The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

LET A CONFERENCE BE CALLED. THROUGHOUT the recent controversy on the Asylum question the strongest argu- ment we heard advanced on behalf of the proposed extension at Bicton was the refusal of the Lunacy Commissioners to entertain the idea of boarding out addi- tional imbeciles in our county workhouses. That important events have since happened becomes apparent in the letter which was read to the Forden Board of Guardians on Wednesday from the Clerk to the Governors of Bicton Asylum. This letter is worded with the least semblance of condescension. It asks how far the accommodation now offered for lunatics at Forden differs from that offered in 1904. Why this inquiry if the Lunacy Com- missioners are, as we have so often been told, absolutely opposed to any extension of the boarding-out system, and will listen to no alternative to the purchase of Copthorne estate ? No doubt the ex- planation is to be found in the letter in which the HOME SECRETARY expressed a desire to know whether the congestion at Bicton could not be relieved through the medium of the workhouses. Evidently Mr GLADSTONE has stuck to his position, despite all overtures from the Shropshire Visitors, headed by Captain MYTTON, and if the Poor Law authorities can formulate a satisfactory scheme on the lines which his letter suggests, the ratepayers of Montgomeryshire will in all likelihood be saved their share of an expenditure estimated at between R30,000 and £ 40,000. The Forden Guardians must, of course, reply to the particular question addressed to them, but beyond that they would do well to initiate a conference of the four Poor Law authorities in the county for the purpose of considering whether arrangements could be made to set aside ene of the workhouses as a supplemental asylum. That consideration is fraught with issues of immense importance to the ratepayers. In the first place, to avert the proposed purchase of Copthorne and the additional building at Bicton means a saving to Montgomeryshire of anything between £8,000 and £ 10,000. What an amalgamation of Unions might mean financially we shall not venture to say, but in the consideration of such a scheme the Guardians will have public opinion behind them. Happily, four workhouses are greatly in excess of the county's requirements. Then why maintain them ? The abolition of one, if not more, would substantially reduce the poor rate, as well as the number of tramps who find in Montgomeryshire so many convenient shelters at the public expense. Further- more, the establishment of an auxiliary asylum would bestow very considerable benefits upon local tradespeople, who are geographically and otherwise handicapped in the matter of tendering for the supplies to Bicton Asylum. We quoted a short time ago some of the figures which make up the colossal sum annually spent upon the maintenance of the joint counties institution, not a fraction of which finds its way into the pockets of Montgomery- shire tradesmen. Shropshire takes it all, or, at any rate, the lion's share, and so it is that Salopian traders are pleased to contemplate an expenditure of £ 40,000, and the increased business which it represents in subsequent years. Pending the ultimatum for which our County Council is waiting, the four Boards of Guardians should forthwith arrange for a conference, the result of which might kelp determine the character of that ultimatum, since, in our opinion, the inquiries now being made are prompted from the Home Office, and reflect still more Mr GLADSTONE'S resolve not to sanction the extension scheme if it can be obviated by means of an auxiliary asylum or a satisfactory system of boarding out, or by other methods which may be suggested by the Commission appointed to consider the whole question ot lunacy administration. No time should —————14—————— be lost in bringing about this conference as the interests at stake are of extra- ordinary importance. Three out of the four unions have declared against asylum extension. Llanfyllin assumes a neutral atti- tude, because the Guardians, strange to say, are confessedly unable to understand the ques- tion even in the presence of Captain MYTTON. At this conference they would be enlightened. The Caersws Guardians at their meeting on Wednesday have an opportunity of giving a lead to the movement.

"Just a Little Soft." SUCH, says Mr GREEN, The Moors, is the character given to the Montgomeryshire Shire Horse Association by people who think it annually pays too big a premium for a travelling stallion. The Association has paid as much as £ 1,000 for the services of a sire; this year it has again hired" Childwick Champion" for £700, or R100 less than last season, but Mr GREEN seems positive that R500 would command as good animals as have hitherto been secured. That view is fully shared by Mr LEWIS, of Trwstllewelyn, and the Association cannot well ignore Ithe judgment of two such experts. It has, on the contrary, shown its appreciation by arranging a special meeting for the con- sideration of the question. Whether or no the Association has been "soft" in the past as regards the amount of premium, the renown which Montgomeryshire has gained for Shire stock is a satisfying testimony to the first class character of a long succession of sires. At the same time it would be helpful to have an annual report upon the results of each horse. It is somewhat sur- prising to learn that a record of the kind has not been presented for several years.

A Practical Suggestion. THE ignorance, indifference, and forgetful- ness which invariably form the alternative pleas of farmers charged with an infringe- ment of the sheep scab regulations might be got rid of if auctioneers gave effect to the sensible suggestion of the Caersws Bench by intimating in their ordinary advertisements and posters the necessity of accompanying all consignments of sheep with a declaration or license, without which the stock would not be put up for sale. By that means an end would be put to attempts to run the gauntlet of the police, which is now encouraged;-by the knowledge that detection means at most the payment of a paltry penalty. But, after all, such measures do not get at the root of the mischief. Not until sheepwalks are properly fenced, and separate flocks are kept within prescribed bounds, can sheep scabjgbe eradicated. Authoritative opinion is united upon that point, which was emphasised at every sitting of the Land Commission, and it is surprising that advisers to the Board of Agriculture have not recognised its vital importance long before now.

Compulsory Insurance. THE bankruptcy of CAVILL. the Llanidloes contractor, whose final examination is reported on another page, serves to direct attention to a decided weakness in the Workman's Com- pensation Act. CAVILL'S financial misfortune was resultant of a compensation award made against him in respect of an injured employee whom he had not insured. According to the Act, in the case of an employer's bankruptcy, the injured workman's claim up to £100 ranks among the preferential debts which must be paid in full before other creditors receive anything, but if the estate is not of sufficient value to pay the preferential creditors, then the workman loses the deficit. In this case, however, the injured workman gets nothing at all, as there are no assets. The authors of the Act never imagined a class of employer so neglectful of their own interests as not to safeguard themselves by insurance. Small employers may be prone to save the premium and take the risks. From such the workman ought to be protected by compulsory insurance.

The Extension of Evening Schools, OUR persistent advocacy of the inestimable importance of establishing evening schools throughout the county is being rewarded, though we are not yet satisfied to view the indifference of Welshpool, Llanfyllin, and Montgomery. Thanks to the convincing success of the evening classes at Newtown, similar educational facilities have now!,been provided for the young people of Llanidloes, Llanfair, and Caersws. Are we to believe that in the three other towns mentioned there is no need of such facilities, or] are they regarded as involving too much trouble in the matter of organization and main- tenance? It would be interesting to know.

Failure. SURELY the last word has been said 'in support of the present system of training pupil teachers, whose failure at Llanidloes to earn the Government grant threatens "< un- pleasant differences between the Governors of Llanidloes Intermediate School and the County Education Authority. Without any reservation the Governors were promised £ 7 for every pupil teacher taught in their school, and it matters not whether, inconse- quence of the pupils failure to make the required attendances, or otherwise, the grant falls short of the amount anticipated, that honourable promise must surely be fulfilled. According to their Chairman, the Governors have disbursed more in capitation fees and in books than they have received for the instruction of these teachers, to which may be added a certain loss in the general efficiency of the school inevitable upon the admission of half timers. We condemned the system at its conception as impracticable, and few there are who will now defend it. It has proved a failure educationally; finan- cially it has turned out a bad speculation, and in the interests of both elemental y and secondary schools it should be abandoned as soon as possible.

The Deceased Wife's Sister. AFTER much sound and fury over the passage of the Deceased Wife's Sister Act, Bishopdom has capitulated, and the poor, perplexed cleric now no longer dreads the penalty of violating the canonical law by solemnising incestuous marriages." The ARCHBISHOP of CANTERBURY has made a pro- nouncement upon the Act in which he points out that the law gives a discretion to the incumbent. If after carefully weighing the whole circumstances the incumbent decides that he ought to perform the marriage, or to allow it to take place in the Church whereof he is the responsible minister," I shall," says the Primate, "in no way regard him as dis- loyal or disrespectful because of the decision to which he has come." What is meant by the phrase "after carefully weighing the whole circumstances ? Is the incumbent to inquire into the special circumstances of every I claimant to marry his deceased wife's sister ? If he is we do not envy him in the task. On the other hand no charge of disloyalty or disrespect is to be preferred against incum- bents who refuse to countenance such marriages, and as they form no inconsiderable proportion of the clergy, we may look for- ward to some interesting incidents.

The Old Story. IT is impossible to improve the percentage of attendances when the Committee excuse "cases like those they have done to-day." This was the piquant rejoinder of the Machynlleth School Attendance Officer when at Wednesday's meeting of the District Education Committee he was invited to give stricter attention to truant town children. "In future we will be more severe," replied the CHAIRMAN, by way of reiterating those stereotyped threats which have lost any terror they may once have had for parental delinquents, and only serve to discourage the attendance officers who cannot be expected to give of their best services while their. efforts are neutralised by unreasonable leniencv. and they are at the same time lectured for reduced average attendances. No amount of banners and prizes, nor the most active of officers, will keep in regular attendance the children of wilful parents so long as school managers and magistrates fail to fully appreciate the duty they owe to the child.

Juvenile Recreation in Newtown. IT often troubles one to reflect that while in Newtown thousands and thousands of pounds have been spent, and spent quite judiciously, upon public essentials, not a penny has been devoted towards providing facilities for youthful recreation. Outside the school playground, there is not an inch of ground on which the youngsters may enjoy healthy indulgence in games, save the streets, where they romp to the danger of themselves and the annoyance of the public. Land has been leased, and apportioned for garden allotments, where the working man is provided with recreation, alike pleasurable and profitable; could not ground be as easily obtained for the benefit of his children, who must needs have play, be it on the public thoroughfares or elsewhere ? Members of the Council with whom we have spoken, recognise this crying necessity; why don't they move, and earn the blessing of the long neglected little ones ?

The Municipal Elections. A SINGLE contest in only one division denotes either general satisfaction with the management of public affairs, or a com- munal apathy, alike inexplicable and (regret- table. For some years, municipal work has failed to attract recruits, and but for volun- tary retirals, successive elections would have effected little or no changes in the personelle of the Councils. On this occasion, we regret the withdrawal of two gentlemen, to whose public services the people of Llan- idloes are lastingly indebted. We shall hardly know the Llanidloes Council in the absence of Mr EDWARD IhMER, who now retires at the instance of business claims. The fact that he thrice headed the electoral poll, illustrates the popular esteem and con- fidence which he rejoiced to possess. His twelve years' faithful work will be remem- bered in many appreciable public improve- meats, which he was foremost in accomplish- ing. Mr HAMER is accompanied into retirement by Mr JOHN MILLS, who for nine years has devoted himself most zealously to the com- mon good, and displayed a shrewdness and sagacity which proved invaluable to the guidance of the Council at all times. The ratepayers are privileged to retain the very practical services of Mr J. JONES MEREDITH as one of their most valuable assets in public life, as well as those of Mr RICHARD JERMAN, whose level-headed judgment makes him a thoroughly reliable councillor. Let us hope the new men, Messrs ANTHONY HIGGS and JOHN MORRIS, will be inspired to follow up the excellent work of those whose places they have filled.

Another Welsh pool Fire. About nine o'clock on Friday morning the Welshpool Fire Brigade were summoned to The Moors, the residence of Mr Edward Green, J.P., It appears that Miss Green had observed smoke issuing from the roof, and she at once raised an alarm. Mr Green notified the brigade and they were quickly on the scene. By this time the flames had gained a firm hold or the roof, and con- siderable damage was done before they could be extinguished. The rear portion of the roofing suffered graatly, and had not the furniture in some of the rooms underneath been promptly removed, it would have been seriouslv damnom by the water. -o- rhe fire is supposed to have been caused by an iron flue running up the outside of the house, and then through the corner of the roof. Very probably, soot in the upper portion of the chimney became ignited and so heated the piping as to cause the rafters to ignite. It is also stated on good authority that the fire originated in a bird's nest built near the flue. At present it is not possible to estimate the amount of damage.

I Shrewsbury Disaster. An immense congregation filled St. Chads Church, Shrewsbury, at a special memorial service for those who lost their lives in the railway disaster. Among those who attended were the mayor and corporation, borough and county magistrates, practically the whole of the local post-office staff, a representative gathering of railway servants, comprising the superintendents of the respective companies, other leading officials, and men of all grades. At the resumed inquest on the bodies of the victims of the Shrewsbury disaster remarkable evidenee was given by Chief Constable Baxter, who expressed the conviction that one of the deceased passengers, the bank clerk Kelly, had been travelling on the footplate of the engine at the time of the accident. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, adding a rider that the brake-power on the train was insufficient. We learn from Mr G. H. Morgan, solicitor, Shrewsbury, who has conducted the negotiations on behalf of the widower, of a very prompt settlement of a large claim for insurance by the proprietors of Answers newspaper. A current copy of Answers was found in the possession of Mary Williams Eddie, Aberdeen, who was killed in the railway accident at Shrewsbury. Mrs Eddie was on her way to Cornwall for a holiday, and the widower, Mr John Joyner Eddie, of 38a, Walker-road, Torry, Aberdeen, when he came to Shrewsbury to identify the body, consulted Mr Morgan with regard to the accident policy for tl,000 which the paper contained. The proprietors of Answers' at once decided to accept liability, and Mr Morgan received an intimation that a cheque for the full sum was being forwarded.

THE WYNNSTAY TENANTRY. On Page 6 of to-day's issue will be found further reference to the revised agreement which Sir Watkin Wynn has drafted for his tenantry. The question has awakened wide-spread interest since we brought it under public notice, and the daily press ia London and the provinces is now devoting considerable space to its treatment. An article which appeared in Friday's 'Daily News' has prompted the 'Liverpool Courier' to send a representative to Ruabon, where he says he found the 'Daily News' statement "a gross exaggeration of the position As a matter of fact, says the writer, the new agreements diffez very slightly and in no material respects from the old, except in so far that they place the tenants in a more favourable position regarding compensation for unexhausted improve- ments, and so forth. Sir Watkin Wynn's estates are situate in 'Denbighshire, Merionethshire and Montgomeryshire, and proof that the tenants have found nothing irksome or detrimental to their in- terests in the new conditions is to be found in the fact that all of them in the first two named coun- ties have already renewed their tenancies and signed the agreements, while new agreements are in process of being made out for the signatures of the Montgomeryshire tenants. Where then comes in the statement that something akin to terror has been struck into thg whole community of Welsh agriculturists ? No greater testimony than the signing of the new agreements could be forth- coming of the amicable relations existing between I Sir Watkin and his tenants. THE SHEEP WALKS. Examining in detail with his informants some of the statements in the article in question, our representative was given to understand that the evident intention of some of them was to make Sir Watkin appear in the worst possible light. Of course, it was put to him, there are some bad tenants on all estates, and no doubt the new con- ditions will affect any of this description that there may be on the Wynnstay Estates. In this connection special allusion was made to the pro- viso in both the old and the new agreements regarding the extent of the flock of mountain sheep allowed to be kept on any one holding. The number is limited, and on a new tenant coming into a holding he usually took over the sheep, but in some instances it was found that a good many more sheep were transferred than the outgoing tenant was entitled to keep. To prevent this taking place in future a condition has been inserted in the new agreement. SPORTING. The clauses in both old and new agreements regarding the preservation of game are substan- tially the same, the only addition to the new one being that the landlord reserves the liberty to enter on any part of the holding with or without dogs, horses, carriages, carts, or other vehicles, and to enter on any part of the holding at all reasonable times for any purpose. No attempt, it was pointed out to our representative, had ever been made on the Wynnstay Estates to interfere with the tenants' rights under the Ground Game Acts, nor would there be under the new agree- ments. The tenants, however, have not always availed themselves of their privileges, and not in- frequently they have approached the landlord with the request that he would kill the ground game for them. The reference in the clause to the landlord reserving to himself the right to enter the holding with or without horses, carriages, carts, or other vehicles" inspired the writer of the article with the idea of one imagin- ing a string of hunting motor cars careering gaily thiough the young wheat." In the Ruabon district such a wildly absurd suggestion is em- phatically scouted. Sir Watkin, it was remarked, would be the last man to countenance anything that would entail damage to a holding in this direction. m TENANTS AND WIRE FENCING. Another misleading statement in the article is to the effect that the tenant is forbidden, under pains of penalties, to put up any wire fencing on his holding, or te use wire in strengthening any existing live or dead fence." The clause in the agreement makes no provision for the imposition of "pains and penalties" in reference to wire fencing, but it contains words which have been omitted in the quotation, which give it quite a different complexion. They are that the wire fencing 3hall not be put up without the consent of the landlord or his agent in writing." As a matter of fact, there is a large amount of wire fencing on the Wynnstay estates, and a great deal more has been promised for the next twelve months. In certain districts there is also a quantity of barbed wire, which, as showing the good relations existing, is taken down by the tenants at the commencement of the hunting season. The Courier' in a leading article, says The much-abused new agreements are very much the same as those which they are superseding. What changes are made are favourable to the tenant. Sir Watkin is not trying to extort any undue advantage. He is anxious for the welfare of his tenantry, though he has felt obliged to vary the terms of agreement to meet the provisions of the act which comes into operation next New Year's day." A DIFFERENT VIEW. Here are a few extActs from an article appear- ing ic Saturday's issue of the Liverpool Post and Mercury.' The conditions now sought to be imposed upon the Wynnstay tenants are of so unusual a character, and place such restrictions upon the Wynnstay tenants are of so unusual a character, and place such restrictions upon the occupation of farming throughout so extensive an area, as to invest the present notices with an importance far beyond that attaching to any similar notices issued anywhere in the king- dom. It is safe to predict that the matter will occupy the attention of Parliament when it meets in January. The area, the magnitude of the interests, and the number of persons involved are such that the serving of these notices may be said to have precipitated a national crisis. It will be seen that throughout the interests of the peasant are subordinated to those of the pheasant, and that the preservation of game is of more importance than good husbandry. When we turn to the occupation of sheep- farming we find the same salient features in the agreement. Sheep-farming is a very important-indeed, in many cases, by far the most important, part of the Montgomeryshire farmer's occupation. His flocks constitute his chief wealth, and their proper shepherding his profession and delight. Sir Watkin's U Denial." Our Wrexham representative (says the Liver- pool Post') saw Sir Watkin Wynn with reference to the statement that all his tenants had received notice to quit. Asked whether he would affirm or contradict it, Sir Watkin replied: It is certainly untrue." In reply to a further query as to whether any of his (Sir Watkin's) tenants had received notice. he answered: A large portion of them have not." Beyond this Sir Watkin preferred to say nothing. An article in the Yorkshire Daily Observer' of Saturday has some very strong remarks on the new draft agreement.

LLANWYDDELAN. PARISH CHURCH.—The harvest festival was held at the above place on Wednesday, October 23rd, the weather throughout being delightful. The festival commenced with a celebration of the Holy Communion at 8-30 in the morning. The evening service began at seven p.m., but long before the time appointed the sacred edifice was filled to its utmost capacity, and late comers, who were many, failed to find room within. The service was fully choral, and was rendered with great reverence and warmth. Two Welsh hymns were sung with telling effect, and the children's choir gave a series of sacred songs to the admira- tion of all. The Vicar of Llanfair read the first lesson and delivered an earnest and instructive sermon in English. The Rev Penfro Morgan read the Welsh lesson and preached an eloquent ser- mon in the vernacular, of which he is a recognised master. Mrs Christopher presided at the organ, and the Rector intoned the service. The decora- tions were neat, and were carried out under the superintendence of Mrs Christopher, Mrs Bowen, and Mr A. Christopher, who were assisted by a host of willing helpers. The farmers were liberal with their gifts of corn, to whom, together with many kind friends who sent good supplies of beautiful flowers, wannest than are tendered.

THE COUNTY BALL. Welshpool Town Hall presented a picturesque scene last Thursday evening, on the occasion of the annual county ball. The decorations were most elaborate, and had been carried out by Mr Whittall, under the instructions of a committee, which included Messrs W. J. Corbett-Winder, G. D. Harrison, C. M. S. Humphreys, J. Lomax, N. P. J. Turner, and Captain Mytton. Supper was served in the Corn Exchange by Mr C. Jones, Oswestry, the well-known caterer. The music was provided by Mr Underwood's band, Wolver- hampton. Plants, etc., from Powis Castle were tastefully arranged under the supervision of Mr Lambert. The turniture was supplied by Messrs Anderson and Son. Appended is a list of those present at the ball:— HOUSE PARTIES. Powis Castle Park: Mr and Mrs Addie, Mr and Mrs J. Heathcote Addie, Mr and Mrs Noel For- wood, Mr H. C. Sweeting. Penybryn: Mr, Mrs, and Miss Morgan-Owen, Mr and Mrs Maxwell Wood, Mr Morgan Morgan- Owen. ° Fronllwyd: Mr and Mrs G. D. Harrison, the Misses Harrison, Mr G. R. D. Harrison, Miss Moore, Captain Dunsford, Mr F. N. Thorne. Vicarage, Welshpool: Rev Grimaldi Davis, Misses G. and D. Davis, Miss Stuart, Mr A. N. Stuart, Harrow. Llanerchydol: Mr and Mrs Verdon, Misses Verdon, Mr F. Verdon, Mr and Mrs Agnew, Capt. Vaughan, Mr Talbot Forwood, Mr Gladstone, Mr J. P. Reynolds, Mr Fletcher. Garth: Captain and Mrs Mytton, Mr Phillip Mytton, Mr and Mrs George Mytton, Mr Arthur Lovett, Miss Katie Dickin, Captain Vigoes, D.S.O. Gunley: Mr and Mrs Mostyn Pryce, Miss Pryce, Miss Ismay Pryce, Miss Olga Pryce, Mr Richard Pryce, Lady Francess Tufnell, Miss Margaret Tufnell, Mr G. A. Dick-Cunyngham, Rifle Brigade, Mis3 Hay-Paterson, Mr R. Hammock, R.A., Mr T. Monsell, Mr F. C. Palmer, Viscount Torrington. Mrs Adams, Maesmawr Hall; Mr R. C. Anwyl, Mrs and Miss Anwyl, Llugwy, Machynlleth; Mr Alfred Batson, Penyvoel House; Dr and Mrs Crump, High-street, Welshpool; Mr W. Dugdale, Llwyn, Llanfyllin Major Dickin, Bodfach; Mr and Mrs O. Every, Hampton Hall, Worthen; Mr Elwell and Miss M. C. Elwell, Neyoddfraith, Newtown; Mr C. E. Elwell, Birches Farm, Codsall, Staffs; Dr and Mrs Elliott, High-street, Welsh- pool; Miss Nesta Green-Price, Garthmyl Hall; Captain and Mrs Gillespie, Dolerw; Miss Humphreys, Garthmyl Hall; Mr and Mrs Martin Humphreys, Dolforwyn Hall, Abermule; Mr and Mrs W. F. S. Humphreys, The Gaer, Forden Mr W. Holland, Traethlawn, Welshpool; Colonel, Mrs, and the Misses Hutchins, Clive House, Welshpool; Mr and Miss Hurlbutt, White House, Leighton; Mr W. H. and Mr G. V. Hill, Shelton Hall, Shrewsbury; Mr J. Hughes, Mill- mead, Shrewsbury; Mr and Mrs Hastings, Marrington Hall; the Misses Jones, Mr and Mrs Walter Buckley Jones, Cefn Bryntalch, Abermule; the Right Hon. Lord and Lady Joicey, the Hon. Drever Joicey, the Hon. M. Joicey, Gregynog, Newtown; Mr and Mrs Austin Jackson, Cefn Bryntalch; Mr and Mrs Lloyd, Castell Forwyn, Abermule; Mr J. Lomax, Miss Lomax, Bodfach, Llanfyllin; Miss Lane, Elmhurst, Welshpool; Mr and Mrs Maurice Lloyd, Bod Ll wyd, Mont- gomery Mrs and the Misses Lloyd, Shelton Hall, Shrewsbury; Mr Gerald Lewis, Bodfach; Captain and Miss Lang, Llugwy; Dr and Mrs F. E. Marston, Btithdir Hall; Mrs Richard Moon, Penyvoel House, Llanymynech; Miss Cicely and Miss Morfydd Moon, Penyvoel House, Llany- mynech; Mr and Mrs Mayhew, Maesmawr Hall; Miss Mayo Robinson, Dolcorsllwyn; Mr A. J. Martin, Neyoddfraith; Colonel, Mrs, and Mr W. R. Norton, Dolcorsllwyn Hall, Cemmaes; Mr J. Hope Nelson, Mr Hugh Hope Nelson, and Miss Nelson, Acton Park, Wrexham; Miss Norton, Dolcorsllwyn Hall; Mr and Mrs W. Scott Owen, Cefngwifed, Newtown Captain and Mrs Ottley, Laburnum Cottage, Welshpool; the Misses Scott Owen, Cefngwifed; Mr and Mrs Claud O'Hagan, Caerhowel; Lieut.-Colonel Walter Pryce, Major Hamilton Pryce, Cyfronydd; Colonel and Mrs E. Pryce-Jones, Caerhowel; Miss Parry, 24, Severn- street Captain C. E. L. Porter and Mr P. Pym, Hampton Hall; Mr A. Gordon Reed, Severn- street, Welshpool; Mr Hugh Reeves, Penyvoel House; Mr, Mrs, and Miss Stable, Plas Llwyn Owen, Llanbrynmair; Mr and Mrs Brandon Smith, Rhallt, Welshpool; Mr Hamilton Sapple, Llugwy; Mr and Mrs Noel Turner, Sylfaen Mr, Mrs, and Miss Vaughan Thomas, The Roveries, Church- stoke; the Misses White, Severn House, Welsh- pool Mr C. P. Winnall, Castle View, Leighton; Captain Gibson Watt, Doldowlod, Rhayader; Mrs and Miss Whall, The Rectory, Montgomery; Miss Walton, Bodfach. J'

MACHYNLLETH SCHOOL GOVERNORS. Mr T. R. Morgan presided at a meeting of the Machynlleth County School Governors on Friday, and there were also present Mrs W. Jones, Messrs T. Parsons, J. M. Breeze, and W. M. Jones, together ™ Clerk (Mr John Rowlands), Assistant Clerk (Mr Clayton), and Head Master (Mr H H Meyler). NOT SUITABLE. Referring to the lodging houses for pupils, Mr Parsons expressed the opinion that there were some places in town where the pupils had no business to be lodging. The Head Master thought it desirable that a list of the lodgings should be submitted to the Governors at the end of each term. RE-UNION. Mr J. S. Jenkins wrote on behalf of the old students of the school asking permission to use the school for the annual re-union on December 26th. Mr Parsons said he woulcT propose that they should have the use of the room on condition that they did not have a repetition of the complaints made last year. Very serious complaints were made last year about doors and gates being left open. If they granted the use of the school this should be pointed out to them. The Chairman I am given to understand that that is incorrect. The doors were locked and the rooms left in a proper state. Mr Parsons: I appeal to the Head Master if I am incorrect. I cartainW had OAmnlaivifa a1-.n" -t"c.A"C "WUO last year's meeting. The Head Master: I know nothing about last year, but the two years before last there were breakages in windows, and the caretaker com- plained to me of a terrible mess in one or two parts of the school. But of last year I had no complaint. Mr W. M. Jones: I second the proposition. The Clerk: Subject to proper supervision ? The Chairman: Yes. The proposition was carried. AGRICULTURAL SCHEME. With reference to the conference to be held at Newtown to consider the agricultural scheme prepared by Mr R. S. Forrester (headmaster of the Newtown County School), Mr Meyler said that he could not recommend agricultural teach- ing for a mixed school like that. For one thine- the sons of farmers did not stay long enough to complete a course which could not be started until two years in school had been completed. But if Newtown School had a claim for extra money grant on account of the agricultural teaching, surely they at Machynlleth ought to be granted an extra sum on account of the workshop. The Clerk supplemented these remarks and said that certain schools WArA bppnr-in-, nntuil fn* I "4 .v. special instruction, and they were attracting children from all parts of the country and even from London. The Newtown school might there- fore in a few years become a competitor even in that district. The farmers of the district were proud of the work taught the boys in the work- shop, and he was of opinion that they should strongly urge their claims for a grant on behalf of the workshop. The headmaster submitted the results of the Central Welsh Board examination, already published, and the Governors considered them most satisfactory. +

Secretaries of clubs in Montgomeryshire are reminded that entries for the Challenge Cup close on Thursday next, the 31st inst. A serious earthquake has occurred in Italy, the disturbance affecting much the same district as that which suffered so terribly in 1905. It is reported that 2UO persons lost their lives in one town, and that the cathedral at Gerace has collapsed. PERSONAL.—We are in a position to state that the special article which appeared in Friday's issue of the Daily Mail,' in connection with Mr Lloyd-George's conference with the Railway direc- tors, was written by the Rev. J. Hugh Edwards, late of Newtown.

J Montgomeryshire Temperance Association. The annual meetings of the above Association were held at Llanymynech on Friday last, in y the Presbyterian Chapel. The weather was most unfavourable, and some delegates were kept from the first meeting by the pouring rain. But in spite of this, about fifty ladies were present, con- siderably outnumbering the men. It was pleasant to find a bright fire in the vestry, and a cheery welcome from Rev O. Matthias and Mrs Matthias, who is one of the recently elected representatives of the county on the North Wales Union. A glance at the adjoining schoolroom revealed flower-decked tables laid ready for luncheon, and a host of cheery workers preparing for our recep- tion. The vestry was intended for the women's conference, but it was too small, so the business meeting of the Association exchanged places, and the ladies took possession of the chapel. Rev E. Parry, M.A., Newtown, the county president for the year, was unavoidably absent, and his place was taken by Mr C. Benbow, Llanid- loes. Reports were received from fifteen meetings on the previous night held at Meifod, Pentre- beirdd, Groesllwyd, Arddleen, Llandysilio, Deytheur, Llansaintffraid, Llanfechain, Llanfyllin, Llansilin, Trefonen, Llynclys, Maesbury, Morton, and Pant, the speakers being Revs J. G. Williams, Llanfechain; E. Jones, Llansaintffraid; J. E. Thomas, Meifod; C. Jones, Salem; H. Williams, Welshpool; E. Griffiths, Meifod; T. Williams, Groesllwyd; G. O. Evans, Coedway; G. Roberts, Meifod; O. Matthias, Llanymynech; Howell y Evans, Oswestry; R. J. Mason, Penygroes; D. Mcrgan, Welshpool; J. M. Edwards, Sarnau; E. Rogers, Morda; and H. E. Griffiths, M.A., Oswestry; Messrs C. Benbow, Llanidloes; D. Pryce, C.C., Ceunant; D. Rees, Llanidloes; J. Edwards, Llanfyllin aud B. J. Dodd, Oswestry; Miss Pritchard, Birmingham; Mrs Perry, Pant; Mrs C. Jones, Salem; Mrs Edwards, Sarnau; and Miss Evans, Newtown. Several of these meetings were conducted m Welsh, while at others there were Welsh and English speakers. The Secretary's report was discussed, and with some slight alterations adopted. The Treasurer's report was considered satis- factory, there being a small balance in hand. Officers for the enduing year were elected as follows: President, Mr C. Benbow; vice-presidents, Mr Edward Jones, C.C., Trewythen, Mr D. Pryce, C.C., Ceunant, and Mr T. Bulkley Owen; trea- surer, Mr D. Rees, Llanidloes, re-elected; and secretary, Rev J. M. Edwards, Sarnau, also re- elected. It was agreed to open the winter campaign with a series of meetings in the lower end of the county. An invitation to hold the next annual meeting at Carno was gladly accepted, and votes of thanks to the officers of the past year closed the proceedings. Mr S. Ellis, Llanfair, presided at the women's conference, at which delegates were present from all the branches in the lower end of the county. Miss Bebb, of Meifod, who has been secretary for the past two years, resigned, and her successor was appointed in Mrs C. R. Jones, Llanfyllin. Miss Pritchard gave an encouraging address. The afternoon conference was well attended, and was presided over by Mr D. Pryce, C.C., who congratulated the association on being still alive, and treated the audience with an account of the temperance history of the county in the thirties. A paper was read by Miss Evans, Tynyreithin, on "What the temperance party in the county have yet to do ? An address by Mrs C. Jones, How we can help the temperance work," and a paper by Mr B. J. Dodd on "Temperance from an educational standpoint." The children's meeting was under the presi- dency of Rev O. Mathias, and the speakers were Miss Pritchard and Mr A. Thomson, Manchester. The evening meeting had for chairman Mr T. Ward Green, Maesbury, and addresses were given by Rev H. Harris Hughes, B.A., Oswestry,and Mr A. Thomson, U.K.A., Manchester. All the meetings were considered very successful.

The Wily Otter. THE END OF THE SEASON. The season for hunting the otter is now over and its surroundings for six months or so ahead should be peaceful ones. The rapid strides of the trapper, however, upon the land of sport is beginning to play havoc both among fox and otter, and old soldier though he be, the otter oftentimes falls a victim to the treacherous snares which on river banks alas now only too often intercepts its path. This season of 1907 has not at all been a good one for hunting. The rivers for the greater Dart of it h».vn hacn RIV>A" .-A ) cold, and although old seasoned hunters have still took to water with the zeal of schoolboys their took to water with the zeal of schoolboys their time within it has been limited. A good lower stickle this season has been conspicuous by its absence, and when once weakness shows itself in this particular division the otter is not slow in taking the advantage. For like a torpedo, down stream he goes to safety. The rules of fates this season has been on his side. Notwithstanding this, Mr David Davies' pack have sucoeeded in putting down some 15 sporting otters in the following order: Four in the Cheriton --v." (Devonshire), five in Ireland, where pure hound work only won the day, and six on their home waters. In the early part of the season most packs of hounds first draw the small rivers or brooks, hoping to catch their game napping up them, but the otter is a wily game. Instinct has taught them well the season of danger. Early meets certainly have the advantage to meet him, for it is in the early mem, when the pulse of both hamlet and town is still. that hA wanrWc, either on a fishing or love-making expedition. When danger threatens, the larger rivers are its goal. Otter hunting is not by any means an easy game; it takes bull-dog perseverance to make a pack of hounds know the tactics and the sort of game they are intended to hunt. Parson Jack Fussell walked over 1,000 miles of river before killing his first otter, which he accom- plished at last upon the river Taw, betwixt the stations of Umberleigh and Portsmouth Arms. Like a silver thread this river threads its way along the foot of Lord Portsmouth's Devonshire seat. Given the full rudiments of fair sport the wily otter rarely fails to show off with advantage against any of its four footed pursuers. If an otter is found in a big weir pool it is ten to ORe that he is as safe as an homeopathic pill as long as he remains there. It is his nursery. Yet, it becomes hard on hounds to find him in such an unequal position after following its line, perhaps, for a period of hours. At times, perhaps, the game might be caught napping a short distance from the pool, but even then, often times, it holds a surprise packet up its sleeve, for, just as he appears to be in the jaws of hounds, he vanishes like a shooting star-by slipping up an unknown impregnable drain. The instinct of the otter is second to nothing hunted either in saddle or on foot. It is equally at home both on land nr in water. The latter provides its favourite dish, viz., eels, although it prefers a salmon at times as a change. Upon land its chief attention is drawn towards the frogs, although on very rare occasions it does not turn up its nose to a young duck or so. In sporting districts care should now be taken to preserve their otters against the trapper and his snares. w R.

TREFEGLWYS. A. H. BENNETT, draper, Caersws, attends Room adjoining Red Lion Hotel, Trefeglwys, every Thursday, from 2 till 8, with a good assortment of General Drapery Goods, all at lowest cash prices.? [Advt.

CASTLE-CAEREINION. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING.—A meeting of the Parish Council was held on Wednesday last. Present: Messrs W. E. Jones (chairman), W. Colley, J. Thomas, W. Jones, and the Clerk. The committee appointed to inspect the path on the Smithy land, of which complaints were made, stated that defective drainage was the chief cause of the nuisance. There was also need of proper stiles. The Council instructed the Clerk to write to the agent calling his attention to the matter. A circular was read from the Clerk to the County Council re the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, and it was decided to call a Parish Meeting on November 14th for the purpose of giving proper facilities to persons desirous of taking advantage of the Act, and to receive applications. In compliance with an order from the Charity Commissioners re appointment of trustees to the charities of the parish, Messrs Walter Colley, of Penybryn, and Robert Thomas, of Hydan Fawr, were appointed.

SEEN AND HEARD. Nothing extenuate. nortset down aught in malice, SH iKESPEASE. Save on the hill-lands, the last sheaf of a bountiful harvest has been garnered, and bulging barns and stately stacks rejoice the bucolic eye, and put buoyancy into the step that now follows the plough over the stubble acres of once golden grain. Even the farmyard rooster seems to have noted the glint of gladness in the face of the housewife, who feeds his feathered folk, for there is a full-throated, clarion cock-a- doodle-do in his unchanging song of chal- lenge or of pride. The completion of har- vesting operations naturally turns one's thoughts to the harvests of other days, when the scythe was followed by the lads and lasses, whose snatch ditties and jests relieved the dull monotony of labour. With the introduction of the reaper and binder, the lasses have disappeared from the sunny fields, and the work is now a mere mechanical process. Gone, too, are those harvest fes- tivals, which in my native part were called the "Clyack" and "Winter." The first- named was held when the last straw was cut. To gather the" Clyach" sheaf was considered no little honour, and the privilege was usually given to the farmer's daughter, or, in her absence, to the bonniest lassie on the field. This sheaf was carried home, tastefully decorated, and hung up in some prominent place, until supplanted by its successor the following year. l The "Clyack" feast took the form, gen- erally, of a meal and ale supper, the ale, of course, being well primed with usque- baugh. A dance followed, and with song, and speech, and story, a merry evening was spent. The second festival, termed the Harvest Home, was held when all the crops had been secured for the winter. Over a great feast the farmer himself presided, and speeches were the main feature of the sub. sequent convivial. All the farm servants in the neighbourhood, with their sweet- hearts, were invited to the dance in the granary or loft, and the rejoicings held spirited sway until dawn. This spree" was repeated nighb after night in different places, according as the harvest was finished, and it cemented friendship and created a neighbourliness quite unknown in these later days. One recalls the healthy rivalry as to who would finish the harvest first in a given locality, and many were the ingenious devices adopted to outwit a neighbour. On one occasion, two farmers were cutting in adjoining fields. Both had almost finished, and their respective workers were striving in a neck and neck race to win the honourg. A bright idea struck one of the rivals Taking up his gun, he fired a shot, with the result that one of his men immediately fell. Alarmed by the apparent tragedy, the workers from his neighbour's fields hurried to the spot to learn the cause and the con- dition of the victim, but no sooner had they arrived, than the man jumped to his feet, and with his comrades, who were in the know, set to work in desperation. Before the others could recover the lost ground, the home party bad finished. The ruse, well timed, and dramatically carried out, accomplished its object. I have read, with mingled feelings of amusement and pity, some recent lordly lamentations over the coming of Socialism. From the ramparts of Powis Castle, the noble Earl beholds an imaginary red host advancing through rapine, plunder, and infidelity, to the destruction of our constitution, yea, our very civilization. The hallucination prompts him to call to arms the Knights and Dames of the Primrose League, who form the bulwarks of Chris- tianity, aye, of the Empire itself. Of other days, history records that nobility were similarly distracted, with no evil conse- quences to themselves or to the country. You may remember the gentleman of whom Thackeray drew this pen picture :— "The spirit of Radicalism abroad in this country," said Sir Brian Newcome, crushing his eggshell desperately, is dreadful—really dreadful. We are on the edge of a volcano." Down went the egg spoon into the crater. "The worst sentiments are everywhere pub- licly advocated; the licentiousness of the press has reached a pinnacle which menaces us with ruin; there is no law which these shameless newspapers respect; no rank which is safe from their attacks; no ancient landmark which the lava flood of democracy does not threaten to overwhelm and destroy." And still we live Miraculous do I hear some say ? 'Tis no miracle. The Primrose League-that heaven-sent League, which stands for Christianity and the Empire, and seeks to annihilate every political sect, save Toryism—has dammed back the "lava flood of democracy." That's how we've survived. And what though an epidemic of socialitis is being spread abroad by such wicked men as the pastor of the City Temple and Sir John Gorst! But a bugle blast from the castellated heights, and the League will once again arise for another righteous triumph over the forces of an iniquitous plebianism. Infidel Socialists! I wonder how much some noblemen know of the history of Christianity. Was not-Socialism the gospel of Christ's disciples, and that, too, inspired by a lofty religious ideal ? Did not the early Christians, as we learn from the Acts of the Apostles, hold all their goods in common? Have we not read that the Jews made a redistribution of property every fifty years ? I do not believe that Socialism, as we know it from the author of the new theology, will make everybody happy, because there never was, and never will be, such a state outside of heaven. Bnt God knows that it is possible by Socialism to substantially diminish the paralysing poverty, the wretchedness, the misery, and the in- justice that prevail in this Christian country; to decently house, and feed, and clothe the struggling poor, abolish the sweating dens, and break down the barriers that keep men, women, and children off the land on which they were born, with an inalienable title to live. Infidel Socialism! Would to God we saw more of it in the Dew and thA A,- pulpit of our Christian Churches. "The Church," said a great divine, the other day, in referring to its lukewarmness towards social emancipation, "is a stagnant pool gone aside out of the river of life. Infidel Socialism? Would that I died striv- ing with heart and soul towards the realization of its ideal, "when man to man the world o'er shall brothers be." Though assailed by all the opprobrious epithets in the vocabulary of the propertied and privi- leged classes, Socialism is irresistibly work- ing out a better to-morrow for us all. The progress may be tardy, even imperceptible. but the mills of God grind slowly. LUKE SEARM