The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

CARDIGAN COUNTY COUNCIL. I A i' The quarterly meeting of the members of U" Council for Cardigan County was held at. the Town Lampeter, when, in tho absence of the Rev T Mason Jones, chairma", Mr J C Harford was voted to the chair. There were also present:—Aldermen C Til Williams, Sir Marteine Lloyd, Evan Richards', Ccuncillors T Pennant Phillips, D S Jon»--y, E Lin-a JonD C Roberts, T Evans, E H James, L> J William", David Jones, Daniel Evpis,, R Ellis, R Doughton, J Parry, Edward Jones; Daniel Jenkin-" D Da vies, Thomas Morgan, Jenkin Jenkins, Wi!Ii;vn Davies, J Jonkir, Davies, Messrs H C Fryer (clerk), W Howell Evan", (chief constable), and J L) ¡ I-'errott (treasrire r). CONSERVATORS. The following gentlemen were Con- servators for the Ayron Fishery Distinct:—Coun- cillors Major Lewes and E Lima Mr Daniel Watkins Captain Sf.orry. POLICE. Watkins ,1:[; Captain Sf.orry. f POLICE. ¡ The Clerk reported that the Homo Secretary's ¡ Certificate as to the efficiency of the police force Lad been received. STANDARD SCALK8. The Standard Department of the Board of Trade wrote pointing out that the scale beams usod as the standard by the Inspector of the County had not been verified by the Department for the past five years. Scale beams with box ends were t'o longer legal.—Mr Fryer said that the scales of the I county were fitted with box ends.—It was agreed that Inspector \7ï:pm;J should obtain fenders f a new scale by next meeting. { SHEEP SCAB. A letter from the Board of Agriculture drew j attention to that section of the Sheep Scab Regula- tioua which, called upon the local authorities to } obtain advice of <~eierinary surgeons in cases of susnected outbreaks of sheep scab.—The Chairman said that this would be a heavy cost upon the I county, and the only way in which the case could bo met would be by sending samples of the wool from the affected sheep to the veterinary surgeons of the county.—On the motion of Councillor Daniel Evans this was agreed to. PUBLIC LOANS. The Clerk informed the Council that the Public. Works Loan Commissioners had been obliged t,) advance the rate of interest for loans. For thirty years the rate would be 3j per cent., fortv ve- I-S 3J par cent., fifty years 3 per cent. FOOD AND DRUGS ACT. The Clerk said that the Board of Agriculture, in a circular, strongly urged upon 1.11(1 Council to obtain more samples for analysis under this Act, and the Department also desired to know if the number and class of inspectors appointed were adequate to meet the requirements of the district. The Department also added that they had appointed additional inspectors, who were ready to confer with tle keal inspectors. In that county the Deputy Chief Constable and the Superintendent of Police were the officers, and the Chief Constable was also'-authorised to act. In 1897, 42 samples wore taken; in 1898, 51 samples; and in 1899, 35 sain Dies.— The Chief Constable said that more samples could be taken if the Council desired if.- The matter was left in the hands of the officers who took the samples. took the samples. PARISH COUNCILS. I Tii9 Cieik said that there would be no Parish Council Elections this year, so that there would be peace and quietness, (laughter). The next election which would be fo:' three years, would take place on April 15th, 1901. SOUTHERN MAIN ROADS. Councillor T Evans presented the report of the Southern Main Roads Committee. A discussion upon the classification of rcadmen resulted in a pro- posal being carried that no change should be madw in the present system. The Surveyor repotted that the roads were in good condition and excellent work had been done by the steam roller. He also reported that Mr Fairleigh, of Richmond House, Llandyssul, had encroached upon tee pavement by the erection of a wooden building. He was ordered to take pro- ceedings if, after due warning the obstruction was not removed. The estimate for the quarter was £ 525. The committee recommended that the Council contribute JE150 towards the cost of a new road at Llandyssul.—Alderman C M Williams said that the committee had no right to make this re- commendation to the Council, until the matter was referred from the Conncil. They must be very careful in preventing anything of that sort taking) place.—Councillor DI Evans I never heard of this before.—Alderman C M Williams Yes it has. I waut to protect the Council from doing anything irregular.—The report, with the exception of this item, was adopted.—Councillor Phillips had a notice of motion nu trie agenda, dealing with the Llan. dyssul road.—The motion was ruled out of order on the ground that the application should come from the Llandyssul District Council, NORTHERN MAIN ROADS. Councillor Joseph Parry presented the report of this committee. The committee referred the question of the classification of roadmen to t.he Executive Committee for the northern part of the county after receiving a report from the Surveyor upon the matter. With reference to the erection of the new iron bridge over the Devil's Bridge, the committee examined the amended plaus, and it was decided to usk the firm who tendered whether the proposed alteration would make any difference in the price.—The Clerk said that be had received a letter from the firm that morning in which they pointed out that the suggpsted alterations would spoil the ornamentation, and suggested that, the matter should be further considered.—The letter was referred to the Executive Committee of the northern part of the county with power to act. The committee recommended that C350 be voted towards the erection of a new bridge at Llanilar. Mr Loxdala, of Castle Hill, had promised a piece of Jand to widen the road. This was accepted by the Council. The Surveyor reported that the roads were in a good condition. The ancient bridge at Devil's Bridge was giviog way and if it was to be preserved something must be done at once. He estimated the expenses for the quarter at £600. The committee recommended that the Clerk write to the Aberystwyth District Council about the con- dition of the Llanbadarn road. With reference to the Devil's Bridge tho committee recommended that failing any action by the landed proprietors in the preservation of the bridge that the Executive Committee be asked to deal with the matter at once. The attention of Mr Denniss, the manager of the Cambrian Railways Company, ought to bo called to the water running down by Llanbadarn and Rhvdhir railway bridges.—Tho report was then adopted FINANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. In presenting the report of the Finance Com- mittee, Alderman C M Williams referred to the heavy items due to the payment af the Union officials' salaries. For the first time tho Council were making the payments of union officers within the official year. This sum reached £2,471 16s 3d. I The balance in hand was Y,4,477, but if they added up the payments recommended that day they would find that they amounted to £ 7,669 83 5d, and they \fere thus paying out almost double the amount, in hand. They really paid the Union officers and other officials an average of £ 4,000 a vear. This fact ought to be better known to the public (hoar, I hear), for it meant a rate of 4Jd or 5d in the £ and certainly benefitted greatly b_y this. It had often ¡ been said that the County Councils had not done any good work since they came into on1eo; but they would agree with him having regard to the contributions received from the County Council the Boards of Guardians ozight to he enabled to make a lower rate than they had done prior to the exis- tence of the County Council (hoar, hear).—This portion of the report was adopted. ABERYSTWYTH TOWN HALL. The genera! plans were approved by the Finance Committee, and, on the motion of Councillor J C Harford, seconded by Councillor Daniel Jenkins, it was resolved:—That the Council be recommended to contribute tho sum of £ 450 towards tho vepuirs and alterations of the south wir.g of tho Aberyst- wyth Town Hall as shown upon the plans, subject to terms and conditions to be hereafter definitely 'determined the following b,-i! an outline of the said conditions :-Th Town Council to carry out the alterations shown upon the plan in a substantial and satisfactory manner and with the best materials, the county to have the sole use of the two rooms assigned as County Council offices with the strong room attached, and to pay one half of the future cost of maintaining, repairing, and upholding the said premises; the County Council also to have tho right to use, free of charge, the. Council Chamber and committee room in tho new buildings when required for county meetings or for county purposes. -In moving this part of the report, Alderman C M Williams said that the question had been thorougnly considered for the last twelve months in all phases and the report now presented was the result of their final deliberations. In his opinion the County Council were getting the best of the bargain, although be could not say that the Aber- ystwyth Town Council would accept these terms for they had not been before them but if they did be repeated that the County Council had the best of the bargain. No one could say that the mem- bers of Aberystwyth Corporation had taken any side whatever, but had endeavoured to do what was just and fair between county and town authority (hear, hear). If anything, he might admit, that those members had done really more to main- tain the right of the county than they had done I on t-r half of their own Corporation (hear, hear). 1 ¡' the Tov/n Conncil accepted those terms it I would be an exceedingly good arrangement for tho county.—Councillor E Limn, Joues (Aberayron) said that tie fully appreciated the liberality of their friends in the north. The county was interested in che south wing of the Ilall iind the total cost of the restoration of this portion would amount to 2 -10s, Of that amount they were asked to contribute £ 450, at least 75 per cent of the total cost.—Alderman C M Williams thought that he made it clear that, the Corporation of Aberystwyth were spending a larare sum of money and all the fountv was asked to do was to contribute towards the cost of the south wing. When completed this portion would be left entirely in the hands of the county. It was only right that the county should contribute the whole of the cost of the south win4 but they were only asked to pay £450.-Couu- cihcr Lima Jones expressed his satisfaction. — Before the discussion proceeded any further the Chairman, who had moved a recommendation at the committee, asked to be allowed to give another view of the question. The roef of the sonth wing was ia a shocking state, and this alone would cost I £ 2C0. Under this new arrangement the County had the south wing entirely in their own hands, whilst the corporation agreed to pay half the main. ¡ tenence in return for right of entrance. He did not consider it riirht for the County not to have I county oiffces, and if they borrowed £ 460 it would only be a charge of zCl4 a year on the County. This he thonght was not a heavy sum to pay for County offices.—Councillor Daniel Evangsaid that tho mat- ) ter was a very important one and as there were only about eighteen or nineteen members present out of sixty-four. Of course, if it came to the vote he should vote for It. because he was in favour of everv improvement (hear, hcar). Sir Marteine Lloyd said that it, seemed to him that the county were getting the best of the bargain. He thought that the Town Conncil of Aberystwyth were most generous in meeting them in that fashion. Under the circumstances he had no hesitation in propos- ing that tho Council give £ 450. — Councillor T Evans seconded.—Councillor Daniel Jenkirs said for years it had been a complaint in the county that everything went to Aberystwyth (laughter), but when he joined the Council he found that Aber- ystwyth had been misrepretiented (hear, hear).— The recommendation of the committee was then agreed to. CHEAP RAILWAY FARES. It was agreed to apply to Mr J C Russell, of the M. & M. Railway Company for cheap railway fares for members and officials of the Council when on county business. Thsre was no other business of importance.

♦ NORTH CARDIGANSHIRE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of subscribers to this society y. as held at the Town Hall, Aberystwyth, on Friday evening, when there were present Messrs J Purton (chairman), J II Powell, II Sheraton, J Veary, R C Williams, H Austen, R Wolley, S Clitheroe, D Col- ville, II Mallory, 11 G Atwood (secretary), T H Evans (assistant secretary), and Edward Evans, J.P.—The balance-sheet, which had been audited by Mr R Jones, N & P Bank, showed that the receipts amounted to zE220 19s, and the expenditure to Ci93 Is 9d, leaving a balance in hand of zC27 18s 101. The chief items of expenditure included £ 2Z 12s lOd due to treasurer, prizes P,49 14s, fire. works C14, tents X20, field £ 15, printing, &c, £20 10s.—Mr Clitheroe proposed that the show be held fis usual and that it be held in the Royal Pier Pavilion.—The Chairman That is another ques- tion.—Mr Williams said that as they had such a favourable balance-sheet, he seconded that the show be continued.—The proposal wns carried.—On the motion of Mr Austin, seconded by Mr Colville, who referred to the great interest taken in the Chrysan- themum Show by Mr Vaughan Davies, M.P., this gentleman was appointed president in place of the Lite Lord Lisburne.—The meeting agl eed that only subscribers of X2 2s and upwards should be appointed vice,-presid(-,z)ts.- The meeting appointed Mr Edward Evans. J.P., chairman, and Mr J W Powell, vice-chairman.—The names of those who had not paid their subscriptions were taken off the Management Committee.—Mr Mallory refused to be placed on the committee, but promised to sub- scribe one guinea.—All the old members ,who had raid were re-appointed, and it was agreed to elect Messrs T E Salmon, J Watkin, G Fossett Roberts, E R Gv ie, It Morgan (L & P Bank), J Purton, H Sheraton.—The meeting appointed the following gentlemen a sub-committee to prepare the schedule — Messrs VV H Palmer, J Purton, H Sheraton, R C Williams, Austen, Yeary, and Colville.-Mr J R llees, N & S.W. Bank, was re-elected ti-Fasiirtr, and Mr Atwood sacret u-y.— Mr Richards, of Penglaise, wrote to aMy that bis terms for the Elysian Grove would be £ 15 with the usual (1(-cl uct ions.- Ur Clitheroe proposed that the show be held in the Royal Pier Pavilion if the terms were satisfactory. — .Mr _1.u"tin !ecouded. He thought too much money was apent in fitting up tb8 Grove.-Mr Williams thought they should obtain the price of the pavilion in tho first place.—Mr Colville sup- ported the proposal.—The Chairman held that they could not ih- cuss the matter, but Mr Yeary got up and proposed that they hold the show in the Elysian Grove. This was the most suitable snot for a summer show.—Mr Powell moved that the matter be adjourned.—Mr Austin moved that, the meeting recommend the committee to take the pavilion if the terms were suitable.—This was not acceptable to the meeting, and Mr Austin then moved that the meeting be adjourned for a fortnight.—This was agreed to, and it was also agreed to get the terms for the Vicarage Field.—Mr Austin moved that the society give a subscription towards the Chrysan- themum Show which was now in debt.—Mr Powell thought it would be only au act of grace to do so and suggested that half the amount received from Chrvsauthemam Show be paid back, viz, £ 6.—Mr Colville seconded.—The Chairman said the Chrysan- themum Society had paid their debts but were short of money with which to carry on.—The pro- position was carried unanimously.—Mr Clitheroe thonght the Mayor and Corporation should dJ more i'or the societies.—Mr Powell proposed, and Mr Mellar seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman, which was carried unanimously.

CARDIGANSHIRE COUNTY GOVERNING BODY. The quarterly meeting of this Body was held on Wednesday at the Town Hall, Lampeter, when there were present,—Principal T F Roberts, M.A., Ab?.rvstwyt,h (in the chair) Messrs Jenkin Lloyd, on J C Harford, Lampeter; Rev Thomas James, Dr Evans, and William James, Llandyssul r and the Rev G Evans. Aberayron with Mr H C 'I Fryer (clerk).—The Clerk reported that the five years for which the representative members appointed by the different local school managers to the County Body had expired. In accordance with his request the following new appointments had been made:—Aberayron, Mr L J Roberts; Aberys- twyth, Mrs Jesse Williams; Llaiidyssul, Air Wni Thomas; Cardigan, Mr James Stephens; Lampeter had not yet appointed their representative.— A communication was read from the Charity Commissioners regarding the application of the Tregaron managers to borrow £ 600 for the erection of a headmaster's house contiguous to the school, and also for authority to charge rent for the same. In former communications the Commissioners pointed out that according to Clause 55 of the Scheme the managers would not be entitled to charge rent, but they now wrote withdrawing this objection, and giving permission to the local managers to borrow X600, repayable within 30 years, and also to charge the headmaster a rental of P,30 per annum. The plans of the house were now being prepared by the Tregaron managers, who would forward the same to the Commissioners as soon as they were completed.— The Clerk reported that the committee appointed in the matter had appointed Miss Bertha Jones, of Car- diff. as the cookery and laundry inscructoress for the Aberystwyth, Tregaron and Aberayron schools. --A report upon the progress made at the Aber- ayron County School was submitted by tho head- master and read.-It was decided to request the headmaster of each school to send in similar reports annually as required by the scheme.—The Chair- maa specially referred to the pamphlet issued regarding the instruction of pupil teachers in inter- mediate schools, and urojed the desirability of local managers and school board members considering the proposals therein contained.

--+-u_- BISHOP'S CASTLE. JUMBLE SATF.In connection with the United Band of Hope, comprising the Church of England, Congregational, Primitive Methodist, and Wesleyan Societies, a jumble sale was held in the .National School on Saturday last with a view to the complete purchase of the Band of Hope piano. The arrange- ments were carried out by the committee of which the Revs Warner, Jackson, and Lees are presidents. A number of ladies rendered valuable assistance and there was a good attendance of purchasers, who readily procured the numerous articles given by the many friends. The proceeds of the sale amounted to zElO.

WELSHPOOL TOWN COUNCIL. The ordinary monthly meeting of this Council was held on Thursday, under the presidency of the Mayor, Mr D Jones. There were also present Aldermen C E Howell, T Rowley Morris, and G D Harrison, Councillors W Forrester Addie, C T Pugh, -t-ya, J PrN-cE3 Jotie R, I tll I W Humphreys, H Smith; J Prvce Jones, TSimpr-on Jones, C Shuker, Prvce Yearsley, and R D Thomas with the Town Cleric (Mr E Joues). THE LLEDAN BROOK. A communication, signed by the Rey A Smith and Mr D J Jones on behalf of the trustees of the Primitive Methodist Chapol, was received calling tho Council's attention to the necessity of erecting an arch over the brook in front of their chapel. Last summer bad smells had arisen from the water, and they were most anxious that the nuisance should be abated They were prepared to share with the Council the expense cf arching the brook, and thus making the spot sweeter and drier.—Mr-' J Pryce Jones moved that tho Surveyor be in- structed to prepare an estimate of tho cost of the proposed improvement. r.Ir Pr.gh thought tho proper way would be to refer the matter to tho Finance Committee to report to the Council. Re- moved that this be doDe.—Mr Shuker seconded, and it was agreed to. SIR WATKIN THANKS THE COUNCIL. The following letter was received from Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, Bart February 10th, 1900, Wynnetay. Dear Mr Mayor,—In order to get my two Companies of Imperial Yeomanry together, and there being no barrack accommoda- tion available, I have decided to remove my men into quarters at Wynnetay. May I be allowed to express my sincere thanks to you personally for all the support you have given me and the kindness you have shown to my men, and will you be good I enough to convey to the Town Council and citizens of Welshpool my warm appreciation and obligation to them fur the way they have received and enter- tained the Imperial Yecmanry while at Welshpool. The loan of tho Town Hall as an ot'Hce has been invaluable to me and I am exceedingly obliged for your kindness in allowing me to use it,Bo"ti(-ve me, yours faithfully, WILLIAMS-\YYNN."—Alderman Howell moved that the letter be recorded on the minutes of the Corporation. Ho was sure thoy were all much indebted to .the mayor for the time he bad devoted to the Imperial Yeomanry during their stay in Welshpool. Everyone had been struck with the manly bearing and good bebaviour of the men who had voluntarily tendered their services in defence of the Empire, and he was sure he wa3 expressing the feeling of all present when he said that he hoped the mem- bers of the corps would some day renew theb- acquaintance with the people of P,-)ol.-Alr Shuker seconded, and suggested that the Council might keep a record of the stirring events of the past few weeks. There was the reception, the supper, and-Mr Yearsley (ironicalj) The iend-of-I.- Mr Shuker (continuing) said all thess things had been accurately recorded in the co'umns of the local Press, and he considered they should also bo entered upon the archives of their ancient Borough of Welshpool as a reminder to their successors of what occurred in the early part of the year 1900.- Alderman Howell said they were also much in- debted to Councillors Simpson Jones and W Hum- phreys for the trouble they bad taken in collecting subscriptions for the supper given by the Corpora- tion to the Imperial Yeomanry.—The Mayor re- marked, amidst applause, that the balance of £ 5 12s from the supper had been devoted to the purchase of cigarettes from the tradesmen of the town, and these had been forwarded to Wynnstay.- After further discussion, Alderman Howell's motion was carried unanimously. THE WELSHPOOL AND LLANFAIR LIGHT RULWAY. In accordance with notice given, Councillor For- rester Addie moved (1) The Council having re- solved to advance to the Welshpool alild Llaufair Light Railway Co £ 4000 by way of loan, and to subsoribe £ 4000 to the share capital of the Com- pany, that the Council now enter into the agree- ment with the Company, embodying the above terms, that has been submitted to them. (2) That the Council, in pursuance of the powers conferred upon them by sections 79 and 80 of the Light Rail- way Order, borrow the sums required, spreadirg repayments over a term of 50 years; and that the Finance Committee further take into considerat-on the borrowing of the money on the best terms obtainable. Enlarging upon his resolution Mr Addie said it was only a formal one, carryiug out the resolution that had been arrived at by the Cor- poration on the 3rd of April, 1897. They had not had the minutes of the Finance Committee read, but he believed they would show that that com- mittee were unanimous in recommending to the Council that his proposition should be carried out. The resolution unanimously passed by the Council three years ago was as follows "The Council, being of opinion that the construction of a light railway from Welsbpool to Llanfair is expedient. in the interests of the borough, make application to the Light Railway Commissioners and the Board of Trade for authority to advance £ 8,000— £ 4,000 by way of loan and R4,000 as part of the share capital. Very likely he would be asked how, seeing this resolution had been adopted nearly thres years ago, so little progress had been made in the construction of the line. He could well imagine that it was quite leasonable to put such a question. Well,since that resolution had been passed, the Directors of the Company had experienced great difficulty in carrying out the necessary pre- liminaries. He would not enter into the strong opposition that was given to their proposal by the Meifod scheme, because that opposition was now ancient history. He could only say that the re- sult of the inquiry into the merits of the two routes was the granting to Welshpool of the Light Railway Order, which, as they knew, provided for the working of the line from Welshpool to Llanfair. At that time it did not seem feasible to approach the Cambrian Railways Company with a view of asking them to work the line, simply because they had shown a very strong interest in the Meifod route. But after the decision of the Light Railway Commis- sioners and after the Order was granted to the Welshpool line it became necessary for the Directors to take into their very careful consideration the question whether to work the line themselves or to ask the Cambrian Company to do so. The directors were well aware that if they approached the Cambrian Company it would mean a consider- able outlay. But notwithstanding that view the head of the treasury department of the Corporation (Alderman Rogers) took a very strong and deter- mined line of action, holding most tenaciously to the view that it would be better, notwithstanding the outlay, to approach the Cambrian Company. They need not be much surprised at the head of the treasury taking up such a position, because nowadays it seemed quite the fashion for the Treasury to control the Cabinet, or, should he say, the directors of the Llanfair Railway Company. At any rate the directors were rightly or wrongly, and he thought rightly, determined to approach the Cambrian Railways Company. Of course, the main object of their seeking the co-operation of the Cambrian Company was to obtain a free grant, which it would have been impossible to obtain unless they had been able to assure the Board of Trade that the lin3 would be worked by an existing railway company. He was quite aware that there were some gentlemen who viewed this decision with considerable disfavour, and who thought it would have been better for them to keep the working of the line in their own hands. He, however, thought the decision arrivod at by the directors a very proper one, and in his opinion, the greatest credit was due to Alderman Rogers for having stuck so tenaciously to thi. point and for inducing the directors to agree with him. The result was that they put their oase as strongly as they could before the Beard of Agriculture who agreed to make a free grant of £ 7,000. He thought this circumstance was one which was not lightly to be ignored. A free grant of so large a sum, nearly a fourth of the whole capital of the line bearing no interest whatever, seemed to him a circumstance from which they should derive considerable satisfaction. But when they had accomplished this matter they were met by another great difficulty. The Cambrian Com- pany, although they had agreed verbally to work the line and had also approved of the draft agree- ment, found their directors would not sanction it in consequence of two clauses inserted at the instance of the Shropshire Union Railway Canal Company in order to protect their interests. As a result the whole matter had to be referred back again to the Board of Trade, who in turn passed it 011 the Light Railway Commissioners. All this involved most weary and protracted negociations. In the end they all had to go up to London'and fight the matter out, and it so happened they (the Llan- fair Company), werw victorious (applause). This, he thought, showed satisfactory and steady progress TT 1 F' .J. in trie matter, lie agreen tnat powers iui uuut-i- takings of this character ought not to be easily obtained because, of course, they had to interfere with a great number of interests. But he thought they would concur with him when he said that the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway Company had met with an extraordinary amount of difficulty. The Cambrian Company had now agreed to con- struct, work, and maintain tho line and the rolling stock for a large number of years. They (tho Cambrian) had stipulated that they should employ their own engineer (Mr Collin), and this being a reasonable request that gentleman was now busily at work preparing plans with a view to submitting them to competitive contractors. It was not possible to complete this agreement with the Cam- brian Railways Company until all the other agree- ments with the local authorities had been com- pleted. The County Council had agreed to advance zP,6,000, the Llanfyllin Rural District Council £1,600, and the Ford en Rural District Coun- cil CSOD. It only remained for the Corpora- tion of Welshpool to agree in carrying out their agreement—the loan of £ 4,000, which would bo repayable by the Company to the Cor- poration in half-yearly instalments, including both interest and principal, spread over a period of something like 50 years. The amount of interest payable by the Company would be exactly the same as that at which the Corporation would be able to borrow. The Corporation would be secured by debentures or by mortgage. The share capital of the Company was, he thought, £ 10,000, £ 4,000 of which the Corporation had agreed to pay, and it was a matter of great satisfaction for them in Welshpool to know that the remaining £ 6,000 bad been subscribed by the public, and that the first call of 2s 6d had been paid into the bank. The first meeting of shareholders had been called for the 1st of March next. The Corporation had power to appoint three delegates. They had already dono so, having nominated, the Mayor, Alderman Rogers, and himself. Supposing this money was Dot paid by the Corporation, they would not bo allowed to attend the meeting and vote on their behalf. Ho thought the landowners over whose property the line would run had done their share of the work. They had given their land free and also given large contribu- tions in the way^of monny. It was certain that, unless the landowners had taken this view of the matter, the Company would have be«n unable to accomplish what had been done. As he had said before, it only remained for the Town Council to finally sanction their loan to a line, which had been, talked about for a long period, and which would, when carried out, bring a considerable amount of prosperity to the borough (applause).—Alderman Morris seconded the proposition.— Mr Shukor asked if the landowners had paid money or taken up shares. Mr Addie They l have taken up shares,- Mr Yrearsley Is it a fact that tho remaining capital has been subscribed and actually paid ?—Mr Addie It is. There being no amendment, tho motion was then put and carried ne.m. con. THE ELECTION OF GUARDIANS. The I^orden Board of Guardians forwarded a resolution which had met with their approval, but which they thought the Council were tho proper body to initiate. The motion was as follows That for the purposes of election of Guardians tor Welshpooi the parish ought to bo divided into four wards, the same as now in force for municipal purposes, and tint Buttingcon Ward be represented purposes, and tllit Buttingcon Ward be represented by one member, Castle Ward by one, Guilsfield Ward by two, and that the County Council be asked to take the necessary steps to make the above suggested alterationg,Differcnt schemes having been advanced by Mr Smith and Mr Shuker, it was finally decided, on the proposition of Mr J Pryce Jones, to refer the resolution to the Finance Com- mittee to thoroughly investigate. SANITARY. At a meeting of the Sanitary Committee, held on I February 1st, Alderman Howell presiding, a letter was read from the waterworks engineer, Mr C H Beloe, calling attention to different matters included in his last report, ar.d offering further suggestions. The committee had inspected the old filter beds and had decided to employ the contractor to cement the floors at a small cost in order to prevent a sl;glit leakage which was found to exist. It was resolved to communicate with Mr Addie on the subject of the junction of the old drain and the (Ira,- n from the sand-washing machine with the new pipe now being laid by Lord Powis. The committea met t again on February 13th, when the Surveyor re- ported that, bv reason of the severe frost and heavy fall or snow, he had been prevented from ascertaining whether the old filter beds had been rendered water tight. The committee directed that he should make a careful examination and report thereon as soon as the weather permitted.— Alderman Howell proposed, and Alderman Morris seconded, that the report be adopted, and after some comment it was agreed to. MATTERS OF FINANCE. The Finance Committee presented a renort which showed that they had approved of a resolu- tion in regard to the Llanfair Light Raihvay similar to the motion brought in by Councillor Addie. The Council recommended the payment of hills on the Borough Fund of X3 9s, and on the Urban Sanitary Fund uf £ 70 3s 4d. The summary of bank trans- actions for the past month showed the following balances (a) Borough Account, zC637 17s 5d (credit); (b) Urban Sanitary Account, £ 279 4a 9d (debit). They further recommended that the Town Clerk apply for outstanding rents to be paid forth- with and that in default proceedings be taken for the amounts.—The Mayor moved the adoption of the report,-This was seconded and carried. THE SUPPLY OF STONR. The Surveyor reported (through the Paving, Lightingsand Highways Committee), that the stone broken by the Corporation workmen had been re- moved from tho Standard quarry. — Alderman Harrison said he and Mr Addie had interviewed Mr Baker who had assured them that, he could find 100 tons of stone within the next month.—The Sur- veyor, in answer to a question, said they could not manage with less than 200 tons.—Mr Shuker said the way in which stone was supplied was most un- satisfactory. There was now no certainty that they would, have sufficient stone until Spring. THE TOWN CLOCK. On the proposition of Mr Smith, seconded by Mr Humphreys, it was agreed to entrust Mr Turner, Berriew street, with the repair of the Town Hall clock at a remuneration of 12 10s. A TRUCK OF COAL. On the recommendation of the Matkets Com- mittee it was recently decided to solicit tenders for the supply of a truck of coal.—Three tenders were received, and tlt of Messrs J and M Morris at 20s per ton was accepted on the motion of Alderman Harrison, seconded by Councillor Pugh.

NEW WELSH INDUSTRY. The work of building premises for the new nickel industry at Clydach, Swansea Valley, has been commenced. It is intended t. spend R5,000 to zE5,000 at once, and much more subsequently, and it is hoped that several hundred men will Dnd employment. Dr Carl Langer has explained the new process discovered by Dr Mond and himself eight years ago. Nickel was extracted from ores by carbon monoxide. The raw ore, which con- tained copper, nickel, and iron, was first sme'ted in Canada, and the copper and nickel concentrated. Over here the matter will be Bessemerised to gei, all the iron out of it, and then by a special process 1 the copper and nickel will be separated.

PARLIAMENTARY. In the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr Tully moved theAecond reading of the Local Govern- ment (Ireland) Act (1898) Amendment Bid, the provisions of which, he said, were directed to the bringing about of an equality between the laws of England, Ireland, and Scotland. The bill proposed, among other things, the fest-nblishment of a board of control which should have a supervision over the acts of ths Local Government Board so fai. as those acts came into conflict with the wishes of tho local bodies. Mr Daly seconded the motion. Mr J G Lawson moved and Mr H Robertson seconded the rejection of the bill. The Attorney General for Ireland opposed the bill as premature, crude, ill- advised, and mischievous, and it was rejected by 216 votes to 126. The House rose at 5-40 In the House of Lords an important debate took place upon the military proposals of the Government. The question was raised by Lord Dunraven, and Lord Rosebery afterwards spoke. He severely criticised the Government, and expressed his view of the gravity of the crisis and the inadequacy of the proposals of the Government to meet it. The conn- try was denuded of its army and militia, and that represented a grave state of affairs. In December, the Government made public overtures to the United States and Germany for an alli.tnce, but they were not received with sufficient cordiality for the Gov- ernment to pursue them. There were certain matters in connection with Russia which should make them pause. He did not think the Govern- ment had the faintest notion how great, in the country was the feeling of overburdened crisis and constant danger in the present state of affairs. Lord Kimberley also spoke, and said he felt all the dangers of the situation quite as strongly as Lord Rosebery. He saw all around us a temper dis- played bv our neighbours which must make us reflect upon our position, and it was useless to conceal it from ourselves. Lord Lansdowne and Lord Salisbury replied, the Premier remarking that he did not think any advantage was to be obtained by taking a gloomy view of the situation or resort- ing to experiments which had never before been tried. Lord Tweedmouth having spoken, tho House adjourned. The most important questions on Thursday afternoon referred to the Boer invasion of hulu- land. Amid the profound silence of the House, Mr Chamberlain stated, in answer to Mr Yerburgh, that on three occasions che Boers had invaded Zululand, aud that it was also reported that a commando with guns -as moving lute Zululand In one district they had made the Magistrate and the staff of police prisoners, and in another they had plundered all the stores. In Natal Ministers had stated that they could now no longer hold themselves responsible for the peaceful attitude of the Zulus. It had been decided that if native territory in Cape Colony was invr.d<?d the natives wouid be encouraged and assisted in eveiv way to defend themselves. At thij answer, whV;, was read in firm and emphatic tones, a vociferous cheer rose from the Ministerial Benches. In an- swer to another question by Mr Yerburgh, Mr Bal- four gave an answer of a similar character amid renewed cheering. The debate on the vote for one hundred and j twenty thousand men, proposed by the Army Sup- 1 plementary estimates, was resumed by Mr W Red- moud, and carried on by Col Long, T B Curran, Co! Murray, Mr Wason, Sir W Thorburu, Ir Broad- hurst, Mr Job:. Burns, and others. After a brief reply by Mr Wyndham, in which he mentioned that instructions had been telegraphed to Lord Roberts to give promotion to any man in the ranks who sh-nved in the field that he deserved it, the vote was; agreed to, not, howevor, till the closure had been invoked, by a majority of 205.

-+- A PRINCE'S CONFESSION OF M UEDER. ROMATIC STORY FROM THE CAUCASUS. Among the hard-labour convicts now being assembled at Odessa preparatory to their deport- ation to the Far Eastern penal island of Saghalien (says the Daily News correspondent at Odessa) is a certain Prince David 0. (the full surname is suppressed in the official register), whoae crime, only too characteristic in past generations of the Caucasian nobility, recalls the tragic stories of the shadier side of social life in mediaeval Italy. Prince David 0., who is described as a well-built and handsome Georgian of about thirty years of age, is a member of au old and formerly distinguished Grusinian family. Some three years ago lib became engaged toayoung lady of aristocratic connections in the capital. Shortly before the date fixed for his marriage the Prince proceeded to the Caucasus in order to arrange certain business mat- ters with his elder brother in connection with the partition of their patrimonial estates. The wife of the elder brother, Princes Celestine 0., was a young and extremely beautiful woman of pure Georgian type. The younger Prince became infatuousiy enamoured of his charming and captivating sister- in-law, aud unfortunately his illicit passion was reciprocated. In the meantime Prince David's fiancee iu St Petersburg grew suspicious of the repeated excuses made for his protracted dalliance in the Caucasus, and proceeded thither herself. She was very kiodly and hospitably entertained by the elder Prince, but soon discovered, to her great distress, the truth of the situation and her lover's perfidy. She resolved to break off the engagement and re- turn home without making any reproachful scene or domestic scandal. Shortly afterwards it was announ- ced that the unfortunate girl and the eider Prince had suddenly disappeared, and Prince David caused it to be bruited about the neighbourhood that bis brother had eloped with his fiancee, and about a month later he left the Caucasus with the Princess Celestine. These episodes were well-nigh forgotten when, during the autumn of lasl year, the lessee of the family domain ordererl the cutting of a small dyke not far from the mansion. The excavators came upon human bones a couple of feet beneath the surface. Among the haudbones of one of the two unearthed skeletons was found a very hand- some and valuable signet ring, known by the finders tohavo belonged to the elder Prince 0". This discovery aroused the suspicions of the police and of the parents. Prince David and Princess Celestine were traced to Northern Russia, and the former was at once arrested. After some prevarica- tion before the juge d' instruction, the accused Prince confessed tho crime which he and his sister- in-law had together plotted and committed. On the eve of her intended arrest, the Princess Celestine flung herself from an upper storey window and was instantly killed. Prince David who now goes in heavy manacles and convict garb, to expiate his crimes by ten years' hard labour in the Saghalien mines, describes how he, with the connivance and in the personal presence of the Princess Celestine, murdered his brother and his affianced wife, stabbing them to death in their sleep, oiae after the other, and afterwards, with the assistance of a man-servant, buried their bodies in the garden. About a fortnight after the double murder the accessory man-servant was reported to have died suddenly, and was interred without any inquiry having been made into the cause of his death. The convict Prince further confessed that he poisoned the old family retainer in fear of a possible exposure.

--+- WOMEN PREACHERS IN AMERICA. Two lady preachers are making themselves con- spicuous in Brooklyn. One is the German Countess Adeline Schimmelman, who, having been converted by one of Sankey's hymns, has given an a life of luxury in Berlin Court circles and is going round the world in her yacht to preach the Gospel. She is now preaching in Brooklyn, and at a recent revival co-operated with Ira D Sankey himself. Another female preacher who is making a sensa- tion is Isabella Horton, a girl of 16, who has already been preaehing in the Southern States for three years. She is a remarkable personality, and gives learned expositions of the profoundest texts. She officiates in the Brooklyn Baptist churches dressed in black academic gown, large white cravat, a skating-rink hat, and plaited hair.

CEMMAES. To THE FRONT.-A, handsome send off was given to Mr F J Walton, only son of Mr F Walton, of Cwmllecoediog Hall, near Aberangell, who has volunteered as a trooper in the Montgomeryshire Imperial Yeomanry. Between 7 and 8 on Friday morning a large number of tenants, workmen on the estate, quarrymen, and others from Dinas, Mallvryd, and Aberangell met in front of the hall, and preceded by the band playing appropriate music, escorted the gentleman in kaki to Aber- angell Station. There were numerous flags carried, and with these the engine and train were decorated. Although there was scarcely twenty minutes in which to do the work, one and all, under the direction of Mr Nicholson, set to work, with the result that in a marvellously short space of time the train was decked to everyone's satisfaction. Scores accompanied the gallant volunteer by train to Cemmes Road and here the excitement was intense, the band playing popular airs, and the noise of fog signals aroused the patriotic feeling of the crowd to a high pitch so that the cheers were loud and prolonged. As the train steamed out a mighty farewell cheer was given as he departed to join the rest of the Imperial Volunteers at Newtown.

CA.ERSWS. PREFFRMENT.—The Rev David Hamer, curate of Hingham, Norfolk, has been presented to the living of Hackford. Mr Hamer is a son of Mr James Hamer, of Penybortha, Caersws. POLICE COURT.—MONDAY. Before Mr Andrew Davies, (Chairman), Messrs E Proctor, R Jones, Evan Kinsey, & Edward Jones. SHEEP SCAB.—A Llanwnog farmer, Richard Tan- ner, Brynderwen, was summoned by P.C. Davies, (Caersws) for not reporting Sheep Scab. The officer said that, about 3 p.m. on the 15th of January, he accompanied by Mr Mills, Veterinary Surgeon, visited defendant's farm and found four sheep, out of a large flock affected. Defendant told him that he did not understand what sheep scab was or else he would have reported it. This was defendant's first offence. Fined 10s and costs 7s. A Row AT THE ALEPPO.—Richard Humphreys, labourer, Carno, was summoned by Jane Wilson, Aleppo Inn, Carno, for refusing to quit her premises. Ernest Wilson, nephew to complainant, said on the 16th of January, between the hours of 8 and 9 p.m. defendant came into the public. He soon commenced to behave badly and expressed a desire to fight any- one in the house. He (witness) ordered him out, but he refused to go and ultimately had to be sum- roardy rvjectcd.—Hum/reys, who aiimit-red the offence, was fined 10s and 7s costs, or, in default H days hard labour. Allowed a week to pnv. CARNO HOOLIGANS.—Five labourers, an hailing from Carno, by name Richard Humphreys (defend- ant in the last caso), David John IlumphrevSj Thomas Griffiths, John Evans (Perkins), and John Manuel, were all summoned at the instance of the poHce officials for drunk and Disorderly conduct.-— P.C. Davios proved the service of the summonses.— John Lewis, G'anrhyd, farmer, said on the 161h of January he was driving home from the direction of Caersws when about 100 yards from Carno village he heard a noise, and rising above the din, very bad language greeted his ears. Going further along he c: countered the two defendants, Griffiths and Evans, witl-, their coats off and challengingeaoh ouer to fight. A little way beyond ho found Manuel and Humphreys struggling 011 the ground with David John Humphreys kicking at them. He went on to Glanrhyd and put his horse no after- wards returning to the scene of the conflict'where he found Manuel on the gi-oiii)d, in a dreadful state. He took Manuel, who com plained of three of the other defendants kicking him, up to Glanrhyd where he washed him.— \rthur Hum- phreys, railway porter at Carno station, paid he heard the row on the night iu question. All the defendants were using bad language excent, Mamie) whom he heard saying My dear friend, let me go Louie." They were quarrelling in Welsh. Tho two defendants. Manuel and Griffiths, denied being drunk.- The Bench retired, and on their return the Chairman announced that Manuel and Griffiths wouid have to pay 58 and costs or undergo sevell imprisonment, and tbat the three other defendants would be fined 10s and cosis or 14 dis- continuing, the Chairman said they considered David John Humphreys' conducL the worst of all and if he ever came before them again on a similar charge he would be sent to prison without the option of a fine. They wished to impress upon the public in general that in cases such as these for >| drunkenness the responsibility was as great on the S part of the publican as on the part of the defendant, f It was the publican's duty to refuse a nun the cup before he was drunk. If they knew that any man would get drunk on three glasses of bmr then it > was their duty not. to give him those three glasses. Jt came to this, and he was speaking the opinion ( of all the other magistrates present, that if'there | were ever any more case? euoh as those now before I them they would, have to seriously consider the question of publicans' lioenses.—All the other magistrates concurred.

OSWESTRY. OSWESTRY AND ELLESMERE COTTAGE HOSPITAL. i AXXCAL MEETING OF SUBSCRIBERS. The annual meeting of subscribers to the Os- westry and Ellesmere Cottage Hospital was held at the Cottage Hospital at Oswestry on Thursday afternoon. Lord Harlech presided, there being also present Mr A Wynne Corrie, the Revs N Ogiivy ami T Iledfern, Drs Lewis and Reresford, Mr F B Owen, Mr F G Buller Swete, treasurer; and Mr MarLiri Lawford, secretary.—The Bishop of the Diocese was re-elected visitor; the Earl Brown- low, president; and Lord Har'ech, vice-president. Mr C S Denniss was elected on the committee in the place of the late Col Barues and Mr George Owen, Mr B R C Tower (Ellesmere) and General Schreiber, whose term had expired, were re-eiected on the committee. The Hon Mrs Ogiivy was appointed to fill a vacancy in the list, of lady patronesses.—Mr OgiIvy said they owed the deep- est gratitude to the medical officers, and proposed a vote of thanks to tnem.—This was agreed to, f and Drs Beresford ana Lewis briefly acknowledged, j — On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr I Redfern, a vote of thanks was accorded the ladies committee.—Votes cf thanks were also accorded the promoters of the cycle carnival, the Shropshire Constabulary, and the Oswestry Football Club, who had given donations. The committee of the carnival handed over £ 26 Is lid, Shropshire Constabulary i- sports fund, C15, and the Oswestry club, £13 ls6d. 1 Other donations included £ 12 16s 3d from the em- ployees of the B'ack Park Co'liery, £ 10 10s from the proceeds of matches for the village ehallence cup, £ 6 6s Chirk Football Club, and £ 5 5q fro'm the Glyn State Company. The subscriptions amounted to JE227 18" 6d; offertori3s £ 166 4s 5d, Trinity Church, Oswestry, heading the list with £ 30, and the Parish Church coming next with £ 26 18s. The collecting boxes brought in £ 16 17s lOd —The Treasurer in presenting the state- ment of accounts said he was glad to say that his report on the accounts was much the same as last year. The receipts shewed an increase of-E2, but they had had an extra donation of C70 left by Mrs Anne Jones, of the Criftens, which was now invested. The subscriptions were les3 than receipts bv £ 12 8s the donations were less by £ 15 7s 5d, and the offer- tories less by X21 0s 7d. The nursing receipts, however, were ±,00 more, so tnat counter-balanced the other. The total expenditure was more by £ 30 12s 5d than the previous year, which was accounted for by an increase of X28 4s in the nurses' salaries. The in-patients treated during the year were 86; out-patients visited in Oswestry, 74 and casualty patients treated at tlie hospital, 123. They had a balance at the end of the year of zE166 10s 8d, which he thought was very satis- factory. He only hoped that state of things would continue. During the year many churches had not subscribed owing to funds being required for the war.—The report was adopted.—At the close a vote of thanks was unanimously accoided the hairman for nresidir, £ ?. ,["- Q- THE LADIES' WORKING PARTY. The Hon. Mrs Ogilvy has received the following Jetter from Lady Audrey Buller and Mrs Spens:— Halgate Lodge, Tunbridge Wells, February 3rd. Mrs James Spens presents her compliments to Mrs Ogiivy, and thanks her and the ladies of the Oswestry Working party very much for their most kind present to the wives of officers and N. C. Offi. cers of the 2nd Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry, who greatly appreciate their kind thought of them." Government House. Farnborough, Hants, Feb. 11th, 1900. Thank you so much for the splendid box of clothes for the seldiers' families at Aldershot, which arrived yesterday. It was most kind of the Oswes- try Working Party making them for na, and they were such particularly nice and useful garments.— Believe me yours affectionately, "AUDREY BULLER."

ELLESMERE. READING RooL-A special meeting of Ih" General Committee was held in the Town Hall onWednesday, Mr Brownlow R C Tower in the chair.—The Chair- man said the meeting had been called to consider a resolution to he proposed by Mr John Hood to allow all youths above the age of 14 to become members of the Reading Room. At present no one undir 16 years was admitted to the Reading Room. —Mr Hood then moved that in future all youths above 14 years of ago be allowed the use of the Reading Room. Youths of 14 years m usi- spend ? their evenings somewhere, and at present it was a f. great temptation for them to go to public hcuBes or get into bad company. He felt certain they i wouid spend their time in the Reading Room and a be greatly benefited. Mrs Brownlow Tower seconded the motion.—Mr F W Bickley opposed, I as he considered 14 was too young to admit them 1 to the room.—Mr Brownlow R C Tower said he I was in favour of the motion, and he honed the T committee would give it a trial.—No amendment being proposed, the motion was declared carried unanimously, and the meeting closed. LITERARY SOCIF.TY.-The weekly meeting was held in the Town Hall, on Wedtmsdpy. Miss Jebb, Lee Hall, presiding, when Mr Thomas Emberton, of Birch Hall, gave an address on Agriculture." Mr Emberton said that the state of Agrioillure was very deplorable and unsatisfactory. He saw in Glou- cestershire good laud could be got for 15s an acre yet no One would take it. He was not in favour of protection and ho thought. dairy farming paid the best. It did not pay to grow corn at present prices personally, he was in favour of mixed farming. One serious mistake was that farm* were too large, they wanted farms from 30 to 1,000 acres. Then a farmer to succeed must have plenty of stock. Another thing was that farm building." were caneraMyinsuEHRientandbanilypntnp. Tie was in favour of paying labourers better. Mr Emberton who spoke for upwards of 40 minutes, was listened to with marked attended and was frequently applauded. Mr Lea, Kinsall, also a largo farmer, spoka in fa 'our of better buildings &c. He consid- ered the Agricultural Holdings Act, almost a failure. He was in favour of small holdings. Mr Hood sroke in favour of security of tenure. Farming would never be prosperous until a farmer was secure on his land. No doubt they had good landlords, in this district Lord Brownlow was the largest landow ler and he was a real good Land- lord so were others, but it was the exception. Miss Jebb, Lee Hall, spolco as a farmer, a landlady, and a labourer. Miss Jebb, The Lyth, and Mr W Lloyd also mac exceptionally good speeches. A vote of thanks, Mr Emberton for his excellent address brought the meeting to a close. i

CORRIS. TEMPERANCE LECTURES.—On Saturday evening last Mr J R Dix brought to a close the series of temperance lectures which he has organised in the village this winter. The first part of the lecture consisted of a magnificent set of slides illustrating the army and navy. During the interval Mr Dix gave several selections on the Phoncgraph. The last part of the evening's entertainment consisted of a temperance story, entitled "Jim, the Joiner," which was also illustrated by numerous slides. A very fair number of persons were present on this occasion though for some reason or other Mr Dix has not had the support due to such a movement as might have been expected. At the end of the evening's proceedings even the Phonograph ihelf raised its voice in condemnation of the scanty audiences it had seen. It solemnly declared that it had only seen one minister of the gospel ever come to the meetings, and it greatly wondered where all the rest were.