The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

MR. AND MRS- J- C. GITTINS SILVER WEDDING. On Thursday evening a pleasant gathering of members and friends took place at the Crescent Chapel, for the purpose of presenting Mr and Mrs J, C. Gittins witt a solid silver hot water jug, in commemoration of their silver wedding. The chair was taken by Mr Evan Bebb, and the guests of the evening occupied seats at the head of the table. The proceedings commenced with an excellent tea which was supplied by Mr Bebb, and to which a large number sat down. The following ladies presided at the tea tables :—Mrs Rowlands, Mrs Conchie, Mrs Bebb, Mrs E. J. Lewis, Mrs Pryce Wilson Jones, and Mrs Hughes. After tea was over, the CHAIRMAN rose to make the presentation. Before proceeding with the pre- sentation he said that he wished, upon behalf of all present, to offer Mr and Mrs Gittins their sincere and hearty congratulations upon attaining the silver anniversary of their wedding day (hear, hear). It was a matter of great 'rejoicing to them, and they felt great joy that their lives had been spared to each other and also to them for so considerable a period of time. They hoped and prayed that Providence would still further extend iis blessing to them and their family, and that they would be happy, healthy, and prosperous to the ends of their days in an un- common degree (applause). When the sit ver wedding became known the friends in connection with the Crescent chapel and Sunday School desired to show their appreciation and esteem in some slight degree of them personally, and also for their services in con- nection wilh the Crescent Chapel. It would be use- less for him to enumerate the many valuable services that th?y had rendered to the cause of that chapel— (applause)—and he fult it would also be distasteful to them if he did so. Suffice it to say that their work and activity in every branch of the services there, both in the church and Sunday School, their kindliness of disposition, their generosity, and their high Christian integrity had endeared them to every heart (applause). They could not let that opportunity pass withont in some slight degree showing their appreciation of their service, and the friends had desired to ask them to accept that small token of their esteem for them. The inscription on the jug was as follows: "Presented by friends at the Crescent Chapel to Mr and Mrs J. C. Gittins, on their silver wedding anniversary, March 31st, 1893." In asking their acceptance of that small token of their regard he hoped that they would place it amongst the family heirlooms, and that it would pass from their children, and to their grandchildren. He would also ask them to allow him t o congratulate them upon the happy possession of a son and heir- (hear, hear)—who was in every way so fit to occupy the position, and who was so worthily following in his father's footsteps (hear, hear). He wished, and he was sure that he was expressing the sentiments of them all, that the family would live long and prosper, and be blessed wita health (applause). He would now ask their acceptance of the jug. Before sitting down Mr Bebb read the following stanzas composed in commemoration of the silver wedding:— Celestial love, wandering through groves, serene, Sweet-scented with the wild ilowrs clustering there, Sought out, and brougnt together ('twas no dream !) A gentle-hearted youth and maiden fair,- Upon this happy pair the virtues smil d And Ftrew'd their paths with roses—far and wide Their love had found Elyium,-wn,s beguil'd, And said-" With Iliese, I'll evermore abide And so it was, since then, long years have tlown; Yet, time has little chang'd this changeless pair Affection's ties have but the stronger grown Aud stronger yet will grow-the more they wear And when their day on earth is past and gone, Brighter and pnrer joys shall yet arise; y While angel-lips shall celebrate, with song, Another silver wedding in the skies! The reading of the lines was loudly applauded. The Rev E. PÁRRY then rose, and said that he had a very good text that evening. Indeed, the text W118 too good: so good that he hesitated to deal with it less he should in any way spoil it. There was no doubt that they could say a great deal, but iu the presence of Mr aud Mrs Gittins he did not like to say it. He hoped that they would live for a long time to look upon the jug as a token of their feelings and regards, aud he hoped that they would be spared to see and celebrate their golden wedding (applause). They did not wish to enter into the family life of their guest, and he hoped Mr Gittins would forgive them if they had beeu unduly iotrusive. He trusted that they would be forgiven, because of the strong and overwhelming feelings that in a manner com- pelled them to that act that night (applause). Echo- ing thus the wishes so weil expressed by the Chair- man—echoing chem in every respect—he would now wish all prosperity for the time to come, and tor the eternal hereafter (applause). Mr DAVID 0 WE X also spoke a few words respecting the regard he felt for Mr and Mrs Gittins. Mr ROWLANDS followed, and in the course of a lengthy adJ. úa: tra-ced the history of the -ahctpsi since its commencement. Mr MORGAN, curr er, stated that wherever they went they were met with the utmost kindness, ami ] all upon whom they called contributed most liberally towards the presentation. He endorsed every word said by Mr Parry, and expressed a hope that Mr and Mrs Gittins would see their golden wedding. The little jug that they were presenting tlul evening was only a mark of appreciation of their kindness, and he trusted that at some future day when the young members of the family would be celebrating tbeir silver wedding- (I augii tcr) -that they would bring forward that litUe testimonial (applause). Mr GITTINS, who seemed very much impressed said that he felt very much their kindness, and he hoped they wouid pardon any little shortcomings on his part if he failed to exuress how much he appre- ciated their k.ndnfss—not only for himself, but also upon b -half of his wife and children. He felt per- fectly inadequate to express thu feelings of gratitude that filled his breast, and for the kind words that had been given expression to that evening. When Dr Gil;, a celebrated Biptist minister, hal the degree of Doctor of Divinity conferred upon him, he said that he never bought it, thought it, nor sought. it, and he could truly say thttt with regard to wiia: had taken place that evening. At the same time he could not say that they did not appreciate th-ir kindness; they did appreciate it, and they felt exceedingly grateful to their friends for it, and they would always remember it (applause). Mr Gittins then referred to the first time he came to reside at Newtown when he left Welshpool, and subsequent events, and glanced over some of the leading features of his connection with the Crescent Chapel. In con- clusion he again thanked them, and repeated his assurance of his gratefulness to them for their kind- ness and good wishes. Mr C. J. GITTINS also returned thanks on behalf of himself and his sisters. During the evening the following programme was rendered :—Pianoforte solo, Miss Bessie George hymn by the Choir pianoforte solo, Miss Minnie Clark; song, Mr U. George; reading, Mr Charles Jones song, Mr Pryce Wilson Jones; duett, Messrs W. Lowe and J. Roberts. The usual votes of thanks brought a pleasant evening to a close.

BETHANY, KERRY. THE ANNUAL TEA MEETING was held on Good Friday. The weather being favourable crowds went over from Newtown to spead the holiday. A splendid tea. bad been provided in a field kindly lent for the purpose by Mrs Preece (The Cottage). The following ladies presided and assisted at the tables—Mrs and Miss Joseph, Manllwyd, Mrs Corfield and Miss Bason, Goitre, Miss Jennie Owen, Penygelly, Mrs Lewis, Goitre Mills. Mrs Davies, Penllwyn, Mrs abd the Misses Bach, Penygelly, and Miss S. A. Atkins, Mrs Davies, Hodley, and others rendered assistance. This part of the program Tie would be incomplete without mentioning the efficient help given by Mr Richard Lewis, Goitre Mills, and Mr and Mrs George Jones, Maip. After tea as many as could find room to enjoy a splendid programme that had been arranged. The meeting was presided over by Mr Morley E. Park, Newtown, who made a model chairman, and delivered an able opening speech. Mr Hugh Davies s choir, comprising the Hamer's, of -Newtown, who did their parts well, sang several pieces that were highly appreciated. Miss Louie Koberts, of Newtown, also sang a solo. Miss Maud Bowen, of Kerry, played the accompaniment for the Newtown party. The Bethany Choir, led by Mr T U.' ^°^re Villa, sang two pieces, Miss M. A. Joseph, Manllwyd, presiding at the harmonium. Mr Llewelyn Davies read a humonrous piece, and both vf Myfanwy Davies gave recitations, while Mr Edward Liddle and Mr Harrison, of Newtown, delivered addresses. The meeting was brought to a cloEe by a cordial vote of thanks to all who had as. sisted to make the day's proceedings a success.

BETTWS. SALE OF Wor.K.-A sale of work and rummage fair, in aid of the Church Funds, was held in the u ,Caedewen Schoolroom on Monday. The room had been prettily decorated with ivy and cherry blossom, and the stalls were well arranged. The urst stall was devoted to the display of useful articles of every description, the second to I; rum- mage, at which anything from a top hat to a pair of boots might be purchased, and the third to refresh- ments. The ladies who presided were Mrs Hughes Davies, the Vicarage, Mrs Jonas, Cwmdockiu, and Miss Pryce, Highgate, while they had tha va'nable assistance of Mrs Jones, Brynycil, Mrs Jones, Lower uii 8.liogrer8' Bryn«>ch, Miss Pryce, Bettws Hall, Miss Rees, Penygaer, Mrs Austin Davits aad Miss Davies, of The Lane, Miss Sarah Morris, Mrs S. Jones, the School, Miss Beubow, the Misses Jones (d), Cwmdockin, and others.—The Vicar (the Rev. T. Hughes Davies), in introducing Lady Sudeley to open the bazaar, said it might be asked what was the reason for having that sale so soon after the bazaar whicn they held some time ago. This sale was really a continuation of that bazaar. There were a few things which they still wanted in the church, such as furniture for the vestry, and a few things of an ornamental character. They were hoping by this sale to make up the amount of money required. He then introduced Lady Sudeley, and said it was always a great pleasure to see her there, and they gave her the heartiest welcome (cheers)—Lady Sudeley said she thanked all for their very kind welcome. She thought hereelf fortunate at having that opportunity of seeing 80 many friends. Lord Sudeley and their children always felt that when they were in Montgomeryshire they were amongst their kindest friends (cheers). She had great pleasure in declaring the sale open, and she hoped all would do all in their power to make it a very great success (cheers). There were also present at thj opening wremony the Hon. Alise. Bona, and Felix Hanbury-Tracy, Mr and Mrs W. Scott Owen, rrp °f Cefngwifed, the Rev. Vaughan Jones, tx ™ynon' ^rs E. Powell, Mrs nnd the Misses Uutchins, Mrs and Miss Swettenham, Mrs A. C. Humphreys-Owen, Mrs and Miss Nares, Mrs and Miss Lewi. Glanhafren, the Rev Yaughan Jones, Mrs Griffiths. Mrs Phillips. Mr Pryce and Mr Jones, jnurchwardens, etc., etc. The day was all that could be desired, and during the afternoon and evening the promoters were gratified by a large attendance from he neighbonrhood. By request the sale was con- tinued on Saturday evening. April 15th, when there was once more a crowded attendance, and most of the remaining articles were disposed of. It is expected that the sum of X20 will be realized by the sale. The refreshment stall was furnished by parishioners, aud ontriblltions were also received from Mrs Corbe t- Winder, Mrs Devereux-Pryce. Mrs Buckley Williams, Mrs Buckley, C. W. Owen, Esq., Mrs Proctor, Mrs Fishbournc, Mrs Evan Jones, Mrs Scctt-Owen, Mrs Powell, Mrs Elwell, Mrs Swettenham, Mrs Palmer, Miss Bayard, Miss Robiueon, Mr Bebb, and Mr Ford, to whom many thanks are due. as well as to the many kind helpers whof contributed so much to the success of the proceedings.

liHAYADER. B AV.T.A.—At a meeting of the Rhayader Branch of the Women's Temperance Association, held in the Wesieyan School on Friday, April 7th, the following resolution was submitted by Mrs Richard Morgan who presided), it having been duly proposed, seconded, and Eiupported ThKt this meeting of members of the Rhayader Branch of the Women's Temperance As&ocia:ion, desires to express its un- qualified approval of the acrion taken by Mr tldwards, M.P. for Radnorshire, with regard to the Welsh Local Veto Bill. They earnestly hope that that measure witlbpcome law L),fore long, considering it to be a usetul and progressive one, calculated to advance the beet interests of ttie PrincipalIty. The resolution was carried, with tJu one dissentient.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT EDWARD LEWIS Begs to announce that he has PURCHASED AT A LARGE DISCOUNT the best portion of Mr Evan Soley's Stock, Paris Emporium," and will commence a CLEARANCE SALE of same on TUESDAY NEXT, THE 25th INST., To Continue fcr SEVEN DAYS' ONLY. THE WHOLE SfOCK WILL BE RE-MARKED AT SUCH PRICES wnIca OúlihT TO ENSURE A SPEJSDY CLEARANCE. « Terms-Strictly Cash.

A MOSES COME TO JUDGMENT. THERE is taking place at the present time .a great interchange of missionaries between this Isle and that portion of Ireland known as Ulster. The preachers of civil war, .hailing from the "loyal" country, have gained a wide-spread notriety by their frenzied and hysterical utterances. The greater portion of the inhabitants of quiet hamlets doubtless regard these gentlemen with, much the same curiosity as sight-seers Woali watch the dexterous feats of BUFFALO Bill's famous cowboys, or look upon "BARNITM'S celebrated monstrosities. Those people who attended the Unionist meeting at Machynlleth, on Wednesday, had an opportunity of gazing upon one of these tempestuous orators in the person of the J&6V. MosEs DOUGLAS, a Wesleyan minister, of Belfast, who delivered a typical Ulsteric speech. It consisted of two parts-a ful. some adulation of the law-abiding, Bible- loving, and. God-fearing people," and a denunciation of all persons who hold different religious and political opinions from Orangemen. The. keynote of godli- ness in Wales is charitableness, and as we ha.ve every reason to believe that the essence of religion in Ireland is identically the same, it certainly strikes an impartial critic that between the rev. gentleman's profession and his utterances there is an inexplicable incongruity. As Mr. DOUGLAS particularly pointed out that Home Kule <i335SS not a political but a religious question, 219 doubt he will pay some heed to the Book which is the foundation of Christianity. ST. PAUL says that if a man speaks with the tongue of an augel and h&s not charity, he lac nothing better than sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. Yet Mr. DOUGLAS scorn- fillty asked: Who are the men who are asking for Home Iiule ? and went on to state that they were persons not worth one penny, who were without stake in the country, without character, intelligence, sobriety, or godliness, and even suggested that they were carrying on the agitation for dishonest motives. We regret that our 'Tory friends cheered this unmanly declara- tion. It is a statement which would be a s&v&ie tax upon the credulity of an idiot. To an intelligent mind it is little short of au insult. The whole point of this argument hinges on the Homo Ruler's poverty. Does this divine with it to bo inferred that because 81 man is poor and cannot boast of a big ba-lauce at his banker's,he is to be ostracised from having a voice in the government of his country? Does lie mean to say that poverty is an effectual barrier to honestye Poverty* is not a crime; it would be more truthful to say it is a crime that there should be so much distress in a. country so rich as the British Isles. Poverty does not rob a man of his character or deprive him of his reasoning faculties poverty does not brand a man as a drunkard or prevent him living as p"X?h" a life as Mr. DOUGLAS himself. Poverty is ft misfortune. Ireland, like Wales, only in a greater degree, has been invaded, and her country taken possession of by foreigners. Her manners and customs have been almost obliterated. Her nationality has been all bitt crushed out by tho men who are now ffilling out because there is a prospect of the establishment of equality. For years the Catholics of Ireland have groaned under the tyranny of Ulster, and having turned against their oppressors, they are assailed wxtfa abuse of the vilest character. Mr DOUG-LAS exhibited a craving to know why Mr GLADSTONE placed safeguards in his Bilt Simply to satisfy the phantom alarms at Ulfiter If they are not honestly allayed they should suggest something which will set them at rest. The whole of his har- angllo is a series of preposterous statements. Mr Doc GLAS fears, or says he fears, that the moment the Bill becomes law the education of Protestant children will cease. To be a Catholic in the eye of an Ulsterman is to be cast outside the pale of human society. Mr DOUGLAS would have us believe that this sect is the most intolerant and narrow- minded of all religionists. To suggest that a Catholic would not allow education to be continued, or that he could not look upon a Protestant without being filled with malig- uaat feelings and a desire to extirpate all who are not of his creed from the face of the earth, marks a narrow belief and a con- trasted intelligence. Roman Catholicism in emlaaii with other religions is different in uraetice, though not in foundation, to what it was a century ago. Men of that per- soauion possess the ordinary feelings of morality. If they were to allow their religious prejudices to get the better of their sense of right and wrong, and attempt to persecute our Protestant brethren in Ulster, then the whole body of Nonconform- ing and Churchmen will rise as one man in their support. An Ulster speech without mmtion of civil war would be incomplete, itftA the rev. gentleman having casually mentioned that there were men in Ulster who were desirous of shuffling off this oiortAl coil in the glory of battle, concluded vAh an apostolic peroration. The Nonconformist ministers of Machyn- lieth, we understand, received a cordial invitation to father by their presence the soetrums of -their Ulster brother, but they wisely declined to be entrapped Mr DkimJ+iS's remarks were received with favour by rthe Tories; but the Radical ..element showed their disapproval by vociferously .cheering the name of Mr 'CJxjLDeroNE and the statesmanlike measure wteeh he has brought before Parliament. A Mr WILLIAMS, of Carnarvon, who itoMressed the audience in Welsh, had a Iwely time. So great was the hostility of <tä. Radicals that on several occasions his ,voice was drowned by the strains of the troll-known ditty, "Git yer 'air cut," the ;Maile being that the orator wore long hair. The Unionists managers deemed it in ,aidrteable to propose a resolution condemning TTrtairt Rule, which was the object of the SER MOSES DOUGLAS'S visit, and he was compelled to retire empty-handed. We rpnmt after this lesson he will retrace his nffty to bis pulpit, where, we feel assured, be iM be more appreciated than on Welsh --1 platforms.

THE CASE OF THOMAS BEECH. REPLY FROM THE HOME SECRETARY. A communication has at last been received from the Home Secracary in reply to the memorial pre- sented in favour of a substantial redaction of the sentence of 18 months hard labour, which was passed upon the unfortunate man Thomas Beech, a respect- ablefarmerof Caethro, near We i sh pool. The reply is to the effect that Mr H. H. Asquith cannot iuterfere with the sentence passed by Mr Justice Grantham upon the prisoner. It will not be inopportune to give a resume of the circumstances of the case. As previously stated, the prisoner is a farmer of un- doubted honesty and repute, and on the 27th June, 1892, he walked over his farm, taking with him his gun. In the course of his joumsy he came across two men named Albert Davies and Thomas Gardiner, who were poaching on his land. Davies, wh caught by prisoner, was kneeling down in the act of putting a ferret in a rabbit-hole. Beech naturally demanded that the ferret should be given uT) but Davies extracted it f r:)m the hole, slipped it into a bag, and both trespassers commenced to run away. He called on the men to stop, but the summons was unheeded. B..ech raised hi- gun and fired, and, it may be reasonably assumed, that he was irritated by finding two indolent fellows on his property and acted on the impulse of the moment The prisoner alleged during the trial that Davies was carrying the bag containing the ferret in his right hand, and it was at tbia-rot the prisoner's person— that he fired. This story was confirmed by the doctor's evidence, which showed that only 65 shots out of 350, which the cartridge contained, were found to have been scattered over various pltrtd of D^vies's bltck and right arm, while there were nsne in the left arm. The prosecution did not suggest that Bopch had the loaded gun in his band other than by accident. Prisoner received a high character from a number of witnesses, while it was proved that Davies and his companion had been convicted on several occasions of drunkenness and assault. Davies has also been convicted of larceny since the shooting episode, and was awarded a month's imprisonment. The jury acquitted prisoner on all counts of the indictment; but found him guilty of unlawfully wounding, adding a strong recommendation of mercy. The Judge marked his approval of the verdict by sentencing prisoner to 18 months' hard labour. At the suggestion of tre Judge himself, who expressed his belief that the sentence would be reduced if a petition were sent to the Home Secretary, a memorial was drawn up by Mr Martin Woosuam, solicitor for the prisoner. It was signed by several county magistrates, tho warden of Ruthin, and many other influential people of the county, and through Mr Stuart Kendel, M.P., presented to the Home Secre- tary, with the above result. While fully admitting that Beech committed a grave error of judgment, we cannot refrain from expressing our opinion that the sentence was unnecessarily severe, moroso on account of the jury's strong recommendation to mercy. The effect of the sentence wiil be to deprive prisoner of his farm, his homd, while ruin stares his family blankly in the face. We understaud that Mrs Beech his received a private letter from Mr fiendel, in which he expresses his sincere regret that the Home Secretary has been unable to grant the request of the memorial.

UPPER MONTGOMERYSHIRE MONTHLY MEEFING OF CALVINISTlC METHODISTS. This meeting was held at Cemmaes on the 13th and 14th of April, Mr Richard Evans, Llwynhyddod, in thechaii. At 11 a.m., the subject under considera- tion was the Sunday School," which was opened by the Rev D. Jones, Trefeglwys, and several others also spoke on the subject.—The minutes of the former meeting were read and confirined.-The dele- gates reported that Mr Richard Rees, Paris House, has been chosen a deacon at Machynlleth: and Messrs Charles Evans, Ftinant, E. Tilsley, E. D. Thomas, Charles Jones, Matthew Williams, and T. Hughes at Gleinant; and also Messrs Jonathon Morgans, Thomas Morgans, John Meredith, and Dd. Jones at Oakley Park. Dr Parry was appointed to examine thera at Gleinant Monthly Meeting, and Mr R. Mills, Llanidloes, to address them.—The Rev Maurice Griffiths, Llanidloes, and Mr M. H. Davies, were appointed to go to Llawryglyn to help the church to chocse more deacons, and it was resolved that the new deacons be examined at Gleiniant with the others by Dr Parry.—The next meeting was fixed to be at Gleiniant, May 4th and 5th.—The subject of the church meeting will be Acts ii-23. Aloo the Sunday School will be taken again at the first meet- ing. The state of the Cause was inquired into by the Rev D. Lloyd Jones, M.A., at Cemmaes, Waen, Din98, Mallwyd, Aberangoll, and Seion. The Cause is carried on with good zeal and faithfulness in the different places. Rev Dr Parry asked for the religious experience of the deacons.-The Rev Thos. J. Thomas, Machynlleth, was appointed secretary of the Sunday Schools.-It was resolved that letters of sympathy be sent to the relations of Mr Thos. Ashton, Llawryglyn, and Mr D. Davies, Rbydwen, In their bereavement. Trustees were named for the old chapel at Fforge.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS' EXAMINATION. —The class list of teachers in E.emantary Schools, examined for certificates, Christmas, 1893, has ju-it been issued. The following are the successful can. didates in this districtSchoolmaster, examined on first year papers, seooud division, John S. Jones, Caereinion Board, Llanfair. Schoolmistress, exam- ined on first year papers, second division, Annie M. Morgan. Board School, Machynlleth. Third division Sarah Green, Boys and Girls' National, Berriew; Mary A. Harries, The Barham, Nant-y-Gof, Llan- fair, Grace E. M,Burnia, New Church-street Board School, Newtown; Annie Morris, New Church-Street Board School, Newtown.

LLANIDLOES TOWN COUNCIL. THURSDAY. Present: Alderman Edward Davies (Mayor), Aldermen Edward Bowen, and Daniel Davies, Coun- cillors William Ashtoa, E. Dakin, 3. M. Beubow, R. George, William George, Geo. Hercomb, J. Kinsey Jones, Richard Morgan, and J. C. Sibbald; with Messrs J. D Davies (town clerk), T. Jarman (deputy clerk), and Jones (collector.) THE HALF-YEARLY ESTIMATE. Mr Kinsey Jones presented th,, report of the Finance Committee. In it was stated that the sum of X117 13s 10j, borough rate, had been collected, Itnd together with the half year's rent of the sewage farm, less ten per cent., < £ 21 5s., had been paid i to the Treasurer's hands. Various smll accounts were recommended for payment, the various items bemsr correct. The ba)aiiee in baud was stated to be £ 57 13s 3d. Mr Kinsey Jones mentioned in respect to the rent for the sewage farm that a receipt on account had ouly be given. The Mayor No one agreed to allow this ten per cent. it was the tenants own wish. The report went on to submit for the approval ot tne Council the half-yearly estimate, which showed an estimated expenditure of £ 504, the approximate receipts amounting to X203 10.. thus leaving an estimated deficiency of .£30u to be provided for. In order to meet this expenditure the Committee recom- mended the Council to order a rate of Is 5d in the 4 to be prepared for signature at the next meeting. The Mayor: How much will Is 5d in thee realise? Councillor Kinsey Jones I should say about 134). The Mayor: How much will that exceed the eoLi- mate by? Councillor Kinsey Jones Nearly X50. Councillor Benbow asked if the tenant of thesewage farm had previously applied for a reduction of ient. The Town Clerk What amount was deducted ? The Mayor: Ten per cent. The Town Clerk It is only a try on. Having re- gard to the depression in agriculture it is for the Council to decide whether you will allow it. Alderman Daniel Davies: What is the amount of rent he pays P The Mayor: X50. It used to be X55, but there was a reduction of X5 when the present tenant took it over. The Town Clerk suggested that the consideration of allowing the remission should be left over till next meeting. The Mayor It will be better to do that than de- I cide to-night. This is only an adjourned meetii g, and a question of this sort should better stand over than be decided now, the subject having been sprung suddenly on the Council. Councillor Sibbald then proposed that the minutes of the Finance Committee be adopted, with the ex- ception that a rate of Is 5] be prepared for signature at the next meeting, and that the consideration of the reduction of the leut be adjourned to the next 2eetiug. This was seconded, and on being put to the meet- ing carried. ALLEGED NEGLECT OF DUTY. The Mayor said that the next business would be to receive the reoort of the Encroachment Committee. Alderman Daniel Davies: The Encroachment Committee has not met during the pa.st month (langhter.) 1 he Mayor Not for the last three or four years, I should say (renewed laughter.) Alderman Daniel Davies replied that the Com- mittee transacted all business which came within their province. The property of Mr Evan Evans re- mained in much the same state as before. He had demolished the old slaughter house. The Mayor I beg to suggest that you should re- introduce your report at, the quarterly meeting, which is the n^xt meeting. I do not think that the Council is prepared to deal with it if it is not in wcitillg. If you reproduce your report in writing the Council will be prepared to consider and decide what steps shall be taken. Alderman Daniel Davies I must take exception to your remarks, and I would suggest to you tr.at it is useless to spend time over this trifling matter. It seems to be a waste of time. The Town Clerk pointed out that there was a nlilluto standirg or) the minu e hook which directed that all reports should be in writing. The Mayor They never send in written reports. Al'ierman Daniel Davies: I don't think that is hardly right. The Mayor: If you bring it up we shall Lave some- thing to deal with. I do object to taka these im- portant matters on a verbal report. Alderman Daniel Davies: I like to piy Fill Cefer- ence to the ruling ot the Mayor, but I rea,ly must take exception to this. The Mayor: I do object as Chairman of the Council to take action unless there is a written re- pott brought up on a question of this magnitude. If Nve d,) litve a written report then the Council can and will deal with the matter, but if it is only a ver- bal explanation, which may may be altered from time to tilll by the very gentlemen who present the report, it is a very different mtitter. It a written re- port is subu.it;ed ther, it can be safely kept in the archives of the borough, if we have any (laughter.) I do think we oughtXo expect from you a written re- port dealing with the whole matter so tar us you know or that you can find out. Alderman Daniel Davies: It is a f-mallmatter, and if it, will do any good, I will do "0 with pleasure. The Mayor: It i-i not a small matter, this locking ] after the rights of the public. The present subject 1 might ba rather a small matter, but if we let this go by default we may lose other things tha-, are of greater magnitude, and which may c.ceur in the cJUtse of time. It is the duty (,f the Council for the time being to look after the interests of the rate- payers, who have sent representatives on the Council lor that very purpose. The incident then closed. AN INDIGNANT COUNTY ALDERMAN. The Town Clerk reported that in accordance with his instructions he had received he li-d written to Mr County Alderman Jenkins, vice-chairman of the Council, pointing out that the Scavenging Commit- tee were of opinion that the best site for the erection ot a urinal was on his property (laughter.) His re- ply was verbal. He returned the letter in rather an indignant frame of mind, asking what bus.ness he had to write such a letter to him (laughter.) rhe Mayor And you have not been friends since. The Town Clerk replied that they were still friendly, and aided that Alderman Jenkins had said that the urinal which adjoined his property was an intolerable nuisance, and he was not g ing to allow his land to bo made the means of creating a repetition of that nuitance (hear, hear, and laughter.) lie sug- gested that the Council should put it in the Lower Green, or up in the pig market (renew; d merriment.) THE BIRMINGHAM WATER WORKS AT ITHAYADEB. In view of the forthcoming works, the Council de- cided to send a deputation to the Directors of the Cambrian Railway, with a view of getting the Com- pany to run cheap weekly tickets from Liauidloes to Rhayader, it being thought that a great many of the labourers would take up their residence at the former town during the progress of the woik. The Mayor said Aldermen Bowen, Thomas and himself had attended at the Director's office at Oswestry on Monday last. They were leceivedby Mr Aslett, and the interview extended over two hours, during which they detailed all that the resi- dents of Llanidloes required or expected. They brought up the object of running workmen's trains at a low charge per week. Mr A-ilett said lie thought the price they mentioned to be charged for tickets a trifle too low, his opinion being that they should be charged sixpence more. They also mentioned the subject of having an improved train service between Llanidloes and Moat Lane, and also got an expres- sion of sympathy from Mr Aslett with regard to the placing of Llanidloes on the list of places to which the Company issued tourists' tickets. This was regarded as satisfactory. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES. Councillor J K Jones again brought forward the question of appointing an Inspector of Nuisances for the town. He said there were other nuisances in the town which were not attended to, and he thought it was time that a responsible man should be appointed to fee to these matters. Their scavenger, who, nominally, was their Inpector of nuisances, did not report any, and they could not expect him to do so because he was not paid for it. He did not con- sider it right to appoint a scavenger as Inspector of nuisances, because he could not perform the two duites efficiently. He proposed that they advertize for an Inspector of Nuisances.—Alderman Daniel Davies seconded.—Alderman Brown proposed as an amendment, that Thomas Hamer be appointed inspector for twelve months at a salary of £ 5— Councillor Hercomb seconded.—Councillor Sibbald complained th%t the work the scavengers did was insufficient.-The Mayor said ho always found them honest, trustworthy workmen and he had perfect confidence in theoi. He considered the town in a aatisfatory condition at present.—Councillor Asbton said the Scavengers had to work on market and fair days until ten or twelve o'clock at night.-After further discussion, Councillor Benbow proposed as a further amendment that matters should go on as at present.-Coancit.or R. George seconded and it was carried. "THE BOUND HOXTSB." It was resolved on the motion of Alderman E. Bowen, seconded by Councillor R. George, to allow Mary Owen, the daughter of the late town crier, to occupy this house at a rent of ont shilling a week. The Council then rose.

CLOTHES WASHED with Hudson's Soap are per. fectly white, and sweet as the breath of an early sammer morning, and have no other odoar about them.—The Lady,

BERRIEW. ANNIVERSARY SERVICES.—The anniversary ser- vices, in connection with the Efel Fach Sunday School, was held in the Assembly Room on Sunday last. Professor Edwin Williams, M.A., of Trevecca College, preaching three powerful sermons to crowded congregations. The children were ranged on the platform, and the singing was ably conducted by Mr i William Davies, Rhydygrove. During the evening meeting, Miss Bevan rendered the solo, The Better Land." The duties of accompanist was efficiently carried out by Miss Jennie Stephens, Berriew. MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY. — An highly interesting entertainment was given in the Assembly Room, Effel, on Thursday, April Gth. in aid of the above Society. The chair was taken by the Rev T. L. Martin, and there was a good attendance. The chief item on the programme wad a dialogue, entitled Trials of a patient man," which was well received, the characters being Misses Annie Pritchard, Jennie Stephens, Katie Pritchard. Bessie Bevan, Messrs \V. Davies, W. Bevan, W. H. Pryce Pritchard. The discussion, "Town or country life was ably opened by Messrs R. Clayton and G. Price, and neat speeches were also given by Rev J. Davies, Rev T. L. Martin. Messrs W. Disley and J. E. Tomley. The following also took part in the programme :—Mrs Davies, Misses Holl, Lily Matthews, Mary Davies, Messra E. Davies, and T. G. Evans. The usual vote ot thanks terminated the proceedings.

I LLANWNOG. LECTrRE.-The Rev Jenkin Jones, of Newtowa, had a large and an appreciative audience at hia lecture on The Three Giants of Wales," which he delivered at the Congregational Chapel on Friday evening. The proceeds from sale of tickets will enable a handsome sum to be handed over to the treasurer of the church.

LLANDINAM. TEE SUBSCRIBERS to the fund of the D. Davies' Monument will be pleased to hear that at length the site is rixed upon, a.nd men are now bu-y preparing the foundation ready for its t,rec--ion. It will stand on tne road tide leading from Newtown tJ Llandinam, at the end of the iron bridge which crosses the Severn trom the village to the railway station, and to, Broueirion, the late residence of Air Daviea, and where Mrs Davits now resides.

GARTHMYL. PRESENTATION.—Mr Richard Price, of Llegodig, Whs the iecipient on Monday, April 4th, of a hand- some teapot and hot water jug, given to him by the members of Providence Chapel, on occasion of his leaving the neighbourhood. Mr Geo. Hicks made the presentation aud remarked how useful Mr frief hid beer at Providence, aud how sorry they were to lose mm. Mr Biack also spoke, aft-er which Mr Price in suitable terms acknowledged the gilts. Mr and Mrs Hicks genet ensly provided leu. aud a num. ber accepted their kind luvitition.

LLANFYLLIN. ELECTION OF CUAICDIA'S.-The election of guard- ians re-ulte,i as follows -Pobert Richards, Green Hall, Mb J. Ryle, Rose Villa, 177; Wm. Jones, tanner, Hi;3. THE EASTEE VESTRY was held on the GLhinst., the Ttcior, the Kev. T. Jones presiding Dr. F. F. Jones was appointed rector's warden, and Alr R. H. Jon-8 was elected people's watden. Messrs J. H. liooerts, R. Richards, T. Jones, W. Morris (English>r D. Parry, J. Roberts, T. Roberts (Abtrnant;, E. Lloyd, T. Roberts (Royal Oak Inn), R. M. Ellis, and J. Price Welsh), were appointed sidesmen For Liawrvcwm, Messrs W. Roberts, E. Jones, D. E. J aD es, T. Jones, \V. Joues, J. Roberts, R. Jones, and R. Lerris were appointed sidesmen.

CAERSWS. MARRIAGE.—On Thursday, the 30th ult., this village was tuftte on the occasion of tne marriage of Miss Annie Pryce, daughter of Mrs Pryce, Caersws. and grand-daughter ot the late Mr R. Meddins, of Civn-llydin, to Mr William Jones, eon of the Jate Mr Griffith Jones, Cambrain Railway guard, Llanidloes. Tne ceiamony took place at the Wesieyan ChapeJ, Newtown, the Rev F. Hunter being the officiating minister. The happy couple spent their wedding day at Caersws, With a best of friends and well. wishers. The wedding presents were numerous and Costly. Canon firing mid uther tokenw of respect to the ha.ppy couple were kept trp througnout the day. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BJBLE SOCIETY.-Oil Wednesday, l^.h inst., tne annual meeting of the local auxiliary ot the British and Foreign Bibla ety was held in thu British Scbooiroo-n. The cliair was taken by D. Campbell. The report was read by Mr K. Ti s'ey, secretary, and an exoellent. address was eiven by the deputation, the Rev F. D. Thompson, of Leeds. Miss S. J. Rooerts and Miss Maggie Franc.s were re-elected co-debtors fur the year. A vote of thinks to the deputation was proposed by Mr Tilsl-y and seconded by Mr E. Jones, Park, orought a very luterooting meeting to a close. LORD, SUDELET'S REKT A-CDIT.-The rent audifr of tne Caersws district of Gregynog estate was held at the Buck Hotel on Friday last. Mr W. Scott Owen, the respected ag-ent of Lord Sudeley, was im attendance. An abatement oi 2u per cent on the past year's rent due last Michaelmas was made. Aftsr Dusiness, about twenty tenants sat dOoNU to an excellent dinner, provided and served in Host Thomas's ut-uai good sttle, to which ample justice, was done. Tne Chairman was Mr W. Scott Owen. and he was by Mr Thomas Francis iTynwr) On the removal of the cloth, various toasis were pro- posed and duly honoured. Ljrd Sudeley'e, Hon. C. Hanbury-Traci "s, and Mr W i i -at O -ven'd healths v,vre received with vociferous c:>eer» and drank with musical honours. In proposing ihe heaitb of their landlord, Air Fiancis spoke in thr highest teinis of his liberality to his tenau « and to the many ways he had assisted them during the recent depression. lie said tnat if ail the landlords in IVitie6 were l'ke Lord Sudeley there would be no need ot a R Couimie- siou on agricuiTnre and tne tenure of land in Wales. The Royal Commission w.s not wanted on Gregynog estate. In conclusion, he asked Mr Owen to sonvejr their thanks to his lordsnip tor the 20 per cent aba. e. ment which he had allowed them, as well as his assist- ance for paying one half the cost uf hire of an entire horse, which the co-nmittei- had receauy selected The Yice-chairman, in proposing thehe Jthof Mr W. Scot.-Owen, reier.ed to his sympathy with the tenantry during the pr. s"nt depree, on, and to his aid in lorwarding any hin^ that would be likely to assist them, e-ich as dai-y classes, nitinutittiexpen. ments, were given during the remainder of the eveiing by Messrs Oharlt-s Benbow, Es-an Davies, Richard Nutting, and A. D. Jones.