The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAYS. CHEAP EXCURSIONS TO SCOTLAND. On Fridays, December 21st and 28th, Excursion tickets will be issued for 5 and 8 days to Edin- burgh, Glasgow, Greenock, etc. TO SOUTH WALES. On Friday and Saturday, Dec 21st and 22nd, Excursion tickets will be issued to Newport (Mou), Dowlais, Neath, Merthyr, Cardiff, Swansea, Ptq, etc, available for return np to and inclusive of Decem- ber 29th, except Sunday, December 23rd, and Christmas Day, December 25th. TO THE MIDLANDS. The usual Week-End tickets will be issued on Fridays, December 21st and 28th, and Saturdays, December 22nd and 29th, to Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Peterboro, Leicester, Derby, Leeds, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Bradford, Sheffield, etc. EXCURSION TO LONDON. On Wednesday, December 26th, Eucursion tickets will be issued to London for 2, 5, and 8 days. On Wednesday, December 26th, Day Excursion tickets will be issued from Llanidloes, Oswestry, Fenn's Bank, and intermediate stations to Liver- pool, Manchester, Chester and North Wales stations. NEWTOWN ANNUAL EISTEDDFOD, Monday, December 31st, 1900. Cheap Day Excursion Tickets will be issued to Newtown on January 1st from Welshpool, Llan- idloes, Carno and intermediate stations. For full particulars as to train times, fares, etc, see handbills issued by the Company.

CHRISTMAS TRAIN SERVICE TO ABERYSTWYTH, BORTH, &c. ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22ND, 1900, the 6-40 p.m. train from Whitchurch and the 8-30 p.m. train from Welshpool with connections from north and south, via Whitchurch, Wrexham, Oswestry, Welshpool, will run through to Aberyst- wyth, calling at all intermediate stations. For Christmas Day Train Service see Special Bill. All information regarding Excursion Trains and Tourist arrangements on the Cambrian Railways can be obtaiued from Mr W H Gough, Superin- tendent of the Line, Oswestry.

CONTENTS OF INNER PAGES PAGE 2. Machynlleth, Newtown, Llanllwchaiarn, Elles- mere and Great Wollaston news. PAGE 3. The War; The Chinese Crisis Parliamentary Personal; Llanfyllin and Llanfair news; Aberyst- wyth Bankruptcy Court. PAGE b. Football Notes and Matches Hunting Appoint- ments; Markets; Suicide near Welshpool; Lady Powis's Petition; CorrespoLdence; Christmas Sale of Fat Stock; Aberystwyth Conservative Club Forden Board of Guardians and Rural District Council. PAGF. 7. A New Story The Sin of Jasper Standish," by "Rita"; The Late Captain Morris; Towyn, Aber- gynolwyn, Dolgelley, Aberdovey and Llanerfyl news; Reviews; The Penrhyn Dispute; Smithfield Cattle Show.

DEFECTIVE ORGANISATION. The enthusiasm that prevailed among the members of the Aberystwyth Conservative Club on Monday night must be taken as indicative of an earnest spirit among the workers in support of the constitutional cause. Notwithstanding their recent want of entire success at the polls, the Aberyst- wyth Conservatives are undaunted. They look forwaid to the next contest with re- newed hope and their belief in the ultimate triumph of the principles to which they pledge themselves is unabated. That they are justified in the confidence they repose in Mr. HARFORD as their candidate no one who watched the recent election can doubt. It is difficult to understand why people, as is asserted, should find that their principles prevent them from voting for such a candidate. Mr. HARFORD is a supporter of the cause to which an overwhelming majority of the intelligence and commercial interest of the country has given its assent. He, in common with his Party, disclaims all revolutionary intentions, unlike many of their opponents who would attempt to remodel the Constitution and to disconnect Ireland. The Conservatives place in the forefront of their programme three main objects of policy. These are freedom, pro- gress, and the Pax Brittannica in every part of the Queen's dominions. The Liberal. Party twelve months ago were in fact, though not in theory, opposed to all three of these, for acquiescence in the demands of Mr. KRUGER would have involved the loss of all of these in South Africa. What- ever the veerings of sections of that Party since, whatever acquiescence in the in- evitable they have deemed wise, the fact stands recorded that at the beginning of the war they supported the ex-President and tried to embarrass the Government in negotiating with a man whose dishonesty is patent to the world and who is now encountering in Europe a series of rebuffs such as would have abashed any spirit capable of the dignity of modesty. The electorate of the United Kingdom, however, apart from one geographical section of it, has made clear that such support does not meet with their approval. That section is Wales. Mr WATKIN undoubtedly touched upon a serious defect in Conservative organisation when he drew attention to the results of the election in the Principality generally. The provision of Welsh speakers upon Welsh electoral topics should be made an indispensable condition of the next Conservative campaign. There can be little doubt in the mind of any unprejudiced observer that much of the Liberal success • TT R L I in vv aies is aue to want 01 true political perspective on the part of many of the voters. They are grounded in the polemics of one side only. They do not understand the contentions of the other because its advocates are incapable of presenting them in the tongue understood of the people. The remedying of this capital error in organisation should accordingly be the chief aim of Conservative agents, not in Cardiganshire only, but throughout the Principality. The cause is good, the arguments are sound, but both are clad in foreign garb. The promotion of Welsh political education should no longer be allowed to lag behind that of other branches of useful learning.

NOTES BY THE WAY. Interest in the gnerrilla warfare into which the South African campaign has degenerated centres in the pursuit of De Wet. If General Knox succeeds in capturing that wily and able chieftain, he will probably have done more towards the pacification of the country than anyone else since the war entered upon its present stage. The statement of Lord Roberts with regard to farm-burning should satisfy the opponents of that procedure as to its necessity. The reception of Lord Roberts at Capetown, while full of enthusiasm for the veteran general, was remarkable as being made the occasion of a most noteworthy display of loyalty towards, and confidence in, the High Commissioner. This, with the resolutions of abhorrence from the c'iief towns throughout the colony, should be an effective counterblast to Afrikander attacks at the Worcester congress. Meanwhile it may be wondered how many Afrikanders would have the courage and fair- ness of Sir Alfred Milner in forwarding to the Queen resolutions condemnatory of themselves. liThe note of sympathy and regret struck at the meeting of the General Committee of the Welsh Hospital will be echoed wherever appreciation of self-sacrifice in the discharge of duty is to be found. The value of the institution originated and after- wards managed by the late Professor Hughes will be seen from the number of caEes treated and the low percentage of deaths. The present Parliamentary Session, though des- tined to be short lived, bids fair to be memorable. The statement made by Mr Chamberlain as to the Government's intentions with regard to the former Boer territories is essentially the same as what had previously been foreshadowed, with the addition of the suggested municipalities. The chief interest of the session has, however, lain in the attacks made upon Lord Salisbury and the Colonial Secretary. The Supplementary Estimate is a heavy one, as might have been foreseen, but the Government will assuredly have the support of the country in re- solving not to decrease the strength of our forces in the field while such leaders as De Wet and Botha remain at large. We are pleased to record the fact that the Treasury have made a further grant of X7,500 towards the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway Scheme. This makes a total grant of £ 14,500, all of which is absolutely free of interest. This highly satisfactory result is largely attributable to the exertions of Lord Powis, whø has spared no trouble on behalf of the enterprise and has throughout the negotiations manifested the keenest interest in the scheme. The promoters are very grateful to the County and Boroughs Members for the aid they have given in supporting the application to the Treasury. Mr Forrester Addie's desire to forward the undertaking is well known, and we understand that he has been very active in connection with the application that has been so successful. The delay that has taken place in pushing for- ward the plans of the Light Railway is due to no want of energy on the part of those entrusted with the promotion, but is solely the result of the great increase in prices of material and labour arising from causes altogether external. The estimates, it will be remembered, were made under circum. stances in the mercantile and labour world con- siderably different from those obtaining at the present time. We cannot congratulate Newtown very heartily upon the proceedings in the matter of the proposed Public Library. The methods of those in whose bands the question lies appear to be of the circular kind, and the scheme, while continually going on, gets no forwarder. After the letter quoted from the secretary of the Co-operative Union, there would not appear to be much hope in that quarter. Under these circumstances, the utility of appoint- ing a deputation to wait on the Owen Memorial Committee may therefore be questioned. It is perhaps open to regret that the Jubilee Committee did not decide upon having a library instead of a clock, more particularly as Miss Brisco generously and with more forethought for the future welfare of the town than was displayed by the committee, offered to defray the expense. To repeat the argument in favour of a Public Library is to deal with truisms. If Newtown people are alive to their own credit, they will not waste more time in negotiations that may prove fruitless, but will set to work and establish the library without delay. In another column will be found a letter from a correspondent on the question of Machynlleth Sanitation. It is not the first time that complaint has reached us upon this important topic. By a coincidence, not. we think, without significance, attention is now drawn to it about the time, when in Newtown official protest is made against a serious lack of precaution. This, coupled with facts adduced by medical reports in different parts of the county from time to time, leads inevitably to the conclusion that the people of Montgomery- shire are not so fully alive to the danger of insani- tary conditions of life as their own safety demands that they should be. Local authorities would do well to consider their responsibilities in this respect without delay. # We cannot agree with the resolution of the Forden District Council not to act upon the suggestion of the Local Government Board and have samples of food stuffs analysed. The amend- ment of Mr J Davies was based upon the shallowest of reasons. Prevention is always better than cure. If the Council are going to wait until poison is found by the simple method of manifestation of its injurious effects, it is hard to understand why any Government should confer powers of analysis. In plain English, the amendment reads, Wait until someone is poisoned; then take action." We hope Mr Holloway will carry his point at the next meeting. Meanwhile, we commend the decision of the Council to the attention of the ratepayers. It is one thing to be economical; it is quite another to be cheeseparing. The FordentBoard of Guardians have established a reputation for saving the money of the ratepayers, and so anxious do they seem to maintain their fame that they are willing to do so at the cost of a small gratuity to out- door paupers at the season of good-will. Curiously enough, the clerical exponents of the gospel of charity voted against its practical application. It is noteworthy, too, that Mr J Davies considered the proposed charitable action as mistaken kindness. It would be interesting to learn his definition of the course he took at the Rural District Council with regard to the suggestion of analysing food stuffs. We would remind the Board that they are Guardians of the poor, as well as of the ratepayers' interests, and that charity is sometimes a duty. The reported intention of theJCambrian Railways Company to replace the drawbridge over the Dovey at Glandovey Junction by a fixed bridge has aroused the local authorities to action. At the special meeting of the Machynlleth Urban Council held on Monday evening, it was decided to join with other local bodies in opposing the application of the railway company, on the ground that at some future day there may come sailing up the river from the sea a fleet of boats conveying the produce of distant shores to the towns and villages on the Dovey banks, and making their outward voyage loaded down. with slates and ores. A some- what Utopian picture, rather overdone with the rosy hue and lacking, if we may be permitted to say so, the mark of the brush of a practical hand. The port of Derwenlas now represented by tumble-down warehouses and a claster of cottages can never hope to regain the prosperous state which it at one time, in common with similar villages dotted round our coasts, enjoyed before the days of the railway. Even supposing such an unlooked-for event to become after all a reality, the absence of a drawbridge would not be such a formidable deterrent to the river traffic. The lumbering lugger of the early part of the centnry has given'place to the busy little tug-boat which, with well-filled barges in tow, would carry on one journey more than half a dozen sailing boats could co-ivey amongst them, and a fixed bridge is no likely to interfere with the progress of a tug-boat moving rapidly and unencumbered with sai!s and masts. With the price of gas af the proverbial 6" 8,1 per 1,000 feet it is not at all surprising to find the people of Machynlleth looking out for some means of lighting their town. At present they are at the mercy of the Gas Company and are paying nearly double for their gas what is paid by the residents in Aberystwyth. On Monday evening a special meeting of the Council was held for the purpose of taking into consideration a proposal to light the town by electricity. Cou' cillor Evan Jones told the Council that he had secured the lease of land containing the necessary water power sufficient for the put-pose, and the Company in London were prepared to carry out the preliminary work, only asking the Council to grant permission to open up the streets for the laying of the cables. He could not give the name of the Company, although they bad put up plant in over thirty towns in England, but there was over £ 7C0 promised in the town towards the X6,000 or £ 8,000 required, and there was nothing to prevent the whole of the money being subscribed by the people of Machynlleth. The Council made no promise of support beyond agreeing to give the proposal their moral support. The new Vaccination Act is a considerable ex- pense as far as the Oswestry Incorporation is concerned. At the meeting on Monday, Mr Nicholson drew attention to the fact that for one year the fees under the new system amounted to over C200 more than under the old. The management of the Oswestry Science and Art School is to be complimented upon the school's continued progress and success, not a little of which is to be credited to the energetic hon. secre- tary, Mr Bremner Smith, who has seen the attend- ance of pupils grow from about 14 to 265, and to the master, Mr Brown. The prizes were distributed on Thursday, by Mrs Wynne Corrie, who was accompanied by Mr Corrie, both of whom take a great interest in the work of the school and the town generally. W« hope that the Llanfyllin Town Couueil have satisfied themselves that any opposition they cold bring against the proposed Taoat Valley Light Railway would he unavailing. In that case they are justified in their decision not 'to waste money in attempting what would be foredoomed to failure. If, however, they have not exhausted all means of enquiry upon the subject and are simply depending upon the possible failure of a scheme antagonistic to the interests of their town, we cannot withhold commendation from Councillor Pughe for moving his amendment. Inability to carry out a scheme does not of itself justify the withdrawal of opposi- tion to an injurious alternative. 4-.4- Apropos of the present outcry against arsenical beer, a correspondent of a London contemporary quotes the following anecdote from "The Clubs of London" "One evening, at Brooks's. Mr Whit- field talked loudly and largely against the ministers, for laying what was called the war-tax upon malt; everyone present, of course, concurred with him in opinion but Sheridan could not resist the gratifica- tion of a hit against the brewer himself. He took out his pencil and wrote upon the back of a letter the following lines, which he handed to Mr Whit- bread across the table "They've raised the price of table drink; What is the reason, do you think ? The tax on malt's the cause, I hear- But what has malt to do with beer? »

WELSHPOOL. POWELL & JONES'S Annual Clearance Sale of Watches, Clocks, Jewellery, &c., will commence November 1st and continue during the month. Dis- counts from 15 to 25 per cent.—Evan Jones, late Powell & Jones, Pride Hill, Shrewsbury. [Advt HOME INDUSTRIES.—The ladies of Welshpool and District can purchase Sewing Machines for R2 2s and upwards from Humphrey Jones & Son, 9, Hall street. [Advt CHRISTMAS SALES. A choice assortment of Ornaments, Glass, China, and Earthenware, suitable for Xmas, Wedding, and other Presents, may be obtained at Pugh's, the Complete House Furnisher 7 and 10, Berriew street, Welshpool. [Adv. Movic with the Time(s) to A J Giles, Church Street, for the prettiest, best, cheapest, and most up-to-date Presents, Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery. Once bitten twice shy is a common experience in the Watch trade, but A J Giles conducts his business so as to expect his customers again. [Ad For Christmas presents go to A Turner, Berriew Street, a fine selection. [Advt. CONSERVATIVE CLUB.- The third round of the billiard match resulted as follows :—A Turner (75 start) beat A P Davies (15) by 9; T Simpson Jones (30) beat E Stockton (60) by 9; J Brick (30) beat F D Ward (30) by 26; H Blackith (30) beat G M Parry (60) by 19. Draw for the semi-final:—H Blackith against Turner; T S Jones against Brick. FOOTBALL.-A match between the Casual&and Welshpool County School was played on Thursday last on the Casuals ground in fine weather. Adams set the ball rolling for the school and they soon became aggressive. They continually pressed, although playing against the wind aud their efforts were at last rewarded by G W Davies scoring. Just at half-time Roberts scored a goal for the Casuals. The School had nearly all the play in the second half and scored twice through Adams and Morris, whilst the Casuals scored once, and a good game ended in a win for the school by 3 to 2. MEN'S BIBLE CLASS.—A service of sacred song was held at the Church House on Sunday after- noon. An excellent address on Hobbies was given by Mr J E Tomley, Montgomery. The solos, The Prince of Peace and La Serenata," Were given by Miss Davies, and "The Promise of Life" and The two children by Mr A P Davies. Mr and Mrs T M Price acted as accompanists. CRITICISING THE GOVERNMENT. Mr R Powell presided over the meeting of the Presbyterian Mutual Improvement Society on Wednesday evening. A discussion took place on the first leading article in Tuesday's Daily News, which happened to be a comment on Mr Bartley's attack on the Government in reference to the "family party character of the Cabinet. Mr Joseph Davies a: • "d, and Mr T R Jones disagreed, with the at-; On a vote being taken the dissentients obtained a majority, thereby criticising the policy of the Government. LOCAL WEDDINGS.—The marriage of Mr Clement T Jones, solicitor, youngest son of Mr E Maurice Jones, Coroner for the district, and Miss M Emilie Reese, daughter of Mr John Reese, of Castle View, took place at the Parish Church on Tuesday, in the presence of a number of friends. The service was taken by the Vicar, the R.ev D Grimaldi Davis, who was assisted by the Rev D James. The bride, who was given away by her father, was attired in a grey tailor-made costume, trimmed with velvet and hat to match. The bridesmaids were Miss A M Jones (sister of hridegroom), who wore a grey tailor-made costume and hat to match, and Miss Myfanwy Reese (sister of the bride), who wore a fawn tailor- made costume and black velvet hat. The best man was Mr D R Jones. The Rev W H Bickerton Jones and Dr F Jones were also present. As the bride and bridegroom left the church, Mr T Maldwyu Price played the Wedding March on the organ. Afterwards, a number of friends met at the home of the bride, and subsequently Mr and Mrs Clement Jones left for Wrexham. The list of presents was a lengthly one, and the articles were unusually handsome.—At Cardiff on Tuesday, Dr Alexander, who up to a short time ago acted as assistant to Dr Hawksworth, was married to Miss Tigar, eldest daughter of Capt Tigar, formerly of Welshpool Owing to the recent death of the bridegroom's father, the wedding was a very quiet one. We understand that the newly-married couple will live in London, where Dr Alexander intends to practice. INTERMEDIATE GOVERNORS.—A meeting of these Governors was held at the School yesterday after- noon. Mr Forrester Addie presided.—The report of the Recreation Ground Committee was read, and it was resolved that a sum of R50 be spent in levelling the ground, and that Mr Riddell be asked to superintend the work.—Letters were read from various schools with regard to gymnastics, and it was decided, in consideration of the funds at the disposal of the Governors, to leave the question of purchasing a vaulting horse in abeyance for the present.—Mr Howell drew attention to the wanf of light at the approach to the schools, and m< rd that the Welshpool Gas Company be consulted, with a view to providing two lamps to be fixed at points between Severn Street and the school build- ings. This was seconded by Mr Anderson and carried.—The recommendations of the resolution passed by rhe Joint Education Committee were brought before the meeting, and a sub committee was appointed to formulate the objections of the Governors thereto.—A communication was rea.d in- timating that the next examination would be held in April, 1901. CONGREGATIONAL BAZAAR.- With the object of raising money for the building fund and towards Church expenses, the members of the Congrega- tional Church held a bazaar in the Town Hall on Thursday. The spacious Assembly Room had been decorated in a tasteful manner, and evergreen plants, lent from Powis Castle, relieved the plat- form which had been erected at one end of the room. In all there were five stalls, and these were presided over by the ladies of the congregation, who are to be complimented on the success which attended their efforts to attract customers. The bazaar was opened soon after three o'clock by Mrs Humphreys-Owen, who, being introduced by the Rev D B Evans, delivered an excellent address. A vote of thanks was afterwards passed to her, on the motion of Mr Morgan Jones, seconded by Mr A II Jones. Trie attendance during the opening ceremony was not very large, but towards evening it increased considerably. Amongst the amusements were a shooting gallery conducted by Mr J Hart and a museum of curiosities displayed by Mr A H Jones. About six o'clock the Juvenile Choir sang under the conductorship of Miss Gwynne; later, Mr Harry Lawton, a Wolverhampton comedian, provoked roars of laughter with his inimitable entertainment; at intervals a gramophone gave clear and distinct renderings of popular airs; Miss Cissie Jones, of Rockley, sang several solos, and there were also various amusing competitions. Mr C I Gwynne was the accompanist, and Mr C H Jones proved himself a capable director of the side- shows. The officials were :—Chairman of com- mittee, Mr E Morgan Jones; secretaries, Messrs R Thomson, junr, and C Wendell Jones; treasurer, Mr A H Jones president, of sewing class, Mrs R D ) homas treasurer, Mrs Morgan Jones secretaries, Miss Thomson and Miss A B Jones. The proceed- ings concluded with a confetti carnival. COUNTY POLICE COURT.—MONDAY. Before Capt Mytton and Mr G Kempster. ALLEGED UNLAWFUL WOUNDING.-Charles Jones, labourer, Llandricio, was brought up in the custody of P.O. D Davies, L'andysilio, charged with unlaw- fully wounding Penjamin Egerton, of Rhos Farm. Llandrinio, on Saturday last.- Prosecutor said about 10-30 p.m. on Saturday, he was sitting in the hack kitchen at the Rhos Farm, where he was em- ployed. Jones was also there. Some words took place between respecting a young girl who liveo tlierr, and he (Egerton) Raid he was going to have her, and that he would keep her to her promise. Thereupon Jones got up and struck him a blow on the left side of the ac, and nipping him up threw him on his hack on the floor. Jones fell on the top of him, held him by the throat, and bit through the lower part of the left side of his r.ose. Mr Turner got Jones from off him, put him outside the house and bolted the door. He was taken to Dr O'Connor's at Llanymynech, who attended to his injury.— Richard Turner, Rhos Farm, corro- botatc-,i.- Dr O'Connor said he examined Egerton, and found a uood deal of blood on his face and a bruise on the left che^k. A portion of the left side of the nose was "severed, and hanging down on the upper lip. The wound must have caused considerable pain, aud probably was caused by a bite. He stitched up the wouno.- P.C. D Davies, Llandvsilio, aid he went to the Rhos Farm and saw Egerton sitting on a bench. His face was covered with blood, and he had received serious injury to the left side of the nose. There was a large pool of blood on the floor. He went to an outbuilding and found Jones lying in some clover. He took him into custody. On the same date, about 8-30 a.m., he cautioned Jones and charged him with unlawful wounding, and causing grievous bodily harm to Egerton. He replied, What I did, I did in self-defence, and was annoyed to do it. I am very sorry that I did it."—Jones was com- mitted for trial at the next Quarter Sessions, and admitted to bail, himself in X5 and one suretv in X5. Before Capt Mytton and the Mayor (Mr C Shuker). THEFT OF A LAMP.— William Evans, a lad of 15, Upper House, Pentre, Leighton, was charged with stealing a lamp, the property of Thomas Lawrence, travelling entertainer, Broseley.-Defendant pleaded guilty, and elected to be dealt with summarily.— Capt Mytton stid he had received a letter from the boy's employer, giving him a very good character. Defendant would Lave to pay within a month £11213 the costs of the case. COUNTY COURT.—YESTERDAY. Before His Honour Judge William Evans. ALLEGED SHARP PRACTICE.—Edward Evans. sen, farmer, Middletown, sued Mary Flewett. widow, Middletown, for XI.-Plaintiff said that about five weeks ago defendant was to pay nim about 3s 6d for removing certain furniture. As she had no change he gave her a sovereign in silver. She kept both the sovereign and the change.—Defend- ant denied this and said she gave plaintiff the sov- ereign. -Plaintiff's son deposed to hearing his father tell defendant that she had not given him the iBovereign.Defendant said she had two sov- ereigns in her purse before plaintiff changed one for her. Plaintiff saw the money she had in her purse after he had charged her with keeping the sovereign. Edward Davies, her son-in-law, bad previously seen the two sovereigns in her purse.— The Judge adjourned the case in order that defend- ant's son-in-law might appear as a witness. MISCELLANEOUS CASEs.-Messrs Stead and Simp- son sued Edward Pryce, blacksmith, Castle Caer- einion, for 5s lid, the cost of boots supplied on November 16th, 1899. Verdict for plaintiffs.—At the last court, John Clarke, Salop road, sued Mary Higgins, Trewern, for El 5s, the value of goods supplied to her late husband. As defendant was then absent, judgment was given against her. She now applied for a new trial, saying that hei husband had left her no effects. Mr Clarke said Mrs Higgins could well afford to pay. His Honour said that was not the question. He asked Mr Clarke if he would make enquiries as to whether defendant's husband bad left any estate, llr Clarke agreed to do this, and the case was adjourned to the next court, a new trial being granted. Another hearing was also allowed in the case of Annie Griffiths, who at the last court sued Thos Davies, Coedydinas Cottages, Welshpool, and Annie his wife, for goods supplied to the latter before mar- riage. Judgment was then given for the amount claimed against the separate estate of Annie Davies, also, judgmennt for Thomas Davies, the question of costs being reserved. His Honour now allowed coats to defendant's husband, and also the plaintiff's costs. KINDERSPIEL ENTERTAINMENT. Everyone has heard or read of Washington Irving's character who went to sleep for 20 years on the Catskill mountains, but comparatively few have been privileged to witness such a charming inter- pretation of the quaint legend as was given in the Assembly Rooms on Tuesday evening before a very large and fashionable audience. This is the third Kinderspiel that the Rev Merlin Davies has arrang- ed with the object of raising money for parish pur- poses, and he and Miss 'Farmer-who have taken great pains for many months in the training of the children-are to be congratulated upon the fact that the performance of "Rip van Winkle" has given such gratification. As in former years much labour had been expended on the ornamentation of the stage,lamongst the decorations being numerous plants lent from Powis Castle gardens. Most of the costumes were provided by the lady parishioners. Many of the children were very young but all faced the footlights with confidence and showed intelligent interest in the parts entrusted to them. Towards the close a corps of khaki-clad volunteers marched on, and lustily sang a patriotic song, two verses of which were composed by the Rev M Davies. As they are of local interest they may be given here War broke out in South Africa, Which we did not desire; Paul Kruger did invade our lands, And filled our hearts with ire. The Volunteers they up and went, In answer to a call; And fought like veterans bold and brave, And on the field did fall. Montgomery men did not delay To answer to the call, Sir Watkin gave the word and they Responded one and all. And when these khaki boys shall seek Their native land again, We'll welcome them with three times three And join the glad refrain- CHORUS. Unfurl the flag of liberty, Where love and freedom dwell, And give three cheers, brave Volunteers, For the land we love so well. The ohief characters were taken as follows :— Rip Van Winkle, Acts 1 and 2, Wilfred Smith Act 3, Edwin Gwalchmai; Widow Winkle, Miss Phoebe Brighouse; Mary, Acts 1 and 2, Edith Brig- house Act 3, Alice Watson; Red Rover, Willie Smith; Penelope Prim, Ethel Jones; Rory O'More, Tommy Meredith; Paul Pry, Walter Brighouse; Dickory Dock, Harold Jones; Meg Merrilees, Miss Walters; Dainty Davie, Acts 1 and 2 George Pryce; .-Act 3, Walter Brighouse; Neevie Nick- nack, Acts 1 and 2, Johnny Austin Act 3, Albert Davies; Jennie Jones, Gertie Williams; Mary Morrison, Edith Oliver; corps of Volunteers, Albert Davies (captain), Reggie Aubert, Johnny Austin, Bertie Anderson, Harold Jones, T BratfQ a' Wilfred Smith, and Ernest Brighouse; charity scholars, Slade Jones, Mary Williams, Rose Corbett, Mary Grice, and Lizzie Humphreys. Miss Farmer was the leading accompanist in the orchestra, and she was ably assisted by Mr T Maldwyn Price (harmonium) Miss Powell, Miss Sybil Hutchins, Miss Gladys Davis, and Mr Ward (violins). During an interval the Vicar ex. pressed the indebtedness of the audience to the children, and also to Mr Merlin Davies and Miss Farmer. The Vicar added that after the many months spent in preparation it was generally felt to be a drawback that the Kinderspiel should only be given once. He bad therefore been asked to announce that the performance would be repeated on the following evening. BOROUGH POLICE COURT.—TUESDAY. Before the Mayor (Mr Charles Shuker), Mr D P Owen, Colonel Twytord, Messrs David Jones (ex- mayor), John Reese, and Maurice Jehu. VOTE OF SYMPATHY.—On the motion of Mr D P Owen, seconded by Col Twvford, and supported by the Mayor, a vote ot sympathy was passed with Mr W Rogers, J.P., in his illness. DRUNK IN CHARGE.—Benjamin Gittins, of the Golfa, for being drunk whilst in charge of a horse, was fined 17s including costs in default, 14 days' hard labour. Before Mr D P Owen, Colonel Twyford, and Mr Maurice Jehu. A batch of school cases was next dealt with, and orders were made.

GUILSFIELD. PARISH COUNCIL.—On Tuesday evening, present. Captain Mytton in the chair.—The Chairman read a letter from the Postmaster General stating that arrangements had been sanctioned for affording a delivery of letters every week day at those places in the neighbourhood of Maesgwyn which at present had a delivery on three days a week only. Authority had also been given for the re-establishment of a letter box at Pentrebeirdd from which a collection would be made at 12-30 a.m. on week days.—On the motion of Mr Hughes, seconded by Mr T Gittins, Messrs W Matthews and D Jones were re- appointed to assist in the distribution of the charities.—The Clerk said the balanoe in band was only 10s 5d.—It was decided to issue an order on the overseers for L5.

TRE FX AJS NE Y." COLLEGE SUCCESS.—At the recent examination in agriculture of Bangor "Jniversity College, Mr Eddie Jones, son of Mr E Jones, Caebardd, obtained the highest marks in each subjects, viz, agriculture 85 per cent, book keeping 90 per cent, chemistry 87 per cent, and land surveying 37 per cent. He is thus entitled to a University scholarship of £40 tenable for two years. Last year he was awarded a scholarship of £10 for the same subject. Mr Jones is an old scholar of Capt Mytton's school.

LLANDYSILIO. PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting of the Council was held last Tuesday, Mr T Pryce in the chair.—It was resolved that Mr F L Jackson, manager of the N. & S. Wales Bank, Oswestry, be appointed treasurer in the place of Mr Williams, who has resigned.— Resolved that the Clerk write and ask the District Council to repair the Church road, as the opinion is that it is a public one leading to the Church and also to some cottages, and-ought to be kept in repair by the District Council. Complaints were made abont the bad state of Green lane, and the clerk was in. structed to write to the different landowners, and ask if they would each do their share towards repair- ing it. The clerk was instructed to write to the Cambrian Railways Company and draw their attention to the dangerous condition of the foot. bridge over the railway near Llandysilio Rectory.

MONTGOMERY. SCHOLASTIC SUCCESS,- Master Charles Cuthbert Brown, son of the Rector, the Rev E W Brown, has been placed ninth on the list of successful can- didates for the fifteen foundation scholarships at Marlborough College. Master Brown is under the tuition of Mr W Deedes, Mill Mead, Shrewsbury. ODDFELLOWSHIP.—The annual festival of the juvenile branch of the Oddfellows Lodge was held on Thursday. The boys, who number about eighty, met at the Lodge Rooms and marched in pro. cession to the Town Hall, where tea was provided. Games were afterwards indulged in until the evening- concert, to which the juvenile members were admitted free. A large audience assembled for the concert, which was followed by a dance.

CAERSWS. SESSIONS.—On Monday, before Messrs Edward Jones and Richard Jones, the license of the Red Lion Inn was transferred to George Arthur Bradley. -P.C. Hughes charged Edward Evans, the Ffridd, with allowing seven pigs to stray on the highway leading from Trefeglwys to Caerews on November 27th. Fined 2s 6d and costs.

LLANIDLOES. PLOUGHING MATCHES ASSOCIATION.—The annual meeting of the Llanidloes and District Ploughing Matches Association was held at the Trewvthen Arms hotel on Saturday last, when Mr J R Pryse, J.P., Pantdraia, was appointed chairman; Mr Edward Davies, Lower Glynbrochan, treasurer; and Mr Tom Pryse, Pantdrain, secretary. The date of the next show, which is to be held at Llan. gurig, has been fixed for March 6th, 1901. BOROUGH POLICE COURT—THURSDAY. Before Messrs W Ashton (mayor), E Davies (ex- mayor), Daniel Davies, and J Smout. DISORDERLY CONDUCT.-P.C. Davies, Llangurig, charged David Davies, Waunhir, Trefeglwys, with the above offence.-Fined 5s and costs. SCHOOL CASES.—Edward Davies, school attend- ance officer, summoned Evan Rowlands, Angel Yard, and Benjamin Rees, Penygraig Street for not sending their children to school, and they were fined 5s including costs in each case. TOWN COUNCIL.—THURSDAY. Alderman Ashton in the chair. INCREASED RATE. Councillor Hercomb verbally reported that the Finance Committee met on Tuesday evening. The borough rate collected during the month amounted to overE64 making the total amount collected S480, and leaving a credit balance with the treasurer of £10 6s 8d. The estimate of the receipts and expen. diture for the ensuing 6 months was also considered and it was decided in order to meet the heavy ex- penditure to levy a rate of Is lOd in the L, the amount to be provided for after deducting income being £ 624.—Alderman Davies said the Council would be 9135 in debt at the end of the year. The committee, however, had thought it best not to raise the rate too sharply. By increasing the rate by 2d it would help the people to oonsider.-The report was eventually adopted, and on the motion of Coun- cillor George it was decided that bills amounting to 2173 19a 9d (including School Board precept of £ 154 Os 8d) be discharged. BEER POISONING. The Clerk read a circular from the Local Govern. ment Board calling the Council's attention to the illness in different parts of the country, alleged to have been caused by the drinking of beer containing arsenic, and other injurious ingredients, and referred to the powers which the Council posses-ed under the Food and Drugs Act of purchasing smd submitting samples of beer for analysis by Lbe public analyst. -Alder man Edward Davies Are there any public analysts where we can get these beers analysed free of cost?—The Clerk: No. if the Council require anything analysed it i sen. to Mr Blunt of Shrewsbury.—Alderman Davies moved that the matter be deferred for a month in order to see what is being done elsewhere.-The matter ultimately dropped.

CORRIS THE LATE PROFESSOR ALFRED HOUGHZS.- On Friday evening week, at the National School, Corris, a committee met to consider what steps should be taken to erect a memorial to the late Professor Hughes. The Rev R J Edwards, vicar, was voted to the chair. It was unanimously agreed to call a public meeting and to suggest to the same that the memorial should take the form of either (1) a monument near the Railway Station, (2) a public ball, or (3) a literary institute to be called Professor Alfred Hughes's Institute.

ABERYSTWYTH. FOR THE PooR.-Mr W T Jones, of London and Melbourne, has sent 960 for distribution amongst the poor of the town. MARINE INTELLIGENCE.—Mr William Edwards, 7, Marine terrace, has succeeded in passing his ex: amination as second mate. WINES.-Messrs Morgan and Co (late Downie's), Little Darkgate street, are showing a fine brand of wines and spirits suitable for Christmas presents. Call or send for one of their price lists.