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THE WELSH EARMEK.
THE WELSH EARMEK. AN APPEAL TO THE LAND COMMISSIONERS. ABOUT twelve months ago, as a result f strong representations, we interviewed several of the prominent landowners, land agents, and leading agriculturists of this county with respect to the condition of the farming industry. The facts published in our columns showed the farmer to be in such a hopeless position, which was not only absolutely alarming, but entailed grave fears that unless something were done, and that speedily, to relieve the strain, the Welsh farmer would become as extinct as tlro dodo. People are apt to think that the farmer's complaint is something like the t boy's cry of "wolf" in the earlier part of the fable. Possibly the spirit which is the ouieome of a dependence upon the weather in a. fickle climate is a grumbling one, but the revelations then made could leave no doubt on any mind as to the real crisis through which the farmer was passing. The general opinion of the tenants was that the landlords had not sufficiently recognised the difficulties of the situation, by merely making a reduction of a small per ceutage oft an unjust rent. It was advocated that the tenant should be remunerated first before the landlord, .and that the rate and tithe .collector should follow in his wake. A reduction of. 50 per. cent. in rent, the estab- lishment of a Land Court for Wales, in which the whole question between landlord And tenant could be thrashed out, or a gliding scale to be mutually agreed upon by both parties. The remarkable interview with Captain D H. MYTTON, of Garth, will probably be within the recollection of our readers. This gentleman, who is a landlord, and also a practical farmer, admitted frankly that farming was to him an annual Jogg—his balance sheet for the last year showing a deficit of 1372 4s. Id. The establishment of a Land Court, he thought would be one of the most mischievous thing. that could be introduced," and ibe doubted whether the appoint- ment of a Committee of Enquiry would be of any benefit. In lieu of a md Court, he suggested that tenants, should go to the landlord and ask for a reduction of rent, and he felt sure their case would receive every consideration. Captain MYTTOX admitted that "the fall in rents ¡:Wile not equal to the prices at that moment, but, they were then (September, 1892,) j .anui;lmliy low, and should not be taken as nn average." The facts given by Captain MyrEON were of the greatest importance. If he were bereft of his other sources of income, exclusive of his farming profits, he would be in the same position as the ordinary tenant farmer To the latter, who is dependent solely for his livelihood on the .cultivation of the soil, an annual loss means bankruptcy and ruin. Such was the direful aspect of affairs. Though not laying claim, to have been the prime movers in directing public attention to the condition of the Welsh fariner, we;, .may aafely say that the statements made a your ago and made public through the medium of the Express and Times were such -,&B to gain the ear of the public, and also in A direct way to arrest the immediate notice of ti e representatives of the people in Parlia- ment. They were made aware through our columns of the condition of the Mont- gomeryshire farmers. Revelations, much of ihe same character, were forthcoming from other parts of the Principality, and the result was that the Government deemed it j expedient to appoint a Land Commission to eaqture into the conditions of agriculture. This body has now been engaged in taking evidence, and will shortly visit Montgomery- ehite. Meantime,in order toascertaininaless formal manner the opinion of the farmers upon their prospects, we addressed a circular letter to prominent agriculturists throughout the county, in which was sought infor- luatioa upon (a) the result of the harvest, ,(b) the winter prospects (c) and the farmers financial condition. Suggestions for the .benefit of agriculturists were also invited. The replies have been published, and there •,j8 a. remarkable concensus of opinion. -Cereals are a fair average, and harvested in good condition; roots are being ruined by ,mildew. With a light hay harvest and the almost total absence of rain the outlook for -the winter is very gloomy, while the price tilow offered for stock makes the struggle of the farmer, in the words of Mr. LAWTON Moons, heart-breaking." As to the :-fLtwuicial condition both hill and lowland farmers unite in saving it is even worse than a year ago. The profit of the past rtweive months has been practically nil, while there has been a steady drain upon Jiis other resources. OUt correspondents were selected indis- ••eriminately from both political parties, and were distributed over an area extending from Brampton Brian to Llangurig, and frout Llanbadarn-fynydd to Meifod. We Jttto«r they are fully representative of the .agricultural community Taking these facts sinto consideration, no other conclusion can "be come to but that farmers are verging on ,ingotvency-tind that through no fault of ;-their own. but as the result of natural and .economic laws. The first question then is, ..hat can be done to enable them to tid-i "over this season ? It should not be forgotten that it is not one bad season after a number ,of prosperous years, but a bad one succeed- ing fifteen years that have been more or less ,uu prtpfitable to the farmer. What we ,.b.ouM like to see would be the landlords of tthe county meeting together and agreeing Z*1 ,that the rent for the current half-year should not be demanded. Its moral effect would be such that the landlords themselves would derive the greatest benefit. Farmers would be so encouraged that the new life And energy imparted to them would mani- fest itself in the improved condition of the farm. The relation between landlord and itanant-which is in nuiny instances very indifferent—would be vastly improved, and in the face of the enquiry of the Royal Commission the landlords themselves would be the greatest gainers. Judging from past experience we are soarineed the landlords will do nothing of ow kmd. Many of them, like SHYLOCK, will still demand their pound of flesh, without abatement, whether their working partner, the tenant, be ruined thereby or not. Under these circumstances we invite the members of the Welsh Land Commission to take this matter into their most serious consideration. From the rate of progress they have alreidy, made they will probably not be able to issue their report before the end of 18'1; and another year will elapse before it can possibly be legislated upon. To the Welsh farmer this will be too late. His bit of capital will have been eaten up by rent, and he himself will have been reduced to the oosition of a labourer or to that of a beggar Why then should not the Com- mission at once present an interim report during the next month. The Government then might pass a short Act during the I Autumn Session suspending the operation of the Law of Distress except under an order from the County Court, wherein it had been shewn that the farmer was in a position and had realised from his farm sufficient to pay his rent. allowance having been made for working expenses. This measure would operate just in those instan- ces in which it was most needed, and would remain inoperative in those cases where the landlords have in the past generously met their tenants with abatements. There is one other matter of which the Commissioners have already had experience It is the difficulty of getting farmers to publicly state their grievances. The total absence of combination has rendered the Welsh farmer dumb in the presence of his landlord. It will be noticed that even the majority of our Reports on the Harvest are unsigned. One would have thought that an innooent statement such as was invited would not endanger the position of a tenant. But the fear of the landlord enters into every thought and action of the soil tiller. It is therefore to be hardly wondered at if the position and the prospects of the agri- culturist are not fully investigated and fairly put in evidence before the Commis- sioners. We can only trust that the temer- ity displayed will have the effect of induc- ing Lord CARRINGTON and his fellow mem- bers to place great importance on the utter- ances of the few who come forward, because they in reality represent the opinions of the many.
BEGINNING AT HOME.
BEGINNING AT HOME. A LETTER appears in another column, over the signature of Mr. ALFRED FORD, which has been written at the request of the Board of Manage- ment of the Montgomeryshire Infirmary. The letter is primarily intended for the minister, churchwardens, deacons, and leaders in the chapels and churches throughout the county, and will, we sincerely trust, receive a prompt response. One would have imagined, in these days of practical religion, that not a place of worship would be without at least a yearly collection on behalf of some local institution designed to alleviate pain and suffering. And yet, to our shame be it con- fessed, only four chapels throughout the whole county sent a contribution last year to the Mont- gomeryshire Infirmary. [The churches did far better, the number subscribing being fourteen.] Perhaps the omission is due to want of thought. If so, it is high time our thoughtless friends were reminded that the Montgomeryshire Infirmary is an unsectarian, benevolent institution, which carries out the teaching of the Great Founder of Christianity in an unobtrusive, but effectual manner. The conversion of black cannibals is no doubt a duty obligatory upon Christians, but the I claims of sickness and distress at our doors are at least as obvious and deserving. And yet, only four Montgomeryshire Chapels publicly acknow- ledged this last year!
REGISTRATION COURTS. -
REGISTRATION COURTS. MACHYNLLETH. Mr Arthur Elpliinstone Lloyd eat at the Lion Hotel, on Tuesday, to revise the registration lists. Mr Ffoulkes Jones appeared for the Liberals, and Mr C Shuker for the Conservatives.—Mr Shaker ob. jected to the vote of John Jones, Mallwyd, on the ground that the house was in Merionethshire. There was a workshop in Montgomeryshire, but he lived in the adjoining house, which was in Merionethshire. Ttie Assistant Overseer said that he had lived for 25 years in Mallwyd, and paid rates for the county. He had also been objected to for many years.—Mr David Evans said he knew ,tbat Jones had a house and workshop, which were situated in Montgomeryshire. He rented and occupied the house. He knew because he held premises close by, and the boundary line of the county was between his shop and Jones s smithy. —In reply to the Barrister, the AssistaJit Overseer paid the man was on the lists as a voter in Merioneth- shire.—Mr Ffoulkes Jonea said the man was not pr. sent to prove his claim, as for many years he had been objected to. but the objection could not be sus- tained. He had a large family, and he knew thattbe man lived some, imes at one of his houies, at least, some of his chil di on did, and sometimes at the other house in Merionethshire.—Mr Shuker: But he can't have a vote in two counties.—The Barrister: Ob, yes, he can -Mr F. Jones said it was not neoessary for a man to live in a house altogether in order to qualify himself for a vote. The house was properly furnished, and he exercised rights over it. The Barrister 1 he question is does he ever sleep there ? —The Assistant overseer said that he did sometim-Fe when at his work.—The Barrieter said he thought he must transfer him to Division 3 (County Couneil voters list.)—Mr Shuker: Do you think he is entitled to a vote for Division 3 ? —Ttte Barrister Oh yes, certainly.—While going through the Cemmes list, the name of a woman appeared as claiming for a vote in division 3, and it was stated that she claimed as being the successor to her late husband's property In her own name she had not held the tenancy for 12 months -Mr Shuker said it had been the practice of Mr Marshall (late revising barrister) to allow such claims.—The Barrister expressed his doubt as to whether the woman was properly qualifed, and said he would give his ruling.—Mr Ffoulkes Jones said whatever his decision was the agents would accept it. —The Barrister: I don't see how the claim can be allowed. The law clearly does not give me tie power, and I cannot allow it.—Mr Shuker objected t(1 the claim for a vote made by Thomas Jones, Voel, Cann Office, on the ground that he was nut tenant. Claim disallowed -Mr Shuker objected to the vote of Hugh Parry because he resided with Arthur Davies, his father-in law, at Cemmes.—The vote wa"; allowed nn the ground that he paid the rates, but. Arthur Divies's vote was disallowed.—The vote ot Ann Kvane was objected to by Mr Sbuker on the ground that she was not 21.—Mr Evans said he knew Ann Fvaus was 24 Vote allowed. -Evan Roberts wai obj -cted to ou the ownership vote by Mr Shuker on the ground that he had not been owner long enough. The vote was allowed. Mr Lloyd afterward* sat to revise the borough lists, when Mr Ffoulkes Jones appeared for the Liberals, and Mr T. J. Pugh for the Conservatives. LLANBRfNMAIR. On Wednesday the Court met at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Llanbrynmair. The Liberals were re- presented by Mr Cecil Taylor, Newcown, and Mr C. Shuker again appeared for the Conservative party. Mr Tdylor made an important application to the Barrister with respect to the supplying of the lists of the different parishes to the party agents. He thought the Revising Barrister would agree with him that the agents rendered very great and material assistance to the work of the Court and to the over- seers in securing a perfect register. The applic.iiion he made was that the li-ts should be supplied free of cost, and that the cost should be included in the overseers' certificate of expenses. In support of his applicattd he cited a similar application which had been made and granted in the Sleatord Division of Lincolnshire. Mr Shuker heartily supported the application. The Barrister remarked that be was donbtful1 whether he had the power tc accede to the request which had been made to him. If he possessed the power, he would do so willingly. as he fully recognised the assistance which be received from the party agents He would give the matter farther consider- ation, and make his decision at a future Court. An objection to Mr Evan Evans, Blaenyowm, on the part of the Conservatives fell to the ground.—A technical point arose with regard to the admission of the name of Martha Swancott. Mr Shuker said that the lady was allowed to live rent free, in considera- tion of which she acted the part of caretaker of a. I chapel. A man tinder similar circumstances would be placed on division two, but it was not permissbile to place a woman on that list. As she did not pay rates, he argued that she was not entitled to a voto. —The Barrister said it was a technical point, find he held she was not entitled to a vote.- rho Liberals nude two lodger claims, one of which was sustained, and the Consoi vatives put forward one claim which was considered good.—The lists for the parish of Carno were next examined, but nothing of interest transpired. LLANIDLOES. The Court was held at the Town Hall, Llanidloes, on Thursday. Mr Shuker and Mr Pugh appeared tor the Tory party, and Mr Richard Morgan for the Liberals.—Mr Morgan object d to the name of Mr T. E. Knsey being placed on the owner's list for Llan. dinam, on the ground that he was not an owner.—Mr Shuker objected to the validity of the objection, and said that it did not reach Mr Kinaey until Juiy 21st, whereas it should have be-n served on July 20th, which was on a Sunday.—Mr Morgan produce I a certificate to show that the objection was placed in the bauds of the post office officials on the 19th July. —The Barrister: Sunday does not count. Subse- quently on referring to the Act he said that the ob- jection must be delivered in the ordinary cost of post on July 20th, and as there was no Sunday de. livery at Llandinam, the ordinary course of post would be on Monday morning. He must therefore disallow the objection.-IA the parish of Litngurig, an objection to Mr David Jones, an outvoter, by Mr Morgan fell through on the same grounds as that of Air Kinsey.—A claim was made by Thotnas Morri", C vmbellan, as owner.—Mr Shuker called the appli- cant, who said when his father died be left him the house, which be claimed for.—Mr Morgan asked for the production of the probate, and on looking thr ngii it disco-, ered that the claimant's father had left his wife his property for her life, and that he only had a reversionary interest, and the Barrister at once struck off the name.-William Beadnell, Cefn Farm, claimed as a joint tenant with his father in holding the farm. Evan Griffiths and David Hughes, made similar claims. In each instance the names were erased from the register, the Barrister stating that it was only a way of manufacturing votes.-William jonee, Hafonfedgar, claimed as the occupier of his larm, but the claim was not permitted to pass, as the "vidence given did not satittfy tho Barrister that the tenancy was of the necessary period. A similar fate hefel the claim of Mr Pryce George. Thomas Edwaid Hamer, Pompenpren, claimed as a joint tenant with his father, and Mr Morgan sustained the claim. Be- yond that Mr John Jones, Penrhiew, WAS struck off, and the name of Mr David Roberts, DrlraeseIJdm, was put on, nothing of interest occurred in going through the list of the parish of Trefeglwys.—At the conclusion the Barrister complimented the Overseers of the parishes of Llangurig, Llandinam and Trefeg- lwys ou the care which they bad exercised in prepar- ing the lit,Mr Shuker said that Mr Marshall had noticed the same thing when he acted as revising barrister. On the resumption of the sitting after lunch, the lists for Llanidloes parish were examined. The claim of William Henry Williams was objected to by Mr Shuker. Mr Morgan argued that the objection was not valid, iuasmuch as the notice of objection never reached him.—Mr Shuker admitted having received the letter oontaing the objection back through the dead letter office, but contended that he had carried out the law. He had been informed that the pro- perty was not Mr Williams, and that it was mort. gaged.—Mr Thomas Jerman (Town Clerk's office) said he knew the claimant had property worth JJ100 a year, out of which he had to pay X40 to his brother. He was unaware that the property was mortgaged, and asked who was the mortgagee?—Mr Shuker replied that he was unable to supply the in- formation.—The objection was not sustained.—Mr Owen L!oyd Evans, Crowlwm, claimed to have his name inserted on the list of voters as joint tenant with his brothers, and to which the Liberals objected on the ground that he had not been joiot tenant a sufficient length of tiine.-Mr Evans skid he and hi. brothers were in joint partnership in the farm, and had been since July last, his mother's death occur- I rlD in June. He and his mother were in partner- ship at the time of her death.-The Barrister said the claim was good, but he must take off the names of claimant's brothers. A Conservative objection to David Jervis failed. The borough list was then gone into. The first ob- jec ion was by Mr Morgan to the name of Mr E D. Davies (London and Proviucial Bank) on the lodgers list, but the claim was deemed good and allowed. A contrary fate befel the claim of David Rich, which wax supported by the Tories, the Barrister not being stti-fied that the roonti were of the requisite value. —The Conservatives made an objection to Mr Thus. George, of election petition fame, and by mutual con- sent his name was removed from divis.on 1 todivioion 2.-Mr Pugh urged onjfeotiuns against Measi.s KdwA Hamer, Mount Srreet, and William Baxter Franc s, Penvcraig, but in both instances tue cleiins were allowed. NEWTOWN. The Court was held at the Public Booms, New. town, on Friday. Mr Richard Williams appeared for the Liberal party, and Mr Charles Shuker, for th- Conservatives. While going through the Aber bafesp lists, the name of Mr Richard Jones, of Rhiewbai k, appeared on the occupiers list.—Mr Shuker asked tithe claimant had occupied the farm for the qualifying period.—Mr Williams said be had been sole tenant since March, but up to that time had been joint tenant with his father.—The Barrister doubted whether the claim was good, but said he could not cross off the name as no objection had been made (laughter.) On the assistant overseer presenting his bill for printing the lists, Mr Williams rose and said he understood an appli- cation had been made at other Courts with respect to the allowance of the oots of the copies of the ii,ts of voters supplied to the party agents. It was a very rea-onabie application, and the agants assisted the Court in getting through the work. Taka for in- stance the lodger list of Newtown and Llantlwchaiarn. There were a great many c aims, and the party agents had gone into them thoroughly, with the re- sult that very few would be contested before the Court. The Barrister said he quite appreciated the assist- ance which the agents rendered to ihe Court, but unless they could show some section of the Registra- tion Act which empowered him to make the allow- ance, he could not do so. The section expressly stated that the expense- to be allowed were those of the overseers, and they could not well state that the fur wishing of the lists to the agents came within the ineani,-g of the Act. Mr Williams replied that the overseers supplied lists to the Clerk of the Peace and as the agent facilitated the business of the Court their costs might be included also. The Barrister The law says that the Clerk of the Peace shall be supplied with lifrts. I would mike an ordr if I had any Statutory power to do so, but I am utterly unable to do it. I should merely be going round a corner to eff ct something which I have not the power to do. I know some of toy colleagues do m ike such orders as that asked for, but I am at a loss to understand upon what grounds they do it. The Act. says that any expense incurred is to by for the carrying out of the provisions of the Act I dec ine to accede to the application, because I have no power to do so, but 1 have no doubt befo-e next year the revising barristers will meet and decide upon what course they will take in the future.—la the parish of Llanmerewig, Messrs Samuel Owen 0.0,1 Charles Miller, sous of Mr Samuel I Miller, The Court, claimed to have their name in A rted all occupiers, being joint tenants with th ir fathers—Mr Williams objec ed.—Mr S. O. Miller said that his father's farm was very extensive and he and his brother ^ad part mmigement. Tney were join tenants with the r father, and bad bet • ecosinis«d as such bv th" landlady. The a^reemeut was produced, show ng date June, 1S92.—Th-) B ir- rister said th, objectlOn had tailed and allowed the caim. The same persons al«> claimed for th-* b rough of Newtown, and objected to by Mr Williams, who, however, withdrew his objecion, and thi names were passed—Mr Williams objected t Edwin Lewis, whe-l-rigiit, for the parish of Mouh- dre, but the Barrister disallowed the objection for wintof suffi cient evideTice.-An objection mane t » Mr Richard L. Pryoe, Kings Head Inn, Newtown, by Mr Williams on the grouud of insufficient value was sustained. After an a-ijour m^nt for lunch, the Court reas- sembled. when the borough lists were taken. Mr Williams objected t > the insertion of the nimn of Thomas V. Morris, Park Street, on the occupiers' li-t. "If he was not, th" tenant.—Morris statpd that ht had been tenant of the home from 1st May, 1892.— Mr Ct-cil Taylor said that Mrs Morrill had told him that Rbrt was tenant until August, 1892, and Mr Goodwin (assistant overseer) said that the cisimant. asked him to put him on the rate book in September, and he mmplied with thi request.—Mi-s Worthington of Market Street, stated that Mr Morris entered into the tenancy on August 1st, 1892, when his mithr-r gave up the tenaucy. The Btrrister disallowed the claim. Mr Pugh said that when he asked Miss Worthing. ton if Morris was tenant on August 2nd, the date of a rent reoeipt. she would not swear that he was not. He thought there should be better evidence than that before a claim was disallowed. The Barrister: I am here, sir, to determine the evidence, and 1 disallow the claim (laughter.) Mr Williams objected to the claim of James Pryce, Albion Ya-d, that the place where he lived was not a dwelling house. Pryoe said he hired the house which was furnished, and to which there was a sepa- rate entrance. The landlord was John Weaver,' of the Albion Inn. The objection was disallowed On leaving the room Pryce gavp an exhibition of his ability and intelligence to exercise the frÚcise, by t iving utterance t. a long string of iucoherent drivel, which canred Mr Williams to remark that, he was not thei. responsible for what ne said.- Air Williams also objected to Mr W. H. Swettenham being on the occu- piers' list; tii- objection faile i, and the vote was a, lowed.-i%lr Pugh objected to Mr William Jones, Canal Basin, alleging that he htd not occupied the house for the qualifying period.—Mr Jones sa d he took the house in May, 18^2, when he commenced to place furniture in it, preparatory to taking unto him- self a wife. He got mai ried in September, but before theo he frequently slept on the premises. The ob- jection fell through.-Air Williams obj-cted to the claim of Arthur Jones, Qaeeti's Head t'ourt, on the grounds that it was not a tenement aDd that he had not been in occupation for 12 months.—A brother of claimant said that the place was an outbuilding. Mr Pugh said that people lived next door to it. The Barrister: A thousand people may live next dour to an outbuilding, and that will not make it a Louse. Claimant's brother said that he only slept there nboiio six months ago. The Barrister: Borough franchise! (laughter.) Your last witness has put you out of court. An objection was lodged against John Tooker, Marston Terrace, which was (sustained.—Mr Pagil objected to Mr George Lewis, Turiiei's Lane. Mr Cl-ment Jones proved he tenancy, and xaid that the man had left the h JUSJ aoout a month ago.—The ob- jecti n fell through Mr Jojies a-ked for expenses, and the Barrister said that Mr Pugh havii.g lost tha day should pay s ôJ (laughter.) Mr Paxh No. Mr Williams called him. The Barrister Hut you lost the objec ion. Mr Pugh (to Mr Jones): That's airight. I'll see you. Mr .Tones: I would rather have it now (roars cf laughter.) Ultimately Mr Williams lent Mr Pugh the requisite sum. A Conservative objection was lodged against Mr Albert Edward Bright for an incomplete t-nuncy. I'he rent book was produced and showed that Bright ceased his tenancy of the house on July 22nd. Mr Pugh eliciied from the witness that the house wis tne property of Mr R chard Lloyd, after which he sug- gested to witness that he (witness) put d -wii the sig- uature to the rent book as having received the money instead of the landlord. Witness replied that it was not so, and Mr Williams said that Mr PugH had no right to make unfair insinuations. Tne objection was disallowed, and Bright asked for expenses (laughter.) The Barrister Oh, yes, you are entitled to half-a- crown. {, Mr Pugh: He only works over the way, and I don't think tie should have any allowed him. The Barrister It is not for you to say that. Mr Pugh: He has lost no time, and has got no claim. The B-irrister: I must request you to be quiet, sir. Amidai unrestrained merriment Mr Jugu forked out of his pocket the half-crown, and reluctantly handed it to Bright, who was app ir-ntly well catisded. The next objection by Mr Williams was that handed it to Bright, who was app ir-ntly well eatistied. The next objection by Mr Williams was that agiinst Thomas Morgan, of Foundry Terrace, who, on his name being caileJ, entered into a confabula- tion with Mr Pusrh, who afterwaida stated that Morgan told him that he gave notice to the agent to give up the tenancy on the 17th July, but he, being a s roug Liberal, altered it to the 10th July. Mr Clayton (the agent): I must protest against that, sir. Mr Williams: You have no right to say that. Mr Pugh He says he gave notice to give up the tenancy on the 17th July, and that the agent's clerk has altered the date to the 10th July. Mr Williams Are you prepared to swear that ? Mr Clayton May 1 ask one question, with your permission ? The Barrister t Certainly not, but you may give evidence if you like. Thomas Morgan, sworn, said that he gave Clayton II otice to quit, which would end on ttie 17th July. He pro luc- d his father's rent book to sho-v that, but on cXLtnination the rent boo* showed t-iat the incoming tenant paid rent from the 10th July. He said it was a done up job." The Barrister: You cannot prove that.. Mr Clayton denied the allegations which had been ma 'e, and said that on the 26 h June, Morgan gave him notice to quit, which be accepted. On 30th June he kisked witness if he could stay in the house another week, and he gave bi m permission. Mr Pugh commenced to cross-examine the witness, aud ma, e an allegation. Mr Williams: I mut protest against that. You a e not, justified in making that remark. Mr Pugh I am not speaking to you, I am asking the witness a question. 1(r Williams I must protest against it, sir. I.te,Barris,.er. What w.,ts it, r did not hear itr Mr Williams Mr Pugh was making untruthful al- legations against the witness, and I protested against them. ( The Barrister: Let him make what insinuations he likes, it won't influence me (loud laughter). I shall not be prejudiced by what he says. I shall de- termine upon the weight of the evidence put before me. Mr Williams Yon should not make these insinua- tions. Ultimately the objection proved good. Mr Williams, amid great laughter, asked for the allowance of Clayton's expenses. The Barrister said he would allow half-a-crown (renewed laughter.) Mr Pu^h purely, I am not to be called on to pay for these witnesses (laughter.) Clayton: Thank you, sir, 1 will not have anything. Mr Pugh objected to Fred Pryce Jones, and the objection was suetained.-The Court then rose. MONTGOMERY. The Revising Barrister f Ir this district opened his court at the Town Hall, Montgomery, on Saturday forenoon. The county lists wre taken first, and Mr E Powell represented the Liberals; Mr C. Shuker appeLLred for the Conservatives. Thyre were ro cases of interest, and the final result was as follows: L'beral objections m'!iJe-5, sustained—2; Conserva- tive claim-i made-22, sustained 17 Conservative objections—5, -ustaip-d 2. In the revision of the borough lists Mr Martin Woosnam acted for the Liberals, and Mr T. J. Pugh for the Conservatives. In division one of the occupiers' list two objections had been submitted, to the names of Robert Beddoes and John Rowlands, but both were withdrawn. For the freemen's list two objections h:id been made by the Liberals. The name of Thomas Davies, POOl. road, was struck out; and regarding the case of F. H. Lloyd, Mr Pugh call-d Mr Watkin, proprietor of the Dragon hotel.— Witness said that Mr Lloyd had the us-3 of a sitting room at the Dragon, and also rented a bedroom, for which he paid ten shillings weakly.—Cross-examined by Mr Wootnam-He was not sure as to the number of the bedroom, but he could show him the window of it (laughter). Other people had slept iu the room, but it was always ready for init Lloyd when he came; amongst other things he kept a cise of birds' eggs in it (laughter). The claim was allowed, and this concluded the business.
THE HARVEST.
THE HARVEST. The harvest being now completed, we have ap- plied to prominent agriculturists in Montgomery- shire and Radnorshire to supply us with their opinion on the following points, tor publication in the Express:- i.f he probable yield, cereals and root crops. 2.—The prospects with regard to keep for stock during the coming winter, and how they compare with previous year-. 3.— the financial prospects of the farmer. Are they better or worse than they were a year ago ? 4.-Any suggestions calculated to benefit agri- culturists. The following replies have been received, in addition to those published in our two previous issues. Some of the writers' names are omitted at their request. XVII. 11 answer to your cnqu ry a t. thA probable yield of the cereal crops it is very difficult to estimate as I yet so little ot them being threshed, but, what has been has tr.rnert out very well There will be quite all average of Oats and Barley, bur. the straw is very fine and short. The Wheat pl..t was nearly every- where about here very thin, aud did not hold much caning. E irly sown Swedes came up well, but are now at a standstill aud are suffering from mildew. Later sownoues nON took healtuy with luxuriant leaves, but have small root- as yet. Turnips doing very well. The meadow hay crop was VerI light., not one. third of a crop, when cut earlv the aftermath has done very well. C overs on thd wt.ole have been good with pplendid aftermaths. Several second crops have oeeu cut and harvested. Harvesting litter has been the order of the day, fern rushes, etc., to avoid using any straw for beddivg. I am afraid most of us will have to be very careful of all the fod- der we have to tide over the ocming winter, as we cannot sell any store cattle at anythi If; like remu. nerative prices, and the pastures beiag very bare will necessitate the stock being lake i in early- many farmers taking advantage of the oarly harvest and continued dry weather in cleaning stubbles, and in a few instances of putting in rfe, vetches, etc., but we cannot expect much bulky food from them. ine prospect is not a as the farmer will certainly have to provide moRey other than that made 0'11 the farm for the last three years to meet his payments. The price of wool and store stock serious- ly affects the upland farmer. I don't think the price of corn is of much importance to him, as what little is grown is nearly always consumed on the farm. I am g-lad to sea a movement is made to indnce the Scotch feeder to come to Wales for bis lean stock, as we have a lot of well-bred and healthy young cattle very suitable for fattening. I have no suggestions to offel" that I know of that would benefit agriculturists, unless it was to stop all importations of live cattle, because if disease was to come among our herds it would be the last straw on the back of the already overburdened farmer. E. Llandinam. XVIII. 1. Cereals and roots are wonderfully good in this district. Wheat, Barley, and Oats must be oon. sidered about an average crop, and promises to yield well, although little has been thrashed yet. Potatoes a full crop, swedes and Mangold are better generally than any district I have seen, although the earliest sown seem to stop growing and are ripening flist The late sown have more bulk, and are still improv- ing. 2. Respecting keep for stock, etc. Meadow Hay is not more than half a crop. Clover better, especially in the more hilly districts. Pastures very bare, and stock will have to be housed early, to live on straw aud roots chiefly. 3. The financial prospects of the farmer must be decidedly worse, as the price of all produce of the farm is ruinously low. 4. I nave no practical suggestions to make under this question, other than rent and rates are high al- though some of the large landowners return 10 to 12 per cent. Rates are heavy payments, and should by some means be reduced. Wages are still high con- sidering the numbers that are walking about idle, which could be employed on the land if we had the money to pay them. EVAN CHAPMAN. Morfodion, Llanidloes. XIX. 1. Wheat does not bulk well after carting the ears are splendid. I think the yield will be: under the average. The wheat weighs weli, and an excellent sample, the kernel being very plump. Barley-Very little sown hereabout, and that is light. OatS) now and then a good field of oats. On the whole short in straw, and will not bulk well. Under average yield. Peas-L*ttle sown. Too dry for peas. Swedes-A few good fields, on the whole the leaves nearly cover the ground, and with a fine Autumn the bulbs may grow to a fairly good size. Mildew sets in. Pota. toes as far as I have seen ara good, the rows without blanks. The writer has a splendid lot of magnum bonums planted in the middle of April. Very large and free from disease. Fruit-Apples abundant. Stone fruit very plentiful. Cider making in full swing. 2 The prospects with regard to keep for stock are gloomy and dreary in the extreme. Now and then a good ÍÎeld of red clover, but does not cart well. Hay crop 30 to 40 per cent below an average, and pastures are burnt up and bare I notice in my rambles about the country, an un;qoe phenomenon—erstwhile the quondam occupiers of rickyards have absconded, I no aoubt, like other delinquents, to escape doing duty as provender for stock during the ensuing winter. I can draw no parallel between this year, and any year within my remembrance. In my opin- ion there is no analogy betwixt this year and any other year. This year is the beginning of the end; disaster on disaster, and insolvency staring the far- mers in the face. o. ihe foregoing remarks anticipates this query. Ttere is no juxtaposition betwixt this year and the year 1879, which was a very bad one. The farmers then hid a little money in their purees, but now, ala-s the last farthing is spent. Prof. James Long says there is a plentiful hay crop in Canada and the south western states of America; but as farmers cannot sell their stock, and they have no money in their purses, it is as useless as a child crying for the moon. 4. I now come to number fonr, on which, I will make some observations, and offer two suggestions calculated to benefit my brother farmers. Our friend Mr Miiler says that our legislators and statesmen should set to work to find out some remedy for the farmers difficulties. I think Mr Miller need not go so far a-fidld to find a remedy. i will try to point out to my brother farmers, as succintly and as plain as I can, two practical sug- gestions for their careful consideration, and immedi- ate adoption, if they should consider them feasible. After a long and painful study of the Land Laws for over fifty years, and of careful observation, read-, ing, and reflection thereon, I have arrived at the oon- viction that I am right. I have arrived at this COB- cmsirmm tne mce of "great oppositi-ja rrnicii wouioi tend to cause me to take another view. My first suggestion is, let the farmer^ convene a conference to be held in Bome central place mott convenient, and let the farmers move a resolution to the effect that rents should be reduced permanently bj one- half, and not make temporary abatements, with the ¡ intention of keeping up the oid rack rent on the first sign of improvements in prices of farm produce. Then let the farmers sign a round robin. If the landlords refuse to grant the suggested reduction of rent, then let the farmers absolutely refuse in a body to pay the next forthcoming hili'-yiar's rent. Union is strength. Let the farmers form a farmers' Union, and their demands will be irresistible. The foregoing to pay the next forthcoming hili'-yiar's rent. Union is strength. Let the farmers form a farmers' Union, and their demands will be irresistible. The foregoing suggestion would bring matters to a crisis, and would be of immediate relief. Lady Talbot's tenantry adopted a similar course, and why not the tenant farmers of Montgomeryshire ? My second sugges- tion would be more difficult of accomplishment, be- cause more dilatory. I shall make a few statements under this head, and leave my readers, if I shall have any, to draw their own conclusions. Paren- thetically I beg most respectfully to call the most careful attention of my brother-farmers to the evi- dence of Mr Walter B. C. Jones, land agent, before the Land Commission, at Dolgelley, on Thursday week. There is a combination of landlords Tenant farmers go and do likewise. Brother-farmers, com- bine, combine, combine. Your salvation is in combi- nation in one solid phalanx, and then your demands will be irresistible. Roughly, the total number of landowners in the United Kingdom are placed at 150.000, the tenant farmers at 1,100,000, and labourers five millions, over six million gain their living by the land-one land- owner to every 220 persons, henoe land is a monopo- ly. Belgium has the poorest soil in Europe, yet it has double population to the square mile that Eng- land has. It is said that no stranger is cheated in Norway, but I do not know is it so, because there are no landlords in Norway. It is generally said I that there are three interests in English land the landlord's, the tenant's, and the labourer's; but I say there's a fourth, the interest of the nation, tor whom the other three are trustees merely, during good be- haviour. Two of our trustees are incapable, and ought to be dismissed, or closely supervised. Why should not the duties of three trustees be done by one trustee ? A* British landlaws infest no other land, I suppose that a tenant farmer is indigenous to our favoured isle. Dismiss two trustees, and then the whole benefit would become the property of the one remaining trustee. No number of no rights can ever make a right. At what rate per annum does wrong become right? No less a sum than.9150,000,000 land rent and royalties are paid yearly to landlords of the United Kingdom. The payment of this huge rent of land does not increase by one jot the labour power of man, or the fertility of the soil. The on- receives without producing; the others pr >duee without receiving. The one is unjustly enriched; the others are robbed. It is the continuous increase of rent, the price that labour pays for the use of the land, which strips the many of the wealth they justly earn, to pile it up in the hands of the few who do nothing to earn it. As I cannot but just touch the fringe of this most important question. I will close my remarks with one more request to the farmers, that they will read, learn, and inwardly digest" what I have written. REFORMER. September 18th, 1893. xx. 1st. Wheat was a fair average crop, and will probably yield well. The quantity sown in this dis- trict is, however, sm-Lll, and some fields were well nigh a total failure. Barley is the best cereal crop of the year, and will doubtless yield well. Oats, far below the average, poor bulk of straw, and the quality on light soils inferior. Very little peas sown, but where sown, an excellent crop. The whole secured in good condition. Root crops Potatoes vary con- siderably. The long continued drought retarded- indeed, prevented-their growth on light soils. The disease has as usual made its appearance. Swedes, where sown early, promised well, but are now almost invariably attacked by mildew. The late sown are nothing but leaves. Mangolds have done well. 2nd. The prospects with regard to winter keep for stock are exceedingly gloomy. Hay was only a third, and in some instanoes only a fourth, of the usus, crop. Clover, a trifle better. The aftermath can scarcely be called luoh, and the grass land generally is about as bare as might be expected two months hence. The bulk of straw, too, is very small, but its good condition, together with that of the hay, M some consolation. The food will be little and good, but there are many months for it, as store stock remain unsold, no demand. 3rd. The financial prospects of the farmer are worse than they were a year ago because wages are higher, and thtprioM of all stock, pigs excepted, are lower. 4th. A reduction in local rates, to be attained by a reduction of the po.ice torce propcrtiona:e to the reduction in population the abolition of the wcrk. house system, or at least by the amalgamation of workhonsfs in Montgomeryshire. A more equitable as^-e-'sment to local rates. While farmers generally are rated to the hilt, the residences aud dfmesnes of the nobility are assessed at a mere nominal sum a termanent reduction of from 30 to 50 per cent in reat- proportionate to the prices of grain and stock irreater security of tenure and compensation for im- provements less game preserving, if not the abohtioa of the game laws and extended technical education. Bettws. T. HAMER JONES,
MR BUCKLEY'S OTTEtt HOUNDS.
MR BUCKLEY'S OTTEtt HOUNDS. On Tuesday last these hounds had another \pry ^ood day s sport, which was witnessed by a lAgs ni|ln-f>er °f ladies and gentlemen, who all remained throughout the proceedings. The place of meeting WitS Buttuigton Bridge, and a more lovely auiuma morning could not possibly be wished lor, and those who saw and admired the pretty vi-w from the bridge will not etLL-ily forget it. The sun t-hone out most brightly, at.d the woiied slopes of the Briedaen Hilis, the Long Mountain, Mcel-j'-golfa, and the hallt appeared to the greatest aavantage in the bril- liant su ishine, which brougnt out ail the differeat hues of the vari- gated foliage of the trees. Punctu- ally at the time appo'n ed-a quarter to nine—the hounds made th^ir appearance, being in the pink of condition, which reflected the greatest c edit on the huntsman, b van Jenkins. Owiugibo the unavoidable absence of the master—Mr Edmund Buckley-they were in charge of Captain Westby, who was as- sisted by several very willing helpers. The hounds commenced iramediately above Buttington Bridge, and no sooner had they reached the banks ot the river Severn than their deep-toned notes proclaimed that they had hit on a drag. while they carried on most merrily aLd musically for about a mile up the river, in the direction of Welshpool, when in a holt on the south bunk of the river the otter was marked unani- mously by the five terriers and all the hounds, and & very lively scene it was, until the otter bolted down the stream, with the hounds in close pursuit, and for a long time those fortunate enough to t-e present be- he d as fine an exhibition of the fascinating sport of "hunting the otter" as could possibiy oe desired. Tht: fun was fast and furious, and the hounds and terriers gave the otter no rest until he managed to make his way down atream, over a ford into a very long aDd deep pool, where he continued occasionally to elude bi-, pursuers, who would not be denied but k all worked with a will, nd the hounds kept the ot, er contnually on the move up and dowu the stream for -upwards of three hours, when at last, as the hounds had worked hsrd and fast all the time without the least intermission, it was decided to give up the pur- suit so as to allow the hounds sufficient time to travel to Montgomery Railway Station, where their van was in waiting to convey them home to New- town; and tbo" elided a very pleasant day's sport, which was enjoyed by all present. Several persons, who had never before witnessed an otter hunt, were inclined to believe there must have been two ottera on foot at once, as they deemed it impossible that the same otter could be viewed in such a short space of time in places eo very far apart from each other but those experienced in such matters well know the great speed at whieh the otter, when pursued by hounds, can travel through the water. It is this, and the determined and desperate manner in which the animal fights to the death, which makes the sport 99 exciting.
- CONFLAGRATIONS AT CAERSWS…
CONFLAGRATIONS AT CAERSWS AND LLANWNOG. A HOUSE BURNT DOWN. A serious outbreak of fire occurred on Mor afternoon, at Caersws Workhouse, and resulte the total destruction of a cow-building aud i sheds. The alarm was given about twu o'clocl two of the inma es. and a messenger was ha despatched to the village. In response, a It number of willing workers, headed by Mr Eva builder, qaickly wended their way to the House, aou rendered praiseworthy efforts to extinguish the fi-imes. The workhouse fire engine was brought out, and with all speed got to work. Foriunaiely the wind took the flatnes trotu the direction of the work. house buildings, or the fire might have been a very serious mishap. The fierceness of the flames was increased, and the volumes of smoke made denser, by the ignition of about ten gallons i f paraffin oil, which was stored in a building adjacent to too cow-shed. At one period it was thought that the dead-house would have been lighted, owing to the extreme heat which was thrown out, but by plenti- fully pouring water on the erection this calamity was averted. For five hours the fire raged, during which time a quantity of oats and straw, together with numerous implements, were wholly or paitially <3. Tho .j",m¡a=" "ntM tn pbont A'1* and is covered by insurance. A word of praise is due to all the inmates who worked heartily, and also to Mr John Evans, and his men. Rev. J. Hughes, Mr G. Morgan, Inspector Davies, Llandinam, Mr Jones, Cambrian House, and Mr Jones, Corner Shop. The same eveuing another fire happened in the village of Llanwnog. The conSagrat on was more serious than the outbreak at Caersws, as in this case the house of Mr Evan Jonee, a bridge carpenter, in the employ of the Cambrian Railways, tog ether with the whole of his furniture, was completely destroyed. Mr Jooes was away at work in the neighbourhood of Aberdovey at the time of the occurrence, and the dis- covery of the fire was made by his wife about half- past nine. The building, an oid structure with a thatched roof, standing deluened in some fields, was of a very inflammable nature, and the flames spread w.th alarming rapidity. The children were in bed. aud Mrs Jones rescued them with great peril aud difficul- ty. during which duty she sustained teveral burns. The little ones, six in number, were simply clothed in their night dresses, and were kiudiy tken in and sheltered by sympathising neighbours. Owiogtottio prculiar situation and nature of the composition of the house it was impossible to do anything to save it or its contents, except to watch the flames perform the work of demolition, which was accomplisned in & short time. Nearly everything was destroyed, the amoant of the damage bting estimated at .£5(), Un- fortunately, the propartv was uninsured.
+. A FARMER KILLED NEAR POOL…
+. A FARMER KILLED NEAR POOL QUAY. A shocking accident happened on Monday evening last, about six o'clock, to Mr Williams, farmer, of Toe Perthy, Pool Quay. Mr Williams was approaching the VV ern level croesing with a horse and cart, on his way to Pool Quay Station, when a train passed, and the horse, becoming unmanageable. belted. Mr Williams was is tne cart at the time, and he was thrown out, and was found on a beau of stones on the roadside, dead. Among the first who came to the Bput were, Messrs r. Vavies, W. lfiggingo, Lower House, Reus Davies, Burgeain Shop, i,na Edward Jones, Oswestry, and to tueir horror they found one whom they saw some few minutes before hale and well, a mangled corpse. The news cast a gloom over the tieight)ourbo,a,and much sympathy is felt for Mrs Williams and her children. On Wednesday Mr Maurice Jones, coroner, held an inqueat at tbe residence of deceased. Deputy Chief- ooustable Crowden watched the case on behalf of the police. The foreman of the jury was Mr J J. Higgins. Hannah Davies, wife of Samuel Davies, platelayer on the Cambrian Railway, living at the railway crossing, Burgedin, said that on Monday evening, about twenty minutes to six o'clock, she was at her house looking through the window when she saw ttie deceased coming along the road to the gates, leading a borse and cart. He was coming from the direction of Burgedin. When he came up to the crossing toe gates were closed, and he called out gate." At the simotime wituess beard a down goods traiii trcrn Us-esiry app oacbiug the crossing, but deceased cou d not Pee tie train because the house ooccureu uis line of sigut. For a moment deceased left t.t uorse's bead an i walked to the turngate about two yards away, but as soon a. the train was heard > e mstantiy turned to tne horse aud took it up We-.i an. From th-it mom: nt witness taw no more of :iim, although sue expected bim to return al .«-r tne tr".11 h*d passed. In reply to the Coroner .u<ueu raid deceased was perfec.iy sober. David Corbett, foreman platelayer, also of the railway cruise ijit, Hu-gtdin, said tt-at on Monday evening, at about 5.40, as he was returning home, when he was about 300 yards from the railway gu. a down goods train passed. He saw a burs h. nesaed to a cart, galloping up the lant7 at tne sauid time. Seeing no one in charge of the hoise, iLe ins- pected something wa* wrong, and be hunieo to the gates and asked his daughter, the last witness, whose horse and cart it was. She replied, Mr Vs illiams, of the Perthy; 1 expect him back." He thereupon went into the lane and saw deceased lying on the ground, 120 yards from the gates On getting up to him he found his head and shoulders on a heu p of stones, and his feet in the ditch. Deceased was on the near side of the road. Deceased breathed about three times aud then died, without being able to speak a word. The road was so bard and ory that it was impossible for witness to trace the wheels of the cart, but he thought one of the wheels must have gone over the deceased. There were heavy marks about deeeased's bead and face as though he had been run over. The Coroner summed up, and said he thought the jury would have no difficulty in coming to the cone a- sion that this was an accident caused by the boiaw, becoming frigh ened at the noise of the train, and that the deceased was then knocked down and met with his death. There was no blame to be attached to the Railway Coaapany, or to anyone else. A revdiet of Accidental Death waa retumed,