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THE POWIS MEMORIAL j; CHURCH…
THE POWIS MEMORIAL j; CHURCH HOUSE. || OPENING CkUEMOKY. SPEECH BY THE BISHOP OF ST. ASAPH. The opening ceremony of the Powis Memorial Church House, which has been erected adjoining the Paiiih Church, in memory of the late E&rl of Powis, vras performed at Welshpool on Ttiuraday. The boilding comprisesa large and spacious hall capable of seating over <JO persons, with a SI age at tDe end, so consructed as to be be completely sep- arated from the brtll, wfcen it is made into a smaller room, which is to be used for meetings of Church work-re, special classe-, or for such other meetings for which the hall would be too large. Beneath tie stage is a commo, i JUS kitcnen, attached to wtiieu are fcoup boilers and acootingra: ge. It will be fitted up with tiholving and store cupboards, and will be princi- pally used for the distribution of soup during the cold wmter months. Thiscompartment is approached by an entrance separate from the main entrances, »nd haying an easy m ans of communication with ihe Hall. It will also be utilised as a cloak room when Hall. It will also be uttiised as a cloak room when necessary. The ball is accessible from Church Bank by a wide doable dtgut of steps leading to its two entrances. It is about 60 feet long by 26 feet wide, and has an arc bed roof of unstained pitchpine, ceiled in the interspaces. The windows are giazed with le..d quarries, and the two large windows at the west end bre partly filled with armorial bearings of the Powys family in thd top lights are the shield and nramt. nI t.h. NtaraimiA of Powis. who followed the last Stuart King in exile to the Germans; the shield of the Barons Herbert of Chirbury of the great Lord Clive, wid of the last Earl and Countess of Powis of the Herbert family. Beneath are the shields of the first Earl of Powis of the present line, and those of his successors up to the pre- sent day. It is hoped to continue this series of shields as funds ,permit, and to represent the col- lateral branches of the family, and their connections in the remaining windows of the hall. The stage is beautifully panelled to a height of 4ft 6 inches, and painted in a ruddy -ghooolate colour, above, the walls are distempered a warm buff; acosy-lookiug chimney corner with ita fireplace surrounded witn figured tiles, and a heavily-moulded mantle and architrave add to the comfottabte appearance of the room. The hall ia distempered a sott gren tint, and the wood- work painted a darker green The building is con- structed of the local hard green rubble stone, with, ^re»cings of red Grinshill and pu, ple Alveley free- stone and the roofs are covered with green Nantlle elates. The building has beeu kept stndiously plain, and trom economical motives the original design was considerably altered. The only decorative work on the e-xterior is a large panel of Alveley stone, con- taining the arms-and supporters of the late Earl, as a memorial to whom the building has been erected., Beneath is the following inscription "Ihis Cnuroh Bouse was erected'by public subscription in memory of Edward Jamee, third Earl of Powis. MDCCCXCII" The caning has been beautifully executed by Mr George Frampton, of London. This stone was laid by he Countess of Powis last year. The work haR been well carried out by Mr Roberts and Mr Pngh, cf Weishpool; the stained glass being executed by Mr Jennings of Ciapbain, and the wrought ironwork by aIr Ellesley, of-London. At 3 o'clock a short seffivice was held in the Church, which was well filled. The clergy present were the Bishop of St. Asaph, Archdeacon Thomas, the Revs Grimaldi Davis, F. H. Hawkins, J. P. Lewis, and Ll. Jones. Special hymns were sung, and prayers -said by the Rev F. H. Hawkins. Archdeaeon Thomas read the lesson, Nehemiah iv, 10, the Benediction being prononneed by the Lord Bishop. An adjourn- ment was immediately made to tho Church House, where the opening ceremony was performed by the Countess of Powis. The building was crowded to its utmost limits. On the platform were the Earl and Countess of Powis, the Lord Bishop of St. Asaph, Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, M.P., Colonel and Mrs Harrison, Captain and Mrs Mytton, Mr J. C. Hilton (High Sheriff), Archdeacon Thomas, the Rev Grimaldi and Mrs Davis, Mr Morris P. Jones (Liverpool), the Mayor of Welshpool (Councillor E. O. Jones), Mr A. well (Rhi^wport), etc. The,preceedings Qpened with singing a hymn, after which prayers were said by the Rev F. H. Hawkins. The ReT. GRIMALDI DAvis said that all the well ",iaheT3 of the Church at Welshpool had been looking forward to the day of the opening of the Memorial Church House with a very great deal of pleasure. It was a little more than twelve months since the memorial stone waa we.1 and truly laid by Lady Powis who, he was sure, they were all glad to have with --them that dy-(appiause)-to complete a good work which she had so well begun. They had expected that the bui, ding would have been finished before then but as they all knew, or rather those who had had experience in bricks and mortar knew, while com- mittees might propose they had to consider other friends. A though there had been a little delay in the completion of the building he was quite sure they would agree with him that the very beauti- ful strncture reflected the greatest credit on Mr. Pryce, the architect, on the builder, and on the work- men employed in its erection. He had watched its progress very carefully, and he did not believe there was a single bad piece of workmanship in the whole building (applause). The Committed had suffered a great loss in the death of their late friend, Mr M. C. Jones, who took a most keen interest in the Undertaking from its very commencment, and who threw himself heart and soul into the work. He ventured to say that amongst Mr Jones's good works that would be by no means the least (applause). Having iaid so much about the past they would no doubt expect him to say something about the finan. cial position of the building. First of all, the money that had been collected and put into the Bank amonn el to the very handsome sum of JS1306 28- 9d. applause). The promised tuDscriptions not paid in only amounted, he was glad to say, to three jeroineas, and the friends who were to give those three guineas, were only deliberating, he thought, whether they would double or treble the subscrip- tions they bad offered (laughter and applause). As regard the expenditure he was sorry he could not give them an absolutely accurate statement that day, but, as far as he could make out, when everything was completed, the building would cost about £ 2,000, so there would be a deficit of about £ 200. He should ay, however, that if they had had to pay in cash f, r the ground upon which the house-stood And for other things connected with the building, the whole thing would have cost a considerable sum over X2,000. As regarded the adverse balance of .RW, people looked differently on being in debt. Some weeks ago a clerical friend of his called upon bim and he brought him to see the Church House. Upon his mentioning that it was not quite clear of debt, hit; friend, with a smile, said, it was the grandest thing in the world to be in debt; but he, the Vicar, thought it was a grander thing to bo out of debt An opportunity now was given their friends to assist them in wiping out, if possible, the whole of the deficit, and he believed it would be wiped out when he reminded them of the great purpose for which the building was erected it was erected as a Church Memorial of a great churoh- man (*iear, hear). The Powis family,—he hoped 4hey would pardon him especially in their presecee— had been for many centuries conspicuous for their devotion to the truth (applause). They all knew of good old George Herbert, who as a poet, hadaoor,he i feneration after generation of Englishmen they all new of the late Earl's father, who was tbe chief means of ke-ping the diocese from being melged in Bangor, and who for the action he took in the great And noble work, gained for himself the beautiful apithet Conservator epweopatus asaphiensis." Again there was the lite Karl, who was firnt and foremost in every good work, and especially that in connection with the Church at Welshpool and almost in every part of the country. It would ill become him to speak of the preseat Earl in his pre- sence, but he believed he would also prove himself a true son of the Church of his fathers, and a very worthy successor of a very worthy line (cheers). In bnilditig the Church House in memory of the late Earl, they were only doing their duty, but nevertheless, they were enhancing, as far as possible, the good of the people of Welsh- pool and the neighbourhood. Some people had thought that the beautiful building was only meant for the clergy, to whieh,th,y could go day by day and fire sumptuously As to the clergy there they were quite conent to have a dinner at home. It was not meant for th^m, but almost altogether for the laity of the Church (applause). Again, some people would ask them What is the eood of a thine like would ask the:n What is the eood of a thine like that ? But he always found that those who asked such a question were profoundly ignorant, or wilfully blind of what the Caurch is doir g or ought to do. He had never met with any unprejudiced churchman who did not approve of what they ha i done. The highest Church authority ii the country was favourablo to such baiiiings; the Archbishop of Canterbury had said, Parishes, ant e-pec ally town par.shes, asnuot be properly worked 'vi h ut the aid of Church Houaes-they are a necessity f our time." In fact, that was the opinion of all their bishops, and he Steed hardly say that it w*s 'ho opinion of their own bishop, who had liberally contri uted to their fnnds, And had come there at great p-rs?:.al inconvenience, show them the value he set u i building like that, be begged to take the op- rtunity of thanking lim most sincerely for comiuz 'here on that impor-f i :ant occasion (applause). Speaking of the manyk igencies which, he said, would be carried on in the [Jnurch House, the vicar suid he was astonished to ind that some Church people in Welshpool did not know one-tenth of the agenoies that was at work in the parish. It might be his fault that that was the case, but he had tried his best to make th"m known. The Church House would be used for Bible classes, for meetings of the Girls' Friendly Society, for Mis. sionary meetings connected with the Church, for Temperance meetings, and for social meeting in fact, foe all kinds of paraphernalia connected with a well worked parish. He thought that but for that buiiding they could not possibly carry on those things with 'a.ny degree of success. In conclusion he begged to tuank, most sincerely, everyone who had taken an in to. eat in the undertaking and supported it-he tl a jked the subscr.bers who had liberally supported them; aDd the members of the Committee who naa loyally aBisted him from the beginning. Perhaps the committee men would allow him to single out one fr end in particular who had been exceptionally kind; he referted to Captain Mytton-(applaase)-who had taken a great interest in the matter from the very first, and had attended almost every meeting of the committee,who had received from him most valuable alvice from time to time (applause). Then he must not forget also to thank the ladies, who were always so well to the fore in good work, and who seemed to him to beat the men and to have a keener insight for the work; also the local press, who had lent there their cordial support; and all those present. He hoped that the Church House would be the means of providing rest and recreation for all elates, particu- larly the working classes of tke town and neighbour- hood (applause). Captain MYTTON, who was received with cheers, said that it was with the greatest pleasure that he responded to the wishes of the committee vsho bad delegated him to ask Lady Powis to open the build- ing erected as a memorial to the late Earl of Powis in token of his great eervices to the Church, and the high estimation in which he was held by all who L-n<s.« Kim Tlsvxn nrthla 1 npfLorn. nnsKft-SSed of L-n<s.« Kim Tlsvxn nf nrthla 1 npfLorn. nnsKft-SSed of ample meaiia, and gifted with considerable talent, he made the beat use of them, and was a faithful steward of the talents committed to him (applause). As a youog man entering life, and returning thanks when elected member of Parliament for North Shropshire in 184i, he used these words" I shall eudeavour to advocate such measures as will support the Crown and give efficiency to the Church. I shall advocate such changes as sober and right-judging men consider necessary under altered circumstances fur tne national prosperity, not such as are dictated by a fevarish thirst for innovation and are promoted by men, who, amidst the pernisious ferment, conse- quent upon continued strife, seek to forward their own factious ends, and snatch at temporary political triumph He thought everybody wno had watched the career of the late Earl must acknow- ledge that he was perfectly true to those things he expressed when entering life, and that he carried them out to the end (cheers). He thought everyone would acknowledge that he was a faithful servant to the Crown, and those who lived in Montgomeryshire, and enjoyed living under his reign as lord lieutenant, would testify to the great ability he displayed in currying out the duties of that office (loud cueers). With regard to promoting the mteiest of the Church, he was sure there was no clergyman throughout this diocese would deny that he was zealous tor the Church, and not only the clergymen of the diccese, but the clergymen in foreign parts, who administered to the spiritual wants of foreign nations, for in all the meetings of the Society for the Propagation of Lthe Goapol he took a prominent part, and the speeches which he delivered on the.e occasions were well worth being read by anyone (loud cheers). In returning thanks, he spoke of the difficulties con- neetad with Church work, and asked how provision was to be made for the moral wants of our manu- facturing districts as one most important to the nation. Both with his purse, his time, and his talents, he was always studying to promote the spiritual wants of the nation. If they took cogniz- ance of his social position, he used it for the good of all mankind.; and it was not only with his money, for men Dossesaed of anittle means could very easily satisfy their consciences by laying down a handsome tubscription, but that was not the way the Earl did. He expressed himself in this wa.y Mouey alone will not join man to man, and that something more than the mere giving ana receiving of wages was necessary alike for the happiness of the rich and the poor" (cheers). By making these quotations he wanted to point out to them how the Earl act-d throughout his long life, exactly in accordance with thosci sentiments that he himself expressed to his constituents as long buck as 1842. It was not only in these things, but he used his talents and he used his money fur promoting the good of all those who were piaced under him. the buildings on his farms testified to the wish that he was anxious that every- body who lived under him should both be happy and comfortable, and it was not only in these things, but he took au enormous interest in education. He was, as they knew, up to the last moment of his life, a member of the Joint Committee on Education in the county. He thought when they looked back to ail these things, they looked upon an example which they should try to follow, and should endeavour to cherish his memory as a really good man. Since the late Earl's death there had passed away from them Mr Morris Charles Jones, who was honorary secre- tary of the committee for erecting this memorial, and they could all testify to the great zeal he dis-, played in promoting it, and the great intelligence he brought to bear in maturing the plans of tha build- ing. They deeply regretted that he had not lived to see the work finished. His family had their sym- pathy, and the satisfaction of knowing that their services were deeply appreciated (cheers). In build- iug this house they thought they were acting in accordance with what the late Earl would have wished, as his motive through life was to promote the efficiency of the Church, and they could not cherish his memory better than bv erecting this Church House, which would certainly help the work of the Church and its organization (cheers). He now had the pleasure of handing to Lady Powis the keys of the building, and he would ask her ladyship to deliver them over to the Vicar, who was the trustee of the building, with the earnest hope that it might be useful hereafter, and that she might live to bring up her infant son, and that the example set by the late Earl would be the example and incentive to her to bring him up in the paths of virtue and holiness (loud cheers). I I I The speaker then hauded the keys to the Countees of Powis, the auience rising. Her LADTSHIP said It gives me great pleasure to have been asked to-day to formally pronounce the Powis Memorial Church House open, aud to hand the keys to the Vicar (loud cheers). The LORD BISHOP of ST. ASAPH, who was cor- dially received, said it was a very great privilege to be at the gathering in Welshpool. Of course, it was personally interesting, and it was generally interest- ing. It was personally interesting in so far as it was in memory of one who spoke to them out of the past, and it was general in the sense of the purposes and hopes that they entertained for the building in the future—general as it affected the community who resided at Welshpool. When they came to personal reference thev were beset bv those dangers that always crowded upon the path of eulcgy. On the one side there was the danger of that praise, that undeserved praise, which was cenBure in disguise, and while they flew from that danger there was the risk of going to the opposite extreme of not dealing with true worth and virtui, of using words that seemed to be cold and unsympathetic. But he felt, in speaking of the late Earl of Powis, the path of eulogy was not as difficult as in the case of many others. As they looked back upon his life there were in it certain features eo predominant, so character- istic, that the speaker might well seize upon them, and the hearer might follow them with an eye of unerring certainty. Captain Mytton had already spoken about the late Earl's characteristics. He had a grudge against Captain Mytton. He came to the meeting having read over the remarkable speeches of the late Earl of Powis, and he (Captain Mytton) made ona quotation which he (the Bishop) had in ti pocket, an.d singularly enough it was the very quota- tion captain MytLOu had given (laughter). He thought it indicated, as Captain Mytton said, thepredominaut characteristic, and the consistency and high pur- poses which he expressed and carried throughout; his long life (cheers). Lord Powis, the bearer of the name which was foremost in the history of England. indeed, foremost in the history of this empire, which the beirers of this name had helped so much t" make—(cheers)—and he thought it was no exaggera- tion to Hay that not only did he fill the great position to which he was born, but he improved his position by hia ability of character, by his loftiness of pur- pose, aud his abilities, which were very much above the average (cheerc). In looking over the life of L jrJ Powis, he had not the privilege of knowing him for many years, but it was a privilege to do so for a short time, he was struck by one thing, and that was his thoroughness. He would not take information second hand, but would not spare himself any pains at kiie can or aucy (cueer.). i nis was an xuspiriiig voice to speak to them from the record of his life. Someone had defined genius us the infinite capacity for taking trouble. If that were so Lord Posvis was a genius for he showed his marvellous capacity for taking trouble (loud cheer.;). Bat his Lordship was distinguished beyond the circles of his own county he was known in Eugland as a scholar. Nu one could have heard or read or followed his speeches without feeling that his was a miad which was satu- rated with the spirits of old classics, for he repro- duced that spirit with marvellous skill in his trans- I iations of English and German poets into Latin and I Greek. He always felt it to be a pride that in this I diocese they shonld know two very distinguished | scholars, They knew that the work of t.ranslation was no means an easy one, and the translation of a 1 high order indicated very great powers of mind. | They also bad Sir Theodore Martin, another great scholar, like Lord Powis, known throughout the length and breadth of the the kingdom. He had spoken of his thoroughness of character, and of his classical attainments, but there was one other charac- teristic in Lord Powis. There was no man who was more tender-hearted, more ready to listen to the calls of charity in every form, but he was a man who went to the bottom of things, and was not going to be taken in by talse tales. He had a very sharp eye for what Lord Lyndhurst once described as "the wife and ten children form of simulated pathos" (laughter). The late Earl showed them a very high standard of independence and integrity, which it would be well for all public men to remember and to maintain and hand down (cheers.) He had spoken of him to whom the hall was erected to memorialize, but they might ask what was the purpose for which the Church House had been built. He was very glad to hear the Rev Grimaldi Davies emphasize this fact, that it was not to be for merely the use of the clergy, but it was for the people of Welshpool, and he hoped the people would make it a centre of light, of wholesome and powerful influences for good in the town (cheers.) He did not know that he could set a better ideal be. fore the managers of the Church House than that ad. mirable address delivered by the late Earl to the Young Men's Christian Institute at Shrewsbury, in which he said what men had done men could do. They could not do in the future what had been done in the past unless they knew what had been accomplished, and hero was a stimulus given to study the records of their own race, and to learn to know what our fùrefathere had done, and to be inspired by their ex. ample to do likewise in their day and generation. In that address the noble Earl pointed out not only the elevating infiuenoe of literature, but said he was de- lighted to find that the Institute was associated with the Church of this country, and in that association lay the lesson that this building was to impress, even if it did indirectly, that there were even bigher in. terests than literary and social, and it behoved them an to give their hearts best affections and their minds best attention to something more than the cares of the passiug hour (cbeers.) He hoped that the build- ing would be biased to the parishioners of Welsh- puul. He now tamed to the pleasant duty of propos- ing a vote "f thanks to Lady Powis for so gracefully declaring the building open. He should have liked to havt spoken to Lord aud Lady Powis from the tablelat a of middle life, swept by the breezes of con- fi fence ana complacency, but although he had reached there himself, he was one of those curious people that was still described as a boy (laughter.) He was not able with that air of confidence and complaoeny as he would wish to address them, but he did most sincerely thank Lady Powis for her presence with them that day. and in declaring the hall open (loud cheers.) He hoped Lord and Lady Powis, who were now beginning their lives amongst them, might be spared for many long years to remain with them- (loud cheers)—and that they would hand on the noble "ample of the great traditions of their family to those who might come after them, and more especi. ally to that noble and brave boy, whom it was their pleasure to welcome to Welshpool not long ago (loud cheers.) Mr MORRIS P. JONES (Liverpool), son of the late Mr Morris Chas. Jones, seconded the vote of thanks which the Loid Bishop so eloquently proposed. It was with very painful feelings that a son took the place of a deceased father as he did that day, but he thanked the Vicar and Captain Mytton for the very kind manner with which they had alluded to him. He was sure they all felt very grateful to Lady Powis for the very graceful way in which she had performed the function allotted to her (cheers.) He thought it would not be entirely out of place to refer to the late Earl, in memory of whom this handsome building had been erected. He was not only an il- lustrious peer of the realm, but a typical and literary nobleman, kind and genial with all whom he came into intercourse. Ho was a ripe scholar, and his eloquence was always direoted and ready to forward all good work (cheers.) He trusted the erection of the Church House would be the cause of a great deal of good work being done by the Church in Welshpool (cheers.) The vote was carried with acclamation. The EARL or Powis, in rising to acknowledge the vote of thanks was enthusiastically received, said he had to thank the Bishop of St. Asaph and Mr Morris Jones for the courteous manner in which they had proposed the vote of thanks to Lady Powis, and the ladies and gentlemen composing the andience for the kind way in which they had received, it-a vote of thanks for performing a ceremony which had at the same time been easy and pleasant. He aaid pleasant because it was almost unnecessary to tell the people of Welshpool that anything which brought her ladyship into touch or amongst the people of Welsh- pool always gave her pleaszre (loud cheers). They were there that day to open the building as a memorial to his late uncle, and therefore it was not surprising to find that both he and Lady Powis, in common with every member of his family, should feel great pleasure in seeing the affection which they bore to the memory of one who always through his lifetime was constantly and faithfully endeavouring to advance the welfare and happiness of those by whom he was surrounded (loud cheers). The object of the erection of the building seemed to him to be for promoting the social work of the Church, a subject which they would remember waarecout y at.d most fully discassed at the diocesan conference at Newtown. In promoting those objects, they would promote the welfare of the people of the town, and also strengthen the position of the Church (cheers). Those two objects he felt sure would have com- mended themselves to the late Earl of Powis, and he (the speaker) thought there was very little doubt but what they would have had his sympathies wIth them (applause). He would only further thank the com- mlttee for the energetic manner in which they had worked to erect the building, and he congratulated them on the success which they had attained, for they had only to look around to note the success (cheers). He thanked them for the courteous and kind manner in which they had proposed the vote of thanks to Lady Pjwis (loud cheers). Archdeacon THOMAS proposed a vote of thanks to the committee for the hard work they had done in co looting the funds, and selecting plans, and for seeing the work of construction of the building well and duly carried out, the completion and opening of which they were there to celebrate that day. He regarded the opening of the Church House with a considerable amouni of satisfaction for it was the first that had been opened in his archdeanery, and he hoped that other buildings of a similar nature would be erected in other large towns (cheers). The com- mittee in their wisdom and care had not only provided the double-rooms, but under the place where he was standing. there was a most useful adjunct of a Church House—a boiler and kitchen (cheers). He thanked the committee, and he was sure they would forgive him for singling out Mr Abraham Howell, in addition to Captain Mytton, as being especially deserving of thanks for his hard work (loud cheers). There might be others on the committee who had worked very hard, but he did not know their names, but it did not lessen the heartiness and cordiality with which he proposed the vote of thanks (renewed cheers). Sir PRYOE-PRYCE JONES, M.P., was aecorded a flattering reception on rising to second the vote of thanks. He said the duty which had fallen to him that day was a very simple one, but its simplicity made it all the more pleasurable to be amongst them on the pleasing occasion of the opening of the beautiful Powis Memorial Church Hou-e. Its opening had brought a subject to bis mind. What are Church Houses for? And he had tried to answer it. Church houses were not kno vn to him in his early days, when he took some interest in parochial church work, a period of 20 to 25 years ago. Vestries were then the convenience for carrying on church work, but although they had vestries in their midst, and no doubt there was attached to the ancient and historic church at Pool an equatly convenient vestry, he took it that vestries would still be used for administrative church work (hear, hear). Iu connection with the church house it would be mor" for the consultation of the clergy with the laitv for the better government and organizat.on of church work, and for that reason he saw that great good would result, because it would be the means of an exchange and interchange of views between those two great bodies (cheers). Instead of hiring a room at the Town Hall, or Coffee House, or other public place, the church house would be accessible to the clergy and laity, as a com- f.,rt.tble and homelike place in which to meet to discuss how it was possible for them to make the church of their fathers a real living, an intemely practical and influential fraternity (loud cheers). Archdeacon Thomas had referred to tha fact of a kitchen being placed under the platform. That reminded him of a very old and dear friend of his. Tae Bishop might be asked by the Vicar of Welsh- pool, as tile church was so rapidly progressive, as with all its seating facilities for the people, it was yet unable to give full accommodation, to grant a licence to this building for the holding of religious services. There were two kinds of licensing (laughter). Tnere was the liceasj from the Bishop, and there was a licensing bench. Whilst the Bishop w nil not he was sure object to grant a license for the object he had mentioned, he trusted thit the bench would never be asked or consent to give a license for the other thing (hear, hear). His friend was a great wag, and an excellent man at repartee. He passed by a chapel in Tottenham Csurt-road, and he found written over the doors, "Licensed to ge 1 wines and spirits," which meant they were in the vaults below. His friend immediately wrote the following:— There are spirits of weal, there are spirits of woes There are spirits above, the e are spirits below, Bat the spirits above are sp rits divine, And the spirits below are spirits of wine. laughter). There was the license trom the bistiop work so well should take care that the proper deeds and papers were in order, not that he thought that there was any probability of even the church or church fabrics being molested by Disestablishment and Dis- endowment from the Nozi conformists, as the church was not in such danger to-day as she was 10 years ago (cheers). They must prepare for centuries to come, and in order that there might be no mistake as to the very foundation, and even the eite upon which the structure stood, as to its being the property of the church, and that it was built by the funds of private individuals. In observing Lady Powis perform the ceremony of declaring the building open. he had been amply repaid for coming to Welsh- pool, and in seeing the splendid gathering present. Her Ladyship's graceful and pretty words had reached their hearts and feelings, not only upon the present occasion, but upon other times since the Countess of Powis had entered the county(loud cheers). The manner in which she had opened the Church house would be long remembered, and in concluding he would express the sincere hope that she might live to see the young Lord Clive grow up to be an honoured member of an honoured family, and a lasting credit to his nation (loud oheers). The Rev GRIMALDI DAVIS briefly replied, after which a hymn was sung, and the BISHOP pronounced the Benediction.
COUNTY RATE BASIS CONFERENCE.
COUNTY RATE BASIS CONFERENCE. On Friday, at the Police Court, Newtown, a con- ference of the Standing Committee appointed by the County Council for preparing a basis, or standard, for county rating and assessment purposes, with the various Boards of Guardians of the oounty, was held. There were present: Mr A. C. Humphreys-Owen (chairman), Col. Harrison, Capt. rryce-Jones, Messrs. George Morgan, D. Richards, William Evans, William Jones (Berriew), Richard Lloyd, W. Scott Owen, H. Lester Smith, D. Hamer, W. Cooke, Samnel Miller, E. R. James, J. Jones (Varchoel), John Lewis, David Davies, Cornelius Morgan, and W. F. Addie; with Mr F. Winuall (acting clerk) and Mr B. Powell (assistant clerk). Mr WINNALL read the report of the sub-committee, who had considered the deductions recommended by the Newtown and Llanidloes Assessment Committee, and the following morified scales were presented: Land with buildings, 15 per cent; land without buildings, 7!- per cent; houses of £ 6 and under, 20 per cent; houses above .26, 15 per cent; mills, fac- tories, &c., 25 per cent; warehouses and workshops, 15 per cent; woodlands, 2i per cent; sporting lands, nil; tithes, 2t per cent, with rates and taxes and other Jegal redactions. The CHAIRMAN explained to the Conference that the scale of deductions was arrived at after a very long and full discussion on the subject, and was ultimately agreed upon unanimously without any deviation, and the result was there was a compro. mise, and withdrawal of several points. Mr C, MORGAN I should like to have the opinion of the chairman with respect to a matter which had a great bearing on the neighbourhood of Newtown, and also Welshpool, Llanidloes, and Machynlleth, and is of importance to small farmers. It appears to me that the land near the town is let at a greater value than any other farms in the county. It had b -ell the practice for Boards of Guardians to allow 2i per cent on accommodation lands, while on ordi. nary farms, without land, 7i per cent, and on those with land 15 per cent was allowed. I know of many instances where people were in possession of 10 to 30 acres of land receiving no more than 2i per cent. The CHAIRMAN said this was a question of defini- tion. It was agreed by everybody that land with buildings should have a larger allowance than land without buildings. Mr Morgan saw some ambiguity in the phrase, land witnont buildings." As he un- derstood, farms with a homestead and outbuildings of the usual character would be land with buildings, while it would be equally understood that in the case of a meadow close to the town, which was only used for grazing or croquet lawn or lawn tennis ground, would be defined as land without build- ings. Then, it seemed to him, that there was an intermediate class of land which was not let separately, but where the occupier had buildings which were separately rated, which were necessary and highly convenient for that particular piece of land. It was difficult to give an answer to the question, but as to the general character each case would have to stand upon its own merits. Mr C. MORGAN then said Mr Edward Jones, wool. merchant, of Newtown, had fields which were used as accommodation lands where he kept some cows and horses. He considered that land of that descrip- tion certainly ought to come under bhe head of being allowed 15 per oent. The CHAIRMAN Are the buildings mentioned in- oluded in the same rating as the fields or rated separately ? Mr MORGAN They are jointly rated. The CHAIRMAN said he thought it rather hard that he should be askad to assume the functions of the Asaes-m^nt Committee or Quarter Sessions. Mr MORGAN You are making a recommendation to the Assessment Committee. Mr E. R. JAMES pointed out that there were similar cases in the neighbourhood of Montgomery. Mr COOKE said there were cases in Newtown, where those who had taken land had erected build- ings upon it, and in looking over the rate book he found that no difference had been made in the rate- able value after the erection of the buildings by the ter-aut or occupier. He thought that was a matter for the Asses-ment Committee. Mr C. MORGAN moved that the small holdings in the neighbourhood of towns held without buildings ebou'd be included in the definition of the land with outbuildinge, and be entitled to the 15 per cent. deduction. I Colonel HARRISON asked if it were open for the Conference to discuss the point raised by Mr Moi Ran. The CHAIRMAN Certainly not, except by way of example. Mr GEORGE MORGAN asked what had been the praotice in the past of the Assessment Committe in regard to accommodation lands. It appeared to him that where buildings were not used for purposes con- nected with the land that nobody could say that was not land and out-buildings. He seconded the motion. Colonel HARRISON said he must oppose the motion for this reason. He did not think they had anything t> do with the question. The Conference was appointed simply to consider a uniform scale of deductions, and they hid not to consider what were small holdings, what were buildings, or what rates they should pay, unless. they went into the whole question of the county rating entirely. Mr GEORGE MORGAN said with reference to the remarks made by Colonel Harrison as to the question of oroer, he took it they were out of court. The recommendations had not a binding effect that day, any more than the recommendation which Mr Morgan had proposed, and he had a right to ask them to add that recommendation to the report. It did not become law until it had been passed by the Assessment Committee. Afjx, some remarks by Mr LEWIS, which were inaudible to the reporters, the motion was put and lost, only three voting in its favour. Mr GKORGK MORGAN said that when that ques- tion came before them first, they in the towns er-pecially thought it was a very large deduction to mftke towards lands and buildings. When they met in committee they were not provided with the nece-sary evidence to satisfy them. What he had done was to write to the different unions, asking .1.L_! J- wilt&" lDelr practice was, and from this and what gentlemen, including their Chairman, had said, it appeared that for outgoings on land and buildings 15 per cent. was a right and fair percentage to allow. But, of course, he felt at the time that there were many things under the head of outgoings, which did not come under the head of repairs as meant by the Act. Capt. PRYCE-JONES: Are we to understand that 15 per cent, has been recommended by the official committee appointed by this Conference ? The CHAIRMAN replied in the affirmative. The proposal of the Newtown and Llanialoes Union, as regarded land without buildings had been accepted, but on the other hand their proposals as regarded mills and factories had not. He believed that èe. cision had been arrived at; ma;nly by the Conference after a full discussion between the representatives of the two classes of property. Capt. PRTCE-JONES I think no deviation should be made in tbe allowance in 1883 without very serious debate. The principles upon which, us I understand it, upon which the rating is based is property rate- able to the poor on its net annual value. That must be the value as it exists according to the use made of it, and the net annual value is defined as being rent accepted or a yearly tenancy after deducting the repairs, insurance and other expenses, if anv- nAf>p, sary to maintain the property. Therefore, he took it than this 10 per cent, deducted off land without b u.ding.ntoco.-ertfcn item of repairs, insurance nnd other expenses. I cannot think that the Con- fere ice is acting wisely in increasing that amount ulll.s we are sure it requires 15 per coot, to meet those expenses. It seems to me that if the farmers were fully agreed thltt the rate* were too h'gh and dedu-.tio--g too low, it is a question of rents to come down. If we increase the land and buildings at all I am sure that we shall have complaints from sm -li householders and factory owners that their deduc- tions should be increased as well. I must lodge my protest against any interference with the deductions arrived at in 1883, when all the unions in answer to question replied that they were ia favour of the mcj- deductions. Tbe unions have adopted the principle, and I think it would be unwise for the Conference to be led away by one particular union asking for a greater deduction in one or two departments. Mr RICHARD LLOYD pointed out that the last speaker had said they ought not to deviate from the deductions of 1883, unless it had very careful con- sideration first. He pointed out that the subject had had careful consideration. He was strongly opposed at the commencement to oppose those de- ductions, but after hearing the evidence brought for- ward he had altered his opinion. Capt. PRYCE-JONES said he supposed it would not be practicable for farm buildings to be rated separately from the land. The CHAIRMAN 1 do not think so, for the reason that land without buildings was of really no value at all, and on the other hand buildings without a farm were of no value except to persons who lived in them, and had their source of living from elsewhere. Mr LESTER SMITH Quite true (laughter). Mr LEWIS said the minutes would show that the Conference had been unanimous on that question. Captain Pryoe-Jones had said that the asseessment committee of the Union had adopted the scale of 1883. He was quite aware that that was the basis of the county rate considered in 1883, but the old scheme of deduction was much older than that—almost as old as he was. He had been twitted with having brought in agricultural depression. He had never dreamt about it, except to show that the land bore t an undue proportion of its share of taxation, and the time had now arrived when land could not possibly do that any longer. That was the only reason he mentioned agricultural depression at all. He thought the scale of deductions presented by the committee was very fair. The subject then dropped. Land with out-buildings with 71 per cent deduction was agreed to without discussion. Houses of j66 and under at 20 per cent., and houses above Y,6 at 15 per cent., were also passed. On the recommendation of the committee allowing 25 per cent. off mills and factories, Mr G. MORGAN moved that they be allowed 33 per cent. He was not prepared, on the last occasion, with sufficient evidence to lay before them on the subject. He pointed out to the committee in connection with mills and workshops there was a very large expendi- ture going on in consequence of the various Acts of Parliament dealing with buildings where young people and women were employed. He thought many present would bear him out when he said that in consequence of this, one item-white.washing a buildiug-came to a very large sum annually, and almost covered the 20 per cent. itself, and he thought 33 per cent. was a reasonable allowance. In York- shire, which was a district in which there was a large number of machines and mills, the percentage was higher than that suggested by the committee. He had also received letters from Mr Edward Powell and Mr R- Jones with respect to the subject, in which they agreed that 25 per eent. certainly did not cover the cost of repairs, and considering 35 per cent. a fair allowance. Mr Hamer said it would not be difficult for Mr Morgan to show that 20 per cent. per year was spent on his own mills, but he had not attempted to do so. There were mills and mills, and Mr Morgan's was an old handloom factory, with steam power put into it, and he believed that the friction of the steam machinery in a building built for hand-work must be greater than mills specially adapted for machinery. Mr MORGAN said Mr Hamer was making a state- ment whieh was not true. It was a very small sec- tion of the mill which was a handloom factory. Three parts of it was always built for power, and one-half of the front part was new. Mr HAMER said he did not wish to make a mis- statement, and apologised. Mr LEWIS said that Mr Morgan had only brought forward evidence which came from Yorkshire (laughter). He never knew yet that Newtown could compete with Leeds. However, he said there was an expenditure of 33 per cent. on repairs to the build- ing, but on the land question the cost of repairs was 20 per cent., yet tha farmers agreed to take 15 per oent. He thought the proposal very unfair, and there was not a tittle of evidence to show the Con- ference that they should allow 33 per cent. Captain PRYCE-JONES: I am Borry, in discussing this matter, that personalities should have been brought in— The CHAIRMAN: I don't think personalities have been used, but personal cases. Captain PRYCE-JONES said that he was very sorry, in discussing this matter, that personal cases had been brought in, and especially from Newtown. He thought the question of rating should be argued on broad principles, and he supported Mr Morgan's amendment for an increase in the deductions of the machinery, simply on that ground. He was of opinion that machinery—three-quarters of it-was fixed to the freehold, and rated. That was called perishable property, because it required a larger outlay every year to keep up to date. The depreci- ation that took place in new machinery was such that an allowance of 25 per cent. had been adopted pretty generally throughout the country. He thought Mr Morgan had very properly suggested that they should allow 33 per cent. There was not the depreciation taking place in farm buiidiugst as there was in machinery. He had heard some members of the Conference say that the assessments of the Unions were not altogether equitable, and he should like a recommendation to be made to the County Council that they should sit until the matter was properly con-idered. He hoped the advice the Chairman had given to the Council would yet be taken advantage of, and any discrepancy which had accrued in the Conference with regard to the basis of railway property in these Unions would yet be taken into consideration by the Conference, and Lot deferred. Colonel HARBISON thought the gentleman con- nected with the manufacturing industries should have given the conference details as to the expense of repairs. The gentleman interested in land pro- duced figures showing the cost of repairs to land, and he thought evidence was conclusive on the point. It was with no feeling of opposition to the factories that he caid this, but he thought there was wanting a definite statement to clear the matter up, because they had to consider the rating of all classes of pro- perty in the county, and not one class alone. Mr DAVID DAVIES argued that if factories were to have au increased deduction because the machinery got of date, the farmers might equally well claim a similar favour on the ground that their harrows, ploughs, fences and gates got out of repair. Captain PRYCE-JONES retorted that the farmer did not pay rent upon the harrow or plough, and therefore no deduction should be allowed whereas a manufacturer had to pay rent on the greater part of his machinery (hear, hear). Mr GEORGE MORGAN thought from the manner in which the question was beiug argued their farmer friends were in entire ignorance of the subject. The fact of their comparing machinery for the manufac- ture of goods to the harrow and plough proved con- clusively that they did not understand the subject. Mr LESTBR SMITH pointed out that the fencing of rivers in connection with the land fell upon the landlords, and he knew from bitter experieccs that it. cost many hundreds of pounds to fence the Dovey every year. Mr LEWIS said he thought the farmers were not in such ignorance upon the point as Mr G. Morgan had endeavoured to make out. The farmers knew what they were doing when they made the suggestion. Mr WILLIAM JONES said they were arguing from one point to another, and keeping the controversial ball rolling round and round. One gentleman had said that there should be harmony. So there ought. There hid been some talk about the cost of white- washing the factories, but he thought the gentlemen representing that industry would like to whitewash the farmers (loud laughter). Mr GEORGE MORGAN regretted that so many per- sonaily offensive things had been brought into the debate, aud he was sorry that an attitude of host,il. t f had been tiken up one to the other. There had been notliigbdt an attempt to despise any arguments and all that had been said in favour of the motion of 33 per cent. They seemed to have arrived at the conclusion that the farming assessments should be reduced, und nothing else should be touched. He bad attempted to make oat a caso, but he knew the difficulties to make it perfectly plain were greater than with regard to land. What he had stated was true, and he should have liked for the Conference to have acceptad it with the came amount of readiness as they did the evidence relating to the land. Important as the difficulty with land was it was not everything, and they must remember that if farmers had had difficulties so other people had their difficulties (hear, hear). The proposal to reduce the assessment on factories seemed to have been met with a spirit of actual hostility, The CHAIRMAN I do not think that has been the temper of the meeting. Mr MORGAN said that a good many things had been stated that ou^hv not to have beensaid, and came from gentleman who were unacquainted with the subject, and before a man was able to express a competent opinion on the suoject he must be acquainted with the technical knowledge of the business (hear, hear). The proposal to raise the deduction on fac ories to 33 per CO;it. was then put, but only received the votes of Mr Geo -go Morg-tn and Capt. Pryce-Jones. Mr LLOYD then moved tht the deduction be rai-ed to 30 p»r cent. Mr GEORGE MORGAN It is scarcely worth split- ting hairs over. Let thp public judge." C Lpt. PRYCE-JONES If we can get it, half a leaf is better than none, and I wul second Mr Lloyd's amendment. Mr SCOTT OWEN suggested that the Conference should be furnished with more evidence on the ques- tion, for until they know more about the question they could apt deal with it, Mr MILLBK asked the Chairman ii he tbo^bt: evidence which had been given on behalf of njwehinery was as satisfactory as that tendered on behalf of the land. Was it sufficient ? He could assure the COD- ference that he did not look upon the proposal with any spirit of hostility, but he thought they should more evidence, to which he would listen with M mocb favour as that upon land. The CHAIRMAN replied that he was bound to my that the evidence on the part of the machinery, while establishing a prima Jacie case, Was not 80 strong as that brought forward by the farmers in respect to the land. Col. HAREISON moved that the Conference and that the manufacturers meet in the interim, and prepare evidence to be given before them at tbejr next meeting. Mr H. LESTER SMITH seconded. Mr LLOYD argued that the evidence for ifce-'lsuft did not go into detail. They appeared to ba" written to several people who had said that such-SIP& such-a-thing costs 15 per cent., but they did not show how they made it out. The CHAIRMAN said he must correct that etate. ment. The figures were arrived at from the account* kept on different properties. Mr LLOYD still maintained the Conference had not> the details placed before them. Mr MILLER: We do not object to the qiifllitiy of your evidence it is the quantity. Mr MORGAN pointed out that it would be difficult for the manufacturers to come together (hear, hea Col. Harrison's amendment for adjournment WS* then put and lost, the Chairman giving bis easting' vote against it; and a similar fate befel Mr amendment, the original recommendation of the Committee standing. The other items were adopted without alteration or discussion. INEQUALITIES. Mr CORNELIUS MORGAN mentioned that therp- were several inequalities in respect to the rates. For instance, Llanllwchaiarn was rated at 4d. Unr the half-year, and Newtown for The" WeM like discrepancies all over the county. RE-VALUATION. Mr LLOYD brought up the subject of the "aJ. tion of the railways running through the cooiitj*- They were valued a very long time ago, and bo thought it was time the question was looked into. The CHAIRMAN said it was a matter of great ink portance, and if the Conference pulsed a resolntiott to that effect it would be useful to the At*. saxwxlb Committees, and would enable the memisece of the different Boards to go back better able todieenae the matter.
NORTH WALES WINTER ASSIZES.
NORTH WALES WINTER ASSIZES. The Asaizes for Denbighshire, Merionethshire, Montgomeryshire, and Flintshire were held atBnthis on Monday and Tueaday before Mr Justice Beam Collins. Owing to illness in Scotland, General Lloyd Wynne, the High Sheriff, was prevented from fulfilling his duties. A medical certificate wk8 handed to his lordship, who said he was quite satisfied witb the attention paid him by the Under-Sheriff, Mr Parry Jones, of Denbigh. The Rev J. F. Reaw, of Llaufwrog, the sheriff's chaplain, and a number of ladies of the neighbourhood, occupied seata on the bench. In his charge the judge said there were eiereS prisoners for trial, curiously enough the same numbn as last year. There was one case which would wt go before the grand jury, which had been sent from Welshpool Quarter Sessions. It was of a trifling character, and but for a technical defect the ease would not have been remitted. A man named BoweD was charged with manslaughter at Llanrbnjdr-yxiw, Mochnant, and although there was no donbt it waa < manslaughter it was not of a grave character. If the jury were satisfied that Howell struck the de- ceased a blow, although he never contemplated it, having such a serious result, it would be tbeir dntf to return a true bill. Benjamin Poulton was indicted for cutting and wounding his wife at BIKJe. Ilanercbrugog. No doubt a question would arile to the mental condition of the prisoner; but with this they had nothing to do, that waa a matter forth* petty jury and himself. THE NEWTOWN APPLE AND ROSE CA8*. William Pilot, 17, on bail, ropemaker, was indicted for stealing at Newtown, on Junj 26, eight appbo and six rose buds, valued at 2s 6d, the property of Joseph Palmer. This case was remitted from Most' gomeryshire Quarter Sessions, the jury tailing to agree in their deliberation. Mr Colt Wmiame (instructed by Messrs Talbot and Watkin, of New- town) prosecuted, and Mr Ellis Jonea-Griffitb (instructed by Mr T. M. Taylor, of Newtown), defended. The evidence given at tbo Quarter Sessions was repeated, the witnesses for the prcM- cution being David Clayton, loaeph Palmer, P.C. Davies, and Evan Jones. For he defence Joba Pilot, father of the prisoner, Herbert Pilot, bis brother, and Thomas James Pugh, Newtown, were oaiieo, tne latter giving prisoner a good obaraow.- In addressing the jury Mr Jones-Griffith contended the case was one of mistaken identity.-His lordswp having sutijm-d up the jury were asked to ccnaidw their verdict.. After more than two hours' delibera- tion they returned into oourt, and one of the jury. men stated they were uaable to agree. Eleven of them were in favour of t:;e prisoner and one against him.—His lordship said he could uot accept the view of a majority. The jury must again retire. For all he knew the one juryman might be in the right, bat that was for the jury t hemselves to determine. He credited them with sufficient common sense to be able to settle such a comparatively trumpery After further deliberation, the jury returned an unanimous verdict of "Not guilty," and Pilot fM discharged. ALLEGED PERJURY AT LLANIDLOES. Edward Evans, 30, ostler, surrendered to his bail ou the charge of having at Llanidloes, during the hearing of an action between Pryce Davies andThos. Francis, committed perjury, on June 28tb. Mr Colt Williams (instructed by Messrs Jenkins and Davies, Llanidloes), appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Ellis Jones-Griffith (instructed by Mr T. M. Taylor), for the defence. Mr Jarinati, of L'anidloes, produced the books in which thy words alleged to have been spoken by defendant were entered. The defence put in a lung list of names of persons living at LlanidloesN who knew the defendant, and were satisfied that he was a, sober and industrious man.—The jury returaed- a verdict of Not guilty," in accordance with the judge's directions. MANSLAUGHTER AT LLANRHAIADR. John Howell, 36, joiner, of Liaurbaiadr-yi)-Moob- nant, was fouaa guilty of the manslaughter of John Ellis, on July 21, and sentenced to six months' hard labour. Prisoner during a quarrel with the deceased in reference to the purchase of a horse struck him fr blow which knocked him backwards and caused him to fall with his head upon a kerbstone, death ensuing in a short time. ALLEGED BURGLARY AT YSTYM COLWYII, The Grand Jury ignored tho bills charging Thosr- Bailey and Robert Evans, labourers, with commit' ting a burglary at the house of William Koberts, • Ystym Colwyn, near Meitod, and stealing a watch, the property of Will. Edwards. CONCEALMENT OF BIRTH. Margaret Morris, 18, domestic servant, surrendered to her bail on a charge of unlawfully concealing the- birth of hn child by burying it in a rabbit-hole, near Llanaiiin, on August 14. She pleaded guilty, md his lordship deferred sentence. THE ATTEMPTED MURDER OF A WIFE. Benjamin P >Uiton, of xthos, near Wrexham, was- charged with attempting to murder his wife. The-' facts were not disputed, and the evidence had refer- ence to the condition of the prisoner's mind. The jur i fou, d him gu lty of the crime, which, however, they held was committed during temporary insanity, Poulton was ordered to be conliacd during Her' Majesty's pleasure.
LLANFYLLIN DISTRICT HIGHWAY.…
LLANFYLLIN DISTRICT HIGHWAY. BUARD. THURSDAY. Present Messrs T. Gill (chairman), E. Evans H.- Ellis, D. Jonea, T. W-.ikins, E. Evans, J. Lodwick' H. lioberts, and G Jones, with Mr Pughe, clerk.-Mr Watkin Jones wrote caliing atter, i iozi to the bad state of th" footbi i-.ifc-o LJ<.ar he blacksmiths shop, Hirnant, and he Surveyor was instructed to repair tat a cost, of 10s.—'ihe Surveyor was instructed to visit and inspect the roiid &.vonnd Lake Vyrnwy in wet weather. —It was agreed to o hall the repairs on tii,, bridge near Doiford n, th.- Ne-.v+own and Lianildees Highway" Board doing ti e )! lier.-It was reported that the cul- vert near Llanfib-mgel had been completed at a cost of < £ 12.—The expenditure on the roads during the month has been £ 108 12s 2 I.-Tho Surveyor was instructed to prepare estimates for niffore>it kinds of foot bridges- at Waenfach. It was -tgreed to repair Llangernipwr1 Ford, the previous resolution in favour of not"repair»- ing it being rescinded.
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