The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

MONTGOMERY BOROUGHS' LIBERAL ASSOCIATION. The annual meeting of the Montgomery BoroughR Liberal Association met in the Victoria Hall on Friday morning, and among the delegates who attended were -Messrs David Lloyd, Richard Hamer, R. Evans, David John Jones, David Jones, Richard George, Edward Davies, John Jones, William George, E. W. Hamer, A. E. Bond, Richard Rees, James Cooke. J. McGavin, William Ashton, Morgan Davies, T. L. Jones, P. Wilson- Jones, and W. P. Phillips (hon sec.). The Borough Member (Mr J. D. Rees) was in attendance. Mr Richard Rees was appointed chairman. A letter was read from the Wrexham Liberal Association stating that they bad given Mr Clement Edwards a free hand in the matter of Disestablishment, and asking the Montgomery Boroughs' Association to likewise give their member a free hand. Mr J. D. Rees: That is, I believe, the first time that We have had resolutions from neighbouring associations. The Chairman: A resolution was sent to all the churches in Wales Mr Rees: Oh, I remember those, but I don't remember a neighbouring association addressing us. The letter was dealt with later. The report of the Treasurer showed that there vas a balance at the bank of .£97 12a lid. M LL_ PKoirman • That*, in vorv JLUO wmyigiauwi J y indeed. Mr Rees: Yes, it is very much better than the Imperial finances. Mr D. J. Jones: Or the county finances either. Mr William Asbton said he bad very great pleasure in moving that the report of the Treasurer be adopted. He remembered the time when the finances were in a very bad state, debt from one year to another, and impossible to get out of it; but now an adverse balance bad been turned into a favourable one of neaily £ 100. He was very pleased to notice the low cost of registration in the Boroughs. It was evident, too, that the subscriptions had been kept up and the expenses kept down. Mr A. E. Bond, who said that this was his first appearance at a Liberal Association meeting in Newtown, and he had much pleasure in seconding the adoption of such a flourishing financial statement. The balance sheet, and also the Secretary's report, were adopted. DELEGATES' EXPENSES. Mr D. J. Jones said that as long they had such a large amount in hand, they might take into con- sideration whether the expenses of the delegates to the Executive Committee should be paid out of the Association funds. He belonged to associa- tions where they were anxious that working men should attend, and so they paid their expenses. He thought Newtown people, as things stood, got out of it well, for they did not have to pay any- thing towards the expenses of going to those meetings which were held in Newtown. The report of the Executive Committee was, on the motion of Mr D. J. Jones, adopted, the mover remarking that the Executive had done their work well during the past year, and they had an efficient agent in Mr William Lewis. The Secretary (Mr Wm Lewis) than read his report as registration agent. At the Revision Courts the Liberals had lodged 23 occupation claims and sustained the 23; only 6 out of 38 lodger claims had been rejected, and 6 out of 8 objections had been upheld. The Conservatives had claimed for 23 voters (occupation), 19 of whom had been allowed; they bad sustained 22 lodger claims out of a total of 29, and had only succeeded in 3 objections out of a total of 15 lodged. Therefore there was a nett gain of 17 for the Liberals. Mr Rees: May I ask how the case stands altogether ? The total number of voters has gone down, hasn't it? Mr Lewis: Yes; the present register shows 56 less than in 1908. Mr Rees: Am I "ri],c,,ht in saying that the reduction is greater 1h the Liberal than in the Tory boroughs ? Mr Lewis: The reductions are—21 in Llan- idloes, 18 in Machynlleth, Welshpool 4, Newtown 6, Llanfyllin 1, and Montgomery 6. Mr W. George: How do the figures compare with those on which the election was fought? Mr Lewis: I have not got the exact figures at hand, but it is much higher now than it was then ELECTION OF OFFICERS. On the motion of Mr W. George, seconded by Mr R. George, Lord Joicey was elected president; and the following vice-presidents were appointed: Messrs Hugh Lewis, William Ashton, Richard Rees, Fairies-Humphreys, D. J. Jones, and William Jones. The Treasurer, Secretary, and Executive Committee were re-appointed. Four delegates were appointed to attend the Council of the National Liberal Federation at Southport in July, Messrs Hugh Lewis, John Jones (Welshpool), James MacGavin, and the Rev T. E. Williams. Mr Ashton proposed that the railway fares of the delegates should be paid out of the funds of the Association. Mr D. J. Jones seconded, and it was carried. RESOLUTIONS. Mr P. Wilson-Jones moved that the meeting express its approval of the principles of the Bill to terminate the legal establishment of the Church of England in Wales; recognises in the Bill an earnest attempt to meet the just demands of the Welsh people for civil and religious equality, and assures the Government of cordial support in its efforts to pass the Bill into law at the earliest possible date. He might say that ever since he was a youth and understood anything about politics and religion he had been a disestablisher. Possibly it was due to the then Vicar of Carno, who, at the time of his childhood, was an arrogant type of man, and treated Nonconformists as some- thing beneath him. He might say unhesitatingly that he thought the Church people ought to welcome the Bill as introduced by Mr Asquith, as it was a most broad and liberal measure. Although the present Government might possibly not pass that Bill into law on account of the obstacle of the Lords, it was a measure which would fill the cup which already was practically full. There was no question about them rejecting the Bill, and they were told that it would not even have the compliment paid to it that the Licensing Bill had, as there would be no prelimi- nary meeting held at Lansdowne House. In any case if the Bill failed it would not be the fault of the Commons. As Welshmen they placed dis- establishment fiist and foremost as their political plank, and when they fought that measure on the floor of the House of Commons they would have the nation at their back. Mr David Rees, Llanidloes, said that they were simply repeating now what they had said at the general election, and all the Welsh members entered Parliament on the strength of their supporting the Bill. Although there might be a difference of opinion as to the fate of the Bill, it was high time that the county should be awakened up. He begged to second the resolution. Mr E. W. Hamer moved that the following rider should be added to the resolution—" That this meeting also gives Mr J. D. Rees a free hand to take what action he deemed fit in order to bring pressure to bear upon the Government with the object of carrying the Bill through the different stages." m This was the pith of the Wrexham resolution, and the resolution, with its addition, was carried. A resolution approving of the Budget, and congratulating the Chancellor of the Exchequer, was carried, on the motion of Mr Richard George, seconded by Mr McGavin. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

The text is published of Earl Robert's bill for imposing national service. Lia- bility for service in the proposed new ter- ritorial force continues between the ages of 18 and 30. The training is limited to four years, and that of the first year cov- ering from four to six months, and subse- quent periods lasting for fifteen days. Those disqualified or exempted from service are to pay a special military tax amount- ing to 1 per cent. of their income. To MOTHERSMrs Winslow's Soothing Syrup has been used over fifty years by millions of mothers for their children while teething, with perfect success. It will re. lieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is pleasant to taste; it produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes "as bright as a button, Of all chemists, Is. lid. per bottle.

ON THE GrOLF LINKS. rBY COLONEL FOOZLER.] Great things are in progress on the links at Machynlleth. As was announced some time back in the Express,' Lord Herbert will be paying a leading protessional fee ito visit the links in July. The professional who has been engaged is J. H. Taylor, of the Mid-Surrey Club, and he will b« down during the second week in July. A great game between the ex-champion and Fred Branch will be arranged on the course, and will no doubt be followed by a large crowd of golfing enthusiasts from Montgomeryshire and Merioneth. Branch should be able to give Taylor a realiy good game, because he has such a thorough knowledge of all the intricacies and idiosyncracies of the course. Branch has proved himself the superior of Cooper, of Aberdovey, both from home and at home, and he also scored rather a narrow win over Lewis, —the Newtown pro-at Machynlleth. I hope the Cambrian Railways will come out handsome in the event of this match and allow golfers to travel at greatly reduced fares, they can be certain of a great number of visitors to Machynlleth if they did so. Taylor has b a ex- hibiting splendid form of late and the two biggest competitions held of late he has been respectively second and first. On the former occasion he had to give place to the well-nigh invincible Braid, and in the second professional competition hH defeated the champion in the final in a great match, winning at the 18th hole. Branch has, in addition to earning a reputation as an excellent player and instinctor, been putting forth his energies upon the improvement of the course. The Bwlchysgellyn green, which has always been bumpy and unsatisfactory, I am glad to learn, is being completely relaid and levelled. I am not a believer in billiard table greens, but accuracy is an essential. With this one exception the greens at Machynlleth are distinctly good, there is plenty of that nice silky turf along whica it is a pleasure to putt, and which is usually the exclusive possession of sea side courses. And there is to be yet another golf links for Montgomeryshire. The Caccethes golfendi has long been smouldering in Llanfyilin and at last it has broken forth. The Mayor recently convened a meeting to consider the proposal to form a club, and behind that proposal there is plenty of influ- ence to credit this, it is only necessary to note that the following ladies and gentlemen were present at tbe' meeting Mrs Luxmore (Meifod), Miss Whittingbam, the Rev L. W. Davies, Dr F. F. Jones, Dr E. M. Watkins, Messrs D. Davies, E. Hawke Dawe, W. A. Pughe, H. Watkins, Town Clerk (Mr T. Jones), and Mr John Lomax, who was voted to the chair. The Mayor reported the result of iEquiries which had been made regarding the ground, etc., and advocated the establishment of a club at Llanfyllin, adding that he offered no apology for convening the meeting, feeling sure that all present had the welfare of the town at heart.— Several speakers having supported the proposal, it was proposed by the Mayor, and seconded by the Town Clerk, that a club be formed.—The motion was carried unanimously.—The Mayor was asked to act as hon. secretary pro tem. The fees were fixed as follows :—Entrance feps-Ladies, 10s 6d; gentlemen, Xl lB. Annual subscriptions- Ladies, 7s 6d gentlemen, 153. Mr John Lomax has behaved splendidly to the Club, for he has offered the free use of his capacious and beautiful Bodfach Park for a links. This is an ideal spot, and should attract a large membership. Mr Lomax was very cordially thanked for his gener- osity by the meeting, and he has placed the whole golfing community under a debt of gratitude to him.

Sewage Farm Sporting Rights. AMUSING DEBATE AT NEWTOWN U.D.C To preserve the ga.melhereby reserved to the land. lord and subject to the provisions of the Ground Game Act, 1880. [The tenant] shall not allow any person to shoot or sport over the said land without the landlord's permission. The above paragraph is a clause in the agree- ment with the new tenant of Newtown Sewage Farm, and was read on Wednesday night by the Assistant Clerk at a special meeting of the Urban Council, when Mr John Humphreys (chairman) presided. Mr Ford I see that the game is preserved, but not the fish. The Assistant Clerk explained that the term sporting included fishing. Mr Parry: What is the purpose of that provision ? Mr Jarvis Who gets the benefit of the game ? Does this Council let the shooting and fishing there ? & 5 The Chairman: We'll read this through fir3t and then we will discuss any questions raised. After the reading of the agreement, which bad been signed by Councillors Bennett and Pryce, The Chairman said that he noticed they were very stringent about preserving the game; he supposed that the game was preserved for the benefit of the Chairman at the time. Mr Bennett: Yes, and he can take the Counpil with him shooting. Mr Ford: Is it a copy of a previous agreement ? The Clerk: No, not exactly a copy, but there are a lot of these clauses which might well be struck out. Mr Evans: Assuming that the tenant shot pheasants and partridges on that farm, would you take any action in the matter ? The Chairman: Certainly not, he is entitled to all he can get. Mr Parry: The tenant should have all the game if he can get it. If we let it out to anyone else we should only get at loggerheads with him. Mr Samuel Powell: The Council never has I taken steps in such a matter. The Chairman: Certainly not; why not let the man take the liberty. Do you, Councillor Evans approve of the clause as a farmer ? Mr Evans: No, certainly I don't. The Clerk: I don't think there is much in it, because there is nothing there except a few wild ducks in winter. Mr Powell: There never have been any steps taken in that direction. The Chairman I beg to move that the seal of the Board be affixed thereto. Mr Pryce: I second that. Mr Parry: Subject to that alteration ? The Chairman: No, that is immaterial. It was therefore agreed to affix the Council's seal to the agreement.

A Strange Action. A case of unusual character came before Mr Justice Coleridge. After the death of Mr Philip Edward Clunn, the executors found among that gentleman's private papers evidence of consider- able loans made to a lady stated to be Mrs Rose Phcebe Ackland, and also known as Phcebe Miller, a widow, with whom he had been well acquainted I for many years. In conversation with Mr Clunn's daughter, Mrs Ackland admitted borrowing X5,000 but immediately after went to Monte Carlo, and efforts made to find her proved unsuc- cessful. Hence the present action, by which it was sought to recover a total sum of £ 29,218. The defendant failed to appear, and judgment was given the plaintiffs for the amount claimed, with costs.

Harvest Weather Forecasts. The director of the Meteorological Office, Dr W. N. Shaw, F.R.S., gives Iotice of arrangements which will be in force during the four months. June to September, for ihe supply of weather forecasts for agricultural )uposes. Messages will be ready on the afternoon of every week-day at 2-39 p.m., referring to the probable weather for the twenty-four hours faom midnight of the day of issue. The charge for these forecasts is 6d for twelve words, and id for tach word of the address. On Saturday evenings forecasts will be issued for the next forty-eight hours. The Meteorological Office is also prepared to give notification, when conditions appear favouiable, of any continued spell of fine weather.

Se Spent £ 123,000. In an action to recover jgi03 13a for goods sold and delivered, brought by a West-end tailor against Mr Nicholas Jarvis Wood, of Chichester, the defendant stated in evidence that his age was 25, and that two yeais before he went into bankruptcy, with liabilities amounting to jE 123,009.

MONTGOMERYSHIRE STANDING JOINT COMMITTEE Reject Fair Wages Clause. "Blood Money" on Police Uniforms. A meeting of the Montgomeryshire Standing Joint Committee was held at Newtown on Friday, present Captain Mytton, Captain Johnes, Colonel I Pryce-Jones, Messrs R. Lloyd, Richard Rees. A. W. Williams-Wynne, C. W. Humphreys, William Ashton, S. D. Price-Davies, C. J. Newell, with I Messrs G. D. Harrison (clerk), W. J. Holland (chief constable), and G. A. Hutchins (county surveyor). Mr R: Lloyd moved that Capt. Mytton be thanked for his past services, and re-elected chairman.—Mr Rees seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Chief Constable, in his quarterly report ended March 3.st, stated that- "The number of indictable offences reported 17, the number discovered 16, and 16 persons were proceeded against for the same. Of these two were committed for trial, 13 dealt with summarily and one removed to the Asylum. The number of crimes is the same as for the corresponding quarter of last year. The value of property stolen was Xll 16s, and recovered £8 2s. The number of persons proceeded against for non-indictable offences was 144. Of these four charges were withdrawn, 23 dismissed, orders, made of 12, and 105 convicted. There is a de- crease of six ca.ses under the Elementary Educa- tion Act, and 32 of drunkenness as compared with the corresponding quarter of last year. The police seized 19 stray dogs during the quarter. Of these 15 were claimed by the owners and four destroyed. 6,679 persons were noted by the police at com- mon lodging houses and casual wards at the Workhouses, this being an increase of 649 on the same period last year. The force is complete in numbers and its con- duct has been satisfactory." BIG FIRMS, OR LOCAL TRADESMEN ? Mr Pryce Jones, with regard to the police clothing, said he thought local tenders should be invited for supplying the clothing, and he had befn asked to make a representation in that respect. Tenders were accepted from big firms, and there was often a good deal of sweating going on in those firms. He thought it was only fair that those tailors who paid a fair wage should have a chance of tendering.—The Chief Constable said the present contractors had had the order since he had been Chief Constable, and the contract did not expire until next year. It was a three years' contract, the last time a local firm had the order, the uniforms were not very sat;sfactory.-Capt. Mytton said the local tenders were also considerably higher.—It was agreed to invite locsl tenders, with others, when the present contract expires. The Sub-Committee appointed to consider an application by Sergt. Morgan, Newtown, for pay additional to his ordinary salary in consequence of his retaining his post after he was entitled to retire, recommended thai it be declined.— Agreed to. The Chief Constable, in a detailed statement, informed Mr Newell where the various members of the Newtown Police Force were between 7-30 and 8-30 p.m. on Tuesday- Mr Newell said that at the time mentioned he tried to quell a disturbance, and it was a quarter of an hour before the police appeared. Newtown was under-policed compared with Welshpool, and the latter place was more easily attended to. Mr Lloyd said conditions were much more peaceable than they used to be, and he would support a reduction rather than an increase in the police staffing. The matter dropped. ID. AN HOUR ? Mr Newell was informed, on a question of which he had given notice, of the name of the firm who at present have the contract for supplying the police uniform, and thereupon produced a news- paper report of an inquest on a London woman who jumped into the Thames, and said it appeared from the report that the woman was employed by the firm the Committee dealt with and paid at a sweated rate. The woman was paid 3td for each pair of policemen's trousers that she finished. Her sister in evidence said it took her four hours to finish each pair, while the firm's representative said it took her two hours. Taking a mean aver- age between the two, they., found that she was paid at the magnificent rate of a penny per hour. No wonder local tradesmen could not compete with such firms. Were they, as a public body, justified in employing a firm which paid its employees at such a rate ? He said distinctly not. Mr Richard Lloyd said the Committee adopted the course that was adopted by other committees. They asked for tenders and samples. Were the Committee to select the highest or the lowest tender ? If the quality was the same they should accept the lowest. He did not think they should interfere as to how the clothing was made. The firms were responsible for the wrong doing, and not the Committee. They had to look after public money and could not ask firms if they employed sweated labour. Mr Newell: I think we can have a guarantee from the firms that the work is not done by sweated labour ? TWO BLACKS, OR ONE WHITE? Mr Lloyd: Are you sure there is no sweated labour in your own county ? In reply to Mr Rees, Mr Newell said that the uniforms were satisfactory, but it was not satis- factory to have blood money on them. Capt. Mytton said they were all against the sweated labour, but he did not think the com- mittee could go into the question when the contracts were before them. It had been tried in some instances by certain bodies, but a great deal of money had been wasted owing to it. The matter then dropped. Mr C. W. Humphreys moved that in the interests of the Police force it is desirable to be compulsorily retired on attaining 65 years of age. The practice, he said, of officers continu- ing on the force long after they were pensionable was discouraging to those lower in the force, and in their own force he knew had caused great dissatisfaction. Mr Newell seconded. The Chairman said that until 1906, officers compulsorily retired at 65, but by the Superannua- tion Act of 1906 it was in discretion for the committee to retain him for not longer than five years. He thought that carrying out this system was better than accepting Mr Humphreys' motion. By the casting vote of the Chairman, the motion was defeated.

Death of Sir R. D. Green- Pryse, Bart. The death occurred early on Wednesday morning of Sir Richard Dansey Green-Pryse, Bart., at his residence at Stapeley House, Knighton, at the age of 71 years. The deceased was well known throughout Wales as a judge of Welsh cobs and an advocate of restoring the pure breed and of excluding hackney strain. He was a good judge of polo ponies and advised Welsh breeders to produce them for the market. Sir Richard was the eldest son of Sir Richard Green-Pryse, M.P., for the Radnor Boroughs, was educated at Harrow, and was a justice of the peace for Radnor and Herefordshire. He succeeded to the baronetcy on the death of his father in 1887, and will be succeeded by Mr Robert Henry Green-Pryse who was born in 1872. He married in 1863 Clara, daughter of the Rev T. Powell, Dorestone Rectory, Herefordshire. He was a staunch Conservative and Churchman, and a keen sportsman.

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LLANIDLOES COUNTY SESSIONS. The adjourned case of using a trap without a license preferred against Thos. Swancott, farmer, Old Vicarage, Trefeglwys, by P.C. Parry was proceeded with on Thursday, at the Llanidloes County Sessions, before Messrs Edward Davies (chairman), and Wm. Ashton and Col. Davies Jenkins. D.C.C. Williams said that defendant was in the trap on the 19th of April with Mr and Mrs Jones, Belle Vue, on the 17th with Mr Edward Mills, and on the 10th with Mr and Mrs Jones again. He (the Deputy), aid that the trap could only be used for the sole purpose of taking goods to market, or from market. But on these dates defendant did not. Col. Davies Jenkins: Have you had any case of this kind in this county ? The Deputy: No; the power was not given to the police until the 1st of January. There was one case of this kind at Castle Caereinion, when the magistrates convicted. We don't pr-ss for a heavy conviction, but for a conviction. Defendant did not carry anything to market in fact, there was no market, because it was Monday. He (defendant) took Mr Jones to Llanidloes to the train, and then took Mrs Jones back with him. The Bench imposed a fine of Is., including costs. Deputy: If this man uses this trap again he is liable. Colonel Davies Jenkins: Oh, yes. For the non-attendance of his ward at school Edward Davies, farmer, Faidre Fach farm Trefeglwys, was fined 5s including costs. Mr Rd Jones, the attendance officer, said that the child's name was Herbert Williams, and Mr Davies was the guardian. His age was twelve years and six months, and was in standard five. The attendance made for the present month was 18 out of 30. In April he made 28 attendances I out of 36. From the 1st of June to May 24th he made 306 out of 412. Witness said that defendant was making a practice of keeping the boy from school once a week. Col. Davies-Jenkins: How far does he live from the school ? Attendance Officer About It to 1J miles. Col. Davies-Jenkins What is the average attendance for the month of April ? Attendance Officer 93, sir. The Chairman What for the whole year ? Attendance Officer: This boy made 74 at the age of twelve years and six months. Col. Davies-Jenkins: Is this the worst case in the school ? Attendance Officer: Yes. The child has not made a week's attendance throughout the year. The by admitted to him many times that he had been working at home. I

Baptist Choral Festival. The Montgomeryshire festival was held in the Baptist Chapel, Newtown, on Thursday last. The rain, that had been so long desired, came in sharp showers during the morning, occasioning some anxiety in Baptist circles, but in the after- noon the sun shone forth, lighting up, unfortun- ately, many empty seats in the large chapel. Indeed, until the arrival of the Llanidloes train, it looked as though the festival was to be a failure. But this brought in a good contingent of singers from the surrounding churches, headed by the President of the day (Rev J. Lloyd Thomas, ef Newbridge and Cwmbelan), who very wisely reserved his President's address for a future occasion. The speaker for the afternoon was the Rev J. D. Hamer, of Kerry, who took for his subject "Praise." Mr Hamer is a musician himself, and received his training and certificates from the conductor of the festival, Mr Hadley Watkins, F.T.S.S., now of Bournemouth, formerly of Brecon. Mr Watkins has acted as conductor for this festival before, but not recently, and no one seemed to-remember much about his previous visit. He has the reputation of being a fine composer and an excellent conductor, and nothing but praise was heard for his work this day. As one of the singers, himself a composer and adjudicator, remarked, It was worth coming to the festival if only to sing the anthem,' When I survey the wondrous Cross,' under the baton of the composer of the anthem." Another remarked that the hymn tune,' Andalusia' was the gem of the day. The other tunes sung were Austria,* 'Afterward,' Harwarden' (by Alfred Thomas, Esq., M.P.), St. Bride,' 'Manchester,' c Glebe Field,' Batty,' Anglesey,' Farrant,' and 'Tywelyn,' also the anthem, 'Blow ye the trumpet' Choirs were present from Beulah, Bwlchysarnau, Caersws, Cwmbelan, Kerry, Llan- idloes, Mochdre, Montgomery, Nantgwyn, New- chapel, Newtown, New Wells, Rhydfelen, and Staylittle. Between the meetings tea was served in the Schoolroom, the following ladies presiding at the flower-decked tables:-Mis Andrew, Mrs George Astley, Mrs Bevan, Mrs Butt, Misses Lilian Williams, Gertie Davies, Mrs Edwards, Mrs Hamer, Misses Lewis, Mrs T. E. Williams, and Mrs Watkin. There was a larger congregation at the evening meeting, and also a larger number of singers. Rev T. E. Williams read the Psalm, and Rev H. Rollason, Montgomery, offered prayer. The speaker for the evening was Mr Edward Wilson, Moat Lane, who offered various suggestions for the improvement of congregational singing. Rev T. E. Williams gave, as usual, an exceedingly interesting little speech concerning the hymns sung during the day and their writers, the effect of which was sadly marred by people leaving for the trains. Mrs George Astley was the organist, to whom (with the oonductor, chairman, and speakers), a cordial vote of thanks was accorded. The conductors of the different choirs were requested to make a selection of tunes for presentation to the Festival Committee, which would meet next month. The duties of secretary were discharged by Mr David Davies, and of treasurer by Mr W. Williams, both of Llanidloes. It was generally agreed that the festivals had been very enjoyable.

MACHYNLLETH. URBAN COUNCIL.—Mr John Pugh presided at a special meeting of Urban District Council on Tues- day evening when the annual estimates were con- sidered. It was agreed to levy a general district rate of 3s. 8d. in the pound, an increase of ten- pence. The rate will be signed at a special meet- ing next week. SPECIAL SESSIONS.—Before Mr R. Gillart and Mr T. R. Morgan on Tuesday, David Davies, a labourer, was charged by P.C. Williams for being drunk and disorderly in Penrallt-street. Mrs Ellis. wife of Mr D. Ellis, gave evidence on behalf of the police. The defendant was sentenced to twenty-one days imprisonment with hard labour without the option of a fine. MISSIONARY.—After having been eighteen years in China the Rev. William Owen, of Barry, has returned, and is now in charge of the Griffith John Missionary Van. During the week Mr Owen visited Machynlleth and the surrounding districts. At Graig Chapel on Sunday he preached an in- teresting sermon, and on Monday evening he ad- dressed a meeting at the Independent Chapel, Llanwrin. The reverend gentleman addressed another meeting at Graig Chapel on Tuesday evening. His object is to enlist the sympathy and support of the different chapels and make collections on behalf of the London Missionary Society. The meetings are largely attended, and much interest is taken in the accounts given by Mr Owen of his experienoe in the awakening and advancement of China. He also exhibits a col- lection of Chinese curios which he has brought with him. ° EXPIRE DAY.-The children of the National Schools were granted a whole holiday and after the prize distribution, the children of the Council School were at liberty to roam where they liked. This latter school having been affiliated to the "League of the Empire," the pupils were at liberty to compete for .the prizes given by Mr David Davies, M.P. one being a prize for the best essay on Picton and the other for the best map of the Mediterranean. As announced in our last issue the prize for the essay was won by Emrys Evans and that for the map by Roderick Roberts. The prizes were presented to the successful can- didates by Mrs Davies, Royal House, and among the managers present were the Rev D. H. Hughes. Messrs Wm. Jones. T. R. Morgan, Rhys Lewis, and Edward Breeze. Mr Riehard Rees, C.C., was also present and delivered a brief address. The children sang very sweetly several patriotic songs, among them being The Maple Leaf,' Australia, and 'God Save the King.' The announcement that no home lessons would be given caused con- siderable cheering.

MONTGOMERY. HEARD AT A BOROUGH COUNCIL.—Mr Maurice Owen If you keep friendly with people, you can keep them to an agreement!—Mr C. P. Davies: Are you speaking from experience ? (laughter).- Mr Henry Jones I am begining to find it out. PERSONAL.—From the Bath Club, 24 Dover- street, London, W., the Mayor (Alderman Fairies Humphreys) wrote to the Borough Council last Thursday, that he was not very well, and so would not be able to return to the meeting, which he regretted. Councillor Henry Jones (ex-mayor) was then put in the chair.

TREFEGLWYS. IMPORTANT NOTICE.-A H. Bennett, Draper, Caersws, attends ro.,m adjoining Red Lion Hotel, Irefeglwys EVERY WEDNESDAY, from 12 till 6, with a good assortment of General Drapery Goods, at lowest town prices for cash.

The Horse Held Him Up. WAGGONER'S MAY-DAT EXPERIENCES. A May-day scene in Churcbstoke village was described at the Montgomery County Sessions last Thursday, but the principal character-James Jones, a labourer, living at White House, Snead, Churchstoke-was absent. The constable said he saw the defendant in the village at 7 p.m. in charge of three horses and a waggon load. There was no one with him; he was hanging on to the shaft horse, which held him up as he was going along the road. "I went to him and I found that he was drunk. I took the horses from him. and got a man to take them home. Previous to this the horses had run away from him, and he bad got faqt between the bedge and the wheel, and but for a man on the spot he would have been killed Mr Stafford Price Davies (Marrington Hall): Is this man the owner P P.C. Lewis: He is a sooner. Mr Timothy Morgan Owen Labourer. Mr Price Davies 5s. and costs (6s. 6d.) ^—m

Two Fortunes. By his will, just proved, Sir Donald Currie left estate of the net value of £ 2,305,832. The bulk of this vast fortune, which includes a collection of Turners, is left to the great ship owner's wife and daughters. Mr Frederick Gorringe, head of the well-known firm of drapers in Buckingham Palace road, bequeathed, apart from several public bequests, the ultimate residue of his property to the W estmim ter and St. George's Hospitals and six other institutions, which appear likely to benefit to the extent of about X50,000 each. The net value of the estate is sworn at £ 614,999.

The Earl of Pov-is has joined the Countess of Powis at Bournemouth. Mr Lloyd George, chancellor of the exchequer, had an audience of his Majesty at Buckingham Palace last week. Ex-Sultan Abdul Hamid has authorised a German bank to hand over to the Young Turks his private moneys deposited there. About the middle of this month a group of members of the Russian Duma will start on a visit to this country, which is to last a fortnight. It is hoped in St. Petersburg that this interesting event may lead to a series of hospitable exchanges. Both General Botha, addressing the Hot Volk Congress, and Mr Abe Bailey, speaking at Johan- nesburg, referred with great hopefulness to the return of prosperity to South Africa, and the Transvaal Premier warmly acknowledged the existing inter-racial and inter-colonial co-opera- tion. Discoveries of great interest have resulted from the expedition lately concluded by the Southern Nigerian Government, which opens up some 5000 square miles of hitherto unexplored country. The operations, exacting as they were, proved entirely successful, and involved no serious fighting with the tribes. Speeches delivered at separate gatherings by the Prime Minister and the Governor of New Zealand alike gave utterance to the need of naval supremacy. The British Empire, declared Sir Joseph Ward, should be so powerful that no question should exist of any other Power obtaining the supremacy of the sea. Mr Winston Churchill unfolded a great scheme of compulsory contributory insurance, the prin- ciple of which, he admitted, was a new departure in the industrial life of this country and might be "a little unpopular at first." The ultimate proposal was to establish throughout the land a mighty system of national insurance. It was impressed upon the American people at the Reciprocity Conference" recently held in the City of Buffalo, that Canada, by reason of the long-continued hostile tariff policy of the United States, has been forced to take measures for her commercial self-defence, and has succeeded so well in developing her trade in other directions and in building up her industries, that she is now independent of her powerful neighbour. Mr Foster, a well-known follower of the Pytchley Hounds, and a recognised authority on horses, was accidentally drowned in the River Nene, at Irthlingborough. Northamptonshire. His farm runs close to the water's edge, and the tow- patb-gate being locked, he tried to get into the next field by walking round the end of the fence, when he fell into the river. He was rescued, but expired eariy in the afternoon. Mr Foster was 73 years of age. The first ten volumes of Macmillan's Seven- penny Series" are remarkable for their wide range of interest and for their high literary merit. The series comprises some of the best books of some of the most popular modern writers, and as great pains have been bestowed upon their outward form, the reception that awaits these very attractive little books can hardly be a matter of doubt. Each volume has a frontispiece, and a neat blue cloth cover, with lettering in gold. John Lyons, the auctioneer who was the unwilling hero of an adventure at Kentish Town, where his stall was rushed by an angry mob, again appeared at Marylebone, charged with obtaining certain sums by, false or fraudulent means. Expert evi- dence was given to the effect that watches alleged to have been offered as 14-carat gold, were worth 3s each retail. Mr Plow- den committed the accused to trial, on bail, remarking that it would be for a jury to say whether he had over-stepped the mark. MAWDDWY SCHEME SAFBR.-At the last meet- ings of the Dolgelley Rural Council a letter was read from the private secretary of Mr David Davies, M.P., thanking the Council for complying with his wish in reference to the Dinas Mawddwy Railway. He stated that all the local anthorities had complied with Mr Davies's wishes. We hope the scheme will go through. SHINING LIGHT.-At a meeting of the Central Welsh Board on Friday, Mr J. Austen Jenkins brought forward a motion directing attention to the necessity of sending out memorandum to certain schools urging them to undertake the teaching of agriculture in accordance with the syllabuses already prepared by the board, remark- ing that at present this department did not receive its due share of attention. The only two schools in which it was taught were Newtown and Welsh- pool. Eventually the motion was accepted, and the executive were given power to issue such a memorandum.

ACCIDENTS OF ALL KINDS, Sickness, Employers' Liability, Burglary & Fidelity Guarantee Risks Insured Ag&ins by the RAILWAY PASSENGERS ASSURANCE CO., CAPITAL (fully subscribed), £ 1,000,000. Claims Paid— £ 5,600,000. 64, CORNHILL, LONDON. A. VIAN, Secretary AQINTS AT Aberystwyth—Mr E. J. DAVIES, 23, North Parade. Newtowa-Mr J. EDWARDS, Cambrian Bail. Welshpool—Mr T. PRYCE, Cambrian BOUVOP