The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

O'R TWR. AGORWCH Y DRYSAU. Mae awel y dehau yn tramwy drwy'r ardd, Agorwch y drysau. Yn chwilio am danom mae'r tyner a'r hardd; Agorwch y drysau. Rhyw ddyfais gan ddynion yw drysau y byd: Mae'r pyrth greodd Duw yn agored i gyd. Daw'r dydd pryd na welir cyfoethog a thlawd; Agorir y dry&au. (Gofala di ymddwyn fel gweddai i frawd, Pan egyr y drysau.) Rhyw ddyfais gan ddynion yw'r drysau o byd Mae'r pyrth greodd Duw ylb agorbd i gyd. Mae pyrth gwir ddedwyddwch bob amser ar led 'D oes eisiau dim drysau. Mae'r nefoedd i'w chael i bwy bynag a gred; 'D oes yno ddim drysau. Bhyw ddyfais gan ddynion yw'r drysau o hyd Mae'r pyrth greodd Duw yn agored i gyd. R. H. JONES. Tair wythnos o ysgol ddyddiol a gafodd fy nhad, medd Ap Vychan, ond troes allan yn hunan-ddysgydd rhagorol. Deallai ramadeg iaith ei fam, rheolau barddouiaeth ei wlad, a chasglodd lawer o wybodaeth gyffredinol; ond rhagorai yn fawr fel duwinydd. Ysgrifenai law deg a gwastadlefn, sillebai yn gywir, a chyfansoddodd ami ddernyn barddonol, caeth a rhydd, a chy- hoeddwyd amryw oh(>nynfc. Yr oedd crefydd wedi darostwng yr ardal y magwyd fi ynddi yn rhyfedd o dan ei dylanwad. Perchid dydd yr Arglwydd yn bur gyffredin. Ychydig iawn o feddwi oadd yn y fro. Yr oedd 11 won a rhegfpydd wedi eu bymlid ymaith o'n terfynau ni. Ni wyddem ni fel plant beth oedd tyngu a rhegi. Ni fyddai neb, am a wn i, yn glanhau esgidiau, na thori gwair i anifeiliaid ar y Sabbath. Yr oedd tori barf, a golchi cloron, a'r cyffelyb allan o'r cwestiwn yn ein plith ar y dydd hwnw.—Ap Fychan (6639). Gwelaf fod yr Express' yn cyrhaedd i gyrau pell y sir. Derbyniaf geisiadau am y llyfrau roddir gan y Llyfrfa i Lyfrgelloedd. Gwnaf nodiad o'r ceisiadau ac anfonaf y llyfrau pan gaf gyfle. Cefais awgrym y daw eto lyfr neu ddau fceisnig yr un wedd yn y man. Rhoddaf bob hysbysrwydd pan ddelo hyny. Byddai yn sirioldeb mawr i mi eto glywed awn paratoi lie i dderbyn rhoddion fel hyn trwy ddarparu llyfrgell Ue nad oes un. Os teimla rhyw fra wd neu ch waer haeliunus ar eu calon i wneuthur y gymwynas hon i'r Ysgol SuL y perthynant iddi, neu y mae ganddynt hoffder at ei meini hi, llawenydd i mi fydd bod yn bob help i ddwyn y bwriad i ben. Tra dyddorol ydyw adroddiad y Parch D. B. Edmunds i'r Gymdeithasfa yn Llaafair am ansawdd yr eglwysi yn y Rhan Isaf. Rhoddir ynddo grynoldeb o'r atebion gaed i'r holiadau yn yr Ymweliad diweddaf. Fel esiampl rhoddaf yma yr ateb i'r gofyniad, A delir sylw dyladwy iddirwest? "Y mae dirwest yn cael cryn sylw gan y rhan fwyaf o'n heglwysi, a gwaith da yn cael ei gyflawm ynglyn ag ef drwy Gymdeithasau Undebol mewn rhai manau, a thrwy Gymdeithasau y Merched, a'r Bands of Hope, mewn lleoedd eraill. Y mae amryw o'n heglwysi yn cadw Llyfr Dirwest, ac yn myned ag et oddiamgylch yn yr Y sgol Sul i geisio gan rai i gvmeryd yr Ardystiad. Mae ein gweinidogion oil yn Ddirwestwyr trwyad], a nifer mawr o'n blaenoriaid a'n haelodau. Defnyddir y gwin anfeddwol yn y Cymundeb yn y mwyafrif o'n heglwysi. Mae cydwybod ein gwlad wedi ei henill o blaid dirwest. Y mae amryw o blwyfi yn ein sir heb yr un ty tafarn o'i mewn." Yil yr ymweliad gofynwyd naw o holiadau. Oni ddylasai fod yn ddeg? Dymunaf awgrymu y degfed holiad. A oes genych Lyfrgell? Os oes, pa wedd sydd arni a faint o fyned sydd ar y llyfrau ? Os nad ces, paham hyny ? Gwelaf fod rhai o'r atebwyr wedi gwneud lie i'r llyfrgelloedd wrth roddi ateb i'r nawfed cwestiwn, Pa bethau sydd yn hros fel ffrwythau y diwygiad diweddaf ? Nodir chwech fel effeithiau arosol y diwygiad. a'r pumed yw, Mwy o awydd am wybodaeth—y cyfarfod darllen yn cael ymofyn am dano, a dyddordeb yn cael ei gymeryd ynddo. Defnydd helaethach yn cael ei wneud o'n llyfrgelloedd." Diolchaf yn fawr i'r atebwyr am y llinell olaf. Hyderaf yn yr ymweliad nesaf, y caiff y llyfrgelloadd le gan yr holwyr a chwestiwn iddynt eu hunain. Yn ol y cyfrifon yn y Blwyddiadur 21 o ezlvryai y Rhan Isaf sydd yn meddu llyfrgell allan o 46; fel y mae yn aros 25 heb y ddarpar- iaeth hon ar gyfer yr ieuenctyd ag eraill sydd wedi eu codi gan y diwygiad i fwy o awydd am wybodaeth. Gaf fi apelio at y Cyfarfod Misol i wasgu ar y 25 hyn ddeffro at eu rhwymedigaeth i ddarparu ac i ddangos iddynt mor hawdd fyddai sicrhau llyfrgell dda ar ychydig iawn o draul. Ai ni ellid anfon cenhadon o'r eglwysi mwy goleuedig lie mae y diwygiad wedi cael cyfle iadael ei ol mewn defnydd helaethach o'r llyfrgell- oedd at ei chwaer eglwysi sydd hyd yma yn ymfoddloni ar fod heb y cyfleusdra gwerthfawr hwn i'r bobl ac i'r diwygiad. Prin y rhaid i mi ddyweud y rhoddaf pob cyfarwyddyd a chynorthwy yn fy ngallu er cychwyn ac helaethu llyfrgell; a llai o anghen sydd, mi obeithiaf, i mi fynegi fod adnoddau cyfoethog y caiff yr eglwysi dynu arnynt, fel y mae llyfrgell o fewn cyrhaedd y ddwy eglwys dan 20, a'r holl eglwysi o ran hyny. Ni raid i'r leiaf ofni y draul, cydmarol fychan yw. Gwn am eglwysi dan 20 yn meddu llyfrgell o ganoedd o lyfrau yn ffrwyth tyfiant graddol yn nghwrs y blynyddau diweddar. Awyddus wyf am weled pob Eglwys M.C. yn Sir Diefaldwyn yn meddu ei llyfrgell ac yn gwneud yn fawr o honi. Y mae eglwysi yr Henaduriaeth yn gyflawn, 24 o eglwys, 24 o lyfrgelloedd; Cyfarfod Misol y Rhan Uchaf, 24 gyda, 14 heb y Rhan Isaf sydd hyd yma yn i6af yn y gras hwn. Ond daw ei thro hithau yn y man, a goreu pa gyntaf meddaf i. Y mae un dosbarth yn gyflawn, lie y mae chwe' eglwys, Tregynon, Felin Newydd, Adfa, Gerizim, Horeb, a Channel, pob un a llyfrgell werthfawrogir. Byr waith fyddai cael yr holl ddosbarthiadau yr un wedd. Pwy ddyry gychwyn yn yr eglwysi sydd heb ? Yn awr yw yr amser mwyaf cyfaddas fel ac i gael yr arlwy yn barod erbyn dechreu gauaf. Gweler 'Y Drysorfa' am Ionawr diweddaf lie y ceir pob cyfarwyddyd ac anfoner gair i'r Dref- newydd. Hawdd ydyw peidio trwy oedi, ond felly collir y cyfleusderau sydd yn myned hoibio i ni. Rhed y-ffrwd o flaen y drws, ond ui chawn ni ein rhan ohoni oni wnawn ddisgyn ein piser i mewn a chodi. Er oedi cawn ran heddyw, ond ni chawn yr hyn allasem ei gael yn y dyddiau fu; a rhyw ddiwrnod sych y ffynon a dyna ddiwedd ar y ffrwd hono am bob heddyw. Yr wyf wedi gweled rhai ffynonellau y bum yn derbyn llyfrau ohonynt i'r ysgolion wedi myned yn hesp. Cefais lawer a chawswn fwy y pryd hyny, ond yn awe nid oes dim i'w gael oddiyno. Gyda byny y mae ffrydiau eraill sydd yn parhau tic heb olwg sychu arnynt. Ond nis gallwn gael o'r rhai hyny ond cyfran y presenol, a gelwir arnom i brysuro i gael hwnw nen fe'u collwn ef. Er engraipht, yn Rban Uchaf y Sir derbyniodd rhai eglwysi, trwy gyfraniad y Llyfrfs a charedigrwydd Mr Davies, Llandinam, ynghyd, werth .£205 o lyfrau am .£61 10s; ond gallasent fod wedi cael yn ychwanegol werth .£31.5 am J691 10s. Pe buasai yr holl eglwysi wedi bod mor effro a blaenllaw a rhai buasai y gwerth heddyw o'r ddau darddle yma yn I .£920 am draul o £ 156. Gyda hyn, eieni gwnaed y trydydd rhaniad allan o'r arian adawodd Mr David Jones at lyfrgelloedd. Derbyniodd yr eglwysi allent ddaagos fod ganddynt le i dderbyn gyfran, ac y maent yn yfoethocach o'r herwydd. Ond nid oedd dim i'r rhai nad oeddynt barod. Ni ddaw y rhaniad nesaf am dair blynedd. Eto, dyma y Llyfrfa yn agor ei Haw i roi rhai llyfrau. Terfynedig yw rhif y rhai hyn, y rhai sydd yn eisio sydd yn cael, a phan dderfydd yr ystor dyna ddiwedd. Hoffwn yn fawr weled yr eglwysi lgwanaf yn dod i fanteieio ar y cynygion hyn. Own am un eglwys fechan He y gosododd y yfarfod athrawon ar ddwy ferch ieuanc i gasglu at yr amcan. Cawsant yn faan dair punt i gael gwerth deg punt o lyfrau, am dair punt ereill namyn coron gwnaed cell; a dechreuwyd ar hyny, cyn pen blwyddyn y mae yno 200 o lyfrau, 40 o 4darllanwyr, a llyfrau yn myned allan ar gyfar- taledd o 17 yn yr wythnos. Yr hyn wnaed yn Capel Isaf, Llangurig, ellir ei wneud yn mhob CAPEL trwy y sir. GWTLIWK.

POWYS PROVINCIAL EISTEDDFOD. Text of Literary Adjudications. The following adjudications upon translation competitions at the Powys Provincial Eisteddfod held recently at Caersws will prove interesting reading. ENGLISH INTO WELSH TRANSLATION. Daeth 24 o gyfieithiadau i law o dan yr enwau- Llawdden, Cardi, Philammon, Hyn Fu Iaith Hynafiaethydd, Taranon, Ap Powys, Wnogwyn, Caradog, Locrinus, Awel Mai, Aurelius, Dehonglwr, Anarawd, Gilbert, Hu Gadarn, Hoff o'r Gymraeg, Ap Gerallt, Hugh, Gogleddwr, Ambrose, Un o Odre Cader Idris, Ceredig Wyn, Brython, a Gwilym. Wrth osod deg a deugain o farciau fel maximum," ceir fod saith wedi enill deugain neu ragor o farciau, sef, Awel Mai, Aurelius, Wnogwyn, Ap Powys, Caradog, Hyn Fu Iaith Hynafiaethydd, a Llawdden; a 17 o dan deugain. Gwaith hirfaith fyddai beiriadu yn fanwl ar y cwbl; felly cyfyngwn ein sylwadau i'r rhai sydd a chanddynt dros 40 o farciau. Yn gyntaf- Ap Powys (41)—Gwaith eithaf da mewn rhannau, ond y Cymraeg yn anystwyth ac ambell i wall cyfieithiad. Awel Mai (42)-Tra thebyg i Ap Powys. Sonia am y gwyfyn yn cythruddo" yn lie "ysu" (" trets when it cannot fly"). Aurelius (42) -Cyfieithiad lied gywir ar y cyfan, ond mae'r gwyfyn ganddo ymddigio a'r mor- awelon yn pyncio—fel adar man yn y brigau. Hyn Fu Iaith Hynafiaethydd (42)—Braidd yn arw yw ei iaith. Mae diffyg peroriaith yn ei frawddegau, ond mae'r cyfieithiad yn lied gywir. Wnogwyn (43)-Y dechreu a'r diwedd yn wir dda, ond yn colli yn y canol, ac felly yn anwastad. Ymboenu mae ei wyfyn ef. Caradog (44)-Cyfieithiad rhagorol, ond arddull rhai o'i frawddegau yn ddiffygiol. Y mae ei waith yma ac acw yn gystal a'r goreu, ond tuedda mewn mannau i fod yn hirwyntog. Llawdden (47)-Cyfioitbiad rhagorol. Iaith ystwyth, ac ystyr y brawddegau yn berffaith eglur i'r darllenydd. Y mae ysbryd ac anian y gwreiddiol yn ei gyfieithiad. Gresyn iddo ysgrifenu "ffromi" am fret," a melwlith am mildew," a chwibanu am chant." Dyma'r unig frychau ar ei orchestwaith. I Llawdden felly y dyfarnaf y wobr yn ddibetrus.—Ar air a chydwybod, (Anna Walter Thomas) MORFUDD ERYRI. WELSH INTO ENGLISH TRANSLATION. Twenty-four translations came to hand—Llaw- dden, Glanhafren, lorwerth FyDglas, Emerson, Grug, Sebra, Brython, Betty, Morus, Meurig, Cymro, Cymro (2), Benbur, Celfgarwr, Churchill, Caronydd, Portia, Avrelius, Interpreter, Moun- taineer, Wynwnog, Meilir, Pickwick, Hafrenydd. Allowing 50 marks as a maximum for good work, of the competitors four alone have gained more than 40 marks, namely, Celfgarwr, Pickwick, Hafrenydd. and Llawdden. The other transla- tions, although possessing some merit, are below comparison with these. Celfgarwr has some happy phrases, but his style is faulty, and his translation not always accurate. He obtains 43 marks. Pick wick-This translation, though marred by like faults, is slightly better. He obtains 44 marks. Hafrenydd and Llawdden-I have had great difficulty in comparing the merits of these. Hafrenydd excels in verbal rendering; he makes a serious mistake, however, in the translation of Trueni oedd ei ddyrysu," but this, perhaps is owing to the obscurity of the original. He mistakes, also, the tense of A wridiai He has also omitted part of one sentence, and has other faults. His style is excellent on the whole. Llawdden, with more verbal mistakes, has some excellent renderings, and has succeeded where Hafrenydd failed. Both have made the same mistake in the tense of "A wridiai," and in translating dal" as to bear" instead of to "maintain." After comparing the two translations carefully, and submitting them to the judgment of others, I am compelled to divide the prize between Llawdden and liafrenydd. (Morfudd Eryri). ANNA WALTER THOMAS. METRICAL TRANSLATION FROM WELSH TO ENGLISH. "YR ENETH DDALL." Nineteen translations were received-one being sent direct to the adjudicator instead of to the Secretary, and I am bound to say that the general average of attainment was distinctly poor, some of the competitors having a very imperfect knowledge of English. To write decent verse one must have a thorough knowledge of the langnage one writes in: to write verse well one must be thoroughly saturated with the atmosphere of its best poetic literature. I should recommend to would-be translators into English a diligent and systematic study of a book like Palgrave's Golden Treasury." I place in the lowest class (but neither here nor in the other classes adopt- ing any order of merit) Harper, Madog, Bilingual, Edmygydd Meirwyn, and Mab y Mynydd. In the second class, which is characterised by weak- ness throughout, Telorydd, Bartimeus, Bardd Teirawr, Alun Mabon, and Ivor. The following seven are superior, though still falling short of a high standard, viz., Brysiog Fawn, Her Sister, Delta, Gwyddel, Eben, Telyn y Wawr, and Ceredig. Three are more successful than the rest in surmounting the difficulty caused by the intense simplicity of the origiakl, viz., Ceredig, Her Sister, and Gwyddel, of whom Gwyddel, though he has some very weak points, is undoubtedly the best. To Gwyddel, then, I award the prize.—EDMUND O. JONES, Vicar of Llanidloes. METRICAL TRANSLATION FROM ENGLISH TO WELSH. A PSALM OF LIFE." Fourteen entered, and the standard on the whole is high. I place in the first class Gwyddno Garnhir, Mab y Mynydd, Mirza, Tempus Fugit (2), Dewi, Eilian, and Cymrawd Hir. Of these seven Gwyddno Garnhir, Eilian, and Cymrawd Hir stand out as giving faithful and vigorous versions. Eilian has taken the hazardous step of completely changing the metre, adopting one of Vicar Pritchard's. He has produced a poem which reads like an original one, while he has neither added to nor subtracted from Longfellow's ideas. But, mistrustful ef my own judgment, I submitted the whole of the translations to the Rev Gwilym Lewis, vicar of Llangurig, and the Rev Mordaf Pierce, of Llanidloes. Independently of me, and of one another, they selected the above three as best, and gave the palm te Eilian. To Eilian, therefore, be it given.—EDMUND O. JONES.

A Farmer's Grievance. WHY HIS CHILDREN DID NOT ATTEND SCHOOL. We never keep these children at home without a cause-that is, sickness or wet mornings. These children have to got up in the morning at half- past six-they are dragged out of bed; in fact, we have to pall them out. It id a very wrong thing to rouse a child out of its sleep. Three caees out of five they never eat any breakfast, and they have come back being sick, I couldn't say the reason unless it is having no breakfast. And they're dragged down to Buttington school, a matter of 2} miles at least. They came home at night-seven o'clock very often, and sometimes we've had to go to meet them. And what's the price of that child's health ? This tale of woe was told at the Welshpool County Sessions last Monday by Bertram Corfield, a farmer living at the Welsh Harp, whom Attend- ance Officer Thomas Bebb summoned for neglect- ing to send his two children-Gordon and Thomas Lawrence- to school. The officer stated that both boys fead been absent 20 out of 74 school meetings between April 5th and May 27th. He had warned Mr Corfield on several occasions. Gordon had been absent 44 times out of 142 this year; Lawrence had only started going to school from April 5th. The road was good, and they had two miles to go. Defendant declared that it was a rough road. or why did the headmistress allow the children till a quarter to ten to get to the school ? The officer replied that they had no longer a distance to travel than other children, and the average attendance at the school was 93 per cent. The Bench-consisting of Colonel Twyford, Dr. Thomas, and Mr Noel Turner-adjourned the case for a month to see how the children astended; if they did not attend properly defendant must expect to be severely dealt with, they said. Professor Goldwin Smith died at Toronto on Tuesday afternoon.

LLANIDLOES GOVERNORS. A meeting of the Llanidloes School Governors was held at the Intermediate School on Tuesday evening, when there were present Mr J. G. W. Boen (presiding), Mr Kinsey Jones, Mr R. George, Mr Price, and Mrs Kerne, with Mr E. R. Horsfall Turner (headmaster) and Mr Spencer (deputy clerk). THE PRIVILEGE OF OLD PUPILS. A letter was read from the Past Pupils Associa- tion, stating that they were not aware that there was a charge for the use of the school grounds in the evening, and asking on what agreement was based their charge of XI 15s 6d. Mr Horsfall Turner, the headmaster, said he thought there waa a misunderstanding with regard to this matter. A letter was shown him by the late secretary of the Past Pupils' Associa- tion, dated 1904, stating that Governors bad passed a resolution allowing past pupils the use of grounds in the evening, on the condition that they should keep the court in order. He also said he would like to correct the stitement, that the ground had been used by outsiders. The Clerk confirmed the statement that the Governors had passed a resolution, in 1904, ex- empting the past pupils from payment. Mr Price said he did not think that the old pupils had any claim on the Governors and re- marked that they ought to make a payment. Mr George said there was another side to the question. The Past Pupils' Association presented a scholarship every year. He thought that they should show their appreciation by letting them have the use of the ground. They should not make a fixed charge. Mr Turner said they may contribute a small sum, but they had not used the ground for the past two years, and he supposed they did not feel inclined to pay for something which they did not have. He thought they were a great benefit to the school. Mr Price said that if they granted this there was a legal point. Mr George thought that the public never lost their right, but a private individual did. Mr Kinsey Jones proposed that they should forego their claim, but when the Association wanted to make use of the ground they should make a further application.—This was passed. MISCELLANEOUS. A letter was received from the University Col- lege of Aberystwyth asking them to appoint one of their members to represent them oi that Board. -Mr Gwilym Edmunds was appointed. A notice was received from the Inspector that he would visit and inspect the school on Thursday. June 16th. Bills to the amount of iJll 12s 5d were directed to be paid. Mr Bowen drew attention to the fact that the mortar in the coping of the walls in front of the school was decayed and it was agreed that the matter be left in the hands of the Building Com- mittee. It was also agreed that the election of Parents' representatives on the Governing Body be carried out in the usual way.

Old-Age Pensions in Montgomery- shire. Meetings of the Montgomeryshire Pension Sub- Committees were held at Welshpool on Monday, and at Newtown on Tuesday. At Welshpool, Mr John Pugh presided, and there were also present Mr E. R. Owen and Mr F. G. Howarth, with Mr J. Tomley (clerk) and Mr W. Perry (pension officer). Twenty claims were considered. Ten were allowed the full pension of 5s weekly and three 3s. Oae pension was increased from Is to 5s, one from 3s to 5s, and one from 4s tc 5s. Ozie claim was disallowed on account of poor relief. Three cases were deferred. Mr Richard Jones took the chair at Newtown, when there were also present Messrs William Geooge, David Hamer and J. Hamer Jones, with Mt J. E. Tomley (clerk), and Messrs W. Taylor, L. Jones Williams and S. R. Adcock (pension officers). Four pensions of 5s weekly and one of 48 were allowed. One pension was increased from Is to 3s. Three claims were disallowed and six were de- ferred. One previous giant of 5s weekly was con- firmed upon a question being raised.

CAERSWS. SPECIAL NOTICE.—Mrs. A. H. Bennett is still carrying on the Drapery Business as usual. The stock is now complete, new goods having arrived. and all marked in plain figures at lowest cash prices.- [Advt.]

MIDDLETOWN. WESLEYAN CHURCH.—The thirtieth anniver- sary of the Wesleyan Sunday School was held on Sunday. There were good congregations at the whole of the services. At the afternoon service an address was given by Mr C. T. M. Taylor, of Newtown, and there were recitations and special singing by the scholars. At the evening service there was a large congregation, to which Mr C. T. M. Taylor delivered a powerful and telling homily. During the course of the evening Mr Taylor also rendered a couple of greatly appreciated solos. The Choir (conducted by Mr John Davies) nicely rendered The mist rolled away and Forward." A pleasing duet was given by Miss Ethel and Master Harold Hilditch. The collections were in excess of previous years. Severe thunderstorms raged in various parts of the country last week, and several persons were killed, great damage done to property, and a num- ber of sheep killed. The passenger receipts of the Cambrian Rail- ways Company for the week ending June 5th show a decrease of XI,375, but that in respect of mer- chandise, minerals, and live stock showed an in- crease of .£230. All the Town, Urban, and County Councils in Wales are being invited by the Carnarvon Town Council to join in a petition to the King, pray- ing for a place for the Red Dragon on the Royal Standard. The Welsh members of Parliament are also being asked to join in the petition. Welsh- men are being reminded of the fact that the Red Dragon was a conspicuous figure upon the standard and coinage of the Tudor Sovereigns. When charged before the Aberystwyth Bench with having refused to break stones at the work- house, Alfred Smith, labourer, of Wolverhampton, said he could not do the work on 3oz. of bread and a pint of water. He starved enough on the road, without having to starve in the workhouse, and he would not go back to finish the task.—The Bench sentenced Smith to fourteen days.—Smith: I don't care if you send me for a month; it is not the first time.The Bench then doubled the sentence. See the ONOTO Window at No. 19, Broad-street, Newtown. It has been noticed with regret (says the 1 Times') that Lord Wolverhampton's ill- health prevented him from attending the first Cabinet Council held after the recess, and he has also unfortunately been pre- vented from attending most. of the other Cabinet Councils held this year. The an- ticipation that Lord Wolverhampton would probably resign his office of Lord Presi- dent of the Council, which was general when changes were made in the Ministry at the beginning of the season, may now shortly be realist*.

The Government and the Lords. THE SUGGESTED CONFERENCE BETWEEN LEADERS. The alternative course of the Government in regard to suggestions for a conference between the leaders of parties and eventual compromise on the Lords question is understood (the Press Asso- ciation says) to be as follows. The Cabinet has put forward a scheme which it regards as a moderate one, and being in its general lines similar to that proposed by Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman, has been for several years before the public. The Government cannot of its own initiative indicate any intention of departing from this in favour of another, the root principles of which could not in the nature of things be now defined. At the same time, there is no doubt many Ministers would welcome a suggestion for a conference authoritatively put forward on behalf of Conservative leaders. Indeed, such a proposal advanced in good faith the Government could not refuse without incurring considerable odium in the country. No sunh authoritative proposal has yet been made, however, and in its absence the Cabinet has no option but to proceed at the earliest practicable moment with the pi u it has laid before the House of Commons h .ch in the form of resolutions and of a caref ally-- irafted bill. It miy be doubted whether between the Govern- ment scheme for the limitation of the Lords' Veto and Conservative proposals for the reform of the House of Lords as indicated by the approval of Lord Rosebery's resolutions, any middle way exists; but that a conference could be secured if desired by the Opposition is certain. In the event of no conference being held or of discussion between the party leaders proving abortive, the Government resolutions will probably be taken early in the autumn, and the opinion in political circles now points to September as the data of a general election. Members of all parties in the House of Commons, it is true, are extremely averse to another election this year, and it is sug- gested that time might be gained by sending to the House of Lords a bill providing for the hold- ing of all elections on one day, or even by resuscitating the Plural Voting Bill and the London Elections BiU, the appeal to electors being deferred till January or February. There is, however, in official circles an objection to prolong- ing the campaign as was done last year, and it may be taken that the earlier date is the one pro- visionally adopted in case a dissolution is neces- sitated. Toe present intention is that a general election shall follow as swiftly and as dramatically as possible any action on the part of the House of Lords which, from the Government's point of view, renders it inevitable. SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT BY MR. W. LONG, MP. Mr Walter Long was the principal speaker on Wednesday at a luncheon given by the Tariff Reform League in London to about 50 workmen who have recently returned from a visit to Germany. Mr Long said it might be that out of the shadow caused by King Edward's death there might emerge some settlement of the great constitutional question now before the country. It did not rest with those who were not respon- sible for the government of the country to initiate any effort of the kind. Responsibility for the suggestion and initiation rested with those upon whose shoulders reposed the burden of govern- ment. But this much he might say for those with whom he was associated, if any efforts of the kind were made they would meet with a ready, willing, and patriotic response on the part of those who represented his Majesty's Opposition. WHAT WILL MR. BALFOUR DO ? The idea of a conference is naturally suspect on the Liberal benches (says a Liberal Lobby corres- pondent). But the advanced Radicals have wisely refrained from attempting any judgment upon the subject until the Prime Minister has made his statement, upon which there is no cer- tain information, though it c'm hardly be ex- pected before to-day (Monday). One obstacle in the way of negotiations is a very real appreciation among Liberals of Mr Balfour's abilities as a dialectician. Time after time the Tory leader ha, managed somehow or another to prevent a settlement of the education controversy, and unless he wants to get the con- stitutional crisis out If the way we may rest assured that on some point or another the pour- parlers will break down. For instance, it i open to Mr Balfour at the outset to inquire whether the Government is prepared to table its proposals for reforming ttie House of Lords, which proposals are at the moment, one imagines, in a rather I desultory condition. They cannot be formulated definitpl y without delay; it formulated, their pro- duction would be fraught with grave perils to Liber *1 unity; yet most unfortunately for the pres. at situation-so it would seem-" reform has appeared officially in the preamble of the Veto Bill.

Sensational Incident at Brecon Assizes. At Breconbire Assizes on Tuesday, Mr Justice Scrutton was pronouncing sentenca of two months on a prisoner when there was a pronounced "Hear, hear," from a spectator in Court. His Lordship said that was neither a public meeting nor a tljeatie, and he asked the officer of the Court to bring before him the gentleman who had given expression to his feelings in that manner. A gentleman was brought forward, and the Judge asked him why be had said, Hear, hear," in a Court of Justice. The gentleman replied: According to my ideas of justice-- The Judge What is your name ? The Gentleman Am I bound to disclose that ? His Lordship It makes the difference of a fine or going to prison. If I know your name, I fine you. If not, you go to prison. The Gentleman: Am I bound to disclose it P His Lordship: You are bound after the remark you have made in public. The Gentleman: Do you press it ? His Lordship: Certainly. The Gentleman: My name is A. J. Picton Warlow. His Lordship Have you anything to say why I should not punish you for contempt of court ? Mr Warlow I have, sir. His Lordship: Why sentence should not be pronounced ? Mr Warlow: If I may make the remark, your sentence had already been pronounced. I only returned recently from America after twelve months' absence, and the whole thing in this Court is new to me. I heard a sentence pro- nounced which I concurred with as justice, and if I have done anything that seems like contempt of court I wish to express my extreme regret. His Lordship said the explanation given enabled him to deal with the matter in a manner more consonant with his (the learned Judge's) feelings. It appeared Mr Warlow was not conversant with the procedure in English Courts of Justice, where the expresssion of approval or disapproval was not allowed. After the explanation he had heard he accepted Mr Warlow' statement of regret and took no more notice of the incident; but at the same time he wished it to be understood that spectators in a court of justice must not give expression in any way to their feelings.

The Royal Declaration. From the letter of Mr Walter Long, it may be presumed (writes a correspondent) that his col- leagues on the front Opposition bench are favour- able to legislation in regard to the Royal Declara- tion. If the heads of both parties can agree upon an amendment of the Declaration which will meet the Catholic grievance a bill to give effect to it could be carried through Parliament. The diffi- culty is to discover the form of words which will satisfy the Catholics and at the same time not arouse the fears of the Protestants. The extreme, or militant, Protestants will have no amendments whatever, and it is hopeless to attempt to meet them. All that the bulk of the Protestants of the country require is a reasonable assurance that the Protestant settlement will be maintained, and many people believe that this is amply secured by Act of 1689 even if the Royal Declaration were abolished. It is unlikely that the Government will go so far as to propose its total repeal, though this was the demand that Lord Landaff, on behalf of the Catholics, put forward in 1901. Probably. however, they are now in a more reasonable frame of mind. It is not impossible that the Govern- ment may invite the assistance of a Select Com- mittee of the House of Commons in dealing with the question.

MACHYNLLETH URBAN COUNCIL. THE UNCLEANLINESS OF THE TOWN. SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Tuesday evening, when Mr Par- sons presided over the following attendance Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest, Dr Williams, Messrs Evan Humphreys (vice-chairman), Richard Gillart, John Pugh, Edward Jones Jones, Evan Morgan, Henry Lewis, John Evans, J. M. Breeze, and R. LI. Williams, with Messrs Edmund Gillart (clerk), J. R: Leighton (assistant clerk), D. Thomas (sur- veyor), and Dr A. O. Davies (medical officer). ADVERTISING THE TOWN. A letter was read from Mr Humphreys' Male Voice Choir, who intend competing at Corwen Eisteddfod, stating that their funds were rather low, and offering to de- vote half the proceeds of a concert in July towards the expense of advertising the town if the Council gave them assistance. The choir wished the use of the Town Hall free, and this was agreed to. NO REDUCTION FOR CHARITY. Mr D. Emrys Lewis wrote applying for a reduction in the charge for the use of the Town Hall on the occasion of a charitable concert in aid of an orphanage. Mr Pugh As the concert will be sup- ported by townspeople that will be suffi- cient to show our appreciation. If we make reductions in the charges we shall find the Town Hall account on the wrong side. I propose that the usual fee should be charged. The Vice-Chairman I second the pro- position on the understanding that all cases are treated alike. Mr Breeze proposed an amendment that £ 1 instead of the usual fee of 30s should be charged Mr Morgan seconded the amendment, but this was defeated by six votes to five. A GEOGRAPHICAL ERROR. A firm of London agents wrote that under a new order of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries reservoirs and other waters be- longing to local authorities in the Severn district were liable to be assessed and rated. The Chairman They do not know in what district we are. The Clerk Perhaps they think the Severn is somewhere in Wales. It was agreed that the Clerk should in- quire whether the order would affect the district. STREET LIGHTING. The Directors of the Gas Company wrote offering to light the public lamps at 30s each per anum including the maintenance of burners and mantles, the time and hours of lighting to be arranged between the Sur- veyor and Manager, and the Council to light and extinguish the lamps. The Di- rectors added that they were unable to supply gas by meter, as meters were not affected by the small quantity consumed by one incandescent burner. The Surveyor said the new terms would be an increase on the present cost The letter was refeired to the Streets and Sanitary Committee and the Surveyor was directed to report further. THE MORGAN CHARITY. A communication from the Board of Edu- cation stated that they had given notice of an order for removing Mr H. F. Norris, solicitor, London, at his own request, from being a trustee of the foundation connected with the late Mr Edward Morgan's charity and appointing the Rector and the Church- wardens of Machynlleth for the time being as trustees. Mr Breeze Have we anything to do with this matter ? The Chairman I think it concerns us or the communication would not be sent. The Clerk explained that non-ecclesiasti- cal charities were governed under the powers transferred to parish councils and local authorities. The new order referred to the charity relating to the organist's fund and National schools. It was for the Coun- cil to say whether they considered the charity was ecclesiastical or non-ecclesias- tical. Mr Breeze If it is concerned with the Council can we use the money as we like ? The Clerk I do not think it can be used in reduction of rate (laughter). Mr Pugh: If we have a right, I think we should exercise it. I propose that a com- mittee should be appointed to look into the matter. Mr Breeze seconded the proposition, which was agreed to, and a committee was appointed consisting of Messrs J. Pugh, E. Morgan, H. Lewis, R. LI. Jones, J. M. Breese, with Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The Clerk said if there was any objection it should be made within twenty-one days of the date of notice. A PUBLIC-SPIRITED INHABITANT. Mr J. Matson. Wynnstay Hotel, called attention to the untidy state of the principal streets on Sundays. The Surveyor would bear him out as to their condition on the Sunday referred to, as he called his atten- tion to them. Arrangements should be made for the man who did the work to go round late on Saturday night and remove the papers and rubbish cast on the streets. J Shopkeepers should be instructed not to sweep rubbish from their shops into the streets. Visitors passing through or staying i in the town thought that the inhabitants did not agree that cleanliness was next to godliness (laughter). He also suggested in- stead of having three dandelion and weed beds in the space around the clock tower (laughter)—it would be more beautiful to plant flowers there. If that could not be done out of the rates, he would be glad to contribute his share of the cost. He was sure it would be a great adornment to the town. The Clerk I think the dandelions have gone (laughter). Mr Pugh thought the Council should be grateful to Mr Matson. He considered the streets were in an abominable condition on Sunday mornings when people went to their places of worship. Mr Edward Jones did not think there was cause for complaint except when a fair was held on Saturday. It watl not right to say that shopkeepers were to blame. A WARM PASSAGE. Dr Williams: What does it matter if there is a fair on Saturday or not ? What we have to consider is that the streets should be kept clean. The Chairman Who said it does not matter ? Dr Williams Why do you jump down my throat ? The Chairman I have suffered too long [ from all this talking. You ought to support the chair. Dr Williams Example is better than precept. I have as much right to talk here as you. Mr H. Lewis said he agreed with the letter. There was no doubt that the streets were not as clean as they should be. In Pwllheli the had seen the streets cleaned on Saturday nights. Mr R. Ll. Jones thought special ar- rangements should be made to clean the streets after fair nights. Mr Morgan said it was not fair to ex- pect the workmen after their day's work to do extra labour without being paid overtime. The Council ought not to be mean and greedy with the workmen. No employer would expect his men to work extra without giving extra pay. The Council had authorised the Surveyor to employ extra labour when necessary. That could be done on fair nights. Mr Breeze said it was only occasionally that the streets were untidy on Sundays, mostly after fairs. As a rule fairs were now held on Wednesdays. The Chairman: It has been said that the streets are more or less in this con- dition every Sunday. Dr Williams said it was not suggested that the men should not be paid extra. He thought the matter ought to be left to the Surveyor.—This was agreed to. MAWDDWY RAILWAY. Arrangements were made to borrow money to be advanced towards the new Mawddwy Railway at 31 per cent. interest. A DISGRACE TO HUMANITY. Mrs Mary Thomas wrote that she had been asked by several people living in the Upper Barracks to call the Council's at- tention to the state of the privies. Thel poor people could scarcely eat their food on account of the stench. The privies were in a worse condition than ever, and were a disgrace to humanity. They were a sight to appal even the most vulgar nature. The letter was referred to the officials, the Medical Officer saying he visited the place a month ago and found the privies cleaned out. MISCELLANEOUS. A charge of F-2 2s per night was fixed for circuses using the Common. The Surveyor was directed to communi- cate with different firms for designs and prices of a portable weighing machine. It was agreed to invite tenders for mak- ing lock-up shops in the Market Hall en- trance according to plans prepared by the Surveyor. Further arrangements were made in connection with the Town Hall, the question of the remuneration of the caretaker being referred. The Surveyor was directed to prepare a list of the care- taker's duties. A general district rate of 3s lOd in the £ was made, compared with the previous rate of 3s 8d. The Surveyor reported that the sewage works were in good working order. He was instructed to do what was necessary to prevent leakages in one of the slate beds. Connections have been made with the sewers involving the drainage of eleven houses. It was decided to spend no money 'in repairing the Garsiwn well pump, which it was reported had been damaged bevond repair.—Dr Williams said it was ridiculous to provide pumps when thousands of pounds had been incurred in providing a public supply. The sooner all the wells were done away with the better it would be for the public health. The Clerk reported that van dwellers had been fined 14s each for contravening the bye-laws dealing with the Commons. The justices had been lenient in allowing the defaulters time to pay.—Mr Edward Jones hoped the money would be made, instead of the Council having to pay the costs, as before.

The Royal Standard. A CYMRIC CLAIM. The public bodies of Montgomeryshire will doubtlessly join with patriotic cor- diality in support of the following resolu- tion, which the Carnarvon Town Council passed last Tuesday night:- That the Council petition His Majesty the King, humbly praying that he will graciously decree a modification of the Royal Standard and Arms of the United Kingdom so as to recognise the claims of Wales to representation thereon." Copies of this resolution are being sent to all the Town, Urban, and County Coun- cils in Wales, and to the Welsh M.P.'s, so that the Red Dragon may take its rightful place on the Royal Arms, instead of the second and redundant patch of English leopards. The Red Dragon was a con- spicuous figure upon the Standard and coinage of the Tudor Sovereigns, and cir- cumstances just now are most favourable for pressing forward the Cymric claim to equal recognition with those of Scotland and Ireland.

The County Member's Gift to Machynlleth. At Machynlleth Urban Council, on Tues- day evening, the Clerk read a report of the deputation appointed, to wait upon Mr David Davies, M.P., with regard to the transfer of the renovated Old Parliament House. The deputation met at the Wynn- stay Hotel on Monday, May 3Uth. There were present Mr David Davies, M.P., Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest, Councillors T. Par- sons (chairman), John Pugh, Henry Lewis, and the Clerk. Lord Herbert Vane-Tem- pest. having introduced the deputation, the Chairman of the Council explained that the scheme proposed by Mr David Davies had been laid before a meeting of ratepayers convened by the Council. A resolution was passed recommending the Council to accept Mr Davies's offer, and at a subsequent meeting of the Council the recommendation was adopted, and Mr Davies was thanked for his generous offer. This was suitably conveyed by the Chairman to Mr Davies. Other members of the deputation expressed their views, and spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr Davies's munificence. At the Chair- man's invitation, the Clerk explained the legal position in regard to the obligation imposed by Mr Davies in the proposed deed of gift to the Council of Old Parliament House premises and that the Council could only charge the rates to the extent of j about E25 a year under the Public Libraries Act. Any additional expenditure would have to be provided from outside sources. Mr Davies expressed his appreciation of the difficulty felt by the Council in this respect, but hoped that sufficient public spirit would be evinced in the town to meet the require- ments. Mr Davies was cordially thanked for his kindness in meeting the deputation. The Clerk stated that after the deputa- tation completed their interview, Mr Davies suggested that it would be well for them to see how a similar institution was carried on at Llanidloes. That was also one of Mr Davies's gifts. Lord Herbert Vane-Tem- pest offered to convey members of the deputation to Llanidloes in his motor car for that purpose. The Chairman said the deputation could not accept the suggestion of Mr Davies or his Lordship's offer without consulting the Council. It was for the Council to give directions. Mr Richard GilLart proposed that the same members of the deputation should be asked to visit Llanidloes, and inquire as to the working of the institution. Mr Breeze seconded the proposition, and said he was sure all the members would like to go for a motor trip (laughter). Mr Evan Morgan asked if it was pro- posed to interfere in any way with the plans of the new institute. The Council had already approved the plans without alteration. He thought there would be plenty of time in future to see the working of the institute at Llanidloes. The Chairman replied there was no in- tention to interfere with the plans. He understood that the object of the visit was to inquire how the institute was conducted, as it would be an assistance in connection with the new venture at Machynlleth. They wanted to know how to proceed in a businesslike way. Mr R. Gillart said he had no intention of making any alterations in the plans, but to obtain an insight into the working of the Llanidloes institute, which he under- stood was a paying concern. It would be an advantage to the Council. Dr Williams said it had been suggested that a swimming bath should be provided, instead of a bowling green. The Chairman: That has been settled. Mr Lewis: The invitation came from Mr Davies. They pointed out that there were difficulties in regard to the maintenance, and Mr Davies said the best course would be for them to visit Llanidloes. The proposition was agreed to, and on the Chairman's proposition, seconded by Mr Pugh, a vote of thanks was passed to his Lordship for offering the use of his motor car. His Lordship: It gives me great pleasure to do so.

LLANIDLOES BOROUGH SESSIONS. There were present- on the Bench at these sessions, held on Monday, Alderman Ed. Hamer (mayor), presiding), Messrs E. J. W. Davies and E. R.. Horsfall Turner. FURIOUS DRIVING. Evan Vaughan, of 37, Smithfield-street. Llanidloes, was charged by P.C. Burton with having furiously driven a horse and cart. I The officer stated that at 7-50 p.m. on May 25th he saw defendant furiouslv driv- ing a horse and spring cart, up Long Bridge- street. His mother and brother were with him. Witness did not have time to caution him but afterwards went to his house, and defendant said his horse would go as fast again. There were a lot of children about. Fined 5s, including costs. A DRUNKEN ROWDY. William Mills, Mochdre, Newtown, was charged with having been drunk and dis- orderly. P.C. Burton said that about 8-45 p.m. on the 3rd of May he was on duty in Great Oak-street, where he found defendant drunk and disorderly and using disgrace- ful language. He was asking people for pints. Witness advised him to leave the town, but lie refused to do so until threat- ened with the lock-up. He afterwards left the town. Fined 10s, including costs. SON AND MOTHER. John Griffiths, Merthyr Vale, was charged by Relieving Officer Owen with failing to contribute Is weekly towards the mainten- ance of his mother, who is chargeable to the New-town and Llanidloes Union. De- fendant had a wife and two children, and was earning il 2s 7d a week. At the last meeting of the Guardians the amount of arrears was £3 4s. but the Guardians de- cided to let him off with those arrears if he would contribute Is a week, but they had not received anything. David Davies, a relative, said that de- fendant was unable to pay, owing to sick- ness. There had been sickness in the home all the time, and it was not a re- fusal to pay, but inability to do so. Mr E. Davies: We must draw our own conclusions from that. Witness said that defendant was suffer- ing from a defect in his hearing, and was unable to go down the pit. The Bench made an order for payment of Is a week from the 18th March last, but ordered that it be suspended for a month, defendant to pay costs. A BAD CHARACTER. Charles Stewart, of no fixed abode, was charged with having been drunk and dis- orderly. P.C. Burton said that un June 8th. about 12-30, he was on duty at the top of Great. Oak-street, when he saw defendant, in company with another man, in the Stag Inn. He went into the inn, and there found the defendant drunk. He called the attention of the landlady, and told her not to serve him with any more beer. Defend- ant afterwards came into the street, and declared he was not drunk. He gave wit- ness a lot of impudence, and witness asked him to leave the town. He tried to lock him up. and he became very disorderly, and made use of very bad language. Af- terwards, with the help of P.S. Lewis, he locked him up. By the Bench: He tried to kick me and the sergeant. P.S. Lewis said he saw P.C. Burton in trouble with the prisoner, and he had him down on the ground. When he went up to him, defendant threw Burton aside, and tried to kick him. He then, with the help of P.C. Burton, managed to lock him up. Prisoner had a very bad character. Defendant said that he was on his way to the new docks at Birkenhead. Defendant was sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labour.

Local Views on the Proposed Educational Compromise. In last week's 'Express' we gave a summary of the proposed educational con- cordat submitted by the Settlement Com- mittee, regarding which Mr Richard Jones, Pendinas, Caersws. chairman of the Mont- gomeryshire Education Committee, says I think the scheme affords a good basis for the settlement of the education question. Considering the circumstances, our differ- ences of belief and practices, it would not be easy to contrive a more just 'and reas- onable arrangement. Everyone who sin- cerely desires educational peace recognizes that there must be concessions on both sides. Extremists must be put out of court, and the balancing of conflicting claims must be left to moderate, judicially- minded men. In this scheme the main points demanded by Nonconformists are all conceded. There is provision of a public school within the reach of every child, whose parents desire one, and the normal type of religious instruction must be un- denominational. Further, the denomina- tional school in the single school area will be displaced by a Council school, over which the authority will have full control. This means the emancipation of the vil- lages, and those who sigh for freedom could not expect to secure such a boon as this without having to pay a price for it. The price is the alternative school, which will be a denominational school, supported out of public funds. Certain conditions will have to be observed before this class of school can be recognised, however. There must be a substantial parental de- mand. and full provision must be made for all parents who prefer a public school. These conditions are calculated to modify the objections that might otherwise be taken to them. The result of the working of the scheme in our county will be this- that practically all the country schools would come under the control of the public authority. In the urban districts there would be no demand for alternative schools, for denominational schools are al- ready established. As the local authority provides religious instruction in practically all its schools, there would be no demand for facilities from voluntary organisations And in the majority of the transferred schools in the country districts, I do not think that right of entry will be exercised, for parents in the majority of cases will be satisfied with the Bible teaching pro- vided by the authority. I feel more con- cerned about the expense of the scheme. If the trustees of the denominational schools in the single school area are exact- ing in their terms, and compel the authority to erect new schools, the financial burdens will be crushing. There is .plenty of scope for good-will on both sides. Looking at the scheme in all its bearings, I am prepared to wish it God-speed. Mr Richard Phillips, another member of the County Education Committee, viewed the proposals with very partial favour, and said they would mean a backward trend in education in the towns. He doubted whether the very problematic advantages that would accrue to Nonconformists would make it worth while considering the scheme. Very much might be done to bring about a uniform system of Council schools by local education authorities rigidly requiring Church schools managers to keep their schools up-to-date. By that means one or two Church schools in that county had been closed or transferred, and statistics collected by the Calvinistic Meth- odist body showed that during the last twelve months the Church schools in Wales had decreased by 100, while 200 new Coun- cil schools had come into existence. Viscount Maidstone, elder son of the Earl and Countess of Winchilsea and Not- tingham, of Harlech, Merionethshire, and Miss Margaretta Drexel, daughter of a wealthy American banker, were married at St. Margaret's, Westminster, on Wednes- day. There was a distinguished gathering of British and American notabilities.