The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

I CONTENTS OF INNER PAGES. I PAGE 2. Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Caersws, Newtown, Trefeglwys, Worthen, Aberdovey, Cemmaes, and other district news. PAGE 3. Charge of Indecent Assault at Welsh pool; Welsh- pool Petty Sessions; Oswestry, Ellesmere, Llan- fyllin, Llansantffraidd, and Whittington news; Parliamentary; The Central Welsh Education Board, Literary Items Correspondence, &c. PAGE 6. Cricket, Chess, Cycling Notes, Football; Forden Board of Guardians; Welsh University Matricula- tion Examination; The Report of the Welsh Land Commission. PAGE 7. Agricultural Notes, Markets, Items for Ladies. NOTICE. Promoters of meetings, concerts, &c., are respect- fully requested to send early notice of their fixtures to the office of this paper, when, if possible, a repre- sentative will be sent to report same. We would point out that events advertised in our columns receive preference to others. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. News and Advertisement copy must be received at the COUNTY TIMES Office, Welshpool, by Wednes- day morning.

THE Parliamentary session is rapidly approaching its end. In a few weeks the business of the year will be wound up, and members will once more be free to take a holiday and visit their constituencies. For some time past the Radical party have been indulging in the luxury of a little hope for the future. The strength of the Govern- ment has been not altogether invulnerable and the discovery has almost turned the heads of the Opposition, and the Radical Press has, indeed, been "bonncin" in a manner absolutely unwarranted by circum- stances. All Governments are but human, and it has now been demonstrated that a vast majority of 150 is by no means so trustworthy an instrument as one-half that number. Otherwise no cool-headed observer can believe that the Government has been seriously shaken by the various episodes and incidents of the session. The Education Bill was, no doubt, withdrawn, but not until it had been the unexpected means of driving the final nail in the coffin of Home Rule. The loss of the Education Bill is, admittedly, unfortunate, but it can be repaired next session, and the political world will, in the future, care little whether it was passed in 1896 or 1897. But nothing can repair the breach which was made in the ranks of the Home Rule Alliance by the fierce internecine conflict which arose between the English Nonconformists and the Irish Roman Catholic members when the latter voied for the second reading of the huuc.-ition Bi ll. That was in reality by the most important incident oc the present session, and no amormt cf cheap swagger or audacious misrepresentation can wipe out its recollect ion or its effect. upon parties. The insurrection of opinion in England and Scotland on tluit historic occasion was unparalleled and illustrated how deep the cleavage in future must be on this subiect in the ranks of the Liberal party. No such demonstration of opinion has agitated the country over the Agricul- tural Rating Bill, or, indeed, over any other Government measure. Sir WILLIAM HAR- CODRT may beat the big drum and pose once again as the Red Indian of debate, but in the constituencies there is no emotion whatever over the relief which has been given to the occupiers of lafld. Taxpayers know quite well that the money devoted to this object has already been collected, and the swelling revenue is sufficient to show that there will be a large surplus next year without additional taxation As to the ratepayers, they know as well as Sir WILLIAM HARCOUET that the threatened increase of rates in rural aistricts, on the strength of which alone all his thunderous speeches have been made, is not likely to happen. Indeed, the whole case of the Opposition was founded upon their theory that the tendency of town rates is to go up, while the tendency of country rates is to go down. As to the all-night sittings and proceedings of the House of Commons, the only effect of these manoeuvres, if they are regarded with anything but amusement, will be to disgnt. the electorate with a system of obstruction which prevents the Government from carrying out its programme of useful legislation. The Government is quite willing to remedy grievances and the bulk of the people understand it perfectly. They also understand that in a Bill of nine clauses, for the relief of a suffering national industry, it took the Government sixteen days to pass it into law, simply because the Opposition insisted upon prolix talking and endless and vexatious divisions on un- important amendments. Again, the Opposi- tion think that the country at large will be vastly exercised at the Government's motion in the House, asking for leave to charge the revenues of India with the ordinary pay of the native troops sent to Suakim. But Mr. BALFOUR put the matter in a nutshell. The House ought," he said, to consider whether the time has not come when, with advantage both to India and to England, some kind of tribunal of arbitration ought to be set up for deter- mining questions like that under debate,— i.e., whether, and how far, India was inter- ested in the Dongola expedition. India, it had been said, paid for the Army to the uttermost farthing, but India paid nothing towards the Reserve. Again, India pays only one hundred thousand pounds a year to the Navy. But is it conceivable that India could keep her shores protected for one hundred thousand pounds a year P The sum of thirty-five thousand pounds was nothing one way or the other; but if the House decided that India is so little con- cerned in the Empire as a whole as not to be able to send two thousand men to Suakim, it would be teaching not only the British but the Indian public absolutely false notions of what we all owe to a com-I mon Empire.' All these Radical bogies will be easily dispelled when members meet their con- stituencies in the autumn, and a little time has been given for people to regain the proper perspective of recent events. The list of legislative achievements which may be expected by tlie end of the session is not to be dispised. Mr. GOSHEN'S Naval Works Bill received the Royal Assent long ago, and will shortly be followed by the various Rating Bills for Scotland and Ireland. We need not dwell on the Finance Bill except to note that sundry useful amendments to the new system of Death Duties have been carried. The Diseases of Animals Bill is practically law, and the death-blow has been given to the possibility of any impor- tation of pleuro-pneumonia, rinderpest, or foot-and-mouth disease into our flocks and herds. Mi. RITCHIE'S Light Railway Bill, and Mr. CHAPLIN'S Lrcomotives on High- way Bill are also assured, measures which will have an important bearing upon com- mercial enterprise and communications, especially in relation to agriculture. The Coal Mines Regulation Bill is another valu- able measure which the Home Secretary will most probably see placed upon the Statute Book, while the Conciliation (Trade Disputes) Bill is out of Grand Committee, and may be expected to go to the House of Lords during the present week. Whether the Irish Land Bill will pass remains to be seen. It is a measure which requires much consideration and a large amount of that spirit of compromise which is generally absent amongst Irish parties. If a general agreement can be arrived at which will enable the Bill to go through, it will com- plete a list of as useful legislation as any Parliamentary session can boast. — IN another column will be found a descrip- tion of the Volunteer camp which concludes to-day at that rising seaside resort-Townl. The review, which took place yesterday, was a great success, and was a fitting climax to a very successful and enjoyable week's encampment. The Brigadier- General, Colonel BUTLIN, in the course of his address to the men of the Cheshire regiment at the close of the review, ex- pressed himself in the following terms :— I am pleased to hear that you have had a pleasant week. I can only say that it is the most delightful spot for a camp that I have ever seen, and affords every facility for holding a successful camp." This is but another proof of the adaptability of Towyn as a place for encamping our citizen soldiers. Another most important con- sideration which we cannot overlook is the fact that the surrounding district lends itself most admirably to the success- ful carrying out of tactical man- oeuvres. The Brigade, having been divided into two portions, marched up the Happy Valley, and took up their re- spective positions amongst the surrounding hills, where he whole received valuable instruction in attack and defence. These facts should certainly suggest themselves as a very great inducement to other Volun- teer Brigades to make Towyn their rendezvous for their annual training in the future. Both officers and men have ex- pressed themselves as highly delighted with the place, more especially because the camping ground is situated so near to the sea-shore, and which doubtless accounted for the bathing parades—which by the way is a novel yet welcome feature—being so well attended and this fact, alone, greatly tended to improve the health of the men generally. The transit of the men from their various depots, we understand, has also given every satisfaction, and coming as it did, so soon after the recent Royal visit to this part of the Prin- cipality, again fully provee beyond doubt that the Cambrian Railways Com- nany are obviously competent to meet heavy demands upon their traffic, and that they are also able to move a large body of men from one place to another without delaying the ordinary train service. The trains 011 Saturday last arrived at Towyn prompt to time, and when we consider this, along with the fact that the Cambrian Railway Company's summer service is now in full swing, the Superintendent and staff deserve every praise for the completeness and success of the arrangements. We feel sure that the experiences gained by this year's encampment cannot fail but bring Towyn to the front as a most excellent camping ground. The 1st Worcester and Warwick Artillery, consisting of 600 men, will visit Towvn early next month for their annual training, whilst we understand that the Cheshire and Carnarvonshire Artillery were so pleased with their last two camps that they have again selected Towyn as their camping ground for their next annual training. The 1st Herefordshire Regiment, 1,000 strong, were to have accompanied the 1st Cheshire and 2nd Welsh Regiments into camp last Saturday, but through some unavoidable cause the War Office Authorities were compelled to countermand the order, and consequently they will not be able to encamp this year. NOTES BY THE WAY. We publish to-day an outline of the main pro- visions of a, scheme, just issued as a Parliamentary paper, for the creation of a central Board of Educa. tion for Wales. From the results of the examination for scholar- ships in the Welshpool Intermediate School we notice that they have all been won by the children who have been taught in the elementary schools of the town and neighbourhood, a fact which speaks for itself. The Montgomeryshire Yeomanry Cavalry will be represented at the Bisley Rifle meeting, which is now being held, by a team from Welshpool (cap- tained by Mr G. E. Barnett), and they will compete for the Queen's Prize, the St. George's, and the Inter-Yeomanry Challenge Cup. We hope the team will again bring laurels to the county, as on previous occasions. They deserve success, when we consider the disadvantages under which they now practice. It is a matter which concerns the town of Welshpool very much, and if steps are not taken to provide a shooting range the townspeople will in the near future feel the pinch when the annual training of the 4th Battalion S.W.B. is located at some place other than Welshpool. It is true that a site for a range was selected early in the year, but condemned later by the Army authorities for the sole reason that a dwelling house was in proximity with the line of shooting. Surely some effort could be made to remove the building ? The tradespeople of Welshpool can assure them- selves of this, that the authorities are not going to pay railway fare year after year to-send the militia to Brecon for rifle practise when they camp at other places, like Aldershot, where suitable shooting ranges are provided. The Corporation would do well to take the question in hand again. Little hope can be held out to the inhabitants of Machynlleth of a proper supply of pdre water being laid on during this year. The scheme has now reached that stage which gives no precise indication of the date of its completion. Application has been made for a Locai Government Board enquiry, and consequently some months must elapse before anything like progress can be reported. In the meantime, and not 1rithstanding this deficiency in its sanitary lift) the town 'of Machynlletfi, according to the report of the rcedical officer (Dr. A. O. Davies), bears an impunity from infectious diseases, which raises it to a standard far above neighbouring towns, more favourably circumstanced. The inhabitants are justly proud of this fact, and they have good reason to be when it is remembered that other towns having a good and constant supply of pure water are unable to boast of a clean bill of health. V The report presented by Dr James, of Borth, upon the state of the health of the Aberystwyth Union is serious in its character and necessarily calls for a wholesale condemnation of the present method of dealing with outbreaks of epidemics in our country villages. According to his report malignant fevers have for some months past been rampant in the district, and in one instance at least he traced the outbreak to the fact that impure water was constantly in use at the house where the outbreak took place. We do not believe that the country people are not aware of the serious effects that follow the use of.poisonous water; but they have no alternative but to use the best water in their vicinity. There was a good deal of force in the words of Mr J. M. Williams at the meeting of the Aberystwyth Rural Council on Monday when he stated that in his opinion the Rural Council did not do its duty, neither did the officers of the Union. This is a serious accusation, and recent events only go to bear out the force ad truth of it, and the Council should bestir itself to put an end to such a serious state of things. Not since the year -1889 has there been such a low death record in the town of Aberystwyth as that which was presented by Dr A. Thomas to the Aberystwyth Public Works Committee on Monday evening. For the three months ending June there had only been 20 deaths, of which two were strangers, being at the rate of 9"1 per 1000 of the inhabitants. The town was also free from epidemic and in the Local Government Board notification returns it bore a clean sheet. It is well known that Aberystwyth has an excellent water supply, a good sewer system, and now there has just been com- pleted a scheme for the ventilation of sewers. These are not the chief inducements that should cause visitors to seek the shores of Cardigan Bay. A writer of some authority states that there is little benefit derived from visits to seaside towns, whose chief boast is their freedom from gales. He says that during dead calms, which in some parts of the country are remarkable features, there is little salt driven inland from the sea, and conse- quently the place is not so healthful; but in the case of a town which is^aily freshened by a breeze the air becomes filled with salt Io.nd constantly its purity is ensured. Aberystwyth Can at any rate boast of its breezes, and this is a facfc that should not be lost sight of by those of onr readers who intend spending their holidays on the coast The election of Mr. Bryan as democratic can- didate for the Presidency' is a political sensation such as the Yankees love. He ig only thirty-six years of age. At that age one or two of the most brilliant and successful advocates evei. known at the Bar have taken silk." At that age one very eminent lawyer, Lord Justice Thesiger, was ape pointed a judge of the Court of Appeal. At that age Lord Randolph Churchill bec^gjg a member of the Cabinet. But if, under the regime of universal suffrage, a man of thirty-six should be elected to the Presidency of the United States, an astonishing record will have been accomplished. Like most prominent American statesmen, and, indeed, one might say like most prominent statesmen under all Republican Governments, Mr. Bryan ia a lawyer. His wife, it seems, is a lawyer too, and this may perhaps account for the extraordinary rapidity of his rise. I A "ase was heard at the Welshpool County Court on Wednesday in which a farm labourer was sued for the sum of £ 2 6s. for rent. From the statement of his wife who appeared ( n his behalf, it, seemed that he received 5s. 6d. a week and his food. Of thif Is. 6d. went for rent, and 6d. for the man's sliavinv. Truly, the aged if miracles cannot be passed away, when a man can support a wife and child on 5s. a week. As will be seen from our advertising columns, the Llanfyllin Agricultural Show will be held in Bodfach Park on the 11th August. Persons in- tending to make entries either in the agricultural or the dog classes wiil note that the last day for receiving entries is the 23rd instant, Thursday next. Those of our readers who are interested in the Tanat Side Hunt will hail with delight the proposal which was made public at a meeting held in the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Oswestry, on Wednesday. For several years Mr Dumville Lees has been the genial master of the hunt, and those who know with what tact and judgment be has filled the office and the wonderful improvement ho has effected in the condition of the pack will, we are sure, consider Mr Lees worthy of the proposed testimonial. The proposal has already met with a heartv response, and an influential committee has been appointed to collect further subscriptions. At the Barton Regis (Clifton) Board of Guar- dians, Dr. Harrison speaking against a motion for the suspension of prosecutions against the parents of 97 children who had not been vaccinated, said he vauted to see the law mercifully administered, but nothing advanced that morning shook his faith in the usefulness to the community of vaccinal -a. If it was wrong there was a proper course to pur- sue, and until it was repealed it was right that the present law should be administered. He moved that the law should take its course. -Eventually, the amendment to enforce the law was carried by 20 votes to 13. The simple, obvious explanation of all the anti- vaccination nonsense which has benn gaining ground for so many years, is that Edward Jenner's discovery has been too successful. People have forgotten what smallpox is, because they have be- come accustomed to living in a community where it is practically unknown. They realise little or nothing of that awful scourge which used to terrify our forefathers—the most shocking and repulsive of all diseases, and one of the most deadly. Small-pox has been a comparative trifle for so long that popular fear hag died out, and the good genius which banished the plague is despised. Nemesis waits on such blind ingratitude with slow but relentless step, and the recent case of Glouces- ter is a slight warning to other places. V The name of Rev the Hon Algernon George Lawley, M.A., curate-in-charge of St Andrew's Bethnal Green, London, E, and brother of Lord Wenlock, has been mentioned as the probable suc- cessor of Rev Cecil Hook, as Vicar of Oswestry, but no official appointment has yet been made. As no doubt there are very many in this district who wax eloquent and enthusiastic over the efficiency of the Board Schools," we would draw their attention to the reports which H.M. Inspector has just issued as to the condition of the Llawry- glyn and Staylittle Board Schools. Regarding the former, the report, whilst stating that the master has undonbtedly worked hard during the year, declares that the results of the examination in the elementary subjects are uneven, and only partially satisfactory, the spelling being very inaccurate, while arithmetic (both written and oral) is nearly a failure. The condition of Staylittle Board School is even worse still, all the main subjects being declared unsatisfactory, grammar being so weak that no grant can be recommended for English. On the other hand if we turn to the report of the diocesan, inspection of Penegoes National School. The Inspector states This school haS made great progress since last year, and I was highly pleased with the result of the examination. Tone and order excellent." Of the Uwch- ygarreg National school, H.M. Inspector states that the children acquitted themselves very creditably. In this district at least it seems that the standard of education in the National schools is very much higher than that of Board schools. The Queen has been pleased to signify approval of the appointment of the Earl of Powis to be Lord- Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the county of Salop, in the room of the Earl of Bradford, resigned. The Earl of Powis was born in June 1862, and was educated at St John' College, Cambridge. He is a D. L. of Salop, and also a D. L. and a county coun- cillor (Welshpool division) for Montgomeryshire. His lordship married in 1890 the Hon Violet Lane- Fox, daughter and co-heiress of Baron Conyers. He is the patron of 17 livings. His seats are Powis Castle, Welshpool Walcot, Lydbury North, Shrop- shire Styche, Market Drayton his town risidence, 45, Berkeley-square. Lord Powis is a member of the Carlton Club. WELSHPOOL. D. JONES & SON'S Indian and Ceylon Tea, at 2s. per lb. is absolutely pure, therefore best.—Noted Home Cured Ham and Bacon Stores, High Street. -[Advt.l INSUBORDINATE VAGRANTS.—At the County Police Court on Tuesday, before Mr S Powell, Thomas Smith (Bridport), George Morris (Rochdale), and Thomas Smith (Manchester) were charged with refusing to perform their allotted task at Forden Workhouse, and were sent to prison for seven days. MONTGOMERYSHIRE YEOMANRY CAVALRY.-Troopers G. E. Barnett (captain of the team), John Poston E. A. Barnett, and M. T. Davies have been selected to represent the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry Cavalry at the National Rifle Association at Bisley this year The four belong to the Welshpool Troop and pro- ceeded to Bisley on Wednesday. They have been entered by the captain of the troop (Captain F. R. Williams Wynn) to compete in the following com- petitions, viz. :-H.M. the Queen's Prize, the St George's, and the Inter-Yeomanry Challenge Cup. They will also compete in most of the other prin- cipal events of the meeting, and it is hoped that every good luck will attend their efforts. ST. MARY'S SUNDAY SCHOOL FESTIVAL.—The annual festival in connection with the Church Sunday Schools, held on Sunday, was greatly con- spicuous for the success of the many services held during the day. There was a choral celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m., the Vicar (Rev. D. Grimaldi Davis) being the celebrant, and Rev. F. H. Hawkins deacon. There were nearly a hundred communicants. Matins was at eleven o'clock, the service again being fully choral. The Vicar intoned the service, and Rev. Chancellor Richardson, M.A. (Rector of Corwen), read the lessons, and also preached the sermon, taking as his text Psalm cxliv. 12. In the afternoon a very pretty sight was witnessed by a large number of spectators. The scholars assembled at Berriew-street Schools, and were formed into procession, and marched in the following order through Berriew-street, Broad- street, Hall-street, to St. Mary's Church :-Christ Church Infant School, Berriew-street Schools, Band of Hope, Gungrog Schools, Belan School, and Men and Women's Bible Class. The procession was accompanied by the superintendent and teachers and Revs. Grimaldi Davis and F. H. Hawkins. Each scholar either carried a bouquet or a basket of fruit or eggs. The service at the church was very interesting. Rev. Grimaldi Davis (Vicar) delivered a most appropriate address on flowers. Before the conclusion of the service the scholars handed in their floral tributes, which were received by Messrs J. H. Addie, Francis, Breeze, W. Smith, and W. J. Maddox The gifts were afterwards packed and forwarded to the Children's Hospital, London. Evensong was at 6-30 o'clock, the church being filled to overflowing. Rev. W. H. Draper, Vicar of Holy Cross, Shrews- bury, preached a most eloquent sermon, and the choir, under the leadership of Mr T MaMwyn Price R A M., organist, rendered that delightful anthem, Abide with me." The services were very beautiful, and must have been very gratifying to the Vicar and his assistants. Collections were made towards the school funds. WELSHPOOL FLORAL FETE.—The schedule of prizes for the forthcoming show at Welshpool is now out. All entries must be sent to Mr Lambert, 26 Severn Street. V, elshpool, on or before Monday next July 20th. There are four classes, an open one for groups of plants, collections of cut flowers, bouquets Ac; an open gentlemen's gardeners class, an auiRfTirs' class, and a class for cottagers, which is confined to a radius of nine miles of the Cross. Theie are honey prizes open to all, and a class for cottagers. Capt. Mytton is President for the year. nnd Mr W. Forrester Addie, is the secretary. COUNTY INTERMEDIATE SCYIOOLS.-On Saturdayan examination forthe purpose of awarding five scholar- ships, viz., three for girls and two for boys, took place at the Intermediate Schools, the following being the results :—Boys One scholarship, open to pupils from private schools and those already in the school—M Bowen. Boys' Intermediate Seliool, Welshpool, aged 13; highly commended, S Bluck aged 13, and G James, aged 13. One scholarship, open to pupils from public elementary schools—W Barker. Boys' National School, Welshpool, aged 12; highly commended. M Whittingham, Boys' National School, Welshpool, aged 13.-Girls: Two Scholar- ships, were open to pupils from public elementary schools who have passed Standard V. and are under theagcof 14. These wereawardedto—1, Gwendoline Hughes, aged 12 Forden National School: 2. Winifred James, aged 11. Welshpool National School highly commended, Clara Jones, aged 13, Guilsfield National School. One scholarship was open to girls already in the school and to pupils from private school's under the age of 14. for which ten entered. This was awarded to Ethelwyn Roberts, aged 13, Girls' Intermediate School, Weislipool highly commended Dora Davies, aged 13. Girls' Intermediate School, Welshpool. WESLF.YAN MINISTERIAL CHANGES. Amongst the appointments recommended by the Stations Com- mittee of the Wesleyan Conference are the follow- ing :— Shrewsbury Thomas Hosking. Stephen Richards. Madelev: George Cartwright, John Osborne. Daw ley George Gibson, Wellington R. G. Dawson, David Huddleston. Ketley Bank: John Tesseyman, t eorge LP.-npard. Ludlow E. Ashton Jones, Harry Needham. Oswestrj Samuel H. Terrill, who shall change on one Sunday in every quarter with the ministers of the Wrexham circuit. Whitchurch, Salop: George S. Meek, Robert Steven- son. Newtown, Montgomeryshire E. Liddon ?arry, who shall change on one Sunday in everv quarter with the ministers of the Welshpool circuit. Welsh- pool Joseph Kendrew, Frank Warburton Lewis, B.A. (Montgomery). Aberystwyth: Thomas Jack- son, who shall act under the direction of the chairman of the distiict. Towyn Robert Jones (d), E. Garrett Roberts (Aberdovey). LiaDfyllin Rd. Morgan (b), Edward Jones (c, Llanfechan, Oswestry); John Jones (f, Llansantffraid, Oswestry), super- numerary. Llanrhaiadr (Oswestry) David Owen Jones, John Felix (Oswest yj, Hugh Evans (Llan-- silin, Oswestry). Llanfair (Welshpool) D. Angel Richards, Edwaid Mostyn Jones (Meifod, Wels-c pool). CHURCH SCHOOLS OUTING.— This annual event took place on Thursday, the rendezvous again being Aberystwyth. As the threatening aspect of the sky the night before betokened a wet day, a fear was entertained that this year the outing would be a failure for the first time. However, Thursday morning broke with brilliant rays of sunshine quite appropriate to the season, and if the committee in charge of the arrangements could have possessed the power of specially making a day to suit the pleasure-seekers, they would not have excelled the charming meteorological circumstances under which the excursionists met at the railway station soon after seven o'clock on Thursday morning. So large was the party that two trains had to be chartered, the first leaving at 7-45 o'clock, and the other a quarter of an hour later, to the latter being attached two saloon carriages. Both trains were well filled, the party numbering over thirteen hundred, which included the Vicar and clergy, the teachers and a large number of subscribers. There was a mani- fest desire on the part of the whole company, the grown-up ones especially, to lay aside all con- ventionalities which would have a tendency to retard the flow of pleasure. The presence of a number of ladies was delightful to the other sex, and kept the super-abundant hilarity of the gayer spirits within proper limits without detracting in the slightest degree from the piquancy of their humorous sallies. One gentleman, whose form was habilitated for the nonce in garments the nether portions of which were wonderfully if not fearfully made, was, as usual, the bright particular star of the company, and though large demands were made upon his reservoir of fun, there seemed to be no limit to its apparently exhaustless stream. By the time the charming vale of Llanbrynmair and Maeh- ynlleth, with its ever-varying panorama of wooded hill, silver stream, and nestling farmstead, had burst upon the view, the day had developed into I, one glow of soft warm sunshine. Aberystwyth was reached about 10-30 o'clock, and a telegram was at once despatched to Welshpool notifying the safe arrival of both trains. The tea for the Sunday School children and members of the Men and Women's Bible Classen was held in commodious premises in Queen-street, and was supplied by Mr E. Wyke. The following ladies and gentlemen assisted at the tea tables :—Mrs Addie, Mrs Roper, Mrs Shuker, Mrs Wyke, Miss Maundrell, Miss Jones, Gungrog, Miss Roper, Miss Riddell, Miss C. Barker, Miss Parry, the Misses M. and F. Wyke, Miss Morris, Miss Davies, High-street, Miss Parry, High-street, the Misses Evans, Salop Road, the Misses M. and L. Jones, Miss Bushell, Miss Cowan, Miss Beatrice Anbert, Revs. D. Grimaldi Davis, D. Stephens, A. Lewis, and Maurice Jones (late curate of Welshpool), whilst the work of door- keepers and ticket checkers was ably carried out by Messrs J. H. Addie, J. Cronk, W. Smith, and E. J. Francis. The children thoroughly enjoyed them- selves in their own way, digging, bathing, &c., while some of the older members were not loathe to avail themselves of the refreshing breezes on Constitution Hill. The timed special trains left Aberystwyth soon after 7-30 o'clock, and arrived home about ten, after a ride of some three hours. General opinions upon the success of the outing having been expressed, the excursionists made their way to their respective domiciles, there to rest weary limbs and recuperate lost energies with "nature's balm." COUNTY COURT.—WEDNESDAY. Before his Honour Judge David Lewis. CLAIMS FOR KENT.—Thomas Pritchard, Welsh. pool, sued Samuel Payne, also of Welshpool, for £1 18s 6d for rent of house belonging to the plaintiff. Defendant was represented by his wife, who stated that she did not owe all the money. She produced her rent-book, which showed the above amount to be due, and the Judge accordingly gave judgment for the plaintiff, payment to be made at the rate of 2s per month.—The same plaintiff also sued Joseph Foulkes, of Welshpool, for R2 rent due. Plaintiff deposed that the amount really owing was 92 2s 6d but he only sued for JE2. In this case the defend- ant was likewise represented by his wife, who remarked that she bad only been in the house a twelvemonth and had paid her rent weekly when she had the money, and therefore contended that she could not possibly owe the plaintiff so much money. Mr Basnett, rate collector, was sworn and informed His Honour that the main point in the dispute was the plaintiff's claiming at the rate of Is 9d per week, whereas the defendant had only paid Is 6d weekly. The defendant produced her rent book, showing that she had never paid more than Is 6d per week and the payments made amounted to 92 6s 6d, the rent for the year at Is 6d per week being £3 18s. There was therefore a balance due of JE1 12s 6d and judgment was given accordingly. The defendant, in reply to the Judge, said she could not pay more than 3d per week, as her husband, who was a farm labourer, only received 5s 6d per week, of which she had 5s and her husband kept the 6d to pay for his shaving. The Judge having expressed his astonishment at the low wage, made an order for Is per month. INTERMEDIATE EDUCATION. YESTERDAY. Present: Mr W. Forrester Addie (in the chair), Mrs A. C. Humphreys-Owen, Miss Naylor, Rev. D. Grimaldi Davis, Messrs C. E. Howell, J. Morris, E. R. James, R. Jones, and W. A. Rogers; with Mr E. L. R. Jones (clerk), T. Shqylor (architect), S. J. Evans, M.A. (headmaster), and Miss Steedman (head mistress).-rhe Building Committee, who met on the 7th inst., under the chairmanship of Mr W. F. Addie, reported that Lord Powis had written stating that he would give R50 to the Building Fund. On the proposition of Mr Howell, Mr Shaylor, the architect, was requested forthwith to get out the quantities iu accordance with the plans and specifications, and that he be paid for the same at the rate of 2! per cent. on the accepted tender, and that he at once invite tenders for the new building. That tenders be advertised for in the COUNTY TIMES and other papers. Mrs Hnmphreys-Owen, Mr C. E. Howell, and Mr Shaylor were asked to inspect the pro- posed new roadway, laid before the meeting by Lord Powis's agent. This committee sub- sequently inspected the ground near the Railway Station and the plans of the proposed alterations on the Powis Castle Estate and reported that there appeared to be no objections to the give-and-take line in the alteration of the boundary of the play- ground, but were of opinion that the proposed back roadway shown on the plan should be extended to join the railway bridge approach, and the width > hereof increased to 15 fjet. -On the motion of Mr. Howell, the report of the Committee with reference to the school site plan was adopted a'sd the clerk was i isfructed to write to Lord Powis's agent asking if the reeoninti nda- tÍ;m of the Committee can be can ied out with reference to the new street.—The Clerk ivml the report of the Finance Committee, which rccjm- niendedthe payment of bills amounting to i247 IGs 2d. To meet this expenditure there was in ti.;> bank, the Chairman stated, a sa,a of z6293 lis 6d. The Committee further recommend- ed that -0500 should be placed on deposit.—This report having been adopted, various questions were put to the Chairman as to the site for the new school, and on the suggestion of thflt gentlemaE the Board decided to inspect and determine the exact position of the site at the conclusion of the meet- ing.— Mrs Humphreys-Owen next proposed he following motion standing in her name on the agenda To charge not less than Is per term for use of piano if the managers provide one for lessons in the school." The piano, said Mrs Humphreys- Owen, cost them 30s per term, but they would v.vc to pay for it during the vacation and alsn the expense of the carriage back to the place whence they hired it, thus bringing the amount to £2 12s. They had had the piano since April, and a charge was made to cover the cost of the practicing, etc. None of the parents, she thought, --ou id (,bject. The Vicar having seconded the motion, Mr. John Morris thought the charge of Is. unsettled the school fees, and whether the motion was carried or not. it was an illegal charge, which ought to be refunded. Any alteration of the terms should be brought before the Governors. He proposed that the terms remain as formerly.—Mr. E. R. Jatnes having seconded the amendment. Mrs. Humpiirevs-Owen remarked that the terms did remain as thev were. Her motion referred to the future not to the past.—The Chairman understood that as far as the Governors were concerned, no authori.y had been given for the imposition of the charge.—Mrs Humphreys-Owen replied that in the repoit drawn up by Miss Naylor and herself it was pointed out that certain charges were made in schools where pianos were used -The Chairman stated that no instruction had been given that the charge should be made. and that it was a question for the Board to consider whether there had been a departure from principle. It would be legal to make a charge of Is for those who used the piano in order to recoup the Governors for the cost of th- instrument.—Mr John Morris entered a further protest against the alteration in the terms. They hoped in a short time to have the new school built. They could then get a good piano.—After further discussion, the motion was put and lost.—Mrs Humphreys-Owen then further proposed the following motion To charge not less than 5s per term for permission, when feasible, to practice for three-quarters of an hour per day during the school week." This motion, she maintained, stood on the same footing as the other. It was a very considerable addition to the advant- age of music teaching, because many children could not practice at home or in lodgings. Therefore their lessons would not be any use to them if they could not practice. They could not possibly con- ceive that any child had any right to practice or eLe they would not have any order. They could give it as a privilege to a certain few.—Mr R. Jones seconded the motion, which was carried.—The next item on the agenda consisted of the following That the district managers request the Charity Commission to withdraw the requirements of open range and gas stove in the kitchen of the new school and give leave for other alterations in the plans for reasons to be specified in a letter." Mrs Humphreys-Owen had been going amongst parents and found that opinion was universally against open ranges.—The Chairman felt that, the resolution of the Board on this matter should be rescinded before the present motion could be in order.—After some further discus-ion the subject dropped,—The next question to be dealt wiih was that of the new class room for the girl's school, and on the proposition of Mrs Humphreys-Owen, seconded by Miss Na#lor, it was decided that tbe new classroom be prejSre 1 according to the estimate of Messrs Lewis and Chaloner. for £5 7s 6d.—Mr G. D. Harrison, Clerk k the County Governing Body, wrote as to the number of scholarships, stating that it should not be less than 12.—Mrs Humphreys- Owen though that they were only open to give 11. On the suggestion of the Chairman the following committee was appointed to consider the question and report to the next meeting of the Board :-The Chairman, Mrs Humphreys-Owen, Miss Naylor, Rev D. Grimaldi Davis and Mr C. E. Howell, with Mr S. J. Evans and Miss Steedman.—Mr S. J. Evans, M.A, the head mastei, applied that the services of Mr. Frank Beddow, Ph. D., might be retained for next term. The application was granted on the motion of Mr E. R. James, it being decided that the salary to be given to Dr Beddow should be equiva- lent to 92 a week.—Miss Steedman pointed out that in the event of the erection of the new class- room it would be necessary to engage an additional assistant mistress. They were already under staffed.—On the suggestion of the Chairman, this question was left to the consideration of the com. mittee already appointed to deal with the scholar- ships.—This being all the business the Board rose.

TREFLACH. THE LALE MR. C. JONES.-The remains of Mr Chas Jones were interred in the Trefonen Cemetery on Friday. Mr Jones was taken ill rather suddenly on Wednesday week, a severe attack of pneumonia setting in to which he succumbed after a week's illness. He was 26 years of age and had been in Mr Parson Smith's employ for the past eight years. Mr Jones was a regular attendant at Trefonen Church, and he gained more than one prize for the best attendance at Sunday School. The funeral was attended by members of nearly every family in the neighbourhood, and also by a contingent of the Lily of the Valley Lodge of Odd Fellows, of which Mr Jones was a member. The ooffin, which was of polished oak, with solid brass fittings was supplied by Mr Thos Roberta.

HALFWAY HOUSE. FORESTERS' CLUB.—On Thursday Court Unity" branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters held their anniversary at the Halfway House Inn. The mem- bers assembled about 12 o'clock, and soon after marched to Great Wollaston Church, headed by lr. Lreorge Owen's Welshpool Band. Rev. W. F. Lightfoot Harrison preached a very appropriate sermon. Mr. Baker presided at the organ and the singing was very hearty. The members then marched back to the Court House, where an ample repast had been spread by the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Green. After dinner the following toasts were given :—" The Queen and Boyal Family by Dr. Howie, Bishops and Clergy by Mr. Deverall, Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces by Mr. R. Parr, Court Unity by Dr. Howie, Honorary Members by Rev. W. F. L. Harrison, The Court Surgeon," by Mr. Baker, The Host and Hostess by Dr. Howie. The Secretary (Mr. Davies) pre- sented a balance sheet, showing the Court to be in a flourishing condition. The regalia officer, Mr. Deverall also gave an account of the work of the Order in the Shrewsbury district, showing that great progress is being made.

ELLESMERE. VOLUNTEER SHOOTING COMPETITION. — The fol- lowing scores were made on Thursday, at the Wood Lane Range, in the 4th compe ition:—Lieut Head 93, Staff-sergt. F. Brown 82, Private Tabor 80 Private Bate 75, Sergt.-Inst. Walker 73. EXCURSIONISTS—A large number of excursionists have visited Ellesmere this week, principally from Manchester, Liverpool, &c. Every dav this week there has been an excursion from some part so that the town is already benefitting by the new railway from Wrexham. The principal attraction is no doubt the Mere, where large numbers avail them- selves of the boats. The Bowling Green has also been a great attraction. The principal hotels and eating-houses have no doubt done a good business, as there have not been so many visitors in the town for many years. VOLUNTEER CHURCH PARADK. On Sunday the H Company fell in at 10.15 a.m., for church parade. There was a capital muster, the total number who marched to church being 86, inoluding officers and a contingent of 16 from Oswestry, in charge of Sergt. Thomas. The officers in attendance were Captain R. E. Lloyd and Lieut. Head. Hundreds of people lined the streets. The band was in attend ance, and some excellent music was discoursed" under the leadership of Mr. Peter Powell. Th sermon was preached by the Vioar (Rev A » Wanton) on "The life and death of Kintr San'i hymn, Soldiers of Christ, Arise," waa sung VOLUNTEER ORDERS. FOR WEEK RNDINIi SATURDAY, JCLY 18TH Ota" Bers~°' ,b' K. J.taS £ a C<"TO"" fOT C«rp°»! The Company will parade at th« A (Saturday) at 6-30 p.m. Dress Drill to attend. ""11 Order. Band The fourth shooting comnetitir>r> to-day at the Wood Lane ?anle l™-take8 mence at 2-30 p.m. g Fu'lng to «»in- (Signed) R. It LLOYD, Captain. Commaading H Company.