The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

"COUNTY TIMES" SHILLING W A U FUND. We have pleasure in announcing that we have decided to open a Shilling Fund for the wives and families of the men serving their country in South Africa. Subscrip- tions of one shilling and upwards will be acknowledged in these columns, and the money sent to this office will be paid over to the Lord-Lieutenant's Fund. Those who prefer may give a weekly or monthly '.•oritribution so long as the war lasts. We invitj our numerous readers in everv part of the country to contribute to the fund. IJST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Am..uiv nrfvinn-'Iy acknowledged 86 The Misses liuv.-cii (4 weeks) 12 98

THE YEOMANRY AT CHURCH. YFCAA'S FA HE WELL Te TIIK TROOPERS. TliYeomanri* a: 'uTl'¡Pr1 divine service fit. dio Parish Ciiurch, on Sunoay morning. The men paraded in :<ro-,o i-et. <1,nd with one or two ex- I ceptions were i in kharki with the sloucu hats. Thev were under the command of Capt Robt Williams-Wynn, Capt. Armstrong, Lieut liayner, z ti, ine bana or the 4th B under Sergt Drummer Campbell, was in at endanee, and the muster was witnessed bv a la-, ge number of people, the streets being t.hi ongi d v.-ith -■ no. o; s. They were accomp trned to CI-tii-, 'he :a>-ai iiti- (If the regutar Y e (, i ii: v a riet ncl; nient of the Yolunr.ee: s. The ser-ice at the church was attein' -d !.V •! go ci-Ii■ -eg;: Hon. The Kev Merlin Davie '•oi iucun ;rvic-, which opened with the wc Ii '••tu.wn ytnn, Ti: r,,a;; h all the changing scene-, of iif Alter rhe third collect a specia 1 anthem. Son of f,)i-tli to war," was I' fi b the choir, under the guidance of Mt M :d ■- \J! P Tile hymn before the ser. mon w ■ Eight the go-] ifght of faith," and the CO!1. i,ist;lv ir, pinginit. TheVicar, i,re:i(,ho.(i from 'I,)t.tlic-w xx, 18, "Ministering toothers." In the course of his retnavk;: he said tl at mitmtei'ing to others was an incumbent dutv upon Christians. Though we could not. si! !v git--at ;>sti.e uorht counts greatness, nor clever as the worid oounts cleverness, still we could all do some good while we are in the world. This !>;••'i■ -ij>1" was true not merely of "individuals, but of indiuduahs i'i their corporate capacity, that was as nations. Every nation in the World had not o;¡]r ;¡ ;tliJecl: but als¿ il :pecial mÍEdior: to carry out. In ancient times the great mission of Greece was to impress on the world the ideal of beauty in the various spheres of human life. The great mission of the Rom,.n Empire was to stamp law and ¡ order upon the worid. Our own mission as a nation i: L dkve. u, be to take the foremost place and part in civilising and Christiau""sing the world, and this we had been enabled to do, under God, to a largeVxteuf. in the past. This he humbly trusted and believed was onr great mission at the present time in onth Africa. Our great objects were to free the slave, defend the weak, put down oppres- sion, and asi-ert the eternal pi mci.>l*»R of individual righ' ;«i>d ire om. How dt, » ¡;is conviction was j among »-rr p> ople and especially amoug onr breth- reii in Si ti: I, Africa was strikingly illustrated last w-e' by the ru noria! sent from th-j Natal Congr, eari.iwul Utii.e: to tiie members of the Congrega- tional Union of England and Wales. The Vicar then read the following extract from the memorial: As Christians they (the Natal Congregational Union) deeply deplore the present war. And yet, humanely speaking, the conflict was inevitable. They desire to impress upon their fellow- Christians in England that the Boer ideal of government is a military oligarchy, the power being exclusive!v in Du:,eCt hands; while the British ideal is based unm 1 ¡". i 4\1ity of all white men and the humane and just, treatment of the native races; and they be- lievo that this is only to be realised by the com- plete success of the British arms, and that in British administration lies the only hope of uniting the various states of South and o" tire per- manent peace and prosperity of the whole country. For this great end large numbers ot the Colonists of Natal, very many of whom belong to the Churches and Sunday Schools of tiw Union, are now fighting at the front. They must trust that this efatementoftheview.c and convictions of the Natal Congregational Union will command your svmyrathy, and that von will rmite witb them in prayei that this terrible struggle umy 80011 bo brought to an end, and that the fruits of it wiil be peace, prosperity, and freedom from the Capo to Zambesi." Such then were the deliber- ate views and convictious of men who could in no way be charged with jingoistic tendencies or in any way as men who delight in war. Firmly believing that these views were the right views, he wished, with all his heart, speedy success to the British flag. But in carrying out this great and difficult mission, we had to undergo many sorrows and many anxieties. He believed our nation would come out of thu ordeal purified and strengthened, and discern more and more the great work which God had for it to do. Therefoie it would tend to destroy many of our national vices and to foster and strengthen many of our virtues. We read of great fires devastating some of the Western States of America. lu connection with these fires there was one very curious effect worth observing. When the fire has pn«s*?d over a district, plants and trees very different from those which formerly grew there appear on the soil. The seeds of those trees and plants were lying in the ground but it needed the fire to make them live and grow. And in the same way ive even need both as a nation and as individuals the cleansing fires of God's ordinance in order to kill what is bad and bring out what is good within (air nature. Better things lie buried iu the heart spring into growth, the flowers of L holy and good life blossom where the flames have been. He understood that that Sunday was likely to be tie last wl"'1! they woulu have the privilege of having- their brother yeomen with thetn as fellow wors'iippers in that Church. He did not wish that opportunity to by without bidding them farewell, and to say that their hearts went with best wishes. May they hU''j liar;nee in difficulties, Courage in the field of t i.t'le, mercifulness in victory, and may God give them in His own 'iuie a happy and safe return to their native i:.nd and t> those near and dear to them. After rhe sermon the hymn "Onward Christian soldiers" was sung followed by tiie National Anthem, which was rendered with a great and striking effect,. Altogether the service was most inspiring. Ir concluded with the Vicar offering the Beue'beiion.

v. ,¡:;t1 R. 5TH VORXKTEKK BATTALION: THE SOUTH WALES BoRnKRKIiS. REGIMENTAL ORDERS BR LireTKNA»r-Ci>r.oxi:L 1, PKYCK.-JONKS, M.P., Commanding. Headquarters, Newtown, 3rd February, 1900. E.P»LMENTS.— The undermentioned having been enrolled at the stations named are taken on the strength of the Battalion, posted to Companies, and allotted Regimental numbers as stated against their ii:imes A" Co, N,) 693 Ernest Bennett; 731 Robert .lone. Thomas to" E"Co; and 732 Henry Thomas to D Co. PAKADKS.- For recruit s only will take place as follows —Newtown, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday, at o p.m. Machynlleth, ou Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at 8 p.m.; and at Mont- gomery, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, at 8 p.m. SERVICE SKCTIOX SOUTH AFRICA.—The under- mentioned have been finally approved for active service in South Africa :— Lieut. Harold Alec Kirkbv, Tywyn. Lieut. Harold Alec Kirkbv, Tywyn. X KWTOWX. WELSHPOOL. 30 Pte, Alfred I:LJC>s 126 Pte Edwin Williams 40'") Richard Morris 129" Pryce Baine8 135 Wm E Griffiths 218" William JatlJes 8 Samuel II Horton 142 William Mills 71 „ JohnE Jones MOXTROMERY. 86 Thomas G 11 net t 508 Pte Geo H Banner 558 1-L ""t;j T Clayton LLA'\FAIR. 197 Lr, Latiiatit 372 Sergt J T Astley 'r'- W Y N. 370 Pté) David Jones 426 Cpl E van L Jones .MACHYNLLETH. 446 Pte William Jones 236 Pte A W Harris I 464 Robert Richards 364 Hugh Arthur ;)21 John Morris The active service Company will emba k about 10th inst. The whole of the above-uamed will be letained on the strength of the Battalion as super- numeraries. KESERVII. SE.TIOX.—Owing to the very large proportion of volunteers for this section having faiieo to pass the physical standard and other necessary conditions it has now been abandoned. CYCLIST.—No 152 Cyclist T E P Jones having accepted service in the Imperial Yeomanry will be borne on the strength of the Battalion as super- numerary. By Order, C WALKER, Captain, Adjutant 5th V.B. South Wales Borderers.

MR F LANE-FOX OX SOU T H AFRICAN AFFAIRS. A fair number of people assembled at the Conservative C'ub, Welshpool, on Thursday evening to t err ;m addre-s from Mr Francs f.sv<F >x, who was fc three years H. resident in Sou ii Africa, dealing with the relations existing between the English and the Dutch in that part of the continent. Mr W F Addie, who presided, briefly introduced Mr Lane-Fox who had a hearty reception. Ti", l!'dnn'r:" tilp IIUt.W" t't'mark,¡j 1.1",t, the South African pa ction was a big one, and he had had j little tinw 10 prepare his lecture having been employed i". raising a troop of Imp -rial Yeomanry for service in South Afiiea. it and unfair to criticise at this moment either the Government or the generals. At the same tim") it might V.e advisable to look back and criticise past governments nd past generals and see what had led up to the war. During the three years he was in South Africa he had kepc "i", eyes open and be learned many things which were unknown to those at home. The policy of Mr Gladstone's Government in the coionies had been fraught with failure from the beginning t,o tlie. t!n(l. It was largely due to Mr Gladstone I that the war now existed. Ali- three. The first was (he Irish question i which had not been deci1 d, r h-' nd was the i Egyptian question which was :¡".jd, nor. long ago bv Lo-d Ki-chen«r, and the 'hire !iry w;i« South Africa, which v.'a-. now belove i nation in a- way in which we never expected is. Tney would re- member that in 1881 there, was war in the Traus- vaal, and Sir Evslyn Wood went on', to take com- [ maud of the forces after Majuba. Ho was in com- maud of a big division which was prepared to sweep th-j country, but instead of doing this he was w1d back by Mr Gladstone's Government, and compelled to rerire. That. ro;iretneut had been a j thorn in t.he side of the Colonists ever since. When j Sir Evelyn Wood came home he foiled hia name appended t-> t'»e tre.'itv. He ft he leer urer) was perfectly aw;i;y r.f :hK tha-, when Sir Bvdyn wnb ft>ked to aiiiin :s id;(n"tu'-o, hi; refused to do so, and said it wan not such a treaty as ought to be signed by any British General. This re'.iremeni, had given the Boers the belief that they could thwart the wishes of Gieat Britain, and could act independently of her. Had Sir Evelyn Wood bi er. allowed he might have genie to Pre.oria and whatever terms might, t[H.n have )i-v(, lieeyi coi. vineed of the slreugth of Britain. But since the retirement the Boers had led hr-mselves to believe that England was incapable of defeating them and that there was no ,,)IH;h thing as the power and the misht of the British Empire. In the ect ths Imd inflicted upon the Boers a great wrong by leading 111' 1(\ the present war. Mr Gladstone did the same thing in the Transvaal as in Ireland, and were he a Boer or ail Irishman, led by »he Prime Minister of Eni'bi.ml into 'he belief that t 1, eon Id do without Givar. Britain, that id,ay c.,l.hl vvit'm-iud j her, live of hem s and r<v:H-t he if iie::e^sa ry, he should pr.'hah1 act ns the Bo'-m were acting I now. He V'r¡L{J1 ro cmvey V) their minda some idea of the extent of race hatred—which was in- planted in the Dutch mind against. Great Britain. The Bote.- ha a stud: an intense race natred of Ettgish- men that p. Boer would seldom marry an English- wom: n. :111 would never git down in peace with [Up Lnsfiifihniim. He was usually suspicious of I K/'] is! i :n en as thouah r.hey wet e about to do him otn-) wrong. He bad tried to make friend.? with the Boer farmers itehiid met, he spoke to i them in their own language, which he had taken { the trouble !o learn, yet the}' always looked upon nim with suspicion and as an enemy, the reason b hog hat the Boers were taught from their child- hood t. the English were their natural enemies. So much was this so, that if a Boer child happened to be a male, the mother invariably said Thank God, there ij another rifle to shoot the English (laughter). The race hatred was, therefore, so strong that it could not be quashed with anything | short of war. Referring to the Boer character, Mr Lane-Fox said wo were competing with a class of men who had a tenacity of character very similar to our own, the difference being that they had not the advantages of education and civilisation which we im"e. One of the greatest mistakes made by people in speaking of this war was tLat we were supposed to have underestimated the power of the Dutch. It was impossible to foresee the amount of patriotic feeling which existed among the colo- nial Dutch, equally impossible to foresee the num- ber of officers of skill willing to leave theif armies and throw in their lot with the F t, i- He learned that there were no less than 10,000 German and French officers and men at present in South Africa with the Boers. He himself had mentioned in a despatch in 1897 that at least 50,000 Boers could be put into the field armed with Mauser rifles, and they would easily believe ti at in 1900 the number would b higher. That des; tch hewrota himself, and it went through Mr Cony, gham Greene to Lord Salisbury, do that the intelligence Department could not be to blame (hear, hear). The Boers, for years past, had been buying the best weapons, better weapons than ours, and had been able to check our troops on several occasions, though, thank goodness, we had not had any defeats (hear, hear). Had all this been realised at the commencement we should have been able to put into the Transvaal an army large enough to racet the piesent difficu1¡;y. Mr Lane-Fox then proceeded to consider what would happen if a Radical Gov- ernmerit were put to-morrow, or if dome similar catastrophe were to take place, and wo had to sue for peace. All oar colonies vvouid C0!Jstrue iG as meaning that if we were incapable of defend- ing Natal against the Boors we should be aiso in- capaOlt! of defending Australia against Germanv, Canada against the United States, Jndia against lliussiu and the cry would go forth Australia for tee Australians, Canada for the Canadians and we should loe every one cf our coionies. Gertnanv had art army of four millions which would be I'.aised automatically as f<oon a* war is declared while England had a difficulty in raisins one army corps. It was necessary for us, he corterided to have a European Army, it was important indeed that we should have an army of at least two million men whom we could at any moment throw upon any given spot in any part of our Empire (applause). If we had had such an army the war e,¡¡¡id tio- have lasted long. It would have simply meant taking the troops to South Africa and the Boers would have seen the folly of fighting. It was theretoie very necessary for n* to have a large and modern army, and in his opinion we ought to have two millions exclusive of the volun- teer forces (applause). Another Question of areat importance in South Africa was the the native question. It was not possible to comprehend the nature of this question without living in South or some other place where the,If1.ti\'e .qu8"tiol1 was on a somewhat similar basis. The natives pro- pogated verp rapid]}-. The unmbvr of blacks in South Africa was something appalling. They were in the proportion of 20 to I of tiie whites. After [ tite Boers had. been settled the groat question in South Africa wuuld be in regard to the future of the blacks. So far they had treated us with respect, especially had they done so since the Zulu war. We had never yer, carried the sword iuto Basutoland and it was quite possible that the Basutos might rise and he knew there were at least 30,000 Basutos fully armed and horsed ready to take the field, at a moment's uotice. Many people asked why we bad not used our black troops against tl e itoers — our splendid Bengal cavalry, our Ghoorkbas, and the Sikbs. Had we done so it would have encouragad the native black trcops to rise, seeing his brother black was fighting. it was therefore considered that it would be a cut-throat, policy to employ black troops and that, was the reason wny our Indian troops had not been sent. The only other point he wished to mention was that it was very easy for us to criticise and say what faults had been committed. He would ask them one question. Even if the Government had made mietakcs, was it likely that any other Government would have dene better ? They might say that the Defence Committee had not done th-ir best, but could they tell them any other combination which would have done better ? It was easy tc criticise and to pull down, but a different matter to build np. Socialists and Democrats had a pull-down policy, but they did not suggest any better way of governing the country. He believed it would be impossible to find a better combination of men than those who formed the cabinet of Lord Salisbury. The Prime Minister had had a great deal to contend with. He was a man of peace and did not like the idea of war, and both he and the Queen felt it would be a troublesome thing to force war by sending out troops, and he knew it was largely owing to this love of peace that the troops were not sent out much sooner (applause). Mr C Shuker proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Lane-Fox for his most interesting and instruc- tive address. We had suffered in this war, and especially in the period of some months before the war actually commenced from many disadvantages quite beyond the control of our own Government. For instance the suzerainty of the Transvaal retained by us in 1881 gave us a voice in its foreign relations, but by a strange fatuity Mr Gladstone, of his own accord, gave up our right of interference in the moat important foreign relation that could affect us. He agreed that the Transvaal Republic could make any arrangements they pleased with the Portngnese Government for the importation of arms and munitions of war by way of DelagoaBay. Again, Cape Colony, which is inhabited by rather more inhabitants of Dutch extraction than of English has sometimes a majority of Dutch representa- tives in its Parliament and sometimes a majority of 1 English. Unfortunately at the General Election two vears ago, an African da majority was returned, and Mr Schreiner became Premier. Now Mr Schreiner and his ministers being imbued with Dutch sentiment and aspirations, allowed disloyalty to be preached unchecked in our Colony, and per- mission was given for gunsaud all ammunition of war to passfrom Pert Elizabeth into the Orange Free State, right up to the commencement of the war, and the Government of Cape Colony which might have given us the greatest assistance, unlike Natal, prac- tic-allv acting neutral during the contest. The conduct also of General Sir W Butler the commander for several vcars of our forces in Sourh Africa, has rightly or wrongly been adversely criti- cised. Certainly his Pro-Boer speeches were quite illtimed and out of patce tor a British soldier, and Mr Bait'our emphatically declares that no warning of any kind was sent by him to London that the British forces in South Africa last summer were not quite sufficient to cope with the Boer Republics should any difficulty occur. He might also refer to the low state of morality amongst the Boers and the cunning and deceitful manner in which their diplomacy was conducted. We had for generations been quite friendly with the President and people of the Orange Free State, and there was no reason whatever for any ill-feeling or differences between them and ourselves-exeept that they wished the Dutch race to be paramount in South Africa. And President Steyn wrote in these words to our Minister in Cape Town on August 28 last, "I trust," wrote the President, that no assurance is necessary on my part to con- tradict the ridiculous lying and malicious rumours that there exists with this Government any desire or intention to take up arms in any aggressive or offensive measufes against the British Government or any British Colony 01 territory," and yet within six weeks of that declaratvunt the Orange Free State soldiers were invadiril-, onr colony of Natal. They had had the benefit that evening of hearing the truth of many matters in South Africa from a gen tlemau who had spent several recent years there, and he begged to propose a hearty vote of thanks to him. Mr Beedles having seconded, Mr Addie supported the Jreoollitiofl. Tkoy would agree with him that now was not the time to criticise our generals or our Government but if any were disposed to criti- cise to follow the example of Mr Lane-Fox and go out to fight. This war was going to be won (ap- plause). There had been too much criticism in the Press, but, depend upon it, we ought to have con- fidence in our generals and our soldiers and we should bring this war vigoureusly to an end, and the p-nemy would find that they had not yet got to the bottom of Olc] (cheers). The resolution being carried, Mr L-me-Fox, in reply, said he would wil'irisdj go any distance if ho could help to fan the flame of patriotism which was forcing its way all over the cot: a try. He would go anywhere if he could make the people believe that this was the greatest danger we had had since Waterloo. T tie Crimea was a joke to it.. He had already ailuaed to the- fact fh:it there were ten thousand foreigners fighting with the Boers. -These were not mereK- the scum of Europe, but included of the finest intellects of Germany and France, who were yearning to strike a blow at, and if DOSS:hie to bring about the downfall of Great Britain. Referring to Sir William Butler, Mr Lane-Fox believed him to be a man. Whether he was a wise man was a different thing. He considered Sir William Butler's speeches iR Cape Town were not, wise, but he did believe he was loyal to his Queen and that, as a general in the British army he did his duty and what he knew he told the Government. So far as he knew from personal observation General Butler was a loval soldier. Mr D Rowlands then proposed [1 vote of thanks to Mr Addie for his services In the chair. They were greatly indebted to Mr Addie for securing Mr Lane-Fox's services, and they were also In- debted to him for many other things. Mr Anderson seconded the resolution which was carried. Mr Addie responding, said he was always glad to assist in promoting the welfare of the Club. lie remarked amid much laughter that it would prob- ably be found that Kruger was our best friend. He was beginning to awake 118 up and he had brought about a unity between ourselves and our colonies which was simply marvellous. It might be that it was oue of the best things for our future.

THE LATE REV. J. E. HILL. A QUIET FUNERAL. Yesterday week, amidst universal expressions of regret, the remains of the Rev John Edward Hill, Vicar of Motitford and Rector of Shrawardine, were laid to rest in a peaceful corner of St Mary's Churchyard, Welshpool. In harmony with the life of the deceased clergyman, and in accordance with the wishes of the relatives, the funeral was conducted as quietly as possible. Amidst muffled peals from the old church bells the coffin was carried fin a b;er from Park Lane to the church, in which a large congregation had assembled. The service, which was throughout impressive, was conducted by the Vicar, the Rev D G Davis, assisted by the Rev Edward Taylor and the Rev E Cnstance, curates in charge of Montford and Shrawardine. The coffin which was surmounted by a iarge white cross and wreaths, was deposited in the chancel. The ehuïch was brilliantly ligh ted and the altar was decorated with choice white flowers. Brief life is our liortiorl was sung by the choir, and as the procession left the church the Dead March was piaved on Lile organ by Mr T Maidwyn Price. Amongst the congregation were Canon Wynne Jones, Revs J A Nares, R W Roberts, Parry Morgan, J Sawer, E W Brown, F H Hawkins, D Jenkins, M T Davies, and D E James. The memoers of the general public present included Mr J Bowen Jones, Captain Westby, Messrs WRogers, A Smith, T Simpson Jones, Matthew Powell, Robert Oweu, W Farmer, J Lane, II Powell, Edward Johns, S Copnall, and F Roper. At the grave side the solemn service for the dead was read hv- the Rev E Custance. Now the labourer's task is 11 and "Oh sweet and blessed cuiiritry having been sung by the choir, the Yicar pronounced the Blessing, and the mourners and sympathisers slowly dis- persed. The coffin, supplied by Mr Lewis, New street, was of polished oak with a carved Latin cross on the lid, and was adorned with beautiful fi.tt.iug8. A brass plate l-ore the following inscrip- tion :—"John Edward Hill, priest, died January 23, 1900. Bequiescat in pace." The relatives pre- sent were the widow, Sister Ellen (daughter), Dr and Mrs Hawkswortn (son in-law and daughter), Mrs Peppe (daughter) and her children Evadueand Tosco, Dr Cawthorne, Mr and Mrs Noel Turner, and Mr Raymond Godfrey. Wreaths were sent by His children," His grandchildren," Mr and Mrs Noel Turner, Mrs Naylor, With love and sym- pathy flom Lady Stuart aud Miss Stuart, South- lands, Exmouth," With great sympathy and kind remembrance from the Rev Grirnaldi and Mrs David," With Captain and Mrs Westby's sincere sympathy," With kinu sympilthy from Captain and Mrs Mytton," "From Captain and Mrs 11 M Graham with every sympathy," In memoriam, Miss B A Mytton," In grateful and affectionate remembrance from Mrs John Bridgemau," With deep sympathy from the Rev E Tavior and the Rev C E S ami Mrs Cnstance," the Hon Mrs T 11 0 Bridgemaa (Torquay), "A mark of affection and respect and ill remembrance of a life-long friend- ship from ad at Khiewport," "From Mr and Mrs W F Addie in affectionate remembrauce," W-ith kind sympathy from the Rev It J and IIIrr; Roberts, With Mrs Wilton's, of Torquay, loving sympathy," From Mrs Vaughau (Severn street) in remem- brance and deep regard," With loving sympattlY from Mrs Lewis R Price and Miss Price, Nordau Hall, Leominster," Mrs W J Twyfora, Bronwylfa, In kiud remembrance of long friendship, from Mrs Curling, Brooklands Hall," Rev Mollesly and Airs Lewis (Malvern), Rev F W and Mrs Parker (Cheltenham), With sincere sympathy from the servants at Park Lane," With loving sympathy aud condolence from Wiiliams and Watts, gar- deners," and "In affectionate remembrance of our old vicar, from Mrs Griffiths, Mrs Roper, Miss Humphreys the Misses Newell, Alizis M N Owen, Mr Raymond and Mr Arthur Godfrey, Mrs Willis, Miss Corrie, Miss Giovannetti, Mrs Twentyman (Castlecroft), Mrs and Miss Salter.—The funeral arrangements were ably supervised by Mr W Morris, Broad street.

PRINTING of every description executed neat -&- quick and cheap at the CouxTV TIMES Office Welshpool.

MACHYNLLETH NOTES. Mr Northey, one of the staff at the Machynlleth Brauch of the Loudon and Provincial Bank, had a hearty send-off this week ou his promotien to the Bank at Rhyl. Mr Northey was always a keen supporter of football aud an active member of the Minstrel Troupe here. How long will those responsible allow the stone slabs to remain in Maengwyu-street to the danger of the public ? The staff and children of the Board Schools are busily preparing on every available evening for their annual entertainment held at the Town Hall on March lst, St David's Day. It is universally acknowledged from the parents' poinr, of view that this entertainment is their treat of the season, j The organising and training necessary for a successful concert of the kind undoubtedly means weeks of patient and hard teaching. The children thoroughly enjoy not only the entertainment but the important preparations. How very interesting it i3 to be sure to observe them coming and going from school already weeks before their great day, and how they vie with each other in reciting or singing their part of the programme. There is no question that this entertainment institution is a great acquisition in favour of these schools, for the parents are afforded such ample proof of the un- excelled merits of all concerned. Mr Ashton, the headmaster, no doubt again this year will receive the hearty co-operation of botn parents and pupils in making the annual St David's Day Board School entertainment a better success than ever. Last year promoters of a would-be Cycling Club at Machynlleth were Jaw in the season before moving in the matter and not-hiug came of it. A gentle reminder to cycling enthusiasts is not out of place now. If a Cycling Club is worth having there is no time to be Just, in calling a meeting, for in a few months we shall have the cuckoo here again. The Machynlleth troupe of minstrels, by far the best thing of the kind attempted in the town, will give its second of a series of entertainments oil Monday, this time at Corris. Theniggershave introduced several additional items since tneir first appearance in public, at the Town Halt, Mach- ynlleth, a few weeks ago when the proceeds were given to the great cause of the bereaved widows aud orphans. In particular amongst the treats in store for the good Oorrisians is a parody on Kruger's Xmas Party. The music is composed by Mr Robert Edwards, Oak Ville, of this town, at present master of the Rhosdir National School, near Aberystwyth. Mr Edwards is fast making himself well known and popular by his musical compositions. It is to be hoped that his brother, Mr ilarri Edwards, who has a good baritone voice awl b no means scanty knowieuge of mtisic turn suit, be at his best in the rendering of the above. Mr Robert Edwards has been honoured several times hy his composi- tions appearing in the musical page of the Weekly Mail (S. Wales). In a very keen competition con- ducted by the above paper some weeks ago, when a silver medal was the coveted prize, Mr Edwards received the award with highest distinctions.

MACHYNLLETH. I TilE agents for the pa!e of the CouxtY TniSb arc T Parsons & Sous, Bui combe House, Messrs W If Smith & Son, Railway Bookstall. Fox HOUNDS.—Tiie Plus foi hound met at MRIEH- lyn, near Pennal, on Monday. Bona ill and Mr Richard Gillart were present on horseb.tck and a large number of farmers were err foot. A fox was soon found and for th» spac~'f>f two hours a gallant hunt ensued, the hounds evc^t'iallv killing the fox ill the open. COUNTY SCHOOL. -A corj-espoadent writes •. —The School football teams had a o ipita! practice on the Rectory field on Tuesday afternoon. The first eleven forwards played a.gainst the first eleven halves and backs. A capital a'ame followed, but the first forward striug won the day. The County School ground seems to lie getting'on verv si owl v. Here is the schoo. numbering 80 pupils without a playground. Month after month go°3 by and still no hope of the ground getting ready. And if it I were not for the kindness of the Rector of the parish, Canon Trevor, who gladly lends his field to the scaooi, the bovs would have to undergo their games of recreation in a short, narrow, cramped and nailed-in space adjoining the school buildings, which place hardly admits of two persons walking abreast. This is not as it should be, it is not fair to the headmaster, it is not fair to the scholars, and it docs not tend to the welfare of the school. From what I can see the school ground will be as good as useless to the scholars for at least another 12 months. The Rectory field is a mile off, and Dr Davies has failed to find a field near the school the consequence is the pitiful sight of 40 or 50 boys cooped up and lounging with no playground in which to exercise their limbs freelv. I feel for the hoys keenly and the one thing wanted is a good shake up to the so-called contractors. LITERARY.—On Wednesday evening two excellent papers were read before the Cymdeithas Cvmreig- yddion Cyfeiliog in the Town Hall by J J Tvuv- braich, Mallwyd, and "Tegwyn" of Dinas Mawddwy. The subjects were Dr Davies, Mallwyd," and Hugh Jones, ill respectively. Till- subject of the first paper is a most interesting personage, as Dr Davies played a very prominent part in the translation of the Bible into Welsh, produced a. gigantic Welsh-Latin and Latin-Welsh dictionary, besides several very important works, historical and theological. He was a ripe scholar in the classics, and the period in which he lived Was a most interesting one, historically and ecclesiastically. The old parish church of Mallwyd is very aneieut, and the walls are built in two counties, viz, Montgomeryshire and Merionethshire. The altar was foi-nierly in the eciitre of the church the famous Archbishop Laud requested Dr Davies that it should be removed to thA east end of the church. Dr Davies refused, feeling ran high, the Communion table was temporarily re- moved by force, but not for long, for Dr Davies soon restored it to its old position in the centre of the church. We do not know whether it sta?ids there still or not. The paper threw light upon the ignorance which then hovered over Wales-the clergy alone had the key of wisdom and knowledge but even their knowledge of Welsh was for the most part shamefully imperfect. The paper was listened to with very much interest. The second paper referred to another well-known Welsh writer on religious subjects chiefly, a man who published 26 Welsh books under very trying and difficult circumstances. This paper was also very much enjoyed. In tne nnavoidaole absence of the President of the Society-Mr John Rowlands, solicitor-the Rev D T Hughes ("Morfa") the vice-president, occupied the chair. The rev o-entle- man was supported by "Å P Gwyddon °(Dr E Davies-Rees), and "Wniou" (the Rev E W Evans), the two faithful recorders of the society. Amongst others present were the Rev E Roberts, Se., Mr David Evans, solicitor, Mr Jenkins, National Provincial Bank, Mr Edward Kees. chemist, Mr D Phillip Jones, &c. Interesting discussions on the papers followed. The readers, Troyhraich" and Tegwyti," were heartily thanked for their kind- ness, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman, pro- posed by Mr Edward Reos, seconded in a wittv speech by Mr David Evans, and supported by "Wnion" having been given, a very pleasant and highly instructive everting eame to a: close. SCHOOL BOVRD. The publication in onr columns last week of a report nf the meeting of the Machvulleth School Board haa given rise to a good deal of discassion amongst the ratepayers of that place upon the pro- posal of the Board to spfJnd £ 3,500 for a new school. In quarters least expected out-spoken comment is made of the fact that of the five mem- bers on the School Board, one only is a layman, three are ministers, and one is a clergj-mau. This of course, is the result of a pernicious system, com-' moti throughout Wales of electing ministers of each denomination, and where there are more than enough to select the representatives of the strong- est chapel to seats upon the Board. The laymen complain, and they do so in some instances with a ,VIY good deal of cause, tha'- ministers and clergymen are not the best custodians of the public purse, and that business men, the men who have to make the money before it can be sp-nt, should have control of the affairs. It is, of course, a compliment to the minister to appoint him on the Board, but there appears to be a feeling that paying compliments at the expense of the ratepayer is a pastt,ime no longer tolerable. Probably this matter will be revived in a vigorous fftrm at the next School Board election. Turning to the qn(,<ti()n of the proposed new school the ratepayers are confronted with Ihr demand of the Inspector for a. new buildiiv-. Fur- ther alteration and improvement of the orcsent building will not be permitted, and, therefore, the Board are forced to comply with the request. As to the need of a new building there does not appear to be two opinions, but as to the cost this will need further elucidation. A remark too, which fell from the lips of Canon Trevor*, would lead to the belief that a third building was needed for the establishment of a ragged school with separate equipment and additional charges. One is inclined to ask why should there be a ragged school in Machynlleth. The Man in the Streer, I knows the reason and gives it in his own words. All the poorer children, all the little waifs who have to put up with an existence, and barely that, of the threadbare order, are drafted to the National Schools and this wedging in at one school of all the children of one class had simply driven the better class away to the Board School. Canon Trevor and the managers of the National School are called upon to handle a perplexiug situation in which fairness alone can do any good. Tne managers should inquire (1) are these children refused at the Board Schools (2) upon whose authority were they removed from the Board School; (3) is the attendance officer allowed to dictate as to which school the children must attend. If these questions are satisfactorily answered probably a solution of the difficulty will be found, and the need of a ragged school removed for ever. The ratepayers of Machynlleth are not at all anxious to see further expense thrown upon their shoulders, and the closing of the National Schools-a contingency which we hope is very remote—would be the last they would seek. Therefore it is to the interest of the ratepayers to see that the children of the poorer classes are not crowded into one establish- ment, but that instead they are distributed accord- ing to the part of the town in which they reside, and by this means they will undergo that process or evening up -o essential to the education ot children generally.

TREG-YNON. THE ORDFR OF DRUIDS.—There was a good attend- ance f the members of what was formerly called The Princess Royal Friendly Society, present at a special meeting held at the Temperance Hall, on Thursday afternoon, 25th ult. on the occasion of the formal opening of the lodge in its new connection, as a branch of the Oswestry Equalised District, Order of Druids. Mr G H Ellison, P.G.M., New- town, conducted the meetings, assisted by Mr E Morgan Jones, D.C.S., Welshpool. Mr Tilsley was appointed delegate to represent the Lodge, at the District meeting, on the 8th inst., and the foliowing officers were elected and duly installed — Mr Davis Wilis, N.G.A. Mr John Owen, V.G.A. Mr Henry Corfieid, Secretary Mr Edward Thomas, Treasurer; Mr B Hudson Phillips, Guardian and Mr John Rooerts, Conductor. The Installation of the Officers afterwards to ik^place, and considerable interest and enthusiasm were manifested. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to Mr Ellison and Mr Morgan Jones, fur their attendance. The Society has been in existence for many years, but evidently feeling the want of fellowship with one of the large Orders the meeting wisely decided to amalgamate with the Older of Druids, and a great influx of new members is anticipated. In the evening a public meeting took place in the Schoolroom, when there was a g ;od attendance. Mr G H Ellison presided,, and having explained the object of the meeting he called upon the Secretary, who read the following letter he had received from Sir Jame;" Joicey, Bart, M.P., to whom he had written asking if he would preside over the meeting ;—" My dear- sir,—In reply to your letter of the 11th iust, I beg to say that I regret I cannot preside at your meet- ing on the 25th inst, as I have an engagement iu the Nurth ou that day. Had I been at Gregyuog, i should have been glad to have met yo^r wishes. —Yours faithfully, JAMES JOICEY. :í" Henry Corfiplc1, Rock House, Bwichyffrydd."—The llev \rall<I>ti1 Joncg, vicar, s,d that he considered it absolutely nec"ikary that, every man should join a friendly society. He felt that with union they could do an enormous amount of good, and their union as a club with the Ordor of Druids would be very useful, and he thought they acted very wisely in joining such an Order. Tne sooner the better all the young men joined such a Society, because when they grew older they would become married, and have families around, and it was weli to have insti- tutions like their Lodge to look to for assistance when it was needed, and when they were members of such Societies they would feel more independent. He felt sure that the Order with which they were no -v connected must be founded on a sound basis, and their Lodge would be kept in a sound position, and he congratulated the Society on having arrang- ed terms with the Order cf Druids. He hoped they would ill share enthusiasm in their Lodge, and in- fuse it into others and thus add to the numerica! strength of their Lodge and Order (cheers).—Mr E Morgan Jones then gave some interesting statistics, as to the financial position and numerical strength of the Order and District, whicn were received with applause. — Mr D Eilis said he had been con- nected with the Society fcr 47 years, and was very pleased to find that they had taken the course^they nad in joining the Order of Druids. Mr James Evans, a trustee, gave a stirring address, and appealed to the members to exert themselves in promoting the welfare of the lodge. He believed the amalgamation was an advantage to the Order of Druids, but he believed it was a greater advantage to tuein. (cheers.) Mr B H Phillips referred to the work carried on by the old Society, and the improve- ment made from time to time in its management. He believed they had jiu; the finishing touch on their organization by joining the Order of Druids, in regard to the stability and genuineness of which there could he no question. They had started well by placing the right men in the right place as officers, and if they all tried their best to get one or two new members to join, they would be helping themselves and the Order (cheers). The Chairman said they regretted very much the absence through indisposition, of Mr R H Mason, (Mayor of Oswestry) who was a member of the Board of Management of their Order, and unfortunately the Grand Master of the district (Mr D Phillip Jones. Machynlleth) was also unable to be present. He wished to explain that they were not there to take away members from any other society, but to extend the principles of Druidism and friendly societies in general. The advantages and useful- ness of friendly societies were very great. If they looked at it from a selfish point, of view they must admit that where there are friend!v societies the rates are lower. Were it not for such societies the rates would be considerably higher. If they looked at it again from a philanthropic point of view — philanthropy, the love of mankind, self denial, love of our ftdJow-men-il, was the very essence of societies such as theirs. Some preferred one Order and some another but there were certain advant- ages COnlJeCLed with the Order of Druids which he was surprised other Orders did not carry out. The principle of equalisation was an excellent one, as it divided the outlay over a wide area instead of it being confined to one parish, and therefore it was not so keenly felt. Ifanepedemic occurred in any parish a large expenditure might be necessary to meet the claims, and it might seriously affect the financial position of a society, whereas, if the equalised system were adopted, the expenditure would be divided over the whole district, and con- sequently would not be felt so seriously. They also had a acheme of accidental compensation to which the men contributed but a very small extra sum, and in retnrn any member who might lose an arm, a leg. or an eye, by accident, vvouid receive a grant of £ 100 from the Order (cheers). He strongly urged upon them the absolute necessity of forming a juvenile branch, in order to teach the young the principles of friendly societies in their youth, and he felt sure they wou'd when they grew up become better men and nobler citizens. It was undoubtedly nn advantage to them to join an Order such as the Druids, because if isolated thev would surely come to grief, as he believed every isolated Lodge sooner or later would. In conclusion he urged upon ail present the advisability of joining some society (cheers).—On the motion of Mr B II Phillips, a heartv vote of thanks was accordfcI to the Chairman for presiding and for his excellent nUll r,"ss.

CHURCHSTOKE, FIRK. — A destructive fire broke out on Wednes- day afternoon in the stack yard at Brompton Hall, the residence of Mr W C Barrs. The alarm was at once given and the fire engines from Montgomery and Bishop's Castle were soon on the spot. The fire had, however, obtained a firm hold of a Dutch barn and it< contents, consisting chiefly of grain and stra w, and little could be done by the brigades except to prevent, the fire spreading to the adjacent farm buildings. This they succeeded in doing through the efforts of Mr T H George, ex-captain of the Montgomery Fire Brigade, Mr Bowen, Bacheldre Mill, and others. The property and produce, is we understand fully insured, and the damage amounts to several hundred pounds. The cause of the fire is not known. The Montgomery Brigade were not off duty until late on Thursday ahCI"DOOl1. ♦-

The pantomine of the season is Jack and the Beanstaltt at Drury Lane, where there is as usual a most magnificent show. Amongst the marvellous creations we see all kinds of vegetables walking about the stage, cats dancing on the tiles, and the Fairy-land scene which ends the first act is most sublime. All the theatres cater to the popular taste, and as our soldiers in South Africa are now engaging the attention of everyone a good section of the different types of our soldiers is represented with the popular Lord Roberts at their head, and what cannot be seen at any theatre out of London, about 20 or 30 Australian and Canadian Lancers troop past on little ponies. It is one of the most popular pantomines ever produced at Drury Lane.

ADVERTISE your WANTS in the COUNTY TIMES" Three editions, one charge—21 words Is three weeks 2s 6d. I nuif FURNISHING COMPANY, 12 TO 18, PEMBROKE PLACE, LIVERPOOL. FURNISH FOR CASH, OR ON OUR SPECIAL iiIRE-PURCHASE SYSTEM AT CASH PRICES. OTE.-Our Hire-Purchase System is entirely dif- ferent from any other, and has been highly commended by the whole of the local Press. NO SECURITY REQUIRED. NO EXTRA EXPENSES ON OUR HIRE-PURCHASE SYSTEM. The fair and equitable manner in which our business is carried on, and our reasonable terms and low prices are so well known throughout the North of England and Wtiles as to render further comment unnecessary. m E R M S — i 1 ".J _i WE GIVE OUR CUSTOMERS THE PRIVI- LEGE OF ARRANGING THE 111 OWN TERMS OF PAYMENT. AS THEY KNOW BEST THE AMOUNT THEY CAN CONVENIENTLY AFFORD TO PAY EACH WEEK OR MONTH. ALL GOODS WE SELL ARE DELIVERED FREE TO ANY PART OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. Private Vans if required, no charge will be made. A n inspection of our stock wli.1 at once satisfy ntending purchasers that we give betterv-lue any outer bouse furnishers ou the hire-purchase system m trie Provinces. FURNISH FOR CASH, OR ON OUR HIRE- f PURCHASE SYSTEM AT CASH PRICES. Our New Prospectus, Large Illustrated Catalogue, Press Opinions and Price List sent Post Free on GLOBS FURNISHING COM PAN Y, 12 TO 18, PEMBROKE PLACE, LIVERPOOL. r (J. R. GRANT, Proprietor), f Business hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, a.m. to 6 p.m

PREACHERS FOR TO-MORROW, NOTE. —Information for this list is invited. It is supplied in every case when it is communicated to U. l\ w:;¡YT\rYTH.-S.S. )lioLneJ'" and All An""], aiii I-).M. St. Mary's 1 Welsh), 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Holy Trinity | Church, near 11 airway Station, 11 a.m., and 6.30 J o.tv;. Presbyterian Church, Bath street, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. English Baptist Church,' 6 p.m. Shiloh Chapel, 10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. NEWTOWN.—Llanllwchaiarn, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. English CaU viiiiKtic Methodist, Crescent, 10 30 a.m. and 5 p.m. [ Pr: tntt ive Mcliiodist.j Park Sireet, and 6 p.m. English Congregation a 1, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Rev .T Hngh Edwards. Wesleyau, 10.30 a.m., j Mr Liddle, and 6 p.m Mr Taylor. Baptist, 10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m.. Rev T E William*. j Mi s GOM ■-■.a. v. fit Nicholas, 11 a.m., and 630 E \Y Brown. Presbyterian, 10 a.m. .¡ô Wesley an 11 :1.)1), and 6 pen., Mr Withers. Baptist, Towu Hall, 10.30 a.m. si fi 6 }\ev C P Thomas. CHURCHSTOKE.— Wesieyan Church, 10-30 a.m., and 6-0 ],-in., ROY J Tosseymat). BrKK; r/v.— Presbyterian, «30 :111.,2.30 (Weish) Mid 6.30 p.m. Wesleyan, 10.30 a.in., and 6.15 i p.?i, iA,r J Pi, Jcneg. GARTKjfyr,.—Providence, 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p. nI.. Id:- C G Pryce. Wrr.-nPi'Ot. — Wesleyan, 10.30 a,.rr)., and 6.30 J Goodrich Oats. Presbyterian, 10.30 !.J.n1. and 6.30 p.m. Congregational Church, 11 a.m., and 6-30 p.m., llov D B Evans. Baptist, 11 a.m. and 630 Rev T Rorvsou, pastor. Primitive Methodht, 11 a.m., and 6-30 p.m., Rev Alfred Smith, pastor. Welsh Independent, High i Street, 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m.. Rev D Morgan. M iniH.KTowN,— Wesleyaa Church, 10-30 IUn, and 6-30 p.m., Mr Howells. UKHr CUTTING (Pool Wigaleyan, 2.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. LLANYMVNKcir.— Presbyterian Chnrch, 10.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. OSWESTRY.—St Oswald's, 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m.. Holy Trinity, 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. < The School Chapel, Upper Brook Street, 11 fi. m. a::d 6.30 Envlisit Baptist, Salop rond, 10.45 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Presbyterian, Oswald road, 10.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m., Rev D D Williams, Oswestry. Seion Chapel, 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m., Rev H E Griiffth, M.A., Groesoswallt. Welsh Wesleyan Methodist, 10.45 a.m and 6.30 p.m. Hernion 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m. Christ Church, 10.45 a.m., and 6.30 p.m. St. David's Welsh Church, 11 a.m., and 6 p.m. Moriah Chapel. English Wesleyan, 10.45 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. A copy of the February number of the Quarterly Life-Boat .Journal is to hand which shows that this Institution has now 290 Life-Boats under its charge, | and during the past year it granted rewards for saving 609 lives from shipwiecks on our coast. Pecuniary aid in much needed to assist the com- mittee ii maintaming its great life-saving fleet in a state of thorough efficiency, which can only be effected by a large and permanent annual income. The expenditure of the Institution last year largely exceeded its ordinary income. The promotion of Rev Chvcll Evans, the Warden of Llai jdovery, to be one of the honorary Chaplains to the Queen is a recognition of well-won merit, and wiil cause much satisfaction in the Welsh Church His school, as the Western Mail in its ISMH; of (,)l!' 27th, observes, holds a proud position in the scholastic world-a position which is largely due to the splendid administration and abilities of the present headmaster." Mr Evans is a graduate of Oxford, and was Minor Canon of Bangor from 1878 to 1885, when he was appointed Theological Lecturer and Professor of Welsh at Lampeter Col- lege. Four years later he was promoted to his pre- sent position, and in the sanie year was appointed Chaplain to the Bishop of Chester.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS. FEBRUARY. 5 Salp of Fat and Store Stock in the Smithfield, Welshpool, by Messrs Morris, Marshall & Poole, 7 Llanidloes District Ploughing Matches, 8 Charity Commission Inquiry at the Town Hall, W elshpool, 9 Charity Commission Inquiry at the National School, Guilsfield, 9 Annual Meeting of the North Cardiganshire Horticultural Society at the Town Hall, Aberystwyth, 10 Sale of Household Furniture at New Cottage, Garthmvl, by Messrs Morris, Marshall & Poole, 12 Charity Commission Inquiry at the National School, Llansantffraid, 13 Charity Commission Inquiry at the National School, Meifod, 14 Charity Commission Inquiry at the National School, Llandvsilio, 14 Salt-J of Leasehold Residences at the Talbot Hotel, Aberystwyth, by Mr J E James, 14, 15 & 16, Great Prize Horse Sale at Cheshire Repository, Crewe, by Frank Lloyd, Nuttall and Co" 15 Charity Commission Inquiry at the Old School- room, Llan ymynech, 15 Trewern Annual Dance, 16 Charity Commission Inquiry at the Parochial School, Llandrinio. 20 Montgomeryshire Winter Assizes at Welshpool, 22 Annual Competitions of the Central Mont- gorrieyshire Agricultural Association on Glan- meheli Farm, Kprry, 22 Montgomery Cricket Club Annual Dance.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES I\ DEATHS DEATHS. HILL.-On January 23rd, at Park Lane, Welshpool, the Rev John Edward Hill, son of Colonel Hill, C.B., Hood Totnes, Devou, Vicar of Montford- fort-ierly Vicar of Welshpool for 22 years, aged 74. R.I.P. HUMPHREYS.—On January 31st, at Berriew Street, Welshpool, Jane, beloved wife of Thomas Humphreys, for ni,-tn y years cook at Royal Oak, 72. STATHAM. On January 25th, at Arthur Street, Montgomery, Mary Elizabeth Statham, in her 51st year. Printed and published by SAMUEL SALTER and DAVID ROWLANDS, at their Printing Office, 21, Berriew Street, Welshpool, in the County of Montgomery. Also published by J. DENLKY SPENCER, at, their Branch Office, Chalybeate St., Aberystwyth, in the County of Cardigan.— February,3rd 1900.