The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

PUBLIC BURIAL GROUNDS. CONSECRATION, dedication, clerical fees, and other contentious subjects concerning the burial of the dead have from time to time given rise to unseemly disturbances in almost every part of the country, and it is with intense pleasure therefore that we hail the recommendations of the Select Com- mittee appointed some time ago to enquire Z!5 whether any alteration in the existing burial laws was necessary. These recommendations are eminently satisfactory to Nonconfor- mists, whose chief grievances were exempli- fied quite rece itly in connection with the formation of a new cemetery at Llanfair. The Committee conclude that the existing laws are unduly complex; that some of their provisions are unjust; that the machinery by which they are administered is cumbrous and defective, and that their operation has been, and still is, a frequent cause of controversy sometimes fraught with deplorable consequences to the peace of the localities concerned. All this is, of course, matter of history. Although under Martin's Act, which was enacted as an optional mea- .sure to the old Burials Act, the rights of Nonconformists are largely recognised, there is still pressing need for a revision of the burial laws generally. These two Acts, Parliament is recommended to consolidate, simplify, and amend, so that there may be only one law administered by one Government department. In providing a new cemetery, local authorities have at present to choose between the adoption of the Burials Act, administered by the Home Office, and Martin's Act, administered by the Local Government Board The choice of the future administrating body will, it is thought, be dependant upon the nature of the amended law, but the Committee, very wisely we think, recommend that, it should be the Local Government Board which is in constant touch with local authorities. The local governing bodies are specified by the Committee. In boroughs the Town Council; in rural districts (where a cemetery serves one parish only) the Parish Council, and in a parish which has no Parish Council, the parish meeting. For a cemetery which serves more than one parish, it is proposed that the local authority should be represen- tative of the Parish Councils or parish meetings concerned, while the case of a parish situate partly in a rural and partly in an urban district, would require special adjustment. The bitterly litigated subjects of consecration and ecclesiastical fees are courageously tackled. While local authori- ties may have descretionary power in regard to the consecration of any part of a cemetery, the Committee urge the important considera- tion that in every cemetery the chapel or chapels, which are erected in future at the cost of the ratepayers, shall be unconsecrated and be open to all, and that all fees, other than fees for services rendered, shall be abolished in cemeteries which may hereafter be provided. With regard to the clerical fees exacted at present, it is advised that these should be continued until the next vacancy, or for fifteen years, whichever period should be longer, but facilities are to be afforded for commuting such fees by local agreement if this be desired at an earlier period. Reform of the burial laws to the extent indicated would remove many substantial grievances, and at the same time extinguish the religious rancour that is unfortunately associated with the interment of our dead.

An Unreasonable Decision Reversed. THE other week we offered some plain worded comments upon the decision of the Finance Com- mittee of the County Governing Body to exclude the Llanfair Intermediate School from the bene- fits of cookery and laundry instruction. It was contended that it would be inconvenient for the teacher to travel to and from Llanfair, but no such consideration was extended to the Llanfair girls who were invited to come to Welshpool, by whatever means of locomotion they found most expedient, and attend the classes there. This resolution was absolutely prohibitive, as very few parents would have willingly borne the expense and inconvenience of sending their children to Welshpool in all conditions of weather. Besides, Llanfair, we argued, was entitled to an equality of privileges enjoyed by all the other county schools, and that this was a question which should bulk more largely in the minds of the committee than the mere convenience of a teacher whose services were paid for. It is satisfactory, there- fore, to note that the committee have reconsidered the unreasonableness of their decision and agreed that the teacher shall visit Llanfair on Thursday of each week.

An Asylum for Montgomeryshire. POOR law guardians in Montgomeryshire are face to face with one of the most important ques- tions that has forced itself upon their attention for many years. Bicton Asylum has become overcrowded, and the Guardians, as we have al- ready reported, are required to contribute towards the cost of additional building, or to accommodate a certain amount of the pauper lunatics in their Workhouses. There is abundant accommodation in the four Workhouses in the County, and the only difficulty that presents itself is the matter of interior arrangement. We fully approve of the scheme which has been devised by the Caersws Guardians to transform their Workhouse into a County Asylum, capable of accommodating, if need be, from 150 to 200 patients. At present the number of lunatics at Bicton chargeable to Mont- gomeryshire is 151, at a cost of 7s 9d each per week, while the pauper inmates at Caersws num- ber only between 50 and 60, and are main- tained at 4s. per week. It is proposed that Shropshire should take the whole of Bicton Heath Asylum for its own lunatics, paying Montgomery- shire its proportion of the present value of the buildings, etc. The establishment of one asylum in the county is decidedly preferable to distri- buting the lunatics over the four Workhouses necessitating thereby a radical re-arrangement structurally and otherwise, and it is to be hoped that at the conference suggested the scheme, which appears to us to be both practical and profitable, will secure the best consideration.

A Suggestion to Borough Electors. OF recent years the municipal elections in Montgomeryshire have lost considerably in point of public interest. In most places electoral disinterestedness is periodically noticeable, even at times when "burning" questions are on the tapis, and the cause is difficult to state. This year the local contests are as yet attracting little attention, but we hope before the polling day comes round to witness a general awaking. An admirable plan obtains in many towns of convening a ratepayers meeting prior to the election at which prospective candidates and retiring conncillors who desire a renewed lease of public office have the best opportunity of stating their views and intentions concerning questions of importance, while the electors are at the same time, enabled to interrogate them and otherwise judge of their individual fitness. We have already submitted this plan for the consideration of our readers in the boroughs, and we strongly recommend them to adopt it. It would constitute the means very largely of ridding municipal con- tests of their present political bias and handing over the management of our local affairs to the very best men. Let a petition be presented to the mayor of each borough requesting him to summon a public meeting of the ratepayers. I

Berriew School Grant. AFTER perusing the first leading article in to-day's issue our leaders will not fail to conceive the justness of the claim that is put forward by the Newtown Intermediate Governors for a larger share of the Berriew School Grant than is at present allotted to them. The Berriew School Scheme having collapsed the money was appro- priated to the general fund for intermediate education in the county, by which means presum- ably it is equally apportioned amongst all the county schools. One-fifth of the Llanfyllin dis- trict fund has to be awarded to the school nearest to Llanfyllin for reasons that are perfectly obvious to everybody. The Local 'Governing Bodies of Llanfair and Welshpool are each con- tending that they educate the larger number of Llanfyllin children at their school, but there is no attempt to dispute the fact that the Newtown school is the centre of higher education for the children of the Berriew district. Its nearness and accessibility" are unquestioned, and its title to the major portion of this money is therefore established. The subject is to be dis- cussed at the next meeting the County Governing Body when something like an equitable adjust- ment must be decided upon.

A Falling Empire. A SOMEWHAT optimistic view of the crisis at Pekin seems to prevail in official circles. The changes at Pekin are spoken of as a Palace revolution, and the alleged murder of the EMPEROR and the restoration to power of the DOWAGER EMPRESS are thought to be of little concern to other countries. This view, however, is not shared by those who know anything of Chinese affairs, nor is it held by those on the spot. Whatever may be Lord SALISBURY'S view, the British MINISTER and the British ADMIRAL regard the situation as serious enough. What is most feared is that the Chinese Empire is sick unto death. The whole structure of Chinese Government is falling to pieces, and what inter- ests us more particularly is the likely necessity for a joint occupation of China. The British sphere which has been marked out consists practically of Central China-the wealthiest and most populous part of the Empire. Russia would, of course, take the north, while France would occupy the southern provinces. For the present these are called spheres of influence, but if the Chinese Government breaks up altogether influ- ence will be converted into occupation. (

What is an Agriculturist P ACCOBDING to Lord ROSEBBRY tbere is in these days only one sound, legal, technical definition of an agriculturist, and that is a person who has half his rates paid by Government. This, how- ever, is the definition of the English And Welsh farmer only, for his LORDSHIP tells us he would rather be an Irish agriculturist who has the whole of his rates remitted. While for the present out- side the political arena, Lord ROSEBERY declines to criticise such attempts to legislatively assist agricultural industry, yet these sarcastic allusions to the Rating Act bring out quite clearly his opinions upon this measure of landlord relief. He does not believe that legislation can materially assist agriculture, although it might do much to prevent unfairness and injustice as between land- lord and tenant, while Protection he regards as a practical impossibility, and observes that anyone able to carry it into effect will be the most power- ful minister England has seen for some time. But, after all, is not the legislation sought for simply that which will remove the unfairness and injustice which a Roysd Land Commission have declared do exist.

A Powerful Emphasis. LORD ROSEBERT has broken the spell of political silence to emphasise the conduct of the Ministry and the sentiment of the country in the crisis with France. As the minister responsible for the original declaration of policy in regard to the Nile Valley, he takes a most serious view of the despatch of the Marchand Mission to Fashoda. France was informed that any encroachment of the kind would be regarded as "an unfriendly "act," and, as Lord RosEBERY points out, an "unfriendly act" is, in diplomatic language, a most grave offence. When, therefore, M. DELCASSE permitted the Marchand expedition to set out for the Nile, he cannot have realised the peril of the step or he was deliberately courting a conflict, or what was perhaps nearer the truth, he was engaging in a game of adventure with the hope that Britain could ultimately be squeezed into compliance. Lord ROSEBERY does not conceal his disappointment with the graceful concessions of the PRIME MINISTER, and warns the world that our patience is not inexhaustible, and that a point can be reached where unfair pressure will be resented. A repetition of Madagascar and Siam will not be witnessed in the case of Fashoda. Lord SALISBURY has himself declared that much, and the British nation stands behind him for peace or war.

LLANIDLOES BOROUGH SESSIONS, THURSDAY. Before Messrs Edward Hamer (ex-mayor) and Daniel Davies. EJECTMENT ORDER.—Mr John Davies, solicitor, applied on behalf of Miss Marshall for an eject- ment order against George Williams, Penygraig- street.—Mr L. P. Marshall. agent, proved the tenancy, and stated that Williams, who was a weekly tenant, had refused to quit, and had not paid any rent for upwards of twelve months.— The usual order of 21 days was granted by the Bench. CREATING A DISTURBANCE.—William Evans, senior, Bethel-street, and William Evans, his son, were summoned for being drunk and creating a disturbance in Great Oak-street on Saturday, September 10th.—Inspector Lake stated that on the night in question the defendants were selling herrings in Great Oak-street. The son was making a tremendous noise, and when requested to abate the same he replied that he could do "as he liked." He continued the disturbance, and when witness proceeded towards him he put his fist nearly in his face, and shouted that he was going to have some mackerel on Sunday. He also stated that he would make a noise as long as he pleased, and that he knew the law as well as witness did. The other defendant then intervened, and asked witness what business he had in the matter. Both of them were drunk.—William Evans, jun., appeared, and said he was entitled to sell herrings on the street. He denied thrusting his fist in the Inspector's face.—P.C. R. O. Jones corro- borated the Inspector's evidence, and the Bench fined William Evans, junior, 7s 6d, including costs, and dismissed the charge against his father. SUNDAY DRUNKENNESS.—Abel Williams, Long Bridge-street, was charged with being drunk on Sunday, Sept. 25th.—P.C. Rees deposed that he saw the defendant drunk in Long Bridge-street about 3 p.m. on the day in question. He re- quested him to go home with the alternative of being locked up. Defendant inquired why he should be treated in that manner, and witness informed him that he was a disgrace to be on the street.—The defendant did not appear, and was I fined 7s 6d and costs, in default 14 days' imprison- ment. SCHOOL CASES.—Mr Edward Davies, school attendance officer, summoned four parents for not sending their children regularly to school. The defendants were ordered to pay costs, 5s.

LLANIDLOES TOWN COUNCIL. The last ordinary meeting of the above Council for the current year was held on Thursday. In the absence of the Mayor (Councillor Kinsey Jones), the Ex-Mayor (Councillor E. Hamer) pre- sided, and there were also present: Aldermen W. George, E. Bowen, and W. Ashton, Councillors J. Grant, G. Hercomb, D. Rees, E. D. Marpole, R. George, and Evan Williams, with Mr Arthur Davies (town clerk). FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Finance Committee's report was presented by Councillor GEORGE. At a meeting held on September 21st, the Mayor in the chair, it was resolved that the Town Clerk enter into an agree- ment with the Council to make out a bill of his legal charges for professional duties which he considered to be outside his duties as town clerk, and that the same be presented to the Finance Committee every year previous to the meeting of the said committee in October; any bill sent after such date for services rendered during the past year not to be recognised. It was further re- solved to suggest to the Town Clerk the advis- ability of his providing a room in his office for the solved to suggest to the Town Clerk the advis- ability of his providing a room in his office for the exclusive right of the Council for their sittings and the keeping of the Council's documents and and the keeping of the Council's documents and books, at a rent to be ageed upon. At a further meeting of the committee on October 11th, Alder- George presiding, the toll collector reported that since last report he had collected tolls amounting to XI Ils 7d. The amount of rates collected was reported to be £ 157 18s 6d, the total amount of current rate collected being.2309 12s lid. There was a credit balance with the Council's bankers of .£69 3s 8d. Bills amounting to .£10 10s 6d were recommended for payment. In reference to the letter received from Messrs Norris and Norris asking for the salary due to the late town clerk, the committee desired their present town clerk to write Messrs Norris and Norris requesting them to send in their bill for the salary due in time for the next meeting of the Finance Committee, when it should be attended to. The bill received from the newly-appointed town clerk for X4 for legal and professional services rendered in rela- tion to the revision of the lists of voters was held over until next meeting so that the committee in the meantime might be supplied with further particulars of the same. The TOWN CLERK explained, with regard to his bill of £ 4, that it had always been considered that the revision of the list of voters was outside the ordinary duties of his office, and that, there- fore he was entitled to remuneration for the same. In the past, the Council would recollect, X5 or t6 had been allowed for this work. Alderman GEORGE moved that the bill be paid. Councillor MARPOLE seconded the resolution, and it was carried. The EX-MAYOR asked if the Town Clerk agreed with the suggestion of the committee that he bhould enter into an agreement with the Council respecting the legal and other charges which were considered to be outside his duties as Town Clerk ? The TOWN CLERK replied in the affirmative. On the motion of Alderman BOWEN, seconded by Alderman ASHTON. the report of the Finance Committee was adopted. THE ATTENDANCE OF MEMBERS. Appended to the Finance Committees report was a list of the attendances of members of that committee during the past year, which was as follows:—Number of meetings held, 13. Alder- men George (chairman) JjJ, E. Bowen 11, W. Ashton 7, E. Davies 10, Councillor J. K. Jones (mayor) 10, R. George (sec.) 11, D. Rees 9, E. Hamer 4, Evan Williams 3, J. Grant 3, E. D. Marpole 3, James Kerr 2, Daniel Davies 1. G. Hercomb 1, A. J. Morris 1, D. Hamer 0. AN IMPROVEMENT. Councillor GRANT said that no meeting of the Encroachment Committee bad been held. A letter had been received from Mr T. Foulkes Roberts, Castletown, Isle-of-Man, requesting permission to remove the gate of the tan-yard in Brook street, placing it at the edge of the street in a line between the adjoining cottage wall and the wall of the adjoining property on the side near to the Newtown road. Alderman BOWEN proposed that permission be granted, remarking that the alteration would be an improvement to Brook-street, as it would prevent the nuisance now complained of. Councillor GRANT seconded, and the proposi- tion was agreed to. TOWN FOOTPATHS,, The EX-MAYOR enquired whether the Town Clerk had written- the Cambrian Railway Com- pany respecting the gate at the entrance to the platform at the Railway Station. The TOWN CLERK produced a letter from the General Manager, stating that the matter would receive attention. The EX-MAYOR said his attention had been called to the matter by Mr Edmunds, surveyor, who advised him that they had a right of way in the direction of the station, and he thought the matter should be followed up. The matter was deferred. THE MARKET HALL LAMPS. The CLERK read a communication from the Secretary of the Gas Company asking for infor- mation respecting the arrangements for the lighting of the Old Market lamps, and pointing out that at present the gas was measured by meter. Alderman BOWEN suggested that the pay- ment of 3s for lighting and extinguishing the lamps, which was reasonable for the summer months, was too much for the winter months, as the work could be more conveniently carried out. —The matter was left in the hands of the Light- ing Committee, who were empowered to settle the matter on the best terms they could arrange. MARKETS AND FAIRS. The EX-MAYOR said the list of fairs for the year 1889 had been drawn up and were in the course of printing, and the Mayor and himself had taken the liberty of arranging that inasmuch as the 17th September, the date of the new fair, fell on a Sunday in 1899, the fair should be held the following day. Kerry fair was held on the Saturday. WATER SUPPLY. Councillor GRANT read the report of the Water Committee, which met on September 21st. The report stated that the Committee proceeded to Nantygeifr to confer with Mr Davies respecting the works he wished carried out before he would withdraw his opposition to the scheme. The Committee discussed the matter at length with him and arranged that an agreement should be drawn up, embodying the terms agreed upen. The same was now produced for the approval of the Council.—The Committee also met on October 6th to consider a communication received from the Local Government Board as to the further amendments to plan and details of the extra cost of £ 350 required on account of alterations pro- posed by them, and it was decided to forward the same to the engineers to supply the information. They had returned the plan and furnished the details and the same were ready to be returned to the Local Government Board.—Councillor Grant said the agreement was now in the hands of the Town Clerk. Mr Davies, he understood, had signed a copy of the agreement, and had also signed a letter withdrawing his opposition to the scheme. The plan from Messrs Beesley was there for perusal and the engineers had supplied details of the estimate of the alterations required to be made by the Local Government Board. The principal alterations consisted of the widen- ing and enlarging of the west water channel for the short distance which passes over the level portion of the embankment from 2ft. to 8ft. The CLERK then read the provisional agree- ment. After some discussion, the borough seal was affixed to the agreement. THE BOROUGH BYE LAWS. The CHAIRMAN said that several proof copies of the amended bye laws had been printed as drafted by the Committee, and were now sub- mitted for approval. He understood that before they could sent to the Local Government Board a copy would have to be placed in a prominent position in the town, and a copy also sent to the Local Government Board for their perusal.—It was decided to convene a special meeting of the Council for Wednesday next to examine the new bye laws. THE MAINTENANCE OF MAIN STREETS. The EX-MAYOR suggested that the Council of Llanidloes should participate in a movement to petition the Montgomery Council to maintain the main streets through the towns of the county. He pointed out that Newtown had already moved in the matter, and he thought that Llanidloes should not be behind other towns. Moreover it would be a great saving of expense to the rate- payers. They considered that the main streets were a portion of the main roads which ought properly to be maintained by the County Council. The ratepayers contributed to the County rate as other ratepayers did, and he thought it was only right and fair that the County Councii should maintain the streets. He understood that New- town were going to petition the County Council. Councillor R. GEORGE said the County Coun- cil already did this foi Montgomery, and it ap- peared that the Montgomery County Council was the only authority in the Kingdom that did not maintain the main roads throughout towns. Alderman ASHTON said they were entitled to this. The streets were made use of as main roads and nothing was given in return. Councillor GRANT concurred, and suggested 1-9 that united action should be taken to bring pres- sure upon the Council. Councillor R. GEORGE moved that a petition be presented to the County Council. Councillor MARPOLE seconded, and the reso- lution was unanimously carried. ATTENDANCE OF COUNCILLORS. The Town Clerk prepared and read the follow- ing list of attendances of councillors for the year 1897-8, the number of meetings held being 16:— Councillors J. Kinsey Jones (mayor) 16, Councillor Hamer (ex-mayor) 14, Aldermen Ed. Davies 11, Ed. Bowen 16, Wm. George 14, W. Ashton 14, Councillors James Grant 14, James Kerr 7, E. D. Marpole 15, D. Rees 16, Evan Williams 14, Rd. George 14, Daniel Davies 11, A. J. Morris 7, G. Hercomb 11, David Hamer 1.

NEWTOWN POLICE COURT. FRIDAY. Before Messrs Richd. Morgan and J. Humphreys. HIGHWAY LAWS.—Henry Griffiths, Bettws, was charged by Thomas Edmunds, surveyor to the Newtown and Llanidloes Rural District Council, with not cutting certain hedges and trees on the side of the highway between Bettws and New Wells.—The Surveyor said that he had served Mr Griffiths several notices about the matter, but he had not done anything. The hedge bounded two fields on the right hand side of the road occupied by the defendant, and was about 500 yards long. The hedge averaged from seven to ten feet high, and the road was very narrow. Defendant had admitted grazing one field, but there were gaps in the hedge dividing the two fields. Mr Griffiths had paid the rates for the last half-year.—Defen- dant said he had not received a notice this year. He was not the tenant, and had given up the fields since March. He received a notice in September, 1897, for him to quit in March, of which he produced a copy. He had mislaid the original notice, and had applied for a copy.—The Clerk said that the notice he now produced was dated March, 1897.-The cabe was adjourned for the defendant to produce the original notice. A HUSBAND'S LAMENTATIONS.—Robert Evans, hawker, Russel Square, was charged with having created a disturbance on the 4th of October.— P.S. Morgan stated that on the day in question he heard a noise in Skinner-street, and on going there found Robert Evans using very bad lan- guage. It appeared that he had lost his wife, and was making a disturbance and using obscene langulge. He was the worse for drink.—Fined 5s and costs. YOUNG OFFENDERS.—Four youths from Peny- gloddfa, Norman Jones, David Evans, Charles Morgan, and Harry Beedles, were charged by William Spence, Bryn-street, with damaging fruit in his garden to the extent of Is.—The Com- plainant stated that it gave him great pain to have to summon boys so young. He had been several times annoyed by boys throwing stones at his garden. The boys charged were not worse than others, but he did it to warn the others On the 6th of October they got on the garden wall and threw stones at the apples. The servant girl went out to them, but they would not go away, and he went out and saw them throwing stones. He did not wish to press the case.—The Chairman (Mr Richard Morgan) said it was a very sad thing to see boys in the position they were. He thought they were very lucky that Mr Spence did not wish to press the case. It would be a warning to them and other boys in future.— Fined Is each. SCHOOL CASES.—Thomas Lewis, Frolic, was charged by J. Andrew, attendance officer, with not sending his son to school. The defendant had been fined at the last Court for a similar offence. The boy had been absent 19 times out of 46. Fined Is and costs.-Elizaboth Daviea was charged with a like offence. At the last Court the magistrates decided to fine her in the case of her son if he did not attend regularly during the next month. Her son had attended twice during the last five weeks. She was now brought up charged with not sending her three youngest children to school.—The Defendant stated that she could not send her children to school without food, and the guardians did not allow her a sufficient amount to maintain them. She only received Is 3d for each child.—The Chairman said they would give her one more chance. If she did not send her children to "chool the Bench would deal very harshly with -The Defendant said she would rather go to to —The case was adjourned, and as to the conut. -.al fine, that matter was also adjourned to next sessions. THE SHEEP SCAB REGULATIONS.—J. Davies, Lodge Farm, Bishop's Castle, was charged with exhibiting sheep for sale contrary to the regula- tions.—P.S. Morgan deposed that he was at Kerry fair on September 16th, when he saw the defendant driving two rams into the village. When asked for a certificate he said that he aid not think one was necessary.—Fined 28 6d and costs. REFUSING TO QUIT.-Alfred Jones, shoemaker, Commin, Kerry, was charged with being drunk on licensed premises and refusing to quit the Sarn Inn.—P.C. Pryce. Kerry, stated that on the 3rd October he was on duty at the Sarn. About 9-50 p.m. he. heard a disturbance in the Sarn Inn. He went in and found the defendant in the kitchen quarrelling with a lad named Bevan, and they went to fight. He separated them and Jones again began to quarrel. He called the attention of Mr Hughes, the landlord, to Jones, and he requested witness to put him out, which he did. Defendant was drunk. He again entered and was again ejected. The publican locked the front door and the defendant kicked the door and shouted—"Turn that b-policeman out, I will put the b- right when he comes."—The defendant said he had been out rabbiting and went to the inn about eight p.m He asked the landlord to allow him to put the ferrets in a room until he departed. At ten o'clock, closing time, he went for his ferrets, and meeting John Bevan he asked him if would have a drink. Bevan struck him down. P.C. Pryce then came in, and caught him by the collar and threw him against the wall, and after- wards threw him out into the road. He called witness a little devil, and said he would throw him over the b- hedge.—Cross-examined by P.C. Pryce: He went back after being put out, for his ferrets, but did not kick the door.—Pryce Jones said that P.C. Pryce did not order Jones out. The defendant asked Bevan to have a drink, whereupon he struck him down. He got up and Pryce threw him against the wall. The defendant asked Pryce not to push him out as he would go out without. He again went in for some things, and Pryce asked him to go out, and he said he would as soon as he had his things.—Thomas Hamer said he saw Pryce catch hold of Jones and throw him out. When he entered the second time to fetch his ferrets Pryce would not allow him, and put him out. Jones was not drunk, but Bevan was.—The defendant was also charged with being drunk and disorderly on the highway. —P.C. Pryce said that Jones afterwards went to him and used bad language. Witness advised him to go home, but he said he would please him- self. He created a disturbance until half-past eleven.—Thomas Hamer said that the defendant was not drunk, nor did he use bad language.— Fined 10s and costs in the first case, and 5s and costs in the second, amounting in all Xi 14s. I

I SEEN AND HEARD. Xotmnp extennate, nor set down anght is =--Iic-r." SHAKTSPEAEE. This is the season when the free and independent burgess attains his maximum importance. The distribution of municipal honours are in his hands, and applicants for his favours are seldom wanting. At no other time do his public and private interests seem to so seriously concern certain people who move around him, and for the moment his wonderment is perplexing. By-and-by it dawns upon him that the 1 own Council election is at hand, and, as 1 have said, he feels inflated with inordinate consequentially, and] like an honest man, sits down determined to weigh impartially the respective merits of public place seekers. This is a picture of the ideal elector, who, unfortunately, is not superabundant. There are such organizations always at election times as cliques and coteries, who run men into public office, not for the purpose of looking after the interests of the ratepayers, but for simply furthering some object or scheme of a party character. The result is that our local bodies are often invaded by persons who, however well fitted they may be for faithful partisanship, are by no means model repre- sentatives, and only keep good men outside the public service. Again, we find men pushed into public life for the sake of self-glorification, and men, too, who are ready to do the most menial service to some influential clique whenever called upon, demonstrating a spirit of toadyism degrading in the extreme. Such men are a disgrace to those who vote for them. Then we have the public man with an axe to grind. It is no easy matter for the ratepayers sometimes to find out such men, but with a little discernment one should not fail to satisfy oneself as to the ulterior objects of candi- dates. There are other doubtful types of public representatives which might be mentioned, but I refrain from commenting further. My intention has been to arouse public interest in the boroughs in connection with the approaching elections, and to show the ratepayers that unsuitable men can be foisted upon their boards wherever there is electoral apathy. A prospective candidate for municipal honours went to a reporter the other day, and gave that functionary an order for an address. A man of modest pre- tensions, he was very eareful to observe that there was to be nothing grandiloquent in it, ror any foreign phrases. Let it be plain and straightforward," be said, none of your beating around the bush. Tell them what I am, and what I would like to be, and (sot-lo voce) no promises as long as your arm that can only be fulfilled in 100 years." This commendable candidate, I am told, got all he wanted, and the address is conspicuous for its refreshing unconven- tionality and naked innocence. We may see it shortly. The glories of the summer have departed, yet how indescribably grand at present is our lovely wooded country-side in its setting of autumn tints. Here and there splashes of fresh green co-mingle with the golden and russet brown; the wild rose of summer is spent, but the glowing red berries are on every hedgerow, the ferns and furze are bronzed on the hillsides, and just before the fall of the leaf the face of nature presents an incomparable picture which the artist can worship but never faithfully portray, for Who can paint Like nature? Can imagination boast Amid its gay creation, hues like here ? I attended a funeral in a churchyard at Newtown the other day, and was shocked to note the feeling of disregard which some people exhibited for the sanctity of their surroundings. Upon the tops of graves and grave-stones they scrambled in order to secure an interrupted view of the funeral obsequies, and heed- lessly trampled upon the flower plots which reverent hands had planted above the resting places of their departed friends. It was shameless conduct, I thought, on the part of people who ought to know better, but who were present, evidently, at the in- stance of a mere taste for sight seeing, and for the gratification of which they outraged all feeling of decency. I heartily join with a malfafaide of friends in offering to our valued and respected townsman (Councillor Edward Jones) and his good lady my sincerest con- gratulations upon the attainment of their 25th year of connubial bliss. The celebration of their silver wedding gathered around them troops of friends in the prsttily decorated schoolroom of the Crescent Chapel on Wednesday evening, and I trust the happy pair may live to realise all the good wishes that were showered upon them. Providence brought them together, and a kind providence, I hope, shall ever attend them. At their golden wedding may I be there to see. The non-observance of the Sheep Scab Regulations and the wanton disregard for school attendance orders bulk prominently at almost every police court in the county. I notice that here and there farmers continue to urge their ignorance in palliation of the offenoe, and since the county spends more than .£4,00 upon agricultural enlightenment this plea is a remarkable one indeed. There may be some in- convenience in duly respecting the regulations, but ignorance there is not. The circumstanoes associated with "defaulting" parents are usually of a painful character demanding discretion, and in most cases leniency, but whatever the circumstances every child must be educated, and this the bench can never lose sight of. A comfortless refugee where the poor are not properly treated. This is the description given of Caersws Workhouse by one of its oldest Guardians. And this condition of thiags, I am told, is a piece of ancient history. What is the cause? Why do the Guardians tolerate such a state ? And if it be as bad as described what does Mr Bircham look at on his periodical rounds through the House? Has "extra- vagance in outdoor relief" its antithesis in indoor treatment t These are questions that call for answer. You may notice, Mr Editor, that since your com- ments last week upon the question of the maintenance of county highways runningjthrough the boroughs Llanidloes has resolved to join Newtown in an appeal for fair play. It may be taken for granted that the County Main Roads Committee will only admit liability upon the presentation of a clear case, and, therefore, the boroughs concerned should be prepared with evidence which it will be difficult to refute. How is it," writes a correspondent, that along the roadsides in the vicinity of Newtown we find no scats where the pedestrian taking his, or her, walks abroad can rest awhile ? Few towns of the size and importance of NewtownTare* so poorly served in thig respect. The expense of placing a seat or two along, say, the Milford, Pool, (Llanidloes and Dolfor-roads would not be great, and I am'sure that many a con- valescent, an aged man orgwoman, not to speak of young men and maidens, would hail with delight the erection of such seats in suitable spots. Our Urban Councillors might take the matter sp," My correspondent has pointed out a deficiency which visitors to the town cannot fail to observe. 1a comparison with many places Newtown is still some- what behind in providing for the comfort of the townspeople. The surroundings are picturesque, and especially in the summer months charming walks can be had. It sounds a trifle paradoxical to talk of going for a walk to sit down, but there are, doubtless, many who, by age or infirmity, Cwould be glad to avail themselves of such resting places as my correspondent advocates. His reference"r- 0 young men and maidens," I fear, may be regarded as synonymous with "courting couples." I have not the slightest doubt that to these the suggestion will strongly appeal. Some members of the Urban Council may, however, hold peculiar ideas on thequestion of matrimony, and may be averse to accepting responsibility for the tacit encouragement of the alliances that might be arranged as the !result of my correspondent's sug- gestion being carried out. LUKE SHARPS.

THE MOST ANNOYING THING in the JL world, or at least one of them, is to have bad notepaper when you want your writing to look at its best. Look at the 6id. and Is. Boxes of Tinted and Cream Laid Stationery, at 19, Broad-street, Newtown, and you will wonder why I you didn't think of it before.

"P R. v 5th VOLUNTEER BATTALION THE SOUTH WALES BORDERERS. REGIMENTAL ORDERS BY LIEUT.-COLONEL E. PRYCE-JONES, M.P., Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, NEWTOWN. 15th October, 1898. PARADES.—For sectional firing drill will be as follows :—At Newtown on Tuesday and Thursday, at 8 15 p.m.; Welshpool on Monday and Wednes- day, at 8 p.m.; Machynlleth on Tuesday and Fri- day, at 8 p.m.; and at Llanfair on Tuesday and Friday, at 8 p.m. There will also be Adjutant's parade in drill order at Newtown on Friday at 8 15 p m., and at Welshpool on Thursday at 8 p m. MUSKETRY.—Parades for preliminary drills will be held at Llanfair on Monday at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., and on Tuesday and Friday at 9 p.m. Also at Towyn on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 8 p.m. CLASS FIRING.-The Rifle Range is placed at the disposal of E Co. for recruits on Wednes- day next 19th. and for F Co. on 17th and 24th inst. CHURCH PARADE.—There will be parade for Divine Service at Newtown on Sunday, 23rd inst. Parade at Dolerw at 10 15 a.m. PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS.—The Com- manding Officer has been pleased to approve the following from this date :—"A" Co., Lance-Sergt H. E. Breeze to be Sergeant, No 30 Pte Rees, No 5 E. C. Jones, and No 176 Pte E. Jones to be Lance-Corporals; H B" Co., No 39 Sergt J. M. Jones to be Colour-Sergeant; D" Co., No 299 Corpl Sangers to be Sergeant, and No 296 L-Corpl Evans to be Corporal; F" Co., 417 Sergt Edwards to be Colour-Sergeant; No 426 L-Corpl E. L. Jones, No 456 L-Covpl L. M. Jones, No 454 L-Corpl W. P. Jones, and No 458 L-Corpl R. L. Jones to be Corporals. INSPECTION.—The Officer Commanding 24th Regimental District will inspect the Battalion in Sectional Firing on Penarth Range on Saturday next, 22nd inst. A and B Co's will parade at 1 30 p.m. Band and Buglars to attend. C Co. will leave Welshpool by the 11 40 a. m. train, and D Co. by the 9 23 a.m. train. E Co. (Llanfair Detachment) will be on the range at 11 a.m. "D"and"E" Co's will commence at 12 15 p.m. C at 1 p.m., and "A" and B Co's at 2 30 p.m. Dress, Drill Order with braces and two pouches. Leggings will be worn. By order, C. WALKER, Captain, Adjutant 5th V.B. South Wales Borderers.

CASTLE CAEREINION. THE DRuIDS.-The anniversary of the Loyal Einion Lodge of Druids was celebrated by a supper at the Red Lion Inn on Thursday evening. Mr T. S. Pryce, P.G.M., presided, and after supper the usual toasts were honoured.—Mr E. Morgan Jones proposed the health of the County and Borough Members, and the health of the Club Surgeon (Dr Thomas) was given by Mr E. E. Jones and drunk with enthusiasm.—In proposing Jones and drunk with enthusiasm.—In proposing the toast of the evening the Chairman referred to the continued prosperity of the Order, and said the large company present was a favourable augury of the future success of the Club.—Mr John Davies, D.G.M., responded.—During the evening songs were given by Messrs R. Evans, Pryoe Davies, John Davies, and J. Wanklyn.

BERRIEW SCHOOL. The following important correspondence has been sent us for publication:— Berriew Vicarage, Montgomeryshire. September 1st, 1898. Dear Mr Humphreys-Owen,—It may be useful before a Parish Meeting considers the future of Berriew school, to state our present needs, and the terms of an offer to meet them. I. (1). During negotiations for a new scheme (1892-1898 ?) a debt of X250 or more has been contracted, partly due to the withdrawal of sub- scriptions during the suspense, partly to the increase of assistant teachers' salaries, and partly to the bad attendance of scholars and the diminished grants earned in consequence. This debt must augment as long as the annual excess of expenditure over income (at present .£50 per annum) continues. (2). For some years the Education Department has pressed for structural arfd other improvements which may cost X400 to -6500 from first to last to carry out thoroughly. (3). Thus it appears that a sum of £ 700 or more is wanted to bring the school up to present requirements, and to clear its liabilities. And, moreover, an annual maintenance fund of .£50 or thereabouts for the future. (4). Hitherto, the parish liabilities in respect of elementary education have been met by Berriew school, Vaynor school, and the Fron school. Of Vaynor school Major Corbett-Winder takes the sole responsibility. On the Fron school there is a debt now in course of reduction and about X 12 or X15 should be raised annually to balance the accounts. II. These needa may be met by voluntary co- operation of the parishioners, either in making the existing schools efficient and solvent, or in remodelling Berriew school and building a fresh one elsewhere. As, however, the latter plan would call for an additional staff of teachers, and would also cause smaller numbers of scholars of the bame standing to be taught together, the former plan would probably be more efficient as well as more economical. But, it may be asked, is that a sufficient inducement to the parishioners as a body to share in maintaining the present Berriew school as a Church trust ? III. (1). We propose to strengthen the induce- ment. Provided the Church teaching and man- agement are secured, Churchmen will bear the greater part of the burden, and will consent to share the management with representatives of the parish, on the terms now to be explained. Some friends come forward with an offer of X200 towards the undertaking. They ask the land- owners to meet their £ 200 with another X200. This will make X". Then they ask the parish- ioners in general (a) to take proportionate share in raising the remainder (£300 odd), and (b) to raise in the same way an annual maintenance fund of or thereabouts to balance the parish schools' accounts. If this common effort is fairly made, so as to secure the X400 offered, the expense to the parishioners will probably be found to be less than one half the cost of a School Board. 2. As to the religious teaching, the provisions in Clause 6 of Berriew School Scheme having become in some particulars out of date (compare Canon 59) they should in any alteration of the Scheme be brought into accordance with modern practice; the right of the Vicar or his represen- tative to teach the children, as limited by the conscience clause, being maintained. And this, we think, could best be done by the adoption of the National Society's clause. (3). As to the management, we propose that the number of trustees be raised from four to thirteen as formerly. The Trust prescribes that all shall be freeholders; but while we consider that the freeholders now to be chosen should be bona fide friends and maintainers of the Church schools if not necessarily Churchmen, we are willing, in response to the above named annual contribution made by the parish generally, to secure to it a share in the management of the school by joining with you in petitioning the Charity Commission- ers to permit the last five trustees to be elected representatives of the parish (but not as elected under the Local Government Act of 1894) pro- vided that yourself and Mrs Humphreys-Owen be regarded as two of these so long as you continue trustees of the school. We are of opinion that if the proposed compact is frankly accepted, the parish representatives might have great weight with the other trustees in checking possible ill-management or unfairness, and would also be likely to gain for a wise and considerate administration the cordial support of the whole parish. May we hope that this offer, in which we believe as much is conceded as our Trust will safely permit, will be met (as it has been made) with a sincere desire for unity of action, rather than division ?-Yours sincerely, (Signed) W. L. MARTIN, Vicar of Berriew. A. C. Humphreys-Owen, Esq., M.P. Glansevern, October 5th, 1898. Dear Mr Martin,—I desire as strongly, I am sure, as your friends, unity of action rather than devision in education and am ready to concede much to secure it. I quite believe, too, that your friends consider the terms they offer to the parish fair. I think, however, they will see when the full effect of their proposals is pointed out that those proposals do not provide an equitable com- promise. Your friends propose that in return for the gift by them of a sum of £ 200, towards a deficit which they estimate at over £ 700. and for their agreeing to the admission (as a concession and not as of right) and if I understand you rightly so long only as it is necessary for the parish to make an annual contribution to the school of five repre- sentatives on a governing body of thirteen, the parish shall agree— (1). To give to the clergy the right to enter the school, and give religious instruction subject only to the Conscience Clause. (2). To ask the Charity Commissioners to adopt as to religious instruction a clause approved by by the National Society. Now the Chancery Scheme recognizes the Vicar only as one of a body of trustees each of whom has equal rights and duties with his colleagues. The proposal that not only the Vicar but his representative should, independently of the trustees, have the right of entering and teaching in the school, gives to them a position of privilege quite in excess of any he has hitherto had. Even if the endowment were of an uncontested church character, provisions such as these would, I am sure, be distasteful to many Churchmen. Under these circumstances proposals of which the practical effect is that the endowment shall be merged into the system of the National Society do not appear to me to provide a remedy for our present difficulties. The question, however, must a.ow be submitted to the Parish Meeting, and I propose, with your consent to print and distribute this correspond- ence forthwith.—Believe me to be, sincerely yours, A. C. HUMPHREYS-OWEN. Berriew Vicarage. October 7th, 1898. Dear Mr Humphreys-Owen,—I am sorry we are not quite agreed before appealing to the parish. Not to prolong the debate I will content myself with saying:— (1). The Chancery Scheme as it is sends the children to the minister of the parish or his representative for instruction if he thinks fit. (2). The sum to be offered by friends outside the parish is £ 200; that by friendly landowners is X" more. Total— £ 400 to be offered to the ratepayers towards the whole sum required. I gladly consent to the printing and distribu- ting of this correspondence.—Yours sincerely, (Sigd.) W. L. MARTIN. [We have also received—(but too late for publi- cation this week), a statement of receipts and expenditure of the Berriew school for the past three years. The deficit for 1896 was R59 15s 8d; 1897, X54 2s 7d; 1898, .£44 Is Od. The general financial estimate shows a net debt at 31st December, 1898, of .£167 14s. We shall publish the statement in full next week.]

LLANFAIR CAEREINION. THE SHow.-At a meeting of the General Com- mittee, the Vicar (the Rev W. Jones) presiding, the financial statement from the treasurers, which showed a good balance in hand, was received. It was arranged to convene a meeting forthwith to make arrangements for next year's show.