The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

The EXPRESS AND TIMES will be sent to your postal address for one year for the sum of r 6s. 6d. (prepaid), or by quarterly payments of Is. 9d.—Address The MANAGER EXPRESS Office, Newtown.

WELSHPOOL'S CIVIC RISING. WELSHPOOL people are not going to be brow beaten by a municipal dictatorship, the like of which we have locally never seen set up before. This they made severely manifest at last week's public meeting, thanks to the fearless lead given them by Councillor Hiles, whose fighting deliverance, his Conservative professions notwithstand- ing, was socialistic in the best acceptance of the term. His was the righteous indig- nation of a man whose intelligence is in- sulted and sense of honour outraged by the unwarranted conduct and defiant behaviour of municipal colleagues, who, like himself, have undertaken to loyally serve the com- munity over which they preside. His con- ception of true representative Government, resting upon respect for and confidence in the average man," is 3candalised by deli- berate defiance of the communal wish and a transparent conspiracy to thwart it. And right soundly did he thrash this spirit of feudalistic assumption, which would fain masquerade in the guise of single-minded independent judgment. We have due re- spect for individual judgment, but when it arrogates to itself a self-sufficiency and an infallibility, which not only scorns the be- hests of almost the entire community, but abuses its trusteeship to prevent the accom- plishment of the people's will, then it becomes a mischievous thing. The people's title to self-government is spurned and trampled upon, and the municipal franchise becomes a farce. This is the position in which the citizens of Welshpool find them- selves, and they would have been regarded as miserable creatures, indeed, had they cried content under such gross maltreat- ment. Here is a community worthily am- bitious to possess itself of an efficient sanitary system, which will not only secure the public health, but provide the essential facilities for industrial progress. Its present primitive system of tipping town's refuse in the open-a system which by and by the Local Government Board will nowhere sanction-has cost the ratepayers dearly, is both an expensive and unsatisfactory system, and in some respects is a disgrace to civilised society. Practically unanimous, the community gave a mandate to the Cor- poration to purchase the Henfaes estate of 25 acres, whereon a comprehensive sewage scheme could be carried out, and this man- date was acted upon to a certain extent. Since then, however, conspiracy has evi- dently been at work by those councillors who opposed it, and regardless of an honour- able agreement with the owner of the Hen- faes, they have established themselves in a majority against the project. But for the interests at stake, we should be inclined to say that the inhabitants of Pool deserve to suffer the consequences of their indiffer- ence or slavish attachment to Toryism, which calmly assented to the unopposed return of some of these oppositionists at last election. The reason for such extra- ordinary inaction we have never been able to understand in the light of subsequent procedure. That regrettable fact, however, cannot be mended nor, for that matter, does it minimise reprehensible defiance and obstruction, because, if we recollect aright, there was a majority for the scheme follow- ing the November election. Alderman Harrison repudiates all party association with this question. Who sug- gested that his opposition was thus prompted and fashioned ? Nobody. Successive public meetings have demonstrated that Tory and Liberal are united in a strong desire for this sanitary reform, and the severest criticism of the obstruction has come from Conservative citizens. The Alderman is, of course, entitled to the exercise of his own judgment-be it right or wrong—but he claims more than that. He claims the right of not 'merely thwarting the com- munal wish, but of forcing upon the com- munity something which it declines to ac- cept. Is that his conception of faithful trusteeship ? To describe such an attitude as "disloyal" seems to him unfair. Well, the people of Welshpool have determined that point, and we scarcely think he will derive much satisfaction from their pro- nouncement. There is a section of the press," which, like Councillor Hiles, dis- 1 charges its public duty fearlessly, and we are glad that it receives recogni- tion. Alderman Harrison's speech—the ( best that could possibly be made in an 1 attempt to vindicate the obstructionists- was for the most part hypothetical. Hesees no possible difficulties in connection ifith the ( alternative scheme of dumping the town's ] refuse upon the fields sought to be ac- { quired of Lord Powis, which he favours, { in order to save the community from an additional shilling rate he, apparently, discounts the value of the Henfaes project from the standpoint of industrial progress the likelihood of trouble arising from pol- lution he dismisses as imaginary, and his peroration consisted of a most unhappy personal belittlement of a much respected and valued townsman, which the meeting, we are pleased to notice, rightly resented. It is unnecessary to supplement the review which Mr Hiles made of the Alderman's speech. Little was left of it after that smart dissection, and the resolution of some 600 inhabitants scattered what may have remained. In face of that resolution, will the Council have the hardihood to pursue a policy totally and forcibly con- demned by those they represent ? Well, we know they dislike to climb down from an unenviable position of their own creation but down they must c.ome, un- less the whole Principality is to witness the unprecedented spectacle of unutterable disloyalty and amazing defiance. Mean- while, Lord Powis looks on. Now he knows that the request made of him by the obstructionists is in deliberate opposi- tion to the town's wish, yea, in the very teeth of its protest. Will he grant that re- quest ? We cannot for a moment believe, that he will. JUDGE JELF ON ASSIZE GROUPING. While in Montgomeryshire, Mr Justice Jelf contented himself with a seeming sympathetic reception of the petitions pre- sented against the proposed concentration of assize courts, at Anglesea he made a decided pronouncement. The reason may be that since leaving Montgomeryshire, his Lordship has witnessed a universal feel- ing of strong opposition to the proposal. In each of the counties in which he has sat he has received similar petitions. Of course," he said at Anglesea, "judges have no personal power in the matter at all, but, like all other citizens, they can express their views, and I heartily concur in the desire expressed by the petitioners, be- cause I think it would be tearing up some of the most important principles of the conduct of our land if we did away with the bringing home of justice—civil and criminal-to each county, and conglom- erated them with other counties, so pro- ducing great inconvenience and confusion." Against judicial pronouncements of that kind the proposal cannot prevail. If An- glesea can plead that the grouping of assizes at Carnarvon would involve great "inconvenience, loss of time and expense to jurors and witnesses," how much stronger is the case for Montgomeryshire, so far removed from the northern county! THE COMING BUDGET. Many verbal inquiries are made of us concerning the probable character of the next Budget, which is now over-due. We have no more idea than the man in the moon what Mr Lloyd George will demand of us in the way of taxes, but one fact can be stated—i.e., that our expenditure will be something like eight millions more than it was last year. That, however, may not occasion the imposition of additional taxa- tion. The taxes levied under the last Bud- get will next year yield very much more revenue than for the year just closed. It is estimated that estate duties themselves will realise three and half millions more, while the revival of trade, which has now happiljV ensued, will produce a much larger amount of general taxation. But the sit- uation is confused by that Lordly interfer- ence with finance, which is not likely to be allowed to recur. ANOTHER ILLUSTRATION. While on the subject of budgets, we might return for a moment to our Tariff Reform friends, whose taxation of the foreigner" is the grand remedy for all social and industrial ills. Well, in Ger- many we know that they impose a stiff duty upon all foreign importations. Yet the Government of the Fatherland is at present confronted by a deficit of fully twelve millions on last year's budget, which, added to the deficits for four pre- vious years, represents a total deficiency 'of 46 millions. What thus comes of taxing the foreigner ? A London Protectionist daily has just allowed itself to speak of Germany's "high prices, its poor wages, and its heavy rates." What more con- vincing illustration could be given of the fact that "taxing the foreigner" means in reality taxing the consumer ? Why, it may be asked, do the German people stick to Protection, if it tells so hard upon the working classes ? That question is an- swered by a reference to the character of German representation. For instance, we read that in the present Reichstag a total Conservative vote of 1,543,000 secured 82 seats, while the Socialists have only 43 seats with a vote of 3,259,000. The wealthier classes rule the roost, and, as they would do in this country under Protection, they see that taxation falls lightest upon them- selves. • LLANIDLOES WATER. Why need Llanidloes waste time inquir- ing the cause of filthy water, with the knowledge that the filter beds have not been cleaned for nine years. Filter beds, unless regularly renewed and cleaned, are responsible for impurities rather than puri- fication, and the Llanidloes Council should not tarry in the undertaking of a work lying so obviously to their hand. The idea that the water cart is in any way respon- sible for the sediment does not, we hope, indicate an inclination to trifle with the duty of securing for the community a whole- some supply of drinking water. If there were no sediment in the mains the filling of the water cart could not create it, and no improvement is conceivable other than through clean filters and thoroughly flushed mains. Tinkering policies in connection with defective water supplies are dangerous. PULPIT SUPPLIES. We heard something of the material side of preaching at the North Wales Calvinistic Methodist Association on Tuesday. Diffi- culty in the matter of regularly supplying the pulpits of small churches inspired a recommendation for the enlistment of lay preachers judged qualified in knowledge, character, and eloquence "—a commendable trinity not always found in ministers them- selves—to preach occasionally, on the under- standing that their emoluments do not ex- ceed the amount of travelling expenses. But while it would appear that such an arrangement is desirable in the Lancashire area of the Association, there is, on the contrary, in many parts of North Wales, a superabundance of preachers. Hundreds of preachers are out of work every Sunday," says an Oswestry minister their supply exceeds the demand, and in illustration of this view voluminous statistics were thrown against the proposal. Plainly the ministers were by no means enamoured of the scheme. Very properly one oppositionist declared the desirableness of raising the status of the pulpit if people are to be attracted, and he did not regard the establishment of lay preachers, however high their character, as advancing that ideal, while another pro- tested that many a preacher who had undergone years of training would suffer thereby." For our part we are not specially attached to the system of lay preaching. The lay preacher has lived a life of blame- less mediocrity, and starts the building of a New Jerusalem for his neighbours equipped with a few pieces of theology chopped up and curried. Rather is there a desire for a still better trained- ministry, and especially one more enlightened upon social questions, the knowledge of which is surely the complement of pastoral work. The layman's view was submitted by Mr David Pryce, Guilsfield, who supported the recommendation with the fact that ,in the Montgomery Presbytery there are 17 churches which have no regular preachers every Sunday night in the year. Irregu-1 larity of service or of supplies is to be re- gretted. The ever open door is the Church's true policy. The more spasmodic the Church becomes in her services, the more difficult she will find it to hold her own. SUNDAY IN MACHYNLLETH. How often it is that on a Sunday one remarks the most displeasing features of a town Attractive shop windows are screened by ugly shutters, entrances are closed by equally ugly doors and gates, signboards, little noticed on other days, arrest and offend the eye by their weather beaten state, the unwashed cur seems despicable on Sunday, and the appearance of the streets impresses its testimony as to the character of the cleansing department. All these revelations stand out conspicuously in the quiet of the Sabbath. It seems that at Machynlleth shopkeepers sweep their rubbish on to the streets on a Saturday evening, and there it lies till at least Mon- day, giving the impression to visitors, according to a prominent townsman, that the inhabitants are not quite agreed that cleanliness is next to Godliness. This same good citizen is vexed to stand at his win- dow and behold the base of the old clock tower festooned with dandelions, whose luxuriant growth suggests unfamiliarity with the scavenger's brush. It is not often that local authorities admit remissness of this kind, but one of the councillors con- fesses to an abominable condition of the streets on Sunday." Machynlleth is so charmingly environed with natural beauty that its internal uncleanliness or untidiness would be more than ordinarily apparent. Cobble pavements are not wholly out of harmony with rustic surroundings, but un- clean streets are a decided blemish. We feel sure that Machynlleth will wipe this smudge from its escutcheon. PURITANIC. The voice of the Puritan rings amongst us. The lust of pride and selfishness, the domestic desecration of the Sabbath, the ostentatious display of dress and regard for fashions, which are the inventions of the devil," the hoarding up of filthy lucre, and the addiction to drink and tobacco are some of the Christian vices which we have just heard assailed at Kerry with a vehem- ence of language that will, at least, ensure a study of the indictment. Many, if not most people, will be inclined to view this scathing censure in the light of a mere pul- pit appeal for funds, though we daresay the preacher's was a higher inspiration. At any rate, we should be sorry to think that Baptists are such as they are pictured so fearfully even by one of themselves. The Puritanic ideal was also present with the Calvinistic Methodist Association at Llanfair. Here it was proposed that total abstinence should be made a condition of membership with the Monthly Meetings and Presbyteries. This drastic limitation in the choice of representative persons did not, however, find favour. It was, indeed, scourged by one minister bold enough to declare that the qualification" had been supported by some people in whom there is not much confidence as regards either their character or their temperance." The temperance cause is not advanced by measures of this kind. As well propose that membership with the church should be confined to total abstainers, and that no financial support be accepted from any others. Puritanic consistency would de- mand as much. THE THUNDERSTORM. Considering its violence and long duration it is astonishing that the week's thunder- storm in Montgomeryshire has accounted for so little destruction. No lives have been lost, property has escaped with tri- fling damage, and farmers have suffered small loss among their flocks and herds. But considerable destruction by flooding is reported from all quarters. Fortunately the cereal crops are not advanced enough to be damaged by the severity of the rain storms, and with a succession of heat all kinds of crops should benefit from the change which ensued at a desirable time. IMPORTANT TO NEWTOWN. Agriculturists in the Newtown district, and not less the people of Newtown, will learn with great satisfaction that the auc- tioneering business of Messrs Wilson-Jones and Davis has been acquired by Messrs Morris, Marshall, and Poole. An adver- tisement in to-day's Express' announces the intention of this well-known and in- fluential firm to establish a permanent branch office in the town. Newtown ex- tends a very hearty welcome to a firm which carries a beneficial influence wherever its extensive business has con- nection. Its coming will undoubtedly do much towards restoring the local fairs, which have recently declined through lack of enterprise, and, should we say, munici- pal indifference or shortsightness. We hope that Messrs Morris, Marshall, and Poole will celebrate-their advent in Newtown by the erection of an auction mart, similar to those which they so successfully conduct in other places. Their influential association with many of the most notable English dealers, their characteristic enterprise, and the confidence which they enjoy among all classes of agriculturists leave no room to doubt the success that would attend this desirable effort.

TERRIFIC THUNDERSTORMS IN MONTGOMERYSHIRE. DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY AND LOSS OF FARM STOCK. Many of the oldest of' our citizens who have been interrogated on the subject, can- not recollect a thunderstorm of such dura- tion or severity as that which broke over Montgomeryshire on Tuesday, and lasted till Saturday morning. All kinds of light- ning were visible, and the storm was ac- companied by torrential rains, which caused much flooding in different parts of the county. Damage to property and loss of stock are reported from various quarters. NEWTOWN. About mid-day on Tuesday, distant thun- der rumblings were the first indication of. a storm, the like of which has never been witnessed in the town or neighbourhood. Occasional showers fell throughout the af- ternoon, but the absence of lightning sug- gested that the storm was likely to pass over. But shortly after nine o'clock in the evening, Tain suddenly descended in a veritable deluge, vivid flashes of lightning came in quick succession, followed by deaf- ening thunder-claps. Then towards mid- night a wonderful change occurred. The fdrked lightning gave place to flashes that endured for several seconds, during which the countryside was illuminated far and near. The scene was that furnished by a bioscope. From their windows in the high- er parts of the town, people who were courageous enough to view the phenomenon, could discern the most minute objects at a distance, the illumination being so steady and brilliant. All day on Wednesday drenching showers fell at intervals, and thunder peals were frequently heard. Again in the evening a repetition of the previous night's spectacle was beheld, though the flashes were not so steady, nor so clear. There was a redness in their glare. Thursday and Friday passed through similar weather, arid up till yes- terday the skies were watery and ominous. Fortunately, no damage or loss of life has been reported. LLANIDLOES. Llanidloes experienced its full share of the storm, and exciting scenes were wit- nessed on account of flooding. Fron Glan- dwr the brook brought down a torrent, flooding Smithfield-street and the Groe, and also the houses in the neighbourhood to the depth of several feet. The alarmed inhab- itants were forced to the upper storeys. All along the Severn valley the river ran over adjoining fields and roads, and at Mynachlog, a farmhouse, tenanted by Mr Turner, was struck by lightning, and ser- iously damaged. The gable end of the building was driven in, bricks and stones and woodwork falling in confusion, and wrecking the furniture, in which two chil- dren were sleeping. Happily, they escaped unhurt. WELSHPOOL. Much alarm, but no damage, was caused in Welshpool by last week's prolonged thunderstorm, which has been the most severe experienced for several years. The electrical disturbance began to make itself seen and heard on Tuesday afternoon, and during the night it was very violent and the thunder and lightning occurred at in- tervals on Wednesday, Thursday, and Fri- day. Some exceptionally heavy showers of rain fell, without giving much relief to those who felt oppressed by the sultriness of the weather. TREFEGLWYS. The storm raged awfully around Trefeg- INvys on Tuesday, when the belfry tower of the parish church was struck by the lightning. A heavy iron cross on the top of the building was thrown to the ground, tearing the roof of the church in its descent, and burying itself deep in the soil of the graveyard. The cross stood about 312L feet high, and weighed 40lbs. In one house, occupied by Mrs Harriet Pugh, the light- ning smashed up the tea things on the table, and overthrew a chair, which a boy had just quitted. MID-WALES RAILWAY. On this line the flooding (caused much delay of service. Between St. Harmon's and Rhayader it was witnessed at its worst, and trains were stopped. Throughout the neighbourhood the windows in many houses -were broken by the vibration of the thun- der. LLANERFYL. Several farmers have sustained losses as a result of the thunderstorm last Tuesday. Mr John R. Jones, Foel-ddolwen Farm, lost two valuable milch cows Mr David Jones, Bryn Coch, two ponies Miss Howells, Houlfron, one bullock and Mr Edward Jones, Llidiart-yr-Ergyd, one milch cow. It is seldom that lightning causes such general damage in four neighbouring farms. LLANFAIR. The town escaped without damage to life or property, but several casualties are re- ported from the outlying districts. MACHYNLLETH. On Tuesday noon a terrible thunderstorm started, and continued for twelve hours on Wednesday. Three sheep in a field near Ceniarth Farm, Uwchygarreg, were struck by lightning and killed. DOLFOR AND ABERHAFESP. At Gilfach, Dolfor, six sheep were struck and killed, whilst at Tynypails, Aberhafesp, a calf suffered a like fate.

PONTROBERT EISTEDDFOD FRENCH MUSIC CONDEMNED. A POET'S TRIPLE SUCCESS. Unsettled weather discounted the attend- ance which the promoters of Pontrobert Eisteddfod had expected and deserved last Friday, but the assemblies were well con- tent with the literary and musical treat, though in several competitions the entry was not very numerous. The Rev D. Grimaldi Davis, D.D., vicar of Pool, presided over the afternoon meet- ing, and defined the Eisteddfod as the Uni- versity of the Welsh democracy, and said it had been one of the principal means of bringing the present Welsh University into existence. To-day especially they were proud of the eisteddfod because it afforded them a common meeting place where all could meet together as brothers and sisters and as children of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau (applause). The Eisteddfod knew no party nor sect it was a place where the most pronounced Radical and the most stubborn Tory could meet together, and forget those matters which differentiated them, and shake hands as good friends (laughter). Might the Eisteddfod therefore prosper more and more, and be the means of help- ing forward Wales in knowledge, in moral- ity, and in religion (applause). Dr C. E. Humphreys, Llanfair, was the evening's president, and described the Eisteddfod as a credit to the Pontrobert district. The promoters ought to be en- couraged- in every possible way for the efforts they were making to keep the old institution alive—an institution that had for its object the elevation of the people (applause). The Rev E. E. Williams, rector of Pont- robert, was chairman. Mr Robert Griffith, secretary, and Mr J. R. Davies treasurer of the Committee, which carried out the eis- teddfodic arrangements excellently. Llifon" conducted, and Miss Millie Griffiths accompanied the singing. The adjudicators were Music, Mr David Thomas, Swansea literature, Llifon, the Revs E. E. Williams and D. Aubrey, and Mr L. J. Roberts, Rhyl crafts, Mr E. Row- lands, Meifod, and Mr W. H. Worrall, Os- westry art, Mrs Moon, Penyvoel recita- tions, the Rev J. R. Roberts and Mr E. Gittins. PRAISE AND PRIZES FOR LLANFYLLIN. In the male voice competition, test piece, Martyrs of the Arena," the Llanfyllin Society .conducted by Mr R. A. Bryan, alone competed, and were awarded the prize. The adjudicator strongly deprecated the selec- tion of French works of the character of Martyrs of the Arena," for competition at Welsh eisteddfodau. He hoped the time would come when this class of music would be stamped out of existence, because so far as artistic value was concerned it was nil. Llanfyllin choir, under the same con- ductor, also proved victorious in the chief choral competition. The test piece was a composition of the adjudicator-" Ben- dithiaf yr Arglwydd." Banwy Choir (led by Mr T. Jervis) sang first they possessed good voices, but, said Dr Thomas, the in- tonation all through was rather shaky. In the last movement especially the choir was lacking in unison, and it, ought to have been sung more neatly and methodically. The whole rendering gave the feeling of looseness. The Llanfyllin choir had excel- lent voices and better substance of tone. The choir seemed richer both in quality and quantity of voices than its rival. The whole performance had a better finish about it there was no sense of that hurry which was given by the first choir. Three odes had been sent in on The hearth," and the chair was awarded to Mr Evan Rowlands, Meifod, who was installed in accordance with the ancient rites of the British bards. Mr Rowlands also won the prizes for a poem on "The Hypocrite," and (against nine competitors) for the best en- glyn on The Otter," with the following Ci llynfedw llwyd ei flewyn—am abwyd Ymwibia'r nos grwydryn Helwr llwyr gudd wely'r llyn, Gafaelog, ffyrniog, filyn." In the children's choir competition only the Pontrobert. Chorus—led by Mr Robert Griffiths, appeared to sing Y mae Cyfaill i blant bychain," but the rendering was creditable, and the adjudicator awarded them the prize. OTHER AWARDS. Pianoforte solo, "Chanson Triste,"—Miss Ethel Williams, Bwlchycibau. Essay, Leisure hours, their dangers and advantages "Air Goronwy Gittins, Dol- anog. Children's solo, "Myfi sy'nmagu'r baban," Miss Rogers, Rhos. Trio, Fy. Angel bach "-Mr Gittins and party, Trefonen. Walking sticks-Mr Hughes, Pontrobert. Recitation—1 Miss Florrie Hughes, Pont- robert, 2 Mr Edward Parry, Varchoel, 3 Miss Florence Bennett, Pontrobert. Contralto solo, "0 rest in the Lord"- Miss Winnie Davies, Pontrobert. Recitation for children under 16-1 Miss J. Parry, Llanfihangel, 2 Master John Ed- ward fivans, Nantlmeichiad, 3 Miss Eunice Rogers, Pontrobert. Quartette, Sleep, gentle lady "—Mr Shimmin and party, Llanfihangel. Recitation, Ti wyddost beth ddywed fy nghalon "—Miss Maggie Evan- Cwmllwyn- og, Llanfair. Baritone solo, "Hen Walia Fendigiad "— Mr W. Owen, Meifod, the only competitor to appear on the platform. Wooden spoon (one entry)- Mal(lwyll who was adjudged worthy of a portion of the prize. Hand painting Mr D. D. Hamer, Llan- idloes. Mixed party test, Y Blodenyn Olaf." Llanfyllin and Llanfair parties appeared on the platform, and Mr Thomas awarded the chief honours to the latter, conducted by Mr Heber Jones. Essay, Is it advantageous or not that Wales should sustain her language?"- Mr Freeman, Pontrobert. Soprano solo, The children's home"— Miss Lizzie Williams, Meifod. Translation—Mr T. E. Jones, Llanfyllin.

MONTGOMERYSHIRE ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL UNION ANNUAL CHORAL FESTIVAL. The annual choral festival and the dis- tribution of prizes and certificates in con- nection with the above Union took place at Bwlchyffridd on Thursday. The conductor for the day was Mr B. Hudson Phillips (Tregynon). The afternoon meetings commenced at 2-30, under the presidency of Mr Richard Goodwin (chairman of the County Union), and despite the inclemency of the weather it was regarded as the best musical fes- tival ever held in connection with the Con- gregational Union of Montgomeryshire. The following tunes were sung:—' Edina,' Artavia,^ 'Theodora,' Northrepps,Enon,' Rivaulx,' Lincluden,' Holy War,'1 Com- monwealth,' and Passover.' The special chant was the 62nd Psalm, and the special anthem was I will extol Thee.' The following are the results in the scriptural examinations:— Grade I.-St. Matthew's Gospel.—Chapter 1 (under nine years of age): Section A., Florence Ada Bennett, Cefnvaenor Sec- tion B., May Jones, Berwydd Section C., Florrie Jones, Newtown. Grade 11. (under 16), Chapter 2 and 3- 1 Sydney Reynolds, Newtown, 2 Miss Dorothy Mills Phillips, Newtown. Grade III. (under 20), Chapter 2 to 5— 1 Ernest Weaver, Newtown, 2 Miss Rachael Wliitticase, Bwlchyffridd. Grade IV. (over 20), Chapter 2 to 5)—1 Mr Maurice Hughes, Groeslwyd, 2 Miss Margaret E Evans, Bwlchyffridd. Paper on "Congregational Principles," open to all scholars, chapters 6, 7, and 8 of "A Primer on Congregationalism," by Rev A. Goodrich, D.D.—The examiner in this subject was the Rev J. Davies Jones, Pontesbury, and in his adjudication re- marked that it was a cause of great regret that from all the schools in the district only two had entered for this special sub- ject. Two excellent papers were sent in, and both were of a high character, and showed careful training. The first prize was awarded to Mr Ernest W. Spence, New- town, and the second to Mr John Henry Richards, Newtown. The examiners in the various grades were Revs J. M. Edwards (Sarnau), Hugh Parry (Bwlchyffridd), J. E. Roberts (Meifod), Ifor Griffiths (Llanfair), and Major Dain (New- town). Certificates were also awarded in the scriptural examinations to those scholars recommended by the examiners. An excellent tea was provided in the schoolroom by the ladies of the Bwlchy- ffridd Congregational Church. The evening service commenced at. seven o'clock, and the chapel was largely at- tended. Mr Thomas Rees, Newtown (treas- urer of the Union), presided, in the un- avoidable absence of Mr J. A. Jones (New- town). The singing was very enthusiastically taken up, and Mr Hudson Phillips was delighted with it. He remarked at the close of the meeting that it was excellent there was no outside show, but beautiful singing. It was regarded as the best festival ever held. Mr Thomas Rees stated that about, six years ago he brought before the committee the name of 'Mr Hudson Phillips, and he was delighted that Mr Phillips was acting that day in the capacity as their conductor. He trusted they would stick to Mr Hudson Phillips, and "he hoped that gentleman would stick to them. Mr Phillips had un- dertaken to hold rehearsals at the various centres. He held a practice at Newtown Congregational Church last week, and they had the best rehearsal for the festival which had ever, to his knowledge, been held there. Over fifty attended, and those pres- ent thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The Rev E. Jones-Williams proposed a vote of thanks to all concerned, and lie particularly thanked his Newtown friends for the splendid way in which they turned out, despite the weather. The Rev Hugh Parry seconded, and re- marked that all the credit was due to Mr Phillips for the great pains he had taken. He considered it the best festival ever held since he had come into the neighbourhood. He had heard of Mr Phillips coming home from the lower end of the county at one o'clock in the morning after holding re- hearsals. He had his heart and soul in the festival, and worked hard. He sin- cerely hoped they would stick to Mr Phil- lips, as he was sure they could not find a better man (applause). He also referred to the chairmen of the afternoon and even- ing meetings. Both Mr Goodwin and Mr Rees were men well fitted for the chair, as they both took an active interest in Con- gregationalism throughout the county. Mr Parry regretted that there was one absent from among them who took a great inter- est in the singing, and that was their con- ductor, Mr Evan Jones, of Caecappin, who had been conductor at the church for about 30 years. He was now in feeble health, and had been ordered by his doctor to Llandrindod Wells. A sympathetic message was passed with Mr Jones in his illness, and wishing him a speedy recovery. Mr Hudson Phillips duly returned thanks for their kind and sincere expressions. He had taken a great interest in choral fes- tivals for 20 years, and always made a point to go to all musical festivals, whoever was the conductor, in order to learn something. He kept his eyes and ears open, and often gained experience. He impressed upon the ) singers not to neglect their congregational singing. He thanked them for the kind attention they had paid to him, and he was delighted with the festival. If ever he was asked again to act as their conductor, and, if circumstances permitted, he would not say no." The secretarial arrangements were in the capable hands of the Rev E. Jones-Wil- liams, Newtown. Miss Whitticase, High- gate, and Miss Pollie Jones, Caecappin, were the accompanists throughout the day. The number of prizes awarded in the scriptural examination were 14. Of these ten came to Newtown district—six to New- town, two to Bwlchyffridd, one to Bethel, and one to Cefnvaenor. The number of entries in the examination was 126, as com- pared with 62 last year.

NEWTOWN SESSIONS. These sessions were held on Friday, before Messrs Richard Lloyd and Alfred Ford. A NARROW ESCAPE. John Pryce, farmer, Cwabs, David's Well, Llanbadarn-fynydd, was charged with being drunk in charge of a horse and cart. The Rev Samuel Davies, vicar of Dolfor, said that on April 12th he was driving to Newtown, when he met defendant near Black Hall, returning from Newtown, with a cart and horse. He was helplessly drunk, and fell into the gutter. Had not the horse stopped just in time, the cart would have gone over him. A man named David Jones appeared on behalf of defendant, and admitted that he was the worse for drink, but as lie had a large family, he hoped the Bench would be as lenient as possible with him. Fined F-I, including costs. TRANSFER OF LICENSE. Mr S. P. Powell applied for the transfer of the license of the Castle Vaults from Mr Richard Wood to Mr James Harper. Mr Harper had kept a public house before, I and had excellent references.—No objection was raised by the police, and the transfer was granted. EJECTMENT ORDER. Mr Martin Woosnam applied for an ejectment order on behalf of Mr C. J. Newell, the owner, against William Latham, in respect of a dwelling house in Spinner's-court, Commercial-street. De- fendant was a weekly tenant, and the notice to quit had not been complied with. Defendant's wife stated that the reason why she had not removed was that her two children had bronchitis and measles, and were not well enough to move. An order for 21 days was granted. TEMPORARY LICENSE. Mr T. Ll. Phillips applied for a tempor- ary license from the hours of twelve till nine on the occasion of the R.W.W. sports. —This was granted. A FURIOUS NEIGHBOUR. Walter Henry Weaver, Park-street, charged George Jones, Frolic-street, with using threats towards him. Complainant stated that on the 24th of May, at about ten minutes past eleven, he was standing on the door with his wife and two gentlemen. There was a bit of a row on the corner of Frolic-street. He heard his name mentioned two or three times. Then he heard George Jones shout, That b- Weaver." Defendant wanted him to fight, but he answered that he had nothing to fight for. He then went into the house, and defendant followed him and started cursing and threatening him. He said that there was not a policeman in the town that could lock him up, and that he would have his revenge in the morning. He was kicking at the door for a considera- ble time, and cursing awful, and ultimately the police were sent for. No witnesses were called on either side, and defendant was bound over to keep the peace for six months, and to pay costs, or in default seven days, a fortnight being allowed to pay. A TRIFLING CHARGE. Annie Blayney, Park-street, charged Kate Morgan, Hall's-yard, with assaulting her son, Ernest Whittle Blayney. The boy said that on June 1st lie went to the camp field, and was playing around a cart, when Kate Morgan struck him across the leg and wrist. They never said any- thing to each other, and he did not know the reason why she struck him. After she struck- him he. went home. Henry Blayney, Frolic-street, said he climbed a tree, and broke off a stick, which he dropped. Kate Morgan then picked up the stick, and hit Ernest Blayney. Albert Davies, The Lot, said he was on the field at the time, and saw Kate Morgan run after Ernest Blayney and hit him. Defendant said she was sitting on the shafts of a cart on the camp field, when Blayney threw some clods at her and hit her op the back. She picked up a twig and hit him on the arm, but denied touch- ing him on the leg. The marks on his leg were from him falling against the wheel of the cart. The case was dismissed. I

SEEN AND HEARD. Nothing extenaate, nor net down autrht in malios. SEt,.xgsrxkux. Now that Halley" has gone from our skies, star-gazing is in abeyance, and the excuse which viewing Haney" gave for a claim to nuptial indulgence in the mat- ter of late home-coming, is no longer available. For the sake of domestic peace, a substitute for this celestial phenomenon is urgently required. Apart from his historical distinction, Halley" made a poor show contrasted with the grand lightning display on Tues- day evening. Much of its magnificence was, doubtless, lost by its over-awing effect upon many people, but those who calmly viewed the rapid succession of kaleidoscopic-like flashes from midnight, on, were rewarded with a spectacle per- haps hitherto unequalled of its kind. I have witnessed thunderstorms under various conditions, from the valley and the mountain top, but nothing ever surpassed the unutterable grandeur of this mem- orable night. One was reminded of the working of a cinematograph, only the il- luminations were infinitely more brilliant. It was as if a thousand full moons were concentrated upon the earth. After all, it. may have been but the last whisk of Halley's tail in a final good-bye to the present generation. There are two questions commonly asked after a severe thunderstorm—why are the destructive effects of lightning greatest in rural districts, and why is it dangerous to shelter under a tree ? In the open country, men and animals and property are more exposed than in towns, where chimneys, lightning conductors, and telegraph and telephone wires ward off the electricity. Why trees are so commonly struck by lightning is that their sap renders them better conductors than the surrounding air, and it is the sudden expansion of the sap that, may tear the tree to pieces. And as the animal body is a better conductor of elec- tricity than a tree, a discharge may pass from the tree to the body of the per-on sheltering under it, and so cause death. If there is no other cover from a thunder- storm than a tree, then it is well to stand as far as possible away from the trunk. Again, many people who do not trouble to read, and are content to glean most of their knowledge from inquiry dictated by the circumstances of the moment, have the haziest notion of what lightning is. Since- the days of Franklin, who showed that lightning was a discharge of electricity, it has been customary to explain the phenomenon by the electric spark. That great American, observing that. lightning possessed all the properties noticeable in electric sparks, sent up a kite during a thunderstorm, and by this means was able to lead down some of the electricity which the cloud contained. Solids and liquids we know can only be electrified on the surface of their substance, but the gases and vapours of the atmosphere, being com- posed of many particles, can receive a bodily charge. The rolling thunder is due to the prolongation of the sound by echoes from clouds and hills, as well as to the fact that, as the path of the lightning flash is long, the sound has to travel from points at various distances from the listener. Sheet-lightning is thought to be the re- flection in the atmosphere of a flash too distant for the thunder to be heard, and ball or globular lightning, which in the form of a ball moves slowly along and then suddenly bursts, is admitted to be real. Female claimants for old-age pensions are, I am told, decidedly more ingenious than mere man. In one instance, an old lady, fairly well off, was cross-examined regarding the quantity of stock on her holding, the pension officer having men- tioned that she possessed 40 sheep Oh, but," says she, there's 20 of these sold now," and finally justified her claim on the old Book, which she declared "tells us to ask and we shall receive." How many of us lament the unfulfilment of this hope in mundane things. So, too, does this trustful old dame. A- housewife ,nites :-H Liberals say that living is cheap under Free Trade. Why is meat going up to such a high price? I think we should have a change." The reason for the increase in the price of beef is a shortage of supply. Would the price be reduced by aggravating that shortage with a protectionist duty upon every ox that lands upon our shores ? My housewife correspondent should try to learn the alphabet of economics from her school children. I am told there was much visible pout- ing" among the female portion of that Kerry congregation before whom, last week, the Rev J. G. Williams anathematised ribbons, feathers, and other falderals of dress as the inventions of the devil." Nut a few of the ladies, so report states, were arrayed in headgear specially chosen for the occasion, and one can imagine how they fidgetted under that scathing re- proach. In my opinion, the castigation was almost absurdly severe. Without ex- ercise in Christian giving, I admit that we cannot train ourselves to a right sense of our obligations, neither can we develop the finer issues of character. Stinginess to- wards our churches creates a hardening and narrowing of the character. But I should not like to believe that our Baptist friends are so black as this divine would paint them. The woman who loves a dainty feather or ribbon may be a generous giver, while her more sombre dressed sister is a parsimonious individual. Man- kind does not like the gaudily decked female, but a little tinsel has its charms. Certainly, slaves of fashion are to be pitied, but a little variety is refreshing. The poverty of churches largely arises from the need- less multiplicity of sects, or, at any rate, the superfluous number of churches. Friday will determine the public fate of some Welshpool worthies. Then the Council meets either to climb down or to re-assert its defiance of the communal will. Obstinacy and disloyalty have exhausted the utmost limits of patience. A spirit of independence is creeping over the people of Pool. LuxE SHARPE.