The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

Notice to Advertisers. No orders for the change of trade advertisements can be reoeived later than 9 a.m. on Saturday morning. Advertisers are earnestly requested to send in their advertisements as early as possible.

A FRESH START IN THE BOROUGHS. FBOM next Thursday, Liberalism in the Montgomery Boroughs is, we hope, to enter upon a new and more vigorous career. On that day the new Association will take embodied form in a public meeting to be addressed in the evening by Mr E. J. C. MORTON, M.P., Mr A. C. HUMPHREYS- OWEN, M P., and others. In the afternoon the Council of the Association will meet for the first time. This bodv is a large and representative one, its delegates being directly elected from and by each of the local Associations. Upon the Council will rest the responsibility for the success or failure of the new system of organisation. It has been very truly said that paper constitutions are valueless, and that it is bard work which wins elections. We hope the new Council comes into existence to initiate and to maintain by its ceaseless activity and vigilance a new order of things. Unless the members are prepared to work together in this spirit, the Boroughs, so far as Liberalism is concerned, might, just as well have remained a mere appendage to the Countv Association. It is because we have believed that the interests of Liberalism in the Boroughs will be better served by Borough Liberals that we have advocated separate organisation The Council exists not only to represent but to effect the solidarity of the constituency. We shall be very greatly disappointed if it takes a less responsible view of its character and functions. The Council, for instance, will be failing in its duty if it delegates its powers an.d responsibilities either to its own Executive Committee or to the local Associations. The practical work of carrying out the decisions and instructions of the Council will naturally fall upon the smaller Executive Committee which it is- toappoint next Thursday, butwet-rust the Council will fully recognise that it and it alone is charged with the duty of spreading Liberal principles and promoting the Liberal cause in the Boroughs. There must be no disposition to let the tail wag the dog. An Executive Committee is invaluable within its own sphere, but only by usurpation on its part, or by gross neglect on the part of the Council, can it assume the real power and responsibility. We insist upon this point now because, as the Executive Committee is not yet. appointed, we can do so without giving offence, and because past experience has proved how the cause of Liberalism has languished in the hands of a few individuals who perhaps, through no wish of their own, became the sole springs of power and movement. The result was jealousy and disaffection on the part of some who ought to have been leaders. If these things are to be avoided in the future every member of the Council must take his personal duties and responsibility seriously. He must not regard himself as one of a com- pany of mere automatons to be jerked on to the public boards whenever the Executive Com- mittee choose to pull the strings for a demon- stration. The Executive Committee is not to work the Council but to work for the Council. only by the recognition of thisprincple can the Liberalism of the Boroughs realise its unity and obtain the advantage which ought to be derived from the establishment of a large and representative body of workers. There are those who have emphasised the fact that the rtal work of the constituency must be done by the local Associations them- selves. This plea, which was urged in opposi- tion to a separate organisation, was one of our strongest arguments in favour of it. But here again everything depends upon the view the Council take of their duties, and the thorough- ness with which they carry them out. It is I perfectly true that each local Association ought to do its own work efficiently. But that has always been true. What, however, have been the real facts ? In some boroughs the work has been done with anything but efficiency, and in one borougli at least there was not even an association upati which to cast the blame. It will be the dutf of the Council to see that this state of things is remedied. One of the rules of the new Boroughs Association is that there shall be a local association in each borough. The Council must take care that this rule is put into operation, and they must give assistance where it is necessary. As we have so often pointed out, the work which the small Association at Welshpool is able to do is quite inadequate to what is requisite if Liberalism is to make the progress it ought to make in that hotbed of Toryism. There can be no suspicion of meddling interference, for the Council represents not one borough, but all the boroughs. It will draw its funds from the whole of the constituency, and it will have one object common to all the members, viz., to win the seat. We say without hesitation that the chief strength of the Association ought to be concentrated upon Welshpool. Llanidloes is in no need of a physician and can well afford to take care of itself and to jein with the other boroughs in helping a weaker neighbour. In order that the Council may be kept well informed of the progress which is being made, or of the assistance which is needed by each borough, it is essential that the Secretary should be a man who takes a broad view of his duties, and the appointment ought to be made with full regar i to this fact. Through its officers and its Executive Committee the Council should keep itself informed or what is being done in everv borough, and f!je meetings Of the Council, which shc.ild b" held at least quarterly, should I)-, of criticism and oxho-rta'ion..Annual or balf- yearlv meetings called to p-ms mere r.-solutions and adopt reports, Mich m, we were accustomed to under the 01.1 Central Association, do very little harm to any'>>dv. and very little good. The new Council may exert:, if it will, a centrifugal force of energy and activity which shall animate every borough in the constitu- ency. We cannot wvrk very effectively until we have secured a candidate, but we understand that some definite steps towards this end will be taken next Thursday, and it is to be hoped that the negotiations will not be very protracted. Liberalism in the Montgomery Boroughs is by no means a forlorn hope. Even in the ebbing tide of the General Election the Tory majority was considerably reduced by a candidate onl v six weeks in our midst. Enthusiasm, determination, and honest work are all that are necessary to win the seat, and no doubt Mr MORTON, M.P., and the COUNTY MEMBER will give us whatever inspiration and guidance we need in entering upon a new effort. They will have something to tell us of Liberal principles to be advanced and Tory schemes to be defeated. We have every confidence that the first meetings of the Association will be worthy of the occasion.

WELSHPOOL TOWN COUNCIL. A meeting was held on Thursday under the presidency of tne Mavoiv (Mr W. F. Addie). There were also present Aldermen C. E. Howell, W. A. Rogers, G. D. Harrison, and T. R. Morris, Councillors E. 0. Jones, T. S. Jones, D. Jones, A. Watkin, C. Galloway, J. Pryce Jones, C T. Pugh, D. Richards, and C. Morris, with Messrs E. L. R. Jones (deputy town clerk), G. Snook (surveyor), and T. A. Basnett (collector). THE QUEEN'S REIGN. The MAYOR read the following letter signed by the Duke of Westminster:— I desire to bring under your notice an effort which, in conjunction with tho gentleman whose name appears below, I have undertaken in commemoration of the GOtli year of Her Majesty's reign. It is proposed to raise a large sum of money on behalf of Queen Victoria's Jubilee Institute for nurses, an institution which is well-known as being entirely national and unsectarian in character and started by the Queen herself. No doubt there will be local subscriptions for local objects everywhere, but it is felt that there should be in addition, at any rate, one National Commemoration Fund, and to make permanent the work commenced by the Queen herself seems to us a most fitting object. I enclose you a copy of a letter from myself and others which have recently appeared in the Press, and I venture to hope that we sball have your co- operation both in joining the Central committee yourself and by opening a fund in your own Borough. I should be glad to forward you any further particulars which would be of help to you in forming a local organisation to co- operate with the Central Committee in this work. You will rotice that the Lord Mayor of London is one of the first signatories of the appeal. No public meeting will be held in London till 1897, but it is all important to have the organisation for so big a scheme, and list of patrons, ready aa soon as possible. Councillor E. O. JONES remarked that if the Mayor wished to join in the matter he could, but as a Council they would not be justified in acting. Alderman T. l. MORRIS We did in the Jubilee year. Alderman ROGERS; Do you remember the amount we subscribed. ? Alderman MORRIS X36. The MAYOR said it would perhaps be better to bring the matter forward in the beginning of the year. This was agreed to. A letter was read from Mr R. W. Jones on behalf of the Welshpool Amateur Dramatic Society stating that they intended giving an entertainment for the benefit of the Welshpool County Intermediate Schools and asking the Council to allow them the use of the room in the Town Hall free. Alderman W. A. ROGERS did not think they could do better than grant them the use of the room. He moved a resolution to that effect. Councillor GALLOWAY seconded, and the motion was carried. REPORTS. The Paving, Lighting, and Highways Committee reported that at a meeting held on November 20th, bills were passed to the amount of £ 1 9 10s 3d. The committee recommended that the Surveyor be instructed to prepare a plan and estimate for the erection of a bridge at Cefnspin with a view to ascer- taining what contribution could be obtained from the locality. The Surveyor was also instructed to communicate with the County Surveyor, and ascer- tain whether one of the County Council's steam rollers could be hired for the roads and streets of the town, and upon what terms. The committee recom- mended that a demand be served upon Mr Pritchard, of Wellington Crescent, for 4-he amount of his share of the apportionment re the Wellington Crescent improvements amounting to £ 60 10s lld-The re- port of the Surveyor was read, and the recommenda- tions adopted. The report was adopted. At a meeting ot the Sanitary Committee a letter was read from the General Manager of the Cambrian Railway Company with reference to the short supply of water to the Welshpool Railway Station during the drought in the months of June. July, amd August last. The Committee recommended that inasmuch as no notice was given by the Company of the insuf- ficiency of supply until October 24th subsequently, and in view of the Company having been supplied during the month referred to with the average quan- tity of water supplied generally, the Corporation do not see sufficient reason to comply with the request for a reduction in the rent. It was recommended that the Surveyor prepare a scheme for supplying the brewers with waters, and report as to the cost. The Surveyor was also instructed to call the attention of the owners of Sergeants' Row cottages and Dolanog to the existing leakage of water. It was recommended that the seal of the Corporation be affixed to the supplemental lease from Lord Powis, and also that the draft agreement in regard to the Sylfaen Mill be approved, the date to be altered to include a term of 21 years from the 25th March next. The reports were adopted. DEALERS AT THE MARKET. The Markets and Buildings Committee recom- mended that the plans for the proposed alterations to the carriage works of Messrs Rogers and Son and to the house in Mount-street be approved. The Committee recommended that the footboards for the poultry market be approved of, in addition to those in the butter maiket, at a cost of XI. The Surveyor was instructed to report as to the cost of putting into thorough repair the roof of the poultry market, and to give an estimate. It was resolved that the Christmas markets for live poultry be held on December 21st, and that an advertisement be issued as usual. Councillor E. O. JONES found on going through the market that there was a great deal of room occu- pied by drapers, fancy dealers, and sweet dealers. It appeared to him that the farmers' wives were inconvenienced by these dealers, and he thought they should give them evuny possible fair play. If the Committee were to visit the market they would find he was correct. The benches where the farmers' wives sat were occupied by people dealing in different things. He recomniended that the Committee should visit the Market and regulate this. Alderman ROGERS remarked that there was a Rule that there should be no encroachments. He had heard this matter commented on before, and he thought they should call the attention of the lessee asking him to comply with the regulations. Councillor DAVID JONES supported the sugges- tion. Christmas was close at hand, and the farmers' wives should be given plenty of room. Councillor E. O. JONES moved that the attention of the lessee be directed to the matter. Councillor A. WATKIN seconded, and the motion was carried. Alderman ROGERS moved that the Christmas market for live poultry be held on the 14th December, and the market for dead poultry on the 21st, Councillor E. O. JONES seconded, and the motion was carried Councillor DAVID JONES said they got a tele- gram informing them of the prices at the London corn markets. He thought it would be advisable if they had the telegram from the Liverpool market as they in Welshpool had to deal chiefly with men from Liverpool. Nothing came from London. Alderman HO WELL Do the prices vary much ? Councillor D. JONES replied in the affirmative. Councillo • E. O. JONES Would it not be better to leave the matter in the hands of the corn dealers? Mr BASNETT The Corporation pay for it- After further discussion Councillor Jones's motion was earned FINANCIAL. I The Finance Committee met on November 20th. They recommended the payment of bills on the borouirh fund, < £ 46 17s 2d; and urban sanitary authority, £ :'>! 4s 3d. The collector reported that he had collected «inoe last meeting as followst— General district mte, X140 10s 3d; inner district rate, £ 12 Gs o4. It was resolved than an application be made for the balance of the borough rato to the overseers of Guilsfisld parish (within), amounting to £ 30. A letter was read from Mr Turner, Garreg Farm, asking for a reduction of the rateable value of his houses, and the Clerk was instructed to inform him that the Committee could not see their way to comply with his request A bill was received from Mr Martin Woosnam, solicitor, Newtown, re Clarke v. Corporation, amounting to X77 17s lQd. but on taxa- tion was reduced to IE17 ] Is lid, including taxing fee of court, the cowmitfcee recommended the payment of same. A balance of £ 505 stood to the credit of the Council at the bank. THE DAY OF MEETING. I Alitor man C. E. HOWELL was always most unwilling to interfere with the existing arrangements of the Council,Abut the motion of which he had given notice, that the Council meetings be held on the third Thursday of each month, he thought would be to the advantage and convenience of the members of the Council. Under the Municipal Corporation Act they were bound to hold four quarterly meetings in a year. The meetings up to the end of 1894 were held on every alternate Tuesday, but the alteration of the day to every fourth Thursday had caused some inconvenience, and complaints were made to him during his year of office. The meetings were held sometimes on the first, sometimes on the second, and third and fourth Thursdays in the month. In other towns he found that there was a fixed date. In Oswestry they were held on the first Thursday, and in, Shrewsbury on the second Monday and so on. If the date of meeting could be fixed for the third Thursday in each month he thought it would be convenient to everyone, and he accordingly moved a resolution to that effect. Councillor D. RICHARDS seconded, and the motion was carried. Alderman E OGEES, in accordance with notice of I motion, moved that the resolution of the previous Council, viz., to repair the Bryn-road be rescinded. I He was not present at that meeting when the resolu- tion was carried to maintain a road which had been rejected by the Council time after time. He had made inquiries about that road, if they called it a road, and he believed it had never been a road. It led through woods and fields, and in fact there was no road at all, being used by two or three houses as an occupation road. There was another road leading to the same place, the Trelystan-road, and therefore two were not required. Councillor A. WATKIN seconded Councillor D. JONES was under the impression that the rules of the Council precluded any resolu- tion being rescinded within three months. Coun. C. T. PUGH I think you will find that is so. The MAYOR consulted the Standing Orders, and said according to rulel6, the resolution was outof order. Alderman ROGERS gave notice to bring the matter forward again. Councillor PRYCE JONES asked if anything had been done with regard to the Rifle Range or the Llanfair Light Railway. The MAYOR replied that both matters were under discussion, but nothing up to the present could be reported. He moved that the name of Mr Evans, Head Master of the Intermediate Schools be added to the Free Library Committee. He thought he would make a very desirable member.—Agreed.

lUaiij of Atr. loseplj fainter, JIUtatohm. We regret to have to reoord the death of one of the oldest inhabitants of the town—Mr Joseph Palmer, ironmonger and florist, which took place on Thurs- day at the advanced age of 84. Mr Palmer came to Newtown 53 years ago, and took over the ironmongery business of the late Mr James Powell, situated in the Cross. He was a native of Gloucester, and came to Newtown in the days before railway communication, at least in this neighbourhood, was in existence. It took him two days to complete his journey, having to ride the whole of the distance on horseback. When he arrived he put up at the Buck Inn, that being the only hostelry then in the town. The deceased made extensive alterations to his premises, and developed a thriving business. He was a Churchman, but his political creed was unknown. He took no interest in politics, and of late years had led a quiet life. He was of a very genial and humorous disposition, and a man of considerable literary attainments. He was fond of reading, particularly poetry, and was a great admirer of nature, having travelled a good deal in England and Wales. Up to 30 years ago, Mr Palmer was a man of social habits, and was well known in the ball room, being considered one of the finest dancers in Montgomeryshire. He was very good company, his conversation being very witty and enter- taining. He was a widower, his wife having died about twenty years ago. He had no family, but his loss will be keenly felt by his nieces and nephews, (who reside in Birmingham and Cheltenham), and by a large circle of friends. His great hobby was his nursery, and he was better known as a florist than an ironmonger. Mr Palmer, until the last, maintained his connection with the business, regarding it as a kind of tie to life, and firmly believing that if he resigned death would immediately follow. The con- nection of the Jones' family with Mr Palmer is of a remarkable and interesting character. Thirty-four years ago Miss Jones entered the service of Mr Palmer as housekeeper, and has ministered to his personal comforts ever since. Mr J. H. Jones, the present manager of the busine" >, first cyaimenced We duties 33 years ago, and has continued in Mr Palmer's employ without intermission. His brother, Mr Parry, Jones also remained with Mr Palmer for 10 years, previous to his emigration to Australia He was succeeded by his brother Frank, who has continued in the business for the past fifteen years. Another brother, Mr Evan Jones, had charge of the nursery for many years.

The Late Rev. John Roberts, Fron. The demise of the Rev John Roberts, of the Fron, Berriew, took place, as recorded in our last issue, on Sunday week. Up to a fortnight before his death, Mr Roberts appeared in his usual good health, but taking a chill, pneumonia supervened, and in spite of all attention and care he succumbed to the attack. Mr Roberts, who was fifty, was a native of Llanbadarn Fawr; he was educated at St. Bees, and ordained deacon in 1870, and priest in 1871, by the late Bishop of Bangor. He was formerly curate of Uwchygarreg, but has been incumbent of the Fron Church, which was endowed by the late Miss Buckley Williames, for the last twenty-one years. He was universally respected, and his death will be a great loss to the Church at Fron and Berriew. He was always most energetic in promoting social and public gatherings, and was one of the most successful clergymen in the county. On Sunday the Rectors of Llandyssil and Ber- riew made feeling allusions to the death of Mr Roberts, who had frequently ministered in their churches. The funeral was a public one, and took place on Thursday. The service at the house was conducted by the Rev W. L. Martin, Berriew, after which the funeral procession, which was of an unusual length, wended its way amid universal tokens of respect to the cemetery at Berriew. The service in the church was fully choral, Mrs Martin officiating at the organ. The coffin was borne from the church by Messrs David Davies, Evan Davies, David Smith, William Smith, Pryce Lloyd, and Edward Watkin. The procession from the church was headed by the surpliced choir. The scene at the graveside was deeply affecting, when the Rev K. Roberts, London, cousin of the deceased, performed the last burial rites. The grave was bricked, and was strewn with beautiful flowers. The coffin, which was supplied by Mr John Evans, was of polished oak with brass fittings. A large number of beautiful wreaths were sent by Mr J. E. Lloyd, Castell Forwyn, Mr M. Williams, Glandwr, the con- gregation of the Fron Church, Mrs Beedles, daughter, and son, Pump house, Mr J. Bebb, Mr J. Roberts and family, Rev R. J. and Mrs Roberts, Pool Quay, Mrs Lewis-Andrew, Glanhafren, Major and Mrs Corbett- Winder, Sir Pryce and Lady Pryce-Jones, Major and Mrs Pryce-Jones, Mr and Mrs A. W. Pryce-Jones, The Forest, Mr W. E. Pryce-Jones, Mr and Mrs John Evans, Messrs T. J. and J. E. Anwyl Evans, Halfway, Mr and Mrs Parker and family, Cheltenham, Mr and Mrs Edward Powell, Plasybryn, Mrs Humphreys, Old Post Office, Mrs and the Misses Humphreys, Garthmyl hall, Captain and Mrs Martin Humphreys, Dolforwyn hull, Rev and Mrs W. L. Martin, Rev and Mrs G rimaldi Davis, Rev J. Sawer, Ms and Mrs R. E. Jones, Cefn Bryntalch, Mr Walter Jones, Mr Whitmore Jones and Mr Lumley Jones, Cefn Bryn- talch, Miss Williams, Fron School, Rev Parry Morgan, Llandyssil, Mr and Mrs J. Hounsfield, Misses Jones. Bank house, Newtown, the Misses Moore, Brynderwen, Mr Garnett and brother, late Rhiew bank, Mrs Welsh, Mr J. M. E. Lloyd, Rev James and Mrs Gillart, Rugely, Mrs Pryce and family, Moreton, Mr Charles Howell, Mr W. M. Howell and the Misses Howell, Mr Llewelyn Davies, Glandwr, Mr and Mrs Williams, Maenol, Llanidloes, and the day cholars of the Fron. u' Amongst those present we noticed :— Major JtL. Pryce Jones, M.P., Mr A. W. Pryce-Jones, Mr W. E. Pryce-Jones, Captain Humphreys and Mrs Wm. Humphreys, Garthmyl Hall, Mr T. J. Hounsfield, Mr R. W. Hughes (chief constable), Mr C E. Howell, Rhiewport, Dr. Gibbins, Mr Walter Jones and Mr Whitmore Jones, Cefn Bryntalch, Rev W. L. Martin, Mr W. Pritchard and Mr W. R. Pryce-Pritchard, Tanyfron, Rev E. A. Fishbourne, Newtown, Rev John Davies, Berriew, Mr E. R. Owen, Garthmyl, Rev Grimaldi Davis and Rev Lewis, Welshpool, Mr John Stephens and Mr J. Miller, Abermule, Mr Edward Pritchard, Mr Jonathan Hughes, Mr Evan Watkin, Rev J. Sawer, Leighton, Rev O. A. Nares, Kerry, Rev Gwynne Vaughan, Bettws, Mr Gittins, Llandinier, Rev Walter Davies, Mr G. King, Mr T. J. Evans, Rev Davies, Manafon, Mr J. Lewis Turner, Rev Parry Morgan, Mr John Lewis, Rev. D. Peirce, Rev. J. B. M. Williams, &c. Mr Humphreys-Owen, M.P., Mrs Lewis Andrew, and the Missei3 Jones, Bank House, also sent carriages. Mr Henry Morgan, Crown Shop, Newtown, was the undertaker.

WELSHPOOL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The General Committee met at the Town Hall, Welshpool, on Saturday. Present: Mr Charles E. Howell, chairman, Col. Twyford, Captain Westby, Messrs W. F. Addie (hon. secretary), J. Lambert (assistant hon. secretary), D. Wall, T. J. Evans, F. Roper, Copnall, J. Bushell, C. T. Morris, C. Pryce Yearsley, J. Baker, Robt. Owen, S. Morris, E. O. Jones, G. D. Harrison, W. A. Rogers, D. Richards, J. H. Anderson, T. Rowley Morris, J. P. Jones, and D. Rowlands. THE BALANCE SHEET.—Mr LAMBERT read the balance-sheet. The total expenses for the year amounted to £ 603 3s 6d. On the credit side, after meeting the accounts, there were balance of arrears, .£11 5s 6d; in the bank on deposit account, £ 235 8s 5d, and in the hands of the Secretary on current account, 4s, making a total of £ 246 17s lid.—The CHAIRMAN said they began the year with a balance in hand of £ 243 6s 7d. They had therefore made a profit of £ 3 lis 4d on the last horticultural show and I fete. He moved the adoption of the statement of accounts.—Mr W. A. ROGERS seconded the motion and it was agreed to. I VOTING THE MONEY AWAY.—Mr ROPER said it appeared to him that the Society was formed for the benefit of the town, and it would appear to some of them that if it was possible to enhance the business of the town or promote its welfare in any way they should do so, and in his humble opinion he did not think they could do better than vote X50 to the object he was about to bring to their notice. The great thing of the day was education, and whether it be for good or for bad, they had had an Act of Parliament intended for the Principality, which gave them what they called intermediate education, and unless they in Welshpool availed themselves of the Act they would be left in the lurch. He had been a resident in the town for upwards of fifty years, and during that time he had noticed that when any good object was brought forward for the benefit of the town, the inhabitants came forward most heartily in support of it, and it was that fact which urged him to move that it be a recommendation to the annual general meeting of the Society to vote X50 towards the proposed new buildings for the intermediate schools in the town (applause).—Mr ANDERSON seconded the motion.—The CHAIRMAN observed that he had seen in the newspapers a resolution passed by the Shrewsbury Horticultural Society to devote a large sum towards the erection of a statue in memory of Darwen. Therefore, there was some precedent for a smaller society devoting money to an object of great local interest. Before putting the resolution to the meeting the CHAIRMAN read a letter from the Rev E. Brown, rector of Montgomery, in which he suggested with regard to the disposal of the surplus money, the following:—(1) the establishment of a chrysanthemum and fruit show to be held in Novem- ber in the Town Hall; (2) the purchase of one or more tents, which could be let on easy terms; (3) the appointment of lecturers, to give short instruc- tion at intervals in a tent on the show day to cotta- gers and others on the growth of vegetables, fruit, &c. and (4) the distribution to exhibitors of pamphlets on cottage gardening and fruit growing. He would also like to see a conference of delegates from horticultural societies at some central place like Shrewsbury, where the question of how to make horticultural bocieties of more practical benefit to cottagers, and how to correct certain abuses which at present existed, could be discussed.—The Rev J. Siiwer, vicar of Leighton, also wrote apologising for absence, at the same time mentioning that he wondered if there was any hope of the Dispensary receiving any help from the funds of the Society.— The CHAIRMAN said the question of the Dispensary and the erection of a cottage hospital was always cropping up, but their discussions never got so far as to urge the use of bricks and mortar, and as the late Earl of Powis said, there would be no end to it. Therefore, he was afraid a small society like theirs could not at present benefit the town in the way of a hospital. As to the Dispensary, he did not think there was any need of further subscriptions for it, although the endowment of a bed or two would be a great help, but with the intermediate school buildings on hand, he considered they should carry them out first.—The motion was put to the meeting and carried, the onJy dissentient being Captain Westby. THE COMMITTEE'S REPORT.—Mr LAMBERT read the annual report,, which was as follows: The Committee beg to tender their sincere thanks for the generous support accorded to the Society since its formation. The general opinion of the visitors to the last show was that it eclipsed all previous exhibitions held in the Park. The valuable prizes offered brought forward a good competition in all classes. The alteration in the show ground, although entailing extra expense, is acknowledged by all to be a great improvement, being easy of access from the town and railway station, and well adapted for the amusements. Although there is shown but a small balance on the year's working, it may be pointed out that this is caused in a great measure by the pur- chase of about .£20 worth of articles necessary to be kept for future shows. In proof of the increasing popularity of the show it may be mentioned that more visitors came by rail this year than any pre- vious year. The Committee wish to thank all those who so kindly sent plants and flowers not for com- petition. In order to increase the value of the sub- scribers' tickets the Committee contemplate opening the show at twelve noon to subscribers, and to non- subscribers at 2s 6d each, thus giving all subscribers the advantage of a private view before opening the show to the general public at 1.30 p.m. Soliciting the favour of your support for another year the Com- mittee will use every endeavour to make next year's show even more attractive than its predecessors by introducing other amusements, which, they are con- fident, will be approved and enjoyed by all."—Mr W. A. ROGERS moved and Mr COPNALL seconded, the adoption of the report, which was agreed to. A meeting was held at the Town Hall, Welshpool, on Thursday, under the presidency of Mr C. E. Howell. 1 here was a good attendance of members. -Mr ADDIE rose with much pleasure, as chairman of the Local Governors, to thank the members of the Society for the most generous gift to the Inter- mediate School. He hoped that it would in no sense injure the Society. He thought it redounded to their credit. He could say without being prejudiced that their gift had been a relief to the Governors, and had been much enhanced by the unanimity with which it had been given.—The balance-sheet of the Society was taken as read. VOTES OF THANKS.—The CHAIRMAN proposed a vote of thanks to Capt. Mytton for his services during the past year. He was sure they would all agree that Capt. Mytton was always desirous of furthering anything for the benefit of the town. He was a large landowner and agriculturist, and had always taken a great interest in the society (hear hear).—Mr E. HUGHES seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.—Mr ROPER moved a vote of thanks to the Earl of Powis for the use of the Park for the last four years. He not only lent them the Park, but he had done everything he could to further the success of the Society. At first it was thought that the alteration of the site and the place of ad- mission would be a deterrent to them, but instead of that it was in every respect an improvement. He also very handsomely subscribed to the Society every year.—Mr E. O. JONES seconded. They were deeply indebted to the Earl. and the Society would not have been in the position it was, or perhaps would not have been started at all but for the EarL-The motion was carried unanimously.—Mr JOHN MORRIS proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman for his conduct in the chair, and proposed his re-election. He had conducted the committee meetings in an able manner.—Mr S. MORRIS seconded, and the motion was carried.—The CHAIRMAN returned thanks. It had given him very great pleasure to do the work. He was very pleased with the show. At first there was some little apprehension with regard to the ground, but after visiting the spot with the other members of the committee he had come to the conclusion that the site was even better than the other one. He would be pleased to go on with the work, but at the same time it would perhaps be better if another gentleman undertook the work for the ensuing year. He was however in their hands.—Mr M. POWELL moved a vote of thanks to the auditors, Messrs F. Roper and J. Evans, and on the motion of Mr E. O. JONES, a similar compliment was paid by Mr Powell for dis- charging the duties of Treasurer. Mr Yearsley was also accoided a vote of thanks for the use of his rooms.—Mr C. E. HOWELL proposed a vote of thanks to two gentlemen, who he considered deserved it equally. The two honorary secretaries were deserv- ing of their hearty thanks (applause). The elaborate accounts furnished by the secretaries were worthy of the highest praise.—Mr ROGERS seconded, and the motion was carried.—-Mr ADDIE returned thanks. He wished to say that the whole of the work last year had been done by Mr Lambert. It was known to some of them but not all that Mr Lambert had done the work, and they owed him a debt of gratitude for his servioes.—Mr LAMBERT also returned thanks. j -Mr G. D. HARRisoN remarked that they had had a 1 peculiarly harmonious meeting, and very rightly and properly tendered their thanks to the very numerous I gentlemen who had been affiliated with the show in the past year. He had been asked to suggest a name to them, which he was sure would be received with the utmost enthusiasm in that room, and he might I say throughout the neighbourhood, viz., that Captain Pryce be the president for the year 1897. He did uot think a more popular suggestion could be made or one that would give greater satisfaction. He com- bined with a very genial and hearty manner a vast amount of business habits. He was a large exhibitor in last year's show, and he thought they could enlist his sympathy during the year 1897. He moved that he be president for the year 1897.—Mr PATNE seconded, and the motion was carried.—A letter was read from Mr W. F. Addie, regretting his inability to accept the position of secretary.—The CHAIRMAN said he would like to see Mr Addie undertaking the work again, and proposed his re-election.—Mr E. O. JONES seconded.—Mr ADDIE declined, and after some dis- cussion the election of secretary was referred to the General Committee with power to act.—The General Committee was re-appointed with the addition of Messrs S. J. Evans and John Morris.

MONTGOMERYSHIRE STANDING JOINT COMMITTEE. A meeting was held on Friday at the Police Station. Newtown. Captain D. H. Mytton presided, and there were also present—Lord Powis. Mr A. C. Humphreys- Owen, M.P., Major Pryce-Jones. M.P., Captain Hayhurst France, Messrs R. Lloyd, R. Rees, T. Williams, D. Rogers, R. O. Perrott. T. J. Hounsfield, C..1. Newell. W. Theodore, Wm. Jones, Godfrey Bowen. Ed. Jones, D. Richards, Scott Owen, D. H airier, R. Morgan, and W. Davies, with Messrs G. D. Harrison (clerk), R. Powell (assistant clerk), G. A. Hutchins (county sur- veyor). and R. W. Hughes (chief-constable). The report of the CHIEF-CONSTABLE was presented and stated that the number of indictable offences reported was 22, the number discovered 20, the number of persons proceeded against 22, of those one was discharged, and eight committed for trial, and 13 dealt with summarily. The value of property stolen was £ 14(1 li, 9d, and re- covered .£39 8s 3d. The nnmber of persons proceeded against for non-indictable offences was 275, of thesp 85 were discharged, orders made on 14, and 176 convicted. There was a decrease of four in the number of indictable offences, and an increase of 37 in persons proceeded against for indictable offences as compared with the cor- responding quarter of last year. The increase was in cases of drunkenness. Daring the quarter 4.521 tramps were noted at the workhouses and lodging houses by the police, this being a decrease of 827 as compared with the corresponding quarter of last year. The contract with Messrs Pearson Higgins and Co. for police clothing expired this year, the term was for thr,:e years. He appended an application from Inspector Lake for a:i in- crease of £ 5 in his salary. The CHAIRMAN observed that tho number of tramps was decreasing. He thought it was riue to the poii-y taken up at the Workhouses of giving them work to do. The decrease was 827. With regard to the application of Messrs Pearson, Higgins and Co., for a renewal of the contract for police clothes, he had had a consultation with the Chief Constable, and he thought it would not be advisable to give it to them. He mo\ed that they advertise in the usual way. Mr T. WILLIAMS seconded, and the motion was I carri- d. Answering a question respecting the application of Inspector Lake, the CHIEF-CONSTABLE said the Inspector was not entitled to a rise in hi6 salary. He was getting £ 102 10s, and that was the sum specified as being the full pay of a first-class inspector. Mr LLOYD asked how that rate of pay compared with other counties. The CHAIRMAN referring to the Blue Book, said the pay of a first-class inspector in Merioneth was £ 95, and a second class officer. £ 85; in Denbigh the pay was 10 and X82, and in Anglesey it was .£90 and .£82. Captain HAYHURST-FRANCE moved that the appli- cation be declined. This was seconded, but before being put to the vote Mr RICHARD LLOYD proposed as an amendment that the matter be deferred to the next sessions. They could not vote upon it that day as they were quite in the dark. Mr R. REES seconded. Captain HAYHURST-FRANCE thought they were there to transact the business that day. The Inspector said he was entitled to it, although the Chief Constable said he was not. Mr RICHARD LLOYD said when the Inspector was re- moved from W elshpoollhe lost t5 owing to his appoint- ment under the Corporation. The CHAIRMAN said he was now receiving the salary of a first class inspector (.£102 10s Od), the amount sanc- tioned by the Secretary of State for the county of Mont- gomery. Captain HAYHURST-FRANCE asked whether he had any official promise that he should have a rise. The CHIEF CONSTABLE replied in the negative. He had just come under the scale of wages by which he was now paid. They permitted him, three years ago, before he was entitled to it, to come under that scale owing to his loss by being removed. Mr LLOYD remarked that bad the officer still remained at Welshpool his salary would now have amounted to £ 107 10s with the -65 he received from the Corporation. This man had lost £ 5 by his removal. Mr THEODORE said they had nothing to do with the payment he received from the Corporation. Mr T. WILLIAMS observed that they had no right to remove a man at a loss to himself unless he had done e something wrong. On being put to the vote the application was refused. The CHAIRMAN remarked that the sub-committee appointed to consider the best available site for a new police station at Machynlleth had not met. As far as he could gather there was likely to be a suitable piece of ground to be had in a short time. RECENT ACTION AGAINST THE POLICE. The Audit Committee reported that the Chief Constable submitted an order made by the Judge of Newtown County Court, in a plaint against Police-Sergeant Morgan and Mr. George Hawkins for unauthorised arrest, and ordering payment of t7 16s 8d damages and costs. The Committee having heard the statement of the Chief Constable who considered that the officer acted discreetly, notwithstanding the decision of the Court, recommended that the amount be defrayed out of the County fund. The CHAIRMAN said the committee went into this case, and the committee thought that the Chief Constable was right in this application. It seemed that it was a very long story and he did not know whether the com- mittee were wishful of going- into the matter. Mr. HUMPHREYS-OWEN said there seemed to be some dissatisfaction on the ground that they had only heard one side of the case. He thought in a payment of that sort the committee should be aware of the whole facts. The CHAIRMAN We cannot hear both sides we have only got the one side. Mr. HUMPHREYS-OWEN: I think the committee should bear the Chief Constable's statement, and ask him questions. The CHAIRMAN: I told Sergeant Morgan to be present to state the case. The CHIEF CONSTABLE said he was present at the County Court and heard all the case He considered the Sergeant had behaved as he should have done. The man was never apprehended from a policeman's point of view, and he accompanied the Sergeant quite willingly to the police station. There were excitable crowds about the street and in order to avoid a disturbance the officer asked the man to walk as far as the police station in order to make enquiries. The man afterwards went for the money and paid it to Hawkins. In his humble judgment the Sergeant had acted as he really ought to have done, and he could not tind a mistake in his behaviour. Sergeant MORGAN was then called in. He said on the day this money was supposed to have beeen obtained, Mr Hawkins came to him and stated that a man who gave the name of Thos. Davies came to him about a week previous and asked for employment. Mr Hawkins sent him over to Bettws where he said his foreman would engage him. The man came to him that morning and asked for his wages. Hawkins said he did not know what was due to him. He said he would not pay him. The man persisted and Mr Hawkins said he would have to wait until the afternoon. The man said he could not wait as he wanted to buy food, and asked Mr Hawkins for three or four shillings. At last Hawkins gave him two shillings. When he went over to Bettws in the afternoon he found that the man had been paid off. When Hawkins came to him, he (the speaker) said it was a case of false pretences. Hawkins left him, and a little later returned and said he had seen the man who, on seeing him, bad run away. He advised Hawkins to wait until Monday and then get a warrant, but he said he had to go on a journey on Monday and would rather not bother about it. He went with Hawkins to the house the man was seen to enter, and on being asked, he refused to give his name. His wife came out and offered the 2s. to Hawkins. Soon after a crowd congregated. anu a row started, a man named Pugh threatening to strike Hawkins. He thought it better to bring the man down to the station and make enquiries, and accordingly asked him to go. At the station he gave the name of Charles Jones and said lie resided in the town. He then said if Hawkins would go with him down to his ho ise he would give him the 2s. Hawkins refused to go, and the man went and fetched the money and gave it to Hawkins. Mr NEWELL asked whether the man went for the money by himself r Sergeant MORGAN: A police officer went with him. Mr NEWELL The man was detained here Sergeant MORGAN: No. sir; the man was not de- tained. I told him myself t,) go. Mr HUMPHREYS-OWEX said it was clear that there had been a breach of the law, and Sergeant Morgan had exceeded his duty in arresting the man as the County Court Judge had decided. The question for them was to I say whether Sergeant Morgan's conduct was indiscreet and reprehensible, and make him pay the money himself, or whether as a matter of indulgence they should pay the money for him. Mr T. WILLIAMS considered the Sergeant was blame- less. The EARL OF POWIS proposed that the expense be allowed. Capt. FRANCE seconded. ¡ Mr C. J. NEWELL would have liked to have supported the motion. Unfortunately he could not. It P.S. i*. Morgan and the Chief-Constable thought they had n. vjioe for an appeal against the decision or the County ifonrt Judge, then he would be willing to support them ferit and it would be money well spent to clear this mattcrnp. This matter, whatever was done there that day, vtjxud ever stand where it was then. He thought the cnaraqier of their force should be of more value than the s.iple payment of £ 7 16s Sd. He was quite satisfied that this poor man was taken to the lock-up. He had alvjgiys heard it said and believed that an Englishman's house was his castle, and he did not believe that their houses should be entered without some definite and clear purpose in view to justify it. He went in for personal lihjajty. He believed this man was arrested illegally accordn^w, the County Court Judge's view, and they dared not pay this money. He hoped that was the view the Committee would take of this matter. Mr R. LLOYD did not think they would be doing right to pass that resolution in that form, because it wae tantamount to saying that they did not believe in ,r:.t the County « onrt Judge said. The Judge had said clearly that there was an illegal arrest for winch a cermia fine and costs had been imposed. The question was whether they were all of the opinion that Strgt. Morgan did it intentionally or ignorantiy or ior the best. He gid not think it was right to pay the money on the grounds of the resolution. The CHAIRMAN again read the resolution of the Committee. Mr LLOYD said in that resolution they put the opinion of the Chief-Constable against the decision of the County Court Judge. The CHAIRMAN The County Court Judge gave his decision on a point of law we take the opinion of the Chief-Constable with regard to the management of the police, and I think it must be clear to the whole Com- mittee thJt if a policeman does a thing wHtch he consisiera to be his duty, and is then to have a case brought agahrat him for doing something which was wrong m law, 1 tiEtk it is a very hard case tor the constable, and therefcSp I do not see anything wrong in pasing this resolution as proposed. Mr THEODORE The Sergeant has been called ia here to give his version of the case. Do you expect ua,,t,, give our decision here after hearing one side of the cfl(§b ;J The County Court Judge, fortunately, heard two sideff"of the question. Mr HUMPHEEYS-OWEN said what they had to note was the actual intention of the man. In doing what .he did he had made an illegal arrest. He was acting on the word of the prosecutor, whom he believed to be a respect- able man. and thought himself justiiied in acting on his opinion. It was found when both sides had been hatud that it was an excess of duty. It was not an appeal f:k,ü1 the County Court Judge, but a lil;eL-,tioii whether a matter, of indulgence and having reg-ard to Serg&t Morgan s previous history and his action on this parti- cular occasion, they believed he acted in the interests of. the public and the ratepayers, and feey had to decide whether he should be left to afcar the burden of the mistake. He thought thf.y shoulc show indulgence to him. He had a difheult cgtey to perioral. The speaker, however, could not agree to the terms of the resolution. He moved as an amendment, That the committee consider that Sergeant Morgljj action in the matter was indiscreet, but that he acted h good faith to the best of his judgment and the oommitu e are willing to allow the payment." Mr T. WILLIAMS expressed the opinion that Serg-ca: t Morgan acted discreetly. The CHIEF-CONSTABLE said that the ammnt claimed was much in excess of the damages gnuyifcd. fhe amount Claimed was < £ 50. and the damages awarded amounted to £ 2. There were many things done in the police force that were best for the public. He did Xiot mean that the .fudge had given a wrong decision when he said that Sergt. Morgan bad acted indiscreetly. He iiiid that from the police point of view he had acted discreetly. Lord POWIS thought it was hard to label the man .as having committed an indiscretion. He was not correct as to his law, but, said his lordship, we are not all fltfet- class lawyers. In appointing an ordinary constahle tifey did not pass him through an examination as to law. EOrd the poor man having acted in the best of his ability, he thought it should not be recorded that he acted indis- creetly. Mr HUMPHREYS-OWEN was willing to accept a milder word than indiscreetly, but he must press the amendment. The question being put to the vote, there voted for the amendment five, against eight. For Mr Newell"s amend- ment, which amounted to a direct negative of the resolu- tion. there voted for four; for the original motion seven, which was declared carried.

FORDEN. THE ARMENIAN MASSACRES.—Dr Beddow, -Gi Welshpool, delivered an instractive lecture on. the Armenian Massacres," in the Forden Chapel, on Thursday evening. There was a crowded audience, and the discourse of the lecturer was greatly ap- preciated. The lecture was well illustrated by a magic lantern, which was cleverly manipulated.by Mr T. Edwards, of Welshpool. A vote of thanke was accorded the lecturer on the motion of the Rev T. C Jones, Welshpool. POSTAL F ACJLITIES.A parish meeting was held at the Schoolroom, on Thursday evening, to consider the postal improvements needed in the district. The j Vicar (Rev J. E. Vize) presided, and there was a- fair attendance. The postal facilities in the district are considered very unsatisfactory, and the px#Foent meeting was called by the Vicar and Mr D. Rogers, the Grove, for the purpose of making recomnttfoda- tions to a special committee of the County OflCEncil that would sit shortly. After discussion, the fpLtt w- ing resolut-ions were unanimously carried:— (O On the motion of Mr Forbes, seconded by Mr I;. Rogers, '• That a horse and trap be used for the delivery of letters from Welshpool to Leighton, Forden, .and thence to Forden Railway Stat-ion.(2) On,the motion of Mr J. F. Francis, seconded by Mr W. Davies, That all letters be delivered within a of a mile of the main and district roads. On the motion of Mr Forbes, seconded by Mr R. Hughes, That a pillar-box be erected at the junction ot the main and district roads on the Church Bank.(4) On the motion of Mr William Morgan, seconded by Mr J. F. Francis, "That the postal authorities be requested to arrange with the Railway Company to make Forden Station a telegraph office." make Forden Station a telegraph office."

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