The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

CAERSWS GUARDIANS. There was not a large attendance of mem- bers at the monthly meeting oi the Caersws Board of Guardians held on Wednesday. Mr Richard Evans presided, and there were also present Mrs D. H. Lewis, Mrs Bennett, Rev Gwilym Lewis, Messrs D. T. Francis, Ll. D. Humphreys, D. Higgs, T. Wilson, J. Morris, and T. Mills, with the Clerk (Mr Taylor) and other officials. PAUPERS LOXG TRAMP. The Clerk said the Board would remem- 'ber that some time ago an old man named Perry absconded from the house. Regarding that man he had received a let- ter from the Bambury Union stating that oó- an old man had been picked up on the side of the road and admitted to the workhouse. He had since received a letter from the Bambury police, and that he sent on to the master of the union, who had since sent particulars of the clothing that the old man was wearing. It seemed that it was clear that the old man was William Perry, who had absconded from the house, although he had given the name of Ingram upon enter- ing the Bambury Workhouse. The Master, who was called in, stated that Perry absconded from the house on 13th May last. The Clerk: Of course, the man absconded, but the Bambury Guardians have the power to send the man to the union in which lie made a settlement. The Clerk was instructed to send an order for Perry's removal to the Caersws Work- house. BEGGING FOR PAYMENT OF RATES. The Clerk stated that he had received a letter from the Clerk of the County Council asking that the Board would forward the amount of the district rates that was due. The Clerk said it would be seen from the finance report that the Board was nearly £ 3,000 in arrears from the overseers. He xilso remarked that the Llanidloes borough el were in arrear. Mr D. Higgs: I daresay you will see to it. The Clerk then stated that the amount that Llanidloes borough was in arrears was £ 468, Llandinam, £502, Kerry, £ 283, and Penstrowed (two calls), £ 64. There was £ 2,603 in arrears that was due on 1st June. There was another call on 1st Julv for! about £3,000. He had written to all the parishes begging the overseers to pay. Only three parishes had paid up. WHAT INMATES DO WITH MONEY. Mr D. Higgs, referring to a report, asked the Master what the inmates did with the money they had given them. The Master I have seen a number of them call at the grocers' shops. Mr D. Higgs: They don't invest in some savings bank ? Ths Master. I don't think so. LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD'S IX- SPECTORS ADVICE. Mr H. R. William-, Local Government Board inspector, made the following entry on 14th July in the visitors' book I in- spected the workhouse to-day, going through all the dormitories, day rooms, and store-, and was pleased to find them in good order. I saw all the inmates, and heard no com- plaints. It was a. pleasure to find so much evidence of the care taken to supply tlieii-i with all reasonable comforts, good whole- some food, good clothing, clean and bright quarters and surroundings. In so large a building, much of it not in use, care should be taken to keep it in a good state of re- pair both internally and externally. Noth- ing has been done so far to remedy the de- fects in the supply of hot water. I would urge the guardians to deal with this matter without delay. To tinker with the existing imperfect and useless system would only mean a waste of time and money, and, therefore, would it not be better and more economical to obtain an expert engineer's advice as to the best system to adopt that -would ensure a sufficient supply of hot water, both for heating and cooking and for any other purpose required ? The sanitary arrangements in the vagrant wards should be seen to. They were very offensive to- day. The sleeping cells in the cellar should, in my opinion, be condemned, and it would be better, when absolutely neces- sary. to allow the vagrants to sleep on the varied platforms in the oakum-picking room, wInch Ü, better ventilated, cleaner, and warmer." The Master said that the closets have been a nuisance since the house was opened. and asked to be allowed to get a joiner and employ him for a couple of days to attend to that place. In regard to the inspector's report about the cell, the Mas- ter said he was not able to accompany the inspector when he visited the house. The cells were condemned. If the large tramp xoom was full, then there was no alternative | than for him to use the cell for the ac- ) commodation of the tramps. If he had J been able to accompany the inspector he was sure that the report would not have been made about the cell. It was decided that the Master be in- structed to obtain the service- of a joiner for the purpose mentioned. The Clerk said with reference to the statement regarding the water supply, the Board would remember that a committee was formed to consider the matter. The meeting of that committee was fixed, as it happened, for the day that the inspector visited the house. They were to consider the question of improving the cooking ar. rangements and also the water supply. Only Mr D. Higgs and himself attended for the meeting, so they accompanied the in- spector on his tour round the house. He (the Clerk) explained the views of some of the guardians respecting the matter, and those views the inspector supported. The inspector thought that the present arrange- ments should not in any way be tampered with, and lie advised the guardians not to do anything of a serious character until they had received the advice of an expert engineer. Such a system he (the Clerk) considered would save unnecessary trouble, and would cause the house to be free from the dangers that exist with open fires. The Clerk also stated that the inspected conversed with him about the Royal Com- mission on the Poor-law system. The in- spector expressed the opinion that work- houses as workhouses will cease to exist, but they would be used as infirmaries for sick. which in reality they served at the present time. For years the workhouse had been used by the infirm and the feeble-minded. It would be to the advan- tage of the Board to see that the water supply and the sanitary arrangements were in pro- per order. BOARDING-OUT CASES. There was no reason why the Board should not cater for boarding out cases from other Unions. Regarding this suggestion of the Inspector, the Clerk said that he had asked for tenders from certain Boards of Guardians. He had had replies from Lon- don. but lie would rather have people from Wales, from such places as Cardiff. The Board "might make some arrangement with large Unions in Wales who desired to board out cases. The first consideration of the Guardians should be the improvement of the water supply. He (the Clerk) suggested that firms who studied the installation of hot water systems should be asked to send down a representative to suggest what sys- tem should be adopted and give an estimate as to the cost, or that a plan should be drawn of the workhouse showing the wards and other rooms where hot water is re- quired. and send it to firms, who would be invited to submit schemes and the cost of same. If the latter course were adopted, the Board would have a variety of schemes from which to choose. Mr D. Higgs: I think we have pipes now. The Master: We have pipes in different wards, but the inspector says they are of very little use. Discussion of this matter was further L adjourned until the next meeting. DIVINE SERVICE. The Master reported that divine service had been conducted during the month by the following:—Mr J. Lewis, lltli July; Rev J. Jones (vicar), 16th; Rev W. Ll. Davies, 18th; Rev R. Jones, 25th; Rev J. S. Darby- shire Roberts, 30th. INMATES ENTERTAINED. The Master reported that on Thursday last Mrs Edward Davies, Plasdinam, gave a tea to the inmates, and also gave one shilling to each adult, and threepence to each of the children. Mrs Davies' kindness was much appreciated by all. GIFTS. Mrs Bennett and Mrs Lewis, ladv Guar- dians, gave gifts of tea and sugar to* the old women of the House.

SPORTS AT CAERSWS. The Caersws annual sports, which included a Marathon race, were held on Bank Holi- day on the fields near the village kindly lent for the occasion by Mr Evan Kinsey, J.P., and Mr Francis G. Jones, Maesmawr. They attracted a large number of interested spectators, despite the uncertainty of the weather. Nineteen different events were down on the programme, and the first race was entered upon with commendable prompt- ness at the advertised hour. For the chief event of the day, the Marathon race, there were only six entries. The route taken was from the sports field along the high road to Llanwnog Old Toll Gate, then through Llan- wnog village to the fingerpost, afterwards along the road through Main-street and back to the field, the competitors to race twice round the arena for a finish, the dis- tance being six miles. The six runners left in fine style, and kept well together until the Old Toll Gate was reached, when two tell out. Hilton then took the lead, and continued to do so all the way, and entered the field nearly two laps in front of G. Jones, who came in second. He was followed by C. Williams. By no means the least attractive features of the programme were the mounted events. For the accommoda- tion of this portion of the sports Mr Francis G. Jones' field was called into service. All these events were much enjoyed and appre- ciated by a very considerable crowd. Also the tug of war matches were finely con- tested, and generated much excitement and enthusiasm. The Llandinam Silver Band played appropriate music throughout the day. As in past years the excellence of the arrangements did credit to the capable offi- cials—Mr W. Lee (chairman of committee), Rev J. Jones (vicar), Messrs Norman and Malcolm; Hamer, Llandinam Hall; Wil- liams, Pentre; Rowlands, Caersws; Evan Kinsey, J.P.; Evan Jones, J.P., Henblas; Davies, Aberhafesp Hall; R. Savage, Peny- borfa; J. Morgan, G. Morgan, and T. Powell, and the energetic secretary, Rev Derbyshire Roberts. The prize list is as follows:— Race for boys under 10—1 James Mills, 2 Percy Davies. Race for girls under 10-1 Kate Lewis. 2 Lilv Davies. Three-legged race for boys under 14-1 Norman Hamer and W. Blayney, 2 J. Ben- nett and Norman Tudor. High jump for boys under 14—1 Cecil Jones. 120 yards flat race (open)—1 Dennis Mor- ris, Newtown, 2 C. Wylde. 440 yards flat race (open)—1 Evan Wil- liams, 2 Griffith Jones, Newtown. High jump (open)-l C. Wylde, 2 Evan Williams. One mile bicycle race (open)—1 Walter Jones, Tregynon; 2 R. D. Davies, Llanbryn- mair. 100 yards bicycle race (open), last in to be the winner—1 R. D. Davies. Potatoe race (open)-l E. Lloyd, 2 Evan Williams. Sack race—1 E. Lloyd, 2 A. Hawkins, 3 Evan Williams. Qui-its (with quoits 51b. per pair at 21 yards)—1 G. Morgan and G. Rogers, 2 James Davies and Evan Williams. Marathon race—1 E. Hilton, Newtown; 2 Griffith Jones, Newtown; 3 Charles Williams, N-ewtown. Football tournament (juniors)—1 Newtown Trinity. lootball tournament (open)-l Caersws. One mile horse race—1 Mr Rudge, Welsh- pool; 2 Mr Davies, Dolhafren. Pony race (6 miles radius)—1 Geo. Ford, 2 Samuel Tudor. Tug of war-Llandinam defeated Caersws after half an hour's pull.

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NEWTOWN URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of this Council on Thursday evening brought together a good muster of the members. Mr John Humphreys presided, and there were pre- sent Messrs T. A. Forster, Alfred Ford, S. Powell, S. H. Jarvis, G. H. Ellison, R. E. George, John Parry, R. Barnes, and E. H. Bennett, together with the Clerk, Mr Woso- nm., and the assistant clerk, Mr M'I W o a rn. THE REFUSE DESTRUCTOR. The Correspondence Committee reported receipt of a communication from the Local Government Board returning drawings coloured relating to the refuse destructor, and requesting (1) that a note explaining the meaning of the various colours may be written thereon, (2) that the details of the structure may be properly dimensioned, and (3) that more details and cross sections may be given. THE FINANCIAL POSITION. It transpired from the Treasurer's report that the balances on the various accounts were as follows:Geiieral district account, (redit), IV-503 15s Id; gas revenue account (debit), £ 858 Is; Free Library acocunt (cre- dit), £ 12 Os 5d; gas loan account (debit), Y-828 lis 9d. The collector stated that during July he had collected Y-474 2s 6d, made up of the following sums:—General district rate, £ 332 12s lid; water rate, t43 15s 7d; and district fund, £97 14s. CEMETERY CHARGES. Four funerals proceeded to the Cemetery during the month, the Committee reported, making a total of 11 during the quarter. Five sites in class C had been sold during the month, and fees received during that time amounted to £ 7 lis. There was also a supplementary report irom the Cemetery Committee with respect to the question of the alteration of the table of fees and charges for grave spaces in the third class burial ground (C). It appeared from that table that the present charges were:—(1) For a grave space 7 feet by 3feet for exclusive right of burial in perpetuity is £ 1 10s; (2) for the same grave space in which the right of interment would be reserved to the lessee and his personal representatives for a term of 20 years was 10s. These fees included the charges for digging common graves to a depth of six feet, for deeper graves there were extra charges. The Committee recom- mended that the two items of 30s and 10s be struck out from the list of fees,and one uniform charge of 12s 6d be substituted for a grave space six feet deep in perpetuity. Considerable discussion ensued, and it was eventually agreed that the matter be ad- journed till next meeting, and that mean- time the medical officer be consulted. THE HEALTH REPORT. Dr Fred Wilson reported that during the past month the health of the town and district had been exceptional, and no cases of infectious diseases had been reported. During the months of April, May, and June his report continued, only 17 deaths took place, and 34 children were born. Seven of j the 17 deaths were over 70 years of age, six were over 50 years of age, and one between 25 and 50. There was one case of cancer, one of tuberculosis, and six of heart disease. The Medical Officer continued, I am sorry you did not appoint the food and drug inspector at last meeting, as this is the time of year when the inspection is most re- quired, and numerous complaints have been received during the month. I have no hesitation in asking you to appoint your sanitary inspector—Mr E. C. Jones-as foods and drugs inspector, as this work is closely allied to the work of both medical officer and sanitary inspector. The report was unanimously adopted. LANDSLIP AT THE RESERVOIR. The Surveyor reported that the plans had been received from Messrs Joner and Leach for the erection of new buildings at their works, Llanidloes-road, and also from Mr E. C. Phillips for the erection of three new houses on the Llanfair-road. He had examined the same and placed them before the Streets' Committee. On inspecting the reservoir he found everything in good work- ing order, and the reservoir was full to its summer level. The usual inspection of yards and cottage property had been made, and where nuisances existed notices had been served, which, for the most part, had been complied with. Mr Jarvis moved the adoption of the re- port, and stated that he would like to ask not merely the Water Committee, but as many members of the Council as possible, for the purpose of visiting the landslip and discussing the best way of dealing with the difficulty and of finding a permanent remedy. It was really a very serious and important matter. With the combined wis- dom of the members present he thought a scheme could be evolved that would deal with it. Mr Parry seconded, and the report was adopted. THE GASWORKS. According to report submitted by the Gas Manager, there was a decrease of 25,800 cubic feet of gas manufactured dur- ing the past month. He had collected and banked Y.165 13s 5d. The Gas Committee i had perused the agreement between the J Council and the trustees of the Montgom- eryshire Infirmary for the Y-1,000 gas loan, and recommended the Council to affix their seal to it. The tender of Messrs Morris and Sons of tS 10s 6d for painting and re- pairing the houses in Gas-street had been accepted. AN IMPORTANT FOOTPATH. The Footpaths' Committee stated that they had visited the connecting road be- tween the Lower and Middle Dolfor-roads, near Black Hall, and met Mr Smith, through whose property the road runs. Mr Smith was willing for the committee to do what they considered best in the matter, and the committee decided to recommend the advisableness of opening it up as a cart road. Mr ford remarked that some months ago the Footpaths Committee had obtained per- mission from the Council to repair the foot- path referred to in the report, and a sum of money had been voted to meet the ex- penditure. A week or ten days previously, in company with Councillors Ellison, Parry, and the Surveyor, he visited the place, and they talked the matter over with Mr Smith as to whether it would not be advisable to open it up as a cart road, as it would be more convenient. There was no doubt that many years ago it had been used as an open road, but latterly it had been closed. Of course, Black Hall was now occupied under different conditions. Mr Smith was something more than a farmer he kept valuable horses and cattle in the fields, and it would be very objectionable to have the gate left open. Mr Smith was quite willing to have it made into a cart road, and he thought that that would be their best course. Mr Parry would be able to tell them something more-tllat the opening of that cart road would be an additional in- ducement to the yeomanry to go and camp there, as they had done a few years ago, as that would be their outlet and nearest approach to their manoeuvring ground on the Dolfor hills. If they did not make it a road, it might prevent them coming at 11 p all, which would be a serious loss for New- town. Those who frequented the public paths around Newtown knew what a de- lightful road this was. He had pleasure in proposing that this should be done. Mr Parry seconded, stating that verv little expenditure would be necessary, as it would be an easy matter to put up a hedge and, further, the yeomanry were expected in the following May The Chairman: This is rather a big-or- der. Mr Ford, we know, is keen on foot- paths, but now he is going FROM FOOTPATHS TO MAIN ROADS. I should like to know who is going to bear the cost of the main road and of its upkeep afterwards. The constructing of it, in the first instance, would cost 950. I really don't think you should adopt this report to-night, as it is a very serious matter. Mr Jarvis: I should like to mention that the report is not on the agenda, and that would be an additional reason for leaving it. The Chairman: I might also state that it has been decided that the yeomanry are to come here Mr Parry: Nothing has been decided, and, what is more, the Council have prom- ised to give the yeomanry facilities. If they don't do that they may not come yet. The Chairman: I hope no member of the Council has in any way committed the Council. Mr Jarvis: I move that the matter be adjourned, as it is not on the agenda, and is too important. Mr Ford: Jn reply tu Mr Jarvis, I may say that I gave notice, and why it is not on the agenda I do not understand but it is not my fault. Apart from that, all that is required by the bye-laws is notice to the Clerk. Although it may not appear on the agenda when reports of this kind are presented, that is all the notice that is required. The Clerk I may sa; that no notice has reached me. This is thi first I have heard of it. THE MISSING LETTER. Mr Ford: All I knov is that I put the missing letter into you" letter-box, and in my own hand-writing. The Clerk: Then neiher Mr Turner, my clerk, nor I have seen it ,unless Mr Ford is referring to the lettel in connection with the Markets Committee Mr Ford: Yes, I ineitioned both matters in that report. The Clerk: There wis no mention of this matter in that repot, sir, Mr Ford: Then I fallback upon the bye-1 laws. Mr Ellison: I entirey sympathise witli the principle of Mr Pod's argument, and I may say that we weiiithrough the whole thing, and came to the conclusion that a cart road would be ver.- idvantageous. We asked the Surveyor to firnish us with the i cost, and considered it )est that the cost should be spread over thee years, for there was the necessity of maing the road pas- sable, the ditch to clear, md a fence raised. All these, of course, wet rather expensive luxuries, but I think wen the Surveyor returns and furnishes mwith the cost, we shall be better prepare to deal with it. I would ask the mover J he will agree to defer the, matter for a jonth, so as to get more information. Mr Ford: I have no objection whatever, if the Council wish it. It was accordingly treed to defer the matter for a month. A TENANT FOR THE 'EVER HOSPITAL. In the report of the Sanitary Committee, it was stated that al pplication had been received from Mr J. Jones, the Cross, offering to take the iolation hospital for a month and coniiered, and the com- mittee now reported Mat it had been let to Mr Jones in accoiatice with terms made by the committee.

CAERSWS RIZAL COUNCIL. I Following the rating of the Caersws Guardians on W ed:sday, the members of the above authorityield their monthly sit- ting. Mr R. Evans resided, in the absence of both the Chairmi arid Vice-chairman. VAYNOR FOCPATH REPAIRS. Regarding the imer of the repairs of the footpath leading frti Bryndu-road to Cwm, Llanidloes, the Clk stated that he had written to Mr Plurton, the owner of Vay- hor Park, statinsthat Mr Humphreys, surveyor, would cafjpon him and have an interview on the rnr. Mr Humphreys rj^ted that he had in- terviewed Mr PIUIllht as requested, con- cerning the repairs the footpath. He (Mr Plumpton) was wking inquiries as to his liability in the rtter, and on hearnig from his solicitor valcl make a further communication to thCouncil. Action in this iiiati was adjourned. DOLLYS-EOA MANHOLE. Mr Humphreys rorted that the con- struction of a man-Ie in the drains on Dollys-road, Llanidlot permission for which was given in Februallast, was begun. He expected that the wo would be completed sliortlv. CONTRIBUTIONS lR STEAM-ROLLER. Mr Humphreys, sveyor for the Llan- idloes district, reportethat he had used the steam roller on the r<l near Saron Chapel, Pontdolgoch. He haapplied for contribu- tions towards the ei of the use of the steam roller, and all rsons appealed to in the neighbourhood I contributions had willingly responded. Llready two-thirds of the amount requireOiad been collected. Other persons had jj to be called on for subscriptions. PETITION FRq LLANDINAM. The following pepn was received:— We, the undersig ratepayers in the parish of Llandinani, pectfully beg of you to take over and herder maintain the road from the Gwastadltl-road, starting at Cwrt gate and leadi to the Cwrt, Gaer, Gaerfach, Waun, ettSigned: Thomas R. Lewis, Cwrt; Edwa Jones, Hopbrook; David Davies, Lland; Thomas Morgan, Gaer; John Jones, aun." Edward Wil- liams wrote stating tt he was willing for his name to be addeo the list. No action was taken the matter. HEALTHIEPORT. Dr E. Davies Reesiedical officer to the Rural District COlinc presented his quar- terly report. It std that during the period the total nuiir of births was 85, and that the deatftnumbered 62. The number of births w higher than it had been for more than o years, and the in- crease was mainly the Llanidloes and Llanwnog districts. ie deaths, too, were numerous, being cart by diseases of the respiratory system, hich implies pneu- monia, inflammation the lungs, pleurisy, bronchitis, and bronfcl pneumonia, all of which is partly due Climatic causes. The list of deaths was cotterably increased by a series of deaths the Kerry district, which was the focu a very severe epi- demic of pneumonialn several other dis- tricts phthisis agaiflemanded its dread toll, there being ni-deaths due to this disease. The Medi; Officer pointed out that attention had h called to this on previous occasions, :1 especially in his annual report. The tification of Phthisis Act, he reminded ttCouncil, is in force, and it was very Cftiendable. But he stated, what is goodr one class is good I for the whole comhity. He sincerely longed for the day en phthisis will be made a compulsory ifiable disease. Two I great factors he wa%er tired of empha- sising in conection > phthisis were that it is preventable aJcurable. That the State recognised fr°lts advocacy of the notification and isola* as a very material advance in combattlltlld diminishing the advance of tiiberclllqisease. The list of deaths showed a vf high proportion of deaths of persons 0^5 years of age, the number being 24 ou: 62. He begged to report an extensive eimic of scarlet fever in the mountaiuoujistrict surrounding Staylittle. The ilife-ti was conveyed to the district from SO. ales. The disease appeared in a mild h, so much so that in a proportion of the cj medical attendance was not called in. cautions were taken to prevent the sprea the disease

TREFE.WYS. IMPORTANT N OTICJ: n. Bennett, Draper, Caersws, attends room aning Red Lion Hotel, Trefeglwys, EVERT fY EWA Y, from 12 till 6, with a good assortment ^ueral Drapery Goods, I at lowest town prices f°'h. j

NEWTOWN AND ITS MARKETS AND FAIRS. Towards acquiring public control over the markets and fairs of Newtown, the Urban Council advanced a practical step on Thursday evening. The subject arose upon a recommendation by a committee that application be made to the Board of Agri- culture to hold an inquiry into the con- ditions under which the markets and fairs are held, with the view of obtaining the sanction of the Local Government Board to bye-laws regulating same. There was a good attendance of members, over whom Mr John Humphreys, the chair- man, presided. Mr Ford, in moving the adoption of the committee's recommendation, said: This matter has been under consideration for some years, and I think all the members of the Council should know what the com- mittee has done with the view to their adoption of the proposed -resolution It was at a meeting on 5th May, 1905, that I myself moved to call attention to the want of control of the markets, and to fully consider the question and report. The cause of that resolution was com- plaints made by various tradesmen and shopkeepers of strangers coming here and occupying a large space upon the streets, and leaving a A GREAT MESS behind them for the sanitary authority to clean up. That entails considerable ex- pense, and it became the duty of the com- mittee to consider how that question should be met. We were advised at the time that under a section of the Local Government Act, the Urban Council, being a local authority, could make bye-laws for regulat- ing the markets. On that assumption the committee and the Council together drew up a series of bye-laws, which took a great deal of time to discuss. These bye-laws were submitted to the Local Government Board. After considerable delay, which we generally expect in connection with that Board, a letter came asking what right we had to make bye-laws at all. That seemed to non-plus altogether. In looking over the Montgomeryshire Collections, under the heading of Newtown, I find that Newtown enjoyed a market from time immemorial. Two fairs were granted, and subsequently another. The Chairman: Wasn't that called lommy Turner's fair? Mr Ford: No this is before that time. All the three were granted by charter. Two of them were granted to one person and one to another, with the Tight to collect ii 1 am old enough to remember of tolls being collected and the last person who collected them—David Jones, of Kerry. The committee thought the best thing to do was to acquire the market rights from the Lord of the Manor, who held them for some reason or other I don't know of. Well, we did apply to Lord Powis, who courteously referred the matter to his agent, Mr Addie. That gentleman came up here', and held a meeting in consultation with the Markets Committee. He held out every hope that if we could agree upon terms, Lord Powis would sell the rights to the Council. After considerable correspond- ence and interviews, we came to terms, but these terms are now in abeyance, because WE ARE BLOCKED by the want of bye-laws to enforce the rights if we had them. Of course, the legal aspect of the question I don't pre- tend to understand, but it is only common- sense to believe that if you buy a person's rights, whatever they are, you can enjoy them yourself. Tolls were paid in New- town in 1852. A committee was at that time appointed, and I have a document containing the names of that very large and influential committee—the only copy in existence, I believe—who set themselves to purchase the tolls. In 1852 the purchase was completed and the money paid— £ 1,000 for the old market hall and the tolls con- nected therewith. That made Newtown a toll free fair. Now we find there is another string to the bow-that the toll free fairs did not include the market rights, so we had to purchase them. It is no use pur- chasing these rights, however, unless we can enforce them afterwards, which seems to be a very difficult thing to do. I find on reading the report with regard to the old tolls in the old Town Hall, that the Town Hall taken down in 1852 was not the original old Town Hall. There was a toll booth where the assize courts were, and the site was given to a man named Turner, who was called in the document Oulb Turner. For 26s 8d the rights were conveyed to him, and he exercised them and his de- scendants after him up to the time the old Market Hall was taken down. Our Clerk will recollect it, because one of his relatives bought the Market Hall and paid F.100 for it. The question now is, WHAT SHALL WE DO? As lawyers and others tell us, if you have a good precedent, you have a fair ground for procedure. Well, I have a precedent to deal with the matter referred to in the committee's report. A short time ago a Local Government Board inquiry was held at Tregaron, in Cardiganshire, on almost a similar question. The Board's inspector entered into the matter, but with what re- sult I don't yet know. The best way, per- haps, we can deal with it is to ask the Local Government Board to send down an inspector to inquire into the whole history of the thing on the spot. A suggestion has been made that a deputation of the com- mittee, together with the Clerk, should in- terview the Board in London, but the plan „su?gest would be more simple, more effective, and less expensive. The matter has been talked about so long, and nothing has come to light, as far as the public is concerned, that they are getting very anxious. They question me a great deal about it, asking "When is this coming about?" When you begin to tell them of th-e difficulties they, of course, see the position, and they suggest that we should use every effort to overcome them. I think all the tradesmen must feel the nuisance which # arises from being blocked up by these itinerant merchants on market davs. T? me !lg0' trom the Cross down to the Bear s Head on the one side of Broad- street, and from the Free Library down to my place on the other side, it was com- pletely blocked up with things offered either by auction or by those persons who bring stuff to the town to sell. I have no obec- tion personally to these people, but if they do come here they should pay their fair share of the expense to which we are put in clearing away their deposits.—(Mr R. George: Hear, hear.)—The shortest and sharpest cut to the solution of the question is to adopt this resolution recommended by the committee. THE BLOCK EXPLAINED. Mr Jarvis: Was not a letter received from the Local Government Board recently which Required an.answer? It was referred to the Markets Committee, but I have not heard of their reply. The Clerk (Mr Woosnam): The last let- J /e^ei7e?, fro1? the Board was to the effect that they chd not consider that we had a proper place provided, and therefore they did not see the use of sanctioning the bye-laws. The Board referred to the fact that our markets were held on the streets. Mr Ford That was the question referred to at Tregaron. Mr Ellison: I have the greatest possible pleasure in seconding the resolution As a member of the committee, I have felt an- noyed myself, in common with others, that this matter has been frustrated from time to time. The only way out of the difficulty is to hold an inquiry, and to get the Local Government Board inspector to come and see for himself what we require. Mr Parry supported the resolution, and remarked that the Council were indebted to Mr Ford for taking so much pains in con- nection with the question, and for giving them valuable information of old local history. The committee's recommendation was carried unanimously.

MONTOMERYSHIRE WINNERS t AT THE NATIONAL SHOW., The following is a list of the successes gained by Montgomeryshire exhibitors at the Welsh National Agricultural Show held at Aberystwyth last week:— SHIRES. Shire stallion, any age—1 Mr Edward Green, The Moors, Welshpool. Shire mare, foaled prior to 1905-1 Mr Edward Green. Shire mare, foaled in 1906-1 Mr Thomas Green, The Bank, Welshpool. Shire filly, foaled in 1908—1 Mr Edward Green. Special for the best in classes 7 ,8, and 9, owned by a bona-fide tenant farmer or occupier making his living by farming in Wales--I Mr Edward Green. HUNTERS. Hunter brood mare and foal at foot—1 and 2, Mr David Davies, M.P., Plas Dinam. The Hunters' Improvement Society's gold medal or Y.5 and a bronze medal for the best hunter brood mare actually registered or entered in the Hunter Stud Book at the time of award not having previously won the Society's gold medal as a brood mare in 1909, possessing a certificate of sound- ness from hereditary disease—1 and 2 Mr David Davies. Hunter mare or gelding, foaled prior to 1909, to be ridden—2 Mr Thomas Green, The Bank, Pool Quay. Hunter filly or gelding, foaled in 1907-2 Mr David Davies, M.P. Hunter colt or filly, foaled in 1908-1 Mr David Davies, M.P., 3 Mr Thomas Green, The Bank. Special prize for the best exhibit in classes 13 and 14, owned by a bona-fide tenant farmer or occupier making his liv- ing by farming in Wales—1 Mr Thomas Green. The Hunters' Improvement Society's sil- ver medal or Y.1 for the best hunter filly, not exceeding three years old, by a thor- oughbred horse or registered sire—1 and r Mr David Davies, M.P. Imperial Hunters' Society's silver cup for best hunter mare or filly, subject to conditions—1 and r Mr David Davies. WELSH COBS AND POXIES. Cob stallion, any age, over 14-2-2 Mr John Owen, Caeblaidd, Kerry, Cob stallion, any age, over 13-2 and not exceeding 14-2-2 Mr W. Arthur Puglie, Gwyndy, Llanfyllin. Cob brood mare, any age, over 14-2, and foal at foot-3 Mr N. Bennett Owen, Gwer- nafon, Llanidloes. Welsh mountain pony brood mare, anv age, not exceeding 12-2, and- foal at foot-c L Mr W. Arthur Pughe, Llanfyllin. Pony filly, or gelding, not exceeding 13-2, foaled in 1905, to be shown in hand—r Mr T. Jones, Brynllywarch, Kerry. SHORTHORNS. Bull, above one and under two years old -r The Right Hon. Earl of Powis. Bull calf, not exceeding 12 months—2 and r Earl of Powis. Heifer calf, not exceeding 12 months old- he Earl of Powis. WELSH BLACK CATTLE. Steer, any age-3 Mr David Jones, Tan- rallt, Machynlleth. Cow in calf or milk—he Mr David Jones, Tanrallt. HEREFORDS. Two-year-old bull—3 Messrs E. Jones and Son, Caebardd, Welshpool. Bull calved in 1908—2 Mr W. H. Lang- ford, Chirbury Hall. Special prize for the best exhibit in classes 50, 51, 52.. and 53, owned by a bona- fide tenant farmer or occupier making his living by farming in Wales-l Mr W. H. Langford. Cow, in calf or milk—c Mr David Pryce, Kynant, Guilsfield. Two-year-old heifer, in calf or milk—r Messrs E. Jones and Sons, Welshpool. Special prize given for the best exhibit in classes 54 and 55, owned, by a bona-fide tenant farmer or occupier making his living by farming in Wales age to be taken into consideration by the judge—2 Mr David Pryce, r Messrs E. Jones and Sons. SHEEP. Pen of three ewes that have reared lambs in 1909-1 Mr T. E. Kinsey, Winsbury, Chir- bury, 2 Messrs W. P. and J. M. James, Brompton Hall, Churchstolie, 3 Mr John Venables, Penygelly, Kerry. Yearling ram—1 and he Mr John Morris, Gwernygoe, barn. Pen of three yearling ewes-2 Mr J. Anwyl, Priest Weston, 3 Mr John Venables, Penygelly. Ram lanib-3 Mr T. E. Kinsey, Winsbury. Special prizes for best exhibits in classes 64, 66, and 68, owned by a bona-fide farmer or occupier making his living by farming in Wales—-1 Mr William Alderson, 2 Mr John Morris. Special prizes for the best exhibits in classes 65, 67, and 69, owned by a bona- fide tenant farmer or occupier making his living by farming in Wales—1 and 2 Mr John Venables The Kerry Hill (Wales) Flock Book So- ciety challenge cup, value £ 7 7s, for the best male exhibited in the above classes also a challenge cup, value £ 7 7s, for the best three females. Either, of the cups must be won three times by the same ex- hibitor before becoming his property—1 Mr 1 William Alderson. Challenge cup, value £ 7 7s, for best three females—Mr T. E. Kinsey. BUTTER. Three pounds of fresh butter, slightly salted-c Mrs Jones, Nantyfydfa, Machyn- lleth. Crock or tub of butter of not less than ten pounds in weight-r Mrs Jones, Nanty- fyda, Machynlleth. CHEESE. Cheese, other than Caerphilly or cream— 2 Miss B. McCreath, Trefeen, Sarn, 3 Mr T. Alderson, Perthybee, Sarn. JUMPING. 3-Dr Alfred O. Davies, Bronwylfa, Machynlleth, "Peter."

The Beer Battle. FEUD BETWEEN THE TIED AND THE FREE. Things are lively among the publicans down Poplar way. At the end of the East India Dock-road, and facing the entrance to the Blackwell Tunnel, are a group of public- houses in which the battle of the Budget and of beer is being fought with the keenest rivalry. It is a contest between free houses and tied houses. The tied houses are being backed by the brewers, the free houses are being backed by the trade unions. The tied houses were forced by the brewers to send up their prices to fivepence. The free houses refused to follow suit, and re- tained their old prices of fourneripp. Tn spite of boycottings and refusals on the part of certain brewers to supply orders, the free publicans stuck to their guns-or bar pulls and still charged fourpence. The next move on the part of the brewers was to order their tied tenants to come down twopence in the hope of cutting out the free tenants. The result is peculiar and suggestive. Poplar is invaded by thirsty souls from all the neighbouring boroughs, drawn together by the possibilitv of having a cheap drink. On the other hand the trade unionists, who resent the heavy hand and not over-scrupulous methods of the brewers, flock to the free houses, preferring to pay their fourpence rather than submit to trade tyranny. A representative of the Daily News paid a visit to the scene. The landlord of one of the free houses, which is a beerhouse, was in the best of good humour. Has my business suffered ?" he repeated with a laugh, not a bit of it. In fact I don't mind telling you that during the four days of this competition my takings have gone up im- mensely. The trade unionists are dead against all combines and monopolies, and as a protest against the thumbscrew of the brewers they have transferred their custom to me. £ ( The cause of the trouble," he proceeded, is the kick of the brewers at the Budget, and it is a grab to fill their own pockets. I1 act is, they've been bitten once, and they are trying to get their money back again. Now, if they had put two shillings on each barrel the publicans would have paid it. cheerfully, without raising the usual price of fourpence. But when they stuck on eight shillings, what was their object ? I'll tell you. It was to get back the money they spent so foolishly during the boom. Why they would give £ 10,000, P-12,000, and even £ 15,000 for a house. They poured money out like water, and because they have lost over their silly transactions they hope to get some of it back by plumping eight shillings on each barrel, even before the Finance Bill has become law. They've been fools, and I am not going to be one to help them to redeem their folly."

A Half-Year on the Cambrian, An increase of receipts and a decreased expenditure sum up an unusually happy report which the directors of the Cambrian railways Company have prepared from the last nait-years transactions for presentation to the shareholders to-morrow (Wednesday) A comparison of the past six months re- receipts and expenditure with those of the corresponding period of the previous year i- given in the following tables:— RECEIPTS. Passengers, Parcels 1909. 1908. Inc. Dec. Mails, etc 69,542 69 644 102 Merchandise and Live Stock 39,616 40,646 1 030 Minerals. 29,345 27,701 1,664 Miscellaneous Receipts. 3,653 3,934 281 £ 142,156 < £ 141,925 £ 1,644 £ 1,413: Net Increase in Receipts £ °31 EXPENDITURE. Maintenanceof Way, Works, etc. 19,870 17,891 1,9S3 Locomotive and Carriage and Wagon Expenses 34.832 38,252 3 420 Traffic and General Expenses. 33,730 34,417 637 Miscellaneous Charges. 4,817 4,522 205 X93,308 £ 95,082 e2,283 X4,057 Net Decrease in Expenditure £ 1,774. The Directors observe:—. The actual decrease in expenditure was 98,774, but as £ 73000 of the expenditure in- curred during the first half of last year wa carried forward and charged in the second half of that year, the decrease shown in the above table is correspondingly reduced. The matter will right itself in the current year, when comparison is made with the charge for last year, which included the £ 7,000. The net revenue account has been re-credited with the surplus of EC),134 5s, which re- mained on that account after the adjustment of the Company's affairs under the scheme of arrangement, 1885, and was, until 1901, reserved to form part of the net revenue of each June half-year. The balance of the net. revenue account, after providing for interest, on the A, B, and C debenture stocks and other charges, shows a surplus of £287. The Directors have decided for the present to make no further charge to capital account for rolling stock, and to discontinue debiting that account with part of the cost of heavier materials used in re-laying the line. All ex- isting liabilities for new rolling stock and the full cost of such materials will, as from the beginning of this year, be met out of revenue under an arrangement to be explained in the next report, and which will also deal with the amount now standing at the debit of the permanent way and bridge renewal suspense account. During the half-year the temporary loans have been reduced from £ 209,000 to Z104,000, and the directors hope to make a further reduction before the close of the year by the issue of such additional amounts of debenture stock as may be found sufficient to wipe out the remaining debit balance 011 capital account. Mr William Bailey Haw- kins having resigned his seat on the Board, the directors have elected in his place Mr John Conacher, formerly secretary and general manager of the Company; and Mr Alfred Herbert has been elected to fill the vacancy caused by "the retirement of Mr Samuel Peto.

Welsh Pony and Cob Society. Mr Marshall Dugdale, Llanfyllin, pre-- sided over a meeting of the council of this Society at Aberystwyth on Wednesday. In the annual report it was stated that in consequence of the work of the Society, its registration system, and its working up and making known of this product of the Principality, the Welsh breed of ponies and cobs was attracting a great deal more attention from foreign and colonial buyers than it had ever before received. Buyers from Canada, United States, Australia, South Africa, and other countries were be- ginning to make purchases, but cognisance was taken only of registered stock. Although they had not been able to get off the export duty on registered animals in America, they had succeeded in this result with Canada. The report stated that the entries in the classes for Welsh pony stallions and mares at the Polo Pony Society's spring show in London and the Royal Show at Gloucester. while very popular, were far too small and certainly not representative of the breed. inis, no doubt, was caused by the restrictive rules of not allowing docked or hogged ponies to be exhibited. These rules, it was suggested, might be altered for the benefit of the Society-at least for a few years-as a u Fe^ many of the best ponies were docked, winch was at one time, rightly or wrongly, a very fashionable and popular proceeding. and ■. encouraged by almost all breeders and exhibitors. Mr W. J. Roberts said Mr Borwn, the president of the Welsh Cob Society in the United States, hoped to get the duty off registered animals into America very soon, and was working hard in that direction. In the course of further discussion on the report, Mr W. J. Roberts said he did not consider the small numbers of entries of Welsh ponies at the Polo Society's Show and at the Royal Show were due to the restric- tive rules as to docking and hogging but to the prohibitive entrance fees. If they opened the door again for docked ponies it would be going back to where they started. Mr W. S. Miller, Brecon, believed that any restrictions which were not imperative for the preservation of the Society were a mistake. It was quite certain that docking a pony no more changed its character for breeding purposes than the cutting off of a beard by a man. He thought the matter should be left to the individual judgment of the members of the Society. Mr W. J. Roberts said that none but un- ciocKeci ponies were required by the United States. The report was eventually adopted witH an amendment to the effect that the small entries at the shows named were" pos- sibly" caused by the restrictive rules re- ferred to.

In consequence of the growing popularity of Aberdovey as a health resort, the Cam- brian Railways Company have decided to erect a new station at that town on a site in close proximity to the present station. On Wednesday at a railway crossing be- tween Talycafn and Llanwrst a train ran into a load of hay, and the engine carried the cart a distance of 320 yards. The im- Pa^ released the horse from the waggon, al\T carter and horse were uninjured. Mr Nathaniel Bebb, a retired ironmonger, living at Bentley-road, Prince's Park, Liv- erpool, died at Bangor railway station on Wednesday night. He had been staying at Brynsieneyn, Anglesey, for the benefit of his health, and was journeying home, when he died in the railway carriage.