Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

A PRAISEWORTHY ACT. THE opprobrious term of "mess and muddle" which the present Government has won for itself is not, we think, unmerited. But, deplorably bad as is its record, the Govern- ment has done at least one act which should not fail to win it universal approval. Though the war in South Africa has been ended, the dark clouds which have arisen from it have not yet passed away. These will, we fear, abide for many a long day. But it is to the lasting credit of the Government that it has not suffered itself to go out of office before giving these fateful clouds a silver lining. The Anglo-French Agreement is a document which marks an epoch in the history of International relations. A few days ago, at St. Albans, Mr. JOHN MoRLEY stated that, 11 If the arrangement negotiated between Lord LANSDOWNE and the French Republic was a sound working arrangement, no party feeling would prevent him from saying that he regarded it as one of the greatest blessings conceivable." Above all, it Is to the working classes of both countries that this Agreement, which was signed on Friday on behalf of the British and French Governments, is a boon and a blessing. Working-men have everything to lose and nothing to gain by International disputes. The crushing burden of armaments, which these disputes render necessary, is borne upon their shoulders and is paid for out of the funds of their labour. No partisan feeling should, therefore, prevent us from frankly and without reservation congratu- tating Lord LANSDOWNE upon the negotiation of an Agreement which is truly progressive in its objects and wise and statesmanlike in the broad outline of its provisions.

CILCENNIN AN ELECTION AFFAIR. As will be seen from a letter in another column, Major PRICE LEWES, Tyglyn Aeron, has, under the circumstances, declined to accept the seat for Cilcennin on the County Council. In taking this step, he has, we think, acted very properly; in fact, to an honourable man, there was no other course to pursue. It is quite clear from Major PRICE LEWES' letter that he himself is not responsible for the present impasse in that constituency. This can only be attributed to the misguided zeal of some of his sup- posed friends. From communications we have received from some of the leading Liberals in the district, we understand that what has given rise to the deep and general feeling of indignatioR in Cilcennin is not that Major PpiCE LEWES was returned un- opposed, but that the constituency should have been exploited by outsiders. We have yet to learn what right have these meddle- some persons to interfere in the affairs of this constituency. It is to be regretted that Major PRICE LEWES has been led into such a false position. There seems to be some- thing radically wrong somewhere, and Major PRICE LEWES himself must be satisned that things are not as they should be, otherwise he would not have bad occasion to resign. Judging by the correspondence which appeared in our last week's issue, the whole aSair seems to savour of unworthy tactics on the part of somebody. Whoever the j authors of such unworthy tactics may be, it is to be hoped that Major PuiCE LEWES's prompt and unequivocal disapproval in the present instance will make a recurrence of such unwarrantable proceedings impossible in the future. Apart from any party and personal considerations, the matter is one which involves a principle of vital import- ance, and the question should not be allowed to rest until a thorough investigation has been made into all the circumstances attending it. At a meeting held at Cross Inn on Mon- day evening, Mr. EvAN FELix adhered to his statement, and maintained that he did not withdraw his name nor authorise anyone else to do so on his behalf. The question that then arises is: Who sent in the notice of withdrawal in Mr. EvAN FELix's name ? We do not know what the contents of Mr. EvAN FELix's letter, dated 28th March, to Major PRICE LEWES might have been, but whatever they were, it was then too late to withdraw, the last date Rxed for that pur- pose being the 26th. Therefore, seeing that Major PmcE LEWES has sent in his resigna- tion, Mr. EvA!< FELix legally stands elected. We can quite understand the willingness of the people of Cilcennin themselves to allow Major PmcE LEWES to become their representative, now that they have made their protest; but we question whether they have the power to do so in the present cir- cumstances for neither party has a right to make a battledore and shuttlecock of the electoral machinery. The right to elect a representative is a prerogative of the people, and it is to be hoped that nothing will be done in the present instance to compromise such an inestimable privilege.

LAMPETER PUBLIC LIGHTS QUESTION. Tm question of public lighting at Lampeter becomes more pressing and urgent as the town continues to grow from year to year. This is but natural; but it is unreasonable that the supply should remain nxed while the demand is steadily increasing. Mon- opoly, of course, cannot be expected to be conducive to progress; but it is dimcult to understand the stoical attitude of the Lampeter Gas Company. This body has not only been indifferent to the require- ments of the public, but it has been woefully blind to its own Interests. Had the Gas Company been a little more attentive to and a little more energetic in supplying the needs of the town It would at the same time have added much wealth to its own eoners. Instead of being up and doing and keeping pace with the town, the Gas Company seems to have adopted for its motto As it was In the beginning, is now, and ever shall be." However, It appears from the report of the Town Council which met on Thursday that the Company will, at last, have to reckon with its host. There can be no question that the town has a very real grievance aud the marvel is that it has tolerated it so long. It would be wrong, however, to assume that all the faults of past years are entirely and only on the side of the Gas Company; and the Corporation would be well advised to proceed with caution before committing itself to any definite proposal. The time has already come when the whole question of public lighting should be con- sidered in all its bearings. It would, we think, be unwise to treat for the present Gasworks on any terms. They are already in the midst of houses, and considerations of health require their removal to a site further from the town. The question of a new site is of such vital Importance that it cannot brook delay. It would, therefore, be sheer folly for either the Gas Company or the Corporation to spend any considerable sums of money in improving the'old works. Has the question of gas v. electricity been thoroughly threshed out at Lampeter ? We note that in his estimate for an electric installation Professor FERBiER relies upon steam as generating power, and the cost of boilers and engines are among the heaviest items In his estimate. But could not the t light be generated by water power? An abundant supply of this now runs to waste in the immediate neighbourhood of the Lown, and if it could be utilized a great reduction should be effected in the cost of I mstallation as well as of maintenance. In I any case, it is to be hoped the matter will not be allowed to rest until some very material improvement will have Leeu secured.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. Dalis Fair will be hold on. the 7th and 9th of May. -¡¡- The whole of the electrical and genera.! .mining plant of the Frongoch Lead Mines are being offered for sale by auction this week. -lI- The Postal Authorities announce that henceforth Talsarn Post OfBce, Cardigan- shire will be known as Felinfach. -1'- The Swansea Corporation have appointed a sub-committee to go into the question of erecting municipal lodging houses. -11- It is reported that the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget will reimpose the corn tax which was taken oS last year by Mr. Ritchie. The position in the Far East is the same; -very little news ie allowed to niter through, and it is conjectured that Japan is preparing for a bis battle. _N_ The Montgomeryshire Education Coim- mittee on Tuesday decided to continue the No Rate Aid policy and not to estimate for a rate in respect of the Voluntary schools, but to recommend that a rate of 4id. in the JE be raised for the Council schools. ——?—— Parliament reassembled on Tuesday after the Easter recess. It was onicially announc- ed in the House of Commons that the Budget would be introduced next Tuesday, and, the Premier, announced the postponement of the introduction of the Licensing Bill, which ho waa to have. brought in yesterday. ———— The Talybont water supply question was again under consideration at a meeting of the Aberystwyth Rural District Council on Mon- day when it was resolved that the local committee should submit a. dennitc scheme by the next meeting otherwise tlie Council would take the matter into its own hands. -JJ Our present administrators, says Mi. Augustine Birrelt, knowing they had not the confidence of the country, with a frankness approaching impudence said they would not appeal to the country. There must be no negotiation on the education question with the Government, for it had no moral author- ity. Every Conservative seat would be con- tested at the general election. ———— Mr. Jacob Holyoake, who fifty years ago nrst took part in similar proceedings, was among a batch of passive resistors at Brigh- ton during the past week. A picture belong- ing to him which was over 200 years old was sold, and Mr. Holyoake said he was disap- pointed that the archdeacon did not bid for it, as the grey cat portrayed in the act of seizing a bird would be an emblem of the feline ferocity of the Church. -11- A deputation of coal owners, exporters, shippers, and miners on Tuesday urged upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer abolition of the coal tax. The Chancellor said it did not appear to him the tax was responsible for the fall in prices or wages. Our exports of coal had increased, and he saw no reason for repeal of the tax. which was a war tax. The National Conference of Miners adopted a resolution expressing thorough dissatisfac- tion at the reply. -li- It is a sign of the times that the Horns'ey education authorities have just decided that the evils of juvenile smoking is to be one of the hygienic subjects taught in their schools. The London School Board ia about to issue a report upon the subject, which is to go before the Physical Deterioration Com- mittee, and the school boards of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Portsmouth, Birmingham, and other towna have encouraged teachers to found branches of the league and enroll their pupils. -11- Major Seely has been returned unopposed for the Isle of Wight. The Major resigned his seat in order to challenge the Government on the policy of Protection and the question of Chinese Labour in South Africa, and the refusal to nght him, and that in a constitu- ency which has elected only one Liberal for over thirty years, is a striking testimony to the great defection which has taken place in the ranks of the Conservatives. Were the leaders confident of the support of the people they would never have allowed Major Seely to have a walk over. -11- A scheme, the object of which is to find work in the country for able-bodied paupers of the city. has been adopted by the Poplar guardians, and will shortly be put into practice. Through the generosity of a gentleman who has taken great interest in social matters in Philadelphia, the guardians recently came into possession of a farm of over 100 acres. Here it is proposed to send down 100 of the able-bodied inmates from the workhouse and employ them in farm work. It is intended as far as possible to employ the men in spade work, and with this view i the first crop to be planted will be potatoes. and it is anticipated that suRtcient will bo grown to supply the huge workhouse at Poplar. The scheme, which is ehienv due to Mr. George Lansbury, has aroused'the great- est interest in poor-law circles. -}}- I The Moseley Educational Commission des- patched last autumn to investigate the con- ditions of education in the United States, has now issued a report that furnishes in- structive matter for British readers. In the opuiion of the Commissioners, the aim of the American school is the education of all; that of the English, the instruction of the few. America (they consider) "believes" in edu- cation and is enthusiastic about it. Th< people give freely of their money, in dona- tions and taxes, to support institutions for higher education. Education there has the people at its back. America is eager to spend; England spends grudgingly. Com- mercial men in America appreciate college training. College graduates are in demand by large industrial and commercial houses. Education ie organised and co-ordinated, and overlapping is avoided. British schools are dominated by outside examinations, and organised for the winning of certincates and scholarships. From this incubus the Ameri- can schools are remarkably free. Every- where there is State or univejisity control but it takes the form of inspection rather than of examination -ff- At school the workman in America sits on the same form as. perhaps, the President's son, and is required to stay at school in most States from the age of eight to fourteen and until sixteen in several of the most populous and industrially important States Iho common schools vary in every way and to every degree for each State has its own system and each teacher his or her own individuality. The average of attain- ment in thpm is no higher than in England. The progress is slow, the methods are dis- cursive. But the relations between teache.- and pupil are much closer, the method of discussion is employed with great benefit to mental development, the pupil's mistake is followed up psychologically, and by that means a inquiring and critical attitude of mind is produced, with a greater apprecia- t tion of the value of education. (

TREGARON Obituary.—The news of the death of Mi- John Evans, son of Mr David Evans, smith, was received here on Thuiisday last with much regt'et, The deceased had removed to live at Lampeter about six year old. lie leaves a widow and four children to mourn their Ices. His father and mother are living at Tregaron and great sympathy with them, and the young widow, is felt throughout the neighbour- hood. Temperance.—The ordinary meeting of B.W.T.A. was held on Wednesday night, at the C.M. Chapel. Mrs. Caronian Evans, in the absence of the president, was voted to the chair. The meeting was opened through prayer by Mrs. Evans, Albion. A song was given by Miss Maggie Emma Jones. The long looked for debate was then opened by Miss M. J. Morgans, Workhouse, who advo- cated that professional women were the moat desirable as wives. The opposition was ably taken up by Miss Williams Railway Lodge. T .he following took part in the proceedings: Misses Jenno Jones, Emporium, Mary BIod- wen Evans, Miss Jones. liar House, Mrs Car- onian Evans, and others. The vote eventually turned against the professionals by 9 to 17. Parish Council.—The last meeting of the old Parish Council was held on Friday even- ing last, Mr T. Evans, chairman, presiding There were also present Messrs Rees Jones, E. C. Evans, E. J. Davies, H. W. Jones, E J. Evans, Stephen Hughes. Thomas Rees, John Jones, David Thomas, M. J. Davies, the rate collector and clerk. The minutes were read, and bills due were passed. The chairman having thanked the members for their co-operation during his term of ornce, vacated the chair, and th& work of the an.n- Luai meetina' was then proceeded with. Miss Anne Jenkins. clerk., was chosen chairman I pro. tern. Several of th<' member'? were pro- posed to the omce of chairman for the ensu- ing year, but it was eventually unanimously resolved that Mr David Thomas, Cumbrian House, be appointed. Mr David Thomas then took the chair, though he was at nrst rather reluctant to do so. The usual busin- ess was then proceeded with, and the foDow- ing appointments were. made: Mr E. J. Evans was elected vice-chairman, and Messrs John Jones, Berwyn Villa, and Stephen Hughes, Doldre, were appointed overseers; Seat Committee, Messrs David Thomas, H. W. Jones, and M. J. Davies; Paths Committee, Messrs John Jones, Ben Davies. and E. J. Evans.: Lamp Committee, Messrs Thomas Rees, S. Hughes. and E. C. Evans; Water Committee, Messrs Thomas Evans, Rees Jones, and E. J. Evans. It was suggested that the amount paid to the authorities of the National School, for nre, etc.. during hours of meetings was rather small, and Mr Rees Jones, gave a notice of motion that he would bring the matter on for consideration at the next meeting. Cheques were signed, and the meeting was brought to an end. Veetry.—The annual meeting of the Vectry was held at the Church Vestry room on Thursday night, the Vicar occupying the chair. There were also present Messrs E. J. Evans, Joseph Edwards J. P. Rees, John Jones. Berwyn Villa.. P. W. Rees, C.M., H. W. Jones, and W. J. Waterhouse. — The minutes ofthe previous meeting having been read and connrmed, the balance sheet of the accounts for year ending Easter 19M was presented, and was considered to be of a very favourable nature. The amount collected during the year was zC131 17s Id., which ex- ceeded the most sanguine expectations. All the liabilities were met, leaving 16s. 6d. in the hands of the treasurer. A vote of condolence with Mr Lloyd Prescott was pass- ed in silence. Votes of thanks were cordi- ally given to the following omcials for the excellent work done by them during the year—Messrs C. Le Brun Powell and E. J. Evans, churchwardens; Mr Phil W. Rees, C.M., choir-master; Mrs Roberts, and Miss Williams, organists; Mr and Mrs Water- house, Plas Waunfawr, for an excellent gift of a handsome brass mounted book stand, for the use of the Vicar in the chancel. Mr Waterhbuse's generosity is worthy of praise. and emulation. The appointment of church- wardens for the ensuing year was then pro- ceeded with. The vicar appointed Mr. T. W. Jones, station-master, to be his warden and +-1"10 ..n. 4.1. _-=L Ti1' T y¡, -? 'c?ic?ftiL Lijf pur?n iM.r ji<. u. ji.vans, one of the old ones was unanimously re-appoint- ed. The following are the sidesmen for the year: Messrs Phil W. Rees, C.M., Lewis T. Jones, John Jones Joseph Edwards P. S. Davies, C. W. PoweII, C. LIBrun Powell, W. J. Waterhouse. H. R. Rob- erts. The two gentlemen, in addi- tion to the persons named above, selected to become members of the Church Council, are Messrs John Jones. Red Lion, and H. W. Jones. Garden View.

NEWCASTLE EMLYN P.S.A.—The weekly meeting on Sunday was again well attended. Mr F. D. Beck presided, and Mr A. H. Reynolds cave an address. Mr David Richard Da vies contri- buted a solo. Motor Service,—It is now definitely sett- led to commence running a. motor service from Newcastle Ernlyn to Cardigan on Monday next. Mr Rees, of the Ernlyn Anna. has issued complimentary tickets to his friends and patronB for this, its nrst journey. Temperance.—The fortnightly meeting of the Ernlyn branch of the Union was held at Graig vestry on Tuesday evening. A large number of members had assembled to listen to the president (Mrs. Lloyd) discoursing on a Tour in Scandinavia." The paper proved to be most interesting, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Lecture.—On Wednesday evening at Eben- ezer. under the auspices of the S.W.W.T.A., the renowned fempot'auce lecturer. Plenydd, delivered a powerful address on Temperance to a very large audience. It was a great pleasure to his large circle of friends here to see Plenydd still championing the cause which he hold so sacred with unimpaired vigour, and oratory as brilliant as ever. Dr. Davies very ably presided. Horse Show.—The committee having in hand the management of the forthcoming show are very busy making all the necessary preparations, and they are leaving no etone unturned in order to make it a success. It is expected tliat the efforts now being put. forward to bring this show up to a .modern standard, will bring back Newcastle Einlyn to its former place as the centre for holcting nhotvs appertaining to the agricultural life ol +j, ,.J,¿. \lIlt. U¡''jl>lIl:L-. COUNTY COURT. INTERESTING MONEY LENDING CASE. The bi-monthly Counry Court was held on Saturday, before His Honour Judge Bishop. Accounts Referred.— David Davies. inn- keeper. Newcastle Ernlyn, sued Thomas Tho- maa, Halfway House, Capel Evan, for 1:35 6s., balance due for goods sold.—Mr. Davies Wilhams was for the plaintiff, and Mr. D. T. Geoige appeared for defendant.—Mr. George applied ioi an adjournment, and said defend- ant s son rode down the previous evening and said his father was ill in bed.—Judge Bishop: Why did you not bring the son here to prove the story. He must have been afraid to be questioned oy.—Mr. George: I do not think that is the case. Judge Bishop remarked that the bill uated from i892, but Mr. Davies Williams said there had been payments all aioiig. He would ask His Honour to say there was no need to go into the items of the account, and that the account showing the balance to date was quite sumcient to go upon.—Mr. George said they had receipts not given credit for. The whole thing was simply a matter of account.—Mr. Davies Williams: It that is so it is a matter for re- ference.—His Honour referred the case to the registrar of the Cardigan County Court, costs to be decided afterwards. Judgment Cases.—A suit in which Mr. i'homas Thomas was the pIaintiN, and Mr. Benjamin Evans. Clynderweh, was the de- IeIlWldt. \s adjourned until the next court, on payment of costs, on the application of Mi-. i;oy Evans, for the plaintiff.—Thomas Jones, Newport, sought an order against 1'_ilS. M. Jones. Greeii-MI, but the Registrar ób:,t'l'v(Jc; there was no evidence of a separate estate.—His Honour made an order for 10s. a..mouth. but gave a warning against a dis- t ess t;pan :oods not belonging to her separ- ate estate. A ',1o;ley-Icnding Transaction.— Esther fach, brought an action a:ilst2ia¡'j;, Hees, New Quay, for the re- covery ()f ;L8, money lent.—Mr. Roy Evans ..i.I-) !or the plaintiff, and Mr. C. Denham appeared to defend._ Jones .sn id Maria Rees owed her £8. rhe minc.y was lent her on. October 16th ailO w: pmd h"r in cash at Pontgarregfach; H;:u.):u: Joucs, nbo resided next door, wit- Uw transaction. At this time de- fOHÎ;¡ nt w:is Irking with her.—Cross-ex- arn.nfd defendfoit said she wanted the money to pay M to M: Rees, at the Storehouse. ;:1;e d16 pol for Hannah Jones to come nd the trnnRaction. She just happened re' Cnllî(' i: D"fendant had asked her fof the loan of some money during the summer I' at New Quay. At that time plaintiff was in her service, for three mouths uuimg the vis- itors' season. She stayed on for two weeks as a guest, and when she left New Quay de- fendant accompanied her. She howevet stayed at Khiw tor a week, plaintiff's own house not being aired. She had intended going to Pontganegfach straight off, but as things were she came on there from Rhiw on a Monday. The following Monday she took her money out of the bank. and the next Friday handed her JE8. They afterwards returned to New Quay, but Maria, Rees be- came nasty because she asked for the money. —Re-examined. When Hannah Thomas came in at the time of the transaction, she said Don't do her an iniury."—Hannah Thomas said she saw Esther Jones giving the myuey and she (witness) said Don't, do &thc,; zu4 injury." because she thought the money would not be paid back.—Mariah Rees, New Quay, lodging house keeper, said plaintiff was with her two months and a fortnight as serra-nt. She afterwards returned with her as far as Rhiw, but never intended to go to Pont- garregfach. She only went there at the pressing request of plaintio". She waa at Pontgarregfach from Monday until the fol- lowing Friday, and she did not borrow any money from her. The story given by her was an entire fabrication. They both went again to New Quay, but during the six weeks she was there plaintiff never said a word about any money.—Mr. E. ut. Jones account- ant at the National Provincial Bank, said Esther Jones withdrew from the bank on October 12th JE57.—His Honour, summing up, said the case was one a jury should try, as it was oath against oath. Verdict for the plaintiff for amount claimed, with costs judgment forthwith.

ST. DOGMELLS. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The quarterly meeting of the St. Dogmeils Rural Council was helo. at Egiwyswrw on ihuisday, when there were present Rev. E. D. Evans (chairman), preaiding; Messrs. Wm. Rees. D. S. Jones, James Adams, John Rees. Thomas Hughes. John Rowe, Thomas George, ihomas Loiuy D. J. Euwards, Wm. Matnias, inomas Lewis, Wm. Evans, Evan Lewis. David Williams. Benjamin Vaughan. Jonah Evans, E. P. Jenkins, and Dewi Har- ries. with Mr. D. Davies (clerk), Mr. D. B. Phillips (inspector) and Mr. John Evans (surveyor). Quantity or Time.—A discussion arose as to the larger amount paid to labourers for ditching done by the perch than by the day. —Mr. Jonah Evans proposed that a return be prepared showing the din'ereut amounts paid the labourers for wages for ditching and plashing during the year ended 31st March 1904.-Mr. Benjamin Vaughan sec- onded, and the motion was carried unani- mously. A Member's Complaint.—One of the mem- bers complained that stones were placed oh. the road too late in the season even so late as the end off March.—Mr. Benjamin Vaughan proposed that the contractors be notified that all road material was to be placed on the road before the cud cf January in each year, otherwise such material would not be paid for.—This was seconded by Mr. Evan L.ewis, and agreed to. Pontyglazier Bridge.—The Clerk reported he had received three tenders for the erection ot the new bridge at Pontyglazier. These were as follows:—Mr. Richard PhiIHps. Brynberian? ?340 10s. Messrs. Michael and Morgan Cilgerran, JE339; Me?rs. Young ??r ?"?"?n. ?306.—It was proposed by Mr_ B. Vaughan, and seconded by Mr Dcwi Harries, that Messrs Young Bros tender being the lowest, be accepted.—This was carried with one dissentient.—The Clerk ? directed to write the Pembrokeshire County Council for a grant towards th? erec- tion of the bridge. Vote of Thanks—The Chairman proposed that a. vote of thanks be accorded Mr. Tho- mas, Pistyllfach. who had given some land to the Council to assist in building the Pontyglazlei- Bridge, in exchange for some land allowed him by the Council.—Mr D. J. Edwards seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

LLANDYSSLJL. Dramatics.—The second of the two perfor- mances of Caste took place on Wednes- day in last week. The house was crowded, and the acting fully maintained the excel- lence it attained on the previous Monday. in last week s issue it was mentioned that the two players of the banjo were Messrs. Ed- wards atid Rees. This was not so. Thev were Messrs. Edwards and Minister. The character of The Hon. Geo. D'AIroy was very ably performed by Mr. W. Lewis M A headm.t,stQ- while "Captain Hawtree" Mr. i. Hudson (classical master lei? noth- ing to be desired. Tl ? characters of Eeeles and Sam Gerridge" taken by Me&srs. Rees and Morgan, if possible, exceeded on this occasion the succ?as attained on Monday mght. The "Marqmsede St. Maur" w'S very well played by Miss Gwen Jones, whose elocution was faultless. Mrs. W. Lewis, who played the part of "Esther Eccles" retained the reputation she has already won as a good amateur actress; and Miss K. Cookson who Played the part of "Polly Eccles" in a vivacious and humourous manner, and who ? ??\?? ? ?? audience roar- ??.? ?"ght?r, made an invaluab? con- ??X ? .?? '? ? ?? Performance. Nothing could be more encouraging to the promoters, and all concerned, than the grati- fying success which has crowned their efforts

MACUYNLLETM (Other iuca! news on pn ges,) Appointment.-The Rev. D. H. Hughes, Macbyn- 18th, has been appointed a manae;er of Macbyn- 1 e.b National Scbooi in place of Mr J. Rowlands. The Agricultural Show has been fixed for August 3list. Lord Henry Vane-Tempest has been elected president and Mr. John Lewis secretary. "Badminton.— On Wednesday tvening week a ball was given at the Wynnstay Hotel m connection with the Bild1l1int'n Club The room was Dicely arranged, and dancing was kept up from 9 p.m. till 3 a.m., to musie supplied by Mr. J. H. Howe's band. There were between 40 and 50 couples present. County Council.—At a meeting of the County Council at Newtown on Tuesday, the principal business was to approve of the'esti- mates for the ensuing year. and to levy a county rate 01 4d. for the nrst naif year, and n intei mediate education rate if .}d. in ad- 2 dition to the 4-d. rate reCOnll1lE: (led by the County Education Committee. heir adop- tion having been moved.-Mr. L;oyd said the tune had come when they should meet the severe financial strain of the intermediate schools, which were sadly in. need of addi- tional lunc's. He moved as an amendment that a penny intermediate education rate be levied.—Mr. R. Jones seconded the motion —Mr. Hamer questioned the right of the meeting to increase the estimate without due notice being given.—The Chairman he was afraid he must ask. Mr. Lloyd to post pone the matter until the autumn. This rate under the new Act wa.s now applied i.ot merely to the intermediate school but a.so to the evening classes and to the instruction of pupil teachers. It ii-,is in reality a general rate for higher education.—The agreement v.<is accordingly withdrawn, and the motion afterwards agreed to.- A letter was rel from the Machynlleth Urban District Coin cil, stating that the .€28 IQs. voted by the Council as a contribution towards the main- tenance of the main road leading from t-he turnpike gate in Maengwyn-street to the police station in Dollsti-eet was totalb. inadequate, and asking for a larger contn- bution.—On the motion of Mr. Lloyd, thf' letter was referred to the Committee, which was sitting to report upon a somewhp.t simi- lar request from the Newtown Urban Council.

'PEI\'LLWY? Literary.—At the Devils Bridge Eistedd- fod on the 5th inet., the prize for an essay on the origin of Wylnu, and the need of abolishing them was divided between Mer- nn" and Amryfus, viz. Mr. Richards C.M., Devil's Bridge, and Mr. H. W. Morgana Broneirion. Capel Bangor. ° Obituary.—The funeral of Mrs. Evans, Rhiwarthen issaf, took place on Thursday, the 7th inst. The remains '.ve;'e interred at Bangor Churchyard. The funeral was large- ly attended. The Rev M. Morgan and Rev. E. J. Da vies, curate, omciated. The de- ceased was highly respected. The mourners were the Rev. Richard Williajn Evans, vicar of Llwynpia, Glamorgan (son), Mr. and Mrs. Jones, London (daughter and son-in-law), Mr,. David Jones. Tregynau (brother), Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, Rhiwarthen. (sister and brother-in-law), and a large number of grandchildren and other relatives., 8IiIIL