The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

THE TEST OF A TORY ASSERTION. TaB Newtown Conservative Association met on Monday night, and unanimously agreed to declare that the proposals con- tained in the Budget are "unconstitutional and revolutionary." Such, of course, they are from the traditionally Tory point of view. But are they as, a matter of fact ? This Tory protest concerns itself chiefly with the new land value tax, which un- deniably has been a commonplace of our politics for years. Is it not a fact that in the last Tory Parliament two bills were presented embodying the principle of tax- ing land values on a much greater scale than is now proposed, and that they passed their second reading by substantial majori- ties ? A large number of Tories voted in their favour, and the Tory Government did not oppose them.. Is it not also a fact that prior to the last general election Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman decisively stated that his party intended to deal with the question ? At the Albert Hall, where he outlined the Liberal programme, he explicitly an- nounced a reform of the land system and the rating system, and he included the imposition of a tax on ground values. Did not Mr Asquith also make a similar pronouncement ? Was not this subject a central plank in every important Liberal platform at that election? The individual who perorates about the "vindictiveness" of springing this unconstitutional and revolutionary" proposal upon the country has, putting it mildly, none too great a respect for facts. As to the justice of the proposal, we must ask our Tory frends to carefully peruse the following extract from a cer- tain report, in view of a few pertinent questions which we shall address to them:- At present land valuable for building in the neighbourhood of our populous centres, though its capital value is very great, is probably producing a small yearly return until it is let for build- ing. The own. of this land are rated not in relation to the real value, but to the actual annual income. They can thus afford to keep their land out of the market, and to part with only small quantities, so as to raise the price be- yond the natural monopoly price which the land would command by its advan- tages of position. Meantime the gen- eral expenditure of the town on im- provements is increasing the value of their property. If this land were rated at, say, 4 per cent. on its telling value, the owners would have a more direct incentive to part with it to those who are desirous of building, and a two-fold advantage would result to the commu- nity. First, all the valuable property would contribute to the rates, and thus the burden on the occupiers would be diminished by the increase in the rate- able property. Secondly, the owners of the building land would be forced to offer their land for sale, and thus their competition with one another would bring down the price of building land, and so diminish the tax in the shape of ground rent or price paid for land which is now levied on urban enterprise by the adjacent landowners-a tax, be it remembered, which is no recompense for any industry on their part, but is the natural result of the industry and activity of the townspeople themselves. Now we daresay our Tory friends will re- gard that quotation as the vapourings of some blithering Socialist or hair-brained revolutionary. It may just astonish them to learn that it is culled from the report of that seriously constituted and responsible Royal Commission, which more than twenty years ago inquired into the problem of the housing of the working classes. It may still more astonish and amalr them to know that one of the signatures to the report is that of the then Prince of Wales, now King Edward. Will they care to brand His Majesty as an H unconstitutionalist," a revolutionary," a H robber of hen roosts," or a rapacious confiscator?" Is he to be ranked among those whom Mr Cuthbert Smith ludicrously pictures as wielding the weapons of the assassin to stab in the back? And yet the tax on undeveloped land which Mr Lloyd George proposes is but a fraction of the charge which King Edward and his co- commissioners recognised as a just imposi- tion upon unearned increment. The Chan- cellor of the Exchequer levies a halfpenny in the £ this Royal Commission, with the approval of his Majesty, would exact twenty times more. So much for the unconstitu- tional" methods of revolutionary" Liberalism. What this Budget proposes as a matter qf justice is that monopolists shall pay back to the state a fairer share of the money they acquire from such monopoly. The State license to sell drink creates a monopoly and a special property value, and the im- position of a higher license duty is the State's just claim.. From the monopoly in land, too, the State demands a fairer pro- portion of the wealth which the community alone creates, and the proposed tax has for its dual object the using of the land to bet- ter purposes. Here are a few striking illustrations of the kind of unearned increment it is pro- posed to tax. In 1903-4 the Admiralty ac- quired Rosyth for the purposes of a naval base, consisting of 1,200 acres of land and 300 acres of foreshore. These properties were valued for rating on the basis of the aggre- gate rental of £1,700 a year, but the Admi- ralty had to pay jCI39,000 for them, or more than 80 years purchase. The War Office in 1901 purchased 52 acres of agricultural land and foreshore near Kilcreggan as the site of a fort for the defence of the Clyde. The value attributed to it for rating purposes was £ 60 a year, yet the War Office was obliged to pay tl4,500, or more than 240 years purchase of the rateable value. Three years ago the Northumberland County Council acquired three-quavers of an acre of agricultural land near Westerhope as the site of a school. The annual value set down for rating was about 27s., but the County Council had to pay £ 698, or about 500 years purchase of that rateable value. Last year the Cathcart School Board purchased less than an acre and a half as ground for the erection of a new school at Cathcart Bridge. For rating purposes the annual value attri- buted was £3 10s., but the school board was obliged to pay £ 6,270 17s., or more than 920 years purchase. Again, last year the Admi- ralty obtained a site near Greenock, consist- ing of about ten acres with foreshore, for a depot in connection with a new torpedo range. Of this ground the annual rating value was £ 11 2s., but E27,225 was the price paid, equivalent to fully 2,400 years pur- chase. Who, in face of these facts, can conscientiously say that the Budget pro- posals are unreasonable? Mr Cuthbert Smith denounces the taxation of this unearned increment as unfair, and vindictive." Do the working men who listened to him conscientiously agree ? If they do, let them resolve to help return the party who will raise the national revenue from taxation of food and all other necesaries of life, and sweep aside a Government which prefers to tax accumu- lated wealth created by commnual industry, and along with it the great causes of social progress. However, before they elect to do that we imagine they will soberly count the consequences.

EVENING SCHOOLS ABANDONED. We regret exceedingly the decision of the Higher Education Committee to abandon the elementary evening schools held at Newtown, Caersws, and Llanfair. True, the number of pupils in attendance last session was considerably less than that of the previous year, and the cost of mainten- ance consequently was increased but rather than close the schools, the Commit- tee might have taken a little pains to de- vise a scheme of reorganisation, It is thought that the new director of agriculture will overtake much of the educational work done at these schools. We should like to know how much and what part of it he can accomplish single-handed. At any rate, this arrangement would be a poor sub- stitute for the evening schools, which offer just the facilities required by the imper- fectly educated young people. That th schools have not been generally taken ad- vantage of by those for whom they were specially intended is, unhappily, the case, and it is an unpleasant commentary upon our much lauded interest in educational advancement. The fact that Caersws school has been snuffed out by the more popular singing classes lends some warranty to the oft-repeated assertion that the Welsh repu- tation for musical superiority is begotten very largely of sacrifices such as no other nation would make. Be that as it may, it it a great pity to find both in town and country a prevailing parental indifference towards the invaluable advantages which these continuation schools offer, particu- larly to lads whose education terminated with their attainment of the exemption age. We hope to see soon the school age ex- tended, or, at least, attendance at evening classes made compulsory for those pupils who fail to pass a prescribed standard in the day school.

A CONTRAST. While the Higher Education Committee decline to bear a deficiency of £ 102 on the working of three evening schools attended by nearly a hundred and fifty young people, they cheerfully disburse something like £ 80 among a dozen persons as scholarships in cookery, agriculture, and dairying. We certainly have no objection to the award of such scholarships, but these two decis- ions stand out in rather marked contrast. The expenditure of £80 upon a small group, and the refusal to devote but £20 more for the needful education of 146 pupils, will not meet with general approval. Moreover, the evening schools are not ex- pected to be self-supporting. Again, if, as is contended, much of the instruction given at these schools can be overtaken by the director of agriculture, it strikes us that agriculture and dairying are just as much in his line. On the other hand, few people will regret the abolition of the university extension lectures, which represented a sheer waste of money. The agricultural discourses were ill-attended because farmers generally cannot, or, rather, will not be taught the scientific side of their industry. It is a pity, however, that the horticul- tural series have been stopped. The large and enthusiastic audiences which Mr Pick- ard gathered round him in every centre surely justified their continuance. Few meetings of the Higher Education Com- mittee have displeased us more than that of Monday last.

GOLF IN MONTGOMERYSHIRE. The presence of the British and French golf champion at Machynlleth, and the opening of new links at Llanfyllin, are con- temporary events that denote the enduring hold which golf has taken on all classes I in Montgomeryshire. Every borough in the county can now boast of its golf course, and the combined memberships number approximately 500 players. Ere long this number is likely to be doubled, for history tells that golf knows no decline. Indul- gence in most other pastimes, such as cricket, football, and hockey, is necessarily restricted, because, among other reasons, these games cannot be enjoyed without combination of players, whereas in golf a single individual may find unending pleas- ure and healthy excitement in a solitary, yet stern encounter with Colonel Bogey." In our opinion, there is no pastime that rivals golf in its all-round pleasures and benefits, unlimited as they are by any seasonal changes.

EXEMPLARY LANDLORDS. The memorable visit of J. H. Taylor to Machynlleth on Tuesday should popu- larise these fine links, which a few years hence must rank among the best inland courses in Wales, if only the townspeople fully appreciate its commercial value from the standpoint of public attraction. What I a pity that in addition to a splendid golf course, and natural scenery of such mag- nificent blending, Machynlleth cannot en- tice annually an army of anglers by access to a river now open only to the rich. The Dovey Fishing Club does its best, but so long as landlords require hundreds of pounds for the right of throwing a fly upon the water, Machynlleth cannot appeal to the humble angler. In marked contrast, one of the finest reaches of the river is given gratuitously to the club by Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest, whose whole- hearted devotion to the general well-being of the town cannot be too highly extolled. His Lordship's generosity towards the Golf Club is the latest of his benefactions, and we feel sure it will not be the least pro- ductive of communal benefits. Llanfyllin, too, is immensely indebted to Mr John Lomax for the excellent course which he has laid out in Bodfach Park. Would that more of our county landowners evinced such practical interest in the social welfare of the people who dwell within and around their domains.

A LESSON TO TORY LIEUTENANTS. Political prejudice has always been most flagrantly manifest in the nomination of magistrates by Tory Lords Lieutenant, the latest proof of which comes from Flint- shire. The people of that county, especially the Liberals, were agreeably surprised the other day to read that of the fifteen new justices appointed by the Lord Chancellor, about half are and Nonconformists, and, naturally enough, the Tory Lord Lieutenant was universally complimented upon his striking impartiality of nomina- tion. But Mr Hughes has since disclaimed the credit. He publicly announces that with the exception of Sir Charles McLaren, M.P., the new Liberal justices are not of his preferment, but that of the Lord Chan- cellor, and he is evidently piqued by this slight from high quarters. Hitherto se- verely criticised for his countenance of glaring partisanship in the distribution of magisterial honours, Lord Loreburn has at last resolved to read the county lieutenants a salutary lesson, and, surely, not before time.

SOME LIBERAL "HASH." A hash and nothing but a hash is Colonel Pryce-Jones's description of Lib- eral legislation, in proof of which he cites certain anomalies in the Old Age Pensions Act. If the Act is a hash," why did not his party in Parliament have the courage: to vote against it ? The Act certainly has its amomalies, which will be remedied, and its shortcomings, which will be made good. What the Government promised to do was to make a beginning with old age pensions, and this, the first step, has brought com- fort and happiness to more than half a million poor old people. We take it that the Colonel's view is that the Government had no right to proceed with a scheme which fell short .of providing for those who require parochial relief. A half loaf, we have always thought, is preferable to no bread at all. Were we," said Mr Asquith, to sit still with dumb lips and with folded arms and bewildered brains and palsied nerves, while that great procession of the poor and necessitous and unbe- friended lingered out the last days of life, the strenuous years of which have been given to the service of industry and of the State ? No, we took the first step towards the accomplishment of thig great and beneficent work."

INTERESTING POINTS. At the same meeting Mr Cuthbert-Smith told us that Old Age Pensions is a Conserva- tive measure, but that the Conservative party were anxious to know how to pay for it. As far back as 1895 Mr Chamberain told the country that he had a scheme of old age pensions so simple that anybody could understand it." Its simplicity van- ished after the general election of that year. According to Colonel Pryce-Jones, the Small Holdings Bill is another Liberal hash." Is that why Lord Camperdown- one of the staunchest Tories in the Upper House-proposed last week a Small Hold- ings Bill for Scotland framed on almost identical lines ? Liberal legislation will bear a deal of criticism directed towards the belittlement of its provision for the aged workers and its multiplication of small holders, which has found such mag- nificent justification in thousands of appli- cants for an abiding on the land.

THE LORDS AND THE BUDGET. We have numerous verbal inquiries from readers as to whether the House of Lords can constitutionally reject the Budget. After the notorious conspiracy at Lans- downe House, which settled the fate of the Licensing Bill, the Peers may be considered capable of any conceivable action calcu- lated to thwart the legislation of a demo- cratic Government, and particularly that part of it which aims at a more equitable system of taxation by making the unearned increment in land contribute its fair quota to the financial needs of the State, and also of the community from whose growth and industrial development it is derived. If, however, Lord Herschell's dictum is right, the Lords cannot constitutionally reject or alter the Finance Bill. Here are his words: The question came up on the action of two Houses forming the legislature of one of our Australian Colonies. The Committee of the Privy Council was asked whether it was within the consti- tutional right of the Upper of the two Chambers to amend a Money Bill, and the answer was that as the two Houses appeared to have been established on the same basis as regards their mutual relations as the House of Lords and the House of Commons', it would be uncon- stitutional in the Upper Chamber to amend a Money Bill. Anybody can well imagine what would hap- pen in future were the Lords permitted to squash this Budget. While Tory Govern- ments might manipulate taxation in what- ever way they pleased, Liberal administra- tion would be reduced to absolute impo- tence. Such a situation is unthinkable. Let the Lords throw out this Budget, and a democratic country will soon get into grim grips with an oligarchal constitution.

A LANDLORD'S POSER." A Small Landlord" submits for our consideration the following poser," as he calls it:—"If you are to tax land whose value has been acquired from the industry -¡ around it, why not tax the wealthy trades- man whose riches have been derived from the same source ? Also, wh/ not regard stocks and shares as unearned increment ? We welcome the poser." Our correspond- ent ought to recognise that the tradesman has to work for his income, and that against competition, whereas the landlord does nothing of the kind, and is exposed to no competition, because no increase of land is possible. With regard to unearned in- crement in stocks and shares, we could offer no better answer than what was said by Mr Winston Churchill the other day. The unearned increment derived from land," he observed, arises from a wholly sterile operation, from the mere holding of a commodity which is needed by the community. The investor in a block of shares does not withhold from the com- munity what the community needs. The one operation is in restraint of trade and in conflict with the general interest the other is part of a natural and healthy pro- cess by which the economic plant of the world is nourished, and from year to year successfully and notably increased." Be- sides, stocks and shares represented by capital are subject to strong competition. It is quite different with land. The supply of land does not increase with the demand. The greater part of the investors' profits are due to energy and enterprise—that en- terprise which is so often hampered in the J -J J'I aesire to exienu worKs Dy tne iaDuious price demanded for land-while the incre- ment that accrues to the landord is due to causes to which he contributes nothing. If our correspondent is still dissatisfied, we shall be glad to hear again from him.

CAERSWS GUARDIANS. The Caersws Guardians received from the Montgomery County Council last Wed- nesday a formal acknowledgment of the Board's protest against "extravagant" expenditure. The Clerk (Mr Cecil Taylor): It doesn't say it was received with laughter." Mr Samuel Powell: Perhaps if the gen- tleman who laughed had been a heavy ratepayer, he would not have laughed when the collector came to the door. A further letter was received from the County Council asking for an instalment of the current county rate. The Clerk said he had not sufficient money in hand to pay the instalment due. That arose, to a large extent, from the de- lay of the County Council in their rate. That delayed the Board from the middle of March until the middle of April in issu- ing their precepts, and consequently the overseers lost a full month in making out the rate and collecting books. The result was that the overseers of the various par- ishes were in arrears to the extent of over £ 2,000. It took a long time to make up a month's arrears in collecting.

A June Hare, WHICH COST TWO LABOURERS 30s. Two labourers, living at the Cock Cot- tages, Forden, were charged at the Welsh- pool County Sessions last Monday with trespassing in pursuit of game on the Gunley estate. The landowner—Mr E. S. Mostyn Pryce-sat at the solicitor's table, with Mr C. P. Yearsley, who conducted the prose- cution. Mr J. F- Best-from Mr Martin Woosnam's officp,def ended Thomas Jones and David Evans. P.C. David Davies, Berriew, said that on Sunday afternoon, June 13th, when cycling between the Hem and Rhydygroes, he saw three men with a lurcher dog, which was chasing a hare in a field on Rhydygroes farm. He went to P.C. Lewis, of Church- stoke, who was not far away, and together they watched the men for a few minutes, and saw the dog pick up the hare. Jones went to the spot, stretched the hare out, and put it in an inside pocket. The men then went up the middle of the field, and started the dog again. P.C. Lewis and he shouted to them to come to the hedge, but instead of doing 81), Jones and Evans went into the next field. They followed them, and asked them what they were doing, and Jones replied nothing." P.C. Lewis asked him what he had in his pockets, and he replied, "A young hare," which he produced. P.C. Lewis having corroborated, George Watson-Mr Mostyn Price's gamekeeper, who figured on the charge sheet as prose- cutor-said that the field in question was a very good one for hares. For the defence, Jones said that, as usual, Evans and he were going for A SUNDAY AFTERNOON WALK, when they met Pryce Williams irm Rhydy- gres, who was going for the cattle from a field. While there a hare rose up from among the cattle, and his dog chased it. He called off the dog, but it would not obey him, and it killed the hare. They went into the next field to get out of the way of the cattle, which Williams said they were frightening. They did not go into either field with the intention of looking for a hare, but merely as company for Williams. They did not set the dog on a second time. Evans and Williams corroborated. Cross-examined by Mr Yearsley, Williams said Jones put the hare in a pocket in the inside of the bottom of his coat. He had only seen keepers with such pockets, and was surprised to see that Jones had one. He did not ask Jones and Evans to go into the field with him they followed him in. The magistrates on the Bench were Col. Twyford (presiding), Dr R. D. Thomas, Mr David Jones, and Mr Charles Shuker. The Colonel said: An extra penalty would be imposed because the offence was conunitted iq the close season. Jones would be fined £1, including costs, and Evans, who the Bench thought had been led into the matter by the influence of his companion, and was not the owner of the dog, would be let off witnout a fcne, and ordered to pay the costs, amounting to 10s. A further charge of sporting on an un- lawful day, Sunday, and during the close season, was preferred by P.C. Davies against the defendants and Pryce Williams, labourer, Rhydygroes. Colonel Twyford, however, intimated that the Bench thought these cases should not be proceeded with, and the charge was accordingly dropped.

Montgomeryshire Hunters' Society At a meeting of the Council of the Montgom- eryshire Hunters' Improvement and Brood M&re Society, held on Tuesday, a report which had been drafted by the speretary (Mr Ernest C. Morgan) at the request of the president (Mr David Davies, M.P.) on the subject of the provision of Army re- mounts was presented and ordered to be circulat- ed amongst the members of the Council. The meeting unanimously adopted the following re- solution That the Council of the Montgomery- shire Hunters' Improvement and Brood .Mare Society respectfully urges the Brood Mare Com- mittee of the Hunters' Improvement Society to do do all in their power to bring about a national scheme for breeding horses for the Army." A communication was received from the presi- dent informing the Council that he intended to present a half-bred mare to the society for loan to the members to be used as a brood mare. Nine mares which be bad purchased in Canada had been presented by Mr Davies earlier in the season and it was resolved that the unsuccessful mem- bers in the ballot for such mares should be allow- ed t-o ballot on this occasion with the result that the mare fell to the lot of Mr R. Beamond, Sarn. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr David Davies for his generous gift. I

BERRIEW. DAVID JONES and SON, High-street, Welshpool, are noted for pure Indian and Ceylon Teas and delicious Home Cured Hams and Bacons.-[Advt.

MONTGOMERY. MARATHON H.ACE.- V alnable prizes are offered by the local Oddfellows for a Marathon race from Welshpool to the county town OR Bank Holiday next. The Mayors of Welshpool and Montgomery have kindly consented to act as starter and judge respectively.

THE BATTERY OF A BUTCHER, A May Fair Incident in Newtown and a Police Court Sequel. Last May fair, Frank Birch, a Newtown butcher, and David Evans, a Ltanwyddelan farmer, met in Greyhound yard. What took place at the meet- ing was fully described in Newtown Police Court on Friday before Messrs R. Lloyd (presiding), E. Elwell, W. H. Burton-Swift, and W. P. Phillips, when Franck Birch charged David Evans with assault and battery alleged to have been com- mitted on May 25th. Evans entered a cross- summons for a similar offence. Mr Richard George, who appeared for com- plainant said that on May fair day, Mr Birch having done some business at the auction went to the Greyhound Ins. As leaving the urinal he met Evans going in. Birch did not know who it was until Evans accused him of pushing him, at the same time catching him by the shoulder and striking bim. Afterwards without any warning Evans rushed at Birch and kicked him, got him down, and in the struggle Birch's leg wan broken. Evans had hold of Birch's throat, but fortunately one of the witnesses pulled him off. He did not think Evans had any cause whatever to complain of the conduct of Birch. Birch had buffered acutely as a result of the Ecuffi-3. Frank Birch, in evidence, said he was in busi- ness with his mother in Newtown. On May fair day he was in the auction buying fat cattle and eventually went to the Greyhound with Mr Edwards, of Brynderwen. That would be about 12-30. He was quite sober at the time. Mr Edwards paid for a beer each. Afterwards wit- ness went into the back and was coming out of the urinal when someone met him. This person said, "WHO ARE YOU PUSHING?" He found out then that it was Evans.. And he replied, I am not pushing, if anyone is pushing it is you," to which Evans replied by calling him a "cheeky little b- Evans struck him on the back of the head and pushed him several yards from him. Complainant then asked What did you do that for ? He replied, If you come here I will give you more." Complainant replied, You want a bit more of Ashton's beef before you can do it fair." Evans then rushed at him and kicked him on the hip. He kicked at him three or four times, and he avoided him as best he could. Complainant then caught hold of him as best he could or he would have been kicked against the wall. Evans threw him then and got on top of him and seized him by the throat; then he got up his right arm and was in the act of striking him on the face when someone got hold of him and palled him off. Complainant found then that his leg was broken and he had to be assisted to his feet. He had never assaulted Evans at all. Evans was quite sober at the time. His- finger were discoloured and stiff, and he was in bed for one month and he was still in the doctor's hands. By the Bench: He found his ankle broken at the time when he was trying to get up. He could only swear to one person being present when the thing started, but a lot came round afterwards. He had only once spoken to defendant in Welsh- pool. Cross-examined by Mr Woosnam: He had spoken to defendant once at Welshpool in the Smithfield refreshment room. Mr George objected to the admissibility in evidence of what happened 12 months previously, and this the Chairman supported. In further oross-examination, Birch said that he had not since the Welshpool affair spoken to Evans. Until Evans came to the entrance to the urinal it was impossible for Evans to see him. Evans had caught him by the back of the shoulder and struck him on the back of the head. He had never even said a word to provoke Evans. As passing him he did not say to Evans, Gat out of my way, you b-- thief." There was no bad blood on his part against Evans. After Evans had knocked witness five yards out of the urinal he (Evans) stood in the entrance to the urinal and afterwards rushed out at him and kicked him on the hip. Complainant then rushed at him and caught hold of him around the hips. He never put up his fists. He did occasionally though, and added complainant," You did a bit of it, too, when you were a young 'un It (laughter). Mr Woosnam: I admit I was a bit of a bruiser. Complainant added that if Evans had behaved like a man he would have GIVEN HIM A "TICKLING," but he could not do so under the circumstances as Evans waa kicking so much. Watkin was the only person present when they got into grip. Re-examined: It was possible that Evans had seen him going into the urinal. Richard Thomas, landlord of the Greyhound Inn, said that on May fair, about one o'clook, he went into his yard, when he saw Birch holding Evans with his arms round his legs, and trying to lift him up. In the struggle they both fell over. Evans fell on top of Birch, and he pulled him off. Birch complained that his leg was broken. Evans was shaping to hit Birch, his right hand was uplifted. They were both perfectly sober. Cross-examined: Before going into the yard Evans said he was coming for dinner, and Watkin of Dolyfardyn was with him. He saw no blow struck, nor had he seen Evans kick at Birch at all; he was sure he had not lifted his foot. All that was said was that Birch said to witness "PULL HIM OFF ME, DICK." Evans had hold of Birch by the neck. He had known Evans as a perfectly respectable fellow. Birch had been at his house about an hour before Evans came. John Mills, of the Fron, Mochdre, said that on the day in question as passing the opening to the Greyhound he saw Evans and Birch fall; Evans on top. He eventually helped Birch home. Dr. Edgar Edmunds, physician and surgeon, on top. He eventually helped Birch home. Dr. Edgar Edmunds, physician and surgeon, said on May 25th he was called to see Birch and found him suffering from a fractured ankle. Birch had been confined to bed and suffered considerable pain. Cross-examined: The ankle might have been fractured either by a bruise or by a fall. By the Bench: He noticed a small bruise on Birch's finger, but he did not complain of any other bruise David Evans said that he was a farmer, and on Newtown May fair went in company with Thomas Watkin to dinner at the Greyhound. He walked through the back to the urinal. He had not seen Birch at all that day. He had just entered the urinal when he was suddenly pushed bark by someone coming out. He did not know who it was until he was pushed. As meeting Birch the latter said, "GET OUT OF MY WAY YOU B- THIEF." After the push, if he had not caught hold of the edge of the urinal ha would have been down. Witness then asked Birch what he meant by pushing him, to which Birch replied, putting up hit fists, If you will come out I'll knock your b- brains out." As soon as Birch raised his hands witness closed with him and seized him by the shoulder Birch then put his arms around his (witness's) thighs. They swayed about for a few minutes, Birch fell underneath and witness on the top of him. When on the ground he caught hold of Birch by the collar, then Thomas took hold of his arm and asked him to get up, this he did, and went for his dinner. There was no truth in Birch's statement that witness had kicked Birch on the left hip. Cross-examined by Mr Richard George He would not deny that he had his hand uplifted when he and Birch were on the ground. He had not got off Birch of his own free will he thought it was better to lie on him. He had not tried to bring about a settlement of the oase. He would not have taken out a cross-summons if he had not had one from Birch. Thomas Watkin, Dolyfardyn, Llanllugan, said that he remembered on the May fair he saw Birch push Evans and call him a b-- thief. Birch moved out of the urinal, and Evans was inside. Birch put up his fists in Evans' face. They were within a yard of one another. Birch was dancing to and fro in a pugilistic attitude. When Birch lifted his fists to Evans, the latter told him to go home, and not make a row. There was no kicking on either side. When the land- lord (Mr Thomas) came on the scene, Evans got up. and went with a lot of others to dinner. Cross-examined by Mr George: Thomas got hold of Evans, but Evans got up as well. He could not he certain that Evans had raised his hand to strike Birch when on the ground. By the Bench: When they were on the ground Evans put his one hand on Birch's shoulder and the other on the ground. Birch was throwing his arms about. He heard Birch call Evans a bliief before he came out of the urinal. David Watkin, of Caegarw, near Llanfair, said he went into the yard after Evans. The first thing he saw when he went into the yard was Birch rushing, at Evans, and seizing him round the hips. Evans had his hand on Birch's shoulders. He further corroborated the previous witness's statement. Cross-examined: He was not certain whether or not Mr Thomas had pulled Evans up. He did not see all that took placa. By the Bench Mr Watkins had told Evans to get up and come away. Mr Woosnam, addressing the Bench, said that if it had not been for the interference of women the two men would have shaken hands. Mr Lloyd announced that the charge preferred against Birch by Evans was dismissed, but held that the charge by Birch againsc Evans had been proved, and ordeiel Evans to pay Xi aud costs.

BOWLING. NEWTOWN v. BISHOP'S CASTLE. Newtown visited Bishops Castle on Wednesday, and the match ended iu a win by the narrow margin of eight points for the Castle, after a keenly contested game. Scores :— Newtown. Castle. For Agt. For Agt E. Powell and Greenhouse and W. P. Phillips 48 49 Lane. 46 35 C. W. Norton and Griffiths and Ed. Morgan. 30 54 Stuton 45 40 J. A. Jones and Bowen and Dr. Wilson 48 41 Scott 55 38 H. Roberts and T. George and D. Morgan 42 52 S. Pugh 36 52 Ed. Davies and G. Owen and Tom Phillips.. 51 31 J. Lewis 45 54 219 227 227 219

■ The Dinas Mawddwy Railway. THANKS TO THE COUNTY MEMBER. At Machynlleth Town Council, on Tues- day, Mr Richard Gillart presented a re- port, as one of the deputation who recently waited upon the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer in application for a Treasury grant towards the re-estabishment of the Dinas Mawddwy raiway. After detaling such particulars as have already appeared in the Express,' the re- port proceededThe Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his reply, expressed his en- tire sympathy with the scheme, and said that he was of opinion that in the promo- tion of railways of this kind it was the duty of the State to give assistance, as he did not see how private individuals could be expected to do it. He added that the application must go through the proper channel, and that it would, therefore, be referred to the Advisory Committee of the Treasury, of which Sir George Murray is chairman, and that the whole scheme must be laid before them, and they would report to the Chancellor. He promised to give the matter his most favourable consideration. After thanking the Chancellor, the deputa- tion withdrew, and were greatly pleased with the interview. It was, as you know, intended to apply to the Treasury for a free grant of £ 10,000. It is now, however, intended to apply for only £ 9,000. In the original scheme provision was made for JC3,500 in rolling stock, but the Cambrian Railways Company will provide that, so that the contribution from Machynlleth Council will be reduced from E500 to about £300, and a similar proportionate reduction will be made in the contributions from the other local public bodies. I should not like to close my report without referring to the enormous amount of troubld our County Member (Mr David Davies) has taken in this matter. The whole district owes him a deep debt of gratitude, and one which should never be forgotten. Ever since he took this matter up he has spared neither time nor trouble nor expense to bring about a successful issue, and no one can calculate the expense he has borne- I think it would be fitting that this Council, as representing the inhabitants of Machyn- lleth district, should place on record its grateful appreciation of Mr Davies's ser- vices by passing a hearty vote of thanks to him." The Chairman (Mr Pugh) said he felt certain that the report afforded the Council every satisfaction. Mr R. Ll. Jones proposed that the report should be accepted, and said the Council were deeply indebted to Mr Gillart for going to London and presenting that gra- tifying report. Mr Henry Lewis seconded the proposi- tion, remarking that the good news con- tained in the report was as pleasing as it was unexpected. The proposition having been agreed to, a vote of thanks to Mr David Davies was passed on Mr Gillart's proposition, seconded by Dr Wiliams. Mr Gillart added that it might be neces- sary for the representatives of the local authorities to attend before the Advisory Committee, and as he understood that Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest was a personal friend of Sir George Murray, the chairman, he proposed that his Lordship should be asked if he would kindly attend on the Council's behalf, and do all he could to further the scheme. Mr Morgan seconded the proposition, which was agreed to. His Lordship: I shall be pleased to do so (applause).

MACHYNLLETH. THE Council at its meeting on Monday resolved to condemn the slaughterhouse of Mr David Wood unless regulations are complied with. THE decreased depth of the water in the town reservoir has prompted the Town Council to issue warnings against wasting water or the using of defective taps, and also to limit the supply mean- while. LORD HERBERT'S KINDNESS.—Mr Richard Gillart informed the Town Council that Sir Watkin Wynn having granted the fishing rights in the reservoir at Esgaireira to Lord Herbert Vane Tempest, his lordship would be pleased to give permission annually to the members and officials to fiih there. At the council meeting on Tuesday evening it was stated that hitherto Sir Watkin had required an annual payment. Lord Herbert was heartily thanked for his kindness. MACHYNLLETH SCHOOL.—This was the wording of an item towards the end of a long agenda before the County Education Committee last Monday. It was getting on towards one o'clock—lunch time —and Mr Richard Jones (Caersws), inquired was it likely to take some time.—The Chairman (Mr Richard Lloyd) No; it not likely to take long. But it is a very important question. I think we must take this in committee.—The matter referred to the finances of the Machynlleth County School; a statement of accounts was received, and referred for consideration to a sub-committee. UNSATISFACTORY.—At the Town Council, on Monday, the Rev D. H. Hughes, on be- half of the local managers of the Council Schools, called attention to the condition of the new street leading from Maengwyn- street to the schools, especially the un- sightly hedge and broken masonry. Atten- tion was also directed to the deplorable state during wet weather of the new street from Graigfach, as well as other approaches. In order to cope successfully with the sur- face water in the school yard, which had been improved, the managers further asked the Council to improve the footpath in front of the main entrance, and slope it down to the water course, and to replace the kerb stones so as to make a curve.— The Chairman pointed out that the Coun- cil had already disposed of the question re- lating to the new street from Maengwyn- treet. The new street from Graigfach was a private road.—Replying to Mr R. Ll. Jones, the Surveyor said there was no doubt that the road was in a bad condition, but it was an intricate matter, and not easily remedied.—Mr Morgan questioned whether children were entitled to make use of a private road.—On the proposition of Mr Humphreys, seconded by Mr Gillart, the officials were instructed to report on the road.—With regard to the footpath, it was agreed to lower the kerbing, and do what was necessary.

SEEN AND HEARD. No'lunii oxtetumte. nor set down aught In malice. SSoKKSFKAaX. Yes, the public service inflicts many scars, and yields little thanks. But so long as you are in it, there's a peculiar pleasure derived even from the combat with your colleagues, and then there's also the pleasures, aye, and the pains of newspaper criticism. You are up in public favour one time, and low down another time at the top of the poll one election, and at the bottom the next. The public are a fickle lot to serve, but I suppose we public men think that because we don't realise our own failings." Such is the summarised version of the reverie of a veteran public servant, whom I met in the course of a ramble the other evening. I daresay it sums up the feelings of most men who have spent any length of time before the public footlights, and been conscientious enough "in both speech and action. These ups and downs give a certain amount of fascination to public life, otherwise one could not easily understand why men should stand its buffettings, and sacrifice so much of their leizure, and even of their business time. Ups and downs" is the inevitable ex- perience of every public mortal, simply be- cause he is imperfect, and serves an imper- fect people. As I left my old friend and re- sumed my stroll, I began to forage for illuminating illustrations of this truth from political life. And how historically inter- esting the diversion proved. I thought I saw the Duke of Wellington returning from Waterloo amidst hosannas," and again in 1830, when the populace smashed his win- dows at Apsley House because he opposed the franchise. Had not the loveable John Bright, too, his ups and downs ? For his peace principles they ran him out of Man- chester. In 1878, when Disraeli returned from Berlin, bringing peace with honour, he was on the crest of the wave, but two years later saw him swept into the vortex. And who ever had a fuller taste of ups and downs than Gladstone ? In 1868 he was on the heights in 1874 he was in the depths. On the top he. was once more in 1880 then in 1885 we saw him in the whirlpool of Home Rule, and His Grace of Westminster, the Duke of his own creation, tearing the Millais portrait from the walls of Eaton Hall. Sir Henry Camp- bell-Bannerman courted ignomy and insult by his attitude towards the Boer War, and survived it to become the greatest Com- moner. Mr Lloyd George could only escape in policeman's clothes from an in- furiated mob of Birmingham patriots," and to-day he presides over the National Exchequer. Goethe was not far wrong in the notion that he who serve the public is a poor animal he worries himself to death, and no one thanks him for it." Passing a couple of old dames, who had turned out for their morning yarn by the doorstep, I could hear a pretty adjectival play over the subject of St. Swithin's Day." The dear old fat lady, whose big, brown, bare arms might have commanded circumspect speech from her little neighbour, was evidently determined to jus- tify her good man's faith in the old rain proverb associated with the saint, but the latter snapped out testily, and called the giantess and her spouse two superstitious asses." Then the storm burst, and I dis- creetly lengthened my stride, with never so much as a Lot-like glance back. How the collie-shangie ended I do not know how it may have ended I can easily imagine. I scarcely fancied the vixen-tempered little dame, though I approved her assault upon the ridiculous old legend. St. Swithin's Day (July 15th) happens to be simultaneous with the mid-July period, which is the turning point of the summer season. If we were still, as in the ages of faith, credulous enough to believe all the queer old tales of eremites and anchorites, St. Swithin should come in for such terms of opprobrium and abuse as used to be applied to St. Martin, the drunken saint." To allow a traditional superstition to govern our prophetic soul" is silly, and sillier still it appears when we reflect that more often than not a wet St. Swithin's Day, instead of being followed by forty days or even forty hours of rain, has preceded protracted drought. Here is another dialogue with a moral. It is one of the funniest and most illuminat- ing notelets in last Wednesday's Punch.' A dinner hour chat between two workmen: Yus, Bill, mark my words, the thing wot's goin' to make England is Tariff Re- form-an' no mistake." "Wot be Tariff Reform, 'Enery ? Why, Tariff Reform is-er-well, it's-er- what they tells yer at the meetings." An excellent and honest definition this. A rural correspondent writes to say that the parish harmonium has been removed from the school to the rectory house, where, since January last, it has done service in music teaching. He, however, omits to in- form me whether the instrument is Church property, or whether it was purchased by public subscription. If it belongs to the parish, why don't the parishioners haul it back ? If they have no such claim upon it, why trouble themselves ? If my cor- respondent wants my opinon, why is he so vague in his particulars ? But, after all, this is not a matter for fighting out in public print. It is simply a question of right, and can be settled by the parishioners in five minutes. Alas and alack! For how many social tragedies may this "vicious," fradu- lent," revolutionary," Lloyd Georgian Budget be responsible! I hear on authority which never consciously strays from the straight line of truth that one ill-fated landlord, owning miles upon miles of fertile soil yielding him an income of about ti an acre, has thus been reduced to the dire extremity of substantially curtailing hia charity subscriptions. He must, of course, live. It is comforting, however, to know that sufficient will be left after these Radical exactions to enable him maintain the finest of carriages and horses and motor cars, to rear thousands of precious pheasants, and live luxuriously for the best. part of the year in London, with an occa- sional continental flight from our chilly winters, when the cause of charity knocks most loudly at our doors. LUKE SHARPS.