13 hours one of their shots found its way through my leg, so now I am lying on my back in hospital; but thank God it is not worse. We had a terrible time of it: I shonld say it was tho worst fight since the Crimean war. 'W(-Il, I never expected over seeing such a sight. Never mind, I. shall soon be right again; it's only a flesh wound through my calf. I am pleased with mvself when I see other poor fellows- with five and six wounds and some bones broken. Thank God mine is only slight to theirs. You will see I am in hospital near Cape Town, abont 700 miles from the scene of the battle. I came down from the front on the 19th inst. so I am all right in this hospital. We get every attention here; the people are ail very kind to all of us. So are the people at home -1hey keep on sending us things every mail. We had a (-plenoid voyage out here, I was not sick one Fin,.io.) (]:ty. You read about England having a few or so reverse?, but don't you Relieve all yon see iu the The Boers are losing more heavily than us; lean tell you they don't have it all their own way, but the devils get behind those hills and you can't shift them. They have not hea.rt enough to fight in the open or else the Lancers would show them what the cold steel was made for no fear, their heart is in the wrong place.