The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

LIBERALISM IN 1892. •"$fcs fttmual report of the committee of the national Liberal Federation, the annual ogettiqgs in connection with which were held jø tiarerpool last week, is an interesting of the work of the Liberal party in tbia. gauntry during the year 1892. The joooft is so lengthy that it is not possible T to m6re than an outline here. At the at the committee describe the period nhSeb. has elapsed since the issue of the last oi the committee as one of the most in the history of the Federation. I,ou&n is first dealt with, and the way and 0&nt in which the great Tory city yielded to the Liberal attack, both at the County o.uøèíl election and at the general election, it, tc«&ted as most satisfactory—as is also the attack which followed it upon the home counties. In reference to the general election the following interesting figures are given:—In 1886, the Tories and Dis- sentient Liberals together polled 1,416,472, against 1,338,718, votes recorded in favour of Liberals. In 1892, the total poll of I the Tories and Dissentient Liberals was 2,052,339, against 2,277,004. This gives a majority of 224,665 recorded votes in favour of Home Rule, as compared with a majority of 77,754 against it in 1886. The votes given in England, Scotland, and Wales for Home Rule candidates numbered 1,969,494, against 1,971,534 given to the Tories and Dissentient Liberals. According to carefully prepared statistics, the twenty-five Liberals who sit for metropolitan constituencies represent an average of 7,174 votes per seat, and the thirty-two Tories and Dis- sentient Liberals who were successful at the poll an average of 6,665. In English boroughs, the sixty-three Liberal members who were returned after a contested election j represent an average of 9,824 votes, as I compared with 7,212 votes for the eighty- eight Unionists returned. In the Eng- lish counties, the ninety-nine Liberal members who won contested elections are credited with an average of 9,304 votes per seat; the 120 Tories and Dissentient Liberals with 8,017. In the grand total for the United Kingdom, the Liberal can- didates secured 4,005 votes each, against 3,781 recorded for their Tory and Dissentient Liberal opponents. In the course of the report there is a reference to the election petitions, which is interesting:— An unusual number of petitions were lodged after the election, eleven of which were pressed to a trial. It is noteworthy that only one was presented against a Liberal, and before going into court the claim was narrowed to a scrutiny, which was ultimately abandoned. Tories were unseated at Hexham, Walsall, and Rochester, but in other constituencies offences were passed over in a manner that surprised many, and seems to call for a revision of the Corrupt Practices Act, or a different method of procedure in the trial of petitions. It is at least gratifying to the nation 11 11 to feel tha,t the judges were unable to find any case of direct bribery, but while treating and illegal practices appear to have been prevalent, it is to be regretted that such cases as were proved beyond all doubt were not more seriously dealt with. At the same time, it is impossible to over- estimate the value of the decision in the Hexham case, which established that candidature may begin 18 months prior to an election, and that Primrose League or Conservative Association entertainments aided by the candidate or his election agent, though given twelve months before the election, are corrupt and illegal. It is natural to expect a complimemt for Gallant little Wales," which did so much to secure victory for the Liberal party. The compliment is in the following terms :— It is pleasing to turn to the spectacle of the results acnieved by Wales. With a consensus which is unparalleled, and in some cases by majorities that are unequalled in modern times, the voice of the nation was Liberal. In 1886 the proportion was twenty-three Liberals to seven Tories or Dissentient Liberals; in 1892 the Principality can boast of a representation of twenty-eight to two, only a couple of our opponents being returned out of a total of thirty seats. This overwhelming majority has clearly justified the action of the Federation in putting disestablishment for Wales in the forefront of the Liberal programme, and, constitutes an un- answerable argument in favour of attention to the question at the earliest possible moment. The Liberal ministry is next noticed, and the action taken in the various departments briefly reviewed, particular commendation being placed upon the appointment of a number of Liberals, and especially working men, to Borough Commissions of the Peace. The need of electoral and registration reform is fully emphasized, and a deserved compli- ment having been paid to Mr Schnadhorst, the committee conclude their report by congratulating the members of the Federa- tion upon the unity of the Liberal party in Parliament, its faith in the programme, and its confidence in its leaders. All that re- mains now is to secure that those reforms which the Federation has during the last few years demanded repeatedly, and of which Mr Gladstone categorically expressed his approval at Newcastle, shall be forth- with carried into execution.

THE FORERUNNER OF DISESTABLISHMENT. WRITING on the subject of Disestablishment, a Welsh Correspondent says:—" It is now hoped that a Suspensory Bill may be introduced this session, and in any event the Welsh Church will figure in the Queen's Speech. The Suspensory Bill, following the last precedent, will practically consist of three clauses, embodying the following propositions :-l. That the Established Church in Wales shall cease as an establishment, due re- gard being had to all personal interests ;-2. That it is inexpedient to create any new personal in- terests by patronage or otherwise;—3. That the Crown interests in the temporalities of the Estab- lished Church in Wales shall be subject to the suspension of all personal interests therein. A Suspensory Bill will be the means of saving a considerable sum of money every year, and bring Wales within nearer reach of the heritage she has been deprived of so long. In addition to the above, it is understood that two other Welsh questions will be brought forward in the coming session, viz., the Welsh Land Commission, and the Establishment of a Welsh University."

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS. The London address of Mr Frank Edwards, M.P. for Radnorshire, is 42, Stanhope Gardens, South Kensington, London, S.W. The Liberal members for Wales and Monmouth- shire have been invited to meet at dinner on the eve of the opening of Parliament at Mr Stuart Rondel's house, 1, Carlton Gardens. A large number of our readers will regret to learn that Mr Morris Charles' Jones of Gungnog Hall, Welshpool, is in a precarious state of health. Mr Jones never made a complete recovery from the ill- ness with which he was attacked about a year ago, and since then complaints have supervened. THE ELECTION PETITION.—Speaking at Leicester, on Wednesday, the Attorney-general, Sir CharlaB Russell, M.P., said With respect to the election petitions which had proved unsuccessful, if such practices as were disclosed at Montgomery and Worcester, amongst other places, were not to be punished and dealt with according to the existing law, then the sooner the law was strengthened the better." PROPOSED PRESENTATION TO SIR PRYCK PRYCE-JOES, M.P.—It is intended, sajs a press agency. to make a public presentation to Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, M.P., in commemoration of his return for the Montgomery Boroughs at the last general election, and also of the failure of the subsequent attempt to unseat him. The Conservative and Lib- eral Unionist parties in the Principality have been invited to subscribe towards the pressntafion, which, it is proposed, should take the forill of a fund to de- fray his costs in the trial of the election petition against him. The Earl of Powis has, it is stated, expressed his full sympathy with the movement. The rent audit of Mr E. A. Herbert's Welsh estates were held on the 4th and 7th inst .at, when he made an abatement to his tenants of 121 per cent, which, with a permanent reduction of 10 per cent effected about five years ago, makes a total reduction of 221 per cent, and which we need scarcely add was very thankfully received by the tenants, who passed reso- lutions requesting the agent (Mr Bennett Rowlands) to convey their gratitude to the landlord.

ANNUAL PRESENTATION OF PRIZES AT THE NEWTOWN BOARD SCHOOLS. The annual presentation of prizes to the scholars of the Newtown Board Schools took place on Friday evening in the Victoria Hall. The large hall was crowded with an audience who, having a keen remembrance of former pleasant evenings, were evidently as much pleased with the performance of the children upon this occasion as at former times. The recitations of the little ones were given very distinctly, and in addition were marked with intelligent expression. The sing.ng and musical drills were finely executed, and great praise is due to all the teachers who assisted in bringing t'he children up to such a state of perfection. The chair was taken by Mr William Cooke, and there were also present on the platform Mr and Mrs Evan Humporeys, Mr and Mrs W. F. Thomas, Miss Fortune, Mr aud Mrs Edward Powell, Mrs Bunnstt, Mrs Griffiths. There were also present in the body of the hall the Rev Jenkin Jones, Mr Edward Jonss. Miss Griffiths, Clifton Terrace, etc., etc. The programme opened with a song by boyit and girls, entitled The Skaters bold," after whtcu The CHAIRMAN rose to address the scholars. He said that that was the first time he had had the privilege of meeting them in the position that he occupied, and he was excaedinglj pleased to see them so bright, so cheerful, and so happy. Sometimes people thought that it was the sole privilege of childhood to be happy, but he thought that that was not the fact. They might a!l be happy, and if they were not happy there was something wrong some- where, and it would be to their advantage to enquire where it was. Now, they that evening did not intend to speak anything that would be unpleasant for them to hear; but rather on the other hand try to .encourage them in everything that would be to their advantage, and he would ask them in return to reciprocate that feeling and try to make them happy by being in their company and that happiness would be greatly increased, and they would go from there very much delighted if they were able to say at the close, how well the boys and girls met together behaved themselves. He sometimes thought that there was a great mistake made by some people who seemed to have the idea that education merely con- sisted of learning to read, write, arithmetic, gram- mar, geography, und a few other things. Tnat was not the fact. It was not merely instruction in those things, education embraced health of body, mind, and heart. Of course there must be instruction there must be intellectual imurovements-mental they sometimes called it-.social, moral, and religious improvements, and unless they taught all those improvements it was not education in the true sense of the word. If some ot them, in looking back upon the last year, had come to the conclusion that they had not made so much progress as they expected at the starting of the year, they were simply to work harder during the present year so as to obtain the position which they should have occupied the year before. Whenever a boy was in a difficulty he did not like to hear him say, with head hanging down, "I can't do it," but rather would prefer to hear him say, "I'll try." He wanted to say just a worti to teachers. He spoke as a teacher to teachers. He knew what were the joys and sorrows of a school- master's life. He said joys and sorrows because, in looking back over a period of 47t years he had spent in school teaching, he had come to the conclusion that joys far exceeded in number those of sorrows. Sorrows sometimes failed, but joys are increasing, especially when they found boys and girls making progress-they had their own joy, the joy of the children, and the joy of the parents. It was not always good for a teacher to have a very good report, because it might have a tendency to slacken their exertions; but, whereas, when they received an adverse report they would naturally review the past, search out the particular failing, and endeavour to recover the lost ground. On the other hand there were teachers—excellent teachers-who taught month after month, and year after year, and yet were unable to obtain anything like the position that there more favoured brethren obtained,orreceive those good reports, but if they did not receive them they deserved them (applause). To the parents he would like to advise them not to scold their children if they failed to make good progress, but rather encourage them, Another thing he..would like parents to bear in mind, and that was to speak well of the teachers in the presence of the children. He said that advisedly and from past experience. If there should be any complaint made by the children go to the teachers and ask for an explanation, and he could assure them that the teacher would be only too glad to afford the fullest satisfaction, and that after the interview the parents would go away feeling much better disposed towards the teachers. One more word to the parents he would ask them to do everything in their power to secure the punctual attendance at school of the children. If there was not punctual and regular attendance it would be a serious drawback to their progress. He would not detain them any longer, and would only express the hope that next year there would be a still larger number of prizes for distribution (applause). Recitation, "Grandmamma," Infants. Recitation, "Busy little folks," Infants. Mr EVAN HUMPHREYS, in the course of a short addreos, said that every member of the Board, however much they might differ amongst themselves ItS to outside arrangements, had the welfare of every scholar at heart, and the interest of the parents lapplause). He felt sure that the Board were working together to provide the very best possible education for the children of Newtown—(cheers)—and it was the individual wish of every member of the Board, and also of their able and old friend Mr. Edward Powell, to stuoy the interests of the children in every way. They saw the large number of prizes that were there that evening, and they might, perhaps, not be aware of the fact, that those books were not given for merit, but for attendance, and it was possible for every child to make more attend- ance than they had done. It was a great work to keep up the attendance, but he believed that it was increasing, but they would not be satisfied until they had 90 to 95 per cent. of the children of the town attending the school, and not only the Board but the ratepayers would only be too glad to give a prize to every child. He would repeat the request made by their Chairman respecting parents sending their children regularly to school, and if the- boys and girls only knew of what a great value education was, instead of having an attendance officer to look after the children and see that they attended, they would have to get two men outside the gate, to regulate their going in (applause). He hoped the schools would continue to progress in future as in the past (loud cheers). Recitation, "Dolly's doctor," Infants. Musical drill, Infants. The Chairman then called upon Mr FORD to address the meeting, who said that the members of the Board were on that occasion something like soldiers, called upon to do a duty, but not to occupy more time than one minute, and that by way of interlude,. just to vary the proceedings. He asked the parents to send their children to school regularly, as so very much depended upon it; their not doing BO seriously interfered with their progress as scholars, and also with the discipline of the school. To the children he would say how glad he was that so many of them were entitled to prizes, and hoped that those who did not get one this time, would, by their regular attendance in the future, be entitled to one next time. There were several of the scholars who had attended overy time the school had been opened, and the Board had awarded them prizes of greater value.. He hoped that would encourage others to follow their good example. Song, Dolly Bell's Toilet," Infants. Musical drill, No. II. Boys and Girls. Mr W. F. THOMAS said they had just heard from the lips of their worthy chairman Mr Cooke,their vice- chairman Mr Evan Humphreys, and their friend Mr Ford, words of wisdom and advice, and he trusted that the advice so given might be implanted in the minds of their young friends, and especially those of their parents, aa the whole success of the labours of the teachers were hinged upon the regular attendance of the children at school. He beirged of the parents to sacrifice anything rather than keep the children away from school upon some slight pretext or another. He often heard in their midst, and sometimes road in the papers, croakers who complained of the excellent education that was given to the children of the work. ing man of this country, they said it unfitted them for the menial work of the household, and the necessary drudgery entailed in the various manufacturing and other businesses of this nation. Now theirs was an erroneous idea, for without this education they would not be able to turn out the skilled workman, which they as Englishmen were so proud of, and who found and made their way in every country and in our colonies across the seas. As members of the School Board, they did not come there to make long speeches. Their work lay in the Boardroom, and it was there they endeavoured to carry out to the best of their ability the interests of the children, and necessarily the welfare of the parents (applause). Song, The band of Boys and Girls." Stave drill, Girls. Mr EDWARD POWELL said that he knew perfectly well that speeches were not by any means the most popular part of the entertainment. He was sure that they were all to be congratulated at having at the head of the present Board a gentleman of so much experience aa Mr Cooke (applause). He might perhaps as an officer of the Board, without impropriety, con- gratulate the ratepayers upon the hearty way in which the present Board had set about their work. It was quite evident from the conduct cf the Board np to the present time that every member of the Board had the interest and the welfare of the I children entrusted to their charge in the forefront. The interests of the ratepayers was a secondary affair. He would ask the little ones to remember that every time they failed to attend the school the ratepayers suiferc-d a loss of money, and the echoes vould suffer because they would not have a eood examination. At the piesent time they had a very nice gentleman to examine them, but he—Mr Temple —was going away, and they must do their best by the next examination in order to please the new inspec- tor (applause), Musical drill, No. 1. Boys and Girls. The prizes were then distributed by Mrs Evan Humphreys, Mrs W. F. Thomas, and Miss Griffiths, Clift GI Terrace. The Rev JENKrN JONES then rose from the body of the hall, and said that he nid not want the parents to go away from there with the idea that the Noncon- formist ministers of the town took no interest in the schools, because they had the welfare of the "hilèren at heart as much ItS any ol her clasq, but the reason for their absence from the platform might be be accounted for by the fact that they had not been invited there. The CHAIRMAN said' that in consequence of the bigger boys not belonging to the schools stealing the ora.nges and buns out of the hands of the children, these delicacies would be given away the following morning at the Board Schools (hear, hear). ■"ing, Out on the frosty air." Beys and Girls. Pianoforte solo, "The Men of Harlech," Miss Goodwin. Before parting, Mr EVAN HUMPHREYS moved a vote of thanks to Mr Cooke for presiding tht even- ing, and alluded to the past valuable services rendered by Mr Cooke as schoolmaster. Mr W. F. THOMAS seconded, and it was carried. The CHAIRMAN briefly responded. Song, Oh, Land of mv Fathers," Boys and Girls. God save the Queen." The songs, drills, etc., were accompanied on the piano by Misses C. S. Evans and Annie Ashton, and Mr A. E. Evans.

THE FARMER IN DIFFICULTY. Sir Offley Wakeman, Bart., has generously returned ten per cent to his agricultural tenants on the Pevery Estate. At the half-yearly rent audit held at Bangor on Monday, Lord Penrhyn yranted bis Carnarvonshice agricultural tenants an abatement of 25 per cent. Mr J. D. V. Carne, J.P., at his half-yearly rent audit last week, granted his tenants 5 per cent. reduction. ^Colonel Lewes, Llanlaer, near a,mpeter, allowed 10 per cent. to his agricultural tenants on the Michaelmas rents. Mr G. B. Hudson, M.P., of Frogmore Hall, Hert- ford, has made a return of 50 per cent to his tenants on tneir rents for the past year. Major Colby, of Rhosygilwen, owner of the Fynone Estate, allowed his Carmarthenshire tenants 10 per cent. on the Michaelmas rents on Friday last; and we hear his agricultural tenants in Pembrokeshire are to receive the same abate- ment. Mr R. E. Jennings, Gelli-deg, Carmarthenshire, has instructed his agent to allow nis tenants in Car- marthenshire a remission of 10 per cent. on their Michaalmas rent- and we hear that Mr Henry Seymour Allen, Cresselly, has arranged to make a similar abatement to his Carmarthenshire tenants. The Earl of Bradford has allowed his farm tenants fifteen per cent off their half-year's rent, due Michaelmas list, in consideration of the bad season and low prices. That is in addition to the reduction of rent previously made on his lordship's estates, which was from ten to twenty per c,-n,. The Herefordshire County Council decided on Saturday week to ask the Minister of Agriculture to promote a Bill compelling the vendors of foreign and colonial cheese to ltlbel it as such when exposed for sale, and to adopt similar measures for stamping out swine fever as those which had proved so effectual for stamping out plenro-pneumonia. The rents of the Bodfach Estate, Llanfyllin, Mont- gomeryshire, were received on the 12th inst., at West Lodge by Mr Owen Jones, the agent. Mr Lomax kiudly made an abatement of five per cent to tenants whose rents had been reduced of late years, and ten per cent to all others whose rents were above £ 20. A liberal allowance was made in lieu of dinner to all tie tenants. Mr S. H. Cowper-Coles, agent for Sir J. B. Bailey, Bart., attended at the Castle Hotel, Brecon, on.Fri- day, to receive the rents and tithes of the tenants at Peterstone, Llandilo'rfane, Velinfach, and Brecon. A reduction of 10 per cent. was allowed, in view of the present agricultural depression. The tenants were afterwards entertained at dinner, Alderman Morgan, Courtliaca, presiding. The healths of the landlord and the agent were heartily drunk. The farm tenants on the several estates in Mont. gomeryshire, belonging to Mrs Lovell, of Llanerchy- dol, Mrs Curling, M&esmawr, Colonel Heyward, Mr Sampson Lloyd, Dolobran, the Trawscoed Trustees, Captain Gilbert Jones. Miss Trevor, and others, have through the agent, Mr Hill, received a return of 10 per cent. on their last Michaelmas half-year's rents, although large and permanent reductions in the rents, and great improvements have in many instances been recently made. Mr R. Cotton Cavendish has, through the same source, granted an abatement of 15 per cent. to the whole of the occupiers on his Hafodelwy estate, near Cerrig-y-drudion, Denbighshire. On Friday, Mr G. M. Salt, agent to the Rev J. R. O. Bridgeman, attended at the White Horse Inn to receive the rents of the Grimmer, Leigh, and Bromlow Estates in Worthen parish, when each tenant received ten per cent allowance. They afterwards partook of an excellent repast, presided over by the respected agent.—On the same day the rents of the Rev W. C. E. Kynaston were received by the esteemed agent, Mr C. R. Moore, at the Kynaston Arms Inn, when a reduction of ten per cent was made to the larger tenants only. Subsequently they sat down to a capital dinner prepared by mine Host Jukes, the new proprietor.

R. W. W. RECREATION AND IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY. The first annual entertainment in connection with the above society was held in the Public Hall, New. town, on Friday evening, and was a great success. The hall looked at its best, and its appearance was the subject of flattering comment from all. The stage was prettily decorated and draped, and on each ride were placed some lovely palms which were sent from the Dolerw Gardens. The sides of the hall, too, were draped with curtains, and bunches of laurels placed at regular intervals on a red back-ground supplied an agreeable relief to the eye and imparted a cheery aspect to the place. A number of mottoes were displayed in prominent place-, amongst the mOQt conspicuous being Welcome to all," "Warmest greetings to the Dolerw and Newtown Hall families," God bless our Queen and country," "May the society flourish," Peace and prosperity to all." These decorations were carried out by a band of willing workers, under the superintendence of Mr Thomas Morgan. Anxious to provide a really good programme the committee engaged Mr Lester. Barratt, the popular comediaa, at considerable expense, and the performance-, while of the most amusing character, was of the moat respectable tyne throughout, and such as the most fastidious could not possibly object, to. The audienoe completely filled the large building, and consisted.of members and their friends. Amongst those present were Captain and Mrs Pryce-Jones, Dr. and Mrs Purchas, Mr W. E., and Miss Pryce-Jones, the .Rector of Newtown, etc-, Mr Barrett's sketches and songs were admirably rendered, and kept the audience in roars. It was hie first appearanoe in the town, but it will cestainly not be his last. Miss Marie Smith assisted Mr Barrett by the contribution of some excellent songs, rendered in a sweet and tuneful style. Mr Q:, H. Thompson was the accom- panist, and played some difficult selections. The following was the programme Overture, 'Hilarity' Mr C. H. Thompeon; sore, 'In the meantime,; character song Tb.c' doctor' I'll make you up a b )ttle,' Dutch song, Valkiii g on the promenade' Mr Lester Barrett song, At eventide' Miss Marie Marie Smith; Little Georgie's troubles (with song),, Mr Lester Barrett pianoforte solo, selected Mr C. H. Thompeon pong, When the heart is young Miss Marie Smith; character study, After all we've done for him,' character song, Down by Abe sea' Mr Lester Barrett; operatic selection, Mr C. H. Thompson; eong, I changed my minds' The boatman, Any more a'goin' Mr Lester Barrett; song, Killarney' Miss Marie Smith new character sketch, 'They're all at home' Mr Lester Barrett; song, I'm a merry Xiugara' Miss Marie Smith; song, One more polka* Mr Lester Barrett. In addition to the decoration of the large hall the banqueting room was laid out as a buffet. A number of innocent gtmes were here provided, and liberally patronized. A refreshment stall was under the charge of Mr Sayer, whose catering gave every satisfaction. After the entertainment dancing commenced to the strains of Mr Brown's string band. and continued until the early hours of the morning. Altogether the evening was most enjoy- ably spent. The members of the society have reason to be proud of the organization founded for their benefit, and the advantages It supplies on suoh easy terms.

THE WELSHPOOL FIRST FRIENDLY SOCIETY. RESOLUTION TO WIND-UP. A special general meeting of this society was held on Saturday last, at 6 o'clock p.m., in accordance with & circular issued to the members, to take into consideration a resolution passed at the anniversary on the 6th inst. for the purpose of considering its financial position and the Actuary's report. The president, Mr JohnBickerton, opened the proceedings and called upon the secretary, Mr John Sandywell, to read the resolution and the circular calling the meeting. About 100 members were present, including read the resolution and the circular calling the meeting. About 100 members were present, including Mr E. Maurice Jones, solicitor, Mr Samuel Powell, J.P., Mr Thomas Morris, auctioneer, Mr A. Watkin, builder, Mr Jarvis, Keel, w'th his four sons, he being an old member. The Secretary read to the members letters from the Actuary and also letters from the Chief Actuary to the Registrar of Friendly Societies. Letters were also read which he had received from distant members, including one from Mr J. C. Gittins, solicitor, Newtown, Mr William Bonley, head master of Bunbury Grammar school. Mr E. Maurice Jones explained the mode of winding up the society voluntarily or by compulsion, and it was proposed by Mr Aaron Watkin seconded by Mr Thomas Morris that the resolution of the 6th inst. should be confirmed, and that the society be wound up either voluntarily or compulsorily in any case, this was carried unanimously. It may be mentioned that the society was established in 1773, and is now in its 120th year. It has a capital of = £ '3000 with 202 members. It has served its purpose, and as no young members join, it gives an opportunity by the division of its funds to enable those who are still young to join other more stable societies whose foundation is fixed upon a graduated scale. of payment; this was fully considered at- the meeting and accepted in view of the declining state of the "Old Bull Club" as it is better known. Amongst its members who have passed away and also those who are still alive were members cf the leg-al pro- fession and the tradesmen of the town, who by their support have contributed to the continuance of its existence to the present time. It is interesting to its members, now about to sever brotherly support, to mention that when the late Archdeacon Clive was vicar of this town he was its greatest adviser, and used to call it His Club," always on its anniversary delivering a sermon and dining with the members. At his instigation years ago, when the club was not flourishtng, he suggested that on the last club night. of the year instead of paying Is. the members should pay 2s., which was carried out until three years ago, when the amonnt was raised to 17s. 4d. a year.

SEVERN BOARD OF CONSERVATORS; =I:- 11 ==:J IIAn ordinary meeting of the Board of Conservators for the Severn Fishery District was held on Thursday at the Queen's Hotel, Birmingham. In the absence of Mr Willis Bund, the chairman of the Board, Mr T. Cadle presided.—Mr Charles Workman was elected a member of the Board in the place of Mr Harris, who has resigned, and Mr J. H. Morris was elected to the vacancy caused by the death of Mr J. H. Edwards, of Shrewsbury. A unanimous vote of condolence with the family and relatives of the deceased gentleman was then passed, and several members tesz; faed to the excellent work he had done whilst a member of the Board. Mr J. W.Wilhs Bund was re-elected chairman, Mr M. W. Colchestor-Wemyss vice-chairman, Mr A. C. Cherry treasurer, Mr J. Stallard, jun., clerk, and Mr T. Cbivers, of Gloucester, auditor.—After the election of the Executive and Pollution Committee, the abstract of accounts for 189:?- were laid before the Board and approved.—The report of the Chairman for the past year was then presented. It stated that the appointment of Captain Gifford as superintendent of the water bailiffs had met with satisfactory results. The staff of bailiffs, exclusive of Mr George, who had now practically retired from active work, amounted to 15, and in addition three temporary men had been employed during the close season. The sum expended in wages was £ 642 ISs, as compared with £ 616 14s 6d in 1891. The necessaiy steps to include these parts of the Avon not already within the Severn fishery district are being carried .out. The Clerk of the Peace for Warwickshire required to be furnished with full information as to the reasons for the proposed change, and such information was supplied. The County Council of Warwickshire had written to the Board of Trade opposing the proposed extension. The Birmingham angling societies had undertaken to furnish all requisite evidence to prove the necessity for the extension of the district at any inquiry the Board of Trade may direct. The matter. was now waiting for the evidence proposed to be given by the Birmingham angling societies. The Liverpool compensation water, both daily and monthly, had been discharged during the year, but it was impossible yet to speak with any accuracy as to the effect of the works on the river, as the full quan- tity of water was not yet taken to Liverpool. No stream within the Severn watershed was affected by the Birmingham Corporation Act, but the resolutions of the Board as to compensation water were duly communicated to the different bodies interested, and the provisions, so far as they went, were satisfactory. Follutions.from towns and manufactories were being more actively dealt with tham previously, and a scheme for checking the pollution of the Stonr was being carried out, and it was hoped that when it was in full operation that river would cease to be the most polluted effluent of the Severn. Salmon licences, including endorsements, had produced £ 638 4s 6d, as compared with £ 581 5s 6d in 1891, and X,569 16s in 1890. Trout licenses and endorsements had produced £ 53S 12c 6d, as compared with £ 561 2s in 1891, and £ 563 43 in 1890. There had been 33 prosecutions, resulting in 25 convictions, 1 withdrawal, and 7 discbarges, a result which did not compare favourably with pre- vious years. The number of salmon caught during the year was 25,000, weighing 2,902cwt., and valued at £ 16,250. The average weight was 131b. The number tof fish caught in 1891 was 27,000, weighing 3,013cwt., and valued at £ 1$,875, whilst the average weight was 12 £ lb.. The take of fish and monetary value were, however, twice as great as in 1890. The largest fish taken, weighed 481b. With regard to other fish the season was not a good one. Artificial breeding had been tried and was attended with satis- factory results. The various paragraphs in the report were discussed seriatim, and Mr T. Coles, president of the Birmingham and Provincial Anglers' Association, made a few remarks oa the proposed inclusion of parts of the river Avon. He said he earnestly hoped that the steps that had been taken by the Board would be attended with success. It would be not only beneficial to the angler, but would mean an increase in the revenues of the Board. After some further discussion, the report was approved.-The Superintendent's report showed that there had baen a fairly good run of fish, and that so far as could be discovered there was no trace of disease.—The Chair- man then, mvved the following resolution: "Tsat the licensed duty leviable on rods and lines used for fishing for trout: in the Severn fishery district be varied, and that the amount of license duty foc each and every rod andi line for fishing for trout to be used in such part of the district as lies within the counties of Salop, Mbntgomery, and Denbigh, shall be the sum of 2^ and to be used in the remainder of the district the sum of Is," Mr G. Kempster. seconded the resolution. Mr T. Morris was opposad to the increase of the-Heense money, as he thought it would e an indnoemeat to men not to take out any liaenses 'at all. Me Day then rose and moved that the con- sideration oP the matter should be adjourned until next meeting This was seconded by Mr Mori8, and was- carried by 10 votes to 6.—A vote of thanks was passed to. the chairman for (presiding, and the meeting: terminated.

ZZWBBW* I ilansiltn.i—— ■ tJXRROW Escipit.-On Friday last, some boys when going home from the Moelfre School, ventured upon the remains of the ice on the Moelfre lake, the ico gave way,,and one of their number a boy named iRichard Morris, had a narrow escape from drowning. iWith the assistance of tbe other lads, however, he managed to regain terra, jirma, not much the worse tfor his wild adventure.j 'T

,ø-= CAEM VVS. BAPTIST CHAPEL.—-On Friday, January 20th, a leotare euti tied" The struggle for religious freedom," was delivered in this chapeL by Mr T. Parry Jones, J.P., Park House, Newtown, The proceedings were commenced at 7-30, and there was a fair attendanae. Mr E. Davies, J.P., Ptasdinam, was announced to preside, but owing to special business was unable to attend. The lecture- was illustrated by dissolving views, which were given by a powerful lantern, under the management of Mr Donglas. The lecture and views were highly interesting throughout, and were much appreciated. Votes of thanks passed on the motion of Mr George, and acknowledged by the lecturer, brought this very enjoyable evening to a close.

MONTGOMERY. THE APPAOACHINQ RKTIREMENT OF TEE RECTOR. -IV e understand that the Rev. t\ W. Parker, whose intended retirement from the living of Montgomery, which he has occupied during the past 30 years we recently announced, will preach his farewell sermon at the Parish Church on Sunday next, A meeting of the committee having charge of the funds collected towards the presentation to the reverend gentlemen, was held in the National Schools, on Saturday evening, when we learn it was decided that the presentation should take the form of an illuminated address, accompanied by a service of silver plate. The rector, during hisloult inoumbency, has endeased himself to all his parishioners, a.nd his departure is | universally regretted.. ^,0

CHURCH DEFENCE MEETING. To the Editor of the Montgomery shire Bxp.. ess and Radnor T' Sir,—It was a pitiful cry the Rev. Conon West raised in bis closing remarks on the Church Defence Question last Thursday when exhibiting a diagram showing a tree which, according to his teaching, represented the Catholic Churca he iirplored the woodman tu qxire tilt tree If it is the tree growing out of the stem he ex- hibited, blossoming and spreading its leaves on the side of the filthy waters and stagnant pools he deeeribed, it is too late in the day to cry, Wood- man, spare the tree." The woodman is making bare his arm acd will cut it down, and its leaves shall no more poison the people. Its history, according to the rev. gentleman's narrative, bears a very striking contrast to the tree John ssw planted in the midst of the street, and on either side of the pure river of water of life," and, as it was described, it is not the tree of life to feed' and heal the nations. I never thought that the State Church claimed sach relationship to the gorgeously arrayed "Babylon the Great," who is drunk with the blood of the saints although I learn that her bishops and priests, with the consent of the throne—which rests, as stated, on an old monastery stone—slew thousands of my brethren, and set Buuhill fields on fire with the flesh and blood cf martyrs of Jesus." Great stress was laid on the subduing and the co averts ton of the small kingdoms of this island, and we were by a diagra,m now and again let into the secret of their success. Instrumenta of war, Buch as spears, &c., were exhibited, proving by what un. spiritual weapons it was accomplished. John saw a beast that was wounaed, and another beast appeared out of the earth with two horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon, whose history, when compared with that of the Church of Rome and her daughter, proves to be a faithful prophesy of the rise and fall of the- same. The two horns are the so-called Reformation Protestant horns. One has been used in the persecution of the saints for the truth they laboured for and the heresies they condemned, and the othef in the imprisonment of those that have refused paying the church taxes, according to the Canon74 teaching, to the one that disinherited her pious mother of it.—Yours, etc., GWALIA.

WOMEX TO THE RESCUE To the Editor of the jlontgomerysh-re Express and Radnor Times. Sir,-Machynlleth once more leads the way. withtem. peranee. It is gratifying to lovers of sobriety to find that the police have thaken off their letha, gy, and are on the war path aga nst drunkenness several have been summoned to appear before the magistrates and convicted. The Machynlleth bench is evidently determined to suppress the excesive drinking and consequent rowdyism which the inhabitants of this little town have had to witness for many months. It is to be hoped also that the police will avoid the much talked of anomaly of prosecuting the drunkard and sparing the publican. My object in writing to-day, however, is to call your attention to a much more effective way of putting down the drink traffic. Simultaneously with the great temperance campaign inaugurated at Exeter Hall tne other day in the reception given to Miss Willard, President of the World's Women's Temper- ance Union, the North Wales Women's Temperanoe Union, are starting operations throughout the Princi- pality,. The Machynlleth A. has been c affiliated with the above, and already the women are making themselves felt. The town is divided into districts, house to house canvassing is carried on. The young women met for prayer last Sunday, seek. ing a. deeper conviction of the evil of the drink customs and divine help upon their efforts. Last Monday evening a crowded temperance meeting was held at Poplar Square Chapel, presided over by Mr P. Wil iiMns, postmaster, who very ably conducted the meeting, and earnestly urged all present to try the only sate path of total abstinence. The Y.W.C.A. rendered efficient music. The Rev J. Roberts was tke speaker, who took for his subject, Purity and Temperaince," and spoke with power upon the higher life, which is the outcome of a pure heart. He dealt heavy blows upon immorality and strong- drink. The Rev Josiah Je>nes closed a most successful meeting by prayer. I understand these meetings will be held periodically under the auspices of the YoungWomen's Christian Association during the next few months. May Heaven bless their labours, and may the move- ment spread throughout Montgomeryshire. The sad and disgraceful disclosures made during the Mont- gomery Boroughs Petition trial clearly prove that the small towns of Montgomeryshire are steeped in drunkenness, and that men and women in every position of life have become slaves to the curse of strong driak. Surely there is a field white already to harvest" for legislative measures, Temperance Unions, moral suasion, and every other power that can be brought to bear upon this degrading traffic. The officers of the No rthwales NV omen's Temperance Union, as above, will be glad to furnish tull particu- lars, and are most anxious to spread the movement to every house, to every home, prior to bhe visit of Lady Henry Somerset and Miss Willard, who are expected to spend four days in the Principality about the end of March. Machynlleth. HUGH DAVIDS, Chemist*.

THE NEWTOWN BAND. To the Editor of t Montgomeryshire Express onA Radnor Times. Sir,—A special meeting of the committee of the Newtown Band was held on Tuesday last, when we weae appointed to draw up a statement of the air- cumstances which led to the secession of several members of the Band, and to ask you, in the inter- ests of what is popularly regarded as an institution of the town, to publish it. It may be necessary to state, first of all, that the instruments are the property of the town, and the local magistrates act as trustees. The instruments are to be ustd solely in the service of the Band, save for special occasions, when permission has to be ob- tained from the committee. On Tuesday, November 15th last, a meeting of the Band committee was held, at which application was made on behalf of seven or eight members for the loan of their instruments for the purpose of going out" Christmasing." The meeting was adjo-arned to the following week, when the application was refused, for these, amongst other reasons (a) That the Band, being in debt and about to fur- ther appeal to the public for aid, would be placed at a disadvantage if any members went out playing for their own benefit. (б) That such Christmas bands, got up by a few for their sole benefit, tended to disorganise the Band and to create a feeling of jealousy and discord amongst the members. Whether these reasons were good and sufficient has, however, nothing to do with the matter. The instruments were refused, and it was the bounden duty of these men to obey the committee. And yet, strange to say, the seven members went out with the Band instruments. They were communicated with, and asked to desist; fanes were imposed, and they were also informed that such breach of rules, if per- sisted in, would cause the committee to consider the question of their expulsion. Tney continued to defy the committee and use the instruments. At the next meeting, of the committee a strong appeal was made to one, who was a ringleader in the aiSair, to desist, and suggesting several methods of amicably settling the difficulty. The meeting was adjourned to the following night, when general meeting of the Band was called to take into consideration the methods suggested; but. in the meantime, the malci. ntents sent in their resigna- tions, which were accepted. The committee felt that if such flagrant breaches of discipline were allowed to pass unpunished, diacord and harmony would be the inevitable result; and in their decisions they have been upheld by the unanimous vote. of committee and Band (ex- cluding the seven interested). The committee had in viow solely the interest* of the Band and how best to promote them. Their object in meJting these proceedings public is to pre- vent the subscribers being deceived by garbled and incorrect statements bich are being circulated; and also to ask them to continue their support to an institutien which has done much to raise tne musical status of the town. The committee ate pleased to state that the vacan- cies ar« all filled up, and that the Band are able to take engagements for small or large bands as u*«aL Signed on behalf of 'the Band, W. STOKES, ) Subscribers' W. F. THOMAS, J Committee MEN. W. P. PHILLIPS, conductor. B. C. TATLOB, secretary.

I On Saturday, at Llangollen, James Wray, a menu* mental mason f--om Dublin, was remanded on a charge of breaking into -Jv,'rk Parish Church and opening the poorboxes and abstracting the money. The Midland Railway, always (says the Star) the pioneer in reforms, baa started a oapital plan this oold weather which cogbt to be widely imitated. This is nothing less than a astern of steampipe beat. ing in ita carriages. The- steam is brought direct from the engine, and tbe pip £ s are disposed on the floor of the carriage below toe seats so as to keep tbe oompartment at an equable temperature during the whole of a long journey. The system is iadefinitely superior to the old hot water tins which oStoft become cold water tins before the next change, d it saves the passengers from hiktiu o pay many a tip.