The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

j MACHYNLLETH SHEEP DOG TRIALS. The first sheep dog trials promoted by the Machynlleth Sheep Dog Society, were held on the Plas Grounds last Thursday under the presidency of Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest. They had been admirably organised, and in every respect success attended the efforts of the promoters. Spectators and competitors assembled from upper and lower Montgomeryshire, and all the adjoining counties. There were no less than 67 entries-35 in the district stakes, and 32 in the open. A dozen or so entries had unfortunately to be refused, the Committee realizing that they could not pos- sibly cope with the exceptional number during the day. The district stakes competition com- menced about nine o'clock, concluding shortly before one. The open events terminated just before dusk. In addition to the substantial prizes, the President (Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest) gener- ously offered a silver cup valued X5 5s in the Plas Machynlleth Stakes (open), and another silver cup of the same value was offered by Mr David Davies, M.P., Plasdinam, in the District Stakes, the trophies to become the absolute property of the competitor winning them three times. The Society also gave a special prize of 10s for the best looking dog or bitch entered in the trials. Eight minutes was the time allowed for the sheep to be penned, but the dog completing his work in the shortest time was not necessarily the winner, time and general excellence of the work done being taken into consideration. As a matter of fact, only two lots of sheep were penned in the District Stakes, one lot by Bossy," the property of Mr Joseph Holt, Machynlleth, and "Jolly," Mr John Thomas's dog, Ceiswyn, Aberllefenni. It is gratifying to learn that financially the trials were a marked success, and in alL proba- bility the Society will commence the new year with a credit balance of from .£10 to iil5. The spectators apparently enjoyed the trials, and hopes were universally expressed that the Society would make them an annual event. Amongst those present were Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest, Mr David Davies, M.P., (patron), Col. Allix, Col. Apperley, Major and Mrs Bonsall (Galtyllan), Misses Morgan (Nantceiro, Aberystwyth), Captain and Mrs Fuller, and others. The vice-presidents of the Society included Sir E. Pryce, Bart., Mr R. C. Anwyl, Major Bonsall, Mr R. H. Buck- worth, Mr W. D. Blessley, Mr J. Lascelles, Mr W. E. Downing, Mr F. G, Tuck, Captain Fuller, Colonel Allix, Major J. Walton, and Mr J. M. Howell. The energetic officials were:—Chairman of committee, Mr R. Gillart; hon. treasurer, Mr Edmund Gillart; hon. secretaries, Mr D. E. R. Griffith and Mr J. Parry; Executive Committee, Messrs D. Lewis, J. Jones, G. E. Jones, Edward Breese, H. Lewis, E. Alfred Jones; judges, Mr Wiliam Powell, Carneddau, Builth, and Mr John Evans, Dolaugwyn, Towyn; referae, Mr M. E. Francis; timekeepers, Messrs R. W. Henry and E. Gillart; clerk of the course, Mr R. Gillart; flag stewards, Messrs J. Jones and J. Parry; general stewards, Executive Committee, and Messrs Hugh Thomas, Evan Richards, H. Rees, and Thomas Thomas. The trials resulted as follows:— District Stakes—1 Thomas Jones, tiafod- cadwgan 2 (equal) T. Pugh, Glyn, Llanidloes, Queen," and E. Evans, Brynbriglas, Llangower, Fly 3 W. Davies. Esgair Llewelyn, Aberlle- fenni; 4 J. Williams, Tymawr, Towyn, Boulyn 5 J. Owen, Tynycornel Hotel, Talyllyn, "Dovey." Plas Machynlleth Stakes (open)-l Thomas Jones, Glen, Llanidloes, Pat" 2 Owen Owens, Hafotty, Pennal, Ting 3 J. Moses, Brogyntyn, Oswestrv. Best looking sheep dog or bitch in the trials- 1 J Holt, butcher, Machynlleth, U Bossy"; 2 H. Thomas, shepherd, Machynlletb 3 H. Williams, Barmouth.

The Devil Tempted Him. A LABOURER'S PLEA. The devil tempted me to go to Gwernhowell, and I took the ferrets. I hope you will be lenient with me; it will never happen again." This was the remarkable plea of Walter Allen, a travelling labourer, who was charged at Newtown Police Court on Monday, before Messrs R. Lloyd and Alfred Ford, with having stolen three ferrets, the property of Pryce Watkin, Gwernhowell, Bettws. Prisoner, who was arrested on Saturday, having decided to be dealt with summarily, Watkin stated that on Saturday evening, October 12th, three ferrets were locked in a cub inside the building at Gwernhowell, but on Sunday at mid- day they were missing, the lock of the cub having been burst open. He did not give information to the police until the Thursday following. Defen- dant had often worked at his farm, the last time being about twelve months ago, although he had called several times since. On Friday witness saw defendant at Brynycil sale, and had a conversation with him. Allen said he intended going to Gwernhowell to borrow the ferrets, but Watkin told him that he thought they had been stolen. It is a pity," retorted prisoner. I have only one now, and it is a borrowed one. I have been using that the last few days." William Watkin having given evidence, Walter Davies, residing at Werngoch, Berriew, stated that prisoner took the three ferrets to him on Sunday morning, October 13th, and asked him to keep them for him. One died in the evening. The following Saturday the police constable informed him that the ferrets had been stolen, and he then handed them over. P.C. Nathan Davies, Tregynon, said he visited Tynycoed Cottage, Berriew, and arrested defen- dant. He cautioned him, and charged him with stealing the ferrets, to which he replied Alright, then." Asked whether he wished to make a statement, prisoner said the devil tempted him to go to Gwernhowell, and he took the ferrets. He hoped the Bench would be lenient with him it would never happen again. There were previous convictions recorded against Allen, including one for stealing ferrets, and the Bench now sent him to prison for 14 days with hard labour.

Machynlleth Board of Guardians. Mr M. E. Francis (vice-chairman) presided at the monthly meeting of the Machynlleth Board of Guardians on Wednesday, and there were also present Mrs M. Thomas, Messrs E. Hughes, D. Evans, Humphrey Jones, John Edwaids (Pene- goes), Richard Morgan, William Jones, E. M. Jones, Edward Jones, John Hughes, Owen Owens, Daniel Davies, Rufus Owen, T. Jenkins, R. Hughes, and Evan Jones, together with the Clerk (Mr David Evans), and Assistant Clerk (Mr David Morgan). MONTHLY RETURNS. The Master (Mr John Jones) reported that there were 22 inmates in the house, compared with 30 in the corresponding period of last year. Lord Herbert Vame-Tempest presented the inmates with half a dozen rabbits on October 18th and another half-dozen on October 23rd. 175 vagrants had been relieved, compared with 184 in the corresponding period last year. Mr Edward Rees, Rev Evan Isaac, and Rev R. R. Hughes had officiated in the house during the month. A vote of thanks. was accorded Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest for his gifts to the inmates. MISCELLANEOUS. It was reported that a grant of X410 17s 4d under the Agricultural Rates Act had been paid to the Machynlleth Union. Dr. A. O. Davies, Machynlleth, wrote stating that he had alternative but to accept the terms offered by the Guardians for vaccinations. The report of the first year's work of the North Wales Rescue Work Committee was submitted by the Secretary, who further stated that Mrs M. Thomas was the representative from Machynlleth, and they hoped shortly to form small committees to work under her. They also proposed to per- sonally call at the Workhouses and explain the scheme to the matrons. ASYLUM QUESTION. The adjourned asylum question was further considered, and after some discussion Mr John Edwards proposed the following resolution:— That this Board agrees with the Secretary of State in refusing to sanction the purchase of the Copthorne estate to. add to Bicton Asylum, and strongly recommend the County Council to take steps to provide suitable accommodation in the county for harmless patients." The resolution was adopted.

LLANIDLOES. MARKET REPORTS.—Butter, Is 2d; eggs, 10 for 1/ fowls, 5/- per couple; ducks, 6/- per couple; potatoes, 4/9 to 58 3d per 112 lbs. FOOTBALL.-Llanidloes United were at home to Aberystwyth College on Saturday. The game resulted in a draw, no goals being scored. LECTURE.—Mr E. R. H. Turner delivered an interesting lecture to an appreciative audience in the Workingmen's Institute on Friday evening on Llanidloes long ago." LECTURE.—On Wednesday evening a Welsh lecture, entitled" Y Ddynes Newydd," was delivered by Rev W. O. Jones, Aber, in the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel, in aid of the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel, Cefn. CHARACTER."—Mi R. Ll. Benbow, read a very interesting and instructive paper on the building up of a character before the Baptist Young People's Mutual Improvement Society on Wednes- day evening. The meeting, which was the first of the winter session, was well attended, and was presided over by Mr S. P. Davies. I.O.G.T.—A session of the Clywedog Lodge was held on Tuesday, over which Bro. Baxter pre- sided. An interesting discussion was kept up by the members for some length of time on ways and means of improving lodge sessions. A song was rendered by Bro. Baxter, and Bro. Thomas gave a reading. There was a good attendance. Is WAR EVER JUSTIFIA]BLIC P "-An interest- ing debate was held on Wednesday at the Con- gregational Young People's Guild on the above subject. The debating parties were Messrs J. T. Davies and Thos. Edwards for the affirmative, and Messrs Evan Rees and Morris Jones for the negative. By one vote the negatives carried. Y.P.G.—At a meeting on Wednesday-evening Dr R. J. Jones read a paper on "Germ Life." The learned doctor dealt fully with the subject, and engaged the attention of a large and appreciative audience for upwards of half-an-hour. Rev W. R. Roberts, and Messrs H. Dulston and R. Benbow also spoke on the subject. Mrs J. T. Davies gave a synopsis of the news of the week. Rev W. R. Roberts presided. HANDEL'S" MESSIAH.On Sunday the choir of the Welsh Methodist Chapel (China-street) commenced practising the above oratorio with the intention of giving a full performance thereof next year. The task of training the choir has been undertaken by Mr David Meredith. This fact is sufficient to dispel all doubt as to the excellence o£.the performance when it is given. Mr William Mills (organist) has consented to fulfil the duties of accompanist. GOLF.-The first annual meeting of the St. Idloes Golf Club was held at Humphreys' Tem- perance Hotel on Saturday evening. The following were elected: President, Mr J. R. Morris, J.P.; vice-presidents, Mr David Davies, M.P., Mr J. D. Rees, M.P., Mr David Holmes, Mr A. L. Onslow, and Mr James Grant; captain, Rev E. O. Jones; vice-captain, Mr J. R. Lloyd; secretary, Mr F. J. Phillips; treasurer, Mr W. O. Davies. It was decided to raise the annual subscription for gentlemen from 7a 6d to 10s 6d. A Greens Com- mittee, consisting of Messrs R. E. Mills, J. R. Lloyd, W. E. Dakin, and D. Rawlinson, was appointed. The Treasurer presented a statement of the finances of the club, showing a balance in hand of X4 Os 8d. The membership totallod 45.

Machynlleth Education Committee. The business at Machynlleth Education Com- mittee on Wednesday was transacted by the Chairman (Mr Richard Rees), Mrs Davies, Revs D. H. Hughes and T. Ll. Williams. Four mem- bers do not constitute a quorum, but it was decided to proceed with the business, and have it confirmed at the next meeting. DISPUTED LIABILITY. The Education Supply Association wrote stating that the County Committee would not recognize the liability of the Machynlleth Com- mittee for a certain account, because the goods were ordered without their sanction. They asked the Machynlleth Committee to forward a cheque at an early date. The Assistant Clerk (Mr D. P. Jones) said that the account, which amounted to -62 odd, was in respect of some school newspapers. Rev D. H. Hughes explained that when the school was taken over the old School Board handed a considerable balance to the Central Committee to meet debts of this kind. It was decided to communicate with the Central Committee to this effect. AN ALLEGED UNFAIRNESS. Welm Council School Managers, Llanbrynmair, recommended the appointment of Miss Davies, Llangrannog, Cardiganshire, as an assistant at a salary of .£45, as advertized. Rev D. H. Hughes took exception to teachers from outside the county being appointed whilst teachers in the county who had served their apprenticeship there were excluded. Rev T. Ll. Williams: But were there any other applications ? Rev D. H. Hughes: I am not referring to this case particularly, but I am speaking erenerallv. I don t think it is fair. Rev T. Ll. Williams But to get our supply we are obliged to go outside the county. Rev D. H. Hughes: A resolution has been passed that the new scale of salaries shall not apply to the existing teachers, aud that, I think, is very unfair. On the motion of the Rev T. Ll. Williams, seconded by Rev D. H. Hughes, it was decided to sanction the appointment, but with the proviso that in future all the applications should be forwarded te the District Committee, and not just the one which the Managers recommended for appointment, as in the present instance. The Committee sanctioned the application of the Machynlleth Council School Managers to take steps to appoint two pupil teachers. PRESENTATION BIBLES. The Welsh presentation Bibles to be awarded to Catherine Helen Thomas and David Parry Thomas for seven and eight years unbroken attendance Council School were received from the County Committee, and it was decided to make the presentation to the pupils in school, when members of the District Committee and Managers will be invited to attend. LLANWRIN AT THE Top. The Attendance Officer reported that the per- centage of attendance in the district was 85, an increase of 19. Llanwrin National School were the winners of the banner with a percentage of 91 1, an increase of 6 7. The Chairman: Llanwrin is improving. Rev T. Ll. Williams and the Chairman hoped in future the Attendance Officer would be more strict with the town children. Several who lived near school, they pointed out, were running about the streets. The Attendance Officer said he paid two visits to the town schools to one to the country schools. He also visited the parents, but it was impossible to improve the percentage when the Committee excused cases like they had done that day. The Chairman In future we will be more severe.

American Financial Crisis. Intense excitement was caused in American financial circles by the suspension of payment of the banking concern known as the Knickerbocker Trust Company, in which the deposits amount to about twelve million sterling. A great run on the bank was followed by a heavy falls on the New York Stock Exchange. There was a run on the Trust Company of America and other concerns on the following day. The Government came to the aid of the banks by depositing large sums of Treasury mcney. At Pittsburgh several of the huge Westinghouse con- cerns have been placed in the hands of receivers, and the Pittsburg Stock Exchange has been closed until further orders. Three New York banks were obliged to suspend payment, but it is understood that they are all solvent. The Nevada State has also suspended payment, and at Birmingham, Alabama, the Southern Steel Company has failed. The steps taken by Mr J. P. Morgan and other financiers to allay the panic have proved successful, for the time being at least.

By a shipping disaster off the coast of Finland twenty-one women were drowned. Mr R. C. Hawkin, secretary of the Eighty Club, is to be married to Miss Marie Botha, sister of General Botha. In a mutiny among the Chinese on the Rand the police used shot-guns, killing one person and wounding nineteen. Mr Henry Chaplin, M,P., was the recipient of several handsome presents at the hands of his former constituents at Sleaford. In an an action concerning Diabolo, which was before Mr Justice Parker. it was stated that the sale of the article reached 100,000 a month. General Booth has been laid up in Chicago owing to a chill and overwork. He is now much better, and intends to fulfil his engagements in America. The new Cunarder, the Mauretania, with which it is hoped to eclipse the Lusitania's record, arrived in the Mersey, after a successful trip from the Tyne. Robberies of churches in France still continue with remarkable frequency. Six or seven churches in one Department alone were pillaged a few nights ago. For selling margarine as butter, a Fetter-lane grocer, named Thomas Richards, was fined .£100 and five guineas costs at the Mansion House police court. The leading German military journal reviews Sir Frederick Maurice's History of the South African War,' and pavs a tribute to the work done by the British troops. It is reported that there is a continued improve- ment in the condition of the Emperor Francis Joseph, and within a week the Emperor may be pronounced entirely convaleaeent. After inspecting the fish dock at Hull, Earl Carrington, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, said every member of the Cabinet was in favour of one man one job," and he would see if the wish for a separate Minister of Fisheries could be I met.

CAERSWS. TEMPERANCE MEETING.—A meeting in con- nection with a branch of the North Wales Tem- perance Association was held at the club room of the Buck Temperance Hotel on Tuesday evening. Mr Richard Francis, Porth Farm, presided. To the post of president for the coming session, Mr T. J. Williams, Rhianfa, was unanimously re- elected. Duets, solos, and readings were given by the Misses Polly Richards, Tynpwll, Thomas, Pendinas, J. Wilson, Glynne-square, and Mr G. Pryce, Stone Factory. THE HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICES in the "Ancient City" have been of an unusually attractive character. The Wesleyan preachers were Rev W. R. Green and Mr Lane Griffiths.- The preacher at the Baptist festival was the well known Radnorshire minister, Rev D. Davies, Maesyrbelem, who has the power of attracting crowds of people, even from a great distance.— The Calvinistic Methodist festival was marked with unmistakable success, the pulpit being occupied by the newly-appointed minister foe the Llandinam and Caersws churches, the Rev Richard Jones, B.A., formerly of Chester, who proved himself to be able, eloquent, and learned. —A harvest thanksgiving musical service was held in the Village Hall on Sunday evening. Mr Richard Jones, Pendinas, presided. A select choir, under the able conductorship of Mr J. Meirion Evans, rendered appropriate anthems. The special soloist was Mr Arthur Davies, Cefn- mawr, Ruabon. Instrumental duets were highly appreciated by the crowded audience. Mr Edward Lucas (formerly of Newtown), whose fame as a violinist is known far and wide, played several solos. Miss Rosa Thomas ably accompan- ied on the pianoforte. HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICES.—On Thursday the above services were held at St. Mary's Church. Early Communion at 8-30 a.m., service at three p.m. when the Rev R. D. Hughes, curate of Newtown Church, preached an appropriate sermon. The next service commenced at seven p.m., when the Rev James Davies, St. David's Church, Liverpool, preached a powerful sermon to a large congrega- tion. The musical parts of the services were as follows: Harvest festival hymns taken from hymns "Ancient and Modern," the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were in anthem form, com- posed by Caleb Simper. The harvest anthem, entitled The floors shall be fall of wheat," was rendered in excellent style and effect by the chcir, accompanied by Miss O. Hammond, the organist. The service was intoned by the Rev R. D. Hughes. The church was decorated by the ladies, under the supervision of Mrs Snow. A special feature which attracted great attention was a small waggon, made by Mr T. Trow, loaded with corn. I On the following Sunday the services were con- tinued, when the Rev J. Jones, B.A., vicar, preached in the morning and the Rev John Davies, Ystradmeurig, in the evening. All the anthems were again rendered by the choir, and were listened to with great eagerness by tht large audience. The above named gentleman, wio is a good musician, made the following remarks upon the singing: If our hearts are filled with grati- tude to God for His unbounded mercies lfit our mouths join in singing the hymns of the Chirch. And as music and all else that beautifies (od's house elevates and attracts let us use all uaans in our church to draw us nearer to God and holy things. And it is no exaggeration to say thit a great deal of painstaking, joined with a large amount of personal effort, had been done by the organist, trainer, and the choir of the churcl to bring the singing into such a high pitch of efficiency. The admirable rendering of the muic, together with the expressive harmony and melo y, contributed to the success of the meeting, ad good music always constituted one of the funa- mental parts and the essential element in makig the worship in the House of God most praia- worthy, and deserves our greatest attention. Lt them therefore endeavour to show their hip appreciation of such services by giving tb trainer and choir every encouragement, and possible materially help them by readily responc ing to any appeal they might make to bring tb praise and worship of God to a still more success ful issue, so that they might not slacken or ge faint-hearted by sheer want of sympathy. The. all wanted all manner of help."

A Desperate Struggle. I A desperate encounter took place near Boulter's Lock between a police-constable and a man who is alleged to have robbed a till at Remenham, near Henley-on-Thames. The suspect was chabed by the police, but evaded them in a wood by climb- ing a tree. His description was telephoned to Maidenhead and other places. Police-constable Batts was on duty just beyond Boulter's Lock when he met a stranger, who said, I am a detec- tive, and I am looking for a man who robbed a till at Remenham this morning. Several more of our fellows are about looking for him. Have you got the man's descriptions P Yes," replied the constable, and I believe that you are the man." At that moment a traveller named Clark spoke to the officer, and the stranger managed to slip away. Batts at once started in pursuit, where- upon the fugitive turned oharply round, drew a revolver, and threatened to shoot him if he advanced another step. The policeman promptly drew his truncheon and dealt the man a blow on the head, which felled him. A struggle ensued for possession of the revolver, and, Clark coming up, the prisoner was overpowered, handcuffed, and conveyed to the police-station. The weapon was loaded in five chambers, while six other bullets were found in the man's pockets.

FROM OVER THE ATLANTIC. Local Teachers' Impressions. At the County Higher Education Committee, held last week, Mr E. Horsfall-Turner, Llan- idloes, and Miss Florence Davies, Newtown, presented reports upon their enquiry into the Education methods of Canada and the United States. Mr Horsfall-Turner stated that he visited thirty-one primary schools, thirty-three high schools, eleven universities and training colleges, twenty education offices, eight libraries with educational sections, and attended nine meetings of American educational bodies, the places touch- ed in the tour being Halifax, N.S., St. John, N.B., Montreal, Lachine, Quebec, Ohawa, Wash- ington, Philadelphia, New York, Pittsburgh, Toionto, Mimico, Guelph. Buffalo, Brooklyn, Yorkers, Boston, Brookline and Cambridge. The American and Canadian education systems were fundamentally different from our own in being financed to the extent of some eighty or ninety per cent. from local taxation, and conse- quently ruled by more local regulations. Not only was all education free up to the university, but there were free evening schools, which had no upward limit, providing not only elementary but secondary education of an advanced character. He made general inquiries concerning the grumb- ling ratepayer, and found that though expenditure on works like street metalling was frequently criticised, no one had ever heard complaints of high rates required for education. Promotion from one school to another was by individual marks, and was made at more frequent intervals than once a year, so that there was no keeping back a pupil to wait for his fellows. As to teachers, training was essential, and if after training teachers were found inefficient they were dismissed. There could be nothing but mistrust of education in our country so long as unqualified teachers were employed. n Un- qualified" was not used in the sense of not hav- ing passed any examinations, but in the more rational sense of ignorance of the methods and aims of teaching. Specialised training was re- ceived at home. The teachers of our country elementary schools needed different pedagogic training from those of the towns; they should be taught how to present manual arts and rural knowledge in a form which would appeal to the rural population, and in doing so uplift and cul- tivate taste. A country teacher, town-trained, often failed to inspire respect for himself or for education by his ignorance of local needs. The American system aimed at education by means of expression of individuality. In the country schools in some districts there was an attempt to break away from ancient tradition, and country elementary schools had a tendency to become rural science schools, and the subjects were connected with the home life of the child. Farmers had told us for years that education spoilt the child, and no wonder! The interest aroused in school had been such as to carry him away to the towns. Completely weaned from country life in school, a boy left the farm with a smothered discontent, entered an office, and added one more to the roll of an ill-paid and underfed, but respectably dressed class. It would appear as if secondary schools could not with greatest advantage attempt to cater for the farm student until the elementary schools of the more rural districts were made into what might be called schools of rural science. Referring to the uni- versities. Mr Turner said the work at the Ontario Agricultural College had brought into existence an elementary and secondary school in its vicinity where pupils were educated with the strict notion that they were destined for the farm. Miss Davies, in the course of her report, said she was particularly struck by the spirit of help- fulness and enterprise of the Americans. The whole system of education was well graded, though it did not dovetail as well as it might. Only in a few cities were playgrounds attached to the schools; it seemed a pity that more in- terest was not shown in outdoor games, though it was partly balanced by the attention paid to physical drill. The chief points of difference in the curricula of the secondary schools were —(1) that the pupils carried fewer subjects; and (2) were given a larger choice than in this country. The result was that soft options" were too often chosen, with the result that in some places options were restricted to the third and fourth years. The general curriculum consisted of five subjects. English and one foreign lan- guage were usually compulsory; arithmetic was not taught in the High Schools. With re- gard to the teaching of English, Miss Davies said it was regarded as the most important subject in the curriculum. The study of language and literature went hand in hand. In this they differed from us, for here it was too much the custom to split the English work up into sub- divisions, which were kept strictly apart. The general aim was two-fold—(a) to give the pupil ability to express his thoaghts accurately and fully, in speech and writing, and (b) to arouse his interest in reading, and to extend his acquaintance with the treasures of his native literature. In all the literature lessons she beard, there was a large amount of discussion, in which the pupils took a share. The aim of American educationists was not to produce wranglers or specialists, but to make good citizens. With regard to discipline, the children were treated more like adults, with the result that they were more restless, but at the same time more self-reliant than those at home.

Education Bill Forecast. Sir Edward Evans, chairman of the committee of the National Liberal Federation, speaking at Liverpool said that, as a Liberal and as one some- what in the councils of the party, he believed that, in regard to religious education, the Government would bring in such a measure next year as would satisfy the reasonable demands of all sections of the community, to whatever religious faith they belonged.

ABERHAFESP. BETHEL.—The thanksgiving services were held at this church on Wednesday last. BWLCHYFFRIDD.—The thanksgiving services were held here on Thursday last. The Rev D. B. Edmunds preached to large congregations at the afternoon and evening services. At the close of the evening service a presentation of a sum of money was made to Miss Winifred Watkin by her friends and well-wishers. Miss Watkin is about to depart for Canton as a missionary under the L.M.S.

CRptain Ibler, who was killed in the last skirmish near Casa Blanca, has been awarded the cross of the Legion of Honour, which is to be placed on his coffin. General Drude has punished the commander of the reconnaissance for exceed- ing his orders. The engagement is announced of the Lord Chancellor, to Violet Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr W. F. Hicks-Beach, of Witcombe Park, Gloucestershire. Lord Loreburn is a widower, having married his first wife in 1871, the year of his call to the Bar. Mr Asquith, at Ladybank, denied that the Government had been captured by the Socialists, and claimed that the Liberals were the only party capable of combating the Socialist propaganda, as they were free and unfettered by alliances with privilege and monopoly. Now that the divorced wife of the Kiner of Saxony has married Signor Toselli, a great num- ber of persons have signed an open letter to the King urging him to enter the Evangelical Church of his country and marry again. They say Abandon Rome and give your people a mother." Sir John Gorst, addressing a meeting of railway nen at Swansea on the nationalisation of railways laid he hoped the intervention of the President of he Board of Trade would avert a railway strike. \ir John Gorst spoke of the advantages of nation- lisation, which he declared would not be a diffi- alt matter to bring about. Representatives of five railway trade unions mt in Manchester to discuss the question of a jnt- line of action- in the present crisis. The meting unanimously resolved to support the raway trades union's demand for collective bagaimng and consequent right to representation in rade disputes by their officials. lr A. Cory Wright told a dramatic story at the HipL Barnet Police-court of his experience with an rmed intruder, who entered his bedroom in the early morning, and by means of threats obtmed 210, after demanding £ 10,000. The accted, named George Wooltorton, at one time empiyed as butler to Mr Cory Wright, was com- mitti for trial.

Welshpool Boy sent to an Industrial School. At Welshpool Sessions, on Tuesday, James Pugh, Powell's-lane, was charged by attendance officer David Breeze with failing to send his son Allen to school regularly. Defendant did not appear. On February 27th, 1906, said the officer, an attendance order was made by the Court, and on November 20th, 1906, defendant was charged with the non-compliance with the order, and fined 5s. On March 26th, 1907, he was charged with the second non-compliance of the order, and again fined 5s. To-day he was charged for the third time with the non-compliance of the order. From September 2nd to September 27th, Allen Pugh made 21 attendances out of a possible 39, and from September 30th to October 11th he had not made one attendance out of a possible 20. He reported the case to the District Committee, and they instructed him to take proceedings, and also recommended that the boy should be sent to Chester Industrial School. The Chairman (Mr D. P. Owen) What age is he ? Attendance Officer: Thirteen. The Chairman: And what age can he be sent up to? Attendance Officer: Sixteen. The Chairman: Order made up to sixteen years of age.

Machynlleth Ratepayers and the Town Hall. Recently, a notice was issued advertising for sale, Machynlleth Town Hall and Market-place, and whether the Urban District Council should purchase it for the benefit of the town and dis- trict, has been the chief topic of conversation in Machynlleth for the past few weeks. Several ratepayers' meetings have been held, but the matter came to a climax on Wednesday evening last, when the following notice, issued by Dr W. R. Williams (chairman of the Urban Council), at the request of owners and ratepayers, in accord- ance with the act, attracted a fairly representa- tive gathering to the Hall:- A meeting of owners and ratepayers of the Urban District of Machynlleth will be held to consider, and if necessary to pass a resolution requesting the Machynlleth Urban Council to do the following things within the district. To pro- vide a market place and construct a market house and other conveniences for the purpose of holding markets; to provide houses and places for weigh- ing carts to make convenient approaches to such market; to provide all such matters and things as may be necessary for the convenient use of such market; To purchase or take on lease land, and public or private rights in markets and tolls for any of the foregoing purposes; to take stallage rents and tolls in respect of the use by any person ot such markets." Dr Williams occupied the chair, and in a formal manner proposed a resolution embodying the foregoing items. Mr Richard Gillart seconded, pointing out the necessity of a Town Hall and market place for the town and district. As at previous meetings Mr Hugh Davies, chemist, expressed himself strongly against the purchase of the buildings from the company, and proposed an amendment in direct opposition to the motion. Mrs Thomas Thomas seconded, and views both in favoui of the motion and amendment were freely expressed. Eventually, when the question had been well thrashed out, the meeting was tested with the result that 21 voted for the resolution, and Mr Hugh Davies, Mrs Thomas Thomas, and Mrs Edwards, Wylfa, for the amendment. The Urban Council have appointed Lord Herbert Vane-Tempest and Mr John Rowlands (clerk), to wait upon the Local Government Board for their sanction to purchase the Town Hall and Market-place, and also to obtain per- mission to borrow a loan for the purpose. The result of the interview will be awaited with keen interest. Should the Council purchase the buildings, the "Fairs and Markets Act" will be adopted, and farmers will be compelled to offer their goods for sale in the market, instead of hawking them from house to house as at present. The buildiners should certainly prove a boon to the neighbourhood under the management of the Urban Council.

Lord Rosebery was the chief speaker at a luncheon given by the Glasgow Corporation in honour of the Scottish Chamber of Agriculture. Referring to the Government's intention to re- introduce their Scottish Small Holdings Bill, his LordshiN said the Peers could not be expected to recant without good reasons shown from its deliberate opinion.

Machynlleth Rural Council. CARELESS PARENTS. Mr Edward Hughes presided at a meeting of the Machynlleth Rural Council on Wednesday afternoon, when Inspector Richard Williams presented the following report:— Derwenlas School.—The cistern supplying Der- wenlas hamlet requires attention. One of the atone covers is broken, the cistern wants cleaning, and the tap is not working. The cistern was fixed by the Isygarreg Parish Council. It is now more than five months since I noticed that the cistern was out of order, but I did not want to be too hasty in making a report, as it was under the care of a public body.—It was agreed to call the attention of the Parish Council to the matter. Llanbrynmair.—The well at Efailfach supplies three cottages with drinking water, and it con- tains too much iron. I visited the well in com- pany with Mr Grant, the Pennant estate agent, who has promised to improve the water supply to the cottages next spring. Pending this, he gave authority to the cottagers to have water from Mr Jarman's field some eight yards' distant, where the supply is abundant and considered wholesome. There are several cases of measles at Darowen, and I have to report great carelessness on the part of the parents. It seems to me to be very wrong, when a member of a family is ill with measles, for the parents to send other members of the family to school. The report was adopted. 21ZASLES EPIDEMIC. The Medical Officer (Dr Matthews) reported that there was a severe epidemic of measles in the Darowen district, about forty children being affected. He recommended that the school be closed for three weeks. The suggestion was adopted. A DIVERTED WATER COURSE. The Cemmes Parish Council asked the Rural Council to take over the road leading from the Rectory to Tynrwtra gate. It was now in a bad state of repair, owing to the water running over the middle of the road, instead of along the sides. The Parish Council were of the opinion that if a man was put there for two or three days occasion- ally to turn the course of the water, it would answer the purpose better than expending two or three pounds every two or three years. It was decided to take the necessary steps to repair the road. DANGEROUS TO SCHOOL CHILDREN. A letter was read from Mr John Richards, Cwmbyr, Uwchygarreg, calling attention to Pompren-Lenryd Alltfawr, leading to Cwmbyr, which was in a very serious condition. The post- man and several others had reported to him that it was dangerous for school children, and he trusted the Council would consider his application for a new bridge as soon as possible to prevent any accident. Mr Jones, Sir Watkin W. Wynn's agent, had promised the timber for same, and he (Mr Richards) agreed to cart it to the bridge. This matter the Council decided to refer to the Parish Council. A DANGEROUS FOOTBRIDGE. Mr Abraham Jenkins wrote in reference to the dangerous state of the footbridge crossing the river Islaw-Hengwm. He had children crossing it to Uwchygarreg school and was afraid of them falling in the river. He was willing to do any- thing in the way of carrying timber if the Council agreed to repair the bridge. This matter was also referred to the Parish Council. MOTOR CAR FEES. The Council decided to support a resolution from the Ross Council in favour of a more even distribution of the fees received by the Inland Revenue pommission for motor car licenses in proportion to the mileage and cost of main roads in the counties. WALTON BRIDGE. The suggestion with regard to the erection of a new bridge at Walton was considered and deferred pending inquiries upon a legal difficulty.

A Llandrindod Passenger TELLS HIS EXPERIENCE IN THE SHREWSBURY SMASH. Mr Aaron Atherton, of Llandrindod Wells, who was one of the passengers travelling with his brother Alfred in the Shrewsbury train disaster, states:—" I was sitting in one of the carriages with my brother beside me. Two ladies were the other occupants of the compartment. Suddenly the lights vanished, and I was 'fired out' on to the track. I felt at the moment as if I had a hard knock on the head. As a matter of fact, as I afterwards ascertained, I had sus- tained a scalp wound. Looking round after I had been thrown out of the compartment, I could not see the two ladies who had been our fellow occupants, but I saw a man pin- ned under a great deal of ironwork wreck- age. Near by was a lady, who was crying out Jack! Jack!' I went and tugged at the wreck- age until I got the man free, and the instant he was liberated he fell back dead. I assisted to get the body from the debris to the platform, but I saw nothing more of the lady, although I have since ascertained that she was unhurt. I went back to continue ths work of rescue, but got en- tangled in pipes from which there was an escape of gas. I was overcome by the fumes, and be- came unconscious. When I regained conscious- ness I found I was in hospital. My brother was also taken there suffering from a fractured jaw, and is detained."