The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

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MORE ABOUT THE COUNTY CLERKSHIP. Lively Debate at the Connty Council. Xr Richard Lloyd Versus Mr Edward Powell. Some warm passages at arms occurred between Mr Richard Lloyd and Mr Edward Powell at the County Council meeting held in Welshpool on Monday, over the County Council Clerkship. Oar readers are familiar with the circumstances. Following the resignation of Mr G. D. Harrison, the Standing Joint Committee appointed Mr G. R. D. Harrison to the offices of Clerk of the Peace, County Council Clerk, Finance Clerk, and Clerk to the Local Taxation Authority at a combined salary of £ 87~>. The majority on the County Council did not dispute that Committee's autho- rity to appoint the Clerk of the Peace and County Council Clerk, but repudiated their right to officer the other two positions, and upon the motion of Mr Edward Powell, a representation to that effect was addressed to the Home Secretary. It will be remembered that at a meeting of the Standing Joint Committee a letter was received from the Home Secretary intimating that he had been advised that as no alteration was proposed in the amount of the salary of the Clerk of the Peace and Clerk of the County Council, the order of the 10th of January last held good. Upon the reading of that letter Mr Richard Lloyd dealt in severe terms with Mr Edward Powell's proposal to review the matter, arguing that Mr Powell's opinions and statements were wrong1 and that they showed that a little knowledge is a danger- ous thing." At Monday's meeting of the Council the follow- ing letter was read from the Home Office in re- gard to the matter "Having laid your letter of September 16th before the Secretary of State, I am directed by him to say for the information of the County Council that he is advised that in the absence of any recommendation from the Standing Joint Committee for an alteration of the amount of salary of the Clerk of the Peace and of the County Council, the Secretary of State has no jurisdiction over the matter to which you refer." MR POWELL'S CASE. Mr Edward Powell said it was quite clear that the salary of the Clerk of the Peace was fixed at .£550. It was equally clear that Mr G. D Harri- son was appointed Finance Clerk at 2225, and Local Taxation Clerk at a salary of tIOO. The two latter offices, as far as this Council was con- cerned, were distinct appointments. In the schedule of the Finance Committee before them to-day they were asked to sanction payment of the quarter's salary of the Clerk of the Peace, the Finance Clerk, and the Clerk of the Local Taxa- tion Authority, showing that the'three offices had been kept, as far as the Council was concerned, quite distinct. They all agreed that the Clerk of the Peace was appointed by the Standing Joint Committee, and as Clerk of the Peace he became Clerk of the County Council. They could not help themselves in regard to that, although no doubt in a short time that arrangement would be altered, and the Council would be able to appoint their own clerk. But at present they had no control over the appointment of their own clerk. The difficulty which had arisen in the present circumstances appeared to have come about in this way, and he was not aware of it until that day. Sometime ago the Home Secre- tary was asked to sanction the payment of .£325 to the County Council for extra financial and local taxation work, and now they had it that the salary of the Clerk of the Peace was an inclusive one of .£815. He did not suggest foi a moment that anything had been held back from the Home Secretary, who had no doubt been informed of everything, but they had it in their accounts that the Clerk of the Peace's salary was .£875. A minute in 1898 showed that Mr G D. Harrison resigned his position as financial clerk, and that the matter was referred by the Council to a com- mittee. That fact proved that the Council had control of Finance Clerk. They could ap- point, as was done in other counties, a finan- cial and a local taxation clerk, but it was made to appear that the Council had no control over financial appointments, and that the Standing Joint Committee could appoint whoever they pleased to do the local taxation work. He was not saying a single word against Mr G. R. D. Harrison. On the contrary he had the highest opinion of him and his ability, his willingness and assiduity; but it was their duty to protect them- selves in regard to the appointing of their own officers (bear, hear). The Standing Joint Com- mittee, in what he considered an unseemly manner, accepted the resignation of the Clerk of Peace, and proceeded, without giving the Council any sort of notice, or without consulting them, to appoint another behind their backs; not simply another Clerk of the Peace, but also the Finance Clerk and Local Taxation Clerk. That seemed to '•him aa extraordinary proceeding, and the Council oould not calmly submit to it. If the Standing Joint Committee made good their claim to appoint Mr G. B. D. Harrison as the financial and loeal taxation clerk they would ti- the County Council's hands for ever; thay would be able to receive the resignation of the present Clerk at any time and appoint someone else at an inclusive salary of X875. He thought thpy should make further representation to the Home Secretary with the view to having restored to the Council the right to makthose appointments which clearly be- longed to them (hear, hear). And for that pur- pose he moved that a committee consisting ot the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Mr Marshall Dugdale, Colonel Pryce-Jones, and himself, if they would agree, be appointed with power to communicate with the Hzme Secretary if they thought fit in order to preserve the rights of the Council over their own officials (hear, hear). Mr David Hamer seconded. "UNDIGNIFIED AND UNSAVOURY." Mr Hurlbutt: Do I understand that this Com- mittee will have not so much to do with what has already happened as to safeguard the interests of the Council in future? Mr Powell: No; they will deal with what has happened. We say that the salary of the Clerk of the Peace is .£550. That is the salary put down on our own schedule. Mr Hurlbutt: If Mr Powell had meant that the interests of the Council should be safe- guarded in future I should have supported him, but I cannot support him in upsetting what has already happened. Mr Powell himself says that Mr Harrison is an excellent clerk. I offended him at the last meeting-for which I am sorry-by suggesting that there was some personal bias in this matter, and he turned on me, as he had a perfect right to do, and said, "nothing of the sort." Well, I am at a loss to know his motive. Mr Powell said there was only one man for the post, and I think it is not only undignified but unsavoury business to go on squabbling over it. I find that of the 24 members of the Standing Joint Committee, half are appointed by the magistrates, and no less than seven of them are members of the County Council. Therefore this Committee, which is charged with throwing away the rights of the Council, is composed of nineteen members of the Council. I don't think we can complain very much. Even if we have got the I right—which I think we have not—it is no use bringing up this question again, But if a com- mittee were appointed to recommend that in future we have the appointment of our Clerk. which is much further than Mr Powell goes, I should support it. I think we are making much ado about nothing in raking up a thing that is past. Mr Marshall Dugdale: I don't agree to have my name on the committee. We are told that the Standing Joint Committee had the power to make this appointment, and that Comnittee did make it. The Committee's right was then ques- tioned, and the Home Secretary, to whom an an appeal was made, has upheld the appointment. I don't see the need of going any further. If you want it altered in future I agree, and you might discuss how it might be altered, but I don't see the good of appointing a committee to go into a question which has been settled and backed up by the Secretary of State. A "YOUNGISH" MEMBER'S "COMMON SENSE." Mr J. W. Poundley: Mr Poweli has admitted that Mr G. R. D. Harrison is an excellent clerk, and the only effect of this discussion will be to stir up ill-feeling in the County Council. No ob- jection can be raised against Mr Harrison. The reason of appointing Mr Harrison's father to all the offices was to have the whole thing carried on in one office. That was the most convenient ar- rangement, instead of having officials communi- cating with one another all over the place. As regards the Council maintaining its dignity, surely Mr Powell's eloquence would do that. I am strongly against appointing a committee. Let the appointments be left as they are. As a young- ish member of the Council I give my opinion for what it is worth, but I think it is common-sense. Mr 'Richard Lloyd: I should not oppose the question of getting powers to the Council in regard to its own clerk, but that is not the course proposed. The course proposed is to say that the Standing Joint Committee rushed this appoint- ment through in a very HURRIED AND UNSEEMLY MANNER. Mr Powell went further than that in a previou3 speech to the Council. Now he says the Standing Joint Committee exceeded their right. It is clearly proved that they did not exceed their right, authority or duty. Plenty of notice was given on the last occasion. The Clerk sent out a circular to every member of the Standing Joint Committee to say that he was resigning; it was put on the notice calling the meeting, and the resolution requiring five days' notice was complied with. There was nothing rushed or unseemly in any way. Every member of the Committee knew that it was coming forward a week before it came, and the reasons which the objectors gave against the appointment were not considered sat- isfactory by the majority of the Committee. The Committee acted within its authority in appoint- ing a gentleman whom Mr Powell says is a most excellent clerk. But he says there might be some desire to divide the offices. You cannot, however, break through a section of the Act of Parliament and divide the offices. At the passing of the Local Government Act of 1888 the Clerk of the Peace was then Clerk for all matters connected with the maintenance of the roads and bridges, and he did all the work. That Act merely trans- ferred a part of the work done by the magistrates in Quarter Sessions to the County Council; but it safeguarded the Clerk of the Peace, and the existing Clerk then had to be the Clerk of the County Council. What did the County Council subsequently do? It imposed additional burdens upon the Clerk, who said, You are imposing upon me all this additional work which does not belong to me." A SIGNIFICANT "HEAR, HEAR!" Mr Newell: Hear, hear; hear hear! Mr Lloyd: Wait a moment. I am standing up for nothing but what is right.—(A Voice: Oh, oh ")—We shall see who will be right in the end The Clerk says, "If you want me to do all this, you will give me extra payment," and the Council replied, We are prepared to do it." But that ex- tra payment, when it came up, did not rest en- tilely with the County Council, because the Clerk had been appointed, not by the Council, but by the Standing Joint Committee, and that extra salary had to come before that Committee. They sent up the recommendation to the Home Secre- tary for the increased salary in respect of addi- tional work, and it was sanctioned. Even the last increase of £ 100, under the Local Taxation account, which the Counuil decided should be paid to the Clerk for new work-to the Clerk of the County Council and not to a new Clerk, as Mr Powell said-waa recommended to the Home Secretary through the Standing Joint Committee. It is three different payments to the same person. He does not hold three different appointments. These three payments are made to the one person —to the Clerk of the County Council. Unless it be on the recommendation of the Standing Joint Committee," says the Home Secretary, I have no power." Therefore the question stands good. Mr Powell said I had made use of some remarks in another place. I made use of no remarks or words but what I I STAND BY, and I repeat it to-day. If there was any rushing of the matter it was at the County Council, for Mr Powell brought forward this question without giving a single day's notice of what was coming forward. We were all in ignorance until his brief was prepared, and in stating his case he used strong remarks in regard to the Standing Joint Committee. As chairman of that Committee I protested against the language, and I repeat it to-day. Mr Powell acted in a way he ought not to have acted, according to the rules and regula- tions of this Council. What do you think of a member rushing forward a matter without giving you a single day's notice of it ? That is what he did, and yet he says, I always do what is fair. and right, and stmightforward-I I say that his statements are misleading and inaccurate, and I am supported in that by the Secretary to the Home Department. Mr Newell: This Council had no idea when they appointed Mr G. D. Harrison as permanent clerk that they were handing over such an ap- pointment in future to the Standing Joint Com- mittee (hear, hear). They voted under a complete misapprehension. Mr Harrison, before the salary of e225 was paid, resigned that office, and we ap- pointed him again at an increased salary. Why did he resign that office to the Council if the appointment was not in the Council's hands ? (hear, hear). We all understood that it was in the hands of the Council. We shall know for the future that we must not put a fresh duty on the Clerk of the Council if we want to have control hereafter. Apparently it goes out of our hands entirely, when we give the Clerk a new duty aDd pay him for it. It is in the hands of the Standing Joint Committee, half of whom are not respon- sible to the ratepayers for their position on that I body. Mr Howarth: I think it is desirable that the two offices should be distinctly considered, and I have great pleasure in supporting Mr Powell's motion. MR. POWELL'S REPLY. I Mr Powell: Every member of the Council must, I think, be sorry to hear the language used by Mr Lloyd. I do not propose to repiy to the style of the attack which he is constantly making in regard to myself (hear, hear). What I stated was in good b.stA. Everybody else said so, at least. I took the earliest and only opportunity of objecting to the action of the Standing Joint Committee, and I believe if outside this Council you consulted any dozen impartial men, eleven of them would condemn the action of the Joint Committee (hear, hear). What is the position? Here we have an old and highly esteemed Clerk, the Clerk of the Peace, and Clerk to this Council. He resigns. We had no idea that anything of the kind was contemplated. The Standing Joint Committee is called, and a new Clerk is appointed without this Council having received one word that such was contemplated. As a matter of courtesy, if nothing else, they should have con- sulted this Council before the appointment. What Mr Lloyd seems unable to comprehend is that the Council has a perfect right, without con- sulting the Joint Committee to appoint its own financial and local taxation clerk. It has the right of appointing whoever it thinks fit for those offices (hear, hear). It is clear from the minutes that Mr Harrison was appointed to do that work which was regarded as quite distinct from the duties of Clerk of the Peace. It is not a fact that further duties were imposed upon him for which this money was supposed to recompense him. That is not a fact. The finance work of the Council in the old days was done by a treasurer. At present there are many County Councils who have thought fit to give that work to a different man altogether, and this Council had the right to#k> that. THE COUNCIL DEPRIVED. But what is the effect of the Joint Committee's action ? It means that we are to be deprived of that right. We are not to have the right of having anything to do with our financial clerk. If we do not raise a protest we must calmly sub- mit to this kind of thing. The Clerk of the Peace is paid a salary of .£550, and a quarter's salary we are asked to pay to-day. He is also paid for financial work, which is a distinct office. The Home Secretary was under a misapprehension when he said, "I cannot interfere with this appointment because yoa have not altered the salary." The sum paid over and above the £ 550 was for separate offices. Mr Hurlbutt remarked that I said there was only one man to discharge the duties. Mr George Harrison is competent in every respect, and I cannot speak too highly of him but I don't say he is the only man capable. No man is indispensable in this world. Mr Hurlbutt: As far as I remember what you said was, if not in these words, that there was no intention of displacing Mr Harrison. Mr Powell: That is not the same thing. I have servants whom I have no intention of dis- placing, but there are others who might do the work as well. Mr Dugdale say3 we disputed the right of the Standing Joint Committee to appoint the Clerk. We never disputed that. We asked the Home Secretary not to sanction the appoint- ment, because it included other offices. Mr Dugdale; And he didn't agree with you. UNDER A MISAPPREHENSION. Mr Powell: He has not said that he disagrees with us. The Standing Joint Committee has appointed a new Clerk of the Peace at a new salary. The Secretary of State is under a mis- apprehension that the increase of the salary has been agreed to at .£875. It is not a question of dividing the offices, as, Mr Lloyd says. The Act of Parliament gives Us full power to do financial work which is not necessarily the duties of the Clerk of the Peace. I press my motion, and I hope Mr Dugdale and Colonel Pryce-Jones will agree to act upon the committee. Mr Dugdale: I cannot act on the committee, and thus criticise what has already been done, and done in good faith. But if Mr Powell will ask for a committee to go into the case, and see how best to safeguard the Council in regard to its officials in future, I have no objection to serve upon it. Mr Powell's motion was then put as follows :— "That the communication of the Home Secretary having been read, the whole question be referred to a committee consisting of the. Chairman of the Council, Vice-Chairman, Mr Dugdale, Colonel Pryce-Jones, M.P., and Mr Powell, in order to inquire into the matter and take such steps as they think fit." THE WHOLE QUESTION. Mr Lloyd: What does the whole question" mean P The Clerk: The whole question referred to by the Home Secretary. Mr Lloyd: The whole question" is the ap- pointment. Mr Powell has said he does not ques- tion that for a moment. Mr Powell: You are, I submit, out of order. You cannot make another speech. Mr Lloyd: This is a resolution, and this is an alteration of it. Mr Powell: It is no alteration all. The Chairman (Mr Richard Jones, who presided in the absence of Mr Hugh Lewis): The broader you make the resolution the better. We are more likely to come to a decision. We want it settled once and for all. Mr Lloyd: But what is the whole question ? Mr Powell: The Clerk of the Peace, the Finance Clerk and the Clerk to the Local Taxation Authority. Mr Lloyd: We have no power. Mr Powell: That is for the chairman to deoide. Mr Dugdale: I ask my name to be withdrawn. I believe in keeping the power of the County Council as much as anybody, but I cannot criticise work I have donemyself. Mr Dagdale's name was therefore deleted, and upon a division Mr Powell's motion was carried by 19 votes to 15.

lift *• 7TH (MERIONETH & MONTGOMERY) BATTALION ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS. REGIMENTAL ORDERS By LIEUT.-COL. R. LONGUBVILLE (Commanding). Headquarters, Newtown, Dec. 17th, 1910. 1.—ENLISTMENTS.—The undermentioned men having enlisted into the Territorial Force are on the dates stated are taken on the strength of the Battalion, posted to Companies, and allotted Regimental numbers as stated against their names:-D Company, 642, W. Bishton; 643, J. J. Andrews; 644, R. H. Humphreys; 645, T. Jones; 646, W.. Jones, 10/12/10; H Company, 2,496, J. Jones, 12/12110. 2.—DISCHARGE.—Pte J. Thomas, A Company, having been discharged, is struck off the strength of the Batt. from the 10th inat. MUSKETRY EXAMINATIONS. The following officers passed at the Examination held at Liver- pool on 16th November, 1910:-2nd Lieut. J. A. Davies, Lieut. O. Owen, Lieut. I. O. W. Williams. TACTICAL EXERCISES.—Under the directions of the G.O.C. Welsh Division T.F. a Tactical scheme has bees issued in which officers are in- vited to take part. Officers desirous of taking part in the Exercise will please forward their names to the Adjutant before 21st instant. The first part of the Exercise consists of writing an Appreciation of the situation by 15th January.— About January 20th all taking part in the Exer- cise will meet on the ground in the vicinity of the place where the operations are supposed to take place, and the subsequent Exercises will take the form of a War Game. It is hoped as many Officers as possible will take part, particularly those who are desirojs of attending promotion Examinations shortly. Full particulars will be sent out as soon as the names are received. 5.—PERMANENT-STAFF DISCHARGE.—No 10,075 Clr.-Sergt. Instructor C. H. Segara having been discharged to Pension, on the 10th inst., is struck off the strength of the Battalion from that date. POSTING TO PFR.-STAFF.-No 6,548 Sergt T. Picton, Laving been posted from lat Batt, Royal Welsh Fvsiliers for duty on the Permanent Staff, is taken on the strength of the Battalion from the 13th inst., vice Clr.-Srgt. Instructor C. H. Segers discharged. H. J. PHILLIPS (Capt. and Adjutant) 7th Battalion Royal Welsh Fariliers.

POLITICIAN, AND SPORTSMAN, TOO. < The County Member and Mrs David Davies Honoured. Presented with an Equestrian Portrait. Mounted on his favourite hunter, surrounded by his favourite hounds, with a beautiful back- ground of Severn valley scenery, and in full hunting regalia, Mr David Davies, M.P., has been transferred on to canvas in oil colours by Mr W. Dacres Adams. The portrait, which is beautifully executed and thoroughly characteristic of the subject, became the property of the County Member on Tuesday last, when, on behalf of the Montgomeryshire Liberal Association, Mrs Hugh Lewis, Glan- hafren, formally unveiled it and made the presentation. The gift was really intended as a wedding gift, but its belated presentation led the Chairman rather aptly to remark that it partook more of the nature of a Christmas than a wed- ding present. The body of the Victoria Hall, Newtown, was well filled with those ot the 1,600 subscribers who had come to witness the ceremony and tacitly express their appreciation of the services of the County Member, who confessed to not having taken much of the time of the House up with speeches, but he had throughout endeavoured to "stick to the line." The proceedings were presided over by Mr Hugh Lewis, who is President of the County Liberal Association, and among the large audience were most of the leading lights of county Liberalism. Mrs David Davies was among those present, 5,3 also were Mrs Edward Davies and Miss Davies, Plasdinam. To remove the formality of the occasion the Press representatives were accommodated with seats on the platform while the proceedings took place on the ground floor. After the conclusion of the ceremony and speeches, the Chairman entertained the entire company to afternoon tea in the hall, Mrs Hugh Lewis presiding. The Chairman said they were met there at a very interesting function. When the news came to them about a year before, on the occasion of their esteemed member's marriage, the Liberal Association had met and had at once come to the conclusion that that auspicious event should be celebrated. A committee was formed and a subscription list followed, and they scon had OVER 1,600 SUBSCRIBERS. They limited the amount of the subscription to 5s, as they wished it to be a spontaneous gift from all classes in Montgomeryshire. The result of the subscription list was the portrait they had before them. It represented their County Mem- ber seated on his favourite charger and sur- rounded by some of his favourite hounds (applause). They entrusted the work to an eminent artist-one of the most eminent in that particular style of painting. The result was that Mr David Davies was eminently satisfied with the work, and he hoped that when they saw it they would be equally satisfied. Mr David Davies would thus have a lasting memento of the time when he stood and won the suffrages of his native county and when he won the heart and hand of his bride (applause). He was quite sure that Mr Davie-q would be glad to have a representation of his good old hunter, Oyama," who had carried him so well over the hills and dales of Mont- gomeryshire, and he would have pleasure also in looking at the picture of "Challenger," Wood- iman," and other favourites in the pack, long after those dear old hounds had passed away (applause and laughter). They were sorry that their member's wedding day was so far past. Their gift partook more of the nature of a Christmas present than a wedding present, but he trusted that it would not be valued the less on that account. Everyone who had subscribed had given most willingly, and they were all delighted to have such an opportunity of showing their love for their member. The committee had asked that his wife should unveil the portrait, so he had now much pleasure in calling upon her to do so (applause). MRS HUGH LEWIS UNVEILS. Mrs Hugh Lewis then rose from her seat in the audience and glided up to the easel on which the portrait was standing. With one movement she swung the muslin veil on one side and exposed the oil-colour to view. She said: I have very great pleasure in unveiling this portrait on behalf of the Liberals of Montgomeryshire. We were all very pleased when you adopted the Liberal colour, and this picture not only represents you in your red coat as a distinguished hunter and a dashing M O.H., but also as a good Liberal (laughter). And I hope it is a happy omen that you will long represent in Parliament the Liberals of this county (loud applause). Mr David Davies, who, on rising, was most en- thusiastically greeted, said that no doubt they would sympathise with him in his inability to express his deep thanks and the thanks of his wife for the beautiful wedding present which had so kindly been presented to them on that occasion. Words quite failed him to express their deep ap- preciation of the great kindness extended to them by their Liberal friends in Montgomeryshire. They regarded that not merely as an expression of their esteem, but as an expression also for their future happiness (applause). They would always cherish it as a token of their kindness, esteem, and regard, and they would treasure it not only because it was a beautiful portrait, but because it was the expression of their wishes and desires. He must say that as their Parliamentary repre- sentative he had not done anything in the past to merit that kindness, but he had at least had THE PLEASURE AND THE HONOUR of trying to serve their interests in the Houso of Commons for the past five years. He was afraid that he had not wasted much of the time of the Housa in speeches, but he had attended conscien- tiously to their interests. When Mr Hugh Lewis suggested that kind of presentation he did not know quite what to say, as he thought it quite an unique thing for a Liberal member of Parliament to have his portrait in oils given him as Master of the Hunt (laughter). He had never come across any presentation of that kind before. He did net know whether they meant to impress upon him that he was not to waste so much time on the hunting-field and that he should give more atten- tion to his Parliamentary duties, or, on the other hand, whether they thought he ought to spend more time in the fresh air and go less often to London; but in any case, whichever of these two suggestions they wished to bring home to his mind, he could assure them that that portrait would always be held dear by his wife and him- self, and he hoped it would be handed down from generation to generation as the gift of the Liberal Association in Montgomeryshire (loud applause). He had occasionally found that the duties of a Master of the Hunt had somewhat clashed with his Parliamentary duties. He remembered one occasion when, after a big run at Dolfor, he got home and found he had to catch the first train to London to vote in an important division. He caught the train and arrived at Paddington at ten minutes to eleven. He taxied from there to the House, and arrived just in time to find the Division DOOR SHUT IN HIS FACE (laughter). He was afraid that he had not thanked them sufficiently for the splendid present which they had presented his wife and himself. He had also to thank his good friends (Mr Hugh Lewis and Mrs Hugh Lewis) for their kindness in inviting them there and extending to them their hospitality. He was sure they would all very much appreciate it. When out hunting what they had to do was to stick to the line, and in politics he thought the great thing was to stick to the line—(applause)—and keep pegging away and doing honest work. That was what brought snccess in whatever they took up. His wife and he would always look with feelings of the greatest pleasure upon that portrait, and they would always cherish the esteem and regard which had been shown them on that occasion. Mr Edward Powell, who also received a great ovation, said he had been asked to propose a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman, to whose staunch Liberalism they owed so much in the county, and he had always been ready to lead them Mr Hugh Lewis was not quite so old as he was, but he would remember the day when that county was so absolutely under the thraldom of Toryism as to be hopeless to win it. He remem- bered the time when Lord Sudely fought it, but he found the task was so hopeless that he retired before the poll. But later it was won by Lord Rendel (applause). He remembered also that during the great contest one of the most active and valuable supporters of Lord Rendel was the grandfather and namesake of the gentleman they were honouring that day. It was by means of his enthusiasm that they had been led on to victory. AT THAT REMARKABLE CONTEST he remembered when some work had to be done which did not come within the legal exw-mliture, he (Mr David Davies) said he would be glad to meet it. He had often recalled the enthusiasm which had led Mr David Davies to do that, and he could not help thinking that had he lived to the present day how it would have rejoiced his heart to see his grandson returned for what was then a Tory seat, in the first place without opposition, and afterwards with a majority eight times as great as that with which Lord Rendel first got in (applause) What a pleasure, to3, it would have been to see his grandson such a good sportsman, who when he rode with the hounds after the fox he kept such a straight line and was not led out of his path after any wild cat schemes of Tariff Reform (applause) nor was he led off the track by the March hare of a Referendum (applause). But he rode straight in the hunt and straight in the path of Liberalism. Mr David Davies could not help being a Liberal, a man who thought and felt as he did, who treated his fellow men as brothers and not as a different class and different creation, was bound to be a true Liberal. As a landlord he was just, and was encouraging h's tenants to be independent. In religious matteis his desire was freedom for all-religious tolerance-and as an employer of lahour they all knew that he was respected. Whatever people might say, they knew that as Master of the Hunt, he would ride straight with the hounds and run straight as a politician (applause). They all appreciated the goodness of Mr David Davies. How many men-as Mr Lloyd George had said- when they acceded to such a position as Mr David Davies occupied, seemed to think that the world was made for them, and for their own enjoyment. If Mr Davies rode after the hounds it was merely as a recreation and not as the main business of his life. They in Newtown specially ought to thank him for what he had done for them in helping tuem to buiid that fine Infirmary. He was sure that they all felt that in Mr Davies they had a man whom they honoured, and who felt the responsibilities of his position and his wealth, and who regarded them as privileges to be used for the benefit of mankind and not for selfish purposes (loud applause). Mr Richard Jones seconded the vote of thanks to the Chairman. Mr Hugh Lewis was chairman of the County Liberal Association, and was the moving spirit of that proposal, but once the move- ment was set on foot the movement went on with its own weight. There was no need to boom it, there was no difficulty in getting collectors, and subscriptions were very plentiful. He would like Mrs David Da vies to feel that in casting in her lot in Montgomeryshire she had come among people who were deeply attached to Mr David Davies, both as their county member and as the mouthpiece of their political principles. And they sincerely trusted that the tie which had been formed between Mr and Mrs David Davies and Montgomeryshire Liberalism would remain un- interrupted for many years to come. This resolution was carried with acclamation, and the Chairman briefly responded.

Weights and Measures and Food and Drugs. REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR. Mr David Hamer, the County Inspector of weights and measures and foods and drugs, sub- mitted the following report to the County Council on Monday for the Quarter ended 30th Sep- tember Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act.—Four samples of feeding cakes and meals were taken and found satisfactory three samples of poultry foods were taken, and were satisfactory as regards their constituent parts, but one sample was not accompanied by a complete invoice. This matter will receive further attention. Food and Drugs Acts.—Nine samples of milk were taken, and were found satisfactory. Weights and Measures Act.—I have paid 346 visits to tradesmen's premises 287 of these were farms. 25 persons were cautioned for offences against the Act. Two loaves of bread were weighed and found correct. The stamping and adjusting fees amounted to 4s 9d. Short Weight in Made-up Parcels,—As in- structed by the County Council at their September meeting, I beg to report on a communication received from the Warwickshire County Council re the above subject, and recommending certain alterations in the law concerning the same. The recommendations are shortly;-(I) That all goods sold by weight shall be required to be sold by nett weight, with certain exceptions -(2) That all goods made up in parcels for sale by retail by weight shall have the nett weight marked thereon. -(3) That exceptions to the above rules may be sold in gross weight on condition that the tare weight of wrappers does not exceed weights specified in Schedule. The allowances for errors (such as evaporation of goods and variation in weight of wrappers) will be dealt with somewhat on the principle employed with invoices and guar- antees under the Fertiliseis Act. As to the need of some legislation on the subject, one instance only need be given. A well-known Liverpool firm of tea merchants have stated that they use nine tons of tea paper at 3d per lb. in a year. The average value of their tea is Is 8d per lb. If they adopted gross weight (as a large number of tea merchants do) instead of their present practice of nett weight, they would gain the nice sum of .41,680 extra profit. There is also a very big dif- ference in the weight of wrappers used for the same class of goods. Some wrappers are weighted with starch and chemicals, and can be bought cheaper than better quality and lighter bags.—I have no hesitation in recommending the County Council to adopt or support the resolutions of the Warwick County Council, as I consider that it will protect not only the ordinary purchasing public, but also the better class of retail dealer." Reports of Analysts. Chemical Laboratory, University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, Octr. 12, 1910. Gentlemen,—I have the honour to report that during the Quarter ending September JOth. 1910, seven samples were submitted to me for analysis under the above Act by Mr David Hamer. They were as follows:-3 samples Bibby cake, 1 sample Albion cake, 2 samples Clarendo poultry food, 1 sample Spratt's Laymor The percentages of oil and albumenoids were not given in the case of the Laymor' in accordance with Sec. 1 (4) of the Act. On examination they were all found to be satisfactory.—I am, gentle- men, your obedient servant, H. HORACE WARD."

The Colonel on His Victory. A FACT TO BE REMEMBERED. NOT A VICTORY FOR TARIFF REFORM. Colonel E. Pryce-Jones, M.P., visited Llanfyllin on Monday, and thanked his supporters. They had sent him to Parlia- ment, he said, to see justice done to all parts of the United Kingdom, and it was necessary that there should be a good Unionist following to see that no Home Rule Bill would be introduced to interfere with the civil and religious rights of the Protestants of Ireland (cheers). He did not claim this time that it was on Tariff Reform that they had, won. He and his supporters would do all they could to edu- cate people on that issue, but there was Something even more important, and that was that Mr Asquith should not be entirely in the hands of Mr Redmond. He had been hoping that there would be a com- promise on the question of the House of Lords, and he still hoped there would be a coalition of Liberals and Conservatives, rather than that Mr Asquith should give way to Mr Redmond. If that did not come about, he felt sure that at the next election the Unionists would win, and that even the Nonconformists of Wales would at last say they were making a mistake in voting for Liberalism, for Liberalism meant hard- ship and sacrifice to the Nonconformists of Ireland (cheers). Incidentally, Colonel Pryce-Jones re- marked that his opponent. Mr Humphreys- Owen, fought a courageous battle in a gen- tlemanly way.

SEVERE CRITICISM OF POLICE OFFICIALS. Mr. Newell Describes It as a Disgraceful Piece of Conduct. "The Chief Constable having reported that Messrs Dolan and Co's contract for police clothing has expired, and that he had accepted Messrs Pearson nnd Huggins' tender for the ensuing I three years, the Committee approve thereof." This was the recommendation of the Standing I Joint Committee to the County Council at Welsh- pool on Monday, when Mr Richard Jones presided in the absence, through illness, of the Chairman (Mr Hugh Lewis). Mr Newell immediately rose to deal with the recommendation, which he ventured to say was made by the Standing Joint Committee under a misapprehension. When the matter came forward at that Committee reference was made by himself to a resolution passed in May last year that the contract for police clothing be advertised and local tenders invited. At that meeting there were only present Mr Richard Lloyd (in the ohair), Mr Stafford Price-Davies, Captain Johnes and himself. He was anxious to know whether that previous resolution had been complied with or not, and whether local tenders had been invited, and he was assured that local tradesmen had been consulted and Mr Lloyd came to the conclusion that the resolution had been carried out. Mr Lloyd: Complied with. Mr Newell: I am inclined to think that that decision was come to by Mr Lloyd under a misap- prehension. The Chief Constable had written to several firms in London, tenders had been obtained from them, these were examined and the matter settled. I have a letter in my possession to-day from the Chief Constable which told me that they had settled the matter then without any consult- ation with any tradesman in Newtown or else- where. WHAT OCCURRED P It appeared that Inspector Tanner took these London samples of clothing to a local tradesman at Newtown and simply asked him (that was after the contract had been settled, remember) if he could supply the police clothing on the terms quoted by the London firm. The tradesman told him that he could not do so. The truth was that the clothing was to be made at that price because sweated labour would be employed for their pro- duction. The late Captain Mytton once said in my hearing, and I quite endorsed it, that we were the leading authority in the county. That I think is perfectly right. We are going to obtain our goods by sweated labour. How are we then to put down sweated labour ? Are we so tremen- dously pushed for finance that we are prepared to send this order out of the county and care nothing about how the clothes are made so long as we get them cheap enough ? Is it becoming of the lead- ing authority in the county to do such a thing ? BLOOD MONEY. Mr Lloyd Buy in the cheapest market. That is Free Trade (laughter). Mr Newell: With blood money oa them (hear, hear). Mr Pugh Evans: Free Trade (laughter). Mr Newell: I am not going against Free Trade. You no doubt see how we were dealt with at that Committee. That reference to the local tailor was passed off as giving a chance to local trades- men. But is it ? I venture to assert that Mr Lloyd and I myself were duped on that occasion. Mr Lloyd No, I was not. Mr Newell: Well, if you are prepared to allow your officers use you in that manner I am not prepared to let them (laughter and hear, hear). Are officials to whom we are paying the higher salaries going to dupe us ? Mr Dugdale: If you are to make this attack on the Chief Constable you should have given him notice to be here. The Chairman: The Chief Constable ought to be here now when the accounts of the Standing Joint Committee come on. He knows. Mr Newell: I am not afraid of anything I say of the Chief Constable or anybody iose (hear, hear). We are paying the Chief Constable a good salary; we are paying his Deputy a good salary. I am not now speaking of the Deputy Chief Constable. The Chief does not consult him. He employs another man. He employs the Inspector, of all things in creation, simply in order that he may say that the local tradesmen had been consulted. I say it is A MOST DISGRACEFUL PIECE OF CONDUCT, and if we are to allow our officers to set towards us in that way, it is time to put the matter alto- gether in their hands and not waste our time in endeavouring to do public business as public business ought to be done (hear, hear). Mr Lloyd: I don't think it iB worth while to reply to Mr Newell. The question was gone into by the Standing Joint Committee, and I conclude that the minute referred to by Mr Newell had been complied with. Mr Jeseph Davies did not think that the matter should be passed over in the way in which Mr Lloyd suggested (hear, hear). If the remarks of Mr Newell were true, and he had no reason to doubt them, then this action should be investi- gated. To obtain tenders for the clothing from London without advertising in the papers and to accept a London tender, and then to inquire whether the work could be done at that price locally was not the proper way of doing business. He would not sanction a proceeding of that sort, and it should be investigated. The Chairman I am afraid we have no power over the Standing Joint Committee to alter any of their decisions. I rather think, Mr Newell, you should frame your resolution in the shape of a recommendation to that Committee. Mr Newell: Then I move that we call their attention to the fact that the letting of the con- tract for the police clothing did not comply with the previous resolution. Mr E. H. Roberts secoaded, and this course was agreed to.

Newtown Flannel Trade. » The following letter, signed" B. ap- peared in Wednesday's Manchester Guardian "The return of Colonel Pryce-Jones, of Newtown, is being proclaimed throughout Wales as a great victory for Tariff Re- form,' on the ground that the new member made the need of Protection for the Welsh flannel industry the great feature of his platform. The once prosperous trade of Newtown and other Welsh flannel weav- ing localities was represented as having been lost owing to foreign competition. As one who has some acquaintance with the trade and its troubles, I would like to have the opportunity of saying that it is not foreign competition which has dimin- ished the demand for the coarse flannels and so forth produced in these centres, but the changing fashions of the people, and the competition of the many delightful woollen fabrics and cotton fabrics which have taken their places in the public taste. The Newtown district has lost ground (if it has lost ground) not so much owing to competition from abroad as from that of other centres of production in the United Kingdom, and to bring back the former vigour to the Newtown trade it would be necessary to protect it against Yorkshire, and even other parts of Wales itself. And tnen where could these places get their market? This is a typical instance of an electorate engaged in a local trade of a languishing^ character being led to vote for altogether illusory reasons. Supposing that the inhabitants of Great Britain Were compelled to buy the old style of crude flannel just to suit the book of antiquated makers, what a setting back of the clock it would be. Everyone deplores the extinction of vil- lage industries such as shoemaking, weav- ing, smith's work, and so forth, and would like to see them restored but to attribute their disappearance to Free Trade is simply silly. Yet in the case of the Montgomery Boroughs the same sort of fallacy has pro- bably given Colonel Pryce-Jones his Beat."

THE BATTLE OF THE BANKERS FOR THE TEEA3URERSHIP OF CAERSWS UNION. DECIDED BY BALLOT. The Christmas dinner and the fact that an important appointment had to be made accounted for a record attendance of all the Guardians at Caersws Workhouse on Wednesday last. Through the untimely and lamented death of Mr Griffith Griffiths, manager of the Newtown branch of the London City and Midland Bank, the office' of treasurer to the Board was rendered vacant, and on the agenda for Wednesday's meeting was the entry, To appoint a treasurer." Relative to the appointment came a let- ter from the new manager, Mr R. E. Jones, to the Guardians, informing them that he was successor to the late Mr Griffith Grif- fiths, who had been their treasurer for so many, years. He begged to offer his ser- vices to the Board on the same terms, and his bank was willing to furnish the neces- sary sureties. The Clerk then produced another appli- cation which was marked Private," but which he expected it was intended should be read, from Mr J. Arthur Jones, manager of the Newtown branch of the National Provincial Bank of England. In it the writer begged to offer himself as candidate for the vacant treasurership of the Union. He was quite familiar with the duties per- taining to the office, as he had held the post of treasurer to the Crickhowell Union. In the event of his being thought worthy of their confidence, the bank would furnish any security they might require and they would also supply any special form of cheque books. No commission would be charged, nor would any interest be allowed, which was the usual practice among other banks in England. The National Provincial Bank was one of the oldest joint stock banks in the Kingdom, and had never changed its name or its constitution. The bank had opened its premises in Newtown over 70 years ago, and had consequently been a considerable ratepayer. They had agents at Llanidloes, where the overseers could pay in sums or cash cheques without the neces- sity of making any payment. Another application for the same post came from Mr F. N. Williams, manager of the London and Provincial Bank, Llan- idloes. In this the manager said he also had had considerable experience as treasurer of Unions and other public accounts. In case it might be deemed by the Guardians in- convenient to have the account opened in Llanidloes, he had so arranged matters that sums could be deposited or withdrawn in Newtown, and if the Guardians should after that find it inconvenient he would be will- ing to resign immediately if called upon by the Board to do so. He was prepared to keep the account free of interest and com- mission, and would give the necessary bond of indemnity. Still another communication came from Mr A. I. Guest, manager of the United Counties Bank at Newtown, stating that he understood that at their meeting the Board intended to proceed with the appointment of a treasurer. If they should decide to appoint Mr R. E. Jones, the successor to the late Mr Griffith Griffiths at the London, City and Midland Bank, then he had nothing further to say in the matter, but if, on the other hand, they contemplated any change, then he thought for obvious reasons, and in the interests of the ratepayers, it would be only fair for them to secure the best terms and to allow his bank the opportunity of quoting their terms. The Chairman (Mr R. Evans): This lasfl application is a peculiar one. It is not exactly a point blank application for the post. The Clerk: I take it that he means he does not wish to oppose the manager of the London City and Midland Bank, but if you contemplate throwing the appointment open he asks for an opportunity to submit terma for keeping the accounts. The Chairman: In my opinion it is not a. straightforward application at all. Mr Wilson-Jones: I think perhaps this Board knows its own business best, and fret don't want to take any suggestions from them. As to the course of procedure, I move that we go to the appointment by ballot at once, and I move that the last on the list fall out first. Mr J. P. Francis: I second Mr Jones. Mr Higgs: Are we to take the whole four of them or only the three. Mr Wilson-Jones: Oh, take the four cer- tainly. Mr Samuel Powell: For myself I don't believe in making any alteration. If we do, then I think we should take the suggestion of the last applicant. Wouldn't it be better to see if we can better ourselves as to the terms. The Chairman: I am sorry, Mr Powell, that you are out of order, but we have just passed the resolution. The Clerk: The Guardians have not asked for applications, but these three have applied.. Are you going to include these four ? Mr Wilson-Jones: The fourth is an appli- cation. Gentlemen, before you vote let's have the names of the banks and of the managers. The Clerk then read out the names of the various banks and their managers. The slips were then handed round by the Clerk for voting upon, and after these had been collected in a bowler hat, the Chair- man, on the motion of Mr Wilson-Jones, was sent out to assist the Clerk in counting, In a few minutes they re-appeared with the result of the first round as follows: London City and Midland Bank (Newtown), 10; London and Provincial Bank (Llanidloes),T; National Provincial Bank (Newtown), 12 United Counties Bank (Newtown), 0. The final contest was, therefore, between: the London City and Midland and the National Provincial, the result being de- clared as follows: London City and Midland, 13 National Provincial Bank, 16. Mr Wilson Jones: I think we had better have Mr J. Arthur Jones' letter read over to us again. The Clerk having read the letter, re- marked that the terms included therein practically meant the same thing as before. If the account was overdrawn at any time no interest would be charged. If the mana- ger did charge any, he would not get it paid at all (laughter). The Chairman: Now, gentlemen, I have the greatest pleasure in moving that the appointment be given to Mr J. Arthur Jones. The Vice-Chairman (Mr Pugh): And I have great pleasure in seconding.—Agreed.

Stitch in Time. There is an old saying, "A stitch in time saves nine," and if upon the first symptoms of anything being wrong with our healtbi we were to resort to some simple but proper means of correcting the mischief, nine-tenths of the suffering that invades our homes would be avoided. A dose oi Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters taken when you feel the least bit out of sorts is just that stitch in time." You can get Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters at any Chemists or Stores in bottles 2s. 9d. and 4a. 6d. each but remember that the only guarantee of genuineness is the name Gwilym Evans on the label, stamp, and bottle, without which none are genuine. Sole Proprietors:—Quinine Bitters Manu- facturing Company, Limited, Llanelly. I South W