Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

NATAL CONGREGATIONALISTS AND THE WAR. Congregationalists and Free Protestants here, wao are opposing the war, will doubtless be in-. terested to learn that the following memorial has been received in London by this week's mail from the Natal Congregational Union To the Congregational Union of England and Wales: 11 Dear Brethren,—Believing that every expres- sion of intelligent Christian conviction bearing upon the great struggle now going on in South Africa will help in some measure to enlighten pub- lic opinibn at home, the Natal Congregational Union desire to express, through their Executive, the following deliberate views and convictions 1. As Christians they deeply deplore the present war, bringing with it the invasion of the Colony of Natal, with looting and plundering of hundreds of homes in towns, villages, and farm- steads. The authentic reports which they hear on this matter from scores of friends fwho have been ruined are simply heartrending. And yet, humanely speaking, the conflict was inevitable. The war now raging has long been premeditated and prepared for by the Boers, with a view to military and political dominion over the whole of South Africa, and the plea of fighting for indepen- dence has been but a blmd to hide the real aim of the enormous military preparations of the Re- publics, which commenced years before the dis- astrous Jameson Raid. "2. They desire to impress uooa their fellow- Christians in England that the Boer ideal of govern- ment is a military oligarchy, the power being ex- clusively in Dutch haods; while the British ideal is based upon the equality of all white men and the humane and just treatment of the native races and they believe that this is only to be realised by the complete success of the British arms, aDd that in British administration lies the only hope ofunitinc the various States of South Africa, and of the per- manent peace and prosperity of the whole country. For this great end large numbers of the Colonists of Natal, very many of whom belong to the Church- es and Sunday Schools of the Union, are now fight- ing at the front. 3. They hold that when the settlement comes, there should be no longer two Republics in the heart of South Africa forming a focus of intrigue and secret p-eparaoion for another trial of strength against Brit'sh supremacy when Great Britain may have her bands tied in some other part of the worid. They deem it of vital and transcedent importance that government on British lines, should be established in every state in South Africa under one flag as in Canada and Australia. They must trust that this statement of the views and convictions of the Natal Congregational Union will command your sympathy, and that you will unite with them in prayer that this terrible struggle may soon be brought to an end, and that the fruits of it will be peace, prosperity, and freedom from the Cape to the Zambesi.-Signed on behalf of the Ex- ecative Committee. W. H. Mann, Chairman."

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A WOMAN AT ABERYSTWYTH. BEGGING ALMS BY MEANS OF A WAR FUND PETITION. At the Aberystwyth Police Station yesterday morning, Frances C Parker, widow, of Birkenhead, and of respectable appearance, was charged with begging for alms in the town by means of a petition. The magistrates present were Messrs C M Williams (Mayor), D C Roberts (ex-Mayor), and T Griffiths. -The first witness was Richard Edward Morgan corn merchant, Great Darkgate-street, who said that he recognised the prisoner as a woman who called at his shop on Thursday week. She said she was collecting for the widows and orphans and he gave her a shilling. He put his initials in the book.—J Edwards, Great Darkgate-street, stationer, said the prisoner called at his shop last week and said that she was collecting for the war fund and produced a book. He gave her one shilling and signed the book. He was not certain that he entered the money on the book. The book was handed to witness, but nothing was shown on it.- John Morris, draper, Princes-street, said that the prisoner called at his shop last week. She handed him a book and said that she was collecting for the war fund. He gave her 2s 6d and also signed the book. The book showed the amount paid.- Peter B Loveday, plumber, Queen Street, stated that prisoner came to their house that day week and told the same nfcory. He gave her one shilling and entered it on the book handed to him by the prisoner.-Capt R Jones, Vaenor Street, said on Monday last the prisoner came to his house and asked for something to the war fund. She pro- duced a book similar to the one now shown. He asked her for her name, and she replied Miss Wil- liams.-Prisoner: No, I said I was collecting for Miss Williams.—Witness I asked her where she came from when she mumbled something and went away.-The Mayor Any question to ask witness ? -Prisoner: I said to witness for Miss Williams.- Witness I did not understand you to say that.- P.O. Jones said about 11 15 a.m. on Thursday, from information received, he arrested the prisoner on Trefechan bridge, brought her to the Police Station, and chaiged her with going about with a begging petition. He cautioned her in the usual manner. She replied, I am collecting for the war fund," and produced this book from her pocket and said that she intended to send the money already col- lected up to London. Prisoner also said that as others were collecting, viz., Mrs Capt Lushington, she thought she could do the same, and further said that she had written the beading on this book and the name of Mr Jones with 5s 6d opposite to it, and that she had received the same on the way to the railway station, but did not know who he was. The total amount collected as shown in the book was £ 3 Os 7d. That morning, in the presence of the prisoner, he opened her box and took out the money which she said she had collected. He found R2 13s 6d in the box. Prisoner then said that if there was a deficiency she would make up the difference, and at the same time said Mrs Rice, opposite whose name was 6s, but it should be sixpence, having been placed in the wrong column.-The Chief Con- stable Are there any blanks opposite subscribers ? Yes.-Any money found on her? Yes; lid.— Mr Edwards (clerk): Do you ask any question ?— Prisoner: I said I was going to send it up to the War Office.-The Clerk Would you like to give evidence on oath ?-Prisoner: Yes, I can tell them what I was going to do.—Prisoner was sworn and said that she did it with an honourable intention. It was not fraud at all. There was a lady at the station, and she was talking to her about the war, and she replied that she was collecting for the war fund. Prisoner said I wonder if I can do any- thing the lady replied It is very good of you. The Mayor: You said something about Miss Williams ? Yes, she was a ywung lady with whom I was accquainted, but the letter was returned.- The Chief Constable In what town did she liveP I believe in Liverpool.-The Ex-Mayor: How do you know that Miss Williams had anything to do with the war fund P She had a relative in the Militia.-The Clerk Have you any private means ? No, I was looking for a situation, and I thought to get money for the war fund.-The Clerk Can yon give any reference as to your charac- ter? Yes, I can give Dr Feriell of Isle of Man. The Chief Constable: When did you see him last? Three years ago. I have a bmther a sailor ?-The Mayor: What line? Prisoner: But; yon would not write to him it would damage-- The Ex-Mayor: But it cannot do any damage when a person is collecting honestly for a war fund.- Prisoner: My brother is in the Harrison Line, and my mother who resides at Oolwyn Bay. I will refund all the money.—The Mayor: It is strange that you should come to a strange place and collect. -Prisoner: But I did not think that I was a stranger. I lived at the Fox Vaults three years ago.—The Bench sentenced prisoner to 14 days' hard labour, and ordered the money to be refunded to the subscribers.

MACHYNLLETH. MACHYNLLETH SCHOOL BOARD. SPECIAL MEETING ON THURSDAY. On Thursday morning a special meeting of the Machynlleth School Board was held at the Clerk's Office when there were present the Rev W S Jones (chairman), Rev Canon Trevor, Rev Josiah Jones, Mr R Gillart, and the Rev D H Hughes, with Mr W Davies Williams, clerk.

BOYS TO BE SENT TO THE "CLIO." The attendance officer's report was read and it showed that a large number of children were unable to attend to school owing to illness. There was a long list of irregular attendants many of whom had passed twelve years and were only in first standard. The question arose as to whether the Board bad the power to send these boys to the ship "Clio."—The Clerk said that sometime ago it was decided to threaten the parents of the boys that unless their chil- dren attended school they would be sent away to a reformatory or training ship. At tli-f, time one of the parents came to him and declared that the Board had no power to do so unless they could prove theft against the boy.-The Rev W S Jones said that he had spoken to the late Marquis of Londonderry upon a similar matter, and his lord- ship replied that they had no power to send the boy away unless he transgresstd the law.—The Clerk Mr Evans, clerk to the magistrates, informed the Bench that they had the power to send the boys away.-It was suggested that the attendance officer should threaten the parents, but Mr Gillart did not think this would be of any use.- The Board therefore agreed to ask the magistrates to use their power to send the boys away in the case of offenders.

THE BOARD'S ACCOUNT WITH THE TREASURER. The Chairman said that there appeared to be a misunderstanding between the treasurer of the Board (Mr D E R Griffith, L. & P. Bank) as to the salary the Board were to pay him. The treasurer said that the Board owed him £18. Some time ago the Board gave him a cheque for £9, but the auditor surcharged this because the Board could legally pay any money for interest. Several of them bad the idea that they only owed £ 1 10s, and they had been looking up the minutes and could not find anything in proof of an arrangement whereby the Board was to pay five per cent. on all over drafts. The only argument in favour of the treasurer was the fact that the Board had already drawn out a cheque for £ 9.—Mr R Gillart asked if the treasurer could prove that such an arrangement existed.—The Clerk said that in 1894 both banks were asked to tender for the work and the L & P Bank gave the following terms :—Five per cent. on all temporary over drafts or £ 1 10s per year to cover it. Upon these terms the L and P Bank were appointed.—Canon Trevor thought the overdraft must have been heavy to make up £18. They could not, expect banks to lend C200 for £ 1 10s.— The Chairman Yes, the overdraft has been heavy —The Rev Josiah Jones was in favour of appointing someone to go to the Bank.—The Chairman The argument against us is the fact that we drew a cheque for £ 9—Mr R Gillart thought that they ought to have an explanation as to how long the overdraft had been going on.—The Chairman: Mr Griffith] has showed me tho accounts in the ledger and we have been on the wrong side for a long time. We cannot expect £1 10s. to cover the interest on a big overdraft.—Mr R Gillart: I do not feel justified in passing that without an explanation and a record made for further guidance. —Cannon Trevor said that they could not expect the Board to be treated different to private individuals, and with an overdraft of £ 200.—The Clerk Oh much worse than that —Canon Trevor Well there you are. If our precepts are not obeyed we must obtain money; if the Bank charged more than the usual rate they would have some grounds for objecting.— The Rev Josiah Jones But we ought to have an explanation as to the £1 10s.—The Clerk said that the first overdraft was for £ 400, and this was cleared off by instal- ment. -The Board agreed to consult Mr Griffith upon the matter. THE RATES. The Chairman said that there was only £85 to the credit of the Board, and the salaries would have to be paid next month. The last precept issued December 1st had not been paid. Mr Lewis Williams, the collector, he was sorry to say was ill. —Canon Trevor said that the Board could not do nothing beyond requesting the overseers" to have the money collected as soon as possible.-It was agreed to write to the overseers. THE BOARD AND THE PRESS. The Chairman asked whether the latter part of the proceedings were to be reported. — Mr Gillart: Yes, better let it be reported.-The Rev D H Hughes: We have nothing to hide.— Mr It Gillart: Enough has been said about the meetings not having been reported.—There was no other business.

CORRIS. A FALL-.— On Monday, Mr David Owen, Factory, fell a distance of twelve feet, injuring his head and arm. He is progressing favourably. FUNERAL.—On Monday the funeral'took place of Miss Mary Rowlands, who died at Paddington, Lon- don. The coffin was brought by train to Dolgelley, thence by hearse. The Rev 0 E Williams, Pennal, officiated at the graveside. COMPETITIVE MEETING.—A very successful com- petitive meeting was held at the Board School on Monday evening, under the auspiaes of the Corris Temperance Association.

-+■ Very extensive damage was done by fire on Thursday to the Castle Spinning Mills at Kidder- minster, belonging to Mr E A Broome. luacl6r"

PRINTING of every description executed neat -t- quick and cheap at the COUNTY TIMES Office Welshpool.

MARKETS. FARMING AND THE CORN TRADE. Messrs W. L. Browne & Co., report from Shrews- bury, on Saturday. January the 27th, as follows-— The country markets have been but thinly attended during the past week. Wheat has been more generally offered, and a fair trade has resulted at unchanged prices. Barley has been in good supply, but as many of the larger buyers have stocked themselves for the season, the demand has been restricted, and a reduction of from Is to Is 6d per quarter has been necessary to effect sales. Oats have ruled steady in value, and a fair inquiry for the better sorts for seed purposes have been ex- perienced. Peas and beans have been firm. Flour has found more favour with buyers, and a moderate business at last week's prices has resulted. Milling offals have moved freely, but no change in prices can be noted. WK LSHPOOL CORN, MONDAY.—Prices .—Wheat 12s 6d to 13.3 Od per 240!bs; barley, 15s Od to 15s Od per 280 lbs; oats, 12s Od to 12s 6d per 2251bs. WK.OSHPOOLGKNERAL,Monday.—Wholesale prices Butter Is 3d to ls4dper lb; eggs 0 to 12 for Is; fowls Os Od to 33 Od per coapie • cb'ckous, 4s Od to 5s Od; ducks, 4s 6:1 to 5s 6d rabbits, Is 6d to Is 8d per couple. NEWTOWN GENERAL, TUESDAY.—Eggs 0 to 12 for Is butter Is 3d to Is 4d per lb; fowls 3s Od to Os Od; chickens 4s Od to 5s Od ducks 4s Od to 5s Od rabbits, Is 6d to Is 8d per couple. LIVERPOOL CORN, TUESDAY.—Wheat, moderate business, Id to 2d over Friday. 1 Californian, 6s 4d to 6s 4Jd_; 1 Duluth (new), 6s Id to 6s ljd Northern 2 2 spring, 6s Od. Beans, unchanged—Saidi, 28s 3d to 28s 6d. Peas, 5s 6jd. Oats, better tendency and inquiry. Maize, moderate business at l|i 2 advance—old mixed, 3s 7id to 3s 7§d new, 3s 6¡id to 3s 7d. Flour, 6d over Friday. BIRMINGHAM CATTLE,TUESDAY.—Supply of cattle and sheep moderate and demand fair. Prices ruled as followsBeef, Herefords, 7d to 71-d; shorthorns, 6id to 6,3d bulls and cows, 41d to 6d calves, 7Jd to 8d wethers, 8d to 8Jd ewes 2 and rams, 5d to 6d per lb. Bacon pigs, 8s Od; porkets, 9s 6d sows, 6s Od to 6s 6d per score. LONDON HAY AND STRAW, TUESDAY.—Prices:— Good to prime hay, 70s to 87s 6d inferior to fair, 55s to 65s; good topiime c'over, 75^ to 100s inferior to fair ditto, 60s Od to 70s mixture and sainfoin, 60s Od to 85s Od; straw, 24s to 36s per load SAT,FORD CATTLE, TUESDAY. — At market :— 2,436 which met a fair trade at last week's prices; sheep, 7,784, all kinds in good request; calves, 107, choice animals in good request. Quotations as follows :-Cattle, 5d to 63d sheep, 51d to 8Jd calve?, 5d to 8d per lb. LJVERPOOL CATTLE MARK 3T,MONDAY.—Numbers: Beasts, 1,022; sheep, 4,532. Quotations:—Best beasts, 6d to 6jd second, 5id to 5fd third, 4^d to 2 4 4 5g;d best Scotch sheep, 7i?i to 8Jd; other sorts, 6d 7 2 to 7ijd per lb. The supply of stock was smaller than last week, showing a decrease of 591 beasts and a decrease of 1,187 sheep. Slow demand for all classes at about late rates. OORK BUTTER, Thursday.—Prim est, -8 prime, -s; firsts, —s; seconds 90s; kegs, s thirds 74s kegs —a fourths —s fifths —s choicest —s; choice —s; superfine 100s fine mild -s kegB-s) mild —a choicest boxes -g choice boxes, -8 In market 19, which were classified as follows:- Primest 0, prime 0, firsts 0, seconds 7, thirds 1, fourths 3, fifths 0, choicest 0, choice 0, super- fine 0, fine mild 2, mild 0, choicest boxes 0, choice 0, unbranded 6, kegs 1. Fresh butter A, 104s to —s ditto B, 86s to 85s. OSWESTRY CORN MARKET, WEDNESDAY THE following were the quotations:— White wheat (old) Os Od to Os Od white wheat (new), 3s lid to 4s Id per 751bs red wheat (old), Os Od to Os Od red wheat (new), 3s 10d to 45 ad per old oats, 13s Od to i4s0d new oats, 10s 6d to lis Od per 200iba; ma'tmg barley, 16s Od to 17s 6d; grinding baney, 13s 6d to 14s Od per 280lbs. Osr/FFISTRY GENERAL MARKET, WFJONH'SO<Y Quota;-ors B.ev, ls 2d to Is 3d pnll). Ve-s 8 to 9 ?ov a bee" 6d to 8d per 'b; mutton, ? to 9J; lamo, 8d to i-d veal, 7d to 9d pork 6d to 8d j fowls, 4s 6d to 5s Od per couple ducks'os Od to 6s Od per couple; rabbits, 2s 2d to 2s 4d ne« couple; geese, 8^d to 9d to-keys, lOd to lid per ID- potatoes, lOd per score. r OSWESTRY WEEKLY CATTLE FA (K.-There was a good supply of stock at the Suiithfield on Wednesday, which sold very well all rouuT ^1.°'nier prices being maintained. Messrs Ac fx 1, 8°ld 191 catt]e a°d calves and 648 sheep and psgs; Messrs IIa];, Wateridg^ and Owen, in conjunction with MrDoody, sold 74 ana calves, 'and — sLgod find ,3 Messrs Whitfield and Batho had their nsual'sales Prices ruled as follows Beef, 6^d to ?d per b mutton, 7d to 8d per ib.; veal, 3?d to 8d pei-lb pork pigs, 8s Od to 8s 4d bacon pigs, 7s 6d to 7s 9d per score. 67U as 'IT; W.16,0d^173 ow (tlT t0 lls ?na per 200 lbs butter, Is Id to Is 3d per lb eggs 10 to 12 for ls; fowls, 3s 6d to5s0d ducks, 4s 6cl to 5s 6d rabbits, Is 10d to 2s 2d per couple apples, 2d per lb. WHITCHURCH FRIDAY. Wheat, 3s 10d to 4s Id per /5 lbs; barley, 3s 6d to 4s Od per 70 lh«. 1 2s 6d to 3s Od per 50 lbs,- eggs, 10 to 11 for Is; butter ls 2d to Is 3d per 16 oz fowls, 3s 6s to 4s 6d per couple; ducks, 5s Od to 6s Od per couple; potatoes Od to 9d per score; oeef 5d rn W 7d to 9d; lambed to 9di veal 7d to Sd' to 7d per lb rabbits, l^IOd to i M ^,P"k',6d apples, Id to 2d per quarter. couple BRADFORD WOOL, THURSDAY —The wool market displays a better, tone to-day, both interior and ex- enor conditions being rather more favourable fn their outlook. The movement of the London wool sales is believed to have been nothing more thin a temporary check, the fall of the Bank rate is good for the market and the better news from sSh Africa is stimulating Business is very scarce W whilst holders have rather more confidence. are content to wait, being pretty well covered for the time being but prices are fully maintained to. day.