The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

WHAT WILL THE COUNCIL DO?" -After the Welshpool Town's Meeting. A Short History of Sanitary Troubles. Lord Powis Will Say to Mr. Addie ——— {[SPECIAL FOR TIIIE 'F-PRFSS.'] Next Friday, at 11 a.m., the Welshpool Town Council will hold its monthly meeting in the Town Hall. Amongst the items in the letter-bag to be considered will be the following resolution from a large and representative Town's Meeting That this Town's Meeting does emphatically protest against the Town Council's proposed lease of unsuitable fields for refuse disposal, and calls upon the Council to respect the expressed will of the townspeople by acquiring the freehold estate of 25 acres, called the Henfaes, in order to adequately meet the sanitary needs of the town (present and future), and to help forward the industrial development of Welshpool. I happened last Monday to come across an -intelligent townsman of Pool, who had just finished reading the Express' report of the Town's Meeting held the previous Friday even- ing. My friend's mind was full of the subject, ancf we had a chat that to me proved mast informing. Well! '"he began, Mr Ililes has come out a startler, hasn't he? A SHINING STAR! It's baen a wonderful meeting. We've had three, but this is the A 1 of the lot there's no doubt about that in my estimation." £ What will happen ? I inquired. Those two fields off Severn-road will be with- drawn," came the confident reply. Lord Powis wouldn't think of letting those two fields to the Council in the face of the expressed wish of the burgesses-the ratepayers. What do you think ? I shouldn't think so." He won't, sir! If I know the Earl of Powis at all, he won't do that He is as eager for the respect of the people of Welshpool as I am He doesn't want to run his head against a stone wall any more than any other man." Mr Addie was at the Town's Meeting," I remarked. Yes, and he'll put the thing before his Lord- ship in a clear, straightforward, business manner, and they'll talk the matter over, and no doubt come to the conclusion that the best thing is to I Withdraw those two fields. And then the Council can start again." Where? With the Henfaes, of course! And the town will have the Henfaes in the end, without a doubt. And then we shall be safe for generations." Not for 21 years only ? "We shan't be safe for one year it we go to that dumping ground on the banks of the Llyndu brook, sir! After we'd been dumping in those two fields for a few months, and a good thunder- storm comes, the water will be taken from the brook and analyzed, and found polluted with garbage or the water off garbage. I was told by one of the councillors there's nothing but clean ashes to go there. We don't want the town stunk out by people burning cabbage leaves, potato peelings, fish bones, and other animal and vege- table stuff. The scavenger—he's got his orders -he chucks these things out ef the mixen-heap, and people want to know What are we to do with it? I You must do what you can with it.' There's a sheet of brown paper that's got wet or saturated with fish or meat put into the midden. The scavenger puts it on one side. 'CAN'T YOU TAKE THIS?' No. Forbidden I'll tell you what-I believe this last Town's Meeting has given the Hen- faesites on the Council a free hand And they will talk after this because they knew they've the burgesses and the ratepayers at their back. Masters of the situation, sir You know the Opposition at that meeting couldn't get up steam. They couldn't raise a howl or a hoot; it was in a very undertone manner the little bit of opposition that was, as if it was afraid of being seen or heard. And to send a thing home you must be seen and heard "-like 'Luke Sharpe' in your paper." What do you think will the Council do with the resolution from the Town's Meeting?" Aye!, What will they do ? They can't kick a thing like that under the table. It must have careful consideration. And it must be dealt with. I've never seen anything catch on in Welshpool like this Henfaes scheme has. You see that in this dumping down of the refuse of Welshpool there has always been water in the question, hasn't there ? In the first instance I remember it used to be put on the right hand side close to Ceunant Cottage, and the Royal Oak people-Mr Rowlands, the Oak, he used to buy a quantity of lime and turn it over and mix it with the lime, pick out all the brick-bats and tin-cana and that set of thing. And it used to lie there until properly rotted and then cart it 811 to his land. Well, then, after that it was put on the field that Mr Wyke has now, where the Llanfair rail- way commences to run up the Llanfair-road, and, if you notice, there'F a lot of very quick-growing larch or fir.trees-I remember these planted there —Lovell planted them there to C plant out' THE SIGHT OF THE OLD HEAP. Not so much that it was an eyesore, but people were always 'scratting' in it, turning it over, looking for what they could find. And any rain- fall or anything like that penetrated through down into the brook, and actually came all through the town. I don't quite remember how the Coun- cil began to tip at the Brickfields-those fields of Lord Powis's down Severn-road. But there the trouble began. They got typhoid fever at the gasworks, and the Chairman of the Sanitary Com- mittee, I was told. paid.450 compensation. Then there was a row The Council wrote to Lord Powis asking him to abate the nuisance upon his land that they had committed themselves And I remember goinp' down there and seeing the steam fire engine there, pumping out the pool on the field to get rid of the nuisance. The steam engine was there day and night till it pumped all the stinking water out, and all the things were gathered together and, I think, buried. And the Council were stopped from taking any more of the town refuse to that place. Well, then, they went down to Erwfelin. The water was the source of trouble there-Y.1,800 it cost altogether. Then the Council went down towards Pool Quay. The water was the trouble again. Mr Hey ward was the man who complained the refuse was polluting the water for his cattle. The Council moved further afield, and went down to the Wern, and to the Worn they've been going ever since- 'ON BOATING EXCURSIONS' as was said at the meeting. And there are com- plaints and complaints that this system is a nuisance to Mr William Humphreys' villa pro- perty in Waterloo. His tenants complain of the flies in the house and the stanch from the boat when the wind is in a certain direction. And I see according to the Express,' Mr Henry Lloyd said at the meeting they had the flies in Cobden- street too! The Henfa9s scheme has cropped up and been squashed by the majority on the Council. But I don't know that it is squashed it doesn't look like it at present. When Lord Powis gets that resolution from the Town's Meeting, he'll say to Mr Addie, Look here, Mr Addie, seeing the feel- ing of the townspeople, we will withdraw and have nothing more to do with the Council over those two fields for a dumping -ground.' Mr Addie was at the rl own's Meeting, and he took it all in, I'm eure. Mr Addie's had all the honours conferred upon him that our little town Can give. Andvl think he and Lord Powis will agree to let the scheme drop, don't you think so ? I ventured to agree with my townsman friend. N-ablesse oblige.

In North Hants a gamekeeper found that a swarm of bees had settled high up on a beech tree 5Qft. to GOft. above the ground in his garden. The butler went to his assistance and spread a oloth on the ground on some hay just beneath the swarm. The keeper fired a shot, which cut away the bough from which the bees hung from the tree. They fell like a bunch of grapes on to the cloth, and a skep was immediately placed over uhem. The swarm weighed nearly 5lb., and the bees, so far, appear to be none the worse for their treatment.

Llandilo was visited on Tuesday morning by one of the most severe thunderstorms that it has experienced for some time. The workshop of Mr D. Williams, cabinet maker, was struck and he had a narrow escape. About a mile from the town a thatched cottage was struck by the lightning, and burned to the ground. A woman, an invalid, was in bed at the time, but was rescued by neigh- bours. Other minor damage was done. Louise Caidona, a middle-aged French governess, was charged at Holywell with arson. Prisoner, it was alleged, placed sticks and rags soaked in petroleum at the door of Pantasaph Convent, and set light to them. The fire was discovered and easily extinguished. When arrested, accused told a police officer that she did it to frighten the rev. mother, who was unkind t,) her and let her starve. She was committed for trial at the assizps. The Board of Trade returns for May show striking increases in both our export and import trade. Imports for the month were valued at £ 55,269,179, an increase of no less than £ 10,414,031 over May of last year Exports were returned as of the value of X33,607,311, an increase over May of last year of £ 4,081,565. For the five months I of the present year the imports were valued at X279,862,804, an increase of X30,010,24,1 over the corresponding five months of 1909. See the ONOTO Window at No. 19, Broad-street, Newtown.

CAERSWS GUARDIANS. ( The monthly meeting was held at Caersws on Wednesday, when Mr Richard Evans (chairman) presided. There were also present Mrs D. H. Lewis, Messrs Rice Pugh (vice-chairman), Joseph Davies, David Lloyd, Thomas Jones, J. P. Francis, Thos, E. Evans, R. Edwards, T. Evans, E. Davies, E. Rees, R. P. Wilson, J. H. Edwards, D. ITam-r, Samuel Powell, Richard Bowen, Thomas Whitti- case, J. Powell, P. Wilson Jones, E. Morris, to- gether with the Clerk (Mr C. T. M. Taylor) and the Master and Relieving Officers. MASTER'S REPORT. The Master (Mr Parry) reported that the num- ber in the House that day was 79, as against 78 in the corresponding period last year. During the last month 513 vagrants had been relieved as compared with 532 in the same month of last year. It was also reported that Divine service had been conducted in the House during the past month by the Rev. J. Jones (vicar), Rev. H. J. Jenkins, Rev. S. E. Roberts, Rev. J. H. Robert Evans. Rev. H. E. Edwards, and Mr J. T. Williams. The Vicar also administered Holy Communion. WIFE v. MOTHER. A Welshpool compositor wrote asking to be re- lieved of contributing towards the support of his mother, as ha had now a wife and child to support. The Guardians decided to adhere to their former resolution and insist on payment of the arreais. MUSIC FOR THE INMATES. Mr G. Jones, secretary of the Mochdre United Choir, wrote asking for the Guardians' permission to give » concert some time in July at the Work- house. The Guardians readily granted the appli- cation. CLERK COMPLIMENTED. Mr Taylor leported that he had made enquiries with regard to settlements of several paupers, and had been successful in establishing their settle- ment in other Unions. Mr S. Powell said that the Clerk ought to be complimented on having secured a considerable saving to the Guardians. NATURAL TO COMPLAIN. Mr Owen, one of the relieving officers, was reporting on a relief case, when he was asked by the Chairman if the party had paid anything. Mr Owen Yes but he always complains. It is natural to him (laughter). A NEW MEMBER. Just after the Master announced the magic words, Lunch is ready, sir," Mr Wilson Jones said that there was a new member there, and he would like if the Chairman would introduce him to the Beard. The Chairman Yes. I ought to have done so before. Mr Evans (Llangurig) is a young man recently married. He had always taken a pro- minent part in public business, although he was never before a guardian. His father was a guardian for many years-Mr Evans, of Cilgwyn, Llangurig, and he was sure, from his knowledge of him and his experience in public work, that the son would discharge his duties on that Board to the credit of himself and his constituents. HOUSE ARRANGEMENTS. Miss Morris, the cook, wrote resigning her position under the Board. The Clerk explained that a female relative of the cook was dead, leaving a large family, and she wishodttc go to help the father to look after the children. The resignation was accepted. The question of filling the vacancy was then raised. Mr Wilson Jones said that Mrs Parry had an ] idea that she would try and manage with the < staff she had at present, especially if the children that were in the house now would be boarded out. ] It would be saving a considerable sum if they agreed to this suggestion. 1 The Clerk pointed out that there were children who could not be boarded out. They could not separate children from their presents unless the latter signed an agreement that they would re- 1 main in the House permanently. They could only £ board out children who were orphans, unless they had the agreement and sanctioned by the Local Government Board. Another suggestion was that j tho present trainer be appointed cook, and that j the Matron be allowed to get in a seamstress at Is. 6d. for three days a week. y The Board decided to adopt the latter sugges- 1 tion for six months. I NEW BOARDING-OUT ORDER. ] The committee appointed under the New Order ] recommended that the committee should meet 1 once a month at the Clerk's office, that five should < form a quorum, and that the payment of main- I tenance money be made by postal order by the 1 Clerk every four weeks. Mr Wilson Jones asked if the Committee had < considered the question of co-opting members, f especially ladies who were not members of the i Board. Other Boards had done so, and it would ] be a good thing to enlist the sympathies of ladies in this district. < The Clerk said that the feeling was that the < Committe should thoroughly understand the New 1 Order before they called in outsiders. The report of the Committee was adopted. Referring to the same matter, the Burslem Board wrote asking the Guardians to support a memorial to have Article 9, No. 11, deleted from the Order. The article referred to the prohibition of foster parents from insuring the children under their charge, and that if anyone infringed the prohibition the Guardians would be entitled to forthwith withdraw the children from their care. The Chairman remarked that the object of that article was to prevent the danger of baby farming. The matter was referred to the Boarding Out Committee. FINANCIAL. The Clerk reported that the balance in the treasurer's hands was Xl,179 Is 4d, and that the amount in arrears from the various parishes was £ 2,012. Mr Wilson-Jones: In arrears ? The Clerk: Yes. The money only became due on June 1st. PAUPER PATIENTS." The Chorlton Union wrote asking the Board to support a motion asking the Home Secretary to remove the words pauper patients" from the notices of death of patieats sent by the Guardians to the county asylums. The description was not only unnecessary, but absolutely objectionable and hurtful to the feelings of the relatives at times of bereavement. On the motion of Mr Samuel Powell, seconded by Mr Wilson-Jones, the Board decided to support the resolution. PAY STATIONS. In connection with a resolution of the last Board that the Relieving Officers be requested to supply the mileage that they would have have to travel if the pay stations were done away with and the paupers had to be visited in their own homes, Mr Wilson presented a table showing that he would have to travel 85 miles as against 35 now. Mr Owen did not give any statement, and Mr Lewis only a verbal one. Mr T. Jones What is the object in asking for the return ? I Mr Wilson-Jones I don't think The Clerk said that there was a circular issued as to the administration of out-door relief, and that circular gave a broad hint that the Board would like to see all pay stations in the rural dis- tricts done away with. Mr Jones'" idea was to anticipate that and to get the information so as to deal with the question. In a short time the Board would also compel them to keep the case- paper system-a register of every pauper with .all his history-and the question of the relief com- mittees would also be dealt with. The matter was deferred, the officers being asked to make a formal report of Ithe mileage by the next meeting.

Several strikes are reported in the industrial world, among them one of some 1,300 girls working iu the thread mills 'at Neileton, Renfrewshire, where some disturbances have occurred. In the Yorkshire woollen trade, which at present is en- joying a boom, it is feared that about 15,000 operatives will strike, as their demand for increased wages and better conditions has been refused. Scottish engineers have been refused an increase in wages of a farthing an hour. The result of the arbitration in regard to the Cardiff dockers' dispute has been published, and it stated officially that in all probability the men will not accept the umpire's award. See the ONOTO Window at No. 19, Broad-street, Newtown.

LLANIDLOES TOWN COUNCIL I The Water Supply. The monthly meeting of this Council wag, held at the Town Hall on Thursday evening. Alder- man Edward Hamer (mayor) presided, and on his left was the Ex-mayor (Councillor E. R. Horsfall Tuner). There we-e also p-esent seated around the circular table-Aiderm(-lt W. Ashton, Edward Davies, Councillors Jones Meredith, E. B. O'Neill, G. Heromb, R. Jerman, J. Morris, J. Kinsey Jones, R. George, J. Breese, together with the Town Clerk (Mr Arthur Davies), and the Sanitary Inspector (Mr J. Morgan). FINANCIAL MATTERS. The Finance Committee presented its monthly report showing that the amount of the borougn rate collected during the month was .£110 3s 6d; water rate, iJ5 Is 3d; previously collected, .£389 14s lOd; and the bank overdraft as X150 3s 2d The Committee also presentpd its estimates for the next six months. The amount estimated to be required was £ 1,000, made up of repayment of loans £ 450, bank overdraft ^6230, scavenging .£90, salaries .£29 10?, gas account .£60, and other smaller sums. The estimated receipts were £ 300, and they recommended a ra*e of 2s 3d in the -8, which would produce .£69G. The estimates were adopted and the report passed, on the motion of Mr Hercomb. SANITATION AND WATER SUPPLY. The Sanitary Committer's report was read by Mr J. Jones Meredith. This stated that the Committee had visited the property v>f Mr John Ingram by the Old Vicarage, and were sorry to find that a very bad nuisance existed there. The owner had built two good w.c's.. but somebody had taken away the doors and frames, and also the iron cisterns and lead pipes, and the Com- mittee left it to the Council to imagine the statb of affairs existing there, and also to suggest a remedy for the nuisance. The Committee's attention bad been called to the property of Mr J. O. Brown, where he had built three w.c's, and he wanted to know if the Council would make a connection outside the railing to the sewer below. On this latter matter the Council decided, without discussion, that they could not do the connecting here, as it bad been done by the owners in the case of other property in that vicinity. With regard to Mr Ingram's property, the inspector was asked his opinion about the matter. Mr Morgan said that the matter was in the hands of the police, and they thought they could trace the perpetrators. The Mayor: It is our duty to see to the sanitary state of the place. Councillor Meredith: This is the worst nuis- ance we have seen this year. Councillor Kinsey Jones proposed that the Clerk write the owner calling his attention to the nuisance. Councillor David Owen seconded. He com- mented, however, on the weakness shown by the Committee in asking the Council to give an opinion about the matter. The Committee had not really the courage of their convictions. Councillorr O'Neill said that he had the courage of his convictions. His opinion was that it was rather hard that the owner should be asked again to put this place in order after he had built two good w.c's., which had been destroyed by someone. The motion was carried. Before going on to the next business, Alderman Edward Davies asked permission to mention that he had heard no end of complaints about the filter beds and the bad water supply. Alderman George also referred to the same matter. He said that when the filter beds were laid it ^was stated that they should be renewed avery tnre9 years. These had been down for nine years. It would be a very serious thing if any- thing happened in the town in consequence of the water not being properly filtered, especially with he warm weather they were now experiencing FILTHY WATER. Alderman William Ashton said he didn't know whether the water was worse in Short Bridge- street than other parts of the town. They had ;he watrr in a most filthy state, full of some refuse. If they drew a jugful and left it a lot of sediment accrued at the bottom. it was not fit ;o use whatever was the cause of it. He remem- bered someone saying that it was a good deal vorse in that quarter than in the centre of the kwn. It had been very bad there now for a nonth-notfittouse. He never made complaints md would not do so now only the matter was Mentioned and the supplv was in a very had state. [t had been said that they were taking the water from the centre of the town to water the streets, Iond that had disturbed the bottom, and they were idvised to take the water for the streets above she filter. Councillor Horsfall Turner spoke for the other snd of the town. The supply there was in a similar condition, not only taat, but. it had been regularly during the summer months for several pears past, and a lot of sediment in the bottom ifter it was left to stand. There was a great deal )f truth in the matter of the water cart. When- ever the water cart was out the water was dis- I turbed. Mr Jarman said that he had tested the water before the stanchion was put in. He found it was very different after it was put in. A com- plaint was carried to him as chairman of the scavenging committee, and he took upon himself the responsibility of going out before the cart went out. Mr Jones Meredith said that he had also taken some trouble in the matter. He tested some taps and found them very bad. Taps in the next yard were quite clear. He had had some of the bad water himself, but he did not think the mains had been washed out for the last two or three months, so that they could depend they would always have the complaint about the sediment. That was a kind of rust and if the mains were not washed out every month or so, they would surely have the sediment in the pipes. As to renewing the filters according to Alderman Davies' suggestion, that had been under consideration, he thought they were afraid to tackle it. After further discussion the Council resolved to refer the matter to the Chairman and Secretary of the Water Committee to do what they thought fit to remedy the cause of the complaint. As the members thought that the taking of the water for the water cart disturbed the supply, it was decided that the water for this purpose be taken at a different point.

See the ONOTO Window at Xo. 19, Broad-street, Newtown.

Mr. E. Powell on Congregational Singing. At the Oswestry Calvinistic Methodist annual musical festival on Sunday week, Mr Edward Powell, Plasybryn, Newtown, occupied the chair and delivered a very interesting address on congregational singing. He was delighted to be present and to observe the kinship there was between them and the Welsh people so far as their delight and proficiency in music was con- cerned. It must be gratifying to them all, especially to those who were advancing in years, to find that the Christian services of to-day were so musical. He could remember in times gone by how sombre and dull their services frequently were. Formerly the service was sad, and he thought that sadness was handed down to them probably from Puritan days. The Puritans, as it were, revolted to a more or less formal service, and gave them a service which was anything but joyful as the praise and worship of God should be. Christian people should be happy, and not sombre and sad. The appearance of the Christian had changed, and when they found a Christian nowadays he was always happy, whatever his circumstances might be. Concluding, Mr Powell thanked the church for inviting him to preside, and said that in the matter of congregational singing he thought they should include Oswestry in Wales.

One of the most terrible thunderstorms within living memory occurred at South Carnarvonshire early on Wednesday morn- ing. The lightning was so brilliant that it lit. up the whole district. Some havoc was caused by the lightning at Sarn,. near Pwllheli, where a farm servant, named Richard Grith, Bodgena, TJeha, was in a field with two horses. The horses were struck dead with lightning, and the man was injured in his arms, one of the horses falling on him. Another horse was killed at Llanaelhairn, belonging to Mr Davies, Elernion. See the ONOTO Window at No. 19, Broad-street, N ewtowD.

GOLF GOSSIP. [By COLONEL FOOZLEB.] It ifc seldom we see the ordinary amateur goiter at his best in a cup final or other nerve testing competition, except he is a hardened hand. And nerves at golf-Nvell, you know. So it was that the final in the tourney at Newtown on Saturday, between Mr James Wall and Mr R. M. Lloyd, fur- nished an exhibition somewhat below the average form of both players. The repeated postponements had probably some" respon- sibility for the mediocre display, or was it that the popular and painstaking Hon. Secretary had the course and the greens in such tip top order as to defeat their ordi- nary judgment. At any rate, the greens were never in better condition, while the fair way had been shorn of those bloom- ing buttercups, which cattle, horses, and sheep have not the heart to crop upon. I regretted my inability to witness the tussle, convinced as I was that the result would be a close thing, probably ending in favour of the esteemed dominie. For al- though not the more experienced player, Mr Wall has learnt his golf on a system which all learners would do well to imitate. I have seen him solitary and alone, either driving half a dozen balls from the tee, lifting them over a particular hazard or from out a bunker, or rolling them over greens to ascertain just those irregularities and those vagaries which it is so important, to know. Learning on these lines spells success, and it is his familiarity with trying parts of the course that inclined my opinion in favour of Mr Wall. On the other hand we have in Mr Lloyd a stylish young player, who gets a long ball with an easy movement. Through the green he strikes me as decidedly superior to his Saturday's rival, who, however, holds him in approaching and putting-things that count much upon a short course. My opinion seems to have been shared by most members of the Club that the tussle would have a close ending, and this it did, though the victory reads 3 up and 2 to play. Mr Wall had the worst of it in the first round, with 6 for the first and 7 for the eighth holes, and although conceding one stroke, he was fortunate to finish only 2 down with a score of 47. A 5 at the shortest hole was the blemish on Mr Lloyd's card otherwise he played with fair steadiness. Four 6's in the second, and a score of 46, showed that Mr Wall was playing below par, but a 47 by his opponent allowed him to finish the first half with two holes to the bad. Much better golf was witnessed in the next half. but here Mr Lloyd held a firm grip of his rival, and with nine holes to go he stood 4 up. A second round of 44 against Mr Wall's 45. The final round was provo- cative of intense excitement, when after halving the first hole Mr Wall annexed the second and the third with something like perfect play. At the third Mr Lloyd failed with his drive, and required 8 to get down. The fourth was halved, but Mr Wall secured the fifth in 4 to 5, and approached the quarry only one down.The hedge toppled snare, however, proved his undoing, and he lost the hole in 6 to 5. There the game stood Mr Lloyd 2 up and 3 to play, and the spectators had a real feast of excitement, since Mr Wall seemed to be improving. But the match was soon thereafter settled. A fine drive by Mr Wall from the "pulpit" found a resting place dead against the base of the crab-apple tree, which lost him a stroke. Mr Lloyd got down in 5 to 6. and therefore secured the premier prize at the 34th hole. Strangely enough, the total score of each player was 171. Mr Lloyd's was a popular victory. He has justified what I predicted of him, and if lie gives his undivided attention to golf, further distinction awaits him. A genuine sportsman, and a likeable young fellow, he will have the congratulations of all the members. At the conclusion of the match, Mr W. E. Pryce-Jones, the captain, presented the prizes, which he had himself gener- ously subscribed, and expressed his satis- faction with the character and conduct of the tournament. Thanks to the Captain and also to Mr George Thomas, who has striven for the success of the competition, were cordially awarded. There are other competitions on the tapis, and I might whet members' expectations with a secret, con- cerning the kind intentions of a well-known, liberal-handed lady—but just bide a we. Both players played a black and white ball, which is becoming the favour- ite with this club. It is probably the best on the market.

Dolfor Rainfall for May. May 2-0'04 May 13—007 „ 4—0-06 „ 16—0-43 „ 5-0-13 „ 18—022 „ 6-011 „ 30-0,17 7—008 „ 31—006 1. 12-0-14 —— Total 151 1909—1-73.

TREFONEN. THE OEDEK. OF DRUIDS- --knotbor Lodge in connection with the Oswestry and Mid-Wales Equalised District Order of Druids' Friendly Society was opened on Saturday, the 4th inst., when the amalgamation of the Trefonen Friendly Society" with the Order of Druids was completed. The meeting took place in the Schoolroom, Tre- fonen, and Mr E. Morgan Jones, Welshpool, the newly elected Grand Master of the Order, and District Secretary, presided over the opening of the new Lodge, which is named King Offa," and he was ably assisted by Mr Edward Jones, D.G.M. Llanymynecb; Mr Caradog Tudor, D.D.G.M, Penybontfawr Mr G. H. Ellison, P G.M., District Treasurer, Newtown; Mr R. H. Mason, P.G.M.; Mr Humphrey Jones, P.D.G.M., and Mr C. R. Blaud, P.N.G.A., Oswestry. Messrs Richard Jones, P.D.G.M, A. Palin. P.N.G.A, and W. C. Morris, P.N.G.A., Oswestry, also attended. At the close of the opening ceremony the initiation of the members took place, over thirty being transferred from the old Society, including Mr George Francis, treasurer, Mtssrs Matthew Jones and Owen Owen, trustees, and Mr M. Meredith, secretary, who took an active interest in the pro- ceedings. The initiation of the Rev D. Stephens, vicar, as an honorary member, followed, the address to the initiate, being read by Mr Ellison in an impressive manner. 11 The new honorary member then delivered an excellent address, in the course of which he said he felt it a great honour to become associated with the Lodge and Order. He also commended the wisdom and fore- sight displayed by the officers and members of the old Society in the action they had taken by becom- ing affiliated with such a large and wealthy district and order. Their district was a large one and it was quite evident that it was exceedingly well managed and he took that opportunity of congratulating the distiict secretary, whom he had known for about sixteen years, upon his eleva- tion to the chief office connected with their Order, that of Grand Master, and he felt sure that he would discharge the important duties devolving upon him with dignity and give every satisfaction to the whole of their Order (cheers).—Addresses were also delivered by the Grand Master, Messrs Ellison, Mason, Tudor, H. Jones an Bland ex- planatory of the objects of the Society and opera- tions of the district, which numbers 28 lodges, with over X16,000 in capital, and a roll of upwards of 3,000 members. There are also attached to the district 15 juvenile branches, with 515 members, and a capital of .£919 12s 3d.—The district officers and visitors were subsequently entertained to an excellent tea by the local Committee and previous to dispersing a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to them, not only for the repast, but for the admirable arrangements made in regard to the opening of the Lodge.

A startling discovery has been made by a farmer in the village of Barley, Lancashire, where, while excavating in a part of the farmyard that has not been turned over for twenty years, he discovered the skeletons of three adult persons aDd two children.

THE FIELD OF BLESSING NEAR NEWTOWN. In a recent issue, an A bermule cor- respondent inquired for particulars of the historic crop of wheat grown at Scafell, near Newtown, on what has since been known as the "Field of blessing." We are indebted to Miss M. J. Evans, Tvnyreithen, for the k>] j owing extract from a booklet containing the history of the Baptist Church at Newtown, by its late pastor, the Rev J. W. Williams:— Henry Williams, another Baptist min- ter, a convert pupil, and for years fellow- labourer oi Vavasor Powell, lived at Ysgafell, near this town. In the account of his life given in the Cambro-British Biography, p. 220, it is said: Being dis- abled from the public exercise of his min- istry in 1662, he continued to preach more privatel- in several parts of the county, as lie had opportunity. He was. an upright man, very active for God, and a lively preacher. He suffered much for the sake of a good conscience, both by imprisonment and spoiling of his goods but lie endured all patiently, and went on doing the work of the Lord in the most difficult times. He subsisted by a small estate which he had, and preached the Gospel freely to such as were willing to receive it. He was of the Baptist denomination, and succeeded Mr Yavasour Powell as pastor of the church at or near Newtown. Among the severe sufferings and heavy trials which Mr Williams underwent, the following have been related as the most remarkable. He was once set. upon while preaching, dragged from the place where he stood, cruelly beaten. and left, apparently dead, like Paul at Lystra. His imprisonments were long and rigorous, and are said to have taken up no less than nine years. At one of the times he lay in prison, the bloody perse- cutors set fire to his house, and burned it to the ground. Another time they beset it^ broke in and plundered his goods, and even murdered his aged father, who was attempting to prevent their getting into the upper rooms. His wife also, then near her confinement, in endeavouring to make her escape, with one child in her arms, and leading another, they cruelly insulted. At last they seized the stock upon the land. and seemed resolved to leave nothing be- hind them for the future subsistence of the family. There was, however, a field of wheat just then sown which the unfeeling wretches could not carry off, and probably did not think worth while to destrov. The field thrived amazingly. All the winter and spring its appearance struck every be- holder. and the crop it produced was so very abundant as to become the talk and wonder of the whole country. Nothing like it had been ever known in those parts. In short, the produce of that field amply repaid him for the losses of the preceding year. It was said, indeed, that it amounted to more than double the value of what the persecuting plunderers had carried off. This, together with the untimely and awful end of divers of his most bitter persecut- ors, had such a terrifying effect upon the inhabitants, as secured him from being ever afterwards, so barbarously treated.' This field is known as Cae )Ben(iiili Field of Blessing.' In an elegy entitled, W ales s Lamentations or an elegy on the worthy and very much lamented Mr Henry Williams, minister of the Gospel in North Wales' (composed on his death by his son-in-law, the celebrated Richard Davies, of Row-ell, Northamptonshire), the following passage, in reference to the field above mentioned, occurs:— Let us not pa.ss that wondrous field of corn, (To poise his loss, nor miracles forborne), His earth was healed of her ancient curse, The sums he gave for Christ to reimburse The clods, Divinely bid, their strength release, The grains entombed, ten thousandfold increase. And when the earth to the whole land was wildj To him alone was easy, kind and mild; f And though pale famine threatened all the land, An army of joyful corn for him did stand, In monstrous thickness 'fore the wind do sail, Waving their double, triple heads, each gale. Their heads with blessings bowed, revered their God, And offer to His servant all their load. The miracle like nimble lightning flew, And filled all thoughts with things so great, so new. The good rejoiced, his troublers lost their rage, Since God so plainly did for him engage; The furious cease to roar, contract their paws, Let fall the lift-up engine of the laws. This prodigy had struck their outrage mute, Nor durst they ever after persecute. "Reference is also made to the judgments which followed some of his persecutors, of which it says:— But Heaven declares on still, smites some with blasts, Life and estate with curses wastes. He died in the year 1864, about 60 years of age, and, according to tradition was buried, with another member of the family, in the garden at Ysgafell. The fol- lowing copy of an entry from the parish register of Llanllwchaiarn shows the true year of his death, and mentions his burial in the garden: Heiiricus Williams, horto sun sepultus fuit, Aprilis 2, 1684.' Also in "Montgomeryshire Worthies." we find the following reference to the Field of Blessing and the nature of the crop It is not stated how many stalks were "n each root, but there were six, seven, and eight full ears upon each stalk. Two stalk- heads have been preserved, and are in the possession of Mr John Thomas, Craiglryn, Carno. One has seven ears and the other eight. Many years ago some of the grain contained in them was sown in a corner of a field, but, strange to say, the wheat grown from it was of the ordinary kind."

Pressure in County Schools. RESTIVE TEACHERS. The Welsh intermediate system of educa- tion will shortly attain its majority. Dur- ing the time the system has been in exist- ence the Central Welsh Board has exer- cised a distinctly beneficial influence over the schools under its control. Complaints have, however, from time to time been made oi the unduly high standard exacted by the Board in its examinations, and it is a fact, perhaps not sufficiently appreciated by the public at large, that the excellent results achieved by the Welsh secondary schools in recent years have often been ob- tained at the expense of a serious break- down in health on the part of teachers and pupils. That the Central Welsh Board feels some uneasiness in the matter is evident- from the report presented at its recent half- yearly meeting. According to this report, the Board were glad to see signs of a ten- dency to lessen over-pressure in the case of those pupils in the schools to whom se- vere and prolonged study might prove in- jurious. If (writes a correspondent) the Board is in earnest in its endeavours to lessen over-pressure in the schools, some means will have to be adopted of revising the present methods of reporting upon the work done at the annual examinations. Particular exception is just now being taken to a method which the Board has adopted of stimulating the schools to still further efforts at th'e annual examinations. This takes the form of a letter in the fol- lowing terms from the clerk of the Central Welsh Board to the governors and head masters of the County Schools:—"I am directed to state that the Board will expect better results in the annual examinations of 1910 at County School." This form of report upon the work done at the written examinations held in July last year seems to have been quite unjus- tified in a number of cases, ami lays itself open to grave criticism. It means one of two things-either that the Board is not satisfied with the total number of candi- dates presented for certificates from any particular school, or that the number of certificates gained does not bear a suffi- ciently high ratio to the number of candi- dates presented. If the former, then the Board lays itself open to the suspicion of desiring to profit from the fees which would be derived from additional candidates for certificates; if the latter, temptation i", 1 ■« placed in the way of head masters to pre- sent for examination only picked candi- dates whose chances of success are con- sidered good, and to withhold from exam- ination all those whose chances of passing are considered doubtful, but. who would profit by the experience when they sat at the following year's examinations. From a discussion of the subject with several head masters of Welsh Secondary Schools, I find that the report to which exception is taken has been sent to schools where the Central Welsh Board's own Tri- ennial Inspection Report upon the work of the schools concerned, and which had only just previously been received, was in every respect satisfactory where the number of pupils presented for examination last year exceeded 4U per cent, of the number of pupils in atendance and where the percen- tage of actual certificates gained was higher than the average for the" whole of Wales In some cases, Mr O. M. Edwards, Chief Inspector of the Welsh Department of the Board of Education^ has expressed himself as being quite satisfied with the work of certain schools to which the Central Welsh Board has sent its unfavourable Teport. The Central Board's action has been much resented by school governors and head • masters throughout Wales, and the subject, is to engage the immediate attention of the Association of Head Masters, who regard the Board's action as unfair and harassing.

A NEWTONIAN'S SILVER WEDDING IN LIVERPOOL. On Thursday week a large circle of frienus and acquaintances showered con- gratulations upon Mr and Mrs Tom How- gate Jones, of 31, Clarendon-road. Egre- mont. Cheshire, the occasion being the twenty-fifth anniversary of their wedding day. Mr Jones, who is the head of the well-known firm of Charles Lane and Co., Liverpool, is the seventh son of the late Mr Owen Jones, of New town, his wife being the youngest daughter of the late Mr William Marples, of Sheffield and Liver- pool. Mr Jones is a younger brother of Mr Edward Jones, wool merchant. New- town. They were married at St. Cyprian s Church. Edge Hill. Mr Jones has been a well-known figure in Liverpool and local cricket circles for many years past. For some time he was a. member of the old Liverpool Cricket Cluti, and he has also played with the Sefton, Bootle, and Wallasey Clubs, and is at the present time still an hon. member of the latter. He enjoyed the great distinction of playing against the first Australian team which visited England in lf78. In celebration of the-event, Mr and Mrs Jones gave a dinner in the hall adjoining the Conservative Club, Manor-road, in the evening, to which a large number of friends were invited, including Mr and Mrs H. Pearce, Mr and Mrs R. C. Jones, Mr and Mrs H. O. Sharpe, Mr and Mrs Godden, Mr and Mrs Pagen, Mr and Mrs J. Gibney, Mr and Mrs John Fullerton, Mr J. B. Cornwell and Miss Cornweil. Mr and Mrs Harvey, Mr and Mrs Harbord. Mr and Mrs W. Davies. Mr and Mrs J. Bell, Mr and Mrs Hampson. Mr and Mr? F. Barlow, Councillor and Mrs J. R. Owen, Mr H. M.' Pearce, Miss Irene Pearce, Miss Amy Pearce. Mr W. E. Ruscoe, Mr and Mrs Les- ter. Mr E. W. Anderson, Mr James Downey, Mr and Mrs O. H. Jones, Mr J. C. Walker. Mrs and Miss Lawrence. Messrs George- Welding, Charles Williams, and George Hodson. The platform was backed up with palms and verdant plants, and on a. table beneath were exhibited the presents. A most gen- erous repast having been served up in a. first-class style by Mr Rollwagen, the loyal toasts were honoured. Mr Harry Pearce. then proposed the toast or The Host and Hostess," remarking that he had the pleas- ure just twenty-five years previously of proposing the health of the host and hos- tess on another interesting occasion (ap- plause). He hoped that Mr and Mrs Jones would be a good example of the old his- torical Darby and Joan. They wished them long life, happiness, and prosperity. The toast, which was most heartily accorded, was followed by hearty cheers. Mr George Welding, of Birmingham, ex- pressed the great pleasure it afforded him to be there, to wish them health, wealth. and longevity. Mr and Mrs Jones were celebrating their silver wedding. He hoped they would be spared to celebrate their golden wedding (applause). Mr Sharp observed that it had been his privilege to be connected with Mr Jones in business and with Mr and Mrs Jones as friends and neighbours for many years, and he looked back upon the past twenty five years as a happy memory. He looked back with pleasure on their many*years of friendship. Mr Jones was known to all of them. and they looked upon him as a good old "pall" (hear, hear). Mr Harold Harbord spoke of Mr Jones's splendid qualities, both commercially and as a friend. He echoed all the good wishes so heartily expressed, and congratulated the host and hostess on that happy event. His heartfelt wishes were that they would be spared to celebrate further anniversaries to which such precious and rare gems were attached. Responding to these kind sentiments. Mr Jones expressed the great pleasure it afforded him to have so many friends round that table that night upon such an occasion. Of course, it was the first time, —(laughter)—and he did not know the pro- cedure it was so very awkward (renewed laughte'rV. He was pleased to have the- pleasure and privilege of having them there as friends, and he was overwhelmed with the presents and telegrams which he had received. He thanked them most heartily on behalf of his dear wife and himself that thev had come there that night to enjoy their hospitality. It was forty years since he came to the Liverpool district, and though he had had his vicissitudes, he had a great deal to be thankful for. and es- pecially for the assistance he had received from his staff. He was proud of the kind- nesses he had received on all hands, and lie thought that the numerous presents were evidence of the kindly feeling his friends had towards him (applause). Wedding marches and other appropriate selections were played by .Vfc Jack Walker. and humorous sketches were given by Mr Tom Derbyshire in his inimitable manner. The lollowing is a list of the presents received:—Silver Georgian pattern rose bowl, from :1 few intimate business friends silver Queen Anne pattern rose howl. Mr and Mrs Tom Hale case silver fish knives and forks. Amy, Hal. and Bertie Pearce silver asparagus dish, salver, and servers. Mr and Mrs J. Bell pair silver serviette rings, Mr and Mrs F. Barlow; pair silver candlesticks, Mr and Mrs T. Hampson pair silver candle sticks. Mr and Mrs W. Davies silver photo frame. Mr and Mrs Harbord silver fern pot, Mr and Mrg Theo Godden silver flower stand. Mr and Mrs Galloway silver match stand. Mr and Mrs J. Fullerton silver cyphon holder and celery stand, Mr and Mrs Loheide silver salad bowl and servers, Mr H. M. Pearce and Miss Forster silver- mounted bread platter and knife. Mr and Mrs H. Pearce -dlver-aiounted Wedg- wood flask. Mr and -Ir, G. D. Welding silver Chatelene purse. Mr J. H. Jones silver cigar case. Mrs J. H. Jones silver calendar, Misses Ethel and Irene Pearce case silver Apostle spoons. Mr J. Corn- well and Miss Cornwell.

BUTCHERS' HIDE, SKIN AND WOOL Company Limited, New Canal-street, Birmingham. urrer,t Prices Hide?—90 and up, Gji—r>{ 80 to 89, G £ —; 70 to 79, 60 to 69, 6 £ —; ?>0 to 59, 0—51; 49 and under, 6—; cows— 60 and up, 534-5 50 to 59, 5:1-5; 49 and under, 53 bulls, 5-5: warbled and irregs., 4-S}. -4 Calf, 17 and up, 7; 12 to 16. 8 j; 9 to 4 2 11. 8; light, 8. Horse hiufs. 21/ 19-, 17/ 15/9, 13/3, 10,9, 8 9. Welsh wool-3 10, 2 2 Pelts—3/2, 3/ 2/10, 2,7, 2'6, 2 Lambs- 3/9, 3 6, 3, 2/2. pat-Lqst beef, :3id; best mut- ton, 3d; seconds, 2f d; common. 1 id. Mixed fat, 2fd. Bones-Marro w, 13 waste, lOd per score.