The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

[AM. iRlGOTB iRBSBBVED;} PRACTICAL AGRICULTURE BY PRIMROSE McCONNELL, B.Sc., F.G.S., Author of A Notebook of Agricultural Facts ann Figures," -IFIcmeiits of Farming," etc.). FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. There has always been a mystery aLout this ^'stasie, in comparison with some of the other in {°ctious diseases which infest Jive stock, in these cases wc get hold of a microbe of some sort or another as the primary cause, but in foot-and-mouth DISEASE no scientist has hitherto been able to. ISO- ^at( any microbe which apparently was the .cau-o of the disease. The writer suggested in former Jtars that probably the organism was too small to Jtars that probably the organism was too small to shown by ordinary microscopio investigation. Just now there is a report that a Swiss professor has succeeded in isolating the particular organism which he affirms is the cause of all the trouble, and lt tums out to be no niicrobc at all but a pro- *t>zoon. The difference between this and the other -i -I.n..l ,"I"'h thlncr n, pav mny be tiasuy cxi-uciunrv*. bacilli, bacteria, and so on, are vegetable organ- 1;r1"l8, and are classed as under the scale below the fnngi. as it were. In the case of the protozoa, I however, we have to deal with animal organisms. iUl|» in this particular instanco the individuals "Ppoar to be so exccsisvely small that they can tactically live inside a microbe, and their presence only be shown by the highest microscopic Power after staining in the usual way. NOT NECESSARILY FATAL. Practically speaking it does not matter very much whether it is an animal or vegetable organism that tl itt the bottom of the trouble; the fact remains 'al the disease is one which gives an immense deal DOUBLE and causes a frightful amount of to attle owners if it is not checked. Foot-and-mouth I is not necessarily fatal. In the olden days, °re the slaughtering out principle was adopted, ,tally farmers had the disease among their herds, r" had only a comparatively small amount of death ^ut unfortunately the'animals which did gur- itV< w'ere never very much good in any case. Still 'f to know what is the cause of the evil knhe above discovery is bona fide-while it may pr to still further researches into the methods of v^ntion or treatment. It has certainly been „ F-V. strange that the presence of any kind of or- .V(,t in connection with this disease has never an I bet'n demonstrated until this present occasion, we °f •course the discovery wants confirmation; but is 1,re undoubtedly on the right lines, and there <0t^Vory probability of some practical benefits ln8 out of it in the long run. WOOL STAPLE. L j^ffwt of food on the grewth of wool of a is ]. Ju8 never yet been xiroperly studied out. It rJ{'r/lIG\Il, in a general way by all flockmasrt>ers, and V(i in a more particular way by scientific in- stigators, that wool is good or bad very much 'fording to the kind of food that has been fed to ft*- sheep. Some of the specific opinions should be Otyd. Wool that has grown on sheep fed with ■^ain, green fodder, roots or grass have all differ- nt aspects according to which particular food pre- ,Ollnatçd, Each kind of food yields a character- yolk in the wool. Thus' for instance, legumes tares or clover produces a yolk of a stickly ^tiire. Luocrne produces a more fluid yolk of lRht colour; potatoes again have the power of I a material quite oily and light coloured; of TnanS°lfk> have a tendency to make a secretion | le nature of a dry yellow powder. p INFLUENCE OF SOIL. characteristics always remain, that is to trji V10 len&th and thickness of tke wool1 is con- thjs breed of the sheep, but apart from dr„. above consequences' result from a pre- 1 (• IJlaiiCQ of any of these foods as enumerated, tj E'Jailly speaking inferior food or partial etarva- °h«cks the growth of the wool and shortens thew flu< stapl<>) and it is quite possible to see the in- the food on the fibre of the wool tuader u, ^icroscope. The kind of soil has also a 'T'a^ effect on the staple; a lime soil is in- rrla'a although it is healthy for the sheep in kino* Ways> but the lime has a tendelTcy to com- 30ar w"ith the yolk to form what is practically a wit}|' an<^ thus the nature of the yolk is injured Hilci ,a corresponding injury to the wooL Sandy frf)Tri soils produce a good wool, but apart 'fln naiur<> of the food itself has a specific enee as illustrated above. j SMALL HOLDINGS. » the r> r°port on the above has just been issued by ^Otl„0ard of Agriculture. It appears that there is tht fiSi('orable decline in the demand compared with 1>Ht year or two oI the operatioH of the Act. rnont^X^anation in the report is that the require- ht., of the small holders- who first applied hare hold Illore or less satisfied, as being genuine small Hr><] ,rs they were willing to go or come a distance, Por^j a'ce the land that was offered. A large pro- H|l(,n'/n "f fehose still on the list ar«3 of the nature of t>i0C( °n> artisans, butchers and so on. who want a S'tu»f 'an<^ close to the town where they are V0(.v e< and wfll not or cannot take it at a distance. 6iasf 1?a^Urally no County Council is very enthu- bcyjg ,n finding land for this class of requirement, '"to t^le w°H-t«-do tradesmen is quite able to go 'r>l't¡¡in Market and get land for himself, and it is fIr l(¡ > that the Act was not passed for the purpose Pltr! Jptmg this kind of demand, but really for the ,s° of supplying the gen-uine small fttalr with an opportunity of getting a ('avf.s holdin. In fact there are many ^vhere County Councils have dc- rff,.r treat at all with su6h persons, and have to the Board of Agriculture. The .s the ultimate authority on the subject, and i °r compel a County Council to find land or in 0 their powers to find it direct themselves, and S(Vs 'own to the writer a County Council has a. "fndidate to apply direct to the Board. It PRICES INCREASING. h^Ve that in cases where County Councils 4a. t>°ught land that the price paid averaged £ 33 V ^(j'r ^cre; the average rent received being £ 1 *° in- It; 's ""fortunate that the prices are likely rea, ,,c,. i b, n many cases where a County Council Hrt(^ so at an auction the agent has been outbid, ^h(. J^'body else got that particvilar piece of land. Srriall if'10? was m'ssed of starting the matter of o'dings twenty years ago, when land was and really going begging. If the small tnpvement had been boomed then there '8. 1'1 allY have been a better chance of Its suc- s 14.3 10 avcrage farm, taking England and Wales, 'Vr.ra ac*es in extent, but market garden farms />n^v acres. The biggest average is in t is ^of England, where 26 acrcs is the figure. <>r 011 ^aco t'10 rnoVPnru>nt l'°l! lls holdings has not boomed or succeeded so Was cxPccted at one time. l'h0 THE TUBERCULOUSIS ORDER. TO lr'' OTi tl?rt ^USt Board of Agricul- it ;s above subject, has also como to h;ind, nd disar^ a^. t^10 results are rather surprising PPointing. It wa, originally calculated that 1 per cent. of the cattle of tho country would be piuers; that is, have the manifest appearance of this disease, and under this head the authorities expected that there would be an average of 2,300 cows reported per mloiith. The actual number is under 600, so that in other words there has only been a quarter of the animals condemned against the num- ber expected. Various explanations for this defi- ciency arc suggested. (Farmers get rid of their suspicious animals before the order came in force, many cases are being got rid of quietly now, with out ever being reported at all, and so on. It is a curious thing that no suggestion is made that the scare has really been overdone and that there are really not so many piuers in the country as people were led to believe. The compilers of the report congratulate themselves that either directly or in- directly there has been a clearance out of all the whether it were from the action of the offi- cials or not. The number of piners, however, is by no means a meaenre of THE NUMBER OF AFFECTED ANIMALS. The writer has repeatedly affirmed from his own experience that at least 50 per cent, of the cows of the country are, infected with the disease, and with- out showing any external symptoms ut all. This means that 50 per cent. would react under the tuberculin test..Infected udders are to be specially taken note of. but an udder may be very bad inter- nally, and yet give no outward signs, and the most skilful vet. in the world could not tell anything by examination. If the milk is tested bacterially that, of course, is another matter, and would undoubtedly indicate whether the disease was there or not, but as far as outward signs go no more than one in three hundred to five hundred cows has any out- ward manifestations. The real difficulty is chat every affected animal is on its way to the emaciation or {lining stage, although nothing very promi- nent may occur in many otists for several years. On the other hand if all the affected animals were killed out the cost would be too much for the nation or the dairy trade to stand. Paying for piners is only touching the fringe of the matter and it has not got at the great number of animals which are infected by the disease. There is a very big job still ahead for those of us who want to get rid of this fell disease. P S.—The author will be pleased to answer through this column such queries with regard to matters nf Agriculture, etc., as are likely to be of general interest to readers. Letter-- should be addressed to Primrose McConnell, 69, High.^ate, Kendal.

MARKETS GRAIN, &c. NEWPORT, Wed., April 22.—There was a fairly ,good trade on 'Change to-day. Wheat and flour was steady and unchanged. Maize on spot was scarce and dear. Barley and oats were unchanged. Bran ..was in exceptionally good demand owing to the dry weather, and was from 5s to 7s 6d per ton dearer than last week. Sharps were also active, and showed an advance of 53 per ton. HEREFORD, Wed., April 22.—Very little doing, in wheats, and values steady at 4s to 4s ld Nothing offering in barleys or oats. Maize 6d per quarter dearer. Millers' offals very firm, without change in prices. CATTLE. NEWPORT, Wed., April 22.-The high prices were •fully maintained at this market to-day, and, there was a quick sale for a moderate supply of cattle and a large supply of slieep. lambs, and calves, with about an average number of pigs. Quotations:—Best beef 8d per lb. seconds 7jd to 7-d, cows 5^d to 6id, wether mutton _a 4 4 4 lid, shorn wethers 9d to lOd, ewes 8d to 9d, lamb Is te Is Id, and calves 9d to lid pigs—porkers 15s. baconers Us, and sows 9s per score. HEREFORD, Wed., April 22.-A fair supply of beef, selling at iate rates—best quality up to 8u. other sorts 5Jd and 6d to 7d. Moderate supply of ehoep, and pretty good trade—sheep out of the wool 65s to 66s. Large supply of fat lambs, and sold dearer than last week at up to 48s to 50s Ewes and lambs steady trade. Large number of porkers and trade firm at 7d to 7d per lb. Baconers short at 6d, on the average. Veal in request. LEICESTER, April 22.—Fat cattle were again of excellent quality, and the best light-weights made 8d per lb., but the heavier weights were rather easier, although last week's prices generally were about maintained. Better supply of sheep and lamb-. and trade very good, best light-weight hoggs making fully 9d, heavier weights 8d, and fat ewes 8d., per lb., all being quoted out of the w ool. Lambs very dear, making 13d per lb., or Id per lb. more than last week. while veal calves were scarce and dear, making from lid to 12d per Ih. Porkers maintained late rates, but bacon pigs\\ ere cheaper. LEICESTER, April 25.—There was a smaller supply than usual and trade was not very brisk. Milking beasts met a fairly good demand, down calving and newly calved cows realizing jE21 to j624. Three-year-old home-bred Shorthorn bullocks arrived in a very fresh condition and were sold for JB42 10s. a pair; two and a half-year-old -bred Shorthorn barren heifers made JE20 5s. tmo to two and a half- year-old Shorthorn steers and heifers, 217 10s to t;18 5s; and barren cows, JB14 to £ 18. Rearing calves were dear and made up to 70s. LONDON, Metropolitan Cattle Msxke.t. April 20.— Larger show of cattle, with a very slow trade at fully 2d per stone of 8 lbs. less nw>aey than last .week, 1st quality Scotch and Shorthorn ibieef realising 5s 2d. Trade for cows and bulls was also yery slow. and last week's price of 4s 2d was only maintained with difficulty. More fat sheep and lambs sho,wn, and with a dearer dead meat trade, prices were higher, especially for the clipped sheop, the smaller sorts of which made from 8d to 9d, while the best Downs in 4 wool realised fully 10Jd, and Cross-brods 10jd, per lb. The ewe trade was firmer, the best making fully &d per lb. Large show of lambs, and trade very firm, the smaller Downs readily making Is, and larger sort4 about lid, per lb. SALFORD, April 21.—Fat cattle numbered rather over 1,100. And, with the large supply and warmer weather, trade was not very good. prices strongly favouring buyers. Sheep also penned in large numbers, nearly 12.000 being on offer; trade, how- ever, was fully as good as last week, especially for light-weights, but heavy fat clips were, perhaps, rather cheaper. Bacon pigs shown in much larger numbers at Manchester, and trade was slow all round, best quality making 12s 2d to 12s 6d, and sows 10s to 10s 4d, per scoce. The supplies included 563 Welsh, 222 South of England, and about 100 Yorkshire and Cheshire. WELLINGTON (SALOP). April 20th.—About 360 fat cattle offered, including many beasts of prime quality. Trade very irregular, but, on the whole, late rates were about maintained, prime Herefords making 43s. 6d., and Shorthorns 42s.. per live e,vt. Demand for sheep was very keen. prices being slight- ly higher on the week, while pigs were also in (lp- mand'at prices similar to the previous week. WOLVERHAMPTON. March 22.—Much larger show of cattle, 458 beind in tho market, against 350 last week; trade slow at lower prices, best quality Herefords and Shorthorns averaging about 42s. 6d. and 40s. 6d. per live cwt. respectively, while second- ary sorts made, from 37s. to 39s.. and down to 30s.. per live ewt. Sheep and lambs in keen request at. higher prices, shorn tegs making 8d. to 9d per lb. 4 Pigs in fairly good demand, and prices similar to last, week. LEICESTER, April 13tli.-A better supply of store cattle to-day, but trade slower, buyers making an effort to secure animals at less money. Later in the day. however, prices were given which showed no chango in value. There is a very poor demand for milk cows at present, only the best animals being readily sold. CHEESE. NEWPORT, Wed., April 22.-The supply hero to-day was very good, the demand being also good. Quotations:—Caerphillvs—best 54s, seconds 50s to 52s, others 46s upwards; Cheddars 68s. and truckles 74s per cwt. PROVISIONS. CARMARTHEN. Sat.. April 25.—There was a good market here to-day, and ready trade was done. Quotations:—Butter in pats Is Id. and casks Is Id per lb. dressed fowls. 3s to 3s 6d each: chickens, Is 2d per lb. cheese, 4'2s per cwt. eggs 14 for l.

"LO TE I I M|GJH CONSTRUCTION I JLL THE SIMPLICITY, I EFFICIENCY AND DURABiliTY OFTHE MElOTTE SEPARATOR HAVE SECURED FOR IT THE LARGEST SALE IN THE BRITISH EMPIRE A will pay for iotself i II it few iticre;tsed T"titls in. yield of Ci-eini and Rutter alone. ^WA;'<DKi) Xumet'-B ous other Awards. H Write for Catalogue. Testimonials and name of I nearest Asient to the I Melotte .Separator Sales Co. Ltd. I BRISTOL.

LLANDILO URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN, VICE- CHAIRMAN, &c. The annual meeting of this council was held 011 Tuesday evening, when there were present Mr. Claud R.4 Davios (the outgoing chairman). Rev. E. L. Jones and Messr?. (Dr.) Jones, A. E. Harries. W. L. Roberts. W. D. Jenkins, J. Stephens. Wm. Hopkins, 1). P. Davies, D. Morgan. White Horse; R. T. Evans. T. C. Hurley, Hy. W. Jones. J. T. Edwards, J. R. Evans, the clerk, Mr. R. Shipiey Ivowis. the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Phillips, and the surveyor. Mr. R. Walters. Mr. Claud R. Davies said that the duty he had to perform that evening as the retiring chairman was a very pleasant one. It was limited to the first it-em on the agenda, viz., to move the appointment of a chairman for the ensuing year. He felt r-ure that he would be simply voicing the unanimous views of the whole council when he proposed the election of Councillor Dd. Morgan. White Horse Hotel (hear, hear). He was a gentleman who in every way de- served the honour they were going to bestow upon him. Mr. J'. T. F.dwards said he had great pleasure in Seconding the motion which was carried unani- Seconding the motion which was carried unani- mously. The Chairman thanked them sincerely for the honour they had conferred upon him in unanimously electing him chairman for the coming year. He hud pleasure in proposing the election of Dr. Jones as vice-chairman, remarking that although he had had many fights with him on the Council lie had always found in him a foeman wlorthy of his steel. As a regular attendant, on committees. Dr. Jones set an example to them all (applause). Mr. A. R Harries seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Dr. Jones thanked the Council and said he felt the honour all the more because the proposition had emanated from a gentleman with whom be had often come in conflict on the Council (applause). The Chairman then proposed a vote of sympathy with last year's chairman (Mr. Claud R. Davies1, the Rev. W. Davies, The Walk (Mr. Davies's father), Miss Davies and all the family on the death of the late chairman's mother, which had occurred at the close of Mr. Davies' year in the chair—a fact which made the bereavement all tho sadder. Mr. Wm. Hopkins. seconding, said he sympathized very much with the late chairman and family. Mr. Claud R. Davies thanked them very sincerely for their kind expressions of sympathy. The blow he and the family had sustained was a very sad one. He would convey what had been said to his father and sister, who would greatly appreciate the vote which to them would be a great consolation. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. Committees wero appointed as follows, the chair man and vice-chairman being ex-officio members of each:— Electric Light.—Mr. D. Pritchard Davies, Mr. .John Stephens, Mr. A. E. Harries, Mr. W. D. Jenkins and Mr Cluud R. Davies. Finance, Plans and Water Committee.—Rev. E. L. Jones and Messrs. W. D. Jenkins, D. Pritchard J. T. Edwards and Capt. W. L. Roberts. Park, Market and Street Committee.—Messrs. J. R. Evans. Hy. W. Jones, T. C. Hurley, A. E. Harries, R T. Evans, W. Hopkina and J. Stephens. jJtOAD LABOURER. The Surveyor recommended the appointwent at a wag-e of 21. per week as road labourer of Tom Rees, Salem. He had been employed since the last meet- ing a., a spare hand, and he had found him doing his work very satisfactory. He was accordingly appointed. THE KING'S BRIDGE RAILINGS. There was considerable discussion over the next item on the agenda, viz.: "to consider the fixing of railings for approach to King's Bridge. On the'proposition of Mr. J. Stephens the matte- was deferred to next meeting, so that the Clerk might look into it. GAS COMPANY AND THEIR CONNECTIONS. A prolonged discussion followed with reference ro the new gas company and their openings of the roads to make their gas connections. Mr. A. E. Harrios proposed that the matter be referred to the streets committee. This was seconded. Mr D. P. Davios said that it would be a very serious thing in the absence of an agreement if a motor accident occurred. In the end the subject was referred to the Streets Committee, and Mr. J. T. Edwards recommenda- tion as to plans of the gas mains was adopted.

WEST WALES UNIONIST ASSOCIATION A NOTABLE GATHERING AT LAMPETER. On Wednesday afternoon, a large crowd of ladies assembled at Lampeter for the purpose of attend- ing meetings held under the auspices of the above society, and it .was evident that the ladies of the three countios-Carmarthen, Cardigajn, and Pem- broke-are ready and eager to help the sterner sex in their endeavours to thwart .uu conquer the enemy. The Victoria Hall had been profusely de- corated with flowers, plants, banners, etc., and the enthusiasm of those present augured well for the success of the gathering., Ludy Dynevor, president of the West Wales branch of the women's society, presided, and was accompanied on the platform by several ladies and gentlemen.. The first speaker was Lord Dynevor, who im- pressed upon the large gathering th. importance of doing all they votild to retain thloJ umity of England, I Scotland, Ireland, and Wales intact. Not long ago, the Government launched a scheme whereby the Army was to be used to fight against the loyalists in Ulster, but the Government had gone too far, as the Army did not belong to the Radical party, but to the nation. The Government placed itself in a most awkward position, and had to climb down in disgrace and discomfiture. The noble lord spoke on disestablishment- and disendowment, and gave several instances of what was meant by the two terms. Ho was strong in his denunciation of the Government's proposal to disestablish and disendow the Church, and predicted that the next general election would bring about a great change, and return the' Unionists to power (cheers). All were interested in the next speaker, Miss Alice Grey, of County Down, Ireland, who gave an address on the state of thing,s in Ulster. The lady said that the Protestants of Ulster objected most strongly to be under the heel of the Roman Catho- lics in Ireland, and marvelled how the Welsh Non- conformists went against the Ulster Protestants, and supported the Roman Catholics. They in Ulster did not want to be parted from the British Parliament in London, and appealed to all present to prevent any wrong being done to Ulster. Mr. F. G. Waddington. Unionist Central Agent for South Wales, proposed a vote of .thanks to Lady Dynevor for presiding, which was seconded by Mr. William Jones, mayor of the borough, and passed unanimously.. The same compliment was riaid to Lord Dynevor, on the proposition of Mr. Inglis Jones, seconded by Mr. A. G. Harries, Conserva- tive agent for Cardiganshire. All present partook of tea generously provided by the Committee, and a concert was afterwards held. in which the following took part:—Ladies' Choir (conducted by Miss Hughes^, Messrs. 'D. 13. Williams, A. Bodycombe, J. W. Jones, Misses Sarah Jones and May Richards At eight o'clock in the evening, & ptthlie meet- in.g was held in the same hall, which was filled by an enthusiastio audience. Praise is due to the organisers for the unqualified success which attended their efforts. Mrs. Inglis-Jones. Derry Ormond, presided, and wa.s supported on the platform by Miss Lewis, Llanlear; Mrs. R. M. Davies, Culmore Hall (hon. sec.); Colonel Davies-Evans, Highmead; Messrs. J. C. Harford, Falcondale; Inglis-Joaea, Dorry Ormond; The Mayor (Councillor W Jones); Dr. H. Walker, St. David's College; Mr. D. Wat- kins, solicitor; Captain B. Davies-Evans. Peter- well Mr. J. Ernest Lloyd, Bryn; etc. A solo having been rendered in fine style by Mr. D B. Williams, Mrs. Inglis-Jones briefly introduced the speakers. n Colonel Davies-Evans said that fifty years avo ho had resided in Ireland. He thought there was a strong difference between the class of people who resided there then as compared with the class who re sided there now. In those days .Englishmen were totally apart from tho Irish, they did not associate with them; there was a difference in the religion of the I)eople. The religious difference was really at the bottom of all the trouble. Looking back upon the history of Ireland, it was one series of re- bellions; the Romanists or the native population had been replaced by settlers from Scotland and England. With regard to the claim that Ireland was a iiat on. the speaker said the Irish had no right to be called a nation, because by a nation they meant one which had a langimge or pedigree of Its own. Ireland had nothing of that kind. They were piaced in a serious position. Their pre- sent Legislature knew nothing about the country. He was sure they did not know what the peopl? of Ulster were; they were people not to be trifled with. and would not submit themselves to a Government of Roman Catholics If left nlon the country would take care of itself. He was sure it would be a long time before .heir present Government would venture to apply coercion to the nation to which Miss Grey belonged .chpersl, Mis., Aliie Grey followed, and said the Ulster question was not even an Irish question; it con- cerned the British Empire (cheersl. This was a day when the old country s colonies were drawing closer together, and so it (Home Rule) concerned them from an Imperial standpoint. She instanced how Mr. Swift McNeill, who had cheered British reverses at the front during the South African war in the House of Commons, and Colonel Lynch, who had fought with the Boers against British arms, were allowed to sit in the Imperial Parliament, and vote for Home Rule, and were receiving a salary of 2400 apiece for their services to the Empire. Turning to the effects of Home Rule, she showed how an Irish Parliament at Dublin could adopt a preferential Tat,iff-azid Irishmen favoured protection—and by so doing impose a tax upon British goods. The only thing that would prosper then would be smuggling. Again, should there be any differences between the British Parliament and the Irish Parliament, the latter could hold up telephonic and telegraphic com- munications. and especially those to and from America. As proofs of the disloyalty of the Irish Nationalists, the speaker instanced how the King was hooted and jeered in the streets of Dublin at the timo of His Majesty's coronation. When the King visited Dublin, the members of the corporation did not receive him. yet they all apjieared in their robes when Mr. Asquith paid a visit to the citv (shame). A man named Maquire, who was still in tho service of the Dublin Corporation, had publicly burned the Union Jack. When the British Army film was shown at Dublin, it gave rise to riotous fcenes. Unionists and Protestants, and indeed all who were not Irish Roman Catholics, know Dublin's chief thoroughfare by the name of Sackville-street. To Irish Nationalists it was O'Connoll-stroet! Very emphatically she asserted that they in loyal ulster would not sead members to the Dublin Parliament (cheers). Dwelling upon the financial aspect of Home Rule, Miss Grey said that it would cost every family in Great Britain 15s. a year to finance the Dublin Parliament. The Irish could not finance tnemselves. Here they proposed to tax the old country heavily. The Colonies would not pay for Home Rule. They had self-governments, but were self-supporting. The Colonies did not send repre sentatives to the Imperial Parliament to interfere with their home affairs. Yet if the Home Rule Bill .became law, the Irish would still have 42 members at Westminster, and they would still vote upon every question before Parliament, but the British tax- payer would not have a voice in the Dublin Parlia- ment—he would have taxation without representation {shame). If Ireland was left alone, it would prosper; it was more prosperous now than it ever was (cheers). Then let them look at what was called Irish grievances! Mr. Balfour's Government had invested millions of money for improving Irish farming. The Irish farmer was better off than the British farmer. He had better labourer's cottages. They were good wooden houses, and cost 10s. a vvee!r. Another grievance in Ireland was that they paid 2s. 6d. for a (log licence. The British dog-keeper paid 7s. od. Yes. the Irish was an ill-treated nation (laughter). For the last thirty years Ireland had been the spoilt child of the Empire; they had what they cried for (laughter). They had 100 Irish members in Parlia- ment. but they were only entitled to 65. They also had a large measure of local government. They had county councils and boards of guardians, but when their county councils took over the duties and grand juries, it was said the change would make for economv. As a matter of fact, the cost of adminis- tration had gone up 50 per cent., end the roads were not so good. Mr. Redmond in 1908 stated in -he House of Commons that he was perfectly willing that the Protestants should have a fair representa- tion in the county councils. But' what had hap- pened? In Leinster. Munster, and Connaught there were 700 county councils, but only 15 were Protest- ant; all the rest were Roman Catholics (shame). Here was the toleration and safeguards! Speaking

Ila LISTIEW" 2 C REA fill *ORA iHBF mwhSTI THAT EN#LISH 1 FARMERS ARE N o w BUYING. 2 Teas Of thousands 5 5 in use. x 5 SSHBHW Capacities from t8 m tri 130 tons an t. gal S ilia hour. Also m2ken of S Bntter-Werkm, E Refmigerators, and oth-er Dairy Ap hancel c it Fcee an applicatimi tD e Sole Makers:6tD Local ageiit-i. iOM JUAi^S, 11-29, Bridge Street, CARMARTHEN.

NEW QUAY NOTES (By Will o' the Wisp). War has been declared. The armies are arranging themselves in battle array. Distant sounds of firing are already renting the air. The opponents arc the Local Government Board and the New Quay Urban District Council, and the vital point of dispute is the water supply question. We solemnly ask how many members of our worthy Council are capable of handling a gun. Dr. James, the medical officer of health to the New Quay Council presented his annual report at the last meeting of that body, wherein he stated that he very often told the farmers of his dis- trict that they knew much more about the rearing of cattle and pigs than they knew about the rearing of their own children." We fear that this is true of many a rural district in Wales. Evidently these random notes are creating some commotion amongst some of their readers. Various persons are blamed as being their author and even two persons received anonymous pogtcards lateiy bearing in some of our recent remarks. We console I ourselves that conjecture is wide of the mark as to the writer. The weather is ideal from every point of view. Even the farmers are contented and agricultural work is proceeding rapidly. The cuckoo and the swallew have arrived, and everything speaks of summer. Bathing is already indulged in and we hear distant murmurs of boating and tennis. With a continuation of this climatic condition, we will hear soon the clamour ipr rain. A regatta and carnival are to be held this year, probably sometime in August. We hope that the inhabitants at large will assist in making these events worthy of the success they deserve.

r Don't hesitate j to apply I I NITRATE of SODA to Backward Crops —it means Money in your pockets. Write for pamphlet How to Use Nitrate of Soda," supplied gratis and post free by t THE CHILEAN NITRATE COMMITTEE, t Friars House, Now Broad Street, London, E.O.

CARMARTHENSHIRE INFIRMARY I HIT BY INSURANCE ACT. FALL IN INCOME. The sixty-seventh annual meeting of the sub- scribers of the Carrnarthenshire Infirmary was held :t the Board-room on Thursday in last week. Mr. J. W. Gwynne-Hughes, Tregeyb (lord lieutenant of the county), presided. HOLE COMMITTEES REPORT. The Rev. Canon Brown presented the Houso Com- mittee's report, as follows:— The House Committee has much pleasure in assur- ing the Governors of the Carmarthenshire Infirmary that the infirmary continues to do its beneficent work successfully and to the complete satisfaction of all who are interested in its welfare. The number of beds occupied during the year has been 163, an increase of 52 on the previous year. This increase must be regarded as evidence of the need which the Infirmary meets and of the confidence with which it inspires both those whom it benefits and those who support it. In the last year's report the Committee expressed a fear le.t a decline in the voluntary support of the le 1 Infirmary might lead to a restriction of the advan- tages it confers. Experience has proved that such apprehension was not without foundation. It is generally asserted that the voluntary aid of the hospitals throughout the country has greatly de- clined. Collections made by workmen in the fac- tories, mines and shops have generally ceased many employers of labour have withdrawn their subscrip- tions. and many who have hitherto cheerfully and generously supported hospitals have lessened or alto- gether ceased their aid, either because they regard hospitals as no longer necessary, or because they consider that in paying insurance fees they discharge their responsibility to the sick poor. It is an entire misapprehension of facts to suppose that hospitals are less necessary now than in former years. If all persons were insured, instead of but 25 per cent, as is the case with those resident in or near Carmarthen, hospitals would still be necessary for the treatment of those serious accidents—acute diseases—and surgical cases which cannot be success- fully attended to in the homes of the people, and which need that skilled nursing which hospitals alone can furnish. Our medical officer's report shows how many and how serious are such cases treated in thi", Infirmary. A perusal of the list of surgical cases only will convince anyone of the benefit the Infir- mary confers and of the absolute nt-cd of its con- tinued existence unhampered and unchecked by lack of means. The Committee however regrets that notwith- standing an explanation published and distributed. and an earnest appeal for help widely circulated, the total income of the infirmary shows a marked falling off. Two years since its adverse balance was L283. By earnest effort and through the receipt of JE75 from the Royal National Eisteddfod Committee that balance was reduced to JB206. It now stands at L34). This is due to two causes—to decreased Eupport on the one hand—to inertased expenditure on the other. The decreased support is not due to withdrawal of subscriptions nor to a lessening of the amount re- sulting from collections in churches, but to the cessa- tion of collections made by workmen-to less of the support of employers of labour and to a decline in the amount'resulting from concerts or from Hospital Saturday street collections. Increased expenditure is inevitable when the cost of material, necessary for the efficient maintenance of the Infirmary. is higher, and when the number of patients is greater and both these causes have operated. As has been already stated, the number of in-patients during the past year has been greater by 47 per cent. than that of the previous year. This is partly due to an arrange- ment with the Welsh National Memorial Committee by which those suffering from the earlier stages of tubercular disease are admitted to the Infirmary. It is most eratifying to know that the Ladies' Linen Guild has practically relieved the Infirmary of the necessity for providing its linen goods. The annual meeting of the Guild was held on March 2nd. when more than 500 articles were presented by its members. The Committee highly appreciates tho work of the Guild, and offers its sincere thanks to its members and to Lady Philipps, its president. The honorary medical staff has been strengthened by the acceptance of Dr. Brook, of Swansea, of an invitation to become an honorary consulting surgeon. For many years Dr. Brook has taken great interest in our work, and not infrequently has rendered valuable aid in the operating theatre. The fact that we can now at all times rely on the assistance of a distin- guished surgeon must add to the confidence of the the public that all is well with the Infirmary. Applications for the services of the outside nursing staff continue to be far more numerous than the matron can meet. The existence of this staff. which does not add to the expenditure of the Infirmary but rather has proved a source of income, is of con- siderable benefit to the public. A larger staff is certainly desirable and if the difficulty of finding accommodation for the nurses when not engaged in active duty can be overcome, it will be well to make further efforts to secure the services of a larger number of trained nurses for this work. The knowledge that there is an X-ray apparatus available for the public appears to be spreading. There have been 22 people examined during the past year with benefit to themselves and to the Infirmarv. The Infirmary has suffered a great loss by the death of the late Dr. Price, who for many vear- was a very active member of the honorary medical staff. His valuable services were always readilv rendered and were both duly appreciated and grate- fully acknowledged by those who benefitted by them. The death of Mr. Howell Howell, who many years ago succeeded his father as secretary to the House Committee, has deprived the Infirmary of the ser- vices of one who was always anxiously concerned for its welfare. The sincerest thanks of the House Committee are due to all who take or have taken an active interest in the well-being of the Infirmary. Among those to whom special thanks are offered are the Mayor of Carmarthen and the secretaries of his committee who organised a successful conversazione on behalf of the institution, and also to Mr. James Woodrow. of Llandilo, who has again been a generous donor to its funds. THANKS. Sir James Hills-Johnes moved a vote of thanks to the "honorary medical staff, the various ministers of religion, the honorary treasurer (Mr. P. J. Wheldon), the honorary auditors (Mr. Snow and Mr. Beynon Jones), and to all who had promoted entertainments on behalf of the Infirmary. Mr. E. H. Morris seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. ELECTION OF SECRETARY. Mr. D. Williams, who acted as secretary pro tem, said that there were two applications for the post of secretary: Mr. W. R. Jones (27), Llandebie, an undergraduate of St. David's College, Lampeter, and Mr. Wm. Dd. Thomas (26), auctioneer, Carmarthen. Rev. Canon Brown proposed Mr. Wm. Dd. Thomas. Mr. J1. Grossman seconded, and Mr. Thomas was unanimously appointed. It was stated that the remuneration to the new secretary would 00 C15 salary and 5 per cent. com- mission as oompared with EZ and 7i per cent, pai i to the late secretary. HONORARY MEDICAL STAFF. On the motion of Dr. Parry, seconded by Mr. T. E. Brigstooke, it was decided to elect Dr. Basker a member of the honorary medical staff in the place of the late Dr. Price. MORE FUNDS REQUIRED. A general discussion then took place as to the best means of increasing the income of the Infirmary. Col. Hughes suggested the holding of a bazaar. Canon Brown said that it was not that fhey had [ewer subscribers; but people subscribed less. In- stead of subscriptions of five or ten guineas they now got subscriptions of one or two guineas.. Sir James Hills-Johnes said that the Infirmary was getting a -better name. There was at one time a tendency for patients from rural districts of Carmar thenshire to go to Swansea: but now they came to this Infirmary. The members of the House Committee were all re-elected. Mr. H. Brunei White expressed his willingness to withdraw in order to make room for Lady Howard. Ladv Howard, while thanking Mr. White. said that she did not think she would be able to attend. On the motion of Canon Brown, a committee was appointed to revise the rules and regulations. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was moved by Mr. P. J. Wheldon, seconded by Canon Brown, and carried unanimously.

CARDIGANSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL The quarterly meeting of the above Council was held at the Town Hall. Lampeter, on Wednesday, April 22nd. The Rev. John Williams, Cardigan, was elected chairman for the current year. J COURTEOUS TREATMENT. Sir Marteine Lloyd. Bart.. in a letter refused to contribute towards the repairs of the Pantteg small holdings. Mr. Thomas Davies stated that he understood that r. I fields had been taken away in which the tenant had sown some seeds, and no compensation had been given him. They could not expect to get courteous treatment when they treated people in this manner. On the suggestion of the Chairman, the letter was sent to the County Small Holdings Committee. Mr. Tyier. Mount Gernos. wrote offering to sell the Wernddu Quarry together with seven acres of land, to the Council for £ 210. On the proposition of Mr. J. C. Harford, the matter was referred to the sub-committee to consider the qusetion. A matter which created a good deal of discussion was that of the probable gram from the Roads Board towards the reconstruction of the road from Cardigan to Cenarth. It was decided to apply to the Local Government Board and to the Roads Board for a loan to cover the portion of the cost which would have to be provided by the Council. SMALL HOLDINGS. The Finance Committee recommended, subject to the approval of the Small Holdings Committee, to expend £58 on the proposed improvements to the Pantte.g Cottage, near Newcastle-Emlyn. The fol- lowing accounts were directed to be forwarded to the Board of Agricultuie for examination:—Mr. M. L. W. Lloyd Price, charges in connection with the sale to the Council of Pannau (Farm, £34 6s. 2d. Mr. Evan Evans, clerk, charges for attending in- quiry relating to Dolgors Farm, including out-of- pocket payments. L6 10s. lOd. Messrs. Roberts and Evans, charges in connection with the purchase of Pannau Farm. J622 17s. 2d.; Messrs. Roberts and Evans, charges in connection with the purchase of part of Fadfa, Farm. including out-of-pocket pay- ments. £12 14s. Bd. stamp 0Il conveyance of Pannau Farm, JEli3 10s.; registration fee. ditto. EZ 14s. The Clerk produced an account by Mr. D. W. Drummond. of Carmarthen, amounting to £30 6s., in connection with Hiring Order of part of Nant- henfoel Farm. and stated that the Board of Agri- culture would repay Jb* 7s. only. part of the account. The Clerk was authorised to defend on behalf of the Council any proceedings which Mr. Drummond might institute to recover the remainder of his claim. It was resolved to pay Mr. Drummond the sum of JE7 7s.. if he agreed to accept the same in discharge of his account. SHOP HOURS. The following resolutions were submitted by the Committee to the Council:—1. To recommend the Council to make a Closing Order for all classes of shops in the unions of Aberayron (except the urban district of Aberayron and the urban dis- trict of New Quay), the union of Aberystwyth. except the borough of Aberystwyth and the village of Borth), Cardigan union (except the borough of Cardi gan). Lampeter union ft-xci-pt the borough of Lam- peter) and Newcastle-Emlyn union, fixing the hours at which such shops r-hall be closed as follows:- Monday, 8 p.m.. Tuesday, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 1 p.m. Thursday. 8 p.m.; Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday. 9 p.m. {2) To recommend the Council to make a Closing Order for all classes of shops in the Union of Tregaron, fixing the hours at which such shops shall be closed as follows:—Monday, 8 p.m.: Tues- day. 8 p.m. Wednesday, 8 p.m. Thursday, 1 p.m.; Friday. 8 p.m. Saturday. 9 p.m. LLANDYSSUL COUNTY SCHOOL It was decided to agree to the application made by the governors of the above County Council for the loan of £100 from the County Education Authority towards the installation of gac for the school. SURVEYOR'S SALARIES. The Main Roads Committee submitted the follow- ing recommendations with regard to the two road surveyors:—That in the case of the northern division the salary of the surveyor. Mr. Thos. E. Owen, be increased from E160 to L200 a year, and that JB20 & year be also given him towards a motor-cycle so that he could visit every person employed by him at least once a fortnight. In the case of the southern division, that the salary of Mr. D. Daviea, surveyor, be incrcaesd from £100 to 2200, and that he should hire motor-cars to visit all persons em- ployed by him at least once a fortnight. Several members expressed their opinion that it was unfair to treat the two surveyors differently, when Mr. D. C. Roberts said that Mr. D. Davies was quite satis- fied with the arrangements.. Mr. Thomas Davies, Bronwion, considered it was not right in the interest of the ratepayers. The surveyors had agreed to do the work for JS160. and it was possible that they could get plenty to do tho work for that amount. The Rev. T. Arthur Thomas proposed that both surveyors be given an increase of j340 each. This. on be:ng put to the vote, was carried. TELFY POLLUTION. The report forwarded by the Board of Conserva- tors with regard to the pollution of the river Teify was placed befoce the Council, and it was decided to ask the Police Committee to place a constable to inspect the mines in order to try and ascertain whether there was pollution of the river at the mines.

CARMARTHENSHIRE CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE. The annual general meeting will be held at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel. Carmarthen, on Wednes- day next, 6th May, at 1 o'clock. The subject for discussion is "The Working of the Live Stock Scheme it Wales." which will be introduced in English and Welsh by Mr. D. D. Williams, Live Stock Adviser to the Board of Agricultuue. The subject is one which is very much to the fore to-day to all interested in agricultural pursuits. Within the last few weeks there have been established Live Stock Schemes throughout the whole country. In Carmarthenshire 15 Bull Clubs have been formed, and 3 Heavy Horses travel under the auspices of the Board of Agriculture. All this is new opera- tion on the cooperative principle, and one must realise that the idea is only in its initial stage, and for this year may be taken to be experimental only. For all that it is so fresh and new it will be un. doubtedly interesting to hear what progresa has been made with the work. The Welshman is at all events keen and alive to what is going on and it is hoped that he above all men, will take ad. vantage to the full, of any opportunities of this kind offered that it may prove educational to him, and that it will be the means of uplifting the quality and soundness of all that he has on his farm. Any persons desirous of becoming members of this Society are invited to attend, or apply to the Secretary, Mr. David Francis. The Mount, Car- marthen .10

CILRHEDYN PARISH COCXCIL.—'The annual meeting of the above Parish Council was held on Monday, 20th inst. Mr. Thomas Jones. Dolwen, in the chair. A com- mittee was appointed to examine the footpath lead- ing from Penbryn to Gelly. Mr. D. M. Davies, Clunfclyn, was re appointed chairman and Mr. 17. Jones. Dolwen. vioe-chairman. Mr. Daniel Rees, Pentop, and Mr. Samuel Davies, Glandwr, were appointed overeers for the coming year. The sum of JB7 15s. was paid towards the funds of the tele- phone.

,A Write for full particulars and nearest agent, to R. J. Fullwood & Bland, 31 to 35, Bevenden Street, Hoxton, Loadon, M. I

LLANDILO. Sat., April 25.—The market was a very full one, and there was a quick demand. Quota- tions :—Fresh butter Is Qd and le Id per lb., tub ditto Is Od; eggs fifteen for Is; poultry—trussed spring chickens 3s to 3s 3d each, ditto alive 5s to 5s 6d per couple, trussed fowls 10d and lid per lb. •fish—trout Is. salmon 2s 3d per lb. meat-lamb Is 2d. beef (prime joints) 9d, other cuts 8d and 83d. steak lid, suet and kidney lad. veal lOd and lid, pork 9id and lOd, mutton 9d and lOd wool-white 2 in the grease 2s 2d, grey and brown 2s 6d, black 2s 8d, best black from 3s 6d per lb. NEWCASTLE-EMLYN. Fri., April 24th.—There was a good attendance here to-day, and a good tone prevailed. Butter in fair supply and demand at the following prices .—In unslated lumps for In 4 factory blending purposes Is, in catl.:s salted 113d to Is, in rolls Is 1d per lb; eggs plentiful at 9 for 6d; young poultry scarce at from 4s 6d to 5s 6d per couple, old poultry from 2s 6d to 3s 6d per couple, fat ducks from 4s 6d to 6s per couple; light porkers 9s, heavy pigs 89 6d to 8s 9u per score; lambs Sd per lb, yearling sheep 4d per lb; fat calves from 26s to 30s each; store cattle—year- lings from JE6 to Lll each, two-year-olds from E12 to B15 10s each, cows and calves from E15 to JB17 each. heifer and calves from JS13 to JS15 each. fat cows from 21s to 26s per cwt; fat bulls from i5s to 30s per ewt; best fat heifers and steers from 33s to 36., per cwt. BUTTER. CORK. Wed.. April 22 -Firsts 95s, seconds 90s, thirds 88s, fresh from 96 per cwt. CORK, Sat.. April 25.—Firsts ,J-, second? dO,<. thirds 88s, fresh from 103s to 100s per cwt.

of the work which Irish Protestants had done, Miss Grey alluded to the fact Wilt L ister x^rotestants had fought in vVasmngcoii s army tor tne liidepenUenco 01 America. At itiat moment, there were lOU.ltOU men in L ister reauy to deiend their country agauist the influence of Kome. Stio was at Beiiast that week, and saw at tne LuluillSt Headquarters a 'arge notice which sz-ci, "No more volunteers; tuil strength up (clieers). xhey illill uone -a" in a few iiioiitli:s. -\ot one of the volunteers was paid, each man bought his own rifle, and paid ior hia own ammunition, it was true that a tew of the officers and instructors were paid..but beyond that the move- ment was purely voluntary, Tne women too were ♦.quipping inemaolves as nurses at their own cost. Commenting upon the action ot tne Government in sending soldiers supposedly to guard stores but really to taKe part in the warlike preparations 111 Lister, Miss Grey said that the iact that the regi- mcnts were garrisoned 111 barracks was significant ill itself. The Government's plot agamst Lister had failed. The Government had thought that by using the mounted police that the L'lstermen would be provoked to some action, so that the military could tire upon them. Were the Nonconformists ill Eng- land and ales going to stand by at this crisis': if they did. hiiitory would pass its verdict. The Non- conformists in England and NA-ales were responsible for their fellow-Nonconformists in Ireland. Let them carefully consider the question at the next General Election. If they believed that the Protestants of Ulster were in the right, then let them vote against Home Rule. The men of L'lster were ready to give their lives for the cause (cheers). be asked them to consider. There was one Book besides the tatute Book, and in that Book they found comfort. In conclusion, the speaker stated her belief that justice and public opinion in this country would not allow the Bill to pass (loud cheers). .Mr. Ivan Davies, Llandisilio, was the next speaker. and said the great cry of the Radicals in .g1D was liberty. In the course of a trenchant speech, he demonstrated how the Government had departed from every principle of liberty. He brought the various Acts of the Government under review, and 1hsertt.J that the Government had resorted to corrup- tion and jobbery in order io attain their ends. The Government, although claiming to trust the people, were afraid of them, and found refuge in all sorts of dishonest bargains in order that they might enjoy the privileges of power and their salaries. It was the most corrupt Government which Great Britain had had for the last 2CO or 3CD years. They had paid for and bought power at the bye-elections during the last two years. Altogether the speech was thoroughly- enjoyed, and some of the Radicals who were present squirmed beneath the penetrating light whcih Mr. Davies turned upon the Redmond-ridden party, and their shady doings. Mr. J. C. Harford, in moving a vote of thanks to the speakers, referring to the political situation. said that the Ministers had deliberately lied to the people. It was the first time in their history when they had a Premier who spoke untruths in Parlia- ment. They owed a debt of gratitude to the speakers that evening for having given the truth upon 'he very grave questions which confronted them. Mr. Inglis-Jones having seconded, Miss Grey suitably responded. Dr. H .Walker proposed, and Mr. J. Ernest Lloyd seconded, a vote of thanks to Mrs. Inglis-Jones for presiding. Mrs. Inglis-Jones in responding, said she was in- terested in Ulster, as she came from there. A very pleasant meeting was terminated by sing- ling" God save the King."