The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

THE PASSING OF CAPTAIN MYTTON. An intellect which commanded admira- tion, a lofty moral purpose which inspired confidence and esteem, and a splendid fidelity to public duty, which won him the highest positions in public life, were the outstanding characteristics of Capt. Mytton, who has left us ripe in years and rich in honours. He was the "grand old man" in our administrative affairs, a trusted di- rector because of his scrupulous fairness, his disinterested purposes, and his ardent desire to help promote the general well- being. Like all other men, he was not infallable, and frequently it was our por- tion to differ from him, but these differ- ences never lessened our great regard for his personal worth. Not only by his sur- passing public-spiritedness and self- sacrifice did Captain Mytton establish a pattern of public conduct. Though per- haps the busiest man in the whole shire, he dedicated a large part of his leizure to the intelligent study of affairs, and so shared the deliberations of every institu- tion with which he was connected in a manner that always contributed the guid- ance of matured thought and idea. His loss to our public life is immeasurable, and we feel sure that that view will be heartily homologated by political oppon- ents, among whom he counted some of his warmest friends and admirers. In our obituary sketch we elaborate this personal appreciation of a gentleman whose life- work is an enduring monument to his memory.

SHEEP DIPPING IN MONTGOMERY- SHIRE. While nobody sympathises more than we do with Montgomeryshire farmers who cry out against the vexatious restrictions and harassing obligations incident to the strict enforcement of the sheep dipping regula- tions, it is a fact beyond doubt that the grievances under which they labour are largely resultant of their own indifference and neglect. The majority are suffering for the deliberate carelessness of the min- ority. The Express' used to teem with reports of prosecutions for infringements of the Order encouraged by nominal fines, which it profited offenders to pay as the price of a free- movement of their flocks. We witness the inevitable consequence in an obstinate lingering of sheep scab, which brooks little or no relaxation of the restric- tions. Flock-owners in the lower end of the county, where the disease is non-existent, protest against an Order that makes no dis- tinction between the just and the unjust," while from the infected areas in the Mach- ynlleth and Llanidloes districts there arise equally vehement complaints of rigid, offensive, and injurious" requirements, ac- companied by the contention that such are an absolute failure and wholly ineffi- cient" as a means of eradicating scab. These views were set forth by farmers be- fore the County Contagious Diseases. Com- mittee and officials of The Board of Agricul- ture at Newtown on Tuesday, and an ex- tensive report of the discussion appears upon another page of to-day's 'Express.'

THE ONLY REMEDY. The only concession gained by these pro- tests was the abandonment of one of the three compulsory dippings, on condition that the work is more efficiently carried out than appears to have been the case hitherto. Peculiarly enough, many Mont- gomeryshire farmers are opposed to fre- quent dipping of their sheep. We are not sure that the objection springs more from the personal trouble which the operation in- volves than from the conviction that it is harmful. The best wool, according to the unequalled judgment of the woolstapler, is that which has been repeatedly dipped and washed. But we can quite appreciate the reasonableness of the protest against dip- ping flocks at a fixed period, when the v.-eather conditions minimise the efficacy of the dip, and also subject the sheep to injurious effects. This can surely be avoided. At the same time, so long as out- breaks of the disease continue, the Board of Agriculture will not he prone to ease their restrictions. Emancipation from the present harassing conditions lies largely with farmers themselves. Thorough (lip ping and a loyal observance of the law have eradicated sheep scab in other counties, and that is the lesson which our farmers in the infected areas have to learn., whether they like it or not. We sincerely hope that a more determined attack upon this plague will soon result in the unre- stricted movement of flocks throughout Montgomeryshire and further afield.

MEDICAL INSPECTION OF OUR SCHOOL CHILDREN. Thanks to sympathetic Liberal states- manship, the law has now assumed a much more drastic protection of child, life. The Children's Charter" may appear cold in its official language, yet stirring beneath it is heard the whole gamut of youthful suffering. That part of it which concerns the medical inspection of school children, the Board of Education is re- solved to make of real practical utility. The Board doubts whether our County I Education Authority are obtaining ade- quate results from their expenditure upon this inspection, and suggests the desirable- ness of appointing a whole-time medical officer, instead of distributing the work among private practitioners. There is the additional proposal to organise the work so that the benefits of inspection may be followed up. Therein lies the value of the medical oversight of school children.

THE COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTIONS. It is not surprising to hear that our Tory friends are wishful of a compromise in con- nection with the County Council elections. In the various Boroughs, and in all quar- ters of the county, much Conservative sick- ness has followed upon the results of the Parliamentary contests, and just at present the party is incapable of putting up any- thing like a purposeful fight. On the other hand the Liberals are in excellent trim for a contest in every division, save where Toryism is overwhelmingly predominant. Colonel Pryce-Jones seems to realise the position, which, no doubt, inspired his appeal to Nonconformist opponents to con- cede a larger number of places on the Education Committee for co-opted members chosen from among Churchmen. That ap- peal denotes a prescious understanding of electoral probabilities, which is reflected among the Tory rank and file. Liberals must not be disarmed, however, by what may prove to be only Tory tactics. A net gain of four seats, without sustaining any loss of their present strength, would give the Tories a majority on the County Autho- rity and Education Committee. We trust that every Tory seat will be challenged where there is the slightest hope of success, and that in the aggregate results of the polls we will find the Liberals returned by a substantially increased majority for the purpose of pursuing their progressive policies.

SCOTCHED That is the inevitable fate which awaits the proposal to erect a refuse destructor on the river banks at Newtown. The rural members of the Urban Council, backed by one or two town representatives, are capable of this accomplishment, and are determined upon it. Such appeared plainly enough at Friday's special meeting of the Council, when Mr Evans, in quite a characteristic speech, damned the proposal on the strength of a single expert opinion that the site is unsuitable. "Behold, said this gentleman in effect, the expert vindication of all my objections see how my opinions were sounder far than those of your medical officer of health, than all the expert engin- eers who advised you, and that they over- throw the outcome of the Local Govern- ment Board inquiry." Mr Evans' opinions as a sanitary authority do not in reality enter into the question. He and his party are, as a matter of fact, absolutely indiffer- ent to the precise location of the destructor. It might be set in the centre of Broad- street for all they care, so long as the entire cost is borne by the urban ratepayers. That then is the character of the rural opposition to the scheme, and its success will mean, if the Council are driven to find another site, a very largely increased outlay. Such is the price the ratepayers of Newtown may have to pay for years of trifling with an electoral misrepresentation, the whole re- sponsibility for which lies upon the urban councillors. Here is a sanitary reform desired by the people of Newtown actually scotched by outside councillors for an utterly selfish reason. How much longer is this anomalous state of affairs to be endured ?

I AN INSANITARY SCHOOL. In the report of the, County Surveyor we hope the last word'has been said by the County Education Committee upon the in- sanitary Berriew School, whose trustees are vainly striving to maintain it as an Angli- can seminary. Certainly the Education Authority cannot be charged with unreason- ing haste in their overtures to the trustees. We have blamed them for a measure of patience more considerate of the trustees than the physical well-being of the children compulsorily congregated in a building lacking drainage and a water supply—surely two of the most important essentials for a school that is to be regarded as efficient. According to the Surveyor the old building cannot be reconstructed with satisfactory results, and he wisely recommends the erection of a new school upon a site more favourable for sanitation." Such a site has been gratuitously offered by Mr Humphreys- Owen, and we feel certain the parents of the children are hoping the Board of Education will witness the wisdom of that policy, and advise its adoption.

NEWTOWN FIRE BRIGADE. We are quite as jealous of the truth as the members of the Newtown Fire Brigade Committee, who presented to the Urban Council on Friday evening a report sur- prisingly at variance with fact. The report talks of discouraging Press reports which appear after every outbreak of fire "-dis- couraging, that is to say, to the firemen. 1 Upon inquiry we learn that this responsible statement is a consequence of the Express report, which stated that the brigade were report, which stated that the brigade were exceptionally late in turning out to the fire at Gwynfa. Does anybody who know the facts dispute the accuracy of that re- port ? We have nothing whatever to do with personal differences among the firemen themselves, which the Committee evidently wish to smooth down by unwarranted re- flections upon the Press. To assert that discouraging Press reports appear after every outbreak of fire" is, so far as the Express 'is concerned, an absolute tra- vesty, and we regret that the gentlemen who form this Committee should have lent them- selves to such a presentation. On the con- trary we have repeatedly sung the praises of the Newtown Brigade to an extent that has courted criticism. Our files are open to the inspection of the Committee, who must either endeavour to substantiate their extraordinary charge or withdraw it.

"BREACH OF CONTRACT." Welshpool Council and the Hen Faes Scheme. Dr. Marston's Right-About Turn. "Ridiculous Child's Play." The. next business is to makte arrange- ments for the Local Government Board inquiry re the Hen Faes." This matter-of-fact announcement at the Welshpool Town Council last Friday her- alded another struggle between those Pro- gressives who would prefer the community to acquire an estate of. 25 acres, and those who would prefer the ratepayers to rent certain fields from the Earl of Powis until another lawsuit occurs. The upshot of the debate was that the reactionaries voted down the Pro-Henfaesites, once more flout- ing the expressed demand of the towns- people. The Ex-Mayor (Dr Thomas) said that arrangements should be made in view of the inquiry, which would come on at an early date, or, it might be, some time hence. He moved that the Town Clerk have the matter in hand, and should also obtain expert evidence, which was always given at such inquiries. Such procedure had been adopted at Newtown and at Oswestry. Councillor W. Humphreys I have great pleasure in seconding that. Councillor W. A. Rogers did not think it expedient to go on with the Hen Faes scheme any further. They had other land, which would cost them scarcely anything. It was more commodious, and would not cost one-hundredth of what the Hen-Faes would. Therefore, he moved that they do not proceed with the matter any further, and that the Town Clerk be instructed to write and inform the Local Government Board. He thought it was NONSENSE to go on with the scheme. Dr Thomas Is Mr Councillor Rogers in order ? The Mayor (Councillor T. J. Evans) No. I have been listening to what Mr Rogers has said. He can vote against it. Councillor Rogers Yes, that we don't proceed further. The Mayor Has anyone else anything further to say about this ? Councillor A. E. Bond Yes, sir. I con- sider that Mr Rogers is out of order. The Mayor Yes. Councillor Pryee Jones said that before they proceeded with any other scheme they should have an inquiry into the Henfaes. The. dumping ground they had before ended in a serious loss to the town. Alderman David Jones observed that he was somewhat surprised at the action adopted by Mr Rogers. Why had he not taken that action before they applied to the Local Government Board for an inspec- tor to come and see the Hen Faes ? He considered the present proposal was child's play, and that they would be making them- selves ridiculous in the eyes of the public. Councillor Humphreys also expressed sur- prise at the present opposition to the Hen Faes scheme. It would only land them in another lawsuit (Dr Marston laughed). Councillor Hiles I think we have had enough now. Replying to Councillor Macqueen, the Mayor said he supposed the inquiry would cost anything up to £ 50. Dr Thomas Simply the cost of the expert evidence. The Mayor Excluding expert evidence. Councillor E. H. Jones (Pool Quay) How much have we expended now ? The Town Clerk said about 100 guineas. Dr Thomas raised a point whether the Council were not COMMITTED BY A LEGAL DOCUMENT to the Vicar, as owner of the Hen Faes, to proceed with the matter. He did not like to use hard words, but it was very foolish indeed for any body of business men to go and jump from one thing to another. More than that, the feeling of the town and of the town's meetings was in favour of the Hen faes scheme. There was only one alternative now-there ought to be a poll taken on the matter. I The Mayor now read that Mr Sydney R. Lowcock's terms for attending the Local Government Board inquiry would be £10 10s and out-of-pocket expenses, and a further sum of F.7 7s in the event of the inquiry lasting more than one day. Dr Thomas' motion that the Town Clerk should engage expert evidence for the in- .quiry was then voted upon, and in answer to the Mayor, Councillor Humphreys said the names should be recorded For the motion—Alderman Jones, Coun- cillors Pryce Jones, Humphreys, Bond Thomas, and Hiles six. Against Aldermen Harrison and Wyke Councillors Rogers, E. H. Jones, Stockton, Jenkins, Marston, and Macqueen. The motion having thus been defeated, Councillor Hiles, in a cutting tone of voice, inquired: With all due respect to those gentlemen who have voted against this resolution, may I ask do they realise what they are doing ? Are we not as a Council in honour bound to support such a resolu- tion as this ? The Mayor: The resolution, Mr Hiles, is by Dr Thomas that we employ expert evidence. The Town Clerk has already got instructions to employ local assistance Dr Thomas: No. I am afraid he hasn't 1 It seems to me we are OPEN TO LEGAL ACTION. Still, I should like to know from the Town Clerk where we stand in the matter. The Town Clerk: I have no instructions to conduct the inquiry, and, if I receive an intimation from the Local Government Board that the inquiry is to be held, I imgaine I should write that I have no in- structions in the matter. Councillor Hiles: Huh! Dr Thomas having again referred to the Council's legal liability to the owner of the Hen Faes, Dr Marston said the Hen Faes scheme had been going on for a long time, and all the members had had due time to consider it. He thought some of them— he for one—had rather altered their opin- ion upon it. He for one had thought at first he was in favour of it, but he had thought a great deal about it, he had been over all the ground and everything, and he thought they would be throwing away a great deal of money, if they went on with the scheme—money which was required far more for the water supply of the town.- (Alderman Harrison: Hear, hear). Councillor Hiles said that Alderman Har- rison was one of those who had drawn their attention to the warnings received from the Board of Conservators on the j question of the river pollution by sewage. The present Mayor, Mr Councillor Evans, had told him (Councillor Hiles) a year or two ago that one of the Board of Con- servators, a local member, had warned him that their position regarding the sewage and the river was dangerous, and if they attempted to go on putting effluent from the factory into the river, the BOARD OF CONSERVATORS WOULD PROCEED against the Council with all the powers and penalties in their possession. "Am I not correct?" inquired Coun- cillor Hiles of the Mayor, who had been eyeing the speaker hard. Not so far as I am concerned," denied the Mayor. It was in conversation," persisted Coun- cillor Hiles. You mentioned Mr Kemp- ster, Llansaintffraid." The Mayor retorted that he received no warning he had not comntitted any nuisance on the river side. Councillor Hiles; He was warning the town through you. The Mayor: No Councillor Hiles: I have a distinct re- collection of the conversation. Councillor Humphreys: Mr Kempster has told me distinctly we will have to take the sewage out of the river. The Town Clerk, explaining the relation of the Town Clerk to the owner of the Tien Faes, said they had entered into a pro- visional contract, under which they were to proceed to an inquiry with the Local Government Board to sanction the borrow- ing of the money to complete the purchase. That contract had been extended from time to time, and at present moment it expired on the 25th or 29th of March. "We have entered into a contract with the Vicar to proceed to do our best, as it were, to ob- tain the money to complete this purchase." Dr Thomas: Are we not legally bound to ask whether the Local Government Board will say yes or no in the matter. If we do not proceed in this matter, have we not .ourselves committed a breach of con- tract, for which we as a Corporation are liable ? The Mayor: Proceed with the next busi- ness! Do you want to ask any other ques- tion ? Dr Thomas: Yes. The Town Clerk: I should say that is A MATTER FOR THE VICAR, and not for the Town Council. Dr Thomas: But if we commit a breach of contract- The Mayor: Next business, gentlemen! The minutes of the January Council meeting, which were duly confirmed as correct last Friday, included the following item: Hen Faes Estate.—On the motion of the Ex-Mayor, seconded by Councillor William Humphreys, it was resolved that the Town Clerk be instructed to write to the Local Government Board, asking the Board to expedite the consideration of the application of the Council. The Council also adopted the following illuminating minute from the Sanitary Committee last Friday Refuse Disposal.—A letter was read from Mr Addie, the agent of Lord Powis, stating that Lord Powis would be glad to let the two fields in Severn-road for purposes of refuse disposal, as from 25th March next, if arrangements could be made with the present tenants, and upon an assurance being given by the Medical Officer that no nuisance would be caused. The Medical Officer stated that ,in his opinion, no nuisance would be caused, if the refuse were properly stacked. It was recommended that the Mayor, ex- Mayor, and Alderman Harrison, form a sub-committee to meet Mr Addie on the land, to settle details.

MORE ELECTION BROILS. When the Expenses are Paid! On Friday, at the adjourned sessions held at the Police Court, before Messrs W. P. Phillips and John Humphreys, Mr R. E. George applied for a summons for a separation order with respect to John Herb- ert Kirkham, by his wife, Rachael Kirk- ham. A summons was granted, and due to appear on Monday at 11 a.m. Edward Jarman, Stone-street, Newtown charged Ernest Francis with assault. Mr Martin Woosnam appeared for the defend- ant, and Mr Jarvis for the complainant. THE COMPLAINANT'S TALE. Edward Jarman said he lived in Stone- street, and was a haulier by trade. On the 22nd January he did not go out till about five o'clock at night. Between seven and eight he went to the Bell Inn, having seen a few friends on the Llanfair-road. Shortly after he went there he took his departure, and had not seen the defendant except in the passage as he went out. When he had got a few yards on his way, lie heard steps coming behind him, and he moved towards the side of the pavement to let the person pass. He saw it was the defendant, and he came up to him and said, You are another of the b s." With this Francis uplifted a bottle he had in his hand and knocked him to the ground. He knocked him as "dead as a nit." The blow struck him on the back of the head, and the bottle was broken. He was helped by some friends as far as the Long Bridge. When he came to his senses, Mrs Cranston was bringing him down Frankwell. When he got down town he showed himself to P.S. Owen and P.C. Hammond. He had an awful black eye, and his ear was black for' days after.. ALE IN THE BOTTLE. Cross-examined: Defendant and himself had always been friendly. It was not usual for a man to assault another without any provocation. Defendant was bound to have been waiting for him to strike him. Mr Woosnam than asked complainant which way he went on going from the Bell Inn, and he replied that he went towards the Brickfield. He did not stand when he heard someone coming behind him, but he turned his head round. When the assault was committed he was by Morris's stone- yard. There was ale in the bottle with which he was knocked. There was no one else there except Francis and himself. Af- terwards defendant got on top of him and hit him on the face, and so gave him the black eye. Mr Woosnam asked him how he knew that, as he said before he was knocked unconscious. UNCONSCIOUS OR ? By the Bench: He could not tell of his own knowledge that Francis got on top of him and hit him. He saw the policeman about ten minutes after the assault was committed. Re-examined: He did not turn his face round when he was struck. Alfred Cross, son of the licensee of the Bell Inn, said on the date in question he was serving at the bar of the inn. He re- membered Jarman in the house, but could not tell how long he had been there. He was with some other men. Defendant was not one of his friends. He did not remem- ber serving defendant with any ale. He was called by some child, and in conse- quence of this he went out, and saw de- fendant and complainant on the ground. They were about ten yards from the house, by Morris's stoneyard. Jarman was on the ground on his back, and Francis on top of him. He was knocking the complainant on the face with his fist. Jarman looked to be senseless. He picked Francis off him, and as he was rising he kicked Jarman in the ribs. He did not pick Jarman up. His head was alright to look at, but had some blood on his face. He had seen Fran- cis in the passage of the house. Isabel Cranston, Frankwell-street, said on the date in question she assisted the complainant along the Long Bridge. She first saw him in Cross-street. He was walk- ing down, and defendant behind him show- ing his fists. She caught hold of him by the arm, and took him down Frankwell, up the steps, and over the Long Bridge as far as Mr, Morgan, the fishmonger. He was quite sober as far as she could see. P.S. Owen and P.C. Hammonds gave evi- dence to the effect that they saw the com- plainant in the Cross. His face was cov- ered with blood, and his eye was also swollen. THE DEFENCE. Mr Martin Woosnam, in opening for the defence, said that was one of those cases which had arisen out of the recent contest in the Montgomery Boroughs. It is much to be regretted that persons cannot agree to differ without having recourse to fisti- cuffs. I am not quite sure what the cause is. When after the election one finds young fellows coming to the police court to air their grievances there, I look round for the cause. I am glad to see that my friend Mr Jarvis agreed with the few re- marks I made on Friday last. I fear that as long as some philanthropic individual (through the advocate on the other side) undertakes to pay fines, costs, and damages, so long will these unfortunate incidents come before the justices for settlement. A LIVELY SCENE. Mr Jarvis (interjecting) said that that had nothing to do with the case. Mr Woosnam: So long as these things are done, so long will you as magistrates be troubled in the police court. Mr Jarvis: Stick to the truth. Do not say things which are totally untrue stick to the truth. You are talking of many cases, and in only one case was such a thing done, to prevent the young lads from a taint oil their character. Mr Woosnam: I will stick to the truth. It is greatly to be regretted, and certainly to be deprecated in the highest possible manner, that my friend should have under- taken to pay these fines, costs, and dam- ages, and I think it cannot be too widely made known. Mr Jarvis again remonstrated, and after some rather heated retorts by both advo- cates, Mr John Humphreys (one of the justices) said that they should proceed with the case, as he wished to get his dinner Mr Woosnam said he agreed, but the practice should be discouraged. He did not say it was positively legally wrong, but was morally so, and was rather an incen- tive than a deterrent to crime. WHERE WAS HE STRUCK P On the night in question (proceeded Mr Woosnam) complainant had gone out of the Bell Inn. Francis came out a few yards behind him with a bottle of beer in his hand. Jarman wanted a. drop of this beer, no doubt, and had tried to get it from Francis. Francis had struck Iiin-i--wliere P i That was the point. No blood was seen on the back of Jarman's person. There is an absence of evidence to prove that Jarman's statement was true. It was true that Francis struck Jarman, but Jarman brought it on himself. Defendant said that on Saturday, 22nd January, he was at the Bell. He left there a little after eight o'clock. Jarman was there before him. He (defendant) went to the bar to get a pint of ale in a bottle, and he also had some to drink while he was there. Mrs Cross supplied him with the drink. Jarman went out first, and he went out after him. Jarman was by Cross- street, and he said to him, "Here's another b of them. Francis replied that he was not a b I have no vote and neither have you." He grabbed at the bottle, and it fell to the ground in the struggle. He knocked Jarman down, and he got up and went for defendant. He knocked him down again, and they wrestled a little on the ground. Jarman got up and ran away down Cross-street, and he ran after him. Cross-examined: He had heard Cross's evidence, and he said he was not senseless. Mr Jarvis asked if Cross was telling a lie. Defendant replied, Let it be." Re-examined: Jarman got up and ran along the street. W. Morris, the Canal, said he worked at Slater's the fishmonger. On the 22nd January he was near the Bell Inn, and saw Francis and Jarman come out. It was about half-past eight. Both of them had reached Morris's coal yard. He saw Jar- man catch hold of Francis's arm, and a bottle dropped to the ground and was smashed. He saw Francis hit Jarman, and he went to the ground. He got up' and went for Francis. He was hit over again. He did not see Francis do anything with the bottle to Jarman. They were both face to face when Francis hit Jarman. When Jarman was hit the second time he got up and ran down Cross-street, and Francis ran after him. He (witness) was about 20 yards from the place where the assault took place. CrOss-examined: He did not see Jarman hit Francis, and he was not sure of the time., The Bench fined defendant 10s and costs amounting to 19s, in default seven days' hard labour. Mr Jarvis applied for costs for Mr Cross and Mrs Cranston, and they were granted 2s 6d each. THEFT OF EGGS. P.C. Hammonds charged Lewis Jones and Harold Lewis with stealing twelve eges the property of Mr John R. Jones, Park- street' and of the value of one shilling Mr Jones said he had some land and a building up the Park-lane, and there he kept poultry. On the 5th of the month he visited the building about twelve to two p.m., and he left everything all right. The doors were all locked, etc. He revisited the place about five in the evening, and I rp Joun<^ that the padlock on the door had been broken and ten eggs which lie had left there, as well as the eggs which had been laid after he had left in the morning, had been taken. He gave in- formation to the police, and later in the evening went to the mining hole at Mil- j-ord, and there found the remains of a fire, and egg shells scattered about. Cross-examined by Mr R. E. George (who appeared for Lewis Jones): He had been acquainted with the lad Jones for several years, and always found him all right. He did not wish to press the case. Arthur Williams. Ladywell-street, said he was fifteen years of age. On the 5th of the month lie was in company with the defend- ants. They were all together, and the two defendants went over the hedge in Park- lane towards the building of Mr John Rowley Jones. The next thing he saw of them was coming over the hedge in the next field. Lewis Jones had four eggs in his hands as he got over the hedge. They all went to the mining hole, where they boiled and ate the eggs. Cross-examined He had the cake in his pocket. He did not know whether he was lucky or not for not being in the other box charged with receiving stolen property. Harold Birch, Ladywfcll-street, also gave evidence to the effect that on the day in question he was with the defendants, who went over the hedge, and when he next saw them they had several eggs in their hands. P. C. Hammonds said that in consequence of information received, he went to the mining hole with Mr Jones, and saw what he had described. He then went to the houses of the boys, and they all confessed to having been there, and after a good deal of persuasion the two defendants confessed to having stolen the eggs. Mr George then addressed the Bench. He said they were pleading guilty, and all he was there that day for was to plead for the palliation of their sentence. Harold Lewis was bound over in the sum of £ 5 to keep the peace for two years, and be under the surveillance of the probation officer for that period, and Lewis Jones for one year. RECEIVING THE EGGS. John Williams, Ladywell-street, was charged with receiving the stolen property, and the case was dismissed, there being lack of evidence to show that he knew the property had been stolen.

SEEN AND HEARD. No thine extenmate, nor let down aognt m maliee. SH K»SPEAKS. Extracted from a pigeon-hole, where re- pose some personal missives treasured for their associations, there lies before me a brief epistle written by one o'er whose earthly tabernacle the grave closed on Thursday. Dated the 23rd January, 1905, it reads as follows:—"Captain Mytton begs to thank the editor of the Montgomery- shire Express' very sincerely for his kind remarks on Captain Mytton's career, and hopes by zeal and industry to continue to merit his approbation." Note its modesty. Zeal and industry," and nothing more. Two years since I was invited to write a biographical sketch of Captain Mytton for a work recently published. Therein I have a good deal to say of his zeal and industry, which, however, I preferred to call un- sparing personal sacrifice and inspiring devotion to the communal well-being. brimful of pattern examples to the genera- tion that is to follow him." Zealous and industrious he was to a degree, but these were not the qualities I admired most in this grand old man. His high moral purpose and lofty public spirit- edness, his transparent sincerity, his scru- pulous and inflexible integrity, his broad and catholic spirit-such were the out- standing characteristics that won him honour and an imperishable memory. There was in his character a fine blending of dig- nity and urbanity, and the worthiest mo- tives visibly dominated his every action. His fellows in public life will agree, I am sure, with my impression that however much one was occasionally disposed to differ from Captain Mytton, never could we question the complete sincerity, nor the genuine honesty with which he upheld his opinions and conceptions of duty. He was a man of clear views and decided convic- tions, and when convinced regarding the right or wrong of principle or policy, there was left in his mind no room for compro- mise. And yet how admirably he bore himself in controversial defeat how un- grudgingly he. bowed to the behests of the majority, and co-operated for their success- ful execution. Although possessed of strong convictions and an almost over-awing sternness in his place of authority, I have often noted how his sense of humour was tickled by comi- calities in debate. The Captain laughed through his eyes over the top of his spec- tacles. His dignity was rarely relaxed to the extent of open laughter. In private life he was the kindest of men-a man of wide sympathies, a considerate landlord, and a generous friend of all deserving causes. And now that he is gone, we will miss him, and lament his absence from our public life. He held his whole possessions as a trust, Shared all the beauties of his fair domain With those around him. Kind and just, Courteous to all, and pitiful to pain. What marvel he was loved ? Lay him to rest Hard by his home, nigh those who loved him best. It is a noteworthy coincidence that neither the death of Mr Humphreys-Owen nor of Captain Mytton occasioned a bye- election. The former departed from among us while the Conservative Government was dissolving, and the gallant Captain passed away on the eve of a County Council elec- tion. Politically distinct, yet these two lives were largely spent in constant com- munion with a common object-the well- being of their county-and for what they accomplished their memory is enshrined in the hearts of a grateful people. I never care to prophesy, yet I think my readers may accept it as most likely that while Mr Hugh Lewis will succeed Capt. Mytton in the chair of the County Council, the chairmanship of the Quarter Sessions and that of the Standing Joint Committee will be conferred upon Mr Richard Lloyd. Both gentlemen are' deserving of these honours by reason of meritorious service. It is difficult. in excitable natures to sup- press the passion of political partisanship during the white heat of election times, yet I was sorry to read of'the police court proceedings at Newtown, which formed the aftermath of a memorable conflict. One quite agrees with the magisterial view that many things are done during these passion- provoking times which ordinarily would not be conceived of, and therefore the offender has a reasonable claim to lenient treatment. What must have grieved all of us most was that youthful attack upon the motor car. Very properly the Bench pointed out to that band of senseless lads the seriousness of their conduct, but I do not read that the reprobation was followed up by any warning that severe punishment will be meted out in future to like offend- ers. We may have another election before long, and it would have been well to pub- licly declare the determination of the Court to deal sternly with such ruffianism, should it recur. Notwithstanding this omission, I think I may make that declaration on be- half of the magistrates. Dangerous conduct of that kind cannot be committed twice and squared by payment of a nominal fine, or by a fine at all. One officially interested in the Newtown P.S.E." sends me the following printed programme of that entertainment," which Orthodox" regards as "not religious in the truest sense." Here it is Opening hymn chairman's address, not to exceed five minutes hymn reading of Scripture prayer hymn announcements address by the special speaker for the evening, not to exceed fifteen minutes closing hymn Benediction." If "Orthodox" cannot asso- ciate his sympathy with an "entertain- ment of that character, he is much too good for this imperfect world. I am charit- able enough to believe that he wrote his pious sneer in ignorance. How querulous are these professing pious people. After an interview with a person of this type, Carlyle is reported to have expressed himself thus "I have lately had a visit from Mr N. B., and I have come to the conclusion that, if he had been at the Creation, he would have suggested improvements to God Almighty in all His Works, with the solitary excep- tion of Mr N.B. himself." LUKE SHAJLPB-

LLANBRYNMAIR. LIBERATION SOCIETY.-The Rev Hywel Edwards, the Society's district agent, addressed a well attended meeting at Moriah Calvinistic Methodist Chapel on Tuesday. The Rev John Evans took the chair, and the Revs J. G. Williams, W. J. Jones, and Lloyd Williams (Penarth) also spoke.

A COMPARISON. THERE will be found in Mr Jones' article an interesting table of figures, by which we are enabled to judge still further of the Tory charge of Liberal "recklessness" and "extravagance." This table furnishes a comparative statement of the estimated ex- penditure for the current year by each of the Welsh Education Authorities, except- ing Radnorshire and Flint, whose returns are not yet issued. We have had reference to the document from which Mr Jones extracted these figures, and propose to supplement what he has chosen to print, by way of a comparison of Montgomeryshire and Merionethshire. Administrative expendi- ture in Montgomeryshire with 100 schools amounts to £ 2,050 in Merioneth, which has but 81 schools, it totals £ 1,370. Mr Jones add the note th'it the Secretary to the Merionethshire Authority gives his services gratuitously. Under that head. our county stands third lowest on the list, and second lowest in regard to cost of school maintenance. Here we are more economic than Merioneth by £950. We occupy a, similar position in the Principality as regards cost per scholar. While the Merionethshire ratepayer is required to pay £ 3 16s 2d for each scholar, the Montgomeryshire rate- payer enjoys a cheaper and perhaps a bet- ter system of education for eight shillings and threepence less per pupil. Again, the amount of rate raised per scholar in our neighbouring county is El lis, compared to £ 1 5s 2d here, and the total expenditure provides a comparison of which we have no reason to complain. With twenty fewer schools, Merioneth is obliged to find £ 28,570, as against our total of £ 26,550. We would direct special attention to those portions of Mr Jones' article which ex- plain the loans transferred from the old school boards, those raised since the ap- pointed day," as well as the annual ex- penditure in respect of new buildings and repairs. Therein the ratepayers will find relief from the disturbing notions dili- gently circulated by partisan critics, and also satisfaction with an administration thoroughly deserving of their continued confidence. Not the least interesting para- graph in this instructive article is that which describes the change effected in the denominational character of the schools since the new education authority camc into existence. Prior to that period only 28 of the 98 schools were popularly con- trolled to-day they number 42, and the Church schools 58. Who will contend that this change has not been productive of sub- stantial benefit ? But the highest possible benefits are only attainable when we pos- sess a system of schools absolutely free from sectarian interests, working clear of denominational differences, and whose headships are accessible to scholastic merit with whatever religious creed it may be identified. Then, but not till then, will our periodical election of educational re- presentatives be rid of political and re- ligious considerations, sunk in the single- minded conception of solid educational advancement.

THE OPPOSITION EXAMINED. Respecting the opposition offered to the scheme by two or three of the town repre- sentatives on the Council, what inspires it ? While properly deferring to the expert opinion of Mr England, who believes that the working of a destructor on the gas works site would be a nuisance to residents in the immediate neighbourhood, Mr Jarvis is confessedly convinced that a destructor is not required for Newtown. Logically, therefore, he should oppose its location any- where, which is in contradistinction with the emphatic opinion of Mr England. Mr George is against it on the grounds of ex- pense-a position we cannot easily under- stand from the standpoint of a choice of sites. Nor does it consist with Mr England's conviction that "if a destructor be erected at a point fairly central, the cost of refuse disposal will not only be more economical, etc." Mr Parry's antagonism obviously springs from a personal pride in the river banks, which he has improved to a very creditable extent, and upon which he desires to continue to lavish his attention. Thus the entire opposition is reduced to a strik- ing contrast with the purposes of the Sani- tary Committee, directed as they have been by the responsible medical officer of health. But after allowing for the character of that opposition, one cannot blink the argument that the expert whom the Council engaged to pronounce upon the site has disapproved of it. Whether that disapproval should prevail against all other expert opinions is a matter for the ratepayers to determine.