Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

.c: ABERYSTWYTH. I Board of Guardians. The fortnightly meeting of the Board was held on Monday, when there were present the Rev. X. Thomas, Uanbadarn (chairman), presiding; Mr. David James, Trefeirig (vice-chairman); Mrs. Davies, Rev. T. A. Penry, Messrs. W. Thomas, B. Ellis Mor- gan, Edwin Morris, and Hugh Hughes; Itev. J. M. Lewis, Llanddeiniol; Rev. John Davies, and fr. E. J. Williams, Ceulany- Maesmawr; Messrs. E. J. Evans, Llangwy- xyfon; Wm. Mason, Llaneynfelin; J. Pugh Lewis, Parcel Ganol; T. Oliver Jones: Llan- fihangel Upper Thoe. James, Cynnullmawr W. T. Lewis, Borth; Sinnett Jones, Llan- rhystyd; Ll. J. Lewis and Lewis Richards, Cwmrheidol; Wm. Jones, Cyfoethybrenin; John James, Llanbadarn Upper; John Davies, Llanfihangjel Lower; David Wil- liams, Llanilar; John Richards, Trefeirig; and John Roberts, Uchayndre; with Hugh Hughes (clerk), E. Llewellin (assistant lerk), and W. Jones (master). j Out-Relief. The amount of out-relief administered curing the past fortnight was as follows:- -Per Mr. T Vaughan, £ 67 2s. to 210 pau- pers per Mr. J. J. Hughes. £ 46 12s. to 131 paupers; per Mr. Thomas Morgan, C50 Is. to 145 paupers. Doctors' Bills. Mr. Edwin Morris enquired whether there was anything to report in reference to the bills presented by Dr. Bonsall at the pre- vious meeting.—The Clerk said he saw Dr. Bonsall on Friday, and he said it was not hi.9 intention to send in any further bills, although he had incurred an expense of two guinea^ in respect of dressings for the late Walters. He did not intend making any claim in respect of that payment, and as far as he knew there were no other bills to come in.—Mr. Edwin Morris: I am pleased to find that Dr. Bonsall feels a little compunction on account of the large bill which he sent in. That is the very item he asked the House Committee to recoup him for.—The Chairman Are you going to pass him a vote of thanks ? (Laughter).—-Mr. Morris: I am very glad to see that the doctor is improving. This matter came on for further discus- sion at a later stage of the meeting on the bills, the consideration of which had been deferred from the previous meeting.-One bill was for ten guineas from Dr. Bassett Jones, and another for two guineas from Dr.Harries in respect of assistance given to Dr. Bonsall. the medical officer of the Workhouse.—Mr. John Richards enquired whether particulars, of these two bills had been received,—The Chairman: There is nothing here but the 'bills.—Mr. Richards: I thought we were to have details of the ten guineas.—The Clerk said he was not instructed to apply for details, but simply to ask Dr. Bonsall whether there were any more bills to come in.—The Chairman said a remark was made that the doctor should be asked to supply particulars, but no re- solution was passed.—Mr. Richards said that it was on condition that particulars were supplied that he seconded the motion at the previous 'meeting.—Mr. Wm. Thomas agreed with the Chairman's version. He did not think they could compel a doctor to supply particulars. At the same time, as they were a public body he thought they were entitled to know how many visits were paid by Dr. Basett Jones. If he had paid several visits they ought to pay the an,ount.-The Chairman said he under- stood that the fee was one guinea for every ■visit, and if so Dr. Bassett Jones had been "there ten times. And was there need for fiim to be there ten times.—Mr. Morris: Oft was suggested that he had attended an- other case, and we wanted to know how many times he had attended to this par- ticular case.—Rev. T. A. Penry: Don't they I charge more for special acts, such as opera- tion?—The Clerk said the fee for an opera-I tion would be two guineas.—Mr. Wm. Thomas: Let'si ask for particulars, so that we can have peace.—The Chairman: Dr, I Bonsall said he did not bring particulars! because he did not consider he was respon-11 sible for other men's bills.—Mr. W. Tho- mas: He ought to give particulars inasmuch as he engaged the man.—The Clerk: No doubt he will do that.— Mr. W. T. Lewis proposed that Dr. Bonsall be asked to sub- mit particulars of the ten guinea bill.— Mr. H J. Evans seconded, and said if Dr. Bonsall did not do so that Dr. Bassett Jones be written to.—This proposition was, unani- mously agreed to.—Mr. Morris said at the previous meeting Dr. Bonsall made a state- ment that a case had teen admitted to the Infirmary far less suitable than the patient he wished to send there. That was rather a serious reflection upon the staff of the In- firmary. It suggested that they were par- tial to certain classes.—Mr. John Richards: No doubt they were, too.—Mr. Morris (con- tinuing): And that they had rejected cases which came from this house. Mr. Morris was going on to say that he hatl made en- ouiries of the Infirmary staff, whereupon the Rev. John Davies, on a point of order, asked if the Board had anything to do with this matter.—Mr. Morris: Inasmuch as the statement was made publicly, I think the Infirmary should be put right, because the Infirmary is dependent upon voluntary con- tributions.—Rev. T. A. Penry: Let the In- firmary do it.—The Chairman: I stopped Dr. Bonsall the last time, and I must do the same now. I think we-had better drop 1I1e Infirmary. We have hadl enough of that nonsense.—Mr. Morris: I hope you will allow me to make this statement.—The Chairman: You are a great friend of mine, hut I must ask you to sit down.—Mr. Wm. Thomas thought Mr. Morris should be al- lowed to read the statement which he had. A statement had been made by Dr. Bonsall, and Mr. Morris had a correction to make. Let Mr. Morris make that correction and nothing more. An important statement had been made, and there was a strong feeling in the town in reference to it. He considered Mr. Morris should be allowed to make his statement.—The Chair- man: No I won't allow it. —Mr. John Richards said when Dr. Bon- sall got up at a previous meeting. Mr. Wm. Thomas got up on a point of order two or three times to object against him making a statement.—Mr. Thomas: But Dr. Bon- sall was allowed to go on and make his statement.—The Chairman: If I allow that, Dr. Bonsall will want to make another ex- planation at the next meeting.—Mr. E. J. Evans said Dr. Bonsall was allowed to make a statement, and Mr. Morris should also be allowed to reply to that if it was not cor- rect.—Th4 Ùtlairmalli suggested that Mr. Morris should hand his statement to the reporters.—The Rev. John Davies said the Infirmary authorities should reply ta the charges themselves.—Mr. W .T. Lewis pro- posed that they go on with the next busi- ness.-Tlils proposition was carried.—Mr. W. Thomas: This is most unfair and dis- honest.—Mr. Richards: Why?—Mr. W. Thomas: Because it is in the interest of truth. Tenders. The following tenders had been received for the erection of a drying room at the Workhouse Humphreys and Williams, Llanbadarn, j681 10s.; John Jones, Grays Inn-road, Aberystwyth, £ 99; Lewis Bearne, Aberystwyth, E102 10s.; T. Jenkins and Sons, Penparke, £ 90; D. R. Williams, Bil- ston House, Llanbadarn, £ 110; David Wil- liams, Aberystwyth, £ 10S; E. E. Jenkins, South-road, Aberystwyth, £ 89 10s.—On the motion of Mr. Morris, the lowest tender, that of Messrs. Humphreys and Williams at £81 10s., was accepted. Master's Report. The Master reported that during the past fortnight 77 vagrants were relieved, as compared with 61 in the corresponding fortnight last year. Mr. Jones also stated that one of the inmates, John Pritchard, had been committed to prison for refusing to chop firewood.—Mr. B. E. Morgan point- ed out that the man could not use his leL,s.-Th,e Master: He could sit down to do the work.—The Chairman: And he was too lazy to sit down. (Laughter). An Absenting Member. When the pauper list for Llanychaiarn came up, the Chairman remarked that he had not seen Mr. David Jones, the repre- sentative of the parish present for some time.—It was stated that Mr. Jones had left the parish, and had taken a farm near Llanarth.—The Deputy Clerk looked up the register of attendances, and said Mr. Jones had not attended a meeting since August. —It was decided that the Clerk should ri write Mr Jones asking whether he intended to resign or not. Countv Court The monthly County Court was held on Friday before hisi Honour Judge William Evans. A Widow's Affairs. Mrs. W. Hughes-Jones, Pier-streett Aber- ystwyth, widow, was sued by Me&srs. J. and J. Gibson, on a judgment summons for lls. for work done.—Mr. W. Davies, solicitor, said the defendant was ths widow of an old solicitor in the town, and was in a very poor way.—His Honour: What offer can she make?—Mr. Davies: She cait mfake no offer just at present. Her affairs are very much involved.—Plaintiffs' representative said she was a lady of independent means, lived in a big house, and kept two servants.—Mr Davies: She has been sold up recently under a bill of sale.—His Honour: Supposing she discharges one servant and puts it against this amount.—Mr. Davies: She is badly off, and only dependent on charity.—His Hon- our made an order for 2s. a month without committal. A Builder's Claim. William Evans, Penybont, Ponterwyd, builder, sued W. T. A. Hughes-Jones, 30, Pier-street, Aberystwyth, for £ 45 9s. lid. for work done, etc. Mr. Ivor Evans, for the plaintiff, said at the previous court, his Honour made an order referring the action to the Registrar. The order was made at the suggestion of the defendant, and they consented to it believing that the case would have been ditposed of before the present court. When the plaintiff made an appointment for the purpose, the defend- ant's solicitor refused to proceed, so the plaintiff had no alternative but to ask his Honour to take the case that day. Mr. A. J. Hughes for the defendant, said the amount claimed was a substantial one. Defendant was an engineer, and at two hours' notice had to take up or decline an appointment. He went for a short voy- age, and that day he was sailing from Italy, and in ten days would be in England. He had no objection to the case being restored to the judge's list, but he thought it would expediate matters if it was still left to the learned Registrar, and then the evidence of the defendant could be taken on commis- sion. The case, which was an important one to both parties, arcse ouff of a claim made hy the plaintiff in respect of buildings on a farm which was devised to the defendant by his late father. After the death of the father some btiilclings were put up at a cost of about of which zC,50 had been paid. Mrs. Jones, defendant's mother, was, unfortunately, in very poor cir- cumstances at present, and until quite lately her nanie had always been used, and credit given her for this amount. Of course, that question would have to be dis- posed of first. His Honour: Is the defendant the de- visee ? Mr. Hughes: Yes. Mr. Hughes added that the defendant was a young man trying to earn his own living, and had to take this appointment. There was no attempt to evade the issue in this case; and he d'd not think it was a case which should be disposed of without giving the defendant an oppor- tunity of being heard. Mr. Evans said defendant had had ample opportunity of doing what he promised to do at the previous court. His Honour: What do you propose now? Mr. Evans said Mr Hughes had raised the question of agency, of which plaintiff had had no notice .Nlr. Hughes: You are not. entitled to notice. Mr. Evans asked his Honour to take the case that day. They were quite prepared to prove the question of agency. In the course of further argument. Mr. Hughes asked his Honour to accept his as- surance that the application was not made with the object of wilfully delaying the matter. The defendant was advised that he had a good defence on two points, and there was also the question of account, which they maintained was excessive. His Honour said if the Imatter was dealt with by the Registrar before the next court, which will be held in February, he would take it then. The question of costs up to the present would be reserved. Mr. Ivor Evans applied to be allowed to add the name of Mrs. Hughes-Jones if found necessary. His Honour conisented on condition that it was done within fourteen days. Equity Action. Elizabeth Ann Griffiths, 19, Grays-ter- race, Ferndale, was the plaintiff, and Dd. Jones, 30, Rampagne-street, Pimlico, Lon- don, the defendant, in an equity action. Mr. Samuel, for the plaintiff, said the claim was for an acccount in connection with the administration of an estate under a will. —His Honour made the order asked for. Claim for Wages. Kate Davies, Pentremawr, Llanrhystvd, sued Jane Thomas, Pantddafad,, Bronant, for £ 24, wages due. Mr. Wm. Davies, for the defendant, said he had given notice to the plaintiff's solicitors that he would ap- ply for an adjournment of the case owing to the inability of the defendant, who was 70 years of age, to be present, through ill- ness.-Mr. Ivor Evans, for the plaintiff, consented to the adjournment, and asked his Honour to make an order that the evi- dence of the defendant be taken at her home.—His Honour made the order applied for, the examination to take place before the next court.

Aberystwyth v. Distant Towns. It is only natural that, here in Aberyst- wyth, a few earnest words from a Aber- ystwyth man have far more weight with us than volumes from strangers living in-dis- tant towns. This cordial Aberystwyth statement teems with interest and encour- agement for us all. Mr. D. M. Evans, 10, Rheidol-place, Aberystwyth, says:- ,Ever since I was [ eighteen years old I was subject to sciatic pains in my back and hips. There were also sharp, cutting pains just over where the kidneys are, and when stooping or lift- ing the pains were awful. I was a great suffereu from piles. I tried all kinds of treatment, but nothing did me good except Doan's Backache kidney pills.. With the use of these the pains gradually left my back, and now they are quite gone. The piles are better than they have been for years. To Doan's pills only goes the credit for the benefit I have received. (Signed) D. Michael Evans." Doan's backache kidney pills are two shillings and ninepence per box, or SIX boxes for thirteen shillings and ninepence. Of all chemist and stores, or post free direct from the Foster-McClellan Co., 8, Wells- street, Oxford-street, London, W. Be sure you get the same kind of pills as Mr. Evans had,

LLANYBYTHER RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. Mr Thomas Jones, Llanllwni, vice-chair- man, presided over a meeting of the Council held on Friday. The presiding chairman gave notice that the question of the plashing of hedges along district roads be considered at the next meeting, and a resolution passed respecting same. A letter was read from the Llandilo-fawr Rural District Council asking the Council to join in a protest against the proposals of county councils to pay the travelling ex- penses of members in attending meetings.— Tht matter (was adjourned to the next meeting for consideration. The Medical Officer of Health (Dr. E C. Thomas) submitted a report in which he stated that two cases of diphtheria had j broken out at Ram, Pencarreg, The first case occurred at No. 2, Treherbert terrace. The present occupants have only just come to live there temporarily and found the house in a very filthy stai?fe. A stream of water runs, along the back of this row of houseo and over the stream wooden huts have been 'built. This time, of the year there is a good quantity of water flushing the culvert, but during certain times of .the year there is practically no water running, so that all the refuse from the houses col- lect in the drain and emit effluvia into the house. The water supply of Ram, like that of- Llanybyther, was deficient in quantity- the inhabitants having to go long distances 11 for water for domestic purposes. The above mentioned defects were, in his opinion, quite enough to account for the diphtheria. He might state that one of the cases had scar- let fever as well. The Sanitary 'Inspector who accompanied him, on his visit, distri- buted disinfectants and gave directions how to use them. He and the Inspector also visited Coedmore School and found the large class room badly ventilated, though the Master had the windows open. The Clerk read a letter from the Local Govern- ment Board, in which they stated that pursuant to their general order the Medical Officer had furnished them with a special report with respect to the occurrence of two cases of diphtheria at Ram, and they de- sired to know what stens the Council pro- posed to take to remedy the sanitary de- ifects at the houses Teferred to in the re- port.—The Inspector was directed to make another inspection of the houses.

LLANILAR Literary and Debating Society. Last Friday evening there was such a crowded house that the room had to be enlarged— the subject for the debate being, "Should women have the vote and compete with men for different positions. The affirmative was taken up by Miss M E Parry, Mill, who read a very able paper; while Mr. T. R. Jones, Derwendeg, read a scathing paper in the negative. In the discussion that fol- lowed several roung people made their maiden speeches, the affirmative being sec- onded by Miss E J Lloyd, Rofft Cottage, and supported by Miss P A Lloyd, Messrs. Jonathan Davies, Thomas James, John James Jones, Thomas Evans, Penbont,. Ed. Lloyd, John Edwards, and D. Lloyd Rees; while the negative was seconded by Mr. William Evans, Cwmelyd, iand supported by Messrs J Morgan Jones, John Parry, Thos. Benjamin, R R Roberts M T Jones, John Jonas., and Morgan Edwards. After a brief summing up by the President (Dr Rees) the house divided, with the result that 54 voted for Women Suffrage and 25 against. Next Friday's subject will be "Which is the better-Town or -Country Life." PETTY SESSIONS. The monthly Petty Sessions were held on Friday before Dr. J. E. Hughes (in the chair;, Mr. C. Lear, Mr. R. E. Jones. and Mr J .G Morris Davies. JN on-Attendance. Thomas Wilhanus, Tanyfawnog, miner, was charged by Alban Lewis, attendance officer, wi LAI neglecting to send his child, David Thomas, to school regularly.—An I order to attend was made. Alban Lewiy also charged "Daniel Owen, Pentrebont, Llanychaiarn, with neglecting to send his child Stanley Stephen, to sciiooi. —An order to attend having been made, some fifteen months' ago, defendant was fined 5s. including costs. The hearing of a similar charge preferred against Eliza be tli lloyie, Penrhiw, Llany- chaiarn by the same prosecutor, way ad- journed for a month, as defendant did not appear.

-<:a- Barclsey Island, on the western point of Carnarvonshire, is inhabited by about 50 persons, who are engaged in ftgricuture and fishing. They pay neither rates nor tithe. Somte years ago a tax collector visited them. He was kindly received by the little com- munity, and collected his texes without trouble. It was when he sought a boat to take him back to the mainland that his difficulties commenced. The hire of that boat cost him all the taxes he had obtain- ed, and a little more besides. Since then the islanders have been left severely alone by the tax collectors.

Messrs Donald Currie and Co., managers of the Union Castle Line, are arranging special Christmas Cruises to Madeira or the Canary Islands by their Royal Mail Steamers at low fares, including hotel ac- commodation for a week at one of the Islands. The entire trip lasts from 14 to 17 days, and should be popular with pas- sengers diesirous of escaping the winter weather at home and spending their Christ- mas or New Year holidays in the sunshine of Madeira, Las Palmas or Teneriffe.

——— —————————————————————————————————- ft MAKERS TO I H.M., THE KING. I Appreciated alike for its purity; delicious Jjf flavour, and its economy in use. As users say, It warms and cheers." ^2^

THE FARMING. By A. T. MATTHEWS. THE YEAR'S WEATHER. The farmer's season, so far as it was affected by the weather, has been a peculiar one, and, on the whole, it is to be feared, not very favourable. It may, indeed, be said that, in several vesp^ets, the will fall far be- low that of 1907 when judged by the Michaelmas balance-sheet. The whole of the cereal crop has had much to contend with. A bad beginning was made by a very unfavour- able seeding for the wheat, owing to exces- sive and long-continued rains, which pre- vented much of the land intended for wheat being sown at all. There was some good weather in February, and on all light land barley might have been well got in; but many farmers consider that month too early, and small advantage was taken of the oppor- tunity. Then came a wet March, when (some districts excepted) it was impossible to get on the land. The operations had to wait, \nd, April being little better, spring corn was not only late, but planted under bad condi- tions in many places. This is always a heavy handicap en the prospects of a crop, especi- ally for that of barley. After this spell of wet weather came a dry one, and while the hay was hein -secnred the spring corn was suffering badly from want of rain to mellow the surface, which had become soft and caked from being worked in a too wet state. Turnips get a bad start, and the ground became too dry for the seed to ger- minate regularly, resulting in a patchy plant, while even the young turnips which did ap- pear above ground made very little progress. These remarks must be qualified by saying that in some districts there were no com- plaints of the seeding time, and in others the roots were a fair plant. The whole season was remarkable for successive periods of too much or too liiile rainfall, the latter, how- ever, being very pautially distributed. The pastures started late, but the grass grew with great rapidity, and a moderately good hay crop was secured in fine condition and at small expense. The fine weather continued far into the harvest, and in early districts the crops were nearly all stacked before the change to an- other long of rain set in about August 20th, which lasted till Sepember 5th. During that interval no progress could be made, and serious damage was done by staining the bar- ley and considerable sprouting. The rain was, however, very beneficial to the roots and pastures, and, being followed by a fine Octo- ber, vegetation rapidly made up for lost time. THE CROPS OF THE YEAR. These were so extremely variable that a general description is almost impossible. There seldom occurs in this country a season in which Nature's favours are so partially be- stowed. On the whole, wheat was the best cereal crop; but in many places even the bar- ley was a. very fair average. The general average, however, cannot be a high one, for over large areas the barley crop was de- scribed as a wretched failure, in some cases scarcely worth harvesting. Oats were more uniformly a, poor crop, very few being re- ported as up to average. Peas and beans were irregular, short in straw and by no moons well podded except in favoured localities. It has been a great year for clover-seed, of which a large acreage was grown, and as the fine weather returned in time for its harvest, good English seed is likely to be plentiful and cheap, while also remunerating the grower through the large yield per acre. The root crop was almost despaired of, the weather during its early stages being dis- astrously dry. After the autumn rains they grew so vigorously that these farmers who were fortunate enough to obtain a regular plant had, ultimately, little to complain of; but more frequently fields are thin and patchy, rendering an average out of the question. THE GRAZING REASON. The grazing season has been peculiar and very disappointing. There has never at any time been an absolute scarcity of grass, for the first growth was so rapid and luxuriant that even during the dry weeks of the height of summer, wlen the fields were brown, there was always a fair bite. The pastures got stale, and proved of far less value than they ap- peared. For some cause the grass contained very little feeding property, and cattle failed to thrive without liberal keep from artificial food, which, indeed, was never more urgently needed for animals grazing for the butcher. The result a6 seen at market, for from all parts of the country came a wearisome succes- sion of reports complaining of the poor condi- tion of the arimals offered for sale and the great scarcity of really ripe cattle. Prices for these unfinished beasts were low, and the aggregate lostf to graziers must have been very great. At the same time it is impossible to avoid the conclusion that much of the loss might have been avoided by a moderate ex- penditure in oilcake. CORN YIELDS AND PRICES. British wheat has not maintained the com- paratively high values of 1907, but prices have not returned to the low level of a few years ago. The average per 4801b. was 26s. 9d. in 1901; 29s. 8d. in 1905; and 30s. 7d. in 1907, but in December of that year it was 35s. 6d. Starting from this high point, the price had declined to 32s. 4d. in March, re- covering to 33s. 4d. in May, continuing fairly steady till after harvest, when prices weak- ened to a moderate extent, and in the middle of November the weekly average was 30s. lid. Farmers are, therefore, receiving about 5s. per qr. less money than last year for a smaller crop of wheat. Barley cannot this year be considered a paying crop, the yield being poor in many places, and the quality being very moderate; there are no high prices for malting to com- pensate for tie shortage. The general run of samples fetched from 30s. to 32s, per qr., and only a very few as much as 35s. Oats are not only a poor crop, but somewhat lower in value than last year. The inforaation given in the Preliminary Statement oi the Board of Agriculture, shew- ing the estimated yields of the cereal crops for the year, comes rather as a surprise to the writer, and jhews the danger of relying too much on private information. The barley and oat crops of Great Britain are said to be much nearer the average of the last ten years than appeared possible in view of reports to hand from certain counties. Barley is put at only 0'57 bushel under average, and oats just over average. If the estimators are correct, crops were nore uneven than was suspected, and 'some districts must have been highly favoured to bring the average yield of barley to 32'81 buskels per acre, and that of oats to 89'80 bushels. Wheat is put at 0"59 bushel over average, but 1*67 less than in 1907. FAT STOCK PRICES BEEF. The year has been remarkable for its fluc- tuations in the value of beef ajid mutton. Taking the former first, we think the most concise plan of presenting the movements to the reader vill be to refer to one quality and one market only. The market had better be the Metropolitan, and the quality the first quality of Shorthorns, both being representa- tive in their way. After a disappointing Christmas market there was a revival of trade in January, and the average price for that month was 4s. 8d. per stone of 81b. During February ard March prices were very steady, the average remaining at 4s. 6d. In April the highest price touched 4s. 8d., and the average for the monih was 4s. 7d. In the third week of May 5s. was reached, the whole average being 4s. 9d The maximum was touched in June, when 5s. was twice recorded, and 4s. lOd. was the average. July brought a de- cline in gereral quality, and the average fell to 4s. 8td. [n August the condition of animals further deteriorating the monthlv average was 4s. In September the lowest point was touchec, and at the last market 4s. was the top price, and the monthly average 3d., October being only slightly better at 4s. 3ld. In November, for the first three weeks, the trice was steady at 4s. 4d. The notable features of the year in connec- tion with the beef trade were the American scare in midsummer and the great excitement caused by ihe publication of certain articles foretelling he coming of a meat famine on account of what was, ir. reality, only a tem- porary shortage of American beef. Less sen- sational, but of more solid importance, was the peculitrly bad grazing season, causing, for four months, a great deficiency of first quality catte at all our markets, with the ex- ception of those of Norwich, Ipswich, and one or two others in that district. Hence we had the astonisiing difference, week after week, of Id. per lb, for beef between those places and London IHE MUTTON TRADE. Notwithstanding the above-mentioned dis- turbing inftiences, there has been no serious change in ^he price of beef, »nd less would have been felt if graziers had supplemented the poor griss keep with a liberal use of cake; but the same cannot be said of the mutton trade, whicn has experienced what we may almost describe as a collanse. Again taKing Islington as our representa- five market, and the 3heep classed as "Downs" as our representative sheep, we find that the average price in January was 6s. ltd. per 81b. stone. sinking the offal. Good sheep had so long maintained their values at a high level that few were prepared for what was coming. During February and March the average was 6s. Id., but the great fall occurred in April, when the average for the liionth was 5s. In May it was 5s. 7d.; in June, 5s, 5td.; in July, 5s. 4d.; in August, 5s. September, 5s. 5d.; Oc- tober, 5s. 6d.; and in November, 5s. 5d. We may say, therefore, that the value of beet mutton has fallen during the year Id. per lb., which is 6s. 8d. on a sheep weighing 80lb., and this, together with the low price of wool, is a serious loss to the farmer. Not only have prices declined, but all through the summer and autumn there have been a sin- gular dulness in the demand, a, succession of flat markets, and frequent failures to clear off those sent for sale. FAT PIGS. The pig trade has been very unsatisfactory, both for fat and store animals. It is not sur- prising that stores should be cheap in view of the high price of feeding stuffs but, on the other hand, bacon when dried has been sell- ing very well. At the present time, Yorkshire is worth 78s. per cwt., and in good demand, and this seems to leave a good margin 4o the factor, who gives the farmer about 9.s. per score. It is satisfactory to note that there is a movement on foot to start farmers' fac- tories, and that several attempts are being made in this direction which may lead to good results. DEAD MEAT. The movements of the imported dead-meat trade call for small comment. The great Central Meat Market in London continues to b-j the dumping-ground of the world's sur- plus, and English supplies are more and more dispensed with. Prime roasting beef has been scarce and relatively dear for many months, and Scotch has well maintained its supremacy in value, while English has been very poorly represented as regards both quantity and quality, generally having to be quoted lower than American port-killed. Mut- ton has been a dragging trade throughout, the home-grown being hardly pressed by the heavy Dutch supplies of fresh-killed carcases of very fair quality. DAIRY PRODUCE. A redeeming feature of the past chequered' year for the agricultural industry has been the firm markets for all kinds of dairy pro- duce. New milk has been in good demand, and sellers have been able to make contracts on fairly remunerative terms. Consumption is constantly increasing, while foreign com- petition (at any rate in new milk) is still a negligible quantity. British butter is an article whose manufacture in this country is overshadowed by the milk supply; but prices have been steady and foreign imports by no means overwhelming. Finallv, cheese of good quality has commanded good prices, and, on the whole, the makers have had another very fair season. It is a hopeful sign for the future of dairy-farming that great efforts are being made by a certain class of breeders to cultivate milking properties, and to breed bulls especially suitable for improving the farmers' herd in this direction. WOOL. There has been no real improvement in the value of wool, but the great fairs passed off better than was expected. The bi-monthly sales in London have been well attended, and competition has been keen up to a certain level of values. There seems no reason to fear a return to the extreme low prices of a few years ago. STORE STOCK. Store cattle, though rather at a discount during the summer grazing season, have been selling remarkably well, and winter feeders have had to give fully as high prices as last year during the autumn season. Sheep, in the face of the lower value of wool and the de- cline in mutton, as well as the uncertain prospects of winter keeping, have suffered a considerable fall in price, the difference in value ranging from 4s. to 15s. per head com- pared with last year. Buyers at present prices have therefore a better prospect of profit for wintering. LEGISLATION AFFECTING AGRICULTURE. With the exception of the Agriculture Hold- ings Act (1908), known as the Consolidation Act, the year has been unproductive of legislative results affecting agriculture. The importance of that Act has been much over- looked from the fact that, as it contained no new provisions in itself, it was quietly passed through Parliament without any discussion. Nevertheless, it is a valuable measure, as it condenses the whole of the law affecting the ordinary farmer, and abolishes the confusion and extra legal cost of citing about half a dozen old ones. The Act of 1906 introduced more than one new feature. The compensa- tion for unexhausted improvements must now be settled without reference to that old bone of contention—" the inherent capabilities of the soil:" Compensation for damage by game is another new feature, as also is the clause dealing with freedom of cropping and sale of produce. But above all it introduced for the first time the principle of giving the tenant something in the shape of a hold on the soil under the name of compensation for unreasonable disturbance," the meaning of which may be much disputed. Another Act consolidates in the same man- ner all former Acts dealing with Allotments and Small Holdings. All the other measures which have become law this year affecting farmers are of a minor nature, unless we ex- cept the Old Age Pensions Act, the effect of which in rural districts it will be interesting to watch, but it is not one which can have any direct influence on agriculture itself. There is a short one-clause Act empower- ing Rural District Councils to deal with mar- ket requirements in the same way as an Urban District Council, and this may pro- bably be a matter of moment in certain limited localities. AGRICULTURAL ORGANISATIONS. During the year, a considerable imnetus has been given to the principle of combina- tion by the formation in many districts of what are called "Farmers' Unions." Any- thing is better than apathy and inaction, and the appearance of these bodies should be wel- comed by all who wish to see the great In- dustry united hi self defence. It is to be hoped, however, that the new organisations will not confine their efforts to the welfare of the tenants only, but keep steadily in view that of all who live bv the land. The Central and Associated Chambers ot Agriculture have held steadily on their course and done much useful work; but as certain promised measures, in which the central body is deeply interested, have been postponed till next year, its action has necessarily been largely confined to preparatory, or what is called spade," work—not, perhaps, very sen- sational, but highly conducive to future suc- cess. The measures referred to include the Valuation Bill and the Milk Bill of the Local Government Board. The Chambers ap- proached the Chancellor of the Exchequer by deputation, and strongly urged the necessity for relief being given to local burdens which should fall on the National Exchequer. They were told that nothing could be done till the Valuation Bill was passed, and they are now preparing the ground in the constituencies in order to bring the necessary pressure to bear at the psychological moment. The Board of Agriculture have tal: new departure, and, on certain conditions, Vivo promised financial assistance to the Agricul- tural Organisation Society, a body which has for its object the formation of co-operative iocieties for the sale of produce and the eco- aomical purchase of agricultural requisites. — ♦ -i I

SATAN'S ALIASES. It is held by many mythologists that the Hebrew Satan," the Persian "Ahriman," the Hindu Siva," the Scandinavian Loki," the Greek" Eumenides." and the Mexican Tlaca- tecolotl" are all modifications of the one basic principle. The first conception 0f Satan was I an incarnate principle personified in a being: whose office was to inflict evil UpOIl mankind, at first as a minister of God, and later on his own account. The Mexican Satan has an unpro- nounceable name, which. being translated, means "he who revels in sin." It is a signifi- cant fact that many of the qualities afterwards ascribed to the Mexican God of War were origi- nally identified with the Mexican Devil who "revelled in sin." Others might be named, such as the" Taipo" of the Maories. the Looern" or "Wiwonderrer," of the Austra- lian aborigines, the Gauna" of the Hotten- tots, the Erlik" of Altaian Shamanism, the Eblis or "Azazii" of Mohammedanism. I

Only one couple out of every 1,000 live to cele- brate their golden wedding. In Oriental countries physicians have vaoci- nated their patients for the last 1,000 years. I

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Antiquities of West Wales. IMPORTANT EXHIBITION AT CAR- MARTHEN. The Carmarthen School of Art was the scene of a brilliant gathering on Friday even:n^, when the Carmarthenshire Anta- quarianism and Field Scciety held its annual conversazione and exhibition. The guests on arrival were received by the president, Mr. H. Meuric Lloyd, M.A., oi Delfryn, and Mrs. Lloyd. Tlic first portion of the even- ing was devoted to the exhibition of a choice collection of Roman antiquities and other objects lent for the occasion, the scope being primarily the Roman occupation of Wales -a subject which is now engaging the close attention of the society. The Roman "finds" in the county from time to time have been numerous and valuable. Amongst those arranged for inspection on this occasion were the rare articles found at Dolaucothi, which were brought down by Lieutenant-general Sir James Hills-Johnes, V.C., G.C.B., and included the gold chain turned over by the ploughshare on the sup- posed. line of the Roman road from Llanfair- ar-y-bryn to Loventium. Also a small object of gold, shaped like a wheel, and probably part of a bugle found in the same field, and a lloman intagalio and onyx seal, cemented to a rough stone, which was found near PuBnpsaint, close to the spot where 'was discovered the stone inscribed P.C.xxv. From Penyparke, Clarbeston Road (Pern.), Mr. Richard LI. Lloyd sent a little golden statuette of Diana, found some 50 years ago in the parish of Conwil-Elvet. An open spade found in the Roman workings of the Darren Mine, on the borders of Cardigan- shire, by the late Captain Nicholls, was lent by his daughter, Mrs. Jones, of Aberystwyth. Some of the articles found in the society's recent excavations' at Cwmbrwyn^ in the parish of Llanddowror, included a pair of enamelled gold tweezers, various specl-E-;(Ills of glass, and the Cauratius coin. The Institute of Archaeology of the Uni- versity of Liverpool sent specimens of Roman silver articles and lamps. A small Roman altar, owned by the late Rev. Lati)ner M. Jones, M.A., vicar of St. Peter's was lent by Archdeacon Owen Evans, M.A., it being the first time for this object to be seen by many people. The small Roman lamp said to have been found in Priory-street, Carmarthen, near the spot where the altar was found, and which was in the collection of the late Mr. George Spurrell, 'was also on view. From the society's room in King-street came a felec- tion of the large collection, recently given by the Liverpool University, of Egyptian native pottery of the twelfth dynasty. A quaint wooden coffee mill, long used in the neighbourhood of Carmarthen, also the great iron hinge of the cellar door of Cwm Castell, which was the parish prison of Newehurch and the seat of the ancestors of Oliver Cronv- well, were also proiminent in the society's collection. A matrix, taken direct from the original seal in the British Museum of the abbots of Strata Florida was lent by the Rev. George Eyre Evans, Aberystwyth. From Captain Buckley, of Castell Gorvod, St. Clears, cam- a most valuable collection of Carmarthen printed books), beginning with the year 1705, and running down to the early dates of the nineteenth century. Mr. Henry Howell, J.P., Penybont, exhibited a Welsh catechism printed in 1719 by Isaac Carter. Original drawing included one of the majes- tic face of Sir Rhys ap Thomas, taken direct from his recumbent tomb in St. Peter's Church, Carmarthen, where it was' photo- graphed from a scaffold by Mr. Harry Lewis, Morfa House, and has since been re-produced in black and white by Mr. Joseph Milner, of Manchester. Four drawings of Pcmbrey Church by Mr. Weight Matthews included the exterior of the heraldic window and the curtain wall in the little known panel room of the Court Farm, which have also been made for the society. Mr. A. Llewellyn Davies, Carmarthen, lent an interesting, drawing of the market and stocks which stood on the site now occupied by General Nott's monument at Carmarthen. Not the least interesting of the exhibition was the model of the old town crier of Carmarthen in the early years of the nineteenth cen- tury, which was long in the possession of the late Mr. George Spurrell, and was lent by his daughter. Mrs. George Norton, of The Avenue, Carmarthen. It shows the old hlan in one of the three '.comered felt hats made in the town in those days, with his blue coat and bell in hand. Tlie exhibits were set and arranged for the occasion by the secretary, with the as- sistance of Mr E. V. Collier, Architect, and Mr. B. A. Lewis, two well-known local artists. Tea was served by the ladies of the society, under the direction of Mrs. Llewellyn Davies, Mrs. Olive, Mrs. Wil- liam Jones, and Miss B. A. Holme, M.A. The interesting announcement was' made during the evening that Mr. George G. T. Treharne, M.A., one of the vice-presidents of the society, and well known as the ex- plorer of "Latigliirneshire," has offered a prize of five guineas to any writer who be- fore October 1st next will place in the hands of the society's secretary (the Rev. George Eyre Evans. AberystwvtMan essay dealing with the subject of theTloman occupation west of Carmarthen. Mr. Treharne is ex- tremely anxious to encourage all effort in this most imoortant field. Amongst those present were three num- bers of the Royal Conmission recently ap- pointed by his Majesty for the registration of ancient monuments in Wales, viz., Pro- fessor Bosanquet ,F.S.A.. lecturer in classi- cal archaeology at the Liverpool University, Professor Edward Anwyl, M.A., Celtic pro- fessor at the University College cf Wales, Aberystwyth. ?nd the secretary of the Com- mission, Mr. Edward Owen, of the Tnd;a Office, who are all members of the society.

LONDON DAIRIES RUN BY WELSHMEN When a Mr. Morgan, who comes front South Wales, entered the witness box at the Southwark Coroner's Court on Friday and said he was a dairy-keeper, the Coroner was moved to observe that, curiously, most of the London dairies were run by Welsh- men. "How was it?" Morgan suggested that Welshmen knew more about dairy farming than the Londoner. And I notice," added the Coroner, "that the London bakers are all Germans." (Laughter). Li- 1 ■ ■ JUI

Medicine from Roots and Herbs j AN IMPORTANT SCIENTIFIC SUCCESS. THE PÐlTLIAU VIRTUES OF CHAS. FORDES" GENUINE BILE BEAMS. Many years of scientific research were needeu to aecuie, tor the benefit of all, that perfection and compactness of nerbal medicine which is now represented by C'has. Forde s Bile Beans for biliousness, this latest triumph of medical science is a boon to the invalid, who, in the past, had to put up with harsh mineral pills, which while they "bucked up' for a time made one worye in the long-run. Only in the pure extracts from certain carefully cultivated herbs, gathered under special conditions, are the trustworthy medicines found. The valuable roots, !barks, and herbs, used I in compounding Chas. Forde's Bile Beans are the best bounteous nature provides, neither expense nor trouble being consider- ed and to complete the careful elaboration of the medicine it is compressed and manu- factured in one of the finest equipped labor- atories in the world. It is only due to the advance of medical science and the enormous scale on which it is prepared that this re- n/arkable remedv can be produced at a price ii,itliln the reach of the most inodest purse. Chas. Forde's Bile Beans are easy to take. Their action is constant, always the same. They reach the liver, stomach and bowel trouble. Consequently, they produce a. r uc change in the body, in your spirit-, your blood .and in your nerves and muscles, which is not to be expected from ordinary pills, and cheap substitutes. Chas. Forde's Bile Beans are equally valuable to the sickly wife, the ansemic girl, and the victim of chronic indigestion, headache, constipation, pilesr "nerves, debility, sallow complex- ions, pimples, and liver troubles. In a w-ord, Chas. horde's Bile Beans are the perfection of household medicine, as their world-wide fame amply shows. So much confidence have the proprietors in the great superiority of Chas. Forde's Bile Beans that they offer a free trial to anybody send- ing in the following coupon:— P n FREE SAMPLE COUPON. Send this coupon to the Bile Bean Mf. Co., Leeds, and enclose Id. staimp for f return postage, and sample of the f genuine Chas. Forde's Bile TIt-am will 1 be sent Free. j "Welsh Gazette," Dec. 10th. 1908. i i

WEST WALES TERRITORIAL ASSO- CIATIONS A joint meeting of the West Wales Terri- torial Associations was held in Carmarthen. Shire Hall on Friday, Lieut.-General Sir jafrnes Hills-Johnes, V .C., G.C.B., Dolau- cothi, presiding. The estimates for the ensuing 12 months were presented by the secretary (.-Lieut, l'ugh D.S.O.), and showed that Carmarthenshire required £4,500, Pembrokeshire £ 3,000, and Cardiganshire £ 1,500. The War Office auth- orities are to be approached for subsidies towards the erection of a drill hall at Llan- elly (estimated to cost between £ 2,000 and. £ 3,000), and for Garrison Artillery drill halls at Pembroke Dock, Fishguard, and Saundersfoot ( £ 800 each being applied for in respect of those three). A scale of pay- ment for the permanent staff was submit- ted for the acceptance of the three associa- tions. It was decided to retain the quar- ter-master and the clerk for the 4th Bat- talion Welsh Regiment, and to approve of the promotion of Sergeant Harries to quar- teromaster sergeant of the Yeomanry afc Llanelly. A walking-out dress, consisting of scarlet tunic and blue trousers with red striping, and blue caps, was approved of for the 4th Battalion Welsh Regiment, together with a walking-out dress of blue with white facings, and blue cap with white band for the Yeomanry. The associations were asked to make a shilling boot allowance for men during the annual training. The Yeo- manry will probably go into eamp at Llan- dovery in the last week of May, and also in the first week of June.

IN SEARCH OF LEAD. WHY THE ROMANS CAME TO WALES. 1 In connection with the annual exhibition and conversazione of the Carmarthenshire Antiquarian Society at. the Carmarthen School of Art, Professor Bosanquet, M.A., F.S.A., lecturer in classical archaeology of Liyerpool University, who has been ap- pointed one of the Royal Commission to report upon the Preservation of Ancient Monuments in Wales, delivered an interest- ing lecture upon "'lhe Roman Occupation of W ales," illustrated by lantern slides. Mr H. Meuric Lloyd, M.A. (Delfryn), pre- sided over an assembly which included ^^tenant-General Sir James Hilla-Johnee- v y;O.B., Dolaucothi, Major Dowdes- well (high-sheriff), the Mayor of Carmarthen (Mr. J. Crossman), Professor Anwyl, M.A (another of the Royal Commissioners) Mr Edward Owen, of the India Office (secretary to the Commission), Mr Stepney-Gulestone Derwydd (expresident of the society), and Mn,i Meuric Lloyd. The Lecturer said that one of the econo- mic reasons which prcmpted the Romans t invade Wales was that their supply of lead was becoming exhausted. Referring to the Dolaucothi Mine^ and the wonderful col' lection of Roman finds in the possession of the Dolaucothi family, Mr Boftanquet said that there must be most interesting evidence at Dolaucothi as to the date when the Romans first penetrated into the dis- trict, and as to the way in which they sei to work to make their province pay.

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