Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

CARDIGANSHIRE CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION. The annual meeting of the members of the Car- diganshire Conservative Association took place at the Assembly Rooms, Aberayron, on Tuesday. There was a large attendance which included, among others, Mr Charles Lloyd, Bristol, chairman of the Association; Mr J C Harford, FaJcondaJe; Col Davies-Evans, Highmead (Lord Lieutenant of the County), Col Howell, Major Pryse-Lewis, Capt Evans, Rev J M Griffiths, Dr T P Beddoes, Aber- ystwyth; Rev T C Edmunds, Trefilau Messrs Hugh Hughes (solicitor), G Fossett Roberts and Councillor R J Jones, AberystwytL; Messrs G B Bowen, Cardigan; Thomas Jones, Newcastle; Evan Hamer, Cardigan D Jones, Trefilan John Jones, Maesfylun; John Rees, Cross; W S Davies, Car- digan; Joseph Price, D Jones, Clunmawr; D Jones, Bryn Thos Davies, Penlari, Newcastle; Thomas Jones, Castle Green; J Richards, B Lloyd, Car- digan J Francis, Cardigan; D P Rees-Evans, Capt T Davies, B C Jones, Jonathan Walker, John Owen, Cardigan; Evan Davies, Lampeter; Thos Jenkins, Aberayron; John Thomas, Cilrhug; E Davies, Wen- allt; S M Jones, John Jones, Gartheli; S W Davies, Sam Jones, Timothy Davies, Aberayron J C Markes, David Richards, Cefnlyncoed W T Jones, Llanon; Rev D W Davies, Rev D M Williams, Dwen Evans, Thomas Jones, Mason's Row; D W Evans, Seymour Davies, — Griffiths, Alltlwyd D Watkins, solicitor; Lewis Jones, Llanon; W Davies, College street; W Doran, John Hughes, College street; Jenkin Howell, Hafod D Jones, Biaenporth D 11 Evans, Bowls; John Davies, Ynys House, Aber- ayron; 0 Williams, J Jones, College street; John Jones, Gostard; D Jones, Bank; Roderick Evans, Evan Jones, Trefelan; D P James, Aberayron; Munro Hughes, John Jones, Albert street, Aber- ayron John Davies, London House; J Isaacs, Ty'nllan; and E H Davies, County Agent. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT. The Chairman said their first duty was to elect a president. He could not help bringing before them the loss the Association had suffered in the death of the late Lord Lisburne, who for some years had held the post of president. Lord Lisburne's help and influence was very great and his personal kind- ness when he bad work to do in connection with the Association was most hearty. He hoped that they would allow him at that, the first meeting of the Association since his lordship's death, to move a vote of condolence with her ladyship.-Major Pryse-Lewis seconded.—The motion was carried.- The Chairman said that the Executive Committee had thought over the matter of appointing a new president, and they had much pleasure in recom- mending to them that day the election of Mr Wad- dingham, of Hafod (hear, hear). He was one of those who did a good deal of work for the party and was the largest subscriber by a long way to the Association, and was always keen on work. He hoped that Mr Waddingham would remain their president for many years.-Councillor. R J Jones (Aberystwyth) said that he had much pleasure in seconding the proposition. He had reason for believing that Mr Waddiip'nm would make a good president. -He had bee. gvod fiibud of their in. stitution at Aberystwyth (cheers).—The Chairman I took the precaution to find out if Mr Wadding- ham would take the post if elected, and I have great pleasure in saying that he will (applause).- The proposition was carried unanimously. AGENT'S REPORT. The Chairman said that Mr E H Davies, their agent, reported that the Conservative gains on the register were in advance of the Liberals-(hear, hear)-and the agent bore testimony to the great help received from district committees and secretaries. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr Charles Lloyd explained the reasons for his giving up the post of chairman of the Association, and bo now had great pleasure in proposing' that Mr G B Bowen, of Stradmore, should take the chair for the ensuing 12 months.—Major Pryse-Lewis seconded the proposal with pleasure, because he felt the selection was an excellent one (cheers).- The proposal was agreed to.—Mr Bowen then took the chair. He said he felt some diffidence in accepting that office for more reasons than one. The county was very difficult to work because he lived at the extreme end, close to Cardigan. At the same time he felt that it was the duty of every- one in these days to do what work he could (hear, hear). He was almost a stranger amongst them but he hoped to remedy that (hear, hear). He could not possibly follow in the footsteps of Mr Lloyd but if they would have patience he would do his best fur the Conservative cause (cheers). They had a gentleman who was distinctly worthy of their support. Mr Harford was a personal friend of his and that had influenced him a srreat deal in taking the post because he really thought that he would like to give a hand to help towards his election for that county (applause).- Before proceeding with the rest of the business, Mr Harford rose to propose a vote of thanks to Mr Charles Lloyd for his past services to the party. For four years Mr Lloyd had occupied that position, and he nad done a lot of work. Anyone who had anything to do with writ- ing letters in Cardiganshire, would understand the amount of work needed to be done. He was told of a person who wrote ninety letters, and received thirty answers (laughter). But that he was assured was the finest average ever known in Cardiganshire (much laughter).-In seconding the proposal the Rev J M Griffiths said that they were all extremely sorry to lose Mr Lloyd from amongst them.—The proposal was carried.—In reply Mr Lloyd said he couid assure them that the work which he had done was done with all his heart. Lie only hoped that the time would come when Lo should be informed that Mr Harford bad been returned fur the county (cheers). VICE-CHAIRMEN. The following were appointed vice-chairmen of the Association:—Aberayron, Mr B C Jones; Aber- ystwyth, Councillor; R 'J Jones; Cardigan, Mr J Powell; and Lampeter, Mr Inglis Jones, Derry Ormond. EXECUTIVE COMMITTED. The following were appointed on the Executive Committee Aberayron Messrs Thomas Lewis and D P Rees, Capt T Davi, Major Pryse-Lewis, Rev J M Griffiths, and D Richards. Aberystwyth: Mr Hugh Hughes, solicitor; Col Fielden, Borth; Rev M Morgan, Capel Ti.ingor; Mr EE vans, Mr Geo Fossett Roberts, and. Rev D Evaiia, Llanfi- hangel. Cardigan: Messrs T Jones, 0 Williams, John James, J Jones, W Saunders Davies, and Charles, Trecefin. Lampeter: Messrs Jones, Jonathan, S E Jones3, S A Davies, E Jones, and T J enkiu Jones, Pantmoch. ELECTION AGENT. Upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee the meeting approved of the appoint- ment of Mr D Watkins, solicitor, Lampeter, as election agent in place of Mr E H Davies (Aberyst- wytb) resigned, after over twenty years' service.- Mr Harford said that he could hardly help pro- posing a vote of thanks to Mr Davies as one who had worked very hard for the Conservative cause. No man bad a" better knowledge of registration work than had Mr Davies, and he had great plea- sure in proposing that a hearty vote of thanks be passed to Mr »Davies for work done for the last twenty years (cheers).—The proposal was seconded by Mr Hugh Hughes (Aberystwyth) and carried. OTHER APPOINTMENTS. On the motion of the Rev J M Griffiths seconded by Councillor R J Jones, Mr J C Harford was nominated for election to the Council of the National Union. Mr Charles Lloyd a,nd Mr lIar, ford were elected representatives to the Council of the National Union (South Wales Division), and Mr G B Bowen the newly elected chairman was on the proposition of Mr Lloyd, seconded by Mr G Fossett Roberts nominated for election to the Excntive Committee of the National Union (South Wales Division). THE PRESENT CRISIS. Mr J W Nicholas of Llandilo, then addressed the meeting in Welsh, and dealt at some length with the war in Africa, and the duties of Welshmen to the country.—Mr Harford moved a vote of thanks to Mr Nicholas, which was seconded by Mr Charles Lloyd and carried.—Mr Nicholas in reply said that the present year would see a great demand fiade, on political work as it was one of great consequence and importance. In all probability before the end of the year there would be an election, at any rate if not this year it would be next year. If there was a time when supporters for the principles they embraced now was the time. The domestic policy of the country had now to give way to the more urgent question of the supremacy of England in Africa. Whether she was to continue, to hold a high position in the deliberations of nations, or whether she was to continue to protect those who sought from her protection in South Africa (cheers). The course for the Conservatives of Wales was a clear one, and that was to vote for the men who were representatives of Imperial ideas (cheers.) Per- haps before he came there again an election would be fought and he could assure them that no news would give him greater satisfaction than to hear that Mr Harford had been returned as their re- presentative (hear hear.)—Rev J M Griffiths pro- posed a vote of confidence in the Government with the hope that they would prosecute the war — which was a righteous war — to the end (hear hear. — Mr Bowen Williams, Cardigan, seconded, and it was carried amidst applause. — On the motion of Col Davies-Evaus a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman, and the proceedings were brought to a close.

<*• NATIONAL TRADE DEFENCE FUND. An important meeting of the General Committee of the National Trade defence fund representing all sections of the licensed trade of the United Kingdom, was held at the Westminster Palace Hotel on Friday, February the 2nd, presided over by Mr George C Croft (of Messrs Charrington and Co., Ltd., London), at which the following were present: Messrs Graham Aldous, Kilburn G Blair, Newcastle; G Boghurst, Portsmouth H Cosmo 0 Bonsor, M.P., John Brickwood, Ports- mouth; W Brown, Bradford; W Burland, Bristol; E N Buxton, London; Spencer Charrington, M.P.; H G Crews, Manchester, hon. secretary of the National Federation of Off License Holders' Asso- ciations; F England, Birmingham George Ewens, Plymouth; John Fogarty, Dublin; W Foord, Southampton; John W Green, Luton Henry Grinling, London; J G Groves, Manchester; Charles R Haig, London; E Hedefine, South Shields; J Hulton, Manchester; H J Israel, Swansea; Levi Johnson, Wolverhampton; J L Kemp, Chester; C G Long, Maidstone, President of the Licensed Victuallers' National Defence League; J Lyons, Norwich; T Watson Lovibond, Newcastle-on-Tyne, chairman of the Country Brewers' Society; Edgar Lubbock, London J Manders, Cardiff J J Martin, Wakefield; J McLeavy Bebington, Birkenhead; E Meades, Maidstone J J Nagle, Dublin Pickering Phipps, Northampton; George Poole, Penzance; John Porteous, Northampton; W J Plowden Pugh, Shrewsbury; George Rayment, Reading; G A Robinson, Manchester; Robert Russell, Dublin; Philip Savill, Stratford; J W Selke, York; J Slaney, Hitchin; A B Slim, Birmingham; George Soole, London; T E Simpson, Stamford; F H Vaughan, York; Charles Walker, chairman of the London Licensed Victuallers' Central Protection Society; J Wallace, Sheffield; W H Wardman, Newport (Mon.); G B Worth, London; and George Younger, Alloa.—It was unanimously agreed that, in contested elections where satisfactory pledges were received from both can- didates to the Trade test questions, no official Trade action should be taken. The test questions unani- mously agreed to as essential were as follows :-l. Are you in favour of giving full compensation for suppressed licences, as recommended by the report of the Royal Commission (signed by a majority of seventeen to seven), and as given at the present time, in all cases where a trading concern is sup- pressed in the public interest. 2. Will you oppose the abolition of the existing off wine and spirit licences, usually called grocers' or mixed traders-' licences, and the separation of their trades ? It was decided that at the present crisis the above questions were sufficient, but the following supple- mentary questions were adopted for use at the discretion of the local committees :—Alteration of Hours.-In the event of any alteration of the hours of closing whether on Sundays or week-days, will you support the proposal that such regulations should be settled by Imperial Parliament and should not be left to the discretion of a local body ? Clubs.— Will you oppose any scheme for the com- pulsory reduction of licenced houses, unless accom- panied with or preceded by legislation dealing with clubs, prohibiting the distribution of excisable liquors by sale, and the supply of such liquor for consumption off the premises, according to the unanimous recommendations of the reports of the Royal Commission.

HIGH RATES IN THE TOWYN PARISH. To the Editor. SIR,-Having written my three articles on the excessively high rates paid by the parish of Towyn I feel I have done my duty and will leave the matter in the hands of the ratepayers. I have reason to believe that the Urban Council are about to take the matter into consideration, and possibly they will decide upon some scheme to give practical effect to some of my suggestions. Let me briefly refer to one statement made by you in your editorial com- ments on my article. You say If the people of Towyn are not satisfied with the services of the gentlemen whom they themselves have chosen to represent them they must blame themselves alone for the time being and return different men at the next election." My complaint, sir, is not against the representatives of this parish on the Assess- ment Committee but that the opinions and advices of our members are over-ridden by the preponderat- ing vote of the agriculturist majority on the com- mittee who have no sympathy with the urban dis- tricts and do their utmost to increase the rateable value of houses and shops. I supported this con- tention with figures that cannot be denied. You further state that the fact that the Assessment Committee have not accepted the valuations of the overseers is evidence of nothing." I submit that it is, and that it proves the above contention.- Yours, &c, THE WRITER OF THE ARTICLES. [There is no obligation on the part of the Assess- ment Committee to accept the figures of the over- seers. If there were, the overseers would be constituted the rating authority and not the Assessment Committee.—ED.]

♦ THE SHOOTING OF ENGLISHMEN BY FREE STATE BOERS. COL. PRYCE-JONES ASKS QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT. In the House of Commons on Monday evening Colonel Pryce-Jones asked the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government had been called to the fol- lowing item in the list of deaths published on Tues- day last, the 30th ultimo M'Lachlan. On Christ- mas day, shot in the Market sqaare, Harrismith, Orange Free State, for refusing to fight against his own countrymen, John M'Lachlan, jun, aged 30, eldest son of John M'Lachlan, Wandsworth, and grandson of the late John M'Lachlan, Lam- beth"; whether two other Englishmen-were shot on the same Christmas day at the same time, and in the same place on the same charge; and whether Her Majesty's Government were taking any and what steps in respect of this matter and for the protection of British subjects resident on British soil in the dis- trict in Cape Colony named Barkly West, com- mandeered by the Boers, from a like fate. Mr J B Roberts and Colonel Milward put ques- tions on the same subject. Mr Chamberlain, who answered the question, said I have made inquiry by telegram and I have received a telegram from the Governor of Natal dated yesterday to the following effect Report appeared in the Press here some time ago, and was subsequently contradicted. I know of no founda- tion for the report, but I am trying to obtain infor- mation from Harrismith refugees in Natal, if any can be found. I am trying to ascertain on what authority contradiction was based." The answer to the third part of the question is that Her Majesty's Ambassador at Washington has been in- structed by telegraph to ask the United States Government to make inquiries into the matter through their Consul at Pretoria. Mr T M Healy asked the right hon gentleman whether, as he telegraphed to the Governor of Natal with regard to the death of Englishmen, he would see any objection to a similar inquiry with regard to the death of Irishmen respecting which hon members from Ireland were unable to get any information from the War Office. Mr Chamberlain: That concerns the War Office, and not the Colonial Office.

WHAT THE "LAW TIMES" THINKS. The Law Times discussing the reported murder says If the facts are as here stated, the incident will require strong, and in the case of hostilities against eivilised belligerents, unprecedented action on the part of the authorities at the close of the present war. It may be admitted for the sake of argument, that in the constitution of the Orange Free State a power to commandeer aliens for the defence of the country is claimed. The constitu- tion of the South African Republic undoubtedly contains an express provision to that effect, and there are articles in that of the Free State which might be held to assert a similar right by im- plication. But no municipal law could entitle a belligerent in the eye of the nations to seek to coerce an alien into bearing arms against his own country and the punishment of a refusal to submit to such a monstrous demand by death is an act not of war, but of murder. If the melancholy announcement above referred to, however, is accurate. The Orange Free State has gone far beyond the worst of the bad traditions of the past, and has committed an outrage upon civilisa- tion. It will be the duty of the High Commission- er, when the war is, as we hope it will be, success- fully ended, to discover the instigators and perpe- trators of this abominable crime, and, if it is judicially established against them, to consider the question whether they ought not to be hanged as convicted murderers.

gALTER AND ROWLANDS, s GENERAL PRINTERS, £ COUNTY TIMES" PRINTING WORKS, i WELSHPOOL.

MARKETS. FARMING AND THE CORN TRADE. Messrs W. L. Browne & Co., report from Shrews- bury, on Saturday, February the 3rd, as follows The country markets have been but thinly attended during the week, and but a restricted business has been done. Wheat has moved to a moderate extent at unchanged prices. The quantity of barley offered has been much in excess of buyers' wants, and to effect sales it has been necessary to further reduce prices. Oats have been steady. In peas and beans there has been no change. Flour has sold more freely at last week's quotations. The demand for millers' offals has not been so active, but no change has taken place in values. WELSHPOOL CORN, MONDAY.—Prices :—Wheat, 12s 6d to 13s Od per 2401bs; barley, 15s Od to 16s Od per 280 lbs oats, 12s Od to 12s 6d per 2251bs. W ELS HPOOLGENERAL, Monday .—Wholesale prices Butter Is 3d to ls4dper Ib; eggs 0 to 11 for Is; fowls Os Od to 3s Od per couple chickens, 4s Od to 5s Od; ducks, 4s 6d 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 to5s0d; rabbits, Is 6d to Is 8d per couple. LIVERPOOL CORN, TUESDAY. — Wheat, only moderate business, about Friday's rates. 1 Californian, 6s 4d to 6s 5d; 2 Kansas, 5s 7d to 5s lid red witer, 5s lid to 6s Od. Beans—Saidi, 28s 3d to 28s 6d. Peas, 5s 7d to 5s 7Jd. Oats, steady, white, 5s 7d. Maize, only moderate trade -new, 3s 71dto 3s 8d old mixed, 38 8id to 3s 8itd-. Flour, unchanged. BIRMINGHAM CATTLE, TUESDAY.—Good supply of cattle and sheep, but slow demand. Prices ruled as follows:—Beef, Herefords, 7d to 7Jd; shorthorns, 6id to 61d bulls and cows, 41d to 6d calves, 7d to 7Jd; wethers, 8d to 8Jd ewes and rams, 5d to 6id per lb. Bacon pigs, 8s Od; porkets, 8s 3d sows, 6s 2d 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 to prime clover, 75s to 100s inferior to fair ditto, 60s Od to 70s mixture and sainfoin, 60s Od to 85s Od; straw, 24s to 36s per load. SALFORD CATTLE, TUESDAY. — At market :— 2,443, better trade; sheep, 7,564, with demand good and prices up calves, 96; pigs, 103. Quotations as follows :—Cattle, 5S:d to 7d sheep, 5jd to 9d calves, 5d to Sid per lb; pigs, 8s Od to 8s 6d per 201bs. LIVERPOOL CATTLE MARKET,MONDAY.—Numbersi Beasts, 1,253; sheep, 4,191. Quotations:—Best beasts, 6id to 6§d second, EM to 6d third, 4id to 5id best Scotch sheep, 811 to 81d; other sorts, 6d to 8d per lb. The supply of stock was larger than last week, showing an increase of 342 beasts, and an increase of 303 sheep. Fair demand for all classes at about late rates. CORK BUTTER, Thursday.—Primest, —s prime, —s firsts, -s; seconds 94s kegs, — s thirds 81s kegs -s fourths 71s fifths —s choicest -8; choice -s; superfine —s fine mild -s kegs-s mild —s choicest boxes —s 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, 103s to 100s ditto B, 89s to 85s. OSWESTRY CORN MARKET, WEDNESDAY. — The following were the quotatiors:—White wheat (old) 0s Od to 0s Od white wheat (new), 3s lid to 4s Id per 751bs red wheat (old), Os Od to Os Od; red wheat (new), 3s lOd to 4s Od per 7blbs old oats, 13s Od to 14s Od new oats, 10s 6d to lls Od per 2001bs malting barley, 16s Od to 17s 6d grinding barley, 13s 6d to 14s Od per 2801bs. OSWESTRY GENERAL MARKET, WEDNESDAY.— Quotations :—Butter, Is 2d to Is 3d per lb; eggs 0 to 12 for Is ;|beef, 6d to 8d per lb; mutton, 7d to 9d lamb, 8d to 9d veal, 7d to 9d pork, 6d to 8d fowls, 4s 6d to 5s Od per couple ducks, 5s Od to 6s Od per couple; rabbits, 2s 2d to 2s 4d per couple geese, 8Jd to 9d turkeys, 10d to lid per lb; 2 potatoes, lOd per score. OSWESTRY WEEKLY CATTLE FAIR.-There was a good supply of stock at the Smithfield on Wednesday, and trade was very good all round. A good clearance was effected. Messrs Whitfield and Son sold 296 cattle and calves, and 594 sheep and pigs Messrs Hall, Wateridge and Owen, in conjunction with Mr Doody, sold 68 cattle and calves, and 34 sheep and lambs; and Messrs Whitfield and Batho had their usual sales. Prices ruled as follows :— Beef, 6^d to 7d per lb; mutton, 7d to 8d per lb.; veal, 7d to 8d per lb pork pigs, 8s Od to 8s 4d bacon pigs, 7s 6d to 7s 9d per score. ELLESMERE, TUESDAY. —Quotations as follows Wheat (new) 12s Od to 12s 6d per 225 lbs barley (new), 16s Od to 18s Od per 280 lbs; oats (new), 10s Od to 10s 6d per 200 lbs; butter, Is Id to Is 2d per lb eggs, 10 to 12 for Is; fowls, 3s 6d to 5s Od ducks, Os Od to Os Od; rabbits, 2s Od to 2s 2d per couple. WniTCHUBCH, FRIDAY. — Wheat, 4s 2d to Os Od per 75 lbs; barley, 3s 9d to 4s 3d per 70 lbs; oats, 2s 6d to 2s 9d per 50 lbs; eggs, 11 to 12 for Is; butter Is 3d to Is 4d 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 to 8d; mutton, 7d to 9d lamb, 7d to 9d; veal, 7d to 8d; pork; 6d to 7d per lb rabbits, Is lOd to 2s Od per couple apples, Id to l-d per quarter. 2 BRADFORD WOOL, THURSDAY.—The lull in business is no doubt aggravated by the South African con- ditions, but on the whole this market stands wonderfully steady under adverse circumstances. Transactions are few and far between, for there is indisposition alike to buy or to sell. Holders are quite satisfied of the value of their stocks, and users, having fully covered their requirements, do not feel in the least degree inclined to speculate. Quotations are unchanged for all kinds of wool, but strong crossbreds and English wools would perhaps, if fully tested, show a slight easing off.

SPECIAL SHOW OF INVITATION CARDS COUNTY TIMES OFFICES, WELSHPOOL & ABERYSTWYTH