The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

FORDEN GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Guardians com- menced on Wednesday in the Board Room at 12 o'clock. In the chair sat Mr William Pritchard. He was supported by Messrs J. Pryce Jones, John Davies, Edward Davies, F. E. Marston, J. W. Davies, J. Edwards, W. Humphreys, A. E. Bond, J. Humphreys, T. Rogers, W. P. James, J. Anwyl, W. M. Bennett, R. Tomley, P. Hurlbutt, E. Morgan Jones, James Whittaker, and Revs E. H. Beattie and D. E. Rowlands together with the Clerk (Mr C. S. Pryce). Eighty-three occupants of the House were notified, as against 93 for the corresponding period of laat year, whilst the total number of vagrants relieved was 258, against 210 in 1906, whilst in out-relief .£43 2s 4d was distributed among 220 poor, as against .£41 19s 7d given to 217 recipients. The estimates prepared by the Finance Com- mittee showed total estimated expenditure of iJ2,790. The credit under the Agricultural Rating Acts and other sources totalled up to Xl,410, making a total to be raised of £ 1,380 against 1,490 of last year, being a decrease of .£110. The county rate for Mont- gomeryshire was 6d in the £ against 8d last year, whilst the education rate was 3d, as against 5d, making a difference of 4d in the £ altogether (applause). The total amount of common charges in Montgomeryshire was Ilid in the X, as against Is 3id, and in Shropshire Sid, as compared with 8 3-5d. The total amount to be raised was Y.3,749, against fA,932, making £ 1,183 less. It was proposed to make the calls November 25th, December 16th, and December 30th. The poor rate was 2id in the X. Mr Morgan Jones proposed that the balance sheet and recommendations of the Finance Com- mittee be adopted. Mr John Davies seconded, and said he would like to congratulate themselves, and also their County Council, on the reduction of their expen- diture. For some time they had been labouring under the heavy rates with which they were burdened, and a reduction of 2d in the X in the county rate and 2d in the education rate-making a total reduction of 4d in the X-would just now make a very appreciable difference to the rate- payers of the county. He hoped that the work which they had entered into would be further continued, and that the reduction would be greater still. He noticed that the county rate for Shropshire was 3d, and that for Montgomery- shire was 6d, whilst on the other hand the education rate for Shropshire was 3d, whilst in Montgomeryshire it was 2Jd. Despite the fact that they were td to the good on the education rate, yet the county rate was 2id more in Mont- gomeryshire than it was in Shropshire. Another Guardian said he wished to endorse all that Mr Davies had said. He asked whether it would not be possible to put one of the calls a little later, say in January, for, as it waa, two of them fell in December. The report of the Finance Committee was adopted. A letter was received from Mr William Baxter, clerk to the Visitors to Bicton Asylum, was read, concerning the renewal of the offer by Forden Union Board to receive lunatics, and asking how far the accommodation now offered differed from that which was offered by the Board to the Visiting Committee from the Asylum in 1904. Rev D. E. Rowlands thought it would be quite possible to appoint delegates from Forden to meet delegates from other Unions in the county, in order that they might enter into the question and see how much accommodation there was in all the Unions, and see whether it were not possible to turn the whole of one Union into a supple- mentary Asylum. If that could be done before the Clerk replied to the letter from the Visitors he thoughc it would be very much better. Mr John Davies explained that the Clerk had hitherto had no time to look up what offer was made in 1904. The Clerk said it was the plans, and not so much the previous offer, which required looking into, and he was not certain who had them at present. Mr Davies proposed that the matter be adjourned for a fortnight, so as to give Mr Pryce time to look up the plans and enable them to decide what to do. Mr Marston seconded. He thought they ought to go into the matter thoroughly before sending a reply. Rev D. E. Rowlands suggested that it would be .9 well for them to put the matter before the Secretary of the Local Government Board. He did not object to the proposal. Mr Pritchard explained that there were two vacancies on the Asylum Committee, and Mr Marston and Rev D. E. Rowlands were appointed the other members being the Chairman, Messrs Pryce Davies and Richard Jones. It was after- wards agreed to increase the number on the committee from five to seven, and Messrs Pryce Jones and A. E. Bond were the supplementary members appointed. Laura Bright, industrial trainer, applied for an increase in salary. Consideration was deferred. The Clerk read some other communications The Chairman Any remarks ? Mr Bond: Yes, Mr Chairman, lunch has been announced (laughter).

LLANSAINTFFRAID. ON THURSDAY night in the Bethel Wesleyan Chapel Rev G. O. Roberts (Morfyn) lectured on "The Foreign Missionary." Mr John Rees, C.C., took the chair. A good number came together. ON THURSDAY night in the Bethesda School- room the Young Men's Christian Association held their first meeting of the season. Rev Evan Jones (the pastor) presided. The Secretary (Mr J. Bryan) read the financial report, which showed a balance in hand. The evening was spent with a dialogue, when Messrs J. Bryan. E. H. Evans. i J. O. Ciidwaladr, Joseph Cadwaladr, W. Cadwaladr, John Davies and Griffiths, Brynmair, took part. Mr J. Bryan rendered a solo, accompanied by Miss Griffiths, Brynmair. ON SATURDAY the funeral of Mr John Davies, Church View, took place in the Parish Church- yard, Rev D. Jones, rector of Llanfechain, officiated. Deceased, who was 22 years of age, was taken to the Salop Infirmary some two months ago to undergo an operation, which was successful, but he failed to regain strength. He passed peacefully away on Wednesday. A large number came together to show their last tribute of respect, including his last employers-Mr J. Evans, Bank. and Mrs Gittins, Voel. Mr Davies was a faithful member of the Bethesda Congrega- tional Church. As the cortege left the Church Mr R. G. Oldfield played the Dead March in Saul,' and at the grave. A PRETTY WEDDING was witnessed in the Bethel Wesleyan Chapel, the contracting parties being Miss Catherine Griffiths, Bryncoch, Llan- fechain, and Mr Morris Templeman Isaac, of Isallt, Borthygest, Portmadoc. The ceremony was performed by the Rev W. G. Williams, Wesleyan minister, Llanfeohain. The bride entered the chapel leaning on the arm of her brother, Mr Edward Griffiths, who also gave her away. The bridesmaid was Miss M. E. Griffiths (sister), and Mr W. Watkin, Penybryn, acted as best man. Miss Florry Jones was accompanist,and played a suitable < Wedding March.' The chapel was tastefully decorated, and as the happy couple left the chapel for their carriage they were well met with confetti and rice. They drove to the Lion Hotel, where a prettily decorated table was provided by the landlord, Mr Saville. A good number of guests were invited. After breakfast Rev W. G. Williams proposed the health of bride and bridegroom, when Mr Isaac suitably responded. Bride and bridegroom left later in the day for London and Weymouth, where they will spend their honeymoon. THE MARRIAGE of Mr Henry Davies and Miss Mary Jane Jenkins, of Llansantffraid, took place in the Parish Church. The officiating minister was the Rev J. J. Latimer Jones, vicar of Bwlehycibau, in the unavoidable absence of the Vioar (Rev T. H. Lloyd), who is making a stay on the Welsh coast. The bride, who was given away by her father, was tastefully attired in a navy blue costume trimmed with cream cloth and fancy braid, and also wore a white crinoline hat trimmed with white chiffon and ostrich tips. The bridesmaids were Miss Williams, Overton, and Miss Edith Jenkins (sister), who also wore costumes to match and white hats trimmed with white silk and pink roses. Mr Edward Evans acted as best man. As they left the Church they were met with showers of confetti and rice. The reception was at Brynawel. Flowers were sent by the bride's former mistress, Mrs Conop, Plas- derwen, who also made her a gift of beautiful furniture. Arches were erected by employees of the Cambrian Railway, where Mr Davies had been a faithful servant. The happy pair left later in the day for Llangollen to spend their honeymoon. A large number of useful presents were received.

Why He Could Not Attend Court. Several cases of assault, implicating five person, were to have been heard at Welshpool Sessions, on Tuesday. Mr Martin Woosnam, Newtown, who represented one of the defendants, informed the Bench that his client was attending his daughter's wedding and could not possibly attend Court, He asked for an adjournment.— The application was granted.

Baptist Quarterly Meetings at New Wells. AN IMPRESSION. New Wells is not new; nor has it apparently any wells. It is, in fact, a little Baptist Chapel at the top of a precipitous hill. Thursday, Oct. 17th, was not a very inviting day for a journey; for mighty winds and torrential rains had been the order of the previous night, and morning dawned unpropitious. So deciding not to risk our Sunday clothes, we donned our overcoats and started forth. All along the roads were littered with the wreckage of trees and hedges, and in the valley the Severn, brown and turbid, was jauntily carrying great branches, and riotously overflowing into the fields and even into the road. When we turned up the hill the cause of Severn's frolic stood revealed, tor the waters seemed to be scrambling head over heels down their channels in their haste to reach the brim- ming river. Arrived at last, we were welcomed eutside the chapel by the Pastor (Rev. T. H. Pugh) inside, the Secretary (Rev. W. Williams) is busily writing, apparently improvising the agenda. At the chapel house, next door, was Brother Mans- field enjoying a hearty breakfast after his long walk. It is now time for the meeting, and we gather in the chapel. Between twenty and thirty minis- ters and delegates are present; and as they are somewhat scattered, the Rev. T. E. Williams and the Secretary move the little table eut to the pews. The Secretary thAn expresses regret that both the President and Vice-President are absent ill, ,and the minister of the church (Rev. H. T. Pugh) is voted to the vacant chair. We then sing, and a brother offers prayer. The Chairman, agenda in hand, calls for the minutes. The Secretary jumps up and says they are usually taken as read; they are about to be confirmed in this manner, when the formalities are interrupted by Brother Mansfield, who has apparently diligently perused the minute print of the minutes, and discovered what may or may not be a mare's nest. After brief discussion the matter is rectified, and we go gaily on to ap- point correspondents to the various periodicals. The Secretary now tells us that we are there to discuss the erreat and imDortant snhi«v>fr of tem. perance, but he must make an explanation. Un- fortunately, the secretaries and treasurers of both the temperance societies are unavoidably absent. They have, however, sent their reports. The Rev. J. Jones, B.Sc., of Llandrindod, is appointed to read them, and he takes his place at the little table. He stands up and pleasantly gives us the substance of those documents; then sits down, fountain pen in hand, to take the minutes. The Radnorshire report was quite enthusiastic, but that of Montgomeryshire was seasoned with a dash of pessimism, and made an appeal to minis- ters and members to take more interest, warned us of the alertness of the "Trade," and urged us to see that the "Trade" was properly con- trolled. The Chairman again invites discussion, which was promptly strangled by the Secretary. The officers and committees must be elected. Who are they ? Echo answers, Who ? Re-elect them. This was done in a jiffy, and we come to a stand- still. One of the correspondents disturbed the silence by remarking that unless something was done there would be nothing to report, and the dirge was taken up by Brother Mansfield, who did not think it worth while to walk all the way from the Radnorshire Highlands to do nothing. Silence again! Suddenly, a suggestion—that if nothing else were done, at least a resolution could be drafted and sent to the Prime Minister; a small committee is appointed; heads go together, and soon the resolution is brought forth. May it mightily impress the Prime Minister! Silence again! Let some of the critics suggest. a course of action. Invitation responded to. Let members of our churches patronise temperance houses more. Let the civic fathers provide an office for use at fairs. Let the possibility of farm labour without cider be proclaimed. A desultory discussion follows these suggestions, bat quickly dies down, and there is still ten minutes to spare. Ah the temperance sermon for next meeting. Brother Andrew does not see why a layman should not be preacher; neither do we. Let Brother Evans, of Tyn-yr-eithen, be appointed to preach it. Now the church at Now Wells must be thanked for their hospitality. The Rev. T. E. Williams moves a resolution to that effect, and feeling reference is made by the seconder to the meeting held there eleven years ago (?) The Secretary says that this is a record meet- ing so much accomplished in so short a time Then the Doxology and Benediction. The following preached at the New Wells quarterly meetings: Rev. O. S. Evans, Bwlchy- sarnau; Rev. W. Williams, Knighton; Rev. B. W. Roberts, Rhayader; Rev. J. Pugh, Nantgwyn; Rev. J. Jones, B.Sc., Llandrindod; Rev. T. E. Williams, Newtown.

BORWICK'S BAKINg ¡ POWDER inim POwDER ID ih8 World. v

NEWTOWN CATS' SOCIAL (Continued from our last.) Presently the pandemonium was hushed by the sweet strains of Baker's Besa," who thought to soothe the hooligans with a song, which her master sings as he kneads the dough. And this was her patriotic ditty, sung in a thin but sweet little voice:— Land of chivalry and freedom, Land of old traditional fame, May thy noble sons and daughters Long uphold thy honoured name. Land where rest in silent chamber, Ashes of our honoured sires, May their memories long be cherished. Round our humble, happy fires. Ach, away wi' yez; let's 'ave no more of this sentimental bosh," hollared Leggy Jook," who, after squinting up at Billy's chamber, declared that" this is more to the p'int, I'm thinkin' Land of hypocrites and snivellers, Saints and sinners all in one, Drunkards and ungodly deacons, Would that their ill race was run." Land of droning psalms and sermons, Feeble wits and snuffy bores, What a land for cats to live in- But at this old Tom arose. Order, order," yelled our indignant president,, but 'twas long, sir, ere we recovered the effect of "Jock's" amusing skit, so cleverly impromptu, don't you think. Then "The Kid" from the pub proffered a story, and the chairman granted permission, but with the reminder that there must be no more immoral stuff imported into the festival. Right, your worship," replied The Kid," but with a waggish twinkle in his eye. There is two cronies as comes to my master's bar; they're real boozing chums, and 'ave oft been drunk together. Well, on this 'eer night as I am agoin* to tell you uv they had got their tipple elsewhere, and in returnin' 'ome aim in arm, the breadth o* the road a-bothered them more than the length on it. Sarve them right, too, for a-carryin' their custom to another pub. So on arrivin' at the mouth o' the Frolic one declared as 'e could go no further; he was sick unto vomitin'. A hungry cur attracted to the scene commenced a sniffin' about, and then lay down close by. Turnin' to hi3 mate the dizzy un said, Jim, a' mind o' 'avin two pints o' porter with thee, and a' mind c' the two schooners with Dick, and a' mind o' the whiskies with thee, too, and a' mind o' the pork pie, but for my life, old man, I 'ave no mind o' swallowin' this infernal dug." Hilarious laughter and encore, encore," kept The Kid within tie ring. and he was forced to tell yet another yarn. Well," says he," I was a-snoozin' on the bar counter wan afternoon, when in comes one of our worthy kouncillors as dry as the weather. Instead of having his ordinary lubricant-a glass of the best-he calls for a pint of Bass. The girl suggested he should 'ave Salt's instead. I'll have nothing of the kind; I like your impertinence," he declaimed, thinkin' as 'ow the young miss was 'avin a rise out of him. The Bass was produced and consumed, after which the nabob unceremoniously bunked. At the door he met the boss, and complained of his daughter's impudence. He would not 'ave it that she only meant another English brew, and he ain't been near our pub since." "Tim," from the lodging house, was next called on to spin a tale, or describe some of the highwaymen who frequent his doss house. "Well," says "Tim," "'twas only yesterday evening I was seated on an old chap's lap. He had just demolished his humble fare, and took me on his knee to listen to this soliloquy as he stroked my jacket with his horny hand. I am an old tramp,' says he. Yes, but puss I was not always so. I 'ad many a hard day's work, but through being a little too fond of a glass I have come down the hill. 'Ah! no one knows better than I do what it is to be down, and no one knows how difficult it is to get up once you're down, unless those who have had that bitter experience. Fourteen days in prison for being drunk in New- town Heaven defend us from your magistrates. Other people may get drunk in hotels and stagger home without being shadowed by a policeman, but me and such like waifs cannot reach our temperance hotel here unless we pass the critical inspection of your officious peelers (cries of "Shame"). We were somebody's darling once on a time, my dear pussie. Aye, some of us have even darkened a college door, and not a few of us have known a comfortable home and fireside. Our children are not all following the footsteps of their dissolute parents. Some of them are engaged in honourable positions in the world, sad, no doubt, at the thought of having a ne'er- do-well father. No sooner are we out of prison than we begin to drown our cares, and, oh, my puss, it takes little to make us ready for another appearance before eur stern judges. Judges! Heaven save the mark. 'I'hey seem to know not what mercy is. The milk of human kindness doesn't flow in their veins. Not a few tabbies were moved to tears by this feeling narrative, and Old Tom" once turned aside his face to swallow a lump in his throat. Among other subjects discussed, Mr Editor, was the closing of the Green brook, for which the doctor man was vigorously anathematised by the vagrant squad, who protested against being deprived of their happy rat-hunting ground. We also talked over the carnival, and awarded the bun to Alice," over whom the Lot gang raved with characteristic delight. It was breaking day when Toddy's" rodent pack gave warning tongue, and in apprehension of an unwelcome raid by these nasty rascals, Old Tom" deemed it well to conclude our social with this poetic benediction- We've had a splore, a right good splore, The best for many a day, We're the envy of them canine chaps. Whose snarls don't dismay The Toms and Tabs of Greenbrook land, Whose capital's the Lot, The grandest den in all Catland, The beau ideal courting spot. But just a warning to you rogues, To Brindle Bill and such As spend your nights a-hunting round The chick and rabbit hutch, Or do your squealin' courtship 'neath The casement of the just, And argee-bargee 'bout your Tabs- Care, lest you lick the dust. While well behaved we'll live in peace, And many a grand soiree We'll hold among the tombstones grey, Below yon ouli yew tree. Friend Dai knows we're repentant, His chicks we'll no more slay, So he's plucked the cartridge from the bore And stowed the gun away. Now quietly steal ye home to roost, Nor loiter 'bout this yard, For Billy's still '&hint that blind, And Nell and he 'ave heard Just plenty of our midnight row; They'll fill another bucket, And woe betide the Tom or Tab On whom they'll choose to chuck it. T A.BBY..

Pupil Teachers' Grants. LLANIDLOES GOVERN ORS' REQUEST. The question of pupil teachers' grants was again. considered at the last meeting of the County Higher Education Committee, when Mr Gwilym Edmunds (chairman of the Llanidloes School Governors), called attention to the fact that the Llanidloes Governors had paid more in capitation fees than they had received for the instruction of pupil teachers at Llanidloes County School. They accepted the teachers on the promise that they would be paid X7 per head. Now they were told that some of the teachers had not earned the grants in consequence of their not having made the required number of attendances. But that had nothing to do with the Governors. They simply took the teachers into the school on the clear understanding that they would be paid £ 7 per head for their instruction. They had spent a lot of money in books, and they were losers in the matter. The Chairman (Mr Rd. Lloyd): The teachers are sent by the County Education Committee, and they should pay the fees in advance, just as the parents do, and when the grants come they should be sent to the Education Committee. Ultimately the Committee decided to recom- mend to the County Committee that the school fees for the teachers' instruction be paid, irre- spective of them making the required attendances and earning the grants.

SIR WATKIN AND HIS TENANTS. What his Agent Thought of Game Preservation. Echoes of the Land Commission. Interesting Letters from Correspondents. I [BY THE AGRICULTURAL EDITOR.] Numerous letters received from representa- tive correspondents in almost all parts of Montgomeryshire attest the widespread inter- est that has been awakened in the subject of the revised agreement which Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn has presented for the accept- ance of his tenants. Most of these letters are, unfortunately, marked not for publica- tion," and we are, therefore, able to give only those unaccompanied by that reservation. Humiliating Conditions." To THE EDITOR OF THE 'EXPRESS.' Sir,—I read with amazement and indignation the letter from Vox Populi," which appeared in your issue of the 8th instant, under the heading, A whole Countryside under notice to quit." I have also read since the article which followed it in your issue of the 15th instant, headed "Sir Watkin and his Tenants." The extracts given in the latter from the agreement Sir Watkin requires his tenants to sign under penalty of removal from their farms, makes one rub one's eyes, and ask with astonishment, Are we living in the boasted twentieth century, or are we still in the feudal ages ? Your readers will, no doubt, remember that at the close of the first session of the new Parliament, at the last moment, just before Parliament adjourned for the Christmas recess, after many attempts had been made to maim and mutilate the Land Tenure Bill, the House of Lords gave it a final kick at parting by inserting a clause that the Act should not come into force till the 1st January, 1909, a year later than the date proposed by the Government. When the Bill went back to the House of Commons to consider the Lords' amendments, it was pointed out that this altera- tion would put it in the power of the landlords to deprive farmers of the benefits the Bill was itrtended to confer. One outspoken member, Mr Soares. bluntly said the postponement of the operation of the Bill was done to enable every bad latdlord in the country to give his tenants notice, in order that his agents might try and dodge the provisions of the Bill." The minister itf-charge of the Bill, Sir E. Strachey, in advising the acceptance of the amendment, rather than wreck the entire Bill, gave this definite pledge:— I refuse to believe," said Sir Edward, that the additional year's interval will be taken advantage of to any substantial extent to contract out of the Act. But if that should turn out to be the case, the question would have to be re-opened again in a very drastic manner, and care would be taken that there should be no contracting out." What the Member for Barnstaple foretold actually came to pass. How many landlords have given their tenants notice I have no means of knowing, but the movement began very early in the new year, and in February the attention of Parliament was called to three prominent cases. I am bound to say the replies of Ministers were not very reassuring, but Mr Asquith, speaking in the absence, through illness, of the Prime Minister, used these striking words The President of the Board of Agriculture (Lord Carrington) is watching the operation of the Act very closely, and if it should appear, which I can scarcely believe will be the case, that the intentions of Parliament are being evaded, we shall not hesitate to take strong action in the matter." Two of the three landlords referred to-Lord Egerton of Tatton and the Earl of Haddington- owned extensive estates in Cheshire. The tenants interested took occasion the next day to interview their member, Mr A. J. King, M.P. for the Knuts- ford division of Cheshire, on Mr Asquith's state- ment. He said that now Lord Carrington had taken the matter up, he thought it might safely be left in his hands. Lord Carrington was very much interested in the question, and was not likely to let the Act be evaded without an effort. "There is one word cf advice, however," con- cluded Mr King, that I should like to give to the tenants. 'Don't sign the new agreement until you have had an opportunity of discussing its terms together, and with the assistance of expert advice. Let there be no signing, as I understand the custom has hitherto been, in the agent's office, on the rent day, by each tenant I singly, without any previous knowledge of the terms sought to be imposed. This was on the 19th of last February. No steps having been taken by the Government, the landlords are spreading their nets wider. I hear of two Shropshire landlords mentioned by name- how many more there may be I don't know—who have followed the same lead, and makes it look as if there was a general endeavour among landlords —I won't say to contract themselves out of the Act-they can't do that-but largely to defeat its objects by forcing their tenants to come under new and much more onerous obligations before the new Act comes into force to check such prac- tices by giving compensation in cases of arbi- trary dismissal. I cannot think an intelligent and high-spirited tenantry will submit to conditions so humiliating as those you have quoted; but my object in writing is to let them know what is going on else- where, and to urge them to adopt the advice of Mr King to his Cheshire constituents. Let all the tenants who have received notice meet together and discuss the situation under expert legal advice, before they sign the new agreement.—I am, sir, yours truly, AN OLD CAMPAIGNER. 18th October, 1907. A Qualified Approval. To THE EDITOR OF (THE EXPRESS.' Sir,-With reference to the letter published in your issue of the 8th instant, and the extracts from Sir Watkin's draft tenancy Agreement, together with Mr F. G. Tuck's letter in that of the 15th instant, I beg to offer an explanation and express an opinion on some of the ti iuses therein referred to. Clause 3. The meaning of the landlord reserving hares and rabbits is that he shall have power to shoot or take them by any other means concur- rently with the tenant. Of course, there is nothing to prevent the tenant taking them him- self (see Ground Game Act 1880). I do not see any objection to the last part of this clause giving the landlord, etc., power to enter on the holding for the purposes defined. It must be remembered that by Section 5 of the Agricultural Holdings Act of 1900 he (i.e. the landlord), or any person authorised by him can view and inspect at all reasonable times. I think your correspondent is making it a little too big when he calls it an army. To my mind the intention of this clause is to give the landlord power to go on to remove timber, etc., oi to shoot, because if the agreement did not contain some- thing to this effect the tenant may dispute his right to go on tor these purposes, and disputes followed by bad feeling would arise. There is in generality of agreements a clause of like effect. Clause 4. I do not see any objection to this clause as it provides that compensation shall be paid to the tenant for loss of land or surface damage. I think the provisions of section 41 of the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1883, would apply to the latter part of this clause. A clause of similar nature in all agreements. Clause 7. I do not see that the additional reservations make much matter. Gipsies should certainly not, in my opinion, be allowed to camp on any farm, and I fail to see anything wrong in this addition. Unauthorised persons means poachers, and in all agreements where the landlord reserves the shooting something is said as to this point. I quite agree that all dogs should be fastened up between sunset and sunrise, as when loose at nights they generally start roaming and getting into mischief. Dogs will stray as much as four or five miles or even more from home at a night when unfastened; this is the time when they worry sheep, etc. I think that unless they are tied up at nights they may easily get their owners into trouble with the police under the provisions of the last Dogs Act. Clause 8. I think the tenant should do all the papering, painting, and other things named herein provided that when he enters everything referred to is put into proper order for him, and the land- lord finds the materials for doing this work. This is the custom in a very large number of districts, the landlord only finding materials. With regard to main walls and roofs I assume that the land- lord agrees to do these. I think this is a great improvement on the old clause as it clearly defines the tenant's liability. As to haulage for general and incidental repairs I think the tenant should do this, but for new buildings I think the land- lord and the tenant should arrange that if the tenant did any haulage for new buildings and left before a certain number of years were expired since it was done, the tenant should be paid com- pensation on an agreed scale. Clause 9. A clause to this effect is in all agree- ments, only in some the penalty is much more severe. With reference to the peat the custom of neighbourhood must determine the rules as to this. I do not know what this is. If the land- lord will find the tenant timber for fencing no objection will be taken to that part of this clause relating to wire. Clause 10. There does not anything appear to be wrong here. I quite agree that a good and sufficient head of live stock should be kept on the holding, and if the tenant has capital he will do this Clause 11. I do not see that any objection can reasonably be taken to this. It appears to me to be fully in accordance with the Acts. Clause 12. This is quite in conformity with Section 3, Sub-section (la) of the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1906, and is an improvement on the latter part of the old clause. I think the allow- ances for unconsumed produce are very good ones. At any rate they are much better than those in a good many districts where the farming is of a somewhat higher standard than here. If the in- coming tenant will not take to the unconsumed produce this clause gives the outgoing the oppor- tunity to sell it, when in the majority of cases it will realize more. Clause 14. If sheep are low in value the incomer will in a very large proportion of cases be certain to take to them at the valuation referred to. But if they are dear in market prices at the time, and he refuses to have them it is to the advantage of the outgoer, as he will be able to obtain a better price for them because he has then the open market to sell them in Personally, I think the intentions of the old clause and the new one are the same. Under the former the landlord or incoming tenant had the option of purchasing the same as they now have, only that they had to be offered to them first. Clause 15. If it is agreed when the tenant took the farm that only a certain number of sheep should be kept on the sheep-walk then it is only fair that he sheuld pay something to the landlord for any in excess of that number which he has on it. I should say there can be no objection to having them counted. If they were mine I should not object. I expect if old records were looked up it would most probably be found that each sheep-walk would only carry so many sheep, and that some of the previous tenants agreed to that number. I fail to see anything against dogs going on the sheep-walks in the months named, provided that they are kept under proper control. I think it is the intention of this part of the clause to prevent dogs, proved to be mischievous and uncontrollable, doing harm, and in order to keep clear of this it finds a way for having them kept off. The notice as to gathering is a good idea, as each party is then able to know the other's intentions because it would be very awk- ward for both if the owner was shooting and the tenant was gathering sheep on the same ground at the same time- Clause 19. There is certainly nothing to protest against here. If it is left out the both parties will be in the same position (See Agricultural Holdings Acts 1883 to 1906). As the whole of the draft agreement is not given, it is rather difficult to say much more than is said above, as generally speaking, one clause to some extent modifies and qualifies another. I do not see much the matter with what parts of it appeared in your issue except the portion relating to dogs on the sheep-walks in the months mentioned, which is open to very considerable objection. Of course, the general rule in dealing with valuations from one tenant to another at the expiration of a tenancy is, as he went in so should he go out," i.e., that all compensations, etc., paid to the out- goer should be arrived at on the same basis as that which he paid to his predecessor was got at. The oll valuations from one tenant to another would give a very good idea of what this was. I am afraid if every agreement was exposed as this has been, some very much stronger and still more unwarrantable clauses would he brought to light. I hope both sides will meet one another in a con- cilatory spirit. It is generally well to bear in mind that agreements were not made for good tenants, but for bad ones, and I have found from experience in several counties, that when a land- lord finds and sees a tenant trying his best, he will try and meet him and do what he can to help him. I may also add that I have not the pleasure of being acquainted with either Sir Watkin or his Agent, Mr Tuck.—Yours faithfully, 18th October, 1907. R.H.R. The Former Chief Agent's Views. Since the central purpose of the revised agree- ment appears to spring from an increased regard for the preservation of game, it may be interest- ing to recall what Sir Watkin's former chief agent (the late Colonel H. R. Hughes) had to say on this subject before the Welsh Land Commission. Here is the reproduation of his plain-worded evidence:— There is one matter incidental to the occupation of land in this country, which, 1 am sorry to say, has led, and will, I fear, continue to lead to dissatisfaction and disagreement. I refer to the question of game preserving, where it degenerates into over preserva- tion, and both winged and ground game are kept to an injurious extent. In these cases I have long felt that great injustice is done to the cultivator of the soil, and that, apart from the relations of landlord and tenant, it is impolitic from an eooromic point of view. To preserve game to an unreasonable extent by the Bpoilation of the tenant farmers property, is in my opinion, neither right, just, nor honest, and it is an unfair exercise of this reservation on the part of some landlords, who are little less than game dealers, that has helped so much to embitter the good feeling which formerly existed between landlord and tenant farmer. I believe that if a good understanding between the landlord and tenant is to be maintained, the rights of sporting must be reasonably exercised by the landlord, and in a legitimate way. As an agriculturist, I am opposed 'to the undue Ereservation of game, as I have seen frequently ow this source of dispute between landowners and tenant farmers has embittered what would otherwise have been amicable relations. When proprietors are desirous of making game preserves of the woods around their mansions for battue shooting, etc., it should be their duty to keep the agricultural land immediately adjoining in their own hands, and not seek to get a rent for the land and confiscate the crop it yields. I know from experience that where a crop is partly or totally destroyed by game, it is most difficult even for an expert to value just damage in such a case. Even the best men hate to value it; you cannot estimate it properly. I quite approve of the provisions of the Ground Game Act of 1880, and consider it has been a great boon to farmers. The tenants on this property have availed them- selves fully of their rights under this Act wherever rabbits existed or were a nuisance, and the exercise of their rights has never been discouraged in any way. In answer to Professor Rhys Game preserving has been carried on in some cases to an unconscionable extent; there is no doubt about it; one cannot defend it. Pressed to suggest a remedy, Colonel Hughes said he had none to offer. This from the official overseer of extensive lands formed, perhaps, the most striking con- demnation made at the Commission of what many farmers are made to suffer in the interests of game. Had that Commission been sitting to-day we can conceive of Col. Hughes being asked whether the preservation of game to an unconscionable extent" was illustrated by an edict which claims for the landlords both hares and rabbits, restricts the number of sheep which a tenant shall keep on the moors, controls their movement during five months of the year, deprives him of the free use of his dogs, and forbids him to erect an inch of wire fencing upon his holding without special permission. We can also imagine the answer of a gentleman who has borne personal testimony to the embittered relationship resultant of the undue exercise of the landlord's authority in the matter of game preservation. It may be said that no agreement can lawfully deprive the tenants on Sir Watkin's estates of their right to the hares and rabbits. The same suggestion was made at the Land Commission in connection with tenants whose agreements con- tained precisely this reservation, but numerous witnesses, while recognising its illegality, made it plainly understood, that non-compliance with the landlord's desire meant sooner or later the service on them of a notice to quit their holdings. And thus it was explained why on many estates the farmers did not avail themselves of the Ground Game Act. The written story of the Land Commission contains pages of arresting evidence as to the evils of the game laws, and, peculiarly enough, the strongest denunciations were uttered not by farmers but by estate agents and even landowners. Here, for instance, is a significant passage culled from the evidence of Mr John Williams Vaughan, the owner of many acres in Brecon and Radnor: "I think the letting of sporting rights over estates a very fruitful source of trouble. A shooting tenant naturally cares little or nothing for the tenants, and having paid his rent expects to get the utmost amount of sport possible out of the estate." Although no mention is made of it, we are willing to believe that Sir Watkin would agree to compensate his tenants for destruction by game, but since, as Colonel Hughes declared, it is difficult even for an expert to estimate the damage, little wonder if yearly tenants fear the result of all these new reservations and restrictions. So strongly do farmers feel regarding the loss which they sustain in this way, and the friction it inevitably sets up, that many of them urged upon the Land Commission the advisableness of having all special statutory restrictions abolished, or, at any rate, that the Ground Game Act of 1880 should be extended to winged game, even if such a policy resulted in the cessation of game preservation or the extinction of winged game in the whole country." The Commission were not favourable to the adoption of this idea, but this they recognised: The real grievance is that the tenant, knowing his defenceless position in regard to his holding if he should incur the displeasuie of his landlord, feels himself unable to claim adequate compensation for any damage to his crops, or any grievances due to the arbitrary or violent action of gamekeepers, or the careless and discourteous exercise of sporting rights by sporting tenants." The remedy which the Commission conceived of was seourity of tenure. That and nothing else can protect the tenant in the assertion of his rights and legitimate claims. Now with regard to Sir Watkin's restriction of his tenants' flocks, and their movement at certain periods of the year, let us read further into the evidence given at the Land Commission. I believe," said Colonel Hughes, the best use, that can be made of land at an extreme altitude and subject to great violence of climate is that of summering sheep, a few cattle for the shepherds' own use, and rearing lambs." There is no limit with regard to the number of sheep kept on our sheep walks, most of which are fenced in," said Mr Thomas Vaughan, Syohtyn, Llanerfyl, a large farmer on Sir Watkin's estate. And what was the fading of the Commission concerning sheep ? ion No animal on a Welsh farm is so worthy of attention, because it can be raised in situations where other animals could not exist, and in general makes a better return for the quantity and quality of food consumed than any other animal. The saving of labour also is a most important consideration. On large sbeepwalks where several hundred sheep are depastured a share only of the shepherd's wages falls to the lot of the tenant farmer, since a good shepherd is, as a rule, able to manage several flocks. Perhaps the best token that sheep can be made to pay as well as, if not better than, anything else is the fact that British farmers have so largely increased their flocks in the past few years." And what is true of the country generally is especially true of Wales,-where for several years past sheep have proved the most profitable stock Upon the farm. Hence the reasonable outcry against any attempt to restrict tenantry from a fall and free participation in the mo&t profitable stock market. With regard to the clause in the new agree- ment which requires the tenant to do free all cartage and haulage of materials required for buildings or repairs," it is interesting to recall the statement made by Mr T. Halford before the Com- mission: If I never knew a tenant," said Mr Halford, who hauled farm buildings but bitterly regretted it as long as he lived. Do you not think it rather hard upon them? Say, for instance, I took a farm and go and haul a set of new build- ings together, and then four or five years after that time I receive a notice to quit, and leave without a penny of compensation." This hardship is recognised by R.H.R. who, while defending the agreement for the most part, adopts our view as to the necessity of a scale of compensation for haulage of materials other than those reauired for general repairs. It is difficult to reconcile Sir Watkin's stipu- lation against the erection of wire fences with the evidence of his lata agent. Fencing," said Colonel Hughes to the Commission, is a very extensive item on the estate, especially the posts and wire fencing on the Welsh hills, which has been a regular outlay for nearly thirty years, and is admitted to be the greatest boon on hill sheep walks. In many oases the land- lord has supplied the wire gratis, and has frequently done the whole work without charg- ing interest." What was regarded as a neces- sity for thirty years is now actually forbidden, without first obtaining special permission. "The question of fencing," declares the Com- mission in their report, "is one of such pressing importance, and one that has so many sides to "The question of fencing," declares the Com- mission in their report, "is one of such pressing importance, and one that has so many sides to it, that really successful sheep farming depends upon it to a great measure. The saving of labour, protection from infectious disease, such as scab and foot rot, the service of good and carefully selected rams at the proper season of the year, and the growth of fine wool, ars inseparably bound up with it." Yet on thie estate the tenant shall not so much as use wire for the purpose of mending the existing live or dead fences," without the written con- sent of the landlord or his agent.

WELSHPOOL JEWELLER FINED. A case of a somewhat unusual character was heard at Welshpool Sessions on Tuesday, when AlbertTurner, a Welshpooljeweller was charged by the Inland Revenue Authorities with having sold plate over 30 ozs in weight without the required license. Mr Shaw (of the solicitor's department of the Inland Revenue Offices). conducted the prosecu- tion, and Mr Martin Woosnam, Newtown, ap- peared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Mr D. P. Owen presided on the Bench and was supported by Messrs M. Jehu, William Hum- phreys, J. Jones, J. H. Davies, and J. Pryce Jones. Having quoted the Act under which the pro- ceedings were taken, Mr Shaw detailed the facts of the case. Defendant, he stated, at the outset, held a license authorising him to sell articles of plate, as far as silver was concerned," below 30 ozs, but he did not hold one for selling articles 30 ozs in weight or "over" In May last the Montgomeryshire Imperial Yeomanry were at Welshpool, and a smoking concert was organized, and subscriptions solicited. A large amount was collected, and with the balance which the- Com- mittee had in hand it was decided to purchase a silver cup for presentation to the best shooting squadron in the Yeomanry. The organizing Com- mittee formed a selection committee for the pur- pose of selecting a cup, and the Mayor of Welsh- pool (Mr E. Wyke) was chairman. The local jewellers were asked to tender, and Mr Turner, amongst others, submitted two cups to the selection committee. One of those cups, weigh- ing over 30 ozs was selected, and he (Mr Shaw) was in a position to prove that at the time the cups were before the Committee, Mr Turner knew that one of them was over 30 ozs. In fact he sent in a note with them stating he believed that one of the cups was 31-1 ozs. The chosen cup was sent back to Mr Turner, who got it engraved, but the bill was sent to the Committee from Josiah Williams and Co., Bristol, and the money was paid direct to the firm. Until the bill was re- ceived, neither the Mayor nor the Committee had any other knowledge than that the cup was being supplied by Mr Turner. Mr Cooke, Inland Revenue Officer, Welshpool, told defendant that he had heard he had supplied a cup and- The Chairman: What license does he hold ? Mr Shaw: A license for selling goods below 30 ozs. Proceeding, Mr Shaw stated that the Inland Revenue Authorities were obliged to take action in these cases, to protect those who held higher rate licenses. Defendant was warned about three years ago. Mr Woosnam: Pardon me, you really cannot go into that. This is a specific case. Mr E. Wyke (Mayor of Welshpool) was the first witness called for the prosecution. He was the Chairman of the Selection Committee, he said, which invited the local jewellers to tender for the supply of a silver cup. Three were sent in, two by Mr Turner and one by Mr Giles. The one supplied by Mr Turner, he believed, was detailed as 31 or 31t ozs in weight, and this the Committee selected. It was sent back to Mr Turner, who got it engraved. Subsequently a bill was received by the C'ommittee from Messrs Josiah Williams and Co., Bristol. Until the bill was received, neither witness nor the Committee had heard anything about Williams and Co. Mr Woosnam: Do you remember defendant saying that if the cup was 30 ozs or over he could not supply it ?—I don't remember. You are not prepared to say he did not ?-No. No money was paid to Mr Turner ?—No; when I had the bill I asked Mr Turner whether I should pay him and he said I must send it direct to the firm. Do you know how Mr Cooke got hold of this Oh, yes; by notice received from Mr Giles. Mr Shaw: When the cup was before the Com- mittee, Mr Turner said it was over 30 ozs ?—Yes. You were summoned here, Mr Wyke ?—Yes. Arthur Denniss Cooke, Inland Revenue officer, Welshpool, gave evidence that defendant only held a license to sell plate under 30 ozs. From information received he called on Mr Turner and told him that he had heard he had been selling articles over weight, and asked for an explanation. Defendant said he had not sold it, the firm from Bristol had supplied the cup. He thought the cup was over 30 ozs., and told the committee that if it was he could not supply it. He had made enquiries from the firm and they stated that the cup was a little over weight. The Chairman: I want to know whether the cup has been weighed P Mr Woosnam: I admit the cup was over weight. The Chairman: If you admit it the thing is in a nutshell. Mr Woosnam: Yes, but that is not my point. Mr Woosnam, for the defence, submitted that there was no case against Mr Turner. He admitted the cup was over 30 ozs., but the ques- tion the Bench had to consider was whether there was any trading or selling by Mr Turner. He expressly told the committee that if the weight of the cup was over 30 ozs. he could not deal with them, they must deal direct with the firm. What more could he do ? He told Mr Wyke that he must pay the money direct to the firm, and the receipt was sent by the firm. Turner had nothing to do with the matter; he received no benefit at all, but really he was doing, a kind act for the committee. In his evidence defendant said Mr T. J Evans (a member of the committee) called upon him and asked whether the cups had arrived. He replied in the affirmative, but stated that no weights were given. He did not have the proper scales for weighing the oup, so he had to do it by avoirdupois weight. The Chairman: And you reduced it. You know the difference (laughter) ? Defendant: Oh, yes. Proceeding, defendant said when he received the cup he wrote to the firm asking for the weight, and he told them that if it was over 30 ozs. they would have to deal with the committee direct. A reply was received to the effect that -the cup was over weight, but it was then on the way back to the firm to be engraved. He then wrote to the firm telling them that they must deal with the committee direct. He had pre- viously told the committee that if the cup was over 30 ozs. he could not supply it-they would have to deal with the firm. He had never held a high-rate license. Mr Shaw: You say you have never held a license on the bigher rate ?-No. Just think ?—Only for the quarter. Why did you say you had never held one then ? —I have not had one for a full year. But you said you never had one. Why did you forget in the first instance ?—It must have been a slight laps9 of memory. Do you think it might have been a lapse of memory with the other points ?-No. Mr Wyke says he does not remember you say- ing anything about the cup being over 30 ozs. Do you think it is a lapse of memory on your part to say you did ?-No, I did not tell Mr Wyke particularly, but all the committee. You thought the cup was over 30 ozs., but still you brought it before the selection committee?- Yes. You said you would write to Williams and Co. P -Yea. And in fact that you would transmit the order to them ?—Certainly not. Was the cup returned to you after it had been engraved ?—Yes. I And you wish the Bench to believe that although you wrote to Williams and Co. saying if the cup was over 30 ozs. you would not have any- thing to do with it, the cup engraved was returned to you?-Yes. You know that in order even to solicit an order for goods over 30 ozs. you ought to have a high- rate license F-Yos. And you knew that to solicit an order for the cup you required a license ?—I did not solicit it. Mr Shaw: That will be for the Bench to decide, Defendant: I got nothing by it. Mr Shaw: But everything was done through you except the payment of the bill ?—Yes. Mr Woosnam: For one quarter you took out a high-rate license, and that was four years ago ?— Yes. This concluded the evidence, and after a short consultation with his colleagues, the Chairman announced that defendant would be fined -81 and 15B 6d costs.

THE WELSHPOOL NIGHT POACHING CASE. Another Arrest. Upon a warrant, John Bellaby, Welshpool, has been arrested on a charge of night poaching committed on Lord Powis's estate in March last. He was brought up in custody before the magistrates on Tuesday, when Mr G. R. D. Harrison stated that the case had been before the Bench on three or four occasions. The particulars were as follows: On March 9th, about five weeks after the game season had expired, prisoner, together with David Evans and Charles Pugh, was seen to go up the Llanfair-road about half-past five. Being suspicious characters, they were followed by Jno. Ridge and one of the keepers. Just after seven o'clock five shots were fired, and shortly afterwards prisoner, with Evans and Pugh, were seen coming down the Llanfair Railway, and were also recognised coming from the Wood where the shots were fired. Upon their return to Welshpool the men were stopped, and five pheasants were found on Evans. Summonses for night poaching were issued, but the men went to South Wales. Pugh and Evans were previously arrested and convicted, but Bellaby's arrest was not affected until the previous evening. John Ridge supported Mr Harrison's opening statement. Defendant: Did you see me with a gun ?—No. When you came up the road I was sitting on a stile ?-I never saw you. Defendant; I saw you. I went up the road with the men and came back, but I was not in the Wood. P.C. T. C. Jones gave evidence as to searching Bellaby on his return to Welshpool on the evening of March 9th, but he found nothing on him. A little later he heard P.C. R. E. Jones' whistle, and went to his assistance. He was struggling with Evans in the brook. Mr Harrison intimated that if the Bench would like to hear more evidence he would ask them to adjourn the case to enable him to summon other witnesses. The Magistrates eventually adjourned the case until Thursday morning. Defendant appeared before the Mayor (Mr E. Wyke), Messrs M. Jehu, and W. Humphreys on Thursday, when evidence was given by David Evans, one of the three men seen coming from the direction of the wood, and who has already served a term of imprisonment for night poaching. Bellaby, who on the last occasion pleaded not guilty, now pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment with hard labour.

In honour of the anniversary of Trafalgar the Nelson column was decorated by the Navy League and numbers of wreaths were placed at its base There were celebrations at Portsmouth, Green- wich, and other naval towns.