The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

LLANIDLOES. LECTURE.—Mr F Eardley Wilmot, R.N., secretary of the Church of England Temperance Society, delivered a lecture at the National Schools on Mon- day evening. The Vicar (the Rev E 0 Jones, M A ) presided, and despite the unpropitious weather there was a good attendance. The lecturer was listened to with close attention, and in the course of his remarks Mr Wilmot drew a vivid picture of the crime and destitution caused by the influence of the drink traffic, supporting his argument with the testimony of judges and eminent doctors of the present day. The work of the society was based on biblical teaching, and he implored thocr pro- fessing Christians to roll away the stone whh h was a great barrier to the extension of God's Kingdom. At the close, after a few enconraging words from Mr J Davies, L & P Bank, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer, and the Vica*- siguified his it,teiition of calliug a meeting at a future date with th3 object of forming a branch at Llanidloes. AT THE FRONT.-—Llanidloes is well represented in the war. Those at the front with General Buller in Genera 11 Barton's Fusilier I rignde iLe ude Arthur son of Mr J H Mills, and three brothers named Archie, Bill, and Tom Borthwick whose grand- father, Mr McMurdo, still resides at Llanidloes. We also understand that Mr C II Beadnell. eldest son of Major C E Beadnell, a surgeon on H.M. Terrible, is at present with Lord Methuen and survived Graspan, Belmont, Modder River, and Magersfontein battles. He left Durban with the contingent under Captain Lambton for Ladysmith, but fortunately was detained on the way. Mrs Cuixiings, the daughter of Captain H C T Beadnell. who was only married last year, is also, in com- pany with her husband, besieged at Kimberley. With the Household Cavalry, now serving under General French, is Trooper R Jones, 1st Life Guards, son of Mrs Jones, Bethel street. BOROUGH POLICE COURT.—THURSDAY. Before Messrs Ed Davies (mayor), J Kinsey Jones, and Daniel Davies. GOT OFF CBEAP.- James Hamer, High street, was summoned for having deposited night soil in the street.-John Morgan (sanitary inspector) said that on Dec 13th, about 8 o'clock in the morning, when going down Long Bridge street, he saw that someone had been washing out buckets near the town pump. On making inquiries he found that defendant was the offender. He had previously warned the defendant.-P.C. Roberts said that about 12 o'clock on the 12th ult. he saw the defend. ant by the pump swilling two buckets. Witness said nothing to him thinking he was fetching water. When served with the summons be ad- mitted the offence.—Fined 5s including costs. I A';SA ULT.-ED ward Morgan, Church-street, was charged with assaulting John Davies, Lower Cefn- penarth, on December 23rd.—Complainant stated that he was in the King's Head on the above date when Morgan came in with two other men, and said to complainant that his hat was not on straight. Witness told him to mind his own business. The defendant then said it was a bad thing to have a crooked head, and witness replied that his hat was all right. A few minutes afterwards the defend- ant struck him in the eye. Defendant with other men had been poaching on his farm.—Fined 10s and costs. DRUNK.-Edward Evans, Smithfield-street, was charged with being drunk in Long Bi idge-street at 10-10 p.m. on Christmas night. P.C. Roberts I proved the case and a fine of 5s and costs was imposed. TOWN COUNCIL.—THURSDAY. Present, Alderman E Davies (mayor), E Bowen, W George, and W Ashton, Councillors J Kinsev Jones, Ed Hamer, R George, G Hercomb, D Rees, Edmund Hamer, and E D Marpole, with Messrs Arthur Davies, town clerk, J Davies, assistant clerk, James Grant, clerk of the works, J Morgan, inspector, and R Williams, borough rate collector. AN ADVANCE. The Scavenging Committee recommended that an application from Mr Richard Ingram for an advance of 6d per day for carting town refuse from 2s to 2s 6d be granted, and this was agreed to. FINANCE. The Finance Committee reported as follows :— Amount of tells collected during the month, 18s 6d I rates, £ 72; total amount of current rate collected, -9 JE401 17s 6d. The present state of No 1 accourt in the Bank was one of a debit of Ell Os lOd, and that of the water account a credit of zCI,763 9s 5d Bills amounting to £ 20 15s Id, including medica- officer's salary XID, were recommended for pay- ment.—The Rate Collector reported his inability to collect the accumulated rates (£8 Os 8d) due from Mrs Elizabeth Breeze and Mr John Breeze on their property in Commercial Square.—The Secretary of the Finance Committee (Mr R George) for a period of three years requested the Council to elect a successor, the time for which he consented to act having expired. A new rate of Is 8J in the pound was presented for signature, and bills on the water account amounting to S529 2s 3d, including cer- tificate to contractor and engineer's commission, were recommended fcr payment.—The report was adopted, and on the suggestion of Alderman Ash- ton it was decided to try other means before resort- ing to legal proceedings. A RATING QUESTION. A letter was read from the Secretary of the Cambrian Railways Co. with respect to the rating of their property, and objected to the claim made against them for borough rate.—Mr Williams said the sum applied for amounted to £ 60.—Mr J Kin- sey Jones asked whether the Company were entitled to the deductions claimed, and whether the Council would have to abide by the valuation of the sug- gested assessor (Mr Castle).—The Clerk said he had not been able to go into the matter, but would report by the next meeting. The question had not been settled with Mr John Davies.Air Jones said he had seen Mr Davies, and he d,d not see how there could possibly be any difference in the basis of the poor rate and the general district rate. Why the Company claimed exemption be could not understand. Surely they had some gronnds for objecting to pay.— Mr R George understood that Mr Castle had been appointed by the Assessment Committee at Caersws.-Mr Jones tnought the Council had not sufficient information, and on the motion of Alderman George the question was de- ferred for a month. MAIN EXTENSION. The question of extending the water main to the Woodlands, in reference to which the Council was petitioned by the inhabitants two months ago, was discussed and it was eventually decided to serve the owner with the necessary notices with a view of carrying out the work. THE LOAN THANKS TO THE COUNTY AND BOROUGH MEMBERS. Mr Kinsey Jones referred to the valuable assist- ance rendered by the County and Borough Mem- bers in influencing the Local Government Board and the Public Works Loan Commissioners to grant the extension of the old loan from 12 to 15 years, and moved that the Town Clerk convey the sincere thanks of the Council for their services.—Alderman George seconded and it was unanimously carried. WATER SUPPLY. The engineers (Messrs Beesley, Son and Nichols), stated that owing to the very inclement and wintry weather during the past month, and being advised by Mr Grant taat the works had been stopped for a period owing to frost, they did not think it neces- sary to incur the expense of a special visit to Llan- idloes to inspect the same. Mr Grant had forwarded the necessary particulars to enable them to make out the certificate to Mr Meredith of X503 18s 4d for work done under his contract.—Reservoir: The manholes on the outlet tunnel had been completed, and about 200 cubic yards of clay pn Idle had been put in titu for forming the wall-al dam, 1,480 yards run of five inch, and 170 yards of four inch mains had also been laid complete during the month. THE VACANCY ON THE COUNCIL. The Mayor called the Council's attention to the vacancy caused by the death of Mr L P Marshall, and thought steps should be taken to fill the same. -Tiir Rees Without an election I hope.—The Mayor If the proper party is nominated there is no need of an election.—Mr Kinsev Jones I under- stand that the Council cannot elect one.—The flavor: I have known vacancies filled without consulting the public at all.—Alderman George That would not be tolerated now.—Replying to questions, the Clerk stated that if any two burgesses desired the vacancy filled, notice should be given the Mayor or Town Clerk in writing, and an election necessarily would take place within 14 days. — After some discussion the matter was deferred. SUMMARY.—Mr Hercomb was appointed secretary of the Finance Committee.—A letter was read from Mr R Williams, coroner, stating that at an inquest held by him on December 22nd on the body of an old woman, who was found in the river near Severn Port, the jury added to their verdict the following rider The jury desire to call the attention of the Town Council to the unprotected state of the river bank." The place the coroner added certainly looked very dangerous, especially to children, and old people, particularly after dark.—A copy of the Lighting Committee's report calling attention to the use of No 4 instead of No 5 burners (as per contract) in the street lamps was requested to be forwarded to the Gas Company for an explanation.

LLANMEREWIG. CHRISTMAS TREAT.—On Friday, January 5th, Mrs W Lloyd, Castell, Towyn, kindly gave her annual tea to the teachers and scholars of the Dolforwyn tea to the teachers and scholars of the Dolforwyn Church Sunday School, Mr R E Lloyd at the same ti.ne giving valuable book prizes. The tables were presided over by Mrs Lloyd, Mrs C Miller, and Miss Stephens. The evening was spent in various games, in which the teachers worked hard in amusing the little ones. Mrs Lloyd presented the prizes, and to her and Mr R E Lloyd, on the motion of the Rector, Dr Gebbings, a most hearty vote of thanks was accorded. The special prizes, given by the superintendent for most regular attendance, were awarded, for the second time, to Fiancis Eleaner Morris and Harold Williams.

CAEESWS. GRAND ENTERTAINMENT AT THE WORKHOUSE.— Thursday was a red letter day in the history of the inmates of the Caersws Workhouse, inasmuch as a grand musical and miscellaneous entertainment was given, promoted by the R.W.W. Recreation Society, Newtown, the best local talent available having been secured. Each inmate was also pre- sented with an envelope containing 3d, the gift of Col Pryce-Jones, M.P., who presided at the enter- tainmeBt; oranges, tobacco, &c., being given by the other gentlemen, whilst the Entertainment Com- mittee presented each inmate with a Transvaal war souvenir. The spacious dining hall was, through the tact and careful supervision of Mrs Parry (the matron), transformed into a really beautiful concert room. The hall was filled to its utmost capacity, ladies and gentlemen from a great distance attending and showing their appreciation of the efforts of the Newtown friends to brighten the lives of the inmates of the establishment. The Chairman opened the meeting, and more particularly addressed the inmates shewing that in the midst of his activity in connection with the Imperial Yeomanry movement as well as the affairs of his own Volunteer Battalion he is able to throw himself heart and soul into the laudable effort to make others enjoy themselves. One gentleman guardian remarked that to have an M.P. to preside at their concert had never pre- viously occurred in the history of the House, axd Mr R Jones, Pertheirin in taking the chair after the gallant Colonel left (which he had to do to fulfil another engagement) he remarked this inas- much as he was taking the place of no ordinary man,—an M.P. and one wno was now very promin- ently before the county in connection with the Transvaal he must claim the indulgence of the audience. However, after a few introductory remarks from the Chairman, in which he advised the inmates, in the event of their beine: anxious to tecnre more newspapers, or periodicals, to apply to the Visiting Guardians, where he was sure their wish would be gratif-ed, the programme was pro- ceeded with. It wa opened by the Cambrian Male Voice partv with "Rule Britannia" and this gave a splendid key note to the the proceedings and their subsequent selections were equally well received. Mr G G Trow in Father O'Flynn gave the large audience every satisfaction, whilst Mr F P Keay (On Guard) and Mr E D Jones (the Bashful Young Man) were very happy in their selections. Mr E Cleaton gave a very good rendering of Death of Nelson." fol- lowed by a capital rendei inL, of The two sailors" by Mr J H Humphreys and Mr G G Trow. At the interval a collection in aid of the summer trip fund for the inmates was made and realised the good sum of X3. The second part opened with a piano- forte solo by Miss Trow, and included also a splendid recitation by Mr Keay. "The Spanish Champion"; a capital rendition of The noble boy of truth by Mr Stewart Humphreys solo by Mr H Owen, entitled," Sweet Genevieve whilst Mr Keay in a humorous song, What I have suffered nobody knows was the coup de yruce and fairly brought down the house, the performers being deservedly encored. Mr E Cleaton in a song and chorus, Jack Tar," and again with Mr R Jones in The two patriots" delighted the audience and the programme concluded by singing the National Anthem, the bolo being taken by Mr J H Humph- reys. Previous to this, however, very cordiai votes of thankt were passed to the sincere, the accom- panists (Miss Lilv Trow, and Miss Rose Thomas), the Master and Matron, for making all we pre- parations, and everything passed off in a most pleasant manner. The Rev J Hugh Edwaro v^'10 was to have given a recitation, wrote statu g that he was called to Abervetwyth on urgent bswinees, and a letter was also Pfld from Mr G M Evans, re- gretting that through family bereavement he was unable to attend. Mr Evan Jones. Henblas, Mr Kinsey, Maesmawr, Mr Danes, Dolfofien, Mr Phillips, Llwvnvbrain, and other gentlemen were present and nWisted in rri akirig the evening as enter- taining to the company as possible, and Colonel Pryce-Jones, M.P.. on leaving was accorded a ▼rv hearty vote of thanks for doing them the honour of paving them a visit. After tut concert the singers and a few friends were hospitally entertained to a very sumptuous suppei by the GUARDIANS who were recorded a very hearty vote of thanks.

WELSHPOOL. Iryou want the best cakes and pastrv.call at Wat. son's, 5, Hall street, where you will "find all kinds of Swiss, continental, and fancy pastries. Wedding, birthday, and enristening cakes, elaborately orna- mented, to order. Or Advt IF YuL' WANT a good reliable Bicycle at the cheap- est rate go tu J. Evans. ironmonger, and ask for quotations. Old machines taken as part pay- ment. Ladies'and Gent's Bicycles for hire. [Advt. L FoR a choice selection of fancy goods, toys, I games, &c. (suitable for Xmas presents), also for all kinds of tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, pipes, pouches, &c., call and inspect the stock at the Bazaar. Hall street. (Advt.

CONTENTS OF INNER PAGES. PAGE 2. Welshpool Sunday Schools Prize Distribution Aberystwyth, Berriew, Oswestry, Ellesmere, Llan- erfyl and L'anllugan news The Late Miss Powell, Newtown Forden Rural District Council and Board of Guardians; Threatened Strike at the Wynnstay Colliery. PAGE 3. The War; Proposed Purchase of a Quick-Firing Gun for the Shropshire Yeomanry Contingent; Correspondence; Volunteer Supper at Welshpool. PAGE b. Football Notes, Matches, &c. Hunting Appoint- ments; Markets; Chess; "Cat's Meat Square"; The Queen's Collection at Machynlleth, Mont- gomery. Welshpool and Oswestry; A Merioneth- shire Divorce Case. PAGE 7. A Story: "The Forge of Life," by J. Monk Foster; Why the Poor Rates are high in the Towvn Parish Aberdovey news; Louise Masset Executed Sailors Subsist on Straw Presentation to the Viea; of Meliden Tragedy in Wales; Russia and Central Asia.

WILL THE MINISTRY RESIGN? A newspaper, usually calm, sedate and dignified, has had a fright the country has had a week of scares and sensations and the Morning Post has called upon the Ministry to resign because Mr. BALFOUR, in his speech at Manchester on Monday even- ing, did not happen to say what the Post thought he ought to have said. It is not an uncommon thing for a star to wander out of its orbit and lose itself in the end- less firmament, but we cannot see why the nation should work itself into a French frenzy simply because things have not taken the course they so much desired. Had all the battles ended in the rout of the Boers, had METHUEN driven the enemy from the trenches of Magersfontein, had BULLER succeeded in forcing the passage of the Tugela and in dismantling the guns which overlook the battlefield, had the siege of Ladysmith been raised and WHITE joined the other Generals in a victorious march upon Pretoria—the grossly unfair criticism which has been heaped upon the Government for not knowing what nobody else knew, and upon the Generals for not performing those feats which people, know- ing nothing of the difficulties, think they ought to have performed, would have been spared. Had the French nation been in our position they would long ago hare been shouting ct has BALFOUR, CHAMBERLAIN and BULLER, and conspuez METHUKN and every- body else concerned but surely this nation will not emulate the example of the French by a ridiculous search for a scapegoat. Those who read the speeches of Mr. BALFOUR will recognise at once that there is no need of a scapegoat. Mr. BALFOUR frankly admits that there have been errors, but what campaign of any importance has been prosecuted without them ? The Govern- ment shared their erroneous views with the mass of opinion instructed on South African affairs," and everything possible to rectify the errors has been done. Cer- tain it is that the Boers have taught us lessons in the manipulation and mounting of heavy guns, they have moved guns over country so rough that Englishmen con- sidered the feat impossible. Our field guns have been of lighter build, smaller and, therefore, of shorter range than those of the Boers, and most of the hostile criticism has arisen from this fact. But had the positions of the armies been varied, had it been possible for us to have landed our vast army over 6,000 miles away in time to prevent the Boers taking up their fortified positions, and entrenching themselves as has been the case at the Tugela and Magers- fontein, the Government would have' been spared this hostile criticism. The guns which were sent out were field guns, sufficiently light as not to interfere with the mobility of a force travelling over rough country in pursuit of a mobile foe. But the enemy are not on the move, and heavier guns have since been despatched. Then again in the search for a scapegoat the Lee-Enfield rifle is being condemned wholesale. Critics say it has not the range of the Mauser, that the sighting is wrong and that it is not a good weapon. The Lee-Enfield is the best rifle we have in the service, and is sighted up to 2,900 yards. This is quite as long a range as any soldier can be expected to shoot at, and the army experts have always con- sidered lightness as one of the points of a good weapon. The range of the weapon might be increased, but lightness would have to be sacrificed. Again it is said that with the Lee-Enfield much time .is wasted in filling the magazine. We have expert opinion that a fully qualified man can load and discharge from 20 to 25 shots in a minute, and, as the man in the street is aware, at this pace the rifle would very soon become too heated to be of use. But whatever defects the Lee-Enfield has, existed before the war, and it is surprising that all that clatter about its defects should have been kept back until now. The suggested retirement of the Cabinet, or the repudiation, by other members, of Mr. BALFOUR'S utterances would not have the effect of improving the situation. To ask a Liberal Cabinet, with Sir HENRY CAMPBKLL-BANNERMAN at its head, to take up the reins of government, would not mend matters, for Sir HENRY was one of the men who opposed sending out the troops. There might be some strong men in a Liberal Cabinet, but with a leader who from first to last saw no case for armed intervention," the situation would be aggravated. If the Generals have not done what the critics think they ought to have done, that is not the fault of Mr. BALFOUR, for lie could be in no way responsible for the plan of campaign. The troops have been despatched with all possible speed, and as the need for certain arms has become manifest, those aims have been sent out. It is unfair to judge the Govern- ment in the light of a few shortcomings; we ouo-ht to remember the enormous nature of the operations connected with the des- patch, and, more particularly, the provision- ing, of a hundred thousand troops. The nation, as a whole, has fallen foul of the scare, and the best of the Liberal news- papers have maintained a level-headed attitude in the sensation. The nation, or a part of it, has become somewhat nervous by the news of our checks, but all that is needed is something in the nature of a tonic administered by BULLER or ROBERTS, and England will be herself again.

« -— NOTES BY THE WAY. The need of an isolation hospital at Aberystwyth is urgent inasmuch as it has much to do with the reputation of the town as a watering place. Sea- side towns are called upon to do many things which inland towns find unnecessary, and the .p""t()n of art isolation hospital is one of It hem. It is necessary as a matter of good faith with the visitors, who expect to find such places as seaside resorts amply provided with every modern appliance for dealing with outbreaks of disease. There is not a single project submitted to the people of Aberystwyth which is of sc urgent a character as this one, and although the townsmen claim to be wide awake to the interests of the town they have really done nothing in this direction. It would be terrible to picture the result of an outbreak of any disease at Aberystwyth during the season, and without a hospital the position of the town would be woeful. We are glad to learn that the proposed extension of the main sewer at Aberystwyth carries with it no engineering difficulty, and the hypothesis that the incoming tide would flush back the outgoing sew- age is dismissed by a declaration from those who are best able to judge that the force of the in- coming tide will effectually close the trap of the sewer so that the wash will have no effect in the way surmised. There is no question as to the dan- ger of allowing the present gap in the quay wall to remain where if at any point a grave danger to health exists owing to the sewage from the pressed outflow being swept into the gap where it remains caked and dried, an ever-present danger to the health of the district. The Council have passed the plans and the Local Government Board will now be asked to hold an inquiry. All work and all orders sent out from the Aber- ystwyth Corporation are by tender, and every tradesman is supposed to have a fair chance. Up to some months ago this was the course pursued with respect to the printing; but the tender for the printing has expired some months back, and no fresh tender has been asked for. No satisfactory explanation is forthcoming as to the delay in send- ing out the tenders, and we are given to under- stand that the printing orders go elsewhere than to the firm who held the tender for the last year. Is this another case of party bolstering party-or, in other words, are the supporters of a certain busi- ness making the heavily-rated ratepayer pay for the bolstering up of a new venture ? The ques- tion is one which requires an answer. In the meantime, we ask the tradesmen of Aberystwyth to keep an eye on the tenders for other things besides printing. Colonel Pryce-Jones, M.P., has issued a special appeal for the equipment fund for the infantry volunteers. As is now well known a company of the 5th S.W.B. will shortly proceed to the front, and the men must be adequately equipped. In addition to the equipment Col. Pryce-Jones intends that the life of every man goiag out shall be insured for £100, and that in case of death the money shall be used to purchase an annuity for those entitled to it. There is a sufficient apprecia- tion of the 5th S.W.B. to ensure a hearty response from the general public, and we hope all will give as liberally as they can. *#* The speech of the week, locally, has been that delivered by Mr W Allen, M.P., at the Volunteer dinner on Tuesday evening. Mr Allen is a Liberal M.P., bat he is in no sense connected with the Little-England Party. He is a Sergeant in the troop and his object in enrolling with the Yeomanry may be gathered from this one sentence from his speech :—" In this hour of England's need when the very empire is at stake, when the whole future of our nation depends upon us crushing the Boers in South Africa and establishing some form of rule through the length and breadth of that land over which the English flag flies supreme, I believe that it is the duty of every Englishman, that it is the duty of every Briton, of every patriot, of everyone who loves, as you and I do, our Queen who has so long ruled with glory over this country, to volun- teer, if he is able, for the service of his fatherland, to go to the front and fight against his country's foes." In raising X139 11s for the patriotic fund, Mont. gomery has set a noble example. This sum works out to 2s 7d per head, and it is not improbable that some money has found its way to the same worthy objects through other channels. A statistical cor- respondent points out that if this rate were main- tained throughout the kingdom, something like five millions would be raised. The Town Council, to their credit, determined to make the fund a success, and the Mayor (Mr E R James), with three fellow councillors, Messrs T H George, A Vaughan, and C P Davies, have conducted a house-to-house canvass, with the result that every dwelling-house keeper has a share in the fund. The proposal that the people of Oswestry should present a quick-firing gun to the Shropshire troop of the Imperial Yeomanry met with a favourable reception at the hands of those who assembled at the Guildhall on Monday at the invitation of the Mayor. It is intended that the gun should be a a special gift from the Oswestry people, and as it is proposed to equip the troop with the best gun obtainable, a sum of zC630 will be required for this special fund. We are sure that if the people gener- ally, after the manner of Mr J Parry-Jones, bear in mind what they owe to England, the sum will be readily forthcoming, even though it is not within the reach of all to be able to act as handsomely as Mr Parry-Jones has done. At Oswestry Town Council meeting on Monday a somewhat personal discussion took place upon a motion that the fine to be paid on the resignation of a member should be reduced from X25 to Is. Ultimately the motion was withdrawn. One member said if the motion was passed and the members disagreed, the Town Clerk would be sitting at the end of the room receiving shillings for resignations and another member pointed out the cost to the ratepayers of filling up the vacancies. V* With the commencement of the new year the Berriew School, which has been the subject of so much controversy, happily starts under new man. agement, or rather under new and additional governors upon the original lines of the church endowment. The whole of the trouble, which has been so prejudicial to the parish for a period of 10 years or so, has arisen, it is pretty well understood, from political feeling. It is sincerely to be hoped that all this will now be wiped out and forgotten, and that the Humphrey Jones endowment which has in the past proved of such considerable benefit and assistance to the parishioners, may with the supplemented educational advantages of the present day be administered with a reasonable amount of common sense free from religious and political prejudice and fruitless diplomacy. There appears to have accumulated a debt of upwards of JE300 which will have to b3 provided for, and the school buildings require a considerable amount of improvement from a sanitary and structural point of view. On the other hand, it must be remembered, the parish has not been subjected to the extravagant organisation of a School Board. The Queen has signed a Proclamation further proroguing Parliament to January 30th and on that date the Houses will meet for the despatch of business. It will then be found that not only are the members of the Cabinet in unison but the majority of the Commons also. In another column we give an effusion from Punch on over-crowding in London. This has reached a state of which people in the country can not even dream. In the case above noticed eight people lived in a room 10 feet square, ate, slept and worked, and for this room a rent of 4s. 6d. a week was paid. The houses of the working class in London are rented by Jews and farmed out in single rooms, or sets of room?, at an enormous profit, to working people. Even these are hard to get at any price, so hard indeed that a working man earning £ 2 a week has been unable to get any kind of rooms and has been obliged to take his wife and children to the workhouse, where of course he paid for their keep. It is quite evident that the County Council will have to deal with the whole question of the housing of the working classes, and not in the half-hearted manner in which they at present treat it. Something ex- tensive on the lines of Lord Rowton's scheme will have to be carried out. ;### A contributor this week re-opens a question on which there has been a great deal of controversy, not onlf in Wales but also in England. The poor we have always with us, and in a similar manner also the poor rates. Some Unions get off very cheaply in the matter of poor rates, others the reverse. Briefly our contributor's contention is thatTowyn contributes annually to the Machynlleth Union a sum far in excess of what is returned to the poor of Towyn, while other villages and town- ships contribute much less than they receive, a notable instance being Llanbrynmair, which receives X150 per year more than its total con- tribution. This, he argues, is not fair to Towyn and other districts so situated, and he contends that there should be a re-arrangement which will provide that each district shall maintain its own poor. The argument at first sight seems plausible enough, but from past experience we know that the Local Government Board will consent to no such re-arrangement. We must bear in mind that the people who pay the rates, whether in Towyn, or Llanbrynmair, or Newtown, or Oswestry, derive no advantage from the presence of the poor in their districts. Why then should Llanbrynmair ratepayers be mulcted in a penalty in the shape of an advanced rate for something from which they derive no benefit ? Why they any more than, say, the ratepayers of Birmingham or London ? We cannot help pointing out to our contributor that if unions were to be further sub-divided into little districts, a determined effort would be made to drive out of the different parishes those who, through misfortune, were a source of expense. This would be within the range of possibility, especially where, as is often the case, the whole of the property in a township is owned by one land- lord. The poor would then be driven from place to place, just as in the old days they were whipped at the cart-tail and driven through the streets of the towns. Vagrancy would, under such a state of things, be a greater evil to the country than it has ever been, and we should require an increased force of police to deal with it. # We think our contributor might have made out a much better case, had he instead of advocating a system of sub-division, argued in favour of larger areas. Had he suggested that the maintenance of the poor should become a matter for whole coun- ties, there would have been more hope of his advancing arguments with success. There are not a few who contend that this question should be considered as an entirely national question, and that relief should be administered from money obtained from Imperial sources. But the question is one which cannot be lightly dealt with.

-+-- YEOMANRY AND VOLUNTEER NOTES. The week has been one of work. A good deal of time has been put in at drills and training, and men and horses aro beginning to look more fit for the work. The Park could not be improved upon as a training ground. There have been some lively incidents on the field. Many of the horses are new to the work and they have hardly begun to fall in with the movements which the horses of the regulars go through instinctively. One of the most exciting incidents was that which occurred on Monday afternoon. A young trooper found himself on a chestnut horse which'was anything but obedient to the touch of the whip or the pull of the rein. The young fellow was not an expert ridei but he was endowed with the pluck of a veteran. Without warning and for no apparent reason the horse set off at a mad pace, careered across the ground in the direction of the steep slope above the drive. The rider failed to check the charger, it dashed among the trees, down the slope and away towards the Park gate, where it came to a stand still. What surprised everybody was that the horse and rider were none the worse. How that youth kept his seat was a mystery to everybody. Most men would have performed a slippery tumble and let the horse go to its fate. The wonder is that the man was not dragged off by the tree branches. There is as yet a scarcity of horses, so that those who have suitable animals for disposal should bring them forward. The horse fairs of the week show that the present is a capital time to sell, prices having gone up owing to the demand for tram and bus horses. There has been a considerable weeding out of men during the week. A number have been sent home as unfit. These men have, at least, shown willingness, and if they had not had the experience necessary for service with the Imperial Yeomanry, they were anxious to do all they could to make themselves fit. Their hearts were in the right place, and their patriotism was sound. Some com- plained that they were handicapped by bad mounts, and certainly this might have told in some cases against them. One man, at least, who made only a poor show on one nag, was found to be one of the best horsemen in the troop when given a trial on another animal. At Newtowr, nearly 20 men have received their discharge. They have not all given up hopes of going to South Africa, for some hare gone on to Worcestershire in the hope of getting out with their squadron. This brings us to another matter. On several afternoons a few fops have gathered by the path- way and found a cause for merriment in the per- severing efforts of the, as yet, untrained. All we can say is that those who laugh should volunteer. Take the rifle, wear the khaki, and show us what your laugh is worth. It is the old story ever again —those are the first to criticise who have the least right. We are glad to know that some of the offenders received a well-deserved lesson from Sir Watkin. And many fops, for a great deal less have under gone the ordeal of the hose-pipe or duck pond. The men are to appear in khaki in about a week from now and the first parade in the neutral colour will be a matter of interest. These uniforms are being made by Messrs Niven & Jones and Mr G E Evans. The R.W.W. Recreation Society have decided to make the officers and men of the Imperial Yeo- manry honorary members of the Society during their stay in Newtown. Members of the Yeomanry billeted at Newtown are being drilled and trained in the various duties with great care, Sergt-Major Joyce being very diligent in his attentions to the men, while Colonel Forbes is also very active. Parties go daily to the Penarth Range for shooting practice, whilst others are being tested in horsemanship. Some 15 to 18 of the men have been sent home owing to their lack of knowledge of this necessary requirement. The town assumes quite a military appearance, and will be even more so, when the men are furnished with uniform. The men parade at 8.30, and are I given their orders for the day. On Sunday a parade I was held at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, large crowds t lining the street near the Post (,ffice where the J men fell in. Every effort is being rrade to make the men's lot as enjoyable as possible, and" last evening (Friday) a concert was organised and much enjoyed by those present. The Volur.teer section are in readiness to proceed to any station they are ordered. Some unpleasant rumonr is being circulated regarding Col-Sergt J M Jones, of Newtown, who was at first offered a corporalship with the section that had volunteered for service in South Africa, and was most anxious to serve his Queen and country. Later instructions, however, put him with the Reserves of the Bat- talion. As only two Col-Sergts had volunteered for service, Col-Sergt Astley being the senior, he was given the preference. The rumour is that Col-Sergt J M Jones has withdrawn his offer of service, which is quite incorrect. # Lieuts C E Elwell and Harold Kirkby, of the 5th V.B. S.W.B., have obtained permission to enrol with the Montgomeryshire Imperial Yeomanry, and Lieut A M Hntchins. 1st Hereford R.V., has applied to the War Office for permission to join the same squadron. T Lieut-Col Hutchins has been successful in pass- ing the examination for promotion from Captain to Field Officer of the regular forces, entitling the Volunteer Officer to the letter Q (qualified for command) in Army List. The subjects are tactics, organisation and equipment, military topography, military law, and military engineering. Colonel Hutchins is the only officer in the Brigade who has obtained this distinction. Colonel Hutchins also has the Hythe officer's certificate for instruction in musketry, and the maxim machine gun, as well as the Chelsea Field Officer's P.S. for drill, riding, &c. *#* Many inquiries having been made as to the Ipro- bable departure of the Yeomanry, we may state that the men have been warned that they may prepare for being sea-sick on the 25Lh. Part of the work of the week has consisted of practising with the galloping gun. About six horsemen accompany the gun, the order is given to unlimber, three men gallop the horses to the rear while the others put the gun in action. The men are gradually becoming smarter in their manipula- tion of it, and we only hope that the gun will do good work in South Africa. This week efforts have been made to dismantle a quarry with more or less success. By the wav, when guns of this class were first introduced, the ordeis from the War Office were to the effect that the gun was to be drawn by three intelligent non-commissioned officers, or one mule." Even the War Office has time for a joke. Mr John Rhys Pryse, eldest son of Mr J R Pryse, C.C., Pantdrain, Llanidloes, has volunteered and been accepted as a member of the Montgomeryshire Imperial Yeomanry. He was previously a trooper in the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry, and has also been a member of the Metropolitan Mounted Police. Other Idloesians who have been accepted for service in South Africa with the Imperial Yeomanry are-Walter G C Jones (a successful local cyclist) and Messrs Tom and Evan Owen Williams, sons of Mr Evan Williams, timber mer- chant, Tyddyn Hall, near Llanidloes. The former has joined the Montgomeryshire and the two latter are troopers in the Denbighshire Hussars. T #*# It has been suggested that we should give the full list of the Montgomeryshire Imperial Yeomanry their names, ages, places of residence, occupation, rank, fortune, and prospects generally, married or single, engaged or at liberty, and any other infor- mation we can get concerning them. This might of course include height, girth, weight, colour of eyes, complexion, style of moustache, size of feet, number and age of favourite corns, moles, tattoo marks and other tokens of good luck. It is hardly in our line, but as we do not like to see public wishes ungratified we supply the list of particulars leaving it for someone else to fill in. An enter- prising tradesman might find a ready sale for such a handbook, at the price of one copper, and utilise the spare pages for advertising his jams or pills or cauliflowers as the case might be. A friend in the troop thinks it might be treasured by nursemaidg, cooks, and housemaids as a souvenir, and certainly an edition de luxe, embellished with a few portraits, a sketch of the gun in action, illustrations of the Yeomanry bidding farewell to the town and getting cantankerous horses on board ship, might add substantially to the Absent- Minded Beggar" Fund. We may say that Mr Allen, M.P., who has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant, will be 30 next birthday, and has seen life in the Transvaal and Australia. Then there are some clerks, fruiterers, commercial men, busy men, and men who have nothing at all to do-but fight. There is one actor, two gentlemen of letters, several ranchers, some old fighters, and, great Scott! a company promoter. There will be some companies, whole companies, in fact, to promote after the war. We are shocked to find that electricity is well repre sented there is, at least, one gamekeeper, two cousins of General Buller, and soma ex-cavalry men. The spies are round Ladysmith. If anyone wants more of this storv, application should be made to the Marines. -+-

ABERYSTWYTH. CHURCH NEWS.—Mr D M Rowlands, of North Parade, has accepted a call to Frankwell Presby- terian Church, Shrewsbury. PROGRESS HALL.—The Saturday evening con- ceits at this place continue to attract a large number of the young men of the town. On Satur- day evening Mr Enoch Edwards presided, and an excellent programme was rendered. It has been decided to form a male voice party. SLAUGHTER OF PIGs.-At a meeting of the Markets Committee on Tuesday evening, presided over by Councillor E H James, it was agreed to reduce the price of every pig over one dozen to sixpence, but under that number the price would remain at eightpence. THE INFIRMARY.—During the year the number of in-patients had been 193, and the number of out-patients 1,672. The appointment of house surgeon in the place of Dr Morgan, resigned, will be made in February. In the meantime a sub- committee will examine the applications and report to the next meeting. SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' FUND.-Tiie proceeds of the entertainment got up by Lady Evans, of Lovesgrove, in aid of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Fund, amounted to £ 70, which included £ 1 16s 6d from the Football Club and £ 7 forwarded to the Daily Mail, after the singiug of The Absent- Minded Beggar." CHeRcH TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. The ordinary weekly meeting of the above was held at the YsgoMy ou Friday night week. The Veil Arch- deacon Protheroe presided, and the programme was as follows Song, Master J Morgan reading, Mr Cox, Brynymor terrace; address by Mr Wright; song, Mr Jack Edwards. A brief interval in the programme then took place, and the rules of the society were discussel in detail and passed, v. :tb one exception. Two new members were enroll 1. DISESTABLISHMENT.—At the Wednesday meeting of the Tabernacle Literary Society it was decided after a debate on "Whether Disestablishmei or Home Ruie should be given first to Wales j in for Diestablishment. Mr Evan Evans, soli, presided, and Mr Vaughan Edwards, solic. or, opened for Disestablishment, and Councillor D C Roberts, J.P., in favour of Home Rule. DEATH OF MRS EDWARD ELLIS.—A few hours after the body of the late Mr Edward Ellis, auctioneer, had been laid to rest in the Cemetery on Saturday, Mrs Ellis, who was also lying seriously ill, breathed her last. The great grief of the family has touched the inhabitants to a great degree, and the very deepest and heartfelt sympathy is extended to the sons and daughters in their sorrow. THE STATION -FRONT.- Pilis place has earned for itself the name of being one of the most dangerous street crossings in town. On Tuesday afternoon a child of Mr Potts was knocked down by a cart, and was rescued by Mr Dougal of the Gas Works. The child escaped without injury, but the danger is in no wise lessened. 11 Is POVERTY A CRDIE Mr T B TTall presided over the meeting of the Radical Club on Fridav night week, when Mr R Gibson read a paper on the above subject. Po LICE COURT. — At the Police Court on Monday, before Mr T Griffiths, a man named Stephen Birmingham, of Ireland, was charged by P.C. Davies, of Llanbadarn, with begging. Birmingham pleaded guilty, and was allowed to go on promising to leave the to.vn. ASSESSMENT. — Mr W H Miller presided over the ordinary monthly meeting of this committee, held on Monday at the New Market Hall. The other members present were: Messrs G Fossett Roberts, James Jones, W Morris, J E James, J J James, T E Salmon, and T Powell; with Mr Hugh Hughes (clerk). The assistant overseers of the parishes of Aberystwyth, Elerch, and Llanbadarn presented valuation lists, which were approved of. RELIEF FOR THE WIVES AND CHILDREN.The Downeis' Bequest Committee have made several grants of money to the wives of the reservists who have been called to the front. The grant was continued until the Government allowance was received, and the committee will so treat all applicants which are thrown upon the relief lists during the war. THE "OCEAX BELLE."—The Shipping Gazette of the 4th instant, contained the following informa- tion Lem\-ig, January 1st. A vessel came in sight at seven o'clock last evening, in a south- west direction, bearing a flash light. About an hour later the light disappeared, and shortly some wreckage and two life buoys were driven ashore, the buoys being marked Ocean Belle, Aberyst- wyth.' The vessel is concluled to have sunk in the deep water." The "Ocean Belle," which was bound from Fowey, Cornwall, to Harburg, with a cargoe of china, was in command of her owner, Capt R Williams, Borth. No information is to hand as to fate of the crew, and it is feared that the craft foundered with all hands. We under- stand that some members of the crew, natives of this district, left the ship at Fowev, and that a fresh crew was shipped at this piace. The vessel was insured with the Cambrian Mutual Marine Insurance Company, Aberystwyth. RIFLE CLL-P,If Aberystwyth cannot got a corps of Voiunteers thev are determined to Let a rifle corps, and on Saturday evening a meeting of the members of the St David's Club was held for the purpose of considering a proposal to form a rifle club. It was unanimously decided that such a club be formed and it be called the Aberystwyth Rifle Club." Mr Vaughan Davies, M.P., and Mr D C Roberts, ex-mayor, were elected president and vice- president, respectively. A committee representing the professional and commercial interests of the town and district was appointed to carry into effect the resolution. A further meeting was held on Monday evening when arrangements were made with the view of obtaining rifles and a range. A committee was appointed with Mr Vaughan Daries as president, the ex-Mayor as vice-president, Mr George Davis as secretary, and the following as members: Messrs A J Hughes, Hugh Hughes, Robert Peake, J C Rea, J R Rees, W Hughes Jones, Rufus Williams, J H Edwards, D M Davies. Dr Harries, W J Watkins, L Bearne, W II Hollier, J Morgan, J.P., The Larches, and George Fossett Roberts. THE MAIN SEWER.—The Town Council met in committee at the Corporation Offices on Tuesday afternoon, to consider the Borough Surveyor's scheme for the extension of the main sewer from the present outlet to the junction of the two rivers at the mouth of the harbour. Councillor C M Williams (mayor) presided, the other members present being- Couiicilloi-s D C Roberts (ex- mayor), R J Jones, Isaac Hopkins, Robt Doughton, E P Wynne, E H James, and Robt Peake, Messrs Charles Massey (representing the Town Clerk), H L Evans (borough accountant), and Rees Jones, (borough surveyor). The meeting unanimously approved of the scheme, which provides for the tapping of the present main outlet at the harbour, and by means of cast iron pipes of 24-inch diameter, laid in the bed of the river, extending it to the point mentioned, the Town Clerk being also in- structed to communicate with the Local Govern- ment Board as to an inquiry at once, in order that the work might be taken in hand with little delay. CONSERVATIVE CLUB.—The annual meeting of this Club was held on Tuesday evening at the Club Room, when a large number of members were present. Mr John Morgan, (The Larches), the retiring Chairman presided. Mr J C Harford, (Falcondale), was unanimously re- elected President of the club. Councillor T E Salmon of the Terminus Hotel, the retiring- vice- chairman, was elected chairman, and Mr J Jenkin Jones, vice-chairman, Mr E P Wynne, treasurer Mr D Morgan Lewis, secretary, and Messrs Evan Lewis and l1 Griffiths, auditors. The next business was the appointment of four member, of the executive committee, the gentlemen appointed being Messrs E J Evans, J Evans, Llew Jones, and J Purton. Messrs Thomas Griffiths, John Morgan, J.P., The Larches, and Mr J Watkins were elected trustees of the club. A vote of sympathy was passed with Mr Harford, the president of the club, who recently met with a severe accident in the hunting field, as well as a vote of condolence with the family of the late Mr John Watkins, one of the trustees of the club, in their bereavement. On it coming to the knowledge of the meeting that Mr T Bubb, one of the most energetic junior members of the club, was about leaving the town to join the Army, the opportunity was taken to acknowledge his past services, which was done in the form of a resolution. COUNTY SCHOOL.—Mr George Davies (chairman) presided over the monthly meeting of the Gover- nors of this school held on Thursday in the Town Hall. There were also present the Rev T Levi, Messrs C M Williams, J P Thomas, and Professor Genese, with Mr John Evans, clerk, and Mr D Samuel, headmaster.—The report of the Finance Committee was read, and on the motion of Mr C M Williams, seconded by Professor Genese, it was adopted.—A letter was read'from Mr David Jenkins as to the opening of a class for instrumental music and a letter was read from Mr Lear offering his services.—The Clerk said that they could only in- clude this at an extra charge of X3 per year. But the opportunities in the town were thought to be sufficient.—Mr J P Thomas thought it would be a good thing to have a gentleman's name on the prospectus and he gave notice to bring it forward at the next meeting.- Professor Genese pointed out that they would remain on better terms with the other schools of the town if they let this matter alone.—Mr C M Williams was certain that the majority of the children were obtaining lessons under their own arrangements.—The Clerk also pointed out that they would be giving special privileges to one music teacher over another and simply make themselves collectors of fees for a music master.—A letter was read from the Cyfoethybrenin School Board stating that the scholarship of z65, offered by Mr T Woodward Owen to boys from this school, should be left in their hands. The Board had, therefore, decided to ask Mr Samuel to be examiner of the children, who would be selected by the School Board.-The Clerk said that this was the first acknowledgment of the letter sent to the Board by him in May of last year. The Governors had, therefore, to decide whether they were going to administer the £5 or hand it over to the School Board.—The members felt that this would not do, and that the next examination could not take place until next July.—The Clerk was therefore directed to point this out to the School Board.

MACHYNLLETH. WAR FUND.—The amateur minstrels who did so excellently at the Town Hall are practising hard for a second and third performance at Towyn and Ccrris. They are well worth hearing and deserve hearty support. Some of the new war choruses are very good indeed. CORRECTION.—Mr E Davies, Dolcaradog, informs us that he was not present at the Machynlleth Fox Hunt on New Year's Day, as stated in our last issue. He was a dozen miles away. Fox HUNT.—There was a meet of the Pl&s Foxhounds at the Tyisa on Monday. A fox was soon found and after a run of three hours th,. hounds had a grand finish up in the open at Peu. nant Rocks. HARRIERS.—By the invitation of Mr E Davies %.P the Harriers met at Dolcaradog on Tuesday. The sportsmen turned up in large numbers and some grand sport was the result. FOR THE FRONT.—Mr Sydney Harris, of the 2nd Somersetshire Ligiit Infantry, will leave for the front on January 17th. Mr Harris is a son of Mr Alfred Harris.